I gun my motor, probably waking any sleeping patients in the hospital and head home. I roll the window down and feel the cool breeze blow through the truck. I long for the ocean like a besotted woman longs for her lover. I need the water’s silken caress. The energy and life under the water. The color and the wildness. I need it all.
And I’m worried about my dolphin friends. I don’t want them killed so their body parts can be put in other human beings, turning them into something most would find unnatural, something like me.
I heave a sigh. I promised Gramps. So when I get home, instead of jumping in the ocean, I take a deep inhale of salt-laden air and head inside.
I’m munching on a Pop-Tart when Tyler arrives. The boy is fast, I’ll give him that. A part of me is glad he’s here. The part that would love to lie on the beach next to him, feel his warm skin under my fingertips, and his kissable lips pressed against mine in a wet, prolonged kiss. The rest of me is on guard, stressed to the max.
I crack the door and block entrance with my body. “This isn’t necessary,” I say ungraciously.
He’s holding something behind his hand, but I smell it before he whips it in front of him. “I come bearing gifts.” He looks pointedly at the Pop-Tart in my hand. “I didn’t think you’d bother to eat.”
How can he know me so well? Or maybe it’s a teenage thing. On my list of Can’t Resist are lattes and pizza. I step back and follow him into the kitchen.
He sets the brown box on the kitchen table, turns and just stares at me. I wipe my lip. Do I have crumbs on my mouth? “What?”
“In that getup you wear to school, it’s easy to forget how beautiful you are.”
“Please.” I roll my eyes, ignoring the jump my stomach gives. It’s the pizza, not the words, I tell myself. Or the sweetness of his smile. “I’ve got on knock-around clothes. How beautiful can I be?”
He takes a step closer. “Man, oh man, you make faded shorts and a pink top look like a fashion statement.” He reaches to touch my hair, but I back away. “When I see you rise out of the water, it’s like watching a mermaid come to life.”
Mermaid, dolph-girl. I mentally shrug. “Tyler—”
“You don’t need to say it. I know I screwed up with you, lost your trust. But I’m here for you, in any capacity that you want me. And I plan on sticking around.”
I stare at him, my mind in turmoil. What’s that supposed to mean? Would he be so willing to stay if he knew I’m a mutant? I almost ask, then control my unruly tongue. I guess I’ll never know.
I break eye contact and shift away from the warm scent of male and sunshine. “Thanks for bringing the pizza. Want a soda?” I’m already heading for the fridge.
“Yeah, that would be great.”
I pop the tabs on two cans of Coke and set them on the table. My chair scrapes as I sit down. The smells coming from the box are making my mouth water. I pull napkins out of the holder in lieu of plates.
Tyler reaches in, pulls out a piece, and demolishes it in three quick bites. He swallows and grins. I grin back. The awkwardness is broken, at least for now.
We eat in companionable silence. At least, I eat. Tyler inhales.
He glances out the window. “The sun is setting. Want to walk on the beach?”
Music to my ears. “I’d love to.” I hop up, toss the pizza box in the trash, and hurry outside, Tyler right behind me. I head for the trail. Tyler takes my hand as we head down it, scuffing rocks and grabbing branches to keep from sliding.
We reach the bottom and gaze at the water. It laps lazily against the shore, creating hypnotic music. The spot we stand in is a secluded inlet. The sun is bright red and takes up the whole sky as it begins its descent into the water.
Tyler slips his arm around me. The moment is so perfect I lean against him. One or two premature stars are already in sight.
He places his lips gently on my brow before he draws me to him. It’s been such a horrible day, first the breakup then Gramps. I can’t help myself. I can’t fight the attraction or the need for comfort. I turn into him, my hands clutching his shoulders, my fingers pressing through the fabric of his shirt, feeling the heat of his skin.
“Piper,” he whispers before his mouth closes over mine. I blindly seek solace. I press against him as close as I can get. With a groan, he returns the pressure.
Whether it’s the dolphin DNA or my human nature I have no desire or will to move away. My blood pulses a hot rhythm. I want more of him.
Somehow, we move to the ground. The sharp edges of small sandy pebbles poke through my clothes before Tyler rolls us over into a bank of wild grass and tiny flowers. A sweet scent rises around us as our bodies crush the flowers.
I pull his shirt over his head and feel smooth skin over ropy muscle beneath my fingers. His hands travel over me, leaving surges of electricity wherever he touches. His fingers come within inches of my blowhole, but I stay on my back, keeping it covered.
He shifts away from me, panting.
“Tyler?” I reach for him.
He heaves a long shuddering breath. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but we’d better stop.”
Unfortunately, my response is all female. “You don’t want me?” The words are out before I can stop them.
