Charming Isabella Read online

  Elizabeth looked down at her niece, who seemed a bit stressed. “Are you okay, honey? You look upset. I’m not mad that you were late, though I do think Jack is a little upset. Promise to call, next time?” Izzy looked back over to where Jack had been. Instead of seeing him talking to Coleman, she saw that he was leading Nancy back into the house.

  “I’m fine, Aunt Beth. You’re right; we should have called. I’d better go after them and see if Nancy needs help.”

  A voice behind her said, “Now isn’t a good time; I’d hold off a bit if I were you.”

  Izzy snapped her head around to see that Coleman was now standing right behind her. “You! Well, you are not me, and stop trying to tell me what to do!” Izzy snapped, and then blushed to the roots of her hair. She had known she’d have to talk to him and had been ready to apologize for the misunderstanding. She hadn’t been prepared for him to just appear and practically order her around. That was totally unacceptable.

  Elizabeth frowned at the exchange, curious as to her niece’s reaction. She stepped forward and held out her hand, “I’m sorry; I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m Elizabeth Martin, Isabella’s and Nancy’s aunt.” Coleman took the woman’s hand and smiled. His smile lit his eyes and Izzy felt a rush of arousal course through her, which she absolutely did not appreciate.

  Coleman ignored her, and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth. I’m Coleman McDonald, Jack’s best man. You have a beautiful place here, and I know Jack and Nancy are thrilled that you are hosting the wedding. You and your husband have done a great job for them.”

  Elizabeth smiled. The man was definitely very attractive. She looked over at her niece and said, “Thank you, Coleman. We are more than happy to do it for them. I gather you’ve met Isabella? She usually isn’t rude, especially to my guests.”

  Izzy heard the disapproval in her aunt’s voice and winced. She loved her aunt and felt bad about disappointing her in any way. Coleman saw her flush again and said, “We’ve met briefly. Good evening Isabella. Elizabeth, don’t be upset with her, she is just taking her job as maid of honor seriously.”

  Izzy was surprised at his words and tone. He sounded sincere and not the least bit upset, though all she’d done every time they spoke was yell at him. Memories of their earlier encounter ran through her head. She shook herself and said, “Please let me apologize, Mr. McDonald. I shouldn’t have yelled at you….”

  “Coleman, please—my father is Mr. McDonald.” His interruption threw Izzy off her stride.

  Elizabeth watched and smiled. Despite the way her niece was acting, she found it very curious that she was standing there blushing and fidgeting. She said, “I’ll leave you two to finish your discussion. I think Tom needs my help. Please enjoy yourself, Coleman.” She smiled again, seeing the two both nod, but not take their eyes off each other. She walked away, reminding herself to be sure to seek her niece out and find out what was going on.

  Izzy felt Coleman’s hand on her arm and he gently stroked his finger over her wrist. “Relax Isabella; I’m not going to bite.”

  She shivered as her name rolled off his tongue; she didn’t pull away. She took another deep breath and said, “Call me Izzy; everyone else does.”

  He interrupted her yet again, “I prefer Isabella. It is a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

  Izzy rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Whatever, Coleman. I’m sorry; I need to apologize to you. Nancy explained everything.”

  She hesitated, and he saw her skin flush again. God, she was just precious! He didn’t help her either, “So you don’t think I’m a monster or a pervert, after all, Isabella?”

  She turned even redder, which he hadn’t believed was possible. She finally seemed to feel his touch and pulled away. He grinned as she stepped back. “Look, I know I overreacted. Again, I apologize, but please stop…. “ She paused again to take another deep breath. “Coleman, please . . . just accept my apology—I mean both apologies.” She sighed again. God Izzy, could you sound more stupid? “Okay, let me try again. I was wrong and rude and I apologize. I know you must think I’m some sort of blithering idiot, but I was just concerned about Nancy. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I really need to go make sure she is okay.”

  Coleman’s hand took her arm again. She gasped as if she had been shocked. “Not now, Isabella. She is with Jack and will be fine. I know you are just being protective, but you don’t need to interrupt them right now.”

  She tried to jerk her arm away, but his hand just tightened. She ignored the feelings swirling inside her stomach and growled, “Let me go! You don’t know anything, and they won’t care.”

