Hey everyone sorry for the long delay in updates. I'm currently in Uganda, in Africa so internet access has been limited! Here's the next chapter and hopefully I'll have another one up in the next few days! Reviews are always welcome!
Jason never made it up to bed that night, instead choosing to sleep on the couch in the living room to be sure he didn't miss Spinelli before he left the penthouse, he had to explain the situation before Spinelli let his overactive imagination run too far. After what only seemed like minutes of having his eyes closed Spinelli came thudding down the steps laptop tucked under his arm as always.
"Greetings Stone Cold, I assume your presence on the couch means Maxie is upstairs in your room." He asked a glimmer of hope in his voice. If Maxie were upstairs that gave Spinelli hope that maybe they hadn't slept together, why would Jason leave the bed of the one he shares it with?
"Maxie went home last night. Look Spinelli I don't think you understand what happened here last night."
"What Stone cold chooses to do, and with whom is none of the Jackals business." Spinelli said as he busily moved about.
"Spinelli stop!" Jason said loudly causing his young friend to straighten up. "Listen, Maxie is—she had a rough night." He said lamely, he had promised Maxie he wouldn't tell him, and he was a man of his word.
"And Stone Cold was there to offer her comfort, and as all Fair Maxie's men of action the night ended in the carnal way—"
"I didn't have sex with Maxie." He said, it was true, although they had kissed no "carnal" knowledge as Spinelli had put it had happened.
"Oh, of course Elizabeth is the only woman there is room for in Stone Cold's heart." Spinelli said letting out a breath he had been holding. "Although fair Maxie hasn't always minded the lack of personal interest when it comes to carnal acts."
"Spinelli stop using that word." Jason yelled; the word kept bringing up images of Maxie's smooth skin under his fingertips as he kissed her or his fingers as he unfastened her bra, the way he held her in his arms in his bedroom. It would have been easy and wonderful to let things continue from there, but Jason had gotten very good at depriving himself of what he desired in the last few years.
"Would you do the jackal a favor and please watch out for the fair blonde one. She can sometimes forget about her own safety and I fear she could get herself into some trouble." Spinelli said then grabbed his bag and walked out the door leaving Jason to wonder what the hell he was thinking.
He had never intended to tell Spinelli about the kiss, because it was just a kiss, it shouldn't be enough to ruin his friendship with the young hacker. But then why did he have the horrible feeling in his gut that he was slowly breaking his friend's heart.
~*~*~
"Cody, you don't have to stay here." Maxie said annoyed as she walked around the apartment trying to get ready for work. The cut on her forehead was covered with make-up and her bangs hiding it from plain view. She specifically chose clothing without zippers knowing that she was still bruised badly and would be for a while, meaning no skimpy outfits for the next few weeks. Hopefully Kate didn't have any "dates" planned for her in the near future, sure they could cover it with make-up but then she would have to explain.
"Seriously Cody, go back to wherever it is you go when you don't work. I release you from your duty."
"Only Jason can do that." Cody stated simply. In a lack of speaking contest Cody could give Jason a run for his money, no wonder he had made his way through the ranks so quickly.
"Well then call him and tell him, your captive wants you to leave." Maxie smiled sweetly. She watched as Cody pulled out his phone and stepped into the kitchen area to keep Maxie from hearing his end of the conversation.
"Mr. Morgan said no, I'm to stay with you until further notice." Cody informed her, a smile gracing his face for the first time. Jason had a few other choice words for her but with his limited experience with the girl he didn't want to press his luck. He had heard stories from other guards and he had no desire to become another story.
"Well then if you won't drop the stalker detail I guess we'll have to make a detour to Harborview Towers before heading into work. I do hope you enjoy fashion Cody, because we're going to have to redress you if you're going to fit in with the décor." She smiled before walking back into her room. She came out moments later with her oversized purse over her shoulder and her brown trench coat buttoned to the hilt.
