by Maggie Ryan
Izzy shook her head and said, “Please don’t worry about me. I’m fine. I love the bookstore and worked hard to make it a success. I have good friends and a wonderful family here. I’ll be fine.”
Beth sighed, “No, Isabella. You have a life, but you aren’t really living. God, I could just kill that asshole for doing this to you!”
Izzy jerked in surprise. Her aunt never cursed! “Asshole?” she asked, smiling slightly.
Beth grinned and said, “Yes, I’ll say it again. He’s the biggest asshole I know, and I don’t care if your Uncle spanks me for saying that. It’s the truth!”
Izzy giggled and said, “Oh Aunt Beth, you are just too much, and I love you guys so much. Thanks for listening. I’m just being silly and I admit, maybe a teeny bit jealous of their happiness and ease with each other. I know Nancy is happy, and I promise not to do anything to ruin her special day. I guess it was just a little harder than I thought, going down memory lane, but I’ll be fine now. Bryan is long gone, and I’m over all of that. I even promised to go to their commitment ceremony.”
Beth was surprised but pleased. Everyone had been trying for months to break through to Izzy, and now a tiny crack in her wall was widening. She didn’t seem to realize that she had admitted being jealous, but Beth heard her loud and clear. “I know that will be hard for you, sweetie but I’m proud of you. I know Nancy wants you there.”
Izzy shrugged, “It’s not a big deal, and she is my best friend. I’ll be fine, Aunt Beth.”
“It is a big deal; don’t make light of it. But I know you can do it. I know that deep inside you are searching for what you truly need.” Izzy again began to shake her head in denial, but Beth said, “Please Isabella. You are exactly like Nancy and me, even if you don’t want to admit it. It is not something you can simply change because you had a horrible experience. It is in your genes, your heart and your soul. Timid men and boring, vanilla sex is not what makes our hearts flutter or our panties wet.”
Izzy gasped and blushed. She shook her head and giggled, “Oh Aunt Beth, you always get to the heart of the matter, don’t you?”
Beth grinned and said, “Of course. Life is far too short to deny what makes it worth living. By the way, do I want to know about what ‘stuff’ Nancy is being made to wear.”
She was delighted when her niece giggled again and she saw a twinkle in her eyes. “I probably shouldn’t say, but it was beautiful and erotic. Maybe she’ll show you herself. Now, I’m sure Uncle Tom is looking for you. We should get back to the party.”
Beth smiled and further shocked her niece by saying, “Hmmm, maybe she will. I just wonder if it has anything to do with her waist?” Izzy gasped again, and Beth simply smiled. “Well, silly, how do you think Jack knew what size she was? I’m pretty sure he didn’t need to know such exact measurements simply to buy her some sexy nightgown.”
Izzy laughed for the first time with true abandon. “You are just so naughty, Aunt Beth! How on earth did you manage that?”
Beth smiled and replied, “What’s so hard about taking some additional measurements when our girl was being measured for her wedding gown?”
Izzy laughed again and said, “Remind me not to let you come near me with a measuring tape!” Beth grinned, and the pair stood and hugged each other. Beth was happy and felt a surge of hope that Izzy was truly coming out of her self-imposed shell to once again be the delightful, happy young woman that seemed to have gotten lost when Bryan was in her life.
As they linked arms and began walking back, Beth teased, “Now that’s settled, can we talk about your hunky date?”
Izzy blushed but laughed and bumped her hip against her aunt’s. “That topic is off limits, and if you say anything, I’ll have to tell Uncle Tom that you were saying naughty words!”
Beth bumped her back and laughed, “You wouldn’t dare . . . after all, and I do believe I heard that word from you, as well, so your little butt is in as much danger as mine.”
“My butt definitely isn’t little, but I get the point. I’ll admit he is intriguing and has me wondering if a better relationship is possible for me. He has to think I’m an idiot, though. All I’ve done is yell and accuse him of being a brute. Man, he does have the bluest eyes and the best smile! His touch gives me the shivers.”
Beth did a little dance, which caused Izzy to realize what she had just admitted to. She looked sternly at her aunt, “Hey! That’s a secret, so you can’t tell anyone, or I’ll make sure Uncle Tom knows you said it twice and I’ll give you up to Nancy! Pinky swear?”
