The Bottom Line

by Shelley Munro

  “I don’t know. I hadn’t really thought about it.” Connor finished his meal and pushed his plate away with an appreciative sigh. “Great meal. Thanks.” Julia had made him think. He didn’t know if Maggie was actively looking for another man or not. He wasn’t looking but that didn’t mean she couldn’t. The idea of her with another man made him…uneasy.

  He wanted Maggie and didn’t want to lose her to another man.

  Dear Kinky Lover,

  How will I know I’ve found the right man? I don’t know. I guess finding a lover who is into spanking will be much like finding a life partner. Some men will suit me and others will suck. I know it’s not gonna be easy. You don’t have to warn me about safety and security. I know and believe me, I’ve taken it into consideration.

  The thing that will probably get me is my impatience. I want this so much that I know I’ll have a tendency to rush into a relationship wearing blinkers.

  Maybe, as you say, I’ll be disappointed because I’ve built things up in my mind and the reality won’t compare to my daydreams. I hope not. I’m a glass half-full kinda girl. I like to think positively, and hopefully, that’s all I’ll need.

  Individuals are different and complex. We all go into relationships with our own set of baggage. I’ve already found that incorporating spanking into an existing relationship is difficult. My ex-boyfriend laughed at me and called me a freak. That’s part of the reason he’s now my ex.

  We’re all fragile in our own way. It’s easy to misinterpret, which is why communication is so important. Everyone I’ve spoken to online stresses honest and open communication. Stating my needs isn’t easy though. I have a casual relationship and really like the guy. The sex is so good, but he made just one comment while we were making love that made me reconsider talking to him about spanking.

  Patience is a thing I need to work on. I’ve had a long time to think about spanking and consider the implications. My prospective partners haven’t, unless they’re already into spanking. Another thing I’ve learned is that spanking isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. What is right for one couple won’t work for another.

  See how much there is to consider. Don’t worry about me, Kinky Lover. I am considering all angles of this subject. I’m not going into spanking wearing rose-colored glasses. I appreciate your advice.

  But one thing, you didn’t tell me how you discussed your spanking needs with your partner. How did you get your partner to see the advantages spanking can bring to a relationship?

  Best wishes,

  Big Bad Ass

  Connor spluttered on reading the last line, swallowing his mouthful of coffee quickly before his computer screen wore it instead. How did he get his partner to see the advantages of spanking? He snorted a laugh, keeping far away from his coffee. He was the lucky son-of-a-bitch who had a partner who already wanted a spanking. The confusion was all on his side, along with hang-ups about hurting his partner or turning into a monster. Maybe it was time to visit his parents. Perhaps he could take Maggie with him. Introduce her as a friend. He’d mentioned her and the other girls to his parents before. They wouldn’t think much of it, not until he asked Frank about spanking.

  The more he thought about it, the better he liked the idea. His mother had a birthday coming up soon. Perhaps he could wrangle invitations for all the girls. It would throw the heat off him a bit because his parents wouldn’t know which girl he was talking about.

  Feeling happier about his decision, he composed an email to Maggie.

  Dear Big Bad Ass,

  I didn’t have to bring up the spanking discussion. My girlfriend brought it up for me and we went from there. My advice to you is to be honest with your partner, tell him what you want. Communicate. Sometimes you just have to put your heart out on the line. Take a big breath and jump…

  Let me know how it goes.

  Kinky Lover

  Chapter Six

  “That’s a try for the Hawks. Connor Grey is having a good game today,” the announcer said.

  “Go, Connor,” Julia screamed.

  Maggie jumped up and down, cheering with the others. Something was up between Greg and Connor though. She’d seen them exchange words.

  “They might actually win a game for a change,” Susan said.

  Christina rubbed her hands together and tugged her bright red and white hat lower over her ears. “How much longer to go? I don’t know about you girls, but I could do with a cup of hot chocolate.”

