World of Aquatica: Uncertain why, a shifter keeps getting drawn back to a particular coffee shop... until he’s approached by the busboy and everything becomes clear.

  Working as a high-profile lawyer for his shifter pod, Saul Davison keeps prying eyes away from his wealthy Alpha Kaiser Rush’s affairs. His position earns him wealth and prestige due to being a cutthroat in the courtroom. The fact that he’s secretly a lion’s mane jellyfish and won’t settle down for anyone but his mate, earns him the reputation of a playboy. Saul enjoys both—the finer things the money buys, as well as the plethora of floozies attracted to his bed.

  When Saul finds himself repeatedly returning to a small coffee shop, he can’t understand the allure. He doesn’t even like coffee. Sitting at a table, drinking chai tea, Saul is pondering the oddity when a young Hispanic human approaches him... and asks if he can join Saul. Saul’s knee-jerk reaction is to say no, but there’s just something so earnest and sweet in the human’s expression—not something that normally attracts him. Buying time, Saul offers his hand.

  As the human slides his palm against Saul’s—introducing himself as Mateo—a zing of awareness rushes through Saul’s body, and it all becomes clear. Mateo is his mate.

  Can Saul win his sweet young human’s heart and share the world of shifters with him, or will his reputation get in the way?

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  Jetboating with a Jellyfish

  Copyright © 2023 Charlie Richards

  ISBN: 978-1-4874-3938-5

  Cover art by Angela Waters

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

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  Jetboating with a Jellyfish

  Beneath Aquatica’s Waves 15

  By

  Charlie Richards

  Dedication

  Push yourself, because no one else is going to do it for you.

  ~Unknown

  Chapter One

  “Your hottie is back.”

  Looking up from the dishes he was washing, Mateo Barrera stared at Tina. The barista was smirking at him, her blue eyes dancing with mischief.

  “He ordered hot chai tea again,” Tina continued with a roll of her eyes. “Why does he come to a coffee shop every day and order tea?”

  “Not everyone likes coffee,” Mateo murmured as he thought about the tall slender hottie who’d caught his eye the prior week. “Or maybe he doesn’t do a lot of caffeine in the afternoons.” Mateo didn’t know why, but he felt the need to defend the handsome man’s choices. “And he’s not my hottie.”

  No matter how much I’d love for it to be true.

  Ten days before—yes, I’m counting—Mateo had exited the back to bus the tables. He had just been finishing up the final table when the man had walked in. Mateo had frozen, the cloth he was using to wipe the table resting on the top, as he watched the stunningly distinguished man cross to the order counter.

  The stranger was tall—Mateo guessed he stood around six-and-a-half-feet tall—with a whipcord lean body covered in a suit so high-end that Mateo couldn’t even guess at the designer. With his pale blond hair slicked back from his face and reaching his shoulders, he showed off his aristocratic features. The man’s pale blue eyes reminded him of shards of ice that sent the best kind of chill down Mateo’s spine.

  In a word, Mateo thought the man was stunning.

  A customer crossing in front of Mateo’s line of sight had caused him to jolt, and he’d quickly rushed into the back.

  After that, Mateo had snuck a peek into the front area every chance he could. He’d discovered that the suited man visited every afternoon between one and one-thirty. He would order a hot chai tea, drink it at a table near the door, and then leave.

  On Tuesday, Mateo’s day off, he’d almost gone to work just to sit with a coffee during that time so he could see him. In the end, he’d known that would be weird. He’d stayed home with his fantasies and right hand.

  “So, you gonna put on your big boy manties and go see him?” Tina asked, poking Mateo in the arm to get his attention again. “I know you haven’t taken your break yet.”

  Mateo felt his cheeks heat just at the idea of walking out there and approaching the handsome blond. Except, as he nibbled his bottom lip, he wondered if he could do it. The image of him holding the man’s hand across the table popped into his head, sending a warm churn through his gut.

  Why the hell couldn’t I do it?

  After all, Mateo didn’t have anything to lose. Even if the man turned him down, he could still dream about him and lust after him. That wasn’t any different than what he was doing now.

  Jerking a nod, Mateo muttered, “Okay. I’m gonna do it.”

  Tina whooped softly, clapping her hands. “Go get ‘em, tiger.” Grinning, she grabbed the dish towel off the counter and used it to whip his butt. “He’s all yours.”

  Mateo rolled his eyes as he used another towel to dry his hands. Still, he couldn’t help but smile. He really did appreciate Tina’s acceptance.

  Far more than I ever got from my own family.

  As soon as Mateo had come out, his family had disowned him. He’d figured they wouldn’t be pleased, but to completely cut him out of their lives? Mateo hadn’t expected that.

  I just thought I’d have to deal with some disapproving looks or guilt-driven religious talks or something.

  Except, that hadn’t happened.

  After all, like many Hispanic families, Mateo’s family were devout Catholics.

