“Aye, you most certainly did, and I’ve never forgotten it.”
“I believe I also said you were advertisin’ somethin’ that wasn’t available, and that when it was available, it was mine. Do you remember that as well? Do you remember me warnin’ you to behave while I was gone?”
“Aye.”
“And have you?”
“Mostly.”
“I’m sorry, darlin’, but mostly won’t do. If I don’t follow through, you won’t heed me next time.”
“How was I supposed to know you were serious? I was only a wee lass.” Sean glanced at her pouting face as he backed out of the parking space.
“So you were ‘only a wee lass’, in those shorts that showed the curve of your cheeks? Were you ‘a wee lass’ the other night as well?”
“No, then I was just stupid,” she admitted with a sigh. “Can I have a fresh start?” she asked hopefully.
“Of course,” he replied as he watched her face break into a satisfied smile. “Each spankin’ ends with a fresh start. I don’t hold grudges, but repeat the same offense and the results won’t be to your likin’.”
“Right now you’re not to my likin’,” she spat. “A man who hits a woman is no man.”
Sean growled and pulled the car to the side of the street slamming it in park. “I don’t hit women, not you, not any woman. What you’ll get from me and what you’re headin’ for right now is a trip over my knees.”
Turning in his seat, he reached out and took her shoulders in his hands, pulling her close. “I love you, lass, and I always have. Most likely I always will, but you’re not goin’ to bedevil me. You have a spankin’ comin’ for the risks you took the other night, and you’re damn well goin’ to get it. The other stunts you pulled while I was away…I’ll let them go, but not this one. You need to know I mean what I say and have no doubts about it.
“There won’t be any silent treatment in our home. Whatever differences we have we’ll settle before bed, one way or another. Do you understand?” he demanded.
“Aye,” she breathed, held by his eyes as well as his grip.
“And another thing, you’re to stop tryin’ to antagonize me right now or I’ll warm your britches right here. Believe me, you’ll be sleepin’ on your tummy if I do,” he informed her.
“Okay,” she replied softly.
“So we’re all right?” he asked, letting his grip relax.
“Aye, kiss me,” she said, licking her lips.
“What?”
“Kiss me, O’Malley,” she repeated breathlessly.
“Why?” he asked suspiciously.
“I need to know if you’re worth it,” she answered.
Chapter Four
Sean thought about it. It seemed he’d wanted to kiss her for the longest time, but he’d waited, planned to wait until she was eighteen. He didn’t want to do anything to damage her reputation, although she’d done that herself the other night.
Her soft pink lips were parted, her eyes wide in anticipation. He could see the rapid rise and fall of her breasts between the open panels of her coat. At some point her hands had moved to his chest and now clutched his shirt.
Inside the dark car, her hair swirled around her shoulders, nearly black without the sun’s light turning it to flame. That was how he liked it best, but this was pretty too. It gave her a mysterious look.
He waited a second too long. Her hands opened, her flattened palms pushing against his chest. She was insulted, embarrassed, he could see that instantly. She thought he didn’t want to kiss her, when in reality he’d thought of nothing else for more than three years. Refusing to let his hesitation ruin the moment, he tugged her across the distance separating them and pulled her onto his lap.
“I’ve changed my mind,” she stated, struggling to get away.
“Now that’s a cryin’ shame,” he replied, gripping her firmly with his left arm and holding her in place. His right hand brushed across her smooth cheek and cupped her head as he slid his fingers into her hair. Tipping her face up to his, he slowly lowered his head, brushing her lips with his. She quivered and tried to turn her face away. He didn’t let her. Instead he kissed her again, with more pressure and longer, much longer.
