Something to Believe in

PART 7

Seeing him standing in the doorway to her office made Liz’s heart jump.  Inside she secretly prayed he hadn’t heard any of her conversation with Maria, she really didn’t need him to know she was falling for his charm.  There was no way she intended to act on her feelings, so it really didn’t concern Max Evans.

“Ready?”  He queried, giving no indication whether he’d heard Maria’s words or not.

“Yeah, I’ll just get my bag.”  She replied, stepping away from his gaze for a few moments.

“Off somewhere nice?”  Maria enquired casually.
“Just for a bite to eat, nothing special.”  Max replied.

“So, just the normal one hour lunch, or should I pencil in something longer?”  Maria probed Liz, digging for more precise information.

“Just the hour Maria.”  Liz said firmly, staring straight at her secretary and throwing her a look of ‘drop it’!

“Ok ….. have fun.”  Maria whipped back as Max and Liz exited the office.

After ordering, an uncomfortable silence started to fall on the dinner table.  They were sitting in the swank Reno’s bar and grill, but both seemed to have lost the ability to speak.  They could both feel the uncomfortableness, but at first they were both powerless to do anything about it.

“So ……. how about you tell me about the real Liz Parker?”  Max suggested, trying to break the ice.

“There’s not much to tell Max.  I’m a successful career woman who likes to get her own way in business.  What you see is what you get.”  She replied, maintaining her air of professionalism and distance.

“Right, ……. and what about away from the office?  Where’s the string of admirers you must have to fend away from your door each night?”  Max queried, trying to lighten the mood.

“I have no time for admirers or lovers Mr Evans, my job is far too important.”  She replied, the tone of her voice indicating to Max he was stepping well over the boundaries of a working dinner.

“A stunning young woman like yourself?  There must be someone special in your life.”  Max continued to probe, hoping she would confirm there wasn’t.

“Like I said, my job is very time consuming.  But how about you Max Evans.  You’re suave, sophisticated, and successful, how many women do you have at your beck and call at the moment?”  She asked, steering the conversation away from her private life.

It wasn’t that she was ashamed to be alone, it was more that Liz knew if Max pushed the issue she’d end up telling him about Kyle ….. and that meant spilling the beans on how he’d died.  She’d vowed a long time ago never to let anyone close enough to know the truth, to find out she was to blame.  However attracted she may be to Max, Liz didn’t intend to let her guard down even for a second.

Watching her for a moment, Max could sense she was lost in a dream world.  The pained look on her face signalled it wasn’t a world she visited very often.  It was almost as if she was scared to be there, afraid of the demons lurking in the shadows that might attack the pretence she’d made for herself. 

For the briefest, fleeting moment, Max was sure he saw fear flash across her sparkling amber eyes.  Most unobservant people would have missed it, but not Max.  He was used to reading people’s emotions in meetings, and Liz was almost like an open book to him.  She had a well-rehearsed smokescreen, but Max was certain it was purely that.  He was surprised to see the vulnerability in her eyes, despite her hard exterior.  Something inside told Max that she’d been through an ordeal, to him that was the only reason such a stunning woman would throw herself into business.  He was convinced Liz was running from something, otherwise why else would she shun potential advances and choose to be alone in the world instead.

“Well Liz, I’d like to keep up the playboy image you already have of me, but I’m afraid I can’t.  I have no girlfriend at the moment, and haven’t had one for nearly a year now.”  He admitted.
“Ah but what about the stunning model Imogen Miles though?”  Liz queried, trying not to let her emotions rule her words. 

Raising his eyebrows in her direction, Max couldn’t help but pick up on the underlying message her simple sentence had thrown at him.  He was now completely sure that Liz had been jealous the night before; she hadn’t liked the fact he went out with Imogen.  He was surprised though that Liz had let herself be so transparent with simple words, how her well-practised front had come crashing down so easily.  It certainly wasn’t something he’d expected from her, and it threw him off balance for a few moments.

