Kiss the Flame/Rope the Wind (AU,M/L,TEEN) (Complete)

[Ashton]

Winner - Round 5



Winner - Round 1





Kiss the Flame

http://www.roswellfanatics.net/archive/ ... 15984.html

Rope the Wind Parts 1-22 (WIP)

http://www.roswellfanatics.net/archive/ ... 27326.html




Title: Rope the Wind: Sequel to Kiss the Flame
Couple: Who else?? M/L of course!
Rating: Ya’ll know me…probably just Teen, but who knows?
Disclaimer: I don’t own anything Roswell, GH, M/L, J/B
Summary: Sequel to Kiss the Flame. Seriously complicated so it really would be best to read that one first. BUT…Max has asked Liz (Kendall) to marry and she said yes, then proceeded to disappear to L.A. to start a brand new life under the name Rachel Harris.

Hey all!!!

Wow. I know it's been forever. I am soooo very sorry about that. The GOOD news (hopefully) is that I have the next chpt almost done so it should be out soon. To kinda recap since I've not reposted all previous chpts...Max and Liz kinda set each other up at the office and Max was going to give her a surprise evening. I will explain what happened at the office, but thought it might not be such a bad thing to jump into the evening portion since there is so much to cover. I hope that it's not confusing for you and that you enjoy. As always would LOVE to hear what you think and if you want me to continue. Your support and patience is...way beyond. I can't tell you 'thanks' enough. Hope you enjoy!!!

Hugs,
Ashton

p.s. If you need the previous chpts, they are all on my egroup list at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AMDreamerFanfiction/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~


~ chapter 23 ~


Max merely smirked at Liz and leaned back in his chair, his hands behind his head. "Ms. Harris, met Father O'Neil. He's here to conduct your wedding…"

"My WHAT?" Liz practically yelled as she forgot all about trying to cover herself. Her hands hit her hips in instant anger. "To who?"

A blank expression was Liz's response only seconds before Max lowered another bomb. "Why…to Mark Barton, of course…"[/I]


Vaughn's mouth dropped open. "You're kidding."

"Mike, my friend, it looks like Duke here just won your 'balls of steel' title." Eric Weiss piped up as his admiring gaze shifted to Duke. "I can't believe you just walked in on them like that."

"I can't believe you're still alive." Steve threw in as he punched Duke's arm playfully.

Holding his hands up, Duke began to grin. "Hey, I told you it was a close call. The wedding angle was a stroke of genius that Max just came up with on the spur of the moment." He began to chuckle. "I have to admit, it couldn't have gone any better if Max and I had weeks to plan this."

A little more cautious in his praise then his companions, Mike's green eyes narrowed with protective concern. "And uh…how exactly did Liz react?"

Duke's grin was bright as his eyes began to twinkle. "Let's just say whatever frustrations Max had before I walked in, he definitely worked them off with the 'discussion' that followed." Chuckle escaping him, Duke shook his head and let out a sigh. "I'll tell you now, you'll never know the meaning of the word 'explosive' till you actually watch Max and Liz go head to head in battle…"

"Mark? MARK?" The pitch of Liz's voice hit an all-time high as she furiously flipped her hair behind her shoulders, her blazing eyes boring into Max's. "Just who the hell do you think you are?"

Lips twitching with amusement, Max shrugged nonchalantly. "Max Evans last time I checked. Then again, maybe you know something I don't." Lowering his voice, the seductive shift of his tone sent a rush of heat straight into Liz's cheeks as his eyes openly raked over her. An added wink caused her chest to hitch in anger as desire shot through her with that one simple gesture. His eyes met hers knowingly when his hands began lightly caressing her silky smooth legs. "You are, after all, the one sitting, oh so provocatively, on my lap."

"Jackass." Exasperation rippled through Liz's body as she pushed Max's roaming hands away and swiftly, smoothly emptied his lap. She began to storm out of the room and Duke fully expected to hear the slamming of the door behind her nicely retreating form.

Max held up three subtle fingers of delay in Duke's direction and winked. Each finger disappeared in time to the mouthed words "three, two, one" as a smirk of victory haunted Max's lips when what he silently predicted became reality.

Surprised by Max's accuracy in anticipating his beautiful opponent's next move, Duke watched with growing interest as Liz reached the door, stopped abruptly, spun around and marched straight back to Max's side. Hands on hips, her entire focus was the antagonist in front of her, having completely forgotten anyone else. Including the 'priest'. "You know what? You are without a doubt the most intrusive, meddling, annoying, exasperating, presumptuous…"

Holding up a restraining finger in response to Liz's string of accusatory adjectives, Max quirked an eyebrow at her seeing the word her mouth was getting ready to form. "Now, now. Watch the bad language. We do have a priest here in case you forgot."

A flicker of embarrassment raced through Liz's eyes before she did something entirely unexpected. Instead of falling all over herself with apologies…she enlisted the priest's help. Addressing Drake while never taking her hands off her hips or her eyes off her target, Liz's eyes darkened with a challenge. "Tell me, Father…is the word 'jackass' in the Bible?"

Duke shot Max a look, but Max wasn't paying attention. He was too focused on the fireball standing in front of him. Too mesmerized by her glare. Too enchanted by the angry flush spreading across her cheeks. With no obvious help forthcoming from his fearless leader, Duke cleared his throat and nodded. "Uh…yes, yes, actually it is."

An eyebrow of triumph raised. "And isn't one of the Ten Commandments 'Thou shall not lie'?"

"Uh…well, technically its 'Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor' but yes, that is what it means."

Victory danced in her dark eyes. "See? It can't be bad language if it's in the Bible. And I'm only telling the truth. Pure and simple." A deliberate insult instantly fell from her lips. "But what would a manipulating liar like you know about that?"

From his station near the corner of the room, Duke plopped into a chair, leaned back and prepared to enjoy the show. And what a show it was…

"Manipulating liar." Max repeated. He winced dramatically. "Ouch." A dark eyebrow raised as Max imploringly held his hand out to Liz, a small pout beginning to pucker his lips. His long lashes batted a few times resulting in the age-old puppy dog look. "Oh, come on, now. You know you don't really mean that. Especially after last night..."

"Last night?" Liz's eyes began to glow with fury. "Last night?!" Leaning forward, Liz's voice lowered dangerously. "Last night, I was drunk. Last night, I didn't know what I was doing. And I certainly didn't know the man I let into my bed. But I can tell you with increasing certainly that it wasn't you! **That's** for sure!"

"No?" A small smirk floated over his lips. "Because I seem to remember waking in heaven with an angel wrapped in my arms. One that looked a lot like you. Granted, this particular angel could double for the devil anytime she wants given her wandering hands and addictive kisses. Not to mention her most recent penchant for romantic interludes in locked offices…"

Seething, Liz ignored Max's obvious baiting and pulled in a ragged breath, answering his previous question. "The man in my bed last night was kind and sweet and gentle. He cared enough about me to not take advantage of me or…or play games. He held me and protected me. Even from myself. He made me feel safe and wanted. And now you…**you** want to push me off onto the first stranger that strolls into your path!"

Still enjoying the upper-hand of surprise that he obviously held, Max leaned back and laced his fingers together behind his head before propping his feet back up on the desk. When he spoke, his tone was a tad on the condescending side. "Mark is hardly a stranger, Kendall. He's Jaedan's father. A man that you admitted to being in love with just last week. Someone you say you're committed to." A dramatic sigh and a shrug of his shoulders. "Then again, that didn't seem to stop you from trying to jump me last night. Or this morning, for that matter."

Letting out a groan of frustration, Liz ran her fingers through her hair. "Why are you doing this to me?"

"Doing what?" The innocent question only fueled Liz's rage.

"This…this…" Hands flying furiously in the air, her stutter was adorably cute. Duke had to bite down on the inside of his cheek to keep his laughter from interrupting the entertaining show. "…this wedding you've planned for me. I mean, come on, Max…what is so damn important about getting me married off? Do you think I am so utterly pathetic that I need someone to plan every second of my life even down to who I marry and when?"

"Is that what I'm trying to do?"

"Aren't you?" Her retort was as heated as the fire blazing in her eyes. "First, you propose, then you follow me here to propose again. And now…now this! A marriage to a man that doesn't even…" 'Exist' echoed in her mind a split second before finding its way to her voice. Liz bit down on her lip, abruptly stopping the disastrous confession.

Max instantly picked up on the unfinished sentenced. His eyes narrowed and his heart began to pound. He'd trapped her sooner than he thought and now, it was going to be fun to see her wiggle her way out of it. "A man that doesn't…what, Kendall?"

Frantically trying to remember the story she'd told Max about Mark, Liz spat out the most obvious reason. "That isn't free!" She took a step forward, righteous indignation racing through her eyes. "You do remember, don't you, that I told you Mark was married? Not to mention the other reasons we've kept our relationship such a secret."

"Ohhhh. Right. His career and…" Nodding in feigned remembrance, Max pursed his lips. "…national…"

"…security." Liz ended for him. She crossed her arms with an air of triumph. "Exactly. So, you see…no matter what you've planned, Mark and I simply can't get married."

Another pause.

Duke leaned forward in his chair, lapping up the energy sparking in the room. Waiting on the edge of his seat to see exactly how Max was going to pull this off. And of course, what her explosive response was bound to be.

As Max's mind was in constant motion, it only took a second to find a proper counter. Face brightening with a smile, Max shrugged away her reasons. "All taken care of." He continued, not missing the utter panic that raced through Liz's expression. "Mark and I talked it all out. We're both very powerful men with extensive resources so security is no longer an issue. As for his career, he's been dying to leave his position for a while now. I was able to convince him that private life is so much more appealing…and lucrative. And it seems you were entirely correct about his feelings regarding his wife. Their divorce was finalized yesterday."

"Oh." Liz's instantly knees turned to jello. Her brain froze. All the fight left her body.

Deflated. Stunned. Blinking slowly, she absently sank down into the chair behind her. Though, honestly, the position of the chair was the furthest thing from her mind. She would have undoubtedly landed on her butt had the chair not been there. As Liz tried to wrap her mind around the latest turn of events, curiously, something else was missing instead. That little thing we, the living, like to call fresh air.

It became absolutely suffocating in the room. Hot. Oppressive. Liz's head started to spin. Large black dots discoed in front of her eyes. Her chest tightened with a searing chill. Before Liz knew what was happening, her breaths came in short, frantic gasps. Waving her hands in the air, Liz's eyes were wide with panic. "C-can't…c-c-can't…b-b-b-re-breath."

Amusement at Liz's obviously overwhelmed reaction to his news swiftly turned to concern when Max realized Liz was hyperventilating. His face paled instantly. Opening and slamming desk drawers, Max's frantic gaze flitted across the room when his search came up empty. Duke instantly shot out of his seat to join the search. Turning to a side table, reaching deep inside a barely used drawer, Duke retrieved a brown paper bag and rushed toward Liz with it. Max sidestepped the desk and snatched it out of his hand, waving him back.

Duke backed off. The protective fire flashing in Max's eyes said it all: this was **his** girl. **He** would take care of her.

Falling to his knees in front of Liz, Max stuffed the bag into her hands and guided the opening to her mouth. "Ok, hon…breathe deep. Long, slow, and deep." Gazing intently into Max's eyes, Liz attempted to follow his orders as Max nodded his encouragement while he gently, reassuringly rubbed her back. "That's it, sweetie. There you go. Just keep breathing slow…"

But now…Liz Parker couldn’t breathe for an entirely different reason. It wasn’t because of the shock. It wasn’t because there was no air. It wasn't because she was hyperventilating. It was because…

The absently reassuring brush of Max's fingers against Liz's bare back was setting her skin on fire. Sizzling. Searing. Scorching. Wherever skin touched skin, Liz felt a bolt of penetrating lava shoot straight to her gut. As her hair got unconsciously tangled in his fingers, chills shivered down her spine. She watched his lips form a perfect 'O' as he absently breathed right along with her. Long. Slow. Deep. Shutting her eyes against the sight, those three words drummed out a perfect rhythm as visions invade her mind. Visions of those lips doing the most wicked things in the most intimate of places. And fantasies of his body mimicking the cadence pulsating through her body...

As color flared in Liz's suddenly flushed face and her breathing, though still erratic from an entirely different form of stimulus, began to settle, Max took his own first real breath since her crisis began. The relief in his eyes was evident until her eyes, ebony with indescribable hunger and pervasive fear, met his. Max's own breath caught in the middle of his chest. The sheen of desire in her eyes was dazzlingly enchanting. The tremor in her touch when she deliberately pushed his hand away, staggering. And when Liz gulped a few last slow breaths, removed the bag from her face and glared at him, her voice low and intense, Max Evans got a glimpse of his unintended affect on her. And the lengths she'd go to keep him from knowing. "Don't…you…dare…'sweetie'…me…"

Max cracked a smile.

Duke bit back a chuckle.

Liz squared her shoulders for battle.

So did Max.

Flashing her a smile, Max resumed his game, confident the crisis was over. His eyes began to twinkle with teasing. "You know I've heard of cold feet and wedding jitters, I just never expected them in the form of hyperventilation."

Rolling her eyes in exasperation she tossed the bag onto Stephanie's desk, stood and pushed her way past Max heading straight toward the window behind the desk. A million questions crammed into Liz's brain. Why he was doing this to her? Did he really want her married off to some other guy? What exactly was up his sleeve because it was pretty obvious he was up to something? Especially since she knew for a fact there was no Mark Barton.

Or was there?

Eric. Of course. He must have shown up and Max ran into him before Eric ever made it to Liz's office. Naturally, he would have gone with their established plan and introduced himself as Mark Barton. Which was perfect. At least he was on her side. They could easily come up with a plan for this newest curve ball Max had thrown. And if worse came to worst, pretending to marry Eric wouldn't be that awful. In fact, it might work best to her advantage. It would never be legal and she could get Max to back off...

But until she could get a moment alone with Eric, she'd have to do her best to halt this dreadful wedding plan in its tracks.

Crossing her arms in front of her, her gaze was steady with determination. "For your information, I am not getting married. Not today. And certainly not because you say so."

Sliding into the seat Liz had just vacated, Max leaned forward placing his elbows on his knees. His penetrating gaze settled on her back as she stared out the window. "So, what exactly is the problem here?" An innocent tone of voice asked the question, giving a fleetingly false sense of security before going in for the kill. "Are you upset that I've planned your wedding without your consent? Or are you upset I've planned your wedding…" Pausing, Max's eyes darkened with secret insight. "…to someone other than me?"

A disbelieving smile spread over Liz's lips as her gaze met the ceiling. "Oh, no, you don't." Shaking her head, Liz immediately saw where Max was heading. Her jaws tightened as her voice lowered with determination when her eyes met his as she turned to face him. "I am not falling for that trap."

"What trap?" Amusement danced in his eyes as he tried to keep the smile out of his voice.

That smug smirk of his set her off. "You know damn well what trap." Liz shot back angrily as she crossed her arms in front of her. "The one where you push me until I get so angry I'll admit anything you want me to."

"Hmmm. That would be nice for a change." Gaze having drifted in deliberate thought, his eyes snapped back to meet hers to concede the truth. "But I know you too well. Even when you know I'm right, you won't admit it. Because to you, my dear, that would be giving me too much control."

"Control." Liz repeated. "Is that what this is all about for you? What it's always been about? From the moment we met, you simply haven't been able to wrap your mind around the fact I will not be controlled. By anyone. For any reason." Her eyes shimmered with emotion. "And this…this wedding you've planned? It's nothing more than you're pathetic attempt to play God with someone else's life." Pushing herself away from the window, Liz took a demanding step forward, her eyebrow raised inquiringly. "So, tell me, Max, does it make you feel superior to ruin other people's lives like you're ruining mine?"

"And how exactly am I ruining your life?" An edge entered Max's voice for the first time.

"How?" Blinking rapidly in disbelief, Liz tossed her hands into the air in an exasperated gesture. "I don't know, Max. Planning my wedding to a man you barely know. A man who, by the way, hasn't even proposed to me. Being the ultimate Prince Charming to my daughter. Making yourself so much a part of our lives that we'll never get over losing you. By just **being** here. You're ruining everything for me! God, don't you get that?"

Max was out of his seat in a heartbeat. Towering over her, his gaze bored penetratingly into hers. "What I get, Kendall, is that you want me so bad you can taste it. I get that it terrifies you to be so out of control around me. I get that you've done everything in your power to push me away. It's not working. You know it's not working. And that terrifies you even more." His eyes darkened as he took a flying leap into the truth and waited for her reaction. "You've even gone so far as to make up this fictitious lover…"

Her nearly inaudible gasp registered in Max's mind. As did the instant flush on her cheeks only seconds before she ignored his accusation and lobbed a few of her own. "Me? ME making things up? My God, you never stop, do you?" Eyes blazing with refueled anger, Liz pushed Max backward a step then took a step forward. "Which one of us lied about what happened last night, huh?" Her righteously indignant finger jabbing the center of his chest, Liz took another step forward, forcing him to take another step back. "Which one of us pretended to have had the best sex of his life?" Another jab. Another step. "Which one of us was willing to let the other seduce him right here in this office…"

"Hey!" Max raised an imposing finger as his chest brushed against hers when he moved to tower over her. His piercing eyes flashed defensively. "I was **trying** to tell you the truth before you went too far, but you didn't want to hear it."

"And I was trying to prove a point, you moron!" Liz retorted.

"Yeah? Well, the only point this little exercise of yours proved is that you can't resist me. Fortunately, I don't have that dilemma!"

Hands on hips, an eyebrow raised. "Oh, yeah?" The disbelieving sarcasm dripped from every syllable.

"Yeah!" Max shot back heatedly.

An unexpected blur of movement. A body colliding with his. Hot hands grabbing his face, pulling him firmly forward. A demanding challenge was unleashed as her lips met his in a heated kiss. A stunned Max stumbled forward and responded with explosive eagerness a split second later. His fingers dug into her silky hair and control instantly shifted from Liz to Max as he tilted her head to deepen the kiss. Lips, tongues and bodies dueled with a feverish intensity.

Liz's moan of pleasure signaled her certain defeat until Max dipped lower to better gather her in one strong arm as a hand began to roam over her hip and down to her exposed thigh. In a clear sign he was losing control, Max's hand curled around the back of her leg before hiking her into his arms with one swift move. Her legs instantly wrapped around his waist and Max spun around and sat Liz on the desk never once breaking his assault on her lips as he stepped between her legs.

A silent observer caught between voyeuristic pleasure and embarrassed discomfort hiked himself out of the chair. Duke grinned from ear to ear as he shook his head. No telling exactly where this little battle was going to lead given the utter unpredictability of the leading lady, but he certainly couldn't stay to watch. There were some things that weren't meant for prying eyes. Explosive passion like Max and Liz's was definitely one of them…

The moment his posterior cleared the leather, however, Duke stopped as the action in the center of the room halted with a heatedly breathed question. "What were you saying…" Max groaned in protest and nipped at Liz's lips, trying to initiate a newly explosive kiss but she pushed him away. Both hands on his chest, the distance between them grew. Eyes dazed with passion raised to meet his as a victorious smirk flitted over her lips. "…about being able to resist me?"

Blinking with dazed incomprehension, Max pulled back abruptly, his chest rising and falling. One look in her eyes, he knew he'd been had. His hands dropped to his side as his chin raised in defiance. Max opened his mouth poised to shoot back a heated retort. The knowing look in her eyes halted his speech. The sharp ringing of Max's cell phone interrupted the intense staring contest between the two. Eyes still trained on his opponent, Max flipped the phone opened and shouted his abrupt greeting. "What?!"

Max entire demeanor melted when he heard the voice on the other line. It was Alex. But Liz didn't know that. Liz only knew that she'd won a point by kissing him. She'd gained the upper-hand by pushing him into a contest of resistance. Well, he was about to win that upper-hand back. The smirk was slow. His eyes took on a glow of…seductive triumph. "Bambi."

Liz stiffened perceptibly. Her eyes hardened. Her chin raised as her arms crossed defensively in front of her.

"Bambi?" Max could practically hear the crinkle of Alex's forehead as it wrinkled in confusion. "Uh…no. It's Alex. Your buddy. Your pal. Your partner who is definitely of the human, and might I add, **male** persuasion."

"Hey, baby." Max practically cooed into the phone as his smile broadened and his eyes danced with devilish delight.

Entire body strumming with envious energy, Liz jumped off the desk and angrily knocked into him as she pushed past Max, her piercing glare deadly in its silent vehemence.

"Baby? Baby!?" Alex tapped his finger against the mouthpiece. "Is this thing working right? Cuz I thought I just heard you call me 'baby'."

Max turned to face Liz who was gallantly trying to act uninterested and unaffected by his intimately toned conversation. "I was just thinking of you. Just this very second actually." His voice lowered meaningfully, suggestively, as his eyes locked with Liz implying his answer to her earlier question. "Oh, I was just imagining I was kissing you. Touching you. The fantasy was quite vivid. Almost like you were in my arms. Would you like the details of our mid-day rendezvous?"

Liz's back stiffened and her hands clenched and unclenched unconsciously by her side. Profile turned to Max, her stormy gaze settled on a point in the distant city skyline as she struggled to erase the infuriating, sickening images of Max touching any other woman...

"Dude, that's just…ewww. What is wrong with you? Are you on crack or something?" As if a light suddenly switched on, Alex began to chuckle. "Oh, wait. I get it. Liz is there isn't she? Giving you trouble so you're giving a bit back." He sighed into the phone. "You two need to just do it and get it over with, man. I mean…how long can you really hold out before one of you explode?"

"You want the details in person? Oh, I think that can definitely be arranged." Casually leaning back against the desk, Max continued his imaginary conversation, practically purring. "Why…now, of course. You know I always have time for my number one girl." Max nearly sighed with anticipation. His eyes held a silent challenge to the woman only a few feet away as his double edged words hit their intended target. "Nope. Nothing of any real importance here. I'm as free as a bird, in fact. Nothing and no one tying me down. So when and where do you want…"

Liz had heard enough. Spinning on her heels, she crossed the distance between them in a flash and grabbed the phone from Max's hand. Her tone was clipped and cold when she spoke into the mouthpiece. "This is the operator. Please deposit five-forty five in change to continue this call." Without missing a beat, her eyes narrowed as her gaze locked with Max's. "Oops. You're time has elapsed. Try again in, say…never!" Liz clicked off the phone with an obvious look of satisfaction flitting across her expression.

Instantly jumping to his feet, Max blinked and sputtered in shock. "W-wha…what the…what the hell did you do that for?"

Toe to toe, Liz glared up at him. "You do **not** make play dates with your snow bunnies when we are in the middle of an argument!"

"I'll do whatever I damn well please!" Max held out his hand commandingly. "Now, give it back."

Hiding the phone behind her back, Liz's expression was adorably innocent. "Why? So you can call her back?" Shrugging, she took a cautious step backward as Max stood to his full height, his eyes glowing warningly. "Oh, don't worry. She's probably sitting by her phone at home looking for five dollars worth of change to put into a non-existent slot." Liz's eyes raked over him scathingly. "Believe me, with her IQ, she'll still be searching looong after I'm done with you…"

"Give it." Authoritarian and low, Max's issue was absolute.

"When hell freezes over." Liz shot back stubbornly as her shoulders squared.

A growl of impatient frustration echoed in the room. "In that case…" Snatching his shirt from the floor, Max threw it in Liz's face. "…you might need that because it's going to get really chilly, really fast. Now…" His determined gaze locked with hers. "Give. Me. The. Phone."

"You want it, lover boy?" Waving it in front of his face, a delightfully impish look danced in Liz's eyes as she inched backwards. "You'll have to come and get it."

A moment of intense silence reigned as the two eyed each other suspiciously, cautiously, challengingly. Then Max made his move and all hell broke loose. Wide-eyed, Duke watched the most hilarious few minutes of entertainment he'd seen in years as Max lunged for his phone. With a shriek of alarm, Liz danced out of his way barely escaping his grasp. His advancement was hampered by the chair Liz managed to shove forward as she slipped by it and rounded the corner of the desk.

They circled the large mahogany desk for endless minutes, Liz always two steps ahead of Max. But he finally gained speed as he rounded the outer corner and reached out barely touching Liz's shoulder before the room erupted into a volley of choice expletives when Max stubbed his toe against the heavy leg of the massive desk. Liz took the opportunity to escape him for good as she jumped on the desk and slid along the top of the grained wood, landing with a thud on the other side.

"Wait, wait, wait." Spinning to face him, Liz threw up her hands and tried to catch her breath when she was safely a desk-length away from Max. "Look at us. Do you have any idea how ridiculous this is? Max, chasing girls around a desk are for old men with reluctant secretaries and little boys with crushes."

"Hey. You started it." Max shot back, his chest rising and falling with labored breaths, the wince of pain not quite disappearing from his expression.

"I did not." She blinked with deliberate innocence.

"You're the one who kidnapped my phone!" Arms waving in disbelief, Max's tone jumped an octave before he took a deep, much needed calming breath, placed his hands flat on the desk and raised his head to meet her gaze. The moment his eyes met hers, they instantly began to dance with laughter and a smile began tugging the corners of his mouth upward. He fought the smile though he could do little wipe the general expression of merriment from his face. "Look. The irony of this is just…" He paused. "I mean…you do see what you're doing, don't you?"

This time her innocence was real. "What are you talking about?"

Max took way too much pleasure in explaining it to her. It was evident in his eyes. The smile crawling over his lips. His entire body language screamed his delight at having the opportunity to point out the obvious. "According to you, you don't want me. You don't love me. You never will. In fact, you want nothing to do with me. And yet…" He paused allowing his point maximum impact in the silence. "…you can't stand the thought of me with any one else. The very idea of me touching anyone the way I was touching you, kissing someone the way we kiss…you looked positively ill. And jealous. And…"

Liz instantly scoffed and rolled her eyes as she cut him off. "Oh, please. That is soo not what this is about."

"Really? Then what is it about?"

The patronizing tone of voice went hand in hand with her condescending expression. "Max. I'm simply trying to keep you from making a horrendous mistake."

"A mistake."

Nodding her head vigorously, Liz's finger deliberately ran over the edge of Max's cell phone tauntingly. "I know you, Max. I know what you really want."

A smirk was her response. "Oh you do, do you?"

"Uh-huh." Liz paused as her eyes met his. Her voice softened unexpectedly. "You want the fairy tale. And you want it with someone who is your equal." Ebony eyes glowing with a warmth she was unable to hide no matter how hard she tried, Liz cleared her throat and attempted to maintain a distant control. "Bambi is not that someone. So, by keeping your phone, I'm saving you from yet another unfulfilling encounter with a brainless bimbo that leads to nothing but emptiness."

"Oh, I see. So you're doing this out of the goodness of your heart as opposed to, say…uncontrollable jealousy?"

One nod. Liz placed her hands on the desk, mirroring Max's stance. Meeting his challenge. "That's right."

Max pursed his lips in contemplation. "So…my equal, huh?" An instinctive knowledge caused his eyes to dance with golden light. He seized the new opportunity to tease and prove his point all in the same breath. "Well. In that case, she'd have to be a knockout because…" A slight nonchalant shrug. "…just look at me." The arrogant tilt of his head caused Liz's heart to literally skip a beat. She swallowed hard when he winked and held out his arms in a look-at-me gesture. "Need I say more?"

"Riiight." Jumping immediately into the newest game, Liz pushed the desire to jump across the desk and attack Max's lips as far from her conscious as possible. It was not an easy task. Her eyes began to sparkle with taunting laughter. "And with statements like that…a sense of humor wouldn't hurt her either. And that thing about opposites attracting? In your case…" Her nose scrunched up adorably. "…I would suggest someone with a healthy dose of humility."

"And on **that** note…" Max's smirked. Love of their spontaneous banter danced in his eyes. His retorts were quick. His object never forgotten. "…she'd have to be quick. Clever. Witty. Not afraid to speak her mind." Leaning forward slightly putting more weight on his extended arms, his eyes caressed her lips with heated intensity. "Throw in a deliciously sassy streak, and she'd be just about perfect."

"Oh, I don’t know about perfect." Liz commented glibly though pebbles of desire were doing jumping jacks in the pit of her stomach. "I mean, let's not forget her intelligence level. I'd think she'd have to have an IQ that's at least fifty and no higher than seventy-five." Fighting the flush rising rapidly throughout her body, Liz raised her chin defiantly. "You know…to keep up with such brilliant, riveting dialogue as this."

Ignoring her obvious attempt at an insult, Max sparred back without missing a beat. "And the chemistry. It would have to be out of this world." His hand raised to brush back a strand of hair that had fallen across Liz's cheek. Eyes trained on his task, the gravelly tones of his voice sent a ripple of electricity along every nerve ending in her body.

He tucked the hair behind her ear. "Undeniable." Grazing his fingers against the soft skin along Liz's cheek down to her jaw and over to her chin, the tantalizing sparks igniting against her skin were downright torturous. "Profound." As his thumb lazily brushed over her supple lips, Liz's eyes drifted closed and her breathing became slightly erratic. "Volcanic." She barely bit back a moan as his heated whisper breezed across her skin. "Like spontaneous combustion."

She felt his breath mingle with hers. Sensed his lips only a hair away from hers. Swam in the sudden warmth that was Max as he leaned across the desk, lulling her into a state of desire, leading her to certain pleasure.

The heat of his kiss caressed her lips long before physical connection was achieved. She nudged her face forward, nuzzling his nose against hers before seeking the softness of his lips. Her lips quivered. They burned. They ached. The gentle brush of his lips against hers was in direct contrast to the fire boiling in her blood. Tender. Warm. Wet. The graceful dance began. In. Out. Over. Sensuous. Possessing. The delicate tug on her bottom lip nearly brought her to her knees with desire as Max pulled back.

Fingers tangling in her hair, Max lost himself in the sensations of Liz's kiss. The floating. The fire. The dreamy haze of pleasure. The kiss was slow and sensuous. Barely brushing. Tenderly caressing. Moving with rhythmic depth as they breathed each other in. Who needed air when they had this? Each other. The intimacy of the moment. The delicious taste of surrender…

Every cell of her body ached to be taken by this man. Every nerve screamed to connect with their counterpart in the intimacy of his embrace. Every bone-deep desire reared its head. Her heart longed to nestle deep inside of him and take root. To become so much a part of him, he'd never let her go. Her mind was the only objector. The only part of her that registered the danger. That recognized the warning signs of the treacherous game she was playing.

A game that would end in certain death. For her. For Max. For Jaedan.

Two to one. Heart and body against mind. Soft and quivering against determined. Empty and flushed against stubborn. Two to one. Not surprisingly, cognizant fear over-ruled the two the moment Liz thought of her defenseless daughter…

Liz's eyes snapped open unexpectedly. She jumped back from Max and quickly pushed his hand from her face. Clearing her throat, Liz's chin raised in defiance as her eyes met his with determination. "I wouldn't know anything about that."

Recovering quickly, Max's eyes danced with adoration as his hand dropped to once more brace his weight on the desk. "Did I mention stubborn? I mean, I have a tendency to be a bit on the stubborn side, you know. So, I would expect my equal to have a spine of steel."

The sarcasm hung heavily in the air between them. Her eyes met his challengingly. "You don't say."

"Oh, yes. She'll definitely have to be able to hold her own against me." His gaze shifted from Liz's pursed lips to the long creamy neck framed by luxurious cascades of chocolate hair. "It's important to have a partner who won't allow herself to be walked all over. Someone who will take a stand for herself. Be independent." Max unconsciously licked his lips as his gaze drifted to the cleavage produced by Liz's current pose. "That way the occasional battles of will tend to be a bit spicier." Voice lowering huskily, his eyes snapped back up to hers. "And you do know what they say about make up sex, don't you?"

"I've heard rumors." Liz quipped as her gaze dropped to his tilted, irresistible lips.

"Hot. Explosive. Passionate." Eyes descending to the color of midnight, Max's tone lowered seductively. Gravitating toward her, he was practically hovering over the desk. "That's the word around town, at least."

She quirked an eyebrow, her tone matching his in intimacy. Despite the danger, she too leaned forward. Unconsciously. Pulled toward him by an intense, invisible force. "You've never experienced it yourself?"

A casual shrug. "Never made up with a girl before. Most women I've been involved with don't get close enough to reach the fighting stage. And if they do, obviously it won't work and its time for us to go our separate ways."

"What about Kenna?" Unexpected. Honest. Curious. Without hint of antagonism.

Swallowing hard, Max paused. Hit by realization. The difference between the two women was…astounding. Glaring. Obvious. Gaze lowered, unable to hide the hint of pain she always saw when the illusive woman's name was mentioned. Soft. Truthful. His answer was straightforward and revealing. "Kenna and I never fought."

"Lucky you." Responding quietly, Liz's gut felt like it had been kicked with the full force of a sumo wrestler. Of course they never fought. Kenna was the love of his life. His perfect woman. His one true soulmate…

Max's eyes snapped up to meet her gaze catching a hint of hurt and sympathy before an imposed distance took its place. "I wouldn't be so sure." He licked his lips unconsciously. The sincerity darkening his eyes nudged her heart, quickening its pace. "Seems to me the emotions needed to fight are just as raw and primal and…real…as the emotions needed to love. An element of passion permeates a fiery anger just as much as it does the deepest devotion. I'm not quite sure you can really love without being able to fight. Opposite each other. For each other. Side by side, against the world."

It was Liz's turn to swallow around the lump that had risen in her throat. She was ashamed of how shaky her breath sounded in her own chest. Clearing her throat, she attempted to sound more confident than she felt. "Sounds rather idealistic to me."

"Not if you're my equal." Max responded softly, meaningfully.

"Who says I am?"

"You do. Every time you look in my eyes." Eyes flickering with sudden warmth, Max's smile was a mixture of sincerity and devilish taunting. His grin widened as he made his subtle point obvious. "After all, who have we really been describing this whole time?"

The intensity of the silence permeated the room. Duke once more felt like an intruder who desperately wanted to fade into the woodwork, disappear and give the two obvious would-be-lovers much needed privacy. But he was terrified to move. Afraid any disturbance in the air would break the wicked spell of desire weaving a beautiful dance between Max and Liz.

In all of his years of knowing Max Evans, Duke had never seen his friend so taken with a woman. So…in love. So intense. And never so determined to win her heart. Not that Max seemed to have much work to do on that front. Liz Parker was as head over heels in love with Max as he was with her. If the two of them could just get on the same page at the same time…if they could just break down the stubborn walls they had built to protect each other from the horrors of their past…Duke truly believed they could, **would** make it.

If only…

Liz instinctively knew she had to get out of there. The desire was suffocating. The intense urges ripped through her at lightning speed. Shattering her into aching fragments of a deep, soul-piercing hunger. Pulling her in so many directions, her head was swimming. Light-headed. Dizzy. Irrational.

He was right. She was his equal. He knew it. She knew it. Hell, by now, the entire world probably knew it. It made her giddy with happiness and tortured with the impossibility of it all. In the midst of the delightful torment of the deepest truth, there was only one way Liz Parker could possibly escape this latest stunt of Max's unscathed. Only one way to evade ultimate truth for a while longer.

She would simply…agree with him…

"Alright." Liz's eyes began to dance with sudden mischief. Leaning forward suggestively, her smile widened brightening her eyes in the process. "I'll do it."

"Do it?" Max sucked in a breath as her suggestive tone and carefully selected words him hit his sense full force. A dark eyebrow raised in question as a teasing smirk skipped across Max's lips. Voice lowering seductively, Max leaned toward Liz slightly. "Why…Ms. Harris, I had no idea you were the 'night of unrestrained passion after just one date' kind of gal…"

Liz mirrored Max's questioningly raised eyebrow. "You call last night a first date?"

Shrugging nonchalantly, a smug smile drifted over his lips as he let out an arrogant sigh. "Well…I **was** in your bed." Wiggling his eyebrows, Max's eyes danced with suggestive teasing. "For me that **is** pretty much how a first date ends."

Grin deepening, Liz rolled her eyes. "Correction…you are ON my bed. You are way too full of yourself. And if your idea of a typical first date is a taking an intoxicated woman home, securing her virtue by being a true gentleman and then lying to her like a scoundrel the next morning, then I now know why you've a reputation for being such a playboy." She shrugged at Max's inquiring gaze. "It only makes sense. Since the women you normally date have Swiss cheese for brains, they'll believe anything you say."

"Since I'm not one of those women and I do have you all figured out…" Liz shrugged. "…the great Max Evans mystique is gone. So…alright."

"The Max Evans mystique?" A dark eyebrow raised in inquisition as confusion raced through Max's eyes. "What does that…" Breaking his question off mid-thought, Max jumped to the immediate question dancing in his mind. "Wait. Alright?" Shaking his head, Max's face registered a comical level of incomprehension. "I don't understand. Is that an invitation?"

"It's an answer."

A grin began to weave its way through Max's expression. This woman was truly unpredictable. As well as he felt he knew her, he never quite knew what she would do next. "Did I miss the question?"

"It was implied."

Standing to his full height, Max crossed his arms in front of him and eyed Liz warily. She was clearly up to something. He couldn't quite tell what yet, but… "And exactly what was this implied question?"

And then…Liz Parker turned the tables…

Taking a deep breath, Liz mirrored Max's actions. Dragging her hands from the desk, she stood and tilted her head to the side. "I'll marry Mark."

The grin disappeared. Shock raced through his eyes. His shoulders slumped. His voice sounded small and unnerved. "You…you will?"

Nodding enthusiastically, Liz grinned. "Uh-huh. I mean…your case is solid, Max. Mark and I belong together. He is, after all, Jaedan's father not to mention the love of my life, and…now that we're both free…"

"But…but what about…" Panic began to shift through Max's stormy eyes. His hand waved dramatically through the air between them. "…you know. This. Us. Spontaneous combustion. You being my equal."

"Oh, Maaaax…" An appropriately sympathetic pout traced Liz's lips as she gripped Max's phone in her hand and slowly rounded the desk stopping in front of him. Eyes bright with delight, Liz gazed up into Max's distraught face. She reached up and touched the frown lines forming around his lips. "I'm not your equal. I'm your better. And although spontaneous combustion with you **is**…" Her smile widened as she let out a dreamy sigh. "…out of this world…I like my feet planted firmly on the ground. Mark does that for me."

"Though I do have to admit…" Running her finger lightly over his lips causing them to tremble under her touch, her voice lowered in a whisper. "…you are the most **fabulous** kisser I've ever known."

Liz's hand dropped to her side. A deepening smile. A wink. A flip of her hair and Liz Parker spun on her heels, walked to the door and paused. "Oh, Max…" Turning back to Max, the condescending tone permeated her whole demeanor. "…don’t worry about Bambi distracting you from your search for Ms. Right." Dramatically holding his cell phone over a pitcher of water, Liz sent him one last wink.

Taking a lurching step forward, Max's loud gasp echoed in the room as she let the phone slip through her fingers to land with a loud plop in the ice cold water. "Now." She clapped her hands together as if knocking the dust off after a hard day's work. "I'm off to find my fiancee'." One last nod of acknowledgement indicated Liz hadn't entirely forgotten the presence of the priest. "Father. I'll see you at the altar. In the meantime…" She pointed to Max. "…whatever Hail Mary's I just racked up can be assigned to him. You see, I'm not Catholic, but I hear Max has plenty of practice in the confessing and atoning for sins department." One more mischievous wink and Liz disappeared.

The moment the door slammed behind Liz, the room was instantly filled with a burst of laughter and a growl of frustration. Tears forming in the corner of his eyes from all his laughter, Duke approached Max who had slumped into a nearby chair and buried his face in his hands. "That is one fiery woman you got there, Max. Unpredictable. Gutsy. You truly have your hands full with her."

Rolling his eyes, Max flopped back into the chair. "She wasn't supposed to say yes."

"Which is probably why she did. She really does have you figured out." Leaning against the desk, Duke cracked a smile as his blue eyes danced with laughter. "You two are uh…" Unable to find the right word, Duke just shook his head with a chuckle.

At Duke's dangled sentence, Max's lips began to twitch as his gaze met Duke's. "We are, aren't we?"

"Uh…yeah." Agreeing, Duke shifted his weight against the desk and questioned Max's next move. "So…this wedding. Exactly how are we going to pull this off?"

"How the hell am I supposed to know?" Max looked slightly annoyed. "Like I said, she wasn't supposed to say yes."

"But now that she has…" Duke prompted noting the hint of mischief slipping through Max's eyes as a smile, and a plan, began to form.

"Now that she has…" Max repeated as his gaze fixed on a point in the distance. "Now that she has, I'm going to give her the wedding from hell…"

"From hell." Duke repeated. "Right." Duke uncrossed his ankle, pushed himself away from the desk and clapped Max on the back. "So, uh…good luck with that. I’m just going to, you know…escape the wrath of Liz…"

"Oh, no you don't." Max stopped his suddenly retreating friend. "One for all and all for one…"

Rolling his eyes, Duke groaned and plopped into a chair. "Fine. But if she breaks anything of mine in a fit of rage, you buy it." Chuckling, Max nodded his agreement. Duke sighed with resignation and propped his feet up when Max leaned forward, a devilish twinkle in his eyes. "Alright, pal. Hit me with it. What disaster are you planning for Liz Parker's fictitious wedding?"

Max's grin deepened. "Only the most spectacular disaster of all…Homer Thickbottom for a groom and a perfect best man…"

Tbc…

[Ashton]

~ chapter 24 ~


"It's fate."

Large, dark eyes rolled dismissively. "It's coincidence."

He smirked, his eyes dancing with amusement. "The same plan. The same day." Crossing his arms and placing them on the table in front of him, he leaned forward. The intimate pet name slipped out emphasizing a dark, upraised eyebrow of confidence. "Baby, that's two hearts and minds completely in synch with each other."

The determined set of her jaw expressed itself in pursed lips and crossed arms as she mirrored his stance and leaned against the table as well. "It was only one time."

"It's been this way since the beginning and you know it." He shot back, not unkindly. His eyes softened to a warm glow. "It took us only five minutes to instinctively know about each other what some people take years to discover."

