Thursday, November 18, 2010

Welcome

Mischief Night  [mis-chif  nahyt].  Noun.  An annual tradition in England, Canada, and parts of the United States when, on the night before Halloween, it is custom for people to play pranks and do mischief.  A night of devilry and naughty merriment.


The Mischief starts here.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

FOUR

Jon leaned back away from Cate and the wall, turning toward the elevator.  Cate loosened her arms around his waist but didn’t release him, afraid he might not keep his balance as he swayed toward the open doors.  Her worry was quickly dispelled as Jon pulled her into the elevator and impatiently punched the “close door” button.

“God, Cate…” Jon growled, backing her against the dark-paneled wall and kissing her fervently.  He pawed at the elastic waist of her track pants, shoving the band downward.

“Jon!” Cate exclaimed, clutching at her waist in an attempt to prevent Jon from disrobing her in the elevator.  “Jeez, we’re just going down a few floors!”

Jon chuckled dirtily as he slithered his body down Cate’s.  “Goin’ down,” he repeated, sinking to his knees in front of her.  Cate gasped as Jon gripped her hips and pinned her to the wall while his mouth found the slice of bare skin between the her hoodie and her pants.  She half-giggled, half-whimpered as Jon sucked at her navel then nudged her waistband lower to reveal more soft, private skin.

“God!  Jon!” Cate protested feebly as she felt a flush of wet heat between her thighs.  Her nipples pebbled against the soft terry of her hoodie as Jon’s fingers curled tighter over her hips while he licked at her warm flesh.  Her hands fisted in his hair, tugging gently.  “Stop, Baby… You have to stop.  We have to go to the car…”

Right on cue the motion of the elevator car halted.  The doors swished open to reveal the dusky parking garage.

Jon growled out a little chuckle against Cate’s belly then grinned up at her.  Steadying himself with his grip on her hips, Jon clambered to his feet and grabbed her hand.  “Let’s go,” he announced, practically bolting through the doors, pulling Cate with him.

Cate giggled at Jon’s sudden burst of energy, allowing him to tow her behind him as he strode purposefully through the dark.  Jon made a beeline for the Mercedes, but stopped abruptly beside a car a row away.   His swift halt made Cate bump into him, causing Jon to stagger against the vintage Camaro’s bumper. 

With a sly grin Jon turned and wrapped his arms around Cate.  He ducked his head to capture her mouth in another steamy kiss.  Ya know, it IS Mischief Night," Jon growled through the kiss.

He smirked and glanced at the Camaro's hood.  It was clear from his naughty expression what he had in mind.

"Nuh uh. No way." Cate shook her head emphatically. "We are NOT gonna do it on Kiefer's car."

"But it’s a hot car," Jon protested in a husky purr. "And you remember how amazing it was last time.  Remember, Baby? On that cruiser? In the dark, with the lights going..."

Cate felt a surge of electricity jolt through her. God yes, she remembered. She would never forget that intense, passionate encounter.  "No." She repeated firmly. "Besides, there are security cameras."

"Then somebody will get a show." Jon reached for the zipper pull on Cate's hoodie.

"Jon!" Cate grabbed his hand, stilling its movement. "Let's go home." She stepped back, pulling his hand away from her chest and holding it firmly.

"Oh, all right." Jon sighed melodramatically. "Where's your sense of adventure?  Your holiday spirit?"

Cate couldn't stifle a laugh at Jon's words.  "I have plenty of Halloween spirit, thank you. You'll see it tomorrow. Tonight, we need to go home." She moved for the sedan, pulling Jon along with her.

 As she neared their car Cate released Jon's hand to fish in the pocket of her hoodie for the car keys. A quiet beep emitted from the Benz when she pressed the unlock button on the key fob.

Jon took advantage of her momentary distraction. Chuckling wickedly he grabbed Cate, spun her around, and pushed her back against the car.  He smothered her attempted protest with another passionate kiss as his hand went to her breast. Jon pushed his hips hard against Cate's, rubbing his rigid cock against her.

"Baby, I know you want me too." Jon growled as his lips slipped to her cheek. "I can feel your heat. I know you're wet."

Cate whimpered softly as her head tipped sideways to allow Jon's lips access to her neck.  She smiled as her lids fluttered closed. "I do want you Baby," she breathed. "But let's go home."

"No." His lips remaining at her throat, Jon reached for the handle and yanked open the back door of the Mercedes. "Here.  Now.  Tinted windows, no cameras." He rumbled a sexy chuckle and punctuated his demand with a thrust of his pelvis against hers.

Cate felt her will to resist crumble with the warmth of Jon's breath on her skin and the pressure of his shaft against her mound. "Good grief, Baby... We live five minutes away.  You can't wait five minutes?"

"No." Jon pulled his face back and grinned at Cate, his indigo eyes sparkling mischievously before he barked out his reply.  "Dammit! There's no time!"

Cate shrieked with surprise and laughter as Jon grabbed her waist and yanked her sideways, shoving her downward and backward into the Benz's back seat.    He crawled in on top of her, chortling dirtily before nuzzling at her ear.  “Fuck Jack Bauer.  Baby, you got the Man of Steel.”

Cate giggled and slipped her arms around Jon’s waist.  “Yeah, I do.”  She surrendered to his lips, sighing contentedly as they slid down her throat to her collarbone.  “Jon… close the door,” she murmured.

Jon raised his head and grinned at Cate, then pushed up off of her.  After a minor awkward struggle as they untangled arms and legs, Cate and Jon shifted around so their entire bodies were inside the car.  Jon pulled the door closed with a light slam and hit the power locks. 

With an eager smirk he turned back to Cate.  “C’mere, Baby.  Let’s steam up the windows.”

“Uh huh…” Cate agreed breathlessly.  Though she was stone sober she felt a little giddy, intoxicated by Jon’s smile and scent and touch.  She growled softly and reached for him.

“Ohhhhh…. Baby…..” Jon purred as Cate tugged open the snaps on his shirt, baring his chest.  He pulled in a deep breath as her hands stroked over his hard muscles, her fingertips pausing to tangle in the silver fur above his nipples before moving over to trace the heavy platinum pendant that nestled in the valley between his pecs.  

