Author: Itzstacie
Category: M/L (hint of )M/M...No Aliens
Rating: Teen
Disclaimer: The characters of Roswell do not belong to me all rights go to WB, Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, and UPN
Summary: Liz Parker hates the annual office Christmas party, when her friend and co-worker drags her to it, what will she find under the mistletoe this year.
AN: First I have to give a big smooch to Lashon for coming up with the name and Tanya for making my banner and betaing it for me. As always you girls are my rock so this is dedicated to you both *Muah*.
Secondly, I wrote this cheesy little(and I do mean little) one parter to try and kick my muse into gear so I can finish Guilty and I've always wanted to do a holiday fic, so I hope it's not to bad. So here we go.
<center>
</center>Liz Parker sat behind her desk glaring at the pretty red invitation staring back at her, she was tempted to take it and tear it up into a million little pieces. She hated the office Christmas party, it was just an excuse for people to get drunk and make assess out of themselves.
More importantly she hated the people who attended them, well maybe not everyone. Just one person in particular that seemed to irritate the hell out of her every chance he got. Hate might be a harsh word to use, but it seemed like she was the only one he liked to pick on.
If she admitted to herself, which she refused to do, she might say she actually liked it. The way he would stop by her office twenty times a day, or always sat by her in meetings and proceeded to poke her and get her into trouble. She would just glare at him and he would flash that killer smile of his that always seemed to win clients over.
He was the type of guy that knew he was good looking, and he used his looks to his advantage most times. Most of the women fawned over him in the office, but he never paid any attention to them, except her, and she never did anything to show she was interested. She would admit that he was good looking but going further than that was not something she would do. Office romances never worked out.
Picking up the invitation she leaned back in her chair and unfolded it only to fold it again. Another reason she didn’t want to go was because she felt obligated to take someone with her and there was no one she wanted to go with. The only other option was to go alone and she would rather die first, so the choice was not to go at all.
Standing up she walked over and held the invitation over the shredder, however just before she could drop it in, the door to her office flew open and her co-worker and friend, Maria walked in. “Ah, I see you got your invitation,” she said walking towards her.
“Yes and I know the perfect place for it,” Liz said bringing her hand closer to the slit, before she could slip it in Maria yanked it out of her hand “What are you doing!” she exclaimed pretending to smooth it back out, as if it were a precious item that she saved from a burning flame.
Liz huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not going to the party, so what’s the point of keeping it?” Maria walked closer to her. “You have to go, you can’t miss the famous Christmas party, they always give the best prizes away at those things.”
Liz flopped down in her chair. “Yeah and everyone is stumbling around drunk, playing who can drag who in the supply closet.” Maria smiled, “That’s the best part, and I know for a fact that I’m going to win this year.” She winked and offered a bright mischievous smile.
Liz rolled her eyes. “Give it up Maria, if Michael hasn’t noticed you by now, he’s not going too.” Maria smoothed out her dress, “Well he hasn’t seen the best of me yet, now come on let’s go to lunch.”
Liz shook her head and opened her drawer taking her purse out, and followed Maria out of her office as they made their way to the elevators. Of course fate stepped in like clockwork as they waited for the doors to open on their floor.
“So where are you lovely ladies off too?”
Liz gritted her teeth and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “To lunch. Not that that’s any of your business.” As predicted he flashed his pearly whites as the doors lurched open. “Great I’m starving, where we headed?”
Maria tried to hide her smile as he stepped past them and into the elevator. Liz however, glared at him as she waited outside the doors. “I believe you weren’t invited Max.” He put his hand over his heart, “You crush me, you really do,” he teased.
Leaning back and spreading his arms out along the back bar and crossing one ankle over the other, he winked at her. “Chop-chop ladies we only get an hour.” Maria leaned in close as they walked into the elevator, “Oh he’s got it bad,” she whispered. Liz turned and glared at her before turning her head back and jabbing the button to the first floor.
<center>***************</center>
One week before the party
Liz pulled a dress off the rack and looked it over; shaking her head she put it back on the rack. How in the world did she let Maria talk her into going to this thing? Come on Liz please. We can go stag Liz, you’re going to regret it Liz, she mimicked to herself as she flipped through another rack. "I should bail on her,” she said aloud as she walked away from that rack. As she walked up to another one, Maria walked up behind her and said, “What do you think of this one?”
Liz turned and her eyes popped out, “Is that even a dress?”
Maria smiled and turned to look at herself in the mirror. “Michael is not going to know what hit him.” She grinned devilishly.
Liz rolled her eyes. “They may not let you in the front door with that thing on,” she said as she pulled out a backless red satin dress.
Maria turned and looked at her, “By the way a birdie told me that a certain brown haired hottie is going alone to the party.”