"I'm not so sure about that." A slight shrug. A quiet confession. A denial of gigantic proportions. "I have been, without a doubt, more surprised by you than any other person in my life."

"Same goes for me." He countered sincerely. Undaunted, he continued as a smile played around the corners of his lips. "That doesn't change the fact that we know each other. Have known each other from the first day. And it's the kind of knowing that's goes so much deeper than favorite meals or where we like to vacation."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "We belong together. You know it as well as I do. Like I said…" In case she missed his earlier meaning, he eagerly pointed it out bringing the discussion full circle. "…it's fate."

Desperately trying to not be so easily convinced, her famous stubborn streak was in full swing, though the hardened walls in her eyes were slowly crumbling. "It was a fluke of colossal proportions."

"It's destiny." He persisted, confidence echoing in the deep timbres of his voice.

"It's a game of chance." She countered, her voice wavering with uncertainty.

"It's inevitable."

"Like the inevitable cosmic joke."

"It's love." The quiet declaration filled the air with a tangible sense of anticipation. Of sudden seriousness. Of open-hearted confession.

The already private dinner setting for two took on an added level of intimacy as candlelight flickered with a soft glow across bronzed skin. As the soft evening breeze playfully danced with cascades of hair, chocolate smoothness brushed against a column of luminous skin and flitted across bared, moonlit shoulders. Casting shadows and emphasizing the midnight depths and amber flickers of locked gazes.

Liz Parker's gaze shifted from the warm glowing eyes that always managed to pull her in. She swallowed hard, trying to nudge the knot of sudden emotion out of her voice as she struggled to reject the truth gently burrowing into her tender heart. Her eyes raised to meet his with a challenging parry. "No. It's a whole lot of lust. A little bit of like. And a great deal of challenge." Her chin raised defiantly. "But…it's not love. It can't be."

Max Evans was not taken back, evidenced by his knowing smirk. "Why not? Because we haven't known each other that long?"

"Because I won't let it." Liz retorted with unequivocal determination.

Switching gears so swiftly Liz felt her head spin, Max asked a probing question with an equally probing gaze. "Does it really hurt you so much to be loved?"

"Max…"

"I know. I know." Putting up his hands to stop Liz's protest, Max smiled wryly. "I’m not supposed to use the dreaded four-lettered word." He shifted in his seat, casually leaning forward resting his arms on the table once more. "But…just for a moment…say that I am. Does it really hurt to know someone loves you?"

Liz let out a deep, reluctant sigh as her eyes shifted from his. She worried her bottom lip with her teeth before licking her suddenly parched lips. Swallowing hard, she nervously began to finger the stem of her wineglass. Her voice was barely above a whisper when she finally spoke. "I can't give you want you need, Max. That's…what hurts."

Shifting his chair so he was sitting next to Liz, Max reached over and covered her hand with his. His thumb lazily caressed her soft skin and Liz's eyes drifted closed at the sensations of warmth that one simple gesture spread through her heart. His words set it on fire. "What you think I need…I don't need."

Eyes full of emotion met his. He shook his head slightly at her inquiring gaze. "I don't need safety. I don't need certainty. I don't even need reassurance I'll live to see tomorrow. No one could give that to me anyway. Least of all you." A small smile haunted his lips. "You may be a goddess, but you're not God."

Despite herself, a flush quickly rose in Liz's cheeks and a hint of a smile peeked out of her eyes. It was only a peek, and vanished quickly chased away by daunting fears. Haunting questions. "Then…" Liz's soft whisper echoed the question of her heart as her hand unconsciously covered his, covering hers. "…what do you need?"

Max glanced down at their entwined hands and smiled faintly before beginning. "You."

"Max, please…" She attempted to pull her hand away.

Max held onto it with increasingly gentle pressure. "I need to be near you. See you. Make you smile." His eyes met hers in an honest, straight-forward confession hinted by a whisper of pain. "I need to able to tell you every day that I love you. The problem with that is you don't want me to say the words."

With a light shrug and a half smile, Max continued softly. "So, I'm doing the only thing left in my power to do. I'm showing you. Little by little. Day by day. Run all you want, push as hard as you can…I'm not walking away from you. And every day that I'm here, you'll believe in me…trust me…just a little bit more." He pulled in a ragged breath as his voice became a mere whisper. "I'm staking my entire future on that."

Blinking back the sudden moistness in her eyes, Liz shook her head in disbelief. "Max. You're way too…" Pausing to find the right words, the emotion in her eyes was hidden by a thick veil of lashes as her gaze lowered. "You're beyond words." The words came slowly, deliberately. "Someone like you…shouldn’t be…wasting yourself…on me. On something that can never be."

"It can be. All you have to do is let it."

"And if I do…how long will it last, Max?" Liz's quiet, probing question echoed an added layer of pain in her eyes. "A week? A month? If we're lucky a few years?" She shook her head, a deep sigh of regret escaping her. "The pain of losing would be…unbearable. All our hopes and dreams, they'd be…worthless."

"Love is never a waste." Came back the confident interruption. "And not one single moment of the time I've spent with you, or thinking about you, or planning for an 'us' someday has been a worthless. Not one."

Liz's unease was growing. And obvious. Max recognized the line he'd promised himself not to cross quickly approaching as Liz's eyes began filling with a bubble of tears. He refused to push too hard, too fast. He refused to make her regret having asked him to stay for dinner. To make her cry. The tone on Liz's balcony instantly shifted. Max pulled his hand away from hers and straightened in his chair, forced distance edging his voice. "Well, I'd say that's enough sap for a lifetime. Wouldn't you?"

Liz's gaze snapped up to meet his as she quickly blinked back the building emotion from her eyes. The flash of pain in his eyes sent a pang of regret through her heart. Becoming accustomed to his intense gaze, she loathed the distance she saw creeping into his expression. Instantly, instinctively Liz reached out for his hand. Capturing it, she caressed it absently as she shook her head. "No, Max. That was beautiful. Just like this whole night. And…I'm sorry. You've done…" A smile spread over her lips as she viewed the masterfully created setting around her. "…so much for me. Dinner and conversation…it's all been so…wonderful. Thank you so much, Max. Really."

"You're welcome." Relieved, Max relaxed and leaned back, eyeing her as the tone of her voice registered in his mind. "But...you almost sound as if you're trying to end the evening." He paused, hesitancy evident in his question. "Are you?"

Liz looked down at the table unsure how to answer. She began to bite her lip in that way that he found most adorable. Truth be known, this dinner had been the nicest, most relaxing time she'd spent in a very long time. It had been full of good, pleasant conversation about the day's catastrophic meeting between the two 'Marks' she and Max had chosen as well as the subsequently debunked wedding plans. She'd laughed…so much. And it felt so good. She really didn't want it to end. Ever.

Which was pretty ironic considering how the evening had begun…

Liz put the key in the door to her apartment. Before she even got a chance to turn it, her door flew open to reveal a raven haired, gorgeous hunk standing in front of her. He was dressed in a pair of tight-fitting jeans and a rich, olive green shirt that made his normally dark eyes look shockingly golden. A dishtowel was draped over his shoulder and he wore a smile as bright as the setting sun.

"Welcome home, darling." Max greeted Liz, casually pecking her on the cheek before stepping to the side to let her in. His eyes twinkled as he added a deviously innocent question. "And how was your day?"

Liz Parker didn't budge an inch.

Standing on her doorstep with her mouth open, she looked utterly stunned. And speechless. Mainly because she'd never seen a man with a dishtowel look so downright sexy before and because she couldn't understand what the world he was doing in her apartment…and smiling like the entire day had never happened.

Finding her power of speech, Liz cleared her throat. "Max? What….what are you doing here? And how in the world did you get in?"

Max leaned down till his eyes were level with hers. He was so close she could feel his breath on her face when he spoke in a somewhat conspiratorial tone of voice. "How? Trade secret. What? I was hoping you'd play out that little seduction scene you had planned for me this morning. You know, now that we have the privacy of home…"

Liz's chest hitched and held as a streak of desire hummed through her entire body. The suggestive wiggle of his eyebrows. His closeness. The memory of his hands on her body. His heated kisses. The delicious way his body pressed into hers…

Max took a step toward her and poked his head out the door beyond her shoulder, turning it from side to side, as if he were looking for nosey on-lookers. As he pulled back, he allowed his cheek to brush against hers, his voice low in her ear. "Now, are you going to come in before people start to talk? Or not?" He pulled back only far enough to look into his eyes. "After all, we wouldn't want to ruin your reputation with the neighbors now, would we?"

Liz barely heard what he said. She was focused instead on those lips of his. The ones that were so close she could just tip herself forward ever so slightly and crash right into them. She suddenly began to blush when she realized that he had stopped speaking and that she was still standing on her very own doorstep staring at the most dangerous weapon known to woman.

He smirked knowingly.

Anger fueled by embarrassment instantly flared in Liz's eyes. She quickly cleared her throat and brushed past him roughly as she walked into the apartment trying desperately to remember what shape she left the place in when she rushed out this morning. So far everything looked like it was in its rightful place. Frustration suddenly boiled inside. What should she care what he thought of the state of her apartment anyway? She shouldn't care. It was that simple. He was, after all, nothing to her. A blip on the timeline of her life. Then…why did she?

And how was it he had the most unnerving effect on her? She, a woman totally in control in every area of her life somehow always felt herself at a loss for words or moments away from losing any and all grasp she had on her own emotions whenever Max Evans was in the vicinity. Well, she wasn't going to let him do it. She wasn't going to let him get to her. He'd won way too many points throughout the day for him to win any more. She heard the door close and turned to face Max, feeling herself once more back in control.

"So, what was that reason you said you were here again? Something about my reputation?" She crossed her arms in front of her, trying hard to not notice the way he seemed to fit so perfectly in her apartment. As if he belongs. The invading thought raced through her mind before she had a chance to stop it. Once there, she forcefully tried to ignore it. In vain.

"Ahhh, yes. You're reputation." Max responded with a grin as he walked toward her. "I figured you wouldn't want people to know you were spending the evening with…" He paused, hands on his hips, his gaze cast upward as if trying to remember something. "…how did you put it earlier today?" Max snapped his fingers as if the answer had just hit him. "That's right." His gaze cut to her face. "With someone as boring as me."

Liz grinned wryly and her eyes brightened a notch. So that's why he was here. To repay her for her ill behavior, and it looked like he was starting with her earlier comment. "I'm sorry. Did I just hear you say 'spending the evening' with you?" Pursing her lips, Liz leaned casually against the back of the couch. "Hmmm. Funny. I don't remember agreeing to anything like that…"

"Oh, that's because you didn't." Max interrupted quickly. "See, after what you called me earlier, I figured you needed some serious stress-free R&R. And I thought it should begin tonight."

"Stress-free?" The batting of her lashes and her forced smile emphasized her jab. "But I thought you said you were staying."

Max ducked and shook his head as he chuckled. "See, the more you try to insult me, the more you prove my point."

"Which is?"

"That what you need is a little TLC."

"I see. And you, of course, are the only one who can provide this said TLC for me?"

Max opened his arms in a grand gesture as he looked around. "Do you happen to see anyone else in the near vicinity that can take my place."

"I don't think anyone could ever take your place." Liz said softly, her eyes unexpectedly beginning to glow with an expression Max had seen with growing frequency. And one that took his breath away each time he did. Noting the knowing brightness in his eyes, she tried to sharpen her words with an edge of sarcasm, but the damage of sincerity had already been done. "You are one in a million, Max. One in a million."

What an idiot. Liz thought as she began to chide herself. How in the world did that just come out of your mouth? He must think you're a…a…an idiot. She looked down at the floor, unable to meet Max's penetrating gaze. How is it every time he looked at her, she felt as if the world had suddenly stopped spinning only to whip her into reverse? She consciously tried to stop biting her lower lip, a habit she'd had ever since childhood. She only did it when she was nervous, and boy, was she nervous right now. She wished he'd say something….or that she could think of something else to say. Anything to stop the incessantly erratic pounding of her heart.

She was doing it again. That very adorable habit she had of biting her lower lip when she was nervous. He swallowed hard at the emotion that swept through him. How did she do it? How was she able to stop his heart in one moment then make it race with the wind in the next all with just one look? With one tiny gesture. His mind scrambled to find something to say trying to stop this pregnant silence between them. Instead all he could think about was the way her eyes lit up when she was teasing him and how her cheeks would grow pink with embarrassment when she'd say something unexpectedly meaningful like she had just now.

"You're right. I am one in a million." A teasing glint flashed in Max's eyes. "Unlike Mark Barton."

Liz stiffened perceptibly.

Max continued. "Or…was his name Matt?"

A flush of embarrassment instantly colored Liz's cheeks. Max began to grin shamelessly.

Bypassing the obvious opportunity to inflict maximum insult, Max chose instead to focus on the mission of the evening. "Which brings me right back to my point."

"And, uh…what was that again?" Liz asked in a shaky voice, relieved that Max at least seemed back on even footing and was going to let her previous comment go without further commentary. Although his most recent mention of today's disaster didn't make her any less uneasy.

"That you are in desperate need of serious downtime." A shrug of his shoulders. A sexy tilt of his head. A perusal of her still-coated body with his rakish eyes. "And I plan on changing all of that tonight."

"Oh, really?" The breathlessness of her voice betrayed the affect he was having on her. Every place his gaze landed set her skin on fire. Spiked her temperature. Sent chills through her. She cleared her suddenly dry throat. "And uh…how um…how, exactly, do you plan on doing that?"

"Glad you asked." Max stated with a spark of satisfaction lighting his eyes. "You see, I have been many things to many people. A son, brother, enemy, ally…" he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and took a step forward. "…lover..."

Liz rolled her eyes trying to hide the smile that she could feel surfacing. She tried to stop her thoughts from going in that direction, but even she knew it was futile. Now wasn't the first time she'd wondered what it would be like to make love to this extraordinary man standing before her. In fact, it seemed to becoming a habit for her now. Max's continued words cut through her thoughts, bringing her focus back to the present.

"…a boss. Rival. Friend. And many more that I can't even begin to name. In each of these rolls I've been described as many things. Generous, loving, cut-throat, ruthless, demanding.. Some even say charming…" He flashed her his trademark million-dollar smile as he began listing some of his favorites taking on an air of well-earned conceit. Another slow step forward. The positive adjectives kept coming. "…clever, intelligent, handsome."

"Handsome, huh? Amazing I never picked up on that one." Liz teased with a wry smile.

"Well, believe it or not, I've gotten that a few times." Max joked back with a wink, noting the way her eyes were beginning to sparkle with delight. A sense of satisfaction swept through him. That's precisely what he was going for. That smile. That open spark of life in her eyes. His expression became purposely perplexed as he continued. "And would you believe, I've even gotten…irritating and insufferable? Although, I have **no** idea where **that** came from."

The corner of Liz's mouth twitched with amusement as she recognized her very own words being used against her. "I can't imagine." Liz commented dryly. Her eyes narrowed as she carefully gauged his deliberate advance in her direction.

Ignoring her comment, Max continued. "But never…in all my years of…well, being who I am…have I been described as you described me earlier today. As boring." He shuddered dramatically as he shook his head and took a few more steps toward her. "It was then that I knew."

"Knew what?" Liz asked thoroughly enjoying herself. And hating herself for it.

"That you, my dear…" Max stopped just inches from her and gazed down into her eyes, his tone softening emphasizing the tender endearment. "…are over worked and under-paid and dangerously close to losing all sight of what living life is all about."

Her eyes held a dangerous challenge. "Which according to you is…"

"Taking risks." Reaching out, Max unfolded her arms, his eyes never leaving hers. "Having fun." His finger hooked the inside of the belt on her overcoat. One swift tug and the belt released. "Laughter." Running his hands carefully down the material, Max opened her coat to slip his hands inside, encircling her waist. "Letting go."

"Letting go?" Eyes locked with his, Liz's coy gaze belied the deliberate way she removed his hands from her body. "Having fun?" With a smug smile, she side-stepped him, prompting him to spin around to face her with a sheepish grin and an anticipatory gaze. "I should have known." Turning to face him, she shook her head then looked back up at Max, a challenge hidden behind the smile that lit her eyes. "And how do you know I don't know how to have fun?"

Max grew serious, his tone softening with meaning. He closed the small distance between them. "Do you? Or did you bury the ability so deep inside when he burned you that you're too afraid to really let go and take the risk?"

In her eyes Max saw that all too familiar flicker of sadness when he mention the past. How he wanted to make that go away. And he would...if she'd give him the chance. Ignoring his comment about being burned, Liz swallowed hard and forced more confidence into her voice than she was feeling. "I'm not afraid of anything."

"That's what I'm here to find out." He reached out and gently moved a strand of hair that had fallen in her eyes. Her gaze wavered from his. He wanted to kiss her so badly he could almost feel her gentle lips pressed against his. The fire they could ignite together. The passion that could carry them into the night.

But despite her brave words, her eyes told him something else. She was afraid. Truth be known, so was he. He hadn't met anyone like her before. Her strength, her wit, her fire. The way she reeled him in without even trying. Past experience told him that one kiss from her and he would be lost. And lost was one feeling Max wasn't prepared to feel. At least not tonight.

Tonight was about her. And her incessant need to be in control of everything. If he ever hoped to help her have fun and take risks, he'd first have to teach her how to let go. He hoped tonight would be the beginning of that.

Liz involuntarily shivered as Max's hand brushed her temple when he moved her hair from her eyes. Her gaze moved from those piercing ebony eyes of his to focus on the top button of his shirt. Anything to keep her mind off of those perfectly formed lips and how much she wanted to taste them right this minute. She could literally feel the heat between them and for once she wished she could just do what he suggested and let go. Take the risk. Throw herself recklessly into his arms and never worry about tomorrow.

But she couldn't. No, she couldn't let him get to her. He was still danger to her. In danger because of her. Even more so because of how easily he drew her in. And how eagerly she let him. No matter what he had planned, she had to remain focused. That's what tonight would be about. Keeping focus and not losing control.

The phone rang breaking the silence in the room. Liz jumped and nervously moved to answer the phone, but Max whipped past her and beat her to it.

He grabbed up the phone and started speaking in a fake, automated tone. "Good evening. You have reached the home of Rachel Harris and Sydney Bristow. Bristow is out saving the world and Rachel has a pretty hot date lined up for tonight. With yours truly, of course. So…hang up and let your imaginations run wild."

"I take it she's there." A familiar voice sounded on the other end. "Good luck, dear. With a greeting like that, you'll need it." Max heard the wish then the click that followed and grinned knowing that the caller had been Angel. At least he had one person on his side.

Now to face the person that wasn't.

While Max was on the phone, Liz had tried repeatedly to grab the phone from him but he'd held her off successfully by turning away from her and keeping her at arm's length, which only served to make her try even harder. Max replaced the phone on its cradle and immediately began to take control of the machinery. "Alright now. Ringer is off. Answering machine is on. Volume is down. I think we're set."

With an air of satisfaction, Max finally turned to face her. She was standing behind him with her hands on her hips anger flashing in her eyes. "Just who the hell do you think you are coming into my home and answering my phone and...and...and.." Her stutters were emphasized by wildly flinging arms.

"Taking over?" Max finished for her, with an amused smile on his face. When he planned this evening, he'd expected resistance. He'd been looking forward to it actually. Looked like he was going to get his wish.

"Yes! Taking over!" She indicated the phone. "That could have been important. It could have been someone with an emergency for goodness sake!"

Max shrugged. "So? Other people's emergencies are none of my concern. Yours, however, are."

A perplexed, irritated look came to her eyes. "MINE? MY emergencies?" She let out a sigh of frustration as she ran her fingers through her hair trying to calm her voice. "Max. I DON'T HAVE any emergencies. Unless of course, you want to call being held hostage by an egotistical cretin an emergency. Then THAT would certainly qualify."

"I couldn't disagree more."

"Max…" The dangerous warning in her voice as she took a menacing step forward didn't have the desired affect.

Max burst out laughing. "You simply can't take it, can you? You can't handle not being in control." His grin disappeared as quickly as it came and he lowered his voice with determination and looked her straight in the eyes. "Well, get used to it, honey."

He walked past her, went to the couch, picked up a garment bag and walked back to her. Placing the bag in her arms he ordered. "Now, take this, go change and be back out here in, let's say..." He glanced at his watch dramatically. "...twenty minutes."

Liz's mouth dropped open at his boldness, but quickly recovered as she locked eyes with him raising her chin in defiance. "No."

Fighting a sudden grin, Max crossed his arms and cocked his eyebrow. His forced seriousness was convincingly conveyed through the determined edge in his voice. "What did you just say?"

"I said no." Liz repeated standing firm and not backing down.

Max shook his head while rolling his eyes with a sigh. Then, he shrugged, his announcement of defeat crisp and curt. "Alright. Fine. If that's the way you want it."

A triumphant light came into Liz's eyes as she watched Max start to move past her. Or at least she thought he was moving past her...

In the next instant, Liz let out a squeal as Max picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. "Put me down! Put me down now, you big lug! Aaaarrrrggghh! Max! I mean it! Put me down!" Liz began kicking and hitting Max as he carried her to her bedroom, dropped her unceremoniously on her bed, placed the garment bag next to her, walked to the door and turned around calmly.

"Oh, and Kendall...you now have nineteen minutes." With a triumphant grin he slammed the door shut.

Only after he sent her a cocky wink.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Max was in the kitchen finishing the last touches on the meal he'd prepared all the while holding the phone between his ear and his shoulder.

"No…" He whispered into the phone with a chuckle. "I had to physically carry her into her room kicking and screaming. You have any idea where she got that stubbornness? No? Well, whoever it was I'm not sure whether to strangle them or thank them. What? No, I'm sure she'll come out. She's too curious not too."

Max turned to look in the direction of Liz's room as he heard the door click open. "Speaking of which…here she is, right on cue. Hey, look I've got to go. She's heading out this way. Yeah, don't worry. I'm pretty much prepared for anything. Thanks, Angel. Talk to you later. Bye."

Max clicked his phone off and set it down then quickly turned off the oven and stove, wiping his hands before heading out to greet Liz. As he met her in the living room, his eyes swept over her in admiration.

Light. Breezy. Soft.

And utterly beautiful.

The delicate floral material of the nearly floor length skirt fluttered lightly with every move she made as Liz floated toward him. The off-the shoulder design of her plum-colored sweater emphasized the smoothness of Liz's bare shoulders while clinging, subtly accentuating her every curve. A scooped neckline showcased the pearl drop necklace hanging delicately in the hollow at the base of her neck. Max was proud of that particular bobble. He'd hand-picked it himself.

The entire picture caused Max's breath to freeze in his chest.

It was simple. Exquisite. Perfect.

Just like Liz.

He swallowed hard and forced lightness into his tone as he crossed his arms in front of him. It was a defensive move. Keeping his impulses in check. Protecting Liz from an intense attack of desire. "My, my you certainly do look comfy." Max commented loving the way that shade of plum looked against her skin and darkened her eyes to a velvety midnight.

Liz eyed him warily. "How did you know my size?"

"Trade secret." Max said enigmatically for the second time that evening. A hint of uncertainty edged his eyes. "Do you like it?"

She nodded slightly, tilting her head to the side. Her fingers unconsciously played with the soft material brushing her thighs. "Yeees. In fact, I was admiring this just the other day, but somehow I think you already knew that, didn't you?" Her eyes held a note of challenge.

"I'd have to be a psychic to know something like that."

"Unless you've been following me." Liz quipped.

Max's face split into a grin as he shook his head. "There's no end to the list of wrong you think I'm capable of, is there?"

"Nope. There isn't." Liz stated lightly. "In fact, I hope you realize that every detail of this evening will be noted on the police report that I intend to file."

"Oh, really?" An eyebrow raised in surprise. "And uh…what will the charges be? Buying you a new ensemble..." He paused, his eyes raking over the masterpiece one piece of plastic called Visa can purchase. "…one that you happen to look breathtaking in, by the way..." He was rewarded with a faint smile echoing in her eyes. "…and providing you with a fabulous home cooked meal?"

Liz blushed slightly at his compliment but continued on her chosen path of conversation. "The charges? Oh, I don't know. How about abduction?'

"But this is your apartment." Max's eyes began to twinkle with laughter. She never ceased to amaze him with the lengths she'd go to try resisting him. Or the lengths he'd go to let her.

"Ok. Then what about holding me hostage?"

Max shook his head. "You're not a hostage. You can leave any time."

Liz leaned forward and pointed at him. "Ah-ha! But we'd still have the problem of you being in an apartment that doesn't belong to you, without permission--I might add, while the occupants are away. Clearly breaking and entering."

Max's grin got deeper. "Nothing is broken. And I entered legally. Just ask your roomie."

Liz's mouth dropped open. "How in the world did you convince Sydney to let you in here?"

"I have my ways." He shrugged his shoulders answering cryptically, then gave her this 'so-now-what-are-you-going-to-do' look before lobbing in a comment he was sure would get her hackles up. "By the way…Sydney…" He wiggled his eyebrows. "…seriously hot. No wonder I don't have to worry about Dimple Boy…"

Eyes narrowing, Liz's jaw tightened. She folded her hands in front of her with forced confidence "Yes. Well, it's not like Mike doesn't have competition on the Syd front." Liz instantly began listing all of Vaughn's rivals. "There is, of course, every guy that has ever seen her. The girl is a magnet for the male species. You should see how they pant like puppy dogs when we go shopping together. It's…" She scrunched up her nose adorably. "….pathetic really."

Shrugging, she moved on. "And of course, there's Will, who is sweet if not a bit on the naïve side. And despite his hairstyle that makes one want to introduce him to the concept of a hairbrush, he's head over heels for Syd. And being her best friend…well, you just never know about these things. Seems there was a guy she mentioned that she worked with and another one she met on a business trip." Assuming she'd sufficiently laid out her case, Liz smiled with satisfaction. "So you see, Mike just might get tired of waiting for her. And if that happens…well…"

She allowed the sentence to dangle suggestively.

Max wasn't buying.

"Riiiight." Max agreed, rather unconvincingly. Not wanting to get bogged down in another Vaughn-centered conversation, he switched gears suddenly and brightened. "Hey, I've got an idea. Why don't we have dinner…then you can add the charges of--oh, I don't know--not putting enough seasoning on your meal. How does that sound?"

Liz crossed her arms in a pout. "With my luck your 'seasoning' is probably some hallucinogen that makes you appear to be the Prince Charming my daughter thinks you are." Her gaze met his with a challenging mumble. "That, or some kind of potent aphrodisiac that'll make us wild with passion..."

"You wish." Max chuckled before he gallantly held out his hand and donned the demeanor of courtesy. "My lady, may I show you to your table, please?"

Liz hesitated a moment before rolling her eyes and placing her hand in his allowing him to lead her out onto the deck. What she saw there caused her to pull up short and gasp in delighted surprise.

The deck was no longer just a deck. Off to the right, a rod iron canopy covered nearly half the area, with white filmy material hanging like an elegant tent creating the most intimate of spaces. The circular top was open to the midnight sky and sparkling stars above, while her dinning room table had been placed in the center and was covered with an elegant tablecloth, exquisite flowers and scented candles. Soft music was filing the air and strings of tiny white lights hung in the air, providing additional lighting along with various types of candles placed strategically around the cedar railing and floor.

"Max, this is…" Breathlessly, Liz gazed around her own personal fairy land.

Taking the uncharacteristic awe in her eyes as a good sign, Max began to grin. "You like it?"

"Like?" She swallowed hard and turned to look at him. "Max, I…I love it."

"Good." Max stated simply. His smile deepened as his eyes began shining with pride. "Now, to begin your very own customized evening of relaxation."

Tugging Liz forward, Max pulled out her chair and seated her then turned to go back to the kitchen and bring her meal. When he returned he held a tray with her salad and main course, which he placed in front of her. With a nod and a smile, Max offered his sincerest wishes. "Dinner is served, milady. Just let me know when you're ready for dessert. Hope you enjoy."

With a wink and a crisp nod, Max then turned to leave. For the first time, Liz noticed that there was only one place setting at the table. She held up her hand and called out for him. "Whoa, wait a minute here."

Max grinned to himself before clearing his throat and turning to address her, a concerned look quickly replacing the triumphant look his eyes had held when his back was to her. "Yes? Is something wrong?"

Liz looked from Max to the place across from her then back to Max. "Aren't you going to eat?"

"Of course, I am." Max informed her cordially. "But I'll be dinning in the kitchen."

She blinked a couple of times unsure of what she'd just heard. Her gaze shifted to the atmosphere he'd obviously gone to a lot of trouble to create. That he wasn't going to share it with her was…inconceivable. Her inquiring gaze shifted back to Max. "In the kitchen? But…why?"

Max's eyes softened as he leaned down to look at her, his index finger tilting her chin upward slightly. A smile played across his lips. "Despite what you believe, this night really is about you having a nice, relaxing time. Now, if that means staying as far away from me as possible, then so be it." He straightened back up and turned to go when she reached out and grabbed his arm.

As he turned to look back down at her, her dark eyes were shining with uncertainty. She knew what she wanted, she just didn't know if it would be granted. She simply didn't want to be alone. In that moment he could see the sadness of a lonely life so clearly in her eyes. She swallowed and offered a simple, heart-felt request. "Stay and eat with me. Please. I don't…I don't want to be alone…"

And that was how she had ended up here.

Having an intimate dinner with Max Evans on her deck.

Drinking wine. Shimmering in soft candlelight. Basking in the attention of a thoroughly fascinating man.

Having the time of her life.

When Max slammed the door on her earlier with that cocky grin he sometimes gets, she had seriously considered making him wait the rest of the night. But curiosity had gotten the better of her and she unzipped the bag to find the sweater and skirt she'd been looking at for such a long time.

Her heart softened immediately. Not that she could be bought. In fact, she knew instantly that she'd pay him back ever cent he'd spent on her. And she had been so angry that not even a new outfit would have been enough to make her wander back into the battle zone. Just for sheer principle alone.

What really broke her resolve was the little white flag and note she found hanging in front of the sweater that said Wear this and that disarming smile of yours and I will surrender willingly as your conquered foe. Forever, Your Adonis. She knew she was in trouble when she actually heard herself let out a dreamy sigh. He'd gone through a lot of trouble just to give her a nice evening. The least she could do was accept it graciously. Right? But how far was gratitude supposed to go? And how close was she going to let him get?

"Kendall?" Max called her name softly bringing her back to the present. "Do you want me to go?" His amber eyes were pleading for the truth.

Liz's eyes cut to his face and she found herself slowly shaking her head no before she knew it. A brilliant smile broke out over his face. "Good. Because I have more planned."

"You do, huh?" She raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

Max Evans merely grinned.

And Liz Parker knew she was in for the night of her life…

Tbc…

[Ashton]

Hey all!

Sorry it took so long to get this one out. I've had both the flu and a cold all in the past two weeks, so I've pretty much been laid up. Hope you enjoy. This is a continuation of the night Max planned for Liz. It's pretty much all fluff. Hope you don't mind. As usual, would LOVE to hear what you think and I thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for your amazing support!!!! Hope you enjoy!!!

Hugs,
Ashton
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ chapter 25 ~


Leaning wearily against the firehouse door, Max let out a deep sigh.

"Hey."

Head snapping up, Max stiffened perceptibly, his eyes narrowing a moment trying to make out the figure in the semi-darkness. Visibly relaxing when his friend and current visitor stepped from the shadow of the kitchen into full view, Max let out any other sigh and tossed his keys on a nearby stand. His voice was dull and emotionless. “Oh. Hey, Steve.”

"Uh-oh." Steve grunted before he placed a plate of snacks on the coffee table and plopped into a chair. "I take it by that greeting things didn’t go so well with Liz tonight.”

Pushing himself away from the door, Max crossed the entrance way into the spacious living area. Passing between the couch and chair, Max absently grabbed Steve’s bottle of newly opened beer just as it was headed toward his lips for a swig. Max took a drink instead, missing the look of comic annoyance on Steve's face, before he dropped onto the couch and leaned his head back with another deep sigh.

Shaking his head at his obviously love-sick friend, Steve hoisted himself out of the chair and headed toward the kitchen to grab another bottle from the fridge. Once he'd returned and resettled, Steve eyed Max through narrowed eyes.

Max looked a mess. Conflicted. Mind clearly in another part of town, with a beautiful brunette who had done only God knew what to her adoring suitor. Emotions jumping from borderline serene to anxious discontentment. It was impossible from Max's demeanor to determine the course of his evening with Liz. If it went well, something else was clearly up. If he crashed and burned…

Well, there was only one way to find out.

Steve cleared his throat, squared his shoulders and prepared himself for a 'talk'. "Alright, Max. Fess up. Just how bad did she shoot you down?"

"She didn't." Max replied evenly. His eyes opening to stare at the ceiling, Max licked his lips and sank further into the cushions. "In fact…tonight went much better than expected." His eyes brightened a notch and a faint smile haunted his lips. "It was…perfect, actually."

"Perfect." Steve repeated, registering the contrast of Max's answer and his unsettled expression. "So, uh…if it was perfect…why do you look like you just lost your best friend?"

"Because I did." Max's quiet answer quickly changed. "Or I will. In fact…" He glanced at the clock on the wall. "…it's probably happening right about now."

"Man, you are so not making any sense."

Another deep sigh. Max's gaze lowered to his finger lazily running over the top of his beer bottle. "I'm not looking forward to tomorrow, ok?"

"Why not?" Steve asked as he popped a cookie into his mouth.

"Because." Running a hand over his eyes, Max's shoulders slumped with defeated anticipation as he shifted his position. "Tonight was so amazing, tomorrow will be hell on earth. I guarantee it."

Shaking his head, Steve cracked a smile. "Max, you have some seriously twisted logic sometimes…"

Max's eyes snapped upward to meet Steve's. "I mean it. This is her pattern. It's the way she operates. She lets me get close then she pushes me away. It's the old two steps forward, one step back routine. And the closer we get…the happier she lets herself be with me…the farther she pushes me away the next time she sees me." Shaking his head, Max's voice edged with frustration. "Given tonight's success, I won't even recognize the woman I love tomorrow."

"Oh."

Having found an unexpected, but welcomed receptacle for the vent that had been building for a while, Max continued his voice edging with each expressed emotion. "And it's…it's frustrating. And infuriating. Not to mention maddening. And…and downright lonely."

"Ah."

"Right." Max flushed as his rampage built in steam as he leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "I mean…does she not realize that each time she lets me in…every single time she lets me see her heart…she hands the world to me? She literally makes my life perfect. Alive. And…and so complete. Then when she turns around and shuts the door on me…I…I can't even begin to tell you just how empty…just how utterly alone I feel."

Beginning to see the problem, Steve leaned back in his chair in silent contemplation. "So. That's it." Steve paused before asking a probing question. "And, uh….just how perfect was tonight, Max?"

Despite the attitude of gloom that was probing Max's heart, his expression couldn’t disguise the answer to Steve's question. "Beyond."

"Which means tomorrow…" Steve prompted.

"She'll make sure I'm beyond miserable." Max answered quietly, defeat written all over his features.

"I see." Steve took another drink then settled back into his chair. "So. If you know what's coming…why don't you cut her off at the pass?"

Inquiring eyes met Steve's as a thoughtful expression claimed his features. "What do you have in mind?"

"Not sure yet." Steve answered with a shrug. "Why don't you tell me what you did tonight?"

"Nothing elaborate." Shrugging, Max's eyes took on a glow of sublime contentment as he outlined his evening. "Just dinner."

"Dinner's a good start."

"Very good." Max agreed readily. "And conversation…amazing."

"You? Conversing? With Liz?" Steve practically snorted. "Well. That is **definitely** a step forward. Especially the way she gave you the cold shoulder today after the whole Mark Barton debacle."

Chuckling, Max shook his head as his expression began to brighten. "She wasn't just cold, my friend. She was downright frigid."

"An Arctic blizzard with glacially frozen glares is more like it."

Max's grin widened. "Hence my use of the word 'amazing'." Max let out a sigh and leaned back again, his head sinking into the cushion of the couch. "Then, of course, there was the dancing…"

"Ohhh." Steve wiggled his eyebrows, popped a few chips into his mouth and talked around his chewing. "Dancing is veeery good." When Max didn't readily jump in with a comment, Steve washed his chips down with a drink then cleared his throat. "Uh. Max? Care to share?"

"Huh?" As if snapped back into focus, Max's gaze shifted to Steve.

"Dancing. Details. Share."

Max merely smiled as his eyes drifted closed and a recent memory began…


"Close your eyes." Max said quietly.

Liz started shaking her head. "Uh-huh."

"Why not?"

"I don't trust you that much." Liz stated simply.

You mean, you don't trust yourself. The words were on the tip of Max's tongue, but he bit them back instantly. Given all the conceivable outcomes of the evening, Max was very much ahead of the game at this point. It was a fact he not only recognized, but embraced with every ounce of his being.

With little fight, Liz had openly requested his presence at dinner. She'd allowed herself to laugh and enjoy herself. To relax. Let go of a few inhibitions. In short, she'd already conceded quite a bit. Seemingly without realizing it.

There was no need to remind her of it now.

Max nodded understandingly. "Alright. Then just take a deep breath and look up at the stars."

"Why?"

"Do you always have to question everything?" Max asked with a twinkle in his eyes.

Liz looked away uncomfortably. "I'm sorry. I just…I've just learned to not take everything at face value. When you do, you end up getting burned every time."

Max reached over and covered her hand in his, the meaning in his tone undeniable. "Not every time." Seeing that Liz still refused to look at him, Max brightened suddenly as he pulled his hand away from hers creating a comfortable physical distance that would put Liz at ease. "But, you know what? It's ok to question. Really. In fact, your questioning mind is one of the things I like most about you."

Liz looked back at him with surprise…and gratitude. And a bit of apprehension. There was danger waiting for her in his look. In the open sincerity of his expression. The encouraging tilt of his smile. In his eyes, the hesitant uncertainty of what her answer would be. Proceeding down whatever path he had planned for them was testing emotional waters Liz Parker didn't feel strong enough to test.

Still…

She took a deep breath, leaned forward…then went with it. "Ok, so what am I supposed to be looking for in the stars? The answer to the struggles of the universe?"

Relief flashed in Max's eyes as he cracked a smile. "Nah, we'll save that for another night. Tonight I just want you to concentrate on making a wish."

Liz looked at him with a mixture of awe and disbelief. This was, obviously, not the first time Liz Parker had seen the utterly romantic side of Max Evans. Still, there was always a doubt in the back of her mind that it was just an act. A persona he donned for his latest challenge. That once he got what he wanted, he'd revert to the callused, ruthless playboy everyone always talked about, but Liz had yet to see.

Which re-emphasized only one conclusion: this was anything but an act. And Max was anything but callused. Liz's expression softened as a small smile haunted her lips. "You really believe in wishing on stars?"

"Yes, I do." Max answered back still amazed at the truthfulness of his statement. There had been a time in his life long in the distant past when wishing on stars was all he seemed to do. Then his life fell apart and for some reason he'd never been able to look at a star with the same faith and hope he once held. Until recently. In fact, until meeting Liz. And Jaedan. Max looked up at her a renewed realization hitting him. She'd made him believe in the stars again. How ironic. Especially since she didn't seem to believe in them herself. At least that's what she wanted him to believe. Noting the doubt in her eyes he couldn't forgo the obvious. "Why? Don't you?"

Liz shrugged. "Seems kinda silly, don't you think? I mean, how many wishes have you made that actually came true?"

"You're here with me tonight, aren't you?"

Liz blushed and looked away, her tone laced with cynicism. "Always quick with those simple one-liners, aren't you?"

"Just because it's quick or simple doesn't mean it's not true."

"No?"

"No." Max paused. "Hey. Look at me."

Back stiff as a board and chin held high in defiance, Liz's eyes met his. She immediately, physically, melted. A gentle smile slipped over Max's lips and his eyes began to flame with undeniable devotion.

That's all it took. Just one look. Just one infinite moment of gazing into his eyes. His expression. His smile. Seeing his heart. His soul. His love, glowing back at her.

A responding smile flitted through her eyes as Liz released a shaky breath, an obvious truth hitting her full force. Her breathless question caused Max's stomach to flip flop. "You did, didn't you? You…you actually wished on a star for this night."

Shrugging slightly, the beginning of a blush rose on Max's cheeks. "Hoped, dreamed. Wished, prayed…I've done it all. For you."

"Max…"

Max leaned forward wanting so much for her to understand him. To know where he was coming from. "Look. I believe that any man or woman of substance makes their own way in life through hard work, dedication and smart moves. But there are certain things in life that require more. Like happiness. Love. Destiny. Those require a little bit of faith and magic." He cast his gaze upward. "Where better to find those than in the vast universe of stars above us?"

Noticing Liz's doubt and not wanting to push her, Max piped up with a suggestion. "Tell you what. You just sit and watch the stars while I wish on them. At the very least, they're relaxing." A wink accompanied his comment. "And that is, after all, what this night is all about." Max shifted in his chair, leaning back, looking up to find his favorite star shining down on them.

Liz couldn't take her eyes off of him. The way he leaned back with a contented smile on his face sent a delightful shiver through her. The moon's light was casting soft shadows on his handsome face and he looked so at peace. As he closed his glowing amber eyes and took a deep breath she wondered what he was wishing. Was it for a new corporation to steal? Nah, she dismissed that thought immediately. A new challenge to keep him busy? She shook her head slightly. Not with that look on his face. A healed and completed heart? Now, something about that seemed right.

Suddenly, she knew what she wanted to do. Liz looked up at the stars and for the first time in what seemed like forever, she closed her eyes…

And made a wish.

She'd been way too quiet.

After several moments of silence, Max carefully, slowly opened one eye to see what Liz was doing. His other eye instantly popped open to join its companion. An eyebrow raised in disbelief. He couldn’t be seeing what he was seeing. Could he? Yes, yes he could. The breath caught and held right in the center of his chest as a brilliant smile spread over his face when he saw his own private miracle unfolding before him.

