Pure Passion (10 page)

“She told me tonight that she
never had sex with your dad.  They were just messing around.”

“Let’s drop it.  I don’t really
want to think about it, Derek.” 

Yeah, Derek. Quit talking
about Celeste please.

Sensing their conversation was
coming to an end, I tiptoed back to my bedroom.  Moments later, I heard Max
making his way up the stairs and down the hallway. 
Please come back to bed!
 
After a brief pause at my door, he chose his own room instead.  
That sucks.
 
I tried to fall back to sleep, despite being much less happy than a few hours
earlier.  I couldn’t imagine that Max would ever go back to Celeste, but she
could probably mess with his head
.  I don’t want her to screw things up for
us.

~~~

Lara

Sunday morning, I awoke to the
sound of slamming car doors.  After they drove off, the house was eerily
quiet.  No one had mentioned that anything was going on, so I started to wonder
what I was missing. After debating with myself for a few minutes, I decided to
call Max.  Unfortunately, I could hear his phone buzzing in the next room.  He apparently
wasn’t the type who monitored it 24/7. 
That’s both good and bad, I guess.

After several more minutes of
lying there with a variety of thoughts running through my head, I sent Derek a
text.

Me: 
What’s everyone doing?

Derek: 
Going with Hadley 4 lunch with my mom.

Me: 
and Max?

Derek: 
He went to check on Celeste. 

Me: 
K, thanks.

That sucks!  Obviously, he felt obligated to make sure she got home last night,
but did he really have to check on her again today?

The fact that Max had passed by my room the night before
began to take on more significance.  As always, my overactive imagination began
over-analyzing the events from the night before.  He said the BJ was
unbelievable, but as soon as Celeste needed him, he was gone.  We both knew
that someone else could’ve given her a ride.  For some reason, I had an uneasy
feeling about the whole thing.  The more I thought about it, the more I started
to worry
.  Screw this; it’s time to pull out all of the stops.  Everything
has fallen into place so far, and I’m not going to give up now.  Max will be
mine!

I got a hold of my uncle Felix and asked him if he had a
little time to help out his favorite niece.  Felix always treated me like a
daughter, so I knew he would help me any way he could.  With my voice cracking,
I started telling him about my desire to help Max with his guitar business.

“Please don’t mention any of this to Mom or Dad,” was my
second request.

“I’ve known Sandra for 25 years, kiddo.  I understand
completely,” he answered, the reply I wanted to hear.

Felix also understood why Max would want to carry on his
grandfather’s tradition.  I think part of him wished that he had someone to
follow in his footsteps, as well.  I could tell he was doing a little research
while we were talking, as he sounded a little distracted.

“Do you realize Maxwell Keegan started out working with Lou
Fender?” he asked in amazement.

“Yes, Max told me that.  You should’ve seen how Tag McCoy
treated us once he found out Max was his grandson.  He treated us like
royalty.”

“Performers are very loyal to brands they love.  That’s why
it’s so hard to get them to switch,” Felix replied.  “Many of them are actually
superstitious when it comes to their instruments.”

“Yeah, Max said the one Tag was playing was over forty years
old.”

“That’s awesome, Lara.  I’d be glad to make a few calls and
see if I can help you guys out,” he said, wrapping up our conversation. 

If I could help get Max’ business on the path to success, it
would give me another foothold in his life. Looking back, my insecurity and
doubt had always been controlling factors in my life, and they were magnified
whenever Max was involved.  Part of me wanted to believe that the more I did
for Max, the more he would love me. Deep down, however, I knew that was simply
wishful thinking. 

For the most part, we can't really control who we fall in
love with.  I guess that’s why we always use the word
fall
.  You don’t
plan a fall, it just happens.  Even though I have spent years loving Max,
there's no way to ensure Max will
ever
fall in love with me, regardless
of how I play the game.

I listened to one of my favorite heartbreak songs,
Unlove
by Jennifer Lynn, and lay on my bed staring at the ceiling.  I could feel my
heart breaking for no apparent reason, as familiar tears streamed down my
cheeks. 

Why does love have to feel like a bad stomach-ache?  Why
did I put myself in such a vulnerable position again?

Max

Listening to Celeste babble in her drunken stupor the
previous night had solidified two thoughts in my mind:  Number one, Celeste would
always think only of herself.  Instead of actually apologizing, her modus
operandi had been to try making
me
feel guilty for leaving her.  She
dwelled on how lonely she was and how much she wanted me to come back. Number two,
Lara is the
exact opposite
of Celeste. What she had done the night
before was completely unselfish and honestly blew my mind.  It was something
that Celeste would’ve never done.  Since meeting Lara, I had felt better about
myself than I had in years.  She was pretty amazing. After thinking about it
most of the night, I was determined to end my relationship with Celeste for
good.

I stopped by Celeste's apartment, and we had a brief
conversation about boundaries and our lack of a future together.  I made it
