The next morning, Liz awoke before the alarm went off. She thought she wouldn't be able to sleep after the kisses she had shared with Max, but surprisingly she had drifted off quickly. She got out of bed feeling happy and alive and crossed to the glass door, opening it, eager to bask in the early morning air.
Stepping onto the balcony, she took a deep breath of the crisp, fresh air. She leaned against the railing and looked out into the back yard, enjoying the beauty of her surroundings. A mist still lingered in the trees, and on the ground, making her think of an enchanted forest. She could barely make out a path in the corner of the yard leading into the trees, and wondered where it led. But the morning was too cool and she was forced to return to her room sooner than she would have liked.
Glancing at the time, she noted there were a couple of hours before breakfast, and decided to follow the impulse to explore the path. She quickly showered, dressed, and then went downstairs and let herself silently out the back door. The grass was wet from the mist and Liz was glad she had thought to wear boots.
Stopping at the edge of the yard, she could see that the path curved its way into the trees, disappearing into the mist. With only a few steps the house was blocked from site behind her and Liz felt as if she were stepping into a fairytale.
As she continued into the forest she noticed the trees were becoming even denser. Most of the leaves had fallen, allowing the sun more access to the ground but the branches were still blocking the light enough to allow the mist to linger.
Listening to the sounds of the animals and birds, she continued for a time careful to stay on the path, and she wondered again where it led. The path wasn’t straight as she’d expected. It meandered around trees and bushes as if trying not to disturb them, and Liz was drawn forward by the promise of something otherworldly.
The trees started to thin as she walked farther, and suddenly she found herself standing in the most beautiful grove she had ever imagined. A large tree covered with moss and lichen lay on the ground, and an opening in the canopy above allowed the sun to penetrate. A shaft of light filtered through the branches illuminating the leaves that littered the ground, and mushrooms peeked out from under them like brightly colored umbrellas. Crossing to the fallen tree, Liz climbed onto it, unable to take her eyes off all of the beauty before her.
She pulled her knees up to her chin and her thoughts automatically turned to Max. They had spent a wonderful day together and shared some kisses, but she still wasn't sure what to think of him. He had an effect on her like no one else ever had, but she admitted to herself that she liked him. She liked him very much. He was kind, charming, and it didn't hurt that he was gorgeous and a great kisser.
The chemistry between them had really scared her at first but now she was getting used to the sensations he caused in her. Was it possible he was different? she wondered.
He had been nothing but kind and polite, and he hadn't placed any demands on her. She found herself looking forward to being with him just to talk, and suddenly she wished he was with her to enjoy the morning. Just as she was beginning to think she should return to the house for Max, a soft voice caught her attention.
"Liz?"
Turning with a knowing smile, her voice was almost a sigh. "Max. I was just thinking about you."
He climbed up beside her and took her hand in his. "That's always nice to hear," he said, smiling. "What were you thinking?"
"That you should be here to see this." She motioned with her free hand indicating the scene before them. "How did you find me anyway?" she asked, searching his face.
He spoke softly, leaning into her. "I had just gotten out of bed and I was looking out the window into the backyard." He reached up and cupped her face in his hand. "And I saw a wood sprite sneak across the lawn and disappear into the trees." He smiled, his eyes full of mischief.
As he spoke, Max's thumb caressed her cheek, making her pulse jump. Liz smiled and arched an eyebrow at his choice of words.
"Okay, okay," he relented. "I wondered where you could be going at this time of day, so I followed you. Then I came into the clearing and saw you perched atop a log with the mist floating around it. I think it’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."
He twisted a lock of her hair in his fingers. "The sun was streaming down onto your hair, illuminating it, bringing out hints of red and gold, and for a moment I thought I had gotten it right the first time. You were a magical creature returning to your home in the forest."
Liz's breath caught at his words and she gave him a shy smile. "I really didn't know where I was going," she admitted, as she recovered her voice. "I just felt like I needed to be part of all of this beauty," she said, eyes shining.
