The Engagement

The Engagement By Amity Maree

The Engagement By Amity Maree Published by ABCD Webmasters Copyright 2005 by ABCD Webmasters & Amity Maree All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be translated or reproduced in any form without written permission from the copyright owner(s) For more books by Amity Maree & the best spanking fiction on the Net, visit:

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Chapter 1 She was the type of woman who turned heads when she walked into a room. It wasn’t her stature; she was extremely petite. But she carried herself with an innate pride and self-confidence that gave others to know that this was a woman who commanded respect. Her red hair was long and flowing down her back in an elegant abundance of thick curls; and those green eyes of hers missed very little. They were eyes that could build you up until you were floating, or narrow in displeasure and leave you a crumbled mess of broken bits lying on the floor at her feet. She dressed entirely in black, from the long sleeved silk blouse, the narrow short skirt, the sheer black hose, and the black three-inch heels gracing her tiny feet. Cody watched as she approached his table in the dining room of the posh hotel. She stopped beside his chair and looked down upon him with a look that was both challenging and derisive. Her head was tilted a bit to one side, her chin definitely hiked up a notch in stubbornness, and one delicate eyebrow arched as if to say, "I’m here. What are you going to do about it?" She was the type of woman who made Cody’s right palm itch with the nearly uncontrollable urge to apply a spanking to the nicely rounded part of her anatomy covered by the snug fitting skirt. Cody slowly got to his feet, and resisted smiling when her expressive green eyes followed him to his full height of six and a half feet. He could see that his size intimidated her, and he was glad. This woman was the indirect cause of his present problem with Matt, and they weren’t going to leave here without a very definite understanding. "Miss Jericho, you’re late," he looked at his watch pointedly. "I am not the one who initiated this meeting without proper notice, Mr. Graves. I do believe that I explained I have a heavy schedule today, and that the only reason I agreed to

see you at all is because you are Matt’s brother. I suggest that you stop wasting my time and come straight to the point. I have twenty minutes before I’m leaving for my next appointment." She was gutsy. He’d have to give her that. Most women would have stammered out an apology. "Sit down, Miss Jericho," he said firmly. "You will take the time to eat lunch," he stated with conviction, and motioned for the waiter to come. He watched her green eyes glitter in pure temper as he ordered for both of them. "That was terribly high-handed, Mr. Graves. I’m perfectly capable of ordering for myself." "You are also capable of being on time for a meeting, Miss Jericho," he replied. "What do you intend to do about this engagement?" he demanded abruptly. "Wish Becky and Matt well?" she shrugged eloquently. "What do YOU intend to do?" "You cannot possibly be serious? They aren’t old enough to get married! Becky is only a freshman; Matt has to finish this year of college, and has veterinary school after that." He frowned. "They’ve only been dating for four weeks! I blame your sister for this, Miss Jericho." "My sister?" the redhead retorted. "I blame your brother! He is the one who swept Becky off her feet with stories of unending love, and the ‘I can’t wait to have you’ routine!" "Your sister is looking for a husband, period. I expect you to have a talk with her and persuade her to call off this engagement." "You have a lot of nerve, Mr. Graves!" she said in a low voice. "This whole engagement was Matt’s idea. You talk to him and explain about cold showers. I don’t want Becky’s life ruined by your brother!"

Cody’s cell phone picked that moment to jingle. He took it from his pocket, flipped it open and barked, "Cody Graves!" His face relaxed a bit, and he said, "Well, yes, I am in Chicago." He listened, and then said patiently, "Of course I’m here to discuss this engagement with Sabrina. I’m worried about you. Marriage is a big step, Matt! And I don’t think you’ve given it enough thought." He listened again, then nodded, "That sounds like a great idea. Let me ask her." Cody put his hand over the receiver and looked at the openly curious redhead. "Matt suggested that the four of us go camping for a few days. He says it would be a chance for us all to get to know each other, and discuss their engagement. Are you up for it?" he dared her. Sabrina Jericho nodded solemnly, then whispered, "I’ll do anything necessary to keep my sister from marrying into your family! Just give me a date and I’ll clear my schedule." Cody discreetly ended the call as the server was placing plates of fresh spinach salad in front of them. He told Sabrina the dates she would need to clear, and then told her he would schedule her flight and pick her up at the airport. He could see she was less than thrilled at the prospect of a week of camping out in the open, but, like him, she was willing to do whatever it took to protect her younger sibling. He picked up his fork and started eating his salad, then realized she wasn’t eating. "You will eat lunch, young lady," he said firmly. He hated it when people picked over their food. Sabrina calmly stood, then smiled disarmingly. In the next second, she’d emptied her salad over the top of his head. "I don’t like spinach; I don’t like you; and I don’t like your overbearing, pompous attitude, Cody Graves." With those final words, she walked from the dining room, her head held high. ***** Sabrina took a deep breath as the small plane landed on the private airstrip and steeled herself to meet the

aggravating Cody Graves in person again. The only thing that would make the meeting bearable at all was the presence of Becky and Matt! And Becky had promised they would be there to cushion her arrival at the Circle G Ranch. But to her dismay, she saw only one person standing beside the jeep, and there was no mistaking Cody Graves tall, imposing figure as he leaned against the vehicle, waiting on her to dismount. The pilot quickly put her bags in the back of the waiting jeep, and then waved a goodbye to Cody. Within a few short minutes they were all alone, and all Sabrina could think of was how she’d dumped her lunch all over his head two weeks ago in an uncharacteristic fit of temper. "Miss Jericho," Cody said coolly, his dark eyes sweeping over her and taking in the expensive slacks and sweater she wore. "I hope you brought something a bit more practical than what you’re wearing now?" "I’ll be fine, Mr. Graves," she snapped, then demanded, "Where is Becky? And Matt, too, of course." "Their flight was canceled. Couldn’t get one out until tomorrow morning." "Why didn’t you let me know? I could have taken a room at a hotel and come out here with them in the morning." "Matt made me promise to collect you and keep you company, Miss Jericho. Not exactly my idea of fun, but I’m on vacation this week." He shrugged, and then pointed to the other side of the jeep. "Climb in and put on your seat belt." Sabrina mumbled under her breath, but did as he said. There was no place else to go! He watched pointedly, refusing to start the jeep until her seat belt was firmly in place, and then, to her shock, he reached over and tested it to make sure it was properly locked. "As little as you are, one good bounce, and you’d find yourself flying through the air."

"I’m not that little!" she immediately bristled. Cody looked at her incredulously, and then burst out laughing, his genuine humor making her smile in spite of herself. "Darlin’, you’re just about the littlest lady I’ve ever met!" he replied, and Sabrina quickly picked up on his Texas drawl. How had she missed that before? But, then he didn’t resemble the man she’d met in Chicago. Gone was the expensive suit, and in its place was a pair of faded jeans, scuffed boots, a blue chambray shirt, and a tan hat that had seen better days. He also hadn’t shaved in a couple days, and far from being repulsed, she found the beard quite sexy! He drove the jeep with skill, and Sabrina had to admit the trip was bumpy. Her poor bottom was beginning to feel numb by the time she spotted the ranch in the distance. At first sight, she was duly impressed. The barns were in as excellent condition as the house itself, and she found herself anxious to see inside the elegant home. "This is nice," she commented as he parked the jeep. "It’s home," Cody nodded, then grabbed her bags and motioned for her to precede him up the walk to the back door. "Aunt Maisie, we have company," he called out cheerfully, and a little, plump, white-haired woman came bustling into the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. "Cody, you know better than to bring guests in through the back door!" she scolded, then walked over to take Sabrina’s hand in hers. "Welcome, Sabrina. I hope you will enjoy your stay with us. Cody, you take her bags up to the lilac room. Would you like to freshen up, dear, or have a bite of something to hold you until dinner?" she asked with a smile. "I’d like something cold to drink," Sabrina admitted, feeling comfortable with the woman. "So would I!" Aunt Maisie enthused, busting to the

