Author: Amy
Disclaimer: The characters of "Roswell" belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB & UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended.
Couple: Max/Liz
Rating: Mature
Alternate Universe w/o Aliens
Intro:
Hi Everyone. This is a story in response to a challenge by BehrlyLiz. The challenge is as follows:
Inspired by the movie Boomerang.
Max Evans is a smooth talking player who is use to getting what he wants from women. He is also a sharp attorney who’s in line to become a partner of a successful law firm (Lowell & Whittick) but is overlooked for the job when the firm merges with another top law firm. The merger of Lowell & Whittick with Guerin & Associates brings Tess Parker and her sister Liz Parker (both are lawyers) into his life. Max is extremely attracted to Tess and tries to pursue her to no avail. Tess is a major player herself and isn’t the least bit interested in Max.
Things that must happen in this order:
-Max and Liz become good friends.
-Max hooks Liz up with Alex
-Alex and Liz decide there’s no chemistry between the two so they remain platonic friends.
-Tess is made partner (because she slept with one of the partners. Max and Liz are more qualified to be a partner)
-One night while working together late, Max and Liz kiss to which both chalk it up as being a mistake. Tess witnesses the kiss (Tess has always been jealous of Liz. Make up a reason).
-Tess gets Max to help her on a high profile case, which involves a trip to some exotic place. Tess is so impressed with his skills as an attorney that she gives into his seduction because she wants to get him before Liz. Max starts to really like her and gives up his player ways so that he can be a one woman-man.
-When Max and Tess get back to town, word goes around the office that they had sex.
-Liz warns Max about Tess because she knows that he really likes her and she doesn’t want to see him get hurt.
-Tess plays Max by doing to him a lot of what he’s done to other women. Plus Tess is a player as well and has no intention of getting serious with anyone. She views Max as a good lay and a way to get under Liz's skin.
-Max and Liz get involved (Alex warns Max not to hurt Liz).
-Max and Liz move in together.
-Since becoming partner, Tess has been very busy and out of town mostly. Once she’s back in town, she takes notice of the fact that Max and Liz are involved.
-It becomes her mission to break them up.
-At some point Max gives into Tess and he and Liz break up.
-Max wins Liz back.
-Must have dreamer ending.
Please let me know what you think!
Prologue
Max Evans sat staring at his bosses, Kenneth Lowell and Henry Whittick. He was so pissed right now. Not only had he been overlooked for partner but the firm was merging with another. Everyone was in the conference room for the announcement. Before Max had a chance to speak up, the doors to the conference room opened up. Max watched curiously has a beautiful blonde woman walked throught the door. She was followed by a brunette beauty and a confident man. Max watched his two bosses stand up and shake hands with the three new people. Then the attention was on Max.
“Max Evans,” Kenneth said, “meet Michael Guerin, Tess Parker and Elizabeth Parker of Guerin and Associates.”
Max politely shook hands with the three of them but he held onto the blonde’s hand longer than necessary. He saw her give him a questioning glance, so he winked at her. She smirked at him and took a seat next to the brunette. Max watched the rest of the firm be introduced to the three new occupants.
After all of the introductions were made everyone was once again seated at the conference table.
Henry started, “Okay. Now everyone knows now that we are merging. Our new firm name will be Lowell, Whittick, and Guerin. Nothing will change as far as positions in our firm. We will just be adding to divisions. Elizabeth and Tess, who are currently working just under Michael will be going into Max and Alex’s division. Everyone else will receive memos about additions to your teams. Guerin and Associates is a smaller law firm than we are but is definitely high profile. You three have handled some of the biggest cases this country has seen in the past five years. We are happy to have you on board here.”
Michael smiled at Henry, “Thank you. We are happy to be here. The offer to merge and relocate from Boston to Los Angeles was hard to pass up.” Everyone laughed.
Max watched Tess and Elizabeth smile at each other than look at Michael. He definitely wanted to get to know Tess better. He glanced at Elizabeth and then at his friend Alex Whitman sitting next to him. Maybe he could get Alex out of the office and on a date with Elizabeth.
Max listened as Michael, Henry, and Kenneth discussed minor details about the merge. He was excited when the meeting finally ended . As he made his way out of the conference room he sent Tess a smile and was happy when she returned it.
Oh, this is going to be good, he thought.
The Weight of Love (M/L, Mature) complete 10/15/06
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Erina, Hunter, Forum Moderators
-
Skittles1983
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:55 pm
The Weight of Love (M/L, Mature) complete 10/15/06
Last edited by Skittles1983 on Sun Oct 15, 2006 7:45 pm, edited 3 times in total.
"Something in your eyes makes me smile..." David Gray
. I can't wait for more. Hurry back 
.
-
Skittles1983
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:55 pm
Chapter 1
Three Months Later
Liz Parker sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. She had been looking at the same articles for the past four hours. She took a deep breathe and decided it was time for lunch. She looked over the article on top quickly, before she shut the folder and glanced at her watch. It was 1:30. Liz smiled as her stomach growled. She got up and made her way out of the office and into the office across the hall. She didn’t bother knocking. The door was ajar and she pushed it open, then closed it behind her and plopped down in a chair. She grabbed a container of Chinese food and dug in.
“Nice manners Parker.” The man behind the desk laughed.
Liz looked up at Max and laughed, “Max, I’m starving. Those stupid articles are going to be the death of me.”
Max rolled his eyes at her. It was amazing how quickly they became friends. He knew he could trust Liz and Liz knew she could trust him. They considered each other close friends and respected colleagues. Everyone assumed that they were in a relationship, but the two would just laugh it off.
“Liz, you’re going to win the case. You’ve every case you’ve worked on so far.”
Liz just nodded, “Let’s not discuss work for the next half hour.”
Max smiled, “Well Ms. Parker, what would you like to discuss?”
Liz shrugged and thought for a moment, before her eyes lit up, “You had a date last night.”
Max groaned, “Liz don’t start.”
“Start what?” Liz asked innocently as she grinned like a Cheshire cat.
Max glared at her.
Liz laughed. She knew Max didn’t call going out with women dates. Liz knew Max all too well. She knew he was a player, a hot shot with women, and very cocky. But, deep down inside of her, she saw the good side of him and knew that underneath his exterior he had a heart of gold. And, for that sole reason she had become friends with him. She had a slight crush on him, but she never expected it to go anywhere. She knew that he was set in his ways.
Eventually, Max broke out in a grin and said, “It’s not a date and it was fine. I’m so bored with all of the women around here. Maybe it’s time Alex and I went on vacation and found some more interesting women.”
Liz threw her napkin at him and they both laughed.
“Present company excluded of course.” Max said.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Liz said.
They continued to eat their lunch together in comfortable silence. At 2:15 Liz went back into her office to tackle her most recent case.
A Few Hours Later
Max and Alex were heading out to the bar to meet some woman and her friend that Max had met the other night. As they walked by Liz’s office Max saw the light on. He knocked lightly and heard her call out, Come in.
He opened the door and smiled at her. He walked in and Alex followed him. She smiled at the both of them.
“We’re heading out for the night. Do you want to come? We’re meeting some ladies I met the other night.”
Liz wrinkled her nose, “No, thanks for the offer though.” They all laughed.
“I’m almost done here and then I’m heading home to soak in a nice long bubble bath.”
Alex and Max nodded.
“Well, enjoy.” Max winked at her.
“Bye.” Alex said.
“Behave and have fun.” Liz called out as they left.
As Max and Alex take off to meet the girls, Max decides that he is going to get Liz to have some fun. And it suddenly dawns on him that he can set Liz up on a date. Maybe that’s what she needs, he thinks. He knows the perfect person to set her up with. He starts his car and smiled widely at Alex.
Three Months Later
Liz Parker sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. She had been looking at the same articles for the past four hours. She took a deep breathe and decided it was time for lunch. She looked over the article on top quickly, before she shut the folder and glanced at her watch. It was 1:30. Liz smiled as her stomach growled. She got up and made her way out of the office and into the office across the hall. She didn’t bother knocking. The door was ajar and she pushed it open, then closed it behind her and plopped down in a chair. She grabbed a container of Chinese food and dug in.
“Nice manners Parker.” The man behind the desk laughed.
Liz looked up at Max and laughed, “Max, I’m starving. Those stupid articles are going to be the death of me.”
Max rolled his eyes at her. It was amazing how quickly they became friends. He knew he could trust Liz and Liz knew she could trust him. They considered each other close friends and respected colleagues. Everyone assumed that they were in a relationship, but the two would just laugh it off.
“Liz, you’re going to win the case. You’ve every case you’ve worked on so far.”
Liz just nodded, “Let’s not discuss work for the next half hour.”
Max smiled, “Well Ms. Parker, what would you like to discuss?”
