Friday seemed to last forever, and as Liz sat in a late meeting she had trouble concentrating on the agenda. Her thoughts kept wandering to Max and their date that evening. She had already planned what to wear and was mentally choosing her jewelry.
Finally the meeting was over and when she made her way back to her office, she was surprised to see Kyle leaning over her desk. He was reading the card that had come with the flowers, and Max's message instantly flashed through her mind.
Last night was wonderful.
Maybe it was destiny.
- Max
Liz could feel the heat of a blush burning her cheeks as she realized the words could be interpreted differently than they were meant. Instantly she was angry that Kyle would invade her privacy. But she quickly forgave him. Kyle couldn't help but be curious when he had seen flowers on her desk, not once but twice.
She watched as Kyle returned the card to her desk and waited until he was turning back toward the door to let her presence be known.
He was obviously startled to see her but he covered well. "Liz, I was just looking for you."
"Hi Kyle,” she greeted with a smile. “You're back early from your trip."
He nodded. "Yeah, we got the contract signed so there was no reason to stay."
"That's great,” she said. “I know you were looking forward to that commission."
Kyle smiled as he crossed to her and slipped an arm around her waist. "Liz, come out with me tonight to celebrate," he urged.
She would have stepped away, but he was there before she realized what he'd intended. "Kyle, let go of me,” she hissed, pushing at him. “We're at work."
"I'm sorry," he apologized, releasing her. "I'm just glad to see you."
Liz grimaced feeling guilty. "I'm glad to see you too, but I can't go with you tonight. I already have other plans."
His brow knit together. "It's Evans isn't it? He's been sending you all of these flowers."
Kyle knew whom the flowers were from since he'd read the card but Liz went along with the charade. "Yes, he sent the flowers."
Kyle shook his head. "So Evans knew we were dating and he waited until I was out of town and then he just moved on in," Kyle ground out, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Is that it?"
Liz didn't like where the conversation was leading. "Not that it's any of your business Kyle,” she said heatedly, “but yes I'm going out with Max tonight."
"None of my business," he roared, his voice getting louder with every word. "You're dating me. Of course it's my business."
Liz quickly closed the door. "Keep your voice down," she hissed, her own temper coming out. "I don't want the whole office to know our personal business."
"Sorry," Kyle apologized immediately.
Liz shook her head, as regret settled over her. "I'm sorry too, Kyle."
Silence settled over them as Liz wondered what to say.
He appeared contrite as he looked down at his feet. When he spoke, his voice was soft. "So how long have you been seeing him anyway?"
The question took Liz by surprise but she answered truthfully. "The day after we met them at the restaurant."
"Man," Kyle said blandly, a strange expression on his face, "he sure works fast. I could see how he was looking at you in the restaurant that night. I should've known he would move on in the first chance he got.” He shook his head. “So he just swept you off your feet?"
The conversation Liz had been dreading was upon her, and she took a deep breath. "Kyle,” she started shakily, “I really like you but we have never said anything about being exclusive, and I don't feel like I have to justify my actions to you."
"No, you're right," Kyle said, his voice just above a whisper. "I just thought we were getting close, that's all."
"I won't lie to you Kyle,” Liz continued, “I enjoy being with you. We've had fun together but I just don't think of our relationship in the long term."
"And that is how you think about Evans?" he asked incredulously.
"I don't know," Liz admitted softly.
He turned away and Liz thought she must have hurt him with her words. Perhaps she'd misjudged the extent of his feelings for her and she felt instantly sorry. She took a couple of tentative steps toward him as he raked his hand through his hair, but she stopped as he turned back to her.
"Liz, I know you have reasons why you don't allow yourself to get too close to me, and I thought we were working some of them out. Maybe I was wrong."
Liz opened her mouth to speak but Kyle held up a hand cutting her off. "I'm not trying to push you into anything. I just want you to be careful."
Liz nodded.
"We're still friends, right?" Kyle asked, a boyish grin curving his mouth.
"Yeah,” Liz agreed with a relieved smile. “we're still friends."
