I smiled as he spoke. “I love how you have that memory of me. Of us.” I paused briefly. “I can’t wait to make many more.”
He kissed the tip of my nose and held me, keeping me close to his chest as we continued laying there. Moments had passed before I remembered I never answered his question.
It was fast to be moving in together, but nothing about our relationship could be considered normal. After everything we had gone through to get here, I no longer cared. I didn’t care about the press or what the media would say about us. I didn’t care what other people would whisper about me or how they saw me. The only thing that mattered to me was, for the first time, I was with someone who knew exactly who I was. Alex saw all sides of me and loved me for it.
That was what mattered.
Chapter Thirty-One
Six Months Later…
“Is there a reason my late afternoon meeting was canceled?” I asked my new assistant, Shelby.
She looked up at me and blinked. “They had a prior engagement.”
I narrowed my brows at her, confused. “Did they reschedule?”
“Not yet.” It wasn’t that I didn’t trust her, but after finding out Chelsea was the mole in selling information and stories to the press, I had a hard time trusting anyone. As soon as the media came out with a pregnancy scandal of how I was having William’s baby, but Alex was going to raise it, I started going through her work emails. She was the only one who had overheard my phone calls and had access to my emails. Once I saw the emails she had been sending to the New York Post, I canned her ass.
However, her stories were completely falsified. I assumed my boring home life with Alex wasn’t juicy enough, so she made whatever she could up to sell stories to them.
“All right.” I shrugged it off. “Any other messages?”
“Yes.” Her face lit up and she smiled up at me. “Mr. Lancaster left you a message while you were out to lunch.”
I quickly checked my cell, not seeing any missed calls or texts from him. “Okay?”
“Well, actually, it was more of a delivery.” She bent down next to her chair and grabbed a white box with gold trim. “The message is in the envelope.”
I grabbed it from her and said, “Thanks.”
I grinned as I took it back to my desk. I ripped open the small card and flipped it over.
First clue… was all it said. I flipped it back over in between my fingers, but that’s all there was.
I opened up the box and inside was a small cake with pink frosting. On it was written Follow me to your next clue.
Was he sending me on a scavenger hunt?
I had thought about it for a minute before I realized the cake was from Sugar’s Sweets—his favorite bakery where he took me that first weekend he moved in. We’ve made it our routine to go in more often, making old traditions part of our new ones.
I grabbed my purse and ran out of my office, waving at Shelby and telling her I’d be gone the rest of the afternoon.
She looked suspiciously happy.
What are you up to? I texted Alex, but I had a suspicion he wasn’t going to tell me a thing.
I grabbed a cab to the bakery and once I made it inside, Sugar was behind the counter and greeted me warmly. “I bet you’re looking for this?” She smiled and handed me another white box.
“Thank you.” I smiled back. I opened the box to a pumpkin spice cupcake with cream cheese frosting—one of my favorites. Inside the lid of the box was another small card. I took a small bite of the cupcake and ripped the card open.
Sugar & Spice make everything nice, but what about Fire & Ice?
I waved to Sugar as I walked out and stood on the sidewalk, thinking about where he was sending me next. Fire & Ice…Fire & Ice…
As soon as it hit me, I waved for a cab and told him to take me to Rockefeller Center. Over Christmas, Alex took me ice skating for the first time—which, I ended up falling approximately a dozen times—but regardless, I had a blast. My ass was bruised and burned for a week.
I wasn’t sure what I was looking for now, so when I exited the cab I looked around for any kind of clue. As I walked around, a girl with bright red hair came up to me and finally handed me an envelope. Before I could thank her, she was gone.
I ripped it open and read the card. Seasons come and go, but our love will always continue to grow.
I smirked as I grabbed another cab and told them to take me to the Four Seasons on fifty-seventh. The same one he made me stay at. I was starting to feel anxious as I wondered what Alex was up to. Clearly, he was sending me places that we’ve been to or meant something to our relationship.
As soon as I walked inside, I went to the concierge desk where they handed me a package and room key.
I grabbed the card and read it. Every time I look at you, I see my future. Every time I touch you, I feel your love. Every time I lick my lips, I taste you. Only you.
I ripped open the package and found a pair of black stiletto heels. My eyes widened, and I sucked in my lower lip, wondering where he was sending me now.
Underneath the shoes, I found another note.
Meet me in room 1407…
I flipped the card over and read—Only wearing these shoes.
My eyes widened in surprise. Oh my god…
A wicked grin spread across my face as I took the elevator up to the fourteenth floor. I knew he could be a sneaky bastard, but nonetheless, butterflies surfaced as I thought about what he had planned for us.
I slid the key in and pushed the door open. On the table, next to a vase of red roses, was another card.
I want to look at you…touch you…and taste you when I arrive. Make sure you’re ready.
I looked around the room and noticed a desk near the bed. A desk where I always ended up sitting on as he knelt down and put his mouth in between my legs.
