A quiet evening (Maxine) MATURE

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi was relieved when Gwen smiled more but gave a light shake of her head. “Oh, no. I try not to concern myself much with politics. Save that for those who know what they’re talking about.” Maxi smiled more before taking a sip of her tea. How strange that August was so into politics and his mother was the opposite. When August spoke, she looked to him. “She’s being modest. She knows more about politics than she leads on. She’s very savvy when it comes to furthering my career. She would have excelled if she’d pursued it further.” Maxi grinned wide, looking back to his mother who waved her hand at him. “Oh, stop. You’re being silly!” The redhead giggled between them, looking from his mother back to August and seeing how genuinely he smiled for her. It was so sweet and she felt her eyes lingering on him longer than they should have if they were just colleagues. She wished she could just kiss him, watching him smile like that, but there would be plenty of time for that later. “It’s true!” The way he insisted made Maxi laugh softly and she looked back to Gwen with a big smile. He was so adorable! And the way his mother was laughing was sweet too. They were obviously close and Maxi loved that.

“Anyway!” Maxi giggled some more, sipping her tea again. It was so spicy and she loved it. “What’s important is that August is involved. It had been his father’s dream. I’d like to see him in Snow’s shoes one day.” Her sapphire eyes turned back to August, surprised. She didn’t think he dreamed that big and from the look on his face, he really didn’t. It was sweet his mother dreamed so big for him, though. She had known his father was the one who wanted August to go into politics, but it was endearing to hear Gwen reiterate it. Maxi was so tempted to ask about August as a child; she wanted to know everything about him. Perhaps in the future when she could be more than just a colleague to him… “Your parents must be very proud to see you working under Periwinkle. Secretary is a big job. I know Snow works his own to the bone.” The statement caught Maxi off guard slightly and for a moment she just looked up from her tea with big eyes. Her smile came back, though, smaller than before and a little bashful. “I’m sure they would be. Unfortunately I lost them in a sailing accident when I was young. I don’t think they had any political ambitions for me, but they would be happy that I was happy.” She gave a small shrug and a wider smile. “Gertie is a very ‘do-it-yourself’ kind of person, so he doesn’t rely on me too much, but I like serving as secretary. It’ll be easy to balance that job and my full-time job as a high school teacher. I hope it’ll stay that way.” She took another sip of her tea, not wanting it to get cold before she finished it.

Maxi wanted to lighten the mood a little, finding that bringing up her dead parents always put a damper on the mood, so she smiled brightly. “When it comes to this rebellion, I’m sure we can use all the help we can get. Why don’t you join the cause, Gwen?” she suggested, smiling wider. Having August’s mother around to observe their behavior during the rebellion would put a strain on her and August to keep up this ruse, but she was sure Gwen wouldn’t agree. Protesting didn’t seem like her cup of tea, pun intended, just as it didn’t seem like August’s either. He would probably let Maxi be more involved now, however, so they could keep this ruse of colleagues going, though, and that she was excited about. If he protested with her, there would be no way he could worry about her! He would be right there with her the whole time. It was a satisfying thought.

[AUGUST WITT]

August stayed quiet as Maxine explained about her parents. He watched the look on his mother's face, one of pity and remorse. "I'm sorry to hear that, dear." She said softly before Maxine continued about Periwinkle being a do-it-yourselfer. She kept her comments about him to herself, though. She knew part of the reason he was a poor leader was because he failed to delegate appropriately, but that was really up to his discretion. The Blurrs could handle themselves however they pleased. There was a reason Gargoyles were superior to the other species, but comments like that were best kept to oneself unless in the company of other like minded people.

"It’ll be easy to balance that job and my full-time job as a high school teacher. I hope it’ll stay that way.” Gwen raised a brow. "Busy girl." She noted almost playfully. The woman crossed her long, slender legs and leaned back a little on the couch, sipping her tea as Maxine went on about the Rebellion, even going so far as to invite her to work along with them. Her brows raised, but it wasn't she who answered.

"Oh, I don't think she would have any interest in that." August suggested looking briefly at her mother before back to Maxine. "It's tedious busy work what we're doing." He explained setting his teacup down. Gwen pursed her lips at her son, looking almost mischievous. "And what makes you think I wouldn't hold an interest?" She asked. August didn't share her humor. He didn't like the thought of his mother hanging around them doing this stuff. He didn't want to be doing it and until she showed up he hadn't been on the list to do it. Now he was trapped and the last thing he needed was to try and make his mother believe certain things. It was a juggling act he didn't care to perform.

