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Once Upon a Lifetime – By Kazza Part
22
Waking up, Isabelle was aware of the incessant throbbing of her headache caused by eventually crying herself to sleep. She’d not got much sleep the previous night, tossing and turning; the only person on her mind was Alex. She felt awful at how she’d treated him the previous day, but she was so confused she couldn’t see any other way to deal with it. Getting up and climbing into the shower, Isabelle let the hot water scorch her raw skin, taking in all the pain she could and allowing it to seep deep into her pores. Tipping her head back, Isabelle allowed the running water to trickle over her face, trying to sooth her cheeks that were tender from tears. Her eyes felt sore and puffy, and the hot water only served to make them sting even more. Climbing out of the shower when the water eventually ran cold, Isabelle got dressed and decided to go and visit Michael at the hospital, at least then she’d feel like she was doing something. Perhaps then she’d be able to forget about Alex and make herself feel a bit better. It was a sight Max was getting used to seeing when he woke up, Liz’s peaceful naked body sleeping in his arms. She’d loved his surprise of the sledge ride and ice-skating on the lake the previous night, and he smiled as he thought back to the way they’d almost lost control of their emotions. Their passionate embrace on the lake had started it, but it was Liz that had carried it that bit further. Once they had got back to the sledge, they had climbed back in with Liz positioned between his legs once more. From the moment the sledge had started the trek home, Liz had done everything but sit still. Feeling bold, and wanting Max to know exactly what she wanted, Liz had reached behind her with her hand. Searching out Max, she placed her hand on his most sensitive part and caressed it gently through his trousers. Upon her first touch, Max had jumped, surprised by her actions. But Liz had made it clear what she wanted to do. Kissing the back of her neck, Max felt his desire heighten, the fact the driver could turn round at any moment making her actions all the more wild. Placing his hand on her cheek he moved her head round as far as it would go so he could kiss her lips. She’d been determined to make him loose control and it didn’t take long before he granted her wish. Throwing his head back, he’d revelled in the wash of feelings her touch and his orgasm provoked. Just thinking about it make his body react, he needed her. Stroking her cheek with his finger, Liz moaned softly. Descending on her lips, it was only a matter of moments before she responded. “Mmm, what a way to wake up!” She mumbled. “Hi sleepyhead.” He replied, kissing her forehead. “How about a shower to wake you up?” He suggested. “Do I get company?” She asked, brushing her hand over his thigh and grazing it over his already hard member. “Oh yeah!” He sighed into her touch. Reluctantly vacating the warm bed, Max led them to the bathroom and stepped inside the shower. Pulling her in with him, Max proceeded to stand Liz under the shower so her hair became sopping wet. Picking up her bottle of coconut shampoo, Max poured some of the liquid into his hands before massaging it into her soft brown hair. Liz couldn’t help but moan softly as he caressed her scalp. Leaning back against him, Liz felt his desire pressed up against her back, and she couldn’t help but rock against it. Turning her back round to face him, Max leant her back under the shower head so the bubbles from the shampoo ran off her hair and down her naked back. Next it was her turn to reach down for his shower gel, squeezing some into her palm and proceeding to rub it over his well-defined chest and shoulders. Her hot hands all over his body were sending his senses wild in anticipation, he felt like he was going to burst if he didn’t get a release very soon. She was still new to what she should do and he could sense her shyness, so taking her hand in his, Max kissed her palm before leading her down to where he ached so much. Her hand closing over him make Max suck in a deep breath, his head spinning wildly out of control. Closing his eyes for a moment, amazing images filled his head fuelling his desire. His own fingers sought her out, needing her to be right with him. When neither could take any more, Max placed his hands under her arms, lifting her up and allowing her legs to wrap around his waist. Leaning her back against the cool tiles, he slowly entered her, both emitting moans and sighs as they joined as one. Max started a slow, gentle rhythm, still conscious of not wanting to hurt her. From the position she was in, Liz had no leverage to speed up the proceedings, so doing the only thing she could, she whispered in his ear. “Harder.” She said quietly, her eyes squeezed shut with the wonderful feelings flooding her body. Obliging her request, Max began pounding into her harder, faster, until they both exploded in unison, the wash of pleasure running over them both along with the steaming water from the shower. All too soon, it was time for Max and Liz to leave the safe haven of the cabin and return to reality. Stepping into the plane, Liz felt sad her holiday was over. She’d dreamt what it would be like, having Max all to herself with no one to interrupt them. Yet it had been better than she ever could have hoped. She’d got to know Max so much more, in body and soul. His romantic surprises so wonderful, his care, compassion and tenderness he showed her so beautiful. She also felt