Cowboys Know Best (10 page)

“Yes, sir. I’ll try to be more cooperative.”

“I’m sure you will. Hank? That thing I was telling you about. She’s ready.”

“Great. How about if I meet you back here by 2? I just need to do some things at the office.”

“Sounds good. Miss Perl? Give your man a hug. And thank him,” Dennis ordered gently.

Perl bit her lip, turning to Hank and looking up at him with big, dark, trusting eyes. “Thank you, Hank. I didn’t realize how much you really cared about me.”

Hank carefully returned her embrace and looked at Dennis from over the top of her head. His friend gave him a thumbs up and a wink. Sly old devil! He was as bad as Nana with matchmaking!

* * *

Perl giggled wildly as the eight-week-old puppy covered her face with a flurry of kisses. She sat on the dusty floor of the sheriff station, holding the fluffy animal in her arms, rubbing the soft tummy gleefully.

“Is she really mine? Forever?”

“Yes, ma’am. Pups are a big responsibility, but Hank and the boys will show you how to take care of her and train her proper like. She’s a special breed. They call them Australian shepherds. Got her mama from a herding friend of mine from California.”

“She’s so pretty! Her eyes are blue!”

“She’s the sweetest of the litter. That little redhead will be your best friend in no time.”

“Oh, thank you so much, Dennis,” Perl said as she kissed the sweet bundle snuggled in her arms. She was surprised that puppy breath was unusually pleasant and the fur so silky. The pup was a rusty red and white, with bright pearly blue eyes, a fat tummy, and floppy ears. “What is her name?”

“That’s up to you, baby girl. Hank? Dinner still on tonight?” Dennis asked hopefully.

Hank laughed, nodding. “Of course. Perl said she’s going to try her hand at something called lasagna. We picked up the extras we needed for it. Come on, Perl. Pick up Red and let’s get moving.”

As they drove home, Perk talked sweetly to the pup. She had never had a pet before and the animal was completely focused on the young woman’s attention, delighting them both. Hank was, once again, thankful for his friend’s wisdom. The pup would not only teach Perl responsibility, but also be a reason to stay here, on the ranch, with him. Hopefully forever.

As much as he tried to resist, he was smitten. He tried to ignore his feelings, but he had grown to love her. He also knew it was not appropriate. She was still too young and immature, and they barely knew each other. He knew she was interested as well, she had made that clear, but he was a God-fearing, old-fashioned gentleman who would never take advantage of a desperate young lady. More so, she came from the environment where others did her bidding. He knew he would never be happy with another woman like Laura had been. No, it wasn’t right. Not now.

Perl glanced happily at Hank and noticed his frown. Was he still unhappy with her? He had said she was forgiven, but she still felt guilty for essentially lying to him. But if he was still angry, he wouldn’t have let her have Cherry, the name she had chosen for the puppy because of its sweet, cherry-red fur. She blushed, wondering if it had also been the same color of her bottom after Hank had finished with her that morning. Maybe she should think of another name…

“Are you ok, Hank? Are you still mad at me?” she asked timidly as his frown deepened.

He looked over at her and squeezed her hand. “No, honey. Just thinking about some things. I was too hard on you, with expecting you to do stuff you’ve never even seen before. I have an idea and Cherry can learn to help you.”

“Does that mean you aren’t going to spank me anymore?” she asked hopefully.

He chuckled. “Sorry, but I suspect you will be finding yourself over the barrel for many other things in the future. Let’s swing by Mr. Holmes’ ranch. I think he might have what we need.”

Perl glanced back at the five goats tied to the bed of Hank’s truck. Cherry yipped excitedly at them, making it difficult to hold her still. “What are we going to do with those things?”

“Those things are called goats and they are very sweet. Two of them are for milking, so you can learn on them. They are very tame and should be easier on your hands than Hannah. The young ones are for Miss Cherry here to take care of. She’ll also help you get those hens away from the nests so they don’t hurt you.”

“She will? How?”

“It’s in her blood. You’ll see.”

Hank was right. Cherry quickly rooted the chickens out of the barn while Perl easily gathered the late afternoon eggs. She showed them proudly to Hank, who praised both his ‘girls’ as he led them to the garden. Millie hissed as she saw the puppy, and Cherry was not about to back down. She soon had the fat, old possum far away from Perl and the vegetables.

