Hot Stuff (Hot Zone 1)

"Who could've possibly told you my lights were out?" Vaughn asked.

"One of your neighbors."

Vaughn wasn't buying. "I don't have any neighbors. It's one of the reasons I bought this place."

"Oh jeez. Come on, Dad. Let's leave Vaughn alone."

"I always enjoy your company, you know that."

Vaughn slapped Todd on the back, meanwhile Roy laughed. "Okay, okay, I confess. I was out taking a walk last night and I noticed it myself. You're so busy with the lodge and hopefully thinking about coaching at State, you don't need home improvement things to worry about. So here we are." He grinned at Vaughn.

"That's awfully nice of you to try and help me out, but I have a handyman coming by later in the week to handle things."

"I also wanted to thank you. Todd told me you ran plays with him the other day. He's grateful and so am I. I told you he's got a good heart," he said, speaking to Annabelle behind him.

"You two know each other?" Vaughn asked, surprised.

Roy stepped forward, his shoulders squared. "We met at Cozy Cups this morning. She was talking to Joanne, and mano to mano," he said to Vaughn, lowering his voice, "I think the women were exchanging bedroom secrets about you. One ex-lover and another present one. Dangerous info there, if you know what I mean." He winked at Vaughn and darted another glance at Annabelle.

Beside him, Todd shuffled his feet, uncomfortable with his father's frank talk.

"How are you, Roy?" Annabelle asked, ignoring his indiscreet words.

"Just fine. This is my boy, Todd."

Annabelle remained seated but waved to both visitors. "Nice to meet you. Your father and Vaughn have said great things about you."

The teen actually blushed. Vaughn understood. Annabelle had that effect on people.

"Uh, Dad, I think Mom will be wondering what's taking so long if we don't get going," Todd said.

The foreman nodded. "Yep. Women like to keep us men on a short leash."

Personally Vaughn thought Roy needed an even shorter one. "Well thanks again for your offer and Todd, I'll see you soon. We're ready for the electrical inspection?" Vaughn asked as he opened the door for Roy to leave.

"Ready, boss. And keep in mind, the college boys need you if any of them are going to go pro."

"That's why I'm helping them now, Roy." Vaughn slammed the door closed behind the other man, then turned to Annabelle. "The man's a piece of work."

"He sure is."

"But Todd seems nice."

Vaughn grinned. "The kid has so much potential it scares me sometimes. He's got raw talent."

"And you're so sweet to coach him."

He shrugged. "Kids like him need the extra attention, if not on the field, then off it."

"Which brings me back to what we were discussing earlier," she said, pointedly.

He laughed and let it go. "I'm going to turn in for the night. If you want to go to the lodge with me in the morning, I suggest you do the same."

"And I'll take that to mean any serious discussion we were having is over."

He grinned. "You're perceptive."

"And smart and determined. We covered a lot of things we may need to revisit again."