The Art of Discipline: Dani’s Discovery (The Mockingbird Chronicles) Read Online Free PDF Page B

wasn’t really sure how things got out of hand, but Emma kicking her out of the store was a real eye-opener. For the first time in a long time, she’d cried herself to sleep, not just because of Emma, but because she realized just how abhorrent her behavior had become. She’d been depressed, distracted, and plain unpleasant to be around ever since she’d arrived. Not that Emma had made things easier. It seemed that every time they spoke, they would end up in some sort of alpha-dog contest. Still, Dani was regretting her actions and wondered if she should try again.
    That night as Dani was closing up the store and was just about to head up to her apartment, she practically ran into Emma. The redhead was carrying a stack of books at least a foot taller than her when she tripped on the rug, sending the books flying. Letting out a string of muttered curses, Emma bent to pick them up. Dani watched her for a moment before sighing and moving to help her.
    “It’s alright, I got it,” Emma insisted as she saw Dani approach.
    “Nonsense,” Dani argued. Between the two of them, they quickly cleaned up the mess. “So,” Dani started casually after the books had been placed on the correct shelf. “Do you have any plans for dinner?”
    “No,” Emma quickly returned. “I was just going to heat up a can of soup or something.”
    “Ah. Well, you know, I’ve been meaning to talk to you. I made a real ass of myself the other night. Why don’t you let me make it up to you and let me buy you dinner?”
    Emma smiled. “I’d like that. I know of this great little Italian place.”
    “They have stuffed shells?”
    “Amazing ones,” Emma reassured her.
    It didn’t take long to get to the restaurant. Dani hadn’t realized it was only around the corner, so they didn’t bother with a car and just walked. Once seated, Dani sipped on a diet soda while Emma tried to make small talk. They chatted a little bit about Uncle Sean and some about their childhoods. Eventually though, Dani brought the conversation back to what Emma had said to her after her encounter with Mrs. Pemberton.
    “You know, I was curious about something,” Dani started. “The other night, what exactly did you mean when you said that Uncle Sean spanked you?”
    Emma nearly choked on the water she’d just tried to swallow. When she caught her breath, she shook her head in disbelief. “After everything else, that’s what you want to ask?” she teased. “You sound like you don’t believe me? Didn’t he ever spank you?”
    Dani couldn’t help a slight blush. “Let’s just say I was a handful when I was a child. My grandparents really didn’t know what to do with me. It’s why I spent most of my summers here.”
    “I’ll bet,” Emma returned with a smile. “You’ll have to tell me more about your childhood sometime. Uncle Sean loved to brag about you, but I could always tell by that twinkle in his eye that you were really a hellion.”
    “Hey,” Dani pouted. “Was not.”
    “Hmmm, let see. DER loves HJC? What did he do when he saw that carved into the support beam in the loft?” Dani scowled as Emma continued to tease her. “Who was HJC anyways? Pre-teen crush? Let me guess, Hector? Hank?”
    Dani chewed her lip, looking rather flustered. Quickly tiring of the teases, she spat out, “Heather. Her name was Heather.”
    “Oh,” Emma suddenly pulled back. “I didn’t know. I mean, I thought maybe, but he never said.”
    “I was thirteen, and stupid and angry and in love. I got grounded for being out too late, and bored to death, I carved that up in the loft. Didn’t think he’d find it, but he figured out pretty quick who HJC was. It’s how he found out I was gay.”
    Emma was quiet for a long moment. “It’s still there, you know.”
    “What?”
    “When we redid the loft, he refused to let the workers sand it down.”
    “Oh,” Dani replied. “I didn’t know.”
    “So,” Emma continued, after another awkward moment. “How did