Jon shifted again so that he was sitting upright on the leather seat.  He quickly unsnapped and unzipped his jeans, opening his fly to allow Cate ready access to his erection.  His cock jutted eagerly out of the opening, begging for her attention.

Cate chuckled at Jon’s impatience.  “Slow down, Baby.  Now that you got me here, what’s the hurry?” Despite her words she reached down to stroke a pair of fingers up the underside of his rigid shaft.

“I need you,” Jon rumbled, raising his hips toward her hand.  He reached for Cate’s chest, yanking down the zipper of her hoodie.  He growled softly at the sight of her bare breasts, her dusky nipples taut against her creamy skin in the dim light.  He watched, fascinated, as the dimpled peaks contracted even more with the brush of his thumbs over them.

Cate gasped softly and automatically arched toward his touch.  Realizing she wanted to feel his skin against hers she quickly struggled out of her hoodie, tossing it into the front seat. 

“Oh, Cate…” Jon watched her with passion swirling in his indigo eyes.  He reached for her waist and pushed at the elastic there.  “I want to see your body, Baby.  Your beautiful body.”

Cate nodded breathlessly.  Her hands joined his to slide her track pants down over her thighs.  Jon groaned appreciatively as her flesh was revealed to his eager gaze.  His hands slipped up between her smooth thighs, caressing her soft skin as Cate kicked free of her shoes and pants.

When she was nude Cate shifted onto her hip, facing Jon.  Their eyes met and her lips curved into a sensuous smile.   “It’s been a long time since I was naked in the back seat of a car,” she remarked, her voice soft and lush.  “Hope I remember how this works.”

Jon chuckled huskily.  “Like ridin’ a bike, Baby.”  He traced his fingers over the faded tattoo at her hip.  “You are so fucking sexy.”

“So are you.” Cate felt another flush of wet heat between her thighs as her gaze wandered downward, over Jon’s heaving chest to his rippled abdomen to his thick, sturdy cock.  “God, Baby….”  

Suddenly she couldn’t wait.  She needed to feel him against her, wrapped around her, inside her.  Cate grabbed for the waist of Jon’s jeans and tugged downward. 

Eager to comply with her silent demand, Jon pushed his hips up off the seat so Cate could drag the snug denim down over his ass and thighs.  He smiled happily and closed his eyes, tipping his head back against the leather headrest while Cate continued to peel away his clothing.  “Mmmmm…. Baby….” he purred, feeling her tug off his boots and socks, then pull the jeans free from his legs.  He chuckled as he heard the shoes and garments hit the dashboard.

Oh…” Cate exhaled the syllable on a breathy whisper as her eyes swept over the beautiful, almost-nude man beside her.  Hearing her, Jon cracked open one eye and gave her a naughty smirk. 

“What are you gonna do to me now?”

Cate chortled softly.  “For starters, I’m gonna get rid of that shirt.”  With those words she placed her palms against Jon’s pecs and slid them upward, guiding the soft black cotton back and over his shoulders. 

Jon smiled and silently leaned forward, letting the shirt slip down his back as Cate pushed it down his muscular arms.  When it puddled at the small of his back Jon pulled his arms free and dragged the garment out from behind him.  With another eager growl he sent it sailing into the front seat to join the rest of their clothes.

“And now?”  Jon arched an eyebrow at Cate.

“Now….” Cate slid to the edge of the seat and turned to face Jon, pushing herself up on one knee.  “Now, I’m gonna see if I remember how to ride a bike.”  With that coy comment, Cate straddled Jon’s lap.  She smiled at Jon’s delighted gasp when he felt her wet, soft pussy against his hot, hard dick.  He shifted under her, sliding down the seat to perfect their alignment.

“Ahhh… Cate!”  He chuckled throatily and grasped her hips, guiding her down onto his erection.  Jon and Cate groaned in unison as she easily sheathed him, her wet, swollen lips closing around the base of his cock.

“Ohhhh… Oh my God…” Cate whispered, her head falling back and her eyes drifting closed at the fantastic sensation.  She rocked her pelvis forward, feeling him yield with her, the ridge of his head rubbing hard against her fore wall.  Cate gasped softly and paused, then rocked slowly back.

Christ, Cate…” Jon breathed.  He flexed his fingers around her hips, gripping them hard.  Cate responded with a feline purr and arched her back, pressing her abdomen against Jon’s chest.  

Jon grinned dirtily as he found her round, firm breasts in his face.  With a growling chuckle he buried his face in the valley between the twin mounds before turning his head to lick up the side of one breast.

“Oh!  Jonny!” Cate gasped as his lips closed around her nipple and he sucked roughly.  She arched more, the shift making her hips rock backward against Jon’s shaft and her breasts press more fully against his mouth.  Jon mumbled something that sounded like “Baby” against her breast before dragging his tongue across to its twin.

As her arousal flamed, Cate began to rock faster on Jon’s lap, squeezing and shifting Jon’s cock inside her with the movement.  Jon groaned against Cate’s chest as he felt his balls tighten and the telltale tingle at the base of his spine.

Dragging his mouth away from her luscious breasts, Jon opened his eyes and looked up at Cate’s face.  The erotic beauty of her expression sent a primal charge through him.  Suddenly it wasn’t enough to let her ride him, to allow her to get herself and him off by rocking gently on his lap.  He needed to control her, to possess her, to fuck her hard and fast and senseless.

With a feral snarl Jon’s grip tightened around Cate’s hips.  Her sapphire eyes flew open wide as he effortlessly lifted her from his lap and pushed her to the side.  “Jon!  What…?”  

Cate couldn’t finish the thought in the split second it took for Jon to flip her onto her back against the Benz’s butter-soft leather seat.  In another flash he was on her, pushing between her thighs while one hand braced on the seat’s edge beside her ribcage and the other hoisted her leg up over his shoulder, resting her calf along the seat back.

