<center>Chapter Ten</center>
“Lover Boy’s here!”
Liz winced at Maria’s singsong tone, and quickly dabbed a coat of gloss to her lips, fluffing her hair in the mirror one last time before she took a deep breath and left the bedroom.
She heard Max and Michael’s deep voices, followed by Maria’s husky purr and Ella’s giggle. Unable to keep from smiling, she walked into the living room.
Max immediately looked up, his eyes training on her as she made her way across the living room. She swallowed, trying not to stumble from the appreciative heat in his eyes.
“Hello,” she smiled politely, realizing that conversation had ceased upon her entrance. She felt self-conscious under the pairs of four watchful eyes. “I… I hope I’m not over-dressed,” she added, running nervous hands down the slinky red cocktail dress. One of the few nice dresses she had left.
Max seemed to break out of his daze and slowly made his way across the room. Without breaking eye contact, he brought her hand up to his lips, and kissed the inside of her wrist. “You look amazing,” he said in a low timbre, sending chills along her body with the touch of his soft mouth.
Ella giggled, causing Liz to flush as she cleared her throat. “Thank you,” she managed, trying to keep from staring at him in open admiration. Still, she knew she wouldn’t get the image of him, all hard and muscled in a black silk polo and khaki chino’s out of her mind. She vaguely wondered if she was drooling.
“Thank you,” she whispered, feeling as if under a spell as she watched his lips curve, his lids begin to lower with mutual desire.
A loud throat being cleared shook them both.
“Sugar, you two keep eating each other with your eyes and you won’t have any room for dinner,” Maria’s amused voice sounded.
Michael coughed to cover up a snicker, and Ella looked up at her new friend. “Mikey… how’s Max eatin’ Lizzie?” she asked in a loud stage whisper.
Every adult in the room went silent and red-faced, leaving it up to Michael to answer. “Uh…” was his genius reply.
“We better go,” Max broke in quickly. “You guys keep a good eye on my best girl.” He winked at Ella who beamed under his attention and hugged his legs. “I’ll see you later, princess.”
“Bye!” she sang happily, bounding away as Michael made a grab for her. “Catch me if you can, Mikey G!”
“You two go have fun,” Maria added, gently taking one of each of their arms and steering them towards the door. “Stay out as long as you want. And remember… don't do anything I wouldn't do!”
“What’s left?” Liz mumbled, exchanging a shy smile with Max.
They found themselves promptly on the front porch, staring at the closed door. Max turned to her and lifted a dark brow. “Somehow I don’t think they’ll miss us much,” he said wryly as they heard the squeals and laughter coming from inside.
Liz smiled back, placing her hand lightly on his arm. “Let’s give them awhile to realize what it’s like without us, then.”
Max grinned, tucking her hand in his as he led her towards his car.
<center>***</center>
“We’re eating here?” Liz asked in surprise twenty minutes later when they pulled up in front of the Hard Rock Café.
Max shifted the car into park and glanced over at her. “I hope you don’t mind… I’m not much for fancy restaurants and expensive food. I’m more of a beer and pizza kind of guy.”
He said it with such sheepishness that she could only laugh. “No… actually, I’m relieved,” she admitted. “Beer and pizza are staples in my diet. I just… you don’t seem the type…” she nibbled her lip, wondering how to say what she meant without offending him.
Max reached across and squeezed her hand. “I’m not like every other rich kid out there, Liz,” he said softly. “I’m just a regular guy.”
She stared at him, studying the handsome planes of his face and the way everything about him seemed to simply… sparkle. “No, you’re not like every other guy,” she whispered, her tongue feeling thick as his gaze darkened and settled on her lips. “You’re… different. I can’t explain it, but you are.”
Max opened his mouth, unsure of whether he planned to answer her or kiss her. The decision was abruptly taken away from him as another car pulled up beside them, bathing their faces in a soft glow. He quirked his lips, and squeezed her hand before saying, “You ready?”
She took an audible breath then nodded. As they got out, Max tucked his arm around her waist, allowing himself to skim his fingers down the dip on the back of her dress. Liz shivered and he brought her a little closer, huskily asking, “Are you cold?”
It was a ridiculous question considering the warm southern air, but Liz nodded anyway, unable to admit that she was, in truth, incredibly hot. For Max Evans. It was almost laughable, really. She wasn’t a shrinking violet, she worked in a strip club, for God’s sake. She’d had her share of lovers and knew the game of dating like any other woman in her twenties.
But she never felt as unsettled as she did whenever she looked into his golden eyes. He raised emotions in her that were new and exciting and if she admitted it to herself, incredibly arousing.
They waited for a table to open, making idle conversation while both inwardly wondered what the other was thinking. When they were finally led towards a booth just off the side of the main bar, Max thanked the hostess and helped Liz into the cushioned seat.
Before they could speak, a cute college-aged waiter approached with a wide grin and deep set of dimples. “Hey, guys, welcome to Hard Rock,” he said in a cheerful tone that had both of them smiling. “My name’s Gabe and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. Can I get you guys any drinks to start off?”
Max glanced at Liz, who nodded. “Uh… sure. I’ll just have a Corona. Liz?”
“I’ll have a dirty martini with three olives,” she said to Max’s surprise. She shot him an amused smile and added, “You work in a bar long enough…”
He exchanged a look with the waiter, and both men laughed.
“Okay, I’ll have those drinks out ASAP,” the young man winked, and offered them a two finger salute before ambling off to the next booth.
