Two weeks. Two weeks of fucking hell and torture. Two weeks since Ranger caught Steph and I having sex in the SUV and he decided to punish us. Our punishment? Two weeks of working opposite shifts. Not seeing each other for more than a hello/good morning/good night kiss in the hall as we passed each other. He fucking put us each on twelve-hour shifts. Six hours of monitor duty and six hours of paperwork, gym time, range time, or whatever the hell else he thought we needed.

It wasn't my fault my wife bumped against the switch in the SUV that starts transferring audio to the control room. Hell, I don't even remember my clothes coming off, but damn… it was a wonderful anniversary. At least up to the point when Ranger knocked on the window.

Steph was embarrassed to say the least. She had no idea we were being listened to by the entire staff that wasn't at Shorty's. I made sure that none of the guys said a damn word to her. Lester said shit to me, but he and I had our time on the mats to work out his attitude.

Looking at the clock, I noticed it was almost time for my last twelve-hour shift to be complete. My wife finished her shift this morning. I knew she was exhausted, so hopefully she was able to get some rest because I was wide awake and ready for some action.

When Ranger and Tank walked in, I held my tongue. I wanted so bad to say something to him, but I knew that would result in more time away from Steph. When he tapped me on the shoulder, I stood up and looked at him.

"Your shift is over. You are off for the next two days then back to a regular schedule." I nodded that I'd heard him and took off for the elevator. Just as I was about to step on I heard Ranger's voice, "Don't kill her… she still needs to be able to walk and function."

I wanted to kill him, but decided my time was best spent somewhere else, so I ignored his comment and hit four. I prayed that my wife had caught up on her sleep as I was planning on catching up on other things.

When I walked in the door, I stopped in my tracks. There in front of me was my beautiful wife, stretched out on the counter wearing my one and only tie and nothing else. I felt my pants immediately become uncomfortable. Reaching behind me, I made sure the door was locked and then began taking off my shirt.

"Hey there, Loverboy," Steph said as she ran her hand down the front of her luscious body. "Is that a banana in your pocket or are you happy to see me?"

"Honey, it's no banana," I replied as I stalked over to her.

"Well, then what is it?" she questioned as she pinched her nipple.

Looking her in the eyes, I responded, "I've got a Lion in my pocket and, baby, he's ready to roar."

In two steps, I was at the counter with my lips on Steph's. Hearing her moan snapped my control. Picking her up, I headed to the bedroom. I could feel her working my shirt out of my pants as we walked down the hall; next I felt my pants loosen as she got the belt undone.

When I felt the bed at my legs, I dropped her on the bed, kneeled down in front of her, and began licking her folds. She was so wet she was dripping. As soon as my tongue touched her bundle of nerves, I felt her body begin to spasm.

After a few more minutes of tasting my wife, I couldn't wait any longer and stood up. Looking in her eyes as I divested myself of all clothing, slowly crawled up the bed to kiss her lips. As soon as her legs wrapped around my hips, I pushed in and had to think of all kinds of horrible things so I wouldn't spill before I was ready. I needed this to last more than three seconds.

My wife, however, had other plans. "Matthew, if you want to live you'll fuck me hard and fast. We can do slow and tender later."

Not being one to disappoint my wife, I gave her what she wanted.

I was working out in the gym two days later when Chase came up to me, "So, you back on a normal shift now?" I nodded but kept running. I saw him jump on the treadmill next to me and begin to jog. I thought since we were both working out that would be the end of the conversation. I was wrong.

"Mom called me yesterday. Wants us all to come down next weekend for a party for Malcom."

"Why is Mom throwing a party for Mal?" I hadn't heard of him getting engaged.

"It's a mix between a birthday party and a graduation party. He just received his bachelor's degree."

"Man, ain't he too old for a damn birthday party?"

Chase bumped up his treadmill so he was running now, "Shit, don't I know it. However, Mom wants to keep him the baby and when she makes up her mind about something, it WILL be done. So, there will be a birthday party next weekend."

I knew he was right; there was never a way to change Mom's mind when she had it set. Lord knows we all had our fair share of trying! I slowed down to a jog and tried to come up with a reason to not go.

"OH hell no! If I'm going, you and Steph are going. Don't even try to get out of it."

"Try to get out of what?" came the most beautiful voice behind me. Steph stepped up beside the treadmill and gave me a quick kiss.

"Mom wants us all to go home next weekend for a party for Malcolm. Binkie here is trying to get out of it."

"What's the party for?" my nosey wife asked. I knew once she heard the reason for the party, I'd be packing my bags and we'd be heading south. I was right; as soon as Chase told her birthday/graduation, she was already planning on what gifts to purchase for Mal. I knew it. At least I know Steph loves my family and the feeling is mutual. Now if only I can get Ranger to say no to the time off.