refrigerator and removing a frosty pitcher of lemonade. Have a seat at the table, and we’ll chat a bit." Sabrina sat down, and accepted the cool drink, taking a sip. "Mmmmm, this is good. Thank you." Cody joined them again, and sat at the table, his dark eyes looking her over appreciatively. "Here’s your lemonade, dear. Take your hat off at the table. Sabrina will think you were raised without table manners." Cody smirked at that, but he did remove his hat. "I think Sabrina is the one who could do with a lesson in table manners," he said slowly, his dark eyes resting on her meaningfully, and letting her know that he hadn’t forgotten her temper tantrum in the hotel’s dining room. "What a perfectly dreadful thing for you to say to a guest, Cody! Whatever has come over you?" Aunt Maisie scolded, her blue eyes full of shock. "Never mind, Aunt Maisie. I’m sure that Miss Jericho will mind her manners while she’s here." He gave her a smile full of meaning as he said, "Don’t imagine I would let it pass a second time. I’d probably find it necessary to do a bit of schooling." The way he held his hand gave Sabrina to know he was threatening her with physical chastisement. "You needn’t worry, Mr. Graves," she forced the words to sound civil out of consideration for the elderly woman watching them with a concerned expression on her kind face. "I rarely repeat myself." She got to her feet and turned to Aunt Maisie. "If you’ll tell me where my room is, I would like to freshen up." Aunt Maisie took the young redhead to her room, showed her the private bath off her room, then told her that dinner would be served at seven. Sabrina thanked her, and once the door was closed behind the elderly woman, she let her breath out slowly and threw herself down on the large bed to think. The big man had threatened to spank her! His

words shouldn’t have come as such a shock to her, especially after Becky told her Matt’s reaction to the news that she’d dumped salad over his older brother’s head. Matt had told Becky that he couldn’t believe his big brother had let her walk out of the dining room without taking her over his knee and raising blisters on her butt. She’d laughed when Becky confided in her, and bravely announced that no man would DARE do such a thing to her. But, in her heart, she knew the words were pure bravado as surely as she knew she was attracted to the man in spite of his attitude toward women! Ever since Becky mentioned spanking to her, she’d been having nightly dreams of upsetting Cody to the point he would take her over his knee, bare her bottom, and apply his hand to her until she was crying and begging him to stop. She always awoke from these dreams feeling as though she was on fire, and that Cody was the only one who would be able to quench her need. Why would a woman with her strength want a man like Cody? she asked herself yet again. Wearily, she closed her eyes and fell asleep. ***** "All right, young man!" Aunt Maisie declared as she sat across from her nephew. "Just what was THAT all about? Sabrina is a guest in this house, and I’ve NEVER heard you talk to a guest in that manner! Why, you threatened to spank her!" Maisie was shocked. "Yes, ma’am, I did," he agreed, his dark eyes twinkling in the face of his aunt’s umbrage. "And I’ll do more than threaten if she ever dumps a plate of food over my head again!" he added darkly. "Oh my! She didn’t?" Maisie’s face was a mask of disbelief. "What ever for? Was it an accident, dear?" Maisie was always willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt. It was one of her most endearing qualities, but Cody

wasn’t about to cover for the feisty redhead. "No, it was not an accident. The little brat stood up, picked up her plate, and emptied it over my head." "Oh my!" she looked at him in dismay, and then started giggling. "I can’t believe she did that to you! Why, I would have been scared to death if I was as little as she is!" "That one isn’t afraid of anyone or anything, Aunt Maisie," he grinned. "You like her, don’t you?" she asked with the wisdom that comes with living with someone for over thirty-one years. "She’ll do, Auntie. What time is Miss Ethel picking you up?" he asked, wanting to change the subject. "In about twenty minutes, but I don’t know as I should go!" the elderly woman fretted. "Why not?" he asked in genuine surprise. "Aren’t you feeling well?" he was concerned. "I’m fine, young man. I just don’t know about leaving the two of you alone in this house. Matt will have a fit all over you if you go to losing your temper with his Becky’s sister!" "I’m not going to lose my temper, Auntie," he said calmly. "I don’t know…" "I promise I will be a gentleman… unless she dumps dinner over my head. If she ever does that again, she’s getting a spanking, and I don’t care when or where it is, either." "I’ll call Ethel and tell her to forget me," Maisie said decisively. "Auntie, you heard Sabrina. She promised not to do it again. You go and play cards with your friends, and don’t you dare be driving home tonight!" he warned, shaking a

finger at her. "I just might have to cut a switch if you do!" he grinned impishly. He got the expected laugh from his elderly aunt, and then walked her out to the car when Miss Ethel arrived. "You drive careful, Miss Ethel. You got your cell phone, Auntie?" he asked. "We go through this every week, Cody! We’re just old, not stupid, and we were taking care of ourselves long before you were born, young man!" Ethel told him bluntly, just as she did every week. "Yes, ma’am," Cody grinned, and then waved as they left. Now to fix a dinner that Miss "Snooty" Sabrina would eat… ***** "Sabrina…?" she heard a tap on the bedroom door, and woke with a start. "Sabrina, are you okay?" the deep voice was laced with concern. "Yes," she managed to reply. "I fell asleep." "Dinner is almost ready… Can you be downstairs in a few minutes?" he asked politely. "Yes… fifteen minutes," she replied. "Don’t dress up; we’re not formal here," he stated, and then left her to pull herself together. Sabrina piled her hair high on her head, and used the hand held shower attachment to take a quick shower. She toweled off, and then used a scented body lotion. Her make-up was next, and Sabrina kept it simple. She put on a matching bra and thong set, and then donned a soft pale yellow sweater and a floral skirt that swirled just above her ankles. A pair of sandals completed her outfit. She ran a brush through her curls, and then felt she was ready to face the daunting Cody Graves across the dinner table. At least they wouldn’t be alone, and she trusted his serene Aunt Maisie to keep things light and comfortable.

She found Cody waiting at the bottom of the winding staircase, and he smiled in approval when he saw her. "You look pretty, Sabrina," he said. "Did you have a nice nap?" "Yes, I did, thank you. But I feel awful that I didn’t offer to help your Aunt with dinner." "No need to worry over that. You can do the dishes," he promptly announced, then chuckled when she looked at him in disdain. "Of course I will help with the dishes," she announced, wondering why everything from this man’s mouth sounded like a challenge of some sort. When they entered the cheerful dining room, Sabrina was startled to see the table set for two people. "Your Aunt isn’t joining us?" she asked as he seated her. "Aunt Maisie plays cards every Thursday night, and stays in town with her friend, Miss Ethel. They’ve been doing this for years, and I insisted she go on. You aren’t afraid to be alone here with me, are you, Sabrina?" he teased. "Of course not!" she hastily denied, then picked up her fork and attacked her salad. "You’ll notice there’s not a bit of spinach in it," Cody couldn’t resist baiting her a bit. "I noticed," she flashed him an angry look, and wondered how she was ever going to get through the meal with him without losing her temper. "Did Matt say what time he and Becky would be here tomorrow?" "Sometime late morning. Two of the hands took the jeep out and left it for Matt to drive up here when they get in. We’ll have the horses ready, and the gear all packed and ready to go when they get here. We’ve got a five-hour ride

to get to where we’ll be making camp. You DO ride, don’t you, Sabrina?" he asked in sudden apprehension. "I’ll manage," she looked him in the eye. "If you don’t ride, the trip could be tough on your butt," he warned. "Let me worry about my butt, thank you very much!" she snapped. "Why are you so darned testy, Darlin’?" he asked evenly. "I know you aren’t thrilled with the prospect of camping for a week, but we agreed this was the best way to drive a wedge between the kids. At least that’s what you said in your emails?" "I don’t want my sister getting married until she’s had a chance to live her life and see the world. Your brother is the first boy she’s been serious about, and we all know that it can’t possibly last. She will hate camping, and whine about it, and that will be the end of it. I’m just here to pick up the pieces when he breaks her heart." "When he breaks her heart?" Cody repeated. "What about Matt’s feelings?" "He’s older than she is. I’m sure he’s had other girlfriends?" she scoffed. "You’ve never even met the kid, lady," Cody felt his temper rise. "He’s never asked a girl to marry him before. I don’t want to see him hurt either." Sabrina heard the sincerity in Cody’s words, and she nodded, "You’re right, of course. I haven’t met Matt, just as you haven’t met Becky. We need to stop making assumptions." Cody nodded in agreement. "We’re both worried, and with good reason, but we need to work together if we’re going to

prevent the two of them from making a mistake that will affect their whole lives." He changed the topic of conversation, and Sabrina found herself relaxing a bit, as she ate her salad. Cody got to his feet and carried their salad dishes into the kitchen, and returned a few minutes later with generous servings of spaghetti and meatballs. "I hope you like Italian?" he questioned pleasantly, trying to remember his promise to Aunt Maisie. "This looks good," she grudgingly admitted. Sabrina took a taste, and then looked at him in genuine surprise, "This sauce isn’t from a jar." "Nope. It’s an old family recipe," he admitted, pleased she’d noticed. "It’s one thing I never skimp on. If I don’t have time to make the sauce, I fix something else," he admitted. "It’s very good. Just a bit different than Gram’s recipe." She was surprised at how easily they slipped into an easy conversation, and by the time dessert was served, Sabrina was feeling relaxed and in a good mood. Cody walked back into the dining room carrying two dessert plates, and Sabrina groaned when she saw the chocolate fudge brownie topped with vanilla ice cream. "Do you want chocolate sauce or whipped cream?" he asked solicitously. "Nooooooo. This is too much as it is!" she protested, diving into the ice cream and savoring each forbidden bite. "I don’t eat desserts." "Why not?" he demanded, then asked in genuine concern. "You can’t tell me you’re on a diet?" "No, but I am careful what I eat," she admitted. "I can’t remember the last time I had ice cream and a brownie at the same time."

