Love Hurts

I think my vision is currently impaired at the moment. I swear the only things that I see are hearts, flowers, and little cupid babies flying all around me. Can you guess what time of year it is? That’s right. Valentine’s day! I have about a week left until the actual holiday and there is still so much left that I have to do. I always do something special for Eric that involves me getting creative. What can I say? I don't just come up with plans to save my ass from trouble, you know. Although I am having some difficulty this year. The stakes are super high. I want everything to be perfect since it will be our first valentine's day as a married couple. But I just can't come up with ANYTHING. Ugh.

“What do you think I should do Lily?’ I ask her over the phone, as I am look at the chocolate display in the store that I am in. Hmm, what if I make some kinds of homemade fudge or something like that? Nah, something always goes wrong when I try to bake something. The end results are usually a sore butt.

“I don't know. You're always so good with coming up with ideas for presents; which is kind of ironic since your “plans” aren't the best” Lily says snickering. I roll my eyes. Hey even though my attempt at something falls flat at times, I have been more successful lately.

“Hey! You and I haven't gotten in trouble in awhile. So don’t hate. Although, we did kind of cut it close a few weeks ago when I helped you cover up that big scratch on Felipe’s car” I defended myself. I still can’t believe we got away with that one. Lets just say, self-help instructional videos save live and butts.

“Alright, even I’ll admit that one was pretty good. But one has to wonder… are you coming up with better plans, getting better at hiding our shenanigans, OR do the spankings actually make us stop and think before our actions?” she ponders. The answer to that is rather easy, Lily.

“It's obviously because my plans are getting much better. Duh! But I still have a problem that I can't solve. What to get Eric” I sigh into the phone.

“You’ll figure it out like you always do. Are you still planning to help me make Felipe’s gift this weekend?” she asks me. Lily is planning on making him a mini collage scrapbook and wants to use some of my art supplies that I have left over from making my wedding scrapbook. Love the idea of doing a relationship collage for Eric, but I already made on a few years ago.

“Yeah, Eric is working over the night, so you can spend the night if you want” I offer to her as I head to the grocery area to pick something up for dinner.

“Cool deal. I’ll come over right after work. See you then, best friend! And stop worrying about it” Lily tells me. Yeah, easier said than done.

Saturday Afternoon:

“Honestly, I can't WAIT until I finish my masters and I can get a better job that I actually like doing” Lily complains to me as we walk into the mail area of me and Eric’s condo. She just got off work and started complaining about this and that. So I decided to take her and buy her favorite iced coffee drink to calm her down. Also because I was seriously craving one myself, but I’m not going to mention that little detail out loud. It's the thought that counts. Heehee.

“You gotta love office politics,” I say as I put the key into the mailbox to check for mail. Coupons, store magazines, and a few bank statements are found inside and a notice that there is a package at the front desk. Did I forget that I ordered something online? Nah, I could never forget a shopping purchase. I practically pounce at the first sight of the delivery person. Eric must have ordered something and forgot to mention it. Lily continues to vent as I make my way to the front to pickup the package.

“Here, hold my drink” I say as I hold my chocolate concoction to her as the front desk clerk, Sheila, hands me a beat up box. How in the world did it end up like this? Thankfully, I didn't order this because you know I would probably throw a fit.

“Man, the postal service haven't been taking care of boxes lately. I had a package look like that a couple weeks ago” Lily comments. Yeah, no kidding.

“I swear, it was delivered like this. Most of the boxes are bent and damaged like this too. I think it's because of an increase in demand since it's around Valentine’s Day” Sheila says. Glad I didn't order anything this year. I thank her and Lily and I head to my place.

“It's addressed to Eric. I wonder what's inside” I wonder. My imagination is running wild. It could be anything. If only I could take a peek inside…

“Maybe it's your valentine's gift” Lily says jokingly while nudging my side. My mind grows wilder. Jewelry, perfume, candy, clothes? Ugh, why can't I have x-ray vision? That would be my second most wanted super power. Right after looking into the future; for obvious reasons.

“Maybe it is! I wish I could look inside” I drift off as we get off the elevator and walk towards my front door.
“Don't even think about it, Cori. I see that look in your eyes” Lily warns me.

