Page 24 of Close Encounters of the Hot Kind

"I'm starting to realize your genius plan, sir. You intend to marry Aileen and gain part ownership of the pizzeria. Bravo."

The growl escapes my lips.

"That's not what this is about."

"No? Then why pursue a human female with such... vigor?"

My scales bristle under the hologram. "She's different. When I'm with her, I feel..."

"Feel what, sir?"

The word sits on my tongue like a burning coal.

"She might be my jalshagar."

"Your soul-mate? A human?" Teletran's holographic face flickers with what I swear is amusement. "How fascinating. Shall I update your personal records to reflect this development?"

"We shall never speak of this moment again." I turn away from the window, my claws clicking against the desk.

"As you wish, sir. Though might I suggest-"

"Never. Again."

The intercom on my desk chirps. "Sir, you have a visitor."

"What? No. Check the calendar - I cleared my schedule today."

"Yes sir, but-"

"No buts. I have important matters to handle." Like figuring out how to keep the Grolgath from destroying everything I... care about.

"Shall I send her away then, Sir?"

My heart skips. "Yes- wait. Did you say her?"

"Yes, Sir. Should I-"

"Send her in."

"You're going to feel quite foolish if this visitor isn't Aileen," Teletran's holographic face smirks.

"Mute yourself while she's present." I smooth down my tie, double-checking the image inducer's power level.

The door slides open. Aileen steps through, and my carefully maintained human facade almost slips. She wears those painted-on blue jeans that make my claws itch to touch her,a simple white tank top, and that flour-dusted apron from the pizzeria. The sight hits me harder than a plasma blast to the chest.

My tongue feels too thick for words. The scent of garlic and tomatoes clings to her skin, mixing with something uniquely Aileen that makes my scales ripple beneath the hologram.

"Hey." Aileen's smile lights up my office better than the Chicago sun. "I hope it's okay that I just kind of showed up. It's our post lunch rush lull at the restaurant and I wanted to thank you in person for the gift."

"You are always welcome here." The words come out rougher than intended. My scales itch beneath the hologram, yearning to show her my true form. "Can I offer you something to drink? I have imported water from the Alps. Or perhaps a snack?"

"I can't stay long. But I did want to see you."

Teletran would be insufferable if he wasn't muted. His circuits would probably short from the smugness. But none of that matters because Aileen is here, in my office, smelling of oregano and something uniquely her that makes my head spin.

I cross to her in three long strides and wrap my arms around her waist. The image inducer hums against my scales, working overtime to maintain the illusion of human touch.

"I'm very happy that you came."

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