"That’s a bunch of ridiculous drivel," Cody expressed his opinion. "All you women thinking you have to be skinny models! While you’re in my care, young lady, you’ll eat like a normal person, or else… It sure as hell wouldn’t hurt you to put on a few pounds… A good wind would blow you away!" he scolded. "And I can tell you that you won’t be skipping any meals this week, either!" "How dare you!" Sabrina fumed, getting to her feet, and glaring at him. She couldn’t believe his audacity. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had ordered her to "clean her plate"!!!! She was not a child, and she wouldn’t let him treat her like one! "I dare, all right," Cody said firmly. "We lost someone dear because she wouldn’t eat… and I won’t ever let that happen again!" he warned, and then added with conviction, "And if your sister is as fussy an eater as you are, I’ll take her in hand, too!" "And I’ll promise you something, Cody Graves!" she declared, her voice husky with temper. "If you upset my sister or harass her in any way, you will have to deal with me, and I am not a child!" "Then sit down on your chair, eat your desert, and stop stomping your foot with every word you say," he ordered firmly. "You don’t have the right to tell me what to do!" she argued heatedly, then, without giving the possible consequences a single thought, she picked up the brownie on her plate and hurled it at his aggravating head. The chocolate glob hit him square on the nose and bounced off, only to land on the carpeted floor in a crumbled heap. Cody watched as her green eyes widened in alarm as she realized what she’d done. Clearly she was remembering his words from earlier in the day, and her face turned a bright red as she flushed with embarrassment at the thought of being put over his knee. He slowly got to his

feet, not about to disappoint the temper-throwing little brat. She needed a good spanking, and she was damned well and good going to get one. "No!" Sabrina held up her hand in a feeble attempt to stop him from carrying out his absurd threat. "You know you were wrong, Cody Graves! You don’t have the right to tell me what to do!" "Insisting you eat properly is an act of concern, Miss Jericho, " his dark eyes flashed. "Teaching you not to throw food in a fit of temper is something that should have been done years ago!" he told her. "You wouldn’t dare!" she gasped as he stepped toward her. "I not only would dare, Darlin’, I’m going to enjoy every minute of it," he assured her, and then watched her eyes flicker with the intent to run. Sabrina turned to flee, but before she reached the doorway, Cody snagged her left wrist and quickly pulled her over to her chair. He moved the chair farther away from the table, took a seat, and then tossed her over his lap as effortlessly as he would a small child. "Noooo!" she cried out desperately, anxious to avoid the humiliation he intended. "I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have thrown the brownie," she quickly apologized. "Nope. You sure shouldn’t have done that, but right now the only reason you’re sorry is because you want to save your backside," he accused. "Not going to work, Darlin’. I made you a promise, and I’m going to keep it!" He suited action to words, and brought his right hand down on her wiggling bottom with a satisfying crack. "Owwww!" Sabrina gasped in outrage. His hand stung!!! And the soft fabric of her skirt was no protection at all. "Owww!" she yelled again as his hand landed another hard smack.

"Those were just pats, Sabrina," he chuckled. "Now, we’re going to get serious!" He matter-of-factly flipped up her skirt, and then grinned when she screeched in earnest. "Looks like I won’t have to take down your panties, Darlin’," he teased, enjoying the sight. "You have a pretty, little butt, Sabrina. Sort of a shame I’m going to have to make it all red… and even more of a shame you’re going to have to sit a saddle most of the afternoon tomorrow!" "How DARE you do this! I could have you arrested!" she threatened, and then gasped when his hand started spanking. The other two slaps had been mere love-pats compared to the ones landing on her unprotected cheeks now. "Stop!!! It hurts!" she begged, angry with him for treating her like a child. "I am not a child!" she protested. "Nope, but when you act like a child, you deserve to be treated like one. And, it’s supposed to hurt!" he added, giving her right cheek five smacks in one spot, and then moving to her left to give it the same treatment. "Owwww! Owwwwww!" Sabrina tried to throw herself off his lap, but his left arm continued to hold her in place, and kicking her legs wasn’t helping either. She was in this awful position until he decided to release her! At the age of twenty-eight she was getting the first spanking of her life! How embarrassing! It was nothing at all like the fantasy she’d had. This HURT! "Owwww…. Please stop!!!" she begged. "It hurts!!!" When he didn’t show any signs of stopping, she felt her eyes fill with tears, and she bit her lip to keep from shedding them. She was NOT going to give him the satisfaction of making her cry. She simply wouldn’t!!! "Throwing food is not tolerated in this house, Sabrina. Do you understand me?" Cody demanded as he continued spanking her bottom to a rosy glow. "Yes, I understand!" she quickly acquiesced. Anything to stop the painful punishment.

"Do you admit you behaved like a child?" he asked, permitting his hand to spank a bit lower, and hitting the sit spot between her bottom and thighs. "Yeeeouch!!!" she cried out. "Oh stop!! Please!!! It HURTS, Cody! I’m sorry." She knew tears were running down her face now, and she was powerless to stop them. "Answer me!" he swatted her right thigh. "Did you behave like a child?" "Yes! Yes, I did!" "And this spanking is deserved?" he wasn’t going to stop until she admitted it. "Owwww! Owww!!! Yes!" she said, and then started crying in earnest, and just lie limply over his lap accepting the spanking. "Now we’re making progress," Cody agreed. "I’m going to give you another forty hard ones, Darlin’, and then you are going to go and stand in the corner with your skirt held up around your waist, and your butt on display. Is that understood?" "Yes," she cried, then braced herself for the rest of the punishment. Cody didn’t spare the redhead; she was long overdue and he intended to make this a lesson she would never forget. He spanked hard, aware that she was sobbing, until the forty were completed and her bottom and halfway down the back of her thighs were a scalding red and he was sure she wouldn’t sit for a couple days without remembering this spanking. It was a blessed relief when he put her on her feet and led her over to the corner. "No rubbing your bottom, and keep the skirt up, Sabrina. This is the time for you to think of

what you need to say to me when I release you from the corner. And, just so you know, anything less than a sincere apology will tell me you haven’t had enough, and we’ll start again. Do you understand?" Sabrina nodded, still crying too hard to speak. Cody left her alone then, and she could hear him moving around the dining room, cleaning off the table. In the distance, she could hear him loading the dishwasher, and finally, the "normal" sounds soothed her and she was able to stop crying. Her poor bottom and thighs were on fire, and she could only imagine the sight she made standing there on display. She was embarrassed… and yet, she couldn’t blame Cody for taking her to task over her behavior. After a good half hour, Cody walked up behind the redhead, and asked softly, "Do you have anything to tell me, Sabrina?" She nodded. "I’m truly sorry for throwing food at you, Cody. It was childish, and uncalled for… both times I did it. I won’t do it again, I promise." "Do you know what will happen if you do?" he asked sternly. "Yes." "Tell me." He was going to make her say the words. "You’ll spank me again," Sabrina whispered in embarrassment. "Yes, I will, and you will know just how easy I was on you this time," he scolded, then turned her to face him. He took her hands and let her skirt fall over her flaming backside. "One more thing, and then this is all over. I want you to clean up your mess." Sabrina nodded, "I will." When he released her, she spent a few minutes picking up the pieces of brownie off the carpet,

thankful that there didn’t seem to be any stains, and that none of the chocolate was embedded in the fibers. "That looks fine," Cody acknowledged when she was finished. He could see she was still troubled, and he opened his arms wide, wondering if she would come to him for the hug she so obviously needed.

