Leaning against the solid wall that was Maximus' chest, his arm draped possessively around her waist, Laura sighed contentedly, looking back as the pier grew ever smaller behind the wake of 'The Spirit of Chicago'. The boat rocked slowly as it headed out into Lake Michigan, and their bodies swayed together in a gentle rhythm.
"I can't get over how beautiful it is today," she sighed. "We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather than this." Nightfall was quickly approaching, the sun sinking behind the Chicago skyline, barely visible now, bathing the western horizon in a golden glow.
Maximus nodded. "I would say that when it comes to 'surprises', you made an excellent choice." He breathed deeply. "The air is already cleaner. And the view is truly wonderful."
"Wait until we get farther out." She watched as they neared the breakwater. "It's calm enough that we'll probably go a bit further out and get an even better view of the whole skyline."
"Where exactly are we going?"
"Well, we don't actually go anywhere. We just cruise up and down the lakefront near downtown. But we're going slow enough that it'll take quite a while... there's plenty of time to enjoy all the sights along the way."
"As well as all the beautiful sights aboard ship..." he said quietly, gazing down at her as his fingers softly stroked her hand.
"That too..." she whispered, swallowing past the lump in her throat. Now that they were in public, she knew he would not be any more affectionate than that, so that made his occasional romantic gestures, like this one, even more special. She also tended to be rather reserved in public, so in that, they were much alike.
The boat turned southward, and they shifted to the other side of the boat, finding an open spot along the railing. Laura leaned against it, with Maximus standing protectively behind her, both balancing their wineglasses on the top of the rail.
As they cruised southward, she continued to point out various buildings and landmarks, adding whatever bits of trivia she knew.
Then, pointing to the shoreline nearby, she said, "... And that's the Chicago River, behind those things that look like big gates."
Maximus pushed his sunglasses up to his forehead, squinting to see better. "... Why is it blocked? To protect it from invaders...?"
Laura laughed -- leave it to a soldier to see it that way. "No, those gates are called locks. The water level of the river is lower than the lake, so a boat goes in there, between that lock and another one, and the locks close, and then by using pumps they lower the water level -- and the boat -- to match the river. They open the lock on the other side, and then the boat can go down the river and through the city and head south."
Maximus looked puzzled. "Why is the water in the river lower?"
Laura grinned, chuckling to herself. "Because the river runs backwards..."
Maximus stared, his brow furrowing deeper. "Backwards...?"
"Yep. The river originally ran through the city and into the lake. But, a hundred years ago, they built the locks to make the water flow in the other direction, from the lake into the river instead. I think this is probably the only river in the world that runs backwards."
He looked even more confused "... Why would they do that...?"
"Sounds crazy, doesn't it?" she said, still grinning. "Well, the reason is, people used to use the Chicago River for... well, basically it was an open sewer, with all sorts of organic and industrial waste. And it all went into the lake and contaminated the water. Since the city got its drinking water from the lake, they had to do something, because many people died from cholera and typhoid fever. So, instead of stopping people from dumping into the river, they changed the direction of the river instead, and dug a canal to connect it with the Des Plaines River. So now the river flows south into downstate Illinois and eventually to the Mississippi River. I can imagine that at the time, the people downstate weren't too happy about it, but they did it anyhow. But nowadays, the river is much cleaner, and there's really no reason for it to go backwards... but I have no idea what effect trying to change it back would have. So they'll probably just leave it the way it is forever."
"Amazing..." he said, shaking his head.
"Yea, it was a hell of a feat of engineering to do that. But then, the Romans did some pretty ambitious building in order to have fresh, clean water in Rome too, didn't they...?"
Maximus nodded, grinning for a moment. "So they did..."
Both were quiet for a while, enjoying the view -- and each other's company -- as the boat continued at its leisurely pace. After a while, Laura spoke again, pointing to the stretch of trees along the shore behind the marina. "That's Grant Park -- remember we drove through it earlier?" Maximus nodded. "There are miles of public parks and beaches up and down the lakefront. Luckily, they were smart years ago by not letting anybody build factories or warehouses down here. There are lots of museums and galleries in the city too, several of them right here. Behind those trees," she pointed straight towards the shore, "is the Art Institute of Chicago. And down there," she pointed further south, "is the museum campus -- the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium..."
Maximus listened intently as she explained what some of the other large buildings were; then she pointed towards the shoreline again as they came within view of a large fountain and a towering jet of water that came from its center. "That is Buckingham Fountain. Hopefully we'll come back by here after dark, because it's very pretty at night with colored lights."
He looked at it for a long moment. "I think I've seen that before..."
"Really? Where? On TV?"
"I believe so... On something I've seen Andy watch several times... 'Married with...'" He shrugged. "...Something... I don't remember exactly."
She paused, then grimaced slightly. "'Married with Children'...?"
He nodded. "I believe that was it. They showed a picture of that fountain in the beginning."