"Because you have plenty of things to do." "Like what?" "Like...whatever it is you do during the day." "Which would be?" "I don't keep tabs on your schedule, mother." He growled softly. "Oh, how quickly you become formal when you pout." August glowered at his mom, his lips pursed but he didn't say another word about it. He didn't like for Maxine to be witness to any of this. "I appreciate the offer Maxine, but it seems my schedule is just too busy at the moment. However if you find that you need an extra set of hands I might be able to clear my schedule. That is if August allows me to do so." August shook his head gently. "Do as you wish." He muttered. Gwen sighed and placed her cup down. "Well, on that note I think I've taken up enough of your valuable time this evening." She offered, placing a hand on Maxine's knee. "It was lovely to have met you, Maxine." She offered, neither truly meaning it or not meaning it. She waited for the girls fair well before standing. "Come, walk me to the door." She pleaded giving her son a partially amused look. August hesitated for a moment before getting to his feet.

The boy walked with his mother to the door. "Call me this week." She commanded softly when they got closer to the door. "We'll do lunch." August nodded and reached to open the door for his mother who put her hand out and kept it closed, searching her son's eyes, her look suddenly serious. August looked back curiously, seeing something was on her mind. "I won't mention this to your father, but you know what he'll say if he finds out." She said and there was a questioning look in August's eyes. She couldn't mean Maxine, could she? "She's lovely, but end it." August parted his lips to say something but words failed him. He gulped and then shook his head, finding his voice. "I don't know what you mean." He said trying to sound confident. "You can lie to me, August, but you can't lie to yourself." She insisted gently reaching a hand up and cupping the boys cheek, leaning in and pecking his other cheek. "Lunch. This week, please." She insisted and August hesitated a second before nodding. "Good boy." She patted his cheek gently, gliding her thumb across it in a soft caress before pulling away and opening the door to let herself out.

August stood there for a moment mildly shell shocked by his mothers words. Finally he shut the door and locked it once more. Had they been obvious? He hadn't thought so. Slowly he moved back towards the couch, standing there and sliding his hands into his pockets. "Well, now you've met my mother." He said softly, his tone bordering on bitter now. He pulled one hand out and wiped it over his face, not wanting to tell Maxine about the private little conversation they'd just had. He'd deal with it later. "Are you hungry?"

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“Oh, I don’t think she’d have any interest in that.” Maxi looked at August, surprised he was answering for Gwen. She smiled a little more at him. “It’s tedious busy work what we’re doing.” Maxi nodded, looking back to Gwen. It was true—because she couldn’t be in the thick of the action, most of what she would be doing was tedious busy work. Gwen had a defiant, somewhat challenging look on her face. “And what makes you think I wouldn’t hold an interest?” Maxi’s eyebrows raised now. Did she really want to be part of it? Shit! Maxi shouldn’t have said anything! She didn’t want to have to hold up this ruse that they were just colleagues on a day-to-day basis. Still, she gave a smile and looked back to August expectantly. “Because you have plenty of things to do.” “Like what?” “Like…whatever it is you do during the day.” “Which would be?” “I don’t keep tabs on your schedule, mother.” “Oh, how quickly you become formal when you pout.” August didn’t look happy, but Maxi was biting back a giggle as she smiled between them. It was hilarious to her to see the interaction between them, Gwen obviously trying to rile up August and August taking the bait. “I appreciate the offer Maxine, but it seems my schedule is just too busy at the moment. However if you find that you need an extra set of hands I might be able to clear my schedule. That is if August allows me to do so.” Maxi giggled at Gwen flippant tone, looking back to August as he shook his head. “Do as you wish.” Apparently he pouted with everyone when he didn’t get the answer he wanted. Now she understood why he always wanted to kiss her when she pouted.

