Page 102 of Love, Legacy, and Little Green Aliens

“Besides,” he continued, “the vortex is centered deep underground, so it won’t matter what we build above.” He’d made that part up, because if he had to pander to the space-cadet crowd, why not join in the fun?

He straightened his shoulders and gazed directly into the camera. “To all those involved in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, I invite you to visit the cosmic transmitter’s new home in our shopping center located on the site, opening Memorial Day weekend.” He’d have to race like hell to meet that deadline, but Hannah and Garrett were right—a smart businessman would take advantage of the hype.

He showed the camera his cheesiest grin. “You won’t find a finer place to spend the holiday weekend than Trappers Cove.”

The reporter gulped, and so did Hannah. “You’re staying?” she whispered.

He pressed a kiss to her temple and murmured, “When the woman I love is here, wild aliens couldn’t pry me away.”

Heedless of the camera, she threw her arms around him and kissed him breathless, a move she was damn good at.

“One last question, Mr. Anogos.”

“Anagnos,” they both chorused.

“What are going to call your new shopping center?”

“Yeah.” Hannah goosed his butt. “What are you going to call it?”

He goosed her back. “That’s a surprise.” Turning to the news crew, he waved a cheerful goodbye and shut the door in their faces.

Back inside the RV, Hannah squealed and squeezed him painfully tight, then jumped backward at his yelp of pain.

“Oh God.” She clapped her hands over her mouth. “I’m sorry, Xander.”

From his seat at the dinette, Garrett gave them a slow clap. “Outstanding.” He pushed to his feet. “Welp, I’ll leave you to sort out the particulars.”

“Wait,” Hannah blocked his exit. “Were you in on this?”

“Nah.” The big beanpole grinned. “All the good parts were Xander’s idea. I was just stage crew.” He tipped an imaginary hat. “Evening, you two.”

The door closed behind him with a bang.

“C’mere, beauty.” Leaning on his crutch, Xander hobbled to the dinette, sat down, and patted the bench. “Gimme those gorgeous legs.”

She scooted in beside him and gingerly placed her legs over his lap. “This doesn’t hurt?”

“Not one bit. Now, we’ve put this off long enough.” He stroked and kneaded her calves, gratified by her purr of contentment. “You’ve been apologizing for the past two weeks, so please, I need you to understand something.” He threaded his fingers into her hair. “I forgive you, Hannah. You were trying to help me.”

Unshed tears glittered in her beautiful chestnut eyes. “My help could’ve gotten you killed.”

“Not if Colonel Space Fart had listened to you. You had no way of knowing he’d file an injunction and summon a mob.” He traced her cheekbone with his thumb. “Did you, TC Native?”

Laughing, she leaned into his caress. “Busted.”

“Beautifully so.” He skated his fingertips over the curve of her breast. “And thanks for calling off the rabble.”

“It’s so unfair of them to blame you. I mean, they saw the building fall down with their own eyes. They watched the ambulance carry us away.”

He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her palm. “You endangered your own life to save mine.”

A tear trickled down her cheek. “I didn’t think. I just ran.” Seizing his hand, she kissed his palm. “Because I love you, Xander.”

Joy filled him like sunshine, making him so buoyant, he’d have floated away if not for Hannah’s legs anchoring him. “Really?”

Gingerly, she eased onto his lap and pressed her lips to his, whispering into her kiss, “Really, truly, deeply, madly, a thousand million percent yes.”

Just as carefully, he shifted his hips, pressing his arousal into her soft ass. “I’m the happiest man who ever breathed.”