Out of the corner of her eye, Sasha saw Riley’s eyebrows lift into her long fringe of bangs. “Not necessarily. Everyone’s different. You have feelings for Sawyer.”
“He fills me with feelings.”
“So make your move,” Riley said. “Can’t the female make the first move in your world? Kiss first?” she added for clarity.
“Oh, yes. It would be silly not to be able to kiss the male you want, if he’s willing.”
“If I’m any judge, Sawyer would be willing.”
“But I can’t. I’m not permitted to kiss a land person the first time. He must want me, show me. He must choose.”
“Why is that?”
“Our females have the power to lure men—humans. To seduce so the choice isn’t a choice for them. Long ago, and not so long ago, some of my kind lured men, sailors and explorers.”
“Sirens.”
“Yes. The song of the siren is beautiful and powerful, but it can be dangerous to the human she calls. We take an oath not to use the song, and never to first kiss a man if we’re granted legs. An oath is sacred. I wouldn’t be worthy of this quest if I broke the quest because I want to kiss Sawyer.”
With her heart in her eyes, she looked toward the lemon grove. “But I do, very much.”
“Hamstrung.” Riley looked at Sasha. “Personally I don’t think he’s going to be able to hold out for much longer.”
“I think it’s honor holding him back. He doesn’t want to take advantage of you, Annika.”
“How could he take advantage? If I didn’t want him to kiss me, I would say no.”
“It’s not always that black-and-white for . . . land people,” Sasha told her. “It doesn’t take a seer to know he’d very much like to kiss you.”
“You believe that?” Annika’s eyes sparkled like the drink as she looked at Riley. “Do you?”
“Damn skippy.”
On a laugh, Annika pressed her hands together. “I’m so happy I talked to you. This is hopeful.”
“You can’t ask him to kiss you?” Riley said.
“No. It’s forbidden until after the first time. After the choice.”
“Can you ask why he doesn’t kiss you?”
Annika started to speak, then frowned. “It’s different to ask why not. It’s . . . conversation, and seeking answers. Not asking for an act. No one told me it’s not permitted to ask a human why not. Only not to ask them to.”
Laughing again, she grabbed Riley’s hands. “This is so smart!”
“Big brain, and some experience with human males.”
“I should go ask right now.”
“I wouldn’t.” Quickly Sasha reached over, joined her hands with Annika’s and Riley’s. “I think it’s best to wait until it’s just the two of you. Until you’re alone. Asking him in front of the men? He’d feel awkward.”
“Oh. I’ll do as you say. You’ve helped so much.”
“Girl power. The other part of that,” Riley continued, “is you tell us what happens after you ask why not.”
“It’s good to talk to females. Males must feel it’s good to talk to males.”
“You won that argument. And here they come now.”