Thread: The Road To Fame (Sumi & Mr Quixotic)

For the first time since he'd met her, Karmen appeared to be lost for words, and Duane's expression had glittered with amusement when he'd tilted his head to peer. Of course, the silence didn't last long, and the cocky smirk was nearly wiped off his face with her response. Nearly, but not quite. Live up to expectations? Duane arched a brow as he repeated her own phrasing, then grinned. Nice to know that you're obviously expecting something? However, if I truly don't meet your selective criteria, we'll both just have to forever wonder about which of us would've lived up to their promises. Duke then graced Karmen with his famed doe-eyed, sad, puppy-dog expression, and sighed theatrically as his focus returned to the road. Maybe we can find another Reddell Motel in the next town, where the men are more your type. Pity, it could have been fun. As keen as the man was to get into Karmen's pants, and intended to do so, baiting her was just as enjoyable, and Duke wasn't going to provide her the satisfaction of admitting he was, in any way, desperate. The conversation caused the miles to fly by, and Duane expected they'd arrive at their destination by mid-morning, in plenty of time to lunch together, locate accommodations for the night, escort Karmen on the promised shopping expedition and plan their next move, when the car began to play up. The first occasion was over quickly, however when it happened a second, and Duane attempted to be appear unconcerned by continuing to banter with Karmen, in the back of his mind, he'd he began to think that they may arrive a touch later than expected. That they'd possibly not arrive at all hadn't even been contemplated, until the engine exploded. The moment flames shot from the hood, Duke knew that he and the Thunderbird's relationship was over. A sense of dread flowed through his body at the thought of having to walk for fifteen miles through the deserted landscape, with the blazing hot sun bearing down, and no water to keep them hydrated. People had perished in those conditions, and he was about to blurt that out, when his eyes found Karmen, and the comment died in his mouth. No point in scaring the shit out of her, plus, after the initial shock, Duane's natural optimism quickly returned. As did his natural instincts when he exited the vehicle, and decided it needed to be made disappear. There was no use in his being mad or upset as it would achieve nought, and anyways as Karmen stepped out, she appeared to be pissed enough for the both of them. Duane continued to whistle her song as he glanced up from the trunk, removed their luggage, and listened to her complaints. His countenance remained calm after he'd gathered the last lag, and finally noted her posture - he'd seen that enough times before to know what it meant -, with her words still echoing in his ears. Who the hell wears heels in the desert? Duke immediately realised his mistake, and quickly raised a hand in a gesture of apology, then tossed their bags to the side of the car, and approached Karmen.I'd love to be the bearer of good news, but unfortunately, this baby's not going anywhere. She's cooked. Duane slapped the roof and shrugged. It's not that far, only five miles or so to the town. A stroll in the park. A little white lie wouldn't hurt if it'd help lift Karmen's spirits, and with that in mind, Duane Edwards did something he'd never done with a woman before. He removed his treasured Pork Pie hat from the top of his head, and placed it on hers. That should help with the sun. However, if you don't really don't want to walk. Duke couldn't help himself as he stepped back, and slid his gaze down Karmen's body, then looked back up, with a twinkle in his eyes, and a grin plastered across his face. We can wait by the side of the road, and have you show a bit of leg when a vehicle passes by. Who wouldn't stop? The comment was followed by a low whistle of approval and a wink, before he stepped past her, and sauntered around to the drivers side of the Thunderbird, leaned in, released the handbrake and met her eyes again over the roof. Now, let's get rid of this car before those lovely men in uniform pass by. Unless your fantasy also includes handcuffs and a jail cell? He cocked a brow, and didn't directly answer her question, but instead pointed to a spot about one-hundred yards distant, where two red rock cliffs, with an abyss between them, towered above the highway, Over there is perfect. His head then disappeared from view as Duke lowered his shoulder to the door-frame, and shoved with all his weight in an attempt to get the vehicle rolling.