Kyle nodded. "I mean you hardly know this Evans guy, Liz. What makes you trust him?"
Liz considered for a moment before answering, but realized her words were the truth. "I don't know, I just do."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz was ready for her date with Max at seven. She had purposefully taken her time, not wanting to be left waiting with nothing to occupy her but her thoughts. But she still had thirty minutes to kill.
It felt like an eternity to be left alone with her thoughts, because lately they were leading her into dangerous territory. More and more she had come to believe Max was different; that he wouldn't hurt her, that it might be okay to let him get close, and even trust him with her heart.
Trust was not something that came easily to her and she really hadn't known him very long. Something within her wanted to trust him, needed to trust him. But Kyle's words that afternoon had made an impression, and she found herself going into familiar territory. Could she trust Max?
Max had made it perfectly clear from the beginning he was attracted to her, and he hadn't rushed her to sleep with him. He'd been persistent but he had said she would set the pace. He made her aware of his presence and the fact he wouldn't just simply leave, but he hadn’t pressured her. And, she reminded herself, he isn't trying to control your life.
Max hadn't tried to influence how she dressed, or what kind of job she had, or who her friends were. He knew she was seeing Kyle, and he hadn't even mentioned him, much less tried to get her to stop dating him. Maybe Max was different.
She let herself relax. Max wasn’t pressuring her to make a decision about their relationship. Only Maria and now Kyle were looking for answers that she wasn't yet ready to give, and they had nothing to do with the situation. Liz knew they were only both concerned about her welfare, for completely different reasons, but she didn't have to worry about them tonight. She could simply enjoy the evening and take her time.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Max drove them to one of the floating restaurants on the river. They were actually converted boats but Liz had never been on one and took in everything excitedly. As they were led to a table by the rail, Liz noted there were only a few other couples dining. It was late in the year to eat outside, but the night was warm and the sky was clear allowing them to see every star above.
The water lapped gently on the side of the boat, making a soft, musical sound to accompany their dinner. As they ate, they spoke of many things; their jobs, their families, movies and music. It was all so relaxed, so normal that Liz's earlier anxieties melted away. Whenever she was with Max, his calm demeanor soothed her worries and fears.
After dinner he suggested a walk along the path bordering the river, and Liz eagerly agreed. It was so romantic. Only the street lamps following the sidewalk and the stars above lighted their way. Max took her hand, and they walked until they were past the few couples that were also taking advantage of the temperate evening. When the other people had been left behind, they leaned against the railing and admired the view of the illuminated buildings across the water.
Neither of them spoke, the silence interrupted only by the sound of the water brushing against the shore. Max wrapped his arm around Liz's shoulders and pulled her into his side.
Letting him bring her closer, she relaxed into him after only a moment of hesitation, her head finding a perfect fit against his chest. Liz closed her eyes and released a sigh as she turned into him and slid her arm under his jacket and around his waist. Max’s head descended to rest on top of hers as his other arm enclosed her in his warm embrace.
Liz could feel Max's solid body beneath her hands and had a moment of anxiety when she considered his physical strength. But her fear quickly passed and she took deep breaths allowing herself to relax. She felt safe with Max, knowing instinctively he wouldn't hurt her, and suddenly she had the urge to tell him.
"Max?" She pulled back slightly so she could look into his face.
He loosened his grasp but didn’t let go. "Yes."
The golden eyes searching her face were full of concern and something else she couldn't put a name to but it almost looked like fear. That was silly, Liz thought to herself as she pushed the thought away, Max was strong and in control of his life, surely there was nothing for him to fear.
She smiled. "I just wanted to thank you for letting me set the pace. I feel close to you and it makes me feel ... well... safe, for lack of a better word," she explained. "I feel safe with you Max."
A smile lit his face. "Thank you Liz. Thank you for telling me." His raised his hand to stroke her cheek as he slowly lowered his head toward hers. His voice was almost a whisper. "Will you still feel safe with me after I do this?" He lightly brushed her lips with his own.
Liz felt the electricity run through her even at the barest of his touches. "Yes," she sighed.