As her usually stubborn chin was tilted upward toward the sky in gentle submission, her eyes were closed tightly in earnest pleading as her lips moved in silent litany. The way the soft wind moved her dark hair ever so gently around her shoulders, curling in tiny wisps against the porcelain column of her neck. The way the moonlight moved across the planes of her delicate face, caressing her skin with its ethereal glow. The way the stars seemed to shake their own sparkling dust onto her long, thick lashes…

Max Evans knew he'd never seen a more heavenly sight than the angel in front of him.

As if she sensed his eyes on her, she opened her own velvety chocolate orbs to meet his steady gaze. "What did you wish for?"

She smiled slightly and looked down at the table unable to meet his gaze as her quietly whispered confession filled the air. "For your wish to come true."

Max swallowed the lump that instantly rose in his throat as his heart filled with so much emotion he couldn’t keep it from spilling over into his voice. He reached over and gently covered her hand with his. "Then the stars have no choice but to obey."

The moment was profound in its simplicity. In its wonder. In its intimacy.

Liz blushed prettily under the intense gaze Max's penetrating eyes had leveled on her. Their eyes locked for a moment saying things between them that had been evident since the moment they met. The heat. The energy. The utterly tangible sense of perfection. Of completeness. Of love.

Liz was the first to break their intense gaze as she nervously reached up to tuck her hair behind her ears, clearing her throat as she did so. "So, is there anything else on the agenda for tonight besides caveman tactics and star gazing?"

Max chuckled at her reference to the rocky start to their evening, grateful for the change of subject. Too much more time spent staring into the luminous depths of Liz Parker’s eyes and Max instinctively knew he couldn't stop himself from acting on every desire racing through his body. From making every fantasy he'd ever had about Liz Parker come true.

Clearing his throat and reining in raging desires, Max nodded once. "Actually, yes. Now, we dance." Max stood up and held out his hand to her. Liz hesitated eyeing him guardedly. Max started to chuckle at the uncertain look on her face. "Come on. I won't bite. I promise. Just one friendly dance."

"If I remember correctly…" Liz began as a mischievous glint entered her eyes. "…the last time we had one friendly dance, you ended up in my bed."

"Ah, yes." Max nodded with an equally mischievous grin. "But you didn't remember things correctly, did you? In fact…" His smile widened as he reached out and tweaked the tip of her nose. "…you didn't remember anything at all."

Liz rolled her large, doe eyes. "I know what I know."

"Yeah?" Leaning down till his eyes were meeting hers, Max's voice lowered seductively. "Then you know **that** dance was anything but friendly." Running his fingers down Liz's arm to capture her hand, Max's breath blew across her lips. "Come on. I'll control myself." He winked devilishly. "This time."

The promise in his last two words sent shivers racing down her spine. Against her better judgement, Liz slowly got out of her seat and put her hands in his. Not sure if this was a path she needed to be taking with him so soon after wishing on stars and talking about things like magic and love, she began to bit her lower lip in uncertainty as Max led her to an open space on the deck that was sure to be their dance floor.

Any doubt Liz might have had, any hesitancy, disappeared the moment Max gently pulled her into his arms. As the music filled the space between them, they slowly began to sway back and forth together in perfect synch. Her head resting against his gently thundering heart, Liz's eyes drifted closed in sheltered silence. His breath blowing warm against her skin as his contented smile nestled against wisps of midnight hair. Hand tucked neatly in his, Liz absently caressed hard muscles under the material of his shirt when he brought their joined hands upward to lay against his chest. His splayed fingers tenderly caressed the small of her back and Liz's sigh instantly warmed his heart.

After a song and a half had passed, Max pulled back to look down in Liz's eyes. "You know, you're pretty good at this dancing thing."

"Hours and hours of grueling private dance lessons." She explained with a slight blush and a shrug. "One of the many sacrifices one makes to be a star." Her smile vanished in a heartbeat as her gaze shifted abruptly. Wait. What did you just say? How in God's name did that just slip out? Must be the wine. Or his cologne. God, has a man ever smelled this good? Or looked this gorgeous. **Felt** this right…

Liz Parker's head began to swim as she Max's unique scent filled her senses. As the soft intonations of his voice wove a web of seduction. His body pressed against hers, sending delicious shivers over her suddenly hyper-sensitive skin. She pulled in a ragged breath and attempted to stiffen in his arms. Do not let him get to you now, Liz. You cannot risk your future…and his…by giving up your past.

Max felt Liz stiffen in his arms, noticed her averted gaze and covered the shocked look on his face rather well. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. Apparently, neither could she. Obviously, that tid bit of information about her past had just slipped out on accident. Definite signs her walls were weakening. Perhaps…just perhaps it was time to see just how weak they were. "A star, huh? So, uh…what kind of star did you want to be?"

"A singer."

The answer was quick and impetuous. Liz's face instantly paled the second the words left her mouth. Her inability to resist this man would certainly get her into trouble one day. She stole a quick glance up into his darkening eyes and instantly felt a familiar desire building in the center of her heart. An intense urge. An unnerving hunger. To open herself completely. To bare every last secret she'd ever whispered about the darkest parts of her past. To let Max Evans know the woman he held in his arms.

To finally, once and for all, introduce him to the real Liz Parker.

Max's heart took a leap. Ok, Max. Play it cool. Don't let her know you know anything about her past. Just breathe. Breathe…and let her offer herself. Don't push her behind those walls of hers by being too eager… Keeping his voice light, Max smirked down at her. "Huh. I was under the impression that you use your voice for singing as opposed to your feet. Have I missed something in the entertainment world?"

Beating back the impulse to blurt out her entire life, Liz started to laugh to cover the uneasy feeling she had in the pit of her stomach. She was about to lie to him. And it bothered her. Why it would when her whole life was based on a lie didn't make sense to her. She just knew that it did. "No, I simply didn't have the voice. Couldn't carry a tune in a bucket if they gave me one."

Ignoring the obvious lie, Max prayed the disappointment he felt in the pit of his stomach didn't make it to his eyes. He knew that if it did, she'd be able to read it as clearly as she'd read his sadness and his pain in the past. He tried to cover by asking a question, a forced smile edging his lips. "So, dance was the next step, huh? No pun intended."

Liz nodded uncertainly. Had she been dreaming or was there a flicker of disappointment in his eyes just now? Part of her was glad that the lie had worked and at the same time the other part of her wished that it hadn't. That he knew the truth and for once she'd be forced to face it and explain to someone who she really was. "Yeah. Yeah, dance was the next best thing I could find." She paused wondering just how much to reveal.

Coyly observing him beneath lowered lashes, there was a hint of something in his eyes that broke whatever will she might have had to keep herself entirely hidden from the amazing man before her. "You see…music is my first love. It's…part of my soul somehow. Listening to it. Creating it. Getting lost in a dance. It fills me in ways that few things ever have. I guess that's why I loved working with Maria so much."

"You miss it, don’t you?" Max asked suddenly. "New Haven. Your friends. The Center." He swallowed hard as his gaze shifted and his voice dropped to an uncertain whisper. "Sean."

Gazing up into his eyes, Liz tilted her head to the side. "My friends, the Center…yes." A hand drifted up to gently touch Max's cheek. When his eyes met hers, she slowly shook her head. "Not Sean." Noting the doubt disappear from Max's eyes, Liz continued softly, deliberately. "He's…a good man. But you were right. That first day you saw us together…you knew. I didn't love him. Not the way he loved me…not the way he deserved. He was only…a distraction. A way to forget."

"Forget what?"

"Everything I've never had."

Slipping an arm more firmly around Liz's waist, anchoring her to him, Max reached up with his hand to move a strand of hair from her face. His thumb lazily, deliberately caressed the side of her face as his intense gaze held hers. "Tell me what that is...and I'll move heaven and earth to give it to you."

A sad, wry smile added a layer of regret in her eyes as they lowered to focus on the well-defined chest outlined through his casual shirt. "There are some things even you can't wish into being, Max."

"Like?"

"Like us." She breathed, blinking rapidly at the sudden moistness in her eyes. "Like a clean slate. An un-scarred past."

Firmly, but gently, tilting her chin upward, Max cupped the side of her face with his hand as his thumb lazily traced the contours of her face. "Who's asking for a clean slate? Or an un-scarred past?" Shaking his head, Max's eyes softened with so much confidence Liz could practically feel it on her skin. "Our pasts…our messy slates…don't you see? That's what makes us who we are now. In this moment. That's what makes us right for each other."

Leaning into the tender warmth of his touch, Liz's eyes drifted closed. Her whisper sent a soothing balm across all the cracked and doubting parts of his heart. "I really wish I could believe that."

“You can.” Max stated simply, confidently. "Just like you can believe I'll give you everything you've never had."

Far from feeling threatened, Liz smiled at the adorable arrogance that was Max Evans, her eyes brightening with teasing. "Is that so?"

"Uh-huh." Max nodded emphatically as his eyes took on a familiar glow. "After all, you've only known me a few short months and you're already dancing like a pro and singing like a star." The corners of his mouth began to twitch with the beginning of a smile. "In fact, if you think about it…it's funny how many twists and turns life can take to lead you back to your first love. No pun..."

"...intended." Pulling back, Liz rolled her eyes and chuckled, picking up on his use of dance terminology. "Yeah, right."

Flashing her a brilliant smile before his eyes darkened with seriousness. "Music was your first love…I promise you, I'll be your last. You just have to believe in me enough to let it happen. And you will…in time." Pulling back abruptly, the mood instantly shifted as Max grinned down at her and took both of her hands in his. "Until then…" Holding her at arms length, Max wiggled his eyebrows teasingly. "…why don't we try some of those twists and turns?"

As Max twirled her around in front of him, Liz took his cue and tried out a few fancy footsteps. Her giggles filled the still night air as he then rolled her away from him, stopped then brought her back securing her with both hands around her slender waist.

She was so enchanting. Like a butterfly fluttering gracefully into the sky. Or a fairy sprite tripping delicately in the woods on a moonlit night. What a complete waste of talent and star potential. All because of a man who didn't know how to appreciate the gem he held in his hands.

For Liz, she felt as if she were floating. In his arms she felt secure enough to try the daring steps. The ones that inexperienced dancers wouldn't know how to handle. But Max did. And not only did he handle them, he followed suit and put in a few fancy moves of his own. For one fleeting moment she felt like she could dance like this with him forever.

"Now for the dip." Max said suddenly as he positioned himself to dip her. She instantly drew herself up and pulled back, a look of fear written all over her face. "What's wrong?" Max asked as he stopped dancing abruptly.

"I can't." Liz took a step back.

"You can't what?"

"I…I just can't." Spinning on her heel, Liz walked away from him toward the table grabbing the glass of water and taking a huge gulp from it as she steadied herself against her chair.

For a moment, Max stood in stunned silence. A deep-seated fear, one he rarely admitted even to himself, forcefully pierced his mind and made his stomach twist with sudden insecurity. An insecurity he didn’t like to think about. Or dwell on. Or even acknowledge existed.

But he knew differently.

Always…**always**…in the back of Max’s mind was one burning thought. One fear that clouded his vision. One question that guided his every word, action, reaction: had he done something….anything…that reminded her of Chris? Of her father?

Liz Parker had been abused. Of that, he had no doubts. First, by her father. The man who should have sheltered and protected her from a cold, cruel world...neglected her instead. Reviled her. Used her talent to his benefit then tossed her to the first wolf that crossed his path to rid himself of the responsibility of his own flesh and blood. To save his sorry hide from certain imprisonment. To punish her for being born.

Emotionally, mentally and financially taken advantage of, Liz was then handed off to a true monster. A man who would shoot his own wife just to keep her from leaving him. A man who would repeatedly use his physical strength against her. To subjugate her. To put her in her place all in order to show his power. What very little Liz had shared with Max, what details he was privy to of her life before, nothing he could imagine could possibly be worse than the reality she had lived. He knew that as well as he knew his own name.

And that's what scared him most.

There were similarities between Chris Santoro and Max Evans.

As much as he hated to admit it, there were. They were both rich. Powerful. Determined. They were the type of men who knew exactly what they wanted and stopped at nothing until they got it. They loved challenge. Difficulty. Obstacles. Ruthlessly using their influence at the drop of a hat, they both garnered the results they craved, often times with just a look.

Even more than that, one glaring similarity stood out. One truth was the cause of numerous nightmares. Permeating fear. Struggles of such great proportion that Max constantly fought the urge to disappear from Liz's life without a trace.

They both had the power to hurt Liz Parker. To break her heart. To put her in danger.

Max struggled with that knowledge ever second of every day. Knowing in an instant his past could not only come back to haunt him, but Liz as well. Knowing that with so much more to lose, her past wasn't that far behind his. It was more than a disturbing thought. It was devastating. Paralyzing. It made him see shadows that weren't there. Dangers that hadn't yet approached. Enemies in usually friendly faces.

Which made his advancements toward Liz all that more calculated. Never, not for even one fraction of a second, did he ever want her to see Chris Santoro's face when she looked at him. He never wanted to make her feel trapped or manipulated. He couldn't bear the thought of her being frightened of him. He didn't want to pressure her or take advantage of her in any way. Which is why he was so cautious about their physical contact. Or at least he tried to be.

The very last thing he wanted was to make love to Liz before she was truly ready…and have her hate him for it.

Every beat of his heart was full of love for Liz. For her daughter. For their happiness. Their safety. He just prayed and wished and hoped with everything he was that he would be patient enough to prove that to her. He believed he was. He believed he was making head-way.

Until Liz pulled away from him just now.

There was real fear in her eyes. Not **of** him. For him. For herself. **Of** herself. In a split second, Max knew instinctively what the problem was. Watching her for a moment, he realized that it was far more than skill she was lacking in their dance. She lacked trust. The kind that would allow her to fall backward and know he'd catch her without a doubt. The kind she lacked…in herself.

Walking up behind her, Max placed his hands gently on her shoulders, his whispered reassurance brushing against her hair. "It's ok, sweetie. One day you'll trust yourself enough to let me dance every step with you--with all of the twist and turns and even the dips and lifts it has to offer."

Liz leaned back into him as her eyes drifted closed. "How do you know its not you I don't trust?"

“Because of Jaedan.”

Liz turned to face him, her inquiring eyes raised to meet his. “If you truly didn’t trust me…” A gentle smile played on his lips as he reached out to cup her face in his hands. “…there’s no way in hell you’d let me within a hundred miles of that precious little girl let alone let me whisk her away to my parents’ house in Alaska without barely a whisper of objection.”

Liz’s defense of her actions was weak and without merit. “Angel trusts you.”

“Yes.” Max countered softly. "But Angel isn’t her mother."

"Max…" Sighing, Liz’s gaze lowered as she absently played with the folds of Max’s shirt. "…if you keep this up…" She swallowed hard. "…I'm bound to break your heart."

"It's yours to break." Placing a silencing finger against lips that were poised to protest, Max shook his head slightly. "That's not a line. That's fact." He paused to pull in a ragged breath. "Look. There's not much I can do about what decisions you make. Whether you let me in your life…or not. I think we both know my heart's been yours for a while now and…" Eyes locking with hers, Max's voice dropped to a gentle caress, reflecting his complete faith in her. "…I trust you to take of it."

"Max…"

Shaking his head, Max abruptly halted the conversation. "There's nothing else to say. And we have had way too much seriousness for tonight." His face softened as his eyes began to dance playfully as he reach out and tweaked the tip of her nose. "You're supposed to be having fun and relaxing not deciding the rest of our lives."

Deciding now was the time to move to the next phase of the evening, Max began to grin as he further explained his plans. "So. Now that we've had dinner and our friendly dance, I think it's time for the relaxing part of the evening." He held out his hand. "I hope you like vanilla."

A bit unnerved, Liz put her hand in his automatically and scrunched up her nose in confusion trying to shake off the unsettling feeling of unfinished business. "Vanilla?"

"Yeah, in your bubble bath." Max announced casually.

Liz took a sip of water and nearly choked as vivid images instantly flashed through her mind. "B-b-bubble bath?" She stuttered.

"Uh-huh." Max responded with grin and a slight wiggle of his eyebrows before he turned to lead her into the apartment.

He was stopped from moving though when Liz dug her heels in and pulled back on his hand. "Whoa. Wait a second here." When she had his attention she continued. "What do you mean bubble bath?"

Max grinned. "Oh, I think you know what a bubble bath means." He teased allowing his voice to take on a slightly suggestive tone.

Liz eyed him carefully. He was just playing with her, right? He didn't really think they would... No, he couldn't think that she was... That after one dinner she'd just…. After all they'd been through. As many times as they almost… No, he had to be joking. But she couldn't tell by the unreadable look in his eyes.

The look on her face was absolutely priceless. It was filled with a mixture of half fear and half hope. Max was having so much fun with this. Part of him wished she would resist like before so he could hold her in his arms once again. The other part of him thought it was funny how easily her mind jumped in the direction he had no intention on going in--at least not tonight--just by one slight non-suggestive suggestion.

He sighed slightly and rolled his eyes. "Look, you're not getting out of this. Even if I have to throw you over my shoulder again, you **are** going to take a bubble bath."

The uncertain look in her eyes made him want to drop the farce and tell her what his plans were. She had tucked her hair behind her ears so many times he couldn't count, that's how nervous she was. He could almost see the wheels turning in her head saying, 'How am I going to get out of this?' Max would have alleviated her fear, but he was too curious to see how'd she get out of it too.

As if having made up her mind, Liz took a deep breath and took the direct approach. "Look, Max. I appreciate everything you've done for me tonight. Really, I do. The meal was superb. I love this outfit. Conversation…well, conversation was definitely enlightening. And…as many times as we have literally come to the brink of such a monumental action, I…I think I should make it clear that…" She held up her finger to him. "…one dinner does not a bath make. You simply can't expect me to…to just…" She looked up at him, her eyes begging for him to make the connection she didn't want to with her words.

Fighting back a devilish grin, Max couldn't resist holding out just a little bit longer. "To just….what?"

She let out a sigh of frustration, realizing there was a strong possibility that he was playing dumb on purpose. "You **know**." She said with a look that made him believe he would have known even if he hadn't known.

She was so adorable when she was flustered. But instead of prolonging her discomfort and deciding enough was enough, Max grinned and said, "Ohhhh. You thought I wanted to join you and of course that would lead to…you know." He proclaimed with a sexy grin and another wiggle of his eyebrows. "The ultimate relaxation."

Liz nodded slightly as she looked down at the ground her face turning the color of crimson from her embarrassment. She cleared her throat a couple of times and shuffled her feet nervously. Max stepped up to stand directly in front of her. He tilted her head upward with his index finger till she was looking directly in his eyes. "Don't worry. When we're ready for…'you know'….you'll definitely know."

The powerful combination of his words, the look in his eyes and the promise in his voice caused Liz to shiver in spite of herself. Max noticed the flame of desire that flickered in her eyes, but chose not to visually acknowledge its existence. There would be plenty of time to act on that later. It was enough to have seen it and know it was waiting for them when they were both ready.

Max ran his finger lightly down her arm before it captured her tiny hand in his. "Now, it really is time for your bath." He turned and led a willing yet somewhat unnerved Liz into the apartment and to the bathroom.

She stood in the bathroom doorway watching him as he began running water for her. The scent of vanilla quickly filled the air as bubbles began to rise. He went around and quickly lit candles he had placed strategically around the room sending out a comforting warm glow.

He then turned to point out the various additions he'd made. "Ok. Now, you have a tray here full of bath things--oils, scrubs, and these sponge things that I'm not even going to try to describe. I'm sure you know about them more than I do, and I hate making a fool of myself more than once in a year…"

"I'd say you're way over your limit for this year then already, aren't you?" Liz quipped finally feeling back in control of herself and the situation in front of her.

Max turned an amused gaze on her. "You're cute. You really are. You should take it on the road you know. With your many talents maybe you could single-handedly bring back vaudeville….except the singing of course." He gave her a wink then turned back to his mission. "Now, I didn't know whether you'd enjoy reading or listening to music instead so I've brought you both. There is an array of various types of music for your listening pleasure. Books…the range is from romance to mystery to non-fiction. Whatever you're in the mood for."

He got up and indicated the open door. "Your bathrobe is on the back of the door. I put a hook on there for you. Don't worry, Sydney said I could. Oh, and one more thing." He held up his finger and walked past her out into the living room.

She shook her head in amazement at all that he'd done for her as she looked around the bathroom, her eyes dancing with delight. Every detail was perfect. Even down to the hair clip to put her hair up with. She leaned against the doorframe and watched as he walked back to her, the phone in his hand. What an amazing man.

Max leaned against the doorframe opposite her and started to hand the phone to her.

As she eagerly reached for it he pulled it back quickly. "Now, wait a second here. Phone privileges come with a few strings."

She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. "What kind of strings?"

"You only get to make one call. And it has to be for pleasure. No business is to be conducted this evening. No deep, thoughtful conversations. No life-altering decisions. Just giggles and fun. Got it? Plus, you only get twenty minutes to talk."

"Oh, please…can I have thirty?" She asked like an eager little girl.

With a playful plea dancing in her eyes and a pretty pout forming on her lips he couldn't refuse. "Ok. Half an hour. But be warned. I'll be watching the little light on the base to indicate when you get off. If it's still on in thirty minutes and one second, I'm pulling the plug. Understood?"

Liz bobbed her head up and down and in that moment she reminded him so much of Jaedan. Max chuckled with amusement. "Alright. Here you go." He handed the phone to her and jammed his hands into his pockets.

Liz's smile vanished when Max turned to walk away. "Hey wait. What are you going to be doing?"

Max smiled slightly noting her hesitancy to let him go. Wanting to see that pretty blush of hers once more, Max asked. "Why? You trying to come up with another crime to put in your police report?" He started to chuckle when she looked down and he got his wish.

"Don't worry. I'm just going to be cleaning up and getting your dessert ready. If you're afraid I'll burst in on you when you least expect it though, there is a lock on the door you can use, you know. I tried it out and it works perfectly fine. In fact, I believe it's even strong enough to keep boring egotistical cretans like me from entering unannounced." A devilish wink accompanied his playful jab at her earlier description of him.

He turned away once more but was stopped by her hand on his arm. "Max…wait." Her fingers slipped down his arms and curled around his hand, gently caressing sparks of warmth into his skin. "I…I…just…."

Turning to face her, Max put his finger against her lips again and shook his head slightly. For some reason he didn't want to hear her inevitable thanks. "No more talking. Now get in there and relax." He turned her around, pushed her gently through the door and closed it behind her waiting to hear the click of the lock.

Max Evans smiled triumphantly to himself when that sound never came.


"So…I left her soaking in a hot tub of bubbles…"

"You…" Steve nearly choked on his drink. "…you left her soaking…" Sighing, Steve leaned back in his chair as he held up a mock lecturing finger. "First mistake, my friend. You should have joined her."

Max shook his head. "It's too soon."

"Too soon?" Steve asked incredulously. "Normally, you would have scored a hundred times over by now."

Max's voice sharpened giving Steve the clear indication he'd made his first mistake. "This isn't about scoring, Steve. This is about Liz. And this is anything but a normal relationship."

Nodding, Steve's expression matched the level of apology in his voice. "You're right. I'm…sorry, Max. It's just…it's been a while since I've seen you this way, you know?" Pausing, Steve wondered if now might be the time to bring Max's past into the present. He didn't have to wonder long.

Letting out a sigh, Max swallowed hard. "No one's ever seen me this way, Steve, because I've never been this way before. Liz is nothing like McKenna. And what I feel for her is…" At a loss for words, Max's gaze met Steve's speaking all he couldn't say.

Steve nodded in understanding. "Have you told her? About McKenna?"

Max's gaze shifted and he shook his head slightly. "She knows about her. But…I've not…" His shoulders slumped in defeat. "I can't."

"Maybe you should."

Eyes snapping up to meet Steve's, Max's expression registered curiosity. "What makes you think that?"

"Because the woman is head over heels in love with you." Steve stated simply. "I figured **that** out in the first five minutes of seeing the two of you together. And the thought of you with another woman drives her crazy. Figured that one out in the next five." Leaning forward in his chair, Steve placed his beer on the table and folded his hands in front of him. "If you're holding out on telling her about the one woman she knows you loved…Max, it may be the reason she's holding out on you."

Pursing his lips in thought, Max swallowed hard. "I…I guess I didn't think about it that way."

"No one wants to compete with a ghost, Max. And who would know that better than you?"

Max stiffened. "What do you mean by that?"

A wry smile touched Steve's lips. "You know what I mean. Chris Santoro. He's the memory you fight every time you go to her. You're so afraid of being like him that you're being cautious when you should be risking everything."

"You think I'm not?"

"In a way you definitely are. You are…without a doubt…putting your entire future on the line for her. Not to mention, handing all control over to her while doing it. There's no doubt she's calling the shots. And that is bold and risky. Especially for someone like you."

Steve admitted, pausing long enough to really get Max's attention and the heart of the matter. "In another way…Max, you're holding back out of fear. Fear that his memory will always be between you. That you'll invoke it somehow just being who you are." Shaking his head, Steve continued. "There's no way in hell she feels Chris when she's in your arms. She doesn't see him when she looks at you and she certainly won't regret it when you make love to her. So not going for it is just plain stupid."

"How did you know…"

"Shea Connely." Voice softening reverently, Steve's eyes took on a distant pain that startled Max. "She was my Liz. It…didn't work out so there's no point in going through the details." He let out an uneven breath then continued. "Suffice it to say, I've been where you are. The thing to remember, Max…what he did to her…how he hurt her…she never wanted that." An eyebrow raised in emphasis. "What **you** do to her, on the other hand, she wants very much."

Max opened his mouth to answer but was interrupted by the sharp ringing of the phone. Steve reached over and answered with a curt 'hello' then listened with an increasingly perplexed expression as seconds ticked away. "Uh…ok. I'll see." Holding his hand over the mouthpiece, Steve turned to Max. "It's some very excited kid asking for Mr. Prince…"

Before Steve got the rest of Max's sacred nickname out, Max lunged for the phone and grabbed it from Steve who emitted a cry of shock. "Jaedan?" Max's face split into a brilliant smile. "Hey, sweetheart. What? She did? Well, I knew she'd want to talk to you. Oh, well she didn't say anything because I didn't give it to her before she talked to you. No, I gave it to her later as a surprise. Uh-huh. You didn't tell her about it, did you? That's my girl. No, I'll bet she'll say something about it next time you talk. She's going to love it, sweetie. Oh, I'm sure she will…"

As Max's conversation with the previously un-met Jaedan continued, Steve began to chuckle. He never thought he'd live to see the day when Max Evans would willingly forego sex with an incredibly sexy woman and eagerly take a phone call from a highly imaginative child all in the same evening. There was only one explanation: Max Evans was truly in love.

Which gave Steve an idea.

Waving goodnight to a otherwise occupied Max, Steve headed upstairs and slipped into his room, pulled out his cell phone and dialed information. Once connected with the party he requested, Steve waited for the ringing of the phone.

"Hello?" The voice was just as smooth as he remembered.

"Amanda Carlton?"

"Yes?"

"Hey. This is Steve Gordon. I don't know if you remember meeting me at…"

"You're Max Evans' friend." The previous chill in her voice instantly melted. "Of course, I remember you. It's…been a while." A level of uncertainty filtered through her words. "I hope the reason I'm hearing from you and not Max isn't because something has happened…"

"Oh, no. No, I'm sorry if I scared you. Max is fine. Physically, at least." Steve began to grin. That reaction alone was all the proof he needed that Amanda was the perfect girl for the newest mission he concocted. "In fact, that's why I'm calling actually. I'm a bit concerned about Max. You see, he's pretty involved in a project and I think he's gotten in a bit over his head. I was wondering if you might be available to come here and help bail him out."

The eagerness in her voice couldn't be masked. "Where is here? And when would you want me?"

"Here is L.A." Steve sat on the edge of his bed with a air of triumph. "As for when…is tomorrow too soon for you…"

Tbc…

[Ashton]

Hey all!!

Thanks again for the amazing support. Here's the next part, which is really a continuation of the evening Max planned for Liz. I really really hope you enjoy it. I had a LOT of fun writing this one!!! Would LOVE to hear what you think and thanks again for ALL of your wonderful feedback!!!

Hugs,
Ashton
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ chapter 26 ~



Sydney Bristow entered her apartment to the sound of giggles.

She stopped short and looked around for any tell-tale signs of embarrassing extra-cirricular activities, wondering if perhaps she had come home too early. Glancing at her watch, she shook her head. No. Max had promised he'd be out of there by ten and there were no discarded clothes lying about…

Tossing her keys on the stand, she slowly advanced into the living room and glanced around. For the most part, the place was tidy. Except the coffee table, which looked like a small storm had hit it. Besides that, there was no indication of an eruption of sudden passion that carried its participants toward its natural habitat, the bedroom. Which could either be good or bad, depending on how the rest of the evening had gone…

Another giggle followed by a dreamy sigh came from the general direction of Liz's bedroom and Sydney whirled at the sound. "Uh...Liz?" She took a step forward and raised her voice to warn whoever Liz might be entertaining. "Liz, are you in there?"

After an excited squeal and a loud thump, a grinning Liz Parker bounced out of her bedroom, her face glowing with happiness. "Syd! You're finally home!" Rushing forward, Liz grabbed Sydney's hand and jerked her toward her bedroom. "You have **got** to see this!"

Pulling up abruptly at the entrance to Liz's room, Sydney's eyes grew as wide as her opened mouth. "Oh. My. God." She took a tentative step into Liz's room, a huge smile dimpling her cheeks as she slowly turned in a circle taking in the scene. Turning back to face Liz, Sydney threw out her hands to indicate the room. "How…when…how…"

"Max." That one word answer seemed sufficient enough as a giggling Liz practically flitted around the room before jumping with a childlike bounce on her bed.

Sydney burst into laughter. "Well. I can tell your day has certainly turned around."

Face beaming, Liz nodded emphatically. "You have **no** idea." Patting the bed in invitation, Liz plopped her bottom on the mattress and sat Indian-style as she gathered crumpled paper and boxes around her to make room for Sydney.

"What is all of this?" Syd asked as she followed suit and gazed around her once more.

The giddiness in her voice washed over Liz's enchanted expression as she took in the state of her room. "**This** is Max Evans' idea of magic."

Nodding, Sydney responded with dancing eyes. "I like." Watching her roommate from the corner of her eye, Sydney was astounded by the change in her from just a few short hours before. She'd never seen Liz Parker so free before. So unashamedly moved. So… unreservedly delighted.

Liz tried to hide her beaming smile behind a nonchalant shrug. "It'll do in a pinch." Her giggle filled the room before she turned her attention to an obviously important element of the evening. "And this…" Liz stated with a slow, brilliant smile as she picked up a picture frame and held it to her chest. Eyes glowing with pride, Liz's chest expanded with a deep sigh as she turned the frame toward Sydney in dramatic presentation. "…this is my baby. This is my little Jaedan."

"Oh, Liz…" Sydney's expression melted into delight as she reached out for the picture frame, her cheeks bursting into dimples. "What a living doll. Look at those dimples and those eyes. She’s such a little beauty."

"Thank you." Liz's soft voice echoed the love shining out of her eyes.

Tapping the glass on the frame, Sydney pursed her lips. "And hey…the guy in the picture with her isn't too bad either." Her eyes snapped up to meet Liz's. "Anyone I know?"

"Yeah, well…" Rolling her eyes, Liz feigned mock annoyance. "…from what I hear, you know him a little too well."

Guilt instantly clouded Syd's expression as she hastily began to explain her already alluded to role in the events of the evening. "It was my civic duty."

A disbelieving eyebrow raised. "Civic duty? Giving him the key to our apartment and permission to add hardware to our doors and use anything and everything in our kitchen was your civic duty?"

"Now, hear me out." Holding up an emphatic finger, Sydney launched her defense. "He came to me, desperate to give you a princess night. And in my vast experience, desperate people often do desperate things. For all I knew, if I didn't help him, he was going to…I don't know…kidnap you and whisk you away to some exotic island and literally take you to paradise in..." Sydney's eyes began to dance with devilish suggestion. "…so many ways that you are soooo much more qualified than I to describe. You know, being the object of his intense affection for the past several months, not to mention the sexual attraction-slash-tension that has been alluded to more times than I can count."

She wiggled her eyebrows and flashed Liz a grin before mock seriousness claimed her. "I had to save you from such a fate. I had to save society…because when you came back to the real world…to our reality here, it would be too mundane. Too ordinary. Too unbearable. Soon, the pressures and frustrations of relinquished pleasures only found in this paradise of yours would build and you'd go stark raving mad, wield catastrophic wreckage on innocent, unsuspecting members of society. In short…" A dramatic shrug of her shoulders. "…I did it to save the world."

Liz appeared to be thinking a moment then shook her head. "Nope. Not good enough."

Sydney batted her lashes over puppy dog eyes and pushed out her lower lip in a pout. "He promised if you were mad at me, you'd get over it."

"Yeah, well." Liz persisted with her hard line despite the twitching around the corners of her mouth. "He needs to not know me so well." Both girls looked at each other and burst into laughter.

"He did it, didn't he?" Sydney asked after the shared moment of levity began to settle. Her expression softened with a knowing light. "He gave you the night of your life."

The smile slipped from Liz's lips, though it never once faded from her eyes. Eyes glued to the photo now lying on the bed between them, Liz nodded slowly. Her finger gently traced the two faces gazing up at her. "Besides the day I first held my baby girl…" Licking her lips, Liz's voice softened to an acknowledging whisper. "…I've never known such complete, overwhelming…" Shaking her head, Liz was unable to find the word. Or…unwilling to speak it.

Nodding knowingly, Sydney pulled her knees up to her chest. "So. Tell me what happened. Start from the top and leave no details out."

Shifting on the bed, Liz leaned back against her pillows and absently picked up the stuffed wolf Max had given her his first day in L.A, hugging it to her chest. "Well. It all started when Max greeted me at the door…"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Do ya weeally fink she's weeally gonna like it?"

Max sighed and shook his head in amusement. Like mother, like daughter. Needing constant reassurance. "Sweetie, I don't know how many times I have to tell you…she is going to **love** it."

"Ya sure?"

Chuckling, Max plopped back down onto the couch. "I'm positive. And do you know why?"

"Why?" Jaedan asked in a breathless whisper as if Max's answer would change her entire world.

"Because we made it with a lot of love. And there is no way Kendall's not going to feel that."

"All the way to heaven and back again...then all the way around the world--two times?" Jaedan asked repeating the measure of love between she and her mother.

"All the way to heaven and back again, then all the way around the world--two times." Max confirmed with a smile.

Pacified, Jaedan's voice brightened with an unexpected admission. "I wuv you, Max."

Heart filling with so much hope and love, Max grinned into the phone at Jaedan's simple, childlike honesty. "I love you too, sweetheart. Now, you go to bed like a good princess and don’t be sad any more ok? I promise you’re going to see Kendall and me really soon.”

“Dowble dunk Orweo cookie pwromise?”

“Double dunk Oreo cookie promise.” Max repeated, the promise already working its way from his heart to head as plans began to tumble around in his mind. “Now, let me talk to Grandnanny."

"Kay!" As Jaedan's sweet presence disappeared, Max just shook his head in awe at the blessings in his life as he heard her loudly whispering her goodnights to Angel in the background before beginning an endless chatter about the Princess and the Pea to her apparent storyteller for the night, 'Papa'. It was amazing just how much one little person can change a person so much. How much **he** had changed, to be exact. And how very grateful he was for her tiny, yet larger than life, presence in his life.

Soon there was a change of callers and Angel's voice came on the line. "So, tonight was that good, huh?"

"If you're going to fish for details, pick another pond." Max warned good-naturedly.

"Well, at least you're alive." Well familiar with the kiss-and-no-tell policy of Max Evans, Angel's dry comment was an attempt to prompt him into giving away something…anything…of the details of the evening. "That's gotta be worth something."

Max let out a contented sigh. "Well, you are right about that. I did make it out alive. Which is a very good sign."

"Uh-huh. Already established since I am currently speaking to you." Angel chuckled before continuing her interrogation. "And dinner?"

"Dinner? Oh the recipe you gave me was superb..." Max dodged the question rather artfully he thought until he heard the frustrated sigh on the other end of the line.

"You're as bad as a little boy."

"What?" Max feigned innocence as he grabbed a cookie from Steve's plate of snacks.

He could practically feel the death-ray glare through the phone line when Angel crossed her arms in front of her and tapped her foot impatiently. "That's not what I'm talking about and you know it. Now, straighten up and tell me how it went." She shook her head at Diane Evans who was sitting on the other side of the kitchen island, eagerly engrossed in Angel's side of the conversation.

"She asked me to eat with her." Max said with a shrug trying to play it cool as he popped a cookie into his mouth.

Angel silently clapped her hands together letting her excitement show as she gave Diane a thumbs up sign. Clearing her throat, she tried to maintain some level of maturity. "She did, huh? Good choice on your part not to assume. Makes her feel she's in control. And after dinner?"

“Seriously.” Max rolled his eyes and spoke around the cookie in his mouth. "What part of 'another pond' did you not understand?"

"Fine." Angel responded curtly, though her eyes were dancing with laughter. "Then I guess I'll just have to rely on Liz's version of this evening." Diane grinned and mouthed the words 'good one' at Angel's choice of strategy.

Max swallowed his cookie in one big gulp. Hard. "You…you talked to her?"

"Yep."

"Uh…what did she…what did she say?" The uncertainty creeping into Max's voice was obvious.

Angel grinned victoriously at Diane. "Oh, no. You're not hearing a thing till I get some information, young man." When he still didn't say anything after a moment's pause she cocked her eyebrow. "You're as bad as she is, ya know it?"

"Who?"

"Who do you think?" Rolling her dark eyes, Angel shook her head at Diane. "The woman you've spent most of the evening trying to charm."

"Angel…" The plea in his voice was evident.

Angel started laughing as she shook her head. "Uh-huh. You spill first."

A sigh of defeat greeted her ultimatum. "Alright fine. What do you want to know?"

Glancing at the note Diane passed her, Angel nodded. "In ten words or less, describe your evening with Liz."

Max thought. And thought. And thought some more. Out of all the words he could use to describe their evening, only two kept coming back to his mind time and time again. Only two covered all others so completely. Only two were worthy.

Max took a deep breath, then… "Beyond perfect."

Angel cocked her eyebrow. That was the second time she'd heard their evening described and both times it had been in the exact terms. "Really? Hmmm. Interesting."

Max stiffened suddenly, his smile disappearing momentarily, thinking that perhaps Liz hadn't been as kind. "How? I mean, why…why do you say it that way?" He asked uncertainly.

"Oh, no reason. It's just that's the exact same thing she said." Angel told him with a grin.

The smile that returned to his face was instantaneous and radiant as his voice softened reverently. "Really? She…she said it was beyond perfect?"

"Uh-huh. That's what she said." Angel nodded then leaned on the counter again. "You realize that probably means you'll have a rough couple of days coming up." His sigh on the other end of the line was the first indication there was trouble in paradise. Angel's eyes met Diane's in concern. "Max?"

"I know." Max's statement was laced with uneasiness. Obviously, this was not something he wanted to dwell on given his sudden change of subject. "Oh, man. I completely forgot. Do me a favor. When Jaedan wakes up in the morning, give that little angel the biggest hug ever and tell her it's from me."

Deciding not to press an obviously sore point, Angel's curiosity was piqued by the new turn of conversation. "Why? What did she do?"

"She added the bit of perfection I couldn't have even if I'd planned for a million years." Max commented cryptically.

"How?"

"Let's just say she drove home some points with Liz when they talked that I've been trying to make for a long time now."

"But how do you know…" Angel gasped when she quickly put two and two together. "You are such a bad boy!"

Innocence oozed through his one syllable question. "What?"

"You listened in on their conversation, didn't you?"

Recognizing the motherly lecture tone of Angel's voice, Max immediately began his defense since denying the obvious would be pointless. "Hey. It wasn't on purpose."

"Max Evans!" Angel's voice was stern, but there was a smile behind the accusation.

"It wasn’t. I swear." Max began explain in earnest. "Look. It was a mistake. I promise. Liz was on the phone in the bathroom and I was cleaning up when…."

Moving the table and chairs back in to the dining area next to the kitchen, Max took the tablecloth off the table and tossed it toward the couch in order to get it out of the way. Unfortunately, his aim was slightly off. Which was evidenced by the way the wayward ball of cloth hit a book on the table knocking it onto the base of Liz's phone, inadvertently hitting the speaker button. The room instantly filled with the sound of Liz's voice….

"Honey, what's wrong?"

Max rushed to turn the speaker off when he heard a sweet little voice responded. "Noffin'."

"Jaedan. Come on. This is me, Kendall." His finger lingered over the button. He knew he should turn it off, but he couldn't. There was something in Liz's voice that stopped him. "I know you better than anyone in the whole big wide world, remember? And you know that I can tell when your heart is sad even over the phone. So, why don't you just tell me what’s going on?" There was a moment of silence before Liz’s gentle prompting. “Please, sweetheart? I really want to know.”

There was a penetrating silence on the other end. A sigh. Then a voice so small it literally broke Max's heart. "I's sad cuz I's misses you, s'all. And I's just doesn't know how comes I can't be wiff you and Max."

"Oh, baby…" Regret and understanding layered Liz's voice. "I miss you too. So much more than you'll ever know. And I know Max does too." Forcing a brightness into her voice that Max was positive was missing from her eyes, Liz attempted to alleviate her daughter's pain. "Sweetheart, there's something I want you to do for me, ok?"

"'Kay. What?"

"Take the phone and go to the window and look up at the sky. Tell me when you're there, ok?"

There was a pause as Max heard little feet running across the floor. Unable to resist the unfolding conversation, he sat down on the couch, a gentle smile coming to his face as he pictured Jaedan running through his parents' living room to the bay window that overlooked the mountain range. He could practically hear her bouncing onto the cushions of the window seat she loved to sit on. "Kay. I'm here. Now what's do I did?"

"I want you to find a star. The biggest and brightest star in the sky." Liz paused before prompting her. "Ok, did you find it?"

"Uh-huh."

