| Part 52 Rating: Heavy R, bordering NC-17? ********** Standing outside Liz�s room, Max tightened his grip on her hand. They both knew what they wanted, that part was obvious, but were they really ready to take that humongous step in their relationship? If they walked down this road tonight, they knew that there would be no turning back. He could feel her fear. Not fear of him, but fear of how these events would change their lives forever. After this, things between them wouldn�t just be simple anymore. Things were about to get complicated, more than they ever could. He turned to face her, his hand drifting to caress her cheek. �You know, we don�t have to do anything tonight. We could just hold each other, and that would make me happy...� A reverent smile lighting his lips. �I..I know....but I want, this is...I want...� Liz threw her hand up in frustration. This is not how she envisioned things. She couldn�t seem to find the right words to say. They were practically on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn�t quite let them roll. �Hey...� Max brought his other hand up to the base of her neck, his thumb running across her collar bone. �Why don�t we just take things one step at a time? Take things as they come.� His voice grew to a whisper, as he tried to calm her jangled nerves. �Let�s not put any pressure on ourselves. Whatever happens, happens.� Liz gave him a faint smile, leaning into the caress of his hand. He always knew the right things to say, the right things to do. Panic rose in her when she thought about how far they might actually get. She wanted nothing more than to make love to Max. She had been ready to, for quite a while now. But this was her first time. She couldn�t imagine ever giving herself to anyone other than Max. Ever. But she wasn�t his first. How would she compare? She was very inexperienced. The farthest she had ever gone was second base, but even that was stretching the truth. How could she hold a candle to the girl that gave Max his first son? His first born? Her thoughts were fleeting when Max�s lips found hers again. His kisses were different this time. It wasn�t demanding like before. It was as if he were reacquainting himself with her lips. His kisses were gentle, feather-like. Of their own accord, her arms rose, resting on his shoulders, urging him to deepen his kiss. But he wouldn�t allow it. No. He was going to take his time. He wasn�t going to rush this. Not this time. His hand fell to the small of her back, pushing her closer to his body. A soft sigh passed her lips. Max used the opportunity to taste her, his tongue mating with hers. She tasted so sweet. Just like cake, he thought in amusement. But amusement quickly turned into need, when she took control, slowly walking them towards the bed. Walking backwards until the back of his knees hit the edge of her bed, Max held onto Liz�s elbows for balance. He let her take the lead, letting her do whatever she felt comfortable doing. Liz gently pushed Max into a sitting position on her bed, pushing him until his back was resting against the headboard. She watched as his chest rose and fell with his labored breathing. A small smile touched her lips, glad that she could do that to him. That she could put that look of passion in his eyes. Slowly, ever so slowly, she climbed onto the bed, delicately crawling towards him. Throwing one leg over both of his, she lowered herself onto his lap. His eyes watched her every move, wondering what her next advance would be. She didn�t disappoint. Her elegant fingers brushed the hair from his face, softly coming down to trace his eyebrows, his cheekbones, his lips. He grabbed a hold of her hand, kissing the tip of each finger. Finally, he placed a kiss on her palm, letting her hand go to do as she pleased. Liz leaned forward, cupping his strong jaw. She could feel him grinding his teeth, trying in vain not to lose control. He was letting her have free reign, putting himself in check, for her. Liz�s heart swelled to enormous proportions, her love for him growing by the second. Her lips fluttered against his, a promise of things to come. She placed open mouthed kisses all over his face, her lips dragging down to his neck. His skin was salty, the cords in his neck pulled taut. Her mouth found the sensitive spot at the hollow of his neck, her nimble fingers reaching for his shirt buttons. One by one, his buttons snapped open, and kiss by kiss, she moved down his body. With his shirt hanging open, Liz sat back, and for the first time she openly admired his muscular physique. Sure, she had seen him shirtless on a number of occasions, but there was something about the moon shining through the window, casting a pale blue light across his golden skin, that just took her breath away. He was an Adonis. Well, to put it more correctly, he was her Adonis. The thought only made her giddy, making her eager to take the next big step. Her fingers danced across his bronzed skin, a secret smile playing on her lips at the sounds of his sharp intake of breath when she touched a sensitive area. Curiously, she traced around his nipples, watching in silent awe when they hardened at her touch. Her fingers continued their downward journey, stopping to circle his belly button. She was drawn to the way he was so completely lost. His eyes clenched shut, his hands balled up into fists on the bedspread. Tracing one last circle on his belly button, her finger went further south, following his happy trail. She was about to snap open the button on his jeans, when his hands came up, halting her movements. �My turn.