~*~*~
Maxie arrived at the penthouse and knocked on the door waiting for someone to answer, she still had the spare key but thought it best to wait for someone to let her in. Thankfully it was Jason who quickly responded with his favorite opening line. "Spinelli's not here."
"Good then we can have this conversation without having to worry about our volume. I left your guard dog down at the door." Maxie said walking into the penthouse without permission, like she always did. "Did you talk to Spinelli this morning?"
"Yes." Jason said slamming the door shut. "Why are you in such a hurry to get rid of Cody?"
"Because I don't need a babysitter Jason." Maxie said setting down the bag. "If Jerry Jaxs was going to come after me, I'm sure he would have done it after the whole Metro Court thing. He doesn't see me as a threat or he would have done more than knock me out last night."
"How is the bruise on you back?" Jason asked his voice softening with the question.
"I tried to get a good look at it this morning but it's not very easy to see." Maxie said sitting in the chair. "So Spinelli was okay?"
"He thought we had sex, you were right. I told him we didn't." Jason stated simply. "You could have had Lulu look at your back this morning."
"She left before I woke up, and the only other option was Cody, so if you'd like he can take a look at it too?"
"Or you could go to a doctor." The banter continued. He moved towards her motioning for her to remove the jacket. While Maxie had gone back into her room at the apartment, Cody had made another quick call to Jason letting him know they would be stopping by. Maxie on the other hand had changed out of her simple shirt and changed into a backless tank-top that she probably would only wear out to a night club. But she knew Jason would demand to see how she was healing.
The top tied at the neck and was completely backless except for the small connection material that was at the small of her back, leaving the option of a bra off the table. She unbuttoned the coat revealing her nude back and turned so it faced Jason. The bruise had become darker in the few hours since he had last seen it.
"How bad does it hurt?" Jason asked his fingers skimming over the surface.
"Only when I move, or when I was trying to sleep on my side and my shoulder blades moved." She smiled.
"I'm sorry." Jason whispered before stepping back and sitting on the couch again, Maxie soon followed suit. "So your head and everything else is fine."
"Everything else being my life, not so much. Lulu was nice enough to bring me clothes but, we still aren't talking. So don't worry I didn't tell her about any of this. Frankly because I don't know how I would even put this into words." She said motioning between the two of them.
"Maxie—" Jason started.
"Before you finish what I'm sure is going to be a blunt uninformative answer just answer this, is there something we should be talking about" Maxie said sitting down on the couch sliding of her Jimmy Chews, crossing her ankles underneath her. She hadn't put back on her coat yet and Jason could now see the full extent of the shirt. It may have tied at the neck but the front had a deep v that showed her creamy skin and left little to the imagination.
"Maxie—" Jason said again, he had expected her to keep ranting and when she didn't they were left with an awkward silence. "I don't know what to say."
"Then don't say anything. Show me what you can't tell me." Maxie whispered softly. The spunk and confidence she had lacked the night before had found its way back in the few hours back at her apartment. She didn't make a move, because she knew Jason had to figure this out for himself. It was the only way they would ever figure this out.
Jason moved to sit next to her, keeping his hands firmly placed on the tops of his legs, gently gripping trying to stop himself from reaching out for her. It was a battle he was hoping he would lose. Maxie moved a hand to cover his, her fingers barely reaching his knuckles. With very little time to comprehend Jason moved his free hand, to her lap, making contact with her black pants that contained her slender legs.
"Tell me if I should stop." Maxie said quietly rising up to her knees, her free hand moving to his stubbled cheek.
"You should, but I don't want you to." Jason said quickly pulling her into his lap his lips instantly connecting to hers. He kept his hands on her waist afraid of touching her bruise. After a couple of quick kisses Jason pulled back letting his forehead rest against. "I'm attracted to you Maxie. There is no doubting that."