"Alright, honey. Now, earlier tonight, I made a wish on that very same star. So did Max. And I'll bet that if you make a wish, you'll feel closer to both of us and you won't miss us so much. So, I want you to close your eyes and make a wish on that star, ok? Anything you want to wish for." Liz's voice was soft, dreamy, as she hastened to warn her overly open daughter. "But don't say it out loud, ok?"

"Kay." There was a long pause on the other end. "Kay. I maded my wish."

Max could hear the smile in Liz's voice and his heart warmed instantly at the ease with which she included him in her attempt to soothe her daughter’s pain. "Good girl. Now, I want you to remember that wish ok? Don't tell anyone what it is until it comes true, alright?"

"Kay." There was a pause. "Kendall?"

"Yeah, sweetie."

"How comes I can't tell nobody?"

Liz paused and Max could practically hear the wheels turning in her head. "Because if you tell someone, it won't come true."

"How comes not?"

"That’s just the way wishes work, sweetie." Liz explained patiently. "The wish fairies live for making wishes come true. That’s their job. And if you tell someone what your wish is, then there's a chance that person might try to make your wish come true and the wish fairies won't be able to do what they love to do most."

Jaedan's voice filled with awe. "What's that?"

"Make you smile." Liz answered softly, confidently. "Jaedan, sweetheart, you are luckiest girl in the whole world. And I know it's hard, honey. I know it's really, really hard to be separated like this, but I promise you it won't be forever. There are just some things that I need to do right now. Things that you can’t be a part of no matter how much I wish you could be.” Pausing, Liz took a deep breath and began a conversation she wasn’t all that sure she should. “As for Max…”

“I know how comes Max is wiff ya.” Jaedan interjected eagerly.

“You do?”

“Uh-huh.” Confidence filtered into Jaedan’s voice. “He’s wiff ya cuz he pwromised. A dwouble dunk Orweo cookie pwromise.”

“A double dunk Oreo cookie promise?” A grin slipped over Max’s face as he envisioned Liz’s nose scrunched up in confusion. “What is that?”

“That’s a special pwromise.”

“A special promise.” Liz repeated, awe edging her voice.

“Uh-huh.”

“And uh…” Clearing her throat, Liz shifted in her tub and let the hot water soothe stressed muscles she hadn’t paid attention to in years as she languidly began playing with white, foamy soap bubbles. “…what kind of special promise did Max make?”

“Well…” Jaedan’s drawl indicated she was categorically listing the promises not only in her tiny head, but also on her tiny fingers. “…he pwromised to be wiff ya so ya wouldn’t be ‘lone all by yourse’f. And he pwromised ta give ya’s lots and lotsa princess days. And he pwromised ta take care of ya and ta keep the Evil Wizard 'way from ya till we can sees each other again.”

“I see.” Liz commented non-committedly. It was at that moment, Max Evans would have given his right arm just to see her expression. “So um…is there anything else that Max has promised?”

Nearly bursting into laughter at Liz’s obvious fishing expedition, his eyes instantly misted at the sweetness of Jaedan’s reply. “He's pwromised lots and lots of stuff I can't 'member. 'xcept he always, always keeps his pwromises. But…” Taking a deep breath, Jaedan made a simple, unselfish request of her own. “…Kendall? Can I ask ya somet’in’?”

“Sure, sweetie, what is it?”

“Well…if Max has been busy givin’ me princess days and he’s pwromised ta give you princess days…then I was kinda finkin’…” Hastening on with her candid logic, the intent of Jaedan’s question became clear. “…who gives Max princess days?”

“I don’t know, sweetie.” Liz answered quietly, her thoughts obviously captured by her daughter’s insightful query. “But that’s a very good question.”

“I fink it’s kinda sad.” Jaedan stated suddenly.

“What is?”

Letting out a sigh that echoed a breaking heart for her dearest friend, Jaedan’s voice began to soften. “That Max doeden’t got nobody to give him princess days.”

There was a brief silence on the other end and when Liz spoke her voice was full of emotion. “He does have someone, honey. He has you. And…” Liz swallowed hard as her eyes drifted closed in a promise she swore she’d never make. “…and he has me. And I promise I’ll do my best to give him as many princess days as he’s given us.”

Max's heart tripple-hammered in his chest. His breath caught and a lump of emotion stuck in his throat. Eyes drifting closed, he played each word over again in his head. Savored each syllable. Cherished the emotion rippling through the promised sentiment. It was a promise he would have never heard had it not been for one precious child and her frank, honest feelings. How he loved that child. And now…how much he owed her…

Jaedan immediately brightened. “Ya do? You weally, weally do?”

A warm smile returned to her voice. “I really, really do.”

“Dowble dunk Orweo cookie pwromise?”

Chuckling, Liz sighed into the phone. “Double dunk Oreo cookie promise.” Max could practically hear her eyes roll. “Though I have no idea where the two of you came up with that one.”

Switching gears, Liz sobered and brought the subject back to her own daughter’s needs. “And I also promise that we’ll be together soon, sweetie. In the meantime, I don’t want you to be sad, ok? Just think about all the really neat things you can play with, like that horse you were telling Max about the other day. And I know Grandnanny said you were helping Nana with decorations. You've made new friends and you're learning new things and that's a very good thing, honey." Letting out a sigh, Liz's voice softened. "You have so many people that love you, Jaedan. So many people who want to be part of your life and make you happy."

"Like you?" Jaedan piped up, her voice shedding some of its sadness.

"Definitely me." Max closed his eyes and imagined the look on Liz's face. Dark eyes bright with love. The beginning of a smile across her full lips. The love of a mother written all over her face.

"And Grandnanny?"

"Uh-huh."

"What’s 'bout Nana and Papa?"

"Well, I've not met Papa, but if he's as nice as Nana was when I met her, they'll definitely want to make you happy."

"How's 'bout Max?"

"Oh, sweetie…" Liz paused and Max instantly perked up, unconsciously leaning toward the speaker phone breathlessly waiting for her answer. "Max probably wants you to be happy almost as much as I do. That’s how much he loves you."

“That’s a lot.” Jaedan pronounced in awe.

“Yeah, baby, it is.”

Maintaining faith in things to come is never an easy thing. Staunchly believing in what you've never seen is often very hard. Beseiged by doubts and fears, it can waver. Stumble. Even fall. With little encouragement, it can struggle for breath and suffocate like a flower without water, sun, air. Wilting. Fading. Dying a slow death. Until drops of soothing rain sink into its soil. Until the encouraging sun warms its leaves. Until a fresh breeze tickles its petals into releasing a seductive, quivering fragrance of spring. Of energy. Of life.

That fresh breeze shuddered through Max's entire being.

He instantly felt…renewed. Invigorated. Alive.

Sinking back into the cushions of the couch, Max released a breath he had no idea he’d been holding. Each softly confessed word was like a gentle, healing raindrop falling onto a cracked and parched soul. His heart filled with so much love he literally felt it shatter inside his chest and sprinkle shards of soothing balm onto tender wounds of doubt. It meant so much more than he ever thought it would. To hear Liz admit what was so apparent to the rest of the world. To trust him enough with the love of her daughter. To confess her faith in him. Acknowledge his love.

To be loved back.

"I wuv him too." Jaedan answered softly. "Do ya knows how much?"

"How much?"

"All the way to heaven and back again...then all the way around the world." Excitement began to build as, tripping over her words, Jaedan hastened to confirm Liz's premier place in her life. "But only one times not likes the two times I wuvs you cuz I wuvs you mostest than anybodys else in the whole big, wide world."

"I love you mostsest then anybody in the whole wide world too, baby." Liz responded lovingly.

"Kendall? Will you swing me a song?" Jaedan's little voice pled.

"Sure, honey. What do you want to hear?"

"Can ya swing the home song?"

Liz began to chuckle. "You really like that song don't you?"

"Uh-huh." Energy returning to Jaedan's voice with full force, she began to ramble about her favorite subject. "I love it when Belle swings to the Beast at the end cuz it's so sweet that she finally founded her home wiff him--and he turns out to be her Prince. And they don’t ever, ever has to be pardened again. Ever."

"Parted." Liz absently corrected before responding, dreamily…sincerely. "Yeah, that's what fairy tales are made of, honey. A love that's strong enough to see beyond all of the ugly scars and fear to the potential and beauty deep inside. It's one day looking at someone and realizing they're the person you've been dreaming about all your life. You find your home in their eyes and suddenly they become your entire world." She paused. “And you’ll never, ever lose them. Ever. Because they'll never, ever, walk away.”

"Kendall? Do you's gots a Prince Charming?" Jaedan asked innocently.

There was a pause on the other end. "I really…I really don't know, honey."

Max swallowed hard when he heard the admission of doubt then instantly smiled at Jaedan's candid confession. "I fink you do." Jaedan piped up suddenly.

"You do?" Liz responded, amusement lacing her words. "And who would that be?"

"He's the bestest Prince Charming in the whole, big, wide world!"

"Yeah?"

"Uh-huh."

"I can just imagine where this is going." Liz mumbled with an adoring sigh and a shake of her head.

Undaunted, Jaedan revealed her not-so-surprising conclusion. "I fink **your** Mr. Prince Charming is **my** Mr. Prince Charming."

Eager to dispel her daughter's building expectations, Liz's voice edged with doubt. "Well, now, honey, I'm not so sure about that. I mean Max is already your Prince Charming. I seriously doubt he could be mine too."

"Sure he can!" Jaedan pursued relentlessly. "Cuz he's too old for me to be his **wreal** princess so he needs a wreal princess of his own! See? And that's what you could be!" Biting down on his lip, Max had to keep himself from bursting out in laughter afraid Liz would know she was being listened to. He could picture Jaedan's cute little nose scrunching up in thought as she said that. "And I know he likes ya lots and **lots**! That's how comes I fink he's can be your Mr. Prince Charming!"

Curiosity getting the best of her, Liz couldn't stop herself from posing an obvious question. "He likes me lots and lots, huh? So, uh…what makes you think that?"

Jaedan's excited gasp filled Max with a certain amount of dread. With that child, one could never be quite sure what secrets would come out in one of her excited rambles. "Oh, yes, he wreally, wreally does! And I knows cuz he's always talkin' to Grandnanny about you and askin' what kinda stuffs you like. And he's always wantin' to make ya happy and…and…" Taking a big, exaggerated breath, Jaedan continued. "…and cuz he's always smilin' when we talks 'bout you. Always. And…and cuz he wants ta be your friend and he wouldn't want ta be your friend if he didn't like ya, would he?"

"Well…uh…"

Before Liz got a chance to answer, Jaedan piped up with a new idea. "Hey, I's gots an idea! How 'bouts if we share him?"

Taken back a bit, Liz started to chuckle. "Jaedan, honey, I'm not sure Max is the kind of man that likes to be shared."

"But I knows he wouldn't mind. Not 't all!" Jaedan protested. "Cuz Max said when you wuv somebody's you do anyfing to make 'em happy. Even give 'em your aaaall your heart if they want it. And I knows Max has enough wuv in his heart for boff of us. I just know he does. So will you? Will you share him wiff me?"

"Well, I, uh…" Liz was speechless. She really didn't know how to respond to her daughter's overwhelming belief in Max. She didn't want to crush her child-like faith in love and fairy tales, but at the same time she couldn't automatically trust Max as much as Jaedan did. Not consciously, at least. And certainly not verbally. That would lock her onto a path she wouldn't be able to change.

Jaedan could dream all the fairy-tale dreams she wanted. She was, after all, just a child. But Liz--the adult, the mother, the rational decision maker in the family--she couldn't afford such unrestrained faith. Neither could Max. No matter how much he tried to convince her he could. With the two of their heads in the clouds of dreams, someone had to keep two feet on the ground and it looked like that particular job was left up to her…

"Kendall?" Jaedan's gentle prompt brought Liz back to the conversation.

Despite the overwhelming urge to agree to her daughter's request, all Liz could think of was a non-committed answer full of much more emotion than she ever intended. "We'll see, honey. Maybe. We'll just…we'll see."

Max leaned back against the couch with a grin. What an enlightening conversation. So, little 'Ms. I Don't Believe in Fairy Tales or Wishing on Stars' had the heart of a romantic after all. Not that that was any big surprise. The first time he looked in her eyes, he knew she had. Now all he had to do was show it to her. And for the first time in a long time, he really had the feeling that she just might let him.

His attention was arrested the next moment when Liz began to sing Jaedan's song to her. He closed his eyes as he let the words carried to him by that angelic voice he loved so much sink into his heart and soul...

"We are home
We are where we shall be forever.
Trust in me for you know I won't run away
From today this is all that I need
And all that I need to say
Don't you know how you've changed me?
Strange I can finally see
I found home
You're my home
Stay with me…"

Why is it all of a sudden that's exactly the way Max felt? As if he were home. As if all that had just occurred was all he ever needed. He had set out on this mission to show Liz a good time. To change her cynical view of him. Maybe even to break down those walls she had built around her so that she would at least let him in. For the first time he realized how much this whole situation had actually changed him. And it wasn't nearly as frightening as he once thought it would be. In fact, at this moment it felt pretty damn good.

He heard Jaedan let out a little sigh at the end. "I wuv when you swing to me."

"And I love singing to you. In fact, I just love you." Liz said quietly.

"I wuv you too, Kendall." Max could hear the smile Jaedan couldn't keep from her voice. "Oh! Can I tell ya what I did taday?"

"Of course you can. What did you think I called you for?"

"Well. See, Papa and I…"

Max quickly hit the speaker button as the conversation continued. He let out a happy sigh and sat for a moment staring at the bathroom door before realizing that he hadn't cleaned up nearly as much as he planned. What an amazing woman. With an equally amazing daughter. So full of surprises. And real emotion. And what hearts. And overwhelming love. There was so much that he wanted to be intimately part of. So much he needed of them in his life…

Max snapped back to the present. He still had a lot to do before Liz got through with her bath. So he got busy and quickly put the finishing touches on the final part of the evening before checking Liz's room once more and turning off the lights, locking the door behind him with a triumphant smile.

"Alright." Angel agreed. "So, maybe it was an accident. That still doesn't mean you can use what you heard…"

"What I heard was an extraordinarily loving mother and her daughter missing each other like crazy." Max commented seriously segueing into the subject foremost on his mind. "Which is why I wanted to talk to you."

"O…k…" Angel drawled as she pulled out a paper and pen. "Why do I sense a plan coming on?"

Max chuckled. "You know me so well." Leaning forward, gears shifted swiftly to planning. "Now. Here's what I'm thinking…"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You're serious." Sydney stated after listening to Liz's tale. "He literally drew a bath for you and made you soak in a tub full of bubbles." At Liz's nod, Sydney continued. "Without so much as a suggestion he should join you."

"Well…" A Cheshire grin appeared. "…there was a suggestion, but he was only teasing."

Shaking her head, Sydney let out a low whistle. "That man is…"

"Amazing."

"I was thinking insane, but hey…" Shrugging, Syd shook her head in disbelief. "…if you want to go with amazing I'll concede a point because he'd have to be amazing to go through all of that without once asking for a bit of payback in return. Do you have any idea just how frustrated he probably is right now?" Chuckling at the look of utter understanding on Liz's face, Syd glanced around once more and let out another sigh. "So, how in God's name did you get from the bath to here?"

Liz's grin widened as she shifted on the bed, an eagerness lighting her eyes. "Well. When I came out of the bathroom…"

Liz stepped out into a world of semi-darkness, pulling her robe closer around her body as a shiver ran through her. The only light in the room was from candles that Max had lit, the main concentration being around the coffee table. "Max?"

The place felt empty. And cold. And lonely…

Liz no longer sensed Max's presence in the apartment. It astounded her just how unnerved it made her. Her voice shook ever so slightly as she called out to him again and took another step forward, hoping beyond hope he was still there. "Max? Are you here?"

When silence greeted her she let out a disappointed sigh as she came fully into the room and for the first time really looked around her, her gaze falling on the coffee table in the middle of the room. "Now what's he up to?" Her mouth dropped open as a gasp escaped her. "You've got to be kidding me."

There on the table bathed in candlelight were pieces of cardboard everywhere. Some were upside down. Some showed bits of a larger picture. On top of the pile in the middle was a note.

Rushing forward, Liz grabbed it up and opened the envelope pulling out the contents in one quick motion. She read the note out loud. "Since the day I met you, you've been a puzzle to me. Now, I'm finally learning to put all the pieces together. Since I don't want to take this journey alone, I figured it was your turn to be puzzled. Sorry I took the box top with me. I only thought it fair since I've had no map to follow in reading your heart. Be persistent and patient and once this puzzle is together, the real magic will begin."

"Aaarrrggghhh. This man is going to drive me nuts." Liz exclaimed all the while trying to fight the smile that was spreading quickly across her lips. She eyed the puzzle with curiosity a struggle beginning to wage inside her.

She could do the puzzle and find out what his version of 'magic' was. But that would be playing further into his game. And she wasn't sure she should do that. She was already feeling things she'd promised herself she wouldn't feel. Any more kindness from Max Evans, and she just might have to concede defeat altogether. Then again, he wasn't here. He didn't have to know she'd done the puzzle. A mischievous grin split her face. That's what she'd do. She'd work the puzzle, discover this magic of his but never let on that she knew.

With a wicked giggle, Liz dove for the table and began eagerly separating puzzle pieces.

Forty-five minutes later Liz jumped up from the table and began dancing around. "Yes! I did it! I did it!" She laughed wickedly. "I gotcha, Max Evans! Now, let's see what you've got up your sleeve…"

She sat back down in front of the picture before her and began to study it. It was a beautiful picture of a garden. Liz's eyebrows furrowed suddenly. Wait a minute. That wasn't just any garden. It was Angel's garden. The one she and Angel had planted together behind the B&B when they first moved to New Haven.

Liz shook her head in amazement. Yep, it sure was. There were the roses creeping up the trellis and the benches she and Angel had argued over. Angel wanted them closer to the center of the garden. Liz maintained they should be in tucked away niches. Liz won. Oh, and there were her favorite…the pink tulips along the path leading to the wisteria arbor. Max must have had a picture of the garden taken then made into a puzzle. How long had he been planning this night?

Her concentration then turned from the picture itself to any clues as to where he was taking this particular stunt. Would there be something 'magical' in the picture? No, certainly not. How would that help her find what she was looking for? Wait a minute. What was that way behind the bushes to the right of the arbor? It was that gate that led to the gazebo. Only Liz didn't remember seeing any signs on that door before.

Liz squinted to try to make out the writing. It said…."Turn…me…over." Turn me over? What the heck was that supposed to mean? Liz tapped her fingernails on the table as she thought for a moment. Suddenly she let out a moan. "Oh, no. I can't believe you did this to me. How in the world…?"

Remembering that she had noticed some funny squiggles on the back of some of the pieces she realized those squiggles probably made up words to a message. Liz started looking at the puzzle from all angles trying to figure out how she was going to turn the puzzle over without tearing it apart and starting all over.

She sat back a moment and thought letting her eyes roam around the room as if looking for something to trigger an idea. She jumped up and snapped her fingers. "I've got it!" She hurried into a spare closet, dove into the back and pulled out an old canvass she'd never used.

"A-ha! You thought you had me beat didn't ya, Max?" She laughed wickedly. "Well, I'll show you who'll win this game." Her proclamation proceeded her as she rushed back out to the living room and carefully moved the puzzle from the table to the canvass. She then carried the canvass to her dining room table, which was glass-top, and gingerly slid the puzzle onto the glass.

Carelessly tossing the canvass to the side, Liz moved the chair and slid under the table turning herself so that she was looking upward. Her mouth dropped open and she let out a scream of frustration. "Aaarrrggghhh!! 'Frustrated much? Go to bed!'? I went through all of this to read 'Go to bed'!?! Oh, you are sooo going to pay for this, Max Evans!"

She tumbled from under the table and jumped up, mumbling angrily under her breath. "No wonder he left. He knew I'd kill him if he stayed! Oh, I can't believe he did this. No, I can't believe I fell for it."

She stood in the middle of the room and took a deep breath trying to calm herself. "It's alright. It’s ok. He pulled a fast one on you and proved what a skunk he can be. And to think I thought he was Prince Charming material. You knew better, Liz. You knew what he was capable of…now all you have to do is figure out a way to pay him back."

Liz scrunched up her nose as she began to pace and think. Ok. The first thing to do is not let him know you know what he did. If he knows then he'll assume that you cared enough to try. Which isn't true, of course. You were just curious, right? Right.

Liz was trying to convince herself but even she knew better. His note had intrigued her. That he had taken time to figure her out had sent a warm feeling of delight flowing through her. That he seemed to want to share himself with her, a shiver of excitement and a wave of anticipation. Now she just felt…disappointed somehow.

Real magic. That's what he'd promised. And all she'd gotten instead was a command to go to bed. Well, you know what? Maybe that’s just what she needed to do. She needed to drift off to a land where Max and his games didn't exist anymore. Liz let out a sigh as she quietly blew out the candles and headed off to bed feeling a mixture of emotions about the evening she'd spent with her 'Prince Charming'.

Walking toward her room, she pulled the clip out of her hair shaking it till it fell around her shoulders then flipped on the light to her room. She stopped abruptly and once again stood in awe at the sight that met her eyes. "Oh. My. God." A brilliant smile spread like wildfire through her expression as two breathless words escaped her. "Real magic…"
~~~~~~~~~~
Angel stood over Jaedan's bed looking down at this sleeping little bundle of joy. Max was right. She was an angel. She leaned over and kissed her gently. "I sure hope I did the right thing tonight, sweetheart. Max is smart and he knows what he's doing with security, but…your mom is going to go through the roof if anything goes wrong with this new plan of his." Angel smiled as she ran her hand gently over Jaedan's hair. "On the other hand, if it works…it could make all of your mommy's and your dreams come true."

Angel closed her eyes and mouthed a silent prayer. "Please, please, let this work…"
~~~~~~~~~~~
Liz's face began to glow as a gradual disbelieving smile spread across her face. She shook her head as her eyes slowly took in the contents of her room. "I can't believe he did all of this…"




Her previously stark white bedroom had suddenly been turned into a haven of exotic comfort and pigmented opulence. To her right, she caught sight of a pile of boxes on her bed, which now sported a filmy white mesh canopy suspended above the mattress by the four wrought iron posts at the corners of her bed. Her comforter was now a deep rich plum color accented with elegant pillows in soft, patterned fabrics. To her left, a cozy loveseat piled high with rich, elegant pillows had been placed in front of her cattycorner fireplace. In addition to the brass lamp that now graced the mantle, a new wrought iron screen embellished the fireplace opening.

In the previously empty corner opposite her fireplace now stood a hand carved mahogany armoire with an Arabian styled area rug strategically placed on the floor in front of it. A soft glow from newly hung, ornately designed iron lanterns shown on floor pillows that were haphazardly strewn around the rug. As an added bonus, a hand painted dresser depicting a scene from the Secret Garden on its surface replaced the old two-toned dresser that sat on the other side of the room near her bed.

The overall affect of the room was as if she'd stepped into a tale from the Arabian Nights.

To top it all off, exotic flowers from every corner of the globe were seemingly flowing from every corner of her room, intermixed with lush vines and greenery. Strategically placed, the entire room was bursting with vibrant, rich colors of every shade and scheme. There were roses and tulips. Heather, tiger lilies, hydrangeas, orchids and so many other flowers Liz couldn't even name.

She slipped into the room and gently touched the soft velvety petals before bringing them to her nose and breathing in their sweet fragrance. "Wow." Liz exhaled as she turned around in the middle of the room taking it all in once more. Her eyes narrowed curiously. For the first time she noticed playcards in various places around the room with numbers on them. The one the mantle had a number three. There was one taped to the armoire with the number four. And on the bed…

Slowly approaching the bed, Liz found a playcard with the number one and a note attached to the top box. Smiling, she ripped it open to read. "First rule of magic travel…wear something comfy." Gingerly taking the top off the box, Liz began to giggle when she pulled out a set of clothes that looked very much like an outfit made for a genie. Discarding her robe and slipping them on, she tossed the box to the side to scoop up another note. "You can't travel without slippers." The newly opened box revealed a pair of genie slippers that fit perfectly on her tiny feet.

With no more boxes to open on her bed, Liz eagerly scanned the room for the number two card. It was no further than the new nightstand next to her bed, leaning against a small vase of flowers. Under the number was a simple message. "Top drawer."

Eagerly sliding the top drawer open, Liz pulled out another, smaller box with a note taped to the top. Opening the envelope, she pulled out another handwritten note. Seeing the now familiar handwriting her voice caught in her throat as she began to read it aloud. She could almost hear Max's soft, yet husky voice teasing her. "Admit it. You're having fun. I know you are. In fact, I can picture that beautiful smile that's probably plastered to your face right now. See, I told you all you had to do was let go a little. And once you did, you found out it wasn't really that bad after all, now was it? Go ahead. You can admit it, you know, even if it is only to yourself."

Liz chuckled and sat down on the bed taking the package with her as she went. She flipped the page and read on. "I always told you that we were a lot alike. Not only do we have the same love of a challenge running through our veins, but we also share the love of a special little girl. In case there's any doubt that there really is a key to a piece of my heart…she's it. I don't know about you, but I have the hardest time telling that girl 'no'." Liz smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

"Which explains why my ugly mug shows up in the picture you're probably holding in your hand right now. She insisted we take one together. Then after seeing it, she insisted we put it in a frame for you. I slipped a few pictures of Jaedan by herself in the package when she wasn't looking, so feel free to change them out if you'd like. I just couldn't break her little heart when she had it set on giving you a picture of the both of us. So, there you have it. My weakness. Well…one of them, at least. I'll leave you to figure out my other."

"Now don't get too relaxed. There's more of this magical night to come. P.S. I certainly hope you're sensing a theme by now…"

Liz let out a sigh and hugged the note to her chest. Her eyes were misty with tears as she hurriedly opened the package in her hand. When she pulled back the tissue paper her breath caught in her throat.

She pulled the beautiful scrolled frame from the box and lovingly ran her hand over the picture inside. Her baby. She wasn't quite a baby any more. She was growing up faster than Liz would have liked and once again she was hit with the sense of having lost so much time with Jaedan.

Liz smiled suddenly. She looked so happy though. Max was sitting on a bench in a garden with Jaedan perched behind him. Her tiny arms wrapped around his neck and her sweet little face was resting on his shoulder next to his smiling face. What a picture they made together. So much happiness and laughter in their eyes. Something inside of Liz longed to be in that picture with them. Feeling the love and joy they shared so openly together.

Her finger traced Max's handsome face as Liz sighed again. "You had to go and do it, didn't you, Max. Just when I thought I could count on you to be the jerk I so desperately need you to be, you had to go and turn into Prince Charming after all." Liz shook her head with a quiet chuckle. "What am I going to do with you?"

Deciding now was not the time to consider such a weighty questions, Liz lovingly placed the photo of Jaedan and Max on her nightstand where she was sure to see it first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. She gently ran her fingers over their smiling faces. "My Prince Charming and my little princess…"

Letting out a contented sigh, Liz shifted off her bed and headed toward the number three card on the mantle. Picking up the envelope leaning against the brass lamp, Liz pulled out another note to read out loud. "Genie costume. Brass lamp. Floor rug. What do these have in common? Give up? No? Oh, come on...let me tell you. It's all magic. Just rub the lamp and make a wish. I can't promise that a genie will appear to you, but I can promise that your wish will come true. Especially if you read the following while you rub that magic lamp..."

Liz paused and read the words silently, her brows furrowing in bewilderment. She read them again and still couldn't make heads or tails of what the words meant. Shrugging her shoulders, Liz grabbed the lamp and followed Max's instructions to the letter. Her hand began rubbing the lamp as she said the words out loud. "I wish for something that I'll have forever but never hold. It's as bright as the sun and as pale as the moon. And it vanishes quickly but is never gone."

A sense of anticipation filled the room and Liz waited breathlessly for something…anything…to happen. She closed her eyes, rubbed the lamp and again repeated the enigmatic words. Again, nothing happened. Rolling her eyes and chuckling at her own foolishness when nothing did, Liz shook her head and replaced the lamp on the mantle. "You're such an idiot, Liz Parker." One last touch of the lamp and a reluctant sigh. "Well, I guess you can't win 'em all no matter how beautiful or cryptic the wish may be…"

Turning on her heel, Liz skipped over to the armoire and pulled the taped envelope from the door. Opening the contents, she pulled out a single card. "I never said the wish would be come true tonight, did I? Don't worry. You'll have a little time to figure out the riddle. Until then, get comfy on your carpet and prepare for your magic ride into one of the most entertaining and intriguing mind I've ever known…your daughter's. Just open the entertainment center and push play on the remote. I'm sure you'll agree, she's a consummate performer. Once the camera is on her…well, I guess you'll see what I mean."

"One last thing before I leave you for the evening…thank you. I don't know how you did it, but you topped last night. Tonight is now the best night of my life. I just hope I was able to give you a fraction of the joy you've given me. Happy princess night, Beautiful. You deserve it. Forever yours, Your Adonis"

"So, that's what I was doing when you came home." Liz's grin lit her eyes. "Watching videos of my little girl being completely Jaedan."

"Wow." Sydney Bristow sat back and shook her head in awe. "That man seriously went all out for you tonight."

"I know." Liz responded softly, a glow beginning to turn her cheeks a pretty shade of pink. "I just…I wish I knew how to give him something for…" Liz glanced around her. "…all of this."

"My guess is all he wants is your heart." Sydney commented softly.

The smile slipped from Liz's face, intensifying in her shining dark eyes. "Yeah, I uh…I think you're right."

"So…" Sydney prompted.

Eyes shining with an unexpectedly free light, Liz straightened as a gentle smile drifted over her features. "So, I'm going to figure out his riddle and then…" Her smile deepened. "…then we'll see." Wiggling her eyebrows, Liz swung her feet off the bed. "Until then, you want to really see what my baby girl is like?"

Grinning broadly, Sydney nodded her head eagerly. "You bet!"

Giggling like a couple of school girls, Liz Parker and Sydney Bristow perched themselves on the floor and began another magic carpet ride…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Max stood leaning against his window looking up at the night sky a contented smile playing on his lips. He hadn't felt this kind of peace in…well, he wasn't sure if he'd ever felt this kind of peace before.

So, Liz thought it'd been a perfect night, huh? Max shook his head slowly. She had no idea what perfect was…yet. A mischievous twinkle lit his eyes as he glanced at his watch and crossed his arms in front of him. Wonder if she did the puzzle or if she just headed off to her room. With a slight shake of his head, Max pushed that thought aside. Nah. She did the puzzle. She wouldn't be able to resist.

Neither had he. He'd wanted to give her one final surprise whether she did the puzzle or not. But he couldn't resist throwing the extra challenge in there. Just to see if she was willing to take the longer more challenging road to get the prize or if she'd give up easily and claim the prize anyway. Somehow he'd never doubted which road she'd take.

Max yawned suddenly, his body alerting his mind to how tired it was becoming. Max took one more look up into the night sky and found the star he'd wished on earlier. "Work your magic, star. I'm counting on you to make all of our wishes come true." He whispered before turning out the light, climbing into bed and immediately drifting into a world full of dreams...


Tbc…

[Ashton]

Hey all!!!

Again, as always, thanks soooo much for your patience. Here's the next part. I'd LOVE to hear what you think. Your feedback means the world to me!!! Hope you enjoy!!!!!

hugs,
Ashton
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ chapter 27 ~


Blinking against the early morning sun, Sydney stumbled down the hall rumpling her hair and stifling a yawn. She pulled up abruptly the moment she stepped into the living room. "Uh…Liz?" Sydney blinked twice trying to erase the unexpected upheaval that greeted her. Panic edged her voice. "Liz!"

"'Moooor-niiiing!" Liz's sing-songy voice greeted Sydney from the direction of the kitchen long before the sight of Liz's beaming face appeared. Her gaze immediately followed Sydney's to the colorful chaos in the living room as she handed Sydney a cup of coffee. The uncertain grimace made its way to her voice. "It looks much worse than it is. Really. I promise I'll clean everything up good as new when I get home tonight."

Taking a tentative step forward, Sydney blinked rapidly. "What…what happened?"

"Well, see…I guess you could say that what happened would be…me." Liz answered cheerily as she rounded Sydney with a bounce in her step. Eager to show her handiwork to her roommate, Liz weaved her way between tables full of paintbrush laden jars of murky water and a myriad of paint tubes with globs of variegated colors spilling onto a used canvasses like the shades from a million rainbows.

Stepping between paint splattered drop cloths as she headed toward a row of canvasses lining a far wall, she continued without pause. "After you went to bed last night, I just…I couldn't sleep." Liz slipped her fingers through her hair and tucked it behind her shoulders before licking her lips and proceeding with a note of pride edging her voice. "So, I…painted."

"You painted."

Turning to Sydney with an emphatic nod, Liz's smile was radiant. "First time in years. I guess…" She turned to the row of paintings. "…I had a lot of making up to do because once I started, I couldn't stop."

Coming forward, Sydney gazed down at the masterpieces covering her floor. Her voice edged with awe as her eyes softened with appreciation. "I can see that."

"I hope it's ok." Liz stated suddenly, her eyes never leaving her midnight efforts. "That I did this. I mean…I know you didn't sign on to live with a crazed artist who paints at all hours of the night and makes your living room look like an army of graffiti hoodlums hit it. Let alone a roomie that's being pursued by a lunatic corporate raider."

Sydney's gaze snapped up to Liz's face as a brand new thought wiggled its way through the fog of sleep and surprise. Her smile was slow and knowing. "And uh…what exactly would Max have to do with any of this?"

A faint blush spread over Liz's cheeks and her downcast eyes began to shine as a small smile drifted over Liz's lips. "Well, I…" Letting out a sigh, Liz crossed her arms in front of her and hugged herself as her body unconsciously began to twist back and forth with barely restrained energy. Her voice softened with a quiet confession. "…I couldn't stop thinking about him last night. Which, to be honest, is pretty normal for me. But after what he did for me, this time…"

Worrying her lip, Liz spun on her heel and headed toward the couch where she sat down with a plop. Sydney took her cue from Liz and sat next to her, tucking her feet under her and taking her first of coffee after prompting Liz with an upraised eyebrow. "This time…"

"This time, I let myself feel." Liz admitted as the glow surrounding her intensified in her ebony eyes. "I mean, I really, really let myself feel what I've been feeling with Max all this time."

"And?"

"I'm awed." Liz stated breathlessly. "I'm…moved. And inspired. Obviously." Taking a deep breath, Liz continued, her confession deepening with each passing statement. "I don't think I've ever felt this free in my entire life. Or this safe. Or…happy. And alive. Genuinely, down to my bones alive, Syd. I mean…to think that a man like Max Evans would not only notice someone like me, but that he'd…he'd give so much. So selflessly."

Shaking her head, Liz turned to fully face Sydney, mirroring her pose and tucking her feet beneath her. She grabbed a pillow and hugged it to her chest. "Do you know what he said to me last night? Do you have any idea just how open and…and fearless he is?" At Sydney's prompting shake of her head, Liz proceeded, her voice gaining in adoration. "I told him I'd only end up breaking his heart. He told me it was mine to break." Leaning forward, Liz repeated herself. "Mine to break, Sydney. What kind of a person says something like that? What kind of a person actually means it when they **do** say something like that?"

Sydney's smile softened. "The kind of person that's truly in love."

Liz swallowed hard as her eyes flickered with intense emotion. Her announcement stunned her listener and, at the same time, was completely expected. "I want to tell him."

Not sure they were on the same page, Syd's chestnut eyes narrowed with a hint of uncertainty. "Tell him what exactly?"

Liz waved an all inclusive hand in the air. "Everything. About Chris. About witness protection." Breathlessly her words tumbled forward as an eagerness lit her eyes. "I want him to know my real name, Syd. Just once…just one time I want to hear him call me Liz. And I…I want him to know me. To really see me. The real me. Everything I've been through. Everything I've been afraid of. I want him to know why I've treated him like the plague. Why I've fought him so hard…"

"So, does this mean he's won?" Sydney's probing question caused Liz's gaze to lower. "Liz, are you finally ready to admit you're in love with Max Evans?"

Picking at imaginary fuzz on the pillow in her arms, Liz swallowed hard. "I…I'm not sure I even know what being in love is, Syd. And that terrifies me so much more than you know. I mean…" Worried gaze raised to meet Sydney's. "…what if I think what I'm feeling is love and I risk everything for it, but it's…" She pulled in a ragged breath. "…not."

“Liz.” Sydney's hand covered Liz's in a gentle squeeze. "You know, something tells me that a man who says his heart is yours to break is a man is more than willing to not only wait for you but work with you as well...if you'll just…let him. And letting him begins with telling him the truth. About everything. Who you are. What you feel. What you're afraid of. And you know, whatever is it you **are** feeling…you'll figure it out. Together." An encouraging smile lit her eyes. "So… just tell him."

"Yeah. Yeah, I think you're right. Thank you." Nodding slowly, a smile drifted over Liz's lips as her gaze shifted to the paintings along the wall affording her a sudden change of subjects. "So, what do you think? Trash can or gallery?"

Twisting in her seat, a bright smile dimpled Sydney's cheeks. "Definitely gallery." Putting her coffee on the table, she jumped up from the couch and headed toward her roommate's masterpieces. Her eyes narrowed as she viewed each one in its turn. Coming to stand beside her, Liz watched her expression carefully. "Unless…"

"What?" A hint of nervousness rippled through Liz's voice.

"Hmmm." Pursing her lips, Sydney shook her head. "I don't know. I'm just…"

"Yes?"

"Well, I was just thinking..." Scrutinizing the next painting, her brown eyes shifted to Liz's worried face. "Do you really want to share your fantasies about Max with complete strangers?"

"F-fantasies? M-max?" Liz's voice cracked with appropriate nervousness as her gaze ran quickly through the paintings.

"Because if you don't, a gallery is not the best place for these." Syd continued, a teasing twinkle in her eyes. "The bedroom perhaps…"

Shaking her head emphatically, Liz's denial was instantaneous. "No. No, there isn't anything about Max in these paintings."

Sydney openly scoffed. "Oh, Liz. You poor deluded soul." She put a friendly arm around Liz's shoulder and turned her toward the first painting. "Look a bit closer and then tell me Max Evans isn't in every single subconscious inch of these masterpieces." Patting her on the shoulder, Sydney turned and headed back toward the table to grab her coffee. "While the obvious is hitting you square in the nose, I'm going to get ready for work…"

Sydney barely stepped a foot into the hallway before she heard Liz's exasperated exclamation. "Oh. My. God."

Chuckling to herself, Sydney shook her head and smiled with satisfaction as a new sense of hope reached out and gripped her heart like a vice. If Max Evans could make such strong headway with a determined and strong-headed woman like Liz Parker, then perhaps there was a chance for certain other pig-headed people in the world.

With renewed hope, Sydney skipped off to her room to get ready for a meeting with Michael Vaughn…
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Max was amazing with Liz last night. You should have seen all the things he did for her."

The explorative statement prompted an absent-minded grunt from Michael Vaughn as he flipped a page and stared down at an open folder.

“The man is a serious romantic. So much so that Liz is actually thinking about telling him the truth.” Sydney added, hoping to garner a response…any kind of response. “You know…about who she really is and all.”

Vaughn remained silent.

Rolling her eyes, Sydney let out an exasperated sigh. "So, is this silent treatment going to be permanent? Or does it only extend to the subject of Max and Liz?"

Vaughn's green eyes snapped up to meet Sydney's. "What are you talking about?"

"This…" Waving her hand in the air indicating the space between them, Sydney continued with growing frustration. "…thing between us. I've been here for a total of twenty minutes now and you've barely said ten words to me. I can't help but think this has to do with your entirely undeserved disdain of Max Evans or…” Her inquiry turned into a full fledged fishing expedition. “…what happened between us the other night."

Voice edged with tension, Vaughn squared his shoulders. "First of all, there is no 'thing' between us, Syd. I simply have a lot on my mind other than your incessant rambling about Max and Liz.”

Ignoring the flicker of injury in her expressive chestnut eyes, Vaughn continued. “Secondly, my feelings for Max Evans are not wholly undeserved. Nor are they disdainful. The man’s methods leave a lot to be desired. His careless, cavalier attitude toward Liz definitely incurs a certain amount of concern and wariness.”

“But the man himself…” Pausing to take a long, needed breath, Vaughn continued with a shake of his head. “…he’s much too admired by the women **I** admire. So to dismiss him out of hand without giving him the benefit of the doubt would be less than sporting on my part. Not to mention just plain stupid. You and Liz have excellent instincts about people that simply can’t be ignored.” He swallowed hard, his next words coming with more difficulty. “And as for what happened the other night…it didn't happen as far as I'm concerned."

Sydney stiffened perceptibly. "I see." She folded her hands in front of her as the chill in the room froze her expression in place. “Well, Agent Vaughn, that was quite an enlightening diatribe. Anything else you’d like to add?”

Vaughn’s gaze shifted.

“Well, then. I’m glad we’ve talked things out.” The frigid tone of Sydney's voice caused Vaughn to swallowed hard. “It’s good to know exactly where we stand on things.”

Regret slumped his shoulders, though his voice remained distant and cool. "Look, I'm not trying to be cruel here, it's just…" He let out a frustrated sigh. "…we have some serious issues to deal with right now. That being the case, the romantic escapades of Max Evans and Liz Parker, or anyone else for that matter, are the farthest thing from my mind." He paused, gathering strength after such a tremendous lie. "Now, if you don't mind, can we get down to business?"

"Fine. Let's get to it then." The clipped, hurt tone of Sydney's voice nearly caused Michael to cave.

But he didn't. Because he was determined…and right. There were serious issues to deal with. “Liz may want to hold off on telling Max about herself.” He paused till Sydney’s eyes met his. “She’s right, Syd. The Code is nothing to mess with.” He handed Sydney a folder and leveled her with an ominous gaze. "This is our latest intel on Darian Wolfe. And his daughter…" He paused before saying the name that caused Sydney Bristow's heart to sink. "…McKenna Donovan."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
His hand hovered over the doorknob.

