Epilogue

ELODIE

I lightly slapped Hannah's hand away from the tray of cookies. "Those are for tonight!" I admonished.

Hannah stuck out her tongue. "I've only eaten one!"

"Try three, going on four. Those are Mac's favorites."

"Oh, well, we can't make Mac mad." Hannah winked. "He might take me out back and spank me."

I rolled my eyes, even as I laughed. Mac might be into spanking, but Hannah and I both knew he was only interested in spanking me.

Hannah and I had been preparing for the housewarming party all afternoon. Mac had been helping us, but his agent had called him as he'd been cutting up veggies to talk about something that sounded important. Although I couldn't help but wonder if Andrea had been asked to call him so Mac could get out of party preparation duties . . .

"How many people are coming tonight?" Hannah asked. She gazed at the huge spread of food on the dining room table. "Because I'm pretty sure this is enough to feed an army."

"Hockey players are pretty much an army. They inhale food like Pac-Man." I reviewed my list for the thousandth time, ensuring I hadn't missed anything. "Shit! The hummus!"

"I'll get it." Hannah went to the kitchen and returned with three different tubs of hummus. "All of these?"

"Yeah." I began opening them. "I wasn't sure what flavor people preferred . . ."

Hannah stopped me, squeezing my upper arm. "Babe, it's gonna be fine. Great even. It's just a housewarming party, not a wedding."

I knew that. I'd told myself that, but I still wanted to leave a good impression with all of Mac's teammates and friends. Even though he'd assured me that everyone would be happy with just chips and beer, I hadn't been so optimistic about the whole thing.

"But what if people get bored and leave early?" I asked, almost talking to myself. "Should I have made it a dinner party instead? Maybe finger foods aren't enough."

"Oh my God, Elodie, chill." Hannah rested her hands on my shoulders, forcing me to face her. "Go get a glass of wine and sit down. I'll finish up here."

I didn't have the energy to protest, so I nodded and followed Hannah's instructions. After one and a half glasses of wine, I felt a tiny bit calmer.

"Is Mac still on the phone?" Hannah asked as she dipped a carrot in one of the tubs of hummus.

"I guess so. I should go check on him."

Hannah waved a hand. "It's fine. I wanted to have some time with you alone." She sat down in a chair and pointed at me to sit, too. "I like what you guys have done with the place."

I smiled. I'd moved into Mac's house—now our house, of course—about a month ago. Although he'd added more furniture since we'd started dating, the place still lacked character. When I'd started putting up photos and artwork, Mac had protested a bit until I'd reminded him it was my house now too.

Behind Hannah was one of my favorite pieces. It was a red ribbon on a dark background. One end of the ribbon was floating in the wind, while the other end was twisted into a loop that would fit around somebody's wrists. It was a subtle nod to our BDSM lifestyle, but not so in your face to make people uncomfortable. When I'd first brought it home, Mac had just raised an eyebrow and then chuckled.

"It looks more like a home, right?" I said, nodding. "What is it with guys and not decorating?"

Hannah shrugged. "No idea. They save up thousands for a down payment for a house, and then only buy a bed, a TV, and maybe an air fryer if they're feeling fancy."

I laughed, shaking my head. "What's the worst place you've been to?"

"Oh God. Um, probably the guy who was using cardboard boxes for all of his furniture? With the mattress on the floor, just to add to the ambience. Best part? The dude was the CEO of a multibillion-dollar company."

"No! Seriously?"

"Seriously." Hannah wrinkled her nose. "I had one drink and ditched him when he proudly told me he washed his sheets once a year."

We giggled like teenagers. Ever since moving in with Mac, I hadn't had as much time to see Hannah. I didn't even know if she was dating anyone.

"Brady is supposed to be here tonight," I remarked, trying to sound sly.

"That's nice," Hannah replied. "Is he still single?"

"As far as I know, yeah."

"Well, I'd imagine he's not the type of guy to commit to one woman. So his definition of ‘single' might be pretty loose."Hannah shrugged a single shoulder. "What about Mac's parents? Are they coming? I know you mentioned you invited them."

I winced inwardly. Mac had reached out to Bob and Judy Mackenzie to let them know we'd moved in together and to extend an invite, but they were noncommittal at best—said they'd think about attending. We hadn't heard from them since, which was close to a month now. I'd tried to get Mac to follow up with them, but he'd been too hurt by their lack of interest.I suspected they weren't happy about our living together out of wedlock, considering their religious beliefs.

