Free Wanted: Handsome Alien Abductor by Myra Nour Page B

finish."
    When the waiter brought the check, Ryja didn't even blink. She knew it was more than she could have afforded. He pulled out a wallet and paid in cash. Amber idly wondered where Ryja got Earth currency. There must be some valuable commodity he exchanged for cash. She'd ask him later, it would make for a good discussion. But right now she was relaxed and simply enjoying the company of a charming dinner companion.
    After they left the bistro, Ryja asked, “Do you want to take a walk? There's a park nearby?"
    "Not Central Park?"
    "Nope,” he laughed. “I like danger, but not that much."
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Chapter Eight
    They walked a few blocks arm in arm, discussing the restaurant and the meal. She always enjoyed their conversations, which were filled with lively tidbits. Either Ryja was asking her a question about some Earth custom or she was chuckling at a mistake he'd made, which could encompass a large amount of material. There was no way Ryja could learn everything he needed to know about Earth in a few months, which was the amount of time he said it took to travel from the last destination. Foreigners took years to meld into America's society, if they chose to that is.
    Although Ryja kept the translator on his belt, it still got a few things wrong. Like when they passed a small fruit stand in front of a mom and pop grocery store. and Ryja stopped to admire the dark red apples. He pronounced them as “A pulls". Amber giggled and he just shrugged.
    As they neared a grouping of trees, Amber was pleased by three young men crooning songs near the park. They stopped, listened for a bit, and Ryja left a few dollars in a cap. Amber wished she had thought to bring a purse, for she would have loved to contribute. Of course didn't have her purse or any money with her when she was beamed aboard.
    The park was an open affair with benches scattered among trees and swaths of green grass. It was very pleasant and they sat on a bench, watching people stroll by.
    "That couple's in love.” Ryja started the game, pointing at a young couple who squeezed each other's hands and giggled as they passed.
    "Better one.” Amber pointed to an old couple, who strolled slowly along, also holding hands.
    "Two points,” he conceded.
    "I bet they've walked many evenings together.” She didn't realize she'd sighed,
    sensing romance in the air.
    "I still get one point for youthful exuberance."
    She laughed. “Sure, I'll give you that one."
    "You'll give it to me.” Ryja turned and tickled her waist.
    "Stop.” Amber squealed and pushed his hands away. “I'm too full to be playing around."
    "Oh, really."
    Ryja ran one hand down her ribs and she shivered.
    "Unfair contact."
    "Unfair?” He leaned down, touching her nose with his, mischievous lights making his eyes sparkle. “Not unwanted."
    "You are a tease.” Amber frowned, but it was hard to maintain when all she wanted to do was laugh.
    "And you are not?” His voice was deep, husky.
    "What do you mean?"
    "Just look at you. A female bombshell."
    She blushed. “You're not bad yourself."
    "Would it be against your dating rules to kiss you on the first date?” He ran one hand behind her neck, not waiting for an answer.
    "It's the second,” she whispered as he drew her forward. Amber shivered at his touch. Ryja gently moved across her lips, his tongue running along her lower lip, urging her to open her mouth. She did, moving deeper into his embrace.
    The world shrank until all she was aware of was Ryja, his scent, the taste of chocolate on his tongue, and the feel of his strong arms about her. Her hands seemed to have a will of their own, running up his waist and then gripping his upper back, pulling him tighter.
    Giggles made her draw back. The young couple was passing, glancing over their shoulders at them. “I guess we're a public spectacle."
    Ryja stared into her eyes, his filled with heat and longing. “Do you want to go somewhere more...private?"
    Her gaze flicked to