so at ease with him now that he knew her deep secret, the secret she had never trusted anyone with before Max. He hadn’t judged her or pulled away when she’d told him how her father had left her and her mother had committed suicide. All he’d done is pull her into his arms and loved her more. For Max, as they buckled into their seats, the holiday had just boosted the immense love and feelings he had for her. She’d been through so much in such a short time in her life, yet she was so strong. She never let any of it get her down, always smiling, always happy. He certainly wouldn’t have blamed her if she hated the world and everyone in it, she’d been dealt such a rough deal in life. She deserved a loving family, perhaps a couple of sibling, a pretty house and plenty of love. Yet all she’d had before he came along was heartache and misery. Her parents constant blaming of her, for everything that went wrong in their lives, should have left her bitter. But instead she drew on the experiences each day, making her a better person. He didn’t know what he’d done to deserve such a wonderful angel, but he thanked god they’d found each other. “Tonight’s going to be really lonely.” Liz said quietly as Max carried her bags into the lounge of her house. “I know that one. I’ve sorta already got used to waking up beside you.” He replied, pulling her into his arms. “It’s gonna be even harder to hide this from everyone at work, you know that don’t you?” Liz said. “Yeah,
I know. I think my mother already
suspects, and it probably won’t be long before people see it.
I have an idea though.” “’Fraid so babe. I want to pop in and see Michael, and if I’m really late Isabelle will get suspicious again. You know I wouldn’t leave you unless I had to.” “I know. You’d better go.” She said, pulling away from his embrace. “Mmm, one more kiss first.” He insisted, pulling her close once again and kissing her passionately. When he eventually disappeared out of her house, Liz fell back on the sofa and couldn’t help the tears that pricked her eyes. She wasn’t sad, no, quite the opposite. She was happier than she could remember in her life. She was completed, totally in love with her boss. His soft hair she loved to run her fingers through, his torte chest, and those oh so mesmerising eyes, just dreamy. Allowing the tears to cascade down her cheeks, Liz wondered how she’d managed to find such a wonderful person. So much had gone wrong in her life, so much she’d been blamed for. Why did she deserve someone who cared and loved her, treated her like a proper lady, tender and gentle. For a moment she wondered when something would go wrong. In her life, whenever things seemed to be going right, something always seemed to crop up and dash all her hopes and dreams. “Stop it!” She cried to herself. “For once things are going right. Don’t pick fault, just enjoy it. Enjoy the wonderful feelings he conjurors up.” She added to herself, wiping the tears away from her face. Filling the tub up as full as it would go, Liz stepped into the hot water and sunk into it, allowing the hot liquid envelope her body. She wouldn’t admit it to Max, but her muscles really ached after the skiing. Her calf muscles felt like they were never going to be the same, and her thigh muscles just felt like jello. The one thing he certainly hadn’t told her was how physically demanding skiing all day could be. Reaching for her soap, Liz lifted her leg out of the water and into the air, rubbing the soap along it causing bubbles to run down her skin. It felt good to feel her body start to relax as the hot water did its trick. Predictably, Liz found her mind wandering towards a certain dark haired male, and more importantly the steamy session they’d shared in the shower. Never did she think she’d find someone to share something so hot with, and Max was certainly hot. Closing her eyes, she gave into the thoughts invading her brain, allowing the pictures to form in her mind and encase her body. “Hi mate, how’s it going?” Max asked, as he walked into Michael’s room. “Ok
I guess.” “Oh
just away, gave me time to sort my head out.” “Good.
So have you had any visitors?” “No
Maria or Alex?” “Mmm, perhaps.” Max replied, surprised Maria hadn’t come in to see Michael. After spending about an hour with his friend, Max headed home, looking forward to a nice hot shower. Putting the key in the door, Max opened it and headed into the living room. “Max! Gosh I didn’t realise you were coming back today.” Isabelle said, sitting up from her lying position on the sofa. “You ok Is?” Max asked, watching his sister rubbing her face of obvious tears. “Yeah, why?” She replied, trying to act cool. “You’re crying, that’s why.” He said, kneeling down in front of her and looking into her eyes. “This? Oh I was just watching a sad movie.” She replied, trying to brush him off. “Yeah right Is, you never cry at movies. You want to talk about it?” He offered, sitting down next to her. “Not really, not at the moment anyway. I could do with a hug though.” She said, her big brown tear drenched eyes staring up at him. “No problem.” He replied, putting his arms around her shoulders and pulling her close. Gentle sobs were emitted as he held her, and Max wondered what on earth had made Isabelle so upset. She was normally so in control of her emotions, never normally crying openly. But something had obviously happened. He assumed perhaps it was because of Brad, but he couldn’t imagine Isabelle being this upset over that jerk. “I hurt someone close to me Max.” She said suddenly, lifting her head from his chest. “Brad?”
