“Trust me, it will. It always does,” Preston said with confidence.
After Drew left, he approached Serena at the table where she was going over some ideas with Sara. “Would you ladies like anything? I’m thinking of whipping up some omelets and flapjacks.”
“Will you make them camping-style, Uncle Preston? Please?” Sara begged, clinging to his hand. He smiled with a nod, kissed her forehead and walked away. Sara jumped excitedly on the bench. “He’s the best camp cook in the whole world. He never burns anything!”
“You really love your uncle, don’t you?” Serena commented as the little girl told her about all the things Preston had taught her and the stuff they did together.
“He’s my best friend. And he never gets mad at me when I mess up. He likes to pick on mommy though. That’s funny. She gets so mad at him,” Sara giggled. “She calls him a little brat and threatens to kick his butt. She probably could, too.”
“I would give anything to see that!” Serena looked over at the large man as he stoked the outside fire ring, his arm muscles bulging from his shirt sleeves, old jeans fitting snuggly around rock hard thighs, and his ever present Stetson pushed back on his head. The effect of the painkillers was closing in, and a fit of giggles escaped her lips as she pictured his older sister dressing him down for unruly behavior. Sara joined her and soon the two were in hysterics.
“What are you two laughing about? Did I rip my pants?” Preston asked, looking behind him. Both shook their heads wildly, causing Sara to fall off the bench where she was promptly attacked by border collie tongues. The shrieking laughter grew louder, and Serena found herself unable to stop. Preston placed his hands on his hips, spatula in one hand as he tried to look stern. “Care to share what’s so funny?”
“It’s nothing, Uncle P. Honest!” Sara started to snort, sitting on the ground as she held her stomach.
“We’re just being silly, Mr. Riley. There is absolutely nothing of substance behind it,” Serena added, trying to straighten her face as she looked up into the big man’s serious, but immensely sexy, golden brown eyes.
Preston maintained a straight face. “Ah yes, ‘Mr. Riley’. I told you, it’s Preston. So you are trying to convince me that this sudden surge of joviality is merely a discharge of nervous energy with no synaptic content? I swear, you two sound like cackling hens. Please, ladies, I need to know if there’s a station coming up where I can board your giggling train of thought.”
That only sent them into another gale of uncontrollable laughter, this time joined by barking dogs. Preston watched Serena, wondering if she had ever had the chance to giggle and play like his ten-year-old niece. She looked so young and carefree, and the little blue sundress she wore was emphasized her tiny frame and long, elegant legs. He thought of her thigh as it quivered beneath his hands. It was silky, shapely, and firm. He was willing to bet her bottom was the same, molded to perfection by many hours of riding.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Riley. I think it’s the painkillers,” Serena wiped her eyes, trying to compose herself.
“Enough with the formal address. Mr. Riley was my father. I’m Dr. Riley, but would rather be called Preston.”
“But, as my employer—”
“Either Preston or Doc Riley. That’s an order, Serena.”
“Uh-oh, when Uncle Preston issues orders like that, you better watch out. He’ll put you in the corner if you don’t listen, and then he talks your ear off,” Sara warned, trying desperately to suppress her laughter.
“I’m way too old to stand in the corner, Sara. Besides, my leg hurts.”
“You’re never too old to stand in a corner, Miss Mitchell. Or to be turned across my knee. So watch your P’s and Q’s.”
The threat sent Sara giggling wildly again. Serena blushed, staring at the authoritative expression on Preston’s handsome face. He was certainly an imposing figure, and not one she was eager to cross just yet.
“I never understood that expression,” Serena said casually, trying to change the subject. “Don’t you find it interesting that so many people say things they know nothing about?”
“I assure you, Miss Mitchell, that I have quite the extensive vocabulary, and everything that comes out of my mouth is something I know about. I mean everything. Despite my appearance, I’m no hillbilly,” he commented, lifting an eyebrow. Serena squirmed, remembering the hot smack delivered to her bottom yesterday. “As for the expression, it is believed to be derived from the printing press when the plates were turned backwards and attention to detail was required. It later was applied to children who were learning to write and placed the stem of a letter in the wrong direction. Satisfied?”
