“You know exactly what I’m talking about. Slow down or reap the consequence; that’s all I’m saying.”
“Oh, if I drink too much, is that also a death wish?” she shot back, slightly braver now that she had several shots of vodka in her system.
Marcus paused from cutting his grilled chicken fillet and lay his fork down. After wiping his mouth, he took Sue’s hand in his and pulled her close.
“Look Red, I know you think you’re temporarily safe with all these people around and that I won’t blister your ass here, but you’re dead wrong. I will calmly take your hand and escort you to the car where I will pull your cute little panties down and spank you. Then we will return and finish our dinner and you will be most uncomfortable, do you understand?” he asked softly.
Ty and Kelsey heard every word and tried their best to ignore it. Kelsey was worried about her own bottom tonight and though she sympathized with her friend, she wasn’t willing to take on any more trouble than she was already in.
Sue straightened up and smoothed her napkin on her lap, thinking. Should she risk it? Her bottom was very tender from her fiasco earlier in the day and suddenly she didn’t think pushing him any further was worth it. Picking up her drink she drained her vodka and tonic and set the glass back down with a thud.
“You are an evil man, Marcus,” she told him, “but you win.”
“Thank you,” he replied, picking up his fork. “I’m not evil; I’m concerned about some of your habits. And I’ll tell you something else…” he began.
“Oh please do, I so love it when you point out all my faults.”
“You’re crazy about me,” he informed her with a grin.
Sue puffed up and saw Kelsey brace for the explosion. It never came. Watching in fascination she saw Sue slowly relax, a tiny smile tilting her lips. She was crazy about him she realized, but that was something best kept to herself. He already had an over inflated ego as far as she could tell.
“Crazy, being the key word,” she replied, picking up her fork. “A girl would have to be somewhat off her rocker, just to put up with you. So Kelsey,” she changed the subject. “What’s new with you? Watched any good movies lately?” she asked casually
“Actually,” Kelsey replied, “I had a movie I was planning to watch, but I accidentally broke it. Turns out I really didn’t need to watch it again anyway,” Kelsey smiled, blushing madly.
“That’s wonderful,” Sue cried.
“Why is it wonderful that she broke her movie?” Marcus asked, confused.
“It just is, that’s all,” Sue stated. “I’m so happy for you, Kels.”
“Did I miss something here?” Marcus asked looking from one to the other as they both started laughing
Ty smiled, picked up Kelsey’s hand and kissed it.
“I take it that whatever crazy scheme this is regarding came from Susan?” he asked.
“Um, well…” Kelsey stammered, blushing.
“Yes,” Sue replied, “it did. Kelsey was worried about…you know and I thought…”
“What the devil is going on here?” Marcus complained, looking around the table.
“I’ll tell you later babe,” Sue replied. “I think this occasion calls for a bottle of champagne.”
Kelsey clapped her hands, “That’s a wonderful idea,” she said, thinking maybe Ty wouldn’t spank a tipsy girl.
“Waitress,” Sue called, while Marcus looked at his brother in confusion wondering how they went from Red not having any more to drink to ordering a bottle of champagne.
“Don’t worry about it, Marcus,” Ty stated, smiling. “I think you’ve been out maneuvered, but things should get interesting on the way home.”
Chapter Nine
Sue and Kelsey opted to ride together in the back seat on the way home and although Marcus and Ty tried to listen, all they heard were whispers and giggles, sometimes followed by outright hysterical laughter. It seemed every time one of the guys opened their mouths, even in the most basic conversation, there was something funny about it.
“Keep laughing, Sweet Pea,” Ty drawled, turning around and giving Kelsey a look. “I don’t think you’ll find things quite so funny later.”
“What’s that all about?” Sue whispered. “I thought everything was fine.”
