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As much as Holly had loved her time with Avel, she’d be glad to get back somewhere safe. The air inside the ship already tasted stale.

Once she’d gotten herself sorted, she could figure out exactly what the next move was with Avel. There was something between them, and she felt it was more than just a bit of fun for him now.

Although Avel hadn’t said anything, he’d made his intentions clear. He desired her and wanted the best for her. Maybe she could convince him that a relationship would work.

The ship shuddered, and Holly lurched to the side.

Avel was by her side in an instant. “It’s just the rescue party attaching the seals to the door. It’ll give us breathable air when we move to their ship.” He maneuvered the boxes of equipment to the door and caught hold of Holly’s hand, pulling her to his side. “We’re almost out of here.”

She grinned up at him and rested her head against his arm. This was one adventure she’d never forget.

“The seals are secure,” the guy on the comms link said. “When you’re ready, unlock your external door and walk through to meet us.”

Avel looked down at Holly and squeezed her against him. “Are you ready?”

She nodded. “Let’s get out of here.” Holly stepped back as Avel unsealed the door.

He picked up the boxes before gesturing Holly through in front of him.

She kept her hands out as she walked along the slightly unstable floor, the opaque seal protecting them from the external environment as she walked the short distance to the open door of the other ship.

In front of her stood a tall human in combat fatigues. His face was concealed with a dust filter mask, and a helmet covered his hair.

Holly slowed as she neared. There was something familiar about him. It was the way he stood, one hip slightly tilted and is head leaning to the side.

She shook her head. She didn’t know this guy. Holly reached the door and pulled herself through into the ship, letting out a sigh of relief as she did so.

The guy in the combat fatigues took a step back. “You have got to be kidding me. Holly Lipinski!” He pulled down the mask and slid his helmet back.

Holly stumbled back as she stared at the soldier and bumped into Avel’s chest.

She felt like she couldn’t breathe, and the world was tilting under her feet. It couldn’t be. Horror filtered through her as she stared up into the cold, blue eyes of her ex-boyfriend.

Chapter 16

Avel dropped the boxes he held and caught hold of Holly’s shoulder. She was trembling. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the guy in front of them, who grinned at Holly like they were best buddies.

The guy grabbed Holly and pulled her toward him, wrapping her in an enormous hug and planting a kiss on her lips. “Long time no see. I had no clue you’d gotten off Earth. Who’d have thought it, little Holly Lipinski having an adventure in space.”

Avel watched, jealousy spiking through him, as Holly squirmed in the guy’s grip, before extracting herself from his arms.

“I didn’t know you’d transferred into the space military,” Holly stuttered, her cheeks flaming as she glanced at Avel.

“Sure. There’s not much left to do on Earth, other than keeping the peace and shuttling politicians from one safe haven to the other. It got boring. This opportunity came up, and I grabbed it.” The guy chuckled and shook his head. “You’re the one who crashed the ship on this lump of rock?”

“No, that would be me,” Avel said, keeping his tone level.

The guy’s gaze cut to him. “Lieutenant Busby. Glad to have you on board. Apologies it’s taken so long to get to you, but the star storm screwed everything up.”

Avel gave a sharp nod. “We were fine on our own for a while.”

Lieutenant Busby’s gaze ran over Avel. “I bet your ship’s toast. And you both look bashed up.”

Avel wasn’t certain what toast meant in reference to his ship. “My ship is only good for scrap. Our injuries are healing.”

“They’re nothing serious,” Holly said quickly.

“I’ll be happy to check yours out.” Lieutenant Busby smirked at her. “For old time’s sake. You always were a fragile thing.”