Piper's Journey (Into Submission 1) Read online

  "Mmmm, I haven't had this since I was a little girl."

  "Here." Jeoff pulled a peppermint stick out of his coat pocket and unwrapped it before plopping it into her mug. "You'll like this, too."

  Piper blinked at the red-and-white striped candy soaking in the hot beverage and slowly lifted the stick to her lips. She closed her eyes and quietly moaned with delight, recalling a Christmas long ago when a big, fake Santa stuck a candy cane in her hot chocolate and gifted her with a soft, chestnut, toy Shetland pony. How did Jeoff know that this would invoke one of very few happy memories?

  "I took it upon myself to order for us. I hope that's okay," he said, with a soft smile.

  "You did? What if I don't like what you got?" Piper asked, playfully.

  Jeoff laughed, wiping some whipped cream off her lip with a napkin. "Have I guessed wrong so far? No? Okay, you are on a diet. It would not be hard to pick what you would want."

  "Yeah, well ...."

  "Yeah, well," he repeated, with a boyish grin, "to start, you would have protested quite vehemently, if the prospect of a hamburger were off your list when I proposed this place. I still don't understand your desire to lose weight. From my point of view, you certainly don't need to. You have a beautiful shape, if you don't mind my saying so. It's womanly and well, sexy."

  Piper blushed, glancing down at her hands. "No one has ever said that to me before. Thanks."

  "Then every man in your past has been a blind fool. You are a stunning woman, Pip. I'm glad we bumped into each other."

  "Bumped? You took over my table like the Incredible Hulk. Remember?"

  Jeoff had the decency to offer a slight blush. "I try to forget when I am overzealous and embarrass myself. Good thing my back was bothering me, otherwise tonight might not have happened." He paused, stirring his coffee. "I lie. You were too cute to ignore. I would have found some other reason to invade your space and introduce myself."

  "Lying to a lady isn't very nice."

  "I told you I had a good excuse. You caught my eye and triggered my protective instincts. Can't help them."

  "Do you always come on this boldly with girls you just met?" Piper asked, feeling her face heat up.

  "Not at all. Believe it or not, I tend to be pretty quiet and shy."

  "I don't believe it. I think you are fibbing again," Piper teased.

  "Nah, this time I am telling the truth. You are the first lady I have ever imposed upon so brazenly. My intentions were purely selfless. You obviously needed a friend. It is difficult coming into a new town and trying to get established."

  "Purely selfless?" Piper tilted her head and raised her right eyebrow.

  "Almost purely selfless. I am a man, ya know."

  "I never questioned your gender," Piper giggled. "I'm glad you broke your habit of shyness and invaded my space. I'm not very good at introducing myself to new people. My mother says I come across as stand-offish, as if I am better than everyone else. That is why I can't make friends."

  "I did not get that impression for an instant. Anyway, from what little you told me, it seems you haven't had many opportunities to get out and meet people. How long have you been captive under this guy? Ten-plus years?"

  "Are you going to psychoanalyze me? Please don't tell me this is a therapy session," Piper groaned.

  "Psychoanalyze you? Hmmm, I just might. One never can tell," Jeoff chuckled, his straight, white teeth gleaming against a gold tan.

  "What is behavior modification?" Piper asked uncomfortably, changing the subject.

  "I take a position as a life coach and help people redirect undesirable behaviors towards something more productive. It's a matter of giving options to otherwise poor decision-making."

  "Like what?"

  "Let's say you have a habit of changing subjects that you aren't comfortable with."

  "Let's say we don't," Piper scowled.

  "Very well. How about a spending addiction?" Jeoff said, leaning back against the seat. "Together, we discover the source of the addiction and discuss methods to dissuade you from it. For example, every time that urge to spend came upon you, I would have you go ride a stationary bike for ten minutes to give you time to reevaluate your need for the item."

  "And that works?"

  "For some people. Others will call their sponsor or find another activity."

  "What about those hardcore cases? The ones who refuse to comply?" Piper asked.

