| Part 70 ************** Liz sat Noah on the bathroom counter, taking off his clothes as they waited for the tub to fill up with warm water. Max was kneeled down beside the tub, pouring Noah�s bubble bath into the warm water, his attention fixated on Liz. She and Noah were in their own little world, oblivious to him. Liz was tickling Noah�s baby skin, her soft lips inundating his chubby cheeks with her sweet kisses. Unconsciously letting out a sigh of envy, Max turned the faucet off, putting the bubble bath away. �Bath�s ready.� Liz looked up at him as if she had just realized that he was there. She picked up Noah, holding him against her chest. �You hear, that precious? Your bath�s ready.� She kneeled down on the rug, placing Noah into the water, her hand steadying the small of his back. �Could you pass me the wash cloth?� Max could only nod, but Liz didn�t see, what with her attention focused solely on Noah. She only looked at Max when their fingers brushed against each other, causing an electric current to course through their bodies. Liz gave him a shy smile, moving to one side of the rug. �How�s this? You hold him, and I�ll wash him?� Max kneeled beside Liz, reaching over to steady Noah. �That�ll work.� Liz soaked the wash cloth in the soapy water, bringing it to wash across Noah�s smooth skin, lovingly. She dipped her hand into the water, with the intention of rinsing out the wash cloth, but instead, coming up to brush against Max�s hands, tantalizing both of them. Max�s hand curled around her soapy hand, his fingers entwining with hers for a short second. He gave her a tender smile, willing her to see all of the love that he felt for her. Their staring contest was interrupted by a splash in the water, with Noah�s tiny voice echoing in the small bathroom. �Ducky!� He pointed to the side of the tub, where a yellow, rubber ducky sat. Max was reluctant to let Liz�s hand go so that he could reach the duck, but his mood instantly changed when Liz�s silken lips fastened themselves against his jaw, mere inches away from his own lips. A goofy grin pasted itself on his lips, refusing to leave. He gladly reached for the rubber ducky, handing it to his son. Noah took it into his hands eagerly, squeezing the yellow duck with all of his might. When the duck squeaked, giggles consumed his whole body, his hands splashing in the water. Max and Liz shared a look before they joined the laughter. Liz reached for the baby shampoo, the bottle slipping out of her hands and into the water when she heard Max�s voice. �I only hope that our other children won�t have us so whipped.� Max hadn�t even realized what he was saying, when he said what he said. The laughter died in his throat when he saw the stunned look on Liz�s face. Her hands fumbled in the soapy water, looking for the shampoo bottle. When her hand finally found it, she took it out of the water her hands trembling. Max reached out to steady her hands, but she dropped the bottle again, when she shied away from his touch. Hastily standing up, Liz wiped her hands across the skirt of her dress, her eyes looking everywhere but, Max. �I�m sorry.� She hurried out of the bathroom, her footsteps the only thing Max could hear. Max grabbed the towel from the rack, wrapping Noah in it, mumbling a curse to himself. Noah�s round eyes looked into his father�s, searching for an explanation of what was happening. �Lizzie?� Max looked his son in the eye, a promise held in them. �I�m gonna fix that, pal. Right now.� He ran down the steps, jumping when he reached the third step. He landed with a heavy thump, his legs turning into a run as he put Noah in his play pen in the living room. He pointed a finger at Noah, giving him his most stern look. �Stay put!� He ran to the front door, yanking it open. In his hurry to run after Liz, he almost tripped over her, sitting on the front porch. �Liz....� He sat himself on a step above hers, his arms reaching out to hold her, but on second thought, he let his arms fall to his sides with a dull thud. �I....I thought you left.� Liz wiped away her tears, sniffling a little. �I was....I just....I couldn�t bring myself to get past your front lawn.� She wiped at her nose, turning it a warm red. Max felt like kicking himself in the groin for upsetting Liz. He hadn�t done it on purpose. He was merely thinking with his heart, instead of his mind. He had let the words slip past his mouth before he had the chance to think about what that would do to Liz. He knew that they loved each other, that part was easy. But he didn�t want to scare her with thoughts of marriage and children. Having to deal with him being a father should be enough, but to project his own feelings and desires to her without speaking to her first......no wonder she ran out of the house in such a hurry. �Liz.....what I said up there....I....I�m sorry...� Liz halted his apology with her raspy voice. �Do you think about those things?� Max was stunned into silence for a second, not exactly sure what to say. He knew that lying to her wasn�t an option, they had promised each other that their relationship wouldn�t be based on that. Besides, she had already heard him say the words. �I do....sometimes....� His voice sounded tiny, almost afraid that if he spoke too loud, Liz would run away. He heard Liz let out a heavy sigh, her small shoulders sagging a little. �Me too..� His eyes flew to her face, looking for confirmation to what he was hearing. The shy smile in her eyes telling him everything he needed to know. He breathed a sigh of relief, almost feeling like a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. �So where does that....where does that leave us now?� �I...I don�t know....� Liz looked frustrated for a second, her eyes flashing with so many emotions at once, that Max could barely make them out. Tentatively touching her shoulder with his hand, Max felt his heart constrict at the sight of his beloved so distraught. He almost fell back when she threw herself in his arms, her tears running down her cheeks again, her chest heaving with hiccups. He ran his hand down her hair, his other hand rubbing her back. �Liz....baby.....please tell me what�s wrong.