Last Night on Earth - (AU M/L ADULT) COMPLETE; Pg 3 - 6/5

[Emz80m]

Title: Last Night On Earth
Author: Emma & Leslie (aka Emz80m & Lessie)
Disclaimer: We don’t own anything they belong to UPN and WB yada yada yada. Also we do not own the rights to the wonderful song Last Night on Earth. They belong to Delta from her album Mistaken Identity. We’re borrowing it all.
Category: AU, M/L CC
Rating: Adult

Summary: Max is an angel that is sent to help Liz through a hard time after she looses her fiancée.


Liz sat quietly at the window watching the snow falling to the ground. It was Christmas time, a time of year that Liz usually loved. She normally couldn’t wait until the stores decorated their shop fronts, when her neighbours joined her in decorating their houses in lights, the children running around making snowmen. But this year it was different, she hadn’t been out through the day to look at the shop fronts, her lights remained packed away in the attic and most of the time her blinds remained closed blocking out the children running around in her street. But mostly it was different because it had been 3 months, 92 days and countless hours since she had found out the truth and her world had come tumbling down around her.

Liz Parker has always prided herself in being a good friend, a loyal friend who always put others in her life first. Her closest friends had been her friends since birth and she had always been able to turn to them in times of need. They had been through a lot together. Her, Maria and Alex but they were still best friends and she knew they always would be but for the first time in her life she felt truly alone, she couldn’t turn to them. Yes they were there just like they always had been but this time it was her who couldn’t open up to them. It was her who had closed herself off from the outside world hoping that by doing so she could forget. Forget about the last three months, forget about the hurt and lies that had emerged, but mostly forget about the fact that regardless of everything she learned the man she loved was still dead.

Liz sighed when she heard the clock chime five o’clock because it meant that she had been sitting in the same spot by the window with the now very cold cup of coffee for close to two hours. It wasn’t unusual for her to spend time doing nothing these days; her life lacked everything else. Her parents had left a month ago back to Roswell because they needed to return to their restaurant and her friends now just left messages asking or rather begging her to call them back.

A key turning in the front door got her attention then and she watched slightly frightened as it opened and someone took time shaking themselves off before entering. Liz realised that there were a few people that still had keys to her place but she had no idea who to expect right now.

‘Liz’ she heard the voice of her best friend before she saw her and she could help the small smile that started to form at the corner of her mouth.

‘Hey’ Maria smiled as she stepped into the house and spotted Liz in her favourite chair by the window. It had started snowing that morning, Maria personally hated it but she knew how much Liz loved it which is why she was here today of all days. Normally she would hide inside and only leave her apartment when she had to but something inside her told her to venture out towards her best friends house in hope that something about the snow would remind Liz that it was Christmas and that it was time for being happy and thankful for the things that you did have in life.

Maria was very happy for a lot of things this year and the most important thing was Liz. Her mind couldn’t help but wander back to that day three months ago when she had been so close to loosing her best friend forever, but the frightening part for her and Alex was that they might not have physically lost her but they certainly had emotionally.

‘Hi’ she greeted a small smile on her beautiful face but it didn’t reach her eyes, it never did any more. Liz Parker was a beautiful woman, long brown flowing hair and big brown eyes that anyone could get lost in if they let themselves. They were the windows to her soul Maria had always thought, there had never been a time that Maria hadn’t been able to tell something about her best friend from the look in her eyes. She remembered seeing it when she lied to her over something or when she kept something from but now they were lifeless just brown pools with no sparkle. Boy did she miss those eyes. Liz and Maria were 26 years old, young by most people’s calculations but as she looked at her best friend sitting in the chair lifeless Maria felt about 36. Life had been hard for Liz the past three months.

‘So Isabel, Alex and I thought it would be nice to go ice skating down at the park and since it’s a tradition you cant say no’ Maria told her as way of explanation for her uninvited presence.

‘Um thanks but I think I’ll pass’ Liz replied turning her eyes back to the window.

‘Come on Liz you can’t stay in here forever you need to start living again’ Maria whispered.

‘Why?’ Liz asked her then.

‘Why?’ Maria repeated.

‘How about because you haven’t done anything with your two best friends for three months and that we miss you’ she pleaded.

Liz instantly felt guilty she knew that Maria was right but she forced the guilt down because right now the huge gap in her heart felt worse.

‘I’m sorry I just can't’ she replied tears filling her eyes.

‘Liz’ Maria sighed before taking a seat in the lounge across from her, at least she was talking to her this time.

‘I can't pretend to know what you’ve been going through because I don’t, but I don’t think Sean would have wanted you to stop living,’ she told her.

Sean Harrison has been Liz’s boyfriend and then more recently fiancée for the past 3 years. They had met when Liz had moved to New York to go to college with Maria and Alex. Maria had at first been surprised when Liz started dating Sean who was a frat boy and the total opposite of every other guy Liz had ever dated or crushed on before hand but Sean made Liz happy and that was all that mattered to her.

But all of that changed one night three months ago. Liz and Sean had been attending one of Sean’s work functions for the night and on the way home in the early hours of the morning Sean had lost control of his black sports car and hit a power pole on the side of the road only a block from their house. The doctors had said he died on impact and Liz had suffered a broken arm and a few broken ribs, she remembered the night like it was yesterday, Liz’s frantic cries when she rang her from the hospital telling her to come. How scared they had been not knowing what had happened but none of that was worse than watching their friend slowly fading away in front of their eyes.

Maria watched as Liz remained quiet. ‘That’s it I’m not taking no for an answer’ she said as she jumped up and moved towards Liz. Without a second thought she started pulling her out of the chair and towards the door. She quickly assessed what Liz was wearing and decided that the pair of jeans and thick woollen jumper would be fine if they added a jacket, scarf and beanie at the door.

‘Maria’ Liz whined. She didn’t want to do this there was no idea who she could run into and she wasn’t prepared to go outside and face the world yet but Maria wouldn’t take no for an answer and before Liz could find the energy to argue with her best friend further she had already been dragged out the door and into the red jetta that was parked in the driveway.

***

Meanwhile up above where the clouds were still white and puffy and the tunes of Christmas carols rang loudly two angels watched sadly as their charges drove off.

‘She isn’t getting any better Maxwell’ Michael the taller angel commented.

‘I know, I thought Christmas would help but I think it’s just made it worse’ he sighed sadly.

‘What are you going to do now?’ Michael asked him.

‘The only thing I can’ Max replied.

TBC... what do you think?
Next Update.... We dont have an update schedule but with two of us writing we are hoping to update a few times a week at least.
Part 2 by Leslie

[Lessie]

Thanks to everyone for the amazing feedback.

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We appreciate it so much. Thank you for being patient with us. Just keep on reading and your questions will be surely answered.


Part 2

Looking out the car window, watching the trees covered with snow and the postcard homes decked with Christmas spirit, Liz felt oddly out of place. While everyone around her was infused with the joy of the holidays she was grieving the loss of her fiancée. She saw a young couple walking hand in hand down the sidewalk and Liz felt a pang of sadness.

Her and Sean had spent last Christmas with both sets of parents and Liz had immensely enjoyed their time with the family. Sean had given her a pendant with their initials engraved into it as a surprise gift and Liz had loved it the second she'd laid eyes on it. It was a gold, heart-shaped locket with the intials SH and LP on the front of it enclosed in a smaller heart. Inside there was the most beautifully engraved angel she'd ever seen. He'd told her that he loved her and that she brang him the joy he'd always craved. Liz had cried and kissed him tenderly and thanked him for the gift. That she'd always keep it close to her heart. That night had been perfect and Liz had never felt happier. Almost a year later she felt as if that had happened to someone else as if the memory was of someone else and not her own.

'Your skates are in the back just in case you're wondering,' Maria broke the silence interrupting Liz's memory. Looking over at her friend Liz thought that Maria was just trying to be of help but Liz didn't feel like she needed any help. Annoyed that she'd managed to drag her out of her home Liz looked out the window again and said, 'I'm not skating. You got me this far but there is no way I'm going to skate.'

'Liz don't argue with me. You're skating because you're skating, even if I have to force you.' Liz had to laugh at that one.

'How do you plan on doing that?'

'You'll see,' was all Maria said. Letting out a small laugh Liz looked over at her and Maria just stared back with that defiant look that Liz knew she meant what she had said. As they pulled up to the parking lot, Liz noticed that Alex and Isabel were already there. They were both out on the ice looking like they were having a blast. Sighing loudly she tightened her scarf and watched the smaller children throwing snowballs. A hint of a smile wanted to appear on her pretty face, but she contained it letting her sadness replace it.

Getting out while Maria was gathering their bag, Liz started over towards a bench and sat down. The brisk Decemeber air was somewhat soothing to her and she breathed in the cold air. Maria had made her way to her and sat down getting out their skates. 'Here Liz put them on and I swear if you put up one argument I will force them on you like a child.'

Reluctantly picking them up Liz mumbled something under her breath about Maria bossing her around. 'I heard that,' was all Maria said as she tied the purple laces on her skates. Liz took off her boots and put her own on, taking notice of the pink laces she'd always loved. She had loved her skates with the pink laces, they'd been a birthday gift from her grandmother and Liz had always cherished them. Now, as she tied the lovely laces, a wave of nostalagia swept over her, remembering all the happy times she'd known in them. Brushing snowflakes off her pants she stood up and made her way to the ice. As she saw Maria, Alex and Isabel all laughing Liz headed the opposite direction to the other end of the pond.

There were plenty of people there. Mostly young kids and their mothers, but also a few older people and younger looking couples. Making her way towards the center edge of the pond Liz skated in circles trying to make herself feel warmer. The snowy air made her cheeks feel red and her nose start to itch. Letting out a small sneeze Liz looked up to see Maria skating her way. Please Maria just leave me alone, Liz thought. I'm already here, what more do you want?

'Hey come over here with us,' Maria called out.

'I'm alright. I think I'll just stay here ok.' With that Liz skated over to the edge and looked up at the sky. It seemed so white and pure as if a celestial being had taken their hand and covered it with heavenly dust. The thought of an afterlife crossed her mind and she wondered if Sean was looking down upon her. If he was, the thought of it made her uneasy and almost as if he could hear her, she softly said why?

'Excuse me ma'am, I believe you dropped this.' Startled, Liz turned around and saw a tall man with dark hair holding her scarf. Liz couldn't help but stare at him. His eyes stood out. They held an inner light that captivated her.

'Yes, thanks,' she said trying to find her voice again. He skated over to her and held out his arm with her scarf in hand. Reaching out, Liz was about to take it when she felt the impact of a snowball hit her directly on her right leg. She looked over and saw that the kids were in the middle of a snowfight and hadn't even noticed she'd been one of their casualties.

'Are you alright?' he asked her then, his voice holding a soft but strong timbre.

'I'm fine,' Liz replied with just a hint of humor in her voice. 'They didn't even notice they hit me.'

With his still outstretched arm he helped her up. The second her hand made contact with his, Liz felt a surge of something she did not know. Even through their gloved hands she could feel his warmth.

'Thanks again.' Liz said. Letting out a small nervous laugh she held onto him as she tried to balance herself. As she tried to keep herself steady, Liz looked at his eyes. They were an awesome amber color. Not green, not brown, but a mixture of both creating a mesmerizing shade that made her somewhat breathless. Looking away and breaking their contact she took the scarf and put it on.

'Thanks...

'Max Evans,' he finished for her. 'And it's not a problem.' He was looking at her through the falling snow that was getting heavier by the minute. Her hands were nervously adjusting the scarf. He smiled a small smile and couldn't help but laugh at her obvious unease. Laughing out loud now, she looked up at him again and her brown eyes held annoyance.

'What are you laughing at?' Liz asked with just a bit of annoyance in her voice.

'You have snowflakes all over your nose.'

'And why is that so amusing to you?' Liz mused.

'It's just that the look on your face is so bewildering that I could not help myself.' Trying to keep a smile off her face Liz pursed her lips and looked down at her feet.. His eyes had sparkled with true joy and looking at them made her feel, what was the word she was looking for, happy? No she wasn't. Her face felt hot despite the cold breeze and reaching up to brush her hair away she felt him looking at her. She was afraid that looking up she wouldn't be able to hide the small smile forming on her lips. He came closer to her and she swore she could feel his presence. He radiated so much energy and warmth that she felt drawn to him. Trying to fight that compelling feeling she took a step back and looked up.

'You're blushing. Look at you, your cheeks are flaming,' Max said out loud surprising Liz.

'It's just the cold air that's all,' she replied instantly. 'The skate made me a little flushed.'

'You haven't been out here very long', he commented.

'How do you know?' Liz shot back.

'I've just been here longer than you have. That's all.'

'Oh,' was all Liz could muster feeling guilty that she'd snapped at him. She'd had no reason to. Mad at herself and him, for making her feel guilty Liz started to skate towards Maria who was alone, now that Alex and Isabel had gone to sit down.

'Liz wait.' She stopped in midstride, shocked. How did he know her name? She felt nervous again and the butterflies in her stomach did a huge flop. Whether out of fear or pure surprise she didn't know. Turning around Liz saw him skating towards her.

