Merlicious-3

In space and under the sea, merfolk exist. Enjoy these tales

of fin, fun and fantastic adventures in life and love.

To Catch A Dream, Laura Kitchell
Sargo, a mermaid princess, must convince Paul, a human, that he's a merman, a king, and he has to marry her.

Somewhere Between Worlds, Susan Anthony
Prince Troidan came to the surface with a single goal. Now, with his kingdom depending on him, he must choose between duty and love.

Through Thick and Fin, Cara Preston
A mermaid sand sculpture bears Marina’s likeness and unwanted advances from the wrong man are the impetus for the right man wanting to protect her. 

 Unexpected Truths, Cheryl Bonner
Neptune sends his best mer-enforcer Nick Sirius to teach paranormal writer Jessie York that merfolk are nothing like her
stories, then make her forget.

Tails, You Win, Andrea Jackson
Tails you win…wealth, fame and love in the annual Mermaid Games under the sea. But Stella must figure out which is most important to her.

A Fish Out of Water, Barbara Donlon Bradley
At the shore, throwing a wayward stone brings a handsome, naked man to Sarah's feet. Too late, she learns he's a fish out of water.

To Catch a Dream
by Laura Kitchell

 Chapter One

       “The time has come. He’s ready, and you have to go to him.”

Sargo spun around so fast tiny bubbles flew out of her green-brown curls and tickled her cheek. “What if I’m not ready, Mother?” she asked, wringing her hands.

The mermaid queen glided into the room. Sargo watched her slide an admiring hand along a sparkling, peach-colored coral wall. “You knew this day was coming.”

“But he’s human!” She spat the word like it left a bad taste in her mouth. “He’s not fit to be our king. I have no problem taking my place as queen, but I refuse to do it at the side of a man.”

Her mother ran a soft finger down Sargo’s cheek, affection glowing from her deep, purple eyes. Moving to the window, her lovely white hair billowed like sea foam. She looked down from the tower window onto the coral city below and said, “I’m going to tell you a secret. And you must promise you will tell nobody.” The older mermaid looked over her shoulder. “Promise.”

Gulping, Sargo drifted low, her tail fin brushing the pitted floor. “I promise,” she said, forcing the words past a throat gone tight.

The queen turned back around and stared out the window. Switching to the human language that only royals spoke, she said, “Every two hundred years, a king is born. The baby is left with humans to raise. Only our kings, queens and a secret sect of elders know this. When the king-to-be turns twenty-five, he takes the throne. He doesn’t learn his true heritage until the day he meets his queen.” She pivoted back around. “It’s your responsibility to tell our new king who he is. To teach him our ways.”

When her mother had spoken in the royal tongue, Sargo braced for the impact. A different realization hit her at once, and she struggled for breath. “Father was human?”

“No. He was raised by humans. Just like your life-mate. They have always been mermen.”

Her brows drew together. “I don’t understand. Mermen have tails, like ours.” She gave hers a flick for emphasis. “How can one of us be raised on land?”

Smiling, the queen asked, “How do you think we know when a king is born?”

Sargo shrugged.

“The baby is born with legs.”

* * * *

Paul drove his truck with care down Shore Drive on his way to his favorite launch ramp. As his boat, secured to its trailer, bounced over a series of rough spots, he groaned. He did not fish for recreation. He did it because the ocean called to him. He understood the habits and nature of sea creatures to an extent even he could not comprehend. His fishing buddies called it instinct, but he refused to put a name to it. He just knew he did not belong, and that was hard to bear.

Turning, he bumped along the narrow residential street leading to Cobb’s Marina. He drove around the shanty-style shop at the yard’s center and lined up with the ramp. As he hopped out, a marine laborer walked up.

“You alone, mister?” asked the boy.

“Yep.”

“Want some help?”

He had not looked forward to the hassle of launching his boat alone. “I’d appreciate it. The ropes are in the left deck hatch.”

With everything in place, he backed down the ramp until the boy held up a hand. He walked to the rear to make sure the boat sat far enough in the water. Satisfied, he headed for the winch.

“That’s a real nice boat you got there,” said the boy, holding the ropes.

“Thanks.”

“It’s a Bertram, right?” The laborer raked the boat with an appreciative eye.

“Yeah. A ’66 Moppie. I refurbished it.”