Laura groaned. "Oh, god... And here I thought Andy had taste..." She shook her head. "Don't tell me you watch that... crap," she said, her lip curling in distaste.
"No. I don't understand the humor."
"Neither do I. Well, good for you. Just don't let that make you think badly of Chicago. There are lots of other TV shows and movies that are a bit more flattering... like 'E.R.'" He looked at her blankly. "It's about a hospital...?" He shook his head. "Well, there are movies about Chicago that are better than that. In fact, when we get back to the CrowesNest, we'll have to have a little film fest sometime and invite anybody who wants to come.... Let's see, there's 'The Blues Brothers', which is probably my favorite Chicago movie... 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'... 'Running Scared'... 'The Fugitive'... And 'The Untouchables'. It takes place about 80 years ago, back in the 1920's, when Al Capone and a bunch of other gangsters -- that's another word for criminals -- almost took over the city." She laughed briefly. "Although I don't know if I really want to show that to everyone and remind people about it, even if it is a really good movie. I swear, to this day, people from out of town seem to think Capone and his gang are still around, hanging out on every street corner with a tommy-gun in their hands. That's one stereotype I don't think Chicago will ever live down..." She looked at him. "You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?"
"No... Before we met, all I'd ever heard about Chicago is Michael Jordan."
"Well, that's good to hear. Too bad Michael's retired now. People might have forgotten about Capone completely..." She turned, glancing inside the dining area of the boat. "I think we should go inside now. They'll probably start serving soon. Besides," she grinned, holding up her empty wineglass. "I need a refill... and it looks like you do too."
He ushered her through the small group of fellow sightseers who were clustered behind them, and held open the door for her as they went back into the dining area. Following her up the stairs to the small balcony above the main seating area, they made their way to the small table in the corner that they had staked out earlier when they'd first boarded. He made sure she was seated first, then sat down beside her.
She smiled warmly. "Thank you, sir. Nice to see chivalry isn't dead."
He laid his hand over hers. "This is a special night, and you are a special lady. You deserve nothing but the best." He gazed intently into her eyes.
"Aw, Max," she whispered, blushing slightly. "But I'd say *we* deserve nothing but the best."
He smiled. "Quite true." His hand went to his face, slipping off his sunglasses. "I don't think I need these anymore. It's too dark, and I can't see you that well," he said as he put them in the pocket of his shirt.
"Hopefully no one will recognize you here. But I think we can risk it -- I didn't like it when you were wearing them, because I couldn't see those beautiful eyes of yours," she grinned.
It was his turn to blush, a definite pinkness creeping into his tanned face. "I do not understand the fascination you ladies have for our -- and Russell's -- eyes," he said, shaking his head, lowering his eyes self-consciously.
She lowered her voice. "Have you forgotten what I told you? You have 'bedroom' eyes, Max."
The blush deepened, and he held her hand tighter as he grinned slightly. "I haven't forgotten." His smiled widened, and as the candlelight from the table centerpiece glittered in his warm aquamarine eyes, she thought she'd melt on the spot.
"Keep looking at me like that, and I may just drag you under the table," she smiled back, putting her other hand over his.
"I'd like to see that," he replied playfully, eyes dancing.
"Would you like another drink?" a voice said from close by, and they both looked up, a bit startled to find the waitress standing there.
Laura turned back to him, lowering her eyes in embarrassment, wondering how much the woman had overheard. Laura nodded to him, and he replied, "Yes, we'd both like another glass of wine." The smile on his face was polite and reserved now, but nonetheless, Laura noticed the waitress' reaction, as the woman turned to focus her attention solely on the Spaniard, leaning a bit closer, and smiling sweetly at him.
"What were you drinking, hon?" she asked.
Laura nearly rolled her eyes at what she perceived as an overly-familiar tone, but said nothing, listening as Maximus answered, "House white for the lady, red for myself."
The woman jotted it down on the pad in her hand, then asked, "Have you decided what you want for the main entrees? You have a choice of beef, chicken or fish."
"I believe I will have... the beef," he answered, then looked at Laura, raising an eyebrow.
She glanced quickly at the small menu card in the center of the table. It was a set menu, with a limited choice in entrees. "I'll have the fish," she answered after a brief pause.
The waitress wrote down their choices, then smiled at Maximus again. "I'll be bringing the salads soon. My name's Katie -- if you need anything tonight, just ask," she said in the same flirty tone.
"Thank you," he replied, then turned back to Laura as the waitress left. He noticed his companion's rather enigmatic look. "...What?"
"You've certainly made a 'friend' tonight," she said in a light tone, and he relaxed after having tensed a bit, realizing she wasn't upset about the woman's attitude. "Not that I blame her, you know. Any woman who *isn't* attracted to you must be blind," she joked, squeezing his hand.
"Jealous?" he teased, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it softly.
