Happy Halloween

• ENJOY THE DAY EVERYONE. HOPE THESE GIVE YOU A LAUGH AND YOU HAVE A TERRIFIC HALLOWEEN.

  
  

  If you feel the need for a story, click on this link or this link.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

The Witch's Brew

Hey everybody, if all is going as planned we are on the way to Las Vegas.  Should be there later today.  We were there last year for a few days with another couple and never did get downtown.  Not that that area is great, but Ray hasn't been down there since the changes which have to be there at least twenty years.  He wants to go at night to see the lights, that's not all he will see.  The girls will be out in full force. lol.  We are only staying a few days and will head to AZ by week's end.  

My birthday was great, had dinner with my family and spent Saturday getting things stowed for moving.  Ray took care of my birthday spanking, boy did he ever, then we danced our dance.

Hope you all had an opportunity to get over to my other site to read the halloween story.  The story below is one I originally wrote for Spank or Treat but when I wasn't able to participate in the official blog I scheduled it for here.  Then I got the brilliant idea to celebrate my birthday and blogaversary on the new site and wrote another story.  No prizes here though so I hope you were able to participate in the bog hop and get signed in for a prize and better yet, win one.

 The Witch's Brew

Angela and Devon Michaels accepted an invitation to attend a party given by friends of friends.  Supposedly this was a fabulous party and they were told to come in costume otherwise they would not be allowed in the door. Angela said the Richards’ loved Halloween and it was an event not to be missed.

They met the other couple over Labor Day weekend while waiting for a table.  They began talking and cracking jokes about how ridiculous, it was to stand outside an hour waiting to spend a ridiculous amount of money for dinner.  Finally deciding no restaurant was worth this, Angela and Devon decided to leave. 

“How about if we join you?”  Rick asked.

“Terrific.” Devon responded and the four of them walked off down the street.  They slipped down a side street and could hear music coming from a little bistro halfway down the block. Heading in that direction, they found the place and it was really rocking.  There weren’t many tables but there was no wait, the music was good and they were all starving. By the time the evening was over, they were fast friends.  They had been out to dinner with them a few times since then and enjoyed each other’s company.

There was something about Rick and Carrie but whatever it was, they were fun and Angela and Devon were looking forward to a great Halloween party. They began thinking about their costumes right away. They decided on an Indian Maiden and a Western Cavalry Officer.  Angela had purchased a buckskin dress on one of their many trips to Utah. Now all they had to find Devon’s outfit. She was confident she would be able to find the right thing online.  She had even able to find a used pair of riding boots in Devon’s size. When the costume finally arrived she called Carrie to share the news. She was just about to hang up when someone answered.  It didn’t sound like Carrie.

“Carrie, is that you?” Angela asked

“Yes, how are you Angie?”

“I’m fine Carrie, but you don’t sound well.  Are you okay, you sound as if you have been crying?”

“No. I’m fine.  My sinuses are acting up today, that’s all.”

“Good, I’m glad everything is okay. I was a little worried. You know it’s funny, you called me Angie.  I haven’t heard that since I was a little girl.”

“Would you rather I not use Angie.  I used to have a girlhood friend with that name and it just seemed natural.”

“No, that’s fine.  I’m calling to invite you and Rick over Friday night.  Devon’s costume arrived today and I wanted to share and get your opinion.”

“Sounds good but I will have to check with Rick first.”

“You do that and let me know.  If the weather holds maybe we can barbecue, if not, we will order in.”

Carrie hung up the phone and was glad she was able to throw Angela off with the sinus thing.  She had been crying because Rick had been blistering her butt not minutes before she picked up the phone.  Her butt was still throbbing and Rick had refused to allow her to rub out the sting.  He had kissed her and jumped in the shower.  It was not nearly enough aftercare for her.  She lay down on the bed in a fetal position, hugging her knees to her chest.  When Rick came out of the bathroom, he took one look at her, went over and held her in his arms. 

“Are you still crying over that spanking, honey?” She shook her head.

“It wasn’t even that hard a spanking.  You have had worse.” He told her.

“I know, honey.  I don’t know why.  Maybe if you hold me a little longer.”

“Okay, sweetie,” and he continued to hold her and rub her back.  “Is that better?”

“Yes, I think it’s hormonal.  That and I feel so bad that I disappointed you and you had to spank me.”

