by Maggie Ryan
“Yes, I understand what you mean by grounded, and yes, I can even understand why Rob grounded you, but, Ever, if you cancel, I don’t know what we are going to do about your gown. Your wedding is only a couple of months away and we are really pushing it as it is. At least ask Rob. Tell him you forgot. Heck, he can call Tory himself if he doesn’t believe how difficult getting an appointment is. Rob is a fair man. Surely he’ll understand the importance of today’s appointment.”
“Okay, I’ll ask and it is on the calendar – I just forgot to mention it when he grounded me. Let me talk to him and I’ll call you back, okay?” When Violet said that would be fine, Ever added, “Hey, I am sorry for that crack about Charles. I don’t know if he told Rob but even if he did, well, I deserved it. Please forgive me.”
“Honey, you’re forgiven. I know you didn’t mean it. Now, go ask Rob and call me back. Tell him I’ll drive and everything. I’ll be waiting for your call.”
Ever hung up the phone and went to search for Rob. He wasn’t in the living room or the bedroom and she didn’t see him when she stuck her head out the door to look in the garage. “Rob?” she finally called out.
“Up here, babe.”
Ever went to the stairs that led to the loft, climbing them quickly. This is where she usually painted or worked on different projects. The lighting was good and her mess was at least tucked away a bit. She was surprised to see him sitting in an old but comfortable recliner, his feet up as he read a book.
He looked up and gave her a smile. “I like sitting among your creations. I’ve missed the smell of paints and bits of clutter that so remind me of my girl.” Looking over at the clock, he turned his eyes back to her. “Hey, I’m proud of you. Good girl, you didn’t make me come remind you.”
Ever also glanced at the clock on the wall. Yes, it was almost noon and time for her second spanking of the day. Biting back a groan, she nodded and walked the rest of the way to him. Part of her wanted to pretend she had indeed been looking for him to give her the spanking, but the past several days had her thinking of every rule and every choice she made. Sighing, she dropped down onto his lap.
“Sorry, Sir, but I didn’t come for that. I...I need to ask for a pardon for good behavior.” Rob’s eyebrow lifted in that special way that always made her stomach flip. His arms wrapped around her.
“We’ve discussed this, Ever. Grounded is grounded. You told me you didn’t schedule any classes this week knowing I was coming home.”
“I know, but I forgot that I had made an appointment and...”
“Cancel it unless it is to see Dr. Yu or Marcus.”
His voice was firm and she had to force herself to continue. “Please, Rob, I can show you the calendar or you can even call Tory. Violet just called to remind me and I have to ask. I swear, if you want to add another day, I’ll accept it without complaint. I know I am being punished and I understand why and accept your decisions.” She squirmed a bit, the denim of his jeans irritating her bare butt. “Please, Rob, I promise I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t really important.”
Rob kept his eyes on hers. “Relax, Ever. Honey, just tell me why is this appointment so vital.”
Ever wondered why she had even hesitated in asking him. While he was a demanding man and was teaching her that his word as HOH was law, he had never been an ogre. She took a deep breath. “We’re getting married, remember?” At his amused nod, she continued. “Well, since it isn’t during my grounding period, I’ll need a dress to wear and Tory has been highly recommended. Violet says if I cancel, I might as well forget it as the woman is as strict about her schedule as you are yours. It will only be a few hours, and I hate to even ask as I know this lesson is for my benefit but...”
“It’s fine, Ever. Though it isn’t as important as seeing a doctor if you need one, this wedding is just as important to me as it is to you. You may go and there’s no need to add an additional day.” He accepted her kiss as her thanks. “I’m guessing this fitting will include taking measurements?” At her slow nod, he grinned. “I’m guessing those measurements won’t be over your clothes?”
Ever nodded slowly. Surely he wasn’t about to say she could attend her appointment sans clothing! Her blush colored her face before he put her out of her misery.
