by Marie Wathen
Chapter 14
Marcus
One thing I have decided since moving back to Willow last year is that I love a good rainstorm. It’s a good thing too because we get our fair share of thunderstorms in the south. Located in the Gulf Coast, we experience tropical storms that have devastated the island over the years. According to the local weather, this afternoon’s storm is shaping up to be one for the record books.
After spending a great off day with Sam, I drop her back at my place. Needing some alone time, I drive along the coast to the west side of the island. Immediately my thoughts go straight to a woman that feels so amazing in my arms. I’m shaking my head at how stupid I sound. It’s more than me wanting her in my bed; I am falling hard.
Breesan
Deciding I need something to distract my mind from a woman who doesn’t want to have anything to do with me, I head over to the docks and offer a hand helping at the temporary storm shelter. Focusing on other people’s problems will keep me from thinking about those forbidden lips and dreams of her in my bed.
“Oh fuck!” I growl, realizing I just crossed that damn line…again.
Watching the storm clouds build, I see that a definite wall cloud forming in the sky, completely snuffing out the daylight. Driving along the road parallel to the shoreline, I can see the sea frothing. Announcements on the radio are advising that the conditions warn of imminent danger and that safe shelter should be sought now.
Finding the temporary emergency shelter, I park and run through the torrential downpour into the safety of an old church, now transformed into the temporary shelter. From inside the safety of the building I hear the winds howls, limbs scraping on the building windows, and see fear stricken looks all around the room. Huddling together, many families cling to precious property or one another.
Spotting my buddy, Officer Raithe Monroe, setting up cots and passing out flashlights, I offer my assistance.
“What’s up Raithe? Are you here all night?” I ask.
“Hey Marcus, yeah man. I’m on for twelve hours. What brings you down here in this bloody storm?” Raithe returns, mocking my slight English accent.
Smiling I toss at pillow at him. “Oh you know me, just doing my civil duty. I brought a few cases of water for the crew members out working in this mess.”
“I appreciate your help man. I guess you better get comfortable; it’s going to be a long night. We’ll get the water from your truck later. You can help me finish setting up the rest of the cots and afterward we’ll see if the ladies in the kitchen need help with dinner.” It’s not long before the sirens are activating and we start to get more displaced families who wisely heed the warnings.
“Dispatch to eight-nineteen,” a female voice states over Raithe’s police radio.
Non-stop calls for the past hour have crews on the highways busy and more people coming to the shelter. Staying busy successfully keeps my mind distracted and I’m grateful.
Responding police unit acknowledges. “Eight-nineteen, go ahead dispatch.”
“Eight-nineteen, stranded motorist in the area of Oaks Village off highway six, female driver in a gray sedan swept off the roadway. Also be advised a storm chaser in that area reports a funnel cloud forming and moving toward the Oaks at this time.” Static crackles over the radio and the dispatcher requests the unit to repeat his transmission. The patrol officer’s voice is more urgent now as he repeats the information.
“Eight-nineteen copy dispatch, show me in the area and get rescue en route to the old Vince’s Gas station. Advise them there’s a power pole lying across a vehicle, trapping the driver inside. Also dispatch, make contact with eight-thirty-one, it’s going to be one of his units.”
Throwing on his government issued raincoat and hat, Raithe waves me along.
“That’s just down the street from here. You want to ride with me? Eight-thirty-one is Tristan and part of his unit includes the EMA storm chaser volunteers.”
Feeling confined, I jump at the chance to get out of the small shelter. Just sitting around waiting for the storm to hit isn’t for me. I would rather be out helping in the field. Besides, having me along adds an extra set of hands for clearing the roadway so the rescue units can help.
Arriving on scene of the trapped vehicle, I notice sparks popping all around it and the driver is still inside. Just as we approach the scene, the fire department calls over the radio requesting the power company have a crew en route. According to Raithe, their policy prevents them from attempting extrication until after the power has been disabled. Making the already bad situation worse is the nearness of the vehicle to the service station gas pumps.
