Just Right for Me

by Wehr, Mary

  * * * * *

  Ross considered drinking his coffee straight from the pot, but he grabbed a cup from the cupboard. He had a hell of a time holding onto Mia when she made a dive for the couch. The woman was a handful, but he’d rather see her angry instead of having to deal with her silence. He poured himself some coffee and sat at the opposite end of the table. He’d give her a little breathing room.

  Ross studied the beautiful sullen woman seated across from him. He ran his hand down the side of his face. This was definitely not going the way he had planned.

  “Jason told me about your knee. Does it hurt a lot?”

  Her question startled him, but provided the opening he was looking for. “Not so much anymore. I didn’t think I’d ever walk again, but physical therapy can do wonders. I spent a long time in a rehab center located in California.”

  “That’s where you met Connie, isn’t it?”

  “No, Mia. I met her dad there. He was visiting a friend and we got to talking. He offered me a job in his software company.” They were heading into dangerous territory. He did not want to talk about his past relationship with the boss’s daughter. “Mia, we need to have a talk about what Kelly told you.”

  He watched her cheeks change from pale to red in a matter of seconds. Her emerald green eyes sparked fire, indicating she was back to her old self. How he had missed this woman! She could snap and snarl all she wanted, but he had a plan and by damn, he’d see it through.

  Being a wet behind the ears young man at twenty-two, he had handled Mia’s headstrong ways all wrong. As a mature man, he’d deal with her stubbornness the old-fashioned way, whether it’d be with his hand or a hairbrush. He’d never desert her again. He wouldn’t crush her spirit or demand she give up her independence, but he’d make sure she understood who’d be in charge. He loved Mia and perhaps he could find out why she had such serious trust issues and wipe away her fears. “We need to talk, Mia,” he said again, louder this time and a bit more stern, but noticed he had caught her attention. “I want to explain about Kelly.”

  “Isn’t it a little late for an explanation?” Her quick temper caused her to snap.

  “It’s never too late,” Ross replied patiently. “I’d like to settle this matter before we move forward. Nothing ever happened between Kelly and me. Not during high school, or after we graduated. She came into the lockers after a football game, took off her clothes, and offered to blow the entire team while the others watched.”

  Mia gasped.

  “Jason had already left to meet Becky for a date and I went to the showers. I sat down on the wooden bench in front of my locker to dry my hair and that’s when she must have snuck in. I threw the towel on the bench and that quick she was on her knees in front of me.” He ran a hand through his hair and blew out a frustrated breath. “Christ, she shocked the shit outta me and pissed me off at the same time. There is nothing I hate more than being chased down by a woman. A man is supposed to do the chasing.”

  Mia arched a sardonic brow.

  “Call me a male chauvinist, but it’s just the way I feel. Anyway, I jumped up from the bench and told her to get out. I didn’t want her then and I don’t want her now. I want us to try again, only this time I think we’d should give a ‘Head of the Household’ relationship a try.”

  Mia wouldn’t take orders gracefully and it wasn’t his intention to boss her around. Before they could move forward, he had to make sure she understood the purpose of Domestic Discipline. His part would be to take care of her, love her and keep her safe. Sometimes that would include keeping her safe from herself. Mia possessed a temper to rival the devil and had always been quick to snap or jump to conclusions. He never considered himself perfect, but he had learned to keep his temper under control.

  Chapter Six

  Who would have thought she’d be sitting here considering a Domestic Discipline relationship with the one man who had walked out on her so many years ago. Ross had sounded so sincere, Mia almost believed him. Perhaps she had been wrong. Maybe he didn’t cheat on her with Kelly; she had always been a troublemaker. Mia sighed. She had prayed for a second chance and here it was, sitting in her kitchen. All six foot four of him, wrapped nicely in a pair of faded jeans and black cotton T.

  Despite her protests concerning her sister’s marriage, Mia’s insides were all quivering. How would it feel to be turned over Ross’s lap and spanked? Would he spank her over her clothes or demand she take off her pants and panties? Flustered at the direction her thoughts were going, she got up from her chair and wandered over to the sink. She swallowed hard. “Is spanking included as punishment?” She heard the scrap of a chair and soon felt his presence directly behind her, scorching her backside.

