Ready for A Slow Dance w/ A Stranger(Kate)

[Adrian]

When Kate spoke, Adrian said nothing in return. He knew he wouldn't have been the first to say those things, which is why he said what he did instead. Destroying those who hurt her was something he could never truly promise. Protecting her was something he could. Both of them, however, would mean shit to Kate until they could be proven. Adrian was under no false pretenses, and understood that as well as anyone could. There was no need to speak further on it.

Kate turned back to him, slapping his hands away and lowering into the water. This time, Adrian straddled her, kneeling on the hot tub's seat with his legs to either side of her, his butt on hier legs, but most of his weight was being kept on his knees. He didn't doubt she could hold him no problem, but it could get uncomfortable after a while.

His arms would drape around her shoulders, and he would smile too. Was it a charade they decided to put up, to mask themselves from the depressing conversation of only moments before? Yes, but also no. At least not for Adrian. He would certainly play along to help lead the two back into more familiar territory, but, well... he was hungry.

"Mmmm, I don't know, Kate," he said, nuzzling his forehead into hers. "I still haven't had the chance to fully get acquainted with the area. Are there any Chinese takeout places that don't suck?"

[Kate]

WHOA! WAIT A MINUTE THERE COWBOY!!!! He was straddling her. Like his legs, and then... and... yeah. Adrian was straddling Kate, all up in her "grill". Those emerald eyes were a little startled by the sudden closeness of full body in the hot tub of water. Why? Well, it was just sudden after the rush of emotions and well... it made Kate want to giggle. Not chuckle, not laugh, not cackle... but giggle. She bit down on her lips hard, fighting back the giggles.

It was impossible. She busted out in giggles, cascading things that shook her sides. Kate couldn't help it. She couldn't remember someone straddling her out of a fight. Normally it was the other way around... but that was another story all together.

"If you want good Chinese food, go to China. There's a nice Italian place that makes a mean Alfredo. Or we could go good ole Outback Steak. Those are pretty damned good."

She was smiling up at him. Not grinning, no sly smirks, or saucy things... but smiling. As honest and care free as Kate could get in a moment. As innocent as she ever would be, smiling with those full lips, emerald eyes happy and light in those few moments. It probably wouldn't happen again for awhile.

[Adrian]

When she started giggling, there was something infectious about it. Adrian started laughing too. He didn't giggle, of course, that would be totally gay, but he would definitely laugh along with her. Hell, Adrian didn't even know why they were laughing. Kate just seemed happy, and that was enough for the wealthy Hanlon.

She spoke up, telling him where to go to get good Chinese food. Adrian wanted to speak up, telling her that he'd been to China and the food really was good, but she continued to speak, giving out the options. When she mentioned the Outback, Adrian's mouth watered a little involuntarily. He didn't eat out too particularly often, or at least he didn't back home. His parents paid personal chefs to constantly cook only the most healthy and best-tasting meals for him, but since moving up north to San Francisco and living on his own, he had taken to eating out more. He still had yet to experience an Outback steak, though.

"You know," he said, voicing this fact aloud, "I've never eaten at the Outback. Is it good...?"

She smiled, and he smiled back. He couldn't help himself, so he kissed her one more time for good measure.

[Kate]

Both eyebrows rose. He hadn't been to an Outback? Well that's what they'd have for dinner then. But the Outback didn't open until four pm... and that was a bit away. If he was hungry now they'd have to raid Kate's fridge. For now though she concentrated on the kiss he gave her, the taste of it lingering on her lips. She really couldn't get enough of it, and wanted so much more.

Refraining, holding back, Kate simply smiled up at him.

"Outback for dinner, they don't open until later though... We can raid the fridge if you're hungry."

There was some humor laced in her words... why? Because if they went to raid the fridge they would leave the hot tub. And then he would be her slave again. She leaned in and kissed him on his collar bone, arms wrapping around his torso softly. Kate was enjoying this. Granted, she had slept with guys (and lately too), one in fact in her own apartment... but touching them was nothing like touching Adrian. Nothing similar. He was...warm in a way she couldn't describe.

[Adrian]

Adrian weighed the options given to him. They could go raid the fridge, but that would entail them leaving the hot tub, and therefore Adrian would be relegated once more to pet status. He bit his lip, trying to think of what would be the best course. He WAS hungry. And really, there were a lot of fates much, much worse than having to obey the every whim of a beautiful girl who was obviously really into you.

Allllright, fine. Back to servitude we go.

"I think I know why YOU want that, my dear Ms. McHallin," Adrian said, leaning his head against hers only for a bit of a moment more before pulling away from her, just to move around a bit and stretch out his legs. "Are you ready to step out of the hot tub, and put me back in my place?" He grinned playfully at her. His tone had changed somewhat, though, as currently he seemed much more innocent than he usually did.

[Kate]

Innocent Adrian? Hardly. Kate could probably take a guess of some of the dirty thoughts floating around in the back of his mind. The blonde stood as well, and winked at him. Back to slave status? Of course! Kate didn't say a damned word, just waltzed past him, pinching his ass as she went. That's right... the girl pinched the guy's ass. Woo!

