Page 28 of When She's Handy

“Woman, you do not tell a former convict that he’s ‘sweet.’”

She rolls her eyes at me again, hands on her hips as she looks me over. We do this routine every morning, and I pretend like I’m tolerating it, but secretly, I enjoy every moment. I love that I get to wake up next to my mate, in our house. I love that our living room is full of scrap and half-completed projects. I love that the front of our yard is nothing but piles of Melody’s “potential.” I love that she fusses over me every morning, and we kiss before heading off for our jobs. We come back together every night and spend hours just talking and laughing, playing board games or cooking…or making love. Lots and lots of making love.

I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I even like my job. Being outside even in the worst weather is better than spending all my time on some dank space station.

As Melody reaches up and adjusts the collar on my space port uniform, I reach out and tuck a lock of her bright yellow hair back from her face. “Are you working from home today?”

“No, I’m biking out to visit Heidi. Her comm panel is on the fritz and she wants me to look at it.”

“On the what?”

“Fritz. It’s not working.” She smooths her hand down my front and gives me a pat. “You said a freighter was coming in today, right? Remember?—”

“—to ask them if they have any scrap. I remember, love.” I lean in and kiss her. “I would never forget.”

“I know you wouldn’t.” She scores her teeth against my lower lip, making me groan. It’s a sultry promise for tonight that’s going to torment me all day, in the most delicious of ways. “You’re the best.”

“Thank you for my canister of tea,” I tell her, and give her another kiss. “I’ll be home tonight.”

Her eyes gleam. “I’ll be wearing nothing but my tool belt.”

I look forward to it.