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Once Upon a Lifetime – By Kazza Part 40
Stepping further into the open plan area of the office, Max listened for sounds indicating the whereabouts of the intruder. Noting that the only light was coming from Michael’s office, he quietly walked over to the door. Pausing for a moment, he could hear heavy breathing from the other side. “What sort of intruder has heavy breathing?” He wondered to himself, steeling his body frame and stretching out to turn the doorknob. “Oh god Michael!” She breathed against his ear as he ravished her other ear with his lips. What he was doing to her was sending her into orbit. Her whole body felt like it was going to disappear into a pile of dust, combusted from inside out. His hands roaming over her body felt so good, so right, she felt like she was dying inside, through the feelings flooding her body. But hey what a way to go, she though to herself. Twisting the handle, Max barged into his friend’s office. “What the hell do you think …………… oh!” He said, startled by the sight in front of him. “Max! What are you going here!” Michael exclaimed as Maria frantically tried to do her blouse up. “I erm ……………. came back …………. to finish up.” Max stumbled “But …….. but you were supposed to be going out for dinner with Liz.” Maria replied, burying her head in Michael’s exposed chest to hid her heavily blushed face. “We did, but it was only a quick dinner, I have some things to finish up by tomorrow.” Max replied, his mouth still hanging open in shock. “Max? Are you ok?” Liz called through the door to the office. “Liz, yeah, I’m in here.” Max replied, suddenly remembering his girlfriend outside the office. “What’s going ……………….. on.” Liz said, walking in and equally as shocked at seeing Michael and Maria. In their embarrassment, neither had moved from their previous positions. Maria was still perched on the edge of Michael’s desk, Michael with his shirt open to his waist; it was obvious what had been going on. “Well, erm ……… we’ll just leave you two to it.” Max said, starting to back out of Michael’s office. “I will be in my office though.” He warned, making sure his friends knew the office would be populated by someone other than just them. “Yeah, I think I’ll, just ……. Erm, come with you.” Liz said, following Max out of the room and down to his office. “Oh my god that was just soooo embarrassing!” Maria wailed once the door was shut. “Hey, it’s ok, don’t worry.” Michael replied trying to comfort her. In truth though, he felt every bit of mortification that his girlfriend did. “I can’t believe they came back! Why did they have to come back? Oh god I’m never gonna be able to look at them again!” She continued. “It’ll be ok Maria. Look we’re grown adults, we’ve done nothing wrong. Ok so it’ll be uncomfortable to speak to Max and Liz at first, but they won’t hold it against us.” He assured her, putting his arms around her and rubbing her back to sooth her fears and embarrassment. “I can’t believe I just did that!” Max exclaimed, once safely inside his office. “How much did you see?” Liz enquired, unsure whether she really wanted to know. “Way too much!” He replied. “This is our office, they’ve both got empty homes, couldn’t they have found somewhere more private?” He complained, still reeling in shock. “Oh
come on Max, it’s not like we haven’t lost control in the office.
Hell anyone could have walked in on us, and no one knew we were even
dating. What’s different about us and not special about Maria and
Michael?” “Anyway, they are gonna feel much more embarrassed than you I’m sure. Just go easy on them, ok?” She warned “Yes boss!” Max replied, pulling Liz close to him. “Since when did you become my guide and conscious?” “Ooh pretty much the time when I took over from your mother!” She replied, smiling against his lips. From the back row of the cinema, all that could be heard from two people were constant giggles. They’d gone to the cinema to see American Pie, after Alex had heard it was a girly flick. They’d got a shock when the opening credits had rolled, giving away the true story of the film. Yet the basis of the film had helped the young couple to strip away their inhibitions towards their new and blossoming relationship. Whispering and laughing through the remainder of the film, Isabelle and Alex acted like two high school sweethearts, kissing and cuddling, anything but watch the film. Once Maria had left, Michael decided to go and speak to his friend. He wanted to make sure Max would lay off Maria. He was happy to take stick and grief for the two of them if it meant sparing his girlfriend further embarrassment. As he stepped into his friend’s office, Michael was grateful to see Liz wasn’t around, she’d obviously already gone home. Facing Max was one thing, but Liz too, well that was a completely different situation “Max ………… can we talk?” Michael asked tentatively. “Erm ……… sure.” Max replied, trying not to feel uncomfortable. “Look
