Floodgates

by BinBagBrain

This takes place roughly in Season 3 beginning in Spring Break. Some of the storylines in the show are removed/ignored so there's less animosity between the characters of Fran and Max. Any wordiness is just to help create an image and provide some stage direction for the reader to help them visualize what is happening. Don't forget to read all the chapters! More chapters to come!

20. Chapter 20

Max hurried into the kitchen and to the fridge to remove the casserole dish from the fridge. He read through the folded sheet of instructions Niles had left on top of it, then brought it over to the oven and set it inside, then turned the oven on to warm it up. He set an alarm on his watch, to remind him when to take it out of the oven, then went back to the fridge to see what was left that he could serve with dinner. Just then, he was startled by the phone ringing. He hurried to pick it up, not thinking that maybe he should have let the machine get it.

"Hello? Oh, hello Val. Yes she's home. Hold on just a minute- she's in the livingroom, let me go get her." He hurried out of the kitchen and through the dining room to bring the phone to Fran. "So, how has work been? They keeping you busy?"

Fran heard Max talking in the hallway and turned to look to see who he was talking to. He came around the corner with the phone and smiled at her.

"Here she is, Val, I'll hand you over to her. Here she is." Max came around the couch and handed the phone to Fran, then leaned down to kiss her. He picked up the box with the rings in it. "I'm just gonna put this by the stairs," he whispered.

"Okay, sweetie!" She ran her hand down his sleeve to his hand and gave it a squeeze. He smiled and headed back towards the stairs and she put the phone to her ear. "Hey Val! What's up?"

"Fran! Is it really true? You two are together?" Val squealed.

"Yes! Isn't it great? Oh, Val I have a million things to tell you, but there's so much, it's kind of private, too. But Val, Max is just the best! We've been having such a wonderful time together, I'm just so crazy about him! I love him so much! And he loves me, too, Val! He really does!"

"Aw, Frannie! I'm so happy for you! And your mother is totally freaking out. The only thing keeping her from coming over there is that she's afraid she might do something stupid that'll break you guys up, and she doesn't want that."

"Oh, Val, that's not gonna happen. But don't tell Ma that or she will come over here, and I don't want anybody over here yet. I want time alone with Max, before the kids and Niles get back. It's been so nice!"

"Well tell me- what happened? How did you guys get together?"

Fran clutched her chest, remembering. "Well, you might not believe it, but we went to Coney Island on Friday night. See, Max was supposed to have this big meeting this week that he was getting ready for, and then at the last minute it got cancelled- right before Niles and the kids left for their trips. And I think Niles may have had a bit to do with it, he talked to Max about us hanging out. So when everybody was gone, we just kinda talked, and said what the hell, you know? Let's go to Coney Island and have some fun. And you know what? We totally acted like kids- like different people. I even dressed different and we made up names. That made it so easy! We didn't really have to be ourselves, we could just cut loose and have some fun. Val, we had the best time! We did just about everything there. We went on the rides, played at the arcade, won lots of prizes. And then- at the end, we went on the Ferris wheel. And you know what?"

"What?!"

"The guy stopped the ride when we were at the top! We could see the whole city! And then- Max kissed me! It was like magic! Oh, Val, it was just the best!"

"Oh, Fran! How romantic! So then what? There had to be more-"

"Well, yeah. We came home and talked. He told me about a lot of things. A lot of things. Gosh, we talked about everything, Val. And we're still talking. And he asked me out, and we've been shopping and redecorating, and he asked me to this really important party next week. Oh, Val! I got the most beautiful gown! You have to see it! And jewelry. And Max got a new tux and it's gorgeous! Val, I'm so happy! You just have no idea, I can't tell you how happy I am. And we love each other! We really love each other. I don't think I've ever felt quite like this Val. It's so special! He's sweeping my off my feet! And we're committed to each other, we really need each other. It's not like we're going on dates just to see if we like each other, we're going on them to spend more time together. We're together, completely. We're making plans for the future, and talking about so much. I'm learning so much about him, Val. Things I never knew. I just love him so much! I can barely contain myself!"

"Aw, Fran, you're gonna make me cry! I'm so happy for you! I know how long you've had a thing for him. I'm so happy he has a thing for you, too! Aw, I'm gushing, Fran! When can I see you again? I wanna see everything!"

"I don't know, Val. Maybe sometime next week. The kids come back Saturday, and Niles on Sunday, so after that. Niles doesn't even know about us yet! Oh, he's gonna have a fit! And the whole livingroom is different! It's so nice in here, Val! But we have to do a lot with the kids, too. We gotta talk to them about a lot. But they were happy for us when we talked to them on the phone. Oh, it feels so good, Val. It really does. But hey, Max and I have a dinner date tonight, so I gotta get off the phone. He's working on dinner right now."

"He's cooking for you too? Oh, I want a guy like that!"

"He's warming up stuff Niles made before he left, but yeah, he did cook for me, too. We're taking care of each other. Really good care. But I'll call you and we'll set up a time when you can come over next week. And maybe Ma can come over at the same time. Then I can show you guys the new furniture! And my new gowns! Oh, and jewelry! Val, he got me a necklace with matching earrings! It's so beautiful! But I better shut up, I'll show you when you come over, okay?"