“What look?” I ask innocently as I unlock the door and head inside. I dump the box onto the kitchen counter.

“You know what look. That mischievous look. The look that gets you and I into trouble” she says with a pointed stare. I roll my eyes. Her and Eric seem to get nervous whenever they see this “look” on me.

“Please, Lils. I’m honestly not thinking off any scheming. I’m just curious about what's in this box, that’s all” I say with a shrug while picking up the package again. My curiosity is dying right now. Now it's Lily’s turn to roll her eyes.

“Aren't you a little curious about what's in here?” I ask shaking the box. Something hard thrashes around inside it. What did Eric get?

“I mean yeah, but you can't just open something that isn't yours” she tells me. But what if…?

“There’s that look again. What are you thinking now!” Lily asks me warily. Okay, now I actually am scheming.

“What if I open just the side of the box to take a small peek and take it back up. The box is completely busted already. I could make it look likes that's how it came. Just a small peek, that’s all” I say as I grab the box. The cat inside of me is too curious!

“Well since I can’t convince you not to. Just go right ahead” Lily says exasperatedly. She’s right. There was no stopping me since I had already opening up the box. However, the object inside was covered in wrapping. I wonder what it is- oh HELL NO!

“What the hell is this?” I say loudly in shock.

“What is it? What  is it?” Lily asks rushing back into the kitchen. She had went into the living room to set up her things to work on the collage.

“Look at this. Look!” I say while taking the wrapping off and shoving the hard object into her face.

“Is… is that a paddle” Lily asks once she sees what's in my hand. Yeah, a heart shaped cherry red wooden paddle a little larger than a hairbrush. She starts dying with laughter.

“I can't even right now. Why did Eric buy this?” I stammer. Is this my Valentines Day gift? Why would I need a paddle? Okay, so don't answer that. I think I can answer that question quite easily. Although, the question still stands on the need for a new paddle when Mr. Meanie Belt or Ms. Unfriendly Brush are already present; A little too present actually. Well, according to my cheeks whenever they are sore anyway.

“You are seriously asking why?” Lily says catching her breath after her little laugh fest.

“Okay I can get why but why did he get a heart shaped one?” I ask as I look at the paddle.

“I don’t know. Maybe Eric felt like you needed something else to get through you stubbornness. or... “ she trails off and looks at me with a grin on her face. now , I’m the one not liking the look on her face.

“Or what?” I ask impatiently.

“Or it's going to be used in the bedroom” Lily says nudging me teasingly. This girl is seriously not implying what I think she is.

“Like a sex toy?” I ask Lily. She nods her head. I roll my eyes but I can't help but think that she has a point.

“Oh, please Lily” I say, rolling my eyes again and look at the paddle in a new light. I mean, it could spice things up not gonna lie.

“No, seriously. Think about it. Its heart shaped, a reddish color and he bought it in February. The month of LOVE! Plus it might change things up a bit; or so I’ve heard or read online” Lily tells me, quickly adding in the last part. So she’s heard, huh? Sure.

“Maybe. However, there is still a big but to remember to add to this and it's not mine” I remind her.

“But what if Eric actually bought it to spank me with for real though” I say. Come on, we all know that is a strong, strong possibility. Lily shrugs.

“Then that would suck terribly in the bedroom” She says with a slight laugh.

“You are so not being funny right now, Lils. This thing practically ruined my day” I say heading into the living room. There’s no way I can keep that bottom destructor device. I can't take the risk. This is what my curiosity got me.

“So what are you going to do now?” Lily asks, following me.

“Get rid of it” I tell her while flopping myself on my couch.

“Wait, you're just going to throw it away? Won’t Eric know it was delivered?” she asks me confused.

“He’ll know it was delivered but not to the right place. There are mix-ups all the time. Plus, I don't think Eric will try that hard to track it” I say. Unlike me who will go to every corner of earth until I go my hands on my package.

“What if he asks Sheila directly if it was delivered to here?” Lily points out. Damn, I didn't think about that. Hmmm.

