Okay guys! Here it is...final chapter. 
HUGE thank you to everyone who went along for the ride, especially all you who have never read candy before. If you've enjoyed this fic, I encourage you to try more candy in the future. It's always fun to experience a change, and there are many wonderful candy writers out there.
I'm pleased to say that this is NOT the end of this series. There's still one more, featuring Alex and Isabel. I'm not sure when I should start posting it, seeing as how it's a Valentine's Day fic, and we're nowhere near February. 
Oh well, you guys let me know if you want me to wait, or go ahead and start posting. In the meantime...enjoy.
hugs,
Lindsay
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Part Three</center>
The next several days Maria really had a chance to see Liz in her element, which was Max Evans. It was almost disgusting how good the two were together, but she couldn’t deny the surge of pleasure that filled her heart everytime she saw Max sneak a kiss or cop a discreet feel. She thought about making fun of them, but decided it was the season to be jolly, so she let the inclination pass. After all, she could always save it up for later, then really make them both blush.
As Kyle had predicted, the weather took a turn for the worse as heavy snow flurries descended upon Telluride on New Years Eve. Roads were closed and Alex and Isabel’s flight was canceled, much to Maria’s frustration. She’d hoped to enact her plan and then get the hell out of town before she went absolutely bonkers.
Surprisingly enough, the threat of going crazy wasn’t due to the atmosphere. In point of fact, Maria had fallen in love with the cozy little mountain town, however reluctantly. But she couldn’t imagine anyone who could look out their bedroom window and see the frosted caps of the Rockies jutting majestically in the distance, seeming to reach up to the heavens themselves, and
not fall in love. It was a moving sight, and one that she simply couldn’t get enough of.
Of course, she could have done without the snow. She hated having to bundle up every time she set foot out of the door, but she did it with only minimal grumbling, much to Liz and Max’s amusement. It seemed her friends knew of her secret adoration for Telluride. And why shouldn’t they? They felt it themselves.
No, it wasn’t the scenery that was making her wish she’d never come. Rather, it was one incredibly sexy yet absolutely clueless bartender by the name of Michael Guerin. Just his name could make steam start to rise from inside her.
She’d spent the days after their “encounter” casually pumping Liz and Max respectively for any and all information on their friend, and Max hadn’t seemed to mind divulging a few juicy facts. But Liz had immediately caught on to Maria’s interest, and had considered the news extremely surprising, seeing as how she remembered their mutual distaste not even a week ago.
Of course, Maria had told her best friend everything, and the two had squealed and giggled like schoolgirls. Liz had claimed, “I just
knew there was something there…you two were acting so strange! It was all those hormones bouncing around.”
Maria had been inclined to agree, although she couldn’t resist pointing out that it had been
Michael who had been acting strange. Not her.
She’d used every excuse imaginable to find herself at
To-Hell-You-Ride whenever Michael had been working, and dragged Liz along for moral support. She wasn’t sure why, but while she couldn’t wait to set eyes on Michael again after their steamy session on the couch, she was equal parts nervous anxiety. She wasn’t quite sure what to expect from him, which was something new to her. She was used to wrapping men around her fingers, to being the one in charge of the relationship. To knowing what to expect. It was how she worked, and she’d be damned if she gave Michael Guerin an edge. Even if he did have the sexiest lips…
Of course, their first meeting after “the event” had been less than stellar, in Maria’s opinion. Michael had all but ignored her, deciding he needed to go and check the keg lines in the back room and having another employee man the bar as soon as Maria and Liz had walked in. Maria was put off, but shoved aside any feelings of insecurity and plopped down at the bar, waiting for him.
When he’d come back out, he’d seemed surprised to see her. And nervous, as well. That cheered her up slightly. Perhaps he was confused, as well. After all, she could admit to herself that his kisses had thrown something inside of
her off course. Hopefully he was experiencing the same.
As it turned out, he had been. It had taken her three days, and Liz had finally decided to leave them to their awkward and halfhearted bickering and had stayed home, but Maria had finally managed to bring up that night they’d met. It had been almost amusing, his horrified expression.
“What about it?” he’d brazened, eyes narrowed and muscles tensed like he was expecting an attack.
Maria
felt like attacking him, he was so damn clueless, but instead she’d offered him a smile and answered, “It was fun. Don’t you think?”
He’d stared at her, and from the absolute bafflement coloring his features she assumed he definitely hadn’t expected
that reaction. Sure enough, he’d stammered out, “W-what?”
She’d heaved a sigh, rolling her eyes for extra emphasis and spoke slowly and clearly. “I said, it was fun. Jesus, do you need a white flag?”
That had broken him out of whatever daze he’d been immersed in, and he’d given her that sexy smirk that she turned her on more than she ever wanted to let him know. “I think you’ve already given me one, sugar,” he’d murmured in a husky drawl, raising his brows pointedly enough to make her blush. Her! Blushing! It was ridiculous.
After that, everything they’d said had a flirtatious undertone that excited and frustrated her. Excited, because she just could not
wait to get her hands on him again – to enjoy the feel of those ruggedly carved muscles beneath her fingers – and frustrated because there didn’t seem to be a time soon that it would happen.
As it had turned out, he was working all week until New Years and was pulling double duty helping his sister with her winter youth projects. He didn’t have any free time available for play, much to Maria’s disappointment. Then he’d suggested, oh so casually, that if she wanted to stop by his place later that day, they could hang out while he and Tess worked.
It was embarrassing how quickly she’d jumped at the chance. Well, inwardly at least. On the outside, she’d managed to nod casually and reply in a flippant tone, “Maybe I’ll be there. What’s the address?”
So that was how she managed to find herself, driving through a freaking blizzard, on New Year’s Eve. As the windshield wipers swiped at an astonishingly rapid rate, she squinted to see ahead of her while mentally going over the directions he’d given her.
“All right, turn left on 306 Adams Ranch Road…this is it,” she mumbled to herself, steering the wheel towards a charming row of townhouses. Flakes pelted her as she jumped out, squealing against the wind and cold as she trudged through the snow towards Michael’s home.
