His Firm Hand (4 page)

“Of course you are.” He lowered his head and gently kissed her hip.

“You know why it’s difficult for me to go, don’t you?”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

She shook her head vehemently and then pondered for a moment. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Mmm hmm.”

“When I’m playing a teenager during the week, we won’t be able to do these sexy, kinky sort of things, will we?” She looked over her shoulder and frowned.

“Not exactly, but I don’t think you’ll be too disappointed in our activities during the week,” he promised, cuddling her from behind.

Chapter Three

The next morning, Michele skipped down the stairs in good spirits, inhaling the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Rounding the corner into the kitchen, she had high hopes of watching Paul pour her a steaming cup. But instead, her large husband stood tall at the entrance with a short glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in his hand.

“Where’s the coffee?”

“Teenagers in this household only ingest things that are good for them.” Paul stretched out his arm to hand her the glass. “Did you call Dr. Sippora yet?”

“Yes, and I made an appointment for next Saturday.” She paused and tilted her head. “Should I assume there isn’t a shot of vodka in here?” Michele grinned, taking the cold, filled glass from his large hand.

“Are you being funny or flippant?”

“There’s nothing amusing about skipping my morning dose of caffeine. And if my mood gets any more jovial, I might have to drum up a little pop quiz for my students. When they ask, shall I blame you for all this
hilarity
?”

“I’ve been giving it a lot of thought, and our age-play scenes are going to warrant some adjustments in our lifestyle. For starters, you are going to eat healthier—and there are plenty of benefits in that arena.”

“Forgive me for complaining, but right at this moment, a morning without coffee seems more like a tragedy than a blessing.” Her lips puckered as she took her first sip. “Paul… excuse me, I mean
daddy
, what’s to stop me from walking into the teacher’s lounge when I get to school and—”

“Michele, are we going to argue like this every morning?” Paul crossed his arms and gave her a stern look. “You do understand there will be consequences, right? I would think after last night’s spanking…”

Michele sat down on the stool and let out a sigh of exasperation. “Really, I’d love to reminisce, but I should get going.” She started to stand, but Paul put his hand in the air.

“Not before you eat a nourishing breakfast. I even sprinkled some raisins and brown sugar into your oatmeal. It has lots of protein and will be great for your digestive system.”

Michele looked at Paul in disbelief. “When did you start taking an interest in my colon health?”

“A good breakfast will power you through the day. You’ve got to be at your best in school, and you can only deliver that when you’re energized.”

“Coffee used to have the same effect,” she glowered.

Paul slid the bowl of oatmeal toward her along with a spoon. “After you dig in, we can talk about what you’re wearing.”

In defiance, Michele tossed the shiny utensil into her bowl. “Exactly what’s the problem with the way I’m dressed?”

“Nothing. You look beautiful as always.” Paul’s smile was sly. “I just thought something a little more contemporary might make you feel younger and allow for an easier transition when you come home at the end of the day.”

“I can’t go to work looking like a sixteen-year-old. In fact, that kind of outfit could get me into some trouble with the administration.”

“Michelie, don’t blow this out of proportion. I’m only suggesting you try something different. Actually, I was thinking it might be fun to do a little shopping after school. It would give us a chance to pick out some outfits together.”

“You want to go shopping? For God’s sake—you hate shopping!” she blurted out.

“Well, in this case I’m willing to make an exception. I’ll also need to make some sacrifices in order for this age-play scenario to work, and you can consider shopping one of them.”

Michele tipped her head. “Your martyrdom is noteworthy. I couldn’t be more proud,” she said sarcastically.

“Well, now that your sense of humor has finally arrived, why don’t you run upstairs and change into that pleated skirt with the white shirt and black tights.”

“This isn’t a Catholic school with uniforms; it’s a community college, for God’s sake.” Michele rolled her eyes in protest as she stood up and dusted off her pants.

“Why must you turn everything into an argument?” Paul turned her around and gave her rear a loud smack. “Please head upstairs and change.”

