[[ 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 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."

[justdidntseeit]

She tips her head, and rises on her toes to kiss the corner of his mouth.

"You have such good ideas."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"Don't I, though?"

He gives her a smirk, then nods towards the bedroom.

"C'mon, you pick out what y'want me to use on you."

[justdidntseeit]

She breathes a laugh, giving his hand a playful tug as she leads the way.

"Well, now that you put it like that ... "

(She'll definitely be making the most of Bill's generosity.)