Rating: PG-13 Disclaimer: No offense meant to any real person or business mentioned in this work of fiction.
AUTHOR NOTES: I've always thought shopping at the mall with Fran would be a great deal of fun so I decided to see if I was right. ; )

KaChing!
The second installment from the 'Friends, Schmends' Series

by

Bart

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Fran bounced down the entry stairs wearing her favorite ultra casual outfit, an adorable yellow with white stripes, fleece jogger set. It was her 'power walk' clothing. She practically stood on the toes of her Reeboks and bounced across the sitting room to retrieve her bag from the sofa. Checking her bag, she ran through her mental checklist.

Visa? Check.

MasterCard? Check.

Discover? Check.

American Express? Check.

Platinum Visa? Check.

Diner's Club? Check.

Checkbook? Check. For all the good that would do her.

Cash?...Cash?

Dang it! She didn't have a dime on her.

She shrugged. Oh, well. Who needed it anyway?

She snapped her wallet closed and continued her 'shopping essentials' purse inventory.

Hairbrush? Check.

Mirror? Check.

Lipstick? Check.

Satisfied, she closed her bag and smiled to herself before looking up to see her newest shopping partner coming down the stairs.

Gorgeous Man? Check and OH, YEAH.

She leisurely allowed her gaze to run the length of him. He was one pretty man in a navy, double-breasted, pin-striped business suit but in tight Levi’s, tennis shoes and a black Nike sweatshirt, he was downright lethal.

He looked up to see her checking his attire out and she quickly tried to hide the pleasure she found in doing so from her face. This was supposed to be a shopping trip between friends. If he suspected that she were using his decree of friendship as a way to kick start the kind of relationship she craved with him, he'd turn and run like a jackrabbit right back up those stairs.

"Ready to go Miss Fine?" Max glanced down at his watch and moved over to the door. When he looked back over to her, he seemed to notice her unusual outfit for the first time.

"Well, don't you look adorable!" He blurted without thinking.

Fran smirked internally as she watched his eyes roam over the snug part of her jacket and down to the form-fitting pants. He was definitely appreciative. Friends didn't check each other out the way he was checking her out now. Did the man not even realize that the way he looked at her constantly gave off much more than a friendship vibe? She wanted to tell him to cut the crap and grab him and kiss him some sense into him.

Patience, Fran. One who hurries never finishes first.

OY! Now she was channeling Yetta! Did the man not see that he was driving her slowly mad!?

She pushed aside her traitorous thoughts and beamed up at him. "Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself...buddy."

He shrugged. "I wasn't sure what one wore to a power shopping trip with a... 'girlfriend'." He made little quotation marks around the word with his fingers. "I just hoped I was dressed appropriately."

He turned and walked toward the door, stopping only briefly to retrieve his leather jacket from the foyer's closet peg. Fran watched him walk away, admiring the rear view of those Levi’s.

Oh, yes, ba-by. "More than appropriately." She muttered the thought aloud and didn't even realize it until he turned back to her.

"What'd you say Miss Fine?" He inquired with a confused look on his face.

Fran tried not to look flushed and let a carefree laugh out to cover her almost slip-up.

"I just said I'm more than ready to go!" She smiled even brighter at him and headed toward the door herself.

He opened the door for her and held his arm out. "Limo's waiting."

She stepped over beside him and linked her arm through his. "Well, then, let's go shopping 'pal O' mine'." She rubbed her hands together in anticipation and shot him a huge smile. "Ring it up! KaChing! KaChing!"

He smiled amusedly at her cash register imitation, happy at her new attitude toward this friendship arrangement between them. He rubbed his own hands together before placing a friendly one on her back. "Yes, pal, let's go!"

Shutting the door behind them, the two 'friends' headed off.

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Inside the limo, Max was trying his best to keep his eyes on anything besides the woman beside him. He made a point of becoming interested in the goings on outside his window as they made their way through New York early Sunday afternoon traffic. He heard her reach into the mini-fridge and pop the top on a diet soda and could resist no longer. He turned to face her and caught the twinkle in her eyes.

Damn, it was as if she knew he was having trouble keeping his eyes and his mind off her.

Why was he trying so hard not to think about her anyway? A friend could appreciate another friend's beauty without it having to mean something more. Yes, women did that all the time didn't they? He'd heard scores of women elaborate on how beautiful and smashing another woman looked. Even Val was forever telling Miss Fine how much she liked one of her boisterous outfits when she came over. Yes, friends could appreciate. They just didn't go over that line.

"Have I told you how cute you look today Miss Fine?" He gave her his sweetest and friendliest smile. There. That wasn't so bad. He didn't sound like a man in love. But then, why would he?

Miss Fine tipped her head to the side to wrinkle her nose at him. "Only once." She smiled when he flushed and then rushed to offer him a hand out of his self-dug, verbal hole. "Mr. Sheffield, you seem surprised that I would dress in something like this." She gestured at her outfit with the hand that wasn’t holding the cola.

He drew his lips up in a line. "Oh, no...It’s just...well...I'm not used to seeing you so casual...You should dress like that more often..."

He paused, weighing his words before continuing. "Not that you don't look smashing in those...er...other outfits, you most certainly do, it's just that a man appreciates a woman in all types of clothing. I mean...not that I'm really appreciating in that way mind you..."

What the hell was he saying? He needed to just shut up and couldn't seem to stop himself.

"I mean...you know...noticing…other than as a friend Miss Fine...I just thought that... as a friend, you might appreciate me saying that you looked nice and....I didn't mean to make it sound...you know...as if I were..."

"Coming onto me?" She slyly winked at him and he bit his lip uncomfortably.

She put a hand on his arm to effectively stop any further flow of words. Patting his arm gently, she told him, "Thank You, Mr. Sheffield, I do appreciate the compliment...from a friend."

He took a deep breath and turned his head slightly to roll his eyes at his own stupidity.

Smacking his hand resolutely against his thigh, he turned back to change the subject. "Where are we headed first Miss Fine?"