Gwen sighed and placed her teacup down on the coffee table, drawing Maxi’s eyes back to her. “Well, on that note I think I’ve taken up enough of your valuable time this evening.” Maxi shook her head as if to say it was no problem, her cup going down on the table as well. When she felt Gwen’s hand on her knee, she was surprised and smiled at her. “It was lovely to have met you, Maxine.” Maxi smiled brightly, blushing a little in sheer happiness. August’s mother liked her! “It was wonderful meeting you too,” she returned, tilting her head to the side slightly as she spoke the words. She’d survived the meeting of his mother and been successful! Gwen stood and Maxi watched her with a smile, seeing those cool blue eyes go to the pair of matching ones on the other side of Maxi. “Come, walk me to the door.” Maxi turned her smile to August and as he got up to say goodbye to his mother, she turned back to her tea to finish it. Wow, what a way to end a long day. Today was just full of unexpected surprises. She’d only made one goof in a very important meeting, been designated a big player in a rebellion, had been swept into dancing by her lover, and met her lover’s mother. The tea helped to calm her nerves some as she remained somewhat stiff on the couch while she heard August and his mother exchanging quiet words by the door. It was obvious they wanted it to be private, so she tuned out the conversation, focusing instead on the scent and taste of her tea.

When she heard the door shut and lock at last she put her cup on the table and turned to watch August come back to the couch, his hands slipping into his pockets. “Well, now you’ve met my mother.” Maxi smiled wide even despite his sour tone, thinking he was just upset about the exchange she had witnessed. He rubbed a hand over his face and she got to her feet once more. “Are you hungry?” She smiled warmly and walked to him, her heels clicking softly on the floor. “I could eat.” She gave a small shrug as she answered and when she reached him, she put her arms around his shoulders. “She’s lovely, by the way. I like seeing you two together.” Her head cocked to the side a little as she looked up at him and pressed closer. “But if we’re going to eat, can I have my panties back? I’m getting a little chilly.” The grin that grew on her face was slightly mischievous when she looked up at him. She knew now more than ever how much she loved him.

[AUGUST WITT]

August watched the young woman moving towards him, her heels gently tapping on the floor below. He was still in a mood from the little conversation with his mother, both in front of Maxine and then there at the door. Part of him wanted to be angry, knowing it wasn't her business, but the intelligent side of him said she was right and it was very much her business. She had his best interests at heart, at least concerning his career and his relationship with his father. Would his mother abandon him for choosing to keep Maxine around? It didn't appear so, but why jeopardize his entire life for one woman?

“I could eat.” Her smile was warm and her arms around his shoulders somehow eased him. No, he wouldn't think on it now. What was the point? This wouldn't last, anyway. He'd grow tired of her eventually, but even as he thought it he knew it might not be true. She'd held his rapt attention ten times longer than any woman ever had, and if anything he felt more drawn to her with each passing day. “She’s lovely, by the way. I like seeing you two together.” He pursed his lips and and narrowed his eyes. "Of course you would." He said in a tone that laid between mocking and amused. Seeing him put in his place was probably something she would relish.

“But if we’re going to eat, can I have my panties back? I’m getting a little chilly.” Her grin grew and suddenly so did his. He'd all but forgotten the panties in his pocket, which did nothing to stifle the heat growing in his body from having her moving closer.

"No, Maxine." He said soft, gruff voice, his face leaning in a little closer, hovering an inch or two from hers. "I'd prefer for you to chill a bit. It will make warming you that much more satisfying." He kissed her, his hands sliding to her hips and lightly pulling her body close to his, allowing her to feel just how riled up she'd made him in such a short amount of time. He'd never been as insatiable as he was with her.

Almost as quickly as he'd kissed her, he was pulling away. "Now, I think maybe I should take you out to eat." His hands crept lower to the hem of her dress once more, sliding beneath to her smooth, soft legs. "I haven't had Italian in some time. I know a nice, small restaurant down town." His hands move up, cupping her bare rear which made him grin deviously. "I think that sounds like a splendid plan."

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi bit her bottom lip to see August’s smile grow too. “No, Maxine.” Now she pouted a little, looking up at him with her big eyes. It was always Maxine with him, never Maxi…and she had to admit, that was hot. It was one of the things that she found so attractive. His face came closer and her smile widened just a little bit, looking from his eyes to his lips. “I’d prefer for you to chill a bit. It will make warming you that much more satisfying.” She wanted him to do it soon, especially as his lips came to hers again. His hands were sliding down to her hips and she snaked her arms around his shoulders tighter. She could feel how excited she’d already gotten him and that made her smirk against his lips. She didn’t know how she did it, but it was like he always wanted her; and she always wanted him in return. Her lips pressed back against his as he kissed her, feeling like she wanted to start up again where they’d left off before his mother arrived.

