Page 28 of Prospecting

“You want more,” she asked.

“Hell, yes,” he said. “Always. I want more of you. All of you but I thought we might cuddle for a bit and then cook.”

“Okay,” she said. “Cade?”

“Hmmm,” he said rubbing the smooth skin along her back.

“I know we’ve got a lot going on but could I… maybe it’s dumb,” she said.

“Huh,” he said. “You must be still sleeping. You aren’t articulating what you want. Tell me or I’m going to arouse you until you tell me.”

“Is that supposed to be a threat,” she said smiling. “I want to take a class or two.”

He smiled, perfect timing. “Funny you should say that,” he said. “I happen to have a cousin who works for an online university. They’re good, have excellent accreditation and have won awards for some of their programs.”

“Okay,” Sheldon said watching him.

“My cousin can offer me a lower tuition rate for my mate,” he said.

“Oh,” Sheridan said. “I could afford to do more.”

“Or let me pay for it,” Cade said. “I know you’re helping your sister.”

“I couldn’t let you pay,” she said frowning.

“Why not,” he said. “We’re mates. Or if you want it in human terms, we’re married according to my father’s people.”

“Is that how you think of us,” Sheridan asked.

“Yes,” he said. “When the five years are up, you can choose to work or not. I’d like to keep doing this, but we need to take some time to remodel this cabin.”

“Remodel how,” Sheridan asked sitting up now to watch him.

“I’m not saying now or pushing you but at some point, I thought we could have a kid or two,” he said though he hoped for more.

“You want to have kids with me,” Sheridan asked, pushing her hair back. “You’re serious.”

“Absolutely,” he said. “Over the next four years, you can work on whatever degree you want.”

“But if you’re in space, how will I build a career,” Sheridan asked.

“We can figure it out,” Cade said. “Do you want to run like a boutique or something?”

“No,” she said. “Too fickle and based on the whim of the public. How do you handle your stuff?”

“I’m an independent contractor,” he said. “This is my ship. But the company provides supplies needed for the trip. I cover certain expenses and they cover the others.”

“Like me,” Sheridan said.

“Do you want me to buy you out of your contract,” he asked. “I can. It will cut into my savings but I can.”

“Would you,” Sheridan asked.

“In a heartbeat,” Cade said. “Do you want me to?”

“No,” Sheridan said. “I’m all right with pulling as much money as possible out of the corporation. Does that make me awful?”

“Practical,” Cade said. “I couldn’t manage school and your contract so it would have to be a choice.”

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