  “No, Isabella. You can stay here with me or go find your aunt or other bridesmaids. What you won’t do is follow Jack and Nancy.”

  She tried to ignore his words, but the tone of his voice was one of absolute surety that she would obey him. She began to get angry and tremble. “And what will you do if I just start screaming for help?”

  Coleman didn’t drop her arm as she expected. Instead, he pulled her towards him until she was practically against his chest. She shivered as he bent his head down and said softly, “I’ll turn you over my knee and spank you….” She started to gasp, and he continued, “…probably exactly the same way that Jack is even now turning Nancy over his own knee. Care to interrupt them now?”

  She flushed, images of herself being spanked by this man running through her head and settling in her core. Coleman watched as her mouth opened and closed. He was aware that she was no longer pulling away, her breath had quickened and her color was once again high. Not as shocked as I thought she’d be.

  “Answer me, Isabella.” She was flustered and shook her head until he repeated the question.

  “No . . . I mean, I guess she’ll be fine. Well, not fine but . . . oh God, please let me go.” Coleman slowly released her and it took another moment for her to realize she was free. Not wanting to face him, her insides churning in confusion, she turned to run away. Before she had gone a few feet, she saw Nancy and Jack walking towards them. Nancy was smiling, secure in the arm that Jack wrapped around her waist. Izzy was confused; shouldn’t she be unhappy? She whirled back and hissed, “You liar . . . he didn’t spank her!” She whirled back around, missing the tightening of Coleman’s jaw. Izzy ran up to her friends and said, “Hey, I was just coming to find you; are you okay? You didn’t look too happy, and then Jack was practically dragging you away and Coleman said . . . never mind. Are you okay?”

  Nancy grinned and looked over at Jack. He tightened his grip and smiled at her. “I’m fine Izzy; Jack just wanted a quickie….” She yelped when Jack’s arm dropped to slap against her bottom.

  “Nancy . . . stop. Behave yourself, or I’ll turn you over my knee again.”

  Nancy looked over to see Izzy looking horrified. She immediately felt bad. “Yes, Sir. Iz, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you. Believe me, I’m fine. Jack simply reminded me that I had worried everyone unnecessarily by being so late. Believe me; I’ll remember to call the next time. It’s okay now, and I’m starving. Let’s go eat, shall we?”

  Izzy was upset and stood wringing her hands. “Oh Nancy, I’m so sorry.” God, she seemed to be doing nothing but apologizing all day. Coleman watched the small woman as he stood behind her, loving the view. She was definitely upset and uneasy. He listened as she said, “Jack, it’s my fault. I misinterpreted something and caused a big scene. Nancy would have been on time, if she hadn’t had to calm me down. I won’t be as quick to jump to a conclusion next time. If anyone deserves a spanking, it’s me.”

  Coleman felt his heart lurch. Did the little minx just say she needed a spanking? His eyes roamed down to her rounded bottom that filled out her dress so beautifully. He almost stepped up to volunteer his services but heard Jack laugh and Nancy gasp.

  Jack stepped up and took Izzy in his arms. “Hey, honey, it’s fine. Nancy explained everything to me and I understand. Thank you for standing up when you thought she was in tr
ouble. Your bottom is safe tonight.”

  He stepped back when Izzy said, “But you spank . . . spanked her anyway?” She looked over and saw Nancy smiling.

  Jack turned to his fiancé, and said, “Care to explain, sweetheart?”

  Nancy giggled and stepped up, to have Jack take her into his arms, her back to his chest. “Izzy, he didn’t spank me because I was late. I explained that, and it was fine. He didn’t spank me until I argued that I didn’t need him reminding me to call. Then, believe me, I got a spanking because I was flippant and disrespectful. He meant to just remind me to call the next time so no one would worry. I earned my red bottom, but it didn’t really hurt. I think he just wanted an excuse to see me wearing his present.”

  Jack grinned over her shoulder and said, “Hmm, evidently I didn’t do a good job; you are still being flippant, little lady. I didn’t just like the present, though, I loved it!”

  Nancy giggled, and Izzy saw that her favorite couple was just fine. Her mind was whirling with all the images the conversation was producing. She felt another rush of arousal, and it didn’t help when she felt a pair of arms encircle her waist, as well.

