“Maybe not, but I want you to feel every step across that stage tomorrow and remember what sort of behavior is expected from you, even if I’m not around,” he said plainly.
In the quiet space between the bar and the park, my thoughts had been swinging wildly between giving Sam a piece of my mind and suddenly crying over his blatant disregard of my confession. I’d poured my heart out on that paper and he was acting like nothing happened. His promise to spank me wasn’t on my radar. I hadn’t technically broken a rule. But I had been disrespectful and refused to follow what he told me to do at the bar. Okay, one broken rule. Sort of.
Sam had no clue what was bubbling around inside me since I also refused to bring up the topic on my mind. The hope that had lifted me all night was quickly becoming sadness. Following him to a small bench near the creek, I sat down. It was probably the last time I’d sit comfortably for a few days. He joined me, wrapping one arm around my waist and setting me across his thighs.
If he didn’t feel the same way about me, why the hell was he so determined to punish me? I didn’t talk much since I was very trapped in my head.
“You’ve got a lot of plans, sweetheart. Don’t mess them up because you’re scared.”
“It’s not that,” I whispered but didn’t elaborate. My stubborn body betrayed me as I relaxed into his lap. Sam rubbed my back for a moment before striking my right butt cheek several times in a row. His palm stung, but the smacks weren’t as harsh as they would have been with his belt. I shifted, trying to find a better position, but he moved me back against his chest.
Sam held me in place, and it felt like everything he wasn’t going to give me.
“We are not done yet, sweetheart. In fact we’re just getting started. Settle in,” he growled.
That husky growl of his that usually dampened my panties with arousal. Though I was upset, it happened anyway. True to his word he focused his onslaught on my left butt cheek and then the fullest part of my ass. I squirmed but he held me fast.
“You got your point across, Sam.”
“I very much doubt that, Mickie.”
Sam scissored his leg across mine and continued his punishment. My poor thighs ached from his palm dancing across them.Great.I really would feel every step tomorrow. He couldn’t have planned it better if he tried.
I bit into my lip to keep from shouting when Sam spanked my sit-spots. They hurt the most. Knowing he wouldn’t stop until he was done, I let my body go limp. I didn’t cry though, since once I started everything would come pouring out, purging itself from my heart via my eyes.
“I’m sorry for not listening, Sir,” I managed. “I shouldn’t have been drinking. I shouldn’t have disregarded your order. I apologize for arguing with you in public.”
He unhooked his leg from across mine and sat me up. “You’re forgiven, Mickie.”
Sam leaned forward to kiss my temple, but I stood up. I couldn’t see his features very well in just the moonlight, but it didn’t matter if he was confused. Usually, I needed lots of cuddles while I cried against his chest. That I was on my feet this quickly after a spanking wasn’t my typical behavior.
“I’m ready to go now,” I announced.
“Is something bothering you? I’m not mad that you were at the bar. I’d really like for you to enjoy the success you’ve worked so hard for. You’re going to shine up on that stage, Mickie.”
“Please bring me home.”
“We can sit for a few minutes.” He stood up and took my hand.
I tugged out of his grasp. “I’m tired.”
“All right, sweetheart.”
Without offering any further explanation, I turned and walked away. Though he had spent so much time helping me stay out of my head the past few years, and kept me thriving even when I wanted to act out, all that was over. He should have at least acknowledged my letter in some way. Even though he clearly didn’t feel the same.
After this weekend, I’d be in a new city away from Brighton Creek.
Away from my friends. Away from Sam.
My heart broke into a million pieces when I reached his truck, but I had a whole future to look forward to.
Chapter One
Mikayla
Driving back home raised a lot of emotional gunk to the surface that I didn’t want to think about. The ride wasn’t daunting; I liked the quiet cadence of tires on pavement, while sights became more familiar as I reached the outskirts of my hometown. But it had been snowing heavily for the past twenty minutes, making it harder to see. Glancing at the radio dial to find music instead of a late-night talk show had me distracted for longer than I should have been. My car suddenly slid on the icy pavement and skidded off to the side of the road. Though a bit shaken, I pulled back into the lane.
The storm had hit earlier than expected, but in another twenty minutes or so, I’d be in the heart of town atMimi’s Bed and Breakfast. My best friend Bonnie ran the B&B along with her fiancé, Judd. They were eagerly awaiting my arrival at the end of the week. I’d wanted to surprise them by showing up early, but the slick conditions were threatening to hinder my plans.
