OwnMe-48B

Part 48B

************

Max ran his fingertips across Liz�s back, pulling her closer in his embrace as they continued to dance. His fingers would alternate running through her thick tresses, and the straps that held together her halter top together.

�Have I told you today how much I love you?� he whispered against her ear, his warm breath causing goosebumps to form on her soft skin.

Shivering slightly, Liz shook her head. �Nope.�

His warm lips brushed against the outer shell of her ear before making it�s way to her face. He kissed each of her temples, between her eyes, the tip of her nose, finally making contact with her luscious lips.

His kisses were feather light, almost as if a ghost were kissing her.

�I love you soo much, Liz.� He nuzzled her cheek with his. �Soo, much.�

His amber eyes burned into hers, his love for her, pouring out of them.

Liz felt her eyes water, and her throat to choke up. With those simple words, with that simple look, he had managed to show her just how much he loved her. How much he cared for her.

She could feel her heart soaring, knowing that she was on the receiving end of such beauty, such love. She would do everything in her power to make sure Max knew and felt the love that she felt for him, for the rest of their lives.

Most people would think that it would be immature to think that she and Max would be together forever, but somehow, someway, she just knew that what she and Max had was special. What they shared only comes once in a lifetime.

He was her first love, her one true love. And although she wasn�t his first love, he had proved to her that she was his first true love. With every gesture, with every look, he had told her that she was it for him. And nothing was going to change that.

�I love you too, Max.�

He smiled that half smile of his, eliciting a smile from her. He placed a soft kiss just above her brow, gathering her close to his body again.

Words weren�t needed, for they shared a connection deeper than that. It was almost as if they could connect on a higher plane.

They swayed to the last few bars of the song, only coming apart to hold each other�s hands when the song ended.

Everyone else had gathered around the table the had the food on it.

�Time for cake!�

Michael came out of the back, carrying a cake with the candles lit.

The lights were lowered just a touch, as people started singing.

Max gathered Isabel to his side, and carried Noah in his other arm.

Michael brought the cake towards them, stopping a few steps away from them. With shaky hands, he held out the cake to them, a smile lighting up his face.

All Max and Isabel could do was smile as they continued to sing. Everyone they cared about and loved was in this room. Life simply couldn�t get better than this.

As the song ended, Michael spoke up. �Alright, time to blow out the candles cos this cake is heavy.�

Laughs were heard across the room.

Max and Isabel looked at each other, getting ready to blow out the candles.

�Make your wish.�

Max shook his head. �I can�t.�

�Why not?�

Max looked towards Liz who was standing a few feet away smiling at them. �Because, all of my wishes have already come true.�

Isabel smiled, leaning her head against Max�s. �I know what you mean. All of mine have come true too.�

The two of them shared a smile, the same idea popping into their heads.

Max shifted Noah so that he was between him and Isabel.

�You wanna blow out the candles little man?�

Noah�s eyes were fixated to the bright colored frosting on the cake. �Cake!�

Everyone laughed when they heard his voice.

�How about we all blow the candles together?� Isabel looked at her nephew and her brother.

Michael�s eyes lit up. �Sounds good to me, cos this cake ain�t getting any lighter.�

The laughs started again, as Isabel, Max, and Noah blew out the candles.

When they were done, a chorus of cheers and claps were heard.

Michael put the cake on the table, and started cutting out slices for everyone.

********

Max and Liz had secured a booth in the back, as they ate their slices of cake. Noah was in his booster seat, doing his best to get the cake into his mouth, but only succeeding in getting the frosting all over his face.

With a soft chuckle, Liz reached over with a napkin to wipe Noah�s face clean.

�Poor guy, he�s been dying for cake and now that he has some, he can�t seem to get it into his mouth.�

�Yeah, well I think he enjoys getting himself messy just as much as he does eating the cake.�

As Liz continued to wipe down Noah�s face, he reached the table, taking another handful of cake.
With an opened palm, he held out the cake towards Liz.

Liz gave him a look, wondering what he was doing.

Max leaned over her shoulder, nodding in Noah�s direction. �He wants to share with you.�

Liz only nodded. She took Noah�s little hand, scooping a little frosting with her finger, then popping into her mouth. She smiled, placing a sweet kiss on his cheek. �Thanks precious.�

With a playful smile, Liz reached for Noah�s hand, directing it towards Max�s face. �Now, let�s see if daddy wants some cake.� With that, she smacked Noah�s cake covered hand into Max�s face.

