She sent him a look of gratitude. He saw a glint of her confidence return to her warm gaze. Julius smiled, happy to see her reaction. He liked to see her self-assured and strong. She should always feel that way, especially around him. “Are we going to the zoo now?” Aria asked after giving their parents ample time to stare into each other’s eyes. For Phase Four, it was important to encourage their parents’ interaction, but knowing their mother had never been actively pursued romantically, they didn’t want her overwhelmed. Luckily, their father seemed to understand and was being very gentle. There was no doubting the passion in his gaze. Aria wanted to clap and dance for joy, but refrained. She and Caden had to keep cool heads if their plan was to work. Julius cleared his throat, remembering their audience, and said, “Yeah, let’s go to the zoo, so your mother can work in peace.” “You two be good,” Macey knelt, giving each a hug
“I thought you lived in Paris.” “We do,” Aria answered. “Maman travels a lot for work, and we go with her. We’ve been to Barcelona, Milan, Venice, Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Dublin… We’ve been to a lot of places.” Caden quietly nodded. Their mother’s various projects took her to many places. When they didn’t have school, they traveled with her. This earned them many envious stares from their peers. Others scorned them because they only had their mother whose work was unorthodox, but neither of the twins let that bother them. Their mother was the best person in the world. “You have been everywhere, impressive,” Julius said. “So does that mean you speak French too?” “Bien sûr!” Aria rolled her eyes.[1] Julius chuckled. His children were not bilingual, they were trilingual. Or at least Aria was, as Caden stressed, he didn’t know German well. Would they never cease to amaze him? Suddenly, his phone vibrated. Taking it o
Dinner was simmering when Macey arrived. He hadn’t said he was cooking, so she assumed he had ordered takeout until she found them in the kitchen. She set her bag down as the kids ran to greet her. Julius left his station to give her a peck on the cheek before escorting her to the table that was already set for four. There was a colorful bouquet in the center and even a pair of lit candles. “Maman! We made dinner!” Aria and Caden announced. “Made dinner?” Macey’s gaze traveled to the kitchen and the tell-tale signs they had been cooking rather than simply dressing up delivery. “You really cooked.” “Of course,” Julius slipped an arm around her waist and kissed her again. “I’ll admit it’s been awhile, so be generous.” He held out her chair. Once he seated them, he served the meal with a flourish. Julius had considered champagne, but with the kids present he settled for sparkling grape juice. Watching their delighted faces as they ate
Her arms wrapped around his neck as he suddenly hoisted her off her feet and her legs encircled his waist. Carrying her to the master bedroom, he barely managed to kick the door closed before lowering her onto the bed. He trailed kisses down her neck as his hands worked their way under her shirt. Her back arched in response, wanting him closer. Fighting control, he peeled away her top, revealing her milky, fair skin and perky breasts. She always complained they were too small when compared to other women, but he loved the way they fit into his hands and mouth. Sitting up, Macey helped him out of his shirt and tugged at his pants, surprised by her own boldness. She had always been shy during their love-making, but there was a new sort of confidence in her body that drove him mad with desire. Julius quickly stripped her of the barriers, keeping her body from his even as he kicked away the last of his clothes. Lastly, he pulled out the clip tying her hai
Early in the morning, Macey’s bedroom door quietly swung open. Two sets of eyes peered in to see their parents intimately entangled under the sheets. There was no trace of embarrassment even as one raised their mother’s phone and snapped a picture before they quietly closed the door. Julius lazily stirred. Blinking, he found himself staring at a field of red hair. He smiled, recalling the previous night. Macey still snuggled close to him, her face nestled against his neck. Her soft breath fluttered against his chest. He caressed her gentle curves, squeezing her butt as he pulled her closer. Silently, he told himself it wasn’t a dream. This was real. She was back in his arms. He would do anything to keep it that way. Macey stirred, shifting her hips, causing Julius to groan as they rolled against him. He could already feel himself stiffening. Macey sighed, shifting again. “Macey, sweetheart, you might want to stop that unless you want
