A/N: Okay, here's part six of fifteen. As promised, part seven will be posted later this evening. The next few chapters are pure shippy stuff mixed in with introspection, so... in other words, classic Dani writing. LOL
There are very mild spoilers for second season in this, but only up to Some Assembly Required, and most of them are only vague allusions to past events.
I welcome all reviews, both here and by email, so please feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you're thinking. I can't improve my writing if I don't know what people want to see. :P
They're not mine, I just borrow them sometimes and mutate their inner voices. What can I say? It's fun. But Cameron will always own the good stuff. :P
Towards the Sunset
Part Six: Playing Games
By: Danae Bowen
Email: logansfox@rogers.com
The hour was late when Logan finally pulled into a motel on the outskirts of Minnesota. Both girls were asleep and Logan's vision was beginning to blur as he parked the car and rubbed his eyes. Excluding the hour they took for dinner in Montana, Logan had been driving for nearly eighteen hours straight, but he was at last satisfied that half of their journey was out of the way.
He pulled himself out of the car, grateful that the exosuit couldn't make him realize how much pain in which his legs would likely be after so long immobilized in the driver's seat. He chuckled to himself, shaking his head as he made his way towards the front desk.
He hadn't realized that Max was awake until he heard footsteps behind him and her small hands circled his waist. She released him a moment later and slipped under his arm as she smothered a yawn.
"Something about cars always knocks me out." She murmured quietly as they entered the silent office.
He shrugged. "It's good for you to sleep, even if you don't think you always need it." He looked down at her and winked. "'Course, you're always going to need it if I have anything to say about it."
Max blushed softly, not missing the innuendo in Logan's statement. It thoroughly amazed her how fast they'd gone from bickering children into comfortably in love, even though they'd never said the words. For a long time Max had wondered if she'd ever overcome the fears she had about Logan. Her fears had stretched into a long list: that he'd turn out like Darren, that when she had to leave she'd not be able to go, that she would get him killed, and most recently that she herself would kill him absently in the wake of her poisonous touch. She'd known the virus wouldn't last forever, Sebastian was nothing if not an astounding genius, but her fears manifested from there. When all was put to rest, would Logan still love her? Want her? Need to be with her as badly as she craved his company? The way they had been acting since their discovery of the virus had wounded Max more than she cared to admit. All she wanted to do was sit in a room with her best friend, lose herself in some gourmet Cale family recipe, and maybe think about a future where she could be loved and feel safe. Instead, Logan put his airtight emotional blocks into place, forcing hers to rise in a defensive reaction, and whatever she and Logan had been began to crumble.
Max sighed, thanking God for creating Sebastian and for sending her Joshua and Original Cindy. As much as Max loved Logan, she was afraid that without their intervention, Max would have lost sight of "the plan" and given up on her future.
She supposed Herbal was right, though, preaching his I and I logic. As much as Max missed her old friend, his words did stay with her. "It's all good, all the time."
Logan handed his credit card to the night clerk and glanced down at Max. "Say something?"
She frowned, not realizing she had spoken aloud. Finally, she shrugged. "Was just thinking about what Herbal used to say, "It's all good, all the time". It just struck me that he was right." She grinned. "I mean here we are on the run from a psycho bomber with my best girl sleeping in the back of the car, we're just recovering from the virus that kept us apart for months, and y'know, it really is all good."
He chuckled softly. "Wonder what Manticore would think of that position on life."
She raised an eyebrow. "Do we really care?"
"Nope. C'mon. Could only get us one double room, but you girls can have the beds and I'll take the sofa."
Max rolled her eyes, but chose to remain silent as they returned to the car to wake Original Cindy and bring in their overnight bags. They watched in amusement as Cindy stumbled into the bathroom to change, popping out only minutes later to fall into bed. Logan and Max were left to wonder if Cindy had ever actually awoke from her nap in the car, but they shrugged it off as unimportant.
