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Chapter 3

The walk to Ash’s roomwas over too fast. Georgia hadn’t given herself time to think through this crazy plan.

She paced outside his door, rolling her shoulders, then shook her head. This was madness. Less than twelve hours ago, he’d been in recovery after being savaged by a vicious skink, and she was out here, about to make a booty call.

What was wrong with her?

Georgia backed away from his door. This wasn’t just about scratching an itch. She needed to know he was recovering and out of pain. Ash was her partner, and she owed him that much. This visit was about making sure he was fit for duty and wouldn’t screw up when they went on their next mission.

“Liar, liar, pants on fire,” she muttered under her breath. She was here for selfish reasons. She wanted to get naked with Ash and feel him underneath her as she rode him.

He was incredible at distracting her and making her feel amazing. His hands on her skin made her breathless, and his tongue on her body, tracing lines of desire to her sweet spot, always had her gasping.

Georgia turned back to the door and stared at it.

“You appear to be lost,” ELVIS, the ship’s AI, said.

Georgia jumped, feeling guilty at being caught lurking. “Nope. I know where I am.”

“I’m certain you know your physical location. You’ve been to this place eighty-five times since Ash joined the crew. It’s one of your favorite spots on this ship. I was actually referring to your mental state.”

Her eyebrows shot up. She’d slept with Ash that many times? She never came for a friendly chat and dinner. Her visits were only ever for the scorching hot sex he gave her.

Georgia always got bored with a guy after a few goes around the block. Why hadn’t she gotten bored with Ash? “Um... what’s your point?”

“Do you need mental clarity?”

She grunted. “Have you been downloading self-help books again?”

“I have ingested four hundred and twenty-three. Allow me to be your inner voice, guiding you to serenity.”

“I don’t need directions to serenity. I need...” She gestured at the door. What the hell did she need?

“I’m puzzled as to your dilemma. Is there an invisible barrier I’m unable to detect?” ELVIS said.

“There’s no barrier.”

“Then why are you unable to make contact with Ash? I’ve checked his vitals, and he’s not sleeping, so you can announce your visit.”

“You didn’t tell him I was out here, did you?” Georgia backed away, her heart speeding up.

“No, he’s unaware of your location. Should I contact maintenance to repair his door? I’ve run a diagnostic but was unable to detect a fault that prevents you from using it.”

Georgia blew out a breath. “Don’t contact anyone. I’m out here thinking.”

“About Ash?”

“About... it’s none of your business.” ELVIS was the nosiest AI she’d encountered. He was much more of a lurker than she was.

“As ship’s AI, it’s my function to ensure repairs aren’t ignored.”

“Jeez! No repair is needed. Nothing’s broken.” At least the door wasn’t broken. Georgia wasn’t so sure about herself. Why was she finding it so hard to move forward with Ash? Or move on and forget about him? He was gorgeous, available, and never said no to her when she came sliding by for some steamy bedroom action.

“Shall I open the door for you?” ELVIS asked. “Are your fingers not operating at full capacity?”

Georgia was done. It was a mistake to hassle Ash when he was healing. Apexians healed fast, but this was pushing it. “No. I need to leave. I’m late for a meeting.”

“You’re not. I’ve checked your schedule, and you have no meetings planned. Your next assignment is the recon mission with Ash in twelve hours. May I recommend food, eight hours of rest, and then preparation time before the mission begins?”