Page 69 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 2

"Well, that sucks. I know I've never met Troy, but I'm not sure I like the fact that he'd go to a party and leave you to fend for yourself on the holiday. I would expect him to invite you along with them."

Traci was torn between trying to defend her brother with the facts and wanting to stay home alone with Sean for the day. Loyalty to Troy won. "Don't be mad at Troy. He did invite me. I just don't want to go to a party today is all. We can have a party for two."

"As fun as that sounds, I'd rather meet Troy and Hallie. They are important to you so that means they are important to me."

"I get that, Sean, but I'm not ready to—"

"To what? Be seen in public with me? Am I an ogre?"

"No! You know that's not how I feel."

"Do I?"

"Well, you should."

"Listen, if you don't want to go to a party, that's one thing, but I'd like to meet your brother."

"But—"

"Traci." The way he declared her name with such strength made her insides flip-flop. It was the tone Troy used with Hallie—Adam used with Gina—Brent used with Char. It was the HoH tone.

How did he learn that without any coaching?

Her "yes, sir" flew out of her mouth with ease. Sean's happy grin told her how much he liked the sound of those two little words.

"What are the options for the day?"

"There's a community picnic and pool party this afternoon with fireworks at dusk. They wanted to stop by to pick me up on the way."

"That's perfect! That way I'll get to meet other people from town."

Traci scrambled for excuses. "But I didn't plan on going. I don't have any food made to take."

"I saw your fridge. You're stocked up. We'll find something to take."

Traci had never discussed how unique Eagle’s Pass was with Sean. She had to quickly calculate the risks of taking him to a community party. They needed to discuss the possibility of the topic of spanking coming up as they mingled. She wasn't sure she was prepared for that discussion yet.

"It's just Eagle’s Pass parties can be... unique."

"How unique can it be? It's a 4th of July picnic. It should be fun."

"But—"

"It will be fun, Traci. Trust me."

The thing is, she did trust him. So much so that when Sean took her phone to text Hallie back, she let him. After the message was sent, he handed the phone back. Her eyes widened as she read his message.

Text to Hallie:

Can't wait for the party. Stop by my house first because I have a surprise for you before we leave.

Hallie texted back immediately.

I love surprises! We'll be there at 1pm.

Sean saw the return message and got a naughty glint in his eye. "That's perfect. We have a few hours to get our day off to a good start before we have to shower and put clothes back on.

Any special requests on how we should spend our morning, Ms. Jackson?"

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