Page 29 of Make Out With A Merman

And I don’t know which scares me more.

CHAPTER 11

CALLIE

If I’ve learned anything this summer, it’s that lakes don’t wait.

They don’t give warnings. Don’t send polite memos saying, “Hey, gonna toss a squall your way, grab your floaties and hold tight.”

They just go.

And today, the lake goesferal.

It happens fast.

One minute we’re running a basic treading drill in the east bay, sun high and warm like it hasn’t figured out it’s supposed to be cursed right now. The next, clouds roll in like they’ve got beef with the horizon, and the wind turns from lazy breeze to slap-you-in-the-face cold.

I look up and everythingdrops.

Temperature. Pressure. My stomach.

“Everyone to shore!” I yell, voice sharp. “Now!”

Kids start kicking toward the dock, splashing more from panic than propulsion. I’m about to dive in to help steer the stragglers when I hear it,screaming.

High-pitched. Distant.

And familiar.

“Penny,” I gasp. “Oh gods”

She’s out past the marker line, where the water gets real and fast. A wave slams her sideways, swallowing her for a breathless beat.

Then she pops up, flailing, mouth open, gasping.

“RYDER!” I scream before I even finish my thought.

He’s there.

Of course he is.

One second he’s on the dock, next second, slicing through the water like he was born in it.

I dive in behind him, because instincts be damned, I’m not watching this from shore.

The lake isangrier than I’ve ever felt it.

Not just wind or chop. Itpushes.Like a fist under the surface.

I can barely keep my bearings, but I follow Ryder’s silver trail, eyes locked on Penny’s bobbing head.

She’s crying now, barely paddling. Water crashes into her from all angles.

Ryder reaches her first, arms circling under hers. “I got you,” he says, calm and deep like thunder.

She sobs, clinging to him like he’s solid land.

I reach them a breath later, grabbing her hand. “Hey, Penny. Deep breath, babe. We’re right here.”

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