“Honey, it’s over.  I’m not disappointed in you, just the choice you made.  Are you okay now?  By the way who called?”

“Oh, I almost forgot. I didn’t even realize I had picked up the phone; it was just a knee jerk reaction. Angela called and they invited us over to their place Friday night to show us their costumes for the Halloween party.  I told her I would check with you and get back to her She asked me if I was crying.  I made up some story about sinuses.”

When they got together Friday evening, Angela asked Carrie if her sinuses were better.

“Sinuses, I don’t have sinus trouble,” Carrie responded.

“Oh, I’m sorry.  I thought you said your sinuses were acting up when we talked on the phone the other day.”  Rick chuckled and tried to hide it by pretending he was coughing but he didn’t fool Angela or Devon.  They raised their eyebrows and shared a look.

Carrie quickly changed the subject. They talked about other things, ordered in Chinese food, laughed and had an all around good time.  When they left, both Angela and Devon looked at each other.

“What do you think they are hiding?” she asked him.

“I don’t know but it is definitely something that isn’t any of our business and if they want to tell us, they will.  I want you to stay out of it, okay.”

“Yes, Devon.”

                                                                           _______________________________

While driving home, Carrie let loose on Rick. She let him know that he could have helped her out of the predicament instead of chuckling. She told him how embarrassed she was with his actions.

“How could you laugh when I was in such a predicament?”

“Honey, you have to admit it was funny.  I’m sorry I should have backed you up, but the chuckle just slipped out.”

“It was so embarrassing.”

“You know honey; there is something we should tell them, especially if they are going to the Halloween Party.  They should be forewarned.”

“You may be right and I will have to think about it.  I think they are open-minded enough to cope but I wanted them to get to know us better before I dropped the bomb.”

“It’s your secret.” He told her.

Carrie decided to keep her secret a little longer but right before the Halloween party, she invited the Michaels’ over for dinner. The Michaels’ arrived and encountered lit jack-o-lanterns on the walkway, little fairy lights along the rail, a ghostlike creature at the doorway.  When they pushed the doorbell, an eerie voice activated Welcome to Our Home greeting with a devilish sounding chuckle  made them step back from the door.  Carrie opened the door to two shocked people.  They all laughed.  Carrie said Rick had come up with that doorbell thing and he thought it was so great he actually wanted to use it all the time. 

Everyone migrated out to the deck, the propane heater and the fire pit made it cozy enough for outdoor cocktails.  Carrie handed everyone a drink. 

“This is a special concoction.  I hope you don’t mind.”   Rick watched as Angela and Devon took their first sip.  He knew what was coming.

“Do you like it?” Carrie asked.

“It’s very good, what’s it called? Angela asked.

“It’s called “A Witches’ Brew.”

“That’s very clever and it is delicious.  You will have to give me the recipe.”

“I will be happy to give you a list of the ingredients but I can’t promise it will taste the same.”

“Is it one of those secret family recipes that no one is ever supposed to reveal?”

“Something like that.  You see I am a Wicca.”

“OH,” Angela responded.

“What’s a Wicca?” Devon asked.

“She’s a witch, darling.”

“Are you going to or have you cast a spell on us or anything like that?”  He asked jokingly to cover his nervousness.

“Of course not.” Carrie replied once she finished laughing. “It is a spiritual belief that has been practiced in my family for generations.  I only tell you because many of the people at the party are also Wicca’s and Halloween is one of our special days. I didn’t want you to be blindsided and feeling uncomfortable if you found out from someone other than me.  This way we can discuss it and I will answer any questions.”

“So, it’s not witchcraft?”

“It’s not the way you think of witchcraft. It encourages learning and understanding of the earth and nature. It teaches responsibility.  Wicca’s are taught to accept responsibility for our actions.  We do not blame anyone or anything else for our shortcomings or mistakes. If we mess up or do something that harms yourself or another, we blame no one but ourselves and must face the consequences.  No ifs, ands or buts and absolutely no whining.”

“So you don’t cast any spells or make any magic potions.”  Devon asked.

“We work to achieve balance with all things.  Any spells involve healing, love, harmony, wisdom or creativity. Potions might be as simple as a remedy for a headache or a tonic for a cold.  We use natural remedies and only succumb to synthetics when absolutely necessary.”

“So Rick are you Wicca too?” Devon asked.