The ferocity of Jon’s action ignited Cate’s ecstasy.  She felt the fire racing up her thighs even before he plunged into her, the force of his thrust driving her back on the seat until her head bumped against the door.  “Jon!” she yelped.  “Oh… God… JON!”  His name died on her lips, replaced by a wailing moan as Cate’s orgasm overtook her.

OH!  Oh Christ!  Oh Cate!  Jon pounded her with jackhammer thrusts for barely a minute before spasming against her, flooding her with his hot release.  His back arched and his head tipped back, his mouth falling open as he panted.  He held the rigid pose for several long minutes as he slowly came back to earth.

 Panting from her own exertion, Cate forced her eyes open.  She stared dazedly for a moment, willing her eyes to lock on the source her pleasure.  When Jon’s visage swam into focus, Cate felt her heart race anew.  

He was wildly beautiful, his eyes closed and lips parted, his golden shag damp and unruly, his bare chest glistening with sweat and heaving with effort. The heavy platinum pendant dangled from his neck, swinging gently with his labored breaths. “Baby…. you okay?” she rasped, hardly able to speak.

Wordlessly Jon nodded and dropped his head, gasping for breath.  After a moment he took a deep breath and pushed himself upright.  He sat for a moment on his knees before slumping backward against the seat and the car door.  He winced when a loud pop emitted from his knee as he shifted to unfold his legs from underneath him.

Reclining against the now-sweaty leather seat, Jon gave Cate a weak smile.  “Amazing,” he breathed, then paused.  His eyes sparkled as his smile broadened.  “Baby, you are incredible.”  He held out his arms, beckoning to her. 

Cate’s heart warmed as she saw Her Smile on her husband’s soft lips.  With her own quiet groan she sat up and shifted onto her hip.  She scooted forward between Jon’s legs and settled onto his torso, curling her legs up under her.  Cate smiled and purred happily as she felt Jon’s arms enfold her, cradling her against him.  Her arms slipped around his waist as she snuggled her cheek to his chest. 

“Baby, I’m so sorry about earlier.”  Jon’s words rumbled gently under her ear.  “I don’t know what the fuck I was thinking.  I should have stayed home with you.”  He sighed.  “I hate it when we fight.  That one was all my fault.”

Cate’s heart twinged at the earnestness in Jon’s voice.  “No, it was me too.  I was tired, yes, but I should have gone with you.  I promised.”  She sighed softly.   “You were right; we hardly ever do stuff just for fun anymore.  It’s always appearances or press shit.  I promise we’ll go out more in the future, ‘kay?”

“Baby, you don’t have to promise me that,” Jon replied gently, giving her a squeeze.  “You don’t have to promise me anything, but to love me.  Even when I’m an insufferable prick.”

Cate chuckled.  “I already made that promise.  ‘Til death parts us, remember?”

Jon smiled and dropped a kiss on the crown of Cate’s head, savoring the feel of her curled against his chest.  “You were absolutely right when you said our time together is precious.  We shouldn’t have to share it with anybody else.  That’s my fault for forgetting that.  We don’t have to go out more.  We don’t need to go anywhere.  Well… except….”

Cate raised her head to give Jon an inquisitive look.  “What?”

Jon grinned, his eyes sparkling back at her.  “We can go out to the garage any time you want.  The Chevelle has a nice, roomy back seat, ya know.”

Cate laughed and dropped her cheek back to his chest.  “Now that kind of fun I think I could handle.  You got yourself a deal, Baby.”

Jon chortled dirtily as he hugged her.  “And next time… I’ll drive.” 


THE END






THREE

Cate let up on the brake and guided the Benz around the building to the underground parking entrance, as Kiefer instructed.  After a long pause at the gate while Kiefer attempted to recall his access code, Cate finally pulled the car into an open space at the back of the garage. 

She sighed and giggled softly as the men practically tumbled out of the back of the sedan, Jon following Kiefer out the drivers’ side door.  She climbed out of the car and waited for them, her gaze automatically scanning the dark garage, assessing their security.

Kiefer noticed Cate’s silent action and grinned.  “SHHHH!” he hissed loudly to Jon.  “This is a covert op!  Cate’s got the perimeter covered!  Time to move!”  Clasping his hands together and steepling his index fingers to simulate a gun, Kiefer giggled and tipped his head toward the elevator.

Jon laughed giddily and mimicked Kiefer’s actions, wielding his own fake gun.  Together the men began to creep toward the elevator in an unsteady tactical approach.

“Good Grief,” Cate chuckled as she strolled after them.  She hadn’t seen Jon so wound up in a good long time.  She was glad to see him let go and have some fun, even if it was fueled by a couple bottles of wine.  He had been far too serious over the past month, ever since the tour started up again. 

Cate’s heart warmed as Jon looked back over his shoulder and gave her a huge grin.  Again she felt a little pang of regret over their earlier argument.  But it was obvious Jon wasn’t holding a grudge.  He was just enjoying the moment.  She could handle a few lost hours of sleep to let him have his fun.

After “clearing” the elevator car, Kiefer, Jon and Cate took the short ride to Kiefer’s twentieth-floor apartment.  Again checking to ensure there were no threats in the hallway that needed to be neutralized by their finger-guns, Jon and Kiefer stealthily approached the apartment door.  

Cate stood back, leaning against the wall with her arms folded, watching the pair perform an unintentionally hilarious version of a dynamic entry to Kiefer’s apartment.  She laughed aloud as the men barreled through the unlocked door, shouting “Go! Go! Go!” followed by “Police! Don’t move!  Step away from the bar!” 

Shaking her head, Cate followed the men through the door, closing it quietly behind her.  She wondered how Kiefer would explain the ruckus to his neighbors tomorrow.  Then again, maybe they were used to such disturbances, living next to Jack Bauer's alter ego.

“Are we clear?” Cate asked teasingly as she strolled into the spacious living room.  She crossed the plush oriental carpet and settled on a tan leather barstool.

“Roger that.  All clear,” Kiefer answered in tactical-speak from his spot behind the glass-topped bar.  He grinned and poured a shot of whiskey into a heavy glass.  He held the drink out, offering it to Cate.  “Refreshments secured.”