Max grabbed her bag and thumped onto the sofa, leaning back as she searched out the book Joshua had insisted she bring. Logan looked on curiously as she began to read and bent down to check out the title.
"When did you start reading Stephen King?"
Max shrugged. "Gave it to Joshua a few months ago. Scared the crap outta him, so he's making me read it now. 'Sides, slept for so long in the car, I'll probably be awake 'till Wednesday."
She watched as Logan set his computer up on a nearby desk and began sifting through emails. "Figures. I leave town and now my informants decided to get talkative."
"Any word from Matt?"
He shrugged. "Just that he's lead in the investigation and will send any information he gets as he gets it. I also have a few people set up on the penthouse as well as your building, just in case. They say it's been totally quiet since the threat was made."
"Let's hope it stays that way." She stretched out and turned the book upside down on her stomach. "So what's this cottage like?"
He grinned. "It's larger than Jonas' and not quite as rustic. It's about twenty minutes north of a small Ontario town called Lakefield."
"Oh, God, not another Cape Haven?"
He chuckled softly and shook his head. "Nah. My dad's friend Peter built the place with his late wife back in the seventies. She grew up on the lake, and he practically raised his daughter up there after his wife passed away. My folks used to take us up every summer to spend a couple of weeks relaxing. Peter's daughter was seven or eight years older than me and somehow saw it as her responsibility to torment me in every way possible."
"Bitch?"
"Nah, she was good about it. She made us part of the family. From what I've heard, they've made some changes over the years. I think the cottage has about fifteen different rooms, a hot tub, a boat on the lake and probably some things I haven't yet heard. There isn't much to do in Lakefield, but Peterborough isn't long off. You and Cindy could probably find a club or something to hang out in."
Max watched Logan as he spoke, laughing at the image of the strong man before her being cowed by a teenager. Her eyes widened at his description of the cottage, wondering exactly how rich one had to be to afford a cottage larger than most people's homes. //Leave it up to a friend of Logan's family.// She moved the book to the floor and curled up on her side as she watched Logan peel his shirt from his body.
He glanced over at her and raised an eyebrow as she stubbornly refused to avert her gaze. Instead he chuckled and shook his head, deciding that if Max wanted something to see, he wasn't going to deny her fun. Still facing her, Logan slowly folded his shirt, allowing the powerful muscles in his arms to flex as he lifted his suitcase to the spare bed. His wheelchair was folded up next to the sofa, so he moved closer to Max, making sure to brush her shoulder as he bent to retrieve the chair. He didn't move away as he unfolded it, setting it up so that when he removed the exoskeleton he'd have full, easy access to make things a bit simpler for later in the night.
Moving away once more, Logan turned his back to her as he slid the loose pants he wore over the exoskeleton to the floor. Max's lips pulled into a half grin as he bent down to retrieve his pants, affording her a view of his rear end, covered only by the under layer of the skeleton. All of the sudden, Max was overcome with the urge to laugh and was unable to choke off giggles and they passed her lips.
Logan glanced at her, lifted an eyebrow then started laughing himself. The whole situation was ridiculous, but they were helpless to fight it. Once they'd calmed their laughter enough, Logan sat on the edge of the bed and watched her in silence for a moment. Finally, he shook his head and grinned. "So, are you gonna sit there and watch, or did you want to help me out of this suit?"
Max's eyes darkened deeply, but instead of moving, she eased herself up against the arm of the sofa, and brought her knees to her chest. "Not a good idea." Her eyes flipped to Cindy, sleeping soundly only a few feet from Logan.
"Afraid you won't be able to resist me, Max?" His eyes sparkled as he teased her.
She gave him an unladylike snort, but didn't move from the sofa. "Original Cindy's already gonna be on my case about kissin' you at the diner today, y'ain't gonna talk me into letting her catch me takin' off your pants next." She picked up the book and pointedly turned her attention away from him. When he didn't move, she glanced up at him one last time. "'Sides, if I get into your pants tonight, what would I have to look forward to at the cottage?"
Logan chuckled. "You are an interesting girl, Max."
