My Wild Irish Dragon by Ashlyn Chase

knew when he was nervous.
    Her toned arms looked even leaner as she reached for the barbell.
    â€œDon’t,” he said and clamped his hand over the middle of the bar.
    â€œExcuse me? It’s my turn.”
    â€œI know, but I can’t let you do this. Even if you did manage to lift it, the strain isn’t worth it. You need your arm strength for the job.”
    At that moment a woman appeared, dressed as if she were auditioning for a remake of the ’80s movie Flashdance —complete with leg warmers and a poofy perm.
    â€œI need to speak with you, miss,” she said.
    â€œI’m in the middle of—”
    â€œNow!” The woman grabbed her hand and all but yanked her off the bench, then marched her to the ladies’ locker room. When they saw a couple of women chatting, the staff member barked, “Leave!” They immediately scurried out.
    â€œJaysus, there’s no need to be—”
    Suddenly the woman transformed into none other than Mother Nature herself. Her hair turned white, long, and loose, and she wore her signature ivory robe, belted with a vine.
    Chloe gasped. She had only met the deity once, but it was a meeting she’d never forget. One isn’t often lectured by the Goddess of all. And here she was, almost breaking the rule she’d been lectured about.
    â€œWhat do you think you’re doing?”
    When she recovered her decorum, Chloe answered, “Defending the right of women to be as strong as a man.”
    Mother Nature paced, staring at her with narrowed eyes. “Are you an ‘idjit,’ as your people would say?”
    Chloe folded her arms. “Not a’tall.”
    â€œI beg to differ. What if I had been a real staff member? Without the muscle to back up your ability, you’d reveal that you’re supernatural. You know that’s not allowed.”
    â€œI—I…”
    â€œYeah. I-yi-I! Not. Good. Downright stupid.”
    â€œI get it! You don’t have to insult me intelligence.”
    â€œOh, I think I do. If I were sweet about it, would you listen?” She mockingly said in a meek voice, “If it’s not too much trouble…that is, if you wouldn’t mind…would you kindly refrain from trying to show your strength?”
    Chloe had to agree. She’d steamroll a request like that and do whatever she wanted. And she wanted to show Ryan she was his equal.
    â€œI understand your competitive nature. Hell, I gave it to you! I thought women might need it, being the smaller, gentler sex.”
    â€œSo you knew we’d have to prove we’re equal?”
    Mother Nature rolled her eyes. “Again. Just who do you think you’re talking to?”
    â€œOh.”
    â€œNow, go out there and take at least half the weight off that barbell. If you can’t do that, make up an excuse to leave.”
    Chloe sighed. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll make up an excuse and go home.”
    Mother Nature’s eyes widened and she rose about a foot off the floor. “I hate being called ma’am! It’s Goddess, or Gaia, or Mother Nature. Understand?”
    â€œI do. My apologies, Goddess.”
    She nodded and floated to the floor again. “That’s better.” She patted Chloe on the head. “Now be a good little dragon and pretend to be normal.”
    Oh, that rankled. But when dealing with the Goddess of All, the least of her problems was a little patronizing behavior—or would it be matronizing? Whatever. The woman could reduce her to ash if she wanted to. Her fireproof gift could be removed in the blink of an eye, and then where would she be? Reduced to competing with the others on a human basis. Ugh.
    Chloe changed into her street clothes and found Ryan. She waved her cell phone. “Sorry. I got a call from my brother. Apparently he needs me right away.”
    â€œOh. Sure,” Ryan said as he put the free weights back in the rack. “Just give