One Smart Cowboy

by Misty Malone

  He cleared his throat and pulled on all his inner strength. “But, Cheyenne, as hard as this is to say right now, I want us to be careful. I want us to take our time and do this the right way. I have such strong feelings for you it scares me a little bit. I don’t want to take you home and to bed like my body’s telling me to do right now. You deserve better than that. Our relationship deserves better than that.”

  Her eyes met and held his. “Thank you. I agree.” She sighed. “Although that’s not what my body’s saying right now, either.”

  He smiled and kissed her forehead. “We’ll do this right, for us.” He took a deep cleansing breath and said, “Fasten your seatbelt, honey, and we’ll go home.” Once her seatbelt was fastened and they were headed for the ranch, he brought up a different subject. “We still have some unpleasant business we have to take care of when we get home, before we can share that dessert and enjoy the rest of the evening.”

  She looked over at him, her eyebrows drawn together. “We have some what?” Then she remembered he’d told her she’d earned a spanking. “No. Ty, you don’t mean you’re really planning to—”

  He picked up her hand and rubbed the back of it gently. “I certainly do mean you’re still getting the spanking you earned.”

  “But Ty, even after—”

  “Especially after realizing how important this relationship is to me, honey. When I say I want to take care of you and keep you safe, I take that job very seriously. And part of that is you have to know you can count on me. Always. You have to know that I will always be there to protect you and to keep you safe. Consistency is the only way you’ll see that. But you need to know I will be consistent in everything. If I tell you you’ll be spanked for something, you need to see the consistency.”

  “But this one time—”

  “This one time is important because we’re just beginning a very serious relationship. I want you to know in your heart that I’ll be there for you anytime you need me. Right now you need me to show you that I will be consistent in everything I tell you. You may not realize it right now, but you do. And, darlin’, I’m planning on being the best man I can be for you, which includes being consistent in everything.”

  He could tell she was listening, but not totally convinced yet. “Sweetheart, I don’t want to do this any more than you want me to, believe me. I would much rather spend the evening cuddling on the couch with you.”

  “So a weaker man would forgo this spanking?”

  He couldn’t help smiling at his little brat. “Yep.”

  “Aren’t I lucky to be dating such a strong, smart, handsome cowboy.”

  “I don’t know. Do you feel lucky about that?”

  She didn’t even pause before answering. “Very.” She giggled a bit before pointing out a possible exception. “Though if his right arm wasn’t nearly as strong I might feel luckier.”

  Ty chuckled as he looked over at her. “Brat.” He squeezed her hand and softly added, “Thank you.” She squeezed his hand back, and he held it the rest of the way to the ranch.

  He took them to his house on the ranch, wanting to guarantee their privacy. After helping her out of the truck and into the house, he led her to his couch. He sat down, pulling her to stand in front of him. “I think we need to get this done so we can still spend the rest of the night cuddling on the couch and eating that chocolate concoction we brought home.”

  She offered a bit of a smile and nodded. She was being brave and he was terrifically proud of her. He was glad she hadn’t argued one little bit so far about getting this spanking. That meant this wouldn’t have to be that harsh a spanking, and he was certainly glad of that.

  He said, “Okay, honey, tell me why we’re here, why you’re about to get this spanking.”

  Her face flamed red, but she answered. “Because I put myself down again. But, Ty?”

  “Yes, honey?”

  “I really didn’t mean to put myself down so much as I was really concerned about—she looked down and tried again. “Because you—”

  “Because what, honey? Are you trying to talk your way out of this spanking?”

  She immediately looked up at him and adamantly shook her head. “No. No, I’m not, Ty. But I have to tell you something first. I was just concerned because you’re a genius and I’m obviously not. I don’t want to look dumb in front of you, and I was so afraid I would.”

