"Ready, babygirl?" he asked.
"Yes, Sir," she responded meekly.
"That's my girl," he replied as the first bare bottom smack rained down on her pinkened skin. Another fell immediately after, on the other cheek. Ten more came soon after.
She could barely catch her breath. She needn't have worried earlier about his technique. He had this down pat. He stopped long enough to rub some of the sting out for her before resuming. This time, he began to redden her sit spots and the tops of her thighs, smack after hard smack, turning tender, untouched skin to a shade of cherry red. She began to cry, the tears falling as all the frustrations came tumbling out. She had held them back for so long, not allowing herself to feel sorry for herself, always thinking of others instead of her own problems. Now, the dam had broken, and there was no stopping it. She cried for her dad, her mom, Cora, Beau, and most of all for herself. And it felt so good. She felt such a release as she gave in and let it all out.
Beau, apparently sensing that she was feeling that much-needed relief, landed two more smacks to each cheek, then picked her up and turned her so that she was cradled in his arms.
"It's all right, baby, I'm right here. I'll always be here for you, no matter what you need. I love you, just the way you are." He gently caressed her back. "It's all going to work out just fine. It's okay. Let it all out. We have all night."
"Oh, Beau," she said as she cried into his shirt. "Thank you so much. I didn't realize how much I needed that."
"Shhh," he said as he continued to comfort her.
Finally, she looked up at his face and said, "We should probably freshen up and go find some food for you. You have to be famished."
"Only when you're ready, my love."
She started to get up, but he stopped her with a tender kiss.
"Now. Let me freshen up from the flight, and you can choose the restaurant. Are you sure you're up to going out?"
She nodded as she gingerly stood up and pulled her panties carefully up over her sore bottom and straightened her clothes. "Yes, we really should go back down, at least for a while. We can come back here before I go back to the suite."
He went into the bathroom, returning a few minutes later. "Am I dressed okay, or should I change?" he asked.
"You're fine. I thought we'd just have a casual meal. There's a great Chinese place in the hotel. Are you game?"
"As long as I'm with you, I don't care where we eat," he replied as he kissed the tip of her nose. "I've been going crazy these past few months. We really need to talk, you know."
"I know we do. Let's just have a nice dinner, and we'll talk all you want to. I'm feeling much better now."
They walked out of his room, hand in hand, and as they got onto the elevator, he pulled her close for another kiss. They strolled down to the restaurant after they got off in the lobby, and once they were seated and had ordered, he took her hand again.
"Tell me more about your dad. How's he doing?" he asked.
"He's doing much better. The infection is gone. Next week, he'll start a five-week regimen of radiation treatments, and hopefully after that he'll be on the mend and thinking about going back to work and living his life."
"That's good news. You said you talked to them about us."
"I did. They're reserving judgment until they meet you, of course, but they seem to think if working with Cora and moving to Texas to be with you is what I want, I should do it."
"And you were so worried," he said.
"Dad is going to discuss Cora's partnership offer in detail with Dale. We're all having dinner over there, one night this week."
"At least I'll have Dale and Cora to back me up," he teased.
"Beau, you do realize this decision still has to wait."
"Until your dad is fully recovered?" he asked.
"Yes, I can't just up and leave right now. And there's my job here too. I'd have to give ample notice."
"As long as I know you belong to me, I can wait. It was the not knowing that was really getting to me."
"I've belonged to you since the night I met you, I think."
"I love you, Audrey Carter."
"I-I love you, too, but we still have a lot of things to discuss. We don't have to do it all right now, but this is a big step, for both of us."
"Yes, it is. I knew my life was missing something, but I didn't know what that was until I met you. I'd been searching but never could find exactly what or whom I wanted. An uptown girl breezed into my life and had a vacation fling with me and changed my life forever."
"A vacation fling?" she asked.
The waiter brought their dinner, and Beau waited until he'd gone before answering her. "For all I knew, that could have been all it meant to you."
"I understand how you could think that. Let me fill you in on some things. I've dated a lot of guys. Most of them were from my family's social set, some weren't. Some were Doms I'd met at the clubs I used to go to. I never gave any of them a second thought. I never considered anything serious with any of them. Not one of them made my heart go pitter-patter. None of their kisses ever took my breath away. I had started to feel restless in my life, with my job and everything here. So, I took a trip to visit an old friend. While on that trip, I happened to meet a guy who I thought was nothing more than a country bumpkin know-it-all. But I got to know that man. He interested me; I couldn't stay away from him. So, for two weeks, I saw him every day. I spent time with him, and I got to know him. I found him to be charming, sweet, and to my surprise, he awakened something in me I'd never known before. He made me feel like a woman. He made me feel alive. And I found a peace and serenity with him, in his surroundings, that I'd only dreamed about."
"And you came back home to reality. It all seemed like a dream, didn't it?"
"Yes, at times, it did. Then life slapped me in the face, and I had no choice but to put that trip behind me and deal with the reality at hand. I'm afraid we got put on the back burner. That may not have been fair, but I didn't know what else to do."