"Okay, Fran. I can't wait. Now go have your date with your boyfriend! And I want all the details later!"

"Only some details, Val! Not all of the details!" They both laughed. "I'll talk to you later, okay? If you see Ma, tell her I'll call her and set up a time when you guys can come over, okay?"

"Okay. And Fran- I really am happy for you. I know how much him and the kids mean to you. You guys are really lucky to have each other."

"Yeah, we are. Thank you, Val. I'll call you soon, okay?"

"Okay. Bye, Fran. And congratulations!"

"Thank you! Bye, Val!" Fran hung up the phone and set it on the ottoman, then rested back on the couch, smiling from ear to ear. Fran heard shuffling in the hallway, and Max appeared- with two tall glasses of tea in his hands. He came up from behind the couch and reached the glasses around Fran.

"Hello, my love! Can you set these on that board on the ottoman?"

"I sure can!" Fran took the glasses from Max and leaned over to set them down, then leaned back to him. He curled over her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her, letting his hands clutch her belly. He kissed her neck intimately and worked towards her cheek and her lips. She reached up and clutched his shoulders, and let him kiss her. It was wonderful, and the feel of his hands on her belly gave her goosebumps. "Mmmm…" she sighed. She ran her fingers through his hair as she turned her head to the side to continue the kiss. He crossed his arms over her stomach and clutched her sides, then let the kiss taper off.

"I love you," he whispered into her ear.

"I love you, baby… What was all that for?" She smiled.

"Because I'm crazy about you."

"Well, now! Feel free to do that anytime you get the urge!"

"Don't mind if I do…" he kissed her neck a little more. "But I better save some of that for later. I was going to tell you that the casserole is an eggplant parmesan casserole. Would you like some buttered toast with it? There's still sourdough in the bread box."

"Oh! That sounds good! Yes please!"

"Alright then. Let me just run back and take care of a couple things, then I'll be back to kiss you a bit more!"

"Ooh, yea for me!" He stood up and ran his hands over her arms, then let go and hurried back to the kitchen. Fran got such a rush from what Max just did to her, she felt like she had to be blushing. She smiled and stretched her arms, then put her hands behind her head. "Wow!" She chuckled. How could she possibly describe to Val how Max made her feel when he did things like that?

A couple minutes later, Max ran back into the room and rushed to the couch where Fran was. Fran reached for him as he climbed onto the couch and over her.

"Now, where were we?" He grinned. Fran laughed out loud and pulled him over towards a pillow and rested her head down on it, then pulled him to her. He carefully laid down on top of her, resting his face close to hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and they looked into each other's eyes. "Hey, you," he said softly, and grazed her nose with his.

"Hey, yourself…" she whispered back. He kissed her softly on the lips, let his mouth hover closely over hers, then kissed her upper lip, then her lower lip, then hovered again from one side to the other, before kissing her again. "Mmmm…" she sighed. Their lips parted and he rested his forehead against hers. She wrapped her legs around his and hugged his shoulders. "I was just thinking a minute ago about how there was no way to tell Val exactly how you make me feel, Max. These kisses… and like when you leaned over the back of the couch… my god! What you do to me, Max!" She clutched him with her legs again.

"You make me feel the same way, Fran. There's no way to describe it… but I don't know if Val needs to know those details," they both chuckled.

"No… She wants to know everything but I told her some things were private. Just that we love each other so much, and how crazy we are about each other…"

"Isn't that the truth!" Max kissed her again, deeply. They let their tongues play for a while, and Fran played with the hair on the back of his head, down to his neck, then over his ears. It almost made him shiver, and he kissed her deeper. They caught their breath and he kissed her cheek, back to her ear, then kissed down her neck to her collar bone. "Mmm, Fran! I could so easily get carried away with you…" he mumbled into her neck. "I set the alarm on my watch, though, in case we do get carried away. So, we can keep doing this… if you want… or we can stop, and I don't know, read or something?" Fran laughed and slid her arms down him and poked him in the sides. He flinched and laughed and poked her back.

"I am definitely not reading anything tonight, mister! I'm gonna kiss you a thousand times, and I want your hands all over me, and I'll put mine all over you if you want me to." She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and tightened her legs around his.

"I think I would enjoy that very much, darling. Very much." They kissed again and again, and Fran ran her hands up and down his back. The music from the radio played softly in the background, and the flames from the fireplace flickered as the sky grew dark outside. They kissed each other for a long time, enjoying the closeness and and the feel of each other. Soon, Max's watch beeped its alarm, letting them know that their dinner was ready.

"Aw, damn!" Fran growled, frustrated. "I was hoping that would take longer!" Max rolled off of her to get to his watch, and turned off the alarm.

"It's alright, darling. We'll eat quickly, then we have the rest of the night to be together." He crawled up to kiss her again, then shifted so he could sit up. Fran didn't move. She reached a hand out and rested it on his hip as he took a sip of his iced tea. He turned to look at her again, lying down on the couch next to him, and reached his hand out to touch her belly, then slid it down around her side. He tickled her bare skin and she smiled. "I'll go get everything ready and bring it out here, alright? Do you want to put those CDs on while we have dinner?"

