Liz awoke the next morning with a sense of apprehension. All night she had dreamed of Max and his golden eyes. Those eyes had followed her everywhere and she couldn’t seem to escape them. They were able to look into her soul and see her deepest secrets; she couldn't hide anything from them.
Pushing the notion aside she forced a laugh. She was being absurd, Liz told herself, worried about nothing. It's not like she would ever see Max again. But even as the thought entered her head she knew she was wrong.
He had practically promised they would see each other again. He had even said they would see each other often. A shiver ran through her as she remembered his words, and she wondered if she wanted to see him again.
He was so handsome and intense. No other man had made her feel so many things just with his presence. They had barely spoken a dozen words to one another but he had made her feel beautiful and desired in a way she had never felt before.
No, she argued with herself, it was better to stay away from Max Evans. He made her feel things, he made her have rebellious thoughts. He threatened her self-control and her peace of mind. No, she shouldn’t see him again.
Max was dangerous.
Kyle didn't cause reactions like that within her; he was controllable, safe.
Liz thought back to last night when Kyle had walked her back to her car. He had asked her to dinner for the next Friday and mentioned something about getting theater tickets. It was odd because he'd never asked her out more than a day or two in advance and he'd never taken her to the theater.
Many times she had told him how she loved to go but he always said he had a hard time staying awake. For a moment she had wondered what he hoped to gain getting tickets now, but she had chastised herself almost immediately. Kyle had simply changed his mind, that didn’t mean he had an ulterior motive.
Liz’s happiness at his gesture had been reflected in her smile and Kyle leaned in for a kiss. At first she had been surprised. Kyle had never kissed her before in such a public place, but she didn’t object. And when Kyle had moved closer to deepen the kiss, she leaned into him. It had been pleasant, like his kisses always were but Liz was aware for the first time that something was missing.
As she had driven home her thoughts had turned to events in the restaurant that evening, specifically the way Max had affected her. She didn't know how it was possible that she could have reacted to Max in such a way because she usually controlled her emotions so carefully.
But she had felt an instant connection to Max, had been drawn to him. She had been captivated by what she had sensed, and unable to stop the sensations that had flowed through her. Liz knew she had really made a fool out of herself mooning over Max in the restaurant, but something in the back of her mind told her that Max had had the same reaction to her.
The phone rang, interrupting her thoughts and Liz picked up the receiver knowing it would be Maria wanting her usual post date wrap-up. She smiled thinking of her sister. They both had the same dark hair and eyes, the same slight build, but the physical side was where the similarities ended. Maria was nearly four years younger than Liz's twenty-five and her sister was full of energy and enthusiasm for everything, while Liz had always been more sober and responsible.
"Hi sis," Liz greeted warmly.
"Hey hon," Maria said. She quickly got to the point. "So how'd it go with Kyle last night?"
"Well something totally unexpected happened at the restaurant last night," Liz said and then paused for dramatic effect. "Alex was there."
"Really?" Maria squealed with delight but instantly the tone of her voice turned to annoyance. "Wait, Alex is in town and he didn't let us know?"
Liz laughed. "Well the best part is he's bought a house and is moving back into town to take a job at Datatronics."
"That sneaky jerk!” Maria exclaimed. “We talk on the phone all the time and he never mentioned a thing."
Liz smiled. "He said he wanted it to be a surprise."
"Well it's a surprise all right," Maria agreed with a laugh. "When are we all getting together?"
"Alex promised he would call me this morning,” Liz said, “and maybe we'll meet for lunch."
"Datatronics," Maria said consideringly. "I think I've heard of that company. They make software right?"
"Yeah,” Liz said. “Alex was meeting his boss at the restaurant last night. His name is Max Evans and..." she trailed off, suddenly realizing what she was saying.
"Oh really?" Maria asked, immediately interested. "What was he like?"
Liz could hear the teasing note in her sister's voice and wondered why she had brought Max into the conversation.
