First Tango in Paris

by

Jean
(jcmax.@aol.com)

Max and Fran checked in to the Hotel in Paris after Fran’s unexpected accompanying of Max on his trip. The suite was absolutely magnificent. From the balcony, you had a grand view of the city. Fran had never seen a hotel suite to compare to this. It was absolutely luxurious in every way. There was a huge four-poster king size bed covered with a soft, silky comforter done in deep, vibrant jewel tones and piled high with down filled pillows in matching shams. Fran was impressed by all the amenities. She and Val had splurged once on a nice vacation and thought they’d done it all in style, but this was a whole new level of elaboratation! Fran was amazed that the hotel bath would have both a shower and a jacuzzi tub—let alone be stocked with full-size bottles of the finest French bath and body products. Additionally, there were fresh flowers and votive candles all around the suite, terry robes, complimentary wet bar, a bowl of fruit, and soft music playing in the background.

"Oy, this is the life! " said Fran.

Max thought it was adorable the way Fran could get so excited and thrilled by things he had simply grown accustomed to as a way of life. She made experiences fresh and new for him as well.

"Oh, Mr. Sheffield! This is fantastic! I’ve never seen anything so incredible. It’s absolutely palatial! I am sorry I ,um, accidentally got stuck on the plane, but I can’t pretend that being here with you isn’t one of the most exciting things to ever happen to me!"

"Don’t worry Miss Fine, I’m actually rather glad you are here. Please enjoy yourself. The children are perfectly well with Niles and your mother is only a phone call away. What say we just try to relax and soak up the atmosphere. We can look at it as a vacation we probably both are in need of."

"You’re sure I won’t be a distraction? I know you came here to have a serious talk with your brother, Nigel. I don’t want to interfere," Fran remarked.

Oh, she will be a distraction, all right, thought Max, but a welcome one at that. "To be honest, Miss Fine, I’ve been having second thoughts about that talk. Perhaps Nigel is right about just wanting to follow his dreams. Who am I to crush them?"

"Well, you know, Mr. Sheffield, everyone has to approach life in their own way. People aren’t all the same, even when they come from the same family–thank God!... Oy, just look at my family! You don’t think I’m like the rest of my family, do you? Please say no," Fran begged.

Maxwell smiled, "Oh, Miss Fine, your family may be a little different from what I’m used to, but they are very loving and close-knit. You can’t fault them for that. Actually, I admire them for it. But, to answer your question, no, I don’t think you are much like them in many ways. Truly, you are unlike anyone I’ve ever known." Maxwell stroked her cheek, "And Fran, I mean that as a compliment ."

"Oh, that is so sweet of you to say Mr. Sheffield." Did he just call her Fran? she asked herself.

Max leaned closer to Fran. "Please, call me Max. I think it’s time we started calling each other by our first names, don’t you agree? It will take some getting used to, but perhaps while we are here in Paris it will be a chance for us to do it." Max put his hand around Fran’s waist.

"O.K. " she giggled. "Whatever you say." Could this be happening? Was he suggesting what she hoped he was? Was that a pun–‘do it’?

"Fran, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the club tonight when I meet with Nigel? I feel that I can be more open-minded with you by my side."

"I’d LOVE to go with you Mr. Shef, I mean Max. But I didn’t get to pack a suitcase and I don’t really have anything appropriate to wear to such a nice place."

"Then I say we better get going. I’m taking you on a shopping spree! I want you to get anything you need and I’ll help you choose just the right dress for tonight. I have a feeling this is going to be a night to remember!" Max took Fran by the hand and led her out the door and into the streets of Paris.

They walked hand-in-hand for several blocks just window shopping and talking. "What’s wrong, Fran?" asked Max. "Don’t you see anything that catches your eye?"

"Oh, just about everything catches my eye. (especially you, Maxwell Sheffield! she thought to herself) It’s just all so overwhelming. I guess I’m just used to shopping for bargains at outlet malls. I don’t know how to act in these fancy-schmancy stores."

"Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that. This is your first trip to Paris. I want to indulge you and help make this an unforgettable experience. Now don’t feel intimidated. I’m right here with you. No one is going to make you feel inadequate. Come on, why don’t we step in here and have a look?" questioned Maxwell.

Fran loved the way he was taking charge of the situation. Inside the shop, Fran felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman with Richard Gere by her side–only better. She had Maxwell Sheffield and this was no movie. It was really happening.

