Disclaimer: See chapter 1…. The character of Jack is used by permission of "a fan".
Archive: If you want to put the story on your site, that's fine with me, but please let me know where. Thanks.
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A/N: I posted a version of this before, but was unhappy with it… so after much editing and reworking, here it is again, much improved I think.
"Come on Max, it's almost 5:00 and we still need to stop by the market." Logan shouted.
"Just a few more minutes Logan. I'm almost ready." Max retorted.
Max was taking an inordinate amount of care with her appearance tonight. It was important to here that this night go well. She had noted the closeness that Logan and Jack seemed to share, and she had liked Anne as well, it was essential to her that she make a good impression. But those were not the only reasons that Max's insides were tied in knots. She felt that tonight was special… their first night out as a "couple", their first date. She discounted the attendance at the wedding, since at that time; they were both still insisting that they "were not like that". Max was astonished by the fact that she was nervous, she so wanted these people to like her, to find her worthy of Logan's esteem.
Logan wheeled back to the bedroom, determined to see what was taking her so long. He was stunned to find her standing at the dresser in nothing but her black lace bra and matching panties, pawing through the drawer in a frenzy.
"I have nothing to wear." She wailed as she heard the squeak of his approach.
Logan, to his credit, tried unsuccessfully, to stifle the laughter rolling through him. Max pivoted towards him, her eyes flashing malevolently.
"And just what in the hell is so funny?" She fumed.
Taking several deep breaths to quell his chuckles, "just this morning, you were saying how many clothes you had here." Logan sputtered between gasps of air.
Max's glare turned even icier. "I have a lot of clothes here for Eyes Only jobs, and plenty for scrounging around." She retorted with and imperial lift of her head. "But I have absolutely nothing suitable for this…I can't show up in some frumpy t-shirt." She finished with a groan.
Logan rolled over to the bed, taking in the heap of rejected garments littering its surface. Digging through the clothes, inspiration struck him, extracting a pair of black jeans, a black cotton camisole and matching belt, and he tossed them to Max.
"Here, put these on… Do you have your black boots here?" At her nod he continued. "Good, get those on, I'll be right back."
Logan headed for the closet, pushing to the back; he found what he was looking for, a jewel green, silk button up blouse. He knew the color would suit Max to perfection, bringing out the olive glow in her skin. Placing the shirt in his lap, he returned to the bedroom.
Handing the shirt to Max, he stated "this will look great, just throw it on over the black tank thingy."
Noting the size of the shirt, Max looked at him threateningly, "I really don't think wearing one of your ex-floozies shirts is really what I had in mind." She replied hotly.
"Max, it was one of mine. I shrunk it, scouts honor." Logan stated exasperation clear in his voice.
Max critically gave him the once over, trying to determine the truth in his eyes. Finally satisfied, she slipped into the shirt, loving the soft, smooth feel as it slid against her skin. Tucking the shirt in her jeans, and leaving the top few buttons open, she grabbed the belt, threading it through the loops in her pants. As she sat down on the bed to pull on her boots Logan looked on appreciatively, he wasn't wrong about the color on Max, she looked incredible.
As they headed towards the door Max stopped in front of "the mirror", checking her appearance one last time. Memories assailed her; it seemed a lifetime had passed since Logan had first played her there. "The singularly most beautiful face" He had said as he swept her hair away from her neck. Max was filled with grief at all that Logan had lost. Tears welled up in her eyes as her mind raced through the "what ifs". How much different would things have been if she had only agreed to help Logan.
Logan slowed to a stop behind her, so entranced with the image of her beauty that it took him a moment to notice the rush of despair that clouded her face. As her eyes met his in the mirror a single tear fell.
"I am so sorry." She whispered brokenly.
Logan didn't need to ask what she meant; her distressed expression said it all. Slowly Max turned and crumpled to her knees. As Logan neared she threw her arms around his unfeeling legs and laid her head in his lap, her body shuddering with nearly suppressed sobs.
"I am so sorry." She repeated. "I should have been there, I should have stopped him." She cried, her voice filled with self recrimination.