Liz couldn’t keep from shimmying a little in her seat as an old AC/DC song came blaring over the speaker system, prompting several patrons to start whooping and dancing on the polished floor.
Waiters ducked around them, full of smiles and laughter as they served food. She absolutely loved the atmosphere of this place, and thought that Max couldn’t have picked a better venue if he had asked her opinion beforehand.
After Gabe reappeared moments later and they ordered, Max turned to her with a grin. “Wanna dance?” he asked, leaning in to be heard over the loud music.
Relaxed by the alcohol and ambiance, Liz giggled and nodded, taking his proffered hand as he led her away from the booth and pulled her into his arms. Mick Jagger sang about Honky Tonk Women as they laughed and moved against each other.
Liz loved to dance, and this was the type of dancing she preferred. She did a subtle roll of her shoulders as she turned to face away from Max and caught his inward breath. His hands wrapped around her waist as he drew her back against him, her bottom snug against his groin.
They swayed sinuously as couples around them bumped and grinded. Her hands covered his against her stomach as he leaned in. “You sure know how to move,” he whispered, his lips teasing her ear.
She struggled not to shiver. “I used to be a dancer,” she answered, feeling her heart begin to speed up as he turned her around so they once again were looking into each other’s eyes. “I mean… a real dancer.”
“What made you stop?” he asked seriously, his hands gently rubbing against her bare back as they drifted closer together. “Was it what happened to your parents?”
Liz looked up, startled. “How… how did you know about that?” she asked stiffly, then forced herself to loosen up and began to apologize. “I… I’m sorry-”
“Ella told me,” he answered gently, reaching up to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. “Liz… if you don’t want to talk about it, it’s ok.”
She started to accept his gesture, then closed her eyes as he began to caress her cheek. Before she quite realized it, she heard herself say, “After they died, I couldn’t afford to pay the house rent, much less take dancing lessons or go to school. And there was Ella, of course. I couldn’t just leave her behind. She’s so shy…”
His fingers paused, then slid to cup her nape as he bent to brush his lips lightly against hers. “You’re an incredible woman, Liz Parker,” he murmured gruffly, making her eyes open at the emotion in his tone. “Most people wouldn’t care, they’d have thrown that little girl to the nearest relative and gone off to do whatever they wanted. But not you.”
Their eyes met and held as time seemed to stop around them. They slowed to a slow sway, desire flaming between them. “I guess I’m not like everyone else, either,” she whispered, her eyes drifting closed as his lips hovered just above her own.
“Hey guys!”
They broke apart with a jolt and found Gabe grinning at them. “Just wanted to let you know, your food’s ready,” he added sheepishly. “Sorry to interrupt.”
Liz felt a flush heat her cheeks and glanced down as Max answered, “Thanks, man.”
They walked back to the booth in silence and took their seats, both staring at the steaming food before them as though they’d never seen the likes before. Liz swallowed and picked up a french fry, nibbling it studiously as she felt Max watching her.
When she looked up, he held her gaze for a long moment before he looked down to his thick burger. “Does it taste all right?” he wondered in a funny voice, slicing his food down the middle and lifting one end to his mouth.
“Wonderful,” Liz murmured, feeling giddy and foolish as she realized he was aroused. By her. Not that this was such an extroidinary concept… she was quite well-aware that she was exceptionally pretty. But he didn’t look at her like a typical guy staring at a nice piece of ass. Instead, he seemed to be hot for her. Her mind and her body. It made her feel soft and feminine towards him.
She only wondered what the future between them might bring.
<center>***</center>
Max cut the engine and glanced across the car towards Liz, who was staring across the dark parking lot of her apartment complex. “I’ll walk you to the door,” he said quietly, not wanting to have the night end, but he couldn’t think of a good excuse to keep her with him.
Except for the obvious one, but he didn’t think she’d appreciate or go for the whole, “Mind if I come up?” deal.
“Oh,” she started in surprise, glancing at him. “We’re here already.”
His lips quirked slightly. “Where’d you go off to?” he asked softly, reaching across the expanse to stroke her arm.
She glanced at him, a small smile on her lush lips. “Hmm… nowhere important,” she answered in a sweetly soft voice that sent waves of desire through him.
They walked slowly towards her apartment, trying to draw out the inevitable close to their evening together. When they reached her porch, she turned to regard him through lowered lashes. “Well… I had a wonderful time, Max,” she spoke softly, her fingers clutching her purse.
He stepped closer, his hands falling to her hips as he drew her against him and his mouth lowered to hers. They both sighed and melted into the kiss as her arms came up to wrap around his neck. Tongues tangled and teeth nibbled lightly as they slanted their mouths back and forth.
After a long moment, he pulled back and gazed at her through heavy-lidded eyes. Her gaze was bright with passion and her lips glistening and swollen. He bit back a groan as he saw the effect he’d had. “I had a wonderful time, too,” he managed to murmur, stroking his fingers along the ridge of her hips where he could feel the thin band of her panties. “I’m glad you came out with me, Liz.”
“So am I,” she whispered, breathing lightly.
He bent and took her lips again, a little harder this time as they both moaned. “Can I see you again?” he whispered against her mouth, tugging her lower lip with his teeth as his hand crept to her breast and lightly circled the distinct point pressing against the silky fabric.
She sighed, leaning into his ministration and nodded, her head against his shoulder. “Y… yes,” she moaned.
