Page 26 of Protected

When I start to wake up, it feels like I’ve been out a long time, and I’m aware of a presence nearby. It’s not a bad one. It’s familiar. Secure. I peek through my lashes and see Deck reclining against the nearest tree with his eyes closed.

I stay completely still, thinking maybe he actually fell asleep. I don’t want to wake him up. But as soon as I shift my head slightly, his lids pop up.

He narrows his eyes, looking relaxed but also faintly suspicious.

“I wasn’t doing anything. I just woke up.” When Deck gestures toward the book that fell onto the ground beside me, I add, “It’s not too bad a story. It’s one of those romantic suspense books. But I didn’t get very far before I fell asleep. I didn’t realize I was so tired.”

He points toward the line where the clothes I washed are still flapping. Most are still in place, although one shirt has fallen off. It looks like Trisha’s. I’m not inclined to walk all the way over there to pick it up.

“Yeah, doing the laundry was more tiring than I expected. Using that washboard is really a workout. My shoulders are already sore.”

He points again, this time at the side of the line where Trisha’s clothes are hanging. He makes a questioning gesture and then a disapproving shake of his head.

I sigh. “She basically dumped her clothes on me. It would have been rude to say no. But I did say that this would be the only time. She has to do her own laundry from now on.”

He nods, his eyebrows drawn together like he’s reflecting.

Maybe I should leave things alone, but the words come out before I can stop them. “She was asking about you.”

He jerks his head toward me, visibly surprised.

“She wanted to know if you were with someone. She said you were superhot.”

He rolls his eyes and makes a face.

“There’s no reason for you to brush that off. You might not be the prime example of grooming habits, but you’re a good-looking guy. Surely she’s not the only woman to show interest in you.”

He wriggles his fingers at his mouth.

“I know you don’t speak, but a lot of women wouldn’t care about that. I’m just saying it might be smart to be prepared for how you’ll react because I think she’s going to come on to you.”

He still looks surprised and reflective, and something about the expression bothers me.

Why is he thinking so much about it? Surely he’s not actually tempted by Trisha’s charms? She would be a terrible choice for him. He’s got to see that for himself.

He knows I don’t like her.

Shouldn’t that mean something to him?

To distract myself and also him, I suggest we practice more sign language. I teach him the signs for tree, grass, sky, house, and the various articles of our clothing. Then I show him how to ask simple questions.What are you doing? Where are you going? What are you thinking?

We’re laughing when he messes up one of the gestures, and I reach over to move his fingers in the right shape. Well, I’m giggling, and he’s kind of smiling.

We both jerk when a voice comes from several feet away. “Deck. You’re needed on the front porch.”

It’s Logan. He doesn’t look mad or upset or annoyed or anything really. But something is tense about his posture.

Deck gets up immediately and starts toward the front of the house.

I expect Logan to follow him, but he doesn’t. He stays looking down at me.

Awkward and slightly guilty, I stand up and brush off the back of the loose dress I’m still wearing since all my other clothes are on the clothesline.

“Is there anything I should know?” Logan asks.

We’re facing each other, my head lifted so I can meet his gaze. “About what?”

“About Deck.”

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