Max was too stunned to say anything at first, but when he heard the giggles erupt from both Noah and Liz, he couldn�t help but laugh.

Reaching over for a napkin, Max wiped his face clean. �Ha ha. Very funny.�

Liz held out Noah�s clean hand, so that she could him a high five. She looked back up at Max, a devilish smile on her lips. �Yeah, I thought so.�

Max threw the used napkin on the table, a devious smile playing against his lips. �Well, Ms. Parker. You do know what the say about payback being a b-

Liz promptly reached out to cover Max�s mouth. �Hey, we�re in the presence of a very young and impressionable mind here.� She gave him a little wink. �You should know better, daddy.�

The teasing tone in her voice only made Max love her even more. He placed a kiss on her palm, placing it on his thigh. He reached his arm around her shoulders, pulling her tight to his side. He flipped her long dark her over her shoulder, whispering in her ear. �You�re right. I should know better, but know this, Liz. You aren�t going to get away with it that easily.�

He nuzzled her neck with his nose, finally nipping on her earlobe, just as she had done to him earlier.

Liz shivered against his touch. Her eyes were clenched closed, and her hand on his thigh held on for dear life.

Max smiled at the sight of Liz, glad that he wasn�t the only one that could get so lost easily.

�Time for presents!� Maria held out a gift bag, waving it in Max�s direction.

Max nodded at Maria, then returned his attention back to Liz. He reached for her hand that was clawing away at his thigh. He placed another tender kiss on it, then a kiss on her bare shoulder.

�C�mon babe. You heard Maria, it�s time for presents.� With that, he picked up Noah and vacated the booth, leaving a very sexually frustrated Liz.

Liz blew out a breath, letting her head fall back.

Oh yeah. Payback was definitely going to be a bitch!

Part 49

*************

After taking a few moments to compose herself, Liz stood up to join the others.

If Max wanted to play dirty, she was definitely up for it. Just because he was the birthday boy, it didn�t mean that he could get away with murder.

Watch out Max Evans, cos Liz Parker was a woman on a mission. Maybe it was about time that Max had a taste of his own medicine.

Maria had arranged the chairs so that they were all facing each other in a big circle. She had sat Max, Isabel, and Noah at the top of the circle with everyone gathered around them. They had placed the gifts in the middle of the circle for easy access.

Maria could barely contain herself, she was so excited. It was as if she was the one who was celebrating their birthday.

"Ok you guys, open up my gifts first." She held her presents out to Max and Isabel, her excitement just oozing from her pores.

As she did so, Liz made her way over to Max, taking a seat beside him. She let her hand rub across his muscular shoulders, giving him a seductive smile.

Max felt the hairs on his arms stand to attention. In the short few minutes that he had teased Liz, the air had cackled, changing the direction of who was in charge. Of who was going to win this game. How she managed to turn the tables on him every time, he�d never know.

If someone had asked him a minute ago who he thought would win in this battle, he would have said him, but now, watching his angel sit next to him, with that sexually charged smile, and those doe eyes that burned with passion, he knew that without a doubt, that he would be the loser.

Liz was no longer an innocent angel, but instead, a beautiful temptress.

Max gulped, trying to hide the fact that he was so easily affected by Liz. Just because he knew that chances of him winning this game was slim to none, it didn�t mean that he couldn�t at least try. Might as well go down fighting, he thought.

He knew that he had the same effect on her as she did on him. His earlier display had proved that. With that thought, a cocky smile plastered itself on his lips.

Maybe he wasn�t such a lost cause after all.

He was broken out of his thoughts by Isabel�s voice. "Thank you soo much, Maria. This is absolutely wonderful. I love it. It must have taken you forever to make it."

"Oh, it was nothing. I�m glad you like it."

Isabel threw her arms around Maria, pulling the smaller blonde in a tight embrace. When they pulled back, Isabel hugged the knitted blanket to her chest before draping it over her shoulders.

"It�s your turn, Max." Maria passed him her present.

Max reached over, giving Maria a gracious smile. He pulled open the gift bag, digging through the mountains of tissue paper.

"Geez, Deluca. What�d you give him? Tissue paper?"

Maria slapped Alex across his chest with the back of her hand, giving him a playful glare on account of his good natured teasing.

As usual, the room erupted in laughter.