He took a deep breath.

Squared his shoulders.

Prepared himself for the freezer like conditions he was about to enter.

Despite Steve's words of encouragement before he left the firehouse, Max Evans was positive today was going to be pure hell. All seven levels of Dante's 'Inferno'. Multiplied by a thousand. Heaped on one poor, undeserving soul.

Needless to say, he wasn't eager to enter his office.

Never one to lack courage, however, Max took one last breath, pushed out of his mind any dreams that a happily-ever-after was waiting for him behind that door and…entered.

Liz's head snapped up the second she heard the doorknob turn. A slow smile lit her eyes as Max slipped through the opening and closed the door behind him. Eyes raking over him, she took in every single detail of his exquisite appearance. Suited to perfection, the casual Max Evans of last night was absent. An aura of distance surrounded him like a cloak. Except for one quick glance, his eyes studiously avoided hers as he headed straight for his desk, placed his briefcase on the top and uttered a two word generic greeting.

"Good morning."

"Morning." Liz responded as she watched his every move.

Slipping into his chair, Max instantly turned his full attention to emptying the contents of his briefcase before turning to the computer screen in front of him. Bringing up his email, Max clicked on what appeared to be the most important from Barbara, fully aware that Liz's eyes hadn't once left his face. He felt an embarrassing heat flush his cheeks and shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he skimmed the important missive. Forcing himself to focus on the business in front of him, Max opened another email and cleared his throat. "Did you uh…see the email about the donation from the Millennium Foundation?"

Liz blinked in bewilderment. Where in the world was her Max? The man who so openly shared his heart...his dreams…just the night before. The man who brought a world of magic into her room with a few well-chosen gifts and strategically placed handwritten notes. The man who embraced her daughter with the unhesitating love of a father. The man so fearless he made her believe she could trust him with her life. Her future. Her heart…

In his place was a stranger. Distant. Aloof. His voice, cool and professional. Not warm and intimate, tender and loving. Just like his expression. Dead pan. Guarded. His eyes averted from hers. Reserved. Wary. Afraid.

Understanding washed over Liz like a waterfall.

She had done this to him. She was the reason he was so…not Max. He was protecting himself. Setting up boundaries that she'd not be able to breach. Avoiding a discussion of the previous night's events in case the self-assured confidence of his notes was colossaly off mark. Keeping a distance that would minimize his pain when she inevitably rejected his advances. Just the way she always did.

Liz's heart constricted with one overwhelming realization: the fearless was terrified.

Stomach churning with regret, her gaze softened as she watched Max expend so much effort to steel himself against something that wasn't coming. If he only knew. If he had even an inkling of what she had decided in the wee hours of the morning, standing in front of a canvass, lovingly imbedding his portrait into a waterfall scene…

Realizing she still hadn't answered his question, Liz nodded and cleared her throat of any sign of disappointment at his all-business demeanor. "Uh…yeah. I plan on checking it out this afternoon. Stephanie gave me the name of her contact over there. Uh, let's see it's…" Shuffling through a few notes on her desk, Liz hid a devious smile as a plan formed and she came up with an impromptu name. "…Bruiser Malone."

"Bruiser?" Max's eyes snapped up to meet hers and held for the first time since entering the office. "You're spending the afternoon with a guy named Bruiser?"

"Yeah." Brows deliberately furrowing in confusion, Liz tossed her note pad back onto her desk. "Is there a problem?"

"Uh…yeah." Shedding his reserve, Max practically snorted. Gone was the coolness as he shook his head firmly. "There's no way you're spending the afternoon…all alone…with a guy named Bruiser." Grabbing his schedule, Max quickly glanced over it, his pencil poised to write Liz's answer to his next question. "So, what time are we meeting him?"

The beginning of a smile haunted Liz's eyes. She forced her voice to remain level instead of victorious. "Oh, come on, Max. The Millennium Foundation deals with a lot of entertainment and theatre types. It's probably just an artsy stage name."

"No." Max's voice edged with forced patience, intoning the impression he shouldn't have to explain such a well-known fact to such an intelligent woman. "No…stage names of artsy types are Goldie or Rainbow or some other freaky twist of the English language." Raising his pencil in the air for emphasis, a dark knowing eyebrow rose. "Bruiser, on the other hand, has a rap sheet ten miles long and is the natural-born leader of biggest, baddest motorcycle gang this side of the Mississippi." A second commanding eyebrow rose. "You're not going by yourself."

Letting out an exaggerated sigh, Liz placed her chin in the palm of her hand and leaned back in her chair. "Honestly, Max. Bruiser's probably just a big old teddy bear."

Deliberately laying his pencil down, Max pursed his lips as he leaned back in his chair and scrutinized Liz through narrowed eyes. It took all of Liz's willpower not to burst into laughter when he finally spoke. "You know…I don't know what is more disturbing. The way you say that name so casually or the fact you actually think I’m going to let you meet with this hoodlum alone."

A brilliant smile met his statement as Liz's eyes warmed instantly. "And there he is. The paranoid, overly protective knight in shining armor I've come to know and adore." A flash of confusion rippled through Max's expression. Liz's next quiet confession made his heart swell with hope. "For an excruciating minute, I thought I'd lost him."

With her softly chosen words, that moment of confusion swiftly melted into a profound sense of understanding. Max's expression softened instantly as Liz's words came crashing down on him. His mind shifted quickly into over-drive to be sure his heart wasn't jumping ahead of itself with unrequited hope. What was that? A…compliment? Yes, yes it was. A back-handed compliment to be sure, but a compliment none-the-less. And the light in her eyes. Her choice of words. The confession of momentary panic at his imposed distance…

A slow, knowing smile drifted over his lips as he scrutinized every open and inviting feature of her expression. The unwavering honesty in her eyes. The softness of her smile. The flicker of happiness that caused her porcelain skin to glow. That washed over her entire being. His amber eyes responded with a blazing warmth as his voice became a low purr. "Never." Smirking suddenly at the responding light in her eyes, Max straightened in his chair, his gaze lowering. "So, I take it Bruiser was just your way of…"

"…pulling your leg." Liz finished for him. She let out a sigh of satisfaction and shrugged with more than a hint of pride. "Which I did rather well, I do believe."

Max openly grinned and tilted his head to the side in deference, but didn't verbally concur with Liz's conclusion. "So, who are you really meeting?"

"Uh…let's see. According to Steph…" Liz clicked on a second email from Stephanie that had not been addressed to Max. She bit back a smile, imagining Max's reaction. "You're not going to believe this."

"What?"

Her eyes met his over the computer screen. The laughter in her eyes contradicted the solemnity in her voice. "It's…Jack Cox."

Max tossed his pencil on the desk and rolled his eyes. "Ah, hell. Doesn't anyone have a normal name out here in LA LA Land?"

Liz's infectious giggle filled the room. Max's attention was instantly captured and he found there was an interestingly low amount of air in the room. Or…the instinct of breathing seemed to be alluding him. A faint wave of dizziness rippled over him and his fingers curled around the arms of his chair in an effort to anchor his soaring heart to something stable.

The unconscious action failed.

His gaze snapped over to meet hers as an unstoppable grin spread like wildfire through his expression. The next instant turned laughter into intense warmth as their gazes held. The intimacy of the previous night was suddenly palpable in every molecule in the room. Without a word being spoken. Without a single touch. Their hearts and souls were once again sharing the same space. Without walls. Without pretense.

A fresh smile flitted over Liz's lips before deepening slowly, unconsciously, while a pretty blush spread over her cheeks. Her gaze lowered self-consciously and there was a small nip of her lower lip before her gaze drifted back up to meet his once more. An added layer of coyness and desire caused Max's breath to hitch in his chest and his heart sprinted with abandon toward the first rays of hope he'd felt all morning.

She looked…stunning. Enchanting. Exquisite. Just like she always did.

Only…more.

It was like someone had reached deep inside of her and unlocked a hidden door. From behind that door, out of some deep dark cage, came bounding a brand new Liz Parker. Free. Fearless. Unrestrained. Alive, and so very full of everything Max had known she could be. A fleeting sense he held the key that opened that door washed over Max. It humbled him. Having prepared himself to deal with the Liz Parker he knew, Max Evans was suddenly at a loss how to respond to the woman he'd only known in his dreams.

But respond he would.

Realizing she'd given him an opening, Max leaned forward and eagerly grasped it. "With a name like that, you know there's no way I can let you go by yourself now." Voice still low with meaning, Max's grin turned the corners of his lips upward.

"No?" Biting her lower lip, Liz's gaze was coy and enchanting.

A breathless response was prompted. "No."

"Well, then." Liz deliberately laid her pen down on the desk. Getting up from her chair, she rounded the corner of her desk and approached Max, her eyes never leaving his. Slipping onto the corner of his desk, she tilted her head to the side as her gaze lowered bashfully. A sudden rush of nervousness rippled through her and Liz licked her lips in response. Max instinctively held his breath. "Maybe we should…head over together…after dessert."

"Dessert?" An inquiring eyebrow raised.

"Yeah." Clearing her throat, Liz's fingers nervously ran along the edge of the desk. Her gaze followed their path. "I uh…well, you left before dessert last night, so I thought maybe we could uh…we could have some today. I brought it with me if you wanted to…" She shrugged bashfully. "…you know…" Her gaze flicked upward to meet his. "…share."

Max fought back a grin the size of the Texas sky. He plastered a non-committal expression on his face and folded his hands in front of him as he hesitantly took a step onto this new, shaky ground. "You know…when two people share dessert it's usually after they've had something more substantial. Like dinner."

"Or lunch." Liz quickly corrected. Her eyes pleading with him to accept but not rush this new-found level of companionship. "Baby steps, Max."

Eyes softening, he conceded with a tilt of his head for the first time content to let Liz Parker call all the shots. "Or lunch."

She flashed him a grateful smile then cleared her throat in an attempt to remain somewhat professional. "So then…how about it? Lunch? On me." Noting his hesitant expression at her offer to pay, Liz rushed to entice him into a yes. "It's the very least I can do after everything you did for me last night."

A new thought hit Max full force. Maybe all of this wasn't a change in attitude. Maybe it was simply her way of showing her appreciation for the previous night. An obligation. A debt she felt she needed to repay. His voice edged with insult as his gaze lowered, pained. "I don't want your gratitude. Or your payback."

Reaching out, Liz covered his hand with hers. Her thumb absently ran across the back of his hand. "Max." She waited till his hardening and uncertain gaze met hers. "How about my sincere desire to have lunch with you?"

A small smile hovered over his lips as golden sparks of light brightened his eyes. "Sincere desire…" Letting out a ragged breath, his hand moved to cover hers trapping it between two warm palms of flesh. "…is something I can definitely…" He caressed her hand with slow, gentle strokes. "…definitely handle."

"So…we're on?" The question was asked breathlessly.

"Oh, yeah." Max responded, his eyes locking with hers in infinite meaning. "Yeah, we're definitely on…"

"Good." With a deepening smile, Liz slipped off the corner of Max's desk and with a slight nod slowly, deliberately, pulled her hand from his.

Max's chest expanded then collapsed as he released an anticipatory sigh. His fingers lingered against her skin as long as possible as he nodded slowly. Any other response he might have had lodged firmly in his throat when she reached out and tenderly cupped the side of his face as she stared down at him with more emotion in her eyes than he had ever seen.

Smile intensifying in her eyes, Liz Parker then rendered Max Evans utterly speechless when she leaned down to place a tender, lingering kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Max…" Breathing him in, her breathless whisper in his ear echoed everything he wanted to say. "Thank you for making my wish come true…"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Wow." Sydney laid the folder down and released a long breath. "And here I thought Arvin Sloane was cruel."

"Arvin Sloane is cruel." Vaughn corrected, referring to the man who'd had Sydney's fiance' murdered in his very own apartment. The man they were both trying to bring to justice. "It just so happens that Darian Wolfe is cruel…and insane."

Sydney's gaze met his. "This is why Liz is so afraid for Max."

Vaughn nodded solemnly. "This is why."

Running her fingers through her hair in exasperation, Sydney slumped against the table. "Why now? Why her?" Her eyes met his, pleading for an answer. "She's in love with him, Vaughn. She can't say it yet. She doesn't even fully realize it yet, but she is. It will destroy her if she loses him. Especially if she thinks it's her fault."

"I know." Michael Vaughn's sympathetic green eyes shifted from Sydney's beautiful face. He stuffed his hands in his pockets in an effort to restrain himself from crossing the distance between them and comforting the woman the held his heart in the palm of her hands. "I think I should talk to her. See if I can find out what she knows."

"Good luck." Shaking her head, the discouraging tone of voice was not lost on Vaughn. "This thing is so secret not even secret societies know about it. From what little I know of Chris, he wasn't the pillow talk kinda guy." She leveled Vaughn with a knowing look. "If she knew anything, she'd already be dead."

"Yes." Vaughn agreed with a nod of his head. "**If** they knew she knew." Letting out a sigh, Vaughn leaned back against a crate and crossed his arms in front of him. "Look, Syd…she was married to the man. Her father was part of this. It's highly probable she knows something and just doesn't realize it."

Sydney's eyes narrowed. "Are you thinking hypnosis?"

Shrugging, Vaughn shook his head. "I don't know yet. It's an option."

"Vaughn…"

"I know."

"No." Sydney stopped him. "You don't. Bringing all of this up…it's only going to cause her more pain."

"No, Syd." Vaughn corrected her again. "Not bringing it up, risking Max's life…Jaedan's life…losing them…**that's** what will cause more pain. Now, I don’t know about you, but I'm not willing to do that to her. Even if it means temporarily making her relive something so utterly painful."

"Why don't we just pass this on to Max?" Sydney suggested, the desire to spare her friend any more pain ruling her decision making abilities. "He has resources to protect all of them, not to mention a history with Darian that neither of us fully understand."

"Pass him what, Syd?" Vaughn continued, his reasoning logical and sound. "We have nothing concrete. Which is why we need to talk to Liz."

Bowing her head in defeat, Sydney nodded slowly as silence engulfed them. "When do you plan on doing this?"

"I'll call her now."

"Alright." Sydney's eyes met his. "Vaughn. I'll be home tonight. If…either of you need me."

Nodding solemnly, Michael Vaughn left Sydney Bristow standing in the warehouse.

Cold. Unsettled. And all alone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The clock ticked by slowly.

Stolen glances across the room in silence. Shared smiles of anticipation. Soft tones of intimacy.

All these things would have ruled Max and Liz's world had it not been for the ringing phones, constant visitors to their office and Gabe's incessant questions. Lists and plans were coming together. The fundraiser was taking shape and both Max and Liz attempted to push private thoughts to the background of their minds in order to focus on the ever-important task of helping needy children.

Tossing information back and forth. Sharing ideas. Finishing each others' sentences. Each and every moment added to the increasing level of familiarity growing between two people who had been running from intimacy for so long.

Until…

"I don't think we're tapping into right resources." Liz stated suddenly after flipping through a few files.

"What do you mean?" Max asked as he clicked on a brand new email marked high importance. It was from Steve warning him that a new and, he hoped, desirable development was getting ready to unfold in the ongoing saga of Max versus Liz.

"The groups we've invited are…adequate." Liz pursed her lips, unaware of the growing unease slipping over Max's expression. "But I think we could do…more. You know, contact more people. Different people. People with mega bucks to contribute."

Slightly unsettled by the tone of Steve's email, Max's thoughts were whirling with possibilities as to what steps Steve had taken to 'help' his cause with Liz. He knew his friend meant well, but honestly…at this point…Max didn’t want any help. He didn't need it. Especially not after the early morning exchange he'd had with Liz. In fact, he'd caught himself unconsciously holding his breath at different times throughout the morning. As if the slightest change in atmosphere would upset the delicate agreement the two of them now shared.

He quickly typed an email back to Steve.

Oblivious to Max's inner turmoil, Liz let out a sigh. "Problem is…I just don't know who that would be." Noticing Max's silence, Liz's brows furrowed. "Max? You ok?"

"What?" Blinking back to the present, Max offered a hesitant smile. "Oh. Yeah…I was just thinking about what you said. You know, maybe we should consider…" The ringing of the phone interrupted Max's thought. He nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound. And the email that had just arrived. Clicking on it with a growing sense of dread, Max read the words 'Too late' and swallowed hard.

There was a second ring.

Unnerved, Max's gaze snapped to the phone and his hand began to shake for some unknown reason. Letting out an exasperated sigh, Liz rolled her eyes. "Today is not our day for peace and quiet, is it?" She glanced at the phone. "It's yours. Do you want me to take it?"

Max nodded mutely as he swallowed hard.

Liz reached over and grabbed the handset. "Yes, Sister?" She listened a moment then looked to Max inquiringly. "Sure, let me check." Addressing Max, she asked a perfectly innocent question. "Max, did you have a meeting with someone this morning?" Max shook his head. "Uh…Sister? Max didn't have an appointment. Do you know who it is? What they want?"

Narrowed eyes flicked back to Max after hearing Sister Mary Margaret's response. Curiosity instantly clouded Liz's expression when she observed the paled and uncertain look on his. "Alright. Send her in." Replacing the handset, Liz tilted her head to the side and watched Max with growing interest. "The Sister says its someone you know quite well. Someone she just knows you'll want to see…"

Max barely had a moment to register the curious way Liz was looking at him before there was a quick rap on the door. Before he could open his mouth, Liz responded with a bright "Come in" prompting the opening of the door, first revealing the familiarly garbed form of Sister Mary Margaret followed closely by an apparent angel from heaven.

Max blinked at the sight, his expression registering surprise. And then…delight. "Oh my God. Mandy. Mandy Carlton." The grin on Max's face was instantaneous. He practically jumped out of his chair, advancing toward the stranger with open arms. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Engulfed in Max's arms, Amanda looked up into his eyes. "A birdie told me you were in trouble and in desperate need of my expert touch." She reached up and tenderly touched his face as her eyes narrowed with scrutinizing accuracy. "Apparently, he was right…"

Tbc…

[Ashton]

Hey all!!!

Ok...this is only the BEGINNING of the next chpt. The majority of the rest is written and Im going to work really hard to get it up in the next day or so. Hopefully. Anyway...hope you enjoy this part. It's kinda fluffy but setting up for things later too. Would LOVE to hear what you think!!! As always, thanks for the incredible support!!!!

Hugs,
Ashton
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ chapter 28 ~


Engulfed in Max's arms, Amanda looked up into his eyes. "A birdie told me you were in trouble and in desperate need of my expert touch." She reached up and tenderly touched his face as her eyes narrowed with scrutinizing accuracy. "Apparently, he was right…"


The chill Max had been expecting all morning long descended like a cloud of ice.

In the air. Across his skin. Deep in his heart.

They weren't married. Weren't an official 'item'. Technically, they weren't even dating. Yet, the guilt that descended on Max Evans the moment Amanda's hand caressed his face was just as acute as if he'd cheated on his wife of twenty-five years for the very first time in his life.

Stomach churning unmercifully. Hands instantly growing sweaty. Mouth drying to the consistency of cotton. Max felt the possessive warmth of Mandy's hand on his face and the frost of Liz's stare at his back. More than that, he saw the flash of pain in Liz's eyes.

Literally.

Without turning around.

Max had never had an out of the body experience. He didn’t know what one felt like. Didn’t even believe in them, really.

Until now.

The sensation was…interesting, to say the least. Strange, on so many levels it was impossible to name them all. And one he wasn't all that sure he wanted to repeat any time soon.

As if floating above the occupants of the room, his instinctive inner gaze was instantly drawn to Liz's fragile expression layering nonchalance into its hardening features. Her petite frame stiffened with resolve. The shattered eyes were disguised with indifference. He watched as her chest rose and fell with a silent sigh of defeat. Her fingers curled into the palm of her hands in fisted restraint. Her lips tightened with possessive jealousy.

Perceptions instantly transferring to his dazed and literal self, the images snapped Max to protective attention. Smile fading, he unceremoniously jerked away from Amanda's touch and took a step backward with such lightning speed that he tripped over a plant at the end of his desk and nearly landed on his posterior. The only thing that saved him was his impressive agility, quick balance and a flailing arm hitting the desk with such force he just knew a bruise was developing instantly.

Instinctively, Liz nearly jumped out of her seat to aid him but stopped mid-air when his hasty retreat and near fall prompted a concerned gasp from Amanda. "OH!" Amanda advanced toward him with concern. "Max, are you ok?"

"Sure. Sure, I'm fine." Nodding curtly and righting himself quickly, Max ignored the shooting pain in his arm and squared his shoulders. Clearing his throat, he attempted to ignore the embarrassed blush coloring his face. With an averting shift of his gaze, Max plunged his hands into his pockets and nervously rocked back on his heels. "So, uh…what…what are you doing here, Amanda?"

"I came to see you, silly." Amanda's expression swiftly registered wry teasing as a grin began to form. She took another step forward. "Darling, what has gotten into you?"

"Yes, **darling**." Speaking for the first time, Liz's voice was smooth and unruffled as she pointedly emphasized the tender endearment. She crossed her arms in front of her and quirked an inquiring eyebrow in his direction. "What **has** gotten into you?"

Swallowing past the knot in his throat, Max's fidgety gaze shifted nervously from Liz to Amanda then back to Liz. If ever Liz Parker had seen a deer-in-the-headlight look, she was seeing it now. It was certainly intriguing. And even a bit…amusing. It was clear that, to Max, Amanda was no Tess. Her presence prompted genuine pleasure. And subsequent guilt. Not begrudging politeness and adamant denials of involvement.

No, there would be no protest this time. Even if he tried, Liz wouldn't believe him. Because it was clear to Liz, without barely a word being spoken between the two of them, exactly what type of relationship Max and Mandy had. And nothing made it more obvious than Max's own guilt-ridden actions. Observing his discomfort as his past met his present was as enlightening as the previous evening's declarations of devotion.

The intensity of Max's feeling for Liz was not in question. He had made it clear on more than one occasion just how much he loved her. Not only in word, but in overwhelming deed. Her superior place in his heart, again, was not doubted. Max had shown no real interest in anyone of the opposite sex since having laid eyes on Liz. Even Amanda was eliciting, not a response of desire, but of long established friendship.

Yet, they had a past. Though how distant of a past wasn't yet quite clear, it was obvious she meant something to him. That he considered her a welcomed sight. That he liked her. That they were friends. And that caused Liz's heart to constrict with a slicing jealousy that came from the deepest, darkest part of her heart. A part she rarely acknowledged. A part that knowing Max Evans had unleashed with unpredictable ferocity.

A smug sense of pride, of power, swept over Liz when Max clearly made a choice neither woman was verbally asking him to make. Nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste to reach her, Max rounded the desks to take his chosen place by Liz's side.

Arm slipping around her waist, Max pulled her possessively into his body and began introductions between the two women. His choice of words were full of not-so-subtle meaning. "Mandy, I'd like you to meet someone very special." His gaze shifted with a certain amount of pride to Liz's upturned face. "This is Rachel Harris…" His eyes instantly softened with a loving, intimate glow when they met hers. "…a woman I couldn't possibly live without."

An unforeseen change came over Liz Parker.

The slow curl of Liz's lips and the brightness in her eyes indicated Max's message had been given, received and was very much appreciated. He responded with a growing smile of his own. Breathing a sigh of relief, Max visibly relaxed his body molding it unconsciously against Liz's. The feel of her instinctive easing into his embrace sent an almost giddy grin across his lips.

That grin disappeared instantly at Amanda's response.

"Max, darling…isn't that what you say about all your girls?"

Max stiffened. His gaze cut to Amanda and his mouth opened to respond with a biting comment. Liz beat him to the punch. "He may have said it before, **Mandy**…" Emphasizing her nickname, dark eyes settled on the stately redhead standing only a few feet away. Liz deliberately slipped her fingers through Max's, entwining them and pulling his arm more firmly around her slender frame. "…but did he ever really mean it the way he does now?"

Max's smirk returned full force and Liz felt the approving squeeze of his fingers around hers before he spoke, continuing introductions that had been rudely interrupted. "Rachel, this is an old **friend** of mine, Amanda Carlton." His voice hardened with a hint of warning. "Although another crack like that one and I just might have to reconsider that specific designation."

Ignoring Max's terse warning, Amanda gave Liz a scrutinizing once over. The disapproval in her oval gray eyes was barely hidden. Pursed lips frowned unspoken criticisms as her perusal only took a few moments, the conclusion obvious. Deciding her opinions were best acted out instead of spoken, Amanda turned to Max ignoring Liz Parker altogether as if she were nothing more than a fly on the wall. Tilting her head to the side in what could only be seen as a coquettish attempt at flirtation, Amanda smiled winningly. "So, darling. What are we going to do this afternoon?"

Max blinked at her boldness. In all the years he'd known Amanda Carlton, he'd never known her to be so pushy. Obtuse. Rude. So…like Tess. Though a successful and driven woman in her own rights, Mandy had never made demands on Max. That simply wasn't the nature of their relationship. It never had been and it was unspoken rule that it never would be. An impromptu visit, though not standard, was not out of the norm either.

That this impromptu visit was prompted by his good friend, Steve, was however cause for concern.

Steve knew Max's intense feelings for Liz. He also knew how frustrating the past few months had been for Max. What Steve had passed on to Amanda about Max's new found love wasn't clear. Neither was the exact purpose of this visit. Max was certainly going to have to proceed with caution. Especially since Liz was privy to every last syllable passing between the two of them. He simply could not, would not, let the delicate balance they had reached earlier be upset.

For anyone.

Though his answer was swift, unwavering and full of polite, impersonal niceties, it was clear Max was no longer pleased with the sudden turn of events. "I would show you around LA, but you and I both know since you used to live here that you'd end up being the tour guide, not I. And not having expected you, I've already made plans for the afternoon. So, unfortunately, you'll have to find your own entertainment." He flashed her a forced smile. "Which I am sure you are more than capable of doing."

Amanda's canned response lacked the warmth of a spontaneous rebuttal, increasing Max's uncertainty about the purpose of her visit. "But no one knows how to entertain me the way you do, darling. Besides, all that's really required is you, a hotel room…" Voice becoming breathy, Amanda took a flirtatious step forward. "…and a very large bed. I have a beautiful one if you'd care to inspect…"

"Actually, I wouldn't." Bristling at the obvious direction of Amanda's comments, Max glanced at Liz out of the corner of his eye. Profile perfectly masked by an unreadable expression, for the first time, Max couldn't accurately gauge Liz's reaction to Amanda's advances. Whatever was dancing in that brain of hers was being carefully concealed.

Max wasn't willing to be so controlled in his response. He wanted to leave no doubt, to either woman, who owned the room, his time…and his heart. "In fact, Rachel and I are rather busy right now so…"

Unwilling to accept the certain defeat she saw in Max's expression, Amanda piped up with a less pleasurable alternative than her previous suggestion. "Well, then…I thought perhaps we could catch up over lunch."

"Yeah, lunch would be great." 'Some other time' was implicit in Max's closed expression. He answered automatically striking a delicate balance between conciliatory but uncommitted. "So, how long will you be in town?"

"Depends."

"On?" A dark eyebrow quirked inquiringly.

"You."

"Ah." Reluctantly easing his fingers from Liz's, Max's hand slipped around her waist keeping possessive, reassuring contact as long as possible before he headed back to his desk with determined steps. "Well, as I said, we already have plans for today but I'm sure I can find a day where I can pencil you in…"

"Max, wait." Liz spoke for the first time since Amanda began her intense pursuit. "If you're talking about our plans for lunch…" She took a deliberate breath then offered an unexpected, but calculating suggestion. "…why don't we just cancel for today?"

Her proposition stunned Max. And made his heart sink. His head snapped up and questioning eyes met hers. "What?"

"You heard me." Lacking any tell tale signs of overt jealousy or deep seeded insecurity, Liz Parker flashed Max a warm smile as her voice softened perceptibly. "It's ok. I think you should go to lunch with Mandy today."

Amanda's gaze slipped from Max to Liz knowingly. Unwavering ebony eyes met determined gray. In that instant, each woman understood the other. In that moment, a challenge was given and received. In that look, a claim for Max Evans had been staked.

Oblivious to the unspoken message passing between the two women, Max never once took his eyes from Liz as he leveled a suggestion to Amanda that was much more of a command than a request. "Mandy, could you give us a moment alone, please?"

A knowing smile curved Mandy's lips upward as she nodded her acknowledgement to Liz and exited the room without another word being spoken. The moment the door was closed, Max jumped in with a hasty explanation. "This isn't what you think."

"Max, come on." Turning her full focus back to the object of her affection, Liz's smile was patiently condescending as she slipped back into her chair and glanced at her emails. Clicking on one she hurriedly read a welcomed request from Vaughn. Pushing her hair behind her ears, Liz looked back up at Max, her eyes hinting with amusement at his attempted denial. "You and I both know, it's exactly what I think."

"Ok, alright, but…" Dropping all pretense of denial, Max allowed his explicit admission to go unspoken as he let out a sigh of resignation. "…it's never been serious. Or even steady. In fact it’s…occasional, at best. And it…it really doesn't even matter because no matter what we were before…she's in the past now."

"I don't doubt that." Liz's response was honest and sincere. She hastily typed a quick response to Vaughn then clicked 'send'.

"Then…" Advancing toward Liz, Max's confusion grew. "…what's the problem?"

Locking her computer, Liz let out a sigh and leaned back in her chair, her gaze meeting his as he slipped onto the edge of her desk. "There **is** no problem."

"But…" Unsure of what he was hearing, Max blinked and shook his head slightly. "…but what about us? About our lunch?"

"Max, it's no big deal." Seeing instant pain layer his eyes, Liz leaned forward, hastening to explain. "It was a last minute kind of thing. I mean, I didn't have anything really planned. I wasn't even sure where we were going to go so…"

"I don't care." Unwilling to let her back out so easily, Max persisted. "We did make plans and I…" A sense of panic tightened the lungs in his chest. "…I **want** to have lunch…" He swallowed hard. "…with **you**."

Reaching out, Liz gathered Max's hands in hers. Her smile was genuine. Her eyes layered with sincerity. "And you will. Just…not today." Unconsciously caressing the back of his hand, Liz's smooth voice was warm with emotion. "Look. You don't know how long your friend is going to be in town. And…" Shaking her head, Liz made an impulsive promise that came from deep in her soul. "….I'm not going anywhere, Max. You and I have tomorrow and the next day and the day after that." Her smile deepened. "Our lunch can wait."

Lips curving into a suggestive smile, Liz's eyes danced with amusement as a previously un-thought of ulterior motive surfaced. "Besides…what better time to share with an occasional companion just how much your life has changed recently than over a friendly plate of pasta?" Quickly picking up on Liz's train of thought, an acknowledging light in Max's eyes prompted Liz to continue as she answered Amanda's advances each in turn. "And what better time to clarify to such an old lover just whose bedroom you'd prefer to inspect, than say…over a cup of coffee?" A grin lit her eyes. "And what better time to discuss just exactly how long this stay of hers will be. Or how about…"

"Confessing to an old friend just how much I love you." Max finished for Liz, his eyes glowing with an intimate warmth that caused her heart to literally stop beating. “And just how little I need her so-called expert touch now that I have you.” The beginning of a knowing smile tilted Max's lips upward as he reached out and ran his fingers over her smooth cheeks before slipping through her thick strands of chocolate hair. "It **would** be an efficient use of my time."

Nodding, Liz readily agreed to the silent understanding that had formed between them. "Yes, it would."

All amusement slipped from Max's face as he questioned Liz's earlier statement. "About us, our lunch…you promise?"

"Yeah." One solemn nod of her head. Two whispered words. "I promise."

A new thought hit Max. Unwilling to leave any doubt unanswered, he attempted once more to clarify his relationship with Amanda. "You do know this is just going to be lunch right? I'm coming right back. Without any delays or detours. I mean everything she was saying…"

"Max." Liz stood and placed a silencing finger against his lips. Her eyes met his. Without jealousy. Without doubt. Without question. "I know."

Taken back by her sudden confidence, emotion flickered in his dark eyes. "How?"

Eyes roaming his face, Liz slowly cupped one side of his face with her hand then followed suit with her other. Her eyes began glowing with fathomless conviction as her whispered confession blew across his lips. "Because I know you."

Dark eyes narrowed with teasing uncertainty. "Who are you and where have you taken the stubborn woman I adore?" The comical question belied Max's awe of the change in the woman standing in front of him. Hastening to stop any kind of explanation, Max shook his head. "Wait. Don't answer. Just…promise this version will be here when I get back." Realizing how that could be taken, Max once again nearly tripped over himself with an explanation. "Not that I don't love the other version, because I do. It's just this is…you're being…" Unable to find the right words, Max let out a sigh as a huge, self-conscious grin split his face. "I'm speechless."

Liz's tinkling giggle echoed in the room. Suddenly, Max Evans wanted nothing more than to just take her in his arms and never let go. And for once, Liz Parker was making it amazingly easy to do just that. Nose scrunched adorably, Liz chuckled her confession. "I kinda like you speechless."

Her arms slipped around his neck as she stepped between his legs and leaned forward for a gentle, but brief kiss. When she pulled back, her smile hadn't diminished as she leveled a command he wasn't sure he could completely obey. At least, not without her. "Have fun at lunch, ok?"

She attempted to take a step back.

"Wait." Wrapping his arms more firmly around her waist, Max halted any retreat she might have been contemplating with that final command. "How about a compromise?"

Her brows furrowed with question as she tilted her head to the side. "A compromise?"

Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Max allowed his fingers to linger against her newly exposed neck. "I'll take Mandy to lunch and come back here for dessert…" Thumb inching its way across her lips, Max's meaning was clear. "…with you."

Her expression brightened instantly. She smiled beneath his touch. "Now, that sounds like a plan."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Alright, then." Feeling much better than when their conversation first started, Max breathed a sigh of relief. Still unsure of this new found balance the two of them were attempting, Max had to ask one more question. "So…we're good?"

"Yeah." One nod. "We're good."

Without warning, Max stood and pulled her into a tight embrace. His breath was warm on her face as his gaze lowered suggestively to her lips. "How good?"

"This good." Liz gently took Max's face in her hands and leaned in for a tender kiss. A kiss that quickly deepened with emotion as Max's fingers slipped through her hair and Liz's arms wrapped around his neck.

The intensity of the kiss increased dramatically as tongues began to duel and whimpers echoed in the room. Dipping lower, Max worked her mouth with his pliable lips taking slow, long gulps of Liz's intoxicating taste into his system. Becoming dizzy with desire, Max's hands slipped down Liz's back and splayed across her hips, flushing her body tightly against his. Another moan escaped the back of Liz's throat at the intimate contact and it took all of her willpower to pull away.

She didn't get far. Max's firmly anchored arm around her waist prevented any further retreat. It took all of her strength to place gentle hands against a rumbling chest and push away once more. Eyes hazy with desire, Liz couldn't bring herself to pull completely out of his embrace though. That was no more evident than when her coy gaze met his as a dreamy smile haunted her lips. She licked her lips unconsciously and leaned against Max for support.

"Ah, hell." Max whispered against her hair, before pulling back to tilt her face upward. A sexy, dazed grin haunted his lip as he leaned his forehead against hers. Max's breath was as ragged as his lips were swollen. "Now, I don't have the strength to go."

A dreamy chuckle escaped her before slipping out of his arms. Standing firm before him, Liz pointed to the door though she was struggling with the lack of air as well. She cleared her throat and issued a command. "Go."

"But…"

"Go." A smile returned with a vengeance. "And uh…whatever you do…" Licking her lips again, Liz's gaze settled on the one target she ached to attack with renewed vigor. Sighing with defeat, Liz stepped forward and wrapping her arms around his neck once more, nuzzled her nose against his as her whispered suggestion caressed his lips with a teasing smile. "…don't forget dessert…"

tbc..

[Ashton]

Hey all,

Here's the next section. The next part is almost done and on its way. Would love to hear what you think. You all are amazing!!! Thanks for your support and feedback!!!

Hugs,
Ashton
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ chapter 28 b~


She hadn't really known what to expect.

Steve's call had prompted so many more questions than had provided answers. She was given a task, advised there would be an interested party looking on and that her actions would most likely produce an adverse reaction in her long-standing friend, Max Evans.

She'd been warned to prepare for anything.

Stone dead silence hadn't been at the top of the list.

After an icy ride of terse, one-word answers Amanda began to feel she'd stepped into something way over her head. Sitting in the quaint, intimate restaurant silently observing an exhaustively unresponsive Max Evans, she was convinced she had.

For Max's part, he was simply trying to maintain control.

Of his actions. His reactions. His words.

It was increasingly difficult with each mile that separated him from the woman he couldn't stop thinking about. Mind going over every second of their morning, Max Evans had no choice but to come to a conclusion he never thought he would. Without a doubt, Liz had done something he hadn't expected, prepared for or ever thought she was capable of doing. She had…in one fell swoop…completely baffled him.

There had been no cold shoulder. No fit of jealousy. No petulant tirade.

There had been trust. Solidarity. And overwhelming sincerity.

And now…he was simply mystified.

The descent from the euphoria of Liz’s acute physical and emotional affection was swift and devastating. In its place was an empty restlessness, exhibited by a distracted fidgeting he simply wasn’t accustomed to. Max Evans was a man of focus. Clarity. Determination. Liz had, in one morning, turned him into a confused, pliable lump of jumbled emotions.

He found himself…inexplicably lost.

Because as pleasurable and remarkable as the last few minutes alone with Liz had been, the farther Max got from her, the more confounded he became. She simply wasn’t acting like…Liz. The cautious, keep-the-walls-up-no-matter-what Liz Parker had disappeared and in her place was a glimpse of the woman he'd always believed she could be.

With a twist.

He'd come to expect her unpredictable ways. He even relished them. Reveled in the bob and weave of their exclusive game of give and take. But today… The sudden promises. The relaxed banter. The teasing and gentle promptings. The willingness to let him go to lunch with a woman who was clearly throwing herself at him…

Which brought him to the unexpected and overwhelming current problem.

And the reason he was fighting to stay in control…

Max was pissed.

Never, in all the years of knowing Amanda Carlton had Max ever seen her act the way she had in front of Liz. Never had he been so embarrassed to know her. Never had he wanted to absolutely ring her neck the way he wanted to at that very moment.

In a contrasting past, they had always had fun together. Shared some of the same social obligations and many similar experiences in business. And while his past included McKenna, hers held a cherished place for her adored husband, Grant, who had died in a plane crash years before. It was that pain of losing a past love, perhaps, that tied them to each other more than anything else. Taking comfort and solace in the arms of a trusted friend who understood intense grief instead of a casual acquaintance or a random stranger, they had also been occasional on-and-off lovers.

But above and beyond that, they were first and foremost…friends. Two people on equal footing who never played games with each other. Never made promises. Never expected anything beyond the moment. Which is perhaps why she had outlasted every other female companion in Max's life.

Until now…

Amanda Carlton ran a manicured finger along the top of her water glass. Her gray eyes scrutinized her lunch companion with increasing impatience though her voice remained smooth and unruffled. "So, I agreed to give my first born child to the alien who abducted me as long as he returned me to planet Earth by my twenty-ninth birthday."

Eyes scanning the menu, Max pursed his lips and absently responded. "Yeah? Sounds like a good deal." Rolling her eyes, Amanda let out a sigh and gave Max a disapproving look he clearly did not see. Until he raised his eyes after a heavy silence. Oblivious to the conversation that had just transpired, he blinked in obvious confusion. "What?"

Shaking her head, Amanda leaned forward, her eyes locking with his. "What's going on with you?"

"A lot's going on." Tensing at Amanda's probing question, Max glanced around the room and caught the eye of a waiter, held up his empty glass to indicate he needed more to drink while answering Amanda in a biting tone. "Why? Anything in particular that has your knickers in a knot?"

"As a matter of fact there is." Amanda stated with a piercing look that Max studiously avoided. "I've never seen you this distracted before." She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly as she pushed out her lower lip in a pout that would usually grab Max's attention. He wasn’t even fazed. "It's enough to give a girl a complex."

Letting out a sigh, Max nodded to the waiter who had filled his glass, ordered then handed his menu to the waiter. After the young man had walked away, Max's eyes met hers for the first time holding a hint of complete attentiveness, though his tone lacked the apology his words implied. "I'm sorry, Mandy. I just have a lot on my plate right now. Much more than usual. My mind is in about a million places…"

With a note of injury in her voice, Amanda’s intelligent gray eyes lowered with an affected pout. “And I'll just bet that in the majority of those places there just happens to be a pretty brunette with big doe eyes and a name that rhymes with satchel."

Max's steady, scrutinizing gaze never wavered. The irony of his question wasn't lost on either of them. "That obvious?"

Gaze snapping upward, she gave him a disbelieving look before tendering an answer he instinctively knew she would. "Even a blind man could see it. From a hundred miles away. In the glaring sun."

“Right." Nodding once Max took a deep breath and folded his hands on the table as if preparing himself for a difficult task. Which, he was. Licking his lips, he forged ahead with the speech he'd been practicing in his mind since he and Mandy had left the office. "To be honest, Mandy…there is somewhere else I want to be right now. Someone else I want to be with."

"Rachel."

"Yes." Max confirmed curtly. "Having said that…the only reason I'm here with you instead of her right now is that I needed a chance to talk to you before this visit of yours goes too far. And although it'll be a bit awkward discussing this with you…" His level gaze of annoyance pinned her with unerring accuracy. "…especially after your disgusting display earlier…I obviously need to make some things clear so there are no misunderstandings…”

Amanda ignored Max's reference to her previous actions. “Why would it be?”

Max's brows knit in confusion at the sudden interruption. “Why would what be what?"

"Why would discussing it be awkward?"

He blinked in surprise at the question. It seemed rather obvious to him. Apparently, he was going to have to spell things out. "Because of our history, that’s why.”

“Oh." Affecting a casual emotional distance, a smirk shifted one corner of her mouth upward. "You mean…because I’m your fall back girl.”

“My fall back girl?" Rolling his eyes, Max let out a sigh. "Come on, Mandy. You know you’re more than that.” A dark, suspicious eyebrow rose. "Though I have to admit after that little performance you pulled back at the office, I'm not so sure about even **that** any more."