'Ho-how do you know my name?' she stammered trying to sound collected.

'It's monogrammed on your scarf Liz Parker.' Looking down at her scarf, which she was holding onto for dear life, Liz saw her name sewn into it. Why was she so jumpy? Breathing in through her nose Liz let out a snort that had her laughing and tears running down her face. Surprised at this outburst of laughter Liz laughed even harder, and looking at the man with the amber eyes, gave him a smile that touched him to his very soul.

'Now I have to ask you what's so amusing,' Max said through his smile. Looking at him closer, Liz thought his smile so beautiful. It held a pure essence that was heavenly captivating. Now where did that come from? she asked herself. She was acting so oddly and this had happened ever since he'd come and given her the scarf. Now, after her laughter had subsided, Liz looked at her scarf once again and then up at him.

'I'm sorry. I don't know what's gotten into me. I guess lack of sleep and too much thinking', she found herself saying to this mystery man.

'You don't have to apologize. Laughing should never require an explantion. It really transforms your face from the scowl you had on earlier.' For some reason Liz didn't get mad at his last comment. He said it with such care and sincerity that she felt the honesty of it surround her. He came closer and she thought she saw him reach out his hand and almost touch her, but the thought came just as quick as she had imagined it.

'You should smile more Liz. It lights up your eyes and transforms your entire face.' What was wrong with him she wondered? He talked as if he knew her. Breaking from the trance that his eyes seemed to hold over her, Liz quickly spotted Alex. He was making his way to her. She let out the breath she'd been holding.

'I have to go. Thanks for the scarf.' She didn't know what else to say.

'Liz come on. Let's go,' Alex called out to her. Hurriedly Liz skated towards him.

'Good-bye' she whispered softly, that she didn't think he'd heard her.

'I'll see you later Liz,' he said after her, as he watched her skate away with her friends.

TBC... Part 3 by Emma

[Emz80m]

A/N: Hi everyone. We're back with Part 3, hope your enjoying this fic so far. Lessie and i are having a blast writing it.

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Part 3

The ringing of her alarm clock near her head was all that separated Liz from her happy dream in which the past three months had never happened and real life. A life where Liz needed to get up and go to work, her job was important, she was important.

Sighing, she leaned over and switched it off before pulling herself out of bed and heading for the bathroom. The tiles on the floor were cold against her feet and she couldn’t wait to feel the hot water pouring down her body before she had to venture out into the snow. There were still a few weeks until Christmas, and as hard as it was to face the outside world Liz knew that she needed to venture out to do some Christmas shopping, soon. She planned on watching the holiday go by from the solitude of her house but after Maria’s visit yesterday she knew that wasn’t going to happen, and in a way she was glad.

The amber eyes of the mysterious Max flashed before her then, but she quickly shook the image away. Liz was unable to pin point what it had been about the man that had unnerved her, intrigued her, and for the very first time in three months, made her smile. But she couldn’t, and she refused to dwell on it any longer. So with all the lingering thoughts of the tall, dark, handsome stranger pushed to the back of her mind, Liz finished getting ready for work.

******

The snow was cold against her face as she walked from the house to her car that was parked under the car port. The snow plough had luckily, already been around this morning so she would be able to get her car out of the drive easily.

Children sleeping
Snow is softly falling
Dreams are calling
Like bells in the distance

We were dreamers
Not so long ago
But one by one
We all had to grow up

When it seemed the magic slipped away
We find it all again on Christmas Day

Believe in what your heart is saying
Hear the melody that's playing
There's no time to waist
There's so much to celebrate

Believe in what you feel inside
And give your dreams the wings to fly
You have everything you need
If you just believe

Trains move quickly
To their journey's end
Destinations
Are where we begin again

Ships go sailing
Far across the sea
Trusting starlight
To get where they need to be

When it seems that we have lost our way
We find ourselves again on Christmas Day


Believe in what your heart is saying
Hear the melody that's playing
There's no time to waist
There's so much to celebrate

Believe in what you feel inside
And give your dreams the wings to fly
You have everything you need
If you just believe

If you just believe
If you just believe
If you just believe
Just believe
Just believe



Liz reached out to change the channel so that she wouldn’t have to endure the sweet sounds of Christmas throughout her car on the way to work, but something inside caused her to stop and instead she began to hum along with the tune. Maybe Christmas wouldn’t be so bad after all she thought.

Liz parked the car on the side of the road and quickly rushed out and into her favourite coffee shop, which was, located a block from work. Normally she would park her car and walk, enjoying the morning walk but the weather was too harsh for that this morning.

‘Morning Liz’ Agnes greeted from behind the counter. Liz had been coming to this coffee shop since she had started work at The New Yorker and her and Maria knew the owners Agnes and Jack.

‘Morning’ Liz replied with a small smile.

‘The usual?’

‘Yes please but make it large today,’ she told her.

It didn’t take long for Agnes to complete her large cappuccino and blueberry muffin and Liz paid her and thanked her before turning to rush back out of the coffee shop, praying that she hadn’t been booked for parking in a loading bay.

The chimes above the door rang out as Liz made her way towards the exit, causing her to look up, her steps faltered and she gasped when she saw the man that came barrelling towards her, dressed in his business suit. He didn’t appear to have noticed her though, and before Liz knew what happened he had ran straight into her, causing her coffee to go flying everywhere.

‘Watch it would you,’ the man snapped at her angrily.

‘I-I’ she stuttered. At first glimpse, when he walked into the coffee shop, Liz would have sworn that she was seeing a ghost, and not just any ghost; the ghost of her deceased fiancée, but now as the man stood over her, yelling about the coffee which was all over his business shirt, she couldn’t see that resemblance any longer.

Agnes appeared then and handed Liz a replacement coffee. ‘Don’t worry about it sweetie, just go to work and I’ll sort this out,’ she told her. Agnes had always had a soft spot for Liz. The girl was so much like her own daughter who now lived in Boston with her husband and two children. She didn’t get to see them very often and enjoyed the morning visits she had with Liz and hearing about her life. But the girl hadn’t been the same since she lost her fiancée a few months earlier and Agnes longed for the sweet girl who would tell her excitedly about her plans for visiting her mother, or something funny she had done with her best friends.

Liz nodded mutely before resuming her walk to the door. Her steps were rushed as she made her way from inside the coffee shop to the icy pavement. She just wanted to be as far away from the place as quickly as possible. Her mind was still consumed with the angry man, who bore a resemblance to Sean. Liz was so engrossed in her thoughts that she lost her footing on the icy pavement and it seemed that a hard fall to the cement was imminent until she felt strong arms surround her waist and pull her towards their hard chest.

The chest, although hard and toned, was comforting and she could feel the thumping of the heart underneath all the layers of clothing and it was beating fast, almost as fast as her own heart.

‘Thank you’ she mumbled into the chest.

‘You're welcome,’ the voice chuckled. The sexy sound of his laugh caused Liz to shiver and reminded her that she was still wrapped in this strangers arms. Reluctantly she took a step back and when she did she gasped because standing in front of her was the mysterious Max.

‘Max,’ his name came out more as a sigh than a question.

‘So you do remember me then?’ he teased.

‘Oh yes,’ Liz replied embarrassed. Why was she acting like a schoolgirl around this man for the second time in two days?

‘Are you ok?’ he asked her then, his eyes softening from their playfulness to concern.

‘Yes thanks to you. That would have been a pretty hard fall.’

‘Well it’s the least I could do. I wouldn’t want to see such a beautiful woman like yourself hitting the pavement,’ he said.

‘Good one Maxwell,’ Michael groaned from his position next to him. Unlike Max, Michael was invisible to everyone all the time; he was just along for the ride hoping to keep his best friend out of trouble.

Max resisted the urge to elbow Michael, but he also wished he could take back his previous statement. What the hell was he doing? Was he flirting with her?

He watched as a blush once again covered her face, and couldn’t help but think how beautiful she looked when she blushed. Hell she looked beautiful all the time, but there was just something about her, when she was embarrassed. It was as though for a couple of seconds the sparkle in her eyes returned. Max couldn’t remember a time in his life when he hadn’t watched over Liz. She had been put into his care since her birth, and since then he had been able to watch over her during all of the happy moments in her life.

‘Is your coffee ok?’ he asked her then.

‘Oh’ Liz looked down and noticed the coffee and bag containing her muffin, were both still in her hand and there didn’t seem to be any casualties at this stage.

‘Yeah it looks fine’ she said then.

They stood in awkward silence for a few minutes then, neither knowing what to say. Liz knew that she needed to leave for work, but something about this man compelled her to stay and talk to him.

‘Did you maybe have time to sit down with me?’ Max asked her hesitantly. He hadn’t planned to approach her this morning when he followed her. He actually had remained invisible like Michael so that she wouldn’t see him, but when he witnessed her run in with the man in the coffee shop he knew that she would need someone, and he had been right on the spot when she took her almost fall.

Liz hesitated for almost a second, chancing a look at her watch she realised that she wasn’t running late and before she knew what she was doing, she was nodding her head and allowing Max to lead her back into the coffee shop with his hand on the small of her back.

They took a seat at a small table in the corner near the window. ‘What the hell are you doing Maxwell?’ Michael cursed his friend as he followed him. It was against the rules to reveal yourself to your charge when you were a guardian angel, and even though Max had sought permission from the powers that be for special consideration, Michael didn’t think that Zander had coffee dates in mind when he had agreed.

Max shot his friend a look as he pulled out a chair for Liz and then took a seat himself.

‘So Liz Parker what brings you out into a cold New York morning?’ he asked.

‘Oh I normally call in here on my way to work’ Liz explained as she took a sip of her cappuccino. A waitress came then and Max ordered himself a coffee, which didn’t take long to arrive.

‘Do you work close by?’ Max asked her. Of course he already knew the answer to every question he could ever ask, but he wanted to hear her talk about her job.

Liz worked at The New Yorker, a magazine about living in New York, and she had her own column called ‘Livin' with Liz’. The column was about all sorts of unusual things like dating, growing up and often Liz included a lot of personal information about things that she would do with her best friends. It had been absent in the past three months, but now that she was back at work her boss had given her a Christmas assignment.

‘Only a couple of blocks away at The New Yorker’ she explained.

Michael shook his head as he watched the two talking ‘I’m outta here,’ he grumbled to Maxwell, well aware that his best friend wasn’t paying any attention to him; so he decided he’d go track down the feisty blonde Maria and see what man she was torturing today.

‘Oh please tell me you’re not that Liz who writes the column ‘Livin’ with Liz?’ Max asked excitedly.

Liz laughed, she often got that reaction from people when they found out it was her column. Sure it was nothing like Sex in the City, but it was still heart warming to think her writing reached so many people.

‘Sorry can’t do that’ she smiled.

Max couldn’t get over how beautiful she was when she smiled. ‘Wow! Well you are very talented. I love your column’ he told her.

‘Thank you’ Liz looked down at her watch regretfully then, she needed to get to work. ‘I’m sorry Max but I really have to go, but it was nice seeing you again and thank you for saving me from that icy footpath,’ she told him as she stood up and picked up her bag.

‘It was a pleasure’ Max smiled back standing up as well. He watched as she walked towards the door and just before she pushed it open he decided to ask her.

‘So can you tell me what your next column is about?’ Max asked her then, with a hopeful smile.

Liz’s face fell for a moment. ‘Christmas Miracles’ she told him and with one last wave she disappeared.

TBC.... Part 4 by Lessie will be posted as soon as i get my butt into gear and write Part 5 lol

Also, a little shameless plugging i have updated 'When the Past Comes Crashing Home' on the Alien Abyss board if you're interested.

[Emz80m]

A/N: Hi everyone, this is actually Lessie's part but she cant post it because she had to come home unexpectantly, that also means that the posting of this story could be delayed. I have already written part 5 but as yet Les hasnt had a chance to start with part 6. Thank you everyone for reading and leaving feedback!!

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Part 4

Driving down the icy street, Liz could not stop thinking of the man with the amber eyes and charming smile. It was strange how he'd been there just as she was about to take the fall; as if he was there to break it and keep her from sure pain. Liz smiled at his earlier comment about her being a beautiful woman. She wasn't used to men saying those kinds of things to her anymore. Ever since she had started to date Sean, she had never paid attention to, or cared about other men. He'd been the only one she cared about and all others were forgotten. Sean had been her everything. But now he was gone, never to return. That thought saddened her and she felt the tears on her cheeks. Not only would she never see him again, she would never have the opportunity to ask him all the questions she had. She had loved him deeply and the truth had frozen her heart.

Nearing her parking spot, Liz parked the car and sat there silently thinking of all she had lost. But instead of Sean crossing her mind, she saw Max. What was her problem? She'd barely met him, but he already was occupying her thoughts. It scared her to think about him and how she just could not forget the husky and sexy voice. God Liz. What is going on? You barely meet the guy and already you think he's sexy. Brushing all thought of Max from her brain, Liz gathered her bag and keys. Getting out of the car, she absentmindedly reached up to touch her locket. Even after everything, she still wore it. She couldn't force herself to take it off. Taking it off would signify that her and Sean were really over. That he was truly gone. She wasn't ready for that. Collecting her thoughts, Liz briskly walked towards the building and prepared to go to work.