� His voice was husky, his eyes a shade darker than it was a minute ago. His fingers ran through her hair, delighting in the soft, silky texture. As quick as lightning, he had flipped them over so that he was on top. Just as she had done to him, he traced the soft curves of her face, his thumb rubbing her bottom lip. Her tongue peeked out from behind her lips, tasting him. Max leaned over, his lips capturing hers in a breath stealing kiss. His hands ran down her neck, reaching behind her to undo the straps of her halter. With leisurely pace, he peeled her halter away from her body. Each piece of skin that came to view was like a gift. His breath caught in his throat when the scrap of material was shed, revealing her milky white breasts. As a reflex, Liz pulled her arms to cover herself, having never been naked in front of a guy before. Add to that the fact that she was feeling slightly inadequate. She wasn�t a big girl, and she had always heard guys talk about the size of a girl�s rack. What if Max was a breast man? What if he didn�t like what he saw? All doubt was cast out of her mind, the minute he pulled her arms away from her body. His voice was tinged with wonder as he spoke. �God, Liz........you�re absolutely beautiful..� Liz felt the blush start from her chest, reaching all the way to the roots of her hair. She felt her chin being lifted up, forcing her to look into his eyes, making her see that he meant every word that came from his lips. �So, beautiful....� His fingers danced across her shoulders, making their descent to her breasts. He watched her pant for breath, an excited gleam in her eyes. Not able to resist, he leaned down again, letting their mouths meet again. This time, his hands reached down, cupping a breast in each hand. Liz�s eyes flew open at the sensations that Max�s hands were causing in her body. His hands squeezed, bouncing her breasts as if they were pieces of fruit. But she felt herself melt when his thumb and forefinger came into contact with her sensitive nipples. He had pulled away from her, watching as his ministrations turned her nipples into hardened peaks. Scooting back further on her legs, he gave her one last smile before dipping his head down to taste her. Liz�s head fell back, her hands digging through his hair, trying to pull him closer to her. Trying to become one with him. Her legs came to wrap around his waist, her hips grinding into his. She tried to ease the ache between her legs, but everything that Max was doing to her was just igniting the fire, making the fire burn hotter. �Maaaaax....� Her voice came out in a strangled cry, her muscles tensing up in anticipation. Anticipation for what, she didn�t know. But she knew that she felt like she was falling. Deep. Grabbing him by the ears, she pulled him up so that their lips fused together. Oxygen was a thing of the past. So what if they couldn�t breathe? With all of her strength, she flipped them over so that she was on top. Her mouth refused to part with his, her lower body moving into a frenzy against his arousal. She didn�t know what was happening to her, but she could feel it building in the pit of her stomach. It was building so high, it was practically begging for release. All she had to do was reach for it. Max�s hands flew to her hips in an attempt to slow down her frantic movements, but they seemed to have a mind of their own. He gripped her tight, aiding her rabid movement. He was just about ready to die. His head flew back, the cords in his neck straining. �Maaax.....what�s, what�s h-happening to me?......It, it feels like I�m going to fall....� Her voice sounded strained even to her own ears. What was happening to her? It felt like she was about to fall of a cliff, and all she wanted to do was jump. His baritone voice was like music to her ears. �It�s ok, baby...Just let it happen....� And with those words, the bottom dropped out. Liz felt her body go rigid, finally releasing into sporadic tremors. Different colors flashed across her sight, making her feel slightly light headed. Beads of sweat rolled down her face, the tension in her body suddenly gone. Whimpers escaped her throat as she came back down from her high. Max�s arms flew around her, bringing her down to lay against his side. With words of love, he brushed the wet tendrils of hair from her face. �I love you, Liz.......Thank you....� Liz felt like crawling into a hole and dying. Her inexperience was obvious. Max probably thought she was a fool. �Hey, what�s wrong?� He tilted her chin upwards, giving her no choice but to look into his eyes. �Liz?� She buried her face in his neck, her warm tears spilling onto her cheeks. �How can you say that? God, I didn�t, you didn�t even- He silenced her with a finger to her lips. He knew what she was thinking, and he wanted to prove her wrong. �Look, everything about tonight, what we shared, it was perfect. And I don�t want you thinking otherwise.� Liz looked at him with teary eyes. �What we shared?� She eyed the ever prominent bulge in his pants, knowing full well that he had yet to receive the same release that she had. With her lack of experience, and her emotions running high, she had only thought of herself. Max gave a soft chuckle at the sound of her voice. �Ok, you got me.