Caitlyn and the Alien Protector (Intergalactic Brides 7)

Caitlyn and the Alien Protector (Intergalactic Brides 7)
Jessica Coulter Smith
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2016 Jessica Coulter Smith

At the fire station, Cosmir stripped out of his bunker gear and hung it up, leaving his steel-toed boots under the coat and pants. In his bare feet, he went to the bathroom, stopping long enough to get his shampoo and shower gel, and lucked into getting one of the shower stalls. After being surrounded by flames, the cool water felt good on his heated skin. He braced a lavender hand on the tiled wall and let the water sluice over his head and down his back. It didn't take long to scrub his hair and body, and he had to admit he felt a million times better when he was finished. With a towel wrapped around his waist, he went to his locker and pulled on a fresh uniform.

"So," Jake said. "This was your first major fire since joining the department. I'd say you've been a lucky bastard that all the major fires have happened on the other shift, but you seemed to enjoy running into that building. Still think this is the life you want?"

Cosmir grinned. "Definitely. Even if I did only rescue kittens this time, it still felt nice to make a difference. I'm used to defending my world, protecting those weaker than me when needed. When I realized I was going to make Earth my semi-permanent home, I knew I wanted a job where I could make a difference."

"You were a warrior though, right? Why not become a cop?"

"I actually know someone who did exactly that, but it didn't feel like a good fit for me. I don't want to see the worst of humanity every day. Yes, some of the fires we go to were set on purpose, but mostly they're accidents."

"Can I ask you something?"

"I guess it depends. Are you going to ask if aliens are anatomically the same as humans? Because I've heard that one a lot."

Jake snickered. "No, but I'm hoping you are. Your kind has a mating instead of a marriage right?"

Cosmir nodded.

"And you mate for life?"

"Yes, but you're not my type."

Jake's smile broadened. "No worries. You aren't my type either. But... I think you just may be perfect for --"

"Jake!"

Cosmir turned toward the very feminine voice and nearly swallowed his tongue when he saw the ebony haired beauty heading their way. The sway of her hips drew his gaze as she sauntered toward them on metallic colored sandals. Her shorts rode low on her hips and left little to the imagination. Where had this goddess been in his entire life?

"Caitlyn. What are you doing at the station?" Jake asked.

"I can't just surprise my big brother when I'm in the area?" Her gaze scanned Cosmir before a naughty smile flitted across her lips. Before he had time to react, she threw her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his mouth.

Her tongue flicked his lower lip and he opened to let her in. The taste of her exploded on his tongue and he couldn't help but wrap his arms around her waist, pulling her tighter against him. Warning bells were going off in his head that he was in danger of imminent meltdown, but damn, the woman could kiss!

She pulled away, a satisfied grin on her face as she turned to face Jake again.

Jake shook his head. "Well, since you're here, I'd like to introduce you to Cosmir. He's the Terran I've mentioned before." His lips tipped up on one corner. "Besides, you might as well know the name of the man you just swapped spit with. Don't you usually at least get their names first?"

Caitlyn held out a dainty hand. "It's nice to meet you."

As Cosmir's hand folded around hers, he felt a jolt that started in his chest and rapidly moved below the belt. Her blue eyes gazed up at him while a gentle smile curved her lips. She was breathtaking, and suddenly he didn't have a clue what to say. Odd. It wasn't like he'd never been around women, even if it had been nearly a year since he'd been intimate with one. "The pleasure is all mine," he rumbled, finally finding his tongue, and quite reluctant to let go of her hand.

"I haven't seen you at any of Jake's parties," Caitlyn said. "Not much of a party animal?"

Cosmir smiled. "Not really." But if she was going to be at those parties, he'd have to make an effort to be there. Watching her smile was worth a little suffering.