Maid for the Mermen

By Ashlynn Monroe

Couch surfing and temp jobs were a way of life for Daisy Daniels after she aged out of the foster care system. She’s always taken life one day at a time and gone with the flow. What she never expected is that flow would lead her down a raging current of uncertainty about her life and the world she knows.

River, Ocean, and Bayou Waterson need someone to keep their island home neat and tidy, but they have a problem. They can’t trust any old cleaning service. They need to find someone who will be willing to overlook their differences. What they never expected was to find a live-in maid they would all love.

When Daisy discovers the celebrity treasure hunters are really mermen, will she be able to keep her head above water? An ancient prophecy brings danger to their doorstep. Forces she never imagined are conspiring to destroy everything that matters to her. The only thing that can save her is a bond she can’t break. Saving the world definitely wasn’t in the job description.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Changeling Press
• Release date: Nov 25, 2022

Ashlynn Monroe

Ashlynn Monroe is a busy wife and mom. She’s been writing since she was a teenager for her own pleasure but in her thirties, she decided it was time to share her stories. She enjoys writing about anything and everything paranormal. When she is not lovingly raising her young family, she is dreaming up her next tale of romance. She’d love to hear from you at [e-mail]. Visit her website at http://ashlynnmonroe.com/ or for her YA books go to http://[e-mail]/.

Book preview

Maid for the Mermen (Mermen 1)

Ashlynn Monroe

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2022 Ashlynn Monroe

BIN: 010480-03405

Formats Available:

Adobe PDF, Epub

Publisher:

Changeling Press LLC

315 N. Centre St.

Martinsburg, WV 25404

www.ChangelingPress.com

Editor: Kira Stone

Cover Artist: Angela Knight

Adult Sexual Content

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Table of Contents

Maid for the Mermen (Mermen 1)

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Ashlynn Monroe

Maid for the Mermen (Mermen 1)

Ashlynn Monroe

Couch surfing and temp jobs were a way of life for Daisy Daniels after she aged out of the foster care system. She’s always taken life one day at a time and gone with the flow. She never expected that flow would lead her down a raging current of uncertainty about her life and the world she knows.

River, Ocean, and Bayou Waterson need someone to keep their island home neat and tidy, but they have a problem. They can’t trust any old cleaning service. They need to find someone who will be willing to overlook their differences. What they never expected was to find a live-in maid they would all love.

When Daisy discovers the celebrity treasure hunters are really mermen, will she be able to keep her head above water? An ancient prophecy brings danger to their doorstep. Forces she never imagined are conspiring to destroy everything that matters to her. The only thing that can save her is a bond she can’t break. Saving the world definitely wasn’t in the job description.

Chapter One

Daisy Daniels had a hell of a hangover, but that was the price of living her best party life. She tugged the office door open. Ocean View Temporary Workers smelled of musty depression.

How’s it going, Sassy Sally? Daisy handed Sally a cup of her favorite, Americano with two pumps of hazelnut.

Sally smiled, the crow’s feet at the corner of her eyes growing more prominent. Not bad, Dangerous Daisy, she replied, using the karaoke night nickname earned when Daisy had gotten her long brown braid caught in the DJ’s equipment at the bar they liked. I guess you got my message.

I did. Daisy sat down in front of Sally’s desk. So, what’s this opportunity? I’m enjoying the front desk at Mort’s Auto. It’s cake. Why would I want something different unless they don’t need a temp anymore? Nervous, Daisy glanced around the room. A few new motivational posters caught her attention. Corporate had really gone all out with kittens this month. She forced herself to look at Sally. You sounded crazy excited.

I am. Sally twirled a lock of her long, graying blonde hair.

Daisy frowned. That was Sally’s tell move and the reason why she always lost at cards. Daisy’s anxiety spiked. Am I fired or something?

Nothing like that, Sally scoffed. The lines on her forehead seemed more noticeable as her normal playful expression became pensive. You’ve been couch surfing since you aged out of the system. It’s going on three years, honey. You need to figure things out. Temp work is great and all, but wouldn’t you like something a little more permanent?

Honestly, the word permanent terrified Daisy. She let go of the breath she’d held. No.

Sally flinched, scowling. No? Her bright blue eyes simmered with hurt. She reached across the desk and took Daisy’s hand.

You heard me. Daisy looked down at the fraying carpet to hide her pain.

Sighing, Sally squeezed Daisy’s hand before letting it go. Will you hear me out before making the decision?