Without skipping a beat she responded, “Not interested.” Liz walked toward the dressing rooms to try on the dress she’d just picked out.
Maria followed behind her. “You are such a liar, you have it as bad as he does.”
Liz stopped and looked back at her. “While I may admit he is good looking, that is all he is. There is nothing nor will there ever be anything more than co-workers between the two of us.”
Maria shook her head, “Co-workers do not flirt the way you two do.”
Liz glared at her. “We do not flirt. He irritates the hell out of me for no reason,” she bit out adamantly.
Maria chuckled. “Well, you know what they say, when a boy likes a girl--.”
Liz shoved her towards the dressing rooms. “Shut up Maria,” she said as she walked into the one next to it and tried on the dress. Turning this way and that she scrunched up her nose; it wasn't the most glamorous thing but it did go with her complexion. It would have to do; it wasn’t like she was trying to impress anyone anyway.
Her thoughts of their own accord drifted to the dark haired pain in the ass. Just that day he had managed to invade her space again by pretending that one of his files was not working on his computer and wanted to check it on hers. Instead of waiting for her to move out of the way, he proceeded to lean over her and she found herself drowning in his intoxicating scent.
She was so embarrassed when he caught her leaning closer to get a better whiff, that all she could do was get flustered when he smirked at her and told her that there was a way he could make sure his smell lingered longer if she wanted.
All she could do was stutter while shoving him out of the way, so she could storm out of her office. She never had someone get to her the way he did. She didn’t know whether to slap him or kiss him. Her head was screaming to slap him but the rest of her body wanted, desperately, to jump him.
“Hey girl, you ready, our lunch hour is almost up?” Maria asked breaking her from her reverie. Scolding herself for letting her thoughts runaway, she hurried up and changed back into her clothes and exited the dressing room.
Hurrying back to her office she ran straight into Maria’s back when she suddenly stopped in her tracks. Rubbing her nose she said, “Damn it Maria.” Then saw the reason why she’d stopped. Max and Michael were standing in the hallway near their office having a conversation.
“That man is going to be the death of me,” Maria whispered appreciatively.
Liz rolled her eyes, “That man only sees you as annoying stalker,” she muttered under her breath.
Maria turned towards her. “Just wait, you’ll see. Come the end of the party, he is going to be mine.”
On cue, as if they knew they were being talked about, both of their heads turned towards the girls. Michael whispered to Max and then quickly ran the other way. Liz smiled as Maria chased after him; she turned and looked at Max who just smiled devilishly at her before entering his office.
Shaking her head she walked into her own office only to find a box with a red bow on it sitting in the center of her desk. She hung her dress up on the back of her door and curiously walked to her desk. Picking up the box she shook it trying to figure out what it was, as she took a seat.
Creasing her brows she wondered who’d gotten her something. They didn’t do present exchanging at the office; she and Maria always did with each other but no one else in the office did anything. Slowly peeling off the ribbon she opened the box and peeked inside.
Her mouth flew open and she held the urge to scream loudly when she saw a bottle of cologne inside it, with a note that read, ‘Let me know if it smells better off or on me.’
Fuming she threw the whole thing in the trashcan, flung her chair back and stood. She promptly stomped towards her door with one thought in mind, but she stopped and quickly turned around, and ran back to the garbage can. She plucked the bottle up and slipped it into her purse before turning around and storming out of her door. A couple of people jumped out of her way as she stalked towards his door.
Not even bothering to knock, she stormed into his office and slammed both of her hands down on his desk. Leaning forward she bit out, “Just what is your problem? What the hell did I ever do to you?”
Max smiled up at her. “I see you got my present,” he stated standing up with an arrogant smile touching the corners of his lips.
She glared at him. “Why are you always picking on me,” she demanded.
He placed his hands mirroring hers and leaned forward, “I thought it was pretty obvious by now.”
Her mind clouded with confusion. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”
He leaned closer to her until his nose was barely touching hers and whispered, “I like you Parker.”
His whispered words sent shivers down her spine and her eyes widened as she stumbled back, tripping over her own feet. “What did you say?” she asked dazedly.
He smiled bigger and walked around his desk advancing on her. “I said I like you. In fact, I think we should go the Christmas party together, as a in a date.” He punctuated that statement by crossing his arms over his chest stubbornly.
Her mind was screaming. He wanted to…with her? Liz tried to wrap her mind around it. “I...I have work to do,” she lied and bolted out the door. Running to her office she closed her door and locked it so no one could get in. She sank down in her chair and buried her head in her hands. He liked her…he actually liked her.
Oh boy, she was in trouble.
