Chapter 175: An Odd ArrangementJudd exhaled loudly, the responsibility weighing heavily on him. On the one hand, he was pleased Jessi had agreed to accept him as Dominant, unusual circumstance though it was. It had been a long time since he'd had what he would call a genuine submissive, and between his conversations with Graham and the time he's spent with Jessi, he knew she fit the bill.At the same time, taking on a submissive was a big commitment, in spite of the fact that there would be no sex involved. He wasn't sure if that made it easier or harder. Caring for a submissive takes time and attention. But ultimately, he'd accepted the challenge the last day he'd spoken with Graham.If something should happen to me, please take care of Jessi for me. She'll be lost at first.Unbidden, a picture popped into his mind…Jessi the first day he'd come to work on the hedges. She had been utterly lost, barely dressed, hair all askew.She needs to be led. And I need to lead. Judd shoo
Chapter 176: Unexpected Party GuestsJessi scanned the banquet hall with a practiced eye. She'd spent the better part of the morning getting the table linens and place settings exactly right. The DJ was just beginning to set up in the corner of the room, and the giant cake was due to be delivered any time.Sarah's son Jason had volunteered to do the flower run, taking his mother's large SUV to pick up the pink peonies and other things Jessi had ordered from her go-to florist, Antonio. Antonio sold flowers out of a silver panel truck in Palm Beach Gardens, and had the freshest, most beautiful blooms of anyone around. And he always gave Jessi a good deal. She'd do the table arrangements herself, using vases she and Sarah had picked up at an estate sale a couple of years before.Satisfied that things were under control, she took a bottled water from a cooler on the bar and sank onto a chair to take a short break. Her mind drifted to the previous night. It almost seemed like a stran
Chapter 177: Checking UpJessi led Judd and Alex to an empty table near the kitchen and asked a server to bring them some coffee while she went to get two slices of cake. "Here you are, gentlemen. It's the least I can do for calling you all the way out here."Alex smiled. "It's not like it's that far. The station is only about two miles away.""Well, I appreciate you anyway." She smiled genuinely."The cake is great," Judd said.Jessi nodded. "I use this terrific home baker. She really puts the big commercial bakeries to shame."A server dressed in a black blouse and slacks with a white apron approached the table. "Jessi, sorry to bother you.""No problem, Carla. What's wrong?""There's a guy at Table 5 who's refusing to show ID."Jessi looked to Judd and Alex. "If you'll excuse me for a moment."Judd watched as Jessi moved purposefully across the room. He couldn't hear the conversation, but he could tell that the young man at Table 5 was not pleased with what Jessi had to s
Chapter 178: Gardening"How's your week going, Jessi?"She smiled into her phone. It was the second time Judd had called since she'd seen him Saturday night. He wasn't obtrusive, just checking in on her, making sure everything was alright. Like a good Dominant should."It's good, actually. How about yours?"He laughed lightly. "Oh, you know, the usual mayhem. I wanted to touch base with you about Saturday. This week's project is going to be putting a planting bed on the east side of the house."Jessi smiled. She'd been after Graham for years about how bare that side of the house was. "That sounds great. I've been wanting to spruce up that area.""How about you helping me out? We can take a look at the space and make a few plans before we go to the nursery to pick out plants and things."She looked down and wiggled her freshly manicured toes. "I'd love to help. That sounds like a plan.""Alright, then. I'll be by around 10:00."When Judd pulled up on Saturday morning, Jess
Chapter 179: ConsequencesJessi rushed upstairs to take a quick shower and put on clean clothes. As the shower ran over her body, she contemplated what consequence might await her.He'll probably spank me. Maybe. What else could it be? Am I really about to submit to this? This is crazy. If I told anyone, Sarah for example… They'd think I'd lost my mind.She regarded the unmade bed and feverishly considered making it. But she knew it was too late at that point. Instead, she slipped into a faded pair of jeans along with a soft purple V-neck t-shirt and headed downstairs to discover her fate.Judd went for a quick dip in the pool, putting on a clean black t-shirt he'd brought with him. He considered what he was about to do. He wondered if Graham had intended for him to take it this far, and then decided that he had. The two had talked extensively about exactly what it meant to be an effective and thoughtful Dominant.He smiled as he thought of Jessi upstairs, probably fretting
Chapter 180: PermissionLeaving Jessi's, he took himself back to his favorite watering hole on the inlet to have a beer and try to clear his head. He was joking with several of his friends, including his partner Alex, when his phone blipped.The text was from Jessi. 'My task is completed, Sir.'Judd had almost forgotten. He grinned as he tapped out a message.'I need details, little one. How can I be sure that you did as you were told?'He could picture Jessi's red face. She had probably hoped that her first message would be enough."I know that smile, bro," hooted Alex. "You've got a hottie after you."It was Judd's turn to flush. "It's not like that. I just heard from Jessi. We worked on her yard today.""Jessi? That redhead from the party call we had last week? She is hot, bro. You telling me you're not tapping that?"Judd gave him a playful shove. "The woman's a recent widow, and a very nice lady.""That just means she needs some, man." Alex laughed as Judd moved away
