The Bottom Line

by Shelley Munro

  Jenny shook her head, settling her blonde curls in motion. “I don’t think so. I went home for the holiday weekend and met him again. We went to school together and hadn’t seen each other for years. This time we clicked.” Jenny grinned and kissed him soundly on the lips. “I’m so happy I could burst. Are you here with anyone? No? Come and meet my friends.”

  Jenny dragged him over to a large table at the far end of the pub and ordered two of her friends to squeeze up so they could fit in Connor. He laughed and joked with the girls, but couldn’t have repeated a word they said. All he could think about was Maggie and the man she sat with on the other side of the pub.

  Twenty minutes later, he watched them leave. The guy was probably close to his own height—over six feet tall. He had blond hair and looked fit. Connor wanted to jump to his feet and knock the arm the man had slung around Maggie’s shoulders away. He flirted with the idea of smacking him before he shook himself. That wouldn’t happen. Not unless the other man hit him first. He gazed after them scowling. Nah, that wasn’t gonna happen either. No baiting. Maggie would never forgive him. He needed to fight for her fair and square.

  “Do you know her?” Jenny asked. “You’ve been watching her ever since you arrived.”

  “Yeah.” Connor let out a heavy sigh. “I know her.”

  Jenny’s green eyes widened a fraction. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you feel something for her.”

  Connor couldn’t force a word past the lump in his throat, and his silence said it all.

  “I never thought I’d see the day,” Jenny said. “Connor Grey has fallen for a woman.”

  “She doesn’t think the same way about me,” he said, a ball of misery curling through his gut. Damn, he needed to get out of here.

  “Fight for her,” one of Jenny’s friends said. Connor couldn’t remember her name but she was a pretty blue-eyed blonde. “A woman likes to know a man wants her.”

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” Connor said, taking a slug of beer from his bottle.

  “Pooh,” another of Jenny’s friends said. “Don’t run away. We’re trying to help.”

  “Yeah,” Jenny said. “What you need to do is give her a night she’ll never forget. Plan something special. Something private that says you’re thinking about her special needs.”

  “Oh, yes,” the blue-eyed blonde said. “And make it a night you can repeat in the future on special occasions. That’s after you’re married. Make it really memorable.”

  “Married?” Connor damn near stuttered in his shock. He didn’t want to marry Maggie.

  The girls glanced at one another and started laughing.

  “Connor, you’re toast,” Jenny said. “You’re a fallen man. You love that girl. Now all you have to do is tell her.”

  Connor fired up his laptop when he arrived back at his apartment after midnight. A memorable idea. Marriage. Right.

  Jenny and her friends’ ideas flitted through his mind but none of them fit into a scenario that would work for him. He kept coming back to the memorable night and knew they were right.

  He went straight to Maggie’s blog, and to his surprise he found a new blog entry. That meant she’d gone home instead of indulging in hot sex with her date. He didn’t think she would have posted a blog if they’d gone back to her place, either. Unless, she’d pre-scheduled the post.

  Connor cursed and read the post instead of thinking about Maggie in bed with the blond man.

  There’s lots to think about when it comes to spanking. Positions, as I’ve mentioned. Spanking implements. I’ve also started thinking about lingerie.

  As someone mentioned on my favorite forum, lingerie plays an important part in a spanking. There’re all the different styles to consider. Do I want my butt cheeks on display or totally covered with material? Should it be cotton or something silky? Different lingerie. Different sensations.

  One woman mentioned G-strings. She liked wearing them for a spanking because her ass cheeks were fully on display. Another woman liked plain cotton panties—the sort of panties a grandmother might wear. A third woman liked silky briefs while another preferred the square-leg boy pants. She said nothing turned her on more than when her husband put her over his knee and flipped up her skirt, spanking her a couple of times through the plain cotton boy-leg panties before dragging them down and spanking her properly.