"How about this?" He captured her lips again and this time his kiss was harder and more demanding, his lips lingering on hers, devouring.
Liz wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, wanting to lengthen the kiss. Max kissed her thoroughly but she could feel his restraint, and she was sorry when he broke away from her.
"Yes Max," she said breathlessly, "I still feel safe with you."
She stood on her tiptoes, splayed her hands across his chest to steady herself and peppered light kisses over his neck.
"Liz," he groaned.
She smiled inwardly because she could feel his surprise but he quickly recovered, pulling her face up to meet his, enthusiastically returning her kisses. Parting her lips Liz welcomed him inside, her tongue eagerly meeting his.
This time Liz was the one to end the kiss. She pulled away from him enough to see his face and struggled to catch her breath. "Well Max, I guess the question now is, do you still feel safe with me?"
He grinned and placed a quick kiss on her forehead. "Well," he considered, struggling to keep a straight face. "I'll need to spend more time with you in order to make an informed decision. You should come to lunch with me on Sunday.”
Her brow wrinkled in mock concentration and she nodded. "I see what you mean. It would be foolish to jump to conclusions. More data is definitely required."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The three cousins had decided to set aside lunch on Saturday as family time. They were to meet at Liz’s house a little after noon for a sort of potluck with each person assigned to bring two things. Liz hadn't seen Alex or Maria for almost a week and even though she was excited to see them, her evening with Max kept replaying in her mind.
She was having a hard time focusing on what she was doing and scowled as she noticed the mangled pieces of celery and carrots she had cut for the salad. Setting aside the knife Liz allowed the feelings from last night to come rushing over her. It amazed her that even when she was away from Max, she could still feel the pressure of his lips, the sensation of his hands touching her. She shivered sensing his presence, and was almost surprised he wasn't really there.
The emotions and sensations Max could arouse in her had initially scared her. But she admitted to herself that not only was she getting used to them, she craved them, craved him.
Taking a deep, shaky breath and releasing it slowly, Liz tried to get herself back under control. She would be with him tomorrow she reminded herself, she could wait that long. There were more urgent considerations, like lunch.
Banishing thoughts of Max to the back of her mind, she retrieved the knife to finish the salad.
Liz always enjoyed spending time with Maria and Alex, but since she had started seeing Max the two of them had taken it upon themselves to closely monitor the situation. They were just looking out for her because it was the first time in a long time she had allowed a man to get close to her, but it made her uncomfortable.
Sinking into her favorite overstuffed chair Liz contemplated what she would be subjected to. Maria and Alex would barrage her with questions about Max and the state of the relationship, and she rolled her eyes anticipating the worst. They would both work on her until she gave them the information they wanted. Fleetingly she wondered if Alex had asked Max about her, but she really couldn’t picture Alex being able to force information out of Max.
The doorbell rang signaling Maria’s arrival, early just as Liz had expected, and she warily followed Maria into the kitchen waiting for the questions to start.
Liz was pleasantly surprised when her sister started telling her about the latest project she had been working on instead of focusing on her love life. But she suspected Maria and Alex had made a pact to wait until they were all together for the inquisition to begin.
Alex arrived soon after, greeting them by claiming he was famished and they worked to quickly put together their lunch. Small talk dominated the meal and Liz began to relax, hoping maybe they had gotten tired of discussing her love life. But as they started to clear away the remains of their lunch, the questions began.
Most of their questions Liz answered easily, knowing Maria was only half joking when she asked about the date for the wedding. But as Liz collapsed into a chair in the sitting room, her sister and cousin dropped the bomb they had obviously been saving.
Alex leaned forward running his hand through his hair with a serious expression on his face. Liz suspected what was coming and steeled herself as he began. "Liz," Alex started. "Have you told Max what happened with Sean yet?"
Even though Liz had expected the question, just hearing the name made her stomach clench. Tears pricked her eyes and she swallowed hard to dislodge the lump that was suddenly in her throat. She shook her head not trusting herself to speak.
