Loving Kale: Selkrian Tales Novella

by Gabriella Clark

  He looked at my lips and murmured “ No. but I may make it a new custom”He let me go reluctantly and let his gaze sweep me from head to toe, taking in my hair up in a messy bun, to my peach summer dress and bare feet. “You look wonderful” I smiled and looked him over as well, he was wearing a pair of faded jeans paired with a blue henley and brown boots. “ Thank you” I said over my shoulder as I led him to my breakfast nook, where I had food already laid out on the table “You look nice too”. He held my chair out for me and once I was seated rounded the table to take his own. He looked at what I had cooked and frowned a little looking confused.

  “I'm sorry” he began “I don't mean any offense but I don't recognize some of these dishes” I chuckled at the apologetic look on his face “That's ok, these are cheesy grits” I said pointing at each dish in turn ‘“these are scrambled eggs of course, there's also some toast with jam and butter and this” I gestured at the last bowl “is corned beef hash cooked crispy, my all time favorite breakfast meat”

  “I've never had corned beef hash or grits before.What is in it?”

  “Well corned beef hash is basically diced potatoes and corned beef which is a type of meat that comes from a cow” I said tapping the rim of the bowl “ and grits are…..hmmmm...you know I never really thought about what grits are. Just trust me they're pretty good”

  “Would you mind if I sample at first?” I picked up his plate and begin to dish up the food “No problem” I made sure to just put a spoonful of both the grits and corned beef hash and then handed the plate to him. I busied myself making my own plate not wanting him to feel self conscious as he tried the unfamiliar dish. I started eating, taking a few bites before looking up. I held back a smile as I noticed him adding more of both to his plate. He looked up at me and said sheepishly “ You were right. It's really good”

  “Great I'm glad you like it” We ate quietly for a few minutes and I was struck again at how easy it was. Most of the time with new people silences were awkward with people rushing to fill it in. Or conversations were stilted with me casting around for something to say. I don't know what it was about Kale but everything was just clicking into place.

  “ So” I began mischievously “ Did you know your name is the same as a vegetable?” He rolled his eyes before saying dryly “ Really? Is this what we're doing now Ms. Jones?” I burst into peals of laughter, out of everything I thought he would have said, that was definitely not on my list.

  He smiled at me “ I know what kale is here on earth, but on my planet Kale means strong. My parents named me that as that is what they wished for me to become”

  I heaved a sigh, boy that laugh was just what I had needed releasing the tension I hadn't known I was carrying “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean any offense. I was just thinking about it and had to say it.”

  “No offense taken, don’t worry about it.” We continued to eat, finishing the last few bites we had left on our plates.

  “Do you have any plans for today?” He asked after taking a sip of his orange juice.

  “Well” I said slowly thinking “not really...nothing terribly important anyways maybe run a few errands and typical saturday adult type chores”

  “How would you like to spend the day with me? In truth I would like you to spend the entire weekend with me but I'll start small”

  “And what would we be doing Mr. Kapena if I spent the weekend with you?” I said flirtatiously.

  “I would love to take you on a little trip..nothing to far maybe down to the beach. We can stay at one of the hotels on the strip, picnic on the beach maybe see a show…” he said enticingly.

  “Hmmmm that does sound good” I said considering it, the beach wasn't really far maybe a hour trip from where we were in the city. I could always leave if things got weird or any probes happened to come out. I nodding my head “Ok let's do it. One condition though”

  “And what's that?”

  I grinned “You help with the dishes” I said waving my hand above the empty plates and bowls on the table. He laughed “You drive a hard bargain but you have a deal”

  We stacked the dirty dishes together and took everything in one trip into my kitchen. It had an open floor plan with hardwood floors and granite countertops that curved around before ending in a bar. There was an island standing in the middle with the breakfast nook we had just been sitting in on the right. I motioned him to set everything down in one side of the divided sink and half filled it with hot soapy water. “Ok so I'll wash and you can rinse and put in the drainer” I said getting to work. He nodded stepping up beside me and taking the dishes I handed him.

