by Bree Cariad
Later on, as she was curled in his arms, their bodies entwined wonderfully, she gave a long, contented sigh.
“Feel good?” he murmured, kissing her forehead.
“Mmm. I’m glad we have four days of just us.”
“Me too.”
His breathing evened out and she lay and listened to him breathe, relaxing with each breath. They may have gone through a lot of trouble to get here, but she felt it was worth it. Lying in the arms of the man she loved, her future looked wonderful. As if of their own volition, her fingers slid over her stomach. They had decided to wait for at least a year to try for a baby and she was on birth control but she wondered what it would feel like to carry his child. Even the thought made her smile. A year wasn’t that far away.
“Someone’s awake,” he murmured softly, rolling her onto her back. After that, she was too busy to think at all for quite some time.
The End
Courted by Understanding
In Hyacinth, Book Four
Bree Cariad
©2015 by Blushing Books® and Bree Cariad
All rights reserved.
No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Bree Cariad
Courted by Understanding
EBook ISBN: 978-1-62750-718-9
Cover Art by ABCD Graphics & Design
This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as Blushing Books' or the author's advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.
Chapter 1
“That it, Dora?”
“Think so, Jim. Thanks for your help.” Dora smiled at the workman. “It’s amazing how fast a wedding tent comes down when it took so long to get it up.”
Chuckling, he nodded. “Feel free to call on us if you have more weddings out here.”
“Thanks, we will.”
With all the chairs and wedding accoutrement gone, the yard looked exactly as it did three days before. As the wind chose that moment to pick up, she laughed softly. “Thanks for holding off until after the wedding!” she hollered, giggling as it picked up even more.
Many of their guests had already left, having just come for Chris and Stephanie’s wedding, but a few were still there. Stewart, a friend of Chris’s, had offered to sub for him in the kitchen while he was away and Dora found him easier to deal with than the other helpers. After making sure the meals were on schedule and that everyone who was there had what they needed, she slipped out, making her way home.
The sun was already on its way down by the time she reached her house and she stepped inside, removing her coat and boots. She glanced in Stephie and Chris’s room, smiling at his boxes which were seated against one wall and the new bed which had arrived the day before their wedding. It might be selfish of her, but she was glad the two of them had agreed to live with her for a while. One thing the summer before last had taught her was that she hated living here alone.
Chris had been a bit of a surprise for her. She’d had a crush on Xan Covington her entire life so when Kathy married him, it had taken him off the market but she still felt nervous in his presence. Cami’s husband Jerod was still an enigma to her. Chris, however, had fit right in with her and Stephanie. For the first time in her life she felt like she had a big brother.
Working with him at the inn was fun and she felt energized at the end of each day rather than run down like she had in her last job. Every day she met someone new and so far, the majority of their clientele had been very pleasant to work with. The couple who hadn’t, Chris had stepped in on, diverting them from her and taking the weight of their displeasure on himself. He didn’t allow anyone to treat his employees less than cordially. Except for Stephanie and Cami and occasionally Xan when he was around, nobody had ever stood up for her with someone else before. It was kind of nice to feel so protected.
The phone ringing drew her out of her ruminations, and she put her bag on the counter and answered. “Hello?”
“Dora?” Kathy Covington’s voice made her smile.
“Hi, Kathy.”
“Hey. Xander and I are headed back to Nashville tomorrow but I had to tell you. The inn looks great.”
“Thanks. It seems to be working well.” Dora couldn’t help but smile. It was nice to put your heart and soul into something and have people notice.
“Xander’s mom told me how much you’ve worked on it. Chris is lucky to have you. But hey, as to why I’m calling…” Kathy drifted off and Dora wondered what she had called to ask. “Ugh. Okay, I hate doing this. Alexander’s cousin is coming to town next week. He has business meetings and asked Xander where would be a good place for a meal/presentation. I suggested the inn. Is that okay?” The last few words were rushed.
“It’s fine. What day?”
“Thursday and Friday, I think. Are you sure?”
“Definitely. And Chris’ll be back by then. We hope to serve people from town as well as people who stay at the inn.”
“Oh, good,” she said in relief. “After I mentioned it, I was suddenly afraid I might have gotten you in a mess. Xander gave him the number so he should be calling you. I told him reservations might be needed.”
“That’s fine. What name should I look out for?”
“Ready for this one?” Kathy asked, a snicker in her voice. “Gaelic Covington.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep.”
“Okay,” Dora said with amusement. “I’ll pencil it in and wait for his call. How’s school going, by the way? I feel like I haven’t talked to you in ages.”
“School’s a pain,” Kathy groaned. “Xander’s right. I do want to graduate but all I’m taking now are the courses they make everyone take. Boring. If I could take the classes I really want to take and get my degree… Plus it’s hard to leave my little boy for class.” They chatted for a few more minutes before she had to go. As Dora put the phone down, she smiled. It had been nice catching up with her.
