John Gay (1685–1732), English dramatist. Fables, “The Hound and the Huntsman” (1727).

March 23, 2001

"Hey," said Todd as he found Téa in their bedroom.

"Hey yourself," she answered holding up two of her suits by the hangars, assessing them. "How did the conference call go? Were you able to close the deal over the phone?"

"No, we had to put it off 'til Monday," said Todd angrily. "This weather sucks."

Téa looked out the window at the driving rain pelting the sidewalk and near gale force winds stripping the trees of their new foliage. "For once, Querido, I have to agree with your terse description. After the lovely weather all week, I let myself believe that winter was over. Looks like I was wrong."

"Yeah, well, Mother Nature is about to cost me a couple of million bucks."

"I wouldn't worry about it, Todd. No one could anticipate this kind of weather. I'm sure they'll extend the deal."

"I'm not so sure. Old lady Delacroix doesn't like me. I'm not worthy to own her sainted daddy's newspaper."

"Well, too bad. Your offer is at least 20% higher than the darned rag is worth. Trust me, she won't turn up her nose when she sees all the zeros on the check."

"I just wanted to see her name on the dotted line today, Téa," said Todd as he stared out the window toward Central Park.

"The whole city is practically paralyzed by the storm. Intersections are flooded, the power is out in some places--it would have taken you hours to get to the office. Trust me, you're better off postponing." Téa selected a pale green summer suit from her choices and added it to a huge mound of clothes that littered the bed. She returned the teal one to the closet.

"I hate being cooped up in here," muttered Todd half to himself.

"Oh, I don't know," mused Téa emerging from the closet with another armload of clothes. "I think it's kind of fun spending the day together at home. We have this lovely apartment, and we're hardly ever here to enjoy it."

"But you're not paying attention to me," pouted Todd, gesturing at the pile of garments. "You're too busy….er….what the hell ARE you doing, anyhow?"

"What does it look like? I'm cleaning out my closet."

"Oh, there's a fun way to spend a rainy day!" Todd rolled his eyes in disgust. Unable to find a clear spot on the bed, he shrugged and stretched himself full length on top of the cast-off clothing.

"Todd! You're getting everything wrinkled! These things are going to the women's shelter for their big rummage sale next month!"

"So?"

"So, this is their major fund-raiser. They collect used designer clothes from wealthy donors and re-sell at their sale to people who are interested in acquiring high style at a fraction of the original cost. Apparently, they raise thousands every year."

"And these people are going to care if the stuff has wrinkles?" asked Todd incredulously. "Think about it, Delgado…if they don't care about someone else's b.o., why would they worry if it's ironed or not?" Téa shook her head at him, an amused grin on her face.

Todd watched in silence as she bustled in and out of the closet, shoes and purses in her arms. Although she was handling some exquisite examples of haute couture, Téa had opted for a much more informal look for her day at home. She wore baggy black sweats topped with an old NYU T-shirt. Her hair was clipped up away from her face, and she wore no make-up. Her natural beauty glowed even more brightly without all the usual fancy trappings. Todd patted a red evening gown next to him. "Come here," he coaxed. "I have a better idea for how we can spend the day."

"What a coincidence!" said Téa with a bright smile. "I was just thinking the same thing!" Todd waited with a satisfied smirk for her to join him on the bed, but to his confusion, she turned and marched to the other side of the room. Flinging open the doors to his closet, she stared in dismay at the untidy mess inside. Todd's smile turned into a frown as she gestured to him impatiently, hands on hips. "Well, Manning….this isn't getting any cleaner while you're lounging around."

"Huh?"

"Huh?" Téa mimicked his grunting. "Quit playing dumb. You don't wear even half of this stuff any more, and these suits would fetch a pretty penny at the sale. We're going to clean out your closet."

Todd got to his feet and started edging to the door. "Uh…I just remembered I have to make another phone call…"

"Oh no you don't, Buster!" cried Téa. She gestured toward the closet. "Get your butt over here and help me sort this stuff out." The look on her face led him to believe it was a bad time to run out, especially if he wanted to get a little nookie later. Téa waited until she saw him sigh and take a step toward her before disappearing into the closet.

