A Cosmic Connection: A Holiday Sci-Fi Romantic Comedy Short Story

Holiday chaos is universal. So is falling head over tentacles.

When a case of mistaken mistletoe etiquette leads to a very public, very unexpected kiss, there are three things Xyl keeps reminding herself.

One: Glipthorian protocol clearly states that all unintentional physical interactions must be handled with grace, dignity, and absolutely no further lip contact.

Two: This mission is critical—not only to Earth-Glipthor relations, but to her dream of being promoted to Senior Envoy before the next star cycle.

Three: Ethan Caldwell’s smile, which shouldn’t destabilize her molecular structure nearly as much as it does, is starting to feel like a gravitational force all its own.

But the problem is, the more time they spend together under the Embassy’s flickering Christmas lights, the harder it is to remember what’s diplomacy and what’s… destiny.

And as misunderstandings, singing snowmen, and one very determined squirrel threaten to derail her assignment, Xyliara must decide: is this a cosmic mishap—or the first spark of a love written in the stars?