<center>***************</center>
Night of Christmas Party
Liz stood looping her earrings in her ear in front of her mirror. Her insides were mush. She was so nervous about tonight. She had been good at avoiding Max for the rest of the week and even went so far as to call in sick for the first time ever.
It wasn’t from lack of trying on his part either, she made excuses left and right to avoid him; showing up to meetings late so should wouldn’t have to sit by him and making sure she bolted out of there right after. She even put off going to lunch with Maria in fear he might invite himself as he always did. But tonight there would be no way to avoid him; tonight she was going to have to face him for the first time since his confession.
She had no idea what she was going to do; she firmly believed romances were to be left out of the office. It made things complicated and could make things so much worse if things didn’t work out. As much as she liked him, she didn’t want to compromise her job by getting involved. If things were different she would jump on the chance to be with someone like him.
Someone that pushed her buttons, that on the inside made her laugh and feel special. Someone she had no doubt in her mind would be great in bed and leave her breathless after kissing. Scowling she walked over and grabbed her purse off her bed, why did he have to work for the same company?
Hearing the horn blaring outside, she headed out locking her door. Once in the car, Maria whistled at her, “Going to knock his socks off.”
Liz rolled her eyes changing the subject, “You just better pray you don’t get mistaken for a hooker in that dress.”
“Love you too babe,” Maria said putting the car into reverse and driving off. Once she turned onto the highway she turned and looked at Liz. “You know you won’t be able to avoid him tonight.”
“I can try,” Liz replied.
Maria shook her head. “What’s the big deal anyway? I know you like him so why not go for it? Why are you so against getting involved with someone you work with?”
Liz turned and looked at her like she was crazy. “Because one, it makes everything complicated; instead of focusing on work you’re too busy focusing on the other person, and two, if ends badly which eighty percent of the time it does, it puts you in a uncomfortable situation on a daily basis.”
Maria looked at her, “I don’t believe that, a job is a job. The potential to find love is something you should go after. That is something hard to find and if you don’t take chances. How are you ever going to find it, no matter where that potential comes from?”
Liz turned her head and stared out the window mulling over Maria’s answer. Deep down she knew she was right, but she busted her ass to get where she was today and to take that chance on an office romance…was it really worth risking losing it all?
Pulling up at the country club, the parking lot was already filled, which was a relief to her because she didn’t want to be one of the first ones here. Stepping out of the car she walked around to wait for Maria while she was pampering herself in the review mirror.
After a few minute Maria walked up next to her hugging her coat tightly. A light breeze blew causing Liz to wrinkle up her nose, looking over at Maria she asked, “Do you smell that? It stinks.”
Maria pulled her coat tighter. “Smell what,” she said feigning innocence.
Liz shrugged her shoulder. “It smells like a massive dose of pine needles.”
“Hmm don’t know,” she said and opened the door to the building.
Walking in Liz had to admit it was decorated beautifully; a large Christmas tree sat right inside the doors draped in gorgeous gold ribbons with large gold and crystal ornaments hanging from it. Nicely wrapped presents sat underneath it as well. She knew it was nothing more but empty boxes but she had to admit it completed the picture.
Heading towards the coat check she heard Maria grumble, “I hope the food is better this year.”
Liz chuckled, “I’m surprised you even remember what the food tasted like last year. As I recall you were too busy barfing it up half the night.”
Maria turned towards her. “Bite me,” she said as she took her coat off.
Liz’s hand flew up to her mouth letting out a small laugh, “Maria what in the hell is that around your neck?” Leaning in closer she found her source of massive pine needles, pointing at it she said, “Is that... oh please tell me that is not what I think it is.”
Maria smiled and ran her fingers over her necklace made of mistletoe, “I told you Michael Guerin would be mine by the end of night.”
“Maria, please tell me you are not that desperate. He is not going to fall for that,” Liz replied shaking her head.
Maria walked up and looped her arms through Liz’s. “We’ll see after I make sure he has a couple of drinks in him.”
They walked into the main room and Liz took in the people already here, she could already tell some of them had gotten a head start on the partying. Scanning the room, her eyes landed on the bar. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw him standing there talking to Michael.
He hadn’t noticed her and she took that time to study him; he was dressed in pair of black fitted slacks with a white button down shirt. With the way he was leaning she could tell he had a couple of the top buttons undone showing off his tanned complexion.
He laughed at something Michael said and it reached her ears sending goose bumps up her arm. He raised his drink to those perfect lips to take a sip when Michael leaned in closer whispering something. She watched as he stood straight up and turned in her direction, the drink in his hand forgotten, his mouth dropped open and she felt shivers run up and down her spine as she swore his eyes started undressing her right there.