Stunned Logan ran his hand over her hair, gently lifting her head, forcing her eyes to meet his. "Max, none of this is your fault; none of it… got it?" The thought of Max being somehow at fault was so alien to Logan that had have never even stopped to consider that she might be harboring any feelings of guilt. "Max my love, please… Don't do this, you didn't put me here, Bruno did, and if it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't even be alive…. You have saved me, many times and in countless ways" Logan paused urging her off the floor and onto his lap; enfolding her in his arms he placed a tender kiss on her forehead. "I love you sweetheart… Let's just leave the past where it belongs … We have way too much to look forward too and we've already wasted so much time on the past. Let's just forget it... Do you think we can do that?" He finished tenderly.
Max sniffled as she nodded. "Damn, we're really going to be late now." She added on a watery grin. "Sorry"
"Max" he replied, his voice giving the word a wealth of meaning. "Don't give it a second thought." Logan looked deep into her eyes before adding "Are you sure you're OK?"
"I'm fine." At his skeptical look she added "I promise." As Max started to rise Logan pulled her back.
"Stay, I like you here." He said rolling them off towards the door.
Max leaned back into Logan's chest, relishing the comfortable warmth and security she felt in his arms. She remained in his lap until they reached the Aztec and he had unlocked her door. Logan handed Max his phone as she got into the car, instructing her to give Jack and Anne a call to let them know they were running a little late. After shutting her door he rolled around to the driver's side, and began the process of transferring himself to the car. Max spoke with Anne as Logan lifted himself in, moving his legs in after and proceeded to remove the wheels from his chair, slipping them and the seat in behind him.
Max was hanging up as they exited the parking garage, at Logan's inquiring look she reported, "Anne was a bit glad we were running late, sounds like things are not quite on schedule there either." She grinned.
A comfortable silence ensued as Logan skillfully navigated the pitted streets. Needless to say that in the current state of affairs in the city, road maintenance was not a high priority. Max reached out and laid her hand on his thigh, Logan grinned although he could not feel her touch, he could "feel" the connection that her physical contact established.
As Logan parked in front of the market he turned to Max. "In the interest of time, why don't you run in, while I wait in the car?" He stated as he withdrew his wallet from his jacket pocket and handed it to her. At Max's concerned look, he added "Just tell the butcher you are there to pick up an order for me, he'll get you the right stuff".
Max entered a store unlike any she'd seen before. It vaguely reminded her of the store where she had taken the red dress from. It was sparkling and clean, and full of limitless choices. Damn, I guess with enough money, you really can still get about anything. As Max headed towards the meat counter she was drawn aside by a display of lotions and oils. Tantalizing thoughts of warm naked bodies, slicked with oil, flashed in her mind. Flipping through the samples she decided on an earthy scent of honey-almond, and placed it in the basket, a wicked sparkle in her eyes. Max forcibly brought herself to the present, refocusing on the task at hand. Steaks… got to get the Steaks.
Dropping Logan's name to the butcher brought immediate results, a large paper wrapped bundle appearing from the back cooler. Returning to the front of the store Max paid for her purchases, adding a bundle of flowers to the basket. Just as Max exited the store Logan pulled to the curb. Using the steering wheel for leverage he leaned over, opening the door for Max. Max placed the bag at her feet, and as Logan pulled himself upright, she quickly slid the oil into the backseat.
"I picked some flowers up for Anne, too." Max declared as she handed Logan his wallet.
"Good idea, glad you thought of it. They will be a nice addition to the bottle of Bordeaux I packed in my bag while waiting for you to get ready" Logan grinned back at her. "What, you think I'm such a poor guest I'd forget to bring my hostess something?" He teased her.
As they headed sway from the inner-city and entered the outskirts, the building typed changed, from high rise apartments, to condos and finally to the single family dwellings that formed the heart of suburbia. Logan carefully maneuvered around the burnt out husk of a car as they turned onto Jack and Anne's street. It was clear that this had been an affluent area. The home were large and the lots spacious, but the pulse had taken it's too here as well. Paint was cracked and stone walls were crumbling. It was only on closer inspection that Max realized the neglect was a carefully cultivate facade, meant to keep the rabble away. Unlike most of the city, children here were safe to play on the streets. Kids of all ages could be seen, biking and boarding, running and playing in the e carefree manner that their well tended neighborhood afforded them.