Liz shrugged and thought for a moment, before her eyes lit up, “You had a date last night.”
Max groaned, “Liz don’t start.”
“Start what?” Liz asked innocently as she grinned like a Cheshire cat.
Max glared at her.
Liz laughed. She knew Max didn’t call going out with women dates. Liz knew Max all too well. She knew he was a player, a hot shot with women, and very cocky. But, deep down inside of her, she saw the good side of him and knew that underneath his exterior he had a heart of gold. And, for that sole reason she had become friends with him. She had a slight crush on him, but she never expected it to go anywhere. She knew that he was set in his ways.
Eventually, Max broke out in a grin and said, “It’s not a date and it was fine. I’m so bored with all of the women around here. Maybe it’s time Alex and I went on vacation and found some more interesting women.”
Liz threw her napkin at him and they both laughed.
“Present company excluded of course.” Max said.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Liz said.
They continued to eat their lunch together in comfortable silence. At 2:15 Liz went back into her office to tackle her most recent case.
A Few Hours Later
Max and Alex were heading out to the bar to meet some woman and her friend that Max had met the other night. As they walked by Liz’s office Max saw the light on. He knocked lightly and heard her call out, Come in.
He opened the door and smiled at her. He walked in and Alex followed him. She smiled at the both of them.
“We’re heading out for the night. Do you want to come? We’re meeting some ladies I met the other night.”
Liz wrinkled her nose, “No, thanks for the offer though.” They all laughed.
“I’m almost done here and then I’m heading home to soak in a nice long bubble bath.”
Alex and Max nodded.
“Well, enjoy.” Max winked at her.
“Bye.” Alex said.
“Behave and have fun.” Liz called out as they left.
As Max and Alex take off to meet the girls, Max decides that he is going to get Liz to have some fun. And it suddenly dawns on him that he can set Liz up on a date. Maybe that’s what she needs, he thinks. He knows the perfect person to set her up with. He starts his car and smiled widely at Alex.
"Something in your eyes makes me smile..." David Gray
-
Skittles1983
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:55 pm
Chapter 2
One Week Later
“I don’t know Max.” Liz said for the tenth time that day.
“Liz, c’mon. You’ll have fun. I promise.” Max said.
Liz sighed, “Fine, I will go out with Alex tonight.”
Max smiled widely at Liz, “Good, I’ll have him pick you up at 7:00 at your house.”
Liz nodded, “Fine, and this better not be some stupid plot of yours to get into Tess’s good graces.”
Max raised her eyebrows, “Liz, you are a genius. I hadn’t even thought of that.”
Liz groaned and Max laughed, “I’m just kidding Liz. Your sister is a mystery to me, I’ve tried everything I could on her and it just doesn’t work.”
“So, you want her even more because she’s a challenge?” Liz laughed.
Max grinned at her, “Yeah, something like that.”
Liz rolled her eyes, “All right, have a good weekend, I’ll see you Monday morning.”
“Have fun tonight.” Max said as he watched her walk out of his office.
Liz just nodded and gave a little wave.
As she walked down the hall she shook her head, she wasn’t sure how she let Max talk her into this. She liked Alex, he was funny, smart, and cute, but she didn’t know if she liked him as more than a friend. Well, she thought, tonight will decide that.
Three hours later
Liz was laughing hysterically at Alex. He really was a funny guy. He had picked her up and taken her to a small Italian restaurant. Liz had fallen in love with the restaurant the moment she had stepped foot in it. It had a wonderful atmosphere, and great food.
She was having a great time with Alex and Alex was enjoying himself too.
“So, Liz, have you adjusted to California weather?”
Liz smiled, “Yes, I love it here. When I was little I always wanted to live in California. I’m not quite sure why I wanted to, but I did. Have you lived here all your life?” she asked.
Alex nodded, “ Born and raised. I’ve done a lot of traveling and while I like to visit other places, my home will always be California.” He smiled at her.
She smiled back, “That’s good. Do you have any siblings?”
Alex shook his head, “Nope, only child. How about you? I mean I know Tess is your sister, but are there any other Parkers running around?”
She laughed, “Nope, just Tess and I, although Michael is like a brother to me. I’m closer to him than I am to Tess. She and I are complete opposites, well, except for both being lawyers.”
“I noticed that.” Alex said.
Dinner continued and the two got to really know each other. At the end of the night they pulled up in front of Liz’s house.
“Liz, I had fun tonight.” Alex said.
“Me too. Thanks for everything. Dinner was great. I’m glad we went out tonight and I’d like to do it again, but just as friends.” Liz said and glanced up at Alex.
He smiled, “You read my mind. I like you a lot but not in that way.”
Liz nodded relieved. She leaned over and kissed his cheek.
“Good night Alex.”
“Good night Liz.”
Chapter 3
The Next Morning
Liz woke up to Tess who was bouncing on her bed.
“Tess, what are you doing?” Liz eyed her sister suspiciously.
“Lizzie, I have something to tell you!” Tess said.
“Tess, can’t it wait until later. I never would have given you a key to my house if I had known you would use it to barge in here at….” Liz rolled over and looked at her alarm clock, she groaned, “6:30 a.m.”
If Tess was fazed by Liz’s attitude she didn’t show it, “Lizzie, c’mon get up. I brought coffee and muffins.”
Liz’s interest was definitely peaked. She got up and threw her robe on, she followed Tess down the stairs and into the kitchen.
Liz plopped down in a chair at the kitchen table while Tess placed a coffee and blueberry muffin in front of her. Then she placed a coffee and chocolate chip muffin on a placemat across the table from Liz and took a seat.
Liz took a sip of her coffee and then broke apart her muffin.
“So, Lizzie, last night I went out for happy hour with Ken and we were talking about promotions.”
Liz nodded, only half listening.
“So, then we went out to dinner and spent the entire night flirting with each other.”
Liz stopped chewing on her muffin and looked at her sister, she swallowed before asking, “Tess, isn’t he married?”
Tess ignored her, “After dinner, I invited him back to my place and we spent the entire night on my living room floor.”
Liz’s eyes widened, “Tess!”
“What?” she shrugged.
“He’s married, that’s what.” Liz said.
“That’s not my problem. It’s his and his wife’s problem.”
Liz was shocked.
“Oh, Lizzie, c’mon. Don’t act like such a little innocent girl.”
Liz just rolled her eyes, “Tess, I’m not innocent and I’m not a little girl, but I would never sleep with a married man.”
“Liz, it was just sex. What’s the big deal?”
Liz just groaned and shook her head, she should have listened to her instincts and stayed in bed.
Chapter 4
Monday Morning
Liz grabbed a quick cup of coffee before she made her way into the conference room.
“Can I get a cup too?” she heard Alex’s voice ask from behind her.
“And me too?” she heard Max too.
She laughed as she turned towards them.
“Yeah.” she poured them each a cup and moved to the side, so that they could put in their milk and sugar.
“Any idea what this meeting is about?” Liz asked them.
Alex and Max shrugged, “Nope.” they answered at the same time.
She smiled at them. Alex and Max followed her into the conference room and took a seat on each side of Liz.
Max leaned over to Liz, “So, Alex told me that you guys decided to just be friends.”
Liz smiled and nodded, “Yeah. But, thanks for trying.”
Max just winked at her.
A few minutes later, the conference room was filled with co-workers. Michael, Kenneth, and Henry made their way into the conference room, which caught everyone’ s attention.
Liz could immediately tell that Henry and Michael did not look happy.
“Thank you everyone for gathering here. We have decided to promote someone to partner. The candidates were Elizabeth Parker, Alexander Whitman, Tess Parker, and Maxwell Evans. All four of you are very qualified for the position, however, there is only one spot open. So, we’d like to welcome Tess Parker as our new partner.”
Congratulations were heard around the room and everything clicked for Liz. She understood now why Tess had slept with Kenneth and why she had been so giddy on Saturday morning. Liz inwardly sighed. She picked up her coffee cup and made her way out of the conference room. She got to her office and was about to close the door when a hand caught it.
“Lizzie, I was pushing for you.” Michael said.
Liz sighed and shut the door behind Michael, then took a seat behind her desk. Michael closed the blinds on her window that overlooked the hallway and sat across from her.
“You know that you are more qualified then she is. She was the least qualified out of the four of you. Henry was pushing for Max and Alex, and Tess wasn’t even really an option at one point, I mean she was a candidate, but even Kenneth seemed to be leaning towards you or Max. And then this morning he came in and said he chose Tess hands down and it wasn’t open for discussion. Henry and I weren’t happy, but we really couldn’t fight him. He had already called a meeting and everything.”
Liz just looked at Michael. She could tell that he was really upset over the matter, so she put his mind at ease, “Michael, it’s all right.”
“No, it’s not.”
