by Tawny Taylor
“I’m so proud of you for doing this.” Diana gave her shoulders a squeeze.
She looked up from the cold blue water. There were other people all around. Where had they come from?
“Okay. Time to get started.” The god—what was his name? Joe? No, Josh. Yes! Josh—gripped his whistle in his fist. “Everyone in the pool. I need you lined up on this side.” His leg brushed her shoulder—satiny smooth. She leaned against it. “You, too, Jane.”
His voice hummed in her head and between her legs. Her pussy throbbed. She slid into the water, thankful for the chill on her skin.
“Look at you! You’re doing it.” Diana slipped into the water beside her, giving her an encouraging smile. Then her brows drew together and her eyes squinted. “Have you been lying all this time?”
“No. I’m scared to death of water.”
“Well, you’re neck-deep in it.”
Her eyes dropped, skimming over the surface. “Oh God!” She felt the first blade of panic pierce her brain. Her legs stiffened.
“Jane,” Mr. Perfect said. “Look at me.”
She looked. Hell, she couldn’t not look.
There was that mind-melting gaze again. Dark and deep. She felt like it was digging through her brain, rummaging through her secrets. Her body tingled all over. Her limbs came alive. He handed down a white foam board. “Hold this in front of you and swim across the pool.”
A gift? For her? His first gift. She sighed, hugged it to her chest, and smiled.
He laughed, and she snapped out of her daze. Her face this close to bursting into flames, she turned from him. And holding the foam board in her hands, she let her body float for a moment, absorbing the chill into her core. It was a strange feeling, hot and cold. She kicked her legs.
That felt different, too. The water slithered around her ankles as her feet moved. She kicked harder, and the water moved across her stomach and chest and along her sides.
Before she knew it, the opposite pool side was in front of her. She gripped it, bewildered. Had she just swum across the pool?
Diana floated at her side. “My God! You did it! I’m so happy for you!” Her face was alight with a bright grin.
Pride and surprise shot through Jane’s body. “I didn’t even realize what I was doing.”
“See? It isn’t so bad, is it?”
She glanced at the man who’d somehow talked her into swimming without saying more than a handful of words. He smiled at her.
Her heart did a little jig. She had the overwhelming urge to return to him. She had to be near him. She gripped that foam board in her hands and pushed her feet against the slick pool tiles, propelling herself forward. Her gaze remained on his face as she kicked her way back across the pool.
“Very good, Jane.” His voice thrummed through her body as she stopped before him. “You’re a natural. You’ve taken to water like a regular mermaid.”
She felt a silly grin spread over her face. “Well, I never expected it to be so easy.”
“Neither did I,” Diana said from behind her. “My God, she wouldn’t get near a birdbath before today.”
Jane didn’t appreciate that stab, especially when it was said in front of Mr. Tall, Dark and Sexy, and set out to prove just how brave and able she was. She tossed the board aside in favor of a smaller pool noodle, turned back around and took several more laps across the pool just to show her. She was no chicken! Birdbath, my ass!
“Jane, you must get out of the water now.” His voice hit the pit of her stomach.
“Just a minute more.” She flung her arms over the noodle and kicked away from the poolside. But, when she was almost halfway across the pool, someone bumped her, knocking the noodle out from under her chest, and she slipped below the surface. She thrashed, seeing white everywhere. Noise exploded in her ears, magnified to deafening volume by the water.
She gave up and drifted lower. Her lungs screamed for air, and she swallowed against the urge to inhale. Her feet hit the scratchy concrete bottom, and she pushed up, her arms reaching toward the silver, shimmering surface above. No sooner did she break through it then she was back on the bottom again.
Suddenly, he was there, and every nerve ending charged to life. He looked her in the eye. “You’re okay. Don’t panic.”
Had he just spoken to her? How? Get me the hell outta here before I die. This is no time for hallucinations.
He chuckled in her head.
