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Once Upon a Lifetime – By Kazza Part 36
The winter sun streaming into her room forced Maria out of her slumbers. Opening her eyes, she looking around. For a moment Maria was disorientated, not totally sure where she was. Registering that it was the morning after the ‘night’ before, she remembered she was in the hotel. Brushing the sleep out of her eyes, she lifted her body up and turned to the other side of the bed. Bouncing into the shower, Isabelle turned on the tap and allowed the hot water to gush over her naked form. It was a little after 9.00am, and considering she’d only had a few hours sleep, she was surprisingly happy. Of course, her good nature was as much a part of the late night than anything else. The late night in which she’d snagged the man of her dreams ……. her knight in shinning armour. “Mmmm.” She mumbled in her sleep as she turned her head. As she slowly drifted out of her dream world, he felt her smile against his bare chest. Kissing the top of her head, he brought her further into the conscious world. More sighs erupted from her lips as his hand caressed the bare skin of her lower back. “Mmm, keep that up and I won’t want to wake up.” She sighed. “Ahh but if you don’t wake up, you won’t be able to have any more.” Max said playfully. “True.” Liz replied, lifting her head so she could kiss his lips. “Tell me …….. did last night actually happen, or was it just the perfect dream?” She queried. “Both.” He replied. “Everything you remember happened, and it couldn’t have unfolded more perfectly if it had of been in a dream.” He added. “So
you’re mine now?” Looking around, Maria felt tears spring to her eyes. In her mind, as she was waking up, she’d been convinced Michael was beside her, but in the cold light of morning, the other side of the bed was completely empty. She struggled to remember the events of the previous evening, finding it hard to distinguish fact from fiction, reality from dream. Had the dance happened or had it been part of the dream? Had Michael come into her room with her or was her mind playing cruel tricks? Climbing out of bed, she headed to the bathroom to splash cold water on her face in an attempt to wake up and remember what had happened. The cool water that attacked her skin did little to help her recognise what had really happened. Changing into jeans and a jumper, Maria conceded the only way she would remember, was if she spoke to him. The touch of his fingers scorched her skin, burning up from inside out through passion and desire. His lips kissed their way down her throat, over her shoulder blade and towards her trim stomach. The hairs on her skin stood up, her sense soaring to new heights. “Oh god Max!” She breathed, passion thick in her voice. Travelling back to her lips, he took them in a forceful, but passionate kiss. Liz’s arms wrapped around his bare back, pulling his even closer to her body, crushing and fusing them together. “Please Max!” She pleaded, needing him, needing a release from the raging ache she felt inside. Pushing himself up on his forearms, Max paused for a moment to stare at her beauty, before his primeval instincts took over. Liz couldn’t stop a sigh from leaving her lips as they joined as one. Emotion and physical need reigning supreme inside her body. There actions were urgent and rich with passion, and their release slammed through their bodies in unison as they reached their peaks. Wow!” She whispered, as Max rolled over so Liz was on top. “Yeah.” He replied, feeling sleepy. Wrapping his arms around her, Max closed his eyes and slowly drifted into a light sleep. Just as Maria was collecting her things to head down to breakfast, there was a knock at her door. Hesitating for a moment, she headed over to open it. “Hi.” Michael said softly, smiling at her. “Erm, hi.” She replied hesitantly. “You ok?” He queried. “I
think so.” She replied, pausing
for a moment before continuing “Did I dream everything?”
She asked quietly. Sitting down at the breakfast table, Diane casually glanced at her watch. “Diane!
Stop doing that!”