With the exception of Max and his Uncle Jonas, Logan had not visited anyone's home since his accident, the lack of accessibility making things awkward. Knowing he would face none of those challenges tonight had Logan feeling oddly carefree and playful.
Jack and Ann's home was easily recognized due to the broad cement ramp leading to the great stone house. Parking in the street, Logan readied his chair and prepared to transfer. As Logan slid himself out and positioned his legs, Max gathered the grocery sack and Logan's, pack, meeting him behind the vehicle. Bending over, Max placed a loving kiss at Logan's neck as she hung the pack from his char and settled the grocery bag in his lap. Her hand lightly gripping his shoulder, she walked at his side to the wide ramp. At the top of the ramp a few boys were gathered, fully geared in helmets and pads, playing around on their skateboards. One of the boys opened the door, shouting inside "Dad! Mom! Your guests are here!"
As Max and Logan approached the boys quickly got out of the way, waving or tossing out a greeting as they passed. The normalcy of their actions astonished Logan, it was nice to be seen and acknowledged, not treated like a circus side show, and by kids no less.
Anne appeared in the doorway, hollering after her son. "Don't go too far, we'll be eating before long!" Turning she greeted Logan and Max. "Well, I see you've made it. Come in… Jack's in the kitchen."
Digging through the bag on his lap Logan produced the flowers. "Here, these are for you."
Anne smiled, "Thank you that was very thoughtful."
"Thank Max; she's the one who thought of them." Logan replied, shrugging his head towards a still silent Max.
Max looked around her in wonder. She had expected the inside of the home to match the neglected look of the exterior. Instead what she found were large airy rooms obviously looked after with loving care. Everything was clean and well tended, the interior of the home reminded Max of the pictures in the old women's magazines. This wasn't just a house, it was truly a home.
"Your house is beautiful." Max finally piped up.
"Quite a different look from the outside, eh?" Anne joked. "I hate letting the outside go, but it keeps the scavengers and other scum away from the neighborhood."
Max and Logan followed Anne through the wide open arch and into the hard wooded floor of the kitchen. Jack was at the table with a little girl perched on his lap. The little girl looked to be a smaller version of Anne herself. Her inquisitive green eyes popped in their direction as they entered.
"Hi" she offered, "I'm Kara, I'm four, but I'll be five soon, Daddy says so."
"Oh, your daddy must be pretty smart" Max replied, stiff ling a giggle.
"He is!" Kara explained. "Daddy knows everything."
The adults broke into laughter at that comment. Anne rolled her eyes as Jack tried to shrug innocently.
"I wonder who told her that." Anne murmured sotto voce. "Kara, this is Max and Logan."
Jack closed the book he had been reading to Kara, and backed away from the table.
"Hey princess, why don't you go put this by your bed, we'll finish it tonight." Jack said as he lifted her off his lap and swatted her little behind. She ran off down the hall squealing. "Hey Logan, let's head out back and fire up the barbeque."
Max hesitated, unsure of what to do. Anne sensing her indecision asked her to help out in the kitchen.
"I'm all thumbs." Max warned
"It's OK, the guys have the tough part, we just need to check the potatoes and make a salad." Anne replied.
"Salad, now that I can do."
Max and Anne chatted amiably as they finished up the salad. Putting the salad in the fridge Anne collected some glasses and a tall pitcher of ice tea, placing it all on a tray the women headed out to join their men. They walked out to a freshly stained wrap around deck; the backyard was yet another surprise. It was exceedingly well kept, the grass very green for so early in the spring. In the multiple flower beds the earliest risers, the crocus and daffodils, were making their presence known.
"So Max," Jack called. "Are you ready for the grand tour?"
Jack led the pack as they all followed down the ramp to the well manicured lawn below. Over in the far corner of the yard was a submerged swimming pool, which Jack explained once it warmed up would be used daily, the kids for play, he for exercise. Next to the pool was a Jacuzzi, which Jack explained, with a wiggle in his eyebrows, was used mostly for extra-circulars, bringing a becoming blush to Anne's cheeks. At the back of the property was a garden, narrow cement paths trekking through the soil. Jack it seems was an avid gardener.