  When Mateo’s mother had asked him when he was going to bring home a good girl and settle down like his brothers—he had two older brothers as well as two older sisters, all married and three of them with kids of their own—he hadn’t been able to lie anymore. He’d told the truth. It would never happen because he was gay.

  Mateo’s father had narrowed his eyes and demanded, “Don’t you disrespect your mother that way.”

  When Mateo had apologized while insisting he was telling the truth, his father hadn’t said another word. He’d risen to his feet, taking his sniffling mother with him. Then he’d turned his back on him, using his hold to force his mother to do the same.

  Frozen in shock, Mateo had watched as one by one, his siblings and their spouses had also risen. They’d frowned at him, shaking their heads. Then they’d gathered their kids and left for another room.

  Mateo hadn’t known what else to do but leave. As he’d left the house, the sound of his mother crying had just about ripped out his heart. He’d tried calling her the next day, but she hadn’t answered. When he’d attempted the day after, Mateo had nearly had his heart broken all over again when his father answered the phone, told him never to call again, and that he was having Mateo’s number blocked from all their phones.

  He’d spent the day moping around his apartment in his pajamas, alternating between crying and eating ice cream while cuddling with the battered stuffed cat his mom had given him when he was four—Pace.

  Fortunately, Mateo’s buddy, Lee, had arrived and helped him through his funk.

  Pushing thoughts of his family away, Mateo took a deep breath. He headed to the break room and took off his apron. Then he returned to the front. Seeing the handsome distinguished blond sitting at the table by the front window, Mateo paused, his courage faltering.

  “You can do it,” Tina whispered into his ear, giving his arm an encouraging squeeze.

  Mateo nodded as an idea formed.

  Heading behind the counter, Mateo began to prepare an iced chai tea latte.

  Maybe he hasn’t tried it iced before.

  * * * *

  Saul Davison sat in the coffee shop, sipping his chai tea and wondering what the hell he was doing there.

  I don’t even like coffee, and the smell in here is... cloying.

  That was why Saul always sat near the door. Every time someone entered or exited, he would get a bit of fresh air. Which brought Saul back to his confusion.

  Why do I feel compelled to keep coming back here?

  Ten days before, Saul had met Detective Grisham Canton at the place. It was close to the human’s precinct, and he’d wanted to collaborate with him regarding a couple of cases. Grisham was mated with Cuzco, a coconut octopus shifter who was part of their shifter pod.

  The second Saul had walked in, the lion’s mane jellyfish he shared his psyche with had perked up in his mind. Normally, while on land, his other half lay fairly dormant—a quiet presence within him. As Saul had moved to the counter to order his tea, that had c hanged.

  For some reason, his jellyfish began to trill in his mind. Saul had been tempted to walk around to try to ease his animal’s sudden curiosity, but Grisham had arrived. After discussing a couple of possible problems that would take Saul’s skill as the pod’s lawyer, he’d discreetly explored the place. Saul had even found a way to stick his head in the back, but he couldn’t figure out what was bothering his jellyfish.

  Saul had spent a couple of restless nights before giving in and returning. He sat with a tea every day and people watched. After all, the thought had occurred on the second sleepless evening that perhaps he’d scented his mate in one of the customers.

  With that idea in mind, Saul sitting beside the door had a second purpose. He could scent each person as they came in and out. Except, after coming back so often, Saul was beginning to second guess himself.

  Saul took the last sip of his chai tea. As he swallowed, he stared into the mug, debating getting a second cup. Except, Saul knew he had a lot of research to complete.

  Shifting his weight, Saul prepared to stand. Movement to his right caught his attention, making him pause. He spotted a Hispanic male heading toward him with a pair of cups in his hands.

  The fact that the guy’s dark-brown eyes were pinned on him and he had a pensive expression on his face gave Saul pause, and he relaxed back in his seat.

  “Hi,” the man greeted softly, stopping beside the table. “Um, I noticed you always come in and get hot chai tea.” The man was clearly nervous, shifting his slightly plump body from foot to foot. Holding out one of the cups, he offered, “I-I thought you might like to try the iced chai version.”

  “That’s very thoughtful of you,” Saul began slowly, surprise filling him. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been openly flirted with outside of a club. As Saul reached for the drink, he admitted, “I’ve not tried that, yet.”

  In truth, Saul preferred hot drinks, but he didn’t mention that to the male. He didn’t want to insult him. Saul couldn’t imagine how much effort it took the Hispanic-looking, slightly overweight male to approach someone like himself—a white guy in a high-profile suit.

  While Saul didn’t have a racist bone in his body, he knew there were certain facts of life. This man screamed nerves, and his clothes were clearly department store variety. They draped over his frame, hiding his curves.

  Too bad. I bet the curves are adorable.

  Huh. Weird thought.

  Especially since when Saul went to a club, he was never attracted by shyness or denim-covered curves.

  “Um, I-I hope you like it,” the man stuttered when Saul took the drink. “Um, I’m Mateo. D-Do you mind if I, uh, j-join you?”