� He shifted to a more comfortable position, making sure that his jeans didn�t pinch. �So I may not be in the most comfortable position right now, but what happened to you, that was more than enough for me. Seeing you that way, that was the best gift you could�ve given me.� Liz smiled despite herself. She knew that every word that Max spoke was nothing less than the truth. But she just couldn�t help feeling bad. With a determined look in her eyes, she straddled his hips, her hands popping the button of his jeans open. Right when her fingers pulled his zipper down, an annoying beeping sound reverberated through the room. His hands stopped the movement of hers, his eyes exchanging mixed emotions. �I really should get that.� Liz nodded, scooting over to the side of the bed. Before reaching for his pager, Max brushed his lips against hers. �Love you....� Part 53 Rated: R bordering NC-17? ********* Max dialed Isabel�s cell phone number, trying to figure out why she had paged him. �Hello?� �Iz?� �Max?� �Yeah, it�s me. What�s up?� Max shifted, trying to find the most comfortable position possible, but realized quickly that it wasn�t going to do any good. Throwing a quick glance to where Alex had laid a blanket on the desert floor, Isabel turned her head, whispering into the phone. �Look, I�m sorry to be calling and all, but I was wondering if it would be ok if Alex and I stayed out a little longer. We kinda just got here, and well- Max smiled into the phone, deliriously happy that his time with Liz wasn�t about to be cut short. �No prob, Iz. You and Alex take your time. I�ll just meet you back here at Liz�s later.� The smile broke out on Isabel�s face. �Thanks, Max. I�ll owe you.� Max looked back to the bed where Liz had slid under the covers, a secret smile tugging on his lips. �Don�t even worry about, Iz.� ********* Alex wiped his hands on his pants, walking slowly towards the car to Isabel. �Everything, ok?� �Yep.� She gave him a big smile, her eyes dancing with excitement. �In fact, everything�s just perfect.� He returned her smile, reaching for her hand. �Great. C�mon, everything�s ready....� Isabel bumped her hip against him, a coy smile on her lips. �So, what�s with all the secrecy, anyway? Why wouldn�t you let me see what you were doing up here?� Reciprocating her movement, he let his hip bump hers, rounding the corner to where he had set up the blanket. �Well, then it wouldn�t be a surprise, now would it Miss Evans?� Isabel was set to continue their playful banter, but words escaped her when they reached the blanket. Alex had laid out a flannel blanket on the desert floor. There was a bouquet of yellow roses laying in the center beside a single candle. Of to the side was a thermos, and a small gift bag. �You did all of this while I was on the phone?� Her voice was filled with wonderment, as she watched his face for his answer. Looking down, Alex shuffled his feet. �Geez, Isabel. You make it sound like I did something special, or something...� He felt his chin being pulled up by the tips of her fingers. �But it is. Don�t you see that?� She lead him to the blanket, the two of them sitting down. �No one has ever done anything like this for me before.� The playfulness was back in Alex�s voice as he started speaking. �I�m glad.� He reached for the flowers that he had bought her, gently giving them to her. �These are for you.� While he was out buying flowers, he couldn�t quite decide what color roses to get her. He had always heard that girls liked roses. He knew for a fact that Liz adored white, while Maria liked the red. He too liked the red, but he chose not to get them, not wanting Isabel to get the wrong idea. He and Isabel, they were, well, they weren�t exactly a couple per say. True, they spent all of their free time together, not dating anyone. They basically did everything that a normal couple did, minus the kissing thing. They�d held each others hands, given each other kisses on the cheek, but they had yet to kiss each other on the lips. Alex was absolutely smitten with Isabel. He would die a happy man if she agreed to be his girlfriend, but he wasn�t going to push her. If she wanted to just be his friend, then that would be fine with him. Their friendship was what mattered most. That�s why he had decided on the yellow roses. �Thank you.� She brought the flowers up to her nose, getting a whiff of their sweet scent. �These roses are gorgeous.� �And since we�re here, I thought I might as well give you your present.� He reached for the gift bag behind him, a slight frown on his lips. �It isn�t much, I- She took the bag from him, her voice cutting him off. �Whatever it is, I�m sure I�ll love it.� �I hope so,� he muttered under his breath. �Did you say something?� �No, no...uh, just, go ahead and open your present.� Isabel let out an excited giggle. �You guys are spoiling me.� She pulled the gift bag open, throwing the tissue paper aside. Pulling out a cd, Isabel looked at it curiously. Alex pointed to the cd in her hand, trying to explain to her what it was. �I made you a cd of my band.� With a grin on her lips, she watched him with unadulterated awe. �You have a band?