Page 72 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 2

Sean stopped them in the middle of the sidewalk and forced a couple with kids walking behind them to detour around. He pulled Traci close and looked into her eyes.

"Sean, what are you doing?" He could tell she was uncomfortable with the public show of affection.

He didn't try to stop his grin. "I'm making others jealous of us. Showing them that we're in that sickly-sweet, in-love stage." He closed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss. He waited until he felt her relaxing into his arms before letting her come up for air. "That should do it." He loved the dreamy look in Traci's eyes as she gazed up at him. "Should do what?"

"Tell every guy in town that you're off limits."

He had expected her to laugh, but he saw a seriousness in her eyes. "Sean, I'm worried I didn't get a chance to warn you about Eagle’s Pass yet."

"Warn me about what? My in-law's summer cabin is in a small town like this in Wisconsin. Everyone there is outgoing and friendly. I bet Eagle’s Pass is the same."

Traci chuckled. "Hardly. Eagle’s Pass is different from any other town you've ever been to."

Sean had no idea why the normally levelheaded Traci was suddenly prone to obvious over-exaggeration. "It's a small town in Colorado, Trace. I hardly think there's anything you need to warn me of, unless it's a busy-body town gossip. I've found small towns always have a few of those."

"Well, we do have our share of those, but that's not what—" Traci didn't get to finish her sentence. Troy and Hallie had stopped up ahead and turned around to shout at them to hurry and catch up.

Sean tried to reassure her. "Traci, I'm sure everyone will be very nice. Let's go meet your neighbors."

He could tell Traci had more she wanted to say, but the crowd was pressing in behind them on the sidewalk, pushing them forward towards the huge open-sided tent with dozens of picnic tables. Festive music was being piped into the tent lending to the party atmosphere. There was a large barbecue pit at the far end where several men were flipping burgers and chicken on the open fire. Kids in bathing suits throwing water balloons at each other ran between the tables as scolding mothers chased them out of the tent and into the mammoth open green park.

Without even talking to anyone yet, Sean could see why Traci loved living in Eagle’s Pass. He thought of Ashley and couldn't help but picture her here among these families. He picked out many kids around her age and wondered if any of them could be best friend material for his daughter. Unfortunately, he had a lot of details to work out with his career before he could consider making a move to Colorado.

They followed Troy and Hallie to a table not far from the barbecue pit. They joined a large group of families already seated at an extra-long group of tables pushed together.

"Well, who do we have here, Traci? I can't believe you've been holding out on your best friend!" A beautiful raven-haired woman carrying an adorable toddler drinking from a sippy cup had come around the long table to greet them.

Sean had fun watching Traci blush with pleasure as he wrapped his left arm around her waist to pull her close. "Hi, Char. I'd like to introduce you to Sean Campbell. Sean, this is Charmagne Carmichael. And this tall guy coming up behind her is her husband and one of the town founding fathers, Brent."

Sean was not short, but he had to look up several inches as Brent reached to shake his hand. "Welcome to Eagle’s Pass, Sean. I had no idea Traci was seeing someone, but it's great to meet you."

"Thanks, Brent. Traci and I met a few weeks ago when she was in Chicago attending a conference. I was missing her and decided to fly out for the long weekend."

Char jumped back into the conversation, gently pressing Traci for more information. "That's so romantic. I've been trying for weeks to get you to spill the beans on how things had gone in Chicago. I can't believe you've been keeping this guy a secret. You still haven't told me how your presentation went yet, either."

Traci tried to change the subject, but Sean wouldn't let her get away with it. "Well, I was there, and her presentation was a huge success. She had people coming up for her autograph days later."

"Stop exaggerating, Sean. They were asking me for my business card, not my autograph.

They just wanted to email me some additional questions."

Brent congratulated her. "Still, that's a great accomplishment, Traci. We've all been waiting to read about the conference in Ettie's paper. She's here today. Make sure you give her an interview, will you?"

Sean and Traci shared a smile before he leaned in to whisper, "Town gossip?"

"One of many, yes. But she's really nice."

They made their way to two open seats at the long table, sitting directly across from Troy and Hallie and next to a family of four. One of the daughters looked to be Ashley's age. The father sitting next to Troy stood to stretch across the table to shake Sean's hand.

"Sean, I'm Zach and this is my family. My wife Erin and daughter's Avery and Jordan. Welcome to Eagle’s Pass. Have a seat and join us."

"Nice to meet you, Zach, and thanks. I appreciate you letting me join in the party at the last minute."

Erin smiled kindly. "Are you kidding me? The more the merrier. Any friend of Traci's is a friend of ours."

Sean turned to the blonde-haired Avery to ask, "Do you mind me asking how old you are, Avery?"

She blushed, obviously surprised to be addressed by the new guy in town. "I'm thirteen,

---