A Mermaid for Christmas by Nichole Chase

Author:Nichole Chase
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: holiday, family, christmas, short story, mermaid, presents, new york times bestseller
Publisher: Nichole Chase

I twisted from side to side in an effort to work the kink out of my back. A loud yawn worked its way out of my chest as I stretched while walking slowly toward the toolshed to put up my shovel and gloves. I’d just spent the last three hours hunched over while cleaning out the bird cages and I wanted nothing more than a long swim at the beach to wash the stink off. It wasn’t that I didn’t love the birds, and I didn’t begrudge them the time it took to clean the cages, but the chemicals irritated my eyes and would cause blisters wherever they touched my skin.

Becca, the bird trainer, waved her thanks before heading for her old pickup truck. I replaced the lock on the shed and eagerly headed toward the quiet little stretch of beach that the tourists weren’t allowed to visit. It was my family’s sanctuary. The one place I could go to be myself. I rubbed the palms of my hands against my eyes as I rounded a corner on the tiny path and ran smack into someone. A large, strong hand grabbed my shoulder to steady me on my feet.

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize anyone else…” I frowned up at Blake. “Never mind. It’s you.” I moved to walk around him but he blocked my path.

“I just finished cleaning the sea lion pen. Is the toolshed still open?” Blake held up his push broom and shovel and gave me a bright smile. His teeth gleamed whitely in the darkness and for some reason it annoyed me even more. I guess he stayed late to try and get on my dad’s good side. Great. Not only was he rude, he was a butt-kisser as well. Somewhere in the back of my head, an annoying little voice told me to not forget that he was hot, too.

“No.” I turned on my heel and headed back toward the shed. The sound of the waves in the distance called to me and I sighed. I’d get there eventually, but for now I was too tired to even really put much effort into being pissed. I dug the key out of my pocket as we walked and tried to ignore how close he was to me. “Why are you still here? All the others left hours ago.”

“I was late. I figured I’d make it up to your dad and make sure the pens were good before I left.” Blake shrugged.

“Why were you late? Too good to ride the bus?” I didn’t want to forgive him for being a jerk earlier in the day, even if he was trying to make up for it.

“I had a meeting with my father and it ran late.” Blake’s voice changed and my eyes darted up to his face. The bright moon threw heavy shadows over his features, but I could still make out his expression. His relaxed stance had changed and tension seemed to roll off him.

“A meeting with your father? What, you have to schedule appointments?” I wrinkled my nose at the thought.

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