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Once Upon a Lifetime – By Kazza Part 20
“So Max, where are we going tonight?” She asked, walking back out to the lounge area. “Well, I thought dinner at a quiet Chinese Restaurant, followed by a live Jazz and Blues Band at Nell’s Bar. That is unless you’d prefer a quiet evening?” “No! I want to enjoy myself!” She replied playfully. “Well then, I guess we should get changed.” He suggested. “Mmm, sounds good.” She replied, suddenly realising how hungry she was. Inside an hour, they were being seated at Little Ollie’s Chinese Restaurant, in Hyman Street Mall. Max had been right, it was indeed a very quaint restaurant. The staff were extremely friendly, and Liz just loved the Chinese paintings on the walls. She found herself marvelling over a particularly amazing sketch of a panda eating bamboo. “Max, this place is wonderful.” Liz said as they perused the menus. “Yeah, it’s my favourite restaurant round here. We used to come here all the time when we were younger. Oh the fun we had with the chopsticks!” Max reminisced. “Oh gosh, I hope I don’t have to use them!” Liz said, looking at the chopsticks like torture instruments in horror. “Oh come on Liz, it could be fun.” Max ribbed. “We’ll be here all night though.” She protested. “It’s ok, they’ll give you a fork and spoon if you ask nicely.” Max replied seeing her worried face. After ordering, the young couple exchanged relaxed chat until their first course arrived. Watching the young girl ‘chop’ up the crispy duck, Liz found her senses filled with its aromatic aroma. Once the waitress had departed, max lifted the lid to the steamer and helped himself to a pancake before offering one to Liz. Hesitating for a moment, Liz picked up the warm pancake and laid it out on her plate. She’d never eaten duck before and was at a loss to know what she was meant to do. Following Max’s lead, Liz picked up the pot of Hoisin sauce and spread a little across the pancake. After watching Max expertly pick up some cucumber, spring onion and duck with his chopsticks, Liz followed suit before rolling up the pancake. Lifting the little package to her mouth, Liz hesitated for a moment before taking a bite. As she chewed, her senses became aware of the amazing tastes in her mouth. The sweet and tangy sauce, the cool soft cucumber, the slightly spicy duck all surrounded by the soft pancake. As he watched her, Max could tell how much Liz was enjoying the pancake. Her face gave off an impression of amazing ecstasy. Not wanting to ruin the moment, but knowing she would have no pancake left to enjoy if she continued, Max broke the silence. “Erm,
Liz.” “Oh!” She exclaimed, staring down at her plate and noticing half the contents of her pancake scattered over it. “It’s ok, you look like you were enjoying it.” Max said, seeing Liz turn beetroot red and wanting to put her at ease. “I’ve never tasted anything like this before, it’s amazing.” She replied. “Yeah, I’d definitely agree there.” He concurred. Dinner passed peacefully, with the young couple talking quietly to each other. Looking on, the owner of the restaurant smiled contently to himself. He had known Max Evans since he was a small lad, and he’d only known Max to bring one other girl to the cabin. Tess, he remembered, he really didn’t like her. She’d been a conceited and supercilious girl, who always seemed to be complaining about something, never satisfied. This new girl was different though, so very striking in looks, so quiet but very precocious and affable. As coffee was served to the young couple, a photographer entered the restaurant. Spotting the loving couple exchanging romantic looks, he headed over to their table. “Hi, I’m sorry to interrupt your lovely dinner, but I was wondering if you’d like to pose for a picture? For a memento of your holiday perhaps?” “Oh erm ……” Max stumbled. “Ok, yeah, why not.” He replied. “Great, how about your beautiful lady coming and sitting on your lap.” The photographer suggested. “Erm ……. sure.” Liz replied shyly. Obliging the photographer, Liz positioned herself tentatively on Max’s knee. Putting his arms around her waist, Max pulled her closer and helped her relax. “Ok, now smile.” The photographer instructed before clicking the button on the camera. “Can we have two please?” Max asked. “Sure, no problem.” He replied before taking the second picture. After taking down their cabin number so he could drop off the pictures and taking Max’s payment for them, he left the young couple to their romantic dinner. After
the very enjoyable meal, Max and Liz moved on to the nearby Little
Nell Hotel for the live Jazz and Blues band.
Finding a table near the front, they ordered drinks and sat back to
capture the atmosphere of the place. The
music served as the perfect backdrop to the end of their first day in Aspen.
Both Liz and Max felt extremely relaxed, all thoughts of work or the hold
up pushed far from their minds as they gazed lovingly into each other’s eyes.
Watching him nod his head along to the peaceful music, Liz felt
mesmerised by him. She still
couldn’t believe she was really there, in such a beautiful place, with him,
her boss! Sensing
her adoration for the music, Max stood up and held out his hand. “What?”
She enquired. “Dance
with me?” He asked. “Ok.”
She replied, remembering their previous dance that had sparked their
inevitable romance. As
the blues music filled up the room, the couple stepped on to the all but
deserted dance floor. They didn’t
care though that they were the only people dancing, their love for each other
blinding them of any embarrassment. Holding
her close to him, Max closed his eyes and breathed in the heady scent of Liz.
Oh how that scent made him loose his senses!
Dipping
his head, Max leaned in and seized her soft, sweet lips.
