His Firm Hand by Shelly Douglas Page B

remote control, I can even catch a few missed episodes of my favorite series.”
    Paul stroked her curly hair, handed her the remote, and kissed her forehead. “I’ll be back within two hours, sweetie. Hey, where’s your phone? I want you to call me if you need anything.”
    Denise came into the room, waving Michele’s phone in her hand. “Here it is. Thanks for all your help and support, big sister.” Denise bent over and hugged Michele, handing her the phone. “I’ll only be twenty minutes away, so don’t be a stranger.”
    “Of course, I’ll call. Who else am I going to get into trouble with?”
    “Oh, I’m sure you’ll do just fine all on your own.” Denise said as she winked at her and left the room. “Love you,” she called out, not looking back.
    “Love you, too,” she responded quickly with a smile before gazing up at Paul. “I’m so glad we were here for her when she needed us.”
    “That’s what family is for, kiddo.”

Chapter Ten
     
     
    “Why did you buy this for me? I love my car,” she whined as Paul led her by the hand outside. The used, bright red convertible Mazda Miata was a beautiful sports car, but as Michele peered into the open window, she noticed it was a manual and not an automatic transmission. She didn’t know how to drive a stick shift and was nervous about the purchase.
    “Okay, this was a bit of an extravagance, but I couldn’t help myself. I saw the ad on cars.com the other day and out of curiosity went to look at it in person. I must admit, it was definitely out of character for me to buy this car on the spot, but I’ve always wanted one of these beauties.”
    Michele looked at him, dumbfounded. “It sounds more like a gift for you than me. Do I get to swat your backside for going over budget?” she asked with an impish smile, crossing her arms. “I happen to know where you store that damn paddle.”
    “Watch your language, young lady. I was just in the mood to be impulsive and thought my girl would be excited to have something new.” He thought for a minute and whispered in her ear, “If you don’t like it, I can always sell it.”
    “No, it is a beauty, but why don’t you keep it for yourself?” she asked as they entered the car and got comfortable in the leather seats.
    “Because I think everyone should know how to operate a stick shift. You never know when it might come in handy.”
    Michele’s knuckles turned white as she tightly gripped the steering wheel. “My dad tried to teach me once. As you can imagine, it wasn’t exactly a happy ending.”
    “Well, we’re going to try to correct that. Maybe when we’re finished, you’ll understand why your dad encouraged you.”
    “But I already have a car,” Michele whined and thought for a moment.” “Oh, my God, have you listed my car to sell already?”
    “No, not yet. But just because you had a bad experience learning how to drive a stick shift, doesn’t mean history has to repeat itself. I’m sorry your dad made such a big commotion about you blowing out his clutch.”
    “Really? He told you that story?”
    He shrugged. “I think it was the first time we met.”
    “Yep, it’s definitely part of his collection of stories to show how uncoordinated I am. Hey, don’t they still have driving schools that offer this kind of behind-the-wheel instruction?”
    “Now you’re just being silly. It’s really easy once you get the hang of it. Okay, this pep talk is now officially over, so put your seatbelt on and start the engine.”
    She scanned the houses on the street through anxious eyes while securing her belt. “Why are all the neighbors looking out their windows?”
    “Obviously, I’m not the only one who thinks this red convertible is a beauty. Now will you please start the car?”
    Michele slowly rolled her eyes before complying, and the engine came to life.
    “Do you remember anything your dad taught you?” Paul asked in an even-keeled tone.
    “Yes. His extremely loud instruction