Courted by Trouble: A Courting Romance (In Hyacinth Book 3) by Bree Cariad

Christopher funny stories about Xan and Kathy, talked about growing up in Hyacinth, and just reminisced. Every time they paused, he asked a question that brought out even more fun memories. When he left, after giving her a longer kiss, Dora hugged her again.
    “He’s a keeper.”
    Laughing, Stephanie nodded. “I hope so.”
     

Chapter 6
     
    How time had a way of speeding by, Stephanie couldn’t figure out, but it did it with such ease. The first three months of their courtship went by quickly. They saw each other daily, and to her relief, Julienne had been thrilled for her when she found out. By the time they had moved onto the fourth stage, she was not only used to following his lead but found it comforting. She did have the tendency to needle him a bit, though, when he assigned her lines for discipline.
    “Again?” she moaned toward the end of March as once again he assigned her some for mouthing off at Marjorie earlier that day, though this time it was for more than she had ever written in her life. She glared at the paper he had placed in front of her. He wanted her to write I will not give into rudeness five thousand times.
    “We could take care of it another way,” he said firmly, “but you have been reticent about spanking.”
    Her heart jumped. Spanking. From the beginning of their relationship, she had been honest about the whole spanking thing. That she wasn’t sure if it was for her and he was willing not to do it if that was what she wanted. But right now, it seemed to her that a spanking might be easier than what he wanted her to write. Her eyes darted to Dora who was trying not to watch them. They were in the kitchen at the table while she was making dinner. “Dora?” she said, clearing her throat.
    “Shall I leave?” Dora asked, already turning toward the door.
    “No. But… please tell me again how you felt after a spanking.”
    “Oh.” Dora grinned. “Well, um, first off, they do hurt. A lot. But at the same time? It’s crazy but you feel loved and when it’s over, all’s forgiven. It takes time to get used to and you might hate it for a while. I don’t know. I was spanked from the time I was a little girl. I think growing up with it is different to having your first one at almost twenty years of age.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Sure,” Dora shrugged. “And um, if you want to use my Dad’s old study? It’s the room across from yours, Stephie. It’s actually kind of sound proofed.”
    Grinning at her friends’ subtlety, Stephanie nodded. “I suppose you’re right. Discipline probably belongs there, doesn’t it?”
    “Did in this household,” she giggled. “I’ll have dinner ready when you’re done.”
    “Thanks,” she said dryly, grinning despite her nervousness as Dora’s laughed.
    Christopher followed her, closing the door to the small study after they entered. Looking around, Stephanie had the feeling nothing had changed since Daniel had died. There was even the tail end of a cigar sitting in an ash tray on the old wood and leather desk. From the feeling of the leather, someone kept it oiled.
    “Are you all right?” Chris asked quietly in her ear.
    “Nervous,” she admitted. “I’ve never been spanked before.”
    “First off, let’s get something straight,” he said, leading her over to a small, comfortable sofa in the corner. She curled up next to him after he sat down. “This is about positive discipline. If this brings back any memories of what your father did to you, you tell me instantly and it stops. I never want you to think of me like that.”
    “Thanks, but I don’t think it will. He punched and kicked me.”
    A low hiss slipped from his lips. “I swear if I ever see the man, I’m giving him a piece of my mind.”
    “Shh,” she said softly. “He was sick.”
    His arms wrapped around her. “I don’t care. Nobody hurts my girl and gets away with it.” Smiling at the absurdity of feeling so incredibly loved in this moment, she curled up closer.