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“Did I say something funny?” he said, confusion ruling his emotions once again.
“That’s probably the most backhanded compliment I’ve ever received,” I said. “But coming from you, I guess it might mean something.”
I grinned at him. He smiled back. It was a handsome thing that made my throat dry and my heart thumped harder.
We shared a look.
It kept going.
And going.
And now it became uncomfortable.
“Ahhm…” I said, turning away.
“Human females are also more beautiful than I realized,” he said, stepping closer to me. “Far more beautiful.”
Oh my God. What’s going on? Why was he turning on the charm? And why was I responding to it?
And why did I want him to get closer?
I didn’t know where to look, what to do.
A knock came at the door.
“Come in!” I said, my voice two octaves higher than usual.
Stryder entered hesitantly. He’d heard the voice before realizing it hadn’t come from his captain. He looked between us, at how close we were standing. If I were to start away now, it would add credence to what he was already thinking. I wanted to deny it, but anything I said would sound like lies.
So, I decided to fold my arms. I read once it conveyed ‘control’ in a body language article. It failed to mention if it was universal across all alien species. I might accidentally be gesturing a completely different meaning.
“What is it?” Nighteko said.
Stryder cleared his throat. “Captain, we received a distress beacon. Do you wish to answer it?”
Nighteko gave it a moment’s thought before nodding. “I’ll get dressed and join you on the deck.”
The Stryder cast one more look at me before shutting the door behind himself.
“I’ll get dressed?” I thought. “I’ll get dressed?” What on Earth—sorry, off Earth—had made him think that was a good thing to say? His whole crew would be thinking we slept together! They’d think I was an easy target. And then they’d all come for a piece!
Nighteko opened his wardrobe and selected a uniform.
I gritted my teeth. “I’ll, uh, let you see to my duties.”
“Your duties?” he said. “Your duties are here.”
I was confused about what he was referring to. Then I spied the tray and empty bowl. I snapped my fingers. “Right. Good call.”
I scooped it up and made for the door.
“Not the tray,” Nighteko said. “Here.”
And he extended the uniform to me. What did he expect me to do with it? Wear it? Inspect it? Utilize my legendary origami skills and turn it into a floating yacht?
“Help dress me,” he said.
I snorted. “Yeah, right.”
