Page 30 of Magic Potions and the Merman's Lure

Chapter 20

Keri

The sun is warm on my skin as I walk down the dock. Although we have not agreed on a time or place to meet, I’m certain that I will find Ro here. His room is nearby, and the activity is certain to draw him out for curiosity’s sake alone, even though his reactions yesterday indicate that he finds some of our celebration choices strange. I stifle a laugh, recalling his reaction to Seaside Sam. In retrospect, I can understand how the mascot can seem a little strange. Old Sam is probably an odd choice for a festival mascot. I even remember being mildly afraid of him as a small child. Ro’s obvious aversion aside, it had been a magical night and one that I had hated to end. Watching his swim out from the shore and feeling the connection of our magic unraveling slowly with the distance had brought a sharp pain to my heart.

If it gets any worse, how will I get through the next full moon when it returns?

I’m getting in too deep. What was supposed to be just a fun little jaunt after hours somehow quickly became something a lot more in ways that I hadn’t expected. I’m not so blind that I haven’t been aware of the connection growing between us, nor have I failed to notice how many nights I’ve enjoyed dreams where I’ve been claimed over and over by him until I wake up in a sweaty mess. I’ve been chalking it up to simply being the product of the natural reaction people have toward Aquanas. How did I fail to notice that it had been growing into something more? I knew I enjoyed his company, but this has taken me by surprise.

Maybe it was the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant and being with Ro more intimately outside of the lab that brought all of my feelings to the fore, but one thing seems to be certain—if I thought of finishing this assignment without getting involved, I’m screwed.

If I was smart, I wouldn’t try to meet him today. If I was sensible in the least, I would spend my day off like I usually do, comfortably at home while I lounge in yoga pants and a tee-shirt. Apparently, I lack any sense of self-preservation or common sense because my pace quickens with an eagerness to see him again as I catch a glimpse of his pearly hair where he towers over the surrounding crowd at the edge of the docks where several games are set up. Though he is still far from the action, seeing him lingering curiously there sends a little flutter through my heart.

My mouth curls reluctantly with amusement as I watch him. He is dressed casually like a human in jeans and sneakers, his button-down shir—a delicate pink that suits his complexion—is unbuttoned to just below the powerful sweeps of his collarbone. The sleeves are rolled up just above his forearms which seems practical for the warm weather but judging by the thin lines visible on the back of his forearms, I know it is also serves a defensive purpose by keeping the fins there free without anyone being aware of it.

He clearly thinks he is being discreet and is even wearing dark sunglasses to obscure the otherworldly color of his eyes. A stifle a laugh behind my fingers I press to my lips as I notice several gazes of people walking pass turn in his direction. I bite my lip, however, as a girl in her late teens walks into a crate and stumbles, spilling apples everywhere. I swallow back my laughter so not to mortify her further. Poor kid, her cheeks are now as red as the scattered fruit as she hurries away, the vendor shouting after her. I can’t help but chuckle quietly to myself as I notice that, despite her embarrassment, it doesn’t keep her from stealing another glance at Ro over shoulder as she rushes out of the area.

Wryly shaking my head, I head toward Ro. As much as he tries to adopt a human appearance, neither his glamour nor disguise can do much to keep him from standing out among everyone else as he appears to casually watch the teenagers near him throwing balls at the stacked, metal milk bottles.

He is at least good at hiding his interest. Outside of his head turned slightly toward them, I wouldn’t have guessed, if I hadn’t known him, that he is intently observing their every movement. This is Ro as a natural predator that I’ve only caught glimpses of in my study since he is always so careful to cultivate a certain appearance around me—and I’ve always been aware of that. Playful Ro, seductive and charming Ro are the faces he shows me. Predator Ro I’ve only seen hints of such as in a sudden fast movement or in situations of still watchfulness when something catches his attention for a moment. There is an icy beauty to this side of him that sends an even stronger flutter of excitement deep within me.