Amanda's gray eyes brightened for the first time. "So you did notice."

"Notice?" A look of disdain clouded Max's expression. "You practically 'darling-ed' me to death. Not to mention the ostentatiously forward propositioning that started the second you walked in the door and didn't stop till you left." Disgust shadowed his eyes. "My God, Mandy, you weren't even subtle about it. It was like dealing with Tess a hundred times over."

"Who do you think I got my inspiration from?" The casual question was asked with an acknowledging grimace, her own opinion of Tess Harding coming through loud and clear.

"Speaking of which…"

The explosion Amanda had been waiting for came with little warning. And a fierceness previously unseen.

Leaning forward, Max's voice tensed with barely controlled exasperation. His eyes were blazing with an unholy fire as his entire expression mirrored the disgust and nauseated opinion he had of the morning's events. "Just what the hell were you thinking coming into my office like that? Acting like the trash I clearly know you aren't in front of someone I happened to not only have a great deal of respect for, but someone I've gone to great lengths to prove myself to. Do you have any idea…**any**…just how much damage you could have caused by that pathetic farce of a show you put on?" Running a frustrated hand over his face, Max shook his head as his eyes snapped back up to bore into hers. "I swear to God, Mandy, if you've screwed this up for me…"

"Relax, Max." A nonchalant shrug accompanied Mandy's half-hearted response as she desperately tried to quell the uncertainty forming knots in the pit of her stomach. "Your precious Rachel is a fighter. She can take it."

Amanda's defense was all the hint Max needed. There was a plan in play. He just needed to find out what exactly that plan was. Pulling in a long, ragged breath, Max's jaws worked with anger. His eyes met hers in unwavering demand for answers. "What exactly are you doing here, Mandy?"

"What do you mean?" Caught off guard by the intensely asked question and the knowing look in his eyes, Amanda's gaze shifted uncomfortably for the first time since their conversation started. "I told you. I came to see you."

"Yes. And about fifteen seconds before you waltzed through my door, I got an email from Steve Gordon warning me of your arrival." Jabbing the table top with his index finger in emphasis, Max's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Now, I want to know what he told you and what your mission is."

"My mission?" Blinking rapidly at his choice of words, Amanda stared at the man before her like he'd lost his mind. "God, Max, you make it sound like I’m on some deep, dark covert operation or something."

"Aren't you?"

Her eyes shifted in a telltale sign. Her one word answer was a bit too hasty, curt. "No."

"Right." Tone clearly expressing his disbelief, Max's eyes locked with hers. "Lying to me on something this important will make you my enemy." His tone hardened. "Mandy." The use of her name sent a flicker of fear through her eyes that increased with Max's next emphasized statement. "You don't want to become my enemy."

Relenting under the weight of Max's unwavering suspicion, Amanda's shoulders slumped in defeat. "I just…I heard your girlfriend could use a little shake up is all. I thought the Tess angle was the best way to do that."

Having gained an opening, Max visibly relaxed and began his interrogation. "What did Steve tell you?"

Letting out a sigh, Mandy leaned back in her chair, crossed her arms defensively in front of her, like a child reluctantly confessing to stealing a cookie after her hand was clearly caught in the jar. "That you were having issues with this new woman in your life. That she's not fully aware of what she has in you and that certain buttons could be pushed that might help her figure it out." She swallowed hard, her voice becoming small. "Steve seemed to really think this woman was important enough to you to…help her along."

"I see." Quickly putting pieces of the puzzle together, Max began finishing the tale for her. "And…you figured coming in acting like my established paramour would push those…buttons?"

One nod was Max's answer.

Max sighed in utter frustration. "God, Mandy…how could you stoop to Tess' level like that? Degrade yourself? Play a part both of us know you hate?"

Gray eyes snapping back up to meet his, Mandy's voice took on a defensive edge that belied an undercurrent of unconscious hurt. "It's not like it's that far from the truth, Max." Letting out a sigh, her gaze shifted uncomfortably. "I mean, come on. Neither of us have ever lied to each other about our relationship, so why start now?" She shrugged and leaned forward, her eyes shifted back to lock with his. "The fact is, Max Evans, that I’m the friendly stroll you take when you want to go down memory lane. That's my role in your life. My function.”

A look of distaste crossed Max's expression. “Could you make it sound any more meaningless?”

"It isn’t meaningless. Hence, the ‘friendly’ part of my description." Forcing down unexpectedly rising emotions, she tossed him a casual smile hoping it would thaw the ice in his eyes. The frigid chips remained firmly in place. Amanda cleared her throat as her gaze shifted. "You know it’s true, Max."

"And you know damn well we are so much more about friendship than we are sex." Max shot back heatedly. "We always have been."

"And your point, Max?" Taking a deep breath, Amanda quickly continued. "Look. There's a reason you have a reputation as a playboy. And it has nothing to do with you being a monk."

Rolling his eyes, Max let out a sigh. "I know that, Mandy. I'm not saying I've been perfect, that I don't have a past, but…" Eyes meeting hers across the table, Max's shrug was of defeat. "I thought you knew you meant more to me than just…" His gaze lowered. "I thought you knew."

"Oh, Max…" Heart swelling with relief, her gaze shifted to his hand as she reached over and covered it with her own. "I do know. If it hadn't been for your friendship I would have never made it after losing Grant."

"Just like I would have never survived losing McKenna…without you." Max returned softly. "Your companionship has helped kept me sane all of these years."

They shared a knowing gaze before Max broke the stare as Amanda stated an obvious assertion. "Our physical relationship has never been our primary bond, Max." Squeezing his hand gently, Amanda's voice softened. "Grief has."

Max's gaze raised to meet hers, new meaning layered into his expression. "But I'm not sad anymore, Mandy." A smile began to weave its way through his eyes. "I'm…alive again. After all this time."

"Because of Rachel."

One nod was her answer.

"Which is precisely what I need to talk to you about." Pulling his hand away from hers in a deliberate move full of meaning, Max leveled Amanda with an unwavering gaze. The tone of his voice was determined, authoritative. A slight shake of his head and the ebony degree of his eyes left no room for question. "It's not going to happen."

Trying to appear unaffected by the unspoken assumptions Max was crushing with every word, she batted her lashes and let a coy smile slip over her lips. "What isn't?"

"You know what." Unconvinced by her profession of ignorance, Max replied knowing she required no further explanation. Though never spoken between them, an understanding existed. When grief no longer burdened their hearts, when tears no longer marred their vision, when ghosts no longer shadowed their dreams, a time would come to finally move on.

She had secretly presumed they would move on together.

Max didn't encourage or dissuade that presumption.

That was long before a whirlwind called Liz Parker crashed into Max's life and turned his entire world upside down. Before he remembered what real passion felt like. Before he fell hopelessly, head-over-heels in love with a woman so much his equal, his other half, it shocked him to his very core.

"And anything Steve and you have planned…it ends now." Max's tone was a level harder than he'd intended when he continued. He didn't regret it. The delicate balance he and Liz had reached earlier was much too important to risk and had to be protected at all costs. Even if it meant hurting one of his oldest friends. He took a breath and continued. "Which means, if that's all you're here for, you'll want to make this trip a short one. As in…I'll have the jet standing by to take you wherever you want. Immediately following lunch."

Her voice remained smooth and demure though her eyes had widened with astonishment and her heart plummeted to her stomach. "And here I thought you were happy to see me."

"I was. Until you pulled that stunt in the office." Max responded sincerely. "And if you stay, I'll be happy to see you for as long as you're here. But only if…" Raising a finger in emphasis, Max lowered his ultimatum. "…you play by the rules."

"The rules." Amanda repeated, her interest in Max's actions and words increasing with each passing moment. "And what exactly would those be?"

Max didn't skip a beat. Or waste any time. Or leave any doubts. "That Rachel doesn't, for even one iota of a second, get the wrong impression and think there's something going on between us. That you don't rub our past in her face. That you never again pull the crap you did today. Ever." He paused, his voice edged with a hint of desperation Amanda hadn't expected. "That she doesn't get hurt."

Feeling somewhat back on equal footing with Max yet thoroughly unsettled by the grave earnestness of his ultimatum, the nervous laugh Amanda suppressed came out in a wobbly smirk. "Max. Come on. We're all adults here. I'm sure Rachel will figure out we have a past and what the nature of that past is." She brought a glass to her lips for a sip, trying to hide the unexpected sting of second place. "That is, if she hasn't already."

A slight shrug was Max's response. "She won't have to figure it out because I’m going to tell her everything."

"Just like that."

"Just like that." The curt response shifted quickly back to his objective. "Look. What I do or don't tell Rachel about us is between us. And clearly not the point here."

"Then what is the point?"

"The point is…I don't want her getting even a hint that our past is a current situation or will be continuing into the future." A dark eyebrow raised with emphasized determination. "Because it isn't…and it won't."

One last smirk. One last try. "Sure about that?"

"I'm committed to her, Mandy." Unmoved, Max's expression didn't change though his eyes flared with a fierce emotion that intensified with each new word he spoke. "I love her."

The announcement was stunning in its simplicity. Amazing in its honesty. And staggering with all of its assumed implications.

Dropping all pretense, Amanda's gaze shifted to knowing acceptance as she replaced her glass on the table with deliberate studiousness. "You're serious."

One nod. "Yes."

Asking a probing question, Mandy's shoulders rose and fell with a casual shrug. "So why let me stay?"

Buttering Amanda up, Max's sincerity wasn't without ulterior motives. "Because no matter whatever else we've been to each other, we have always been friends and I don't want that to change. And…" Pulling in a deep breath, Max presented the real reason for his tolerance of her presence. "…I could use your help."

"My help." Amanda repeated wondering where the type of help she could offer could possibly factor into the scenario Max had just laid out for her. "And exactly what kind of help would that be?"

Max's first statement made Amanda's role in his current situation perfectly clear. "This fundraiser is important to Rachel so I’m going to do everything in my power to make it a success. Which means…we could use your expertise. No one knows fundraising like you do. No one has the resources or the influence over those resources." Taking a breath, Max continued. "Having said that…I won’t let this degenerate into a childish competition or become some rivalry for my attention to see who has more influence over me. As far as I’m concerned, that question was answered the day I met her. There **is** no competition. If it ever comes down to a decision between you or her…I will choose her. Every time."

With hand to her chest, Amanda gasped and feigned innocence. "Max. I would never…"

"Oh yes, you would." The curt interruption snapped through Max's eyes. "I've already seen the way you looked at her. Like she's a bit of fluff that isn't worthy of my time." Conviction rang through his tone and crackled through his expression. "Well, she isn't. And she's worth so much more than just that."

"Bottom line." Placing his crossed arms on the table, Max continued to make his case plain. "If you do stay, Mandy, you'll have to understand…she is the most important person in my life now. I will not let her feel second best. For anyone or any reason. And I'll understand if you can't accept that, but…" Expression softening for the first time since their conversation began, Max's confession was truly sincere. "…what can I say? I want to be able to send you the birth announcements of our children and invite you to anniversary parties without my wife grimacing every time she hears your name."

Amanda did a double take. Her eyes widened. Her mouth slacked. Blinking rapidly, it was clear she was trying to determine if she'd really heard what she thought she had. "Your…wife?"

Another nod. "Yes."

"You're really that serious about her." The incredulity in her voice couldn't be masked.

"Yes." Delight weaved itself through Max's expression as a slow smile began in his eyes and dropped with an intense thud onto his full lips.

Taken back by the beauty of his smile, Amanda swallowed hard. Trying to process the newest and most unexpected developments in Max Evans' life, she shook her head in disbelief. "Max, I just…I don't know what to say."

His smile deepened to a bashful grin. "There's nothing **to** say, actually."

A new thought hit Amanda. Her eyes narrowed into a boring gaze. "Does she know you feel this way about her? That you want to marry her?"

Max's smile faded in intensity. His gaze shifted uncomfortably. His one word answer was edged with a hint of hesitation. Of hurt. Of disappointment. "Yes."

Picking up on his obvious shift of emotion, an eyebrow rose. "She does."

Max nodded silently.

Seeing Mandy's inquiring gaze wasn't abating, Max cleared his throat. "I uh…" Shifting in his seat, Max tried to appear nonchalant as he reached for his glass of water. "…I've already proposed to her."

"You have?" Voice nearly jumping an octave, the first real smile of the meal crossed her lips. "Well, why didn't you say something earlier? I could have congratulated you both and I certainly wouldn't have been so forward…" Max looked away uncomfortably. Amanda's smile faded instantly. "Max, what is it?"

One hard swallow. One deep sigh. One pair of haunted eyes. "She turned me down."

The shock was evident in the rapid blink of her eyes. "She what?"

"She…" Max paused and cleared his throat. "…she said no."

"Oooo-kay." A disdainful curling of her lips accompanied Amanda's obvious conclusion. "She's crazy, right?"

Max's gaze snapped back up to meet hers. "No. She's far from it." Lowering his voice, Max conceded the truth in his own terms. "Look, it's a very delicate situation. There are a lot of complicated issues involved that we're working through…"

"Don't you mean that you're working through?" Shaking her head, a disappointed frown turned the corners of her lips downward. "To be honest, Max, she doesn't seem to be giving much to the effort."

Instant irritation flared in his eyes. "And you…what? Picked that up in the five minutes you spent with her?"

Amanda's expression softened. "I got that…by the pain in your eyes."

Max stiffened perceptibly as his self-conscious gaze shifted. "You're reading me wrong, Mandy."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. Really." A renewed determination set Max's jaws in a hard line. His unwavering gaze met hers once more. "I'm not hurt. I'm not in pain. What I am…is concerned."

Clearly not believing him, Amanda pushed Max to prove himself. "About?"

"We were supposed to have lunch today. It was a big deal. And for her to just…" Waving a dismissive hand in the air, Max shook his head. "I don't know what's going on with her. It's like she isn't **my** Rachel. And that concerns me." Speaking more to himself than Amanda, Max continued with a softening expression. "Not that I mind the way she's been. In fact, I love how open she's being. How trusting. It's just…it's…so not like her." His voice dropped to a whisper. "And I'm not quite sure what to do with that."

"Lunch." Amanda repeated, clearly caught up in the thought of something so simple being such a momentous occasion. "Max, how long have you known this woman?"

"A few months." Catching the tone in her voice, Max's response was terse.

An eyebrow raised. "A few months and a lunch date is a big deal to you?" Blowing out a sigh of disbelief, Amanda's lecturing tone surfaced with a vengeance. "Max…"

"Enough, ok?" Max snapped, his eyes hardening with irritation. "I know what I'm doing."

"I'm not sure you do." Amanda shot back, unwilling to back down.

"Look." Max leaned forward, his voice lowering with barely controlled irritation. "You have no idea what's going on. You don't know what that woman has been through…what she's afraid of. I do. Knowing that makes me so much more willing to give than take."

"Yeah?" Mirroring Max, Amanda leaned forward as well. "Well, if you don't watch it, she'll take so much you'll have nothing left to give."

Max sat back in his chair, his jaw working with emotion. "I'm not going to argue this with you. Or waste my time defending myself." Max took a deep breath and stiffened in his chair before leveling his ultimatum one final time. "Now, you can either accept my terms and stay with my conditional blessing or leave town this afternoon. The choice is yours."

The silence was deafening.

Wheels whirled in Amanda's mind. Her gaze scrutinized the unbending expression in Max's eyes. She instinctively knew this was the end of a long road they had traveled together. He was clearly on a path she couldn't share. That was someone else's place now.

A woman named Rachel.

A woman who, in Amanda's opinion, still had a lot to prove…

Seemingly accepting defeat with gracefulness, Amanda reached over the table and covered Max's hand with hers, her words indicating her choice. "Rachel is…very beautiful." Her sincere smile deepened. "And when she looks at you, Max…all that pain in her eyes just…disappears. Just the way yours has."

The smile that broke out over Max's face was brilliant. He visibly relaxed as he impulsively covered her hand with his and gave it a friendly squeeze. "Thank you, Mandy." Eyes brightening with promise, his words flowed like a waterfall. "You'll like her. I promise. If you give her a chance to get to know you, I just know you two will be good friends."

Sitting back in her chair, Amanda shrugged casually. "So. Tell me about her."

Suddenly animated, Max leaned forward eagerly. "Every part of me is enchanted by every part of her, Mandy. She challenges my mind. Pushes my will. Tests the strength of my love." An almost dreamy sigh expanded his chest. "I love her, Mandy. So very much. For the first time in my life everything just…fits. She's intelligent and witty. And her heart…oh, Mandy, she has the biggest heart I've ever seen. And even though we still have a way to go, I know that if I just have patience she'll come around. And when she does…when she does it'll be the most perfect…"

"Oh my." A movement at the door caught Amanda's attention. "Who is that hunk?" Head snapping to the side, Max's expression froze at the sight that greeted him. He swallowed hard when Mandy's absently uttered observation sent a sharp pain through his heart. "No wonder she was so eager to cancel lunch…"

As Max's jealous gaze followed Liz and Vaughn from the door to a corner table of the restaurant, he felt a chill creep into his soul.

Suddenly, Liz Parker's actions made all the sense in the world…

Tbc…

[Ashton]

Hey all!

Soooo sorry about that. I had posted then I realized I screwed something up soooo, I deleted it really quick not thinking it had ANY time to actually be read and then I had to go to work and just got back. NOW everything is fixed and it's ok. Anyway...again, hope you enjoy and again, would LOVE to know what you think! And if you didn't read it before, I'm going to take a short break on this story so I can finish Where We Were Before (posted on the Conventional Couples board). Once that's done (only 2 chpts left) then I'll be back to this one, I promise. Thanks again for all your wonderful support!!!

Hugs,
Ashton
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ 28 C~


She had to practically sit on him to keep him from bolting out the door.

In all her years of knowing him, Amanda Carlton had never seen the reaction she saw in Max Evans the moment Liz Parker and Michael Vaughn walked through the door. His eyes hardened to two coal black pits of fire. His jaws worked furiously as his lips tightened into a thin line that trembled with intense emotion. The hands that had so casually, excitedly gestured only moments before, clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.

"Max." Mandy's attempt to get Max's attention went unheeded. "Oh, Maaax." Her sing-songy effort ended in a sigh. Her voice sharpening with her next attempt. "Max!" It wasn’t until she reached across the table and touched his hand, physically moving to block his view of the newly seated couple that Max acknowledged her presence. "You want to fill me in on what's going on with Rachel and Mr. Hunk-boy?"

The edge in his voice contradicted the casual shrug of his shoulders. "Nothing's going on." Seeing the disbelieving tilt of her head, Max denied in earnest. "I mean it. They're just friends." His gaze shifted to Liz's table once more. "He just happens to be a friend I don't particularly like."

"I see." Eyes narrowing, Mandy made an observation Max wasn't all too thrilled to hear. "And…the reason you don't like him couldn't possibly be because she consistently chooses him over you, now could it?"

Max's irritated gaze snapped back to Mandy's face. "No, it couldn't." Leaning forward, Max's voice lowered. "And do you want to know why it couldn't? Because she doesn't consistently choose him."

"Riiight." Pursing her lips, Mandy nodded as if in deep thought. "Which is precisely why she couldn't push you out the door fast enough today."

Rolling his eyes, Max shook his head and contradicted the very thought that had shot through his mind the moment he saw the two of them walk in together. "This isn't what you're thinking."

"No?"

"No. She didn't cancel on me to have lunch with him." Swallowing hard, Max's gaze returned to the unsuspecting woman sitting half a room away. Despite the intense, envious constricting of his heart when Liz scrunched up her nose adorably and let loose a brilliant smile in Vaughn's direction, Max forced confidence to overcome any doubts or insecurities. "I guarantee it."

For the rest of lunch, Mandy sullenly picked at her meal as any kind of attempt at conversation had either been ignored or rebuffed in favor of Max's singular concern for the events unfolding at Liz's table. She found herself wishing with each passing moment that she'd never agreed to come to LA. If it weren't for her uncertainty about the new woman in Max's life and her own promise to help him with his fundraising endeavors, she'd take Max up on his offer and fly out after lunch. But there were too many questions in her mind. Too many lingering doubts about the depth of Rachel Harris' commitment. Too many signs that pointed to the fact Max's heart was taking a harsh beating.

Even if he was oblivious to the fact.

A sudden movement across the table snapped Mandy's attention instantly back to Max. She followed his determined gaze to Liz as she hurried toward the front exit of the restaurant. The moment Liz's hand hit the door, he was halfway out of his chair when Mandy stood and blocked his way. "Max, don't cause a scene. Look, whatever's going on with them is their business…"

"Get out of my way." Putting his hands on her arms, Max fully intended to physically move Mandy out of his way if she didn't comply.

"Max, I mean it." Standing her ground, Mandy stared up in to his face so etched with concern, so eager to reach Liz. "I don't think you realize just how odd you're acting…"

Max opened his mouth with a sharp retort when his phone rang once. Twice. The third ring he answered just on the off chance it was Liz calling, needing him. "Max here."

"Max!" Jaedan's voice crackled over the phone with excitement. "Guess what! Guess what! I's gots ta tell ya what I's gots taday!"

For the first time since meeting her, Max was too distracted to talk to Jaedan. His frantic gaze shifted from the window where Liz's retreating form was quickly disappearing to Vaughn who had managed to make it halfway to the door then back to the window where he could see Liz getting farther and farther from him. If he didn't catch one of them now, he'd lose his chance to find out what had happened between them. Caught in a moment of indecision and hesitation, his silence didn’t deter his ecstatic caller. "I's gots Booty back! Mr. Walla-Walla Fairy came by special just for me and gave me back Booty just likes ya said he would! And I's so very happy!"

As if suddenly realizing the importance of Max's silence, Jaedan's voice stilled to a disturbed whisper. "Max? Are ya there? Are ya…are ya mad ats me?"

The innocent question snapped Max into focus. His heart instantly shattered at the hurt, worried tone in her voice. Swallowing back a lump of regret, he purposely turned his back to the door and on any opportunity he might have of catching up with Liz or Vaughn. He could deal with them later. For now…now, his little princess needed him. The smile that made it to his voice was sincere. "Of course not, sweetheart. How could I ever be mad at my little princess, huh?"

Amanda's eyebrow rose at the abrupt shift in Max's attitude. He was calmer. Relaxed. Smiling. And the tender endearment was spoken with a tone that hinted of fatherly affection. The way his eyes began to shine, evidence the person on the other end was someone very precious indeed.

Barely glancing in Mandy's direction as he mouthed the words 'Sorry. Have to take this', Max sat back down and gave Jaedan his full attention. "I just had to finish something, sweetie. And now…I'm all yours." Absently playing with his fork, Max entered a world where Amanda clearly didn’t belong. "So what was this you were saying about the Walla-Walla Fairy?"

Amanda stayed long enough to draw an important conclusion about Max Evans: he had clearly lost his mind. Each moment that passed, it became increasingly clear he was also in danger of losing his heart.

Unless, of course, Amanda Carlton took action…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There had been no knock.

There was no invitation to enter.

He simply walked in with an air of command and took a seat in front of a box of Liz Parker's untouched lunch. It was clearly waiting for him. His eyes raised to meet those of a man sitting authoritatively behind his desk. "You knew I was coming."

A casual shrug. A fight to keep a smirk from his expression. "Given your penchant for paranoia and flare for dramatics I figured after what you saw at the restaurant you'd either follow her or me. It was a fifty-fifty chance. I went with my gut."

A flicker of occupational admiration danced across Max's expression before his gaze hardened with accusation. "So you knew I was there."

"Yes." One nod. "Noticed you the second I walked through the door. Liz didn't have a clue though. She simply went to lunch with a friend."

A ripple of relief coupled with mounting worry constricted his heart. When Max had witnessed Liz's tearful exit from the restaurant, he'd had a nagging fear that she'd seen and misinterpreted his interaction with Mandy. The fact she hadn't even known they were there was a relief. On the other hand, she had clearly been upset. Which brought Max to his next pressing question. "Then what did you say to her to get her so upset she would leave the restaurant in tears?"

"You'll have to ask her."

"Don't pull that crap with me." Max Evans stiffened in his chair as his eyes flashed dangerously. "You know damn well she won't spill her guts to me if it has anything to do with what I think it does."

"Sounds like a personal issue to me." Michael Vaughn folded his hands and leaned back with an air of disinterest. "And since I've been warned not to insert myself into your personal affairs…" Vaughn shrugged nonchalantly as a forced smile ghosted his lips. "…that's not really my problem, now is it?"

Max's expression was taut with mounting frustration. "You're loving this, aren't you?"

Jaw instantly tightening with irritation, Vaughn stiffened in his chair and leaned forward. "Contrary to your opinion of me, seeing my good friend tear herself up with guilt because you've picked her as your latest romantic conquest is not my idea of a good time."

Expression registering the verbal slap he'd received, Max's gaze shifted as his tone softened to an almost chastised whisper. "So, she **was** crying about me then."

"You. Chris. Her life." Shaking his head in regret, Vaughn took no pleasure in the some tasks his job required of him. What he'd had to ask of Liz at lunch had been one of those tasks. "Mix it all together and the woman seriously needs to hire a fleet of assistants to carry the piles of emotional baggage she wakes up to every morning."

Max's gaze snapped back to Vaughn. "Chris? You…you talked about Chris with her?"

"Truth is…" Vaughn swallowed hard and nodded before he made a reluctant confession. "…her tears…they were because of me, Max." Slumping back into his chair, Vaughn's eyes drifted closed in regret. "Me. Not you…"


Oblivious to the intensely scrutinizing and increasingly jealous stare of Max Evans, Michael Vaughn and Liz Parker handed their menus to the waitress.

"I'm really glad you were free for lunch." Vaughn stated after a brief pause, waiting till the waitress was out of earshot.

"And I'm really glad you emailed me." Liz shrugged and gave him a guilty smile. "You have no idea how glad."

Eyes narrowing, Vaughn instantly picked up on the mumbled-under-her-breath confession. "Why? Something going on you want to talk about?"

"Nah. It's nothing." Scrunching up her nose, Liz shook her head as her gaze curiously slipped over the other occupants of the restaurant completely missing the two who would have held her intense interest the most. "Let's just say you saved me from turning into a silly little school girl and leave it at that."

"Alright." Leaning his arms on the table, Vaughn shifted forward in his seat. "Now, I really have to know what's going on."

"Seriously. It's no big deal." Rolling her eyes, Liz sighed and leaned back in her chair when Vaughn's upraised eyebrow alerted her to the fact she had no easy escape. "Fine. I had asked Max to lunch but plans got changed. Meaning Max's plans changed and I would have looked completely pathetic eating a tuna sandwich at my desk while he ushered his latest manicured, high-society flame to a fancy restaurant."

"Ah. I had a feeling this had to do with Max."

"Like I said…" Liz pushed her hair behind her shoulders and affected a nonchalant expression. "…no big deal."

"From what Syd said this morning, it's a more than just a big deal when you plan on telling Max everything there is to know about the woman he's been pursuing so intensely." Vaughn's serious observation was casually delivered.

"Ah." A knowing look flickered in Liz's eyes. "So, now I know the reason for the impromptu lunch invite. Sydney told you what I was planning on doing and now you're here to talk me out of it."

"Actually, no." Mike shook his head as he leaned back in his chair and folded his hands on the table in front of him. "I learned a lesson the other night at the party…not to get in the middle of whatever is going on with you and Max." A wry smile flitted over his face. "It only gets me insults and ulcers."

Guilt descended on Liz. "About that." An apologetic grimace preceded her confession. "Mike…I'm really sorry for anything I said or did…"

Waving away her apology, Mike shrugged. "Forget it. I was out of line. You were obviously determined to be with Max and I should know by now that when you're determined about something it's pretty useless to try to talk you out of it."

"I always said you were a smart boy. Although…" Taking a sip of water, Liz continued as a hint of uncertainty edged her voice. "…I'm not so sure I agree with the 'determined to be with Max' assessment of yours."

A grin graced Vaughn's face as he shook his head to a silent chuckle.

"What?" Liz blinked innocently.

Leaning forward, Mike's green eyes met hers knowingly. "If you were truly determined for Max to be out of your life…he'd be out of your life."

"That's not necessarily true." Shrugging, Liz cleared her throat as her gaze shifted uncomfortably. Her voice lacked the necessary conviction to persuade even the staunchest believers. "I mean, I can't control what Max does and where he does it…"

Mike chuckled out loud at that one. "Liz. You have more power over that man than I've ever seen before in my entire life. You say jump, he asks how high. You say you want a glass of water, he asks which hemisphere you want it from." Vaughn paused his tone matching the meaningful light in his eyes. "He'd do absolutely anything for you."

Dropping all pretense Liz's expression sobered, her silent acknowledgment evident in her response. "Which is precisely why I'm not going to tell him."

"Oh?" An inquiring eyebrow rose. "What brought about this sudden change of heart?"

"I wouldn't say it's a change of heart, per se. It's more like…delaying my decision." Liz commented introspectively. "All the reasons I had to tell him are still as strong as ever, Mike, it's just…" Sighing, Liz leaned toward the table. "…I uh…well, I had a little wake up call earlier when this old flame of his showed up at the office."

"Really. And what was that?"

A bittersweet smile haunted Liz's lips. "Max was happy to see her. I mean, this wasn’t like when Tess showed up at all. He was…genuinely pleased." Swallowing hard, Liz’s gaze lowered. “Until he remembered I was there.”

"I see." Tilting his head to the side, Vaughn scrutinized Liz's usually readable expression. It was blank. Her most expressive feature, her eyes, were downcast leaving him to guess the emotions she was trying so valiantly to hide. "And this bothered you? Made you jealous? Perhaps a bit…uncertain…about his real feelings for you?"

"No, that's…that's not it…exactly." Seeing the disbelieving look in Vaughn's eyes, Liz conceded without a fight. "Alright. Ok. So, it…it bothered me." Still unwilling to declare total defeat, she emphasized her next word with an upraised eyebrow. "Some."

Vaughn quirked a grin in knowing response.

"Truth is…" Shaking her head with a chuckle, an amused smile slipped over Liz's expression as Max's reaction in the office flickered through her mind. "…it was pretty hard to doubt his feelings for me because he was literally tripping all over himself to prove them beyond question." Her smile deepened as her softened gaze lowered. "He was…adorable, really."

Her smile disappeared with a seeming non-sequitur. "I'm the reason he's having lunch with her right now instead of me.”

Michael blanched. “You…you are?”

Liz nodded solemnly as she bit her lower lip. “I…told him to go. I practically pushed him out the door, in fact. Despite his protests. Despite the fact I wanted to be the one spending time with him.”

There was a pause while Vaughn tried to assimilate this new information. Then…an obvious question. “What the hell did you do that for?”

A slight shrug. A faint blush. A contrite expression. "Because I could. Because I knew I could." Liz paused before making a quiet admission. "More importantly, because I wanted **her** to know I could."

"I see."

Liz pulled in and released a ragged breath before making a sudden admission. "I honestly believe he would do anything for me, Mike. And the crazy thing is…he wouldn't even think twice. All I'd have to do is say the word." Pushing her hair behind her ear, Liz swallowed hard as a haunted look clouded her eyes. "I proved that today. Max did what I wanted against his own wishes simply because I asked. I never knew…never realized…just how much influence one person can have over another. How much **I** could have over someone else. Over Max. And now that I know…" Haunted eyes raised to meet his. "…I'm ashamed of how that makes me feel."

"And how does it make you feel?"

"Powerful." Continuing slowly, Liz Parker was very aware of each and every admission she was finally making. "It…frightens me, Mike."

"Why?" Vaughn prompted gently.

"Why?" Blinking in disbelief, Liz's voice sharpened with self-condemnation. "Because I used him that's why. The first chance I got. I used Max to make myself feel…important and in control. As much as I wanted to do something for him…to make him smile, let him have some fun…there was an equally compelling motive. One that is so selfish at its core that it's…" Breaking off her train of thought, Liz needed not say any more to be understood. She said it anyway. "…despicable. And nauseating. And so completely like my ex-husband. That's why I feel so ashamed."

"Liz. Come on. You didn't…"

"Yes. I did." A pair of hardened, guilty eyes snapped up to meet his. "In one split second I became a shadow of the man I have hated for so long."

Realization hitting Vaughn like a ton of bricks, Mike's green eyes snapped with amused understanding. "Liz. What's going on with you and Max is nothing like the way Chris treated you."

Her haunted gaze met Mike's. "Isn't it? I used the influence I now know I have over him, pushed him to do something he didn’t want to do simply to prove I could. If that isn't control and manipulation for the purpose of self validation, I don’t know what is."

Scrutinizing Liz's stricken expression, Vaughn's mind quickly danced in and out of her logic seizing upon the one thing that she was clearly trying to ignore in her self-condemning mode. "What you did, Liz…" Leaning forward, his eyes began to shine. "…it's completely…natural."

"What?" Face scrunched up in disbelief, Liz blinked in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"It's something every single one of us do at one time or another." Leaning forward, Vaughn's explanation was as clear as a bell. "We stake our claim."

Rolling her eyes, Liz practically scoffed. "Our claim?"

"Yes. Our claim…" A subtle curl of Vaughn's lips hinted at the shift in his mood from concerned to gentle teasing. "…to the person we love."

"Ooohhh, I get it now." Liz's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "You and Syd kissed and made up this morning, didn’t you?"

Shrugging a flash of hurt edged his eyes at the mention of Sydney as Vaughn leaned back in his chair. "What makes you think that?"

"Because she used the 'love' word today too." Liz stated simply, softly.

An eyebrow raised with pointed emphasis. "Perhaps we're both using it because we both see what's happening right in front of our eyes."

"If you were that intuitive, you would be having lunch with her instead of me." Attempting to shift the conversation from her own love life to Vaughn's, Liz continued. "In a hotel room. Far from the prying eyes of the CIA." Wiggling her eyebrows, Liz's teasing smile brightened her eyes. "Doing anything but eating."

"There isn't a hotel far enough from the CIA for that." Vaughn quipped back cynically before taking a drink of water. His forced smile etched his inner turmoil across his lips. "Hence no kissing and making up."

Liz's shoulders slumped with disappointment. "Mike…"

Swiftly switching subjects indicating his intense desire to drop the conversation. "So. About you and Max." Eyes snapping back into focus and onto Liz's expressive face, Vaughn leaned forward and lowered his voice. "You didn't do anything today that he hasn't done. Probably a million times over."

Eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What do you mean?"

"Take the party the other night. He practically screamed 'She's mine' to the entire room."

"He sat in the corner most of the night." Liz countered, her confusion growing.

"Right." Vaughn nodded in agreement before filling her in on a few details she had not previously been privy to. "After he put on a pretty hot and heavy public display of affection. Told me to keep my distance. Threw in a few threats of bodily harm if I didn't keep you safe from the evils of alcohol. Predicted that you would find him when you were ready. And watched you like a protective hawk from his perch in the corner." Shaking his head with a chuckle, Mike's eyes began to hint with laughter. "I'm surprised you got any one to dance with you given the way he was staring down every guy that approached you."

Surprised, Liz's voice sounded small and humbled. Despite the warning signs flashing in her head, her heart warmed with a familiar sense of safety. Comfort. Belonging. "He…didn't…really do all of that? Did he?"

Chuckling, Vaughn nodded. "Let's just say your boy has a pretty wicked jealous streak."

"Oh." Instantly contrite, Liz hastened to soothe any ruffled feathers Max's actions might have caused. "Mike, I'm sorry if he…"

"Not the point." Mike interrupted Liz with a wave of his hand. "He believes you belong together, Liz. Which means he doesn't like it when another man is by your side, making you smile, protecting you. Doing all the things he feels is his right as the man who loves you."

Giving Liz a pointed look, Vaughn make his final point. "Just like you felt today with this old flame of his. It's the most natural thing in the world to stake your claim. To feel possessive of that person you're most connected to. To want potential rivals to know the person they're eyeing…is taken. That they belong to you. We've all felt it at one time or another. We've all reacted to it."

"The difference between how you and Max handle it and what Chris did to you…both you and Max are willing to back out of the way if you think it'll make the other happy. Just like he did the other night at the party, sitting by himself rebuffing every other female in the room while you danced and laughed with a club full of men. Just the way you did today by letting him go to lunch with a woman whose company he enjoys. Though there's an element of selfishness in your reactions, the overall motivation is anything but." Pursing his lips, Vaughn made an obvious assessment. "Thing is…I think deep down inside, you already know all of that."

"So, it's time for the truth, Liz." Scrutinizing gaze meeting hers, Vaughn's intent was clear. "What are you really afraid of? Why the sudden decision not to tell Max about your past?" Holding up a finger to stop her answer till he had finished, Michael shot her a warning look. "And don't give me this mumbo-jumbo about feeling ashamed of the power you have over him. Valid though that may be, it's not the reason you've changed your mind."

Feeling as if she'd been caught in a trap with no real way out, Liz sighed in resignation as her gaze lowered. She didn't want out. There were so many emotions racing through her she needed to voice them to someone. Vaughn…objective, kind, logical…Vaughn, was the perfect person to unload to. She pulled in a steeling breath before stating the one thing that had haunted her since seeing Max with Mandy. "I'm going to ruin his life."

"How?"

She swallowed hard and opened up in a way that had always been so easy with Vaughn. "You're right when you say Max isn't like Chris. He never has been. What Chris did to me, he was able to do because of the fear I had of him. Of what he would do to me. To others because of me. The reason he did it…because of how…purely evil and sadistic he was. While this thing…what's going on with Max…he would do anything for me, not out of fear, but…out of this overwhelming devotion he has to me." She paused as a light of wonder flashed through her eyes. "He'd do it for no other reason than to make me happy. Even if meant hurting himself."

Shaking her head in awe, Liz voice softened to a near whisper. "I don't want him to hurt. I don't want him manipulated. And I certainly don't want to control him or…or use him in any way. I just…" Blinking rapidly, Liz swallowed a lump of emotion that lodged in her throat. "I want him happy, Mike." Liz shrugged as she reached up and swiped away the telltale tear just seconds before it fell. A bittersweet smile haunted her lips. "I just want him to be free. Free and happy."

"He will be." Vaughn reached over and covered her hand as a gentle smile touched his face. "You'll see to it."

"Not if I tell him." Liz stated, her voice gaining in determination. "What really hit me today…the one thing that made me change my mind about telling him…" She shrugged helplessly, a hint of regret edging her eyes. "…he has a life that he loves. People he knows. Things he enjoys doing. His business. His friends, his lifestyle."

Shaking her head slowly, Liz's stormy gaze lowered as her voice tempered with her inner turmoil. "If I tell him…he'll be sucked into my world forever. Everything he is…all that he's used to…he'll have to give up. Just for me. He'll have to live his life in secret. And as much as I want to tell him everything…" Her voice softened to a whisper so full longing her eyes drift closed. "…so very much…" She steeled herself with a ragged breath as one lone tear shimmered in the corner of her eye. "…I'm not ready to ask him to do that."

"I see." Choosing his words carefully, Vaughn's voice softened. He reached over and covered her hand with his. "I wish I knew what to tell you, Liz. I wish I had all the answers to give you. The only thing I can offer is…follow your heart. It'll tell you when, if ever, the time is right to tell him. And when it is, it'll give you the words to say."

Nodding in appreciation for his attempt at reassurance, Liz squeezed his hand in gratefulness and pushed the hair back from her face. Clearing her throat, she immediately attempted to change subjects. "Enough of my personal problems. If you didn't ask me to lunch to talk about Max, why did you ask me to lunch?"

Gaze lowering, Michael Vaughn felt a sudden tightening of his throat. He swallowed hard, licked his lips and cleared his throat. "I uh…" Speech obviously difficult, Vaughn picked up his glass of water and took a huge gulp.

Liz watched his actions with growing interest. And dread. She stiffened perceptibly. "Mike. What is it? What's wrong?"

Hearing the tension and fear in her voice, Vaughn's eyes snapped back up to meet hers. His first words of reassurance weren't all that reassuring. "First of all, I don't want you to be alarmed…"

Dark eyes crackled with apprehension and Liz felt her stomach instantly twist into a million tiny knots. "Then you shouldn't start an obviously serious conversation with 'I don’t want you to be alarmed'." Liz responded curtly.

"Right." Letting out a sigh of regret, Vaughn leaned forward. "I…I guess it's best to just say it straight." His sympathetic eyes met hers. "It's about Chris. And the Code."

The breath left Liz's body and she slumped back in her chair. Her eyes instantly clouded with intense pain and fear as her fingers clutched desperately to the seat of her chair as if that very action would keep her from bolting out of the restaurant in utter and sheer panic. Instantly noting Liz's terrified demeanor, Vaughn moved quickly to alleviate the tension that had descended like a thick cloud between them. Scooting to the chair next to Liz, he reached down and uncurled her fingers from the chair, holding her hand gently in his. His voice softened with sincere apology. "Liz, I'm so sorry to bring this up. If I could spare you this pain…"

"You can't." Liz responded automatically. Unemotional. Distant. "No one can." She pulled her hand from his and shifted her suddenly composed gaze to his. Having controlled whatever panic was threatening to rule her only moments before, Liz Parker asked a intuitive question. "What is it? What does the CIA need?"

Vaughn marveled at her almost super human courage. Her quick grasp of the immediate situation. Her willingness to at least proceed to the next step. Not wasting time in which she could change her mind, Vaughn blurted out his first question. "Do you know the name Darian Wolfe?"

Her answer was quick and definitive. "No. Should I?"

"Not necessarily." Taking a deep breath, Vaughn continued trying to rush through this unpleasant interrogation as quickly as possible. "It's just…we think Chris, and your father, were involved with him somehow and he is, unfortunately, becoming an increasing problem for us."

"Chris didn't trust me with very much, Mike." A bitter smile haunted her eyes. Her tone was cold and detached when speaking the name of a man that has caused more pain than anyone knew. "In fact, he didn't trust me with anything. And even if he did, that's a part of my life that I simply don't revisit. So, if that's all you need…"

"Actually, it's not." Vaughn practically winced with each syllable.