“No, I’m not, just married to one.  However, I adhere to their beliefs, nonetheless. Always have as Carrie can attest.  I believe in accepting responsibility for one’s own behavior and any deviation from acceptable behavior and/or action result in consequences and/or corrections for such.” Rick responded.

“Does he ever.” Carrie quipped.

The comment did not go unnoticed by Angela.  She intended to quiz Carrie about this later.  When Angela and Devon had no more questions about Wicca and they hadn’t run out the door with their hats in hand, Rick steered the conversation to mundane things like the football game coming up on the weekend.  The girls moved into the kitchen to get dinner on the table.  Once dinner and dessert was over, they played Spades until Angela started yawning.

“I think the Witch’s Brew is beginning to get to me.  I’m ready to call it a night.”

                                                          ____________________________________________

They didn’t see each other again until Halloween.  The Seller’s were right about the Richards’ party.  They lived in an old Victorian house and setting was perfect for a Halloween party. The driveway was lined with trees from which hung cobwebs and fairy lights illuminating the ghostliness of the bare trees. Walking on the dried fallen leaves and hearing the wind whistle through them gave a haunted feel.  Candles flickered in the blacked out windows and occasionally an object would jump out to scare the daylights out of “newbies” and those faint of heart. Eerily carved pumpkins were scattered along the porch. 

Inside all the rooms on the main floor were also decorated. There was the a mortuary room with a coffin filled with a body that would sat up when someone got too close, a dungeon where all sorts of torturous sounds emanated from unworldly creatures, the parlor where seating was available if you didn’t mind being accosted by a skeleton or finding a very large spider (fake, of course) crawling down from the ceiling to roost in your hair or dangle in your face.  The backyard featured a cemetery complete with fog and ghost-like creatures walking among the graves.  A carnival type tent with a gypsy motif provided the backdrop for fortune telling and séances. Speakers allowed the ghostly organ and classical music to be heard throughout the property.  It was like a scene out of a Hollywood movie.

On the back deck, among large propane heaters, was a large cauldron filled with “Witche’s Brew” and lots of food consisting of eyeballs (green peeled grapes) deviled eggs, vampire worm pasta (spaghetti with garlic sauce) monster claws (chicken fingers dipped in barbecue sauce) mummy bread,  and anything else ghoulish. Costumes went from the mundane to the ridiculous.

As the night wore on, the Witch’s Brew began to take its toll.  Rick and Devon were enjoying watching everyone when a commotion broke out in the yard.  They went to go check it out and Rick found Carrie involved in a fight with a “zombie”.  Rick tried breaking them apart and found himself being jumped on by other zombies.  Devon along Doug Richards finally got the upper hand.  Rick grabbed Carrie’s arm and escorted her further out in the yard.  When he thought he was out of ear and eye shot of everyone else, some really hard swats found their way to Carrie’s backside.

“Ouch,” she yelled.

“Unless you want everyone to hear you getting a spanking, I suggest you quiet down.”

Unfortunately, Angela and a couple of other partygoers heard and came to investigate.  They arrived in time to see Carrie getting her backside warmed.

Rick calmly stopped, took Carrie’s arm and whispered to her they would finish this discussion at home.  As they passed Angela, he told her they were leaving and to meet them at the car. It was a quiet ride home.  When Rick dropped the Michaels’ off at their house, Angela asked Carrie if she would be okay.  Carrie nodded yes. 

“Are you sure?”  Devon told Angela she had her answer and to mind her business.  Rick told them not to worry, Carrie would be fine. She would just be experiencing a consequence for her behavior.  She would call them in the morning.

On Halloween night, Carrie found herself over her husband’s knee, with her witch’s costume bunched up and her bared bottom reddened for drinking too much Witch’s Brew.  The next morning she made a healing potion for her backside, a tonic for her hangover and prepared to call the Michaels’ to let them know she was alive and well.  She had a feeling she would also be sharing that she was a spanked witch.  The cat was out of the bag.

Have a good day everyone.  See you later for more Aimless Ramblings.

LEGEND SAYS

Happy Day Everyone.  I love this.

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Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for a new halloween story.  See you later for more Aimless Ramblings.

Saturday Spanking Relocated

Hey, Everybody.  Happy Saturday.  If you are expecting Saturday Spankings today, you will have to hop over to my other blog.

If you haven't already done so, don't forget to participate in the Spank or Treat blog hop this weekend.  Some great stories are available for your reading entertainment.