"I doubt they're coming." I sighed.

"I thought Mac and his parents were working on their relationship?"

"I mean, it's better than it used to be. But they're still not close. I've tried talking to them on Mac's behalf, but Mac got pissed when I told him. So now I just stay out of things."

"That sucks." Hannah frowned. "But I do agree with Mac that you should probably let them figure it out themselves. You're still the outsider, after all."

"Thanks," I said dryly.

I was about to press Hannah on her dating life when my phone rang. Roy Fink flashed on the screen. My old boss had called me twice earlier this week already. I'd been dodging his calls because I didn't want to deal with him. What was there left to say, anyway? I'd quit and moved on. So I didn't understand why Roy kept trying to get ahold of me.

"Are you going to answer that?" Hannah asked, pointing at my phone.

"No. Why should I?"

"Has he been calling you before now?"

I avoided Hannah's gaze. "Maybe."

"Elodie. Come on. Bite the bullet."

Before I could react, Hannah grabbed my phone and answered the call. "Elodie's right here," she said before holding out the phone to me.

I cursed her under my breath and took a deep breath before bringing the cell to my ear. "Hi, Roy."

"Elodie!" His voice was so loud that I didn't even need to put my phone on speaker to hear him. "Finally! I thought you were dead in a ditch somewhere."

Hannah snort-laughed.

"Nope, still alive. Just busy," I replied.

"Well, you got time for me, or not? I have an offer you can't refuse." He chuckled.

"As long as you aren't going to put a horse head in my bed when I say no," I joked.

"Why would you say no? This is an amazing chance for you. I want you to come back to The Tea . I'll pay you double. You'll get the best assignments. You can interview whoever you want."

I hadn't expected that kind of offer. I stared at Hannah. Her eyes widened in surprise as well.

I'd gotten a handful of offers from other tabloids after the Mac interview, but I'd turned them all down. Quitting The Tea had been such a weight off my shoulders. I'd realized that following around celebrities to find dirt on them had been too stressful for me. And it wasn't what I wanted to write about, anyway.

"That's very nice of you," I started to say. "But..."

" Nice ? It's amazing." Roy grumbled. "I've never offered anybody a job like this, not even close."

"Be that as it may . . . I'm still not interested. I'm sorry, Roy."

"Why not?" he snapped. "Why the hell not?"

I thought about it for a moment. Was it worth being honest? Hannah gestured at me to speak.

"Roy, I never liked writing for tabloids," I said, sitting up straighter. "It's a huge emotional drain. I always felt icky doing it. Sure, these people are rich and famous, but don't they deserve their privacy, too? I always felt like I was compromising my own morals, and I was tired of it."

Roy was quiet for a long moment. Eventually, he sighed. "You know, I think that might be the most honest you've ever been with me."

I made a face. "Your tone isn't making that sound like a good thing..."

"Maybe it is. What the hell do I know? Not much, except it's fuckin' annoying being turned down. Though I appreciate your honesty nonetheless. And if this job isn't what you like, fine. I'd rather hire somebody who wants to hustle."

"Thank you. I think."

"But if you change your mind, just give me a call."

"Okay."

We hung up after that, and I stared down at my phone, nonplussed. Even Hannah didn't say anything.

"Well, that was . . . interesting," she finally said.

I shook my head. "I think I need another damn glass of wine."

Hannah laughed and went to the kitchen. She poured two glasses of pinot grigio and passed me one. "So...what are you going to do for work now? I don't see you living off Mac's dime either."

"I'm writing a romance novel, actually."

Hannah's eyes widened. "Seriously?"

I blushed a little. I hadn't told anyone besides Mac that I was writing fiction. I'd been apprehensive at first, but as I'd gotten started, I'd realized how much I'd enjoyed it. "It's the romance-novel version of my story with Mac," I said.

"Ooh, whips and chains and all?" Hannah asked.

I laughed. "Of course. Do you see me writing some sweet and clean romance with closed-door sex? No way. Lots of fucking and all the details."

Mac finally came back downstairs. He apologized for having been on the phone for so long. "Andrea would not shut the hell up," he said, grimacing. He kissed my forehead, and his eyes roamed my face. "Your cheeks are pink. How much wine have you had, baby?"

"Enough to enjoy this party now." I chuckled. The doorbell rang, and I shot up. "Time to get this shindig started!"

