Chapter One Hundred

After an interminably long winter, Spring had finally sprung in New York City, and Grace was thrilled that she could finally walk around outside without Mac’s constant worry that she would slip on the ice. After weeks of insisting that their driver, Randall, take her everywhere, it was lovely to be able to walk a couple of blocks to the park to enjoy the fresh air.

Not to say that she minded all of Mac’s doting during this pregnancy. He made her a protein smoothie every morning for breakfast and had arranged for Claudette to prepare meals with less sodium and no nitrates. He had also given up caffeine in solidarity with her and kept his social drinking to a minimum. She was the lucky recipient of shoulder rubs and foot massages as well. It was, she had to admit, a pretty damn good deal.

So, she’d cut him some slack whenever he started getting exceedingly cautious and tried hard not to be impatient if he seemed headed toward going overboard.

With only twelve weeks left until D.J. was scheduled to make his debut, Grace was very noticeably pregnant and received smiles and waves from some moms walking their babies in strollers past the bench where she sat to take a moment to enjoy the sunshine. That would be her soon, she thought, sighing happily.

Her phone buzzed.

Where are you?

Grace raised an eyebrow at her screen. She’d left a note for Mac and let Avery and Bentley know she was going for a walk.

I took a walk to the park. It’s a gorgeous day, and I needed to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air and sunlight. All work and no play make Grace a cranky female. Come join me!

I wish you would have told me you were leaving the house. I was worried.

I left you a note and told Bentley and Avery. I didn’t know I needed your permission to leave the house, sir.

Not sure whether she was genuinely annoyed or just being cheeky, Mac decided maybe some fresh air would be good. It was a beautiful sunny day, and he was done with calls for the day. While he could certainly find things to do, it occurred to him that it had been a while since he’d done anything frivolous with Grace.

If the offer is still good, I’ll join you.

Bring food. I’m starving.

Mac laughed as he headed to the kitchen to grab some crackers, cheese, and sparkling water. He put everything in a cooler bag, snatched the blanket off the back of the bench in the foyer, and headed to the park.

He found her having an animated conversation with a squirrel who seemed very attentive. It was ridiculously adorable. She hadn’t noticed him yet, so he just stood watching her, taking it all in. She stole his breath. She looked just as comfortable among the woodland creatures as she did in a corporate meeting. In moments like these, he felt love wash over his entire being and overwhelm him just a bit.

He smiled as he watched her hand glide protectively over her belly. Soon, they would hold their son in their arms, but he was still safe and sound inside her for now.

He observed the exact moment that Grace noticed him. Her face lit up with a smile that reached her eyes and made them sparkle. Damn, if he wasn’t the luckiest man in the world!

“Do you suppose the squirrel will mind much if I steal you away?” Mac asked, reaching for Grace’s hand.

Grace felt her heart leap at the sound of his voice and tilted her head to meet his gaze. “You’re in a good mood.”

He leaned down to kiss her softly. “Walk with me.”

They walked a little until they found a shady area where Mac laid out the blanket he’d brought along.

“You do realize that blanket is cashmere, right?” Grace asked as he pulled the sparkling water out of the bag.

“Only the best for my best girl,” Mac answered, handing Grace the opened lime-flavored Perrier.

“Perrier on Cashmere in Central Park. It sounds like it should be the title of a romance novel,” she giggled.

“I’m sorry I got so worried when I didn’t know where you were. I didn’t see your note, and Bentley and Avery weren’t around. I shouldn’t have snapped,” Mac said as he put some Colby Jack cheese on a cracker for her.

“It’s fine. I just needed some air.”

“Things going okay with work?” he asked.

“Work is fine. I spoke with Brendan O’Sullivan this morning. He’s been making the rounds to finish up details on some of the European acquisitions and says to tell you that your wife is a feckin’ genius for convincing him to take this role. He’s apparently loving the travel.”

Mac laughed. “He’s not wrong.”

“This is really nice, Mac. Thanks for taking time to come enjoy the sunshine and fresh air with me.”