� His voice hitched in his throat, as he spoke. Liz buried her face in his neck, inhaling his unique scent to help calm her down. She sat back slightly, but continued to sit in his lap. A sad smile formed on her lips as his thumbs brushed away the tear tracks on her cheeks. �I�m sorry, you must think I�m a complete basket case.� He shook his head, his bangs rubbing against his forehead. �I don�t think that.....I just want to know what�s bothering you, so that we can get through this together.� He gave her an encouraging smile, his hand cupping her cheek. She leaned into his touch, reveling in his tenderness. She pulled his hand to her lips, placing a kiss on his open palm. �It�s just.....every since that lady talked to me in the park...� He lifted her chin up, his eyebrows knotting in confusion. �What lady in the park?� �When you went back to the jeep to get the wipies, this lady sat down next to me, and she...she thought that I was Noah�s mom.� She sat back, waiting to get a reaction out of Max, but she didn�t get one. He just sat there, a blank expression on his face. �Max?� She was beginning to get worried when he wouldn�t respond. But when his deep velvety voice reached her ears, she was put slightly at ease. �What did you say?� �N-nothing.....I couldn�t even get a word in, she just kept talking. Then one of her daughters called her, and she left." Max nodded slowly, letting the information sink in. �How did that make you feel?� Liz shrugged her shoulders, trying to find the right words to say. �Honestly?� He nodded, his Adam�s apple bopping up and down. �Honestly.� Liz got a far away look in her eyes as she remembered exactly how she had felt at the time. �I felt so many things....I was confused, happy, scared.....� She turned her eyes to his, allowing him to see the truth in them. And he did. �Well, how about we start with why you were confused?� �Ok,� she took a breath, trying to find the strength to go on. �I was confused because it never once entered my mind that people would think I was Noah�s mom. I mean, we don�t even look alike.� She watched Max bob his head in response, urging her to continue. �I was happy because I want to marry you one day, have kids with you, and become Noah�s step mom.� She blushed a deep crimson, as she spoke the words, but she continued nonetheless. �And I was scared because I didn�t know how you would react to that. I know that you loved Tess, and that you want Noah to know about her. But I just keep getting this image of you getting mad at me because you think that I�m trying to replace her.� Max stopped Liz�s bumbling words with a heart stopping kiss. He poured his heart and soul into the kiss, wanting Liz to feel his love for her. When they pulled away, they were both trembling. They leaned their foreheads against each other, taking deep breaths. �Max?� His fingers traced the delicate lines of her face, trying to commit them to memory. �I don�t know why you would ever think I would ever get mad at you.� His lips brushed against her forehead, as his hand caressed her jaw. �I would be the happiest man on earth if you agreed to marry, have my kids, and more importantly, accept Noah as your own. You wouldn�t be replacing Tess, because she was never there to begin with. The best that we can do, is tell Noah about her, when he�s old enough to understand. Tell him that he had a birth mother who loved him, but never got a chance to become his mother.� A faint smile danced in his eyes, as they began to tear up. �And if you and I do get married in the future, Noah will be the luckiest little boy on earth, because he has two mothers that love him so much.� He gave her a shaky smile, hoping that she understood what he was saying. �Do you understand?� Liz smiled against her tears, bringing her lips to lightly pass over Max�s. �I do.� Max smiled a grand smile, bringing her down for another kiss, but Noah�s voice coming from the open doorway, startled them both. �Lizzie!� There he stood, in all of his naked glory, a grin on his lips, happy that Liz was still there. Max buried his face in Liz�s shoulder, his laugh muffled by the material of her dress. �Oh God, my son�s an exhibitionist.� Liz gave Max�s neck a playful kiss as she extricated herself from his lap. She took Noah into her arms, giving him a wink as she walked back into the house. �I�ve got to say, he�s body is almost as nice as yours.� Max was left on the front porch, his mouth hanging open. *********** Max sat on the kitchen counter, with Noah perched on his lap, as he continued to watch Liz move around the kitchen. �Ok, so tell me again why you�re baking a cake?� Liz looked up from the big mixing bowl in her hands, brushing a lock of hair out of her face. �Well, I had to promise Noah something to get him to take a bath, and I know how much he likes cake,� she paused, the smile on her face taking on a mischievous glint. �And I distinctly remember that you seemed to really like cake yourself.� Max sat back, remembering the night of his birthday, and how much he had enjoyed the cake, among other things, of course. He nodded his head, unconsciously licking his lips. �Yeah, I do like cake.� He finished the sentence, his eyes glued to Liz�s behind as she stuck her head in the fridge, reaching for the eggs. �I definitely like cake,� he mumbled under his breath. Liz shut the refrigerator door with a swing of her hips, her eyes landing on Max. �Did you say something?� Max tried to look as innocent as possible, shaking his head. �Nope. I didn�t say anything.� Liz narrowed her eyes at him, biting her bottom lip to keep from laughing. �If you say so.� Max jumped off of the counter, placing Noah in his high-chair. �Need any help?