by Anna Fallon
* * *
The following morning brought little comfort to her. A fitful sleep left Leanna drained. Noah occupied her thoughts every second, but still there seemed no way out. Her busy, worrying mind had blocked any chance of communication between them. The further away from him she drove last night, the worse she felt. A void echoed inside her which she had no way to fill.
How can I fix this? What is the solution? Questions racked her brain. I can't, just can't. She shook her head in despair, thankful her work didn't start till tomorrow. Her mom was on an excursion with the care-givers. So that meant her day didn't have to start just yet.
She took her cuppa back to bed with some paperwork to read through, but it wasn't enough to drown out the memories of yesterday. Had it really happened? Had he really been there? She thought she might be going mad.
Lying back on the pillow, papers strewn aside, Leanna began to drift into a relaxed state. Suspended there, conscious of everything but not fully awake. One question remained…how?
"Leanna, my beautiful Leanna, why do you fret so?" Noah's words filtered into her present relaxation. They communicated once more.
Noah…I'm so sorry. I just can't see a way to be with you and be responsible for my other commitments. I'm so sorry. Sadness consumed her.
"Shush, sweetheart, do not worry so. It will work out. You'll see. Just don't stop loving me." His voice was soothing and calm. His persuasive tone began the recall of the feelings they had created yesterday. He could be right.
I will never stop loving you, Noah. You know me inside out.
"There now, that's better, little one. I can't contact you when you worry so. It has me concerned because I cannot make you feel better if you can't hear me." His presence infused around her, their souls inextricably linked, giving her comfort and hope.
I will try not to worry, I promise. Leanna squirmed on the bed. I wish I could touch you, feel you against my body.
His sexy laugh filled her mind. "Why you nymph! You are horny, aren't you?"
You make me that way. Leanna rolled onto her back and parted her legs slightly, a moan escaping her mouth.
He answered, "Mmmmmm…my sexy baby. I wish I was there to give you what you need, but for now…"
Leanna's large, pink nipples hardened against her silk nightshirt. The natural fiber escalated her horniness. "Play with them for me, darling. Touch your nipples, feel them."
"Oh yes, Noah, that is so good. I wish you were here." Squeezing her hardness and letting out little whimpers and groans, she never even realized she spoke aloud. Her core temperature rose.
It's okay. I will still satisfy you. I have a little plan. If you will let me, and continue to play with yourself, I would be grateful.
Leanna's legs opened automatically at the suggestion, her hand slid down.
"Ahh yes, that's it, baby. Touch it for me, ohh, your wet juices taste so good. Mmmmmm…I am going to lick you again, Leanna, and fuck you with my tongue." He paused as if to gauge her reaction to the dirty talk. Leanna loved the thrill it gave her.
Two fingers jumped onto her clit and rubbed furiously. "I want you to make me come, Noah. I need you…please?"
His sultry laugh purred throughout her. "My pleasure, sweet one. Now you listen to me and relax. Rub your clit for me. Just pretend it's me."
With knees up and spread, she gave her hand full access. Small noises emanated from her mouth.
Inside her head, his seductive voice continued to inflame her. "Now, Leanna, feel the orgasm start to build as you work on that delicious clit of yours. If I was there, I would have my mouth all over it, licking and sucking while you scream out my name."
Her climax hit danger level now as intense pleasure formed at the very core of her womanhood.
"Can you feel me, Leanna? Can you feel me licking you hard and fast? I am all over you now, touching you everywhere, biting your nipples, rubbing your tight little butt-hole."
She drew in a sharp breath. No one had ever ventured there before and Leanna had always wondered how it would feel. Imagining that now, spasms started to rock her.
"Oh come, baby. Come on…come for me and I will fuck you good next time. That's what you really want isn't it? A good, hard fucking. Isn't it?"
Again Noah touched on virgin ground and the dirty talk tipped her over the edge. She did indeed scream his name.
"Yes, baby…yes, good girl."
Her fingers glided over her core to extract the last of her pleasure. Her vagina twitched deliciously as the ebbing tremors pumped her juices onto the bedsheet.