"We really didn't talk much, because he and Alex had business to do," she added quickly, trying to change the subject. She really didn’t want to face her sister's third degree and brought the conversation back to a safer topic. "Kyle thought he might be able to push our services into the company now that he's made contact with the owner."
"Oh!” Maria exclaimed. “How did Kyle like Alex? Or more to the point how did Alex like Kyle?" She giggled. "You know, if Kyle is going to be a member of the family, then as our closest male relative Alex should approve of him."
Maria dissolved into fits of laughter and Liz rolled her eyes. "Maria you are the worst, and who says Kyle even wants to join the family? We've only been seeing each other for a few weeks."
"Well,” Maria said, suddenly sober, “when you meet the right one, it doesn't take long for most people to figure it out. Maybe Kyle isn't the right one for you."
Liz sighed. "Maria, I can hear the speculative tone in your voice and just because the love of your life is out of town for a couple of months, don't get any more ideas about setting me up with every eligible male in the area," she said exasperatedly.
"Well," Maria huffed, "you don't seem very enthusiastic about Kyle."
"I like Kyle,” Liz said. “It’s just..." she trailed off.
Maria picked up her thought. "It's just that you had your heart stomped on by a big jerk and have tried to keep emotional attachments to a minimum since then."
"Maria..." Liz started in a warning tone.
"I know,” Maria sighed, “you don't want to talk about it. You never do.” She paused, “I just think you should give Kyle a chance. That's all."
"I am giving him a chance,” Liz said exasperatedly, “that's why I keep accepting dates with him.” She sighed. “Now can we please drop the subject?"
"Sure, sure." Maria paused for a moment and added, "Just let me know when we are getting together with Alex, okay?"
Liz sighed, "You know I will. I'll talk to you after he calls."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz spent the morning doing her usual Saturday chores, cleaning, laundry, and doing her bills. She was trying to keep busy to stop wayward thoughts, but her mind kept wandering back to her dreams and the man whose eyes had affected her so deeply.
When Liz had finished with her usual routine she looked at the clock and noticed it was only ten. Instantly she decided it was a good day to give the bathroom a really thorough cleaning. She scrubbed and polished until her arms ached and a fine sheen of perspiration covered her but it hadn't helped scrub out the unbidden thoughts. Her mind continually returned to Max; the dimple in his chin, the way his smile made her stomach flip, his smoldering eyes.
When the phone rang she was glad for the distraction, and eagerly reached for it. "Alex!” she exclaimed on hearing the familiar voice. “I was just thinking about you," she lied.
"Well that's always nice to hear,” he said. “I'm meeting with Max this morning but we should be finished around one. Why don't you and Maria come over to my place and we can have a late lunch here?"
"That sounds great Alex." Liz said with a smile.
"My new address is...” he trailed off. “Oh, hang on a minute Liz. Hey Max could you toss that notebook to me."
Liz felt her heart jump at the mention of Max's name. He was at Alex's house right now.
Alex's voice broke into her thoughts. "I haven't memorized my address yet," he chuckled, turning his attention back to her. "Okay," he started flipping through the pages of the book, "it's 1786 West Dover Lane."
Liz quickly wrote down the address as her mind raced. Perhaps she should show up a little early, then she could see Max, and this time he wouldn't have such an affect on her. She reasoned that she was only still thinking about him because he was mysterious and new. If she could see him again she would be able to put the situation in perspective, proving to herself that she had just overreacted last night. After all, he was just a man, like any other man.
"Liz?" Alex’s voice brought her back to the present.
"Oh, sorry Alex I was concentrating on ... writing down the address," she finished lamely. "What were you saying?"
"I just said I'd see you here about one."
"Okay, great," she agreed. "I'll see you then."
Yeah, she thought to herself as she put the phone down, a plan already taking shape in her mind. She would go early and confront Max to get him and his eyes out of her head. Then she would be able to see he was just a regular guy and that would be the end of it.
