She leaned forward, dropped her voice. “Sure, handsome. That means you do want to see me again, even if it’s for a medical reason.”
I stared at her. “Don’t call me anything but my name. If there’s nothing else pressing then you need to go home. Take your mug with you. Drive safe.”
She washed her mug in the sink and wrapped it in paper towels. Though she didn’t thank me, I could see that she appreciated the sentimental item. Crystal stepped to my feet and boldly planted a kiss on my cheek which I wiped off with my hand. The gesture didn’t deter her in any way. I followed her to the door. She saw her things were dry, warmed by the fire, but put them on without any acknowledgement.
“See you later, Sam.” She glided out of the door without another glance. I locked the door before walking into the living room. Mikayla sat on the couch, quiet as a mouse.
“Did you hear our conversation, babygirl?”
“Why would I care what she has to say to you?”
“That’s not an answer.”
“No, okay?” She huffed. “I didn’t. I’m pissed off about the situation I’m in. I don’t have the energy to care what Brighton Creek Barbie—” Her eyes widened and she slapped a hand over her mouth.
I bit the inside of my cheek. Harsh, but not entirely inaccurate. “Something’s up with her,” I said, settling onto the couch beside her and pulling her into my side. “But I’ve got no idea what it is. Now, tell me what’s really bugging you?”
“I’m overwhelmed. It’s a lot. I just want to forget everything.”
“Well,” I said, giving her hand a squeeze, “I can help with that.”
She bit her lip, maybe regretting the little jab she’d thrown earlier, but finally nodded. “I shouldn’t have pushed.”
“No, you shouldn’t have. I’m starting to think that you need a hot bottom every day.” She shifted across my lap without another word. I left her pants in place—this wasn’t a punishment, only a reminder—and brought my palm down on the sit spots.
“Ouch!”
I gave her a couple more across each cheek, then a firm one dead center. She whimpered softly. “I’d rather give you a dozen orgasms instead of a dozen spanks. I’ll do whatever you need, but I’d really like you to trust me enough to listen.”
“I know, Sam. I understand. Besides, I told Bonnie what a brat I was,” she murmured, turning back to climb into my lap again. “I’m pissed that she told the whole town I was back even if she didn’t mean it.” She caught herself. “I mean that I’m visiting. I’m back to visit.”
I kissed her temple. “Try not to worry. Bonnie is a gossip queen, but she usually doesn’t mean to be one. We’ll figure it out. Together.”
Chapter Five
Mikayla
A loud knock sounded, and I glanced toward the front of the house. Sam followed my gaze. We both sighed at the random interruption especially when the roads were supposedly not clear.
“I should install a revolving door,” he said, standing to answer it while I followed curiously. I saw Bonnie, the future Mrs. Judd Carver, standing on the stoop. Behind her Mr. Carver was walking up the porch steps with an exasperated look on his face. I was certain she’d dashed from his monster of a truck to the door before he’d even unbuckled his seatbelt.
Bonnie launched herself at me. “Bestie! I missed you!” She let me go only to throw her arms around Sam's neck. “Thank you for rescuing my maid of honor before my wedding! I’m so lucky that she found you, especially with the weather like this.”
Judd shot Sam an apologetic look. “I’m perfectly happy to let Mickie stay here, for the record, but Bonnie insisted on picking her up.”
After my first spanking, I texted Bonnie, giving her all the little details and complaining about how ridiculous it felt to be over his knee like a teenager again. Bonnie must have decided to come out and get me. I shouldn’t have exaggerated about the spanking, especially since I’d neglected to mention that I had actually challenged Sam.
“We’ve got so much to do!” Bonnie jumped up and down, taking my hands in hers, though she was careful not to jerk my injury.
“Mickie needs to take it easy for at least another day,” Sam mentioned.
“I’ll get my stuff.” I paused to let Bonnie catch up as I headed up to the guest bedroom. As Sam mentioned, Nash had taken it upon himself to gather all my belongings out of my car and dropped them off for me. It was like a reminder at each turn that everyone still cared about me. Well, everyone but Crystal.
“You sound upset. Are you okay?” Bonnie raised an eyebrow as she looped her arm through mine.
“I’m fine, sorta. I don’t know, bestie. There’s a lot of gunk in my head again. I also really hate Crystal. Please tell me she won’t be at your wedding? She’s such a bitch.”
“She’s not that bad, actually. But I don’t mean that it’s okay for her to treat you badly. What the fuck did she do this time?”
