Bride for the Space Cowboy (Match Made in Space #2)

Chapter Two

KAYDEN

I urge my mount forward, and his coat shimmers under the sunlight as he speeds faster before lifting into the air. We’ve just finished another scouting mission with the prince in a different town on our planet.

I’m impatient to return to Nadine. I feel the force of our pulse as I get closer to home. Once I land and leave my mount at the stables, I hop on a hovercraft to travel into town with Asher.

He flashes a grin. “You seem impatient,” he says.

I meet his gaze, unabashed as I shrug. “I miss Nadine. I’m sure you’re impatient to get home to Jane,” I point out.

His smile is slow as he nods. “Always.”

When we stop on the main street in town, Asher glances toward me. “Go see Nadine. We will reconvene at our offices afterwards. The king and queen want an update.”

“Of course.” I step off and aim straight for the café where Nadine works.

Moments later, I stride quickly up the walkway to the café. When I enter, Nadine is busy serving a customer. Her eyes lift to mine. I know she can feel my presence because the connection between us is all but sending sparks into the air now that we’re physically close.

Trudy glances up from where she’s ringing someone up at the register and waggles her brows as I approach the counter. ‘Well, hello, Kayden,” she says, her voice laced with laughter.

“Hi Trudy,” I say.

Nadine is talking with the customer, an alien woman who appears to be a tourist. She takes a sip of her coffee. “Delicious. This planet has the best coffee in the galaxy,” she announces.

Nadine smiles. “Well, that’s all Trudy’s doing.” She gestures to her side.

Trudy dips her chin. “My grandmother learned how to make it on Earth. She taught my mother who taught me.”

The customer flicks me a glance. “Ah, you must be her mate.”

Nadine blushes deeply while Trudy chuckles. “Of course, he is.”

Nadine looks back toward the customer. “How can you tell?”

“I might not be of this planet, but they’re legendary here for that… What is it?” She circles her hand in the air.

“Infinity pulse,” Trudy fills in. “These two have it bad.”

The woman chuckles. “Good. Are you one of the women from Earth who came here after the storm? Excellent choice, by the way. It’s much nicer here than Earth.”

Nadine nods. “I love it here.”

The woman smiles. “Well, thank you for the coffee.”

After she departs, Trudy gestures toward me. “Come into the back. I know you’ve been away for two whole weeks. You can take a break,” she says to Nadine.

“I only have a few minutes. I have to go back to meet with the prince and our team,” I explain.

I round the counter, following Nadine into the back of the café. As soon as the door closes behind us, I stop, turning to face her. “I missed you,” I say as I look down into her eyes.

She blinks up at me. “And, I missed you. So much,” she whispers.

I dip my head, giving her a lingering kiss. As always, need is pounding through me. I will have to wait because we only have a few minutes together for now.

I reluctantly lift my head, palming her cheek as I hold her gaze. “How is Delia?”

“Healthy and growing so fast. It’s only been two weeks, but she’s bigger. She will be so happy you’re home.”

I savor the feel of Nadine simply being present with me again. As much as our physical intimacy and need are a part of our connection, it’s this that matters—her close with me.

“I will see you both tonight,” I say. I allow myself one more lingering kiss before I break away.

As I leave the café, I glance back once more. Nadine is already waiting on another customer. My heart gives a resounding thump in my chest.

That evening, when I come home to her and our little girl, my heart feels full to bursting. I lift Delia into my arms, spinning her in a circle. Her pink tail flicks in the air as I bring her down and press a kiss to her cheek before wrapping an arm around Nadine to hold my family close.