  “Jesus,” Connor muttered. “Where does she get this stuff?” He couldn’t get past the actual act of spanking. Maggie had thought about positions, implements and now lingerie. She’d posted about communication. Part of him was curious as to what she’d write about next.

  I feel a yearning for some lingerie shopping. Maybe I’ll see if my girlfriends are up for a spot of retail therapy. My current lingerie is fairly plain, and I’m due for a spending spree. I like the idea of wearing sexy lingerie while at work. Dress for work is always so conservative because management doesn’t want us to frighten off the customers. At least I can express my individuality with lingerie.

  I’ve always liked the idea of a corset. Some of them are so beautiful these days they can be worn as outerwear with a pair of trousers or a skirt or as lingerie.

  What sort of lingerie do you think would work best with a spanking? I look forward to your comments.

  Connor reread the end of her post about the corset, and an idea came to him. The idea. It was perfect and would feed into her spanking fantasy. This time he wouldn’t dodge the issue because he realized if he tried that avenue again he’d lose Maggie to another man.

  He felt so good about his idea he decided to email her.

  Dear Bad Ass,

  Why don’t you ask your lover what sort of panties he’d prefer you to wear? Or better yet, why don’t you tell your lover exactly what you want from him? Give him the option of saying no instead of taking the decision away without giving him a chance. Your lover might surprise you.

  The worst that could happen is that he’ll say no.

  The truth is you’ll probably surprise him. You’ve had more time to think about spanking than him. He might not understand why you want him to spank you. He might not like the idea because his parents raised him to admire and protect women. You might want to tell him what you think spanking will bring to your relationship, explain to him why you think spanking will improve things between you. Give him reasons. Men are used to taking the facts and acting. When you spring this on him, your man will likely feel a little confused and want answers. He might wonder how a negative activity like spanking could improve a relationship. Have those answers ready for him.

  Tell your man how you feel about him, and most of all exercise patience.

  Best,

  Kinky Lover

  Connor checked through his note and decided it said everything he wanted to know. Hit the high points. If Maggie could think about those things and have answers ready, it might help him get past the worry about hurting her.

  His thoughts drifted to his father. He hadn’t seen him for years and then only during supervised visits. The last time had been when he was thirteen. A typical teenager, he’d gone sullen when his father had started ordering him around. The visit hadn’t gone well, and they’d fought. The fight had escalated from verbal to physical pretty quickly. He’d managed to land a few punches and had broken his father’s arm before his father had overpowered him.

  Not his finest hour.

  And the potential for violence worried him. Connor had grown up quickly that day and worked to control his temper every day.

  He looked like his father. Same build. Same good looks. Same volatile temper. If he raised a hand to Maggie once, would it become easy? Would he strike out no matter what the provocation? Would he turn into a monster?

  So far he’d never hit a woman in his life.

  He hoped like hell he could hold his shit together and keep it that way.

  Chapter Eleven

  Dear Kinky Lover,

  Thanks for the great advice. It’s funny because I
’m not sure I can say exactly what it is about spanking that makes me want it so much. I’ve been thinking about it ever since I received your email.

  During my research I’ve discovered many couples enjoy incorporating spanking into lovemaking because it deepens the intimacy. Rougher treatment stimulates some people. That doesn’t make it wrong. It doesn’t make it right, either—just different.

  I want a man I can explore erotic boundaries with and submit to in the bedroom. That doesn’t mean I’m a wimp. I think of lovemaking as stress release and a way of showing a man I care for him. I want a relationship that’s full of fun, laughter and loving, a relationship that’s robust with mutual trust.

  I’m sure spanking will help bring this dynamic to my relationship. Don’t ask me how I know—it’s a gut feeling at the moment because I haven’t experienced more than a swat on my butt. That felt pretty good and certainly made me hot.

  But, when it comes down to it, I’ll have to wait and see.

  Best wishes,

  Big Bad Ass

  “It’s a blog about spanking,” the employee in front of Maggie in the lunchroom line said. “You should check it out.”