“You are just so full of useless bull—information, aren’t you?” Serena asked, feeling the effects of the medication on both her mind and body. She was torn. Part of her wanted to get in his face and scream at him for his arrogant attitude. The other part just wanted to jump this exasperating man’s gorgeous bones and hump him until he begged her to stop! She grabbed her head, closing her eyes for a moment. No more painkillers for her.
“You’d be surprised. Here, eat while it’s hot. I’m betting you took those meds on an empty stomach. I’ll get you girls some cold milk.”
“I hate milk,” Serena wrinkled her nose. “Coffee for me, please.”
“No, you’ll drink milk like a good girl. Right, Sara?”
“Yes, Uncle P. Don’t argue with him about the milk,” Sara whispered. “You won’t win. Mom says it’s his contribution to a healthier society.”
“I’m a grownup. I don’t have to drink milk.” Serena informed the child, not seeing Preston behind them.
“You will drink your milk, young lady. And you won’t argue about it. Discussion ended.”
“Uh-oh, you’re in trouble, Miss Serena. That’s Uncle Preston’s mad face. Mom says he’s got the temper of a honey badger when he looks like that. I’ve never seen him get mad, but mom has. She said he grows fangs and claws and becomes as ugly as a warthog.”
“And is probably half as smart. He doesn’t scare me.” Serena stated with half a smile, raising her eyebrow at the glowering man.
Sara bit her lip, noticing her uncle’s expression. “Drink the milk. It’s really good.”
Serena scowled. Out of pure defiance, she ignored the glass of goat milk sitting next to her plate. She finished her breakfast and pulled a bottle of water from her purse, not missing the darkening of Preston’s whiskey gold eyes.
“Defying me is not a wise move, Miss Mitchell. We’ll talk about this later.” There was a heavy hint of warning in his voice. “Sara, Mom just called. She’ll be here in an hour to get you. No pouting from you, either. One of you needs to act like an adult, and it certainly doesn’t seem to be Miss Mitchell.”
“How is your model coming along?” Serena asked.
“I should have it finished in a couple of days. I’ll bring it for you to look at. It’s a scaled replica of the original drawings. Sara helped me with most of it. It even has lights and running water!”
“You make models, too?”
“I used to make her dollhouses until she started to deconstruct them and redesign. Her mom did the decorating. For the past three years, we’ve done a family project that we show at the Del Mar Fair and then donate to Rady Children’s Hospital for auction. Janie’s doing the interior for the one this year. I think you’d appreciate it.” He didn’t tell her it was a miniature of the Radisson Ballroom that she hated. She’s discover it soon enough.
“Next year, Uncle Preston won’t have to bring the dollhouse from Wyoming and we get to make it together. He started building us a big workshop near the stables.”
“Right behind the woodshed,” Preston added in a menacing tone. Serena’s heart thumped loudly in her chest. Was he threatening her again? She excused herself to the restroom. When she returned, Sara was gone.
“You just missed my sister. She would have stayed to say hello, but she had some work to get done. How’s your t
high?”
“Very sore. I really banged it up good,” Serena said, hobbling painfully to the bench.
“That’s not all that is going to be sore if you don’t finish your milk. I wasn’t kidding. Drink it.”
“Are you always so annoying? I loathe milk. Period. You can’t bully me into drinking something I don’t want.”
“You will sit there and not budge until it’s gone. I don’t play games when it comes to my employees following my instructions. It tastes much better cold than lukewarm, but that’s your choice.”
“You are a totally insufferable antagonistic mother-fu—”
“STOP RIGHT THERE!” Preston shouted, finger pointing at her. “I don’t care what you say about me, but you leave my mother out of it. And absolutely no swearing, especially in front of my niece. You will present yourself as a mature, responsible adult, or I swear, you will get the paddling of your life.”
“No fucking job is worth this bullshit!” Serena shouted back, standing on one leg as she glared up at him. “I swear, I will sue your ass for sexual harassment!”
