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Brynn stepped inside, noticed the smell of hot apple pie, and glanced around. The house was decorated in antique country. Whitewashed wood floors, weathered white cabinets, and expensive looking furniture. And it smelled wonderful, like a warm night on the beach.

“Nice house,” she said, continuing to notice things like the bookcases, the fireplace, the throw pillows, and matching curtains. It was very charming, cozy. It was the perfect home for being on the water. Light, airy.

Vander crossed the kitchen and made her way to the door leading to the driveway. Brynn’s bag was there, waiting.

“I shoulda had Murph drop it off,” Vander said. “Sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. Really.”

Vander didn’t pick it up, and Brynn noticed her tired eyes and limp body. A piece of pie was half eaten on a plate at the table.

“I’m sorry. I interrupted your pie.” The rest of the pie sat steaming in the center.

Vander waved her off. “Oh, it’s just Murph’s doing. His wife, Margie, is quite the master in the kitchen. That thing probably has two sticks of butter in it.”

Brynn laughed. “Anything Southern does. That’s what makes it good.”

“Is that what it is?”

Brynn laughed. “Of course.”

Vander pointed a finger at her. “What about fried? You know how much fried chicken I have in my fridge right now? It’s insane. And the rest of it Murph has. He and Margie tried their best to stuff me while they’ve been here, as you can see.” She eyed the pie, then lifted her plate and deposited it in the sink. Gunner followed, licking his lips.

“Would you like some?” Vander asked, turning from the sink. “I’ve got potato salad, slaw, green beans, pintos, macaroni and cheese—” She stopped. “God, you name it, I’ve pretty much got it.”

Brynn smiled. “I really shouldn’t. I need to get home and clean up.”

Vander nodded and looked off in the distance. “But you don’t have a ride do you?”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. I hitched here. I can hitch back.”

Vander’s eyes widened in what looked like disbelief. “You hitchhike?”

Brynn shrugged. “Sure.”

Vander grabbed her forehead. “Don’t you know how dangerous that is?”

Brynn laughed again. “Here? Never. I know everyone.”

“No, you don’t. Trust me on that. And a beautiful woman like you…no way you should be doing that.”

Brynn looked away and felt herself blushing. Vander too, averted her gaze and swallowed. She swayed a little, and Brynn rushed to her side. “What can I do? Where do you need to go?”

“The bathroom.”

“’K. Tell me where to go and I’ll help you.” They began to walk, and Brynn felt Vander start to pull away, but she seemed to change her mind and leaned into her. Her strong body was firm and warm. Brynn could feel her muscles move in her lower back and forearm. It stirred her and she realized she was feeling desire, something she hadn’t felt in a long while.

“You mean you don’t know?”

“No, should I?”

“Didn’t you come in my house? When you got Gunner?”

“No, of course not. That would be really…weird. He came into the basement to me. I took him from there.”

“Oh, and here I thought you thoroughly snooped.”

“And swiped a few things while I was at it?”