“She didn’t get chosen because he thought she was a better lawyer than Max, Alex, or me.”
Michael looked up at her curiously.
Liz bit her bottom lip before continuing, “No, she got the job because she slept with Kenneth on Friday night.”
Michael looked at her, his eyes widening in shock, “What?”
Liz just nodded, “Yeah. She came to me on Saturday morning and was bragging about it, but I didn’t think anything of it until this morning.”
Michael sighed and rubbed his face with his hand, “He’s married.”
Liz laughed, “That’s what I said.”
Michael smiled at her, “I still don’t even know how you two are related.”
They laughed together.
Chapter 5
A Few Weeks Later
Liz sighed as she glanced at her notes. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the clock. It was almost 9 p.m. A soft knock on her door caught her attention as the door opened.
She smiled as Max poked his head in around the door, “Hi.”
He smiled back, “Hello.”
He walked into her office and behind her desk. He leaned over her shoulder and laughed, “Trying to decipher your notes.”
She glared at him for a moment and then laughed, “Yup. What are you still doing here? Shouldn’t you be out on one of your hot nights?”
It was his turn to glare at her and then laugh, “I should but I cancelled. I had to finish up on some paperwork from a case that just closed.”
Liz nodded. She sighed as she closed her notebook.
“C’mon Parker, I’ll walk you out to your car.” Max offered.
“All right.” Liz conceded.
She stood up and turned around only to find that Max hadn’t backed up at all. She was facing his chest. She looked up into his eyes at the same moment he looked down at her. Max reached up to brush away a lingering piece of hair off of Liz’s face. He tucked it behind her ear and then cupped her cheek with his hand. He leaned down and Liz closed her eyes. He brushed his lips tentatively across hers and then pulled her against him and deepened the kiss. Liz moaned and wrapped her arms around Max’s neck.
Neither saw Tess step into the office. Tess was shocked. She couldn’t believe that Max was kissing Liz. She wouldn’t let Liz get him. She liked the attention Max gave her, but she never had any intention of sleeping with him. But, now that her sister seemed to be getting the attention she had every intention of sleeping with Max. A plan started to formulate in her mind as she slipped quietly out of the office, unnoticed.
After a few moments, air became a necessity and they pulled away from one another. Max had forgotten where he was, he had been swept away by the passion that had built inside of him. He dropped his arms from around Liz and stepped back.
“Liz, I’m sorry. I…” he stopped because he didn’t know what to say or do. He wasn’t quite sure what had come over him.
“It’s all right Max. These late nights are just making us…..” Liz gestured with her hands and turned back to gather her things. What the hell was she thinking. She was friends with Max, and she knew how he was with women.
She turned back towards him, “C’mon. You can still walk me to my car Evans. Just no attacking me on the way there.”
A grin broke out over Max’s face and he was grateful for Liz making light of the situation.
Two Days Later
Max could not believe his luck. Tess had just asked him if he would help her with a high profile case involving two celebrities. Working with Tess would be great, because then Max could try to seduce her, but they would have to travel to Hawaii, which would only add to his seduction plans.
As his plane landed he could see Tess waiting on the runway for him. He smiled, this was going to be great.
Tess watched Max get off the plane. She was going to give in to his seductions, but she wasn’t quite sure when.
They made small talk on the way back to their hotel and Max was excited to learn their rooms were next to each other. Tess knew that her case came first. So, she and Max got down to business. Tess was very impressed with Max’s knowledge and strategies for winning the case.
Since they made significant progress on the case Max decided to put his plan into action.
“Tess, would you like to have dinner with me?”
Tess nodded, “Sure, just let me change.”
Max smiled and made his way back to his room, hoping that tonight would be his lucky night.
Chapter 6
A Month Later
Liz and Alex were sharing a pizza on Liz’s patio when she heard her front door open. She knew that the only person who would just walk in was her sister. And before she or Alex could say anything a very tanned Tess and Max walked through Liz’s back door holding hands. To say that Liz and Alex were shocked is an understatement.
Tess went over to Liz and hugged her, “Hi, sis. Did you miss me while I was gone?”
Liz recovered from her shock quickly, “Um, yeah. It was quiet.”
She saw Alex had recovered from his shock and smirked at her.
Max leaned down and kissed her cheek, “Hi Liz.”
She smiled at him, “Hi Max.”
“Well, I just wanted to stop by and say hi. I’m off to go shopping and meet with Kenneth.” Tess and Liz knew what she was really going to do.
“Kenneth?” Max questioned.
“Yeah, he wanted to discuss the case.”
Liz watched Max nod, “Okay, I’ll just catch a ride with Alex when he leaves.”
Alex just nodded and Tess was gone after a quick kiss to Max.
Max seated himself at the table and grabbed a slice of pizza.
“So,” Alex started, “Anything you want to share with us?”
Max grinned, “Yeah. Tess and I hooked up and I really like her. I‘m swearing off all other women. Max Evans is officially off the market and a player no more. I‘ve given up the game.”
Alex’s mouth fell open and Liz just groaned inwardly. She knew her sister had no intention of doing anything but having sex with Max.
Monday Morning
Liz walked into her office and set her coffee cup down. Alex rushed into her office and closed her door quickly.
“Alex, what’s the matter?” Liz asked.
“Liz, it’s all over the office about Max and Tess.”
Liz just shook her head, “Alex, there’s nothing we can do.”
Alex sighed, “This is going to blow up in Max’s face isn’t it?”
All Liz could do was nod, “Yup. I’ll talk to Max.”
Liz had confided in Alex about Tess’s true nature.
At lunch time Liz made her way into Max’s office.
He smiled up at her, “Hi Parker.”
Liz smiled back, “Hi Evans.”
The two ate lunch in an amicable silence until Liz broke it.
“Max, I know you are not going to appreciate what I’m about to say, but I have to say it because you are my friend. Tess is not who you think she is. She is mean, spiteful, and vindictive. She is not going to be faithful to you. Max, she….” before Liz could finish Max interrupted her.
“Liz, don’t be jealous.”
Liz stopped dead and her eyes narrowed, “Jealous? You think I’m saying this because I’m jealous? Oh please Max. The girl is a slut. She’s my sister and somewhere in my heart I do love her, but Max she is no good. And you know what? I came here to tell you to be careful, I told you, so I’m going now.”
Liz stormed out of the office.
Max sat back shocked at the turn of events. He knew Liz wasn’t jealous, but he just couldn’t think of why she would say those things to him. He finally had Tess and he was happy. He wasn’t going to worry about what Liz had said.
Chapter 7
Saturday Morning
Max could not believe it. He pulled up outside of Liz’s house. He owed her an apology because she was right. Tess was all the things Liz said she was. He had gone over to her house this morning to surprise her with breakfast in bed, only he discovered her in bed with some guy that worked in the Mail room of their office. He didn’t know what else to do, or who to talk too. Liz had avoided him for the rest of the week and he had felt awful, but now he felt even worse because he realized how wrong he’d been about Tess.
He looked at the clock on his dashboard. It read 8:30 a.m. He got out of the car and made his way to her front door. Max realized something on his drive over. He really liked Liz. He wasn’t quite sure how or when it happened, but he knew that Liz Parker affected him more than he had ever let himself believe. He knocked on the door. There was no answer. He knocked again and this time the door swung open to reveal a disheveled Michael Guerin. Max froze for a moment.
“Um, is Liz around?” Max asked. He knew how stupid he sounded, after all it was her house.
Michael nodded, “Hold on, I’ll go get her.”
As Michael turned around to get Liz, Max saw her come out of the kitchen. She was wearing a small pair of shorts and a white tank top. Her hair was messy from sleep, but Max realized he had never seen her look cuter.
“Lizzie, you have a visitor.” Michael said as he leaned down and kissed her cheek before heading up the stairs. Max heard a door shut and looked at Liz. She was staring at him expectantly.
“I’m sorry. I should have called first. I didn’t mean to interrupt anything.” Max said as he started to back up off the porch.
Liz looked at him confused and then realization dawned on her, “Wait, Max. It’s not what you think.”
Max paused and Liz continued, “My best friend, Maria is visiting, and she happens to be Michael’s girlfriend. They spent the night here because Maria and I were catching up and it got to be very late.”
Max let out of breath of air and smiled at her, “Oh.”
“Come in.” Liz said and returned his smile.
Max followed Liz into the kitchen, “Coffee?”
Max nodded and sat at the table as Liz fixed his coffee. She knew how he liked it and then placed it in front of him. She put a plate of muffins on the table and sat across from him.
“So, Max, what’s up?” Liz broke the silence.
“Well, I came to apologize.” Max paused for a moment, “You were right about Tess. I was so taken by her from the moment I saw her. And, Hawaii was perfect, but you were right. She is a player. I used to be her. I used to treat women the way she’s treated me and it’s not right. Liz, I’m so sorry that I said you were jealous of her. Because, you are so much better than she will ever be.”
