by Maggie Ryan
Shit, forget the paddling she had coming - Rob would skin her alive if he discovered she had pleasured herself. Granted, she had done so during the month he’d been away – hell, they both were sexual human beings after all. However, she’d only done so when he instructed her to entertain him and with her sex visible to him over those magical cyber space lines that connected people all over the world. Shuddering just a bit as her sex continued to pulse, she stood under the spray again, letting the water flow over her.
Pouring her favorite shampoo into her palm, she began to wash her hair. As the suds multiplied, she inhaled the subtle hint of lavender, allowing the aroma to fill her senses, gradually relaxing her. She stayed in the shower until the water began to run cold. After rinsing off and then wrapping herself in a huge bath-sheet, she picked up the bottle of moisturizer and headed back into the bedroom.
By the time she slid between the sheets, she was squeaky clean, her hair smelled like flowers and her body was moisturized all over. She fluffed her pillow, turning onto her side to stroke the place where her missing lover would soon be returning. It had been far too long since she’d felt him beside her. Rolling over, she curled up and fell asleep with a smile on her lips. This time tomorrow, the bed would no longer feel empty. Rob would be next to her, his arm holding her close as they spooned together.
“What are you two up to? I thought that good looking man of yours was coming home today.”
Ever looked up from her menu, a smile as big as Texas on her face. “He is, Bernie, but not until tonight. International flights take forever.”
“Well, you make sure you bring him in here to see me. Seems like it’s been forever since he’s enjoyed a sizzling skillet of fajitas.”
Violet laughed and closed her menu. “Sorry to disappoint you, Bernie, but will you settle for my order?”
Bernie shook her head and grinned. “Now, Violet, honey, you and I both know you order the same thing every time you come in here. You’d think for someone so creative, you’d at least give the other dishes a try.” Bernie bent forward to pat Violet’s hand. “Of course, I hope you know just how special I think you are. Charles is lucky to have snapped you up for himself. I always love seeing you, but...”
Violet waved her hand and passed over the menu. “Well as much as I don’t want to seem unadventurous, I can’t help that the enchiladas are simply too good to chance changing my order.” She giggled as Bernie gave her head a shake. “Okay, okay, I know and I won’t hold it against you that you are more interested in getting Rob in here to coddle. It’s okay, I understand. I’m almost as excited to see Rob as Ever is. It has been forever!”
Bernie took their menus, promising to bring out some more chips and salsa. Ever leaned back against the seat, crunching on a chip. “You know, I adore Endelé’s and I love Bernie, but tell me, is there any other place on earth where every single person knows every detail of your life?”
Violet shook her head and laughed. “You have to admit it, though, this is the one place on earth that feels like home. At least if I’m struck dumb or mute, Bernie will know what to feed me. God, I can’t even begin to understand why I lived anywhere else.”
Ever giggled. The two had been friends forever, sharing so very much in their lives – not only their dreams but their inner desires and deepest secrets. Though it had taken some doing to get Violet to come to Corbin’s Bend, now that she was engaged to Charles and the two had set up housekeeping, she knew the young woman would never leave.
Bernie returned to their table, warning them that the plates were hot. Both women thanked her as their choices were placed in front of them.
Violet gave a small moan. “Bernie, my mouth is watering! This smells incredible.”
Flapping her hand at the young woman, Bernie just grinned and after refilling their tea glasses, left the women to their conversation.
Violet grinned as she scooped fresh salsa onto her enchiladas before returning to the conversation. “So, when does his flight get in?”
“Not until nine tonight. By the time we get home, the poor guy will have spent almost twenty-four hours traveling. He’s bound to be exhausted with all the layovers, all the checkpoints, all the tension with the increased security everywhere. He’ll probably be dead asleep before I pull into the driveway.” Ever doctored her own meal before taking her first bite. Her groan of approval had Violet smiling. “Yes, you can bet he’ll want to come in and order everything on the menu the moment his jet lag is over.”