� Liz just pushed him towards a chair, wagging her finger in his face. �Nah uh. You�ve already baked me a cake. I only think it�s fair that I return the favor.� ************ After dousing her second taco with tabasco sauce, Courtney opened her mouth, taking a big bite. She chewed the food in her mouth, savoring the spicy goodness. �You weren�t kidding when you said that this place serves the best tacos.� She took another big bite, following it with a sip of her soda. Kyle�s lips curved at the corners, enjoying the fact that Courtney was so at ease with him. Most girls that he had ever dated, had always made a point about eating light, trying to put on this facade that they didn�t eat a lot. Granted, he had never really dated a lot, but he had had his share of dates. He was glad that Courtney wasn�t into all of that superficial stuff. �I was thinking, once we were done here, we could go to the quarry and wait for sunset.� Courtney grinned her admission, finishing off the last of her food. She wiped at her lips, gathering all of their trash together. �I�m ready when you are.� Kyle linked there hands together, stopping by at the counter before leaving. �We�re gonna get going now, Rosarita.� Rosarita stood up from where she was sitting down, fanning herself with a magazine that she been reading. �Ok, mijo. You and Courtney have a good day.� She gave them a warm smile. �We will.� Kyle gave her hand a squeeze, returning her smile. �And don�t be such a stranger, mijo. And tell your papa to come and visit me soon.� Kyle waved from the swinging door, calling out with his voice. �Will do, Rosa. Thanks!� ********** Liz put the cake batter in the oven, pushing the frosting to one side of the table. She wiped her hands on the dish towel, turning around to face Max. �I�ll be right back. I�m just going to the bathroom to freshen up.� Max tipped his head, watching Liz walk down the hall and into the lavatory. Her voice carried down the hall as she spoke, not bothering to turn around. �And don�t touch the frosting while I�m gone!� When the door clicked softly behind her, Max stood up from his seat, taking Noah out of his high-chair. He reached for the frosting, pulling back the plastic wrap, cringing when he heard the noise it made. He snuck a quick look down the hall, making sure that Liz hadn�t come out. Seeing that the coast was clear, he gave Noah an impish grin, putting a finger to his lips. �I won�t tell her if you won�t.� Noah just eyed the frosting in the bowl, dipping a chubby finger inside it. He pulled out his chocolate covered finger, sticking it into his mouth. �Yummy!� Max covered Noah�s mouth with his hand, shaking his head. �You gotta be quiet, if you want some more frosting, little man. Otherwise, Liz is going to get mad at us, ok?� He pulled his hand away from Noah�s mouth, dipping his own fingers into the bowl. He eagerly licked away the sticky sweetness, his eyes closing involuntarily. After a few quick licks, he heard the bathroom door open. He hurriedly covered the frosting back up, pushing it towards the side. He placed Noah back in his seat, his eyes practically bugging out of his head when he saw that Noah�s face was covered in chocolate frosting. Taking the inside of his shirt, he wiped Noah�s face clean, jumping to his own seat just as Liz walked back into the room. She turned on the oven light, making sure that the cake was ok. When she was satisfied that it was fine she turned around to Max, opening her mouth to say something, but nothing came out of her mouth. Max was seated at the kitchen table, trying to look inculpable, as he twiddled his thumbs, whistling a soft tune under his breath. Her gaze turned to Noah, who was sitting in his chair, a grin plastered to his face. Giving Max a suspicious look, Liz crossed her arms. �You didn�t eat the frosting, did you? Because I would hate for you guys to ruin your appetites.� Max shook his head in the negative. �Nope, didn�t touch the frosting.� �Are you sure?� �Yes indeedy.� Max bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from talking anymore. He might as well just confess right now. Who the heck said, �yes indeedy�? Liz eyed him warily, taking a seat beside him. �You�re sure?� �Mhhm.� Max refrained from speaking, knowing that if he did, he would spill everything. Liz smiled at him, her hand stroking his cheek. �Ok, just checking.� When Max breathed a sigh of relief, Liz leaned forward, licking the frosting on his upper lip. She pulled away, walking towards the sink. �You missed a spot.� Max took a second to get his bearings back, but when he did, he headed straight for Liz. He turned her around so that she was facing him, pinning her against the sink. �You must think you�re hilarious.� Giving him a ribald grin, Liz leaned back a little, watching his expression. �I try.� Before the laughter could reach her lips, Max placed a wet kiss on her lips, making her knees go weak. She was glad that he was holding her, otherwise her knees would have already given out on her. Letting her hand dip under her shirt to feel his skin, she pulled away when her hand came into contact with the sticky substance just above his bellybutton. �What�s this?� She pulled her hand from under his shirt, her nose crinkling when she saw chocolate frosting on her fingers. She placed her hand on his chest, pushing him backwards. She grabbed the edge of his t-shirt, lifting it up. Sure enough, it was covered in frosting, as was his stomach. She shook her head in mock disappointment, her eyes looking up into his. �Care to explain?� Part 71 ********* �Care to explain?� Liz asked with a raised eyebrow. Max kept opening and closing his mouth, trying to come up with some lame excuse, but he just couldn�t think of one. �What�s the matter, honey? Cat got your tongue?