Page 9 of Testing the Kot'oll Officer

But none of this is real...

Yet, it feels like this may be a chance and I should grab it. How bad can it be after all?

In that electric moment, something snaps within me, an instinct that pulls me closer to her—an urge to bridge the gap between us that seems both thrilling and terrifying. We drift toward one another, our breaths mingling, the world around us disappearing into the background, leaving just the two of us.

What do I do?

Chapter 5

Julie

I remain in the driver's seat, not wanting to get out. Vatok isn't moving either. It feels like if I say something or move, this will just end like a balloon that's popped.

Maybe both of us want to spend more time with each other, yet...

He's pretty good at pretending to be my mate. But this feels different, and I can't shake the sense that something significant is brewing between us. My heart thuds against my ribs as I glance sideways at him. The evening has unveiled something I didn’t expect, and it’s both exhilarating and terrifying. He is a big guy, and he has been trying to keep those arms close to him so we aren't touching each other. He looks... to be trying hard with how strong and big he is. It's considerate of him but he doesn't look too comfortable.

“Uh, well... This is it,” I say, gesturing toward the door of my apartment even though I've said that already. “Not much to look at, but at least it’s got a killer view of the city skyline.”

As our gazes lock, I find that Vatok’s bronze eyes blend with the dim glow of the dashboard lights. He seems to be contemplating something more profound than my casual comment. I force myself to break the tension. “You, uh, wanna come in for a second? Just, you know... for a small break before you head home?” My voice barely stifles the nervous thrill coursing through me.

“A break, you say? I’m curious, what do you have in mind?”

The corners of my mouth lift at the playful challenge in his tone, and even more heat creeps to my cheeks. “Well, just have some water after your drinks. That can deter hangovers." Except he didn't drink strong ones and should be fine regardless.

He chuckles. “Sounds good. Lead the way.”

I swallow hard, forcing myself to open the door and step out of the spaceship, the cool night air embraces me as I jog up the few steps to the main entrance of the apartment building. Am I ready for this?

Turns out, I'm ready to lead him to the unit and open the door for him, but... my living room surely isn't ready for visitors, let alone... the handsome kot'oll who has been setting fires in my stomach without even knowing.

As I push open the door to my apartment, a twinge of embarrassment swims in my stomach at the state of my living room. It's not exactly a disaster, but it's... lived-in. Clothes draped over the couch, a few empty glasses on the coffee table, and my shoes by the door are messy. I'm usually more organized, but the day got away from me, and honestly, I didn't expect to be bringing anyone home — especially not Vatok.

"Excuse the mess." I quickly scoop up the clothes and toss them into the nearest closet. "I wasn't exactly planning on having company."

His eyes linger on a framed photo of me in the animal shelter, my smile wide and genuine with different species of pets around me. "You look happy in this picture."

I pick up the frame, dusting off a layer of neglect. "Yeah, I think this is back on the anniversary celebration for the shelter. Sometimes, I don't know whether that should be celebrated. if no one leaves their pet, there won't be a need for shelters, but the shelter gives a home to the animals until they are ready for a new and hopefully permanent home."

Vatok nods, stepping closer to examine the photo. "It sounds interesting. I've never been one for pets. It has not been a thing with kot'olls. Beings keeping animals in their homes, huh?"

"Yeah, some do. Imagine a fluff ball greeting you after a rough day at work."

He blinks, seemingly giving that thought. "I suppose it will be enjoyable."

Enjoyable is such a... weird word in this situation, it should be 'awesome', or 'amazing.' Poor Vatok has never known fun.

He asks, "Do you have a pet?"

I shake my head. "I'm too busy to be able to take care of one. I get my fix from helping out in the shelter."

He muses and looks even closer at the photo as if he's trying to make out which animal is which.

His proximity is doing things to my insides, twisting them into knots of anticipation. He stands a step away from me, leaving enough room for me to feel safe even though... compared to me, he really is a tall and strong guy, which isn't as obvious when he's sitting on a stool in the bar and I'm standing and serving drinks. But his warmth makes its way to me, heating me...

I clear my throat, gesturing toward the small kitchen area. "Let me grab us something. Some water for you after your drinks?"

"Sure. Thank you. Where do I... I think I'll be on the couch."

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