Page 63 of Catching the Kot'oll Driver

Wait! I was planning to tell him that I would quit my job! Otherwise, I can’t be with...

The captain is already gone. His legs are too long, and he walks too quickly.

“Kendra!” Grihul comes through the door with a bounce in his steps. Maybe I can worry about my career later.

He is super handsome in a suit. I’ve never seen him in a suit before, and just seeing that makes my heart skip a beat.

He comes over and wraps his arms around me. I flinch when... I’ve never imagined hugging someone at the courthouse. But it doesn’t feel right to push him to the side.

“Oh, am I making you uncomfortable?” He takes a step back when I don’t hug him back.

I shake my head. “No, I like your hug, it’s just...”

He looks around. “Right, this is supposed to be a serious place. But I can’t help being happy that everything’s over by now.”

I nod. “Yeah, you aren’t in trouble anymore.”

He reaches for my hand. “Will it be too much if we hold hands? One hand?”

I take his huge hand and squeeze it. “I’m happy for you. You have no idea how much I worried about you. How’s your arm? All good?”

“Yeah, all is good now. I can have it checked again after...” He watches me, his mouth opens and closes as he...

Maybe he realizes that it is time for him to leave the planet and I haven’t given him an answer on whether we should be mates or not.

His gaze lingers on me for a moment before he looks at the path ahead again. He lets out a breath. “It’s such a wild ride. Getting to know you and everything. Thank you for everything.”

So... It sounds like he isn’t going to ask again when he thinks that I’m not interested.

I say, “I talked with my boss when you were in the courtroom.”

“Yes? I suppose the dead one helped my case too, right?”

“That did help. More importantly... He said that if you’re interested in joining the police team, he can give you a chance.”

“Why would I want to be police? “He spreads his arms to the side, seemingly confused. “I know that’s a very important job, and I probably look strong with these arms, but... I’m not that kind of material. I hate to be with other beings. Why else did I choose to drive a spaceship and stay away from most beings?”

Oh... “You won’t even consider it?”

He shakes his head. “No. I want the criminals to be gone, but that’s not a job for me.”

“Okay...” I stare at the floor again.

We head out of the door. A cold breeze blows at me. I pull the hood of my coat to cover myself. I hate winter... The snow from the storm is still there, refusing to leave me alone. I hate the reminder of winter, not to mention it is going to be around for a lot longer.

Grihul’s spaceship is parked nearby. When he gets on the ship... The plan is for him to drive me home, then...

I glance at him. He stares at the sky, remaining quiet. I’d hate to leave him.

I suck in a breath. “So... You’re heading back soon.”

“Yes. My job is completed.”

“And... How about... Say... Another job...”

“Another shipment? Or another job as a whole? Why would I want to look for another job?”

“Because... I...” I take a deep breath. It may be now or never. “I think we can spend more time with each other.”

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