“Looks like new. I noticed you ain’t got a cooler. Aren’t you going to bring back any fish?”

“I had a live-well installed in the transom.” The boy did not need to know Paul had filled it with ice.

“Cool.”

Paul turned the winch on and the deafening grinding noise made it impossible for them to talk. The Moppie eased backward down the trailer. When he determined it had enough water under it, he released the winch cable and gave the hull a gentle push.

“She’s all yours,” Paul called as the boat floated back.

The kid stopped him as he walked toward the truck. “If you park between the Sarah Sue and the Bonnie Brave 1, nobody’ll mess with your stuff. Those yachts are at the end of the yard up there.” He pointed.

“Thanks.” Paul parked then met the laborer halfway down the dock. Handing his helper a ten-dollar bill, he said, “Take care of the launch fee for me, would ya?”

The kid took the money and shoved it in a front pocket. “Sure. Anything else I can do?”

“Nah. I’ve got it from here. Thanks for your help.”

The boy’s eyes narrowed, and he pointed at Paul’s neck. “What’s that?”

Pulling the collar of his polo higher, Paul shrugged. “Birth defect. It’s nothing.” The shirt snagged a little on the bumps and the sensation set his teeth on edge, making him shiver with a grimace. He detested the defects, but not as much as he disliked the doctors who could not tell him what the sensitive, scaly patches were.

Avoiding more conversation, he headed for his boat while deep in thought. Women made up excuses for why they could not go out with him the moment they saw the bumps. It killed his dating life and any dreams he had of intimacy.

He did not know a single person he could call a friend. Even his fishing buddies kept their distance. They only fished with him because he taught them so much. He shook his head. Without friendship or hope of love and family, there was no point to anything. No point at all.

Somewhere Between Worlds
by  Susan Anthony

 Chapter One

       Prince Troidan removed the crimson-soaked cloth from his arm. Within seconds, blood began to flow again from the jagged tear, and he covered the wound with a fresh bandage.

The prince’s escort shook his head. “This was a bad idea. You’re too big a target. If that spear had come any closer, we could kiss our last chance at peace goodbye.”

“What are you afraid of, Kurt? Is it Diel’s men? Or Jen?”

“This is no joke, Troidan. We need a new plan. You should go back to the island. Let one of us get the medicine.”

“And risk everyone being discovered? No. It has to be me. I have no ties to the surface world.” Troidan muttered an oath. “Besides, this is my responsibility, my mission. I will save my father.”

Kurt glanced at the red stain creeping across the recently placed dressing. “Just as soon as you’re done bleeding.”

“Right.”

* * * *

Samantha picked up the chart and read the triage report. Dan Jacobs. Upper arm laceration. Patient reports fall from ladder. She turned to the nurse. “Fall from a ladder? You don’t see that every day around here.”

“Darn shame, too. The guy is hot.”

“Now you’re trolling for dates among the patients, Carol? Very nice.”

The nurse grinned. “Go in and see for yourself. And let me know if you need someone to assist.”

Samantha shook her head and pulled back the curtain to room four. Inside, two men conversed in hushed tones. They both looked up at her approach.

Samantha’s breath caught at the sight of the man on the table. Carol was right. Muscular build, hypnotic blue eyes shown off perfectly by his longish brown hair. His skin looked a little pale, probably due to blood loss. Samantha held out her hand to the man.

“Hi. I’m Dr. Singer. What happened today, Mr. Jacobs?”

The patient’s companion stepped forward. “This is my, uh, cousin. He fell off a ladder. Landed right on a broken board.”

Samantha turned. “Thank you, Mr—”

“Davis. Kurt Davis.”

“Thank you, Mr. Davis. But it helps me if the patient tells me what happened. Mr. Jacobs?”

“Call me Dan. There’s nothing left to tell. I fell off a ladder and landed on a broken board.”

The man’s voice moved over Samantha like warm caramel. She tried to focus on his words, to ignore the timbre of his voice and the intensity of his eyes. What’s the word for that deep rich blue? Ultramarine, maybe? Man, Carol really was right. This man is beautiful. He probably has women waiting by phones all over town.

Dan removed the cloth from his arm then, and the sight of blood snapped Samantha out of her daydream. The gash, long and deep, would need staples. Quite a few of them. She excused herself and went to get the supplies she needed to clean and close the wound.