  After taking the cup from the man, Saul did his best to ignore the ever-so-slight tingle that traveled across his fingers when they touched. Despite the way the hairs on his forearm stood on end, he racked his brain for a polite way to decline. Saul didn’t want to hurt the man’s feelings, after all.

  Saul opened his mouth just as the jingle of the bell heralded the door opening. A customer walked in accompanied by a swirl of fresh air. In the next instant, Saul’s senses were flooded with the most amazing aroma—sweet and masculine, with a hint of soap—and it was coming from the Hispanic human who’d brought him a drink.

  Well, hot damn.

  He’s my mate.

  No wonder my jellyfish kept drawing me back here.

  Lifting his free hand, Saul indicated the seat directly to his right—as opposed to the one across from him—at the small table. “Thank you for the drink, Mateo,” he murmured, just managing to keep his growl of anticipation from his voice. “And I’d love for you to join me.”

  Saul saw Mateo smile, and it created a flutter in his belly that he’d never before experienced. The way a strand of Mateo’s black hair separated from the rest, laying across his forehead, caused Saul’s fingers to twitch. He very much wanted to brush it from his forehead and tuck it back with the others.

  Damn. I’m a controlled, dominant, high-powered lawyer.

  What the hell?

  “Um, thank you,” Mateo murmured, sliding into the seat. His smile appeared shy. “Uh, so, you get tea here?” With his cheeks taking on a pleasing pink hue, Mateo softly asked, “Not an afternoon coffee drinker?”

  “I don’t like coffee,” Saul answered honestly. After all, this was his fated mate—the one man he could bond with and twine his soul with—and the one person he should always be honest with. His shifter nature would always demand no less. “I enjoy tea far more.” Seeing Mateo’s surprised look, Saul allowed him to process that by taking a sip of the iced drink. The pleasant flavors of chai tea burst across his tongue while cooling his throat when he swallowed. “Oh.” Saul snapped his attention to Mateo. “That’s really good.” With a soft chuckle, he muttered with a shake of his head, “Why haven’t I tried this before?”

  Saul could see himself enjoying the drink often on a hot summer day. Spotting Mateo’s pleased smile, Saul grinned larger than he recalled... ever. He liked that look on his soon-to-be lover’s face.

  Gods, finally. Finally, I’ll never have to search for companionship again. I’ll always have it.

  With a shy smile, Mateo shrugged. “I don’t know.” He cleared his throat as he shifted in his seat before wrapping both his hands around his own mug—coffee, from the scent of it. “Um, are you against iced drinks, too?”

  Chuckling softly, Saul shook his head. “Not really. Just, uh—”

  Saul paused.

  How could he explain that Saul had researched images for powerful lawyers and they seemed to go hand in hand with either coffee, bourbon, or golf.

  Weird human shit, and I don’t want any of them.

  Saul preferred wine.

  “When I think of cold tea, I always think of the sweet tea popular in the south, and I’m not a fan,” Saul admitted with a soft scoff. “What about you? Are you a regular here?”

  If Mateo was, it would explain why Saul’s jellyfish had sensed his presence while he’d missed his scent.

  To Saul’s surprise, Mateo shook his head. Then, upon his next words, everything made sense.

  “No, I work here.” Mateo’s cheeks darkened a little bit more. “Uh, I’m a dishwasher here, and I bus tables.”

  Saul nodded, understanding. If Mateo bussed tables, then he would occasionally travel through the room. That meant his scent would have been spread around the place. While Saul hadn’t noticed it because he tried not to inhale too deeply, his jellyfish obviously had.

  “Do you enjoy your work?” Saul asked curiously, wondering how difficult it would be to separate Mateo from his job. He would prefer having the man in his home at World of Aquatica, and a forty-five-minute drive for a dishwashing position wouldn’t be pragmatic, in his opinion. Seeing Mateo’s brows shoot up, Saul chuckled as he continued, “Or is it just a job?”

  Mateo cleared his throat as he glanced over his shoulder. “Uh.” When he returned his attention to Saul, he muttered, “It’s a job. Pays the bills.”

  “What’s your passion?” Saul rested an elbow on the table, leaning toward the much shorter human. He really would like to be closer so he could enjoy his scent more.

  “Uhhh, well—” Mateo began, his brows furrowing. “I suppose—”

  “Oh my god, Saul!” A perky voice interrupted Mateo. “I thought that was you.” A second later, a lithe blond pressed against Saul’s arm. The man even went so far as to begin tracing his fingers through Saul’s hair as he cooed, “I’ve been waiting for your call, handsome.” Giving him a heated look, he lowered his voice. “I’d love another night with... you.”

  Saul felt a muscle tick in his jaw as he leaned away from the touchy-feely male while batting away his hand. Seeing the pout that immediately turned down the man’s full, lip-gloss-covered lips, a vague memory surfaced. He recalled picking up the human in a club.

  “I, uh, I better get back to work,” Mateo mumbled, jumping to his feet. “Glad you like the tea.”

 

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