The clerk brought out several dresses for their approval. Finally, they decided on a long, royal purple sleeveless gown that had a scooped neck with loose feminine ruffles. Other than the soft, draping ruffles at the neckline, showing just enough cleavage to be interesting, it was simply a straight, tight fitting dress without a lot of detail. More demure than Fran usually wore, but perfect for this occasion. With a figure like hers, Fran didn’t need a lot to take away from her natural beauty. Maxwell wanted to be able to enjoy all her curves. After choosing shoes and a matching bag, they made the purchase and were on their way.

They stopped at a sidewalk café for a light afternoon snack. Max wanted to let Fran experience all Paris had to offer. They enjoyed just being together talking and people-watching. After about half and hour had passed, Maxwell suggested they be on their way. "Come along, Fran, we still have a couple of stops to make before heading back to the hotel."

He led her down the street and into a fine department store where she could get whatever else she needed. He took her to the perfume counter where they sampled a few fragrances and together agreed on L’Air de Temps. It’s sweet floral scent fit the occasion to perfection.

"Uh, Mr. Sheffield, if you don’t mind, I could use a few minutes alone to pick up a couple of personal items I might need, if you know what I mean." She didn’t expect to feel embarrassed, after all they’d been living together for three years. But she couldn’t help blushing slightly.

"Certainly, I understand. Please......take my credit card and get whatever you need. Why don’t I meet you back here in an hour? And remember, first names," Max teased.

"Sure, ‘Max’, that sounds fine." She was having a little trouble spontaneously calling him by his first name, but she looked forward to trying to get used to it.

Fran was off to the lingerie department. She felt like a school girl getting ready for her first prom. This was a level of excitement and anticipation the likes she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Actually, never. Not even when Danny was at his finest moment could he hold a candle to Maxwell.

After carefully and thoughtfully fingering the fine lingerie, she decided on a black lace bra and panties. She figured the purple dress needed dark undergarments, and hey, why not look and feel sexy? She spent the rest of the hour buying some make-up and other cosmetics and toiletries she might need.

Meanwhile, Max crossed the street to Cartier’s to have a look around. He was totally swept up in the moment and mesmerized by this whirlwind of a day they were having. He wanted to get something very special to surprise her with later. He decided upon a one carat tear drop diamond necklace in 18K gold. It would be just the right sparkle to accent her neck in that dress they had chosen. Plus, he thought it would be the kind of thing she could wear every day if she wanted to and they could be reminded of this trip. The hour was almost up as he slipped the black velvet case into his interior coat pocket. He rushed to make sure he reached the meeting place before she did. He was that thoughtful of her feelings. He didn’t want her to have to be insecure or wonder where he was.

Fran arrived within minutes of Max. "Ah, there you are. Were you able to find everything you needed?" asked Max as he took the bags from her.

"Yes, I think I am good to go now. And we had better get back so I can start getting ready for tonight. You know it will take me at least a couple of hours," she said only half jokingly.

As they walked along toward the hotel, each felt a sense of intrigue and mystery, anticipation and wonder for might lie ahead.

It was late afternoon by the time they reached the hotel.

"Do you mind if I hop in the shower first?" asked Max. "I can be in and out of your way so you can have the place to yourself to do whatever you need."

"Sure, just let me start the water running in the tub with some of those bubbles I saw in there. It can be filling while you get your shower," offered Fran.

"Good plan!"

Fran started the water while Max, without hesitation, took off his coat, shirt, shoes, and socks. She quickly walked on out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. She didn’t want to rush things. She felt things would unfold later for them. On the other hand, she couldn’t keep from fantasizing about him just on the other side of that unlocked door.

Suddenly she heard him singing. Niles had jokingly said before how his liked to sing show tunes in the shower. What she hadn’t realized was the he was telling the truth. He was singing and he had an amazing voice. How had he kept this talent from her?

Soon enough, he walked out with just a towel around his waist, his curly black hair still wet. Another time she would have made a clever comment to lighten the mood, but tonight was different. This was foreplay of sorts. So she just secretly admired his muscular arms and chest as she slipped into the bathroom. They didn’t exchange words, but their feelings were mutual. The sexual tension was building.............................

While Fran bathed in the swanky tub and dreamed of the evening ahead, Max put on his suit, then called to arrange for champagne and strawberries to be delivered and waiting for them when they returned later that evening.

Finally, Fran emerged from the dressing area. She was breathtakingly beautiful with the slim-fitting purple dress. She had decided to leave her hair more natural tonight. It was wavy and full, combed and parted off to one side with wisps of bangs on her forehead.

