Page 39 of Sizzling Nights

Marco shut his truck off and waited for a beat. He knew Jace wouldn't set them up. He trusted his friend completely, but his training had taught him to be cautious. Watch everything. Overlook nothing. Be prepared.

Jace stepped from his vehicle and nodded toward them, then turned and strode to the front door of the cabin.

Marco turned to Theresa. "You ready?"

She took a deep breath and blew it out. "Yeah. I trust him."

"I do too."

She shook her head. "So why are we afraid?"

"Things are heating up. We're right to be cautious and afraid. It's what will save us if we need it. It's why we're here."

"Right."

She nodded and gripped her backpack with both hands. "Okay."

She opened her door, and he opened his at the same time. He strode around the front of the truck and met her there. He kept his hand at the small of her back as they marched toward the door to the cabin, where Jace waited for them.

He stepped back as they neared to let them in. Once inside they stood staring at the place in wonder. Theresa whispered, "Holy shit."

Jace chuckled.

Marco shook his head. "I didn't expect this."

Jace chuckled. "I told you it was like no other."

"You did, but holy shit, I didn't think it was like this. I expected rustic and primitive."

Jace nodded. "I get that. I was surprised the first time I came here too. Let me show you around."

He glanced Theresa's way and caught her eye. She grinned and began to follow Jace into the cabin.

Jace started their tour. "So, obviously this is the living room. The fireplace is gas. Feel free to use it. You simply turn it on here..." He showed them a switch near the left side of the fireplace and flipped it on. Flames appeared and the room instantly took on a different feel.

"The kitchen is this way." He moved toward the left of the front door. "This is all new. New appliances, gas stove, you have everything here you'll need. Pots and pans, etc. Dishes are in the cabinets. Wes said to make yourself at home."

Theresa finally spoke. "We didn't bring food. I didn't think of that."

Jace shook his head. "I took care of it. Margo shopped for you when I told her what we were doing. I have it in the truck. I'll bring it in after I show you around."

Theresa took a deep breath. "Thank you and please thank Margo for us."

Jace grinned. "I will. We're happy to help you. And we're sorry you're going through this."

Theresa swallowed and he worried she'd start crying. The stress was immeasurable at this point.

Jace continued. "Now, this way..." He walked toward the back of the cabin. "Are the bedrooms. There are three here and two bathrooms. One in the primary bedroom and one between the other two bedrooms."

The place was gorgeous. Marco couldn't believe this was tucked back into the woods along the water, yet so close to town. What a little gem.

Theresa set her backpack down inside the primary bedroom and followed Jace back out to the living room.

Jace turned to look at both of them. "Let me show you the security system. You'll love this."

He strode to a desk in the corner of the living room and opened the top drawer with a key. He held the key up, "This is the key to the desk. The other keys belong to the front door and there's one to a shed outside. But you need to unlock the top drawer to access the security system." He reached under the top of the desk, with the drawer open, and pushed a button. A computer screen rose up from the desk. Marco chuckled. "This is amazing."

Jace grinned. "Just wait, I haven't even shown you the cool stuff."

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