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Ivy turned away and busied herself placing Prince Charming back on his branch. This wasn’t the first time she’d kissed Karn. They’d had a couple of make out sessions on previous dates. This kiss felt different, much more intimate than when they’d dry-humped in a dark corner of the bar.

She touched her cheek with the back of her hand. She felt on fire. Ivy continued to fuss with Prince Charming, giving herself a moment to calm down. It must be the alcohol; it often made her cheeks flush.

“How about that nightcap?” Karn stood behind her, closer than she’d realized.

“Good idea. Is brandy okay?” She walked away without looking back at Karn.

“That will be lovely.”

Ivy grabbed two glasses and returned to the lounge. She opened a cabinet and extracted a bottle of Remy Martin Louis XIII she’d had imported from Earth.

Karn nodded his approval as she poured their drinks. “You have excellent taste in alcohol.”

“You’ve tried this?”

Karn took a glass and sat on the couch. “No, I know about it. There aren’t many bottles left.”

Ivy joined him, doing her best to retain her calm exterior. She was fact-finding. The gentle, intimate kiss was not important. “As you’ve noted, I like quality things. That includes my drink.”

“Does that include your aliens?” Karn looked at her steadily as he sipped his brandy. He nodded in appreciation before setting his glass down.

“I like aliens who are upfront with me. I don’t like being messed around.”

“Nobody likes that. What’s your type? Are you even looking for an alien?”

Ivy took a moment before answering. She wasn’t looking. At least, she hadn’t realized she was looking for someone. There must be a reason she’d submitted her profile to be matched with an alien. Ivy could put it down to a moment of drunken idiocy, but her subconscious must be telling her something. Was she lonely? Did she want someone in her life?

“I’m open to aliens. They can’t be any worse than human guys.”

“I get the impression you don’t think much of the men on Earth.”

“Can’t say I do. The ones I dated never seemed happy. It was as if they were always on the lookout for something else. Worried that, if they settled for me, they’d miss out on something better.”

“If anyone had the privilege of being with you, they would never consider it settling.”

Ivy smiled. “I know I’m a catch.”

“You are that. Although, I’m not entirely sure what that means.”

“I’m lousy at picking a good match. It’s why I leave that sort of thing to Vegas and the others.”

“You’ll know when you find the right individual to be with. Something will click.”

“Have you ever clicked with somebody?” Ivy stared at Karn’s mouth.

Karn’s gaze grew intense. “Perhaps. It’s not good to rush these things.” He closed the gap between them. “I like to get to know a woman first and make sure we’re compatible.”

Ivy’s breath caught in her throat. Was he talking about their match? He can’t know that their profiles had been matched by My Single Alien. “What do you consider to be a compatible match?”

“Dark hair. Red lips. Likes the finer things in life. Knows her own mind. Can make a jumpsuit look like the sexiest piece of clothing ever created. Has a fondness for weird looking animals.”

Ivy shook her head. “There are not many women who would live up to that description.”

Karn caught hold of her chin. “Right now, I can only think of one.”

“Do you think you can handle that one?”

“I’ll do my best. I know she’d give me top marks for effort.”

Karn was so close, Ivy felt his breath mingle with hers. “I never give anyone top marks.”

Karn’s lips touched hers, a gentle kiss, nothing like his usual urgent touches. Again, it felt too intimate. She pulled away.

“Is something wrong?” Karn looked calmly at her.

“We should call it a night. It’s late. I have an early start tomorrow.”

Karn nodded and stood. “That’s just what I was thinking.”

“You were?” Ivy jumped up and followed him to the door. “You’ve not finished your brandy.”

“You have it. I need a clear head.”

“Sure. Well, good night.”

“Good night, lovely Ivy. I’ll look forward to our next encounter.” Karn kissed her cheek. “And goodnight, Prince Charming.” He strolled out the door and along the corridor.

Ivy frowned as the door slid shut. She hadn’t expected him to give up the chase so easily. Had she just been rejected by her so-called perfect match?