Chapter 2 Sabrina stared at the man standing there with his arms open, inviting her to come to him for comfort. She didn’t stop to think; she crossed the short distance, and let him envelope her within his embrace. She needed his comfort. It had been so long since any man had made her feel so vulnerable… and yet safe. To her dismay, however, his kindness was her undoing, and she found herself crying again. Cody picked the redhead up in his strong arms, and carried her into the den. He sat on the leather sofa, and simply held her and let her cry, his large hand rubbing her back. When she finally quieted, he took out his handkerchief and handed it to her. "Wipe your eyes and blow your nose, Sabrina," he suggested gently. "I’m sorry!" she stammered in embarrassment. "I don’t know what came over me. I never act like this!" "You’ve never been spanked before, either," he said quietly. "No, I haven’t!" She looked at him in confusion. "Why did you do that?" When he raised one dark eyebrow, she quickly added, "I know why you did it, but I don’t know why you bothered. You barely know me." "Maybe I want to know you better?" he surprised himself by admitting. "That’s hardly a way to go about it," she stated with a bit of indignation. The look on his face was one of smug satisfaction, and she didn’t like it one bit. "I’m really not a child."

"No, you aren’t, and it’s long past time someone took you in hand and taught you some manners. I meant what I said, Darlin’. A repeat performance from you will earn you another tanning from me. If you don’t want to be spanked, then behave. It’s that simple." Sabrina was confused, and wanted to escape the dark eyes studying her so intently. "I think I’ll go on to bed…" she tried to get up, but his hand gently forced her back down. "You slept most of the afternoon. Let’s watch a movie," he suggested. When she nodded in agreement, he gently sat her on the sofa, and then suppressed a grin when she gasped as her bottom made contact with the soft leather. He found the movie he wanted, and slipped it into the VCR and started it. "Hope you like John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara…?" he asked politely. "Anything is fine," Sabrina assured him. She didn’t think she was going to be able to concentrate on any movie. Her bottom was hurting too badly, and she doubted she was going to be able to sit here for any time at all. Cody returned to the sofa, and shocked Sabrina by picking her up and settling her on his lap so that her bottom was up off the sofa as much as possible. "Is this better?" he asked knowingly. "Yes," she was forced to admit. She rested her head on his shoulder, and soon she was laughing at some of the antics in the movie, even though she began to suspect where the squabbling was leading. After the first spanking occurred, she found herself blushing, and casting glances up at Cody, but he merely winked and said nothing. When the movie ended after the famous spanking scene, Sabrina was shocked when Cody said, "I picked that movie on purpose, Sabrina. Do you think either of those two females were abused?"

"No!" she admitted, blushing. "Good… neither do I," he said quietly, then added, "If I wasn’t attracted you to, Darlin’, I wouldn’t have turned you over my knee tonight. I might have sent you packing to a hotel, and booked you out on the first available flight tomorrow, but I wouldn’t have taken a personal approach to correcting your behavior." He smiled, and then said, "I would like to pursue this attraction, if you are interested, and somehow, I get the feeling you are? I want to be honest with you from the beginning and tell you that I do believe in spanking. If you can’t handle a man being the head of the house, Sabrina, then it’s best to say a polite ‘not interested, Cody’. You have my word that I won’t take it any further, or ask again." He gave her a few seconds to think about it, and then asked formally, "Sabrina, I am very interested in getting to know you better. Is this acceptable to you? Or are my attentions unwarranted?" Sabrina’s green eyes regarded him steadily, then she smiled decisively, "I think I would like that, Cody. I’m attracted to you, too," she told him, then added, "I knew that the moment I set eyes on you at the hotel." "Is that why you dumped the salad over my head?" he teased. "Partly," she replied truthfully, and then grinned, "I really DON’T like spinach…" "I’ll remember that, Darlin’," he whispered, then claimed her lips with a kiss that was sweet, full of promise, and possessive. Sabrina returned his kiss, delighted with her own response to the touch of his warm lips on hers, until she finally pulled away. "I’m not going to sleep with you tonight, Cody," she said firmly. Cody looked into her eyes, and saw that she was troubled. "No need to worry, Sabrina. I know it’s too soon. You don’t

have to worry that I’ll take advantage of you because we’re here alone." "I didn’t think you would try to force me, Cody," she quickly reassured him. "I just need time to know you first…" "You’ve got all the time you want or need, Darlin’," he promised, picking her up and placing her on her feet, and then standing. "It is late now, and I think we’d better get some sleep. Auntie should be home before lunch… She’ll want to see Matt, and meet your sister… and make sure we’re taking along enough food. If you want breakfast, just help yourself if I’m not around… okay?" Sabrina nodded, and Cody walked her to the winding staircase. He leaned down and gave her another bone melting kiss, then said, "Sweet dreams, Sabrina…" She whispered a goodnight, and then ran lightly up the steps and to her room. She knew she would never be able to sleep! She’d come here to protect her little sister, and felt like SHE was the one in need or protection. How had Cody bridged her defenses and gotten so close to her in such a short time! For goodness sake, he’d spanked her like a naughty child, and promised to do so again if she let him into her life… and she’d agreed!! But, there was something about the man. She was attracted to him in an inexplicable way, a very basic way… It was as though something within her recognized Cody and was drawn to him as a moth to a flame. She knew she was on risky ground, but somehow she had to believe it was fate that drew her here and toward this man. ***** Cody was relieved when he spotted the jeep coming up the long drive. He opened the kitchen door, and called out, "Sabrina, the kids are here!" She came running, and he was stunned again at the transformation in her from the elegant woman he’d met in the restaurant. This Sabrina looked as though she’d been born on a ranch. Her jeans

and boots were not new, and showed obvious signs of wear. He had hopes she would be able to sit a saddle. "Where are they?" she asked breathlessly. "Oh, I see them!" she waved excitedly, then laughed when the jeep came to a stop right in front of them. "Becky!! Give me a hug!" she ordered. "Oh, Bri, you’re here!!" Becky squealed in delight. "I was so afraid you would change your mind!" "Never," Sabrina assured her little sister, then turned to look at Matt. He closely resembled Cody, but had quite a ways to go before he would achieve the maturity Cody possessed. "You must be Matt? I’m Sabrina," she held out her hand and smiled. Matt shook her hand politely, then shook his head. "From the way Cody talked, I expected to see you all dolled up to go camping…" "Matt!" Cody frowned. "Remember your manners." "How could I forget?" the younger man quipped. "I learned them from you, big brother!" He laughed at his brother’s expression, then said, "Cody, this sweet thing is Becky Lou…" "Don’t call me that, Mattie," Becky dug her elbow into his ribs. "Pleased to meet you, Becky," Cody said politely, his dark eyes meeting Sabrina’s amused ones. Becky wasn’t at all what he’d been expecting. She was nearly as tiny as her sister, but her red hair was cut short, and her eyes were blue. Her nose was covered with freckles, and Cody promptly decided he liked her. "You’d better take Becky inside to meet Aunt Maisie, Matt. Then we’ll be on our way." "Right. Come on, brat," Matt grabbed Becky’s hand and

marched her inside the house. Cody looked at Sabrina. "She’s a cute kid, but I still think they’re too young." "I agree," Sabrina replied calmly. Within minutes, they were on their way. Cody was obviously pleased and made no effort to hide it when Sabrina mounted without difficulty and immediately took control of her mount. However, Becky was another story altogether, and finally Matt simply picked her up and plopped her on the saddle, and gave her a stern warning not to fall off. "Oh, I don’t like horses!" Becky whined, looking at Sabrina for sympathy. "Oh, if you’re going to be married to a rancher, Beck, you’ll learn to love them," Sabrina smiled happily. "Yea… right," Becky agreed, looking at Matt and rolling her eyes. After an hour in the saddle, Becky was complaining loudly, and Sabrina could see that Cody was starting to get irritated. In fact, after one more loud complaint, Cody couldn’t keep his mouth shut any longer, "Becky, your sister hasn’t complained once. Why don’t you try relaxing instead of bouncing all over the saddle. Might help. We still have a long way to go." "Couldn’t we just stop for a little while?" Becky turned her blue eyes on Matt and pouted. "Cody, we’d best take a break," Matt called a halt, and before Cody could say another word, he’d stopped, and lifted Becky out of her saddle. The girl stood there and rubbed her backside and complained. Sabrina was a bit shocked by her sister’s behavior. True,