� Liz taunted him, baiting him to confess how he had gotten frosting on the inside of his shirt. With her wild imagination, even she couldn�t come up with a way that would be plausible for his current state. And she had a pretty wild imagination, especially when it came to Max. Max knew that he was already in trouble. He chuckled to himself, thinking how much he enjoyed the kind of trouble he was in, but enough of that. There was no need to tell Liz about Noah eating the frosting too. He was willing to suffer, all of the consequences. Actually, more like reap the benefits of Liz�s punishment for him. Shaking his head a little, Max tried to get himself out of the sexual fog that was cocooning his brain. He opened his eyes to look at Liz, but instead of meeting her eyes, his hooded ones landed on her full lips, wanting nothing more than to kiss her again, to........ Darn it! He had to focus. When had he become such a horndog? He looked at Noah from the corner of his eye, but stumbled back when Liz pushed him again. �You fed Noah some frosting too?� Max couldn�t believe it. How had she known? He barely even looked at Noah, yet she knew. He knew that she already knew, but it wouldn�t hurt to see how good she really was. He had cleaned off the evidence, how was she going to prove it? �I didn�t.� Liz looked at him, not trusting him as far as she could throw him right now. And considering how much bigger Max was compared to her, she wouldn�t be able to throw him very far at all. In all honesty, she wasn�t mad. She knew that Max was just having a little fun with her. It was inevitable that she was going to catch him in his lie, he was just trying to see how far he would actually be able to go with it. It made her love him more, because these lighthearted moments, took the focus off the seriousness of their conversation from earlier. They were on the same page, but their conversation was far from over. But right now, she was having a little too much fun playing with him. And from the looks of things, Max looked to be enjoying himself too. She kneeled down in front of Noah, coaxing him to rat out Max. �Did daddy give you some frosting too, honey?� Noah just grinned at her, his front tooth covered in chocolate. Liz gave him a kiss, turning around to face Max, her hands resting on her slender hips. �Max, Max, Max.....you�ve been a very bad boy.� Max feigned innocence, shrugging his shoulders like he didn�t have the faintest idea what Liz was talking about. �I don�t- His sentence was cut short when Noah gave him a smile, his teeth glistening with chocolate frosting. Max shook his head, putting on a pout. �I should�ve known you were gonna side with her.� Liz stuck her tongue out at him, holding out her hand to Noah. �Give me a high-five, baby!� Noah slapped his palm against Liz�s, but their hands were temporarily stuck together by the frosting that Max had neglected to clean off. Max�s belly laugh, erupted from his lips, as Liz pulled her sticky hand away from Noah�s. After cleaning herself and Noah a little, Liz walked up to Max, lifting up his shirt to expose his frosting covered stomach. �And to think I was going to help you clean up.� She ran her index finger just above his navel, scooping off some of the frosting. The grin on her face spread like wildfire when she felt his stomach muscles clenching at her touch. With her finger poised right above her mouth, she gave Max one last roguish grin before slipping her finger between her lips. She watched with delight as Max�s eyes followed her finger�s every move, the groan creeping past his lips as her finger surfaced from between her pursed lips. �As your punishment, you�re going to have to clean yourself up, with no help from me.� Another groan made itself heard, as Liz stepped away from him. This was not the punishment he had in mind. This was more like torture, but not the good kind of torture either. He puffed his chest, walking down the hall, pretending to have his pride still intact. Noah was bound to fall asleep soon, and God help Liz when he did, because Max was a man on a mission, and he wasn�t going to lose this time. *********** Kyle and Courtney walked hand in hand, down the rocky terrain, both of them sharing a smile when they reached their destination. �Wow, it�s beautiful up here.� Courtney looked around, basking in the wonder of nature around her. �Not as beautiful as you.� Kyle wasn�t saying the words just to spout off some cheeseball lines. He was just speaking the truth, and he wanted Courtney to know that. Courtney had to swallow a few times to get past the lump in her throat. She thanked the heavens above for letting her be here with Kyle. �I...uh....um, thanks, I think.� She felt like laughing at herself for sounding so silly. What was it that made her so tongue-tied around him? She glanced at him, watching as the muscles in his arms rippled as he moved to get into a more comfortable position. Oh, yeah. It had something to do with the fact that he looked like a greek god, and that all of this seemed to good to be true. The rumble of his laugh, caused her to smile. �Well, I would hope that�s a good thing.� Courtney blushed some more, biting her lip to keep from squealing with happiness. Watching the way his blue eyes twinkled, with adoration and a little humor, put her at ease. She gave his shoulder a soft shove, before laying her head on it. �Stop it. You�re gonna make me blush all night if you don�t stop.� Kyle wrapped his arm around her shoulder, letting her move closer to his side. �I don�t know, I kinda think you look cute when you blush.� Courtney gave him a small pinch on his side, burying her face in his shirt. �Kyle....� Kyle held his hand up in surrender. �Ok, I promise. No more teasing. Let�s just enjoy the sunset.