Serendipity Ranch (8 page)

“Would you like to go where we are going, Serena?” Preston asked as he started down the highway.

“You told me not to ask. Are you going to tell me?”

“Tell you what?”

“Nimrod,” Serena grumbled, smiling. “Does your Daddy always tease you like this, girls?” she asked the border collies. They answered with a tail wag, glancing out the window. They hopped up onto the bench as they neared the Coronado Bridge. “I love Coronado. We’re going there?”

“Maybe. Maybe not. Girls, sit in the car,” Preston ordered, watching the dogs in the rear view mirror as they obeyed. He excused himself to answer his Bluetooth, speaking cryptically as they started over the bridge to the island off the San Diego harbor. Serena fidgeted in her seat, partially due to the discomfort of her recently spanked bottom, and partially out of excitement. It did not escape Preston’s watchful eye, either. He resisted teasing her, wanting to make her transition into this new lifestyle as easy as possible.

“Preston? Have you always been like this?” Serena asked as they stopped for a light.

“Like what, hon?”

“I don’t know what you would call it other than bossy and pigheaded.”

“How about dominant and decisive?”

“Whatever. Answer me.”

“Yes and I’ll tell you more later if you want to know. I have no secrets to hide from you,” Preston promised, pulling into the parking lot at the Hotel Del Coronado.

“Hotel Del? I’m not dressed for this! Plus, the dogs!”

“Girls, to me,” Preston ordered, pulling a bag out from behind his seat. The collies sat quietly as he placed red vests on both with patches for search and rescue. “The girls are both licensed service animals and have been used throughout the state to locate injured persons. As for our attire, it’s San Diego. Shorts are the norm here. But don’t worry, we aren’t going inside to eat. I’m just meeting a friend to get something.” He helped Serena out of the truck and led her and the dogs into the hotel lobby.

“Dr. Riley! It’s good to see you again. Hi Boo! Hi Gem!” the concierge greeted them warmly. “Are you joining us for dinner?”

“Not tonight, Jill. I’m waiting for a basket from Peter.”

“I’ll ring him, sir. Please, have a seat.”

“Who’s Peter?” Serena asked, sitting next to Preston on the overstuffed bench. A man in a white chef’s coat came out, carrying a large basket. Preston stood to shake his hand, then joined the man in a hug.

“It’s so good to see you, Preston! You are looking well.”

“You look like you’ve been sampling your menu, old friend. What’s this?” Preston laughed, pointing to the man’s belly.

Peter laughed, patting it. “It’s bought and paid for. I’ve always said to never trust a skinny chef. What is this exquisite vision that stands before me?”

“Peter, I’d like to introduce you to Serendipity Mitchell. Serena, please meet Executive Chef Peter Shelton. We’ve known each other since college.”

“Serendipity? What a beautiful and unusual name. In it holds the key to your future,” Peter said, kissing the back of Serena’s hand. She blushed, unaccustomed to that type of attention. “Any woman who is willing to go out with Preston’s dogs is a keeper, by the way,” he winked at her, then turned back to Preston. “I guessed that you would be bringing your girls. There’s something special in there for them, too.”

“Thank you so much. I’m going to be having an open house when my place is finished. Can I count on you coming?”

“I would be honored. Just promise me you won’t have it catered.”

“Nope. We’ll go old style BBQ, just like we used to. I might even dig a pit. Of course, keeping you out of my new kitchen will be a challenge.”

“Don’t forget the pantry, wine cellar and walk in freezer,” Serena added. “He’s even going to have an herb garden in an indoor greenhouse.”

“I am?” Preston looked at her.

“Sara informed me of that yesterday. It will be located in a hydroponic unit along the kitchen walls.”

“Serena is my architect and construction foreman. You know Sara. The house is her design,” Preston announced proudly.

“Do you cook, Miss Mitchell?” Peter asked.

“Please, call me Serena. I can burn toast, heat up soup in the microwave, and open a bag of chips.”

“My house warming gift to you will be in-home chef lessons. I will teach both of you the art of fine dining and romance.”

“I accept your offer, Peter. Thank you so much. I’ve talk with you later okay?” Preston smiled, winking at his friend.

“Serena, it was truly a pleasure.” Peter kissed her hand again.

“Same here, Chef Shelton. Thank you.”