  “So, you’re familiar with Domestic Discipline and what that entails?” His breath stirred the hairs at the back of her neck and she shivered. His big hands slid up her arms to cup her shoulders and squeeze as he occupied his mouth by dropping light kisses just below her earlobe.

  Her breasts ached and her nipples tightened. Ross had always been an attentive lover, taking his time as he played with her body. Mia relaxed her stance and allowed herself to rest against his hard body. Ross slid a hand down to her navel and splayed his fingers wide anchoring her close so she could feel his hardness prodding her ass. She tilted her head to the side in order to give him more access to the sensitive area adjoining her neck and shoulder. Ross immediately set his mouth upon her and covered her skin with kisses.

  “You didn’t answer my question, sweetheart.” He nibbled his way back up to her earlobe, suckled the flange of flesh and then stuck his tongue in her ear. “What do you know about Domestic Discipline?”

  His raspy voice was like an aphrodisiac and Mia’s knees nearly buckled. “Not much, just what I read about it and from Becky.” Only the strength of his iron clasp pressing into her belly kept her in place otherwise she would have been on the floor in a puddle at his feet.

  The other hand traveled to her breast. He thumbed one nipple, then the other.

  “Hmm, if you agree to this type of relationship, spanking will most definitely be involved.”

  His touch, his voice made it impossible for Mia to think. She broke away from his hold and moved over to the kitchen table. Ross was here, suggesting they give their relationship another try, but what about Connie? “How does Connie fit in all this?”

  He heaved a sigh. “Connie left for California yesterday. There hasn’t been a woman as special as you in my life.”

  Even though Mia felt better, thinking about him and Connie as fuck buddies didn’t sit too well with her either, but she hadn’t expected him to live like a monk. She had dated throughout the years, but there wasn’t a man who made her pulse leap as Ross had done.

  “I’m not so sure I like this spanking business. It sounds rather old-fashioned and a bit barbaric to me.” Despite her remark, a flare of arousal burned low in her belly. A gorgeous man stood in her kitchen with broad shoulders, six pack abs, and a mouth that could easily tempt a saint. Ross Garrison was pure sex on a stick and he wanted her.

  “Spanking may seem barbaric, but it’s effective. Believe me it does help rid any guilt one might be carrying around in their mind. My dad never spared the rod and neither did my aunt.”

  Mia giggled. “You don’t mean to tell me that your aunt turned you over her knee?” She burst into laughter. “I’m sorry.” She held her stomach and sat down at the table once again. “Aunt Maggie was so tiny and you’re so big. I would’ve loved to have seen that.”

  Ross arched a sarcastic brow. “Don’t get smart. I wasn’t always this big, silly girl.”

  Mia’s laughter died as she pictured another more daunting scenario of him sitting in a chair with a beautiful woman draped across his lap. She didn’t like that at all. Had he spanked Connie? Jealousy reared its ugly head, but she set that emotion aside. She really wanted to give their relationship another try.

  With anticipation and a dash of trepidation, she liste
ned attentively as they spent the next half hour going over the rules. Rules. She needed her head examined. “You know, I don’t see where any of this is fair to me.”

  Ross studied her intently. “Like what, for instance?”

  “I’m not allowed to curse.” That sucked.

  “Cursing isn’t lady like,” He stated sternly.

  Mia scowled. “Since when? It never bothered you before.”

  He arched a brow. “It does now.” His dour look dared her to argue further.

  Mia succeeded in keeping her temper under control, but her curiosity and the need to rebel got the best of her and she had to ask. “What about in the bedroom?”

  “That’s different.”

  “That’s bulls- er, crap.” Oops, she had almost broken rule number one. This agreement may be a lot more difficult than she thought, but she was determined to see it through. She’d concentrate on the two of them reconnecting and perhaps having a future together.

  Ross laughed. “Good save. Watching your language will help you.”