"Go to sleep, Logan. I'll wake you around six."
"Get off my bed, then." His eyes flicked to the sofa.
She scoffed. "Yeah, like you're gonna move me now that I'm comfortable. Get yer ass on the bed and go to sleep."
"Max…"
"Oh, just shut up and take the bed."
"Both y'all shut up, or yer gonna know the meanin' of pain. You gettin' Original Cindy's words, or you gonna make me haul my ass outta this warm bed to kick yours?" Neither of them had noticed when Cindy shifted and opened her eyes, and now they both had the good grace to blush slightly as she glared at them. She took in Logan's state of undress with semi-amusement, and turned to give Max a pointed look. "Damn, boo, I ain't kiddin' when I say…"
"Cindy? Sleep. Logan? Bed. Max is reading now."
*****
Max's feet were up on the dashboard as she leaned her head back on the seat. They'd passed into Canada three hours before, she and Logan having switched off driving for the last eighteen hours in an attempt to finish the last half of the journey in one shot. Logan had taken over once again as they approached the border, and Max was feeling the distinct urge to throw herself from the car just to get some exercise.
"I swear to God, the second I get out of this car, I'm gonna run until I drop."
"I can think of better ways to work off all that energy." Logan shifted his gaze to wink at her quickly, before returning his eyes to the road.
"Okay, who are you and where's the Logan that spent a year too chicken shit to kiss me?"
He shrugged quietly. "Why waste another year playing the same old games?"
"So what, you found a new game?"
He nodded. "Yeah, and I'm having a hell of a lot more fun playing this one."
They traveled in silence for a few miles further before Max shifted again, too much energy built up in her body for her to get comfortable.
"How long now?"
"About two hours if we can keep up this pace. We're just about to pass through Toronto."
Max's eyes flickered in interest and she opened the window of the Aztec to peer out. A few minutes passed before she caught sight of the lights of the city, and above them all, the tower stood dark against the night. "CN Tower right?"
"We're not stopping, so you can forget about climbing it." Logan gave Max a lopsided grin as he took the exit to a highway leading around the city.
"Did I say anything?"
"No, but I've known you long enough to know what's on your mind."
Max grinned. "Yeah, you just keep on believing that, Logan."
"Joke all you want, Max, but I bet I know you better than almost anyone. Like right now, I'd bet that you'd like nothing more than for me to…"
"Keep your eyes on the road? Wow, I'm impressed." Her eyes rolled skyward as she turned to peer back out the window, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Her eyes flicked back to meet his as his hand inched over to stroke her leg softly. She met his smile with a small one of her own as she relaxed into the touch and covered his hand with her own. She wasn't about to let Logan know, but she found the gentle pressure of his hand more comforting than anything she'd felt in a long while. So for a few minutes of peace, she allowed her thumb to trace over his strong hand, enjoying his sweet caress.
****
"Damn, boo, that ain't no cottage! That's a goddamn mansion!"
Logan chuckled as he began pulling their suitcases out of the back of the Aztec, watching as the girls took in the oversized cottage in awe.
"Logan, this place puts your cabin to shame." Max climbed the stairs that divided the front lawn and she moved onto the porch, peering into the house through the kitchen window. Logan and Cindy watched from the driveway as Max scouted around.
The cottage loomed before them in the shadows of the night; two-car garage with a games room built on top attached onto the hulking and yet somehow beautiful shape of the main house. From peering through the windows, Max ascertained that the kitchen and downstairs bathroom were in the front just as you walk in. She leaned against the front railing and glanced out at the wooded area across the small gravel road they'd traveled in on. Her eyes were easily able to peer through the darkness, and in the shadows she could see large horses grazing quietly. Just back through the trees she caught the form of two large barns and the main house. Two horse trailers and a large truck decorated the driveway. She shifted her gaze to the left; directly beside them was a small, dark colored house, its long driveway empty of automobiles. Obviously who ever owned the smaller cottage had not arrived and would likely instead be a weekend occupant. Trees shrouded the house to her right, making it nearly impossible for Max to catch a clear view of the building, or figure out whether its owners were as yet in residence. Still, with the near silence of the night filling Max with peace, she was somehow unable to feel threatened from the area. Everything was so calm. She grinned and leaned over the railing, slipping her foot into one of the hand carved rails to boost herself a foot higher.