Then he was pulling away! Or at least his mouth was…Maxi looked at him with slight confusion having forgotten all about food in the interest of other needs. “Now, I think maybe I should take you out to eat.” Was he being serious? His hands creeping down to the hem of her dress told her otherwise and she smiled wider at his seduction. “I haven’t had Italian in some time. I know a nice, small restaurant downtown.” His hands moved up higher to her bare butt, gripping it lightly and making her giggle at his devious smile. “I think that sounds like a splendid plan.” Maxi pressed closer to him, her hand running over the back of his neck with a grin. “Your lips are saying one thing, but your hands are saying another.” Her tease was softly spoken and close against his lips, her breath dancing over those pouty lips of his. She leaned in and kissed him again, her lips parting to let her tongue dance out and tease his. She didn’t even know for sure whether she wanted to go out for dinner or stay in for sex, she just knew she wanted to kiss him.

With a soft whimper, her fingers curled into his hair where they belonged, her body getting hotter the longer they kissed. His hands on her didn’t help cool her at all. When she pulled back from his lips, she nipped his bottom lip gently and tugged it a little before she smiled at him. “So which would you prefer? Going out or staying in for a little bit?” If they were going out, she was snatching those panties back. It was too cold outside to go out in a dress with no underwear!

[AUGUST WITT]

"Your lips are saying one thing, but your hands are saying another.” She teased against his lips and he smiled in return letting out a soft chuckle. His hands gripped her rear harder as she kissed him loving this new playful side of their relationship. He'd been very serious with her at first, but he had become very comfortable showing a different side of himself these days.

Their kiss was quickly becoming heated and that wasn't what he wanted. Well, it was, but not just yet. Taking her to eat would be a torment of its own, plus it would give them the opportunity to spice things up by playing in public a bit. He remembered taking her to the Blue Scallop and how he'd had his way with her in the bathroom. He got harder thinking of how he'd bent her over the chair and practically made her scream while someone was in there. It made him smile more and his eyes moved to hers when she finally pulled back, tugging his bottom lip with her as she moved.

“So which would you prefer? Going out or staying in for a little bit?” His smile was devious and he pulled a hand back, only to bring it back down with a sharp little smack, squeezing the soft flesh after. "I think I'd like to make you wait a little longer. You're far too hot and need to be cooled down a bit." He kissed her once more, briefly and moved his hands away from her backside, feeling the dress tumble back down as he pulled away. "Come, I'll fetch our coats." August made no move to return the goods he'd stolen from her earlier that evening and moved to the coat closet in the front near the door. He pulled out his own heavy gray wool coat and slid it on before holding Maxine's green one out for her, helping her put it on like a gentleman. He offered her hat to her before reaching for their scarves.

"Are you ready?" He asked, the mischievous gleam in his eyes.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi gasped when August smacked her butt, jumping a little with the sharp sting. His hand squeezed afterward, easing some of the bite and she bit her lip against the excitement his rough hand caused. “I think I’d like to make you wait a little longer. You’re far too hot and need to be cooled down a bit.” Maxi gave a little sigh and pouted slightly. She didn’t really want to cool down, but she was hungry…for food, that is. He kissed her again and she returned it, brief as it was. The skirt of her dress tumbled back into place and she smoothed it out further to get out some of the wrinkles. “Come, I’ll fetch our coats.” Nope, no sign he was giving her back what he had stolen. It was too cold for commando! She was going to have to thaw after this. Poking out her bottom lip some and narrowing her eyes playfully, she followed him over to the coat closet. He took his coat out first, sliding it on before he took out her Kelley green coat for her. Now he was playing the part of the gentleman and helping her put it on and she pulled her hair out from under the heavy material before she took her hat from him. She slid it on and looped her scarf so it fluffed up beneath her neck, buttoning her coat over it. Even though the rest of her would be warm, she was still going to feel the breeze up her dress.