Liquefying into his arms, Liz absorbed the wonderful feeling swamping her
body. Nudging at her lips with his
tongue, their tongues tangled together as they fought for supremacy.
As his
tongue gently caressed the warmth of her mouth, he was totally ignorant of
anyone around him, concentrating only on the buzz he always got when he kissed
the beauty in his arms. Moving his
hands down, Max couldn’t help but rest them on her perfect behind. Caressing the soft flesh, Max heard Liz sigh into his mouth,
an indication that she approved of his roaming hands. As if to follow his lead, Liz lifted her arms from where they
were placed around his waist, to wrap them around his neck, bringing their
bodies ever closer to one another. Being
encased in his sturdy arms, Liz felt her body start to quiver. He always seemed to manage to turn her to jelly with the
simplest of touches. Stepping in
closer, Max placed both his hands around her back, allowing her to rest her head
on his shoulder. Closing her eyes,
Liz felt like she was floating around the dance floor.
People
in the hotel watched on as the magical couple completed their dance, the love
Max and Liz radiated filling each person who saw them.
To Max and Liz though, they felt like they were the only two people in
the room, everyone else had paled into insignificance.
As
the music came to an end, the young couple reluctantly broke apart. It was then that they noticed the twenty or so sets of eyes
that stared back at them, along with the clapping of appreciation.
Feeling very embarrassed at the floor show they had just put on for
everyone, Liz dipped her head, and buried it into Max’s chest as he guided
them back to their table. Knowing
they had a tiring day of skiing ahead of them the following day, Max and Liz
left the hotel soon after their dance. The
walk back to their cabin took about ten minutes, and since the sun had set for
the evening, the temperature had dropped considerably. Putting his arm around her shoulders, Max tried to keep her
warm. Feeling her still shudder
even under the warmth of his embrace, Max pulled away and started to remove his
fleece style jacket. “Here,
put this on, it will keep you warm.” Max
offered. “Oh
Max, I can’t, you’ll get cold then.”
Liz replied, seeing him wearing only a jumper “Well
you’ll just have to snuggle up to me until we get back to the cabin.”
He replied huskily. Holding
out the jacket, Liz placed her arms inside and was immediately engulfed by the
warmth of it. Placing his arms back
around her, Max rubbed her arms to make sure she got warm again. When
they finally arrived back at the cabin, Max lit the fire so they could warm up.
Snuggling up to him on the sofa, Liz felt completely contented.
Lifting her head from its resting place on his shoulder, Liz captured
Max’s lips in a long, lazy kiss. It
was a soft, sensual embrace, no urgency, just pure love. Quiet
music and soft lighting created the perfect ambience in the cabin.
As they kissed, Max became aware that Liz’s top had ridden up slightly,
revealing the slightest hint of bare skin.
Gently placing his hand on her, Max enjoyed the feel of her velvety skin. His
hand on her bare flesh made Liz squeal slightly into his mouth. His touch was electric, filling her insides with amazing
heat. Moving his hand higher up, it
came in contact with her soft satin bra. Stroking
her breast through the satin, Max felt her nipple harden almost instantly under
his fingers. This
was further than they’d gone before and although he wanted nothing more than
to continue, Max decided not to push his luck.
He didn’t want to scare her off with his forwardness. Moving
his hand to a safer place, he caught some of her hair in his fingers and took in
a deep breath to calm his racing pulse. Although
she was slightly confused as to why Max had stopped, she felt a warm, fuzzy
feeling fill her stomach as she felt Max gently caress her soft hair.
She was so relaxed and sleepy, the warmth of the cabin adding to her
tiredness, she didn’t have the energy to do anything. “You
should get some rest now babe, we’ve got a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”
He said feeling Liz doze beside him. “Mmm”
Was all the response he got back. Scooping her into his arms, he carried the young girl to her room. Liz had wanted to protest about the sleeping arrangements, but didn’t have the energy to fight as he laid her in her bed. Snuggling into the warm duvet, Liz drifted off to sleep and dreamt about the dance they’d shared at the Jazz club. As he headed into his bedroom, Max could feel the emptiness of the room. She was only next-door, but she felt a million miles away to him. He missed her so much it was unreal. Pulling back the covers of his bed, his desire to see her again got the better of Max. Sneaking back into her room, he slipped over to the side of her bed. Crouching down, he touched her silky soft hair. She emitted a soft sigh under his touch which made him smile. After a few minutes, he reluctantly headed back to his room, and fell asleep content that she was at least in the same cabin as he. The next day the young couple hit the slopes. For Max, although it had been nearly two years since he’d last skied, it was like riding a bicycle, something you never forgot. Liz on the other hand had a tough time mastering the art of remaining on her feet, spending a lot of the time picking herself up out of the snow. “I don’t think I’ll ever get the hand of this!” Liz said as Max helped her to her feet once more. “You’ll get there, it just takes practice.” “That’s easy for you to say, you’ve had the practice!” She replied, looking frustrated. “Ok, let me help you then.” Max said, manoeuvring behind her and putting his skis outside hers. “Now, once you’ve mastered the plough, you’ll be able to do anything!” He added, placing his hands around her waist. Gently pushing them off, Max guided them down the slight slope, pointing Liz’s skis in the shape they should be. By the time they reached the bottom, Liz was ecstatic. “Hey, we did it and I didn’t fall over!” She beamed. “Yeah,
that was great babe, now try it on your own.”