……… I just wanted to say I’m really sorry about ……… you know.” “I know, but I need to Max. I know ………. I know what Maria and I did was wrong, totally unprofessional, but please don’t take it out on Maria. You can give me as much grief as you like, but please spare Maria any further embarrassment.” He pleaded with his friend. “Michael, please, just relax. I’m not going to give you or Maria any grief. You’re both grown adults, what you do is your own business. Ok, yeah I was shocked ……….. but next time I promise I will knock and wait to be invited into your office, instead of just bursting in!” Max grinned, making the situation more light-hearted. “Thanks mate.” “No problem ………. Now get outta here so I can do some work. It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow and Liz will kill me if I’m still sitting here then.” Max replied. The following day in the office, all thoughts of Michael and Maria and the predicament the night before were long forgotten. Max had no intention of embarrassing them by bringing it up, and Maria just blushed each time she saw him. “Really Maria, it’s ok, Max has forgotten about it already.” Liz tried to reassure her. “Yeah, I wish I could forget about it so easily!” She bantered back, just as Max walked out of his office. “Ok guys, gather round.” He instructed, pulling Isabelle and Michael from their offices. “What’s up Max?” Michael asked. “Ok, in case it’s escaped anyone’s notice, it’s Christmas Eve!” “Yay!” Liz and Maria chorused “No! We’d never of guessed!” Alex bantered back. “Ok, settle down!” Max said, trying to restore some order. “So, I want to know what you lot are still doing here!” “Huh?” Maria replied, voicing everyone’s confusion over their boss’s words. “You need it plainer? Get the hell outta here, go, disappear, remove your bodies from this establishment and don’t come back till next year.” He replied. “But Max ……….” His sister started. “No buts Isabelle, whatever you have left in the way of work can wait until we return in January.” Max insisted. “Well I’m not gonna stand around for Max to change his mind!” Alex chirped up. “Go then!” Max added, before returning to his office. “So ‘Mr I-can-send-my-staff-home-if-I-want-to’, what about you?” Liz enquired, following her boyfriend into his office and closing the door. “I’ve got way too much to finish ……..” Max started. “To quote someone not a million miles away from here, whatever you have left in the way of work can wait until we return in January.” Liz mimicked him. “Ah yes, that’s easy for me to say to you lot, but not so easy for me to act on.” He confessed. “Well it’s time to make it easy Max. You’ve worked way too hard this week, I’ve hardly seen you and it’s about time you gave me as much attention as you’ve given your work!” Liz insisted, deciding it was time Max put her in front of his work. “Ok
………..” Max said thinking on
his feet for a way to pacify his girlfriend.
“How about, you let me carry on here till about 5.00pm, and you spend
the afternoon making yourself look even more glamorous.” “So
I can take you out tonight.” “Ok, something like that dress you wore to the party at Alex’s house.” “That
black dress? You have to tell me
where we’re going!” Liz said
excitedly. That dress was very
posh, not the sort of dress you’d wear just out to dinner, wherever Max was
taking her it was somewhere special.” “Ok, but if you turn up wearing the same suit as you are wearing now, there’ll be hell to pay!” She assured him, kissing his lips before heading out the door. As soon as Liz had left the room, Max foraged out his credit card from his wallet and picked up the phone. “Time to call in a favour I think!” He said to himself as he dialled in the number. He was determined to make up for neglecting Liz for the previous few days, and night to remember! Stepping out of her hot bath, Liz wondered what Max had in store for them that evening. She knew it had to be something pretty special for her to need to dress up so spectacularly. Although he’d suggested she wear her long strappy black dress, Liz had other ideas. She only had one other ‘fancy’ dress, one she very rarely wore. It was a deep burgundy velvet dress, full length with a split one side up to her thigh. The neckline was very flattering, with thin straps to finish off a beautiful dress. Pulling the clear plastic film off the garment, Liz laid it out on her bed before reaching for the hair dryer. Tipping her head upside down, she roughly dried her hair. Once it was almost dry, she sat