Her husband insisted. “Looking at your watch. They’ll be here when they’re ready, and staring at your watch every five seconds won’t bring them here faster.” He insisted. “I
know, I’m sorry Philip. It’s
just that they all looked so happy last night, I just want to make sure that
happiness has spilled over into today.” “Hi, I guess we’re the first.” Isabelle said, sitting down on the seat Alex had pulled out for her. “Have
you seen the others?” Diane
asked, trying to be casual. “I’m sure they’ll be down in a few minutes.” Alex added, glancing and smiling at Isabelle. Their simple kiss had fast spiralled out of control, and Michael was all but groping Maria in the doorway to the hotel room. In the back of his mind, common sense nagged that it wasn’t a performance he wanted to play to anyone else. Gently pushing her backwards, Michael allowed the door to shut behind them as he leant Maria against a nearby wall. His hand wandered of its own accord, roaming past her curved hips, along her trim tummy, up to her perfect breasts. On first contact of his hand, Maria moaned into his mouth. She felt like she was going to collapse into a heap there and then, either that or spontaneously combust from the raging fire in her stomach. His hot lips fused against hers making it impossible for Maria to think coherently. All that was running through her mind was the amazing images conjured up by what Michael was doing. Her body hardly felt him guide them to the bed, encouraging them to lay down on it. Things were moving at an alarming pace, Michael’s hands seemed to be everywhere, and no matter how much she was enjoying the sensations coursing through her body, the only part of Maria’s brain that was functioning with any sense of normality screamed out to stop. She hardly knew him, apart from as a boss, and that was certainly something she wanted to do before getting too intimate with him. She was determined not to make the same mistake with Michael, that she had made with previous guys. She wasn’t going to just jump straight into bed with him however much she wanted to. Struggling to break the connection with Michael’s lips, Maria dragged in a much needed intake of breath before speaking. “Michael, no matter how good you’re making me feel right now ………. I really think we should slow down.” She breathed against his lips. “You’re right.” He said, pulling away slightly, as if putting distance between them would quell the feelings ransacking his body. “It’s ………… it’s not that I don’t want you ……….. I do ……….. I just think ……… it’s too soon. Anyway, the others will be waiting for us to come down for breakfast.” Maria replied, hoping he wasn’t getting the wrong impression of her actions. “Relax Maria, I understand. You’re right, we need to take things slowly, not rush into anything we’re not ready for yet.” He replied, watching her do the buttons up on her black top. Standing up, Michael stretched out his hand and helped Maria back to her feet. Placing his arm around her waist, they headed out of her hotel room and down to breakfast. When they finally emerged out of their comfy bed, Max and Liz hastily sought out their clothes in an attempt to get dressed quickly. Liz was now sure they’d be the last people down for breakfast, and the thought of everyone staring at them as they arrived did not fill her with joy. Although she knew Max was a grown man, admitting to his parents they were not only dating, but also sharing a bed and much more was a lot to do in less than 24 hours. “Ready?”
He asked, watching her rummage through her bag for something. “What …….. this?” He asked, holding up a large black paddle brush. “That’s the one!” She replied, standing up and taking it from his hand. After brushing and pulling her hair back into a loose pony tail, Max and Liz headed down to breakfast. “Are you sure they’re ok, perhaps I should go check?” Diane suggested, worrying about her son. “I’m sure they’re fine mum. Max and Liz will be down as soon as they are ready.” Isabelle replied. She was sure the last thing her brother would want was their mother walking in on Max and Liz. As far as Diane and Philip were concerned Max and Liz had spent the night in separate rooms, only Isabelle, Alex, Michael and Maria knew different. Just when they were all about to give up waiting and start breakfast, Michael spotted Max and Liz walk through the entrance. “Ahh, they emerge!” He remarked. “Hi.” Max said, pulling a chair out for Liz before sitting down next to her in the remaining vacant chair. “Nice of you to join us son.” Philip added. “No problem dad.” Max replied casually. “I
