"I love these old places, they're full of great stories.” Her voice carried a touch of nervousness.
"We can stay on the front porch all night and watch the moon, or we can go in.” He pulled her into his arms and dropped his mouth to hers for a quick kiss. “What do you want?” His heart pounded, drummed in his ears. The rush of the sea echoed in his head, demanding him to bring her home.
"Let's go in.” Jess’ voice promised more than he could imagine.
"So, do you want the five cent tour?” He took steadying breaths. The smell, the taste of Jess still lingering on his lips, sent his mind spinning.
"Sure.” She smiled.
Nick opened the door to the mansion.
An elaborate mosaic floor covered the entranceway and foyer. A mahogany staircase hugged the curved walls.
"If you look carefully, you can make out the merfolk in the floor. I was told that the former owner had children that were fascinated by mer people."
"It's absolutely beautiful,” Jess said in awe.
"Yes, it is.” His voice sounded rough.
She caught him gazing at her rather than the floor. Warmth traveled from her toes to her head. She looked around and noticed more sea life fixtures. Jess moved away from him.
"I've got a painting to show you,"
"Oh, I see. An etching?"
"Come on, Jess, that would be too lame, even for me.” He moved toward the back of the house.
They moved quickly through the house to a room near the beach. Huge windows graced two of the four walls; a life size painting leaned against the other. The watercolor captured her attention. The sea scene contained two mers, one male and the other female, entwined in each other's arms. Rich blue hues, intermingled with touches of yellow, red, purple, green and brown, focused attention on the pair. It was impossible to tell where one began and the other ended. One of the male's arms was wrapped around the female's waist while the other cradled her head. The mermaid's hands clutched his shoulders to keep from being swept away. Their tails were entangled, and his fin encompassed her. Floating hair hid their expressions, but Jess could imagine that they were nothing but pure pleasure.
She moved closer to examine the picture. It was how she'd envisioned her mer people. Sensual, passionate and intense.
"What do you think?"
"I'm amazed.” She turned to look at Nick. “Was this here when you rented the house?"
"No, it's a gift. When I returned this afternoon, it was waiting for me. My brother thought I would like it."
"What's the title?"
"A Mer Wedding,” he grunted.
Upon closer examination, other mer were in the background along with small colorful fish, and the female wore a shell circlet with tiny pearl streamers. And discarded on the ocean floor at the edge of the canvas was a bouquet of sea flowers. It was a wedding.
"I didn't see the other detail at first. It does look like a wedding scene. You don't sound too happy about the picture."
"I like the painting. Heath is a fantastic artist. It's a present from him and my Mom."
She laughed. Jess started to say something, but the look on Nick's face, horror, caused it to bubble out.
"You think this is funny? I have this matchmaking mom that I'll give to you. She's yours."
"Nick, I'd gladly take her.” She looked back toward the picture. “So, does you brother have any other mer work?” she said, with laughter in her voice.
Nick moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer, her back pressing tightly against his hard body.
She turned in his arms and hugged him. “This has been an amazing day.” Jess looked into his eyes, and time slowed. She allowed herself to be held by his dark stare.
She stepped closer and heard his breath catch. The thought that she stirred his blood feeding her newfound boldness, she tiptoed and placed a brief kiss on his lips.
His hands moved to capture her face. Nick placed soft languid kisses along the edge of her mouth, driving her crazy. He deepened the kiss, and she opened to him. Their tongues danced, and they struggled for control. His passion fueled hers and sent her higher. He groaned as his hands moved to her waist.
She moved her hips against his arousal. Electricity rolled through her body, sending pleasure from her toes to her head. She spread her fingers over his chest. Nick's heartbeat matched hers, wild and erratic.
Nick broke the kiss. He swept her up into his arms and carried her to the sofa in the center of the room. He laid her down on the couch and gazed at her, swollen lips parted, nipples pushing against her dress. He lowered himself between her legs and wedged against her heat. A moan escaped his lips. She felt warm to his touch.
Her moans made his groin tighten with need. She squirmed to get closer. He rocked to give her what her body asked. His fingers sought the edge of her dress and tugged it up. He stroked his fingers across her wet panties, seeking her hot center and pulling a moan from her throat in response.
He felt her pulse race as he nipped at the base of her neck. The unique smell of sea and pure woman called him.
Jess placed little kisses along his jaw, whispering, “I want to be naked and screaming your name in the next five minutes.” She stroked her hand across his chest and down to his crotch. He growled as she brushed his rock hard erection.
"I think we can manage the naked in five, but the screaming will last longer.” His hands stroked her heated clitoris.
She sighed and arched into his touch, “Promises, promises."
He kissed her, the silken material moving against her as his hands danced slow circles on her pleasure point. She rocked back and forth trying to hurry him along. The friction sent shivers up her back. His fingers sought her warmth and stroked her clit. She arched into his hand, heat spreading through her body as she felt the beginnings of her orgasm.
Jess broke off the kiss. “I can't think."
