Boys And Their Toys

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi’s recovery was steady but it was slower than she would have liked. The hole in her ribs was healing well and though she still needed bandages on her ribs and back, they were much smaller than they had been and the wounds hardly bled anymore. It had been almost a month and August was still fretting over her level of activity. Maxi thought it was sweet and cute how much he worried about her, but it was also a little frustrating in its own right. She felt much stronger these days and it didn’t hurt all that bad, but one wince and he expected her to stop whatever she was doing and rest…unless it was pleasuring him. But they hadn’t truly gone at it since she’d been shot. That was possibly the most frustrating thing of all. Now that she was preparing to return to work, she hoped there would be less fretting and more getting back to normal. It was time to prove she was not a delicate flower! She could take care of herself again! Getting shot wasn’t all that big a deal…though she had to admit, she felt kind of badass with a bullet wound. It was silly, but it made her feel tough.

Since she was feeling tough and ready to get back to work, she had gone out the day before to check her truck’s engine. When the weather was cold and she left it for too long, the old man tended to get rusty and didn’t want to cooperate. It took a couple tries, but he finally started up and she was inspecting under the hood to make sure all was running fine when August appeared in her driveway. She didn’t understand what made him more upset, the fact that she was doing manual labor in her condition or the fact that she was doing anything that would get her pretty white hands dirty. Either way, she’d gotten a firm scolding for just messing with her truck and it didn’t matter how much she insisted it was an old vehicle and needed some maintenance every now and then. Some things she just didn’t see as worth taking it into the shop for anymore when she could fix it herself. He insisted on her showering afterward even though she hadn’t gotten sweaty and a thorough handwashing in the sink would have been fine. It was actually pretty funny when she really thought about it, but bizarre too. It had been even funnier threatening to touch his face with her dirty hands and seeing him veer out of the way of her hands. He wouldn’t make her pay for it while she was still injured.

Now she was sitting in her living room grading papers, dressed in a pair of jeans, a loose sweatshirt and her flaming red hair thrown up in a ponytail. She was engrossed in reading while she waited for August to come home. He had some errand to run, giving her some time to herself. As she read, the end of her pen clutched between her teeth, her fingers absentmindedly running over her ribs, she heard car doors closing outside her house. With how many doors she heard, she thought the neighbors must have had company, but then it sounded like too many doors. Her brow furrowed curiously, she stood, her reading glasses still on as she moved to the window. There was August…parked behind a strange car. Where did that car come from? And where was her truck?! She took her glasses off and slipped her Ugg boots on at the front door, leaving her glasses on the side table before she opened the front door and moved onto the porch. August looked a little smug and she gave him a curious look as he walked up to the house. “Hey baby…whose car is that? And where’s my truck?” she asked, stepping down her porch steps and moving toward him. Somebody had stolen her grandpa’s truck!

[AUGUST WITT]

August knew Maxine was special to him. He knew she had meant more to him than any other woman ever had before. What he had never expected was how protective he would be towards the fiery redhead he called his own. It was becoming increasingly clear that, whether he liked titles or not, she was his girlfriend. He wouldn't admit it but he had the feeling she referred to him as such and he didn't mind as much as he expected he would these days. He worried about her constantly and showed it in obnoxious ways, like checking up on her and forcing her to stop any behavior he deemed detrimental to her recovery. He'd even gone so far as to take her to get a pedicure, refusing to paint her nails himself and not liking her bending over to paint her own toes. It was the wincing. He knew Maxine would never ask for help and she wasn't the type of woman to abuse his generosity. Quite the opposite.. He suspected she held back how much pain she felt around him to discourage him from overreacting, which was what she said he was doing. August knew better. It wasn't he who was overreacting but her who wasn't taking the situation seriously enough.

August found his breaking point when he caught Maxine messing with her old truck. He never liked the thought of her meddling with piece of junk and he knew she only kept it for sentimental purposes. Probably also for financial reasons. He fussed until she caved and went back in to rest. He didn't like treating Maxine like a child, but he also felt as though she acted like one constantly like when she threatened to touch him with her filthy hands. August didn't care for that type of playfulness and he let it be known, though he knew Maxine didn't take him seriously. He promised not to even touch her until she had completely cleaned herself up, the foul little woman.

That night August did his research on what a suitable car for Maxine would be, pouring over safety features and car reports. Finally he made his decision; Maxine was getting a new car and the death trap she drove would be hauled off. He went to the Volvo dealership in the morning and purchased a brand new 2013 blue Volve S60 in Maxine's name and made plans to have it delivered right to her home, and for the truck to be hauled off at the same time.

Everything went off without a hitch, which was surprising seeing how incompetent he expected everyone to be. Maxine was just clamoring onto her porch as the men from Volvo were leaving. It was hard to keep the smirk off his face. He knew he'd won this battle and there was really nothing Maxine could do about it. “Hey baby…whose car is that? And where’s my truck?” she asked coming towards him. "That poor excuse of a vehicle is no longer your problem." He informed her, coming closer, his eyes firm as if to tell her not to dare fuss. "That," He said nodding his head towards the Volvo, though his eyes stayed locked on her, "..will be your mode of transportation from here on out. It's a Volvo S60, one of the safest cars on the market. It's paid for and completely in your name, and if you need assistance with the monthly insurance I will gladly take on the expense. It's a small price for your safety." August reached a hand up to cup her cheek, leaning in and pushing his lips towards her other cheek gently. "Now I can stop worrying about you maintaining that old pile of metal. Your delicate hands are meant for pleasing me, not a truck and I'd like for them to stay clean and soft." He pecked her cheek before stepping back and holding the keys up. "Shall we take a drive?" He finally grinned, pleased with himself.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“That poor excuse of a vehicle is no longer your problem.” Maxi gave August a dismayed look, about to argue before she saw the warning in his eyes. That was her grandpa’s truck, though! Where did it go? She’d be heartbroken if it was in a junkyard somewhere, and knowing August, that’s exactly where it was. “That…” She followed the direction his head nodded and truly inspected the shiny, beautiful blue car. “…will be your mode of transportation from here on out. It’s a Volvo S60, one of the safest cars on the market. It’s paid for and completely in your name, and if you need assistance with the monthly insurance I will gladly take on the expense. It’s a small price for your safety.” Her wide, astonished eyes watched him as he came closer, drinking in every word he spoke. He bought her a car…he bought her a car?! And one of the safest ones on the market too! Just so she would be safe! She was touched and excited all at the same time, her wide open mouth slowly turning up with a big smile. He touched her cheek and she smiled more, watching him as he leaned in. “Now I can stop worrying about you maintaining that old pile of metal. Your delicate hands are meant for pleasing me, not a truck and I’d like for them to stay clean and soft.” As he kissed her cheek, she smiled from ear to ear and glanced over at the car as she giggled softly. Maybe it was rather backwards for him to insist she not do anything so “manly” as mess with a car engine, but she was super excited about this car!

