His faith in her helped to ease her doubts, and she managed a rueful smile.
“I’m afraid I don’t know. Everything out here is so strange.”
“Not everything,” he said thoughtfully. “You are the best cook I have ever encountered. In fact, that gives me an idea.”
“What kind of an idea?”
“Baralt and his mate are working on a project to create an exclusive resort on Hothrest. It occurs to me that you would be the perfect person to manage the restaurant. Only if you want to, of course,” he added hastily. “It’s just an idea.”
As his suggestion penetrated, excitement bubbled up, and she jumped to her feet. He made no attempt to stop her, watching from his position on the floor.
“You know, that’s something I was thinking about back on Earth. I hadn’t really decided what to do after the divorce was final but I had been doing some baking for one of the tea shops in town. But a whole restaurant? With all new ingredients? That would be quite a challenge. Of course, I did manage to feed Ukhaan, and I doubt any guest would be as demanding as he was.”
She turned back to him, her face glowing. But it was more than the possibility of such an exciting job that filled her with joy. He had understood—and not only had he understood, he had wanted to help her. She suspected he would have been happier “taking care of her” rather than helping her find a job but he had put her needs first. She looked at his beloved face, still watching her intently, and her heart overflowed with warmth.
“I love you, Varga.”
His shoulders relaxed and happiness filled his face. “I love you too, little bird. And you are my mate, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am.”
Suddenly full of exuberance, she launched herself in his direction, knowing without a doubt that he would catch her. His strong arms closed around her, and he bent his head to kiss her, but she placed a finger on his cheek. He stopped immediately.
“I have a confession,” she whispered. “I do like it when you’re all bossy and demanding. In the bedroom,” she added quickly.
His dark golden eyes were bright with tender amusement. “Is that so?”
She nodded. “I especially like the spanking.”
The words were barely out of her mouth before he flipped her over, lifted her tunic, and his hand descended. The sharp sting sent a wave of heat straight to her sensitive pussy, and he growled appreciatively as he ran a finger through her dampening folds.
“You will tell me if you change your mind,” he ordered.
“I will,” she promised, then wiggled her bottom teasingly. “That is, if you ever get started.”
His hand descended again, and she sighed contentedly as her body responded, happier than she had ever been.
Chapter Twenty
After a long, delicious time with Varga, Joan decided they needed to rejoin the others. He grumbled but agreed and together they went to check on George. The system readout said that the treatment was complete, and when Joan released her, the small lizard hopped eagerly into her arms, chirping happily. There was no sign of damage to her rear leg.
“This is wonderful.” Joan hugged George and smiled up at Varga. “I’m so glad you have this on board.”
“It came with the ship,” he said with a shrug. “I never expected that I would have need of it.”
“It’s a very… fancy ship.” She remembered her earlier concerns. “It doesn’t really seem like you.”
“You don’t think I am a fancy male? I’m shocked.”
“You know what I mean.”
He laughed. “I do. Although it is beautiful, it is perhaps more elaborate than I would have chosen, but it is fast, comfortable, and well-equipped. By purchasing the Aerie, I knew I would always have a space that was mine—that is now ours. If you don’t like the decor, feel free to change it anyway you wish.”
His words only reinforced her earlier realization that he was nothing like Kevin, and she smiled up at him. “It’s fine. I like the idea that we will always have a home here.”
“Good.” He bent down and kissed her, and it wasn’t until George squeaked that she realized that she was leaning into him.
“You are far too tempting, sweetheart,” he said ruefully as he gave George an apologetic pat.
“Then I will remove my tempting presence and go start on lunch. Plus I’m sure George is hungry.”
The lizard’s head bobbed eagerly, and they both laughed.
“I wish to help,” Saka announced a short time later. Joan looked up and saw the other female standing at the entrance to the kitchen, her expression masked.
“You don’t have to,” Joan said quickly, suspecting that Saka still felt guilty about the previous night. “I can handle it.”
Saka shifted uncomfortably, her eyes not meeting Joan’s. “I wish to help,” she repeated stiffly. “I wish to… learn.”
“You want to learn to cook?”
“It is a skill that I do not possess.”
Saka still wasn’t looking at her, but Joan suddenly thought she understood why the other female wanted to learn. Her own anxiety about being dependent on another was still fresh in her mind.
“Of course,” she said quickly. “I would enjoy the company.”
Saka flashed her a quick, shaky smile, and Joan had to bite back the urge to cry.
“Since the sweet pastries were so successful yesterday, I thought I would try some savory ones today. You can help me make the dough.”
Saka proved not only surprisingly quick to pick up the basics, but to be an entertaining companion. She had a dry, cynical wit that Joan appreciated.
“He looks so harmless,” Saka said
