Awakening Veronica(Divine Creek Ranch 17)(5)
“Yes, that’s what she said.”
A plan began to formulate in Grace’s mind. “Would she like someplace quiet, where she could work and get some much-needed rest?”
“Ideally, yes. She’s already planning on a working vacation in Lusty. I just want to get her out of Billings. Out of her gloomy apartment, and…”
“And?”
“And away from that boyfriend of hers. Brent-somebody.”
“She has a boyfriend?”
Grandma Kate’s voice took on a sharper edge. “Yes. I’ve met him a time or two in the last couple of years. He’s not respectful or loving toward her. He drives one of those jacked-up trucks that sometimes make me wonder if the owner isn’t compensating for a small penis size. The gigantic bull testicle ornament he displays on his trailer hitch leads me to believe that he’s covering up for all-around deficiencies. Veronica’s brothers, Cord and Jackson, refer to him as Bubba, the knuckle-dragger. I don’t think online bullying is the only kind of bullying Veronica is dealing with. I think she has a hard time with confrontations and defending herself.”
“Oh, no. He sounds like someone I used to know.”
“I was hoping you’d see it that way. So you wouldn’t mind an extra houseguest?”
“Not at all. You could stay in the ranch house with us, and if Veronica would like to have quiet and a little space, she could set up in the old foreman’s house. It’s clean and unoccupied at the moment. It has some beautiful views of the ranch, too.” She glanced up to find Jack and Adam watching her and when she caught his eye, Jack nodded and gave her the thumbs-up.
“You’re sure it’s no bother?”
“None at all. And if she’s interested in ménages, this would be a great place to do research. I know several people who would be happy to talk with her.”
“You know…she mentioned doing some hands-on research into the Dominant-submissive lifestyle. We have several people in Lusty who she could interview, but she didn’t seem comfortable with talking to family about that when I suggested it. Do you suppose there’s someone there she could speak with, maybe get to know?”
Grace could practically hear the fishing line being cast and she giggled quietly. “As a matter of fact, I know a Dominant she could ‘speak with, maybe get to know…’”
Kate’s giggle made her smile. “Mightn’t Ethan speak with her? Hmm?”
“I’d be fine with that, but I was thinking about introducing her to Hank Stinson. He knows a thing or two about the subject. He’s also starting a women’s self-defense class soon. And he’s single,” she added, stifling a snort of amusement when Jack shook his finger at her and grinned. Her matchmaker instincts were on alert. She couldn’t help it.
“I remember Hank. I think I might like to take a self-defense class if he’s teaching it. A Dom, you say?”
Grace smiled, imagining Hank’s reaction to that question. “Not openly, but yes. Since he’s an elected official, he stays well below the radar.” Grace and Kate had talked before about the differences between Lusty, where the ménage and other alternative lifestyles were practiced out in the open, and Divine, where they were still very much the minority of the population. Grace knew Kate was discreet and trustworthy.
“You know, I’ve always thought there was something about that man. Couldn’t put my finger on it. He’s not exactly…”
“Pushy? Domineering? No, he’s not, although I’ve seen him take complete control of situations when it was called for. He has a burden for taking care of people in need of protecting. I think they might get along well. If Veronica wanted to stay on for a bit and enjoy the peace and quiet of ranch life while she writes that series, she’s more than welcome to extend her visit. I’d love to get to know her better.”
“Would you mind if I revealed your alternate identity to her?”
“No. It would be hard to hide that fact, and I see no reason to do that. Plus, it’d be kind of cool for Rachel and me to have another author in our genre in the area for a visit. I’m sure the guys would enjoy showing Veronica around the ranch, too.”
“Then it’s settled. I know Veronica will be in capable hands.”
“Very capable, I’m sure.” Grace could barely contain her glee. “While she’s down here, if you’d like, I can get in touch with Ace and Kemp, and maybe Duke Rivers and Gage Randall. They could teach her how to protect her privacy and her persona online, as well as look at putting a stop to that troll’s harassment of her. They can be extremely persuasive.”