Liz leaned over, letting her fingers brush along Max�s, taking the tissue paper from his hands. Her long hair, cascading over his arm, giving him a sensual assault. "Here, let me get that for you."

"T-thanks." Max cringed when he heard himself stutter.

Way to go, Max! That�s the way to win, he thought sarcastically.

He just couldn�t help himself. Everywhere Liz touched him, it was as if electric currents were being sent through his body. His body becoming hyper sensitive.

Taking a second, he straightened his shoulders, reaching into the gift bag. He had to play it cool from now on.

He pulled out a book, a smile on his face when he realized what it was.

"Of Mice and Men....how did you know?"

Maria gave him a broad smile. "Well, a while back, you mentioned that your favorite author was Steinbeck, and that Of Mice and Men was your favorite book. I remember you said that you were a little upset because you had misplaced the book when you guys moved out here, and well, I thought that maybe you could use a new copy."

Max stood up, letting the gift bag fall to the floor. He pulled Maria from her seat, enveloping her in his strong arms. "I can�t believe you remembered........Thank you, Maria," he whispered, placing a kiss on her cheek.

Michael stood up, pulling Maria from Max�s embrace. "Ok, I think that�s enough hugging and kissing. Besides," he tilted his head to the side, a sly grin on his face. "You already have a beautiful woman over there."

Max looked to where Liz was sitting.

Yep. He certainly did have his own, beautiful lady. His smile broadened when he saw Liz�s cheeks flush at Michael�s words. It was hard to believe that she was the same woman who was being overly suggestive to him just a few minutes ago. Not that he minded. It just made her that much more endearing to him.

"Ok, more presents."

Maria handed Max and Isabel both an envelope.

Kyle waved at them from where he was comfortably sitting beside Courtney. "Those are from me."

Max tore the envelope open, pulling out a ticket.

"It�s a years subscription to Sports Illustrated. I know how busy you are, so I thought I�d give you a chance to catch up with all the happenings in the world of sports." He explained.

Max smiled. "Thanks. I know I�ll definitely get a use out of these."

"Yeah, well just make sure you don�t line the bathroom floors with them." Isabel, joked.

She sat up, ripping her envelope open. "I guess it�s my turn." She held up the piece of paper, reading it against the light. "A $20 gift certificate to Bath and Body Works."

Kyle shrugged his shoulders. "See, I wasn�t really sure what you�re into, and well, Maria and Liz are always buying stuff there, I thought that maybe it was a chick thing."

Isabel gave him a bright smile. "Well thank you, Kyle. It was very sweet of you."

Maria handed another envelope to Isabel.

Isabel opened it, reading the card. "To Max, and Isabel. Hope you have a wonderful birthday. Love Courtney." Isabel looked up, smiling at her. "Thank you, Courtney." She pulled out a ticket. "Ooh, it�s another gift certificate."

Max pulled the ticket away from Isabel. "A gift certificate for Amazon.com," he flashed Courtney a smile. "Thanks, Courtney."

Courtney looked at the twins from lowered lashes. "You�re welcome."

Maria picked up two rectangular shaped gifts, wrapped in newspaper. "And these, are from Michael."

Michael scratched his head, ruffling his unruly hair. "Sorry about the wrapping. I, uh, you know, money�s a little tight....." he trailed off, not finishing his sentence. Everyone knew that he was an emancipated minor, and that he basically had to fend for himself, but he still didn�t like to talk about. Not even with Maria.

"You didn�t have to get us something-

Michael interrupted Max. "I know, but I wanted to. It isn�t much, but I thought.....I thought you guys might like it." He sat back, and watched with baited breath as Isabel tore her gift open.

Isabel pulled the newspaper away, letting it fall to the floor. She felt tears well up in her eyes as her finger traced the glass frame. Inside was a sketch of the stars at night. She could even see all the different constellations.

Isabel walked up to Michael, placing a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you....." She was speechless for a second. "How did, how did you know that I loved to look at the stars?"

Michael sat back, trying not to get emotional. "Alex may have mentioned something."

Isabel smiled, giving his hand a squeeze. "Thank you. I had no idea you were this talented."

"Yo-you�re welcome."

Isabel returned to her seat, placing her hand in Alex�s. She mouthed the words thank you to him, letting her head rest on his shoulder.

Max looked at the package in his hands, finally tearing away at the newspaper. His breath was caught in his throat when he saw what the sketch was of.