  "I have not had too many of them, to be honest. However, if it's a woman, and she wanted me to be her life coach, then I might threaten to paddle her backside. That usually shocks her into thinking twice. Yes, that's the same exact look she would give me!" he said, as Piper stared, her mouth gaping. "Your turn."

  Piper just wagged her head, trying to find the words to tell him how stunned she was. She finally regained use of her voice. "Good thing I don't have a spending issue," she croaked.

  "I'd say so. You wouldn't want to be one of my hardcore cases."

  He winked and lifted his coffee to sip. "You are clearly not from these parts. Tell me something about yourself."

  "I lived in Alabama most of my life, got married to my high school sweetheart, who later decided that eighteen and size two was more appealing than thirty and size eight. I moved as far away as I could from him and my family the second my divorce settlement hit my bank account. I have a psycho-ass mother and two perfect sisters, and my father disappeared on everyone five years ago. We are assuming he is either dead or in jail because he has never made contact to get money. He was as much of a jerk as the ex. Not much else to tell."

  "Now you are fibbing. There is much more to you than that."

  "This is only our first date, and you want my life story from me. Really?" Piper said incredulously.

  "So you admit that this is a date after all!" Jeoff sounded pleased.

  "You ... you sucker-punched me, you butthead," Piper furrowed her brow.

  "Yup. Mmmm, here is dinner. Eat up."

  Piper found herself engaging in Jeoff's relaxed conversation, sharing more information than she desired, yet unable to resist his questions. No one had ever been interested in her life before, and she found the interaction both pleasant and uncomfortable. She had to keep reminding herself of his profession, and that talking was what he did for a living. Talking, and well, behavioral modification. The thought of being spanked to change bad behavior intrigued her ... almost as much as that wonderfully-sweet daddy comment he had innocently made.

  Having married Lyle to escape from the low-life jerk she referred to as 'the sperm donor', Piper found she was oddly comforted with the idea of having a man like Jeoff as a father-figure. The downside, of course, was that he spanked; not for kinky play or a prelude to sex, but for discipline! What kind of man engaged in such a prehistoric practice in the modern world? How could being around someone like him be any better than staying with Lyle? Out of the frying pan and into the fire, as her granny used to say. Well, Piper determined, this was one time when she would stay far away from anything, or anyone, who could burn her.

  They remained in the booth, talking until after midnight, when the waiter politely asked them to leave so that the restaurant could close. Jeoff escorted Piper to her car, using her keys to open the door and help her inside. He leaned on the doorframe and gazed down into her face.

  "I had a wonderful evening, Ms. Hilliard," he said, with a sparkle in his eyes. "Would you be interested in another non-date sometime soon?"

  "Yeah, I think I would like that very much. What are you doing?"

  "Putting your seatbelt on you. We wouldn't want you to be hurt in an accident, would we?"

  "I am capable of ... oh, never mind. Good night, Jeoff, and thanks for dinner. I did have a lot of fun."

  "I did, too. Oh, and one more thing," he tapped her nose gently, "no more alcohol before you drive. I smelled it when you got here but didn't want to say anything. Tell me next time, and I will come and get you."

  "Excuse me? I only had a gulp," Piper
flustered, reddening under his gaze.

  "I know you weren't drunk. It is just too dangerous to drive these roads and not have all your faculties present. I like you. Please be careful. I wouldn't want to have to paddle that backside because you drove under the influence. Good night, kiddo. " He quickly kissed her cheek and closed her vehicle door before she could utter a retort.

  Piper glanced out her rearview mirror as she drove off. Jeoff had waited until she was well on her way before heading towards his truck. So, this is what it was like to be around a real gentleman and someone who was actually concerned for her safety. His not-so-subtle warning echoed through her mind. Did he really spank his clients? Would he really consider spanking her for drinking and driving? She was not about to find out—at least, not any time soon.

  Chapter 2

  After another long, ineffective day of job hunting, Piper returned home to find the heat shut down in her apartment. After two hours of frantic phone calls, she finally made contact with the building manager, who subsequently informed her that the issue could not be resolved until after the weekend. His solution to her heating problem was to use more blankets or get a hotel room.