People began arriving in quick succession. Before long, the house was filled with most of the Blades, along with Coach Dallas and his wife. Although there were only fifteen players, they were such big guys that it felt like twice as many people were packed in our huge house.

"How are you two doing?" Elise Dallas, the coach's wife, walked over. She looked around. "This place finally has some warmth to it.The last time I was here, the house was so sparsely decorated that I thought Mac was moving."

Elise was tall, thin, and blond, but she had warm eyes that belied her icy beauty. When I'd first met her, I'd thought Coach had married a woman half his age. It was only later that I learned she and Coach were actually the same age. I'd been tempted to ask Elise about her skincare routine because whatever she was using clearly worked.

Coach Dallas, on the other hand, looked his age. He had a handsome face, but he was balding and had a bit of a pot belly. Despite that, everyone could tell he and his wife still adored each other.

Mac came up and slid his arm around my waist. "We're doing great."

"What was it like moving in together?" Elise asked, her lips quirking. She turned toward her husband. "I remember when we first moved in together. That was after we got married, of course. My parents would have had a heart attack if we'd done it any earlier. But I remember wondering if I'd made a huge mistake, marrying a guy who couldn't put his socks in the hamper."

Coach Dallas grunted. "I'm well trained now. You've taught me the error of my ways."

I laughed. "Fortunately for me, Mac knows where the hamper is." I patted his chest. "Now, the dishwasher? We're still working on that one."

Mac protested. "I just unloaded the dishwasher last night!"

"After I asked you to three times." I patted him again, which earned me a growl that made everyone else laugh.

"God, you're so damn whipped now." Mac's buddy Brady joined our group. His gaze was on Mac as he shook his head. "I never thought I'd see the day."

"You mean that I'm happy and in love and not bouncing from bed to bed?" Mac replied, his tone wry.

Brady shrugged. "You make it sound like that's a bad thing."

Mac's gaze turned to me. "Someday, you'll understand. You don't know what you're missing until you've found the person you're meant to be with."

I blushed, pleased with my man's response. Brady groaned, and Coach and Elise looked amused.

"I heard your daughter is returning to town," Mac said to Elise. "You must be happy about that."

"Grace? Oh yes, we're thrilled. We've missed her so much," said Elise.

I couldn't miss the change in Brady's normally cool expression. His grip tightened on his beer bottle to the point that I could see his knuckles whiten.

"Was she away at school or something?" I asked.

Coach nodded. "She just graduated from college. Summa cum laude. Luckily, she takes after her mother when it comes to brains. She's moving back to LA to do an internship for the team."

"Seriously?" Brady said. "For the Blades?"

Elise raised an eyebrow. "You don't sound pleased. Do you have a problem with that?"

Brady rubbed the back of his neck. "Me? No. No problem. Grace has nothing to do with me." He looked around the room. "I'm gonna grab another beer. I'll catch you later."

Not long after, Mac and I had a moment to chat alone in the kitchen while everyone else was in the living room or outside on the deck. "What was that about?" I asked. "With Brady?"

"What about him?" Mac popped some chips into his mouth.

I put my hands on my hips. "Seriously? He looked like he was going to have a stroke when Coach mentioned Grace was interning at the Blades."

"I didn't notice."

I rolled my eyes. Men never noticed these things. "Brady looked pissed. Or upset, or something. Do they have a history?"

"I have no idea." At my expression, Mac chuckled. "Babe, I really don't know. Guys don't talk about this shit with each other. But"—he ate one more chip and then continued—"if there is something, I'll find out and tell you as soon as I can, okay, my little gossip-hungry queen?"

I was somewhat appeased. Maybe I'd been imagining things. But now that Mac knew to look out for any information, I knew we'd get to the bottom of whatever this was sooner or later.I guess it was the old reporter in me.

Actually...this would make a great story for a romance novel , player and the coach's daughter . But only if my hunch was wrong about Brady's interest in Grace. The last thing I wanted to do was piss off Mac's best friend and his coach by getting too close to the truth again.

The doorbell rang. Mac and I looked at each other.

"I thought everyone was here?"

He shrugged. "I lost track after the third time the bell rang."

We went to the door together. To our shock, we opened to find Mac's parents.

"Dad. Mom," Mac's voice was hoarse. "You're here?"

"Hi, sweetheart." His mom smiled. "Sorry we're late."