"And then you thought of me?" he asked softly.
She nodded. "I wanted you to share it with me."
Max put his arm around her and pulled her into his side. "I'm glad I came then."
Liz wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned her head onto his shoulder. "I'm glad too."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Breakfast was a grand affair, as were all meals under Diane's supervision. There was nothing as mundane as toast and coffee. Diane made dishes of all kinds including crepes, blintzes and two kinds of quiche. Liz wondered, as she often had before, how Alex had stayed so thin growing up in a house that was always filled with such wonderful food.
"So," Diane ventured casually, "you're going into town with Max this morning?"
"Yeah," Liz smiled, her eyes darting toward Max. "Is there anything we can pick up for you?"
"Oh no, we got everything we needed yesterday," Diane assured her. "I just wanted to mention that you should definitely stop by Main Street, if you have time. All of the original buildings have been restored and converted into shops and restaurants. It's quite charming. Although you should've gone last night. There are lights on every tree, and horse-drawn carriage rides. I hear it's very romantic."
Liz practically choked on the bite she was chewing. "Aunt Diane," she started with a warning tone.
Max interrupted her. "Well, it's too bad we missed it, but we can see it at night the next time we come up."
Liz's eyes flew to his and she expected to see a teasing light in them but the gaze that met hers was all business. He was serious, and she felt a shiver of dread run through her. Quickly averting her gaze she concentrated on finishing her breakfast but found she was no longer hungry. She had started to think Max might be different but she had obviously been wrong. He was planning a future between them, already trying to take over her life.
Her mind was spinning with the revelation and she started to panic. They had only known one another a week and they weren't ever really together yet but he was getting too close, trying to direct her life. She had to get away from him to put everything back into perspective, and the first step was to get out of going with him.
Liz took a deep, calming breath. "Diane, I know you're planning a big lunch this afternoon. I should skip the trip with Max and help you with..." her voice trailed off when she noticed everyone around her had gone quiet.
She could feel Max's gaze burning into her and continued somewhat unsteadily. "I... I mean, Um… It's a lot of work for one person to do."
The silence continued uncomfortably for a moment and Liz suddenly became fascinated with the napkin in her lap.
Diane broke the tension with a laugh. "Don't be silly Liz. Max has graciously invited you to go with him. I won't have any trouble getting lunch together, and you'll have a good time."
Liz felt her heart drop. Her best chance of escape had been quickly cut off and she knew she would have to face Max. Daring a glance in his direction, she was surprised to see a stunned expression on his face, but it was quickly replaced by his usual casual demeanor.
He rose from the table. "Diane, breakfast was fantastic as usual, but we need to get going if we're going to be on time for the appointment."
Liz rose, knowing it was useless trying to fight all of them. Diane and Alex were determined to push her and Max together, and as she walked toward the door she felt like she was going to her execution. Max fell into step right behind her, his hand cupping her elbow, guiding her.
She almost laughed out loud. Who was she kidding? He was making sure she didn't make a run for it. He helped her into her jacket and opened the door, his hand never leaving her.
She threw one last hopeful glance toward her cousin, but Alex's, "Have a good time," sealed her fate.
Max answered for them both. "Oh, we will."
Liz wasn't sure what she expected Max to do once they were alone together but she certainly didn't expect him to act as if nothing had happened. He casually directed the conversation to the houses they would be visiting, listing the more interesting features of each one.
But she was hardly listening to him. She was waiting for the thud of the proverbial other shoe.
She was still waiting ten minutes later when they arrived at the first house on the list, and as they pulled into the driveway Liz noticed the real estate agent was waiting for them.
He was in his late fifties, dressed in a casual suit coat and sweater, and greeted them warmly as they exited the car. "You must be Max Evans," he said with an outstretched hand. "I am Karl Seligman. Pleased to meet you."
"Good to meet you." Max turned to indicate Liz. "This is Liz Parker."
Liz stepped forward to shake hands. "Nice to meet you."
