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“You don’t need to stir anything out of him,” Sinead said. “We all saw what went on when you did the trust exercise. That guy has some serious equipment in his pants.”

Kendra huffed out a laugh, but she didn’t feel comfortable messing Faron around. He would hate another guy in her life, and she didn’t want that either. She didn’t want to hurt Faron. It had taken him a lot to open up to her, and there was more to come.

“You’re worrying about nothing,” Ivy said. “I’ve got someone lined up. I’ll make the arrangements. Just make sure you’re available tomorrow night.” She nodded at Kendra before walking off, leaving her with Sinead.

Kendra ran a hand through her hair. She did not like this plan one bit.

Sinead touched her arm. “Don’t worry about it. It’s one date. It won’t mean anything. Things did look intense between you and Faron. Maybe it’s good if things don’t move so fast. It could burn out before it’s even gotten going. My mom always said you’re here for a good time, not a long time. Think about this date in that context.”

Kendra shrugged. She didn’t think what she had with Faron would burn out. There were hidden depths to her alien, and she wanted more. Dating somebody else could ruin that.

“Ivy’s only interested in sales and sign-ups for My Single Alien. She doesn’t care peoples’ feelings are involved.”

“You’re falling for this guy?” Sinead asked.

Kendra ducked her head. “No! I don’t know. It’s too soon to say. Our date today was different. He wasn’t all about my genetic fitness and making sure I was suitable to breed. As we’ve gotten to know each other, things have changed. Faron is funny, often unintentionally because of his literal take on a lot of what I say, and he’s so protective of me. I can rely on him. I haven’t had that in my life for a long time.”

“You can still date Faron. Maybe Ivy’s right. Him seeing you with somebody else might stir him into action. He could declare how he really feels.”

Kendra sighed. He’d done that by his proclamation to dance for her. This was a big deal to him and led him along the path of formal courtship to make Kendra his mate.

She shivered at the thought of seeing him almost naked. She wanted that, but the thought also terrified her. What if she opened up to him and he broke her heart? It had taken such a battering over the years. She wasn’t sure it could take another one.

“I’ll see if I can vet who Ivy sends you on a date with,” Sinead said. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t pick anyone too gorgeous, so you don’t have your head turned.”

“I’m not worried about having my head turned. I just don’t want Faron to think I’m messing him around.”

“Because you love him?” Sinead smiled at her.

“Of course not. I don’t believe in instant love. But I do believe in not screwing people about and avoiding hurting someone’s feelings.”

“Then tell Faron what’s going on. Make it clear you’re not happy about it. Be honest with each other. I imagine Faron has gotten the measure of Ivy, so he’ll know she’s manipulating things to suit My Single Alien.”

“I guess so. One date, but that’s it. I am not getting involved in a fake love triangle to thrill Ivy’s drooling audience.”

“Have the dates, get the footage Ivy needs, and then you can move on and focus on Faron and getting to know him.” Sinead smiled as she turned and gestured along the corridor. “And just a heads up, the rest of your day with Faron is about to change. Ivy is already testing you by keeping you apart.”

Disappointment slammed into Kendra. “I thought we were spending the afternoon together?”

“Not anymore. Ivy’s changed things.”

Kendra scowled. “She doesn’t waste any time. She already had this new guy planned out before I agreed to it.”

“You know Ivy.”

“So long as it’s not another huge dinner. I’ve eaten enough for a week.”

“Mainly off your hot guy’s fingers.” Sinead grinned at her. “That was sexy.”

“You’ve seen it?”

“Ivy screened live footage into the office,” Sinead said. “Everyone’s seen it.”

Kendra groaned. That was the last thing she needed, everybody scrutinizing her new relationship. Her wrist comm pinged, announcing a message. She opened it and smiled when she saw it was from Faron.

“Is that the details of your change of plans?” Sinead asked.

“In a way.” Kendra smiled as a shiver of anticipation ran through her. The message was short and to the point.