“Thank you.” He coughs and leans against me, shaking.
What do I do now? I stand paralyzed, my body rigid. Lucky for me, Tyler thinks on his feet. He puts his arm around Rick and propels him to the dirt road where Rick’s car is parked.
Rick’s raspy voice carries back to me as I try to blend with the shadows. “What are you doing here? You didn’t even give me a chance to thank her.”
Tyler keeps walking, towing Rick with him.
“What a goddess. Do you know her? Who is she?”
I nearly collapse with relief. He doesn’t recognize me. My hearing is particularly acute, better in the water, but I do just fine on land, so I can hear the entire embarrassing conversation. I lean forward and tip my head, anxious to hear Tyler’s reply.
“That’s information I’m not prepared to share with you, bro.”
“Man you have all the luck. Every girl in Rosemont is after you and you manage to find the most spectacular piece of ass on the planet. Maybe she’s a sea siren. She has the voice of an angel.”
At this point, I put my head in my hands and groan.
“Let me remind you, that spectacular piece of ass just saved your life.” Tyler’s voice has an edge to it.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m not myself. I nearly drowned.”
“Yeah, you did. So be more respectful.”
“You’re right. I should go back and thank her.”
“Never mind, I’ll thank her for you. Do you have your keys?”
The shadowy figure feels his pockets. I hear a ripping sound.
He says in a relieved voice, “Thank God for Velcro.”
“You okay to drive?” Tyler opens Rick’s door without waiting for an answer.
“I’m fine.”
“Good. See you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, see ya.” His engine purrs to life.
I step further back into the shadows so his headlights won’t pick me up when he turns the car around.
Tyler walks toward me. The moon limns his features, casting shadows beneath the high cheek bones, outlining his nose—that is just the least bit crooked—and lighting his lips. He stops in front of me.
“How can he not see you?” he marvels.
“I’d say he saw me just fine.” I tear my gaze away from those perfect lips. They aren’t too thin or too full, kissable.
He grins. His eyes twinkle. Or maybe it’s the stars reflected in them. “Oh, well, to paraphrase Rick. You do have a fine ass.”
I grimace, somewhat pleased, somewhat embarrassed.
He steps nearer, his mouth so close his breath warms my face, and the fresh scent of peppermint zings my senses.
“I guess it’s official, Rick says we’re dating.” He lays his hands lightly on my shoulders.
“That’s not exactly what he said. Plus I’ve never had the desire to join a harem.” I snort and start to pull back. His warm hands settle more firmly on my shoulders.
“My prowess with the opposite sex is somewhat overrated.” He pulls me closer. “I have no problems with monogamy.”
My heart does a slow hard thud. I want to tap my ear to see if I’m hearing right. Instead, I force myself to pull away. “I need to get home.”
He lets me go, grabs my hand, and walks toward his car. “Didn’t your mother ever warn you men like nothing better than a challenge?”
“Oh please.” I roll my eyes.
He chuckles and opens the car door. I hesitate.
“What?” he asks.
“I don’t want to ruin your seats.”
“You won’t. To an extent leather is waterproof. I’ll wipe off any excess when I get home. Cleaning car seats 101: you can clean mildew off leather with an equal ratio of water and alcohol.”
“Too much information.” I slide in and lean back against the smooth seat. It smells of sand, sea salt, and Tyler.
“Your Gramps would appreciate the info even if you don’t. Actually, he probably already knows.” He walks around and climbs in the driver’s side. In moments, we’re heading up the dirt road that leads to Gramps’ cottage.
Tyler pulls up to the cottage and shuts off the motor.
“You don’t have to see me to the door.” I reach for the handle but before I can open the door, Tyler pulls me to him. “You’re my girl.” His voice still has a thread of laughter.
“I’m…” Before I can say any more, his lips settle warm and persuasive on mine. It certainly feels like I’m his girl. When he finally releases me, I sit, blinking at him. He leans across me and opens the door. “Sleep well.” He gives me a light kiss on the tip of my nose.
I stumble out of the car. The wind on my face revives me and brings reality rushing back. Jeez what am I thinking? Once again, my feelings for this boy have gotten the best of me. More perturbed with myself than him—after all he’s only a guy—I huff, “I’m not anyone’s girl.” I slam the door with more force than necessary.
“You can run all you want, sea girl, but one of these days you’re going to admit it.” The words and the certainty of his voice follow me into the cottage.