The room wasn't exactly swirling, but that hotheaded buzz was becoming increasingly apparent to Nikki.  Maybe it was explained away simply -- with the dancing.  Or, more possibly, the emotional roller coaster of the evening thus far was increasing the rate at which alcohol made its way throughout her system.    Whatever the case, by the time the drinks were served, Nikki was content to nurse the drink without sipping it.  Chris seemed fine, but she was more than a little cognizant that maybe she'd gotten a bit ahead of herself out there with this guy.<br/><br/><em>I thought he was a personal trainer or muscle model</em>, her husband joked, and she couldn't agree more.  Again, those luscious lips twisted, baring a muted mauve and freshly glossed smile ahead of a flawless white grin.  In wake of the<em>clink</em>of the trio's glasses, Nikki allowed herself a sip, and then her grin shifted over to Richard and that remark.<br/><br/>Another quick sip followed.<br/><br/><em>I'll take care of your needs,</em>he'd said, prompting a vivid flush in her cheeks -- albeit a subtle one given the lounge's dark lighting -- and a familiar (at least to Chris) look of scandalous mischief in those alluring chestnut eyes.  The innuendo was clear, but she wasn't about to be the one to push it.  Before she could even look to Chris, whose comforting touch was both welcome and familiar as it smoothed down the contour of her back and waist to the swell of her backside, her eyes went wide.  Richard had casually closed the distance between them, and how his arm too slipped around.  Effectively netted in the mens' arms curled around her, she wasn't sure which way to look.<br/><br/>Until Richard's hand also fell; as if to draw attention to the fact that he was now giving her other asscheek a nice, firm squeeze.<br/><br/>While some of their earlier transgressions might've been explained away as dancing, how was she to explain this to Chris?  Did she need to?  A sideways glance yielded a perfectly well-humored expression on her husband's face as he went on about her toughness as a boss and dog parent.  The remark set her at ease, and so with a nervous sputter of laughter and a smile now content to linger on Richard, she reassured him with a sweeter smile.<br/><br/><em>"They're my fur babies.  I just want what we're paying for, y'know?  I get it.  It's an easy gig for a college or neighborhood kid - or anyone that wants some extra income.  But fifteen dollars merits more than a quick five minute potty break.  At least take 'em around the block or throw the ball a little in the back yard to wear them down.  We can totally tell when we come home."</em><br/><br/>Catching herself rambling, the young woman was quick to shut up with another sip; and then she shot a quick but nonetheless attentive gauging gaze to Chris - who still seemed fine.  In looking back to Richard, that mischievous glimmer returned.<em>"I guess I can be a little demanding, but that's only to people who half-ass.  And you don't strike me as the kinda guy to half-ass anything."</em>Injecting her own innuendo, Nikki made no effort whatsoever to hide hungry eyes drifting down the younger man's taut abdomen and chest accentuated by his well-fitting shirt.