He paused, uttering a quiet curse before he pulled completely away. His legs felt like jelly as he watched her compose herself. “Go inside,” he demanded in a gruff tone. “Before I can’t stop.”
She opened her mouth as if to speak, then simply nodded and turned around. She fumbled with the knob for a moment before managing to pry it open, then glanced over her shoulder at him before stepping inside.
Once she was safely inside, he fell against the railing and hung his head, wincing at the powerful ache between his legs.
Liz fell against the door, breathing heavily as her eyes fell closed. Lord, the man made her feel things she’d never thought possible! And she’d only known him for such a short time…
Her eyes flew open again at the muffled murmur to her left and she glanced over to see two heads pop up from behind the sofa. She rolled her eyes as she caught a glimpse of Michael’s shirt, half-unbuttoned to show his chest and his hair sticking up as if fingers had repeatedly been run through it.
Maria’s face was flushed and she also seemed extremely flustered. “Lizzie,” she whispered, standing and holding together the ends of her shirt. “You… you’re back early.”
Liz couldn’t help but giggle at the owlish looks on both of their faces. “Why don’t you two get out of here?” she offered, bending to take off her shoes. “We’ll do girl’s night another night, Maria.”
Her best friend’s face lit up and Liz laughed again. “You sure, babe?” she asked, eyes narrowing at Liz’s tousled appearance. “Have you been wrestling with a bayou mutt, Lizzie?” she asked with an air of amusement in her tone.
“More like a slick law-school student,” Michael teased in a low tone.
Before she completely made a fool out of herself, Liz ushered them both out and wished them a good night. When she was once again alone, she headed towards the bedrooms and checked on Ella.
Everything inside her softened as she looked in to see a head of curls peeking above the Barbie comforter. Making sure the nightlight was set, she gently closed the door and headed to her bedroom, when she caught a soft knock on the door.
Thinking it was Maria or Michael coming back because they’d forgotten something, she didn’t bother to check the eyehole. “Back so soon…” she trailed off as she caught sight of Max, his eyes dark and glazed as he stared at her. “Max…”
“Liz,” was all he said, before they were in each other’s arms. She wrapped her legs around him as he closed the door, their mouths eating at each other as he guided them towards her bedroom.
Affairs of the Heart (AU,M/L,ADULT) Ch 12 - AN 09/26 [WIP]
Moderators: Anniepoo98, ISLANDGIRL5, truelovepooh, Forum Moderators
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Applebylicious
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- Joined: Fri Sep 06, 2002 8:45 pm
<center>Chapter 11</center>
Mouths roamed, fingers tore at clothing as they collasped onto the bed. Liz gasped as Max’s hard body pressed her into the mattress, their lips never leaving each other.
Even as his hand slid beneath the cotton shirt she’d changed into, he whispered against her mouth, “Are you sure?”
Her heart beat fiercely as her mind spun in a dizzying war of sensibility versus desire. She wasn’t the type to lose her mind in the heat of passion. Truthfully, she didn’t think she’d ever been in the heat of passion.
But as she stared into Max’s heavy-lidded amber gaze, she could do no more than nod her head, her hand snaking up to pull his mouth towards hers. “I’m sure,” she whispered, placing a hot kiss against his lips.
“Thank God,” he groaned, and his hand fell to her breast, manipulating the sharp peak with an air of desperation. The shirt was ripped over her head as his mouth fell to claim her.
The only sounds in the dark room were the soft moans and gasps as they writhed and rolled on the bed. Clothing melted away, leaving them naked and sweating as Liz rolled on top of him. She threw her head back as Max sat up, cradling her in his lap as he continued to suckle her nipple deep into his mouth.
“Oh, yess,” she sighed, raking her fingers through his thick hair, purring softly as he licked around her flesh. “Oh God… it feels so good…”
She’d nearly forgotten what it felt like to be intimate with a man. Thanks to her job as a stripper, she’d felt as though she’d become immune to the sensual side of human nature. It had become a crass and cynical part of her world, and she’d secretly feared she’d never feel that spark of desire again.
Until she’d looked into the golden-eyed gaze of a stranger.
“I want you,” he groaned, brushing his cheek against her breast and causing a shudder to pass through her. “I’ve wanted you from the moment I saw you.”
Their eyes locked as she lifted her hips. “You have me,” she whispered, leaning forward to capture his lips as she lowered herself over him. They both groaned in shared pleasure as he slid sleekly inside her, sinking into her inner heat.
It was no gentle and easy coupling, but a fast and sweaty bout with biting teeth and raking nails as they pumped against one another. He fell against the bed as she continued to ride him, his hands holding her hips as he arched upward and groaned.
Through heavy-lidded eyes he watched her raise her hands to run through the silky mass of her hair, lifting the heavy strands as she continued to rise and fall over him. His heart pounded, his jaw locked against the urge to cry out as she suddenly stiffened then fell against him as they both came in a rush of gasping groans.
His hand found hers and their fingers tangled as they both struggled to breathe. He raised his arms to wrap around her, bringing her flush against his side and kissed the top of her head. “You’re beautiful,” he murmured, tracing the line of her cheek as she stared at him through sated eyes.
“You make me feel beautiful,” she admitted in a sleepy tone, blinking softly as he smiled at her. She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his in a gentle kiss that contridicted the heated lovemaking they’d just been involved in. “Thank you,” she whispered, stroking his lower lip as he watched her through dark eyes.