Becky wasn’t used to horses, but still, she was acting like a big baby. "Beck, you need to toughen up. We still have four more hours in the saddle!" "I’ll never make it," Becky declared dramatically, and Matt leaned down and whispered something to her. "Oh, if you insist!" she snapped, and within seconds they were on the trail again. After a lot more complaining on Becky’s part, wheedling on Matt’s, and more scowls than Sabrina could count on Cody’s handsome face, they finally arrived at the spot where Cody wanted to make their camp. When Becky did nothing but flop on the ground, Matt scolded her to get her butt up and help. That brought about another argument of sorts, and Becky stomped off in a huff. "You’d better go after her, Matt," Cody ordered in disapproval, "before she gets herself lost!" Matt grumbled, then went to find Becky. "Your little sister needs a good spanking, in my opinion," Cody muttered darkly. "She isn’t the outdoors type," Sabrina agreed, refusing to get angry. She helped Cody with the tent, then looked up when the two young people returned to camp. "Becky, surely you can gather some firewood?" she suggested. "I’m tired, Bri! I don’t want to!" the little redhead pouted. "I take it you don’t want to eat, either, brat?" Matt asked calmly, reaching down and jerking her to her feet. "Don’t walk so far you can’t see this camp. And get plenty. It will get cool here tonight. You did bring the heavy coat I told you to bring, didn’t you?" "That’s my business, Matthew Graves!" Becky retorted. "And you are my business, Rebecca Jericho. Did you bring a coat?" Matt’s eye’s were snapping, and Cody smiled to

himself. He had to hand it to Sabrina. She knew her little sister well. Matt was already beginning to show signs of dumping the little brat! A few minutes later, Matt took off to find the missing Becky, and Cody shook his head in disbelief as he watched Sabrina slicing potatoes to fry in the cast iron skillet. She already had a chicken roasting on a spit, and kept turning it every few minutes. "This is not your first time camping, Sabrina," he announced. "No, it isn’t. I used to go with my Dad all the time when I was a kid. Becky always stayed behind with Mom." She paused, then added, "This is the first time I’ve gone since they were killed." "How long ago?" Cody asked sympathetically, recalling the loss of his own parents several years ago. "Five years ago. I was twenty-three at the time… and I’ve raised Becky on my own since then." "I did the same with Matt," he acknowledged, and they talked for quite a while. Finally, Matt returned with Becky in tow, and sat her down with a thump beside Sabrina. "Talk some sense into her, please," Matt grumbled. "You are not being nice, Matthew. This is supposed to be fun… and all it’s been so far is nothing but work!" "Beck, this is what camping is all about," Sabrina laughed merrily. "Young lady, if you take off again and get yourself lost, I’m going to cut a switch and take it to you," Cody threatened. "Matt! Did you hear that?" she turned to Matt, her cheeks a bright red. "Cody, Beck is new to all of this," Matt defended his fiancé.

"I’ll keep an eye out for her." "You will not raise a hand to my sister, Cody Graves," Sabrina said in a low voice. "I will not permit it!" She would fight if need be to protect her sister. "In that case, young lady, I’ll give you the same darn thing. And you know I’ll do it, so don’t push me." Cody could tell he’d made a big mistake as soon as the green eyes flashed angrily. Sabrina did not appreciate being reminded of the spanking he’d given her last evening. And, even worse, both Matt and Becky were looking at him strangely. "I’ll make sure the horses are tied securely," he volunteered, and then marched off. "Did anything happen between you and big brother last night, Sabrina?" Matt asked fretfully. "Nope." Sabrina turned the chicken again, and stirred the potatoes. "Why was your flight canceled yesterday?" she asked casually, anxious to change the subject. "Hey, Beck… Come over here… Want to show you something," Matt suddenly called out, and Becky scrambled to her feet, and the two of them went rambling off on their own. Cody came back to camp, and walked over to where she knelt… "Are you mad at me?" he wanted to know. "I don’t want you threatening my sister, Cody. She is new at this… And, the whole point is to let the two of them get disgusted with each other. The more you interfere, the more Matt will feel a need to protect her." "You’re right," Cody surprised her by agreeing. He sat down beside her, and then stroked her arm. "I just don’t want her wandering off again. It isn’t safe, Sabrina." "I’ll speak to her, Cody," she nodded, his touch on her arm making her feel warm and tingly.

"I really would take you over my knee if you wandered off and got lost," he said in a low sexy growl, and in the next moment, claimed her lips with his. Sabrina returned his kisses, while trying to listen for the kids. "Cody, they’re coming," she whispered, breaking away. Cody chuckled at Sabrina’s obvious chagrin, and then engaged Matt in telling fishing stories. The light-hearted banter continued until late in the evening, and then Matt held out his hand to Becky… "Let’s go for a walk, Beck," he winked. Sabrina could see her sister’s blush, and immediately understood that the two young people wanted to be alone so they could make love. She tried not to let it upset her, but there was a big part of her that wished her sister would use more restraint. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask if they were using protection, but something in Cody’s expression prevented her from speaking her mind. Once they were alone, Cody moved closer to Sabrina, and wrapped his arm around her slender shoulders. "How’s your bottom?" he asked softly. "I’m beginning to think I didn’t do a very good job of spanking you last night?" "My bottom is very tender," she replied in indignation. "But I don’t whine, Mr. Graves!" Cody chuckled. "Do you know we made it through three meals now without you once throwing food at me? I’m impressed." "I don’t act like that normally," she insisted, relaxing against him. "I was impressed with our supper tonight," he said quietly, resting his chin on the top of her head. "You are a natural, Bri."

"Thanks. I used to enjoy camping." They talked and talked, and Cody kissed her gently just before they heard Matt and Becky returning to camp. "Guess we ought to be turning in," he said reluctantly, then helped Sabrina to her feet. Sabrina smiled up at him, then turned towards the "girl’s" tent, and watched in mild surprise as Matt said goodnight to her sister. Instead of a kiss, Matt gave her a gentle push towards the tent with a "get your butt to bed, brat". Becky promptly stuck out her tongue, and ducked inside the tent. Sabrina looked at Cody, and his eyes reflected the same mild surprise. Once Matt was inside his and Cody’s tent, Cody leaned over and gave Sabrina a sweet kiss. "Good night, Bri," he said softly. "Sweet dreams." He watched her duck inside the tent, then went to bed, thinking of Sabrina… and all the things he’d rather be doing. Cody found it hard to believe that Becky and Sabrina were sisters. Sabrina did her share of the work, and never complained. Becky whined and complained, and found fault with every little thing… and she constantly picked at Matt. He bit his tongue several times to keep from advising his younger brother to turn the little brat over his knee, but when Becky turned on her sister and started giving her guff, he’d had enough. Without giving it the first thought, he crossed the camp and took Becky’s arm in his hand and turned her to face him. "You apologize to your sister right this minute, young lady, or you are going to feel the flat of my hand on your backside." "Cody!" Sabrina immediately protested. "Stop this…" "Bri, it’s time someone settled this little girl a bit," Cody said softly, not wanting to upset her. "I won’t have her talking to you like this. She owes you more respect than she’s showing right now."

