Chapter Forty-Nine

Mac walked into Grace’s office and caught her scowling.

“What’s wrong, my love?”

“Nothing that your magical hands and tongue can’t fix,” she sighed.

He wiggled his eyebrows. “Shall I lock the door?”

Laughing, Grace said, “Not now, you horn toad. Later, in bed, when the house is quiet and the madness has stopped.”

“What madness?”

“Take your pick: The littles are running around like Tasmanian devils, Javier is up on the rooftop terrace trimming the hedges, and the contractors are here replacing the tile in the pool area.”

“We’re replacing the tile in the pool area?” Mac asked, puzzled.

Grace frowned. “Seriously? Mac, we talked about the need to install anti-slip tiles now that the kids are both mobile.”

“Oh, yes, of course. I guess I didn’t realize we had already selected a tile.”

“We didn’t select anything. You told me to pick whatever I wanted. I chose an anti-slip exterior porcelain tile in a sand color to brighten up the room. It’s a ¾-inch-thick, very durable, stain-resistant tile. I told you all of this before I had Brandon, the contractor, order it. You don’t remember any of this?”

“I guess I’ve been more preoccupied than I realized. My focus has been on the L.A. office, I guess.”

“Do we need to go down to the lower level to see the tile before it gets installed?”

“No, I’m sure it’s fine. I trust you.”

“Are you okay?”

He smirked. “Nothing that your magical hands and tongue can’t fix later.”

She rose from her desk and slipped her arms around her husband’s waist. “It’s a date. Now, would you like to grab some lunch with me and update me on the progress in L.A.?”

“That sounds wonderful. But let’s go out.”

“Out for lunch?” Grace asked. “Is it that bad?”

Mac chuckled. “No, I just thought that taking you away from all the chaos and noise would be a nice gesture.”

Grace looked at Mac and studied his face.

“What?” Mac asked when she said nothing.

“I’m just looking at the man I adore madly and thinking what a lucky woman I am that I get to call you mine. I’d love to go out for lunch. It’s just not something we typically do, but it sounds heavenly.”

Mac grinned. “It’s nice to know I can still surprise my wife from time to time.”

As they waited for Randall to bring the car around, Aislyn stumbled into the foyer wearing sweatpants and a baggy T-shirt. Her feet were bare, giving her a little bit of a homeless, hobo look. Yet, even without a stitch of makeup on, there was no doubt that Aislyn had the face of a model.

“Where are you two running off to?” she asked.

“I’m taking my wife out to lunch,” Mac answered a little more stiffly than he’d meant. “There’s a lot going on in the house today, and we need a break from the commotion.”

Aislyn nodded. “Andy’s coming over after his shift. Are you guys planning on eating dinner here?”

“Yes, and Andy is welcome to join us. Although I don’t know what Claudette has planned since the kids are being handfuls today,” Grace said.

“I guess I could go help her out with Thing One and Thing Two,” Aislyn joked. “Then maybe she’d make her lasagna.”

“Can’t hurt to ask,” Mac said.

After enjoying Caesar salads, an update on the new building in L.A., followed by a lighthearted conversation at Bella Luna Restaurant, Mac and Grace returned home. Before heading into their respective offices, Mac said, “Don’t forget we have a date tonight.”

“Magical tongues and fingers, how could I forget?” she said, wiggling her eyebrows seductively.

Grace spent the time after lunch dealing with invoices and financial reports, as well as a well-deserved pay increase for Kiersten Jorgeson, the head of the Copenhagen office.

After the conversation, Grace allowed herself a moment of two to close her eyes and reminisce about her whirlwind romance with Mac, culminating in their fairytale wedding at Nimb in Tivoli Gardens. It had been the happiest day of her life. Becoming Mrs. Stewart came with a promotion to COO at Stewart Enterprises. While she suspected there were still naysayers out in the business world who thought she had rapidly slept her way to the top, she had proved many times over that she was more than qualified for the position. Today, she felt particularly proud of negotiating several new contracts and making Kiersten Jorgeson feel appreciated for her part in the Copenhagen office's success since she’d taken over from Frederick Flemming.

