I can’t believe I’m doing this.
Can’t believe I actually got an interview.
Amaya got an all-expenses paid trip to the galaxy’s most famous vacation location, Vega. The whole planet was owned by Vega Space Vacations, and it was the prime spot for all races and species to enjoy themselves in a peaceful and non-judgmental environment. Which was also one of the main reasons Amaya Parker applied for the accounting manger position at the Angeldale Resorts—the job came with the free trip.
Amaya’s insides churned and it felt like a million butterflies were fighting to escape. She took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. Why was she so nervous? Because if she got the job, she’d have to move to Vega.
The thought excited her. With no family left on Earth, she wasn’t leaving anyone behind. She had no one left to miss her.
The ship eased to a stop. She collected her carry-on bag and made her way to the front of the ship before she stepped off the ship into a corridor similar to the ones at airports on Earth. She exited into Alpha Station—the main hub for traveling to the various vacation spots on Vega.
Her stomach twisted in knots, both from nerves and excitement as she took in her surroundings on her way to the checkpoint. Vega Space Vacations took security very seriously, since the planet was supposed to be a place of peace and somewhere to come to relax.
The terminal was a glass tunnel-like structure, providing an amazing view of ships hovering overhead, waiting to dock at the station gates. People of many species rushed off to their gates or to the check-in point to enter Angeldale—exactly where she was headed.
At the check-in desk, she laid her boarding pass and ID on the counter. The clerk smiled and picked them up. While typing, she asked, “Any cell phones, computers, or other electronic devices?”
Amaya shook her head. “I left them at home, as advised.”
There was no way she’d break any of their rules while trying to get a job. Plus, she understood the tight security. It kept Vega a safe and peaceful planet.
“Good.” The woman glanced up, meeting Amaya’s gaze. She smiled. “You wouldn’t believe the number of people that don’t follow rules.”
Amaya laughed, some of her nervousness easing. “Believe me, I could imagine.”
The clerk stamped the boarding pass and pulled a page from the printer, which wasn’t any bigger than a six-inch tablet, and handed it to Amaya. Before she could take it, someone stepped up beside her and took it.
“Hey!” Amaya jerked her gaze to the newcomer, annoyed by the rudeness. All her anger turned to embarrassment as she realized it was Vincent Carver—the planet host and CEO of Vega Space Vacations. “Oh. Sorry.”
He studied the slip a moment. His smile revealed dimples in each of his cheeks. Amaya was mesmerized. How could anyone be handsome and beautiful at the same time?
His high cheekbones were covered in perfect porcelain skin, easily the envy of any female. His short brown hair and blue eyes were the most human-like features about him, at least to Amaya. Then again, she’d always been able to tell if someone was other than full human at a glance.
“I thought it was you. I just wanted to make sure.” He handed the slip back, but didn’t release it right away. When he leaned in closer, she noticed to two larger males hovering nearby. “Your interview has been…delayed.”
“What? Why?” Panic rose up, squeezing her heart. They’d found someone else, she just knew it.
“Please don’t look so sad. Your…interviewers need a few days to prepare.” Vincent let go of the slip and stepped back. “That means you are free to enjoy yourself for the day and for tomorrow.”
She bit her bottom lip and averted her gaze. “I, um, didn’t transfer enough money to stay for three days.”
Damn, she thought she’d interview, then go home to sulk or pack. She’d prepared for one night on Vega, but no more. She didn’t want the waste the company’s money any more than necessary.
Vincent touched her arm. “You don’t need your money. All of your expenses will be charged to the resort. Whatever you need…clothes, shoes, food, books, anything—charge it to your room.”
Before she had a chance to argue with him about the too generous offer, he strolled away, followed by the two men who’d lurked behind him.
Amaya glanced at the clerk, and she shrugged. With a sigh, Amaya pushed through the gate and advanced down the white corridor. Her stomach was still in knots. She hated the interviewing process. The fake smiles, bending the truth in the favor of the interviewer so they would be impressed with her. Blah.
She wasn’t a fake person. And she hated lying and smiling her way into a job.
Why was she doing this?
Oh yeah, a free trip to Vega. At least she’d have two days to take in the city and relax, or try to, before she had to turn on the charm and sell herself.
At the end of the corridor, she pushed through a door that opened into the lobby of the Angeldale Resort Hotel. Black, glossy tiled floors stretched across the large lobby and into the lounge and bar area.
Her heels clicked as she made her way to the front desk. A petite woman with long black hair and mocha colored skin greeted Amaya with a warm smile. When Amaya got closer, she noticed the woman wasn’t human, but an U’epti—the native people of Vega. Her delicate, angular face and large doe eyes gave her origin away.
Amaya had never met an U’epti before, but she researched all kinds of species since the peace treaties were signed with the governments of Earth.
“Welcome to Angeldale Resorts. How can I help you?”
Smiling, Amaya handed her reservation slip to the clerk, whose nametag read Nalani. “Amaya Parker.”
Nalani took the slip and typed quickly at the keyboard. “Oh, you have the executive suite.”
Um. Amaya leaned over to try to see the screen. No luck. “Are you sure? I’m only here for an interview.” That got pushed back a couple of days.
“Yes, ma’am. It was approved by Vincent Carter himself.” Nalani handed her a key card and the slip back. “Have a lovely weekend. Oh, and the pool is a beautiful place to unwind after a long trip. Happy hour starts in about ten minutes.”
“Thank you.”
Amaya collected her key and carry-on and sighed. She’d have to shop for more clothes, since she’d only planned to be there for two nights, not four. However, happy hour by the pool sounded like heaven right then.
At the elevator, she extended her hand to push the button, but someone else beat her to it. Glancing up, she stared into gorgeous green eyes with unusual gold flakes scattered throughout the irises. Averting her gaze to take him in, she couldn’t tamp down the heat rising from within, spreading to her most sensitive parts. Her nipples tightened, and she almost groaned as they rubbed against her bra. What the hell?
She’d never had that kind of response to anyone before.
His full, kissable lips lifted in a knowing smile. “Good afternoon.”
His voice was smooth like silk brushing over her skin. She swallowed and nodded. “Hi.”
She tore her gaze away from him only to land on another man standing much too close for a stranger. Where the first man was dark, this one was light. White blond hair, cut short around the ears and back. His bangs swept to one side to hang in his ice blue eyes.
Her pussy ached and she had to force herself to not rub her thighs together.
The blond took her free hand and brought it to his lips, kissing her knuckles. Oh God. She was going to melt or orgasm right there in the lobby.
Shaking her head, she pulled her hand from his. That was when she noticed the similarities in the men. Well, aliens. Craygins to be specific, humanoids with only a slight difference from those native to Earth. Their eyes were slightly bigger and further apart than humans were. From what she read in her research, their skin shimmered in the sunlight.
The ding of the elevator brought her out of the lust trance. Good grief, what was wrong with her? It had to be something in the air.
She stepped into the elevator and the guys followed, making the space feel a lot smaller than it was. It stopped at the seventh floor and they turned to her, smiled, and said at the same time, “Have a nice stay.”
When the door slid closed, she sagged against the wall. Her heart was pounding a million miles an hour. The way they said the words sounded like a promise.
Okay, Amaya, you have gone over the deep end. She was tired from the trip from Earth to Vega. That had to be it. Happy hour would help her relax. Just as long as she could avoid the sex gods.