It was him and Liz sitting in a booth, with Noah sitting in between them. All of them smiling, just as if they were a little family. Max let his finger trace the exquisite detail in which Michael had drawn, Noah.

He stood up, pulling Michael into a manly hug. "I don�t know how to thank you, Michael......this, you don�t know how much this means to me."

Michael was going to pretend that he was unaffected by Max�s response to his gift.

Screw what people were going to say. He was around everyone that he loved. He threw his arms around Max, giving him a pat on the back. "No problem, man. Seeing how much you like it, well, that�s thanks enough."

They pulled back, smiling.

Max wiped at the tears that had formed in his eyes. "How did you even get, the sketch?"

"It wasn�t too hard, not when you and Noah practically live at the Crashdown."

Chuckles bubbled forth, the mood once again changing.

Liz pulled the last two gifts from the floor.

She handed one to Isabel, and one to Max.

Isabel sifted through the tissue paper, pulling out an embroided pillow. On it had stars and the words Stargazer written at the bottom.

Liz gave her a sheepish grin. "Alex gave me the idea of the stars, and well, Maria and I worked together. She knitted, and I did the needlework on the pillow."

"I love it, thank you."

The two shared a hug.

Max opened his gift bag, pulling out a cd.

Alex spoke up, trying to explain his gift. "That one�s from me. Liz told me who all of your favorite bands were, so I made you a compilation cd."

"Cool. Thanks." Max grinned at Alex, before scanning the track listing.

Kyle spoke up, pulling a large gift from behind his back. "Well, we do have one last gift, but it isn�t for the two of you." He walked over to where Noah was sitting on the floor, playing with the used gift wrappers.

"We all chipped in, figuring we would get the little guy something, that way, he wouldn�t feel left out."

Max leaned down, brushing away Noah�s hair from his face. "You guys didn�t have to do that."

Kyle shook his head. "But we wanted to." He pushed the box towards Noah, sitting cross legged in front of him. "Here you go, little buddy. This is for you, from all of us."

Noah looked at the package curiously, gently fingering the colored wrapping.

"Here, let me help you." Kyle ripped open the wrapping, smiling when Noah joined him.

Noah was giggling and smiling, having the time of his life. He tore away at the packaging, loving that he was allowed to make a mess.

Max sat on the floor, pulling Noah into his lap. "Look at that little man. It�s a car."

He whispered into Noah�s ear. "Say thank you, little man."

Noah clapped his hands together. "Dank doo!"

"You�re welcome, little fella." Kyle ruffled his hair, before pulling the rest of the gift wrap off, opening up the box.

He stood up, scratching the side of his head. "Uh guys, the car isn�t assembled yet."

"What?" Michael stood up, bringing Maria with him.

Maria burst into laughter. "Didn�t you guys read the package first, before you bought it?"

Alex crossed his arms. "I guess we know to do that now."

Mr. Evans stood up, taking the contents out of the box. "Here, why don�t I give you guys a hand."

************

45 minutes later

Kyle, Alex, Michael, Jim, and Phillip, all hovered around the toy car, trying to get it assembled so that Noah could play with it.

Liz sat down next Max, laying her head on his shoulder. "Just so you know, I did get you something, but I want to wait until everyone is gone before I give it to you."

Max kissed her forehead. "You didn�t have to do that."

"I know, I wanted to."

The two of them chuckled when they heard Kyle�s voice.

"Maybe next year, we could give Noah a box instead." He pointed to Noah who was sitting in the box that the car came in. He was pretending it was a car, talking and laughing to himself.

Alex clapped Kyle on the shoulder. "You maybe right. It would sure as hell be cheaper."

Once again, the room was filled with giggles, as they gathered around, watching Noah play with the box.

Part 50

****************

The party had wound down with people saying their goodbyes.

Diane held her grandson in her arms, waiting for Phillip to get their things together.

She turned when she felt a tap on her shoulder. A soft smile made it�s way to her lips when she saw who it was. �Hey, Max. You ready to go?�

�Actually, I was wondering if Izzy and I could stay a little longer. We sort of wanted to help clean up. I mean it�s the least we could do.� Max�s eyes danced around the Crashdown, eyeing the mess that everyone had made.

Diane smiled, securing Noah tightly to her chest. �Sure, honey. Daddy, and I will just take Noah with us.� She looked at Noah�s sleeping form in her arms.

�You guys don�t mind, do you?� Max reached over, running his hand down his son�s back.

