Taming and Tanning Libby

by Carl Hamlin

  Taming and Tanning Libby

  By

  Carl Hamlin

  ©2015 by Blushing Books® and Carl Hamlin

  All rights reserved.

  No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

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  Hamlin, Carl

  Taming and Tanning Libby

  eBook ISBN: 978-1-62750-734-9

  Cover Design by ABCD Graphics & Design

  This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as Blushing Books' or the author's advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.

  Table of Contents:

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  About Carl Hamlin

  eBook Offer

  Blushing Books Newsletter

  About Blushing Books

  Chapter One

  Elizabeth “Libby” Hamilton stood just offstage, looking with satisfaction at the performance taking place in front of thirty-five thousand cheering fans in the huge Missouri coliseum. She had done her work well: all of those onstage were dressed perfectly, and the background lighting effects enhanced the performance without distracting from it.

  Her eyes roamed back and forth, checking and rechecking the stage scene as Max Walls kept the audience mesmerized. His voice betrayed a slight Western twang as he crooned his beloved hit song that had made him an ‘overnight sensation’ after struggling for thirty years to make his mark in the world of country and western music. With his eyes closed and a smile creasing his weathered face, Max sang of a long–ago wedding night, making love to his new bride beneath a starry Texas sky. Then the song went on to tell a tale of tragic loss, the pain of which is softened only by knowing that she is now one of the brightest twinkling stars.

  Sentimentality was the hallmark of the songs performed by Max Walls. At his age, he preferred tunes that spoke in the past tense of rodeo riding and young love. But sometimes the bachelor cowboy singer would give a beautiful rendition of a song speaking of the joys of mature love, and the tenderness of growing older together.

  Accordingly, Libby was careful to make his apparel fit his age and the theme of his music. She would also carefully consider the digitized projected backgrounds or the props on an open stage to ensure that they subtly complemented the musical themes.

  Libby felt admiration for the fifty-year-old singer, who had given up so many opportunities in life in favor of pursuing his one and only dream, the one he was fulfilling at the moment. She also felt gratitude for being hired as an untested and untried stage and set designer. Libby was the cousin of Veronica Milton, a seasoned sound technician who had worked for Max for fifteen years.

  Veronica was a widow, sleek and attractive with long black hair. She felt that she could help keep the more immature and impulsive Libby grounded, and had no reluctance in recommending to Max that he bring her younger cousin on board the staff. She warned the singer about her penchant for stirring up some dust, but assured him that her creative talents would offset any down side to hiring her.

  Aside from that fortunate connection through birth, Libby only otherwise qualified for the position by virtue of a just–awarded college degree in stage management from a university in California Max had never heard of. But she had quickly proven herself. It was noted by all around her that she poured herself into her work, designing and planning well in advance of each show. Libby not only had a talent for fashion, but also for obtaining advance information on the lighting at upcoming venues, so that she could consider how different colors and fabrics would be affected.

  Libby’s green eyes darted back and forth beneath the bangs of flaming red hair that reached down to the middle of her back. She had a job to do, and she paid rapt attention to the sights and sounds of the concert. That is, except when she was stealing a glance at the newly hired staff member who arrived just before show time. Clay Harris would serve as business manager and bookings coordinator in place of the man who had served Max in that capacity for five years, but had recently betrayed his trust.

  Libby could not help but be impressed by her first glances at the new manager. He was just over six feet tall, a good contrast to her own petite stature. Even in the dim light, Libby could see the rugged but handsome face revealed beneath the wavy brown hair and Stetson hat, above an upper torso that looked impressive while outlined by a snug tee shirt.

  Max had just informed the crew two days earlier that the new manager would be meeting up with them, so Libby lost no time in researching him on the Internet. She was stunned and impressed to see that his last two positions had been with mid-level but rising performers. She looked forward to meeting him, especially after seeing a photo of him. Still, she hoped that he was not the type to try to micromanage, because she had no lack of confidence in her work, in spite of being new to the position.

  When Libby had accepted the job, she decided to give it everything she had. When her cousin Veronica pledged to Libby that she would be quick to speak up with constructive criticism, Libby graciously thanked her, but admitted to herself that she was rather thin – skinned.

  After a thunderous round of applause, Max and his band launched into their last song of the night. As the ballad came to its conclusion, Libby could see the new manager approaching out of the corner of her eye. The song over, he reached out to Libby to shake her hand: “Clay Harris… new manager.”

  Libby felt her face turn warm from his mere touch. “Eliza… Libby Hamilton. Costume and stage tech.”

  Clay held onto her hand for a moment. “I understand you just joined the act a few months ago. I guess we’re going to learn the ropes together.”