was actually being sarcastic Max.” Philip
informed his son. “Sleep well did we?” Michael enquired, watching Liz’s face turn a deep shade of red at what he was insinuating. “Yes thank you, very well. And you Michael? Did you sleep well?” Max asked, turning the tables back on Michael. “Let’s eat.” Philip announced, trying to avoid the questions that were likely to come next. The rest of breakfast passed of quite peacefully, as everyone tucked into the hearty food. Just as they all got up to leave once they’d finished, Diane spoke up. “Liz, Maria, Alex, I was just wondering, if you don’t already have plans for Christmas, how about joining Max, Isabelle, Michael, Philip and I at our house?” She asked, hoping they’d all say yes. For Diane, Christmas was one of her most favourite times of year, a time when she was allowed to be a mother to her children once more and spoil them. She loved all the traditional trimmings that went with Christmas Day, and having her house full of people seemed to make it even better. “Erm, well I don’t have any better offers.” Maria said, looking at Michael as he nodded his approval, “Sure, I’d love to come.” She added. “That would be really great Diane, my parents are in Europe over Christmas, so it was going to be just me, myself and I.” Alex replied. “Liz?” “Nonsense, I want you to come, please say you will.” “Well ……… ok, I’d love to.” She replied. Watching her children and ‘adopted’ son head back up to their rooms, Diane couldn’t help but smile. She’d be afraid that in the light of morning the romance of the previous night would have been lost, but she could tell there was still plenty of love floating around. Isabelle looked positively radiant around Alex, Michael couldn’t seem to let Maria out of touching distance, and Max and Liz were just head over heals in love, it was plain for everyone to see now. Placing his arm around his wife’s shoulders, Philip escorted them back to their room to pack away their things before checking out. He too was pleased, at last his children were finally happy.
Part 37
The loud beeping noise of her alarm clock brought Liz quickly out of her relaxing slumbers. Reluctantly turning over, she reached over to click it on to snooze, before returning to the embrace of the arms that had held her all night. It was a little past 7.00am on Monday morning, and that meant back to work. Max had come over the previous night, so that Isabelle and Alex could have some time to themselves. It was the first night he’d stayed over at Liz’s, the first night he could do so without anyone asking questions or having to make up excuses as to where he’d been. Placing her hand gently on his chest, Liz stroked his skin to slowly wake him up. “No, can’t be morning yet.” He said sleepily. “’Fraid so.” She replied, kissing his exposed bare chest. “Too sleepy ……… can’t work.” He mumbled. “Ok, I’ll just phone in and say we’re staying in bed together instead.” Liz suggested, half serious. “Sure.” He replied, closing his eyes and snuggling up to her bare skin. “Max!” “Ok, ok, I’m awake.” He said, finally opening his eyes fully. “Can I help it if sleeping with an instantly beautiful woman is so perfect?” He asked, pulling her close so he could kiss the top of her head. “Flattery will get you everywhere Mr Evans!” She replied, tilting her head up so their lips could meet in a passionate kiss. “Come on! ………….. Come on!” She yelled before banging her hands on the steering wheel in frustration. Climbing
out of her car, Maria banged the door shut before cursing to herself. “What a wonderful way to start the week!” She grumbled, pulling on a pair of black woollen gloves before starting her trudge to work. Pinning her hair up, Isabelle tried to get it just the way she liked it. While in the process of putting in some pins, she suddenly changed her mind. “No, I’m not going to be the ‘power’ lawyer people in the office think I am, I’m just gonna be me, no front.” She announced to herself, pulling out two pins and allowing her long blond hair to fall down past her shoulders. Quickly unfastening her navy skirt, she discarded it before routing out a pair of charcoal grey casual trousers and a cream blouse. Finding a suit jacket to match the trousers, she was ready to go. She was considerably dressed down for the office, normally choosing a smart suit that made her feel important, but somehow she didn’t want to feel important that day. She just wanted to be Isabelle Evans, normal person. The wind whipped around her short blond hair, making the nape of her neck feel the brunt of the cold. Turning the collar up on her full length