Her smile and eyes instantly became a mixture of female excitement and anticipation of a glorious day of shopping. She placed her hand over on his thigh to emphasize those feelings. and he felt a small, familiar shiver run through him as she did so.

He immediately looked down at her hand. She'd always done that hadn't she? She didn't mean anything by it. Of course not! He was the one being silly.

Then why did that smile on her face look so damn knowing? Could she have felt his reaction to that innocent touch? He wanted to kick his traitorous body.

She squeezed again lightly and leaned over a bit closer. "Oh, I thought perhaps the Manhattan Mall would be a good place to start."

He gave her a look of surprise, mocking outrage. "Miss Fine, I didn't think you paid retail!"

She laughed aloud at his knowing comment about her habits. "I don't normally but I'm gonna make an exception today. Loheman's is no place for amateurs such as yourself Mr. Sheffield." She held her finger in the air and wiggled it. "You can lose a finger digging through those bins."

Max reached up to click the intercom to give instructions to Clevis, his driver. "The Manhattan Mall please Clevis. Miss Fine and I have some serious shopping to do."

Max leaned back in the seat and tried to relax himself. Miss Fine certainly looked relaxed enough and for some reason, knowing that irritated him more than it should have. Why couldn't he be so casual and carefree?

He took a deep breath, determined to make himself comfortable and easy.

It was just a shopping trip. With a friend. Right?

Then why the bloody hell did he feel so nervous?

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Miss Fine shot him another breathtaking smile as she grabbed his hand and practically ran through the entranceway. He had to either pick up his pace or lose his left arm. She jerked him into the circular swing doors and he lost his balance and fell against her back. She let out a happy giggle as he caught her around the waist with one arm to keep from crushing her against the glass in front of them. Pulled back against his front, they stilled instantly and stood a little straighter, both trying to ignore what they instantly felt. Finally, they made their way around to the opening of the brightly-lit interior of Dillard's.

"Miss Fine, is there a fire somewhere that we're running from?" Max's wry inquiry was made as he used her pause in the entryway as a chance to catch his breath. She had insisted that they walk down-make that more like 'sprint down'- from the parking deck in lieu of making Clevis wait in the long line of traffic at the drop/pick-up lane.

He'd argued that he paid Clevis good money to do any amount of waiting that he wanted done but then she had stuck that bottom lip at him and given him that look that said he should be ashamed.

"Poor Clevis doesn't have to wait when we can walk!"

And then, she'd reached for the intercom button and opened the window sight divider briefly to give a very charmed Clevis the good news complete with a thumbs 'up'. The crusty old driver had winked back and thanked her in a syrupy way that Max begrudgingly noted he only used with her.

Then, Max had reached up to slam the sight divider shut tight, shaking his head disgustedly at his driver's reaction to her.

He looked at her now, standing in the entryway of a department store looking just the slightest bit windblown and as excited as a child at his first carnival.

The woman could simply charm the pants off any man when she put her mind to it.

He smiled at the sudden image of old Clevis standing in his skivvies with knobby knees and then the involuntary image of himself with his own pants around his ankles appeared in his mind and the idea didn't seem quite so funny.

"What are you scowling about already?" Fran poked him with her elbow in the ribs and his thoughts were diverted from his undies to the ball of chaos standing beside him waiting expectantly. "I haven't even made you try on anything for me yet!"

She winked broadly at him when she noted his taken back expression and grabbed him by the hand once more, slightly swinging it as she spoke to him. "Well, where to pal...Anything you're in need of?"

He gave a slight shrug not having the faintest clue where to go. It wasn't as if he came to a mall often. He made all of his suit purchases at an executive men's wear store in upper Manhattan and had them tailor made to fit. What he couldn't purchase there, Niles took care of.

Miss Fine looked at him as if he were a bug under a microscope for one long moment. "Well, you know...summer is coming up in a couple of months and you could use some casual clothes." She nodded to herself as if finding the idea more and more likable. "Those sandals and yellow floral pattern shorts you wore at the beach last year were definitely a fashion risk."

Max knew he should be a bit insulted but found himself too fascinated by her fashion self-assurance to be. The woman was definitely in her element.

"To the men's department!" She announced brightly.

He smiled down at her. "Lead the way Miss Fine."

She smiled back at him in that secretive, flirtatious, female way that he'd seen many times before. "Oh, I intend to Mr. Sheffield."

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"Oh, stop grumbling and turn around."

Fran watched as her boss did as he was told and found herself quite pleased with the view once more. The thin material of the shorts clung to his buttocks. She could really get used to enjoying this side of Maxwell Sheffield and found herself wanting to see the shorts off.

Damn, there went her mind again.

"Unbutton the shirt." The order came from her in an authoritative tone of voice and Max's head immediately turned from the mirror he was staring into to meet her eyes cautiously.

"Excuse me, Miss Fine?"

She didn't waiver. "I said, unbutton the shirt."

He stared down at the buttons of the white gauze shirt as if they held the secrets of the seven wonders. Sure, she'd seen him without a shirt before-several times. But, being shirtless of his own will was one thing; being ordered to by a voice from some secret fantasy was quite another.

He looked at her once more stubbornly. "And might I ask why Miss Fine?"

She strode over to where he stood at the entrance to the men's dressing room and brought her hands to his chest, slowly beginning to unbutton the shirt herself.

Mesmerized by her closeness, he breathed in the scent of her and felt his body responding to her nearness and the suggestive lure of those brown pools staring up at him.

Without smiling she answered in a whisper. "Because I want to push you against that wall inside that small cubicle behind you and have my way with you."

When the last button was undone, she tore the shirt apart and let a soft nail trace a path down his chest teasingly as she glanced up at him sexily from hooded eyes.

"Always been a fantasy of mine." She spoke in a hushed, deliberate whisper.

He gulped audibly and couldn't seem to take in enough air to sufficiently supply lungs that felt as if they might explode at any moment.

