Summer Solace by Maggie Ryan Page A

ground under her head and her promises to behave interrupted by her hiccupping sobs. Gabe gave her another round and then stopped. His hand began gently rubbing her bottom. She had been well spanked but far less than her last several trips over his lap.
    Five minutes passed until Joanna managed to get herself under control. Gabe patted her bottom and she knew he was done. She pushed herself up and when he pulled her to sit on his knee, she buried her face in his neck. Gabe simply held her, his arms holding her close and secure.
    “I’m sorry, Sir,” she said very quietly.
    Gabe smiled and pressed his lips to the top of her head. God, it was wonderful to hold her again. “I know, baby. I’m sorry I had to spank you, but, Joanna, you can count on a sore bottom if you misbehave,” he promised her.
    Joanna was shocked to feel herself smile against him. Her bottom was throbbing but her heart was finally at peace. She lifted her head and met his gaze. “Yes, Sir,” she said knowing he meant what he said.
    He smiled and then surprised her by standing, holding her easily in his arms. She felt her heart skip thinking he was going to make love to her. However, she should have known better. He turned and placed her onto the concrete bench of the picnic table. She yelped as her bottom contacted the stone.
    “Ow, that hurts!” she protested and attempted to rise.
    “I see you don’t remember the required quiet time, Jo,” Gabe said as he placed his hands on her shoulders and pressed her back down onto the bench. She looked up at him, her eyes wide in disbelief.
    “But…but,” she sputtered as her eyes darted around the campsite as if expecting to see crowds of people.
    Gabe chuckled. “The only thing you are to think about, young lady, is displaying that naughty butt of yours and spending your quiet time reflecting on your behavior.” 
    Joanna was still shocked but understood that any hesitancy he had about punishing her had completely disappeared.
    “Turn around, lay your cheek on your hands and scoot back on the bench until those spanked cheeks are hanging off the bench,” he instructed.
    He watched as she blushed scarlet. He made a twirling motion with his finger telling her to turn around. She pouted but lifted herself enough to obey him. Soon she was in the position he had commanded, her face protected from the surface of the table top by her folded hands and her hot bottom bared and hanging out over the bench. She blushed again thinking of how she must look and the thought of going on a diet definitely slid through her mind. Gabe stood over her for a few minutes as if to make sure she did remember this part of the discipline ritual. She sighed and settled. He was in control and she would remain exactly as she was until he considered her punishment over.
    Gabe moved around the campsite. He checked the fire and made sure all the food was safely stored in coolers so that creatures of the night wouldn’t have any snacks. Once he was done, he slid onto the bench next to Joanna. She opened her eyes and looked at him but made sure she didn’t move a muscle. He smiled down at her and very gently ran his fingertip down her cheek as if tracing the path her tears had created. He did something he had never once done before during her quiet time. He bent and gently pressed his lips to that same cheek. Joanna’s eyes welled at the simple gesture. Her love for him spread throughout her entire body.
    “Okay?” he asked quietly, unconcerned with the fresh tears spilling down her cheek. He knew from her relaxed position that she was fine but found he needed confirmation. She smiled again.
    “Yes, Sir. I’m fine,” she assured him.
    Gabe nodded and continued to stroke her hair and her arm as she continued to think about what had happened. The woods were silent except for sounds of insects and the occasional rustle of leaves when the breeze picked up. The couple sat together in total peace. Gabe was just about to release her