Merlicious 3

by Cara Preston, Cheryl Bonner, Laura Kitchell

  The cool sweetness of the drink conjured up images of family parties from her childhood. Weekends usually found the Singer home overflowing with her parents’ friends and their families. When was the last time I entertained?

  "Samantha?” Dan's voice intruded into her thoughts, and Samantha realized that everyone was looking at her. “Are you all right?"

  "Oh, sorry. Yes, I'm fine. It's just ... this wonderful meal had me daydreaming about the Sunday dinners my family used to have when I was a kid. I didn't realize how much I missed them."

  "Do you see your family much?"

  Samantha shook her head. “I'm an only child. And after my father died, Mom moved back to the west coast, where she grew up. She says Georgia isn't home without my dad."

  Jen placed her hand on Samantha's. “I'm sorry. It must be hard having your family so far away."

  Samantha smiled at the woman and waved her other hand as if dismissing the idea. “Thank you. But I'm fine, really. The clinic keeps me busy.” She chuckled, “Too busy, if you want to know the truth. I barely have time for anything outside work."

  "Then you must be itching for some girl talk. Why don't you boys go out on the porch and discuss boats or something while Samantha and I clean up?"

  Samantha agreed, and the two women headed for the kitchen, each with her arms full of plates and glasses. Once the table was cleared and the leftovers stored away, they began work on the dishes.

  Jen was an enjoyable companion, relating funny stories about her life with Kurt and their children. Samantha laughed so hard she almost didn't notice when Jen sprung the question on her, “So what's the real story with you and Dan?"

  Samantha didn't know if she was ready to go there. “What do you mean?"

  "Oh, come on. You and Dan. What's up?” Jen's tone held no malice, just curiosity.

  Still, Samantha decided to answer with a question of her own. “Dan and Kurt are cousins. Have you known Dan a long time?"

  Jen chuckled. “Actually, I knew Dan before I met Kurt. Why?"

  "I just can't make sense of him. He's so determined to help his father, but he never talks about him. He never talks about anything, really. I didn't even know you guys lived here until Kurt came to the inn."

  "Samantha, Dan has a lot of pressure on him. People depended on his father, and now they depend on him. He has huge shoes to fill."

  Samantha nodded as understanding dawned. “Dan mentioned something once about the family business."

  Jen paused for a moment. Her eyes darted toward the back porch. “Yes. But I bet he didn't tell you that business is in trouble. Dan's their last hope. If he fails, his family will lose everything."

  Jen glanced again at the men outside. “Well, it looks like we're done here. Let's see what the guys are up to."

  * * * *

  Samantha sat on the big bed surrounded by stacks of notes and articles. She knew she should be working, but she just couldn't concentrate. She was too restless from the day's events.

  They'd stayed well beyond lunch at Jen and Kurt's place, laughing and talking. She'd even seen a different side of Dan. Inside the Davis’ home, he relaxed, the hard glint leaving his eyes.

  Afterward, they'd come back to the inn and enjoyed a late supper. Then Dan excused himself to make some phone calls, promising to join her when he finished. The digital clock on the night stand said ten o'clock when a knock finally sounded at her door.

  "Come in.” Samantha gazed at Dan as he entered the room. Although still sporting the jeans he'd worn earlier, he had replaced his striped polo with a simple black t-shirt. Samantha's insides twisted with desire at the sight of his irresistibly masculine form.

  Dan surveyed the piles around her and raised one eyebrow. “You brought work?"

  "Not work, research. And you should talk."

  "You're right. I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you."

  "Promises, promises."

  Dan took a seat at the tiny writing desk, turning the chair around to face the bed. “Don't let me bother you. Go back to what you were doing."

  Samantha picked up an article and pretended to read. After a second, she looked up. “You know what, I was almost done anyway."

  Dan came over and sat on the edge of the bed, his thigh brushing against her knee. The air between them crackled with expectation. “Did you find anything?” he asked.

  "Nothing new."

