by Maggie Ryan
She started to nod and then gave him a quick look. "Come where?" she asked warily, and he knew exactly what she was thinking.
"Don't fret, Gracie," he said as he turned on the faucet and waited while the ancient pipes attempted to provide hot water. "I wasn't talking about what we discussed earlier. I will not mention it again. That is your responsibility."
Chapter 4
Barbara washed her hands and then sighed when Craig shook his head, took the bar of soap, and washed them again. She tried to ignore the tiny flutter in her stomach as his fingers gently moved down each of her fingers, making sure there wasn't a speck of dust remaining, before turning off the water and then gently drying her hands with a towel. She still didn't know where they were going, but for some reason felt perfectly content to follow his lead.
Craig walked to the bottom of the stairs. "Logan! Liz!" he bellowed, causing Barbara to stop in her tracks, shocked at his volume.
"Geez, are you calling people that live in the next county?" she said.
"Nope, just don't trust those stairs," Craig said, and then smiled, seeing Logan's face leaning out over the railing on the third floor. "Hey, Gracie and I are going to fix lunch. Give us about a half-hour then bring everyone down to the lake, okay?" Logan gave him a wave and went to inform the others.
"He's calling her Gracie," Elizabeth noted and saw Ariel smile.
"Yeah, I noticed. She's always hated Barbara. David used to call her his 'Barbie Doll', but believe me, she always thought he only did it to ridicule her. He did that quite a lot, actually."
Elizabeth and Nancy shook their heads. "That's just awful," Nancy said. "I don't know who David is, but I do know he sounds like an asshole of the biggest kind. Owww!"
"Watch your language, Nancy," Jason said, having popped her bottom after walking into the room where the girls were working.
"I have to agree with Nancy," Ariel said. "He is an asshole. Barb never should have married him; none of us have any idea what she was thinking. Owww!" she yelped and then seemed shocked to realize that Jason had smacked her butt just as hard.
"Watch your language, Ariel," Jason said with a grin. He turned to Elizabeth, his hand lifted slightly.
"Oh no, not on your life," Elizabeth said, backing away. "Believe me, I know better than to say assho …. Oh geeze!" She rubbed her butt-cheek, turning to see that Logan had walked into the room behind her and also given her a swat. They all laughed good-naturedly, comfortable in themselves as well as each other. Helen and Ben walked in from the bathroom where they had finished scrubbing to find every female rubbing her posterior.
"Oww!" Helen yelped and turned to see her husband grinning.
"Don't want you to feel left out, my love," Benjamin said, and then bent to kiss her cheek. Helen shook her head in exasperation but smiled. "One bathroom is all we could do, but, well it's better than having to use a porta-potty," Benjamin announced. Nodding in agreement, the group finished up as best they could before heading down to lunch. The contractors were to be there by mid-afternoon to go over the basic schedule. Elizabeth leaned against Logan, her eyes shining as she listened to the laughter of her friends and family-to-be.
"This is going to be fun," she said, and Logan had to agree. It would be a great deal of work as well, but he knew that even if this group only spent this one weekend helping, they would belong to Haven forever.
Craig helped Barbara climb back into the truck and then drove down an overgrown path, the truck bouncing in and out of ruts. When Barbara's head hit the roof, she yelped loudly and Craig shot her a look of apology. "Sorry, but I didn't want you to have to walk all the way. I promise it will be worth it once we've got everything set up." She managed to nod but scooted down in her seat as far as her seat belt would allow. After another few minutes, the trees opened up and they could see the lake. It spread out before them, the water clear and inviting. There was a huge floating raft anchored a short distance from the shore, a manmade beach area that could allow anything from volleyball to horseshoes to simple picnics beside the water. Large boulders rose from the shoreline about halfway around the lake, huge trees soaring up to the sky. Craig pulled off the path and turned off the truck.
"This is gorgeous," Barbara said. "It's far bigger than I had imagined. I never even knew this property was around. It's so close to Houston but feels like it is more in the country or perhaps up near Austin or Wimberley." Craig nodded and walked around to open her door. He unbuckled her seat belt before she knew what he was doing. "I can do it myself, you know," she said, as he stepped back. Craig grinned; she squealed as he reached in and picked her up, closing the door with his hip. "You better put me down before you break your back," she suggested, feeling uncomfortable.
