18. Tension

You quickly pull away from Jack and hurry to grab your coat. You notice that Jack chooses to stay back inside the cabin and you go off to meet Dex. When you start getting closer to Dex you can see that he has a large buck thrown over his shoulder. When you're about 10 ft away from him he drops the buck and you run into his open his arms. He smells of pine and musk and you bury your face into his chest taking it in. “I’m glad your back safe” you say as he pulls you close to him.

You slowly pull away and look up at his face his face. He smiles down at you but it quickly fades as he notices something in your expression. “What’s wrong?” He asks you then stops short. You look up and see him staring behind you and his grip on your arms tighten. You manage to turn your head and see Jacks frame standing in the doorway of the cabin. Dex gently pushes you to the side and pulls his rifle off his shoulder. You quickly put a hand on his arm steadying it in place.

“It’s okay!” You say quickly and tug his arm so he looks down at you “He arrived a few days ago. I didn’t know what to do. He’s been sleeping on the floor.” Dex’s eyes widen then an angry look flashes across his face. “You let him sleep inside with you?!” He demands grabbing your arm. When you gasp in surprise and his expression quickly softens as he immediately loosens his grip on your arm. “I’m sorry, I just…” he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath while composing himself. When he eyes open back up he looks slightly pained. “I swear if he laid he a finger on you-“

“Oh God, no!” You exclaim and grab his hand, pulling him toward you. “I promise nothing happened. But I am glad your home” you say truthfully. You feel as if you can finally think clearly for the first time since Jack arrived. You feel Dex’s thumb running up and down your hand as he stares into your eyes. After a moment of studying them he seems satisfied and slings his rifle back over his shoulder. The buck gets slung over his other shoulder and you begin your walk back to the cabin.

Your heart begins racing faster as you near the cabin and Jacks lean figure becomes clearer. His cameo pants and forest green shirt stand out against the brown wood of the cabin door. You see him sizing Dex up as you reach the porch. Dex matches his stare and wordlessly drops the buck down next to the porch. The tension is between them is palpable and you stand silently unsure what to do. Finally, Jack straightens up and walks down the stairs. “That’s a nice catch” he comments walking over to the buck.

Dex eyes him warily but gives him a curt nod. You breath out a silent sigh of relief as you feel a little of the tension clear. You follow Dex inside the cabin and feel Jack behind you. Dex shots him a look over his shoulder but says nothing. You help Dex with his backpack and jacket but notice that he hangs on to his rifle. He leans it against the side of the fire place as he sits down to take his boots off.

Jack is leaned up against the inside of the door frame quietly observing the two of you. You try offering Dex some food but he doesn’t even acknowledge your question so you make yourself busy and begin tidying up around the cabin. You wish someone would say something but you’re not going to be the first one to speak up. Finally you can’t take it anymore and tell Dex you’re going to get some fresh air. Jack shifts out of your way as you walk out of the door but he doesn’t completely move forcing you to brush against him as you walk past.