“Go for it, little girl. Let’s see. Unemployed architect who perjures her portfolio, then blackmails a multi-millionaire for—how much?”
“Go to hell, you bastard.”
He paused for a minute, moving in closer and now towering over her. She suddenly felt like a child who had been caught doing something wrong. “Again, insulting my parents. They were happily married for 62 years and died together in bed five months ago,” he growled, glaring back at her. Boo whined, scratching his leg to get his attention. He reached down to pet her head. “That milk better be gone before I get back, or you will be going over my knee.”
With that, he turned and silently walked into his big RV, Boo at his heels. Serena slowly sat, her hands shaking from the surge of adrenaline that flooded her body. Her stomach did a flip before a single tear slipped down her cheek. Gem leaned her chin on the woman’s leg, looking between her and the milk with big, brown eyes. Serena patted her lap and wrapped her arms around the little Border collie. Eyeing the trailer, Serena held the glass of milk to the dog, who lapped it up eagerly. At least someone liked milk around here.
Preston chuckled, watching the scene. He had suspected Gem would beg and that Serena would give in. He was also curious to see how long Serena would continue to openly defy him. He felt a strange sense of protection with a need to watch over and care for her. Perhaps this was because he knew of her past. He also knew it was impossible to protect someone when they practiced blatant rebellion towards your instructions.
He returned ten minutes later with his vet bag in hand. The empty glass sat on the table and Gem slept happily at Serena’s feet. “I’m glad you wizened up. It wasn't terrible, was it?” he asked.
She presented a look of pure innocence. “What’s that for?” Serena asked, not answering his question.
“I want to take a look at that bruise. It shouldn’t be hurting this much unless you’ve got a compartment hematoma. Are you comfortable out here or do you want to go inside?”
“I’m fine. Hey! Put me down, you overstuffed gorilla!”
“I think we’ll go inside,” Preston sounded amused, adjusting the small woman in his hold and grabbing his bag. “Girls, go watch your goats.”
Serena swore angrily as Preston carried her into the large RV and into the back portion where his bedroom was located. He dropped her unceremoniously on the soft bed and opened his bag. Serena scooted out of his reach, frowning as she smoothed her skirt over her tanned, muscular thighs.
“You are presumptuous, sir! I will not be a toy for you to add to your collection.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about. Come over here and pull up your dress.”
“I certainly will not. I’m talking about your trophies and ribbons in obedience trials. The things you’ve got plastered all over the stables.”
“Those belong to my dogs and horses, not me. I told you to come here, Serendipity.”
“Do NOT call me that!”
“I like it. It fits you well. And I’ll call you whatever I wish too. I’m also exercising a great deal of patience because I know you’re uncomfortable, but it’s time to get to business. Slide your little bottom back over to me and lift up your dress so I can look at that leg.”
“Are you two fries short of a Happy Meal? I said no!”
Preston sighed and reached across the bed, snatching her ankle as she tried to scramble out of his reach. He dragged her across the mattress, her dress bunching completely up to her waist and showing off her pale blue bikini panties with a tiny blue bow in the back. If he wasn’t so frustrated by her childish behavior, he would have admired how utterly adorable they were.
He did take the time to admire her callipygian assets. Assets that were about to be soundly spanked. Preston wasted no more time in talking and dragged the woman across his denim covered lap, careful not to jar her right thigh. Another string of curses erupted from her lips as she fought to escape the hold that imprisoned her.
“I suspect that you’ve had this coming for quite a long time, Miss Mitchell,” Preston said quietly, raising his broad hand and sending it plummeting loudly against the wriggling, cotton-covered mounds. Serena grunted angrily, trying to twist to look at him.
“Let me go, you half-witted, moronic twit!”
“My answer to that sweet request is no,” he said, swatting her sharply again. “You certainly did not learn your manners from your cousin. He behaves himself like a gentleman.”
“OW!” Serena squawked, trying to kick Preston’s face with her heels. “Stop it, you loathsome son of a bitch!”