�Of course not.� She brushed the hair out of Max�s eyes, looking at him with concern. �Just don�t be home too late, ok?�

�Promise.� He hugged his mom, walking her out to the car.

**************

�You guys don�t mind if I take a few balloons home with me do you?� Maria was busy tying a balloon to her wrist as she spoke.

�Help yourself. I feel terrible that all of these decorations are gonna go to waste.� Isabel grabbed a few of the streamers that littered the floor, throwing them into one of the black garbage bags.

Maria assessed the dining room as she headed towards Liz. �Are you sure that you�re gonna be fine with the rest of this stuff?�

�No problem. I�ve got it under control. Don�t even worry about it.� Liz pushed Maria in Michael�s direction, her voice filled with laughter. �C�mon, Michael. Get her out of here!�

Michael threw his arm over Maria�s shoulders, throwing a nod at Liz. �You don�t need to tell me twice. Later, Liz!�

Maria was about to say something else, but Michael pushed her to the front doors. �We�ll see you guys later.� He gave a little wave, pausing to say something else. �Oh, and happy birthday again, Isabel!�

�Thanks!� Isabel called out to them with a smile.

Kyle came out from the kitchen, his eyes scanning the room for Michael and Maria. �Hey, where�d Michael and Maria go?�

�You just missed them.�

�You�ve got to be kidding me!� Annoyance was evident in his voice. �They were supposed to be my ride.�

Courtney looked up from where she was tying up one of the garbage bags closed. �I could give you a ride.�

Kyle couldn�t keep the excited grin from his lips. �That would be......that would be great.� He pulled on his jacket, making his way to where Courtney was standing. �Are you sure you don�t mind?�

Courtney nervously tucked her hair behind her ears. �No, not at all.�

�Great!� Kyle took the trash from her hands, holding his other hand out to Courtney.

Smiling, she placed her hand in his, letting him lead her to wherever it was they were going.

�We�ll just get rid of this on our way out, then we�re leaving, so, bye guys!�

A chorus of goodbyes were heard as Courtney and Kyle left, leaving Liz, Alex, and Isabel inside.

Liz pulled Alex to the side, making sure that Isabel couldn�t hear what they were saying. �So, are you still going to take Isabel for that drive?�

Alex watched Isabel from the corner of his eye. �Yeah. I�ve still got to give her my present.�

Grinning, Liz propelled Alex in Isabel�s direction. �Good! Why don�t you go ahead and do that right now?�

Alex stumbled forward a little, giving Liz a curious look. �Are you sure? What about the rest of this stuff?�

�Don�t worry about it. Max and I will get it.�

Upon hearing Max�s name, Alex nodded in understanding. �Ok, sure. I get it.�

He tugged on Isabel�s elbow, getting her attention. �Hey, what do you say we go for a drive? I still haven�t given you your present yet, and-

�Right now?� Isabel looked around the room. �What about all of this stuff?�

�Oh. Liz said not to worry about. She has everything under control.� With his head tilted to the side, and a goofy grin on his lips, Alex held his hand out to her. �Coming?�

Isabel wanted nothing more than to spend some time alone with Alex, but she felt bad leaving all of the work to Liz. She shot a look in Liz�s direction.

Liz just smiled at her, waving the two of them away. �Go on, you two. Get out of here before I change my mind.�

With her hand hanging right above Alex�s, Isabel gave Liz one last look. �You�re sure?�

Liz pushed the two of them towards the front door, laughing as she did. �Yes! Now go on! Scoot!�

When both of them were outside, Liz made sure that she secured the locks on the front door.

�Where�d everyone go?�

Liz turned around slowly, a wicked grin on her lips. �Oh, they all had to leave. You know, busy people, places to be.� She walked past Max, but he grabbed a hold of her waist, the two of them spinning.

�And your parents? I don�t think I saw them all night.�

Liz placed a delicate finger on his shoulder, letting it run down his chest before placing the palm of her hand against him. �Oh, they had to go to Albuquerque. They won�t be back till tomorrow.� She let her eyes rake over his handsome face, her tongue unconsciously licking her lips. �Something about them trying to get a good deal on some new fryers for the Crash.�

Max nodded, his eyes glued to her lips. �Right. So, does that.......�

Smiling, Liz nodded, her head leaning forward. �Yep. It�s just to two of us.� She ran her hands up across his shoulders, squeezing and kneading as she went.