“That was merely two friends having dinner if you must know, nothing more.  Imogen is an acquaintance and we both had a free evening.”  Max replied, taking a sip of his water to quench his thirst.  He liked the idea of being able to answer Liz’s question, but keep her guessing at the same time.

“Just friends?”  Liz pressed.
“Just friends.  Like I said Liz, I know you have this image of me in your head, but I can assure you it isn’t true.  I am no Casanova, I don’t bed all the women I take to dinner, and I certainly don’t have a string of women to call on when needed.”

“Well I’m glad you don’t bed all the women you take to dinner, because that record would end right here if it were true.”  She said firmly.

“Is that so Liz?  Sounds like you’re almost throwing the gauntlet down to me there.”  Max replied playfully.

“By all means try Max, but I can assure you it’s one bet you will fail at miserably.  I am not like the other women you have taken to dinner, I don’t fall for charm or money, it doesn’t impress me.”  She replied.

“Prey tell Ms Parker, what does impress you then?  What do you look for in a gentleman?”  He asked, trying to wave his magic over Liz without her knowing.

“What impresses me?  Someone who is honest and up front, and not someone who uses business to worm his way into people’s lives.”  She replied, aiming the comments directly at him.
“Worm his way into people’s lives?  That’s kind of harsh don’t you think?  Some of the best friendships I know have come about from a business transaction.”  Max countered.
“Then you obviously don’t have strong friendships then.”  She replied slightly harshly.

“Is that so?  You really do like judging people before you really know them don’t you Liz Parker.  Firstly I’m a suave and sophisticated, then I’m a womaniser, and now I’m someone who has fake friends.  Really Liz, I think you should re-evaluate your techniques, because you couldn’t be further from the truth about me.”  He informed her.

Watching his eyes, Liz saw a flash of warning dance across his sultry brown pools.  It was almost as if he was telling her that no matter what she saw on the outside, underneath he was a very different person.

“Then how about you tell me, Mr Evans.”  She replied.

“About me?  Ok ……….. yes I’m tough when it comes to business and negotiations, but that is as much to do with the fact I own the business and want to see it do well.  I have built my company from scratch, and that takes a lot of hard work.  But I am no womaniser; in fact there are very few ladies who have ever come close to taking my heart.  I am very cynical when it comes to women; I have this view that most of them only like me because I have a large bank balance and fast car.  That isn’t the sort of woman I want to spend my life with.”

“Now who’s judging people without getting to know them.”  Liz flashed back sharply.

“I have good reason to Liz, I have been stung before …… but what’s your excuse, why don’t you let people get close to you, see the real you?  What has happened in your dark and distant past to make you scared to commit again.”  He questioned, watching her face contort as he brushed over the words ‘dark and distant past’.

“Nothing.”  She said simply.

“Come now Liz, you don’t expect me to believe that do you?  I think a long time ago you were a very different person, not someone who only lived for the ruthless world of business deals and work.  I’d hazard guess you were actually  in love once before.  What happened?  What has made you scared to let someone close again?”  He queried.

Taking in several deep breaths, Liz could feel the rise of panic bubbling away inside her.  For the first time someone had actually had the audacity to question who she was. 

Max was right, she was afraid to let someone close; afraid to love again …… but never before had someone so blatantly asked her.  His observations were spot on, and it scared her, right to her very core.  She knew Max Evans was good at business, but he was so much more than that.  In a simple sentence he’d just burnt down the walls she’d worked so hard to build and maintain.

Before she had a chance to respond to his question though, the waiter returned with their meals.  Gratefully accepting the chance to step out of the spot light Max had put her under, Liz tucked into her food.  Although she felt almost sick to her stomach with panic, Liz knew she had to eat in an effort to stem the conversation.  Pouring out her private live to Max wasn’t something she wanted to do at that moment ………. or ever perhaps.