When her eyes fluttered open, she was surprised to see Avery standing in the doorway.

“Oh, goodness! How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough to realize you were thinking, not cat-napping.”

Grace smirked. “How could you tell the difference?”

“Your facial expressions. Someone had a productive afternoon, I’m guessing?”

“Indeed, I did, Avery. And since I just finished speaking with Kiersten…”

“You had memories of your wedding floating around in your head,” Avery interrupted.

“It’s uncanny how well you know me, Avery,” Grace commented.

“Likewise. Anyway, I was poking my head in to remind you that I’m leaving early today.”

“Appointment?”

“You could call it that.”

“Ah, Nialls is back from his travels, and you’re going home for a booty call.”

“It’s so embarrassing when you put it like that, Grace,” Avery joked. But truth be told, it was refreshing to be able to be honest with his boss. “But, yes, I’m gonna jump his bones when I get home.”

“Go get ‘em!” Grace remarked.

“I intend to. Thanks so much for being the most amazing boss ever.”

“It’s truly my pleasure. You’re such an asset to the firm. A happy admin is a productive admin. Go, have fun!”

Hopefully, she’d have her turn for fun later.

Chapter Fifty

When the workday was finally over, Grace slipped off her heels and hung them by two fingers over her shoulder as she headed for the elevator. She should take the stairs. But she was feeling a little tired and very lazy. So, she pushed the up button and waited for the doors to open. When they did, Mac was standing there on the lift, grinning.

“I was just coming to rescue you from the office. Come on, I want to show you how beautiful the rooftop terrace looks. Javier has outdone himself.”

Grace sighed. She was sure it was lovely, but she really wanted to strip off her work clothes and put on some jeans and a T-shirt. However, her husband was being romantic, and far be it from her to rain on his parade.

The moment the doors closed, his hands were all over her body, and his lips planted kisses along the side of her neck. She felt herself go limp in his arms, and a throaty purr escaped her lips.

“Mmm, why do I get the feeling you had no intention of actually showing me the rooftop?”

“I actually did. But say the word, and I’ll stop this elevator so we can have our own private detour.”

“Stop the elevator, Mac.”

He pressed the emergency stop button, then he pressed Grace up against the wall. She dropped her shoes as his hands slid under her skirt and found the tiny scrap of fabric she passed off as underwear, pushing it aside. Her arousal was evident as he dipped his fingers into her with ease. Hearing the moan that his touch elicited made him hard with desire. He kissed her passionately while his hand worked its magic.

“I’ve been so hot for you all fuckin’ day, Gracie. I know you wanted to wait til later, but my need for you is making it hard to be patient.”

Her heart raced, and her breath became ragged as he added a third digit and used his thumb to stimulate her clit. Her hips moved in time with his erotic onslaught as her orgasm ripped through her body.

“Oh, my God, Mac! I’ve thought about you touching me like this all afternoon. I’m glad you didn’t wait. Fuck, I need you inside me!”

“How about some cock worship first, my sweet, slutty wife?”

Removing his hand from between her legs, she slid to the floor of the elevator, unzipped his trousers, and let his hard shaft spring free. Her hands gripped him firmly, guiding him into her mouth.

“Oh, fuck, that feels good!” Mac moaned as he leaned against the wall of the elevator cab and enjoyed the magic of his wife’s tongue as it did decadent things to him.

She looked up at him with seductive eyes as she took him into her throat.

“Oh, fuck, Grace, you’d better stop. We only have time for me to cum once, and I want to fuck that tight pussy!”

“If you insist,” she teased playfully. “How do you want me?”

“Stand up and put your arms around my neck,” he instructed. As she did, he lifted her up and slid her down onto his rigid manhood, impaling her.

