by Alta Hensley
I just sat and stared at Caine while he spoke. He had such passion and conviction in his voice. He seemed so centered and focused. Everything about Caine screamed strength and stability. I had never heard the term Domestic Discipline, and never knew it was a practice still being used today. I wasn’t appalled or shocked. I didn’t think he was a wife beater, or abusive. I respected him for his beliefs. Frankly, I believed in what he was saying. My ex-husband was weak and feminine, which forced me to be strong and masculine. I hated the reversal of roles. I hated that I wore the pants in the family. But most of all, I hated the feeling of having everything on my shoulders. Maybe if Domestic Discipline had been in my marriage, it wouldn’t have led to divorce. Although, the thought of my ex being strong enough to do so seemed comical. He was nothing like Caine. Caine was a strong alpha male. I always found that sexy about him. Some would call him controlling or bossy. I just felt loved and protected when that side of him came out.
Caine stopped and stared at me. He furrowed his eyebrows and sat up straight in his chair. “What are you thinking, Neely?”
I smiled and cleared my throat. “I think you might have something here. I agree with everything you’re saying.”
Caine looked shocked. He leaned forward and asked, “You do? This doesn’t seem odd or chauvinistic to you?”
“Nope, it sounds like a good idea. It sounds…right,” I blushed and shyly said, “Honestly Caine, it also sounds sexy as hell.”
Caine let out a huge laugh, got up from the chair and pulled me into his arms. “I can’t tell you how much of a relief and how good it feels to be able to discuss this with you. I don’t like having secrets between us. I can’t believe how understanding and open you are.”
I hugged Caine back. “Caine there isn’t anything about you, or your beliefs, I would ever dislike.”
Caine grew serious and sat back down in the kitchen chair. I got up and refilled both of our coffee mugs. I looked over my shoulder and asked, “What’s wrong?”
He leaned back in his chair and shook his head. “Nothing. Hey, don’t mention this to Sara all right. She would be mortified if she knew you heard us last night.”
I laughed. “Not a problem. Not exactly a conversation I would want either.” I handed him his mug. “Caine, I don’t want to get into your business with Sara, but if you don’t love her, and you don’t think you ever can… well, I just think you both deserve better than that.”
Caine rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. “I know.”
Caine’s brown eyes darkened as he stared into mine. There were several moments of silence before he finally spoke again. “Neely, do you think it’s possible to find the right one? To find someone you can share the rest of your life with?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “I used to. But I’m not so sure now,” I admitted.
“You shouldn’t think that way. You’re absolutely perfect and you deserve someone who can love you completely,” Caine lectured softly.
“So do you,” I added.
Caine reached for my hand and covered it with his. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
We both sat in silence for a few moments. His hand was still on mine, and he was moving his thumb ever so lightly along the tops of my fingers. It seemed impossible that such a gentle touch could come from such a strong man. I watched his thumb move across my hand and found myself wanting more. I wanted his hand touching more than just the top of my hand.
I looked up, and found that Caine was staring at me. His eyes looked different… almost as if he too wanted more. I pulled my hand away and took my cup to the sink to rinse it out. I had to be reading more into it. Caine was with Sara, and I was just being foolish. I was like a kid sister to him. I wasn’t anything like Sara. All these new feelings for Caine had to be because I was just happy to be living here. I was just happy to be out of my marriage. I needed to get myself together before I embarrassed the both of us.
I heard the shower stop and turned towards the bathroom. I was grateful to have an escape. “My turn!”
Chapter Six
I was in my room getting ready for the evening and waiting for Coley to come pick me up, when I heard Caine and Sara arguing again. I couldn’t make out the words, but could tell from their tone that the conversation was not a happy one. I was finishing my makeup when I heard the bedroom door slam. A few moments later I heard the front door open and heard Coley call my name.
I quickly left my room, and found Coley in the kitchen talking to Caine. They both turned to look at me as I entered the room.
“Wow, Neely you look great!” Coley praised.
Caine crossed his arms and grunted, “A little too great.” He looked at Coley with the same frown. “You both are going to attract a lot of attention.”
It was nice to hear the compliment. I had purposely picked out a blouse that showed more cleavage than normal, and my skirt was a bit shorter. My hair flowed freely, and I did feel sexy.
Coley spun around in a circle and said, “That, my brother, is the plan!”
Coley had a way of always looking beautiful. She never revealed much, but her clothes always clung to her curves as if they were made for her. She had a natural look that I envied.
Caine grabbed his keys. “Well I’m driving you guys. I find it hard to believe, you my little sis, are going to abstain from drinking.” He gave a stern look at Coley. “I’ll pick you up when you’re done. Final.” With that he turned towards the door.
I didn’t want to argue, but felt I should ask, “Aren’t you and Sara doing something?”
Caine shook his head. “Sara and I just broke up. I asked her to move out.”
My mouth dropped open. “Oh Caine, I’m sorry. Are you all right?”
Caine smiled and said, “Yeah I’m fine. It was heading this way for awhile.”
Coley hugged her brother and asked, “Do you want to come out with us tonight? You shouldn’t be alone.”