clear that I didn’t want her seeking me out or stalking me at The Deuce.  My
friends were totally uncomfortable with her harassing them for information
about me.  I made sure she understood that doing so would only drive a bigger
wedge between us.

What I found most interesting during our conversation was
her complete lack of tears.  Most people would cry if their hearts were truly
broken.  Instead, Celeste was simply angry, acting more like a child throwing a
tantrum.  Frustrated with her lack of progress, she stormed off to the bathroom
to get ready for work.  I took the opportunity to retrieve my headboard and
throw it in the back of Derek’s truck.  We had swapped vehicles that morning as
I had hoped to get the chance to grab it.  After seeing the look in Lara’s eyes
the day before, I knew she wanted me to take it back to the house. 
I’m
dying to see exactly what was going on in her mind.

My hopes for making a clean get-away were dashed when
Celeste came storming out the door.  “You just came over here to steal the
fucking bed?” she screamed at me.

Trying my best to maintain composure, I replied, “No,
Celeste. I actually came over to make sure you were alright.  I also wanted
some closure on our relationship.  We were together a long time, and I wanted
to make sure you understood where I stand, that I’m moving on.  As far as MY
bed is concerned, you can keep it.  I only wanted the headboard.”

“Why are you doing this?  You’re already seeing someone
aren’t you?” she demanded.

“No, and honestly, Celeste, it doesn’t make any difference. 
Once there was a little space between us, I could see how you have treated me
worse with each passing year.  I deserve better than you.”

“You arrogant asshole!  Fuck you!” she shouted her final
words, as she swung at me and huffed away.

 I knew she was frustrated by the fact that I wouldn’t give
in to her.  Everything had always come easy for her.  When it came to me, she
could always get her way by batting her beautiful blue eyes or teasing me with
the promise of some hot sex.

Looking back, that was the most amazing thing.  We had great
sex right to the end, even though she was stabbing me in the back.  There was
no way I could trust her again, even if I wanted to.  Besides, the thought of
having sex with her at that point was just plain repulsive.  How could she not
understand that?

As I pulled out of the parking lot that day, I felt a twinge
of sadness as I glanced back at the apartment in the rearview mirror.  I
glanced down at the sad mask on my left arm. 
Never again.
  Then I
consciously pictured myself flushing our past and watched it all swirl down the
drain. 
That feels better. 

Driving back, I started thinking about my mom.  God, I missed
her
.
  She was right about so many things.  She always said that true
beauty is on the inside.  I always thought she was full of shit.  She always
told me to marry someone who made me happy because looks fade over the years. 
My thoughts turned back toward Lara and within seconds, I caught myself smiling
again. 
There’s no doubt that I’m on the right path.

Lara

After listening to my heartbreak song half a dozen times,
and giving my tear ducts a good workout, I heard a vehicle pull up outside.  It
wasn’t Max’ car, so I assumed Derek and Hadley were back from lunch.  Hearing
heavy footsteps coming up the stairway, I sprung from the bed and glanced in
the mirror trying to wipe away my tears.  My eyes were red and puffy, my hair
was a mess, and I generally looked pathetic.

Knock, knock. “Lara, are you in there?” 

Shit, shit, shit!

“Yeah, just a minute, Max,” I replied, scrambling to look
somewhat presentable.

“Open up, I want to show you something,” he said, turning
the door handle.

“Alright, I’m coming.” 
Obviously, I can’t stall him long
enough to fix this shit storm, so I might as well let him see me in all of my
glory.  God, I look like hell.

Max

When Lara finally opened the door, I immediately saw why she
had been stalling.  “What’s wrong?  Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, Max.  I was listening to one of my favorite old
songs, and it brought back a flood of bad memories.  Your timing was perfect. 
I’m a hot mess.” 

She’s not making eye contact with me. Did I do this?

“A song?  Wow, those must be some awfully sad memories.” 

Now this is how Celeste should’ve looked... if she had a
heart that is.  She’s too vain to cry anyway, it would smudge her mascara. 
I
couldn’t help reaching out to Lara and giving her a hug.  Even though she
looked a little rough, she sure smelled good, and I just loved the way she felt
against me.

“I’m sorry, Max.  Was there something you wanted to show
me?” she whispered, still seeming a little uncomfortable with everything.

“Yes, I didn’t mean to bother you, but I brought you
something,” I replied, leading her out to the hallway.

As Lara poked her head around the corner, her eyes lit up
with delight.  Her mood instantly changed from somber to giddy.  That’s the
best thing about Lara.  I had never met someone with the ability to turn her
emotions on a dime like that.  I also liked the fact that I could actually tell
what she was thinking, instead of trying to guess.  She was so transparent.

“You went and got your headboard?” she asked, running her
hand along the top rail.

“Yeah, I saw the way you were looking at it yesterday, and I
