All Over Again (Sequel to Wanted Man)

Chapter Twenty-One

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

McKenna smiled. "Your tie is crooked, Jötunn," she said, reaching out to gently tug on the knot.

"It is your fault, Midgardian."

"My fault? I was minding my own business, enjoying my shower, when you came barging in."

His laugh was a low rumble as he eased into the black suit jacket. "You weren't complaining when you were screaming out my name a few minutes ago, love." He bent to brush her lips with a teasing kiss. "Were you?"

"I was a little occupied then. And I didn't scream your name."

"Right, it was more like," his voice dropped to a low moan, "yes, Loki! There, Loki! Harder, Loki! Faster, Loki! Oh, my God, LOKI!

Her cheeks burned and she swatted him in the stomach. "Stop it."

He wrapped his arms about her and pulled her to him. "Never, love. You have no idea what hearing all of that does to me." He gave her a gentle squeeze. "And trust me, I will do my best to obey every last one of those commands, darling girl."

"Still... it sounds like you're making fun of me."

"Never." He nuzzled her and added, "I will never complain about, nor will I mock, what you say to me when we make love. Not ever. If anything, they make me want you even more."

She smiled at him over her shoulder. "Silver tongue, my love."

He brushed a kiss over her temple. "We should go down before everyone else shows up. Although," he glanced toward the window, "with the way that snow is falling, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a short evening."

"How do I look?" She pulled out of his arms and did a small twirl in the middle of the room.

"Round. But beautiful." He opened the bedroom door. "Come along, Lady McKenna."

"Don't call me that. It's bad enough everyone in Asgard does. I'm still not used to it."

He caught her by the hand and gave it a gentle squeeze as they descended the stairs and found Shay playing in the family room with Selig. Tony and Pepper had arrived, and were sitting on the sofa, watching A Christmas Story on television with Steve Rogers and an unfamiliar woman.

"Well, it's about time," Shay said, scooping Selig up to flip him over her shoulder. "Dr. Banner and Agent Coulson aren't here yet, according to Tony, but they are on their way." She shot McKenna a questioning look. "I didn't know Coulson was gay."

"He's not," McKenna chuckled as she took Selig from her. "It's his daughter, Cynthia. She and Dr. Banner are a couple."

Loki groaned softly behind her. "Is there any chance we can leave him off the guest list for the next gathering."

"Oh, stop," McKenna scolded him, turning to pass Selig to him. "He hasn't Hulk-smashed you in almost four years."

"It isn't your spine that aches at the mere mention of that beast."

"Well, you should've been nicer."

Selig stared up at his father. "What did you do, Daddy?"

Everyone else in the room burst out laughing, but Loki just shook his head. "Never you mind, little man." He rumpled Selig's hair. "Why don't you come help me in the kitchen?"

Both Tony and Pepper stood and McKenna brushed Tony's cheek with a kiss. "I'm glad you could make it. How are the roads?"

"Not too terrible yet," Pepper said, glancing up at Tony. "But the weatherman said we should expect at least six inches come morning."