He wanted me to sit on it only wearing these shoes and wait for him…
I STRIPPED COMPLETELY naked and slipped on the black stilettos. I had no idea when he’d be arriving, so I sat on the desk and waited. Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait long. Anxious flutters surfaced as I heard the door open and shut. I left the lights off and the curtains were already closed, so the room was nearly pitch black.
A rush of excitement waved through me as I heard him slowly undoing his belt and the sound of shoes hitting the ground. His footsteps echoing became louder and louder as he entered the bedroom area and saw me.
“Spread your legs,” he ordered.
My lips curled up in anticipation as I pulled my legs apart, letting him see just how aroused I was. I watched his shadow as he stepped closer, getting a better look.
“Good girl. Let me see how wet you are.”
I slid my hand down in between my legs and rubbed a finger down, circling my clit. I watched as he watched me, him growing harder with every stroke I made. I could feel myself getting wetter so I pushed a finger in, just to see what he’d do.
“Christ, baby,” he growled, taking a step closer. I pulled out and pushed two fingers back in.
“Wanna taste it?” I teased, bringing them out to him.
He stepped forward wearing his shit-eating grin. “You know I do.” He grabbed my wrist and brought my fingers to his mouth, sucking and licking them clean. A hungry moan escaped his throat as he shoved my fingers in deeper.
He was keeping me waiting and I hated that. My body was buzzing, begging for his hands and mouth to be on me. He released my hand and started slowly unbuttoning his shirt. I watched as his eyes grazed up and down my body, his tongue licking over lips.
He threw his shirt off and knelt in front of me, spreading my legs even wider. “Hook your legs around me, sweetheart…” I did as he said, crossing my ankles around his neck. I felt him feather soft kisses on my thigh as his hand wrapped around my knee. He tilted his head up to lock eyes with me and smirked. “And don’t forget to hang onto the edge.”
As usual, he didn’t disappoint. I gripped the edge as I screame
“Stand up.” As soon as I did, he spun me around. “Hands flat on the desk,” he ordered, gently pushing my back down so my ass was against his front. With the added height from my shoes, he had complete access to me. “That’s it, sweetheart.”
I felt him rub in between my legs again, coating his fingers with my arousal. I moaned, whimpering his name. I was ready to feel him. I wanted him inside me.
“Alex…” I pleaded, spreading my legs out further. He removed his hand, and I heard him remove his pants and kick them off to the side.
“Tell me what you need, baby.”
“I want it hard,” I began. “Deep.” Then continued, “I want you to make me scream.”
He chuckled, pressing a hand to my back and roaming it up my spine. “Yes, all of it, sweetheart. But first…” he paused, wrapping a hand around my chest and palming my breast. “You need to find your next clue,” he said, pressing his lips to my ear.
“How do I do that?” I asked eagerly.
“Open the desk drawer.”
He leaned back as I slid one hand down the desktop and opened the drawer. Inside was a note. I only wear these with a collared shirt, but tonight, you’ll be wearing it.
I grinned although he couldn’t see and responded, “Your tie.”
“Good girl.” He leaned down and kissed down my back. I heard him grab the tie off his shirt and loosely brush it down my ass. “Pull your head up.” I felt him wrap it around my head, covering my eyes up. “Good.” He gently pushed my head back down and repositioned my body.
“It was already dark in here,” I said, wondering what he was really up to.
“It won’t be for long,” was all he said in response. I felt him walk away and seconds later, heard a light switch flick on. “I want to watch every part of you, sweetheart. But I want you to only feel. No watching. No touching. Only feeling.”
I gasped as I felt his hands on me again, gripping my hips, and pulling my ass out to him. He squeezed my cheeks, spreading me apart and stroking the tip of him against my clit. He continued working me until he was soaked with my juices and pushed inside, filling me deep and hard. I gasped, moaning out at the intense buildup he was creating.
“Let me hear you, Mac…” He quickened the pace, driving into me harder and faster. “Louder.”
I could feel the climax building stronger, his fingers gripping into my hips as I screamed out his name. “Yes, that’s it. Christ, baby. That was perfect.” I could hear our arousals mixing together as our bodies pressed into each other.
I cried out as he pulled out and grabbed me, carrying me in his arms. “Hold on.” I wrapped my arms around his neck, anxious to know where he was taking me. I felt him lay me in the middle of the bed sideways, so my legs and arms hung off the edge. “Keep your arms up, baby. Spread those legs.”
I felt his hands on me, rubbing in between my breasts, rubbing my nipples in between his fingers before sliding down and rubbing my clit again. My hips bucked in response, greedy to have him inside me again.
“Lift your legs.” His voice was deep, hoarse, and I complied immediately, putting them straight up in the air. I felt him position himself against me and push my legs toward my chest as he entered back inside me.
My body hugged him so tightly that I could barely take it. I knew I was close and wouldn’t last much longer. He kept the pace up, thrusting in and out until we came together screaming.
He pulled his tie off my eyes and smiled. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, Mac, but when you come…there’s just no describing it.” He leaned down and softly kissed my lips, resting his body in between my legs that were lying lifelessly on the bed.