"Sure, I guess we can do that. But I can't promise that I won't get all mushy. But I'll try not to maul you until after dinner…"

Max laughed. "Okay. Let me go get dinner sorted before anything burns. I'll be back in a few minutes, sweetheart." He leaned down and kissed her firmly, then caressed her side before getting up from the couch to head to the kitchen. Fran laid there for a minute, staring at the ceiling. She still felt like she was in a dream. She was filled with energy, filled with love, and filled with desire. It completely consumed her, and she loved it. She pushed herself up on her elbows and looked around the room- the room with the new furniture she had picked out with Max- her boyfriend- and then sat herself up on the couch. She got up and folded the throw blanket, then tossed it to the other section of the couch, and headed over to the stereo to get the CD changer started.

Max shut off the oven and took out the casserole dish. He checked the food with a fork- it looked and smelled delicious! He had already gotten out the dishes, so he grabbed the loaf of sourdough bread from the bread box, took out two slices, and popped them into the toaster. He hurried to the fridge and grabbed a container of salad, then the served some onto the plates. He grabbed a serving spoon from the drawer and scooped out some of the eggplant parmesan casserole onto the plates, then brought them to the counter. He hurried to the back of the kitchen and grabbed two trays, then stacked them on the counter. He set the plates on top, then the napkins and silverware, and when the bread popped up from the toaster, he buttered each slice and set them carefully onto each plate. He looked over everything to make sure it was just right, then picked up the heavy stack and headed back to the livingroom to Fran, pushing the door to the dining room open with his back. He came into the livingroom and saw Fran starting the CD changer. She turned and saw him with his hands full, and hurried to help.

"Let me help you with all that sweetie! Here, let me move the teas." Fran hurried over to the ottoman and moved the glasses of tea so Max could set down the food. He lifted the top tray off of the second one and set it down, then moved a dish, napkin, and silverware over to the second tray, and once Fran was situated on the couch, he set it gently on her lap. He sat next to her and put the remaining tray on his own lap, then they moved the glasses of iced tea back. "Oh, it smells good! Thank you for putting it together, Max," she leaned close to give him a quick kiss.

"You're very welcome, darling! You get the CD player going alright?"

"Yep, didn't change anything in it, so watch out- I might get mushy!"

"I like it when you're mushy!" He elbowed her gently and grinned. They began to eat in silence as music from the Bee Gees, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, and Christopher Cross played in the background. They both listened closely to all the lyrics, and smiled at each other when a particularly meaningful lyric came up.

"How come Niles hasn't made this for us before? It's so good!" Fran said, closing her eyes and tapping her feet, as if she was dancing from joy.

"I have a feeling he dug out a recipe book for quick meals or something. But we'll have to tell him to put this one on his regular list. It is really good, isn't it? And I like the sourdough with it, too."

"So do I, that was a good call. Oof- I'm getting stuffed!" She leaned back against the cushions to take a breath.

"No room for dessert?"

"What's dessert?"

"Ah, no idea. I didn't get that far. I might have to look around a bit. We ate all the bon bons."

"Mmm, those were good. I don't need much for dessert, baby. Maybe just a bite or two of something sweet." Max gave her a side glance, then slowly smiled and started laughing.

"Hey, now!" She laughed and pinched his side, making him flinch. "If you're my dessert, mister, I ain't stopping at a couple of bites!"

"Good to know! Also, ouch!" Fran laughed again and sat back up next to him. She patted his back and kissed his shoulder.

"I would never do anything to hurt you, sweetie. I just wanna enjoy you, and make you feel good." Max turned toward her and leaned over to kiss her lips.

"Ditto, darling. You're the dessert I want all day long. And night." He kissed her again, several times.

"Mmm… that sounds wonderful…" she kissed him one more time and rubbed his back.

"So, you finished? I think I'm done. I can get these things out of here and see if I can find something in the kitchen."

"Yeah, I think I'm done. I don't need to pig out any more. Thank you very much for making dinner, Max!"

"You're welcome! Here, let's get this all stacked up again and I'll get it back to the kitchen."

"You need any help? I can grab a few things for you."

"No, no, dear. I'm taking care of everything. Just relax, and I'll be right back. You need anything else to drink?"

"No thank you, I'm good."

"I'll be right back," he stood up and picked up the stack of trays with the dishes and glasses on them, then brought them back to the kitchen. Fran crawled over to the corner of the couch and laid down and closed her eyes, enjoying the sound of the songs on the stereo.

Max set the stack of trays on the counter, then brought the dirty dishes to the sink. He rinsed everything off and loaded it all into the dishwasher, put away the trays, then closed up the casserole dish and put it back in the fridge. He looked through the freezer to see if there was anything like ice cream for dessert, but couldn't find anything. He checked the refrigerator- still nothing. He walked around the kitchen to see if he could find any candies or cookies that he could bring out to Fran. He was sure Niles had to have some kind of a secret stash somewhere. He pulled open drawers, opened cabinets, moved things around. Then finally, at the back of the kitchen, in a cabinet with several large cookbooks leaning against a ceramic pot- he found a bag of York Peppermint Patties inside the pot.

"Oh, yes!" Max exclaimed, triumphant. He pulled out two peppermint patties, closed the cabinet door, and hurried from the kitchen to rejoin Fran.

