Page 82 of Property of Bob

I shifted in the chair and felt another wave of exhaustion hit me. I tried not to show it, but Ramona’s eyes immediately sharpened.

She saw everything.

“You’re not sleeping alone anywhere on this island,” I told her.

The smile disappeared from her face. “Why?”

I didn’t answer.

“Ashland.”

I looked at her.

“What does that mean?”

“Means exactly what I said,” I sighed. I was really done with talking for the day.

“Why can’t I be alone?”

I rubbed my throat again. Her eyes followed my hand. “I want to know more about what that means,” she said slowly, “but I don’t want you talking anymore.”

“Then you better sleep in here.”

Her eyebrows lifted.

“Otherwise, I’m gonna be singing all night.”

She blinked. “Singing.”

I kept my face completely straight. “Yep.”

“You?”

“Beautiful voice.”

Her lips twitched.

“Ask anybody,” I added.

“I don’t think I want to.”

“Your loss.”

“You can barely talk.”

“Exactly. Singing’ll probably wreck me.”

She stared at me for a few seconds. Then she pointed a finger at my face. “That is manipulation.”

“Working?”

“No.”

I waited.

She sighed. “Fine.”

I smiled.