Page 20 of Rusty

"I understand," Janice said, disappointment flickering in her eyes.

"Tell you what, though," Rusty added with a grin. "I've been reading to her every day, trying to help her get used to being around people. If you'd like, you can join me tonight. We can sit outside her stall and read together. Just so she knows we're not a threat."

"Really? That sounds lovely," Janice replied with a smile, the disappointment in her eyes replaced by excitement.

"Great," Rusty said, his heart swelling with happiness at the thought of spending more time with Janice. "I'll meet you at the stables after dinner, then."

As they walked back toward the stables, Janice cleared her throat. "Rusty," she said hesitantly, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. "I, uh, I overheard you reading the other night. It was quite an interesting choice of novel."

He felt his own face redden as he recalled the steamy scenes from the book he'd been reading.

"Ah, well, uh," he stuttered, trying to find the right words. "I didn't think anyone was listenin'. But you know, sometimes it's just nice to lose yourself in a story, even if it's a bit . . . racy."

"Definitely," Janice agreed with a shy grin, and for a fleeting moment, their eyes met, their thoughts clearly straying to more intimate territory. “So, is that what we’ll be reading tonight?”

Rusty swallowed. “Well, it’s the novel Snickers is used to me reading. No doubt she wants to find out what happens next. Plus, it was written by one of the Littles here on the ranch.”

Janice bit her lip. “Okay. Sounds good. I’ve never read a steamy novel before, let alone read one to a horse.”

Rusty cleared his throat, eager to change subjects before things got awkward. "There's something else I want to try with you, Janice. You can say no."

"What is it?" she asked, looking a little wary.

"Physical discipline." He swallowed, his throat suddenly dry.

"Really?" Janice asked curiously. "What would that involve?"

"Spanking, mostly," Rusty admitted, watching her closely for any signs of discomfort. "But always within the context of respect, consent, and trust. It can be a powerful way to help process emotions and reinforce positive behaviors."

Janice's eyes widened, and she chewed on her lower lip for a moment before responding. "I'm intrigued, but I'll admit, I'm also a little nervous. We never did that back when I was your Little."

"We didn’t,” Rusty agreed. “We kept our punishments fairly light back then. But listen, we'll only move forward with this if and when you're ready. We wouldn’t do anything sexual, and we’d remain fully-clothed. I don’t want us crossing any boundaries you’re not comfortable with."

“What about boundariesyou’renot comfortable with?” asked Janice.

“Right. That too,” Rusty replied awkwardly.

Janice blinked at him. “Rusty? Why are you helping me like this? Seriously? Ten years ago, you walked out of my life without saying a word. Why do you suddenly seem to care now?”

Because I never stopped caring, little one.

Because I’m still in love with you.

“Because I saw you struggling the other day, and figured I might be able to help." It was true enough, but it was nowhere near the whole truth.

When they reached the stable, Janice picked up her new stuffie and then rubbed her tummy. “I’d better go grab some lunch now. Thank you for this morning, Rusty. It meant a lot to me.”

Rusty nodded. "Today was a big step for you, Janice. I'm really proud of how open and honest you've been with me."

Rusty watched Janice walk back toward the main ranch house. He stood there for a moment, feeling the cool breeze brush against his beard as he contemplated the day's events.

He always felt good at the end of a job well done. Usually, it was a sort of deep, aching contentment from fixes fences and cleaning horses. Today, though, felt different. Like something, deep down within him, had finally been nourished after years of neglect.

"Everyone needs a hug sometimes," he whispered to himself. He paused a moment, then he went back to his animals, and got on with his day.

The night couldn't come soon enough.

CHAPTER EIGHT

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