He said, as he watched her smile fall from her face.
“Cheer up Liz, it’s supposed to be fun.” “There isn’t anywhere else I want to be.” He replied, stepping in close to her and kissing her, as if to add proof to his words. “Mmm, you’re kind for saying that. Now, get your butt up that chair lift and show me how it’s done Evans!” She ordered, pointing up to one of the higher, longer runs. “You sure?” he asked, hesitating for a moment. He knew she was upset she couldn’t ski better and he certainly didn’t want to upset her anymore by showing her how good a skier he was. “Go! Now!” She insisted. “Yes Mam!” He replied, before skiing off to the chair lift. Finding a convenient table outside the small café, Liz sat down and waited to watch Max expertly ski down the run. As he hurtled towards her at fast speed, Liz couldn’t help but marvel at his skill and technique. He certainly was an amazing skier. “Hmm, I wonder what else he’s amazing at?” She couldn’t help but think. That evening, exhausted from their exploits on the slopes, Max and Liz decided to stay in and order takeaway. After eating, the settled in front of the roaring open fire. Cuddling up on the rug together, they allowed the atmosphere and ambience of the cabin rush over them. “What are you thinking about?” She asked, breaking the silence as she looked at him deep in thought. “Oh, erm ……… just about the last time I came up her with someone?” He admitted. “Was it your ex-girlfriend?” She enquired. “Yeah, her name was Tess.” “What happened to her? Tell me about Tess, Max.” She asked. Liz couldn’t help but be intrigued. She couldn’t imagine why anyone who had Max would want to let him go, he was a perfect gentleman. “Ok. We went out for just over three years, I thought I was in love with her, I thought I’d do anything for her, that was until she gave me an ultimatum.” He replied, taking a sip of the hot chocolate. “What sort of an ultimatum?” Liz delved. “Basically she wanted me to make a commitment to our relationship. She wanted the good old ‘American dream’, marriage, a white picket fence house and above all loads of kids to fill it with. At first when I said it wasn’t what I wanted at the age of 22 she accepted it, but then each week she’d push the subject some more in the hope that I would fold and give in to her. Each time we’d end up having a massive row, I’d say that I wasn’t ready and she’d say we’d be old and grey before we had kids. I guess she couldn’t understand why I didn’t want them, and I couldn’t understand why she did. In the end she gave me an ultimatum, either I gave her a dream white wedding, huge house and tried for a family, or she’d leave and find someone who would.” He said, staring into the fire.
“Yeah. I think that night I finally realised we were just too different as people, we prioritised things completely differently. To me my career and doing well in the business was my top priority, to her it was very low. Although we met while studying law together, as soon as she’d qualified Tess couldn’t wait to forget about it. My father was prepared to offer her a job at the firm, Michael’s job actually, but she said she didn’t want to work. Instead she battered on about wanting everything her friends had, but it was everything I loathed about them. Their coffee mornings gossiping about the neighbours, comparing the latest fashion designs or wallpapers, and of course babies.” “Were
you sad when she left?” “Has there been anyone else after Tess?” She probed. “No, not until you that is. I guess I was afraid that if I opened up my heart, another person would want everything Tess did, and would eventually leave me when I refused.” He replied, kissing the top of her head. “And what makes you so sure I don’t want all that?” She asked playfully. “Do you?” He countered, half joking and half being serious. He wasn’t sure how he would react if she said yes. In his heart he knew he loved Liz so much, but his views on wanting children hadn’t changed since Tess had left. “No ……… not right now at least. All I want is love and security. Things I’ve missed out on in life.” “Tell me about your life, what happened to your parents? You never really talk about them” “It’s
a long, complicated story. To ……….. to be honest Max, I’ve never actually told
anyone what I’m gonna tell you.” “Well, like I said it’s a long, complicated story, so I’ll give you the massively edited version.” She said pausing to take a deep breath before continuing. “They
were high school sweethearts who thought they didn’t have a care in the world,
until I came along that is. Things must have been pretty tough for them; my mother stayed
at home and looked after me while my father worked two jobs to support us.
I don’t really remember my father that much, all I remember was that he
was always seemed to be angry, at me mainly, blaming me for anything and
everything. I guess he used to
think about what their lives would have been like if I wasn’t around.” “I know, but it’s the way he used to make me feel. They’d had loads of plans for their future, career aspirations and such, but they all disappeared when I was born. They used to row a lot, I remember hiding under my bed, desperately trying to shut out the awful sound of my father’s shouting and my mother’s tears.”
“Yeah, it wasn’t the best. It’s amazing that they stayed together as long as they did really. It was just after my twelfth birthday, I came home and found my mother crying at the kitchen table, she said I’d been bad and that my father didn’t want to be near me any more. The real reason was he had been having an affair and ran off with his secretary, but my mother put the blame on me. I haven’t seen my father since, and I’m really not sure what I’d do if I did. My mother was a mess for the next three years, getting by day to day on the bottle of vodka she’s always have with her. She never actually hit me, but her verbal words were enough to scar me. Even now I wake up in a cold sweat having relived one of those evenings at home, when she’d curse and swear at me, screaming that if I hadn’t of been born none of it would have happened. “ “I’m
so sorry Liz, you didn’t deserve that.” “That
must have been awful, I can’t imagine how you coped.”