Picnic basket in hand, Preston handed the dogs’ leashes to Serena. He hooked her hand through his arm to lead her proudly through the hotel. She looked at him with confusion as he took her onto the beach. “Do you have a towel so we don’t get sand in the food?”

“Nope. Don’t need one.”

“I don’t get it.”

“Relax. I have things under control. There is it!”

Serena watched as a small motor boat banked onto the sand and a man hopped out. He greeted Preston warmly and took the basket from his hands. Preston let the dogs off the leashes and they both jumped eagerly into the boat. Without warning, Preston scooped Serena in his arms and walk into the water, placing her carefully onto the deck. He hopped in next to her and put a life vest over her head.

“Do we have to wear these?”

“Yes. Look, even the girls have one.” Preston grinned as the other man placed the dog vests over the collies’ heads. Serena held her breath as the boat jumped through the high waves and into smoother water, zooming toward a large catamaran that floated quietly in the center of the bay. Preston helped secure the dingy and thanked the boat captain for the ride. Taking Serena’s arm, he led her to the flat deck where he proceeded to unload the contents from the basket.

Serena sat silently, in awe as this big, rugged cowboy wined and dined her like she was a princess. Her eyes widened as he pulled out a bearded iris from the basket and placed it in a bud vase. He poured her champagne, fed her chocolate covered strawberries, twirled her pasta alfredo and even buttered her rolls. As he gently wiped some chocolate from the corner of her mouth, Serena realized that she had never been treated so delicately before. She knew that this was not an act but an endearing part of who Preston Riley was.

“How did you know that this was my favorite meal? And that the bearded iris was my favorite flower?” she asked, astounded.

“I do my research, sweetheart. How about the boat? Do you like it?”

“It’s incredible. I love the ocean, but hate sand in my food. I’ve never been on a catamaran before, either. Preston, this is so perfect. Thank you.”

“You are most welcome. You don’t mind the dogs?”

“I love the dogs. They are having so much fun, too. They look like they want to go in the water, though.”

“They love to swim. Talk to me. How are you doing?”

“I’m overwhelmed, but in a good way. You’re nothing like I thought you were. You’re pretty awesome when you’re not being a twit.”

“Again with the names. You weren’t praising my awesomeness a few hours ago when you were across my knee getting spanked,” Preston grinned, sipping his champagne as he viewed her over the rim of his glass.

“Shhh, he’ll hear you! Don’t be such a dork!”

“Trust me, he can’t hear anything. I was over at the wheel when Boo was barking at that seal in the water and could hardly hear her. Plus, he’s playing his iPod. So, have I redeemed myself for treating you so firmly?”

“I can’t say I didn’t exactly deserve some of that firm treatment. I can be a little difficult at times.”

“I wouldn’t say you were difficult. You’re guarded and very defensive. That will change in time as you learn to let go.”

“How did you learn about this? You know, the spanking thing. It’s a bit kinky.”

“Ever since I can remember, I felt pulled to the image of ladies getting their bottoms whacked. My parents were wonderful people, very loving, and also very set in their ways. Janie and I weren’t disciplined often but when we were, it was memorable. I had a tendency to push my sister’s buttons simply to get a rise out of her. That has not changed,” he chuckled, leaning back on his elbows with his face turned toward the slowly setting sun. “One day, when she was supposed to be keeping an eye on me, I sneaked out of the house and climbed a tree to see how long it would be before she noticed I was missing.”

“How old were you?”

“Ten. She was 14. She completely forgot I existed. I fell asleep waiting for her, and by time I woke up it was getting dark. I was bored, so I went back home to find my parents in a panic and my sister bawling her eyes out. She had been talking on the phone and kept the line tied up for two hours while my folks had tried to get through. Dad went into the back and cut two switches, one for me and one for my sister. He made me watch as he switched Janie’s bare bottom until the damn thing broke in his hand. I guess the look on my face was enough, because he didn’t punish me except for being grounded for a week for leaving the house. Janie became the model sister that day, and I was convinced it was due to the switching.”

“Poor Janie.”

“Nah, poor you. You get to reap the benefit of my many years of experience living the lifestyle of domestic discipline. I like to incorporate ageplay elements for those special girls who need just a little more guidance and nurturing. I’ve had lots of practice with Sara in how to direct a young girl and keep her focused.”