“How much do you think I can pay her to keep quiet?” I ask seriously. After all, money talks a lot of the time, right?
“Yeah right! Sheila has been here awhile and she is too devoted to her job to risk it; like most people” she tells me with another good point. Ugh, why is she always so logical?
“Okay. So I can’t pay her, but I am still throwing that paddle away in the trash.” I say. I actually would prefer to burn it but there's not a fireplace anywhere near hear.

“You're just going to throw it into the dumpster outside?” Lily asks me. No way, I have to be like a ninja and pretend it was never on the premises; like I said, I can't take any changes.

“Too risky. I’m going to throw it in one of the dumpsters near my work. That way it will be long gone” I inform her of my plan. I get up and walk back into the kitchen to grab the stupid thing and box. How can something so little be so threatening? Oh because it can cause a lot of pain to my behind. I throw the box it came into the trashcan in the kitchen and head to me and Eric’s room to hid it until Monday.

“Um, why are you throwing it away in here?” Lily asks me as she settled down to start her collage.

“Because I’m not worried about the box. I’ll just take the trash out in the morning before Eric gets home. But the paddle needs extra precautions” I yell to her from my room. Better safe than sorry even if that doesn't always work out for me.

Sunday Afternoon:

I think Sundays are my favorite day of the week. I do nothing but be lazy and lay around. It relaxes me before I have to go back to the daily grind. Plus my Sundays are even better when I get to cuddle with Eric. He got back from the hospital late this morning and usually takes a nap afterwards. So I can do two of my favorite things all in one. Now I am currently still in bed with him as cartoons are on in the background. Who can get tired of cartoons?

“So did you help Lily finish her collage?” Eric ask me as he kisses the top of my head. Lily and I spent most of the evening and night working on her gift to Felipe. It came out perfectly. I really outdid myself and it looks better than what I did for Eric. we ordered pizza and stayed up into the early morning watching movies and hanging out. It was just like our old times together. However, Lily kept bringing up that stupid paddle and making jokes about it. Eye roll. “We did and it looked amazing. I think Felipe will love it” I tell Eric as I yawn. That nap was much needed and I could go for another one.

“He will. And do I even want to know what time you two fell asleep last night?” he asks me, raising his eyebrows. To be honest, I don't even know myself. Maybe between three and four in the morning and that's a big maybe.

“Late” I just say and give him multiple kisses on his neck to shut any further questioning up.

“Do you want to go to the gym with me later?” he asks me between my kisses. I really should work out but I’ve been slacking lately. It’s just so easy to make up excuses, which I am very good at making.

“Okay but can we go to the grocery store afterwards. I’m feeling like making spaghetti for dinner” I say as I look down into his green gaze. After all, I need a hearty meal to replenish myself. Even though it's loaded with carbs but still.

“Sure baby. Do you want me to get anything from the kitchen?” Eric asks me, giving me a kiss before getting up from the bed. I shake my head no. I guess cuddle time is over but at least I have the bed to myself now. Heehee. I stretch out and snuggle into the spot Eric was.

“There’s leftover pizza in the fridge if you want it” I call out so he can hear me from the kitchen.

“Okay. baby girl, did you check the mail yesterday?” Eric asks me. Remain calm, Cori. Don't act suspicious and you’ll be okay.

“Yeah, it's in a pile on the end of the counter” I answer. So far so good. As long as Eric doesn't ask about a package, I’m in the clear.

“Did you see a notice about a package delivered?” he asks next. So I’m not in the clear just yet. I’m not in code red either, so that’s good.

“No” I reply back. He wouldn’t be able to tell that I’m lying from a one-word answer. But then again it is Eric I’m talking too.

“Are you sure?” Eric asks. Am I imagining it or was there some suspicion in his voice?

“Yes, I didn't see a notice” I lie again as I close my eyes to take another mini nap before the gym. Eric doesn't ask any more questions so I guess I am in the clear. Yes! See, I knew I could get away with it.

“Then what’s this I found in the trash?” I hear Eric say from the bedroom doorway. My eyes shoot open as they zero onto the box in his hand. Oh my god! I forgot to take out the trash this morning. What a rookie mistake! Ugh.