Mac's father had his arms crossed over his chest, and based on his expression, he didn't seem too pleased to be here.

"I didn't think you were coming," Mac said.

"You invited us," Bob scowled. "It wasn't like you gave your mother a choice."

Judy elbowed her husband. "We're delighted to be here. And we also came to say something. Didn't we, Bob ?"

Mac and his father stared at each other. I could feel the tension hovering around all of us. Eventually, Bob sighed and uncrossed his arms. As if it weren't shocking enough that the man gave in first, Mac's father reached out and pulled his son into a bear hug.

I could tell Mac didn't know how to react. Judy had tears in her eyes. When Mac finally relaxed and hugged him back, I was relieved. Maybe this is the real start of a new beginning , I thought.

The two men pulled away, but Bob still had his hand on Mac's shoulder. "I saw your interview," Bob explained, glancing at me. "I was impressed, son. I realized that life is too short to stay away from family. I knew I couldn't refuse your invitation to come. I'm just sorry we're late."

Mac swallowed. "Dad . . ."

His father held up a hand. "I'll never totally understand your lifestyle, and I'll always pray for you. But you're my son, and I just want you to be happy." Bob wiped his eyes and stepped back a little. "You know that, right?"

"I know that now." Mac pulled me toward him, and I hugged him close. "Elodie is the one who gave me the courage to be my authentic self, though. She was also the one who wanted me to invite you guys today."

Judy smiled at me. "Then she's clearly a good influence on you. Family is everything."

Bob stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Thank you for loving our son."

I had to dash a few tears from my eyes. After, I hugged both Mac's parents, and then I hugged and kissed Mac, which made our little foursome laugh, breaking the tension from earlier.

"Come on, Pop." Mac swung an arm around his dad's shoulders. "You should meet the team."

Mac and I made the rounds, introducing his parents to all of our guests. Coach Dallas and Elise were speaking with them both when our doorbell rang— again.

"What the hell?" Mac said. "Who's left?"

I laughed. "I don't even know anymore."

We went to the door, and now it was my turn to be shocked. My uncle Jose and aunt Maria stood there, both holding platters of food.

"Elodie!" Jose shouted my name. He tried to hug me, but the platter in his hands made it awkward. "We're here! Sorry we're late."

"Traffic was terrible," Maria bemoaned.

Mac leaned to me and whispered, "I invited them. I hope that's okay."

I hadn't seen my aunt and uncle since I'd had lunch with them. We'd texted a few times, but I hadn't known how to proceed with the relationship. I'd considered inviting them to the party, but I hadn't found the courage.

"No, it's okay. It's great." I turned to my aunt and uncle. "I'm so glad you're here."

A little while later, a few of my cousins showed up, too. Our house was filled to the brim with people. Jose and Maria made sure everyone tried the lumpia they'd brought. Everyone raved about them, and it didn't take long for the two huge platters to empty.

Even Bob and Judy couldn't help but fall under the spell of my aunt and uncle. Jose and Maria were so warm and welcoming, asking Bob and Judy all kinds of questions about Mac and their family.

"Your parents are great," Jose said to Mac. "Your dad is a funny guy."

Mac blinked. "My dad? Funny?"

"He's hilarious. He told us all about the time you and your brother nearly lit your house on fire." Jose chuckled. "Great storyteller, that guy. He sounds like he could be a great public speaker."

I had to stifle a laugh. Mac shook his head, amused.

"You have no idea," Mac said wryly. "No damn idea."

Jose and Maria found me alone later and peppered me with questions about moving in with Mac. I shared that I was writing a novel, and they were so thrilled that they told me I had to send them the completed draft immediately when I'd finished it. They also vowed to tell everyone they knew that their niece had written a book.

"It's not even done yet!" I laughed.

"So what? You'll finish it," Aunt Maria said proudly. "And it'll be a bestseller. I bet I'll see it at Walmart."

"And your aunt will buy up every last copy." Jose winked at me.

As I watched everyone at our party mingle, talk, and laugh, I couldn't help but wonder at the nature of forgiveness. I'd been reluctant to know my extended family because I'd been holding on to the past. I'd thought I was being loyal to Mom. But had I kept them at arm's length because I'd just been afraid of rejection?

Seeing Mac start to forgive his parents made me realize that I could forgive my family, too. I was already looking forward to getting to know them, and starting anew.Wasn't that what made life amazing? The ability to start fresh, not letting your past define your future? I could've stayed with Todd instead of taking the leap into Mac's arms. What a tragedy that would've been.