� Alex gave her a sheepish grin. �Not exactly. It�s my dream to have one eventually, but it�s kinda hard to find band members in Roswell. I tried getting Kyle and Michael to do it, but they�re totally hopeless. Kyle is like tone deaf, and Michael is the epitome of the white guy that has no rhythm.� Isabel laughed at the images that Alex�s words created in her mind. �But I do have one prospect. Maria has an incredible voice, and I keep trying to get her to join me, but...� �But what?� Alex scratched his chin, obviously trying to conjure up the exact moment in his memory when he tried to coax Maria to join him. �I think her exact words were, �There is absolutely no way that I am going to get up in front of people and sing. EVER!�� Isabel�s light laughter caused Alex to join her. �Anyways, I�m still looking for band members, but in the mean time, those are some of the songs that I�ve written, and well, I thought you might get a kick out of it.� �I can�t wait to hear it.� She went to return the cd back in the bag, when she felt something else inside. �What�s this?� She pulled out a snow globe. Inside was a little boy and a little girl sitting on a rock together, their gazes held by the sky above them. �Uh, well, I was shopping for your gift, and well I saw that, and well, it reminded me of- �Of the first time we went star gazing together.� She finished for him. �Yeah.� Unexpectedly, she leaned forward, planting a tentative kiss on his lips. To say that Alex was shocked, was the biggest understatement of the year. He could tell that she was waiting for him to return his kiss, and he was more than glad to. He cupped her cheek, bringing her closer to him. They pulled back slowly, both giving each other shy smiles. Isabel was the first to speak, her nervousness obvious. �I know that, we, that you and I......� Isabel decided to change her tactics. Might as well get straight to the point. �Look, Alex. I like you. A LOT. And, what we have, I want us to be more than friends.� Alex could hardly believe what he was hearing. Isabel Evans, his goddess was saying she wanted to be more than just friends with him. If he could have whooped and hollered for joy, he would have, but that probably wasn�t the most appropriate thing to do. So instead, he reached for her hand, his eyes, gazing intently into hers. �I want that too.� That shy smile that she always gave him was in full force, and all he could was smile back. �Well, I think this calls for a toast.� Isabel watched him reach for the thermos. �A toast?� Alex smiled as he uncapped the thermos, as if a revelation was just made to him. �Yeah. To us.� He handed Isabel her mug, the hot chocolate, warming her cold hands. She held her mug out, waiting for him to tap it with his. �To us.� *********** Kyle sat in the passenger seat, nervously tapping his fingers on the dash board. He and Courtney had been sitting in her car outside his house, both not moving or saying a word. He shot her a quick glance, offering her a smile. �Thanks for the ride. I appreciate it.� �Not a problem. You�re welcome.� Kyle rubbed his sweaty palms across his jeans, hoping to calm himself down a little. �Right, well, uh, I should go inside.� He pointed to his house, reaching over to open the door. �Goodnight, Courtney.� �Night, Kyle.� Just as he step foot outside, she called out to him. �Kyle?� He popped his head back in, wondering what was wrong. �Yeah.?� Courtney started fidgeting. �About tonight, when you danced with me......I just wanted to say thank you. I don�t think I�ve had that much fun in a really long time.� Kyle gave her a thousand watt smile. �Me too. Thank you.� Her smile grew wider, as she gave Kyle a wave goodbye. Kyle watched her drive away, the smile on his lips never fading. ********** Inside the house, Jim and Amy both looked out the window to see Kyle standing outside smiling to himself. �Those two would make such a cute couple.� Amy turned to Jim, a playful smile on her lips. �How long do you think till they get together?� Jim pulled Amy into his embrace, giving her temple a kiss. �Well, if he�s anything like me I�d say it might take a while.� She gave him a slap across his arm, her eyebrow raised. �Well I certainly hope not. Waiting 11 years for you to even strike up a conversation with me, was grueling.� �It did not take me 11 years to talk to you,� he said with a pout. �I was just trying to find the right moment.� Amy chuckled, burying her face in his neck. �Yeah, well, let�s just hope that Kyle has better timing than his dear old dad.� He gave her a scowl. �How many times do I have to tell you, I�m not old!� He crossed his arms in front of him, feigning mock hurt. �I�d like to think of myself as mature.� She grabbed his face in between her hands, planting a loud kiss on his lips. �Whatever you say, honey.� **************** Max sat back against the headboard, his eyes fluttering closed as Liz peppered his neck with her moist kisses. �Is everything, ok?� �Uh, everything�s, yeah, um, everything�s g-great.� He had a hard time forming a coherent thought when Liz�s mouth seemed to be everywhere all at once, driving him insane. �What did she say?� �Who?� With a soft chuckle, Liz sat back, admiring the way Max looked so ravished. His hair was mussed, probably from the way her fingers continually tunneled through them. His eyes pitch black, his lips swollen from her kisses. His golden skin had a thin sheen of sweat, a blush settling itself on him. �Isabel. What did she say?