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“He’s a cute kind of scary,” Avril said. “Iska is nothing more than a fluffy teddy bear when I get him on his own.”

“I’m sure he’s lovely,” Nell said quietly.

“Maybe you should try dating a few aliens,” Avril suggested. “You won’t know what you like until you find it.”

Nell shook her head. “I’m not sure any alien is for me. Maybe I’m too traditional.” Her fingers skimmed over her right wrist, and she tugged the sleeve of her jumpsuit down.

“There’s someone for everyone, even me, and I thought I’d be single forever,” Avril said.

Nell nodded. The story of how Avril had gotten together with Iska was heart-meltingly awesome. They’d met when they role-played together in a virtual reality game. Avril had been sucked into a real-life game and ordered to kill others to survive. Iska had been the true hero, going in and rescuing her, even though, in the end, she’d been the one to punch the bad guy in the head and get them out. Their story would make a great plot in an alien romance.

“You might meet someone like I did,” Avril said. “Hobbies are a great way of meeting people who share your interests.”

“I’m not sure.” Nell shifted in her seat. Although she worked in the business of finding love for others with a randy alien, trying to find it herself made her break out in a clammy, unattractive sweat.

She couldn’t imagine being with an alien. It didn’t appeal. It wasn’t even as if she was that into human guys. There were a number of single guys on Prodigy, but she didn’t glance their way. It felt like there was something missing inside her. Maybe she didn’t come with a love emotion.

The office door opened again. Ivy Blain came in, dressed in a fitted jumpsuit, her silky dark bob looking pristine. If it wasn’t for the fact she carried an armful of children’s toys, Nell would have found her intimidating, as usual.

Ivy dumped the toys on the table and jammed her hands on her hips. “I don’t suppose any of you are pregnant and want to make use of these?”

Heather chuckled. “Not for want of trying.”

Nell looked over at her. “Are you and Loka trying for a baby?”

“Not seriously, but if it happens, it would be lovely. We’re not quite ready for children. He’s still working on his mapping project of the Milky Way, and if I get this new management position for the agency outpost, I’ll need all my attention there. If a baby slips into the equation, I won’t be unhappy.”

“What about you, nerd girl?” Ivy pointed at Avril. “Are you and that giant fur ball planning cubs any time soon?”

Avril blushed. “Not yet. A family with Iska would be amazing.”

Vegas Munro poked her head out of the office cubicle where she sat. “Did someone say there were toys going spare?” She walked out and inspected the toys on the desk.

Ivy nodded, and her gaze went to Vegas’s stomach. “Don’t tell me your Galaxar has finally got you up the duff.”

Vegas kept studying the toys and didn’t meet Ivy’s gaze. “What if he has?”

Ivy grabbed her arm. “You’re kidding me. You’d give up on ordering around this lot to have a squib with Solan?”

“Maybe.” Vegas placed a hand on her stomach.

Nell’s eyebrows shot up as Ivy did something she’d never seen her do before and engulfed Vegas in a hug.

Vegas gave a startled yelp before returning the hug.

Everyone jumped up to congratulate Vegas and talk over each other as they demanded news about this surprise.

Nell was the last out of her seat. It wasn’t that she was unhappy about Vegas’s news. She’d sort of figured a baby wouldn’t be far away. Vegas had been with Solan for almost a year. His desire for a squib was clear from the way he doted on any infant he saw.

“Congratulations,” Nell said to Vegas. “You’ll make a great mom.”

“I hope so,” Vegas said. “I’m terrified about it. Solan has gone uber-protective on me ever since he found out. If he had his way, I’d never leave our living quarters. He’d have me on the bed, not moving for the next seven months.”

“The dirty bugger,” Ivy said. “Hasn’t he done enough by getting you pregnant?”

“Sadly, it wouldn’t all be hot sex. He’s already saying he needs to be more careful with me in the bedroom.”

“I hope you put him straight,” Ivy said. “You don’t want to turn into one of those boring couples who talk about nothing but their baby.”