  Dan took her hand and laced her fingers in his. “I really am sorry for leaving you."

  Yielding to the desire that hummed through her, Samantha leaned toward him. She looked straight into his eyes as she replied, “I've moved on."

  Dan placed his other hand at the back of her neck and drew her to him. So close that his lips brushed against hers as he spoke. “I still want to make amends."

  "On one condition,” she said.

  "What's that?"

  "You have to promise not to mess up my notes."

  Dan chuckled. “No guarantees."

  The sound of crumpling paper met her ears as he guided her slowly onto the bed. His mouth took hers in a passionate kiss.

  The next thing she knew, they were standing again. Dan's clothes were gone, as were her jeans and panties, and Dan was removing her blouse, one agonizing button at a time. When he reached the last one, he slipped the material over her shoulders and followed with a trail of hot kisses down her neck as he turned his attention to the clasp of her bra. The flimsy garment surrendered easily, leaving Samantha completely exposed to his smoldering gaze. Brushing her body with his as he moved, he reached around her for the bedspread and sent it to the floor. Stacks of papers scattered in all directions.

  "Sorry,” he said in a voice that could melt chocolate.

  "No, you're not."

  "You're right."

  Dan continued where he left off, making his way to her breast and taking it in his mouth. He circled her nipple with his tongue a few times before sucking strongly on the sensitive flesh.

  Samantha moaned at the pull of lust that moved through her body.

  Dan lowered her to the bed again, this time sweeping his tongue over her lower abdomen. His hand followed suit, skimming her thigh before moving in to stroke her intimately.

  Emotions tangled inside Samantha. She wanted to savor the exquisite tension he created. At the same time, her body craved release.

  Apparently, Dan knew exactly what he wanted. He moved so they were once again face to face, and his eyes nearly glowed with the intensity of his desire.

  Samantha wanted to comment, but her words were lost in a new rush of sensation as Dan parted her thighs with his knees and slid inside her. He leaned in to kiss her and began moving with full deliberate strokes.

  Her hands roamed over the tight muscles of his back to the base of his spine and then up again to his shoulders. As they moved, she watched the man above her, wanting to know every expression, every moan of pleasure. To see him finally open up.

  Despite her determination, Samantha was unable to resist Dan's skillful lovemaking. When he began to pump faster, she wrapped her legs around his waist, closed her eyes and gave herself over to the passion swirling inside her.

  * * * *

  Dan lay next to Samantha with his arm around her as she slept. He wished he could stay here forever with her body tucked against his, her soft hair brushing his face, and knew he couldn't deceive himself any longer. He had fallen.

  His kind knew they ignited strong emotions in surface people. Only occasionally did the passion strike both ways. They also knew the futility of banning such unions, despite the possible consequences, and had taken measures to protect their civilization.

  It was just as well-known that the royal line was particularly susceptible. His people endured many periods of turmoil resulting from that weakness.

  But Dan was not about to repeat his ancestors’ mistakes. If the political situation at home didn't resolve itself soon, his kingdom would be torn apart by civil war, and he was not going to let that happen. He coul
d not get involved with a human.

  Not that it really mattered. By this time tomorrow, Samantha would hate him.

  Chapter Five

  Samantha strolled toward the clinic, taking in the weekday activity at the businesses she passed. Just before noon, she pushed through the glass doors, looking around for Carol as she moved toward the front desk. She was dying to tell someone about her weekend.

  When she didn't find the nurse, she stopped at the desk for her messages. At that moment, the clinic director approached.

  "Dr. Singer, before you get started can I speak with you for a moment?"

  Samantha followed her supervisor into his office, taking a chair opposite the imposing mahogany desk.

  "How was your weekend?"

  "Fine. Thank you. How was yours?"

  "Not so fine, I'm afraid. Your last shift was Friday night. Is that correct?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "Was it a typical shift? Nothing unusual?"

  "No, sir. What's going on?"