She climbed out of the tub, and grabbed a towel from the rack where his shirt was hanging from. Cream in color, with green edging. She wrapped herself in it, and chucked him another one. From there? To the kitchen of course!

The place was cleaned, as if the glass of OJ had never fallen in the first place. She pointed at the fridge and sat on a stool. Next would be a joke, and nothing more. And she'd say it in a manner to be understood that it was a joke, with a glint in her eye. This would probably be the ONLY time she called him female. or anything of the sort.

"Make me a sammich woman."

[Adrian]

Adrian felt his ass get pinched as she walked past him. The boy jerked as it happened, completely caught off guard by the girl's sudden and surprising action. He turned to look at her, trying to fake a scowl but only succeeding in laughing his ass off once again. He clambered out of the hot tub and caught the proffered towel, drying himself off a bit before wrapping it around his waist to keep his swimsuit from dripping.

Kate wandered into the kitchen, and Adrian followed her like the good little lapdog he was supposed to be. She went into the kitchen and plopped herself down, and, in so many words, told Adrian to 'make me a sammich, bitch'. Adrian tilted his head again in her direction, almost surprised at her choice of words, but instead of arguing or raising a stink, he just started bowing rapidly to her while speaking.

"Oh, yes, massa, I make you a sammich reaaaal good!"

Adrian opened the fridge, and began to rifle around for the essentials. He realized, first, that he had no idea what Kate wanted. Turning his head to look over his shoulder at the girl, he would ask.

"Hey... what you want on this sammich?!" he said, in a rather forceful tone, clearly joking just as much as Kate was.

[Kate]

Kate was grinning ear to ear. His reaction to the ass pinching? Wondrous. Keeping him on his toes was going to be fun, and possibly easy for awhile. But this whole sandwich thing? It was silly and carefree, making Kate smile and laugh. She leaned her elbows on the marble counter top and told him what she liked.

"There's some munster cheese in there, as well as honey baked turkey. Tomatoes, lettuce, a tiny bit of mayo, and whole wheat bread in the cupboard to the right darling."

A little specific? Maybe. Kate liked what she liked, and there was no point in fussing with stuff like that. If you wanted something, why not speak up for it. Kate was still wrapped in the towel over her bathing suit. Her party dress was still on the balcony too. Oh well, she'd pick up the pieces in a bit.

"You better be a good sandwich maker, or I might have to punish you."

A dark chuckle... because what exactly did that entail? Really? What was she going to do to him? Kate knew exactly what, but he didn't. That was the fun part. But really? Who could fuck up a sandwich?

[Adrian]

"Oh, believe me, I make the best damn sandwiches you'll ever eat!"

Did he really? Shit, Adrian didn't know, he thought they were pretty good, but he was a boy, he'd eat anythign that wasn't nailed down, really. He followed her directions, first taking the bread and pulling out four slices, and spreading mayo thinly over two of the slices. Much to Kate's possible surprise, Adrian would look rather at ease doing this, as if he'd done it a million times before. He'd reach into the fridge and grab all the other things needed for the sammiches, setting them all out before him as he closed to fridge so as not to waste energy and money.

Adrian would wash his hands quickly in the sink, and then break up the ball of fresh lettuce, placing a few pieces on two of the bread slices. Next would come the turkey, putting a single slice down atop the lettuce of each piece of bread. Then he would reach into a nearby counter drawer, somehow knowing the knives would be there, and proceeding to procure a knife, sliced off two pieces of cheese for each sandwich as well. He added one more meat slice to each to sandwich the cheese, and garnished it all off with a slice of tomato for each, and a dash of salt and pepper. Topping off the sandwiches with the crown piece of bread, he'd hold one in each hand, his right had extending to her as he spoke in a goofy fake French accent.

"Ahh, m'lady, zee Chez Sandveech, eet ees yours to eat."

[Kate]

A tell tale sign that Kate was having a good time... her nose was wrinkling. In humor, fighting back giggles and grins. Her nose always wrinkled when she did this, there was no getting around it. She grasped the sandwich and took a bite. Didn't that taste good!!! She swallowed her bite and grinned at her little slave. Well, not little.. the man stood way over her!!

"Too bad it tastes good darling, I would have loved tying you down and spanking you like a naughty boy."

Teases or promises? Those emerald eyes were dancing. She licked her lips slowly, then took another bite. Soon enough the sandwich was finished... because Kate had been a rather hungry girl as well. You used up a lot of energy kissing and what not. The pale girl smiled at him, feeling good with settling her tummy.

"I should keep you around, you're a good sammich maker."

A chuckle, and she blew him a kiss. Her bodyguards were no where to be found. All the laughter? It had been a clue to make themselves sparse. Their mistress was having fun after all.

[Adrian]

She seemed regretful that it tasted as good as it did, to which Adrian shrugged as if he just couldn't help that he was so badass.

