A Good Catch

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A Good Catch

A Good Catch By Megan Hussey

Megan Hussy

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A Good Catch

Megan Hussy

A Silk’s Vault Electronic Publication, in arrangement with author Megan Hussey. Copyright © 2005 by Megan Hussey Cover Design and Art by Ash Martin, © Copyright 2005 Edited by Carol Fortado

Silk’ Silk’s Vault Publishing www.silksvault.com

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in part or whole, in any form or by any means, without permission from both the author and publisher. All characters, incidents, situations, institutions, governments and people are fictional and any similarity to characters or persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

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A golden ray of Florida sunshine fell with warm grace on Monique Burke and her small white schooner, casting them in nature’s spotlight. Yet the 30-year-old only cringed and ran a sweat-beaded hand across her fair-skinned forehead. “I wish it would cool down a bit,” she scoffed. “I’m beginning to feel like an overdone pork fritter in Ray Bans.” Monique looked down at her fully made form, clad as it was in a T-shirt and shorts. “Why didn’t I wear a bathing suit?” she pondered, then cringed as a yacht full of 20year-old, irritatingly sculpted beauties passed her line of vision. “That’s why,” she decided, turning instead to a more pleasing vision. Monique never grew tired of seeing the sunlit reflections that fell gently on the waters of Port Emerald Bay. The sun’s beams cast the crystalline seas in a surreal shade of bronze; a hue that never failed to inspire this native Floridian. Shifting skyward her blue-eyed gaze, Monique next marveled at a group of soaring ivory gulls that seemed in a race with the rising skyline. They scaled a line of swaying sable palms with grace and ease, before forming a circle around a multicolored, delicately arched rainbow. “This is the good part about living in Florida,” she thought. The bad part, of course, was having to share a home state with Ray Slade. Today had been the occasion of Ray’s marriage to Leslie, Monique’s sister. Monique had chosen not to attend the ceremony; a move that had placed her in bad ranking with friends and family members. Not all of these people knew, however, that Ray had once dated Monique. Yet his first look at the slender, blonde Leslie had changed that situation.

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“I’d say that’s a pretty good reason to ditch the ceremony,” mused Monique. “That, along with the frill-stricken, lace chiffon dress she wanted me to wear; the one with the oversized bow on the butt.” Monique’s musings were interrupted, however, by the sound of a mighty splash in the waves before her. Looking with wide eyes out at the sea, she spotted a large fin protruding curiously upward from the water. “It’s too large to be a fish,” she thought. “But whatever it may be, it’s in trouble.” Her shoulder-length crop of brownish-blonde hair whipping furiously in the wind, Monique rose to her feet and ran to the side of the boat. Diving headfirst into the waves below, she swam with swift, furious strokes toward her mysterious target. After reaching the floating creature, Monique fixed her arms around its massive fin and dragged it back to the boat. Then, with some effort, she flung the firm, lean form over her shoulder and climbed with exhausted and trembling legs back onto the boat. Once onboard, Monique laid the creature gently onto her ivory white deck. “This is a big dude,” she said. “But what is it?” The first thing she noticed about the creature, besides its massive, emerald green fin, was a long mass of silken auburn hair that completely obscured its face. “Kind of like Cousin It in scuba gear,” she mused. Its upper half, meanwhile, was completely covered in mud and seaweed. “Whatever you are, you’re obviously a creature of the sea,” said Monique. “And we’d better get you back into the water.” After taking a second to rest, Monique dragged the still unconscious creature below deck, and into a convenient bathroom that sported a wide, brass-plated tub.

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She hoisted the well-muscled serpent into the tub, then filled it with water. She applied a warm cloth to its forehead, trying to stir the creature into consciousness while at the same time washing its muddied face. Monique’s eyes widened as her gentle ministrations uncovered first a broad, tanned forehead, then a set of impossibly high cheekbones. A perfect nose was uncovered next, followed by a pair of wide, almond-brown eyes. Eyes that now were looking directly into hers. “You’re alive,” gasped Monique. “And you’re not a fish! If you are a fish, I am never again touching my Aunt Emma’s prized tuna salad.” The creature chuckled; a low, throaty chuckle accented by an appealing sparkle of his ebony eyes. “I am a man, dear lady,” he said, his voice hoarse but still deep and firm. “And you have just saved this man’s life.” Leaning forward, the man pressed his lips tenderly to Monique’s reddening check. “I am in your debt,” he murmured, his warm breath dangerously close to her ear. Monique drew back, rubbing self-consciously at the warm moisture that now marked her face. “No problem,” she said, smiling. “And by the way, my name is Monique. But who are you? How were you injured? Where did you come from?” She paused, stroking her chin thoughtfully. “And one other thing,” she continued. “How did you get that darned fin?” Another round of low, manly laughter met this comment. “Let me take one question at a time,” the man said, holding a pair of masculine hands