She pounded on the door, feeling much like a Popsicle wearing Gap as she waited for someone to answer. She knew her lips had to be blue…and oh God, had she lost the feeling in her legs? She must have been
crazy to have come out here in this! Liz and Max had looked at her like she was nuts for it, and no doubt she was! She was already imagining the onset of hypothermia when Michael’s voice filled her ears.
“Maria?”
She blinked, turning to stare at the door that was now spread wide open, Michael’s tall frame standing there watching her. She opened her mouth to speak, and managed, “I think I have frostbite.”
His reaction was swift. “What? Come here,” he reached for her, lines of worry creasing his brow as he pulled her inside, shutting the door afterwards. “What are you talking about?”
“It’s…cold,” her teeth chattered. “Need…something…warm…”
“Good God, tell me you didn’t
walk here,” he demanded, helping her out of her coats and rubbing her arms gently to restart circulation. “Did you?”
She frowned. “N-no, I drove. So cold…”
He paused in the action of removing her second coat. When he spoke again, there was a hint of exasperation coloring his tone. “Are you telling me, you think you have frostbite because you walked from your car to the door?”
She nodded quickly, not recognizing the absurdity of her claim. All she knew, was that she was freezing. And she hated snow. And winter.
Michael let her go and started laughing so loudly that Maria was abruptly pulled from her desperate imaginings. She glared at him as he bent half-over, hands resting on his knees as tears filled his eyes. “Just what the hell’s so funny?” she demanded in a frosty tone that rivaled the weather outside. “I
could have been frostbitten, you know! It’s cold outside!”
He only laughed harder. Annoyance began to burn hotly inside of her, melting away any lingering chilliness better than a fire could have. She huffed, yanking off a heavy sweater so she could cross her arms over her chest and give him her most evil glare. “My lips are probably blue!”
That seemed to pull him out of his fit of hilarity. He wiped his eyes, slowly righting himself as he took a step closer. His eyes had darkened, and she took an unconscious step backward at the expression on his face. She swallowed, and he grinned. “I bet I could warm them up,” he whispered in a devilish tone.
She couldn’t help it; she moaned. Oh, for shame! He was already taking the upper hand, and she wouldn’t have it. She steeled herself, setting her shoulders and staring up at him. “Prove it.”
He blinked in fleeting surprise, then his grin vanished and he took another step closer. They were nearly touching, and he reached a finger up to play along her lower lip. He began to speak lowly, with a touch of surprise in his voice. And confusion. “You make me want…”
Heart beating rapidly, she licked her lip and the action wetted his finger in the process. This time, the groan was his. She leaned up on her toes as he lowered his head…
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
Maria whipped around to find a smalll blonde watching them with a mixture of amusement and apology. She took in the age of the woman and quickly released a silent sigh of relief. This must be Tess, Michael’s sister. He wouldn’t have to die.
Sure enough, Michael cleared his throat and walked over to the petite blonde, throwing an arm across her shoulders and grinning proudly. “Maria, meet my sister.” He turned slightly to the younger woman and added, “Tess, this is the one I was telling you about.”
Well, if
that didn’t make her wonder…
Tess’ gaze grew knowing and she nodded quickly. “Nice to meet you, Maria. I hope you didn’t have too much trouble getting here, with the blizzard and all.” Her voice had a musical quality to it, and was slightly affected with a waver that she assumed was due to her hearing impairment.
Michael snorted at her words, and Maria felt her face flush as she shot him a dark look. Turning back to Tess, she offered Michae’s sister a smile, not exactly sure how to proceed. She’d never been around anyone who was handicapped, although she didn’t hold anything against them, of course. She simply didn’t know how to act, afraid something she said or did would come across as rude. Of course, there were those who would say that was because she had a tendency to be rude…
She caught Michael watching her with an unreadable expression, and she knew that whatever her reaction towards his sister would be, it would determine a lot of what he thought of her as well. She tried not to think of that, and instead concentrated on Tess. “Thank you,” she replied sunnily, making sure she spoke clearly enough as she noticed the woman reading her lips. “It’s nice to know
some people care. I could have run off the road and landed in a ditch, buried until next summer or whenever the hell the snow dries up in this place!”
By the end of her diatribe she realized she’d gone from speaking directly to Tess, to turning and yelling at Michael. Her gaze bounced back to Tess, but the blonde didn’t appear offended by her inability to allow her to lipread. Instead, she was giggling behind her hand and flashing her brother amused glances. Michael looked smug, as well.
“Now don’t worry about that, darlin’,” he assured her with a wink. “We’d have found you sometime around April, for sure.”
Maria stuck out her tongue. Childish, she knew, but really…she couldn’t say what she truly wanted in front of young and impressionable eyes. Tess didn’t really need to know what a pain in the ass her brother was. At that, she probably
already knew.
The phone chose that moment to ring, and Michael squeezed Tess’ shoulders before walking towards the kitchen. “Make yourself comfortable, I’ll make this quick.”
Maria nodded while Tess moved to the couch and began rifling through several sheets of paper spread across the coffeetable. Maria took this opportunity to study Michael’s sibling. Despite Tess’ bright blue eyes and golden hair, she resembled Michael in a way that made it obvious the two were related. Added to that, the easy comfort that existed between the two of them made it equally as obvious.
Tess was by all means beautiful, and Maria had the fleeting wish that
she’d been as amply endowed when she’d been that age. She’d looked more like a boy than a girl. She still remembered the day she’d finally grown into a C cup and she and Liz had gone out for drinks to celebrate her growing boobs. Of course, Liz was even less curvy than she was, but her best friend possessed a gentle femininity that naturally drew men, whereas Maria was all fire and flash.
Tess must have felt her eyes on her, because she glanced up with a smile. She tucked a few blonde curls behind one ear and said, “He
was worried, you know. Kept watching the news and pacing the floor and looking out the window. I think he almost called Max and Liz to tell them not to let you come, but then you were already here.”