  Libby felt herself flush, as the new manager seemed to reluctantly let go of her hand. “You will really like working for Max. He’s as great a boss as you could ever ask for. And I really respect him so much, because he has worked so hard to finally get the recognition he deserves. I suppose you have met Veronica, my cousin. Every time I saw her over the past several years, she would talk about Max in glowing terms.”

  Clay motioned toward the exit door. “Come to think of it, Libby, I don’t think I ever heard a negative comment about the man. I don’t think that he has an enemy. I know he has gone through some rough times in the past, but everyone says that that has made him stronger. I was stunned to see some of those public service announcements he did on television. I imagine it’s hard to be so candid about having a history of substance abuse.” He paused as he pushed the door open.

  “By the way, Max told me he wants to have a little meeting on the bus right away. I guess I shouldn’t be late for my first crew meeting.” Clay motioned for Libby to take the lead, and she could not help but wonder if he was enjoying the view as she strolled slowly through the parking lot in the back of the large hall in her short, denim cutoffs that outlined her ample backside and showcased her shapely legs. Other nights she wore a little cowgirl dress or just a denim skirt as brief of length as she could find.

  Although Libby was never onstage, she was often
in contact with fans and event hosts, and decided that she may as well dress as the sexy country music fan from Missouri that she truly was. She knew that on some occasions, a well-timed wiggle or two had won over concert hall staff from whom a favor was needed.

  However, when her wholesome girl–next–door face and curvaceous body did not succeed in helping her to get her way, her legendary temper and brash demeanor would suffice. Her sharp tongue had been helpful at times when she needed to make a point, but there had also been a couple of times when Max or Veronica had ended up apologizing to someone as a result. Fortunately for Libby, her talent usually outweighed any negative effects of her lack of tact. Usually, but not always.

  * * * * *

  Libby climbed the steps onto the luxurious tour bus, certain that the new manager was admiring her shape as she made her way onto the vehicle that would take them to their next concert the next evening in Iowa. Max sat in a recliner in the rear of the bus, waiting patiently until all the staff and band members had settled in. When all were assembled, Max motioned to Clay, and gestured for him to join him.

  “I want all of you to meet my new manager, Clay Harris.” Everyone called out a welcome to the new arrival. “I know that ya’ll really liked Howard… so did I. But I have made it clear to everyone on this bus that there are certain things I just won’t tolerate, and drinking too much is one of them. Now we all know that the celebrity magazines and television interviews leave no doubt that my own background is full of regrettable incidents. But I have changed, and the last thing that I want is to ever have to explain bad behavior by anyone working for me.” His grim countenance left no one in doubt about the sincerity of his words.

  But then he smiled. “That doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun. And I don’t expect any of you to not enjoy a couple of drinks when we’re on the road just because I can’t trust myself to have one. But Howard went over the line, and I want everyone to know that I offered him a second chance. Unfortunately, he did not accept my terms.” He shook his head with regret and then turned towards the younger man.

  “So Clay, here, comes to us with several years of experience as a manager, and he comes highly recommended by a number of people who have been high on the charts much longer than I have. So Clay knows what I expect of him, and ya’ll will soon come to know what he expects of all of you. Over the next few days, Clay and the rest of you will get to know each other. I’m sure you will all work well together.” Max stood up and called up to the front of the bus where the driver waited patiently. “Let’s get to Iowa!”

  The bus started to move, and everyone took a seat, except for Clay who was moving around and introducing himself to everyone on the bus. Having met everyone else, he worked his way to the front of the plush vehicle, and sat down in a vacant swivel chair next to Libby. “And how did you get involved with Max and the band?”

  Libby felt her face flush. “I owe it all to Veronica, because when I graduated from college, I never really considered working for a musical act, although I have always liked country-western music. I was thinking more in terms of working for small theater or maybe doing some off–Broadway stage work in New York, if I was lucky. As you can imagine, the competition for jobs on Broadway is just brutal.” She shook her head at the thought.

  “But Veronica told me about this opening, and I realized that the basic elements would be the same. So I decided to go ahead and apply, and she arranged for me to meet with Max when he was doing a show in St. Louis. I have to admit that I was quite nervous, but we seemed to hit it off right away and he decided to give me a chance. And I have to say, I quickly came to love the work. I am endlessly grateful to the man for giving me such an opportunity.”

  Libby smiled and continued, “I love to plan… I love to review the video of each performance and see what I could have done better and what worked. I don’t want to ever let him down.”

  Clay nodded in appreciation of her positive attitude. “I’m sure that you understand that it’s rather unusual for such a young person to land a position like yours in the music business. You have reason to be proud of yourself.”