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in mock defensiveness before him. “First, my name is Ethan. I’m a merman, and my home is the sea.” Monique jumped to her feet, mouth agape. “N-no,” she said, shaking her head. “I mean, sure, I’ve heard legends about Port Emerald being the home of the mermen. But I figured ‘the Mermen’ was just a minor league baseball team.” It was Ethan’s turn to shake his head. “I know it’s difficult for humans to believe,” he said, raising his finely arched eyebrows. “But we do exist. How else do you think I got this fin?” Monique nodded, for once at a total loss for words. “And a fine fin it is!” she said finally, scrunching her nose at her own awkward sentiment. Then she cocked her head, squinting confusedly. “So you’re telling me all those legends, all those fantastic stories, are true?” With his assenting nod, she began to pace restlessly across the bathroom floor. “How can this be?” she wondered aloud. “It flies in the face of science, logic. . .and good hygiene! I mean, to have your lower half covered with scales. . .” Stopping abruptly, she covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh, Ethan, I’m so sorry. . .” she said, returning to the side of the bathtub and kneeling almost reverently. “Your fin is beautiful. Please forgive my insensitivity.” Yet the merman only chuckled and kissed the delicate hand that rested on the side of the tub. “I find no fault with pointing out the obvious,” he assured her.

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Monique shook her head. “I may not have scales, but I have a very, shall we say, voluptuous lower half – as you can tell,” she said, shifting uncomfortably. “And I myself hate it when people ‘point out the obvious.’ “ Pausing, she looked directly into Ethan’s eyes and smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, Ethan,” she said. “Your fin is beautiful – it just seems so unlikely that a merman would go unnoticed in these parts. It’s a difficult concept for most human beings to grasp.” “And that’s exactly why we go unnoticed,” replied Ethan, nodding knowingly. “We’ve learned to blend in with the seascape, so as to avoid abuse or capture.” Monique shook her head, snorting skeptically. “Babe, I’d notice you in a potato sack,” she told him, wiggling her eyebrows. “And with a fin, you’d be even more apparent.” Laughing, Ethan again leaned forward to plant a grateful, affectionate kiss on her fair cheek. “Not all humans are as sweet as you, so we have to be very swift, and even secretive,” he explained. “On the other hand, if a human does catch a quick glimpse of a merperson, they usually just chalk it up to their imagination.” He paused, shrugging with a small, sad smile. “So we lead a safe but very lonely life.” Yet his eyes sparkled as Monique leaned forward to give him a quick but warm hug. “Well, now you have a friend,” she declared, then, nudging him playfully, “So stop whining.”

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Sitting back in the tub with a wry smile, Ethan watched her intently as he grabbed a washcloth from a nearby towel rack. “You know,” he said, his tone blatantly flirtatious. “You didn’t quite finish your cleaning job – and as it turns out, I’m still quite dirty and in need of your attentions.” Handing her the washcloth, he reclined temptingly into the bathtub and crooked his finger in her direction. “I’m all yours,” he invited. Silently Monique resumed her ministrations, cleansing the mud and seaweed from Ethan’s tanned torso. What remained was a massive, well-muscled chest that tapered down to a trim waist. “They must have opened a Bally’s under the sea,” mused Monique, adding, “This franchise concept has just officially gone too far.” Monique let the cloth linger a little longer than necessary, enjoying the feel of the soft terrycloth against his hard, bulging chest muscles. She took in her breath as a trickle of water took a leisurely journey down his strong but graceful neck and onto his upper chest before resting at the tip of his round, bronzed nipple. Her enjoyable observations were interrupted by the strong voice of the merman. “Aren’t you wondering how I got to be this way?” he asked. “You mean physically perfect?” Monique answered, biting her lip as she immediately realized what a totally embarrassing comment had just passed her lips. “No,” replied Ethan, showing no offense. “I mean how I came to be injured.” “Oh, that!” Monique exclaimed, then, kneeling again to the side of the tub, “What happened?”

