Page 3 of One Whopper of a Love Story

Nodding, she continued intentional breaths. “My purse.”

After setting the beautiful stranger in the passenger seat of my truck, I swept the beam of the flashlight along the ground where she’d been sitting. “The lobster?”

“Yes.” She started to get out of the truck. “Do you see it?”

“I see it. I think maybe you were sitting on it. I’m coming. Stay put.”

She gripped my arm as soon as she could reach me. “I need my Epi-pen.”

I dumped the contents of her purse into my back seat and shuffled through Pixie Sticks, feminine products, a plastic frog, and enough hair ties to keep an entire cheerleading squad in ponytails. When I found the Epi-pen, I stepped back to the door.

“Take out that part and jab it into my thigh.” She patted her leg.

“But you’re wearing—”

“Through my costume. Hurry.” Her voice had an edge of panic to it.

For a big guy who wasn’t afraid of much, I harbored a horrible fear of needles. Not many people knew about that fear. Trying not to think about the sharp thing poking into her leg, I followed her instructions. When she winced, I could no longer forget the needle part.

Her hand wrapped around mine, keeping the device in place. Hopefully, she could hang on to it if I passed out, which was becoming a real threat. This was a bad time to do that. Blood pooled in my feet, and a wave of lightheadedness hit me. Either I was going to pass out or be sick. Both options were bad. Worse than bad. I needed something to distract me.

The mermaid must have read my thoughts. With her free hand, she grabbed my shirt and pulled me to her lips.

Hello!

My thoughts catapulted in a much different direction. They were now focused on the softest lips I’d ever kissed. I tilted my head and leaned in closer, very much enjoying her surprise distraction.

Little Miss Mermaid shoved on my chest. “Okay, it’s been at least eleven seconds. Look away.”

“What? Why?”

“Because I don’t need you passing out. I need you to drive me to the hospital.”

“Got it.” I turned around.

A second later, she patted my arm. “What should I do with it? The pokey thing is sticking out.”

“Saying pokey thing instead of needle doesn’t change anything.” I sucked in a deep breath and spun around. “I’ll put it back here until I can dispose of it properly.”

“Don’t look at it.” She leaned out of the door, offering unhelpful advice.

“That’s like telling someone to calm down. It doesn’t work.”

I climbed in behind the wheel, feeling rather victorious. I hadn’t gotten sick or passed out. After shifting into drive, I glanced at the mermaid. “I’m Nico Gomez. Deputy Nico Gomez, but I’m off duty. What’s your name?”

The question was best asked before kissing a woman, but she held all responsibility for that kiss. I wasn’t going to complain about it... except maybe that it was too short. Eleven seconds wasn’t nearly long enough.

She smiled and tilted her head back. I guess she didn’t want to give me her name.

As we neared the hospital, I reached out my hand.

She clasped my fingers, then slid her hand in mine. “I’m sorry about... you know.”

“No need to apologize. And if you feel like doing that again, I’m perfectly okay with that.”

Giggling erupted next to me, followed by coughing.

“No laughing for you, lady.”

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