“Gaelic, what an odd first name.” Putting the note in her purse, she went upstairs to get ready for bed.
By Tuesday the inn was empty, so Dora had their maids do a thorough cleaning as several guests were arriving that afternoon. When Chris and Stephanie strode in the door, she ran over and hugged them. “Welcome back.”
“Everything go okay?” he asked, looking at the maids scurrying around.
“Yep. We have a group of fifteen coming in tonight. And someone’s coming in for a business meeting luncheon on Thursday and Friday. A whole presentation thingy. How was the mini-honeymoon?”
“Perfect,” Stephanie said, looking into her husband’s eyes. “Couldn’t have been better. But I had best get out of your hair so you can work.” Leaning in, she gave Chris a kiss. “I’ll be sketching at the Lava Lamp most of the afternoon. What do you guys want for dinner?”
“Pizza,” Chris said quickly. “It’s been forever since I’ve had it.”
“Call me before you leave and I’ll order.” Stephanie waved and trotted out the door, Chris watching her go.
“Have a good time?” Dora asked.
“Ever been somewhere and not wanted to leave?” he asked, looking over at her with a wry smile. “Tearing ourselves from that little cabin was tough. And thanks for dinner that first night. We needed it. Now,” he said, shaking himself as if to cast off the honeymoon and put himself in work mode. “What do you need from me?”
She brou
ght him up to speed with the last few days, things that needed fixed, a couple guest issues, as well as the fact they were full for the next three weeks.
“Really?” he asked in wonder, looking over the book. “Dory, that’s remarkable. You’re like my lucky penny.” She jabbed him in the waist with her elbow but grinned just the same. “All right, I’m going to go see how much of a mess they’ve made of my kitchen. I’ll see you later.”
With a full house, her days were busy. She fielded begging from people who wanted reservations even though they were full, answered questions from guests who wanted more information on the area, and by Thursday, felt as though she was running on a constant high of caffeine, even though she hadn’t had coffee in days.
Slicing open the newest mail, she was at the front desk when she felt someone walk up in front of her. Looking up, she was startled to stare into a pair of intense blue eyes. “Hello,” he said in a deep voice. “My name’s Gaelic Covington. I have a reservation for lunch.”
“Oh, yes, Mr. Covington,” she said, trying not to stare. Well over six feet with short brown hair and chiseled features, she hadn’t had this kind of reaction to a guy since…well, since Xander Covington. Groaning inwardly because she realized she must have a Covington fixation, she nodded toward the dining room. “We set up the private dining area for your meeting. The hostess will show you where it is.”
“Thank you, Miss…?” He paused as if waiting for her name.
“Lexington. Dora Lexington. I manage the inn.”
A slow smile spread across his face. “Camille has mentioned you. It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too,” she whispered as he turned and entered the dining room. Once he was gone, she laid her head on the desk. It was a good thing he was only here for a couple days. He was far too good looking for her peace of mind. Especially considering he would never be interested in a girl like her. No guy ever was. With reality firmly back in place, she lifted her head up and got back to work.
“You all right?” Jumping at Chris’s voice, she turned toward him startled. “Dora, I said your name four times and you never heard me.”
“Sorry. Mind on too many things, I think. What did you need?”
“You sure nothing’s wrong?”
“Just me being weird.”
“All right. Here’s the groceries I need for Monday. Some of the items may sound strange, but there is a reason for them.” He handed her the list.
“I’ll fax it over to our distributor. Did Steph tell you that Cami wants us over there for Thanksgiving?”
“So I’ve heard. What are we bringing?”
“I told her we’d bring the dressing.”
“Perfect. I’ve got a great recipe. I’d better get back in the kitchen. Any reservations for that weekend, yet?”
“A few.”
“Sweet.” He turned, a spring in his step, leaving Dora grinning.
Mid-afternoon, Gaelic Covington stopped by the front desk right after she checked in a guest. She almost didn’t want to look up at him, but if she didn’t, it would be rude. “Did you enjoy your lunch?”
“Very much. Alexander’s wife was right. This was the perfect place. I’ve been to Hyacinth many times and have usually had to travel at least an hour for a decent meal. I’m glad the inn opened up.”
She smiled, not sure what to say.
“I’ll be back again tomorrow. Is there anywhere in town you would suggest for a laidback dinner tonight?”
“You mean besides here?”
He grinned, which made him even better looking if that was possible.
Blushing, she thought about it. “Charlotte Covington’s?”
Laughing, he nodded. “True. My aunt probably expects me. It was a pleasure to meet you, Dora. I look forward to tomorrow.”
“Have a good night.” As he left, she sagged against the desk.
“Wow, Dora’s got a crush.”
Groaning, she laid her head on the desk. “It shows?”
“I just know you well enough,” Chris said, patting her on the back. “Is that the Covington with the strange name?”
“Gaelic. Yes.”