He gives a choked laugh, scooting away from me. “I think it’s pretty obvious that’s not the problem. In fact, I’ve never wanted anyone more.” He shakes his head as if confused by the intensity. “Is this your way of saying we’re a couple again?” He picks up a small stone and throws it toward the water, but we aren’t close enough. The stone plops into the sand.
“No.” I rub my arms, chilled, more alone than before.
A look of hurt crosses his face, but is quickly masked. “It’s okay. It’s my fault. I take responsibility.”
“There’s no fault involved.” I sit up stiffly and pull down my top.
“I should clarify,” he says gently. “My fault for the breakup. For this”—he gestures and grins—“I’m a guy. My only regret is stopping.”
My confusion overcomes my embarrassment. “I don’t understand.”
He leans toward me, the grin gone, replaced with an intense expression. “I want you back. I want you to be my girl again. I was hit with a silly wave of insecurity when I said that stuff, something that normally doesn’t happen to me.” One side of his mouth goes up in a crooked smile.
He shifts and tugs at a blade of grass. “I don’t make a habit of talking about this but I want you to understand. Remember when I told you my uncle is pretty high up in the Mafia?”
I nod, confused.
“My dad didn’t share that information with my mom right away. When he did tell her, it caused a huge rift. It took over a year for them to mend their differences. Secrets aren’t good, Piper.”
“Why didn’t your dad tell her?”
“He was afraid she wouldn’t marry him.” He shrugs. “It hit a nerve. Not to mention, the mystery is driving me wild.”
I stare at the ocean. I can certainly relate to his dad, plus no matter how trustworthy Tyler is, I can’t bring myself to share this particular secret. I heave a sigh of regret. A relationship isn’t in my future. I’m destined to be alone.
A nagging little voice in my head says Gramps’ family knew and kept mom’s secret. Maybe not telling him is cowardice. But it’s a risk I’m not willing to run.
“Tyler.” The name comes out a squawk, possibly from the lump in my throat. I clear it and try again. “Tyler, it’s not in the cards for me. I care about you, really care about you, but I can’t be in a relationship right now.”
I hunch my shoulders, waiting for his anger and hurt. Silence. I glance at him.
He touches my hand with the tips of his fingers. “I’m willing to wait. At some point you’re going to decide you can’t live without me and when you do, I’ll be here.”
He gives me his sweet crooked grin, the one that never fails to melt my heart. “You never react as I expect you to,” I mutter.
“I’ve got to keep you on your toes. Are you ready to go back?” He gets up and pulls me to my feet.
I look longingly at the ocean. “I promised Gramps I wouldn’t go out tonight. What if they’ve caught one? What if one of the dolphins is in trouble?” I bite my lip and fight against tears.
“Tomorrow, tell your gramps I’ll go out with you.”
“You’d do that for me?” I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts, which are ricocheting against each other in confusion.
“You and the dolphins. We’ll figure out who’s behind this and put a stop to it.”
The thought brings me up cold. A thousand emotions zing me. Of course, I want this thing stopped. But I’m not sure I want to get that close to who’s responsible. I know in my bones it’s the mutant lab.
And I don’t want Tyler to find out about me. But that must come second to saving the dolphins.
He takes my hand and we head for the trail in silence. Halfway up it dawns on me, he never told me why he stopped tonight. We got tangled up in the secrets thing.
As if sensing my thoughts, something he seems able to do with alarming accuracy, he tugs on my hand, halting me as we enter the house. “I want to make love with you. I intend to.” There comes that crooked grin. “But I don’t want any regrets on your side. I’m afraid if it happened tonight there might be. You just haven’t quite wrapped your head around the fact we belong together.”
Would I have regretted it? My human side, maybe. My dolphin side, no. Dolphins are gregarious creatures without the inhibitions of humans.
I reach over and kiss his cheek. “You think too much. And it’s not necessary for you to stay.”
“Probably not. But I’m staying just the same.”
“Stubborn.” I shake my head and smile.
Except for the underlying sexual tension and the worry about my dolphins, the evening is comfortable, even fun. We settle in on the couch to do homework.
I look up from my laptop to find Tyler staring at me. “What?”
As if reading my thoughts, he says, “We should get the other kids involved in saving the dolphins.”
“What do you mean?” I ask cautiously.
“Just make them aware. Lots of kids have boats, or their parents do. They could cruise the waters. In fact, let’s take the boat out tomorrow evening.”
“Has it been fixed yet?” I know it’s been hauled in, but I’m not sure of the damages.
“No, but we could take my parents’.”
“Or Gramps’ old boat.”
“Yeah.”
I feel considerably cheered. Maybe there’s something to this not flying solo stuff.
“It’s a date.”
I look at him uneasily.
“Figuratively speaking.”
The evening passes quickly. At midnight, I make the couch up for Tyler then go to bed myself.