“For what?” His arms tightened around her, his voice deep and rumbling.
Her lips lifted as she snuggled deeper into his arms. “For being here. For me, and Ella. You’ll never know what that means to her.”
“And to you?” he whispered, bending his head to nuzzle her nose.
“Hmm…” she smiled, yawning lightly. “We’ll see, won’t we?”
They lay together in comfortable silence for several minutes before he finally spoke. “I should leave.” He made no attempt to, simply dragged her leg over his hip and shifted into a more relaxed position.
“Stay,” Liz murmured, already in the beginning throes of slumber. “Stay with me tonight.”
A smile drifted over his face seconds before he joined her.
<center>***</center>
The next morning, Liz was awakened to the strange sound of laughing. Not the childish giggles that she was used to, ones that said Ella was up and watching her daily regiment of cartoons.
She heard those, but there was a deeper chuckle that joined in… a sound that sent shivers down her spine as she sat up and sleepily rubbed her eyes. She glanced down at the tangled sheets wrapped around her legs, and flushed at the sight of her nude body.
Grabbing her robe that dangled across the chair across the room, she slid into the silky material and opened the door to investigate. Her eyes widened as she was hit with the delicious aroma of bacon and eggs, and her mouth began to water.
She tied the sash across her waist into a knot, turning the corner that led to the living room… and stopped dead in her tracks. She leaned against the wall as she watched the scene before her.
“Where’d you learn to cook?” Ella asked, giggling as she tried to feed a slice of thick bacon to Max. He held his mouth open comically wide and made an “Ahh” sound that had the little girl laughing hysterically.
He chewed and made appreciative sounds before lifting a slice towards Ella, who mimicked his facial expression. “Well, we had this really cool chef when I was little… and since I like to eat so much, she showed me how to make some stuff,” he admitted in a carefree tone.
“Didn’t your mommy and daddy cook for you?” Ella asked through a mouthful of bacon.
Liz winced at the tactless question, but Max didn’t appear offended. He simply grinned sheepishly and shrugged. “My parents worked a lot,” he said, as if it were a secret. “So me and my older sister, we pretty much learned to take care of ourselves.”
Ella nodded solemnly, then bit her lower lip. “My mommy and daddy went away, so Lizzie has to take care of me,” she said earnestly.
Liz froze, her heart beating rapidly as she caught the deer-in-the-headlights expression on Max’s face. She was just about to walk in and save him from the uncomfortable situation when he spoke, his voice soft and genuine.
“You have a wonderful sister. You’re very lucky, because she loves you a lot.”
“I know.” Ella’s lower lip wobbled, and suddenly she threw herself at Max, who lifted her into his arms and tucked her head beneath his chin. “I love you, Mr. Max,” Ella whispered, and Liz watched through teary eyes as Max sighed raggedly and his arms tightened around the little girl.
“I love you, too, sweetheart,” he murmured thickly, and right then, Liz knew.
She had lost her heart to a man who symbolized everything she despised, yet represented everything she could ever want.
She stepped forward, wringing her hands as she approached the figures on the couch. “Am I interrupting?” she asked in a shaky voice, blinking against blurry vision as Max looked up and snared her in his emotional gaze.
She accepted the invitation in his gaze and sat next to them, wrapping her own arms around them both. As she rested her cheek against Max’s chest and stroked Ella’s hair, she let out a sigh and realized she’d never felt more at home.
Mouths roamed, fingers tore at clothing as they collasped onto the bed. Liz gasped as Max’s hard body pressed her into the mattress, their lips never leaving each other.
Even as his hand slid beneath the cotton shirt she’d changed into, he whispered against her mouth, “Are you sure?”
Her heart beat fiercely as her mind spun in a dizzying war of sensibility versus desire. She wasn’t the type to lose her mind in the heat of passion. Truthfully, she didn’t think she’d ever been in the heat of passion.
But as she stared into Max’s heavy-lidded amber gaze, she could do no more than nod her head, her hand snaking up to pull his mouth towards hers. “I’m sure,” she whispered, placing a hot kiss against his lips.
“Thank God,” he groaned, and his hand fell to her breast, manipulating the sharp peak with an air of desperation. The shirt was ripped over her head as his mouth fell to claim her.
The only sounds in the dark room were the soft moans and gasps as they writhed and rolled on the bed. Clothing melted away, leaving them naked and sweating as Liz rolled on top of him. She threw her head back as Max sat up, cradling her in his lap as he continued to suckle her nipple deep into his mouth.
“Oh, yess,” she sighed, raking her fingers through his thick hair, purring softly as he licked around her flesh. “Oh God… it feels so good…”
She’d nearly forgotten what it felt like to be intimate with a man. Thanks to her job as a stripper, she’d felt as though she’d become immune to the sensual side of human nature. It had become a crass and cynical part of her world, and she’d secretly feared she’d never feel that spark of desire again.
Until she’d looked into the golden-eyed gaze of a stranger.
“I want you,” he groaned, brushing his cheek against her breast and causing a shudder to pass through her. “I’ve wanted you from the moment I saw you.”
Their eyes locked as she lifted her hips. “You have me,” she whispered, leaning forward to capture his lips as she lowered herself over him. They both groaned in shared pleasure as he slid sleekly inside her, sinking into her inner heat.