"Rebecca, apologize to your sister right now," Matt said warningly, coming up behind Cody. "No debate… just do it." Sabrina could see tears in Becky’s blue eyes as she looked at her. "I’m sorry, Bri. I’m just in an awful mood and taking it out on you. I’ll stop…" "I understand, honey," she quickly stepped forward to hug her. "Come on, brat. Let’s go for a walk," Matt said firmly, and he led her away from camp. "You aren’t doing her any favors to let her get away with talking to you like that, honey," Cody said gently. "She’s not behaving like herself, Cody. Becky never acts like this. I knew she wouldn’t like camping, but this is beyond anything I expected." She rested her head against his chest when he pulled her close and held her. They stayed like this for several minutes, and Sabrina felt safe and loved in his strong arms. "I’m falling in love with you, Bri," Cody finally broke the silence, marveling at the very idea. "I can’t imagine not having you in my life." "I feel the same way, Cody," she admitted, welcoming his kiss as he claimed her lips gently. The kids returned to camp, and although Becky was a bit sullen, she pitched in and helped, without her usual list of complaints. "I want to take a hike," Becky announced after lunch. "You need to wait a bit, brat, then we’ll all go," Matt replied. "I’m going to help Cody with something down by the creek." "I want to go now!" Becky insisted petulantly. "Too bad, so sad," Matt grinned, and then walked off to find

his brother. "Well, ladida… I’m going now!" Becky decided. "Do you want to come, or are you going to do what the boys say?" "Becky, we don’t know this country like they do…" Sabrina cautioned. "I think you’re scared of old Cody!" "I am not!" Sabrina denied, then shrugged. "We’re adults; we have the right to do as we please!" Two hours later they were helplessly lost, and Sabrina was wondering if Cody or Matt would ever find them. Becky was worried, too. "Beck… I think we need to just sit here and wait on the guys to find us," she finally admitted. They sat down and waited. Cody was starting to get frantic. It would be dark in another hour, and it was already starting to get cold. Neither of the women had their coats with them, and he was beginning to think they weren’t going to find them. Matt had insisted that they would come this way, and was sure they would overtake them by now. Cody raised his voice and called out again, "Bri! Becky!" "Over here!" Sabrina called thankfully! "We’re over here!" Cody and Matt made short work of following their excited voices, and Cody swept Sabrina off her feet to hold her close. "Are you all right?" he asked. "Yes, just cold and scared," Sabrina’s teeth were chattering. Cody took off his coat and wrapped her in its warmth and held her tightly. "You are going to get the spanking of your life for this stunt, young lady!" he promised, his voice husky with emotion. Matt held Becky’s hand and they hurried back the way they

came, and by the time darkness set they were safely back at camp. "What the hell possessed the two of you to take off like that?" Cody demanded angrily. "It was my fault," Becky spoke up. "Bri didn’t want to go, but I talked her into it." "You both need a good spanking," Cody declared. "Bri doesn’t!" Becky insisted. "You both do," Matt glowered, and Becky’s eyes widened when he took her hand and pulled her out into the darkness surrounding the camp, his intention to put the young woman over his knew obvious to everyone, especially Becky, who was protesting and pleading every step of the way. Sabrina chewed on her lower lip. She knew Cody was going to spank her, and she knew she deserved it. "Come here, Bri," Cody ordered. Sabrina walked over to where he stood, and faced him. "Hand me that wooden spoon," he pointed to the one she used to cook with. She bent over and picked it up from the small table, then handed it to Cody. In the next second, he wrapped his arm around her from behind and completely lifted her off her feet. The wooden spoon made painful contact with her bottom, and Sabrina was soon pleading for mercy. Cody eventually dropped the spoon, and continued to spank Sabrina until she was sobbing. Then he scooped her up and sat and held her until Matt returned to camp with a tearful Becky. "Get to bed, brat," Matt pointed to the tent, and Becky went without a single protest. Matt turned in, too. Cody continued to hold Sabrina in his arms until she was sleeping, giving thanks that she was safe and warm. She

awoke some time later, and looked up into his eyes and smiled. "I love you, Cody," she whispered. ***** "Hey, brat! Wake up!" Matt’s large hand landed a hard swat on Becky’s blanket covered bottom. "We did it!" "We did what?" Becky sat up and rubbed her eyes, looking at her roommate accusingly. "Sarah, why did you let him in here this time of morning?" she complained, putting her pillow over her head and trying to hide from Matt. Matt swatted her rump again, then took the pillow away. "Wake up, brat!! Read this!" Matt ordered, his dark eyes full of laughter and triumph. "Our fake engagement worked!! Just like we thought it would!" "They eloped!!! Bri and Cody eloped!!!!! Yes!!!! I KNEW they’d be perfect for each other!" "After the performance you put on, I was afraid Cody wouldn’t be interested in Bri, ‘cause he’d have to put up with you!" Matt teased. "I’ll bet they’ll never ask me to go camping again!" she giggled.

Chapter 3 Matthew Graves leaned back in his seat and tried to relax as the plane left the runway. He hadn’t seen the feisty Becky Jericho in a little over five years, and he fully suspected that Cody and Sabrina had tactfully kept the two of them apart as much as possible since neither of them realized that Matt and Becky were never really engaged, and in truth, had faked the engagement to bring the two of them together. He smiled, remembering what a pain Becky had been on the camping trip, just to make her sister appear all the sweeter to his older brother. He’d thought her clever until she’d taken things too far and managed to get herself and Bri lost. He’d spanked Becky’s little bottom until she was begging for mercy, and she’d never really forgiven him for it. And he wasn’t really sure what kind of reception she would give him now. A few hours later, Matt walked into the hospital, and went to the information desk. He was given Becky’s room number, and he made a stop at the gift shop to buy her a single rose. He paused outside the door, firmly planted a smile on his face, and then walked into the room. There was a nurse standing beside the bed, and it effectively blocked Becky from seeing him. "There’s no shame in taking something for the pain, young lady," the matronly nurse scolded gently. "I don’t like the way it makes me feel," Becky argued. "I’m okay, and I don’t want another shot!" "Still sassy as ever," Matt quipped, and then moved to the other side of her bed. It took considerable effort not to wince at the sight of the bruises on her pretty face. "Hi, Becky Lou!" he teased, knowing how much she hated the dreaded nickname he’d tagged her with so many years ago.

"Mattie!" Becky groaned. She hated having him see her like this. It had been over five years, and this was not at all the scenario she’d pictured over and over in her mind when she’d imagined meeting with him again. She would be glamorous, and he would finally realize that she was a grown woman… Not like this! she fumed. It simply wasn’t fair; adding insult to injury. "Is our patient being uncooperative, nurse?" he asked the woman with a pleasant smile. "She is in pain, and I do wish you could persuade her to take this medication," the woman smiled in return, sensing an ally in dealing with the stubborn young woman. "Bottoms up, Brat," Matt ordered in a firm voice. He gently took her hand and pulled her toward him so the nurse had access to her fanny. "I don’t want a shot!" Becky protested seconds before she felt the prick of the needle. In an instant it was all over, and Matt helped her to get comfy in the bed. "Damn it, now I’ll sleep again…" "You need to rest," he scolded. "You are a horse doctor, not a people doctor!" she retorted, and had the satisfaction of seeing the nurse frown. "I also take care of dogs and kittens, but brats are really my specialty," Matt teased. "Close those pretty eyes, and rest. I’ll be right here when you wake up, Becky." Becky didn’t want to sleep. She was afraid of the nightmares… but the drug worked quickly, and she was soon breathing deeply, oblivious to her surroundings, her little hand resting in his large one. "Sir, I guess I should have asked if you were family before I bared this young woman’s tush?" the nurse was quite upset with what she considered a breech of etiquette.

"I’ve seen Becky’s tush before," Matt said with an understanding smile. "Her sister and my brother are married to each other. That makes her family. I came to care for her and take her home with me. Do you have any idea when she will be released?" "The Doctor hasn’t said anything yet, but I’ll page him and tell him you are here. It’s a shame that something like this had to happen to such a sweet girl. Something needs to be done to protect our teachers from this type of assault!" the woman shook her head angrily. "She’ll be safe now, I promise you that," Matt promised, his dark eyes gleaming. Becky fought through the haze, and finally opened her eyes. Matt wasn’t a dream after all, she realized. He was sitting right beside her bed, still holding her hand, and keeping away the nightmares that had been plaguing her. She smiled, even though it hurt her battered face to do so. "Hi." "Hello. How are you feeling?" Matt asked consideringly. "Like someone worked me over pretty good," she admitted self-consciously. "I must look a sight." "You look like you got the worst end of it," he agreed, and then added, "The Doctor came in and told me that you will be fine. Nothing more than bruises and contusions that will fade. Nothing broken. He said you can leave in the morning." "I don’t know if I want Bri to see me like this, Matt. She’s due any minute now… Don’t want to upset her. Hated that they called her instead of letting me do it…" her blue eyes filled with tears. "She is okay, isn’t she?" she asked fearfully. "Bri is fine, but Cody had to get firm with her to keep her

