“No. I’m far from happy.” Diesel looked at the clock on his wall. I don’t think she’s been here for ten minutes yet.”
“Yes, she has. Ten minutes and forty seconds since you both came in. We can still put her back in your truck and—”
“No.”
“What do you mean, no? She will remember getting here—”
“And what? Falling asleep in my truck yet again upon arriving in our parking lot? Don’t you think she might eventually wonder why she pulls into this truck stop and immediately becomes unconscious?”
“I don’t care. The humans can make up whatever story helps them understand their circumstances.”
Juliana’s eyes fluttered and he felt her muscles tense. She was waking up.
Cam lifted his Defender.
“Do. Not. Even.” Diesel walked to the small sofa in his office and seated himself there with Juliana on his lap. “Leave us. Now.”
Cam opened his mouth to argue, but Diesel gave him a brotherly death stare to ensure he understood his passion in this matter. “Now,” he repeated.
His brother huffed, but turned and left his office, slamming the door hard enough that it rattled in the frame. He didn’t care if Cam was mad. He’d crossed the line.
Diesel twisted and sat Juliana up beside him on the sofa. Her head lolled on his shoulder. Diesel brushed a lock of hair away from her eyes, running his palm along her cheek. She was so soft. So beautiful. So perfect.
“Have I mentioned that I’m really glad you’re here, Juliana?” He leaned closer to brush his mouth over hers. She responded to his kiss, surprisingly enough.
“I had planned to fall madly in love with you,” he whispered, breaking the kiss only long enough to tell her how he felt. He wanted to try out loud the words he’d been thinking, wondering if she’d remember and hoping she felt the same way about him. “The truth is, I’m already madly in love with you.”
“What?” she asked in a soft voice.
He repeated what he’d said, adding, “Are you ready for a further tour of the township of Alienn?”
She glanced around his office cautiously. She looked as sleep rumpled and tempting as she had this morning at the kitchen island. He didn’t know how he’d ever live without her in his life. He was certain he didn’t want to attempt it.
“How did I get in here?”
“We walked in. Don’t you remember?”
Diesel had never been more certain of anything in his life beyond wanting command of this facility. He’d wanted to be in charge and he enjoyed his role as Fearless Leader. He also wanted Juliana to be his forever. She warmed him all the way to his bones whenever they were together.
Juliana put her palm on his chest. “Even after only one night together, you’ve already fallen madly in love with me?”
“Yes. Exactly.”I want to make you mine forever. Then we can take a real tour, or better yet, a honeymoon.
She lifted her head from his shoulder and stared deeply into his eyes, her soft, sleepy gaze filling him with an emotion he hadn’t ever felt before. His soul melted when she was nearby. He alreadyhadfallen in love with her, would always love her. He couldn’t imagine spending another day without her permanently by his side.
Her gaze never wavered. “I’ve decided that I’ll fall madly in love with you, too.”
“Perfect.” He lowered his head, kissing her softly and thoroughly.
At least until there was a quiet knock at his office door, breaking their kiss and sending the level of his ire into the sky. They were busy falling madly in love with one another. Interruptions were more than bothersome. He’d always considered himself even tempered, but the mad love of one beautiful earthling had opened up a wide range of passionate emotions.
“What!” he shouted at the door.
Axel opened the door cautiously and slowly, grinning when he noticed Juliana was awake. “Really sorry to intrude, Bro, but the…uh…you know, the representative from the…uh…travel line?”
“Yes, I remember. I suggested meeting on Monday instead of today.” Diesel also remembered his typical Sundays and how unbelievably busy they were. He was always utterly alone, but rarely got any work in his office completed, which was why he’d wanted to take last night and today off and stay away.
Diesel wanted to show Juliana his office and then his home. They’d spent the night in his childhood home, so she hadn’t even seen his house yet. It was on a cul-de-sac, but his home was centered on two lots, giving him lots of space in front.