  “So how's the food on your planet? You mentioned last night that you thought earth food was better”

  “Our food isn't bad it's just….tasteless compared to yours. Of all the vegetation that grows on our planet not many could be used as seasonings. And we have nothing like chocolate.”

  I shook my head teasingly “ You poor poor Selkrians. Living without chocolate? That must be why your people are travelers, they were searching for their first candy bar!”

  He laughed out loud at that “You may be right there” he said rinsing the dish he held and placing it in the drainer. He looked at me curiously before saying “ I must confess i am surprised that you are unattached. After I first saw you I was prepared to face a number of challengers to win some time to spend with you”

  I chuckled slightly “ Nah, I haven't been accepting any contenders for awhile now. There was just so much going on, I lightly dated while in college but then I was busy with establishing a career and when you guys revealed yourselves….. It just never seemed to be a good time for anything serious” I handed him a towel as I used another to dry my hands “What about you? Do you guys have dating or marriage like we do?”

  “We do both. Unattached males will court the female of their liking to see if their may be a match there. Most of us wait for what you would call our soulmate while others make pairings based on other reasons”

  I nodded and tossed my towel back over the edge of the sink “ All right let me get a overnight bag packed and we can hit the road” He nodded and held up his phone “I'll go ahead and make the arrangements” I turned to go to my room but paused as he placed a hand on my arm.

  “Before I let you go…” he cupped my face and gave me a sweet kiss that quickly turned heated as I ran my hands up his muscled chest. He groaned pulling me closer and moved his hands to grasp me around my waist. He dug his fingers in lightly and slanted his mouth against mine, deepening the kiss. His tongue swept inside my mouth as he turned and lifted me up to sit on the island behind us as I tilted my head giving him greater access to my mouth. He stepped in between my legs, bringing his lower body up close and personal with mines.

  I could feel my breath hitch as I felt the heat he was packing behind his zipper. He ran one hand up my side stopping with his hand spread under my breast, the bottom curve resting against the space between his thumb and forefinger. I moaned as he brushed his thumb along the side of my breast, wishing he would cup it completely. He slowly ground against me and I pulled away to gasp. I clutched his shoulders as he kissed down my throat, his thumb still drawing maddening circles closer and closer to my nipple.

  “Wait” I panted pushing away slightly “The trip…” I took a few deep breaths in an attempt at calming down. He leaned his forehead against mine and we shared breaths for a few moments as our heartbeats slowed down. He rubbed his hands up and down my arms in a brief caress before pulling away and smiling down at me ruefully “Sorry” he said helping me down from the island “ I got a little carried away”. He held up his phone again “ I’ll just go make that call” and hurriedly left the kitchen. I fanned myself as I heard the front door close a few moments later. I walked into the hallway and pulled out one of the carry on bags I used when I had to catch a flight from the hall closet. I continued down the hallway to my bedroom and opened the bag up on my bed. I tapped my chin as I thought this is saturday morning
, we’ll get there around afternoon and wont depart till sometime sunday . I wouldn't need that many changes of clothes, a swim suit for sure and pj’s, a couple of casual outfits and a nice dress just in case he decided to take me somewhere fancy for dinner tonight, should be all I need.

  I started gathering up my choices and folding them into my bag. I was headed into my en suite to grab my toothbrush and hair supplies, when I heard my front door open and close again. “ I’m almost done, just a moment” I called and hurriedly pack the last of my items.

  “No rush”

  I zipped up my bag and took one last look around to make sure I wasn't leaving anything before leaving my room and moving towards my living room where I assumed he would be. As I stepped into the room, he rose frose from the couch and walked towards me. “ All set?” he asked as he reached out a hand and took my carry on from me. I smiled up at him “ Yep, let’s hit the road.”