“Shall we take a drive?” Her eyes moved to the keys he was holding up and seeing the grin on his face she smiled wider. “Yes!” she replied enthusiastically, jumping up and down a little as she grabbed the keys from August. When he told her to stop jumping, she laughed as she simply threw her arms around his neck. She stood on tiptoe and kissed him with a big smile still on her lips. It felt nice to have his arms come around her, though she suspected it was partially to keep her from bouncing again. She was just so excited! Her lips pulled back a little as she opened her eyes and smiled at him. “Thank you, baby. I love it!” He seemed pretty happy with himself and for once she believed he should be. He had done well picking out a car for her. Again she kissed him briefly and then grabbed his hand in hers, moving towards the car with an excited smile. “Let’s try it out!” She moved as quickly as he allowed her to, actually having to look at the car fob to unlock it. The truck had manual locks…When she climbed inside it smelled so good, just like a new car should! Everything was so sleek and clean, she was afraid to get it dirty. Her eyes simply admired the controls before she placed the key in the ignition and fired that baby up. August slid into the passenger’s seat and she grinned from ear to ear at how quiet it was. No sputtering, no turning the ignition five times to get it to start, just smooth, quiet and easy start up. “August…it’s so pretty. I don’t want to mess it up!” she said with an awe and amused sort of voice. Biting her bottom lip with anticipation, she considered the steering wheel for a moment…the seat was too far back. She pushed the button to adjust her seat almost all the way forward to accommodate for her short stature. With that done, she adjusted her mirrors. Now she considered the steering wheel again. She was ready to test this baby out!

Looking down to the center console on the dashboard, she saw a map pop up on the wide screen. “Wait…this has GPS?” she asked excitedly. She pushed a button on the touch screen for the radio, watching as Sirius radio popped up on the screen. “And satellite radio?” The more she explored, the more she loved it! She played with the channels a bit, finding the 70’s on 7 channel and grinning wide. That was the music she grew up with! She didn’t keep the radio very loud, but enough to hear ABBA coming through crystal clear. ABBA had been one of her favorites as a kid, and even now! Again she looked over at August and bit her lip through her smile. This was the best gift anyone had ever bought for her! She leaned over and kissed him again, smiling against his lips as she thanked him with her own lips. The fingertips of one hand grazed over his jaw as she momentarily got lost in his kiss. It had been too long since they’d made love if she was getting so sucked in by such a simple kiss. Regretfully, she pulled away and smiled again, turning back to the steering wheel. She clicked her seatbelt on and put the car in reverse to back out of the driveway. When they got underway she was amazed at how smoothly it handled. “It doesn’t shake or rattle or anything! It’s so smooth…” she marveled as they weave their way through Trail Oaks. Glancing at August in the passenger seat, she grinned with a little twinkle in her eye. “So, where to Mr. Witt?” she inquired playfully. She could drive in this car all day…

[AUGUST WITT]

August could see how pleased she was, which only served to please him more. “Yes!” she gushed, snatching the keys from his fingers and jumping around him. "Stop jumping or I'll take it away." He warned though it sounded almost almost playful. He wouldn't really take the car away from her and she knew that. He suddenly understood how Scrooge felt Christmas morning. Maxine threw her arms around him and he held her tight, feeling her excitement buzzing through her, making her body almost tense. Her kiss was sweet and when she pulled back, his eyes beamed down at her. “Thank you, baby. I love it!” His smile widened. "I'm glad." He told her gently. “Let’s try it out!” She gushed suddenly, grabbing his hand and all but dragging him to the shiny new car.

It didn't take Maxine long to figure out how the locks worked and for them both to slide into their respective seats. August wasn't keen on sitting shotgun, much preferring the drivers seat, but he had gotten tinted windows so he might save a little face. The car purred softly to life and he could feel the joy radiating off his partner. “August…it’s so pretty. I don’t want to mess it up!” He chuckled softly. "That's why I got you something that is obsessed with safety. The car will warn you of danger with plenty of time to avoid it." He explained, feeling confident with her safety in this machine, even in the city where drivers were insane. "Wait…this has GPS?” she asked excitedly. “And satellite radio?” Again the low growl of a laugh rippled through his throat. "It also has camera's installed to you can see your blind spots right there on that screen." He boasted proudly, a feature he particularly liked.

August sat patiently watching her discover brand new things in the new care of hers. It was luxury she had never owned before, and he was pleased to be the one to give it to her. Finally she fidgeted with the radio, finding a 70's station. Music from the 70's, in August's opinion, should have stayed in the 70's. Honey Honey by Abba came through the speakers in it was all august could do not to roll his eyes at the beautiful woman beside him. She leaned over and kissed him, almost making him forget about the horrible music filling the automobile. She didn't draw the sweet kiss out too long, obviously too excited about testing her new toy out. She slid her seatbelt on and August did the same. Finally, they were off.