* * * *
The next morning when I get up Tyler’s already gone. Before he left, he made coffee, bless him. The aroma lingers in the kitchen, so I know he hasn’t been gone long. I dress quickly, grab a Pop-Tart and head for the hospital to take a quick peek at Gramps before I go to school.
I stick my head in the room. He’s sleeping. I tiptoe over and study him. His color is good. The gray is gone from his skin. I hope it’s not worry about me that landed him here.
As I leave the room, the nurse comes down the hall. “Little early for visiting,” she comments.
“I wanted to check on him before I go to school.”
“He’s doing fine. He had a good night. I wouldn’t be surprised if the doctor releases him.”
Relief floods my system. “That’s great news. I’ll be back after school.” I run for my truck and head for school.
I arrive with minutes to spare. As I push through the glass doors, Fahrenbacher steps away from the trophy case that lines the wall. “Hey, hot stuff.”
I ignore him and keep walking. He falls in beside me, walking with a swagger. God’s gift, etc. etc.
“What do you want, Fahrenbacher?” I boost my book bag higher on my shoulder and lengthen my stride, trying to get away from the asshole.
He keeps up with no apparent effort.
He leans toward me, invading my space. “You, sweet cheeks.”
“Get over yourself.”
“Leave that loser Carlisle and try a real man.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to say Tyler and I are just friends, before sanity returns. The last thing I need is Fahrenbacher thinking he’s got a clear field.
“Why don’t you go out with me Friday night?”
“What do you want, Fahrenbacher?” Tyler shoulders his way between the two of us.
“I wasn’t speaking to you, Carlisle.” His swagger has stiffened, his manner belligerent.
I can almost smell the testosterone rolling off both of them.
“You’re speaking to me now.”
Fahrenbacher ignores him and says to me, “Think about it. I’ll be in touch.” He slams his shoulder against Tyler and strides away.
“That guy really gets on my nerves,” Tyler mutters, watching Fahrenbacher disappear down the hall.
“Feeling seems to be mutual.”
“What did he want?” His expression isn’t quite a glare but close enough.
“Nothing important.”
“What did he want, Piper?” His jaw clenches, his chin juts up.
I sigh in defeat. “He wanted a date.”
“Are you going?”
“Are you insane? Forget Fahrenbacher. I certainly intend to.”
As we slip into class, the bell rings. From the back row, Holly motions for me. She’s saved two seats. Tyler and I sink down beside her.
She looks at Tyler and grins.
Tyler gives a small shake of his head. She frowns in confusion.
I slink down, hoping I won’t be noticed. It’s my lucky day. I’m not called on once. I should buy a lottery ticket.
The bell rings and I hurry to my next class. The day passes without incident. Sooner than I would have thought possible, the school day is done. I head for the hospital.
A glance in the rearview mirror shows Tyler right behind me. He catches my eye and lifts a hand. I wave back then concentrate on my driving.
When I pull into the parking lot, he parks next to me. We walk in together. Even though I know I shouldn’t let it, his presence brings me comfort. I glance at him. He looks at me and gives a reassuring smile. I smile back.
He takes my hand. Reluctantly, I start to pull back. His grip tightens. He leans down close to my ear. “Friend.” His breath sends shivers through me.
“Friend.” I nod.
Doc Johnson is coming out of Gramps’ room. He sees me and smiles. “Piper.”
“How is he, Doc?”
“He’s okay. We ran some more tests. Stress and an ECG. He didn’t have a heart attack as I originally thought.”
“He didn’t? So he doesn’t have a clot? How were they wrong about that?”
“He’s suffering from angina. The symptoms are very similar. He had a small blockage; if the blockage had been complete it would have been a full-blown heart attack.”
“I’m sorry, I still don’t entirely understand.”
“It’s lack of blood and oxygen to the heart. It’s treated pretty much the same as a heart attack. Nitrate tablets if needed and a change in his eating habits. If it doesn’t get better we’ll do an angioplasty but hopefully it won’t come to that. Keep his stress level down.”
I give a guilty start.
Tyler squeezes my hand.
“Can I take him home?”
“Yes, you may. Just remember what I said.” He shoves his hands in his pockets and heads down the hall, his gait tired, his head and shoulders forward.
Two hours later the nurse is wheeling Gramps out of the hospital. Tyler insists on driving him home. I reluctantly agree. Beulah’s shocks are shot.
I swing through Subway and pick Gramps up a turkey breast sub and apple slices, and meatball sandwiches with chips for Tyler and me.
When I get home, Tyler has already helped Gramps into his favorite recliner.
I fuss over him, draping an afghan around his lap.
“I’m not a damn invalid you know,” he grumbles.
“I know.” I hand him a paper plate with his sub and apple slices on it.
