The heat of his alien touch gently strokes my heart and fills my soul with a joyous glow. Jake says, "I never want to leave your arms, Hannah, and I promise I'll never leave your heart."

  I squeeze my arms tighter around his body, and the faint scent of our combined musk fills my nose as I let out a sigh of happiness. I think about the final painting I wouldn't let him see. It's so beautiful that tears come to my eyes as I think about it.

  "Hannah? What's wrong?"

  I remember when he found me in my studio crying because I was sure I'd lose my show and ruin my career. I thought I had to let him go, but Jake showed me the only thing standing in the way of my dreams was me. When he gave me his music to listen to, he helped me open up my heart and feel. Enough that I was able to let my emotions out and put them onto my canvas. I smile through my tears. "Nothing." I kiss him tenderly. "I can't wait for you to see my final painting, because then you'll understand." Jake kisses the top of my head and I nestle into him to bask in the aftermath of our lovemaking.

  * * *

  Champagne glasses clink as a waiter sets them out to be filled. I gaze around at Miranda Johnson's gallery, full of my paintings. The lighting is nothing short of perfection, and there is nothing more that could be done to present my work any better. I notice the willowy figure of Miranda with her flaming red hair piled high in a sleek style that fits her glamorous look. Nerves made my palms damp with sweat, and I slide them over the hips of my dress as I walk toward the smiling woman. I say, "Everything looks amazing, but I expected nothing less."

  "Did you notice how many of your paintings have already sold?" asks Miranda.

  I nod. "It's incredible. You have very generous clients."

  "I have to tell you, you've received some outrageous offers on the painting you want to keep. Are you sure you won't sell it?"

  I shake my head. "Never."

  "Very well," she says, and she glances past me toward the door.

  I turn and see Jake. "Excuse me," I say as I rush over to him. I lift up on my tiptoes to kiss him quickly and grab his hand.

  He chuckles and says, "I'm not sure who's more excited to see your final piece."

  I lead him over to the painting, and when he sees it he lets out a small gasp. It features a senior couple. The man is slightly behind the woman with his arms wrapped around her waist. She's gazing into his eyes with a smile that glows beneath her time-worn face, and his eyes are the warm brown of Jake's, and the glassiness gives the viewer the impression he's so moved by their love he's tearing up.

  "Do you like it?" I ask as I place my hand on the small of my husband's back. He gazes down at me and his eyes shine with moisture that mimics the painting. "I love it." He lifts me up off my feet and kisses me hard before he sets me back down, and tears spring to my eyes. He sniffs before he says, "It's perfect."

  "It's the way you make me feel." I dab my fingers in the corners of my eyes to keep my mascara from running.

  He smiles and takes my hands to squeeze my fingers tight. "You may not be an alien who can get inside me, but somehow you saw what was in my heart anyway."

  "Because you showed me how. I love you, Jake."

  "I love you too, Hannah." He glances at the painting. "And I will until the end of time."

  * * *

  Don’t miss an installment from V. Vaughn. Sign up for her newsletter.

  * * *

  More from Greenville Alien Mail Order Brides

  * * *

  Find more great series in the Alien World of the Intergalactic Dating Agency

  * * *

  Check out V.’s world of shifters:

  Called by the Bear

  Tempted by the Bear

  Desired by the Bear

  Rocked by the Bear

  Winter Valley Wolves

  * * *

  V. writes Vampires too!

  Called by the Vampire

  * * *

  Find out more about V. Vaughn at www.violetvaughn.com

  About the Author

  V. Vaughn lives on and island in Maine and spends time as much time outdoors as she can. She’s never seen an alien, but she has hope….

  V. Vaughn also writes Contemporary Romance as Violet Vaughn. You can read more about her Snow-Kissed Romance series here.

  www.violetvaughn.com

  violetvaughnauthor@gmail.com

 

 

  V. Vaughn, Jake

 

 

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