coat, Maria tried to keep her neck warm from the chill. She grumbled to herself on the way, wishing her car had started so she hadn’t had to walk in. She was so engrossed in her complaining, she didn’t notice walking past a large puddle, or the car that came towards the water, causing it to surge up and cover her. “Bastard!” She cried out as the driver continued on, blissfully unaware of what he had just caused. Staring down, she surveyed the damage the water had caused. Her coat was soaked through, and the bottom of her ankle length skirt was also dripping wet. Cursing once more, she shook the bottom of her skirt before starting her walk once more. Climbing into his car, Max couldn’t help but grin. “What?” Liz enquired. “I was just thinking, this is the first time we’ve been able to drive to work together, and we’ll be able to walk into the office without one waiting in the car park for a few minutes to avoid suspicion.” “Nice
isn’t it.” Turning on to Main Street, Maria was suddenly aware of some very large raindrops falling from the sky. “Great! Rain as well, just wonderful!” She cursed as the rain started to fall more heavily. As she continued to walk, she got wetter and wetter, her blond hair matting together into a soggy mess. “…………. I’ll be the one ………………. When you feel like there’s no where to run ……………. I’ll be the one …………… to hold you and make sure that you’ll be all right!” Alex sang at the top of his voice as he got ready for work. “You sound happy with yourself honey.” Samantha Whitman commented as she walked into her son’s room. “Yeah mum, I’m really happy. It’s a lovely morning and I can’t wait to get to work.” He replied, unable to stop grinning. “I guess that party agreed with you then huh?” “Something like that, it was an amazing evening mum, really amazing!” He replied dreamily. “Amazing huh? You make sound like you met someone special.” Samantha probed. ”Well …………. Maybe I did.” He replied cagily. “Really? When do I get to meet her?” “Soon I guess …………. I’d love to tell you all about her mum, but I’m gonna be late for work if I don’t go now.” He said, picking his jacket up from his bed. “Sure, off you go sweetheart.” She said as he kissed the top of her head before disappearing downstairs. Sitting down on the bed, Samantha couldn’t help but smile at her son’s change in demeanour. Only a week ago he’d been very upset, moody and down, yet here he was on a Monday morning singing along to The Backstreet Boys, as if nothing bad had ever happened to him. “Sometimes I really don’t understand my son!” She announced to herself, before heading back out of the room. Maria was half way to work, and by now totally fed up of cars tooting her. She’d had to take off her coat, it was too wet to wear, leaving her walking along the sidewalk in just her skirt and a short pink knitted top. As she crossed the road, she heard another car toot its horn. “Just leave me alone!” She yelled out, startling passers-by in the process. The car pulled up a few metres after the turning, and Maria decided this was her chance. She was going to give that driver a piece of her mind, teach him to toot at someone who was obviously having a bad day! “What the hell gives you the right to toot …………………. Oh!” She said, peering in through the open window of the car. “Morning
to you too Maria. You know, I was
just gonna offer you a lift, but if you’d rather continue to walk in this cold
weather?” He said grinning at her
outburst. “Well ………… maybe I can help to make it better?” He breathed, placing his hand on her soft cheek and caressing it for a moment before moving in and softly kissing her lips. Walking hand in hand up to the office door, Max felt like he was invincible. For the first time since they’d started their relationship he could walk into the office with Liz without anyone getting suspicious. “This feels so good Liz.” He said before pushing open the large glass door and walking into the office. “Hi Max, Liz.” Alex greeted them cheerily. “Hi Alex, Is.” They replied in unison. “No Maria or Michael?” Max enquired. “Not yet.” His sister replied as the frosted glass door of Evans Associates swung open. Stepping inside, Michael ushered Maria into the warmth of the office. “Hi guys.” Maria said, as four sets of disbelieving eyes stared back at her. “Oh my gosh Maria, what happened to you?” Liz exclaimed, looking at her friend’s attire. Maria did look a sight, she couldn’t deny it. Firstly the rain had totally ruined her freshly blow-dried blond hair, making it stick together. Then her coat and skirt was drenched in muddy rain water. Her trip to work had been