Liz called Maria with the address and the time and then she started getting ready. Quickly she showered and washed her hair. She dried and brushed the dark length until it shone, before pulling it back into a ponytail that ended just below her shoulder blades. Finally she carefully applied her makeup, reasoning that one ought to look her best when confronting personal demons.
Seeking just the right outfit, she looked through her clothes. Mentally discarding most of her business attire immediately, she noted glumly it didn't leave much to choose from. With a sigh of frustration she admitted that she needed to go shopping.
Finally settling on a light short-sleeved blue sweater and a pair of slim tan slacks, she checked her reflection critically in the mirror, giving herself the once-over and smiling at the result. No one could say Liz Parker went into battle unprepared.
It was almost twelve thirty she noted, glancing at the clock. She was familiar with the part of town where Alex lived, but didn’t know exactly where the street was and grabbed the phone book to look it up. It was only about a fifteen-minute drive from her house and she calculated that she should get there in plenty of time to see Max before he left. And grabbing her jacket and purse, she hurried out the door.
Liz drove carefully, fiercely willing the butterflies in her stomach to fly the coop and wondering why she was so nervous about seeing him. She’d had an immediate reaction to him last night, but that feeling wasn’t real, and it wouldn’t last. It was ridiculous to be worried about him, she told herself. The light of day would show her exactly how much she had over-reacted.
As she finally turned her car onto the street, she scanned for the correct address, noting absentmindedly that the houses were all very spacious with large yards. Spotting the correct number, toward the end of the street, she sighed with relief. There were still two cars parked in the driveway, Alex's red SUV and a smaller black car she could barely see behind it. Parking in the street, she took a moment to calm herself with a deep breath or two, since the butterflies were now working overtime.
Liz approached the door apprehensively, growing more and more nervous with every step. As she rang the bell she began to wonder if her plan was such a great idea after all, but short of running for cover there was nothing she could do now. Taking another deep breath, she reminded herself that she had never been one to back down from a challenge.
Suddenly she heard approaching footsteps and smiled as Alex opened the door. "I'm sorry I'm a bit early, Alex," she apologized nervously.
"Liz," Alex greeted her with a quick hug, "that's okay, we're just wrapping up anyway. Come on in." He motioned, leading the way down the hall. "I'll give you the tour when Maria gets here. Max and I are back here in the office."
He led her into a room paneled with dark wood, and her eyes flicked quickly around the room taking in the minimal furniture. There was a large desk covered with computers, and four overstuffed chairs around a table scattered with papers, where they had obviously been working.
Liz didn’t immediately see Max because his chair was turned slightly away from the door but her eyes were drawn to his movement as Alex spoke.
"Max, you remember my cousin Liz, from last night," Alex tossed out with a mischievous sparkle in his eye.
Max stood smiling. He moved toward her, his eyes immediately pinning hers as he took her hand. "Of course," he purred. "How could I forget someone so beautiful?"
Liz felt the electricity shoot up her spine and the start of a blush from his words. Again she was struck with the reaction he caused in her. Obviously the plan was not working out like she had hoped.
Now that Max was standing next to her, she could see how tall he really was and she had to look up at least six inches to meet his eyes. She struggled to keep her voice under control as she felt the warmth from his hand seeping into hers. "Thank you,” she said attempting to sound casual. “It's nice to see you again. I hope I'm not interrupting, I'm a little early."
"Not at all, we were just finishing," Max replied.
Liz felt herself being drawn into his golden gaze once again. The warm amber seemed to surround her, and she wanted to let herself sink into and be soothed by it like a hot bath on a cold day.
But Alex’s voice broke the spell. "Liz let me take your jacket, and can I get you a drink?"
She turned toward Alex gratefully. A blush colored her cheeks as she quickly disengaged her hand from Max's when she realized he was still holding it. "Yeah, um just some water please," she stuttered nervously.