Fran watched as she heard him scuffing across the slick floor in his slippers, then he rounded the corner, all smiles, and headed to her.

"I found something! I hope you like it. I raided Niles' secret stash!"

"You did not! I knew he had one somewhere! What did you find?" She sat up on the couch and he flopped down next to her and handed her a wrapped patty. "Oh, yeah!" They both unwrapped their treats and chowed down, and Fran smiled from ear to ear. "I could eat a whole sack of these!"

"Well, if you want another one, he has a bag in a pot in one of the back cabinets- where he keeps a few cookbooks."

"Good to know. But we might need to replace the bag if we go sneaking any more of them. When he gets a chocolate craving, you better get out of his way! He might hurt someone if he doesn't have any left." They both laughed and finished their chocolates, then put the wrappers on the ottoman board.

"So, was your mint chocolate as good as mine?" Max asked her, raising his eyebrows.

"Why don't you come here and see…" she crawled back into the corner and beckoned Max to her. She laid back against the pillows and Max smiled and crawled over to her. He rested on his elbows and she stretched her arms over his shoulders, then he lightly kissed her lips several times.

"Mmm… hard to tell…" he whispered.

"Let me try…" she whispered back, pulling him to her, then she kissed him passionately.

"Mmmm… That's lovely…" he sighed.

"Yeah… I'll have some of that for dessert every night…" She looked into his eyes, ran her fingers through his hair.

"Definitely…" Max kissed her again, deeply. Fran let his tongue in and took it with hers. She pulled him close and they continued to kiss each other, almost frantically, desperately. She curled a leg around his and they caught their breath, then he kissed her along her jaw to her ear, then kissed her neck- with just enough pressure to make her writhe in pleasure.

"Ohh…" she moaned. Max slowed down and kissed her softly all over her neck, teasing her with his tongue, sucking her skin into his mouth. She moaned as he worked his way to the other side of her neck. He ran his hand down to her hip and clutched it, then let his lips work their way back to her mouth. She reached for his face and held it, wanting more and more of his kisses. He let his hand slide up to the bare skin of her side and stroked it with his thumb. It drove her crazy. She wanted his hands all over her, but she knew it was too soon. It wasn't the right time just yet, so she relaxed and just let herself feel everything he was doing. She didn't want to push him at all, especially when it was feeling like he was letting himself enjoy the experience, letting himself touch her the way he wanted to touch her. She caressed his face and ran a hand down the front of his shoulder. He shifted part way off of her onto his side, and their lips parted. She traced the side of his neck, grazing the backs of her fingers across his skin. He sighed and kissed her cheek, then looked down over her body. She played with the hair on the back of his head as she watched him looking over her. He grazed his fingers over her belly, giving her goosebumps and making her smile, then he ran his hand over her skin back to her side, then up to her ribs, under her shirt. He looked back into her eyes, softly kissed her lips, then nuzzled his face into her neck. Fran cradled him in her arms and stroked his hair.

"You're so wonderful, Fran…" he whispered into her neck, nuzzling her some more.

"Baby, I love you so much! I love what you're doing. It feels so good!"

"Mmm…" Max groaned, then lifted his head to look at her again. He squeezed her side and grazed his nose along hers. He kissed her lips several times, then rested his forehead against hers. "I'm so crazy about you, Fran. I love you so much."

"I love you, too, Max. Come rest a minute, I want to hold you for a little while." She stroked the hair over his ear and kissed his upper lip. He sighed and laid down against her, clutching her waist tightly. Fran wrapped her arms over his shoulders and crossed them over his back, holding him tightly to her.

"You feel so nice, I just want to kiss you for hours. Just keep kissing you…" he mumbled.

""You can, Max. I want to kiss you, too. For hours and hours. We can do that now, you know? Kiss as much as we want."

"Mmm…" he stroked her skin with his thumb some more. "Can I ask you something?"

"Mmm hmm."

"Will you… tomorrow… would you want to move your things into the other bedroom? I mean, if it's not pushing too much, too fast. I'd just really like for you to be comfortable, to have all of your things in one place. For us to really be together in one place. I just- I want everything with you Fran. I want to fall asleep with you. I want to wake up with you. Every day. Maybe, if you want, after we come back tomorrow afternoon… maybe we can work on the closet. I can take out the things I don't need, and we can set up space for all your things. Maybe we can keep anything extra back in your old room. You can bring all of your toiletries over, we can move your dressing table, too. If that's something you'd be comfortable with." He lifted his head up to look at her.

"I would be comfortable with it, Max. I do want to be with you, every day and every night. I'd like to do that, if you're ready to take that step."

Max smiled, his heart raced. "You would? You're okay with really moving in with me? It would really be our room, with all your things, too."

"Yeah. I love you, sweetie. I really love you. I've been having the best time with you. I want everything with you, too. I'd like us to be together. So yes, I'd like to do that, too. We can start moving things tomorrow if you want." Max pushed himself back up so he could look at her better.

"That would make me very happy, Fran! Very happy!" They kissed each other through their grins and giggles. Max shifted over to the other side of her and they rested on the couch again, facing each other. Fran stroked the side of his face and he rested his hand on her hip.

