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“Awww, my operations manager. Remind me to assign him to muck the stalls for the next month. Then we’ll see how much gabbing he wants to do.” The twinkle in his eyes let me know he was joking.
“I think he’s nice. He was just getting me acquainted with you and the ranch. What better way to break the ice than share some funny tales?”
“Knock knock jokes would’ve worked as well,” Austin said, with a grin on his face and a sarcastic tone in his voice.
I laughed and was glad the host for the evening wasn’t taking anything personally. “Sure. Maybe for you.” I walked back into the kitchen. We had cleaned up after our meal, so there wasn’t anything left to do. Looking at the clock, I was surprised to see it was already 8:30. I’d taken two mini naps today, but I was still exhausted.
“Someone sleepy?” Austin stood beside me.
“Yeah.” There was no use trying to lie.
“I can only imagine after everything you’ve gone through. Come on. Let’s get you tucked into bed.”
A slight ping of worry washed over me. “How is this sleeping arrangement going to work tonight?” He had been a perfect gentleman, so I wasn’t too concerned he’d try to force himself on me, but a girl could never be too careful.
“I was thinking you could sleep in my bed tonight, and I’d take the couch. That way, I’ll be close if you need anything.”
I loved the sound of that, except he had helped me out so much today. I didn’t want to further inconvenience him. Plus, I wasn’t entirely sure he’d fit on the couch lying down.
“Why don’t I take the sofa and you can have the bed,” I suggested.
“What type of gentleman would I be if I made you sleep on the couch?” he asked, as we walked upstairs and into his bedroom. “Besides, it appears someone has gotten quite used to her one-time allowance of sleeping on the bed with her new friend,” he said, staring pointedly at Champ.
The Australian Shepherd, tilted her head and gave the cutest expression like she was trying to say, “Who, me?”
“If you’re positive you’re okay with this,” I said.
He smacked my ass and said, “Don’t make me bring out the paddle.”
My tummy quivered in excitement and fear at his threat. I loved his dominant tone, but I hated paddles. The wood was unforgiving, and the thud of the implement when it hit my skin wasn’t comfortable. Or that was my thought from when I had tried one on myself.
“Yes, Sir,” I immediately said, not wanting to risk a punishment.
“Good girl. Go wash up, and I’ll be here to tuck you in.”
His words of praise had me feeling giddy inside. Being called a good girl was more rewarding than any spanking I could imagine.
I skipped into the bathroom, happy to see he had laid out an unopened toothbrush for me. One should never forget to brush their teeth. Cavities and periodontal disease were no joke!
After gently brushing for the recommended two minutes, making sure to get all surfaces of my teeth and angling my toothbrush to get the area where my gums and teeth met—my hygienist assured me this was the most common place where plaque liked to hide in my mouth—I flossed and finished the rest of my nightly business.
Once I was freshened up, I walked back into the bedroom where Austin was prepping the couch for himself to sleep. Upon further examination, I realized that my earlier worry was correct—he was taller than the couch, so there was no way he’d catch many z’s tonight.
Not wanting to risk the paddle, I suggested, “Why don’t you sleep in your bed?”
He tilted his head toward me as if he couldn’t believe I had just asked that. “Do you not remember the conversation we had less than ten minutes ago?”
“I do. I meant, why don’t you sleep in your bed with Champ and me? There’s more than enough space, and you’re going to be uncomfortable on the couch. I insist,” I said, taking a seat on the right side of the bed and patting the left.
Champ came over by me and put her head in my lap. I smiled and petted her. “Besides,” I said, “if you try any funny business, my girl here will stop you.”
“Your girl?” Austin asked incredulously.
As if she knew we were talking about her, Champ put two paws over her eyes. Austin and I both laughed at her adorable antics.
“All right. I promise no funny business,” he said, grabbing the pillow and blanket he had placed on the sofa, and bringing them over to the bed.
He went into the bathroom and did his nightly business while I got adjusted. I scratched behind Champ’s ears until she’d had enough and moved to the bottom of the mattress. I liked her being there because she’d keep my feet warm, but she also was out of the way, so Austin wouldn’t be bothered by her. I was so grateful that he was allowing her to sleep with me. She was like a real-life stuffed animal—only better because she could protect me. Though with Austin in the same bed, I didn’t really think I’d need her to fend off any bad guys.
