Lanie's Lessons Read online

  Her lips parted as if to deny it, but she stopped, admitting the truth. “I did. I played you, sir. My defense is that I wanted to be right here with you like this and nowhere else. I didn’t care about the shirt, really. It was a means to an end.”

  His fingers, wet with her juices gave one more glide over her clit before he pulled away, his hand grazing her warm cheeks, leaving a trail of her wetness. He stepped behind her and loosened his fly. Cock in hand, he let the head pick up where his fingers left off. Too much of that was more than he could bear and he drove into her unable to hold out another moment. Standing still while buried inside, he savored the feeling of her internal muscles gripping and rippling around him. Mindful that this would go quickly, he freed her wrists and grabbed her hips, as he growled a warning.

  “Hold tight to the railing, my little brat. This is going to be fast and hard.”

  He fucked her. The pounding force of his hips driving her farther over the rail and she squealed.

  “I’ve got you, Lanie,” he groaned.

  Not wanting her unease to distract her, he pulled her upright. With an arm around her hips and one at her chest, he drove up into her, his face buried in her sweetly scented hair. Her fingers curled into his forearm, holding on, while her other hand latched onto his outer thigh. They rode the waves of ecstasy together, their cries of fulfillment dispersed in the salty air and masked by the crash of the ocean’s tide along the shore.

  After, as he held her, still buried deep, he pressed his lips against her neck and murmured, “I wasn’t going to make you wear that shirt, beautiful, at least not in town.”

  “Oh, for pity’s sake!” she exclaimed with a soft chuckle. “You are diabolical, professor.”

  “What can I say? I’m a freak.” Her smile was dazzling as she recognized her own words used against her.

  “Ethan?”

  “Yeah, baby?”

  “I would have worn that shirt for you, even in town. I just wanted you to spank me.”

  “You couldn’t have asked?”

  “In the words of my BFF, what would be the fun in that?”

  Distant voices and a dog’s bark drifted up to them from the shore not far away. That was Ethan’s clue to separate. He moved them as one, his bigger body blocking the sight of her near nakedness, as he eased slowly out.

  Lanie twisted in his arms and wrapped him up tight. Winding her fingers in his hair, she pulled his face down for an ardent kiss. “That was so hot!” she exclaimed, leaning back against his arms and beaming up at him.

  Grinning widely in return, he inquired, “Which part, the bondage, the spanking or the outdoor sex with the whole Atlantic at your feet?”

  “Yes! All of the above. Except for the arguing—I didn’t like that—or hanging over the rail with my hands tied. Yikes!”

  “You were safe every second, baby.”

  “I know Ethan, but still…”

  Laughing, he gathered her up for another steamy kiss. After several minutes of renewed passion, she reluctantly pulled away.

  “I love you, Ethan, but you made a mess and are dripping down my leg.”

  Letting her go, he tucked her bikini bottoms in her hand and sent her toward the door with a playful swat. “Go get cleaned up. I need to change into my trunks. Then, we’ll pack a cooler and hit the beach.”

  “Sounds great. I think I saw a couple of boogie boards in the garage.” In a flash, she took off calling, “Last one down has to carry all the stuff.” He was after her like a shot. His long legs covered more ground and he was on her heels by the stairs. She blocked him, laughing wildly every step. Lanie scrambled to the top first, celebrating her victory with a little dance. He followed, his eyes taking in her bare lower half as she bounced up and down, arms raised as if she was Rocky having climbed the seventy-two steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. Pleased she didn’t have Rocky’s physique, his eyes raked over every delectable hollow and soft feminine curve.

  She stopped abruptly, her eyes alight with mischief as she looked down at him. “Did I mention all the stuff includes the cooler, the beach umbrella, beach bag, and boogie boards?”

  In answer, he began stripping down his shorts right there on the stairs. “I guess that means you’ll be making several trips, slowpoke.” When his khaki’s hit the treads, she squealed and was off again.

