Wanted: Handsome Alien Abductor (11 page)

"This is good stuff.” Ryja stuffed his mouth.

Amber sighed. “It is so lovely it makes me want to cry thinking about going back to a modern theater."

Ryja looked around. She was right. It had a certain atmosphere which was missing from the modern theater he'd visited. There were heavy red curtains all around, probably to sound proof. Above the curtains were intricately carved borders. There were several “boxes” closer to the movie screen, the edges covered in embellished carvings as well.

"This might have been a live theater in the old days,” Amber was staring at the boxes.

"Small Broadway?"

She laughed. “Something like that. Maybe even Vaudeville."

"What is Vaudeville?” After Amber explained how people were entertained in the past before the invention of movies, he determined to add that to his collection. He would enjoy taking in such a show. He glanced sideways at his companion.

"Do you want to see a real Vaudeville show with me?"

"Are you kidding, I'd love to.” Amber's voice had risen, and two people in front of them turned to look.

The movie started and they ignored the couple, watching the screen. A movie projector was a background noise that was noticeable during the quiet times in the film. The screen must be old, for there were a few dark spots that showed up throughout the movie. Ryja concluded that the movies were better quality in the modern theaters, yet there was something nostalgic in the old theaters that held a fascination for him.

Amber couldn't believe her eyes when Ryja beamed them to the small town and then watched a movie in the old theater. It would be something she'd replay in her mind for a long time.

They had eaten a light dinner before leaving the ship, so the scrumptious popcorn and drinks were a welcome addition to their movie experience. Afterward, they strolled the main street and stopped to sit in a small park, since the stores were closed. There was a gazebo and kids running around their parents. It was as if they'd transported back to the 1950's.

Amber mentioned this observation to Ryja and they discussed the world as it'd been in a more innocent age. Malt shops, girls in pony tails, bobby socks, and boys with pompadour hairdos. How the “bad boys” smoked cigarettes and drove hot rods. How parents told their children to be home by dark and never worried about perverts.

They talked about different aspects of the 50's, even the bad, like discrimination. But scattered throughout their discussions Amber began to notice a pattern in Ryja's questions.

When they observed how people had more children in the past, Ryja asked, “Do you have any siblings?"

She didn't, and a thoughtful look came on his face after she answered. Later, she mentioned how moms stayed home and the dads worked. Ryja slipped in with, “Are your parents still together?"

"They both died in a car accident before I graduated college."

"I'm sorry."

She could tell he was, but also that a concentrated look came over his face again. Probably she wouldn't have noticed, but he asked her other questions as well, brilliantly couched in conversational observations.

He might as well have asked her if anyone would miss her if she disappeared. It was a subtle unasked question, yet Amber figured it out anyway. Was he planning on kidnapping her? A chill ran through her. She glanced sideways at him while he watched two children playing tag.

No, that didn't make sense. Everything she'd learned about this strange, fascinating man pointed to an honorable character. Sitting on a park bench surrounded by a nice representation of the human race, Amber realized a great truth. She loved an alien. A man from a far away world. It had been there for days, seething just below the surface, but she kept pushing it down into her unconscious.

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Sensible Amber wouldn't let herself believe until that moment she could fall so quickly. But then, Ryja was everything she could have hoped for in a real list of partner qualities, not the sarcastic one she'd thought up in her hotel room.

She blushed. Ryja fit that list as well, as silly as it seemed at the time. He was handsome like a Viking warrior, loved history, enjoyed captive fantasies, and was an alien. Amber smiled. Somehow the fates knew she'd be a good fit with this hunky alien. Ah, now she realized what number five should be—for the man to be intelligent. Ryja definitely fit that bill, even though he was almost childlike in his joy of exploration.

Or, perhaps it wasn't fate, but Stanley. Of course Ryja had explained how the pink psychic slug searched for his perfect match. If, somehow, this all worked out, she would have to thank Stanley. He'd invaded her mind during her tirade at the hotel, but just this once she would forgive him.

