The week had been dragging by. Liz couldn't believe it was only Wednesday but at least she felt like she had accomplished something. She’d finished a proposal for the new campaign a week early, and still found the time to interview eight art students for part-time positions. There had been three with a lot of talent and she’d hired them on the spot.
She had thrown herself into her work, needing an outlet for the pent up energy she seemed to have in excess lately. And it only took her two days to admit to herself it was because of Max.
He was consuming every idle moment of her days and nights, and she had to work hard to keep him out of her head the rest of her time. It wasn't just his kisses or his touch that kept making her mind wander. She wanted to be near him, hear his voice, see his smile, but there were two more days till Friday.
Her mind started to drift toward him again and she shook her head clearing her thoughts.
She glanced at her watch, and groaned. It was only three o'clock. There were still another two hours to go. At least there was no reason to stay late because for once all of the work was actually caught up.
Looking around for something to keep her occupied, Liz finally settled on making the schedule for the part-timers.
She was just finishing when her phone rang. "Art department, this is Liz."
A warm, masculine voice greeted her. "Liz, this is Max."
She would have known that voice anywhere. "M-Max."
"How have you been?" he asked softly.
"Um, fine,” she said nervously. “Fine but busy."
"Yeah, I've been a little busy myself lately,” he said. “I was even supposed to have a business meeting this evening, but it was um... canceled."
"Oh," Liz said uncertainly, not sure how to respond.
"The thing is,” Max continued, “I still have the dinner reservations. I know it's kind of short notice but if you're free this evening, I would like to take you to dinner."
Liz felt her heart skip a beat. She was so excited to see him and worked to control her voice as she answered. “Sure Max,” she said, surprised at how normal her voice sounded. “I'd like that."
She thought she heard him sigh but must have been mistaken because he continued casually. "Great,” he said softly. “I'm glad you're free."
"Me too,” Liz admitted, her face flaming red. She was glad he couldn’t see how silly she was being.
“I'll pick you up at seven," Max said.
“Okay,” she agreed. “Um, where are we going?"
"It's the new Italian place everyone is raving about,” Max said, “Destino."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz was ready at ten minutes to seven. She would have been ready a lot earlier but she’d tried on and discarded one outfit after another. And as the time had drawn nearer to seven she had started to panic.
Finally she forced herself to calm down by taking deep breaths. She was being ridiculous she told herself. They were just going to dinner. It was really no big deal.
Carefully she finished her makeup and efficiently twisted her hair up, securing it with a clip. She knew why she was nervous and it had nothing to do with not being able to choose the right outfit and everything to do with a certain dark-haired man with mesmerizing golden eyes.
She always felt nervous when she was going to see Max but tonight it was amplified because she's had so little notice, no time to prepare herself.
Yeah right, she argued with herself, her nervousness had nothing to do with the fact that she was dying to see him, to be held in his arms, to be kissed. Shivers went through her body just thinking of it.
Liz was very attracted to him and the strength of the attraction scared and excited her. It wasn't just that he was handsome, or that he had a great body, or was kind or funny. There were plenty of men who could fit into any of those categories. There was just something about him that drew her to him.
She couldn't seem to pin down exactly what it was. And even though she'd been thinking about it since the weekend she'd come no closer to the answer. That's why she needed to see him, spend more time with him, and eventually it would come to her.
The doorbell rang, bringing her out of her contemplation and she pasted on a quiet smile before opening the door. But what she saw drove the breath from her lungs.
Max looked incredible. He was dressed in a black suit that was obviously tailor-made, hugging his frame in all the right places. Liz allowed her gaze to travel the length of him, and as she reached his eyes a dazzling smile lit his face.
Liz found herself utterly at a loss for words for the first few seconds but she quickly recovered. "Max,” she said breathlessly, “you look great."
His gaze was like a caress and her pulse increased even though he hadn’t even touched her. "You look pretty incredible yourself," he rumbled.
She had finally decided to wear the conservative red dress she had picked out when she had gone shopping with Maria. Liz knew the cut flattered her but it was nice to see the approval in Max's face. She could feel a blush start to creep up her face, but she held his gaze and even managed a smile. "Thanks."
They stood just looking at one other, drinking in the sight of each other. Liz couldn't seem to get enough of him, letting her eyes roam over his face; caressing, memorizing every plane and every curve. Then she looked into his eyes, knowing they would be focused on her. She thought she would be embarrassed, but his gaze was warm and inviting.
She felt the familiar pull and let herself be drawn in as her body swayed toward him. His eyes darted to her lips and then back to her eyes and she licked her lips in anticipation of his kiss, but annoyingly he held his ground.
Max broke the contact of their gaze, clearing his throat. He motioned to the car. "We should get going."