Enjoy the day, we are getting ready to 'hit the road' tomorrow.  Had a great birthday celebration with my family yesterday.  We were too busy for other adventures during the day and last night too tired.  No excuses for tonight.  

See you later for more Aimless Ramblings.

A Big Day

Today is the two year anniversary of this blog. 

I looked back at what I posted last year and nothing much has changed.  Life is still good, and we are still roaming the western United States.  I keep thinking I am ready to settle and just about the time I start looking at places, I change my mind again.  This summer here has been beautiful and I truly thought maybe this is it, we will stay here in this area of California.  We leave here on Sunday and I am ready to go.  So I guess I’m either not ready or this is not the place.

I look at the life of our daughter and her family and it is a constant whirlwind. We get tired watching and I don’t think I could do that all the time.  We will see them at Christmas in Arizona and then be back here next May for the summer. Our life is not filled with a great deal of drama or chaos, just normal life.  As I look and read about others, I know we lead a charmed life.  We are healthy, happy, have a great daughter and son-in-law, grandchildren, family and friends, and each of us has a great spouse (lol). God has been and continues to be very good to us.

I thank you for coming by and visiting. I enjoy starting my day with all of you. With the exception of my stories, my posts are pretty vanilla so it amazes me that you keep visiting.  I love that you are part of my life and I am part of yours even though we will never meet. I hope you continue to do so because you fill a place in my heart and life. Coming across this community (family) has been one of the great accidents of my life. As I've said before you have given me great insights, some laughs, some tears, some head shaking but most of all friendship and acceptance.

Spank and Treat begins today so be sure to visit all the authors that are participating. Apparently I put in my bid too late this year, but maybe next. I had already written a story so I decided I to post it today.  If you hop over to visit my Sunny Girl's Fiction blog, you'll find the story.  I’ll also have a giveaway to the lucky person whose name is drawn.  So please, go by and visit. Be sure to leave a comment so your name can be added to the drawing.  That will be my birthday present to you.  Yup, today is also my birthday, so guess what that means.

Again, thank you for your friendship and see you later for more Aimless Ramblings.

Memorable Old Phrases

A LICK AND A PROMISE

'I'll just give this a lick and a promise,' my mother said as she quickly mopped up a spill on the floor without moving any of the furniture.

'What is that supposed to mean,' I asked as in my young mind I envisioned someone licking the floor with his or her tongue. 

'It means that I'm in a hurry and I'm busy canning tomatoes so I am going to just give it a lick with the mop and promise to come back and do the job right later. 

'A lick and a promise' was just one of the many old phrases that our mothers, grandmothers, and others used that they probably heard from the generations before them. With the passing of time, many old phrases become obsolete or even disappear.  This is unfortunate because some of them are very appropriate and humorous. Here is a list of some of those memorable old phrases:  

1. A Bone to Pick (someone who wants to discuss a disagreement) 

2. An Axe to Grind (Someone who has a hidden motive. This phrase is said to have originated from Benjamin Franklin  who told a story about a devious man who asked how a grinding wheel worked. He ended up walking away with his axe sharpened free of  charge)  

3. One bad apple spoils the whole barrel (one corrupt person can cause all the others to go bad if you don't remove the bad one) 

4. At sea (lost or not understanding something) 

5. Bad Egg (Someone who was not a good person) 

6. Barking at a knot (meaning that your efforts were as useless as a dog barking at a knot.) 

7.  Barking up the wrong tree (talking about something that was completely the wrong issue with the wrong person)

8.  Bee in your bonnet (To have an idea that won't let loose )

9.  Been through the mill (had a rough time of it)

10.Between hay and grass (Not a child or an adult)

11. Blinky (Between sweet and sour as in milk)

12. Calaboose (a jail)

13. Catawampus (Something that sits crooked such as a piece of furniture sitting at an angle)

14. Dicker (To barter or trade) 

15.  Feather in Your Cap (to accomplish a goal. This came from years ago in wartime when warriors might receive a feather they would put in their cap for defeating an enemy)  

16.  Hold your horses  (Be patient!)  

17.  Hoosegow ( a jail) 

18.  I reckon (I suppose) 

19.  Jawing/Jawboning (Talking or arguing) 

20. Kit and caboodle (The whole thing)  

21.  Madder than an wet hen (really angry)

22. Needs taken down a notch or two (like notches in a belt usually a young person who thinks too highly of himself and needs a lesson) 

