Page 4 of Beneath the Surface

“In that case, help yourself,” Kannon threw over his shoulder as he walked to the bedroom.

“Why, thank you.” Brett’s laugh sounded behind Kannon. “Think I will.”

Kannon dug in one of his suitcases until he found khaki shorts and a light blue knit shirt. Returning to the living area, he found a beer waiting for him on the kitchen counter. Brett was outside sitting in a lounge chair with a glass of water.

“Comfy?” Kannon asked as he joined Brett in one of the loungers.

“Better believe it, but I can’t stay. Otherwise I’d be having a beer too.” Brett sipped his water. “By the way, I’m having some friends over tonight, sort of a pre-wedding party—nothing official. If you’re up to it, drop by.”

Kannon crossed his feet and stared out over the ocean. “Maybe. How far is the resort from this bungalow?”

“About a mile. This one’s on the outer edges of the property. Sorry, but that was all that was open.”

“No problem. I guess you still own the penthouse?”

“Yup. I haven’t found a reason to move. Yet. Brooke might change my mind.”

“A woman’s prerogative, right?”

“So I’ve been told.” Brett checked his watch then finished his drink. “Okay, duty calls. There’s a golf cart in a shed around behind the bungalow. Most of them don’t come with transportation, but this one’s so far out I thought it’d be a good idea. The key is on the wall in the kitchen by the pantry. You got my cell number?”

“I do. If I need anything I’ll call you.”

“Good deal. If I don’t see you tonight, I’ll drop by tomorrow.”

“You don’t need to babysit me, man.”

“I know, but we haven’t seen each other in a while. You only have a few days, and then you’ll be going back to your life again, so quit your bitching.”

Kannon saluted Brett with his beer. “Bitching quit. Now go on and get back to work, slacker. I may drop by later.”

“Good.” Brett stood. “See you later.”

“Later.” Kannon watched Brett leave from his comfortable position on the lounge.

In the distance the waves lapped at the beach. He sipped his beer as he contemplated the water. The ocean was beautiful, there was no denying that. Beautiful and deadly—and he’d been running from it for fifteen years.

That day so long ago still haunted him. Haunted him, intrigued him, and invaded his dreams. Kannon absently touched his shoulder where the merman bit him. It had healed fine, but left a scar that was hard to miss when he went shirtless.

A tingle spread through his body as he touched the mark—and it was most definitely a mark. Happily that was the only thing he ended up with. He didn’t crave seafood, hadn’t suddenly been able to breathe underwater—okay, that would’ve been cool—or sprouted fins or a tail.

Now he was back where it all began.

This was the one place he’d sworn never to return. He was no longer scared over what happened. Or angry, though he had been for a time. No, anger over what happened wasn’t why he stayed away. He’d felt drawn to this place from the start. And that… wellthatscared the crap out of him. Something here was waiting for him.

And he was here now.

He stayed outside, arms resting against the wooden railing as he watched the sun slowly dip below the horizon. He debated going to Brett’s for the party, but he wasn’t in the mood to be social.

Instead he stayed outside and watched the water. He really wanted to take a walk on the beach and feel the warm sand between his toes.Why the hell not?Dropping his sandals on the deck, he walked out to the soft, dry sand. He wiggled his toes and sighed.So nice.

Each step he took felt a little like he was slipping backwards as his toes sank into the sand as he made his way across the beach, heading toward the waves, but he didn’t enter the water. Not yet. Instead he strolled down the beach, lost in thought.

He spent the rest of the day walking the beach and thinking. After a while he saw the lights from the resort. Laughter drifted on the evening breeze.I didn’t realize I’d come this far.He’d also lost track of time and night was falling. It sounded like they were having a good time, but he didn’t want to join them.

He turned around and returned the way he came. Tomorrow he’d meet up with Brett and Brooke. But for tonight all he wanted was solitude. He returned to the bungalow, took a shower, and unpacked.

After the fifth yawn in a row, he decided it was time for bed.

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