"But this can never be anything, I know. So from now on we'll just try and avoid each other. I won't be too hard." Maxie said lightly using his shoulders to push herself up from his lap. "Promise you'll let me know when I can ditch the goon?" She smiled before putting back on her jacket.
After a quick exchange of goodbyes, Jason walked Maxie to the door and watched her step into the elevator, before closing the door. Moving back to the couch he laid back down hoping that some of Maxie's scent would still remain on the couch.
In no time at all Maxie had him wrapped around her fingers and that's all he could think of now.
~*~
Over the next few weeks, Spinelli and Maxie had managed to patch their friendship, not fully but at least to the ability to be in the same room with each other. Which meant that Maxie was again a constant fixture at the penthouse.
Whenever one of them would arrive the other would always come up with an excuse to leave, usually without drawing too much attention to Spinelli. The sad fact was that neither felt comfortable being in the same room, with each other while in the presence of Spinelli.
It wasn't until he received a call from Cody, that Maxie had gotten herself into trouble at Jakes that he was alone with her. Quickly jumping on his bike and making the short drive, it wasn't long before he discovered the type of trouble Maxie had gotten herself into.
Upon entering Jakes, Jason found Maxie lining up a shot at the pool table, a guy pressed behind her with a hand on her hip caressing her bare skin, and one extended along her arm. After missing an easy shot, she turned in his arms taking a sip of the beer that was sitting on the table. The mystery man's hands were now both on her hips, one dangerously lowering towards her round bottom, accented by her short jean skirt. The game of pool was forgotten as a song started to play on the juke box and Maxie began to sway her hips to the music. Without much time to process his thoughts Jason stalked towards them pulling Maxie out of the strangers grasp before forcing her behind him.
Instantly the young man started spouting out profanities, while Maxie fought against the arms around her. Jason turned her to let her see who held her and instantly she calmed down.
"We're leaving." Jason said stoically, the instant that Maxie calmed the other guy figured he had lost his chance and went back to the bar for another drink. Jason led Maxie out of the bar and back towards the car Cody had been driving tossing the keys of his bike towards the guard, who stood confused at the events that had just transpired.
He had never understood Maxie Jones roll in the lives of those in the penthouse. Frankly he didn't understand why the beautiful blonde spent so much time with the weird computer kid, but when he was told to guard the girl he knew better than to ask questions. But when Jason had asked him to call if Maxie tried to get involved with any guys a red flag had gone up. There was some reason why Jason wanted Maxie watched and he didn't believe for a second it was for Spinelli's sake.
~*~
"You have no right to come in there and pull me out!" Maxie yelled once sitting in the car, she didn't want to cause too much of a scene but she wanted Jason to know how upset she was.
"Cody called me and said that you wouldn't leave. I thought you agreed to listen to him." Jason said putting the car into gear and beginning to drive.
"Yeah, about things that put me in danger. Jason if I want to go to the bar and have a few drinks with some guy, that's not your concern."
"Maxie you were basically letting this guy put his hands all over you." Jason said trying to put an end to the conversation. Silence filled the car as they pulled into the parking garage of Harborview Towers. They both exited the car, Jason grabbing hold of Maxie's arms just above her elbow to steer her in the direction toward the elevator and also to help the petite blonde keep her balance after all the alcohol she had induced. They came upon another couple as they entered the elevator and Jason gently placed his hands on top of Maxie's shoulders for the ride up, doing his best to smile at the other riders.
Of course they knew who he was; he just hoped they didn't recognize Maxie as the police commissioner's daughter. Rumor's ran rampant in the complex and that was the last thing he needed tonight. Thankfully Maxie could sense his thoughts and choose not to make a scene, a true sign that she was growing up.
Once they entered the penthouse it was a completely different story. "You are such a bully Jason!" Maxie fumed.
"Well I'm sorry for being concerned for your well being. I told Spinelli I would look out for you while he went to visit his grandmother."
