“Nope. Sammy’s real. Let’s go move him.” I hop out of the SUV and Gage rushes after me.
“Should you touch him? He’s a wild animal.”
“I’m not going to touch him. Am I Sammy boy?”
Sammy honks at me.
“Sorry. Sammy the man.”
He bobs his head.
Gage’s mouth gapes open. “Does he understand what you’re saying?”
Sammy hisses at him. And he holds up his hands. “Sorry. Did I just apologize to a seal?”
I giggle. “You did.”
“This island is wild.”
“And proud of it.” I motion to the seal. “Now, let’s get him off the road before some tourist runs him over.”
Sammy growls.
I sigh. “I know it’s a beautiful day to sunbathe on the road. But you know how tourists are. They never pay attention.”
Sammy hisses.
“No, we can’t hate tourists. They’re important for the economy of the island.”
Sammy honks.
“Now, will you please get off the road?”
Gage inches closer to me to whisper, “You ask him and he moves?”
I motion to Sammy. He hasn’t moved an inch. “Sammy,” I growl. “Move to the edge of the road, or I’ll call the dog catchers.”
He hisses at me before galumphing a few feet. He’s still on the road, but he’s not smackdab in the middle of it anymore. Good enough for me.
“Thanks, Sammy the man. Have a good day!”
He barks and waves his flipper in the air.
When Gage just stands in the middle of the road staring at the seal, I grasp his hand and lead him back to his SUV. He shakes his head.
“I thought I’d seen it all after watching women race wearing mermaid tails today.”
I laugh. “Nope. Smuggler’s Hideaway has more surprises in store for you.”
His eyes heat and those green flecks appear. “I hope so. I hope so.”
A shiver runs down my spine. I don’t think he’s referring to the island. Friends, I remind myself. Gage and I are just friends.
When we arrive at the resort, Brock and Corbin are waiting for us. When we park, they stalk across the parking lot to us.
“About time,” Brock grumbles.
“Ignore him. He’s grumpy when he’s hungry,” Gage says.