He said, feeling so sorry for her. “You’ve been through so much in your short life Liz, how have you kept so sane?” “Keeping
sane was the only thing that I had control over.
Everything that has happened in my life has been down to other people, my
parents screwed up my childhood, there was no way I was going to let them screw
up the rest of my life. That and
the words a wise woman told me when I first moved to LA.
‘A waterfall begins with but one drop of water’.
Take each day one at a time, for they will only get better.” “There have been a couple, but nothing serious, I guess I was afraid to get close to anyone, I didn’t want to have to rely on them. That of course coupled with the one person I allowed to get close to me in Robin, abused my trust and tried to attack me.” She replied honestly. “You can rely on me, no matter what, I’ll always be here. I won’t hurt you.” He said quietly. “Thanks.” She replied, lifting her head from his chest and staring up into his eyes. She felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her burdened shoulders. He knew the truth about her parents yet hadn’t shied away or blamed her, only shown her love and compassion. His eyes were so mesmerising, so full of emotions, speaking volumes to her without using sound. It was as if she could see right into his soul, baring all his raw emotions right in front of her. He took a brief moment to survey the scene, he was sitting on the floor with his arms wrapped around a beautiful woman, who also happened to be his secretary. Was he mad? Just slightly, he thought to himself, but all thoughts of reason flew out the window the moment she walked into his life. She was so different from all the other women he knew, she had been through so much in her life, yet everything made her stronger, more determined to succeed and be something they would have been proud of. The calming sound of the fire crackling was the only noise in the whole of the cabin, as he stared into her twinkling eyes and stroked her cheek with his finger, revelling in the feel of her soft skin. Everything was so quiet and peaceful, it was almost surreal, time just seemed to stand still for them, capturing the two in a perfect moment in time. He didn’t want to break the spell of that magical evening, but only make it better as he lent down and captured her lips. It was a soft, sensual kiss, sealing the pure love and admiration he held inside for her. Placing his hand gently behind her head, he pulled her close, the kiss deepening instantaneously as he ran his tongue against her lips to encourage her to open her mouth. Sensing his intentions, Liz slowly parted her lips and felt a shiver run through her body as his warm tongue grazed the edge of her teeth before delving further. As they kissed, Liz twisted round, so that she sat on his lap facing him, rather than having her side against his chest. It was a bold move for the normally shy girl, but that night it just felt right to her. The close proximity of her, coupled with the fact she was sitting astride him, played havoc with Max’s senses. No matter what, he was determined not to let his emotions take over, he would just allow her total freedom so she could stop whenever she wanted to. Inside her, Liz felt a feeling that she hadn’t felt so strongly before, a raging fire in her stomach and she needed to extinguish it. The feeling flooding her body was overwhelming, breathing was becoming more difficult, her head more and more fuzzy. She had never felt so totally out of control, so much wanting and needing from her body, and it scared her. When she eventually broke the kiss, she lifted her eyes to stare back into his once more. This time his eyes were full of passion, full of love, and full of arousal, there was a sleepy, almost dreamy look about them. For a second she flinched away, she had seen those eyes before, so full of wanting, needing and hunger. Noticing her fear, he pulled her back close and tried to regain control of his body. “It’s ok Liz. I’m sorry if I scare you, I can’t help the way I react around you, but I promise I can control it. Nothing is going to happen, I love and respect you too much.” He said quietly, nuzzling his head against her chest and taking deep breaths to keep hold of his dwindling control. His deep, exhaling breaths dancing over her thin top made Liz’s skin hum even more. He was so close to the bare skin exposed by the v-neck top she wore, he couldn’t resist placing a feather light kiss on it. His cool lips scorching her red-hot skin, made Liz suck in a breath of air. Instinctively she arched her body towards his lips as he pulled away, making him aware that she wanted more. Pausing for a second, Max kissed her bare flesh once again, closing his eyes and taking in the feeling of his lips touching velvet. His hands moved to her back, pulling her closer to him, as she threw her head back and allowed the incredible feeling to rush over her. With the kisses he moved higher, nipping at her neck and jaw line before connecting with her lips and allowing the passion to explode inside them both. In amongst the heat of the kiss, Max was suddenly aware of her tiny hands over his body, dancing around the buttons of his shirt as she slowly slipped it open. As quickly as the cool air hit his bare chest, it was replaced by the radiating heat of her meticulous hands running over his tort muscles. She was still sitting astride his lap, and he couldn’t hide the way his body was reacting to her touch. For a moment it scared her, knowing her touch had caused the change in him, but then intrigue took over. She had never seen or touched that part of a man, but suddenly she felt an overwhelming needed to. Dragging her nails down his chest, she rested her hand just above the waistband of his trousers before continuing on her quest. As she gingerly touched the bulge through his khakis, Max took in the umpteenth gulp of air that night, trying to control the wonderful images racing through his mind. Rubbing her hand back and forth, she could hear Max’s breaths becoming ragged, his eyes shut and head tilted back against the sofa. After a few more moments of the intense pleasure, Max knew he had to regain his composure and control of the situation. Placing his large hand over hers, he stilled her movement before taking her hand and holding it in his. Looking up into her face, he saw the shock of what he had done written all over it, as she tried to work out what she had done wrong. He had been enjoying it hadn’t he? She thought to herself. “Was that wrong?” She whispered, afraid her innocence had betrayed her. “What? No, no Liz that wasn’t wrong.” He replied kissing the tip of her finger as he realised she had read his actions wrong. “I don’t understand.” She replied confused as to why he had made her stop. “Because Liz ……..” He started before taking a deep breath. “If I hadn’t stopped you, it would have got way out of control. I didn’t bring you here to take advantage, I don’t want to hurt you.” He replied, trying