Maar’s Girl

8. Alyssa

CHAPTER 8

ALYSSA

I t's been a very productive week with Raaj. And I've somehow never stopped thinking about him.

I can't help but smile as I watch Raaj during his physical therapy session. His determination is inspiring, and there's something about the way he moves that catches my eye. I find myself studying his strong jawline, the intensity in his eyes as he focuses on each exercise.

"Great job, Raaj," I say, offering him a towel as he finishes his set. "You're making incredible progress."

He takes the towel, his fingers brushing mine. A jolt of electricity runs through me at the contact. "Thanks, Alyssa. Couldn't do it without you."

I feel a blush creeping up my neck. "Oh, stop. You're doing all the hard work."

Raaj chuckles, a sound that sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach. "Maybe. But having you here makes it easier."

We fall into comfortable silence as he cools down. I try to keep my eyes on my datapad, but they keep drifting back to him. There's something about Raaj that draws me in, beyond just gratitude for what I think he did on Horus IV.

"Hey, Alyssa?" Raaj's voice breaks me from my thoughts.

"Yes?"

He looks nervous, which is adorable on such a strong man. "I was wondering... would you like to go on a date with me? An old-fashioned one, I mean. Dinner, maybe?"

My heart leaps, but I hesitate. "Oh, Raaj... I'd love to, but..."

"But?"

I sigh. "It wouldn't be appropriate. I'm your rehab coach, and anything more than friendship could compromise your treatment."

Disappointment flashes across his face, but he nods. "I understand. What if... what if we call it a friend date? Just two people getting to know each other better?"

I bite my lip, considering. It's a bad idea, but I can't bring myself to say no. "Alright," I concede. "A friend date it is."

The smile that lights up his face is worth any potential complications. "Great! How about tomorrow night?"

"Sounds perfect," I reply, trying to keep my excitement in check. It's just a friend date, I remind myself. But as I watch Raaj leave the therapy room, I can't help but wonder if it could be the start of something more.

I stand in front of my mirror, smoothing down the silky fabric of my black dress. It hugs my curves in all the right places, and I can't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This is just a friend date, I remind myself. But as I apply a final touch of lipstick, I know I'm lying to myself.

A knock at the door sends my heart racing. I take a deep breath and open it, revealing Raaj in his dress uniform. My breath catches in my throat. He looks... incredible.

"Wow," Raaj says, his eyes widening as he takes me in. "You look... amazing."

I feel a blush creep up my cheeks. "You clean up pretty well yourself, soldier."

We make our way to the Alzhon restaurant, and I'm hyper-aware of Raaj's presence beside me. The scent of his cologne, the warmth radiating from his body - it's intoxicating.

As we settle into our seats, I can't help but ask, "So, why an Alzhon restaurant?"

Raaj grins, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, I heard their tentacle dishes are to die for."

I laugh, surprised by his playfulness. "Oh really? And here I thought you were trying to impress me with your sophisticated palate."

"Who says I'm not?" He winks, and I feel a flutter in my stomach.

As we peruse the menu, I find my gaze constantly drawn to Raaj's strong hands, imagining how they'd feel on my skin. Stop it, Alyssa, I scold myself. This is just a friend date.

"So, tell me," I say, trying to distract myself, "what made you want to take me out to dinner? Besides the allure of alien cuisine, of course."

Raaj's expression softens, and he reaches across the table, his fingers brushing mine. "Honestly? I just wanted to spend time with you, Alyssa. Outside of the rehab center, away from all that. To get to know you better."

His touch sends sparks through my body, and I have to resist the urge to lean across the table and kiss him. Instead, I manage a smile and say, "Well, I'm glad you did. Though I have to admit, I'm a little nervous about trying these tentacle dishes."

Raaj's eyes light up with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Have you ever heard of the concept of jalsaghar?" he asks, leaning in closer.

I shake my head, intrigued. "No, what is it?"

He takes a deep breath. "It's an ancient belief from my homeworld. Jalsaghar is the idea that every person has a fated mate, someone they're destined to be with. When you meet them, it's like... like everything falls into place."

My heart skips a beat. "That sounds beautiful. How do you know when you've found your jalsaghar?"

Raaj's gaze intensifies, making my breath catch. "They say you feel it in your soul. It's a connection that goes beyond physical attraction or shared interests. It's like finding a piece of yourself you never knew was missing."

I can't help but lean in, drawn by his words and the passion in his voice. "And have you... have you ever felt that?"

He nods slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. "I think I might be feeling it right now, Alyssa."

My pulse quickens, and I feel a rush of heat flood my cheeks. "Raaj, I..."

"I know it sounds crazy," he continues, his voice low and earnest. "We haven't known each other long, but being with you... it gives me that feeling. Like we're meant to be in each other's lives."

I'm speechless, torn between the intense attraction I feel and the voice of reason in my head reminding me of our professional relationship. "I... I don't know what to say," I manage to stammer out.

Raaj reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. The touch sends sparks through my body. "You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know how I feel. Whether you believe in jalsaghar or not, I can't deny this connection between us."

I look down at our joined hands, then back up into his eyes. The intensity I see there makes me shiver. "I feel it too," I whisper, surprised by my own admission. "But Raaj, we can't... I'm your rehab coach. It wouldn't be right."

He squeezes my hand gently. "I know. And I respect that. But Alyssa, instead of fated mate…"

"Yes?" I ask.

"Would you like to get some ice cream for dessert?" He gives me a toothy grin. "After the tentacles, of course."