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He didn’t feel in any way threatening. It seemed like he wanted to make sure she was happy. She sort of liked that and had loved being calmed by him. Now that she knew how she felt when Rane used his ability, it wasn’t so scary. In fact, it felt amazing to feel truly calm. It had been a long time since she’d felt that. The sensation was weird and unnerving, but she could get used to it.

“Where will we have the painting sessions?”

“In my studio, the place you found me when we first met. It’s quiet and private. We shouldn’t be interrupted. Since I have no work at the moment, I can do the sessions whenever you like.”

“We’re ridiculously busy at My Single Alien. Evenings are best for me.”

“Whatever works for you.”

“Do I have to wear anything in particular?”

“The jumpsuits are fine. I’ve got an imagination.”

She glared at him. “You’re going to paint me nude, even though I have clothes on?”

He laughed. “You’re obsessed with me getting you naked. Anyone would think you had a crush on me.”

Nell scowled and shrank back in her seat.

“I won’t be offended if you do.” Rane grinned. “You’re very unusual, Nell. I like unusual.”

“I don’t. I want to be plain old ordinary. That’s all I’m aiming for.”

Rane was silent for a moment. “That would be a shame. Your experiences make you unique.”

“Maybe you should be the one retraining to be a therapist with cheesy lines like that.”

“I would make a terrible therapist. I’d keep getting distracted.” He was silent for a moment. “I suggest you look more closely into your own therapist. You don’t want to make things worse because she forces you to do things you aren’t comfortable with.”

“Doctor Kingsbury is amazing. I’m hanging on to her. I’m going to tell her about you painting me. She will see this as a step forward, me spending time with an alien.”

“If you want to use me as a form of therapy, then be my guest.”

Nell’s gaze slid over Rane. She didn’t trust him as far as she could throw him, but maybe he was onto something. She could be in the same space as him and not freak out. She’d even held his hand briefly, and that hadn’t been hideous. Maybe she should make use of him. He could be another part of her treatment.

She closed her eyes, lifted her hand, and placed it on his knee.

“What are you doing?”

“Don’t say anything. I want to try something.” Nell squeezed his knee harder. That felt fine. It was just a muscular alien knee.

She shifted around in her seat, glad they were the only two on the shuttle other than the pilot. She needed privacy to do this. Nell placed her other hand on Rane’s knee.

“Maybe you shouldn’t—”

“No talking.”

“You’re the boss,” he said quietly.

She opened her eyes and stared at her hands. This was okay. She was doing this, and it felt fine. She was just touching an alien. Doctor Kingsbury had recommended this, so it must be the right thing to do.

“May I move my hands up your legs?”

Rane didn’t answer.

She looked up at him.

“You said no talking.”