� �Oh,� he sat up a little, �something about her and Alex staying out a little later than expected.� A wicked grin passed her lips. �Good to know.� And with that, her lips descended on his, demanding entrance. Her tongue lashed out at his, both of them doing an age old dance. Her hands reached down, tugging on his jeans. Max complied, lifting his hips to help her. Once he was free from them, she pulled back, her eyes glued to that part of him that made him different from her. His hands, clenched into the sheets, his breathing turning into pants. He had been in this condition for too long, he was afraid that Liz raking hot looks at him continuously was bound to bring him to orgasm alone. With a tentative touch, she reached forward, her finger tracing a path down his rigid arousal. She pulled her hand away when she felt it jerk. Her eyes flew to his, wondering if what was happening was normal. She didn�t want to hurt him. Max felt a tightening in his chest at the look of wonder on her face. �It�s ok.....it, uh, does that sometimes....� Liz nodded, biting the corner of her bottom lip. In a small voice, she asked him the question she had been dying to ask him. �Can I......can I see it?� Max could only nod. His voice refusing to cooperate with him. Her small hands caressed the taut skin just below his naval, causing Max�s eyes to roll back into his head. He felt her slip her fingers in the waistband of his boxers, pulling them gently off of his hips. His eyes flew open at the sound of her gasp. She sat there wide eyed staring at his naked form, her mouth agape. With trembling hands, she took his erection in her hands, allowing herself to get acquainted with this beautiful part of him. His skin was so smooth, warm to the touch. It was like touching the hardest steel covered in the softest silk. �Oh.� Her voice came out in a surprised tone when she saw a little liquid dribble from the head. Her curiosity getting the better of her, her fingers reached to take some of the silky residue, rubbing it between her fingers. She sat there for a second, wondering what to do. She thought back to what they were doing earlier, and she remembered how much he seemed to like it when she was rubbing up against him. With that thought in mind, she curled her hand around him, her hand slowly moving up and down his shaft. �Liz.....liz.........oh god....Liz....� Max�s voice was hoarse, his breathing shallow. She sat back in awe, watching in fascination that she could get such a reaction out of Max with just the touch of her hands. She felt his body tensing, causing her to tighten her grip on him, her movements picking up pace. He was constantly licking his lips, his face contorted in a grimace of pleasure. Her hand came down for one more stroke, finally allowing him his release. �LIZ!� White lights burst in his head, his heart pounding wildly against his chest. His back arched, his body twitching. Taking gulps of air like he had been without for years, Max finally opened his eyes to see a beauty staring back at him. A shy smile tugged on the corner of her lips as she continued to watch him with unadulterated love pouring from her doe eyes. He reached forward, pulling her into his embrace. He placed a kiss in her hair, his hands flickering across her naked skin. Nuzzling her neck, his voice came out in a deep whisper. �Liz, I love you...� He pulled back looking into her eyes. �Words escape me right now.� They exchanged smiles, love oozing from their pores. He pulled her against his side, placing random kisses anywhere he could. �This has to be the best birthday ever.� She chuckled at the happiness in his voice. �But you haven�t even opened your present yet.� He gave her a sly look, his eyes skimming her beautiful body. �I thought I already did.� She smacked him in the chest, enjoying his jovial laughter. �I�m serious, Max.� �So am I.� She rolled her eyes, reaching into her bedside table to retrieve her present. She pushed it into his hands, tucking her hair nervously behind her ears. �Go ahead, open it.� He raised an eyebrow at her, his finger tapping the box. �You know, I told you, you didn�t have to get me anything.� �And I told you that I wanted to.� She gave the box an insistent push. �Open it. For me?� Jerking his head, he pulled away the wrapping, wondering what in the world Liz had given him. ********** Maria swung her and Michael�s clasped hands as they walked towards her front door. �I have to say, you made me very proud tonight.� The admiration in her voice, shining through as she spoke. He halted their movement, cocking an eyebrow at her. �How so?� Turning to face him, she linked her arms around his neck, standing on her tip toes. �Well, for one you were the perfect friend. The way you�ve opened your arms and welcomed Isabel and Max, and Noah so easily. I know how hard it is for you to open up your heart and your soul to people, and when you gave those presents to them tonight.....You let them see the real you, Michael. If I thought I couldn�t love you more than I already do, you certainly proved me wrong tonight.� She brushed her lips against his, pulling away to give each of his eyelids a kiss. �I love you, Michael.� He gave her a soft smile. �Right back at ya, blondie.