Page 19 of Screwed

I stared in shock. “What? They let you into the military, but you can’t swim?”

Nate fixed his eyes directly on me. “I can swim just fine. I said I don’t.”

I chewed the inside of my cheek. Was he still pissed at me about not telling him my reason for lying in the store? Or was the brashness just part of his personality and I was going to have to learn to deal with it?

He gave us all a nod of acknowledgement, then turned around. “Don’t be out too long. You know how fast the weather turns.”

And just like that, he left. I watched his strong back disappear through the front door of the cabin before I twisted myself to face Ethan and Deacon, both of whom had fallen unusually quiet.

“What is his deal? Why is he always so... locked down?” I huffed.

The guys shared a brief glance, then looked back at me. The mood had very obviously changed.

Ethan ran a hand over his wet hair. “Nate’s Nate. He’s been through a lot, and he keeps his cards close to his chest.”

Deacon nodded, his usual sarcasm replaced by firm loyalty. “If you want to know what makes him tick, you’re gonna have to ask him yourself. We don’t talk out of turn.”

I was both surprised and not surprised by their responses. But given the small bit of backstory Ethan shared with me, I knew that I should really have expected it.

I waded towards the shoreline, done with swimming for the day. “We should clean up and get started on that dinner Ethan made before it gets cold.”

*

Dinner itself was spectacular.

Ethan knew his way around the kitchen. He and Deacon carried the bulk of the conversation, discussing the upcoming renovation schedule, the lake, the weather, past jobs, and how they compared to working in the mountains.

When the topic rerouted to their pitiful trailer, I had a sudden idea. I politely cleared my throat to get their attention. With three pairs of eyes on me, I suddenly felt nervous about the proposition, even though it made perfect sense.

I looked across the table straight at Nate. “Speaking of your living arrangements, I had something I wanted to run by you, Nate. I thought that instead of suffering in that little metal matchbox, you guys could stay in the main cabin for the rest of the project. It’s practical. Plus, you guys would be more comfortable.”

Ethan looked excited, and Deacon paused with a fork halfway to his mouth. But before anyone could speak, Nate spoke up without an ounce of hesitation.

“No,” he said, his voice deadpan. “Thanks for the offer, but things are perfect just as they are.”

11

Ava

Jules would be proud; I finally got my first proper pair of work boots. Which came in handy because Nate asked me to take a walk around the property with him the next day.

I’d been hesitant after that awkward moment during dinner. I genuinely thought staying in the cabin would’ve been preferable to dealing with the claustrophobic nuclear trash can that was, according to eyewitness testimony, their current accommodation.

But Nate had been very clear on his stance. “Things are perfect as they are.”

I had no idea why that specific phrasing bothered me as much as it did. But as I got dressed and ready to go on a walk with Mr. Sunshine himself, I tried not to think about it too hard.

The weather had turned again, something I was just starting to get used to. The silvery winter sun had more heat to it than I’d expected, and I opted for a lightweight, cream-colored turtleneck beneath a plaid flannel shirt to combat its volatility. I left the shirt unbuttoned in the middle of my chest to keep me cool. On the bottom, I donned a pair of dark canvas pants and my trusty boots. So this time, when I trudged through the muddy banks, I’d be dressed for the part. Mostly.

I tied my hair into a ponytail and marched outside, giving Ethan and Deacon a quick greeting before meeting up with Nate at our designated spot out back.

I almost stopped in my tracks when I saw him standing there. He was wearing a light gray fitted crewneck t-shirt, the type that clings to every muscle with the smallest of movements. His dark gray waxed cotton shirt was completely unbuttoned and hanging loose off his broad shoulders. The rest of him almost didn’t matter with how distracted I was by those huge damn shoulders. They almost made up for his prickly personality.

Hearing my approach, he turned around and gave me a cordial nod. But still no smile. Sigh.

“Please tell me you’re not gonna take me on a practical lesson in the woods somewhere,” I said, raising my palms in surrender.

Nate gave me a confused look. “Huh?”