“I seem to do a good job balancing work and play when we travel,” Mac said as he tucked a stray curl behind Grace’s ear. “But I need to do better while we are here in New York. I’ve gotten too wrapped up in my work again, and I’m sorry.”

“You are too hard on yourself. You’ve been very attentive throughout this pregnancy, and I don’t know if I’ve expressed my appreciation enough,” Grace said as she looked up into Mac’s eyes.

Mac wiggled his eyebrows. “You could always show me.”

“It might not be wise to show you in public, but let’s make time tonight for some out-of-the-ordinary dessert,” Grace suggested. “Perhaps in the terrace dining room?”

Mac grinned. “You are a feckin’ genius!”

He leaned in, took her face in his hands, and brushed her lips with his, making Grace’s heart flutter. She grabbed a handful of dark hair and held on as she returned the kiss with fervent passion.

“God, I want you,” Mac said in a low growl. “I never seem to get enough of you. Let’s go home now; I don’t think I can wait till tonight.”

“Good, me neither!” Grace said. “Help me up. D.J. is making me a lot less flexible these days.”

He took Grace’s hands in his and pulled her up to stand.

“Oh!” Grace exclaimed with widened eyes. “He’s kicking up a storm in there. Here, give me your hand.”

She placed his hands over the part of her belly that felt like an alien was trying to break free and watched Mac’s eyes get a little misty.

“He’s gonna be a handful, isn’t he?” Mac laughed.

“It sure feels that way.”

“Then we’d better enjoy more days like this together before he arrives and keeps us busy. Not that I’m not looking forward to his arrival,” he added quickly. “But time alone with you will be a precious commodity soon, and I don’t want to squander it.”

Grace sighed. There he was, she thought. There was the Mac who could step away from work now and then to smell the flowers. He’d been hiding these past few weeks. Oh, he’d been attentive in the evenings, but during his days, he’d been dangerously close to falling into the old McKinley habits of shutting out everything but his work. It was nice to see him happy and stress-free in the middle of the day. She’d make it her mission to see that he had more opportunities to step away from the work.

Chapter One Hundred One

When they arrived home, they crept in quietly like teenagers who’d snuck out without permission. Scrambling onto the elevator, Mac hit the express button to the rooftop terrace and pulled Grace in for another passionate embrace.

They scurried off the elevator pulling at each other’s clothes. Mac shook the grass off the cashmere blanket they had used in the park and draped it over the rooftop terrace dining table. Taking Grace by the hand, he helped her climb up on the table.

“The picnic in the park satisfied my stomach’s hunger, but only you can feed my intense carnal desires,” Mac said before he spread Grace’s legs apart and kissed his way up her inner thighs until he reached her sweet nectar. “You’re delicious, my love.”

Grace reveled in the delightful afternoon bliss of Mac’s tongue, bringing her to orgasm after orgasm. When he sensed she needed a break, he took off his trousers and sat in one of the chairs. Tossing a chair cushion on the ground, he looked lustfully into Grace’s eyes and said, “Kneel down, my sweet slut and let me feed you now.”

Grace grinned wickedly and moved to the ground before her man’s rigid pole, standing at attention for her. So hard and hot. She tongued the tip for a moment first before guiding it into her mouth. Mac’s moans were erotic and made her feel powerful. She loved the effect she had on Mac when she was in control.

She cupped his balls with one hand and gripped the base with the other as she helped the tip slide into her throat.

“Fuck, that feels good!” Mac cried out. “Keep sucking, baby.”

“Mmmphh,” Grace replied, unable to say anything more coherent with a mouthful of his cock.

“You’re so fucking amazing! God, yes, my sweet little pregnant whore, suck me dry!”

Grace worked her magic with her tongue swirling around as she feasted on him. He wanted to enjoy her longer, but his balls felt like they might burst. So, he bucked his hips, fucked her sweet mouth, and exploded down her throat.

“Holy fuck, Grace! You’re fucking incredible!”

Grace looked up into his eyes and smiled. She got up from the ground and climbed into his lap, resting her head on his shoulder.