The tension from their conversation spilled over into the remainder of the meal.  Watching her pick at her pasta, Max was certain he’d hit the nail on the head.  Since his question about why she shut everyone out, Liz had done just that to him.  Her faith in men was obviously in desperate need of being restored.  Smiling inwardly to himself, Max couldn’t help but hope he’d be the one to restore that faith she so desperately needed.

Climbing into the elevator, Max noted he could pretty much cut the air with a knife.  Tension filled every crevice of the restricted carriage space, and as he reached over to press the correct button, he realised Liz had positioned herself as far away from him as possible.  It was as if she was suddenly afraid of him, and Max wasn’t happy. 

“I don’t bite you know.”  He commented dryly, as the elevator doors slowly closed.

“Huh?”  She queried blankly.

“It’s just that if you back up any further you’ll disappear through the metal.  Have I done something to offend you Liz?”

“No of course not …..  I erm, just have something on my mind right now.”  She replied.

All Liz could hope though was that Max wouldn’t press her for what was troubling her mind.  What could she tell him?  I don’t want to stand too close to you in case you find out my true feelings for you?  No way, she couldn’t let him know he’d gotten under her skin.  Her best defence was to ignore all her feelings and blank him so he’d think she was just been snooty. 

Taking a deep breath, Liz waited for Max to respond to her words, convinced he’d push to find out exactly what was troubling her.  Liz was sure of one thing though, she’d have to keep her wits about her in order not to allow Max Evans to know how she was really feeling at that moment.  He couldn’t know that standing in such a confined space with him made Liz feel hot and clammy, her heart was racing and head pounding just knowing he was almost within touching distance.  His affect on her was instantaneous and her only ally was the boardroom where they did most of their business.  She felt calm and in control in that large, commanding room, but during lunch, and certainly at that moment in the elevator, she felt anything but calm and in control.

His reaction never came though, any possible response Max may have been preparing got instantly swallowed up in the deafening sound of the elevator grinding and jerking to a sudden and very immediate halt.

For a few seconds time seemed to stand still.  Both Max and Liz were thrown forward by the sudden stopping, Liz crashing to her knees as she lost her balance.  Both became disorientated, unsure what had happened, and it took a while before either of them said or did anything.

“What the ……………!”  Max started as he put his hand against the wall of the elevator to steady himself.  “You ok?”  He queried, glancing at Liz and offering his hand to help her back to her feet.

“Yeah …… what happened?”  She responded, rubbing her elbow that had taken a battering.

“Don’t know.”  He answered honestly.

Leaning over, Max pushed a couple of buttons beside him in an attempt to spark the elevator back to life.  Nothing happened though, and Max quickly noted buttons 2 and 3 were lit, indicating they were probably stuck somewhere between the two floors.  So close to their destination and yet so far all the same.

“At a guess I’d say we’re stuck.”  Max finally announced, stepping away from the buttoned panel and turning to face Liz.

“Great!  This is just great!  I have a 3.00pm appointment and I’m stuck in a dammed elevator!”  Liz cursed, reaching into her handbag for her cell phone.

“That won’t work.”  Max informed her as Liz retrieved the device from the depths of her bag.

“Why not?”  She questioned pointedly.

“Because we’re in a metal box, elevators are notorious dead spots for cell phones.”  Max replied, watching Liz try the phone only to give up a few moments later when his words had been confirmed.

“Ok then Mr Know-it-all, what do we do now?”  Liz asked sarcastically.

“Wait I guess, there isn’t a great deal we can do.”  He replied, just as a shrill telephone ring boomed out from the panel below the button display.

Taking charge of the situation, Max pulled open the panel and picked up the receiver.  Watching Max as he gave information on the trapped occupants of the elevator, Liz tried desperately to suppress the strong, undeniable urge to laugh.  Here she’d been trying to avoid Max apart from business workings, yet instead she was trapped in a six-foot wide box with the man.  Could her day get much worse ……… she didn’t think so.