Caine laughed, “And be part of Girls’ Night Out? No way! I’ll drop you guys off and then I’m meeting Matt for a beer. Come on, let’s get going.”
I would be lying if I said I was sad. The idea of Sara and Caine together made me ill. She was truly horrible, fake, and manipulative. It dawned on me that now it was just Caine and I living together. The idea made me feel a bit awkward, but at least I didn’t have to deal with Sara and her craziness.
Coley and I walked into the bar to find Kendall and Rebecca already seated. They both rushed over to us, and we all gave each other hugs. We took turns praising how we each looked, expressed how much we all missed each other, and each of us talked a mile a minute. We finally sat down and began looking at the menu, and decided to share some appetizers and order some shots in addition to some cocktails. When the shots arrived, Kendall raised her glass to give a toast.
“To old friends! Drink up ladies!”
We all downed our shots and started to laugh.
Kendall put down her glass and turned toward me. “So Neely… shacking up with Caine huh?”
I took a deep gulp of water to chase the shot and replied, “Yup, I suppose I am.”
Rebecca leaned in and asked, “So have you had sex yet?”
Coley almost chocked on her drink. “God no! He was with Crazy Sara until a few hours ago.”
Kendall laughed, “Ooh a threesome!”
I acted disgusted. “Have you met this woman? I’m happy he dumped her,” I admitted honestly.
More shots arrived at the table, and we continued to drink and nibble on appetizers. We were laughing and catching up, as we quickly became intoxicated.
Kendall studied me for a moment and leaned in. “So Neely…have you heard Sara and Caine getting it on?”
I instantly blushed and couldn’t make eye contact. I couldn’t possibly tell them what happened the night before.
Kendall continued on, “Ah you have, details, details!”
Coley covered her ears and yelled, “Yuck, not about my brother!”
&n
bsp; Everyone started to laugh, but Kendall continued to push. “Come on, spill it. From the look on your face and how red you are, it must be some juicy stuff.”
I was feeling extremely buzzed and therefore decided to tell my friends what I heard. I went into the details of the conversation, all the way to the spanking and the sex afterwards. As I told the story everyone gave their undivided attention and stared in absolute silence. I finished the story, took a deep breath, and looked around. Everyone was stunned, mouths opened and wide-eyed.
Rebecca was the first to say anything. “He SPANKED her? And you thought this was a turn on?” Rebecca was staring at me like I was crazy. The look of mortification seemed hilarious, so I started to laugh.
Coley put her face in her hands. “Ah my ears, my ears! I’m never going to be the same again!”
Everyone started to laugh at Coley and her reaction.
I looked at Rebecca. “I did think it was hot. Something about a strong man, and panties down…I don’t know. But yes, it was an extreme turn on!”
Kendall took another shot and wheezed, “Hell yeah it’s hot. I want someone to spank me. I wonder if his friends are into that kind of thing. I need a strong fireman to show me who’s the boss!” Kendall laughed and turned her attention to Coley. “Well, does he have any spanking friends?”
Coley took another shot. “I plead the fifth.”
Kendall handed me a shot and one to Rebecca and said, “No way! Come on, spill it.” Rebecca and I downed our shots and then all eyes were on Coley.
Coley looked at us anxiously waiting for her answer. “Yes all right. He and his friends believe in spanking to keep their girlfriends in line. Why do you think I’ve never dated any of his friends? And just so you know, they don’t spank for fun, but for punishment. So I don’t think you would find it as sexy as you think.”
“Have you seen his friends? They can punish me all they want!” Kendall declared.
Rebecca shook her head in disbelief. “They beat women? You guys think a man beating his girlfriend is hot?”
I spoke up. “It’s not beating. It’s spanking, big difference.”
Coley came to her brother’s defense. “It’s an old-fashioned way of thinking. They would never hurt someone, and they would only do it with a female who was open and willing to do it. It’s hard to explain.”
Rebecca looked at me in disbelief. “Would you let someone spank you, Neely?”
I shrugged, “Maybe. All I know is my marriage failed. I’m in no position to judge any way of thinking. Hearing Caine explain it, and to hear why he feels it’s important seems to make sense.”
“Well my marriage is failing, and the last thing I would do is let him spank me!” Rebecca admitted.
“Maybe you should,” Coley said before taking another shot.
“What about you Coley? Have you ever been spanked?” Rebecca asked in disbelief.
“Rebecca, it isn’t as horrible as you’re thinking. A lot of people use spanking in a marriage; it isn’t that abnormal,” Coley stated.
“You didn’t answer the question! Have you been spanked?” Kendall asked teasingly.
Coley looked around the table. “Not by a boyfriend… yet, but if you want the truth, I’m not opposed to the concept.”
Rebecca gasped, “You have all lost your minds!”
The waitress arrived at their table with another round of shots as well as another round of cocktails. She grabbed the large collection of glassware off of the table, making room for the fresh ones.
Kendall held up her shot glass to give another toast. “To my friends finding a strong man who spanks!”
We all laughed and downed our shots.
“Let’s change the subject, all right?” Coley suggested.
Kendall took another drink before saying, “Fine, if we can’t find a man who spanks, we can settle for that group of guys sitting over at the bar.”
