"When I saw you on the beach that day, my cousin was helping me decide the best way to let you know how I felt. She was coaching me on how to get to know you better. I tried to explain, but you didn't listen. My heart just sank because I thought I'd never get the chance with you again."
"I thought you were backing away."
"I'm sorry it seemed that way. But then I saw Josh with you, and I thought it was really hopeless. I saw my chance to get near you again when the creep tried to push himself on you that day in his van. He told me one hundred years ago that he'd be back to try and win you, and that's what he did. I didn't like his attitude toward women then, and I don't like it now."
"He could never win my heart acting like that. He needs to be locked up. He's no lover of mine. You know that."
Marina turned her head up eagerly to meet Dave's lips, and his tongue probed her moist, warm mouth.
Their tongues played a slow, deliberate dance—teasing and twisting in an erotic motion. Sensations they hadn't felt in a long time threatened to overwhelm them. As he kissed her, she felt her legs going through a transformation. Looking down, she saw the start of green scales forming on a glittery tail.
She joined him in a swim, their hearts pounding and their breaths growing shallow before they turned toward the deep. Their spirits were adrift in a calm and welcoming ocean, unbridled, uninhibited and free to be together forever.
The End
Unexpected Truths
by
Cheryl Bonner
Paranormal writer Jessie York's stories cause sensations on land and sea. Mer-enforcer Nick Sirius’ mission is to teach Jessie about merfolk then make her forget.
www.cherylbonner.com
Cheryl loves to hear from her readers
[email protected]
To my husband Carl, my daughters Missy, Maya and Ella and granddaughter Jordan, son-in-law Jeff, thanks for your support and encouragement. Thanks to Lawan, Andrea, Jasmine for your patience. And a special thanks to Denise for giving me the right amount of tough love when I needed it the most.
Unexpected Truths
by
Cheryl Bonner
Chapter One
Jessie York checked over her shoulder before slipping into the room. Her back to the door, she took deep breaths to slow her rapid heartbeat. Note to Shelby, no more large parties, especially if I have to watch him flirt with other women. Jealousy was a feeling Jessie didn't like. She didn't need him as a complication. Didn't need the hassle. Didn't want him in her life. Why couldn't he just stay a friend?
She opened her eyes and blinked. Moonbeams skipped across the ocean into the space illuminating the study in soft pale colors. Luxurious floor to ceiling windows overlooked the ocean. The restlessness of the sea matched her mood. Dark. Demanding. Destructive. On the opposite wall, an oak mantel fireplace competed with the view for attention. Books were scattered on tables, a large desk and on shelves. Pillows of every shape and hue graced the chairs and floor, creating colorful sitting areas throughout the area.
She kicked off her shoes, and her feet sank into the deep pile carpet as she moved closer to the windows. “Impressive."
"I'm glad you approve.” The baritone voice interrupted her musing.
Panic chased away her calm, settling in her stomach like greasy food. Jessie rubbed her damp palms together, turned and tried to make out the man in the shadows. There was something familiar about the voice.
He moved into the light.
Nick Sirius.
She hoped he hadn't noticed the excitement as it surged through her body and into her voice. “Oh, it's you."
His black hair accented his dark clothing. The pants, collarless shirt and jacket wrapped his frame like a second skin. Earlier thoughts of envy faded as she clenched and unclenched her hands.
His eyes mirrored the ocean.
Holy bells.
"Nick, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you would be here.” Jessie glanced around. “I assumed everyone was downstairs at the party enjoying themselves.” She moved toward the door, trying to put distance between them. “I didn't mean to intrude on your space. I was looking for a place to escape from all the fuss.” She motioned toward the papers scattered near a set of cushions. “I'll leave you to your work."
He moved, cutting off her escape route and touched her arm. “You're not interrupting. I've finished."
Warmth traveled from his fingertips and up her arm. She paused and looked into his eyes. Her world expanded and exploded into a thousand pieces. I shouldn't want him. Breathing became difficult, and her heartbeat pounded in her ears.