* * * *

Dan regarded the doctor as she told him how to care for his arm and instructed him to return in ten days to have the staples removed.

Then she handed him his discharge papers. Their fingers touched, warming Dan’s skin in a way he never felt in his human form. He caught Samantha’s slight pause and knew she felt it, too. That was no surprise. Surface folks always responded strongly to the mer-people’s touch. But he did find it interesting, and disappointing, that Samantha did not attempt any further contact. Instead, she gave a professional goodbye and headed toward the exit.

Just as Samantha reached the door it swung open, and another female doctor stepped inside. She aimed a wide smile at Dan before turning her attention back to Samantha.

“Hey, Samantha. I have a favor to ask. My shift isn’t over until ten, and the girls are going out. I hate to miss it. Can you stay late?”

Samantha paused, and Dan thought he saw her shoulders droop slightly. But then she straightened up and spoke. “Sure. Have a good time.”

“I knew I could count on you. Thanks.” Then both women walked out the door.

 Through Thick and Fin
by Cara Preston

Tossing and turning, Marina lay half-naked, loosely wound in her red satin sheets. Breaking into a sweat, she felt both excited and breathless. She woke with a sigh, remembering the mermaid dream. It was the one that kept coming back.

Vivid and colorful, the dreams were like sensual fantasies in her mind. She could see herself rising from foam crested waters to greet the moon, water sparkling all around her. Not a care in the world, joined by the merman of her dreams. The only thing was she couldn’t be sure what his face looked like. Could it be that she hadn’t found her soul mate? Maybe she needed to drop her obsession with Dave and get on with her life. Was he even available any more?

With less sleep than she would have liked, she started getting ready for the beach when the telephone rang.

“Are you up for this, Marina?” Celeste was already awake, dressed and on the phone. “We’re going to have so much fun today, girlfriend! Look out Virginia Beach, here we come...”

Wiping the sleep from her eyes, Marina tried to get her wits about her. Taking a deep breath, she thought about what the day might hold.

“I’m going to find my own King Neptune.” Marina had a lilt to her voice. Part of her wanted to crown Dave as King Neptune, but if another one came along to steal her heart away, maybe she’d be open to it. “Buzz on over. I’m looking forward to it,” Marina said, laying her phone down on the table.

Packing her beach bag, she made sure to carry extra sunscreen as the rays would be burning hot. Pausing to glance in the mirror, she checked out the string bikini she wore. Maybe it should have been a fashion ‘don’t’ for her. Oh well, whatever. I’m sure there will be others there who look a little pudgy in their suits too. She turned sideways to check out the profile of a tummy that looked too puffy. I’m sure I’ll be in good company. She continued throwing things together so she’d be ready when Celeste got there.

Celeste wore a one piece black suit with a deep plunging neckline with her shorts on over it.

Always one to rush around at the last minute, Marina was still grabbing what she needed. “Sunglasses, magazines, Ipod, camera…hmmm…what else do we need? I think this is more of a tankini day for me too,” moaned Marina.

“Oh stop...” Celeste smiled at her. “You look great. You always do.”

“Humph, glad somebody thinks so.”

As they headed for the beach, they saw a number of cute looking guys going the same direction, armed with surfboards and boogie boards.

“Check them out.” Marina pointed in the direction of the surfers. “They’re cute, but I probably have fillings in my teeth older than some of those guys.”

“Ha ha, you’re probably right about that. Total jailbait, I’m sure. Hey, check out that red convertible.” Celeste practically drooled.

After finally finding a parking lot that wouldn’t charge them an arm and a leg, they pulled up beside a black convertible BMW.

“Wonder who you belong to, little car.” Celeste leaned over and gave it a pat.

“Are you nuts? What if the owner saw you do that?”

“Well then, I guess it would give him a reason to talk to me, wouldn’t it?”

“Maybe that’s good reasoning... Now let’s head down to check out the sand sculpture contest.” Marina was anxious to see who was participating in the contest and the art vendors with their work.

From a distance, she saw sand sculptures that would be tough for any judge to make a decision about. Straining her eyes, she thought she saw a mermaid sculpture that looked surprisingly like her. “Wow, I wonder who made that?”

“Made what?”

“That sand sculpture over there.” Marina pointed in the direction of the sculpture.

“Who would have made a sand sculpture that looks so much like me?” she asked Celeste, knowing it was more of a rhetorical question since there was no way Celeste could have known immediately who the artist was.