"It doesn’t shake or rattle or anything! It’s so smooth…” she marveled and August wrinkled his nose. The fact you even mention that makes me regret not getting this for you sooner." He said with mild disgust. How had she drove that piece of trash for so long? “So, where to Mr. Witt?” she inquired playfully and August looked quickly at her beaming, mischievous face before looking out the front window. "Anywhere you please, Miss McManus." He offered back, looking over at her and sliding a hand on her knee as she drove easily through the development and then out onto the open road. "The sky is the limit." And he meant it. He'd go anywhere she pleased. "Just remember your companion will turn into a rock if you venture too far otu of the city." He offered with a little grin.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“Anywhere you please, Miss McManus.” Maxi would never stop loving the way she and August referred to each other as Mr. Witt and Miss McManus. It was sweet and playful and it added just another layer to their complicated relationship. Sure, it was a little odd that her lover referred to her the same way her students did, but wasn’t he a student of hers too? In a way, she was teaching him how to be in a serious relationship, so perhaps it was appropriate. His hand found its way to her knee as it always did when they were driving, and it made her smile wider. “The sky is the limit.” If only they could fly…the places they could go! “Just remember your companion will turn into a rock if you venture too far out of the city.” She gave a soft giggle and glanced over at him. “Well, then I guess I’ll limit my choice to somewhere in the city.” Screwing up her mouth a little as a playful gesture, she considered her choices. She wanted to go somewhere it could be just the two of them, but maybe they could stop for coffee first. It had been a while since she’d been out in the real world and she was craving coffee that wasn’t made by herself! “Let’s get some coffee first. Then we can go out to Megsy and get some fresh air.” For some true one on one time out in the crisp, fresh air, Megsy was the place to go. Plus she wanted to try out her car on all the windy roads that led up to Megsy!

The drive into the city wasn’t a long one and she enjoyed the sound of her childhood playing on the radio, August’s hand safely on her knee. After almost a month of absolutely no sex, that hand was mighty suggestive, but she tried not to focus on it. She was convinced at this point that August wasn’t going to give into her coaxing until the wounds were completely healed. It was ridiculous, especially since she constantly insisted that it didn’t hurt all that bad, but one wince and he cut her off. No one’s hand was going to satisfy her at this point, so she simply enjoyed the feel of its warmth and weight as they made their way into the city. Dylan’s would be a good place for coffee, since she was sure Sunshine’s Too was still closed. Sunshine’s was more focused on tea, anyway, so Dylan’s would have some good strong coffee. Not that she needed the energy boost—she was wired from having just gotten the best gift ever. It was really just the taste of the coffee she wanted. Dylan’s made a mean pumpkin spice latte and it sounded perfect for such a perfect day.

When they pulled up to the coffeehouse, she smiled wide at August once she’d turned the car off, but she didn’t make to jump out of the car right away. Instead, she leaned into him and kissed him again, her hand coming to his cheek. No matter how many times she kissed him, it never got old. When she pulled away, she didn’t go far, a mischievous smile on her face as she opened her large eyes to his. “You know, I can just as easily mess with this car’s engine too. It would just take some getting used to.” She bit back a giggle as she teased him, knowing the thought of her under any car’s hood irked him. It could be fun tormenting him sometimes.

[AUGUST WITT]

August was in high spirits as they drove around. At the moment he felt on top of the world. Maxine was healing, he'd made her extremely happy, and the air seemed lighter with Robert Snow out of the office. Not only was Snow out of the office, but he was in a coma somewhere and though August didn't necessarily wish him bad health, he did like knowing that the man wouldn't spring up somewhere and see him with Maxine. Sure, others might but others weren't Robert Snow and might not care as much.

“Let’s get some coffee first. Then we can go out to Megsy and get some fresh air.” That actually sounded like a decent plan, and August wondered if Maxine had some ulterior motives to getting him outside alone. He knew she had been trying to get into his pants for weeks and truth be told it had probably been more difficult for him to resist her than for her to make those moves. He wanted nothing more than to tear her clothes off and have his way with her, especially considering how long it had been, but he didn't want to hurt her and he knew he would. He just couldn't bear to watch her wince as he pushed her past her limits and he wasn't sure after this long if he could take it slow or not. He would ravage her when he finally did get a chance at her, and he wanted to be completely sure she could handle it, something he was certain she couldn't. "Coffee at isle sounds lovely." He offered softly as the horrible music filled the beautiful, brand new car.

Maxine pulled up to Dylan's, a cafe he had never been to. He had met Maxine at Sunshine's Too before, but he didn't often frequent small cafe's. They weren't exactly his scene. He was about to get out when she stopped him, sliding her hand to his cheek and pulling him into a gentle kiss. Would he ever get sick of feeling her lips on his? “You know, I can just as easily mess with this car’s engine too. It would just take some getting used to.” She teased softly and he glowered back at her. He failed to find the humor in her statement despite his good mood. "You know, I can hold you down on the hood and pull your panties down and spank you right here in front of all these lovely people." He offered back in a husky growl, his eyes dark and storming. He reached up and grabbed her chin gently between in thumb and pointer. "If you ever dare mess with this cars engine, you better hope I don't find out." He leaned in and kissed her hard, the talk about spanking her having actually gotten him a little excited. His tongue darted out and flicked against her lips before he pulled away. "Now let me buy you coffee before I get anymore bright ideas." August pulled away and got out of the car, coming around to get Maxine's door as well.