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Ethan shrugged. “I was just helping out an old buddy,” he explained, “A manatee that lives near me in the water. His body was stuck in an old tire that had been thrown carelessly into the sea. As I extracted him, I hit my head on a rock. It knocked me unconscious.” Balling her fist, Monique struck the side of the bathtub in angry frustration. “When will people ever learn to stop polluting our water?” she demanded. “They treat the sea as their personal playground – and trash heap!” Monique’s ruby red lips pursed angrily as she thrust a defiant finger into the air. “I’m the current president of the Port Emerald Environmental Club,” she continued. “I’ll report this immediately, Ethan.” Rising to her feet, she fixed two firm hands to her generous hips. “We’ll try to find the people who did this to your friend,” she said, then, tone softening, “Who did this to you.” Kneeling once again to Ethan’s side, Monique rubbed a gentle hand across his bronzed cheek. The two stared silently into one another’s eyes, and Ethan pressed the side of his succulent mouth into Monique’s palm. “My heroine,” he whispered, taking her hand fully into his. In his days as a Port Emerald merman, he had seen many women more beautiful than his rescuer. He had never seen one more noble. Impulsively, he took Monique’s plump face into his hands and pressed his lips fully onto hers. He lingered there a moment, allowing his mouth to caress and massage her smooth red lips.

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Then he drew back, eliciting a long sigh from the subject of his affection. This reaction, however, was quickly followed by a visible wave of embarrassment. “I-I’m sorry. . .” Monique stammered. Yet she gasped as the stranger gently but purposefully grasped her flushing cheeks and pulled her head forward – once again fixing his hot, moist mouth surely and passionately onto hers. His kiss was this time hard and more insistent, and Monique moaned as his thick, wet tongue invaded her willing mouth and thrust inward with deliberate, almost massaging movements. In an uncharacteristically impulsive move, she reached forward and ran her hands down his firm, bronzed arms before resting them on his sculpted abs. And she reddened as she noted the curious upward angle of his emerald fin. “I think we’d better cut this short,” she said, drawing back with a heavy sigh. Ethan shook his head, squinting confusedly. “If that’s what you wish, of course,” he assured her. “Yet why would you want to stop something that feels so good to both of us?” Monique shrugged. “You took my obscenely heavy breathing and the quaint rolling of my eyes back into my head as signs I was having a good time?” she asked. Grinning, Ethan once again leaned forward and seared Monique with a seductive narrowing of his dark eyes. “Indeed I did,” he affirmed, then, lowering his voice to a sultry whisper, “And just imagine how wonderful I could make you feel if we. . .”

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“Whoa there, Cowboy!” Monique admonished, then, shaking her head vigorously, “This is moving too fast. We need to get our minds on the matter at hand.” Cocking her head, she addressed the merman with a quizzical expression. “Are you sure you’re all right?” she asked him. “You had a nasty accident. Should I take you to a hospital?” Ethan sat back in the tub, eyeing her dreamily. “I want to stay right here,” he said, “With you, Monique.” Monique shook her head, overwhelmed by Ethan’s attentions. “I had to bribe my cousin Harry to pose as my high school prom date,” she thought. “And now I’m being pursued by Fabio With A Fin? I don’t think so.” “Do you think your friend is all right?” she asked aloud, voice slightly unsteady. “The manatee? Do you think he escaped the tire?” Ethan sat upright, nodding. “I remember seeing him swim away before I hit my head,” he said, then, stroking his chin thoughtfully, “All the same, I would like to take a swim and check on him – to make sure he wasn’t injured.” Monique nodded. “We should go down and check,” she confirmed, then, rolling her eyes, “But I’m not sure I have the strength to carry you overboard.” Ethan chuckled, leaning forward so that streams of water splashed appealingly from his muscular upper half. “You won’t have to carry me,” he assured her. “I have ‘land legs', so to speak. If I am on land for more than a few minutes, my fin becomes a pair of human legs.”

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Monique drew back, gaping. Somehow, the thought of Ethan possessing a lower body seemed strangely appealing to her. “Can you also produce a pair of ever-handy boxer shorts?” she asked. Ethan shrugged, his carved cheekbones sporting a rare blush. “Well, not really,” he said. “Usually, with no people around, modesty is not a pressing issue.” Monique cleared her throat loudly. “Promise I won’t peek,” she vowed. Turning, Monique folded her hands before her and conducted an in-depth, involved study of her bathroom tile. She was so tempted to turn and discover the full impact of his masculine beauty – to see the full picture of his physical perfection. Yet everything in her background and upbringing demanded that her back remained turned, and her head bowed. The problem was that even his wet, musky scent filled her senses. And the memory of his kiss made her unforgivably aroused. “Monique, you can turn around now.” The woman started, and her back remained turned to the source of her temptation. “You’re decent?” she asked, wondering if he had discovered and enveloped himself in her Miss Piggy beach blanket. “I hope you think so, Monique.” Shaking her head confusedly, Monique turned to face her guest. The mystery was soon solved – and Monique found herself staring at the most