"Please stay.” He slid his hand down the length of her arm.
"Okay.” Jessie stepped away from him and moved closer to the fireplace. Gazing into the red flames, she hoped for comfort. But none could be found.
Who was she trying to fool? He'd been the fuel for her nighttime drama for weeks now. In her imagination, a wicked human traps him because he tries to stop the stripping of a coral reef. She saves him from death. After the rescue, they are together. His sweat-covered bronze skin moves against hers, slow at first and then demanding. Those dark fathomless eyes belong to her.
His voice disturbed her sensual dreams.
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch the last thing you said,” she said.
"How do you like the party, Lady of the Mer? Isn't that what some of your readers call you?"
She noticed one of his eyebrows raised, daring her to argue. She sensed Nick, underneath the expensive clothes, had a wild streak in him. His picture, no doubt, could be found in the dictionary under ‘trouble’ with a capital ‘T.’ She wouldn't take the bait.
"Why did you leave the party?” His voice was soft, warm and subtle, reminding her of a summer night, long and full of promise.
"It was over the top.” Jess glanced around to figure how far she needed to travel to escape. Four walls, a ceiling and floor. Nowhere to go, she swallowed past the lump in her throat and hoped he didn't notice. The fireplace didn't provide the needed relief.
"Isn't the festive atmosphere what most writers want? A launch with a new publisher. Everyone connected gets bragging rights for fifteen minutes. A few reporters interview and write about how we love our writers. Win-win for everyone."
She watched him move from the door toward the desk. The man walked with a purpose. If she didn't know better, she'd think he was trying to impress her. “All right, not over the top, but just too much for someone like me."
"Someone like you.” His gazed traveled down her body and up to her face.
The heat in his eyes made her shiver with excitement. She shifted, looking for relief from her wet panties. It figures, the first man in months that sends my hormones raging owns the publishing house. He makes the mermen I wrote about look like wimps.
"You're special. Everyone noticed you, Jessica.” Nick leaned back on the edge of the desk. “I've watched you all night.” He crossed his arms. The leather pants hugged him in all the right places, straining against his legs to show every detail of his muscled thighs. Her imagination had failed. Nick's package gave new meaning to heavenly delights.
"I didn't think you noticed.” She licked her dry lips and pulled at her short skirt.
"You're interesting, Jess.” His gaze never left her face.
"I'm only Jess to my close friends.” She pretended to be interested in her shirt's ruffled sleeve.
"So, how does someone earn the privilege of calling you Jess?” His words poured over her like hot fudge over vanilla ice cream.
"I don't make close friends easily.” Fidgeting, she looked at him.
"Neither do I. Tell me, why would a man be interested in a complicated woman?” He advanced toward her.
"Maybe it's a fluke, nothing more than fleeting attraction.” Is he talking about me?
"Do I act on this, or is this something better left unexplored?” He brought his hand up, touched her chin and lifted her face to meet his gaze.
The shifti
ng logs in the fireplace caused Jess to look away from his temping mouth, breaking the spell. “I think this is something best left alone."
Moving toward the desk, Nick pulled a flower out of the vase. “I'm surprised."
"I hope this is not the last time,” Jessie paused then continued, “I mean surprising you. I manage to do that ... a lot."
"You come across as being more daring.” His fingers stroked the flower's petals.
"Where did you get that idea?” Her gaze shifted from his fingers back to his face. She swallowed her thoughts of asking him to do that to her.
"Your books about the mer, our earlier conversations. You're a great writer.” Nick grinned.
The smile sent tingles down to her toes. “Novels are my form of release. An escape. A fantasy."
"Who would have thought Jessica York is afraid of the dark?” Smiling, he raised the flower to his nose and, inhaling deeply, took in the scent.
"Fear is healthy.” She turned her attention back to the fire. It didn't take her mind off the gorgeous man. Desire drove her to watch him again.
