Chapter 8 #3
Back on the trail, Skylar takes my hand again, natural as can be, and my heart’s beating wildly once more.
“Was that guy for real?” he asks.
“You mean Marius?”
“Is that his name?”
I nod. “He’s a bit of a pervert but harmless, or the town would have sent him on his way.
I think it’s from loneliness and not being taught good social skills.
I’m not sure what the situation is with him and the other merpeople in the lake, but I’ve only ever seen him alone.
He gets a kick out of watching couples on the beach, but he does ask for consent first. Max and Ryder have lectured him on that point. ”
“I think my mermaid illusions have been shattered,” Skylar laments.
“What were you expecting?”
He lets out a startled laugh. “Dunno. Either a Disney water princess or an old-school fairy-tale nightmare?”
I smile. “Marius definitely possesses the ethereal beauty factor, but it clashes a lot with his personality. Even Max can only take him in small doses.”
“In my experience, personality matters a lot more than looks,” Skylar mutters.
We’re quiet as we continue along the path, and all too soon, we’re back at the house. Skylar lets go of my hand and a flicker of sadness washes over me. But then he climbs up a few of the front steps and turns to face me before I can follow him.
I’m momentarily startled because now we’re at eye level with one another.
“Come closer,” he says, his voice gruff.
Hesitantly, I shuffle forward until I’m nearly standing on the first step.
I left the front porch light on for our return and can’t look away from Skylar’s face. He’s studying me intensely, and I can’t quite figure out what his almost fierce expression is all about.
“Okay, Hal. I’m gonna be real with you. There’s been something I’ve wanted to say to you all night.”
Oh dear. Now I’m starting to get worried.
“What?” I hope the panic I’m feeling isn’t super obvious in my voice.
Skylar swallows hard and his cheeks flush. “Ever since I met you and moved into the B&B, my life’s felt like it’s worth living again. I’d lost that for a long time.”
A band of tightness squeezes painfully around my chest at his words.
“From the start, you welcomed me and helped me at every turn. We’ve also become good friends, and I love spending time together.
With you, I can be myself and not have to worry that you’ll be disappointed.
You accept me, fucked-up scars and all.” He swallows hard again.
“And I’ve realized that I like you as more than just a friend. ”
A strange ringing noise fills my ears, and I’m more than a little faint. Probably because I’ve been holding my breath since he started talking. I gulp down a huge amount of air right as Skylar says, “If you feel the same, would you wanna start dating?”
All I can let out is a weird gurgling noise.
Skylar frowns and reaches out to cup my cheek. “You okay?”
This is the first time he’s touched my face, and it turns my insides into warm, melty goo.
“Did I ingest some of that mushroom mead without my knowledge?” I manage to get out. “Am I hallucinating, or did you just ask me out?”
Skylar runs a hand through his hair and shuffles his feet awkwardly.
“Yeah. In my super un-suave way, I asked if you’re interested in dating.
Guess I botched this whole thing.” He gives a jerky shrug of his shoulders.
“I tried reading some of those romance novels you got in the house, but I’m not real good at this sort of thing.
I’ve never tried to woo someone like they do in those stories. Sorry.”
Skylar looks all kinds of uncomfortable and about ready to turn tail and run.
Get your act together, Hal!
I manage to jolt myself out of the stupor I’m in and gently take hold of both his arms. “You’re really interested in me? In a romantic way?”
Sweet Goddess, is this really happening right now?
Skylar flashes a crooked smile. “Course I am. Who wouldn’t be?
You’re the sweetest, most amazing, most caring guy I’ve ever met.
When I’m with you, I feel safe and seen in ways I never have before.
Everything you do is so cute I can hardly stand it.
Sometimes I just want to hug you and never let go. ”
I sigh dreamily. “I think I might swoon right now.”
A look of alarm flashes over Skylar’s face. “What?”
“Can I hug you?” I ask instead of answering.
“Uh, sure.”
I don’t need any further encouragement. I pull him into my arms and finally hold him close, his warm body pressed against mine. After a brief hesitation, he wraps his arms around me and hugs me back.
It’s like coming home. Like warm sunshine after the long, cold winter.
Just like heaven.
Thank you, Robert Smith, for your seriously insightful love songs.
“Sometimes I want to hug you and never let go too,” I whisper.
“Me too,” he murmurs into my chest.
That’s all the encouragement I need.
With all the flair of one of the many romance heroes I’ve read about, I pick Skylar up and cradle him in my arms. Sweeping him off his feet—sasquatch style!
Ryder would be so proud.
I grin. “Let’s go inside and talk. We have a lot to talk about.”