Welcome To Corbin's Bend Page 40

  "I'm sorry," Elly managed, clinging to the small bit of comfort he offered. But after a minute, he firmly pushed her away as if he was disgusted to be in her presence.

  "Go take a shower and get into bed. I'm through with you for the night."

  Grateful he didn't expect anything more, Elly did as he'd instructed, then cried herself to sleep feeling useless and dejected.

  This, however, was a new day. And new days offered hope.

  Moments after she placed the usual soft-boiled egg and toast at Arthur's place on their small kitchen table, the man himself appeared looking immaculate as usual. He gave her a nod of greeting and sat down to eat his breakfast and read the morning paper. That was it. No kiss. No words. Just a nod and a dismissal.

  With misery churning in her stomach and burning her eyes, Elly slowly lowered herself down onto her cushioned seat and swirled her spoon in her cereal.

  "Breakfast is meant to be eaten, not played with, Eleanor. What's your program of duties for today?"

  No doubt, he thought she'd forget what he had laid out for her to do if she didn't repeat her chores for him on a daily basis. Thursday was manual labor day. "I'm to scrub the kitchen and sanitize the bathrooms."

  "Correct. Did you manage to get any work done on the inventory of provisions I asked for last night?"

  When would she have had the time to do that? Elly bit back her retort. "No, sir. Not yet."

  "Of course not. Add that to your agenda for today as well. Might you at least have some idea of the groceries you'll need for the weekend?"

  "There's the list hanging by the refrigerator you've asked me to keep."

  "Fine. Get it for me, please. It's nearing month end, so I shall begin relocating to my office here. I won't be traveling into Denver on a daily basis in November, so I expect you to have a complete accounting of items properly categorized for me by the end of the week. If we get a significant snowfall before Halloween, I may choose to move my schedule up." He waited for her acknowledgment.

  "Yes, sir."

  A nod. "Another task I insist you accomplish today is scheduling your poodle's operation. The last thing I need is more of those annoying, yapping creatures running about this house."

  Having risen from the table to fetch the list, Elly stopped and glanced back at her husband. "I haven't decided if I want to spay her, yet."

  "What's to decide? I won't allow you to breed her, so schedule the appointment. Your vet seems conscientious, I'm certain he'll take good care of the beast, and I want her fixed. Understood?"

  "Yes, sir." No point in arguing unless she wished to feel the paddle on top of the cane stripes she still sported, so she fetched the list and handed it to him.

  He glanced over the paper. "Didn't you request a quart of whole milk last Friday? We agreed you'd only drink skim milk. So, why do you need more so quickly?"

  "The cake I made for you last weekend called for two cups."

  "Very well. What are you having for lunch today?"

  "We have some left over roast; I thought I'd make a sandwich."

  "Didn't you have a roast beef sandwich yesterday?"

  "It was good. I'd like another one."

  "No. Fix a salad instead. It's healthier for you and less fattening. Your waist is looking a little thick of late, and I don't want you blowing up like a balloon. I trust you aren't out to embarrass me even more before my associates than you already have, are you?"

  Recalling how his stylishly elegant secretary had stared down her nose at Elly when they were first introduced, Elly shook her head and reflexively placed her hands on her stomach. He was right. She tended to put on weight much too easily. She'd best be careful.

  "Do everything I've asked and I may permit you to have another sandwich tomorrow as a reward."

  When she nodded, he scowled, so she answered, "Yes, sir."

  "Better. See you tonight. I'll inform you when to expect me later, and, as usual, I expect you to call me if you choose to leave the house for any reason, which includes taking your poodle to the vet for surgery."

  "Yes, sir."

  He bent and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Until tonight." And a few seconds later, he was gone. Once he was out the door, Elly slumped back in her chair and laid her forehead on the table. She'd been feeling more and more tired lately, and now depression seeped into the marrow of her bones. Maybe she was coming down with something. Rising, she walked into the bathroom and pulled out their digital thermometer. Luckily, Arthur had no interest in medical scenes, so she didn't have to suffer the indignity of enemas or having her temperature taken rectally as she'd heard other dominants often required of their partners.

