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

Never criticise a woman's choice of attire, especially her shoes, no matter how unsuitable to the conditions, or inappropriate to the situation they are. Duane immediately realised his mistake, and attempted to atone for his error of judgement by holding up his hand. However, the effort to apologise wasn't driven by altruism - Duke had quickly realised that he could hardly expect Karmen to listen to his clothing advice on their planned shopping expedition if she were still seething at the comment about her heels, - unlike the gift of his treasured Pork Pie hat, which was. The thief felt responsible for their current situation, and although he may not have been prepared to admit that outright, he'd do what he could to ensure Karmen's safety and comfort. Additionally, her expression and posture told him that he'd better do something to soothe her before matters got out of hand. Their exchanges thus far had been flirtatious and teasing, but he'd received a small glimpse of another side to Karmen that, if he were to be honest, attracted him to her even more. Feisty women had always been Duane's type, and as much as it made him keen to discover just how feisty she could be, now wasn't the time or place. Anger and fighting would only serve to drain their energy, and his chivalry appeared to soothe her. Duane even imagined he'd seen a smile attempt to break out on her face. With her assistance, the car was soon at the edge of the cliff. Thanks for the ride. Duane slapped the trunk, and then watched it fall over the edge. He expected to hear the shrieking of metal, or an explosion, but after half a minute, there'd been nothing. The abyss must have been deeper than he'd anticipated, and any sounds lost between the red-rock walls. Knowing that the Thunderbird would never be located, Duke was content when he turned to Karmen, wiped sweat from his brow with the back of a hand, and decided not to mention how cute she looked. Nothing like a woman all hot and bothered, with a flushed face and beads of perspiration coating her skin. Hopefully he'd get to see her in such a state again, under different circumstances. That makes sense. Duane nodded, although the wearing of heels still didn't particularly make sense to him - didn't she own a pair of sneakers? -, and settled the proffered Pork-Pie on his head. You don't need worry about finding someone else to join in your fun. It's just I, being such a gentleman, considered it would be disrespectful to push my luck. Duane smirked, and lowered his eyes down her body as he reached for his cases with one hand, then touched her arm when he straightened, with luggage in hands, and twinkling blue eyes met hers. However, I'm also aware there are times when a man should be anything but a gentleman, as I'm certain you'll discover. Now let's move. As they walked, Karmen's grumbling and complaints caused Duane's own throat to feel more parched, and the bags to grow heavier in his hands, and he was about to ask her to please stop when he was distracted by a plume of dust that was visible over her shoulder. Car. His tone contained a note of excitement as he came to a halt, and swiveled to ensure what he believed himself to have seen wasn't a mirage. As the plume grew closer, he dropped his cases, and grinned. See, it's our lucky day, don't know what you were whining about. You need to learn to trust Ole' Duane. His cockiness had returned, but Duke forgot about asking Karmen to display some leg to attract the driver's attention, and instead, stood himself with a hand in the air in readiness to wave the approaching vehicle down. Five minutes later, Duane bent down to speak to the driver a man who appeared to be about his own age and size, wearing jeans and a chequered shirt, with eyes obscured by sunglasses of a red and white Mustang, and explained their situation. Me and my sweetheart, Duane indicated Karmen, are on the run from her Daddy. He don't like me, and wanted her to marry some rich guy she don't hardly even know instead. I figured if we were betrothed, that he'd have to accept we're truly in love, and so we're headed to Vegas to get married. Decided to hitch so as to ensure I could provide my fiance with the expensive service and honeymoon she deserves, but the last guy who picked us up was some pervert, and I had to get us out of the vehicle before I beat him upside the head Karmen's not one for violence. And that's how we ended up here. Isn't that right, baby? Duke straightened to throw an arm over Karmen's shoulder and plant a surprise kiss on her lips needed to make this look real as he unlatched the passenger door, then returned his attention to the stranger. We appreciate the offer of a ride. The nearest town will do, and we'll catch a bus or something to Vegas from there. Duane had already motioned for Karmen to hop in by the time he shot the driver a cheery smile, and allowed him an opportunity to respond. With a story like the one he'd just spun, how could any reasonable man refuse?