How the hell did someone do that? The sounds vibrated through her whole body, to her toes and eyelashes. Her stomach and fingertips. A warm throb settled between her legs.
She was getting horny? At the bottom of a pool? What the heck was that all about?
Chapter 3
Without the chase, the prize would be as meaningful as mud.
This was the one. She would be a perfect mate. His gaze settled on her face as he calmed her and enumerated her attributes. She had beautiful, classic features that would set the goddesses afire with jealousy. Impossibly long eyelashes fringed eyes the color of milk chocolate. Her nose was pert but slender, raised at the tip to give her just enough sass to amuse him. Her lips…those lips. He already knew they tasted of the sweetest nectar in paradise. How he wished to kiss them now!
Yet, he resisted. This woman—this human—possessed a fiery will, and would need some coaxing before she would fully submit to him.
He would settle for nothing less than full submission—of body, mind and spirit.
Besides, there was much to appreciate in the chase.
He mentally murmured more soothing words to her, taking full advantage of his powers over humans. Thankfully, she calmed, allowing him a brief but welcome opportunity to see her as she might be in his world—not that he’d ever expect her to follow him there.
Selkies had mated with humans for ages, but the hazards of falling in love with one was well known. It was much safer this way—to mate and leave. The land dwellers would raise his child until he was old enough to join his father in their world below.
But, as he watched her chestnut hair drift around her face and over her shoulders, flirting with breasts so ripe and firm they beckoned his touch, he found himself wondering if it might be possible…
Her panic sliced through him, cutting that thought off before he’d finished it.
Perhaps not.
Testing her powers of intuition, wanting to sense whether she felt the connection between them, he reached out, touching her between those luscious breasts. Her heartbeat, jackrabbit quick, increased in response to his touch.
Yes, very good. Her body was willing, even if her mind was not yet ready. His own reacted in a primal response, blood pumping through his body in hot waves, pooling between his legs until his erection pushed against the containment of his swim trunks.
Hush, love. You’re safe. Can you see how magical this place is below the surface? You came from water. It’s a part of you. He palmed her cheek before letting his hand slide lower to grasp her neck. Her hair twined around his fingers, dancing upon the shifting currents like tiny fish.
Get me the hell outta here. I’m no more water than you are frickin’ gold! And how the hell are we talking?
He let his fingertips stray lower and to the left, tracing the line of her collarbone before dipping between her tits and skirting the fullness of a breast. Then it continued down, following the line of her torso. Damn, she was perfect! Her body was soft, as a woman’s should be. Her skin was smooth under his touch, velvety. Her energy, and the unique taste of her filled the water surrounding them, sending his nerves aflame. His groin ached, his cock throbbed, and only one image played through his mind—bending her over and fucking her until he dropped dead away.
And unless you’re going to rescue me, get your fuckin’ hands off! I’m dying down here!
He couldn’t help smiling. Yes, a fiery sprite, she was, one that would make Coventina, the goddess he most adored—for her spunk, of course—hang her head in shame.
As long as we�
�re together, you won’t die.
Nice, buddy. What kind of nut job are you? Using her feet, she pushed up from the concrete floor, scooping water into her cupped hands as she swam to the surface.
He followed her and the sounds, sights and smells of the world outside the water assaulted him as he broke the surface. Wrapping one protective arm around Jane’s narrow waist, he gave her time to catch her breath. She sputtered and sagged against him in relief.
Her soft body against his made every muscle tense. His cock shot to full erection, his internal engine switched to high gear as his heart pumped blood through every miniscule part of him. His heart’s quickened thump pounded in his ear, revved even more as he cupped her ass with his free hand and held her tight against him. His legs kicked slowly, keeping them both afloat.
Damn, how he wished they were in murky waters! The toxic chemicals in the pool water left it as clear as the calmest sea, and offered no opportunity for further exploration of the body pressed firmly against him.
