Page 17 of Mermaid For You

As if this isn’t mortifying enough, my voice cracks when I speak. “Sure. Okay. You know, that kiss was a mistake.”

“Van.”

I turn and begin walking, but her footsteps follow me.

“Hey! Hey, asshole!”

“That’s all you know to do is throw asshole or dickhead around. For someone who hates to be called names, you sure do dish them out.”

Ava comes to stand in front of me, cutting me off from my path. “I have to have something to call you! You won’t even tell anyone your last name. Think I haven’t picked up on that? You’re secretive and I don’t trust that in a person. You expect me to jump all over when I don’t even know anything about you, including your name! Do you know how insulting that is? Do you even care?”

Her eyes search my face. I hope she sees remorse, because I do feel guilty. I’m not proud of how I behaved. What can I tell her is my last name? Should I confess everything? My hands reach out for her, but she knocks them away.

Ava turns her back and runs off. I follow after her, and passing guests and employees watch us with a mixture of confusion and concern. She reaches the pool area and bar when the air is knocked out of my lungs. My ribs throb as I hit the ground and am crushed under the weight of a warm, solid body.

“Why was Ava in tears and running?” Alexi growls in my ear.

“We had an argument. I was a dick. I’m trying to apologize,” I wheeze.

The playful party boy’s voice turns cold. “Did you try anything with her?”

“Tried, yes. It feels like I’m always trying and failing. I’m a complete dumbass when it comes to her.”

My answer must appease his rage, because he slowly raises up. “Hurt her, and it’ll be the last dumbass thing you.”

Chapter Eight

AVA

That kiss. I haven’t been so consumed by a kiss since I was in high school. I’d recklessly made out with Sullivan Hayes. As in Hayes Empire, Hayes. My boss’s boss. After a year of acquiring my dream job, knowing and being grateful for how fortunate I was to be a mermaid at Mermazing Adventures, I went and threw myself at the heir of Hayes Resorts.

In my defense, I didn’t realize he was Sullivan Hayes. We didn’t exchange names. In fact, the only thing we did exchange was spit and some heavy panting. But after only minutes, he clamped up. He got still and then… he ran off. It wasn’t until he was out of sight that Margie pulled me to the side. She told me who he was, saw that I was drunk, and told me to never make out in public, on the clock, or with a customer—or boss. I knew who Rosemary Hayes was because she was the birthday girl. We were all there for her party. Worse, it was my first big gig.

Van reminds me of Sullivan in some ways. Those piercing blue eyes and height. However, Sullivan had brown hair and wasn’t quite as tan. He wasn’t as fit as Van. Then again, I refused to look at any headlines, tabloids, or search for any recent photographs of Sullivan. As far as I know, he hasn’t been back to the resort.

A part of me knows that’s why I was drawn to Blake Doozer, which proves I need to rid myself of the silly fantasies and charming, spoiled, pretty boys. Sullivan got bored with kissing me and left me lovestruck without a backward glance. Blake belittled me and mocked me with his friends.

My prejudice could be getting the best of me. Van could be the one for me. The one to make me forget about all others and gain a positive outlook on finding love. A nice, hardworking guy with a witty sense of humor. But by the way I ran off, he might be scared of me. Alexi called me after he tackled him. That was both funny, sweet, and unnecessary but appreciated.

I didn’t work yesterday, so I haven’t seen him in two days. There’s a chance I might see him today since Margie called this morning to tell me Rosemary Hayes and her grandparents are coming. I won’t be working as Nerine but as an extra server and of any assistance needed.

Van, of course, is working as well. He seems surprised at all the extra hands on the boat today. “High-profile client?”

Maisy gasps. “You don’t know?” She stands too close to Van and brushes her lips against his ear as she whispers to him.

The thought of spilling my pitcher of water on her is tempting. But I do like Maisy. It’s not her fault that Van has been flirting shamelessly with her. I should spill my water on him.

The boat begins to pull out, which means the Hayes’ must’ve boarded. I force my back straight and keep my chin up. Van and Sullivan possibly on the same boat has my anxiety in overdrive, but I refuse to show it. Not that Sullivan remembers who I am. Clearly, I didn’t have the same effect on him.

“It’s a beautiful day! Simply beautiful!” Rosemary Hayes approaches in a skimpy one-piece with an open sheer cover-up and the highest of high heels. Her brown hair is twisted into an elaborate up-do, and giant sunglasses cover most of her face. An elderly well-dressed man and woman follow behind her.

I turn in time to see Van sneaking to the stairs that lead to the lower deck. He looks ill.

Leaving the water pitcher on the nearest table, I hurry after him. “Van?” I call, but he takes the stairs two at a time and then practically leaps down to the last step. “Van!”

What’s gotten into him? He looks around in a panic when he reaches the main deck. “Where are the life boats? A dinghy?”

“What’s wrong?”

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