He looks at the turkey sub and apple slices on his plate, and the meatball sub and chips on mine and Tyler’s, and raises his eyebrows.
“Doctor’s orders.”
“That old quack.”
“Gramps.”
He waves me off. “Have you stayed out of the ocean?”
“I said I would.”
He studies me until I squirm uncomfortably. “It’s hard on you.”
“I’d be happy to go out with her, Mr. Dunn.” Tyler volunteers.
He’s probably wondering why it’s hard on me.
Gramps brightens. “It would make me feel better. Asking Piper to stay out of the sea is like asking a greyhound not to run.”
“It would be my pleasure.” Tyler glances at me. “I spoke to several other students today. They’re incensed that someone is hunting the dolphins. Do you know Anna Marie?”
“Vaguely.”
She’s organizing the students. The ones whose families have boats will patrol. Others will put up fliers and contact the local media. It’ll take a few days to get everybody organized but hopefully it’ll take care of the situation.”
“That’s wonderful. Thank you.” I give him a warm smile. I can continue to keep an eye out without being visible. “I really appreciate it.”
I glance over at Gramps. He’s eaten half his sandwich and his eyelids are drooping. I take his plate. “Why don’t you lay down, Gramps?”
“I think I will.” He pulls himself out of the chair. “You and Tyler take your swim.”
Swimming with Tyler is tricky. But I’m so anxious to get in the water, I’m willing to deal with it.
“My trunks are in the car. I’ll get them and change.” Tyler rises.
“Be careful, Pip.” Gramps pats me awkwardly on the shoulder and shuffles to his room. I go to mine and step out of my clothes. As usual, I’ve got on a two-piece in place of underwear. Some girls collect shoes. I collect swimsuits. I have a couple dozen. The one I’ve got on is pink with black polka dots.
I walk out and Tyler is standing in the living room, his trunks hooked on one finger. He looks at me and his eyes cross. Heat floods my face. I point down the hall. “You can change in the bathroom.”
He nods. A slow appreciative smile crosses his features, his gaze travels from my head to my toes and back again. “Nice swimsuit.” He strolls away whistling.
When he comes out, he’s in gray, knee-length trunks with a green drawstring and large pockets. I glance at him unobtrusively, taking in his long lean body, the flat stomach, and ropy muscles.
He catches me looking and teases. “No touching the merchandise. We’re just friends, remember?”
I glance away.
He chuckles. “And as your friend, let me say, you look damn hot. Not that I notice.”
I roll my eyes. How I’m going to keep him in line is beyond me. We leave the house and stroll down the path to the water. I try not to remember what happened the last time we were here. Of course, it’s the only thing I think about.
I look anywhere but at Tyler’s face. Glancing down, I notice the bulge in his pocket. “What’s that?” I point then feel myself blush, hoping he doesn’t misunderstand and think I’m making sexual innuendos.
If he does, he doesn’t say anything. Instead, he reaches in his pocket and pulls out an underwater camera. “In case you want to swim out further or get too far ahead of me, I can keep an eye on you.”
Never known for thinking on my feet, all I can think to say is, “Oh.” I hold out my hand.
“It’s a digital with night vision. If we see the ship, I might be able to get some pics.”
“What a great idea.”
“Thanks.” He hooks it around his neck. “Ready?”
“Ready.”
We wade into the water. The cool slapping liquid is in direct contrast to the warm humid air on our shoulders. When the water hits my waist, I begin to swim, Tyler follows suit.
I flip onto my back and watch him. He has a strong sure stroke. I roll into a ball, like an otter playing, before I stretch out and swim. Tyler stays at my side matching me stroke for stroke. I could outswim him but have no desire to.
A few moments later, something wet and slick pushes us apart.
“Hey.” Tyler looks around wildly. I laugh.
The dolphin pulls ahead of us, lifts his head out of the water and chatters.
“How cool is that? Though, he nearly gave me a heart attack.” Tyler dog paddles and pushes water out of his face. “Does this happen to you often?”
“Yeah,” I admit.
“You’re an amazing girl.”
Two more dolphins join us. Tyler takes out his camera and starts shooting. When he turns his camera in my direction, I hold up my hand. “None of me.”
He opens his mouth then nods. “Okay. How about you take one of me with our friends here?”
I take the camera and as I click, one of them jumps in the air and comes down with a splash that drenches us.
We laugh. I hand him back his camera.
Suddenly, Tyler stiffens and points. The dolphins grow quiet. In the distance is the shadowy outline of a boat.
Paddling with his feet, Tyler raises his camera, focuses and starts shooting.
“Let me see.” I hold out my hand and he hands me the camera. The view is distorted. I blink, wipe the water out of my eyes, and focus. The boat is dark and nondescript, not easily recognizable, but what isn’t are the two divers looking over the side.