"Trust me on this, Jess. You'll feel a lot better once you replenish the creative well."
"Bye, Nancy.” She closed the phone.
* * * *
Jessie stopped to look at the familiar store across the street. An anchor made from books with rope wrapped around a coffee cup drew many tourists and locals. The flashing neon of the movie rental, the oversized sign of the restaurant and the running lights of the games arcade made the Books Anchor seem old. How long ago did she fall in love with books? How long ago did she start writing down the stories she made up about mer-folks? It was after her twentieth birthday and Gram's passing. It seemed like more than ten years had passed.
"Hey, lady, watch out,” the skateboarder yelled.
Jessie stepped back to avoid the collision and bumped into someone. The kid kept moving.
"Honey, are you okay?” the gray-haired man asked.
"I'm fine. He didn't get any toes.” Jessie looked up at the man. “He just surprised me."
She couldn't place where she had seen the older man. He reminded her of someone. Nick. Everyone these days brought back thoughts of him. Similar build, nothing more.
"I thought he might have gotten you. He nearly ran me over last week. That kid is a terror. You should report it to the police, make them do their job."
"No, I'm fine. There's no need to get the police involved. I didn't get a look at the skater anyway.” Jessie looked around, hoping the kid got away.
"I did. It's one of those new brats. I think they're living out at the old Bloom homestead."
"No harm done.” This man wasn't anything like her Nick. His eyes were cold.
"Okay. If you change your mind...?” The man sounded disappointed.
Slightly annoyed, she said, “Got to go.” Jessie glanced at her watch. “Thanks for your concern.” Checking the street for traffic and seeing it was clear, she ran across.
The bells chimed when she opened the door and walked in. Jessie slowed once inside the store to allow her eyes to adjust and checked to see if the old man had followed. He moved down the street and into the movie rental place. She exhaled and took a deep cleansing breath. The aroma of roasting coffee greeted her. The bookstore had small tables scattered within, inviting people to stay, drink and indulge in reading. The café was unusually crowded.
She relaxed and walked toward her sister and a quiet afternoon cup of tea. Amanda made her dream come true. Many a night they shared secrets about the future and their hopes to find love. Neither of them understood how being successful would have them begging for more of a normal life. Jessie stopped her trip down that old road. Nothing would change, even if she wanted it to.
Nor did the quiet cup of tea happen. Amanda was short-staffed and needed her help. From published author to book clerk in an afternoon. Nancy would love how she was replenishing her creative well. The crush of late season island tourists made the afternoon fly. After the rush, she and Amanda managed to find a quiet corner near the middle of the store. Amanda's office would have been the best place for a discussion, but with the store being short-staffed, they opted to sit there. No one could approach within hearing range, so this was better than nothing.
"So let me get this straight. You and your friend, no, your potential new publisher, engaged in foreplay?” Amanda stirred her tea.
The spoon hitting the ceramic cup began to bother Jess. “He's not exactly my publisher. He owns the company that owns the publishing house.” Jess looked at her sister and then continued, “Verbal foreplay."
"You had an opportunity to find out if he saw you as something more than a writer?"
"I—” she waited for a moment. “Yeah."
"What in the hell were you thinking?” Amanda tried to contain her laughter.
"I hoped you of all people would understand about not mixing business with pleasure. That you would say, ‘I'm proud of you, Jess, because you walked away without causing any problems.’ The look on Amanda's face didn't help ease the feeling of nervousness. “I don't know what I was thinking. I couldn't remember my own name for a couple of seconds after being in the room with him."
Jess hoped the hot tea accounted for her sudden spike in temperature and not thoughts of Nick. She couldn't go more than a few minutes without thinking about what they could have done to each other. She tried to go for longer periods of time, but something always triggered a memory of what might have been. A smell, a sound, or hell, her intense longing to see him again. She wished she could think of him as her friend again, not a potential lover. If she would admit the truth, when they first met at a dinner party thrown by her ex-lover, his intensity intrigued and frightened her.