She backed away a step and turned him by the shoulders so he could look at himself in the mirror once more. A large smile split her face as she enjoyed his discomfiture. "Much better-see?"

He looked at himself through her eyes and he had to admit that he didn't look so bad when he showed a bit of his body. He'd always thought he had a decent chest. Did she like it?

He caught himself trying to read her eyes and cursed himself yet again internally. What the hell did it matter? Here she was, trying to help him buy some attractive clothing and being a good friend to him, and he was turning every slight little thing she did into some kind of monumental thing. She was being his friend. If his body would only cooperate, he could try to return the favor.

He gave her a lopsided smile. "I like this. We'll get it."

"Sure you don't want to try on a few more things?" She raised her eyebrows at him hopefully.

He twisted his lips into a sarcastic expression. "I think we've tried on every pair of shorts in the building Miss Fine."

As he turned away and made his way back into the dressing room, Fran did a little twirl on the floor of the men's department ignoring the odd looks she got from several nearby shoppers.

This was so fun! And this shopping idea of hers was going terrific already! The man was putty in her hands! By the end of this little trip together, perhaps he'd be rethinking the idea that they could only be friends.

Smiling with the expectation of victory, she made her way to the counter to await her man.

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With his free hand, he reached down and threaded his fingers through her smaller one as they made their way into the main concourse of the mall. In his other one, he held his new purchases. He smiled down at her and she returned the gesture with an equally warm one that made him feel good all over.

He had to admit it.

This was nice.

Very nice.

Being with her on a lazy Sunday afternoon like this was a treat that he was sorry that he'd denied himself for so long. He had enjoyed shopping with her in Paris so much. Why did he think he wouldn't enjoy being with her like that here in New York? The woman just had a way of making him feel...

Oh, hell, he didn't know what exactly but he just knew it was…nice.

The two of them made their way around the various groups of people gathered seemingly everywhere. For a Sunday afternoon, it was definitely crowded at the large mall.

Max couldn't help but be interested in the stores and variety of products as they passed them by.

Fran couldn't help but be amused by his enchanted expression. Did the man not ever get out? You would have thought the place was a fairyland and he were the enchanted child for all the rapt attention and wonder his expression showed. He really seemed to be enjoying himself.

"Maybe we should go in there Miss Fine." He pointed to a 'Music 4 Less' store.

Her smile widened. "Whatever floats your boat Mr. Sheffield."

He led her toward the store window and stared down at a display. "No Doubt?" He gave her a befuddled look as he glanced back toward the white headed young woman and odd-looking fellows staring at him from the cardboard display.

Fran patted his arm. "Let's just say they haven't got much in common with Sinatra Mr. Sheffield."

Max nodded and continued his way into the brightly-lit music store. After just a moment of the blaring sounds from the speakers, he turned back to look at her incredulously. "Is it their aim to cause permanent hearing loss to every customer or is that just a bonus they throw in for visiting?"

Fran smiled at that and leaned back up toward his ear. "Find something you like and we'll try it out in a sound booth."

Max stared at her oddly a moment. "A sound booth Miss Fine?"

She nodded. "Yeah, sort of like a confessional booth minus the priest plus a Tabernacle choir." She pushed him over toward the 'classical' and 'show tunes' section she knew him to enjoy but he surprised her by detouring into the classic rock and pop section.

They browsed a few moments until he looked up at her with dancing eyebrows, holding a CD. "One of my favorites. Can we listen?"

She looked over the rack at the CD he held. Does the CD have a number in the upper right hand corner?

He looked down at it. "You mean besides the 17.99 price tag?"

She put her hands on her hips and glared mockingly agitated at him. He winked cockily and read off the four-digit number to her.

"Put the CD down and head on back this way." She motioned him to the back of the store with her. She told the sales assistant standing nearby that they wanted to listen to a sampler and he opened a door of a small booth and held it back for them to enter.

The booth was tiny and barely had enough room for one person, let alone two. Max sat down inside first putting his bag beside him and then Fran stepped in front of him and looked down at the tiny bit of remaining bench beside him.

"Unless my tookus has shrunk between our seven course meal last night and today, it ain't gonna fit there." One finger pointed at the miniscule space.

She looked at him for a long moment and when he said nothing in return, she reached for the door handle. "Just punch in the number of the CD on the keypad there and put the headphones on. I'll just wait on you outside."

As she reached for the door handle, she felt his strong hand close around her wrist. "Miss Fine, you're being silly. Come. Sit." He patted his lap to indicate she should make herself comfortable there.

She pointedly looked down at his lap and back up to meet his eyes. "Are you sure Mr. Sheffield? I mean...I don't want to seem out of line...you know...in regard to this new friendly...ER...thing we've got going between us."

He scoffed and waved her concern off with a hand. "Miss Fine, don't be silly. I want you to listen to the CD with me."

She looked back up to the panel. "There's only one headphone set."

He shrugged. "We'll share it. Come on, sit, it'll be fine."

She gave her own shrug and eased herself over nonchalantly in front of him to position herself to sit down. No need to kick a gift horse in the mouth.

She eased her backside onto his lap and sat up, her back ramrod straight. His thighs felt strong beneath her rear and she suddenly realized that she had never sat on his lap before. She wiggled a little as she tried to adjust her tailbone to balance herself on him better. As she did so, his hands came to her waist to keep her from sliding off. His fingers dug into her slender waist and held her closer to him. She caught her breath at the automatic sensation his hands on her kindled and made a small sound that she was sure he heard.

Trying to hide her sensitive reaction, she looked down into his brown eyes, which were surprisingly close to her own.

He appeared to be fighting the same feelings she was and that made her feel better. If she had to suffer, then so should he. This was his fault anyway. The two of them should be somewhere dark and alone and making out and making love like two sane adults that were as attracted to each other as the two of them were. As that thought struck her, she decided she might as well be a sinner as a saint and reached with her one arm around his shoulder to grasp onto him for balance. The action brought her breasts full and tight up against his chest and neither of them breathed for a full ten seconds.