Maria beamed at that. “Really,” she drawled in a pleased tone. “Good…”
As if reading her thoughts, Tess grinned and looked back at her papers before glancing back up. “By the way, I love your coats.”
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***</center>
After Michael hung up with Max, he walked back into the living room to find Maria and Tess sitting cross-legged on the floor, Maria enthusiastically explaining something or another while Tess sat by, avidly reading her lips and nodding.
He leaned against the doorjamb, arms crossed and a smile on his face as he watched the two of them. Tess spoke, an excitement evident in his sister’s voice that he’d never heard her use around new strangers. Not even with Liz had she warmed up this quickly.
As for Maria, she was laughing and interacting with Tess like she was her new best friend. It gave Michael that same funny clench, and he absently rubbed his chest. He’d had a passing moment of concern when he’d first introduced Tess to Maria, having read the abject fear in Maria’s vibrant green eyes. He’d worried she wouldn’t be able to handle Tess’ handicap, and he’d been surprised at the disappointment that had filled him at the thought.
It wouldn’t have been the first time. He couldn’t remember the number of times he’d met a woman, enjoyed her, then she’d either met or found out about Tess and had a freak-out of epic proportions. They never came out and said it, but he knew what had made them feel uncomfortable enough to break it off.
Personally, he couldn’t imagine why. It wasn’t as if Tess was crippled, and even if she were, that shouldn’t be a reason to make anyone feel awkward. Handicaps weren’t something to fear, they were as much a part of life as anything else. Maybe he’d lived among it for so long that he simply
couldn’t understand some of the average person’s concern of those who were considered “inferior”. And what a load of bullshit
that was.
Tess wasn’t inferior. Hell, she was smarter than he was. She made better grades in school, participated in several extra-curriculer activities during the school year and summer, and still found the time to help out in several organizations across town. People who saw her life as a struggle just didn’t have a clue.
“But are you sure that will work?” Tess bit her lip nervously, and Michael tuned back into the conversation with interest.
“Duh!” Maria chortled. “He’ll be—”
“What are we up to in here?” he interrupted slyly, stepping inside the room and making his presence known. Tess saw him and her face turned a dark shade of red. She averted her gaze and started twirling her hair around one finger, a sure sign she didn’t want him to know what had been said.
He raised a brow, turning to Maria with question in his eyes. “Well?”
Maria raised a brow back. “It’s private, big boy. Who was on the phone?”
His eyes returned to Tess, who had read Maria’s words and was looking at her with something akin to hero worship. Michael’s gaze narrowed, and he vowed to find out one way or another what their conversation had been about. He wasn’t nosy, he just didn’t like being left out of the loop. But for now, he decided to let it go. He knew he’d have more luck coercing the truth out of Maria than Tess. His sister could get lockjaw when she didn’t want Michael to know something.
“It was Max,” he answered Maria’s question, “calling to check up on you and make sure you got here all right. Then we talked a bit about how crazy you are to even bother coming out in this mess in the first place.”
“You invited me!” she retorted hotly, but he detected a hint of hurt in her voice as well. She stood up, turning to grab her extra clothing. “Forget it, I’ll just leave. It’s
obvious you’d rather me
not be here. Goodbye.”
His mouth dropped open. Good God, she was something else! “Whoa, whoa, whoa,” he called out as she started jerking her coat across her shoulders. Tess was back to grinning at him like the Cheshire Cat, obviously enjoying his fluster. She’d never seen her brother act this bumbling around a woman. As it was, he never had.
“Goodbye,” Maria repeated, sniffing delicately as she snatched up a sweater and attempted to pull it over her head. It wouldn’t budge and she yanked on it angrily. “Dammit! What the…”
“It might help if you took off your coat first,” Michael answered in as calm a tone as he could manage, seeing as how he wanted to burst out laughing. What was it about this woman? She could make him irritated and turned on at the same time, and she made him laugh more than anyone he’d ever known. She was quirky and full of fire, and God help him…he adored her.
Maria humphed in indignation at his remark, but spots of color burned in her cheeks as she removed the sweater and started pulling off her coat. “Right. I’ll be just a moment.”
Michael’s mouth worked like a fish. He wanted to yell at her to stop being silly, that of course she wasn’t going any damn place! But he seemed incapable of speech, having just come to the startling realization that he liked her. Okay, he’d already known that. But he was terribly afraid his admiration and attraction of her had morphed into something…else.
Noting his distress, Tess spoke up from her spot on the floor. “Maria, it’s too dangerous for you to go out tonight. Please stay.”
“Yeah,” he added inanely.
Maria paused, turning to stare at him through hard eyes even as she directed her comment to Tess. "He doesn’t want me here.”
Michael resisted the urge to roll his eyes with frustration. “You know I do,” he grumbled. “Look, I didn’t mean for it to sound like I didn’t…”
“Then why did you?”
He still had his mouth open, and when she interrupted he stared at her dumbly. Tess cleared her throat, excusing herself to her room and leaving them both alone. “Why did I…wait, what did I do, exactly?” he demanded.
Maria squealed with irritation. “
What did you do? First, you exist. Do you think I planned on this? No! I came here for the express purpose of breaking up Alex and his bimbo fiancee, and visiting Max and Liz. And then
you started in with your asinine rude comments and all-around idiocy—”
Michael blinked. “Wait a second. Who the hell is Al—”
“—and
furthermore,” she continued as though he’d never interrupted – boy, she was on a roll now, and all he could do was sit back and watch – “why did
you have to show up that night? Huh? Why couldn’t it have been Max? I could have handled
Max. But nooo…he had to send
you, with your stupid smirk and your…your freaking
mouth, and well,
that ended up happening. And I never asked you to kiss me! And what did you say? Oh yeah, ‘I did it so you’d shut up’, or some stupid crap like that. Well, listen up bucko! No one says that to Maria DeLuca. And then,
then, you had the absolute
nerve to try and avoid me? You can’t just go kissing people and then taking it back!