Karl gestured toward the house behind him. "This is the first of the three places you wanted to see Max. Should we get started?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The morning went by quickly and Liz relaxed more and more. At first she had worried Max would force a confrontation, but as the time passed and nothing happened she started to calm down. It seemed as if he knew that she just needed some space and he was giving it to her.
Max's conversation since they left had been non-threatening to her state of mind. He spoke of the houses, the weather and the scenery, but he hadn’t mentioned her behavior at breakfast. He seemed to want the casual atmosphere back they had shared in the woods.
And she admitted that she wanted it too. She wasn’t even sure why she had panicked earlier, it all seemed so silly now.
As they walked around the first two houses Max was attentive, making sure Liz was included in the conversations, often asking her opinion. Slowly, without even realizing it, she let down her guard and found herself enjoying being with him again.
Karl was knowledgeable and kept up a steady commentary as they toured the houses. If he noticed things were a little strained between them, he was good at not letting it show.
The first house was older and resembled a Swiss ski chalet. The second resembled a log cabin outside but with ultra modern conveniences within. They were both nice but Liz couldn't really see Max living in either of them. She didn't even consider it strange that she could know what Max would want. Somehow she just knew they weren't right for him.
They drove to the third house and Liz gasped as it was revealed in all of its glory. Instantly she knew it was the one for Max. The house was perched on an outcropping of rock that seemed to hold it suspended above them. It was architecturally post-modern with planes and sharp angles, but it was composed mostly of wood and glass, somehow making it seem almost a part of the trees that surrounded it. Liz couldn't take her eyes off of it as she exited the car.
Karl's cheerful voice rang out. "I saved the best for last. Let's take a look inside."
As they walked inside, Liz was struck with the beauty of the wood that composed everything around her. The color of the stain seemed to make it glow and appear as if it were still alive. She found herself running her hand over the surfaces to feel the energy she was sure still resided there.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Liz started. She hadn’t heard Max come up behind her. "It's incredible," she agreed, looking at him for what seemed the first time since they had left that morning.
His eyes eagerly locked with hers, holding her. He seemed to be searching for something in her gaze, and at last he offered her one of his knee-melting smiles.
She returned his smile shyly and Max held out his hand to her. Liz looked at his offered hand and then up to meet his eyes. She saw only kindness and acceptance, and released a sigh of relief. Maybe she had just overreacted earlier.
Max patiently waited for her to decide, and after a moment she raised her hand and he took it gently in his. Liz felt the familiar shiver race through her at his touch but she didn't try to pull away.
"Let's take a look at the rest of the place," he urged lightly, and Liz nodded her acceptance.
The rooms were spacious and airy with large windows that allowed in the light and the view. As they continued through the house, Karl explained it had been built by a man who had intended to live in it himself, but he had been forced to sell because of financial difficulties. The house included every modern convenience and Liz was particularly interested in the heated floors and the huge sunken bathtub.
Then they entered the master bedroom and Liz felt as if the breath had been knocked from her lungs. The room was completely glass on two walls, floor to ceiling, exposing the spectacular surroundings.
"Max look," she exclaimed as she pulled him excitedly out a door and onto the balcony. From their height, they could see over the tops of most of the trees below, revealing the shimmering, clear water of a lake beyond.
"Is that the same lake we walked to yesterday?" Liz gasped.
"Yeah, it is," Max confirmed, leaning on the rail with a teasing smile.
Liz leaned in beside him. "When we were there, I asked you how you would like a view of the lake from your house. You knew that you could see it from this house didn't you?" she asked, remembering his cryptic remarks.
"I knew," he said smiling.
Liz punched him teasingly on the arm. "I can't believe you didn't tell me."
"I wanted it to be a surprise." He leaned closer to her, his arm lightly brushing hers. "That's one of the reasons I wanted you to come with me today. I knew you would appreciate it."
Liz signed. "I could stay here all day, just soaking in all of this beauty."
"So could I,” Max rumbled.