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beautiful, immaculate man she had ever seen. Ethan stood naked before the bathtub, his tall, muscular form effectively dwarfing the small room and its delicate decorations. In his human form he was nearly a foot taller than his stunned hostess, and had legs that were long, toned and well-muscled. His hips and thighs were hard and trim – and his lower stomach was artistically planed. Forcing her wandering gaze upward, she saw that his equally delicious upper half remained wet from the bath, and glowed in the rays of incoming sunlight afforded by a nearby window. His long dark hair hung in soaking ringlets past his shoulders, and his wide, expressive eyes were filled with a strange wonder. And in Monique’s estimation, a stranger desire. “I don’t understand. . .” she said simply. Chuckling softly, Ethan made no move to cover himself – but did keep a safe, respectful distance from his befuddled hostess. “Monique,” he breathed, saying her name slowly and sensually. “I would never force you to do anything you didn’t want. Say the word and we’ll go swimming and have a pleasant, friendly afternoon.” With this he paused, drawing slightly closer as he seared her with a boldly seductive gaze. “Yet if you say no to me,” he continued, “say it because you don’t want to be with me. Not because your family and friends might frown on your having a wild affair with a virtual stranger.” Tilting her head, Monique pursed her lips curiously.

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“So you’re planning on things getting pretty wild?” she asked, tone slightly hopeful. Giving her an affectionate grin, Ethan walked slowly toward her – his every move accented by sleek, catlike grace. “I plan on fulfilling your every fantasy and making love to you, thoroughly and completely,” he said, voice barely above a whisper. “I plan on making you scream – after all, we’re out here alone and you can be totally free. No one will judge you. You can do and be with me everything that’s been forbidden you all this time. And I can taste every one of those voluptuous curves and feast upon you. . .” “So do it.” Monique couldn’t believe she had said those words – or that she was rushing headfirst into his arms, sinking with a heavy sigh into his hot, strong embrace. She giggled in spite of herself as he swept her into his arms and gathered her close to him, whispering soothingly into her ear as his teeth tugged at her earlobe. “Just relax, Sweet,” he coaxed. “I’ll be gentle; I’ll do everything. Everything for my lady’s pleasure.” With this, he walked with graceful, purposeful steps from the bathroom and into the adjoining cabin. Monique’s unmade bed occupied the center of the room, and was covered with soft, clean white cotton sheets and pillows thrown carelessly among them. “Sorry, it’s a mess,” she mumbled. Yet she gasped as he suddenly, boldly buried his head into her ample chest – kissing, licking and nipping through the cottony confines of her bra and T-shirt. And he wiggled his eyebrows as she made quick work of both to give him easier access.

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Growling, he tossed her body gently onto the bed and covered it with his own. Pressing his lips hungrily into hers, he massaged her shoulders as his hot, moist tongue once again plundered her mouth. Her delicate hands, meanwhile, found their own home buried in his thick auburn hair, stroking its velvety softness before sliding boldly down his hard, bronzed back. Then, in a move that surprised both of them, she cupped his round, perfect rear in her palms and squeezed lightly. Laughing devilishly, Ethan drew her body tight up against his and nibbled her neck. “I think you’re the siren here, Missy,” he scolded lightly, sinking happily into the loving cushion of her full, hearty body. Rubbing his thighs, Monique sighed happily as his long, silky hair fell across her shoulders and his perfect chest pressed itself thrillingly into hers. Yet her eyes widened as his enormous shaft grew hard and erect between them, pressing itself with tender insistence against her abdomen. “Um, Ethan,” she whispered, pulling back to stare deeply into his passion-narrowed eyes. “It’s been awhile for me.” Ethan cocked his head, shrugging. “How long, Love?” he asked. It was Monique’s turn to shrug. “A year,” she said, then, chuckling dryly, “And that guy enjoyed it so much he married my sister today.” Starting, Ethan scowled before embracing Monique with fierce and protective arms. “Screw that bastard,” he swore.