"Hey, Logan!" Max raised her voice to get his attention in the driveway. "Where're we gettin' the key to this place? Or do I hafta use my hidden talents to get us in?"
Logan rolled his eyes. "Keep your voice down unless you want to wake the entire lake. Sound carries forever up here." He waited until Max lowered her eyes in acknowledgement before grinning. "Peter said his daughter would leave the key under the deck stairs. There should be a nail under the second or third step with the key on it."
Max was down the stairs before Logan had finished speaking, and came up with the key almost immediately. Before Logan even had the chance to pick up their suitcases, the front door was open and Max and Cindy had disappeared inside.
"Don't worry, Max, I've got everything under control here." He called good naturedly, rolling his eyes at the exuberance the girls displayed in their new surroundings.
Cindy's voice carried through the cottage as Logan made his first trip from the car. "Damn, boo, we stay here long enough, we ain't never gonna be happy at our place again."
Logan's body warmed as Max's laughter reached his ears, and he listened quietly to catch her reply. "Nah, this'll be nice for a while, but it ain't home, y'know?"
"Yeah, 'n soon's we hit Seattle, you gonna be bailin' on me anyway. Don't think Original Cindy don't know that look, Max. No more virus means the plan's in action, also means Original Cindy's gonna be lookin' for a new roommate in the near future."
The girls had, by then, begun climbing the stairs to the bedrooms, so Max's reply was lost on Logan. Still, listening to their conversation had brought a few questions into Logan's mind. First of all, he had to find out what "the plan" meant, and then he had to consider the warm shivers coursing through his body at the concept of Max staying with him permanently.
He shook his head, returning to the car for the next load of suitcases. This was definitely going to be an interesting vacation.
End Part Six: Playing Games
There are very mild spoilers for second season in this, but only up to Some Assembly Required, and most of them are only vague allusions to past events.
I welcome all reviews, both here and by email, so please feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you're thinking. I can't improve my writing if I don't know what people want to see. :P
They're not mine, I just borrow them sometimes and mutate their inner voices. What can I say? It's fun. But Cameron will always own the good stuff. :P
Towards the Sunset
Part Six: Playing Games
By: Danae Bowen
Email: logansfox@rogers.com
The hour was late when Logan finally pulled into a motel on the outskirts of Minnesota. Both girls were asleep and Logan's vision was beginning to blur as he parked the car and rubbed his eyes. Excluding the hour they took for dinner in Montana, Logan had been driving for nearly eighteen hours straight, but he was at last satisfied that half of their journey was out of the way.
He pulled himself out of the car, grateful that the exosuit couldn't make him realize how much pain in which his legs would likely be after so long immobilized in the driver's seat. He chuckled to himself, shaking his head as he made his way towards the front desk.
He hadn't realized that Max was awake until he heard footsteps behind him and her small hands circled his waist. She released him a moment later and slipped under his arm as she smothered a yawn.
"Something about cars always knocks me out." She murmured quietly as they entered the silent office.
He shrugged. "It's good for you to sleep, even if you don't think you always need it." He looked down at her and winked. "'Course, you're always going to need it if I have anything to say about it."