  Maggie leaned closer to hear. If someone else local was writing a spanking blog, she wanted to know about it.

  The woman glanced at Maggie and frowned.

  Oops, she’d better do something quick or she’d never learn the URL for the blog. “I’m really sorry,” she said, curving her lips into her sweetest smile. “I thought I heard you mention a spanking blog. I know I’m being nosy, but it’s not something that comes up every day.”

  “You’re not wrong there,” the woman said, the suspicion fading from her face. Her conspiratorial grin gave Maggie a glimpse of uneven white teeth. “The blog is called Big Bad Ass. All you need to do is do an online search and it will come up.”

  “Big bad ass,” Maggie repeated, praying she hadn’t heard right.

  “Yes, that’s right. Everyone is talking about it. It’s worth looking at—very interesting.”

  “I’ll look it up,” Maggie said in a faint voice, trying to dredge up bright interest when she felt as if someone had kicked her feet out from beneath her. People knew. They were talking about her blog. How?

  She didn’t believe for a moment one of her friends had told. They’d never do that to her.

  In a panic, she paid for her lunch, scanned the lunch room and found her friends. She hurried across the room and slipped into an empty chair. Thank goodness Connor wasn’t present so she didn’t need to confess to him.

  “Everyone is talking about my blog,” she whispered. “What am I gonna do?”

  “None of us told,” Susan said. “I don’t know how they found out.”

  “They’re only talking about the blog and the contents. They don’t know it’s your blog,” Julia said. “If you keep your cool, no one will ever know it’s yours.”

  “But it’s not easy,” Maggie muttered, shoving her sandwich away. “I can imagine what they’re saying. Oh, heck, here comes Connor. Don’t dare tell him it’s my blog. You promised,” she added when they looked as if they might argue. “I’m holding you to your pledge.”

  Connor grabbed an empty chair from another table and joined them.

  “Have you heard about the blog everyone is talking about?” Julia asked him.

  Heck! Maggie glared at her friend. Julia stared back in complete calm and had the nerve to wink at her.

  “Yeah, one of the guys in the IT department found it. Management asked us to check everyone’s computer usage. They’re tightening up on private Internet use.”

  “And you didn’t think to mention this to us?” Christina asked in distinct horror. “I always check my private email at work and surf the web a bit.”

  “I wouldn’t do it anymore if I were you,” Connor said. “I shouldn’t tell you this, but if there are rumors about website links, word is probably out. Management has asked for a usage report for each individual computer and details of who works on the terminal.”

  Maggie wilted in her chair. It could have been worse. “I’ve used my computer for a little private stuff. Mostly to check my email.” Thank goodness she hadn’t done any blogging from work. Although some of the girls must have checked her blog if word was out.

  “Cripes,” Susan said. “I’ve done a little blog hopping during office hours. How strict are they going to be?”

  Julia offered Maggie an apologetic look. “I’ve done the same thing, Susan. I’ve checked a few interesting links. Are they going to sack offenders?”

  Connor shook his head. “They didn’t say. All I’m saying is that you should be careful and leave the Internet alone unless it’s for work purposes.”

  “Done,” Christina said. “I intend to leave soon, but on my own terms. Thanks for the warning.”

  “I wouldn’t worry too much,” Connor said. “Most people have used the computer for private purposes when they should have been working.”

  “They can hardly sack everyone,” Julia said.

  “Good to know.” Maggie grabbed her sandwich again and opened it. Maybe she’d overreacted. She hadn’t looked at her blog while at work, confining her blogging to home. It wouldn’t matter if a few other people had looked at her blog. Interest would die gradually and life would return to normal. “What’s everyone doing this weekend?”

  Christina pulled off her glasses and inspected them for smears. “Work for me. I’m advising a young school leaver on a wardrobe. It should be fun since our budget is really tight.”

  “I don’t have any plans,” Julia said. “Not yet. I might have a lazy weekend and stay at home.”