Todd decided to go for a distraction. "C'mon, Delgado. We don't have to do this today, do we? Why don't we go downstairs and play a little Money Hungry? I'll even let you be the...." His comment was smothered as Téa shoved a huge pile of clothes into his arms, muffling his mouth.

"Nice try, Manning, but no dice." She laughed at her own joke. "And by the way," she said, gathering up another armload. "Next time we play, I get to be the iron."

An hour later, Téa was folding the last of the clothes into packing boxes while Todd zipped up the garment bags. "Well, that was fun---not!" said Todd, in a full-blown snit. "Why don't you just pour scalding coffee in my lap or lace my food with laxatives--it would be less torture than this."

"Oh, poor baby," said Téa in a mocking voice. "It looks like you survived." Todd continued to pout. "Wow, look at the time," said Téa checking the clock on her nightstand. "It's already noon."

"Well, how time does fly when you're having fun." He rolled his eyes and plopped down on the now empty bed. He gave her a mischievous grin. Téa reached out and took his hand, sliding her fingers along the back sensuously. But to his consternation, she pulled him up and began dragging him to the door. "Hey, wait! Where are we going?" he asked, looking back at the bed wistfully.

"You're going to help me make lunch!" she said brightly. Todd followed her down the stairs.

"Me? Cook? C'mon, Delgado!" He stopped in the living room, taking her by the shoulders. "Who's hungry, anyway?" Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to hers. She returned his kiss, wrapping her arms around her back and sliding her hands over the firm muscles. Suddenly she broke away, walking briskly toward the kitchen.

"Me!" she called over her shoulder. "I'm hungry." She stopped in the doorway, grinning back at him. "Come on, Todd," she coaxed. "It will be fun to share the cooking duties. Who knows what we'll come up with." Todd stared at her in dismay. Kitchen duty? She had to be kidding. The phone rang, startling them both. Todd jumped on it before the third ring.

"What?" He listened for a few moments. "OK, hang on a minute." He covered the mouthpiece with his hand and looked at Téa, feigning disappointment. "Look, Delgado, I gotta take this. Why don't you go get started, and I'll catch up as soon as I can."

Téa looked disappointed, too. "It isn't some problem with the deal?" she asked sympathetically.

"It's always something," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "Go on now. Hopefully this won't take too long." He continued with the long-suffering act until she disappeared through the door, then he turned his attention to the phone. "Listen, Buddy," he said in a low voice. "I don't care what you're selling, what charity your shilling for, or what long distance plan you're pushing. Just keep talking for 20 minutes and I'll give you whatever you want."

"That was good, Delgado," said Todd, leaning away from the breakfast bar and patting his stomach. They had just dined on some pasta with marinara sauce and a caesar salad. "Too bad my call took so long or I could have given you a hand."

"Yeah, too bad." She eyed him suspiciously.

His eyes dropped to her chest. "What's for dessert?" he asked, licking his lips.

Téa shook her head with a little laugh. "I think we'll save dessert for later," she said, getting up to clear the dishes to the sink. Todd watched her, a tiny scowl on his face. He got up and headed toward the door. "Hey, where do you think you're going?" said Téa, stopping his escape.

"I thought I'd get the Money Hungry game set up while you clean up."

"That would work, except for the fact that I'm not doing the dishes--you are."

"What?" He had a look of complete disbelief on his face.

"That's the way it works around here, Manning. I cooked, you clean."

"Look, I've done enough cleaning for today," he said eyeing the greasy pots and pans with dismay. He approached her, a sexy grin on his face. "Forget this mess. Leave it for the cleaning lady." He reached for her hand.

"No way! With this weather, she won't be able to get here for a few days and I'm not leaving the kitchen looking like this." She turned to the sink and began filling it with soapy water. "C'mon, Todd. Hop to it," she said gesturing at the dishes still on the table. She glared at him, hands on hips. He took a step forward, staring down at her, doing his best to look menacing.