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Monique laughed loudly, releasing a tension that had held her captive for too long. “I see you have picked up a little land lingo,” she said, then, kissing his smooth forehead, “Leslie is beautiful. If you saw her, you’d probably. . .” “Slap her and your idiot ex-boyfriend upside the head with a long, hard merman’s tail,” Ethan finished, then, grinning boyishly, “How would that be for a wedding gift?” Laughing, the couple tumbled recklessly in the softness of Monique’s bed. Pulling himself up onto his sleek, muscled arms, Ethan planted tender baby kisses down Monique’s neck and across her breasts, then allowed his full, moist lips to canvas her stomach and thighs – taking special pains to lave her bellybutton with a warm, wet tongue. “If it has indeed been that long, my lady,” he whispered, squeezing and kneading her hips as he spoke, “I’ll have to make sure you’re good and aroused before we join as one.” Without further warning he buried his head into her most intimate area, settling into her womanly nest before fixing his lips around her throbbing clit. Throwing her head back, Monique moaned sharply as his fiery tongue sent tiny bolts of desire into her nub and coursing through her body. His teeth, meanwhile, nipped the insides of her feminine folds until they, too, were swollen and hard. His rhythmic suckling slowly intensified until he feasted on her feminine fruit, and he chuckled softly as he finally drank of her sweet juices. “You are so beautiful,” he told her. Wild-eyed and breathless, Monique did indeed look the part of the radiant wanton, and Ethan took in his breath as she leaned forward and enveloped him in a fierce, strong

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hug. Then she gently pushed him onto his back and brazenly straddled him. “Let’s see a Victoria’s friggin’ Secret model do that,” she sniffed, then grinned as Ethan roared in laughter. Yet he fell silent, and his breath grew heavy and hard as she laid her hands on his chest and teased his nipples with her soft but purposeful fingertips. Her long, sturdy legs squeezed his rock hard hips as she lowered herself slowly onto his shaft, which was now fully erect and deliciously hard and stiff. As their bodies joined their gazes met, and their lips were soon to follow – completing the perfect union of a full-bodied kiss. Then, clasping their hands, Monique rode Ethan with a passionate ferocity she had never felt. Their hips fell into a perfect rhythm, and their moans of pleasure formed a tender duet with the cry of the gulls that soared above the boat. Finally Ethan bucked upward, filling Monique to the point that her back arched deliciously backward and she threw her head back, screaming outright. “That’s it, Baby,” Ethan encouraged, his own voice ragged and raspy. “Be free.” Moments later Monique had collapsed into his arms, and the two kissed leisurely as the gentle rocking of the boat cradled their tired, sweaty bodies. “That was amazing,” Monique murmured, grinning as Ethan playfully nipped her nose and chin. “Incredible,” he agreed. Resting her head on his chest, Monique peered quizzically up at him. “For real?” she asked. “It was just as good for you?” Sighing, her lover gathered her tenderly into his arms and cradled her lovingly in a

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warm, all-encompassing embrace. “When are you going to stop doubting yourself?” he asked, kissing her forehead. “When are you going to believe how incredibly sexy and desirable you are?” The woman shrugged, and ran a brazen hand over his rock hard abs. “Maybe you’ll just have to keep making wild, passionate love to me until I get the message,” she said, tone light. Releasing a deep chuckle, Ethan waved a scolding finger at her. “Bad Girl,” he chided, adding, “Know that I do intend to make love to you many, many times – but first, I suggest we cool off with a swim.” *** The sparkling waters of Port Emerald Bay splashed with refreshing coolness against Monique’s hot skin. Laughing playfully, she splashed a beaming Ethan as he swam beside her in the waves. “This is so much fun,” she said. Ethan nodded, nudging Monique’s shoulder. “You’re a natural swimmer,” he told her. “More natural than most people I’ve met." “And this is the most fun I’ve had in a long time,” he added, throwing his head back to bask in the rays of the noonday sun. He and Monique continued their trek through the water, dodging tiny sand dollar fish, mighty bass, and long, thick lines of gold and lavender coral. The sun graced their newfound union with bountiful rays, and a visiting flock of firecolored parrots added additional color to an already vibrant afternoon. Ethan, for one, loved every minute of it. The life of a merman, he had learned, was a

