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Aho returned a moment later, his expression glum. “I’m so sorry, Miss Blain. It appears we have you on our credit file. Until you pay that, we can’t extend any further credit.”

“It’s a tiny bit extra. You won’t even notice it.” Ivy fluttered her long dark lashes. “Please, Aho. Don’t let me down.”

Aho shuffled his feet. “If I could, I would. I must ensure I balance my books every month. Too much debt and things go wrong. Get what you owe me paid off and your credit is still good.”

“I need these things.” Ivy grabbed the bag and pulled items out, trying to decide which bits were essential.

Aho moved over and helped her. “Do you have any money?” he asked quietly.

“Of course. I have plenty. You know where I work.”

“I know My Single Alien pays well.” Aho ducked his head. Koobs were always trying so hard to please. “I didn’t mean to insult you.”

“You did. Keep your hands out of my bag.” Ivy stared at the purchases in front of her. She needed it all. She didn’t want to put anything back, but she had no money. She’d spent her last change on a new red lipstick that she hadn’t been able to resist.

“Get a move on,” someone called in the queue behind her.

Ivy waved a hand at whoever it was, not caring that they had to wait.

“I won’t shop in here again.” Ivy glared at Aho. “If you don’t let me have these items now, I’ll go elsewhere.”

“I hope that doesn’t happen,” Aho said. “I value your business, but I can’t let you have these items.”

“Not even one small thing on credit? Not even the champagne?”

Aho picked up the bottle. “Sadly, no. If you can find some money, I’d be happy to keep these behind the counter for you. Come back when you can. They’ll be waiting.”

Ivy briefly considered who she could ask for money. There’d be no way her boss, Diadora, would give her an advance on her pay. Ivy might be able to twist a little out of Nell. No, it wasn’t worth the hassle. Nell would want to know what the money was for and would get worried that Ivy wasn’t managing her bills. Nell was such a goody two-shoes.

“Allow me.”

Ivy turned around at the sound of a deep male voice. Karn Ueb stood in front of her. His skin glowed a pale blue, amusement glinting in his dark eyes, the irises red-rimmed.

Ivy’s heart kicked up a gear. “I didn’t know you shopped here.”

Karn nodded. “Are you having problems with your payment card? Mine gets like that sometimes.”

“There’s no problem.” Ivy stared up at him, and her jaw clenched. Was he laughing at her? “I have everything under control.”

“As you always do. I’m happy to assist.” Karn’s long, slender arm moved past her shoulder, a payment card extended in his hand.

Ivy stepped to the side, uncomfortable at his closeness and the speed of her heart.

Forkas were unreservedly attractive. Karn made glowing blue skin look great. Forkas’ perfect skin shifted color depending on their mood, and they had a fluid way of walking. Ivy had always been captivated by them, particularly Karn. They’d been on several dates, but she’d always held back, never shifting past third base, no matter how hard he’d tried or how charming he was. Ivy knew not to trust him. Forkas were dangerous. Scrap that. Men were dangerous.

“Why do you want to help me?” Ivy asked.

“I can never resist helping a lady in distress.” Karn waved the card in the air. “Are you in distress?”

“I’m fine. It’s nothing.” Ivy pushed her dark hair off her face, refusing to look at the growing queue.

“Then if it is nothing, you won’t mind me assisting.” Karn gave Aho the card. “Run my card through your machine. There’s plenty of credit on there.”

Aho glanced at Ivy, who reluctantly nodded. Accepting help from anyone didn’t come easily to her.

Karn took his card back from Aho. “Anytime you have need of my services, you know where I am.”

Ivy opened her mouth. She didn’t. They’d always had dates in public places. Karn had never shown her where he lived. She’d also never taken him back to her place and liked to keep it a sanctuary for herself and Prince Charming, her secret roommate.