  “The weather is always horrid when the Hawks play,” Maggie said. “The sun will probably peek out the instant the final whistle blows.”

  “Why don’t you all come to my place for hot chocolate and we can start our Maggie makeover?” Christina suggested.

  “Good idea,” Julia said.

  “I’m there,” Susan said. “I can’t wait to get my hands on Maggie.”

  “Should we book a room?” Maggie asked, her mouth quivering with silent laughter.

  Susan punched her on the arm. “You know I didn’t mean it like that. But seriously. You’re very sexy, and by the time we’re finished with you everyone else will know it.”

  “So you’d turn gay for me?” Maggie smirked at the shocked silence. Teasing her friends was fun.

  “Would that mean I’d need to spank you?” Susan asked.

  Maggie pretended to frown. “I hadn’t thought that far ahead, but yes. Probably. Spanking is now part of my psyche and non-negotiable.”

  “Oh, hark at her. Spanking is part of my psyche.” Christina mimicked her with perfect nuance.

  The four women burst into laughter and started discussing who they’d turn gay for.

  “Not the Prime Minister of New Zealand,” Julia said firmly. “Oops, we’ve missed another try. What is wrong with the Hawks today? They’re actually going to win a game.”

  “Better not let Connor hear you say that,” Maggie said. “He’d probably spread rumors about blue pubic hair.”

  Susan and Christina giggled along with Maggie, but Julia didn’t.

  “Are you ever going to let me forget that? The color is growing out, okay?” The testy note in her voice stripped their laughter away.

  “I’m sorry, hon,” Maggie said, giving Julia a swift hug. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”

  Julia sighed. “Put it down to the time of the month. I’m sorry I snapped.”

  The final whistle blew and the spectators and teams started to disperse.

  “Are we going to tell Connor we’re leaving?” Maggie asked.

  “I guess we’d better. I really don’t feel like fending off flirting males today in the clubrooms,” Susan said. “It would be nice to have a girls’ afternoon.”

  “Maggie, you look sensational,” Susan said, her tone one of awe.

  Maggie turned slowly, trying to take in the transformation in the mirror. “So you really would turn gay for me?”

  “In a New York minute,” Julia said, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek. “Spanking and everything.”

  Maggie turned her attention to the mirror again. She couldn’t believe the difference Christina’s makeover had made. The girls had talked her into having her hair cut. The hairdresser had fit her in at late notice and had worked wonders with her straight hair, taking six inches off the end, giving it a better shape and lighter highlights that shimmered under the artificial light.

  “Your highlights will look beautiful in the sunlight,” Susan said. “But wait until we finish. Make-up and clothes come next.”

  “Maybe I should try one thing at a time. The hair is change enough for now.”

  “Don’t be such a coward.” Christina propelled her from the hairdresser salon with a firm hand in the small of her back.

  “But I need to pay,” Maggie said, digging in her heels.

  “I’ve got it,” Julia said in a decisive manner. “This is my treat.”

  Maggie found herself hustled down the busy street, full of Saturday shoppers. Cars crammed the hectic intersectio
n, fumes heavy in the air when they paused at the lights for the pedestrian signal to turn green.

  Susan sneezed when a bus sped past. “Tell me why this is a good idea again.”

  “That’s what I want to know,” Maggie inserted before the others could answer.

  “Forget it,” Christina said. “I’ve wanted to get my hooks into you for a long time and you’re not wriggling out of this makeover.”

  “Light’s green. Let’s go,” Julia said, linking her arm through Maggie’s. “I’ve got her. She won’t get away from me.”

  “If I’m naughty, will you spank me?” Maggie said in a loud voice.

  “Really,” an elderly lady said with a sniff. With a withering stare in their direction, she led her young grandchildren across the road.

  “Oops,” Maggie said. “I didn’t mean to offend anyone.”

  “Too late,” Julia said, tugging on her arm. “Let’s go before the wee man starts blinking red.”

  They crossed the road and headed for Smith and Caughey, a well-known Newmarket institution. A wave of perfume greeted them when they entered the make-up department.