down at her dressing table and reached for her hairbrush and pot of pins. Scooping her hair up, Liz proceeded to pin the dark mass into a pleat, leaving just a few strands each side to frame her face. Once she’d finished, she stood back and admired her handy work. By her own admission it looked pretty good, and as she skipped into the bathroom to apply her make up, Liz couldn’t help but feel so happy. Her life was pretty much as perfect as it could get. Not only did she have an excellent job, it was also Christmas Eve and she was going out to a mystery place with the most beautiful guy in the world. As the doorbell rang, Liz walked slowly downstairs, making sure she didn’t trip in her long dress. Opening the door, Liz was surprised to see Max standing on her doorstep in a tuxedo. “Wow!” She exclaimed. “You told me not to turn up in my work suit, and this was the only one that was clean.” He joked, wrapping his arms around her waist. “You look amazing Liz, truly amazing.” He commented, dipping his head to capture her lips in a sweet kiss. “So, wherever you’re taking me? It must be somewhere pretty special if you’ve dressed up in a tux.” Liz said as they climbed into Max’s Porsche. “Mmm, something like that.” He replied, giving nothing away. “Won’t you even give me a clue?” She protested. “Not a chance Parker. This is one surprise that will stay just that. Now sit back, enjoy the scenery and I’ll get us to our destination as soon as the speed limit allows!” He replied, smiling at her eagerness. Somehow, deep inside he knew she was just going to love the surprise he had planned for her!
Part 41
As
they pulled up in front of the large old building, Liz was suddenly aware of
what Max’s surprise was. As they
climbed out, she saw the name of the building and a shiver ran down the spine.
The Rafael Grigorian Ballet
Theatre stood tall and proud against the back drop of the dark, winter, New York
sky. “The
ballet?” She stumbled. “Yeah,
I thought you’d like to see The Nutcracker, it’s a really nice story.”
Max replied, holding his arm out for her to take. “Wow!”
Was all she could reply, before taking his arm and walking up the steps.
“Max
…………… how did you manage to get tickets on Christmas Eve?”
She asked, her eyes wide in amazement as they stepped inside. “Let’s
just say I had a favour to call in.” Max
replied, handing their tickets to the steward. “This
way Mr Evans.” He said, leading
them upstairs. As
they stepped out on to the balcony, Liz found her breath taken away. She couldn’t believe how high they were, it was the best
private box in the theatre, with two luxury chairs and a bottle of expensive
champagne. “Max,
this is ……………. amazing!” She
exclaimed. “Well
I can’t let your first taste of the ballet be in some small, obscure seat.
Has to be the best for my girl!” He
replied as they sat down. Popping
open the champagne, the steward poured two glasses and handed them to Max and
Liz. “To
us Liz, and our first Christmas together.”
Max said, proposing a toast to them. “To
us.” She replied, touching their
glasses together before taking a sip of the bubbling liquid. “So,
are you looking forward to tomorrow?” Maria
asked, as she snuggled in Michael’s arms. “I
guess.” He replied casually. “Michael!
It’s Christmas Day, aren’t you the least bit excited?”
She queried. “Ok,
yeah tomorrow should be fun I guess. The
Evans always make a big deal about it, loads of food, games and reminiscing.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.” He
replied. “But
what about you? Don’t you enjoy
Christmas?” “Maria,
there is still a lot you don’t know about me.”
Michael said firmly. “Then
why don’t you tell me?” She
asked softly. “Ok.”
He said taking a breath before continuing.
“My
mother dumped me when I was a child, and I don’t know who my father is.
I spent most of my childhood in an orphanage and Christmas wasn’t such
a big deal for us. Until I met Max
at Law School I didn’t really have any friends.
I was kind of a loner I guess. But
Diane and Philip took me in as their second son without question.
So you see, Christmas doesn’t mean the same thing to me as it seems to
do to you.” He said. “I’m
sorry you had a rough childhood, I really am Michael.
But you’re not the only one who hasn’t had the dream childhood.
My family didn’t make Christmas special …… I did.”
She replied. “I
don’t follow?”
“How?” “She
forgot about putting my presents out from Santa, hence shattering the one thing
I believed wholeheartedly in.” “Father
Christmas? But all children find
out that lie eventually.” Michael
countered. “True,
but most child come to that conclusion on their own, they grow out of believing.
But I wasn’t allowed to Michael. I
know my mother was hurting that night, but she didn’t even think about me.