  Puzzled, Mia cocked her head to the side. “How so?”

  “You work with the public. I remember the day you came home all upset because you lost your temper and cursed in front of a little old lady. You were so ashamed. You were a teller at the time, now you’re the manager. You need to be extra careful of your language, so this rule will curb your tendency to curse like a drunken sailor.”

  She made a face. She hated when he was right. “Do I get to spank you if you do something wrong?”

  “I’m the only one who delivers the spankings around here. Believe me if I do something to piss you off or, worse yet, hurt you, I’ll more than suffer for it.” His blue eyes twinkled with humor. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. I hate it when you ignore me. It drives me nuts.”

  Mia grinned at him like a Cheshire cat. “You always did. All right, I’ll go along with the rules.” He held up his hand and she frowned. “What now?”

  “Remember, we discuss our concerns. No flying off the handle over every little thing, promise?”

  Mia nodded and stood up. “I promise.” She looked at the clock and frowned. “I need to get ready for work or I’ll be late.”

  “I’ll pack some clothes and see you later tonight.” Ross made his way to the door.

  Mia blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “You’re staying here?”

  “Of course we lived together before.”

  Duh Mia. “Okay, I’ll see you tonight.” She kept her eyes on his jean-clad butt as he walked away. He had a nice ass.

  “Ahem.”

  A whoosh of heat flooded her cheeks. Mia opened her mouth only to close it again. What could she say? He had caught her checking out his ass and instead of being offended, he looked pleased. Typical male.

  Ross retraced his steps and brushed her mouth lightly with his. “If you want, you’re welcome to check out the rest of me when I get back.” He waggled his brows, spun on his heel, and left.

  Chapter Seven

  Lying on the bed with her arms folded behind her head Mia stared at the ceiling. Start fresh, he’d said. Of all the times she had bawled Becky out for agreeing to let Jason rule the roost, and now here she was doing the exact same thing.

  Ross arrived around seven o’clock that evening with a duffle bag in hand and a huge smile on his face. They sat on the couch and watched some television. After a while, Mia announced she was going to bed.

  A half hour had passed when she heard him fumbling in the small, cramped bathroom down the hall. For a man of his size he probably couldn’t twitch a finger without knocking something over. She waited until she could hear the water running before she rummaged through the closet in search of an extra blanket and pillow. She raced to the small living room and set the bedding on the couch hoping he’d take the hint. Yeah, they may have agreed to try again, but that didn’t mean they’d be sleeping together. She’d nip that notion in the bud pronto.

  Do you really want to do that? Mia cursed and glanced down at the front of her shirt. Sure enough, the girls stood at attention.

  Mia rolled to her side and shoved her hands under her chin. Damn, her nipples were still hard. She was more aware of the man now than she had ever been. He had certainly filled out in all the right places. Wide shoulders, narrow waist and long legs. Her libido wouldn’t be able to ignore such a mouth-watering male bunking just a room away from her for long and she’d end up making a fool of herself. But oh, how she wanted him in her bed, lying next to her, holding her, kissing her all over her body.

  Sweat beaded on her forehead and she kicked off the blankets. Cripes, it was hot in here. She swung her legs to the floor and stomped over to the thermostat on the wall by the door. She’d turn it down a degree or two. She reached out to lift up the clear cover when a loud bang vibrated throughout the apartment. She yanked back her hand as if she had been shot.

  “Mia! What did I tell you about leaving your shoes laying around where someone can trip over them? Damn woman, I almost went through the shower wall.” Footsteps pounded toward her room.

  Uh oh. With a squeak, Mia dove back into bed and pulled the blankets up over her head. The footsteps ended at the foot of her bed and she squeezed her eyes shut. Maybe he’d believe she had fallen asleep and by morning she’d cook him a hearty breakfast and everything would be forgotten. Ross did love her cooking.

  Mia tensed and stayed as still as she could. It was roasting under the blankets and she wasn’t sure how long she could hold out. She bit her lip as a bead of sweat trickled down between her breasts. Unable to take the heat any longer she shoved the blankets to her waist.

