Afternoon talk

We certainly have gotten full use of our island home since September. We were here for a week or more after I found it was ours. Tom and Steve made arrangements to totally redo the caretaker’s house. Tia and Carl were bursting at the seams with their large family. We put them in the guest houses while the work was being done during October. This was also the beautiful spot Tom whisked me off to when I was planning Nancy’s demise and how to make it look like an accident.

Christmas and New Years were a swirl of wonderful events, but I was exhausted. Finally one day, not long after New Year’s, we girls found an afternoon to just sit and relax. The men had gone golfing and Allie, Annie, Sue and I gathered peacefully around the pool. I felt so content. These friends are those I love the most. I have no secrets from them and there is no pretense when we talk. There is nothing to hide. It does me good to be with them.

That afternoon we were sipping wine (those of us over 21) and basking in the beauty of our surroundings. Allie stretched catlike then turning to me said, “I hope you don’t mind Cassie but I’ve decided I’m never leaving. I'll try not to be in the way.”

“You won’t be in my way,” I laughed, “but don’t you have a college degree to finish?”

“Ugg,..” she said with feeling. “Don’t remind me. I don’t even what to think of getting back in that grind.” She took a deep sigh, “I did something so stupid this year. I think I should have ‘idiot’ tattooed on my forehead.”

I cast her a withering look. She gave me a quick smile and said, “Sorry, sorry! I know I’m not supposed to mentions tattoos to you!”

“So what did you do that was so stupid?” Sue asked her.

Allie shook her head, “I really blew it. I ask Ryan to help me get things done on time and not get so stress like I did last year and I even agreed to let him spank me when I don’t keep to the schedule.”

“You did WHAT?” Sue and I shouted in unison. Sue looked disgusted, “Go ahead and get that tattoo.” She told her, “You deserve it.”

“Oh honey,” I told her, “you never ask for help getting over a bad habit. They’re on it like a dog with a bone. They never let up.”

"Wait, you told me Tom helped you overcome tons of bad habits. You said you used to cuss like a sailor before Tom helped you.”

“But Allie, I never asked him to! Breaking some of my habits that he didn’t like was his idea, not mine. I only ask him to help me break my gambling habit, and that request came back to bite me in the ass! Forgive my language.” I laughed.

“Well let’s hear it.” Sue insisted. “What torture has your Tom-clone been putting you through?”

Allie sighed. “You see last year I was driving myself crazy. Ryan too part of the time, but he really kept his cool. I usually got everything done but I was always in a panic. Every time something was due I was up until three or four the night before trying to pull everything together. I’d run out of paper or the printer cartridge would be empty or something. Sometimes I couldn’t get it done and lost credit for late stuff. I’d be tired and surly the next day and before you could turn around the next things was due. Ryan had as many paper and junk to do as I did, but he never seemed flustered or rushed and so dummy me asked for help.”

“Well, what’s his secret?” Annie asked. “Has it worked?”

“I guess it did help.” Allie grudgingly admitted. “It’s pretty simple really. He just took all my due dates on each syllabus and moved them up by four days. If it’s due in class on the 4th I have to have it 100% complete and in Ryan’s hands by 9:00 pm on the 1st.”

“We were discussing this in bed. I think that was one of my problems." Allie admitted. "I was feeling pretty much agreeable to anything at the time. I was just mentioning that I wished I was as organized as him. He might have been the one who offered to help. I know for sure he was the one who suggested spanking as a way to back it up.”

“Entrapment! I knew it.” Snarled Sue.

Allie laughed. “I think you’re probably right, but whatever it was, I agreed.”

“Oh Allie, the same thing happened to me. We had a conversation before we were married where Tom swears he explained exactly how our marriage was going to be an old fashion one and if he ever thought I needed a spanking he was going to give me one. I wasn’t paying any attention! I was trying to get his clothes off. I’ve always said that my answers of ‘yay, yay sure’ should not have been binding!”

“So tell us,” Annie probed, “Did you get spanked or did you get things turned in on time.”

“I guess about what you would suspect.” Allie told us with a grin. “I did a lot better. If I didn’t have it by nine the day Ryan said, he just spanked me with his hand, and actually I’m surprised at how much that can hurt. But if I didn’t have it by the next night at nine he was getting more serious. He’d use that awful rubber spatula/scraper or whatever it is from the kitchen. That stupid thing is red and I think he tries to make my butt match.”