“Oh, God, you feel so hot and wet.”

“Mmm, and you feel so fuckin’ hard.”

With little care for finesse, he pumped into her in a frenzied fashion. They panted and moaned as their animalistic mating brought them to the brink of orgasm.

“Cum for me, Grace! Cum hard on my cock!”

“Oh, yesss! Fuckkk!” she screamed.

Her orgasm shook her entire body and triggered his climax as he filled her with his seed.

She rested her head on his shoulder as their hearts beat wildly, and he held her in a close embrace. Then he let her slide down to a standing position as he pressed the button for the sixth floor.

“We’re a hot, sweaty mess, babe! Do we have time for a shower?”

“I suppose we could sneak in a quick one if you put that gorgeous hair up in a bun.”

“Can we look at Javier’s handiwork later?”

“Yes, he’s gone for the day, so you can peek at it before he comes back tomorrow to plant some new flowers by the main entrance.”

“Perfect. Wanna wash my back?”

“Grace…”

She laughed as the elevator doors opened to their private residence. “Mac…”

She scooped up her shoes and shot him a daring look. Grinning, he chased her into the bathroom, turned on the shower, and did more than wash her back.

Mac finished getting dressed first, so he headed downstairs to rescue Claudette from the tyranny of the littles. They’d been full of energy the past few days, and he suspected their chef/nanny would be exhausted. He stopped short at the entrance of the media room where Claudette watched the children, taken aback by the scene. Andy was giving Mimi a horsey ride, complete with neighing sound effects, while Aislyn was on the floor playing with DJ and his Hot Wheels.

Grace, having swiped on a bit of mascara and thrown her hair in a ponytail, approached quietly, wanting to see what had her husband’s undivided attention. She felt a little choked up by the sight as well.

“In my wildest dreams, I never imagined I’d walk in on something like this,” Mac whispered. “What has Andy done with my sister, and can we keep this version of her?”

“It’s not just Andy, though I give him the lion’s share of the credit. But she claims DJ has magical powers over her. I didn’t argue that point with her. If it helps make her a decent and tolerable person, she can think he’s Merlin the Magician.”

“The cat?” Mac scowled.

“No, the Magician. But speaking of Merlin, have you seen him?”

Just then, Claudette interrupted the scene. “That sweet little furball is having his supper, which is what the lot of you should be doing. Come along, children,” she said good-naturedly. “Lasagna awaits you in the dining nook.”

Aislyn looked up and laughed. “Grace, how are you not five hundred pounds with Claudette’s delicious cooking?”

“It’s not easy. I swear, I put on ten pounds the minute after I moved in here.”

“Well, you must hide it well,” Aislyn said, realizing a moment too late that she’d given her sister-in-law a genuine compliment.

Grace just smiled. Best not to make a big deal out of it, lest it bring out the snark in Mac’s sister.

Chapter Fifty-One

“Claudette, will you join us for supper?” Mac said, invitingly as they all sat down.

“Mais, non, merci. I’m off to the movies with Colette, who, by the way, is planning to cover for me next Tuesday when I have jury duty.”

“Well, thank you for the fabulous dinner. We’ll see you tomorrow!”

“Who is Colette?” Aislyn asked.

“Claudette’s younger daughter. Her older girl, Silvie, was our nanny in Europe. She is currently attending nanny school in London.”

“There’s a nanny school?” Aislyn asked incredulously.

“Yes, and it’s quite prestigious,” Mac answered, raising an eyebrow as if daring his sister to say something snarky.

She studied his face and picked up his vibe. “Cool.”

“So, Grace, and McKinley, um, Mac. There is something that I, that we wanted to discuss with you,” Andy said, stumbling over his words.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Andy. Why are you being so weird about this? We are all grown-ups, and we don’t need anyone’s blessing,” Aislyn announced, annoyed by Andy’s reticence.

