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

Duane shook his head in response to Karmen's comment, and his gaze lifted to survey the deserted highway, blue sky, and blazing sun overhead, before it made its way back to her face. He hadn't quite caught what she'd mumbled to herself, but assumed it was about him, and even in the midst of their troubles, Duke felt somewhat like a schoolboy dealing with his first crush. Karmen was one of a kind, and although they'd been acquainted for less than a day, he thought he'd finally discovered a woman he wanted to spend time with, for more than simply what she offered in the sack. Getting into her panties could wait if it meant their first occasion wouldn't also be their last. They were just subliminal thoughts, however, and ones that Duane himself wasn't completely aware of. Outwardly the man had convinced himself that the constant teasing was simply a way to increase Karmen's sexual frustration, and ensure when the moment came his advances wouldn't be rejected. Any further banter was put to rest as the burning sun sapped his resources, and perspiration stuck the fabric of his shirt to his skin. He'd barely mustered the energy to roll his eyes at her whining when everything changed with the sight of the car, and he forgot all about how tired and sweaty he was. Or that by the time they arrived in the next town, Karmen might be so pissed with Duke having gotten them into this situation, that she'd refuse to speak to him at all, let alone sleep with him. A grin lit up his face, and the natural cockiness immediately returned. The story he told the driver rolled effortlessly off his tongue, and Duane's demeanour was that one of self-satisfaction when he planted a kiss on Karmen's lips, and motioned for her to enter the car. His expression soon changed to one of awe, and pure admiration for the woman beside him. Tut-tut, you naughty girl, he whispered as the man agreed to Karmen's not so subtle request for a place to stay, then his voice returned to its normal volume. I say that's a great idea, Honeybunch. Duke issued a loving swat to Karmen's butt as the driver exited the vehicle to pop the trunk for their luggage. As Duane had estimated, the man was around his own age and height, with a slim athletic body, buzz-cut brown hair, and matching brown eyes, which were revealed with the removal of his sunglasses. I'm Duane, and this here's Karmen. We really appreciate the offer, Duke spoke as he shook the man's hand, and inclined his head towards his supposed bride. No problem, I'm Kurt, We Nevadian's pride ourselves on our hospitality, and my wife and I shall be glad of the company. Daisy should be home from the church bake-sale by the time we arrive. I know what it's like to be so crazy in love, that you won't let anything stand in your way. You're a lucky woman. The man smiled at Karmen as, after their bags were placed, he took his seat behind the wheel, and watched Duane slide into the rear, and slip an arm around her waist. I'm due to start a shift at three o'clock, but I'm certain you won't cause Daisy any trouble. Kurt appraised them for a few seconds longer, as if to satisfy himself that his opinion was indeed correct, then turned his back, and pulled the Mustang onto the bitumen. The thief's mind had been too occupied Kurt's mention of a guest-room, and the probability that he and Karmen would need to share a bed, to concern himself with what type of job would have the man commencing a shift at mid-afternoon. However, it was doubtful, even if his curiosity had been aroused, that he would have got a word in anyway before the man spoke again. So where you are folks from, and why does her Papa hate you? That did get his attention, and Duke stopped whispering pretend sweet nothings in his pretend fiance's ear as he floundered in an attempt to recall the name of the State north of Nevada. Was it Idaho or Iowa? Um, we're from, uh. Idaho. With eye's locked on Karmen's, he held his breath and awaited the man's reaction Idaho, huh? Never been there. Duane released the breath, content from the man's response that his hesitation hadn't been noted, and that he'd guessed correctly. It was then he decided that, having impressed him with her improvisational skills earlier, it'd be entertaining to see if Karmen could do it again. And I'm not really certain. Why does your Papa hate me, baby? The conman shot her a conspiratorial wink, then averted his gaze, and left his companion to satiate Kurt's curiosity whilst he rested his eyes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mustang, unlike the Thunderbird, experienced no engine trouble, and a short time later with their driver having done most of the talking, and Duke smiling to himself, Kurt pulled up in the driveway of a two-story red-brick residence on the outskirts of a town that appeared to be at least ten times larger than Reddell. You two collect your belongings, and I'll let my wife know we have company. Kurt exited the vehicle and popped the trunk, then walked towards the house, cupped his hands to his mouth, and screamed for his beloved at the top of his voice. This will be an experience. Duane straightened, poked Karmen playfully in the ribs, and teasingly added, Won't it, Sweetiepie?, before he unlatched the door, and appraised the bright green lawn, surrounded by a white picket fence. Nice place though, and I'll wager there's a few valuables lying around. I hope you don't intend on taking advantage of our new friends hospitality? The manner in which Duke's blue eyes twinkled when he brought them back to Karmen's, as simultaneously the sound of a woman's voice cut through the dry desert air, should have been warning enough that if she didn't, Duane certainly would.