“Do you realize that I sit in front of a bunch of hormone-enraged young men all day? Now I’ll have to worry about keeping my legs crossed, so they won’t look up my skirt. Can’t I wear the pants I have on already… just today?”

“Please stop whining and do as you’re told while I clean up the kitchen, Michele Anne Fazio. We need to get a move on, or you’re going to be late for class!”

Michele got up from her stool and stomped her way out of the kitchen. “I don’t remember getting smacked on my tushy when I was a teenager,” she murmured under her breath.

“Pick up your feet when you walk, or that stomping will lead to the polished wood of a paddle coming in direct contact with your bare bottom.” He looked at his watch. “Unfortunately, we don’t have time for that activity right now, but you will have all day to look forward to it.” Though his voice was authoritative, there was a twinkle in his eyes.

“You don’t own a paddle anymore. I distinctly remember throwing it in the garbage.”

“Ahh, I was wondering what happened to it, but don’t worry your pretty little head because I recently purchased another one. You know, the overnight option can be expensive, but in this case, it was well worth it!”

Dazed, Michele dragged herself up the stairs and strolled into their bedroom. As she opened the walk-in closet door, there hung the skirt and crisp white shirt Paul had requested she wear. There was note pinned to the front that read, “That’s my good girl.” Michele couldn’t help but smile.
No teenager has ever been treated this way, but I do love the undivided attention
, she thought to herself as she changed and checked herself in the mirror. Looking once more at the reflection, she pulled her curly locks back into a ponytail then secured it with an elastic band.

Paul stood at the bottom with a brown paper bag in his hand along with her large nylon tote. Her eyes smiled as she made a mental note of his parental expression.

“You prepared my lunch?”

“I did and you look terrific. That outfit suits you, and I love what you did with your hair.”

Nodding in appreciation, she peeked into the brown bag and mumbled, “I hope it’s edible.” But when she reached for her car keys on the hallway table, they weren’t there. “Where in the hell did I leave my car keys? Paul, have you seen them?”

He stood tall, dangling her keys from his right hand. “
Daddy
thought he would drive you to school today.”

“Jesus, now we’re talking in third person?” she murmured loud enough for him to hear as she rolled her eyes. “Don’t you have somewhere to be… like work?”

“My first appointment isn’t until ten. And just to be clear, the profanity is a very bad idea, young lady.” He paused dramatically and inhaled a long breath. “Now, I’m going to make sure you get to school safely, and then pick you up at the end of the day to do that shopping we talked about.”

“But I enjoy the solitude of my drive to school. It gives me time to emotionally prepare for the class. Please don’t tell me we’re going to do this every day—”

“If your bottom could speak, it would tell you not to argue with me,” he said, swatting her playfully across the rear end.

Twenty minutes later, they pulled up in front of the school and Paul turned to kiss her on the forehead. “Have a good day, honey. I’ll be right here when you get out of school.”

Michele leaned over and narrowed her eyes before giving him a peck on the cheek. “The other kids are going to be buzzing about this.”

Paul shrugged his shoulders and winked. “Sticks and stones…”

Chapter Four

At the end of the school day, Paul sat patiently in his car waiting for Michele, just as he promised. “How was your day, baby doll?”

“Fine,” she answered without looking him in the eye, throwing her heavy black school bag into the back seat of the car.

“That wasn’t very convincing. Maybe some shopping will be just the ticket to perk up your mood.”

“I’m really hungry. Are we going to the mall? Could we stop for a snack when we get there?”

“Of course, but we’re not going anywhere until you fasten your seatbelt.”

She turned to him and was about to say something snide, when she changed her mind.
No, that is exactly what he wants, so he can spank me later
, she thought to herself as she compliantly buckled her seatbelt and smiled. “Which mall are we going to shop at today?”

“I thought we’d go to the South Park Mall. Surely you’ll be able to pick out some new outfits there.”

“Ooh, I love that place. I know exactly where the hot pretzel stand is… and could I get a new cover for my cell phone?” She leaned over and turned up the radio. “You know, we haven’t discussed an allowance, yet. Don’t you think that would be good idea, daddy?”

