Page 86 of Calling the Shots

I smirk. “I’m almost afraid to ask, Ulysses—” I draw out his fancy moniker, holding in a snicker. “But what’s your middle name?”

Mack groans, wrinkling his nose. “You don’t want to know.”

“Oh, but I do.”

“Fauntleroy.”

“What the hell?”

“Yeah, I know. Another family name.”

“Damn. Your parents hated you, huh?” I grab him by the shirt collar and pull his mouth to mine.

He kisses me long and hard, and relief seeps through me, trickling into every crack in my heart. Filling me up and making me—us—whole again.

Mack loves me. And I love him.

We’re fine.

Better than fine.

Tinsley’s his past, but I’m his future.

Winding his arms around me, Mack holds me close, his forehead pressed to mine. His breath feathers over my face as he stares into my eyes, the golden flecks in his irises shining.

“Thank you, Gracelyn. For forgiving me. I’m sorry if I hurt you—that was never my intent. I love you, baby.”

“I know,” I whisper, my fingers curling in his shirt. “I love you too. Now give me the grand tour of this guesthouse, will you? Because I have to get ready for dinner.”

The guesthouse is almost as impressive as the main house, with marble everywhere and more of the all-white color scheme with splashes of blue thrown in here and there. To coordinate with the rest of the property, I suppose.

There’s a huge bedroom with an en suite bathroom, complete with a soaking tub and walk-in shower with multiple showerheads. Plus a full kitchen, an office, and a home gym overlooking the pool.

“Too bad it’s so chilly. The pool’s amazing.” I peer through the window at the sparkling pool.

“It’s heated. We could swim if you want.”

“I didn’t bring a suit.”

“Wouldn’t stop me.” Mack winks and a hot blush flames my face.

“Ulysses Fauntleroy—that’s downright scandalous.” I cover my mouth, pretending to be shocked at the suggestion. Even though skinny-dipping with Mack is downright tempting.

“Call me that again and I’m throwing you in that pool fully clothed.” His eyes darken, and I wonder if he’s joking.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Don’t try me, Firecracker.”

“Fine.” I pout. “Only because I can’t afford to mess up my hair. I won’t call you that. But it is a fun name to say.”

He rolls his eyes, smacking me lightly on the booty. “Listen, I need to run up to the main house and talk to my dad. Do you want to come with me now or do you need more time?”

I take a quick glimpse in the mirror. “I’m going to change into a different dress and touch up my makeup. I’ll meet you at the bottom of the staircase in fifteen minutes.”

“Sounds good. Call me if you get lost and I’ll send out a search party.”

I slap him lightly on the chest. “Very funny. See ya.”

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