And what exploration he would like to have, particularly of the delicious juncture between her thighs. He licked his lips as he mentally tasted her.
Sweet, mellow.
“Are you going to take me to the side, or are you just going to stay here in the middle of the pool and cop a feel?”
He laughed. Her sharp wit delighted him. “I don’t see you objecting.”
“Like hell, I’m not!” She shoved at his chest, but he held her fast, purposefully molding her body to his and appreciating every place their skin touched.
“Truly, you don’t wish me to release you, do you?” His skin was ablaze as nerve endings erupted like tiny volcanoes, sending molten lava through his veins. His cock reared up, ready to delve into her juices, plunder her into the submission he knew she yearned for. And yet, he knew he could do nothing but deliver her to the side of the pool and release her.
His heart sank at the thought. Now that he had found her, he didn’t want to let her go.
Still in the middle of the swimming pool, he let his grip slacken.
She, of her own will, wrapped her legs and arms around him, pressing into him. “No. Not here! Don’t let me go out here. I’ll drown.”
“Look at me.” He forced his voice into a command when he would have rather sung. Nothing felt better than a woman pressed tightly against him. Not the pressure of the heavy seas upon his shoulders, or the joy of a swim with dolphins.
She obeyed.
Yes, she would do nicely. Her will was strong, but not impossible to bend. Like a willow. Her gaze met his and her eyes widened.
“You’re always safe with me. I will never let any harm come to you.”
“But—”
“I’ll protect you, always. I promise.”
Her lovely mouth, still glistening with moisture, quivered, and he yearned to kiss away the movement. His entire body took in her essence, her sweet smell, her taste, her softness against his hardness. It was pure murder to hold back, to resist his increasingly urgent need to mate—in the middle of that pool. In the midst of children’s laughter and splashing earth dwellers careening through the silky waters.
The gods were punishing him!
His cock throbbed with a need so great he had no choice. He moved quick, delivering her to the tile-coated side of the pool, and in one swift motion he set her above him. She looked down with such confusion on her face he had to smile, despite the ache between his legs, through his gut…in his heart.
“Thanks, I think,” she stammered. She didn’t move, didn’t turn away.
He let his gaze visibly linger on her smooth legs then travel slowly up to the dark gap between them. She remained still, seemingly open to his visual investigation. He checked her face for a reaction and wasn’t disappointed.
It was a pleasant, cock-heating shade of pink.
He licked his lips, which had gone dry, despite the fact that he was still submerged chest-deep in water. “Will I see you next week?”
“I…er, I’m not sure.”
“I would be very disappointed if you didn’t come.”
“I will then. I’d hate to see you disappointed.” She stood and took a single step backward, the slight increase in distance stretching the invisible connection between them. The energy dancing between them faded to a dull glow, which he knew only he could see.
“Good, and wear a different bathing suit, one with less material. It’ll be better for swimming.” He sent her a deliberately heated glance.
She smiled. What a glorious sight! “That was about the worst line I’ve ever heard.” She scooped up her plastic shoes and towel and wrapped the white terrycloth around her waist. “It was good meeting you.”
“You, too, Jane Wilde.” He let her name echo through his head as he watched her walk away, admiring the sway of her hips, the roundness of her ass pushing the snowy material out from her backside.
She would be a delight to bed—passionate, submissive, eager to please, yet a firebrand that would test him in every way.
He must mate with her. As soon as possible.
His cock reared once more.
* * * * *
Jane shook away the sound of his voice, still echoing through her head as she walked through the locker room. Her body tingled, from hair roots to toes, almost as if she’d just climaxed. Hell, if she didn’t know better, she’d swear she had.
Diana was fully dressed, sitting on a wood bench, her hair dry, make-up in place.
Jane dropped on the bench next to Diana, her legs wobbly as jelly and her heart still thumping in her ears. Her pussy was on fire, tingly and wet, the muscles twitching like they did after an orgasm. “Where the hell were you? Doing your hair while I nearly drowned?”