“I love making you cum like that,” she said softly.

“I’m pretty fond of that as well,” he laughed. He put his arms around her and held her close for a moment.

“As much as I’d like to stay like this for a while, we’d probably better get cleaned up and back down to work.”

“You’re right, of course. But this little afternoon decadence will make the rest of the day seem far more manageable.”

“Indeed it will!” he laughed.

They grabbed their clothes, tiptoed down the stairs to the terrace of their suite, and hurried inside.

After grabbing a quick shower, Mac dressed and headed downstairs. Grace towel dried her hair, piled her red curls into a bun, swabbed on some mascara, and joined him fifteen minutes later.

Avery smiled when Grace called him into her office to discuss the following week’s schedule. She looked relaxed and happy, the same way Mac had looked when he’d returned to the office.

Later, when he went down to meet with Bentley to discuss a supply order, Avery commented, “It seems that the picnic in the park has done wonders for Mac and Grace.”

Bentley chuckled. “I’d say it was more the tryst on the rooftop terrace that has them glowing like lovebirds.”

Avery frowned. “What are you talking about?”

Bentley just shook his head and laughed. Then he made a note to himself to ensure Sophia added the rooftop to her cleaning duties for the afternoon. He was grateful that peace and harmony had been restored to Stewart House and thought it was lovely that his bosses had taken some time for themselves to reconnect. Ah, to be young and in love and lust.

Chapter One Hundred Two

Bentley was in the staff quarters as the day ended when the doorbell chimed. When he opened the door, he was shocked to find Aislyn Taylor, Mac’s sister, standing on the front porch.

“Well, don’t just stand there and gawk,” Aislyn snapped. “Move aside and let me in. I need to see my brother.”

Grace came down the stairs to witness her witchy sister-in-law pushing past Bentley and barging in uninvited. “Where the fuck is McKinley?” Aislyn raged.

Grace held back the snide remark that itched to come spilling forth. Instead, she took a deep breath and called up every ounce of energy she had to be polite, even though it wasn’t warranted.

“Aislyn, welcome to our home. Bentley, will you check with Avery to see when Mac is available to come down and join me to visit with his sister? We’ll be in the breakfast room having tea.”

“I don’t want any fucking tea! I want a goddamn drink!” Aislyn demanded. “And holy shit, you got fat!”

Grace gritted her teeth and forced a smile. “I’m pregnant.”

“Is it my brother’s brat?”

Mac heard the ruckus and jogged down the stairs briskly. “Why are you here, Aislyn?”

“I need a fuckin’ drink. I see you knocked up another whore.”

“I’ll ask you one more time, why are you here? You have exactly sixty seconds to tell me before I throw your ass out!”

“Marcus got rip-roaring drunk and started mouthing off about how he could fuck me if he wanted to because he’s not my real daddy,” she shouted.

Grace nodded at Bentley to get Aislyn a drink, wishing she could have one herself.

“Why is that my problem?” Mac asked, his voice calm and controlled.

“Well, Lorraine wouldn’t confirm or deny. You’re the only reasonable person in this family. What the fuck is going on?”

Mac ran his hand through his thick, dark hair and wished he could simply close his eyes and make his sister disappear. She was nothing but a heap of toxic trouble, and he didn’t want those negative vibes in his home and around his pregnant wife.

Bentley entered with a gin and tonic for Aislyn, a whiskey neat for Mac, and a cup of tea for Grace. Aislyn snatched her drink out of his hand and slammed half of it down.

“You don’t seem surprised, McKinley. Why is that?” she demanded.

Mac’s eyes locked with Grace’s. He saw annoyance but also pity.

“She deserves to know,” Grace said quietly.

“Sit down, Aislyn,” Mac said fervently.

The look on Aislyn’s face made it clear she didn’t want to sit down. But she did as her brother insisted.

“Marcus Stewart isn’t your birth father. He isn’t mine either.”

Aislyn frowned. “Uncle Dominic…”

“Yes, Uncle Dom is my true father. But he’s not yours, Aislyn.”