Chapter 181: Intimate QuestionsIt was early afternoon the following day when Jessi's phone blipped to indicate a text message.'Hey there, little one. How is your day going?'Jessi smiled. She glanced down at the fabric swatches she'd been using to try to decide which tablecloths to order for next weekend's event. It was a fiftieth wedding anniversary. Who would have imagined there were so many varieties of gold?'I'm great. How are you?'Happy to put aside table linen decisions for a moment, she waited for Judd's reply.'I just spent the last couple of hours surfing, and I don't have to be at work for another few hours so I'm great. How's your bottom, little one?'Even in the privacy of her office, Jessi blushed. The truth was, her bottom was sore. Not that she minded. She'd been rather pleased when she checked herself in the mirror before she got dressed that morning and found that it was still red. There were even round bruises on each cheek from the wooden spoon.'It sti
Chapter 182: The New NormalJessi and Judd found a rhythm over the next few weeks. Judd came to Jessi's house on whichever weekend day he had off, be it Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. If she was available, Jessi was happy to help with whatever the week's chore might be. They'd worked together on the back fence, the sprinkler system, and the gutters.She felt disappointed if she happened to be working when Judd came by. She found that she enjoyed the easy conversations they shared, the laughter at silly jokes, and she valued his companionship.And then there was knee time. She craved the chance to still her mind. Judd had begun to issue maintenance spankings about every two weeks. At first, he'd find some chore or assignment she'd neglected. But, as he'd told her, "I don't really need a reason. It just makes you feel better." And he'd winked.Occasionally, Judd would stay for dinner, or they'd go out together. Jessi wondered if he dated, but she never asked. She didn't really
Chapter 328: Epilogue"Just one more push, you're doing great," the doctor said."How are you holding up, Dad?"Bleary-eyed, he nodded to the pink scrubs-clad nurse. He was ready for this long night to be over.He felt her starting to squeeze his hand again. "You've got this, babe," he murmured, kissing her forehead.Eyes closed and teeth clenched, she bore down, releasing a grunting squeal with the effort."Stop! There we are, Mom. The head is out. Now don't push, just breathe for a moment."Still holding her hand, he leaned over to see the back of the baby's head. His heart was in his throat and tears streamed down his face."Now this is it. On the next contraction, go ahead and push."He turned back to her. Eyes wide, she panted, gripping his hand for dear life."Oh, God, here it comes," she cried."You're doing great, I'm so proud of you," he murmured, turning to watch as their child was born.Fifteen minutes later, he strode down the hospital corridor to the family waiting
Chapter 327: No Time Like the Present"You should go home and get some rest, Jackie."Without taking her eyes off Scott, asleep in his hospital bed, she reached for Blake's hand. "I can't. I need to be here when he wakes up.""You're sure?"She nodded, then looked to her brother. "Can you take care of the kids? I hate to impose, but…""No worries, Jackie. Now that the storm's over, we'll take them back to our house. Amy's more comfortable there, anyway. We'll have a sleepover party."Jackie sighed. "I know they're ready to be back in their own beds. But I'll be home tomorrow, for sure, at least overnight.""Okay, sis." He kissed Jackie on the cheek. "Keep us posted."In the quiet of the hospital room, Jackie pulled a chair beside Scott's bed. As soon as they'd arrived back at the lodge, Blake and some of the others had carried Scott to the battered Suburban, laying him on the back seat.At Amy's insistence, Blake had driven Jackie and Scott to town. By the time they reache
Chapter 326: Dream Versus RealityHe was staring up at an azure sky. A warm summer breeze caressed his face. He turned his head and Jackie smiled at him, her deep blue eyes sparkling. "Where were you?" she asked.Scott shrugged. "I don't know.""Well, you're back now. That's what counts." She took his hand and led him to a bed in the middle of a sun-drenched field full of flowers. The bed's sheer white canopy billowed in the breeze. Kissing his hand, she released it, reaching up to slide first one, then the other spaghetti strap of her filmy white dress, allowing it to slide down her body and pool at her bare feet. His gaze slid from her sapphire eyes to her succulent lips. Then it traveled over the firm globes of her breasts with their pert pink nipples, to the flair of her hips, to the junction between her thighs where tight black curls were neatly trimmed. When he met her eyes again, she smiled knowingly and sank to her knees, bowing her head and resting her hands palm
