The Author's Friends (6 page)

It was a cold, snowy night in January.  Richard had started a fire in the stone fireplace, and it was the perfect environment for Dana to continue writing her novella.

Their suitcases were unpacked, and Kristin declared that she needed to freshen up with a shower.  In the meantime, Brad went back downstairs and asked the proprietors about good places to have dinner.

When he returned to the room, he fully expected that Kristin would be dressed and ready to go out for the evening.  He lightly knocked on the door before opening, so he wouldn’t catch her by surprise.  As he stepped through the door, he caught a glimpse of her naked silhouette opposite the dark picture window. 

“Dana, how’s the writing going?”  Richard came back into the room to stoke the fire for her. 

“I’m on a roll,” she mumbled without looking up from her keyboard. 

“I brought you some juice to keep your energy up.”  Richard sat the glass down next to her, placed more wood on the fire and quietly shut the door behind him as he left.

Kristin motioned for Brad to come closer.  As he neared, she reached out and placed his hand on her bare, right breast. 

“I hope you like what you see,” she whispered.  He pulled her close and clutched her bare ass in his hands.

Brad wasted no time removing his clothes.  The two of them stood naked across from the window, but neither seemed to care.  With a forceful shove, he pushed her back up against the wall holding both arms above her head.  Hungrily they kissed, his weight forcing her against the hard, cold surface pressing their bodies close.  His raging cock stood at full mast as the thick, smooth tip came in contact with the wetness between her legs. 

A few onlookers had gathered down on the street below.  A single light in the room made it easy for all to watch. 

They frantically pawed each other moving across the room, their kisses ravenous as she felt the coolness of the window behind her.  Brad leveraged her body upward with legs encircling his torso. Her ass was nestled on the smooth marble ledge.  He wasted no time pushing into her slick entrance.  His thrusts were strong and forceful. Beads of sweat from her back smeared the double-paned window glass.  It only took a few moments for the two of them to explode into a powerful, simultaneous orgasm.  Kristin’s head was lodged against his perspiring neck, holding on so she didn’t collapse to the floor.

Brad greedily pumped several more times, milking the sensation of his pleasure.  The tenseness eased from their bodies, and he lowered Kristin down on to her feet.  Neither was willing to let the other go.

The mood was suddenly broken when they heard applause.  A crowd of about two dozen people down on the street were looking up at them clapping and hooting.  There was nothing else they could do, but smile at the voyeuristic friendly faces. 

Dana sat back and knew she’d just scratched the surface of this blossoming romance.  It was too early in the book to reveal her plan for those two; she wanted to keep her readers guessing.

No sooner had she begun to scribble some notes down on a pad, Richard walked quietly back into the room with a sandwich on a plate and one eyebrow raised.  “When was the last time you ate, Kitten?”

*****

Michael patiently waited for Carla at their favorite Italian restaurant.  It was a popular BYOB family-owned establishment that became extremely crowded on the weekends.  Since they lived in the neighborhood, Michael and Carla liked to meet there in the middle of the week for dinner. 

On that particular day, he sent her a text during lunch and asked if she would be able to meet at 6:30.  She agreed, but wanted to know if he could stop at home first to let Wally out and pick up a bottle of wine, since she didn’t want to be late.  That was the plan.  The time was 6:50 when Michael poured himself a glass of cabernet and caught a glimpse of her rushing through the door.

“I’m so sorry, Michael.  You have no idea what kind of day I had …”

He smiled as he reached for the bottle of wine.

“Cheers.”  After they finished their “customary clink”, she watched an amused expression form on his face.

“Are you angry that I’m late, Michael?” she asked putting her lips to the glass.

“I would say more curious than angry, Carla.  I’m not sure if you’re merely looking for attention or really enjoying the spankings.  You’re not a pain slut are you, my dear?”

“Please keep your voice down. We’re in a public place,” she whispered picking up the menu to hide her mortified expression.

“I don’t think my voice is capable of being softer, and you haven’t answered my question.” Michael tapped his fingers on the table.

Carla lowered her menu and rolled her eyes.  “No, I’m not a pain slut.  But do we really have to talk about this right now?”