Liz stared at Max, but before either of them could say anything Maria stormed into the kitchen.
“You,” she pointed at Max, “are the one who compared her to Tess.” Maria crossed her arms in front of her chest, “Are you blind or stupid?”
Liz shook her head, “Maria!”
“What?” Maria asked innocently.
Michael made his way into the room, “All right Maria, you’ve made your point. You heard him apologize.”
Liz laughed as she watched Michael drag Maria out of the kitchen, “I’m sorry. She had the tendency to listen to other people’s conversation.”
“I do not.” They heard and laughed. Liz heard Michael pull Maria up the stairs and a door shut once again. She shook her head.
“It’s all right, I deserved it. She’s right. I was so stupid, do you forgive me?” Max asked.
Liz nodded, “Of course.”
Max smiled, “And, there’s something else I have to tell you….” he paused.
Liz reached across the table and gripped his hand encouragingly
“I like you….a lot.”
They heard a gasp come from the stairs and then Maria’s voice was heard, “Michael! Did you hear that?”
Chapter 8
One month later
Max watched the raven haired beauty that was sleeping on his chest. Her soft breath was warm against his cool skin. He thought back over the past month and the routine that they had settled into. They would leave work around 6 p.m., if their work loads permitted, and have dinner at his or her house. Then they would watch TV or do paperwork, before spending the next few hours worshipping each other’s bodies. Usually they’d end up at Liz’s house. Max had brought over some of his clothes and they ended up most mornings just leaving from Liz’s house.
Max couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have Liz in his life. The past few months he’d really come to care for her and over this last month he realized that he loved her. Tess had barely spoken to him, since that morning in her bedroom. She had been out of the state most of the time on business. Max didn’t even notice Tess‘s absence because he was too preoccupied with Liz.
Max remembered Alex’s face when he had told him about he and Liz. He was shocked to say the least but then he went into big brother mode.
“Max, I am only saying this once. You hurt her and nothing in this world will stop me or Michael from kicking your ass.”
Max had just nodded. He knew that he would never hurt the beautiful women he was in love with. He felt her stir slightly in her sleep and he was content to just watch her sleep.
Liz was in love. She laid silently on top of Max’s chest listening to his steady breathing and his heartbeat. It was peaceful and calming to her. If she was honest with herself she had fallen for Max a while ago, but she had been afraid to admit it to herself and to him. She raised her head and was met with Max’s gaze. He smiled at her and placed a kiss on top of her head. He pulled her closer and she rested her head under his chin.
“I was thinking,” he started.
Liz laughed, “That’s never good.”
“Hey!.” Max laughed, “Anyhow, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, I was thinking that we should move in together. Now, I know what you’re thinking, but Liz I practically live here anyhow. I can’t remember the last time I was at my house for more than five minutes to pick up clothes.”
Liz thought about it for a moment, “You’re right Max.” she looked up and could see the shock in his eyes that she had so willingly agreed.
She leaned up and kissed him. He kissed her back just as passionately and decided that they were not leaving the bedroom at all, except for food and water.
Two weeks later
Tess strolled into the office without a care in the world. She had just spent the weekend with Kenneth in Vegas. Tess was definitely having fun and she loved her life at the moment. She decided to go see her sister, so she made her way down the hall. Tess found Liz’s office empty. When she turned around to leave she came face to face with Alex.
She smiled sweetly at him, “Hi Alex. Have you seen my sister?”
“Tess, she has the next two weeks off. Max is moving in with her.”
Tess’s jaw dropped and Alex smiled at her, “I guess they didn’t tell you.”
Tess pushed past Alex and made her way to her office. She was beyond pissed off.
Chapter 9
Later that night
Tess pulled up outside of Liz’s house. All of the lights were on and the curtains were pulled back. Tess watched as Max twirled Liz around the living room. She saw him pull Liz against him and kiss her passionately. Tess’s mind started spinning and she decided that her mission would be to break up Liz and Max.
Three Months Later
Tess’s plan was flawless. She had been shamelessly flirting with Max for the past three months but it didn’t deter him and Liz’s relationship. So, Tess had upped the stakes a little bit. She sent Liz on a case in Roswell, New Mexico. Tess knew that Liz would be gone for at least two weeks and she planned to take advantage of those two weeks. Tess had never seen Liz happier than she had been these past few months, but Tess knew that she could take that happiness from her sister and she planned on it. Liz had already been gone for three weeks. Tess had spoken to her sister and she knew that Liz was coming home for a quick visit, just to surprise Max.
So, Tess decided that it would be the perfect time to put the final acts of her plan in motion. She pulled up outside of Liz’s house at 7:30 p.m. Tess knew Liz would be home at 9:00 p.m. She walked up to the door and used her key to get in. Max came out from the kitchen and gave her a weary glance.
She smiled, “Hi Max! I just thought I’d bring over dinner.”
He sighed, “Tess, I’m exhausted. I’ve had a long day in court and am going in the shower.”
“I’m just trying to put the past behind us Max.” Tess said, faking a hurt look.
Max sighed, “I’m sorry. Let me just grab a shower and then I’ll be right down. Just make yourself comfortable.”
Max slipped past her and made his way up the stairs. Tess quickly put the Chinese take out containers on the kitchen counter. She walked over to the front door and locked it. She shed all of her clothes and made her way up the stairs. She quietly walked into Max and Liz’s room and peaked into the bathroom. She could see the bathroom was starting to steam up. She walked into the bathroom and then got into the shower.
Max turned around surprised, “Tess!”
“C’mon Max. You know you still want me.” she said as she ran over her body and then his. She could feel his arousal as she plastered herself to the front of him and whispered, “Max…” before she could finish she found herself up against the shower wall with Max in between her legs.
Tess lost track of time and she and Max had sex in the shower, on the bathroom floor, and finally made their way into the bedroom. Tess was definitely not quiet about her enjoyment and that was how Liz found them. Tess was astride Max screaming her pleasure.
Liz had made her way into her house and could hear what was going on upstairs in her bedroom. She wanted to see for her own eyes, so she peeped into the bedroom. She saw Tess on top of Max. She was stunned for a moment as she watched Max and Tess together. She quickly ran down the stairs and out of the house. Neither Tess nor Max knew that Liz had been in the house. As soon as it was over Max felt dirty. He threw Tess out and showered again, trying to wash away his sins.
Tess didn’t know that Liz had been there, so she left trying to figure out how to have her way with Max again.
The Next Day
Max made his way into work and felt like shit. He wasn’t sure what he was going to tell Liz when he got back. He put his coffee down on his desk and turned around only to be met with a disgruntled Michael and Alex.
“I warned you.” Alex stated before he swung at Max. Alex’s fist collided with Max’s jaw. Max stumbled back.
“Max, I don’t even know what to say to you,” Michael stopped and then took a menacing step towards Max, “but I know it will feel great to hit you.”
“Michael, I can explain. I can’t believe Tess is already telling people.” Max said.
“Tess didn’t have to tell them anything.” A voice spoke.
Max looked up to the doorway and saw Liz, he was thoroughly confused.
“Liz, when did you get back?” he asked.
“Well, see the funny thing is that I came back yesterday to surprise my boyfriend. Only, I guess the surprise was on me when I walked into MY house to find MY boyfriend, fucking MY sister in MY bed.” Max winced at her choice of words and the anger in her voice.
“Liz please,” he took a step towards her only to be met with both Alex and Michael standing in his way.
“Max, I want you out of my house. I don’t care where you go, just get out. I’m going away for a week and when I come back, I expect you gone.” and with that Liz turned and walked out.
Michael pulled his arm back and punched Max square in the nose. He and Alex walked out and followed Liz out of the office and to her car.
Liz was heartbroken. She had called Maria last night and then went to Michael’s to stay. Maria was in the process of moving to Los Angeles, but she was still in Boston. So, Liz decided that she would go to Boston and help Maria finish up for her move to L.A.
Chapter 10
Two months Later
Liz flipped to the next page in her book. She sighed and put the book down. She closed her eyes and rested her head against her headboard. She was absolutely miserable. She hadn’t spoken to Max or her sister since the incident. She was happy that her best friend was now out in L.A., but she missed Max. She still loved him, but she was so angry with him. When she had returned home from Boston, she and Maria, with the help of Michael had dismantled her bed and gotten rid of it. She purchased a bigger bed and bought all new sheets. Max had sent her flowers every day that they had been apart but she threw them all in the garbage. She heard her front door open and knew that it was Maria and Michael. A few minutes later her bedroom door flew open and Maria came bouncing in.
“Lizzie, it’s time to get up. Michael’s cooking breakfast.” Maria said in a sing-song voice.
