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Two drinks later, and Ivy knew the database hadn’t messed up. Although Karn’s charm occasionally drifted into smug territory, he was fascinating.

He had plenty of amusing tales about the work he did, but he was also interested in her. He kept asking questions about her life and her interests. It was rare to find a guy who talked about anything other than himself and his own needs.

The bar was getting crowded and the music louder. It was time to leave.

“Shall we go back to my place for a nightcap?” Ivy pushed her chair back and stood.

“That sounds good.” Karn extended his elbow.

Ivy tucked her hand through it. They walked out together, looking like the perfect gorgeous couple they were. The perfect match-made couple.

Ivy stopped by her door and turned to Karn. “This doesn’t mean you get to stay the night.”

His smile widened. “Of course. We’re getting to know each other. No funny business, is that right?”

“That’s right. Well, we might have a little funny business.” She strolled in and kicked off her boots.

When she turned back to Karn, she saw him examining her room. She looked around. Ivy preferred a minimal style but had invested in a few key pieces. There was original artwork from D’Arb Royck, the talented Nooke painter, two exquisite glass cut figurines, and a handcrafted bowl from Miran.

Karn’s gaze settled on Prince Charming, who swung slowly from a sturdy branch. “What is that?” he took a few steps toward the sloth.

Ivy walked over and held her arms out for Prince Charming. It took him a moment, but he happily attached himself to her, snorting into her hair as he did so. “This is my pet, Prince Charming. He’s a sloth.”

“Is he safe?” Karn looked at Prince Charming’s long curved talons.

This would be a real test for Karn. Could he get on with Prince Charming? If Karn disliked him, it would be the end of any budding romance. Ivy had a rule: Love me, love my sloth. It was non-negotiable.

Ivy curled a hand around Prince Charming’s back. “He’s fine. He won’t hurt you. He’s too slow to do any damage.”

“Where did you get him? I didn’t realize animals were allowed on the station.”

“They’re not. He’s my secret. I discovered him in a tiny cage when I arrived here.”

“Where was he?”

“In the docking bay, hidden behind some packing crates. When I saw him, I figured someone had brought him up here, but he seemed so miserable stuck in that cage, and he had no food or water. I checked on him throughout the day. Nobody came for him. Nobody was looking after him. So, I snuck him out of the cage, tucked him in a bag, and sneaked him past security. Prince Charming has lived here ever since. He was smaller when I first got him. He’s almost too heavy to carry around now.” Ivy stroked Prince Charming’s course back hair.

“I never imagined you with a pet.” Karn held his hand out for Prince Charming to sniff.

“Neither did I. I couldn’t leave him. He’d have died in that cage.” Ivy tightened her grip on Prince Charming, carefully watching his response to Karn. “Whoever got him up here must have changed their mind about keeping him. I was only planning on giving him somewhere to sleep for a night, but he grew on me. He’s very clever.”

“He must be to have captured your heart.” Karn copied Ivy’s movements as he stroked down Prince Charming’s back.

Ivy noticed their fingers touched as he did so.

“He has an expressive face. Is he smiling?”

“They don’t smile, but he always looks happy. It’s because he’s here. He likes it.”

“I can see why.” Karn looked at the elaborate set of branches Ivy had erected around the room. “It’s like a jungle in here.”

“Prince Charming uses it all. He has a sleeping perch in the bedroom. Most of the time, he likes to hang out in the lounge with me.”

Karn brushed a strand of Ivy’s hair off her cheek. “You are quite something. You never fail to surprise me.” He leaned forward and kissed her.

Ivy took a step back. Her lips felt like they were burning from his kiss. “What was that for?”

“I like to be surprised.”