She kicked off her shoe under the table. "Should I be?" she teased back as she ran the side of her foot up his calf.
She watched his eyebrow climb up his forehead as her foot reached his knee, and chuckled softly at the surprised look on his face.
"Someone's in a playful mood tonight," he quipped, grinning again as he regained his usual calm composure, leaning closer across the table.
"Must be the wine," she smiled.
"Indeed...? Then perhaps we should order a bottle instead of a glass," he joked.
She laughed. "Trying to get me drunk, General?"
"Something like that."
"Well, don't forget that I have to drive home. I have to watch how much I drink."
"Pity," he said, his grin fading slightly.
"But, keep in mind that we have that bottle of champagne for when we get home."
He nodded; they had stopped at a liquor store before heading downtown, as they were not sure how late it would be when they returned. "I've never seen you drunk; it should prove interesting," he smiled.
"I don't think I've *ever* been falling-down drunk. Contrary to what people expect because of my Irish name, I don't drink often. And when I do drink a lot, I either get very sleepy... Or very sick!"
He frowned slightly. "I don't think I like either choice."
"Well, I know just how much I can drink and stay mellow without overdoing it, so don't worry."
At that moment the waitress returned with their wine. "Here you are, sir... ma'am," she added, almost as an after-thought. They both pulled back, letting go of one another's hands, as the filled wineglasses were set in front of them and the empty ones removed. "Can I get you anything else?" she asked in the same solicitous tone as before.
"No, thank you," Maximus politely replied, and the woman nodded and left the table.
"Someone's looking for a nice tip," Laura commented. "I wonder if we should tell her *I'm* the one who'll be leaving it."
Maximus' expression turned slightly serious again. "Are you sure this isn't costing you too much money?"
"Of course not. Max, for the tenth time, you are my guest, and this is my treat. There's nothing wrong with a woman paying for a man, you know."
"I do know. But I also know you have to work very hard to earn a living, and I don't want you to waste it on me."
She smiled affectionately at him, taking his hand again. "Max, I could never 'waste' it on you. I want to show you how special you are to me." She caressed his hand. "I want this to be an evening neither of us will forget."
"You've already succeeded in doing that. The evening's barely begun, and I've already had a wonderful time, my dear." He softly stroked her hand with his thumb. "Any time we spend together is special."
They gazed lovingly at one another, letting their eyes communicate their feelings for each other. After a long silence, Laura pulled back, seeing the serving cart approach their table. "Ah, dinner's served," she said to him as a waiter approached with their salads...
They laughed and chatted throughout dinner, occasionally stopping to stare out the large picture windows as night fell and the city awoke with light. Maximus finished every bit of his meal, as well as a good portion of hers, and still complained of being hungry. They both consumed a good deal of wine, and by the time dessert was over, Laura was feeling decidedly giddy, although Maximus barely showed the affects of the alcohol at all.
A D.J. began to play after-dinner music, and a small area for dancing was cleared in the middle of the lower level. The music was all modern rock, which did not suit Maximus well at all, so they sat and listened for a while before Laura suggested they go back outside. Maximus agreed quickly, grateful to get away from what he considered to be so much 'noise'. As they reached the bottom of the stairs and were about to go outside, however, a slow love song began to play, 'I Will Always Love You', and Maximus stopped. He had noticed Laura had wanted to dance earlier, but here was one he could actually tolerate and hopefully dance to.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked, turning to her.
Her eyes lit up, and she nodded quickly. "Very much."
He led her to the small dance floor, taking her in his arms, holding her close as they began to sway together to the soothing melody. "This is so wonderful," she whispered. "So romantic. I still can't believe you're here with me. Thirty-six hours ago I thought everything was over, that I'd never see you again..." She looked up at him, tears glistening in the corners of her eyes.
He smiled down at her. "But I am here, and it is far from over, my love." They swayed slowly together, nearly oblivious to those around them. "And we'll be back in the CrowesNest soon, as though nothing ever happened."
She started to smile. "I miss that place already. Tina and John. Michelle and Colin. Peaches and Cort. Trisha and Bud. I'll bet they'll all be pretty happy to see us back -- *together*. That's another reason why I left, you know. I felt like I was just dragging everyone else down with me, and upsetting everyone."
"That's in the past now too. I know that they will all be very pleased to see you again. Tina would be most upset if you never came back, and that would certainly disturb John."
"I'll be glad to see them again too," she said, then they both fell silent, dancing together and just holding each other close.
But the song ended all too soon, and another faster rock song came on. Maximus grimaced, sighing, and she stepped back from him. "Let's go outside. I know you hate this stuff." He merely nodded and followed her out onto the bow of the boat. They climbed up a flight of stairs onto another deck, where there were fewer people and a better view. The moon had risen while they dined, and it cast its pale glow across the water behind them while the lights of the city twinkled before them.
