Page 98 of Siren in the Rain

Shae’s face becomes a mask of concentration. Then his eyes seem to glow for an instant as he issues his command. “Tell me something funny about Dallas that I don’t know.”

The man in question chuckles. “Oh, boy.”

Everyone else is playfully ribbing our captain, but I’m focused on the sensation of another person’s magic working its way inside me. My tongue starts to tingle and my mouth moves before I can even try to stop myself.

“Dallas has a massive stuffed animal collection!” I blurt out. “His room is covered in them. Mostly cats.”

Dallas’s cheeks begin to turn a dark shade of pink.

But I can’t stop talking. “He has a favorite among the collection and even washes it every so often on a gentle cycle, then tumble dries it on low.”

Dallas starts making a weird choking noise and covers his face with one hand.

But still, I can’t stop myself from spilling all the beans.

“One day, Dallas left his precious stuffie in the dryer and I happened to discover it when I was doing my own laundry. It’s this adorable stuffed Persian cat toy wearing a top hat and a monocle. And its name tag says his name is Sir Meowington.”

I finally stop speaking and cover my mouth with my hand while I stare wide-eyed at Dallas. “Sorry, Cap. I couldn’t stop myself.”

Cal scoffs. “Don’t worry, Griff. The captain’s stuffie collection is hardly a secret.” He jerks a thumb toward Dallas with a grin. “Although, Sir Meowington is one I’ve never seen before.”

Dallas chugs down a whole glass of wine before pouring himself another one.

Shae gives him an uneasy look. “Sorry, was that something you really didn’t want anyone to know?

Dallas shifts awkwardly in his seat and then chuckles. “No, it’s just a little embarrassing. I know most full-grown men don’t have stuffed animal collections, and certainly not most men that look like me. I’ve had some partners who didn’t like it in the past.”

I can’t bear—no pun intended—his sad look and immediately leap to his defense. “Those guys were just jerks, Cap. You’re free to like what you like. And I think your stuffed animals are cute and so is your love of them. Someday, you’re going to find someone who thinks you and your collection are super cool.”

Dallas reaches over and pets my head. “Thanks, Griff.” His voice comes out hoarse but full of affection.

When I glance back at Shae, he mouths the words “I love you” at me and I wriggle with delight.

I don’t know what I said to make him so happy, but I’m pleased that I did.

Dallas clears his throat. “Ahem. Moving on. I think we need a quid pro quo round-robin here.” He arches an eyebrow at me and I just beam back at him.

“Do your worst! I’m not embarrassed about much.”

“Truer words have never been spoken,” Ruby chimes in, already a little tipsy now that she’s on her second glass of wine. Emma’s taking good care of her though, subtly giving her water and watching over her every move. When I waggle my eyebrows at her, she winks back at me.

I know Ruby’s got it bad for the cute little Potion Master. I just hope Emma feels the same way. What I’m seeing now is a good sign, at least.

Shae turns to Dallas and this time we all feel his magic build like a storm that gives off an electrical charge. “Tell me a funny secret story about Griffin that I don’t know.”

I grin to myself. My mate wants to learn more about me and I couldn’t be happier.

Dallas straightens and his mouth opens as the story begins to tumble out of him. “So, early on, when Griffin first moved in with us, he’d get up before dawn most mornings to go surfing. He was like clockwork. Most of us were still in bed, apart from Harper, so we were kind of oblivious to things.”

I start to chuckle, knowing exactly where this is going.

“Well, one night Griffin stayed up late partying so he didn’t get up the next day until nearly noon. He went down to surf just like usual, but we heard a commotion outside not long after.” Dallas starts to laugh while still trying to tell the story. “There was this boat full of little old ladies having a party of some kind. Even at noon, it was clear the alcohol had been flowing freely for a while. They spotted Griffin and made a beeline for him in the water.” He wipes at tears and gasps.

“It was a Hang Eleven kind of situation,” I explain to Shae.

He blinks uncomprehendingly at me.

Cal leers at him. “That’s surfer code for riding the waves naked.”

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