Page 67 of Coming Up Aces

Rayna pushed on his shoulder so he was lying on his back. She draped herself across his chest. “I love you too, Ash. So very much. I’m looking forward to every second of our lives together.” Rayna kissed him, filling him with the love she vowed.

Ace lie awake with his mate asleep in his arms. He couldn’t turn his brain off. Nor could he get his dick to go down. Now that his libido had awakened, it was raring to go with no provocation other than Rayna’s scent in his nose. She awoke around three and climbed off the bed, padding naked to the bathroom. After the toilet flushed, the water in the sink ran for a bit, and when she returned a few minutes later, the combined smell of their orgasms was gone. She slid under the cover, snuggling back into his side.

“Hi.” Rayna nuzzled his neck with her nose as she ran her fingers up his hard length. “Ready for round two, or do you want my mouth?”

How was this his life? Both sounded amazing, but he wanted something he’d seen in a video.

“I’d love for you to ride me.”

Rayna straddled him, lowering down on his erection. Using her thigh muscles, she set a slow, sensual pace. She lifted his hands to her breasts, and Ace kneaded the tissue, rolling her hard peaks. His mate moved up and down, then rotated her hips in a figure eight. She kept her eyes glued to his, and whenever Ace groaned, Rayna took note of what pleased him and did it over and over. He lasted much longer than the first time, and when this orgasm hit, it wasn’t as explosive, but it was just as mind-blowing. She found her release as well, and when they came down from their high, she suggested a shower. They silently washed each other, sharing gentle caresses and soft kisses. Ace was afraid to go to sleep. He just knew this was all a fantastical dream, and when he awoke, it wouldn’t be real.

The next morning proved it was so very real when Rayna woke him with her mouth around his morning wood. When he offered to return the favor, she smiled and said she’d rather have coffee. When he frowned, Rayna laughed. “I always want you, Ash, but I’m sated for now.” They dressed in shorts and T-shirts, then retreated to the kitchen where she sat on the counter sipping her morning go juice while Ace whipped up some breakfast. Every time he looked at Rayna, she giggled, and he chuckled along with her. He felt so much younger than his fifty-two years.

As they shared bacon, eggs, and biscuits at the kitchen island, Rayna wiped her mouth with a cloth napkin. “I was thinking…” She took a sip of coffee, and when she set the mug down, she reached for Ace’s hand. “I think we should have the same last name for when we have children.”

“Rayna McMurray? It does have a nice ring to it. Speaking of rings…” Ace stood, held up a finger, then disappeared for a few seconds. When he returned, he pulled her down from her stool, got down on one knee, and held out a black box. He opened thelid to reveal a band with alternating diamonds and onyx. “We’ve already tethered our shifter lives together with our mate bond, but I’d love nothing more than to officially make you my wife. Will you marry me?”

Rayna held out her left hand, and Ace slid the ring on her finger. “I would be honored.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Rayna

December

When Rayna andAsher visited Fern in Arizona back in August, it took less than half an hour before her grandmother was ready to pack up and move to New York. Since she and Asher had purchased a new home not far from Glory and Ripley, Asher’s house was sitting empty. They had planned to sell it, but once Fern decided to move, they’d gifted the house to her. Although she was older than Regina, Fern and Rip’s mom got along too well. She and Rory had also struck up a tight friendship, comparing notes as the two eldest females of the bunch.

She and Asher along with Glory, Ripley, and Gran were at their new home, getting the house ready for Christmas. The males had gone out and cut down a tree from the woods on their property. Rayna shook her head at her grandmother as she leaned around Rayna to get a good look at Asher and Ripley. Fern Bellamy was just as in love with Ash as Rayna was, and the older woman wouldn’t stop ogling the male. Glory giggled at Fern’s antics, especially when she turned her eyes toward Ripley and let out a “hubba hubba” at his popping biceps as he carried in the large cedar tree.

The last few months had brought many changes to Rayna’s life. While she and Vanessa were still close, Rayna now had more friends than she knew what to do with. When she resigned from the FBI, she had no idea how she would fill her days, but Raynadidn’t have time to be bored. The Hounds rode often, sometimes in large groups, sometimes just a few couples. December temps had already dropped, but that didn’t stop them from taking the bikes out often. She and Glory were tight, and Rayna spent many hours listening to her friend sing and play piano. Rayna and Rhi joined in whenever a large group was gathered.