Taking a deep breath, Liz quickly found the urge to laugh suppress, only to be replaced by a rising bubble of panic that was pushing its way rapidly to the surface.  She didn’t enjoy elevators at the best of times, and the claustrophobia she’d believed she’d overcome as a child was threatening to return with vengeance.

“You ok Liz.”  Max queried after replacing the telephone receiver.  His companion in their windowless prison was beginning to look slightly worse for ware.  It was plainly clear that although they’d only been stationery for a little over five minutes, Liz most certainly wasn’t enjoying it.

Taking a few steps across, Max sank to the floor, sitting next to Liz.

“It’s ok, they’ll get us out soon.”  He comforted her.

“I know, I just don’t do small spaces very well.”  She replied honestly, trying to regain control of her emotions and steely front.

As she lifted her head up to look at him, Max took in how pale she looked all of a sudden.  Her brown eyes were big and wide, but showed the fear that was slowly coursing through her veins.  For a fleeting moment, Max thought back to how quiet Liz had gone suddenly over lunch.  This moment, like over their meal, served to remind Max that although Liz was a tough businesswoman, she still had vulnerabilities.  However much she liked to pretend she was as hard as nails, Max was certain she had demons chasing her heels every day.

The deep breaths she was dragging in were becoming more and more frequent, yet very little of the air seemed to be descending into her aching lungs.  Liz was determined in her mind to stay calm and in control, but her body seemed to have other ideas. 

The close proximity of Max Evans was doing very little, if anything, to help her spinning head.  He practically had his arms around her, his head so close she could feel his breath against her cheek.  She knew he was just being a friend in need, but her heart wouldn’t stop racing.

“I have to get out of here.”  She suddenly announced, breaking the silence in the small room, the suffocating surrounding of the elevator and Max’s close proximity getting too much to bear.

“I’m sure they’re working on it.”  Max assured her, sensing Liz was descending into meltdown mode.

He’d seen the warning signs and symptoms before, Isabelle was terribly claustrophobic, and the last thing he wanted or need was for Liz to flip on him.

“I know, I’m sorry.  I just really need to get out of here.”  She said softly, tears involuntarily forming in her sparking eyes.

“It’s ok.”  Max replied gently, automatically placing his comforting strong arms around her petite form.

Feeling his warm arms on the bare skin of her arms instantly made Liz feel somewhat safer.  Encouraged by Max, she laid her head gently on his upper chest.

It was wrong, she knew it was, but Liz couldn’t help but relax into his embrace.  It had been a long time since Liz had been encased in strong arms and it felt so good.  She wasn’t sure if it was because it had been so long since someone had held her, or because it was Max Evans comforting arms holding her body.  Whichever it was, Liz found herself wishing she could freeze time at that very moment.  And so, while she was feeling vulnerable, she allowed herself to absorb how wonderful it felt.

Stroking her back rhythmically with his hand, Max noticed how Liz’s body visibly relax into his grasp.  Her head was resting just below his chin, and Max couldn’t resist the temptation to touch her velvet soft long brown hair.  The silky strands slipped through his fingers like the smoothest white sand.  More than once, as he repeated the process, he could have sworn he’d heard her emit a sigh signalling contentment in his actions.

“You ok?”  He asked softly, realising she hadn’t spoken in a good few minutes.

“Yeah, I’m ok.  You’re a good calming influence.”  She replied, tilting her head upwards so she could look up at his face.  It was the first time since meeting him that she had paid Max a compliment.

He met her gaze instantly; their eyes locking together like missiles finding their targets.  A soft smile washed over her face, Making her eyes light up and sparkle in the dimly lit elevator.  A crimson tint washed over her previously paled cheeks, and Max wondered what had sparked her flushed expression.

His eyes were burning brightly, practically boring holes right through her body.  Just looking at his dark brown pools made the feelings she’d been trying to bury rush immediately to the surface with immeasurable force.