“Well, if you hadn’t been twenty minutes late, the subject wouldn’t have come up at all, my love,” he said tipping her chin up with one finger.

“Okay, sometimes I do enjoy getting a rise out of you.  I admit it.  But then there are times like today, when I was just running late.  Okay?” 

“No, it’s not okay, young lady.  You agreed to our DD relationship, but are constantly attempting to be the one in control.  I warned you about topping from the bottom; you know I don’t like it.”

“I apologize, Michael.  Believe me. I’m not doing it underhandedly.  Let’s have a nice dinner and share a bottle of wine.  When we get home, you can slide my panties down to my knees and position me over your lap …”

“There you go again.” He smiled and angled his head to the side.

“Is it a crime that I like to be spanked?”

“No, I don’t believe it is.
I just want to be the one who controls those delicious punishments you receive.”

“I know, but it’s hard for me to change roles when we get home.  Wait … what are you thinking about?  You have an odd look on your face...”

“Maybe we need a way to redirect your attitude when you come home at the end of the day. Perhaps a change in wardrobe would help.”

“Well, I’m going to let that be your kinky idea.  Between the two of us, you’re much more creative.  By the way, did you ever meet with Dr. Stein?”

“Yes, but we really didn’t get into much.  I was thinking that maybe you should be included next time. It might help you understand my need for dominance.  I’ll speak with Jason and give you some available times to choose from.”

“I’ll work around my schedule. You know that.”

“Good.  Let’s order our dinner. The sooner we eat, the quicker that beautiful bare ass of yours can be spanked.” He grinned and signaled the wait staff.

“Yes, sir.” Her sigh was long and audible.

Michael followed Carla home in his car and lovingly patted her behind as they entered the house.  “This business suit of yours needs to come off immediately.  Please change into a long sleeve shirt and cotton panties; I’ll be waiting for you on the couch in the family room.”

With a rebellious look on her face, she turned around and placed a hand on her hip.

He looked at his watch and spoke softly.  “Right now, please.”

“Have you forgotten what season it is?  How about flannel pajama pants?”

“How about you do as you’re told, Peanut?”

“Peanut?  Oh my God, you can’t be serious …”

“It works for Richard and Dana.” He crossed his arms and looked at his watch again.  “Should I start counting?”

Carla shook her head and headed for the stairs.  “Jesus, I’m how old?”

“You’re old enough to stand in the corner with a very red behind.” His demeanor was gentle, but his arms stayed crossed as he watched her disappear upstairs to change.

He made himself comfortable on their couch and intently considered a few options of how to approach the impending scene with his disobedient, strong-willed woman. 

Five minutes later, Carla stood in the doorway of the room waiting for directions.  Michael didn’t disappoint and motioned with his fingers for her to stand in the corner.  Keeping her eyes cast downward, she walked slowly to assume a position she was familiar with from early childhood. 

“Lower your panties to your thighs, Carla.” His tone was smooth and low.

She shook her head no in defiance.

Michael sighed and stood upright.  He didn’t need to speak. She could hear him stand.  If he wanted her panties down, damn it, he could bloody well take them down himself.  Standing behind her, he applied a firm hand to her soft backside. The sound echoed through the large room.

“Slide them down, Carla.  This is the last time I’m going to ask, and if I have to do it myself…”

He didn’t need to finish the sentence.  She slowly lowered her panties, placed her nose in the corner and seductively pushed her bottom out.

Michael put his hand around her tummy for leverage and rubbed each cheek lovingly before giving her a sound spanking.  He covered every inch of her lovely bottom with his large hand and repeated the process twice.  Eyes brimming with tears, she peered over her shoulder at him.  There was something about the way they looked at each other that stopped the spanking abruptly.  She put her arms around his neck as he lifted her in the air and made his way over to the couch.  Gingerly, he placed her sore, bare bottom down in his lap and kissed her forehead softly.

“Please, talk to me.”

Carla paused dramatically and looked up at him with blurry vision.  “Do we really have to discuss this?  It’s so embarrassing.”

It was obvious to him how content she was.  “Why do you like to be spanked?  I need to know.”

She shrugged and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.  “It makes me feel loved, like a little kid.  I get tired of always being in charge.”