"Have a seat and you can get to know each other," Alex tossed over his shoulder as he left the room.
Liz carefully settled herself where Alex indicated, next to Max. She took a calming breath and turned toward him with a cool smile, knowing he was watching her every reaction.
Max regained his seat and waited until she looked at him to speak. "Liz, I'm glad we ran into each other today. I was going to call you later."
Liz felt her eyes widen in surprise, but struggled to appear calm. “Why?” she asked a little breathlessly.
He smiled and leaned in closer, placing his hands on the table, and she looked down at them trying to avoid the intensity of his gaze.
His voice dropped to an intimate level, "I know it's sudden, but have brunch with me tomorrow."
Liz’s eyes snapped back to his. She was stunned by his request but she felt a rush of something that might have been excitement along with alarm. She quite literally didn't know what to say. "Brunch?" she asked, a perplexed look crossing her face.
"Yeah.” He smiled gently and continued, dismissing her obvious confusion. "I'll pick you up at ten o'clock."
Her first reaction was to decline but there was something in his beautiful eyes, a tenderness, a warmth, that compelled her to agree. "Um... Okay, ten o'clock," she nodded and returned his smile weakly, not sure exactly why she had accepted.
Alex returned with her water and spoke excitedly as he sat, drawing her attention to him. "Hey Liz, I just had the best idea. You remember last night when we were talking about how small our family is?"
He didn't wait for her to answer before continuing, "I thought it'd be great to get everybody together, like a family reunion. We could have it up at my new cabin. Kind of break the place in."
Grateful for the interruption Liz agreed enthusiastically, "Alex, that's a great idea. I haven't seen some of the family for years."
"Yeah." He paused, thinking. "I could set it up for about a month from now. We could have an open house over a weekend and people could come and go as they needed to," he enthused, looking at her. "Do you think that would be too soon?"
"No, I think it would be perfect. It's not too close to the holidays, and like you said, people could come when it was convenient for them. Maria and I will be glad to help out with whatever you need us to do."
"I'll keep you in mind but I think my mom will want to take charge as usual. I'll just have to call and mention the idea and it'll come together magically." He turned toward Max. "Max, you haven't been to my cabin yet. You'll have to come up some weekend and stay."
"That would be great Alex,” Max agreed as he rose from his seat, gathering his things together. “I was thinking of getting a place up there and I could look around the area.”
"Max, you don't have to leave," Alex offered, standing.
"I'll get out of your way,” Max said. “I know you are expecting more company and you'll want to catch up."
"Really,” Alex said. “I am sure the girls won't mind if you join us for lunch," he added, looking at Liz.
"Oh, right." Liz replied, pasting on a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "No, Max we'd be happy to have you stay for lunch. Any friend of Alex's..." She trailed off as he looked in her direction with a smile that took her breath.
"Thanks for the invitation,” he said, never taking his eyes off her, “but I have some work to finish this afternoon." He stepped closer making her heart kick into overdrive and his voice dropped almost to a whisper. "I'll see you at ten o'clock tomorrow."
She nodded mutely and hoped he couldn't see the blush threatening to creep up her face.
Max smiled and turned his attention back to Alex. "Let's have a meeting Monday morning to get everything finished up."
"Right,” Alex agreed, “just call with the time." He looked from Max to Liz knowing he'd missed something, but he motioned down the hall. "I'll walk you to the door Max."
Just as Liz expected, Max took one last look at her before leaving the room. She waited a moment to make sure he was gone and then let all the breath rush out of her lungs. What had she gotten herself into with this brunch tomorrow? she wondered. She hadn’t intended to go, but somehow she’d found herself agreeing.
As she considered the brunch, her mind was racing with possibilities. It just wasn't a good idea. How could she willingly walk into a situation she had so little control over?