to keep his voice even as he said the words. As she broke his hold on her hand, she moved it up to touch his face. The care and compassion he was showing her touched her deep inside her heart, her faith in men restored so easily by his steel resolve. At that moment, she knew that she wanted more from Max, she trusted him wholeheartedly, his tenderness with her so perfect. Dipping her head, she kissed and nibbled at his ear lobe before whispering seductively in his ear. “Maybe I don’t want to be in control.” She breathed. Max’s heart skipped a beat as the words filtered through to his brain, his body reacting violently at the thought of more. Looking in her eyes, he tried to gauge her playful response, trying to decide if she was serious or just teasing. Exerting so much self-control was actually causing physical pain to his body, and although his mind said no, he couldn’t help but hope she was serious. Slipping his hands behind her back, Max took some of the material of her top in his hands and pulled it out of the confinements of her jeans waistband. Slowly, giving her time to say no, he lifted the material up her body and over her head, allowing it to fall to the floor with the crinkling sound of static. Placing his hands just above her hips, he pulled her into him so that he could feel her skin and lacy cream bra against his heaving chest. She hid her shyness well as she ran her hands around his back and dragged her nails across his skin. Reaching round to the clasp on her bra, he started to undo it, but stopped to whisper in her ear first. “Say the word and I’ll stop, no matter when. I promise.” He said before clicking open the clasp and slipping the lacy material down her arms, making her break contact with his body. As he placed his hand on her unclad breast, Liz closed her eyes to savour his touch. Caressing it gently in his hand, her body arched into him, her raging hormones running riot under her skin. The aching in her stomach grew larger; spreading further inside her body, making her buzz in parts no one had done before. Pushing his shirt off his shoulders, Liz rocked her hips against his lower body, desperately trying to find relief for her ache. Another deep breath was taken in by Max, as his control very nearly slipped with her movement. Desperately needing to slow her down, Max pulled her off him so that she laid out on the soft rug in front of the fire, and laid down beside her. She looked so beautiful as her dark hair fanned out underneath her, the creamy colour of her skin staring up at him, urging him to touch it once more. Running delicate fingers across her stomach, he moved further down, across the tops of her thighs until her body was squirming underneath his touch, crying out for more, crying out to be touched in the only place he hadn’t ventured. Max stopped as he reached the button to her jeans, looking to her for approval before going further. A quick nod of her head signalled she wanted more. Undoing the button, and slowly pulling down the zip, Max saw a hint of her cream panties that matched her bra. Easing his hands either side of her hips, he carefully pushed her jeans down until they departed her body. As he looked back at her, he saw her arms cross over her stomach and her legs pull up, like she was trying to hide the most intimate part of her body. Thinking she was still unsure, he laid down beside her and placed his arm across her shoulders. “We don’t have to go any further if you don’t want to. There’s no pressure, just say no and I’ll stop.” He said softly, needing to know she was happy. At that very moment he didn’t know what he’d do if she said stop. He had self-control, but there was only so much a guy could hold back on. But there was no way he was going to continue if she wasn’t 100% happy. “It’s not that …..” She trailed off, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. As he watched her dip her head, he suddenly realised why she was shy. “You haven’t done this before have you?” He asked quietly, tilting her head so he could look at her face. “No.” She replied unable to force any other words from her mouth. “You should have told me Liz. It’s ok, we’ll stop now.” He said, pulling her into his arms. He secretly cursed himself for getting carried away, and not noticing her shyness and innocence before. He should have known she was a virgin. He had promised himself he wouldn’t take advantage of her, and here he was doing just that. Well it was time to stop, he instructed himself. “I don’t want to stop.” She said finally, pulling her body from his arms. “Liz …….” He started before she cut him off. “No Max. No man has ever made me feel as special as you have tonight. You’ve stirred feelings deep inside I never knew existed. I want you Max, no I need you ……… I love you.” She insisted. Her insistent words played havoc with his self-control. He wanted her so much, yet he was so afraid of hurting her. While his mind was still deciding what to do, her small hand snaked out and unfastened the button to his khakis, along with the zip, allowing freedom to the restrained part of his body. “Please.” She pleaded, realising he hadn’t made a move since her previous words. He valiantly fought his fight for control, and lost admirably, as she scooted his trousers down his legs so they had very little between them. Realising the only way he’d continue was if she made him loose what was left of his control, her inquisitive hands sought out the one part of him radiating more heat than the fire. Feeling her soft hands slip under the waistband of his boxers and encircling the most private part of his body made Max loose the last of his control. He wanted her so badly, she made him feel so good. Deciding that if it was what she wanted, and as it was her first time, he’d make sure it was perfect, Max decided to take control, searching out her aching body. Rubbing his hands up her legs, past her knees and across her thighs, Max sought out her most sensitive area. On his first touch her body shuddered, her desire so heightened it cried out for release. She had never felt anything that had felt so good, her body arched up to his hand as he dipped his fingers slowly inside. Her pulse was racing at lightening speed, her head awash with amazing images, the intense feeling washing over her body like huge waves crashing against the shore. To Liz, he seemed to know just where to touch her, to initiate the strongest most powerful feelings, to make her crave more. Just as she thought she could take no more, Max stopped. The sudden loss of his fingers made her sigh. He made light work of removing the remaining barrier in her panties, before slipping out of his boxers exposing them both fully to each other. Using the last piece of sanity he had left, Max fumbled for his trouser pocket, finding his wallet and removing the small silver foil from inside. Again searching her eyes for any flicker of doubt, Max laid down on top of her. He laid there for a moment, content purely on kissing her soft red lips