“Yet, you have a hard time
not
being in control, don’t you?”

She looked up at him; the tears again welled up in her eyes.  “I don’t always want to.  Sometimes I just can’t stop, Michael.”

“You had an opportunity to have a DD relationship with Richard when you were younger, but passed it up.  I’ve wondered about that.”

“Richard was such a good friend; he was like an older brother to me.  The discipline aspect intrigued me, but I was afraid of the relationship not working out.  Making new friends was definitely not my strong suit.  I have a tendency to be bossy.”  Michael tried not to smile rocking her in his arms.

“I know baby, I know.” He gently combed her wavy blonde hair with his fingers.

She shook her head and squeezed her eyes shut.  “This isn’t fair to you, Michael. My personality is not what you want…”

His serene, handsome smile was just what she needed.  “What I want is for us to work together.  This relationship is not just about one of us.  I love that you are a strong woman. We just need to make a few adjustments.  Until we decide otherwise, you will come home from work at the end of the day and change into your pajamas, young lady.  Your responsibilities will end when you walk through that door, and
I
will be in charge.  Give me any trouble, and you will find it very difficult to sit down.”

She nestled her face into his neck and nodded.

“Carla, are you sure this is what
you
want?”

“Yes, Dr. Cohen … sir.”

“That’s my girl.” His eyes twinkled.

“Thanks so much for seeing us on such short notice.” Michael held Carla’s hand as they sat on Dr. Stein’s comfortable office couch.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Carla.  Michael’s face lights up like a Christmas tree when he speaks of you.”

Carla turned to Michael and laughed.  “Your family would be amused with that analogy.”

“That’s because they have such a good sense of humor.” He cocked his head and winked.

“What a perfect segue into your past, Michael.  I’m probably as curious as Carla, so why don’t we move to the reason for your visit today.”

“You both know that my first wife and I were married for five years,” Michael began.  “We had a D/s relationship that was consensual and satisfying until she decided she didn’t want to be a submissive anymore and left me for a vanilla man.”

Carla and Jason both nodded.

“When I met you, Carla, my heart opened up again.  You’re so different from any woman I’ve ever met, and I think we complement each other on so many levels.  You were honest with me the other night, in your needs and desires, and I need you to understand what makes
me
tick.”

“Do you mind sharing, Carla?  It might help me to see both sides of this relationship with a clearer lens.”

She cleared her throat and tried not to appear nervous.  “My job can be stressful at times, since I’m in charge of a large group of people.  We agreed to have a domestic discipline relationship, but I’ve had a hard time handing over control to him when I get home at the end of the day.  We’ve discussed it and are trying something new to make it work for both of us.”  She turned to Michael.  “This is uncomfortable.  Do I have to tell him everything?”

“Not if you don’t want to, Peanut.”

Carla’s face blushed while Jason put his hand up and laughed.

“There’s no need to be embarrassed.  It sounds like you’re trying a DD relationship laced with a little age play.  Not unusual for couples. I’ve actually recommended it in a few situations.”

“I’m really not that interesting.  It’s your story we both want to hear, Michael.” She squeezed his hand and moved closer.

“There’s a discussion that we touched on the last time you were here with respect to DD relationships,” Jason said.  “Are we oriented at birth or is our preference learned - the old nature vs. nurture argument?  It might be helpful for Carla to hear your viewpoint on that subject.  I think everyone is wired differently.  Of course, that’s only my opinion.  If I remember correctly, you were worried that your wiring could be faulty.”

“My father survived five concentration camps and the Death March from Buchenwald to Munich.  Most survivors had no control over their lives during those years.  They lived like animals in deplorable conditions.  After the war was over many of them tried to lead normal lives, but the torture within their souls continued.  Then to compensate for the loss of their families, they married and had children - most without undergoing any kind of emotional therapy.  How could anyone that emotionally bereft raise a family?  Let’s just say there wasn’t a lot of nurture in our home.”

“How do you think this relates to your preference as a Dominant?” Jason leaned forward in his chair and threaded his fingers.

“My father had no control over his life from the time his was twelve until the war was over five years later.  Once he had a family, it was his chance to be dominant.  We weren’t permitted to make decisions on our own.  As adults, we craved the opportunity - probably to the extreme.”