Liz shook her head. No. There had to be a way she could break the date, she thought, mentally cringing at the word date. Oh no, she wasn't going to date him. Surely Alex had Max's phone number. She would just call and cancel. Yeah, she warmed to the topic, already hearing her end of the conversation. "Sorry Max but something else came up and I have to cancel."
Groaning inwardly, she sank down into the chair. How could he have this kind of an affect on her? She barely knew him and she was already thinking up excuses to get out of a date with him. It was like the plot of a bad sit-com.
But something in the back of her mind told her even if she did cancel, it wouldn't be the last she heard from Max Evans. Supposedly she was an adult, she told herself. Did she really have to make excuses to him? She should just go to brunch with him and maybe he wouldn't even want to see her again. Maybe they wouldn't get along, maybe they had nothing in common.
Alex came back into the room, grinning. "So you're seeing Max tomorrow,” he said with a chuckle. “That was quick work. He just asked me for your phone number and address this morning." He saw the stunned expression on her face but he continued teasingly. "Of course Max always was one to go after what he wants."
"Alex!" Liz warned.
"Don't get me wrong Liz, he's a great guy,” Alex said. “One of the best people I know but he can be very single-minded," he teased, his grin widening, "and it looks like you are on his mind."
Embarrassed, Liz looked down as he continued. "I thought I noticed something last night at the restaurant between you. I think Kyle noticed it too."
Her eyes snapped back to his and Alex was suddenly serious. "What is your relationship with Kyle anyway?"
Thoughts were flying through her head too quickly to recognize and she nervously tried to answer him. "I... We... There's..." she trailed off, suddenly latching on to what he had said. "Alex what are you talking about? What do you mean you noticed something between us last night?" she asked exasperatedly.
"Well I know you aren't serious about Kyle anyway,” Alex continued, oblivious to her discomfort, “and when two people have that instant spark like you and Max did, there's nothing you can do. Kyle will just have to get over it," he mumbled dismissively.
"Alex, I don't know anything about a spark," Liz scoffed. Rising quickly, she started to pace in front of her chair. "I'm not sure why I even agreed to see Max," she raved, waving her arms expressively. "I'm seeing Kyle.”
Stopping suddenly, she looked at Alex. “I don't even know what I'm doing," she said breathlessly.
Alex, seeing how upset she was, crossed to her, and wrapped his arm around her. "Liz, it's okay,” he soothed. “I know you've a hard time trusting men and rightly so, but Max is a good man. I know he would never intentionally hurt you. I think you'll like him if you just give him a chance, okay?"
He continued when she didn't respond. "Since your parents died I kind of feel responsible for you and Maria, like a brother, and you know I wouldn't let you go into a bad situation, right?"
The doorbell interrupted them. Liz nodded and looked up at him smiling stiffly. "Okay, Alex."
"That must be Maria." He took Liz by the hand and smiled, "Come on and I'll give you both the tour."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The three cousins spent the next couple of hours retelling stories from their childhood and catching up on the present. They talked about the reunion and called Alex's mom, Diane, on the speakerphone. And just as Alex had predicted, she eagerly took charge of the whole affair, even suggesting they all go and stay at the cabin the next weekend so they could make sure everything was in order.
Everyone eagerly agreed that a mini vacation would be just the thing and they quickly worked out the details. Alex would go up Friday night with his mother and since Liz had a date Friday night with Kyle, she and Maria would drive up on Saturday morning.
As they finalized the plans, Liz found her thoughts wandering again and again to Max. She just couldn't seem to get him out of her mind and wasn't surprised when Alex brought him up. "Liz, you still haven't told Maria about your date tomorrow with Max."
Maria sat up straighter and turned to Liz. "Max, Alex's friend and new boss Max? Liz, you didn't say anything about having a date with him when we talked this morning and you've let me sit here all afternoon without telling me," she declared with a laugh.
"That's because I didn't have a date with him this morning and I ..." Liz trailed off not sure why she hadn't mentioned it to her sister.
