Ella and the Alien Gamer (Intergalactic Brides 10)

by Jessica Coulter Smith

  “How the hell did you know where the buckets were?” Valero asked.

  “Soap,” the boy replied in response to his bad word. Apparently hell wasn’t allowed either. “And I have this game at home. I beat it on the second day. I probably would have done it sooner, but Mama wouldn’t let me stay up playing all night.”

  The boy beat the level and handed the controller back.

  “What other games can you play?” Valero asked. He’d never met such a young gamer before and he had to admit he was a little fascinated. He hadn’t even known such a small human could play video games.

  “I have Minecraft, Sonic, Lego Harry Potter, Lego Star Wars, and a few others.”

  “What about Halo or Gears of War?” Valero asked.

  “Mama says they’re too violent for me. But I wish I could play them. The kid games are too easy. I don’t see why the adults are the only ones being challenged.”

  Valero’s eyebrows went up. A challenging children’s game? Was there a market for such a thing? Unless this child was a gaming prodigy, then there were probably others out there feeling his same frustration. Definitely something worth looking into.

  “What types of challenges would you like to see in a game?” Valero asked.

  “Well, I like the time challenges where you have to complete so many tasks in a certain amount of time. I like the fighting levels in Lego Star Wars. But collecting stuff like the rings in Sonic or the gems in Spyro can be fun. I just wish you could do more with it.”

  The kid was rather insightful for someone so young. And he was giving Valero an idea. His game company was still in the fledgling stages and he needed something new and edgy to put him on the map. Or so he’d thought. Maybe he was looking at the wrong demographic. He’d been thinking of a game adults would like where you blew up stuff, but if gamers were starting out as young as this kid, children who weren’t allowed to play the more violent games, then maybe he needed to tap into that audience. The only problem was that his game testers were Rory and Zwyk, and neither would be able to give him the information he needed.

  “He’s not bothering you, is he?” a soft voice asked.

  Valero stood and faced the woman, and damn near swallowed his tongue.

  “I, um… No! He’s not bothering me. He actually helped me figure out the level on the game I was playing.”

  She smiled a little. “He loves video games.”

  “Can I play some more, Mama?” the little boy asked.

  “Connor, this man was already playing. Mind your manners.”

  Valero handed the controller back to Connor. “I think you’re doing a better job than I was. Why don’t you finish playing? Or if you prefer something else, Zwyk and Rory have a ton of games. I’m sure there’s at least a few your mother would approve of.”

  “Can I, Mama?” he begged.

  “All right. But if someone else wants a turn, you give them the controller.”

  The little boy gave a whoop and leapt onto the couch to settle in and play the game. Valero smiled at his enthusiasm before facing the mother once more. He moved a little closer and held out his hand. “I’m Valero.”

  “Ella.”

  His hand closed over hers and a little jolt went up his arm. Since moving to Earth, he’d never felt such an instant attraction to someone before. He’d gone on dates, but they were lacking. There was humor glinting in her eyes as she smiled a little wider and he realized he was staring at her like an idiot and hadn’t released her hand. “Do you play?” he asked.

  “Me? Um, no. I’ve never understood the draw of video games. I’m more of a reader.”

  He leaned against the sofa and folded his arms over his chest, feeling a bit of a thrill when her gaze was drawn to his muscles and she licked her lips. Good. The attraction wasn’t one sided. The question was, what did he want to do about it? He’d never dated a mother before. He knew others of his kind had adopted human children as their own, like Reyvor and his houseful of girls.

  “What do you like to read?” he asked.

  “Romances.” Her cheeks flushed. “I like the hope in them. No matter how dire the heroine’s circumstances in the beginning, she always finds her happily-ever-after. Whether it’s a knight rescuing her from a tower, a billionaire who falls for the poor waitress, or a shapeshifter who finds his mate, everyone falls in love at the end and all their dreams come true.”

  He smiled. “And what’s your dream?”

