A/N – Thanks for the reviews! Glad you're enjoying the story!

Chapter 50 – Game On

Liz was surprised that Jason was at home when she arrived. "Hi," she said before giving him a kiss.

He studied her. "Were you crying?"

She smiled. "Yes, but they are happy tears." She told him what her dad did and Jason smiled.

"We have big shoes to fill huh?" he said before kissing her again. Little did she know, but Jason has two big surprises for her at their house and he can't wait to reveal them.

They moved over to the couch. "My father asked me to do a mural at the house."

Jason is glad because he had noticed that she hadn't done any sketching or painting lately. Art is something that she thoroughly enjoys. "Do you already have something in mind?"

There are a couple of places in South America that her parents loved and she thought about using them as inspiration.

"Somewhat, but I'm looking forward to brainstorming. What are you doing back?"

"Johnny had to go for his checkup, so I just wanted to make sure he was okay."

"How long will he be gone?"

"Another hour or so probably, why?"

"I thought maybe we could try to make a baby again, maybe someplace else in the house," she said blushing.

He smiled. "I love how you think." He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her. "How about the dining room table?"

She laughed. "You're on."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Over the next month and a half, they continued to make love every chance they could get. It wasn't even about just making a baby. They were just really into each other and couldn't get enough. It was hard to imagine being able to love each other more than they already did, but their love continued to deepen. Liz worked on her mural and is almost done. She is proud of it and is glad it is making her dad happy. He has come a long way. The nightmares are pretty much a thing of the past and his body has healed very nicely. While he has scars both physically and mentally, his mother has been a fortress. She made sure that Lorenzo took it easy and gave himself time to deal with everything. Johnny is doing much better too.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Sonny stood at his bar smiling. He still can't believe he beat Maximus.

FLASHBACK

"Hello Maximus," Sonny said walking into the room with Claudia. Maximus has the ultimate man cave which feels as if you are in a real casino. He even has antique slot machines and actual casino tables and furniture.

"You ready to lose Corinthos?" Maximus asked grinning.

There are already a few other guys with their wives or girlfriends there.

"I wouldn't come if I wasn't prepared to win."

"Hello, Claudia, you look beautiful as always," Maximus said taking her hand.

"Thank you."

"Where's your friend?"

"He'll be here in a few minutes." Sonny wanted to make sure that Tess made a grand entrance.

About five minutes later, John and Tess came sauntering through the door. Sonny watched as Maximus's mouth dropped open and then snapped closed as he grinned like a fool. Tess looks stunning. She is wearing a long red halter dress with no back and a really high slit. Her hair and makeup are perfect.

When Sonny moved towards them, he noticed that Tess is not wearing her engagement ring. He is surprised that John would agree with that. John laughed at Sonny's expression and then saw him looking down at Tess's hand. That had actually been his idea. Sonny appreciates that Tess has outdone herself with the outfit and his grin definitely let her know it. "Make sure he can see you at all times," Sonny whispered before kissing her on the cheek. He shook John's hand and then they moved towards the table. Sonny had given John some money to bet and told him to just fold unless he had something really good if Sonny had already folded.

"Maximus, this is John and Tess," Sonny said introducing them.

Maximus swallowed hard and then shook John's hand before lifting Tess's to his mouth and kissing it.

"Sei bellissima," he said smiling, "It's very nice to meet you."

Tess licked her lips."Thank have a lovely home."

"I'll have to give you a tour later," Maximus said completely ignoring John. She is the hottest woman he has seen in a long time.

"I'll look forward to it," Tess said with a smile.

John wasn't really happy about that, but he is already prepared to suck it up for the night. Sonny is going to owe him big time.

Claudia approached Tess. "You look beyond hot and red is my favorite color."

Tess grinned. "Showtime," she said noting where Maximus is sitting. She waited until the first cards were dealt and then headed to the bar. Sitting down on a barstool, she crossed her legs as the dress fell away from them. Maximus's eyes almost fell out of their sockets. Claudia turned to hide her laughter and Sonny tried to keep a straight face as well. John just wanted to throw Tess on the table and fuck her senseless. He loved her body before, but he also loves how it is changing and just can't get enough of her. Tess took a sip of the sparkling wine Claudia handed her and then licked her lips. Maximus could not focus. Every time he looked up from the cards, all he saw were her gorgeous legs. They played four rounds and Maximus did not win one which meant Sonny was over the moon.

Maximus watched Tess leave the room and then cleared his throat. "Gentlemen, let's take a break."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Tess left the bathroom and walked right into Maximus who grabbed her to steady her.

"You okay?" he asked nicely.

"I'm fine. You just startled me."

"Sorry about that."

"No worries…"

John walked towards them. He had gotten worried that Tess was gone for so long.

"Is there a problem?" he asked moving to her side.

Maximus smiled. "No, I accidentally bumped into her."

"I'm not doing very well, but I'm enjoying the company."

"You're always welcome here. I'm glad you're enjoying the game. I usually win," he said before looking over at Tess who flashed him a smile.

"I would say that regardless, you are a winner. Just look at your house," she said looking around. And she meant that. It is gorgeous.

Maximus beamed with pride. "Thank you. Flattery will get you everywhere," he said nodding to her and moving past John.

They went back to the room and joined Sonny and Claudia.

"You okay?" Sonny asked Tess. He wants to make sure she isn't overdoing it. Even though he does want to Maximus, it will come at her expense.

"I'm fine. I come alive after 10:00."

Sonny smiled. "Good. And thanks for the assist. I'm kicking his ass."

"No problem!" She is having a lot of fun.

John winked at her and took a seat at the table. Everyone sat while the players decided to wager one more round at high stakes.