Walking over to check it out, she got admiring glances from people around them. “I wonder if they recognize me as the model of that sand sculpture.”

“Possibly, but not so likely,” said Celeste. She didn’t want to pop Marina’s bubble, but she was trying to be realistic about things.

Getting closer to the mermaid, Marina noticed the title So Close and Yet So Far Away. “Did you notice the title of that sand sculpture?” She felt a flush come over her. At one point in her life, she had worked on a novel that bore that title. No one knew that but Dave, the man she missed. The man who pushed her buttons and completely blew her away. The man who always kept her on an emotional roller coaster, seemingly whisked away by someone else. It hurt. She was still reeling from the experience.

Unexpected Truths
by Cheryl Bonner

 Chapter One 

Jessie York checked over her shoulder before slipping into the room. Her back to the door, she took deep breaths to slow her rapid heartbeat. Note to Shelby, no more large parties, especially if I have to watch him flirt with other women. Jealousy was a feeling Jessie didn’t like. She didn’t need him as a complication. Didn’t need the hassle. Didn’t want him in her life. Why couldn’t he just stay a friend?

She opened her eyes and blinked. Moonbeams skipped across the ocean into the space illuminating the study in soft pale colors. Luxurious floor to ceiling windows overlooked the ocean. The restlessness of the sea matched her mood. Dark. Demanding. Destructive. On the opposite wall, an oak mantel fireplace competed with the view for attention. Books were scattered on tables, a large desk and on shelves. Pillows of every shape and hue graced the chairs and floor, creating colorful sitting areas throughout the area.

She kicked off her shoes, and her feet sank into the deep pile carpet as she moved closer to the windows. “Impressive.”

“I’m glad you approve.” The baritone voice interrupted her musing.

Panic chased away her calm, settling in her stomach like greasy food. Jessie rubbed her damp palms together, turned and tried to make out the man in the shadows. There was something familiar about the voice.

He moved into the light.

Nick Sirius.

She hoped he hadn’t noticed the excitement as it surged through her body and into her voice. “Oh, it’s you.”

His black hair accented his dark clothing. The pants, collarless shirt and jacket wrapped his frame like a second skin. Earlier thoughts of envy faded as she clenched and unclenched her hands.

His eyes mirrored the ocean.

Holy bells.

“Nick, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you would be here.” Jessie glanced around. “I assumed everyone was downstairs at the party enjoying themselves.” She moved toward the door, trying to put distance between them. “I didn’t mean to intrude on your space. I was looking for a place to escape from all the fuss.” She motioned toward the papers scattered near a set of cushions. “I’ll leave you to your work.”

He moved, cutting off her escape route and touched her arm. “You’re not interrupting. I’ve finished.”

Warmth traveled from his fingertips and up her arm. She paused and looked into his eyes. Her world expanded and exploded into a thousand pieces. I shouldn’t want him. Breathing became difficult, and her heartbeat pounded in her ears.

“Please stay.” He slid his hand down the length of her arm.

“Okay.” Jessie stepped away from him and moved closer to the fireplace. Gazing into the red flames, she hoped for comfort. But none could be found.

Who was she trying to fool? He’d been the fuel for her nighttime drama for weeks now. In her imagination, a wicked human traps him because he tries to stop the stripping of a coral reef. She saves him from death. After the rescue, they are together. His sweat-covered bronze skin moves against hers, slow at first and then demanding. Those dark fathomless eyes belong to her.

His voice disturbed her sensual dreams.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch the last thing you said,” she said.

“How do you like the party, Lady of the Mer? Isn’t that what some of your readers call you?”

She noticed one of his eyebrows raised, daring her to argue. She sensed Nick, underneath the expensive clothes, had a wild streak in him. His picture, no doubt, could be found in the dictionary under ‘trouble’ with a capital ‘T.’ She wouldn’t take the bait.

“Why did you leave the party?” His voice was soft, warm and subtle, reminding her of a summer night, long and full of promise.

“It was over the top.” Jess glanced around to figure how far she needed to travel to escape. Four walls, a ceiling and floor. Nowhere to go, she swallowed past the lump in her throat and hoped he didn’t notice. The fireplace didn’t provide the needed relief.