until she started moving against him, desperate for more. Pushing her legs apart, he slowly entered her, not wanting to cause her any pain, but knowing some pain was inevitable. She sucked in air as he began to fill her, taking in the pain but enjoying the new full feeling of him inside her. He moved slowly inside her, waiting for Liz to get accustomed to the fullness. All her shyness and inhibitions flew out the window, as she rocked against his slow movements, trying to make him speed up. Following her rhythm, he upped the pace, the look on her face changing from discomfort to pure pleasure. The room temperature upped considerably as they both became engulfed in the feelings raging through their bodies. As they both reached their peak together, mumbled cries of pleasure erupted and filled the cabin. Both desperately sucked in ragged breaths as they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking, both overwhelmed by the feelings they had experienced that night. Hunching over her body, he held her close as their bodies slowly calmed down. “I love you.” She whispered quietly as he moved down beside her. “I love you too.” He added, pulling the blanket that had been on the sofa over them and nestling her into his arms once again. As they drifted off to sleep, the cracking sound of the fire was broken only by the soft thudding of snow falling to the ground outside, coating everything in pure white powder snow once more.
PART 21 As he drifted back into the land of the living, Max was aware of the beauty laying in his arms. The memories of what they had shared the previous night came flooding back to him, and made his heart soar. It had been so wonderfully perfect, almost dream like, when they’d made love by the roaring open fire. Shifting slightly, he pulled the cover back up over them as he closed his eyes once more. He didn’t know what the time was, but some how he really didn’t want to get up just then. Holding Liz in his arms was too perfect, a feeling he never wanted to end. Feeling him awake, Liz gently turned in his arms so that she was facing him, watching his eyes flutter open again. “Hi sleeping beauty.” He said, kissing her lips. “Mmm.” She replied, “I could get used to waking up like this.” “What lying on a floor by a fire that went out ages ago?” He joked “No silly, with you.” She replied lifting her head to connect with his lips once again. “Yeah, you’re right, it does have potential.” He replied, before taking the opportunity to deepen the kiss. All thoughts of skiing went right out of their minds as their tongues tangled passionately. After the previous night, Max no longer felt the need to hide his desire for Liz, no longer afraid that it would overwhelm her. Moaning softly into his mouth, Liz felt totally at ease lying in his arms. She had no problems with the fact she was naked apart from the blanket that covered them both. No longer did she feel scared by the strong new feelings she felt for Max and his for her. Running her hands around his back, she rubbed her fingers up and down his spine, enjoying the flexing of his muscles her touch caused. His hand that had been placed on her cheek, roamed down her neck to grasp her perfect unclad breast. As he kneaded it gently, Liz moaned softly, revelling in the feelings flooding her body once again. Her own meticulous hands creased the torte muscles of his bare chest, loving the feel of his skin. Everything around them paled into insignificance as the temperature rose a few degrees in the cabin. Both enjoying the freedom to explore each other’s bodies. “God you are so beautiful Liz.” He said huskily. “You make me feel beautiful.” She replied as his hand ran down her bare side and rested on her thigh. Shivers ran through her body as she waited for him to heighten her desire with his touch. He could feel her eagerness for his touch, so instead he teased for a moment, gently caressing the inside of her thigh before continuing his journey to his destination. On his first touch, Liz cried out in pleasure. Her body buzzing with amazing feelings, the fire in her stomach at boiling point. Watching the changes in her face, Max knew what he was doing was driving her crazy, the soft moans from Liz confirming it. Just when she thought she would burst, Max stopped. She felt the lost instantly, confused as to why Max had pulled away. She was answered very quickly, as Max rolled on top of her and descended upon her lips to kiss them passionately. She could feel his desire throbbing against her stomach as his tongue mimicked their lovemaking. Rubbing against his leg, she tried to ease the ache that was threatening to overwhelm her senses. Joining as one, they drank up the breathtaking feelings flooding their bodies. Reaching their peaks together, they once again consummated the pure love for each other that ran through their veins. Hugging her close to him, they drifted back into a deep, relaxing sleep. Slowly opening his eyes, Alex allowed himself to become accustomed to the surroundings. It didn’t take long to remember where he was, the blond haired beauty in his arms confirmed it. He’d gone round the previous evening to see Isabelle, make sure she was ok after Brad’s outburst. She’d insisted he stay for dinner, something of a thank you from her for his ‘knight in shinning armour’ routine. Alex was only too eager to accept, and after dinner they’d sat down to watch a video. It was the last thing Alex could remember, and he guessed they’d obviously flaked out while watching it. Looking at her sleeping form, Alex marvelled at her beauty. Feeling his intense stare, Isabelle fluttered her eyes open, and found herself face to face with Alex. For a moment neither of them moved, captured inside the stares of their eyes. The love he felt for her blazed in his eyes, and for a moment, she returned that feeling. Their faces were barely inches apart, Alex found superhuman strength and staved off his desire to kiss her. Subconsciously, Isabelle licked her lips, blissfully unaware how such a simple act could look, thus shattering any control Alex had. Bending his head and covering the distance between them, he connected with her soft, sweet lips. The gentle kiss poured out the raw feeling and emotion Alex was holding inside him, and he revelled in the feel of Isabelle returning his kiss. Just as he was about to deepen the kiss further, Isabelle pulled away and stood up, leaving a confused and perplexed Alex staring back up at her. “Isabelle?” He started, hoping for an explanation. “I can’t do this Alex.” She replied sharply, turning away from him so she couldn’t see the hurt expression on his face. “Do what? It’s just a kiss.” He replied sitting up. “No it’s not Alex, it’s much more than ‘just a kiss’. It’s what that kiss holds. I’ve just split up with my boyfriend, I’m not ready to rush into another relationship.” “Is it me?” He asked bluntly, standing up. “No.” She replied “Then
what is it Isabelle. You were
enjoying the kiss, I could tell. Why did you suddenly stop?”