Beth laughed, and they were linking their pinkie fingers to seal the promise when Tom saw them. He grinned, glad to see that the two women he adored seemed to be happy, the worry gone from Izzy’s face. He met them and threw his arms around the two of them. “What’s so funny, you two?”
Both women shook their heads, and Izzy said, “Nope… for the safety of our bottoms, we’ll take the Fifth!”
Tom shook his head, “I know you two deserve to be turned bottoms-up from that alone. However, even I can’t break the power of a pinkie swear.” The women leaned into him as he bent to kiss them both. He led them over to the buffet line and soon they all had heaping plates filled with delicious food.
Coleman stepped out from the dark stall he had slipped into after doing his own search for the tiny redhead. He had been about to approach when he heard her aunt calling for her. He had intended to slip away, but at the sounds of Isabella’s tears, he simply listened, his heart aching as he heard Isabella sob. He felt no guilt now, as the conversation had kept him rooted and hidden. He wondered exactly who Bryan was and what that “asshole” had done to hurt her so badly. He also intended to speak to Jack, as it was clear his best friend had played an integral part in the tiny woman’s life. He’d been slightly shocked but then grinned, hearing her aunt openly discuss not only spankings, but much more. He understood why Jack’s present had fit his bride so perfectly and gave a nod of thanks for Beth’s openness about her niece’s and friends’ chosen lifestyle, one they all seemed to have experienced.
He was pleased to see Izzy laughing and relaxed. He remembered her reference to bottoms, and his heart thumped a bit faster in his chest. She had the most delicious-looking bottom he’d even seen on a woman, and he couldn’t wait to see it in its natural state. He felt his cock shift and he smiled. He didn’t know much about her as of yet, but he’d make it a point to learn all he could. Hadn’t she just admitted to finding him intriguing? So his touch made her shiver? She obviously wasn’t quite as stuck-up or prudish as she had originally appeared. She had gone through something truly life changing and hurtful. He was determined to show her that her aunt was right: most men weren’t of the asshole variety. He knew without a doubt that, whoever Bryan was, he’d better steer clear of not only Isabella; he’d better never come face to face with Coleman. The man might be able to hurt a woman, but he wouldn’t stand a chance against him. He walked out of the barn to make his way closer to her. Nope, he wasn’t done with her, not by a long shot, and now seemed as good a time as ever to start knocking down her walls.
Chapter 5
Nancy saw Coleman approaching and hid her smile. She didn’t warn Izzy, who thought she was safe after making sure there were no empty chairs at their table. Nancy watched as the man simply brought a chair with him and plopped it down right next to her best friend. She saw Izzy jump a bit and then blush. Yes, there is something going on there, she thought, silently cheering Coleman on. Jack smiled as well. When Coleman found something he wanted, he definitely went after it.
Coleman grinned at the couple and said, “I thought, as the best man here, I’d better come over and join the party.” Nancy giggled and Izzy rolled her eyes. Coleman saw it and grinned. “What? You don’t want me here, Isabella?”
Izzy shook her head and said, “I told you to call me Izzy, and of course you are welcome to join us.”
He grinned and said, “And I believe I told you I preferred Isabella.” She rolled
her eyes again, and his smile widened. “Thank you, Isabella, though I’m not sure why my chair was over behind that tree.”
Izzy looked guilty and shrugged. “Why would you ask me? I haven’t the foggiest idea; I’m just glad it wasn’t that difficult for the ‘best man here’ to find it.”
“Now I’d hate to call you a liar, little one.”
They all watched as color rose on Izzy’s face. She hissed at him, “I apologized already, so don’t even think of spanking me!”
Nancy gasped and looked at her friend. “Izzy! That isn’t nice. Coleman’s your date, remember?” She looked up at Coleman and added, “Spanking?”
Coleman just grinned while Izzy squirmed on her chair. Nancy was shocked that Izzy hadn’t run screaming from the table. However, Jack laughed and shook his head. “I’m guessing blind dates aren’t our Izzy’s style. And, Coleman, everyone knows that I’m not only the groom, but I’m definitely the best man here. Ask Nancy; she’ll be glad to set you straight.”
