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Once Upon a Lifetime – By Kazza Part 38
“Come on girls, don’t lag behind, we’ve only got an hour before we meet the guys and there’s loads of shops to visit.” Isabelle instructed, marching the three of them down the crowded street. They had been shopping for over two hours, and Liz and Maria were beginning to wish they hadn’t accepted Isabelle’s offer of going shopping. They’d been pulled in and out of pretty much every shop possible. Clothes shops, department stores, quaint pottery shops, all to pretty much no avail. Liz still didn’t have any clues what to buy Mr and Mrs Evans, although she had got a good idea for Isabelle. She’d seen a lovely lilac silk scarf that would go so well with Isabelle’s navy power suit, and Liz made a mental note to go back when she was free the following night to collect it. “Right, Macy’s next I think.” Isabelle announced, as her faithful tropes followed the master. “Isabelle, does your mother like ornaments at all?” Liz asked, as they walked through the large doors of Macy’s. “Ornaments? Not really, she doesn’t really have any at home. Except for a clay house Max made for her when he was in High School, she loves that. No mum just likes having lots of pictures around the house, mainly of Max and me.” Isabelle replied, not really helping Liz in her quest. “What
about your father? Any
interests?” “I can’t wait for the next hour to disappear!” Maria commented to Liz as they hung back slightly from Isabelle. “God she’s like the Christmas Fairy Nazi, whoever put her in charge?” “Relax ‘Ria, we’ve come so we can get ideas, just look at it as an experience.” “Yeah, an experience. If I ever suggest going shopping with Isabelle again, just remind me of this torture!” “Come on, hurry up, I’ll loose you otherwise!” Isabelle called “Some chance!” Maria snapped back to Liz. “What was that Maria?” Isabelle asked. “Oh, I was just telling Liz to keep up.” Maria replied sweetly. “So, what time are we expecting the girls?” Alex asked as he met up with Max and Michael. “In about forty five minutes.” Max replied, glancing at his watch. “Ok, so what are we gonna to for the remaining time?” “Don’t know about you two, but I need about twenty minutes on my own if that’s ok.” Max said, looking at his friends. “Twenty
minutes? Off somewhere nice?”
Michael enquired. “A present huh? And what might that be?” “Just a present, I’ll see you in a little while.” Max said before walking off down the sidewalk. “Looks like it’s just you and me Alex, how about a beer?” Michael asked “Ahh, the man speaks my language!” Alex replied as they headed to a nearby bar. As she stared into the window of the large department store, Liz couldn’t help but feel like a child once more. Inside the window display there were so many toys. It was a Christmas scene, with fake snow and a fake snowman, Christmas tree and a pretend fire. Around the Christmas tree there were many, many beautifully wrapped presents, with lots of toys scattered around the makeshift room. The lights from the cars and buses around them glistened on the large clear window, adding atmosphere to the child’s fantasy world inside. “Wow, that is so beautiful.” Liz exclaimed. “Yeah, I used to love this shop when I was younger, my mum used to bring me in here as a Christmas treat.” Maria added. “Yes it’s very pretty.” Isabelle added, before ushering the group inside. Although there were no children to buy presents for, the three of them found it easy to get into the Christmas spirit when surrounded by happy children. As he stepped inside the posh shop, Max heard the small bell ring, announcing his custom to the staff. A quick glance around and he noted he was the only customer, the shop was, after all, slightly off the ‘beaten track’, away from the main road. He’d bought his mother’s present from the shop the previous year, a pair of beautiful mother of pearl earrings, he just knew he’d find something for Liz. “Good evening sir, are you looking for something in particular?” The middle aged sales assistant enquired. “Yes, something for my girlfriend. She’s very special, I want to buy her something to show how much I care for her.” Max replied. “And
your price limit?” A little after 8.00pm, the six friends all met up at a local restaurant. For Liz and Maria they were grateful to rest their weary feet. Shopping with Isabelle Evans had definitely been interesting. After ordering their food, Max turned his attention to Liz. “So, did you get any presents?” He enquired. “Mmm, I got your father a tie, and I have a few ideas for your mother and Isabelle. You on the other hand, I am still totally stuck for ideas.” She admitted. “Well I can solve that problem. All I want for Christmas is you!” He replied seductively. “That could be arranged, but I want a present for you to unwrap.” “Oh, I can unwrap you!” He replied. “You’re awful Max!” She exasperated as he lent in to kiss her. “Hey guys, please! Some of us are trying to eat, we don’t want to be put off our food!” Alex