Page 35 of Magic Potions and the Merman's Lure

“What’s wrong?” he demands. “How can you even ask that? You said you had things to see to and I waited for you to return.”

“I didn’t ask you to wait,” I mutter, guilty because I had said that. “You had other things you were doing when I interrupted.”

His nose wrinkles faintly. “Other things? What other things? I was merely waiting for you in the most convenient and visible spot. I suffered with all that noise and activity because I hoped that you would find me quickly.”

I gape at him. “W... what? You were just there for me?”

His eyes narrow at me speculatively. “Of course. Why else would I be there? Why did you not tell me that you were coming here? I would have happily accompanied you.”

Oh gods. My cheeks burn with embarrassment as my eyes drop. “I didn’t think you would want to,” I admit. “I had made some food for us and had intended to bring you here but when I saw you at the festival, I thought that maybe you would not be interested in something so simple.”

“The food you made was for me... not Mr. Clarence?”

“Ah... yeah. I lied about that,” I mutter. “It wasn’t much but I made some salmon salad sandwiches that I had planned on sharing with you.”

I do not expect my words to be met with the sound of self-deprecating laughter, but Ro shakes his head in amusement as he chuckles.

“What’s so funny?”

He gives me a wry smile. “Just that I’m glad I did not follow my instinct to confront the male. I do not think he would appreciate the things I had to say to him when I believed that you were abandoning me to attend to his demands.” His gaze softens and I’m barely able to breathe as he leans in close. “Never lie to me again. Never walk away from me and abandon me because you misread the situation. I would have liked nothing better than to come to this place with you and enjoy the food that you made. Maybe even to coax you into the water here,” he adds with a mischievous smile that makes my heart flop even though I give him a chastising look that he responds to with quiet laughter. “I will always prefer you, Keri, and any treasured gift you give me over any other humans or amusement. Over anything that anyone can offer me. Do not run from me again.”

“Oh, okay,” I whisper in awe and half unable to believe the words I am hearing. I am also suddenly aware of just how close his lips are to mine. “So, what now?”

“Now?” he rasps, and he closes the distance so that his lips brush mine. The contact is feather soft and so warm that it sends heat descending through me from the contact between our mouths with each caress. His lips tease mine, drawing in my participation little by little until he finally pulls away, leaving me flushed and wanting. The corner of his mouth curls with satisfaction, but the sigh he gives me is regretful as he brushes my hair back from my face. “Now we go find that male before he gets into trouble.”

How much trouble can one juvenile Aquana get into? The question never makes it past my lips as I recall the reaction his species has on others. Regardless of not being of age to mate, he clearly is sexually mature and the affect that he will have on those around him... oh... oh, no.

I clear my throat. “Where exactly did you tell him to go?”

“The docks,” he replies, helping me to my feet. “I felt it was the most recognizable spot from the water.”

“During festival weekend... uh yeah, it definitely will be that,” I agree with a weak laugh. Crap. Grabbing his hand in mine, I immediately make for the door. “Let’s go.”

Chapter 23

Ro

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