"Ow!" he exclaimed. "Why, you little hellcat!" Instead of being angry, however, he was smiling… laughing down at her as though it was a huge joke. "You'll pay me for that, in spades," he promised, rubbing his reddened cheek. Behind Sally the dog, Duke, suddenly let out a sharp bark and she started with fright and surprise.

"Down, boy-stay," John Blodgett commanded calmly, grinning wryly at the terrorized girl, "You're damn lucky Duke didn't take a nip at your ass… he didn't know if we were playing or it was for real. I surely would hate to see anything happen to that cute little tail of yours!"

He was still holding her loosely and they were both breathing heavily.

"I want to see you… very soon… your place?"

"You're crazy!" she sputtered. "I never want to see you again… after this outrageous… this…" she couldn't find words to express her contempt for his behavior, "you just wait 'til I tell my husband about this!"

"If you want me to help you, those are the terms. Just call me when you're ready, Sally. Your place, or we can go to a motel… personally, I think your apartment is safer, but that's up to you."

"You… are… insane," she hissed, "I have no intention of meeting you anywhere. What you are suggesting is unthinkable-you're married-I'm married. And even if I weren't, the very idea would disgust me!"

"Oh, but you wouldn't find the experience disgusting, honey. I can promise you that you'll love it." His big hands began to move and before she had realized it Sally felt her right breast cupped by his widespread fingers, and reacted as though she had received an electric shock. She struck his arms down and reached for the doorknob, her eyes blinded by hot tears of rage. He caught her around the waist as she jerked the door open and passed his offending hand gently over the rounded swell of her buttocks, whispering hoarsely, "And remember this, Sally, if I don't hear from you, then you can be sure Ray won't get the loan!"