I’ve given up on that avenue, at least for now. I made no progress and at a certain point it’s just embarrassing to keep shoving my mind at him.
Before I know it, I’ve been here for almost two weeks.When a call comes in, I’m heading for the garage on autopilot, the habit already ingrained.
In some ways, it feels like I’ve always been here. It’s so easy living with the guys, I fit right into their routines.
They’ve made it easy for me, they barely let me do any chores. I don’t know if it’s because I was such a menace in the kitchen that first time that they no longer trust me to do household tasks, or if they’re so used to doing everything themselves, they didn’t feel the need to divvy things up. Whatever the case, I haven’t been able to convince them to let me do much cooking or cleaning.
As thankful as I am that I was assigned to such a good team, the one thing I never considered was thatI would struggle to behave professionally.
When Orion told me they were having a new air filter system installed, I thought that would solve my problem. As faint as their scents are, they still seem to stick in my nose, following me around, trying to distract me.
So I was thrilled when the new system was installed. I thought surely that would be good enough to completely wipe their scents away. Then I’d only have to worry about not ogling them, and controlling my eyes sounds easier than controlling my nose.
Sure, they’re attractive men, but there are plenty of attractive people out there. I’ve never had trouble staying focused before, so I assumed it must be the combination of their scents and looks (and personalities, now that I know them better) that has me thinking about my bosses turning me into a pretzel.
Butnooooo.
The new air filter isn’t any better than the old one.
So I have to keep exercising my self-control and steer my thoughts away from lustful ideasandignore my nose.When scent is one of my favorite senses! Scents set the scene, they’re the first thing I notice wherever I go. And now, all the scents are horny, at least according to what my nose and pussy are saying.
Even in my rooms, I can smell them.
I’ve tried to pretend it’s just the scents of the season. It helps that Henri and Magnus cut down evergreen branches and made wreaths and garlands to decorate the station. However, it’s also resulted in intense food cravings for cookies and cake and chocolate.
And Cato, walking around in his gray sweatpants…
Orion told me again that if Cato’s fashion choices bother me, he’ll tell him to wear a shirt. I assured him it’s fine. I’m not going to make my wandering eyes their problem. Being hot and bothered is my issue to deal with.
I’m certainly not going to blame someone’s outfit for my less than professional thoughts.
I keep reminding myself that my bosses are taken, that they have their own omega waiting for them.
We’re coming up on our time off, so I’m sure they’ll go see their omega then, and I’ll have some alone time to get myself under control.
For this afternoon at least, I don’t have to avoid looking at Cato’s muscular torso since I’m helping Magnus in the greenhouse.
This is the first time Magnus has stayed in here while I work. Normally he gives me a few instructions and leaves shortly thereafter. I almost gave up on trying to garden with him because it still feels like he’s avoiding me.
I’m glad I kept trying, because now he’s here working alongside me, his spicy-sweet gingerbread scent mixing with the earthy, herbal scents of the greenhouse.
Magnus always helps me when we’re inthe field, but when we’re at the station, he avoids being near me. It’s hard to read him, but I don’t think he hates me. I can only assume he’s slow to open up to someone new, so I’ve been trying to make it easy to get to know me. I don’t want to pester him, but making myself available to help in the garden seemed like a good way to do that.
Plus, I enjoy gardening, so even when he’s not in here, I have a good time.
Except for a few comments about what we’re working on, it’s been silent in the greenhouse, but it’s progress.
While I repot some seedlings, I muster up the courage to make small talk.
Magnus obviously loves gardening, so that’s an easy in.
The few times I’ve watched him work, I’ve seen how carefully he handles the plants, gently moving leaves or untangling roots. He has such graceful hands, despite the fact that one of his hands is bigger than my face.
I take a deep breath and ask him about the differences in gardening at high altitudes.
My bait works, and I keep Magnus talking by asking more questions until we’ve been out here for so long the sun sets behind the mountain. The automatic lights kick on so we’re not totally in the dark, but it suddenly feels more intimate than before.
I’ve been alone with them plenty of times before, so I don’t know why I’m nervous. Maybe it’s because the little lantern lights remind me of fairy lights, which are so common in nests.