  Ty almost growled, “Cheyenne—”

  “No, please hear me out. I’ve thought about this, and I realize now that I wasn’t giving you enough credit. In fact, I was sort of making you look kind of shallow, and I should have known better. You more than anyone I know sees and judges a person on what’s inside them. I think I was just panicking a bit when I found out how smart you are. Mostly because I really want this to work. I’m sorry for that, Ty, for ever thinking that would have mattered to you.”

  He pulled her gently down to sit on his lap. He took her face in his hands and spoke from his heart. “Thank you, Cheyenne.” He leaned down and kissed her, using all his inner strength to keep it a simple kiss this time. Maybe later he’d allow them to indulge in the other kind of kiss again, but not yet. He pulled back. “That was a wonderful compliment you just gave me and I appreciate it. I’m also glad to hear you’ve been thinking about why you’re getting spanked. That makes my job easier. Let’s get it done now.”

  He helped her stand again, only to gently pull her down over his left thigh. Her head and chest were lying on the couch. He easily flipped up her skirt, laying it on her back. She moaned but didn’t object when his fingers went in her waistband and quickly pulled her panties to her knees. He had to steel himself for the job ahead. Her bottom was absolutely adorable. He laid his hand on it for a moment or two before beginning the spanking.

  After a dozen or so smacks he started to speak as he continued the spanking. “Cheyenne, I know your self-confidence is rather low right now, but don’t ever think of yourself in a negative light. We’re going to be working on that until you see yourself as I see you. In the meantime, if you’re questioning something, you can talk to me about it, but do it in a respectful way. No calling yourself stupid or not worthy of me or anyone else, because that’s just plain not true. And lying is something I will not allow. Do you understand?”

  Tears were now streaming down her cheeks as she answered him. “I do. I’m sorry, Ty.”

  Seeing the tears, he knew she’d learned the lesson. He was pretty sure she’d figured it out on her own before the spanking had even started, so all he’d really needed to do was prove to her when she earned a spanking she’d get one. The tears showed him she was aware of that now. “Are you going to put yourself down any more?”

  “No. I’m sorry.”

  “I believe you, honey. Ten more swats and we’ll be done. To be sure this sinks in, while you’re getting the last ten swats, I want you to keep reminding yourself this is what happens when you belittle yourself, do you understand?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, good.” He wasted no time in giving her the last ten swats, all on her sit spots. He immediately asked, “What happens when you put yourself down, Cheyenne?”

  “I get spanked,” she managed to get out between sobs.

  Ty was satisfied that she’d learned a lesson here and gently patted her bare bottom. “Yes, you do,” he confirmed, “and if it happens again, the spanking will be longer and harder.” He pulled her panties back up and her skirt down, while rubbing her back. He gently helped her up to sit on his lap again, pulling her quickly into his arms. She laid her head against his chest and seemed to melt into his arms. He had to make a concerted effort not to moan as she snuggled into him.

  He was whispering assurances in her ear as she cried, and he thought it was absolutely adorable when she again reached that little hand up to grab onto his shirt. That seemed to help calm her and she was soon lying against his chest, gradually catching her breath and winding down. She looked so peaceful and vulnerable, he hated to brin
g up what he knew he needed to say.

  Chapter Eight

  Once Ty was sure Cheyenne had calmed down and was breathing normally again, he spent ten to fifteen minutes just cuddling and reconnecting, as they’d done after her last spanking. Once he was sure she was okay and they were okay as a couple again, he cautiously brought up something he would rather not have had to mention. “Sweetheart, we need to talk a little bit about the phone call I got today.”

  She looked up at him but stayed right where she was, snuggled up against him. “From who?”

  “Your dad.”

  Now she sat up. “Is something wrong? He’s not sick or anything, is he?”

  “No, he’s fine,” he quickly assured her. “He wants to make sure you are, too.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Clay called him and told him we’re seeing each other, and he called me to give us his blessing, but to warn me I better not hurt his little girl.”

  Cheyenne turned red once more. “He said that, really?”

  “Of course he did. He loves you. You’re his little girl and you always will be. He wanted to remind me of that.”

