Summer Solace Read Online Free Page A

if she seizes your paddle, young lady, don’t think for a moment that God hasn’t provided the necessary implements to take care of any naughty girl’s bottom.” 
    Amber looked confused even as she handed him the paddle. She also realized that he wasn’t looking at her, his eyes were glued on Joanna’s.
    “There are thousands of trees around, and I’m sure plenty of switches are available to be cut.”
    His voice had lowered significantly. Joanna gasped as another memory seared through her even as Gabe’s eyes burned into her own. Amber seemed to be busy peering up at the towering trees.
    “Yes, big brother, but these are pine trees, so good luck finding switches,” she teased. Gabe reached out and gave her a quick swat with the paddle he had taken from her. She yelped and quickly rubbed her bottom.
    “Even if we were in the desert, little sister, don’t forget God gave man his own paddle, two of them in fact.”  He completed his demonstration with a quick swat to her other cheek with the palm of his hand.
    Amber yelped again and then giggled as she darted away. “Okay, okay…stop swatting me,” Amber capitulated. “You are just a big old meanie. Come on, Joanna before he takes the skin right off my hide.” 
    Joanna felt she should have been stunned, but found the entire situation confusing. It seemed to have layers of meaning that she couldn’t find her way through. She simply turned to follow Amber as she stepped onto the faint trail.
    Gabe watched as the two women stepped into the trees. He turned the paddle over in his hands as his gaze dropped to the round and full bottom of the ranger. Just as he figured, she filled out the uniform just as nicely from the back as well.
    The two women walked in silence through the trees. The bathrooms were scattered all over the camping area for convenience, but the further up the mountain one camped, the farther away even the simplest conveniences were. Amber’s flashlight led the way and the path was quickly found.
    “Thanks for coming with me. It really is isolated up here,” Amber said as she stepped along the trail. “It always surprises me how dark it is without city lights.” 
    Joanna looked up at the stars blazing across the night sky. It was absolutely breathtaking and one of the reasons she loved being a ranger. She knew that people rarely could see nature’s beauty much less took the time to simply allow the world to impress them. Turning her eyes to the heavens caused Joanna’s heart to stop its rapid beat and her pulse to calm. The outdoors had saved her and she would always be thankful for that gift. Amber turned her head and saw Joanna looking up. She followed her gaze, and with a gasp, shut off her flashlight. The darkness swallowed them but the view was magnificent.
    “They are gorgeous!” Amber exclaimed, seeing the stars sparkle like diamonds. Joanna grinned and raised her hand. She pointed out both the dippers and then Cassiopeia. Amber’s gaze settled across a large swath of stars that she had never truly seen before. “What are those?” she asked pointing to them.
    “That is the Milky Way. You can’t see them in the city, too much artificial light,” Joanna explained. “They are seldom this clear even out here, but, God, they are fantastic, aren’t they?”  Amber agreed and they spent another moment just drinking it in.
    Amber remembered the time and flicked her light back on. She smiled brightly. “I will definitely spend more time star gazing, but if I don’t hurry, I won’t be ready when Gabe comes to get me, and my butt is already plenty sore.” 
    They hurried down the trail and were soon in the rustic bathroom. Joanna was stepping out of the stall and came up sharply. Amber stood, her back to the murky mirror above the sinks, her head turned over her shoulder as she ran one hand over her bottom. Joanna flushed but said nothing as the young woman continued her inspection.
    “Guess it’s not too bad. I don’t