Page 12 of The Scent of Salt & Sand
Dean’s heart was in the process of falling into his gut when Harmony spoke up.
“Oh, Melody, don’t be silly. I’m sure you can do both!” she said happily.
“Both?” Melody asked.
“Sure! Dean, Melody does have to work, but you could join her today because she’s still in training and won’t actually be guiding a tour, just observing. Or have you been to Alcatraz too many times for it to still be interesting for you?”
A wave of relief swept over him. “Believe it or not, I’ve never been to Alcatraz.”
“Perfect! Then it’s settled.” Harmony pulled out a roll of fat tickets and ripped one off, handing it to Dean. “There you are, sir. One ticket for Siren Tours’ Alcatraz Adventure, which will be personally guided by your very own Siren-in-training, Melody. The ferry departs from Pier 33 in twenty minutes. You two just have time to make it. Have a fabulous afternoon, Dean. Be gentle with her—this is her first time. And Mel, don’t worry about coming back to the shop. I’ll close up tonight.”
With strength that surprised Dean, Harmony took him by one arm and Melody by another and propelled them out of the door, closing it firmly behind them.
Chapter Six
Uneasiness quaked within Melody, rattling her teeth. She tensed her jaw to silence their clacking. In twenty-five years, this was her first official date. Having fake encounters with older Sirens pretending to be interested males hadn’t been challenging. Actually, it’d been funny to hear such dulcet voices forced into gruff, cracking baritones. Her time in Tartarus had been training. This was the real deal.
“I’ve noticed these ferries before,” Dean said as they settled into a standing place near the bow of the boat. His gesture took in the gorgeous, mostly naked mermaid that was painted along the side of the vessel. “Not the biggest tour boat, but the prettiest by far.”
“It’s our logo.” She relaxed a bit as she spoke. “Though it’s a little confusing because it’s a mermaid and not a Siren.”
“Does it matter?”
She bit her tongue, stopping herself from launching into a lecture on the differences between the two. “Only if you’re a mermaid or a Siren.” She shrugged.
“Excuse me, sir. May I get you something to drink? Beer or a glass of wine?”
The hairs on the back of Melody’s neck stood at attention as she turned to face the familiar voice.
“Oh, Melody! I didn’t know you were leading a tour today.” Aria flipped her blonde hair and let her hand trace the silhouette of the sexy sailor’s outfit that was the Siren Tours uniform.
“I’m not,” she said, her jaw again clenched. “I’m just observing.”
There was a small silence, which Dean filled by sticking out his hand.
“Hi, I’m Dean Kent—Melody’s date.”
“Well, hello there, Dean Kent. It is soooo nice to meet you. I’m Aria, Melody’s cousin.” She cocked her hip to the side and studied him. “You are a handsome one, aren’t you? Good job, Mel—”
“Aria!” She barked the name. “The man in the red jacket way over there by the stern is trying to wave you down. He looks thirsty.”
Melody’s stomach tumbled just as it had in the shop, with the rose petals and that man.
Don’t let them have him.
Had that thought been her own? The voice was deeper, richer, different than hers.
“Well, poo!” Aria pouted. “You’re keeping this handsome man all to yourself?”
“Yes.” She grabbed Aria by the elbow and led her away from Dean. “He is my date. You and the rest of the girls need to understand that. You can’t have him.”
“All right, all right,” she grumbled, shaking her arm away from Melody’s grasp. “You never have liked to share.”
“And you’ll tell the others?”
“Yes.” She sounded exasperated. “Stop freaking out. I’ll tell the girls onboard that he’s off-limits.” She paused for a moment, seeming to size up the young Siren. “Coming up here has really released your inner huntress. You should be proud.” With a wave, she sauntered toward a group of unsuspecting tourists. “See ya later at the condo—unless I get lucky too.”
Huntress? Melody stuffed her hands into her pockets and took a cleansing breath before returning to Dean.