Would this work out? She didn't know. They hadn't even finished their ten dates yet. They had not made love a second time. Ryja hadn't made a declaration of love either. Amber sighed. Was she making too much out of her curiosity?

"Tired?"

"A little.” Amber really wasn't, but she was confused. Later, after they crawled into bed she wondered if it'd just been her imagination, or her own love that sprang to life demanding recognition.

Each date was torture and excitement combined. Every date was romantic in its own way and built memories she would cherish. Her heart raced as she thought about tomorrow. He was taking her to Paris, the most romantic city in the world.

The next morning they dressed in dress pants, paired with and athletic shoes. Though not sure of the agenda, Amber was positive it would include a lot of walking. Ryja looked handsome in his Polo shirt. It clung to his muscular chest and his biceps popped below the short sleeves. She felt pretty in her blue blouse and saw by Ryja's look he thought so too. Amber grabbed a sweater, since it could get chilly in the evening.

They beamed down in a narrow alley, and Amber glanced around, nervous, but they quickly moved into the street. Her mouth dropped. In front of them not a hundred feet away, the Eiffel Tower soared skyward. She stretched her neck back, trying to see the top.

The line to go up was long, but they chatted the time away. When it was their turn, they decided to walk up to the first platform, and then rode the elevator the rest of the way, which seemed to take a long time. Once they got off and she saw Paris spread out around them, she forgot about her impatience on the ride up.

She knew how lucky they were to have a clear day. Amber had heard that often you couldn't see the city because it was cloudy. They spent quite a while walking around, and then descended to have lunch in the Altitude 95 restaurant.

Then they strolled the quaint streets, stopping in many shops, and Amber bought a few small souvenirs. Ryja paid of course, but she would pay him back later. Visiting Nortre Dame was a dream she'd always had, and they both enjoyed it thoroughly. The architecture was lovely, and beyond what she had imagined by looking at photos.

Evening was approaching and they started toward the Arc de Triomphe. It was an awe-inspiring structure. They ate at a cafe, watching people walk by. It was an enchanting evening, but Amber was sad they had no time for the Louvre.

"I wished we had time for the museum.” She knew Ryja would know which museum she meant. They had discussed it before.

"We'll come back.” He patted her hand lying on the table. “We'll need all day for that."

She nodded. A few hours wouldn't suffice for such a huge museum.

Once twilight descended, they walked to one of the nearby bridges, which there were many of in Paris. The sunset over the Seine river was lovely, and the city came to life in a different way when the lights flickered on.

There were lots of people walking by and couples holding hands or with their arms around each other's waist. As if by some internal signal she and Ryja turned, gazing at each other. Amber's awareness shrank, until there was only Ryja. His eyes were filled with heat, but also emotion. Was that love?

He drew her forward, kissing her softly. Her hands ran up his back, enjoying the hard muscles beneath soft fabric. Ryja's hands were in her hair, making her feel like the most desired woman in Paris.

The kisses went on for long moments, sweet at times, then turning to possessive. She could sense his longing as if he'd spoken aloud. Amber moaned and her knees were getting weak. Knowing it was time to cool things off, she pushed back.

"Too much too soon?” His voice was filled with need.

"No, yes.” She shook her head. “Kisses are fine, but we can't make love in public.” Amber interjected humor to deflect her inner turmoil.

The trip back to the ship was uneventful. It took Amber a long time to fall asleep,

for she felt restless and unfulfilled.
It's your own fault
.

The next day Ryja informed her they were going on an evening date to a carnival.

He spent most of the day in the library, doing research for his next project. That scared Amber. Was he close to winding up here on Earth? Surely not.

It made her wonder. Today was their ninth date, which was sped up a bit since normally there was a day in-between excursions. The tenth, and last date was next. They would have sex after, if she chose to.
Don't be silly. How can you even question that
?

The fact that Ryja was preparing for his future adventure so close to their big day made her question his intentions. If Ryja took off after their last date, she would feel used and abandoned.