Deciding a safer view was required; Liz averted her eyes slightly lower.  Instead she settled in on his full red lips, and instantly regretted it.  Her mind seemed to take on a will of its own, picturing what it would be like to touch them, feel his lips take her in a searing hot kiss.

If he didn’t know better, Max could have sworn he’d read something he wasn’t expecting in Liz’s eyes.  Looking again, Max couldn’t ignore the message they were sending out loud and clear.

[center][I]* Kiss me *[/I][/center]

Gulping rather loudly, Max paused for a moment as he tried to decide what to do.  It wasn’t that he didn’t want to, he’d daydreamed more than once about kissing Liz Parker, but now the moment was presenting itself the sensible part of his brain was kicking in.  Always before he’d drawn the line at mixing business with pleasure, but Liz was something else completely.

Her rich chocolate eyes finally drove away the last of his willpower as they danced staring at his lips.  Slipping a finger delicately under her chin, he lifted her face so their eyes locked once more.  Looking for any flicker of reservation and finding nothing, Max decided to act on instinct rather than rationale for once.

On first contact of their lips, Liz felt her head spinning completely out of control.  It was a soft, delicate kiss, but one that promised so much more.  As he started to pull away, Liz lifted her head, fusing their lips together once more.  This time though it was a more passionate and sizzling embrace, encompassing completely what they were both feeling at that moment.

Lips moulded together, feelings and emotions bussed and crackled in the tiny elevator air.  The temperature soared a few degrees as their lips caressed each other, his hand running through her silky brown hair, her fingers bunched in a fist full of his previously pristine white shirt.  It was as if she was clinging on to the feelings and him for dear life.

When they finally parted, they both took a moment to assess the emotions crashing through their veins.  Ragged breaths were dragged in as they both tried to regain their senses and control of racing heart rates.

But before either had time to utter a single word, discuss what had just happened, the elevator carriage jolted before lurching back to life once more.

As if ice-cold water of reality had been poured over them, Max and Liz sprang apart, before scrambling to their feet.  Tipping her head down, Liz stared directly at her feet.  She knew looking in Max’s direction would be a major mistake given what they had just shared.

She’d successfully managed to shatter the professional business manor she carried around like a mask of deception and a feeling of being naked engulfed her all too quickly. 

The moment the elevator doors parted open, Liz bolted from the metal prison that had held her captive for a little over ten minutes.  Max’s voice rang around her ears, but she couldn’t turn back she couldn’t stop running as far away from Max Evans as she could.

Watching her disappear out on to the sidewalk into the mass walking the LA beat, Max rubbed his eyes with his palms.  Everything had happened so quickly, his complete loss of control so very out of character.

The only thing he prayed and hoped was that he hadn’t just ruined his only chance with Liz Parker.  He prayed she’d come running back soon so that they could rekindle the obvious and very evident feelings that flooded their bodies when the other entered their lives.

PART 8

Applying some mascara to her eyelashes, Maria couldn’t stop the butterflies constantly humming in her stomach.  They’d been firmly lodged there all afternoon, since he’d invited her to dinner. 

Then again, if she was truly honest, Maria knew they’d been there since the moment she’d set eyes on the hot guy.  She was smitten by him, plain and simple, and from the signs she’d been getting from him throughout the meeting; he was feeling the exact same way. 

Smoothing a shimmer of light brown lipstick over her lips, she stood back and admired herself in the bedroom mirror.

“Mmm, not bad if I do say so myself!”  She exclaimed, smiling at her reflection as she ruffled her fingers through her long honey coloured hair.

It had taken a while to choose her outfit; she wanted to create the right impression.  Michael had seen her in her work clothes, but going out together was something different, it meant showing him who she really was.  To Maria, her clothes made a big impression, showing she was no boring secretary but a sexy woman instead.

In the end she’d picked out a dark brown tank top, a short beige suede skirt and toped the outfit with a pair of strappy black sandals.  It was a somewhat provocative outfit, but also held an air of sophistication.  Her underlying message though was she wanted Michael to know how much she wanted him. 