  That was the end of Piper's rope. She released a loud string of curses before hanging up the phone and grabbing a bottle of wine. She was down to the final ounce when Jeoff called.

  "Hello, Pips. How was your day?" he asked, pleasantly.

  "Who the fucking hell cares, anyway?" Piper blasted, anger and frustration streaming out. "I can't get a damn job even flipping burgers in this damn town; my damn heat is out, and the damn building manager won't fix the damn furnace until Monday, and I am drunker than shit on damn cheap-ass wine and now have a damn headache."

  "Tone it down, girlie. The swearing isn't necessary, and I didn't do anything for you to holler at me. Do you want me to swing by to see if I can fix your heat for you?"

  "You'd actually do that?" Piper was shocked.

  "Of course, but under the condition that you promise to stop cussing at me. I don't like it. I don't appreciate being yelled at, either."

  "It's a bad habit. Sorry."

  "It sounds like you could use some behavior modification," Jeoff commented, his tone low.

  Piper gulped. "Uh, I don't think so. I am not in the mood to become anyone's Pavlovian dog."

  "We'll see. What's your address?"

  ***

  Piper shivered, hunched next to the tiny gas fireplace, while Jeoff tinkered with the fuse box and heating unit. He finally shrugged, wiping his hands on a paper towel.

  "Sorry, babe. This is more involved than I can fix. I can call a repairman for you if you wish. I know of a few in the area who I trust."

  "It's after five on a Friday, and it's supposed to snow. Even if we could find someone available, he'd charge me more than my rent."

  "I could front the ..."

  "No fucking way! I pay for my own things," Piper snapped.

  Jeoff frowned and removed the wine glass from her hand. He placed it on the table, took her wrist, and firmly led her to the couch. There he sat her down and stood over her, his large arms crossed with displeasure.

  "I specifically asked you to neither raise your voice nor swear at me, didn't I?" Piper glared at him, but he did not pause. "I am sympathetic to your situation. I understand your anger and frustration, but this habit of yours is destructive and unbecoming. You need to make some changes in your life, if you want to be happy, Piper. I am willing to help, but not at the expense of being verbally abused. I will not tolerate that for a minute."

  "Who the hell do you think you are?" Piper demanded, starting to stand. Her intoxication was not working in her favor. She knew she would blow her chances with this man, but hell, she was not going to be with anyone who tried to ... micromanage her!

  "Sit your bottom back down, young lady, and listen up." He pointed to the couch. "Right now, I am the only friend you have in this entire city. If what you have told me is accurate, I seem to be the only person who really cares about your life at this moment. It is not that easy to run me off, but it does not take much to shut me down. Understand?"

  "Why are you yelling at me?" Piper burst into tears.

  Jeoff rolled his eyes and sat next to her, hesitating before wrapping a long arm around her trembling body. "I am not yelling. Heck, I didn't even raise my voice. Girl, you are so drunk! I'm taking you home with me for the weekend, so you don't freeze. Or break your neck falling down the stairs."

  "I'm not going anywhere with you. I've known you for a whole two weeks, gone out with you three times on a non-date, and chatted a few times online or on the phone. And you're mean!" she cried into her hands.

  "I think your memory is a bit impaired as to the amount of time we have spoken. How am I mean? Because I scolded you?"

  "Yeah, and I don't like it."

  "Well, get used to it," Jeoff said, humorously. "You need some direction right now, to help you get on your feet."

  "I'm not a little kid. I am an adult woman and very capable of taking care of myself without anyone's assistance. You don't even know me. Damn, I am so fucked up!" Piper wrapped her arms around her head and started rocking herself.

  "I can see that," Jeoff sighed, handing her a glass of water before rejoining her on the couch. He folded his arms around her and cradled her softly as she wept. "I think I know you pretty well by now. Shhh, everything will be all right. I'll take care of you."

  "I can take care of myself," Piper repeated. "I don't need anyone."

  "Quite the contrary. You, my sweet girl, need a daddy. You are coming home with me until this mess is fixed."

