Page 48 of Prize for the Alien Grumpus

"He's... broad-shouldered." And blue. And furry. "Nothing here would fit."

"Cologne?" June suggests, spritzing the air with something musky.

"Sensitive nose." I wrinkle mine at the memory of Krampus sneezing through an entire dinner after Sam sprayed air freshener.

"A nice watch?"

"His wrists are too big."

"Electric razor?"

I bite back a laugh.

"Trust me, he doesn't need one."

June and Tiffany exchange looks. The kind that makes my stomach drop.

"What?"

"We've been thinking about this all wrong." Tiffany grins.

"We already know the perfect gift for Kevin." June links her arm through mine.

"What?"

"You." They say it together, like they've rehearsed it.

Heat creeps up my neck.

"Me?"

"We just need to make sure you're properly..." June's eyes sparkle with mischief. "Wrapped."

The bell chimes as we enter Victoria's Secret. The scent of vanilla and jasmine wraps around us like an expensive perfume cloud.

"What about this?" Tiffany holds up a cheerleader outfit complete with pom-poms.

"He wouldn't get the reference." The thought of explaining Earth high school traditions to Krampus makes me snort.

"Ooh, sexy schoolgirl!" June waves a plaid miniskirt.

I shake my head. "Same problem."

"French maid?" June asks.

"He'd ask why I'm dressed as household staff." I reply.

"Nurse?" Tiffany offers.

"Earth medicine confuses him."

June puts her hands on her hips. "

You're being awfully picky about these costumes."

"Kevin's not from around here," I mumble, fingering a silk negligee. "Different cultural background."

"Then stop trying to be someone else." June grabs my shoulders. "Pick something that makes YOU feel sexy. Trust me, Kevin will LOVE it."

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