Violet took several bites of her meal and then drank some tea. She shook her head and then leaned a bit closer. “Honey, who are you trying to convince? Bernie? Me? Or, perhaps yourself? You know good and well that no matter how exhausted Rob is, you have got some explaining to do. Are you really trying to deny that your fiancé is going to light you up in more ways than one tonight?”
Ever squirmed on her seat, her eyes darting about the restaurant as if to make sure Violet’s words hadn’t gone any further than the confines of their booth. The vibrant colors and motifs of the room were very pleasing but as her eyes landed on a large reddish hued vase, she felt her bottom clenching. “Vi – I’m praying hard that Robert will just forget about that. I mean, seriously, who does that? Comes home after being gone for a gazillion days and the first thing he does is...well, you know!”
“Spanks your ass?” Violet suggested, in her typical blunt fashion. “And, as you so eloquently put it, seriously, Everleigh Harris – you do remember exactly what sort of man you are engaged to, right? Don’t tell me you expect Rob, the very stern, very dominant, very alpha male Officer Robert Montgomery, to forget that he promised you a good spanking?” As Ever just groaned, her head against the back of her seat, her eyes closed, Violet grinned and reached out to place her hand over her best friend’s. “Besides, as much as I love you, I agree this is one spanking you deserve.”
Ever’s eyes popped open as did her mouth. “What? What sort of friend says something like that?”
“A best friend who would like to keep you around for a very long time. Ever, you’ve got to admit it, you are taking a very cavalier attitude about your health. If you didn’t get the message that we all love you and are worried about you after your first collapse, well, perhaps you’ll get the message when your butt is vermilion.”
Ever shook her head but had to giggle. “God, only another artist would say vermilion when she means red!” Violet’s smile and exaggerated eye roll told Ever that her friend understood but wasn’t about to back down. “Okay, I get it. I screwed up big time, but don’t you think he could wait for a bit? I mean, all I want to do is hold him and feel him holding me. I’ve missed him so much. I just feel awful that he has to come home and tend to his ‘bad girl’ instead of just coming home and relaxing.”
Violet squeezed Ever’s fingers. “Honey, you and I both fell in love with men that can’t relax or just let something go when we’ve been less than truthful.” She gave Ever a stern glance until Ever finally nodded. “You told everyone you’d tell Rob and well, sweetie, you didn’t. Everleigh, you are not a bad girl but you have to admit that you did make a bad choice in being dishonest.”
Ever groaned again. Nodding, she turned her eyes back to Violet. “I know, but, God, I just want to cuddle.”
“Honey, you will cuddle, I promise. But, if we are honest with ourselves, we wouldn’t like it if they didn’t follow through on their word. We need the structure, need the rules and most especially, need the discipline when we step out of bounds. You’ve stepped out so far as to endanger your health. We all know where that leads.”
“Yeah, it leads to me having such a sore ass that I’ll be standing for a week.” Ever gave a dramatic sigh and then grinned. “Well, at least he has to be home to spank me so let’s look on the bright side!” Violet laughed and the two finished their meal and talked about other things happening in the community. They rehashed how successful the Art Festival had been and were pleased to have people stating it should become an an
nual event. With Violet now a full-time resident, it was quite likely that the two women would be able to pull another show together as the last had been a great deal of fun.
By the time they paid the bill, leaving Bernie a huge tip and another promise that Ever would bring Rob in soon, they walked arm in arm out into the beautiful afternoon.
“So, do you have to go back to work?” Ever asked. Violet had accepted a position in Charles’ law-firm after quitting her own job. It hadn’t been all that difficult a decision as she had been highly unappreciated at her old position, her supervisor making it his life’s mission to make her life miserable. Working on an environmental project not only allowed Violet to tap into her specialty, it came with the bonus of higher pay and working with the man she loved.
“Nope, I’m yours for the duration,” Violet said with a smile. “How about we go get pampered and then you can drop me off at the office and I’ll ride home with Charles. Do you need to stop by the house for anything?”
