"Why don't ya just manhandle me then," I said. "I guess that's one way to keep me in line."

Simon raised himself on his elbow and brushed my hair back from my face. He kissed me softly on my cheek.

"You're just lucky I love you, Marcy."

I tried not to let him see me blush, or to let him feel how fast my heart was beating.

"Yeah, well... someone has to. Guess you got stuck with the job."

"You don't mean that. You're just being petulant."

"So? M'allowed."

Simon gently guided my arms and legs away from their protective positions around my torso. I let him move me back...