This Time Around (Sequel to All Over Again)

Chapter Twelve

CHAPTER TWELVE

"You look like you're having fun."

McKenna smiled as Shay danced up to her in the middle of the dance floor. How could she not smile, when Shay almost glowed with joy? McKenna never saw her look so happy, so radiant. And in her strapless white silk tulle gown, she looked exactly like a princess. "Shay, you look so happy today. Tony better make sure he never lets that smile fade."

Shay stopped dancing to slip her arm through McKenna's. "He won't. I've already told him I'll cut off his balls if he does."

McKenna laughed as Shay resumed her dancing, without letting go of her arm. "I'm really happy for you guys, Shay. Really. I can't wait to hear when you're pregnant."

"One thing at a time, Kenna." Shay did a fast twirl. "So, where's your prince?"

"He's over there," McKenna pointed across the ballroom, to the bar, where Loki was trapped against it by a woman she didn't recognize. "Who is that?"

"Tony's Aunt Janice. Don't worry. She's a boozy flirt, but about sixty years old. I don't think she's much of a threat."

McKenna threw back her head and laughed. "I doubt it."

"But you know Holly's here, so keep an eye out for her."

"I'm not really worried."

"So tell me, are you really going to be a queen?"

McKenna nodded. "In time, I suppose. Thor chose his girl over Asgard."

"Lucky girl. And you, too." As the song ended, Shay linked her arm through McKenna's once more. "Come on. Let's go save your guy."

They wove their way through the crowd and McKenna almost sighed as she drew near Loki. He'd shed his suit jacket, rolling his sleeves to his elbows, and from the back, the well-cut pants highlighted one of his best assets. She smiled as two women walked by and nearly threw their necks out of alignment as they whipped back to take in the sight.

She slid her arms about his waist, flattened her hands against his stomach, and purred, "Hey stranger, buy me a drink and maybe you'll get lucky later."

Loki chuckled, his hands coming down to cover hers. "I'm sorry, but I'm a married man."

She smiled, pressing her breasts a bit more firmly into his back. "I won't tell anyone and she never has to know."

"Again, sorry, but no one can hold a candle to my wife. She's a beautiful blonde, with big green eyes and even bigger-"

"Watch it, mister," she gave him a squeeze, "you're about to cross the line."

He turned to drape his arm about her shoulders. "But you do have big-"

"Loki."

"Eyes, love. I was going to say eyes." He bent to brush her lips with a kiss, then straightened up to smile at Shay. "Where's Tony?"

"Off talking to someone from work." Shay sidled up to him. "So tell me, do I have to call you Your Highness now?" she asked, elbowing Loki playfully in the side.

"No, Shannon. Loki is fine."

"But you will have to call me Your Highness," McKenna broke in. "I'm going to make everyone call me that when I come here."

Shay laughed, glancing over at the bartender. "Can I get a rum and Coke and-" she turned to McKenna-"Malibu bay breeze?"

"Please."

"And a Malibu bay breeze."

"Coming right up."

Shay shook her head. "Are you really leaving New Jersey for good?"