“Then, I’m thinking your afternoon spanking can wait until you get back. No reason for you to be cringing every time she attempts to measure you.” He grinned. “You were thinking I was going to have you go naked, weren’t you?”
Ever giggled and snuggled into him. “I think I’ll take the fifth, Sir.” She gave him a kiss. “Thank you, Rob. I appreciate this.”
“Hell, babe, I can’t wait to see you walking down the aisle to become my wife. Far be it for me to be the one that keeps you from the dress of your dreams. Go call Violet and tell her I’ll drop you off at her house. Maybe Charles is free for lunch. I’ve been dreaming about those fajitas since I got home.” He kissed her again before she jumped off his lap and made her call.
Within thirty minutes, she was sliding into Violet’s car and watching as Charles climbed into Rob’s. The women gave a final wave before pulling from the driveway. “I’m so glad he pardoned you,” Violet said with a giggle. “I sure didn’t look forward to having to traipse into Denver for a gown.”
“I thought that’s where Tory’s shop was,” Ever said, taking a sip from her bottle of water and crunching on the almonds Rob had handed her on the way to the car.
“It is but she lives here in Corbin’s Bend. I thought you knew that.”
Ever looked surprised. “No, I had no idea. You were the one that set this up, remember? You told me you’d found a superb seamstress but never said she lived here.”
Violet waved her hand. “It doesn’t matter does it? At least if your ass is still red, she’ll understand.”
Ever blushed and squirmed a bit on her seat. Her jeans felt a bit tight across her butt - not because she had gained weight but because her nates were a bit swollen and kept that way with her daily spankings. “Um, no, but I guess that’s a blessing in disguise even though Rob gave me an extension for that as well.” Both women giggled and then hurried to catch up on life outside the Montgomery homestead.
A half-hour later, Ever was still squirming a bit as the tape measure pulled around her hips. The woman holding it looked up from where she was kneeling.
“I thought you understood that you should be wearing the lingerie you’ve chosen to wear under your gown. Every single centimeter makes a difference you know. I can’t imagine you don’t own another set of underwear – these look like you borrowed them from your grandmother.” She ignored Ever’s gasp as she moved the tape measure. “And, please, can’t you stand still for a few minutes?”
Ever looked over at Violet who shrugged. This woman might be an expert, but her manner left a lot to be desired. “Um, I’m sorry. I guess I forgot that.” Ever stood frozen in place as Tory measured her hips yet again. She felt very self-conscious about her underwear – having pulled on a pair of white granny panties as the most comfortable against her backside. Should she mention that a couple more centimeters needed to be deducted because she didn’t plan on walking down the aisle with a swollen butt? Violet had been wrong - Tory showed no sign of empathy for her newest client. Should she explain? Should she apologize or remain quiet? It wasn’t as if the woman acted as if she even cared what her clients might want.
Tory noted the latest measurement and then finally stood. She was a petite woman, the top of her head not even reaching Ever’s chin. Draping the yellow tape measure around her neck, she flipped her notebook closed. “Okay, I’ll make a slight adjustment but the next time you come in, could you please care enough about your wedding dress to follow instructions?”
Ever felt her heart speed up as she clenched her fists. Follow instructions? Hell, this snotty woman had no idea what she had to do to even show up in her horrid, unacceptable underwear!
“Look, maybe you’d prefer to just forget it. I c
an tell you aren’t thrilled with me as a client, and honestly, I’m not that thrilled either. I’m definitely getting the message that the thought of any gown you make me touching my tacky underwear is simply appalling to you. Of course, you’d have to be an idiot to think any bride would plan on wearing this underwear. You’d think being a member of our community that you might have the decency to be a little more forgiving.” Ever ignored the look on the woman’s face which revealed her shock at Ever’s words. “God forbid anyone think less of you than the high regard you seem to give your abilities. I’m sure there are other people who would like my business. I’m sorry to have wasted your precious time.” Ever didn’t even bother glancing at Violet. She was pissed and was attempting to extricate herself without cursing. Grabbing her clothes from the ottoman where she had tossed them, she hurried down the hall to the bathroom she had used earlier. She was yanking up her jeans over her ugly underwear when a knock sounded. “Christ, I’ll be out in a minute!” she snapped, grimacing a bit as her jeans finally slid into place.