Julius pulled on his shirt as he stepped down the hall. He paused at the kids’ door to see it was open and their beds empty. Aria’s bed covers had been recklessly tossed aside while Caden’s was neatly made. Macey’s motherly instincts were not wrong. Impressed, he continued to the living room to see them kneeling at the coffee table. Aria was quietly coloring with her hair a tangled mess. Caden tapped at his mother’s laptop. His early morning hair sported a cowlick. “Good morning,” Julius greeted. “Bonjour,” Aria smiled. Now that her language skills were out in the open she was happy to use them. “Are you two hungry?” Julius asked. “Yes!” Aria gave a characteristically enthusiastic answer that made Julius chuckle. “So, what do you normally have?” “Maman makes us oatmeal.” “And do you like oatmeal?” Aria made a face and stuck out her tongue. Caden scowled. Their mother dressed it up
“Yeah! Then we can cook for you!” Aria announced. “And you’ll stay and play with us after?” “Absolutely,” Julius smiled, circling the table to grab his jacket, tussling Caden’s hair as he passed. Caden snickered. Usually, he hated when others messed up his hair, but he didn’t mind if it was his dad. Julius circled an arm around Macey’s waist and kissed her temple again. He really wanted to kiss her like he had last night, but thought it best to keep it PG in front of the kids. “See you tonight,” he whispered. Macey managed a nod, fighting her fluttering heart. She was already looking forward to his return, wondering if he would spend the night again. Her body almost shuddered with anticipation. What was wrong with her? “Okay, you two, let’s finish breakfast and we’ll get dressed.” Macey sat down, finally ready to eat. “Okay!”* * * After dressing in cargo pants and a tee-shirt, Caden returned t
Julius hurried to his car, forcing himself to leave his family. It was getting harder to leave them, not knowing if he would be allowed to return. His place was precarious and subject to Macey’s whim. After last night, it was clear she still desired him. Yet, her reluctance only heightened how much he hurt her. Would she let him stay, fearing it might end badly again? He had to find some way to prove his intentions were true. Sitting in his car, he pulled out his phone, glancing at March’s text message: Call me as soon as you get this. Sighing, he hit the call button. It rang once before March answered, “Finally! Where are you?” “I’m still at the villa. I made the kids French Toast for breakfast.” “So, you spent the night at the villa?” “Yeah.” “Really? So, what happened?” “Is that why you needed me to call you?” Julius ran a hand through his hair. He really didn’t want to discuss this ov
“Mom and I were planning to play later,” Alexis said. “You can too if you want.” “Really? Thanks,” Caden immediately brightened. “…So you based the décor on the diner you used to work in,” Macey said after listening to Ava’s brief retelling of her past. “Were you thinki
Silas’s embrace tightened. He hated thinking about the trials she went through without him. Ava leaned against him relishing his comfort and support. Their past was not as important as their future. “You two aren’t going to go all kissy-face, right?” Theo asked. “We’re in public and
Two Months Later The restaurant was lively. Guests had been arriving for the past two hours eager for a unique dining experience. The staff was well-trained providing exceptional service despite the rush. They had been drilled in their duties by the restaurant’s manager, a tyrant the
She nodded. “Going down?” Silas repeated. “Just what have you three planned now?” “It was more like a hunch,” Lexi said. “Sean found something real interesting when he deep-dived Ryker Holdings. So we asked Duncan to keep an eye on someone, just in case.” “D
“Late? A test for what?” Silas asked not following. “Are you serious?” Tracy snorted a laugh. “Ava, you’re going to have to be a little clearer,” Opal chuckled. “Remember, it’s his first time.” Silas glanced from one to the other even more confused. Looking
“There you three are,” Tracy said as the trio returned to the party. “We were just about to send the search party to find you.” “Auntie Tracy, you’re so silly,” Alexis giggled. “How are you feeling mom?” Ava hugged her tight but Alexis didn’t feel any tension or strain in
Finding no support anywhere Jenna finally fled. No one paid her further mind as they watched the kids swarm around their parents comforting their mother. It was a sweet and tender scene and many began to see Silas in a completely different light. * * * Jenna screamed as she storme
Jenna stepped forward intentionally shoving her shoulder and made Ava stumble back. “W-What is—” Jenna stuttered as the video paused. “Who was calling who shameless?” Alexis demanded standing next to her mother arms crossed in front of her chest. “So playing with people’s
The music started slowly with just a few notes announcing the beginning of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The simple melody became more complex as notes overlapped and weaved a new organic pattern but always maintaining the integrity of the piece. Conversation lulled as everyone turned their