The cafe wasn't very crowded which was nice. August looked up at the menu as they waited for their turn, looking at what they had. "What would you like, my dear?" He asked, his hand resting on the small of Maxine's back as he tried to make a decision. He wasn't often interested in sugary beverages, but not even August Witt could deny some of them sounded interesting.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

It was obvious from the look in his eyes that August was not amused with Maxi’s teasing, but she hadn’t expected him to be. He was so grumpy, but she continued to smile as he responded. “You know, I can hold you down on the hood and pull your panties down and spank you right here in front of all these lovely people.” She gasped softly as if she were appalled at his suggestion, though she had to admit, the thought of him spanking her on the hood of the car got her hot. It reminded her of the night the whole city heard her screams as they made love on the hood of his car…She bit her lip gently as his hand came up and gripped her chin, keeping her deep blue eyes on the storming blue-gray of his own. “If you ever dare mess with this car’s engine, you better hope I don’t find out.” Before she could let her wicked little smile return, his mouth was on hers and stifling everything except for a soft whimper. He’d been denying her for weeks and she couldn’t deny that his actions right now made her burn. She was definitely going to take advantage of the solitude of Megsy when they got out that way. A sigh escaped her as his tongue darted out across her lips, sending chills down her spine and the hand on his cheek slipped back into his hair. Too soon…he pulled away too soon. She slowly opened her eyes, giving him a longing sort of look. “Now let me buy you coffee before I get anymore bright ideas.” He got out of the car and she sighed, cooling the fire in her stomach. Damn it…

August opened her door for her, as always, and she wrapped her arm in his as they walked into the café only to release it once inside. She knew he wasn’t big on public affection. Even so, as she looked up at the menu with August, his hand came to the small of her back and just her index finger hooked onto the pocket of his coat secretly. It was her way of staying close to him. “What would you like, my dear?” Her smile was bright as she looked up at him, loving the way he called her “my dear.” She, of course, couldn’t return the sentiment without him getting uncomfortable, but it made her happy to hear him say it nonetheless. “I would like a pumpkin spice latte. It’s perfect for a fall day like today. What looks good to you?” Maxi cocked her head to the side a little as she smiled curiously up at August. She’d never get tired of looking at him. They made their order and moved aside to wait for their drinks when I familiar face caught her eye. She smiled wide as she saw Connor Nolan working as one of the baristas behind the counter. It wasn’t very busy, so he gave a warm smile back and made his way over. “Connor, it’s good to see you!” she greeted brightly. The boy just nodded and smiled a little wider with that boyish grin. “Hi Miss McManus. How are you feeling?” “Good! I’ll be back next week, so you and your classmates should get ready for it.” Her tone was a playful warning as if their little vacation was over. She’d been gone long enough! As Connor chuckled a little in response, she turned her bright smile up to her companion. “August, this is one of my best students, Connor Nolan.” The man and the boy greeted each other, Connor’s friendlier but shy as he nodded his head with an awkward smile. There was no way August could be jealous of this one—he was a strapping young boy, but he was her student and his youth was obvious all over his face.

“How has class been?” The boy gave a shrug and wrinkled his nose. “It’s been alright, I guess. Mr. Lutz took over for you. He’s nice and all, but…well, you know how he is.” Maxi wrinkled her own nose and nodded. They couldn’t have picked anyone more opposite from her. She was vibrant and related well with her students, preferring a conversational type atmosphere, whereas Walter Lutz was dry, slow and just too aloof for the students to really feel comfortable with. Hell, she didn’t feel comfortable with him, as kind as he was. “Well, we’re going to be starting MacBeth next week. Excited?” She gave her student a wide, hopeful smile and Connor smiled back. “It’ll be a nice change from Chaucer.” Maxi laughed. “And here I thought you guys would like Chaucer! I’m bummed I missed out on that. I would have liked to see you guys respond to the bawdy Miller’s Tale and compare it to the Knight’s Tale.” Connor smiled wider and shrugged again. “I liked it, especially the Wife of Bath’s Tale, but Mr. Lutz just didn’t make it any fun.” Their drinks were brought over and Connor pushed them more their way, Maxi taking hers from August when he offered it to her. “Well, I’m excited for MacBeth next week. It’s perfect for Halloween time and I can’t wait to get you guys acting it out.” Being a shy kid, Connor wrinkled his nose some at the prospect of acting, which made Maxi laugh. Her finger still secretly hooked in the pocket of August’s coat, she headed back out to her car. “I’ll see you next week!” The boy waved in return, saying, “Bye Miss McManus.” He gave August another nod too, being a polite boy and she smiled up at her boyfriend brightly. “It’s always interesting seeing my students outside of class. I had no idea he worked here.” The look he gave her suggested he wasn’t totally happy with the interaction that just happened, but she knew Connor wasn’t the main cause of it. She sighed a little and walked close to him. “I know you’re going to tell me I shouldn’t go back to work yet, but I promise I’ll be fine. I’m going nuts just sitting around the house all day.” Even being out now in the fresh air with August was exhilarating and she felt like she had more energy today than she’d had in weeks.

[AUGUST WITT]

“I would like a pumpkin spice latte. It’s perfect for a fall day like today. What looks good to you?” Her drink sounded surprisingly good, but August reminded himself that he didn't like those over sugared drinks. "Just a plain latte for me, I think." Steamed milk and espresso? Yes, please. August ordered for them and watched as Maxine greeted the young man behind the counter. He felt his feathers ruffle immediately, but eased when he saw the age of the boy. He was just that; a boy. A child. Someone he would hope Maxine wouldn't offer the time of day to. Not to mention he called her Miss McManus, which amused him a little. Was that not what he called his little gazelle? And that's when she dropped the bomb..

"I’ll be back next week, so..." August stopped listening after that, feeling himself tense once more at her betrayal. She was supposed to have another two weeks off if memory served him. Had he gotten the dates wrong? No.. no he was quite certain he had not. She needed her rest, why was she pushing herself so hard to go back to work? "August," Hearing his name brought him back and he looked at Maxine with mild annoyance. "this is one of my best students, Connor Nolan.” August didn't smile, but his cold eyes met the young mans. "Pleasure, Mr. Nolan." He said a bit distracted, deciding he wouldn't be rude to the child. He wasn't a threat.