“This is almost fun with her!” Perl exclaimed, picking the tomatoes and other produce for their dinner. Hank was pleased with the puppy’s instincts. Once again, Dennis had been right.

Milking the goats was another adventure. It was much easier than the cow, but Perl found herself having to stave off Cherry by squirting milk in the puppy’s face. She hungrily lapped it up and sought out more, knocking over the bucket. Hank firmly removed her and told her “No!” and Cherry laid her ears back and sank to the ground, looking abashed.

“That’s how you look when you get scolded,” he teased Perl. She stuck her tongue out at him and then proudly handed him the bucket of goat milk. He praised her again, watching the flush wash over her face. He decided to make an effort to compliment her more often. He liked being able to bring such a beautiful pink glow to her face. Almost as much as he enjoyed seeing the same color on her round, shapely bottom. His mind started to drift back to her perfect rear end and how it jiggled under his large hand. He swallowed, feeling his manhood starting to strain in his denims. He did not know how long he would be able to tolerate the pressure of his desire. He wanted her. Fully and completely. Forever. But did she feel the same?

Chapter Seven

With Cherry at her side, Perl found herself not only adjusting, but enjoying her chores on the ranch. She had learned to milk Hannah and chase off Millie on her own. Hank and Dennis even taught her how to shoot a rifle, ride a horse, and cook ‘home-spun’ meals. Upon Dennis’ insistence, she started singing for the townsfolk twice a month. In a matter of weeks, she had earned the reputation of being a high bred and cultural young woman who the community found endearing, charming, and tender of heart. Her concerts began to attract people from all parts of the surrounding area, and her voice sometimes brought both men and women to tears with its deep, tender passion. The town even built a small concert hall and hauled in a beautiful ebony piano for her to play while she sang.

Word of her musical abilities spread throughout the region and soon she was being paid to perform by wealthy executives and clubs from nearby counties. She gave every penny back to her town and she could feel Hank’s pride as she stood for a photograph in a new gown that he had given her to wear while performing. She had found her own special place for the first time in her life. In a period of six months, thanks to the love and patience of both Hank and Dennis, she had transformed from a frightened little girl to a confident young woman who was truly happy and content with her new life.

The town of Great Price, Texas, seeing the positive changes in both of their beloved lawmen, quickly fell in love with her. They playfully referred to her as their Perl of Great Price, and when they discovered her story, they rallied together to offer protection if she ever needed it. Respect for the two men, coupled with the town’s adoration of the pretty young girl, reduced spreading of rumors or gossip about her living arrangements as well.

Life was good, peaceful, and… incredibly boring! Even with the anticipation of bringing Nana to stay for the winter, and the preparations for the visit, Perl found herself growing more and more restless. Hank still feared for her safety and forbade her to go anywhere without an escort. Ignoring his orders to stay within sight of the ranch, she began to wander off in an attempt to alleviate her boredom. He took his self-appointed role as her keeper seriously. Perl learned the meaning of ‘strict law enforcement’ as Hank pulled her across his lap, bared her bottom, and spanked her soundly on multiple occasions for idly wandering over to the pond or down to the barracks without his permission.

Even worse was when Hank went up north to check on Nana and left Dennis in charge. After two rapid and painful spankings over her trousers by the no-nonsense sheriff, Perl found herself keeping close to the house and growing even more resentful of her confinement. Isolation for the city born and bred girl was torturous. She had been raised in a loud, active, and chaotic environment that was always filled with loads of people, food and frivolity. Quiet life on the ranch was birthing frustration, loneliness, and boredom. She was also tired of being told what to do. She felt uncharacteristically rebellious and defiant about being forced to live like a nun in a convent.

As for Cherry… the dog just yawned and ignored the whole ordeal whenever Perl was spanked. That puppy loved Hank as much as she did Perl. In fact, Cherry would go ballistic when Hank left anywhere, whining incessantly for nearly twenty minutes once his truck drove off. Perl learned how to distract her, but felt a little betrayed by her constant companion. Not because Cherry missed Hank so much, but because Perl found herself missing him even more and was not allowed to whine about it without receiving a stern look from his stunning blue eyes. Hank loathed whining and she only wanted to please him and find ways to make him smile.