He queried “I
really don’t know. I’m not sure
he’d want to talk to me after what I did.” “Oh well, you never were really good at it, never could sit still long enough!” Isabelle whipped back. Max, on seeing his sister smile slightly, thought silently that she was going to be ok. Whoever the guy was, had to be someone special though, nobody had ever got Isabelle so upset. He just hoped she’d swallow her pride and talk to whoever the special person was. Then perhaps she’d be happy again. “I’m gonna go and take a shower if that’s ok. Then I think I’ll head to bed. Work tomorrow and I want to feel totally refreshed.” Max said, getting up. “Night Max.” “Night Isabelle, see you tomorrow.” He added, heading into his room. Opening his holdall bag, Max pulled out something that was pushed to the side. It was a picture, of him and Liz, taken in the Chinese restaurant, she looked so happy, her smile so radiant, her eyes sparkling with joy. Placing it carefully beside his bed, behind his clock to obscure it from view, Max headed towards the shower, his mind full of thoughts of his girlfriend. He knew tomorrow would be tough. They’d have to start the charade of pretending to just be work colleagues. But at least this time there was an end in sight. Two and a half weeks from then the whole office would know about them, at the Christmas party. No more hiding, skirting around, and pretending to be somewhere they weren’t. He couldn’t wait for that day, the day he could parade the beauty on his arm for all the world to see.
Part 23
Pulling her navy suit jacket out of the closet, Isabelle caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and sucked in a breath of air. She’d done her best to look respectable, but somehow it all seemed to look fake to her. Her make up was lighter than normal, her hair pulled back into a simple pony tale. She’d chosen her navy suit to make her feel high-powered, but it wasn’t having the desired affect. She knew why she was feeling like she was; she knew it was because of one person. Alex. In the office it would be the first time she’d face him since he’d walked out on her. She’d kicked herself so many times since that moment, wishing she could turn back time and say something to him. Say she was scared, afraid of letting her heart was rule her head. “Is, you ready?” Max called out, shaking Isabelle out of her thoughts. “Yeah, just give me a minute.” She replied, pulling on the jacket and grabbing her leather black briefcase from her bed, before following Max out to his car. They didn’t normally car share, but as neither of them had any meetings away from the office, it made sense to drive in together. “You feeling better today?” Max asked as they got into his car. “Yeah,
I don’t know what was wrong with me yesterday.
I guess I just wasn’t myself. Really,
I’m ok now.” Starting up his Porsche, Max backed out of the driveway and onto the road. Glancing at Isabelle before he pulled off, he couldn’t help but wish she’d tell him what was bothering her. It was obvious whatever it was; it was eating his sister up inside. He considered probing deeper, thinking perhaps she’d open up if he pressed the issue. Deciding that she’d open up if and when she was ready, Max drove off to work, content in knowing he’d see Liz, if only as a work colleague. Grabbing her scarf from the peg in the hall, Liz wrapped it round herself before opening the door. It was nearly December and the temperature outside had dropped dramatically. It was times like these that she wished she didn’t have to walk to work. Normally the twenty-minute walk served to help Liz to wake up and feel fresh and alert when she arrived at the office. But when it was cold, she wished she could just curl up in bed and pull her duvet over her head, hibernating until the sun came out once more. Pushing out a breath, she watched it catch in the air and hang there for a moment, like a breath of smoke. It always reminded her of when she was younger. It used to fascinate her how her breath would linger in the air when it was cold. Back then of course she used to believe that fairies lived at the end of the garden and Santa Claus delivered presents only to good children. The Santa Claus thought reminded her of her parents, and how they used to say the reason she got no presents for Christmas was because she was a bad child. Santa Claus doesn’t bring presents for children who are bad, her mother used to say. Shaking her head, Liz tried to rid her mind of any thoughts of her parents. The last thing she wanted to do was depress herself before she even got into the office. Thinking about Max, she wondered how they’d cope trying to hide their blossoming relationship. Inside, she was secretly waiting for the Christmas Party, wanting to announce to anyone and everyone that her handsome boss was also her boyfriend. Climbing into her Jetta, Maria turned the key and preyed the car would start. Normally, on cold mornings, she’d have terrible trouble trying to get the car to start. On many times she’d