Offering a smile and a wrinkled nose, she said, “That’s okay. I’d prefer to stand.” Desperately wanting to share her news and drawn in by his enthusiasm, she moved in closer to him. “They’re putting together a Halloween party or event in the community center for the Corbin’s Bend kids. I think the project will involve decorating the main room along with some baked goods. Not sure, since we didn’t go into details.”
With his gaze still focused on her, he leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. Having seen that expression before, Elly knew it meant answering questions she wanted to avoid, so she began to jabber. “I have no idea what they’ll ask me to do. I’m not an artist, but I guess I can hang streamers and decorate cupcakes. I mean it’s for kids, and I love children. They’re so honest and forthright, yet innocent. Have you ever done one of these events before?”
“No. I only moved in a couple of weeks before you did. I’m as new to the community as you are.”
“But your receptionist seemed so established and organized. I’d assumed you’d been here for years.”
“No. Now tell me why you can’t or won’t sit beside me.”
She sighed, more than a tiny bit irritated with him. He already knew the reason, he just wanted her to say the words, and she didn’t want to. “We’re in Corbin’s Bend, Jerry. Why do you think?”
One eyebrow rose at her tone. Okay, despite his friendly and playful manner, the man was still a top, and her response had been rude. “Sorry, but the answer is sort of obvious. I mean, the inability to sit is hardly viewed as an unusual occurrence around here, is it?”
“Depends. For some it can happen occasionally, I’ll grant you. For others, however, a sore bottom appears to be a permanent condition, and part of me is tempted to check and ensure you don’t require medical attention.”
After taking a quick step back, which put her out of his reach, Elly held her position. She didn’t want to leave. Not, yet. “Everything’s fine. I’m only a little sore. It’s nothing. Can we talk about something else, please?”
His gaze remained fixed on her face as if he was deciding whether to let the subject drop.
“Please?” she repeated a bit more firmly.
Giving a nod, he lowered his arms and rose. Her stomach lurching into her throat, Elly took another step back, but he merely extended a hand toward her.
“If you won’t sit and talk, walk with me for a while.”
Elly hesitated, but only for a moment. She liked Jerry Douglas, and a part of her wanted to trust him. Deciding to stay, she placed her gloved hand in his. He tucked her fingers in at his elbow and started to walk the perimeter. “So, you like kids. Have you and Arthur discussed having a family?”
“Yes. He says we should wait at least one year before we begin trying though.”
“How long have you two been married?”
She considered his question and frowned. “Five months—tomorrow.”
He let out a noise, which sounded like a choked cough. “I’d imagined you’d been together for years—not months.”
“No. We’re relative newlyweds.” Depressed by the realization she was about to observe an anniversary of sorts and they’d do nothing to celebrate the occasion, Elly decided to redirect the conversation away from her and Arthur. “What’s your story?” she asked, believing turn about was fair play. If Jerry could ask personal questions of her, she should be allowed to do the same. “Why aren’t you married with a slew of kids by now?”
“My fiancée died in a car accident a year ago.”
Elly pulled away feeling like an idiot. “Oh, Jerry, I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”
He grabbed her hand and tucked it back at his elbow before continuing their walk. “Of course you didn’t. The information isn’t precisely common knowledge.”
Smiling lamely, she murmured, “Well, perhaps the girls of Corbin’s Bend should get together to find you a new girlfriend.”
He stopped and turned toward her. “Don’t go there, Elly. Not now, not ever. Understand?”
“Yes, sir,” she whispered, lowering her gaze to the ground in embarrassment, though something about his tone created a strange tingle inside her.
A firm finger under her chin drew her face upwards. “Don’t think I’m angry or upset with you; because I’m not. However, I believe I should lay down a few ground rules. My love life is not and never will be a Corbin’s Bend social activity. Understand?”
“I didn’t mean—”
The finger lay soft as a whisper on her lips. “I know you were only half-teasing, but I hold strong feelings on the subject, and even gentle probing can chafe an already painful memory I don’t want exacerbated. So, let’s talk about your new project instead.”
