Avelyn and the Alien Daddy (Intergalactic Brides 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

like the cuisine. Some of your human foods aren’t palatable to me -- who eats raw squid? -- but I’ve found I rather like Italian food and Mexican food. Are they to your liking?”
    “I agree with you about the squid, but with the exception of sushi, I’ll eat just about anything. Well, maybe not mushrooms. I’ve never developed a taste for them, not even on my pizza.”
    He nodded. “I’ll endeavor to remember that.”
    Avelyn looked over at Lily and smiled when she saw the little darling had fallen asleep. She’d missed her morning nap because she’d been too excited. With any luck, she’d still go down for an afternoon nap after they reached the hotel. She didn’t think Thrace would want to deal with a cranky baby when he came home from work later in the day.
    The limo pulled to a stop and Thrace helped her out of the vehicle before reaching back inside for his daughter. He cradled Lily against chest and lightly placed a hand against Avelyn’s back, escorting her into the restaurant. That slight touch was enough to warm her from the inside out. She only hoped he didn’t realize how much his touch affected her, otherwise, she’d be highly embarrassed. It was definitely against the rules to lust after your boss.
    Inside, they were ushered to a table, seated, and then each given a menu and a glass of water before the waitress made herself scarce. Lily still hadn’t woken and was cradled in Thrace’s arms, even though a high chair had been brought for her. The baby seemed content to sleep against her father’s chest, and Avelyn had to admit they made a beautiful picture.
    “Has she been good for you this morning?” Thrace asked. “Not too fussy?”
    “She hasn’t fussed a bit, barely even making a sound when she was hungry or needed to be changed. Lily is a wonderful baby, Thrace. You don’t have to worry about her misbehaving. She’s the sweetest thing.”
    He nodded. “You’ve brought this change in her, and I’m thankful for it. She’s comfortable with you, more relaxed. I think I made her nervous.”
    “She just wasn’t used to you. I told you my theory that she wasn’t used to being around men. You’re probably the first male she’s lived with. It will just take her a little time to adjust. And I’m sure you were feeling frustrated when she cried non-stop, and that probably just fueled her irritation. I noticed last night that you seem more relaxed with her than you did when I first met you. When you’re relaxed, it makes her feel safe. If you’re stressed, then she senses that too. Babies are very perceptive.”
    “I have you to thank for that,” he said.
    “Do you believe in fate?” she asked.
    “Fate?”
    “You know, that some people are destined to meet one another? I believe it was fate that we met. I needed a job and had lost my baby; you needed someone to care for your daughter. We came into one another’s lives at the perfect time.”
    “Yes, I do believe in fate.”
    The waitress came back and took their orders, then wandered off again.
    There was tenderness in Thrace’s eyes as he watched Avelyn take a sip of her water. Or was she imagining it? Was she seeing tenderness there because she wanted to? She couldn’t deny her attraction to him, but it was probably too much to hope he’d feel the same about her. A male who looked like Thrace could have any woman he wanted, so why settle for a broken one who couldn’t give him children? Of course, that didn’t mean they couldn’t fool around. It wasn’t likely he’d get her pregnant. But something told her the alien wasn’t the type to just scratch an itch. He seemed too responsible for that.
    “How has work been today?” she asked.
    Surprise flashed in his eyes. “No one has ever asked me about my day before.”
    “Never?”
    He shook his head.
    “Well… do you mind that I asked?”
    His lips tipped up on one corner. “I like that you want to know how my day has been. And to answer your question, it has been