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solitary affair. Few believed in the legend of Port Emerald merpeople. And those who did frequently ran and hid from the ‘finned freaks'. “It would be nice if I could at least meet some of the other merpeople in this area,’’ he told Monique. “But we’re so elusive and ‘fast on our fins’ that we even manage to avoid each other.” “For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been alone,” he finished. Monique regarded him a moment, cringing as she saw some unsummoned tears fill his lovely eyes. Wiping them away, she touched his brawny shoulder with a gentle, loving hand. “I may not have a fin,” she told him. “But I do have a pretty good set of ears. If you ever want to talk. . .” Ethan smiled, kissing the hand that rested on his shoulder. “Don’t feel bad for me, Monique,” he said. “I live a life that’s free. And I have plenty of friends in the fish and sea life.” His friend nodded. “I’m glad the manatee is all right,” she said. “It was nice of you to go down and check on him.’’ Ethan gave Monique a playful hug before splashing her full in the face. “Now we can just have fun!” he exclaimed, applauding as Monique did a successful belly flop. “It’s just a shame you didn’t bring your swimsuit. That shirt and shorts can’t be comfortable.” Monique shrugged, running a self-conscious hand through her light, wet hair. “They’re fine,” she said, adding, “I don’t really feel comfortable wearing a bathing

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suit – I mean, not with all the Empresses of Implants who occupy this stretch of beach.” Yet she was surprised by the sudden presence of a strong, firm hand that warmed her soaking shoulder. “You are beautiful, Madame,” Ethan told her, his face dangerously close to hers. “Don’t let anyone tell you differently.” The couple smiled at one another and listened with pleasure as their acquaintance was christened by the sound of distant wind chimes and the song of soaring gulls. “I’m so glad I met you, Ethan,” she told him, then, cocking her head, “I’ve heard you mermen can do some impressive water tricks. Would you care to show me one?” Ethan sighed. What he really wanted to do was take Monique into his arms and kiss away her self-doubt. When would this woman stop playing games? Relenting, he swam reluctantly away from her and plunged deeply into the water. A hurried panorama – one accented by pink and bronze coral, golden starfish and crisp teal sea grass – swam swiftly past him as he descended to the ocean’s depths. Once he had reached the bottom of the sea, Ethan propelled his muscular body back up through the waves. With a strong surge, he jumped from the water into the open air. The merman soared through the clear blue sky and into an artistic arch. Flying gracefully above the waters, he did a graceful flip and descended once again into the sea. He emerged moments later, barely winded by his acrobatics. Monique, on the other hand, was breathless. “That was magnificent,” she said, applauding him. “Thank you,” Ethan replied, making a majestic bow before once again splashing her boyishly.

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The couple continued to splash playfully in the water, laughing and whooping like long lost playmates. Yet as Monique saw the way that the sun illuminated Ethan’s heaving, dew-glistened chest, she felt anything but girlish. Impulsively she kissed him, tasting his full, succulent mouth in a way that only enhanced her hunger for him. “I wish,” she breathed. Immediately sobering, Ethan swept her easily into a graceful embrace and looked deeply into her eyes. “Granting wishes is what we merfolk are all about,” he whispered. “Tell me what you want and it's yours.” Monique only shook her head, and sighed deeply. “The one magical feat you can’t perform right now is the one I need most,” she breathed, sighing with frustration. Ethan only laughed, and pulled her closer to him. “I wouldn’t be so sure, Princess,” he said, then engaged her in an open-mouthed, passionate kiss. Fixing her arms around his firm, muscular shoulders, Monique leaned fully into his kiss. She had to admit that his fin felt very nice as it nestled and parted her legs. It wasn’t at all scaly as she had originally predicted, but was wet, warm, and silky smooth – just like the tongue that now filled and caressed her mouth. And the thought of taking Ethan’s fin into her body was naughty, forbidden. . .and,

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well, kinda’ gross and impractical, when one thought about it. “Don’t go there, Cowboy,” she said, drawing sharply away from him. “I don’t even think a seasoned porn star could go that route. And in case you hadn’t noticed, I ain’t no Jenna Jameson.” Ethan looked at her, expression blank. “Jenna Who-is-son?” he asked, then, shaking his head, “It doesn’t matter. She can’t compare to my Monique.” Monique pursed her lips, nodding approvingly. “Let’s do this thing,” she declared. Wrapping her arms around the merman’s shoulders, Monique promptly jumped upward in the water and fixed her legs around his waterborne waist. Ethan only laughed, and stroked her sleek, wet back. “It’s not that simple, Love,” he explained gently, then, lowering his voice, “Close your eyes, Monique. I want to sing you a song of the sirens.” Blinking confusedly, Monique did as she was asked. She felt her body relax as it was soothed and caressed by ocean breezes; her ears, for their part, were stroked by a flawless merman melody. “Mmmm,” she moaned, smiling dreamily. Placing her head on his shoulder, she then leaned forward to feel the heavenly sound reverberate from his chest. “I could fall asleep,” she purred. “And miss the best orgasm of your life?” Monique’s eyes flew open, and she gasped as Ethan plunged beneath the water.