She wrapped her arms around her chest, rubbing her upper arms against the cool breeze. "I knew I should have brought a jacket; I'd forgotten that it can get a bit chilly out here once the sun goes down."
He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, turning so that his body shielded her from most of the wind. "I'll keep you warm," he said softly in her ear.
They watched in silence as the boat cruised at an unhurried, both mesmerized by the view. Beyond the dark waters of the lake, the city lights rose into the night sky, like glittering jewels. The skyline was impressive during the day, but now that night had fallen, with the city set against the blackness, alone and silent, the universe seemed to shrink, leaving them alone on the water, enjoying the silent beauty.
"Now I understand why you brought me here..." Maximus said quietly. "It is as though the gods reached up, and pulled the stars down from the heavens and set them here upon the earth..."
She smiled softly. "That's lovely, Max..." She leaned back against his strong body. "I'd forgotten just how incredible the view is at night... And the moon's nearly full too -- you couldn't ask for a much more romantic setting than this."
"I think not," he said, his arm tightening around her waist
After a while, they found an unoccupied bench and sat quietly together, just staring over the rails, enjoying the moment and the view and each other's company....
"Which one is best, do you think?" Laura pointed to three photographs on the wall in front of them. They were back on the pier again, standing with other recently-disembarked passengers in a small, enclosed area. A photographer had taken everyone's picture onboard at least twice, and the prints had been displayed on arrival and were available for purchase.
Maximus looked them over, then pointed at one. "I think you look best in this one."
"Really?" she said. "I don't think I look good in any of them, but I'll take your word for it."
He scowled slightly. "You look lovely in them all."
"Thanks," she beamed, smiling at him, and turned to the cashier. "We'll take this one...."
As they walked away, Laura tucked the picture into her purse, saying, "I'm glad they were taking pictures, since I didn't bring my camera. Now at least we'll have something to show everyone when we get back the CrowesNest."
"And now I have proof you were wearing a skirt," Maximus quipped, grinning softly.
She swatted his arm lightly. "Not you too...! I thought you said you didn't care what I wore!"
"I don't. But that doesn't mean I don't like to see your legs," he replied with a twinkle in his eye, and she started to laugh, blushing a bit.
"Thanks... Okay, I get the point. The girls will be surprised too -- its an occasion worth writing down on their calendars: July 2000. Laura wore a skirt!" she giggled.
"They'll hardly believe it," he chuckled.
"All right, all right; you've had enough fun with this," she teased, taking his arm and guiding him away from 'The Spirit of Chicago'. "So what now? Do we stay here a while, or head home?"
"Home?" He sounded disappointed. "Did you want to leave now?"
"No -- but I wasn't sure if you'd had enough."
"Not at all. I'd like to see what else is here."
"Fine with me. I need a little more time to let the wine wear off before I drive home anyway." She looked around, wondering where to take him next. Her eyes wandered back and forth across the pier -- and then skyward. She grinned as she said, "How about a ride on that?" She pointed to the Ferris wheel, the top half of which was visible over the roof of the stores they stood next to.
He stared as the huge wheel, its spokes illuminated with multi-colored lights, turned slowly against the black sky. "Ride...? Up there?" he asked hesitantly.
"Yea, it's just for fun. You sit in those little carriages on the outside edge of the wheel, and it turns and you go around a few times. I'm sure the view's fantastic from up top." Maximus looked uncertain, and she grinned. "Don't tell me the Commander of the Armies of the North and General of the Felix Legions is afraid of heights."
He paused. "I do not think so... But I have never been that far off the ground..."
"Lachlan's never taken you for a ride in his plane?" He shook his head. "You really ought to ask him sometime. It's a blast!" she said enthusiastically. "Assuming you can stomach his little stunts."
"That's why I haven't gone. No doubt he would try to see just how much I could take," he said.
"Well, this is pretty tame. Its just a Ferris wheel; come on," she said, tugging on his arm, and he reluctantly followed. They made their way to the inside entertainment area, but were dismayed to discover a long line to board the ride.
"Damn," Laura said. "I should have known... Looks like you're off the hook -- I'm not going to make you stand in line for an hour for something you really don't want to do."
"Thank you," he said, looking a bit relieved. "So now what?"
"I don't know..."
They ended up just wandering around, observing everything. Maximus was fascinated with all the people and activity of the place. Eventually they tired of all the noise and music from a live band that was playing outside, Maximus especially so, and they wandered back outside to where the boats were docked. They found a quiet bench in a relatively darkened spot to just sit and watch everyone and stare out at the moon-lit lake.
A warm summer breeze wafted in from the south, barely strong enough to ruffle their hair. "They call this the Windy City...?" Maximus remarked at one point. "It does not seem so to me."