  She stood stock still as Coleman spoke, “She almost interrupted that little scene. She doesn’t like to take orders, does she? I barely stopped her from running after you two. Obviously she worries about you, Nancy. She sure takes her maid of honor job seriously.”

  Izzy remembered his threat of a spanking, conflicting thoughts warring within her. She saw Nancy and Jack look at each other and didn’t give them a chance to speak. She tried to pull free, but Coleman simply tightened his grip. Not wanting to cause a scene, Izzy said, “Fine! As long as I’m apologizing, let’s just add that to the list shall we? Now, if you’ll kindly let me go, we can all start over and get something to eat before Aunt Beth’s food is ruined.”

  Coleman chuckled and released her. He watched her stalk off and saw Jack release Nancy so she could follow. Jack looked back at Coleman and let out a soft whistle. “Whoa . . . what’s going on between you two? She sure doesn’t seem too taken with the best man.”

  Coleman smiled and said, “She just doesn’t know she’s taken, yet. I’ve just begun to fight. I’ll admit, though, that threatening to spank her might have shocked her just a bit.”

  Jack was torn. He was worried about Izzy and yet found himself feeling pleased. It had been months since Coleman had shown any true interest in anyone and even longer for Izzy. He felt he needed to say something, though. “Careful, man. Isabella is one very special woman. She has been through a lot, and neither Nancy nor I could stand it if she got hurt like that again.” Coleman’s eyebrow quirked up but Jack didn’t elaborate. Instead, he started walking towards the buffet line and Coleman followed. Before they arrived, Jack turned and grinned, “By the way, great job with the gift. They look gorgeous on my bride.”

  Coleman laughed and said, “Thought they were for tomorrow . . . isn’t it bad luck or something to see your bride before the wedding?”

  Jack laughed back and said, “Hey, it’s not my fault the bride earned herself a spanking. And, as you know, those are always on the bare.” Jack laughed again and looked over to see the bride laughing and glowing. “Besides, that only applies to the dress, and believe me, I could care less what that looks like. I’m much more interested in what’s underneath.”

  The men laughed loudly, causing Izzy to look up. She felt that flutter in her stomach again. She couldn’t get that irritating man out of her mind—or thoughts of being bottom-up across his knee. She watched as the men obviously shared some joke, both laughing and totally at ease with each other.

  She didn’t see her Aunt until Elizabeth spoke. “He is beautiful, isn’t he?”

  Izzy jumped and blushed. “He’s okay, I guess.” Elizabeth laughed and said, “Oh, honey, I worry about you. That man is one gorgeous hunk. He seems very nice as well. I’m glad he’s your date tomorrow.” Izzy didn’t smile as she had expected. Instead, she looked over at Nancy.

  Elizabeth noticed and said quietly, “Honey, what’s wrong? Talk to me, please.” Izzy shook her head and mumbled something about her duties as she quickly walked away.

  Elizabeth turned to watch her, concern in her eyes. Her husband, Tom walked up and saw Izzy walking away. “Hey honey, what’s the matter? Is our Izzy okay?”

  Elizabeth turned to him and stepped into his embrace. “I’m not sure. Something’s up, but she doesn’t want to talk to me about it. I’m worried about her, though.”

  Tom kissed his wife and said, “Then go to her, Beth. Make her talk to you. I know this must be hard on her, seeing her best friend get married. I don’t want to see her upset, and I don’t I want anything to spoil Nancy’s wedding tomorrow. Both our girls deserve to be happy.” Beth nodded and after kissing his cheek, went to find her niece.

  Chapter 4

  Beth searched through the yard and called for her at the house. Not finding Izzy, Beth headed towards the barn. She found her standing in front of a stall, softly stroking the face of her favorite horse, Bailey, speaking quietly. Beth paused, her heart aching. Izzy had a special affinity for animals and seemed to run to them when she needed the most comfort. Beth decided not to intrude until she saw Izzy lay her forehead against the horse. Her shoulders begin to shake and Elizabeth heard her sobbing.

  Beth immediately went forward. “Oh honey, Isabella, come here, baby.” Izzy turned and threw herself into her aunt’s arms. Beth just held her until her sobs began to calm. She led her to a bale of hay, sat down and pulled Izzy down beside her. “Tell me what’s wrong, Izzy.” Izzy shook her head, embarrassed to be causing such trouble. “Honey, I know you are hurting, but I can’t help you if you lock me out. Please talk to me Isabella; please trust me.”