“Boy if that ain’t the last thing we need on a night like this one.” Shaking his head, he chuckles watching the arching power line that appears to be dancing its way toward the closest gas pump. Significant horizontal wind shear makes this scene a critical incident.
“Oh man that is seriously too damn close for my comfort. Shouldn’t we get the driver away from that power line, like now?”
My muscles tense and I am overwhelmed with the desire to rush into help. Raithe lets out a heavy breath, grunts, and points over at the power company crew that is racing toward the scene now. “Wow, now that’s what I call fast response. Didn’t another officer call for them before they gave out this call?” I inquire. Feeling the rocking of the car, my anxiety increases along with the intensity of the wind.
“Yeah, but that’s Captain’s little girl in that SUV and if I know Tristan, he had them reroute that crew to her as high priority.”
“Captain?” I ask as uneasiness clenches at my gut.
“Hell Mac, sometimes I forget you’re not from here. Captain Maxwell, his daughter is the one in that vehicle.”
My throat constricts as panic washes over me. I don’t let on that I am familiar with Captain Maxwell and his daughter. But knowing it’s her in that vehicle instantly has me ripping off my seatbelt and pulling my emergency gear from the backseat.
I must get to Breesan now! Noticing my reaction, Raithe grabs his gear too.
“She shouldn’t even be out here. I don’t think she actually took the required course to be part of the team, but she’s a little storm chaser at heart so Tristan really can’t keep her reigned in.” Pausing, he laughs then continues, “That little maniac is going to give Tristan his first gray hair once she officially joins the crew.”
“Why in hell does he allow her out in this fucking weather if she hasn’t completed the motherfucking course?” Anger rules my tone and my body.
Exiting his police cruiser, I jog over to her vehicle, but the emergency personnel hinder me from getting close. Waiting for them to help her, my frustration level goes nuclear. Cautioning his crew, the commander orders his crew to stand down until the line is dead.
“Yep, it’s her all right.”
“Fuck,” I snarl. Refusing to jeopardize her safety, I no longer have the patience to wait out the power crew. Grabbing my arm, Raithe shakes his head after getting a visual confirmation that the driver is Breesan.
"Hold on cowboy. Let the professionals do their job. Answering your last question, she is not the kind of lady you allow anything. She would sooner disobey Tristan, or anyone for that matter, than take a direct order, even if it keeps her ass alive. Breesan's tough, tenacious, and a real challenge to her own existence if you ask me." He chuckles again and I let out groan of frustration.
I need my girl now.
The rain picks up again along with the lightning strikes. The power company quickly maneuvers to shut down the electricity, running to the line that drapes across her car. Moments later another warning siren activates. Turning to Raithe, he motions toward the large abandoned concrete garage located next to the gas station and I sigh.
“We’ll just hang out over there until this shit settles down. I’ll grab the girl and meet you in there.” He yells over the weather and sirens.
Loading up their equipment, the rescue team and fire department s
tabilize the scene and quickly leave. Jogging over to the building, I notice that Raithe has Breesan tucked under his arm behind me. Looking up as I enter the dark building, I notice Tristan’s vehicle recklessly turn into the parking lot and come to a screeching stop just inches away from them. Exiting his pickup, Tristan rushes over and takes her from Raithe, then drags her inside the building.
He immediately begins lecturing her. “Jeez woman, she will have my damn head if something happens to you. What are you doing out here alone? I have given you specific instructions forbidding you to go out on your own. Fuck Breesan, you could have been killed tonight.” Avoiding another confrontation with her, I look around the room and effectively hide in the shadows.
“Oh mygod Tristan, I am so over this shit! You don’t get to tell me what to do. I have been a spotter for two years now so back the fuck off. It’s not like I intentionally put myself in danger. Everything was fine until that power pole snapped in half and dropped onto my car.”
Consumed with anger, her body is wound up tight and shaking. Letting out a ragged breath, she runs her hands over her face and into her hair. She digs her fingers into her scalp then turns, facing me. Shocked to see me, she quickly draws in on herself.