"That's because it actually has nothing to do with the weather. Most people -- including those who live here -- think that's the case. But it actually dates back about a hundred years to a New York newspaper columnist who called Chicago the 'Windy City' because the people here bragged so much about the Columbian Exposition -- that's like a world's fair," She explained and then grinned. "So basically she was saying we were all full of it -- hot air, that is." She leaned against him, his arm around her, her head resting on his shoulder. "So what do you think of Chicago? Did you have a good time tonight, Max?"
"This place is fascinating. And of course I've had a wonderful time. I just wish I could stay here longer, and you could show me more. I wouldn't want to live in a place like this permanently, but I would like to see more of the modern world, and how you live your life here.
"I wish you could stay longer too... When did you say we had to head back? Monday morning?" He nodded, and she sighed. "That's too bad. There's so much more to show you.... Maybe you can come back with me the next time I go home."
He shook his head sadly. "No. I cannot do that. The others have told me that we can only leave the CrowesNest on rare occasions. We only exist in the CrowesNest, and leaving there... somehow... can jeopardize our existence in both worlds. I do not understand it myself... But Bud told me that since I've been in the CrowesNest such a short time, it's even more dangerous for me to leave."
She quickly lifted her head from his shoulder. "Dangerous...? You never said that before." She looked alarmed. "Should we go back soon then?"
"No, no," he smiled. "We have time." He kissed her forehead. "And I do not want to leave here soon.... It is very difficult to keep things to myself in the CrowesNest. At least here we have privacy."
"Tell me about it," she grumbled. "I - " She began -- then stopped herself. She had been about to mention the fiasco with Sid 6.7 that night when he'd announced to one and all that she'd slept with him. But Sid was hardly a good topic to bring up right now. "I know what you mean," she continued, barely missing a beat. "Everybody's so friendly, but sometimes I wish they all didn't know *everything* that goes on around there..."
He nodded, softly caressing her arm. "Will you do something for me?"
"What?" she replied as she looked at him.
"Promise me that our time together here will *stay* private. I don't want everyone to know about this. I'm not talking about this evening -- you can tell them all about the boat and dinner -- but the rest..." He softly kissed the side of her face when no one was looking. "Should stay our secret..."
"I promise I won't say anything... But I think they're gonna know *exactly* what we've been doing all weekend," she grinned.
"But they will have to use their imaginations to fill in the details... Agreed?"
"Agreed." She began to grin again. "I wouldn't want to tell the girls too much anyway -- they might get jealous, you know. Then they'd *all* want you -- as if they don't already!" she said as she laughed softly.
It was too dark to tell if he was blushing, but she suspected he was. "But that hardly matters...," he said in a low, soft voice, "because *you* are the only one I want."
"Aw, Max," she whispered quietly, swallowing past the lump in her throat. They gazed into each other's eyes as he raised a hand to her face, smoothing her hair and caressing her cheek before leaning in to kiss her. His full lips were soft and gentle, and she pressed herself against him as his arms slipped around her waist...
"Hey, pal; get a room!" came a laughing voice from a group of teenagers who were walking by. Maximus' head jerked around, startled, and his eyes focused ominously on the boy who had spoken. He and his friends had already passed by, however, and were absorbed in their own conversation again. Laura put her hand on his chin, turning his head back to her.
"Ignore them, okay. It was just a joke." She pulled away, grinning softly. "They do have a point though -- we ought to go someplace else if we're going to carry on like this."
She could see that he was embarrassed by being caught necking in public -- but she could also see the desire in his eyes as he whispered, "Where?"
"Back home," she said as she stood up, extending a hand to him. "Let's head back to the car, okay?"
He nodded and stood up, taking her hand as they walked briskly towards the parking lot.
She drove quickly down the darkened expressway, heading away from the city and back to her apartment. The radio was tuned to the station that played Saturday night love songs, and both of them were softly humming along from time to time. Max had his arm draped behind her neck for a while, but then shifted, pulling his arm back, his hand dropping to her shoulder. "Tonight was lovely," he said, "But there is more 'celebrating' to be done, my love..."
She glanced at him, smiling warmly at him. His hand slid off her shoulder, down the silky fabric of her blouse, over the rounded curves of her breast, before it came to rest on her upper thigh. He slowly ran his hand along her leg, and she sighed contentedly. "That's nice, Max..." He smiled softly, and continued his attentions. "Keep this up, though, and I might get so distracted that we'll wind up in a ditch," she chuckled.
His smile fell, and he turned to look out the window, nervously watching how quickly they were travelling. He snatched his hand away, moving it to his own leg. "Sorry."
She had to laugh at the apprehensive look on his face. Maximus hadn't quite gotten used to the speeds of modern travel. "Max, no. It was a joke; I didn't mean for you to stop." She laid her hand on his. "The road's pretty quiet for once -- we've got another 15 miles of open road ahead of us." She took his hand and guided it back to her thigh. "I can drive okay; just don't get *too* carried away."
