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The door slid open. Solan still stood there, surprise clear on his features when he saw her again.
“Oh!” Vegas took a step back. “I thought you’d have gone.”
“I have.” Solan looked along the corridor. “I mean, I was about to. I am—”
“Appalled by my rudeness? You have every right to be.” Vegas stepped to the side and gestured into her quarters. “You’d better come in.”
Solan blinked twice before stepping into the room without saying a word.
“Would you like some wine?” Vegas grabbed two glasses from the kitchen before Solan answered.
Solan nodded as she returned. “I see you are enjoying the gifts.”
“The candy is my favorite,” Vegas said as she sat on the couch. “I didn’t even realize I’d taken the lid off until I had a chocolate in my mouth. It’s an addiction of mine. I should say thank you. It’s been a long time since anyone’s given me candy.”
“Don’t expect it every day.” Solan hovered by the couch. “Candy is not a nutritious food source.”
“I don’t need to be told that.” She raised her eyebrows. “And I don’t expect any more gifts from you.”
Solan accepted the glass she held out to him. He took a small sip and coughed. “It’s fizzy.”
“It’s nice,” Vegas said. “It’s very easy to drink.”
Solan placed his glass on the table. “You have a pleasing room.”
She glanced around the white living area. It looked similar to everyone else’s living quarters. She’d added a few personal touches; there were photographs of family members on the cabinet, but other than that it was a sterile space. Vegas had always thought, when she had more time, she’d make it more personal, make it more like home. Somehow that never happened. This was a place to sleep and gain some downtime. It wasn’t a home.
“How are you finding your quarters?”
“Comfortable.”
“Take a seat.” Vegas patted the space beside her. He was making her nervous lurking next to the couch, scrutinizing her belongings. Solan joined her and shuffled around until he seemed happy. His enormous bulk made the room feel small. She made a conscious effort not to admire his muscles. “Would you like a chocolate?”
Solan shook his head. “It is not something I enjoy.”
“More for me.” She grinned and chose another chocolate.
He nodded. “I have been following the guidance on the info pods supplied.”
Vegas’s gaze went to the wine and candy. “Let me guess, you saw the one about gift giving? It leads to a flurry of business at the store. Aho is always thrilled when he gets clients asking for gifts for new mates.”
“He was most helpful when I visited,” Solan said. “He did say the candy is addictive. Don’t eat it all.”
“I have a high tolerance.” Vegas licked chocolate from her fingers. “Aho has a knack when it comes to supplying the perfect gift. But really, you wasted your money on me. You have a great match who will be thrilled with gifts like this.”
“I have plenty of money.” Solan grasped his huge hands together. “I believe we can be a great match.”
A tingle of warmth filled Vegas. When he wasn’t being an absolute jerk, Solan had a softer side. But this was business. It had to be kept professional. She reached over to the table and activated her tablet. “I could lose my job if I do this, but take a look at your match’s profile. She’s a high-quality match. She will make you very happy. Her fertility is also guaranteed. You will have your first child within the year.”
“A squib would make me happy,” Solan said. “It is my greatest desire. I have wanted a squib of my own for many years.”
Surprised by the gentleness in his voice, Vegas edged nearer. “This is your first time trying for a child?”
“I tried several times with fertile Galaxar females before they became the exclusive property of our generals. There are still a few who can conceive. I had one success, but she was unable to carry the squib to term. We lost him.”
Vegas heard the quiet pain in his words. “I’m sorry to hear that. Longing for something and having it taken from you must be hard.”
Solan looked away. “There has not been a successful birth for months on my home planet. There is concern among our race that there will be no more purebred Galaxars.”