  “Where to?” Maggie asked, finally accepting that her friends wouldn’t let her change her mind. She hoped Connor liked the result. Connor. Holy Hannah. What was she thinking? It didn’t matter if he liked the end result or not. They were friends and casual lovers. That was all. She was taking part in the makeover because she wanted it. She wasn’t going through this for a man.

  “Over here,” Christina said. “I have a deal I’ve worked out with this company. I really like their products and they do both skincare and cosmetics. They don’t do animal testing on their products either. What?” she said. “I care for animals and the environment and want to do my bit.”

  “Of course you do,” Susan said.

  “We’re impressed you’re incorporating that sort of thing into your new business,” Julia added. “Some businesses go for the easiest and quickest way to make money.”

  “Not me,” Christina said. “I made a list before I started. I’ve always used natural cosmetics and I wanted to continue. It was important to me.”

  “You’ve never said anything before,” Maggie said.

  “You never said anything about spanking before,” Christina countered.

  Julia licked a finger and pretended to mark an invisible scoreboard. “Touché. We all have our secrets and little hot buttons we don’t discuss in case people laugh or tease us.”

  Christina stopped in front of a make-up counter and pushed Maggie onto a high stool. “We have to pick up this conversation again. Next time we have drinks at the pub. I don’t care if it’s a Friday night or not.”

  Julia chuckled, but Maggie thought her response held uneasiness. It made her wonder what was going on in Julia’s life. She thought about Friday night drinks and shuddered. She knew there was one secret she’d never spill, no matter how many margaritas she drank.

  An assistant arrived, a bright smile on her face. Christina explained what she wanted, and Maggie found herself under the spotlight again.

  An hour later, she stared in the mirror in shock. Although she wore make-up, she hadn’t done much with it or purchased new products in ages. “I didn’t realize it would make such a big difference.”

  “You look gorgeous,” Julia said. “And I know just the outfit to top off your new look. Susan and I have scouted the clothes department for you.”

  A whirlwind shopping trip later, they went back to Maggie’s apartment and collapsed with a bottle of wine and some Thai takeout.

  Julia waved her glass of wine in the air. “Maggie, I didn’t know you were so curvy. You’ve got a great figure.”

  “No wonder Greg doesn’t want to let go,” Susan said.

  “I guess I fell into bad habits,” Maggie said. “Thanks so much to all of you. I wouldn’t have done this without your prompting and I think I really needed it. I’d like to propose a toast. To Christina for making the initial suggestion, and to friends for helping me to carry it through.”

  “You don’t need to toast me,” Christina protested. “You’re going to be my walking advertisement.” She raised her glass, making her golden bracelets jingle musically. “To friends.”

  “To friends!” they chorused. Their wine glasses tinkled as they clicked together.

  The ring of a cell phone broke in on their chatter and laughter. Susan, Christina and Julia all dived for their handbags and Maggie chuckled. She knew it wasn’t her phone because it sat on the kitchen countertop and wasn’t making a sound.

  “It’s mine,” Julia said. “Hi, I’m not in at the moment. Leave a message after the—” She broke off and listened, her smile reaching her eyes. She looked beautiful in that moment. Happy. Maggie realized Julia hadn’t smiled much lately. Standing abruptly, she walked from the kitchen, leaving them staring after her.

  “What was that?” Susan whispered.

  “Shush, I can’t hear,” Christina muttered.

  “You can’t eavesdrop on a private conversation,” Maggie said. “It’s not nice. How would you feel if it were you? Let Julia have her privacy.”

  Christina frowned. “But I want to know what’s going on. She isn’t usually secretive like this.”

  A loud sigh sounded from Susan. “Maggie is right. Julia will tell us when she’s ready.”

  “I tell you, we need a margarita session very soon. All this suspense is killing me. How is your spanking blog going, Maggie?”