Maria was immediately at her side wrapping her arms around her. "Liz, we know it's not easy for you to talk about, but you need to tell Max if this relationship is going to have a chance."
Liz knew Maria was right, even though she didn't want to admit it. She expelled a tension-filled breath and pressed her hands over her eyes.
"Liz," Alex continued softly, "you know I wouldn't tell anyone, but when Max asked me for your phone number, I did tell him you'd had a bad experience in the past and he needed to take things slow. I also told him that if he hurt you, I would clean up the floor with his sorry butt."
Liz smiled at the image that was conjured into her mind as Alex continued. "Max will understand Liz, he's a good guy. It can only make you closer to each other."
Liz nodded. "I know he'll understand Alex. I just don't like talking about it to anyone. And I'm not sure where I want this... this situation with Max to go. It's nice being with him and he’s been great but..."
"It's not as if you have to decide right now what is happening between you two," Maria conceded, "but I agree with Alex. I think it could only help you to take a chance and open up to someone outside of the family."
Liz looked down at the carpet suddenly finding it very interesting. "I just feel so stupid that I let it happen."
"Hey!" Maria exclaimed as she stood with her hands on her hips. "You didn't let anything happen. There's no way you could have known what Sean was." She grabbed Liz's chin and forced her to look her in the face. "You were strong. You got out and walked away. You didn't let him control you."
"Yeah," Liz agreed sarcastically, "I'm so strong that just thinking about it after almost three years still makes me practically lose it. I'm so strong that I still can't have a normal relationship because I'm suspicious of men's motives."
"Liz, you are stronger than you think." Alex assured her softly, as he reached out and touched her knee.
"I hope you're right," Liz whispered.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Monday morning was especially busy and Liz was glad she'd hired the additional help to take some of the workload. When she was finally able to take a few moments to herself, Liz found her mind wandering back to the day before and the time she had spent with Max.
He had taken her to an early lunch at a cafe in the heart of the city. Afterward they'd spent the rest of the day wandering among the sidewalk merchants that gather every Sunday.
They had strolled, hand in hand, leisurely up one side of the street and then back down the other. Neither of them was in a hurry to end their time together and they lingered over the booths, taking more time than was necessary. They examined the merchandise for sale, discussing the merits of some and laughing at others.
While Max was examining a book of old maps, Liz's attention was caught by a rocking chair in the next booth.
She had never seen anything like it and skirted around the other items, anxious to examine the chair more closely. It was mostly composed of straight lines and sharp angles, except for the rockers themselves which were a curiously contrasting organic curve, and it had been polished to bring out the rich golden color of the wood.
When Liz asked about it, the seller told her his brother manufactured them and offered her a test drive. It was surprisingly comfortable, conforming to her body almost as if it were made for her.
As she rocked she let her mind wander, picturing how perfect the chair would be in the cabin overlooking the lake that Max had taken her to. She imagined herself there, rocking in the chair in front of a roaring fire while Max sat across from her reading the paper.
The vision was so vivid that she actually heard the wind whistling through the trees outside while they were warmed by the fire and each other’s company.
A child's cry intruded into her dream and she rose from her seat. She felt cold and alone after the wonderful fantasy and automatically looked for Max. Almost immediately she spotted him still at the book stall, and hurried back to him. Max smiled as she approached and Liz slipped her hand into his, eager to regain some of the warmth she’d felt. He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her forehead.
It was the first time she had gone to him and initiated contact, and she felt as if something subtle between them had changed. And she wondered if Max felt it too.
As the afternoon continued, Liz was aware that Max took every chance to touch her. He leaned in behind her caressing her arms as she scanned the book titles. His hands wandered over her back as she looked at the artwork, and stroked her neck as she admired the jewelry. He was making her aware of his presence, reminding her of the pleasure of being with him, and he slowly drove her crazy.
By the end of the day she was a mass of raw nerves, and each new touch sent electricity spiraling through her. When he finally took her home she was ready for his assault, she even welcomed it.