  Ethan won of course, at one point lifting her at the waist and easily moving her aside. Lanie had cried foul and called him a barbarian. After much good-natured teasing and gloating over his victory, he’d carried all the heavy stuff anyway, leaving her their towels and beach bag.

  *

  In the end, they were having so much fun they forgot about their errands that day and spent the entire afternoon on the beach, strolling hand in hand while the waves lapped around their ankles, splashing in the surf, and sunbathing in the early September sun as they soaked in the last warm days of the season. They also swam and paddled in the waves on the short boards. When a large wave caught Lanie unawares and stripped her of her bikini bottoms, Ethan hooted hysterically. Lanie had been vindicated a few moments later, as a huge wave took Ethan under. When he came up for air sputtering and wiped the salt from his eyes, Lanie was running back to shore with his trunks held over head like a victory flag. He’d had no qualms about chasing after her bare assed naked. He took her to the sand in a soft arm tackle, rolling to protect her from his weight. Tickling inappropriate places was the punishment for her crime.

  Going back to rinse off the sand, Lanie soon started shivering and bailed. Although the air was still warm, the water temps were cooler as fall approached. She settled back on their towels, choosing to sit on the warm beach and watch her intrepid husband body surf in the crashing waves. A long while later, he emerged. Standing close by, he shook off like a shaggy dog sending a spray of cold water all over her. She squealed as Ethan laughed. He made a production of drying her off to make it up to her, the whole time undoing the ties of her bikini top. Afterward, he spread sunscreen meticulously on every square inch of her exposed skin. He said he didn’t want her to burn, but she could tell he was enjoying every stroke, caress and reactive wiggle. When he lingered meticulously over her breasts, she objected quietly.

  “Ethan, I think you’ve got it covered.”

  “I’m being cautious, baby. This creamy white skin rarely sees the light of day.” He leaned over and sucked on a taut, bare peak. “I imagine sunburned nipples would be quite painful.”

  “Yeah. That would sure put a damper on our play.”

  “That too,” he said as he gave the bud a long lick, before rubbing in more sunscreen.

  He kept guard as she sunbathed topless, drinking in the last of summertime’s warm rays. Only once, when a man and his dog jogged past, did he have to cover her and he did so with his body. Leaning over her, he pressed against her, chest to chest and took another kiss from her smiling lips. It wasn’t long after, that they headed back inside, dumped their beach paraphernalia on the deck and made love on the first surface they encountered inside the door—the dining room table. The rest of the evening was spent quietly in their temporary dream home enjoying the closeness of each other’s company.

  Sunday was a near repeat of the previous day, except they dined at a seaside saloon in town. As Ethan pulled into the lot, Lanie rolled with laughter at the name on the hand painted sign. Spanky’s Crab Shack was a quaint, casual restaurant with red checkered tablecloths and a wonderful view of the marina off Nantucket Sound. Afterward, they got hand dipped ice cream cones and walked along the viewing pier.

  There was a cool breeze blowing as the sun dipped low in the sky. Sleeveless, and not thinking she would need a sweater, Lanie moved closer to Ethan for warmth. Although she was chilled, the ice cream tempted her tongue. She took a big lick. As soon as she did, the rounded scoop of chocolate fudge brownie rolled off the cone, bounced off her chest, leaving a sticky brown smear on her white tee before it landed with a plop on her shoe.

  “Well, shit,” she
grumbled, as she glared down at the mess.

  “Tsk, tsk.” Lanie glanced up at the disapproving sound. A man passing by with a young woman on his arm was giving her a reproachful look. As Lanie blushed, her eyes fell to the girl dressed in a short skirt and novelty tee. She zeroed in on the twin pig tails and matching pink ribbons in her hair. On closer inspection, Lanie noticed she wasn’t a teen as she’d first thought, instead she was much closer to her own age.

  “A paddling followed by a good soaping will curb your little girl’s naughty tongue, my good man.” Despite his stern words, he clapped Ethan on the shoulder and gave Lanie a wink, before he tugged on his girl’s hand. “C’mon, missy, let’s get you warm.”

