Author's Notes: This is the first time I've ever written anything, so I really am a rookie writer. I just recently discovered the Perry Mason TV series and just love Perry and Della's relationship.

Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, just love them. Not for profit, just for fun.

One Stormy LA Evening

Della Street leaned against the conference table staring out at the Los Angeles skyline. A clap of thunder announced the approaching storm. She sighed and checked her watch for the hundredth time in the last few minutes. She was worried. Perry and Paul should have returned hours ago.

Della walked over to her boss' desk to straighten the papers that she had straightened just a few minutes ago, looked at her watch and sighed once more. She was not happy about being left behind, but Perry felt it too dangerous to have her along.

A low rumble of thunder enticed her to open the sliding glass door to the balcony and enjoy the cool breeze the impending summer storm offered. 'When did I begin to worry so much about him' she thought. She had been working for the great Perry Mason for several years now. She wasn't exactly sure when she started to think of him as something more than just her boss. Oh, she was immediately attracted to the handsome dynamic attorney. She loved the feel of his strong hand on her elbow as he guided her through the courtroom halls. His arm around her waist when they had the occasional dance. And those blue eyes. Her strongest resolve could melt looking into those gorgeous eyes. "I'm only his secretary" Della moaned. With her elbows resting on the rail she watched the lightning flash across the sky.

Perry Mason was exhausted by the time he reached the rear entrance to his office. It had been a long night and he was no closer to solving his current case. He was frustrated. He wondered if Della would be waiting for him as he unlocked the door. She would be a welcome sight for his sore eyes and tired mind. 'I have no reason to expect her here, certainly not at this late hour, but I can hope' he thought. A slow smile crossed his face as he opened the door and noticed the lights were still on. A quick scan of his office revealed no sign of his secretary. His heart sank just a little until he notice the sliding glass door was open. He walked over to the balcony and leaned against the door jam with ankles crossed and arms folded across his broad muscular chest watching his secretary staring out into the night sky. The smile would not leave his face.

A flash of lightning bathed her in a brilliant light. His breath momentarily caught as he gazed at her beautiful form. 'When did I begin to think of her as more than my secretary' he wondered. Oh, he was keenly aware of her beautiful features the moment she step foot in his office for her interview. Recently his feelings had begun to change. She was irreplaceable as his confidential secretary, but she was quickly becoming a friend, a sounding board for his thoughts and theories. He enjoyed their time outside the office just as much if not more. He had begun to look for opportunities to ask her to dinner and the occasional dance. He loved how she felt in his arms as they swayed to the music. The mere scent of her perfume could relax the tensions of the day from his stiff shoulders.

'I'm her employer' he thought 'how could she possibly see me as anything else'. He would need his head to have that discussion with his heart again tonight. After a cold shower and stiff drink he thought.

Just then a loud clap of thunder sent a vibration through the balcony and a yelp from his secretary. A chuckle escaped Perry. Della jumped at the sound of his voice.

"PERRY!" Della exclaimed as she whirled around to face him. "How long have you been standing there?"

Her tone of voice made him stand up straight, but did nothing wipe the smile from his face.

"Not long" he responded quietly. "What are you doing out here?"

"Oh" she replied "Just enjoying the view." She turned back to look at the skyline.

"Me too" Perry said softly. Della turned to face him again. A shy smile spread across her face. "I mean, I love watching a summer storm roll into the city." He said sheepishly. "We'd better go back inside. It's getting closer."

Della took a moment to survey her employer as she walked past him into the office. "You look exhausted Chief." How'd it go with your witness?" She asked as she closed and locked the slider.

"Another dead end I'm afraid." He sighed as he slumped into the big leather chair behind his desk. With large strong hands he rubbed his eyes.

Della walked over to his desk and hitched her hip on the front edge. She could not hide the concern on her face or in her voice. "I'll make some coffee."

"No Della, no need. You should have left hours ago. Why don't you get your things. Let's lock up and I'll take you home."

"You don't have to do that Chief. I can catch a cab."

"Nonsense Miss Street. It's late and starting to rain. It would be my pleasure to escort you home." He graced her with a dimpled smile.

"Well" she let out an exaggerated sigh "how could a lady possibly pass up such a generous offer."

"She can't" he said matching her playful tone.

Della headed to her office. "Give me a minute or two to tie up a few loose ends and I'll be ready to go. Oh, I finished typing up the Collins brief this afternoon. It's on your desk if you want to look it over for corrections."

"Slave driver" Perry complained as he picked up the brief. He could hear her chuckle as He began reading over the document and making notations in the margins. After several minutes He stood and with three long strides he was at the open door that connected his office with Della's. Not looking up he continued making corrections.

Having completed tying up her loose ends, making sure the outer office was locked and turning off the lights, Della grabbed her purse and gloves and walked towards Perry's office.