complained. “Yeah, I loose my appetite if I feel nauseous!” Michael added as the others laughed. Breaking apart, both Max and Liz looked sheepish as they returned their attention to their friends. After their starters, there was a pause of fifteen minutes before their main course was to be served. Her hands were resting on the table, and she flexed her fingers in an attempt to keep them occupied. Her resilience was strong, but she gave in eventually. Lifting her right hand, Maria gently moved it under the table and placed it softy on Michael’s thigh. Her action caused no response from Michael, he was too engrossed in his conversation with Max. So, deciding to tear his attention away from her friend and back to her, she started rubbing her hand over this thigh. This too had no effect on the steely Michael Guerin, so Maria knew she’d have to go further. Taking a deep breath, she moved her hand down slightly, and carefully brushed her fingers over the fly of his trousers. On feeling her touch, Michael practically jumped out of his chair. “You ok Michael?” Max asked, noticing his friend’s reaction to their conversation about a client. It wasn’t like Michael to get excited over work. “Erm …… yeah” Michael replied, putting his hand over Maria’s to still the movement of her hand. “What are you doing?” He whispered to his girlfriend. “Just getting your attention.” She replied innocently. “Oh you’ve got that alright! What d’ya gonna do with it now though?” He asked suggestively. Maria froze for a moment, unsure how to react to his reply. She wasn’t used to quick witted men. “Erm ……..” She started, just as the waiter arrive with their meals. “Let’s eat!” She added, grateful for the distraction. Relinquishing his grip on her hand, Michael smiled, safe in the knowledge he’d beaten Maria at her own game. “So, what have you guys got planned for us now?” Isabelle asked as Max signed the cheque to pay the bill. “Ahhh that would be telling.” Alex grinned. “You know I hate surprises! Max I want to know now, I don’t trust you!” “Cool it Is, you’ll find out soon enough.” Max replied firmly to his sister. After helping the girls on with their coats, the party of six headed out of the restaurant. “Which way?” Liz asked as she was the first person out of the restaurant. “This way.” Max replied, putting his arm around her waist and pulling Liz close to keep her warm. It was a short walk, taking a little over five minutes, but when they arrived in Madison Square Gardens, the girls quickly realised what the guys had planned. “Ice Skating!” Liz squealed, thinking back to the last time she and Max skated, on a deserted lake in Aspen. “Oooh I haven’t skated in years!” Maria said, equally excited. “Oh no, no way! Max you know how much I hate ice skating!” Isabelle protested. “Come on Issy, it’ll be fun.” Max said. “I can’t skate, plain and simple. I’d end up spending the time sitting on the ice, I have my dignity to protect you know.” Isabelle replied, starting to sound like a princess for the first time since going out with Alex. “Then I’ll teach you.” Alex announced, “Come on Isabelle, you can’t stand by the rink on your own.” Alex added, trying to persuade her. “Well …………. Ok, but if I fall over I’m coming off!” She replied adamantly. Once they had all hired some skates, the group sat down on a nearby bench to put them on. Liz couldn’t help but laugh inwardly at Isabelle. It was obvious that her friend hadn’t been skating in a long time. Isabelle struggled to lace up her boots, getting the laces all muddled up. In the end, it was Alex who saved her, bending down and lacing her boots for her. “Ready?” Max asked, bringing Liz out of the mini trance she was in. “Definitely.” She replied standing up and taking hold of Max’s hand. Gingerly covering the short distance to the rink, Max and Liz stepped onto the ice. Both pushing off on their right foot, Max and Liz started their trip around the rink. “They’ve done that before.” Maria commented as she and Michael slid carefully onto the ice. “What makes you say that?” He asked. “’Cause they’re way too in sync for it to be the first time they’ve skated together.” She replied. “But where could they have skated before then?” “Don’t know, but I’m sure gonna find out. I get the feeling Liz has been keeping more secrets from me!” “I …………. I can’t do this ………….. Alex!” Isabelle wavered as Alex lead her to the edge of the ice. “Of
course you can Is. Just lean
forward a bit to keep your balance and slide your feet one at a time.” “You’ve done this before, haven’t you?” Isabelle commented as they slowly skated around the rink. “Mmm,
once or twice. What gives it
away?” “You! Ice hockey! But you’re not big enough to play it, you’re tall and skinny!” Isabelle announced. “Hey! Thanks! When I was younger it didn’t matter, all the kids were the same size as me ………. ‘course they all grew up and I never quite managed that!” “I
still can’t picture you playing hockey, all those kids charging towards you,
crashing you into the hoardings, you’re too wimpy!”