Cate shook her head, declining the whiskey.  “No thanks, Kief.  I’m driving.  You boys enjoy.”

“Ah, if you insist.” Kiefer splashed a few fingers of whiskey into an identical glass then wandered from the bar over to the couch, where Jon was already reclining.  Handing a drink to his friend, he sank down into an adjoining leather chair.  “To us.  The real Last Action Heroes.”  Kiefer raised his glass in salute.

“To Jack Bauer and Dirk Steele,” Jon replied, then chuckled.  “Fuck.  That does sound like gay porn.”

“Well then!  To gay porn!” Kiefer announced merrily.   “Hear, hear!”

Jon laughed and leaned forward to clink his glass noisily against Kiefer’s, almost sliding off the couch in the process.  “Hear Hear!” he echoed before righting himself and taking a long drink of the whiskey.

Cate chortled at Jon’s and Kiefer’s antics.  At the sound of her laugh Jon turned his head toward her, giving her a wide grin.  Their gazes locked and Cate felt a warm flush of arousal as she saw the want in Jon sparkling blue eyes.  She smiled back at him for a long moment, reveling in the response he could always evoke from her, with just a single look.

Cate slipped off the barstool and moved over to settle beside Jon on the couch.  Immediately his hand went to her thigh.  “Well hello, Baby,” he purred sexily before leaning over to nuzzle at Cate’s ear.  “Glad you came to the party?”

Cate chuckled softly.  “Yeah, sure.  Came to the party.  More like came to drive you two drunks home.” Her tease was gentle as she felt her earlier annoyance at her husband completely melt away with the heat of his breath on her neck.

“You’re a good woman, Cate.”  Kiefer raised his half-empty glass in salute.  “And you can spank me anytime.”

“Nuh-uh,” Jon immediately argued, shaking his head as Cate giggled beside him.  “Me first.”  His hand slid a little further up her thigh.

“Oh, all right,” Kiefer fake-grumbled, then grinned again as he took another sip of his whiskey.  “So you want me to step into the other room and you can do it right there on my couch, or what?”

“Yeah, Man… thanks!”  Jon answered brightly before setting his glass on the end table at his side and lunging playfully at Cate.  She squeaked in surprise as Jon wrapped his arms around her and pushed her sideways on the leather couch, covering her with his body.

“Jon!” Cate protested weakly through her giggles as he attacked her neck with his lips.  “For God’s sake… have a little restraint. Kief…”  Her protest was muffled by Jon’s mouth as he kissed her.  Cate chuckled against his lips, then returned the kiss for a long moment before turning her head away.  “Kiefer doesn’t want to see this.”

“Actually, I was gonna make some popcorn and enjoy the show,” Kiefer joked, taking another sip of his whiskey.  “Don’t let me interrupt.”

Jon turned his head to smirk over his shoulder at his buddy.  “You might learn a thing or two, Man.”  He grinned lecherously.

OH-kay!  Time to go home!” Cate announced, laughing as she pushed Jon off her.  He smirked and gave her breast a gentle squeeze before helping her sit up on the couch.  Cate rolled her eyes then stood, waiting for Jon to follow so she could head him toward the door. 

“I gotta go home,” Jon fake-pouted to his buddy, reaching for his glass.  He downed the remainder of the whiskey, then smirked and dropped his voice to a stage whisper.  “But lookie what I get to do when I get there!” 

Kiefer nodded and grinned back at Jon.  “You’re a lucky man, Jonny.  A lucky man indeed.”

“Yeah.  I am.”  Jon smiled sweetly up at Cate, then pushed himself up from the couch.  “Whoops!” he giggled as he swayed and staggered, trying to find his balance.

Cate chuckled and stepped forward, catching Jon and sliding her arm around his waist as he listed toward her.  “C’mon, Special Agent Man-of-Steele.  Your Mischief Night is over.”  She turned toward the door, pulling Jon with her.  “Night, Kief.  It was great to see you.  Give us a call tomorrow, okay?”

“Sure thing.”  Kiefer stood and followed Jon and Cate to the door, grinning goofily as he weaved and bumped against the wall.  He pulled open the door and paused to give Cate a kiss on the cheek.  “Thanks for the ride home, Love.”

“Any time.”  Cate smiled and returned his affectionate gesture, brushing her lips over his roughened cheek.

“Hey!” Jon protested.  “What’s with all the kissy-face?”

“Oh, Sorry.”  Keifer grinned and planted a sloppy wet kiss on Jon’s cheek.  “Better?”

Jon laughed and squeezed Cate into a hug.  “Call me, Big Guy!” he teased, puckering his lips at Kiefer in a mock smooch.

“And on that note… good night!”  Cate chuckled again as she guided Jon out the door and down the hall toward the elevator.  The second she punched the button to call for the car she felt Jon’s arms tighten around her.  Cate squeaked softly as Jon spun her around and pinned her against the wall, smirking naughtily.

“God, Baby…. I want you,” Jon breathed in her ear as he pushed at the hem of her hoodie.  His lips found her neck as he slid his hands under her top, his calloused fingertips caressing her warm skin.

Cate giggled softly at Jon’s randiness.  “Oh really?  I couldn’t tell.”

Jon pulled his face away from Cate’s neck and stared at her, surprise registering in his expression.  “You couldn’t?”  His naughty smirk returned as he pressed his hips forward against Cate’s.  “Can you tell now?”

Cate let out a little chuckling purr at the feel of Jon’s erection pressing against her.  “Oh, well maybe now….” she teased.  Considering how much alcohol as Jon had consumed in the past few hours she was surprised he could summon a hard-on at all.  Surprised and a little impressed.

“Christ, Baby… I’ve been thinking about you all night.  I should have stayed home and made love to you instead of going to that fucking party.”  Jon dropped his mouth to Cate’s before she could agree.

The soft swish of the opening elevator doors caught Cate’s attention.  “Jon…” she gasped, pulling away from the kiss.  “Elevator’s here.”