It was no gentle and easy coupling, but a fast and sweaty bout with biting teeth and raking nails as they pumped against one another. He fell against the bed as she continued to ride him, his hands holding her hips as he arched upward and groaned.
Through heavy-lidded eyes he watched her raise her hands to run through the silky mass of her hair, lifting the heavy strands as she continued to rise and fall over him. His heart pounded, his jaw locked against the urge to cry out as she suddenly stiffened then fell against him as they both came in a rush of gasping groans.
His hand found hers and their fingers tangled as they both struggled to breathe. He raised his arms to wrap around her, bringing her flush against his side and kissed the top of her head. “You’re beautiful,” he murmured, tracing the line of her cheek as she stared at him through sated eyes.
“You make me feel beautiful,” she admitted in a sleepy tone, blinking softly as he smiled at her. She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his in a gentle kiss that contridicted the heated lovemaking they’d just been involved in. “Thank you,” she whispered, stroking his lower lip as he watched her through dark eyes.
“For what?” His arms tightened around her, his voice deep and rumbling.
Her lips lifted as she snuggled deeper into his arms. “For being here. For me, and Ella. You’ll never know what that means to her.”
“And to you?” he whispered, bending his head to nuzzle her nose.
“Hmm…” she smiled, yawning lightly. “We’ll see, won’t we?”
They lay together in comfortable silence for several minutes before he finally spoke. “I should leave.” He made no attempt to, simply dragged her leg over his hip and shifted into a more relaxed position.
“Stay,” Liz murmured, already in the beginning throes of slumber. “Stay with me tonight.”
A smile drifted over his face seconds before he joined her.
<center>***</center>
The next morning, Liz was awakened to the strange sound of laughing. Not the childish giggles that she was used to, ones that said Ella was up and watching her daily regiment of cartoons.
She heard those, but there was a deeper chuckle that joined in… a sound that sent shivers down her spine as she sat up and sleepily rubbed her eyes. She glanced down at the tangled sheets wrapped around her legs, and flushed at the sight of her nude body.
Grabbing her robe that dangled across the chair across the room, she slid into the silky material and opened the door to investigate. Her eyes widened as she was hit with the delicious aroma of bacon and eggs, and her mouth began to water.
She tied the sash across her waist into a knot, turning the corner that led to the living room… and stopped dead in her tracks. She leaned against the wall as she watched the scene before her.
“Where’d you learn to cook?” Ella asked, giggling as she tried to feed a slice of thick bacon to Max. He held his mouth open comically wide and made an “Ahh” sound that had the little girl laughing hysterically.
He chewed and made appreciative sounds before lifting a slice towards Ella, who mimicked his facial expression. “Well, we had this really cool chef when I was little… and since I like to eat so much, she showed me how to make some stuff,” he admitted in a carefree tone.
“Didn’t your mommy and daddy cook for you?” Ella asked through a mouthful of bacon.
Liz winced at the tactless question, but Max didn’t appear offended. He simply grinned sheepishly and shrugged. “My parents worked a lot,” he said, as if it were a secret. “So me and my older sister, we pretty much learned to take care of ourselves.”
Ella nodded solemnly, then bit her lower lip. “My mommy and daddy went away, so Lizzie has to take care of me,” she said earnestly.
Liz froze, her heart beating rapidly as she caught the deer-in-the-headlights expression on Max’s face. She was just about to walk in and save him from the uncomfortable situation when he spoke, his voice soft and genuine.
“You have a wonderful sister. You’re very lucky, because she loves you a lot.”
“I know.” Ella’s lower lip wobbled, and suddenly she threw herself at Max, who lifted her into his arms and tucked her head beneath his chin. “I love you, Mr. Max,” Ella whispered, and Liz watched through teary eyes as Max sighed raggedly and his arms tightened around the little girl.
“I love you, too, sweetheart,” he murmured thickly, and right then, Liz knew.
She had lost her heart to a man who symbolized everything she despised, yet represented everything she could ever want.
She stepped forward, wringing her hands as she approached the figures on the couch. “Am I interrupting?” she asked in a shaky voice, blinking against blurry vision as Max looked up and snared her in his emotional gaze.
She accepted the invitation in his gaze and sat next to them, wrapping her own arms around them both. As she rested her cheek against Max’s chest and stroked Ella’s hair, she let out a sigh and realized she’d never felt more at home.
Last edited by Applebylicious on Sat Jun 19, 2004 12:09 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Applebylicious
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Just a short little chapter for ya! 
<center>Chapter 12</center>
“I better be getting back to my place,” Max mumbled against Liz’s hair as they both stared at the television where Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory played.
“Hmm,” Liz moaned sleepily, nuzzling her face against his chest. “Okay.”
Neither of them moved. Ella snuffled lightly from where she lay cuddled against Max’s other side, sleeping underneath the blanket they had thrown over all three of them.
Max ran a hand down her hair and felt that same tightness in his chest. “I just need to grab a few things… I could come back?” he offered softly, glancing down hopefully at Liz.
She smiled up at him. “Whatever you want, Max. You know you’re welcome here.”
“Am I?” he whispered, pulling her up so he could capture her lips. They kissed softly, so as not to disturb the napping child beside them. He stroked her arms with his fingers, and rested his forehead against hers. “I’ll be back,” he promised in a husky tone. “Don’t move, okay?”
She giggled, but nodded her head. “We’ll be here.”
He gently disentangled himself from Ella and placed a kiss on her cheek that had Liz sighing as she watched the interaction. Then he turned and kissed her again before offering a smile and leaving the apartment.