"Comfortable Miss Fine?" His voice sounded raspy and a bit higher than normal.

She leaned in closer to his ear with her mouth. "Oh, I'm great. I'm not squishing you am I?"

He gave a tight smile. "Oh, no…You're perfect."

And oh hell, yes she was.

It was all Max could think as he tried his best to put the feel of her perfect ass wiggling atop his most sensitive and neglected area out of his mind.

Max's heart was doing summersaults and it wasn't his only organ performing tricks as she squirmed in his lap. He wanted to kick himself. What an insane idea to invite her into his arms. Did he honestly think that a vow of friendship would suddenly take away all the sexual attraction he felt for the woman?

He just hoped she wouldn’t move a few inches further up and allow him to totally humiliate himself.

She reached forward to punch the CD code in the keyboard and the soft strains of 'Fleetwood Mac's' greatest hits came softly into the booth through the headphones.

She reached and pulled them up between them so that each could put an ear to the soft vinyl. Stevie Nicks smokey voice wailed of 'Sweet Little Lies' for long moments and the two of them listened in silence. When the demo of the song ended, Fran dropped the earpiece a moment.

"Isn't she wonderful?"

Max looked into the pools of her brown eyes and nodded his agreement solemnly.

"Yes, wonderful."

He looked at her mouth then with such and intensity that Fran thought she might go crazy if he didn't touch it with his own soft lips. He leaned toward her, just mere centimeters between them. She could smell the peppermint on his breath and smell the tangy cologne clinging to his collar. She closed her eyes in anticipation and licked her own lips self-consciously.

"Listen to one more?"

His voice was a rough whisper, almost against her own in the stillness of the booth.

She opened her hooded eyes and nodded. "Yeah." It was a croak.

Max couldn't believe how close he'd almost come to ruining things himself. He'd wanted that touch just now so bad he could taste it. He wanted to sample those lips again and crush her even more fully against him. He could feel the softness of her side, her breast against him even now and he knew he needed to get out of here before he did something stupid like pull her down completely on him and ravish that red candy mouth with his tongue.

Fran reached to press another demo and before she could, he reached out to stop her hand's progress.

"I'll just buy it."

He practically dumped her out of his lap in his attempt to get up quickly. Throwing the door open, he made his way to the counter without looking back.

Fran just stared at his retreating back feeling as if she'd just lost a little ground. So close again. She knew he'd wanted that kiss as much as she had. She'd seen it in his eyes, felt it in his body.

But, there he went. Running away from her. Again. Would he ever stop?

Refusing to feel beaten, she walked up beside him to stand at the counter as he paid for the CD.

After paying, he turned to look at her, all traces of the sound booth incident erased from his eyes. It was as if it had never occurred.

"I'm feeling a bit peckish Miss Fine. Could you go for a bite?"

Fran tried not to feel disappointed. What had she expected him to say anyway? : 'I love you, wanna go get a room?'

She put on her brightest smile. They still had plenty of shopping left to do and plenty of time for her to make some headway. "Mr. Sheffield, I could go for more than a bite. I'm starving."

Fran thought that perhaps that was as honest a statement as she'd ever made in her life.

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The food court was packed with shoppers wanting to enjoy a late lunch or afternoon snack. Max and Fran made their way through the crowd, each looking around at the choices to see what they wanted.

"This is the biggest bloody food court I've ever seen!" Max muttered as he stared down the concourse at about two dozen or more visible selections.

Fran smiled. "I'll take one of everything Mr. Sheffield."

Max twisted his lips and arched an eyebrow her way. "I say we blow this place and head over to Le Chez for some real food."

Fran linked her free arm through his and looked up at him. "We'll save the French restaurant for our next adventure-besides, we're not dressed for it."

Next adventure? Max let the words sink in. Obviously, Miss Fine had every intention of them doing even more together in their newly established friendship only relationship. He didn't know whether to be pleased or uneasy. He sort of felt both.

He felt her tug at his arm. "Come on, Mr. Sheffield, you're with me and we're eating junk food today!"

He was almost pulled out of his sneakers as she led him over toward 'Sabatos'. Max got a whiff of the delicious aromas of freshly baked pizzas, pastas and lasagnas and decided that Miss Fine had pretty good taste in 'junk food'.

They each order a large slice of gourmet house pizza and found seats in nearby. Neither waited long to dig into their delicious smelling pies. Fran picked hers up, folded it over slightly and took a large bite. Maxwell, reached for his plastic fork, popped it's clear casing open and began to cut himself a hearty bite off as well.

"Ohhhhhh...Ummmmm...." Max wasn't sure if it was sounds or words coming from her mouth but he did know that she was enjoying hers and he answered her similarly.

"Mmmmmm..." His tongue darted out to catch a dollop of sauce and he happily brought it back into his mouth. Delicious.

For a few more seconds, little was said between them as they shared the delight of the first bite of hundreds of calories worth of cheese, sauce and hot toppings.

Finally, Fran paused and put hers down for a moment, her eyes twinkling. "Mr. Sheffield, you don't eat the pizza with a fork!"

He looked up to see her mouth open as she stared down at the fork as if it were an offensive instrument of torture. She picked up her own slice as if to show him. "Ya grab it with both hands and fold it over and go for it."

He raised his eyebrows. "Miss Fine, I am a cultured British gentleman. We don't 'grab' anything."

Fran rolled her lip toward him. "My, now that is a shame." She held his eyes teasingly as she opened her mouth wide for another bite of her pizza.

He didn't catch her innuendo for a moment and then he caught the dance her eyes were doing. The woman was pure evil delight sometimes! He couldn't let her have all the fun now could he?

A dollop of sauce squirted out and onto her chin as she pulled the pizza away from her lips. Max used the opportunity to reach his hand out and slowly wipe it away with his thumb. Holding her eyes, he brought the finger to his mouth and licked it off deliberately. Her eyes never left his.

When he spoke again, it was in a measured and suggestive tone. "No, Miss Fine, we British men find that eating slowly makes the experience much more…enjoyable." The smile he gave her was innocent. His dark eyes were not.

