Spank or Treat by Tymber Dalton Read Free Book Online Page A

enforcement and their own insurance company for the damages, and then removed the damaged equipment while awaiting the facility repairs.
    “Wow, look at that display,” Shayla said. “That’s as neat as the Christmas display.”
    Tony slowly nodded. “Yes, Kaden would love that.”
    “What’s wrong?”
    “Nothing. Trick of the light. I could have sworn I saw someone walking through there who—never mind. Let’s get inside and settled. I know a certain someone long overdue a good ass beating.”
    Shayla grinned. “Yes, Sir. That would be meee.”
    Inside, it looked like Cali, Max, and Sean had just finished up a scene.
    “Holy crap,” he said, studying the bondage frame they’d set up.
    The bright neon green was nearly painful to look at.
    Cali swatted Max on the shoulder. “See?”
    “Well, at least people can see it,” Max said.
    “Hell, a blind man could see it,” Shayla quipped. “What the hell?”
    “It is a little bright,” Tony agreed.
    Cali snorted. “That’s like saying my guys are a little kinky. Mr. Money Bags here decided he wanted to save a few bucks and go cheap. He got a discount because someone else had cancelled this color.”
    “I can see why,” Tony said.
    Max threw up his arms. “Fine. You win. I was wrong to save a few dollars on powder-coating.”
    “Thank you,” Cali said. “That’s all I wanted to hear you admit.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Leah made Seth pull the bag of peas away from his nose so she could look. She’d tried putting ice cubes in a plastic baggy and wrapping it in a towel, but Seth said those were too large and hurt his nose too much.
    So, back to the peas.
    She’d glanced out the sliders leading onto the lanai when she caught sight of a guy standing off to one side. For a moment, her heart raced. She would have sworn he looked just like Kaden.
    “Babe?”
    Her attention fell back on Seth. “Sorry.”
    “What is it?”
    “I just saw a guy out there. I don’t know him, but he reminded me of Kaden.”
    “I saw him earlier, too. I meant to go introduce myself to him, but then more people arrived.”
    “Ross told me Ed had a plus two on his RSVP. I’d bet he came with him.”
    “Probably.” He tipped his head back. “How’s it look?”
    She examined his nose. “It’s not bleeding anymore, so that’s good. We should have Tilly take another look at it. The lucky thing for you, Mr. Zombie, is even if it was still bleeding, at least it works with your outfit.”
    “Heh. Next time you question my judgment about something, I’ll listen a little better, babe.”
    She smiled at him. “Thank you, Sir. I appreciate that.”
    He handed her the bag of peas. “Go ahead and put those back in the freezer. I’ll use them again in a little while. I want to make the rounds.” He looked out the sliders. “I don’t see that guy now.”
    Leah looked.
    Nope, he was nowhere to be seen. She’d never gotten a clear look at his face, either. He couldn’t have ducked into their bedroom, because they kept that slider locked during parties, and their bedroom door closed.
    “I’m sure we’ll end up meeting him eventually,” she said, shoving down her unease. “Meanwhile, I want to make sure everyone’s having fun. And don’t you have a barbecue grill to attend to?”
    “Tony and Ross are manning it for me.”
    “Well, get out there and help them.”
    She wanted out of the kitchen. Mostly so she could satisfy her curiosity.
    Once Seth had headed back onto the lanai, she walked to the front door, dodging the ghost hanging there, and kicked off her shoes. Barefoot, she slipped out the front door and made her way through the yard display.
    Yes, the black cat inflatable was huuuge. She could easily walk under its nine-foot legs with room to spare. And making her way around other inflatables, she still didn’t spot the mystery guest.
    Back in the house, she checked the garage and utility room, making sure the side door to the garage was locked as well.
    Nada.
    Rob