  Her expression sobered. “To provide a happy and stable home life for my son. I hate telling him he can’t have things, or wondering if he’ll have a good Christmas or birthday. And I’m tired of struggling to pay the rent.”

  She blinked at him in surprise, as if she hadn’t meant to admit so much to a complete stranger. He’d been told he was a good listener and people divulged secrets to him even if they didn’t want to. His family had tried to get him to become a warrior, a spy to be exact. Valero hadn’t had the slightest bit of interest in it. He’d gone through the warrior training, but in the end, he’d been miserable. When others of his kind started making their homes on Earth, he’d jumped at the chance for a new start. A chance to be anything he wanted. It hadn’t taken him long to discover video games, and shortly after that, he’d figured out how to create them and had discovered his true passion.

  “I’m sorry,” Ella said. “I don’t know why I said all that.”

  “Not to pry, but are things hard at home? Since you’re here alone, I’m assuming Connor’s father isn’t in the picture?” At least, he was hoping the bastard was long gone.

  “No, we split up in high school and I haven’t seen him since. Not in person anyway.”

  His brow furrowed. “How do you see him if not in person?”

  “He’s a football star now. I would sometimes see his college games on TV and now he plays for an NFL team. He’s done well for himself, but he’s not part of our lives. He didn’t even want to know if I was having a boy or girl, so I had him sign away his rights to Connor.”

  “Your job doesn’t provide everything you need?” he asked.

  “I can only work part time while Connor is in school, and all I know how to do is waitress. I took some computer classes in high school, but all of the office jobs around here are full time. Whatever extra money would be in my check would just go straight to daycare, and I don’t like the idea of strangers raising my son.”

  What the woman needed was a husband, but he wasn’t about to say any such thing to her. No, he wasn’t about to offer his services no matter how tempting. With that fiery red hair of hers, she’d probably slap the hell out of him for even suggesting it. He’d discovered early on, and the hard way, that redheads were feisty and quick to temper. That didn’t mean he couldn’t help her though.

  “What if you could work full time and the daycare was on site and completely free?” he asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  “The Terran Station is looking for a new receptionist. Our last one flirted with one too many warriors, even the married ones, and was asked to leave. Most likely because she especially flirted with the married ones. It would be during the day and there’s a daycare at the station. You could see Connor during your break and even have lunch with him.”

  “He goes to kindergarten until two o’clock. I’d have to pick him up.”

  “How about this: you apply for the job tomorrow, I’ll even put in a good word for you, and if you get hired we’ll figure something out for picking up Connor. Avelyn and Thrace aren’t here today, but their daughter Lily goes to the elementary school. I’m sure she’d be delighted to pick up Connor and bring him to you.”

  Her lips tipped up on one corner. “You’re volunteering someone without even asking them?”

  “It’s Avelyn. She loves kids.”

  Her eyes narrowed a bit. “Why are you helping me? I’m a complete stranger.”

  He rubbed his jaw. “My reasons aren’t completely altruistic. There’s something I want. Two somethings actually.
”

  She tipped her chin up. “And what’s that?”

  “I’d like Connor to help me sometime in the near future with a game I’m developing. I need a game tester who is around his age, and he seems to love playing. He’d get to try something new no one else has played, and in return he could tell me what he liked or hated about the game.”

  “I don’t know…”

  “I’ll pay him. Whatever amount you think would be fair.”

  Her eyebrows went up and he could tell she was thinking about it.

  “What was the other condition?” she asked.

  He grinned widely. “You go on a date with me.”

  Her lips parted and her eyes widened a little bit. She looked so stunned he had to wonder when the last time was that she’d gone out and had fun. Stupid human males. Although, he should probably be thanking them for their idiocy. They may have left her unattached, but Valero had no intention of letting this little beauty slip through his fingers.

  “You want to go on a date… with me?”

  She made it sound like it was the most absurd question she’d ever heard. Since she had a child and an ex, he had to assume she’d been on dates before. She opened and closed her mouth several times, staring at him as if he’d grown three heads.

  “You make it sound like a ridiculous idea. I’m trying to decide if I should be insulted.”