Max walked her to the door, looked down into her flushed face and smiled. Liz wondered briefly what he saw in her expression that pleased him, but when he reached out to cup her cheek and his head descended toward her, all thoughts were chased from her mind. She closed her eyes simply wanting his touch.
His lips lightly grazed hers once, twice, and she eagerly waited for him to continue. But her eyes snapped open when he withdrew his hand, leaving her cheek cold where his warmth had been.
Confusion was clearly written across her face as she looked at him.
Max took her hands as he spoke. "I had a great day, Liz. Thank you for coming with me."
"I had fun too," she said softly, still wondering what to expect.
Max simply smiled. "Liz, I would like to take you somewhere on Friday. Will you come with me?"
"Where?" she asked breathlessly.
"It's a surprise," he said with a gleam of mischief in his eye, "but I will tell you that it's formal."
"Formal,” she said with surprise. “Wow I haven't been anywhere formal except a wedding in a while." A teasing grin lifted the corners of her mouth. "I don’t have a thing to wear."
Max smiled. "Liz, say you’ll come with me," he encouraged.
"Sure I'll come," she agreed. "I always like surprises."
Max's eyes locked with hers, drawing her to him, and suddenly the atmosphere changed from light and bantering to one charged with electricity. Liz's smile faded as Max slowly brushed his hand down her arm, barely touching her. She felt compelled to lean into him, but before she gave in to her urge, Max's arm fell to his side. "I'd better go now," he said abruptly.
Liz’s heart sank. She never wanted the day to end and she certainly didn’t want him to leave. "Oh...," she said uncertainly.
She knew he must have a reason going, so she didn’t give into her urge to beg him to stay. "Okay," she agreed softly.
Max’s eyes continued to hold hers as he raised her hand to his lips. He pressed a hard kiss into her palm, sending shivers through her and making her gasp at the unexpected contact. A slight smile raised the corners of his mouth and Liz had an overwhelming desire to trace her fingers along the edges of his lips. But she let her arm fall to her side when he released it.
Finally Max took a step back. "Goodnight Liz," he said softly. He quickly turned and walked to his car before she was able to process that he was really going.
Liz hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him all night, and even now the next day, she could still feel shivers racing through her body. Max had a power over her that no other man had. She still didn't understand it but it didn't scare her as it used to. A slight frown marred her face as she wondered if this was what it was like to be in love.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
More flowers were delivered when Liz returned from lunch; a large bouquet of different colored daisies in a tall, simple glass vase. She signed for the flowers and returned the clipboard to the deliveryman with a tip.
He grinned. "Something else came with the flowers," he said. He reached into his pocket and handed her a long, soft pouch before leaving.
Liz opened the pouch, lifted out the contents and gasped when they were revealed. She carefully held an antique necklace and matching earrings she had admired in one of the booths yesterday. They were made of intricately worked, tiny silver charms that were separated by jet and silver beads. She had loved them on sight and briefly considered buying them, but she'd been surprised by the high price and quickly returned the set to the display.
But Max had obviously noticed her interest and covertly purchased it for her.
Several emotions raced through her simultaneously. Liz's first reaction was pleasure. She couldn't believe Max had marked her interest, but it clearly showed he noticed even small things about her.
Her next reaction was relief because Max had bought something she'd admired and not something he wanted for her, and that proved he wasn’t trying to make her into an image he had of her.
Finally she felt guilt. She couldn't allow him to spend so much money on a gift, but she knew if she attempted to return it to him, he would be disappointed. He bought it for her so he wanted her to have it.
Quickly she decided she would keep the gift and determined to wear it the next time she saw him. Laying the necklace on her desk, she reached for the card that accompanied the flowers.
Something to wear on Friday.
- Max
Liz attempted to stifle the laughter she felt bubbling up, but in the end it came to the surface and her face was flushed with pleasure as Kyle walked in. He took in the flowers on her desk with a scowl and it deepened when he saw her face.
She sobered immediately when she saw Kyle's expression. "What's wrong Kyle?"
His face suddenly cleared. "Oh nothing," he sighed as he approached. "I see Evans has struck again."
"Kyle..."