The timber of Max's voice grew deeper and Liz faced him to find him looking at her. Blushing, she dropped her gaze, but Max's gentle touch found her chin and tipped her face up to look at him. Reluctantly she met his eyes and was startled at the intensity she found there. She felt herself being drawn toward him and was surprised when he was the one to break the connection.
He dropped his hand from her face. "Let's go down and look at the yard."
She stood for a moment stunned, letting the meaning of the words penetrate her muddled brain. Finally she found the appropriate answer from somewhere within. "Okay," she said, her brow wrinkled in confusion.
Karl, who was a master of making himself scarce at the right moment, reappeared to take them down into the yard.
As they walked, Liz purposefully let herself fall behind them. She had thought Max was going to kiss her on the balcony, had wanted him to kiss her. Now he wanted to look at the yard?
Well they were here to look at the house, she mused with a shrug.
They made a loop around the outside of the house and then headed back toward the cars. Liz and Max said their farewells to Karl and watched him drive away. Liz turned to Max's car but she was stopped short of the door by his hand on her arm.
She turned toward him with a question, but it was cut off as his lips met hers.
Max's kisses were soft and warm, and after her initial surprise she kissed him back, resting her hands on his shoulders. And when she didn't object, he deepened the kiss, pulling her closer to him, his lips lingering on hers.
He wound his hands into her hair and she shivered as she felt his tongue lightly trace her bottom lip. Sighing, she parted her lips allowing him inside. His tongue met hers gently stroking, sending waves of pleasure through her.
After a moment his lips left hers and he leaned her back against the car as he trailed kisses down her neck. "Liz," he growled between kisses, "do you like having my arms around you?"
"Yes Max," she gasped, her voice just more than a whisper.
He kissed the sensitive skin below her ear. "Do you like it when I kiss you like this?" he whispered.
"Oh yes Max." Liz smoothed her hands up his neck and into his hair attempting to pull him closer.
Max's kisses lingered around her ear. "Why did you try to get away from me this morning?"
Her brain didn't seem to be working right. She was floating in the sensations Max's kisses were causing, and was having a hard time concentrating. "I don't know," she answered breathlessly.
He continued raining kisses over her neck, nibbling, sucking. "Tell me, Liz," he whispered.
She gasped as he found the sensitive spot he had discovered last night. Her knees felt rubbery and she grasped at his shoulders to steady herself. "I... I can't think when you do that," she whispered.
"Good," he hissed into her neck. He slipped one arm around her waist, holding her in his strong embrace. "You think entirely too much," he growled as he recaptured her lips.
His other hand cupped her head, holding her to him as he devoured her mouth.
Liz returned his kisses, loving the feeling of his lips on hers, of his body pressed to her. At that moment she had no questions, no doubts. All she cared about was being with him.
Gradually Max pulled back, resting his forehead against hers. But he didn't loosen his grip, and she was glad because she didn’t trust her legs to hold her.
"Liz,” he rumbled, “tell me why you tried to avoid me this morning."
She looked into his eyes and saw something that begged her to be candid. "I got scared," she whispered.
He pulled his head back a couple of inches in order to read her face. Concern creased his brow. "Are you scared now?" he asked softly.
"N-no." Her voice sounded breathless even to her own ears.
He cupped her face in his hand. "Liz, what scared you?"
Liz looked down. "You said something that reminded me… of... um.... of something in the past," she stammered.
Max opened his mouth to speak but she cut him off. "Something I'd rather not talk about."
Max smiled gently, his thumb caressing her cheek. "I would never hurt you," he said solemnly.
Liz searched for the right words but Max continued, "Please Liz. We can take this as slowly as you want, but don't push me away."
Surprised by the vulnerability and sincerity in his voice, she felt her heart skip a beat. He had always seemed so confident, so sure of what he was doing. "Um… I..." she stammered.
"Have dinner with me on Friday," Max urged, his mouth turning up at the corner.
Liz was caught off-guard by his request and surprised herself with her answer. "Okay."
