Page 44 of Badass Alien Boss

“Ruynko, Michaela, I have your order ready!” Mama Murta greeted them. Her cheerful pink headscarf complemented her apron, the vibrant hues matching her vivid personality. She eyed their rolling bags. “You went on a trip together?”

“A little junket,” Ruyn answered.

Mama nodded, smugly beaming from ear to ear. “The passion of young love…” She sighed dramatically.

“I’m over forty. I’m not so young,” Ruyn said.

“But you are in love?” Mama leaped on what he didn’t say.

Michaela felt her face heat. They’d discussed a future together, but they’d never told each other,I love you.

Shewas falling in love, and figured he was, too—why else would he relocate— but the sentiment should be exchanged in private, not in front of Mama and an audience of customers.

The café was packed, and she noted the interest of one regular in particular. He sat alone at a table for two, eating hismeal, but the tilt of his head suggested he was eavesdropping.We’re the entertainment. Dinner and a show.

Fortunately, surprise of all surprises, Mama moved on. “Did you enjoy the last box dinner?”

“Yes, it was delicious!” Ruyn said.

“Excellent,” she seconded. “We got stuck in the booster during the solar flare, so it came in handy, too—oops! We should have brought back your utensils, but we came straight from the spaceport.”

“No problem. The next time. This dinner is even better than the last one, I promise you.”

“I’m sure it is. You’re a wonderful cook,” Michaela said.

“I love feeding people and making them happy. Cooking is my passion.”

“It shows.”

They’d dismissed the transport, figuring they could hoof it home from the café. With Ruyn handling their rolling bags and Michaela carrying the dinner boxes labeled with their names, they walked toward home. Her stomach let out a loud growl caused by the mouthwatering aroma wafting from the cartons.

“Somebody’s hungry.” He chuckled.

“That somebody would be me. I’m ravenous. You didn’t eat either. I’m surprised your stomach isn’t growling.”

“Oh, it is. You just can’t hear it. It’s a polite growl.”

Upon entering their building, they rode the booster to their floor.It’s great to be home.

The building and Luturna did feel like home. Ruyn was her home. If not for her big dream of opening an agency, she could live happily on his planet forever. She’d miss her parents and brothers, of course, but with visits home—and visits from them—she could make it work. But she was glad she didn’t have to.

“Your place or mine?” he asked.

“Either,” she replied. “But would you mind if I took a quick shower before we eat—if you’re famished, you can start without me.”

The appetizing aroma of the dinners tempted her to dig in immediately, but after a seven-hour space flight, she felt grungy. The decontamination spritz passengers had to pass through before and after flights coated her skin.

“No, that’s a good idea. I’d like to clean up, too. I’ll pop into my unit and meet you at yours in a few minutes.” They’d reached his apartment.

“Good plan!” she said. “You want me to take both meals?”

“Can you handle the two boxes and your case?”

“No problem.” She stacked the meal cartons and grabbed the handle of her bag. “What else you got for me?”

“Just this.” He kissed her. “See you in a few.”

“I’ll be ready. If I’m not, let yourself in.”