He queried It wasn’t really a question he wanted answered, he was certainly afraid of her reply. What if she said no, where would that leave him? She’d been a part of his dreams for so long now, he sometimes couldn’t remember a time when he hadn’t loved Isabelle Evans. But here he was laying his heart on the line for her to hug or crush. The silence that followed confirmed his worst fears. Although she hadn’t said there was no point waiting for her, she hadn’t offered any hope or incentive to hang on. Feeling his heart shatter and his ego burst, Alex stood up, and disappeared out the door, leaving his jacket behind. On hearing the front door bang shut, Isabelle collapsed in to a heap on the sofa, tears tumbling down her face. She laid there for what seemed like an age, unable to force the tears to stop. She felt so confused, so out of control and she didn’t like it. With Brad it had been so easy, in truth she didn’t really love him and he didn’t really treat her like she deserved to have been treated. To him she was just an object on his arm making him look appealing to prospective movie directors. But with Alex everything was so much more complicated. Alex cared so deeply for her, she could see that. Since the shooting at the office he hadn’t even bothered to hide his true feelings, and that scared her. She was afraid of hurting him if things went wrong, perhaps a little afraid she might suffocate under his adoration for her. His feelings for her placed Isabelle on a pedestal that she wasn’t sure she fitted. In truth, Isabelle was afraid of falling in love too. Her feelings for Alex were so much different to those that she felt for Brad. Her heart jumped each time she saw him, her skin tingled each time they accidentally touched, her mind lost all sense when he kissed her. These were feelings that she was most afraid of. Isabelle Evans was strong and independent, yet with Alex, she felt herself leaning on him, depending on him, and that was something she never did. These were new, confusing feelings for Isabelle, and as she eventually lifted her tear drenched face from the cushion, Isabelle realised one important thing, it was already too late for her ……………. the Ice Princess was falling in love. As his feet pounded down the sidewalk, Alex felt totally numb. Blood pounding in his ears, his heart racing. Gasping in breaths of air, Alex tried vainly to keep his emotions in check. Tears stung his eyes as he though of Isabelle and the way she hadn’t answered his question. “No! I won’t cry!” He scolded himself. “I’m a grown man, I won’t give her that satisfaction!” Finally slowing to a walk, Alex continued on his quest to get as far away from Isabelle Evans as he possibly could. He didn’t know where he was heading to, but as he walked quietly along the busy sidewalk, Alex was suddenly aware of a voice calling him. “Alex!” Maria called out. “Hey.” He replied, trying to sound chirpy as she drew up beside him. “Hey to you too, what’ya doing?” She asked. “Oh
just walking.” He replied. “Home
I guess.” He said shrugging his
shoulders “Mmm ………… ok why not, I could do with someone to talk to.” He replied as the crossed the street and headed for a local coffee shop. “That’s it, keep going.” Max encouraged as Liz skied down one of the more difficult nursery slopes. On reaching the bottom, she turned round and flashed him a huge smile. “I did it!” She squealed. “I knew you would!” He replied confidently. “Time to up the difficulty I think.” He added, as he hugged her. “Oh I don’t know, I’ve only gone down once without falling over.” She replied. “Where’s your sense of adventure! I’ll be with you.” He said trying to encourage her. “Ok” She hesitated. “One more go down here and then I’ll come with you. You’ll have to go slow for me though.” She added before pulling herself out of his arms. As he watched her climb onto the lift to take her back to the top, Max couldn’t help but smile. They had one more night left before having to return to reality, and he’d arranged something a bit special for them. Thinking back, he realised something good had come out of something bad. The hold up at the office had been terrifying for everyone, but without it there was no way they would have been able to go away, and thus wouldn’t have got to know each other better. Yes, he thought, as he watched her ski down again, their short break away had been a complete success. “So she just rebuffed you just like that?” Maria said before taking a sip of her coffee. “Well, I wouldn’t really say rebuffed, she just didn’t give me an answer.” He replied, trying to play down the ‘Isabelle – bad person’ part. “Alex, in not giving you an answer she is doing exactly that. Knocking you back, brushing you off, rebuffing you, call it what you will. It all boils down to the same thing.” Maria said bluntly. “Yeah thanks Maria, I can always count on you to kick me when I’m down.” He grumbled. “Oh Alex don’t look at it like that. I’m just trying to show you she isn’t worth it. When are you going to see that Isabelle Evans will never return the feelings you have for her.” “When did you become such an expert on relationships?” Alex countered. He wanted desperately to remove the emphasis from him and Isabelle; Maria’s words were only making him feel worse. “I’m not an expert, I just know what it’s like to care for someone but have your feelings squashed.” She replied cryptically. “Huh? Since when do you like someone?” “It
doesn’t matter. The guy doesn’t
feel the same way about me so I just have to accept it and move on with my
life.” “Well
not as openly as you have Isabelle, I really don’t fancy having my heart
trampled on.” “Yeah, maybe.” She replied, sounding less than convinced. “So, this is our last night.” Liz said, as they walked down to Hyman Street Mall. “Yeah, it’ll be strange having to go back and pretend we’re not together again. I’ve enjoyed the way we could be so open about our relationship.” “I know what you mean. We’re gonna have to tell people eventually though.” “I know, just a little bit longer.” He replied, pulling her close to him to keep her warm. They
dined in a beautiful restaurant, both revelling in the way they could be so
carefree. Reluctantly, once the meal was over, they headed outside,
hand in hand. “I
have just one more surprise for you though.”