wanted to experience what was going on in your head.” 
There’s that cute
flush in her cheeks.
  “Do want it on your bed or mine?”

“Mine,” she replied, with a devilish flicker in her eye.

There was the look I wanted to see. “I’ll go grab my
wrenches and be right back.”

Lara

Ok, now I feel like a complete moron.  I’m sitting here
trying to convince myself that Max would never love me, while he’s out
retrieving my bondage rack.  At least that’s what I’m going to call it!
  I
ran over to the mirror grabbing my makeup brush, and gave my face a few quick
strokes.  My hair needed a few as well. 
Good god Lara, you need to learn to
relax and breathe.

I cranked up my other favorite Jennifer Lynn song,
Remember
to Breathe
, and just as it began to play, Max returned with his tools.  He
must’ve noticed me subtly swaying to the music because he set down the wrenches
and came up behind me.  I glanced at our reflection in the mirror as he slipped
his arms around me and gently began to rock me to the rhythm.  I savored the
feeling of resting against his powerful chest, while his muscular arms held me
tight. 
This is perfect! 

Max simply swayed back and forth to the melody, but for me
the words resonated with my soul. 

“If we could see the simple things and appreciate all
that they bring
a hug, a smile, a touch, a squeeze, that’s what brings serenity
if we could let go of our fears, all our pain would disappear
and we could breathe…”

As the song came to an end, we both just stood there for a
moment looking at our reflection in the mirror. 
We look like the perfect
couple through my eyes.

“I’m sorry I had to leave to take care of Celeste last
night.  I’m sure that probably upset you,” he said, continuing to hold me
close.

“It shouldn’t have, but it did; especially when you went
right over there again this morning.”

“Sorry. I wanted to surprise you,” he said and kissed the
side of my neck.

“Well you definitely surprised me, Max,” I replied, turning
into him for a kiss.

Max

Lara and I couldn’t stop flirting with each other as we
fastened my headboard to her bed.  I’ll admit I was more than a little
disappointed when her phone rang just as I was tightening the last bolt.

“Don’t answer…”

Looking down at her phone she replied, “Max, you want me to
answer this one.”

“Hi, Felix,” she said, raising her eyebrows and giving me a
wink.  As they began to talk, I knew right away that they were talking about
me. 
Now what’s she up to?  I love how she looks when she’s excited about
something.
  As she hung up, she didn’t say a word at first, but couldn’t
stop smiling.

“What?”

“I’ve got a really big surprise for you.  We’re going to Ft.
Lauderdale Thursday night.”

“It’s a busy week, Lara.  I can’t just take off and go.” 
I’m
broke as shit right now!

“When Uncle Felix invites you on his boat, you don’t turn
him down.  I’m driving, and we’re staying in his guesthouse.  Just think of it
as a well-deserved long weekend.  We won’t have to pay for anything.” 

She obviously realizes my issue.

“Alright, I’ll have to change my schedule around.” 
Why
am I being difficult?  This will be fun.

“I’m sure you’ll make it work,” she replied knowingly.  “Felix
sounded pretty excited, so he’s got something big in mind.”

Lara

Relax, Max.
  I could tell by the look of fear in his
eyes that he was afraid of having to spend a bunch of money right now.  He
didn’t realize that was the whole reason we were going.  I was going to keep
everything a surprise right to the end, and I had asked Felix to do the same.
 
This weekend is going to be a blast!

“Well, now what?” Max asked, admiring his wrench skills.

“We need to go to Wal-Mart and pick up some handcuffs,” I
replied nonchalantly. The look on his face was priceless.  He looked like a kid
who had just won a giant teddy bear.

Unfortunately, we heard talking down stairs, so that meant
the house was no longer ours.  It was probably for the best.  “I’m going to get
cleaned up, you go ahead,” I told Max.

Screw this look
.  I took a long look in the mirror.  Having
had enough reality for one day, I decided to get dressed to the nines and go
out somewhere fun with Max.  A quick makeover, high heels, and a short skirt
provided the ego boost I needed.  I especially enjoyed the looks I got from Max
and Derek as I came down the stairs to join them.

“Wow, where are you going?” Derek asked, giving me the once
over.

“Yeah, what’s up?” Max added.

“Well, since Hadley has to study for a final and Derek has
to go into work, I thought you and I could go out for a while.”  I replied,
focusing directly on Max.

“Is something going on between you two?” Derek asked
suspiciously.

“No! We’re just hanging out,” Max blurted out defensively.

“That’s right.  There definitely was something hanging out
last night.  Wasn’t there Max?”  I replied, just to watch him squirm. It was
just Derek, so he should’ve just told him the truth. 
What’s the big deal?

Max seemed awkwardly flustered, so I added, “Go get changed,
and let’s get something to eat.”

“Alright.” 

Max cut bait and scrambled up the steps.

“What was that about?” Derek asked, his eyes widening.

Max apparently doesn’t want you to know I gave him a BJ
last night
, is what I wanted to say.  “Max is struggling with his feelings
right now,” I chose instead.

“You two would make a great couple.”

“Thanks, Derek.” 

I gave him a one armed hug.