Liz laughed, “All right, all right, I’m coming.”
She made her way down the stairs to be greeted by a kitchen full of her closest friends. Michael was at the counter mixing pancake mix, Alex was squeezing the orange juice, and Alex’s girlfriend, Isabelle, was cutting up potatoes for hash browns. Maria got down to work taking out the sausage and bacon, while Liz started her task of setting the table. The five of them had grown close over the past few months. They had kept Liz together and helped her to start to move on with her life. Every Saturday and Sunday morning, the five of them would get together and cook breakfast. On Saturdays they met at Michael and Maria’s and on Sundays they met at Liz’s. On Friday nights they would get together and Alex and Isabelle’s for dinner and a movie. Liz never felt excluded and she had come to depend on the four people in her kitchen.
A knock at the front door caught everyone’s attention and Alex said, “I’ll get it.”
Liz heard Alex’s voice grow louder, so she went to see what the problem was. She was shocked to say the least, to see Max and Tess on her doorstep. She could see that Max had a firm grip on Tess’s arm.
Alex said, “Liz, I tried to get him to go away, but….”
“It’s all right, Alex. Go back into the kitchen with the others. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Alex didn’t hesitate in getting back to the kitchen. He motioned for the others to be quiet, as he quickly explained what was going on. He and Michael listened, ready to step in if they needed to.
“What do you two want?” Liz questioned with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
“Tess has something to say.” Max said as he gripped Tess’s arm harder.
“Liz, I am sorry. The whole trip to Roswell was my idea. I figured that I would get you out of town and that that would leave Max all to me. At first, he wasn’t having anything to do with me. But then, the day you called me to tell me you coming home early, I knew that I could have my chance to break the two of you up. I knew exactly what time you would be home, so I came over here under the pretenses of bringing dinner. Max told me to get out, but I played the sympathy card and he went upstairs to shower. I locked the door, stripped out of my clothes, and climbed into the shower with him. He was surprised at first, but…” Tess stopped.
“Why?” Liz asked, tears had begun to make their way down her face.
“Because, all of our lives you have always gotten everything. Our parents favor you, you always got the great boyfriends, the perfect grades, you always won all your cases. I just wanted something before you. I never wanted Max, even in Hawaii. The only reason I slept with him was because I saw the two of you kissing one night in your office. And then, after I had him and I knew it irked you, I ignored him and worked on my cases. I came home and you two were moving in together, so I set about to destroy you.”
Liz was shocked, “You hate me that much?”
Tess just shrugged, “It was a game to me.”
Before the three of them could say anything else Liz slapped Tess across the face, “You bitch. Get out of my house and don’t ever come back. You are not welcome here anymore and if you do come back I will have a restraining order taken out against you.”
Tess looked wide eyed at Liz as Max let go of her arm. She turned around and quietly made her way off the porch, she knew she had lost this battle.
Liz just watched her go then turned her attention to Max, “How did you get her to confess all of that?”
“I knew she was sleeping with Kenneth. I threatened to expose her to Henry if she didn’t confess everything to you. These past two months I’ve been paying close attention to her and everything just kind of clicked into place. I realized that something wasn’t right and when I threatened her, she confessed it all. Liz, I don’t even know where to begin.” Max looked at her hopefully.
“How about some breakfast?” she asked and held out her hand to him.
Max smiled, “Okay.”
Liz smiled back, “It’s a start.”
Epilogue
Three Years Later
Liz Evans walked downstairs and into a kitchen full of people. Alex and Isabelle Whitman were setting the table while Michael and Maria Guerin were placing a plate full of pancakes, sausage, and bacon on the table. A pair of strong arms wrapped around her from behind and a pair of lips kissed her temple.
“Morning sweetheart.” Max’s voice rumbled against her ear.
She turned in his arms and placed a chaste kiss on his lips, “Good Morning, my love.”
Max smiled down at his wife and wasn’t sure how he’d gotten so lucky. It had taken them a while to get their relationship back on track, but they had been married for seven glorious months and Max wouldn’t trade it at all.
“All right, you two, break it up. The pregnant women are starving over here, so sit down so we can eat.” Maria said.
Liz and Max laughed and made their way over to the table.
Maria and Isabelle both mumbled, “Finally.”
Liz just laughed and shook her head, she knew it was their hormones talking since they were both eight months pregnant.
“Well, let’s eat then.” Liz said as she sat down.
“So,” Alex said, “Liz fill us in on the latest Tess happenings.”
The group laughed, but looked at Liz expectantly.
“Well, the last I heard she had moved back into my parents and was going to attend nursing school. It seems that she can’t make it in the world of lawyers anymore. I think her reputation was damaged after that third scandal of sleeping with a client came out.”
The three couples shared a laugh and then ate in a comfortable silence for a few minutes before Max felt Liz’s hand on his thigh. He smiled and cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention. Everyone looked up at Max.
“Liz and I have an announcement to make.” Max grinned and looked at Liz.
“Well, in about seven months we are going to have a baby.”
The kitchen was bathed in complete silence for a moment before the Michael, Maria, Isabelle, and Alex were congratulating, hugging, and kissing Max and Liz. As the commotion settled down and the couples returned to eating, Max turned to Liz.
“You know sweetheart, I’m so glad you invited me to stay for breakfast three years ago.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“Me too.” Liz grinned and kissed his cheek. She was happier than she’d ever been and it was all because she took a leap of faith.
One Week Later
“I don’t know Max.” Liz said for the tenth time that day.
“Liz, c’mon. You’ll have fun. I promise.” Max said.
Liz sighed, “Fine, I will go out with Alex tonight.”
Max smiled widely at Liz, “Good, I’ll have him pick you up at 7:00 at your house.”
Liz nodded, “Fine, and this better not be some stupid plot of yours to get into Tess’s good graces.”
Max raised her eyebrows, “Liz, you are a genius. I hadn’t even thought of that.”
Liz groaned and Max laughed, “I’m just kidding Liz. Your sister is a mystery to me, I’ve tried everything I could on her and it just doesn’t work.”
“So, you want her even more because she’s a challenge?” Liz laughed.
Max grinned at her, “Yeah, something like that.”
Liz rolled her eyes, “All right, have a good weekend, I’ll see you Monday morning.”
“Have fun tonight.” Max said as he watched her walk out of his office.
Liz just nodded and gave a little wave.
As she walked down the hall she shook her head, she wasn’t sure how she let Max talk her into this. She liked Alex, he was funny, smart, and cute, but she didn’t know if she liked him as more than a friend. Well, she thought, tonight will decide that.
Three hours later
Liz was laughing hysterically at Alex. He really was a funny guy. He had picked her up and taken her to a small Italian restaurant. Liz had fallen in love with the restaurant the moment she had stepped foot in it. It had a wonderful atmosphere, and great food.
She was having a great time with Alex and Alex was enjoying himself too.
“So, Liz, have you adjusted to California weather?”
Liz smiled, “Yes, I love it here. When I was little I always wanted to live in California. I’m not quite sure why I wanted to, but I did. Have you lived here all your life?” she asked.
Alex nodded, “ Born and raised. I’ve done a lot of traveling and while I like to visit other places, my home will always be California.” He smiled at her.
She smiled back, “That’s good. Do you have any siblings?”
Alex shook his head, “Nope, only child. How about you? I mean I know Tess is your sister, but are there any other Parkers running around?”
She laughed, “Nope, just Tess and I, although Michael is like a brother to me. I’m closer to him than I am to Tess. She and I are complete opposites, well, except for both being lawyers.”
“I noticed that.” Alex said.
Dinner continued and the two got to really know each other. At the end of the night they pulled up in front of Liz’s house.
“Liz, I had fun tonight.” Alex said.
“Me too. Thanks for everything. Dinner was great. I’m glad we went out tonight and I’d like to do it again, but just as friends.” Liz said and glanced up at Alex.
He smiled, “You read my mind. I like you a lot but not in that way.”
Liz nodded relieved. She leaned over and kissed his cheek.
“Good night Alex.”
“Good night Liz.”
Chapter 3
The Next Morning
Liz woke up to Tess who was bouncing on her bed.
“Tess, what are you doing?” Liz eyed her sister suspiciously.
“Lizzie, I have something to tell you!” Tess said.
“Tess, can’t it wait until later. I never would have given you a key to my house if I had known you would use it to barge in here at….” Liz rolled over and looked at her alarm clock, she groaned, “6:30 a.m.”
If Tess was fazed by Liz’s attitude she didn’t show it, “Lizzie, c’mon get up. I brought coffee and muffins.”
Liz’s interest was definitely peaked. She got up and threw her robe on, she followed Tess down the stairs and into the kitchen.