He added as they stepped onto the sidewalk. “Huh?” She said slightly confused. “This.” He replied pointing to their means of transport. “Oh
Max!” She exclaimed, staring at
what was in front of her. Max
had organised a sledge ride through the mountains for them, so that Liz could
see some of the wonderful surrounds. “Well
I just thought it would be a nice way to see some of the parts we haven’t had
time to visit.” He replied.
Max
climbed into the sledge before the driver helped Liz in also.
She sat down between his legs and Max pulled her close so they could
snuggle up. Slowly pulling away,
Liz had to resist the urge to squeal. She
felt just like a child, sitting in Santa’s sledge being pulled along by
reindeer. Pulling the
blanket up close to them both, she laid back against Max and watched in awe as
snow covered trees framing the backdrop of the breathtaking mountains rushed
past them. “Oh
Max, this is perfect!” Liz said
as they finally came to a stop overlooking a large frozen lake.
“Ah,
but it’s not over yet. Come on,
time to get out.” He instructed. Doing
as she was told, Liz was unsure what Max had planned next.
Taking her hand, he lead her down a short path to the icy lake.
The view in front of her practically took her breath away.
The lake had looked beautiful from the top of the mountain, but closer
up, it was even better. The bright
moonlight reflected on the cold ice, making it glisten like silver.
Silence descended around them, only the sound of their feet treading on
broken twigs. Right then Liz
couldn’t think of a more beautiful or romantic place.
Peaceful, quiet and extremely calming. Reaching
the bottom, Max left Liz for a moment to search for something.
Finding a bag conveniently placed beside a log, Max reached in and pulled
out two pairs of ice skates. “What! Where did they come from?”
Liz asked, wondering how he’d managed to get two pairs of skates from
the middle of nowhere. “Ah
the wonder of magic!” He replied,
handing one of the sets of ice skates, which were her size, to Liz.
Sitting
down on the log, Liz couldn’t help but smile.
Max had arranged all this for her and she couldn’t have been happier.
Nobody had ever done such a romantic thing for her, and her love for Max
grew even stronger that night. Joining
Liz on the log, they both laced up the skates before standing up. “So,
are you going to tell me you’ve never ice skated before too, Liz Parker?” He joked. “Oh
no, I’ve done this before.” She
replied, as the walked carefully to the edge of the lake and climbed on to the
ice. “Although, I’ve never
skated on real ice before, only artificial.”
She added gently pushing off on her foot to slide across the ice. Not
wanting to be outdone by Liz, Max scurried after her and when he caught up, he
pulled her into his arms. Digging
the toes of his skates into the ice, he caused them to pirouette round on the
spot and come to a stop in the middle of the lake.
For
a moment they both took in the complete silence of their surroundings.
Not a murmur could be heard, except for the odd hooting owl or screeching
bird. A pin could have dropped and
they would have heard it reverberating around them. “Wow
this place is so quiet.” She
whispered, looking into his eyes that were scorching with passion.
“And romantic.” She
added just before he descended upon her lips, locking them in a soft, sensual
kiss. Placing
her arms around his neck, Liz allowed Max to deepen the kiss, enjoying the
feeling she always got when he embraced her.
Slipping her hands under his fleece jacket and shirt, Liz rubbed her
hands along the bare skin of his back. Moaning
in her mouth, Max wished they weren’t in such a cold place, knowing that if it
had of been a deserted island they were on, he would lie her down and make love
to her right there and then. Taking
one more passionate kiss from her, Max fought to regain his composure and
discipline of the situation. “Mmm,
things could seriously get out of control if we keep going like this.”
He said huskily, as he broke contact with her mouth and gently rested his
forehead against hers. “And
that’s a problem?” She
playfully returned, her eyes twinkling with desire. “Not
for me, but you’d be the one lying on the ice!”
He joked back, breaking away from her arms and speeding off on his
skates. “Hey!” She called back as the meaning of his comment sank in.
Jumping on the tips of her skates, Liz sped after him, determined to get
her own back when she eventually caught up with him!
TBC ……………………?
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