by Maggie Ryan
The fact that she had obviously disregarded his concern for her health as well as his instructions to slow down had been clear when he’d learned she had been found unconscious on the floor of her studio. If that horrid news hadn’t been enough to age him ten years and have his palm itching, the fact that it had not been Ever making that confession had been the last straw.
Feeling the plane beginning its descent, Rob opened his eyes. He’d been gone for six weeks but it felt like six months. Never again would he leave Ever for anything near that length of time. His arms ached to hold her, his lips demanded he press them against hers, his heart filled with love that he intended to share with her for the rest of his life. As he unbuckled his seat belt when the plane had safely landed, he glanced out the window. His trip was done but he wouldn’t be truly home until he was lying beside his fiancée. Standing, he gathered his items and left the plane. Sighing, he shook his head knowing that by the time he was holding his love against him in that bed, she’d have a very sore, very hot little ass. As her HOH, he’d make sure that he’d take her in hand and let her know that while he loved her with his entire soul, he’d make damn sure she’d never again disregard her health.
Ever took a deep breath and studied herself in the mirror. She had to admit, everything had been worth it. The embarrassment of being waxed by strangers and even the guy’s teasing at the tattoo shop were memories she could push to the back of her mind. The temporary tattoo had been relatively easy to apply and she could only hope that Rob’s reaction would be one of favor. The new lingerie was gorgeous, her large breasts barely contained in the lacy cups of her bra. The black lace panties were to die for – they barely covered the cheeks of her ass, a large lace bow fanning across her globes. Realizing that she could see through the open lace to see her bare mons, had Ever blushing hotly. You had to admit – smooth bare skin was a great deal more attractive than curly hair poking through the delicate lace. She’d have to be very careful not to bend over or to get so aroused that she was dripping – the tiny gusset in these panties wouldn’t be able to contain much!
She had chosen her sexiest little black dress. It fit her like a glove, the scooped neckline concealing but enhancing the round globes of her breasts. Black stockings that clung to the tops of her thighs without the aid of garters felt silky against her skin. As she slipped her feet into the new red heels, she giggled. Talk about being over-dressed. No one in their right mind went to the airport dressed like this. But, it was for Rob. Her heart started pounding as she thought she’d be in his arms in just another hour or so. Closing her eyes, she fought against the tears that threatened to spill. It had been so long, far too long and no matter if he turned her ass the vermilion Violet had envisioned, she no longer cared. All she wanted was to feel his arms around her. Checking her face one last time, she stuffed her old clothes into the shopping bags and smiled. All she wanted was to have the man she loved home at last.
Parking was a bitch — as always — and she cursed herself as she walked across the lot. She should have tucked a pair of flip flops into her purse and only put on these blasted heels when she reached the terminal which had to be ten miles away. Planes flew overhead, people were everywhere – Denver was one of the busiest terminals in the United States. After what seemed the distance of a marathon, she entered the terminal only to discover that Rob’s plane was delayed. God, was nothing on her side? Sure, she wasn’t in any particular hurry to get down to the business of her discipline, but neither was she happy about further delays to feel his arms around her.
Since meeting him at the gate wasn’t possible, she was prepared to have a good pout thinking she’d become very bored waiting by the carousel where luggage would soon be circulating on the heavy conveyer belts. Looking around, she spotted the familiar green logo for her favorite coffee shop. At least she could order a huge coffee, with extra whipped cream and chocolate sauce. She took her Venti, very over-priced coffee, to the nearest table and gratefully took a seat, slipping off her new shoes. She was going to strangle Violet! What type of best friend insisted on such thin heels to tromp around an airport? Sighing, she sipped her coffee. It didn’t take long before she was distracted by the people around her. As an artist, she saw possibilities everywhere she looked - from the architecture of the buildings to the swirls in the whipped cream of her coffee. The international terminal also gave her plenty of distractions as people of different races dressed in various attire collected their luggage as planes landed from around the world. She smiled at a woman wearing the bright colors of India, the turquoise sari she wore over the wide leggings of purple, her waist length black hair covered with a scarf the color of ripe Meyer lemons. Ever’s mind took a photo for future reference.
A sharp squeal had her turning to look over her shoulder. She forgot the disappointment at the delay as she watched a soldier in full uniform sweep up a tiny little girl, tossing her up into the air as she squealed ‘daddy’ over and over. Tears came to her eyes as she watched the man wrap his arms around what must be his wife, the woman cheeks wet from her own tears. This was what life was about. This was what made it worth living. The unashamed love the family had for each other as he returned from some duty had her eyes welling. Wiping her cheeks as her tears slipped free, she watched as people took a few moments of time to stop and thank the young man for his service.
She hadn’t been born yet during the Vietnam War but had heard awful stories from her older relatives. Her Uncle James had told her how shocked he had been when he was refused service in his small home-town bar and how horrid it had felt when he had been spit on. It had broken her heart to listen to his tone of disbelief that people would treat any soldier with such disrespect. She was so grateful that the people today seemed to understand that they could walk around, drink coffee, fly anywhere they wished, or live freely because men and women such as this young soldier put their lives on the line in far-away countries to give them that freedom. Standing, she slipped her shoes back on and went to the counter. With her purchase in hand, she approached the family.