"Max? When we go upstairs tonight, should we maybe- make some rules or something? Just for tonight? Just so we don't have to wonder, or worry, that we might go too far or anything… you know…?"

"Sure. That's probably a good idea." He ran his hand over her side. "I know how easy it would be… how hard it would be to stop things if we just kept going. What kind of rules were you thinking of?"

Fran rested her hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "Well, the obvious one would probably be that we should keep our clothes on…" she smiled, and looked him over, knowing how great the temptation would be if any clothes started coming off.

"Alright. I'd agree to that. But we can still- touch each other, right? Like this?" He grazed his fingers over her belly and side.

"Definitely. I don't have a problem with, you know, us touching… wandering. I mean, if your hands are wandering into my shirt, then…well, it would only be fair…"

"If yours wandered into mine?" They laughed. "I wouldn't mind that. I'd like it very much."

"Okay, then. Pajamas stay on. Some shirt wanderings are acceptable…" Fran smiled at him, and he wrapped his arm around her, letting his hand rest on the bare skin of her back. She ran her fingers through his hair again, then stroked his cheek. "You're so damn cute, Max! Do you know that? I still can't get over how you're actually my boyfriend. You've really been sweeping me off my feet, and making me feel really special. It means so much coming from you, it really does. I'll never forget this time with you. Not ever. You're just the best, Max. I'm so in love with you! I really am! I'm all yours, every bit of me! I'll do anything for you. I love you, baby!" Fran pulled his face to hers and kissed him. Max was overwhelmed with emotion, and reached both arms around her. She moved on top of him as she kissed him again and again, and he rolled to his back to let her take charge. She rested with her arms on either side of his head, and he pulled her waist tightly to his. They kissed each other passionately. Max let her play with his tongue, tease his lips, and kiss him deeply again and again. His hands went up the back of her shirt, clutching at her spine and her ribs and her sides. Her skin felt wonderful. Her lips felt wonderful. He felt himself almost floating off to another place.

Fran felt like she couldn't control herself. She was so crazy about Max, she just wanted to show him. She felt like she couldn't get as close to him as she wanted to. She wanted all of him. She tried to slow herself down then got so overwhelmed that she kissed him deeply again and again. She caught her breath and kissed his cheek, then worked her way to his neck. Max gasped and turned his head to the side, letting her wander. He slid his hands down over her skin to her pants, then down to her buttocks, where he clutched her again.

"Mmmm…" he sighed, as she kissed her way back to his lips. She kissed him deeply again, slipping her tongue into his mouth, then sliding it around his tongue as he kissed her back. She slowly parted from his lips and rested her forehead against his. She took a deep breath.

"Can we take this upstairs?" She whispered. Max wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and opened his eyes.

"Okay. You want to get ready for bed?" He asked softly, looking into her eyes.

"Maybe. One way or the other, I just want to lie down with you, and keep kissing you. If we don't go upstairs now, we may end up staying on the couch all night," she smiled and hovered her lips over his, then kissed him softly, letting her lips linger on his.

"Unnnnn…" he sighed. "You feel so good, darling! Let's get everything shut off, and go upstairs. We'll have more room on the bed to- to do whatever we want to do…" He squeezed her waist again and then let go of her. Fran smiled and kissed him deeply one last time before lifting herself off of him. She climbed over him and sat down on the edge of the couch, then ran her hand down his side. He pushed himself up and sat behind her, then rested a hand on the front of her waist. He leaned in for another soft kiss.

"Mmm!" Fran stood up and Max swung his legs off the couch. Fran reached for his hands and pulled him up to her. "I sure love kissing you, baby…" she hugged him.

"I sure love kissing you, too, sweetheart. And I want to kiss you a whole bunch more…" He lifted her chin with the tip of his fingers and kissed her on the lips. "Can you turn off the stereo, and I'll take care of the fireplace?"

"Sure." They let go of each other and hurried to their tasks, then met back up and reached for each other's hands. Max wrapped an arm over her shoulders and she wrapped her around his waist as they headed for the stairs and shut off the lights.

"You have everything you need for tonight, and in the morning?" He asked.

"I got my clothes, but not any of the bathroom stuff, or makeup. I'll grab my toothbrush and all of that now. Makeup can wait for the morning."

"Alright. If you need anything moved out of the way, let me know. And we can do more sorting out tomorrow afternoon."

"Okay," she grinned, and tugged on the side of his shirt. Max glanced at her as they got to the top of the stairs and smiled. He liked that she was so happy. It made him happy, too. When they got to the part of the hall leading to her room, they stopped.

"You need me to help you with anything?" He asked, taking her hands again.

"Not in this bedroom…" she grinned. "Go ahead and start getting ready for bed, I'll just be a minute."

"Okay," he kissed her on the lips. "Don't forget your shampoo and all that. Whatever you may need for your shower in the morning…" he imagined a bit of what her shower might entail, and felt his cheeks flush.

"I will. If you're sure you're ready for me to start sharing a bathroom with you."

"I am. You know I want to share everything with you, don't you?" He pulled her closer for a moment, and she turned her head up towards his.

"Mmmm… I want to share everything with you too, sweetie." They grazed the tips of their noses against each other's and kissed again. "Hold that thought, let me go grab my things real quick. I'll meet you back in the other bedroom, okay?"