“Oh, my gosh! Are you getting married?”

Aislyn scowled. “Oh, God no! I’m not ready for that! We just wanna move in together. At his place, not here. But I want to make sure I, well, we are still welcome to visit. You know, to see the kid, well, kids. I’m really fond of Thing One, and Thing Two is kinda growing on me. So, yeah, that’s about it.”

Mac looked at Grace and grinned. “I think I can speak for both of us when I say, congratulations. We think you make a great couple, and we are excited for you, right, Grace?”

“Absolutely! So, when are you planning to move out of here?” Please say as soon as possible, Grace prayed silently.

“This weekend would be good. We can get Aislyn’s things moved out of her room here, and then have the things she has in storage sent to us,” Andy remarked.

Mac nodded and looked at his sister. “Are you telling our mother?”

Aislyn’s face scrunched up with a look of disdain and annoyance. “I’m a grown ass woman. I don’t need her permission to live with Andy, and I don’t want her opinion.”

“I agree,” Grace offered. “Telling Lorraine would be a horrible idea.”

She’d try to convince Aislyn that Andy wasn’t right for her.

Grace looked at Andy and noticed he looked a little uncomfortable at the mention of Lorraine’s name.

“You okay, Andy?”

“I’ve never been better. However, in the spirit of full disclosure, Lorraine contacted me and told me that I was ruining Aislyn’s life. That she was a celebrity and that I had no business holding her back, expecting her to settle down with a cop of all things.”

I knew it! Grace thought.

Aislyn frowned. “That bitch! I should have known. What did you tell her?”

“At first, I was polite. But when she became progressively disrespectful, I told her to go fuck herself.”

“Fuck,” DJ repeated.

“Oh, hell, Grace, I’m sorry. Hey, little man. That’s not a nice word. Uncle Andy is sorry that I said that out loud. Never use that word, okay?”

“Okay.”

Mac tried hard not to snicker. Grace was amused, but tried hard to keep a firm demeanor.

“You’re forgiven, Andy. But only because you had the ba…gumption to stand up to the elder Mrs. Stewart. She’s a bully. And she doesn’t care about anyone but herself.”

Aislyn’s eyes met Grace’s. “You make it hard to keep not liking you.”

“Back at you. I mean, what kind of horrible sister turns civilized and wants to spend time with her niece and nephew?”

The corner of Aislyn’s mouth threatened to smile. “You make cute kids. They stare into my soul and make me want to be…decent. I have a feeling that they get that from you. It’s annoying, but there you go. It’s way more work than it's worth to keep hating you, Grace. I mean, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have even given Andy a second thought. But here I am, about to move in with him and give that domestic bliss thing a shot.”

“Nervous?”

“Scared out of my effin mind.” Turning to Andy, she added, “But totally worth trying.”

“I’m happy for both of you, and you are welcome to visit. The kids will miss having you here, so I’m glad you still want to be part of their lives.”

Aislyn rolled her eyes. “Don’t get mushy, Grace.”

Grace raised an eyebrow, then nodded.

Aislyn looked out the window as if staring into space. Her voice sounded almost childlike when she spoke. “How much?”

Grace’s heart hurt, knowing precisely what Aislyn meant. But she stayed silent, praying that whatever answer Andy gave wouldn’t send her sister-in-law into a tailspin.

“She offered me a million dollars to walk away,” Andy said softly.

Aislyn’s lips pursed, and she inhaled sharply. “Well, mother must believe you’re the real deal. She only offered $500,000 to Joel. He should have held out for more. I’m not a sure bet, Andy. You probably should have taken the money. A million dollars is a life-changing sum for most people.”

Andy took Aislyn’s hands in his and said, “Look at me. No amount of money could chase me away. If you decide tomorrow that you don’t want me, it would hurt like hell. But I’d never regret a moment that we’ve spent together. A million dollars wouldn’t make my life richer, but you do. You have helped heal my heart. I never thought I’d find someone I wanted to be with after Anna died. And then I met you—a pretentious, snotty, egotistical supermodel who took a chance and bared her soul to me. I don’t take that for granted. I doubt your mother understands you at all.”