  She leaned back against his chest, but was quiet for several moments, obviously thinking. “He isn’t against us dating, is he?”

  “No. Like I said, he gave me his blessing to date his daughter, as long as I remember you’re his daughter and very special to him.”

  “He does know I’m twenty-three, doesn’t he?”

  “Doesn’t matter. Like I said, you’ll always be his little girl.”

  “So what does that mean? He isn’t going to try to keep us from ever being alone, is he?”

  “No, I wouldn’t think so. He acknowledged that you’re an adult and free to do what you want, but he reminded me how special you are to him and warned me I better not hurt you. I wanted to tell you that so you know he’s aware of us dating, and I’m sure when he comes home he’ll be watching us closely, our interaction, watching for any reactions that he should be concerned about.”

  “Okay, so I need to be on my toes all the time when he’s around?”

  “No, no. Just be yourself. I’m sure he’ll want to see that, that you’re happy. But what I wanted to warn you about is that I talked to Clay about his call, as well. He told Clay he likes the thought of us dating, because he feels you need a man like me, someone that won’t let you walk all over them. Apparently he seems to think in the past you’ve dated men you could wrap around your little finger, and he didn’t think you’d ever be truly happy with someone like that.”

  “So he knows more about me than I do, too, huh?”

  “He loves you, honey. Anyway, he told Clay the only thing that had any effect on you or got your attention when you were growing up is a good trip across his knee, and he felt you needed a man who wasn’t afraid to do just that. Clay told him I had in fact done just that. He told him about the incident with the four wheeler.”

  Cheyenne was appalled and she sat straight up. “Oh, no. Clay told him? Wait until I get my hands on him!”

  The stern Ty was back immediately. “You will not do anything in retaliation, young lady. Clay was trying to help you. He wanted your dad to see how right our relationship is. I don’t know if you were aware of it when he left or not, but he had told Clay before he left that if you gave Clay any more trouble he had his permission to give you a spanking.”

  “So I heard,” she pouted.

  Ty tightened his arms around her. “Honey, your father thinks that’s the only thing that settles you down, and he will feel a lot better if he knows you’re with a man who will control your temper. Now, before you get all upset, stop and think a minute. I tend to agree with him.”

  Her head whirled around so she was looking right at him. “What?”

  “Honey, you’d have to be blind not to be able to see how much happier you are now than you were before we started dating. Now, as much as I’d like to think it’s my charm and good looks that are responsible for that, I’m not the stupid cowboy I’ve been accused of being. I know you’re happier because you have someone looking out for you who’s not afraid to give you the consequences you need when you do something to deserve it. That keeps you balanced, and happy.”

  Her face flushed and she looked down. Before she had a chance to say anything in denial, he continued. “Honey, that is nothing to be embarrassed about at all. It takes a strong person to trust someone enough to allow them to help you in that way, and I take it as a huge compliment that you’ve allowed me that honor. I sincerely thank you for that, and I promise I will always put your best interests first.” He leaned down and kissed her again, extremely happy that she readily kissed him back.

  “Thank you,” she said when he eventually pulled back.

  “For that kiss? That was my pleasure, honey, believe me.”

  She chuckled and said, “Thank you for that, too, but I meant for that little talk. You always make me feel better about things.”

  “Good. Remember that, Cheyenne. That’s why I want you to tell me anytime something’s bothering you. Let me try to help you.” They sat comfortably for several more minutes, her sitting on his lap and cuddled in his arms. “So are you okay with your dad knowing we’re dating, and knowing I’m holding you accountable?”

  She looked up at him several moments before leaning against his shoulder again. “I guess I have to be. I can get upset, but nothing will change, anyway, so I guess I may as well accept it.”

  “That’s my girl,” he said with a kiss to the top of her head. “Just remember we all love you, honey.” She smiled at him and laid her head back on his chest. He couldn’t help but notice how peaceful and content she looked. Her father was right, he agreed. Sometimes this little firebrand needed a good spanking to settle her down.