one big nightmare and as she stood dripping in the middle of the office, Maria wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. “It’s a very long story!” Maria replied, as Michael took her wet coat and laid it across a nearby radiator. “How about you come with us to the ladies to dry off, and you can tell us all about it?” Isabelle suggested, taking Maria’s arm and leading her down the corridor. “……….. And so I walked up to the car and started ‘What gives you the right to toot’ …………” Maria told Liz and Isabelle. The girls had finished cleaning Maria up as best they could and were now standing close to Max’s opened office door. As he listened to their conversation, he couldn’t help but hear their laughter at Maria’s sorry story. He could detect Liz’s soft giggle easily, it was like music to his ears, but he wasn’t used to hearing Isabelle laughing at work. He’d noticed the change in his sister as soon as he saw her that morning. She was a lot more relaxed, being casually dressed suited her, and she seemed overall happier with her life since the party. In fact, Max thought, the whole office felt different. He and Liz didn’t have to be on guard all the time, afraid someone might discover their secret, and Michael and Maria were getting on like a house on fire. As he heard Liz’s footsteps get closer to his door, Max stood up. Walking behind his open door, he waited for Liz to enter his office. As the young brunette stepped inside and peered around for her boss, the door closed behind her. Spinning round, Liz suddenly found herself face to face to face with Max, his hands slipping effortlessly around her tiny waist. “Hi babe.” He breathed against her lips. “Mmmm.” She replied, wrapping her arms around his neck and dipping forward to capture his lips. The feeling of his tongue caressing her bottom lip sent shivers down her spine. It was a rash, openly passionate kiss, a kiss that was normally reserved for more private surroundings. Max opening took her lips in his onslaught, sending Liz’s head spinning into orbit. His hands ran up and down her back before settling at just below her waist, all the while leaving imaginary scorching marks along her covered skin. “Wow ………… that was ……… erm ……….. reckless!” Liz exclaimed when they eventually broke their clinch. “Yeah …………. I guess not very professional …………… but what the heck it’s Christmas!” He replied kissing her once more. “Mr Evans, behave yourself! We have work to discuss.” Liz said sharply, but smiling. “Ok Miss Parker, what work did you have in mind?” He replied, moving behind his desk to put some much needed distance between their bodies. He knew things would get majorly out of control if he didn’t move away. “Well, you see I have a big problem which I think you can help me with.” She started. “I have been invited for lunch on Christmas Day by a very kind family. It’s very important for me to express how much I truly appreciate their wonderful offer.” She said, as Max stood baffled in front of her. “Huh?”
He queried, totally confused as to what Liz was asking. “Oh, right ……….. you don’t have to buy presents Liz, having you join us is plenty.” Max replied sincerely. “That’s very sweet of you Max, but I want to buy them something. Please Max, I’ve been thinking about it ever since your mother invited me. I’ve racked my brains but I really don’t have a clue what I could get them.” “Well ………… to be honest I don’t even really know what to get them myself. I ……… erm perhaps this would be a question better phrased to my wonderful shopaholic sister. Isabelle goes mad over the festive season. Everything has to be perfect or she’ll go nuts. From the right sized and proportioned tree, to perfect presents for everyone.” “Then I guess I’d better hot foot it to Isabelle’s office.” Liz said, turning away from Max and starting to walk out of his office. “Hey! What about another kiss?” He asked. “Max! We’re supposed to be working.” She reminded him, watching his pouting face stare back at her.” Ok, just one more then!” She gave in. Liz’s trip to see Isabelle was much more productive than with Max. Isabelle thought for a moment, then came up with the perfect ‘girly’ choice. It was a popular suggestion with the girls, all looking forward to a night of fun filled shopping. So, the following evening, Isabelle, Maria and Liz got together after work to head to the shops. It was to be a long evening of traipsing in and out of various department stores, followed by meeting up with the guys for dinner and maybe even a little entertainment.
TBC ………………..?
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