“But Sara is the perfect child. She would never cross you like some of us do. Isn’t that right, puppies?”

“Sara is the perfect child because she was raised the right way. You never had that chance. With me, we are going to start over and try to undo some of your bad habits and negative ways of thinking.”

“Can’t we just date like normal people?”

“Have you enjoyed yourself this evening?” Preston asked, tilting his hat to block the sun from his eyes.

“Of course. It was wonderful. Did you?”

“I did. But do you know why you enjoyed yourself?”

“You were decent company, plus you went all out with the food, the boat, and even a custom-ordered sunset. It was comfortable and unassuming.”

“What did you think of my taking care of things?”

“You planned perfectly. You missed nothing, even my favorite flower and food.”

“Exactly. I buckled you into the car, strapped on your life vest, fed you, wiped your face, and held your hand—all the things a parent would do. And you received it, without protesting. Just like a child. It made you feel protected and cared for. Am I right?”

“I never even considered that. It felt so natural. Wow,” Serena sipped her champagne, thinking.

“For me, that is what made the evening perfect. Being able to take care of my special girl and make her feel safe and happy. I’m not comfortable with receiving and the only thing I ask for is respect and obedience.”

“I’ve never been a receiver or much of a giver, Preston. I’m pretty selfish. I don’t want to feel like I owe anyone anything, either,” Serena admitted sadly.

“You received tonight. You received when I put you over my lap. You received when I made your breakfast and forced you to drink that damn milk. You received when you accepted the job. Don’t tell me you’re not a receiver. As for a giver,” he paused, sitting up straight to look at her closely, “you’ve given my niece confidence, you’ve given your time and talent to building my home, you’ve given me your attention, and mostly,” he touched her quivering chin, “you’ve given me your trust.”

The warm sun caressed Serena’s face as Preston leaned forward to kiss her softly. She raised herself on her knees and allowed him to pull her onto his lap, wrapping her legs around his waist as his mouth explored her own once again. She moaned as his lips traveled down the curves of her throat, his hot breath sending shivers of delight over her flesh. He began to nibble gently on that secret place below her earlobe and Selena wilted in his hold. He had a hunch and bit harder and deeper, feeling her tremble in his arms. His lips locked around the sensitive spot and he sucked. Selena cried out softly, her body tensing before it shuddered uncontrollably. He returned to gentle kissing, hiding his elation as she slumped against him.

“What the hell was that?” Serena asked, catching her breath.

Preston turned her to watch the sunset, leaning her back against his chest with his arms wrapped around her. He leaned his chin on her shoulder. “That, my girl was an orgasm. If you respond to me like that on your neck, I can’t wait to see the fun we will have as we move down a ways.”

“You can’t cum from biting someone on the neck.”

“You just did. I bet I can get you to do the same on this side,” he purred, pushing her hair out of the way and immediately clamping his gifted mouth on her pulse point. Serena squeaked and felt her body rise shamelessly to meet his lips and teeth, stretching her neck to allow him access. A gush of hot energy filled her entire body as she arched against Preston’s chest, quaking with tiny peaks of unremitting pleasure.

“Oh, Preston—” Selena whispered, sinking again into his strong arms. “I’ve never felt that before. It was… ethereal.”

“Well, thank you. I can’t honestly say that I’ve ever had anything I’ve done described that way,” he chuckled, slowly standing and holding out his hand for her to join him and watch as they pulled into the dock. He tipped the boat’s owner to return the basket and led his three girls onto dry land and the short walk back to the truck.

Preston smiled softly, glancing at his passengers. The collies had sneaked up to the front seat to lay in Serena’s lap, and all three had fallen asleep, snuggled together. Preston lifted a finger to his lips as the girls raised their heads when coming up the private road to his RV, signaling them to stealth. They responded, keeping their heads low and staying silent. He parked, and they crawled out of the truck on his side and went immediately to the ground.

“To bed,” he ordered. They obeyed, immediately running to the front door of the RV. Gently, he lifted Serena into his arms and carried her inside. He placed her sleeping body on his bed, undressed her to her bra and panties, and slipped one of his t-shirts over her head. He tucked her under the cool blankets and sat on the bed next to her, watching as she slept. A little smile danced around her face as she dreamed. He hoped the dream was about him.