Page 4 of 3 Secrets to Love (Romance Tales from the Quadrants #2)

Xacalla

Sweat beaded across my forehead and down my back.

Even though the USRA headquarters was climate controlled in every room, my body acted like I stood under the blaring hot sun.

Why was I so nervous to meet Phalon again? Yes, it had been a few star cycles since I’d last seen him, but I knew him, and he knew me.

No other celebrity meeting had made my heart pound in my chest so hard, I expected it to jump right out.

Resting my hand on the wall in the hallway, I willed myself to breathe deep.

I needed to get control of myself before he arrived.

He’d think I was some kind of stalker fan, the kind Phalon, my brother, and the rest of the team had when they were space racers.

We even had some come to our home on Omisu to see if Zander was there.

While I refused to pretend that the team didn’t accept some of the propositions of those fans, I did not care to be grouped among them.

I was there for work purposes and would not cross professional boundaries.

Flying from one planet to the next, I didn’t have much time to develop any type of a sexual or romantic relationship.

Heck, I’d never really craved one, but I did enjoy granting the wishes of the children across the quadrants.

That kept me fulfilled until I felt ready to move on to something else.

I glanced both ways down the hall to see if I still had time to calm myself but saw a figure rounding the corner and heading toward me.

Based on his size and saunter, I knew it was Phalon.

Most others I’d met at his height or taller, lumbered forward as they walked.

But Phalon was more casual, almost cocky looking with his gait.

Most would assume he developed that as a racer, but his walk was always more distinctive than any others.

Even while wearing the unflattering red flight suit.

On his way toward me, he paused for a moment before a big smile spread across his face.

“Xacalla? Is that really you?”

I nodded and waved, unable to stop the warmth filling my cheeks. Stars, why was I like this with him?

He moved even faster, almost running toward me. After setting down the box he held, he pulled me into his arms and held me tight against his chest.

“It’s so good to see you again. It’s been way too long.”

Though I didn’t know if he simply said those words to be nice since he knew how to contact me, I took his words as sincere.

My body relaxed into his.

Almost too much. When he pulled back, I nearly lost my balance and hoped he didn’t notice.

“What are you doing here?”

He held my shoulders as he gazed down at me.

“You didn’t have to arrange a special meeting just to see me again. You’re pretty much family. Message me and I will make time for you.”

For some reason, my stomach rolled at the word “family”

and I didn’t get comfort from his open invitation. Though I should have. I’d always liked Phalon.

“Although I’m super happy to see you again, I’m not here for a personal visit.”

I held up my identification badge.

“I’m here on behalf of the Four Corners Wish Foundation.”

“Oh.”

He let go of me and took a step back, his facial features tightening.

“I’m sorry. I was hoping...”

His words trailed off as he rubbed a hand over his face.

“I didn’t realize you worked for them. So much has changed since I last saw you.”

“Yeah.”

I shrugged, feeling a bit self-conscious.

“I’ve been with the organization for five star cycles now.”

I worried about his abrupt change in mood and how that would affect the upcoming engagement.

“Wow. I really missed out on a lot. I should have kept in better contact with my former teammates.”

I fumbled with my hands, not meaning to have made him feel bad for not knowing.

“You’ve been busy with aerobatics. I saw your performance on screen just after we arrived.”

“Ah, but you seem to know what I’ve been up to.”

He winked as he gave my arm a gentle squeeze.

“Anyway, tell me about the child I’m here to meet.”

My knees suddenly grew weak. Unable to pinpoint the reason for my nervous reaction to Phalon, I grabbed my P-comm for something to hold on to and loaded the information for the meeting to the screen.

“There are actually three children. They’re Kalpierene, but I met them on Jenegath. And this is a secret meeting. Usually, I have cameras with me to film the event, but not this time. Plus, there are rules.”

I pointed to the screen.

“Like, you cannot touch the children in any way. Not even in greeting them. No hugs, high fives, or handshakes.”

He looked down at the screen and skimmed the document. Then, without moving his head, glanced up at me.

“Okay, but why did they just want to meet me? Why not Reena, too?”

I shrugged, feeling bad for having to exclude her. I knew the other former racer was married, but that didn’t mean her and Phalon weren’t close, or that they didn’t have a relationship on the side. They were celebrities after all.

“Just going by the information package I was provided.”

He rubbed my arm and smiled.

“Well, no matter what, I’m glad I get to see you again. Do you have time to catch up after this, or do you have to leave right away?”

“I...”

My mouth dried and my entire body tingled as I tried to recall my schedule.

“I think. Yes.”

He chuckled.

“I’m not sure what kind of answer that was, but maybe we can chat after and figure something out.”

He picked up the box he’d brought then gestured down the hall.

“Lead the way.”

Stars, why was I so awkward around someone I’d known for half my life? I should be most comfortable around him, not acting like a babbling fool.

I cut short my self deprecation when we reached the meeting room where Ago, Igo, and Ogo waited.

Instead of the guards that had been standing at the door only moments ago, two new sentries waited.

Had that been on purpose? I hadn’t been told either way.

With cautious steps, I approached the door and held out my security badge.

“I’m Xacalla with the Four Corners Wish Foundation here with Phalon to do the meet and greet.”

They both nodded and stepped out of my way, not bothering to scan my badge.

I found that suspicious, but when I walked inside and saw Chikada standing behind the children already seated in chairs, I relaxed.

He wouldn’t let anything happen to them.

I shuffled to the side so the kids could meet the celebrity they wished for.

“Phalon, this is Ago, Igo, and Ogo. They have been anxious to meet you.”

The three young ones waved from their seats, and Phalon returned their greeting.

“It’s good to be here. I’m honored you chose to meet me.”

He sat on the empty chair in front of them and held up the box.

“I brought some goodies for you. If you want, I can sign them.”

Igo nodded.

“Yes, please.”

“And it is our honor to meet you.”

Ago moved their chair a little closer to the pilot.

On top of the way I’d first met the three kids, it was the strangest wish fulfillment I’d ever been a part of.

Most kids squealed or rushed up to their celebrity upon meeting them.

The Kalpierene children barely reacted at all.

And then there was my own bewildering response to Phalon.

I hoped he wasn’t offended by any of us. I looked forward to the chance to chat with him after the assignment ended.