We all looked over in the direction Kendall was pointing. There were five men who obviously were staring in our direction. As if by looking at them was an invitation, the men made their way to our table and pulled up chairs to join us.
A man with blonde hair and athletic build was the first to speak. “Mind if we join you lovely ladies?”
Kendall always being the flirt replied, “It will cost you a round of drinks.”
Another one of the men motioned for the waitress and our group of girls became a large mixed group of intoxicated people. Most, if not all, of the men had had their fair share of drinks as well.
I watched, in fascination, Kendall. She was very flirtatious to all of the men and would focus her attention on one, and then move on to another. She had each of them eating out of her hands. It was like she released a sexual pheromone of some sort, which seduced them into her spell. She was an extremely pretty girl, but seeing her work the group, was enchanting.
Rebecca just sat back and casually would chat with the men when needed, but really didn’t show too much attention or give much effort in getting closer to any of them. She was obviously loyal to her husband no matter what. I respected her steadfast devotion.
I noticed that Coley was talking to one man in particular. He was fairly good looking, with a jock-type of appearance. His dark brown hair was mostly covered by a baseball cap and his t-shirt and jeans were topped off by tennis shoes. He wasn’t the type that appealed to Coley normally, but I’m sure her drunken state saw past his appearance. She definitely was more physical than I expected her to be. She allowed the jock to rest his hand on her leg, and she kept her body extremely close to his.
My observations were interrupted when one of the men focused his attention towards me. Something about his appearance seemed familiar. He had black hair and dark brown eyes, and was very attractive. Unlike his friends, he seemed to have a more business attire. He wore a simple blue shirt and black slacks and possessed a level of sophistication the others lacked.
He leaned in close to my ear and asked, “You’re Neely, right? We went to high school together. My name is Adam.”
I pulled away to get a better look at him and suddenly remembered him from school.
“Oh, yes! Adam, how are you? What have you been doing?” I asked excitedly.
“I own a printing company in town,” he answered.
It was an odd feeling to see someone from school other than my girlfriends. We spent the next half hour or so catching up and reminiscing about high school. It was a really nice conversation until Adam placed his arm around me. I didn’t feel like he was just being friendly, and the unwelcomed sign of affection made me really uncomfortable. I tried to relax, and not read too much into it, but the weight of his arm was like hot iron against my skin. As he talked to me he started to move his mouth closer to my ear. I could feel his hot breath, thick with liquor, against my neck. He was making his move, and he was making it fast.
He leaned closer and whispered, “Do you want to get out of here and go somewhere more private?”
I shook my head. “No, I uh… I’m here with friends,” I stammered. The alcohol was really starting to get to me. I felt dizzy and slightly nauseous.
“We can all go,” he suggested as he brushed his lips against my ear.
I pulled away and wiggled out of his embrace. I didn’t want to seem like a prude, but his smell and his touch were making me ill.
I stood to use the restroom. When I turned, I couldn’t find my balance and fell to the floor. Everyone started to laugh including me. I was drunk, really drunk. Coley leaned down to help me up and managed to fall as well. Rebecca and Kendall were both laughing so hard that tears were in their eyes and the group of men seemed amused as well. Normally I would have been humiliated, but right now I was happy to have the distraction from Adam’s advances. I reached for the chair and somehow pulled back into a standing position. I stumbled my way to the restroom and decided to call Caine. I really didn’t know why, but all I wanted right now was to have Caine close to me.
I leaned against the w
all as the phone rang. “Hey Neely! You guys ready to be picked up?”
I tried to speak as clearly as I could. “Uh yeah.” I began to giggle. “Your sister needs to be picked up off the ground.” I tried my best to stop laughing but laughed even more.
“Neely, how much did you ladies drink?” Caine asked with irritation in his voice.
I held back my giggles unsuccessfully and snorted, “A lot!”
Caine grunted, “Stay there, I’m on my way.”
I stumbled my way back to the group and made my way to my seat. Adam was waiting for me with another drink.
“I got this for you babe,” Adam said pushing it in my direction.
He called me babe! He was using a term of endearment like we were somehow together or an item. I didn’t ask for a drink, and I certainly didn’t want to be called babe! I didn’t want to be rude, but everything about this man was turning me off.
“Thank you, but I’ve had plenty to drink,” I said.
Adam put his arm back around me. “All right, babe, I think it’s best that we get going.”
I couldn’t believe this guy was acting like I was his girlfriend! Calling me babe and having the nerve to talk about leaving with him! I had no idea what I did to make this man think I was his. I looked to my friends for some help, but all of them were tied up with one of the drunken jocks hoping to get lucky.
“Um, no that’s all right. I have someone coming to get me,” I explained as I tried to lean away from his possession.
Adam tightened his grip on me. “No way babe, am I going to let someone take you away in the condition you are in. What kind of man would I be to let that happen?” he explained.
He leaned towards me and kissed my forehead. His lips were wet with his saliva. I felt ill with the gesture and wanted to get away as soon as possible. I had been trying to be polite the whole time, but my patience was getting tested. I needed to stand up against this leach.
I wiggled out of his embrace. “Adam, I’m not really comfortable…”