Max grumbled a little, then nodded his head. "Alright. See you in a minute."

Fran backed up and they let go of each other's hands, then smiled, and hurried in opposite directions. She hurried into her old room and rushed to the bathroom. She dug around under the sink and found a shower basket, pulled it out and set it on the counter, then rushed to get everything out of her shower and get it into the basket. Next, she got all of her things off of the counter, then checked the medicine cabinet for anything else she might need. She was sure Max had extra towels, so she wasn't worried about that. She pulled open the drawers and looked through to see if there was anything else she was missing, then decided she had enough to get her through at least one morning. She could start moving everything else the next afternoon. She looked in the mirror and checked her hair, then headed out of her room to rejoin her boyfriend.

Max hurried into the bedroom and turned on the light, then rushed to the closet to look for some pajamas. He pulled off his clothes and tossed them into the hamper, then pulled on a pair of thin cotton plaid pajama pants and a white undershirt. He looked around the closet, trying to see how they might be able to rearrange things so Fran could move in. He looked over at the stack of clothes and pajamas Fran left on one of the shelves and smiled. He really liked the idea of her moving her things in with his. He couldn't wait to see what she looked like in this pair of pajamas. He stepped out of the closet and headed over to the bench at the end of the bed where he had set his new pairs of shoes. He took them out of the boxes just as Fran came in the doorway.

"I think I got everything. I'm just gonna set this in the bathroom, then I want to get my PJs on first. You looking at your new shoes?" She shut the bedroom door behind her.

"Yes, thought I'd put them away in the closet and sort out all these bags."

"Okay. Here, let me go put this stuff in the bathroom." She patted Max's back as she passed him, then headed into the bathroom as he took his new shoes to the closet. Max put his new shoes with all of his others, and Fran set her basket of toiletries on the bathroom counter, then they both headed back towards each other to swap places.

"You know, I think I might wear those new boots tomorrow, break them in a little," Max said as they approached each other. Fran took his hand in hers and ran her other hand up his arm.

"The cool ones? Nice! You gonna wear some sexy jeans with them?" She grinned, and tugged at his arm.

"Well, jeans, anyway. You'll have to decide if they're sexy or not. Maybe you can pick out what pair."

"Oh! I wish we'd done some laundry! Then you could wear that pair I got you again. I really, really like those on you! And I bet they would be even sexier with those boots. Maybe we should do that tomorrow? Get a load or two of laundry done?"

"Sure. Maybe we can do that while we rearrange in here and bring your things over."

"Okay, yea! We get to be domestic again!" Max laughed and Fran patted his arm.

"Hey, while I've got you here- should I shave again?" Fran reached up to caress his face with her hand, grazing the backs of her fingers across his chin and his jaw.

"I think you're okay, unless you want to. It wasn't bothering me at all a little while ago…" She gave him a knowing glance, bumped him with her hip, then let him go so she could go put her pajamas on in the closet while he went to brush his teeth. Max grinned as he watched her hurry in to the closet, remembering how wonderfully they made out on the couch. He cleared his throat and headed in to the bathroom, grabbed his toothbrush and toothpaste, then began brushing his teeth. He looked over at Fran's basket of toiletries and started looking at each item- the big bottles of shampoo and conditioner, her razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, all the little extras. She had a comb and a brush, several bottles of hair product and hairspray, a bag of hair clips and a hair band, and a jar of cold cream. He'd never seen these things of hers before. Well, he'd seen some hair products that she kept on her dressing table, but not everything else. It felt nice to be getting to know her this way. He realized that he needed to make sure she had all the towels she needed, too. He finished brushing and flossing his teeth, then quickly washed his face and dried off on his bath towel. After a swig of mouthwash, he headed out of the bathroom.

Fran grabbed her pajamas and spread them on the shelf, then hurriedly undressed and tossed her things in Max's hamper. She pulled on her cropped, snug, short-sleeved shirt and snug pajama pants, then put her slippers back on. She headed out of the closet and crossed the bedroom, running into Max right as he was coming out of the bathroom.

"Hey, you!" He smiled, and took her hands and pulled her into the bathroom. "I just wanted to show you where all the extra towels are. There's a second set here, they're all clean. And if you need anything like an extra wash cloth, like to put in the shower, everything's right here in the linen closet." Max pulled her over to the set of long cabinet doors opposite the sinks and opened them, letting her see everything that was inside, then he shut the doors. "Oh, and this side of the medicine cabinet is fairly empty. Whatever's in here we can take out, and you can put whatever you need in here. There should be plenty of room." He showed her how to open the second medicine cabinet over the sink counter.

"Oh, thank you! I might put a few of these things in there so they aren't on the counter. Thank you baby! You all done in here?"

"Yes, it's all yours. I'll go turn down the bed. Oh, and by the way- I like your pajamas…" he smiled and looked her up and down.

