On Sunday afternoon Max drove Liz back to her house and Liz offered to cook him the dinner she had invited him to the previous weekend. She was still so new to being happy, and being in love, and she wasn’t ready for her time with Max to end. And she was sure he felt the same.
He’d hardly stopped touching her all weekend, and she smiled as he wrapped his arms around her as she fished in her purse for the house key.
He nuzzled her neck while she unlocked the door. “I haven’t been able to kiss you for two whole hours,” he rumbled.
Liz giggled as she opened the door. “If you had we would have crashed the car.”
Max kissed her neck near her ear. “Yeah, so now we have to make up for lost time.”
Once they were inside, he shut the door behind them with a shove of his foot. He turned her in his arms, his lips immediately finding hers.
He nibbled at her mouth, placing soft, sweet kisses on her lips for long minutes.
Liz sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck, melting into him, kissing him back eagerly.
Max threaded one hand into her hair as he deepened the kiss. His other hand moved over her back, arching her into him.
Liz opened her mouth to him, and instantly his tongue stroked inside. She sighed and trailed her fingers through the soft hair on his neck. There was noting better than kissing Max.
After a moment, Max’s lips left hers and moved down to her neck. He kissed and sucked at her delicate skin, drawing a gasp of desire from her. His hand on her back skimmed down to the edge of her shirt and dipped underneath. His fingers moved sensually across her skin, caressing her, making her shiver in reaction.
“Max,” she breathed. She pressed herself even more closely to him, loving the feel of his hard body against hers.
He growled in reaction. His hand tangled in her hair, pulling her head back to give himself better access as teeth grazed across her neck. His hand beneath her shirt, skimmed around her side, moving slowly upward until it rested just below her breast.
To Liz, it seemed as if Max were attempting to devour her, and she loved it. Her breath was coming in quick gasps and shivers of desire raced through her. Max’s erection pressed into her, and she felt as if she would combust in his arms.
Just when she thought she would go up in flames, Max began to slow down. His hand skittered over her back, caressing her softly. He placed a few more gentle kisses on her neck before his lips settled against her skin. His hot puffs of air tickled her neck as he attempted to catch his breath, but he didn’t loosen his grip.
Liz was disappointed that he had stopped, but she knew he was worried about pushing her too fast.
Max’s warm hand stroked over her back. “I could stay like this forever,” he rumbled.
Liz nodded. “Me too.”
But at that moment his stomach growled loudly, and Liz laughed. “But you’ll starve to death if we do.”
Max kissed her forehead. “I’m willing to risk it.”
Liz put some distance between them, smiling widely. “Well I’m not willing to risk it, so let me go, and I can start on dinner.”
“Okay,” Max agreed, “but I’ll help.”
They went into the kitchen, and in no time had dinner started. The steaks and potatoes were cooking, and Max made a salad. They were just finishing setting the table when Liz noticed that the light on her answering machine was blinking.
She crossed to it and pressed the play button. The first two messages were hang-ups and the third was her dentist's receptionist reminding her of an appointment.
Max slid his arms around her from behind and pulled her into him. Liz encircled his arms with her own and leaned against him as his lips brushed her neck. The beep on the machine signaling the fourth message barely registered as she began to lose herself in the sweet sensations being in Max's arms always caused. But the voice on the answering machine focused her attention.
"Liz, this is Kyle. I've been doing a lot of thinking and I wanted to call and apologize. Oh hell, there is no easy way to say this so I'll just say it. I wanted to break you and Evans up. I wanted you for myself and all I could see was that he was taking you away from me. I thought if he was out of the picture you would love me but now I know that isn't going to happen."
"Liz, I set you up. It started with the rumors I told you about. I haven't heard anything about him being a womanizer, just the opposite in fact. As far as I know he's a decent guy and he's been faithful to you. But you didn't believe me, you stood by him, so when that didn't work I decided to up the stakes."
"I knew he and Tess Harding used to have a thing and she's an old friend of my mine. I asked her to help me make it look like they were still together. She's a little bitter about the way things ended between her and Evans so she jumped at the chance. You told me when you were meeting him and where, and I just had her waiting for the two of you."