Touché.

Fran knew he wasn't referring to eating habits now and a thrill of dark excitement went through her. It wasn't like him to flirt so openly. Maybe this 'friendship' thing had him feeling more comfortable. She didn't know and didn't care just as long as he kept casting her longing looks with those dark brown eyes of his.

She bit into her pizza and enjoyed it more than she had any meal in quite a while.

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He was really getting into the spirit of this shopping thing. Fran listened to him as he explained to her how to hold a golf club properly. After eating, he'd made a beeline for 'The Golf Store' they’d passed on their way to the food court.

"Mr. Sheffield, I'm just not athletic." She whined to him as once again, she messed up her hold on the club.

"Miss Fine, it's golf. Yetta could learn how to play it."

Fran rolled her eyes. "Well, yeah, Yetta plays strip bingo too but you don't see me doing that!"

He stared at her comment in disbelief.

She nodded. "Oh, yeah. Every Saturday night, they change up rooms so as not to get caught." She smiled and Max still couldn't decide if she were pulling his leg or not.

"It actually sounds rather fun..." She wiggled her eyebrows at him teasingly. "We might have to try it sometime..."

He cut her off with a hand up and motioned for her to come stand beside him. "Here, hold it like this Miss Fine."

He placed the club in her hands firmly, adjusting her fingers to the correct position. "Now, bend your back ever so slightly, bend your knees and increase your grip…tighter…tighter…

Fran did as told and winked at him suggestively. "Whoooo…kinky golf…I like it."

Her gave her a chastising glance. "Now, raise it slowly and hit the ball into the hole.

She tried to follow his instruction. She really did. But somehow, the golf ball managed to fly off the small putting area and onto the store’s floor where it was picked up by a less than amused store manager.

Fran’s hand flew up to her mouth. "Whoops."

"Miss Fine…" Max’s dark tone told her that he was less than amused.

She held the club out to him. "I told you…I can’t do this."

He shook his head. "Nonsense!"

He moved behind her. "Here, let me show you." He placed both of his arms around her and she tried to hide the instant smile that sprang to her lips. Yes, she’d always enjoyed 'hands on' instruction.

Leaning over her back with his chest, he placed his arms across hers and held to her wrists.

"Now, hold the club as I told you." He put his hands on hers to help her adjust it and hold it. When he finally had it as he wanted it, he pulled the club back slightly to give her a feel of the short swing she was to take.

"Do you feel the smoothness of the motion Miss Fine?"

Oh, yeah, she felt it alright. His large, warm body enclosing hers was exactly the kind of motion she wanted to feel. She eased her shoulders back toward him and he felt it.

"No, Miss Fine, now bend over. I’ll follow you down." She tilted her head back to the side to give him a leering smile.

He did his best to ignore it and began talking to cover his flustering. He hadn’t taken into account how wonderful she would feel in his arms or how terrific she would smell or how soft her hair would feel against his cheek. He set his mind on the white ball and did his best to keep it there.

"Now, we’re going to tap the ball softly into the hole Miss Fine."

Fran turned her concentration into listening and following his lead. They tapped the ball and it rolled forward into the hole.

Pleased, he raised up and smiled down at her as she looked up at him. "There. See? Not so difficult."

She nodded. "Let me try it by myself now."

He moved aside and off the fake putting green as she retrieved the ball and placed it on the small circle.

Max watched amused as her tongue darted out in concentration. After just a moment, she tapped the ball and again, it rolled forward and into the hole.

She jumped up in the air excitedly. "I did it!"

Happy, he grabbed her around the waist and twirled her around, picking her completely off the ground. She hugged him back excitedly. "Oh, that was fun!"

He put her down and twirled her around now beaming at her. "I’ll have to take you to the club sometime and try it on real grass."

She nodded, thrilled secretly at the innocent invitation. "I’d love to go with you!"

He smiled again. "Miss Fine, you’re a good student."

She wrinkled her nose at him and clucked him under the chin. "You’re not such a bad teacher yourself Mr.Sheffield."

He took the club from her and replaced it on the rack. When he turned back to her he responded, "Oh, you’d be surprised at what I know."

She noted his eyes were dancing again.

"I’d love to find out sometime." She picked up his bag and the couple made their way into the mall once more.

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Fran grabbed a Cosmo and headed to the checkout. Where Mr.Sheffield had gone, she wasn't sure. Laying the magazine on the counter to pay, she looked around but still didn't see him.

The girl behind the counter just ignored her continuing to gab with someone on the telephone. Fran waited patiently for a moment and then shoved the magazine forward to try and gain the girl's attention.

The girl continued to ignore her and Fran cleared her throat.

The girl held her hand over the receiver and glanced over at her annoyed. "Be with ya in a sec." She spoke back into the receiver. "So...then Kari told Dillion to get the hell out of her life and he told her to piss off so now they're broke up-AGAIN and I still can't even get him to look my way."

Fran gritted her teeth now and slapped the counter with her palm. The girl jumped. Rolling her eyes, she spoke into the receiver one last time. "Hey Kel, I gotta ring some older lady up here...I get off in thirty...I'll catch ya over at the party."

Hanging up the phone with an annoyed thud, she turned to Fran.

"What'll it be?"

Fran looked pointedly down at the magazine.

The younger woman said nothing but snarling, she smacked her gum loudly as she picked it up to search for the price on it.

"I don't know why they try to hide the price." She told Fran absently. "Oh, there it is."

She punched it in. "That'll be five dollars and forty-nine cents."

Fran raised an eyebrow at the price. "That's why they hide it."

The young woman didn't find her remark amusing and blew a bubble with her gum to show her displeasure and impatience. "If ya don't want the stupid magazine, you shoulda checked the price first lady."

Fran leaned across the counter and snarled her nose slightly at the little tart and spoke to her directly and slowly. "If you don't stop smacking that gum in my face, I'm gonna wrap it around your pretty little neck."