  They stared after the pair, watching as the girl practically skipped along beside him. They were almost out of sight when Missy glanced back with a broad grin and gave them a wave over her shoulder. Ethan and Lanie gaped at one another with equally astounded looks. After staring for a moment, they broke into loud peals of laughter. Maybe it was her hair in the twin pony tails gathered behind her ears, or the pretty pink skirt covered with dots, bows and beach umbrellas, or it could have been her white Keds and anklet socks. But most likely it was the combination of all of the above, plus the ice cream cone and the hand holding. Whatever the case, it was the impetus for Ethan to take her straight home and act on his advice, less the soaping. Once he’d bent her over the back of the couch and warmed her bare ass to a warm rosy red, he fucked her in a very un-daddy-like fashion.

  All too soon, Monday evening rolled around and real life was calling them back. Neither wanted to leave, but they quietly packed up and headed back to Boston with pink noses from too much sun, sand in their shoes, and a weekend full of wonderful memories.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Breathe, Lanie.”

  “But the billing is a mess, Ethan, and Patti is definitely not up to this. Was I nuts to think she could do the statements and accounts? Beth and I are already covered up and I don’t have time to clean up after her. She’s great with the phones, appointments and the clients.” He could hear the uncertainty over the phone and imagined her biting her lower lip. “Maybe we’re asking too much of her. What do you think?”

  “Patti is a receptionist. You need a practice manager and to hire at least one paralegal. You’re spreading yourself too thin. Let the manager take care of the business end and your paralegal can do the mundane tasks that are consuming so much of your time. That will free you and Beth up for the work—and billable hours—that only you two can do. Pull out your business plan and I think you’ll see you’re on pace financially for expansion.”

  “The accountant said pretty much the same thing.”

  “Sounds like a wise man. I wonder who recommended him?”

  Lanie chuckled. Ethan had suggested the small but efficient accounting firm. Her husband was brilliant, not only in law, but in managing a highly successful law practice. The key, he said, was to surround oneself with efficient and knowledgeable people. And he would know, he’d made enough money in his ten years of private practice to set himself up comfortably for life. When he was helping them set up their offices, he’d made some calls and found the perfect small accounting firm. One that would give them the personal attention they needed. As usual, he’d been right.

  “Speaking of accountants, we’re meeting with that forensic accountant over dinner, remember?

  “I don’t know, Ethan. I’m not sure we can bring on two full time employees and swing a high priced contractor at the same time.”

  “Haven’t you ever heard the old adage ‘you’ve got to spend money to make money?’ With Beth’s caseload, especially the post-acquisition disputes, chapter elevens and insolvencies, you can’t afford not to swing it.

  “They get sixty dollars an hour and a paralegal will be at least fifty thousand per year.” Her sigh was long and drawn out. “There’s something to be said about going to work, drawing a paycheck and not having to deal with all this crap.”

  “You knew there’d be expenses the first year. You’re having a problem delegating.”

  “No, I’d have been happy to delegate routine things like shopping for the toilet paper, which is what I was doing over lunch.”

  “Yet you have a secretary, Lanie.”

  He had her there. Was she such a control freak that she couldn’t assign someone else to buy TP for the office? Sheesh!

  “She was so busy that I said I’d do it.”

  “And you’re not busy? Getting office supplies is part of her job. It’s another issue of control, baby, but we’ll keep working on it.”

  Well aware of his meaning, she smiled softly. Her phone alarmed. It was the reminder about dinner that she’d snoozed several times already. Frowning, she noticed it was well past five. “I wish I’d brought some clothes to change into. I’d love to get out of this suit.”

  “Sounds fun. I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes to lend a hand.” She could hear the amusement in his voice. “I’ll let myself in.”

  “Okay, but it’s probably still open. Beth already left and she always forgets to reset the alarm.” As soon as those words left her mouth, she wanted to press rewind and take them back.

  “You are there by yourself with the doors unlocked? Go take care of that.”