from coming herself. I know I’m not Bri, but I swear I’ll take good care of you, and I promised Bri to bring you to her right away. She needs to see you, to reassure herself that you aren’t seriously hurt." "I’m okay, Matt," Becky’s chin went up in the stubborn tilt he was so familiar with. "That’s my girl!" he nodded, and then got directions to her apartment, and a list of what she wanted him to pack. "I’ll be here in the morning, Brat. You take your meds tonight, and behave yourself, or I’ll fan your bottom side!" The grin he flashed her was so wicked that Becky couldn’t help giggling. "Matt, thank you for coming," she whispered when he bent to kiss her forehead. She couldn’t help it. The feelings she’d carried for Matthew Graves for the last five years were still very real, and now that he was here, she felt safe. Matt left the hospital, and took a cab to Becky’s apartment. Within a short time, he’d made all the arrangements for a private plane to fly them to the ranch, called Cody and informed him of the time they would be arriving, and reassured Bri that her little sister was badly bruised, but would be fine. He also reported that the teenager who’d assaulted her was in detention, and was not a threat to Becky. He packed her belongings, and decided that he would return to the hospital to check on her and be sure she wasn’t in pain and refusing her medication. The hospital was busy, and Matt made his way to her room… just in time to notice a couple young men glance around, then walk inside. He hurried and stepped inside the room just in time to hear one of the kids threatening Becky with what would happen to her if she testified against the teen who beat her. Becky was livid. "I not only intend to testify against Toby Richards, I intend to file charges against the two of you!" she declared.

One of the boys stepped towards her, his fist raised high, and Matt moved to grab him. Within seconds the boy was lying on the floor, writhing in pain. The other boy turned to run, and Matt grabbed him and put him down. While he was doing that, Becky was calling 911 and climbing out of bed. Within seconds, the room was full of security, and nurses trying to persuade their patient to crawl back into bed. Matt gently picked Becky up and sat in the rocking chair in the corner, holding her close while she shook and cried. "You’re safe, honey. I swear, you are safe. No one is going to hurt you, I promise!" He nodded to the nurse when she entered with a needle, and before Becky realized what was happening, she’d been given a strong dose of her pain medication. By the time the police arrived, she was sound asleep, and Matt answered all their questions. They offered to put an officer outside Becky’s door, and Matt told them that was fine, but he wasn’t leaving her alone. He spent the night in the chair beside her bed, and was there to reassure her when she woke, struggling with nightmares. He insisted the Doctor come in as soon as possible, and by mid morning they were on their way to the Circle G. Matt was convinced that while Becky’s bruises would quickly fade, it was going to take her spirit a long time to heal. ******************** "I wish you would stop babying me, Matthew Graves!" Becky’s quick temper flashed. "I can do it myself!" Matt tried unsuccessfully to hide a grin. "And here I was beginning to think you’d lost your bratty attitude, Becky Lou!" "Every time I turn around you’re hovering over me! I am okay! Got that?" she demanded, putting her hands on her hips and glaring up at him. Matt Graves was the most

aggravating man she’d ever met… and that included his older brother!!! She simply couldn’t for the life of her figure out why she was so attracted to him! "I know that Bri is up in the house fretting over you," Matt reproved. "Why don’t you take your fanny up there and talk to her. I’ll take care of this," he indicated the stall she was cleaning for Bri’s mare, Shelby. "I am not inept!" she bristled. "Didn’t say you were!" "You are implying that I can’t clean a stall!" "The Doctor told you to take it easy for at least a week. Cleaning stalls is hard work. Bri is worrying, and that can’t be good for her or the baby!" he tried reasoning with the little redhead. "She cries every time she sees my face," Becky accused. "I knew I shouldn’t come here until the bruises were gone. But, you had to insist and have your way!" she turned her fury on him. "Bri has a right to be upset over what happened to you, and not talking about it isn’t going to make it go away. You are shutting her out." "There’s nothing to tell!" Becky hurled the words at him, and then threw down the pitchfork she’d been using. She stomped out of the barn, and Matt watched helplessly as she climbed into the jeep and took off in a cloud of dust. "You two fussing again?" Cody asked as he approached the barn. "She won’t talk about what happened, Cody," Matt admitted. "She’s full of fear and anger, and it’s eating her alive, and she is pretending that nothing is wrong."

"Hope she doesn’t drive too far and get herself lost," Cody said quietly. "She’d better not, or I’ll put her over my knee!" Matt promised, wondering not for the first time if a good sound spanking wasn’t exactly what the little redhead needed to snap her out of her destructive self-pity. ******************** Becky finally stopped the jeep and told herself to breathe. There were times she just couldn’t help reliving what happened to her a few days ago, but that didn’t mean she had to burden her pregnant sister with the details. After all, Bri had argued and argued with her against taking the teaching position in the inner city school. She’d been told of the history of violence within the building, but Becky was so sure that she could handle herself in any situation. Toby Richards had taken a serious dislike to her from day one, and it hadn’t improved any over the first few weeks of school, finally erupting into violence when she held him after class and gave him a detention for swearing at another student. She’d never forget the way he’d come at her, enraged, and started beating her with his fists. Fortunately, one of her other students had forgotten her purse, and came back after it, saw what was happening and cried out for help. Becky was convinced that Toby would have killed her if the other teachers who came running to her aid hadn’t subdued him, and she was convinced he’d sent the other two members of his gang to come and finish what he’d started. She was still having nightmares every time she closed her eyes, and the lack of sleep was making her irritable and tense. And seeing the look of pity in Bri’s green eyes each time she looked at her was like a silent reprimand telling her that she’d failed as a teacher. Becky found that particular failure even harder to live with than she did the fear that haunted her sleep. She’d always wanted to be a teacher, but now she was terrified to step into a classroom. How could she admit this to Bri?

Coming here to the Circle G was a big mistake, and she needed to leave, Becky admitted to herself. Bri cried and fussed over her, and Cody gave her the silent treatment in order to keep from upsetting his wife. Matt simply aggravated her and treated her like a helpless invalid. It was obvious that he still considered her a "kid" instead of a woman he could love, and Becky decided it was all too much to bear. She was going to go home. She headed back to the ranch, and was greeted by an angry looking Matt when she pulled the jeep beside the barn, "It’s about damn time you got back! Come with me, and no attitude right now, Brat, or so help me, I’ll spank your butt the very second I have you alone!" he threatened, and Becky instinctively knew the threat was to be taken very seriously. "What is wrong with you?" she demanded, trying to pull her hand free of his grip. "Bri has been in labor for several hours now, and refusing to leave for the hospital until she knew you were back here safe and sound. You put a smile on your face, Rebecca Jericho, and think of someone besides yourself for a change!" "Becky, are you all right?" Bri managed to get to her feet and hug her younger sister. "Yes, I’m fine, Bri! You should have gone on to the hospital…" she said contritely. "It’ll be a while yet, and I wanted to be sure you were here to help Aunt Maisie with the twins. They’re too much for her to handle alone," she whispered for her sister’s ears alone. "I’ll take good care of the twins, sis." At that moment, Bri had another contraction, and Cody helped her through it and then looked at his watch.

"We need to get to the hospital, Sabrina… right now. Either you walk or I’m carrying you!" "Please go on now, Bri. I’m fine, truly. The twins will be well taken care of, I promise. You let Cody take care of you…" Once they were underway, Becky kept busy with the twins. She fed them their dinner, gave them baths, and then tucked them into bed. She found the routine comforting, and it wasn’t until the three-year-olds were sound asleep that she realized that Matt had been right there the entire time, helping her to tuck the little boys in, and even telling them a story that had her giggling, too. "I wonder how Bri is doing?" she asked aloud as they went to the kitchen to find something for their dinner. "She’s probably worrying about you, Brat," Matt stated bluntly. "I want you to give me one good reason why I shouldn’t turn you over my knee and spank the daylights out of you for running off today!" "I didn’t run off," she quickly denied. "That is a lie, Brat," he challenged her. "You’ve been hiding and running away ever since you got here, and I saw the look on your face when you pulled up. You had your mind all made up to leave the Circle G…" "I did not!" she lied. "Don’t reckon I’m going to let you get away with lying to me, Becky Lou," Matt drawled, then took her hand and pulled her across the kitchen to the table. He pulled out a chair, drew her down over his lap, and then smacked the seat of her jeans, once, twice, three times. "Stop it!" Becky wiggled frantically. Matt’s hand landed again and again, and she burst into tears. "Okay! Okay! I was going to leave!" she admitted.