“Nearly drowned?” Diana screwed her picture-perfect features into a mask of disbelief. “You did not! Before you even lost that pool noodle, that gorgeous swimming instructor dove in after you. You’re so melodramatic.”
“Well, I was under water long enough for you to dress, apply your make-up, and do your hair. That has to tell you something.”
“It tells me you were in the pool catching a feel—not that I’d blame you.” Diana gave her an elbow jab in the ribs. “What did I tell you? To die for, isn’t he?”
“If he’s so great, why aren’t you going for him?” Jane stood and rubbed her ribcage. That jab smarted. Little bitch! Just another sensation to add to the myriad her mind still hadn’t sorted through yet—warmth in places she hadn’t felt come alive in ages, tingling, throbbing, aching, and lots of confusion in the brain. She opened her locker and pulled out her clothes, waiting patiently for Diana’s smartass comeback.
“I tried. I’m not his type.”
Well, now, that was a stunner! Diana was every man’s type…or so Jane had always assumed. Gorgeous, with a perfect body, legs that went forever, a waist at least a handful of inches smaller than her own, and round, perky tits…what wouldn’t the guy like? “Really? Why am I having a hard time believing that?”
Diana nodded. “I think he figures I’m too high maintenance, which I am.”
Jane pulled the towel off her still electrified body and rubbed her hair dry, licking the salty taste from her lips. Salt? Where had that come from? “Smart man. I like him already.” She went to a private stall to change. She never had been comfortable undressing in front of anyone, even Diana.
When she returned to the main area, Diana was leaning against the locker, backpack slung over one shoulder, purse over the other. “Seriously, I can’t believe what you did in that pool. That was amazing. You’re coming back next week, aren’t you?”
“I don’t know. I told him I would.”
“That’s great! You did way better than I ever expected.” She gave Jane a solid thump on the back. “You’re a real trooper, made outta tougher stuff than I thought. I’m proud of you.”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s not like I went deep sea diving or anything. It was a half hour in a swimming pool.” She left the building, wond
ering exactly what the hell had happened in there.
Not only had she seemingly conquered the worst of her fear of water, but she’d also experienced one of the most erotic moments in her life…twelve feet under the surface! Not that she was about to tell Diana that. After all, even the though of it—which still sent ripples of pleasure through her entire body—was outrageous. How could she possibly explain it?
Chapter 4
The mind plays the most fascinating tricks on itself sometimes.
“It’s early.” Diana eyed Jane from the passenger seat before returning her attention to the vanity mirror glued to the back of the car’s sun visor. “Want to get something to eat? Swimming makes me hungry.”
“Everything makes you hungry. I’ll bet eating makes you hungry.” Jane started the car. She still hadn’t fully recovered from whatever had happened in that pool, if anything had actually happened. As time passed, and the twitching between her legs eased, she was convinced it had been in her imagination. Some kind of psycho mechanism to protect her from the horror of nearly drowning.
Who knew psycho mechanisms could be so damn…exhilarating?
One thing was for certain, that gorgeous hunk of man had been all too real. From the tip of his head to the soles of his feet, living breathing, hunky heaven.
A bit of a mystery, too. There was something…what was it? Something dark and mysterious about him. Something that made him different from every man she’d ever met. She couldn’t put his face from her mind, or the sound of his frolicking voice from echoing through her body. It kind of vibrated through her, like a current of low voltage electricity.
Unforgettable. She’d have some dandy dreams tonight, she had no doubt. Maybe a few pre-sleep fantasies while she was at it. There was one other fact she couldn’t doubt, his cock had been large and ready. A blade of heat shot to her pussy, making it instantly slick.
Wow! She couldn’t remember the last time a simple thought had made her horny. This was something! Maybe she’d get more for her supposed birthday makeover-slash-wish her friends had promised than she’d bargained for.