  We pulled up to the valet station located in front of the hotel, the valet walked up and opened the door for me. After getting out of the car I turned to look at my surroundings. I have been to the beach before but it had been awhile since i’d gone, but everything looked pretty much the same. The strip, the different hotels, restaurants, stores and nightclubs covering every inch of available space. I looked to the left and saw that he had chosen a hotel that was about 10 steps from the sandy shore.

  Palm trees were dotted here and there and the ocean stretched on forever under a beautiful blue sky. I looked up at Kale as he came to stand next to me and smiled “ What a lovely view.” He looked down at me as we began to walk up the cobbled pathway to the door of the hotel. “ It sure is” he replied but was still looking down at me. I blushed in response and mumbled a thank you to the doorman as he held the door open for us. I hadn't changed out of the summer dress I had on during breakfast but I had wrestled my hair into a sleek ponytail while we were waiting for Kale’s personal assistant to drop off his overnight bag. I had also added some mascara and a tinted lip balm, some bangles and a pair of earrings to give myself a more put together look.But from his response, im guessing the extra effort I put was appreciated.

  Check in went by in a whirlwind and it looked as if not only had they been expecting him but were thrilled to have him stay there. The benefits of being a millionaire I guess. Before I knew it we were upstairs in a penthouse and I was surrounded by tasteful art on the walls, marble flooring, and a soft looking dove gray sectional peeking at me from the entry way where I stood facing a huge flat screen tv. A bank of windows covered the entirety of the wall stretching from the dining room that was situated on the left all the way to the right where the living room ended. To my immediate left was the opening for an open floor plan kitchen that featured gleaming appliances and a bar facing the dining room.I moved further into the room, making way for Kale to come in behind me and set our bags down on the sofa.

  “I hope you don't think me too presumptuous” he began looking at me apologetically “ But since our reservation was last minute, this was the last room available. The hotel is quite busy with the summer tourist coming in for the beach.”

  I shrugged and moved next to the window to take in the view, we were on the very top floor and it was breathtaking “ Sure that's fine” I didn't really know what he was trying to apologize for.

  He looked at me for a moment before saying“What i’m trying to say is...There’s only one bed”

  oh...OH! I laughed “ It’s ok kale. We're both adults I’m sure we can survive for one night.” I grabbed my bag from his hand and started moving towards the bedroom door. “I hope you dont snore” I tossed teasingly over my shoulders.

  He followed behind me looking affronted “ I do not snore. Such is unbefitting of a Lakai” he informed me loftily.

  I snorted as I set my carry on down on the little luggage rack set up in front of the closet door and opened it, digging around for my swimsuit. I couldn't wait to get in the water, I was totally counting this is a mini vacay. I found what I needed and turned towards the ensuite. “ I’m going to hit the water, it’s too nice outside to pass up. You coming with?”

  “Of course” he said eyes gleaming “ I wouldn't miss it” he winked at me and turning towards his bag, opened it to retrieve his swim trunks. I shook my head and shut the bathroom door behind me. Once inside I set my swimsuit down and took a deep breath alright mia you can so totally do this, I mean who cares I haven't worn a swimsuit in about 2 years? Who cares that Shaye had bought me this one when we had planned a vacation that had never happened? Who cares that I loved sweets and they loved me back? I kept in reasonable shape always making a point to exercise at least 3 times a week for a hour, I should be ok.

  I must say I really didn't like the way my expression in the mirror looked at me with a yea right cringe. I undressed quickly and put on the bikini Shaye had purchased me. I held up the top of the bikini and eye’d it distrustingly, it look like 2 triangles held up by strings. I shook my head and just put it on, praying to God it held up my d cups adequately, I hadn't really looked at what she had bought me and then when I was packing I had rushed and grabbed the first thing my hands fell on.

