“How about in here,” she said. “They look like they’re nice.”
This location was another eatery, though it had an open front that allowed patrons to watch people walking by.
As they walked in, the tables that were filled the fastest were the ones that viewed the walkway.
He paused and touched her shoulder.
She turned to him.
“If we cannot get a view—”
She waved her hand. “I got this.” She went straight to the hostess, spoke quickly with a big smile on her face, and in a moment, they were seated at the only outward-facing table left.
One built for cozy couples.
They had one seat left, which was barely wide enough for them both to sit on if Olmed put his arm around her. He held out his arm, and she scooted into him, and while he felt awkward, he managed to maintain a relaxed posture.
“What did you say?” he asked.
She grinned. “Only that we were really wanting a table. It was a special occasion for us, just mating and all.”
He raised his eyebrow. “And that worked?”
“We’re here, aren’t we?” She put her arm around him, her fingers caressing the ridges for a moment, before she pulled back. None of his bones started to extend, so that was good.
The table had a holographic server appear, and they both ordered drinks to start with.
With her scooted so close to him, he could feel the way her hips rubbed against him.
He liked it. She was certainly growing on him. If the situation were different, he could have been very interested in making this work. As it was, though, he wanted to complete this task for Dhomhes and get back to the Guild, and return to his regular, daily activities.
Of Holok harassing him.
Being alone.
It wasn’t much of an existence. He could admit that. But what else did he expect? His own people rejected him.
He was surprised by her defense of him in the store. He easily could have ripped the store owner to shreds and finished his surveillance there, without any qualms about it.
After all, he was a hardened criminal.
She, however, came to his defense.
She stopped him. Her hand touched his arm, and it calmed him.
Maybe not calmed him. Because he was still ready to defend himself and Tori as needed, but he felt more control over his temper than in the past.
A surprise, to be certain.
Now, though, as they sit so close, body touching body, he felt his own internal desires craving her.
As a mate? He didn't think so. Regardless of what the Intergalactic Dating Agency said. “I don’t know if this will work.”
She leaned into him, her breast brushed against his side. “Don’t you know anything about surveillance?”
“Maybe not as much as I thought I did,” he said, smiling at her. Her seriousness amused him. He appreciated her effort.
“The best thing we can do is not look like we care about the subject.”
