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Blaze cupped his hand under Eden’s injured arm. “How’s it healing?”
“It’s getting there. A night’s rest helped. I’ll be good for the mission.” His gentle touch sparked heat through her.
“Of course. Like I said, we look out for each other.”
“Listen, about yesterday. I didn’t mean to blow up at you over my mom. It’s a tricky situation. She’s not the best mom in the world. I... I just wish I could help her.”
“With her debt problems?”
“With her whole life. It’s a shower of nightmares.” Eden glanced away. “You don’t need to know about my terrible mom. Let’s just say I’m sorting it, and you came in at the wrong time. I didn’t need to get angry at you.”
“I won’t judge. We all have a past. And if I can help—-”
“No, you’re good. But thanks.” There he was, being so sweet and understanding. Eden couldn’t trust him. He had to be hiding something behind this nice guy act.
Blaze glanced over at the ship where the others were working. “I was thinking, once we’ve got the animals settled, we’ll have free time. We could go exploring. There’s an amazing waterfall I’d like to show you. It’s where they release the rare birds once they’re ready for breeding. We could go take a look.”
She quirked an eyebrow, her heart kicking up a gear. “That sounds romantic.”
He lifted one shoulder. “It would be something to do. Unless you’ve got plans with Ranger.”
“Uh, nope. I have zero plans with anyone. You’re on.”
Blaze’s mobile comm link buzzed. He checked the message, and his expression tightened.
“More family dramas?” Eden said.
“You don’t know the half of it. I need to go. I’ll catch up with you later.” He gave her arm a gentle squeeze before heading out of the docking bay.
Eden stood there, staring after him. Why did he have to be so damn nice all the time? Arranging cute dates at stunning waterfalls. That kind of crap only happened in the movies. It wasn’t real life. If he pulled the asshole card occasionally, she wouldn’t be so suspicious of him.
Eden turned to find Georgia right in front of her, a smug look on her face.
“Has your Prince Charming got everything sorted out?”
Eden ignored her and strode away.
“Hey, I’m messing with you. You’re always so touchy when it comes to Blaze.” Georgia caught up with her.
“Sure you are. Is there something you want?”
“Maybe. And I was joking. Well, about most of it.” Georgia’s smirk only grew as they reached the ship.
“I’m not interested in your games. I’m busy.”
“So you don’t care that Blaze is a real life prince?”
“What’s that?” Wren appeared from under the ship.
“Nothing. Georgia is talking bull as usual,” Eden said.
“Not this time.”
“What are you talking about, Georgia?” Wren said.
“I’m talking about our smoldering, Apexian lover boy. Eden shouldn’t keep snubbing his interest,” Georgia said.
“Why not?” Eden said.