I suddenly feel silly for the wicker basket I’m holding tucked against my side. A quiet little picnic for two on my family’s private beach sounded like a great idea when I left my apartment this morning. We could continue talking in a more comfortable environment for him without all the noise and chaos of town. However, faced with the sight of him and his obvious interest in the activities ongoing at the dock, I’m having second thoughts. My stomach drops and I swallow at the sudden wave of nausea hitting me with the attack of nerves.

Gods, this is a stupid idea. He is an Aquana. It’s not like he hasn’t seen hundreds of beaches already. How is a beach picnic something I can seriously offer to him when there is so much that he hasn’t likely experienced just by being in town? My chest squeezes anxiously. Why did I even come out here? Just because he invited me to join him last night so that we could catch up and discuss work doesn’t mean that he wants to spend today with me. He has probably been looking forward to being free from my company for the day.

For all of his blatant flirtations while doing our study, he has never made a serious move that would indicate that he has a genuine interest in me beyond exhibiting behavior normal for his species. Hell, he was probably in the middle of a mate hunt for all I know. There are dozens of beautiful women right there on the docks that he could spend his time with. Maybe he even has someone he is trying to lure in at that moment. The smoked salmon sandwiches and bottles of lemonade in the basket suddenly seem pathetic. This was a dumb idea. I should go back home and rethink my plans for the day.

I take a step back with every intention of sneaking away when a crackle of energy suddenly snaps between us, making the small hairs all over my body stand up with awareness. A subtle tension runs through him as he suddenly stiffens but then his head turns in my direction and every trace of it disappears as quickly as it came. Straightening, he turns away from the games that he’s all but forgotten, a flirtatious smile transforming his face. Unlike our other interactions, there is something more lingering there. Even though I know I shouldn’t read too much into it, I can’t help but think that what I’m seeing is an intensity that retains part of the predatory allure that makes my heart race a little quicker as he unexpectedly abandons the dockside to walk toward me.

Although I know he will likely smell my reaction to him when he gets closer, I try not to show how much it is affecting me as I return his smile and wave. I’m putting on a good show of being calm as I wait for him but there is also no stopping the shiver that races through me. My stupid heart continues to flutter with excitement, though, as he stops at my side and pulls off his shades to peer down at me.

“Keri! I did not expect to see you here,” he greets me. His nostrils flare a little, but I lucked out because he is polite enough not to mention his effect on me.

I mentally roll my eyes at myself. What am I even thinking? He is probably used to women stinking of lust around him but has the good manners not to embarrass me or hurt my feelings. Gods just kill me now.

My smile wilts a little, but I shrug as I try to subtly shift my basket behind my leg so that he won’t notice it.

“I’m just passing through, actually. I didn’t really expect to run into you either.” I hesitate, my brain stalling as I try to think of an excuse to get me out of there as fast as possible. “I better get going if I don’t want to be late,” I say quickly, side-stepping around him.

I nearly think I’ve gotten away when his hand snaps out to grip my wrist so that the basket is stretched out awkwardly between us. My saving grace is that he has obviously never seen a picnic basket before because he just gives it a curious look as he turns my hand slightly to get a better look at it. His nostrils flare again, and I wonder if he can smell the food despite being sealed in plastic containers.

“What’s this?”

I blink down at it, my mind grappling frantically for something that will deter his interest from it. “Ah... nothing special. It’s just something for Mr. Clarence. I was asked to bring it over to him while I was out.”

Ro’s mouth flattens a little, no doubt at the mention of my boss’s name, but he nods and let’s go of my hand so that I’m able to take several steps back away from him. His eyes follow me and narrow slightly.

“You said today is your day of rest—you should not allow that male to take advantage of your good nature so much.”

I blush at his words, even more guilty now for my lie. “It’s no problem, really. I should be going now. Enjoy the docks,” I add, nodding in the direction he came from.

He hesitates and glances back toward the dock. “Are you returning?”

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