I laugh, the sound mingling with the din of the bar. "You can be both, can't you?"
He chuckles, the deep sound resonating pleasantly. "I suppose I can manage that."
The Centaurians leave with a boisterous cheer, their order settled, and I take the opportunity to lean on the counter across from the kot'oll. "So, tell me, is traffic duty really as thrilling as it sounds?"
He grins, revealing a row of sharp, white teeth. "Every day is an adventure. You wouldn't believe the things people will do to avoid a parking ticket."
"I bet," I reply, genuinely interested. "I've seen some creative excuses in my time, too."
I think I enjoyed talking with him more than I expected. This time around, even though I still poke around at him and he jabs back, he doesn't leave, not like before. Maybe he used to think that he'd be taking up space and stopping me from serving others even when there was usually plenty of room around the bar table, as most got their drinks and walked off to enjoy the night.
It... Maybe it will be amazing to be doing this every day... The thought lights a flame in my stomach. He looks over, and I'm not sure whether that's a coincidence. I look away, for the first time that evening.
Chapter 4
Vatok
Something has to be wrong with me.
I've never been a big fan of noisy music and chatterers, even when they have nothing to do with me. I know it's crazy to think that there'll be tranquility and peace in a bar, but that's what I prefer, so I usually move to the corner, where it will be quieter compared to staying close to the bar counter.
But the bar counter is where this cute bartender is. Even though she makes my heart race, I still don't even know her name. maybe I should have asked, but...
It is going to be dumb if I'm asked and don't even know what my pretended mate's name is.
My... beautiful mate, who is so good at talking to others and making everyone happy. I'm not built like that and I'm not sure whether I want to be a bit more like her.
Well... Maybe not. It seems tiring just watching her interacting and making drinks.
My arms twitch to get to work and help her, even though I don't know the formula of most drinks. Maybe she has made so many drinks that she doesn't even have to think about that anymore, making that all about muscle memory.
And... I feel my cock. I want to take her into my arms for longer. It felt right when I had her in my arms, well, arm, one arm. I want to wrap all my arms around her.
Is there something special about human females? Or women? I think that's how they are called, or at least that's what my brothers tell me. Two of them are with female mates.
This isn't the first time I've met a woman, but... she's special.
Maybe I should have used some of my police power and dug up her name. Just the name probably won't be too bad, but I'll look like a creep.
I rub my chin. Maybe I won't look like a creep since I almost scanned her spaceship that night.
Hm...
Now I remember that. Maybe she has a way to get into my head and distract me. I'm here to get mad at her and warn her about what she did. But when that real creep hovered around, I couldn't just sit around, and... now I'm supposed to be her mate... Not that I'm complaining. It's just... different from the plan.
The way she moves with grace between beings and makes drinks is mesmerizing. Her laughter is a melody that somehow pierces through the noisy music in the bar, becoming the only voice I can hear. The weight of her in my arms as I helped her with the creepy one was... I want more of that. I've never felt that before, not that I've hugged a lot of females, though.
When the bar slows down and patrons are finally leaving, I fight to stifle a yawn. I glance at the bar, not seeing the creepy, scaley one anymore. Maybe he has left, finally knowing that she isn't interested.
Other than me, no one's at the bar counter anymore. She's cleaning the glasses, probably getting ready for the next day.
"Hey," I say, my voice barely above a whisper, but she hears me. Her eyes light up, and that smile — it's like a punch to the gut, knocking the air out of lungs, all in a good way.
"Hey, yourself," she replies, leaning on the bar, her gaze never leaving mine. "Are you looking for another round of drinks?
I chuckle, the sound foreign to my own ears. "I think I'll pass on the drink. I want something else."
Her eyebrow arches in curiosity, and a rush of courage surges in me, fueled by the strange new heat coursing through me. "I don't know your name." The corners of my mouth lift into what I hope is a charming smile.