Page 7 of His Loving Guidance
“Yes, of course I have,” she answered immediately. She did not have to think twice. She held no resentment in her heart toward him. Not anymore.
“Do you believe me when I tell you I’ve forgiven you?”
She glanced at her feet, knowing where he was going with this. “Yes, I believe you. And I know what you’re going to say. You’re going to tell me I need to forgive myself.” She could not restrain a grin. “Blah blah blah, psychobabble blah blah.”
James chuckled. “You took the words right out of my mouth. Except for the blah blah psychobabble part.”
Lucy marveled at how free she suddenly felt, standing on the side of a winding mountain road surrounded by a tall, dense forest, as a light breeze stirred through the grass and ruffled her hair. James did not hate her for having thoughts about divorce. He understood. He still loved her. Now that she had spilled her guts, the toxic buildup of secrets that had been sickening her fled from her body, blowing away in the breeze. She felt cleansed. Amazing. Her eyes widened as the realization sank in, and she wrapped her arms around James, nearly knocking him over with the impact of her embrace.
* * *
The valley below stretched over hills of farmland, a sparkling lake, and the occasional band of trees beneath a brilliant blue sky. James stood at the huge window in the living room of the cabin, soaking up the breathtaking view. His attentions did not remain on the view outside for long though. The view inside was much better. Glancing to the kitchen, his chest tightened with emotion at the sight of a scantily dressed Lucy humming while she prepared their lunch. A snug, thin white tank top hugged her breasts. Braless, her nipples poked through the material, hinting at what lay underneath. Pink, high-cut panties covered her bottom, exposing a hint of her rosy cheeks, lingering evidence from the playful swats he had given her as they were getting out of the hot tub earlier.
He loved to see her happy. The drive up the mountain four days ago had been a turning point in their relationship. He had no idea Lucy had once considered divorce, but looking back, he was not surprised. Not at all. He swore to do everything in his power to ensure she never felt that way again. The next two plus weeks would be spent demonstrating his love and commitment to her. While the rest of the summer would be tricky with Lucy’s sister in the house, Wendy was searching for a job and leaving for college in August anyway, so any potential setbacks would be temporary. Selfishly, James hoped Wendy found a waitressing job soon that would keep her busy on Friday nights so they could at least enjoy their weekly maintenance spankings without being discovered.
“Lunch is ready.”
Before taking his place at the table, James gave Lucy a quick kiss and squeezed her bottom. “Tomorrow is Friday already,” he reminded her.
Her face flushed as she sat down. “I know.”
“Are you as nervous this week as you were last week?”
“No. I’m not nervous. Actually, I’m –” Her eyes grew large and she stopped speaking.
“You’re what?” he prompted, on the edge of his seat.
She concentrated on the sandwich on her plate, holding it between her hands but not taking a bite. “I guess I’m looking forward to it.”
Her admission excited him, especially because he shared in her feelings of anticipation. “Why are you looking forward to it?”
She waved a hand in the air dismissively. “Oh, I don’t know, James. Let’s just eat lunch. Please?”
“Fine. But this conversation isn’t over, Lucy girl.”
With a pout, she shrugged and rolled her eyes. “Damn. I had a feeling you’d say that.”
“Do we need to address your attitude toward me while we’re at it, young lady? Rolling your eyes at me and cursing in the same breath isn’t very smart.” James kept his voice firm. “If I have to smack your bottom until you tell me why you’re looking forward to tomorrow night, I will.”
Her gaze shot up to his. “That’s not fair.”
“Oh but it is. Didn’t you promise to open up to me more?”
“I did,” she grumbled, pouting even more. “Fine. I’ll tell you – after lunch.” Her demeanor brightened, no doubt a result of her brief reprieve.
Lucy dragged lunch out as long as humanly possible, taking slow, tiny bites as James glared at her across the table. He eventually decided to tidy up the kitchen and gave her a two-minute warning to have her butt on the couch for their discussion. Fighting his increasing desire, he joined her in the living room. He sat beside her and lifted her chin with one finger, forcing her to meet his eyes.
“Now you will tell me why you’re looking forward to tomorrow night. Stalling will earn you extra spanks tomorrow night.”
Huffing, she tore her chin away. Her agitation only increased James’ arousal. She was falling back on anger, wearing it like a shield, but he had faith she was about to answer his question. Sure enough, she spoke, the words coming from a clenched jaw.
“I’ve never enjoyed a punishment spanking, James. Not a bit. I swear they’ve never turned me on before. But the maintenance spanking did for some reason. It was . . . different. That’s why I’m looking forward to tomorrow night. Happy now?”
How perfect. He had had similar feelings last Friday night. Knowing she shared them opened up a door of new possibilities. Eyebrows drawn together, she made her displeasure known with another exasperated huff, obviously impatient for his response. A grin spread across his face at her outlandish frustration. Lucy was cute when she was mad. His hardening cock agreed.
“Come here, Lucy.” He pulled her close, chuckling at how stiff she remained in his embrace. “Sweetheart, I’m rock hard just thinking about spanking you tomorrow. I wish it was Friday right now. I loved having you over my lap. Your trust in me is one of the greatest gifts you’ve ever given me. I feel like I can’t get enough of you lately.”
“Really?” The tension left her body. She relaxed against him, circling her arms around his waist.
“Really.”
She hugged him, shifting so her forehead rested on his cheek. Her eyelashes tickled his chin as she blinked, and he felt her melt against him further, as if they were becoming one. And in a way they were. The shadows of passing clouds danced through the sunlight across the hardwood floor, and he held her, not wishing to break away first. Finally, she spoke.
“You know . . . I did curse at you,” she said in a conspiratorial tone.
James sucked in a surprised breath. She wanted to play. Too stunned to reply immediately, he gave himself a mental shake and drew back to cup her face. Her eyes glimmered with mischief.
He summoned up his most authoritative tone. “Lucy Marie Willis, you’ve been a very naughty girl.”