"There's no ladder to fall off of," he quipped as he easily carried her to the back of the truck, lifting her over the side into the bed.
"You know, I am perfectly capable of getting in and out of vehicles, and believe it or not, I even know how to walk by myself. I don't want to have to explain to Liz that you sprained your back carrying my fat ass around, so if you … hey!"
"Don't," he said having reached behind her to pop her rear. "Little girl, you've got a beautiful behind. I like carrying you, so unless you want to have to ask me twice to spank it, I suggest you don't continue to put yourself down. Are we clear?"
Barbara flushed hotly, torn between arguing with him and simply accepting the compliment, if that was what his remark had been. Hearing him ask if they were 'clear' reminded her of Logan and his constant demand for clarity in all things. Deciding it was just too confusing, she nodded.
"Good. Now, if you'll hand me those chairs, we'll get this party started." She bent over to pick up two lawn chairs that were lying in the bottom of the truck. "Yes, ma'am," he said with a grin as she turned back to pass them over the side of the truck. "Absolutely beautiful." She flushed hotly as he pointed to two more chairs, which she passed to him. She stood in the back of the truck, watching as he carried all four down to the beach area. God, for someone she barely had spent any time with, he had her thinking about things in ways she hadn't allowed herself in years.
Her hand moved behind her, gently rubbing her bottom, thinking that perhaps it wouldn't be so bad … if she did deserve to be spanked for her horrible attitude earlier, who better to do it than this man who seemed to actually not care that she had such a large rear? When Craig returned, he grinned upon seeing her eyes and knew that he was getting to her. She had been getting to him since the moment he had lifted her from that wall and placed her over his lap.
By the time the others joined them, there was a massive picnic spread out on top of the concrete picnic table. It was off to one side, shaded by the huge trees. Barbara had been amazed by what came out of the huge cooler she had helped Craig carry down to the water. Bowls of different pasta and potato salads, cold, peeled shrimp nestled in a crushed-ice bath, deli meats of every variety, hunks and slices of a dozen different cheeses, baskets of yeast rolls, containers of guacamole dip and salsa, bags of tortilla chips that didn't come from any store. Pickles, olives, and condiments would allow any variety of sandwiches to be prepared. Cookies, brownies, slices of chocolate cake, and an entire coconut cream pie were waiting to be enjoyed as dessert. Plates, napkins, and silverware were piled up, waiting to be used. Another igloo offered ice-cold beer and soft drinks, bottles of water, and even some hard lemonade and wine coolers were available. Tea and raspberry lemonade were waiting in pitchers. Elizabeth ran to Craig, wrapping him in another hug.
"God, you are just too incredible," she said before turning back to look at Logan. "Sorry, Sir, but I'll chance a pop on my butt," she said, as she jumped up to stand on the bench of the table in order to bend forward and kiss Craig loudly on his lips. When Logan appeared to be ready to step forward, Garrett and Jason both took an arm.
"Sorry, man, not this time. You've got to admit, Craig has earned that kiss," Jason said, gesturing at the feast. Everyone nodded in agreement. When she
had properly thanked him, Elizabeth jumped down and ran back to Logan. He made a show of picking up a napkin from the table and wiping it across her lips before bending to kiss her.
"Dig in everybody," Craig said as he stepped to the table, drawing Barbara with him. He handed her a plate and then begin asking what she'd like to eat. Barbara wanted to tell him she also knew how to load up a paper plate, but seeing him cock his eyebrow at her, a spoon of pasta salad suspended, she smiled and allowed him to serve her. Her only act of defiance was to pick up another plate and hold it as he filled both up with a variety of the selections. She followed him down to the water, where the chairs had been set up in a circle, a huge blanket in the middle. Craig took a seat and she handed him both plates, asking what he'd like to drink. He asked for a beer and she brought it to him. The others soon joined them, and the only sound for several minutes was that of people complimenting Craig and Barbara on the incredible spread.