Max�s hands wrapped around her small frame, gripping her around the waist to bring her at face level with him. He could feel her breaths hit his face in small warm puffs. She was so close, he could almost taste her.

Tilting his head to accommodate their lips meeting. Max let his eyes flutter close, his hand coming up to cradle the back of her head. He could feel her leaning in closer, her warmth surrounding him everywhere.

Just when he expected their lips to meet, he was abruptly pushed backwards. He stumbled back, trying to get his footing. He felt a little light headed, his mind trying to figure out what just happened. His eyes finally focused on Liz who had her back turned to him.

His eyes traveled down her body, finally landing on her slender hips. He watched as they swayed, side to side; her short skirt swishing across her shapely thighs.

He continued to watch with mounting interest as she bent down, picking up a wayward party decoration. His eyes were trained on her trim legs as they stretched when she started to return to a standing position.

He watched as her barely there skirt rode up her creamy legs, exposing more of her soft skin. Max stifled back a groan, his eyes landing on her tight little tush.

If he didn�t know any better, he would say that she was deliberately trying to torture him.

But she wouldn�t do that to him, right? Not his sweet, innocent, Liz?

Just then, her head whipped around, her body still bent down, a suggestive smile on her lips. �Enjoying the view?�

Max almost choked at his own surprise. His face a deep crimson.

Returning to an upright position, Liz turned to face him, finally throwing a party hat at him. �Back to work, birthday boy!�

Her sultry laugh filled the air, as she made her way back towards the kitchen.

Max let his hand run across his face. He could hardly believe it. She had played him.

When his hand fell away, a fiendish smile made it�s way to his lips.

So Liz wanted to play, huh?

Well let the games begin!

Part 51

Rating: R for suggestiveness.......

**********

Max pushed the swinging doors open to find Liz inside the kitchen, putting away the uneaten food.

�Anything I can help you with?�

Slightly startled, Liz looked up to see Max leaning against the door frame, a mischievous smile on his lips. His dark hair fell over his eyes, accenting their amber color. She watched as his biceps flexed when he crossed his arms across his chest, his muscular torso practically bursting at the seams of his shirt.

Hummanah, hummanah...........Liz could feel her jaw drop to the floor and her eyes bug out of her head, seeing his casual stance.

Damn!

How could he manage to be so darned handsome without even trying?

Liz knew that she was ahead in the game they had started, and she wasn�t about to be giving away any freebies. If Max wanted to win, he would definitely have to earn his keep. She�d make him work for it. Just because she was already weak in the knees, it didn�t mean that he had to know that.

She walked towards the sink, shaking her head. �Nope. I�m just, just, just about done in here. Just have to wash these dishes.� She walked to the sink, taking a deep breath. She had to calm herself down a little. He had managed to turn her into a blubbering fool in just a matter of seconds.

Boy, was she in trouble.

She turned on the faucet, waiting for the water to warm up.

Good, Liz. Just wash the dishes, and play it cool. Pretend that he�s not even there.

Liz almost groaned out loud when she felt Max come up behind her, his body flush against hers. His arms reached around her waist, his hands going under the stream of water.

Liz clenched her eyes closed, taking deep and even breaths.

How was she supposed to pretend he wasn�t there, when she could feel every move he made behind her? His warm breath was on her neck, the slight stubble on his chin, grazing her skin.

�You don�t mind if I wash my hands first, do you?� The smile was evident in his voice.

Liz forced herself to open her eyes, only to find herself looking into Max�s warm amber pools.

Biting back a curse, Liz shook her head, giving him a fake sugary smile. �Not at all.�

�Thanks.�

Liz saw the cocky grin pass his lips as he turned his attention back to washing his hands.

Keep on smiling, Max, because this victory of yours isn�t going to last much longer.

Liz reached to the side to get the soap. She made sure to bump and grind her tush into Max�s body. Once she had the soap in her possession, she poured the liquid all over her hands. She reached forward, grabbing Max�s hands, lathering up both of their hands. She massaged each of his hands, letting his fingers slip through her own.

Liz had to bite her bottom lip to keep from laughing out loud. She could feel Max�s breathing get heavier, his chest heaving with the effort. She felt him take a step back, his body no longer hugging hers. There was a slight tremor in his hands as she let her hands glide across the soapy texture of his.