  “How dare you come into my room without knocking, you louse.” Her eyes widened in shock as the ‘louse’ stood there wearing a pair of boxers and nothing else. What a magnificent chest. He held a pink sneaker in one hand, but her attention dropped to the enticing bulge tenting those boxers.

  “Oh, this louse is about to dare a lot more.” He stalked out of the room only to come back with the blanket and pillow she had left on the couch. He dropped them on the chair in the corner of the room. “Thanks, but I won’t need these tonight or any other night.”

  “The hell you won’t.”

  “That’s strike three.

  “Last I heard one and two came before three,” she fired back angrily.

  “Are you deliberating testing me, young lady?” Did he honestly expect her to answer that question? “Strike one, you left your shoes lying around. Strike two is for swearing. It’s not ladylike.”

  “Screw lady like, and don’t lecture me on where I put my shoes and you are not sleeping in here, so get that thought right out of your head.” Winded, Mia took a deep breath. “What’s strike three?” She had to ask.

  Ross shook his head in dismay. “Ordering me out of your bedroom. Geez, you’re starting off this night with a bang for sure. Did you forget about our agreement already? You’d follow the rules and the rules include putting things where they belong.”

  He had her there. She did agree to the rules. “Can’t we start this agreement tomorrow?” Hopefully he’d relent. The bulging vein at the side of his right temple could pop at any moment and her butt would surely pay the price.

  “Nope. And what’s with the outraged ‘maiden’ act? We slept together before. How is our relationship supposed to work if we don’t resume where we left off?” He had the audacity to wink.

  Mia saw red. So that’s what this so-called trial relationship was all about. He wanted sex. Heedless of her short silk nighty she scrambled to her feet and stood on the bed, her hands fisted on her hips. “Why you low down bastard, that’s why you wanted to try again. You want sex.” She hopped off the bed like a bunny, stomped over to the doorway and swung the door wide open. “Get out. If it’s a casual fuck you’re looking for then go after your Barbie doll.” She stopped to catch her breath and made the mistake of gloating right in his face. A shiver of apprehension shimmied down her spine. Oh my, a tic now joi
ned the vein, and both were throbbing in unison.

  Ross took one step toward her and Mia let out a scream. He raised his brows. “Save your voice, I haven’t even touched you…yet.”

  Whoa! That remark spoke of unpleasant consequences, intended for her person. Mia sidestepped away from the door, made a wide arc around Ross and raced to the other side of the bed. “Now, Ross, calm down. I’m just surprised. I didn’t expect you’d want to sleep in the same bed.” That’s a lie. Her senses had been on overload wondering how the sleeping arrangements would be brought up.

  Ross kept coming, his face a mask of fury, hands clenched at his side. If Mia weren't so nervous about a spanking, the situation would be laughable. He approached her clad only in a pair of boxers and a pink sneaker dangling from his forefinger. He was a tall man, his legs much more defined with muscle and sinew. Each step caused a flex and a ripple. His wide chest sported a smattering of hair that narrowed into a treasure trail gracing his six-pack abs only to disappear beneath his boxers. And those lip smacking thighs. If he caught her she’d become acquainted with those thighs very soon. Her belly quivered with both fear and excitement at the unknown.

  Ross moved quickly and Mia leapt onto the bed, scurried across the mattress and landed on the other side. Survival tip number one, keep the bed between them until he had a chance to cool down. Cripes, the man’s nostrils were actually flaring. They stood there staring at each other for a few moments, the silence deafening. Suddenly he burst into action. Mia let out a shriek as he pounced on the bed rolled to his side and landed directly in front of her.

  He picked her up by the waist, sat down on the edge of the bed and turned her over his lap. Mia’s breath whooshed as she found herself dangling over his knees, her face nearly planted on the floor. She kicked out her feet and pounded his legs with her fists. “Let me go you big bully. You can’t spank me.”

  “Is that right? That’s it, darling, keep kicking. You’re giving me quite a show.”