He chuckled. “Good for you, Dora.”
“Shut up.” His laughter followed him into the kitchen.
Waking up before her alarm, Dora jumped up and into the shower. She was always an early riser but today she knew why. She might never see him again after today’s luncheon and Dora was going to take her chance to see Gaelic Covington one more time. He was incredibly good looking. Not only did he have that strength that men like Alex Covington and Christopher Triton held, but he was just gorgeous.
Having had a crush on Xan for as long as she could remember, she always thought she loved blonds, but Gaelic had changed her mind. His brown hair was beautiful and she had found herself several times the evening before wondering what it would feel like to run her fingers through it.
After getting out of the shower, she took care with her hair and make-up before going to her closet. Here she had a problem. Her clothes were so blah. Different shades of tan with the occasional black thrown in to really help her bleed into the background. She really needed to go shopping. Now that she was working with the public all day, Dora wanted to make a better impression.
Dragging out a simple brown sweater dress, she pulled it on, surprised to find it a little loose. “Dang, it stretched out.” Pulling it off, she grabbed a tan pair of pants with a brown blouse. Only to find them a little loose. Surprised, she went into her closet and pulled her scale out. She rarely got on it, after all it was always depressing, but today when she stood up on it, the device said she had lost twenty pounds. “Wow.” How had she not noticed?
She moved the scale into several positions to make sure, but depending on where she put it in the room, she lost somewhere between seventeen and twenty pounds. “I need new clothes.”
She had very few size twelves left as she hadn’t been one in so long she had thrown them out as they taunted her daily. The only thing that even seemed suitable was a pair of dark brown leggings and a deep maroon dress. It was slightly tight, but not bad and when she looked in the mirror, she was pleased with the result.
The kitchen was filled with clatter as her roommates made breakfast and both of them looked up startled as she walked in.
“You look good today,” Chris said, kissing her on the forehead. “Maroon’s your color.”
“Thanks.”
“And I want you to take today off.”
“What?” she squawked, looking up at him at the same time as she reached for a box of cereal.
“You haven’t taken a day off since the wedding, have you?”
“Well, no, but—”
“That’s working seven days straight. Dory, you don’t have to work that hard. Remember my lecture on not burning yourself out?”
“I have things I need to do today.”
“And I’m sure the people we’ve hired can do them.”
Taking the box of cereal to the table, she sat down, trying to figure out how to say something. “Just for today,” she tried. “I can take Monday and Tuesday off.”
“Sure, Monday and Tuesday would work well as days off for you,” he agreed and she relaxed with a sigh. “But you’re taking today off too.”
“Chris, please? I really need to go to work today.” Her emphasis on the word made his eyebrow quirk.
“It wouldn’t be because of a certain luncheon, would it?”
She tried to keep a straight face, but her burning cheeks gave her away.
“What luncheon makes you want to be there?” Stephanie asked, looking between them.
Not wanting Stephanie to know, she shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll take today off. I need to go shopping for clothing anyway. I’ve lost twenty pounds,” she announced with a grin.
“You’re beautiful no matter what size you are,” Chris insisted, getting up and taking his plate to the sink. “And you’re right, we could use the help with the lunch
rush today. If you could come maybe about 10:30, that would be a help. But,” he added, trying not to smile when she beamed at him, “you leave right after.”
“Thanks,” she said in relief. “And you know you’re a horrible boss, right? You’re supposed to be a slave driver.”
“I’ll learn,” he called over his shoulder after kissing his wife and leaving the kitchen.
Stephanie shook her head in amusement before taking a good look at her. “You look amazing, Dora. But then you always do. I’d noticed your clothes were getting baggy but some people prefer their fashion that way. When’s lunch over?”
“Just after one.”
“Want to go to Longdale afterward?”
“That would be great. With my position at the inn, I want to appear a certain way.” Longdale had a huge mall she would hopefully find some clothes at.
“I’m sure my honey would let us use his car.”
“Well, since I don’t have to leave for a couple hours, I think I’ll change. It feels kind of decadent to leave for work so late.”
“Lady of leisure,” Stephanie called out, making her laugh.
When she did arrive at work, it was to find a few frazzled employees. “What’s wrong?” she asked, stuffing her purse under the counter at the front desk.
Dropping his voice really low, Tatum, their elderly security guard whispered, “Really rude guest who caused a scene this morning. Chris sent ‘em packing, but Sally almost quit. Chris’s trying to talk her down from her melt down.”
“Geez, what happened?”
“Not sure, but man I’ve never seen someone so incredibly vicious and I went to Hyacinth Academy like you did.”
Dora had a hard time not smiling at that remark. It was true no matter what year you went to high school. There was always someone putting someone else down. “The guest went after Sally? Why?” Sally was one of their quietest employees. Always on time for her shift, incredibly pleasant with the guests, it boggled the mind as to why someone would go after such a nice person.