August tuned out the conversation between Maxine and the boy. How could she not tell him? Why was he so angry about it? It wasn't as though she was spending all her free time with him anyway. He was working plenty and his mother seemed keen on lunch dates now and then, obviously trying to get in the way of him spending time with Maxine, suspicious they were an item. He liked her waiting when he got home, though. He liked spending the mornings with her and doting on her silently, and now she was going to run off back to work too soon? Did she dislike spending so much time with him?

The drinks arrived and August picked them up, handing the pumpkin one to Maxine. She said her goodbyes and the pair made their way to the car outside. “It’s always interesting seeing my students outside of class. I had no idea he worked here.” She was smiling up at him but he scowled in return. He could care less about young Mr. Nolan. “I know you’re going to tell me I shouldn’t go back to work yet, but I promise I’ll be fine. I’m going nuts just sitting around the house all day.” He pulled his gaze away, looking elsewhere as though anywhere were more important than her lovely face. "And here I thought you were enjoying your time with me." He grumbled as he opened the door and she climbed inside. He shut the door before she could reply, making his way back around to the passenger side. He wished more than anything in that moment that he had been the one driving that evening. He got inside and slid his seat belt on, sulking still. "If it's your wish to go back to work, then do so. I would have expected you to tell me if you were planning to go back sooner than expected, though. But it's your body, Maxine. It's your life. If you want to rush back and risk hurting yourself further I can't stop you as much as I'd like to."

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi could see how irritated August was as they reached her car and she bit her lip. She didn’t want to fight with him about this. Maxi just couldn’t stand not teaching! She had so much fun with everything she did in her class and loved just about every piece of literature they went over. “And here I thought you were enjoying your time with me.” Maxi was climbing in the car as he said those words and her jaw dropped as she looked up at him from the driver’s seat. “Oh, August!” she exclaimed softly in a scolding sort of voice. Of course she was enjoying her time. But he shut the door as she was speaking and seeing the boyish pout on her face made her sigh and smile a little. He was so like a child when he didn’t get his way sometimes. She couldn’t even be mad at him either, knowing he was just worried sick about her overdoing it. It was his own way of caring, so where most girls would get fed up with it, she found his pouting adorable. He climbed in and buckled his seatbelt and while she had started the car, she didn’t have her seatbelt on yet, more concerned with soothing him. “If it’s your wish to go back to work, then do so. I would have expected you to tell me if you were planning to go back sooner than expected, though. But it’s your body, Maxine. It’s your life. If you want to rush back and risk hurting yourself further I can’t stop you as much as I’d like to.” She was finding it hard not to smile at how sulky he was being, but she poked her lip out a little to mimic his pouting.

“I didn’t tell you because I knew this was how you were going to react. I was going to tell you today, but it slipped my mind with all the excitement. I’m sorry you had to find out that way. And of course I’m enjoying all this time with you, but when you go to work, I don’t have much to do. There’s only so much I can control assignments wise when I’m working through someone else. I promise, I’m fine.” She could tell he wasn’t really buying what she was selling, so she sighed heavily and made him look at her with a soft hand on his cheek. It looked like she was going to make a couple more calls tomorrow…When his stormy eyes were fixed on her, she gave him a reluctant sort of look. “Fine, one more week and that’s it. I’ll figure out something else for them to do before they get to Macbeth. You’ll have me all to yourself for one more week.” She leaned in and gave him a gentle, placating kiss, hoping he would stop pouting now that she had compromised with him. When he pulled away, she didn’t go far, looking into his beautiful pale eyes again. “And don’t pout. It makes me want to kiss you.” She smiled and returned his pout playfully, hoping her lighthearted attitude would improve his. If that didn’t, the far more passionate kiss she gave him after certainly would. It was amazing how August could make her forget all the other people in the world just by being near her.

With her heart fluttering, she forced herself to pull away from his lips, her fingers slipping from his hair and across his jaw gently. She sat back and buckled her seatbelt with a bright smile and then put the car in gear. It was time to get going to Megsy. As they drove, she appeased August’s tastes in music more by flipping to the Frank Sinatra channel and sipped her coffee on occasion, though she was trying to save it more for the isle. Her car handled like a dream over the curving and occasionally rough roads leading up to Megsy Isle. “I love this car!” she enthused to August, grinning wide at him. When they reached the isle it was early evening though it looked like the dead of night as always. There was no one around and she liked being out in the fresh air with just August. It was a little warmer than it had been, so she rolled down the windows and silently marveled at having powered windows. The car was in accessory, Sinatra crooning softly on the radio. She grabbed her coffee and took a sip before looking over at August with a mischievous grin. “You know, they say this place is haunted.” Maxi personally liked to believe there were ghosts, finding that it confirmed an afterlife, and she supposed anything was possible. She was almost certain that August didn’t believe in ghosts, however, but the tone of her voice would make her suggestion of ghosts seem playful.

[AUGUST WITT]

“I didn’t tell you because I knew this was how you were going to react." It was the wrong answer and almost made him more annoyed and slightly hurt. So she had expected he would be upset so she kept it a secret? "I was going to tell you today, but it slipped my mind with all the excitement. I’m sorry you had to find out that way." He was sure she was. Still annoyed he refused to look at her, much like a petulant child. "And of course I’m enjoying all this time with you, but when you go to work, I don’t have much to do. There’s only so much I can control assignments wise when I’m working through someone else. I promise, I’m fine.” August had a hard time believing she was fine when he'd seen her wince in pain doing every day things, and still finding herself short of breath at times. She was to keep it easy and yet she couldn't do that, insisting on working on her battered old truck and now trying to rush back to work early. She would find herself in her grave early and it only upset him further.