  Maggie laughed. “Oh, no you don’t. You can’t turn this on me. Besides, you all read my blog and don’t try to deny it. You know I’m heavy into research at the moment, and that’s as close as I’m getting to my spanking.”

  Julia returned to the lounge, her eyes bright and cheeks glowing. “I have to go.”

  “Where?” Susan asked.

  “I’m meeting up with a…a friend,” Julia said. “I’ll see you at work on Monday.” Quickly, she gathered her handbag and gave a wave. The rapid tap of her high heel sandals signaled her retreat.

  No one spoke until the click of the door closing told them she’d gone.

  “What was that about?” Susan demanded.

  “No idea,” Maggie said. “No doubt we’ll find out eventually.”

  “She looked so different,” Christina said. “It’s made me realize how quiet she’s been lately. Do you think it’s a man?”

  “Of course it’s a man,” Susan said. “Do you think Connor will know anything?”

  “If he does, the man won’t tell,” Maggie said. “He’s as tight as a clam with secrets.”

  “I’ve noticed a real swagger in his step recently,” Susan said. “They’re very close. You don’t think…”

  “Julia and Connor?” Christina laughed and then looked thoughtful. “I don’t think so. Surely we’d pick up on it if there were something romantic between them.”

  Guilt roared through Maggie, and she bit down on her bottom lip to stop herself from saying something. Anything. Good grief, if the girls found out about her and Connor…

  “Besides,” Christina added. “We made a pact about Connor. I like having a male friend and talking to him. I don’t want that to change.”

  “None of us do,” Susan said. “I like the way he’s honest when we ask him tricky questions.”

  And he was that way with her, Maggie thought, the guilt almost overwhelming her. He was honest and truthful, yet she couldn’t give him the same honesty when it came to her need for spanking. Everything she read said honest communication was the most important thing between partners. She would have said the same even if spanking wasn’t in the equation. The couples who stayed together were the ones who had great communication.

  “I don’t think Julia and Connor are together,” Maggie said, knowing she was floundering in dangerous territory. “I think it’s someone else.”

  “Do you know something?” Susan asked.

  Maggie sucked in a breath and let it ease out. It did nothing to slow the rapid
beat of her heart. When she glanced down, she noticed the tremor of her hand and hurriedly placed her glass on the coffee table. “No. All I know is that Julia looked really happy. I’m pleased for her and I hope whoever was on the other end of that cell phone realizes how great she is.” A quick glance at both of her friends told her they’d bought her comment and didn’t suspect anything about her and Connor.

  Her cell phone rang and she rose, retrieving it from the kitchen. A swift glance at the screen told her it was Connor. She stabbed the answer button, trepidation causing butterflies to stomp around the pit of her stomach.

  “Hello.”

  “What are you wearing, babe?”

  She closed her eyes on hearing his husky voice, thankful that she had her back to Christina and Susan. Searing heat emblazoned her cheeks, signaling her guilt clearly to anyone who took a close look.

  “I’m sorry, Greg,” she muttered. “I can’t go out with you. I have friends with me.”

  “Who?” Connor asked, his voice sharp and miles away from the lover of seconds before.

  “Susan and Christina.”

  “I’m at home and would really like to see you. Come over when they leave.”

  “I don’t know.” Clear doubt shaded her words, propelled by a heavy dose of remorse.

  “Please. I really want to see you.” He hung up without saying another word.

  Maggie closed her cell phone with a snap and returned it to the bench. She walked back into the lounge to join Susan and Christina, praying they didn’t ask too many questions because she hated lying to them. In that moment she hated Connor and the position he’d put her in with his friends with benefits deal.

  “Is Greg still bothering you?” Susan asked.

  “Yes,” Maggie said, answering with relief. Greg couldn’t get it into his fat head. She didn’t want him. It was all about Connor. Anxiety replaced her momentary relief when Connor filled her mind again.

  Susan flicked her long hair over her shoulder and scowled. “Maybe you should complain at work. Place a formal charge.”