"That's enough, Delgado," he said in a dangerously low voice. "You've been nagging at me all day, and I'm sick of it." He looked her up and down. "So, knock it off, or I might have to teach you a lesson."

Téa stared at him a moment, then broke down into peals of laughter. Todd stepped back, shrugging with frustration. "Why doesn't that scare you, Delgado? If I said that to anyone else, they'd be pissing themselves in fear. But you just laugh."

"Because I know you too well, Todd. You'll try anything to get out of kitchen duty. So cut the big, bad Todd Manning act and get to work."

"How do you know I wouldn't follow through?" he asked as he carried a few plates to the sink and dropped them unceremoniously in the frothy water. "You are overdue for a lesson in wifely duty, you know." She pointed to the remaining dishes, a grin on her face.

"And just what form would this lesson take?" After he had deposited the next load in the sink, she handed him a soapy sponge, indicating he should wipe down the counter. He gave her a piercing look over his shoulder.

"Oh, I can think of a few things," he said in a low growl.

"Yeah, I bet you could," she said, watching him use the sponge grudgingly. He returned and threw the sponge in the water, causing a big splash.

"You're really getting out of hand these days, making me work like this. I think I might have to use sterner measures to make my point." Téa looked at his severe expression and giggled again.

"What are you going to do, Todd?" she purred. "Spank me?"

His eyes took on a sultry look as he stared at her in silence for a few moments. "Now there's an idea with a lot of possibilities," he said softly. Their eyes locked. "Well, aren't you scared, Delgado?" he asked when she didn't respond.

"No, Todd. You don't scare me. You see, you're busted. I know you would never hurt me deliberately."

"But it would be for your own good. To correct your bad habits."

"Right now, you're the one in need of correction, not me. Get to work." He stared at her a moment longer, then turned to the sink with a sigh. Téa hopped up and seated herself on the counter next to him, munching on an apple. He looked at the soapy, greasy mess in the sink with dismay.

"This sucks," he said, looking up her with puppy dog eyes. She stared at him coolly, taking another bite of the apple. Realizing his pathetic act wasn't working, he pulled his sweater over his head, tossing it to the floor. He plunged his hands into the water, making a face.

Téa watched him closely, thinking how sexy he looked in his white undershirt and tight jeans. Seeing him with all that soapy water was giving her naughty thoughts. He looked up at her as he scrubbed at a pot. "This reminds me of when I was in prison," he grumbled. "Did I ever tell you I was assigned kitchen duty?"

Téa shook her head. "What was that like?"

"What do you think? It was pure torture." He checked her out, assessing her reaction. He stopped working and stared into the water, trembling slightly. "Téa, I think this might be giving me unpleasant flashbacks." He looked up at her, his eyes wide.

Téa stared at him a moment, then took another bite of her apple. "Well, Todd, then just think of me as the sadistic guard," she said in an even voice. "Get back to work." His shoulders slumped in defeat. He started scrubbing again.

"There's just no distracting you today, Delgado," he said in a hurt tone of voice. Téa watched in fascination as some of the water splashed up, wetting the front of his T-shirt.

"Huh?" She shook herself, recovering quickly. "Uh, you know, Todd, if you'd spend less time grousing and more time actually scrubbing, we could do something more…pleasant." She gave him a bright smile.

"Why are you getting off so much on making me jump to your every command? What is making you so anxious to see me scrubbing and cleaning stuff?"

Téa reached out a bare toe and slowly drew it up his thigh. "When you do things you don't like, and you do them to make me happy, it…it shows me how much you love me." Todd looked down to where she was caressing him with her foot. He cleared his throat, distracted.

"And what about going to that lame party with those jerks you work with? Wasn't that enough to show my love? What about that gigantic ring on your finger?"

Téa held up her hand with the sparkling bauble. "Yes, this is nice, but it's the little things in life that count, Todd."