When Craig asked Barbara what she'd like for dessert, she moaned and patted her stomach. She told him she couldn't possibly eat another bite but offered to get him something. "I can get it myself; you don't have to wait on me," he said as he started to stand.
"Please," she said, her hand going to his arm. "You've done nothing but help me all day. I'd be glad to get you whatever you'd like." Craig looked at her, his eyebrow raised, a slight smile on his lips. She blushed hotly and shook her head, removing her hand. "Not that; I was talking about cake or a cookie, not … not …"
"It's okay, Gracie. That choice is only yours to make. As for my choice, if you're sure you don't mind, I'll take a slice of the coconut pie and maybe one of those brownies." She managed to nod, took his empty plate, and turned back to the table.
She realized that the only people at the table were the girls, each piling plates high with a variety of desserts. Instead of thinking how ridiculous that should seem to her, she actually was glad for the lack of serious testosterone. Ariel slid a slice of the pie onto the plate Barbara held out.
"Why is it that every one of these guys could eat a zillion calories a day and not gain an ounce?" Elizabeth said as she looked longingly at a slice of chocolate cake. Nancy grinned, reached over and took a brownie, biting into it and moaning in pleasure. The other girls watched, and Elizabeth shook her head. "God, you know we really do hate you sometimes," she said, but smiled at her friend.
"Hey, not only have I slaved all day, I'm sure I'll work it off tonight," Nancy said, finishing the brownie and putting another on a plate to share with Jason.
"Why, planning on running a marathon later?" Ariel teased. Nancy grinned, swiping her finger through the chocolate icing on a piece of cake then put her finger into her mouth and licked it off with an exaggerated moan before she giggled at the looks on their faces.
"Believe me, there will be no running tonight," Nancy teased, and Elizabeth reached out to slap her hand.
"You are so bad," she said, picking up a napkin and a fork.
"Nope, that was last night," Nancy said, using her free hand to rub at her seat. "Ladies, if I run, Jason simply catches me. After that spanking last night, not only are you lucky I can actually work today, my Dom owes me a very good, sexy workout. I plan on collecting tonight, so my man needs lots of calories to fuel his … shall we say, prowess?" Ariel laughed and then realized that her sister was listening.
"Um, she's just joking around," Ariel said, knowing Barbara had heard every word. Even though the girls had grown up in the same house under the same rules, Barbara didn't believe in the concept of domestic discipline. Barbara had tried to convert Ariel to her way of thinking but finally had given up when Ariel told her that she would never be happy with a man that didn't have the physical—and emotional—strength to take her in hand when she made stupid choices, felt the need for discipline, or was simply being bratty.
Barbara shocked her to the core when she turned to Nancy. "I thought the whole purpose of the D/S lifestyle was that he owes you nothing. I mean, isn't it your job to cater to his every whim without expecting anything in return? Isn't the only source of your pleasure supposed to be making sure he is happy?"
Nancy shook her head and reached out to remove the plate from Barbara's hand, passing it to Ariel. "You can take this to Craig; Barbara and I need to have some serious girl-talk."
"Not without us," Elizabeth said. "God only knows what you'll tell her. Don't you dare move until we get back!" She grabbed the plate Nancy had prepared for Jason, and then she and Ariel hurried back to the group, delivering the plates and telling the surprised guys that they would be back later. Logan was about to protest when Elizabeth bent down and kissed his cheek. "Serious girl intervention" she said, as if that explained everything.
Once back at the table, Elizabeth suggested they all swim out to the raft. "That way, they can't sneak up on us." Barbara didn't really wish to do so, didn't wish to be the subject of all the sudden attention, but they didn't give her a choice. Sighing, she watched the others as shorts, jeans, and tops were discarded to reveal swimsuits. Barbara was very surprised to see that none of the others wore extremely revealing bikinis, though each had the body to pull it off. Feeling more comfortable in her dark blue one-piece suit, she pulled off her shoes and socks, peeled off her jeans and T-shirt, and when Ariel took one hand, Elizabeth the other, she smiled, and they all walked out into the water.
"What's going on?" Jason asked as he watched his wife give him a wave before joining the other girls. Craig wasn't listening; his eyes were only on the tall, curvy woman in the sexy blue suit. Logan finished his brownie and shrugged.