� Maria smiled, not at all offended when he didn�t say the L word. She knew he loved her, but he was always scared to let all of his emotions show, to put himself out there, even with her. She understood. In time she was certain he would say it back, but she wasn�t going to push him. They walked the last few feet to the front porch, both of them just looking at each other. With a soft chuckle, Michael leaned down, his lips reaching for hers. He could feel her smile against him, causing him to run his hands down her back, finally landing on her hips. He bent his knees, trying his best to accommodate the height difference. Just as the kiss was getting good, the porch light flipped on, both of them pulling apart suddenly. Michael smirked, pointing to the light directly above them. �I guess that�s my queue to leave.� �Yeah...... Call me when you get home?� He only nodded, cupping her jaw to bring her in for another kiss. From inside the house, Amy�s voice came out muffled. �Say goodnight, Maria.� Michael laughed, giving Maria�s hand a squeeze. �G�nite, Mrs. Valenti.� Jim yelled through the door, amusement lighting his voice. �Goodnight, Michael.� Michael saluted at the door, the smile on his lips growing wider. �Night to you to, Sheriff.� *********** Liz pulled the blanket higher against her chest, her anticipation mounting as she watched Max peel back the gift wrap on her present. He shot her an amused smile, finally pulling away the last of the wrapper. He flipped the leather bound book in his hands, running his hand along the surface. �What is this?� �Open it and see.� He gave her one last look, checking to see if she was giving away any hints as to what it was, but she just urged him to open it. He leafed through the first page, his eyes scanning down the page. His eyes immediately recognized the delicate cursive writing as Liz�s. He looked up into her eyes, his own eyes clouded with confusion. �I don�t understand? What is this?� �Just read it.� He complied, his eyes darting across the page. It�s September 7th, and I�m Liz Parker. Five days ago, I fell in love......... His eyes returned to hers, his voice a mix of emotions. �This is your journal......� Her head bobbed in response. She bit the corner of her lip, her fingers twining her long hair in distracted patterns. �Yeah.� Max tried to understand why she would be giving him her journal, but he just couldn�t come up with anything. �I....I don�t get it, Liz. Why are you giving me your journal?� Liz wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly feeling self conscious. �I.....Well you see, I.......from the beginning, the first time I even met you, I felt this connection to you...All of these emotions were running through me, and I didn�t really understand what was happening. Anyways, I started writing in that journal to express everything I was feeling. Everything I was thinking.....The thing is, the more I wrote in it, the more it seemed like it was like some long unfinished letter to you.� A soft laugh bubbled past her lips, causing her to smile. �Everything written in there, is about you in one way or another.� He took her pause as an opportunity to voice his escalating confusion. �I still don�t get it. If these are all of your personal thoughts; your feelings, then why are you giving it to me?� Liz sat quietly for a second, trying to think of the best way to explain to him, her motivations behind her giving it to him. �I guess in a way, I want you to know how much you mean to me. I want you to know everything.� Max looked down at Liz�s journal in his hands one more time before snapping it shut. He placed it in Liz�s hands, his mind working overtime. �I, I can�t accept that, Liz.� Liz looked at him, hurt clouding her eyes. �Why not?� His fingers tipped her chin upwards so that he was in her line of vision. �Liz, those are your personal thoughts. I, I can�t just read that. It wouldn�t be right.� �But I want you to have it.� Her voice sounded so small, her lower lip trembling. His heart broke at the sight of her. He tipped his face so that his lips were on hers. His forehead leaned against hers, both of their eyes closed shut. �Baby, I already know how you feel about me......I don�t need words in a book to tell me that.� The tips of his fingers tickled her jaw lightly, eliciting a smile from her. She opened hers, to find Max�s solemn eyes staring right at her. �I know, but I still want you to have it.� She brushed her lips against his again, before speaking. �How about I make you a deal?� He sat up, intrigued to whatever it was she was proposing. �I�m listening.� She flipped through the written pages, as she spoke to him. �I know you feel like you�re invading my privacy or something, but you�re really not. Like I said before, everything I�ve written in this is like a letter to you, and I really want you to have it.� She looked down to the blank pages in her lap, her fingers lightly dancing across it. �I haven�t filled it up yet, so what I�m proposing is, that I finish writing in it. But when I do, I want you to have it.� Max was set to protest, but Liz shook her head, silencing him with her fingers on his lips. �Max, you�ve shared so much with me. You let me into your life, and into Noah�s. You let me love you.....Please, let me share this with you.� The plea in her eyes made his heart tighten. How could he say no? He pulled her into the comfort of his arms, her head fitting neatly beneath his chin. �Anything you want, Liz. Anything, you want.....