“And if you don’t have it the third day? I probed.

Allie’s look turned sour. “That stupid brush!”

I had been afraid of that. “Oh honey, I’m sorry. They always seem to know the worst one.”

“Well we didn’t get there but once. But I was so mad. I mean I’d been spanked the two day before for not having it so I was getting mad at Ryan. And then I was mad at myself too because the only reason it wasn’t done is just that it was a stupid project and I didn’t want to work on it at all.

“Ryan called me at eight that last night. First thing he asked was, ‘Is it done?’ I was so mad I told him, no, the damn things not done. It’s stupid, I’m not doing it and you can’t make me. Then I hung up on him.”

Annie and I stared at her in horror as Sue snorted, quoting Dr. Phil “And how did that work for you?” she chuckled.

“Not so well.” she admitted ruefully. We sat back to hear the rests of the story she had to tell.

He didn’t call back but at nine, the deadline, he was at my door. I knew I was safe on the hall, too many people. He looked over what I had. I showed him it would only take a couple of hours to finish.

He said that sounded good but he needed me to come back to his condo for about a half hour. I knew what that meant and I told him I didn’t have time. My roommate was looking at him funny because she knows he’s always the one pushing me to get things finished and now he wanted me to go somewhere with him before it was done.

I told him, “Honey it’s just going to have to wait until tomorrow. I’ve got to get this finished.”

He looked me right in the eye and said “It has to be taken care of tonight. I guess I can take care of it here if you’d rather.”

Well then I couldn’t get out of there fast enough! But by the time we got to his place I was pretty mad. “If you had just let me alone I’d be done with the damn thing by now!”

He walked into the bedroom and got the brush. When he came out he told me, “I’m not going to take anymore attitude or any more cussing tonight. You had plenty of time to get that thing done and you just wouldn’t. You knew it was coming to thing and you still didn’t do it. Now do you need some time in the corner to calm down?”

I was mad. It’s bad enough to be spanked but it really embarrasses me for him to mention the corner. “I don’t need the corner,” I snapped.

All I got was a terse “Fine.” And I was over his knee. He didn’t even do a warm up! He was in full lecture mode. Time management, thinking ahead, the evils of procrastination, and ended with, “You’re right I can’t make you do it but I can hold you to the bargain you made and that’s exactly what I’m doing.”

It was a pretty rough evening. I hadn’t been spanked that hard in a long time. I don’t know if it was for not getting finished or for how I’d talked to him, but it sure was thorough. When he was done he just gave me a quick hug and drove me back to the dorm. He didn’t mention the project as he dropped me off; he just said “I love you.”

“I finished it that night.” Allie told us, concluding her story. “I never let anything run that late again.” Allie sighed deeply but then added with a little sparkle in her eye, “But I did check my grades on line this morning, B in Chemistry and an A in everything else!”

We all gave her a shout and our sincere congratulations. I couldn’t help asking “Are you going to tell Ryan how well you did? He may try to take all the credit you know.”

Allie laughed, “I might as well. I already agreed to do it again this next semester.”

Annie and I laughed as Sue shook her head in disgust. “If Steve had a hairbrush I wouldn’t agree to a damn thing!” she insisted.

It had been a lovely afternoon. I know Tom and I brought great changes into Allie’s life, although it was never our intentions, when we moved in beside her family 4 years ago. I worry about it sometimes, but Allie seems happy with how things are going so I usually take a deep breath and keep my fingers crossed.

I’ve been in more of a writing mood lately. I’ll try not to be so long between post.

Birthday surprise

This story started back here.

The next morning I woke happy and content, but I had barely had time to stretch before Tom had pulled me across his lap and proceeded to warm my bottom in a rapid manner. “What are you doing?” I growled at him.

“As long as we’ve been together and you don’t know what I’m doing? I must need practice.” He insisted and he increased the pace. “I was just thinking that Sue will be here in about 4 hours. I thought I’d get a head start.”

I squirmed off his lap and Tom let me go laughing. I grabbed my robe with as much dignity as I could muster at the moment, headed to the bath room and slammed the door soundly. I could still hear Tom laughing and I had to smile. Old devil, he does knows us well.

