Page 29 of Everything Christmas

“Where did you find them?”

“In the driveway.”

“But I looked there,” she muttered. “You think I’m a nitwit, don’t you?”

“No, I think you’re careless, but we can work on that. Now is a good time to start. Lower your jeans and bend over the hood.”

“But, Reese! I’ve been so busy. It was an honest mistake.”

“Lots of people are busy and still pay their bills. Besides, it isn’t just the electricity. It’s not securing your purse and your keys. Someone could have stolen your ID and credit cards, along with your identity. Not having batteries for your flashlight in an emergency isn’t smart, either. You need to start using your head, elf. Hopefully, the spanking you’re about to get will help you remember to do that.”

“But—”

His hand cupping her chin stopped her mid-sentence. “You agreed we would try this, Merry. Do as I say.”

She was about to give him the excuse that she was exhausted and not thinking clearly, but that would prompt more lectures about overextending herself. She unbuttoned and unzipped, and with her back to him, lowered her pants, along with her panties. With them bunched around her knees, she bent over the still-warm hood.

“Good girl. Things go so much smoother when you do what you’re told.” His hand slid up her back and pressed between her shoulder blades until her chest and cheek rested against the warm metal. “This won’t take long, then we’ll head over to my place, call the power company, and get the lights back on. There’s going to be an extra fee for after-hours and reconnect service.”

“I know.”

A long silence filled the garage before he spoke again. “You know? That means you’ve done this before, doesn’t it?”

“Uh—” He rewarded her hesitation with the sharp crack of his palm on her right cheek, which quickly ended her stalling. “I got disconnected back in September not long after I moved in.”

“I should have guessed.” Reese rubbed her bare bottom as he gave her the rules. “No cussing, name-calling, or blocking my hand. Understand?”

“Yes, sir. I’ll be good.”

“We can only hope.” His hand fell over and over with stinging intensity. By ten, she was wiggling and squirming.

“Be still, Merry.”

“I’m trying to, sir. But you spank really hard.”

“You’re being punished, and I mean to get my point across.” He continued at a deliberate pace, covering both cheeks and the sensitive spot where her butt and thighs met. Somewhere around thirty, he stopped and rubbed her heated skin. “Do I have your attention?”

“Yes, sir.” Her voice was husky from tears.

“Do you think you can be more mindful of your safety now? Or do you need more reminders?”

“My burning butt is reminder enough, I promise.”

“Mm... You don’t sound all that sorry to me. Maybe a few more with my belt would make a more lasting impression.”

The crack of his palm on her already sore butt made her instantly regret the little snort of laughter at his unintended play on words.

“Poor choice of words,” Reese muttered. “But I’m serious about this, Merry.”

“I am, too. I swear!” How could she not with her backside on fire?

“Hmm,” he grunted. “Do I take off my belt, or are you convinced to be more vigilant with your safety and well-being?”

“I’m convinced,” she assured him as he continued to rub and squeeze her fiery bottom and tingling thighs and hoping he wouldn’t stop. “I’m sorry for laughing. I know I act like an airhead sometimes, and you worry about me, but the fact you care so much makes me feel valued more than you’ll ever know. I guess that makes me feel comfortable enough to laugh, even during a spanking.”

His hand left her bottom to glide up her back. When he reached her shoulders, he wrapped his hands around them and squeezed gently. He massaged her for a few moments before sliding his warm hands over arms which were stretched out by her sides. Entwining their fingers, he moved her hands until they lay flat against the hood above her head. He was now stretched along her back, his denim-covered fly pressing against her tenderized backside. Whispering into her ear, his words stopped the breath in her chest.

“I do care, because I’m falling in love with you. That means we are going to do what it takes to keep you safe, even if it means I have to imprint my hand on your delectable ass. Is that clear?”

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