The second the door closed she fell back against the sofa, clutching the blanket to her chin as she stared unseeing at the glowing television screen. She couldn’t keep from smiling, even as her heart literally threatened to pound out of her chest.
Was this love?
She didn’t know… but she was willing to bet she had fallen head over heels for Max Evans. The thought was both incredible and frightening at the same time. She felt raw and exposed, but it wasn’t such a terrible feeling.
She thought back to their lovemaking, and a pleasant glow settled over her body. She hadn’t been intimate with a man in such a long time… she’d had sex, but it had never been quite like that. So what else could it mean, besides the obvious?
The only problem… was what did he feel for her? She found it hard to believe a man of his stature would ever fall for a poor stripper, but then again Max Evans didn’t seem to be the type to care much about appearances. And the way he was with Ella… a part of her was slightly envious of the obvious affection between the two.
She loved that he adored her sister, but she wished she had half the backbone as Ella did to tell him how she felt. The thought that he might not return her sentiments, that he was simply having a good time, dimmed her spirits before she brushed it away with firm resolve.
She would not fall into that trap again. She wouldn’t expect anything more from Max than he was willing to give, and she would not put herself down just because she had less than he did.
She had no idea when she fell asleep, but a knocking sound awoke her from slumber and she sat up in confusion, blinking as her eyes struggled to focus. Ella slept on, and credits were now rolling on the television. She ran a hand through her tousled hair and walked over to peer out of the hole in the door.
Her eyes widened as it revealed Angel, tapping a foot with an impatient expression on his handsome face. She pulled back, nibbling her lip as she looked down to see the skimpy tank and shorts she was clad in.
She hesitated, then opened the door. “Angel, what are you doing here?” she asked in obvious bafflement.
His eyes lit, running down her body in a way that made her wish to disappear. “Cara,” he reached for her hand, placing a kiss on the inside of her wrist. “Have I caught you at a wrong time?”
“Well…” she took her hand away, clearing her throat and shifting on her feet as he continued to stare at her. “I… I was just taking a nap. What is it?”
“A nap? In the middle of the day?” His nose wrinkled in distaste. “Elizabeth, I have favor to ask of you. I—”
He was cut off as Max came pounding up the stairwell, a huge smile on his face and a gymbag across his shoulder. His smile faded as he caught sight of Liz’s face, and his eyes traveled to where Angel stood.
Angel lifted a brow, studying Max with unabashed curiosity. “Who are you?” he demanded, his eyes traveling back and forth between Max and Liz. Whatever he saw there made him stiffen and his expression grow dark.
“Angel, this is my friend…” Liz trailed off with a helpless glance at Max. She didn’t want to give his real name, because she feared what might happen if Angel recognized him. Luckily Angel didn’t appear to identify him, although he was obviously displeased with his appearance.
“Phillip,” Max offered a hand, raising a brow at Liz as the two men reluctantly shook hands.
“Phillip,” Angel sniffed in derision. “How do you know my Elizabeth?” he asked in a voice hard with suspicion.
Max’s brows lowered, and Liz jumped in quickly. “Angel… what did you say you needed?” she flashed a smile, knowing now was not the time to correct Angel when both men were practically growling like junkyard dogs.
Angelo looked away from Max and spoke in a low voice, “Cara, I need your assistance at the club… but I suppose that will have to wait until your friend,” he cast another disdainful glance in Max’s direction, “has taken his leave. Do ring me, Elizabeth. Ciao.” With that, he slicked a hand over his perfectly styled hair and turned around to leave.
Liz let out a thankful sigh as he departed, then met Max’s frown. “Cara?” he questioned sarcastically. “Just what’s going on here, Liz?”
She quickly pulled him inside. “It’s not what you think,” she promised him earnestly. “Angel is just… he’s overprotective of Ella and me.”
One dark brow raised. “I didn’t see him worrying much over Ella,” he replied coolly. “Are you two involved?”
“No!” she hissed, grasping his arm. “He’s just…” Her hands fell in helpless action. “I don’t know. I guess I feel sort of… indebted to him,” she whispered. “He’s the only reason Ella and I have a place to live. He’s been good to us, I couldn’t just… stop speaking to him.”
Max’s thoughts returned to Michael’s words the previous evening. He debated on spilling the information to Liz, but decided against it until he could find out more. And he planned to. “Okay,” he sighed, wrapping his arms around her. “I believe you, baby. I’m sorry, I guess I was just… jealous.”
She stared up at him, a strangely hopeful expression in her dark eyes. “Jealous?” she repeated softly. “Why, Max?”
“Because I don’t want you to be with any other guys but me,” he admitted, running a hand down her back until his palms settled across her bottom. He lifted her into him, nipping her lower lip gently. “Angel’s a goodlooking guy, and he’s Italian. I’m just a plain old southwestern boy.”
Her eyes widened at the hard evidence of his desire and a smile tilted her lips. “Who needs foreigners?” she purred into his ears. “Maybe I like southwestern boys. Tell me, Max… did you ever ride horses and herd cattle?”
He laughed in surprise, lids lowering as she reached around and grasped his buttocks, pulling him closer. “Maybe,” he managed thickly. “I can hold my own… my dad owned a few ranches, so I know how to ride.”
She leaned forward and nibbled on his lips. “Mm… guess what? So do I,” she whispered before pulling him down the hallway, past Ella who slept contentedly on the couch.