“Are you ready?” She saw the mischievous look on his face and she narrowed her eyes playfully in return. “No, but considering you won’t give me my panties back, I guess I’ll just be cold.” She leaned in and kissed him again briefly to show she was teasing and then let him open the door for them. As they walked down the hall, her arm looped in his as it always ended up when they were walking side-by-side, she leaned a little and said very softly, “By the way, are you starting a collection of my panties or something? Because that could get expensive for me.” She giggled as she looked up at him, thinking that, oddly enough, it was kind of sweet he was collecting something of hers. A little weird, but sweet. They stayed arm in arm until they got to the car where he, of course, opened the door for her and closed it behind her. Maxi had long since gotten used to this chivalrous treatment.

Before he climbed into the car, though, she flipped through his iPod to find some more Frank Sinatra to put on. She didn’t hesitate to touch his things anymore. They were comfortable together and she was sure he wouldn’t mind if she put on Frank Sinatra. If she had tried to put on Hootie and the Blowfish he might have objected, but Sinatra, no. She put the iPod back in its place before he got in and when the car started, there was Old Blue Eyes crooning again. It made her smile and she turned her smile to August briefly before turning her eyes out the window. Even at night it seemed the snow sparkled.

[AUGUST WITT]

“No, but considering you won’t give me my panties back, I guess I’ll just be cold.” He smirked as she leaned in for the brief kiss. "I'll personally see to it that doesn't happen." He teased back walking through the front door with her, allowing her arm to be locked around his. August didn't care for public affection, especially if it could be misconstrued somehow, but holding Maxine's arm was a kind gesture that he could easily wave off if confronted. "By the way, are you starting a collection of my panties or something? Because that could get expensive for me.” He peaked down at her as she giggled and offered another small smile. "Perhaps I am." He said back slyly. "But if you find you're running low, let me know. I will happily replenish your collection with some high end pieces. In fact, I think I might just go ahead and do that. Be prepared to model my choices, though." He warned, opening the car door for her, watching as she slid in and more of her pale thigh was exposed to him. He looked only for a moment before shutting her door and moving to the other side, climbing in beside her.

August didn't mind Maxine playing with the music in the car and he allowed her full control. His eyes stayed on the road, one hand on the wheel, the other at her thigh. His thumb caressed the soft skin moving back and forth affectionately as they drove. It was difficult to put his mothers words completely out of his mind, but he tried. End it. Could he? Of course he could but did he honestly want to? No. No the thought of losing the woman beside him was borderline devastating. He'd learned that the hard way after the masquerade. It had taken a few days for him to come back around, but it had been a hell of a few days with the darkness occurring and him losing the ability to change back into stone. No, as long as Snow was in office his relationship would remain quiet and secretive, which suited August just fine. He knew Maxine was itching for something more, though.

"Thank you for keeping our relationship discreet." He said out of nowhere, the car slipping easily through the mostly empty streets. "I genuinely appreciate that you played along with me this evening and intend to reward you." His eyes flashed to her a small grin on his face. "You still can't have your panties, though." He teased before pulling his hand back so he could steer the car better. They turned into the parking lot and August put the car in park after sliding into a spot. He turned to Maxine and brought a hand to the back of her head, pulling her into his brief kiss. "Now let's feed you so I can have my way with you." He teased, getting out and coming around, opening her door for her and escorting her towards the restaurant.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

As they slipped through the streets, quiet and empty, Maxi listened to the crooning from August’s sound system. Sinatra had always been one of her favorites. When she was young, her parents would sing Sinatra and play it all the time, and the girls picked up on it too. Remembering Maureen…they used to sing Come Fly With Me all the time, even as they were falling asleep in the twin beds side by side in their tiny bedroom. Their mother or father would come in and tell them to hush, but they were never upset to hear the girls singing. Lo and behold, Come Fly With Me came on the iPod and Maxi smiled to herself, enjoying the gentle way August’s hand caressed her thigh near her knee. It wasn’t a sexual gesture, but an affectionate one, and Maxi hoped he would always do that when they drove places. Her own hand rested gently on top of his, not holding his hand, just returning his touch with one of her own. She loved his hands; she had since that first night they were together. Her eyes looked out the window, watching the city pass as they made their way downtown.