“You have a mom and two sisters, right?” Carla asked not letting go of his hand.

“Yes, my mom is also a Holocaust survivor.  She met my dad in a displaced persons camp in Germany when the war was over.  She was in her early twenties and suffered from depression, so I think it was a comfort to have someone else in control.  My sister, Ariel, was rebellious and didn’t have a great relationship with our dad.  Naturally, her rebellion was seen as a sign of disrespect and she moved out as soon as she was able.  My other sister, Debbie, was much more compliant and felt guilty if she upset them.  I’ve always wondered whether she was motivated by love or pity.” 

“Your family dynamics are very interesting.  Can we assume that your career choice was no accident?” Jason smiled.

“It’s pretty obvious, I guess.  My hunger to observe and study personal interaction is endless.”

“Was your dad violent?” Carla had worry in her eyes.

“He had a volatile personality, which is fairly common for a Holocaust survivor.  But not so much anymore. He’s softened with old age.”

Jason leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs.  “Do you ever worry about becoming violent, Michael?”

“I think most of us have a dark side to our personality, where we can be selfish or maybe a little mean sometimes.  I try to curb those inclinations whenever I can.  No, I’m not a violent person and actually pride myself on being even-tempered.”

“I’m curious as to your worry about faulty wiring.”

“When I compared myself to Carla’s
Leave it to Beaver
upbringing, I worried that she wouldn’t understand where I came from.  I have a tendency to be rather … quirky.”

“I live with him, Jason.” Carla nodded.  “He does like to control, but always with tenderness and great care.  It’s good to finally know where you come from, Michael.  Our past usually dictates who we are, and in your case, the need for love runs deep.  You are a complex man, Michael Cohen, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

He squeezed her hand in affection.

Jason smiled.  “It sounds like you’re both coming into a comfortable space with each other.”

“I would love to meet your wife, Jennifer, someday.  I hear she’s a criminal attorney and probably takes on an abundance of stress at work, just like I do.”

Jason’s eyes sparkled as he winked at Michael.

“I’m disappointed that I didn’t guess that sooner.” Michael grinned shaking his head.

“Oh for God’s sake,” Carla laughed. “Are there no vanilla people left in this town anymore?”

*****

Carla sat at her desk thinking about their appointment with Jason, when her cell phone rang.

“Hello?”  The caller ID was not one she recognized.

“Carla, it’s your old friend, Rachel.”

“Rachel Andrews? Wow! It’s been a long time.”

Rachel was Carla’s classmate, and one of her only friends from Penn Law School.  After graduation they’d kept in touch, but had chosen different career paths.  Carla moved into the private sector while Rachel -  the idealist of the two 0  had risen to become the Assistant DA in Philadelphia.  Over her ten-year term, she’d received a tremendous amount of notoriety as a result of the cases she had prosecuted.  This dogged success hadn’t gone unnoticed and caught the eye of the governor.  Rachel enjoyed her work, yet always wanted more.  After some preliminary meetings and serious vetting, the governor, who’d just been elected to a second term, offered Rachel the position of Chief of Staff. Now she was a powerful insider in Pennsylvania politics. 

After a few minutes of catching up, Rachel revealed her reason for the call.  The governor had made the decision to create a new position within his staff to spearhead the fight on urban blight within the bigger cities across the state.  He needed someone who was tough, smart and bullish about rejuvenating economic development.  Rachel, during one of his staff meetings, brought up Carla’s name as a possible candidate.  Her praise was convincing enough that the governor asked for a personal interview.  Carla sat stunned on her end of the phone.

“I’m certainly flattered that you thought of me, but you’re talking about a major life change.  Rachel, I’m living with someone.”  Carla sat back in the chair to catch her breath.

“Carla, are you still there?”

“Yes, I’m still here.”

“This is just a preliminary meeting, but it wouldn’t hurt for you to come and hear what we have to say.  Plus, you would get to sit down with the governor in private.  Surely, you wouldn’t want to miss out on that experience!  In the worst case scenario, we’ll get to catch up over dinner together, and you can fill me in on this man you seem to be in love with.”

“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to talk, and I would to love to see you,” Carla said with a bit of hesitancy. 

