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

Momentarily, as Duke congratulated himself on the witty comment, he thought that he'd won this round, and that Karmen would be standing there with her mouth wide open, trying to formulate a response. After all, it was morning, and as far as he aware the coffee he'd just handed to her was her first of the day, whilst he'd been awake for over an hour, and the caffeine he'd consumed had already had time to work its magic. Duane had an unfair advantage, and didn't have a problem at all with using it. Therefore, what unexpectedly popped out of her mouth stunned him, and it was his own jaw that dropped. Then his eyes blinked rapidly, Duane shook his head in admiration, and a grin crept onto his face. Touche, he laughed as he issued the tap to her butt thinking what a very nice butt it was and sauntered around to the other side of the vehicle. I'm sure you'll receive the opportunity to hear all about just how hard my night was, and to experience exactly how much harder it could have been, whilst I? The man's nose scrunched up and his lips pursed as he appraised Karmen, able only to see her upper half from his vantage point. I'll be looking forward to waking up with a satisfied grin on my face. That is, if I manage any sleep at all. Now, hop in, and we'll begin your training. I suspect you'll be a quick study. That was just before his demeanour turned mock-serious, and he deliberately made Karmen aware of exactly how much his antics in the Reddell Motel had brought in. If she'd had any ethical hesitation in regards to sharing in stolen proceeds, or helping to obtain further, he hoped those would be put aside by the mentioned sum. And that appeared to work a charm or otherwise, underneath Karmen's apparent initial shock the night before, already lay a natural thief like himself as she entered the vehicle. Her reply was music to his ears, however Duane found himself unable to respond, as his attention was distracted by the sensation of her hand on his thigh, and the sweet sugar in her tone. After what they'd been speaking about a minute or two previously, the last thing he desired was to experience any physical reaction that Karmen could note, and tease him about, but, of course, the more he attempted not to think about it, or acknowledge the placement of her hand, the more likely that was to occur. So he remained silent, and instead pretended to have trouble locating the ignition key. It was only when she pulled back that he titled his neck and allowed his gaze to drift over her shoulder to the Reddell Motel, before he looked to Karmen. Duane nodded in agreement they'd best get out of there. The nearest large town is 100 miles West. Duane had checked the map earlier Reddell was situated in the very North East Corner of Nevada, whilst Vegas was in the South, and they'd need to traverse the entire state to arrive there. I'm sure, we'll be able to locate a nice dress shop, and find you something appropriate. His gaze drifted down to appraise her body as his hand turned the key, Though, we may have different ideas on what exactly that is, then he pulled his eyes back to her face, flicked Karmen a cheeky smirk, and cocked a brow. Time to show you how to handle a stick-shift. With that, Duke's foot pressed in the clutch, his hand found the gear lever, and he fired up the engine. Click....click...click...Thump! He timed the ignition with the movement of the gears, however the engine didn't fire up, and the surprise caused Duke to release the clutch, and the car bunny-hopped two feet. He shook his head, glanced at Karmen, and attempted it again. Click....click...click...Thump! The car shot forward another two feet before it jerked to a halt, and he swore. Click....click...click...Thump! The third time, Duane's curse was accompanied by his fist coming up to bang against the steering wheel, before he tried again. Click...click....Purr Sometimes they just require a little warming up. Duane shot Karmen an embarrassed shrug, and pulled out onto the road. When they'd exited the town limits, the ticking coming from the engine had settled down, and as Duke drove down the lonely asphalt highway, surrounded by desert and tumbleweeds, with the sun blazing down from the azure blue sky, he wound down his window to allow in some fresh air, rested one elbow on the sill, and turned his attention to the woman in the passenger seat. We should really build up a proper bankroll before heading to Vegas. A city that size is expensive. The words were spoken lightly, but contained an ulterior motive. He'd become enamoured with the idea of having her as a partner-in-crime, and didn't wish to provide Karmen the opportunity to disappear in the maze of a large Metropolis, before they'd truly become acquainted. The car suddenly sputtered, which drew Duane's attention, and he witnessed a puff of steam shoot from the hood. Then, just as quickly, the vehicle regained it's smooth rhythm, the steam disappeared, and his twinkling blue eyes returned to Karmen. Shall we first tour the sights of Nevada? It might be awhile until either of us receives the opportunity to take another vacation. And why stop at Nevada, Duane had never visited the surrounding States, either.