Returning to the deck Jack flipped the steaks onto the now heated grill, commenting on how nice the cuts looked. As the steaks cooked, Max stood at the deck railing, surveying the beauty of the yard before her. Behind her she could hear the deep rumblings of the men's voices, discussing some past NBA playoff season. Anne could be heard calling her kids to dinner, it all seemed so normal back here, as if the pulse had never happened. White picket fences, Max thought with a smile, she could live like this.
Anne came back, shepherding her children, "Kevin, say hi to Max and Logan."
"Hullo" came the reply from the tall young boy.
"He's nine." Kara added, earning a glare from her brother.
"Okay kiddos, set the table out here." Jack called to the kids, when they were sluggish to move he added "hop to it! We'll be eating in about 15 minutes"
Max moved back to the railing, Anne joined her. "You've got a lovely family." Max said on a sigh, wondering if she would ever be able to have the same.
"Thanks, I think so too."
"Can I ask you a question?" Max asked.
"Of course."
"Were your kids born before or after… Jack's accident?"
"Before, I was pregnant with Kara when he was paralyzed."
"Oh" Max replied, sounding disappointed...
"I take it you want a family." Anne stated
"I would love having kids. I just don't know… if we can" Max finished on a whisper.
"Max, I wouldn't worry about it. We've been considering adding to our family, and I've been doing my research. If you want kids, don't let anything stop you, even in our messed up time, modern medicine can accomplish miracles. I have some pamphlets in the library, I'll let you have."
"Thanks that would be nice. Please don't say anything about this." Max added, "I haven't even talked to Logan about this."
Dinner flew by with all of the chaos normally associated with a family dinner. For Max it was a little overwhelming, before Logan's meals, food had only been a way to nourish her body, no enjoyment, no chatter, just food. With Logan she had learned to enjoy her food, at least when he cooked it and the fantastic conversation that always accompanied it. Several voiced all raised at once, carrying on multiple conversations, was initially a bit hard to follow. Before long Max got a handle on the situation and was laughing can carrying on with the rest of them. As the meal wound down Anne direct4ed the kids to clear the table and ordered them off to bed, following them to assure they obeyed.
The others remained at the table, drinking their wine and enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. On her return to the deck Anne had switched on some soft music, which came wafting through the outdoor speakers. Jack pushed away from the table as Anne approached, indicating that she take his lap. Anne sat, her legs curled beneath her, an arm slung across his shoulder. Gently Jack began to swivel from side to side; Anne curled comfortably against his chest.
Max Watched intently, moved by the obvious love and rewarding life that they had so clearly created. Max turned to seek Logan's eyes, only to find him at her side, his arm extended in invitation. Gratefully Max climbed into his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, pillowing her head on his shoulder. As Logan began to sway, it occurred to Max that this is what dancing was meant to be. The closeness, physical and otherwise, was too sweet and tender to be ignored. Slowly Max turned in Logan's lap, her chest pressed against his, she softly nuzzled his neck. Under the rising moon tow seemingly mangled men danced with the loves of their lives; all recognized how fortunate they truly were. As the music fell to silence, Max and Logan prepared to leave, saying their goodbyes and promising to get together soon.
Jack, with Anne in still in his lap, stopped at the top of the ramp, waving to Max and Logan as the made their departure.
"She's a special girl; I hope he holds on to her." Jack whispered into Anne's ear.
"Oh... I think she's a strong woman; she's in it for the long run. She won't let him hide, even when he wants to." Anne replied, a wry grin on her face.
"Kind of like you?" Jack inquired a tender look on his face.
"Yeah" she said, dropping a kiss to his ear. "Kind of like me."
"Has it been worth it? I put you through hell for a while."
Anne's eyes bored directly into his soul as she replied "I'd do it all over again in heartbeat" sincerity and love evident in every word.
It was nearing 10 o'clock as Max and Logan returned to the penthouse. Max walked in, beckoning Logan to follow. She walked directly to the bedroom, unbuttoning her silk shirt as she went. Walking through the door Max tossed the shirt in the corner and bent over to remove her boots.