~~~

Once Max and I left the house, his demeanor immediately changed.  Each time we
were walking, he would reach for my hand or put his arm around me.  He probably
thinks Derek and Hadley would judge him for moving on too quickly or something
stupid.
  Oh, well.  It just feels good to be close to him.

We quickly agreed on a small oyster bar that opened
recently.  I wasn’t the oyster on the half-shell type, opting for the Jerk
Grouper sandwich and a cold Yuengling instead.  Since it was a gorgeous night,
we sat out on the patio, enjoying the sweet smell of car exhaust coming from
the adjacent street.  The place had great food, but the view completely sucked.
 So, after a second beer, we decided to drive up to Lake Jackson to go for a
walk on the beach. 
Good thing I’m in high heels!  I’ve never found myself
in the dilemma of being over-dressed before.

I was usually the one who showed up at a wedding reception
in shorts and flip flops.  It drove my mother nuts! I had to admit though, it
felt a little surreal as I kicked off my high heels and walked down the beach
hand-in-hand with Max.  It felt like something I had seen in a movie before. 
There was a beautiful setting sun on the horizon, as I strolled with the man of
my dreams, soft sand squishing between my toes.  I spent many nights dreaming
of that exact moment. It was one of the scenes that I played repeatedly in my
mind as a teenager.  I would think about how my hand would feel in Max’ and how
we would watch the sunset before sharing a kiss.
  Hmmm, I need to stop
thinking and enjoy reality.