He rolled his eyes and flung out his wet hands helplessly, sending soapsuds and water drops everywhere. "Why didn't you tell me that BEFORE I bought the ring!"

"Not on your life! I love my ring!" Laughing, she playfully kicked at his butt. "Hey! You're shirking your duties. And you missed a spot of sauce on that pan."

With a weary sigh, Todd put his hands back in the dishwater. Téa turned her attention to the apple for a moment. When she looked back, she was just in time to see Todd staring at her with a roguish grin on his face. Without warning, he slapped at the water, dousing her lap with the resulting splash. Téa stared at him in disbelief, an outraged cry on her lips. Darting her hand into the water, she splashed some on his belly. He splashed at her again, but got most of the water on the floor. Laughing and shielding herself, she reached into the water and came up with a dripping dishrag. Before he could bring up his hands, she dashed it full force directly into Todd's face. It hung there a moment, dripping water all over his chest. Téa was hiccuping with laughter as he slowly brought his hand up to his face and removed the dishcloth.

"You're gonna pay for that one, Delgado," he said, arching his brows. One look at his face, and Téa decided the time was ripe for a hasty retreat. She leapt off the counter a second before he lunged for her, ducking under his arm. She put the large center island between them, laughing as he ran one way and then the other in a vain attempt to catch her. He tried diving across the center, sliding on the smooth granite surface, but he only succeeded in knocking over a canister of pasta, strewing little sticks of dried dough from one end of the kitchen floor to the other.

"Looks like we'll be adding floor scrubbing to your other duties," taunted Téa as she laughingly eluded him again. "You may as well give it up, Todd," she teased, slipping away from him at the last minute. She added insult to injury by slapping him on the butt as she slid by. "You see, I grew up with three brothers. I made a science out of dodging them." Todd fixed her with one of his patented glares, but stopped trying to catch her. Throwing his arms out in helpless frustration, he went back to the sink.

"I'm not cleaning the floor, Téa," he said as he resumed washing the dishes. "You caused that mess." Strangely disappointed that he had given up so easily, Téa moved a little closer. She was opening her mouth to begin a fresh assault when Todd whipped around and tossed a large kitchen sponge at her. His aim was true, and to her horror the dripping missile hit her squarely in the chest. It bounced off to the floor, causing a puddle, which soon saturated most of the spilled pasta. The water had completely soaked the front of Téa's T-shirt, and as she looked down, she realized the thin fabric was now nearly transparent and thoroughly molded to her breasts. It was readily apparent that she wasn't wearing a bra. Looking up, she saw Todd's eyes widen in surprise and lust. Before she was prepared, he launched himself at her again.

With a little cry, she turned and sprinted toward the door. She would have made it, too, if it hadn't been for the sticky mess caused by the water and pasta on the floor. Pivoting, she slipped and stumbled for a step or two. She righted herself and had almost made it to the entrance when Todd managed to get a hand on the hem of her flapping T-shirt. Téa gasped as she was yanked back, the fabric of the T-shirt stretched tight against her breasts. Quick as a flash, Todd twirled her around and immobilized her by pressing her back up against the counter.

"Gotcha," he grinned, leering at the thin covering over her chest. "You know, we should get you out of this. You could catch your death in this wet old thing." Before she knew what was happening, he grabbed the T-shirt and whipped it over her head.

Shocked at the suddenness with which she was stripped, Téa gasped and tried to cover her breasts with her hands while she made a quick move to the door. Todd was too fast for her as he roughly grabbed her arms and used his lower body to pin her in place against the counter.

"Oh no, Delgado. You don't get to run out now," he said as their eyes locked. "You challenged me, and by now you should know that I see everything through to the finish." His eyes dropped to where her hands were vainly trying to cover her bosom. "There will be none of that. I'll look my fill thank you." Quick as a flash, he grabbed each of her wrists in his hands and expertly pulled them away from her body and around to the small of her back, holding them there. The continued pressure he exerted caused Téa to arch her back as she was roughly pressed against his lower body. Her eyes widened in surprise as she struggled but was unable to pull free. Todd didn't even appear to be exerting himself as he held her easily despite her wriggling. Looking up, Téa found his amused grin totally infuriating. His eyes raked her exposed upper body with undisguised lust as he playfully licked his lips as though anticipating a luscious delicacy.

