Page 26 of Worthy

“I’m sure you’ve got better things to do though.”

“I don’t.” His brows draw together, like he’s not sure what my point is.

“Yeah, but Deacon was expecting you--” I start to remind him, before I think better of it. I’m not supposed to know, and I cringe at my slip up when his head swivels to the window that’s still cracked open.

“You heard us talking.” It’s not a question.

“I didn’t mean to.” I feel the heat rising in my cheeks.

He sits on the couch, right where he slept last night, and rests his elbows on his knees. “I’m sorry.” He hangs his head. “I don’t feel like Ihaveto take care of you, and I really don’t mind doing it. I was just trying to make Deacon feel better about leaving him on his own. I didn’t mean any offense by what I said.”

“You didn’t offend me.”

“I was kind of crude.” I see him wince even though he’s still looking at the ground.

“Maybe, but I think you were trying to give me a compliment.” I smile so he knows I’m not offended.

“I was.” He casts a sideways glance at me, like he’s uncertain of his response.

“Why?”

“Why give you a compliment?” He looks confused.

“Why do you think I’m better than the guys in this town?” I hold my breath.

“Cause I am one,” he replies, like that makes all the sense in the world.

“Am I supposed to understand what you mean?” I frown.

“The fact that you don’t is exactly why you’re too good for us.” He shakes his head.

“I still don’t get it.” I lean forward, though I can’t get any closer with my leg propped between us.

He runs a hand through his hair, like he’s frustrated, or trying to decide what to say. “Things are different here. People are different.”

“How?”

“Well, for starters there aren’t many, and even fewer of them are single.” He exhales as he sinks back into the cushions.

“Okay, so? I’m still confused by how that makes me too good for guys in this town.”

“Have you noticed the type of businesses in this town? They all cater to tourists. Every single one. People don’t come here for a career, they come here to enjoy the outdoors, but winters are harsh so not a lot of them stay. The ones who do… Let’s just say if you’re single you can choose from the same ten other single people, or you can sample the ones who pass through, and they don’t stay around to snuggle, if you catch my drift.”

“Are you saying you use tourists for sex?” I frown.

“It’s a…mutual arrangement.” I’d say he’s trying to justify his actions, only he’s still not looking at me.

“So, you and every other guy in town have casual sex with strangers who come through and that makes you guys not worthy of me?” I borrow his term from earlier.

“Bingo.” He picks at a speck of mud on his pants.

“Well, that’s stupid,” I blurt.

“What?” He turns to look at me and I swear his eyes are wider than normal.Bluer.

“You think I haven’t had one-night-stands?” I balk. It’s not really my thing, but I’ve done it, and right now I feel like saying that might be important to him.

“Uh.” His eyes dart around the room as if he’s looking for an escape. “I think I’m afraid to answer that,” he deadpans. I can’t help but laugh, though when his mouth turns down in a guilty expression I take pity on him.

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