He leaned over and kissed the shell of her ear. "If you say so..." He settled back, staring at her face as he resumed his gentle caresses, his hand moving slowly back and forth along her leg from knee to hip. She sighed quietly, squirming in her seat a bit as she forced her eyes to stay on the road ahead. She eased off the accelerator slightly, the speed of the car dropping below 60 mph, allowing herself a little more breathing room in case she *did* get too distracted by what he was doing.
His sensual touch, not to mention the hungry look in his eyes, began to arouse her deeply. The whole evening had been deeply moving, terribly romantic and so wonderful she had a hard time believing it was real.
But the longing she felt in her body was very real. The touch of his hand stirred powerful desires in her, and a glance over at his lap told her she was not alone. She breathed deeply, panting slightly as his hand wandered up her torso to her breast. She wanted very much to touch him too -- the thought of putting her hand in his lap and feeling his growing hardness was extremely tempting... But then she reluctantly decided it was best if she kept both hands on the steering wheel -- she was getting too distracted as it was.
He leaned over again, kissing her ear as he whispered, "How much longer?"
She squirmed slightly, keeping her eyes firmly on the road. "Fifteen minutes... It's tempting, though, to pull off somewhere and crawl into the backseat with you," she grinned.
"Then why don't we...?" he whispered.
She giggled, then moaned softly as he fondled her curves. "Because there isn't anywhere to pull off." She gestured at the seemingly endless road ahead. "By the time we get to an exit, we'll be five minutes from the apartment."
He nibbled on her neck. "But I want you *now*..."
The low, husky tone of his voice took her breath away. She gazed at him longingly as she answered, "Oh, Maximus... I want you too." She almost lost herself in the those wonderful eyes when the car drifted over onto the shoulder of the road, and the tires rolling over the grooved pavement made a high-pitched whine that jolted her back to reality. She guided the car back to the center of the lane as Maximus moved away, his hand pulling back to his own lap.
"Sorry," he apologized again, sounding a bit nervous as he looked down out the window.
She laughed slightly, trying to dispel his fear. "I told you not to get too carried away." She smiled at him, watching that slow grin reappear on his face. She reached out and took his hand, guiding it back to her thigh again. "It won't be long... Patience, General. If I can wait, so can you," she said, winking at him. He grinned back, and they chuckled together.
His hand remained stationary this time, but just the mere heat of his flesh, so close to her sex, was enough to make her ache unbearably, the wet warmth growing within her. After a few minutes, she sighed with relief as the signs for their exit came into view. "Almost home," she grinned at him as she took her foot off the accelerator, slowing as she steered over onto the exit ramp, taking the tight curve at a leisurely pace. "Five minutes." He slid closer as the car merged onto route 45 and they headed south towards her apartment. When his hand moved down to slide underneath her skirt, she sighed again and turned, quickly kissing the side of his face before turning her attention back to the road.
She turned onto 79th street, finally slowing to a stop at a stoplight. A big semi blocked the turn lane, so she had to wait out the light. Maximus took to opportunity to lean over and kiss her, and the feel of his hot mouth on her tender lips sent a jolt through her whole body. The light changed to green all too quickly, and he sat back again when the car started moving. But his hand remained on her thigh, pushing her skirt up slightly as his fingers neared her most sensitive area, but went no further. "Max," she sighed as she managed to make the turn onto the darkened street. "Four more blocks..." She resisted the urge to floor the accelerator, instead forcing herself to stick to the 35 mph speed limit -- the local cops had a habit of setting up a speed trap over the next hill, and she had no desire to get caught for speeding *now*. Sure enough, there was the familiar black and white squad car tucked in the parking lot of the dry cleaners, waiting for an unsuspecting motorist to come zooming through. But not her, she smiled as she passed by at a safe 34 mph.
Two more blocks, and she eased into the parking lot. Noting that there were no other people were around at this late hour, she pulled into a spot near the side door. She had barely shut off the engine and the lights when Maximus pulled her to him, his mouth hungrily capturing hers as his hands roughly caressed her body. "I want you NOW," he growled.
"God," she whimpered, trying to get to him. But there was a steering wheel, a gearshift and the cassette holder in the way. She was determined to crawl into his lap nonetheless... but succeeded only in banging her knee painfully against the dashboard. "Ow!" She stopped, rubbing her knee, and they looked at each other.
And promptly started laughing, the sizzling tension between them dissipating slightly. "I think it's time we went inside, love," he chuckled, kissing her forehead softly.
"I think so too," she said, smiling as she moved back into the driver's seat. They both climbed out of the car, but Maximus hurried around to her side, nearly sweeping her off her feet as he guided her towards the building. "Wait; we forgot the champagne," she said, and he reluctantly allowed her to retrieve it from the trunk. He slammed the trunk closed, and dragged her with him, bottle in hand, to the door of the building. "Someone's in a hurry," she quipped as she pulled out the key, unlocking the main door.