"Jason just drop the act okay. Spinelli is out of town and we have been avoiding each other for weeks now." Maxie said sliding out of her shoes. Ever since they had agreed to stop whatever it was they were doing, thoughts of their kisses hadn't left her mind. And now, without the buffer of Spinelli walking through the door to interrupt conversation, Maxie had every intention of having this fight out. A fight she was almost certain she could win. "Why did Cody call you, I wasn't in trouble?"
"That really depends on who you ask?" Jason said trying to calm himself.
"Jason it's not your job to police my sex life, not that there is anything to brag about." Maxie rambled, Maxie propped herself up on the couch watching Jason as he paced back and forth across the floor. "Would you just stop moving for five seconds?"
"I shouldn't have brought you here. I'll have one of the guard's drive you back to your apartment." Jason said moving to pull his phone from his jeans pocket. Before he had a chance to dial Maxie was up from the couch and stopping his actions.
"Jason we actually have an opportunity to talk here. Spinelli is out of town, so we can actually talk about this because I don't know if you've noticed but it's been hell for the last few weeks!" Maxie continued.
"There's nothing to talk about." Jason responded before pulling away from Maxie's touch and walking towards the mantel.
"Okay, then why have we been avoiding each other? Or is it just me, this can't all be in my head."
"Maxie just let me call you a car," Jason face was so withdrawn that it made Maxie feel sorry for him.
"Fine I'll leave, all you have to do is answer one question." Maxie started she moved towards the couch and slipped her shoes back on before walking towards Jason. "If there is nothing to talk about, why would you pick me up at Jakes? Why would it matter if I was hooking up with some guy, and don't say it's because of Spinelli, because we both know it's not."
Jason ran a hand over his face letting out a long sigh. "Maxie just drop this, I'm asking you; please."
Maxie was now standing within reaching distance of Jason, her hands still at her sides although she wanted to reach out to him. His firm exterior was cracking and he looked so broken. Right now all she wanted to do was hug him and try and take away whatever was going on inside his head. "Jason I—" she started softly, the change in her voice causing Jason to look over at her; the biggest mistake he could have made that night.
Jason quickly stepped forward pulling Maxie into his arms sending her off balance with the heels. All her weight was then held by Jason, until Maxie as able to regain her composure, at least until Jason's hands snaked around her waist pulling her flush against his body, a hand slowly trailing up her body and into her hair.
It was only a few more seconds until his mouth quickly descended onto her rosy lips which were parted in surprise of Jason's quick movements. Much like their other kisses it was quick and rushed as if they only had a few more minutes to live. With unpracticed movement Jason led Maxie back over towards the couch where he quickly sat breaking the kiss before pulling her into his lap, her legs straddling his forcing her short skirt further up leaving her without much covering her tiny frame.
Jason's hands split time between her hair and the skin under her shirt, his fingertips running over her soft skin. Maxie's hand had made their way to the bottom of his black shirt sliding her warm fingers underneath it, slowly dragging it up his body. They only broke the kiss for the garment to go over his head, giving Maxie new access to his bare broad shoulders and chest. Breaking the kiss Maxie moved down his jaw line towards his neck Jason taking the opportunity to do the same.
It wasn't long before Jason and Maxie were in a serious make-out session and Jason moved to remove her shirt, there wasn't much in the way of material but with its removal Jason caught a glimpse of Maxie's lace bra covered breasts. Something he had thought about since he'd helped her undress in his bedroom. Maxie's skirt was now pushed up to her hips leaving her almost naked as she sat on Jason's lap.
Both were so entranced by each other that they didn't hear the door open, it was there that Elizabeth Webber saw a sight that she had seen once before. Maxie Jones in an intimate moment with someone she had cared for.
Maxie straddling Jason who held her close in his arms, chests pressed together, hands in each other's hair. When Jason moved to kiss the delicate skin of her neck Maxie turned her head in the direction that Elizabeth was standing, mouth wide open in shock.