Alex finished for her. "I think Liz is a bit embarrassed, although I don't know why."
"Well, tell me all about him," Maria enthused.
"I've hardly even spoken a dozen sentences to him," Liz said evasively. "Alex could tell you much more about him than I could."
Maria turned to Alex with an eager expression. "So Alex, spill."
"Let's see," he started with a look of concentration. "Max and I went to college together. He was my student mentor in the computer science department. He's very smart and determined and very good at..."
"No, no, no." Maria interrupted him. "That's not what I meant. I want to know the good stuff!" she exclaimed excitedly. "Like what does he look like, is he handsome? He owns the company where you just got a job so he must be rich, but how old is he?"
"Well," Alex drawled thoughtfully, "Max is two years older than I am, so he's twenty-nine. As for what he looks like, he's about my height and has dark hair. I really couldn't tell you if he's handsome or not, I'd best defer to Liz's judgment on that one."
They both turned toward her expectantly.
"I, uh, well, yes, I guess he's good looking," Liz stammered, her eyes looking anywhere but their faces.
Maria started laughing. "Well that's a ringing endorsement if I ever heard one. I can't wait to meet him." Suddenly Maria stopped laughing and studied Liz intently. After a few moments, a knowing smile slowly spread across her face. "Where are you going tomorrow?" she asked quietly.
Liz shook her head. "He's taking me to brunch but he didn't mention where."
Maria stood and took Liz by the elbow, pulling her to her feet. "Well we'll just have to go shopping for a new outfit." She glanced at Alex and pulled Liz out into the hall and toward the front door. "Alex, today has been great but you understand, girl stuff."
"Yeah, no problem," he answered with an amused smile.
"Thanks for lunch Alex," Liz managed as Maria steadily pulled her toward the door. "I'll talk to you later about the plans for this weekend."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz and Maria drove their cars back to Liz's house where Maria insisted on going through her wardrobe to see what she needed. "Most of this stuff is business wear," Maria said, wrinkling her nose disapprovingly. "We'll have to get you some casual clothes and a nice dress or two."
Maria drove a cautious but excited Liz to her favorite department store and they started digging through the racks. Liz chose a few casual outfits with slacks and skirts and a couple of pairs of jeans that showed off her slim figure.
Maria insisted that Liz try on several evening dresses that were much more daring than the things she usually wore. The first was a black form fitting dress with a demure collar that molded to her slim curves as if it were made for her. As Liz examined her reflection in the mirror, she smiled at the woman looking back at her. She turned slowly, pulling her hair up off her neck to see the plunging back in the mirror's reflection. The dress made her feel everything that she hadn't thought about herself in a long time; fun, carefree and sexy.
Trying on the other dresses Maria had supplied her, Liz also chose a more conservatively cut red dress. Then they were off to the shoe department.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
As Liz and Maria drove back to her house they discussed what she would wear tomorrow and finally settled on a slim floral skirt and a matching berry blouse. Maria declared sagely that it would be warm tomorrow and the outfit should be perfect.
"I know," Maria suddenly interjected, "I'll come over tomorrow morning and do your hair."
"This isn't the prom you know," Liz drawled.
"I know, but you want to look your best don't you?" Maria argued.
"I don't know," Liz confided to her sister, feeling a little foolish. "Maybe this date," Liz said, practically choking on the word, "wasn't the best idea. This whole thing has me a bit jumpy."
"All the more reason for me to be there, to help keep you calm." Maria paused and then continued, "Then I could also just happen to be there when he comes to pick you up."
"Oh, so the real reason comes out at last," Liz said amusedly. "Okay, come over about nine."
Maria noted that her sister's usually calm demeanor was slipping. "Liz it's just a date. You go on dates with Kyle. What's so different about this one? Why does it make you so uncomfortable?"
"I don't know, really." Liz considered the situation, "There's just something about Max Evans."