"It all seemed too good to be true—Cora offering you a job and then a partnership, me, you."
"Exactly, and even though everyone kept telling me I needed to make a decision, I kept putting it off. I just couldn't do it. And when I finally told you about my past, it didn't upset you like I thought it would. In fact, you told me you were interested in that same lifestyle."
"And now?" he asked.
"I know I need to face it. I know I have to decide. But things here still aren't resolved. Is it fair of me to ask you to wait a little longer?"
"Audrey, I love you. I know this is difficult for you. I also feel that if you really love me, you'll make the right decision. I'd like to say I can wait forever, but I don't know. Forever is a mighty long time to go without the one you love. I can promise to give you more time. I'm not a heartless, selfish bastard who expects you to desert your family in their time of need. But don't keep putting us on the back burner. Don't keep finding another reason to put off making that decision. Now that we've found each other and we both know it's the real thing, we can't let it slip through our fingers. Did I show you tonight that I'm capable of taking care of your needs? At least the ones you've let me take care of?"
"I get what you're saying. You understand my position right now, but you're afraid that when it's dealt with, I'll keep finding reasons to put you off. You've made some promises to me. I'll make one to you. I promise I won't do that. Just give me a little more time. And, in answer to your question, you filled one need very well. I'm sure, when the time is right, all my other needs will be met too."
"I will give you time and anything else you need. In the meantime, let's enjoy this week we have together."
"How's your family?" she asked, changing the conversation to something lighter.
"Good, they send their love."
"And how does it feel not to be on the ranch?"
"Strange, but I still go over and ride. I visit the guys. It's hard living in town. I prefer the
country, but I know it's only temporary. My apartment is pretty nice."
"And working with Cora?"
"That's the best part of it. Some of my work is done at the office, but I have the flexibility of doing some of it at home. Her new assistant is working out well, and she's got the office looking great."
"Seems we've both been busy the past few months," she said.
"Yes, that's true. Cora's business is really growing. She's meeting some of her authors this week, while here at the conference. And she's looking for new ones."
"I see that she puts out a couple of books a week. That's great."
"You've been keeping track of us?" he teased.
"I check the website and the market. I have to keep my options open, you know," she said with a grin.
"Your coworkers seemed nice," he said.
"Camille and Kayla are not only coworkers; they're good friends as well. When Cora left, I was her assistant. Camille offered me the opportunity to step into Kayla's spot when she promoted Kayla to Cora's old position, and she and Kayla have shown me the ropes. We have a good working relationship. But Camille never tried to hold Cora back, and now she's told me to do what I have to do."
"Seems everyone is telling you that," he observed.
"But ultimately it's between you and me."
"That's true. Let's head back and join the others, what do you say?" He pulled out his credit card to cover the bill.
"Company credit card already?" she said with a laugh.
"Cora takes care of her people."
When they found the others, a party was in full swing. Many other editors, publishers, artists, and authors had gathered in the hotel lounge. Several tables had been pushed together, and everyone seemed to be in high spirits. They quickly spotted their friends, who made room for them at their table.
"How was dinner?" Cora asked.
"It was good. We had a chance to catch up. Looks like you're all having a good time here."
"Yes, but I think Dale and I are about to call it a night. It's been a long day, and all the festivities start tomorrow. Maybe we can have breakfast together?"
"Call me when you get up. I'm in the suite with Kayla and Camille."
The Bartons said their goodnights to everyone soon after. Beau and Audrey visited with Kayla and Camille until he decided he needed to get some rest, too. "Walk me to my room?" he asked her.
"Sure."
"We're going up soon, so just come to the suite, unless…" Kayla said, pausing.
"I'll meet you at the suite later," she answered.
Beau chuckled as they got on the elevator. "She really thought you'd spend the night in my room?" he asked.
"Well, she might have wondered. I haven't given anyone any specifics as to how far we've taken things."
"As much as I'd like for you to stay, I know you're not ready, so I won't even ask. Just come in for some goodnight kisses before you go."
"That I can do gladly," she replied as they approached his room.
Once again, as soon as the door was closed, he pulled her close to him. She could feel his heart beating and realized it was thumping almost as loudly as her own. The kiss was hot, so hot, it took her breath away. Her hands went around his neck and nestled in his sandy-colored hair as he pulled her closer. When he released her, his eyes were glazed with desire. She stood on her tiptoes and lightly kissed his cheek before saying goodnight.
Quietly, she let herself out of the room and made her way back to the suite to join the others. He was here. And her feelings for him were stronger than ever.
Chapter 11
Things were in full swing on Monday. After meeting with Cora, Dale and Beau for breakfast, Audrey went to her first workshop. It was informative and interesting. From there, she went to the booth Camille had set up and worked with Kayla while Camille attended a meeting. At lunchtime, she met up with Beau again, and he was pleased to tell her he'd made a new contact. Audrey mentioned to him that Camille would also like some time with him during the week.