"Stimulating and arousing. I'm told the brain can't tell the difference at certain times. You wouldn't know when, would you?” His voice sounded huskier.
"No, I wouldn't.” Her words were as unclear as the feelings he created.
"As a writer, have you ever thought of it as a form of foreplay?” Slowly, Nick slid his tongue across his lips.
"Foreplay?” Jess stammered.
"Yes, just like a conversation between two people interested in knowing each other,” Nick insisted.
"So, this conversation stuff, where you exchange information, talk about current events, or how to save the world, is foreplay to you?” Jess rambled as her eyes darted from the walls to the ceiling to the floor then back to him.
He shrugged his shoulders. “No, not to me. But could they be used as a prelude to seduction?"
"Are you trying to seduce me?” She tingled.
"Am I succeeding?” He sauntered from the desk and stopped an inch from her.
"No.” Liar. Sucking in a breath, she tried to slow her heartbeat.
"Then I need to work harder.” He ran the flower across her lips and brought it to his to kiss.
"I'm not sure harder would help.” Help, I'm lost. “Nick, we had—” She stood still and watched his mouth lower to hers.
His lips brushed across hers in a feathery kiss. Gentle at first and then deeper. Her hands went to his chest, and heat moved into her through him.
He pulled her closer. She smelled of sunshine as it filtered down into the depths of the ocean. Starfish danced in his head as he tried to pull oxygen into his lungs. His mouth urged hers to open. When their tongues met, they tangled like jellyfish mating. His body vibrated to her hunger. He heard her siren's song in his ears. Startled, he broke the kiss.
She took a step back.
He moved to increase the distance between them, unsure of his next move.
"Shrimp,” he muttered as he shook his head. He stared at Jess. Stunned, he turned on his heel and walked out of the room.
Chapter Two
The monthly morning board meeting went off without a hitch. Nick conducted the session in record time. He worked hard to keep on track and on time. Thoughts of Jessie York made it an almost impossible task. He hoped the boss didn't notice some of his lapses.
"Nick, can I see you for a few minutes?” the man with the disheveled hair requested as the meeting broke up.
Busted.
Nick adjusted his pants then glanced at the gentleman and wasn't fooled for one minute. Mr. Marin's tone indicated it wasn't a request to be taken for granted. If you looked past the charming smile, rumpled hair and casual clothes and focused on the eyes, there was no doubt that he meant business.
"Sure, Mr. Marin."
"Let's go for a walk. I think the beach is perfect."
Not the beach talk. I've seen people come back looking worse than an air-drowned mer.
He hoped that his lack of attention in the meeting wasn't noticed. To think a petite human female caused this newest problem. Waking up this morning with a stiff dick was the first of his problems. Before he could get everything under control, the big guy himself issued a summons. Now his headache wouldn't go away. And the only cure for it was endless hours swimming and playing seal with a mer female. Like the rest of his morning, this conversation was not going to be fun. Nick slid his aviator sunglasses over his eyes as he and Mr. Marin left the building.
Sunlight flickered on the water, keeping time with the tumbling starfish in his stomach. Who would have thought at his age nerves would hover like jellyfish.
"How's the publishing business?"
"The pre-orders for several of the new authors have matched or exceeded last year's numbers. Suggestions about getting them up with web pages and excerpts from the book helped. The fact some of the new books highlight our publishing of the new Jessie York book is facilitating the growth.” This calm and cool routine is worse than dealing with a bunch of killer whales upset over one of their young being tagged by the Save The Whale folks.
"Nick, I don't need a complete rundown. You've turned the company around. Your leadership is not being questioned. I'm pleased Jessie York has fueled the rise in business. I only have one question, what are you going to do about her?"
"What do you mean?” He worked hard to keep the nervousness out of his voice. Someone ratted me out.