Setting his drink down she watched as he said something to Michael and started to head straight for her, she squeaked and took off in the other direction, hoping to be lost in the sea of people around her. Walking faster she spotted a ladies restroom sign hanging and practically ran for it. Bolting through the doors she slipped in her shoes and caught herself before she fell flat on her ass; several women that were in there touching up their make up turned and looked at her. “Damn waxed floors,” she said dismissively and dashed into one of the stalls.
Locking the door she put the toilet seat down and sat. Covering her mouth with both hands she squeezed her eyes shut. Damn it, why did he have be so good looking, and charming, and funny? In other words, why did he have to be so damned perfect, she thought. Maybe she should just go out there and get plastered and have her way with him blaming it on the alcohol in the morning.
Shaking her head she thought, “What the hell was wrong with me?” If she really thought about it the man obviously wanted something more than just a role in the hay. He never acted the way he did around her with the other women in the office and she had never seen or heard about him taking on random woman.
Her thoughts drifted back to what Maria had said, and deep down she really did want someone to love and be loved in return. She was so tired of being alone and spending the nights curled up reading books or watching sappy movies that always made her feel worse afterwards.
She loved her job, but realization was finally setting in. Before last week she never missed work because she didn’t want to miss seeing him. Her day wasn’t complete if she didn’t have some small interaction with him.
Opening the stall door she stepped out, to hell with it, she was tired of running from him. She would go out there and let whatever happened, happen. Checking her hair and makeup once, she walked out of the restroom and headed back towards the main room.
She felt a warm hand rest on her lower back and heard his deep rumble, “Dance with me,” he stated leading her to the dance floor. She looked up and found herself drowning in his darkened gaze. She was like a puppet letting him guide her arms around his neck and then slowly he slid his hands around her waist resting them on her back.
He started a slow sway with her as she continued to stare at him, he stared right back at her leading her in a slow circle. The corner of his mouth turned up, “I was beginning to think I was going to have to be the talk of the party by walking into the ladies room.”
Snapping out of her trance, she blinked. “Huh,” she said in confusion.
He laughed and smiled at her. “You’ve been avoiding me all week long, don’t think I haven’t noticed.”
“I have not,” she lied.
“You’ve been sneaking out to lunch early,” he countered knowingly.
“I had things to do,” she stammered weakly.
He raised his eyebrow, “You called out.”
“I was sick,” she blurted out.
He laughed knowing she was lying and pulled her closer to him. He brought his mouth close to her ear, “You look stunning tonight, I think your trying to drive me crazy.”
She opened her mouth to object but he silenced her by placing his finger on her lips. “You drive me crazy in anything.”
Blushing she looked down at the dance floor, nibbling on her bottom lip she chanced a look up at him, “You drive me pretty crazy too.”
His eyes widened for a second before breaking out into a huge smile, he tightened his hold on her and pulled her closer. Tucking her head underneath his chin she closed her eyes and forgot about everyone else in the room as she felt him rest his head on top of hers.
Being perfectly melded against him she had almost forgotten where she was until the loud rings of laughter drifted to her ears. Pulling back, but not letting her hold on Max go, she scanned the room to see what was so funny.
His rich laughter vibrated against her arms and she followed his gaze. She busted out laughing she when she spotted Maria trapping Michael in one of the corners of the room. She watched as she took her mistletoe necklace off and flung it around his neck.
She smiled when she saw him blow out his breath and finally give in by grabbing her and slamming his lips down onto hers. She chuckled to herself, “What do you know, it actually worked.”
Max looked down at her and smiled. “What worked,” he asked.
Liz shook her head. “Maria was determined to make him notice her tonight.”
Max laughed. “Trust me, he noticed. He was just playing hard to go get.” He stared at her for a moment before speaking again. “Kind of reminds me of someone else.”
Liz bit her bottom lip softly and looked down. “Max...it’s not—”
He cut off her words, “I know how you feel about office romances.” She looked up surprised. Shrugging his shoulders he confessed, “Maria told me.”
Reaching up he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “That’s why I decided that if I couldn’t convince you otherwise, I was going to turn in my resignation.”
Liz gasped, “No, Max.”
He leaned in closer to her, and then added, “I want you in my life that much. You’re worth it,” he offered sincerely.
Her heart started beating rapidly and her knees started trembling, she stared up at him and he motioned his head upwards. Looking up she noticed they were standing underneath mistletoe. She had been so wrapped up in the feel of his arms around her that she failed to notice he’d maneuvered them underneath one.
She glanced back at him and watched his eyes dart to her lips, then back to her eyes. He leaned towards her as she felt herself drifting closer; she closed her eyes as his lips softly touched hers.
Her last thought was, what the hell, she always wondered what sex would be like on her desk.
<center>The End</center>