thought about changing it, or even just getting rid of it and walking. But she loved the car too much to just get rid of it. Feeling grateful when the engine picked up on the second attempt, Maria pushed it into drive and pulled out of her driveway. She was quite grateful that she was getting back to work. Anything that would get her mind off Michael was eagerly received. She’d cleaned everything in sight at home, and none of it had helped her. She was fighting her own personal demons inside, still wishing she’d gone to see Michael. Yet it was too late now, Michael would probably be mad at her for not coming to see him. Taking a deep breath, she tried to clear her mind of everything, trying to become peaceful as she drove to work. Choosing a dark blue and yellow tie from the rack, Alex moved in front of his full-length mirror and proceeded to tie it. He was going through the motions of getting ready, but his heart definitely wasn’t in it. It was going to be the first time he’d see her since ‘that’ day. The day when he’d lost his senses, bared his soul and laid his heart down on the line for her to trample all over it. He couldn’t help but cringe when he thought about how he’d expected Isabelle to react to his announcement. He had expected her to at least say something, give him the smallest amount of hope. Instead she just dashed every hope and dream he’d had since starting work for Evans Associates. “God this is going to be an awful day!” He announced, sitting down on his bed and placing his head in his hands. “Honey, you ok?” A voice asked. “Hi mum. Yeah I’m ok.” He replied, lifting his head and looking at his mother. Samantha Whitman was a stunning woman. Her long blond hair fell down her back with natural curliness. Her striking blue eyes, high cheekbones and slim figure, making her just as stunning at 45 than what she’d been at 21. She adored her only son, but often wished she’d had more children. She’d been 20 years old when she’d married Tom Whitman, and Alex had come along nine months after their wedding. Their little boy completed their family, and she loved being a wife and mother. A few years later they’d tried again for another baby, but nothing happened. The doctors had said there was nothing wrong, but perhaps it just wasn’t meant to be. So the huge house Tom and Samantha had bought when they’d married was never filled with the laughter of their children, just their only boy. “Are
you sure something isn’t bothering you sweetie?” “Give
it time Alex, the pain will get better.” Stepping into the office, Maria was glad there was no one in before her. It gave her a few moments to clear her head of doubts and thoughts of Michael. It was hard to forget him though, being surrounded by memories in the office. “Hi Maria.” A cheery voice behind her said. “Hi
Liz, wow you look really great. Very
relaxed.” “What
did you get up to?” “Have you seen Michael?” Liz asked, as she booted up her computer. “Erm no, not since we all saw him. I didn’t really think it was appropriate. Him being my boss and all.” “Oh, ok.” Liz replied, filling the coffee machine up with water and switching it on. As she turned her back, Liz heard the large glass doors swing open. Jumping, thinking it could be Max, Liz spun round, only to be confronted by Alex. “Hi yah ladies.” Alex breezed cheerily. “Ooh, did I make you jump Liz?” “Erm, no, I’m fine.” She replied, trying to cover up her jumpiness. “Good. Is Princess Frosty in yet?” He enquired. “No, and I’ve never heard you call her that before Alex. Normally you jump to her defence if any of us call her by her nickname.” Maria replied. “Oh well.” Alex brushed off. “Good morning Maria, Liz, Alex.” Max smiled as he and Isabelle entered the office. “Good morning.” Isabelle added as she followed Max. “Hi.” Liz replied, throwing a smile at her boss. “Morning.” Maria added. “So, are we all refreshed and ready for work?” Max asked. “Oh
yeah!” Maria chirped back. “He
is definitely way too happy today. I
mean I know we got a few days off, but there is no need to swan in here like the
sun is shinning outside.” Isabelle breezed quickly through the office after saying ‘hello’. On the trip to the office she’d managed to convince herself Alex would be ok. The last thing she wanted was to see his crestfallen face. Walking in and closing her office door, Isabelle shed her jacket and sat down in her large leather chair. Pushing out a deep breath, Isabelle proceeded to sieve through the mail on her desk, all the while trying to move her mind away from Alex. As Max plugged in his laptop, there was a quiet knock at the door. Know exactly who it would be, he stood up and walked over to the door. ”Your coffee Mr Evans.” She announced, walking in as he closed the door behind her. “Why thank you Miss Parker.” He replied, pulling her into his arms for a brief kiss. “Mmm I seem to remember being here once before.” He murmured against her lips. “Yeah and look where that got us, your mother nearly caught us!” She reminded him. “Oh yeah, I’d