Smiling sweetly, Fran straightened. The girl's eyes widened perceptibly and she shut her mouth and reached for the bill Fran laid on the counter.

A girl about the same age stepped upon the platform alongside the register. Leaning over, she bent down to speak to the other girl. "Hey Tara, check out James Bond on isle two."

The young woman finished counting Fran her change back before looking up in the direction her co-worker specified.

They both turned to each other and made giddy faces. Fran's little buddy gave her opinion of the man. "Wow. He is one hot older man! Move over Richard Gere!"

Her co-worker stuck her tongue out suggestively and waggled it. "I'd play the 'Pretty Woman' for a taste of THAT!"

Fran began to have a sneaking suspicion of who they were speaking of and once her money was in her billfold, she followed their rapt gazes and found one Maxwell Sheffield holding a book up to read the back of it.

The girls just kept right on drooling. "Just look at that hair! You could lose yourelf in it! I'd bet he is one more tiger in bed!"

Fran turned a snarling smile on them and leaned in once more. "Wouldn't you two like to know?"

Twirling around, she left the two of them gaping and made a beeline for the object of their attentions.

He looked up as he sensed her approach and snapped the jacket of the book shut. "Ah! Miss Fine, I was just looking at the travel books."

Fran ran her arm through his and cozied up to his side, glancing up toward the register to make sure the girls had enjoyed the show.

Max looked down at her a bit curiously but continued to look at the book he held. "I have always wanted to visit the Taj Mahal Miss Fine."

She looked at the cover of the book on the famous landmark and nodded. "Me too! I'd love to see it! You know, it's considered to be the most beautiful building ever built." She unlatched herself from him pointed at the picture of the famous building. "The emperor Jahran built it for his wife. Now THAT is an expression of love!"

He looked at her, surprised. "Miss Fine, I had no idea you were interested in the Taj Mahal!"

She winked at him. "Hey, what woman wouldn't be taken with that romantic story?"

Max studied her for a long moment. Again, she'd managed to surprise him. She might not be brilliant and often made light of her intellect, but Miss Fine had plenty of sense and if something interested her, she could clamp onto it with a sharp mind like a dog onto a bone. He wondered what other secrets she held in that he'd not yet discovered about her. She was indeed a paradox.

He reached over and placed the book back on the shelf. Turning back, he used his long finger to tip her chin upward. "Miss Fine, I promise you that when I make my journey to the Taj Mahal, I'll make sure you are right beside me."

If expressions could be measured in gold, the one she handed him was priceless.

Arm in arm, they made their way from the bookstore.

Behind them, two young women watched them depart, green with envy.

**************************************************************************

"Let’s head upstairs. There’s a couple of stores I want to go to up there."

Fran threw the words over her shoulder as she hopped onto the moving escalator. Max jumped on right behind her. It was a long ride up and Max enjoyed getting to stand behind her so closely. At just one step lower than her, it made them almost equal in height. She shifted her feet and tipped herself just a bit. Max instantly brought an arm out to steady her.

"Feet getting sore Miss Fine?"

She glanced back over her shoulder at him. "Ha! You wish Mr. Sheffield."

She noticed that he left his hand in place around the side of her waist. It felt good there...It felt...right. To any passerby, the two of them would look like a couple.

A couple.

Would it ever happen?

Yes. She answered the question before a seed of doubt could be planted. Yes.

Mr. Sheffield's stubborn resistance could fell a lesser resolved woman. But not her. She knew they were meant to be. Knew it. And her faith in her destiny allowed her the confidence and will to see the thing through.

She felt his hand squeeze at her waist ever so slightly and wondered for a moment if he'd read her thoughts. But, she looked up to see his gaze trained on a couple of younger men who were looking her way as they came down an escalator headed in the opposite direction. They weren't much older than Maggie and Fran smiled at them as they passed. The two looked about ready to salivate and continued their rather rude and brash visual appreciation of her.

Max didn't stop to examine why, but the attention she attracted bothered him-had always bothered him more than it should have as her employer. She was without a doubt, a beautiful woman. She, quite naturally, stood out in a crowd. Why wouldn't she attract the attention of young, randy males?

Still, it bothered and he used his grip on her waist to vent his frustration, pulling her even tighter and closer back into him.

Fran said nothing but had a pretty good idea that he didn't like the attention she had received from the young men. Buoyed by the sure signs of male jealousy and possessiveness in him, she smiled to herself. If they spent enough time together like this, he would never last. She had to believe that.

She leaned her head back toward him, meeting his eyes over her shoulder. They revealed nothing now.

"Almost here Mr.Sheffield. Think you can handle it?"

Max's grip tightened perceptibly again. "Oh, I can handle it Miss Fine. Bring it on..."

That brought a huge smile to her face and she stepped off the escalator onto the second floor tiles.

"Then, let's do some more shopping!"

*******************************************************************************

"No Miss Fine, I refuse to let you buy that for her."

Fran waved him aside with a flick of her wrist and continued to match the clothing, holding the cute capri set up for one final inspection. "But, it is so cute and you can’t oppose the length of it."

Max blew a frustrated breath out. "It’s not the length that I oppose Miss Fine." He took the capri set from her. "It is that you are forever buying my children things!"

He turned and headed toward the register with the capri set. "Margaret is my daughter, I’ll purchase it for her!"

Fran caught up to him and tugged at the pants of the set. "Well, they’re my kids too and I can buy them things if I damn well please!"

The furious look on her face and the glint in her eyes caused Max to pause when nothing else would have. She was really upset that he wasn’t allowing her to buy the outfit for his daughter.

He tried to ease his tone. "Miss Fine, I just don’t want you spending all of your money on my children. I don’t pay you to spend on them."

Fran took a deep breath herself now and prepared to defend her actions. "Mr. Sheffield, "I love your kids like they were mine!." She raised her chin to him. "And if I choose to buy them something on occasion, then that is my business."

He stood still as she reached and took back the clothing from his arms. She held it up once more. "Besides, this will look adorable on Maggie."