Tears streamed down Aislyn’s face. Andy put his arms around her and held her close.

“Keep it up, Detective, and I could fall in love with you,” she whispered into his chest.

Andy grinned. “I’m counting on that, darlin’, because I’m already in love with you. Call me crazy, but I kind of like the whole high-maintenance thing you put on as a façade. It’s a heady feeling knowing that you’d let a guy like me into your life.”

Aislyn laughed and sat up. “A guy like you? You mean a strong, sexy, intuitive man who makes me want to drop the pretense of being a sophisticated snob? I like who I am becoming with you, Andy Compton. But I was wrong; I won’t be falling in love with you.”

Andy, Mac, and Grace frowned when Aislyn waited a beat to continue.

“Don’t look at me like that. I’m already in love with you, you moron.”

Mac felt a lump in his throat. Never in a million years did he think his sister’s icy heart would melt. Grace grabbed his hand and squeezed it knowingly.

Aislyn looked at Grace. “This is all your fault, you know. Despite how atrociously I have treated you since the moment I met you, you welcomed me into your home. I thought it was because I was broken, and it made you feel superior, causing you to pity me.  I came here because it was preferable to going back to Chicago and staying with Lorraine and Marcus. And I only slept with Andy because I thought it would annoy you. Plus, he had a thing for you in high school, and I wanted to prove I was better.”

Grace laughed as she wiped the kids’ hands and faces and let them loose from their highchairs. She was grateful that they were too little to understand all of this, but even more so that they would never know Aislyn as the hateful person she’d been before.

Aislyn continued. “Then your son, DJ, put a hex on me, and I found myself enjoying being here. I discovered I actually like my brother, and that I was falling for a man who didn’t see me as broken. And you!”

“Me?” Grace asked, tilting her head.

“You are the catalyst in all this, Grace. Without you, my brother would still be an obnoxious, whiny pud. Without you, there would be no adorable nephew with the power to make me want to get on the floor and play with Hot Wheels. Without you, there would be no New York City cop who figured out how to melt my icy exterior and find a real person underneath it all. You, Grace, are annoyingly responsible for changing my life.”

Grace was stunned; words escaped her.

Aislyn smirked. “Oh, look! I’ve rendered your wife speechless, McKinley.”

Mac laughed. “Oh, thank goodness! For a moment, I thought you’d forgotten how to be snarky, little sister.”

Laughter ensued, and Grace found her voice. “Well, I’m just grateful that you’re finally moving out,” she said, winking.

“Me too,” Aislyn replied. But the look between the women was unmistakable. They might never be friends, but a new level of respect would make their relationship a lot more comfortable.

Aislyn looked around to make sure the kids were out of earshot. “Well, thanks for dinner. We’re going to go to Andy’s place tonight so we can have hot, noisy sex.”

Mac’s face blanched, while Andy’s turned crimson with embarrassment. Grace raised an eyebrow and said, “Fabulous! With you out of the house, we can do the same.”

Aislyn burst out laughing. “Knock it off, Grace. I’m still trying really hard not to fully embrace liking you.”

“Ditto.”

Chapter Fifty-Two

Andy and Aislyn said their goodbyes to the kids and left.

“Okay, littles,” Grace announced. “It’s time to get jammies on and watch Toy Story.”

“Yay!”

Neither kid made it through the entire movie.

After the kids were tucked in for the night, Mac suggested they enjoy the quiet house that Grace had been looking forward to all day.

“Wanna get freaky with me, Gracie?”

“Mmm-hmmm. I’ll get Buzz,” she teased, referring to her vibrating wand. “I see you’ve already got Woody.”

Mac shot her a goofy grin. “Babe, I’ve had a Woody for you most of the day.”