23.No Spring Chicken  (Not young anymore)

24.Persnickety (overly particular or snobbish)

25.Pert-near  (short for pretty near)

26.Pretty is as pretty does  (your actions are more important than your looks)

27.Red up (clean the house)

28.Scalawag (a rascal or unprincipled person)

29.Scarce as hen's teeth  (something difficult to obtain)

30.Skedaddle (Get out of here quickly)

31.  Sparking (courting)

32.Straight From the Horse's Mouth  (privileged information from the one concerned)

33.Stringing around, gallivanting around, or piddling  (Not doing anything of value)

34.Sunday go to meetin' dress  (The best dress you had)

35.We wash up real fine (is another goodie)

36.Tie the Knot  (to get married)

37.Too many irons in the fire  (to be involved in too many things)       

38.Tuckered out  (tired and all worn out)

39. Under the weather  (not feeling well this term came from going below deck on ships due to sea sickness thus you go below or under the weather)

40.Wearing your 'best bib and tucker'  (Being all dressed up)

41.  You ain't the only duck in the pond (It's not all about you)

Well, if you hold your horses, I reckon I'll get this whole kit and caboodle done and sent off to you. Please don't be too persnickety and get a bee in your bonnet because I've been pretty tuckered out and at sea lately because I'm no spring chicken.  I haven't been just stringin' around and I know I'm not the only duck in the pond, but I do have too many irons in the fire. I might just be barking at a knot, but I have tried to give this article more than just  

A LICK & A PROMISE!

I do remember hearing some of these, heck, I have even used "a lick and a promise" and some of the others too.  How about you?  

See you later for more Aimless Ramblings.

Great Surprise

I had a real surprise this morning.  Tuned into my blogger dashboard and was greeted by a picture of my book, Lonesome Oak Ranch.  Sarah from Clear as Mud  gave a review of my book as her today's post. What a great way to start my morning.  Thank you so much.

BTW, I've posted on my other blog today if you want to go by and check it out.  Don't want you to miss out on anything.

See you later for more Aimless Ramblings.

Nothing Like The Real Thing

Susan sat at the window watching the rain fall gently against the windowpanes.  The weather fit her mood today.  She had recently broken off a relationship with her long time male friend and was having second thoughts about it.  They had been together for four years and one day she realized she was just going through the motions and decided life was too short live that way.  She didn’t think she missed Dan as much as she missed the idea of him.  She wondered if Dan felt the same.  He didn’t seem surprised or hurt when she told them it was over between them.  He merely started looking for a place of his own.  He had moved out two days ago and the house was feeling empty.

Being part of a couple made life easier in so many ways.  Run out of milk, call him and tell him to stop on the way home;  need someone to pick you up because your car was in the shop,  dial his phone; need someone to pick a fight with, you didn’t have to look far; these were things she would miss now that she lived alone again.  On the other hand, coming home to unwashed breakfast dishes, feeling an obligation to cook dinner, cleaning the hair out of the bathroom drain were some of the things she would not miss. 

She had to shake this mood and start making a new life for herself.  She took a hot shower, put on a tee shirt and jeans, grabbed a hoodie and left the house.  She had no idea where she was going but she was out walking in the rain.  She thought of the movie ‘Singing in the Rain’ and started humming to herself.  She was so lost in her thoughts that she never even heard someone coming up behind her.  When she felt something touch her ankle, she jumped and heard a howl.

“I’m sorry.” She heard this deep baritone voice say.  “Foxy is usually not this rambunctious.” as he bent to pick up a ball of fur.

“I was lost somewhere in space and didn’t realize anyone was behind me.  It’s all right.  I am sorry Foxy, I didn’t mean to scare you or step on your paw if that’s what I did.” She reached over to pat the dog’s head.

“Don’t do…” he started to say that Foxy might nip at her but instead Foxy just licked her hand.

“You were going to say”

“I was going to tell you not to get to close because Foxy might nip at you.  She’s not overly fond of strangers, but I guess she didn’t think of you that way.”

“I love animals and I’ve never had a problem yet.   I should be more careful though because there is always a first time.”

“I’m surprised to see anyone out walking.  Usually, people are only out in the rain if they have to be, like me because Foxy was tired of being cooped up in the house. Although, I don’t mind this kind of rain, it’s the downpours I try to avoid.  Do you need anything like a ride or a phone?”