"Every time one of her books comes out, we have to watch our operations. Sea vessels take the roundabout routes to avoid detection when bringing the merchandise into the market. She's a time bomb waiting to go off."
"I don't think...” This isn't going to be good.
"Nick, you're my best enforcer. If we can't control this puny human, how can I honestly run for President of the Other World Creatures?"
"Mr. Marin, she's just one of many. Her books get humans to take care of—"
"That woman is a menace to the mer-race.” Interrupting Nick, Mr. Marin's voice came out cold and hard. “Take care of her. She needs her memories adjusted."
"Or?” This is not what I wanted to hear.
"You don't want to know."
Shrimp shit.
Chapter Three
The warm sunshine was a relief compared to the winter weather she left back in New Hampshire. “Nancy, I went to the party and had a nice time meeting everyone.” Jess struggled with her luggage, sunglasses and the cell phone's earpiece. Nancy comforted her when Grandma died and pushed her into writing to fill the emptiness. There were parts of her life she could share with Nancy. The time spent with Nick wasn't one of them.
The boat's horn blared. Jess continued toward the seats.
"Where are you?” Nancy's voice competed for her attention. “I'm hearing all kinds of loud sounds."
"You're hearing the island passenger ferry. It's docking.” Jessie moved to the railing and looked out. The crush of people rushing to start their vacations made it impossible to get off the boat. Sunlight reflected off the water and the windows of the surrounding buildings. Warm southern winds blew her hair back and forth. Jess pushed her curls out of her face. The brick structures greeting the visitors with cute shops for last minute purchases or information about the island hadn't changed one bit since her last visit.
"What did you do, Jess?” Nancy's voice almost faded into the background noise.
"Not a thing.” Jessie moved from the railing and down the stairwell.
"Your signal is breaking up. What did you just say?"
"Nothing happened.” One of us chickened out.
"So the rumor isn't true.” Nancy sounded worried.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
The crowd moved at a snail's pace to exit the ship.
"Nick Sirius.” Nancy spoke his name without pause.
"What do you mean?” Jessie stopped and looked around the vessel's upper deck. “Nick Sirius?"
"I've been to a lot of parties
with this group. I've never seen Nick say more than a few words to anyone.” Nancy's voice sounded worried.
"Oh.” I can testify that the man is fine. The scent of saltwater filled her nose as she took a deep breath. The boat rocked back and forth as it moved into place at the pier.
"You disappeared.” The docking noise interrupted the conversation. “You were in Nick's office for a couple of hours. Then I got this cryptic message that you didn't need a ride home."
"We had an opportunity to talk for a few minutes. He allowed me a chance to rest in his office.” The boat swayed, catching her off guard, and Jessie grabbed for the wall.
"Oh, honey, did you have an anxiety attack? You should have said something sooner. I know how large groups bother you. I should have expected something like this. I could have left early."
Nancy always worried too much. “I'm fine now.” After experiencing his mind blowing kisses. “Why don't we talk about my new proposal a little later?” The yellow warmth wrapped around her as she stepped off the ferry.
"So the mer proposal is done, and you're working on something new?” Nancy inquired.
"I want to do something else.” She dodged the kids running around the visitor's stand.
"Jess, I know you're not used to all the excitement about your books. It's because of all your hard work. I don't want you to lose your advantage."
"I thought I would write a cute story. Get people to ask questions about how we treat sea creatures. Get people to be more responsible about natural resources. Not turn into the next Alexis Ke, Monique Lamont, or Andrea Jackson of the paranormal fantasy world.” She checked the shuttle stand for waiting vehicles. The line of passengers stretched for a several yards.
"You have some time before the proposal is due. Get yourself centered. Fill your emotional bank."
Jess rolled her head and eyes in mock protest, even though Nancy couldn't see.
"Enjoy your visit with family and friends.” Nancy's cheerfulness bubbled through the phone.
"The visiting I can do.” Jess waited for the next ride. It's the rest that's making me crazy.
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