“Good,” Jon growled.  

Friday, October 29, 2010

TWO

Thirty-five minutes later Cate finally pulled the Mercedes into the small crescent drive of the Central Park West high-rise.  She noticed a small group of camera-wielding spectators across the street, being watched by a bored-looking NYPD officer.  

Poor guy, she thought.  She’d had her share of shit details like that one.  Now she had to constantly pose for or ignore the paparazzi, but at least she didn’t have to babysit them.  Thank God I’m not a beat cop anymore.  

Seeing only the doorman outside the building, Cate pulled out her Blackberry and pushed the speed-dial button.  As she heard the first ring she saw the doorman turn toward the building entrance, reaching for the door handle.  Cate killed the call as she saw a familiar form in the doorway.  Then she laughed in surprise as she watched not one, but two grinning, disheveled blonde men stumble out onto the sidewalk.

Cate climbed out of the car and quickly rounded the front of the big sedan.  “I’ve got ‘em,” she called to the doorman, who was amusedly watching Cate’s two passengers-to-be.  She stopped and smiled at the pair, slowly shaking her head.  “Well, now this all makes sense.”

“Hey, Baby!”  Jon exclaimed giddily.  “You made it!”

“Yeah, I made it,” Cate laughed.  “I see you have your drinking buddy with you.  Will we be giving him a ride home too?”

“Ah, the Fair Cate.”  Kiefer stumbled slightly as he stepped forward, reaching for her.  Cate giggled as he captured her hand and raised it to his lips, planting a long kiss on her knuckles.  “You look radiant as always.”  Kiefer gave Cate a roguish grin.

“Yeah, right.”  Cate shook her head again as she chuckled.  She could hardly describe herself as “radiant” in a hoodie track suit, wearing no makeup.  “But thank you.”  She leaned forward to buss his stubbly cheek.  “It’s good to see you again, Kief.  I didn’t know you were in town.”

Kiefer waggled his eyebrows at Cate.  “It’s Mischief Night.  Where else would I be?”

“Hey!  Get your hands off my Girl!”  Jon playfully protested, shoving Kiefer aside and grabbing for Cate’s waist.  Swaying unsteadily, he pulled her close and nuzzled at her ear.  “I missed you, Baby.  A LOT.”

“Okay, okay!”  Cate laughed, extracting herself from Jon’s embrace.  She shot a glance across the street at the queue of paparazzi and saw they all had their telephoto-lensed cameras raised.  “We need to get moving.  Both of you:  In the car.” 

Cate watched with amusement as Kiefer pulled open the back door of the sedan and crawled in, then Jon followed him.  She gave the now-openly-laughing doorman a shrug and a smile.  “Guess I really am the chauffeur.”

“It appears so, Ma’am,” the doorman replied.  “Good luck.”

“Thanks.”  With a little wave Cate shoved the Mercedes’ back door closed then rounded to the driver’s side.  She was fully aware of the rapid clicking of camera shutters as she climbed in the car and shut the door.  With a quick check over her shoulder to ensure her charges were seated and belted in, she guided the Benz back onto the street.

“Cate, why didn’t you come to the party?”  They were only a block down the street before Kiefer piped up.  “It’s Mischief Night!  You can’t leave this guy alone on Mischief Night!”

Cate rolled her eyes before answering.  So Jon had done the woe-is-me number to Kiefer while he was crawling into his bottle or three of Pinot Grigio.  “Apparently not,” she replied with an edge of sarcasm. 

She glanced in the rear view mirror at Jon and saw him grinning back at her, his eyes sparkling and his cheeks ruddy with a flush of alcoholic warmth.  “Sorry, Kief.  I had to work today and I was exhausted when I got home.  I just wasn’t party material.”  Her tone gentled as her heart fluttered at the sight of Jon’s smile. 

Even though Jon had acted like a pouting child when he left earlier this evening, Cate knew his tipsy telephone apology was sincere.  She felt a tiny pang of guilt for not sucking it up and accompanying Jon to the party.  In her weariness she hadn’t recognized his disappointment; she had only seen selfish neediness.
 
“Ah, you didn’t miss much,” Kiefer answered, waving a hand as he grinned goofily.  “The party blew.  Thank God Jonny was there to help me find the bar.”

“Thank GOD!” Jon echoed with exaggerated agreement.  He and Kiefer exchanged a look and burst into laughter.

“Oh, Lord,” Cate chuckled as she glanced again in the rearview mirror.  “So, it was that bad, huh?”

“Yeah, your basic snobby Hollywood crowd, only relocated to the City,” Kiefer drawled.  “God, I hate my fucking job sometimes.  It’s a constant suck-fest.  All about how far up some exec’s ass you have to shove your nose to get a project green-lighted.”

“Fucking Hollywood,” Jon agreed boozily, his blonde shag ruffling as he nodded emphatically.  “Those assholes don’t know a fucking thing about fucking talent or art.  I’m DONE with that shit.”

Kiefer turned his head to give his friend a knowing grin.  “You’re just pissed because all the casting agents say you’re too short for the leading roles.”

“Ha ha. Fuck You,” Jon replied good-naturedly.  “Naw, Man. Seriously!  I’m sick of all that sycophantic shit.”

Listening to her husband’s rant, Cate couldn’t stifle a laugh as Jon slurred out “sycophantic.”  She knew the real reason he had vowed to quit acting.  Kiefer had come pretty close in his observation; Jon was not one to suffer a repeatedly-battered ego before his temper got the better of him.

“Besides…” Jon continued his argument with vigor.  “I HAD a leading role.  In that cop movie.  I got some good reviews for that one.”

Kiefer laughed, continuing to jab at his pal.  “Shit.  The only reason you got good press for that job was because you had Cate there to coach your every move.  Hell, she was working for me and she still had to babysit you through those action scenes.”

“Fuck you, Man.  I did that shit myself.” Jon argued indignantly.

“But she taught you everything.”

“Yeah, well…”  Jon paused, knowing he couldn’t disagree.  “Shut the fuck up.”