Amanda looked at Jess. “It scared you?"
Jess saw the concern sweep across her sister's face. “You think.” Jess played with the untouched pastry on the plate.
"Why are you here rather than exploring what you two have in common?"
"I'm here to think. Fill my emotional well.” Jess took a bite of the pastry. Her dry mouth didn't make it easy to eat. “Nancy suggested it."
"Leave the psychobabble at home.” Amanda sipped her drink.
Jess gulped some water to ease the choking sensation. “Nick reminds me of the characters I write about in the mer-books. Tall, fine and intense."
"So, you're older, hopefully wiser and ready to have a torrid relationship."
"You're reading historical again, aren't you?” Jess teased her sister.
"Yeah, how could you tell?” Amanda grinned.
"I don't hear most people use the word ‘torrid’ in regular conversation. You are so different and wonderful all at the same time."
Amanda snorted her laugh.
One look at her and Jess lost it. Laughter drifted throughout the bookshelves and lingered in the air.
"So, back to the real reason you're here. You ready to play grownup?” Amanda wiped away her tears.
"Yes, but then again, no.” Jess took a deep breath.
"Goner.” The smile Amanda gave her seemed bittersweet.
"I am not."
"Baby, when he left rather than take advantage of you, he got your mind thinking. A man who gets your mind engaged is worth the effort."
"If we were going to be so good with each other, why didn't he stay? And why didn't he come looking for me?"
"You need the answer to those questions. And I think you may have the answer to one of them.” Amanda turned her head toward the door. “What did you say he looked like?"
"Tall, about six-foot two. Two-forty, all muscle, blue-gray eyes, long ebony hair pulled back that hits about mid back, angular face and very intense looking. Why?"
"I think he's here.” Amanda cautiously tilted her head toward the door.
Jess turned in the direction she indicated. Her gaze met his. She managed to suck air into her lungs before they exploded.
"Nick,” she whispered. She heard a soft chuckle from her sister.
"I expect to be your maid of honor.” Amanda got up from the chair.
"It's a good case of lust."
"Yeah, tell me anything. Your man is heading in this direction."
Jessie turned toward Amanda and hissed between her teeth. “He's not my man."
"Then, if I don't belong to you—” Nick removed his sunglasses. “Can I have your friend?"
His rich sounding voice caressed Jess. He was better than she'd remembered. Everything in her body melted.
Amanda laughed. “I think you've met your equal, Jess.” She extended her hand toward the man. “I'm Amanda, Jess’ younger sister."
"I'm Nick Sirius. It's a pleasure. So, tell me, what's the secret to keeping your sister from disappearing without a word?"
"I think this is where I leave to help Ben with the orders.” Amanda picked up the tea cups and saucers and turned to walk away.
"Chicken.” Jess snapped at her sister.
"Nick, I hope to see you around.” Amanda drifted off toward the cash register.
"Jess, what should
I do about you?” He sat in the seat vacated by Amanda and looked at her.
She moved her chair away from him. “How did you find me?"
"I can't reveal my sources.” He tucked the eyewear into his shirt pocket.
His smile sent warm sensations through her body. “I never had to deal with—"
"Intense physical attraction.” Nick raised an eyebrow.
She hoped her face didn't register her surprise and anticipation and that he didn't see the fine sheen of sweat she felt on her forehead.
"I don't do one night stands.” He took her hand in his.
"I didn't think—"
"For a writer, you spend a lot of your time not thinking.” Fingers from his free hand brushed her captured palm.
"Nick.” She inhaled and was rewarded with the scent of him, male mixed with a hint of mint.
"Friends and lovers tease each other.” His soft voice hinted at things to come.
"Friends ... is that what we're going to be?” She'd stopped thinking of him as a friend since the night of the party. She hoped, no, wanted more.
"Until I can convince you of something more."
"I'm not sure.” She nodded toward her hand. “You can let go."