After stopping at the house to grab the clothes she would wear to meet Rob’s plane, Ever rejoined Violet in the car.
Chapter 2
Well?” Violet asked as they left the salon and returned to the car. “Feeling pampered?”
Ever shook her head as she settled behind the wheel. “God, I can’t believe I just did that.” Glancing over at her best friend, she smiled. “Okay, yes, it was worth it and I admit I feel sort of sexy and a bit naughty but in a good way.” She could feel her face flush as she thought of the Brazilian wax she had just undergone. “I just hope Rob doesn’t freak.”
“Honey, I assure you that your man is going to love your new look.” Violet reached over and gave her friend a hug. “I’m thinking shoes.”
“Now, that’s my idea of pampering,” Ever agreed, carefully pulling out into traffic.
The two women spent another hour at the local mall, each buying a new pair of heels. Violet had reassured Ever that she wouldn’t break an ankle in the four inch stilettos. “Besides, one look at those incredible legs, your newly styled hair and your glorious lingerie covering that nice smoothness and the chances are getting better and better that your ass will glow a nice soft rosy color instead of vermilion – agreed?”
Ever had her doubts but knew the red heels would look stunning with her black dress and the sexy new lingerie Violet had helped her pick out at Victoria Secret’s. Her only concern was that the color of the shoes might remind Rob of the color he intended to turn her ass. Violet had tossed aside her concerns and drawn her into yet another store.
“No way in hell,” Ever hissed seeing the racks of ink drawings. “Forget you know what, Rob would flay every inch of my skin off my bu...um, you know, if I got a tattoo!”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Violet said, flipping through a book. “You are an artist and he understands you live and breathe art. Tattoos are simply another form of art.” Seeing Ever shaking her head, she giggled. “Relax, of course I’m not saying get a real tattoo. Besides, you don’t have time for that today. I’m just thinking, they’ve got these really cool ones that are temporary – maybe something just a bit naughty or suggestive put into a very recently smooth place might up those chances of parole?”
Seeing that needles were definitely not in her future, Ever’s curiosity overcame her and the two women flipped through several books. Smiling and blushing, Ever picked out a design that made her smile and her pussy clench.
Tucking the acetate sheet, the directions, and a small bottle into a bag, the huge and heavily tattooed man behind the counter gave her a grin. “Relax, babe. Your man would have to be a complete dick not to like your ink even if it is fake. I’m guessing he’ll haul you back in here and have me do it for real once he gets a look – a very close look.” His laugh could be heard out in the corridor as Ever grabbed the bag and took off to his call of, “Have fun!”
“Oh my God, the things I let you talk me into!” Ever was breathing hard, her hand shaking as she shoved the small bag inside the one that contained her new lingerie.
“Hey, you can’t say I haven’t kept your mind occupied,” Violet said. “I’m thinking Charles will love mine. Don’t you think so?”
Ever shook her head but had to grin. “I admit, that’s pretty darned cute. I can’t believe you let that guy apply it to your butt but I must say I believe Charles will get a huge kick out of it. Maybe you should consider getting real ink as well. Don’t worry, I’d hold your hand.”
“Hmmm, maybe,” Violet said. “We’ll see what Charles thinks. Perhaps he and Rob can discuss the various pros and cons of seeing their women all tatted up.”
“Just don’t let Rob know you have a tat of a paddle on your ass even if it is a temporary one. We’re supposed to be attempting to distract him from that specific area.” The two women were still laughing and teasing each other as they walked into Charles’ office. He looked up and smiled, standing and coming to greet them.
He drew Violet into his arms, kissing her before turning to Ever and kissing her cheek. “Have fun?”
“Well, I did,” Violet said and then giggled when Ever’s eyes widened as she shook her head, as if expecting Violet to confess all they had done. “Let’s just say that it takes a brave woman to want to be so beautiful for her returning fiancé.”