“Then who is?” she shouted.

“I don’t know; you’d have to ask our mother.”

“She wouldn’t tell me anything. She’s barely coherent lately,” Aislyn said bitterly. She turned to look at Grace. “You know something, don’t you?”

Grace shook her head and said nothing. It wasn’t her place to share the story Dominic told her about Lorraine hooking up with the neighbor all those years ago.

Mac cleared his throat. “It could be anyone, but Dominic assured me it wasn’t him. I’m sorry you came all this way for answers, but I can’t help you.”

“Oh, don’t flatter yourself. I’m in town to meet with a new designer that wants me to be the face and body of his fashion line. I simply stopped here first.”

Grace watched Aislyn finish her drink and remained quiet. It was better for everyone involved if she kept her thoughts to herself at the moment.

Mac inhaled sharply. “Your drink is gone, and I’ve got nothing more to say to you, so I think you should go.”

“Not until your pregnant slut tells me what she knows,” Aislyn said, turning to Grace. “It’s written all over your face.” She crossed her arms and looked as though she might have a temper tantrum.

Mac shrugged his shoulders, so Grace figured there was no point in holding back.

“Dominic told me that a long time ago, Lorraine tried to seduce him into sleeping with her again, even though she’d broken his heart by choosing Marcus over him. He wasn’t interested, so she moved on to one of the neighbors. It’s secondhand information, and I don’t have a clue which neighbor,” Grace explained.

For a brief moment, Aislyn was caught off guard. Grace saw a mix of hurt and confusion on her face and felt a pang of pity. It was short-lived as her sister-in-law jutted her chin in the air.

“Well, just so you’re aware,” Aislyn began in a snotty voice, “Marcus was fucking Louise and paying her to keep quiet about it.”

And, just like that, the hateful snarky demeanor was back.

“Yes, we know,” Grace said, watching disappointment settle on Aislyn’s face. “Got any other juicy family secrets you want to spill?”

Aislyn looked deflated for a moment. Then she huffed a bit and turned to Mac. “Make sure you get a DNA test done when the brat is born, brother. You don’t want to end up supporting someone else’s kid like our father did.”

“You’re a piece of work, Aislyn,” Mac said, shaking his head, his voice rife with disdain.

“You’re one to talk, brother. I'm surprised you didn’t make her get rid of the fucking spawn like you did the other pregnant whores!”

“Get out, Aislyn!” Mac demanded. “You’re not welcome here. Please don’t show up unannounced ever again.”

“Why would I want to hang out in this old dump? You should see the rooms I have at the Plaza. I’ll always be richer and more famous than you, McKinley.”

“Well, good for you,” Grace said as she opened the front door. “Not a contest, but it’s nice to know we won’t have to worry about you. Bye now!"

Aislyn made a face at Grace and stuck up her middle finger at her brother before making a dramatic exit.

Chapter One Hundred Three

“Well, that was interesting,” Grace said as she closed the door, noticing that both Bentley and Avery had made themselves scarce. She couldn’t blame them.

Mac shook his head and sighed heavily. “With a little luck, that will be the last we have to see of her. For the record, Rebecca is the only escort or whore who carried my child, despite Aislyn’s comment that made it seem like a cast of many.”

Grace raised an eyebrow and headed for the stairs. “I’m aware,” she said calmly. “She wouldn’t know the truth if it bit her in the ass.” Still, it stung a little to be reminded of his former escort and the fact that he hadn’t wanted to be a father back then.

Mac inhaled sharply. He could tell his wife wasn’t mad, but she was undoubtedly annoyed. He needed to fix that.

“My sweet wife, would you like to take the elevator with me?”

“I can do the stairs just fine,” Grace snapped before seeing the lust in Mac’s eyes. Quickly realizing his suggestion was meant as a peace offering, she tilted her head and pursed her lips. “Oh! But if you wish me to accompany you on the elevator, I suppose I could oblige you.”

As the doors closed on the lift, Bentley grinned. He’d been worried that Aislyn’s visit would create turmoil for the Stewarts. But they seemed just fine. He imagined they would be more than fine in a matter of moments and chuckled to himself.