Cate laughed aloud at the conversation in the back seat.  “Thank you, Kief,” she said over her shoulder.  “I love it when somebody’s on my side.”

“Yeah, suck up to my wife,” Jon grumbled good-naturedly.  “You need a girl to stick up for you, ya Fuck.”

“That ‘girl’ you married can kick both our asses,” Kiefer pointed out.  “She oughta kick yours for being a stupid prick to her earlier.  She has a real job, not like us.  She was out earning an honest living, and she was tired, Man.”

“I know,” Jon agreed, again with an exaggerated nod.  “She should kick my candy-ass.”  He raised his eyes to the rearview mirror and grinned again as he saw Cate glance up at it.  “Or at least spank me.”

Kiefer chuckled dirtily.  “Spank the rock star.  Like that’s something new.”

“You’re just jealous,” Jon replied smugly, smirking as he settled comfortably back against the leather seat.  “‘Cause my woman’s here and yours ain’t.”

“Yeah, yeah, and you’re making yours play chauffeur, dragging your ass home from some lame-o party,” Kiefer countered.  “Instead of staying home with her and letting her spank you.”

“Okay, okay…” Cate laughed, raising a hand.  “I have a feeling any spanking happening tonight will be a purely solo act… for either of you.”

Jon pulled a fake pout, then grinned.  “Aw Baby, you know that ain’t true.”  His  voice dropped again to his sexy, persuasive purr.

Cate snorted at Jon’s confidence.  He couldn’t really think she was in the mood for naughty sex, could he?  After he dragged her out of the house to drive his ass home in Saturday night traffic?  She smirked as she replied.  

“Hmmm.  Maybe you’re right.  I’m sure Kiefer would enjoy a little change of pace.  Right, Kief?  After all, what woman in her right mind would turn down Jack Bauer?”

Kiefer grinned and shot Jon a triumphant look before playing along.  “Sure thing, Cate.  We’ll be at my place in about five minutes; you can come up for a nightcap.  I’m sure Jonny won’t mind waiting in the car for an hour or two.”

“The fuck I will,” Jon growled good-naturedly.  He knew Cate and Kiefer were teasing and he was happy to play along.  But the thought of his wife with another man… Jon shook his head to erase the unwanted image.  “Hey, I was a Secret Agent too, remember?  And I was way better than Jack Fucking Bauer.”

Kiefer barked out a laugh.  “Oh Yeah.  Sure you were.  Jack Bauer saved the damn world – seven times!  What did your guy do?  What was his name again?  Dave… Dick….”

“Dirk.”  Jon corrected Kiefer.  “Dirk Steele.  Special Agent Dirk Steele.  And he saved fucking L.A. from a nerve gas attack.”  Jon sniffed with faux-indignance before a sheepish grin curled his lips.  Even in his drunken state he realized how silly that sounded.

Kiefer listed sideways as he whooped with laughter.  “Dirk Steele!”  He mocked, then laughed again.  “Sounds like a male stripper.  Or a porn star.”  Kiefer dropped his voice to mimic Jon. “Special Agent Dirk Steele.”  He barely got the words out before collapsing into another fit of laughter.

“Yeah, Yeah.  Ass.”  Jon chortled along with his friend.  “But at least Dirk Steele got laid.  A lot.  Jack Fucking Bauer never got any, in seven fucking years.”

“Yes he did!” Kiefer challenged.  “You just never saw it on screen.”

“Oh. Riiiiiight….” Jon nodded and grinned as he drew out the word. 

Cate laughed as she pulled the Benz into a left turn, guiding it toward the building that housed Kiefer’s apartment.  “Now there’s something I never thought I’d hear… Jack Bauer versus Dirk Steele:  Who Gets More Pussy.”

“Cate!” Kiefer exclaimed, feigning shock.  “You Potty-Mouth!”

Jon grinned.  “That’s my wife.  Mouth of a sailor.”  He looked again at the rearview mirror, this time catching Cate’s glance and seeing the smile in her eyes.

“Yeah, well.  For the record, I’d do ‘em both,” Cate remarked, egging them on.

“Together?” Kiefer asked hopefully.  He waggled his eyebrows as he gave Jon a devilish grin.

Cate laughed at his playful suggestion.  “Sure.  A Special Agent Sandwich.  Yum.”

Jon chortled and shook his head again, squeezing his eyes shut as his blonde locks flew wildly with the motion.  “Nooooo…. We’re not goin’ there.  HELL no.”

Kiefer elbowed Jon, giggling boozily.  “C’mon, Buddy!  You won’t share?”

Jon squinted at Kiefer.  “Fuck no!  She’s my wife!”

“I don’t mean her.”  Kiefer grinned and winked at Jon before leaning over to plant a swift, smacking kiss on his cheek.  “I mean Dirk Steele.”  He panted the words breathily.

Cate rolled her eyes as she heard the men collapse into another fit of laughter behind her.  Almost fifty and they still act like horny adolescents.  She grinned as she shook her head, then slowed the car as it approached Kiefer’s building.  

“Kief, we’re here.  Want me to drop you in front?”

“No!  You guys have to come up for a drink!”  Kiefer leaned forward and pointed at the windshield.  “Go around the corner.  The parking entrance is on the side.”

“Kief, it’s late,” Cate protested reluctantly, braking the car in front of the canopied entrance to the stately old building.

“Awww, C’mon, Cate.  Please?”  Kiefer leaned a little further forward, resting his chin on the back of Cate’s seat so that he was looking over her shoulder.  “Just one little drink?”

“Yeah, Baby.”  Jon also leaned forward, tilting his head against the back of the front passenger seat.  “Just one drink.  Please?”  When Cate turned her head in response he gave her a sexy smile then pursed his lips.

Cate looked from Jon’s persuasive pout to Kiefer’s hopeful grin and sighed.  She couldn’t stop a smile as she shook her head in resignation.  “Okay.  Just one.” 

ONE

The elevator doors dinged open and Cate sighed with relief.  Finally.  It had been a damned long day, and she was ready to collapse on the couch and stare mindlessly at the television. 