This time, however, he picked her up, carrying her over his shoulder as she clamped her hand over her mouth, trying to keep from laughing loudly and bringing half her neighbors out to look. He took the keys from her, and opened the apartment door, with her still slung over his shoulder. He brought her inside, careful not to bump her head, and locked the door behind them, flicking on the lights. Stopping briefly to put the champagne bottle on the kitchen counter, he carried her into the bedroom and deposited her on the bed. He stood before her, beginning to strip off his clothes.
But she just looked at him with a mischievous grin, scampering off the bed and ducking under his outstretched arm as she scurried out into the living room, laughing and giggling. "If you want me, you're going to have to catch me, General!"
He stared for a moment in astonishment as he unbuttoned his shirt, then grinned and took off after her. He chased her into the living room, but she eluded his grasp with a shout of laughter, dashing into the kitchen. He played cat and mouse with her as they ran through the open kitchen/ dining room, until finally he cornered her in the living room, catching her around the waist and pulling her against him, wrapping an arm around her tightly so she could not escape him again.
They laughed heartily, with her breathing hard and him not winded at all, as she struggled feebly to free herself. "No fair; you're faster and stronger than I am," she complained.
"Whoever said life was fair?" he replied as he held her securely with one arm as the other began to remove her clothes. She pressed close, lips seeking out his, and as they moved quickly back towards the bedroom, they left a trail of discarded clothing in their wake. By the time they reached her bed again, they were both naked, and they fell onto the sheets in a tangle of limbs, both mindless with desire as they kissed hungrily. By unspoken mutual consent, she went to her knees beneath him as he bent over her, and he took her from behind.
He entered her quickly, sinking deep, sliding easily within her warm, very wet sheath. Already extremely aroused, she came with his third stroke, whimpering and crying out with joy. He drove quickly into her willing body, his animal grunts filling the air. As he pounded against her, she had a fleeting image of Hando and Gabe together like this in 'Romper Stomper'... But it faded quickly as her universe narrowed to him and their blissful joining. Neither of them spoke a coherent word, but their bodies expressed everything that needed to be said.
Primal and raw, their lust seemed unquenchable as they ground their bodies into one another. Her voice rose in volume to match his as they gave voice to the incredible energies that sang in their bodies. Conscious thought faded and instinct took over, their bodies moving in a dance as old as time itself. With one hand on her hip and the other holding her breast, he took control of her body, driving her to yet another shattering orgasm as he neared his own release. Her cries of sheer ecstasy fueled the searing fire in his veins, and he thrust powerfully into her willing body.
He came with a guttural howl, his body pumping its life into hers as he tilted his head back, pushing her firm ass against his hips a few last times as the blissful euphoria washed over his body. He let go of her, and she collapsed on the bed beneath him with a satisfied, albeit exhausted, sigh. He collapsed beside her, covering her body with his, enveloping her in his embrace, kissing her tenderly. She sighed again, and, after a long pause, whispered, "Wow.... That was amazing..." His response was a long, contented moan as he settled her beneath him, arms wrapped securely around her.
"So were you, love..." he said as the warm glow of his own release began to fade, smoothing her hair away from her face. "Thank you for such a special evening, for sharing this part of your life with me..." He softly kissed the back of her neck and shoulder.
"... If you hadn't tracked me down the way you did, this never would have happened. I never knew we could be together like this, in my world... even if it is for a short time..." The damp skin of her back pressed against his broad chest, and she could feel the pounding of his heart.
"I didn't know it was possible like this either," he said. She shivered slightly as her body cooled, and he pulled a sheet over them, nestling her protectively against his body, spooning with her. "But I am grateful that it was -- I do not know what I would have done if you'd never returned to the CrowesNest..."
"Shhh," she soothed. "I'm with you now. And I'll be coming back with you when the time comes."
He was silent for some time, and she thought he'd fallen asleep when she heard him ask quietly, "Have I made you happy? Is the way I love you... pleasing to you...?" There was an oddly hesitant tone in his voice, as if he were expecting a negative response, but she assumed it was just her imagination.
"Is that a serious question...?" The moan that came from her throat was deep and sensual. "You must know how 'pleasing' you are to me.... You were incredible just now. You're the best, Max..."
"Then promise me something..."
"Anything," she murmured.
"If you ever find this part of our relationship... wanting... promise me you will tell me... I cannot make you happy if I don't know if you're displeased..."
She was instantly wide awake, eyes opening slowly.
Damn you, Sid, she thought to herself.
Maximus had never mentioned this subject before, but it was painfully obvious that the Spaniard's masculine pride had been wounded more than she thought when, a week earlier, she had told him about Sid. Demanding to know why she had been with Sid, Max had dragged the confession out of her... that she found Sid's dark side 'exciting'. No doubt he'd taken that to mean that he himself was unexciting.
