A/N: So sorry for the delay, unavoidable circumstances and such... I promise I'll make it up to you guys though : )
28.
"Yes, yes I really do agree. Proper lighting makes all the difference in a stage production and it can truly make a scene appear absolutely—"
Maxwell stopped talking to Director Fredrick DeCarlo in mid-sentence. As he was gazing over his guest's shoulder, he caught sight of something (ahem, someone) fascinating. It was Miss Fine and she was leaning up against a pillar near the buffet table, delicately snacking on a crab cake. When she finished, she touched a few fingers to her mouth to remove the remaining crumbs and then she brought her palms down to smooth out a few creases in her dress. Never in his entire life, before this moment, had he found a woman to appear so appealing... so sexy whilst devouring her food. But then again, he had never met a woman quite like Miss Fine.
"Breathtaking," he finished, his eyes sparkling.
"Maxwell?" asked Mr. DeCarlo, concerned for Max's abrupt pause and loss of attention.
Swinging his head around, he tried to locate whoever Maxwell was looking at. There were too many people though, and the attempt proved fruitless.
"Ah, I'm sorry Fredrick. Please excuse me if you will; there's someone dear to me that needs my attending."
"Of course Max."
God, she looks absolutely heavenly in that red satin and lace evening dress... Why on earth did I leave her alone?
As he came closer to approaching his favorite nanny, he noticed, with much discontent, a sort of far off look in her eyes along with her lips being twisted into a small frown. He knew she felt out of place here and he mentally chided himself for not looking after her and keeping her company. It had been terribly difficult for him to slip away though—what with numerous unwanted advances from Deborah and fans bombarding him with questions about his upcoming musical every five seconds.
Maxwell Sheffield sauntered over to her, brazenly grabbing Fran around the waist and pulling her close. He leaned his nose down towards the nape of her neck. While inhaling her luscious scent through his nostrils, he openly expressed his curiosity in her disappearance and the longing he felt in reaction to his sudden loss of companionship. Hell, he hadn't even publicly announced they were a couple and already, he was treating her like she was his girlfriend or something. Usually it was uncharacteristic of him to do such a thing... not to mention, a risky career move. After all, many people tonight probably wouldn't take his "hooking up" with the help lightly. At this very moment, C.C. was already fuming from across the room, desperately trying to distract her buddies at the cocktail bar so that they wouldn't catch a glimpse of Maxwell and... that... that wretched Nanny Fine.
"Where have you been the whole night Miss Fine? I've missed you!"
He had caught her off-guard and she wasn't exactly sure how to react. Had Deborah said anything? Had he seen her with Drake?
"Oh you know, here and there," she vaguely replied with a small smile.
"I would have loved to have had your help schmoozing investors."
"Hmpf! Last time I was with you for one of these social events, you told me it was better if I kept quiet."
"That's because those people had a stick up their you-know-what Miss Fine. These people would have loved your upbeat personality," explained Max.
"Oh... ok," she said, understanding.
Guilt getting the better of her, Fran decided she would let spill a little more of what happened tonight. Well, sort of.
"Deborah had me talking to that fashion guru for about an hour. You know, he doesn't even like faux fur. He actually uses the real stuff."
"That's terrible Miss Fine. And that Deborah woman is absolutely intolerable, confessed Maxwell. "She assured me that I'd be escorting a 'friend.' Can you believe she made a pass at me?"
"Noooo... Really?" she questioned.
"I mean, I know I'm a good-looking gentleman but—"
"Mr. Sheffield, don't flatter yourself."
He gave her a look.
"Hey, you didn't let me finish," she laughed, moving in closer to him. She touched a hand to his shoulder and lowered her voice to a sultry whisper near his ear. "Don't flatter yourself because you wouldn't do you justice. You're unbearably handsome, smooth, and sophisticated. Any woman who doesn't find you even the slightest bit attractive is obviously out of her mind. You truly cannot blame Debbie for acting on instinct."
"And how exactly would you act on instinct Miss Fine?"
He regretted saying the words, but it was too late now... they were already out of his mouth. Maybe if he was lucky she would think the question was innocent and would then respond with an innocent answer. Ha, not a chance! Miss Fine found nearly everything provocative.
"Well Mr. Sheffield, my first choice—well, let's just say it wouldn't be looked upon too highly if done publicly. But my second choice... I'd act on instinct by doing this."
She stood up on her toes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and collided her mouth into his own with a passion-fueled intensity.
Minutes ticked on and he still allowed her to hold her lips to his. Fran eventually drew back, stunned. She had ended the kiss! It was the first time she actually had the opportunity. He had given it to her. Countless times before he was the one to pull the plug and it was weird for her to have that power now. It was strange to have him not regret what he was doing...
It was also the first time he truly wanted to be kissed by her. And he enjoyed it? He had to of...
Wow. Wow. WOW!
Could they have kissed for the rest of tonight? Forever? The possibilities were endless.
"That's quite the sufficient answer," he said finally, happy to have her in his arms.
"So I thought," murmured Fran.
He delicately stroked her hair, already feeling the void of her missing lips.
"Well, thank you Miss Fine, but the only acting Deborah needs to be doing is in my musical production. And apparently she has other ideas in mind."
"You didn't fire her did you?" asked Fran, somewhat concerned.
She lifted her head up a bit to look at him.
"Who?" asked Maxwell, more than a little caught up in the moment. "Oh, oh right. No... of course not!" But at least she bloody knows better than to try that again. Otherwise, her job will be in jeopardy."
"Good, because next time she tries it again, I might have to get involved."
"And why is that Miss Fine?"
"Because you're all mine," she replied, simply and winked at him. "Every single, solitary inch of you."
He visibly gulped as she partially embraced him and ran her fingers across his chest and then his arm...
"You know, I wanted so dreadfully to come and find you, but people kept approaching me," admitted Max. "I thought our plan was to get rid of her anyway."
"Ugh, I know," whined Fran, resting her head against his chest.
They slowly shuffled their feet together to the music playing.
"So what happened to Ms. Blackwood anyway?"
"She left. She was thoroughly annoyed that I wasn't paying her any attention and that I wasn't available to meet some Drake fellow."
Fran gasped.
Did Deborah set me up?
She apparently wanted Maxwell to herself. And then when the moment was right, she wanted him to see Fran and Drake Wilder together. That had to have been it!
"Is something wrong Miss Fine?" questioned Maxwell, pulling back from her.
"Nothing... I was just wondering when you were going to take me to dinner."
She smiled and impatiently placed her hands on her hips. He chuckled at her response and rolled his eyes. Lightly grabbing up her hand and holding it with his own, he led her out of the ballroom.