The glow of her semi-conscious, satisfied state gave way to sleep. Knees dropped sideways, a sigh escaped her lips.
"I love you, Leanna. Get some rest, my darling, go off to sleep."
Her body curled as if suspended in the womb, she let herself drift off. Vibrant dreams danced with rainbows and sunsets.
* * *
Leanna slept four hours, and upon awakening the situation remained surreal. What would she do? How can I be with him? We are too different. It's one thing to come from different countries, but we are from different worlds.
It rocked her enough to think that merfolk actually existed, let alone have a relationship with one, even a caring, delicious, dead sexy one. There was no way she could leave her job, not after she had just secured a promotion. Sure the hours were longer, but in the long run it would be beneficial. This summer had certainly become more than she'd bargained for.
Of course, the ultimate decision maker had to be her mother. Leaving her behind would never be an option. The savings account wasn't as healthy as it might have been. If only life were simple. Walking into the poky kitchen to fix some steaming hot tea, she felt a little defeated.
Noah, how can this be happening? Sipping carefully at the edge of her cup, she knew one thing for sure...you should be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. She glanced at her silver watch. It was time to go see Mom. Leanna grabbed her hat.
The sun still scorched down outside, but the air conditioning in the car promising an oasis lay just ahead. Despite the swelter, summer was her favorite season. Every spare second she spent at the beach. The sun belted down on the pavement and reflected back. Slim, square lenses protected her eyes as she grappled for her car door.
The ring tone of her cell phone danced through the air. Leanna plonked into the driver's seat and slammed the door. Fumbling to retrieve the nuisance with one hand, she managed to crank the engine and flick on the air conditioning with the other.
"Hello…Leanna speaking." Nothing. "Hello? Anyone there?"
"Ahhh…hello, sorry about that." Great, her boss. "Can we talk, Leanna?" By the tone of his voice, it didn't sound like pleasant news.
"Jerry...of course, is there something wrong?
Another awkward pause followed. A little concern crept in.
"Oh, dear, I'm sorry to say there have been a few developments. We've been put into receivership, I'm afraid."
Another pause.
Leanna thought only of her boss...her friend. He'd worked so hard to build the firm. It was his life. "Are you okay?"
"You are sweet, Leanna. Such a good friend. It makes this even harder. Unfortunately, your position is no longer available. None of them are. The firm is to be liquidated. I'm so sorry." His voice quivered with every word; clearly he was devastated.
"Now don't you dare worry about me, just take care of yourself and Judith." Saying their goodbyes, numbness hung in the air.
What next? Without a job, her savings would soon be depleted. As if things weren't challenging enough. Luckily, management came easily to her. Hopefully, she'd pick up something quickly.
She'd probably have to begin a bit lower in the ranks to prove herself. That would mean a lower salary. Leanna heaved a resigned sign. She'd never get her beach house at this rate.
Trying not to dwell on the situation, she put the car in gear and drove to the nursing home. The honking noises and bustle of the city had worn
out its welcome.
She couldn't let Mom know about this. That would only worry the dear woman. It wasn't as if she'd be lying, just failing to mention everything.
Leanna stepped out of the car into the stifling air. Yuck! Fortunately the temperature control in the home provided welcome relief. The staff greeted her with smiles. Grinning back at a few familiar faces, Leanna walked to her mother's room. She noticed the shiny gold plaque with their surname engraved in bold letters—Colbert. What pride her pop had in that name. He always gloated how the Colberts were a hard working family, always could make something out of nothing, always found a silver lining. Never had Leanna needed that to be true more than today.
He had certainly chosen right in marrying Mom. Leanna had never seen a more resourceful and capable woman. That's why her decision to move into the nursing home came as such a shock. But Leanna knew her mom never wanted to interfere in her daughter's lifestyle. Mom didn't want her to feel obligated to accommodate her aging idiosyncrasies. Nothing Leanna said would change her mind.
Leanna now smiled to herself and thought, no wonder I'm stubborn! She knocked lightly.