No one does that to Maria De—why the hell are you smiling?”
“You like me.” It was said with every bit of smugness she’d attributed to him.
Her mouth dropped open and her face turned beet-red with anger. And embarrassment, probably. “I do
not!” she roared in a frightening voice.
Michael just grinned. “Do too. That little soliloquy just proved it.”
“
Oooohh….you are out of your mind!
Like you? Please. I can’t stand you! I was only in it for the kissing, which I’ll admit was above-average…”
“Uh huh.” He took a step closer.
“…but no. I’ve decided it’s not worth it. You…you…you’re…I…I’m leaving. Now. Goodbye.”
“I don’t think so,” he growled, catching her arm and pulling her back against his chest. When she opened her mouth to blast him, he quickly covered her lips with his hand. “Now you listen to me…
ouch!”
She’d bitten him! She’d actually bitten him. He moved his hand away and glared at her before looking down at the teethmarks puncturing his palm. “Oh, you’re gonna get it now, sugar.”
“I don’t
want it,” she sneered.
“Oh yeah you do, and I’m gonna give it to you.” He didn’t care how cliché that sounded, he was beyond pissed and turned on more than he ever remembered being. “Christ, you make me want to…to…”
“What?” she scoffed. “What is the big, mean bully going to do to the poor, hapless woman?”
“Hapless?” he laughed. “Baby, look at my hand.”
“You deserved it! Trying to suffocate me—”
“I wanted to get a word in edgewise!” he broke in. “And I damn well will. You think
you’re a picnic, sweetheart? I’ve never wanted to strangle a woman so bad, or fuck her either. Yeah, fuck, and I know you’ve heard the word so don’t go gasping like a little prude.”
“How
dare—”
“How dare I, blah blah blah,” he used his hand to illustrate her jabbering on. “Yeah, I’ve heard it already, okay? Point is, you like it. Oh yeah, you think I can’t tell when you’re excited? Your nipples get harder than a cement block, and I can even tell through your five sweaters.”
“I am
not wearing five sweaters! And my nipples are none of your business!” she exclaimed, but she was flushed and her eyes were glazed with desire.
“Yet,” he purred in a dangerous voice. “Now, you’re going to shut up for five seconds so I can tell you something. No more of these dramatics, or I really will strangle you and just think of all the above-average kissing you’ll be missing out on.”
“Pig!”
As if he hadn’t heard her, he added, “How do you think I felt when I saw you walk in that day? You should have looked ridiculous, standing there in all those clothes. Couldn’t even lower your damn arms. Hair all messy and so tired I nearly thought you’d pass out on your face. And those eyes…you looked at me like I was something you’d found growing on your bathroom tile. So yeah, it pissed me off, because I wanted you even then. You
and your smart mouth. And I didn’t
want to want you, not some fiesty out-of-towner with more brawn than brains.”
“Hey!”
“But I did. And I still do, which I think I proved the other night. As to that, you weren’t exactly begging me to stop, so don’t try to pull that ‘I didn’t kiss you!” garbage on me. You were into it, sugar, and if Max hadn’t walked in when he had, we would have both been a little more satisfied, and there wouldn’t be this insane tension going on. So…I’m going to fix that. Then maybe you’ll realize a little something else.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that?” she demanded, eyes narrowed and hot, but her tone was breathless, giving her away.
“That I like you, too.”
Maria froze, eyes trained firmly on him as he uttered the words in a gutteral admission that rang in his ears. For the first time since they’d started arguing, there was a moment of silence, punctuated by heavy breathing on both sides. They watched each other warily, as if knowing it would only take a sudden movement for either to pounce.
The not-so-subtle sound of Tess locking her bedroom door made Michael wince, and he felt a flush creeping along his neck as he imagined his seventeen year old sister knowing just what he was up to. Lord, what an influence he was.
Maria spoke first, unable to meet his gaze. “So…you like me, huh?”
It was such an innocuous question that he wanted to laugh. He felt like he was back in grade school, being asked to bubble in yes or no. “Yeah, I think I do.”
Her eyes darted to his and she answered in a crisper tone, “You
think, or you know?”
Amusement fled at the insecurity evident in her tone and eyes. “I know,” he answered quietly.
She stared at him for a long moment, then nodded. “Okay. All right.” And then she started removing her coat. Michael watched in silence as a sweater followed, until she was clad in only a long-sleeved thermal shirt.
“Uh, what are you doing?” he asked in a raspy voice as her fingers went to the hem of the shirt.
Maria looked at him like he was the slowest kid in class. “Getting ready to fuck our brains out. You?”
“Oh,” he answered inanely as a slow heat infused him. Then, “Wait, what?
Here?”
“Where’s your bedroom?” she asked softly, turning her gaze up to his.
“Oh shit,” he practically groaned. “Uh, follow me.” He almost skipped to his room, continuously throwing looks over his shoulder. She looked as eager as he did, but still he had to be sure. “Maria…are you sure you want to do this? We don’t have—”
“I…I want to, Michael. I can’t stand it anymore,” she interrupted, biting her lip.
“Thank God.” He threw open his door and grabbed her, pulling her inside as they both fell onto the bed in a torrent of laughter. Then his lips were on hers and they were both moaning, hands skimming over clothing and pulling it away.
“Gotta…get…naked,” Maria managed between kisses. Michael just shook his head, unable to believe she was making his laugh even now. He’d never had so much fun in bed, just one more aspect Maria DeLuca obviously brought out in him.
“I can help with that,” he responded silkily, catching her mouth again as his hands went to the button of her pants. She pulled away long enough to drag both of their shirts off, then lifted her hips so he could yank her pants down her legs. Michael sat back on his knees and took a moment to admire the figure laying across his bed. “Goddamn, I love your underwear.”
“Thanks. Now, take it off.”
“No problem.”
They wrestled around for a few more minutes, and Maria used her teeth again – in a much better way, Michael thought – to remove his boxers. He flipped her over so that he was on top and growled into her neck, “So, how do you want it?”