Finally, Téa had to admit to herself that she was defeated. There was no way she had the strength to break free. Although she hated to lose what had been a delicious battle of wits, she was resolved to accept her loss graciously and allow him his moment of triumph. Besides, there was no denying she was getting quite turned on and she was anxious for the next act. With a little self-deprecating laugh, she stopped struggling and relaxed back against the counter. "OK, Todd, I give. You've made your point. I'm no match for you when it comes to physical strength." Her voice was a soft growl as she coaxed, "Let me go and I'll give you the spoils of victory." To her surprise, Todd didn't ease his grip one bit.

"Sorry, Delgado, it doesn't work that way. You've been riding me all day--'clean the closet, wash the dishes, do this, don't do that'--rubbing my nose in my status as your whipped little slave and openly challenging me to prove who has the biggest balls in this family. And now that that issue is settled beyond a doubt, you want to just give up and make whoopee. Uh uh. First you pay the price for dissing your lord and master." Téa felt a little shiver of excitement up her spine, but jutted her chin up defiantly.

"My lord and master? We are suffering from delusions of grandeur, aren't we?"

"And I'd say you're in no position to argue the point, Delgado." He continued to leer at her exposed flesh. Very slowly, he raised his eyes to hers. After a long moment, he couldn't resist leaning in to gently nuzzle her ear and place a little kiss on her neck. Téa sighed, relaxing against him.

"C'mon, Todd, let's go upstairs. You know you want me. Why play all these games?" she murmured.

"Why play any game, Téa? Because it's fun. Besides, you started it. No fair being a sore loser." Still holding her wrists in place, he pulled her away from the counter and moved around behind her. He steered her toward the large center island of the kitchen. "It's showtime," he wickedly whispered in her ear.

The island was topped with a gleaming slab of granite. In the center was a crock with several common kitchen utensils and a double-decked lazy Susan that held spice bottles. The large expanse of stone looked cold and forbidding and suddenly Téa realized what Todd intended to do. She began to struggle, trying frantically to escape. "No, Todd! You wouldn't! It's too cold! No!" She cried out in disbelief as he pushed her upper body against the freezing granite. Gasping at the shock of the icy cold slab as it contacted her bare skin, Téa tried to pull away. Todd shifted his grip and moved one hand in the center of her back to hold her down while he held her wrists in the other. After a few seconds, Téa's entire upper body was tingling. She wiggled around frantically, but soon she realized the sensations were not entirely unpleasant. Matter of fact, the feeling of the cold stone against her nipples was getting her very excited. She pressed one cheek to the counter, breathing hard. She could see Todd's enigmatic little grin out of the corner of her eye. "OK, Querido, you got your revenge," she managed to gasp out. "I know how important that is to you. Now let me go. I need to be warmed up."

"Oh, I'm not ready to let you go yet, Delgado. But I can warm you up." Soon Téa could feel his warm lips kissing a trail up her spine. She shivered in anticipation as he reached the nape of her neck and spent a long time nibbling and sucking on one side or another. He used one hand to sensuously massage her back and pet her skin, but to her chagrin, he refused to release her hands. She was practically melting with desire as his warm breath behind her contrasted with the feeling of the cold granite beneath her. "Mmmmmm, you're getting me distracted, Téa," he growled in her ear. "You're making me forget that we have a little business to take care of before we can get to the good stuff."

"What are you going to do, Todd?" she asked in weak voice. She couldn't believe what a huge turn on it was to be totally at his mercy.