Isabelle exclaimed. “No! Alex! Please don’t …….. leave me!” She cried out, leaning backwards slightly and feeling her balance go. “Lean forward!” Alex called out and watched Isabelle listen to his command. “Ok, now just gently push your right foot towards me.” “No …….. I can’t.” Isabelle squealed. “Yes you can, now I’m not gonna help you, you have to come to me. Now concentrate, gently push your right foot out, then your left.” Alex instructed, watching Isabelle as she followed his instructions and teetered over the ice. Finally reaching him, she collapsed in his arms, and he held her tight. “Don’t you ever leave me on the ice like that again!” She scolded him, before he planted a soft kiss on her lips
“So, was this a good choice?” Max asked Liz. “Definitely! Not quite as romantic as your last skating surprise, but still wonderful!” “Mmm, I can but dream about our trip to Aspen!” “Hey Max! Look at Isabelle.” Michael called out just behind his friend. Turning round, Max took a second to locate his sister on the rink. “Wow! Alex must be a good teacher!” Max commented. Isabelle was a good few feet away from the handrail, with just Alex beside her for the occasional support. She was going at a fair pace around the rink, with a huge grin spread all over her face. Once they were all exhausted from their skating exploits, the six friends headed home. Pulling up outside her house, Max pulled Liz across her seat and into his arms. As if on queue, Sheryl Crow’s ‘I Shall Believe’ drifted out of the speakers. Laying her head on his chest, Liz allowed the haunting melody of the song flooded around her. “Open the door, and show me your face tonight. I know it’s true, no one heals me like you. And you hold the key.” Liz sang softly. “Never again, would I turn away from you. I’m so heavy tonight, but your love is all right. And I do believe.” Max sang back. The inside of the car filled with pure love as Liz lifted her head to lock eyes with Max. Her chocolate brown eyes poured out the love and emotion she felt for the man who was holding her so strongly. Dipping his head, Max captured her soft lips in an amazingly soft and very sensual kiss. His hand ran through her silky brown hair as their kiss seemed to go on forever. Eventually, they finally broke apart, both dragging in deep breaths fillings their air starved lungs. “I guess I’d better go.” Liz said reluctantly. “I guess so. I’d love to stay over ………….. but I have that meeting at 7.00am tomorrow morning in the office. I don’t want you missing out on sleep because of me babe.” Max said. “I know, I do understand. It ………… it just feels strange sleeping alone.” Liz admitted. “I know.” He breathed against her hair. “It’s nearly Christmas, a few days to spend quality time together. And I intend to spend at least a couple with you in bed!” He added with a glint in his eyes. “Time for me to go, before things get out of hand!” Liz said tearing herself away from Max’s grasp. Stealing one more passionate kiss, Liz exited the car and headed inside her house. Pausing for a few minutes, Max tried to regain his composure and control over his body. “God how does she do this to me?!” He wondered, before finally pulling away. Christmas
wasn’t far away, Liz thought as she climbed into bed.
Quality time to spend with Max, she couldn’t wait! Opening the door to his apartment, Max stopped in his tracks as he peered into the lounge. There, spread out over the sofa, was Isabelle and Alex, both dead to the world. They both looked too peaceful to wake up, Max thought. So instead, Max pulled the throw-over from Isabelle’s bed and gently laid it over the sleeping duo. Isabelle stirred for a moment, before slipping once more into a deep sleep, encased in Alex’s strong arms. Switching off the music and lamp, Max headed to his room for some much needed sleep. The thought of getting to the office by 7.00am the following morning, not something he was looking forward to.
Part 39
The last week before Christmas seemed to fly past, with everyone at Evans Associates busy preparing the office for the close down over Christmas. It had been agreed that everyone should take time off from 24th December through to 2nd January, and no one was complaining. For Liz, she hardly saw Max at all that week. He seemed to work every possible available hour. He was in long before her in the mornings, and worked very late in the evenings. His days were packed full of meetings with various clients, and each time she saw him, Liz thought Max looked more and more tired. “You’re doing too much Max, you have to slow down.” She insisted, walking into his office a little after 8.00pm one night.. “I’m doing too much? What about you? It’s ten past eight on a Wednesday evening Liz, you should be long gone by now. You don’t get paid enough to stay behind so late!” He bantered back. “And
neither do you Max. I know it’s
late, but I wanted to finish up a few things, and make sure you do actually go
home tonight.” “Not a chance! At least not until you pack up your things and walk out this office with me.” She insisted. “I’ve
got a tone of paperwork to complete, that needs to be filed by tomorrow morning.