I was so happy to see everyone and show them around. They all seemed very impressed with our accommodations. We spent time on the beach and in the ocean. Ryan, Allie and Drew rented the Jet Ski. We ladies biked around the little town and did some shopping. I was a good as gold and it wasn’t hard since surrounded by all the people I love the most.

At dinner that evening Tia out did herself, everything was delicious. The wine had been flowing freely since afternoon. We were telling old stories and laughing so hard most of us were in tears. I’ve been through a lot with these people. Tom was as relax and happy as I’ve ever seen him.

Dinner was over and we were all out by the pool when I saw Tom and Steve in a deep conversation. I didn’t pay much attention, but I noticed as they slipped into the house together. Shortly they returned and Tom came to stand by me clearly looking like he had something to say. Gradually everyone turned to look at him as he began.

“As you know we are all here to celebrate Cassie’s birthday.”

I rolled my eyes, “Just don’t anyone say which one!” I insisted.

Tom went on. “I think you will all agree that Cassie can be somewhat difficult to buy for.” Everyone laughed and nodded. “But I think I’ve found a little something she might like.” Tom had pulled a small box from his pocket.

“Tom told me what he was getting.” Steve spoke up. “I was pretty sure Cassie would like it and all I could think of was how much Sue was going to whine and carry on because she hadn’t gotten the same thing. You all know how she can be.” We all looked at Sue and laughed as she decided whether to be indignant or amused. As we laughed Steve pulled a box from his pocket that matched the one Tom was holding.

I admit the boys had my attention. Tom is a wonderful gift giver, but Sue and me receiving the same gift? That seemed a little strange. I mean we’re a bit old for matching bracelets. Steve walked over to Sue as Tom stood in front of me and offered the little box. I gave him a quizzical look before taking it and slipping off the top. Inside nestled in cotton was a key, to what I had no idea. Glancing at Sue I saw her holding a key also. The first thing that crossed my mind was that the boys had gotten us each a jet ski but that didn’t seem right somehow and it wasn’t the right kind of key. I looked at Tom questioningly.

“Honey,” Tom began, “it‘s yours together. You and Sue are now the proud owners of this house and all that goes with it.” I felt like I’d been hit with an electric current. I stared at Tom unable to speak. This house, this magnificent home that I had been marveling over for days was mine? Mine and Sue’s? As the news sank in I burst into tears and grabbed Tom. Tom has surprised me many, many times in our marriage but none more than this. The house with two master wings, what could be more perfect? Once again Tom had managed to outdo himself when it came to birthday gifts. Looking over at Sue I saw she was blubbering like a baby, not something I’ve seen many times in my life.

Now you can see what has been occupying my time over the last few months. We’ve come to the Island several times since then. This was where Tom whisked me off to when I was so outraged over Nancy. Sue and Steve have been here several times on their own and some with us. I suppose not every friendship could survive owning a home together but I don’t anticipate any problems. We’ve vacationed together and shared vacation homes for the past 40 years.

We were home for Christmas this year but back down here for New Years. That was a wonderful time. Annie and Andy came also as well as Allie and Ryan. The children were off until the middle of January so we had them to ourselves for a while. For the most part Sue and I have managed to behave ourselves – that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Allie, however, did share some of her less brilliant moments over the past few months. I’ll be sharing those with you soon.

Birthday retreat

I’ve been so neglectful about writing here and I apologize. I realized I never wrote telling you about what I got for my birthday way last Sept and that has a lot to do with why I’ve been too busy to write. Tom nearly always takes me on a lovely trip for my birthday and this past year was no exception. He chose a delightful little island in the Caribbean. There were two 5 star resorts there – not high rises but smaller and more intimate places that were just lovely. However for this trip Tom had rented a private compound that included the most beautiful vacation home I’ve ever seen.

The main house was huge! Actually it was two houses put together to from a large U shape. The common area was a living room and dining room plus a gourmet kitchen. This area opened up to a fantastic patio area and the pool. All of this overlooked the Atlantic Ocean in all its splendor. The color of the sea around these islands is indescribably beautiful. The beach at this home was wide and inviting and the ocean calm and playful. But back to the house, there were matching master wings on either side of the house each consisting of a small kitchen and sitting room, two guest rooms in addition to the incredible master bedroom. Each master had its own balcony and private hot tub. Can you tell I was amazingly pleased with our accommodations? We were alone for the first week but Tom had invited many of our friends to join us for my birthday the next week so it wasn’t long before the place was overrun with friends and family, as well as the two guest houses on the grounds as well.