“I guess it’s the package you were asking about” I say as I quickly toss the covers off and hurry out of bed. I probably was safer under the covers than facing Eric’s stern gaze right now. Why me?

“Why did you open it?” Eric asks me. Is he seriously asking me that? He knows how I can’t resist opening something.

“The box was practically opened already and I just got curious because I thought it might be a valentines gift. I know it was wrong, but why did you buy a freaking paddle in the shape of a heart?” I ask him accusingly. I got it out of its hiding place and thrust it into Eric’s hands. I fold my arms and wait to see what he has to say about this spanking implement. Eric looks at me a moment before bursting out laughing. What the?

“I wish I got to see the look on your face when you opened it” Eric says between laughs. Was this supposed to be a joke or something? Because I am not laughing at all. Hmph! I roll my eyes and sit down on the bed with a huff.

“Baby, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to laugh so much but let me explain” he says coming to sit next to me on the bed and pulling me closer to his side. I’m still in a pouty mood so I’m not as inviting. Cuddles aren’t going to warm me up with time.

“Listen, I did buy the paddle as part of your valentine's day gift. I wanted to see how you’d react. I thought it could be fun. You know…” he tells me suggestively. Damn it, Lily was right! Now that it's out there, I can definitely see how it could be fun. Phew. Thank goodness, it's not used to toast my ass for real. At least, I don't think so anyway.

“Okay, it's pretty hot. And just to let you know, my face was not amused. Like at all!” I tell him.

“I can imagine, but you know you still in trouble right?” he says giving my temple a kiss. I really hoped that he wasn't going to spank me since he doesn't seem made. I can wish, can’t I?

“I’m sorry. I really mean it” I say with pleading, puppy dog eyes.

“You may be sorry now, but you still went through something that didn't belong to you. And you lied to me; twice.” Eric reminds me as he takes my arm and pulls me gently over his lap. Whelp, those puppy dog eyes never work. Honestly, why do I even bother?

“I know” I say with a slight sigh as I face my upcoming fate. Eric pulls my pajamas shorts and panties down. So what? There’s not going to be any warm up? My bottom is already weeping. He rubs my butt before giving my right cheek a squeeze and lifting his hand before bringing it down hard on it.

SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK

“I’m really sorry, Eric. Oww!” I cry out as Eric starts a steady pace of hard smacks to my upturned bottom.

“SMACK what SMACK are SMACK you SMACK sorry SMACK for SMACK exactly?” he asks me. Everything! Sigh. I wish that would be an acceptable answer.

“Ow! I opened up mail that didn't belong to me. Ouch and I lied about it ahh” I tell him as tears start to form in my eyes. My butt is already burning and it just started.

SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK

Eric is focusing on my sit spots and upper thighs and it freaking HURTS.

“Ah owww please Eric!” I cry to Eric but he doesn’t let his spanks let up. He is covering my whole but thoroughly.

SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK

“Haven’t we talked about you lying before?” Eric asks after pausing the spanking. Yes, we have talked about lying before; a few dozen times before actually. I guess my brain doesn't know when to stop which doesn't help my sore behind any here.

“Yeah, but we haven't talked about lying and opening mail” I tell him between sniffles. Do you like how I found that little loophole? It’s the truth after all.

‘Well, let's have that conversation now” Eric says rolling his eyes at my statement. I can feel him reach over to pick up something.

SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! SMACK!

Eric starts again with hard raining smack with the heart shaped paddle.

“Oww! Eric, I thought you said that thing was for fun?” I ask as I wiggle around to avoid any more pain from it. Boy, is this thing a stinger. Dare I say that it hurts more than Ms. Unfriendly brush or Mr. Meanie Belt. How that is possible, I’m not even sure.

“It can be used for that but it can also be sued when you need to learn your lesson. I just didn't add that part” he tells me as he tightens his hold around me waist. And to think I considered liking this thing. Ha!

SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! SMACK!

SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! SMACK!

By this time, tears are streaming down my face and I am crying hard into the comforter. Eric  gives one last spank to my sit spot before stopping. Finally! I feel Eric help me up off his lap. He sits me down and wraps his arms tightly around me. He rocks me back and forth to calm my crying down.