Coleman laughed, and the sound rolled over Izzy, causing her to shiver. His voice was just as gorgeous as he was. Coleman leaned back in his seat and crossed his ankles, relaxed and confident. “I hardly think our bride can give an unbiased opinion, especially sitting on her own recently-reddened bottom.” He heard Izzy gasp and Nancy giggle. Jack smiled broadly as he pulled Nancy from her chair to sit on his lap. She snuggled into him, even as he patted the bottom under discussion. Coleman grinned and said, “See, she is making my point. Now, I admit you are a great guy, but you, yourself, appointed me as best man.” Jack threw his hands up in surrender, causing Nancy to squeal and wrap her arms around his neck so she wouldn’t topple off his lap. Coleman was pleased to see a smile appear fleetingly across Izzy’s face.
“Okay, you win. Now, are you two ready to stop the war and actually rehearse for the wedding tomorrow?” Izzy started to protest but was pulled to her feet. The man moved like a cat, seated one moment and standing with his arm wrapped around her the next. She felt him tug her to his side as he said, “We promise, no more fighting. Right, Isabella?”
She shook her head. “I don’t make promises so easily, Mr. McDonald; however, I can act like a grownup. We’re ready whenever you are Jack; we are here to serve.” She heard Coleman inhale sharply and couldn’t resist looking up and grinning at him.
He bent down and whispered, “Careful, Isabella. I might assist, but the only one doing any serving will be you, my little minx.” This time it was Isabella who gasped and had to look away.
Jack and Nancy watched the exchange and then smiled at each other. Jack stood and helped Nancy to her feet. They all started walking towards the house, gathering up people along the way. Coleman kept his arm around Izzy’s waist, loving the way she seemed to fit perfectly against his side. She didn’t try to jerk away, and he was content for the moment.
Izzy was confused. One moment he was driving her crazy, and the next he was sending shivers throughout her body and erotic images through her mind. She had to admit, his arm around her gave her comfort and made her feel things she hadn’t felt in a very long time. I can do this for Nancy. It will be over tomorrow. She finally relaxed and actually smiled. Two could play this game. She purposely stumbled and when Coleman yelped as he grabbed her tighter, she lifted her eyes and batted her eyelashes at him. “Oh, thank you, Coleman. That was just the very best rescue ever.”
Coleman was surprised at the humor in her voice, but his face lit with a huge smile. “Why, thank you, ma’am. Don’t mention it. After all, even if you did fall, you are pretty close to the ground already.”
She blushed and tried to think of a comeback but couldn’t. He cocked his head at her, and she actually giggled, “Okay, you win, but that is only Round One.”
He smiled and tugged her closer. “Bring it on, Isabella; this is going to be really intriguing, but I guarantee that I am more than ready to take you.” She flushed all over, his use of that word shaking her—his innuendo of “taking” her draining her of the ability to think, much less respond. Coleman saw her color and leaned down to whisper, “You are beautiful when you blush, Isabella, but it makes me wonder what other conclusions you might be jumping to.”
She felt her face grow even warmer and looked down, her stomach churning. He was too close. She slipped out of his arm and ran up to walk with Nancy and Jack.
She heard Coleman laughing and heard him say, “Running away won’t work, Isabella. I’m still ahead.”
Nancy turned and saw her friend blushing but also smiling. She grinned and took Izzy’s hand. “Don’t worry honey, one little victory doesn’t crown him champion. I’m willing to bet on you.”
Jack laughed loudly and said, “Not a chance. Coleman’s going to win; he always does.”
Nancy pushed against him and said, “Care to make a wager, Jack?”
He looked at her and then at Izzy. He glanced back in time to see Coleman step up and put his arm around Izzy’s waist yet again. “Sweetheart, I’m always up for a sure thing. The loser gets to go over the winner’s knee. You’d better start preparing that precious bottom of yours, my love.”
