Violet And Her Alien Matchmaker Read Online Free Page B

Her kiss touched him and made him want…something. There was a shift inside of him, something he couldn’t name, as he stood staring dumbly at the door she’d just vanished through.
    A few minutes later, she returned carrying an open bag, and moved toward the dresser holding the TV. He averted his gaze as she pulled out a bra and panties, wanting to give her some privacy. When he heard the drawer close, he saw that she had zipped the bag and was clutching it in her hand once more. Tiraz wasn’t about to make her carry the bag to the car and took it from her; a look of surprise flitting across her features.
    “You have everything you’ll need for tonight and the morning?” he asked.
    Violet nodded, but Simon ran back to his bedroom. When he returned, he
    clutched a brown bear in one arm and a blanket in the other. Simon looked at Tiraz hesitantly, as if waiting for his approval. Had someone belittled him for wanting to carry his stuffed bear with him? Tiraz knelt in front of Simon and touched the bear’s ear.
    “Who’s this?”
    The boy clutched the stuffed animal tighter. “Bear-bear,” he said in a near
    whisper. “Do I have to leave him here?”
    “Of course not. In fact, I think it would be great if you showed Bear-bear around the penthouse when we get home. He’s never been there before and he might get lost if he doesn’t know his way around.”
    Hope shined in Simon’s eyes as he nodded and hurried over to his mother. When Tiraz stood and looked at Violet, her eyes were shiny with unshed tears and she mouthed the words thank you to him. There was definitely a story behind this little episode, and it was one he hoped to find out soon, but for now he needed to get this little family home—after making a stop for Simon’s food.
    They piled into the BMW as Tiraz stashed their bag in the trunk. With what little they had in the apartment, he could probably fit everything but the furniture in his car, but he didn’t have a problem hiring someone to move their things to the penthouse. The less work Violet had to do, the better. He didn’t want her to put herself in jeopardy by trying to lift something that was too heavy. She seemed like the sort who wouldn’t ask for help.
    When they reached the fast food restaurant, he parked the car instead of going through the drive-thru. Simon was practically bouncing in the backseat. Either the kid really loved cheeseburgers, or he seldom got a chance to eat out. Tiraz figured it was the second option. He opened his door and got out, then waited for Violet and Simon to do the same. It took him by surprise when Simon hurried to his side and reached for his hand. That strange feeling he’d experienced earlier was back. If it kept up, he’d have to see a doctor.
    Once inside, Tiraz assured Simon he could order anything he wanted, and
    prodded Violet into ordering something for herself as well. After their order was placed, Tiraz sent Violet and Simon to find a table for them while he waited on their food. As he waited, he observed those around him, making sure Violet and Simon were safe. There had been little hate crime committed against his kind, but he didn’t want to make any assumptions when he had precious cargo with him.
    His order was called and he carried the tray to the table. Simon jumped up and asked if he could get the drinks. Tiraz offered to help knowing there was no way a boy Simon’s age could carry three drinks. Violet was smiling when he glanced back at the table from the drink station, and he wondered how many opportunities Simon had had to just hang out with an adult male.
    “Are you sure you don’t want to marry my mom?” Simon asked. “She’s really
    nice!”
    Tiraz smiled. “I’m sure she is, but I don’t think I’m ready for a family right now.”
    The light in Simon’s eyes dimmed. “But if I weren’t here, you’d give mom a
    chance, right? I know I’m the reason she hasn’t gotten married before now.”
    Tiraz knelt down.