"Yeah," she agreed, feeling a bit disappointed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The restaurant Destino was the talk of the town. It had only been open a few months but quickly gained a reputation as the place not only for great food but also for its beautiful setting. The structure resembled an Italian villa and was furnished with authentic period pieces, with several private rooms that were popular for business meetings.
The center of the building was a large courtyard filled with trees and fountains that offered a more romantic setting. Soft lights wound in the branches, candles, and the light from the stars were the only things that illuminated the diners. The tables were arranged so the trees, fountains and potted plants separated them, and it seemed as if each table was the only one.
As they were led to a table in the courtyard Liz enthusiastically took in their surroundings, commenting on the beauty and artful arrangement of the setting. Her eyes were dancing with pleasure as she looked at Max who was now seated next to her. He had a broad smile directed at her and she returned it somewhat shyly.
She felt silly because she had wanted to see him so badly. But now that she was with him, she was nervous.
And as if Max could read her quickly changing mood and wanted to put her at ease, he asked about her week at work.
Liz excitedly told him about the art students she had hired to help with the work. "So having them there will free up more of my time and I'll actually be able to go home on time occasionally."
"That sounds great,” Max said. “I'm glad it will work out."
He paused. "Just out of curiosity, what made you decide to hire them now? You told me you hadn't really been concerned about working the long hours until a couple of weeks ago. So what changed?"
"I don't know, exactly." Liz admitted, deep in thought. "I just got the feeling I’m missing something."
He leaned forward, studying her intently. "What are you missing?"
She looked directly at him. "Life."
His hand covered hers. “Liz I…”
"Max." A sultry voice broke into their conversation making them both turn toward the speaker.
Liz watched as a buxom blonde approached them. Her dress clung to her generous curves as if it was made for her, and Liz thought wryly it probably was. Everything about the woman said money, from the top of her perfectly coifed head, to her gaudy jewelry, to her french-manicured toes in designer shoes.
Liz felt a jolt of something she couldn’t identify, in the region of her heart, as the blonde slipped her arm around Max's shoulders and rumbled into his ear. "Max it's so great to see you."
Max lifted her arm away. “Tess,” he said cooly.
A man joined them and Max nodded a greeting. "Tommy.” He motioned to Liz, "Liz Parker meet Tess Harding and Tommy Hilligan."
Liz smiled and started to say, "Nice to meet you," but she amusedly noticed how Tess quickly dismissed her with a flick of her eyes and turned her attention back to Max.
Tommy stepped forward with an outstretched hand. "Glad to meet you, Liz."
Liz shook his hand, taking in the expensive cut of his suit and his dark good looks. "It is nice to meet you."
His attention turned to Max. "It’s been a while Evans."
Max’s arm slid around the back of Liz’s chair and she felt the pressure near her heart lessen. Tess' eyes quickly raked over Liz. She noticed that anger showed briefly in the blonde's lovely face but it disappeared as she turned to Max with a pout.
"You didn't come to my party last week Max,” she whined prettily. “I wanted to see you."
"I’ve been busy," Max said.
Tess brightened, a smile curving her pouty lips. "Well you know what they say Max, all work and what not." She laughed at her own joke, touching his shoulder.
Liz couldn’t believe Tess was so blatantly flirting with Max, and she glanced at Tommy to see his reaction.
His good humor was rapidly being replaced with a thunderous expression. He grasped Tess by the elbow. "Our table is ready Tess,” he said harshly. He sent a nod toward their table. “See you later Evans, Liz."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The evening passed too quickly for Liz. She had been nervous at first but Max had quickly worked his magic and put her at ease. Liz had enjoyed the food and the company, although she was disappointed he'd kept his distance from her all evening.
As they pulled into her driveway she wondered if he would kiss her as she was longing for him to do.
Max stopped the car and looked to the front of her house, frowning. "You didn't leave the light on."
Liz looked toward her dark doorway. "I guess I forgot."
He walked her to the door and she turned toward him. "I really had a great time tonight,” she said with a shy smile. She wanted so badly for him to kiss her, and found herself babbling nervously. “The restaurant was beautiful, and the food was great."
He smiled and lifted his hand to cup her face. "What about the company?" he asked softly.
Even in the dark, she could see the mischievous sparkle in his eyes and replied breathlessly, "Oh, the company was charming."
"So you're glad you came?" he rumbled.
"Yes, I just said I was," she confirmed with a smile.
Max moved closer and she could feel the heat from his body. "Liz," he whispered as he stroked her cheek with his thumb. "I have a confession to make."
She made a concerted effort to listen to what he was saying, but his hand touching her face was making it difficult for her to concentrate. "What?" she asked breathlessly.
His other hand went to the clip in her hair. He fumbled with it for a moment and then her hair was suddenly free and he buried his hand in the soft mass. "I canceled the meeting tonight because I couldn't wait until Friday to see you."