******

Maria had slept in again today. She was on her two week holiday vacation and enjoying every moment of it. After all she was entitled to relax. Life had been hectic the past months and she had needed a break. Getting up, she put on her robe and made her way to the kitchen. Yawning loudly, she took out a large mug and filled it with milk, which she had forgotten to put away last night. Walking into the living room she took a look out the window, and saw the snow coming down hard.

'Geez, when will it ever stop?' she asked out loud, unaware that sitting on her couch was Michael, who was watching her with a look of pure amusement. She looked so untamed, with her long blonde hair all mussed from her pillow. She was a crazy sleeper. He'd watched her all night and she just could not keep still. He'd almost been tempted to go over and turn on the radio just to see what her reaction was, knowing that no one but her was in the house. Maria had always been different from everyone else. Her quirkiness attracted him to her and he loved that she was so spunky and loud. So different from Liz, Maria was much more vocal and spontaneous. He knew she loved to date freely and her liberal ways made him flinch sometimes. Never a dull moment with her, all the men she'd dated knew that Maria was a social butterfly.

As she took a seat next to him, Michael breathed in her scent. She smelled of exotic flowers. What in the world did she use for a perfume? He was looking at her and laughed when she accidentally got milk all over her robe.

'I'm such a klutz,' she said to herself. All of a sudden she heard a crash in her kitchen and immediately ran over to see what had happened. The pots and pans she kept on the rack had all come tumbling down, making a nice mess of her kitchen.

'Argh!' Bending down she started to pick them up when she felt the cold air on her back. Turning around Maria saw that her front door was wide open and snow was being brought in by the bitter wind. 'What the hell is happening?' she yelled. Michael was all smiles to see her so flustered and mad. She really did look cute when she was angry. Laughing, he started to go and his wings left behind a celestial sparkle all over Maria's couch and carpet.

******

Unlocking the door to her office, Liz walked in and took it all in. Everything was as she had left it. Setting her things on the cherry oak desk, Liz felt a sense of familiarity and safety come over her. She had always felt like that in here. Being surrounded by her things and her writing, always made her feel safe. Liz sat down in her big leather chair and closed her eyes. She had to clear her mind of everything else if she wanted to work like she always had. Sighing loudly, she started to look through her bag when she heard a knock at her door.

'Come in,' she said hesitating. What if she wasn't ready to face her coworkers, or her boss for that matter.

A tall blonde woman, dressed in designer clothes, came in and closed the door behind her. She was the picture of pure elegance. Her golden hair was up in a french twist, and she was perfectly manicured from the red polish on her nails, to the black Manolo's on her feet.

'Hello Liz,' she said. Looking at the petite woman in front of her, Cecilia noticed that she looked thinner than she remembered her. Her brown eyes looked empty, but yet there was something there that she just could not put her finger on. As if the sparkle wanted to return, but hadn't yet found it's way back to life. She knew that Liz had been through hell the past months with the loss of her fiancée and Cecilia had been genuinely worried about Liz.

'Hi,' Liz replied with a tone of uncertainty in her voice. She knew what Cecilia had come for; to ask how her assignment was going. Liz wasn't ready to answer because she hadn't even started it. The truth was that she hadn't found the strength and will power to even begin it. When Cecilia had called her and asked her how she had been doing, Liz knew that her boss wanted her to return to work. After all, she had given her plenty of off-time. After the funeral Cecilia had approached her and told her to take time off. That she knew Liz needed time to recuperate and not worry about work. But that had been three months ago and Liz needed to return.

'How are you?' Cecilia asked with mild concern. Liz looked rather pale and she feared she still wasn't strong enough to resume her job duties.

'I'm alright. As much as I can be.' Cecilia took a seat on one of the plush armchairs and looked intently at Liz.

'Liz I know that these past three months have been rough for you. I don't intend to try to understand what you've been through, but you really need to get back to your life. You have a job, friends that love you, and a family who is concerned. Don't you think you could try to regain a sense of normality?'

'Normality?' Liz said on a sharp breath. 'My fiancée was killed in a car crash, one in which I was also involved, and you talk to me about normality? Cecilia, this isn't easy for me. You of all people should know that.'

'Liz please, we are not talking about me. It's you that right now needs to come to terms with what's happening.' She looked at Liz and felt a sadness for the girl. Liz had always been cheerful and bright, but all that had changed with Sean's death. Cecilia had always liked Liz. From the moment she had met her back when Liz had been in college and working as an intern for her. She had seen something special in her and knew that Liz was different from all the other writers that she had encountered in her long journalism career. But now all the spark was gone from the pretty face and Cecilia deeply regretted that. In a softer tone, she spoke to her again. 'Liz, I know it hurts and the pain is almost unbearable but you cannot put your life on hold. Life goes on. You have to realise that Sean would not have wanted to see you like this. He would want to see you move on with your life and live.'

Liz could not help the tears that were welling up in her eyes. If they all knew the truth. But they didn't, and she didn't intend to tell anyone either. This was her burden. Trying to hold the tears back, Liz got up and walked to the window that gave her the most amazing view of the New York skyline. She'd loved it, but as she looked upon the city that she called home, Liz knew that her life had taken an abrupt change. She couldn't continue like she always had. Coming up behind her, Cecilia placed a hand on her shoulder.

'I know it hurts dear, but you have to continue your life. For you and for those of us that care for you. We don't want to see you like this. We want that cheerful girl to grace us again.' Liz turned around and looked at Cecilia Brockmeyer, her boss. She had always known that this woman regarded her like the daughter she'd never had.

'That girl may never come,' she said softly and with a hint of sadness in her voice. 'I've changed and there are some things I just can't forget.' At that last comment Cecilia wondered what Liz meant by it. That she could never forget about Sean? But when she had said it, bitterness had laced her voice.

'Oh Liz,' Cecilia sighed. 'I just want you to get better and be yourself again.'

'I know, and I thank you for the concern. Liz looked up at the sky outside her window and sighed. 'Cecilia, I haven't forgotten about the assignment you gave me. I promise to have it ready for when you want it.'

'Liz, I'm trusting you. You know that.' Cecilia said while looking at Liz intently. 'I know you'll do as wonderful as you've always done. I wouldn't expect anything less. Now I have to go and run some errands. Please try and cheer up.' Giving her a smile, Cecilia squeezed Liz's shoulder and headed towards the door. 'Remember Liz,' she said as she opened the door,' Christmas is near and miracles happen. Don't close your heart.' With that Cecilia disappeared down the hallway, with Liz looking after her and unshed tears sparkling in her eyes.

TBC...

also i have just updated my fic 'When the Past comes crashing home' on the AA board and i have a new fic there as well called 'To Save Our World' check them out if you want.

[Emz80m]

A/N: Thanx guys for the great feedback. I am posting Part 5 even though i probably shouldnt be. Unfortunely Lessie is still home so i'm sure when we'll be back with Part 6.

abbs007
frenchkiss70
mmcherron
FSUMSW94
roswellluver
rigel
foreverdreamer15

Part 5

No one can deny that New York is an exciting and beautiful place to live most of the year around but we would all have to agree that there is something special about New York at Christmas. I’m not sure if it’s the snow falling or the decorative lights that I like the most, and I cant deny that it warms my heart to be able to go ice skating in central park with my friends. How many times a year can you do that in New York or anywhere else for that matter?

Liz looked at what she had written on her computer screen and sighed. This wasn’t going to be easy she thought to herself. Looking at the clock she noticed that it was four o’clock already and that it had taken her close to 5 hours to write a paragraph. Her mind and her heart weren’t into writing about the miracles of Christmas this year. Her eyes wandered to the photo on her desk from last Christmas, it was her, Sean, Maria, Alex and Isabel all down at the skating rink they had stopped a lady and asked her to take the photo.

Deciding that she needed to get out of there Liz packed up for the day and headed downstairs to her car and drove unconsciously through New York until she reached her destination.

She pulled up to the familiar gates and sighed when she realised where she had come, it wasnt unusual for her to find herself outside the cemetery lately. Sometimes she came to cry and grieve and other times she came to yell angry questions at him, begging him to tell her that it was all lies but she wasn’t sure why she was here today. The normal sadness that clouded her mind had dimmed slightly in the past few days and somewhere deep down in her soul she felt as though she was starting to heal.

After sitting there for a few minutes a figure walking through the cemetery caught her attention, the way they moved was so graceful and peaceful that it compelled Liz to hop out of her car and make her way in through the gates and towards the place that Sean now lied for eternity.

The grave was covered in snow along with the tombstone so Liz reached out a gloved hand and pushed the ice away so that she could see it.

Sean Harrison
1977 – 2004
Gone but not forgotten
He just moved the party upstairs.

Liz had been extremely upset after she had first read the inscription, but Sean’s sister Lea had insisted on it saying that it was appropriate and that it was what Sean would have wanted.

‘Hi Sean’ Liz whispered.

Normally she would sit and talk to him for hours but today there was nothing she needed to say. She wasn’t sure when it happened but for the first time in three months she was starting to feel a little like her old self, she was starting to believe that things could be okay again. So after standing there for a few more minutes she took a step back and started back towards her car but halfway there she caught sight of the person she had seen earlier.

Max wandered the cemetery in a daze he knew that at any moment she would appear and that he should leave but he couldn’t bring himself to leave her alone whilst she came to this place that brought her so much comfort yet at the same time caused her so much pain. Her here visits were irregular but he had sensed that she would need to come here today. He had quickly walked away when he saw her sitting in her car outside the gates and stood back as he watched her emerge and walk towards her beloveds resting place.

He felt his heart twist at thinking of Sean Harrison as Liz’s beloved and he wasn’t sure why. He knew that he would be in trouble with Zander when he returned but wasn’t it worth it too see the beautiful smile that he had missed so much?.

‘Max?’ her angelic voice startled him, he hadnt been paying attention and had not seen her turn and leave Sean’s grave and approach him.

‘Hi Liz’ he smiled, how was he supposed to explain this he thought.

‘What are you doing here?’ she asked him a little shocked, at first she had thought he was following her but then she realised that he was the person she had seen walking earlier when she was sitting in her car, which meant that he had been there first so she offered him a small smile.

‘Oh my parents are buried here so I came to visit’ he lied and watched as Liz looked down at the graves of Philip and Diane Evans.

‘Oh, I’m sorry Max’ she replied when she noticed that they had been gone for a few years now. It must have been a hard time of year without your family she thought then and for the first time in three months she was thankful that she still had her mother and father and Maria, Alex and Isabel to share the holidays with, she also couldn’t help but wonder if Max had anyone that he could share them with.

‘It’s ok Liz, god had other plans for them’ he told her with a smile, he didn’t know Philip and Diane personally but he would make it his first priority when he returned home to seek them out and thank them for their help.

Liz’s smile fell at the mention of it being gods plan, she used to believe that God had a plan for everyone but her faith had been lost when he had taken Sean from her.

‘How about you? What brings you here on such a cold afternoon?’ he asked praying that this might be the opportunity that he needed to get her to open up.

‘Oh my um fian, my um friend who died recently in buried here’ she replied, he could feel the sadness radiating off her and wondered why she hadn’t been completely truthful with him.

‘Well I’m very sorry for your loss Liz, was it a close friend?’ he asked her.

Liz hesitated in answering him ‘Um yes it was, thank you’ she smiled.

‘Were you leaving?’ he asked her then.

‘Yeah it’s getting late’ she replied.

Max offered her his arm then and felt extremely happy when she accepted it and let him walk her to her car.

When they reached it he opened the drivers side door for her ‘Where’s your car?’ she asked confused it hadn’t occurred to her earlier that hers was the only car in the car park.

‘Oh I caught a taxi out so I’ll just call one to come get me’ he explained. He hadn’t thought about that since getting from place to place when you were an angel with powers wasn’t a problem.

‘Oh’ Liz bit her lower lip, it was late and it was already getting dark ‘No don’t do that I’ll give you a lift’ she offered suddenly surprising both herself and Max.

Max hesitated for a second surprised at her offer ‘Are you sure?’

Liz smiled then causing Max to smile back at her when he realised that it was the first real smile he had seen on her face in a long time ‘Positive. Besides it would be like me coming to your rescue for a change instead of the other way around’ she told him which caused Max to laugh.

‘Thanks’ he said and Liz waited for him to walk around to the passenger side of her small BMW and hop in.

The snow was falling heavily as they drove back into the city, the cemetery was a good half of an hour drive in peak hour traffic and with the added bad conditions it was even worse.

‘So where can I take you?’ Liz asked him then realising she had no idea about where he lived or needed to go. There was a lot she didn’t know him she thought to herself then and was also surprised to find that she wanted to know some of those things as well.