I get a good look at her and my mouth drops open. Drenched from the rain, her hair is a matted mess and she is wearing a thin white t-shirt and some barely there cut off shorts with worn brown cowboy boots.
Mygod she is sexy as hell. Suddenly, Tristan clears his throat and I am aware that she and I are not alone.
“Oh, hi,” she says, her small grin instantly morphs into disgust. “What are you doing out here?” Disappointment floods through me, but before I can answer she turns back to Tristan.
Unable to control my behavior in front of the guys, I cross over to her in a few quick strides; my reaction is out of character. Reaching for her face, my fingers gently graze her forehead, pushing away stuck strands.
Feeling an instant charge of electricity, similar to the one I felt the night at Morgan’s party, it pulses through my hand the moment I touch her. I pull back my hand momentarily, but not entirely. Unable to compel my hand to move away, I reach again slowly. Glancing up, her eyes lock on mine and we are imprisoned. No sound, no movements, and nothing else exist except us in this moment; I am forever her willing captive.
“Are you alright, Baby?” I ask softly, but urgently.
Tucking her bottom lip between her teeth she bobs her head yes. Realizing how important it is to keep her safe, because it’s been my responsibility for a short time now to protect and serve, but I am obsessive now with wanting her safe. I scan over her body for injuries.
“Did you get hurt out there?”
Hearing the stress in my voice, I notice her cheeks have turned a cute shade of pink. Breaking eye contact, she staggers away from me. She visibly shudders. I must be mistaken. It appears that she is as affected by me as I am by her. Appearing darker now, her eyes burn wildly with anger. Finally noticing the thin t-shirt she is wearing is soaking wet and clinging to her, I become livid that Tristan and Raithe are also seeing her practically nude. Trembling from the chilled temperatures the storm has brought, goose bumps flutter along her exposed skin. Wanting to take her in my arms and warm her with my body, I realize I can’t do that. I’ve already embarrassed us enough in front of them.
“You’re cold,” I state anxiously, uncomfortable with her being so exposed to them.
Removing my jacket, I tug my dry t-shirt over my head and hand it to her. She stares openly, her eyes tracing the outline of the tattoos on my chest. Her mouth parts slightly and her fingernails pierce deeply into her palms as she clenches them tightly. Finally snapping her mouth closed, she blinks repeatedly before looking away. Intentionally refusing to look at me, her eyes bounce erratically around the garage. Eagerly taking my shirt, she whips around to Tristan. Still annoyed by his bossiness, she crosses her arms tightly over her chest and challenges him defiantly. Watching him watching me, I witness a questioning look flashes across his face. Ah hell, now I’m going to have to explain shit to him. He will not let this slide, and I don’t even have answers for myself as is.
“Thank you, but I’m fine Marcus. I just don’t like bullies telling me that I can’t do something when we both know very well that I can!”
Now highly aggravated, I growl low and deep at her response and it ignites a wild frenzy that threatens to explode at the thought of him bullying her. He won’t do that shit in front of me.
Glancing down at her, I’m ready to move between them. Standing there glaring at him, all five feet of her, cuteness and all, she peers up at this very large beast of a man and gives him a piece of her mind. Finding her so fucking adorable, I want to take her in my arms and quench my desire for her. Unfortunately, now is not the time because Tristan is pissed.
“Motherfucker, I just can’t win.” Groaning to himself, he walks toward the front door joining Raithe, who had drifted away once they began arguing.
“Idiot,” she mumbles. Walking behind a tall stack of tires, she pulls her wet shirt off.
Looking between the guys, I’m happy that neither of them watches her strip. Unlike them, I can’t take my eyes off her sexy little backside as she lowers my t-shirt down her arms and over her head. Watching her walk out from behind the stack of tires wearing my shirt, I am beyond pleased. It excites me beyond belief to see my extra-large shirt covering her tiny body.