Working on Saturday sucked.  But when you are in the employ of Uncle Sam you go where you’re needed, when you’re called.

She exited the private lift and crossed the apartment’s outer foyer, then punched in the code for the door.  The click of the bolt sliding open was a welcome sound.  Cate sighed again, feeling her tired body automatically relax as she stepped through the front door.  A little smile played over her lips as she waited to hear another beautiful sound.  She would never tire of hearing him say her name.

“Cate!  Where the fuck have you been?  I’ve been calling and texting for over an hour!”

Cate’s jaw tightened at Jon’s impatient demand.  She knew that tone.  The annoyed, narcissistic, borderline-whiny, Why-Weren’t-You-Here-With-ME tone.  She didn’t feel like dealing with that side of Jon’s ego right now.

She tossed her keys on the half-round table against the wall before calling out her reply.  “I was at work.  I told you I didn’t know how long it would take.”  Cate snorted softly and wandered into the living room, relieved to see flames flickering in the fireplace.  She was exactly three steps into the room when Jon stalked around the corner.

“Why didn’t you call me back?  Or at least answer my text?” His clipped speech was just short of accusatory.  Jon stopped on the other side of the seating area, bracing his hands on his hips.  He stared expectantly at her.

Cate raised an eyebrow at Jon’s tone and turned to face him.   “BeCAUSE.”  She emphasized the last syllable of the word, drawing it out.  “I didn’t get your calls or texts.  I was in a classified briefing.  No electronics allowed.  I turned off my Berry and stowed it in a locker, and after the briefing I apparently forgot to turn it back on.”  She crossed her arms over her chest and stared back at Jon, daring him to challenge her further.

Jon read her annoyance and wisely backed down.  “Oh.”  He dropped his hands from his hips and walked around the couch, stopping in front of Cate.   “I was afraid you weren’t going to make it home in time to get ready.”  His voice softened and he gave her a little smile.  “Guess I didn’t have to worry.”  He brushed a gentle kiss across her lips.

“Get ready for wha… Oh.”  Cate groaned softly.  Crap.  She had forgotten all about their evening plans.  And after the day she had, she was in no mood to go to a Halloween party.

Jon’s brow furrowed as he watched her reaction.  “Cate?  You do remember the Mischief Night party, right?”

Cate gave him an apologetic half-smile.  “I’m sorry, Baby.  I totally forgot.  But it’s not like I could have gotten away from work any sooner.”  Her smile turned to a little grimace.  “And actually…. I’m really not up to a party.  It was a really, really long day.”

Jon’s lips curved into a frustrated pout.  “But Cate, you promised you’d go with me.  Christ, you never go to any of these events anymore.”  He waved a hand as Cate opened her mouth to protest.  “I know, I know… you have a job and you’re traveling and you can’t tell me… yadda yadda yadda.  And I know you hate posing for the press and the paparazzi.  But Dammit, Cate, you married a rock star.  Sometimes we have to do this shit, even when we don’t really want to.”

Cate dropped her chin and gave Jon a stern look.  She could not believe he was lecturing her.  “I know full well what I got myself into when I married you.”  Her tone was chilly.  “And this isn’t one of those ‘have to make an appearance’ things.  It’s a Halloween Party, Jon.  For celebrities and socialites and hangers-on.  We have no obligation to be there.”

“It’s a Mischief Night Party,” Jon corrected her.  And maybe we don’t have to be there, but would it be so awful to go out and do something fun for once?  As a couple?”  Jon stared accusingly into Cate’s eyes.  He could see her temper roiling in the sapphire pools, but he pressed on anyway, his voice hardening as his own anger rose. 

“We never do anything just for the Hell of it anymore!  When I’m home you’re always working or out on some TDY.  And when you aren’t working you don’t want to go out.”  Jon waved a hand toward the floor-to-ceiling windows on the far wall.  “We live in fucking New York City, Cate!  There are a million things to do here!  Why don’t you ever want to do any of them with me?”

“Because, Jon, I don’t want to share precious time with my husband with three hundred of our most casual acquaintances.”  Cate snapped, glaring at him.   “Call me selfish, but when I’m with you I want you all to myself.” 

“Well, maybe I wanna go out and show you off a little.”  Jon countered, his ice-blue eyes sparking with temper.

Cate growled at his phrase.  “Great.  You wanna show me off? Like some kinda possession?”  She knew that wasn’t what he meant, but she felt like pushing back.  Dammit, he wasn’t the only one who got to be snarky.

“Oh Christ.  Here we go!”  Jon rolled his eyes.  “Jesus, you on the rag or something?  ‘Cause then maybe I could understand why you’re being so bitchy about this.”

Cate’s jaw clenched.  Now he was just being an ass.  “No, that was last week,” she retorted sarcastically. 

“Yeah, I know.  I keep track.” Jon shot back, his chin jutting out stubbornly.  With an indignant snort he crossed his arms over his broad chest and glared back at her.

Cate snarled at his retort, her tired mind unable to formulate one of her own.  Frustrated, she turned toward the fire.  She took a couple steps away from Jon and sank down onto the leather couch. 

Cate ran her hand through her thick chocolate hair and let out an exasperated sigh.  “Look.  I’m sorry I had to work all day.  I’m sorry I didn’t get your messages.  I’m sorry I’m dead fucking tired and don’t feel like going to a party.  I don’t want to argue about this.”  She raised her eyes to meet Jon’s.  “But I’m not going out tonight.  You can go if you want to.  All I want to do is take a hot bath, pour a glass of wine, and stare at this fire.”

Jon’s lips pressed together in a firm line.  “Fine.  I’ll go alone.  I hope you have a relaxing evening.”  He turned and strode for the bedroom.

“Fine, you stubborn, egotistical Piece of Fuck,” Cate mumbled, closing her eyes and raising a hand to rub her temple.  So much for curling up with her husband and a nice bottle of wine and some old music on the stereo.  Tonight it would just be her and the television.

