Hot Stuff (Hot Zone 1)

"Why do you ask?"

Before Annabelle could reply, a group of workmen strode into the store, giving her a reprieve from having to explain her motives.

Joanne sighed. "I'm sorry. But if you're in town and want to talk more when I'm not working?"

Annabelle nodded. "I'd love that," she said, meaning it. With her sisters in the city and Vaughn not exactly a talkative housemate, she knew she'd need to hear a friendly voice every now and then.

The men filed in behind her and Annabelle shifted Boris in one arm and held her coffee in the other as she dug in her purse for money.

Joanne waved a hand. "Friendship's my price for a cup of coffee," the other woman said, treating Annabelle to a brief smile before turning her attention to the new group of customers.

"Thanks."

"Hey, pretty lady," one of the men said to Annabelle. "I get off work at five. You free?"

Annabelle glanced down at her sweats and knew her face held not a trace of makeup. She decided either the town had no single women left or he was blind. "No, thanks," she said.

He stepped closer. "Come on. I can show you a good time," he said, deliberately bumping his hip against hers.

"So can Vaughn," Joanne piped in. "And if he catches you horning in on his territory, you'll be out a job and probably a couple of ribs. Go back to your wife, Roy." Joanne chuckled. She obviously knew the man well.

He grumbled and the men behind him snickered, offering a few choice comments at his stupidity.

Roy cast Annabelle a sheepish look. "Why didn't you say you was with Vaughn?" he said, his voice filled with awe and respect. "I'd never move in on his woman."

"I'm not-"

Joanne made a slicing motion across her throat, indicating Annabelle should shut up while she was free of Roy's advances.

Joanne poured the men's coffee without them putting in a request and Annabelle guessed they were regulars. All the while, Joanne continued to talk. "Roy's got his faults, but we put up with him because he's got his good points. He's an excellent father and he respects Vaughn."

"Everyone likes Vaughn," Roy said, ignoring Joanne's other comment.

Murmurs of assent grew around him. Vaughn was obviously a popular town legend.

"He's brought employment to town and he's helping my kid stick with school so's he can get his football scholarship and do better than his old man."

Annabelle was grateful for the insight into Vaughn through the townsfolk's eyes. They perceived her client not just as a businessman but as a human being. So far, he rated top notch. All boded well for the lodge.

"Well don't you worry, Roy. Your mistake will stay just between us," Annabelle promised him.

Annabelle placed Boris back on the ground and he took off at a run for the grass across the way. She couldn't stop thinking of Joanne, Roy, and the other men who admired Vaughn, all with good reason. Despite his reputation as a womanizer, she had to admit, she was beginning to admire him, too.

AS ANNABELLE RETURNED to Vaughn's house, Boris finally decided he'd found the appropriate spot and squatted to pee on Vaughn's front lawn.

Of course her host chose that exact moment to step outside.

He wore black nylon sweats and a gray shirt, ripped at the sleeves. He hadn't shaved and he was still sexy as hell.

"Couldn't you take him somewhere else?" Vaughn asked as he strode down the front steps.

Annabelle forced a bored shrugged. "Boris picks his own time and place. Don't all men?"

Vaughn's gaze fell to the dog who'd started to kick up the grass on the lawn with his hind legs. Annabelle tried not to groan.

"That brings up another interesting question.

Aren't male dogs supposed to lift their legs to mark their territory?" Vaughn asked.