“Excuse me for intruding,” Ever said with a smile. “I’m sure you must just want to get home, but I wanted to add my thanks to the others. It’s hard not to have your loved ones home. I hope you will enjoy this.” She passed the gift card she’d just purchased to the soldier.
“Thank you, ma’am. It’s awful kind of you.”
Ever smiled at the soldier’s response. It never ceased to amaze her how respectful most of the military men and women were that she had met throughout the years. “It’s nothing. God bless you.” She turned and walked away knowing it had truly not been much of a gesture but had made her realize that there were far more important things to worry about in this world than just a spanking – especially when it was a spanking she deserved.
Checking the huge screens that announced the status of flights, she smiled. Rob’s plane had just landed and he would soon be coming to baggage claim. Her heart hammered as the escalator began to fill with travelers looking for their luggage. Ever was tall and the heels made her even taller so she could see over the heads of the people in front of her, her eyes glued to the escalator. The crowd began to thin as families met up and yet she still stood, her eyes searching for the only face she was desperate to find.
“Looking for someone?”
Ever turned with a shriek to throw her arms around the man that had walked up behind her. “Rob! Where...how...I didn’t see you!”
Robert grinned, dropped his briefcase, and bent to kiss his fiancée. “I wasn’t about to wait behind all the people from the plane so I took the stairs. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I’ve missed you. God, you look stunning!”
“Thank you, I was a bit worried you might not recognize me wearing something besides my jeans or my paint-splattered smock but thought I’d take a chance.”
“I’m glad you did, Ever. I love you in whatever you wear but those heels? Whoa! All I can say is you are the most incredibly beautiful wom
an in any airport around the world, and believe me, I’ve been in quite a few.” He lifted her off her feet to kiss her again.
Tears slid unheeded down Ever’s cheeks as she buried her face in his neck, inhaling the scent that only he had, the one that grounded her so completely. Setting her down, Rob cupped her face, bringing his lips to hers, crushing his against them in a kiss that had her legs quivering. Again and again, he kissed her until she was afraid she would collapse into a puddle at his feet. When he finally released her mouth only to draw her as tightly into his arms as possible, she wrapped her arms around him.
“Welcome home,” she whispered. “Don’t ever leave me again.”
“I won’t,” Rob promised. “Next time you’ll either go with me or I simply won’t go. Ever, I missed you every single minute.” He wiped the tears from her cheeks with the pads of his fingers and kissed her again. “You are so beautiful.”
The couple finally remembered that they were in an airport as a man jostled Rob’s arm as he passed them with a mumbled apology, his hands gripping the handles of two large rolling suitcases. “Good thing I’m no longer in uniform,” Rob said as he picked up his briefcase, keeping his free arm around his fiancée. “PDAs are frowned upon, you know.”
Ever laughed. She was well aware that Public Displays of Affection were a no-no in the military – something they had both had a hard time remembering when he was in the service. She was very glad that silly rule no longer applied to them. After locating the proper carousel, they collected Rob’s suitcase and garment bag.
As they walked down the corridor towards the exit, they passed the family Ever had encountered earlier. They were sitting at a table, each sipping from a cup. When the little girl saw Ever, she gave her an enthusiastic wave which Ever returned. Rob looked down at her, his eyebrow lifted. “Friends of yours?”
“They are now though I don’t even know their names,” Ever said with a contented smile.
Rob nodded towards the soldier, the men seeming to understand that they had something in common. “Glad he made it home safely.”
Ever shuddered thinking of those that weren’t so lucky. “Me too, God, me too.”
“Let’s go home, shall we?” her fiancé suggested and she nodded. The walk back to the car seemed far shorter and she smiled as he loaded his luggage into the trunk. “Want me to drive?”
Ever shook her head. Despite his offer, she could see lines of exhaustion on his face. “No, honey, I can. Why don’t you just rest? You’ve got a little while to nap before we get home.”
Rob grinned and opened the driver’s door for her. He watched her slide inside and fasten her seat belt. Bending, he kissed her cheek. “Thanks, babe, I’m a little beat.” Climbing into his own seat, he reached over and stroked a finger down her cheek. “Besides, a little nap will do me some good. I don’t want to pass out before I show you how glad I am to be back.”
Ever shivered; his words igniting her entire body. That simple touch had the gusset of her new panties growing moist. She kissed his hand and smiled as it slipped to his side. By the time she had the car started, he was sound asleep, his head against the window. When she’d once asked him how he could be totally attentive one moment and sound asleep the next, he’d told her that was something he’d learned early in his military career. Soldiers took advantage of all opportunities to rest because they never were sure when they’d have another. She drove carefully, remembering her grandmother’s favorite phrase whenever they got into a vehicle. “Drive careful, you’ve got precious cargo.” Grandma had been right – no cargo was more precious than the people you loved.
