Page 1 of Goddess of Storms

Harper

The sweet downpour of rain pinging on the metal roof was a welcome change from the buzzing of my alarm clock. With one hand, I fumble and turn off the alarm. I lay there a few more minutes, enjoying the storm that's raging. As long as I can remember, storms have soothed my nerves, no matter how severe. Rising from my bed, I head straight to my bay window, pulling the curtains back just as the first lightning strike hits.

Mesmerized by the light show, I am brought back to reality when my cell starts ringing. No doubt it is my boss, calling me in early to scour the forest once this storm passes. When I reach my phone, I hesitate, the name on the screen is not the one I expected.

My heart beats faster with each ring, taking a deep breath, I answer.

“Morning, Morganite, what’s up?”

“Boss wants all hands on deck, he is pairing the agents up, and, sweetheart, you’re mine.”

“I...I…” I stammer, flustered for words. “I’ll meet you in fifteen at the office.”

He confirms and hangs up.

Smacking myself on the forehead, I run to my closet and grab my clothes. I shed my pajamas on the way to the bathroom and shimmy into my uniform. Running a brush through my blonde mane, I pull it up into a tight ponytail. After a once-over in the mirror, I decide that a little makeup is in order. Satisfied with my look, I head down the stairs to the door for my boots and keys. I grab my rain jacket and I’m good to go.

A fresh shower has my silver Jeep looking the same as it did when it rolled off the lot. I scramble in to avoid getting the interior wet. She roars to life as I shift her into gear, making the short trek up the hill to the U.S. Forestry office.

Pulling into the parking lot, I’m excited to see that my favorite spot is still open.Today must be my lucky day!Once parked, I pull the keys from the ignition then a knock on my window scares the crap out of me. Jumping in my seat, I turn left to spy the smirking face of Stone Morganite.

I jerk the door open, hitting him with it, “Asshole. That wasn’t funny. You just wait, I will get you when you least expect it.”

The smile is still on his handsome face as he rubs his shoulder, “It was, but you didn’t have to hit me with your door.”

“That I did. Let’s head in. It’s about to pour, and I don’t want to get caught out here.”

He raises an eyebrow, “Afraid of a little water?”

“Pssh, no. You can stay, A shower may do you good. I’ve told you to stop bathing in that cologne,” I snark back, waving my hand in front of my nose as if he stinks. Though he does just the opposite. I have to resist the urge to step closer for a whiff.Damn, why is he so sexy?

Pushing past him, I close my Jeep’s door and head for the office. As I reach the door, lots of drops of rain fall from the sky. I’m holding the door for the now drenched Stone. He cusses as he runs in.

“I told you, Morganite.” My laughter’s barely contained. That is until I notice the black tee he is wearing clinging to him as a second skin. My mouth waters at the sight until Stone opens his mouth.

“Like what you see?” he asks with a wiggle of his eyebrow.

“If I did, your mouth ruined it.” I shrug and walk by him as he gapes at my words.

Once the door closes behind me, I head towards my desk. A memo lays on the top of my stack of paperwork.Ugh, I really should file all of that.

Pairs of agents are to head out after the storm lifts. Prepare for overnight camping, we have to ensure that all this lightning hasn’t started any fires. Pairs as below.

Reid/Riley

Arthurs/Morganite

Morse/Childress

Fuck, Stone wasn’t lying when he said we were paired together. Overnight camping? Shoot me now, that cocky, yet sexy, ass so close? He’d better bring his own tent, because we aren’t sharing one.

I start to make a list of what I’ll need to gather before Stone and I head out. The dread of working with him is outweighed by excitement of being out in the forest for a couple days. I hate being cooped up in the office, I long to be dancing in the downpour.

Lost in my thoughts, Stone taking a seat on my desk brings reality crashes back.

“Someone itching for some field time?” He smirks as he reads over my list.

“And you’re not? Oh no, I forgot you’d rather stay in with all the other rangers pawing over you. ‘Oh look at that Stone, ain’t he delicious?’ ‘Oh, Stone, help me reach that binder.’ Gag me with a spoon, I’m nauseous just talking about it. This is a place of work, not the Stone dating game.” I huff, snatching my list from his hand.

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