Daisy glanced up. Sally was the only person she had to rely on. She owed her the respect to at least listen. Okay, but I don’t want you to push me into anything. I know how you are. You want to fix everyone. I’m not broken.

Sally smiled sadly. Honey, we’re all a little broken. Anyway, here’s what I’ve got. Live-in maid for three bachelors in a beach house.

Ewww! What? Sal? Daisy was at a loss for a more thorough response.

Sally held up her hands. Her eyes were wide, and desperation crept into her expression. "No, come on, not ewww. Think about it. This is perfect."

How the hell is that perfect? Daisy had foster families treat her like the help. The last thing she wanted was that crap again. I’m a slob. And living with three strange dudes sounds sketchy as heck.

I promise you they aren’t creepers. Sally took off her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

How can you know for sure? Daisy crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back in her chair. "This is not how I die. I think I’ve seen this movie. It doesn’t end well for the unsuspecting maid!"

Sally sighed as she put her glasses back on. Don’t be so dramatic. I’ll send you a thousand YouTube links teaching you to clean. You can learn anything on the Internet. Here -- look at this one. Sally pulled out her phone, swiped, and tapped. She all but shoved the screen in Daisy’s face. A woman was giving a tutorial on getting a wine stain out of a white tablecloth.

Did you have that ready? Like you guessed how I’d react? Daisy shook her head.

Don’t you give me those sad brown puppy-dog eyes, lady, Sally scolded. "I mean it. You can do this. You’d have a roof over your head, meals, and more money than you’re making at Mort’s. You’d have every Saturday off and a week of paid vacation annually."

Annually? Daisy choked on the word.

Yes, annually. They want someone long-term. They’re hiring a temp for a three-month trial basis. If it works out, they’d want the maid to stay on indefinitely.

Indefinitely? Daisy squeaked. Her blood ran hot, then cold in her veins. Taking life day-to-day was an adventure. Living with some creepy old dudes as a servant sounded like torture.

Yes. And you fit the requirements perfectly. They want someone without a spouse or children to live in private quarters on the property. This person would need to sign an NDA, you know, a nondisclosure agreement. The housekeeping and cooking are all you’d have to do. These gentlemen said they want to hire someone who will become part of the family. Sally paused. Daisy, wouldn’t that be nice?

No, Daisy said firmly. She didn’t look away from Sally’s hopeful gaze. NDA? Sounds like there’s something weird there, and I don’t want to end up with some drug dealers or human traffickers. What do these old guys have to hide?

Sally smiled like a Cheshire Cat. Not a good sign, in Daisy’s experience with her friend. She had something up her sleeve and Daisy wasn’t sure she was ready for a wild card.

Sally’s eyes sparkled with her over-the-top brand of enthusiasm. The best part is they’re famous. Hence the NDA.

Damn it, Daisy muttered, curious now. Why didn’t you lead with that?

"I needed you to think about the job, not just the bosses. You know the show I like? Exploring the Deep?"

Of course, you make me watch it with you every Wednesday when I stay at your house -- Daisy stopped as she realized where this was going.

Sally’s smile widened until Daisy wondered if her friend would need surgery to fix the perma-grin. Those three hot hunks are the bachelors in question.

Daisy leaned back in her chair. Wow. Reality show treasure hunters, interesting. And all I have to do is clean up after them?

Yep, and you get a place to stay. If you don’t like it, leave in three months with something new on the resume. With the NDA, you probably won’t be able to specify who you worked for, but still. Sally waited expectantly.

Do you only want me to take this job because you’re in love with those three?

I am not in love with them. Sally’s chin rose. My beloved Benjamin would be very offended.

Sally had been with her on-again off-again boyfriend for twenty-five years.

Daisy thought about having a regular place to stay. She hadn’t had one in so long she wasn’t sure she could do it. Would she get restless even with such a unique opportunity? Shrugging, she decided to ask a few more questions. What’s the pay like? You said I get to stay, but do I have to pay for the room and food?

"Oh no, hon. Room and board are included. Just imagine it. You. A private island. All-you-can-eat shrimp. I’m tempted to take the job! But you’re a lot younger than me. And I don’t want to break my sweet Benjamin’s heart. You’re looking at a monthly salary of $3,200. Unfortunately, no health insurance."

Daisy decided three months wouldn’t kill her. Okay, but if they murder me, it’s your fault. And you can help me pay the medical bills for machete wounds or chainsaw injuries.

They won’t murder you. Sally scowled. "They’d better not. You’re worse at karaoke than I am. I need you to make me sound better. And, of course, I love