Her expression registered the disgust echoing in her voice. "I didn't think it would be."

Vaughn's eyes squeezed shut as he pushed the reluctant request out of his mouth. "We need you to come in for questioning. Maybe even…undergo hypnosis." When silence met his statement, Vaughn slowly opened his eyes to see Liz staring at him in disbelief. Gathering her hand once more in his, he hastened to ease the sheer panic he saw in her eyes. "Believe me, if there were any other way to do this, Liz…" Vaughn's reassurance went unanswered. He took a deep breath. "I understand that what I'm asking is difficult…"

Eyes snapping with anger, Liz jerked her hand away. "No, Mike. I really don't think you do understand." Leaning forward, her voice dropped to a frantic whisper, her face drained of all color turning her skin deathly pale. "Imagine all of the evil, cruel, torturous acts that one human being can inflict on another. Combine them all together and then multiply them by a thousand. That's the life I lived with Chris Santoro. It's the life I fled. The life I've spent years running from. A life I will not relive. Ever. For anyone."

Snatching up her purse, Liz fought to contain the tears gathering in her eyes. The emotion shaking her voice. "I hope you have a lot of resources to find the information you're looking for, Agent Vaughn, because…" She hastily stood nearly toppling her chair. As she glared down at Michael Vaughn, the pain and anguish in her tear-filled eyes sent a dagger through his heart. "…it won't be coming from me…"


After an intense moment of silence, Max's patience wore proverbially thin. "Dammit, Vaughn. Why did you talk to Liz about…"

Making an impromptu decision, Vaughn cut Max's question off with an unceremonious toss of a file across his desk. Brows knitting in curiosity, Max grabbed the file and flipped it open. His eyes scanned the first page then snapped back up to meet Vaughn's. "Hypnosis? Have you lost your mind?"

"It's the best…"

Jumping up from his seat, the fire in Max's midnight eyes crackled and snapped with anger. "The best for who? The Agency? Your superiors? An upcoming promotion?" Shaking his head, Max jabbed his finger against the hard wood of Vaughn's desk. "There is no way in hell I'm letting you put that woman through that."

A challenging gaze raised to meet Max's. "Then work with me."

Max blinked at the unexpected response. "What?"

Standing, Vaughn leaned on his desk and locked eyes with Max. "Work with me. Tell me what you know about Darian Wolfe and I'll tell you what I know. We'll pull our resources together. Coordinate our efforts." Gaining momentum, Vaughn hastened to lay out his case. "Think about it, Max. The CIA is already working on this. You've got your own team working to protect her. To find out what's going on. Each of us have pieces of the puzzle that we're all working so hard on so many different levels to solve. If we share intel, coordinate our movements, we could possibly blow this whole thing out of the water that much sooner if we just…work together. For that matter, by not cooperating, we could be undermining each other without even knowing it."

"You and me…working together." Max crossed his arms in front of him. "Just like that."

"Just like that." Seeing the cynical curl of Max's lips, Michael's shoulders slumped. "Look. I know you don't like me and I can't say the feeling isn't mutual. And I also know you can't officially collaborate with us without jeopardizing your deal with the Agency…"

"I don't give a damn about the deal, Vaughn." Eyes flashing with irritation, Max let out a sigh. "I haven't for a very long time now. I don't care what it costs me personally as long as Liz isn't touched."

"She won't be. I'll keep her out of it." Squaring his shoulders, Michael Vaughn leveled a promise that reverberated to his very core. "I swear."

"Boy, you must need me and my boys really bad to be even suggesting this."

"We need each other, Max." Jamming his hands into his pockets, Vaughn leveled a blow that would bring Max Evans to his knees. "More importantly, Liz needs us." Allowing his words to sink in, Vaughn paused a moment before continuing in a softening voice. "You think I enjoyed asking her to relive her life with Chris today? I would have rather spent the entire lunch listening to her ramble on about how wonderful you are than to have hurt her like that. At least talking about you made her smile." Shaking his head, Vaughn swallowed hard. "God, the horror in her eyes when I mentioned Chris was…"

Jaws working with emotion, Max read the pain in Vaughn's solemn green eyes as his sentence trailed off. Max felt an instant, unexpected connection with the man standing in front of him. An understanding. An insight. From one man who truly cared about Liz Parker to another. For the first time, Max saw what Liz saw in Michael Vaughn…compassion. Having made a decision, he slowly lowered himself back into his chair. "Alright. Tell me what you want to know."

Mirroring Max's actions with an inaudible sigh of relief, Vaughn sank down into his seat and answered Max with one all-inclusive word. "Everything."

With one nod, Max swallowed hard. "You'll have it by tomorrow afternoon. You know, I expect reciprocal service."

"You'll have it." Vaughn stated with a curt nod. "Given your professional situation, I think it would be best if we kept this as far from this office as possible. I'll contact you this evening with a secure meeting place. Once we get a chance to look over the information, we'll meet up and discuss our course of action." His gaze shifted to the Liz's untouched box of lunch on the desk. "Until then…there's a woman we both care a great deal about who needs something more than her lunch right now. Find her, Max." Vaughn's pleading eyes met Max's. "She needs you. More than she knows."

"She's got me..." Taking his cue, Max silently reached for the boxed lunch and stood. "…more than she knows." With one last curt nod, Max Evans left Michael Vaughn's office having found a brand new, completely unexpected, ally.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"No. I don't like this at all."

Sydney let out a sigh on the other end of the phone. "Max, I'm telling you…she's fine. Upset, but fine."

"Then where the hell is she?" Max snapped back with barely controlled panic.

"I don't know." The confession was quickly followed up with an attempt at reassurance. "But I mean what I said, ok? I talked to her an hour ago and she was dealing."

"She should be more than just dealing, Syd." The desperation in Max's voice was edged with frustrated anger. "God, I'm so sick and tired of her having to 'deal' with any of this crap. She should be home with her daughter, laughing and loving and living her life as Liz Parker instead of running from a past that won't die." Max began a frantic pacing that Sydney could sense over the phone. "And just who the hell does Vaughn think he is to bring all of this back by suggesting hypnosis. Hypnosis, Syd…"

"Max. Calm down." Interrupting Max's diatribe, Sydney's tone was curt and controlled. It was clear Max was on frustration overload. If she didn't take control, he might not be able to once he found Liz. "Look. You and I both know Vaughn was doing his job. It wasn't something he wanted to do, but it was necessary. Yes, it upset Liz, but Liz is stronger than we give her credit. Now, I'm sure she's just gone somewhere to think about everything." There was a pause, then a suggestion. "Hey. You know, she told me once that she goes to the…

"To the bridge." Max finished for her. "Already covered it. She wasn't there." He let out a sigh of defeat. "I've also checked the office, my friend's place and the park. The guards I have assigned to her told me they last saw her going to the apartment."

"Our apartment?"

"Yeah."

"Well, why don't you just…"

"I'm standing in your living room, Syd." Max answered her question before it was asked. "She's not here."

"Oh." Mind whirling with more suggestions, Sydney's voice brightened. "Max, I think I know where she is."

"Where?"

"Our washer is out, so she's probably doing laundry at the complex facility."

Max blinked in disbelief. "Laundry."

"Yeah. She does laundry when she's stressed."

"Laundry?" Of all the dangerous and wild scenarios running through Max's mind, something as simple as laundry hadn't even registered a thought.

Hearing the confusion in Max's voice, Sydney chuckled. "It's a girl thing, Max. Just…check there. I have a really good feeling you'll find her. If not, give me a call back. Oh, and…" Sydney's voice hinted with regret. "…she probably won't want to see you. Or…at least she'll try not to admit you're the one person in the world she **does** want to see…"

"I'm prepared for that, Syd." Max glanced around Liz's room where he had adjourned when Sydney suggested Liz was doing her laundry. Her clothes basket had clearly been cleaned out recently. Shaking his head in disbelief at the simple answer to the panic that had been ruling his heart, Max tried once more to focus on Sydney's instructions.

"Yeah, I know you are, but…if you need a little…" Sydney paused searching for the right word. "…incentive…for Liz to stay put and hear you out, well there's something you should know…"

"Syd, what are you talking about?"

Not sure she should be setting up a roommate that was already in a precarious state of mind, Sydney hurried through a cryptic explanation before she could change her mind.

Completely missing Sydney's meaning as he listened in silence, Max's brows furrowed in confusion. "And? You're telling me this because…" He paused to listen again. Suddenly catching onto what Sydney was suggesting, Max's eyes brightened as a smile began to haunt his lips. "Ah. I see." Nodding, he could practically hear Sydney breathing a sigh of relief that she didn't have to spell everything out word for word. "Thanks for the tip. I'm sure it'll come in handy."

"Right." Clearing her throat, Syd suddenly seemed eager to get off the phone. "Look, I've got a meeting…"

After a heart-felt thanks from a grateful man and a sincere wish for his success, the phone call ended leaving Max Evans with only one thing left to do…

Find his own personal whirlwind and rope her with the strength of his love. At least long enough for a long over-due heart to heart.

Then again, there are some things in life much easier said than done…

Tbc…

[Ashton]

Hey all,

Here's the next chapter. This one picks up about the same time Max is looking for Liz then goes back to right after lunch then back to Max finding Liz. I know you all don't like Mandy and you don't see the point in some of these scenes, but I really do have a plan on this. Hope you'll keep that in mind when you read. Thanks for your patience and support. As always would love to hear what you think. Thanks again...

Ashton

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ chapter 28 D~

Later that evening...

"I hate her."

An eyebrow rose at the venom of the statement. Crossing his arms in front of him, Steve watched as Amanda Carlton paced agitatedly in front of him. "So. I guess I don't really have to ask how it went."

Spinning on him, Amanda's loathing exploded. "Do you have any idea just how arrogant and self-righteous and cold and calculating that woman is? Do you? I can't even believe Max has gotten mixed up with that witch let alone proposed to her." Pointing an emphatic finger in the air. "Mark my words now…she's going to break his heart, Steve. The best thing Max can do is walk out of her life now before any more damage is done."

"Mandy." Steve reached out to place calming hands on Amanda's shoulders. "Tell me what happened."

Letting out a sigh of frustration, Amanda's gray eyes flashed with indignation. "After that disaster of a lunch I had with Max, I went back to the office because I had a few things to say to little Ms. Perfect, right?" Hands on hips, Amanda's voice jumped an octave. "She told me if I wanted Max, I'd have to deal with her! Can you believe the gall of that woman? She's only known him a few months for God's sake, and she already acts like she owns him!!"

A sliver of a grin began to spread across Steve's expression. "She really said that? About dealing with her to get to him?"

Confusion flashed through Amanda's expression. Her angry stance deflated. "Why are you looking like that's a good thing?"

Flashing a grin, Steve slipped onto the hood of his rented car and patted the seat next to him. "Why don't we take it from the top?" Shooting him a wary glance, Amanda jumped up on the hood next to Steve and took a deep calming breath. A smile was playing across his lips as he prompted her with an initial question. "How did it go when you got to the office?"

Though she wasn't looking at him, Steve's question was greeted with an upraised eyebrow. When she spoke, it was obvious her clearer head was prevailing. "Exactly the way you knew it would when you called me. Which is why you didn't warn me before I took that giant leap into the hornets' nest." She turned a reproachful gaze on him. "Isn't it?"

Steve shrugged his silent confirmation to her question, a smug smirk played around the corner of his lips. Sitting side by side on the hood of his rented car, Steve gazed out at the crashing ocean waves and bumped her shoulder playfully with his. "Now where would the challenge be if you knew all the obstacles of the game?"

"Game?" Tossing her hair behind her shoulders, Amanda Carlton's eyebrow rose as her gaze followed his. "Believe me, it's not a game if there's no chance of winning."

"What's this?" Steve asked, his eyes beginning to glow with hidden laughter. "First day on the job and you're already throwing in the towel."

Amanda leveled him with a look. "This thing is so over I was never even in the ring let alone given a towel to throw."

Chuckling, Steve grabbed his bottle of beer and held it up as if toasting Amanda. Pausing to search for the words to acknowledge the success of his experiment, a grin spread over his face and his eyes began to dance with triumph as the right words came. "Here's to true love then."

Rolling her eyes, Amanda clinked her bottle against his before shaking her head and taking a drink. As silence fell between them, Amanda's gray eyes searched the gray of the ocean before posing a question that had been burning in the back of her mind since seeing Max and Liz together. "Steve. Is it really? True love, I mean? You know the kind I'm talking about. The forever after kind of love. The kind that never dies, never breaks and never walks away."

Considering her questions, Steve pursed his lips then sought the answer from her own experience. "You tell me. How did Max react to your visit?"

"At first…" Letting out a sigh, Amanda tucked wind blown strands of hair behind her ear. "…happy to see me. Then flustered and self-conscious. Then he hit that 'Oh-God-how-am-I-going-to-explain-this' phase and after that it was all over for me. He couldn't have been more eager and determined to usher me out the door if he'd tried."

Wasting no time mulling over Amanda's answer since it had been what he'd expected all along, Steve got to the heart of the matter. "And Rachel? How did she take his latest romantic ghost?"

Casting an inquiring glance in Steve's direction, Amanda's answer was carefully chosen and deliberate. "She hated it. Oh, she was controlled and damn near unreadable. And there was no question she felt she had the upper hand with the way Max stumbled all over himself to prove his devotion to her, but…she's definitely the jealous type and can't stand the thought of there being anyone else. So, if that was the point of this little exercise…"

"Actually…" Steve turned to look Amanda full in the face. "…it's not." He jumped off the hood of his car and slowly began to walk onto the warm, white sand. Grabbing her discarded shoes, Amanda slipped them on then jumped to the ground.

By the time she caught up with him, she was breathless. "Alright. Are you going to tell me exactly what's going on with those two?"

Pursing his lips, Steve's demeanor was distant, thoughtful. Instead of answering her query, he posed one of his own. "You're an insightful woman, Mandy. You've known Max longer than any of us have. What do you think is going on?"

"He's in love with her." Amanda answered without hesitation. "That much is obvious. Even if I hadn't stumbled over that gigantic point of fact in the office, I would have been hit over the head with it several times during lunch."

"Oh?"

Resignation etched in her expression, Amanda's gaze lowered to the grainy path in front of her. "I'm not quite sure exactly how many ways there are for a man to tell a woman to get lost, but I think Max found every single last one at lunch. And then he added a few of his own."

"What did he say?"

Amanda ticked off the central message Max announced loud and clear at lunch. "She's the one. That this is it for him. That because of Rachel, he's been able to move past McKenna. Which, I have to admit, completely shocked me. I never thought I'd see the day that would happen." She paused as a bittersweet smile touched her lips. "Did you know he says that for the first time since McKenna, he truly feels alive? Because of Rachel?"

"Yeah. Yeah, he's told me that too." Steve answered quietly.

"And he's so very protective of her." Amanda continued as if Steve never spoke. "He doesn't want anything about us to hurt her in any way. Even told me I'd be on the next plane out of town if I did. No question. No hesitation."

Nodding, Steve's only response was a quiet confirmation of previous suspicions. "I see."

Kicking at the sand as she continued, the corner of Amanda's lips turned downward. "I have to admit, I'm not all that comfortable with the amount of devotion Max is showing this girl, especially when it's painfully clear he's getting very little in return."

A knowing, secret smile played on Steve's lips. "Trust him, Mandy. He knows what he's doing."

"Does he?" The sharpness of her question captured Steve's full attention. When his curious gaze met hers, Amanda shrugged, her tone serious, concerned. "When we were at the restaurant, she came in. With another man. After having broken her lunch date with Max." An emphatic eyebrow raised. "And this wasn't just any man, Steve. It was a man Max obviously can't stand." Throwing her arms out in a frustrated gesture, Amanda shook her head. "I've never once seen Max react the way he did when he saw the two of them together."

"What do you mean?"

"He couldn't take his eyes off of her, Steve."

"And that surprises you?" Steve quipped, amused at Mandy's statement of obvious fact.
I mean…you **have** seen her, right?"

Seeing Steve's smirk, Amanda rolled her eyes. "I don't mean it like that." Her eyes darkened with troubled thoughts. "He was really…intense. And the jealousy was…instant and explosive. I really think he would have done some serious bodily injury to this guy if he'd touched her just once." Chest rising and falling with a deep sigh, Amanda's voice lowered. "I've never seen him look so…dangerous before."

"And that concerns you." Registering her silent nod, Steve's gaze shifted back to the ocean. "This guy she was with…what did he look like?" Nodding at Amanda's generous and rapid description, Steve filled in a few blanks for Amanda with a subtle hint of accusation. "I know him. He's a good guy who's on the right side. They're nothing more than friends. So if you think Rachel's playing the two men against each other…you're wrong."

"How can you be sure?" Gray eyes narrowing, Amanda's doubt was evident.

"Because Rachel and Max are crazy about each other." Steve answered simply. "She's too afraid to admit it. Hell, I don't even know if she has a name for what she's feeling yet, but make no mistake, Mandy…that woman is head over heels in love with Max. It's all over her every time she looks at him."

"I know." Gaze lowering, Amanda swallowed hard at her admission. "Look, I'm just worried. We both know what losing McKenna did to him, Steve. Rachel is giving him little to no encouragement and yet…" She let out a sigh and shook her head in disbelief. "…he's turning his life inside out for her." Her gray eyes were filled with apprehension. "I'm afraid for him, Steve. I'm afraid of what will happen if she never comes around."

His eyes crackled with anxiety and his brows knit in concern. "You think she won't?"

"I don't know." Anxious gaze slipping back to the white foam forming in the distance, Amanda's thoughtful answer reminded Steve why he'd called her in the first place. She was the only one from Max's past he could trust with a test of such magnitude. "She has secrets, Steve. I can see it in her eyes. I mean, there's so much more going on than either of them want to let on. And it scares me. Steve." Amanda stopped abruptly and put her hand on Steve's arm, getting his undivided attention as he turned to her. "It **really** scares me."

Head hung in thought, Steve turned and slowly continued on their walk as he contemplated the situation as told by Mandy and seen with his own eyes. As thoughts raced, Amanda silently walked by his side, waiting. Steve seemed not to notice the pregnant pause full of inquiry. In fact, he was so lost in his own thoughts, the minutes ticked by in excruciating silence.

True to form, Amanda took initiative. "You know, it would be so much easier for me if you'd just tell me what's really going on here." Doubts had to be voiced. Questions needed to be addressed. Now was the time, here was the place, and Steve was the one to fill her in on all the details she could only guess. Something…anything…that would make sense of the way Max was acting.

"Not much to tell." Roused from his silent reverie, Steve answered evasively. He absently ran his thumb around the top of the bottle in his hand as his focus was drawn to a yacht sailing on the distant horizon.

"Cut the crap, Steve." Her sharp reprimand prompted a slow grin. "I can't do what I'm here to do if I don't know why I'm doing it. So either you tell me exactly why you called me or Max won't have to worry about putting me on a plane because I'll do it myself."

"Now I know why Max likes you." Shoulders hitching with a deep breath, Steve nodded downward and indicated his intention by easing himself onto the sand. Amanda joined him and waited.

She didn't have to wait long. "You were right. She does have secrets. But so does Max. In fact, we all do." Eyes meeting hers with intensity, Steve's expression left no doubt the seriousness of his information. "There's one particular secret that will turn Max's world upside down when he finds out. When he does…it won't be enough for Rachel to be jealous. She'll need to fight for him. And I need to know she will when the time comes."

"So, that's why I'm here?" Her nose scrunched up in confusion. "To find out if Rachel will fight for him?"

"Yeah."

"But…"

"Look." Halting any probing questions with an upraised hand, Steve's voice was full of apology. "I'm sorry I can't give you details. I wish to God I could. But believe me, the less you know, the safer you'll be."

"Safe." Amanda's gray eyes narrowed. "So…there's danger."

"Yes." Letting out a sigh, Steve's gaze lowered to the sand as his hand began making nonsensical patterns. Knowing he'd perhaps gone too far, but needing to clarify, Steve chose his words carefully. "Like I said, I can't get into this. All I can really tell you is that even Max and Rachel don't know all that's going on behind the scenes. And Michael, the man Rachel had lunch with, is helping us keep her safe."

"Us?" Concern raced through her eyes. "So, this danger…these secrets of hers…does Max…"

"Yes, Max knows." Steve interrupted. "That's why I said to trust him."

"You know…he said something at lunch today that didn't make any sense at the time, but now…" Feeling Steve's eyes on her, Amanda tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before explaining. "Max said he's willing to give her everything he has because she's been through a lot, that she's afraid."

"She has reason to be." Taking a deep breath, Steve swallowed hard. "She was married to a monster who was beyond brutal to her. In fact, Max would love to strangle the guy with his bare hands just based on what he knows." His gaze raised to meet hers. "My guess is, he doesn't even know the half of it." There was a pause. "She's in hiding from him now."

Amanda's eyes widened. "Wow. I had no idea. She doesn't come off as a victim."

"No. She certainly doesn't." A wry smile touched Steve's lips. "I suspect that's one reason Max loves her so much. There's a strength in that woman he simply can't look away from." Lips pursing in thought, Steve's voice dropped to an ominous whisper. "He's going to need that strength more than even he knows."

Considering Steve's words, Amanda nodded her head once, a decision having been reached. "Alright. Tell me what you want me to do."

Instead of answering Amanda's request for instruction, Steve turned the tables. "Tell me something, Mandy. In all this time, why do you think you and Max never really got together? As a couple, I mean."

Attempting to ignore the sting of his words, Amanda forced herself to view her relationship with Max objectively. Or as objectively as she could. When she finally answered, her observation was honest and open. "It's hard to be a couple when there are four people in the relationship, Steve. Max never really got over McKenna and I can't say I don't look for Grant in every man I date. Because I do."

Building a case, Steve took her answer and swiftly added another layer of logic. "Then it's safe to say the greatest hindrance to your relationship with Max is…the power of a first love."

"Yeah. Yeah, I guess you could say that."

"Good." One nod of satisfaction. One hint of triumph. "Then that's what I want you to do."

"Huh?"

"Use McKenna. Use what he felt for her. How losing her almost destroyed him." Turning to her, Steve's instructions were coming fast and furious. "Use the power of his first love. Push Rachel as hard as you can. Push her till she starts to push back. Or not. And then…then I'll know just how hard Rachel Harris will fight for Max when it really counts."

"Uh…" The sound was leading.

"What?" Steve's voice sharpened.

Mandy's face scrunched up with concern. "I kinda already did."

"Did what?"

"Used McKenna. Pushed her."

A hint of excitement raced through Steve's eyes. "And?"

