Page 52 of On Her Team
“Go, Addy!”
I glance over at Gage. He has Mila on his shoulders. Penelope has actually shut her book and is paying attention to the worldaround her. Meanwhile, Otis is staring up at Gage like he hangs the moon. He’s a miracle worker.
The mayor stands at the starting line.
“Swimmers, take your places. Crowd, prepare to cheer. And lifeguards… please stay alert. On my count. Tails up, chins high, and may the fastest mermaid win!”
The whistle blows and I dive into the water. I ignore the other swimmers as I race to the other side of the lagoon.
A long time ago – before I realized how desperate my home situation was – I loved to swim. I was even on the swim team one year in middle school. Until I needed a new swimsuit and found out there was no money.
Someone elbows me but I ignore her and keep swimming. I reach the other side of the lagoon and lift my head out of the water.
“You won!” Gage yells.
“What?” I scan the lagoon. Most of the other mermaids are still swimming. Only two other women have finished. “I won?”
He drags me out of the water and into his arms. “You won!”
Mila jumps up and down. “You won! You won! You won!”
Penelope smiles. “Congratulations!”
Otis claps me on the back. “Good job, sis.”
“What’s your prize?” Gage asks.
There’s only one prize on Smuggler’s Hideaway. “A bottle of local moonshine.”
“Excellent. You can bring it with you to the barbecue.”
“What barbecue?”
“My team is having a barbecue on the beach.”
“I can’t go.” No matter how much I’d enjoy it. His teammates are a ball. Childish and annoying, but tons of fun. But it’s not to be. “Mom’s working. I need to watch the kids.”
“Otis volunteered to babysit tonight.”
I lift my eyebrow. “Otis volunteered?”
He shrugs. “I may have offered him money for pizza if he stays home with his sisters tonight. He should watch them more often anyway.”
I hold up a hand. “I am not having this discussion with you. Help me down.”
He carries me to an empty table with my siblings trailing us. He sets me down and studies the tail I’m wearing. “How do I help get you out of your tail? Or is this permanent now?”
I giggle. “There’s a zipper in the back.”
“Turn around.”
I hesitate. My backside is not the most attractive element of my body. It’s too big for one.
“Songbird, turn around.”
Damn the pirates. I can’t resist him when he lowers his voice and commands me. I shiver.
He wraps a towel around my shoulders before lowering the zipper. He traces his hands up my sides and goosebumps explode.
