Shh! by Stacey Nash Page B

that.
    “Okay,” I said, very aware—in a good way—of his hand still covering mine.
    “That’s okay?”
    “Yes.”
    It was kind of nice to know he was only doing this because he thought I needed to unwind. People didn’t think about what I needed. Heavens, I didn’t normally think about that either. Life had no time for luxury.
    I glanced out the side window, and we were coming into a state forest. “I didn’t even know there were waterfalls out here.”
    Logan raised his brow up then down quickly with one of those cheeky half-smiles I was starting to think of as his trademark. “Then you’re in for a treat.”
    We finally reached the end of the road and Logan cut the engine. There wasn’t much to see here, just bush. An abundance of gum trees with the odd ironbark scattered between them, all bedded in with thick scrub undergrowth. A few picnic tables stood in a cleared area. My door opened and Logan’s hand awaited mine in a gesture I wasn’t at all prepared for.
    “My lady.”
    A grin spread across my face. He was hot, cute, and gentlemanly.
    Logan dipped his head. “The stunning view awaits your presence.”
    I placed my hand in his as I climbed out of the dust-covered Corolla. The scent of wildflowers, and gum, and an earthy smell that was entirely native to the Aussie bush hit me the second I was outside. I drew in a long breath, savouring the country.
    Logan led me past the picnic area and toward a lookout. I walked to the edge and planted my hands on the wooden railing. Gorges and ravines so deep they looked to be carved out of the mountain range were laid out below us like a stunning picture.
    A stream of water plunged over the side of a ravine, rushing down to meet a wide pool. Mist sprayed out from the clear mountain water creating a myriad of tiny rainbows and an absolutely spectacular sight.
    “There’s not a lot of water going over at the moment ’cause it’s been dry. If you come out here after we’ve had rain, it’s breathtaking,” Logan said.
    “It’s stunning right now.”
    The sight had captured my breath with its beauty.
    Logan crossed his arms atop the rail while he leaned against it, completely relaxed as he looked out at the view. I stole a glance at his hand curled over his forearm. There was something about his hands that made me stare. Defined with tendons, I could watch the muscles work with each movement. Today though, that glorious hand nursed a yellowing bruise and nasty scab right across the knuckles. Impulsively, I moved closer to Logan and I ran my thumb over the sore spot.
    He tensed, his hand gripping the rail instead of resting on it.
    “That bloke was a dick.” A pulse ticked in his jaw as he tensed up again.
    I should have thanked him for stepping in, but instead my mind took a turn back to that damn email. Maybe this was what it was about. I’d assumed it was related to the rumours, but that made no sense. Even if they were true it wouldn’t be a big deal—unless I was charging for the show. I’m sure the board would have a problem with prostitution. I did hurt that guy before Logan, though. It was like a light flashed on in my mind. My hand dropped to my side.
    “Suspended for violence …” The words left my mouth on whisper.
    Logan pulled back from the rail. His gaze flicking over mine, concern brewing in the inky depths. “You can’t get suspended from uni.”
    “My presidential campaign was suspended, and I bet that’s why.”
    “Because you pushed some guy to stop him assaulting you?”
    “Maybe …”
    “That’s screwed.”
    He leaned over the rail again. This time his boot scuffed at the pebbles covering the ground while his hands fisted. He looked kind of angry. Well, I was frustrated; of all the dumb things for me do. I should have thought before I laid a finger on that jerk. Should have used my tongue to cut him down instead of my hand. Logan was right; I was screwed.
    “I need to get on the student representative council. If I