  A glance at the instrument's tiny window indicated her temperature was a bit higher than usual, but she wasn't running a fever, so she wasn't ill. With a shrug, she wiped the digital probe down with alcohol and put it away. Then returning to the dining room, she picked up the dirty dishes and went to work.

  Elly was on her knees spraying a mixture of white vinegar and Dawn to scour away the non-existent soap scum from the bottom of their tub when the doorbell rang. Muffin's responding barks indicated the visitors were strangers. Who would be coming to see them? With her thoughts pondering the possibilities, Elly leaned back on her heels then jerked upright with a hiss of pain. A reminder.

  After wiping the sweat from her brow with her hand, she used the tub's edge for leverage, rose to her feet and glanced at her watch—2 PM. The doorbell rang again. Corbin's Bend didn't get door-to-door traffic like many other neighborhoods. Outside of the small greeting committee who'd showed up the day they moved in, not many people had dropped by. Kelli did, of course, but Arthur met with his mentor at the clubhouse, so even he didn't visit.

  After the doorbell rang a third time, she called out, "Coming."

  Moving slowly, she yanked at her long shirtsleeves to cover the marks left by last night's session and traversed the flight of stairs that led directly to their front door.

  When she unlocked and opened the portal, three women stood staring at her.

  She smiled, despite the uncertainty churning in her stomach. "Yes? May I help you?"

  A petite woman with shining black hair and twinkling green eyes extended her hand. "We certainly hope so. Hi, I'm Bethany Angel." Still not certain what this was all about, Elly hesitated for a moment before shaking the smiling woman's hand. Bethany indicated an older fair-haired pixie with freckles to her right. "This is Angela O'Brien. Better known as Ange to her friends. You may have sampled some of the delicious pastries she sells."

  Elly gave a small shake of her head as she accepted Ange's proffered hand. "Sorry, but I haven't. Not yet, at least."

  "Not a problem," Ange answered and Elly detected a hint of an Irish accent in the diminutive woman's voice. Though at five feet two in her bare feet, Elly could hardly say she towered over Angela O'Brien.

  "This creative beauty to my left is Everleigh Harris, but we call her 'Ever.'"

  In for a penny, Elly shook Ever's hand and smiled back at the olive-skinned, willowy woman.

  "Ever gives art classes to some of the kids in Corbin's Bend who want to go a little beyond what the school system offers. Now, you may wonder why we've all showed up out of the blue today."

  Elly did wonder, but wasn't sure it would be polite to admit as much, so she merely smiled inquiringly.

  "We're here to ask, no beg you, to help us in the community center with a Halloween project we're trying to put together for the kids. We won't take much of your time, but if you could spend a few hours one afternoon or evening, we'd really appreciate it." Bethany continued with a broad, friendly grin.

  Elly was past surprised to shocked. No one in Corbin's Bend had reached out to her before for any reason. "I'm afraid I'm not at all talented artistically."

  Bethany shook her head. "Don't worry about that. Ever has enough talent for all of us combined and she teaches. Besides, I'm sure we could use you in whatever capacity you choose from hanging decorations on
the ceiling to making ghost and black cat cupcakes."

  The image of decorated cupcakes made Elly smile. "I'll need to check with my husband first."

  "Of course," Bethany replied with a wave of her hand. "Trust me; we all understand the HoH's must give their blessing before we can commit to anything. Here's our phone numbers." She pressed a card into Elly's hand that had all their names and numbers jotted down. "Call any one of us once you get an answer. And if you need support from our household heads, give a whistle and we can send one of them over to extol our virtues to Arthur and explain why you're so valuable to us."

  Elly blinked. Valuable? They considered her valuable? She blushed. "Thanks."

  With a soft smile of companionship, Bethany countered, "No. Thank you. Come on, girls. Let's go shopping for supplies. It's Denver or bust."