"Come in." Though aging, the sweetness in her mother's voice still rang clear and her beauty remained. Leanna could clearly see how she herself would look at the age of sixty.
"Lee...sweetheart. Come in." She patted the sofa beside her. "How was your weekend away?"
Leanna felt her face flush with memories of Mermaid Point.
"Just fantastic, and how about your little trip today?" A dark expression clouded her mother's face.
"Oh fine, dear, come sit, tell me all about your trip. Lord knows I need the stimulation!" The older woman's eyes sparkled.
"Mermaid Point is as magnificent as ever. How did you first discover it, Mom?" She recalled the times they'd gone there when she was a young girl.
"Well, dear, it's a long story…I had a good friend around there…way before you were born!" Melancholy sounded in her voice. Long ago as a young woman, before she became a Colbert, Connie Wignall had her own ties to Mermaid Point. Sitting on the heavy tapestry divan beside her best friend, Leanna's curiosity grew. Funny how she had never asked about it before.
"A friend? A…girlfriend?" Leanna smiled, and hid her burning curiosity, when her mom blushed. "Sorry, I've no right to pry. It's private."
"You know, I haven't been there for thirty years. I'd love to go one day, but I doubt I'd manage the walk." The pain in her voice did not go unnoticed.
"One day, Mom, one day soon. I'll take you there. I promise."
Leanna thought about the loss of her job, silently wondering how she could overcome that hurdle.
A shadow loomed momentarily; Leanna knew her mom's sharp eyes had caught it.
"Something is worrying you, dear. What is it?" Identical eyes met in an understanding only known by mother and daughter.
"It's nothing…really, Mom. Nothing I can't handle."
"Oh, Leanna! That cursed independence, just like me." Her mom gave a small shake of her head. "It's better to deal with troubles on your own than burden someone else. That's what you're thinking. It's total rubbish. I wish I'd learned years ago and talked to my mother, or someone. I won't let you go through life feeling this way." A look of stubborn determination came over the lined face. "Someone needs to learn from my mistakes." Leanna felt the soft touch of her hand and heard her nurturing tone. "Trust me, love, if you don't share your problems you'll end up like me. Sitting in a stinking nursing home, bored to death and fading away."
She gripped her matured hand around Leanna's younger one and squeezed. Love and trust surrounded her. "Darling girl, don't lock yourself up. Talk to me. It's no problem. I just might surprise you. I tell you what...I'll go first. I'll tell you how I feel and then you go. Deal?"
Leanna blinked back tears as she nodded. Once again she was a little girl who felt safe with her mom.
"Well, for starters, I hate this damn place!" She gave her a sheepish grin. "I'm going mad here, bored to death. I was wrong to come here and it's time I admitted it! Besides, all the men here are half dead. I'd like to meet someone with a little more spark. Just like my Thomas. Ooh! Now there was a man." A giggle surfaced from them both.
Leanna didn't know if she was shocked to be hearing such raunchiness from her mom or delighted to see the sparkle back in her eyes.
"Mom! Please! Who was Thomas? Obviously not Pop, please don't tell me you had an affair!" Her eyes widened, her former curiosity now at burning point.
"Oh heavens, no! I loved your father. I would never have been unfaithful to him. Thomas was someone I knew before your pop. My lover." She averted her eyes, trying to hide the guilty look without success. "I know it was frowned upon, sex before marriage, but we were in love, very much in love."
Leanna felt her mom's pain and gripped her hand in encouragement. "Go on, Mom, why didn't you stay together?"
"It was different back then, scary. Apart from sex out of wedlock being taboo, we were world's apart. I broke it off and then I met your father, a simple, loving man. I accepted his marriage proposal and fell pregnant with you. I wouldn't turn back then. I went through with the marriage and had a wonderful life with my family. I haven't seen Thomas since, but I've never forgotten him."
Tears trickled down Leanna's cheeks.
"I want out of here. I want to get back to living again." The confession visibly relieved her mom. Leanna could see the years fade away as her bright smile beamed.
"There...now it's your turn." Her mom's gaze locked onto hers.