My heart filled as I watched Mac on the other side of the room. Sometimes I felt like I didn't deserve him, but I wasn't letting him go either. I could only be grateful that we'd found each other.

I collapsed onto our bed, sighing with exhaustion. "Is everyone gone?"

He grinned. "Yes, dear. The house is empty."

"Finally."

"I never knew you were such an introvert."

"It's been a long time since I've hosted a party with this many people."

Mac lay down next to me. "You did an amazing job, baby."

"You too." I brushed the hair out of Mac's eyes. "Were you happy to see your parents?"

"Yeah. I think we actually might be able to start over. I didn't think that'd ever happen." I could see a variety of emotions shining in Mac's eyes. Before I could respond, though, he climbed on top of me, his grin devilish now.

"I've been waiting all evening for people to leave." He began to pull my blouse over my head.

I laughed. "Aren't you tired?"

"For you? Never."

My own tiredness disappeared quickly. I let myself fall under Mac's spell. He stripped me naked, kissing and sucking all of my sensitive spots, before turning me onto my stomach. He then tied my wrists and blindfolded me.

I inhaled sharply, excitement bubbling in my stomach. I heard Mac get off the bed. A few seconds later, he returned, and the touch of a feather traced a line down my spine. After, Mac smacked my ass with the feather whip, making me gasp.

"I've been wanting to paint your ass red all night," he growled. Mac whipped me again, and again, and I groaned, letting him have his way with me. He alternated between soft touches and harsh smacks. One second, I only felt pleasure; the next, the sting of pain. The variety of sensations made me squirm, and I grew desperate for Mac to touch me.

" Please . Please, Mac. I want you."

But Mac ignored my begging. Instead, he pulled me up by my hair and kissed my neck. When he bit the sensitive skin, I moaned and writhed.

"Spread your legs," Mac commanded.

I did so eagerly. His fingers danced down my back, spreading my ass cheeks. When he reached between my legs, he cursed.

"So fucking wet for me. I bet I could make you come in ten seconds. But I don't think I will..."

"Mac . . ."

I could feel the edges of an orgasm building quickly, though Mac wasn't going to let me get off that quickly. He danced around my clit, dipping a finger into my pussy before pulling out again. I pushed against his hand, desperate to get more pressure against my clit.

For my insolence, Mac slapped my ass three times, hard and fast. "Behave," he growled.

I loved it. I wanted him to smack me more. I wanted him to fuck me. I buried my face in the duvet and moaned.

Mac moved, then suddenly, his tongue was inside my pussy. I squealed. Mac had to hold me down, which only made me thrash harder. He suckled my clit, thrusting two fingers inside me and fucking me until I couldn't breathe.

My orgasm hit hard and fast. Mac drew it out until I was sure my bones had liquefied. He flipped me over and pushed his cock inside my still quivering pussy. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders as he buried himself in one deep thrust.

"Fuck, Elodie," he groaned. "You feel like heaven." He kissed me, lifting my hips to get a more intense angle. Before long, a second orgasm was building. Mac increased his speed, and it was all I could do just to hold on. He swore as he came inside me. Hot cum filled me up, and I gasped and writhed my way through another release.

After, Mac held me close as we both came down from our orgasms. He kissed my forehead, then my lips, telling me how much of a good girl I was, and he untied my wrists and kissed my hands. I reached up to take off my blindfold, but he stopped me.

"Keep it on." I heard the smile in his voice. "But from here on out, you're not my sub anymore. You don't have to do anything if you don't want to."

"Okay . . ."

He gave me one last quick kiss and left the bed. I shivered, the cooling sweat on my body making me cold without Mac's heat to keep me warm.

Mac returned and helped me sit up. I waited, my heart beating with anticipation.

"Elodie Andrews," he said, his tone suddenly serious. Something cool slid up my ring finger, then Mac moved off the bed. "Take off your blindfold, babe."

I did. And found Mac down on his knee. A giant diamond ring sparkled from my finger.

"Will you marry me?" he asked, his eyes shining.

I didn't hesitate, didn't even have to think about the question. I wanted nothing more than to spend my life with this man. I threw my arms around Mac's neck and cried out, "Yes! Of course I'll marry you!"

Mac kissed me. "You're mine forever now."

I smiled. "The ring is just a formality. I've been yours since the moment we met."

THE END

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