“Hey, it’s me,” Violet said softly. “Let me in.”
Ever yanked the door open and pulled her friend into the small room. “Don’t even start,” she warned as she zipped up her jeans and pulled her t-shirt over her head. “That woman is a bitch! How dare she insult me like that? Of course, I freakin’ care about my dress – it’s my wedding gown for Christ’s sake. I just forgot about the stupid lingerie – I haven’t even shopped for a set yet!”
“Ever, calm down,” Violet said softly, her eyes going to the door. “She can hear you.”
“I don’t care! What person in her right mind treats clients like that? I’m shocked she even has a store much less a single client. She basically called me ugly and—”
“She did no such thing, Everleigh! I mean, we were late and you weren’t really prepared but—”
“She’s lucky I got to come at all. Rob granted me permission but I promise my ass will pay for the privilege – especially when he learns it was all for nothing!”
Violet shook her head, reaching out to touch Ever’s arm. “Honey, calm down. I’m a bit surprised as well at her attitude, but I’m sure there must be an explanation. Tory comes highly recommended.”
“I don’t freakin’ care if she dresses the next Queen of England. I’ll walk down that aisle in some off the rack dress that fits me like a mu-mu before I let her measure me again. Let’s just go home so I can take off my granny panties and get my ass spanked yet again!” Ever opened the door, her face red from her anger only to pull up when she saw Tory standing a foot outside the door. “Listening are you? Well, fine – now perhaps you’ll learn that insulting people has consequences!”
Ever pushed past the seamstress, running down the stairs and out the front door. She was already buckled into her seatbelt before Violet appeared. When her friend sighed and turned to speak, Ever lifted her hand. “Don’t – I don’t want to hear it. We can go into Denver next week. There are plenty of brides that find beautiful gowns in those Bridal Shops. I see no reason that I can’t do the same.”
Chapter 6
Rob pulled in next to Violet’s car, giving her a smile as he opened Ever’s door.
“Perfect timing,” he said, giving the women a smile. “Did you have fun?” When Ever didn’t answer and stormed away, muttering what sounded like a few choice words under her breath, Rob turned his gaze to Violet.
“What’s that about?”
Violet shook her head. “It was awful. Tory wasn’t in the best of moods and pushed the wrong buttons. Ever is in need of some loving right now.”
Rob’s gaze moved back towards the house. “Poor baby. Thanks, Violet and don’t worry. I’ll give her all the loving she needs.” With a final wave, he closed the door and followed his unhappy fiancée into the house. He bent to pick up her discarded clothing as he went down the hall, entering the bedroom to see her yanking down her panties and throwing them into the trash. When her bra followed, he grinned. “Honey, you don’t have to take off your clothes so fast.” He heard her sniffle and his tone changed instantly.
“Babe, what’s wrong?” Instead of hearing her answer, he saw her turn as she threw herself down on the bed, her tears muffled by the quilt. Putting away her clothes, he went to the bed and sat down beside her. “Ever, sit up and talk to me.” When she didn’t obey, he sighed and ran his hand across her bottom. That got her attention as she rolled over and then sat up. Pulling her onto his lap, he held her as she tucked her head beneath his chin. “Okay, sweetheart. I’m guessing your pass didn’t live up to your expectations. Can you tell me what went wrong?”
It took a few minutes but he got the gist of the story as she alternated between whispering and speaking loudly, her body both soft and rigid in his arms as she fluctuated between sadness and anger. Hearing her swear she’d never wear ugly underwear again no matter how much her ass hurt, his eyes went to the trashcan. He was smart enough not to interrupt or attempt to soothe her until she was done. After a few minutes, he kissed the top of her head.
