I run my fingers through her beautiful red hair, marveling at the way her soft curls spring back into shape every time.
“You’re adventurous and brave,” I say. “At the same time, you’re already adapting like a pro to your new situation. I’vebeen totally wowed by the humans I have met so far. Despite your world lacking the scientific and technological advancement to travel the universe, you seem to adjust to new situations and surroundings with surprising ease. Sasha, Felix, and now you have all acclimated to traveling on the Sleigh Belle quite fast.”
“Well, I’m not sure about Sasha, but Felix and I grew up on lots of sci-fi movies and TV shows. Gramps was a fan of all the Star Trek franchises, and Nana loved shows likeThe X-Files.” Gemma chuckles. “Felix was always a way bigger nerd than me about it all—he collected a lot of sci-fi comics in his youth—but I enjoyed my fair share, namely shows with hot female leads.Star Trek: Voyagerwas my favorite. Mmmm. Captain Janeway was so hot.” She waggles her eyebrows at me. “I enjoy strong, independent women who don’t take shit from anyone.”
My lips twitch. “So, women like yourself?”
“Exactly!”
I nod approvingly. “Same for me. It’s part of why I left my family and home world. There was no way in hell I’d ever be a submissive or subservient partner to some warrior. Blech. Instead, I wanted to forge my own path and be my own woman living my life on my terms.”
My tentacles make an accompanying rah-rah gesture.
Gemma’s mesmerizing blue eyes glow warmly as she studies me. “I can totally relate. It’s one of many reasons I think we click big time.”
I swallow nervously. “Er, so, uh, what exactlyisour status now?”
I’ve been wanting to bring this up ever since she arrived, but more so now that we’ve been intimate. For me, tonight has made my connection with Gemma even stronger.
Her hand comes up to cup my cheek, her fingers caressing lightly against the line of my brow, my nose, and my lips. I shiver under her touch.
“After what we just shared, and all our long-distance conversations over the past few weeks, I think it’s safe to say we’re seeing one another.” Her eyes narrow. “Exclusively. I don’t like to share.”
I swallow hard, my hearts fluttering in time with the butterflies in my stomach. “We’re on the exact same wavelength, beautiful.” I take hold of her hand and pepper gentle kisses across her knuckles. “Look, I know this thing between us has been fast and far from typical, for reasons, but I haven’t vibed with anyone as strongly as I have with you—ever.”
I’m honestly terrified of somehow jinxing this before we have a chance to really see where it goes.
Gemma studies me for a long moment and then smiles. “Same. And we’ve already got the sexual compatibility box checked off. Now we need to see if we’re compatible in the other ways we each want in a partner. But I’m excited to explore all that with you from here on out.”
“Me too,” I whisper, trying not to get all mushy and teary-eyed.
Gemma nuzzles into my collarbone, and my tentacles undulate contentedly behind me.
When she lets out a jaw-cracking yawn, I reach down to pull a blanket over us and use the voice command system to turn the lights off.
“Sorry,” Gemma mumbles. “Everything’s been so hectic the last week or so. I’m exhausted.”
“It’s cool, babe,” I assure her. “Let’s get some sleep. After all, tomorrow’s Christmas Day, and I have zero doubt that Khephren’s going to be up bright and early and demanding we all ring in Christmas morning together.”
Gemma sighs deeply, then her breathing slows as she drifts to sleep in my arms.
I stay awake a bit longer, enjoying the warmth of her skin against mine and savoring the rightness of it all. While I don’t know what tomorrow holds, let alone the distant future, I am officially a believer that Gemma being here with me right now is a Christmas miracle.
One I don’t intend to squander.
CHAPTER 9
Love is grand, isn’t it? However, don’t forget that you and your partner need to have your own hobbies, dreams, goals, and interests. You don’t have to like all the same things, let alone do everything together. No one can be everything for someone else, and trying to do so is a potentially dangerous path that can lead to toxic codependence. You and your lady love should have aspects of your lives that aren’t intricately intertwined. Retaining your autonomy and individuality will strengthen your relationship in the long run.
—Ch. 4,How to Flirt Among the Stars: An Intergalactic (and Interspecies) Sapphic Dating Guide
Christmas Day…
Gemma
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” comes blaring through the comm system on the ship, jolting Luna and me out of a deep and well-earned slumber.
I press a hand to my bare chest, heart hammering. “Good fucking god. What time is it?” I croak.
