Page 19 of Ranch Rules

Thomas caught her look and leaned over to bump elbows with her. “There’s always tomorrow.”

“She makes bacon every morning?”

“Mmm, it’ll be sausage tomorrow.”

“You’re lucky to get to eat like this every day.”

“Guess that means you will be lucky, at least for the next week.” He slid her a wink.

Something inside Natalie’s chest did a funny dip and she ducked her head to ensure he didn’t see it on her face. What was wrong with her? This man had spanked her against her will, she was here against her will—although, to be fair that wasn’t on Thomas. Still, she needed to steel herself against his cowboy charm and his hot bod, or it would only lead to trouble.

“What will I be doing today?” If Thomas was taken aback by her sudden businesslike tone, he didn’t show it. She hated to admit it, but that only raised him in her esteem.

“I believe Nate’s got you in the office.”

She froze. “In... in the o-office?”

Thomas smiled gently and under the table he gave her thigh a comforting squeeze. “Office work.”

Relief flooded her but she fought to keep it from showing and strove for a light, teasing tone. “Oh, since I’m a lawyer I’m only suited for office work?”

“I bet Raul would trade with you if you’d rather work with the livestock.” He nodded toward a guest at the table who was currently shoveling a whole biscuit into his mouth.

“When do I start?”

“Whenever you’re finished with breakfast.”

She reached for her glass and took a long, deep swallow, thinking she’d never tasted better milk. She set the cup down and wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I’m ready.”

“I like your enthusiasm. And don’t worry—tomorrow we’ll find something you’re better suited for, since you can’t wait to get your hands dirty.”

Natalie got to her feet, but when Thomas began to stand she said, “Don’t worry. I remember the way.”

“All right. I’ll check in on you later then. And remember—be good.”

She waited until she was a few feet away before she rolled her eyes. She had been truthful when she told him that she remembered the way to the office. The way had been burned into her brain even though she had been inside for the first time yesterday, and for once it was only partially due to her photographic memory.

With every step that took her closer to the office door, she felt her stomach sink a little lower. Supposedly she was going to do nothing more than office work, and yet, she couldn’t help but feel trepidation.

Relax. It’s just a room. They need to switch decorators, but still, just four walls. A bookcase. A desk.

Thinking about it made her stomach lurch. She would never see a desk in the same way again, as a surface designed merely to hold files and pens and a laptop. Instead, her mind would see it as the most humiliating place to be ordered over as her bare bottom awaited the stinging punishment of a hard, chastising hand.

It’s just a desk. The office is just a room, and the desk is just a hunk of wood.

Still, she knew she wasn’t convinced because when she rapped timidly on the door only to have Nate open it and let her inside, she avoided looking at it. It was trapped like a photograph in her memory, but still, she did her best to pretend it wasn’t there.

“Morning. I trust you slept well.”

She nodded. Though Thomas had been able to make her smile a few times, she hadn’t completely forgiven him for the embarrassment he’d forced her to endure, and Nate was on the same list. “I, um, heard I was here to help you with office work today?”

“That’s right. Come on in.”

She walked in, and though she tried to avoid it, her eyes felt drawn like magnets to his desk. As soon as she’d given in and looked, an image of herself bent over the back of it popped into her mind. Her ass cheeks tingled at the reminder.

“I imagine that you’ve had some experience with filing before?”

“Well, I’m a lawyer, so while I do work in an office I have an assistant for filing.”

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