Page 64 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

Gina tries to cover for her flustered niece. “Oh, we’re doing fine, Troy. We were just getting our first morning cup of coffee, but I haven’t had time to feed Hallie yet. You two want to stay for breakfast before heading out?”

“Thanks for the offer, but there is an awesome pancake house about halfway there that I always loved to stop at. If it’s okay with Hallie, I’d like to stop and grab some breakfast together.”

He is waiting for her reply. She hates that she feels like putty in his hands when he is around. She wants to be strong and sassy, independent. Maybe later. “That sounds great, Troy. I love pancakes.”

“Great. You packed yet?”

Uncle Adam had already gone to Hallie’s room and grabbed her bag and has returned. “She’s packed. I’m still not sure I’m in complete agreement with this plan, but I’m trusting you with my niece, young man. I expect her home in one piece, happy and healthy. Do you get my drift?”

The men are in another show down. “Yes, sir. I understand perfectly. You have my word.”

Adam finally sticks his hand out to pump a handshake with Troy. “That’s all I can ask for.”

Troy grabs her bag with one hand and holds out his other to Hallie. “Ready?”

She takes a deep breath and places her hand in his. “I’m ready.”

The first leg of their trip has gone off without a hitch, although Troy can feel the tension rolling off Hallie. He’s tried to get her talking so she’d relax, but so far it hasn’t worked. He’s glad to be pulling into the parking lot of Pattie’s Pancake House, not only for the food, but to have a chance to sit across the table from Hallie. He does better when he can see her eyes.

She moves to open her door. “Stay put. I’ll come around to help you out.”

“That’s okay. I can manage.” Hallie opens the door, but Troy stops her with his hand on her left forearm.

“Hallie, I’d really like it if you’d please let me open your door.”

“Troy, this isn’t 1950. I can open my own damn door.” They are locked in a stare down. Troy briefly contemplates backing down, but in the end, he knows he doesn’t have a long time between now and the Housing Board’s meeting to accomplish all he hopes to accomplish.

“I know you can open your door. I’m asking if you will allow me to open your door for you.”

“Why? I don’t understand.”

“Honey, I’m not sure I do either. All I know is that it’ll make me happy. Please.” He can see her blush at his use of the endearment.

Pulling her door shut, she smiles. “If it means that much to you, then fine.”

Her bending to his will in this small request makes Troy happy. He leans across the center console to place a quick kiss on her cheek. “Thank you.”

Troy hustles out and around to open her door, helping her step down onto the snowy parking lot. “Hey, you do actually own some sensible shoes.”

Hallie swats his arm playfully. “Very funny. Even I don’t wear high heels skiing.”

“Too bad. I kind of like seeing you in them.”

“You do?”

“Hell yes. Not only are they hot, but I like how you’re always needing to lean on me so you don’t fall.”

“So, you have some ‘help a girl in and out of a car fetish?’ Is that what you’re saying?” Troy laughs. “Damn, you caught me.”

The restaurant hasn’t changed at all since the last time Troy stopped in probably over ten years or more. The service is fast and only once they have their coffee and have ordered do they feel an awkward silence fall over their table.

“I still can’t believe you talked me into trying skiing again. You have to know how much I absolutely hated it last time. I was terrified, Troy. I swear to you. I will kill you and then revive you so I can kill you again if you desert me today.”

“Wow, that would be a good trick. Listen, I promise you that we’re going to start nice and easy, and we’ll only do harder things if you feel up to it.”

He’s glad he can see her eyes, because he knows she’s picked up on the double meaning of his promise. The question is will she comment on it. He is patient.

“So, is that how you do everything? I mean, start out slow and ease me into it nice and easy?”

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