“Maybe we should decide on a budget before we start this little excursion.” Not taking his eyes off the road, his hand reached over to turn the radio down.

“A budget? Are you serious? Wouldn’t that take all the fun out of shopping?” She lowered her sunglasses and squinted her blue eyes in his direction.

“Yes, I’m quite serious. I’ve been way too lenient with how much you’ve been spending lately, and this seems like the perfect time to establish some rules.”

Michele turned her head to look out the window and started singing in harmony with the song on the radio.

“Are you tuning me out?”

“Nope. I just love this band, don’t you?”

Paul parked his car in the large lot and pushed a heavy foot onto the emergency brake. Cupping Michele’s chin in his hand, he drew her face near to his and kissed her cheek. “I know you had a long day at school, but remember to behave yourself. I will not hesitate to whack your cute little heinie in public, so don’t test me.”

“That would be a real crowd pleaser,” she said under her breath.

“I may be ten years older than you, missy, but my hearing is impeccable,” he warned, raising a thick dark eyebrow.

“Missy? You’ve been hanging around Marsha too long.” She shook her head and unlocked her seatbelt as the corners of her mouth turned upward.

* * *

As they entered the mall, Michele held her husband’s hand while they walked and slowed the pace approaching her favorite store.

“I know you love Nordstrom, sweetie, but don’t you think the clothes might be a little mature for you?”

“They have a teen department right near the café. Can we go there?” Michele asked as she pulled him toward the entrance.

“Alright, but don’t you think we should go somewhere that isn’t so expensive?”

“All I need are a few skirts, leggings, and tops. They have great sales and I have Nordstrom Notes to spend. They’re kind of like rewards. It’s also a triple point day, so it makes good financial sense. Don’t you think?”

“Spoken like a true teenager,” he responded teasingly.

“I can’t believe you’ve never been in this store… it’ll be a real treat!”

“Okay, kiddo. I love your enthusiasm, but don’t you know some of the people who work here?”

She clasped his hand tightly as they walked through the entrance. “Well, I don’t know them personally.”

“I’m just suggesting you behave yourself. You wouldn’t want them to see me give you a swat on your backside.”

“You wouldn’t
dare
.” She let go of his hand and backed up, crossing her arms. “We’re in a mall, for God’s sake.”

He abruptly grabbed Michele’s hand, pulled her into the empty vestibule that housed the public bathrooms, turned her around, and applied four rapid smacks to her backside. “You know better than to behave like that.” His voice was dark as he turned her around to peer into her wide blue eyes.

“Just for the record, that was more than one swat,” she said, rubbing her stinging bottom.

He nodded and grinned. “Maybe you shouldn’t dare your daddy in public.”

“Obviously,” she retorted, looking around as they entered the large store. Approaching the escalator, she stopped suddenly. “I’ve been wondering about something.”

“I’m listening,” he said, tilting his head to the side.

“You want me to act like a teenager, but the punishments seem so juvenile. What’s up with that?”

His eyes twinkled. “Let’s talk about it this weekend, when you’re much older.”

After stepping off the escalator, they traveled through the teenage department, and an attractive, tall salesperson approached them. “Do you need some help?” she asked, clasping her hands together.

“Yes, I would like to see your leggings and tunic tops, please,” Michele responded.

“Follow me.” The salesperson walked briskly in front of them as she pointed out the specific racks of clothing. “In case you weren’t aware, it is a triple point day and we have an abundance of beautiful sale items. My name is Carole, and please let me know if you need any more help.”

“Thanks, we will.” Michele rubbed her hands together in excitement as her eyes traveled in all directions of the department.

“I thought you were hungry. The café is right over there, and we could talk about your budget in a little more detail before you get too carried away,” Paul suggested, watching the salesperson saunter over to a nearby rack of clothes.

“I’m too excited to eat right now. Oh, my God, look at the skirts and vests over there.” Michele pointed across the aisle as the expression on her face changed.