‘Oh’ Max didn’t think about that ‘Can you just drop me in the city? My friend Michael works in there and I can get a lift home with him we both live right outside the city’

Liz saw the exit off the freeway to her own house then and cursed for a minute, the weather was getting worse by the second and even if they did reach the city soon she wouldn’t be able to get back out.

‘Max I’m sorry but the weather is getting too bad’ she explained as she signalled and quickly took the exit. ‘So do you mind coming to my house? We can call your friend Michael so he wont worry’

Max inwardly glowed at the offer realising what a breakthrough it was for Liz to welcome him into her home.

‘Oh are you sure you don’t mind Liz I don’t want to intrude?’ he told her.

‘Don’t be silly, maybe it will clear up and you’ll be able to get a taxi later but right now I think we need to get out of this snow’ she told him.

‘Ok’ he smiled and they drove the rest of the way to Liz’s house in silence.

***

Once they reached the safety and warmth of Liz’s house, Liz went into the kitchen to prepare them some hot tea and something to eat so Max thought he would busy himself with making a fire. The house was fairly warm but the fire would go along way in helping his damp clothes dry.

About 10 minutes after Max worked out how to light the fire Liz returned with a tray that held a pot of tea, what appeared to be two bowls of soup and some bread.

‘Wow that looks great’ Max commented.

Liz blushed, she certainly wasn’t a culinary chef but she could hold her own in the kitchen ‘Oh it’s just some soup that I made up yesterday’ she replied.

‘Well it looks great’ he told her.

He saw her eyes move to the fire then ‘I hope you don’t mind but I thought the fire might help take the chill out of the air and help dry my damp clothes’ he explained.

‘Oh, no that’s fine it just hasn’t been lit in a while’ she shrugged. It felt funny having a man in her house again. Sean used to do things like light the fire for her in years past when the weather turned bad and it was the reason why it hadn’t been used this year.

‘Oh gosh I’m sorry Max’ Liz said then as she put the tray of food down on the coffee table, his words regarding his damp clothes had only just filtered through her brain and she realised then that her own clothes were also a little damp. ‘Give me a second and I’ll get you something to change into so you don’t catch a cold’ she continued before rushing out of the room and disappearing before Max could stop her. It wasn’t like he was really going to catch a cold.

Five minutes later Liz returned in a pair of sweat pants and matching hooded jumper and handed Max a pair of sweats along with a long sleeved t-shirt. Max looked at the clothes with a questioning gaze.

‘I grabbed some of Sean’s old stuff that he had left here it should fit you’ she explained, ‘there is a bathroom down the hall on your right’ she directed then.

The clothes that she had given to Max to wear were one of the few things left that she had of Sean’s. His family had wanted most of his personal stuff soon after his death so Liz had packed everything up and sent them, including most of his suits that hung in the closet. Neither her or Sean had ever been very close with his family but it hasn’t surprised Liz when they all came of the wood works after his death, they fought over everything he owned and had been extremely angry when they had been informed that any property or monies belong to Sean had been left to Liz.

When Max returned changed Liz took his wet clothes and put them in the dryer before they both sat down and enjoyed the light supper Liz had prepared.

‘So is Sean your boyfriend?’ Max asked her.

‘Oh um not anymore’ she replied quietly.

‘I’m sorry Liz I shouldn’t have brought it up I just didn’t want to upset anyone if they came home and I was wearing their clothes’ he smiled.

‘Well you don’t have to worry about that Max, I promise’ she smiled back finding that his smile was contagious.

‘So what about you Max, do you have a significant other?’ Liz asked him. They were both surprised by the question. Max because he didn’t think Liz would really be that concerned and Liz because she couldn’t help the small feeling of hope that his answer would be no that was rising in her stomach.

‘Oh no, no one at all really. Just Michael’ Max answered.

‘Oh so your gay’ Liz concluded.

‘What!’ Max gasped instantly turning bright red ‘I didn’t mean it like that, I meant no there is no girlfriend. Michael is my best friend, brother really’ he rambled which caused Liz to giggle.

‘Your so cute when your embarrassed’ she told him between giggles as she watched his cute ears turn red.

Max started laughing along with her then ‘well your pretty cute most of the time’ he told her.

His comment caused Liz to stop giggling though and he wanted to kick himself then, he shouldn’t be saying things like that to her at all but he seemed unable to stop himself when he was around her.

A red blush crept over Liz’s face similar to the one Max wore earlier ‘Thank you’ she smiled.

‘Your welcome’ he whispered.

[Emz80m]

A/N: Merry Christmas everyone, wasnt intending on posting this and my partner in crime Lessie doesnt even know i am because i'm a naughty writer and havent finished the next part yet but i thought i'd give our great readers a holiday treat.

FSUMSW94
frenchkiss70
LovinGuerin2much
martine
roswellluver
rigel

Part 6

Both sat there not knowing exactly what to say next. Max didn't know what had possessed him to say something like that to her. He guessed it was having her so close and seeing her beautiful smile. The coziness and warmth of the atmosphere were making him do things he would have never thought of. Liz's giggles had warmed his heart and hearing her laughter, Max had said the first thing that came to his mind. What he had said was true. Liz wasn't just cute; she was beautiful. Max you really need to control yourself. You came here to help her, not to... He stopped in mid-sentence and didn't finish the thought.

'Max?' Her voice startled him and he looked at her.

Liz was suddenly very nervous and self-conscious. His comment had caught her off-guard. She hadn't known what to say, except thank him. Now as he looked at her with his stunning amber eyes, his stare did things to her that she had thought she would never feel again. Actually, she had never felt this way ever. Max Evans made her feel more than she wanted to admit. It had been just two days and Liz was already thinking too much about him. She couldn't allow herself to feel this way. She couldn't.

'Um, do you want to maybe call your friend?' Her voice held a breathless quality that she was trying hard to conceal. He couldn't know that he was making her completely breathless.

'Yea, that would be good.' Max tried to not to smile at her nervousness. The blush on her face was very becoming and her dark eyes looked amazing in the firelight. He wanted to get lost in them. There, he was at it again.

'The phone is right over there,' she said pointing to the kitchen. 'It's on the counter.'

'I'll be right back.' Getting up, he strode over to the kitchen.

Liz took a deep breath. Having supper with him in front of the fire held an intimacy that somewhat made her uncomfortable. She felt so good with Max here and it occurred to her that she had never invited a strange man home. Max was the first. After Sean, men hadn't crossed her mind. She had closed herself off to everyone and any thoughts about ever dating again were just not there. But Max was changing all of that. He made her wonder about things that she had resolved never to think about again after Sean's death. Liz stop this. Why does he have this effect on you? You can't allow yourself to get involved. Not after what she had been through. All the lies and betrayal had changed her and when she had learned the truth, she had suffered deeply and her heart had frozen.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice when Max come back in.

He sat back down, beside her.

'Liz?' He turned towards her and saw the lost look in her eyes. He wanted to take her in his arms right then and ease all her pain.

Coming out of her reverie, she looked over at him. 'What happened? Is he coming?' Secretly, Liz hoped that Michael wasn't home. She wanted more time with Max. Waiting for an answer, she picked up her spoon and started playing with it.

'I called, but he's not home.' Just then he saw something flicker in her eyes that he'd never before seen. He could tell she was nervous. She was playing with the spoon and fidgeting. Liz always fidgeted when she was nervous. He had watched over her for so long that he knew all the tiny mannerisms and habits she had. Picking up his own spoon, he took a bite. It was tomato soup. It was his favorite and knowing that Liz had made it, made it even better. 'This is delicious,' he said, breaking the silence, after she hadn't said anything.

'Thank you,' she smiled. 'Would you like some tea? It's lemon.' She poured a cup and handed it to him. Just as he was taking it, their fingers brushed. As they made contact, Liz felt a surge go through her. It was electric. His touch. She felt it reach the very depths of her soul. He was looking at her and Liz stared back into his eyes. They were pools of amber, a beautiful blend of brown and green. His eyes made her completely breathless. She wondered what they would like when... no! She had to stop this.

She abruptly pulled away. Liz got up and walked to the kitchen. Back in the living room, Max was left somewhat surprised and dazed. Her touch had been simple, but it'd held so much and when they'd made contact, he had felt amazed, for lack of a better word. He knew she'd felt it too. The connection. Her eyes had said it all. Liz had such expressive eyes. Her feelings had been reflected in the dark eyes and his own had mirrored them. He knew because he'd felt her. Felt all of her in that one moment in time, and it had been magical beyond the imagination. He got up and walked into the kitchen. He found her sitting down at the small breakfast nook.

'Are you all right?'

Liz didn't know what to say. She was anything but all right, but she wouldn't let him know. She already felt too much. Liz found her voice again.

'I'm fine. It's nothing.' She reached up and touched her locket. Before it had been a symbol of comfort of some sort. Now it seemed to sting her hand.

'I'm sorry,' was all she could manage. Liz didn't know what else to say. What was she to do? Tell him that he made her want to dream again? No. She was not about to risk her fragile heart again. She wouldn't move. She didn't dare to.

He looked at her and his amber gaze burned into her soul. 'No need to apologize.' He smiled and the pieces of her frozen heart shifted a little.

'Thank you,' she murmured softly. Liz looked down at her feet. When she looked up again he had gone back into the living room. Following him, Liz saw Max picking up the tray and filling it with their half-eaten bowls of soup.

'Oh you don't have to do that. Let me,' she said as she walked over to him and took the tray. She avoided contact this time.

She went back into the kitchen and Max heard the sound of dishes as she put them into the washer. A few minutes later she came back in.

Liz stood at the entryway not moving. Max thought that she looked as if she wanted to ask him something, but hadn't made up her mind just yet.

'Um, I was maybe wondering if you could help me with something,' Liz finally asked hesitantly. She was nervous and fidgeted.

Max looked at her and wondered what had happened within her to make her this uncomfortable. Had his touch made her this way?

'Of course,' he said through a smile.

Liz allowed herself to relax a little. 'I wanted to ask you, if you didn't mind, to help me put up my Christmas tree.' After she'd gone skating with Maria, Alex and Isabel, they'd all insisted that she go with them to pick out trees and reluctantly she had agreed. Alex and Isabel had chosen a large aspen one, and Maria a fir. Isabel had urged her to get one for herself. Liz hadn't wanted to. She hadn't really felt like getting one, especially since every year her and Sean had gone together and had made it a tradition that both would pick out a tree. But they'd all insisted and she'd given in and picked out a medium-sized pine tree. Now she found herself standing in front of a man she barely knew and asking him to help her with something that Sean had always done. For some reason, she found that Max helping her with something as simple as putting up her tree made her smile. After Maria's visit, Liz had decided that even though this Christmas wasn't going to be what all the others had been, and the holiday spirit hadn't really taken a hold of her, she could at least try for her friends. And that's why she was doing this. For her friends. That's what she kept telling herself.

'I can't do it all by myself,' she said, when she saw a smile start to form on his lips.

Max smiled. He was pleasantly surprised at her request. 'I'd love to help you.'

Her face burst into a genuine grin. 'Ok!' she said a little excitedly. He noticed her enthusiasm and it made him smile that she sounded genuinely happy about it. It was the first time in months that Liz had shown and felt this feeling of looking forward to something and actually enjoying it.

'The tree's in the garage and so are the decorations. I'll be right back.' She left and disappeared for a few minutes and came back wearing a purple parka and holding a dark blue one for him. 'Here. You can wear this. It's cold outside.'

"Thank you." As he put it on, he wondered if this too had been Sean's.

She led the way from the living room to the kitchen and there was a door that connected to the garage. Opening it, the coldness of the concrete room hit both. Liz shivered and Max felt the urge to hold her close, but stopped himself just in time.

'The tree is right over here.' Liz walked towards the pine that was sitting in a corner.

'Why don't you grab one end while I do the other?' he asked. He could have easily carried it himself, but wanted an excuse to be closer to her.

'All right.' She walked to the other end of the tree and held on to it as he did the same. They both lifted it, and Liz noticed that it felt lighter than she would have expected. Alex had carried it in for her and she hadn't known how heavy it was.

Max led the way back into the kitchen as she followed, carrying her end.

'Be careful,' he called back. 'You don't want to splinter yourself.' His concern at such a small thing surprised her. It really shouldn't. She was learning that Max Evans was one of the most caring individuals she'd ever met. Although it hadn't been more than a couple of days since she'd met him, his sensitive nature shown brightly. Sean hadn't been that way. Liz, stop comparing them , she told herself. Why did she feel the need to make comparisons between the two?

As Max walked into the living room, he asked, 'Where would you like it?'

'Um, over by the window is good.'

He made his way to the window and the space where the tree would go. Both set it down gently on the carpet.

'Do you have a base holder?'

'Yes, let me go back and get it.' Liz went back to the garage and returned with the base and a sparkly dark red cloth that would go beneath the base. She bent down and spread the cloth and then put the base in the center.

Max looked at her while she did this and her brown hair shone in what remained of a sun. The light made small, scattered golden highlights all over her hair. She looked beautiful. His fingers itched to feel the silkiness of the dark hair, but again he withheld.