"Not sure, some sort of girl intervention."
"What the hell does that mean?" Garrett said as he took a swig of his beer. Logan shrugged again.
"Who knows, but I say we give them a chance to do whatever they think is needed," Logan suggested. Then he grinned, "… after which, they either give us answers or we simply spank their wet butts." Chuckling and a great deal of nodding met his suggestion.
"Since I can see that actually happening, I think I'll take your mother back to the hotel. We can play some grownup games while you kids have fun," Benjamin said, and saw Helen smile. "Thanks for the great meal, Craig. I can see why your restaurant and catering company are so successful." Logan, Jason, and Garrett each kissed Helen goodbye.
She smiled and went to Craig. "She's a wonderful woman, Craig, but she's vulnerable right now. Please don't hurt her," she whispered, the smile on her face camouflaging her warning from the others. Craig nodded.
"I swear I would never do that, ma'am." Helen nodded, patted his cheek, and then turned to go back to her husband. As the older couple walked back towards their car, Logan passed out ice-cold beers and the four remaining men settled into their chairs. Not much was said as they sipped their beers and stared out across the lake, each wondering what was happening on that raft.
The four women swam out to the raft, the water feeling fantastic on their dusty, heated skin. Once they all made it to the raft, they discovered the raft floating higher than it had seemed, and there wasn't a ladder in sight. Though Nancy tried to pull herself up, Elizabeth knew there was no way she could get up onto the raft. Barbara laughed and easily planted her hands on the raft and pulled herself up, rolling over and offering her hand to Ariel.
Ariel grinned, and as she landed beside her sister, she giggled, "Told you I hated having these short legs." Nancy and Elizabeth were still treading water. Ariel and Barbara easily pulled them up, and the four formed a circle in the center of the wooden raft.
"Haven Note: put a ladder on the raft so short people can get on by themselves," Elizabeth laughed as she wrung the water out of her hair. "It can really suck being so short." The others agreed and thanked Barbara.
"Okay, the first meeting of the Haven Sub … Girl's Club is in session," Nancy announced. Elizabeth rolled her eyes, but Ariel grinned.
"We'll have to work on that name," Elizabeth said. "I don't want to be considered a sub-girl." Barbara smiled,
knowing that Nancy had meant to say Submissive but at the last second had remembered that not all of them, well, okay, just she, was not submissive.
"I'm guessing the guys won't let us ignore them for too long, so I propose we forget beating around the bush and do our best to educate Barbara," Nancy suggested. No one disagreed, so she began: "There are a lot of misconceptions about the D/S lifestyle, Barbara. We don't have time to go into all of them here, but I will tell you how I define it." Barbara nodded, not knowing what else to do. "Jason is far more than just my Dom. He is my husband, my soulmate, my best friend, my confidant, my protector, and yes, my lover. In short, he is my life. I trust him with every aspect of my life, my emotions, my body, my heart, my dreams, my fears. I would not submit to any man if I didn't trust him completely. Before I found Jason, I never gave everything I could. There are women who will tell you that they do just that—give all they have to any Dom they play with or serve. I never could do that. The moment I met Jason, I just knew I would offer him everything."
She paused and smiled; the expression on her face was serene. "There are also D/S relationships that have absolutely nothing to do with anything other than sex, some that combine sex with bondage and some that combine far more. There are some where the Submissive will do whatever is asked of her but does not accept any form of discipline. As for me, well, as I said, I give Jason all I have to give. He never, ever punishes me without cause. He is one of the kindest, most patient men on this planet. I have a tendency to, well, let's just say, get into mischief. However, no matter how rotten I've acted, no matter how many rules I've broken, he has never once laid a hand on me in anger." Barbara looked skeptical, and Nancy laughed softly. "I'm telling you the truth, Barbara. You'll discover that truth is a vital part of any D/S relationship. There is too much at stake to either beat around the bush or hide the truth. It might not be what you want to hear, or you'll find yourself admitting things you were too embarrassed to share, but as Logan has so succinctly put it, this life demands absolute clarity in all things. Understand?" Knowing her brother's demand for the truth and nothing but the truth, Barbara could honestly nod her understanding.