My father left me and she didn’t even give me a hug or sit me down to
explain what was going on, I was left to draw my own conclusions. My relationship with my mother deteriorated from that day
onwards. We speak maybe once a
month at best, and I’ve only met my stepfather twice in three years.” “Don’t
you miss her? She is your mother
after all. I’d give anything to
know who my mother is.” Michael
confessed. “Then
why don’t you try and find her.” “I’m
sure she must have had a good reason. Maybe
she was too young to cope, or no family support.
Whatever it was, you have to give her a second chance.”
Maria countered. “Maybe.”
He replied, kissing the top of her head as if to signal the end of the
conversation. “Oh
Max, this is just amazing!” Liz
said enthusiastically during the interval. “You
approve of the surprise?” “Good!
Does it make up for not seeing me much this week?”
He questioned. “Mmm,
it’s a good start.” She
replied, leaning in for a kiss. “Well
maybe I can add to it later?” He
breathed against her lips, before deepening the kiss. Touching
her lips gently, Alex relaxed into a kiss with his girlfriend. Some times, he often had to pinch himself to remind himself
it wasn’t a dream. The stunning,
blond beauty in his arms really was his girlfriend. “You
sure this is how you wanted to spend our first Christmas Eve together?”
He asked, as they laid sprawled out on his parents sofa. “It’s
perfect Alex.” She replied. “But
what happened to the Isabelle Evans who loved glitzy, glamorous parties?” “Mmm,
I think you’ve managed to tame her.” She
whispered, before diving in for another passionately hot kiss.
When they eventually returned from the ballet, Max watched Liz disappear into the kitchen before he started the task of lighting the coal fire in the lounge. Although it was already a little after 11.30pm, neither were tired or wanted the night to end just yet. By the time Liz returned with mugs of hot chocolate and cookies, the fire was roaring away, pumping out much needed heat. Placing the tray down on the floor, Liz crouched down to join Max in front of the fire. Opening his arms up, he invited her body into his embrace. Scooping some hair away from her face, he stroked her cheek with his thumb. Under the intense stare of his eyes, Liz couldn’t help but feel shy. His unwavering adoration for her still made Liz feel uneasy sometimes, like she was unworthy of his attentions. “You are so beautiful Liz Parker.” He said softy, watching the warm orange glow from the fire dance across her face. “Just kiss me already!” She whispered, needing to jump out of his gaze before she blushed too much. Obliging her request, Max lent in and captured her lips. Snaking her tongue out, she touched his bottom lip, requesting entry. Cooperative as always, he parted his lips and allowed Liz to deepen the kiss. Inside a few moments, Liz had pushed Max back against the sofa and was sitting on his lap. A quick ‘pop’ and his black bow tie laid open around his neck. “Feisty tonight aren’t we Miss Parker.” He remarked when they finally came up for air. “Are you complaining Mr Evans?” She enquired playfully. “No, not in the slightest.” He replied, stealing another kiss. “But, before we get too engrossed, I want to give you your Christmas present.” He said, easing her from his lap and getting up to find his coat, before returning to his place beside Liz. “This is for you.” He said, handing her a gold box with a red ribbon tied round it. “What is it?” She asked, holding the small box carefully in her hand. “Maybe you should open it?” He suggested, watching her face. Max noted the way she held the box, it was as if she was afraid of breaking it, or it disappearing perhaps? She wasn’t used to presents, and to Liz it felt strange to have a box in which she didn’t know the contents. Her hand shook slightly as she studied it, trying to decide what to do next. “I promise it won’t bite.” He reassured her, sensing her apprehension. He wasn’t sure what the problem with Liz was, and it began to worry him. What if she didn’t like it? What if it wasn’t the right size, shape or colour? He wasn’t use to buying gifts for girlfriends; Tess had always chosen her presents from Max. He couldn’t help but start to question in his mind if he’d made the right choice. “Damm! I knew I should have asked Isabelle!” He scolded himself. “Please Liz, you’re worrying me. Just open it.” He insisted, snapping Liz from her daze. “Oh, I’m sorry Max.” She apologised, before pulling the red ribbon apart. Placing two fingers on the lid, she carefully pulling the lid off to reveal another box, this one made of black leather material. Pulling it out and discarding the gold box, she carefully lifted the lid of the leather box. The creaking sound of the hinge added to the suspense of the moment as Liz finally caught a glimpse of the contents. “Oh my ……………!” She exclaimed staring at her present. Inside the box was a beautiful gold Gucci wristwatch. The bracelet part was a row of heart shaped links, with small diamonds encrusted into the face of the clock at fifteen-minute intervals. It was a truly exquisite piece of jewellery; more beautiful than anything Liz had ever seen. “Do