� Part 72 *********** Max stood in front of the bathroom mirror, a wash cloth in hand as he cleaned off the mess that was on his stomach. He had been mumbling unintelligible words to himself, griping at his predicament. After that little stunt that Liz had pulled, all he had wanted to do was throw her over the kitchen table, and have his way with her. But she had banished him to the bathroom by himself, without any help. He remembered how she had helped him clean up the spilt milk on his chest, the day of the fire, and she had made it painfully obvious that she had the same idea today, but decided to punish him, by not accompanying him. He couldn�t really blame her though. What exactly did he think was going to happen if she had helped him? There was no use in getting each other sexually frustrated. As much fun as that was, they were both known for not being able to control themselves around each other, and with Noah still wide awake..... He just hoped that Noah would start getting sleepy soon. He loved his son dearly, but all he could think about right now was how much he wanted, and needed Liz. Hanging up the washcloth to dry, Max grabbed a towel, drying the wetness on his stomach. Reaching for his shirt on the counter, he threw it in the hamper, walking to his room to get a clean one. The phone ringing captured his attention, stopping his search for a t-shirt. �Hello?.....Oh, hey dad.......We�re good......we went to the park......no, Iz is still out with Alex......I will....uhm......that�s nice.....you and mom deserve a weekend alone......don�t worry about us.....we�ll be fine....have a good time.....� Max hung up the phone, the smile on his face indicating a plan forming in his mind. Pulling open a drawer to find a t-shirt, he pushed it closed again when he realized that today was laundry day. Oh well, he�d just have to go and get one out of the laundry room. *************** Kyle ran the tips of his fingers down Courtney�s arm, his hand coming around to pull her snugly into his side. �You�re not cold are you?� Courtney shook her head, her hair tickling Kyle�s neck. �No, I�m good.� She tilted her head so that she could look into Kyle�s baby blues. �You?� He leaned down, placing a kiss against her temple. �I�m great.� The two of them shared a loving smile, their hands linking together. �Look, the sun�s starting to set.� Kyle extended his arm out, pointing to the colorful hues that were cast in the sky, as the sun began to set. He let his cheek rest on Courtney�s head, enjoying the silky softness of her hair. �This has got to be the most perfect day. I just can�t imagine it getting any better.� Kyle shook his head. �Me either.� �Thank you.� Courtney sat up, placing a soft kiss on Kyle�s cheek. He turned to face her, a little stunned to say the least. He couldn�t help but be drawn to her. Before either one of them knew what was happening, they both leaned in closer, their eyes closing at their own accord. Their foreheads bumped against each other, their breaths mingling. It was Kyle who made the first move, closing the distance between them, finally allowing their lips to meet. The kiss was tentative; tender. Kyle�s lips fluttered across Courtney�s, acquainting itself with the softness of Courtney�s lips. She felt just as he had remembered. So sweet, just like coconuts. Their kiss this time was so unlike the first kiss that they had shared, where they had been both frightened for their lives, and the lives of their friends. This kiss was just about them this time. When they finally pulled away, they both gave each other shy smiles, both of them wearing the same crimson blush on their cheeks. �I think the day just got better.� Kyle bobbed his head in response. �You�re right about that.� *********** Liz was smoothing the frosting on the cake when Max had come downstairs. She was so engrossed in what she was doing, that she almost missed Max walking to the laundry room shirtless. Almost, being the keyword in the sentence. Her head had promptly snapped up when she had caught a whiff of his scent, feeling the warmth of his body as he brushed past her. With the cake long forgotten, her eyes followed Max�s every move, watching the way the muscles in his thighs rippled as he walked. Her gaze traveled upwards, landing on his round tush. Liz found herself, biting her nails, thinking how nice it would be to sink her teeth..... She bit hard on the corner of her lip to suppress the involuntary moan that wanted escape past her lips, the moment he bent down, reaching for a shirt in the laundry basket. She watched with great interest as he held his arms above his head, letting the shirt fall over his head. When he turned back around, Liz returned to the task of frosting the cake, pretending that she wasn�t all affected by Max�s little stunt. She felt him wrap his arms around her waist, pulling her close to his body. He was so close, she could smell the tide fresh from his newly washed shirt. His fingers danced across her belly, making invisible patterns as he latched his lips to her neck, placing random kisses here and there. �Is the cake almost ready?� Liz just nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Having Max in such close proximity was making her senses go on overload, almost to the point of insanity. Max placed a few more nips and licks on her neck, placing an open mouthed kiss on her pulse. �Great.� His hands squeezed her hips, as he walked to the other side of the kitchen, getting together some plates. Liz�s body sagged in relief, trying to get her body back under control. In those short few minutes that he had touched and kissed her, she had become nothing but mush. Her knees trembled, as her breathing struggled to get air into her lungs. She could feel her nipples straining against the fabric of her dress, the place between her legs humming for attention. The clanging of the plates brought her back to the present. She went to Noah�s high-chair, kneeling down as she ran her fingers through his golden curls. Noah�s head bobbed forwards, and backwards, as he tried to keep from falling asleep. The day had been a long one for him, and he had yet to take a nap. The day�s adventures were beginning to take it�s toll on him, but he refused to give in. His Lizzie had promised him cake, and he was going to have cake if it was the last thing he did. Liz placed her hand under Noah�s chin, tilting it upwards. She knew that he was exhausted, but she also knew that he would fight sleep if she offered him that respite. So she played along, pasting a huge smile to her lips. �Cake�s ready, precious? You want a piece now?