'There.' She stood up and the last of the sunlight illuminated her lovely face. He couldn't help but smile at her beauty.

When she saw him smile at her, she returned it. In that moment, as the sun set, and angel and human stood there, while the ethereal rays cast a supernatural glow on them both, Liz felt something come over her. A change in her heart. It was subtle and tiny, but it had been there and she had felt it.

TBC....
Check out my other fics "When the Past Comes Crashing Down & Save Our World on the AA board, as well as Lessie's other fic "To Weave The Sun' which is here on the AU Board

Merry Christmas everyone, and a happy New Year

[Lessie]

Hi everyone! I'm back with part 7 which is by Emma. Hope you all enjoy it! On a small sidenote, I encourage all to go and read Emma's fic, When the Past Comes Crashing Home on the AA board, as well as her other fics, Finding a King, which is here on the AU board and To Save Our World on the AA forum. I'm also updating my story To Weave for the Sun, on this board if any of you are interested.

frenchkiss70
LovinGuerin2much

Thanks!!



Part 7

‘Still no luck getting hold of your friend Michael?’ Liz asked from her seat near the fire place, as Max entered the room after trying to call Michael again. He had in fact got in touch with Michael but it hadn’t been through telephone technology.

‘Yeah, I finally got hold of him on his cell. He’s stuck in the city,’ he told her. He knew that there was no possible way for Michael to pick him up. Michael had informed him that even if there was, it was impossible to get a car on the road because of the snow storm that had set in all over New York.

‘It’s pretty bad out there so I doubt he would be able to get anywhere near here,’ Liz told him then. When he had left the room she had turned the television on briefly to listen to the news and the newscaster had warned that the snowstorm had set in and could possibly keep everyone inside for a couple of days.

‘Yeah that’s what he said,’ Max replied scratching his ear.

‘It’s ok Max,’ Liz smiled. She didn’t know how or why but she read the concern on his face that he was outstaying his welcome.

‘Are you sure? I mean you hardly know me and now you're stuck with me,’ he sighed.

‘Well that’s true, but for some reason I trust you,’ she told him quietly. ‘And I figured if your plan was to have your way with me, that you would have put the moves on me all ready,’ she laughed.

‘True,’ he grinned. ‘The tree looks good,’ he told her then. They had spent the better part of the night decorating it and putting some lights up, and now Liz’s house had been transformed into what Max could only describe as a winter wonderland.

‘Yeah I forgot how much I love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree,’ she told him.

‘So what are you doing for Christmas Liz?’ Max asked her then, and was happy when he saw a small smile grace her lips.

‘Well normally I would spend it with my parents and friends, but this year my Dad is surprising my Mum with a cruise so I guess it will just be with the gang.’

‘The gang?’ Max raised his eyebrow. ‘Sounds like you guys are close.’

‘Yeah the closest. Maria, Alex and I have been best friends since diapers,’ she explained. ‘Our parents are best friends and so are we. Then there’s Alex’s wife, Isabel. We went to school with Isabel as well but we didn’t really have anything to do with her until Alex’s first year of university when he finally caught her attention.’

‘Sounds like a story.’

‘Yeah, you see in high school everyone referred to Iz as the Ice Queen. She was the most popular and beautiful girl in school, and she was untouchable. Alex had it bad for her, but he was what most people considered a computer geek and he never had the guts to approach Isabel because he had seen so many others do it and get shot down. Anyway first year of uni and Alex walks into one of his classes and there she is. And well I’m sure they tell the story very differently, but basically Isabel saw him and smiled. The rest they say is history. They started dating and a year later Alex asked her to marry him. Alex and Isabel are the happiest people I know,’ she smiled.

‘Wow, sounds like true love,’ Max smiled wistfully. He saw the pain that graced Liz’s features because of his words and once again he cursed himself for his stupidity.

‘Yeah I think you're right,’ she smiled in answer, surprising Max then.

‘How about you Max? Ever found true love?’ she asked him curiously. She was intrigued by the man that sat across from her in her house. Everything in her head told her not to let herself be drawn in by the beautiful amber eyes that she felt could see into her very soul, but her heart told her something completely different and she was finding it hard to fight her heart.

‘No, not yet,’ he replied quietly.

‘But you're not giving up hope,’ she finished.

Max lifted his amber eyes and met hers then. ‘No, I’m definitely not giving up,’ he replied huskily.

Something in Liz was excited by the sound of Max’s voice and the way his eyes met hers when he said that. She couldn’t believe that somewhere a small glimmer of hope had sprung up; somewhere in her heart that it was her that he was not going to give up on. That maybe he thought he could truly love her. Shaking her head, she cleared all the ridiculous thoughts about Max Evans, and the new and uncontrollable feelings that had reared their ugly head, and turned back to the conversation.

‘I’m glad,’ she smiled.

‘What about you?’ Max asked her hesitantly. He knew that he was taking a risk asking her such a question, but she had been so open with him tonight, unlike he had seen her in the last three months, that he hoped that maybe she would finally be able to talk to him about Sean.

He watched as her eyes became clouded, and opened his mouth to apologize before he was interrupted by the sound of her angelic voice. ‘Love’s a complicated thing Max. Sometimes you think you’ve found it, but then it turns out it was never pure or true like you had thought it was,’ she whispered.

‘Oh Liz,’ he sighed. The hurt in her voice was enough to break his heart. ‘I’m sorry. Obviously I’ve brought up something that you don’t want to talk about.’

‘You're right, I don’t want to talk about it,’ she replied. ‘But the truth is I never do.’

‘You can talk to me,’ Max told her leaning forward in his chair, so that he could place his hand in a comforting gesture over hers.

‘For what’s it worth, maybe it’s easier talking to a stranger,’ he told her.

‘You're not a stranger,’ she smiled faintly.

‘I’m not?’ Max smiled back, both happy and a little surprised by her response.

‘No,’ she shook her head. ‘I feel as though I’ve known you forever,’ she told him.

‘I feel the same way,’ he told her, but for Max it was in a literal sense. He had watched the beautiful woman in front of him grow from a small child to the wonderful, but hurt person she was today. Through all the good times and bad, throughout her life there had never been a day that Max hadn’t longed to show himself to her or to be able to take her into his arms. Liz made him want to be human.

He knew that he was putting his own heart on the line by being here, trying to help her overcome her grief and sadness. A heart that wasn’t supposed to feel human emotions. Being an angel meant that he was supposed to be beyond human emotions, except for empathy and friendship. That was in fact one of the rules. The problem as far as Max was concerned, was that no one considered Elizabeth Parker when they wrote those rules.

‘I wasn’t totally honest with you today at the cemetery,’ she told him, breaking the silence that had covered the room.

‘How so?’ Max asked her.

‘The friend that I told you I went to visit?’ Max nodded. That he remembered. ‘It was my fiancée. He died in a car accident three months ago,’ she whispered.

‘Oh God Liz,’ Max’s eyes closed. ‘I’m so...’ he started.

‘Please don’t apologize,’ Liz stopped him. ‘Everyone always says they’re sorry and I don’t really understand why.’

‘It’s because they know what you’ve lost,’ he whispered. He did know, and what scared him more than anything was that he was envious of Sean, because he longed for Liz to feel even a small ounce of love for him, like she had felt for Sean.

‘I know, but it just makes it harder. I’m sorry, you're sorry. Everyone is sorry, but it won’t change things. What’s the point of being sorry?’ she asked him through a small sob.

‘Oh Liz,’ Max cried.

‘I just want someone who knows the truth Max. The real truth, to look me in the face and say they’re sorry,’ she continued to sob. ‘Because then it might actually mean something to me.’

***

Michael leaned against the doorframe of Maria’s bedroom and watched her sleep. She is so peaceful when she sleeps, he thought. She sure is a little spitfire when she is awake though.

He had been following her around for most of the afternoon, since Max had been off doing something that most likely involved Liz. He wasn’t completely sure what his best friend thought he was doing anymore. He couldn’t believe what a hurricane Maria had been around the shopping center, in and out of shops like a pro, weaving around masses of people. It was obvious she had been finishing her Christmas shopping, but she had been struggling with one of her friends and he had eventually worked out that it was Liz.

He wasn’t surprised. Max had confided in him about what Liz had been going through, and he knew from his experience from watching Maria, that Liz’s fiancée's death, as well as Liz’s grief, had greatly affected his charge.

So he had decided to cut her some slack for the day, laying off the endless round of pranks he had been pulling on her and instead giving her some angelic guidance, and pointing her in the right direction to find the perfect gift for her best friend.

It was a crystal angel with a gold halo and it stood almost 60cm tall. There was something about that angel that reminded Michael of Max, and he new that in the tough times ahead, when Max wouldn’t be around in the flesh for Liz, that she would be able to find comfort in the beautiful figurine. Maria had obviously agreed with him because as soon as she had seen it in the window of the small, out of the way gift shop, she had raced in and purchased it, not fussing or worrying about the cost. Seeing the smile that lit up her face when she walked out, after purchasing the gift, had been enough for Michael; because when Maria DeLuca smiled she was absolutely breath taking.

***

Max lifted Liz’s small body into his arms and began to carry her towards her bedroom. She had eventually fallen asleep with her head in his lap, as they sat on the floor in front of the fire. He had been unable to stop himself from pulling her into his arms after her heart breaking words. She had cried against him until she was spent, before laying her head down in his lap and letting sleep overcome her. Max had been content to sit there and watch her sleep as the flames from the fire lit up her beautiful face, but the fire had begun to burn out and the coldness was starting to seep in.

He laid her gently in her bed before pulling the blankets up around her. He stood and watched her for a few moments before turning and walking slowly to the door.

‘Max,’ her voice reached him. He turned back around, expecting to see her beautiful brown eyes staring back at him, but instead her eyes were still closed and her breathing was still even, indicating that she was still sleeping peacefully.

He may have imagined it. That was most likely the case, but Max Evans chose to believe that maybe, just maybe Liz Parker had been dreaming about him and he couldn’t help but smile.

TBC... part 8 will be up this weekend!

[Emz80m]

A/N: Hey everyone. Thank you for the feedback, Lessie and i really appreciate the people that are stopping and leaving feedback with this story. Part 8 was written by Lessie, i think we're a bit back to front with the part posting now lol . Anyway on with the story.

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Earth Angel

Part 8

She opened her eyes to the morning light streaming through the window in her bedroom. Pulling the covers over her head, she groaned. As she did, Liz noticed that she was still fully dressed. Remembering last night's events, Liz now felt embarrassed. She had cried to Max and now as the clearness of the morning settled upon her, she felt utterly guilty at last night's emotional outburst. Truth was, she felt oddly better. Max had been so comforting and he had sat with her, just listening to her cries and offering her his strong support.

Getting out of bed, Liz walked over to the window seat. It looked like the snow was still coming down hard. In fact, it looked heavier than last night's. If the weather continued on this path, none of them would be able to go out for days.

Liz thought of Max. He had spent the night and she wondered where he now slept. She'd been so caught up in herself that she'd fallen asleep and she imagined he must've carried her to bed. Her whereabouts to his sleeping place were answered as she walked into the living room and saw him sleeping on her couch. She couldn't help but think how gorgeous he looked. He had the most peaceful and serene look. She slowly walked over to him and looked down at Max's face. His dark hair covered his forehead and the amber eyes were closed. Having him like this in her home did things to Liz's heart that she didn't quite know how to explain.

Suddenly she felt the urge to kiss him. She looked down at his sexy lips and imagined that it would feel wonderful to touch them... Liz stop this right now! You just can't. She backed away and made her way to the bathroom where she would take a cold shower. A really cold one. Disrobing, she turned the water on and stepped into it, letting it run down her body. It felt cleansing and she welcomed the water's briskness. Ten minutes later, she finished showering, brushed her teeth and wrapped herself in a towel, hoping Max was still asleep.

Silently walking towards her bedroom, Liz peeked and saw that he was still sleeping. What time was it anyways? She closed the door to the room and looked over at the clock. It read 7:30. Going over to her closet, Liz opened the door and looked at her wardrobe. She really needed to go shopping. Sighing, she chose her favorite silk and cashmere turtleneck sweater, her feel-good sweater. Putting it on, Liz loved the feel of the soft material against her cool skin. She took a pair of low-rider jeans from the built-in shelves and pulled into those as well.

Taking the brush from the vanity, she combed her long, dark hair. It was getting really long. She'd have to schedule an appointment with the hairdresser after the holidays. As Liz finished brushing her brunette locks, she heard a noise coming from the living room. Max was probably awake. Setting the brush down, she made her way to the den. Coming into the room Liz saw Max sitting on the couch. His hair was rumpled and he looked too sexy for his own good.

'Hi,' she smiled shyly. She didn't know why she felt so, what was the word, comfortable, having Max in the early morning in her home. It was as if he belonged. Liz remember... control yourself for the love of heaven.

'Good morning,' he replied. His voice was still deep with sleep and it held a sensual quality that made Liz weak in the knees and her stomach do tiny somersaults.

