Page 36 of Beneath the Surface

As he cooked, his mind turned over all that had happened over the past several days. Now he knew why he’d always felt like he was on hold—like he was waiting for something. The “something” must have been Nisha.

“Well, living with a merman will certainly liven things up.”

Seeing that everything was ready, he prepared their plates but paused midway. He might not truly be a merman, but he was certainly going to have gills, according to Nisha. Nisha had been in a lot of pain when he transformed. Would he feel the same sort of pain when his gills came out? He and pain didn’t get along well.

At all.

He jumped when arms circled his waist and pulled him back against a firm chest. “I can hear you worrying all the way from the bedroom. What’s wrong?”

“Sorry, sorry.”

“Kannon?”

Kannon relaxed in Nisha’s arms. “It was nothing, really. I just happened to think about something. I’m sure I’m going to be thinking of several things I forgot to ask. By the way, breakfast is ready. Hope you like bacon, eggs, and biscuits.”

“I’m more than happy to eat anything my mate prepares for me. I am honored.” Nisha kissed the back of Kannon’s neck and then stepped away. “It’s natural for you to have questions. If there’s something, ask me. Don’t think it’s too small or silly.”

They sat at the table. “You’re right. Okay, then. You said I’ll have gills, right?”

“Yes. Just like the ones you saw on Brett. And on me.”

“Does it hurt? When they—I’m not sure how you’d say this—but when they come out, does it hurt?”

“Absolutely not. It’s not like when my tail transforms into human legs. The gills are always there, whether you’re in the water or not—whether you’re using them are not.”

“Oh.” Kannon put a hand to his neck. Now that he was touching the skin there, he swore he could feel ridges. “Didn’t see that coming.”

“Skinfolds will hide them when not in use. When you’re underwater and need to breathe, you’ll have to concentrate in order to use them until it becomes second nature to you.”

“Oh wow, okay. I think I can handle that.”Maybe.

“Don’t worry about asking me questions. It’s the only way you’ll learn.” Nisha nodded to Kannon’s plate of food. “Please eat. You went to all this trouble; don’t let it go cold.”

“You’re right.” Kannon picked up his fork and dug in.

After they finished, Nisha helped Kannon clean the kitchen. Kannon stood by the counter, sipping his coffee. Suddenly he slapped a hand to his head. “Jesus, do you realize today’s Friday? I’d totally forgotten! Their wedding is tomorrow.”

“Yes, I just happened to think about that myself. I’m sure Brooke has most everything ready to go by now, but maybe you should call and check in.”

“Maybe I should.” Kannon put his coffee on the counter and went back to the bedroom, searching for his cell phone. Moments later he returned, phone in hand. He unlocked it and dialed Brett’s number.

“Hey! Brett, how you doing man? You feel okay? Is everything okay?”

“Kannon? Damn, am I glad to hear from you. The last I saw you… yeah. You were rather pissed. I was just getting ready to call and… um… is everything okay withyou? I mean, I know Nisha would never hurt you, but he and Brooke tend to think differently than we do, know what I mean?”

“Understatement of the year, but yeah, everything’s perfectly fine. I’m fine. Nisha and I had a long talk last night and… Well, let’s just say I’m no longer the odd man out. We’ll talk more in person. Now, what about the wedding tomorrow evening? Can we help with anything?”

“Brooke has everything under control. Seriously, we’re not doing all that much. I’ve got my clothes, Brooke has her dress, the flowers and cake are finished, the trellis is ready… We got it all under control.”

“What about my shirt?”

“It came yesterday afternoon, and in all the excitement I forgot to mention it. You want to come to the resort and pick it up?”

“Yeah, Nisha and I will. I want to make sure you’re completely healed too.”

“Sounds good. And I am. Brooke had some stuff she used on me last night. Just check in with the front desk before coming up.”

They finished getting dressed and used the golf cart to return to the resort. They took the private elevator to the penthouse. The door of the elevator opened and Kannon goggled. Light-colored hardwoods spread out in front of them and drew his eye to an endless array of windows that overlooked the ocean.

---