“I’m sorry, sweetie, but there must be some explanation. I can’t imagine any professional driving clients away – especially brides. It’s not like you turned into some Bridezilla and made difficult demands or threw a screaming fit.” When she stiffened in his arms for just an instant, he sat her up on his lap, his fingers going to her chin, lifting it until he could see her eyes. “You didn’t, did you? I can’t imagine that even your feisty temper would cause my beautiful bride to turn into some screaming banshee, especially not when those underwear you say you’ll never wear again were covering a tender butt.”
Ever shook her head. “No, I didn’t really throw a fit. I was very polite but firm. I...I didn’t even start until I was in the bathroom with Violet. How was I to know that woman was standing outside, her ear against the door? It’s not my fault if she heard me call her a...”
“A what?”
“Um, it just sort of slipped out. I meant to say witch, but...”
“Ever, you are a highly educated woman and know how to speak. If you called her a bitch, it was on purpose. You know that isn’t allowed in this house.” When she looked ready to point out that she hadn’t been in the house, he shook his head. “You know what I mean. You’ll apologize.”
“No! You can’t ask me to do that! Rob, she treated me like...like I was just a piece of garbage wasting her time. I’m telling you, she definitely does not want me as a customer. If anyone should apologize, it’s her. I have nothing to apologize for and I won’t!”
“You will and it will be sincere or else you’ll find yourself getting your bottom blistered in her house. Now, let’s get your spanking taken care of and after you’ve spent your corner time, we’ll run over there.”
“Fine, but I’ll just call her. I’m sure she’d rather not see me ever again.”
“Everleigh, you will not call and, young lady, you do remember you both live in Corbin’s Bend? While we are still a growing community, we aren’t so huge that you won’t run into Tory again. You will suck it up and be the better person. End of discussion. Now, go on and bend over the bed.”
Though she had known she’d be getting her afternoon spanking upon her return, Rob watched as she rolled her eyes and stomped to the bed, bending over as ordered. She might be in the proper position but she was definitely not in the proper state of mind. Her entire body, not just her ass was clenched tightly. He had been planning on using his hand, but with her attitude, he changed his mind.
Rob stepped into the bathroom and returned with her hairbrush. Just the sight of it had her apologizing, her body softening, her eyes pleading as she relaxed and lifted her bottom up for her spanking.
“Sit up, Ever.” When she pushed up and turned to sit on the edge of the bed, he continued. “Honey, I do not spank you because I enjoy it.” He paused and shook his head. “Let me qualify that. I don’t punish you because I enjoy it. I punish you to help you learn and because you’ve asked me to be
your HOH. When you don’t submit willingly to your discipline, I feel it is not doing either of us any good. You have the right to your feelings, Everleigh, but I will not condone you taking your displeasure out on me. I was planning on using my hand, but you’ve earned a good hairbrushing. You are acting like a naughty child throwing a tantrum. We’ve spent hours this week going over the rules and not only my expectations but your own.”
“I...I’m sorry, Rob...”
“I’m not finished speaking. You knew you had a spanking coming and yet you are acting as if it is a surprise. I’m not spanking you for whatever happened at Tory’s house. Tell me, Ever, why are you being spanked?”
Ever sat quietly for a moment before answering. “Because I earned a week of punishment when you were gone. I apologize for being disrespectful to you.”
“Thank you,” Rob said, not missing the fact that she didn’t admit to being disrespectful to Tory as well.
Ever stood and looked up at him. “I’m really sorry, Rob. You are right. I appreciate you taking me in hand. I’m...I’m ready to submit to my spanking.” At his nod, she turned back to face the bed, bending over and lifting her bottom, the globes soft and loose as he required.
Rob gave her a thorough spanking, small white ovals appearing with every splat of the brush against her backside. He was proud when she accepted every stroke without complaint as he reminded her of their commitment to a DD lifestyle. By the time he helped her to stand, she was sobbing, her seat scarlet as she stood in the corner.