'Did you sleep well?' Max finally asked her, after she didn't say anything. Looking at her, he noticed she'd showered and changed. She wore a dark red sweater and blue jeans that did her petite figure wonders. He saw a hint of ivory skin from beneath the sweater; the jeans she wore sat low on her hips, allowing a nice view of her flat stomach. Her dark hair was still wet from the shower coming down in loose waves, surrounding her face. The sight of this early morning, freshly showered, and barefoot Liz was beautiful to him.

'Um yea,' she answered a little nervously. He was looking at her with those amber eyes, and his stare was intense as it skimmed over her. Her body felt tingly, as if he were touching it with his eyes alone. If that was how his looks felt, she wondered how his hands...

'Liz, you're blushing,' Max smiled. He wondered what kind of thoughts were running through her pretty head to make her blush so, and were they of him?

His voice felt like a sultry caress over her entire body. 'I, uh... I'm just-', and the sound of it came out as a hoarse whisper.

He got up from his sitting place and was standing before her in a few strides. He was taller than Liz by a few inches, and she had to look up to meet his eyes. She was afraid to look at him, fearful of what she might see reflected there in the amber pools. Afraid that his eyes might be the reflection of her own soul, and that the hidden wishes and dreams that had slowly been blossoming ever since she had looked into his eyes would be in plain view.

'What Liz? What's making you blush like this?' He slowly brought up his hand, gently brushing back a damp, loose strand of hair. She shivered slightly, filling herself of his tender touch.

Liz tried to speak, but she was at a loss for words. His nearness was intoxicating. Her heart was beating so loudly that she wouldn't be surprised if he could hear it too. The simple touch of his hand sent shivers down her spine. Liz felt the goose bumps all over her arms and neck; their faces mere inches apart. If he got any closer, she would explode with all these pent-up emotions. She looked at his lips and the desire to feel them against her own came over her so strongly that she didn't know what would happen if he didn't kiss her.

'Max.' His name came out a breathless whisper.

Drawing her closer, Max tilted her chin toward him. All rational thought out of his mind. He could feel her sweet breath on his face. Looking into her deep brown eyes, that had turned even darker with unspoken desires, Max let himself get lost in them, if at least for a brief moment. He knew he was treading dangerous roads, but the way she was looking at him; the way she looked standing there barefoot completely mesmerized him. He could smell her and he inhaled softly, taking in the fragrance, immersing, marking the very depths of his soul with it; fresh plucked flowers and morning rain. Heaven's scent.

Liz thought it was taking forever for his mouth to touch hers; she could almost feel him already. As he leaned down, his lips almost touching hers, the telephone rang.

A loud and persistent ring that was like a trumpet blast, shattering their moment together.

******

Alex and Isabel had both gotten up early today. Isabel had woken before him. She was now locked in the bathroom, and hadn't come out. Alex started to worry.

He knocked on the bathroom door. 'Isabel, are you all right? You've been in there for a long time now. What's wrong?' he asked, concern lacing his voice.

'I'm fine,' she called back. 'Just a little morning sickness that's all.' Her comment didn't quite reach him, and he walked back into their bedroom unfazed.

A few minutes later she came out, wearing the sweetest of knowing smiles.

'Are you sure you're fine honey?' Alex stared at her and thought she looked more beautiful than ever. Something in her eyes and the secret smile she held. A sweet sparkle.

Isabel sat down on the bed, beside him. He turned around and faced her. She smiled at him and her eyes held the promise of joy.

'What is it Iz? Why are you smiling like this?' He couldn't help but smile back. His wife was lovely when she smiled and something about it told him that this went deeper than just another smile. Alex took her hand and sweetly kissed her palm.

Isabel took a deep sigh and twined her fingers with his. She looked down at their joined hands. Her wedding band shone in the morning light. God, she hoped that he would be as happy as her. Isabel was almost 100% positive he would be, but still tiny doubts grazed her mind.

'Alex, what did I tell you I wanted most for Christmas?' She looked up at him and saw the questioning look in his eyes. Please, God let him be happy. Please.

He looked at her questioningly. 'Isabel, what...'

In that moment it dawned on him. He looked at her again and the smile that she'd worn earlier grew. His face spread into a wide grin and he took her into his arms, hugging her tightly; holding her close to his heart. Alex could feel her joyful tears coming down on his shoulder. He knew.

******

'Yes Maria, I'm fine. No, I am not going anywhere. The roads are closed in the city. Haven't you been listening to the radio? Figures. Yes, Maria, I will tell you all about it later. All right. I'll call you later. Ok. Bye.'

Sighing she hung the phone and thought back to earlier. They'd been so close to kissing. She didn't know if she was grateful or not for the phone's interruption. Liz still felt the remnants of his touch and her skin continued to tingle. What was she going to do with him so near? The conditions weren't helping much. The snow was still coming down hard, and the sky had turned a heavenly blue-white. None of them would be going anywhere anytime soon.

She walked back into the living room and saw him throwing more firewood into the all ready blazing hearth. It looked so inviting, casting warm glows all over the large den. It made the room feel toasty and intimate. The morning, winter light seeped in through the dark blue curtains, lending the room yet even more of a wintery and magical appeal.

'Thanks.' He heard her voice from behind him and smiling, turned to face Liz.

'It's not a problem. After you've allowed me to stay in your home, it's a pleasure.'

'I would never think of letting you go out in that terrible storm.' Liz gave him her most sincere smile and his heart stopped beating for a few seconds.

'I can never repay you.'

'I'm not asking for anything. Your company is enough.' She hadn't meant to say that last part, but it had come out freely and without any doubt. Liz hadn't been able to stop herself. And maybe she didn't want to.

Max stood up from his crouching position and walked over to her. 'I know. I'd like to do something special for you,' he smiled.

He was looking down at her with his magnificent amber eyes and the smile he wore made him appear like an angel.

Liz laughed. The sound as bubbly as a river in spring. 'And just what might that be?' she asked curiously.

'Breakfast,' he told her with a twinkle in his eyes.

'Breakfast?' He wanted to cook her breakfast? Boy, was she way in over her head. No man, not even Sean had ever cooked breakfast for her, much less offered to. But of course this was Max Evans and he was unlike any other man she had ever met.

'I couldn't possibly...'

'No objections. It's the least I can do for your kind hospitality.'

She wanted to tell him that it wasn't hospitality that was keeping her from sending him away, not that she would anyway in the middle of a New York city blizzard, but something different altogether. But she didn't dare to. Instead she just smiled, lighting up her dark eyes beautifully. Max looked at them, and felt as if his heaven were right there.

He pulled his stare away and starting walking towards the kitchen.

'Wait, Max, you don't even...'

'I'm sure I can make do,' he answered back. Liz smiled at the thought of him in her kitchen. Max tinkering around, looking for what he needed to make her, whatever it is that he was going to do. Still smiling, she walked to her room and started organising her things, not that they needed much organising, but she needed something to keep her mind busy and not think of the dark-haired man with the amber eyes cooking her breakfast.

******

Thirty minutes later, Liz smelled the wonderful odors wafting in from the kitchen. She was sitting on the floor, Indian style writing in the journal she'd kept since college. She hadn't written in it in so long. Not exactly sure of what had prompted her to start jotting down her thoughts again, Liz set it down and got up. The smell coming from her kitchen was delicious.

Letting the wonderful scent guide her, Liz caught a glimpse of the storm raging outside. She was grateful she was here inside, warm and safe. Many unfortunate others in New York City didn't have the simple pleasure of a fire, or just a place to call home. There were so many things that she was thankful for, and having Max with her made Liz more aware of all that she should be gracious for.

As she walked into the kitchen, Max was pouring two tall glasses of orange juice.

'It smells great. Looks like it too,' she said spotting the large stack of pancakes on the counter, as well as the pile of bacon sitting in the pan on the stove.

'Thanks.' He smiled and turned around to face her. She'd pulled her hair back giving him a clear view of the sweet, angel face.

Liz took in the sight of him. He was wearing her apron, and had pancake batter all over his right cheek. He looked so cute. She felt like going right over to him and licking the batter right off. Goodness Liz, what has gotten into you?

She covered her mouth, trying to stifle a giggle.

Max looked at her curiously and smiled. 'What?'

'Nothing it's just that', she said through her giggles, 'you have batter all over you. Plus you're wearing my apron the wrong way.' He looked down, and sure enough the apron was facing the wrong side out.

Liz was giggling even harder now and Max couldn't help but marvel at the image of her laughing. Her eyes surely danced with sheer merriment. She was taking his breath away.

Going over closer, Max stood in front of Liz and looked her straight in the eyes. 'And I'm sure the sight of me covered in pancake batter is so amusing?' He couldn't help the smile that played his handsome features.

'Yes,' she laughed. He was close enough to touch, and she was tempted to reach up and brush away the errant strands of dark hair that threatened to spill over his incredible eyes.

'Well Miss Parker, I don't know what to tell you there.'

Still laughing, Liz walked over to the counter and took a sip of her juice. 'Did you make this fresh?' She remembered she had oranges in her stock, but would have never thought Max to make them freshly squeezed orange juice. He sure was full of surprises.

'Yes, and I also made you strawberry pancakes.'

'Really?' she said smiling. They're my favorite.'

Of course he knew they were her favorite. That's why he'd made them. Liz loved strawberry pancakes.

'They're my favorite too,' he grinned. 'I'm glad you like them. Now you can enjoy them even more.'

'I would enjoy then anyhow, knowing you made them.' Again the words came out without a second thought and Liz knew that she was really losing it, letting herself be so comfortable around this man she had barely known for 48 hours.

Closing the distance between them Max remembered their earlier, almost kiss. He couldn't help himself and placed his fingers on her cheek, caressing the smooth, soft skin.

'You're so beautiful when you laugh,' he told her through a small, but wonderful smile. 'It lights up your entire face.'

Liz put her small hands on his hard chest, as if trying to place more distance between them. For her sake. But it was useless. He'd drawn her to his body and she could feel the beating of his heart through the sweater he wore. It was as if it beat just for her.

His hand around her waist and the other on the small of her back, Liz shivered at the feel of him; that's how much his touch affected her.

Max ran his hands down her arms. He could feel the goose bumps and he smiled inside knowing that he had that kind of effect on her. He himself enjoyed the feel of her small body pressed against his larger one. The heat of the two bodies pressed to the other only intensified the sparks that were all ready dancing between them. He held her closer now, tighter as if to never let her go.

She yearned to feel his mouth on hers, to experience his kiss. Turning her head up, she looked at him and felt his heart beating. It was a steady rhythm that reached into her very soul.

A little closer and he would kiss her. The torture of the distance was killing them both, and before either of them could help it, their lips touched. As they made contact, an electric charge raced through them. There was no going back now.

TBC.... Sometime this week most likely since i've already completed Part 9 like a good little writer. Lots of feedback equals new parts though people lol

[Lessie]

Hey everyone. Thanks for all the completely awesome feed. Emma and I appreciate it.

We're glad you all are liking this and taking the time to leave your comments.
Sorry it's taken so long for this next part. This one is by Emma. Continue with the great feed, it truly does matter.

If there's any questions or comments feel free to PM either one of us.
Enough of my rambles. Before though, I'd like to thank ps_dreamer (Benz) for our gorgeous banner. Isn't it lovely... You rock!




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Thanks!! Lurkers too. Lol

***


Part 9

Liz’s eyes closed as she gave herself over to feel Max’s lips softly caressing her own. Her small moan was the only sound to be heard in the small kitchen. He ran his tongue along her bottom lip, before pulling it into his mouth to nibble on it. The moan granted Max the access he craved for, and he swept his tongue into her mouth, intent on exploring and tasting every crevice of her mouth.

But apparently the powers that be had other plans that differed to Max’s, because right then their kiss was broken by the sound of someone banging frantically on the front door. Max rested his forehead against Liz’s as he tried to catch his breath. He was fighting between the desire to take her mouth passionately again and ignoring the person outside, and actually opening the door to let whoever it was out there, crazy enough to brave the snow, in.

‘I thought we were snowed in?’ he whispered in question to Liz.

‘We are’, she replied, apparently oblivious to the person banging on her door.

‘Are you sure you're not just saying that so you can keep me locked up in your house Ms. Parker?’ he joked.

Liz laughed. ‘Tempting but no,’ she told him.

‘Then how is it possible that there is someone trying to knock your door down?’ he asked her.

‘What!’ Liz gasped, and for the first time listened.

‘Oh God,’ she said, before taking off at a run towards the door. Liz didn’t think about looking through the peep hole to see who was on the other side of the door, before she pulled it open. Her only thought being that the person on the other side could possibly be frozen to death by now. So, it was quite a surprise when she opened the door, that she came face to face with a short blonde with ringlets and piercing blue eyes. The womon looked vaguely familiar to Liz, but she wasn’t sure why.

‘Can I help you?’ Liz asked. By this stage Max had made his way to the door and was standing along side Liz.

‘I’m sorry, I must have the wrong place,’ the woman apologised, looking back and forth between Liz and Max.