"And…" Letting out a sigh, Amanda pulled her knees to her chest and hugged them as her gaze shifted back to the ocean as the sun began to set. "…she pushed back. Hard."
~~~~~~~~~~~
Earlier that afternoon

In a daze, a shaken, highly agitated Liz Parker headed straight toward her desk instinctively. She automatically unlocked her computer and stared at the screen. She saw nothing. Felt nothing. Heard nothing.

Her mind was a million miles away. A thousand lifetimes ago.

Squeezing her eyes shut against the images from her past flashing before her, she fought back a lump of bile that rose in her throat. Flinching against each virtual blow, she literally felt the searing physical pain that had left visible scars as proof that cruelty existed in the world. Endless nights of abuse. Days of gut wrenching tension and fear. The shame, guilt and subsequent denial that engulfed her every moment.

A denial that survived even now.

That's why Vaughn's questions had caused such an instant, abrasive reaction. Why his request for her to enter that dark place of ultimate humiliation shook her to her very core. There were things Chris Santoro had done to his wife that even she didn't remember. The defense mechanism of repression mercifully kept those horrific memories from overwhelming her. Paralyzing her. Numbing her into a listless, impotent existence.

Liz Parker sensed this. She instinctively knew she would not…could not…survive a reprise of her life with Chris. Not the retelling of it. Not searching her memories for details. Certainly not undergoing a procedure that would put her up close and personal with a horror she'd blocked from her consciousness for so very long…

"So. I hear congratulations are in order."

Blinking as the sound of the intruding voice cut through the painful fog in her mind, Liz snapped into focus, shaking her head clear of the cobwebs of her past to see her latest nemesis sitting behind Max's desk. She simultaneously stifled a groan and welcomed the distraction. Of all the battles in her life that Liz Parker had to face, Amanda Carlton was a breeze.

Clearing her throat, Liz hastily blinked away any telltale signs of tears and stiffened defensively. "Oh?" Trying to act completely unaffected by Mandy's presence, Liz seemed suddenly very interested in a pile of folders on top of her desk.

"Yeah." Leaning back in Max's chair, Amanda's scrutinizing gaze never left Liz's face as she lowered what she assumed would be a bombshell. "Max told me he proposed."

She'd been right. Liz's head snapped up. Her distracting movements halted abruptly. She blinked rapidly in surprise. "He…told you that."

"Sure did." Propping her feet up on an open drawer, Amanda continued with a dismissive wave of her hand. "It was part of his whole 'I don't want Rachel hurt' speech I had to endure at lunch."

"I see." Chin raising defensively, Liz's eyes narrowed with penetrating scrutiny. That Max had spoken of something so personal to Amanda vouched for the importance he placed on his relationship with her. It was a bit…unnerving, to say the least. And though she hadn't quite figured out Amanda's agenda yet, Liz was pretty certain she had one. And she got the distinct impression she was going to be treated to a glimpse of it. It was time to find out exactly what Ms. Amanda Carlton wanted. "Well. If he told you that, then I'm sure he also told you I turned him down."

"Yes. He did mention something about that." Amanda's smooth, cool voice contrasted with the disdain in her judgmental gray eyes. "I was astounded someone of your seeming intelligence could be so foolish."

"I'm sure you were." Lips curving into a knowing smirk, Liz's usually warm eyes became too shiny beads of cool stone. A brash layer of confidence coated Liz's retort. "Still, I had my reasons which, I must confess, I have no desire to explain to you. And since my seeming foolishness hasn't changed Max's intentions toward me, I think its safe to say my decision hasn't caused any lasting damage."

"That you know of." Amanda shot back under her breath, but loud enough for Liz to hear.

Ignoring the shot, Liz's forced smile and batting eyelashes punctuated her impatience with the subject. "This little cat-fight you're trying to instigate won't affect us in the least."

"Oh, I think it will." Amanda countered with confidence.

Liz shrugged casually and deliberately turned back to her files. "Whatever you choose to believe. It's a free country."

Ignoring Liz's dismissal, Amanda continued on her chosen course. "You know I have to hand it to you. You have done what I thought no one could ever do."

Shaded with a hint of sarcasm, Liz's disinterested tone accompanied a quirk of her lips. "Really? And what's that?"

"Turn Max Evans into someone completely unrecognizable."

"You think so?" Hoping that Amanda would take the hint by Liz's obvious lack of attention to their conversation, she grabbed a few folders and tapped them lightly on the desk before pushing backwards from her desk and heading toward the file cabinet. She immediately busied herself with the all-consuming task of rearranging files that were perfect to begin with.

"Oh, I know so." Speaking to Liz's back, Amanda wasn't the least bit deterred. She'd come to the office with a purpose. After watching Max's intensely jealous reaction to Liz and Vaughn's lunch date, it was clear to Mandy exactly what was going on. She made no bones about telling her either. "You have him so tightly wound around your finger he doesn't even know which side is up or down. Whether he's coming or going. Or even if he likes it or not."

"Trust me." Liz stated with a confidence she didn't feel. "He likes what I do to him…" A suggestive hint weaved through her words. "…**very** much."

"You really are the callused little witch I took you for." Amanda accused, her tone hardened with a sneer.

"No." Slamming the file door shut, Liz spun on her heel to face Amanda. "I simply won't waste my time playing games with a woman who hasn't the first clue about my relationship with Max. Max and I know where we stand. That's all that matters."

"Not play games?" Amanda chuckled. "You've been playing games since I stepped foot in this office."

Liz crossed her arms in front of her. "And you haven't?"

Amanda shrugged nonchalantly. "I simply came to see a man I happen to adore." Her gray eyes met Liz's accusingly. "You're the one that turned lunch into a power play." Seeing Liz's upraised eyebrow, Amanda continued. "What? You think I didn't catch that moment? The one where you tried to prove just which one of us really controlled Max?"

"Me? Control Max?" Liz's eyes danced with amusement. "Hardly. That man is as uncontrollable as the wind. I mean…the thought of anyone controlling Max is…really absurd." Layering innocence into her expression, Liz cast her gaze upward in mock thought. "In fact, if I had a dollar for every time I said 'no' to some wild request of his, including his marriage proposal…well, let's just say that I wouldn't have to work for the rest of my life. And yet…" Waving her hand around the room in an inclusive gesture, Liz shrugged resignedly. "…he's still here. Exactly where **he** wants to be."

Taking confidence in the tight clench of Amanda's lips, Liz continued shamelessly. "And as for lunch…is it really my fault, when given the chance, he chooses to be with…how did he put it?" Pausing as if searching her memory for his exact words, Liz cast her gaze upward. A smirk glanced through her expression. "That's right…the woman he couldn't possibly live without…instead of such an…" An appraising gaze met Amanda's as Liz emphasized her description. "…old friend that, at best, provides ineffective comfort?"

Taken back by Liz's brazenness, Amanda ignored Liz's caustic comment. "You don't have to admit it. We both know you're using him." Seeing a flicker of emotion in Liz's eyes, Amanda pressed her point. "Take this fundraiser for instance. You realize don't you that the Max I know can't stand children? He avoids them at every possible opportunity. Yet here he is bending over backwards to make this fundraiser for a bunch of disadvantaged children a success. Because it's what you want."

"Perhaps you don't know Max as well as you think you do." Liz shot back, her own jaws tensing with agitation. She crossed back to her desk and pulled out a drawer before frantically searching it's contents.

"You only wish that were true." Amanda eased herself out of Max's chair and stood her full height. She looked down on Liz condescendingly. "We both know it isn't."

"Alright." Slamming the drawer shut, Liz's hard gaze signaled the end of her tolerance. "Since this conversation is obviously going nowhere, and I honestly don't have the patience to explain the real Max Evans to you…"

Amanda's burst of laughter was short and condescending. "You think you know the real Max Evans? Hon, you don't have a clue." Giving a scrutinizing once over, Amanda appeared to change her mind. "Or…perhaps you do. Which is why you use those big puppy dog eyes full of sadness every chance you get. Thing is…Max has always loved rescuing a damsel in distress. It's what he does. It's who he is. What you need to consider is what Max does after he's rescued them."

"Oh? And what would that be?"

"Once the thrill of the chase is gone, so is Max." Amanda took a step forward. Though her tone was pleasant, her approach was domineering. "Don't get me wrong. He doesn't mean any harm. The man is simply a master at making his current pursuit feel as if she's the only woman on the face of the planet that's ever captured his attention. Half of the time I think he does it without even knowing it."

"And the other half?" Feigning boredom, Liz began to clear her desk of haphazard papers.

"He's trying to forget the love of his life." A flicker of triumph raced through Amanda's gray eyes after delivering her bombshell.

Liz's actions halted abruptly. Her gaze snapped upward to meet Amanda's. Her voice softened with awed inquiry. "You know about Kenna?"

Chest puffing out in satisfied pride, Amanda didn't try to hide her pleasure at having one-upped Liz. "I'm the one he turns to when he's trying to forget what he's lost."

"I see." Liz felt her chest tighten with instant, white hot jealousy. She forced a bravado into her voice that she simply didn't feel. "Well, then. I guess the difference between us…he doesn't have to try with me. He simply does."

"If that were true, you wouldn't even know her name." Sensing she's hit a nerve, a level of vulnerability in Liz, Amanda pressed her vantage. "McKenna Donovan. Now, that was love." She watched with interest as Liz sank down into her chair, a look of pure torture written all over her face. "The way he adored that woman. He doted on her every second of every day they were together. There isn't anything that man wouldn't do for her. Anything." Amanda paused, a sincere wave of sadness entered her eyes. "It nearly destroyed him when she died."

Liz swallowed hard. Tears prickled the back of her eyes. The familiar sense of numbness engulfed her. A steel band of searing hot pain wrapped around her heart like a vise. She felt herself sinking into the darkness of insecurity. Doubt. Rejection.

Until…

A memory flooded her heart…

Liz's pleading gaze met his and her voice was barely a whisper. "I'm not her, Max."

"I know that." Max's gaze softened. The words were clipped but sincere.

"Do you? Do you really? Or are we so much alike that you can't help but see her…feel what you felt when you were with her…"

Max paused, thoughtfully, realizing this wasn't just a ploy to shift his attention. It wasn’t an attempt to wound him. Realizing there was, at least in part, a real fear and insecurity embedded deep inside of Liz's heart, Max cautiously queried her. "You really think I see her every time I look in your eyes?"

Jealous uncertainty flashed in her eyes. "Don’t you?

"God, no." Capturing her face gently in his hands, Max shook his head. "There has never been one second that I've spent with you that I thought about her. Or substituted your face for hers. Or wished she was there with me instead of you."

"Who was she, Max? What exactly did she mean to you?"

"It doesn't matter."

"How can it not?" Incredulity registered in her eyes. "God, Max, you practically crumbled when I just said her name earlier. And now, only a short time later you're asking me to marry you…"

Max gently, but swiftly, turned the tables. "Who exactly was he? The man that broke you. This big mistake of your life you’ve talked about. Tell me about him. His name. Where he is. What he looks like. How he made you feel. What he meant to you…"

"No." Liz instantly pulled away from Max, spun on her heels and walked toward the window. "He…he has nothing to do with this."

"My point exactly." Pursuing her across the distance, Max came to stand behind her so close she could feel the heat of his body engulf her. Placing his hands on her shoulders, Max leaned forward to whisper in her ear. "She is my past, ok? She has nothing to do with what's going on between us right here. Right now."

"But Max…" Liz turned to face him.

"Shhh." Placing a gentle finger against Liz's lips, Max's eyes began to glow with golden light. "The past is the past."

"But what if it isn't?" Every fear Liz Parker had ever feared echoed in her question.

"Then we handle it. Hand in hand. Side by side." A slow smile of love lit Max's eyes till they were glowing with confidence. "I don't want to look back. There's no need. Not when there's so much to look forward to. Together. If you'll just say you'll marry me." Amber eyes pleaded with her. Lips formed words her heart couldn’t resist. "Please. Please just say yes…"

"See, I know your type." Amanda's words cut through Liz's daze and hammered the point home. "I've seen them come and go. You make him feel like he's with her. Like he's reliving some grand love affair. Truth is…you're just a cheap substitute. And try as you might…" Amanda's judgement delivered with harsh finality. "…you simply don't hold a candle to her."

Liz's dark eyes snapped up, blazing with instant fire. Her jaws set. Her shoulders squared. "And I supposed you do?" Rising slowly from her seat, Liz placed her hands palm down on her desk and leaned forward her fathomless eyes boring into Amanda's. "In. Your. Dreams."

Amanda blinked at the sudden change in Liz. The strength. The determination. The fire.

"Let me make myself perfectly clear." Rounding the corner of the desk, Liz came to stand in front of Amanda. "I don't give a damn about his past relationships. Not you. Not McKenna. Not any other woman that wanders back into his life trying to stake a claim. In case it's slipped your attention, Max Evans is a free man. He can go where he wants. Be with whomever he chooses. Sleep in whatever bed is most appealing at any given moment."

"And God help me…" A deeper emotion turned hot coals of resolve into liquid pools of passion. "…for whatever reason, Max has chosen me. Now you can second-guess his decision all you want. You can think he's lost his mind. You can say I'll never deserve him. That I'm so much more trouble than I'm worth. I won't argue any of those points."

A dark emphatic eyebrow raised. "What I won't do is let you come in here making accusations based on false assumptions. You know nothing about me or my relationship with Max. Stop acting like you do. Because I'm telling you now, if you try to cheapen what Max and I have in any way, you'll have a fight on your hands. Nor will I just hand him over to you, which is obviously what this little tirade is all about."

She took a step closer.

Toe to toe. Eye to eye. Challenge to challenge. "If you want Max Evans, you'll have to come through me to get him." She paused, her message shouted through the silence. "That clear enough for you?" Hearing Amanda's hard swallow, Liz turned on her heel and headed for the office door.

"I don’t want him hurt." It was the first sincere statement Amanda had spoken since entering the office.

It stopped Liz dead in her tracks.

"Neither do I." The truth of her whispered response weighed heavily on her heart.

"But you will. You know that…don’t you." It wasn't a question. It was a statement of fact. "That's why you didn't accept his proposal. Why you push him way. You know you don't deserve him."

Turning to face her, Liz's face was stone cold. "Your point?"

Shrugging nonchalantly, Amanda's expression registered a smugness that churned Liz's stomach. "You won't have to hand Max over to me. When you're done stringing him along, when you're finished making a fool out of him, when you've finally broken his heart…it'll happen. He'll realize what you and I both know...and then…it’ll be me he turns to. He always does."

"Well, then." Refusing to take the bait, Liz's chin raised in defiance. "I guess you have something to look forward to. Until that time comes, IF that time comes…" Her forced smile formed a tight, thin line. "…stay the hell out of our way."

With that final warning, Liz Parker turned on her heels and left the field of battle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Max Evans heard Liz Parker long before he saw her.

"Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!"

He rushed toward the laundry room door in panic only to stop short at the sight before him. What he saw when he poked his head into the room immediately froze the breath in his body and simultaneously made the corners of his lips twitch with amusement. He bit back a chuckle and leaned against the doorframe taking in the view with darkened, roaming eyes.

Back to the door, the sight Liz Parker presented to her unseen visitor literally caused his entire body to tighten with desire.

Wearing a pair of tight, low riding jeans that accentuated the hourglass curves of her petite frame, Liz's snug spaghetti strap cropped tank top exposed smooth creamy skin that Max's fingers instantly itched to explore. One strap fell from her shoulder and hung down loose on her arm. The memory of her taste filled his mouth and Max unconsciously licked his lips. Her hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail that bounced against her back and shoulders with each movement she made. Max had to stifle a groan at the images instantly conjured in his mind of loose hair falling down around her shoulders, tickling his bare chest as she leaned down for a heated kiss…

She let out another exclamation mercifully bringing his attention back to her predicament. It didn't take long to discover the source of her agitation.

Liz was holding up what was once a white t-shirt. She tossed it angrily to the side and dug back into the washer practically climbing in to reach to the bottom giving Max an extra nice view of her posterior. Chest rising and falling with heated desire, he leaned casually against the wall and dug his fingers into his pockets as if that action would keep his feet from carrying him into the danger zone of temptation.

Scooping out an armful of clothes, Liz let out a moan of distress as a sea of pink overflowed from her arms onto the table next to her. "Oh, no. No, no, no. No, this can't be…happening…"

Dropping them unceremoniously on the designated folding table, Liz practically jumped into the washer in a frantic search for the culprit of her latest catastrophe. A few muffled expletives echoed in the steel drum of the washer as Liz dropped heavily to the floor and held up the unobserved pair of tight red bikini briefs that bled onto her entire load of whites. "I'm going to kill the idiot these belong to!"

"Don't be so hard on the guy. Having to wear those things would be punishment enough." Liz jumped and spun around, her expression registering shock. A casual shrug accompanied Max's comment as she stood staring at him speechlessly. "Besides, I always thought pink was your color."

Finally finding her voice, Liz unconsciously clutched the briefs to her chest. "Max! God, you scared me." Irritation instantly flashed in her eyes. "Wait. What are you doing here? Did you follow me?"

"I'm here…" Max pushed himself away from the wall and took a firm step forward before answering her questions each in their turn. "…because I was worried about you. And yes, I did follow you. Although, I must say, if I'd done a better job you wouldn't be facing a wardrobe of pink right now." He nodded toward her pile of ruined laundry.

Shoulders sqaring defensively, Liz turned her back to Max and began to agitatedly fold her wet laundry. "As you can see, I'm fine. I just need to rewash. A little bleach will handle the problem and everything will be right with the world again. So…" With the day she'd had, the first, only and last person she needed to see was Max Evans. Swallowing back the wave of pleasure at seeing him, Liz forced her voice to be distant, cold. "…feel free to leave. I really don't need you here."

"Yeah, see, I don't think so." Max approached the table and stood watching Liz continue to fold clothes contrary to her comment about re-washing. "Not until I get an explanation."

"It's not that difficult, Max." Purposely misinterpreting him, Liz pointed to the now discarded bikini briefs. "An idiot left his red underwear in the washer and it mixed with my load of whites. Which, in case you didn't notice, is not a good thing. Then again, I wouldn't expect someone who's probably never done a load of clothes in his life to know that."

Undeterred, Max's expression remained stony. "Funny. That wasn't the explanation I was looking for." Reaching over and stilling Liz's vigilant hands, Max waited till her irritated gaze met his. "We had a deal today and you broke it. Not only did we not have dessert after lunch, you didn't even show up to work all afternoon." A dark eyebrow raised with questioning command. "Now, I want to know what's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong." Liz maintained with a hardening gaze.

Without missing a beat, Max's retort was sharp and incisive. "Which is why you're folding a pile of **wet** clothes."

A flash of embarrassment flickered through Liz's eyes as she glanced down as her growing stack of folded laundry. Her lips tightened into a thin, frustrated line. "For your information…" Pulling away from his touch, she moved back to the washer and checked inside once more for any other telltale signs of future problems. "…my lunch ran later than expected and since I was so close to the Foundation, I went on to the meeting with Jack. By the time I got done there, it was so late I just headed home."

Grabbing a jug of bleach, Liz poured some into the washer and turned it on. Raising her voice a decibel to be heard over the running water, Liz began dumping her clothes into the washer. "You'd know all of this if you'd taken the time to check with Steph instead of going all stalker-boy on me and following me, of all places, to the laundry room." She tossed him a look of nonchalant disdain. "Seriously. How pathetic is that?"

Ignoring her obvious attempt to rile him, Max smirked and rocked back on his heels a moment as a hint of admiration flared in his eyes. Even when she was being frustrating as hell, she was adorable. God, how he loved this woman. That one thought filled his heart with so much emotion he just knew it was seconds away from bursting. Wich made him all that more determined to get through to her.

That hint of admiration turned to irritation and his voice hardened with stubbornness. "You know, you're a good little liar when you want to be. Thing is…I know you. I can tell when you're gearing up for a whopper. When you're trying to change the subject. When you're being evasive."

"Now, there's no point in denying it." Rounding the table, Max crossed to stand next to Liz. "I know something's wrong." Waiting till she turned to face him, Max stood his determined ground. "And I'm not leaving till you tell me what it is." Silence greeted his demand. Max decided to try a different tactic by showing her she didn't hold all of the cards. "Fine. I'll start. Tell me why you ran out of the restaurant crying today."

Shock shattered Liz's expression and her eyes grew wide with disbelief. "Oh my God. You even followed me to the restaurant?!"

"No." Max shook his head instantly and kept his tone calm in the face of a gathering storm. "I was already there having lunch when Vaughn and you walked in. Needless to say, I wasn't a very good lunch companion after that."

"Why not?" Crossing her arms in front of her, Liz's nonchalant expression and shifted gaze was meant to give the impression she couldn't care less.

Max knew better. His gaze tenderly caressed her face as his voice softened perceptibly. "Because I couldn't take my eyes off you."

A heated flush colored Liz's cheeks. Despite the satisfaction that raced through her heart, disdain dripped from every syllable. "Poor, neglected little Mandy. She must have hated having to share your precious attention with someone else. It no doubt lessened the chance she could get you to tumble back into her bed."

A dark eyebrow raised.

"What?" Liz responded heatedly. "You think I don't know what she wants from you? The woman couldn't be more obvious if she draped herself across you naked and had her tongue down your throat."

"Maybe so." Max's even reply accompanied his searching gaze. "But it really doesn't matter what Mandy does or doesn't want. I thought you knew that."

"You know what?" Liz's face flushed with anger as she took a step back. "I am so not in the mood for this." Obviously flustered, Liz kept her gaze averted as she began to pace in front of Max. "The last thing I need right now is you prying into my life as if you have any right. Which you don't, by the way. Just because you think you have feelings for me, Max, doesn't mean you own me. It doesn't mean that I have to bear my soul to you whenever you snap your fingers and it certainly doesn't mean that I need you."

Pacing stopped abruptly. Liz spun to face him as her dark eyes turned to two coal-black beads of determination. "Because I don't. You understand?" With rising frustration, a pointed finger hit the center of Max's chest punctuating each word. "I. Don't. Need. You. Just like I don't need all of your buxom bimbos waltzing in and out of my life every other day. So please. If you want to help me right now…just leave."

Max crossed his arms in front of him with an air of determined finality.

"God! You're unbelievable!" Receiving his unspoken message loud and clear, Liz spun on her heels in obvious agitation. "Well, fine." She started gathering up her laundry into the laundry basket. "If you're not going to leave. I will." Hand slapping against the table as she bunched up a t-shirt, Liz's frustration was palpable. "Maybe then you'll get the point and leave me alone." Another slap. Another bunched t-shirt. "I mean, it's not like you don't have a million women throwing themselves at you. Hell, Mandy wants you enough for the whole damn planet!"

Shifting the basket to the end of the table, Liz reached for her laundry detergent. She was beyond paying attention to the flow of emotion. The uninterrupted words. The not so hidden jealousy. "Not that it would matter. No one could ever live up to the glorious memory of the one and only great love of Max Evan's life." She dropped the bottle into her basket and grabbed her purse. "And God forbid anyone should ever try!"

Sudden realization hit Max like a ton of bricks. Two and two were put together. Bits and pieces of the puzzle slipped into place. There was only one reason for Liz's outrage. Only one person who could have prompted such jealousy.

"Alright." Fighting to keep a level of calm in his voice, Max's voice turned steely as white hot rage ripped through his heart. "What did she say to you?"

Liz distractedly glanced around for any clothes she might have missed. "Who?"

"Mandy."

Her head snapped up. An angry flush appeared on Liz's neck at the sound of Mandy's name. She slammed the lid to the washer and spat out her one word answer. "Nothing."

Reaching out, Max grabbed Liz's arm and spun her around. His searching eyes bored into hers. "Don't lie to me."

Yanking her arm out of his grasp, Liz's eyes flashed with irritation. "It was…look, it's nothing I can't handle, Max. Now, if you'll excuse me…"

Max stepped into Liz's path as she turned toward the door. "Uh-huh. No way are you leaving until we get this settled."

"Dammit, Max! I said I can handle it!" Liz pushed the hair out of her eyes and glared at him.

"Obviously, you can't!" Max glared back. "And frankly, I don't even know why you'd want to! I'm here…ready, able and willing to help you and you won't even let me in!"

Grabbing the clothes basket out of Liz's hands, Max dropped it with a thud on the floor at their feet. "Do you have any idea…**any** idea just how absolutely frustrating you are?" Hands on his hips, Max shook his head in self-condemnation. "I mean, my God…because of you I have turned my back on every single promise I made to myself to not get tied down. To not care about anyone. To not be so helplessly at the mercy of any other human being."

"Yet here I am. Head over heels in love with you. Completely yours to do with as you wish. You could break me with a word." Throwing his arms out, the harshness of Max's tone was gone as shameless devotion filled every syllable. "And I'd be powerless to stop you."

Blinking back the sting of angry tears, Liz's chin raised in defiance. "Well. If that’s the way you feel, Max…if being with me is such a burden…there is nothing and no one stopping you from leaving. In fact, let me help you get me out of your life." Swallowing back a lump of emotion, Liz made her move. Sidestepping Max, Liz headed straight for the open door.

"Oh no you don't. No way are you getting off that easily." Max spun around and rushed forward, beating Liz to the door only seconds before she reach its opening. He slammed it shut in her face. Standing between Liz and the door, Max crossed his arms in front of him as secret knowledge flashed across his expression.

Realization lit her eyes. Liz's mouth dropped open as her gaze shifted from Max to the closed door back to Max again. Fury exploded. "You idiot! There's something wrong with that door! You just locked us in here!"

"Good!" Max shot back just as loudly. "Now you'll finally have to deal with me instead of running away like you always do when things get a little too close!"

"You…I…you…" Flustered beyond belief, Liz gave up trying to form a sentence and formed a yell instead. "AAAAARRRGGGGHHHH!!!"

As Liz spun on her heels and stomped away in complete and utter frustration, a devious grin danced in Max's eyes. "And deal with me you will…"


Tbc…

[Ashton]

Hey all!

Thanks once again for the feedback!! So glad you're enjoying the story. Here's the next chapter and it'll start the morning after the night in the laundry room then jump back to right after Max locks them in the room. Hope you enjoy!!! As always, would love to hear what you think!!!

Hugs,
Ashton
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ chapter 29 ~


The paintbrush barely touched the canvass.

As Liz Parker stared absently into space, her hand moved at a snail's pace. Creating nothing of value. Making little contact. Paintbrush in hand and a gallon of blue paint at her feet, she should have been further along in her project. Having arrived at the Millennium Foundation bright and early, Liz had several donated sets lying around her on the workroom floor waiting to be painted for the play at the upcoming fundraiser.

She hadn't even finished one.

The reason? Liz Parker was lost in a world of dreams. Dreams full of Max. That smile. Infuriating in its versatility. One moment, penetratingly unguarded. The next, maddeningly seductive. Those eyes with their ever-changing colors. From the deepest, darkest midnight to a blazing gold, the various passions that exploded in his eyes at any given moment were…breathtaking. And those arms. So solid, so steady. His hands. Gentle, loving. Safe.

So what if they'd been locked in a laundry room? For all the energy and magic that filled that room, it could have been an enchanted castle. And being completely engulfed in his arms, by his presence...pure heaven. A flush colored her cheeks as a dreamy sigh escaped unnoticed. So lost in her dreams was Liz, she didn’t hear the footsteps that came up quietly behind her until it was too late.

"Someone's got a secret." A gentle, sing-songy voice whispered softly in her ear jolting her back to the present and sending shivers down her spine.

Liz jumped slightly before turning around to face Max as a gentle smile instantly lit her eyes. "Are you ever going to stop scaring me?"

Pleased with himself, Max began to chuckle. "Well, if you hadn't been daydreaming...."

Her cheeks colored guiltily. "I wasn't daydreaming." Trying to keep the laughter that was dancing in her eyes out of her voice, Liz put a hand on one hip and pointed at Max with the paintbrush in her other hand. "I was just...."

"Yes?" Max prompted, a devilish look of knowing in his eyes.

Liz's chin came up defiantly. "I was planning the...um....the program for the fundraiser." She eyed him cautiously. "Wait a minute. What are you doing here? I figured after last night you wouldn't roll out of bed until way past noon."

"And miss precious time with you?" Max raised his eyebrow and took a step closer to her almost backing her up against the wall. "Not a chance in hell." His lips tilted cockily as he noticed passion darken her eyes. And the way she swallowed self-consciously at his closeness sent a shiver of satisfaction through his entire body. "I just had to see you. In fact, I couldn't wait. I had to tell you…" His answer was gentle, his voice almost a whisper. "…I understand."

"Understand?" A look of confusion played over Liz's face. "Understand what?"

"Your secret." He answered without hesitation. "And, you know, it's ok with me...in fact, I'm flattered."

Panic was instant. Irritation, a half a second behind. As Liz's gaze shifted to Max's chest, her mind whirled. What had she done now? Better yet, what had Max Evans done? And how was he going to use it to weaken her more than he already had? "What are you talking about? What secret?" Realizing how defensive she sounded and noticing Max's grin deepening, Liz decided to take a different approach.

She forced a broad smile. "Oh, *I* see." She started to chuckle her self-deprecating, I-see-you-caught-me, kind of chuckle. "Fine. I admit it." Mock guilt was written all over her face. "I ate the last cookie instead of giving it to Squeaky like I promised." An adorable pout formed on her lips as she gazed up at Max coyly. "I was so very hungry and Squeaky is, after all, a mouse. Since he's seriously into cheese, I figured it'd just be wasted on him anyway."

Max rolled his eyes.

"So there." A flippant shrug. A toss of her hair behind her shoulders. A nonchalant gaze held his. "Now you know all my secrets."

"Hardly." Max flashed a knowing grin. "And even if I did, that's not the secret I was talking about."

Voice light and casual, Liz shrugged. "Sorry, pal. That's all I can offer…" Liz tried to duck away from him, but he stopped her by backing her up against the set wall with his arms on either side of her blocking her in. He leaned in close to her. So close that their lips were centimeters from touching. She could feel herself getting lost in those chocolate-coated amber eyes of his. Her breathing hitched. Her heart began to race.

As the world around her disappeared, Max Evans became her entire focus.

"That's not the secret." Having her undivided attention, Max repeated his voice low and sexy...drawing her in with each lilting syllable.

"Wh…what secret are you...are you talking about then?" Liz stuttered. Blinking quickly, she tried to re-gain some control over her bodily reactions, but he was so close. So very, very close. She was finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate on anything but his lips. His eyes. God, those eyes. And the tight, hard muscles rippling under his shirt. Suddenly, there was no air to pull into her lungs. Just Max. Everywhere around her. Embracing her with his heat. She unconsciously licked her lips.

"I *know*, sweetheart. I know the 'key' to your desires." His cryptic answer was bold and unnerving.

A sly grin spread over Liz's face as her knees began to buckle. "The key to my desires?" Her gaze landed on his lips. "And what, pray tell, would those desires be?"

Despite the heat building between them, Max had a point to make. And make it he would. His answer was swift and confident. "Being with me, of course. In a locked laundry room. With no means of escape..."

His answer snapped her out of her haze. Liz rolled her eyes and started laugh self-consciously. "You think I *wanted* to be locked up with you last night? You're crazy if you..."

Max stopped her by putting his finger up to her lips and continued. "...with no means of escape...but a key." He reached into his pocket, pulled out the key to the laundry room and held it up for her to see. "A key that you knew existed. A key you didn't try to look for even though it's location is known to every resident in your apartment complex."

Liz's mouth dropped open. "How...how...?"

"How did I know about the key?" Max finished for her. "I *had* the key. In my pocket. It was exactly where Sydney said it would be."

Liz's eyes flashed with indignation. "You *had* the key? The whole time? And you locked us in there on purpose?? You...you...you scheming, lying…cretan!" Liz's sudden anger not only surprised Max...it surprised her as well. If she'd thought about it, she would have known that she was more upset with the fact that Max had seen right through her than she was that he locked them in. But right at that moment, she wasn't thinking at all.

She made a sudden move to push Max away, forgetting that the brush full of bright blue paint was still in her hand. As her hands hit his chest, the brush hit him squarely in the nose. "Hey! Watch it!" Max yelled as he took a step back.

The surprised and comically ridiculous look on Max's face sent Liz into a fit of instant giggles that she couldn't control no matter how hard she tried. Pointing and laughing, Liz nearly doubled over as tears filled her eyes. Despite being smeared with blue paint and hence, the butt of this particular joke, Max did take a certain pleasure in her delight. He couldn't help himself. He loved her laughter. Even if it was at his expense.

Trying to wipe the paint off of his face, Max started to shake his head and chuckled. "You think you're sooo funny, don't you?"

Liz's grin widened into the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen. She sighed with satisfaction. "I can be on occasion. And this just happens to be one of them."

"Let's just see how funny you think this is..." Max declared quickly as he dove for another paint brush he'd spotted on the floor. He dumped it in the can of paint and stood back up to swipe Liz's face with the brush before she even knew what hit her.

Her mouth dropped open as she stood there more drenched in paint than he was. "I…I…" Glittering eyes met his as her lips twitched with laughter. "Oh, you are sooo going to pay for that."

And suddenly, the battle was on.

They squared off against each other, each with a fully loaded brush of paint and a mischievous twinkle in their eyes. After splashing each other from a somewhat safe distance and circling each other for a few moments, Max finally took the plunge and rushed her. Surprising her and taking her down to the floor in a heap of giggles and laughter, Max proceeded to cover her in blue paint. As they fell to the floor together, they managed to knock over the set Liz had been painting, causing further gales of laughter from both of them.

"Stop! Please stop!" Liz squealed as she squirmed to try to get away from his flailing brush.

"Not until you admit it." Max answered laughingly as he finally tossed the brush to the side and pinned her down.

Arms held above her head and Max's knees on either side of her prostrate body, Liz was completely as Max's mercy. She didn't seem to mind. Despite her attempt to bite back the smile on her lips, her cheeks were flushed from exertion and eyes were bright with laughter. As her chest rose and fell in panting gasps, her breathless question filled the space between them. "Admit what?"

"Admit you wanted to be with me just as much as I wanted to be with you last night. Admit last night was your move." His voice was low and husky.

"Never." Her obvious lie heated his skin. Her ebony eyes glittered with challenge.

Max's eyes flickered with a desire that took Liz's power of speech away. The need, the hunger, the utter vulnerability filling his entire expression stole the air from her lungs. Max swallowed hard as her smile slipped away and her eyes darkened to two fathomless pools of midnight. His chest hitched with a now all-too-familiar craving. As he unconsciously licked his lips, his fingers threaded through hers. "Prove it."

Playfulness quickly turned to raging heat.

Pressing against her, Max was rewarded by a deep sigh coming from the back of her throat as Liz's eyes drifted closed. His name was on her lips as her fingers curled around his and it took all his willpower not to explode from the force of the sensations coursing through his body at the sound. A primal need ripped a raspy command from deep inside him. "Look at me."

Her hungry gaze met his.

And Liz Parker was instantly lost.

The paint across Max's face served to make his eyes darker than she'd ever seen before while flecks of gold gave them an unearthly glow. Or perhaps that was the result of the electricity zipping in the air around them. The fire exploding between them. The force of it was…magnetic. Pulling her to him. Making a connection that was dangerous and enticing, scary and exciting all in the same breath. She could feel his chest against hers, rising and falling with each shallow breath. She ached for him. For his body. His touch.

His challenge hung in the air between them.

She hadn't answered. But words at this moment would have only clouded the incredible sensations that were sparking through them. In fact, she wasn't even sure she was capable of answering. With the tightness in her chest and the sudden explosions in the pit of her stomach, Liz Parker did the only thing she could. The only thing she wanted. Needed.

She arched up into him.

A helpless sound escaped Max and his eyes turned coal black in a heartbeat. A slow, coy smile began to curve her lips and her shallow breathing quickened as his grip tightened against her hands. The tip of her tongue wet her lips as they parted slightly, the unspoken invitation as clear as the passion in her eyes. Her gaze dropped to land on his lips, a bold, unspoken request hung between them. Not one to deny his lady her implicit wishes, Max's lips dipped down to meet hers.

Milliseconds before contact, someone cleared their throat.

Max and Liz both looked toward the sound, bumping their heads as they did so.

"Ow!" The simultaneous exclamation broke the spell they'd been under. Beginning to rub their heads, the couple tried not to fall into a fit of laughter again realizing joviality would only hinder their explanations.

They quickly became a pile of scrambled body parts as Liz tried to push Max away in an attempt to stand up. Max didn't move as quickly and landed on his back as Liz stumbled, managing to fall down again right on top of him with a thud. Her ponytail flew over her head and hit him squarely in the nose.

One look in each other's eyes was all it took. Liz dropped her head onto Max's chest as their bodies started shaking, their combined laughter filling the room.

Sister Mary Margaret looked at Amanda Carlton and rolled their eyes. "Just once, it would be nice to walk in on them and not have them rolling around on the floor together." Turning her attention back to the giggling couple, Sister Mary Margaret put on her best authoritative face. "Alright you two clowns. Time to straighten up. We've brought reinforcements and it wouldn't be a good idea for any of them to see you like this."

Liz did her best to sober immediately and pushed herself off of Max into a sitting position behind his still prostrate body. "Sorry, Sister. We were just..." She said as one last giggle escaped her lips.

Max's grin deepened as an air of cockiness came over him. He saw the angry flush on Mandy's face and he certainly didn't miss its meaning. She was jealous. Max knew what she'd just walked in on and knew it was exactly what she needed to see. Max casually put his hands behind his head, crossed his ankles and echoed Liz's sentiment. "Yes. We **were* just…" He let the sentence dangle as he gave Mandy a pointed look.

Liz wiped the grin off her face giving Max a nudge with her knee as she shot him a warning look. She turned back to the Sister and tried to act as if she didn't notice the storm brewing in Mandy's eyes. "You said something about reinforcements?"

"Yes. They should be here soon." Sister Mary Margaret's attention was captured by a sound in the hallway. "In fact, that's probably them. If you'll excuse me…"

Mandy turned to follow the Sister when Max's voice stopped her cold. "Not so fast, Amanda Michelle." Turning on his side and propping himself up on his elbow, Max waited till Mandy turned to face them. "I believe there was something you wanted to say."

As her entire body stiffened, defiance flashed through Amanda's gray eyes. Her chin raised in a tense moment of tight-lipped rebellion. Max responded with a pointedly raised eyebrow and a steely look of determination. Obviously not pleased but powerless to deny Max's unspoken demand, Amanda turned her attention to Liz. "Rachel. I…owe you…an apology." The words were obviously difficult to say. "Even after Max made your relationship clear to me yesterday, I purposely tried to goad you into a fight. It was…" She paused, forcing the words out. "…wrong. And I'm…sorry."

With an upraised eyebrow, Liz looked from Mandy to Max, who gave her an innocent beats-me shrug, then back to Mandy. Continuing the rehearsed speech Max had supplied for her, Mandy tried to ignore the look of utter disbelief on Liz's face. "Given the circumstances, I've decided to cut this trip short. It's been nice meeting you and…" Giving Liz a pointed look of unspoken warning, Mandy ignored the equally warning daggers Max was shooting her way. Though her words were smooth as silk, Liz didn't miss their meaning as she veered from Max's chosen script. "…I'm sure you'll both get all that you deserve."

Mandy shot Max a parting glance. "Max. You know where to find me if…when…well, you know…" Letting the rest of her sentence dangle with a not so subtle meaning. Mandy turned on her heel. She was once again stopped by a voice.

This time it was the voice of Liz Parker.

"Max tells me you're the best fundraiser he's ever known."

Turning back to Liz with a smirk on her lips, Amanda's eyes shown with pride. "Not to brag, but I do have a certain talent for getting what I want when I put my mind to it."

"I see." Ignoring the shift of Mandy's gaze from Liz to Max, Liz pursed her lips as if in thought. Thoroughly aware of Max's closeness as he eased himself into a sitting position next to her, Liz's focus shifted back to Mandy. "And what would entice you into wanting to raise money for our fundraiser?" Seeing the glint in Mandy's eyes, Liz hastened to clarify. "Besides Max, of course."

"Max was the only enticement you possess, I'm afraid." Mandy shot back.

"Not even the needs of abandoned and lonely children?"

Mandy answered coldly. "Not this trip."

Max's knee rested gently on top of hers as he placed a hand on the floor behind Liz, his entire presence swallowing her up. His intense stare heated her skin. She could literally feel the question in his eyes and had to expend great energy just to stay focused on the conversation at hand. "Hmmm. That's too bad then." Liz turned to Max with a nonchalant shrug, her eyes instantly warming the moment they met his. "Well, I guess you were right. You win the bet."

Confusion flashed through Max's eyes with lightning speed before Max masked his expression and threw his hat into whatever pot Liz Parker was stirring. Assumption, not facts, ruled his response. If Liz was pretending to be on one side of a bet they never made, then naturally he should be on the other. "Was there ever any doubt that I would?"

Liz smiled coyly as she reached up and gently stroked the side of Max's face. "You're so adorable when you gloat."

Max's smile deepened as he leaned into her hand. He still didn't know where this was going, but he certainly liked it so far. "Yeah? Well, I guess I see now why you made such an easy bet for me to win."

"You think that's what I did, huh?" Liz responded, her eyes beginning to shine with hidden laughter. That Max was playing along with her plan without foreknowledge and without missing a beat warmed Liz's heart in ways she'd never dreamed.

"I know that's what you did." Max responded, a teasing smirk playing around the corners of his mouth. "Given the conditions of the bet if I win, it only makes sense…"

Gaze shifting back and forth between them Mandy grew uncomfortable. She didn't appreciate the private conversation being played out before her. A conversation that was clearly about her and yet excluded her all in the same breath. A conversation that made it clear there was an added level of intimacy between them that hadn't been there the day before.

"Whoa. Wait. What are you two talking about?" Mandy's defensive tone broke Max and Liz's intense stare. "What bet did you make about me?"

"Well…" Liz's hand dropped to cover Max's hand as it rested gently on her leg. "Max here said you wouldn't stay unless he asked and I didn't think you were that much of a cold, heartless witch. So we made a bet." Liz smiled sweetly. "Max won."

Eyes narrowing, Mandy's hands landed on her hips. "And what exactly did Max win?"

Eyes brightening when her gaze met Max's, a secret smile spread over Liz's full lips. Max swallowed hard at the way a pretty blush spread over her cheeks. The sound of his own voice answering was a surprise to both of them. "A weekend in a remote location of my choice." Cupping the side of Liz's face, Max's gaze roamed her face. "Alone." His voice became raspy with desire. "Full of the most deliciously intimate explorations known to man."

There was a moment of silence. Then…

"Alright." Mandy clapped her hands together once. "So, when did you want me to get started on the fundraiser and how much do we have to raise…"


Amusement danced in Liz's eyes ten minutes later as she watched Mandy saunter out of the work room. Bent right knee resting gently against her back, Max's voice was low in her ear. "Are you sure you know what you're doing keeping her around?"

Nestled between his legs, Liz swallowed hard at his closeness and leaned back into him. She relished the warmth of his body. Took strength from the hard, smooth muscles of his legs pressed against her back and along her leg. Felt a delicious tingling down her spine at the gentle way his fingers played with her hair then dropped to absently brush the exposed back of her neck. Her one-word answer came out in a breathless rush. "Yes."

"Would you care to clue me in?" Max queried with a knowing smirk and a hint of teasing in his voice. He tilted his head to gaze at her profile. "Since I am, you know, the obvious prize."

Feeling a heated flush coloring her cheeks, Liz chuckled and rolled her eyes. "You aren't the obvious anything." Letting out a sigh, she turned to him and met his gaze. Sparks ignited instantly between them. Gold strand in his eyes shimmered with passion. His lips parted slightly as his chest rose and fell with a ragged sigh. His adam's apple bobbed with a hard swallow.

Liz was equally affected. She felt an instant heat flush through her entire body. Electricity zipped everywhere their bodies connected. She was suddenly aware of every hard, toned muscle pressing against her. "Max…" Lifting her hand to gently caress the side of his face, Liz's eyes brightened with warmth and darkened with desire all in the same heart-stopping moment. "…you are such a bundle of contradictions that…you just keep surprising me."

A dark eyebrow rose. "In a good way, I hope."

Her gaze dropped to his lips. "What do you think?"

"I think…" Capturing a strand of Liz's hair, Max began to wind it around his finger. "…that keeping Mandy here has very little to do with the fundraiser and everything to do with what happened between us last night."

"You're right." Liz's whisper quickened Max's racing heartbeat. Her gaze lowered, the long dark lashes concealing whatever emotions were racing through those expressive eyes of hers. "What you gave me last night, Max…" Her gaze slowly raised to meet his with startling honesty. "…I want to be worthy of that."

"Oh, sweetie." Gently cupping her face in his hands, Max shook his head slightly. "You're worthy of so much more."

"I wish I could believe that." Liz answered softly. "Prove it somehow…"

"You have nothing to prove to me." Max responded, equally soft. His fingers curled around her face with a gentle fierceness. "Nothing."

"I know." She gave him a smile of reassurance. A smile of acceptance. A smile that warmed her eyes to the very core. First leaning into one hand, Liz's lips grazed his open palm before she turned to the other to repeat the process. Taking his hands in hers, Liz tilted her head to the side as a confession softened her expression. "But I do have something to prove…to myself."

"And you think Mandy being here is going to do that?" Max asked not quite sure how Mandy's presence would accomplish Liz's goal.

A slight shrug. A lopsided, sheepish smile. A sigh of resignation. "I guess that's what I need to find out."

"Alright." Accepting Liz's explanation without further query, Max upped the ante. "Just promise me one thing."

"What?"

His intense gaze bored into hers, sparking a flame in the depths of her soul. "Never doubt my love for you. No matter what anyone says or does."

"Oh, Max…" A smile began to slowly spread over her lips as fingers traced the contours of his face. Over his lips, down his jaw, over his cheeks, Liz took her time investigating every inch before she slipped her arms around his neck. Nuzzling her nose against his, the teasing brush of her lips against his prompted a moan of protest when she didn't fully deliver her promised actions. Pulling back slightly to look deeply into his eyes, the teasing in her eyes was instantly replaced with an openness that echoed her whispered confession. "…your love will never be in question again."

A slow, responding smile brightened his expression. His arms encircled her waist before one hand traveled up her back to gently graze the exposed skin at the nap of her neck. His midnight eyes began to dance with mischief. "So, I take it I'm forgiven for my little stunt last night."

A wide grin broke out on Liz's face. "Forgiven…" Her gaze dropped to his lips. "…but not forgotten."

"No?" A quirk of his lips brought her coy gaze back to his eyes.

"Uh-huh." She shook her head, sending her pony tail into a bouncing frenzy. "In fact…" Mock seriousness clouded her expression. "…you have a lot to make up for. Starting with purposely locking us in last night and ending with the paint matting my hair as we speak."

Biting back a chuckle, Max felt the tension re-building between them with increasing speed. His gaze was drawn to the lips hovering dangerously close to his. "Oh? And uh…how do you propose I make up for all of these things?"

Eyes darkening to the color of coal, Liz unconsciously licked her lips. Her breathless answer warmed Max's skin. "You're a smart boy." A suggestive nuzzle of his nose. A quick nip of his lips. A teasing brush of her body against his. A heated voice in his ear. "I'm sure you can come up with something…"

Quick as lightning, Max flipped Liz over and took her down to the floor, covering her body with his in the space of a heartbeat. "Oh, I'd say something's coming up alright…" Max's raspy response prompted a giggle that faded into a deep sigh of pleasure as Max's lips descended and his hands began to roam…
~~~~~~~~~~
The night before…

A period of verbal silence followed Liz's primal scream.

The only sound in the room was Liz's stomping feet and clothes being loaded into a washer. Watching her, Max was amazed. In all his years on this planet, he'd never dreamed that washing clothes could be such an emotional process. Or that clothes could make such a racket. But they did when being angrily thrown by a livid Liz Parker.

Jerky movements commenced. An explosion of hair bouncing occurred. Under-the-breath mumbling had now begun. Max could barely make out words like 'idiot', 'jerk' and 'insufferable'. Given his overall innocence in the grand scheme of things, he could only assume she meant the guy that owned the red briefs.

Toe tapping out a furious and frenzied tune, Liz tossed the empty basket to the side and grabbed the bleach. Cap off, she poured the entire jug into the washer then tossed it over her shoulder where it landed on the floor with a bounce. Coupled with the scurrilous adjective 'jerk-faced-yard-ape', Max's name made its first verbal appearance in her scathing tirade.

An eyebrow rose as Max came to two reluctant, yet very important, conclusions. One…the 'idiot' previously reference was probably not the guy with the red briefs. And two…given the fact Liz was running out of things to throw, it was probably a good thing he was too large to be stuffed into small spaces.

As he watched his love take her frustrations out on a pile of unoffending material, Max heard Sydney's voice in his head. "The laundry door locks automatically. Liz knows where the key is inside the room if she really, really means it when she says she doesn't want to be with you so, don't think if the plan backfires that she can't get out. And just in case your life is in danger because of this little stunt, I'll tell you where the key is. You never know when you'll need a quick escape route…"

Keeping a careful eye on Liz, Max used his talent of moving soundlessly through a space to reach the open faced cabinet in the corner. Goal reached, mission accomplished, Max slipped the key into his pocket before turning his attention back to the object of his affections. Her frantic movements had ceased and the slump of her shoulders gave strong indication she was running out of angry steam. Instead of dancing on the balls of her feet, her weight came back onto her heels and her head lowered in seeming defeat.

Finally, Max spoke.

"I'm giving you one last chance to tell me what Mandy said to you to make you so upset."

Liz remained staunchly silent.

"Alllright…" Chest rising and falling with resigned irritation, Max pulled out his cell phone and began to punch in a number. He waited till the phone rang once, twice, three times. The line finally picked up. He didn't even give her a chance to speak. "Mandy. Don't speak until I say. I have a question and I want your honest answer…"

Liz's head snapped up. She spun around. Her eyes grew wide. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Getting to the bottom of this." Voice hardening, Max's eyes met hers obstinately as he covered the mouthpiece. "If you won't tell me, I have no other choice."

"No, Max. Don't." A hint of desperation edged her voice. A plea called out to him from her eyes.

Ignoring that plea, that desperation, Max flashed her a tight, defiant grin and deliberately turned his back on her. "As I was saying, Mandy, I have a question and I want the absolute truth…"

"I **said**…" Instantly in action, a horrified Liz shot across the room and made a wild grab for his phone. "…don't!" Deftly spinning out of Liz's way, Max distractedly spoke into the phone telling Mandy to hang on before turning to face a battle he'd instigated.

They danced. They bobbed. They weaved. Max's height had given him an edge. Liz's flexibility and fierceness was a formidable counter-weight. Fending off Liz's attack with one hand as he held the phone high in the air with the other, Max could sense Liz's increasing panic. Being yelled into his ear, it was hard to miss. "Max! Dammit, Max, I mean it! Just…"

Then Liz Parker did the unexpected.

She tickled him.

A burst of frustrated laughter filled the room as Max's arms reflectively dropped. Liz made her move. Fingers firmly wrapped around his phone, Liz ripped the device from Max's hand and, spinning away from him, she threw it against the wall with a force that shocked even Liz. The phone shattered on contact. Her hands flew to her mouth to hold in the gasp that had already escaped and her eyes were as large as saucers.

One could hear a pin drop in the stunned silence

Max stepped up next to her, his gaze fixed on his splintered phone. They turned to each other simultaneously. Max's expression was a contrast of emotions. Awe. Irritation. Pride. Exasperation. Obviously afraid of his reaction, Liz was nervously biting her lower lip as her eyes filled with sheepish repentance.

Hands on hips, a dark eyebrow rose in question.

In response, Liz gave Max the most adorable shrug he'd ever seen in his life. "Oops."

He wanted to melt. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and never let go of this delightful creature he'd found. Instead, a second eyebrow rose to meet the first. "Oops?"

"Oops." Her voice took on a slightly girlish tone that was damn near irresistible.

Max bit back the amusement beginning to fill his heart. "You do realize that was our way out of here, right?"

Liz's face paled instantly as the realization of his words hit her full force. Her gaze wavered guiltily. But only for a second. In the next, a defiant gaze met his. "Hey, don't blame me. You were the one calling someone neither of us needed to talk to instead of calling the police or someone who could actually get us out of this hell."

He blinked in disbelief. "You're…you're blaming me for this?"

"Naturally." A nonchalant shrug delivered, Liz Parker side stepped Max and headed back to the safety of her pink laundry.

"You know…" Turning toward her, Max crossed his arms defensively over his chest. "…I'm starting to sense a theme with you."

"Oh, yeah?" The question was flippant. Disinterested.

"Yeah." Max advanced toward her. "You screw up. You blame me. You did it back in New Haven. You're doing it now." The dramatic pause was brief but effectual. "Well, I've had it, missy."

Liz turned to face him with a semi-amused smirk. "Missy?"

Stone-faced, Max didn't budge. "You heard me."

"My God." A flash of panic raced through her eyes. Her voice was as tight as the now caustic smile turning her lips white. "Is it possible I've finally pushed the ever-patient Max Evans to the brink?"

"No." Without hesitation, Max's answer was clipped. "But it's damn time you and I got a few things straight."

Liz crossed her arms in front of her. "For once, I agree with you."

"Good." One curt nod and Max launched into his list. "Now, for starters…"

"Oh, no. Absolutely not." Liz's emphatic statement stopped Max cold. "You locked us in here. I get to go first."

"Fine."

"Fine." Liz shot back before crossing her arms in front of her. "First and foremost…I don't appreciate being followed like a common criminal."

"I did not follow you like a…"

Holding her hand up for silence, Liz shot Max a venomous look. "Just because you have this whole hero complex thing going on does not mean it's your place to worry about me. I'm not some fragile damsel in distress, Max. I can take care of myself. In fact, I've been doing it all my life in ways you could never imagine." Shaking her head in pure exasperation, Liz continued her condemnation. "I mean, my God…did it ever occur to you once…just once…that perhaps I **want** to be by myself when I'm upset? That maybe…just maybe…that's the way I deal with things?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact it did." Max shot back just as heatedly. "Look, I know you. I know you like to think you're indestructible. That you don't need or want anyone. That you can handle anything that comes you way. And you know what? You're probably right. You are, without a doubt, the strongest woman I've ever met." Max took a step forward, his voice softening. "But then it occurred to me…why should you have to? I thought maybe just this once…as foreign as the concept is to you…you'd accept a shoulder to cry on. Specifically my shoulder."

Liz opened her mouth to protest, but Max shot her down. "No. Before you launch into another 'Max-is-so-horrible-for-caring-enough-about-me-to-find-me' tirade, you're going to listen to a few things."

"First…" A dark eyebrow rose. "…stop destroying my cell phones."

"Your cell phones?" Having expected a weightier topic to start the discussion, disbelief bored into her expression. "What the hell does your cell phones have to do…"

"It's irritating." Max interrupted before moving quickly on to his next point. "Second…don't make a promise to me that you have no intention of keeping." The fiery glow of his eyes jumped a notch. "**That** is non-negotiable."

"Oh, for God's sakes, Max, it was just dessert." Liz responded flippantly though her gaze guiltily shifted from his. She crossed her arms in front of her as she rocked back uncertainly on her heels. "And if you want to get technical about it, that wasn't even what I promised you. I promised lunch. Not dessert."

Irritation flared in Max's eyes. He waved away her distinction with an impatient gesture. "Fine. Whatever. The point is…we had a deal. I was going to lunch with Mandy then coming back to meet with you. Except when I got there, there's no sight of you. I searched everywhere until Gabe informed me that you'd already left for the day. And after what I saw at the restaurant…" He paused. A hint of pain flashed through his eyes. "Do you have any idea how that made me feel?"

Gaze shifting from Max's open expression, Liz swallowed hard and shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. Max pressed his obvious advantage. "No? Well, I'll tell you. It scared the hell out of me. I was desperate to find you. All I could think about was how you might need me and how I wasn't there for you." He paused, losing no steam in the process. If possible, his tone was even more emphatic. "So, yes, I searched for you. I went to the bridge and checked my friends' house and probably a million other places you'd never dream of going before I ended up here at your apartment."

"And what happens when I get here?" He paused with an upraised eyebrow before answering his own question. "Exactly what happens every time that you need me and refuse to let yourself admit it." Ticking Liz's responses off on his fingers, Max's eyes were blazing with a fire ignited by hurt. "You get mad at me for caring. You push me away. You act as if everything is my fault when we both know damn well that it isn't."

His hands landed on his hips with an almost audible thud. "But let's not kid ourselves. My finding you here tonight isn't why you're so pissed right now. Is it?"

Eyes snapping up to meet his, Liz's jaws tightened with anger. "You know what, Max? You're right. That's not why I'm so pissed right now."

"Then why are you?"

"Fine. I'll tell you." Liz stepped up to him, her eyes crackling with indignation. "The one thing that pisses me off more than anything else is **you** forever telling me just what I **do** feel! You've been doing it since the day we met and I've had it up to here!" Holding her hand high above her head, Liz eyes were hard as ice. Her voice was shaking with emotion and gaining in volume. "I have thoughts and feelings, Max, that you in your self-imposed wisdom know nothing about!"

"Yeah?" Max's intensity equaled hers. "Well then, what are you waiting for? Why don't you do it? Why don't you tell me exactly how you **do** feel!"

Like rushing water, Liz's emotions tumbled helplessly over the ledge of reason. "I feel…I feel like my world is spinning completely out of control. That's how I feel. And for the second time in my life, I'm utterly, hopelessly powerless to stop it! And do you know why? It's because of you, Max. Because of you!!"

The words were out of her mouth before she could pull them back in. Before she could reason them out. A thrill of victory raced through Max. This is what he'd been waiting for. Liz Parker beyond thinking. Liz Parker pushed to the limit. Liz Parker oblivious to the consequences of the truth exploding in the heat of an argument.

"Don't stop now." Max's voice had dropped to a gentle coaxing. "Tell me why."

Spinning on her heels, Liz took a few strides away from him, her own words echoing in her ears. She couldn't believe she'd admitted that to him. That she'd come so close to telling him just how unworthy, how undeserving she was of his attentions. And just how very powerless she was against such a stubborn love.

Sensing the walls beginning to rise quickly, a hint of desperation edged Max's voice. In an attempt to get both of their feet planted on steady ground, Max grasped for anything. Even straws he knew would blow away with the wind. "Amanda's not a threat to you."

"Threat? To me?" Disbelief edged her voice as Liz turned to face him. "You think that's what I'm so upset about?"

"Actually, no, I don't." Stepping forward, Max's eyes met hers. Searching. Probing. Finding a truth in the depths of her eyes that made his heart sink with regret. "I think this is about what it's always been about."

"Oh, really?" She tried to level her response with a hint of sarcasm. She failed miserably.

"Yes. Really." The gentleness in his voice mirrored the infuriating understanding in his eyes.

Chin raising in defense, Liz's eyes held a hint of uncertainty. "And what do you think that is?"

"McKenna." The name was spoken softly, with reverence. With pain. With a hint of daring.

Liz's entire body stiffened at the name. Her voice hardened, sure indication that not only had Max hit a nerve, this particular nerve ran deep to the core of all her bundled insecurities. "This has nothing to do with McKenna, Max."

"No?" Max cocked an eyebrow at her.

"No." Beginning to pace in front of him, the agitation in Liz's step shook her voice. "It…it has to do with you. And…and me. And how this thing you want to happen between us is never going to happen. And just how sick that makes me deep inside. It makes me sick, Max, because…" Stopping abruptly, Liz spun to face him. "…I'm going to hurt you. I know I'm going to hurt you. You know I'm going to hurt you. Hell, Mandy hasn't been here a day and even she knows I'm going to hurt you."

"So that's what she said to you…" A scowl marred the perfection of his expression.

Realizing her slip, Liz crossed her arms once more. "It doesn't matter what she said, Max. It wasn't anything I haven't either already heard or thought myself."

"I see." Pursing his lips in seeming thought, Max nodded his head once as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Let me guess. She told you about McKenna and me. How perfect we were for each other. How much I loved her. And how you'll never be anything more than a substitute. In the process, she's made you doubt yourself. Doubt my love for you. Question whether you truly deserve to feel what you feel with me. Instead, she's made you feel…unworthy." A dark eyebrow raised. "Did I get it about right?"

Ignoring the truth of his words, Liz blinked back the film of tears clouding her vision. "How can you be so flippant right now? I just told you…all of this is pointless. I will hurt you, Max. I'm powerless to stop it. You know it just like I do. It's literally tearing me up inside and…it…it doesn't even faze you. How can something like that not faze you?"

Stepping up to Liz, Max took her face in his hands. "Because I believe in you."

Liz pushed his hands away and took a step back. "Stop, ok? No one has that much faith. Not even you." Turning her back on him, Liz's head dropped as her shoulders began to shake.

Max took a deep breath, his eyes focused on the moonlight streaming through the window to shimmer across Liz's smooth hair. As he released the breath slowly, Max steeled himself for the conversation that was about to take place. That needed to take place. Obviously painful, it was equally important. And long over due. She had to know. She had to understand once and for all just what loving her meant to him.

Just a breath away, she could feel the heat of his body surrounding her. Fighting the urge to lean back into his comforting support, Liz melted at the sound of his voice. So quiet. So broken. So full of heart-tugging vulnerability. "Her name was McKenna Eileen Donovan. She was my fiancee'. And it's time, my love, that you finally realize...she simply doesn't hold a candle to you…"


Tbc…