"Fran, my God, you are beautiful," Maxwell complimented.

"Thank you, Maxwell. You’re looking pretty dapper yourself , there." Fran answered.

"There’s ...just ..one.. more ..thing...........and he pulled out the long rectangular black box from his pocket and opened it to reveal the stunning necklace he had bought for her.

"Oh, Maxwell!! It’s absolutely gorgeous!"

"No, my darling, YOU are gorgeous."

Fran felt all tingly. She could just melt.

"Here, let me help you with that," Max said. The placed it around Fran’s neck and clasped it, then allowed his hands to gently slide down her back to rest at her hips. He pulled her close and tenderly kissed her soft lips. The kiss was short, but oh so sweet. A promise of more to come.

Regaining his senses, Max said, "I suppose we better go or Nigel will wonder what happened to us."

"O.K. " replied Fran. "I am right with you. Ready when you are."

At the club, Max made peace with Nigel and wished him luck with his new project. He told him he had come to the conclusion that embarking on new endeavors wasn’t such a bad idea after all. They toasted Nigel’s good fortune and then he had to be on his way and mingle with the crowd.

Now Max and Fran could be alone and enjoy themselves as they pleased. They decided on a cozy table in the corner where they could talk. They hadn’t been out together since he had taken her to the Russian Tea Room to meet an old pen pal on a blind date, which fortunately had not worked out. But Max was ready now and determined that Fran would know how he felt about her before returning to New York! They talked on and on about all sorts of things. The told of dreams of traveling to faraway places. Funny that Fran hadn’t realized Maxwell had such a wanderlust. He thought of how much fun it would be to share revisiting places with this woman who could put an exciting twist on just about anything! They spoke if their love of fine art, even though it was a newly acquired taste for Fran. They found they had common interests when it came to music, as well.

The DJ was playing some soft, slow music ...More Than a Woman by the BeeGees. "Would you like to dance, Miss ‘very’ Fine?" Maxwell grinned.

"Sure, handsome!" she returned.

As they slow-danced , they experienced a closeness of body to body moving with a slow, sensuous rhythm. They shared a few quick, but passionate kisses. Max wasn’t much for public displays of affection, but he was lost in the moment. Suddenly they consciously became aware of the next song that was playing. It was a lovely song by an artist they had just discussed earlier and commented that she had such a calm, soothing voice. The song was "Consequences of Falling" by kd Lang.

They looked into each other’s eyes as the words touched their hearts:

"Are you dreaming what I’m dreaming, Fran?" quizzed Max.

They were dancing close enough for Fran to have a feeling what Max was dreaming and needing. "I think I am," she answered.

It was past midnight. "Well, this club of Nigel’s is great, but are you about ready to head back to the hotel?" Max hoped.

Fran responded, "I don’t want this night to end, but I suppose I’ve had enough dancing for one evening. I know you’ve got to be tired. Yes, we had better go, I suppose."

"Oh, I’m not THAT tired." said Max.

Max opened the door to the suite and followed Fran in, gently guiding her with a hand on her back. She immediately noticed the room service cart with chilled champagne and luscious strawberries.

"Maxwell Sheffield, you sure know how to treat a lady. A girl could get used to this!"

"Well get used to it, Honey, because this is only the beginning." Max took off his coat and loosened his tie. "Please come over here and sit with me, Fran. I want to talk to you." He took her by the hand and led her to the sofa. He poured two glasses of champagne. He spoke seriously, "I don’t know how much you may realize about my feelings for you. I know I haven’t been very open with you in the past, but you’ve got to know that I’m absolutely crazy about you. I have tried to fight it because I didn’t think I deserved to find happiness again. You know how much I loved Sara. I didn’t expect to ever recover from the pain of losing her and learn to love again. Hell, I didn’t even have a desire to. But then,.........then, my darling, you showed up at my doorstep. You taught me to laugh again. And more than anything, you helped the children laugh again. Sweetheart, I can’t imagine ever trying to live without you again."

"Max, I don’t know what to say. The past three years have been the best years of my life. They say when one door closes, another opens. And is that ever true!" Fran stroked Max’s cheek as she continued, "When Danny dumped me for Heather and fired me, I thought it was the worst thing that could happen. But it turned out to be the best! I love living with you and the kids, and of course, Niles. I can’t imagine anything else."