Liz plopped down in a chair at the kitchen table while Tess placed a coffee and blueberry muffin in front of her. Then she placed a coffee and chocolate chip muffin on a placemat across the table from Liz and took a seat.
Liz took a sip of her coffee and then broke apart her muffin.
“So, Lizzie, last night I went out for happy hour with Ken and we were talking about promotions.”
Liz nodded, only half listening.
“So, then we went out to dinner and spent the entire night flirting with each other.”
Liz stopped chewing on her muffin and looked at her sister, she swallowed before asking, “Tess, isn’t he married?”
Tess ignored her, “After dinner, I invited him back to my place and we spent the entire night on my living room floor.”
Liz’s eyes widened, “Tess!”
“What?” she shrugged.
“He’s married, that’s what.” Liz said.
“That’s not my problem. It’s his and his wife’s problem.”
Liz was shocked.
“Oh, Lizzie, c’mon. Don’t act like such a little innocent girl.”
Liz just rolled her eyes, “Tess, I’m not innocent and I’m not a little girl, but I would never sleep with a married man.”
“Liz, it was just sex. What’s the big deal?”
Liz just groaned and shook her head, she should have listened to her instincts and stayed in bed.
Chapter 4
Monday Morning
Liz grabbed a quick cup of coffee before she made her way into the conference room.
“Can I get a cup too?” she heard Alex’s voice ask from behind her.
“And me too?” she heard Max too.
She laughed as she turned towards them.
“Yeah.” she poured them each a cup and moved to the side, so that they could put in their milk and sugar.
“Any idea what this meeting is about?” Liz asked them.
Alex and Max shrugged, “Nope.” they answered at the same time.
She smiled at them. Alex and Max followed her into the conference room and took a seat on each side of Liz.
Max leaned over to Liz, “So, Alex told me that you guys decided to just be friends.”
Liz smiled and nodded, “Yeah. But, thanks for trying.”
Max just winked at her.
A few minutes later, the conference room was filled with co-workers. Michael, Kenneth, and Henry made their way into the conference room, which caught everyone’ s attention.
Liz could immediately tell that Henry and Michael did not look happy.
“Thank you everyone for gathering here. We have decided to promote someone to partner. The candidates were Elizabeth Parker, Alexander Whitman, Tess Parker, and Maxwell Evans. All four of you are very qualified for the position, however, there is only one spot open. So, we’d like to welcome Tess Parker as our new partner.”
Congratulations were heard around the room and everything clicked for Liz. She understood now why Tess had slept with Kenneth and why she had been so giddy on Saturday morning. Liz inwardly sighed. She picked up her coffee cup and made her way out of the conference room. She got to her office and was about to close the door when a hand caught it.
“Lizzie, I was pushing for you.” Michael said.
Liz sighed and shut the door behind Michael, then took a seat behind her desk. Michael closed the blinds on her window that overlooked the hallway and sat across from her.
“You know that you are more qualified then she is. She was the least qualified out of the four of you. Henry was pushing for Max and Alex, and Tess wasn’t even really an option at one point, I mean she was a candidate, but even Kenneth seemed to be leaning towards you or Max. And then this morning he came in and said he chose Tess hands down and it wasn’t open for discussion. Henry and I weren’t happy, but we really couldn’t fight him. He had already called a meeting and everything.”
Liz just looked at Michael. She could tell that he was really upset over the matter, so she put his mind at ease, “Michael, it’s all right.”
“No, it’s not.”
“She didn’t get chosen because he thought she was a better lawyer than Max, Alex, or me.”
Michael looked up at her curiously.
Liz bit her bottom lip before continuing, “No, she got the job because she slept with Kenneth on Friday night.”
Michael looked at her, his eyes widening in shock, “What?”
Liz just nodded, “Yeah. She came to me on Saturday morning and was bragging about it, but I didn’t think anything of it until this morning.”
Michael sighed and rubbed his face with his hand, “He’s married.”
Liz laughed, “That’s what I said.”
Michael smiled at her, “I still don’t even know how you two are related.”
They laughed together.
Chapter 5
A Few Weeks Later
Liz sighed as she glanced at her notes. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the clock. It was almost 9 p.m. A soft knock on her door caught her attention as the door opened.
She smiled as Max poked his head in around the door, “Hi.”
He smiled back, “Hello.”
He walked into her office and behind her desk. He leaned over her shoulder and laughed, “Trying to decipher your notes.”
She glared at him for a moment and then laughed, “Yup. What are you still doing here? Shouldn’t you be out on one of your hot nights?”
It was his turn to glare at her and then laugh, “I should but I cancelled. I had to finish up on some paperwork from a case that just closed.”
Liz nodded. She sighed as she closed her notebook.
“C’mon Parker, I’ll walk you out to your car.” Max offered.
“All right.” Liz conceded.
She stood up and turned around only to find that Max hadn’t backed up at all. She was facing his chest. She looked up into his eyes at the same moment he looked down at her. Max reached up to brush away a lingering piece of hair off of Liz’s face. He tucked it behind her ear and then cupped her cheek with his hand. He leaned down and Liz closed her eyes. He brushed his lips tentatively across hers and then pulled her against him and deepened the kiss. Liz moaned and wrapped her arms around Max’s neck.
Neither saw Tess step into the office. Tess was shocked. She couldn’t believe that Max was kissing Liz. She wouldn’t let Liz get him. She liked the attention Max gave her, but she never had any intention of sleeping with him. But, now that her sister seemed to be getting the attention she had every intention of sleeping with Max. A plan started to formulate in her mind as she slipped quietly out of the office, unnoticed.
After a few moments, air became a necessity and they pulled away from one another. Max had forgotten where he was, he had been swept away by the passion that had built inside of him. He dropped his arms from around Liz and stepped back.
“Liz, I’m sorry. I…” he stopped because he didn’t know what to say or do. He wasn’t quite sure what had come over him.
“It’s all right Max. These late nights are just making us…..” Liz gestured with her hands and turned back to gather her things. What the hell was she thinking. She was friends with Max, and she knew how he was with women.
She turned back towards him, “C’mon. You can still walk me to my car Evans. Just no attacking me on the way there.”
A grin broke out over Max’s face and he was grateful for Liz making light of the situation.
Two Days Later
Max could not believe his luck. Tess had just asked him if he would help her with a high profile case involving two celebrities. Working with Tess would be great, because then Max could try to seduce her, but they would have to travel to Hawaii, which would only add to his seduction plans.
As his plane landed he could see Tess waiting on the runway for him. He smiled, this was going to be great.
Tess watched Max get off the plane. She was going to give in to his seductions, but she wasn’t quite sure when.
They made small talk on the way back to their hotel and Max was excited to learn their rooms were next to each other. Tess knew that her case came first. So, she and Max got down to business. Tess was very impressed with Max’s knowledge and strategies for winning the case.
Since they made significant progress on the case Max decided to put his plan into action.
“Tess, would you like to have dinner with me?”
Tess nodded, “Sure, just let me change.”
Max smiled and made his way back to his room, hoping that tonight would be his lucky night.
Chapter 6
A Month Later
Liz and Alex were sharing a pizza on Liz’s patio when she heard her front door open. She knew that the only person who would just walk in was her sister. And before she or Alex could say anything a very tanned Tess and Max walked through Liz’s back door holding hands. To say that Liz and Alex were shocked is an understatement.
Tess went over to Liz and hugged her, “Hi, sis. Did you miss me while I was gone?”
Liz recovered from her shock quickly, “Um, yeah. It was quiet.”
She saw Alex had recovered from his shock and smirked at her.
Max leaned down and kissed her cheek, “Hi Liz.”
She smiled at him, “Hi Max.”
“Well, I just wanted to stop by and say hi. I’m off to go shopping and meet with Kenneth.” Tess and Liz knew what she was really going to do.
“Kenneth?” Max questioned.
“Yeah, he wanted to discuss the case.”
Liz watched Max nod, “Okay, I’ll just catch a ride with Alex when he leaves.”
Alex just nodded and Tess was gone after a quick kiss to Max.
Max seated himself at the table and grabbed a slice of pizza.
“So,” Alex started, “Anything you want to share with us?”
Max grinned, “Yeah. Tess and I hooked up and I really like her. I‘m swearing off all other women. Max Evans is officially off the market and a player no more. I‘ve given up the game.”
Alex’s mouth fell open and Liz just groaned inwardly. She knew her sister had no intention of doing anything but having sex with Max.
Monday Morning
Liz walked into her office and set her coffee cup down. Alex rushed into her office and closed her door quickly.
“Alex, what’s the matter?” Liz asked.
“Liz, it’s all over the office about Max and Tess.”
Liz just shook her head, “Alex, there’s nothing we can do.”
Alex sighed, “This is going to blow up in Max’s face isn’t it?”
All Liz could do was nod, “Yup. I’ll talk to Max.”