He interrupted her. "I mean he must be single-handedly keeping that florist in business."
"Kyle...," Liz attempted again with a laugh.
He stopped in front of her desk. Liz saw his eyes focus on the necklace and she groaned inwardly, knowing she couldn’t simply hide it and avoid his questions.
But Kyle didn't ask her about it. He stood silent for a moment before smiling. "Liz, are you free for lunch tomorrow to discuss the designs for the Olson account?"
Liz was caught off-guard by the sudden switch in topic but she agreed the account needed some work. "Um sure, is eleven-thirty good for you?"
"Just fine," Kyle agreed. "I'll meet you here tomorrow."
Liz waited a minute after he left to call Max. Kyle had been acting strangely since he found out she was seeing Max and the last thing she wanted was for him to hear was her call. She knew Kyle was disappointed about their relationship and she didn't want to hurt him any more than she already had.
Max had been so generous and kind to her that Liz wanted to do something to thank him. Briefly she considered taking him to dinner but quickly dismissed the idea. She wanted to do something more personal, and after a few more discarded ideas decided to invite him to her house for a home-cooked meal.
The perfect day would be Sunday. It would give her time to prepare something special and wouldn't leave her rushing around after work. Having decided on a course of action, she picked up the phone and began to dial.
"Evans." Max answered the phone.
Warm shivers crept down her spine as she heard his voice. "Hi Max, it’s Liz."
"Liz, how are you?" he rumbled.
"Great,” Liz said. “How are you today?"
"Fine," he said, his voice dropping to barely a whisper, "except I miss you."
Liz felt the heat of a blush starting and thrilled at his words. "I miss you too," she admitted softly.
"Liz," he growled, "do you have any idea what you do to me?"
"No, I... um...," she choked.
"Damn," he said abruptly. "I have these business meetings all week that I can't get out of, but I want to see you. Just a minute, Liz."
She heard him talking to his secretary. "Courtney, do I have any free time in the next couple of days?"
Liz could hear Courtney's voice. "You're scheduled for dinner tonight, lunch and dinner Tuesday and dinner on Wednesday but lunch that day is free. Remember the contractor had to cancel?"
"Yeah, thanks." His voice came back on the line, "Liz, I know it's short notice but would you come to lunch with me on Wednesday?"
"Sure Max,” she agreed eagerly. “I’d like that. What time?"
"How about eleven-thirty,” he suggested. “We can make it a long lunch, take our time. You could always tell your boss I'm a potential client who needs wooing with food."
Liz could hear the teasing note in his voice and laughed. "I am the boss, and eleven-thirty is fine." She sobered, remembering the reason for her call. "Max, I called to thank you for the flowers and the jewelry you sent me. I can't believe you were able to buy the necklace without me noticing."
"I can be pretty sneaky when I want to be," he purred.
She laughed at his reply. "Yeah, I guess you can."
"You do like them don't you?" he asked.
"Yes Max, I love them,” she assured him. “Thank you. I'm sorry I didn't mean to sound so..."
"I almost expected you to try and return it to me," he said dryly.
"The thought did cross my mind," she admitted.
"Ah," he said triumphantly. "But you decided to keep it. Why?"
"I thought it was too expensive a gift,” Liz said. “But I know you wouldn't have bought it for me if you didn't want me to have it, so I decided to graciously accept."
"I'm glad," Max said softly.
"But..." she started.
He cut her off with a groan. "I knew there was a but."
Liz laughed. "But, in order to thank you I wanted to ask you to my house for dinner on Sunday."
"You don't have to do that, Liz," he said blandly.
Disappointment slashed through her. "I know I don’t have to, but I want to," she explained.
There was a long pause on the other end of the line, like he was deciding what to do. And Liz wondered if she had been too forward when Max finally answered.
"Thank you Liz,” he said softly. “I would love to come to dinner. What time on Sunday?"
Her spirits soared again. "Is six o'clock okay?"
"Great,” Max said enthusiastically. “I'm looking forward to it. And I'll come by your office Wednesday to pick you up for lunch."