When she showed up at the dining room for lunch, Ryja wasn't there. But she was determined to find out what was up.

"Ryja is in the library.” Mica had come through the door, carrying a tray.

She already knew that, but nodded as if it was news. “He's doing research for his next historical recording?"

"Yes.” Mica smiled and set a delicious looking salad in front of her.

That was helpful.

"I don't know,” she caught his eye. “It just seems a bit early when he is going to stay here for a while."

Mica shrugged. “It is his normal procedure to start research months ahead."

She was an idiot. He had mentioned once he spent months researching planets before landing on them. Wait, her mind became suspicious. What if he'd already been researching before he met her? Frustrated with herself, Amber asked, “So Ryja plans on staying here a month or two?"

"That's the plan.” Mica threw over his shoulder as he disappeared through the door.

Either Mica was obtuse or he was being honest. Or he'd guessed her concern and chose not to show it. She knew he was intelligent. Amber threw her napkin down. That didn't make her feel any better, so she would go to the source. She didn't want to be a one night stand.

What would be so bad about it, the imp in her mind poked. No one would know but you two. That was it. Could she live with herself if she only had a one night stand with a man she'd fallen in love with?

Amber stared at the wall. She'd walked to the bedroom while lost in her thoughts. It was close to 5:00 pm, when Ryja said to meet him here. Whether she would forgo her own standards was definitely in question. She desired Ryja more than any man in her life. At that self-admission, Roger's strong face came to mind and she flinched.

She did not want to dishonor his memory, but Amber had never wanted her now dead lover as much as Ryja. He consumed her thoughts. She realized that she still loved Roger, and always would, but Ryja filled a need in her she hadn't even known about.

While she waited, her mind flicked to the date night ahead. A carnival. Not in her wildest dreams would she have thought Ryja would pick that activity for the time before the big event. Paris had been dreamily romantic. She thought he'd choose something in the same vein.

Ryja entered the room at that moment, interrupting her thoughts. He was already wearing shorts and a t-shirt, as was she.

"Ready to go?"

She nodded, still a bit confused about the tonight. They beamed down on top of a hill, and had a good view of a sprawling carnival below them. A large roller coaster undulated along the edge, looking like a giant snake. Bright lights and cheerful music came from the carousel, while children's laughter floated upward. She smiled. It had been a long time since she'd been to a carnival.

Ryja had never been to a carnival and they strolled along slowly so he could take everything in. She talked him into riding the roller coaster and though he made a funny face, he didn't throw up. Amber giggled inside. He was a spaceman, he should be used to gravity. Giving the imp free reign, she took him on the Tilt-A-Whirl.

This time, her alien companion did look like he was going to vomit, but swallowed after they got off. A bit guilty, she bought a soda and he looked better after a few sips.

"I'm hungry."

Ryja looked a little green, but he followed her to a food booth. She got them both hot dogs and fries. After they found a spot to sit and he gave them a sniff, he dug in, finishing the dog in a few bites.

"That's good. I'm getting another.” He stood up. “You want one?"

"No, I'm fine.” She finished her fries, happy that Ryja was enjoying the food. It wasn't like eating at a nice restaurant, but there was something fun and nostalgically childish about the experience.

After they finished, Ryja asked about the game booths they were passing. When she explained the dart through the balloon one, he had to try. They both hit several, which seemed to be more luck then skill. But still it was fun and each won a cheap little bear.

They tried more games, and sometimes they were lucky, but the bag they carried

held small stuffed toys which Ryja handed to a small child. Of course he'd asked her first if it was all right and she had laughed. What would she do with them aboard a spaceship?

She dragged him on more rides, and this time he had more fun. Then they played more games, and discovered Ryja was very good at pitching a ball at bottles. He ended up winning her a big prize. She chose a large floppy eared dog that reminded her of the mutt she had when she was little. This time she snuggled it under her arm, and Ryja raised an eyebrow, but he got the hint she wanted to keep this one.