Page 7

Nile: On watch? Out in the park?

Me: Yes, lightning storms tore through the area and we are out searching for fires.

Nile: We?

Me: Ugh, you never listen to me do you? I told you a million times we go out in pairs.

Nile: I remember, just being nosy.

I laugh to myself; that sounds like him.

Me: Yes, I was paired with the asshat, Stone. I think I told you about him, the player that makes all the other rangers go crazy for him.

Nile: Not you?

Me: He is cute, but he knows it. There’s one ranger that is possessive of him. The others all stroke his ego, but not me. I keep my head down and work. No drama for me.

Nile: I always knew you were a smart girl. Why did I let you go?

Me: If I remember correctly, I let you go. You wanted more and I wasn’t ready.

I delete the last sentence, and wait for his reply.

Nile: Yes, sadly I didn’t forget. I’m waiting for the day that you call me and tell me, you made a huge mistake and want me back.

Me: Only in your dreams. Go back to sleep. It was nice to hear from you but I have a job to do.

Nile: What sweet dreams those will be. Good night Harper.

Pocketing my phone, I return to my doodle only to gasp and drop my pen as Nile's face stares up from my paper. I rip it from my notebook and ball it up. Throwing it into the flames, I decide no more drawing for the night.

Starting my exercise routine helps me pass the time. Jumping Jacks, lunges, squats, you name it, I am a sweaty mess once Stone wakes.

“What the hell happened to you?” He smiles, kicking dirt onto the fire, dousing it’s flames.

“I woke up this way,” I shrug. “I’m going to the stream to freshen up and fill the canteens.”

“Give me a minute to get my shoes on and I’ll help you. Never know what is lurking out there,” Stone calls back.

“Fine, but when I change clothes you better not peek,” I state.

I duck into my tent and grab my pack. Might as well brush my teeth while I’m at it. I trade my boots for some waterproof sandals.

“Come on, Princess, we are burning daylight.”

Ignoring him, I take lead and head to the shore of the stream, stopping at a flat-top rock and setting my bag on it. I grab a rag and soap I packed and place them in my pocket. I then take the plunge stepping into the cold mountain water.Goddess, that is fracking cold.

“Cold is it? Your headlamps are shining bright this morning.” Stone motions to my chest area.

Instead of blushing, I stick my tongue out at him and retort, “Mine may be pointy and knock out an eye but can you say the same?” I motion to his crotch.

That shuts him up. Good, I think he just likes the sound of his own voice. I pull my blonde hair down from the braid it was in and then twist it into a bun on the top of my head. With the rag and soap from my pocket, I start to clean the sweat and dirt from the morning workout.

“Howwwww…c-c-c-can you st-st-st-stand th-th-th-that c-c-c-cold?” Stone whines.

“I am almost done. If you’re that frozen, go back and start packing up camp. I’ll be a few minutes behind you,” I call over my shoulder.

“N-n-n-no, I’ll w-w-w-wait.”