I’d love nothing more than to follow you out the door, but I just
can’t do it Liz. I have to get
this finished tonight.” He said
sadly. Sighing, Max placed his fingers back on the keys to his keyboard and started typing away. It seemed to Max that Liz had only been gone for a few minutes, but in truth it was over fifteen. Coming back into the office, Liz grabbed two glasses from the kitchen and headed back into Max’s office. “Food awaits you Mr Evans.” She declared, sitting down on the floor in the middle of his office and started to take the boxes out of the bag. “I hope Chinese is ok for you, I wasn’t sure what to get.” She added, foraging to the bottom of the paper bag to find two pairs of chopsticks. “Chinese is fine.” He replied, relinquishing his onslaught on his computer and joining Liz in the middle of his office. Crossing his legs as he sat down, Liz handed him a bottle of ice cold beer. “Wow, you really went to town didn’t you!” He exclaimed, staring at all the cartons spread in front of him. “Well I wasn’t sure what you’d want, so I got a little of everything.” Liz replied, handing a carton of egg fried rice to Max. The office became surprisingly quiet as the two of them tucked into the food under the glow of Max’s desk lamp. Liz found it slightly surreal that she was having to eat take away on the floor in Max’s office, it being the only way she’d see him that week. “I’ve been neglecting you this week haven’t I.” Max said, almost as if he could read her thoughts. “I understand you have to work Max, it’s ok.” She replied, trying to sound as if she hadn’t missed him. “I’ve
missed you Liz. I’ve missed this,
being able to just sit and talk. Spend
quality time together. I’m so
sorry my work has come between us.” He
apologised. “Ditto.” She replied softy. Their romantic interlude was short live though, once all the food had been eaten Max knew he had to get back to work. He was likely to be there past midnight as it was, and if he delayed it any longer he’d still be in the office come morning. “I really am sorry Liz ………..” Max started, before Liz placed her finger against his mouth. “No ‘sorrys’ Max, just make it up to me over the Christmas break.” She replied, kissing his lips before leaving his office. The
following morning, when Liz got into the office, she found Max was already deep
in consultation with a client. “He’s
gonna burn himself out!” She
grumbled to herself, grabbing a cup of hot coffee and returning to her desk. “So Liz, it’s the day before Christmas Eve, what are you going to get up to?” Maria asked her friend. “Not much. I’d hazard a good guess that Max will be working late once more, so it’ll just be me.” “Why don’t you persuade him to take you out to dinner, he could do with a break.” She suggested “Tried that last night, ended up eating takeaway on the office floor!” Liz bantered back. “Why not have another go?” “Mmm, maybe.” Liz replied, unsure why Maria was so keen on her going out with Max that evening. Despite her reservations, Liz did tentatively ask Max if they could have dinner that night. To her surprisement, he agreed, saying he needed a break from the office, although he warned her he would have to come back afterwards to finish up a few more things. Upon hearing Liz’s news that Max had agreed to take her to dinner, Maria could barely hide her excitement. She had something planned that evening, something especially for Michael. She knew he was going to work late, and she was determined to ensure work was the last thing on his mind once the others in the office had left. True to his word, Max stopped working just before 7.00pm, and promptly escorted his girlfriend out to a nearby restaurant. Maria tried to make herself look busy while she waited impatiently for Isabelle and Alex to also leave. A little after 7.30pm her wish was granted and a quietness descended upon the office. As she got up and walked towards Michael’s office, all that could be heard was the sound of rattling keys being typed on. Knocking gently, Maria opened Michael’s door and stepped inside. “Maria! What are you doing here? I though everyone had gone home.” Michael said, surprised to see her. “They have, we’re the only ones left.” She replied switching off the main light to his office and slowly swaying her hips as she walked over to his desk. “Don’t you want to go home too?” He asked, unsure of Maria’s motives. “Nope, I want to play first.” She replied seductively, under the soft lighting of his desk lamp. If Michael hadn’t been aware of Maria’s intentions before, he certainly was as she reached his chair. Swinging it round so he was facing her, she lifted his startled face and took his lips in a passionate embrace. At first, Michael was too shocked to respond, totally unprepared for her actions. But, her hot hands slowly pulling his tie apart and then descending on each of his shirt buttons and popping them open finally brought him out of his