‘Oh ok,’ Liz smiled and tried to shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen, away. ‘Who were you looking for? Maybe I can help you since I’ve lived here for quite some time,’ she suggested.

‘Oh I was looking for Sean Harrison,’ she answered.

Liz’s face paled instantly and she took a step back bumping into Max, who had to react quickly to reach out and grab her.

‘Um maybe you should come in,’ Max suggested to the woman. He wasn’t sure who this woman was. Liz didn’t appear to know her, but she knew Sean and didn’t appear to have been told of his passing.

‘So this is the right place?’ she asked, confused.

‘Yeah, I guess’ Max answered.

Max led a quiet and shaking Liz, who had turned her body around so that her face was now buried against his chest, and a confused Tess, into the house. When they entered the living room Max offered the woman a seat.

‘I’m sorry, I’m Max Evans and this is Liz Parker,’ Max introduced themselves, trying to ease the awkwardness. Liz had removed herself from Max’s embrace and turned to face the woman and her questions. After Max’s introductions, she realised she was being terribly rude and despite the pain she knew she would feel having to explain Sean’s death, she realised that this could also be potentially hard on the woman.

‘Tess Harding,’ she replied with a small smile.

‘Oh God,’ Liz cried, her hand flying to her mouth, tears instantly filling her eyes. How could she have missed it? Yes, there were subtle differences, like longer hair and a plumper face, but not enough to have missed it.

‘Liz?’ Max questioned, concerned.

‘I’m sorry. Obviously something I’ve said has upset you Liz,’ Tess apologised. ‘I thought that this was where Sean lived,’ she explained.

‘Sean’s dead,’ Liz whispered harsher than she intended to.

‘E-Excuse me?’ Tess stuttered out.

‘Tess, I don’t know very much about it, but Sean died a little over three months ago in a motor vehicle accident,’ Max jumped in, realising that Liz wasn’t going to be able to do this without his help.

‘Oh God,’ she sobbed.

Liz sat and watched the small blonde break down at the news of Sean’s death and couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for her. Liz had been given the chance to mourn Sean, where as Tess had not even been told. Liz was confused as to how that had come about. The truth was she had a thousand questions that she wanted to fire at this woman, along with a lot of built up anger that was begging to be released, but she realised that it probably wasn’t the most appropriate time, and in the end Liz wasn’t sure if it would make her feel any better anyhow.

‘What am I going to do?’ she sobbed. Max was torn. He felt as though he should go to the woman and try to offer whatever comfort he could, but something told him that Liz needed him more.

Tess turned teary blue eyes up to Max and Liz after the question.

‘I-Im pregnant,’ she sobbed. Liz gasped and even Max couldn’t prevent his mouth from falling open in shock.

‘How?’ Liz whispered.

‘I’m four months along,’ she explained. ‘I only found out last week so I came home to tell him.’

Liz stood up and walked out of the room. She had to get away; she couldn’t look at the woman in front of her any longer. The woman who would be having Sean’s baby, when she, who had been his loyal girlfriend and fiancée for over three years, had been left with nothing but lies and heartbreak.

‘Liz,’ Max whispered as he approached her. He had found her in the kitchen staring out the window, sobs racking her small frame as she clung on to the bench as though it were her life support.

She turned around at the sound of his voice and immediately went into the strong arms he offered, and cried. She cried for the loss she still felt everyday. She cried for the anger and hatred she felt for the man she had once loved so much, and she cried at the unfairness that Tess would be the woman that would have his child. But most of all, Elizabeth Parker cried because she was tired of hurting; she just wanted the pain to go away.

‘Is she gone?’ she asked once her sobs calmed down.

‘No,’ he replied, his hand running through her beautiful hair. ‘She was in no condition to go anywhere,’ he informed her. ‘Liz, I know this is hard as hell for you, but she needs to know what happened. I would happily do it for you sweetness, but I don’t know what to tell her,’ he told her gently.

There was something about the sound of his voice that had a calming effect on her. Liz didn’t know Max Evans very well, but she trusted him, which is why she had let him in to her home, and ultimately her life. He was very quickly worming his way into her heart too.

‘Will you come with me?’ she asked him with pleading eyes.

‘Of course,’ he assured her.

Tess had calmed down by the time Max and Liz walked hand in hand back into the living room. Wiping her eyes she immediately stood. ‘I’m sorry I’ve come into your home and upset you. I didn’t mean to.’

‘I’m sorry for running out, it was rude of me,’ Liz replied.

‘So you knew Sean well, Liz?’ she asked then.

Liz swallowed the lump in her throat and looked at Max who only nodded and squeezed her hand in support. ‘Tess, Sean Harrison was my fiancée.’

‘I’m sorry?’ Tess said.

‘We were engaged to be married. We’d been dating for over three years,’ she clarified.

‘O-Oh- Oh God you must really hate me,’ Tess sighed, her eyes focused on the carpet in front of her.

‘I feel a lot of things towards you, but I don’t think hate is one of them. Unless you tell me that you knew I existed and slept with my fiancée regardless,’ Liz told her.

Liz met the guilt in Tess’s blue eyes. When she finally raised them to meet hers, Liz whispered, ‘How long?’

‘I knew he had a girlfriend,’ she cried. ‘But he told me he had broken it off with her. I found out a few months later that he hadn’t.’

‘How long?’ Liz repeated.

‘Six months,’ she whispered.

Liz felt the tears welling in her eyes again, but she fought them. She had cried enough tears all ready because of Tess Harding and Sean Harrison. There would be no more today in front of the other woman.

‘Y-You knew about me?’ Tess asked then.

‘I found a picture of the two of you and I had heard Sean talk about you before,’ Liz replied.

‘What happened?’ she asked.

‘It’s pretty much like Max told you. He had been drinking and he drove. He ran the car into a power pole killing him instantly. I walked away,’ she told them.

‘Y-You were with him?’

‘Yes.’

Tess nodded. ‘Um, is he buried near by?’ she asked then.

‘Yeah just outside the city,’ Max answered for Liz.

‘How come you didn’t know?’ Liz asked her.

Tess swallowed. ‘I’ve been out of the country. We had a fight about stuff.’

‘You had a fight about me, about the fact that he was still seeing me,’ Liz said for her.

Tess nodded. ‘I told him he had to choose,’ she cried.

Liz buried her head in her hands as she waited for the blonde to continue.

‘H-He chose you. I didn’t know your name, or that you were engaged and living together. I thought you were just his girlfriend from college. So I took a promotion that I had refused before and I moved to Tokyo.’

‘How come no one from work told you?’ Max asked her, knowing that Liz needed to hear it all.

‘We kept it pretty quiet. I don’t think anyone at work even knew we were friends,’ she answered.

Without another word Liz got up from her spot on the couch and walked into the kitchen. Max debated about getting up and going after her.

‘Are you her boyfriend?’ Tess found herself asking, when it was just her and Max.

‘Uh no, just a friend,’ Max replied, his face turning bright red. ‘But I know enough to tell you that Liz has been hurt enough by Sean’s death. She didn’t need this. I know you never did this on purpose, but I just hope you don’t intend on sticking around now that you know.’

Before Tess could respond though, Liz re-entered the room. ‘Um this is the number of Sean’s parents in Boston. They’d really want to know about the b-baby,’ she told her, as she handed her a piece of paper.

Tess took that as her cue to leave. Standing up she made her way to the door, with Max and Liz trailing behind her.

‘Thank you Liz, and I know it doesn’t mean anything now, but I’m sorry,’ she told her.

Liz nodded and turned and walked away.

‘Drive carefully. You shouldn’t even be out in this snow,’ Max told Tess, as he walked her to her car.

‘Thank you.’

Max walked back into the house after he watched Tess drive off, and found Liz sitting in her chair, looking out the window. Her body shook with sobs and for the first time since Tess Harding walked into the house half an hour ago, Max acknowledged that the one step forward they had made that morning had now been followed up by two giant leaps back.

TBC...

[Emz80m]

A/N: Hi everyone, just want to say thank you for all the great feedback and a hi to all you lurkers . This part was written by Lessie so you can thank her for it being extra long

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roswellluver


Part 10

Still the snow kept falling. Just like her tears. She sat looking out the window and watched the children playing. Their tiny faces displayed delight as they made snow angels. One of them got up and launched himself into the snow, while the other rolled up a snowball, throwing it at the other. Then they both started tossing snow, laughing, the child-like faces shining with mirth.

Liz's tears fell, and her heart lay in tattered, frozen pieces. How could he? She had loved him, pledged to spend the rest of her life with him, and he had betrayed all that she had given him. It wasn't fair. She was the one who had been the loyal girlfriend. The faithful fiancée.

Now another woman was going to have his child.

She stared out the window again. The children were now building a snowman. Their mother had come out and made sure they were bundled up. She went to both kids, hugging them to her. The touching scene just furthered her tears.

Watching them made all the emotions in her even more tangled. What would Sean's baby look like? Would they have his eyes? Or his stubbornness? She would never know. She didn't want to. It would be too painful.

She had enough pain to last her a lifetime.

Back in the kitchen, Max cleaned up, putting everything away. After Tess had left he'd gone over to Liz and gently asked her if she was all right. When he didn't get an answer he'd come in here to clean. He didn't think that she'd want to eat after what she'd heard. Max felt torn at seeing her in this state. Just a few hours ago, he had kissed her and she had returned it with as much passion as he too had felt.

After he finished, Max walked into the living room. He saw her standing by the window, staring out, her gaze resting on the small children playing. The tears coming down, staining her cheeks. He wished so much he could take her into his arms and tell her that everything would be all right. But he wasn't going to lie. He wasn't going to make promises he would later break.

Walking over to her, he softly placed his hands on her shoulders. Liz felt his touch, warm and soothing.

She leaned back into him, using his strong chest and arms for support. Her eyes wandered to the half-built snowman; the children’s creation. It hurt to see people so happy when she was dying inside.

'Why Max? What did I do to deserve this? I loved him,' she whispered so softly that he almost didn’t hear her.

It broke his heart.

Liz Parker had loved Sean Harrison. Would she ever be able to love him as much as she once had Sean?

Gently turning her around to him, he took her beautiful face in his hands.

'None of this is your fault. Don't blame yourself,' he told her softly.

'I wish- I wish I could know. Ask him why,' Liz trailed off, mouth trembling. So many questions that would forever go unanswered. Maybe it was better not to know. The lies had torn her apart, and the whole truth could be even worse.

'I know,' he said, wiping her tears with the pad of his thumb. Max would never meet Sean, but he felt resentment towards him. He had hurt Liz deeply, when all she had given him was her love. He'd hurt her so much that Max didn't know if she could ever let herself love again. He hated Sean for that and hate was an emotion that Max was never supposed to have felt.

Liz looked at Max. This man who should have felt like a stranger to her had come into her life unexpected, making her feel things she'd thought she'd long since forgotten.

He smiled at her, making the jagged pieces of her broken heart shift a little. He stroked her cheek softly, her tears on his fingertips. His touch so gentle and comforting. She turned her head, her cheek lying fully in his hand. Closing her eyes, she let his fingers wipe away the endless tears that grazed her cheek.

******

Maria sat down, sipping the steaming hot chocolate. Earlier she'd called Liz, hoping to see how she was doing. Liz had sounded a little hurried, as if she were in the middle of something and wanted desperately to get back to it. She wished she could go and check up on her, but the blizzard hadn't stopped raging, and she doubted it would, at least for another few hours. Maria wouldn't dare venture out in the bitter cold.

After she'd woken, Maria had wrapped the gifts she had purchased yesterday. She'd saved the crystal angel for last, wanting to look at it more. It was a beautiful figurine, and she felt it was the perfect gift for Liz. For some reason, Maria thought it radiated a heavenly peace. It was silly of her, but that's how she felt. Carefully touching the golden halo, Maria had felt a presence about the room. Normally she would have freaked out, but this felt warm and welcoming; a soft yet strong, assuring breeze.

******

She sat on the sofa, thinking about how much she had lost. Max was in the shower, after she had asked if he wanted to take one.

Liz had turned on the television and listened as the anchorman said that New York had made a record three feet of snow in the past few hours. She'd seen storms before, but never like this. The snow was endless and it covered the ground in an airy, magical manner. Sitting in front of the fire, the warmth of it reaching her, Liz couldn't feel it at all. She was frozen, and the tears she had cried before, dry on her cheeks.

Liz stood, walking over to the mantle. She took the picture in her hands and stared at Sean and herself. Stared as if her life depended on it. They'd taken it a few months before the accident. Her and Sean had gone to Niagara Falls, on a long weekend, enjoying the small getaway. They were both standing on the bridge, the waterfall serving as a cascading background. She remembered the day so well...

"Sean," she yelled over the roar of the water.

He turned around, smiling. "Come on, this is the best spot."

She ran to him, laughing, grinning...

There was a rainbow forming above the falling waters, lighting them up with different shades of colors. The sun shone too, and it gave the surrounding area a wonderful glow, bright and marvelous. The waters sparkling, bubbling in its splendor.