you like it?” He enquired,
watching the stunned expression on her face. “Hey! You’re not supposed to cry. You’re supposed to love it!” Max joked, trying to lighten the mood of the quiet room. “I do love it Max. I’ve never had anything so beautiful.” She replied, wiping away an escaped tear. “But I’m not worthy of such a gift, it must have cost a fortune. I can’t accept it.” She added. “Nonsense Liz!” He replied indignantly. “I bought it for you and I’d most certainly be offended if you didn’t take it.” He replied, taking the watch out of the box and placing it on her wrist. It fitted her like a glove, and Liz found fresh tears pricking her eyes. In an attempt to give herself time to regain her composure, Liz turned the attention to Max. Taking a present from under her tree, she presented the box to her boyfriend. “It’s …………. It’s just something small.” She warned him, knowing her present to Max wasn’t as grand as the watch he’d just given her. “It’ll be amazing Liz, it comes from you.” He replied, taking the long thin box from her. Pulling apart the silver ribbon, Max tore off the dark blue paper to reveal a red leather box. Gently opening the box, he found a beautiful black Cartier ink pen, with a sold gold nib and clip. It was the most beautiful pen he’d ever seen. “It’s really beautiful Liz, thank you.” He said, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “But you spent far too much on me.” He added sincerely. “Ditto!” She remarked. “You spent way too much on me too Max. I’m not worthy of such an extravagant gift.” She added. “Oh but you are!” He replied, dipping in for a kiss. Their long lazy smooch soon became more passionate, as the desires that drove their bodies became stronger. Both wanting and needing to show their love to the other. Looking deep into her eyes, Max gently slipped off the straps to her beautiful dress, pushing it down to expose her black satin bra. Shivers ran down her spine as she felt his intense stare. “God you’re beautiful Liz.” He declared, skimming his fingers along her bare arms and up to her neck. The crackling fire made Liz jump, and Max took the opportunity to pull her into his arms and continue his assault on her lips. It didn’t take long before Max’s shirt had been discarded, showing off his bare chest. Running her fingers over his rippling muscles, Liz wondered for the umpteenth time what she’d done to deserve such a perfect man. Slipping her dress down and off, Max exposed the black stockings and suspenders she was wearing. Feeling his body react violently to what he saw, Max started kissing his way down her body. Starting at her neck, he skimmed over her shoulder blades before lingering on her exposed breasts. Past her flat stomach he reached her stockings. Releasing them from the suspender belt, Max pulled them one by one slowly down her long shapely legs. Liz felt like she was literally going insane. Her body felt so hot, her desire so heightened, she needed his touch so desperately. Pulling him down, she made Max lay out so his body was flush with hers. She could feel his desire pulsing through his body, and shifting slightly she couldn’t help but move against him to try and ease the overwhelming ache she felt inside. Moving his hand, Max placed it over Liz’s stomach before moving further down. On his first touch, Liz shuddered on contact. How did he do it? She thought, how did he always know how to make her feel so good? Finally, once they could wait no longer, they shed the rest of their clothes and Max took Liz in a moment of pure passion. They were both so hot, their desire so strong, the feelings drowning their bodies. True fulfilment was reached together in a peak of pleasure, both allowing the wash of amazing feelings to cover and coat their bare skin. Falling down beside her, they both laid out on the rug in front of the fire, totally in awe of the other. A while later they finally headed upstairs to Liz’s room, enjoying the feeling of being free to not worry about Max staying over. They both fell asleep quickly, exhausted due to their long hectic week. While the young lovers slept, they didn’t even notice the dusty white snow descend from the sky. As the flakes fell, they coated everything that stood still long enough, it was Christmas Eve and the snow had come along to make it perfect.
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E-mail me at : Kaznstu@btinternet.com
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