Her eyes widened in surprise but instead of alarm she felt satisfaction. "Oh."
A slow smile curled her lips as her heart leapt. He'd wanted to see her as much as she had wanted to see him!
Max was studying her, waiting for her reaction, and apparently what he saw didn't discourage him. "Does that mean you wanted to see me too?"
Liz didn't even hesitate. "Yes, I wanted to see you too."
"Liz," he growled, "I know you want to take things slowly and I'll follow your wishes." His face inched closer to hers. "So you better tell me right now if you don't want me to kiss you."
She couldn't think of anything she wanted more at that moment. "Kiss me, Max."
His lips were against hers even before she finished the words.
Max's hands twined into her hair and Liz melted into him. His kisses were soft and warm and she let herself drift off to the place only Max was capable of taking her.
She floated on the electric sensations that were coursing through her body and gasped as his lips left hers and found her sensitive neck. His kisses grew more insistent and she leaned her head back to give him the access he demanded. He rained kisses over her neck and she clutched at him as her knees turned to jelly.
One of his arms slipped around her waist bringing her closer to him as his lips returned to hers. She eagerly parted her lips for him allowing his tongue inside. He kissed her hungrily as if he couldn't get enough of her, and she felt the same way, welcoming him. But gradually she felt him start to pull away and reluctantly let him.
Cupping her face in his hands, Max apologized. "Liz, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get so out of hand."
She smiled at him. "I wasn't complaining."
"I know, but I told you we would take this slowly and here we are making out on your doorstep like a couple of teenagers." He ran a hand through his hair and stepped back from her. "I just don't want you to regret it."
"I don't regret it," Liz assured him.
He flashed her one of his brilliant smiles. "Then we're still on for Friday."
"Yeah," she agreed eagerly.
He pulled her to him for another quick kiss and quickly released her with a wink. "I can’t wait."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz went to lunch with Maria the next day, eager to get her sister's opinion about her evening with Max.
"Wow, it all sounds so romantic," Maria enthused. "I'll have to get Michael to take me there when he gets back into town." She leaned forward. "So tell me what happened after dinner," she encouraged with a waggle of her eyebrow.
Liz related the scene on the doorstep to her sister somewhat hesitantly, leaving out a few details here and there. But Maria could see right through her, and peppered her with questions until she was sure she had the full story.
Maria smiled dreamily. "So Max really is trying to go slowly but he called you because he couldn't wait to see you? Could this guy get any better?"
"I hope not." Liz said teasingly. "I'm beginning to think I don't deserve him."
Maria rolled her eyes obviously not impressed by her sister's attempt at humor. "I mean really Liz. Why are you still holding back? Max seems great from everything you and Alex have been telling me."
"I have only known him a couple of weeks," Liz pointed out.
"But that couple of weeks has shown you he's a great guy and you admit you like him a lot."
Liz frowned. "I don’t know. Maybe he seems too perfect."
"Or maybe you still have a hard time completely trusting men's motives," Maria said knowingly.
"That could have something to do with it," Liz admitted with a sigh. "Why are you trying to push me into this anyway?"
Maria shook her head, "I just want to see you happy, that's all."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Liz returned from lunch there was a large arrangement of white and pink roses on her desk. She knew instantly who sent them, and eagerly reached for the card.
Last night was wonderful.
Maybe it was destiny.
- Max
Liz felt a tingling warmth spread through her as she smiled. Max could make her feel so good, even when he wasn’t near.
She automatically reached for the phone, dialing the number she now knew by heart. Momentarily she wondered if Max had been waiting by the phone when he answered on the first ring.
"Evans."
"Max, it's Liz."
"Liz," he said, drawling her name out into several syllables, as if he were savoring it. "It’s so good to hear your voice."
Her heart jumped. "I'm not interrupting?" she asked breathlessly.
"Of course not,” he assured her. “I told you to call anytime and I meant it."
She smiled. "I wanted to thank you again for last night and for the beautiful roses."
"Whenever I think of you I think of flowers," Max rumbled. "That's why I took you to the botanical gardens. It just seemed the natural place."
Liz was stunned, she didn't know what to say. "I... um, thank you Max. But you don't have to keep sending me flowers."
"Yes, I do," he purred, his voice low and sensual.
"You do?" Liz choked.
"I know every time you look at flowers I have sent, you will think of me," he growled.
She gasped, thrilled at his possessive statement.
"You do think of me when you look at my flowers don't you?" he demanded softly.
Liz knew it was true, but now that he'd put it into words she wouldn't be able to help thinking about him. "Yes, they make me think of you," she agreed breathlessly.
"Good," he said aggressively. "I like knowing you are thinking of me."