Realizing that he was still uncertain about their relationship, in spite of everything that had happened or been said in the past two days, she sighed softly, holding tight to the arms that encircled her. She paused a long while, choosing her words carefully, hoping to reassure him without getting into a long, drawn out discussion -- or argument -- over what they'd already hashed over. "Max... I've never been displeased with any part of our relationship. If that's how you thought I felt, I'm truly sorry. Being with you in bed has never been anything but wonderful."
There was a long pause. "But..."
She turned over, facing him, raising a hand to caress his face. "There are no 'buts'. I know what I said, but its over. I made a mistake -- he knew all the right things to say to make me *think* that's what I wanted... But its not so..." She kissed his cheek. "You drew me to the CrowesNest, Maximus. You and you alone. No one else will come between us again... I - I love you, Max. I loved you practically from the moment I first saw you in 'Gladiator'... and I'll always love you."
He smiled, eyes glittering in the soft light. "I love you too... we are connected, you and I..." He leaned in and kissed her. "Don't ever leave me again..."
Tears welled in her eyes. "I won't, Maximus... I won't..." They held each other closely, drifting to sleep in each other's arms...
Maximus stood beside Laura in the small kitchen, pouring some orange juice into two glasses as she finished scrambling the eggs, scraping them out of the pan and onto two plates. "Going for a run this morning?" she asked.
"No, not today. I'll just stay here and relax with you." He set down the carton of juice, leaning against the counter for a moment as he rubbed his forehead, grimacing slightly.
She looked at him, noticing he seemed a bit drawn and haggard. "Something wrong?"
Shaking his head, he replied, "I'm just a little tired... headache."
"Tired, eh? Wore you out last night, did I?" she said, wiggling her eyebrows. After a short nap following their first coupling, they'd continued their lovemaking, seemingly unable to get enough of one another.
With a bemused smile, Maximus said, "You wore ME out?" He chuckled softly. "I think not..." He took her in his arms. "Allow me to demonstrate," he said as he kissed her passionately, leading her towards the bedroom.
"But what about breakfast?" she protested half-heartedly as her robe slipped to the floor.
"It can wait..."
She was half-asleep when she heard the telephone ring. Groaning softly, she rolled, coming face to face with Maximus as she muttered, "I'll let the machine get it." He grunted, slowly waking up again after having fallen into a heavy sleep right after they had made love. She listened to the answering machine's message, then the half-intelligible voice, saying something about selling magazine subscriptions. "Don't those people ever give up...?" she yawned as he stirred, slipping out of her embrace, shuffling out of bed and into the kitchen. She listened to him run the water in the sink, then closed her eyes, pulling the sheets over her head.
She had nearly fallen back to sleep when she heard Maximus' ragged voice say, "We must go back."
Her eyes opened quickly as she threw off the sheets, alarmed by the urgent tone to his voice, and they widened as he leaned against the doorframe, looking like death warmed over. She sat up, asking worriedly, "Max? What's wrong?"
"Something is not right..." He took a step towards her -- and staggered, almost falling to his knees. She was up and at his side in an instant. "John warned me not to stay away too long," he explained as he leaned on her, and she was shocked to feel him tremble violently. "I didn't believe him... but now..." He shook his head in an attempt to clear it. "You must take me back to the CrowesNest."
"Oh, god!" she exclaimed. "Max, why didn't you say something!? I didn't know!!"
"I didn't realize it myself. I thought we had until tomorrow morning."
"We'll leave right away," she said, trying to appear calm, although she was shaking with fear inside. "Let me just take a really quick shower and get cleaned up; we'll hit the road as soon as I pack." She rushed around the room, gathering up an outfit to wear. "You get dressed too."
He sat down on the bed for several minutes, conserving his strength, then began to gather his belongings. He listened as she took a shower in record time, then watched as she dashed out of the bathroom, throwing on her clothes, flinging spare clothes into the suitcase at the same time.
He tried to talk to her several times, but she wasn't listening, running around the apartment in a near panic. Finally he caught her arm and stopped her.
"Calm down, Laura. I'm ok. There's no need to be upset."
She didn't look convinced. "How long do we have?"
"I --- I don't know," he admitted.
"Shit," she muttered. "Then we're leaving NOW."
Once he was ready, she hurried him out the door, and they tossed their suitcases and duffel bag into the trunk of her car, and took off for the highway.
Maximus laid back in the passenger seat, eyes closed, as they drove westward down I-80, and she glanced at him frequently, frightened at how bad he looked. His face was pale and drained. And he was fading before her eyes, the colors in his face, his hair, his eyes -- even his clothes -- starting to lose their hue. She drove as fast as she dared, knowing they could ill afford to be stopped for speeding, praying they hadn't waited too long.
She put her hand over his, squeezing it gently, not at all reassured when he squeezed her hand back and opened his eyes, giving her a wan smile before closing his eyes again. His hands were trembling, and his skin was cold and clammy.
"Hang on, Max; hang on," she whispered, brushing a tear from her face as they raced homeward...
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