Todd watched a moment while Téa squirmed under him, writhing against the granite counter top. God, she was getting him hot. For a moment, he considered forgetting about delivering her well-deserved lesson and just going for the gusto. But she had been baiting him all day and he thought it was high time he returned the favor. Shifting his grip, he kept her wrists pinned in one hand and grabbed the waistband of her sweats with the other. She stiffened in surprise as he lowered them to a bunch around her knees, exposing her pantied bottom. Pink panties. He loved it when she wore feminine, demure underwear, showing the softer side of the gutsy Delgado. He fiddled with the elastic leg openings a moment, pulling the thin nylon fabric tight. Meanwhile, Téa was practically going nuts, bucking wildly against the hand he used to restrain her wrists and hold her in place.

For the first time, Téa wondered if Todd might carry out his threat and actually spank her. He certainly had her in a position where she couldn't do much about it if he decided to proceed. But she still couldn't shake her belief that he would never use physical force against her, even in play. She decided to wait him out. A long moment passed in silence, and she had to fight off the urge to look back at him. Finally, she couldn't take the suspense any more.

"Well?" she asked impatiently, hoping he didn't notice the little shiver of fear in her voice. After another long wait, she did feel his hand against her backside. He wasn't spanking her, however, he was sensuously petting her through the thin material of her panties. He lightly ran his hand in circles over each cheek. Soon, he was lifting and cupping her buttocks and massaging the tight flesh. Téa sighed, pressing her face to the cool granite. She felt Todd release her wrists and grab each of her shoulders. He lifted her upper body away from the slab, and positioned her so that her pelvis was pressing against the counter. Sliding his hands down the exposed flesh of her arms, he again pulled her hands to the small of her back. He leaned over to whisper in her ear.

"Keep your hands like this," he hissed. "Don't move until I tell you." Téa decided to obey--for now. Todd stepped up behind her and slipped his hands around her waist. He began to fondle her breasts, playing with her protruding nipples. Moaning, Téa leaned her head back against his shoulder. Soon he again focused his attention on her butt. Ever so slowly, he peeled down her panties. Téa spared a moment to feel humiliated at the picture she must present. Her breasts were swinging freely, pushed forward by her position with her hands in the small of her back. Her bottom was exposed and her pants were in an untidy bunch around her knees. Soon, Todd was stroking her again, this time on her bare flesh. His hand moved lower and lower, toward the bottom of her cheeks. Téa began to tremble with passion as he used his long fingers to probe toward her womanly core. After several minutes of the exquisite torture, Téa was gyrating wildly, not to escape, but to try and find some relief from her pent-up sexual tension. She rubbed her legs together, vainly seeking satisfaction. Todd pushed her upper body to the counter again, holding her down and allowing him better access to the area between her legs. Finally, he slipped a finger inside her dripping vagina.

Gasping, Téa bucked and squirmed, trying to push him deeper inside. When he reached around with his other hand and began stroking her nipples again, her knees almost buckled beneath her. "Please," she moaned. "I can't take it anymore." She felt like her insides were on fire. With an anguished cry, she tore away from his ministrations and turned to face him, bringing her hands up to rub up and down his torso. She strained to kiss him, but he held back, grinning. Grabbing her hands, he again pinned them to her back.

"Ah ah ah," he teased. "I said not to move until I told you to." Her eyes opened wide, pleading silently. Encircling her waist with his hands, he lifted her up and sat her on the freezing granite counter. She shivered as her warm flesh met cold stone. Locking eyes with her, he stripped away the rest of her garments, deliberately forced her knees apart and positioned his body between them. Staring into her eyes, he twirled her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers, causing her to arch forward. Lowering his head to her chest, he suckled at one breast and then the other, teasing each sensitive nub with his tongue and teeth. It took every ounce of self-control Téa had to obey his command and leave her hands entwined behind her back. It was sheer torture to be forbidden to touch his silky hair and firm flesh. After working her nipples over thoroughly, Todd began to kiss a trail down her belly until he found what he was looking for, nestled in a soft nest of curls. He probed with his tongue, holding her by the hips as she groaned and began to strain against him, gyrating wildly. Finally, Téa had reached the end of her rope.