“No thanks.  My phone is here in my pocket and I am out here by choice.  I actually live on the next block over.  For some reason, like Foxy, I had to get out of the house too.  My name is Susan Foster.”

“Nice to meet you Susan, I am Shane Quinn.  Foxy and I moved into the neighborhood only recently.  My great aunt willed her house to me and although I hadn’t been here since I was a young boy, I found I wanted to return and see if I still like it as much as I once did.”

“I think I was headed into the village.  Would you like to join me instead of  standing here?” She asked him.

“Fine, can I buy you a cup of coffee if we can snatch up one of the outside umbrella tables at Starbucks?”

“I’d like that.” She told him with a smile.

They spent the next hour talking about the merits of small town versus big city living.  It wasn’t until Foxy started getting antsy and yipping to get away that they realized how long they had been there and started the walk back to their respective homes.  When they got to Susan’s door, Shane asked if she would like to have dinner sometime.  She accepted. He started to leave when he realized he didn’t have her number.  She pulled out her cell, asked for his and then called it.

“Now you do, and I hope you use it.”

“No worries.”

Shane smiled to himself the rest of the way back to his house. ‘Thank you Foxy’ for your help. I hope no one sees me talking to myself; they won’t understand I’m talking to my doggie.  Susan definitely seemed like someone who would fit nicely in his life.  Not beautiful, but striking in a very natural way.  She had dark brown hair and green eyes and you could tell she was comfortable in her own skin.  He loved watching her smile because it started with her mouth but soon her whole face lit up and the light danced in her eyes.  Her smile mesmerized him and he couldn’t wait to see it again.  I don’t want to appear too anxious so I’ll wait a couple of days until I call.  Whom do you think you’re kidding; you’re going to have to control yourself to wait at least until tomorrow. He thought to himself as he opened the front door and walked inside.

Susan liked Shane and couldn’t wait to get to know him better.  Meeting him and feeling that way was the proof she needed to know she had made the right decision in breaking up with Dan.  It was better for both of them and she hoped Dan found someone soon that could give him the kind of love he deserved.  He was a good man, just not the right one for her. Thank you Foxy.

Shane called the next evening and asked how Saturday sounded. 

“Fine, what time and where?”

“We can either go some place in the village or you can come here and I can cook?”

“Wow, I can eat out anytime.  It’s not often I get to eat a home cooked meal that I haven’t cooked.” She told him.

“Great, I’ll see you then about 7:00.  The address is 4209 W. Sanstone Lane, or I can come get you if you would like?”

“No, I can walk and I’ll see you at 7 on Saturday.”

What Susan didn’t know and would learn on Saturday is that Shane grew up in a restaurant family.  He was not the only chef in his family.  His dad, sister and brother all had culinary arts degrees.  He had tired of working in his family’s restaurant.  It was his dream to open a small place with a price fixe menu where he could cook what he wanted.  That’s why his aunt leaving him her house fit right into his plans.  Riverton was just the kind of place he thought could support a restaurant of this kind.

Dinner was fabulous.  He had roast lamb with rosemary and dauphine potatoes, asparagus, and Crème Brule for dessert.  She couldn’t believe how much she ate.

“That was delicious; you can cook for me anytime.  Without even knowing, you had all of my favorites. I am stuffed to the max. 

“I love to see a woman eat.  Most times, on dates, they just pick at their food.  It always breaks my heart to think about how much money is wasted on food that is never eaten.”

That is when he told her about his family and his idea for a restaurant in Riverton. She told him she thought that was a great idea and it should be successful given the neighborhood and the residents.

“Won’t that be a lot of work though?   Will any of your family come out to help?”

“My sister may well come out and join me in the endeavor.  That is, if she can behave herself.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means she thinks because she has a creative personality, she can act live a diva.  She needs to be spanked and hard enough that she can’t sit for a while.   Obviously, my dad didn’t do it enough when she was younger.”

“Is she single?”

“No, she is married but she runs rampant over her husband.  I told him what she needs but he is a “modern” man and thinks its Neanderthal to even think like that much less act on it.”

“Oh” she said and didn’t know what else to say.  Does he really think spanking a grown woman is effective? Sure, I’ve seen it done in movies and read about it in books, but in real life.

