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Sunlight shone through the lace curtains dancing over Max's closed eyes. Stretching out his hand in search of Avonlea's warm body. His hands found nothing but cool sheets next to him. He rolled over and inhaled the scent off her pillow. He could smell her shampoo and detergent. Sitting up, he threw back the covers and the smell of their lovemaking filled his nose. He walked over to his bag and pulled on a pair of sweats and white t-shirt over his naked body.

He found Avonlea sitting crossed legged on her kitchen island surround by takeout cartons, fork in hand with food stuffed cheeks. Her eyes widened and a faint pink spread across her face. She covered her full mouth, looking anywhere but at him as she hurriedly chewed and choked down her food. She gulped at a diet soda and said, "Good morning. I did not just stuff an entire egg roll in my mouth."

He laughed. "Another hidden talent you have to show me." He pressed a kiss to her forehead as she snorted and swatted his shoulder. "Good morning."

She smiled and said, "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

Clad in a tank top and sleeping shorts, her hair thrown haphazardly in a bun on the top of her head, he could see her piercings pushing against the white fabric of her top. He ran his hands from her hips up her waist until they rested just below the curve of her breast. His thumbs grazed over her nipples. He leaned forward and nuzzled into her neck feeling the vibrations of her hummed moans against his lips.

"I did for the first time in a long time," he said.

She pulled away from his embrace with a giggle and handed him a new plastic fork that had come with the meal the night before. "Being at the hospital, worrying about August probably wasn't conducive to a good night's sleep."

"Well, no. But I got used to no sleep having to monitor him around the clock. It was actually weird not setting any alarms." He poked around in the cartons finally spearing a chunk of sweet and sour pork. He dipped the tempura meat into a thick red sauce before popping it in his mouth.

"I can't imagine how hard all this must be for you. What time is his burial?" Avonlea wiped a bit of sauce from the corner of his mouth.

Grabbing another carton of food he replied, "Not until 4." He leaned against the counter and ate some spicy chicken dish. He didn't want to think about August. He just wanted to move on with his life…their life together.

"Well then," she said, jumping off the counter, "I better get some work done so I can be ready to go on time."

"You really don't have to go," he muttered concentrating on the food in his hands.

Avonlea gently took the food and set it on the counter. She wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed. "I know I don't. But I want to. I want to be there for you like you were there for me."

He wrapped his arms around her savoring the feel of her body pressed against him. He wanted more. He always wanted more. He wanted her underneath him writhing in pleasuring as he pinned her wrists by her head and pounded into her, losing himself in the warmth and wetness of her body as it yielded to him, stretching and squeezing him as he moved in and out in a smooth frictionless glide. He wanted to pin her up against the wall and worship her on his knees as any disciple before an altar would venerate their god, licking and sucking at her flesh until her juices flowed down his chin, and she collapsed from pleasure into his arms.

Her arms left his waist and ran down the front of his sweatpants finding his growing bulge with ease. Her hands pressed into him then squeezed around his shaft before releasing him completely. She took his hand and gently pulled him. He followed willingly as he always would.

She led Max to the bathroom. He watched her peel away her clothes enjoying the way her body moved when freed from the constraints of clothing. Her breasts hung and swayed as she bent over to take off her shorts. Her pussy peeked out between her thighs. He quickly pulled off his own clothes, stroking his erection as she started the water. They showered taking their time covering the other's bodies in soap, the bubbles offering little resistance to their exploring hands. He hitched her leg over his hip and grabbed her ass pressing her hard against him. His cock slid through her slit over her clit hitting the bundles of nerves with each upward stroke. Her moans escalated reverberating against the walls. Her nails dug into his back as her orgasm ripped through her. He grunted as he finished, thick cum squirting between their stomachs. After a few moments of holding each other they slowly let go, their breathing reduced to soft puffs of warm air against their wet skin.

"It's a good thing we're still in the shower," Avonlea said with a small laugh as she glanced at the mess between them.

"Good clean fun is never as gratifying as down and dirty," he said as grabbed a bottle body wash and squirted an ample amount into her hands then his. They rewashed, dried, and dressed their bodies sated and clean.