She glanced at her wristwatch. “I can’t add much until I meet with the ladies, and I suppose I’d better get back anyway. I wasn’t sure how long I’d be gone, so I didn’t tell Arthur I was leaving the house, and it’s one of our rules.”
His expression grew serious. “Are you going to get in trouble for coming here?”
She smiled and tilted her head. “Not if I don’t get caught.”
Except rather than return her conspiratorial smile, Jerry grabbed her arm and gave her butt a swat she barely registered through the downy layers of her coat; though his unexpected displeasure with her came through loud and clear.
“Oww! Jerry, no!” Elly protested, but he’d already turned her to face him. His thunderous expression had her heart pounding erratically.
“You still hurt from what he did to you yesterday, so risking further punishment this afternoon was foolhardy, irresponsible, and worth more than that paltry swat I gave you.”
Stunned by his anger and concern, unshed tears burned Elly’s eyes. Seconds later, he drew her into his arms for a crushing hug. “God, Elly. I’m so sorry. Please don’t cry, sweetie. I’m not angry, just worried for you.”
Confused, Elly clung to him. Arthur had never apologized or comforted her after a punishment, and Jerry had hardly touched her, yet she wanted him to hold her and whisper endearments even if she didn’t deserve them. She wanted him to kiss her and knew that was very, very wrong.
He drew back and wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. “I didn’t hurt you, did I? Unless Benson whipped you raw last night, you shouldn’t have felt that swat through the padded coat you’re wearing. Even if you did, I doubt I hit you hard enough to make you cry. So, is something else upsetting you?”
She shook her head and drew a wadded piece of tissue from her pocket to wipe her nose. “No. I’m fine. I should go.” Cupping her hands over her mouth, she called, “Muffin.”
“Yes, you should, but not like this. Not when you’re upset. Stay and talk to me for a moment, at least until I’m sure you’re okay.”
Elly closed her eyes against the conflicting feelings roiling inside her and he drew her close again.
“Shh, sweetheart. I’m so sorry. I ought to have my superhero status revoked for reacting the way I did. I’d never want to hurt you, Elly. I promise.”
“I realize that,” she said on a small laugh, but still wrapped her arms about his waist and drew closer. She liked being held by this complicated and contradictory man, even though she knew she should push away and leave.
“You do?” When she nodded against his front, he asked, “Then why are you looking so upset?”
She shook her head, not in denial, but because she honestly didn’t know. She enjoyed being with Jerry Douglas far more than she should, which made her worry what might happen if Arthur discovered she liked another man, but that wasn’t what scared her. Or was it?
“I’m okay, Jerry. Honest,” she murmured into his warm and now wet sweater.
Realizing she shouldn’t be clinging to him, she took a step back.
“Elly.” When she didn’t glance up, he added, “Elly, please look at me.”
Reluctantly she raised her gaze to meet his eyes.
“I’m sorry. I worry about you, but
that doesn’t give me the right to chastise you. I don’t like seeing you in pain or knowing you’re being hurt and I can’t do anything to prevent it.”
“You worry about me?”
“Yes. Of course I do.”
“Why? I mean you shouldn’t, or you don’t have to. I’m fine. Arthur loves me.”
He nodded, but she got the impression he didn’t believe her. She couldn’t blame him since sometimes she had trouble believing it herself.
“All the same, I don’t want you risking his anger, okay? Collect Muffin and go home as fast as you can. If he finds out you left without permission, and loses his temper, leave and come to my place. If you can’t get away, call me. I’ll come get you.”
“Jerry, please. You sound like I’m in need of rescuing, and I’m not. I mean I make mistakes on occasion, but we’re fine. Still, I was wrong to leave without calling and telling him first; so I deserved the swat you gave me.”
He ran a finger down her cheek. “No you didn’t. I was the one who was wrong, Elly, not you. That’s not to say breaking the rule you and Arthur established wasn’t a mistake, but even breaking a rule doesn’t merit a hide ripping every night. And every one of us makes mistakes. You’re a beautiful young woman who deserves love, romance and mind-blowing sex, not beatings. Remember that.”