Max blushed softly, not missing the innuendo in Logan's statement. It thoroughly amazed her how fast they'd gone from bickering children into comfortably in love, even though they'd never said the words. For a long time Max had wondered if she'd ever overcome the fears she had about Logan. Her fears had stretched into a long list: that he'd turn out like Darren, that when she had to leave she'd not be able to go, that she would get him killed, and most recently that she herself would kill him absently in the wake of her poisonous touch. She'd known the virus wouldn't last forever, Sebastian was nothing if not an astounding genius, but her fears manifested from there. When all was put to rest, would Logan still love her? Want her? Need to be with her as badly as she craved his company? The way they had been acting since their discovery of the virus had wounded Max more than she cared to admit. All she wanted to do was sit in a room with her best friend, lose herself in some gourmet Cale family recipe, and maybe think about a future where she could be loved and feel safe. Instead, Logan put his airtight emotional blocks into place, forcing hers to rise in a defensive reaction, and whatever she and Logan had been began to crumble.
Max sighed, thanking God for creating Sebastian and for sending her Joshua and Original Cindy. As much as Max loved Logan, she was afraid that without their intervention, Max would have lost sight of "the plan" and given up on her future.
She supposed Herbal was right, though, preaching his I and I logic. As much as Max missed her old friend, his words did stay with her. "It's all good, all the time."
Logan handed his credit card to the night clerk and glanced down at Max. "Say something?"
She frowned, not realizing she had spoken aloud. Finally, she shrugged. "Was just thinking about what Herbal used to say, "It's all good, all the time". It just struck me that he was right." She grinned. "I mean here we are on the run from a psycho bomber with my best girl sleeping in the back of the car, we're just recovering from the virus that kept us apart for months, and y'know, it really is all good."
He chuckled softly. "Wonder what Manticore would think of that position on life."
She raised an eyebrow. "Do we really care?"
"Nope. C'mon. Could only get us one double room, but you girls can have the beds and I'll take the sofa."
Max rolled her eyes, but chose to remain silent as they returned to the car to wake Original Cindy and bring in their overnight bags. They watched in amusement as Cindy stumbled into the bathroom to change, popping out only minutes later to fall into bed. Logan and Max were left to wonder if Cindy had ever actually awoke from her nap in the car, but they shrugged it off as unimportant.
Max grabbed her bag and thumped onto the sofa, leaning back as she searched out the book Joshua had insisted she bring. Logan looked on curiously as she began to read and bent down to check out the title.
"When did you start reading Stephen King?"
Max shrugged. "Gave it to Joshua a few months ago. Scared the crap outta him, so he's making me read it now. 'Sides, slept for so long in the car, I'll probably be awake 'till Wednesday."
She watched as Logan set his computer up on a nearby desk and began sifting through emails. "Figures. I leave town and now my informants decided to get talkative."
"Any word from Matt?"
He shrugged. "Just that he's lead in the investigation and will send any information he gets as he gets it. I also have a few people set up on the penthouse as well as your building, just in case. They say it's been totally quiet since the threat was made."
"Let's hope it stays that way." She stretched out and turned the book upside down on her stomach. "So what's this cottage like?"
He grinned. "It's larger than Jonas' and not quite as rustic. It's about twenty minutes north of a small Ontario town called Lakefield."
"Oh, God, not another Cape Haven?"
He chuckled softly and shook his head. "Nah. My dad's friend Peter built the place with his late wife back in the seventies. She grew up on the lake, and he practically raised his daughter up there after his wife passed away. My folks used to take us up every summer to spend a couple of weeks relaxing. Peter's daughter was seven or eight years older than me and somehow saw it as her responsibility to torment me in every way possible."
"Bitch?"
"Nah, she was good about it. She made us part of the family. From what I've heard, they've made some changes over the years. I think the cottage has about fifteen different rooms, a hot tub, a boat on the lake and probably some things I haven't yet heard. There isn't much to do in Lakefield, but Peterborough isn't long off. You and Cindy could probably find a club or something to hang out in."
Max watched Logan as he spoke, laughing at the image of the strong man before her being cowed by a teenager. Her eyes widened at his description of the cottage, wondering exactly how rich one had to be to afford a cottage larger than most people's homes. //Leave it up to a friend of Logan's family.// She moved the book to the floor and curled up on her side as she watched Logan peel his shirt from his body.