  ***

  Clay stopped and picked up a couple of pizzas on his way to Lynelle’s cousin’s house. The two kids were elated, but Lynelle was less than thrilled. “What took you so damn long,” she whispered.

  He made sure the kids were eating pizza, then took Lynelle’s upper arm and led her away a bit. “Watch your language, young lady. What’s wrong? What’s with the attitude?”

  “Nothing’s wrong, I’m fine. And I don’t have an attitude.”

  Clay gave her a warning look and said, “Good. But in case there is something on your mind, you can talk to me, you know.” She nodded, but didn’t say anything.

  He went over to check on the kids, giving Lynelle a bit of time alone. He was soon joking and laughing with the two boys, Sean and Nick. They all three reached for another piece of pizza and Clay said, “Lynelle better get over here pretty soon before we eat all the pizza.”

  Nick, the younger boy, said, “Maybe a piece of pizza would make her not so grouchy.”

  Clay looked at the boy and grinned. “She’s been grouchy, huh?”

  Sean said, “Just the last hour or so. She was all right before that.”

  “What happened?” Clay gave the boys a stern look. “Did you boys give her a hard time?”

  “No, we didn’t do anything,” Nick insisted.

  “It was after she was playing on her phone for a while,” Sean told Clay.

  Clay nodded. “Well, all I know is if she doesn’t hurry up she won’t get any pizza.”

  He left them while they were eating and went back to Lynelle. “You better go get some pizza, Nell. It’s disappearing fast with those two boys.”

  She glanced over at the table. “I’m not really very hungry,” she snapped.

  “Nell, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  Clay sighed. “Are you still pouting about not getting to go to the new club tonight? I told you we’ll go next weekend, unless you keep pouting all night. It’s not the boys’ fault and it’s not fair to them to be grouchy and take it out on them.”

  “I’m not.” His raised eyebrows and steady glare had her squirming a bit. “Okay, maybe I am a little disappointed, but I can’t help it.”
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  “You can control the way you act around those two boys, Nell, and I expect you to be nice to them. They’ve done nothing to you.” He turned and went back to the boys, who were about done eating. He agreed to play a couple video games with them, and they went to the living room.

  Sean asked, “Lynelle, do you want to play, too?”

  She looked over at Clay first. “Maybe in a little bit. You guys go ahead while I have a piece of pizza. Then I’ll be in.”

  Clay turned to the boys. “You two go get it set up, I’m going to make sure Lynelle gets some pizza. Then I’ll be in to beat you both.”

  They ran into the other room while insisting they would beat him, and laughing.

  Once they were gone Clay turned back to Lynelle. “Honey, I don’t know what happened, but please adjust your attitude. The boys and I would love to have you in there with us, and you’d have fun if you’d allow yourself to stop pouting long enough.”

  “How can I have fun in there when I know I’m missing a good grand opening?”

  “Stop thinking about the opening you’re missing and think about what’s going on right here. You could be having fun here. And if you don’t get a handle on your mood, after the boys go to bed you’ll be getting a good spanking. I’ll bet that would finally get your mind off the opening.” He turned to go in with the boys. He stopped at the door and turned back, with one final comment. “I hope we see you in there shortly. You’re good at video games and I know you like playing them.”

  Lynelle frowned as he left. How could he be so complacent about the whole thing? Didn’t he realize what a good time the people there were having? She’d gotten a text from two of her friends who were there experiencing it, and they were having a ball. But here she was, stuck babysitting. Clay may be having fun with the boys, but she sure never would. Not as long as she knew she was missing out on all the fun her friends were having. She took a piece of pizza and plopped it down on a plate, then sat down and stared at it.

  Clay and the boys had a good time. Eventually, though, he told them it was late, and shuffled them off to bed. They were so tired they fell asleep quickly. Then he turned to go back downstairs and deal with one spoiled little brat who was having one heck of an attitude tantrum, as he called them.