Her hands shot from behind her back as she clawed wildly at Todd's hair. "That's enough!" she shrieked, grabbing at him and practically pulling him on top of her.

Todd was breathing hard too, but he tried to reach for her wrists again. "No! No, I can't do that anymore!" pleaded Téa, shaking with unsatisfied passion. She grabbed him again, running her hands over his body and yanking his T-shirt over his head. "I'll do anything, Querido! Anything you want! You can spank me! I'll scrub the floor on my hands and knees naked! Just let me touch you. Don't tell me I can't touch you!" She pulled his head to hers and began to kiss him hungrily, practically eating him alive. Her hands roamed over him frantically until she found the zipper to his jeans.

With a throaty growl, Todd let go of his carefully held control. He leapt up on the counter, grabbing Téa and tackling her to the granite slab next to him. They kissed, nibbled and sucked each other with wild abandon, rolling around in a near frenzy. She managed to get his pants unzipped and release his throbbing member from its confinement. Arching up, Todd kicked wildly, freeing himself from his remaining clothing. Grabbing him, Téa stroked him roughly until he pulled her hand away. He turned her on her back, holding her down against the granite slab. As he thrashed around, he kicked the kitchen utensils and spice rack. They fell to the floor with a great clatter. The small spice bottles rolled noisily into every corner of the kitchen. Neither Todd nor Téa gave them a thought.

Holding himself above her, Todd stared into Téa's eyes. She clawed at his back, pressing him, urging him. Finally, with a great thrust, he pushed himself inside her. They gasped, closing their eyes and savoring the glorious sensation of being joined in every sense of the word--one flesh, one desire. Téa hooked her heels behind his back, forcing him more deeply into the very center of her being. Finally, they began to move with a rhythm all their own, each following the other in a feverish symphony of pleasure. Totally in sync, their passionate duet began to crescendo toward the finale. A piercing wail escaped from Téa's lips as she arched back, nearly consumed with the intensity of her orgasm. A second later, Todd's voice joined hers as he rammed home with a great thrust, trembling all over as he was overwhelmed with total bliss. Their mutual gratification went on and on until sheer exhaustion seemed to overtake them both at the same instant. With a groan, Todd collapsed on top of Téa, panting raggedly in her ear. She barely had the strength to stoke his back.

They remained on top of the slab for a long time. Their limbs were entwined, their bodies pressed as closely together as they could get. Neither of them could keep their hands still as they reached out to touch each other's face, hair, mouth or wherever they desired. Although their eyes were locked, it was a long time before either one was capable of speech. Overwhelmed with her emotions, Téa's eyes filled with tears.

"Oh Querido," she squeaked. "That was so….so incredible…I don't have the words…"

He hushed her by covering her mouth with his. "Then don't talk, Delgado," he whispered. "You talk too much, anyway." She kissed him back.

"Then I'm only going to say three more: I love you." He crushed her to him, taking her breath away.

"I love you, too. Oh God, I love you Téa!"

After several minutes, Téa murmured. "I can't believe we did it on the kitchen counter."

"I always knew you'd like it," he said, arching his brows.

"Uh, you could say that." She traced his features with her fingers. "Well, I guess we'd better start in on this mess, huh?" she said reluctantly.

"What do you mean 'we' Kemosabe? I finished my assigned chores. This disaster is all yours." Téa leaned up on one elbow frowning. When she opened her mouth, Todd covered her lips with one of his long fingers. "Matter of fact, I seem to recall that you offered to scrub the floor on your hands and knees--naked. Now that's something I can't wait to see."

"But…."

"Unless you'd rather take the spanking? You did give me permission, you know."

"Argh!" grumbled Téa, surveying the complete wreck of a kitchen. "You don't play fair!"

"If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen." She joined in his laughter in spite of herself. And soon both of them were cleaning up the mess they had created, although their nakedness made frequent breaks a necessity.

© Copyright by Mary Catherine Wilson 2000