Psy (Alien Castaways #3) - Cara Bristol Page 0,30

to refer me to a specialist for a consultation. They’re supposed to text me to set up an appointment.

He pressed a kiss to her head. Are you sure? I don’t want to push you into anything.

You didn’t. You gave me the courage to try. He had made her realize she shouldn’t shy away from possibility out of fear. In this case, she had nothing to lose and everything to gain. If doctors could help her speak, that would be amazing, but if they couldn’t, she would be no worse off than she was now. And life was pretty damn good.

She had a great job, a great boyfriend—a genmate—her mother had loosened the apron strings, and, before much longer, she’d have her own apartment, and after that—full independence!

When I get the appointment, will you go with me for moral support?

Absolutely! You wouldn’t prefer your mother with you though?

It will be simpler if I do it on my own. Her mouth quirked. Well, on my own with you. This is part of my push for independence. She had a pretty strong hunch her mother would be opposed to a medical reevaluation because she believed the situation to be hopeless and wished to spare her the disappointment.

Life will be easier once I’m emancipated, she said.

In searching for the cookie jar, I researched legal guardianships. Usually when an adult becomes the ward of another, it’s because he or she is mentally incompetent. That’s clearly not the case with you. I don’t understand why not being able to speak would be considered a disability requiring supervision.

She rose up on an elbow. Mom told me when I didn’t learn to speak, the first doctor she took me to diagnosed me as developmentally disabled. Later, other doctors determined I just couldn’t speak. Maybe she figured she’d always have to take care of me.

But why not sever the guardianship when the true facts had come to light? Why continue with it? She wondered now. I wish I had an idea what was in the decree. Her future attorney would need the info, too.

Can’t you ask her for the papers?

That would bring on the whole discussion before I’m ready for it. I want all my ducks in a row before I approach her. She should have dealt with the matter years ago, but until recently, it hadn’t seemed to matter.

I could check into it, Psy offered. I’m sure Shadow will help me. He’s a wiz on your Internet. If the information is there, he’ll find it.

That would be very helpful to me! Thank you! She did not feel capable of confronting her mother until she had gathered all the facts. Besides, she wanted to bask in her happiness for a while before engaging in a big battle—although, perhaps she wasn’t being fair. Despite reservations, her mother had been surprisingly accepting and open about the job and Psy. Cassie herself had changed—maybe her mother had, too.

She stretched and slid her leg between his thighs and cuddled against his side, relishing his nakedness. The sex had been amazing, a complete rapture of body and mind. Of course, having been a virgin, she had nothing to compare it to, but she had a hunch sex with Psy exceeded the norm. She’d never felt closer to another person in her entire life.

He was everything she dreamed about but never believed she’d have. Caring, loving, handsome. She had a hot alien boyfriend, a job she loved, and a new lease on life. Maybe something could be done about her voice. One way or another, she would be all right. Soon she would have an apartment, and, once she severed the guardianship, she’d be free to live her life her own way.

Psy’s heart thudded against her breasts, steady and reassuring. Do you need me to take you home, or can you spend the night? His hope she’d stay wafted over her like a warm, loving caress.

I want to stay. I’ll need to get home early enough to change clothes before work.

I’ll set the alarm to ensure we wake up in time. He disengaged from their embrace, slid out of bed, and stalked naked to where he’d left his pants. Moonlight danced over his body, highlighting the contours, the play of muscles as he moved. Unabashed, she stared, male nudity still a novelty.

He tapped into his phone. What time should I set the alarm?

I start at nine thirty, so…seven thirty? She grimaced. I should text Mom that I’m not coming home so she doesn’t worry. This