"I don't think so, Jess. You might disappear.” He stared at her. A smile lurked at the corner of his mouth.
"Oh."
"I shouldn't have left without talking to you.” He moved closer, and their knees touched.
"We're having a conversation now.” She tried to remove her hand from his.
"That's not the type of talking I mean. I figure it would take us a couple of hours to get all the kissing I need to do out of the way.” Leaning forward, he touched his mouth to hers. His lips caressed hers, and he whispered, “Then maybe I'll have some control."
"Okay, you two. Time to either get a room or separate,” Amanda teased as she walked near.
Maybe they'd do just that.
Chapter Four
Moonlight shimmered over the cove and up onto the deck. Jess stared out, looking for answers to the dilemma Nick presented. Her life was simpler before she met him. Peter had wanted to help her career get a better start. He wasn't going to marry just any old writer; his wife was going to be a New York Times Best Seller. The dinner party was a success. She had a new publisher, or at least a chance at one. And Peter found out he didn't want her. Funny how life didn't go the way you planned.
The screened door opened, and her sister stepped out, interrupting her line of thinking.
"I never get enough of this view. It always reminds me of the good old days. The running up and down the beach naked. Well, not naked, half-naked if you count the diaper."
Jessica couldn't suppress her laugh. “You're nuts."
"Why are you here rather than having fun with Nick?” Amanda sat down in the empty deckchair.
"I came here to rest and relax. I'm not looking for male entertainment.” Jess had a hard time believing it herself. She burst out laughing when she saw the expression on her sister's face. “Seriously, I'm out of my league with him. Besides, he's almost my boss."
"Do you report directly to him?"
"No,” she shook her head.
"Then Nick isn't your boss. I watched him today. If he could have gotten away with it, you were going to be his coffee and dessert. He wanted to eat you up.” Amanda took a sip of water from the glass on the table. “Why don't you give him a call and go out? You know this place never shuts down, even during off-season. Go out with him. See how he acts, you might find out he's fun and enjoyable."
"You're beginning to sound like Nancy. Nick's this intense person who's going to cause me some problems."
"And you have written intelligence stating he's been sent here to cause you problems and make your life miserable."
"No, I don't."
"Oh, you're using psychic powers and found out he's a merman and your love is destined for failure. Life is full of chances. Go and have a good time with him. Make the call."
"If I make the call, will you leave well enough alone?"
"I make no promises.
"Hand me the phone."
* * * *
"I can't believe you talked me into wearing this dress. A simple sweater and shorts would have been fine."
"This is not about being fine. We're out to make the man swallow his tongue. Oops, not swallow his tongue."
"Amanda.” Rolling her eyes, Jess glared at her sister.
"Can't blame me for suggesting."
The sound of a car door closing reached their ears. “I'll grab the door. You wait a few minutes and make an entrance.” Amanda headed toward the front door.
"Mandy, I don't need to—"
"He knows you're this fantastic writer. I want him to realize what a beautiful woman he's getting to know."
Knowing she wouldn't win, she blew out a breath and conceded, “Okay, I'll make an entrance."
A few moments later, Jess heard her sister opening the door and talking to Nick.
"So Nick, you have any problems finding the place.” Amanda asked. Their voices faded in and out.
Jess took one more look in the mirror. The soft yellow sundress hugged all her curves, and the black strappy sandals emphasized her long legs. Her sister might be right, this time. Make the man forget his name, she thought as she went to the living room.
"No. The directions were—"
"Hi, Nick.” The look on his face was worth the extra effort.
"Whatever I was thinking fell to the floor and shattered into a million pieces.” His gaze trailed the length of her body, paying close attention to the curve of her hips and the swell of her breast.
"Thanks for the compliment. So are you ready,” she paused, “to go out on the town."
"Yeah,” he stuttered. “Night, Amanda.” He didn't take his eyes off Jessie.
