Love, Legacy, and Little Green Aliens

Excerpt: 

“You okay, Xander?”

Stupid question. Face pale, lips clamped tight, forehead dotted with sweat, he was clearly as far from okay as Trappers Cove was from Australia.

His nostrils flared in a deep inhalation. Who knew nostrils could be so sexy?

She rubbed his arm from elbow to shoulder and found his muscles so tense she might as well be stroking marble. “I thought you were exaggerating about that second son business, but it looks like you understated the problem.”

He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I can’t stand to listen to them shredding Gus. My uncle was a good man. An oddball, yes, but so what? He was generous and kind and funny and—”

“Hey.” She grasped both his shoulders and turned him to face her. “You’re doing the right thing. You are a loving, loyal nephew. And in a couple hours, all your bitchy relatives will leave, so you can get back to remodeling Souvenir Planet. I have faith in you, Xander. You’re going to make this place shine brighter than ever.”

His eyes widened. Okay, maybe she’d gone too far, but the only way through this debacle was forward.

“You’ve got this, my friend.” She rose on her toes and pecked his cheek. At least, that was her intention, but a loud bang from across the room jerked his head around, and her chaste kiss landed on his lips. His soft, plush, slightly parted lips.

Xander gasped and blinked hard and fast, as if she’d blown dust into his eyes. “What the hell was that?”

A flush roasted her cheeks. “Sorry, I slipped.” She took a step back—well, she tried to, but he gripped her elbows, holding her in place.

“That was totally inappropriate,” she spluttered. “I apologize, Xander.”

A flicker danced in his dark irises—amusement or something more interesting? A corner of his mouth ticked upward. “I meant the noise, not the kiss.”