Chapter 325: Warrior Princess"Jacks, you can't go out there." Blake's face twisted with concern."He won't come back until he finds Pierce. But he won't find Pierce, because Pierce is here. You can't leave Amy. I'd never even ask. And if Ned Hart won't go out there, I have no other choice." Her voice was deadly calm.She grabbed her grey coat, then put it back on its hook, heading into the dining room. Blake followed. "Jackie, seriously, I don't want you going out there." He grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Scott wouldn't want you going out there.""He can tell me that when I find him. Can I borrow Amy's pink parka? It's brighter than mine, easier to see."Blake exhaled sharply, his tone resigned. "I've known you long enough to know that once you've set your mind on something, that's it. At least let me put together a pack for you."While Blake scavenged from the survival students, Jackie put on Amy's parka and spoke to Grant and Emma. "I'm going out to let Scott know
Chapter 324: From Bad to WorseAway from the wide-open expanse of the lake, the trees blocked a certain amount of the wind, but plenty of snow filtered down. Try as he might, Scott couldn't make out any tracks left by Pierce. He continued up the trail, slipping and sliding as he made his way up a steep ridge. The designated campsite was the clearing at the top, but once he arrived, the area was empty. Even the snow was thin, having been blown into drifts against the bases of the trees surrounding the clearing. Where are you, you little shit? Scott turned in a circle, considering the most likely way Pierce might have gone. The clearing was exposed. He'd have wanted to find a spot that afforded more shelter. Which meant he would have gone lower. But in which direction?Rolling the dice, Scott headed west, where the clearing dropped off in a bluff about thirty meters above a ravine created by a now-frozen creek. He peered down into the gully, willing Pierce not to be there at
Chapter 323: Who's Missing?An hour later, Scott sipped his coffee and gazed out over the room. A handful of his campers had volunteered to help with lunch, and they'd all enjoyed potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Now, a group of guests was working on chili for dinner.Out of habit, he mentally counted his group. Tom and Patty Payton, who'd headed up lunch, were playing cards with Justin Sapp and Paula Martinez. Dan Spinelli was talking fishing with the father and sons from Cherub Lake. Not finding Pierce, Adams, or Bennet, he frowned slightly. A trip to the restaurant kitchen revealed Brian Bennett and Keely Adams working on cornbread to go with the chili.That leaves one. Scott returned to the dining room. Jackie was across the room checking on Amy. He cruised by the table where Dan was swapping fish stories. "Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Pierce?"The younger man frowned. "Not since we ate. But you know, now that you mention it, his backpack is gone." H
Chapter 322: Everyone Shelter at the LodgeAs Jackie and the children hiked toward the main lodge, they heard the snowmobile returning from the island. Jackie sent Emma and Grant ahead with their backpacks, Max galumphing along behind them, while she waited for Scott to secure the snowmobile."How'd it go?"Scott's lips were a grim line. "About how you'd expect. There's nothing we can do about it with the storm coming. Everybody understood, really. Except for Pierce. He's such an asswipe."Jackie's eyes widened but her lips curled impishly. "Oh my, Sire. Language."He popped her ass lightly. "And now my Princess requests a spanking. My day is complete."They both laughed as the entered the lodge. Trina had a huge fire going in the dining room's fireplace, and she'd already been to the cabins to invite guests to gather in the main lodge, where there would be food and heat."Hi, guys," she greeted Jackie and Scott. "I called the crew to let them know to stay home today. Then
Chapter 321: Blizzard WarningFrowning, Scott watched the latest weather report on the early morning local news, his mouth set in a grim line. Beside him, Jackie stirred. "What is it?" she murmured."It's alright," he answered softly. "Go back to sleep. It's not even 5:00 yet."She sniffed loudly and yawned. "I'm awake now. What's the matter?" She pushed up on an elbow and rested her head against his shoulder.He shook his head derisively. "The blizzard. They're predicting the storm to hit by this afternoon.""I thought it was supposed to skirt us to the south.""I hoped it would. But now we're under a blizzard warning." He kissed her temple and slid out of bed."What are you going to do?"He stepped into a pair of fleece-lined jeans and shrugged into a grey thermal Henley. "I'm heading to the island to let the campers know. Obviously, we're postponing the solo outings. I'll offer them the chance to return for free to finish their second week of this session." He glanced
Chapter 320: Winter SessionPulling the hood of his black parka lower over his head, Scott ducked behind the windscreen of his snowmobile and headed back to the lodge. At the bunkhouse cabin, he'd just welcomed Tom and Patty Payton, the only married couple he'd had thus far in his wilderness school.Having checked in with Jackie in the reception area of the lodge, the pair had made their way on foot across the ice to the island where they joined fellow survival students Justin Sapp, a stocky young man with an infectious sense of humor, and Paula Martinez, an attractive thirty-something Latina who wrote a Spanish-language adventure blog.Everyone in this session had broad outdoor survival experience, including the Paytons, who had once spent a year in the Amazon cataloging wildlife. They'd told Scott they were excited to learn winter survival skills in the wilderness of Ontario.That leaves four more clients yet to arrive, Scott mused as he pulled up the slope to park beneath the lodg