forgotten about that bit!” He replied, pulling away slightly. “Oh but kissing you is so addictive.” He added, pulling her close once more to kiss her sweet lips. “Oh you don’t know how special that makes me feel. But it’s only a few more weeks.” She replied. “That sounds like such a long time away.” He said. “I know, but we’ll survive somehow. It’ll be worth it to see everyone’s faces when we turn up together.” She replied, pulling away and heading out of his office before they got caught. He felt her loss instantly, shaking his head as she closed his door, he tried to get his mind back on work. Although he’d been off for a few days, very little had happened, so he didn’t have too much. Looking at his watch, he noted he had just under an hour before his meeting. He and Isabelle had decided to have a meeting with their parents so they could be brought up to speed with what had happened while they were away from the office. “Right so that’s all of us up to date, now down to more fun matters. The Christmas party!” Max announced. “Is it really that time already?” His father enquired. It wasn’t that Philip didn’t like Christmas, more that he didn’t like the office party. It involved inviting all their important clients, and that meant having to talk and socialise all evening. Philip much preferred sitting at home quietly with his wife, his days of high society entertaining were long gone. “’Fraid
so dad, it’s only one night.” “Good. Ok, I’ll ask Liz to contact the hotel and start arranging it. Isabelle, perhaps you could liase with Alex to draw up the list of people to send invitations to?” Max asked his sister. “With Alex? Can’t Maria do it instead of him?” She asked, trying to act cool. “Sorry Is, we need Alex’s knowledge of the clients. Maria just doesn’t have the knowledge to do it. Come on Is, Alex won’t mind.” Max said. “No problem.” Isabelle replied, averting her eyes so her brother wouldn’t know how she really didn’t want to do the task. The thought of having to actually face Alex was almost too much to cope with. “Great, well then I think that’s about it for now, unless anyone has anything else they want to bring up?” Max asked, opening the floor up to the three members of his family. The synchronised shaking of heads indicated their meeting was over, and Max informed everyone they were free to leave the room. Upon getting back to his office, Max asked Liz to join him. “Ok, now I know you haven’t done this before, but I need you to organise the Christmas Party.” “Me? Well, ok then.” She replied. “Great. I think Anna left a file with the hotel details in it. It’s the same one we use each year and the provisional booking should already be in place.” “Right.” Liz said as she took notes. “Isabelle and Alex are drawing up the list of attendees, and we’ll need to send out invitations.” “Ok.” “We
don’t normally have any. Usually it’s just drinks and then the meal, then everyone
goes home. What do you have in
mind?” “Oh and Liz?” “Yeah?” She asked as he stood up and moved closer to her. “Have I told you how wonderful you look today?” He breathed against her lips. “Behave yourself Mr Evans!” She instructed before turning and heading back to her desk. Watching her close the door, he couldn’t believe she’d walked away before he’d had a chance to kiss her. “These next few weeks are gonna kill me!” He thought to himself before sighing loudly and sitting back down at his desk. Rubbing his eyes with his fingers, Max tried to regain his composure and get his mind back on work. “Erm Liz, could you send Alex into my office.” Isabelle said, trying to keep her voice calm. Inside she felt like she was turning to jello, she wished she could put off seeing Alex one to one for a bit longer. But she knew Max would get suspicious if she didn’t get Alex to draw up the list for the Party. “Sure, no problem.” Liz said, before taking her finger off the intercom and severing the connection to Isabelle. “Alex, Isabelle would like to see you.” Liz said to her friend. “Did
she say what she wanted?” He enquired. “Oh right, erm ok. Thanks.” Alex replied. “What does she want with me?” He thought to himself as he searched his desk for a notepad. In the hurry to find his pad, Alex managed to send coffee all over his desk, drowning nearly everything in sight. “Shit!” He exclaimed, wheeling his chair back to so none of the liquid spilt onto his trousers. “Oops, looks like you’ve had a bit of an accident there Alex.” Maria joked. “No kidding!” He snapped back. “Hey calm down. Look go in and find out what she wants, I’ll clear this up for you.” Maria offered. “Thanks,
oh and sorry for snapping.” Taking a deep breath, Alex headed over to Isabelle’s office. His heart felt like it was pounding a million times a second and his hands felt sweaty. “God get a grip, it’s probably just about work for god sake.” He instructed himself. Placing his hand on the handle to Isabelle’s door, he knocked briefly before pushing it open.
TBC ……………………?
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