Waves of Change (World Above Water, Book 1) Read Free Page A

and shook his hand. “It was nice meeting you, Daniel. Thanks for your help.” She smiled and squeezed his hand tight before she gave him an exaggerated wink and mouthed the words, “Call her.”
    She pressed a small piece of paper into his palm, and when he looked at her face, he returned her amiable expression and leaned closer to her to whisper in her ear. “Thank you!”
    Bethany winked again and hurried the girls toward the shops at the end of the block after they put money on the table for the tip.
    A deep sigh forced its way out of his chest as he headed back to his table. I miss her already. He felt colder without her close by, empty even. As he took his seat back at his table, he unfolded the piece of paper Bethany passed to him in the handshake. Ten digits were written under the name Alicia Lewis. Happiness and gratitude made him feel as if he could levitate, and he knew from the tightness in his cheeks that he sported a goofy grin.
    “Wanna talk about it now?” Chris was almost glaring at him as he rocked back and forth on the back legs of his chair.
    To his amazement, he’d forgotten about Chris while he was with Alicia, and he didn’t see the problem with that. As he locked eyes with his baffled best friend, he mulled over every word she’d said. “What’s an ASD?”
    “A what?” Chris frowned, and stared at him like he’d grown a second head.
    “She said she had to go, emergency ASD.”
    “Why are you asking me? You’re the one who got her wet so you could read her water more … intimately.” He rolled his eyes before he took a deep breath, and he leaned forward, settling his chair on all four legs. “Tell me what you learned.”
    Daniel couldn’t explain his need to be cautious, but as soon as Chris asked the question, he felt a strong need to keep anything about Alicia to himself, as if he needed to protect it.
    When he didn’t respond, Chris released an annoyed sigh. “ Enki help me. How long have we known each other? Get a hold of yourself and just tell me what you found out. I am not going to steal your Dau-Hael .”
    Daniel took a deep breath through his nostrils to calm himself. He’s right. He trusted Chris with his life, and he knew he had nothing to worry about. So why am I hesitating? It took a few more seconds to convince himself to share, but as he placed his hand over the pocket with her number inside, his excitement returned. “She’s a doctor.”
    “What kind of doctor?”
    “She’s a heart surgeon.”
    Chris raised an eyebrow and smiled. “So she’s smarter than you. What else?”
    “She’s shy, loyal, strong, caring, supportive, understanding, and she smells like vanilla and sandalwood.” His thoughts traveled back to her, and he lost himself in his recollection of the most perfect woman in the world. She was infused into his water, and he would be able to sense her anywhere. Getting her wet was part of his plan, and he had succeeded in forming the Enaal bond with her. He smiled to himself as he thought of her face, her fingers, her hands, her legs, and the bit of cleavage he saw.
    “Daniel, if you’re about to start whacking off, I’m done. I don’t care how long we’ve known each other.”
    “Stay out of my water, Chris.” He wanted to be angry, but even as he did his best to glare at him, he couldn’t hold back his laughter, and Chris joined in.
    “I’m happy for you, my friend.” Chris reached out to clap him on the shoulder. His warm smile reached his eyes, and in that moment it seemed as if Chris was just as excited as he was.
    “Weren’t we on a mission, Mr. Twenty Questions?”
    Chris winked, and they returned to the task at hand. They needed to locate their mark, and they scanned the sidewalk across the street. “Intel says this guy’s also been attacking women, using their water to keep them from moving.”
    “Then let’s get him.”

Chapter 4
    Alicia released a weary breath through her teeth as she removed her surgical mask. Peeling