He glanced over at her and raised an eyebrow as she stubbornly refused to avert her gaze. Instead he chuckled and shook his head, deciding that if Max wanted something to see, he wasn't going to deny her fun. Still facing her, Logan slowly folded his shirt, allowing the powerful muscles in his arms to flex as he lifted his suitcase to the spare bed. His wheelchair was folded up next to the sofa, so he moved closer to Max, making sure to brush her shoulder as he bent to retrieve the chair. He didn't move away as he unfolded it, setting it up so that when he removed the exoskeleton he'd have full, easy access to make things a bit simpler for later in the night.
Moving away once more, Logan turned his back to her as he slid the loose pants he wore over the exoskeleton to the floor. Max's lips pulled into a half grin as he bent down to retrieve his pants, affording her a view of his rear end, covered only by the under layer of the skeleton. All of the sudden, Max was overcome with the urge to laugh and was unable to choke off giggles and they passed her lips.
Logan glanced at her, lifted an eyebrow then started laughing himself. The whole situation was ridiculous, but they were helpless to fight it. Once they'd calmed their laughter enough, Logan sat on the edge of the bed and watched her in silence for a moment. Finally, he shook his head and grinned. "So, are you gonna sit there and watch, or did you want to help me out of this suit?"
Max's eyes darkened deeply, but instead of moving, she eased herself up against the arm of the sofa, and brought her knees to her chest. "Not a good idea." Her eyes flipped to Cindy, sleeping soundly only a few feet from Logan.
"Afraid you won't be able to resist me, Max?" His eyes sparkled as he teased her.
She gave him an unladylike snort, but didn't move from the sofa. "Original Cindy's already gonna be on my case about kissin' you at the diner today, y'ain't gonna talk me into letting her catch me takin' off your pants next." She picked up the book and pointedly turned her attention away from him. When he didn't move, she glanced up at him one last time. "'Sides, if I get into your pants tonight, what would I have to look forward to at the cottage?"
Logan chuckled. "You are an interesting girl, Max."
"Go to sleep, Logan. I'll wake you around six."
"Get off my bed, then." His eyes flicked to the sofa.
She scoffed. "Yeah, like you're gonna move me now that I'm comfortable. Get yer ass on the bed and go to sleep."
"Max…"
"Oh, just shut up and take the bed."
"Both y'all shut up, or yer gonna know the meanin' of pain. You gettin' Original Cindy's words, or you gonna make me haul my ass outta this warm bed to kick yours?" Neither of them had noticed when Cindy shifted and opened her eyes, and now they both had the good grace to blush slightly as she glared at them. She took in Logan's state of undress with semi-amusement, and turned to give Max a pointed look. "Damn, boo, I ain't kiddin' when I say…"
"Cindy? Sleep. Logan? Bed. Max is reading now."
*****
Max's feet were up on the dashboard as she leaned her head back on the seat. They'd passed into Canada three hours before, she and Logan having switched off driving for the last eighteen hours in an attempt to finish the last half of the journey in one shot. Logan had taken over once again as they approached the border, and Max was feeling the distinct urge to throw herself from the car just to get some exercise.
"I swear to God, the second I get out of this car, I'm gonna run until I drop."
"I can think of better ways to work off all that energy." Logan shifted his gaze to wink at her quickly, before returning his eyes to the road.
"Okay, who are you and where's the Logan that spent a year too chicken shit to kiss me?"
He shrugged quietly. "Why waste another year playing the same old games?"
"So what, you found a new game?"
He nodded. "Yeah, and I'm having a hell of a lot more fun playing this one."
They traveled in silence for a few miles further before Max shifted again, too much energy built up in her body for her to get comfortable.
"How long now?"
"About two hours if we can keep up this pace. We're just about to pass through Toronto."
Max's eyes flickered in interest and she opened the window of the Aztec to peer out. A few minutes passed before she caught sight of the lights of the city, and above them all, the tower stood dark against the night. "CN Tower right?"
"We're not stopping, so you can forget about climbing it." Logan gave Max a lopsided grin as he took the exit to a highway leading around the city.