  Izzy felt torn, but seeing how concerned her aunt was, she took a deep breath. “I’m not sure . . . I . . . well, I keep making a fool out of myself today. I’m worried about Nancy, but I seem to be the only one.”

  Beth looked surprised. “Nancy? Honey, Nancy seems perfectly fine to me. In fact, I’ve never seen her happier. Why are you concerned?”

  Izzy felt conflicted but also knew that her aunt loved Nancy as much as she did. “Aunt Beth, she . . . well, she has gotten into some . . . some kinky stuff I guess you’d call it. Jack . . . he has her doing things I never thought she’d be into.”

  Beth didn’t look shocked; instead, she smiled and looked around the barn. “Should I be concerned about any of our poor livestock?”

  Izzy gasped and then saw her aunt smile. She immediately felt a little silly and said, “No, I’m sure they are fine. It’s just that, well, she has gotten deeper into that submissive stuff and really does work to serve Jack.” She blushed but added, “Do you know he just spanked her and makes her wear stuff?”

  Beth patted her hand and said, “Isabella, you aren’t a stranger to spankings—or submission, for that matter. If Jack felt she needed a spanking, I’m sure she understood why.” She saw her niece give a small nod. “Isabella, be honest with me, as well as with yourself.” Izzy slowly relaxed again and sighed but nodded again. Beth smiled and said, “And as for her so-called ‘kink’, have you talked to Nancy? Does she know you are concerned?”

  Izzy leaned back and began to twirl a long piece of hay between her fingers. She had always felt safe in the barn, and it relaxed her. She turned to her aunt and said, “I have. She . . . she seems fine. She really loves Jack and can’t wait to get married tomorrow.”

  Beth nodded and waited, but Izzy didn’t say anything else. “Izzy, she is your best friend and has been part of our family for years. If you have serious concerns, you need to share them with Uncle Tom and me. If you have any reason to believe Jack might ever hurt her like Bryan….”

  “No!” Izzy shouted and jumped up from the hay. Beth was a bit shocked but said nothing. Izzy paced in front of her for several minutes and then finally returned to sit beside Beth. She saw the love and concern on Beth’s face and took both of Beth�
��s hands in hers. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to shout. Jack would never really hurt Nancy. I know he spanks her, but she’s never told me she felt anything but love and security from Jack. He loves her so very much. Nancy will always be treasured and protected. Jack would die before he let anyone hurt her. He saved me, didn’t he?”

  Beth smiled and said, “Yes, Isabella, he did. That alone tells me what type of man our Nancy is committing to. They very obviously are meant to be together; does it really matter what their lifestyle choices are? If they are happy and love each other, are always there for each other, if Nancy feels loved and protected, then who has the right to judge them? You know how difficult it can be to feel normal, to fit in when society tries to make even something as natural as being spanked when we deserve it seem brutal. What is wrong with allowing people who truly love each other to participate in an open and dynamic sexual lifestyle?”

  Izzy blushed and nodded, “I know . . . I know and I’ll always be here for her or for you or anyone else who has chosen that path, but God, it still scares me sometimes. It reminds me of such a horrible time.”

  Beth enfolded the young woman in her arms and said, “Not all men are like Bryan, Isabella.” She felt Izzy try to pull away but refused to let her. “Iz, stop it. You were hurt and hurt very badly. You have come such a long way; don’t regress. Let their love show you that most men are good. Most men cherish the women they love. Dominants don’t truly try to control or subjugate their submissives. That power lies with the woman. She gives herself completely to him, but it only works when he doesn’t abuse that love or that trust. Bryan wasn’t a dominant, Isabella. He was nothing but a brute, playing at the game. He didn’t embrace the true meaning of the relationship. He was only concerned about making sure he controlled you fully. Even when you tried to leave, he wanted to make sure that if he couldn’t have you, no one could. It took guts to pull out of that, and you’ve got to let it go. We’re all here for you. Don’t give up on finding someone to love you. Isabella, Nancy is truly living her life and has found the perfect man to share it with. Sweetheart, Tom and I wish for nothing more than for you to stop living in the past and start living again.”