"Good.” Nick drew the straps of her dress down with his teeth. Her taut nipples begged to be licked. He slid his hands across her collarbone and down to cup her breasts, pinching her nipple between thumb and forefinger. He bent and took one pebble into his mouth while his hand teased the other. Jess’ pleasure spiked, and her body begged for release.
Nick continued the onslaught with his tongue. The other breast demanded attention, and he lavished it with the same amount as the other.
"Please,” she whimpered.
Nick kissed a path between her breasts, over her belly and down to her woman's core. Sensations tingled at his touch. Her legs fell slack to the sides. He nipped and licked her though the soaked panties before ripping them off and lapping at the edges of her labia.
Jess squirmed, encouraging him to lick her center.
His tongue circled her slit then he blew out air to cool it. Sensations built in the back of her eyes, and light began to dance. Nick eased two fingers into her core and sucked her clit into his mouth. Heat slammed through her body. She pushed and rotated her hips against his lips. Lights exploded behind her eyelids in a swirl of colors as her screams permeated the room.
He kneeled back to admire his artwork. Jessie lay on the divan with her clothes bunched around her. The moon caressed her, loved her like he did. She opened her eyes and watched him. He pulled his shirt off and dropped it to the floor then removed his pants and underwear. He stood still and allowed her to look her fill before placing a condom on his erection. She reached out her arms to him. Nick placed her legs over his arms and nestled his tip at her warm core. Not taking his gaze from hers, he eased into her channel.
Jess gasped at the feel of him sliding into her body. A storm of intense feelings brewed. Her body hummed. Her heart pounded. Her blood coursed. She closed her eyes.
He pulled back. “Look at me, Jess.” His voice strained. “I want you to see what you do to me."
She looked, and his eyes drew her into an ocean of colors and jumbled emotions.
He thrust slowly and slid all the way to her cervix.
>
She moved, trying to relieve the hunger he ignited.
His hand clamped down on her hips to hold her against him. Heat radiated from her woman's core and spread throughout her body as an orgasm roared through her, her chest seizing for a second before she screamed her release.
He leaned over and shifted, burying himself deeper into her heat, licking the salt from the side of her neck and planting kisses along her jaw. “More than five minutes.” He slid out and back in. Her sheath contracted and stroked him as he pleasured her.
She ran her hands over his warm wet skin. His nipples puckered with pleasure. She bent forward and licked them, drawing a moan from him.
Nick rocked his pelvis against her clitoris. He pulled out.
She blew air across his pebbles. She pinched both of his nipples.
He plunged.
Another orgasm built and rushed through her, stealing the air from her lungs and dragging Nick with her into release.
Chapter Five
Jessie managed to leave the house before Nick awakened. She breathed a sigh of relief when she arrived home and found Amanda was already at the store. After a quick shower and something to eat, she allowed herself time to think about what happened last night. She blushed, thinking about Nick's creativity in and out of bed. Every time she thought she could catch her breath, he'd take it away again. Even if this turned out to be a weekend fling, she would never forget him.
The cotton top rubbed across her sensitive nipples. Thoughts of how he licked and teased them last night caused her to ache with need all over again. She never knew what it felt to be a femme fatale until she saw the look in his eyes. It was more than lust. The warmth there made her shiver. The heat in it made her pause. And the thought he might have wanted more made her run. She could handle losing a man, but she couldn't handle falling in love with someone like Nick.
She and the ocean were of like mind. Intense and brooding. She walked down to the water's edge and found some comfort in standing in the water. After a little bit, she headed back toward his place. Jessie left to avoid the next morning regrets, now she wondered if staying would have been better. She turned to head back down the beach.
* * * *
"So, I should expect you to run away all the time?"
"Nick, I didn't want you to think I expected more than what we had."
"You're sounding like bad soap opera.” He reached for her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed it. “You're not good for my ego. If you wanted to leave so soon, I need to work on my technique.” He stared at her.
"You're fishing for compliments.” She smiled, and looked out at the ocean to avoid his intense gaze. “Trust me. There's nothing wrong with your technique."
He smirked. “Let's go for a walk.” Nick laced his hand with hers and moved down the beach.
Sometime later, Jessie found her boldness and asked, “Okay, Nick. Why are we here?"
"We're two people enjoying the beach and each other."
She couldn't read his expression. “Why are we walking this way?"
"We're here enjoying each other's company,” he repeated. “We're getting to know each other. And I'm going to tell you something I've never told anyone else.” His voice sounded serious. “I'm a merman."
"Sure, and my uncle is the tooth fairy. His name is Sal and he's about two-foot six and really round. His size makes it hard to get into tight places.” She paused, laughed and then looked into his eyes. “You're serious. How long have you been in therapy for this delusion?” She searched the small cove for other people.
"Mental illness is not common in the mer race. We have no mental conditions to worry about."
"Any medical conditions? What am I saying? I don't believe you anyway. You're a businessman who's suffering from being over worked. Job burnout can do this. All you need is a vacation.” Jess worked to keep the hysteria out of her voice.
"Jess?” Nick reached out to touch her.
Jess stumbled as she scrambled out of his range. “Let's concentrate on the problem at hand, your mer race issue. I've never slept with a different species so you have to forgive me if I get things wrong."