“Shhh. Baby girl, it's over. Shhhh. it’s okay. I’ve got and I love you so much baby. Shhhh” He  whispers to me as my crying slows down and eventually stops.

“I’m really sorry for opening up the package and ruining your surprise. Trust me, I was extremely surprised” I sniffle to him. He kisses my head.

“I know and I’ve forgiven you. I always do” Eric tells me with a smile and a laugh. Even though my ass is sizzling right now, I still love the cuddle time after a spanking. I’m totally in my happy place.

“So how’d you like the paddle?” Eric asks me. Um, that it hurts like hell. Don't let that heart fool you. It has no love what’s so ever.

“What do you think? Ask me again when my butt isn't screaming” I tell him as I look at the paddle beside us. Evil little thing, I tell you.

“Well, I am glad that I got your attention and I am sure that I can change your mind about it, eventually” he tells me while nibbling my ear and then giving me a kiss on my cheek. Doubt that, but you never know with me.

Valentine’s Eve:

“Eric, I think I am going to make a new collage since a lot has changed since the last one” I tell him as I sit down on the couch next to him with my laptop. We celebrated Valentine’s Day tonight since Eric will be at work tomorrow.

“Sounds good angel, but let's pick the pictures together” Eric agrees as he pulls me closer and I put the computer between us. I open the photo album entitled US and I start to scroll down the hundreds of photos of us throughout the years. Yeah, that's a lot of pictures since we've been together for almost eight years.

“You definitely need to put a picture of you in your wedding dress. You looked gorgeous in it” he tells me. Eric had told me that dozens of times and it still makes me blush.

“And one of you, my handsome man” I tell him back and give him a kiss. He looked so hot is his suit, no lie. A picture of us in bathing suits from last summer caught my eye.

“Remember right after we took this photo we went skinny dipping and almost got caught” I say with a grin. We were staying at Eric’s parents house and decided to go swimming in their pool late at night. I dared Eric to jump in naked and he said I had to do it too. We didn't think anyone would show up since it was after midnight but we heard someone come through the garden gate just in time to pull our bathing suits back on. Crisis was totally diverted.

“Yeah, we got really lucky; especially since it was Chris who found us. You know he would’ve told everybody if he saw us” Eric says laughing. Ain’t that the truth!

“Him and Mariah” I add. Those two have the biggest mouths, I swear. That must be why they are such a good match.

“We need to head back to visit Java Jay’s. We went there all the time” Eric says after looking at a picture of me holding a cappuccino.

“I know. It was like our unofficial date place” I say remembering all of the times we went there during college. The coffee was amazing.

“Yeah, it was the only place I could get you to attempt to study without much probing” Eric says. Who can say no to getting coffee? Not me! And it's easier to go there than getting my but roasted.

“You know one of my guilty pleasure is coffee. Yeah, we are so going back one day” I tell him. My mouth is already watering at the taste for one of their drinks. Mmmm.  

“I think you should add this one” he says pointing to a picture of me. Oh no! No, no, no, NO.

“No way! NOT this one” I say. It's a picture of me laying in bed under covers with my hair in a messy bun and no makeup on. I’m looking at my phone and didn't notice Eric take the photo until after. Lets just say it's not my best look.

“Why not? I think you look cute” he tells me. Of course, he thinks I’m cute. I still don't want the picture in our collage.

“You know why. I’m not presentable” I inform him.
“You're not presentable? Angel, you look presentable with or without makeup on or how you hair is fixed. I promise you, you’re always presentable. Always. So would you please put the picture into the collage? Please?” Eric asks me. Well, how can I say no after what he just said? Makes a girls heart skip a beat.

“Okay, I’ll add it in just for you, baby” he says pulling me towards him for a passionate kiss that didn't stop. When we finally broke away for air, I was straddling his waist.

“I love you, Cori” he tells me with his forehead against mine.

“And I love you, Eric” I say back with the biggest smile on my face ask Eric stands up with me still in his arms and heads to our bedroom. Well, you can figure what happens next. Heehee.

P.S. Sula helped me come up with this story. Thanks for the idea girlie!