At Ripley’s birthday party in October, Glory announced she was pregnant, and Rayna couldn’t be happier for the female. Rayna and Asher had been trying for their own little one, but so far it hadn’t happened. They were married in a small ceremony in their new backyard. Gran and Ripley’s parents, as well as a few of the Hounds and their mates were present. Rhiannon gifted Rayna with a stunning floral arrangement she’d made herself. Marshall and Mateo carried their rings, while Major came behind tossing pink rose petals in the air, garnering laughs from the crowd. Glory sang acapella as Conrad escorted Rayna down the aisle toward Asher.

The ceremony was short yet sweet, and after, a party ensued as it often did when their group gathered. Regina and Fern provided the food. Kerrigan set up the bar, playing mixologist. Sadie and Hayden tag-teamed a stunning three-tier cake, which Hayden had airbrushed with lifelike renditions of Ace’s Lion and Rayna’s Cheetah. Lucy played DJ, running the songs from her laptop, which was connected to speakers Tamian had placed around the yard. The only downside to the day was not having Vanessa with her. Both kids had come down with a virus, giving it to Vanessa in turn. Seth, who had been promoted to assistant director, was home taking care of his family. Rayna had forgiven her former partner for lying because he was trying to protect her.

“Rayna, is this okay?” Asher asked, bringing her back to the present. He and Ripley had the tree in the stand set up in the corner of the room. Since they were in the middle of fifteen acres, there was no one around to see the tree through the frontwindow, and Rayna wanted it where she and Ash could enjoy it while lounging on the sofa.

“Perfect.” Rayna couldn’t wait to decorate the tree with the blue and silver baubles she and Gran had purchased Saturday when they’d spent the day together in New Latham. They first visited Vanessa for a mini spa day, then they had lunch at a new bistro. Afterward, they drove to Albany and bought enough decorations for both houses. Seth had dropped by the salon with the kids so they could visit with their Auntie Rayna. He asked her several times if she was certain she didn’t want to come back to the FBI. As much as she missed working with her old partner, she was happy with her new life.

The front door opened, and Regina called out, “The party can start now.”

Glory jumped to her feet and ran to her mother-in-law as though she hadn’t seen her the day before. Rayna got it. Growing up with a mother like Marjorie, Glory hit paydirt when Rip’s mom came into her life.

Gran was kicked back on the sofa, her socked feet on the coffee table, with a glass of wine in hand. She didn’t bother to get up when Regina entered the room. Instead, Fern raised her glass in greeting.

“You started without me?” Regina chided.

“Yep. I figured you and that hot mate of yours might be delayed.”

Glory giggled, and Regina elbowed her playfully. “Don’t encourage her.” Then she whispered in Glory’s ear, “She’s not wrong, though.” Glory slapped a hand over her mouth, trying to smother her laugh. The older couple were still crazy in love, and Rayna knew she and Asher would be the same when they too were looking at being grandparents.

Rayna followed Regina into the kitchen and poured her a raspberry margarita. Asher had taught Ray how to mix thedelicious drink since it was her favorite. Gran preferred wine over fruity drinks, and Glory was sipping ginger ale. Rayna was topping off her own glass when the doorbell rang. They weren’t expecting anyone else, but it also wasn’t unusual for one or more of the Lazlo couples to drop by. They usually called first, but Rayna didn’t mind having more company. She and Regina returned to the den to find Sutton holding a toddler and Rory holding a little boy’s hand.

When Asher and Ripley joined them, the little boy turned loose of Rory’s hand and ran to Asher, who picked him up, no questions asked.

“Let me get his coat off,” Rory said. Asher held the boy while Rory unzipped the small coat. Once it was off, the boy shoved a thumb in his mouth and laid his head on Asher’s shoulder. Rayna’s heart melted seeing her mate’s inked hand stroking the boy’s back.

“Who are they?” Rayna asked. Rory’s eyes were wet, and she tried to blink back the tears but failed.

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