“Carla, you won’t regret this.  Can you get over here the day after tomorrow?”  Rachel asked eagerly.

Carla moved her cursor over to the calendar checking her availability.  She had appointments, but nothing that couldn’t be rescheduled. 

“I can be there the day after tomorrow, if that works.  Remember, I’m not promising anything.”

“Regardless of the outcome, it will be a trip you’ll never forget.  I’ll have someone send you an itinerary tomorrow.”

They said their goodbyes and Carla placed her head in her hands.  What had she just agreed to?  In a moment of panic, she picked up the phone to call Rachel and cancel.  Taking a deep breath, she dialed a number.

“Melissa, please cancel my appointments for Thursday…” 

Without hesitation, she made another quick call.  “Dana can you meet me after work?”

The message Carla left on her cell phone was answered quickly. “What’s going on that we have to get together tonight?  I promised Richard a home-cooked meal this evening.” 

“I need some advice and would rather get it in person than over the phone.  Can’t you please tell Richard that you need to reschedule this important dinner date with him?  Besides, we all know that your cooking isn’t that great,” she joked.

“Okay, this sounds serious, and he probably would prefer take-out.”

A few hours later, Dana arrived at the Campbell Family Tavern.  David, Carla’s brother, came out from behind the bar, gave her a hug and pointed to a booth back in the corner.  Carla was already there sipping on a cold glass of chardonnay.

“I’ll have one of those too, please,” Dana requested politely as she got comfortable across from Carla.  “What’s so urgent that you had to pull me away from creating a culinary masterpiece?”

“Dana, I’m not sure, but I may have really screwed up.”

David positioned a glass of wine in front of Dana with a smile and returned to his post behind the bar.

“I agreed to something today that could throw my life into total chaos.  I did this without talking to Michael first, and I’m concerned he’s going to be upset when he finds out.”

“Jesus, Carla.  What in the hell did you agree to?” 

Dana drank her wine and listened patiently to the entire story, only interrupting occasionally for clarification.  When Carla finished, she quietly motioned for David to bring them two more glasses of wine. 

“I don’t know what you’re so worked up about.  Michael will be proud that you’re being considered for such a position.  You haven’t agreed to anything, yet.  So what’s the problem?”

“I should have discussed it with him before I made a commitment to go on the interview.  It’s almost like saying his opinion doesn’t matter.”  Carla let out a long and heavy sigh as David set down two more glasses of wine.

“Girls night out, I see.  Have either of you looked at the menus?”  David’s expression became tentative as they both shook their heads and smiled at him.  He silently returned to the bar with their empty glasses. 

“I suppose I didn’t quite see it in those terms, Carla.  Having men like ours can be tricky at times.  But Michael seems as though he would be a little more flexible in his thinking.”

“What you don’t understand is that he needs me.  I just found out some intimate details about his past that I can’t reveal to you, just yet.  But I don’t feel like this is the right time for me to move to Harrisburg.”

“Carla what you’re considering is a fantastic opportunity.  You may decide it isn’t for you, but don’t you owe it to yourself to find out?  I’m still betting Michael will say the same thing when you tell him.  You are going to tell him, aren’t you?”

“I haven’t decided yet.”

“I don’t know many things, Carla, but this I do: deception is a dangerous road to travel.  If you want to continue your relationship with Michael, whatever reaction you think he might have, you need to tell him.”

“What I
need
is … another glass of wine!” Simultaneously, they raised their empty glasses toward David.

David waved his hand in understanding, as he stood behind the bar with the cell phone pressed to his ear.  “Hey Michael – how’s it going?  Well, Carla and Dana are about to start on their third glass of chardonnay, and haven’t had a thing to eat.  Of course, I’ll keep them here. They won’t be going anywhere …”

“Oh for God’s sake, I can’t believe you called them,” Carla slurred to David as she moved over to make room for Michael.

“Just to be clear, he called Michael who then called me,” Richard announced as he gently moved Dana over to the end of the booth.

“Would any of you like something to eat?” David asked as he brought four glasses of water to the table.

“No thanks, David.  Richard and I already ate, and we need to get these two home.  Sound good ladies?”