"Well, thank you! And you aren't so bad yourself, mister!" Max chuckled as he headed out of the bathroom, then Fran closed the door behind him. She turned around and looked everything over. What a nice bathroom! And now she was going to be sharing it with Max! It had a huge, glass enclosed shower with a bench, and a separate bathtub, a fancy toilet and a bidet, and the long bank of mirrors with the medicine cabinets over the double sinks. The stone tiling was beautiful, and the fixtures must have cost a fortune. She loved it! She started emptying her basket full of things and set them all where she wanted to keep them. She put her shampoo and conditioner on the shower bench and hung her bottle of body wash from a rail on the wall, then she went to retrieve an extra washcloth from the linen closet and hung that on the rail with the body wash. She put everything but her hair brush, comb, bag of clips, and hairband in the medicine cabinet, then pulled open the drawers below the counter. It looked like Max had moved some things from the top drawer, making space for hers. She grinned and put her hair things in the drawer and shut it. She got started on brushing her teeth, then flossing and using mouthwash, and then got her jar of cold cream and began to spread it over her face. She grabbed a washcloth to remove the cold cream and wash her face, then took out the clips and pins in her hair, letting the curls fall down over her shoulders. She combed it in several places, checked herself in the mirrors, then cleaned everything up before she went to join Max.

Max walked over to the bed and pulled the covers down, folding the comforter neatly halfway down the bed. He moved the extra pillows away and set up the ones he thought they would need. He looked back and forth between the bedside lamps and the fireplace, trying to decide what kind of lighting would be the most romantic. It wasn't cold in the room, but he could always keep the flames down low in the fireplace. He grabbed the remote from the bedside table and turned on the fireplace, then adjusted the flames to the low setting. He headed for the door to turn off the bedroom lights, then looked everything over. It did look pretty romantic.

He paced back and forth at the end of the bed for a couple of minutes, not sure what he should do- if he should wait for Fran before he got in the bed, or if he should go ahead and just get in the covers. He could hear Fran in the bathroom, running the water and moving things around. He decided that he felt silly just standing there and pacing, so he headed for his side of the bed. He sat down for a moment, then decided to go ahead and get under the sheets, but left the comforter folded over the lower half of the bed. He laid back on his pillow and looked around the room, then at the light under the bathroom door, then at the fireplace. He rolled over on his side, facing the fireplace, and waited for Fran to come out of the bathroom. He couldn't wait to touch her again- to kiss her again.

The bathroom door opened and the light went off, and Fran emerged. Max looked over at her and melted. She's so cute! He thought, looking over her snug pajamas and her thick hair in curls, draped over her shoulders. He smiled at her as she pranced across the room towards the bed.

"Don't move a muscle!" She ordered, and Max did as he was told. She hurried to her side of the bed and climbed in under the sheets, then crawled over behind Max. She wrapped her arm around him and slid her hand up to his chest. She spooned up against him and kissed his back. "Mmmm!" She sighed. Max rested his hand on top of hers and closed his eyes. Fran nuzzled her face into his back and clutched him tight. "It's so nice to hold you like this, Max. So nice!" She rubbed his chest and rested her cheek against his back.

"Anytime you need me, sweetheart. I love your arms around me." He ran his fingers through hers, caressed her hand, felt the pressure of her against his back. She moved their hands down around his stomach, and she stroked his belly through his shirt. They rested like that for a few minutes, then Fran shifted back from him.

"Hey, come here," she whispered, pulling him over towards her. He rolled over onto his back to look at her, then reached his arms around her. She looked over his body and ran her hand up his belly to his chest, then ran her hand back and forth across it. Max watched her eyes as she enjoyed touching him. He ran his hand down her back to the bare skin at her waist and let it stop there. Her skin was so soft, and tight. He dragged his fingertips back and forth over it. Fran looked up into his eyes, noticing the reflection of the flames flickering in the corner of his eye. The way he looked at her was so warm, so loving. She reached her hand up to his face and caressed his cheek. Max pushed one of her curls over her shoulder so he could see her better.

"I love you, Fran," he whispered softly to her.

"I love you, too, Max." She pushed herself up closer to his face, paused a moment, then kissed him. She stretched a leg over him and shifted herself on top of him as they kissed, and Max rested his hands on her bare waist. Fran parted her lips and Max opened his as her tongue entered. She kissed him deeply, slowly, making him gasp. He clutched her back, and his hands slowly worked their way up into her shirt.

"Mmmm…" he sighed. She rested her elbows on either side of his head, and ran her fingers through his hair as she kissed his lips, then his cheeks, then worked down to the side of his neck. It drove Max wild. She kissed, sucked on, and nibbled at his neck, then across his throat to the other side, and back up to his lips. Max clutched at her back, then let one hand work its way down her backside, finally resting on the back of her hip. She was getting him aroused, and he didn't want her to stop, but he knew he better be careful.

Fran realized Max was getting aroused so she slowed down a little, even though she didn't want to. The feel of his hands on her skin, his lips and tongue on hers, it was driving her crazy, too. She paused to catch her breath and rested her forehead against his. They gave each other little kisses as Max ran his hands over her backside.

"You're wonderful, darling. Absolutely wonderful!" He hugged her tightly against him.

"Mmm, Max! I'm so crazy about you! I don't want to stop."