“You’re letting
me decide? Awesome!” she stated happily.
“Yeah well, don’t get a big head about it.”
“There’s only room for one “big head” in this bed,” she replied naughtily, making Michael’s eyes cross as she used her hands to demonstrate. “And I wanna be on top.”
“Once again, I do not have a problem with this.”
She crawled over him, and they both went quiet as the sound of a wrapper being torn filled the air. She helped him cover himself, then without preamble, got to work.
It was the best sex of his life. The feel of her, and what she made
him feel blew him sky-high as they twisted and writhed together across his plain jersey sheets. He ended up on top, driving her into the mattress as she begged throatily for more. He’d never felt better.
When it was over, they lay side by side and out of breath, staring at the ceiling. Michael cleared his throat, momentarily blushing over some of the things that had come out of his mouth in the heat of the moment. He wasn’t really given to dirty talk, but with her it made him hot, and she seemed to like it as well. Still, he couldn’t imagine doing it with any other woman.
The stray thought of other women made him frown. It was surprising for him to realize he didn’t
want any other women. He was a healthy twenty-six year old male; he should be wanting women, women and more women. But the idea didn’t appeal to him, and in truth it never had. Plus, the idea of himself with other women made him think of Maria with other men, and that image was just…unacceptable. He’d kill anyone who tried to touch her.
The protective instinct that came over him at that moment sort of reminded him of the way he felt about Tess, minus any and all romantic feelings. But that need to defend and take care of…he glanced over at her and saw that she was nearly asleep.
He grinned and nudged her with a shoulder. “What, no pillow-talk? A guy could feel used around here.”
“Mmm…” was her sleepy comment. “You wore me out, stud.”
Michael shifted to his side and studied her, head propped on one fist. His free hand drifted down her side and across her hip, leaving a trail of goosebumps as she shivered. A smile crossed his lips. “You loved it, though,” he whispered sensually, bending down to brush a kiss against her lips.
“Mmmhmm,” sighed, opening up to kiss him more deeply. Her lashes fluttered, revealing smiling green eyes. “Ready for round two?”
“Uh, not quite,” he laughed. “I know I’m incomparable, but I do need some time to recuperate.” She blew a raspberry at him, but snuggled closer and threw one leg over his hip. He stared at her for a long moment, strange feelings pounding in his chest and stomach. Feelings he was afraid to put a name to. Clearing his throat, he tried for a new subject. “So, what
were you and Tess talking about earlier when I walked in?”
“She likes…” Maria trailed off in a gasp, sitting up and nearly bumping his head as she glared at him. “Nice try!”
“She likes who?” he demanded, narrowing his gaze warily. “Tell me.”
“No way, I’m no traitor. If she wants you to know, she’ll tell you.”
“She’s my responsibility,” he denied.
“She’s her own responsibility,” Maria corrected. “And she can handle herself. My God, the girl’s more stable than I am.”
“That’s saying something,” Michael snorted sarcastically. “Hey,
ouch!”
Maria looked smug. “That’ll remind you to watch your mouth.”
He rubbed the back of his head with a pouty expression. “Stop manhandling me.”
She rolled her eyes and flipped onto her stomach. The sheets twisted, revealing the dip in her lower back and just the barest hint of the curves beneath. Michael’s gaze became immediately transfixed, and he nearly missed Maria’s next words.
“…nothing to worry about. Liz says this kid is completely awesome, all right?”
“Wait, what kid? The one Tess likes?” Michael asked. “Just tell me who it is, I swear I won’t do anything. I already know she likes someone, so what do you have to lose?”
“No!” Maria laughed. “Well, maybe if you beg…”
“Beg?” Michael’s gaze cleared and he grinned. “I can do that…”
He disappeared under the blankets and Maria let out a gasp that turned into a moan of pleasure. “It’s Shon Valenti! For God’s
sake, Michael, don’t stop!”
His head reappeared and he tsked. “That was just too easy…wait a damn minute, did you say
Shon?” He was on his feet so fast his head started to spin.
“Um…did I say that?” Maria looked sheepish. “Damn it, I
do suck at secrets. I told her so.”
“Shon? He’s only…he’s…he’s fourteen!” Michael sputtered, shoving both hands through his hair as he paced the bedroom floor. “She can’t like
him.”
“He’s almost fifteen, isn’t he?” Maria asked, amusement in her voice as she watched him. “And if he looks anything like his big brother, then I don’t blame her.”
“But that’s a two year difference and she’s almost…wait a damn…
what did you say?”
She blinked. “Um. He’s almost fifteen?”
“About Kyle,” Michael growled, stalking towards her with a menacing expression. “What did you say about
Kyle.”
“Oh please, don’t get your Jockey’s in a twist,” Maria waved a hand, then considered. “Not that you’re wearing any. You’re cuter than he is.”
That was the moment Michael realized he was running around fuming, absolutely butt-naked. “Shit.”
Maria narrowed her gaze, studying him. “You know, that seemed much bigger a few minutes ago…”
“No, you
didn’t.”
“Oh yes, I…” she trailed off as Michael pounced, capturing her lips in a punishing kiss that turned hot and heavy within seconds. He was about to slide back inside her when fireworks suddenly exploded outside of the window and they both jumped in surprise.
“What the…” Michael started, then seemed to remember. “Hey, Happy New Year.” Then he moved to complete his objective, spreading her legs wider. A funny little gasp from her throat caught his attention, and he looked up.
Maria stared at him in horror. “Oh no…”
“What?” he wondered, disliking her tone and the expression on her face. “What is it?”
“I…we can’t do this,” Maria exclaimed, jumping out from under him and pulling the sheets tight around her.
“What the hell are you babbling about? We’ve already
done that,” he pointed out. “Hey…”
“Don’t touch me!” she shrieked, then looked taken aback. “Oh God, I’m sorry. It’s just that…I…”
“What?” he asked, feeling his stomach sink at her face. “Did I…do something?”