“Isn’t the festive atmosphere what most writers want? A launch with a new publisher. Everyone connected gets bragging rights for fifteen minutes. A few reporters interview and write about how we love our writers. Win-win for everyone.”

She watched him move from the door toward the desk. The man walked with a purpose. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was trying to impress her. “All right, not over the top, but just too much for someone like me.”

“Someone like you.” His gazed traveled down her body and up to her face.

Tails You Win
by Andrea Jackson

 Chapter One
Opening Ceremony

 “If anybody laughs at me...”

Eileen’s words brought Stella to a halt to stare at her friend’s face as they floated just outside of Calladora City’s central gathering place. Tall girders spun in the water, bubbling with a carnival atmosphere. Merfolk flicked vivid-colored tails as they swam through all the landings and enclosures of the girder. The annual Sea Festival was four days of rousing celebration each year, bringing together the natives of Calladora as well as many visitors from other undersea cities.

Stella grabbed Eileen’s hand. “But you promised me you’d do this with me. We have as much right as anyone else to participate in the annual games.”

Eileen waved her other arm, the undersized one. “But why? You’re not interested in mating. And everyone’s knows that Dell and I…”

“I don’t want to mate.” Stella felt her cheeks redden. “But the prize—”

Eileen tilted her head with an inquiring look. The young mermaid looked small and frail with her delicate lavender scales and curly silver-pink hair. Although her father was the city king, her handicap made it difficult for her to swim and to communicate in the merfolk’s language, which combined sounds and gestures.

Eileen’s friendship had supported and warmed Stella since they were children. Despite that, she had held one dream secret even from her friend. But now that it seemed so close— “I want to win, Eileen. I want the purse so I can go to Quantikko and study dolphin life.” She held her breath, waiting for Eileen’s reaction.

Eileen’s mouth pursed in a surprised smile. “Stella! Really? Work with them and train them? Oh, I’m so glad!” She surged forward to hug her friend.

Stella grinned back. As one of fifteen children of the local web-weaver, there was no way she could afford tuition as well as living expenses for the two-year program. She was expected to join the family business like most of her siblings. However, the prize cowries would bring her secret savings a lot closer to her goal.

Stella and Eileen moved into the registration circle to fill out the forms. They received bright-colored flurrie strips to tie on their bodies. Some contestants put them on their wrists or biceps, others around their throats and others around the narrow part of their tails. The loose ends fluttered in the water as they swam. The object of the game was to collect as many of these banners as possible. The moderators would distribute new ones after each challenge.

“Hey, Stella, what are you doing here?”

Swirling around, Stella saw Leo in all his golden beauty surge toward her through the water. A look of astonishment colored his welcoming grin.

Her neck muscles tightened, but she didn’t show any reaction. After all, this wasn’t a place her friends would expect her to be.

“Hey, Leo.” She shrugged. “Oh, you know. We thought we’d give it a shot. Should be fun.” She flicked her tail to create a swirl of bubbles in the water.

Leo turned to greet Eileen, and they joked back and forth while Stella laughed. Leo’s golden hair and skin reflected the dazzle of the bronze shading of the scales on his strong muscled tail. Each movement of his lower body rippled with power. Today, for the games, he wore a kelp-braided vest similar to what other mermen wore. A thick belt hung low on his hips to hold various necessities. He already had his flurrie tied around his head, the ends mingling with his hair.

“Leo, darling, we’re wasting time,” came a crooning female call. A beautiful young mermaid eased to his side, slipping her arm possessively through his and fluttering her eyelashes at him.

He pulled her close. “I’m ready, Cassandra. I wanted to say hello to Eileen and Stella.”

She gave a dramatic start of surprise. “Oh! I didn’t see you girls there. Eileen, dear, are you sure you’re up to this challenge?”

Eileen’s tail swished in a subdued flash of anger. “Don’t worry about me.”

“What was that you said?” Cassandra gave a small laugh. “I have so much trouble understanding you. But of course you’ve got your little friend with you to interpret.”

Stella’s fists curled at her side, but she managed to remain silent.

Leo flipped backwards through the water. “Come on, girls, let’s go. They should be calling the opening of the games soon.”

With Eileen, she ambled after them. Stella was surprised when Cassandra sidled over, brushing her side. Her long floating hair shielded them from the other two just ahead.

“Listen to me, you sneak. I’m not having you steal Leo from me again. I’ll be watching your every move.”

