Page 13 of 20% Stud 80% Muffin
I nodded my agreement, rolling my lips inward, fighting the tingling vibrations that lit up my nerves and avoiding speaking altogether. There would be no more word-vomit from me.
I am calm. I am in control.
Makir’s tail, which had stopped twitching while JayJay admired the new building material, now whipped against the ground. It hit the dirt so hard that the cloud of dust he dislodged triggered a coughing fit as he dragged his gaze to my nose. “That won’t be necessary.”
Hmmm… Is he offended that I want to pay him?
“I’m heading out today to collect more lamar after we finalize the details for my dwelling and hovery.” He brushed the pink dust off his clean but worn jumpsuit, highlighting his long, lean limbs, and absently combed the dirt off the back of hishands. “I anticipate the enforcers will request it once they see Sisip’s windshield.” His voice was too loud, like an announcement.
My mind drifted. Does Makir’s entire body have blue fur?
JayJay nudged my elbow and smirked at me.
I cleared my throat. “The Intergalactic Federation of Architecture and Building Authority will cover the costs of a basic dwelling and a no-frills hovery. However, as we discussed, if you require anything beyond the standard, my crew will complete the work at an additional charge to you.”
His silver gaze flicked over his worn backpack and patched jumpsuit, and his shoulders stiffened. “You have my promise you will get your credits.” His firm delivery lost some impact when his gaze still didn’t rise above my nose.
I hadn’t thought otherwise, but chose to not offend him more. “Very well then. Show me your design.”
Why is my voice so deep?
Makir projected the images from his wristport into the air without moving any closer. “I would like three hover bays”—he pointed to each arched doorway—“a wash station, secure parking, a front counter and a small seating area.” He drew a long finger over the projection. “This wall divided into tools, parts storage and a lamar skylight.”
The more features he listed for his hovery, the more his fur captivated me. Soft and downy-looking, it covered the backs of his palms and traveled up his wrists, disappearing under his jumpsuit. A tuft of blue peeked out from the top of his zipper, where my imagination conjured velvet-muscled pecs. His face was a lighter blue, the color of blue raspberry cotton candy, and entirely humanoid except for the silver color of his almond-shaped eyes.
He shook his head, stirring his shaggy mane like a caged lion while he impatiently waited for my response. Once again, the intensity of his steady gaze was laser-focused on my nose.
Shit. I’d totally tuned out after skylight. What was the last thing he said?
The back of JayJay’s palm neared my brow, and I pushed it away. Usually, this giant boulder of a man’s maternal instincts were funny, but not right now. I had no desire to be the smallest guy in the vicinity, andhellno to the childlike treatment on top of it. I sucked in my big belly, forced out my chest and stood as tall as possible before walking toward Makir. He shuffled backward with every step I advanced.
Was he afraid of me?
I rubbed my forearms, then forced my hands to my sides. Tingles be damned. My construction company on Earth had thrived under my professionalism. This shouldn’t be a problem. I could be professional with Makir.
“The IFABA will cover the cost of two bays. You will need to create the storage or hire our crew for your shelves and the third bay. Also, the skylight would be considered an extra.”
Makir’s silver eyes swirled and his square jaw tightened.
“However, as we have to complete the roof anyways, we could install it at no cost with you providing the lamar,” I barked, then internally cringed when Makir stiffened. I’d meant to come across as accommodating.
“I don’t think the tai tai is working, boss man.” JayJay snickered, more lawnmower than giggle.
“Tai chi,” I corrected stiffly.
JayJay’s cheeks twitched as he reached toward my forehead, his grating laugh adding to the vibrations racking my body.
“And your bedroom?” The words were out of my mouth before I could think. Heat raced up my neck.
Makir’s soft voice barely carried. His silver eyes were on the ground once again. “My bedroom?”
“I mean dwelling.” I shook out my fingers and tried to dissipate the tingling.
Great, he probably thinks I’m a recovering addict or prone to seizures or something.
“Kitchen, washroom, bedroom,” he mumbled, loosening the strap over the lamar on his trailer and stacking it neatly in the warehouse with JayJay’s help. “I require a round depression in the bedroom for my nest,” he added, so quietly I could barely hear him.
He sleeps in a nest? Tell me more.