“I warned you to leave my mother out of it, young lady,” Preston growled, hooking his finger on the waist of her panties and yanking them down to her thighs. Serena gasped, her face reddening with embarrassment and humiliation. She wanted to crawl under the RV and die! She felt his eyes admiring her bared bottom and the secrets hidden between her luscious cheeks. She groaned, mortified, as he ran his hand over the pale globes.
“I am going to introduce you to some old-fashioned discipline, little girl. If you want to work here and be around my family, then you will learn to mind your manners and behave like an adult. That includes no more swearing. And no more reckless driving. Should you fail to obey me, I will consider you an unmanageable child and will treat you as a child until you learn. This, young lady, is for your own good,” he scolded, smacking her backside with an open hand. The loud clap echoed through the room before he began bringing down one smack after another, each swat stinging painfully. “You should be embarrassed and ashamed of your behavior,” he added, delivering a few more smacks to her upturned, bare, reddening bottom. “And I will not let a spoiled little girl remain undisciplined when she has so much more to offer than rude, mean-spirited comebacks. Do you understand, missy?”
Serena launched her torso off his thighs when his hand began to wallop her bottom with fast, blistering swats. He covered every inch of her soft, white flesh and quickly brought it to the color of the San Diego sunset. He spanked harder, upping the pace as he moved to her sit spots and upper thighs. Serena cried out and reached her hand back, only to jerk it away when he rapped it sharply. Her legs started kicking as the fire spread rapidly through her backside.
The sound of her crying mixed with the sound of bare hand meeting bare bottom. She felt the unbearable heat radiating from her rear end and reached back again in a feeble attempt to block him. Preston snatched her wrist in his large left hand and pinned her arm to her side as he continued, wanting to ensure that she would feel this punishment long after it had been doled out. Serena struggled frantically, screaming curses, threats, and insults in an attempt to gain a sense of control, but knew that she had completely lost the battle of wills. She finally melted, sobbing into his legs, and stammered out her apologies dotted with promises to be a good girl and obey him.
“I'm sorry!” she yelped, crying harder. Her pride was gone.
She had broken and he had won. “I'm s-sorrryyyy, Preston!” she sobbed. “I'm sorry for everyyyythingg—” She wheezed, unable to breathe through her stuffy nose. “I'm so sorry,” she mumbled, her voice nearly inaudible with her mouth pressed into his leg.
“We need to establish some guidelines,” Preston landed three more spanks across her glowing sweet spot and then paused, placing his hand on the small of her back. He allowed her to slide off of his lap and sink to the floor on her knees. She buried her face into her arm, which was rested on his lap, and rubbed her aching, red bottom with her other hand. Preston silently smoothed her long hair, pushing it out of her face and waiting for her to regain some composure before lifting her chin to look him in the eyes.
Serena sniffled and wiped her face on her arm. “I'm really sorry,” she whispered again.
“Are you going to be a good little girl for me now?” His masculine voice sounded strong, paternal, and uncomfortably overpowering.
“Yes, Sir. I promise,” responded a tiny voice.
“And you’ll obey me when I tell you to do something?”
“Yes, Sir,” Serena sniffed, relaxing under the gentle warmth of his huge hand.
“And you’ll drink you milk and not give it to the dog?” he asked slyly, feeling her stiffen. There was a moment of silence.
“You told me it had to be gone before you came back. It was drunk. Just not by me.”
Preston laughed, pulling her to sit on his lap. Her bare bottom burned against the rough material of his jeans and her injured right thigh throbbed something awful. Preston pulled her skirt over her legs to cover her and then hugged her warmly. Serena didn’t fight him as he pressed her face against his well-padded chest, chiseled to perfection from hours of loading hay, raking muck, and doing all the chores required on a ranch. He stroked her hair and rocked her with his arms locked protectively around her. When her crying stopped, he kissed the top of her head.
“Now lay down on the bed and let me look at your leg,” Preston ordered softly as he began to unwrap the ace bandage. Serena did not dare argue this time and leaned onto her left side. Preston twirled his finger. “Turn to your tummy. I can’t see it from this position.”
Serendipity Ranch Page 4