When she was satisfied that she had cleaned both of their hands, she pulled their hands forward, letting the warm water wash away the soap. Liz grabbed a hold of his hand, turning it so that his palm was facing the spray. She let her index finger trace a line from the top of his middle finger, all the way down to his wrist. She repeated the process, giving his other hand the same treatment.

Smiling, she reached for the towel that hung just beside them, drying his hands with it. �All done.�

�Th-thanks....�

He made sure to put as much space between them. He didn�t want her to feel just how much she had affected him.

�I�m just,� he pointed to the service table, �I�m gonna, I�ll just wait until you�re done.�

�Ok.�

Liz returned to washing the dishes. With Max on the other side of the room, she was given a reprieve. From here, she could figure out her next move.

That had been a close one.

�Liz?�

She looked up to see him perched on the service table, a sheepish grin on his lips.

�Yes?�

He pointed to the left over cake on the table. �You don�t mind if I eat the rest, do you?�

Liz had to laugh at the image he presented. He looked just like a little boy, at a candy store.

�Sure, hun. Help yourself.�

�Thanks.� Max reached beside him, devouring what was left of the birthday cake.

By the time Liz had washed all of the dishes, Max had eaten all of the cake.

Liz could hardly believe what she was seeing.

Max was licking his fingers, frosting decorating the corners of his lips.

�You ate the whole thing?�

Max gave her a broad smile, his white teeth showing. �What can I say, I�m a growing boy.� He gave his stomach a pat, a belly laugh erupting from his lips.

Liz sauntered over to him, coming to stand in between his spread legs. She placed her palms against his thighs, rubbing them up and down. �Well, growing boy. You seem to have missed a few spots.�

�I, I have?� Max looked into her face, then down to her hands that had suddenly begun tracing invisible patterns on his thighs.

�Uh huh.� She reached out her pointer finger, wiping off the frosting from the corner of his lip. �Right, here.� She held out her finger, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Max took her hand, letting it hover right above his lips before letting his tongue flick out to lick the tip of her finger clean. �Anything else, I missed?�

�Yeah.�

He gave her a feral grin, letting her wrist free. He watched as her finger scooped up the rest of the frosting that was residing on the side of his lip.

She held out her finger to him, waiting for him to repeat the process.

He obliged her, except, instead of just flicking the tip of her finger with his tongue, he grabbed her by the wrist, his mouth opening to accommodate her whole finger. He closed his lips around her finger, creating suction, when he let her finger go with a pop.

�Is that it?� His voice was deeper now, his eyes almost black with desire.

Liz nodded, her hair flying across her bare shoulders. �Yep. All gone.� She stepped away from him, grabbing the rest of the food and putting them in the fridge.

Max frowned. He was sure that he had gotten to her, just as much as she had gotten to him, but with the way she was acting so cool right now....

He jumped off the table, walking around the corner to where the storage fridge was.

He had to clap his hand over his mouth to muffle his laugh when he saw Liz standing with the refrigerator door wide open, trying to cool herself off. It almost looked as if she was trying to climb inside it.

�Ahem.�

Liz practically jumped out of her skin when she heard the rumble of Max�s voice.

With her face burning, she shut the refrigerator door closed, waiting to hear a sly comeback from Max.

But she never heard one.

She looked up to see what was going on, when she felt the heat of Max�s body in front of hers.

His hand reached forward, cradling the side of her face, tilting it so that he could kiss her.

Liz felt herself stumble backwards, until her back was against the stainless steel door of the refrigerator. She hadn�t expected that, but heck, she wasn�t about to complain.

His mouth was devouring hers, mating with hers, fusing their lips together so that it was virtually impossible to tell where he ended and she began.

Her hands reached forward, pulling his body flush with hers. He just couldn�t be close enough.

She whimpered when his lips left hers, leaving a wet trail down the side of her neck. She could feel the bulge increasing in his pants, and she couldn�t help but try to get closer to it.

It was Max�s turn to groan. If he thought Liz brushing up against him earlier was torture, then this was heaven in hell. He let his hand glide down her leg, bringing it up to wrap around his waist, his hips grinding into hers.

The moan that escaped her lips was music to his ears.

�Maaaax....�

It was only when he heard the sound of her voice, did the sexual fog lift from his brain. He backed away slowly, letting her leg fall back to the floor.

With his breathing labored, he leaned his forehead against hers.

She cupped his face in hers hands, her lips reaching out to taste his.

�Let�s go upstairs.�

With a nod of his head, she clasped their hands together, leading him to the back stairs.

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