  “No! It’s not that. It’s just… no one has asked me out since…” She glanced in Connor’s direction.

  Valero had no idea how old the boy was, but he found it hard to believe that no one had asked her out in years. She was stunning, and seemed sweet. Of course, she did have that red hair. It was possible she had a wicked temper and that tiny body contained a tempest waiting to break free at a moment’s notice. He smiled a little at the thought.

  “It’s amusing I haven’t had a date in five years?” she snapped.

  “No. I was just thinking that luck was on my side. If you haven’t had a date in five years, then you don’t have a boyfriend right now.”

  “Oh.” Her anger deflated. “You want to date a broke single mom? You’re a Terran. Don’t tell me that the women aren’t lining up for a chance to go out with you.”

  “I’ve been on dates. They bored me, but something tells me that you’re quite entertaining to be around.”

  She looked at Connor again. “We’re a package deal, you know? Dating me isn’t as simple as last minute plans or going out for all hours of the night. I’d have to arrange a sitter for Connor on the times he didn’t go with us, and there would have to be times he went too. Are you sure you know what you’re getting into? I mean, no offense, but you don’t exactly seem like the type to hang out with kids all the time.”

  His smile faded. She’d seen one interaction with her son and already she knew he wasn’t well versed on small humans. Maybe he really did need to borrow Reyvor’s kids for a day or two. How hard could it be to wrangle a few kids?

  “Just give me a chance,” he said. “I may surprise you.”

  “Very well. I’ll give you one chance. You’ll either pass with flying colors, or you’ll run screaming in the other direction.”

  Valero wasn’t sure if he should be scared or not.

  “Puck’s Pizza Palace.” She smirked. “You. Me. Connor. Tomorrow is Sunday so it shouldn’t be too busy. We can meet there at eleven.”

  “What is a Puck’s Pizza Palace?”

  Ella’s grin widened. “A children’s paradise.”

  Something told him this wasn’t going to be an ordinary date. The evil glint in her eyes told him he might not survive the day.

  Chapter Two

  Ella knew it was mean to make Valero meet them at Puck’s, but if the man couldn’t handle being surrounded by screaming children it was better to know up front. Besides, it might be amusing to see the look of stark terror on his face when he stepped inside. She should have picked somewhere cheaper, but selfishly, she’d wanted her son to have a good time. The last time they’d come to Puck’s was for a party Connor had been invited to. It wasn’t a luxury she could usually afford.

  “Mama, can I please go play?” Connor asked for the hundredth time.

  “In a minute, baby. We’re waiting on Valero, then you can get a wristband and ride some of the rides or play in the tunnels if you want. Just stay out of the bigger kid areas.”

  “But he’s taking forever,” Connor whined.

  Ella looked at her watch. 11:15. He was late, but not horribly so. Of course, that fifteen minutes might as well have been an hour to Connor, who danced around her feet like a hyper Pomeranian. She was about to give up and break Connor’s heart by telling him they had to leave when Valero strolled through the door. And froze.

  Yep. There was the look of fear she’d waited for. It was downright comical and she wondered if he stood there long enough if his face would freeze that way. She didn’t want to give up their prime table so she waved like a lunatic, even jumping up and down, until she caught Valero’s attention. He still looked shell-shocked when he reached her side.

  “Is it always this loud?” he asked, leaning close to be heard.

  “Nope. This is a quiet day.”

  The horror-stricken look made her laugh.

  “Kids can’t be like this all the time,” he said. “They’d all be homeless and their parents would be committed.”

  She snickered a little. “It’s not so bad once you get used to it. I’m going to let you go with Connor over to the counter to get everything we need to get the fun started. I’ll make sure no one takes our table.”

  Connor lifted his hand and when Valero gave him a puzzled look, Connor gripped the alien’s fingers and began leading him away. Ella smiled as she watched them make their way to the counter across the room. Connor was waving his hand wildly and she knew he was explaining how things worked, and probably trying to wrangle the most expensive wristband out of the alien. Maybe she should have warned Valero ahead of time.