Avonlea sat at her desk flipping through her planner and asked, "What are you going to do until it's time?"

"I have some errands to run. I need to get some boxes. Maybe talk to an antique store to see if they want to take a look at any of the furniture in my apartment." Max sat on the couch staring down away from her gaze as he tied his shoes.

"You're just going to get rid of everything?"

The shock in her voice twisted his stomach. He knew she wouldn't understand. People like her, that loved their family, wanted to keep tokens and heirlooms. They hold on to possessions as if they could only keep their loved one's memory alive with a dresser or article of clothing. He just wanted to rid his life of everything August touched. He and Avonlea would make new heirlooms in their new life that would be passed down for generations.

"Avonlea, I didn't have loving normal family. I had a grandfather that openly hated me. I just want to move past all that and start the rest of my life with a clean slate." He looked into her eyes willing her to understand the hurt associated with everything in that apartment down the hall.

Her eyes welled with tears. "Ok. I understand. I mean, it's hard for me to grasp, but I'm trying."

"That's all I need. I'll be back around 3:00 so we can head out." He walked over to her and gave her kiss on the cheek. "Get some work done, slacker."

"Hey!" She shoved his arm. "Stop being such a distraction and maybe I could."

He placed his hand on her neck, his fingers spanning her jawline, tilting her head up as he leaned down. His lips pressed into hers spreading them with his tongue as he deepened the kiss. He moaned into her mouth willing her to taste his deep voice. He pulled back a stared at her face, cheeks flushed, lips a deeper shade, and eyes still closed. Her eyelashes soon fluttered as she opened her eyes to look up at him. "I have no idea what you are talking about," he said with a smirk.

She glared and smacked his butt as he turned to leave. "Go run your errands before I get fired!"

He laughed as he locked her door on the way out with his building keys. She made him feel so good. Happy. Playful. He wanted to throw her over his shoulders and body slam her on the bed before tickling her until she couldn't breathe. He'd never felt this way even when he was younger. Never so full of life.

He needed to do something for her. But what could he possibly give her. August's dvd library. It was full of old treasures she would be sure to love. He'd make sure he'd set those aside for her and only her. Instead of hearing August complaining about days when men were men and women were ladies and using those standards to tear him down, he would be able to watch her enjoy the romance and adventure of days gone by without any regrets. She'd point out the folly of those days and laugh at how absurd some of those ideals were.


Max entered his apartment and checked his messages. None. At least the building was quiet for now. No complaints to attend to. He grabbed his camera and snapped a few pictures of the furniture he thought might be old enough to interest the antiques dealers he knew in the neighborhood. He'd sell cheap if they came and got it as soon as possible.

He walked through the building thinking of all the improvements he was now free to make. He'd have to arrange some meetings with an architect with knowledge about older buildings, contractors, and see to about getting a loan from the bank to fund all the updates he wanted if August's life insurance policy wasn't enough. It was time to make this building as efficient as it was beautiful. He could charge more in rent too…make a better living for him and Avonlea. She'd be able to quit her editing job if she wanted to and just write. They'd fill the building with the sounds of children laughing and playing. It would be so different than the life he had known.

He walked distractedly through the neighborhood. Some business owners stopped him to greet him and asked after his grandfather. It was draining every time he had to explain his passing to a new person. His hopeful outlook on the future had been replaced by anxiety. He hoped he had come off as grieving in those brief and awkward encounters. He didn't need any gossip hanging over his head and making its way back to Avonlea's ears.

He returned a few hours later, boxes in hand. He set them against the back of the couch. He had lined up a few buyers for the bed room sets, living rooms set, and a few other things. They were coming in a few days. He had a friend at a thrift store that would pick up everything else that could be sold. He'd box up his things until new furniture could be delivered and the rest he would throw in bags and take to the dumpsters in the alley.

Max dressed in a black suit and walked down the hall to Avonlea's wondering if there was a way to combine the two apartments into one. They'd need the space sooner or later. It woudn't do to only have two bedrooms. They needed 3 or 4.

He inserted his key into the lock and turned it slowly. He walked into her apartment listening for clues as to her whereabouts. He heard the click of heels and followed the pitter patter to her bedroom. A few dresses lay across her bed. She stood in a black lace bra, matching thong, and black pumps, her hair twisted and pinned up.