  “Okay, as soon as I—”

  “No, put the phone down and do it now.” His voice was more than stern, it was unyielding.

  She got up saying, “I’m going…” He’d really gotten into the dominance and control thing. Admittedly, he only played that card in their day-to-day life when it came to her welfare, so she gave him that. Engaging the locks and activating the security system took a few moments, then she was back to Ethan.

  “All sealed up, safe and sound, honey.”

  “I don’t want you there alone without the doors locked and the alarm on. I’ll have Steven talk to Beth about it too. I must have been nuts to let you talk me out of the security building two blocks over.”

  “Ethan, the security deposit and monthly lease were insane. Beth and I would have been working eighty hour weeks instead of sixty to afford that.”

  “You’re exaggerating, Lanie. Neither of you should be in a ground floor office with the doors unlocked. Any whack job could walk in. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Ethan,” she said, rolling her eyes at his overprotectiveness.

  “I’m serious, so don’t roll those pretty blue eyes at me.”

  “How—?”

  “I know you better than anyone.” Again, he was right. “I’ll call Mariano’s for reservations. Be there soon.”

  “I could meet you there.”

  “No. I’ll swing by.”

  “Okay. Love you, honey.”

  “Love you too, that’s why I want you safe. See you in… thirteen.”

  After shutting down her computer, she turned off all the lights except the one in the lobby. When she heard him deactivate the alarm on the front door, she glanced at the clock noticing he’d made it with thirty seconds to spare. Meeting him in the lobby, she admired how handsome he was in his dark navy suit. It fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders, lean waist and hips. The sleek lines made him appear taller and the splash of color in his gray and sky blue tie was just right. She smelled the clean, fresh scent of Chrome, the cologne she liked on him the best, as she moved up next to him.

  “My oh my, professor, you look and smell good enough to eat. Maybe we should skip dinner.”

  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she stood on her toes to kiss him, her lips brushing his jaw, which was all she could reach as he busied himself reactivating the alarm. When he was done, he slipped a strong arm around her waist and drew her in for a more substantial kiss. As always, it took her breath away. A rumbling of approval rose from his chest as he lifted his head, his eyes sparking with desire.

  “Is that a yes to skipping dinner?”

  “No, baby. Unfortunately, we have business.” Gaze locked on her mout
h, his head dipped toward her, his intention clear. She leaned into him, lips parting eagerly, when the crinkling of a bag caught her attention. She pulled away, looking down at the Lord and Taylor bag he held.

  “What do you have there?”

  “A gift.”

  She took it, eagerly peeking inside. “What’s the occasion?”

  “Do I need one? You left before me this morning and I noticed you forgot your bag. So I went out at lunch and bought you a little something. Mind you, it’s not another suit.”

  “Thank heaven for small favors. If you’re like me, wearing one every day gets very old.” She pulled out a handful of tissue paper and spied slinky pale purple fabric. “So this isn’t for play, it’s just because? That is so sweet, honey.”

  “It’s both actually,” he said as he checked his watch. “Although it started out as just because, when I heard the edginess in your voice earlier I thought you might need a little anxiety reducer and came up with a little game.”

  “In the thirteen minute rush hour drive over here? I’m impressed.”

  He swatted her lightly. “Go change, smarty pants. Wear only what’s in the bag.”

  The little reminder was unnecessary. After the taste of the cane in their first scene, she had never made that mistake again.

  Her mind reeled with a mix of excitement and apprehension as she imagined all the naughty outfits Ethan might have come up with. None of which were appropriate for conducting an interview at a nice restaurant, however. “Ethan,” she began hesitantly.

  “After all this time together, do you think I would dress you in something inappropriate or embarrassing?” His frown, as much as his words, spoke to his disappointment; never mind how he had known exactly what she was thinking, he’d never done anything that would expose her to scorn or ridicule. She felt two inches tall.

  “Of course you wouldn’t, honey. What was I thinking?”

  The kiss he pressed to her forehead told her she was forgiven. “We’re supposed to be there in thirty minutes. Get dressed.”