Perl consigned herself to the knowledge that she had fallen hopelessly head-over-heels in love with the big, gruff man and was at a loss about what to do. Nothing seemed to gain his interest except her domestic duties. She even tried to provoke him into play spanking her, but she only ended up earning herself a paddling with the nasty wooden hairbrush he had bought in town.

“Cherry? How about if you and I take a little ride? We could go to the river bank and have a picnic.”

The young dog yapped happily, racing outside. It was early November and the brisk air had finally cooled enough to be comfortable during the day while growing icy cold at night. Looking around for possible witnesses, Perl quickly saddled up the little mare that Hank had given her, grabbed her rifle and ammo, and raced off with Cherry on their heels.

The day was perfect. The sky was bright blue, the air crisp and fresh, and the sound of the rustling of leaves and the gentle tinkling of the creek made Perl feel alive and happy. Cherry chased lizards and moths, barking merrily as she frolicked along the banks of the stream. Perl started to doze when she heard Cherry begin to growl. Perl sat up to see her facing off with a large, snarling badger.

She knew the pup stood no chance against the vicious creature. Perl raised her rifle and fired, missing the animal deliberately. She realized that she had made a mistake when the badger turned its attention to her. Hank had warned her countless times about these nasty oversized weasels and how they feared nothing. Cherry continued to bark wildly, backing up with Perl as the creature slowly approached them, eyes glaring and teeth bared. Perl’s hands were shaking so hard that she couldn’t cock her rifle, and she shifted the weapon around in her hands to use it as a club to protect her and Cherry.

“Perl!” Hank’s voice rang out, followed by the sound of gunfire. The badger lay dead two feet in front of them as the man rushed to their side. He held her tightly in his arms, feeling her shaking. “Are you alright?”

“I like Millie better,” Perl whispered, sinking into his embrace. “Thank you for saving Cherry. That thing could have hurt her.”

“That badger could have hurt you as well. You shoot to kill, sweetheart, not piss them off. Honey badgers don’t care… ”

“I get it, Hank. I will do that next time,” she shuddered, interrupting his lecture.

“There will be no next time, young lady. What are you doing out here? Didn’t I tell you not to wander off?”

“I was bored and you’re never home! I just needed a change of scenery and you never take me anywhere. How did you find me anyway? It’s early.”

“Butch rang me when he noticed your mare was missing. The hands went in different directions to find you. I heard the gun fire and it led me here. You are in big trouble, little girl. Let’s get home. Dennis is coming over. He’s not happy with you either.”

Perl scowled, her arms crossed as both Hank and Dennis paced in front of her, berating her for the foolishness of riding off alone and then trying to face down an angry badger. Dennis squatted in front of her, his moustache twitching angrily.

“I was coming by tonight to catch some quiet time with my friends and then find out you took off on your own. Perlita, you know how dangerous it is out there. Why?”

“I’ve already heard the lecture from Hank, Dennis. I get it, ok? I promise not to do either thing again.”

“Don’t you use that tone on me, missy. You’ve already got Hank’s hackles up; you don’t need to push it.”

“What difference does it make anyway? He’s planning on spanking me. Aren’t you?!” she hissed at Hank, muttering some Italian curses.

Hank glowered at her. “Watch it, Perl. Unless you want me to take down your britches right here in front of Dennis, you will guard your tongue.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” She looked enraged and horrified.

“I certainly would. And Dennis wouldn’t stop me, either,” Hank answered calmly. “Now I think you need to go spend some time in your room, nose to the corner.”

“I will not!” Perl shouted, standing. Hank reached to unbuckle his belt and with a scream, the girl fled up to her room. Nose in the corner, the anger surged deeply through her. How dare they treat her in this manner! She was not a child! She didn’t need this anymore. She was out of here.

Silently, she snuck out her window and carefully worked her way down the support beams of the house. She gritted her teeth, feeling splinters dig into her hands, and then she fell with a soft plop to the ground. Her dignity more damaged than her bottom, she tiptoed out back to where Hank kept his truck parked. She turned to the sound of panting behind her.