Page 19 of Riding the Tide

“Well?” Kannon asked.

Marcus stood and took a couple steps. “They’re weird.”

“Okay, what do you mean by that?”

“I mean they’re weird. Theyfeelweird.”

Kannon dropped to his knees and pushed at the top of the shoe. “Hmm, your toe is right at the end, but that’s good. That’s what should be. They don’t look to be too small. I think they’re fine.”

Nisha’s low sexy growl drifted across the bedroom.

Kannon and Marcus looked at Nisha.

“I do love seeing you on your knees, mate,” Nisha spoke softly. “Just not sure I like seeing you at someone else’s feet.”

Marcus coughed and stepped back.

Kannon shook his head. “All I’m checking out is the shoe size, mate. Put a cork in it.”

“How about a butt plug?” Nisha mumbled under his breath.

Marcus’ cough suddenly became very strained as Kannon turned an interesting shade of red. It was one of the things he noticed about Kannon. Since his hair was auburn and he was fair complexioned, he blushed easily. Nisha made it his mission in life to keep his mate an appealing shade of red.

“TMI,” Marcus muttered, because seriously? He did not need to know that. “Back to these infernal shoes. I guess they feel funny because I’m not used to wearing them.”

“Most likely.” Kannon stood after shooting Nisha a very interesting look. “But they’re good quality and extremely soft. I think you’ll get used to them.” Kannon waved his hands at the clothes on the bed. “Why don’t you try those on? Nisha and I will wait for you in the kitchen.”

Marcus nodded. “Yes, I guess I should make sure they fit. Do you want me to come in there after I’m dressed?”

“Yes. I need to make sure they fit correctly. If they don’t, we may have to go on a quick shopping trip,” Kannon tossed over his shoulder as he walked out of the room. “Shoot. Also need to call Brett, too. Get a move on, Marcus!”

Marcus cringed. Shopping? He prayed such a horror didn’t await him.

CHAPTER SIX

THEFIRSTthingBlairdid that morning was buy a new cell phone and then stop by Sandals for a late breakfast. The restaurant wasn’t too crowded considering how late in the morning it was. Last night, when he finally arrived at the resort, he walked into the chaos he knew waited for him. It took hours to get everything settled.

No one seemed able to understand how the dinner cruise staff could’ve missed him floating out there in the water. The other thing stumping the police was why it took him so long to return to the resort.

Blair didn’t have a reasonable excuse for his absence. Deciding it was easiest to stick with the truth—as much as he could—he simply said he’d been stunned when he hit the water, but things were vague. He went on to say that by the time he managed to swim to shore, he was lost and confused.

It certainly sounded better than saying a merman rescued him, took him to a cave, and flirted with him. And, oh yes, they had a date tonight. They’d probably whisk him off to the nearest hospital to have his head x-rayed.

No charges were filed against the guy who ran into him while he was still on the boat, although the police asked him several times if he was sure he didn’t wish to do anything. He reassured them he didn’t.

The guyhadrushed him, but he’d also been drunk. And furious. Never a good combination. Blair really didn’t think he meant to knock him overboard. Beat the crap out of him? Possibly. But try and kill him? Probably not.

Then things got very interesting after the police left. The owner of the resort, Brett Navarro, introduced himself. Blair wasn’t surprised to know the owner researched him and knew he had money.

After Blair repeatedly reassured Brett he was fine, and no, he didn’t need anything, he finally managed to return to his room. There was something about Brett that sent his nerves dancing and left the hair on the back of his neck standing up. He had no idea why. Brett didn’t feel threatening. He felt… different.

There was also the possibility he was overreacting considering he met a creature who he had thought didn’t exist last night. Good enough reason for his nerves to be on high alert today. But then again, after spending entirely too much time in the rainforests of Africa, he learned to trust his gut.

And his gut said something was off with Brett.

“Good morning. Do you mind if I join you?”

Speak of the devil.“Of course not.” Blair waved at the seat across from him. “And good morning to you too.”

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