Page 7

"I'm still deciding." She moves to the next display case, but her smile gives her away. "What about you? Any other burning questions about human behavior?"

"Why do couples exchange hearts as symbols of affection? The anatomical organ bears little resemblance to the stylized version."

"God, you really don't let up, do you?" She turns to face me, her eyes bright with amusement. "Most guys just ask about my zodiac sign or what I do for fun."

"Would you prefer that?"

"No." She steps closer, and my enhanced senses pick up the slight increase in her heart rate. "It's refreshing. You actually listen to the answers."

The warmth in her voice triggers something in me - something dangerous, something beyond mere scientific curiosity. I shouldn't be feeling this pull, this desire to understand her specifically rather than humans in general.

"What about you?" she asks. "Why are you really so interested in how relationships work?"

"Perhaps I'm trying to understand why they so often fail." I move to stand beside her, close enough to catch the scent of her shampoo. "Why humans keep attempting them despite the statistical improbability of success."

"Wow." She lets out a soft breath. "That's... actually exactly what I've been wondering lately."

The security lights flicker, casting shadows across her face. My mission parameters flash through my mind - observe, document, maintain distance. But the way she's looking at me now makes those parameters feel like arbitrary restrictions rather than vital protocols.

"And have you found your answer?" she asks.

I realize I'm standing too close, caring too much, risking too much. But I can't seem to step away.

This is a dangerous road I'm walking down, but I'm simply too stubborn to veer off of it.

CHAPTER5

VANESSA

Sunlight streams through my window, and for once, I don't hit snooze. My lips curve into a smile before I even open my eyes. The warmth in my chest has nothing to do with my fluffy comforter.

"Oh god," I whisper to my empty bedroom, pressing my palms against my cheeks. They're warm. "I'm actually excited about a guy. This is terrible."

But the giddiness doesn't fade as I swing my legs out of bed, practically bouncing to my closet. I catch myself humming while picking out my work uniform - the same boring knee-length black dress I wear every day.

My phone buzzes. It's Becca.

"Spill everything," she demands before I can even say hello. "I've been dying all night."

"It was..." I pause, trying to find words that won't sound completely ridiculous. "Different. Good different. He kept asking these questions about why humans- I mean, why people do the things they do on dates. Like he was studying us."

"Kinky."

"Not like that!" Heat rushes to my face. "Just... thoughtful. He actually listened when I talked about my art. Didn't try to mansplain color theory to me like Derek did."

"Low bar, but continue."

I'm grinning like an idiot while putting on mascara. "We were the only ones in the Egyptian exhibit, and he asked me what I thought happened to all the ancient couples who left love notes in the tombs. If their feelings survived somewhere, somehow. Who thinks like that?"

"Apparently your alien boyfriend does."

"He's not my-" I stop, catching my reflection in the mirror. My eyes are bright, my cheeks flushed. I look... happy. Actually happy, not the forced smile I've been wearing since Christmas. "I don't know what he is. But I want to find out."

"That's the spirit! Now please tell me you're seeing him again."

The giddiness bubbles up again. "Friday. He's planning something but won't tell me what. Says it's another 'social experiment.'"

I untie my apron,ready to collapse after a long shift, when Jack appears at the counter. His presence sends an unexpected flutter through my stomach.