Alien Scrooge - Zara Zenia Page 0,34

and her stomach rumbled in response.

"Oh, that smells delicious. What are you making us for dinner?"

Egrix grinned, not turning away from the pan in front of him. "You'll see."

Cara was touched at his thoughtfulness. "Then I'll try to pick up a bit while you cook."

The night they shared was lighthearted and simple. To Egrix's obvious pleasure, Cara praised his food tirelessly as they ate. Afterwards the two cuddled on the couch and watched a movie, stealing kisses from the other every once in a while. At some point, Cara's eyes grew heavy and her breathing more shallow, until she unintentionally fell asleep lying on Egrix.

A small snore escaped Cara's mouth and Egrix looked down to see her relaxed, sleeping face. He flushed as he ran his eyes over her softly closed eyelids and slightly pursed lips. He sat up as much as he could without shifting her too much, putting down some pillows behind him on the couch. As gently as he could manage, he moved out from under her and set her head on the pillows. He grabbed a blanket and spread it over her before turning the television off. He sat, studying her innocent face until sleep began to creep behind his own eyes and he decided to move to his bed. As he lay there waiting to sleep, he smiled to himself, imagining Cara's beautiful face on the pillow next to him.

Cara woke to the familiar smell of breakfast cooking nearby. She pulled the blanket covering her up, snuggling into it, but something felt off. She tried to open her eyes, squinting against the strange light invading her vision as she sat up. This wasn't her quilt. Cara's eyes went wide as she remembered where she was. She looked over her shoulder, her eyes peeking past the back of the couch, to find Egrix in the kitchen.

"Oh my, I can't believe I almost forgot where I was," Cara mumbled under her breath, dropping her head into her hands. She felt something slide around her waist and jerked her head back up, coming face to face with Egrix. He was crouched next to her with his arms holding her in a gentle embrace.

"Good morning, my dove."

Cara felt her face catch fire as his sweet breath drew closer. He placed a soft kiss on her parted lips, then another on her forehead, smiling coyly at her speechlessness.

"Are you okay? Would you like some breakfast?"

She nodded, allowing him to lead her to the table where she sat down, slowly waking up from her tired morning state. As she stared at the table in front of her she gained back some semblance of control over her mental faculties.

"Is there coffee?" she asked, a little distressed. "I'm used to having a cup every morning, I don't know if I can manage without it."

"Just a moment." He moved quickly with several plates of food, setting the table in front of her. As a final gesture, he set a fresh mug of coffee in front of her before giving an exaggerated bow. "Your breakfast is served, madame. Do you want anything for your coffee?"

Cara snickered at Egrix's showmanship. "No, I take it black usually. Thank you for the food."

The two sat and enjoyed their breakfast together, talking only a little in the morning air, but mostly just enjoying each other's company. Once Cara finished her plate she began to gather dishes and take them to the kitchen sink. She washed as she went, until she only had Egrix's dishes left on the table.

"May I have your plate?"

Egrix nodded, holding it out to her, but as she reached for it, he quickly grabbed her wrist with his available hand, pulling her to him. He set the plate down again, firmly holding on to her sitting in his lap.

"What do you think of spending a long time with me today? It would be a shame if you went straight home after staying the night."

"Are you going to tease me all day if I do?" she demanded to know, crossing her arms as she called out his intentional actions.

"Cara, I'm not teasing you." He feigned innocence with a knowing smile on his lips. "I just don't feel like keeping my hands off you right now." He tried to give her an innocent look, making her heart skip a beat despite herself as she paused to consider his seductive words.

"Well," she blushed, "I guess I don't mind."

Suddenly, Egrix stood up, cradling Cara and making her wrap her arms