August felt her gentle touch on his cheek, practically forcing him to turn and look at her. Why did she need to be so beautiful? It didn't change the way he felt, but seeing that look in her eyes warmed him to some degree. “Fine, one more week and that’s it. I’ll figure out something else for them to do before they get to Macbeth." He knew she was trying to appease him, but in a way it annoyed him that she would cave like this. He wanted her to want to do this, not do it because he insisted. "You’ll have me all to yourself for one more week.” She leaned in and gave him a gentle, placating kiss but he was still sour from the entire situation. He didn't like being dismissed, and he didn't like that she wasn't taking her health seriously. He pulled away from the kiss lightly and sighed, knowing it was all a lost cause. He had won the battle. Sort of. She would stay home one more weak and relax, even if it was for him and not herself. “And don’t pout. It makes me want to kiss you.” She smiled and pouted at him which made him both annoyed but hungry for her at the same time. Her lips were soft and full and the pouting only made her look sexy. He wanted to nibble on that protruding little lip of hers, and when she leaned in to kiss him, he did just that.

He kissed her hard and deep, letting her know in his own way how much she meant to him, how much he wanted her to be well and safe. When she pulled away, it was a little brusque and he looked down into her eyes as her fingers swept down his cheek and over his jaw. No words needed to be exchanged. He didn't want to fight with her tonight as annoyed as he was. He'd gotten her a wonderful present and she was doing what he wanted, even if it was for him and not herself. He should be pleased.

The drive to Megsy was smooth and quiet. Maxine had been kind enough to change the station for him as well without his prompting, and he knew it was probably because she was feeling guilty. In a way he was glad she felt guilty. She would be less likely to repeat her transgressions in the future if she felt bad about them. "I love this car!” she gushed suddenly and August looked her way, meeting her smile with his own softer one. "I'm glad." He replied softly, not disappointed with her reaction to his present. The jewelry had made her happy but this had done much more.

Maxine parked her new toy overlooking the Isle. It was difficult to see much with the swirling black clouds overhead, but upon rolling down the windows they could easily hear the waves crashing, the wind gently sweeping through the trees. It was a surprisingly beautiful evening all things considered. “You know, they say this place is haunted.” It wasn't what he expected to hear leaving her lips and he offered an incredulous look in return. "Don't be ridiculous. That's just nonsense children make up." He cocked a brow bringing his drink up towards his lips. "Don't tell me you believe in that folly." He took a sip from his latte and then brought it down. "I promise I'll lose all respect for you if you do." It was his turn to sound mildly playful as he watched the Redhead with interest.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

The look she got from August made Maxi bite back her laughter. “Don’t be ridiculous. That’s just nonsense children make up.” She gave a shrug with a big smile, taking a sip from her drink before looking back at him. “Don’t tell me you believe in that folly.” He paused to take a sip of his latte and she smiled wider. It was like he was trying to convince her to stop believing with just that statement. “I promise I’ll lose all respect for you if you do.” She laughed and shook her head at him. “No you won’t!” she said through her laughter. Taking a sip from her latte, she looked ahead again, watching the pine trees sway gently in the wind. “And I’m not sure I believe in it or not. I think I’d like to just because it would prove to me that there’s an afterlife, but I’ve never had any experiences to back up any belief in ghosts. So I’m on the fence.” Looking back at him, she gave a shrug as she took a sip of her drink. The look on his face made her want to laugh again, though. When she brought her cup back down, she smiled wide. “Don’t look at me like that! I don’t judge you!” With another giggle, she looked out toward the ocean. Her eyes were really bad in the dark, but she could see the white caps on the bay. She tried not to think about her parents haunting those waters with the tragic way they had passed. No, they wouldn’t have stuck around. She rest assured that they were at peace waiting for her in the afterlife—her and Maureen. But if she saw a ghost, maybe she would that much more certain that they were indeed waiting on another side.

When she looked back at him, she was still smiling and clutching her coffee. “If any place were going to be haunted in Scriptor Bay, I would think it would be Megsy. Lots of people have died on the cliffs. That’s why they say their spirits still linger in the woods.” She laughed, knowing he didn’t believe it in the least. It was more amusing to watch his reactions to her words than to think about spirits on the Isle. Biting her lip a little, she reached over and took one of his hands in hers, lacing her fingers with his as he looked over at her. He was so handsome. She could just look at him all day and night if he’d let her. And here she never thought she could snag a man so handsome. But she didn’t lean in to kiss him yet. Instead, she just held his rough hand and sipped her coffee, content to listen to the sound of the waves with August. The wind outside made the trees sway and creek and she had to bite back a laugh as she thought of something else to add to her story. “Sometimes the wind sounds like a woman crying. Do you hear it?” Actually, it did sound like there was a woman in the woods sobbing, and she bit her bottom lip again as her thin, red eyebrows raised. “No wonder all the kids get spooked out here at night.” It was Halloween time and she knew there were tons of kids who came here on the weekends and dared each other into the darkness of the woods.

Feeling more playful, she leaned her head against the headrest, but she was still watching him as she spoke. “What would you do if you saw a ghost? Would you be scared?” she teased with a giggle afterward. Her thumb gently ran along the crease between his thumb and forefinger, feeling along the outline of his hand. They’d come a long way from when he would get suspicious of her holding his hand to where now she wasn’t even nervous about doing it. As long as they weren’t in public, he no longer seemed to mind if she held his hand.

[AUGUST WITT]

“No you won’t!” she insisted with a laugh and August offered an incredulous look in reply. "Don't be so sure." He grumbled, watching her and trying to hide the smirk that threatened. “And I’m not sure I believe in it or not. I think I’d like to just because it would prove to me that there’s an afterlife, but I’ve never had any experiences to back up any belief in ghosts. So I’m on the fence.” She shrugged and August gently shook his head from side to side, looking out the front window. Ghosts were nonsense and he refused to believe in any of it. “Don’t look at me like that! I don’t judge you!” She giggled and he couldn't hide the smile any longer. "That's because I don't believe in nonsense." He teased, his thumb sliding up and down the cups bumpy sleeve.

