The Mermaid and her King Read Online Free Page A

your address and phone number.”
    He’s right about that. All he has with him is a surfboard and the swim trunks he’s wearing.
    “How about I leave it with Chase?”
    “Um, OK. I guess that’ll work.” Eric glances away from me.
    He doesn’t seem too hip on that idea. What is it with Chase? It’s as if he can’t be disturbed.
    “Well, don’t let me keep you from your surfing.”
    He gives me a warm smile. “Talking to you is just as enjoyable, but I’ll leave you alone. I’ll call you after I get your number.”
    “See you tonight, Eric.”

Rejection and Drive
    Chase
     
    I get home around eleven and remember Eric’s going to be over to surf. Looking out the back windows of my home, I think of Skyla saying she’d never take the view of the ocean for granted. I soak it in a little longer for her.
    A fter spotting Eric, I walk outside to go down to the beach. I reach the top of the stairs and freeze. She’s sitting on my bottom step. I know I just paid a hundred grand to see Skyla again, but I thought I’d have to wait until she walks the beach or comes next week to clean.
    “Hi, ” I say.
    She turns her body half way around and looks up at me. “Hi, Chase.”
    “What are you doing h ere?” I try not to sound cold, but it comes out that way.
    “I was just waiting for you, so I can clean.”
    “That’s not necessar y. You can just do it next week.”
    “Next week?”
    Oh, shit. She doesn’t know about that. “I mean, whoever comes next week. It’ll be fine until then.”
    “No, I can’t stand that you told the agency I did the work when I d idn’t, so I’m staying.”
    “Oh, really?” I can’t help smirking . She obviously doesn’t know me, or she wouldn’t be giving me this much attitude. Maybe I like her because she doesn’t mind dishing it out. She’s exciting.
    “Yes, really, ” she says, smiling and walking up the stairs until she’s one step below me. She gazes up at me with determination. Looking down at her, all I see is blue; blue ocean behind her, blue sky above her, and those mesmerizing blue eyes. I get lost in them.
    “Well, are you just going to look at me , or can I get past you to work? I could use a glass of water, too. I’ve gotten hot sitting out here.”
    Dammit, how long was I staring at her? I barely move over and hold my arm up toward the house, signaling her to walk past me. There isn’t much room, so I feel her arm brush against my chest as she passes, and I just want to pull her against me.
    I follow her into the kitchen and fix her a glass of water. Leaning back against the kitchen counter, I cross my arms and watch her. She quickly drinks her water, staring straight into my eyes the entire time. She’s different today, feistier, and I like it. Where’s this coming from? She sits the glass down.
    “Thanks for the water.”
    “No problem. You can help yourself anytime. How’s the arm?”
    “It’s healing well. I better get to work.”
    Her perfect little ass sways as she walks out of my kitchen, and I watch it until she’s out of my sight. She’s wearing black shorts and a snug, white tank top. Those shorts hug her ass just right. I’ve paid to be tortured on a weekly basis. I have to get out of this house before I attack her.
    Eric comes out of the water and walks my way as I sit on my patio. “So, is she still here, or did you make her leave?”
    “If you’re referring to Skyla, then she’s still here.”
    He chuckles. I’m curious as to why this is funny, and I’m sure he’s about to share.
    “She won. Interesting.”
    “What are you getting at, Eric?”
    “A ll I’m saying is you didn’t get your way.”
    “I could’ ve, but I didn’t see the point. It’s her job, and she’s easy on the eyes, so why should I?”
    “She sure is. She’s gorgeous .”
    M y jaw tightens before the rest of my body tenses up. “I’m going to go fix some lunch.” I get up from my chair. I don’t want to look at him right now, and I don’t