The Sheriff Wears Pants by Joannie Kay Read Free Book Online Page B

by saying.  “I should have listened to you then, but I was too angry and too hurt.  You know that Priscilla Clemons and I have never gotten along, and I was only too willing to believe the very worst.”
    “I know, and someday we are going to discuss that.  But, right now, let’s talk about that damn kiss.  Sit down over here, honey.” He pulled her over to the settee and seated her beside him.
    All Darcy could think about was the last time he sat there.  He pulled her over his knee and gave her the first spanking of her life!  “Why did you spank me, Will?  Was it out of anger?  Or were you really afraid for me… and the town?” She had to know.
    “I spanked you to get your attention, honey. Being a lawman is hard work.  I don’t think it is a fit job for a woman, mostly because it is dangerous.  I know you have studied that fancy fighting, but sheer strength and size can overwhelm someone as tiny as you are.  Also, you are too tender hearted.  Sometimes you have to be mean.  Sometimes you have to serve an eviction notice when a banker repossesses someone’s home or ranch.  It’s hard physically and emotionally. How in hell do you put out a family who has three little kids, two of them still in nappies, and know they have nowhere to go and no money at all?  I cried over that one,” he admitted and then added, “I gave them money from my own pocket and then found both of them jobs.  I had to do that to ease my conscience.” 
    He looked at her.  “You needed that spanking to break through your anger.  My only regret is that I did it in front of that jerk, Waldo Phares.  For that part, I do apologize.”
    “Did you split his lip?” she asked curiously.
    “I did, and I am proud of it.  Did you really break his nose?”
    “I did, and I am proud of it.”  They both grinned.
    “Darcy, I didn’t kiss Priscilla Clemons.  I know how it looked to you, but it wasn’t like that.  She’d taken her father lunch and a couple of his employees were trying to hoist a large crate up to the second floor.  A rope frayed and was going to snap, right when Priscilla walked under it.  I lunged forward and knocked her out of the way just in time to save her life.  Once she was over her hysterics, she threw herself at me and kissed me full on the mouth.  I swear I did not kiss her back, and I pushed her away as soon as I could.  That is why you saw my hands on her.  I wasn’t holding her… I swear, as miserable as I’ve been the last few weeks, I’ve wished I would have let the crate smash her!”
    Darcy giggled. “I’m glad you didn’t do that because it would have haunted you, Will.  You are too good a man for that.  I need to say this.  I am sorry I jumped to conclusions and didn’t give you a chance to explain.  I intend to work on this, it’s a very bad habit of mine.”
    “I’m going to help you break that habit, Darcy Elizabeth,” Will said firmly.  “I think a good spanking now and then will cure you of that bad habit.”
    “Just promise me you won’t ever do that in front of anyone again.”
    “I promise I won’t do that.  I also won’t spank you over all that padding you ladies wear.  I’ll toss up your skirts first.”
    “But, we’re not married yet!” Darcy was shocked.
    “You are wearing pantalets, aren’t you?” Will asked of her, wiggling his dark eyebrows up and down comically.
    Darcy grinned, and then asked, “Are you planning to spank me now?” Her green eyes were full of trepidation.
    “Do you think I should?”
    “I think I probably do deserve a spanking, but I heartily wish you wouldn’t.  I’ve suffered a lot while we’ve been apart.  However, if spanking me will put your ring on my finger again, then I’ll lie still and accept whatever you feel I’ve earned.”
    “I think we have both punished ourselves enough, honey.”  He reached into his pocket and took out his mother’s ring, and held it in front of him.  He took her hands in