[[ wheelsy, south carolina ]]

[justdidntseeit]

[ previously: "'bout damn time." ]



Kate shifts her weight on the stepladder, and twists slightly, all the better to reach the junction box. This new chrome fixture is going to be a gorgeous accent, if she can -- just --

"Ow ow ow ow ow."

She drops the wrench, and presses down on the pinched skin between her thumb and forefinger. A thin line of blood blooms beneath the pressure she applies; she bites her lower lip, blinking hard, and determinedly does not look at her reflection in the bathroom mirror.

She's not going to cry.

She's not.

Comments

[wheelsy_sheriff]

He has another bite and laughs as he catches melted ice cream running down his chin with the back of his hand.

"If you could, an' leave your bowl here, too."

[justdidntseeit]

Laughing: "You're shameless."

She tucks into her dessert, enjoying how good this small, silly moment feels.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"What?"

His innocent smile breaks into a laugh before he works on polishing off the rest of his dessert.

Done, he sips what's left of his bourbon and sighs.

"I tell you what, if my mom was experimentin' with this I am more than happy t'be a guinea pig."

[justdidntseeit]

She slides over what's left of her bowl, and takes Bill's empty one to the sink, lips curving into a half-smirk.

"So that means I can start slipping you veggie burgers."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

Bill gives her a happy smile and drags her bowl over to him, digging out a spoonful.

"Oh, no. You might've put one over on me with the lasagna, but I'll know a veggie burger when I taste one."

Licking filling off his spoon, he lifts it up and points it at her.

"An', much as I love you, gotta say slippin' me one might be grounds t'break this whole thing off."

[justdidntseeit]

"Oh, really?"

Wiping her hands on a clean cloth, she turns to face him, expression equal parts amused and self-satisfied.

"Because if that's the case, sheriff, you should've ended this months ago."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"I never had cause," he says, then pauses.

Eyes sliding sideways, he studies her while licking a stray blob of blueberry off of his thumb.

"Or did I?"

[justdidntseeit]

She approaches the table, looking all too innocent.

Placing a hand on his shoulder, she leans close.

"Several times," she whispers, lips grazing his ear.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

His hand lowers as she draws in closer, and a shiver skates down his spine with the warmth of her breath on his skin and the press of her lips.

That doesn't stop his surprise, and slight indignation when he hears her words and looks at her.

"You're lyin'."

[justdidntseeit]

She kisses his temple, and draws back to look at him.

"Am I?"

[wheelsy_sheriff]

He eyes her, uncertain.

"Or you're messin' with me."

Doubtful more of himself than of her he asks, "When?"

[justdidntseeit]

"Telling you defeats the purpose," she says, "but I'll give you a hint."

A beat, and a smirk.

"Those Tex-Mex burgers you love so much?"

Fresh salsa, homemade guacamole, and extra cheese go a long way to disguise the black-bean patty.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"No."

His face is a mix of disappointment, shock, and wounded trust.

"Kate, that ain't fair."

Shaking his head, he seeks comfort in the last bites of pie and ice cream.

"From now on I want to interrogate the cow my burgers are comin' from."

[justdidntseeit]

"It's out of love, not spite. Promise." She strokes his nape with the tips of her fingers, light and fond. "Besides, you know I bring home the good stuff from Frank's."

Each time Kate stops by the butcher's counter, she's mindful to only pick up local grass-fed beef and free-range poultry.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

He loves it when she does that, and his head bows just a bit as her fingers graze his skin.

"Sure. Y'know, none of my other girlfriends ever smuggle healthy food into my diet."

[justdidntseeit]

Encouraged, she threads her fingertips into his hair.

"I'm sorry to say this, but maybe they're just using you, sheriff."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"Just usin' me? But, I'm so lovable."

He murmurs a sound of approval, letting his fork rest in his empty bowl.

"An' handsome."

[justdidntseeit]

"Mm-hmm."

Her free hand slides up his shoulder, and higher; the pad of her thumb sweeps up and down the back of his neck.

"And they're taking advantage."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

He's melting beneath her hands, and it feels so good.

He glances back to give her a smile.

"But not you?"

[justdidntseeit]

Her fingers tighten in a brief, affectionate squeeze.

"Not me."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

His smile warms, and his head goes down again beneath her touch.

"Maybe I outta just forget those other girls, then, an' stick with the burger swappin' one I got here."

[justdidntseeit]

"Maybe you should."

With a slight flex of her fingers, she ghosts her nails along the patch of skin above his collar.

"And maybe you should think about giving her that back rub you mentioned -- she'd probably like that."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"Hm, yeah, I reckon I could do that now."

He turns to look back at her, and reaches for one of her hands.

"If it'll make her happy."

[justdidntseeit]

"It might make her very happy," she says, slipping her hand in his, "but there's only one way to find out for sure."

Dipping her head, she kisses his cheek.

"And you still have a story to finish, if you're up for multitasking."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

He accepts the kiss and squeezes her fingers, then gets up from his chair and faces her.

"Well let's go find out, then, an' I'll give you all the details."