The second the door locked, she was all over him, soft hands tearing his shirt over his head as he struggled to catch his beath. “Whoa,” he chuckled lowly, helping her with her own clothes. “What’s this…”
“I want you,” she answered. “Do you mind?”
His eyes nearly crossed as she yanked down his pants along with his shorts, kneeling before him. “N… no,” he groaned, his hands falling into her hair as he fell against the wall. “I don’t mind a bit.”
Her soft giggle sounded seconds before her lips closed around the part of him that was hot and aching. A hiss escaped his throat as she began to lick his shaft with gusto. “Oh, holy shit,” he gasped, fighting not to collapse as her hot mouth worked him.
She made soft sounds of pleasure as she continued to pleasure him, until he was sure he’d go blind from her actions. With a harsh groan he pulled her to her feet, and turned to pin her against the wall as his lips plundered hers. “My turn,” he whispered, tossing her onto the bed and shoving her shorts and panties down her legs. “You just lie there and take it.”
“If I have to,” she moaned as he bent and lapped at her eagerly. “Oh, God… Max!”
He brought her to two climaxes before rearing up and thrusting himself inside her, causing them both to gasp in pleasure. Her legs wrapped around him as he brushed her hair away from her face. “God, you’re beautiful,” he whispered reverantly. “Liz… I think this may be too soon, but…”
“What?” she asked earnestly, nibbling her lips as he shifted and brushed across a distinct spot inside of her that brought a burst of pleasure to her. “Oh, Max… what?”
“I think I love you,” he groaned. “I’ve never… felt like this before. Oh, God, I think I’m going to… ah!” He fell against her, pumping wildly as he jerked against her, thrusting her into orbit with him.
“I think I love you, too,” she whispered, heart beating fervently as they both breathed harshly in the after-effects. “I’ve never… felt like this, either. What are you doing to me, Max?”
He lifted his head to gaze at her. “I want to make you happy,” he said anxiously. “You and Ella. I want… things I shouldn’t want, Liz. Not at this time in my life. But Christ, I have to have them anyway.”
With those cryptic words, he rolled off of her and pulled her up against him as she stared into the distance, wondering over his statement.
<center>Chapter 12</center>
“I better be getting back to my place,” Max mumbled against Liz’s hair as they both stared at the television where Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory played.
“Hmm,” Liz moaned sleepily, nuzzling her face against his chest. “Okay.”
Neither of them moved. Ella snuffled lightly from where she lay cuddled against Max’s other side, sleeping underneath the blanket they had thrown over all three of them.
Max ran a hand down her hair and felt that same tightness in his chest. “I just need to grab a few things… I could come back?” he offered softly, glancing down hopefully at Liz.
She smiled up at him. “Whatever you want, Max. You know you’re welcome here.”
“Am I?” he whispered, pulling her up so he could capture her lips. They kissed softly, so as not to disturb the napping child beside them. He stroked her arms with his fingers, and rested his forehead against hers. “I’ll be back,” he promised in a husky tone. “Don’t move, okay?”
She giggled, but nodded her head. “We’ll be here.”
He gently disentangled himself from Ella and placed a kiss on her cheek that had Liz sighing as she watched the interaction. Then he turned and kissed her again before offering a smile and leaving the apartment.
The second the door closed she fell back against the sofa, clutching the blanket to her chin as she stared unseeing at the glowing television screen. She couldn’t keep from smiling, even as her heart literally threatened to pound out of her chest.
Was this love?
She didn’t know… but she was willing to bet she had fallen head over heels for Max Evans. The thought was both incredible and frightening at the same time. She felt raw and exposed, but it wasn’t such a terrible feeling.
She thought back to their lovemaking, and a pleasant glow settled over her body. She hadn’t been intimate with a man in such a long time… she’d had sex, but it had never been quite like that. So what else could it mean, besides the obvious?
The only problem… was what did he feel for her? She found it hard to believe a man of his stature would ever fall for a poor stripper, but then again Max Evans didn’t seem to be the type to care much about appearances. And the way he was with Ella… a part of her was slightly envious of the obvious affection between the two.
She loved that he adored her sister, but she wished she had half the backbone as Ella did to tell him how she felt. The thought that he might not return her sentiments, that he was simply having a good time, dimmed her spirits before she brushed it away with firm resolve.
She would not fall into that trap again. She wouldn’t expect anything more from Max than he was willing to give, and she would not put herself down just because she had less than he did.
She had no idea when she fell asleep, but a knocking sound awoke her from slumber and she sat up in confusion, blinking as her eyes struggled to focus. Ella slept on, and credits were now rolling on the television. She ran a hand through her tousled hair and walked over to peer out of the hole in the door.
Her eyes widened as it revealed Angel, tapping a foot with an impatient expression on his handsome face. She pulled back, nibbling her lip as she looked down to see the skimpy tank and shorts she was clad in.
She hesitated, then opened the door. “Angel, what are you doing here?” she asked in obvious bafflement.
His eyes lit, running down her body in a way that made her wish to disappear. “Cara,” he reached for her hand, placing a kiss on the inside of her wrist. “Have I caught you at a wrong time?”
“Well…” she took her hand away, clearing her throat and shifting on her feet as he continued to stare at her. “I… I was just taking a nap. What is it?”