She headed to the counter with it pulling her billfold out to purchase it. Maxwell just remained where he was and shook his head at her stubbornness. He hadn’t meant to offend her, he really hadn’t. He could sense that his words had hurt her a little.

Hell, he knew she loved his children. He just didn’t want her thinking she had to prove it to them through gifts and trinkets. That’s all. He watched her as she chatted pleasantly with the salesgirl at the counter. Miss Fine would make a terrific mother one day. In her own, oddball, unorthodox way, she had raised her children in such a way that he could be proud of each of them. The two of them were really co-parents to his children.

He realized that was the first time he’d ever thought of his relationship with Miss Fine in those terms. Co-parents. Didn’t parents care about each other? Weren’t they fond of each other? That only made sense. Again, he was filled with happiness in regard to the new understanding he had came to with his children’s stand in mother. They had to be friends. Best friends. Loving friends.

For the children’s sake.

Miss Fine walked back over toward him, purchase in hand. "Ready to help me find a few things Mr.Sheffield?"

He gave her what he hoped was a conciliatory smile. "I’d love to Miss Fine."

*************************************************************************************

Max had no idea that ‘helping her find a few things’ would include very feminine undergarments but nonetheless, he found himself standing just inside the door at Victoria’s Secret. He had to protest this.

"Miss Fine, while I agreed to shop with you, I must insist that you save this particular shopping pleasure for your jaunts with Val.

Fran tugged his arm and he reluctantly went on in the store with her. "Mr. Sheffield, you promised to help me and friends don't run at the first hint of discomfort. Real friends are there through thick and thin times. She reached out to pick up a negligee from the rack and held it up to herself. "And this is definitely a 'thin' time."

Max straightened his shoulders and placed a hand over his mouth to hide a cough. He felt a throbbing twitch coming on and brought his hand up to his brow. He would not let her get to him. He knew she was using this opportunity to embarrass him a little and he made up his mind to refuse to allow it. After all, he had been married and he had handled a few feminine undergarments a few times. He could do this.

He raised his chin and pointed on the wall to a red confection that made his mouth water. Just thinking of her inside it made other parts of him pay close attention. "I like that one Miss Fine...if you're looking for my opinion on...Er...nightwear."

That surprised her. "Ohhhh...Mr.Sheffield...." She blew on the palm of her hand and shook it. "I had no idea you had a weakness for red."

Max tried not to blush and shrugged as nonchalantly as possible. "It is rather...lavish."

Fran snorted at his less than adequate description. "No, it is rather HOT."

Again Max shrugged. "Tomatoes...tomatoes..."

She made an excited gesture with her hands. "What would you say if I tried it on?" She watched his face closely for a reaction.

He lifted one shoulder. "I'd say, go for it if you want. It's your shopping trip too."

She smiled. It certainly was.

A older, kindly looking saleslady came over to them and smiled sweetly.

"Madam, could I help you find something?" She asked Fran.

Fran pointed up at the red nightgown and matching sheer robe. "I'd like to try that on in a size two."

Max brought his eyebrows together. "I thought you were a size four Miss Fine?"

Fran shot him an intentional dirty look. "Tomatoes, Tomatoes." she sang back at him mockingly as she followed the saleswoman over to the racks.

He couldn't help it. He threw his head back and laughed as he followed. In just a moment, the saleswoman pulled up an identical gown and robe and held it over to Fran who took the padded hanger and whistled. "Come to mamma." She spoke to it.

Fran then handed Max her handbag and the bag that held the capri set she'd purchased for Maggie. He took it in the same hand as his own bags and leaned against the empty counter to wait as she headed across the plush pink carpet to the dressing rooms.

The saleslady that had been helping them was standing nearby and smiled over at him indulgently. She cast a glance toward Fran's retreating figure and then at Maxwell thinking that the two of them looked almost perfect together. It was so rare to see a couple that so obviously had such love, easy affection and attraction for each other so obviously displayed.

She decided to satisfy her curiosity. "Your wife is lovely Sir. If you don't mind my asking, how long have the two of you been together?"

Max looked around either side of himself for a moment trying to decide whether the woman was speaking to him or not. Upon seeing no other 'Sir', he decided that she must have been addressing the surprising question to him. He opened his mouth and didn't know quite how to respond. He started to tell her the truth and explain that Miss Fine was not his wife but found that playing with the idea couldn't hurt if no one knew so he played along.

Smiling in return at the woman, he said, "Uh...Four...um...four wonderful years." The answer seemed extremely genuine, even to his own ears. He unconsciously gave an affectionate glance toward the dressing room and the saleswoman's face softened even more.

"Well, if you don't mind my saying so, the two of you just look made for each other."

That hit Max in the stomach and his heart did a little flip flop. They did? How was that possible? They were friends. Yes. This woman was just projecting romantic blatherings onto the first normal acting couple that crossed her path. He now studied the rather plain woman. Yes, the poor woman had probably never even been married or even seen real love.

"You know...the way you two look at each other reminds me of how my Ed and I used to look at each other." She sighed loudly and longingly. "We were married thirty-one years before I lost him to a sudden heart attack two years ago."

Max frowned. So much for his theory. "I'm so sorry." he told the woman genuinely. "I know how that feels." Her kind eyes spurred him to say more than he normally would have. "Like you...I...um...I lost my spouse."

The woman's eyes dampened just a little and she gave him a watery smile full of kinship. "Oh, you dear man, then you must understand! I stay busy but it's when I see such loving couples as yourself and your wife that I really miss him."

Before Max could correct her assumption as he intended this time, she took reached over to place her hand on Max's sleeve gently. "You are so very fortunate to have found a true second love when so few ever do."

Max fell silent with a heavy emotional wave of confusion and self-doubt. The woman continued with her sincere advice. "Cherish your wife every second...We just never know what life will bring our way next do we?."

All Max could do was stare at her as she continued to talk, his lips twisted into a thoughtful pucker.