“Thank you for keeping our relationship discreet.” The sudden sound of his voice snapped her out of her reverie and she looked to him with big eyes. “I genuinely appreciate that you played along with me this evening and intend to reward you.” A genuine and almost coy smile broke out on Maxi’s face as she leaned her head against the headrest of her seat, gazing at him. He always rewarded her somehow…actually, he pretty much rewarded her on a nightly basis. His grin came to his face as his eyes looked to her quickly. “You still can’t have your panties, though.” She giggled softly and looked forward again. “Of course not, baby.” His hand pulled away as they reached the parking lot and she rested her own hands in her lap. She wasn’t expecting what he did when he put the car in park, but she smiled as his hand came to the back of her head and he kissed her. It was sweet and affectionate and it showed how truly comfortable and happy they were with each other that they could show those tiny little gestures to remind each other that they cared. When he pulled away, she smiled again and opened her big eyes to look at him. “Now let’s feed you so I can have my way with you.” She giggled, watching him as he climbed out before she unbuckled her seatbelt. He always made sure he took good care of her. He made sure she wanted for nothing and even when she didn’t ask for something, he would get it for her just to make sure she was happy. She would have been happy with just him, but it was sweet and endearing that he made such an effort to give her every comfort possible.

Always the gentleman, he opened her door for her and escorted her from the car, her arm wrapped in his again and she walked close beside him. Another couple passed them leaving the restaurant and Maxi flashed the woman a smile when she caught her eye. Sometimes she wondered what other people saw when they looked at the two of them walking together. August was so handsome, did they wonder what he was doing with her? Surely they didn’t wonder what she was doing with him. Or maybe they thought they made a good-looking couple all around? Maxi only knew that she felt beautiful when she was with August; he had a way of making her feel lovely. A man took their coats at the door which surprised Maxi—she was used to just hanging her coat on the back of her chair. It was a small restaurant, but cozy and it was so warm from an actual wood-burning fireplace and the whole place smelled great. Her stomach was feeling empty just smelling the food and she already liked the atmosphere.

[AUGUST WITT]

August shrugged his jacket off and helped Maxine with hers before handing it to the gentleman who was collecting them. He waited for Maxine to take her hat and scarf off and he offered those to the man as well. The place was a romantic little hole in the wall with fine food and nice ambiance. He'd been there a handful of times and had never been disappointed. August didn't look much at Maxine as they were escorted to their table, his hand resting at the small of her back as he moved alongside her. He was surveying the area to see how much privacy they would have, ever cautious of their relationship.

At the table August held Maxine's chair out for her and pushed it in gently as she sat, smiling to himself knowing that her panties were nestled safely in his pocket. They were sitting close to the fire and it was all around very warm in there. "I hope you're not too chilly." He said coyly, grinning deviously at her before looking down at the menu set out before him. A young man came by to fill their water glasses and deliver a complimentary antipasto platter.

"Would you care for something to drink?" He asked and August looked up, a light smile on his face. "A bottle of Tejas Port, please." He said in a soft gruff voice and the boy nodded and left them. It had been the bottle of wine Maxine had suggested to him the night they met. His eyes flashed to meet hers momentarily before looking down at the specials. It was a little pricey, but well worth the cost.

"Everything is exquisite here." He said without looking up at his date. "Do you see anything you'd like to try?"

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi liked the small gestures August made, like the hand at the small of her back as they walked to the table. She’d always been a stickler for detail and she always noticed the small things. Even him pulling her chair out for her and tucking it in below her didn’t go unnoticed. It was chivalrous and kind and again showed his insistence on adoring her. She smoothed her skirt as she sat, hoping it didn’t draw too much attention to her bare behind. August would probably make note of it being the lecher he was, but a cute one. They were near the fireplace and she sighed to feel the warmth of it. It felt nice on her bare arms and legs. “I you’re not too chilly.” At first Maxi was confused by the remark, but then seeing the smirk on August’s face, she smiled coyly in return. “A little, but I’ll live,” she insisted playfully. Why did he have to say things that reminded her how badly she craved him every second of every day? Had the waiter not shown up then, she might have toyed with him a bit by nudging her foot up his leg under the table.

“Would you care for something to drink?” “A bottle of Tejas Port, please.” Maxi’s eyes were wide and her big smile reached all the way up to them as she gazed at August in surprise. She thought she was the only one who remembered small details like the kind of wine she had suggested for him on the night they met. Maybe August didn’t think much of remembering that little detail, but Maxi saw it as a sign of his honest affection for her. Still smiling, she followed August’s lead and looked down at the menu. He always picked pricey places to eat, but she was slowly getting used to his high end taste. But since she was still in the process of getting used to it, she winced inwardly at the prices.