  I turned from side to side looking at myself in the mirror, making sure I didn't have any side boob peeking out. Not bad...not bad at all I thought to myself. Pleased with what I was seeing , I put on the bottoms and tighten my ponytail. I headed back out the room and gave a long loud whistle at the sight in front of me. Kale had changed into his swim trunks and he was a sight to see. Wide muscled shoulders with firm pectorals led down to a 6 pack and a narrow waist. He had that coveted v thingie I could never remember the name to pointing down to the mysteries hid by his trunks. His upper body was completely hairless even his arms and legs, which made me wonder if he had any around his cock. I looked up and blushed at the smirk he had and just shrugged “ Hey you put it out there” I said teasingly “ I’m just appreciating the view”

  He laughed and walked toward me, handing me one of the beach towels he must have had brought up while I was changing. “ No problem” His eyes swept me from head lingeringly “You look fantastic although I must insist you walk beside me”

  I took the towel from him and moved towards the door asking over my shoulder “Why do you say that?” I heard a groan behind me and turned around while I wrapped the towel around my waist and tucked it in. He had a dazed look in his eyes and I started, suddenly remembering that I had on a bikini and had plenty junk in the trunk as my mom used to call it. I winced apologetically at him “ Sorry”

  He just shook his head as he came up beside me and took my hand in is. “At least I have my will already filled out” I burst out laughing as he held the door open for me and we headed down to the beach.

  I lounged on the beach some time later, luxuriating in the feel of the warm rays of the sun bathing my skin. Kale had grabbed a beach umbrella from a stand set up by the pool and had planted it down in the sand by my head. We had had to walk a little ways down but had finally came across a semi private little cove that the hotel concierge had told us about. It had been worth it though, while there was some people here when we arrived, they were mostly gone now. To get lunch I assumed and while I was hungry i had wanted to soak up a little more sun first. I opened my eyes slowly when I felt drops of water land on my stomach and looked up at kale as he dropped down next to me on his towel. He lay on his side with his head propped up by his arm and smiled at me when he noticed I was gazing at him.

  I offered him a smile in return and said “ Hey. Having fun?”

  “Oh yes, It’s been awhile since I’ve come but I’ve always loved the beach.” I watched as his eyes roved down my body and slowly slid back up before locking on my lips. He inched closer to me until his chest pressed against my side. I licked my lips in response as his hand rose and he trailed his fingertips up the middle of my belly, through the valley between my breasts and along my jaw until he cupped the side of my face. His eyes searched mine as he came in slowly before dro
pping to my lips as he dropped his head, before closing them fully as his lips met mine. My eyes fluttered closed as well as he kissed me softly, sweetly. His hand held the side of my face gently. I sighed softly as he drew back and smiled down at me. Next thing I knew he scooped me up into his arms as he jumped to his feet. I threw my arms around his neck for support as he took off running towards the water.

  Shrieking with laughter as the water splashed up around us I held on tightly as he waded out until the water came up to his waist. Gasping as a wave splashed me in my face I raised my hands to wipe the water from my eyes. I glared up at him and stuck out my tongue “ Your crazy!”

  Grinning like a maniac he swung his arms from side to side and I realized to late that I had lost my grip on him. “YOU BETTER…” my words trailed off into a scream as he let me go, sending me sailing through the air to come down with a big splash. Sputtering I resurfaced and hurriedly scraped my hair back from off my face as I turned in a circle searching for him. My eyebrows scrunched in confusion, he had disappeared. Just as it occurred to me to look down I felt something slide up my calf. Shaking my leg I hopped away just as he surfaced , laughing at me.

  “Your crazy” I accused again, trying my best not to laugh “ Just a crazy alien bringing me into his web of craziness!”

  He laughed harder, moving towards me and holding my waist with one hand, used his other to finish smoothing my hair back from my face. “ I’m sorry, you just looked so relaxed...I had to draw you into my web of craziness” I could just hear the air quotes as he said it. I grinned evilly at him “ No problem sweetie” I said saccharine sweet, just before I hooked my leg around his and knocked him off his feet. The look on his face just as he hit the water? Priceless.