Liz had confided in Alex about Tess’s true nature.
At lunch time Liz made her way into Max’s office.
He smiled up at her, “Hi Parker.”
Liz smiled back, “Hi Evans.”
The two ate lunch in an amicable silence until Liz broke it.
“Max, I know you are not going to appreciate what I’m about to say, but I have to say it because you are my friend. Tess is not who you think she is. She is mean, spiteful, and vindictive. She is not going to be faithful to you. Max, she….” before Liz could finish Max interrupted her.
“Liz, don’t be jealous.”
Liz stopped dead and her eyes narrowed, “Jealous? You think I’m saying this because I’m jealous? Oh please Max. The girl is a slut. She’s my sister and somewhere in my heart I do love her, but Max she is no good. And you know what? I came here to tell you to be careful, I told you, so I’m going now.”
Liz stormed out of the office.
Max sat back shocked at the turn of events. He knew Liz wasn’t jealous, but he just couldn’t think of why she would say those things to him. He finally had Tess and he was happy. He wasn’t going to worry about what Liz had said.
Chapter 7
Saturday Morning
Max could not believe it. He pulled up outside of Liz’s house. He owed her an apology because she was right. Tess was all the things Liz said she was. He had gone over to her house this morning to surprise her with breakfast in bed, only he discovered her in bed with some guy that worked in the Mail room of their office. He didn’t know what else to do, or who to talk too. Liz had avoided him for the rest of the week and he had felt awful, but now he felt even worse because he realized how wrong he’d been about Tess.
He looked at the clock on his dashboard. It read 8:30 a.m. He got out of the car and made his way to her front door. Max realized something on his drive over. He really liked Liz. He wasn’t quite sure how or when it happened, but he knew that Liz Parker affected him more than he had ever let himself believe. He knocked on the door. There was no answer. He knocked again and this time the door swung open to reveal a disheveled Michael Guerin. Max froze for a moment.
“Um, is Liz around?” Max asked. He knew how stupid he sounded, after all it was her house.
Michael nodded, “Hold on, I’ll go get her.”
As Michael turned around to get Liz, Max saw her come out of the kitchen. She was wearing a small pair of shorts and a white tank top. Her hair was messy from sleep, but Max realized he had never seen her look cuter.
“Lizzie, you have a visitor.” Michael said as he leaned down and kissed her cheek before heading up the stairs. Max heard a door shut and looked at Liz. She was staring at him expectantly.
“I’m sorry. I should have called first. I didn’t mean to interrupt anything.” Max said as he started to back up off the porch.
Liz looked at him confused and then realization dawned on her, “Wait, Max. It’s not what you think.”
Max paused and Liz continued, “My best friend, Maria is visiting, and she happens to be Michael’s girlfriend. They spent the night here because Maria and I were catching up and it got to be very late.”
Max let out of breath of air and smiled at her, “Oh.”
“Come in.” Liz said and returned his smile.
Max followed Liz into the kitchen, “Coffee?”
Max nodded and sat at the table as Liz fixed his coffee. She knew how he liked it and then placed it in front of him. She put a plate of muffins on the table and sat across from him.
“So, Max, what’s up?” Liz broke the silence.
“Well, I came to apologize.” Max paused for a moment, “You were right about Tess. I was so taken by her from the moment I saw her. And, Hawaii was perfect, but you were right. She is a player. I used to be her. I used to treat women the way she’s treated me and it’s not right. Liz, I’m so sorry that I said you were jealous of her. Because, you are so much better than she will ever be.”
Liz stared at Max, but before either of them could say anything Maria stormed into the kitchen.
“You,” she pointed at Max, “are the one who compared her to Tess.” Maria crossed her arms in front of her chest, “Are you blind or stupid?”
Liz shook her head, “Maria!”
“What?” Maria asked innocently.
Michael made his way into the room, “All right Maria, you’ve made your point. You heard him apologize.”
Liz laughed as she watched Michael drag Maria out of the kitchen, “I’m sorry. She had the tendency to listen to other people’s conversation.”
“I do not.” They heard and laughed. Liz heard Michael pull Maria up the stairs and a door shut once again. She shook her head.
“It’s all right, I deserved it. She’s right. I was so stupid, do you forgive me?” Max asked.
Liz nodded, “Of course.”
Max smiled, “And, there’s something else I have to tell you….” he paused.
Liz reached across the table and gripped his hand encouragingly
“I like you….a lot.”
They heard a gasp come from the stairs and then Maria’s voice was heard, “Michael! Did you hear that?”
Chapter 8
One month later
Max watched the raven haired beauty that was sleeping on his chest. Her soft breath was warm against his cool skin. He thought back over the past month and the routine that they had settled into. They would leave work around 6 p.m., if their work loads permitted, and have dinner at his or her house. Then they would watch TV or do paperwork, before spending the next few hours worshipping each other’s bodies. Usually they’d end up at Liz’s house. Max had brought over some of his clothes and they ended up most mornings just leaving from Liz’s house.
Max couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have Liz in his life. The past few months he’d really come to care for her and over this last month he realized that he loved her. Tess had barely spoken to him, since that morning in her bedroom. She had been out of the state most of the time on business. Max didn’t even notice Tess‘s absence because he was too preoccupied with Liz.
Max remembered Alex’s face when he had told him about he and Liz. He was shocked to say the least but then he went into big brother mode.
“Max, I am only saying this once. You hurt her and nothing in this world will stop me or Michael from kicking your ass.”
Max had just nodded. He knew that he would never hurt the beautiful women he was in love with. He felt her stir slightly in her sleep and he was content to just watch her sleep.
Liz was in love. She laid silently on top of Max’s chest listening to his steady breathing and his heartbeat. It was peaceful and calming to her. If she was honest with herself she had fallen for Max a while ago, but she had been afraid to admit it to herself and to him. She raised her head and was met with Max’s gaze. He smiled at her and placed a kiss on top of her head. He pulled her closer and she rested her head under his chin.
“I was thinking,” he started.
Liz laughed, “That’s never good.”
“Hey!.” Max laughed, “Anyhow, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, I was thinking that we should move in together. Now, I know what you’re thinking, but Liz I practically live here anyhow. I can’t remember the last time I was at my house for more than five minutes to pick up clothes.”
Liz thought about it for a moment, “You’re right Max.” she looked up and could see the shock in his eyes that she had so willingly agreed.
She leaned up and kissed him. He kissed her back just as passionately and decided that they were not leaving the bedroom at all, except for food and water.
Two weeks later
Tess strolled into the office without a care in the world. She had just spent the weekend with Kenneth in Vegas. Tess was definitely having fun and she loved her life at the moment. She decided to go see her sister, so she made her way down the hall. Tess found Liz’s office empty. When she turned around to leave she came face to face with Alex.
She smiled sweetly at him, “Hi Alex. Have you seen my sister?”
“Tess, she has the next two weeks off. Max is moving in with her.”
Tess’s jaw dropped and Alex smiled at her, “I guess they didn’t tell you.”
Tess pushed past Alex and made her way to her office. She was beyond pissed off.
Chapter 9
Later that night
Tess pulled up outside of Liz’s house. All of the lights were on and the curtains were pulled back. Tess watched as Max twirled Liz around the living room. She saw him pull Liz against him and kiss her passionately. Tess’s mind started spinning and she decided that her mission would be to break up Liz and Max.
Three Months Later
Tess’s plan was flawless. She had been shamelessly flirting with Max for the past three months but it didn’t deter him and Liz’s relationship. So, Tess had upped the stakes a little bit. She sent Liz on a case in Roswell, New Mexico. Tess knew that Liz would be gone for at least two weeks and she planned to take advantage of those two weeks. Tess had never seen Liz happier than she had been these past few months, but Tess knew that she could take that happiness from her sister and she planned on it. Liz had already been gone for three weeks. Tess had spoken to her sister and she knew that Liz was coming home for a quick visit, just to surprise Max.
So, Tess decided that it would be the perfect time to put the final acts of her plan in motion. She pulled up outside of Liz’s house at 7:30 p.m. Tess knew Liz would be home at 9:00 p.m. She walked up to the door and used her key to get in. Max came out from the kitchen and gave her a weary glance.
She smiled, “Hi Max! I just thought I’d bring over dinner.”
He sighed, “Tess, I’m exhausted. I’ve had a long day in court and am going in the shower.”
“I’m just trying to put the past behind us Max.” Tess said, faking a hurt look.
Max sighed, “I’m sorry. Let me just grab a shower and then I’ll be right down. Just make yourself comfortable.”
Max slipped past her and made his way up the stairs. Tess quickly put the Chinese take out containers on the kitchen counter. She walked over to the front door and locked it. She shed all of her clothes and made her way up the stairs. She quietly walked into Max and Liz’s room and peaked into the bathroom. She could see the bathroom was starting to steam up. She walked into the bathroom and then got into the shower.