“If any place were going to be haunted in Scriptor Bay, I would think it would be Megsy. Lots of people have died on the cliffs. That’s why they say their spirits still linger in the woods.” She laughed and he had to fight from rolling his eyes at her. "And here I thought it would be the cemetery." He teased back,making it clear he wasn't going to fall for her silly little nonsense. If she was trying to frighten him or make him believe, she was in for a very rude awakening. He felt her hand slip into his and he took it easily, allowing her fingers to lace through his, holding her hand gently. August turned his head to look at her, leaning it back against the comfortable headrest. Safety and comfort were two things he liked in a car and this one lacked in neither. “Sometimes the wind sounds like a woman crying. Do you hear it? No wonder all the kids get spooked out here at night.” She really was trying to unnerve him. He squeezed her hand, "It's the sound rustling leave make, Maxine, that's all. I don't hear a woman crying." His smile was wicked and he had to turn to look out the window again to keep from making any remarks about making her cry out.

“What would you do if you saw a ghost? Would you be scared?” She was giggling and gliding her thumb lovingly across his hand and he turned his head to the side to look at her once more. Was she still babbling about all this? August sighed, looking bored with the conversation. "It's a moot point because ghosts don't exist, Maxine. I can't say how I would react if they were real, though. I would imagine I wouldn't be frightened. It takes more than a shadowed corpse to frighten me, but like I said it doesn't matter. There are no such things." August reached a hand over and took her chin gently between his fingers. "Now will you stop this nonsense?" He asked, offering a bored, sultry sort of look. "Why don't we make some plans for your last week off considering how bored you've been. Surely there's something we could do to make you want to be around me." He taunted, pulling his hand away and sipping at his drink once more.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi grinned at the way August sighed and looked bored with their conversation. Obviously her attempts at spooking him weren’t working. “It’s a moot point because ghosts don’t exist, Maxine. I can’t say how I would react if they were real, though. I would imagine I wouldn’t be frightened. It takes more than a shadowed corpse to frighten me, but like I said it doesn’t matter. There are no such things.” Just to prove him wrong, if she died before him, she was coming back to haunt him. That would certainly change his mind. When he reached over and gripped her chin, though, she knew he really was getting tired of the conversation. “Now, will you stop this nonsense?” She poked her lip out at him as though to say, “Hmph!” then with a smile, she nodded. He could be such a grump sometimes. “Why don’t we make some plans for your last week off considering how bored you’ve been? Surely there’s something we could do to make you want to be around me.” She rolled her eyes a little and shook her head with a smile. “I always want to be around you, August. And if you keep sounding like you’re pouting, I’ll kiss you again.” She grinned, knowing it wasn’t much of a threat; more like a reward for his being insufferable. “But I’m sure I can think of some things for us to do…” Her fingers unlaced from his and her palm ran along his, up then down, her fingers dragging along the length of his own until they laced back in his again. All of this happened while she paused to sip her coffee, but they left no room for wondering what she was thinking about.

When she did pull her cup away from her lips, though, what she said was probably unexpected. “We could go down to Mexico or maybe Hawaii. I hear the beaches are awesome this time of year. I mean, obviously we’d have to book a night flight, but that can be arranged. And then we can party it up on the beach!” Her eyes met his, a mischievous little twinkle in her eye as she grinned wide. She wasn’t serious, but it was a nice thought. Neither place was all that far away, certainly places they could get to before he turned to stone. Even so, though, that was a summer trip to plan, not a spur of the moment kind of thing. “We’ll drink Mai-tais from coconut shells and watch the stars. I’ll even wear a bikini.” She gave a cute shrug before taking a sip of her coffee. The more she talked, though, the better it sounded. If it weren’t so freaking cold in Scriptor Bay all summer, August might have gotten a chance to see her in a bikini. What a shame…not that it would have been on very long. With a little sigh, she rested her head back against the headrest again. “A girl can dream, right?” She smiled wide, wondering if she ever would be able to travel with August. Someday she’d love to do it!

“But I suppose if we can’t go to any tropical beaches, we could figure something else out. Maybe we could go out dancing one night. Somewhere your hands can’t end up on my butt or up my dress.” She giggled since that’s usually what ended up happening when they danced together. It wasn’t that she didn’t like it, though. She enjoyed his hands wherever they went on her body. Which gave her another idea…“Or I could hold you prisoner in bed all week. We have a lot of catching up to do. You’ve denied me quite long enough, I think. I’m about ready to slip something in your drink just so I can have my way with you.” Her tone was matter-of-fact, but bordered on kittenish. The sultry and devious look in her eyes when they turned to him only heightened the flirtatiousness of that statement. “How am I supposed to assure you that I’m fine when you won’t let me prove it?” she challenged softly, hoping he’d give her a chance. Just the thought of being with him again after all this time got her excited.

[AUGUST WITT]

“I always want to be around you, August. And if you keep sounding like you’re pouting, I’ll kiss you again.” She grinned and he narrowed his eyes. "You make it sound like a threat." He growled softly. “But I’m sure I can think of some things for us to do…” Her fingers unlaced from his and August watched Maxine sip her drink, feeling her hand dance lightly across his. She was always so delicate when she touched him, so unlike his own touches for her. “We could go down to Mexico or maybe Hawaii." He raised a brow at her, wondering why she would suggest such destinations when he couldn't truly enjoy them with her, much as he'd like to. "I hear the beaches are awesome this time of year. I mean, obviously we’d have to book a night flight, but that can be arranged. And then we can party it up on the beach!” She had that playful twinkle in her eye, which he didn't return. He'd like to do that with her, but what happened if their flight was delayed and they were at an airport? What happened if they got stuck on the runway? Flying seemed so risky to him these days, unless he ordered a private jet which was out of the question. He had money, but they was just too much, even for him.