She stared at the wall for a moment, then blurted out. “It’s a silly superstition, I know. But I’m superstitious and well…it can’t happen. I won’t be around after next week, and we…
this can’t happen.”
Michael wasn’t exactly sure what she was talking about, but seven words echoed in his mind.
I won’t be around after next week…
He’d known that was the case all along, hadn’t he? It wasn’t like he’d expected she’d suddenly fall in love with Telluride and want to stay…fall in love… with him? The random thought attacked his brain with all the subtlety of a sledghammer and he jerked as if he’d actually been struck.
Christ, is this what was happening? Had he been in love with her from the moment she’d walked into his bar, all flash and fire? Or had it been the first time they’d spoken, clashing with each other over Liz’s cell phone on Christmas Eve? Or had it been some time after, some undefinable moment this past week he’d gotten to know her better than he’d known any woman?
She kept talking, completely oblivious to the thoughts racing around inside his brain. “I don’t walk under ladders, I never spill the salt, and black cats make me run away screaming. So…I can’t do this with you, Michael. I can’t be with you
that way on New Years Eve.”
Understanding dawned. “Because that means we’ll be together in the New Year,” he summed up.
She nodded rapidly. “Exactly.”
“And…that bothers you?” he asked softly, looking up beneath his lashes at her. His heart was pounding so loudly he could hear it echoing in his ears. Time seemed to be suspended as he awaited her answer.
She looked confused, and not a little sad, herself. “Bother me? Not exactly…it just isn’t fair, is it? To you, I mean.”
“No, I’m afraid I don’t.” His voice sounded dull and accusing, such a change from moments before when he’d been playful and exuberant. But he hadn’t known then…hadn’t been able to recognize what had been building steadily inside him. Apparently, he was the only one with the problem.
Something flashed in her eyes and she began to breathe harder. “Michael…” she reached out a hand, but he moved away.
“No, it’s fine. Forget it. I’m thirsty.” He pulled on his pants and moved towards the door, ignoring the silence behind him. His fingers were closing around knob when he cursed himself and spun back around. His gaze was sullen, his tone desperate. “And what if I wanted to? Wanted to try, I mean. What would you say to that?”
She released a shallow sigh, shaking her head. “It’s just
this talking,” she motioned towards the mussed sheets. Her tongue darted across her lips and she added, “It’ll wear off, and you’ll be glad.”
Something wild and crazy went through him at that comment. Glad? She thought he’d be
glad to see her go? Was she absolutely
insane? He’d joked about it before, but now he wondered. It must have been this hot-blooded rage that was filling him that made him do it, much like the day he’d deliberately spilled hot chocolate all over her. “And what if I’m not? What if…what if I told you…I think I’m in love with you?”
She gasped, and he felt his entire face tighten with tense strain. She looked away from him, blinking rapidly before she managed, “Think, or know?”
“I know,” he echoed his earlier words, realizing his voice was accusing and angry. And hurt. She didn’t answer for a long moment, and he yelled, “Well? What do you have to say?”
She finally met his gaze, and he caught the hint of tears on her lashes in the moonlight that spilled from the window, across the bed. But she only shook her head and whispered, “I’d say…that’s not possible.”
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Maria was in hell. Actually, hell was far preferable at the moment. She couldn’t get the memory of Michael’s hands out of her mind, the way they felt on her body. Coming in at a close second, were his lips. God, he could kiss like a master. Just thinking about it was enough to make her hot, and yes, that was a serious problem. Because Michael no longer wanted anything to do with her.
He hadn’t come back after he’d made his astounding announcement and disappeared into the kitchen. She’d finally garnered up the courage to go and look for him a half-hour later, and had found him sleeping on the couch. She doubted he was actually asleep, but he’d ignored her so thoroughly that she hadn’t had the nerve to approach him. The next day, he’d been gone before she’d risen, and Max had arrived to pick her up. It was obvious Michael didn’t want her company
Not that she could blame him. What the hell was wrong with her? He’d said he
loved her. God, when he had, everything inside of her had threatened to burst into confetti and streamers. But just as quickly, that same old insecurity began to take hold of her. This was just his way of controlling her, trying to make her stay here when all she really wanted was to leave.
She didn’t acknowledge the fact that she herself had been thinking about how much she loved Telluride, that same day. Or the fact that she’d fleetingly considered the urge to move herself out there, to be closer to Liz of course. But how could Michael expect that she’d just give up everything she had back in Roswell for him? Just because of three little words?
She
had a life, one she damn well liked. Okay, so she hadn’t made it quite as far as she’d hoped, and sometimes it grew tiring, playing the same old burnt out jazz clubs, but she was working on a recording contract! She figured in five years, give or take, she’d have enough money to set out for New York and really pursue her dream.
She couldn’t do that here, in Telluride. It was much too tempting to forget everything while you were here; your hopes, goals, aspirations. It became about simply…living. In a small-town, where everyone knew your name and welcomed you with a smile on their face. She’d only been there a little over a week, yet she was already acknowledged by name by several of the townspeople, and she couldn’t deny the warm feeling it gave her.
Sure, Roswell was arguably a small town, as well. But it had a completely different feel than Telluride. Roswell was nice, alien nonsense aside, but it didn’t give her that same sense of…contentment that she’d come to know up here in the mountains. God, even the snow was starting to grow on her.
And then there was Michael. He was, by far, the best asset Telluride had going for it. Of course, she’d ruined that. He’d made it clear that whatever had been between them was over, at least in his eyes. They hadn’t spoken earlier when she and Liz had made the trip to
To-Hell-You-Ride to gather supplies for the New Year’s party taking place that night in the Town Square.
He’d met her gaze only once, and his had been so filled with disgust that she’d had to look away, tears threatening to fall. At the same time, it angered her. So he loved her, did he? How quickly that changed, or became weighed down by strings. She’d known not to believe him, but she couldn’t deny that it hurt.
