He wasn’t hiding the fact that this wasn’t easy to talk about, so I said nothing in response, letting him choose whether he wanted to keep talking about it or change the subject.
“So, I left. It’s actually not a hard transition because I was already a federal worker, had security clearance, and emergency response training and such. A buddy of mine was already working for the Park Service and told me about the chief ranger job, so I applied.”
“I’m happy for you,” I told him, and I was. If this job made him feel more at ease while still fulfilled, then I was glad he had it.
“What made you decide to become a meteorologist?” he asked.
“Honestly, it wasn’t some big epiphany. I was watching this documentary, and they explained how clouds aren’t actually fluffy—like they weigh tons. Literal tons. And I thought, how does the sky even hold them all up? And I was like, oh my God, that is so cool. And I started telling everyone I knew about it because I thought everyone should know this awesome fact.”
He didn’t say anything in return and simply stared at me, making me more nervous, so I just continued on, babbling about my nerdy weather obsession.
“I started telling people more random facts about how raindrops aren’t actually tear-shaped—they’re spherical until air resistance flattens them—or that a lightning bolt is five times hotter than the surface of the sun,”I continued,noting that his face had turned into an amused smirk.
“Eventually I realized you could get paid to like these nerdy things and decided to make a career out of it,” I added, noticing his smirk had turned into a full-blown smile.
He clearly found my random tangent entertaining. Time to end this.
“I'll stop talking now,” I said, turning back to my bowl in slight embarrassment.
Hoping to change the subject to safer, less embarrassing, territory, I opted to convey my gratitude for his help. “Thanks again for letting me stay here.”
I still wasn’t sure coming here was the greatest idea, but after Hector’s comment about safety, I realized it was the best option I had at the time.
“It’s not a big deal,” he replied, but he was wrong.
“Yes, it is. I could have stayed with Nancy, but I didn’t want to put her in harm’s way if this person came back,” I told him.
Also, if someone did follow me, I already knew Hector was a great guy since he had helped protect my sister, and I told him as much.
“Plus, I find it comforting and safe around you,” I told him honestly.
“Most people are scared of me because of my size,” he added. “I’m told it’s rather intimidating. Hell, even some of the kids who come to get their junior ranger badges look intimidated by me.”
“I’m pretty sure that has more to do with your grumpy demeanor than your size,” I told him. “Besides, I happen to like your larger frame.”
He snorted. “Right.”
“I mean it. I’m a bigger girl myself, so I’ve always been drawn to larger men because I figure they would be the only ones comfortable with…umm…” I quickly stopped talking, knowing I likely shouldn’t share the rest of that thought.
“Comfortable with what?”
Crap. I guess he wasn’t just going to ignore that slip.
“Umm…never mind.” I tried to brush it off, waving my hand dismissively.
“Comfortable with what, Iris?” His question was a bit more demanding this time.
I stared right at him and blurted my inner thoughts right out. “Sex. Umm...like having me be on top.”
He closed his eyes, and I wasn’t sure if it was because he was still feeling weird about his size or because what I said had crossed the line.
“Sorry. I just…”
“Iris, stop talking,” he said, running his hand over his face. “I’m gonna take the dog out really quick.”
In a flash, he was gone. Once again, I had put my foot in my mouth and scared off the big hot guy.
Me and my stupid mouth.