Max turned around surprised, “Tess!”
“C’mon Max. You know you still want me.” she said as she ran over her body and then his. She could feel his arousal as she plastered herself to the front of him and whispered, “Max…” before she could finish she found herself up against the shower wall with Max in between her legs.
Tess lost track of time and she and Max had sex in the shower, on the bathroom floor, and finally made their way into the bedroom. Tess was definitely not quiet about her enjoyment and that was how Liz found them. Tess was astride Max screaming her pleasure.
Liz had made her way into her house and could hear what was going on upstairs in her bedroom. She wanted to see for her own eyes, so she peeped into the bedroom. She saw Tess on top of Max. She was stunned for a moment as she watched Max and Tess together. She quickly ran down the stairs and out of the house. Neither Tess nor Max knew that Liz had been in the house. As soon as it was over Max felt dirty. He threw Tess out and showered again, trying to wash away his sins.
Tess didn’t know that Liz had been there, so she left trying to figure out how to have her way with Max again.
The Next Day
Max made his way into work and felt like shit. He wasn’t sure what he was going to tell Liz when he got back. He put his coffee down on his desk and turned around only to be met with a disgruntled Michael and Alex.
“I warned you.” Alex stated before he swung at Max. Alex’s fist collided with Max’s jaw. Max stumbled back.
“Max, I don’t even know what to say to you,” Michael stopped and then took a menacing step towards Max, “but I know it will feel great to hit you.”
“Michael, I can explain. I can’t believe Tess is already telling people.” Max said.
“Tess didn’t have to tell them anything.” A voice spoke.
Max looked up to the doorway and saw Liz, he was thoroughly confused.
“Liz, when did you get back?” he asked.
“Well, see the funny thing is that I came back yesterday to surprise my boyfriend. Only, I guess the surprise was on me when I walked into MY house to find MY boyfriend, fucking MY sister in MY bed.” Max winced at her choice of words and the anger in her voice.
“Liz please,” he took a step towards her only to be met with both Alex and Michael standing in his way.
“Max, I want you out of my house. I don’t care where you go, just get out. I’m going away for a week and when I come back, I expect you gone.” and with that Liz turned and walked out.
Michael pulled his arm back and punched Max square in the nose. He and Alex walked out and followed Liz out of the office and to her car.
Liz was heartbroken. She had called Maria last night and then went to Michael’s to stay. Maria was in the process of moving to Los Angeles, but she was still in Boston. So, Liz decided that she would go to Boston and help Maria finish up for her move to L.A.
Chapter 10
Two months Later
Liz flipped to the next page in her book. She sighed and put the book down. She closed her eyes and rested her head against her headboard. She was absolutely miserable. She hadn’t spoken to Max or her sister since the incident. She was happy that her best friend was now out in L.A., but she missed Max. She still loved him, but she was so angry with him. When she had returned home from Boston, she and Maria, with the help of Michael had dismantled her bed and gotten rid of it. She purchased a bigger bed and bought all new sheets. Max had sent her flowers every day that they had been apart but she threw them all in the garbage. She heard her front door open and knew that it was Maria and Michael. A few minutes later her bedroom door flew open and Maria came bouncing in.
“Lizzie, it’s time to get up. Michael’s cooking breakfast.” Maria said in a sing-song voice.
Liz laughed, “All right, all right, I’m coming.”
She made her way down the stairs to be greeted by a kitchen full of her closest friends. Michael was at the counter mixing pancake mix, Alex was squeezing the orange juice, and Alex’s girlfriend, Isabelle, was cutting up potatoes for hash browns. Maria got down to work taking out the sausage and bacon, while Liz started her task of setting the table. The five of them had grown close over the past few months. They had kept Liz together and helped her to start to move on with her life. Every Saturday and Sunday morning, the five of them would get together and cook breakfast. On Saturdays they met at Michael and Maria’s and on Sundays they met at Liz’s. On Friday nights they would get together and Alex and Isabelle’s for dinner and a movie. Liz never felt excluded and she had come to depend on the four people in her kitchen.
A knock at the front door caught everyone’s attention and Alex said, “I’ll get it.”
Liz heard Alex’s voice grow louder, so she went to see what the problem was. She was shocked to say the least, to see Max and Tess on her doorstep. She could see that Max had a firm grip on Tess’s arm.
Alex said, “Liz, I tried to get him to go away, but….”
“It’s all right, Alex. Go back into the kitchen with the others. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Alex didn’t hesitate in getting back to the kitchen. He motioned for the others to be quiet, as he quickly explained what was going on. He and Michael listened, ready to step in if they needed to.
“What do you two want?” Liz questioned with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
“Tess has something to say.” Max said as he gripped Tess’s arm harder.
“Liz, I am sorry. The whole trip to Roswell was my idea. I figured that I would get you out of town and that that would leave Max all to me. At first, he wasn’t having anything to do with me. But then, the day you called me to tell me you coming home early, I knew that I could have my chance to break the two of you up. I knew exactly what time you would be home, so I came over here under the pretenses of bringing dinner. Max told me to get out, but I played the sympathy card and he went upstairs to shower. I locked the door, stripped out of my clothes, and climbed into the shower with him. He was surprised at first, but…” Tess stopped.
“Why?” Liz asked, tears had begun to make their way down her face.
“Because, all of our lives you have always gotten everything. Our parents favor you, you always got the great boyfriends, the perfect grades, you always won all your cases. I just wanted something before you. I never wanted Max, even in Hawaii. The only reason I slept with him was because I saw the two of you kissing one night in your office. And then, after I had him and I knew it irked you, I ignored him and worked on my cases. I came home and you two were moving in together, so I set about to destroy you.”
Liz was shocked, “You hate me that much?”
Tess just shrugged, “It was a game to me.”
Before the three of them could say anything else Liz slapped Tess across the face, “You bitch. Get out of my house and don’t ever come back. You are not welcome here anymore and if you do come back I will have a restraining order taken out against you.”
Tess looked wide eyed at Liz as Max let go of her arm. She turned around and quietly made her way off the porch, she knew she had lost this battle.
Liz just watched her go then turned her attention to Max, “How did you get her to confess all of that?”
“I knew she was sleeping with Kenneth. I threatened to expose her to Henry if she didn’t confess everything to you. These past two months I’ve been paying close attention to her and everything just kind of clicked into place. I realized that something wasn’t right and when I threatened her, she confessed it all. Liz, I don’t even know where to begin.” Max looked at her hopefully.
“How about some breakfast?” she asked and held out her hand to him.
Max smiled, “Okay.”
Liz smiled back, “It’s a start.”
Epilogue
Three Years Later
Liz Evans walked downstairs and into a kitchen full of people. Alex and Isabelle Whitman were setting the table while Michael and Maria Guerin were placing a plate full of pancakes, sausage, and bacon on the table. A pair of strong arms wrapped around her from behind and a pair of lips kissed her temple.
“Morning sweetheart.” Max’s voice rumbled against her ear.
She turned in his arms and placed a chaste kiss on his lips, “Good Morning, my love.”
Max smiled down at his wife and wasn’t sure how he’d gotten so lucky. It had taken them a while to get their relationship back on track, but they had been married for seven glorious months and Max wouldn’t trade it at all.
“All right, you two, break it up. The pregnant women are starving over here, so sit down so we can eat.” Maria said.
Liz and Max laughed and made their way over to the table.
Maria and Isabelle both mumbled, “Finally.”
Liz just laughed and shook her head, she knew it was their hormones talking since they were both eight months pregnant.
“Well, let’s eat then.” Liz said as she sat down.
“So,” Alex said, “Liz fill us in on the latest Tess happenings.”
The group laughed, but looked at Liz expectantly.
“Well, the last I heard she had moved back into my parents and was going to attend nursing school. It seems that she can’t make it in the world of lawyers anymore. I think her reputation was damaged after that third scandal of sleeping with a client came out.”
The three couples shared a laugh and then ate in a comfortable silence for a few minutes before Max felt Liz’s hand on his thigh. He smiled and cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention. Everyone looked up at Max.
“Liz and I have an announcement to make.” Max grinned and looked at Liz.
“Well, in about seven months we are going to have a baby.”
The kitchen was bathed in complete silence for a moment before the Michael, Maria, Isabelle, and Alex were congratulating, hugging, and kissing Max and Liz. As the commotion settled down and the couples returned to eating, Max turned to Liz.
“You know sweetheart, I’m so glad you invited me to stay for breakfast three years ago.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“Me too.” Liz grinned and kissed his cheek. She was happier than she’d ever been and it was all because she took a leap of faith.
"Something in your eyes makes me smile..." David Gray