As Logan's hands rose to his buttons, she called, with a seductive look on her face "don't… Just get in bed; I want to undress you tonight."
Sliding next to the bed Logan stifled a groan as he lifted himself to the bed.
"Stiff?" Max asked. At his non-committal shrug she continued. "I thought you might be. You guys played rough out there. Which is precisely why I picked up this. She said tossing the massage oil to the bed.
Max stood by the side of the bed nearest Logan and slowly pulled her belt from her waist. He eyes locked on his her hands dropped to her zipper; teasingly she slid the jeans down her hard slim hips and tossed them to the corner, joining her shirt. Grasping the hem of her tank top she slowly raised her arms. Logan watched with bated breath as inch by glorious inch of her skin was revealed. As she slid her head out of the shirt she tossed her glossy mane and gave Logan a heart stopping smile.
Max sat on the edge of the bed, clad only in her panties and bran and gently removed his shoes. Working her way up she paused to unbuckle his belt. As she reached for his zipper she watched his member twitch in anticipation. Logan lay back on the bed, raising his hips as she slid his pants and boxers down his legs in one fluid motion. Soon Logan's pants had joined hers on the floor.
Max threw a leg over Logan's waist, her small hands clutching his full shoulder and beginning at the top began to unbutton his shirt, using only her pearly whites. As Max dropped lower Logan propped himself on his elbows, watching the exquisite beauty that was unbelievably his. When his shirt lay open across his chest Max ran her hands up his torso and down his shoulders, removing the shirt one arm at a time.
Pushing Logan down she helped him roll over, straightening his legs as he turned. Sitting back on his bottom Max poured the oil into her hands, rubbing them briskly to warm the oil. Leaning over, her breast grazing his back, she began on his shoulders. Her strong fingers gripping the tops as the heels of her hands kneaded the muscle beneath his warm flesh. Gradually she worked hew way down his arms, her breasts now pressing firmly into his back. Max placed tiny kisses across the back of his neck as she alternately pushed and pulled at the corded muscle in his arms. As she scooted back her fingers worked their magic over the knotted muscles of his damaged back, eliciting a groan of pleasure as knot after knot fell to her tender ministrations.
As Max slid off, in preparation to worn on hid chest Logan scooted himself to sitting, his back supported by the headboard. With a devilish glint to his eyes, his voice grown husky with desire Logan rumbled, "You don't think you get all the fun do you? Come here," patting his lap. Max crawled across the bed, sliding his legs open she sat down, her back to him. Reaching for the oil Logan lubed up his hands. The oil warm from his body heat, he placed his large hands on her shoulders and gave her a slow deep massage, his fingers working on her neck. As he descended his callused fingers braised the sides of her breasts, releasing a shiver of desire through her. Logan lifted her with ease, urging her to turn around.
Max shifted, kneeling in the V of Logan's legs, she leaned forward, bringing her mouth to his. Logan's hands found her tiny waist, his thumbs rubbing along her stomach, and over the ridge of her rib cage. With their eyes locked, silently communicating their love and desire, Max brought her hands to his chest, her fingers gently exploring, her thumbs circling his nipples. Breathing heavily Max laid across Logan's slippery chest, waiting for her heart to stop pounding. Logan held her tight, as the expended energy began to take its toll and drowsiness began to overcome him. Releasing her, he pushed them down in the bed, heedless of his thinning legs crumpling beneath them. Max for her part was just as worn out, content to lie against his chest and be held close, her legs tangled with his.
As sanity returned to them Max, she groaned on a yawn. "Damn, do we really have to go back to real life tomorrow?"
"Yeah, I guess we do, but it'll be OK. We'll make sure of it." Logan mumbled, half asleep already.
"It's been awfully quiet this weekend. What happened with Eyes Only?" Max asked curiously. But Logan was already asleep, the only recognizable words coming out of his mouth being something about "Bling" and "morning". Giving up on carrying on a conversation with her slumbering lover, Max bent to straighten his legs and pulled closer to him. Her head resting on his heart, and an arm thrown across his chest, she threw a leg over his, and lay down to sleep.