  Libby shook her head slowly. “I have to admit, that sometimes it still seems like a dream. I’m so grateful for everything that has happened. I just want to do my best. After all, I realized he took a chance on me. And in a way, Veronica put her own judgment on the line in recommending me. So I have a lot of reasons to want to do well.”

  Clay found himself distracted by the shapely legs and an expression that hinted at being capable of some volatility as he nodded. “Of course, I only have a few years on you myself. Like you, I caught a lucky break after working just a couple of years in event management. I’m kind of a country music junkie, and I became one of Max’s fans, and I always had this hope of working for him. I guess that Max is the kind of fellow who is willing to let his gut instinct and intuition take over from time to time.” His smile indicated that he identified with that trait.

  “So I was fortunate to pick up a couple of other gigs in the country business, but I always had my mind on this organization. When word came to me through a friend that he needed a new business manager, I got in contact right away. I’m kind of a stickler for details. I guess that goes with a job like this.”

  Libby finally smiled at him. “There’s no question that the same applies to me. I have no patience for imprecision. Sometimes I have to watch my tongue when I’m displeased with something or someone.”

  Clay began to chuckle. “No offense, Libby… but does your personality go along with the color of your hair? Or is that just some type of broad brush that all redheads get painted with? The temper thing, I mean?”

  Libby shook her head and grinned. “I will admit, I have been told on several occasions that it was true in my case. Sometimes, though, I think that perhaps some people mistake determination and seriousness for attitude… especially in the case of a woman.”

  Clay held up his hands in a defensive posture. “Sorry… I have on more than one occasion been accused of being chauvinistic.”

  Libby tilted her head and looked at him. “Do you mean as in being sexist?”

  “I guess you could say that. I guess I’m a little traditional and old-fashioned for some people’s taste. I was raised to be kind of protective of women, but I hope I don’t come across as condescending and controlling… unless it’s necessary.”

  Libby felt a flash of anger at his comment. “And just how does a man like you determine if it’s necessary to come across as… I think you used the words condescending and controlling?”

  Clay laughed. “I suppose it’s just a protective side of me to want to step in if I see someone… especially someone quite cute, such as yourself… in danger of making a big mistake.”

  Libby found herself struggling to respond. “I think that was kind of a compliment… I do indeed thank you for that. But if you see a woman about to make a mistake, how can you be so certain that you are not the one who is mistaken? Do you just assume that you are right?”

  “Point well taken. Still, I feel that I have good instincts, and I think I have a lot to offer in the way of advice.”

  “Good grief, Clay. Do you think that you have ever been wrong?”

  Clay began to rub his chin theatrically as he closed his eyes to consider the question. “A couple of years ago, I thought I was wrong about something… but it turns out I was mistaken.”

  Libby let out a dramatic sigh. “It’s been so very nice to meet you, Clay. But I think I had better get to work on some of my designs before I’m overwhelmed by your perfection. I may faint from your very presence.”

  The new manager laughed, then stood up and began to step away, but before he was more than several feet away, he turned and winked at the redhead who was still watching him against her own better judgment. Seeing that gesture caused Libby to feel a combination of irritation and interest, and she did not like that one little bit.

  * * * * *

  The Iowa performanc
e was a blockbuster in a string of very successful concerts, and it would garner some of the most complimentary reviews by critics and writers who covered country and western music. One of the songs was recorded for a video that was expected to be played frequently on country music channels and the Internet.

  Next they went on to southern Illinois, followed by Missouri, and then Norman, Oklahoma. In Norman, everyone stayed in town for a publicity event the next morning at their hotel. A large crowd of enthusiastic fans showed up, along with local reporters and correspondents from magazines devoted to country and western music.

  Libby did not notice that one of the band members was speaking to one of those correspondents and pointing toward her. A moment later, she was tapped on the shoulder and asked if she would be willing to be interviewed and photographed.

  Libby was pleasantly surprised and agreed, walking off with the writer to a quieter corner of the large room. She was asked about how she designed the clothing worn by Max and the band, followed by the typical questions asked of someone who spent most days away from home and traveling in a tour bus. The reporter then took a photo of her for the magazine, and she was happy that she had turned out in full cowgirl regalia for the morning, complete with a hat slung over her back, a short cowgirl dress, and the new Western boots she had just bought.

  For the rest of the morning, Libby was subjected to good-natured ribbing over the interview, along with some complementary statements about her outfit, there were a few flirtatious remarks tossed in. As she listened to each remark a man made about her appearance, she seemed to involuntarily wonder if Clay were paying attention to her.

  Finally, he did approach Libby, and congratulated her for the interview and photo, then went on to complement her on her hard work. “We’ll have to make sure we buy some copies when the magazine comes out. And just wait until your parents see that. Everyone is going be proud of you, Libby.”