"Camille wants to talk to me about freelance work?" he asked.
"That's what she said the other day," she replied.
"Wow, that's a really big deal."
"Helps to have connections," she teased. "Seriously, she's seen your work. Don't be surprised if she tries to get you on one of those covers, though."
"I wish you girls would stop with that," he said shyly.
"Beau, you are book cover material. Face it," she said as she took a sip of her soft drink.
"I suppose she'll want me to dress the part of a cowboy."
"Would that be so bad? Cowboy romances are big right now."
He shook his head and took a bite of his burger. "Where are you headed from here?" he asked.
"I have another workshop and then back to the booth. I want to try to make it to Cora's booth, too. How about you?" she asked.
"I have a workshop, and then I'm working the booth, to give Cora a break. Dale is going to man it with me."
"Dinner, tonight?" she asked.
"Sure, if that's what you want. What night are we going to your folks' house?"
"I'll check with Mom. Thursday is out, since our author party is that night. I need to check with Cora to see what she has planned."
"She's doing dinner with our authors, too, tomorrow night. She mentioned inviting you, Kayla, and Camille to join us."
"That sounds like a plan. Maybe I can ask Mom to have us over on Wednesday night. I want to show you around the city before you go home, but I guess we can do that on Sunday. It's kind of a wind down day. We're keeping the suite until Monday morning."
"We aren't flying out until Monday. Cora wanted a day to relax too."
"The week is going to go so fast. We're already booked until Friday night, and I think there's an event that night. I know there's one Saturday night, after the signing."
"I'm enjoying this, so far. I'm learning a lot and meeting tons of people. This is a great industry to be in right now."
"Yes, it is. I love my work."
"I can tell you do. You seem to be right at home with all these people."
"It's not my first conference. I'm sure it's a bit overwhelming to you, though."
"A little, but I could get used to it real fast, I think."
"Poor Dale, he probably is bored to tears."
"No, he is enjoying himself. I ran into him earlier."
She glanced at the dainty gold watch on her slender wrist. "Oh, I've got to run. My next workshop is on the third floor. I'll catch you later. Maybe I'll see you at Cora's booth."
She hurried to her next appointment, and by the time she was able to catch her breath several hours later, she wandered in the direction of Cora's booth. She saw Dale and Beau and greeted them.
"How's it going?" she asked.
"It's been crazy. I'm glad you're here. Maybe you can help us," Dale said.
"What do you need?" she asked as she took a handful of business cards and set them in the holder to replenish the supply.
"People are asking questions we can't answer," Beau said. "Publishing questions," he added.
"I'll do what I can. I know a little about Cora's practices. Tell me the questions you've been asked, and I'll jot down some answers for you."
Once that was taken care of, she greeted some onlookers who had come to the table.
"Oh, I love this author," one of the women said as she took a promotional rack card.
"Take a pen and whatever else you see," Beau said.
"Oh, are you going to be on one of the covers soon?" the woman asked.
"I design the covers for Texas Flame Publishing," he replied proudly.
"You do? I've loved all of them so far."
"Thank you, ma'am," he replied shyly.
Dale snickered and winked at Audrey.
As the women walked away, Beau said, "You two think it's funny, don't you?"
Dale laughed. "Well, the women all seem to love you. Might be good for business, just keep o
n looking 'purty' there, cowboy."
Beau shook his head.
"I hate to leave a good time, but I need to get back. I'll meet you in the lobby at seven for dinner, Beau."
"I'll be there if the ladies don't carry me away," he retorted with a grin and a wink.
Audrey shook her head and waved goodbye. She ran into Cora walking by with a cup of coffee. "Oh, hey, I was just at your booth, and the boys are having a ball with the ladies."
Cora grinned. "Doesn't surprise me at all. I just can't take those two anywhere. How's your day going?"
"It's been crazy, but you know me. I love it. I'm meeting Beau at seven for dinner. What have you got planned?"
"Hopefully, a quiet evening with my husband," Cora replied. "Oh, that reminds me, our author dinner is tomorrow night. I said something to Camille, but I'd like you to join us, too."
"I'll be there, but now I've really got to get some coffee and get back. See you later."
She went back to the booth and helped Camille while Kayla attended a workshop. By the time they closed up shop for the day, her feet were killing her.
"I'm going to run up and grab a quick shower before I meet Beau for dinner."
"Go on up and have a good time with Beau."
Once she'd showered and dressed for dinner, she phoned her mother.
"How's Dad today?" she asked.
"He's fine. He worked on one of his cases for a while, and now he's resting. Are you having a good time?"
"It's been busy, but I've had a little time with Cora. I was calling to see how Wednesday night sounds for dinner at your house. We've all compared schedules, and that seems to be the best night for all of us."
"We'll make it work. I'll tell Mabel. It'll be you, Cora, Dale, and your young man, right?"
Her Texas Dom (Dominant Men Book 4) Page 14