  Before Piper could respond to his comment, Jeoff was up, gathering some changes of clothing, her toothbrush, and a heavy coat. He tossed everything into a bag and lifted the jacket to her shoulders. "Put this on and no more arguing."

  "You're a big old meanie, know that?" Piper grumbled, obeying.

  "I can be a lot meaner, especially if you don't mind me. Watch your step," he answered good-naturedly as he led her out of the apartment and onto the icy sidewalk. He caught her as she slipped, steadying her as she tried to regain her footing. He mumbled something about proper footwear and finally scooped her into his arms.

  Even intoxicated, Piper protested against his assistance, feeling self-conscious about her weight as he carried her easily to his truck. Jeoff hushed her and placed her in the front seat, where he buckled her in.

  "I barely know you," she repeated with a mumbled groan as he settled into the driver's seat. "You could be a psycho serial killer."

  "I could be, but I am not," Jeoff agreed. "I left all my contact information with your neighbor and the building manager, so they would know how to locate you when your heater is fixed."

  "When did you do that?" Piper tried to lift her head to look at him. The alcohol was making her drowsy.

  "Before I came inside. I didn't want anyone to think you were entertaining a madman."

  "Wow. You actually were concerned about my reputation. That's a shocker. No one ever cared about that before." Her comment was sincere, with no hint of sarcasm.

  "Well, it depends on how you look at it. They can either interpret my gesture as one that comes from a man of integrity who desires to ensure your safety, or they can assume you are seeing a shrink and might go bat crap crazy on them if you don't have heat fairly soon. Either way, it's a win-win for you."

  "Jeoff Stevens," Piper began to hum as she drifted off in her drunken stupor, "I think I love you ...."

  "No!" Jeoff groaned as she began to sing a song from the 70s pop culture, "Please ... Not David Cassidy...."

  "My mom loved David Cassidy, " Piper began, before releasing a loud snore.

  ***

  Piper groaned into a pillow as she awakened to the sound of a woodpecker outside the window. Scrunching her face, she sat upon a strange couch and looked around the open loft. Natural cedar wood walls and a high vaulted ceiling greeted her with a sense of homey cheer. She faced a large p
icture window overlooking the thick forest and distant lake, mesmerized by the raw beauty outside the warm walls. Handcrafted pine log furnishings and large sheepskin throws rested in well-placed niches around the room. Against the far corner sat an Inuit totem, a large carving of a tribal orca, and a potbelly stove glowing with sizzling oak logs.

  She attempted to stand as she rubbed her pounding temples, only to collapse with a pathetic whimper back down on the soft brown leather cushions.

  "Did I hear someone up there rejoining the world of the living?" a decisively male voice called from below. "Or do I have bats in my belfry? Bathroom is to your right, if you need it."

  "Jeoff? What the hell am I doing here? What happened last night?" Piper groaned, emerging from the washroom several minutes later.

  Jeoff popped up the stairs with coffee and a pain-reliever in his hands. "Good morning, baby girl. What is wrong with that hair?" He feigned a shudder as he handed Piper the items.

  "Yeah, yeah," Piper grunted, "we all can't look like a supermodel when we wake up with a hangover. Thanks." She swallowed the tablet and sipped the coffee. "Are you going to tell me what happened last night, or should I leave it to my overactive imagination?"

  "Well, I discovered a number of interesting things about you. First, you sing David Cassidy songs ...."

  "I do not! My mother used to ... ohhhh." She grabbed her head. "I must have been beyond wasted to do that. I can't carry a tune, and I hate that music."

  "Oh, you certainly were quite inebriated, and as for your singing, I sadly must agree. I think your snoring was a bit more melodic."

  "I don't snore," Piper said crankily, narrowing her eyes at him through the strands of hair coming down over her face.

  "Of course you don't!" he laughed as he sat next to her. "You are the only person I have ever known to become incredibly quiet and self-restrained when you drink. I guess the frequent, and quite eloquent, swearing and lack of emotional control were a figment of my imagination."

  "You are being sarcastic, aren't you?" Piper looked at him wearily.

  "More like facetious. I wasn't sure if you could tell. No worries. All those issues will be something we can work on together."