Jessie led him out of the house and down the driveway. The street lamps were dull compared to the waxing moon. They walked toward his car.
"Jess,” he said, stopping a few feet from the car.
"Yes.” She turned to face Nick.
"You don't play fair.” He moved closer and pulled her into his embrace. Tendrils of light entangled her black hair, making it appear to flow as if captured by the currents. Her caramel skin glowed, and her smile reminded him of pearls. Her lips were the color of deep-red coral. Nick took a deep breath and waited for the next wave to hit.
"I think I might like you, Nick.” Her voice sounded sexy and inviting.
"You might?” He smiled at this surprising creature.
She stood on the tips of her toes. “Yeah, but I need to be sure. I want—no, need to spend some time getting to know you. I want to know everything about you,” she whispered in his ear.
The undertow captured him and pulled him further out to sea. “I like the way you think."
"First, I want to go dancing, so I can show you off.” She twirled out of his arms and moved toward the vehicle.
Is she wearing anything under that dress? Sharks! “And if I tell you I don't know how to dance?"
"Then we'll make everyone wish they could be us by dancing to all the slow songs.” Cockle shells.
* * * *
Nick couldn't remember having this much fun with humans before. The night passed in a blur. The club was packed, and real dancing wasn't possible. Jumping, bumping and bouncing to the music didn't help. It reminded him of the play-courting mers did with each other. This courtship on land seemed too intense. Too true. Too much. Nick watched as Jess returned from talking with a group of her friends near the bar. He noticed how the moonlight found her everywhere. It appeared to surround her and dim everyone else. Music changed from the fast tempo to the slow rhythm of the waves lapping at the beach. Shrimp shit.
He blinked, and Jess didn't come back into focus. Her hair appeared to float. Instead of wearing the yellow dress, she seemed to be suspended in water and have a beautiful tail, glimmering with all the colors of the sea. Blue. Green. Purple. Jess’
bikini top, woven from sea grass and sparkling shells, called out to be touched. Her fin and beautiful webbed fingers beckoned him to come and join her. Lost in the image, he didn't realize she was standing next to him.
"Nick, are you okay?” She placed her hand on his arm.
He shook his head to clear it. Eels. She looked human again. “I'm fine.” His mouth brushed hers. “Are you ready to go?"
"There's this great all-night diner that serves these great clam strip sandwiches. Most of the late crowd is just getting out and...” Her voice trailed off as she stared into his eyes. “Are you really doing okay? You look strange, like your color is not right."
"I'm fine, Jess. I want to spend more time getting to know you better. If you've changed your mind about us, that's fine."
"I haven't changed my mind, Nick. I've wanted to get to know you since the night of the party."
"Let's go.” His voice sounded husky and full of need.
"Where?” She looked at him.
Her gaze told him everything he needed to know. “My place."
The drive took less than five minutes but felt like a lifetime. Nick kept looking at Jess. Did he really see her as a mer? Was this a possible effect of the human flu? She glowed like a mermaid in the first stages of courtship.
"So, do you think we'll get snow tonight?” he said as they pulled up in front the house.
She laughed, and her smile sent shivers down his spine. He struggled against the urge to drag her into the ocean, transform and mate with her. His gills began to emerge from under his skin. Nick swallowed and struggled to control his desire to convert.
He got out of the car, rushed to her side and opened the door. The sea shouted promises of a forever mating, taunting and teasing of things he knew couldn't be true.
"So how do you like the Whitlock place?” She got out of the auto and moved toward him.
"Larger than I need. It was the only thing I could find at such short notice. It's meant for a large family. I keep getting lost.” He rambled like a love struck dolphin.
Nick took her hand. Electricity shot up his spine and threatened to break his control. The cool air rushed into his lungs. It didn't help to chill his already heated blood. He ignored the ocean's call. Ignored the need to rip her clothes off, then his and rush headlong into the sea. Ignored the need to feel his body against hers in the warmth of the water. They headed up the steps to the house.
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