“Enough of this shit, Breesan.” Furious, Tristan storms over; his voice roars, bringing out my protective side. “I had the power company divert their crew, who was backed up on calls at the time, to bail your ass out and this is the thanks that I get? What is your fucking problem? I only care about your safety!” I bristle. Disregarded I position myself between them, preparing to defend her.
“Oh really? Ha!” She laughs annoyed. “That is bullshit and you know it! You are afraid of Anna’s wrath and that’s why you sent them. So just cut the shit and grow another pair.” Raithe and I stifle laughter. “Now if you don’t mind, we are in the middle of the storm of the year and I’m wasting it here with you.”
Exiting, she jolts back from her advancement by his big hand on her arm. Staring down at his hand on her, she grinds her teeth and the seriousness and heat of the glare she pierces him with is comical and demands an uncontrollable laugh from Raithe and I. Snapping her head up, she turns in our direction, becoming aware that they are entertaining us with their bout.
“What?” Breesan crosses her arms, pops out her left hip and her right foot taps out her annoyance. Surrendering before she’s angry with me too, I throw up both hands.
“Sorry. The sight of you irritated and putting the big guy here,” directing a hand toward Tristan, “in his place is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Isn’t that right Raithe?”
Clearing my throat of the remaining laughter, I turn to my friend. Practically begging, I stare at him, hoping he’ll agree with me quickly before she makes me her next target, but he’s no longer laughing and is professional again. I scoff disappointed by his disloyalty.
Glaring dauntingly, she declares loudly, “Oh really, you find this funny? Well, I’ll have you know that being a bully is absolutely NOT FUNNY!” The irony in her words and tone does not fail any of us, including Breesan.
Turning into a contradiction of her own claims against Tristan is all that takes to break the tension, and laughter consumes all of us. Clutching our middles, we belt out full belly laughs now. As the adrenaline of the past hour’s incident subsides, we stand around gasping for air and regain our self-control.
“What do you say we get you out of here and preferably before Anna finds out what happened from someone else?” Tristan asks, motioning her toward the door.
“That damn pole crushed my roof so my ride is totaled. I need another. Can you give me a ride to headquarters?” she requests, eagerly gathering her stuff.
“Nuh-uh, no way. You are going to my house. She’s totally freaked out
after what happened at Club Toxic. I won’t be able to convince her that you are ok without her having to see for herself. So like it or not, you are going with me.” Crossing his arms, he challenges her to defy him
“But the storm won’t be over for another hour at least. I am not done out there. Can I just get another team car and head down to the shore? Once it settles down I’ll drive out to your place, I promise. And you can tell Anna I refused to leave with you.” Not really begging nor over demanding, we are at an impasse to see who will come out the victor.
“Fuck that, what part of nuh-uh do you not comprehend, B?”
Thinking she was mad before was really her at a level of mild annoyance, but now she just took mad to a whole other level. Her face is completely flaming red and I think she just stomped her foot. Oh yes, she just did it again and I chuckle. That was definitely a foot stomp. This girl is fucking irresistible. Wanting to bail Tristan out, I start to speak, but if he would just stop with the demands she would most likely cooperate with his suggestions.
“Hey Bubba, do mind if I make a suggestion?” I interrupt. Tristan looks relieved, but Breesan’s eyes hold an enormous amount of hostility.
I venture forward, explaining my idea. “I have my truck back at the shelter. Except for volunteering, I’m free the rest of the night. If you want to continue tracking the storm, I would like to join in on the fun. That is, if you can convince Anna that you are indeed safe and will be with me.”
Looking directly at her now, I watch several emotions play across her exquisite face. After a few moments I have my answer. Stomping over, she looks directly into my eyes and I’m practically glowing with the smile beaming at me. My heart pounds painfully against my chest. Seeing such happiness on this little woman’s face is slowly becoming a goal.
I’m in love with her smile
“Works for me!” she declares, excitedly bouncing on her feet. “Tristan, call her and tell her now so we can get out there before it’s all over but the damn cleanup.” Mumbling his aversion with disappointing Anna, he grudgingly obeys.