The shrill buzzing of the doorbell brought Maria out of her daydream and back to reality.  Snatching up her clutch purse and dark brown suede jacket, she bounced down the stairs to the front door.  Pausing for a moment to glance in the mirror, she took a deep breath and pulled the latch.

Upon the sight in front of her, Maria nearly keeled over in shock.  He was even more gorgeous than earlier, if that was possible!  Michael was standing there dressed in tight fitting black jeans, a dark burgundy red shirt that hung loose over his trouser waistband and had the top two buttons undone, and a black leather jacket grasped safely in his hands.  His eyes twinkled softly under the glow the porch light, and a mischievous smile was spread over his lips.

“Hi there, ready for dinner?”  He queried softly.

“Sure.”  She managed to force out of her dry mouth.  Wow it was it hot outside, she couldn’t help but think as she stepped on to the top step with him and locked the front door. 

Indicating for her to walk down the steps first, Michael then followed close by.  His plan, of course, was to view his dinner date from behind, and what a sight he saw.  Her long legs were just as shapely as earlier, but this time without the restriction of tights, the skirt tight enough to show off the sexy curves of her behind.  Yes, she was most certainly hot, he thought to himself.

Their dinner date was a great success, and although she didn’t get to hear much about Michael away from the office, she willingly passed information on herself. 

Watching her talk lovingly about her mother, Amy, made Michael smile.  It was obvious Maria was very close to her mother; the way her face lit up every time she spoke about her was a big giveaway.  

“So how old were you when your father left?”  He asked, as they tucked into their main meal.

“It was just after my sixth birthday, I remember it so well because my dog died on the same day.”  She said, looking distant for a moment.
”Oh ….. I’m sorry.”  He instantly said, realising he was dragging up old memories.

“It’s ok, that was a long time ago.  In truth I think my mother and I are better off without him.  We’re so close sometimes we’re more like sisters, best friends, I could tell her absolutely anything and she’d understand.  What about your family?”

“Well there’s me, my father Mackenzie and my brother Marshall, that’s it.  There isn’t a great deal to tell really, my mother died a while ago so it’s just been the three of us.”  He said, taking a sip of the chilled white wine in his glass.

“Do you miss her?”

“Not now, I’ve got used to it I guess ……... it’s complicated.”  He replied, feeling uncomfortable talking about his feelings.  It wasn’t something he was used to doing, normally he was a stonewall, but something in this vixen brought out the softer side of him.

Eventually, albeit reluctantly, time caught up with the couple, and all too soon Michael found himself dropping Maria back off at her house. 

“Do you want to come in for some coffee or something?”  She offered, reluctant to let the wonderful evening end so soon.

“Erm …… sure.”  He replied, as Maria opened the door for them.

“Did you see Max this afternoon?”  She queried, showing him into the lounge.

“Max?  No, why?”  Michael queried.

“Oh, it’s probably nothing.  Liz was just acting kinda strange when she came in after lunch.  I was just wondering what had happened.  It’s ok, I’m sure it was nothing.  Coffee?”  She babbled on.

“Sure.”  He replied.

Watching Maria potter around the small kitchen as she made the coffee, Michael couldn’t help but allow his eyes to roam over her body once more.  The way she stretched up to collect the cups, the way she crouched down to pull out the coffee, it was all too much for him.

Stepping into the kitchen, Michael stepped towards Maria, and gently encircled his arms around her slightly exposed midriff.  Leaning his head down, he gently placed his lips on her neck and placed several kisses on it.

A soft moan passed her lips before Maria could do anything to stop it.  He’d barely touched her and already she felt like she was melting into a puddle.  Her head was starting to spin and her skin prickly to the touch, all just because he was simply kissing her neck!