Because she
did love him. It had taken her all of the twenty minutes that it took Max to drive them back home, her gaze staring out of the car window, to realize the sick sad truth. She loved Michael, but she couldn’t stay for him. She’d be giving up everything she’d ever known, and that wasn’t fair to either of them. He couldn’t leave because of Tess, so they were really left…with nothing.
Tess. Maria hadn’t expected to like her so much. She’d never really bothered getting to know the families of her past boyfriends. Why bother, the relationships never lasted that long anyway, not that she was complaining. But Tess had something that made it unable to dislike her. As it was, Maria found herself desperately wanting the younger girl’s approval, which was ridiculous seeing as how she was twenty-three years old and should be past that kind of stuff.
When Tess had admitted her sudden crush on her best friend, Maria had been delighted when the girl had asked
her for advice. It had made her feel on top of the world, and accepted. She hadn’t gone to Liz, who was arguably the better equipped with information. After all, look at her and Max. That was a match made in heaven, for sure. Whereas she and Michael were an unlucky spin on the roulette wheel.
She frowned, dabbing a few drops of her favorite essential oil on her wrists and behind her ears. She turned and glanced at the floor-length mirror propped against the wall, studying her reflection. Not too bad, she mused.
She thought the combination of fitted wool trousers coupled with a ruby colored cowlneck sweater and the confetti sprinkled within her curls made her look both stylish and festive. She would even try to wear only one coat out this evening. The absent thought nearly made her grin as she buckled a pair of boots, until she remembered Michael’s expression as he’d made fun of her for wearing all her “winter armor” as he called it. She refused to cry.
A light tap on the door broke her concentration on
not thinking of Michael Guerin. She stood up as Liz slipped inside the room. As always, Liz looked lovely wearing a simple cardigan sweater and blue jeans, along with her favorite pair of snowboots and a down puff coat. Her friend’s hair was neatly pulled back in a ponytail, and she seemed the image of beautiful small-town girl.
“Almost ready?” she smiled encouragingly, but concern sparkled in her brown eyes. Maria knew her friend was worried over how she would react to Michael being there tonight. When she’d found out, Maria had thrown a teary fit and claimed she absolutely would
not go and see
him. That had been during her denial rage, when she’d yet to admit that the real reason she was mad at Michael was because she loved the great big idiot. Of course, he probably thought she was an idiot, too.
She offered Liz a small smile and nodded. “Yes, and I promise…no hysterics. Pinky-swear,” she held up her smallest finger and offered it to Liz, who giggled and shook her head before sighing.
“Maria, are you sure you shouldn’t just talk to him?” Liz wondered, nibbling her lip. “Max says—”
“You told Max?” Maria questioned, more sharply than she’d intended.
“Of course not,” Liz answered, wounded. “But he and Mike are best friends and he’s noticed some…changes.”
“Like what?” Maria asked quickly, imaging the worst. Was Michael not eating? Sleeping? Had he come down with some terminal disease that would kill him off before she ever had the chance to tell him…Good God, she’d seen him just yesterday!! “Never mind.”
“Max just mentioned he seemed quiet,” Liz soothed. “Which, around Max and Kyle, is nearly apocolyptic.”
“I hate it when you use SAT words,” Maria huffed, trying not to be happy over the fact that Michael was apparently as miserable as she was. Just what kind of person was she, anyway?
They met up with Max in the living room, and together set out for the Square. The party was already hopping, fireworks exploding in the sky in colorful bursts as children yelled and squealed in excitement. Maria caught sight of Tess and a young boy she assumed to be Shon Valenti, due to his nearly unbelivable good looks and generally rascally appearance. She bit back a smile. Just like his brother. She watched as Shon offered Tess a place next to him, in view of the fireworks yet still in the shadows, and Tess’ cheeks flushed as he grinned at her.
Kyle was grilling out with several of the other town men, one arm wrapped around a slinky brunette as he offered tips to the others. “No, not that way…you’ll burn the weiners.”
Maria rolled her eyes and laughed despite her sour mood. Kyle saw them and lit up, waving his spatula as Max kissed Liz on the lips before heading over to his friend. “Don’t go too far away,” she heard him murmur, and Liz’s answering giggle. Maria turned away, affording her friends a moment of privacy, and she saw him.
He was loitering just outside of the throng of men grilling, eyes firmly trained on Tess and Shon and a slight frown edging his lips downwards. Maria could practically read his mind.
Watch your hands, buddy boy.
Liz excused herself, but Maria barely heard the reason why as she continued staring. As if he’d felt her gaze, he turned and looked straight at her. They both stiffened, and Maria felt like a cross between a furnace and a deep-freeze. She just knew her cheeks were flushed, but she couldn’t help it. His gaze traveled over her body and she tingled everywhere he glanced. Then he looked back at her, and turned away.
She felt that snub all the way to her toes. It made her heart break, even as she seethed at his nerve. All right, so he didn’t even want to
pretend to be civil? Fine. She could act like a complete ass, too. Case in point…
Her gaze fell on an attractive dark-headed male who was heading her way. She plastered the biggest, most flirtatious smile on her face as he approached. “Hello,” she fairly purred. An inward voice drawled,
Oh, ick Maria. She told herself to shut up.
“Hello,” the man answered in a pleasant voice that held just a trace of Ireland. “You look…cold.”
Maria glanced down at her where her hands were shaking, and briefly closed her eyes. Damn, Michael Guerin to hell and back. Outwardly, she laughed shrilly and shook her head, speaking in a louder voice than necessary, “Cold? Me? No!”
Sure enough, she saw Michael glance her way out of the corner of her eye, and he did not look happy. In fact, he was heading her way, a black scowl on his handsome face. Well, well. That had worked better than she’d thought. Who’d known Michael Guerin was such a jealous—
“Blair McNab,” he fairly spat as he came upon them. “What’s up, man?”
Maria froze at the name, and inwardly beat her self senseless. Good God, she’d flirted, or nearly so, with the Devil?! Oh, of all the rotten luck…
She gave Blair an evil glare that he didn’t catch because he was too busy watching Michael with wary eyes. “Michael…I was just looking for—”
“I know who you’re looking for, and I’m here to let you know that if you don’t get the hell out of here, Max is going to come over and personally make you leave. Savvy?” Michael grunted threateningly. “You’re not getting a chance to hurt Liz again, so give it up man.”