"I don't want you to stop, either. You feel so good!" He kissed her again, then gently rolled her over on the bed and moved over to her side. He rested on his elbow and she wrapped her arms around his neck, and as they kissed, he ran his hand over her belly to her side, clutching her there as they kissed a while longer. He worked his way to her neck and her throat, then found her collar bone. His hand stroked her ribs, then wandered down her side to her hip. He kissed her lips softly, then looked down over her body in the dim light from the fireplace. He shifted himself down lower next to her stomach and watched his fingers trace over the bare skin below her pajama shirt. He couldn't help himself, and kissed her abdomen. Fran sighed and held on to his shoulder, letting him drag his tongue across her belly. He kissed her all over, pressing into her with his jaw, taking her into his mouth, running his tongue over her. She gasped and her legs writhed, and she wrapped them around him. He pushed her shirt just up to her breasts and kissed her ribs, then kissed her chest over her shirt and crawled his way back to her mouth and kissed her passionately.

Fran tightened her legs around him and ran her hands down his chest and his sides. He shifted up again, and she grasped the hem of his shirt and pulled it up so she could get her hands inside. She grabbed at his back, pulling him as close to her as she could. She loved the feel of his muscles, the warmth of his skin. And she absolutely loved what he was doing to her with his mouth.

"Mmmm… Max…" she gasped. "You feel so good…"

"God, Fran! I want you so bad! I know we can't, not tonight. I'm just so in love with you… I just want all of you…"

"I want you, too, Max. We'll be together soon. We will. It's gonna be amazing." She kissed his lips several times, then looked into his eyes. "Baby," she said softly, "Tomorrow, when we're out, maybe we should stop somewhere… the drugstore…?" His eyes focused on hers, understanding what she meant.

"Yeah, we should. If you're certain…"

"I am, absolutely. Are you?"

He looked over her features, over her lips. "I am. Absolutely. I want us to be together, to be ready to be together, when the time is right." He kissed her softly again.

"Mmm hmm…" she agreed. "It feels right, right now. Except for that detail. Baby? On Thursday, can we stay home all day, except for our date? Maybe sleep late… or just not get out of bed…"

Max smiled. "Mmmm… that sounds wonderful! I'd like to do that. Maybe have brunch, in bed…" he kissed her again. "I could feed you strawberries… maybe we could have some waffles… and syrup…"

"Mmm! Waffles with syrup! That sounds yummy!" She smiled.

"Oh, you want the syrup on the waffles?" He raised an eyebrow and grinned. They both laughed out loud and Fran pulled him closer.

"If you wanna put syrup on something else, mister, then you better be prepared to get it all off…!"

"Oh, I intend to! Every last bit of it…" he went for her neck again and she giggled, then got caught up in how good it felt. He slowed down his kisses- paying attention to every bit of her he could get to. She moved her hands from inside the back of his shirt, up his sides, then back around his neck. She caressed the sides of his head, and he started to work his way back down her body. He nuzzled her chest, kissed her through her shirt, and moved himself down her body little by little. Fran's eyes stayed closed and she relaxed, letting herself feel his exploration of her. His lips and hands made it back to her belly, and she felt a wave of goosebumps wash over her. She held on to his shoulders and let him wander. It was wonderful! He was turning her on so much. But they had a rule they would stick to that night, and she was okay with it, for now. She didn't want what he was doing to stop.

He ran his hands down over her legs, then back up to her hips. He clutched her thigh as he dragged his lips over her belly, then teased her belly button with his tongue. He consumed her skin, burying his face into her as he clutched the back of her hips. Fran writhed even more, imagining how things might be if they didn't stick to their rule- if there were no clothes between them, and he was doing this to her.

She grabbed his sleeves and pulled him back up to her, then wrapped her legs around his hips and her arms around his shoulders. She clutched the back of his head as she kissed him lovingly several times.

"Baby, I could just tear your clothes off right now! You make me feel so incredible! But I don't want to get you in a bad way, you know? I know what I want to do to you, but it doesn't seem fair."

"Darling," he pushed himself up on his elbows to look at her. "Don't worry about that. I'll be fine. I just can't help myself, you're so beautiful. I just- I can't get enough. I just can't get enough of you. But maybe- maybe we should try to settle down a bit. Rest a bit." He looked over at the fireplace. "Let's shut of the fireplace, and pull the covers up. Here, let me get the remote." He moved off of her just enough to reach the remote from the bedside table and turned off the fireplace, then they both reached for the comforter and pulled it up over them. Max laid down on his pillow and Fran curled up next to him. They wrapped their arms around each other and held each other tightly. Fran rubbed his chest, then slid her hand down around his waist.

"I love you so much, Max. God, I just want you so bad. I never could have imagined this- what it would be like to be with you like this. It's so good! It feels so good, Max!" She squeezed him tight and he pulled her closer, then kissed her forehead.

"I'm so crazy about you, too, Fran. I knew I loved you, that I love you, but I had no idea falling in love with you could be so good. I'm crazy in love with you! I'll never get enough of you. Not ever!" Fran squeezed him and kissed his chest through his shirt. Max pulled the covers up over her back and she put her leg over him. He reached for her thigh and held her there, and they closed their eyes, listening to each other breathe.

"Soon, Max. Very soon. We won't have to stop. And we can be together. It'll be amazing."

Max stroked her shoulder. "It sure will. It really will." They held each other close like that, thinking about their wonderful day together, and their even more wonderful intimacies they were finally able to share, until they eventually drifted off to sleep.