Moments later, she lay on their luxurious king bed, her legs spread wide for him. With the wand trained on her throbbing clit, he coaxed her to several orgasms before she begged for mercy.

“Not a chance, Gracie. You’ll come a few more times for me before I fuck that hot, wet pussy.”

“Oh, God, Mac. I can’t…”

“You can. Go over again for me, Grace. Cum hard for me.”

Panting and writhing, her hips bucked and her back arched. Just when she thought she could take no more of this erotic onslaught, orgasm ripped through her body, and she sprayed her delectable juices, drenching Mac’s hand.

Staring at his gorgeous redhead, he brought his fingers to his lips, tasting her sweetness. Then, decadently, he offered them to Grace.

“Taste yourself, darling. You’re incredible.”

Smiling seductively, she opened her mouth and licked her nectar from his hand.

“Mmm… tastes like a pussy that needs to be fucked,” she purred.

Mac wasted no time; it was an offer he wouldn’t ever refuse. She looked so sexy lying there, opening herself for him, offering him what he craved the most.

Never breaking eye contact with her, he moved between her legs and allowed her to guide his stiff, thick shaft into her lush wetness.

“Mmm,” they moaned together, the simple act of joining making them both hot with need.

His initial moves were unhurried and deliberate as her body, in tune with his rhythm, met each thrust. It was almost as if they’d become one.

Passion and lust took over, and their gentle coupling became raw and animalistic.

“Fuck me hard, Mac!” Grace cried out. “Take what’s yours!”

“Mine,” Mac reiterated. “Only mine, always mine.”

Her hips rocked and her back arched as a wave of orgasm swept through her swiftly. The intensity triggered Mac’s climax. His balls tightly clenching, then releasing as he filled her with his seed.

“God, yes! Cum deep inside me!”

Soon after, when he held her in his arms, Mac sighed, kissed the top of her head, and whispered, “I love you so much, Grace. Every time I think I couldn’t possibly love you more, I’m proven wrong.”

Grace sighed and laid a hand on his chest. “I love you, too, Mac. You’re my whole world. I can’t imagine life without you.”

They lay together, enjoying the afterglow of their sated lust and love. Eventually, Grace sighed, “I need to get up and clean Buzz.”

“I can do that for you,” Mac offered.

“Thanks, but I also have to pee, and before you say something kinky, I’m not into that.”

He laughed. “Yes, I recall being very much on the same page with you on that when I asked you to tell me what you were into and what was on the nope list.”

“That seems like so long ago, doesn’t it?” she asked, dragging herself reluctantly out of bed.

“It does, and, in some ways, it was. The longer we are together, the more I forget that time existed before you, darling Grace.”

She looked back at him and smiled. “I agree. With one exception.”

“What’s that?” he asked, frowning.

“I never really expected to see Andy again, and now he is fucking your sister. Talk about worlds colliding.”

“Does that bother you?” he asked, wondering if it should bother him.

“Not at all,” she answered instantly, chasing all thoughts of concern out of Mac’s head. “He’s good for her. I’m actually a little sorry to see her go. I find that freakishly odd.”

“I’m just grateful that Andy has helped Aislyn become a decent person. It’s kind of nice not to have a sister that isn’t a stone-cold bitch.”

“She would argue with you on that. She’s convinced that it’s DJ’s magical, woo-woo powers making her feel like she wants to be a better person.”

“Well, maybe it’s a combination of both. However, I’d also note that you opened our home to her despite all her vitriol. I thought you’d lost your mind at the time, but I’m glad you insisted on letting her stay here. I think you took her by such surprise that she stopped to actually see you for who you are.”

“Oh? And who am I, Mr. Stewart?” she said, crawling back into bed with him.

“The best thing that ever happened to me.”

She felt her heart flutter. “You always know exactly what to say.”

“Nope, not always. But I’m getting better at it.”