Page 20 of Bikar

Bambi falls silent, and Heather somberly picks up where she left off. “Bikar, we were still mostly in survival mode the entire time we were on the Zenith. Our minds weren’t worried about anything other than healing, resting, and acclimating.”

My brows crease in a frown as I consider that my mate and herbestiedid not feel comfortable enough to ask for something as simple as a tablet. “What about when we arrived at Deapra? Surely, by then, you knew we would not deny your request for something like a personal tablet.”

“There was always something to do on Deapra. Shagar’s insistence on not being reliant on the inventory in the plunderdome on the Zenith meant we all stayed pretty busy.” Understanding registers at Bambi’s words.

“Here on this shuttle is the first instance since you awakened with the Jega that you have had leisure time? Is that what I understand you both to say?”

Nodding in unison, both females silently answer my query. Making a quick decision, I push my chair back and jump to my feet. “I will remedy this situation at once.”

Offering my mate a lascivious leer designed to make her laugh, I am rewarded with the sweet sound of her giggle at my absurdity, even if she also rolls her eyes in exasperation. Inclining my head in farewell to Heather, I turn on my heel and wordlessly stalk away.

BAMBI

Staring at Bikar as he marches out of the dining hall, I turn back around to see Heather waiting for me to acknowledge herexistence. “Well…” Her expression is quite pleased.

Trying desperately not to be defensive, I tug at the ends of my shirt sleeves, needing something to do with my hands so I don’t fidget. “Well, what, Heather?”

Tsking at me, she reaches over and smacks my arm. “You damn well knowwhat.You watched him walk out of here the way the main female role in aHallmarkmovie longingly watches her love interest from across the room. Spill the tea, sis. I need to hear all about your date and why you were fire engine red when you got here this morning.”

“Oh… that…”

“Yes,that.Now spill it!”

“Imayormaynothavekissedhimlastnight.”

Freezing in place, she tips her head to the side, glaring at me in exasperation. “Try again, because you know I didn’t understand a bit of that word vomit you just spewed all over me.”

Forcing myself to slow down, I repeat what I said. “I may or may not have kissed him last night.”

Heather’s exuberant shriek causes the Ruks lingering in the dining hall to look our direction, and I have to force myself not to hide under the table.

“Sheesh, Heather. Would you stop making us the center of attention?” I mutter.

Waving one of her elegant, long-fingered hands, she dismisses my timidity. “They have no clue what we’re talking about; it’s fine. Tell me more about this kiss. Was it good? Did you use tongue? How long did it last?”

“Heather!”

“What?” Her indignant tone makes me glare.

“Do we really have to talk about this?”

Her eyes blink slowly as comprehension develops, and sympathy fills her face. “Yes, honey. We do. You’re notcomfortable enough with Bikar to discuss stuff like this with him yet, so you need to talk out your feelings with me. Communication is key to all successful relationships. Eventually, you’ll be able to talk about all of this with him, but until then, you’re going to practice having the tough conversations with me.”

Frowning in frustration, I cross my arms over my chest. “You know I hate it when you make sense.”

Smiling, she grabs my empty coffee cup. “I know. Now, let’s get us a fresh coffee and then dive into the nitty-gritty.”

“Yay…”

My lack of enthusiasm is apparent. But Heather just laughs at my pain like a true best friend while making our drinks.

“I think it was good,” I tell her. “And no, I did not use tongue, and… not long. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. Honestly, I’m not really surewhyI kissed him, and I’m pretty sure Bikar was even more shocked than me.”

Setting my cup in front of me, she resumes her seat. “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with any of that. I think you’ve made some damned good progress considering you were terrified of him a couple days ago. I’m going to guess the date went well if you were comfortable enough to initiate a kiss.”

Smiling, I nod and tell her everything about last night.

The flowers.