“I’m not hairy either.” Richard grinned. “I’d be willing to show you my back. It’s all smooth skin.”

Creek laughed. “No thank you. You are mated and I don’t want your mate to feel the need to attack me for seeing you undressed in any way.”

“It’s just my back.”

Creek smiled. “That would be enough for a mate to go after someone. Species don’t appreciate anyone looking at anything on their mates.”

Zandy finished her lunch while her friends continued to tease each other. Her gaze wandered around the cafeteria, unable to resist any longer, and located Tiger sitting at a table by the buffet area. He happened to look up while she watched him and their gazes met. She couldn’t look away but he finally did. He glanced at the man to his left, said something, but focused back on her immediately. She smiled and lowered her eyes that time.

Creek suddenly sniffed loudly and turned to frown at Zandy. A smile curved the woman’s mouth and she winked.

“What?”

The smile widened. “You are interested in one of the males here.”

“No,” she lied.

“Scents don’t lie. You are aroused. It is very faint but there. I wouldn’t have picked it up but we are sitting close together.”

“She’s aroused, huh? Damn. Love this job.” Richard chortled.

Zandy shot him a dirty look. “Knock it off, Richard.” She addressed her friend next. “Can we never discuss that again? Please?”

“Oh.” Creek nodded. “You are shy about sex. I understand but one of them has caught your attention. I will introduce you to whichever one holds your interest if you want to share sex with him.” She smiled. “Just don’t go near him if you aren’t ready to do that because he will know you are aroused. I would actually avoid going within five feet of any of the males while you are in this state. They will scent it and ask you to share sex with them.”

Richard laughed so hard he nearly fell out of his chair. “Oh man.”

Zandy sighed, glaring at him. “I’m glad you’re so amused by this.”

Creek studied Richard. “You are amused by her shyness? Are you shy, Richard? You should shower before you come to work if you share sex with your mate. You did that with her this morning and she is in heat.”

Richard stopped laughing and paled. “She’s in what?”

“Heat. She is able to get pregnant right now. I think you call it ovulating?”

It was Zandy’s turn to laugh. “You did the wife this morning, huh? Didn’t you say you were thinking about another baby? Maybe you got one.”

“You can smell that?” He gawked at Creek.

“Yes. I suggest you stay five feet from my kind as well until you shower.” She winked at Zandy. “He isn’t laughing anymore.”

“Nope, he’s not. He kind of looks embarrassed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“My pleasure.”

Richard stood. “Time is up. We need to meet our escort.”

Zandy waved to her friend as she stood, took care of her tray, and followed her coworker outside. Snow was a very tall blond Species male with sky-blue eyes and shoulder-length hair. He kept glancing at her as they walked to the Jeep and continued to keep looking at her as he drove them back to her building.

It bugged her enough that she finally said something when they reached the door. He had insisted upon following her all the way to the entrance. “What?”

A grin twisted his lips. “Do you find me attractive?”

Richard began to laugh. Zandy clenched her teeth, a bit annoyed with her coworker. It wasn’t funny. She was more than a little embarrassed.

“You’re very attractive but you aren’t the reason if you’re smelling me.”

“Too bad.” His gaze traveled down the length of her body. “You really smell good and I would share sex with you.” He stared into her shocked gaze. “It would be very enjoyable for both of us.”

Laughter sounded behind her as Richard opened the door to their office. Zandy just wished he’d trip and land on his face as heat blossomed in her cheeks. The whole smell thing with New Species wasn’t humorous in the least.

“I’m flattered but no thank you.”

Disappointment showed clearly on Snow’s features. “I’m your escort today and will take you to your car when your shift ends. Think about it.”

She fled inside and was glad to close the door. Richard flopped into his seat, gave her a wink and chuckled. “See why I love my job? Never a dull moment.”

“Shut up, Mr. Sex In The Morning. Don’t you have death threats to read?”

He turned to his computer screen. “At least I had sex. It seems you just want to have it. You should take that tall blond guy up on it. He’s good-looking.”

“You nail him then.” She sat at her desk and turned her chair to avoid facing Richard.

“I’m happily married,” he teased. “Plus, I’m not his type. He didn’t ask me.” He laughed again. “Of course, according to Creek, her males are bigger than humans. Isn’t that tempting?”

“Throwing my coffee mug at you is starting to sound good.”

“Okay. I’ll behave.” He laughed once more. “Don’t you love this job?”

She did enjoy the job but she’d have to be more aware of things. Is there anything a New Species can’t smell? Damn. This is a learning experience. It meant that every time she was turned-on, Tiger would know by smell. It gave him an advantage over her if they continued to see each other. She would only be able to guess what he wanted from her. Their next date was only hours away and she felt nervous.