  After shutting the door, Elly made sure it was locked, then leaned against the sturdy barrier. She was valued by strangers…. She giggled, tempted to jump up and down like an excited schoolgirl. Consumed by an effervescent desire to share her news with someone, Elly took a deep breath. Arthur would be furious if she called him at work for anything short of a life or death emergency, or to report she was leaving the house for a time. If she admitted she wanted to go for a walk, she'd also have to provide her route, the length of her absence, and report in the second she returned. A delay of one minute was grounds for punishment. Then a vision of smiling hazel eyes came to mind, and she knew precisely what she wanted to do.

  "Muffin. Let's go walkies."

  Chapter 4

  For once, Elly led their sojourn to the park rather than Muffin. She didn't run, of course, and she'd taken care to dress appropriately, so Muffin could have a long, playful romp with Jack while she shared her news with Jerry, but she found it difficult to contain her eagerness. Arriving at least two hours earlier than normal, she crossed her fingers he'd show up and watched for the tall, lean figure of a man who'd been the first to make her smile at Corbin's Bend.

  As she approached the gate, Elly spotted the vet and his large, gentle dog as they left their home to join her and Muffin. She sighed with relief and greeted Jerry Douglas with a huge grin when he stepped forward to slide his card into the gate's security system. He hadn't fastened his coat, but the weather wasn't that nippy and she rather enjoyed seeing even the briefest outline of his trim waist and firm abs beneath the burgundy turtleneck he wore.

  She'd been gazing at the way his long, lean fingers ensured the latch was secure when he said, "Well, you're looking mighty tickled about something today, Miss Elly. Care to share?"

  With a pleased nod he'd noticed, she undid Muffin's lead and released her to play as she shoved her gloved hands in her pockets and stood on tiptoe. "We had some guests today."

  He laughed. "If I'd known having guests would make you so happy, I'd have been over at your house on a daily basis."

  Her smile faltered. "No. You must never do that."

  Lightly touching his fingers to her forearm, he leaned toward her. "Relax, Elly. I wouldn't appear at your door uninvited without a good reason. I was only teasing you. So, tell me about these guests who've got you bubbling like a newly opened bottle of champagne this afternoon."

  Realizing her behavior appeared more suitable for an adolescent schoolgirl than a twenty-three year old woman, she gave a dismissive shrug. "I'm just being silly. I mean, their visit probably isn't anywhere near as special as I've made it out to be in my mind.

  He stepped in closer so she had to tilt back to look into his eyes. Normally, having anyone positioned over her this way would make Elly panic a little, but for some reason standing in the shadow of Jerry Douglas made her feel safe. She shook her head, as if to clear the thought from her mind. She shouldn't think that way. Not about him. Then his warm hands cupped her cheeks and stole her breath. "Don't. I love seeing you enthused over something. It's rarer than a rainbow during a snow storm, but twice as beautiful."

  A maelstrom of emotions whirled inside Elly as she gazed into long-lashed, hazel eyes, which seemed to peer past her façade to the scared young woman beneath. She knew she should step away, but she couldn't. Then he lowered his hands.

  "So, tell me who came to visit."

  Elly swallowed in an effort to regain her composure. "Four women I hadn't met before showed up to ask for my help."

  He tapped her nose. "And what's so surprising about that?"

  She blinked. "We don't get visitors. Not here or any place else. Before today, the only people I've spoken to at Corbin's Bend are Brent, Kelli and you."

  "And your husband," he reminded gently.

  "Yes, of course Arthur. But these women sought me out to help with their project. Me."

  Placing a hand at her waist, he led her over to a wooden bench. "So tell me more about this undertaking. What will you be doing?" He sat down and patted the space beside him.

  With a shake of her head, Elly remained standing at his side. Even sitting on the cushioned seat at their table this morning had been uncomfortable, and those painted slats looked hard.

  He frowned. "Do you need to get back right away?"

  "No. I mean I've got some time."

  He patted the area beside him again. "Then sit down here and chat with me for a while. I want to hear all about your new venture."

  Offering a smile and a wrinkled nose, she said, "That's okay. I'd prefer to stand." Desperately wanting to share her news and drawn in by his enthusiasm, she moved in closer to him. "They're putting together a Halloween party or event in the community center for the Corbin's Bend kids. I think the project will involve decorating the main room along with some baked goods. Not sure, since we didn't go into details."