Nancy felt Izzy’s hand slip from hers and saw Coleman holding her again. She sighed and shook her head. “Sorry Iz, I think my perfect man just might be right for once. Besides, I’ve already taken that trip once today and can’t say I’m too eager for a return visit. I guess you are on your own.” Everyone laughed, and Izzy joined in. It had been a while since she had felt like this and found herself enjoying the banter. She had to admit the man did present a challenge. She reached up and patted her hand against Coleman’s broad chest. He jerked a bit and she grinned.
“No, Nancy – you are on my team. Maybe the fear of losing will keep you focused on making sure I win. Don’t worry, though, I’m sure you’ll find I’ve got lots of things up my sleeves.”
Coleman grinned and covered her hand with his, before bending and putting a kiss on top of her head. “I’d love to see what is under that sweet little dress… the sleeves, I mean.” She was shocked but didn’t protest as new images flashed through her mind. “Jumping to more conclusions? Hmm, you may be the maid of honor but your color and the way you are breathing tells me you aren’t a maid.” Izzy practically swooned. He grinned and said, “And that, my friends, is Round Two.”
“Stop doing that! You’re cheating!”
Coleman laughed, loving that she was actually enjoying herself. “All is fair in love and war, my sweet Isabella. After all, you are the one who dared me to cross that line.”
She blushed and would have replied, except that they all heard Beth telling them to hurry up. She giggled and whispered, “You were just saved by the bell!”
Coleman laughed and pulled her forward as they all started to run up the porch steps. They parted ways in the hall. As the girls gathered with the other bridesmaids, Nancy whispered, “I’m still betting on you . . . just don’t tell Jack.”
Izzy hugged her and whispered back, “It’s not nice to keep secrets from your beloved, but thanks. However, if I lose, don’t blame me that your butt is in danger.”
Nancy jiggled her eyebrows up and down and said, “I live for danger, and we are definitely going to talk about your own little butt. Did he actually threaten to spank you?”
Izzy nodded and would have spoken except that the wedding planner was very impatiently urging them to hurry up. They giggled and then grew serious as the wedding planner stepped forward to guide them through the ceremony. As Izzy took her place to practice walking down the aisle that had been set up in the great room, she looked up and saw Coleman at the altar.
She hesitated for just a moment, her thoughts awash with sensations and images she didn’t want to admit into her life. She attempted to shake off feeling but stumbled.
“No, no. Start over. Isabella, wait until your uncle leads you. We do not race down the aisle!” the wedding planner barked.
Izzy blushed all over and knew that if she looked up, she’d see Coleman�
�s idiotic grin. The music started again and when Tom started to step forward, Izzy’s feet seemed glued to the floor.
Tom turned to his niece and saw her standing, as if in a trance. He patted her arm and said, “Izzy, are you okay, sweetie?”
She flushed and said, “I’m sorry. Um, I’m fine, Uncle Tom.”
The wedding planner made them start over yet again, after telling Izzy that it was important for Nancy to see how the walk should go. Nancy had chosen not to participate in this part; she wanted her walk down the aisle tomorrow to be the only one she ever took. Izzy reassured everyone that she was ready, and the music started over for the fourth time. Her heart was pounding by the time she arrived, and Coleman stepped down to stand beside her, representing tomorrow’s groom.
As Tom practiced his words and placed Izzy’s trembling hand in Coleman’s, Coleman bent down and whispered, “Glad you finally made it, my dear. I can feel you are shaking, little one, and that is Round Three.”
Izzy blushed but said nothing. He was infuriating, but she was having a hard enough time just remembering what she was supposed to do. His grin grew larger as he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and led her up to the altar. He could feel her shaking, and he definitely loved having her on his arm. Jack and Nancy’s attentions were split between watching the byplay going on between their friends and paying attention to the wedding planner. She made them run through the ceremony again, until Nancy assured her that everyone understood the plan.
As the party broke up to go back out to the yard for homemade ice cream, Nancy snagged Izzy. “What happened?”
Izzy blushed and said, “I must have tripped or something. You’ll be a much better bride, I promise you.”
Nancy grinned and said, “Good try, Izzy girl, but I do think that you are quickly losing this game. But, girlfriend, if you have to lose, what a hunk to lose to! I guess a little tiny spanking will be worth seeing you two together.”
