Lumberjack Weekend(Divine Creek Ranch 21)(73)

“Rudy’s. He makes a great Bloody Mary.”

“There’s something…familiar about it,” she said as her stomach gurgled.

Bunny giggled and nodded. “He includes his special recipe barbeque sauce in it, but I also asked him to add my secret ingredient.”

“Which is?”

“Cayenne pepper.”

“Which explains why my epiglottis is on fire,” she gasped.

Bunny chuckled and said, “Yeah, but it works like a charm. You’ll see. Drink a little water to wash down the burn. No need to suffer…unless you enjoy that sort of thing, I mean.”

They both laughed as she disposed of the cup and drank some more water. Bunny wouldn’t accept repayment and said, “When I came in earlier, I wasn’t totally sure if it was you or not. Your face paint last night was so detailed, and well…you were nude, or nearly nude, both times we encountered each other.”

Violet surprised herself, giggling. It seemed like a dream she’d had, but she’d really had guts to follow through on her fantasies, thanks to Josh and Lucas, and Joseph, bless his sadistic heart.

Speaking of…

“Well, Bunny, you’ve done a good turn for me, since I’m already feeling a tad better. So what can I do for you?”

Bunny’s gaze darted around the store, and then she said, “I need you to help me find some information about submission…and domination…and all that stuff. I’ve never been much of a reader, but I know I don’t want anyone beating on me, and after this weekend, I…Well, let’s just say I think I need a little more information.”

“Really?” Violet asked, trying to hide the smile that kept breaking through as Bunny continued stammering.

“Yeah. I want to know what I’m up against because I’m not going to let someone just push me around…or all that other stuff. But I think I need a better understanding. And well, shit, I’m not even sure why I’m bothering, because…” She paused and bit her lip. “I don’t do submission. Not for anyone.”

Violet nodded slowly, gestured with her head toward a bookshelf in the corner, and led her in that direction. “But you’re curious about why women, or men, might be into that sort of thing?”

“Men? Are you serious?”

“Absolutely. People from all walks of life. Secretaries, police officers, schoolteachers, members of the military, moms, dads. Submission doesn’t mean you want to be mistreated or walked all over. It means giving up control—”

Bunny shook her head, and her defensive posture with her arms crossed over her chest spoke volumes. “Like I said, I don’t do submission. I can’t imagine ever not being in control. I just—I just wanted some information. I need to know more about it but only because I’m curious.”

Violet wondered if Bunny was attempting to reassure her or whether she was speaking to herself. Her cheeks were nearly as red as her flaming scarlet hair, and Violet nodded sympathetically as she stroked the spine of a book before moving on, looking for the one she wanted. Best to start with the basics. “I’m going to suggest a couple of books for you, and I have a sitting area back here where you can get comfortable and look through them before you make a purchase, if that would help.”

Violet selected two notable books, one pertaining to the life of a submissive and also handed her a book written by a well-reputed Dominant with real-life anecdotes. She tried to hold back her smile as she wondered at the root of all this turmoil in her new friend. Joseph had evidently burrowed under Bunny’s skin as much as she had his.

Bunny looked at the covers, holding the books as if they might bite her. “It’s okay. I’ll take them. I think I’m gonna need some sangria to go with this reading material. Please don’t mention this to Joseph, or—or anyone because I’m just curious. I don’t do submission.” She said it almost as if she was speaking to herself, like a mantra.

Keep telling yourself that, sweetie. I’m rooting for both of you.

It took force of will to hold back a giggle when she realized Joseph might very well have met his match.





Chapter Nineteen




Lucas rode in the passenger seat of Josh’s truck as they made their way toward downtown. Between them, sitting in the cup holder of the truck console, was the receipt for the down payment on Violet’s engagement ring.

He and Josh weren’t twins, but from a young age, they’d been that close, despite their differing temperaments, and sometimes it was as if they communicated through shared thoughts. They’d had one of those moments early that morning as they’d tucked the blankets around Violet and kissed her brow before silently leaving her little home.