Page 4 of One Whopper of a Love Story

That had the opposite effect. Her hand tightened around mine, and she worked to stop her giggles. “I didn’t want you to pass out, so I thought if you had something else to think about. It was just an impulse.”

“It worked. And I’ll be thinking about it. Guaranteed.” I pulled up to the emergency room entrance. “It’s not every day I find a mermaid on the side of the roadandget to kiss her.” I ran around to open her door. “I’ll move the truck after I get you inside.”

“Thank you for rescuing me.” She swung her legs out.

I scooped her into my arms. “I’m not sure physics allows for walking in this thing. I’ll carry you in.”

She leaned her head on my shoulder. “Layla. My name is Layla Tucker.”

The nurse, who I knew recognized me from the times I’d dealt with cases here, nodded toward the double doors. “Let me let them know you’re coming. Hang on.” She didn’t even seem fazed that I’d just carried a mermaid into the ER.

Layla kept her head on my shoulder, but her eyes were wide and wild.

“You having trouble breathing?”

She shook her head. “Epinephrine makes me panicky.”

I pushed through the double doors. “She’s having an allergic reaction to something. I gave her the Epi-pen, and she seemed okay on the drive here, but I’m worried about her.”

The nurse pointed at a bed. “Right there, deputy.”

I laid the mermaid down but didn’t leave her side.

A doctor rushed in, and the nurse yanked the curtain closed. “I’m Dr. Rios. What’s your name?”

“Layla.”

“I’m going to look you over really quick. What are you allergic to?”

“Fire ants.” Layla reached for my hand.

“Nasty creatures.” The doctor listened to her breathing and looked at her hives. “I wish they’d never caught a ride on that cargo ship. Were you at a party?”

She nodded.

“Your airways sound fine. But I’d like to get some Benadryl in you to help ease the hives and itching.” He rattled off instructions to the nurse, and they both hurried out of the curtained area.

“Do you live around here?” I hoped a little conversation might help her feel less panicked.

“Stadtburg. I work at the doughnut shop.”

“Sweet’s?” My day was getting better and better.

She nodded.

“In the rush to get here, I didn’t ask about your car.”

“Flat tire. Hopefully, it doesn’t get towed. I can’t afford that.” She closed her eyes, her dark hair scattered across the pillow.

The nurse walked in carrying a syringe, and I focused on Layla.

Reminding myself not to look at the needle wasn’t working, and when the nurse held up the syringe, the light in the room began to fade. The last thing I heard was my mermaid shouting for someone to catch me.

Chapter 3

Layla

It took less than fifteen seconds for me to flip my tail over the side of the bed and drop to the floor beside Nico. Leaning over him, I patted his cheek. “Wake up.”

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