� Noah�s head bobbed forward, his eyes closing. �Cake.� Liz turned to Max who had begun slicing the cake. He handed her a piece, watching in amusement as she tried to appease the little man. She did have her work cut out for her. Liz tilted Noah�s head up, taking a piece of cake in her other hand. Noah�s eyes opened briefly, opening his mouth to receive the cake. After a few messy chews, Noah�s head bobbed forward again, a small snuffling sound coming from his nose. Liz tipped Noah�s head back again, but this time, he didn�t open his eyes, instead continuing to sleep. With a mouthful of cake in his mouth, Max walked behind Liz, placing his hand on her shoulder. �I think you finally wore him out.� Liz smiled, gently taking Noah into her arms. �I�ll just put him to bed, then.� Max put his plate down, offering to come and help, but Liz had refused, telling him to eat his cake. He smiled his thanks, as walked up the stairs. *********** Max was savoring the last of his cake, when Liz returned downstairs. He looked up at her, offering his lap for her to sit on. �How is he?� Liz rested her arm across Max�s shoulders, leaning her forehead against Max�s. �Sound asleep. It was really cute, actually. He had this huge grin on his face the whole time.� They shared a laugh, with Max running his hand up and down Liz�s thigh. �I didn�t get to say thank you, before, so I wanna say it now. Thank you.� �You're welcome.� The words were barely out of her mouth before Max devoured her lips, his tongue seeking entrance in her mouth. She gladly obliged, opening her mouth in a sigh. Max cupped her face, angling her head back so that he could reach the farthest corners of her warmth. Liz clutched at his shoulders, her legs unconsciously opening, as Max�s hand teased it�s way between her legs. His hand massaged the insides of her thighs, making her shudder. He continued to tease, getting close to her heat, but never touching her where they both wanted. Max fought for control to get through this. But it was practically useless. Liz had begun writhing on top of his lap, the softness of her tush, grinding against his erection. He groaned, letting his fingers close the gap to her heat. At his first touch, Liz sucked his tongue hard in her mouth. A simultaneous moan both escaping past their lips. Liz arched her back, allowing Max a little more room to move. Deep in the back of her mind, a little voice kept talking, telling her to stop. She wasn�t in the mood to listen right now, so she chose to ignore it. Her eyes opened a crack to see what was taking Max so long, but in the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Noah�s high chair. Just as Max�s fingers pushed her panties to the side, she stilled his hand with her own, pulling away from his kisses. �Max, we can�t.......� She sounded like she had just been running a mile, her breathing was so ragged. �Noah, he�s just upstairs..� She felt Max nod his head, his eyes closing in defeat. His hand gave her inner thigh a squeeze, as he placed a kiss on the base of her neck. He stood up, planting her on her feet. �Ok.� With that he walked into the living room, plopping himself down in front of the tv. Liz continued to stand in the kitchen, completely baffled at the events that had just unfolded. When she had suggested they stop, she hadn�t expected Max to give up so easily. She knew that he was roaring to go, and yet here she was, standing alone while her boyfriend watched television. *********** Max flipped the channels as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Liz standing in the kitchen completely confused. It had almost killed him to pull away from her like that, but as was the case, payback was always a bitch! This battle of wills had been an ongoing saga for them, both of them trying to out do the other, until the point of spontaneous combustion. And after each and every round, Max always got the tables turned on him. Not that he didn�t enjoy that, because he did. It had more to do with the fact that he wanted to drive Liz as insane and hungry for him as he was for her. Although, if he really thought about it, he didn�t really have to try too hard because Liz wanted him just as bad. He couldn�t help the half-smile that plastered itself to his lips. *********** Liz walked into the room, sitting beside Max. But this time, she didn�t snuggle up next to him as she usually did, instead, she just tucked her legs underneath her, pretending to watch the tv. Max chanced a look at her, noticing that she was pretending not to notice him. He sat back, trying to act casual, as she continued to sit there. Not able to take it anymore, Max grabbed Liz, placing her on his lap again so that she was straddling him. Screw trying to get back at her. All he wanted was to feel her skin against his, to hear his name on her lips as she threw her head back in passion. �Ma- Max drowned out her voice with a vicious attack of his tongue. His tongue lashed out at hers, dueling for dominance in the waging war of lust and love. With the way she was positioned, Liz started grinding her hips into his, seeking the release she desperately needed. She wasn�t about to question Max�s actions right now. His hands and mouth felt too good for her to even be thinking about anything but giving and receiving pleasure. His hand snaked up and under the skirt of her dress, making a beeline for her heat. He pushed aside her soaked panties, shoving his fingers in her warmth. For a fleeting second, he stilled, afraid that he was hurting his love, but Liz had other ideas. Her small hands fumbled with the button of his