“Everything is exquisite here. Do you see anything you’d like to try?” Her eyes roamed the menu and she realized she kind of wanted to try everything. She considered it, her foot silently slipping out of her shoe. “The chicken parmesan looks good…but so does the manicotti.” Her foot slipped up his pant leg slowly beneath the tablecloth draped table. She liked teasing him. Her eyes lifted to his again, biting her lip as she smiled coyly. “Do you know what you’re getting?” she asked innocently though her foot was still dragging up and down his leg playfully. She might pay for the teasing later but it was worth it.

[AUGUST WITT]

"The chicken parmesan looks good…but so does the manicotti.” August gave her an incredulous look. "You can have that anywhere." He said almost offended she would choose something so simple and common, but then again that's how Maxine was. She liked the simple, familiar things. He felt her foot on his leg and his eyes narrowed a little. She was going to play with him? He could play. He looked down at the menu, ignoring her foot, at least outwardly.

“Do you know what you’re getting?” she asked innocently and he couldn't hide the devious smile. "Yes, but I have the a feeling you don't." He returned, just as coyly. He set the menu down at the edge of the table and brought his gaze back to Maxine.

"You know, you're lucky we're at a table." He told her softly so only they might hear. "You would be in very serious trouble if we were in a booth." He promised, his eyes smoldering as they looked across the table at her, suddenly wishing he had opted to stay in tonight. Then again they could both use a lesson on patience, and he also knew there were other ways to torment her.

August got a sudden idea and he wondered if Maxine would go along with it. He could always make her.. the thought of making her do something for his pleasure excited him, and she was often a willing participant when it came to his darker desires. "Put your foot down, Maxine," He commanded in a soft, dark voice. "..and spread your legs." There was a tablecloth to shield her if anyone dared to look their way. No one would see what she was doing, and it helped that they were in a an uncrowded restaurant with very dim lighting. "Not too much. Now." He ordered, unable to see if she was listening or not. "I it's high time you were taught a lesson about teasing me in public. "Put your napkin on your lap." He ordered just as the waiter came back with the wine. The young man poured them each a glass and then set the bottle aside on their table, asking if they were ready to order. August nodded looking at the menu from where he sat. "I'll have the linguine pescatore." He told the boy and then nodded to Maxine to make her selection, his eyes hungry but not for the food he'd just ordered.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

August smiled deviously when Maxi asked what he was getting and she had to bite back smiling more. “Yes, but I have a feeling you don’t.” She giggled softly, shaking her head and looking back down at the menu, her foot still on his leg. Maybe he was right; she should try something new. But she’d definitely stick with chicken… “You know, you’re lucky we’re at a table.” Maxi looked back up at him and bit her lip as she smiled mischievously again. “Oh?” she teased back. “You would be in very serious trouble if we were in a booth.” She blushed a little at the idea of all the things he could do to her. It was probably better not to think of that. They were in public after all, but she wished they had stayed at home. Had they stayed at the apartment, they could be on round two by now. Then again, she had to admit it was nice getting out on the town with him. Sure, they went out to eat often and they certainly spent time together away from the apartment, but they also spent a lot of time in the apartment together, indulging other appetites.

“Put your foot down, Maxine…and spread your legs.” His sudden voice, called her back to mind and his command made her look around nervously as a blush came to her cheeks. Why was he telling her to spread her legs? “Not too much. Now.” Clearing her throat and giving him a suspicious look, she followed orders. She was very good at doing that. “It’s high time you were taught a lesson about teasing me in public. Put your napkin on your lap.” She was biting back a grin and putting her napkin in her lap when the waiter came back. Her legs instinctively closed at the knees again, not that the waiter could even see what was going on. She didn’t make it obvious she was a little embarrassed by his presence except for the slightest blush that bloomed beneath her pale cheeks. He poured them each a glass of wine and then placed the bottle on the table before he asked for their orders.

