Chapter 55

Sam trailed Elliott after slipping on her jeans, pulling her sweater over her head, to the kitchen and did as he asked. He went out the door onto the deck and she could hear him cleaning the grill. She set the table for two, making herself at home, opening and closing doors and drawers in the kitchen. The salad from the fridge and salad bowls from the cupboard were placed on the table. Using tongs, she placed some salad in each of their bowls. Now, for salad dressing, there was a ranch-like dressing, the only one in the fridge, and she placed it on the table, as well.

When Elliott stuck his head in the door, she saw he had put on a different jacket. "Can you hand me the steaks, please?" he asked. "I have them marinating there on the counter." He pointed to the rectangular box-like container sitting on the counter beside the fridge.

Sam handed the container out the door. "Salad's ready to eat if you're really hungry."

"I'll be back in a minute. It won't take the steaks long."

The sm