� Part 54 *********** Liz awoke to the sound of birds chirping, the sun shining, and the world a brighter place. Sitting up in her bed, she stretched her arms languidly, the smile on her lips akin to the one she had been sporting all night long. The smile on her face took on a brightness that seemed to light the room as she remembered why she was in such a good mood. Last night, she and Max had taken an enormous step in their relationship. A very big step in the right direction, she thought happily to herself. Their relationship took on a new intimacy, but she had managed to wake up with her virginity still intact. Her eyes glanced to the alarm clock that resided on her bedside table, reminding her that work was but an hour away. She got up, slipping her slender arms into her robe, making her way into the bathroom to get ready. Not even the burden of work was going to ruin her good mood. She had a feeling that it would take a disastrous event to dampen her spirits, but even the Gods weren�t that cruel to do that to her. *********** Adjusting the bobbing silver antennas on her head, Liz looked up surprised to see her dad behind the counter of the Crashdown. A frown marred his appearance. There he stood, a pencil behind one ear, a chewed up pen in between his lips, his fingers furiously pressing the buttons on the adding machine. �Dad. When did you guys get back?� Jeff looked up from the paper work that littered the smooth service of the counter, his eyes finally focusing on his daughter. �Morning honey.� He placed a kiss on her forehead, returning his attention back to the adding machine. �Early this morning.� Without looking up from what he was doing, he continued the conversation. �So, how did the party go last night?� �It was really great. Everyone had so much fun.� Liz moved around her father, the two of them working around each other with ease. �Oh, by the way, Max and Isabel wanted me to thank you and mom for letting us use the Crashdown last night.� Jeff stopped momentarily to acknowledge the thanks that Liz was relaying to him. �Tell them that they�re welcome. I�m so glad that all of you had fun. I�m just sorry that your mother and I had to make an emergency trip to Albuquerque.� �Speaking of, how did that go? Did you guys get the deal on the new fryers?� Liz watched the frown in her fathers eyes deepen, the happiness that was there a minute ago quickly replaced with frustration. �Not so good. They�re practically trying to rob me blind.� He heaved a heavy sigh. �We�ll have to make do with what we have right now.� �But dad, we really need a new one. Michael�s been complaining how it�s- �Lizzie, I know. But I don�t really have a choice here.� He picked up the papers that were scattered in front of him. �There just isn�t any money.� He turned sad eyes on his daughter. �It�s either I buy new fryers, and lay off most of your friends, or keep the old one we have and keep all of your friends employed.� Liz�s mouth fell open in shock. She hadn�t realized that business was that bad. �I�m sorry, dad. I had no idea things were that bad.� Jeff gave her a melancholy smile. �Don�t worry about it, honey. It�s not any worse than any other year, but business is just slow this time of year. It always is. We just have to make a few cut backs, and hope that everything turns out ok.� The swinging of the service door, and the loud bickering between Maria and Kyle diverted Jeff and Liz�s attention. �C�mon, Kyle. Just ask her out already. You know you want to.� Kyle rolled his eyes, tying a bandana around his head. �Will you give it up, already?� Maria gave him a pout, her arms crossed in front of her. �But you two would make such a cute couple.� Kyle shook his head, his eyes filled with mirth. �You know, that routine may work with Guerin, but it won�t work on me.� Michael�s head popped out from the service window. �I heard my name? What�s up?� Kyle side stepped Maria, going about his duties. �Nothing. Maria thinks that she can pull the pouty thingie on me.� Michael gave Kyle a lopsided grin. �Yeah,� he scratched his chin, �I never could win when she does that.� Maria raised a slender eyebrow in the direction of her boyfriend, effectively silencing him. He threw his hands up in defense, walking back into the kitchen. �I�m staying out of this one.� Mr. Parker and Liz laughed, enjoying the banter between the three teenagers. Maria quickly followed Kyle, talking his ear off. �Well, what would you do if she just happened to stop by for breakfast?� Kyle threw Maria an incredulous look. �You wouldn�t....� �What wouldn�t Maria do?� Alex strode in, with Isabel right behind him. He reached down behind the waitress station, filling up the sugar containers. Kyle opened his mouth to speak, but the jingling of the double doors stopped him. They all looked to see Max walk in with Noah and Courtney. Jeff sat back in silent amusement, watching the ongoing banter between all of the teenagers. There was no doubt in his mind that he would never fire these kids. They had all grown up here, they were almost like his own flesh and blood. To hell with the budget, he thought. He wasn�t going to be responsible for ruining such a wonderful environment. He just hoped that his decision was the right one. Part 55 ********** The minute that Max had walked through the double doors of the Crashdown, time slowed to a stand still. His eyes locked on Liz�s, both of them sharing a secret smile that only he and she could understand. Both of them shared a glow, that had yet to diminish from their perfect night together. Last night could only be described as perfection. They had crossed the fine line of intimacy that they had built for themselves. Sure, they had yet to have sex, for lack of a better description. Even as he thought of the word in his head, Max knew that it didn�t sound right. Whatever he shared with Liz, it would never be just sex. What they had done last night, they had made love. He smiled at the thought, as he walked to the counter taking a seat with Noah in his lap. �Hey, Max. Sorry we couldn�t be here for your party last night. Lizzie tells me that it was quite the occasion.