"If that's what you're wearing. I approve," he said as he took in the sight of her breasts artificially lifted, creating a wealth of cleavage, the curve of her backside framed with lace. He wanted to bend her over, slide that small strip of fabric to the side and bury his face in her pussy as her hips rolled, riding his mouth.

"Don't give me that look," she scolded.

"What look?" The corners of his mouth twitched into sheepish grin as he averted his eyes to the ground.

"You are having impure thoughts. It written all over your face…and your trousers. We have some place to be. This," she said, gesturing between them, "will have to wait. Which do you think?" She held up a black dress with three quarter length sleeves and a belt just above the a-line skirt then she switched to a strapless black dress with a long sleeve lace overlay.

"Um, the lacey one?" Max said uncertainly. "They're both pretty."

"You don't think the lacey one is a little too fun for a burial?" Her brows furrowed and she bit her lip as she stared at the dresses. "These were the only black ones I had…."

"Wear the lacey one. It's beautiful. It'll only be us. I'll take you out to dinner afterwards. Make the most of our dressing up."

"Ok. Well, then I won't be wearing this." Her breasts fell with a small bounce as she took off her bra and tossed it on the bed. She unzipped the back of the dress and stepped into the skirt. She pulled it up over her hips and slid her arms into the sleeves. She turned exposing her back to him. "Would you help me, please?"

Max stepped forward closing the distance between them. He ran his fingers up her spine watching the goosebumps spread across her flesh. His lips grazed the nape of her neck tickling the fine hairs that had fallen out of the pins.

"Max," she sighed.

He growled and stepped back. "I know. I know." His fingers fell to the small of her back. He pulled the zipper slowly up to her shoulders then button the one black pearl button on her neck closing the lace.

Avonlea turned in his arms, cupped his cheeks, and kissed him gently. "Thank you. Now, let's go before we're late."

Holding hands, they left the building. Max hailed a cab and opened the door for her when one finally stopped. They rode to the cemetery in silence. His attention on the driver who should have been keeping his eyes on the road rather than his girlfriend. He glared at the driver the whole way wishing he could teach him what happens when a man lusts after what's his.

She reached over and took his hand in hers rubbing his knuckles gently. "It'll be over soon," she said, oblivious to the true cause of his outward turmoil.

He nodded. Willing the dark thoughts that had entered his mind, of bloody fists and broken noses, out of his head. He needed to calm these rages. He needed to be better for her. She deserved better.

Avonlea reached for his face. "Hey, c'mere." She pressed her lips to his coaxing him to relax.

Max took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her pulling her to him. She hummed a pleased little sigh. He looked in the rear view mirror and saw the driver's furrowed brow as he scowled at the road. He released Avonlea and kissed her forehead before she sat back in the seat with a small grin on her lips.

"Feel better?" she asked hopefully.

"How could I not?" He watched her smile grow at his praise. So beautiful. So sweet and trusting.


They finally arrived at the cemetery. He paid the driver leaving him a small tip. Maybe he would learn not to leer next time. They walked through rows of headstones until they found the family plot Max had been forced to visit every year on birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. His mother and grandmother were buried side by side. He wasn't sure where his father was buried. He'd never been brave enough to ask.

The pastor was waiting for them. The shiny black casket in place. Max remembered the man from the church he used to take August to and shook his hand. He introduced him to Avonlea and the brief service began.

Max stared at the casket. The floral arrangement of white roses and lilies rested on top. It was too beautiful. August did not deserve such things. He did not deserve to have this show of false grief. He did not deserve the words the pastor said.

The hell that man put him through. The looks of disgust and disappointment. Max remembered them further back than anything. He knew August hated him but didn't understand why until he was in high school. The hitting began when he was 10. Too old to coddled, too young to fight back. For years, he suffered in silence hoping to do good enough to please the old man. But it was never enough.

Bitter tears ran down his face. He hated the man being buried. He hoped whatever hell he was burning in gave him some glimpse into the life he had created for his grandson. An eternity of suffering for tormenting the child he should have but could never love. For making him believe he wasn't worthy of love.

