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He was looking forward to spending time with Holly. Things were about to get interesting.

Chapter 9

What had she gotten herself into? Holly’s knees felt like they’d give out at any second as she paced her room.

After making that crazy deal with Avel, she’d left the docking bay and now paced backward and forward in her room, wringing her hands and trying to find another way to get to the food fair that didn’t involve Avel.

After the way he’d treated her the last time they were together, she shouldn’t rely on him. What if he let her down? Avel blew so hot and cold, Holly could never tell how he was going to behave. She might get to the docking bay and find he’d already left and taken her precious cargo of chocolate with him.

Her gut clenched as she strode to her door before stopping. No, he’d never do that. He wouldn’t steal from her. Holly had a feeling there was a noble streak running through Avel, and he clearly hated it when people messed him around and let others down. That must be why he’d stepped in to help her. He’d seen the mess she was in and come to her rescue.

Holly snorted a laugh. He was her knight in gleaming feathers. Her stomach roiled with anxiety. She was nervous about this food fair, and those nerves had tripled now she knew she’d be spending so much time with Avel.

She couldn’t figure him out. Maybe he really was in this for her food. He loved to eat and had a huge appetite. It could be as simple as that. Avel liked to help the vulnerable, and he enjoyed great food.

Her thoughts betrayed her as she recalled him asking for kisses as payment.

He’d been teasing. That was all. Avel didn’t want her in that way. They’d shared a few kisses when he’d had too much to drink and was feeling lonely. He’d have been the same with any woman. She was nothing special to him. Still, the deal he’d made was an odd one. It meant they’d be spending a lot of time together over the next six months.

Holly was always making new things. Perhaps Avel didn’t realize what he’d landed himself in. He might not realize that she made a new dish at least once a week. And now her chocolate business was taking off, she’d be making new chocolate combinations daily. She’d have to see Avel every day.

She shivered in excitement. It was silly. This meant nothing. She was focused on her work and building her career. Avel wasn’t looking for anything serious. If he was, it wouldn’t be with her.

Holly checked the time. There were less than fifteen minutes until they departed.

She hurried into her bathroom and applied lip gloss before pulling her hair into a messy ponytail.

“You’re being ridiculous,” she muttered to her reflection. “This isn’t about me. He’s not interested in that.”

Even so, Holly freshened her makeup, spritzed on perfume, and left the room. There was no harm in making the best of what she had. She wasn’t doing it for Avel.

She shook her head. She had to get a grip of herself. This was a business transaction. Avel was getting something out of this. In return, she’d make it to the food fair and sell her chocolates. That was all this was. It wasn’t a date. It definitely wasn’t romantic. She shouldn’t have bothered with lip gloss and perfume.

Holly walked back into the docking bay and over to Avel’s ship. The ramp was down. As she approached, he walked down it.

She slowed, and her eyes widened. He looked incredible.

His dark hair was gleaming, and his feathers shone. His face looked freshly scrubbed. Had he made an effort to look good for her? She shook her head. That couldn’t be true.

Her hands trembled as she approached the bottom of the ramp. “Are we all set?”

Avel nodded. His gaze ran over her slowly, only ramping up her nerves. “The precious cargo is on board. Your chocolate is in safe hands. As are you.” He held out his hand to her.

Instead of taking it, she thrust a box of chocolates at him. “These are for you.”

Avel accepted the box with a gracious smile. “Thank you.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

Holly tried to stifle her surprise as his stubble grazed her skin. He smelled amazing, spicy and woody. He must have showered before she’d arrived. She couldn’t help but feel a thrill of excitement that he’d gone to such an effort.

She chided herself. It wasn’t for her. Everyone was entitled to take a shower and freshen up before going on a trip.

Avel pulled off the lid of the box and took a dark chunk of chocolate studded with ginger crystals. He placed it on his tongue and sucked slowly, his gaze not leaving hers.

Stars! He made everything look so sexy. Holly watched, her own mouth parting as Avel sucked on her chocolate.

He nodded in appreciation. “I’m so glad I’m your new taste tester.”

“That’s the deal. I always stick to my agreements.” Holly grabbed a chocolate and popped it into her own mouth. “Shall we get going?”