Max

This is nice.  I like the fact that Lara is happy with a
$10 sandwich, a couple of beers, and a walk on the beach.  It’s not even a nice
beach, but it doesn’t really seem to matter.  I’ve never had this much fun just
walking and talking with someone before. 

When we reached the end of the sand, we stood there and
watched the sun slip under the horizon.  Lara turned and looked up at me with
anticipation, so I took her in my arms and gave her the most amazing kiss. 
At
least I thought it was amazing.
  I think we both were feeling more than a
little horny as we turned and made our way back to the car. 
Too bad we
weren’t alone out there!  I wonder if Lara would be game for a little sex on
the beach.
  Even without the sex, we had a blast talking about life,
guitars and music. 
I wish I could get more details about what she and Felix
have planned for this weekend, but nada.  She wants everything to be a
surprise.

By the time we got back to the house, Hadley was in the
bedroom, and Derek wasn’t home yet.  I was getting anxious to go upstairs and
pick up where we had left off the night before. 
She was so good…  I would
even let her tie me up if she wanted.  Damn, we should’ve stopped at Wal-Mart!

She smiled when I took her hand and headed toward the
stairs.  I found myself practically tiptoeing down the hall.  I guess I didn’t
want Hadley to hear that we were home.  When we reached Lara’s door, she turned
into me and gave me a short, sweet kiss.

“Good night, Max.  Thanks for the nice evening.”

“Sure.  It’s still pretty early though.” 
Hint, hint…

“Max, you and I are apparently just friends, so there will
be a drastic cut-back in the benefits.” 

She gave me a peck on the cheek and turned, leaving me
standing in the hallway. 
I guess I deserved that… Dammit!  I’m not sure why
I lied to Derek.  That was stupid!

Lara

That was so awesome! The look on his face was priceless.
 
He had me on a roller coaster the previous 24 hours, so it felt good to give
him a little back.  I couldn’t stop smiling, as I got undressed and changed
into my pajamas.  I grabbed my Kindle and hopped into bed, thinking a little
reading would help me fall asleep.  I was only about 10 pages into
My Nights
With Kate
when I heard the door slam downstairs.  Derek was home early.  
The
Deuce must’ve been dead tonight, too.

“What’s going on here?” I heard Derek’s voice resonate
through the air duct.

“I’m sorry, daddy.  I’ve been a bad girl.”

“Up against the wall, Hadley! You’re getting a spanking!”

At this point, I heard Max’ door open, followed by hastened
footsteps past my door. 
Oh, that’s funny.  Max is going to turn on the air
conditioning.
  After being thwarted at my door, the last thing he wanted to
hear was Derek and Hadley’s S&M show
.  At least Derek gets to be the Dom
tonight. Good for him.  I was thinking that maybe he had to be Hadley’s bitch every
time.

Derek got in a few good slaps before the fan kicked in and
muffled the erotic action below.  Resorting back to my Kindle, I heard Max’
footsteps slow down as he made the return trip down the hallway. 
Don’t even
bother, buddy.  You’re on ice for tonight
. 
In fact, I’m going to keep
you on ice for a few days.

He must’ve felt the vibe, because he retreated to his room
instead of knocking.  I began thinking about the upcoming weekend in Ft
Lauderdale.  It would be even more special if I let Max’ anticipation build up
for the whole week. 
With any luck, Derek and Hadley will go at it like
rabbits and add fuel to the fire.

My phone buzzed and it was a text from Max: 

Max:  Should we
talk to Derek about the air ducts?

Me:  Why?  It’s
kinda fun.

Max:  Ur kinda
sick!

Me:  Good night
Max…  : )~

Max:  Is that a
tongue?

Me:  Yes, it is…
a hot, wet, lonely tongue.

Long Pause.

Max:  It doesn’t
have to be lonely.

Me:  Good night Max…
my friend.

Shutting down my phone, I smiled into my pillow as I drifted
off thinking about Max. 
Despite his little faux pas earlier, I’m still
desperately in love with him.  Heaven help me…

~~~