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She felt an odd, invigorating tingle overtake her entire body as he wrapped his smooth and silky tail around her lower legs. Then, brazenly lifting her soaking wet T-shirt above her waist, he turned and tossed his heather soft hair across her stomach, tickling her with its silky strands. The sensation set her afire, sending thrilling tingles from the pit of her stomach to her loins – which were already sufficiently moist due to their aquiline surroundings and were about to grow wetter still. Spreading her legs with gentle but purposeful hands, he slowly, methodically peeled off her shorts and tossed them aside. Her white cotton underwater came next, and he slid them down her legs with agonizing slowness. After playfully nipping her knee, he kissed his way slowly up her legs and buried his head in the womanly curves of her hips and thighs. Then, grinning devilishly, he set about bringing her her greatest pleasure. Above water, Monique cocked a curious eyebrow – even as her heart thudded with desire. “How is it that he’s able to stay underwater this long?” Then, granting herself a firm, ‘I could have had a V8-ish’ slap against the head, she said aloud, “Of course he can remain underwater for indefinite periods of time. He’s a merman. Duh!” Her brow again furrowed as she felt her lover slip a firm, flexible finger beyond her feminine folds and into the moist confines of her vagina. The intimate caress created a delightful pressure that sent shockwaves through her feminine area. Even so, she sighed somewhat impatiently as his probing continued.

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“I hope he’s not trying to find my g-spot,” she thought. “Ray tried to locate it several times and pretty much determined I didn’t have one. We joked that the search for my gspot was like a game of Where’s Wald – OH!” Her whimsical smile disappeared, however, as she contemplated his other comments. “He also said that if I was in better shape, I would probably get more pleasure from sex,” she thought, eyes suddenly flooded with embarrassed tears. Those same eyes flew wide open, however, as her entire body was overtaken by a prolonged, reverberating spasm. She began to tremble uncontrollably as her body was wracked with intense waves of incredible pleasure – waves even more warm and comforting than those that flowed freely around her. Fighting to keep her balance in the water, Monique lowered her hands beneath the water’s surface to grasp Ethan’s shoulders. Her eyes rolling heavenward, her breath escaped her lips in short, hot gasps as she struggled to keep some semblance of composure. The battle was lost moments later as her body was claimed by a pulsating, earth shattering climax. Throwing her head back, she screamed her release in a cry that rivaled the song of the gulls. Then, when Ethan resurfaced moments later, she collapsed into his arms and wept happily. “I didn’t think it was possible,” she murmured, burying her head in his muscular chest. Chuckling, Ethan kissed her forehead with warm, tender lips. “With us, my Baby,” he told her, tilting her chin upward and staring longingly into

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her eyes, “Anything is possible.” Monique kissed Ethan fiercely before resting easily in his arms. The two were silent for a moment, enjoying a time of companionable silence as the breezes of their afternoon flowed easily around them. Monique finally turned back toward the ship, smiling broadly. “I do believe I’ve worked up an appetite for a triple hot fudge sundae,” she said. “And I just happen to have the ingredients on my boat.” Ethan cocked a curious brow. “A sun-dae?” he asked, sounding out the foreign word. “What’s that?” Monique’s tinkling laughter sent chills up his spine. “You know the secrets and mysteries of the deep blue sea,” she said. “But you’ve never heard of a hot fudge sundae?” Yet, soon, this mystery too was revealed. Within an hour, Ethan and Monique lounged easily on her deck, all but devouring their creamy concoctions. “I can see why you enjoy these,” Ethan praised, then, grinning at his companion, “You’ve introduced me to so many wonderful new things today, Monique. I’ve tried a hot fudge sundae, played water sports. . .” “Um, water games might be a better term,” Monique corrected with a wry smile. Shrugging innocently, Ethan continued, “You show such concern for my friends at sea, and for me.” “Don’t forget the part about my saving your ever-lovin’ life,” Monique added, then, nudging him playfully, “However, that debt was paid in full by what you just did to me in the water. Woo-hoo to the nth degree!”

