Scarlet Boa

It was obvious Bruce was angry when he came through the door and made his way directly to where Cynthia stood. She smiled up at him wondering what could have gone so wrong in the two hours since she'd last seen him.

"During all those hours we spent hiking through the jungle, you never once mentioned the fact that you were engaged." Apparently, from the tone and volume of his voice, he either hadn't noticed the other twenty standing on the enclosed porch, or he didn't care.

"I . . ."

He didn't allow her the opportunity to comment before he continued in an indignant tone. "I have never in my life stepped beyond the boundaries with another man's woman. Never! If you had mentioned just one time that you had promised yourself to someone else there never would have been any . . . we never . . ." Bruce stopped before the thought was complete. He was crowding her personal space, especially as his face loomed nearer to her own. "Things never would have gone as far as they did, had I known you belonged to someone else."

Cynthia felt as though he'd slapped her. "I beg your pardon?" The fact that he was accusing her of having no morals or standards, but would throw his own up to judge her by made her anger boil. "Let me tell you something, Mister! First of all I didn't exactly force myself on you that night. We were both involved in making things happen. Did you ever ask me if I were committed to someone else? You didn't take the time to care about anything or anybody else that night, only sexual gratification." She took a step toward him and marked each point she made with her finger jabbing his chest. "First and foremost, you big dumb jock, I wouldn't have allowed anything to happen that night if I were engaged to someone else. Secondly, before you charge in here making accusations, you ought to check your facts. If someone told you that I'm engaged to anybody, they either lied or they're totally confused!"

Neither one had noticed that the room had quieted and that every person on the porch was now listening to every word they were saying. Greg stepped up, slapped Bruce on the shoulder, and interrupted their thoughts. "I know everyone here is anxious to hear all the details about the night in the jungle, and the fiancé that doesn't exist, but I'm guessing you two don't want every detail made public. Especially since there are kids present."

Before anyone could say anything the storm door once again was thrown open, drawing everyone's attention. Nobody said a word when Gerald pushed his way through the door, his face red with anger. His gaze quickly took in the way Bruce was standing so closely to Cynthia. "Well, Sailor, today's your day to die!"