Charles saw the look on Ever’s face and grinned. “Neither of you needs to worry about that, you are both gorgeous. And, I’m not even going to consider that you girls might be attempting to distract a certain gentlemen from his duties.”
“Thank you, kind sir,” Violet said, kissing his cheek. “Hey, why don’t we all go to the airport? I mean, it will be late and Ever will be all alone. Besides, it would be fun to—”
“No,” Charles said instantly. “Not only do I have a meeting with the Discipline Committee tonight, but I’m sure Rob doesn’t need a whole bunch of people there. The airport has great security. We can see him soon enough to welcome him home.”
Violet shrugged as she looked at Ever. “Sorry, it was worth a try.”
Charles swatted Violet’s backside, causing her to squeal. “Not a good idea, young lady,” Charles warned. “Perhaps you need to spend some time in the corner thinking about your actions while I have my meeting.”
Ever smiled and reached out and put her hand on Charles’ arm. “Don’t blame her, Charles, she just knows I’m a little nervous.”
“I can understand that, Ever, but, honey, you do know that we all love you and care about your health – right?”
“Yes, sir,” Ever acknowledged. “I just need to care about my health as well and I’m sure that after tonight, I’ll take much better care of myself. Thanks again for everything, Violet. I had a great time but I need to change and then get to the airport. I want to be there early so that I will be there the moment Rob arrives at the baggage claim.”
“You can use the restroom in my office,” Violet offered and whispered that if she needed help, to give her a buzz. The two women hugged making promises to talk soon.
Rob pushed himself to his feet, stepping into the aisle to allow his fellow passenger out. He took the opportunity to walk up and down the aisle, stretching his legs. After the woman returned to slip past him to take the window seat, Rob retook his own. Though he was in first-class, a perk he insisted his clients furnish when asking him to fly overseas, he hadn’t been comfortable since stepping on the plane. His discomfort had nothing to do with the narrow leg room or the turbulence they’d encountered flying across the ocean. It had nothing to do with the meals or the service provided by the attendants. No, his sense of unease had begun a few weeks earlier and had been growing steadily with each video chat he’d shared with his fiancée. Despite her smiles and assurance that she was handling his absence, he knew better.
Glancing at his watch and noting they should be landing in a little over an hour, he gave a brief smile before remembering their last conversation. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. As they had anytime he had a spare moment, his
thoughts returned to Everleigh.
His future wife was all he could ever have wished for. She was as beautiful inside as she was out. He knew in his soul that he had found the one woman on this earth that could fulfill everything he’d ever desired. Her love of art, her ability to look at simple, everyday items and see the intricate details that others just took for granted had him constantly visualizing the world as a better place. He’d never had a problem with her being a bit messy, a bit flighty at times when she was so caught up in a project that a cannon could go off beside her and she’d never even pause. She’d give the shirt off her back to anyone that needed it and while he adored that about her, it was also what led to a great deal of her punishments. While he certainly didn’t mind her sharing her love with others and was proud of her abilities to teach the children of Corbin’s Bend how to unplug themselves from the technology that threatened to stifle creativeness, he most definitely minded when she became so involved that it threatened her health.
He remembered how it felt when he’d learned of her collapse at the recent Art Festival. He had begun to worry about her as they talked in the evenings leading up to the event. He’d warned her not to overdo it, to make sure she ate and took care of herself. She had waved off his concerns, assuring him she was just fine and that she had it under control. When her best friend, Violet, had come to stay and help with the festival, he’d been able to release some of that tension. However, when she’d still collapsed, it had come rushing back. She’d been embarrassed having to tell him about the incident and he’d had to consciously hold himself in check. He could admonish her, remind her that her health was important and assure her that he loved her. What he couldn’t do from thousands of miles away was turn her over his knees and spank her for not taking care of herself. Perhaps if he’d been able to, she wouldn’t have found it so easy to blow off his lecture within a matter of days.