  Connor grinned. “Say it isn’t so. You always have plans.”

  “So I thought I’d change things up a little,” Julia retorted. “No rule says I have to do things the same way all the time.”

  “What about you, Maggie? What are you doing?” Susan asked. “Do you have a date? I’m starting to feel a bit jealous about your love life.” She wrinkled her nose, but Maggie gained the impression she wasn’t entirely joking. It made her feel even guiltier about her lies to her friends.

  She averted her gaze from Connor, finding her sandwich more interesting and far less threatening. “I’m not sure yet.” Why couldn’t she stop looking at him? Thinking about him?

  It was like some sort of disease. An illness, because she couldn’t resist him. Memories of their lovemaking kept flashing through her mind in a never-ending loop. The memories had kept her from kissing Kevin. She’d enjoyed spending time with him, but when it came to a goodnight kiss, she couldn’t do it. She’d mumbled about it being too soon. Excuses. Yeah, she’d stuttered through quite a few.

  And Kevin had asked her out again. They had a date for tomorrow night. Maggie knew she needed to move on with her life. Heck, Connor had a fixation with blondes. She’s seen him in a clinch with that blonde, and the close attention he’d paid to the other women in the group he’d joined. Yes, she and Connor were casual lovers, not meant to last.

  The plan took time to execute. Since the night they’d seen each other in the pub, Maggie had distanced herself. Connor rubbed his tired eyes. He hadn’t slept worth a damn, lying in bed imagining all the things Maggie might be doing with her new man.

  The only positive note was that she hadn’t told him she wanted out of their friends with benefits deal. They hadn’t exactly talked, either, but knowing Maggie, she’d never sleep with a new guy or continue seeing another man without letting him know. She had honor. It was only that knowledge that kept Connor going each day.

  He didn’t intend to lose Maggie because she wanted something he couldn’t deliver. They’d get through this roadblock and come out the other end. Together. He was determined about that.

  Taking a deep breath, he walked into the exclusive lingerie shop, strode up to the counter and told the woman exactly what he wanted.

  Lace. Satin. Sexy yet tasteful.

  A corset a woman could wear with pride an
d confidence. A corset that would draw a man’s attention.

  The question of size had stumped him until luck really smiled. A woman of Maggie’s size had sauntered into the lingerie store. Kismet, he’d decided.

  They needed to special order, which took time. He’d had to wait. Impatiently.

  The rest of the Tight Five had questioned him, asked if he was all right or had a problem.

  No, he’d told them, even though he’d wanted to pepper them with questions about Maggie, his confidence at an all-time low.

  Now, almost two weeks later, he stared at the black and gold creation, nestled inside a gold box and tissue paper. He imagined Maggie wearing the corset…

  “Damn,” he muttered, shifting to release the stress on his cock. “Down, boy.” At this rate, he’d need to have another cold shower. His flatmates were asking questions already, pulling his leg about the length of time he’d spent in there.

  Connor ran the tips of his fingers over the black material, imagining it heated by Maggie’s skin.

  He hoped this didn’t backfire on him, because he thought it might kill him if he lost Maggie.

  Connor picked up a pen and chewed the end while he considered what to write on the card to accompany his gift. He stared at the pristine white card and leapt off his chair to search for paper. A draft. This note needed to be perfect. He’d practice first so he didn’t stuff it up.

  Dear Maggie,

  Join me at the Stamford Plaza hotel on Friday 13th. I’ll leave a key for you at reception. Wear the corset, and come prepared to spend the night. You won’t get much sleep.

  Connor

  Black Friday. Hell, he hoped that wasn’t a bad omen. Things were difficult enough without bad ju-ju coming into play. Connor stared at the message again and decided it said exactly what he wanted to say. After rewriting the message on the card, he tucked it into the box containing the corset. He taped it shut and picked up the phone to call a courier. If this didn’t work, he was out of ideas.