A slow smile of triumph bubbled inside Stella. She answered with taunting sweetness. “It’s for Leo to make his own choice, isn’t it?”

Leo had introduced Stella to the joy of lovemaking when she’d had her first opening last summer. Stella remembered how furious Cassandra had been. She’d somehow gotten the idea that Leo was Stella’s particular beau, even though merpeople enjoyed sex without inhibition until they chose a life-partner. Then it was forever.

A Fish Out of Water
by Barbara Donlon Bradley

 Chapter One

 “What the hell!” Sarah McIntyre’s boss jumped up from the chair as hot coffee splashed into his crotch. “Damn it, Sarah! This is the third time this week. What has gotten into you?”

She wished she knew. Nerves, she guessed. “I don’t know, Mr. Milici. Guess my mind was drifting.”

Sarah shook her head to keep the tears from falling as she grabbed a napkin and started to blot at his crotch. She jumped when he grabbed the napkin from her hand.

“If you weren’t so good at your job I would’ve fired you a long time ago.” He dabbed the napkin against his suit. A quick look put a grimace on his face. “And get that coffeepot away from me.”

“Yes, sir, and I’m sorry.” Sarah sat the pot down on a filing cabinet. “It was an accident.”

“I know. Why don’t you take the rest of the afternoon off? Maybe you can pull yourself together? Find a date for the office function in a couple days?”

She nodded.

“And Sarah? One more screw up, and you won’t be working here.” He gestured at his clothes. “I can’t afford the cleanup anymore.”

Sarah slunk out of Mr. Milici’s office and tried to ignore the snickers she heard coming from her co-workers. They were all jerks anyway.

Leaning her back against the door to the stairway, she pushed it open. It was five floors down, but she always took the stairs. Someone once asked her if she was afraid to take the elevator, and she laughed it off, but deep down inside she was. The last time she was on an elevator the darn thing wouldn’t land on her floor, and she had to pull herself up out of the car onto her belly because the floor didn’t come up high enough for her to just step out. Not very dignified in a two-piece suit.

Her car sat in the front row. The clank of her keys on the ground made her want to pound her head against the roof of her car, but she knew someone would be looking out the windows. Instead, she picked them up, unlocked her door and climbed inside.

A half hour later, she stood at the edge of the shore searching for rocks to throw. She really hated her life. Nothing worked in her favor. The job of her dreams turned out to be a nightmare—one of her own creation. She picked up a shell fragment. Anything to help focus her mind so she could figure out how to stop her klutziness.

“I wish…” She pitched one shell as hard as she could. “That I could find…” The second partial shell went flying. “A man. Wait. Not just any man.” One of the fragments she held in her hand caught her eye. “Oh, this one is pretty. It’s a keeper.”

“Now let’s see. Where was I?” She unconsciously rubbed the iridescent shell. “Right. I need a man who cares. Who will not judge me by my mistakes and quirks. Who has a big heart. Who will be willing to help me with my little problem without questions.”

She spotted a partial conch shell. Finally, something with a little weight to it. A grin spread across her lips when she grabbed it. “This will make me feel better.”

Like a baseball pitcher, she wound her arm up and let the shell fly.

A deep cry of pain fractured the air.

“What the…” She headed toward a cluster of boulders. “I didn’t even throw in that direction.”

Another sound filled the air. Sarah wasn’t sure if she heard a growl this time or another wounded sound, but she definitely heard sounds of struggling. She darted between several boulders and found a man with his feet trapped. “You okay?”

He just stared at her.

“Do you need help getting up?” It looked like his feet were wedged between two rocks. She frowned when she noticed his bare feet. Glancing up his leg, she found no pants. “Holy cow!”

“Problem?” His voice came out rough, grainy. Like he had sand in his throat or had swallowed a lot of saltwater.

“Um, you—you’re naked.” She didn’t mean to blurt it out but couldn’t stop the words once she started talking. “I don’t see too many naked men in public.”

“Naked?” He stared at her with the most startling blue eyes.

Sarah noticed his voice seemed stronger. “Yeah, lack of clothing?” A moment ago she would have bolted from him, but something told her he needed her help.

“Oh.”

The one word responses started to bother her. Didn’t he have anything else to say? “Look. I don’t mean to put you out.”

“Put me out?” He paused for a moment. “Um. Is naked a bad thing?”