  "Dr. Singer, when we ran inventory on the medicines Saturday we discovered a discrepancy."

  "A discrepancy?"

  "Missing stock. Do you have any idea what might have happened?"

  "No, sir. I'm sure I locked up Friday night. Were there any signs of a break-in?"

  "There was no break-in. Naturally, we began talking to staff immediately. You remember Michelle Branigan?"

  Oh, no. One of the young nurses who helped her close up. She couldn't imagine the young woman making such a terrible decision. Her career would be over before it even started. Not to mention the criminal charges. “Yes, of course. You don't think she's responsible?"

  "She admitted to removing the medicines yesterday during questioning.” The doctor paused and looked up at Samantha. “She claims she gave them to a Mr. Dan Jacobs."

  Samantha's stomach clenched. She felt the blood drain from her face.

  "Dr. Singer, do you know Mr. Jacobs?"

  "Um, yes.” Samantha looked at the carpet.

  "Several witnesses placed him at the clinic on Friday. Was he here to see you?"

  "Yes.” At least, she thought so.

  "Dr. Singer, given the circumstances, it's policy for you to be suspended pending an investigation. I'm sure you understand."

  Samantha reeled. “Of course.” Finally, she gathered the strength to look at the man. “What happens next?"

  He looked squarely back, but kindness softened his words. “Samantha, I know you didn't have any part in this. Let the investigation take its course, and you'll be back here in no time, with our apologies."

  As he led her out of the room, he offered a final warning. “Obviously, you'll want to exercise some judgment in personal matters for the near future."

  Once she was alone, Samantha leaned against the wall, her head swimming. Her grief gave way to humiliation when she became aware of her co-workers eyeing her with pity as they slipped past.

  She imagined she could read their thoughts. Poor, pathetic Samantha. The man only wanted one thing, and it wasn't even sex.

  No. No. This wasn't possible. She knew Dan. He wouldn't do this. This clinic, her career, he knew how much they meant to her.

  Samantha raised her head high and walked purposefully through the exit and out into the street. The light and activity now felt harsh and chaotic, assaulting her senses and causing her head to throb as she raced to Dan's hotel.

  * * * *

  "Don't come in.” Dan's voice held a strange nervousness.

  What was going on? He couldn't be shy. After the weekend they'd shared, there was nothing left to her imagination. In spite of her anxiety, she smiled at the memory.

  "Dan, open up. Something happened at work. I need to talk to you. It must be a mis—” The words died on Samantha's lips as she pushed open the door and caught sight of the creature behind it.

  He stood facing the mirror, furiously rubbing his wet hair with a towel. As she burst in, he tried to wrap the towel around his midsection, but it was too late.

  His eyes were the same liquid sapphire that had haunted her from their first meeting. His face held the same strong jaw and full lips that had kissed her senseless, and yet the man was different. His skin possessed a translucent quality she'd never seen before. Not on anyone.

  If it were only his skin, perhaps she would have been all right. Perhaps she could move or think or at least breathe. But her breath wouldn't come. Because below the broad chest and strong arms that had made her feel so safe, the eerie skin gave way to a covering of silver gray scales. They ran from his waist down to his calves.

  Samantha continued to stare. After several long moments, she became aware that the animal/man was caught in the same grip that held her. He stood frozen, his face a mixture of surprise, guilt and fear.

  She wondered what her own face held. Disbelief? Disgust? Finally, she found her voice. “Dan?"

  "I told you."

  That's right. He told her he was here to find a cure. He'd said his father was sick. Had Dan contracted the same disease? Why hadn't he mentioned it? Samantha felt almost normal again as her doctor instincts took over. She went to him and began asking questions.

  "Does your father have similar symptoms? Why didn't you say anything? Are you in pain? Feeling weak? We need to get you to the clinic."

  "Symptoms?” Dan looked confused. Then a wry smile crossed his lips. “Yes. I guess my father does have them. But they're not symptoms. I'm not in pain. Please stop so we can talk."

