Page 7 of Prospect Year

Biting her lips together, her smile faded although it didn’t completely disappear. As her head moved from side to side, she reached for the scarf that always hid what he imagined was a deliciously tempting neck. This, he had noticed her do often, it must be some sort of comfort thing.

“I imagine that’s hard for you. I shouldn’t ask.”

Her gentle smile and soft eyes told him she didn’t mind.

“Seeing how I know nothing of sign language, I’ll just learn to read your mind.”

One side of his mouth twitched up at the widening of her striking green eyes. Pushing from the wall, he told her, “So, be sure to control those indecent thoughts you have of me. Or I’ll have to oblige you by acting on them.” His eyes gleamed at her reaction. She didn’t look away this time. No. Her lids quickly dropped over her eyes like a shade dropping to block out the sun. That was her eyes, he thought, bright as the sun. Other than the obvious rise of her chest from a deep inhale, she sat motionless.

“I’ll leave you alone with your thoughts. You know where to find me if needed.” With that, he turned and jogged down the stairs.

Reaching the end of the stairs, voices drifted from the dining. Ruby was still helping Amber with her studies. He would let Ruby know that everything had been checked and nothing was found in need of repair. Drawing closer to the door, he realized they were still going over math problems. He stood in the doorway listening as both Ruby and Amber struggled with answers.

After a few minutes, he blurted out the answer, startling both women.

“I’m done. Just letting you know everything seems to be in good order. I’m heading out.”

“Wait!” Amber called.

“Yeah?” he answered without turning around.

“How did you know that?”

He turned back, facing her. “Know what?”

“The answer.”

“I heard you read the problem when I walked up.”

Quickly, she read the next math problem, and in seconds, he gave an answer.

“How do we know you’re right?”

“Hmm. I guess you don’t.” He turned away but was stopped. Again.

“Wait. How did you figure that so fast?”

“It’s just numbers. Arrange them in your head according to what works for you.”

“What does that mean?” Amber asked, irritated.

“Associate them with something that you understand, if it helps.”

Amber twisted her face. “I don’t get it.”

“Like apples. Use apples.”

“Now, I’m really confused,” Amber complained.

He thought a moment, then spoke, knowing she would be pissed at the reference but sure she would understand. “Okay, you have x number of bikers in your club.” She narrowed her eyes, but he continued. “One group of them hit the road, that’s one circle. Another group hangs at the club, that’s the other circle. A few of them hang a while, then ride, and that’s where the circles cross over. They overlap.”

“I get it. But how does that tell me the little circle?” A touch of excitement filled her voice as well as her eyes as she listened.

“Because you know all the other numbers. Look.” He strode to the table and put it all on paper for her to see.

“I get it!”

“You’re welcome,” he said, not attempting to hide his cocky attitude. “I’m out.”

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