Mac spent the ride to the sixth-floor planting soft, seductive kisses on his wife’s neck until she purred like a kitten. By the time the doors opened, she was hot, wet, and needy.

“Oh, my God, Mac! I need you!”

“Not so fast,” he replied. “I need to fully and properly seduce my pregnant slut.”

Grace laughed. “Sure you don’t wanna take a moment to arrange for that DNA test?”

Mac gave her ass a playful swat. “You’re very sassy, Mrs. Stewart, but the spanking will need to wait. I want to make love to my wife. Slowly. Sweetly, Tenderly.” He planted a kiss with each word and unbuttoned her blouse. Pleased to find a front closure on her bra, he unhooked it and let it drop to the floor with the blouse.

“You have magnificent breasts, my love.” Moving her to the bed, he cupped one of those breasts and guided it to his mouth. Suckling it gently, he unzipped her skirt and nudged at her to lift her hips so he could slide it down.

He grazed his teeth over her nipple and watched her face as she lost the ability to protest. Not that she would; she was obviously enjoying everything being done to her.

He switched breasts and felt her body start to move seductively beneath him. He continued this erotic onslaught until she whimpered, “I need…”

Mac stood up to loosen and remove his tie. While he undressed, Grace propped herself up on her elbows and watched with lustful eyes.

“You’re so fuckin’ sexy,” she said as she licked her lips.

“Not half as sexy as you,” he replied, joining her on the bed. His lips found hers, and their tongues danced in a passionate lover’s kiss. He allowed his tongue to trail down her body until he reached the bare mound that waited for him.

Grace lay trembling for him and felt every nerve ending sing with desire as he flicked her little gold ball that glistened between her legs with his tongue.

“Mmm, delicious!” he moaned as her hips gently rocked while he opened her pink folds with his tongue and teeth. “Such an extraordinarily sweet pussy.”

Grace’s mind flashed back to the first time Mac had tasted her this way. His oral skills had been magical even back before he knew her body. Now he knew every inch of her and was already on the verge of sending her over the edge.

Sensing her orgasm drawing near, Mac eased up and smiled at the little whimper that escaped her mouth. He teased her just a bit, kissing her mound softly, before resuming his feast.

Her body rocked more intensely now, and he knew she might deck him if he eased off again. Instead, he indulged them both by devouring her passionately as she bucked underneath him.

“Oh, God, yes!” Grace cried out as waves of orgasm ripped through her body.

“Yes! More! God, I need you inside me!”

Mac smirked, “I’ve told you before, Gracie, I’m not God. But I’m happy to give you what you need.”

He slid inside her slowly, deliberately, and felt her give herself over to him. Heat enveloped them both as they moved together in rhythmic motions. He willed himself to hold back his own release; he was enjoying bringing her pleasure far too much to rush things just yet. Grace cried out again and again as Mac continued to ravish her. Eventually, need took over, and he thrust into her more rapidly. The look of intense bliss on her face stirred pride within him as he sent her over once more before losing himself within her.

They lay panting, breathless, for several moments before Grace spoke.

“Best makeup sex ever!”

Mac grinned, “And we didn’t even have to fight.”

“Your sister isn’t worth the effort of an argument. But the making-up part was most appreciated,” Grace sighed.

“I’m sorry for the ugly things she said.”

Grace shrugged. “I believe our vows said for better or worse. If occasional dealings with your vicious family members are the worse part, I can handle that.”

She touched Mac’s face lovingly and smiled. “And so much of our life together is the better part. I’m so lucky, Mac.”

“I’m the lucky one, darling. You bring me so much happiness and joy. You’re my whole world.”

“Our world is going to be a little bit bigger soon.”

He placed his hand on her belly and felt his son kick, making them giggle.

“I think he knows we are talking about him.”

“He’s already so smart. I can’t wait till he arrives.”

Grace curled up into Mac’s arms. Times like these would be a rarity once D.J. was born, so she planned to cherish every moment.