  Samantha groaned. “Crap. If you show up at the clinic, they'll probably call the police. No. We still need to go. Once we're there, they'll have to help you. We can sort out the rest later."

  Dan grabbed Samantha's shoulders and forced her to face him. “Stop. Listen for a minute. I'm not sick. These are not symptoms. This is me. The real me. I told you I was involved in an important project."

  Samantha stood still for a moment as the words sank in. Then she backed away.

  "What are you? A government experiment? An alien? What do you want? Never mind. Just stay back."

  "Samantha."

  "Stay away from me, or I'll call the police. No, I'm calling the police anyway. Tell me what you want. Are you alone?"

  "You know what I want. I'm trying to find a cure for a rare illness. For my father. I need to save my father. Everything I've told you is true."

  "Except that you're human."

  "I never told you I was human."

  The statement knocked the wind out of Samantha's lungs. She looked at Dan in disbelief. “What?"

  "You assumed I was human.” The creature's voice resonated with barely controlled anger.

  She opened her mouth to reply, but Dan cut her off. “You decided what I was and disregarded any evidence that contradicted your idea. The signs were there, Samantha. On the beach. At the hotel. Even when we met I told you why I was here."

  "I assumed you were human? Of course I assumed you were human. What else would I assume?” The words sounded ridiculous to her ears. How could this conversation be happening? Still she continued, “Haven't you studied us? Don't you know Earthlings aren't aware of anyone else?"

  Dan responded to her statement with a humorless laugh. “You really have no idea, do you? Samantha, I am an Earthling. Your people have talked about us for centuries."

  "Talked about who? What are you?"

  Dan's demeanor gave away no emotion. “There are many myths surrounding my people. Nearly every culture that exists near the sea has its own story. In your language, I would be called a merman."

  "A mermaid? You expect me to believe you're a mermaid?"

  Dan stiffened. “Well, I'm not a woman. As you should already know. Which makes me a merman. Apart from that major difference, yes, I expect you to believe it."

  Samantha shook her head. “You can't be a merman. You don't have a tail."

  "I'm not in the water. We wouldn't have survived very long if we couldn't move around on land."

  "But how? You can
't just have skin one minute and scales the next. Can you?"

  "It's complicated. Is this really what you want to talk about?"

  "No. I just want to know why you stole the medicine. Then I want to get out of here and never see you again."

  Chapter Six

  Samantha tapped the desktop with her fingernails as she waited for her email software to open. The vibrations knocked a pile of used tissues to the floor, but she didn't notice. She willed the computer to hurry, desperate for any distraction to take her mind off the odd turn her life had taken.

  After two days of constant crying, her eyes burned. She put her fingers to her head and massaged her temple as her mind replayed the scene in Dan's room.

  She'd listened in shock as he made outrageous claims about the king and an illness that resisted all their traditional remedies. About political enemies exploiting the monarch's condition to win support for a revolution. About his mission to come to the surface and find a cure. The whole story was insane. And, as far as she could tell, it was all true.

  He admitted to taking the medicine. Or rather, he admitted to charming poor Michelle Branigan into taking it.

  That's when the real fireworks had started. Samantha begged him to return the pills, and he fumed that she could choose her rules over a whole civilization, claiming a human couldn't understand what was at stake.

  He had ruined that young girl's career, and maybe hers as well. What did he expect? That she would fall into his arms and ask to be swept away to some island paradise?

  Wasn't that where mer-people lived? Or did they live in the sea like dolphins? Samantha wondered if she was losing her mind, but she pulled up Google and typed in ‘mermaid.’ Seventeen million links. ‘Mermaid lore’ brought up a more manageable two hundred and nine thousand sites.

  Well into the night, she surfed the Internet. She spent a great deal of time perusing legends, laughing out loud at some of the ‘facts’ pertaining to mer-people.

  Other web pages were devoted to artwork, stories and films featuring people of the sea. Most were obviously creations of the artists’ imaginations, but a few seemed quite realistic.