“I can see by your reaction to my last statement that you don’t believe a good spanking now and then can correct errant behavior and maintain discipline and the right order in a relationship.”

“What do you mean by right order?”

“Any successful relationship is a partnership, but one person has to have 51% and the other 49%.  One person needs to lead, to make the final decision and know that that decision is final, otherwise it’s a stalemate and no decision ever gets made.”

“And you believe it is the man that provides the right order?”

“It can be whoever is determined to be the leader.  In my case, it will always be me.  I am naturally dominant and would not be able to live in a relationship in which I was not the leader.”

“Oh.” She said again.

“I can tell my opinion just doused the flames of our budding relationship.”

“To say I’m surprised would not be an exaggeration.  It is definitely not something I have ever given any thought.”

Shane dropped the subject and Susan was glad. After helping Shane clean up the kitchen they settled in the living room. They talked about what a great house he had inherited and how it fit perfectly into his plans.

“It has great bones but some of the old-fashioned furniture needs changing. Eventually I’ll get around to changing the soft goods but not the rest. I like the feel of it and it fits the house and the locale.”

 I’m not surprised; it goes along with his old-fashioned attitudes. Susan thought to herself.  But,on the other hand the man was smokin’ hot. At 6.5” and about 250 lbs his size alone made him intimidating.   He was also charming, witty, intelligent, had a great sense of humor, sexy as hell, a great cook, and he loved animal, and that voice, what it does to me.

Foxy jumped up on Shane’s lap and stated to yip at his hand. 

“Foxy is telling me she needs to go out.  I’ll be back in a minute.”

“It’s late and I should be getting home,” she said.  “I’ll go out with you.”

“Foxy and I will walk you home?”

“That’s okay, it’s not necessary.  I can get home by myself.”

“Susan, we will walk you home.  That’s final.” There’s that domination. The decible did not change but there was no mistaking the tone.

When Shane and Foxy got to Susan’s she thanked him for the dinner, and started walking up the steps to the front door. 

“Can I see you again, Susan?”

“Sure Shane, give me a call.”

“How about next Friday night?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t do that, I have a prior engagement.”

“Are you really busy, or as you just giving me the polite brush off.  I am a big boy.  I can take it.”

“I really do have prior plans.”

“Do me a favor, and at least keep an open mind, can you do that?”

“I’ll do that and give you a call.”

She’ll never call me again. I should have kept quiet about my ideas.  Maybe if we had known each other better before I brought them up I might have stood a chance. C’mon Foxy let’s go home.  At least you still like me and don’t think I’m a brute.

                                                ________________________

She never planned to call Shane, but as she lay in bed that evening, she thought about their conversation. If she were honest with herself, she could see where his ideas made sense.  Someone always had to be in charge, be the responsible party.  Maybe she was being a little too hasty in making a decision not to see him again.  I’ll sleep on it and if I still feel the same in the morning, I will call him.  She finally drifted off to sleep.

She didn’t make that call.  On Friday evening she was out with friends and ran into Shane at Starbucks.  They acknowledged each other and Meredith asked how she knew him.  Susan told them about meeting him on the street and their subsequent date.

“Wow, he just oozes sex.  Such a difference from Dan who was about as sexy as an old shoe.” Said Jan.  Meredith nodded in agreement.

“Stop it.” Susan Said.  “Dan may not have been as sexy but he was a good guy and his ideas were a little more up-to-date than Shane’s.”

“What are you saying?”

Susan went into detail about their conversation about his sister and Shane’s comment about a successful relationship.

“I think that’s true.” Meredith said.  “Just think about you and Dan, if you said jump, he said how high.  I think you had the upper hand in that relationship.  Shane is saying he wants the upper hand in any of his relationships.”

“Yes, but he thinks his sister should be spanked.”

“He didn’t say he would spank you, just that he thought his sister needed to be spanked.  Looking at him though I don’t think I would mind a little spanking from him.” Meredith laughed.

“Me either,” said Jan.

“That’s enough” Susan said.  “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

That night she dreamt about Shane.  In the dream he was calling her to join him on the sofa.  She was reluctant to go to him and she didn’t know why, and then she saw the look in his eye.  He drew her to him and pulled her over his knee.  He was spanking her but she was smiling.  He would tease, then spank, then tease some more.  The next thing she knew she was awake and ready for sex.

In the morning she would give Shane a call.  For now, she would have to settle for her vibrator.