Crimson Purity

Jay laughed. “Our entire family learned it,” he signed. “Some days I didn’t speak a word and just signed with them. They’re four years younger. Twins.”

“What are their names?”

“Sparrow and Raven.”

Diego raised an eyebrow.

Jay snickered. “My parents enjoy birds. They run a raptor sanctuary.”

Diego’s gaze turned tender. He took a sip of his drink, and Jay followed suit. Diego had nice hands. He had a nice everything, honestly. His scent was enticing. It was a treat after the B.O. of the army.

“What about you?” Jay asked and signed when Diego focused on him again.

“I have five brothers.”

Jay winced. “My condolences.”

Diego snickered. “Thanks. I’m second from the youngest.”

“What’s your job?”

“I co-own a tour company.”

Jay grinned. “Get a lot of business?”

Diego nodded. “The competition is fierce but we never lack tourists. What about you?”

“In between jobs.”

“What did you do?”

Jay hesitated. There was no telling how people would react to learning he was a soldier. Diego noticed his hesitation and quickly signed that he didn’t have to answer.

With a sigh, Jay shook his head. “I was a soldier. Been home almost six months.”

A look of concern flashed over Diego’s face. “Are you all right?”

“Right as rain,” he said before taking a sip. Then he gestured to his left eye. “My souvenir. But I had it better than some of my buddies. That’s all I want to say.”

Diego nodded and patted the back of his hand. Jay smiled and grabbed and squeezed him before letting go. Diego seemed to settle again and his smile was less strained. Damned if Jay wanted pity or to be thought of as damaged. He’d gone through physical therapy, mental therapy, and hung around his parents and sisters since returning. He’d let them hover like mother hens for as long as he could stand before pushing them away. That was when his sisters had declared he needed a vacation and should travel for pleasure.

Smart, smart ladies.

“So, tell me about your company,” he asked.

They talked as afternoon bled into evening. Jay learned about the stubborn and humorous Maggie while he also shared stories of the mischief his sisters often got into. They might be in their twenties and enduring college but they were still his devious sisters. He ordered a couple more drinks for them and had a nice buzz on when he decided he should make a move and prove his interest. He wanted to see where this might lead. Diego was good company.

“How long will you be in Mexico?” Diego signed.

“I have two weeks of vacation,” he said. “I hoped to see some pyramids.  But now, thanks to you, I have more things to squeeze in.”

Diego laughed. It wasn’t influenced by sounds that others made. Being deaf, his laughter would be unique to him, just as it was to Jay’s sisters. A special laugh. Jay smiled at the sound, enjoying Diego’s vibe, his open friendliness.

“We have plenty of pyramids,” Diego signed. “You’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. Take your pick.”

Jay snorted. “I need to check into my hotel first.” He caught and held Diego’s gaze. This was it. He signed, “You’re welcome to come along. To make sure I don’t get lost.”

Diego’s smile deepened, heated. “I wouldn’t be a good person if I let the poor American get lost.”

Jay grinned. “No. Better watch the poor American’s ass.”

Diego flicked his gaze down Jay’s body, rather boldly, before meeting his eyes again. “I will happily watch your ass.”