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Kendra gritted her teeth. Great, now she appeared super eager to get there first and meet Faron.

She thanked the server as she settled in the private booth. It was at the back of the restaurant, away from everybody else. How romantic.

She checked her reflection in her compact and frowned. Despite being determined not to let Ivy’s words get to her, she’d spent more time than usual on her hair and even freshened her make-up. What was the point? Faron didn’t find her attractive. Yet, here she was, flapping about her appearance and worrying if her hair was too fluffy. She was making a fool of herself, and it was all for nothing.

Kendra grimaced as she spotted a camera bot near the door, obviously waiting for Faron’s arrival.

A wave of panic ran through her. What was she doing? She could leave, make out she was sick and couldn’t make the dinner. But Diadora wouldn’t let her get away with that. She’d insisted she go on this wretched date, all in the name of publicizing My Single Alien. She had no choice but to grit her teeth and see this out.

Kendra’s heart beat sped up as she noticed the camera bot swivel toward the entrance of the restaurant. It must have spotted Faron.

Her eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. What was he wearing? His chestnut-brown skin was exposed and gleamed under the lights of the restaurant. He wore nothing on his top half. His feet were bare and his solid thigh muscles exposed. All he wore on his bottom half was a thong. A tight, tiny thong that left nothing to the imagination.

Kendra swallowed as her gaze raked over Faron. What had she gotten herself into?

Chapter 8

Faron glowered at the camera bot that followed him into the restaurant. He swatted it away with the back of his hand. This was not appropriate as part of his mating plans with Kendra. Although Tolongs were scrutinized when they approached a female and demonstrated their prowess and strength, it was never recorded by a piece of machinery.

Faron was willing to mate with Kendra, but he did not want the process recorded.

He slowed as he considered his options. There was still time to leave. He had agreed to nothing. He stilled as he saw Kendra staring at him. She looked delicious. Her lips were glossy, and her mouth parted as she gaped at him. She must have liked what she saw.

Faron ran a hand down his smooth chest and smiled to himself. Perhaps she could see there was some value to him. He’d pumped his muscles with vigorous exercise before leaving for this date in order to be as impressive as possible when they met. He was still not certain why he wanted this human to find him appealing but had worked to exhaustion to ensure everything was appropriately displayed.

As he reached the table, Kendra grabbed his hand. “What are you wearing? Or rather, what aren’t you wearing?”

Faron swiped his broad thumb across the back of her knuckles, enjoying their contact. “A Tolong mating outfit.”

“A mating outfit! Do you think that’s what we’re here to do?” Her gaze shifted to the camera bot that hovered by the table.

“Not in front of this camera.” He swatted it away again. “That is not suitable.”

“I agree. Sit down. Use the napkin to cover yourself. Use mine, as well.” She flung a flimsy piece of white fabric at him.

Faron sat, noticing how Kendra kept hold of his hand. It was a sweet gesture, one he had not experienced before with a female. “Why are the cameras here?”

“It’s what my boss wants,” Kendra said. “Apparently, the public liked what they saw when we met on our date.”

“I do not like being observed.”

“Same here.”

Faron turned in his seat. “Remove yourself, or I will destroy you.”

The bot hovered for a few seconds as if considering its options before backing away several feet.

“Is that better for you?” he asked Kendra.

“It’s better. They don’t need to be so in our faces.”

“Not if we are to solidify our bond.”

She tilted her head. “I guess you could say that’s what this dinner is about. We have a chance to get to know each other. That’s what new couples do. Not that I’m saying we’re a couple, but you understand what this is all about?”

“I do. You invited me because you desire me.”

Kendra’s head jerked back. “No! I mean, you’re a good-looking guy, but I don’t know you.”