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Her companion roared with laughter, then gave her a tight, grateful hug. “And you make me laugh,” he praised. “I usually like the quiet life, and you’re anything but ‘quiet'. ” “And I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he finished, kissing her hand in a gallant fashion. Chuckling softly, Monique wrapped a loving arm around his trim waist. “Well, I certainly wouldn’t have you any other way,” she assured him, adding with a shrug, “I mean, ‘perfect’ always works for me.” The two shared a playful kiss before once again digging in to their scrumptious desserts. Ethan fed Monique several heaping spoonfuls of ice cream, cooing playfully as he did so, then smacked his lips as his companion returned the favor. Monique paused, spoon in hand, as she noticed Ethan regarding her with an intense, narrow-eyed gaze. “Whatcha’ doin’?” she asked, batting her blue eyes in a playful tease. “Looking at you,” he explained, his tone suddenly low and sultry. “Wishing I was that sundae.” Reddening in spite of herself, Monique shrugged. “Most of my ex-boyfriends would be ripping the sundae from my fat little hands and replacing it with a celery stick at this point,” she replied. Yet she gaped as Ethan extended his head and brazenly licked a dollop of whipped cream from her cheek. "The sight of you indulging yourself, pleased and content, is very much a turn on for me,” he assured her, his hot breath fanning her cheek.

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Turning her head quickly, Monique engaged Ethan in a full-mouthed, passionate kiss. The lovers lingered a moment, tasting and savoring one another before parting slightly. “You know, Ethan,” Monique whispered, toying flirtatiously with a strand of his long, dark hair, “Earlier today you gave me the best oral sex I’ve ever had.” Pausing, she flicked her tongue teasingly between cherry red lips. “Would you like me to reciprocate?” she asked. “Would you like me to taste and lick you, just as I’m devouring this sundae?” Wiggling his eyebrows, Ethan promptly fell backward onto the deck and looked expectedly up at a laughing Monique. “Well, I guess ya talked me into it,” he said with a shrug, then, lowering his voice to a seductive growl, “Take me. Have your way with me.” “Devour me.” Setting aside her dish, Monique instead retrieved some of the ingredients that had helped fill that abandoned container; namely, a spray can filled with whipped cream and a small glass bowl that overflowed with rich, scarlet red cherries. Grinning mischievously, she advanced toward a silent, waiting Ethan, then boldly straddled his trim waist. Staring down into his wide, dark eyes, she covered each of his bronzed nipples with a round, moist cherry. Her lover hissed, taking in his breath at the cool sensation created through this simple action. “That’s it,” he said. “Play with me. Have fun.” Following this erotic directive, Monique lowered her head and ate both cherries –

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lightly scratching her teeth across both his masculine buds. “Oooh,” he murmured, his tone approving. Another cherry then was buried in the depths of Ethan’s bellybutton, where it soon was surrounded by a thick circle of frothy whipped cream. Moving slightly backward, she lowered her head over his perfect, sun-bronzed abs and slowly, temptingly licked the perfect circle created by the creamy concoction. “Mmmm. . .” She smacked her lips, savoring the taste of his salty merman’s skin – even in contrast to the sweet cream that covered it. Then, kneeling over Ethan’s body, she took a moment to take in and savor his sheer perfection. Could it be possible that this immaculate man was her lover? And would he ever return? As if reading her thoughts, the merman arched slightly upward and grasped Monique’s hand. Looking deeply into her eyes, he gave her a sweet, full-toothed smile that felt more like a kiss. “Monique, today has been one of the most thrilling, romantic, fantastic days of my life,” he said, then, playfully squeezing her hand, “And it’s all your fault, Miss. I insist on seeing you again.” Ducking her head to conceal the happy flush that rose in her cheeks, Monique kissed Ethan’s hand before lowering it to the floor. “We’ll discuss it after I totally blow your mind,” she promised.

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She grinned as she saw the effect her words had on Ethan, raising his long, beautiful shaft in a firm salute.

She gazed admiringly at his erect manhood before

unceremoniously dousing it in whipped cream. Then she took him into her mouth, feasting on his full, succulent length and listening intently to his moans of approval – and finally to a masculine shout that signaled his full, satiated release. *** Moments later, the couple once again lounged luxuriously on deck, nestled close as they enjoyed another round of sundaes. “Delicious!” Ethan praised, wiping an errant dab of whipped cream from Monique’s ivory chin. “When you come back, you’ll have to bring more of your wonderful food.” He looked at her, his eyes hooded by a pair of thick, dark lashes. “You are coming back, aren’t you?” he asked shyly. Monique put her head on Ethan’s shoulder, stroking her chin thoughtfully. “On one condition,” she said finally. “You have to teach me that fancy trick you just performed in the water.” Laughing, Ethan placed his arm securely around Monique’s shoulder and tipped her chin into his hand. “Which one?” he asked coyly. Staring tenderly into her eyes, he once again joined their mouths in a sweet, moist kiss. Ethan took joy in the broad smile that covered Monique’s face. “I like that trick, too,” she told him.

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