Perry was still looking down at the brief, while Della was concentrating on putting on her gloves. Neither realizing they were about to collide. At the last second Perry caught sight of Della and the impending danger. He dropped the brief. His strong arms quickly encircling her to soften the blow and help keep her upright.

"Oh Chief!" Della gasped her hands suddenly resting on Perry's broad chest. Her purse and gloves landing on top of the brief.

"Della! Are you ok?" He asked as he continued to hold her.

"I think so." She replied blushing.

They both stood there, neither one willing to break the intimate embrace.

"I'm sorry" Perry whispered as he looked down into Della's beautiful hazel eyes.

"Whatever for?" She asked barely audible.

"This." Perry leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers. He was delighted when Della eagerly responded. Perry felt Della's arms move around his neck. Her hands ran through his hair as he deepened their kiss. The electricity that passed between them was as bright as the lightning outside. His heart was pounding as he reluctantly broke the kiss, but not the embrace.

"You're forgiven" Della sighed when she finally found her voice.

Perry couldn't help but laugh. "Thank goodness."

"Well, you made such a compelling argument Counselor." She grinned as she looked up at him.

"I'm glad my courtroom skills finally came in handy." Suddenly he realized just how close he was still holding her. "I, um, better get you home young lady." He stammered as he released her. He leaned down to pick up the items they had dropped, His blue eyes twinkled as he handed her the purse and gloves.

"Hmmmm. This looks like it has seen better days." He said holding up the crumpled brief.

"It needed to be retyped anyway." She laughed taking it from him. She quickly returned to her office and placed the document on her desk. Perry followed several steps behind snapping off the light and closing the door that separated their offices.

"Ready?" He asked.

"Ready" she said.

Della relished the feel of Perry's arm around her waist as he escorted her from the elevator to his car. The rain cooled air gave her the opportunity to snuggle a little closer to him.

All to soon they were at Perry's car. He opened the passenger door and waited as Della gracefully slide in. Perry held his breath as he caught a glimpse of her gorgeous long legs. 'Breathe Mason' he had to remind himself as he closed her door and walked around to the drivers side.

Perry steered the large black Cadillac through the nearly deserted city streets. Della stared out the window watching the rain streak down. She sighed and shivered at the loss of contact. She suddenly missed his warmth.

From the corner of his eye he saw Della shiver.

"Cold?" He asked.

"Maybe just a little"

"Come here" He said as reached across the seat and gently pulled her to him. Once again she snuggled up close resting her head on his shoulder. Both enjoyed the comfortable silence. The only sound was the rain pelting the windshield.

Perry felt a wave of melancholy wash over him as he pulled the car into Della's apartment building parking lot. Della opened her purse and pulled out her key as she began to move across the seat. She turned to thank Perry as she reached for the door handle. Perry's soft voice stopped her.

"Please wait Della. I'd like to walk you up to your apartment."

"I'd like that too."

Perry helped her out of the car, wrapping a strong arm around her he walked her up to the front of the building. He held out his hand to accept her key. Della smiled as her fingers brushed his palm when she placed the key in his hand. He unlocked the door and stepped aside allowing Della to enter. Together they crossed the empty lobby and entered the waiting elevator.

When they reached Della's apartment Perry once again unlocked the door. Remaining in the hallway he pushed open the door.

"Thank you for returning me safely to my humble abode kind sir."

"The pleasure was all mine malady." He bowed slightly as he said it. "Don't come in to early tomorrow morning Della." Perry said turning serious. "It's been a long week and I want you to get a good nights rest."

Della nodded. "Ok. Same goes for you. You need sleep too." Her heart was pounding as she put her hands on the lapels of his suit coat. "Goodnight Chief." She tugged his coat, pulling him closer. Perry closed the distance between them and softly kissed her.

"Goodnight Miss Street."

Della quickly entered her apartment and closed the door. With both hands resting on the doorknob she leaned her back against the door. She stood there waiting for her heartbeat and breathing to return to normal. 'Did that just happen?' She wondered, knowing that it had. Her face was beaming when she finally regained her composure and headed down the hallway to her bedroom. She would not be getting much sleep tonight.

Perry watched Della disappear into her apartment and close the door. With hands flat against either side of the frame, he rested his forehead against the door. Trying to force his breathing to slow he stood there smiling. After several minutes he finally turned and headed back to the elevator.

He lay in bed, fingers laced behind his head looking up at the ceiling. Perry had no recollection of the drive home or even getting in bed. All of his thoughts had been preoccupied by his lovely secretary and the way her lips felt against his. He knew he wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight and for once he didn't mind a bit. 'I can hardly wait to see her tomorrow' he thought. He rolled over to check the clock on his nightstand. '3:27 am. I can't wait to see her this morning' he amended. He closed his eyes and once more the events of the evening replayed in his mind. His last thoughts were of Della's sweet kiss before sleep finally came.

FIN