“You sure have an infatuation with watching me come, don’t you?” I teased.
“My favorite thing in the world.” He flashed a sly grin.
He moved us under the covers and pressed our chests together as we lay there. My body needed a break, and I was ready to pass out.
“There is one more clue…” he said breaking the silence.
I tilted my head up to look at him with leery eyes. “If it requires any kind of heavy breathing or aerobics, I’m tapping out.”
He smirked, shaking his head. “It doesn’t. I promise.”
“All right. What is it?”
“It’s in the bathroom. Go find it.”
I sighed, wanting to lay there with him just a bit longer. “Okay.” I grabbed one of the sheets and wrapped it around my body, making my way to the bathroom. I had no idea what he was up to or what I was looking for, but the moment I flicked the lights on, I saw it…
“Oh my god…” I clasped my mouth with both hands as I read the message on the mirror.
Say yes.
I stood there, staring at the words written in red lipstick. I heard him behind me and quickly turned around to Alex kneeling down on one knee. I noticed he quickly put his pants back on as he held out a sleek, black ring box.
“Oh my god…” I said again, tears in my eyes as it finally sunk it what he was about to ask me.
“Mac…” He looked so fucking adorable, his voice so sweet and soft as he continued, “Sweetheart, will you marry me?”
I unclasped my hands and screamed, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” I laughed nervously as he smiled and stood up, pulling me into his arms. “Oh my god…” I panted, trying to catch my breath. “I can’t believe you planned all this!”
He cupped my face and brought his lips to mine, kissing me fiercely and without control. Slowly, he broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against mine whispering, “I love you.”
I smiled up at him and whispered back, “I love you, too.”
Epilogue
Alex
Four years and nine months later…
As I unbuttoned my chef’s coat, I stared at my beautiful wife and son sleeping peacefully in our bed. He was cradled by her side, with one arm wrapped over her swollen belly. Only two years old and he was already protective of his soon-to-be little sister.
Ever since opening up our new restaurant, Elizabeth Rose—named after both of our mothers—I’ve been working late making sure everything ran smoothly. Fortunately, Mac worked from home so she could stay home with Colton. Her boss had been very accommodating ever since the launch of her new baby and maternity fashion blog started bringing in ten times the advertising revenue than her old one.
“Mac…” I whispered. She didn’t budge, so I carefully picked up Colton and carried him to his own bed. I leaned down and kissed his forehead before turning the light off and shutting the door.
I walked to the bathroom and turned the shower on, needing to get the kitchen smell off me. I smiled as I thought about the events of my day. I never would’ve guessed five years ago that I’d be a chef at my own restaurant in New York City. Once my dad and I made amends, he signed my full trust fund over to me, and I went to culinary school. Once I finished, I spent months training with top chefs in five-star restaurants and learning new techniques that I eventually mastered and brought into my own restaurant.
It wasn’t just about getting to do something I loved, but we donate part of the proceeds to the Coalition for the Homeless. Customers have the option to donate extra money, sign up to volunteer, or donate goods. We’ve been able to bring awareness back to the city and that’s been the most important thing for Mac’s sake.
“Alex?” I vaguely heard Mac’s voice through the door.
“In here,” I called out, rubbing soap over my arms and chest. She opened the door and smiled as our eyes met.
“You didn’t wake me.”
“I tried,” I reassured. “But you sleep like the dead.”
“Oh. Guess I was more tired than I thought.”
“Wanna join me?” She opened the door just as I asked.
“Already planned on it.” She smiled. I leaned in and kissed her. ��So how was your day?” I asked as we stood under the stream of water.
“Great. Busy as usual.” I grabbed the shampoo and poured some in her hair, massaging my fingers into her scalp. “How was yours?”
“Well, it only took me five hours to finish one blog post because Colton wanted my attention every three seconds. Then I planned to work on it during his nap time, but he made me lay with him in bed until he fell asleep and then I ended up falling asleep instead.” I chuckled at her scowl. “Oh, your dad called. He’s invited us over for dinner this weekend for you to meet his new fiancée.” She smirked and let out a low laugh. “Anyway, we’re supposed to come at six. Will you be home on time?”
I narrowed my brows at her, curling my upper lip up. “Yes.” I sighed. “But I’m not calling her Mom,” I mocked.
She burst out in laughter, wrapping her arms around me. “I’m glad we can all be in the same room together at least.” She flashed a genuine smile. “It makes it easier for Colton. William’s his only grandparent,” she reminded me.
“I know.” I kissed her softly on the nose. We finished our shower and lay in bed together. I rubbed my hand over her belly and pouted. “She never kicks for me.”
“When she wakes me up at three a.m. kicking my ribs to death, I’ll make sure to wake you up.”
“We need to get you on a better schedule, kid,” I teased, rubbing my hand over her belly once more.
“We’re not going to call her kid, are we? She needs a name,” she pouted. We’ve been discussing names for months and we haven’t been able to agree on anything.
“Okay…tell me your list again.”
“Cora, Caitlin, Camila, and Cassie.”
“Why are they all C’s?”
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