� Jeff leaned his elbows on the counter, his face lighting up with a smile as he let Noah grab a hold of his fingers. �How, ya doin� little fella?� With a cheeky grin on his lips, Noah tugged on Jeff�s fingers, his little voice full of animation as he spoke. �Hi!� Max only registered that Jeff had been speaking when he heard Noah respond to him. He tore his eyes away from Liz, trying to remember what it was that Jeff was saying. �Oh, hey Mr. Parker. Nice to see you back.� Jeff looked around his surroundings, his eyes once again taking in all of the teens milling about. A smile crossed his face, taking away the crease lines that had shown his obvious frustration earlier, almost making him look a few years younger. �It certainly feels good to be back.� He returned to a standing position, grabbing all of his things. �Well, I better head on to the office. You kids have a good breakfast.� He reached over, ruffling the abundant curls on Noah�s head before he disappeared through the swinging door that lead to the kitchen. Max opened his mouth to get Liz�s attention, wanting nothing more than to hear her soft angelic voice, but he was interrupted by Maria�s arm pulling him towards a booth. He looked over her shoulder to get a glimpse of Liz, but she had disappeared. He twisted his body to look for Liz, but he felt himself thrust forward into a booth. Maria took Noah from his arms, placing him in a high car, with Courtney sitting across from him. Maria took out her order pad, tapping the pencil against the thickness of it. �Alright, what can I get you guys?� Courtney scanned the menu, quickly looking back up at Maria. �Um, I guess I�ll just have the heavenly hash, and a glass of orange juice.� Maria gave a ribald grin as she looked over her shoulder towards Kyle, making sure that her voice was loud enough so that he could hear her. �Well, what do you know? That�s what Kyle always gets here for breakfast.� Kyle felt the hairs on his arms stand up, a crimson blush tinting his face. He chose to ignore Maria for the moment, trying to think of a way to get her back later. Isabel stood at the waitresses station, burying her face in Alex�s chest, doing her best to muffle her laughter. Alex kissed the top of her hair, whispering in her ear. �You think Maria could be more obvious?� Alex�s words only served to make Isabel laugh harder. She pulled away from him, giving him a good swat against his chest before moving towards the cafe to tend to their new customers. Alex watched her go, a lopsided grin on his lips. He felt like screaming, �I�m the king of the world!� at the top of his lungs. He had no idea what their lives would have been like if Max, Isabel, and Noah hadn�t stepped foot in them. Actually, he didn�t even want to think about it. The three of them were a God send, and all he could do was be grateful. Maria looked down at Max, biting the end of her pencil as she waited for his order, but his attention seemed to fixed elsewhere. She tried waving her hand in his face, finally shaking his shoulder. �Max! Max!� Max turned his head to Maria, as if he just realized that she was standing there. He gave his head a little shake in an effort to clear it, but he didn�t feel it doing any good. �So, what�ll it be, Max?� He said the first thing that came to mind, well actually, the only thing that had been on his mind. �Liz.� Maria chuckled, pointing to the menu in Max�s hand. �Well, I�m sorry to say, but Liz isn�t on the menu today, Max. You�re going to have to pick something else that Michael can actually prepare in the kitchen.� Max felt the color drain from his face before he felt the blush settling in. His eyes grew wide when he realized what it was that he had actually said. �I, uh....um, yea, I�ll, uh....� his eyes darted across the colorful menu in his hands. �Um, I�ll just have the special, and some milk for Noah.� He thrust the menu in Maria�s hand, refusing to meet her eyes, knowing full well that she would never let him live down what he had said. Maria slid the pencil behind her ear, reading their order to them one last time before taking it to the kitchen. �Alright, we�ve got an order for the heavenly hash, with oj, an order of milk, one special, and an order of Liz on the side coming right up.� Max�s eyes flew up to Maria�s at the last part of her sentence. His cheeks flamed to a darker shade of red when she gave him a wink. Oh, yeah. He was never going to live that one down. Noah banged his hands against the plastic table attached to the high chair. �Lizzie!� Max nodded his head ruefully, knowing exactly how his son was feeling. Back Next |
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