Page 69 of Make Out With A Merman

"Your tail is actually pretty smooth," she says, her voice quiet and filled with wonder.

I chuckle. "I'm glad it meets your approval."

She grins and looks up at me. "Can you feel when I touch them?"

"Every touch."

Her eyebrows lift. "Really?"

She pokes me in the side, and I flinch.

“Keep it up,” I warn her, “and I’ll tickle you until you fall off the dock.”

“You wouldn’t,” she challenges, eyes glinting mischievously.

“Try me.”

She makes a face and starts tickling me, hitting all the spots she knows will send me into a fit of laughter. I try to squirm away, but there’s no escaping her.

“Callie,” I gasp between laughs, “Callie, stop!”

“No way, fishboy,” she teases. “You started this.”

“Okay, okay, truce!” I manage to get out before dissolving into laughter again.

She finally relents, collapsing on top of me, her face pressed into my neck as she tries to catch her breath. I wrap my arms around her, holding her close.

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” I grumble playfully.

She laughs and kisses me.

I smile against her lips, savoring the moment.

We snuggle in closer, content to simply be together under the stars. The night is still and peaceful, and for a moment, all the worries of the world slip away.

But as always, duty calls.

“We should get back soon,” I say reluctantly. “The campers will be up early, and someone has to keep all the aquatic chaos in check.”

Callie sighs. “Fine, but only because I know you’ll worry otherwise.”

I stand and offer her my hand, helping her up. We dress slowly, both of us reluctant to leave the serenity of the night.

“I’ll walk you back,” I say, leading the way toward the cabins.

“Thanks,” she says, taking my hand again. “For everything.”

I smile, squeezing her hand gently. “Anytime.”

CHAPTER 23

CALLIE

When I wake, the light’s already soft and golden across the cabin floor.

Ryder’s not in bed.

But I hear him moving.

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