“A nap? In the middle of the day?” His nose wrinkled in distaste. “Elizabeth, I have favor to ask of you. I—”
He was cut off as Max came pounding up the stairwell, a huge smile on his face and a gymbag across his shoulder. His smile faded as he caught sight of Liz’s face, and his eyes traveled to where Angel stood.
Angel lifted a brow, studying Max with unabashed curiosity. “Who are you?” he demanded, his eyes traveling back and forth between Max and Liz. Whatever he saw there made him stiffen and his expression grow dark.
“Angel, this is my friend…” Liz trailed off with a helpless glance at Max. She didn’t want to give his real name, because she feared what might happen if Angel recognized him. Luckily Angel didn’t appear to identify him, although he was obviously displeased with his appearance.
“Phillip,” Max offered a hand, raising a brow at Liz as the two men reluctantly shook hands.
“Phillip,” Angel sniffed in derision. “How do you know my Elizabeth?” he asked in a voice hard with suspicion.
Max’s brows lowered, and Liz jumped in quickly. “Angel… what did you say you needed?” she flashed a smile, knowing now was not the time to correct Angel when both men were practically growling like junkyard dogs.
Angelo looked away from Max and spoke in a low voice, “Cara, I need your assistance at the club… but I suppose that will have to wait until your friend,” he cast another disdainful glance in Max’s direction, “has taken his leave. Do ring me, Elizabeth. Ciao.” With that, he slicked a hand over his perfectly styled hair and turned around to leave.
Liz let out a thankful sigh as he departed, then met Max’s frown. “Cara?” he questioned sarcastically. “Just what’s going on here, Liz?”
She quickly pulled him inside. “It’s not what you think,” she promised him earnestly. “Angel is just… he’s overprotective of Ella and me.”
One dark brow raised. “I didn’t see him worrying much over Ella,” he replied coolly. “Are you two involved?”
“No!” she hissed, grasping his arm. “He’s just…” Her hands fell in helpless action. “I don’t know. I guess I feel sort of… indebted to him,” she whispered. “He’s the only reason Ella and I have a place to live. He’s been good to us, I couldn’t just… stop speaking to him.”
Max’s thoughts returned to Michael’s words the previous evening. He debated on spilling the information to Liz, but decided against it until he could find out more. And he planned to. “Okay,” he sighed, wrapping his arms around her. “I believe you, baby. I’m sorry, I guess I was just… jealous.”
She stared up at him, a strangely hopeful expression in her dark eyes. “Jealous?” she repeated softly. “Why, Max?”
“Because I don’t want you to be with any other guys but me,” he admitted, running a hand down her back until his palms settled across her bottom. He lifted her into him, nipping her lower lip gently. “Angel’s a goodlooking guy, and he’s Italian. I’m just a plain old southwestern boy.”
Her eyes widened at the hard evidence of his desire and a smile tilted her lips. “Who needs foreigners?” she purred into his ears. “Maybe I like southwestern boys. Tell me, Max… did you ever ride horses and herd cattle?”
He laughed in surprise, lids lowering as she reached around and grasped his buttocks, pulling him closer. “Maybe,” he managed thickly. “I can hold my own… my dad owned a few ranches, so I know how to ride.”
She leaned forward and nibbled on his lips. “Mm… guess what? So do I,” she whispered before pulling him down the hallway, past Ella who slept contentedly on the couch.
The second the door locked, she was all over him, soft hands tearing his shirt over his head as he struggled to catch his beath. “Whoa,” he chuckled lowly, helping her with her own clothes. “What’s this…”
“I want you,” she answered. “Do you mind?”
His eyes nearly crossed as she yanked down his pants along with his shorts, kneeling before him. “N… no,” he groaned, his hands falling into her hair as he fell against the wall. “I don’t mind a bit.”
Her soft giggle sounded seconds before her lips closed around the part of him that was hot and aching. A hiss escaped his throat as she began to lick his shaft with gusto. “Oh, holy shit,” he gasped, fighting not to collapse as her hot mouth worked him.
She made soft sounds of pleasure as she continued to pleasure him, until he was sure he’d go blind from her actions. With a harsh groan he pulled her to her feet, and turned to pin her against the wall as his lips plundered hers. “My turn,” he whispered, tossing her onto the bed and shoving her shorts and panties down her legs. “You just lie there and take it.”
“If I have to,” she moaned as he bent and lapped at her eagerly. “Oh, God… Max!”
He brought her to two climaxes before rearing up and thrusting himself inside her, causing them both to gasp in pleasure. Her legs wrapped around him as he brushed her hair away from her face. “God, you’re beautiful,” he whispered reverantly. “Liz… I think this may be too soon, but…”
“What?” she asked earnestly, nibbling her lips as he shifted and brushed across a distinct spot inside of her that brought a burst of pleasure to her. “Oh, Max… what?”
“I think I love you,” he groaned. “I’ve never… felt like this before. Oh, God, I think I’m going to… ah!” He fell against her, pumping wildly as he jerked against her, thrusting her into orbit with him.
“I think I love you, too,” she whispered, heart beating fervently as they both breathed harshly in the after-effects. “I’ve never… felt like this, either. What are you doing to me, Max?”
He lifted his head to gaze at her. “I want to make you happy,” he said anxiously. “You and Ella. I want… things I shouldn’t want, Liz. Not at this time in my life. But Christ, I have to have them anyway.”
With those cryptic words, he rolled off of her and pulled her up against him as she stared into the distance, wondering over his statement.