There was no one else in the room apart from a bored looking security guard lolling on a chair beneath one of the displays. Gregg looked back into the...pit. The snakes were still looking back at him. As he stared back at them they formed themselves into two groups and slid off to either side leaving a clear path between Gregg and the jewel. Gregg astonished by the behaviour of the snakes could only look on dumbly. The guard coughed and stirred in his chair. Gregg knew that this wasn't the time. "Well, to be honest" She said, "I started to wait it out, but decided since I hate storms and being alone in a strange town, I would grit my teeth and drive out here slowly, because if was with you, I'd be safe."I grinned and pulled her into my arms hugging her tightly, so pleased she made it back to the cottage."Well, babe, first things first, those wet clothes have got to go."I unbuttoned her shirt and helped her remove it."Throw your jeans on the floor and we can dry them later" I smiled.Now. You really are serious about the cooking." You bet. But mostly it was good timing; they'd just re-done the kitchen in here when I was looking for a place. Couldn't pass up a new kitchen. Have a seat." He gestured towards the kitchen table. "How's your ankle?" A lot better, thanks." She sat with a sigh of relief. "Can't wait until this cast is off, though. I don't like hobbling around, and it's just plain old annoying." I know the feeling. I sprained my ankle last year and was out for four. Her heart was racing at the thought of a quick romp before someone else showed up. The idea had merit and I started getting excited.It almost felt like I was outside of my body and watching as I reached out to her. However, as soon as we made contact I was there again, back in my own body. The feel of her body expanding and contracting was so solid. Something in me had expected anything but a real, flesh and blood woman, but holding her quieted that voice and told every fiber of my being that.