jeans, trying to snap them open. When she finally did, her fingers pulled down the zipper. He lifted his hips, trying to accommodate her movement. She yanked down his jeans a little, her hand sticking through the hole in his boxers. A guttural moan escaped his lips, his eyes rolling into the back of his head when her warm hand closed around his flesh. She ran her hand from base to tip, before carefully taking him out of his boxers. He opened his eyes, both of them sharing a heated stare before she scooted back a little on his legs. She gave him a sultry smile as she leaned down, placing a sweet kiss on the head of his arousal. Max threw his head back, his face contorted in a grimace of pleasure as she began to lick and suck the tip of his erection like it was a lollypop. Before her lips could make a further descent down his manhood, his hand pulled her up by the chin, smashing her lips to his in a hungry kiss. His fingers began a steady rhythm inside her, making her squirm on his lap. Following his lead, her small hands closed around his heated flesh, tugging up and down, as she let him slide through her hands. Their hands were in sync, meeting each other thrust for thrust. They swallowed each other�s moans as they continued to kiss with a hunger that couldn�t be quenched. Just as if they were one, they both felt the first tremors of release together, both of them flying over the edge. Lights flashed behind their closed eyes, almost like a private show of fireworks, as their bodies convulsed with pleasure. It took a few minutes for them to return from their highs, both of them sharing a smile of awe at how much control they had lost. They were in complete abandon as they had sought to bring each other to that place of ecstasy. But even as their breaths returned to normal, they couldn�t bring themselves to speak, not wanting to break the mood. This experience was special just as all of their experiences together, were. But there was just something about reaching orgasm the same time as your love, that was completely euphoric. They leaned their sweaty foreheads against each other, their chests heaving against each other. They leaned in for a sweet kiss, a polar opposite to kisses they had shared earlier. They silently thanked the heavens for allowing them to find each other, sooner, rather than later in life. Part 73 **************** Max lay on the couch with Liz laying on top of him, placing sweet kisses on his face. �Liz?� Her fingers brushed the short hairs on his neck, her nose nuzzling his. �Hmm?� �My parents called earlier......and well.....they�ve sorta decided to take the weekend for themselves.....and well.....would.....would you spend the night with me?� The look of surprise on Liz�s face was enough to make Max become a bumbling fool again. �I..I don�t mean sex...I was...I just....� Liz placed her finger on his lips, preventing him from talking anymore. She peppered his face with kisses, giving him her answer. �I would love to spend the night with you.� She gave him a lingering kiss on his lips, but pulling away before they could get carried away. She sat up, walking towards the phone. �Let me just call Maria.� ************ A little while later, Liz walked into Max�s room to see him having a hushed conversation with Isabel. Isabel looked up, smiling when she saw that it was Liz. �Hey, Liz.� She stood up, heading towards the door. �Well, I still have a ton of things I need to do. Besides, I kinda told Alex that I was going to call him.� She waved at Max and Liz as she headed down the hall towards her own room. �I�ll see you guys in the morning.� Liz felt her face grow hot as she closed the door behind Isabel. �You told Isabel?� Max nodded, walking up to Liz to place a hand on her shoulder. �Yea. I hope you�re not angry, I just didn�t want her to accidentally walk in and see us, and get the wrong idea.� Liz turned around, wrapping herself in Max�s arms. �I understand. And thank you, for thinking of that. The thought never actually crossed my mind.� Max ran the tips of his fingers down the indentation of Liz�s spine, his lips mere inches from her ear. �How did it go with Maria?� Liz chuckled a little, her hands finding it�s way under Max�s shirt. She couldn�t help but want to touch the warmth of his skin. �Well, she said that she would cover for us. But we�re gonna owe her big.� Max smiled in Liz�s hair, swaying their bodies together. �Remind me to buy Maria a car when I see her again.� Liz feathered the short hair clinging to Max�s neck. �But you don�t have money to buy her a new car.� Max laughed, twisting their bodies. �Well, I�ll have to think of something else then.� He continued to let their bodies sway, dancing to imaginary music. He brought his hands to the small of Liz�s back, his lips pressed to her neck. Liz noticed that they had begun dancing, and couldn�t help the smile from getting wider on her face. �What are we doing?� Max pulled her closer, inhaling her strawberry scent. �We�re dancing,� he answered simply. Liz�s musical laughter filled the air, as she let Max twist their bodies again. �But there�s no music.� �Yes there is.� He stopped dancing, pulling away just enough so that he could look into Liz�s eyes. He put a finger to her lips, asking her to be quiet. �Can�t you hear it?� Liz nodded her head, her eyes growing bigger with comprehension. �Oh, you mean that music.� Max grinned a boyish grin when Liz began playing along with him. �Yeah, that music.� He gathered her petite body close to his again, as they continued to dance. Then, the soft baritone of his voice came out in hushed murmurs against her ear, making her skin turn into goose flesh. �Looking in your eyes Seeing all I need Everything you are is everything to me These are the moments I know heaven must exist These are the moments I know all I need is this I have all I've waited for And I could not ask for more.