Page 34 of Everything Christmas

She sucked in a breath before angling her head to look up at him.

“Now? But, Reese, we’ll be late.”

“I don’t care. This is more important.” He pulled her dress down and held her arm to steady her. “Step out. This will only take a minute.”

She stumbled and would have fallen if he hadn’t caught her around the middle. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, but I thought you didn’t want to rush our first time.”

He frowned. “I’ve paddled your sweet ass before, elf.”

She blinked. “Wait. You’re going to spank me? Now.”

“No time like the present. I’ve explained how I feel about delays.”

“If this is about the door. I got here fifteen minutes ago and knew you would be right here, honey. I swear.”

“It would only take a few seconds for a criminal to get inside to rob you or do a helluva lot worse. You know that better than anyone. The rear door stays locked at all times, and you lock the front door after hours and anytime you’re alone in the shop. If I have to spank you every time you forget, then so be it.”

He laid her dress over the bench in front of the lockers then remaining standing, crooked a finger at her. She hesitated a fraction of a second, which was better than the last time then walked over.

“Since we’re going out, I won’t take you over my lap. Put your hands flat on the bench. You won’t get mussed that way.”

“But I’ll ruin my makeup.” She looked at him pleadingly.

“We’ll have to risk it. Bend over the bench.”

When she was in position, he stopped to admire her lacy green panties that matched the strapless bra. He couldn’t decide which was sexier, half-dressed or spilling provocatively out of her gown. Either way, he was hard in seconds.

Hell, who was he kidding? He’d been hard for Merry since he’d first laid eyes on her. Although she had shared his bed all week, they still hadn’t made love yet. A lot of cuddling and kissing had gone on, but after what had happened, Reese held back, waiting until she was ready. He didn’t want her mixing up gratitude and hero worship with genuine affection.

Merry also needed time to grow to trust him. He knew she had reservations after watching the parade of women cross his doorstep early on. But it had been a while since he’d been with anyone else because his little elf had worked her way under his skin and into his heart.

Now, to hear her beg for his lovemaking was a balm to his soul. She was more than ready. They had a bit of business to take care of first because he didn’t want her thinking he wasn’t serious about following his safety precautions, or that she could manipulate him with sex. Although, in his position right now—hard, aching, and ready to make her his woman—it was going to be the shortest punishment on record.

He smoothed his hand over her lace-covered bottom, asking her sternly, “Instead of heading off to the ball as planned, you’re about to be punished. How could you have prevented this, Merry?”

“By locking the door and setting the alarm, sir.”

“And being proactive about your safety. I’ve taken every precaution here at the store and at home, but none of the technology or safeguards will work it you don’t use them.” He took down her panties, revealing her perfect round cheeks.

His hand came down swiftly. The loud crack resonated in the tiled room, echoing through the door and down the empty hallway. “My hand is apparently not getting through.”

“But it is!” she exclaimed.

“Too late. But that argument might convince me if this doesn’t happen again.” He could use a belt, like he’d threatened the last time, but his tuxedo pants were adjustable and he wasn’t wearing one. Reese glanced around the room for something to use as a paddle. “Stand up.”

“What?”

“We’re going out into the shop to find something to help your memory in the future.”

“You can’t be serious. The shop has windows on three sides.”

“I’ll be careful and make sure no one sees.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her behind him. After a few steps, with her scurrying to keep up, she exclaimed, “Reese, slow down. I can’t run in these heels.”

He stopped immediately and turned back to her. “Sorry, honey. I forget how much shorter your legs are than mine, even in those sexy heels.” Seeing her panties in a twist at her knees, he crouched and pulled them down to her ankles, repeating, “Step out.”

When she did, it left her in only her thigh-high stockings and four-inch silver heels.

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