An Alien To Love by Jessica E. Subject Page A

the next couple of days hiding in your room, wondering who you were set up with, and whether things might have worked out, or you can get your ass moving, pack a bag to meet Jacobus and then your date. If in your position, I’d be already gone.”
    The difference between her and Michelle…she couldn’t spend the night with someone without feeling some sort of connection. Somehow, her friend could walk away the next morning, ready to find another guy. Maybe she’d feel different if she had guys falling at her feet due to her big bust on her curvy frame. In comparison to her friend, Ava looked plain, resembling a girl in the early stages of puberty. No one wanted to spend a lifetime with her. Every guy she’d ever slept with proved so.
    The elevator opened. She stepped out, heading down the hall toward their room, still trying to decide how to spend her layover. Contacting Madame Eve had been a mistake. One-night stands didn’t agree with her heart. She pressed her thumb to the scanner, waiting for the door to open. So much money spent …
    She sauntered inside, but stopped when Michelle darted in front of her.
    “Quit doubting yourself.” Her friend grabbed her arms, staring her down. “You’re beautiful and deserve to be happy. If you don’t hurry up, I’ll knock you out then find a luggage cart to carry you down to Jacobus myself.”
    With a deep breath, she nodded. She could do this. Might as well get my money’s worth. “Okay, I’ll do it.”
    Michelle reached in her closet then tossed her a duffle bag. “Good. I’ll help you pack.”
     
    ***
     
    Ava hugged her friend then glanced down to the golden-skinned Elatian man waiting for her. She trekked down the steel ramp, noticing the subtle hints of the man’s age as she neared; the graying of his light brown hair, wrinkle lines around his mouth.
    He held out his hand. “Welcome to Elatia, my dear, Ava. I am here to escort you to the Delectatio hotel to ready you for your date.”
    She hesitated to grasp his hand. “Ready me?”
    He chuckled, wrapping his arm across her back, and guided her into the streets of Elatia. “You are very tense. I will help you relax before you meet the man you are to spend the evening with.”
    Dropping her shoulders, she released some of her anxiety. A massage sounded like a wonderful idea. She’d never had the money for such luxury.
    Side-by-side with Jacobus, she strolled past booths selling eletin creams, lotions, and oils, while others sported various wares made from veech. The delicious scent of spiced cider wafted around her. She licked her dry lips, her throat suddenly parched. Glancing around, she paused, longing for something to drink. On the other side of the street sat the brewery, with a vendor out front pushing an assortment of candy including eletin chews. Her stomach rumbled. She hadn’t eaten since grabbing a protein bar at breakfast.
    “Hungry?”
    She nodded, biting on her bottom lip. Although eager to sample the tempting food of this planet, she’d forgotten to grab some spending money before leaving Star Spirit. Out of luck .
    With slight pressure on her back, Jacob encouraged her to continue walking, leaving the vendors behind. “All of this awaits you in your suite. There is a full spread of delicacies from this planet, as well as the highest quality of eletin products to enhance your pleasure.”
    For the first time since she’d received the message from Madame Evangeline, Ava smiled. Even if her date didn’t work out, the preparation would be well worth the money. At least, she hoped.
     
    ***
     
    Nate shivered as he stripped off his clothes behind the curtain. Did he really want an erotic massage from an Adamo trained in the art of erotic pleasure? A woman who wasn’t his date? Sure, the idea of the sexy Elatian woman running her hands over every inch of his skin left him craving a good fuck, but he’d rather have his actual match rub him down. He wouldn’t be of any use if he released