There was also a delightful family that lived on the property to care for the house and grounds, Tia and Carl and their delightful children. Tia is a cook like no other! In addition to cooking Tia and her girls took care of every house keeping detail, while Carl and his sons maintained the pool and grounds. All this they took care of while we barely saw them! They were wonderful about giving us complete privacy. Tom would let them know on the days he was cooking that we would require nothing, and for them to enjoy their day as they liked.

My actual birthday we spent alone. Everyone was scheduled to arrive the next day for the big party, but this day was just for me. Tom woke me up with breakfast in bed. It was delicious and we ate and sipped our coffee while watching the waves roll in. My first birthday gift came next and it was a lovely diamond bracelet. I love jewelry and Tom loves seeing it on me. Glancing at the clock Tom told me. “It’s time for your next gift, put on your bathing suit and let’s go.”

Oh my, what a day! Tom had rented jet skis for the two of us. I want one for the river but so far Tom has not warmed to the idea. We did have fun with them on the ocean. The whole day was one thing after another of the things I loved. We biked later in the day exploring the island. There are so many little shops, and restaurants and I wanted to visit each one! We did visit many and we ate at one of the resorts I mentioned for lunch.

As a most special surprise that evening, Tom had arranged for us to ride horseback on the beach at sunset. Carl brought the horses around and I couldn’t have been more pleased and surprised. I used to ride quite well, but that was long ago. Thankfully Carl had picked the sweetest and most gentle horses for us and our ride was near magical. I don’t know when I had had a finer birthday.

My day wasn’t over however, back at the house Tom slipped his arm around me and said quietly in my ear “I think it’s about time for a birthday spanking.”

You must understand that I have reached a point in life where this can be a serious matter! It’s one of the few times I wish to be a young woman again. As with any and all spankings I felt it was my duty to protest. “Not now Tom, I think that horseback ride will do me for tonight. Let’s just save your arm.”

Tom chuckled, “I was just using the horseback ride to help me with the warm up.”

He began to undress me and I gasped, “Honey, wait! Not out here! Let’s go in.”

“I’m happy right here.” He told me. “I chose this house for its privacy and isolation. I think outdoor spankings are natural and healthy and you know how I like to watch your health.”

I had to laugh too. I stopped complaining and worrying and just went with it. Tom didn’t just relieve me of my shorts, he undressed me completely. The night was warm with just a hint of breeze from the ocean. It was such a strange and exhilarating feeling to be nude in the great outdoors. As Tom ran his hands over me spanking wasn’t the first thing on my agenda but as usual it was on his. Pulling me over his lap he began on a brisk warm up. Now of course this was a birthday spanking he was happy and playful but NO spanking from Tom is to be taken lightly! The warm up had done its job and then he began on counting the years.

The first 20 were hard and swift, as if he wanted those two decades behind and forgotten. As he began on the rest he made sure each and every swat, each and every year, was memorable. Oh, to be forty again! I was stinging and throbbing for sure as he delivered the one to grow on. He soon let me up and I was rubbing for sure trying to soothe the sting. I gave Tom a reproachful look and told him “The least you could do is help.”

Tom smiled and leaned back on the lounge chair. “Do you know what a beautiful sight it is to watch you rub your beautiful bottom, especially here in the moon light?”

I laughed at him but quickly decided I wasn’t going to be the only one providing entertainment. I began undressing my sweet man and soon we realized the full benefit of our private retreat. Everyone should have the joy of making love under the moon with the waves crashing close by.

Our private retreat was perfect and the following day our friends would arrive, Sue and Steve, Annie and Andy, several other couples that are old friends as well as Ryan and Allie and Allie’s whole family. I was a happy woman. Nothing could be any better than time alone with Tom, but I do love my extended family and friends and I looked forward to their arrival. I still hadn’t received my special gift. Tom had wanted to present that in front of the crowd. But it was fantastic and I’ll tell you of it soon.