Page 8 of Space Crush
That night, our kiss goodnight was far from sweet.
We only had a few dates, and yet the feeling I had when I saw him walking into Perry’s Steakhouse with another woman the day after our epic goodnight kiss was surprisingly gut-wrenching.
The steakhouse, in row of stores and other restaurants that make up a high-end outdoor mall, is known as the area’s go-to place for special occasions.
The woman on his arm was stylish, wearing a cocktail dress, heels, and over-sized designer sunglasses. I watched from across the courtyard—having gone on an impromptu shopping trip for something to wear on Evan and our next date—as he and the woman walked arm in arm into the restaurant.
Evan and I never said we were exclusive,I told myself on my way back to my car that day.It was just two dates.
But the gut-punch I felt seeing him with someone else gave me serious pause.
I spent most of my school years watching my mother get her hopes up time and time again over a guy only to be hurt and disappointed. So I worked hard not to repeat her mistakes. Not to expect too much. That way, when my relationships did end, I wasn’t devastated like my mother, who eventually gave up on love.
“Maybe if youtell me what’s bothering you, I can help you work it out.” Evan, repeating my move, nudges my shoulder with his. “Two heads are better than one and all that.”
Having spaced out for the last few minutes, I’m pleasantly surprised as Evan maneuvers the LTV around the back of Building Ten, bringing it to a stop by the back door.
My relief is short-lived when, instead of exiting the rover, Evan reaches over to guide my chin toward him.
“What’s going through that head of yours, Kaley?” Evan’s fingers trace the contours of my jaw, gliding down the column of my neck.
At his touch, my insecurities fade, and I find myself pulling up my big girl panties that I wish weren’t so metaphorical. “I can’t do casual with you.”
His eyes widen, and his lips part with a look of incredulity.
I brace, unsure if it stems from surprise or wariness.
Then, with a small shake of his head, he smiles. “I can’t do casual with you either.”
The breath I didn’t realize I was holding comes out in a shaky laugh.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask about the woman I saw him with, but I’m distracted when he dips his head below my ear, breathing me in.
“Did you know you smell like lemons?”
I run through a mental list of my bath products. “I think it’s my shampoo.”
“I like it.” His breath sends shivers down my spine.
Just as I begin to worry about the proximity of the growing heat between my legs and the LTV’s passenger seat, Building Ten's back door swings open.
Both of us, startled, turn toward the sound, as the metal door closes behind a good-looking man.
The man reminds me of the Fourth of July with his blond hair, blue eyes, and trim, muscular physique covered in a red, white, and blue plaid button-down. “Mitchell?”
“Hey, Ian.” Hands on his thighs, Evan runs his palms down his jeans. Jeans that look a little tighter than they had a minute ago. “What are you doing here?”
Ian thumbs over his shoulder. “I was checking on the mock-up panel of the Columbus module we need for training next week.” He scans the rover. “What areyoudoing with the LTV?” His smile, a little too knowing for my comfort, moves between Evan and me. “I thought Bodie drew the winning ticket to drive it around today.”
“Borrowed it.” Evan rolls his eyes. “Cost me two nights of babysitting.”
“Just two?” Ian chuckles and walks over to my side of the rover. “Hi, by the way.” He offers his hand. “I’m Ian Kincaid. I work in EVA.”
I grip his hand, pretending like I’m in a conference room and not thong-out on a rover. “Kaley Parker, Office of Safety and Mission Assurance.”
“Oh soyou’reKaley.” He smiles, and if he was selling life insurance, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Somewhat blinded by his polished good looks, it takes a minute for what he said to sink in. “I?—”