  When they returned, Valero and Connor were in an animated discussion.

  “What about a dinosaur hunting game?” Valero asked. “That wouldn’t be as violent as, say, Gears of War. Surely that would be mom approved.”

  Connor shrugged. “I think it’s been done already.”

  “Well, what kind of game would you like to play? If you could play anything at all…”

  “Maybe something kind of like World of Warcraft but not so adult?” Connor asked. “I’d love to play a troll and smash things with a giant club.”

  Valero rubbed his chin. “You know, I can’t exactly copy World of Warcraft, but what if we had a mountain troll, with a giant club, who had to smash fairies that would be depicted as yellow glowing lights in order to gain health points?”

  Connor’s forehead scrunched. “Can he use the club to bash other things?”

  “Sure. He can use it to break down doors, or maybe he can use it to attack the bad guys. What sort of bad guy do you think a troll would fight?”

  “An evil wizard?”

  Valero was nodding. “With a beard and a walking stick that he uses to cast his spells.”

  Connor grinned. “I think I like this game. Are you really going to make it?”

  “I think I just might. But I’m going to need your help, and if your mom approves, you’ll not only get to be the first little boy to play the game, but I’ll pay you too.”

  Connor’s eyes lit up. “Then I could come to Puck’s whenever I wanted.”

  Valero smiled a little. “You want to be paid in Puck’s gift cards?”

  Connor nodded eagerly.

  “If you two are finished discussing video games…” Ella held out her hand. “Hand me the wristband, Connor.”

  He pouted a little at having his grownup conversation cut short, but handed over the band. Just as she’d thought, it was the blue one, which gave him unlimited everything and moved him ahead in line of everyone wearing a green wristband. After she fastened the band on Connor’s wrist, she
shooed him away. Then she held out her hand to Valero.

  “What?” he asked.

  “Receipt. I think you got hustled by a five year old.” He handed it over and she shook her head. “One cheese pizza would have been sufficient with three drinks and a green wristband. He talked you into both a cheese and a sausage pizza, breadsticks, an unlimited pitcher with three keepsake cups, and an upgraded wristband.”

  Valero shoved his hands in his pockets. “Does he get to come here often?”

  “No. Maybe once or twice a year.”

  “Then what’s the harm if he gets a little spoiled today? If you’re worried about the money, don’t. I have it covered. Today’s activities aren’t going to deplete my accounts.”

  She blinked. “Accounts plural?”

  “I have a checking account here, a savings account, then there’s my stock portfolio, and the funds I still have back on my world in case I return at some point.”

  “What is it exactly that you do?”

  “I design video games. Now. I was a warrior on my world. It paid handsomely, but I hated it. Going into battle didn’t fulfill my dreams like it did for so many others. I wanted a different life, so I came here about two years ago. At first, I worked as a guard at the Terran Station. Again, excellent pay, but not what I wanted to do. Then one of my friends introduced me to video games and I fell in love right away.”

  She smiled. “Now you sound like Connor. All he talks about are video games.”

  “He’s rather good at them, from what I’ve seen. He could be a professional gamer one day.”

  “That’s a thing?” she asked.

  “It’s not something people generally do for a long time, but he could easily go pro for several years. If he’s a top gamer, during that time he could earn two hundred thousand or more. Maybe even closer to five hundred thousand.”

  Ella’s jaw dropped. “Are you serious? He could make that in a few years? It would take me a decade or more to earn that much.”

  Valero motioned to the table. “Should we sit, or do you need to follow Connor?”

  She plopped onto the bench seat. Valero gracefully slid into the seat across from her. If a gamer could make that kind of money, she could only imagine how much the creators made. No, actually, she couldn’t. As someone who had worked for minimum wage her entire life, having that kind of money was just beyond her reasoning. She’d thought there would be a huge gap between them because she was human and a single mom. Now, she had to add that he was apparently rather wealthy. If she dated him, would he think she was after his money? The thought sickened her a little.