  With his gaze still focused on her, he leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. Having seen that expression before, Elly knew it meant answering questions she wanted to avoid, so she began to jabber. "I have no idea what they'll ask me to do. I'm not an artist, but I guess I can hang streamers and decorate cupcakes. I mean it's for kids, and I love children. They're so honest and forthright, yet innocent. Have you ever done one of these events before?"

  "No. I only moved in a couple of weeks before you did. I'm as new to the community as you are."

  "But your receptionist seemed so established and organized. I'd assumed you'd been here for years."

  "No. Now tell me why you can't or won't sit beside me."

  She sighed, more than a tiny bit irritated with him. He already knew the reason, he just wanted her to say the words, and she didn't want to. "We're in Corbin's Bend, Jerry. Why do you think?"

  One eyebrow rose at her tone. Okay, despite his friendly and playful manner, the man was still a top, and her response had been rude. "Sorry, but the answer is sort of obvious. I mean, the inability to sit is hardly viewed as an unusual occurrence around here, is it?"

  "Depends. For some it can happen occasionally, I'll grant you. For others, however, a sore bottom appears to be a permanent condition, and part of me is tempted to check and ensure you don't require medical attention."

  After taking a quick step back, which put her out of his reach, Elly held her position. She didn't want to leave. Not, yet. "Everything's fine. I'm only a little sore. It's nothing. Can we talk about something else, please?"

  His gaze remained fixed on her face as if he was deciding whether to let the subject drop.

  "Please?" she repeated a bit more firmly.

  Giving a nod, he lowered his arms and rose. Her stomach lurching into her throat, Elly took another step back, but he merely extended a hand toward her.

  "If you won't sit and talk, walk with me for a while."

  Elly hesitated, but only for a moment. She liked Jerry Douglas, and a part of her wanted to trust him. Deciding to stay, she placed her gloved hand in his. He tucked her fingers in at his elbow and started to walk the perimeter. "So, you like kids. Have you and Arthur discussed having a family?"

  "Yes. He says we should wait at least one year before we begin trying th
ough."

  "How long have you two been married?"

  She considered his question and frowned. "Five months—tomorrow."

  He let out a noise, which sounded like a choked cough. "I'd imagined you'd been together for years—not months."

  "No. We're relative newlyweds." Depressed by the realization she was about to observe an anniversary of sorts and they'd do nothing to celebrate the occasion, Elly decided to redirect the conversation away from her and Arthur. "What's your story?" she asked, believing turn about was fair play. If Jerry could ask personal questions of her, she should be allowed to do the same. "Why aren't you married with a slew of kids by now?"

  "My fiancée died in a car accident a year ago."

  Elly pulled away feeling like an idiot. "Oh, Jerry, I'm so sorry. I had no idea."

  He grabbed her hand and tucked it back at his elbow before continuing their walk. "Of course you didn't. The information isn't precisely common knowledge."

  Smiling lamely, she murmured, "Well, perhaps the girls of Corbin's Bend should get together to find you a new girlfriend."

  He stopped and turned toward her. "Don't go there, Elly. Not now, not ever. Understand?"

  "Yes, sir," she whispered, lowering her gaze to the ground in embarrassment, though something about his tone created a strange tingle inside her.

  A firm finger under her chin drew her face upwards. "Don't think I'm angry or upset with you; because I'm not. However, I believe I should lay down a few ground rules. My love life is not and never will be a Corbin's Bend social activity. Understand?"

  "I didn't mean—"

  The finger lay soft as a whisper on her lips. "I know you were only half-teasing, but I hold strong feelings on the subject, and even gentle probing can chafe an already painful memory I don't want exacerbated. So, let's talk about your new project instead."

  She glanced at her wristwatch. "I can't add much until I meet with the ladies, and I suppose I'd better get back anyway. I wasn't sure how long I'd be gone, so I didn't tell Arthur I was leaving the house, and it's one of our rules."