trance. “Maria, what if someone comes back?” He cautioned, stilling her hands for a moment while he still had some resemblance of self control and a couple of buttons still done up. “Relax, Isabelle and Alex have gone to the cinema, and Max and Liz have gone to dinner for the evening, it’s just us.” Maria replied, returning to the last remaining buttons before pushing open his shirt to reveal his muscular chest. At that moment, all semblance of sanity went out the window for Michael, finally giving in to the vixen undressing him in his office. Slipping his hands under her white blouse, Michael caressed the soft skin on her lower back before travelling upwards. Pushing his chair backwards slightly, Michael urged Maria round so that she was sitting on his desk in front of him. Rubbing her lower calf muscles, Michael slowly moved his hands up her legs before he reached the edge of her short skirt. Slipping his hands either side, he pushed the material up to expose more of her tights clad legs. Maria felt like she was going to explode if he didn’t do something soon. Michael was doing his best to touch her in every place except for those where she craved his touch the most. Just when she thought she could take no more, she felt his hands roam up her sides and cup her breast through her blouse. His touch sent shock waves through her body, her whole skin felt like it was on fire. Throwing her head back, Maria drank up the indescribable feelings drowning her body. “Yeah, and Isabelle said I’m not doing that!” Max said to Liz as they started up the steps to the office. “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe Isabelle said no!” Liz replied, reacting to the story Max was telling her about his sister. “Well that’s my sister, never prepared to do anything she doesn’t want to do.” Max replied as Liz giggled softly. “Has anyone told you what a cute laugh you have?” Max asked, stopping on the stair below Liz and pulling her close to his body. “Hmm, not recently.” She replied, leaning in for a kiss. Standing up, Michael moved to stand between her legs, and lent in to place kisses on her exposed neck. His lips moved further up her neck, reaching her jaw and pausing for a moment to give it attention. Moving further across, Michael kept one hand on her covered breast and moved the other behind her head before assaulting her inviting lips. Leaning her back against the wall, Max ran his fingers through Liz’s silky hair. Her eyes sparkling as they shone up to him, Max allowed his free hand to travel down and rest on the curve of her hip. Placing his hand behind her head, Max lent in to kiss her sweet lips. Inside a few seconds, the kiss became hot and passionate, both realising how much they’d missed the closeness over the previous few days. “Mmm, you sure we can’t just stay here?” Max asked huskily, as he nipped at Liz’s bare shoulder blade. “Well I’m more than happy with that, but can you afford to leave all that paperwork unattended on your desk?” Liz queried, wrapping her arms around Max’s neck to bring his lips back to hers. “Oh, you don’t know how much I wish I could just leave it all.” Max replied, resting his forehead against hers and slowly regaining his composure. He wanted nothing more than to take Liz there and then in the stairwell to the car park, but the work sitting on his desk was screaming for his attention. “I promise I’ll make it up to you after tomorrow.” He replied sincerely. “Come on, let’s get you back to work and I can go home.” “You coming up?” “Yeah, I left a book in my desk and I’m up to the last chapter. I think a nice long soak in the bath while reading it will be just bliss.” Liz replied, feeling relaxed just at the thought of a hot steamy bath. “Don’t talk to me about you naked in a bath, please!” Max groaned, feeling his body react to the mental images of Liz taking a soak. Maria’s head was spinning, she couldn’t think straight. Here she was, seducing her boyfriend in his office, sat on his desk no less. His hands moved from her sides to the top button on her blouse. His eyes stared deep into hers as he deftly undid the button, allowing the material to fall away exposing a small amount more of her silky flesh. Dipping his head, Michael touched his lips against her cool skin, leaving an imaginary scorch mark on it, branding her as his. Pushing open the door to the office, Max was quickly aware that the lights were still on. He knew Isabelle and Alex were at the cinema, and Liz had told him Maria had a big night planned with Michael, so no one was supposed to be still in the office. Panicking, it might be a burglar or something, Max’s protectiveness kicked in. “Stay here Liz, if I’m not back in five minutes call 911.” He signalled to Liz to stay where she was. Stepping into the office, Max braced himself for anything that might come his way.
TBC .......................?
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