Liz gasped not believing her ears.
"I also lied when I told you I'd seen them having lunch together. I didn't see him, I made the whole thing up. You said you wouldn't be with him even though you loved him and I thought you would turn to me. I thought the plan was working great, but you didn't come to me."
"Over the weekend I had a lot of time to think, and I realized that you don't love me and you never will. You love Evans. I want you to be happy, Liz. I can't stand the fact that it's in my power to make you so unhappy, so I had to try and make it right. I hope it's not too late for the two of you. I haven't been a very good friend to you. My only excuse is that I love you, and I hope you can forgive me for what I've done."
Max and Liz both stood stunned for a few minutes after the message ended, trying to absorb all the implications.
Max was the first to break the silence. "Well that explains a couple of things."
Liz stepped out of his embrace and turned to look at him. "I can't believe Kyle did it. Setting you up, and trying to use my heartache to make me turn to him.”
She shook her head. “I thought he was my friend," she mumbled, frowning. It seemed that she was doomed to misjudge everyone she knew.
"He certainly tried every trick in the book to keep us apart," Max said grimly.
"But it didn't work," Liz said, shaking her head.
"No it didn't work," Max agreed with a relived sigh. "I can almost understand all the trouble he went to, because there is no way I would have let you get away from me without a fight. I was prepared to go to almost any lengths to get you back."
Liz smiled. "I'm glad you didn't give up."
"I couldn't give up on you, on us," Max said as he touched her face gently. "You mean too much to me.”
His lips descended toward her and Liz lifted her head to meet his kiss, when suddenly the doorbell rang.
Max growled at the interruption. “Who can that be?”
Liz shook her head. “I don’t know, but would you mind answering it, so I can keep an eye on the steaks?”
A moment later Max returned with a huge bouquet of flowers in a vase. A scowl creased his forehead as he put them on the counter. “Liz, I didn’t send these flowers.”
Liz shook her head. “You didn’t?”
“No,” he said. “Maybe their from Kyle.”
She motioned to them. “Why don’t you check the card?”
Max reached for it, and quickly scanned the contents, and then read it aloud.
Camellia – Gratitude
Eremurus – persistence
Ginger – strength
Lavender – devotion
Hydrangea – thank you for understanding
Iris – faith, hope
Violet (white) – let’s take a chance on happiness
Primrose – I can’t live without you
Rose (red) – courage, I love you
My dearest Max,
Thank you for believing in me
and having the courage to keep fighting for me.
I will always be grateful for your strength, devotion and persistence,
because I don’t want to live without you.
Your understanding and faith gave me back
my hope that I could be happy.
I love you
Liz
Max crossed to her and hugged her tightly against him. “Thank you, Liz. You have no idea how much that means to me.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
They’d had a wonderful dinner and afterward they talked and cuddled for hours.
Liz sat next to Max on the sofa, curled into his side. His arms were wrapped around her, and the warmth of his body seeped into her, his love surrounding her.
He placed a kiss on her head. “I’m worried about you having to face Kyle tomorrow,” he said softly.
“I’ll be okay,” Liz assured him.
“Of course you will,” Max said. “You just shouldn’t have to.”
“You can’t protect me from everything,” Liz said softly.
Max’s arms tightened around her. “If I could, I would hold you forever, and never let another thing touch you.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Despite what she had told Max, Liz was really nervous about going to work the next day. She honestly didn’t know what she was going to say to Kyle.
He had been there for her at a difficult time in her life, and he had helped her come out of the protective shell that she had encased herself in. She had considered him one of her best friends.
After what he had done to her and Max though, she was angry, and hurt. But she also felt sorry for Kyle.
He thought he loved her, and he’d been the only man in her life for so long that maybe she shouldn’t have been surprised he felt territorial.
But he had almost caused her to lose the most wonderful man she had ever met. She didn’t know what to do.
She arrived at work early, wondering when she would have to confront Kyle. And automatically she dove into the pile of work on her desk, to keep herself occupied.
