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“You’re absolutely sure about this? I don’t want you to feel like I’m pushing you into anything. You missed your induction today. There are several more days you should attend to make sure you’re convinced this is the right thing for you.”

“No amount of induction will change my mind,” Talyn said. “This is right. I have a good feeling about this.”

“Who am I to stand in true love’s way?”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Talyn said. “I’d be happy with friends first.”

“Of course! You need to get to know everything about your mate. Love can be a slow burn. You need to give this a real chance.”

“I plan to. So far, it’s looking good.”

Sinead wiped her fingers clean on a napkin and pulled out her own port screen. “Let me bring up your contract and you can read through it to make sure there are no surprises.”

“I’ve read the draft,” Talyn said. “You’ve found me a suitable mate to join with for life.”

“You make it sound so final,” Sinead said.

“It will be. I won’t back out of this decision.”

“Then you’re a brave man.” Sinead handed the port screen over, her nerves jangling with excitement. This had been so simple.

Talyn only glanced at it before scrolling to the end. He scratched his finger across the bottom of the screen.

She took her port screen back and smiled as she saw his signature. Talyn was signed to My Single Alien. She’d get to work early tomorrow to check his matches and be discreet about the fact he wasn’t going to the induction. She’d figure out a way to explain it and just needed to keep up the pretense for a couple more days. Talyn could meet his top five matches and make a final decision about who he wanted to join with. Sinead could see no problems.

“How do you feel about this?” Talyn asked. “I’m sensing all sorts of emotions from you.”

“You are? What do you feel?” Sinead hoped she wasn’t giving too much away. She didn’t want to appear too eager to win his business. She needed to play it cool. The tough bit was done. Talyn was signed up, so she could relax.

“Give me your hand,” Talyn said. “We might as well do it properly.”

“Do what properly?” She eagerly rested her palm against his, and her eyes flickered shut. “This is so amazing.”

“It’s something you could get used to?”

“Oh, yeah. I could get really used to this.” She blew out a breath as every muscle softened. Her thoughts calmed, and her cares fluttered away like contented butterflies. “You sure are one hell of a guy.”

“That’s nice of you to say so.”

“Don’t give him ideas above his station,” Booby said.

“You be quiet,” Talyn said. “This is a big deal for us.”

Sinead lazily opened her eyes and blinked at him. “You’re a really nice guy. Do you know that?”

His smile seemed genuine as he ducked his head. “I’m glad you think so. I’d hate you to think I’m a tyrant.”

“Of course not. How would anyone think that about you?”

Talyn looked at his own port screen. “Are you ready to sign?”

“Oh, of course. If Vegas has given it the green light, there won’t be an issue.” Sinead accepted the port screen he handed her. “Are you sure my signature carries enough weight? I’m not high up or anything fancy at My Single Alien.”

“Your signature will be perfect. It’s all I need.”

Sinead scroll to the bottom of the screen and signed. She passed the port screen back to Talyn.

He looked at the screen, his expression pensive. “It’s all done. I didn’t expect it to be so easy.”