With a nod, Elly thanked him then called Muffin to her and ran away before she did something stupid, like beg Jerry Douglas to kiss her.
* * * *
As Elly rushed home all her thoughts remained fixed on the handsome vet like a stain of scarlet lipstick on the collar of a brand-new shirt. He shouldn’t be there, but no matter how hard she mentally scrubbed, she couldn’t erase him from her mind. Though she hadn’t expected the smack he’d given her, what surprised her even more was his apology and her reaction to his hug afterward. Despite giving her a swat that was swift and light in comparison to the punishments Arthur usually dispensed, a second later he’d apologized and drawn her close, as if her feelings had mattered to him. And she’d clung to him like a scared little girl, soaking up the attention he offered. Was she so starved for comfort and affection she’d melt in the arms of a relative stranger when he held her? Did she hunger to be reassured so badly she’d cling to anyone who implied she wasn’t just a scatterbrained ninny after all?
She didn’t doubt Arthur loved her in his way. Else, why would he have married her? He simply wasn’t an openly affectionate person, while Jerry was, and Elly had soaked up his attention like a drought-stricken flower receiving rain after months of no water. Problem was, she wanted more of what Jerry had offered her, and that wasn’t a good thing. She was a newly married woman with a husband who looked after her best interests—with a cane.
Elly shook her head as she unlocked their door and removed Muffin’s lead. Arthur’s only concern was for her. She needed his guidance and corrections. Without them, she’d be hopelessly lost. He’d told her he didn’t enjoy punishing her, but she had to pay better attention to the things she did and said, or her actions would reflect badly on him. She’d never been a brilliant conversationalist, nor was she especially talented as a homemaker or a hostess, which is why they rarely entertained. Until she learned how to behave in a manner that wouldn’t embarrass him, Arthur preferred they kept to themselves. It was her fault he was so strict. She was the one to blame, not him. That’s when she saw the light flashing on their answering machine.
Ignoring the little hops against her leg, which were intended to remind her she still owed Muffin her after-walk treat, Elly approached the blinking device and pressed the replay button. The machine whirred for a second, before an automated message intoned, “You have three messages. First message left at 2:45 PM.” Next Arthur’s voice came through loud and clear causing Elly to jerk in reaction.
“Eleanor, I assume you are in the midst of scrubbing, which is why you failed to answer the phone, but I need to speak with you regarding my plans this evening. Please call me when you receive this message.” Click.
Oh, God. He’d called while she was in the park with Jerry.
“Second message left at 3 PM.”
“Eleanor, where are you? I certainly hope you didn’t leave the house without calling me first. I am awaiting your call back, and growing impatient. I’ll try your cell phone, but if you’re not home I’ll expect an apology as well as an explanation regarding your complete disregard for our rules.”
She glanced over at the cell phone she’d left sitting in its charger. She’d need to check it, too. “Third message left at 3:15 PM.” Elly checked her watch. 3:29 PM. When she realized she’d been gone for nearly an hour her hands started to sweat. What would he do when he came home?
“Eleanor, I am thoroughly disappointed in you, though I suppose I shouldn’t be. As usual, you are delinquent, disrespectful and unreliable. I need to leave the office, so don’t bother to contact me now. I shall speak with you when I get home, which will be later than normal since I’m having dinner in town. It is obvious you left the house without your cell phone and without calling me first. I thought you had learned your lesson the last time you failed to follow my rule, but apparently, I have been too lenient with you. We will discuss this further. Don’t expect me before 8 PM, though I’ll most likely be later.” Click.
Elly covered her face with her hands and sank to the floor. She didn’t even want to contemplate what sort of punishment he’d mete out for this offense. It was the third time she’d left the house without calling him, but the first time she’d ever done it on purpose. She recalled her mother’s sneer when Elly confessed she’d argued with Arthur over keeping her receptionist job and he’d spanked her.
