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She’d only been there a minute when the door slid open again. Her eyes widened as a tall, broad-shouldered Rolon entered. Rolons looked a little like upright wolves, with a covering of silver-gray fur and elongated jaw lines that made them look more canine than anything else.

They weren’t unattractive, with powerful muscles and a strong protective streak when it came to their mates, but Kendra had always preferred smooth skin to fur. Skin like Faron’s. She gritted her teeth. She had to stop thinking about him.

Kendra stood and held her hand out to the Rolon. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Kendra.”

He smiled, and his brilliant blue eyes gleamed. “Such a formal greeting.” He took her hand between both of his. “I’m Fridolph.”

They both sat at the table and stared at each other for a few seconds.

Fridolph ran a hand over the fur on his head. “I’m not what you expected?”

“Oh, no! Sorry, you’re fine.” Kendra shook herself into action. “I wasn’t told anything about you. I expect you’re lovely.”

He grinned at her. “Thanks. I expect you’re also lovely. Shall I?” Fridolph gestured at the bottle.

It was the last thing she wanted, but maybe alcohol would help. “Go ahead.”

He passed her a glass and smiled at her.

“I’m surprised you’re not wearing your collar.” Rolons were only permitted around humans if they wore shock collars. They had issues with control in certain circumstances, and these collars reminded them when they stepped over boundaries.

Fridolph stroked his bare neck. “I have an even temper and thought I looked better without it. Besides, my collar chafes.”

Kendra ducked her head. “That was a terrible topic of conversation. I’m rusty when it comes to dating. I’ve never been great at small talk.”

Fridolph inhaled sharply and sat up straight in his seat. “Some females don’t need to do much talking to interest a Rolon.”

Kendra’s eyebrows shot up. “I hope you think there’s more to me than the way I look.”

Fridolph shifted in his seat. He grabbed a handful of chips and stuffed them into his mouth.

Kendra studied him over the rim of her glass. He seemed nervous. She needed to make more of an effort. This wasn’t just about her. Fridolph was here to find love, and she shouldn’t mess him around. She should at least show him the courtesy of getting to know him better. Kendra was not on the market but would help Fridolph find a suitable match. She would use this opportunity to interview him and find out what kind of women he liked. Then, when she got back to work, would set him up with someone amazing.

“I see you like your food.” Kendra smiled at Fridolph as he polished off a bowl of chips.

Fridolph nodded as he brushed crumbs from his fur. “I do. I also like you.”

“You barely know me. This is the first time we’ve met.”

His gaze bored into her so intently Kendra had to look away. He was creeping her out. “Rolons have an excellent sense of smell. It’s easier to smell a person and gain a sense of their character and desires than it is to talk to them. It’s easy to lie with words. A scent never lies.”

“Okay. What does my smell tell you about me?”

“That I will like you very much. You will make an excellent mate.”

“Mate! This is our first meeting. I need more to go on before we even think about getting cozy.” Aliens were so obsessed with getting naked. What was wrong with a chat over a glass of wine and some chips? It always had to get hot and heavy fast with this lot.

Fridolph sniffed the air, his top lip curling back. “We will be perfect together. Is that why you were chosen for me?”

Kendra frowned. “We have a misunderstanding here. This is just a date, nothing more.”

“Your fertility calls to me.”

“It does what?” Kendra’s breath hitched in her chest. She slowly placed her glass down and did a quick calculation in her head. Her stomach clenched as the intensity in the Rolon’s eyes grew, and a slow feeling of dread ran through her. Oh, crap, she was most likely fertile and sitting in front of a Rolon. Things were about to go very wrong.

“We need to reschedule our date.” Kendra eased her chair back, being careful not to make any sudden movements. “There’s been a mistake. We shouldn’t be alone.”

Fridolph matched her movements, his gaze running over her body as his tongue shot out as if he tasted the air. “You are perfect for me.”