Page 76 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 2

Sean grabbed his suitcase from the luggage carousel at the Denver International Airport. Before he could even make a call, his cell phone rang. He glanced down to see his new boss calling.

"Hey there, Ken. I assume you got my report?"

"Damn straight I did. Sean, I have to tell you. So far, you're exceeding all my expectations. When you approached me with your idea, I wasn't exactly sure how it was going to work out, but if these numbers are accurate, you've already paid for yourself for the whole year." Sean chuckled. "That's great. Does that mean I can be expecting a raise?"

He was grateful for the easy friendship he'd developed with the managing director of the real estate ownership group he now worked for.

"It might be a bit early to talk about raises. I'm going to need to see you demonstrate your skills on a few other projects before you convince me this wasn't just a fluke."

"A fluke, you say? I got the renovation project for The Lodge done three weeks ahead of schedule. We came in under budget and I've upgraded the entire leadership committee. Did you see their latest guest satisfaction ratings? They are up twenty percent in just one quarter, despite parts of the hotel being under construction."

"Yeah, yeah. I saw and no doubt, you did an outstanding job, but just wait until you see the next project I have lined up for you. It's a damn mess. You turn this one around and you can name your price with me."

Warning bells were going off for Sean. He stepped aside with his luggage to finish his conversation. "That's great, but you know the money isn't my top priority. Our deal still stands, right?"

"Never fear. I wouldn't dream of changing the deal on you. You'll still be able to live in Colorado. I promise to have you working from your home there at least half the time and yes, I'll still fly your family out to visit you at least every two weeks if you have to be gone longer than you'd like. Enjoy the next few weeks at home. I'll email over the details for the next project. You'll be able to get started on it from Colorado, just like I promised."

"Sounds good. Thanks for calling, Ken. I'll talk to you next week some time."

Sean breathed a sigh of relief. He'd been away from Traci and Ashley for three weeks this trip, which was entirely too long. Still, he had never been happier in his life than he had been these last few months.

His career in hospitality management was on the rise. He had scored his dream job where he used all of his management skills to help older properties regain their leadership status. While the job did require some travel, he had arranged to run most projects from his home office in Eagle’s Pass at least half the time.

The best part of the arrangement was leaving Ashley in Traci's capable care when he was out of town. His daughter had blossomed into a happy and confident young woman since their move to Eagle’s Pass at the end of the summer, just before school started. Sean knew he had Traci's love and guidance as her role model as a major reason for Ashley's happiness. He was relieved that she'd found several good friends in her new school. Raising a daughter in the close-knit community of Eagle’s Pass was proving to be exactly what they all had needed.

Just thinking of Traci had him moving towards the exit with his luggage. He was anxious to have her back in his arms. He didn't have to wait long. Stepping out into the cool autumn evening, he saw her car parked in the waiting lane. He could see the grin light up her face when she saw him approaching.

Sean rushed across the lanes of traffic as Traci jumped out of the driver's seat to run around and jump into his arms. They didn't bother with words, choosing to say their hellos with locked lips instead. It felt damn good to have her in his arms again. They made out like long-lost lovers until cars trying to pick up other travelers started to honk their horns to break them up.

Sean was forced to peel them apart, taking time to cup her cheek gently.

Traci spoke first. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too." Sean grinned, realizing how lucky he was to say the next words to

this amazing woman. "Let's go home."

Epilogue

Christmas Eve

Traci had to rush. She and Ashley had been wrapping Christmas presents until late that afternoon and she hadn't left herself enough time to get ready for church. As she put the finishing touches on her makeup, she got a good look at herself in the mirror and had to admit she liked what she saw.

Was it only a year ago that she'd been feeling so lonely as she got ready to attend Christmas Eve service with her brother? Last year had been such an important Christmas for Troy and Hallie and now, one year later, they were happily married. The fact that she had met and fallen in love with Sean and now had him and Ashley in her life had her feeling like the luckiest woman in the world.

She jumped when Sean appeared behind her in the mirror. She had been daydreaming and missed him coming into the room. He was already ready, looking like a GQ model in his black tailored suit.

Damn, he is the best-looking man in town and he's all mine.

Sean leaned down to hug her from behind. Their eyes met in the mirror as he leaned close to whisper into her ear. "We were supposed to leave five minutes ago. You know what happens to naughty girls who make us late, don't you?"

The glimmer of mischief in his grey eyes had her heart rate spiking with excitement—the kind of excitement that had a girl in danger of needing to change her panties. Sean's lips brushed her ear lobe before trailing kisses down to the sensitive place where her neck joined with her bare shoulder, bringing trembles to her whole body.

"Oh no. Do we have to go to church? Couldn't we just stay home?"

Sean's passion-filled eyes told her he wished they could indeed stay home. "We'd better not. Troy and Hallie are saving us seats and Ashley is looking forward to the party at the community center afterwards."

With a sigh, Traci grabbed her clutch purse. She stood and turned to catch one last kiss before they headed out. Sean's hands strayed from her waist to cup her ass, massaging her still tender bottom through her skirt. Memories of the erotic spanking her HoH had delivered just the night before had them locking lips.

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