* * 4 * *



Tonight Max and I are going to a Jazz Festival. I haven’t been to one in years and Max thought it was a really cool idea. I noticed that he was looking especially fine tonight when he picked me up. He had on a pair of black jeans a white button down shirt and his black leather jacket that showed of his dark good looks to perfection. His hair was really cute; it looked wind blown and fell in wisps on his forehead. All I could think about was running my fingers through that hair; I knew it would feel like silk.

“You look really great tonight.” Max said as we walked to the jeep, his voice soft and husky. I’d never felt so good about a pair of jeans and a tight black sweater before.

“Thanks” I replied as I slid into the seat.

He stood outside the passenger door for a second and all I wanted to do was kiss him before he shut the door and walked around to get in the drivers seat. This is going to be a long night, I thought to myself. He rested his arm on the back of my seat as we began to drive and suddenly the jeep was too small. He wasn’t touching me but I could feel him on my skin. I sighed with relief when we finally pulled into the fairgrounds parking lot. Max and I have been together for four months and we still haven’t progressed past the kissing and groping stage of our relationship. I was beginning to worry about why he wasn’t trying to get into my pants.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Max said from outside my window.

I almost jumped I hadn’t even been aware of him getting out of the car and coming around to open my door. SEX. Was my first thought as an answer to his question and I had to bite my tongue to keep the word from leaving my mouth.

“Just thinking about what a wonderful time we’re going to have tonight.” I said around a too bright smile.

He smiled back at me and helped me out of the car. The grounds were filled with people as we made our way to the Blues stage. He laid the blanket we had brought on the ground and sat down pulling me down to sit between his legs.

I could stay like this forever, wrapped up in Max’s arms. I sighed with contentment as I leaned my head back against his shoulder as he swayed gently to the music. His breath was warm on my neck and I started to tingle as he softly licked the curve of my ear.

“I love you Maria Deluca”, Max whispered in my year. I turned my face towards him and lightly kissed him on the lips.

“Ditto” I said and we both chuckled.

“Max. Maria. I can’t believe we ran into you in this crowd.” I looked up reluctantly at Liz Parker’s smiling face.

“Yes. It’s unbelievable.” I replied dryly. Not all that unbelievable since Liz had spent the last three months showing up unexpectedly on our dates. This time she was dragging Alex, who looked very uncomfortable, behind her.

“I hope that you don’t mind if we join you. Alex and I decided at the last minute to come to the festival and we didn’t bring a blanket with us.”

Of course I couldn’t tell the truth, that I did mind, so I invited her to join us. It also didn’t escape my attention that she chose to sit next to Max and forced Alex to sit next to me. Max gave me a smile and settled back with his arms around me.

I just don’t understand her anymore. It’s been four months since she told me that she was fine with Max and I dating, but she just won’t give up. Liz doesn’t do anything to obvious, like throw herself at Max or tell him she wants him back. She just always makes sure that she’s around.

At first I thought I was being petty, but now I can’t ignore the sweet smiles she throws his way, or the way she always finds away to touch him. To his credit, Max has done nothing to encourage her. He just ignores all of her advances and this time is no different than the others.

Every time she whispers something in his ear, he just nods and than whisper in my ear how much he loves me. I had enough after about two hours and nudged Max so he would know I was ready to leave. Both Max and Alex gave me grateful smiles and I didn’t miss Liz’s glare.

“Sorry, guys,” Max said, “ but I promised Maria’s mom I would have her home early tonight. Liz, Alex, see you later.”

As soon as we were out of earshot, I said,” You’re not really taking me home are you?”

He just smiled at me, “I do have plans for you, but they don’t include your mother.”

I laughed as we made our way to the jeep. It was than that I knew no matter what Liz tried, Max was mine. Could life get any more perfect?