Max leaned over and embraced Fran. "Oh, Baby, I’m so glad to hear you say that," he said softly. He looked into her eyes. "You go on so many dates, I assumed you were looking for something you didn’t see in me. It just kills me to watch you go out with those men....looking so beautiful and sexy. God, it’s torture on me waiting for you to come home, wondering what your doing. I am aware that you are a passionate, sensuous woman with needs."

"Wait a minute, Maxwell. I haven’t been intimate with anyone since I’ve known you. I haven’t even been tempted. Not even when I considered reconciling with Danny. Somehow, the guys I meet just don’t measure up. Once a girl meets a man like you, it’s hard to settle for less."

"Fran you are a beautiful woman in every way. You should never have to settle for anything less than what you want. Do you think you could allow me to try to make you happy?"

"Yes, sweetie, yes. Oh, Maxwell, you do make me happy." She leaned forward to kiss his cheek. As she did, he ran his fingers through her hair to push it away from her face. As he tenderly held her in his arms, they shared a deep, passionate, prolonged kiss. Their first truly uninhibited, uninterrupted, intimate encounter ever..

"Umm, Max. You just do it for me. You do it for me in every way. I’ve been falling for you big time, but it’s like the song says. I couldn’t take the consequences if you didn’t feel the same way," shared Fran. " I just didn’t really allow my thoughts to go there."

"Fran, don’t ever doubt my feelings for you. It has taken me three years to finally admit it to myself, but there’s no turning back now. I love you. Darling, I love you with all my heart," revealed Max.

"And I love you." Fran leaned up into Max’s arms and kissed his lower lip.

Slowly and tenderly, Max began kissing Fran’s face and neck. He wanted to take his time and explore every region of her body—one at a time......Fran relaxed her mind and body and just lived for the moment. As Max stroked her arms and back, he nuzzled his face in her thick, wavy dark hair and caressed her neck with his tongue and covered her with open, wet kisses. His hands found the zipper in the back of her dress. He carefully unzipped it as his kisses were moving lower and lower down her throat. "You smell so delicious, Babe. You are amazing," he whispered.

Fran had certainly been with other men in her life, but never had she felt such tinges of ecstacy, and her Max was just getting started. Was he that great of a lover, or is this what being with a man you truly love is like? She suspected it was both.

Fran was caught up in the moment. She let herself feel free to respond to his touch and began to explore his face and neck with her hands and mouth. Oh, she loved the feel of his face with just a hint of rough stubble. She opened her mouth wider and found his juicy mouth welcoming hers. As he slipped her dress down her shoulders, she unbuttoned his shirt and reached in to caress and massage his arms and back.

Max took Fran’s hand and guided it to his belt buckle to let her know he was ready to take the next step if she was. Then he returned his attention to her upper body. Fran was glad she’d taken the time to buy the lace underwear. She wanted to turn him on like he’d never been before. And she was! Max slowly let his fingers slip under the lace. She was and incredible woman. He lifted her powerfully and, leaving the dress behind, carried her to the bed. He lay down over her, supporting most of his weight on his elbows. He knew she was a petite woman and didn’t want her to be uncomfortable. They exchanged more deep, passionate kisses as Fran tugged his pants down a little further. He eased to her side to have better use of his hands. Max slid her bra straps off her shoulders. He reached around to unhook her bra and continued giving her tantalizing, butterfly kisses all around her neck and chest.

Max was about to lose control of this situation. He didn’t want to force her into anything she wasn’t ready for, but if didn’t stop now, he didn’t think he could. However, then Fran pushed him lower to invite him to traverse her other regions. He willingly accepted the invitation.

"God, Fran, you’re amazing. Let me show you how I feel about you. Let me make love to you Baby," he said almost pleadingly.

"Yes, Yes, Max. Take me. I’m yours."

They shared an incredible night of tender, yet intense love-making like neither had experienced before. They were so in tune with one another’s wants and needs. The ecstacy was almost unbelievable as they both reached that magical moment simultaneously–completely satisfied.

Fran tried to comprehend how Max could be so gentle, yet powerful at the same time. Now she knew the difference between having sex and making love. Max loved the way Fran could be fragile and sweet, yet aggressive, passionate, and bold.

"Maxwell," Fran whispered. "I think I’m really in love for the first time in my life."

"Really, sweetheart?" Max said softly. "I think I’m in love for the last time in my life."

They feel into a restful sleep in each other’s arms.

The next morning Fran awoke to the sound of Maxwell in the shower singing, "Hey there, Georgie Girl...................."

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