Page 44 of Sizzling Nights

"You're welcome." He stood. "How long have you been awake?"

She glanced at the time on her computer. "About an hour."

He chuckled and grinned at her. She couldn't help but smile. "I'll get breakfast ready."

"Do you need help?"

He cocked his head and grinned. She laughed. "Right. Thank you."

He nodded and strode to the kitchen while she took advantage of the incredible view. He wore jeans that fit him to perfection. His strong thighs fit perfectly into those jeans and his muscles were perfectly outlined by the fabric.

The gray t-shirt he wore stretched across his shoulders accenting how muscular he was. Damn!

She went back to her codes, despite wanting to watch Marco cook.

She finished three pages of codes, looking up each zip code to find the state associated with it. With each completed page, her excitement grew. A few more hours and she'd know more than she did now. And she'd have the codes pinpointed. Her goal was to have them finished before the next report was released.

Marco called to her from the kitchen. "Breakfast is ready."

She picked up her coffee cup, sauntered to the kitchen, and climbed on a bar stool at the counter. Marco set a beautiful omelette in front of her complete with fresh orange slices, a banana, and a sliced apple. "It looks amazing."

He grinned. "Thank you."

He picked up a plate for himself and walked around the counter to sit down next to her. They ate in silence for a bit. Both of them were hungry, and frankly, her brain was still deciphering codes.

Marco finished his breakfast and pushed his plate away. He sipped on his coffee then broke the silence. "How are you coming along?"

"Good. It's a slow process because I have to look up zip codes as I go."

"Let me help you. I need to do something, and it'll make your work easier. We'll be finished sooner."

She turned to stare into his eyes. Not a hardship. Not at all. "Okay. If you're sure."

"Yeah. I need something to do, babe."

Babe. He called her babe. Electric currents raced through her body. Her tummy somersaulted. Her nipples pebbled. She liked that. A lot.

29

Marco stood and stretched. He wasn't used to sitting for long periods like this. And his eyes needed a break from the computer screen.

"Do you need anything?" he asked Theresa.

Theresa typed away and absently replied. "No, thank you."

He chuckled and moved to the kitchen. His phone rang and he answered as he opened the refrigerator to make lunch plans.

"Karason."

"It's Mitch. I'd like to come out with your clothing for the benefit tomorrow night."

"Okay. We're home all day."

Mitch laughed and he did as well. It was kind of funny. "See you in fifteen minutes."

The call ended and he pulled some cheese, sausage, and grapes from the refrigerator. He began slicing the cheese and sausage, keeping an eye on Theresa from time to time. When she worked, she engrossed herself in it. Full on focus. He was grateful they were out here and safe. She'd not likely hear anyone trying to get into her place if she were working there. Not that it was a choice anymore.

He arranged their food on a plate and carried it to the table. "Take a little break, babe. Mitch is bringing our clothes for tomorrow night."

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