So, here's the final chapter in what I hope you've found a fun, flirty and fluffy story for Mary and Matthew.

Mary continued to glare at her husband for his cruel trick as she reached eagerly for her wine glass. Finding it empty, she hastily grabbed for the canister, but Matthew was too quick and held it out of her reach. This earned him an even fiercer glower, especially when his laughter turned more boisterous. Though he kept his gaze sympathetic, he was not able to hide the teasing, playful challenge within and Mary guessed his game quickly. He still did not want to offend her, which Mary would have found endearing, had it not been for his obvious desire for her to crack and confess first. Usually Mary would have risen to the challenge, and she did hold her glare for as long as she could, but with the bitter, ashen taste of the cake filling her mouth, and unable to find any relief in the wine her husband was keeping from her, Mary felt her resolve wavering. Her glare faded altogether as Matthew's continual laughter became infectious and she felt a smile tug at her own lips. A few moments longer and Mary's laughter joined with his as they both looked at the ruined cake on the table before them. If it was possible, it looked even more wretched now she knew what it tasted like.

Once the laughter had faded between them, Mary felt her earlier disappointment return and a sad sigh escaped her lips. "It truly is awful, isn't it?"

"I'm afraid I have to agree with you there, my dear." Matthew replied, passing her the wine which she poured and drank eagerly, washing the foul taste of the cake away.

She felt a sudden wave of sorrow overtake her at his honesty and she dropped her head in her hands. "Oh Matthew, I'm sorry. I did so want to make you a delicious cake."

"I know you did, Mary," Matthew replied, reaching over to take hold of her hand. When she looked up, she saw that his earlier grin had turned into a warm, comforting smile. "It's the thought that counts, anyway."

Mary smiled sadly at her husband and his efforts to please her, "Even when it's as much of a disaster as this?"

"Of course, my dear," Matthew replied, squeezing her hand and leaning closer. "And besides, it's not too much of a disaster." Scooping up more cream in his fingers, he leant across to Mary and once more pressed his fingertips to her lips.

Mary eagerly licked the rich cream from his fingers, holding his gaze and being careful this time to not close her eyes. When no trace remained, Matthew pulled his hand away, but scooted closer towards her, moving the chair around the table. Leaning his face in towards her, his elbows resting on the table, he said playfully, "Though I do wonder how much of the cake you would have made me eat!"

"I didn't force you to eat one bite, Matthew, though the same cannot be said for you." She leant in closer, so their faces were nearly touching. "It was a cruel trick to play, making me eat the cake like that."

Matthew looked suitably abashed, though Mary was not fooled for she saw the humour dancing in his eyes. "I'm sorry dear, but I couldn't resist seeing how you'd react." He leant closer still, so his next words were spoken against her cheek, his voice teasing, but low, deepening in its intensity, "And you did rather deserve it."

Mary pulled away suddenly, sitting back in her chair, a look of righteous indignation crossing her features. "It's your own fault you ate so much, Matthew."

"But what was I to do, Mary? I'd wager you wouldn't be so pleased if I had told you outright how disagreeable it was." He leant closer towards her again, reaching out to take hold of one of her hands, which she'd clenched tightly in her lap.

Mary tried to glower at him, but it was rather hard to stay annoyed when he was gently running his fingertips across hers, and when he was looking at her so delightfully, leaning in closer. And she had to admit there was a certain amount of logic within his words. And so she couldn't help leaning in towards him slightly, her voice holding far less vexation than she intended, "Of course not, and your effort was most endearing. But that does not make you exempt from teasing."

"Then I shall be forced to retaliate by teasing you for making the thing!"

"But then, my dear Matthew, you are in danger of upsetting my female sensibilities and making me unhappy."

"Well, I must ensure that doesn't happen." Before Mary could reply with her own teasing retort, he closed the gap between them and pressed his lips softly against hers. They tasted of cream and strawberries, the faint trace of burnt cake lost in the richness of the red wine he'd so recently drunk. Mary responded to the kiss immediately, the heat within her blood, which had been simmering all night, suddenly boiling to the surface. She laced her hands around his neck, pulling him closer as she deepened the kiss, opening her mouth to his. A small sigh escaped her lips as his sticky fingers reached into her hair, gently tugging at the locks and sending shivers down her spine.

Matthew pulled away a few moments later, too soon for Mary and her lips followed his as he pulled away. It was a few seconds before she opened her eyes to see him smiling down at her, her arms still wrapped around his neck. "I trust your feelings are no longer hurt by my honesty, Mary."

Mary smiled at him coyly, "Well, they're not quite as depressed as they were, my dear."

"Good," Matthew replied, before pulling back from her further, slipping out of her arms. "Because I hate to say it, Mary, but you are rather in my debt."

"Your debt?" Mary repeated in surprise.

"Well yes. I buy you beautiful flowers for our anniversary and yet you happily watch me suffer by eating your cake!"

Mary was about to say something in her defence, her feelings momentarily stung by Matthew's words. But then she saw his eyes dancing flirtatiously and a smirk threatening to break out across his lips. Instead, she lowered her head, looking up at him endearingly through her lashes. "I'm sorry my dear, I was rather cruel, all things considered."

"Yes you were," Matthew replied, leaning closer to her again and gently slipping his hands around her waist. "But I'm sure you can make it up to me."

"I hope so, my dear." Mary teased, trembling slightly as his fingertips gently moved upwards, brushing across her neck before tilting her face up towards his.

"I'm sure you can think of something," Matthew whispered against her lips, his voice low now, heavy, seductive as he closed the space between them and kissed her once more.

"Just promise me one thing, Mary," Matthew asked as he pulled away enough to speak, his breath tickling her lips, "don't try to bake me another cake."

"Maybe, but I won't promise you," Mary replied, smiling as Matthew narrowed his eyes at her cheekiness, before covering her lips once more with his.

Mary smiled into the kiss, wrapping her arms around him again and pulling him closer. As the kiss deepened and Matthew gently ran his fingers down her back, Mary couldn't help but think that perhaps the cake hadn't been such a disaster. After all, it is the thought that counts.

THE END

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it!