August ordered before he looked back to her and she turned her eyes up to the waiter with a smile. “I’ll have the fettuccine Romano please.” The waiter nodded and smiled between them before Maxi turned her eyes back to August. His own eyes were smoldering storms and she blushed a little more at the look, her legs parting once more beneath the tablecloth and her napkin. “Why is it that you get to tease me but I don’t get to tease you?” she asked in a low, soft voice, her tone playful and perhaps a little pouty. She always got in trouble when she teased him…

[AUGUST WITT]

August had eyes only for Maxine as they were left alone once more. He adopted the predator look he often took up when he was with her in these compromising positions and he felt bot exhilarated and powerful. “Why is it that you get to tease me but I don’t get to tease you?” She was pouting and it only fed his hunger making him smirk just a hair. He would never grow tired of her, it seemed. August genuinely felt that way; he had reached the top.

"Why is it you always question why?" He asked back coyly. "Please don't pretend you don't love every second of my undivided attention. That you don't crave my tormenting hand. We both know you're soaking wet right now. I don't need to be touching you to know that, Maxine. I could see it in your eyes. You love when I tease you, and there's no competition who's better at being in charge. Now, have you done what I asked?" He waited for her answer and smiled when she agreed she had. "Good girl." It was almost condescending, but he also knew she loved it.

August reached for his glass of wine and took a deep sip from it, his eyes never leaving the woman across from him. Even though he was toying with her, he knew it was fun for both of them, and where as he used to not care if she enjoyed it, he did now. If she wasn't interested in participating he would drop the authority act, but for now she was being compliant and seemed happy to do so, if not a little bashful.

"Slide your hand under the napkin to your thigh." He tried to hide the smile that threatened to peek through, instead watching her face which was where the show really was. He liked the warm red color that crept through her cheeks and the way she looked so unsure. "Now under your dress, and rest it on your inner thigh." He ordered softly, his voice loud enough for only her to hear and barely. No one would be able to see her hand at all from where they were sitting, but it wouldn't stop her from being so modest. She had it coming, though. Sliding her foot up his leg as she did.. if he couldn't please her from where he sat, he would make her please herself. "Higher." He commanded, wanting her to feel her own heat.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

”Why is it you always question why?” Maxi smiled more and rolled her eyes playfully at August’s flippant answer. “Please don’t pretend you don’t love every second of my undivided attention. That you don’t crave my tormenting hand. We both know you’re soaking wet right now. I don’t need to be touching you to know that, Maxine. I could see it in your eyes.” She blushed more, looking around to make sure no one was nearby to hear him. They both may have known that she was soaking wet, but the whole restaurant didn’t need to know. Fortunately there was no one around to hear him verbally torment her and she turned her eyes back to him. “You love when I tease you, and there’s no competition who’s better at being in charge.” It was true; she did love his teasing. She hated it, but she loved it. Maxi was naturally a follower and August was a leader, so of course he was better at being in charge. “Now, have you done what I asked?” She bit her lip again, nodding shyly before reaching for her wine. She had a feeling she was going to need some liquid courage here. “Good girl.” A chill went up her spine at the way he cooed those words to her. Perhaps it was condescending, but she loved the reminder that he was in charge.

As August sipped his wine, she placed her glass back on the table, glancing around the restaurant once more. There weren’t many people around, but she was still nervous about what she would have to do. Surely nothing obvious… “Slide your hand under the napkin to your thigh.” Her eyes got wide and she blushed red, looking around again. Seriously?! He was going to have her touch herself when somebody at the restaurant could come over and see what she was doing. Clearing her throat a little, her hand slipped beneath the napkin on her lap and touched her thigh. “Now under your dress, and rest it on your inner thigh.” She watched him as her hand slip up beneath her dress, her heart starting to pound a little. This was so embarrassing and exciting at the same time. His eyes were bright and gleaming and it made her flush more to be the object of that gaze. It was always so gratifying to see the hunger in his eyes that only she could evoke. “Higher.” Her eyes dropped to the tablecloth momentarily hesitant to bring her hand higher, but she did so, her fingers brushing over the soft skin and sparse hair on her mound. She reached out and took another sip of her wine to play off what she was doing as her finger lightly dipped in, but not far. Yeah, she was pretty ready.

Setting her glass down, her cheeks flushed, she smiled across the table at August. “Anything else?” she asked softly, cocking her head to the side cutely. Her eyes gazed into his and she knew she could get lost in them easily. Her finger was moving slowly and gently against her most sensitive trigger, helping her forget the restaurant momentarily and focus on the gorgeous man across from her. She wouldn’t be doing this if she didn’t love him.