An arm circled around his back. A hand rested on his hip and gave him a quick squeeze. He put his arm around Avonlea's shoulder, grateful for the feel of her body anchoring him to his new reality. He had her. He would build a new life with her. Love and cherish her. And he would make her love him.

"Do you want to take a flower from the arrangement to save?" she asked him.

He shook his head. He didn't need or want any reminders of this day.

The casket was lowered into the ground. They stood arm in arm until it was covered in dirt. That chapter of his life officially closed.


After another cab ride, Max and Avonlea found themselves in a corner booth of an old Italian restaurant. Red and white checkered table cloth, drippy candle in a bottle, and a singer belting out the hits of Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Dean Martin, and other greats created a relaxing and cozy atmosphere.

They ordered a bottle of wine and poured two generous glasses. They ordered an assortment of appetizers neither really having a robust appetite after such a somber afternoon. They ate enjoying the food and ambiance. Max was quiet and reserved even though he relished her company.

"You know what you need?" she asked, breaking apart a breadstick and offering him half.

He leaned over and took a bite of the proffered bread. "Mmm?"

She put the breadstick on her plate and wiped her hands. "You need a distraction."

"What do you have in mind?" He took a sip of wine and leaned against the large pleather seat.

She scooted closer into the corner of the booth. "What's the naughtiest thing you've ever done in public?" Her hands disappeared under her skirt as her hips began to wiggle. She quickly looked around before she bent over and slowly pulled her thong down her legs. She stepped her heels through the holes and brought them to her lap.

He snatched the lace garment from her and brought it to his face inhaling deeply. "I've lived a very sheltered life unfortunately." He watched her bite her lip, a faint flush spreading across her as he put the panties in his pocket.

"Me too." Her hand resting on his thigh and moved up until it felt the swelling in his pants and squeezed.

He took another gulp of his wine and motioned to the waiter. "We'd like our check please."


The ride home lustful gazes repeatedly met. A small touch here. A kiss there. Innocent to the casual bystander but filled with promises of pleasure. The air in the small cab felt charged like the sky before a storm.

Max followed Avonlea into the building. Knowing she was bare was too much. He needed her and he would have her.

They got into the elevator and pressed the button for their floor. As the machine began its assent, he pushed the stop button. He pressed Avonlea into the corner, his tongue plunging her to her mouth smothering her gasp. His hands worked quickly to unbutton the one button at her neck, then slid down to unzip her dress. He pulled her dress from her shoulders, licking and sucking on her nipples as they were bared. He pushed the dress over her hips until it hit the floor, and she stood naked before him.

He sunk to his knees and lifted her leg over his shoulder. She gripped the handrail tight as his tongue slid up her slit and lapped at her wet pussy. He let his nose nudge her clit and his bearded chin create friction as he licked the delicate folds. Her hips started to roll. One hand moved to grip his hair. Moans were stifled in her throat. He began to suck on her clit, pulling and nipping at the tender bud until her mouth fell open and he could hear her mewls of pleasure. He slid two fingers into her slickness, curving them until her legs started to shake. Her muscles seized around him as she screamed his name.

He put her leg down and stood. Her eyes were still closed. Her knuckles white against the brass handrail. He turned her around facing the corner. "Bend over," he whispered in her ear. She complied exposing herself to him completely. He stepped to the side and undid his belt then his pants. He stroked his leaking cock as he pulled it out. He stepped behind her and spread her cheeks. Lining himself up with her entrance, he thrust in to the hilt. Her head snapped up, her back arched with a moan. He began a quick pace. When he felt his peak approaching, he reached around and began to rub her clit.

"Oh yes! Oh god, Max, don't stop," she cried.

Her pussy tightened around his dick as her orgasm hit. A few more thrusts and came deep inside her filling her with his cum. His legs threatened to give out as his body recovered. He pulled Avonlea up to standing, and she turned to face him. He kissed her gently on the forehead, the cheeks, the lips murmuring words of praise. He helped her back into her dress and restarted the elevator.

They entered her apartment and showered before bed. He laid there watching her as she fell asleep. Once her breathing deepened, he left the apartment. He needed to retrieve the security footage from the elevator. It would be the only memento he kept from this day.