It was hard to tell if Maxine was serious or not, though. She looked playful as she spoke, but there had to be some truth behind her words. She wanted to go on a retreat with him and do couple things. They were sort of a couple, after all.. and he should expect her to want to spend significant time with him away from their everyday activities. “We’ll drink Mai-tais from coconut shells and watch the stars. I’ll even wear a bikini.” The thought of Maxine almost naked excited him. He'd never seen her in a swimsuit before, but what he'd like to see is her sunbathing.. with nothing on. What he wanted was to see the sun, something he never had been able to do, and never would be. August took a sip of his drink, having stayed silent through her little tirade. Maxine sighed and rested her head against the back of her chair once more, smiling over at him. “A girl can dream, right?” He didn't like for her to make him feel guilty, or to feel as though she were pushing him to make this dream come true. August had too much at risk for any of that. Maybe Mexico would be a possibility if they drove, but it would take at least two days to get there, maybe more. He supposed she could do some driving during the day with him tucked away in the back, but it was something he wasn't exactly interested in doing, either. He was too vulnerable in that state, and if she got in an accident his life would likely be over.

“But I suppose if we can’t go to any tropical beaches, we could figure something else out. Maybe we could go out dancing one night. Somewhere your hands can’t end up on my butt or up my dress.” That seemed a little more up his alley, but even then it would need to be outside of the city. "You make it sound like you dislike those things." He taunted as she giggled. “Or I could hold you prisoner in bed all week. We have a lot of catching up to do. You’ve denied me quite long enough, I think. I’m about ready to slip something in your drink just so I can have my way with you.” August cocked a brow at this. He liked where she was going, but he was still unsure if she could handle his touch yet. He wanted her, desperately, to the point where he'd hungrily looked at other women, only to stop himself in the end from truly considering approaching them. He didn't want those other women, he wanted Maxine. “How am I supposed to assure you that I’m fine when you won’t let me prove it?” she challenged softly, and his eyes narrowed some. She was quite literally begging for it, not bothering to beat around the bush. "I've watched you wince doing menial activities. I've seen the pain in your eyes while exerting energy that doesn't touch the amount you would be using if I had my way with you." He looked hard at her, pondering silently for a moment as he watched her pleading eyes. Finally a plan came to mind.

"Fine." He said, playing his drink down in the cup holder. "Let us wager. Tonight you're mine. I'll please you in all the ways you want to pleased, over and over again if that is your desire. You will moan and pant and scream as I bring you to the brink again and again, however.." He stopped, a wicked smirk coming onto his lips, "If for one moment I feel as though you can't handle it, you take one more week off work." He knew how much she wanted to go back, but he liked having her at his disposal, even if he wasn't having his way with her. "Do we have a deal, Miss McManus?"

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“I’ve watched you wince doing menial activities. I’ve seen the pain in your eyes while exerting energy that doesn’t touch the amount you would be using if I had my way with you.” Maxi gave August a pleading look. She winced when he fucked her anyway! He was always rough with her, so what would be the difference, really? But she’d already made that argument before and she didn’t want to repeat herself. His eyes stayed on hers though and she was just about to start pouting when he spoke again. “Fine.” Her eyes widened and a shock went through her. “Let us wager. Tonight you’re mine. I’ll please you in all the ways you want to be pleased, over and over again if that is your desire. You will moan and pant and scream as I bring you to the brink again and again, however…” If he kept talking about she was going to soak her panties. Her heart was racing, completely ready for it. God, she was so excited, it was almost like the first night they were together and they’d destroyed her kitchen! But the wicked smirk on his lips gave her pause. “If for one moment I feel as though you can’t handle it, you take one more week off work.” Her jaw dropped and she gave him an astonished look. No fair! She couldn’t take another week off and delay Macbeth. She was going to miss Shakespeare too?! Well then she was just going to have to not wince or give away her discomfort. “Do we have a deal, Miss McManus?” Did they have a deal? If it meant she would finally get laid, she would accept his challenge. A smirk spread across her lips as her hand reached for the power button for the windows and rolled them up. Once they were closed, she placed her cup in the holder and said, “You’ve got a deal, Mr. Witt.”

With that, she slid out of her seat and across the center console, careful not to hit the cups as she did so. Biting her bottom lip with a big smile, she straddled August’s lap in the passenger’s seat and brought her hands to his neck. “I have a feeling you’re not going to make this easy, though.” She grinned wider, knowing with absolute certainty that he wouldn’t. Her lips came to his and there was no easing into their kiss. It was hot and deep from the start, their tongues twining sensually and Maxi’s heart was already hammering in her chest. She felt like a couple of teenagers making out in the passenger’s seat of her car, but that just made it all the more exciting. It was a week night so she was certain there would be no kids venturing up here to check out the Isle. They were all alone and she was glad she’d picked this place to drive her new car to. As soon as she felt his hands smoothing over her jeans, she moaned softly and pressed closer to him. She reached up and let her hair down, throwing the hair tie in whatever direction it went. Waves of red cascaded over her shoulders and back and her own fingers wove into his hair. It was time to mess it up again like only she could.

In between kisses she gasped for air, excited so quickly after a month of no sex at all. She needed him like a diabetic needed insulin or a fat kid needs cake. August had turned her into a sex kitten and that kitten had been put a cage for too damn long. Her fingers slipped from his hair and down his neck to his chest where she plucked at the buttons of his shirt easily. It didn’t take long for her fingers to reach his pants and she tugged at his shirt to un-tuck it and finish undoing the buttons. She felt lightheaded and dizzy with lust, making her smile against his lips as she pushed at his coat. Before she pulled away to pull her sweatshirt over her head, she nipped his bottom lip playfully. She didn’t care how rough he was, she just wanted him, and she wanted him as desperate as she felt. When she yanked her sweatshirt off, she was afraid her bandages would stop him, but she devoured his lips again before he could focus on it too much. There was no time to let him doubt his decision. She needed him and she needed him now.