Liz gave a little gasp at the beauty of it. She'd never before beheld such a scene. Turning to Sean, she smiled.

"Thank you for bringing me here. It's absolutely beautiful."

"I knew you would like it." He took her into his arms and kissed her hand.

They both stood there, just watching the falls.

After a few minutes, Liz turned around.

"Sean, we still haven't decided where our honeymoon will be? Maybe we should just come here," she suggested.

"I want to give you something special," he'd replied.

"I could be in the middle of nowhere and I would still be happy, as long you're with me."

Sean smiled and leaned down to kiss her. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Why Sean? She asked out loud, tears falling on the glass cover. I loved you. I loved you more than anything. The last part came out bitter and strangled, sobs getting caught in her throat. It had all been a lie. All of it. She'd been so happy, the smile on her face radiant. Then her world had come crumbling around her, caving in on her. Trapping her inside, not letting her breathe.

Max stood in the hallway, listening to her cries. Her sobs reaching him to the very core of his being, tearing him slowly. He ached so much for her, wishing he could do anything to take away all her hurt. She put the picture back to its spot, lingering on it a minute longer.

Liz had let him borrow more of Sean's clothing and he somewhat felt uncomfortable wearing dead man's garments. He brushed the feeling off and walked over to her. The firelight cast warm shadows on the sweet face, making her appear like a fallen angel. Tears streaked her face, shining in the glow of the fire

She turned her head up slightly, raising puffy red eyes, filled with tears.

He couldn't take it. Max reached out and took her into his arms.

'I'm so sorry,' he whispered tenderly, kissing the top of her head. It was a gesture meant for comfort, but as his lips grazed her hair, Liz felt something go through her. An immense desire; an unknown feeling that she had never felt before. Looking up at him, his handsome features lit by the soft light, she reached up, touching his beautiful face. His beautiful eyes.

'Why are you so good to me?' she asked tearily. Liz didn't know Max Evans very well, but the way that he had treated her, stayed with her, and comforted her, she would always remember. She traced along his jaw, then around his lips. He smelled like fresh soap like her fresh soap, the smell invading her senses. She would do anything to forget about the pain in her heart and bury herself in this man. Completely bury herself in his scent. Forget about the world around her. Forget about Sean's betrayal. Forget that another woman was carrying his baby. Forget that she loved Sean and that her heart hurting for him. Forget that she had pledged to marry him. Forget that she had made him her world and he had betrayed her.

Her touch was like velvet to his skin, igniting every flame. Max closed his eyes at the feel of her fingers on him. They felt like a cool fire, with every stroke his mind losing its grip of reality. He opened his eyes and looked into dark ones, heavy with unspoken thoughts, her hands still caressing his face.

Max smiled. Liz's breath got caught in her throat. How he was looking at her, smiling that magnificent smile, caused a bittersweet pain to rush through her veins.

Yet again, the jagged, frozen pieces, of what she still had left of a heart, moved, piercing deep; the pain unrelentless and sharp.

It was just too much. She stood on her tiptoes, only inches apart from him. Lips almost touching, Liz could feel him tremble, his breaths becoming more and more ragged.

Just a little more. So close. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him. Her small body warm and inviting. She used her fingers to run her nails down his back, causing shivers to go down both their spines.

His instinct was to pull her closer, clutching the tiny waist. Her bosom against his chest, hearts beating in sync. The soft sound of her breath was the sweetest sound to his ears.

Her fingers caressed the nape of his neck, making him completely crazy. She was so small, standing on her toes to be able to meet him eye-level. The brown hair touched by firelight, making it shimmer like heaven's ginger. He reached out, touching it; amazingly silky.

His hand was in her hair, fingers running through the long locks. Ease this pain. I beg you. Please...

'So soft,' he said in a low whisper. They were now both standing face to face. The setting sun cast golden lights into the house, their surroundings aglow.

She looked at his lips, then took her fingers and gently touched them. He pressed against them, tasting her. He wanted to taste all of her. Savor all of her.

She leaned in, her mouth barely touching his and placed a whisper of a kiss.

'Max,' her voice husky, as she breathed his name against his mouth.

He brushed her cheek gently, his fingers moving to her neck. She felt like roses.

She shivered at the butterfly touch, so tender. Her body tingled, arching into him, needing to be closer. Much closer. She ached for his kiss. To feel him. To have him ease away the pain she felt. Maybe his touch could take away all her pain. Take all of it.

He groaned, feeling her press into him harder. He was losing control. His hand ran up and down her back, creating endless goose bumps, wonderful sensations. Bringing his hand back up, he brushed the hair back out from her eyes. He wanted to see her lovely face. Memorize every sweet detail and burn it into his soul.

Liz's hands felt her way down his well muscled arms; the biceps strong and hard. Twining their fingers together, she brought up his right hand, bringing it to her lips. Carefully she kissed his fingertips. His groans of pleasure echoed into her soul. Switching hands, she did the same to the left. When Liz came to his thumb, she bit it softly, the flesh warm. Licking it, she took it into her mouth and sucked gently. Max watched her do this, marveling at the sight of her. The simple motion of her tongue on his fingers, enough to drive him insane with ecstasy.

Then she couldn't take it anymore. She needed more. Much more.

Coming up again to see his eyes, Liz held his face in between her hands, palms on each side.

Slowly, so painfully slowly, she closed the distance, their lips meeting in a sensual kiss. Max's hands traveled up her spine, touching her softly. But even the light touch could not mask the desire he felt. Sliding his hands into her hair, he deepened the kiss, dipping his head to get more access. He moaned to her sighs, marking his being with her mouth. Melding her sweet taste with his. Forever.

She began to trail kisses down his neck, and then back up again along his jaw and throat, to his ears, his eyes, his nose, and the sensitive spot right below his ear. She stopped there, her lips tracing the outline of his ear. He could feel himself harden at the way her tongue was licking all around it, making small sucking sounds. The rising heat so great, engulfing his mind, taking control of his senses.

Liz' s head ached with suppressed desire. All the pent-up emotions being channeled through her fiery caresses. Fiery kisses. There was something urgent and frantic in them; asking for more. Needing more.

She groaned softly, opening her mouth, just enough for him to slip his tongue inside, giving him the access he yearned for. He ran his tongue along her lower lip, suckling it briefly, then went back to exploring every moist, welcoming, dark corner of her delicious mouth.

Liz could only moan his name, resounding with untold wishes.

The sound fueled the flames that all ready burned so hot in him. His hand went down to her hips, going under the sweater and rubbing her stomach, all the while his mouth never leaving hers.

She wanted more. It wasn't enough. Liz wanted, needed]/i] to truly feel him. Maybe then the pain would fade away.

'God, you're so sweet,' Max told her, his voice hoarse and thick.

She was torturing him. Her lips soft and warm, yet demanding, seeking. Bodies pressed so tightly together, he didn't know where hers began and his ended.

Her every kiss spoke of hopeless temptation, tentatively at first, but then frantic, hungry for more. She could feel his wet tongue inside her mouth. The sensations it created too much for words. She responded by gently biting his lower lip, allowing her entrance into his sexy depths. When she slid her tongue in, the heat that washed over her was all most overwhelming. Running her tongue over his bottom teeth, then along the sides of his mouth, she kissed him senseless,

Liz was powerless.

All she could do was give him the passion she felt, probing his mouth, teasing it, making it hers, until the only sound to be heard was him breathing her name, making all the abandon within painfully acute.

'Max, mmmm...'

Liz couldn't even speak, her mouth otherwise engaged. Lowering her hands, she felt his strong, powerful chest. Then she slipped them under his shirt, raking her nails down him, feeling the goose bumps along the way. Making small circular motions on his bare skin, she started to tug at the shirt.

He whispered her name over and over, never getting tired of saying it.

'Max, please...' she begged into his mouth.

He made a sound low in his throat and kissed her deeper. She responded by joining their tongues in a slow, wet dance. When he pulled away, she felt the absence of his mouth so deep; it all most brought tears to her eyes.

His tongue started a journey down her neck, nibbling, kissing the ivory skin, tasting of honey. Reaching the base of her milky throat, he licked the small hollow, eliciting breathless moans from her. The sound echoed against his lips, making him hungrier. He licked more, sucking her skin delicately, yet passionately. Both their moans hard, coming out strangled at the same time.

Then mouths met again, his lips crashing down on hers, possessing the very essence of a kiss.

Somehow her hands had found the buttons on the front of his shirt, and she was undoing them. Feeling her urgency, his own becoming more impatient, he helped her finish the rest.

His shirt off, Liz used her hands to touch his chest, the dark hair golden with the light from the fire. The chest so toned and defined.

He was amazing.

Lowering her head, Liz made a trail of small kisses all over Max's chest, sighing and groaning into him. Her tongue finding his nipples, she licked circles on and around them. It was a feeling unlike any other, sweetly burning, consuming her. After she was content, she moved on to the other, this time taking it into her mouth, sucking it, never tiring of his taste. Heat swept over her, only intensifying the way her tongue ravished him.

He shuddered; her lips leaving fiery imprints. Eyes closing at the emotions surging through him, he let his head fall back, reveling in the swirling her tongue was occupied in.

'Liz,' the sound gruff, yet sexy. She didn't listen.

Stopping her discovery of his chest briefly, Liz stepped back a moment and pulled the sweater over her head, tossing it carelessly onto the floor. Her skin flushed a deep pink.

He inhaled sharply. She wore a lacy black bra, the white skin a stark contrast to the dark material. The glow from the fire, softly lit her body, and a new rush of heat surged through Max.

She was breathtaking. And so beautiful.

Coming closer to him now, Liz pressed her breasts to his chest and taking his hands, she guided them to her stomach. At the contact he moaned a little, feeling her warm and soft.

Max started to run them up and down her ribcage, creating tiny goose bumps. He bent his head and with the most tender of touches, breathlessly kissed the small convexity of her stomach. It felt like everything she had never experienced; full of love's sweet promises, nearly bringing tears to her eyes. He kept kissing her stomach, his lips possessing every inch of bare skin.

She could only see the top of his head, the dark hair wonderful in the glowing darkness. Then she touched the curls with her mouth, one single tear escaping from the eyes, which held so much pain and suffering. How can it be? How...

He brought his head up and Liz once more took his mouth in another kiss, this one desperate and unrelentless, charged of electricity and true passion.

A soul-searing kiss.

She took his hand into hers, slid it up her bare stomach to her tingling breasts, enjoying how it felt on her blazing skin. He gripped her shoulder, groaning at how she was gently sucking and biting his lips; their mouths giving life to flaming sparks, burning deep into the cores of their beings.

Max touched her breast, and felt the intake of breath. He cupped and massaged, feeling the fullness in his hand. More pleasurable sighs came from her lips. Through his caresses, Liz moaned his name, the sound coming out husky, laced of sultry rain.

She ground her middle to him, and he could feel her heat, even through the jeans she wore. Her hand fumbled with his zipper. Something in how she did it, the desperation with which she tried undoing it, got to him. He grabbed her hand, halting any further attempts. She continued to kiss him hard and he almost lost all control.

'We can't Liz,' he said a bit dazed, pulling away. The words startled her and she looked to him. He saw something he couldn't recognize in the gaze she gave him. Max struggled to regain his composure; her kisses sweetly drugged him, filling his mind and body.

It was hard to think straight with Liz looking the way she did. Hair mussed, eyes darkly lit with desire, but also something else. Her lips were puffy and swollen from his passionate kisses. She stood before him in only jeans and a sexy bra. Every bone in him called for her, but he knew he had to stop right now, otherwise he never would.

Amber eyes stared into brown. He saw what he most feared, desire driven by pain. Before he'd barely glimpsed it, but now it was plainly written in the way she was looking at him. How her eyes went over his face.

No. He didn't want it to be this way. Not with her being so upset and obviously hurting. Not this way. He wanted her to do it out of love, not pain and loss caused by another man. He couldn't be with her like this. It wouldn't be fair to her. Or him. To either of them. He cared too much. Too much.

'I can't’ he whispered softly. 'Not like this. Not with you upset.'

Tenderly he took her lovely face in between his hands, looking into her eyes which were overflowing with unshed tears and unbelievable pain.

Max could barely get the words through his mouth, his heart aching for her. The pain in her eyes reaching into him, stinging as well as piercing. Stroking her cheek, his eyes felt wet. 'I want our first time to be special. I care too much to allow myself to go through with this.' She kept looking at him, her eyes with a lost gleam.

'I want you so much,' he said more huskily then he'd intended to. 'I'd be lying if I said I didn't. Every fiber in my body is wanting and needing you.' He looked into her eyes, a small tear slid from his own. 'But you're upset, confused and hurting by all that's happened.' He hadn't stopped stroking her cheek and the simple gesture in some way comforting to her. 'I don't want you to do this out of pain and loss, but out of love,' he whispered gently. 'Because you want to.'

The tears started to fall from her deep brown eyes, without warning, inhibited, like a free-flowing stream in spring.

TBC... I'm writing the next part as i type lol