Too weary to move, Cate sat staring at the fire and brooding over Jon’s petulance.  After about fifteen minutes she heard his footsteps on the hardwood floor of the adjoining dining room.  They hesitated for a moment, then Jon appeared around the corner.  He softly cleared his throat as he crossed the living room to where Cate sat slumped on the sofa.

Cate looked up at Jon as he stopped in front of her.  Her heart skipped a beat as she took in the sight of him.  He looked almost supernaturally handsome, clad in dark denim jeans and a black embroidered snap-front shirt that was open from the neck to the top of his abs.  Cate’s eyes lingered on the heavy platinum pendant nestled in the silver fur blanketing his pecs. 

God, he looked gorgeous.  Why couldn’t he just stay home, holding her and crooning in her ear and letting her peel those perfectly-tailored clothes away from his perfectly-sculpted body…

“I don’t know what time I’ll be back.”  Jon leaned down to drop a kiss on Cate’s forehead. “Get some rest.”

“Have fun.” Cate answered flatly.  Damn him, was he trying to make her feel guilty for not wanting to stay up all night after working a full day?  “Is Alex driving you?”

Jon shook his head as he straightened.  “No. I gave him the weekend off so he could spend Halloween with his kids.  I called a car service.  It’s downstairs now.”

Cate nodded, sighing softly.  “See you when you get home.”

“See you in the morning,” Jon countered, just a bit snarkily.  “I’m sure you’ll be asleep when I get in.”

Cate’s eyes narrowed at his passive-aggressive reply.  She raised her gaze to meet his.  “Probably.” 

“Love you.”  Jon gazed back at Cate for a moment, then moved for the door.

“Love you too,” Cate answered to his back.  A minute later she heard the click of the lock as the front door closed.

*****

The buzz of her Blackberry on the coffee table made Cate jump.  She blinked at the television; the movie she was watching was still on.  She couldn’t have dozed off too long ago.

Cate reached for her phone and looked at the little screen.  Her brow arched with surprise when she saw who was calling.  It was only half-past midnight… had something happened?  Cate quickly pushed the button to answer before the call kicked over to voicemail.

“Jon?”  Cate’s voice was laced with concern.  “You okay?”

“Hey Baby.  I’m such a prick.  I’m sorry.”  Jon’s slurred apology filled her ear, over the party noise in the background. 

Cate rolled her eyes.  Jon must have wasted no time hitting the bar when he arrived at the party.  “Are you okay?” she repeated.

“No!  I’m not okay!  I’m an asshole and I love you.”  Jon’s declaration was loud and emphatic.  “I’m so sorry, Baby.  You have to come get me.”

“Why do you need me to come get you?”

“ ‘Cause I miss you,”  Jon slurred sappily.  “I wanna come home and take a bath and drink wine with you.”

“I already took a bath and had a glass of wine.  I’m watching a movie.”

“Come get me, Cate.  Pleeeeeeease?”  Jon issued his plea in a sing-songy whine, followed by a giddy chuckle.

“Jon, just call the car.” Cate yawned.

“Can’t.  Gave Alex the night off, ‘member?”  Jon laughed throatily again and mumbled something to someone at the party.  Cate stifled a chuckle as she heard him say the word “doghouse.”  Then he was back.  “Baby, please…

Cate rolled her eyes again and smiled in spite of herself.  She knew what Jon was trying to do; he was trying to lure her to the party.  She would bet her next paycheck when she arrived to pick him up he wouldn’t want to leave.  “Jon, you took a car service to the party.  Didn’t you make arrangements for them to pick you up?”

“No.  Didn’t know when I’d be ready to leave.” 

Cate detected a trace of stubbornness in Jon’s tipsy reply.  She chuckled again.  “Well then, take a cab.”

“Cate!  It’s fucking Saturday night in Manhattan!  It’s Mischief Night!”  Jon’s response was adamant.  “I’ll never ever ever get a fucking cab!”  Again Cate heard Jon mumble something to another person.

“Oh Jesus,” Cate sighed.  She really didn’t want to get dressed and drive all the way uptown in Saturday night traffic.  Then again, Jon didn’t sound like he was in any shape to be on the street trying to hail a taxi, either.  And he certainly didn’t need a bunch of paparazzi photographing him in his inebriated state.  Jon was pretty good at hiding himself away when he wanted to tie one on, but he was also prone to lapses in judgment.

Cate looked again at the clock.  “Jon,” she said into her phone.  “Listen.”

“Yeah, Baby?”

“I’ll come get you.  But you need to be downstairs waiting for me when I pull up, got it?”

“Gotcha.  Downstairs.”  Jon laughed and again mumbled something unintelligible.

Cate frowned.  “Jon, who are you talking to?”

“My friend,” Jon answered.  “My buddy.”  He laughed again.  “My drinkin’ buddy.”

Cate couldn’t help but chuckle at Jon’s forthright response.  “Okay, well… tell your drinking buddy to be sure you’re in the lobby in 30 minutes.  It will be that long before I can get up there in traffic.  Okay, Jon?  You understand?”

“ ‘Kay Baby.  Thirty minutes.”  Cate heard Jon repeat her instructions to whoever was his “drinking buddy” of the evening.  Then his voice was back in her ear, low and sexy.  “I want you, Baby.”

Christ, drunk AND horny.  Cate shook her head and chuckled again.  “I’ll see you in half an hour.  Look for the Benz.  No way I’m driving the Chevelle in midtown traffic on a Saturday night.”

 “Gotcha, Baby.  Hurry.”

“Bye, Jon.  Be careful, and be waiting.”

“I will Baby.  Can’t wait to see you.”

Cate closed the connection and sighed deeply.  A little smile curved her lips as she shook her head.  The things that man could convince her to do.  With another soft chuckle she heaved herself off the couch and shuffled toward the bedroom.



Monday, October 25, 2010

Welcome

Mischief Night  [mis-chif  nahyt].  Noun.  An annual tradition in England, Canada, and parts of the United States when, on the night before Halloween, it is custom for people to play pranks and do mischief.  A night of devilry and naughty merriment.


The Mischief starts here.