"Stop hitting me!" Matt picked her up and sat her on his lap. "Now we’re getting somewhere. Talk to me, Becky." The words were an order, a warning, and gentle all at the same time. Becky found herself telling the big man about Toby Richards, the hatred in his eyes, the fear that she would be killed, her nightmares, and the shame she felt at failing at her job. Matt just let her talk and cry until everything was out in the open, and then he held her while she gave vent to all the grief she’d been carrying around for the last few days. When she finally stopped sobbing, Matt rubbed her back soothingly and told her that everything would be okay now, and for some reason, she believed him. He told her that she hadn’t failed in any way, and she believed him. She hadn’t done anything wrong, and she’d had every right to be afraid of Toby Richards… and she believed every word he said to her. He also made her promise to call him if she had a nightmare, and promised he would chase it away. She believed him. Then he gave her rounded bottom a gentle pat and swore that if she ever again ran off and stayed away for hours on end without a word to any of them, he would bare her backside and paddle her until she couldn’t sit for a week. Becky glanced up to look him in the eye, and the grim determination she saw there convinced her to believe him! ******************** "Mommy! Mommy!" the twins clamored for Bri’s attention the minute she walked into the house. Sabrina smiled happily, and then leaned down to hug them both at the same time. "Mommy missed you!" she told them, then looked them up and down. "I can see Aunt Becky and Uncle Matt took good care of you!" The little boys crawled up to sit on the sofa with her and

talked a mile a minute, and wanted to see their little sister. Cody helped each of the boys hold Susie for a few minutes, then asked the boys to help him show Susie her new room. Bri’s eyes filled with tears of happiness as she watched the handsome man with his children. "He’s special, isn’t he, Bri?" Becky leaned down to give her sister a big hug and a kiss. "Oh yes, he certainly is," Bri agreed, and then traced a fading bruise on Becky’s face. "How are you?" "I’m doing a lot better now," Becky admitted, and then added, "I’m so sorry I worried you so much, Bri. I was keeping it all bottled inside, but Matt made me talk… and I’m doing okay now. I’d like to stay here for a while, if you don’t mind? I want to teach again, but I can’t go back there." "You’re welcome here as long as you want to stay, Becky," Cody said quietly from behind her. "Where are the boys?" Bri asked worriedly. "Auntie is with them, putting together a puzzle. Little Susie is sleeping soundly… very happy in the ‘princess’ room!" he grinned, and anticipating her next question, he added, "Yes, I turned on the intercom. We’ll hear her if she calls ‘mama’!" The front door shut, and Matt came into the room, frowning. "Darn, I missed the homecoming! How are you doing, Mommy?" he gave Bri a brotherly peck on the cheek. "Fine, and happy to be home!" "Did you apologize to your sister, Brat?" Matt looked at Becky meaningfully. "Yes, Mattie," Becky said to irritate him.

"Did you tell her that I promised you a red butt if you ran off again?" he asked, just to watch her blue eyes light with fire. She was so much fun to tease, and he loved the way she put her hands on her hips to glare at him. He couldn’t abide a wimpy female. "Matt Graves, you are impossible!" Becky sputtered indignantly, and then said, "I’ll go and check on lunch, Bri. I’ll bet you’re hungry for something besides hospital food?" ******************** Becky stormed out of the house, jumped into the jeep, and took off. She’d had it with Matthew Graves. She was tired of his bossy attitude, and tired of his teasing. Why couldn’t he accept the fact that she was a grown woman and treat her the way she wanted to be treated? She might as well be his little sister for all the attention he paid her. Becky drove and drove and drove… and then realized the jeep’s engine had shut off and she was coasting to a stop. She tried and tried to restart it, and when it merely sputtered, she slapped the steering wheel in frustration. A glance at the fuel gauge confirmed that she was out of gas. It would be dark in another hour, and she was at least twenty miles from the house. Resolutely, she started walking. ******************** "I can’t believe she stormed out of here like that again," Matt said through clenched teeth as he saddled his stallion. "Can’t believe she didn’t even have the common sense to check the damned gas gauge, either. I tell you, Cody, I’m going to wear out my hand on her backside this time." "She’s earned it," Cody agreed, and then added, "When are you going to stop treating her like a kid and admit you love her?" "When she stops acting like a Brat," Matt answered levelly, and then mounted. "You tell Bri that I will find Becky, and

she’s not to worry." "If you don’t find her within an hour, Matt, you get back here and we’ll call out a search party," Cody ordered gruffly. Matt nodded in understanding, then rode out at a brisk pace, trying to follow the jeep’s tracks. It turned dark, and he kept plodding forward, hoping he would find Becky, and fully aware that the odds were getting slimmer with every passing minute. He called out again, and thought he heard her answer. "Keep talking, Becky Lou!" he yelled. Becky yelled again, thankful to be found. She couldn’t help remembering five years ago when both she and Bri were lost, and how Matt had paddled her bare backside with the flat of his hand. He said that she’d taken their plan too far and risked their lives in the process, and after he’d warned her to be sensible. She also couldn’t help remembering what he’d said to her the day Susie was born… Surely he wouldn’t… but she knew he would. "Are you all right, Becky?" Matt asked worriedly as he dismounted and wrapped his arms around her to hug her in genuine relief. "I’m fine, but feeling very foolish," she admitted. "I didn’t check the gas level before I drove off. I’m sorry if I upset everyone," she offered in an attempt to placate him. "If you upset everyone? Cody is probably organizing a search party at this very moment. Bri is crying, and I’ve been half out of my mind, damn it!" "Then we’d better hurry back and let them know I’m safe," she suggested, hoping the ride back to the ranch would give him time to calm down. "Not so fast," he quickly dropped to one knee, and then pulled her down over his left thigh. "I believe in keeping my promises," he stated, then whacked her backside in pure exasperation.

"No, Matt! I’m not a child anymore!" she protested, knowing full well she deserved the spanking she was about to get. "Please….!" To her mortification, he undid her jeans and jerked them down to her knees, the panties inside them. His hand landed again, and Becky soon realized the irate man meant business. "No. No. No….! I’m sorry!" "You are going to be sorry. Damn it, Becky Lou, you scared me! I won’t have the woman I love taking such chances with her life." He spanked her hard. "You risked your life coming out here like this!" "You really love me?" Becky asked in surprise. "Stop spanking me and talk to me, Matt! I mean it, now! You love me?" she managed to squirm until she was off his knee and able to look at him. "You really love me?" "Hell yes, I love you! I’ve loved you since we first met… I’ve never stopped!" he admitted. "But you never told me!" she exclaimed in surprise. "You were a kid. You needed time to grow up. I had vet school yet… and a practice to start. Believe me, I’ve kept tabs on you. I wasn’t going to wait much longer to look you up," Matt startled her with his answer. "I’ve always loved you, Matt. Even when you spanked me for getting Bri and I lost… I never stopped loving you, but I thought you just considered me a pesky kid. You always called me ‘Brat’," she said so softly that he had to chuckle. "You are a Brat, Becky Lou!" he agreed, then pulled her up to kiss her tenderly. "But you are my Brat," his lips teased hers. "I’d like to make our engagement official, if you’ll have a horse doctor for a husband?" "I love you, Matt… It doesn’t matter what you do," she told him happily.

Matt nodded slowly, then looked at her. "I won’t permit my wife to run off the way you did tonight, Becky. You’ve earned yourself a spanking… Don’t you agree?" he asked rhetorically. Becky knew that Matt wouldn’t let her off. She’d always known that he was firm and kept to his principles. It was one of the reasons she loved him. She simply nodded, then said, "I am sorry, Matt. I promise I won’t do it again," she added. "I intend to make sure you don’t," he replied, and then helped her back over his knee. He spanked hard, and Becky was crying long before he stopped. He held her in his arms during the ride back to the ranch, and they spoke softly of love. ******************** "Serves them right!" Cody chuckled as he pulled his wife close to cuddle with her in their large bed. "It sure does!" Sabrina agreed, resting her head against her husband’s shoulder. "I wonder if they’ll ever admit they faked that first engagement five years ago just to get us together?" Cody mused. "Oh, honey, let them keep their little secret," Bri giggled. "After all, think how much fun we can have teasing them about it and watching them squirm…"

The End