She had only been in her office for half-an-hour when there was a knock at her door. Liz steeled herself for the confrontation, but released a sigh of relief when she saw a deliveryman with a large vase of assorted wildflowers.
With a smile she accepted the flowers, and tipped him generously before reaching for the card.
Dearest Liz,
I wish I could be there for you today,
but I will be available all day if you want to talk.
Remember, you have all of my love and support.
I love you,
Max
Liz smiled as a warm feeling spread through her. It was as if Max had wrapped her in his arms, chasing all of her worries away.
A voice from the door interrupted her thoughts.
“Evans strikes again,” Kyle said with a sheepish grin.
“Hi Kyle,” she said softly.
He stepped farther into her office. “You got my message?” he asked.
“Yeah,” Liz said softly.
He focused on the flowers. “And what about you and Max? You’re okay?”
Liz nodded. “Max convinced me to take him back before we even heard your message.”
Kyle smiled grimly. “That’s good. I’m happy for you, really.”
He reached out and took a petal of one the flowers between his fingers. “Liz, I’ve been a complete jerk, and I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I want you to know I am sorry.”
He released the flower and looked up meeting her eyes. “I mean that Liz. I was losing you to him, and I tried everything I could think of to hold on to you. And I went too far.” He shook his head. “But I couldn’t stand to see how sad you were.”
Liz did feel sorry for him. “Kyle,” she started, only to be cut off.
“You don’t have to say anything Liz,” he said. “I hope someday, maybe we can be friends, but I understand that might not be possible. I just wanted to apologize in person, because we work together. And I want you know that you don’t have to worry. I won’t make any more trouble for you, and I won’t make things awkward here either.”
“Thank you Kyle,” she said softly.
He gave her a brief nod before leaving, and Liz released a deep breath.
She didn’t know what would happen, but she felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
That evening Max took Liz to dinner, and she told him the whole story about what happened with Kyle.
Max asked her a few questions, but she didn’t want to think about Kyle anymore. After everything she and Max had been through, she was eager to move on, and just concentrate on their relationship.
She felt there were still a couple of things standing between them, and one of them was the fact that she hadn’t been to Max’s house. She wanted to show him, she trusted him completely, so when they left the restaurant, Liz asked to see his house.
He touched her face as his eyes searched hers. “Are you sure, Liz?”
She smiled. “It’s just your house,” she said with a laugh. “You’ve been to mine so many times, and I want to see where you live.”
Max smiled. “Okay.”
He lived in the hills above the city, and he kept up a light conversation as they drove.
Liz assumed that he probably thought she was nervous, but nothing could have been further from the truth. She trusted him, and she didn’t feel any apprehension about going to his house. She knew Max didn’t expect anything from her, and he would never push her.
When they pulled into the driveway, she gasped. She knew he had money, but the house was enormous and stunning. “Max, it’s beautiful.”
He smiled warmly as reached for her hand, placing a kiss on her knuckles. “Thank you,” he said softly. “I hoped you’d like it.”
They exited the car, and Max grasped her hand as they headed to the entrance. He unlocked the door and pushed it open, allowing her to proceed him inside.
Liz was curious to see how he lived, and looked around eagerly. The entryway opened into a spacious living room, and she stopped in the middle of the room.
The furnishings were simple but elegant, composed mostly of straight, economical lines. It was masculine, but also warm and welcoming, just like Max himself.
The opposite wall was almost entirely composed of a bank of windows, and Liz wished it wasn’t dark so she could see the view.
Max wrapped his arms around her from behind as she studied their surroundings. “Can I get you a drink?” he asked softly. “Some wine, a soda? And then I can give you the whole tour.”
“Sure, “ Liz nodded. “Some water would be great.”
“Okay,” he said, kissing her head.
He released her and turned toward a doorway that Liz assumed led to the kitchen. But before he made it out of the room, the phone rang.
Max stopped at the sideboard and picked up the phone, glancing at the caller-id. He looked to Liz, “Sorry, it’s my production manager. I need to take this.”
Liz nodded and walked farther into the room, to give him the semblance of privacy. But he wasn’t trying to keep his voice down, and she could hear his every word.