"Did I say anything?"
"No, but I've known you long enough to know what's on your mind."
Max grinned. "Yeah, you just keep on believing that, Logan."
"Joke all you want, Max, but I bet I know you better than almost anyone. Like right now, I'd bet that you'd like nothing more than for me to…"
"Keep your eyes on the road? Wow, I'm impressed." Her eyes rolled skyward as she turned to peer back out the window, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Her eyes flicked back to meet his as his hand inched over to stroke her leg softly. She met his smile with a small one of her own as she relaxed into the touch and covered his hand with her own. She wasn't about to let Logan know, but she found the gentle pressure of his hand more comforting than anything she'd felt in a long while. So for a few minutes of peace, she allowed her thumb to trace over his strong hand, enjoying his sweet caress.
****
"Damn, boo, that ain't no cottage! That's a goddamn mansion!"
Logan chuckled as he began pulling their suitcases out of the back of the Aztec, watching as the girls took in the oversized cottage in awe.
"Logan, this place puts your cabin to shame." Max climbed the stairs that divided the front lawn and she moved onto the porch, peering into the house through the kitchen window. Logan and Cindy watched from the driveway as Max scouted around.
The cottage loomed before them in the shadows of the night; two-car garage with a games room built on top attached onto the hulking and yet somehow beautiful shape of the main house. From peering through the windows, Max ascertained that the kitchen and downstairs bathroom were in the front just as you walk in. She leaned against the front railing and glanced out at the wooded area across the small gravel road they'd traveled in on. Her eyes were easily able to peer through the darkness, and in the shadows she could see large horses grazing quietly. Just back through the trees she caught the form of two large barns and the main house. Two horse trailers and a large truck decorated the driveway. She shifted her gaze to the left; directly beside them was a small, dark colored house, its long driveway empty of automobiles. Obviously who ever owned the smaller cottage had not arrived and would likely instead be a weekend occupant. Trees shrouded the house to her right, making it nearly impossible for Max to catch a clear view of the building, or figure out whether its owners were as yet in residence. Still, with the near silence of the night filling Max with peace, she was somehow unable to feel threatened from the area. Everything was so calm. She grinned and leaned over the railing, slipping her foot into one of the hand carved rails to boost herself a foot higher.
"Hey, Logan!" Max raised her voice to get his attention in the driveway. "Where're we gettin' the key to this place? Or do I hafta use my hidden talents to get us in?"
Logan rolled his eyes. "Keep your voice down unless you want to wake the entire lake. Sound carries forever up here." He waited until Max lowered her eyes in acknowledgement before grinning. "Peter said his daughter would leave the key under the deck stairs. There should be a nail under the second or third step with the key on it."
Max was down the stairs before Logan had finished speaking, and came up with the key almost immediately. Before Logan even had the chance to pick up their suitcases, the front door was open and Max and Cindy had disappeared inside.
"Don't worry, Max, I've got everything under control here." He called good naturedly, rolling his eyes at the exuberance the girls displayed in their new surroundings.
Cindy's voice carried through the cottage as Logan made his first trip from the car. "Damn, boo, we stay here long enough, we ain't never gonna be happy at our place again."
Logan's body warmed as Max's laughter reached his ears, and he listened quietly to catch her reply. "Nah, this'll be nice for a while, but it ain't home, y'know?"
"Yeah, 'n soon's we hit Seattle, you gonna be bailin' on me anyway. Don't think Original Cindy don't know that look, Max. No more virus means the plan's in action, also means Original Cindy's gonna be lookin' for a new roommate in the near future."
The girls had, by then, begun climbing the stairs to the bedrooms, so Max's reply was lost on Logan. Still, listening to their conversation had brought a few questions into Logan's mind. First of all, he had to find out what "the plan" meant, and then he had to consider the warm shivers coursing through his body at the concept of Max staying with him permanently.
He shook his head, returning to the car for the next load of suitcases. This was definitely going to be an interesting vacation.
End Part Six: Playing Games