Fran shifted under the covers. She turned to drape her arm across Maxwell's waist but a cool, empty space greeted her. She sat up, quickly scanning the room for any sign of his presence.
Flopping against the pillows, Fran grew frustrated by the silence that encased the bedroom. When she slapped his pillow with the back of her hand, a flower tumbled into her palm.
She inhaled the sweet scent of the blush rose. Out of the corner of her eye, Fran spotted a sheet of paper that floated from its perch on Maxwell's pillow.
A light smile played across her face as she scanned the short handwritten message.
F,
I had an incredible evening.
I look forward to our next date.
Love,
M
It was an incredible evening. Perfect, from beginning to end. Rereading the note, Fran's lips curved into a smile. Maybe I should plan a date of my own.
Maxwell leaned back in his chair, staring out into the partially cloudy April sky. He wasn't any use in the staff meeting that dominated his morning. His mind kept drifting back to his date with Fran.
He knew David wasn't happy about his lack of focus in the production meeting but he couldn't help himself. Whether it was innocent or intentional, Fran Fine Sheffield would always be a distraction.
A rush of desire infused Maxwell's soul as he reminisced about last night. The feel of her lips against his, her body molding to his as a soft gasp of need emitted from both of them. A groan of want rose from his throat at the thought of his wife.
After twenty years of marriage, who would have thought that I would desire Fran as much as I did when we first married? Whom am I kidding? I want her as much as I did before we were married!
Maxwell shifted in his chair, initially unaware of why he was uncomfortable until he realized that his body had been betrayed by the sensuous thoughts of his wife.
Dana inched toward his desk. Maxwell leaned back in the chair with his eyes closed, holding a framed picture in his hand. Sensing someone was in the room he opened his eyes and met his assistant's gaze in the window.
"May I help you Dana?"
"I wanted to make sure you're all right. You seemed a bit preoccupied this morning."
The phone rang before Maxwell had a chance to respond. When he answered the call, a broad smile crossed his face as he listened to the person on the other end.
He covered the mouthpiece with his hand. "Dana, please close the door on your way out." He waited until she was out of the room before he resumed his conversation. "Ah yes, my incredibly sexy brunette dinner date. How are you Fran?"
"Disappointed."
"Why?"
"Well I didn't think my date would leave without at least a kiss goodbye."
"I was planning on calling you. Didn't you get my note?"
"Yes I did but you still should have wakened me when you left. So does this mean you want to see me again?"
"Most definitely. Every lovely inch of you."
"Max!"
Maxwell leaned back in his chair and smiled. "Fran, you're the most incredible woman I have ever met. I was completely serious when I said I have fallen madly in love with you."
"Well I know how you can make all of this up to me."
"How?"
"Are you free for lunch?"
"As a matter of fact I am. I can make reservations - "
"No. Today is my treat. How about a picnic in the park?"
"I don't know Fran," he said casting a glance at the dismal skyline, "it's a bit overcast."
"Perfect. We'll have our choice of spots."
"How can I say no to you?"
"You can't. I'll see you around twelve thirty."
"Twelve thirty it is. Fran?"
"Yes Max?"
"Don't you need my address?"
"Believe me baby, I know how to find you."
Fran pulled into the studio parking lot at exactly twelve thirty. She watched Maxwell's confident stride as he made his way to the car.
The man simply oozes sex appeal. His eyes; his smile; his accent; his very being speaks volumes about his sexiness without him needing to utter a single word.
Slipping into the passenger's seat, Maxwell leaned over and kissed her cheek.
"Hi Fran."
"Hi Max."
She waited until Maxwell fastened his seatbelt before pulling out of the parking space. Waving to guard at the gate, Fran pulled into the street and merged into afternoon traffic.
Maxwell's eyes widened as Fran pulled container after container of a seemingly never-ending picnic basket.
"My God Fran, how much stuff did you pack? It's only lunch."
"Well I didn't really know what to bring, so I brought a little bit of everything."
"Including the kitchen sink."
She lightly slapped his shoulder. "Stop being such a grouch. Our second date is supposed to be fun."
He kissed the back of her hand. "You're right. I'm sorry."
"Good boy. Now help me finish setting up."
They opened the containers filled with mixed fruits, pasta salad, a variety of cheeses, vegetables, baked chicken, crackers, and other delicacies. As Fran fixed their plates, Maxwell poured them each a glass of wine.
During lunch, they laughed, talked, and occasionally fed each other. With the exception of the odd jogger, teenagers, and families passing through, the park was relatively quiet.
After lunch, Maxwell helped Fran repack the basket. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he leaned down to nuzzle the nape of her neck.
"It was a beautiful day. Thank you for getting me out of the office."
"You're welcome but I thought you weren't going to enjoy our picnic because it was overcast."
"I enjoyed it because you were here."
"Mr. Sheffield, are you trying to seduce me?"
"Quite possibly Ms. Fine. Is it working?"
"Let's just say it's got potential."
He laughed and gave her a light peck on the cheek. "Come on; let's get cleaned up before we leave."
Taking his hand, she picked up the empty picnic basket and headed toward the car. "Max? Are you busy at work today?"
"Not really. I think David wasn't too pleased that my concentration was not on the meeting this morning."
She stopped and turned toward him. "Who's David?"
He opened his mouth to respond that she knew David but remembered that they only "met" yesterday.
"Sorry Fran. I forgot. David Jacobs is the network president."
"Ah, so your boss was unhappy you were distracted. And why were you distracted?"
"Some sexy brunette filled my thoughts."
"I hope I'm the only sexy brunette you're talking about."
Maxwell sat the picnic basket in the backseat of the car. Sliding his arms around her waist, he whispered, "Believe me, you are."
"You think you can play hooky for the rest of the day?"
"Depends. What do you have in mind?"
"I don't know. Maybe I can find something for us to get into."
He lightly kissed her on the lips. "I have to pick up something from the office first."
Starting the engine, Fran pulled out of the parking lot and drove back to the studio. Maxwell turned within the confines of his seatbelt to face her.
"I forgot to ask you. How did you find out where I worked?"
"I took a business card out of the case in your suit jacket pocket."
"You went through my pockets?"
"Of course." At his stunned silence, she said, "What, you didn't think I was going to call every major studio and ask if they had a sexy British television producer named Maxwell Sheffield working for them, did you?"