“What’s going on, Ed?” Max asked into the phone.
He paused, listening.
“No,” Max said more forcefully. “No, that’s not supposed to happen.”
He paused again as the other man spoke.
“Damn it!” Max said angrily. “The patch was supposed to take care of that.”
Liz’s eyes snapped to Max. She had never heard him angry.
There was another brief pause, and then Max roared into the phone. “What the hell?” What do you mean the patch wasn’t applied?”
Liz stared at Max as his anger increased. She felt a tight knot of fear in her stomach.
He raked his hand through his hair as he continued. “What the hell were we discussing in the meeting all morning!?!?” he growled. “How much time has the team wasted!?!? We’re supposed to go to production in a week!”
Liz’s breath came in quick pants as her panic increased, and her whole body trembled.
Suddenly Max’s eyes reached her, quickly traveling over her face. His voice dropped immediately to its normal level. “Ed,” he said into the phone, “call a meeting first thing tomorrow morning. I’ve got to go.”
Max continued to hold her eyes as he turned off the phone and put it on the table. “Liz?” he said softly.
Her wide eyes darted from his face to the front door. She was trapped in the house with him. Her heart pounded wildly, the panic almost overwhelming. She had to get away.
Her gaze snapped to him again, trying to gage her chance of getting past him before he reached her.
“Liz?” he said again.
He stayed carefully still, his eyes holding hers. “Liz, what’s wrong?”
Her eyes traveled over his face before meeting his gaze again. She expected to see rage directed at her, but instead she saw concern in his eyes, and also tenderness and love. There was no anger, and no violence.
Suddenly her mind cleared. This was Max. He would never hurt her. She released a shaky breath. Her past was getting to her again.
“Max,” she said breathily.
She ran to him, throwing herself into his welcoming arms.
He held her trembling form tightly to him. “What’s wrong?” he whispered.
She clutched at him, wanting to feel his warmth and strength. “You were so angry,” she said softly. “It just reminded me…” she trailed off.
“It’s okay,” he reassured her. “I’ve got you.”
Max laid his cheek on the top of her head. “You know I’m not mad at you, sweetheart,” he said softly. “And I would never take my anger out on you.”
“I know,” she whispered. “I know Max.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.
She shook her head, not wanting to dredge up more of the past. Everything would be alright as long as she was in Max’s arms.
He held her a long time, his hand stroking comfortingly over her back, until she finally stopped shaking. “Would you feel better if I took you home?” he asked.
“What?” Liz asked confused.
“You were going to run,” he said softly. “You feel trapped here.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I’m sorry Liz. I never meant to push you. I want you to feel comfortable and safe with me, and in my home. Maybe it was too soon to bring you here.”
Liz tightened her arms around him, afraid that her momentary lapse might be the last straw for Max. “I do feel safe with you,” she said fiercely. “I want to be with you, and I want to be here.”
“Are you sure?” Max whispered.
Liz nodded, as tears pricked her eyes. “I won’t run from you again,” she promised. “I’m sorry. I was just surprised.”
“Don’t apologize, Liz,” Max said, pulling back enough to look into her eyes. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m sorry that I upset you.”
He stroked her cheek as he continued. “But you didn’t run,” he said softly. “You came to me.” He smiled widely. “Do you know how happy that makes me?”
Liz held his gaze. “Really?”
He nodded. “It’s like the time we went to the street fair, where you saw the rocking chair. It was the first time you came to me.”
Liz looked at him confused.
He smiled softly. “Before that day I knew you trusted me, and you wanted to be with me. But that was the day I knew we would make it. Because even if you weren’t ready to say it, or think it, or even admit it to yourself, the simple act of you coming to me and taking my hand, showed me that you loved me.”
Liz smiled. “I remember. I felt like something had changed between us.”
“It did,” Max said. “And something changed between us just now.”
Liz nodded. She could feel it too. With Max’s help, she was finally starting to put the past behind her.
She stood up on tip-toes and quickly pressed a kiss to his lips. “How about that tour now?”
Max’s smile widened as he held her eyes. “Anything for you my love.”