"Well if you want I could smash my finger into it still. You're not quite done yet," he said, before she had finished the sandwich. He laughed, and picked up his own, munching thoughtfully on it while looking at her the whole time. He didn't know how she felt about people watching her eat, but the way she was wrinkling her nose was too damn cute to ignore. She commented once again on his sammich making abilities, and he responded in kind, acting as full of himself as came naturally.

"I know, I know, it's a talent, it really is," Adrian said, letting out a deep breath and checking his fingernails for dirt as if he was just blowing off the whole idea. "You only get it free one time, though, afterwards you have to hire me as your personal chef." He laughed and strolled back around the counter, leaning in to whisper into Kate's ear.

"For you, love, I might even accept sexual favors as a legitimate payment." He would say coyly, and then put his finger to her chin to turn her face toward him so she could see him grinning from ear to ear at her.

[Kate]

Kate looked at him, eyes sparkling. What was it about this man that made her so... wound up? Ready to jump him? Ready to... well, all the non-kosher things just kept running through her mind. Kate blamed it all on Adrian. ALL of it on him, since all her thoughts were centered on him. Just being around commanded all her thoughts. Bastard.

"Still have to earn it Adrian. The moment you earn it darling, you won't be able to get me off of you."

She chuckled, those emerald eyes still dancing. The moment she couldn't take it anymore, or he begged hard enough... Kate would give in, and she was expecting a night out of that. The grin that filled her lips was naughty and wicked... and oh so yummy to look at.

"I'm sure I could afford to really hire you though Adrian. What's your price?"

[Adrian]

"Oh, sweetheart, I intend to. I intend to," Adrian cooed right back at her for her first statement, not missing a beat. He wasn't entirely too worried about hopping into bed with her, to be honest. Oh, he wanted to, no doubt about that whatsoever. The girl was smoking hot, in every way, and Adrian would want nothing more than to be able to spend a night with her indulging in the more carnal pleasures of mankind. There was still this nagging feeling, however, that kept telling him it was good to wait. This girl was more than worth it, for sure, and Adrian knew that good things come to those who wait, anyway.

He smirked, and she made it known that she could hire him for real if he wanted. He laughed, and shook his head. "Kate, I'll be honest, I'd love to cook for you anytime you wanted. If you want me to be your chef-on-retainer, all you've got to do is make sure I've got a place to stay. In fact, I was in a bedroom earlier this afternoon that I really liked, maybe you could let me stay in that one?"

He grinned. He was being a little bit dirty and a little bit cute all at once. That was one thing, among many, that Adrian was good at, playing with his words and the tone of his voice to make one thing sound completely different that its usual intent. Maybe it was his businessman side rubbing off, or maybe he was just a natural flirt. Either way, he couldn't help but admit it was effective.

[Kate]

Kate smiled softly, very softly. Her heart was racing, beating so fast in her chest Kate thought it would burst out or something. She pulled away from him, and hopped out of the stool. The towel fell off and onto the ground, but Kate pretty much ignored it. Finger tips on the marble counter top as she slowly walked away from him, trailing her hand on the cool surface. She paused and looked over her shoulder at him. There was something... vulnerable in those emerald eyes, her teeth biting on her bottom lip. The words she spoke? Lightly, and almost whispered again. But said in such a way...

"If you earn it Adrian, you can move into whatever room you want here. Mine included."

So there it was. Everything was on the table in a way. If Adrian earned it, he could have it all. The girl, every day, every night. What she was offering him was something that scared her... and excited here all in the same go. If he earned her, then he was allowed to move into her room. Which entailed a relationship, at least for Kate.

[Adrian]

Kate did that thing again, where she got kinda quiet, and got up from her stool. Adrian was just about to go to her, to make sure everything was alright, when she looked over her shoulder at him, speaking in such soft words he had to really listen to hear exactly what she was saying.

And boy, were they a doozy.

Here, after everything she had told him, after all her insecurities, she was telling Adrian that, if he earned it, he could move in. To the youngest Hanlon, it was quite a feat. To have only just met someone, and yet feel so strongly, especially in the face of such prior adversity... well, it caused the boy's heart to swell a bit. He let out a little breath, it came out more raggedy than he thought it would. The girl had suddenly made it hard for the boy to breathe.

"I... I think I would like that..." Adrian replied, not quite so eloquent as before. The reason for that was, most likely, that the severe truth of what he had just said was weighing down quite heavily on him. Adrian didn't have the sordid past that Kate did, but he tended to have a similar current reputation as far as the opposite sex went. He'd love 'em and leave 'em as long as they lost their usefulness, because, for the most part, most girls just wanted him for his money and little else. So he would usually take them out somewhere nice, let him see a bit of the high life, and by the end of the night they were just begging him to take them home. Sometimes he did, sometimes he didn't. But Kate... Kate was so different.

With Kate, everything was just so real.

Adrian didn't really know what else to say at the moment, and so he kinda just stood there, leaning against the counter, smiling like an idiot.