A shiver of nerves zips up my spine as I wait in the empty parlor. Most days, this place is hopping with customers or random beings coming off the street to catch a glimpse of the inside. I certainly feel that after peering at all the colorful designs etched on the walls outside. The bold lines and swirls filled with riots of color are so different from the sterile architecture that compromises the rest of the station. They are imperfect, and as a human in a world surrounded by nonhumans, the sight was welcome.

It’s my first time stepping into a place like this, and for some reason, I thought it was a good idea to come by myself. There is a sense of naughtiness in being here, something I don’t particularly want anyone I know to witness. An intriguing desire overwhelms me. I can’t help robotically opening the door as if a host seeker has taken over my body. 

No, don’t think that. Host seekers live in RY-Ker, an entire system away. 

“Serina?” A voice calls, startling me. 

A bright orange male stands in the doorway, staring at me.  My mouth drops open in awe. A Joor. A rarity on this side of the galaxy because they usually stay closer to their home planet JoorDu. 

His lips curl in an amused smirk after catching me ogling him. A flush rose on my face, and I am glad my skin tone makes it harder for people to notice. I stand with jerky movements trying my best to appear calm and confident. He gestures to the room beyond and smoothly steps aside to allow me to pass. Unfortunately, he underestimates how big he is in comparison to the doorway. His moving aside meant I had to brush my entire side across his front to get through. 

“Excuse me!” I squeak, vaulting past him. 

It didn’t matter that I was quick. Speed could not hide the hard muscles under the thin body suit covering his chest. 

Don’t think about his brawny physique. Don’t look at him. 

As soon as the thoughts flit through my mind, I glance over to check out his physique. 

Damn. He’s fit. 

Luckily while my traitorous eyes rake over his form, he turns his back to place a pair of latex gloves on.

“So, what are we doing today?”

My tongue darts out to wet my dry lips, catching his eyes. He is now staring at my mouth before he continues talking. 

“Maybe lips or tongue?”

Yes, please. A good tonguing would be very nice. But my mouth answers more appropriately.

“A helix piercing in my upper lobe.” I point out the spot on my ear, turning my head for good measure. Not all species had hearing orifices in the same area, so it never hurts to show the exact location. 

“Here?”

He glides his gloved hand over the delicate shell of my ear, the latex cool against my skin. I breathe a little deeper and stare straight ahead, right into silver eyes, studying me intensely. His touch leaves my body, and I almost reach up to place it back. 

What’s wrong with me? 

I have never reacted like this to someone I find attractive, at least not this obvious. Quickly, he grabs his small tray holding a gadget that will pierce my ear and inserts the earring where he programs it. It reminds me of the old-fashioned sewing machines that puncture in and out through the cloth. 

“Please lie down,” he says huskily, motioning toward the medical bench in the center of the room. Clumsily, I lift myself onto the table, lying back with my arms folding over my chest.

Relax. You’re getting a piercing, not an operation. 

He stood above, gazing down at me. Reaching out to tilt my head, he soothingly runs a hand down my cheek. 

“A quick sting, and then we’ll be done.” 

The coolness of the numbing gel causes goosebumps on my neck as he applies it liberally on my ear. Then both his hands are there, and before I can take a deep breath, there is a slight pain and a throbbing sensation. 

“All done. You did well.” He praises and pats my head before placing the gun in a nearby sterilization machine. 

I sit up and mechanically begin to walk. Once in the waiting room, I remember that I haven’t paid. 

“Oh, I’m sorry!” I exclaim as I run back, only to be stopped by him. 

“It’s alright. Here.” He holds his wrist to mine so our mobile monitors can transfer credits. 

When the tell-tale beep confirms the transaction is complete, I move my arm back, sad that I cannot think of a reasonable excuse to stay longer. I straighten myself, ready to complete my embarrassment by asking a stranger out on a date. However, I haven’t even opened my mouth to begin when he interrupts me. 

“I also gave you my monitor address. I get off work at 1700 spans, so we can grab a meal afterward. Meet me here?” 

Dumbfounded at how he had taken care of everything, I nod. With a sweet smile, he walks me to the door waving as he goes inside. I stare at the swirling colors painted on the shop front, a stupid grin spreading across my face.