Leanna knew that look, there was no backing out now. Still, she cleared her throat and took a couple of deep breaths, to calm her nerves, before she began. "I lost my job today. Poor Jerry has to liquidate. It's a tough market out there, with the Internet and all. It's hard to sell merchandise with eBay for competition. They can sell things so much cheaper than us, due to low overheads."
Her mom nodded, encouraging her to continue.
"I hated you coming here because I wanted you to be with me, but with my work commitments I couldn't do anything about it. I dearly want to move to the ocean, close to Mermaid Point somewhere. My savings just never seemed to grow enough for that and I am over the whole smoggy city thing."
The floodgates open, words flowed freely. "I have met the man of my dreams, literally, and I can't be with him either. My life is a mess and I don't know how to fix it." The tears poured freely now.
"Oh, baby girl, you should have said something sooner, but then I should have, too. Look, maybe losing your job is a blessing in disguise. It's an opportunity for a fresh start, and you are free to move now."
Leanna considered this briefly. "But I won't find my type of work near Mermaid Point and I have no money to move." It still seemed hopeless.
"Leanna, think about it, you've answered your own problem. If the sales market is with eBay, then sell your goods using eBay! Surely you could set up an online warehouse? That you could do from anywhere, if you had a computer and a place for storage!"
The penny dropped. Why hadn't she thought of that?
"Mother you are a genius, but there's still the problem of money. I guess I have enough to rent for a little while until I build things up."
"Oh rent, schment! We'll buy a place. I have stacks in the bank close to $200,000! It would be yours when I died anyway, so we may as well use it now. If that's okay with you?"
Leanna squeezed a hug tightly around her, kissing her cheek several times for extra measure. "Mom! You little legend! It's perfect. I don't believe it! I have so much to do!"
Her mother laughed. "I think the first thing you should do is go and see a certain young man, don't you?"
Spinning around in a circle, Leanna's dress fanned out. "You have two days to pack your gear, Mom. We're breaking you outta here and going house hunting! But first, I'm going to see Noah!" She practically skipped down the hall.
* * *
Arriving at Paradise, the town closest to Mermaid Point, a lau
gh erupted from Leanna. This indeed would be Paradise. The two-hour drive from the city seemed insignificant. Her sex drive increased every second. To hold him again, and know all would be well, inflamed her loins.
I have to have him, now, before anything else. I need to be satisfied.
Her dress wasn't the wisest choice for bush-walking, but time hadn't allowed her to change. Crashing through the last of the scrub, Leanna stood on the edge of the rock.
"Noah! Noah, where are you? Come to me, Noah. I need you." Once again, his voice came from behind her.
"I am here, little one."
Swinging around, Leanna marveled at his beauty.
"Oh, Noah!" She threw herself into his arms and kissed his rippling chest. "I love you. Make love to me again, please?"
In one strong leap he had them headed for the water. Falling, spiraling downwards in a passionate curling of tongues and lips. They reached the cave in record time. Somehow her dress had disappeared. She'd been too enthralled with his luscious lips to notice when, much less how.
She grinned like a Cheshire cat. "I don't know how you do that, but I love it!"
Noah laughed back and scruffed her in a violent kiss. "I will make love to you, but it will not be gentle. I know how you need to be taken." Wrapping her legs around his tail like a vice, and thrusting up and down, Leanna communicated her agreement without saying a word.
"Before we begin, little one, may I have your permission to talk dirty to you?"
Leanna nodded emphatically, her mouth over his peaked nipples. Lifting her chin he looked deep into her eyes, maybe even her soul.
"Please know that I mean you no personal injury by anything I say, it will purely be for sexual gratification. I love you, Leanna, and I will stop anytime you wish." With that he kissed her forcefully, his tongue invading her mouth and teeth nipping at her full lips.
Slurping and sucking on his mouth, his saliva was like mother's milk to her. He gripped her legs around him more tightly and rubbed her clit against his scales...a dynamic sensation. Grabbing her hair and pulling her head back, Noah growled.