Chapter 3
Ever pulled into the driveway a little over an hour later. Turning off the ignition, she smiled. They were home – both of them. Slipping her heels back on, she unfastened her seat-belt, turning slightly. Shaking Rob’s arm gently, she said, “Honey, wake up, we’re home.” When Rob opened his eyes, she felt her heart melt as his lips turned up into a slow smile.
“I’ve missed seeing your face when I wake up.” He sat up, rolled his neck and bent over to kiss her. As the kiss deepened, he heard her giggle. “What? Too old to make out in a car?”
“I’d make out with you anywhere,” Ever said, kissing him lightly. “But perhaps you’d be a bit more comfy in our bed?”
Rob kissed her again and her giggles stopped the moment his hand moved to cup her breast. At her soft moan, he grinned. “Well, if you’re sure.” He released her and chuckled at her look of indecision. “Come on, babe, you’re right. I’ve been dreaming about that bed for weeks now.”
They climbed from the car, Ever shaking her head as he took the time to retrieve his luggage. Yes, this man was definitely military trained. Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today. She carried his briefcase and unlocked the door. Flipping on the light, she watched as Rob entered, his smile growing larger.
Rob looked around. “I have to agree with the old saying - there’s no place like home.” He carried his suitcases into the bedroom, leaving them against the wall. Turning, he drew Ever into his arms, bending to kiss her again. “I’ve missed our home. These colors on the walls, your art, and knowing it was your hands that created it all is what makes a house a home. No matter how opulent hotel rooms can be, I’d rather be in our room with you in my arms than anywhere else in the world.”
Ever lifted her arms to slip them around his neck as his mouth claimed hers. It was as if she were the one coming home. Every second that passed as his tongue traced along the seam of her mouth, urging her to open and allow him inside had her relaxing, releasing tensions she had truly been unaware of holding. His tongue traced along hers, darting inside to lick against the roof of her mouth and she felt her body surrender. Groaning, she clung to him as if trying to climb inside him so that he could never leave her again.
Rob held her, his hand against the back of her head, his mouth bruising hers. He pulled back, stroking a fingertip across her bottom lip. “I’ve missed your kisses, Ever. You taste like honey, cinnamon, and mint. You, my love, taste like heaven.”
As his other hand slipped down her front, pausing to cup a heavy breast, Ever could feel his cock stir as he pressed against her. Feeling his hand move to slide across her ass, pulling her into his groin, grinding against her, she felt his cock go to full erection.
“Oh...Rob,” she moaned as he released her mouth, both hands now cupping her ass. She had never wanted him more than she did at this moment. Slipping a hand from his neck, she moved it down his front until she could stroke the length of him. His groan had her smiling but it slipped as he placed his hand over hers, drawing it away from his erection.
“No, babe. Not yet.”
Ever moaned as he pulled off his suit coat and tie. Rob was a large man, standing about six foot four. His hair was dark, just a bit longer than the short cut required during his military service. His shoulders were wide and his chest broad. She watched as he slowly and deliberately unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled his sleeves up to his elbows.
“You know this isn’t what I wanted, right?”
His question had her eyes lifting to his and she nodded.
He continued. “Tell me.”
Ever kept her eyes on his. “You told me what to expect. I...I know that I must be...be punished first.” She paused, reaching out to place her palm flat against his chest. “Rob, I understand. I didn’t want to at first, but I do. Even if you decided to postpone or forget about it, I...I couldn’t. It wouldn’t be right. We made our rules and no matter how I might hate them at this moment, I need them all. I need you to keep me grounded, to keep me in line.” She took another deep breath and lifted onto her tiptoes to place a kiss on his cheek. “I need my man to take me in hand.” Ever saw his approval in the depths of his green eyes. “But, afterwards, I will need that same man to love me as if he’s been gone for six long weeks.”
She sighed as Rob drew her to him, holding her close, his cheek resting against the top of her head. Feeling him ta
ke a deep breath, she smiled. He’d told her once that he could be blinded and still be able to find her in the dark by the lavender scent she wore and he loved. They stood silently for several minutes, just reconnecting. It was Ever who stirred first.
Rob let her go, allowing her to step away. “I’m proud of you, Everleigh.”
Ever smiled, her heart accepting the praise even as her mind whispered that she would need to prove that her words weren’t simply fluff. She would need to prove that she accepted the discipline that she would soon be receiving.
Rob moved away to walk across the room to retrieve his briefcase. Placing it on the bed, he dialed the combination to unlock it. Ever couldn’t help a small flinch as the latches popped open. Opening the lid, he gave her a smile. “I brought you something.”
Ever moved to him, her eyes drawn to what appeared to be a riot of color filling his briefcase. She gasped as he lifted the item, giving it a small shake to allow it to unfold. Smiling, she stepped even closer, her fingers reaching out to stroke the fabric. It was a robe, the sleek, soft texture of the fabric telling her that it was silk.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, the design appearing as he held it out. The colors were vibrant and seemed to shimmer in the soft lighting of their bedroom. A huge monarch butterfly filled the back, its wings encompassing the sleeves to move around the front. Wearing it would be as if she were enveloped in the embrace of a butterfly fresh from its cocoon. “Thank you, Rob.”