Moving his hands to her hips, Michael gently spun her round so that they became face to face.  Staring into her eyes for a brief moment, Michael looked for affirmation that she wanted him to kiss her.  Seeing the simmering passion in her eyes that mirrored the feelings flooding his body, Michael bent his head forward.

Holding her breath for a second, Maria closed her eyes and waited for that one moment of pure pleasure, the perfect bliss, when his lips finally met hers for the very first time. 

Upon the first touch of their lips, they both found themselves liquefying slightly.  The kiss was soft, sensual, like pure heaven.  Heads spun, the kettle whistled, but neither noticed, all they were concerned about was the powerful feelings drumming through their veins so strongly. 

Throwing her arms around his neck, Maria pulled Michael even closer to her body, and instantly felt the desire pulsing through his body.  She felt hot, flustered, more on fire than she’d ever experienced before.  Never before had she desired someone so strongly, so much that she felt she wouldn’t be able to survive another second without Michael’s kisses keeping her alive. 

His hands roamed along her sides upwards, dragging part of her top with it so he could touch her creamy bare skin.  His touch was like fire, burning her body as he danced his fingers over her. 

Following his lead, Maria scooped up the satin material of his burgundy shirt and slipped her hands under it.  Feeling his muscular chest send Maria’s head spinning even further out of control, all sane thoughts were rapidly disappearing from her mind. 

Has she of been thinking clearly, alarm bells might have been ringing in her head.  She hardly knew the guy, yet here she was making out in her kitchen with him.  But he was so gorgeous; it was that simple, she wanted to make him hers so badly.

Her soft moans were music to his ears, spurring him on further.  Although Michael knew this wasn’t really the way the night should end, he seemed powerless to stop it.  It was obvious Maria wanted it as much as he did, and who was he to deny her?

Slipping his hands further down her body, Michael caught hold of the hem of her suede skirt, and slowly started inching it upwards.  All the while he stared into her eyes, looking for any tiny flicker of concern, anything that told him he was overstepping the mark.

Feeling her skirt being inched up her legs made Maria’s heart race, the feeling of the material against her skin heightened as she stared directly into his eyes, holding his unwavering gaze. 

Her penetrating eyes spurred him on, wanting, needing to know how far he could push her before she’d stop them.  He was certainly pushing his luck, but it was as if she wanted him to tease her, wanted him to carry on and not stop. 

His fingers danced over her thighs, revelling in the silky feeling of her smooth flesh.  Running his fingers a little higher, they met the edge of her lacy panties, and for a moment he caught his breath, half expecting her to regain her senses and push him away.

Her heart was racing, she was sure he’d be able to hear the roaring thunder in her ears.  His touch was mesmerising, like nothing she’d ever felt before, like a drug she had to get more of, the addition too great to survive without a fix.

His fingers dancing over her skin spurred Maria on, simple touches and delicate kisses were rapidly becoming not enough to stem the desire thrumming and raging inside her. 

One hand still resting on her upper thigh, the other moved to her flat stomach, pushing the top up to show yet more of her body.  Capturing her lips once more, Michael caressed her bottom lip with his tongue, eager to explore the depths of her mouth. 

Feeling his need, Maria quickly obliged his silent request and parted her lips.  His tongue invaded her mouth eagerly and forcefully, taking in and exploring the deep crevices that existed inside. 

Stumbling backwards slightly, Maria felt her back hit the counter top, giving her the stability she craved and needed.  Her legs were struggling to keep her upright, wave after wave of feeling hitting her like a tidal wave, too much, too strong. 

Finally breaking the onslaught onto her lips, Maria rested her head against his shoulder, needing a moment to catch her breath and try to control her thumping heartbeat.   

“Are you ok?  Do you want ……….. to stop?”  Michael breathed huskily, trying to regain his senses and sanity. 

“No …………… no, don’t stop.”  Maria finally replied, knowing she would spontaneously combust if he didn’t touch her again. 

Lifting her head up, she locked her eyes with his and silently communicated her needs and desires to him.  Lifting her hand, she gently placed it on his rough cheek caressing it for a moment, making sure he was fully aware of what she wanted. 