Blair’s face turned bright red and he bristled before replying, “She doesn’t know what she’s missing.”
“Oh, I think she does,” Maria threw in. With a haughty toss of her head she added, “Max is much more of a man to satisfy her, she’s told me all about it. It’s really too bad, Blair. Maybe you need to see a doctor about your inability to…perform.”
He turned purple and sputtered before storming away. Meanwhile Michael chuckled quietly at her side.
“That was ballsy, accusing a guy who cheats of having performance issues,” he pointed out admiringly.
Maria shrugged. “Just because a guy gets play, doesn’t mean he’s the MVP.”
Michael stared at her, then made a strangled sound before shaking his head. “Right.”
They settled into an uncomfortable silence, simply staring at each other as people laughed and talked around them. The sound of another firework explosion made Maria jump, and Michael shifted on his feet.
“Later,” he mumbled.
She watched him move to walk away, then heard herself call out faintly, “Michael, wait.”
He paused, every muscle tensed before he turned back to face her with an unreadable expression. “Yeah?” His eyes were piercing, his lips hard.
She swallowed, not sure of what exactly she meant to say. She’d thought all night long of what she’d say to him if she had the chance, but every single line had escaped her mind, except the one she absolutely couldn’t say. It was also the one she wanted to say the most.
I love you, she whispered silently. He made a sound of disgust and moved to turn again, but she forced herself to speak. “I…I’m leaving,” she called out. “Tomorrow morning.”
This was obviously
not what he’d expected to hear. His jaw went slack and something very close to pain flashed in his eyes before his expression went hard again. When he spoke, his voice was hostile and cold. “I thought you weren’t leaving until next week.”
She shivered at his tone, shrugging her shoulders. “Yeah well, the reason I came…” She trailed off, not wanting to get into the Alex and Isabel factor. As it was, she’d given up on the idea of ruining their relationship. What right did she have? If Alex was truly happy with the bimbo, then more power to him. If not, he’d come to his senses in time. She trusted that.
She cleared her throat and tried again. “Well, since the blizzard ended, the roads were cleared - which is amazing seeing as how it was
yesterday. I swear, you people must be really equipped to handle this kind of—”
“Get on with it,” he gritted through his teeth.
“Oh, right.” God, she was nervous. He was now openly glaring at her, and she wanted to run away crying. But she refused to give him the satisfaction. “Well, since they reopened the highways, I decided I'd better get on my way before another bout of bad weather hits. I’ve imposed on Liz and Max long enough,” she finished lamely, unable to look at him.
He was quiet for a long time, too long. When she risked a glance up, she was shocked to see that tears were brimming behind those light brown eyes. Tears, and anger. He took a ragged breath and nodded. “Well, I guess that’s that. It’s been nice knowing you, Blondie. Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out.”
“Michael,” she cried out, but he was already moving, disappearing into the crowd. She kicked at a pile of snow, which turned out to be a bunch of tree roots, and nearly fell on her ass in surprise. “Shit!” she muttered, glancing around and hoping no one had seen her display of emotion.
“Need some help?” A familiar voice asked, hands reaching under her elbows to help her up. “No one else saw that, by the way. Michael sure looks upset, though.”
She stared into Kyle’s eyes, and promptly burst into tears. “He hates me!” she wailed, using Kyle’s sleeve to wipe her nose as he stared in bemusement. His arm wrapped around her and he started patting her back.
“There there,” he stated. “Everything’s going to be fine. Look, gets mad really easily, and then he blows up and it’s over. Don’t worry, okay?”
“No, he hates me,” she repeated, sniffling as she stepped away from him. “Trust me, it’s better that I’m leaving tomorrow. He’d probably avoid Max and Liz just so he wouldn’t have to see my face.”
“Leaving?” Kyle echoed in dismay. “What’s all this?”
She glanced up at him, blinking through her tears. “Oh, I’m sorry, Kyle. I just…I can’t stay here anymore. I have a life, back in Roswell. I can’t just drop everything for him. Why can’t he understand that?”
“Uh…” was Kyle’s confused answer. But Maria didn’t care, she was too busy getting over her upset and moving onto the more satisfying burst of anger.
“It’s all about
him! What
he wants. Well, dammit! I don’t care if he hates me, I don’t! He doesn’t
love me, he wants to
own me. Protect me. I’m just another person for him to control. Fuck that.”
“Look, maybe I better drive you home,” Kyle glanced around uneasily at the people who were starting to look his way. He motioned towards a very concerned Liz, who was already making her way over. “I’ve got her! Now come on, beautiful. Let me get you home, and you can cry in your chocolate and tell Kyle everything. I’m a bartender, you know.”
She went without a word of protest.
An hour later, she finished her story and looked up to find Kyle staring at her.
“No, he did
not!” he exclaimed appropriately. “What an idiot.”
“Exactly,” Maria threw her hands up in the air. “Now you can see what I mean.”
“Well, yeah,” Kyle nodded. Then looked confused. “But Maria, you love him. So why punish yourself? What’s really so great about Roswell?”
She stared at him. “You just don’t
get it, do you? What is
wrong with your species?”
Kyle quickly held up a hand. “All right, all right. But, what about a long-distance relationship? Have you even considered that?”
She had. “It won’t work,” she decided. “They’re extremely unlucky.”
Not knowing of her superstitious nature, Kyle looked mystified, but wisely decided not to comment. “Well, I think the bottom line is…you have to do what you have to do, Maria. This is your life, and you have to live it. If you think that a life without Michael is better than a life with sacrifice…then leave. But don’t sit here and bitch and moan about it to me, and then turn around and drive away tomorrow.”
With that, Kyle hugged her and left, leaving Maria to sit and ponder his words into the night.
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***</center>
(continued in next post)