The silence said it all; he did believe in the merman thing. Where are other people when you need them? So much for having to worry about him breaking my heart. He's a nutcase. A violent storm tumbled in her stomach. She wiped her wet palms on her shorts.
"I protect the wild sea creatures from human contact."
"What are you doing?” Jessie shouted. She couldn't understand why he was saying such things. If he'd wanted to break it off, say it. Get it over with. Don't act crazy. She was a big girl and could take it. Had too.
"The only thing I know.” He yanked off his shoes. “I'm going to show you.” Pulled off his shirt. “Do you trust me, Jess?” Un-buttoned his shorts.
"Huh?” she said, her voice brittle. “Last night was a mis—"
"What about us?"
"There is no us.” She spat out the words.
"What does your heart tell you about us?” His gaze met hers and held it.
"I don't know.” Jess thought for a few moments and realized she did know him. The fear left her.
"You trusted me enough to make love to you. Do you think I would hurt you?” He looked into her eyes, allowing all of his emotions to show.
Jess couldn't deny Nick anything.
Nick's gaze never left hers as he continued to undress. He let out his breath in relief. She might not believe in him completely, but he knew Jess wanted to know.
Air rushed into her lungs once Nick turned and headed into the water. His body didn't match his delusions, broad well-developed shoulders tapering to a narrow waist accented with a firm butt and legs. A small mermaid tattoo was on his left shoulder. Each muscle moved in unison. When the ocean reached mid-thigh, Nick dove into the surf. Powerful arms broke the surface and carried him to the calm deep portion. He turned, waved and went under again.
Jess moved back and forth at the water's edge, trying to catch a glimpse of him. A light shimmered, and large bubbles burst on the surface.
"Nick,” she screamed. Panic rose in Jess, and she stripped off her shoes, shirt and shorts and ran into the ocean.
She reached the point where he disappeared and looked. Nothing. She swam closer to the shore. Still nothing. Jess turned back to sea then she saw something below the surface. It had to be a man with a costume. “Nick, you're going to wish you were fish bait after I'm finished with you."
"Is that a promise, Jess?” He broke the surface, and his arms encircled her waist.
"Let go of me,” she said through clenched teeth. She wiggled, trying to break his hold. “How can you swim in that costume?"
"Look at me,” his voiced demanded.
She blinked and looked. This couldn't be rigged. The man had a glimmering tail. “You're a—you're a mer—you're a merman?” she stammered. Her voice laced with awe. “Holy mackerel."
Nick found it amusing how unusually quiet Jess became after the initial shock wore off. “Sea-heart, touch me please?"
"What did you say?” She talked to his chest.
"Touch me. I want you to know this isn't a trick of some kind."
"I believe you. Can you let me go so I can get out of the ocean?” She couldn't break his hold. His strength was amazing.
"Only if you caress me.” He lifted her chin so he could search her eyes for signs of fear.
"I am feeling you. Your chest is warm, muscular and broader than I remember. You can tread water longer and better than me. So I guess that makes you a great merman."
"Run your fingers across my scales,” he asked.
"It will hurt. Besides, people might come by and see us. Aren't you afraid of people finding out that you really exist?” She looked into his eyes. They were different than last night. They had an opaque covering that slid back to reveal eyes the color of an angry ocean.
"No human can enter the cove.” His arm wrapped around her tighter.
"But
I'm human."
"You came with me. I can stay like this for hours, Jess. All you have to do is touch my scales.” With his free hand, he moved the wet hair from her face.
"I'm touching your scales.” She looked up into his eyes.
"With your hands. I want you to rub your hands on my lower body's covering, please."
She hesitated then obliged. “They're soft. It feels like silk. This isn't what I imagined.” And then she let loose.
Everything she'd written about, read about, thought about, was standing right in front of her. When she wrote her stories about merfolk, it was make-believe, but deep down something told her there was something else. Something real.
"Are all the mermen like you? Does everyone have colorful scales that are soft? What about the mermaids? What are they like?” She threw questions at him like rocket fire. “Do you marry for life? Do you have families? What about children? What do you eat? What do merfolk do to earn a living? What do mermaids wear?"
Nick chuckled. “Slow down, Jess. We have more than enough time to answer most of your questions.” He slipped a tiny shell necklace over her head.
"What's this?” She fingered the delicate pieces.
"It'll allow you to experience life as a mer."
"I don't feel any different."
"Then the beautiful tail you're wearing must be fake."
Hesitating, she glanced down. “Amazing.” Her lower body matched his. Delicate shells decorated a sea grass bikini top.
"Last one to the coral reef is slower than a sea turtle,” he said, swimming toward open water.
"No fair,” Jess shouted. “I don't know how to use my fin. And I don't know my way around."
"Don't worry, you'll learn.” He splashed water with his tail before racing off.
The game of tag and hide and go seek made the time pass. Jess gave up figuring how far they traveled to the barrier. The submerged island teemed with all types of wild life. Eels, sunfish, other creatures and sounds she couldn't identify swamped her senses.
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