Silently, without using words, Maria took hold of his hand.  Glancing at his eyes, she led him away from the kitchen and boiling coffee.  Moving quickly up the few stairs, they arrived at the spacious bedroom. 

The pungent smell of vanilla instantly hit him, as he quickly glanced around the room.  Although it was large, there was little decorating it.  A large bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers with a mirror, a few knickknacks, but not much else to personalise the room in Maria’s clearly eccentric taste.  The walls were decorated in a soft yellow, a drawings of an antique bears donned them, and the vanilla smell became more bearable as she lead him over to her bed.

Gently slipping onto the bed, Michael’s concentration quickly returned to the beauty beside him.  Slipping his hands under her woollen tank top once more, this time his edging upwards was swifter, bringing it up and over her head in one quick motion.  Carefully pushing her backwards, Michael stretched her out over the cream blanket on her bed, and marvelled at her stunning body.  Tentatively, he slipped his hands over her bra-clad breasts watching them react instantly to his touch.

Her fingers danced along his chest, quickly making light work of the buttons holding his shirt together.  Shedding it, she threw it to the floor and took in a breath at his ripping muscles. 

Passions rose in the room as each explored the other’s body.  It was a learning experience, a touching one as they both succumbed to the feelings fuelling their bodies. 

Running his fingers lightly over the exposed flesh of her midriff, he continued on his journey of her perfect body.

Gentle sighs and barely audible moans passed her lips as she crumbled under his miniscule touches.  Light kisses placed delicately on her upper body and neck all adding up to a growing feeling of combustibility inside her boiling body.

The feeling of her long nails raking down his bare back caused Michael to omit a low, husky growl, desire eagerly flashing in his blazing eyes.

Quickly, and somewhat hastily, he shed her remaining clothes, and added his to the pile growing on the floor, before facing Maria again.  Looking down at her naked body in all its glory, a breath hitched in his throat.  She looking simply stunning as the orange hue of her bedside lamp cast romantic shadows over her creamy skin.

Lowering his body over her tiny frame, Michael captured her lips in yet another passionate kiss.  Time seemed to stand still, both knowing the inevitable, but both content in holding off for a few moments longer to savour the moment.  The kiss turned softer, lazier, both gently caressing the other, content in the closeness they were sharing. 

Hormones were still very much to the forefront though, and before long the strong desires surging through their bodies took over.

Rising up onto his strong forearms, Michael gently entered her, determined to take it slowly at first.

The feeling of him inside her quelled Maria’s buzzing hormones, albeit momentarily.  Staring up into his eyes, she flashed a look that mirrored his desire, and informed him she wanted and needed more.

Slowly at first, he rocked back and fourth, until the pace no longer satisfied either of them.  Upping is further, they both continued on their mutual quest, wanting and needing complete fulfilment. 

They both tumbled over the edge of oblivion within moments of the other.  Exquisite feeling after exquisite feeling rumbled and slammed through their bodies at an exhaustive rate. 

Collapsing, spent, on top of her, Michael struggled to find the strength to roll over.  Several large breaths later, he finally mustered the power to roll over, eagerly bringing Maria with him. 

Resting his arm around her shoulders, Michael gently kissed the top of her head that was lying on his chest, before gratefully closing his eyes and slipping into a deep, relaxing sleep.

Feeling his breath even and shallow, Maria knew he’d slipped into his dream world.  Placing a feather light kiss on his chest, she couldn’t help but smile.

She hardly knew him, it was true, but in her heart Maria knew, that the one whose arms encased her was something special.  Just thinking about him made her stomach flip and head feel giddy, a feeling she’d never experienced before so powerfully.

Closing her eyes and slipping slowly into a relaxing slumber, she knew, that no matter what she wasn’t going to let Michael Guerin slip through her fingers, this time she wanted for keeps.

TBC .......................?

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