“No doubt you deserved whatever he gave you and more. You always were a stubborn child, so I’m pleased your husband has enough sense to take you in hand.” Undoubtedly, her mother would be delighted to learn what Arthur intended for her tonight. Given her mother’s reaction and her father’s strict policy against involving himself in family disputes, Elly hadn’t discussed Arthur’s disciplinary methods with anyone since that fateful afternoon. However, Susan, Elly’s older sister, hadn’t liked Arthur from the first day she met him.
“I swear the man has a stick up his butt, Elly. That or he’s not human. Have you checked to make sure he has a birth certificate?”
Elly had assured her sister Arthur was merely conservative and old-fashioned. Susan didn’t argue, but when she gave Elly a six-week old puppy as her private wedding gift, she said it was so Elly could have something to love that would love her back.
As if reading Elly’s thoughts, Muffin crawled onto her lap and began licking the tears from Elly’s face. She clutched the dog to her fiercely.
“Oh, Muffin, Mommy’s in so much trouble right now, she’s scared. She made a bad decision and Daddy is very, very angry with her because of it.” Muffin continued to lick away Elly’s tears in consolation. Elly hid her face in her pet’s fur for a moment. Then giving the poodle a kiss on the head, she put Muffin aside and got to her feet. Muffin was quick to remind her about the forgotten treat, so Elly went to fetch the goody her little friend demanded.
She hadn’t finished cleaning the Master Bath, or started the upstairs guest bathroom, which was rarely used so she could get by with giving it a quick wipe down, the downstairs half-bath or the kitchen. His late arrival gave her extra time, but she had best finish all her chores if she didn’t want to add dereliction of duty to her other offenses. Supper would be a simple affair, since Arthur was having a business dinner in Denver, which could have been why he’d originally called.
Realizing the only option open to her was to complete the tasks he’d assigned and wait for his return; Elly trudged upstairs to their bathroom.
* * * *
Three hours later, Elly had finished scrubbing all the bathrooms and wiping down the kitchen, so she fixed herself the salad she’d neglected to make for lunch and dialed up voice mail on her cell phone. Two messages. The first one created at 3:03 PM was s
imilar to the ones Arthur had left on their home phone, scolding her for being inconsiderate and saying he’d try to reach her one last time. She hadn’t expected much more, but wondered who’d left the second message at 5 PM.
“Elly, it’s Jerry. I wanted to make sure you were all right. Let me know if you need anything. I meant it about you coming over here if Arthur discovers your absence. I have a spare bedroom and I’ll protect you. I promise. Call me if you wish to talk.”
Elly waited until the voice announced that was her last message before she turned off her phone. Was she tempted to grab Muffin and run to Jerry for protection? Oh, yes, but that action would mean giving up on her marriage and she wasn’t ready to do that. Not yet. Arthur could be strict, and she’d be given a harsh lesson tonight, but he wasn’t cruel or heartless. She’d promised to love, honor and obey him and had failed on two of those vows today. She’d been wrong to leave for the dog park without calling him first. Problem was she’d do it again if she wanted to escape a time limit. And that was wrong. She’d agreed to his rules, so she essentially broke her word whenever she ignored them, which meant she deserved whatever punishment he determined was right.
At 7 PM, she went upstairs to take a shower. Using her loofah, she scrubbed herself until her skin was bright pink, then dried off and put on a layer of orange-ginger scented moisturizer. The citrus scent soothed and relaxed her. As she stood before her dresser, she realized putting on clothing at this point would be useless, since he’d only demand she remove whatever she wore. Instead, she should show her regret by waiting for him, as he wanted her. Naked and vulnerable.
Trotting back downstairs, she settled Muffin in the laundry room with a bedtime cookie. It was early for Muffin to be put away, so the poodle resisted going, probably because she sensed Elly was upset. But Muffin was a good dog, despite being a little spoiled, and eventually did as she was bid. Though, the tiny canine displayed her disapproval by refusing the biscuit Elly offered her, so Elly placed the treat on her dog’s bed, then padded out and shut the door, making sure Muffin couldn’t get out.
A Simple Misunderstanding (Corbin's Bend) Page 5