� Max pulled back, looking into Liz�s eyes, wanting her to see the truth in the words that he was singing. The song embodied everything he felt when he was with her, and he wanted her to know that. A single tear escaped from the corner of Liz�s eye as her heart thundered against her chest. She couldn�t find the words to say, to make him understand exactly what she was feeling at that moment, so instead, she let her lips reciprocate with a kiss all of her emotions. The kiss was languid, both of them wanting to take the time to feel each and every emotion that the other was trying to project. �I love you.�� �I love you too.� ************* Max put away his laundry, as Liz stood inside the bathroom, the door slightly ajar so that they could still speak to each other. She stuck her head out, an embarrassed look on her face. �Max?� He looked up from where he was folding his clothes. �Yea?� Liz buried her face in her hands, trying to get her composure back. �I know this is gonna sound really weird, but could I use your toothbrush?� Max felt his heartbeat return to normal, when he heard Liz�s request. �Sure, go ahead.� He gave her a smile, waiting until she turned back to the bathroom. It wasn�t until she did that, did the dopey grin on his lips, refuse to leave. Liz sharing his toothbrush was another step in the intimacy department that they were crossing. He knew it was silly to feel so excited about that considering that they had done so many more intimate things together, but somehow, it seemed like it was a foreshadowing of their future or something. Not that he expected them to share a toothbrush when they got married, but they would be sharing things like this together. Getting ready for bed, sleeping in the same bed.....Max shook his head, trying to get rid of thoughts about the bed. He was already getting excited with thoughts of spending the rest of his life with Liz. No need to make himself hyper. He put the last of his laundry away, looking up to see Liz standing shyly in the corner. He opened up his arms, beckoning her to come over. �C�mere.� Liz let herself be enveloped in Max�s strong arms, making her feel safe, making her feel like she was home. A sigh of contentment passed her lips, as his hands massaged the small of her back. �Do you want a t-shirt to change into?� She nodded, pulling away to let him get one. �Thanks. It sure beats being naked.� Max�s head snapped up at her comment, his face blushing when he saw the teasing look in her eyes. He handed her a shirt, walking to the bathroom, mumbling something about staying in control. Liz giggled, shrugging off her dress, and putting on Max�s shirt. She couldn�t help but pull the collar up to her nose, sniffing Max�s scent. *********** After brushing his teeth, Max shut the light off in the bathroom, closing the door behind him. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Liz lying in his bed, the covers pulled down, waiting for him to join her. How many times had he dreamed of that image? He cleared his throat, walking towards the bed. Liz looked up smiling as she scooted over to make room for him. Max sat on the bed, not really sure what to do. He usually slept in his boxers, but he didn�t want to make Liz uncomfortable or make her think that this was some big ploy to get into her pants. All he wanted was a chance to hold her in his arms all night, to have her be the last thing he saw at night, and to be the first thing he saw when he first woke up. He felt Liz�s hand brush his bangs off of his forehead. �You�re not sleeping in your clothes, are you?� Max opened his mouth to explain about his sleeping attire, but Liz beat him to it. �Let me guess. You sleep in your boxers, right? And you don�t want to freak me out. Am I right?� Max nodded, surprised that Liz could read him like a book. That she knew what was bothering him without him having to say a word to her. �I could always wear sweats- Liz shook her head, gripping the edges of his t-shirt, pulling it up and over his head. �Don�t worry about it Max. It�s fine. The only thing you�ll have to worry about is me making sexual advances at you when you�re practically nekkid.� Liz gave a throaty laugh at the look of shock on Max�s face. She couldn�t help herself. She just loved seeing that look on his face. Holding her hands up in defeat, she lay down. �I promise, I�ll keep my hands to myself.� Max gave her a wry grin, stripping down to his boxers. He lay down, pulling Liz close to his side so that her head was lying on his chest. He let his fingers play in her hair, as he spoke. �You know, about what we were talking about before. You, know, marriage?� Liz bobbed her head against his chest, her ear listening to the beat of his heart. �I know that we�re young, and that we�re not really ready for marriage, but I just wanted you to know, that you�re it for me. There will be no one else.� He took a deep breath. �I�m not saying this to tie you down, or to expect you to wait for me, but I just......I just wanted you to know.� Liz placed a kiss to his heart, her chin resting on his chest as she spoke. �I feel the same way.� She kissed her fingertips, placing it on his lips. He kissed her fingers back, his hand returning to caressing his hair. �Goodnight, Liz.� �Night, Max.� *************** Sometime during the night, Noah woke up, his eyes taking time to adjust to the darkness. He held onto the wooden railings, pulling himself up into a standing position. His eyes landed on the bed, seeing Liz curled up on Max�s side. A small smile lit his face, as he reached for his baby blanket. �Lizzie.� He threw himself over the ledge with his blanket, making his way towards the bed. It took a while for him to climb up, but he eventually made it. He crawled across the tangle of limbs that was Max and Liz, positioning himself so that his head was laying softly on Liz�s bosom. Noah�s eyes drifted shut, the last word on his lips, being Lizzie. Back Next |
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