He grunted his thoughtful agreement as he stared at the closed dressing room door. "No...no we don't."

It was at that moment that Miss Fine opened the doorway and stood in front of him dressed in something right out of every man's fantasy. In the red silk feather and sheer gown and robe, she was a vision. Her dark hair and eyes against the contrast of the gown were stunning and all Maxwell could manage to do was stare at her open-mouthed.

The sales woman gave a gasp of delight. "Honey, it's like it was made for you!"

She smiled at the woman in thanks and then raised an arm in an openly suggestive pose against the dressing room door. "You like Mr. Sheffield?"

He stared at her for another long moment as if she'd dropped from outer space. She was incredible. Every dream he'd ever dared dream rolled up into some kind of living, breathing goddess. He wanted nothing more at that moment than to touch every inch of the woman he wanted so badly just to remain friends with. He could almost taste her skin on his mouth.

The sales woman laughed aloud as she walked over a bit closer to Fran and spoke in a lower tone. "Honey, I think you've rendered your husband speechless. That is one impressed man."

Fran laughed along with her and lowered her voice as well in reply. "I wish." She signed theatrically and spoke louder. "But you know how husbands are...they're only interested for as long as it takes to remove things."

The saleswoman walked on up toward the front of the store to tend to another customer and Max used the opportunity to walk over closer to the beautiful woman pretending to be his wife for the moment. The world closed in around them as he did so and it was as if the two of them were alone in the world. He towered over her as she stood in bare feet. Purposefully leaning down to her ear, he spoke softly and huskily into it.

"You know Miss Fine, if I were to ever have a woman alone in such an outfit, I'd have to take my time exploring every inch of her..." With his finger, he traced a light path from her hairline, across her cheek and down to her almost bare shoulder. Fran shivered and tried to control her suddenly erratic breathing. When she spoke, her voice came out as a squeak.

"So...you think I should buy it?"

*******************************************************************

Fran didn't buy the gown.

Max, embarrassed by his action, dropped his hand and moved away leaving her flustered and confused.

The shopping trip had gone downhill after their trip to Victoria's Secret and Mr. Sheffield had become reserved and quiet and soon, they both agreed that enough was enough and they made their way back toward the pick-up deck where Clevis had picked them up.

Neither had said much as they climbed into the limo's back seat tossing their bags into the bench seat opposite them. Max closed his eyes and laid his head back against the seat. Fran watched him quietly for a long while as the limo made it's way across town toward home.

He looked so vulnerable in the dim light that filtered in through the windows. She wanted to reach out and run her hand down his jaw and caress his five O' clock shadow. She loved the damn man so much. She would do anything for him. She would walk to the ends of the earth if he asked. It wasn't his money, though that was nice-no doubt. It wasn't his looks-though he could turn as many female heads as he wanted. It wasn't even that he was a terrific father-though he was. It was simply him. Maxwell Sheffield, the man was something to behold in her book. He was responsible, kind and loyal. He opened his heart to those less fortunate than he and he tried to understand and empathize with people.

Maybe that was why she felt like he could understand her so well.

He tried.

He was truly interested in her as a person and not just as a body. She hadn't known a lot of that from the men she'd dated in the past. Most men wanted the world to know that they needed no one and especially not a woman. Mr. Sheffield had lain his heart on his sleeve and shared his fears with her. He worried about his children and the kind of people they would grow to be. And he'd trusted her. He'd given her a chance to prove herself in a way that few ever thought she could.

And she loved him all the more for it.

Yet, he wouldn't give in and let her give him that love that so filled her.

He raised his head to find her staring at him. Neither of them blinked for a long moment. "I must have dozed off." He muttered, his voice a bit slurred.

"Oh, I just love being able to put a man to sleep."

She gave him a sly smile with the subtle teasing as she reached down to take her own shoes off.

He smiled back. "Trust me Miss Fine, it's not the company. This shopping stuff is tougher than it looks."

She rubbed the sole of one foot with a hand as she continued to look up at him. "Now you know how I keep these great legs."

Her twitching lips gave away her teasing and he felt himself relaxing.

The rush of feeling he'd experienced in when she'd walked out of that dressing room was something that knocked him for a loop. Every pore of his body had tightened. His breathing had stopped and he'd wanted Fran Fine with as fierce a physical need as he'd ever felt for a woman. While that had shocked his system, it wasn't what had driven a shiver of fear in him that rocked him to his knees.

He hadn't looked at her as a friend in that moment. No, not at all.

When he'd looked at her in that gown, standing there posing for him, he'd had a momentary vision of her for the first time as his wife.

And that was truly what had rocked his world.

He felt a little stunned. A little excited. A little ashamed. And a lot scared.

What the hell had he been thinking?!

She was his friend.

It had to stay that way too. He couldn't be having silly thoughts like he'd had at the mall today. Maybe he shouldn't have touched her so much or allowed her to do the same but they'd always touched and he hadn't began spewing everlasting love or marriage proposals. Just because he had some intense feelings for her didn't mean things had to change. It was natural that two friends who lived together and raised children together would care very deeply for each other.

That's all. Just a momentary bit of craziness borne from the stress of his job lately. From the stress of everything...

Craziness.

That's all.

Amazing how a quiet little nap could clear the mind.

Feeling resolved, he watched her now, rubbing the sole of her foot and felt a sense of happiness flow through him. He was lucky to have a friend like her. She'd been incredibly generous and good to both him and the children.

He cleared his throat. "Miss Fine, allow me." He reached down at her ankle and lifted her aching foot to his lap. A surprised look crossed her face as she leaned back against the corner of the limo to give him better access to the foot.

"Ohhhh...that feels wonderful." She closed her eyes in pleasure as he softly rubbed away some of the soreness that the day of shopping and walking had caused.

"I should have known better than to trade my spikes for tennis shoes." She shook her head in real dismay and he had to smile.

Only her.

He turned his attention to the other foot motioning for her to lift it to join the other in his lap. He took off the shoe and gave it the same caressing treatment.

"I was known at one time as a terrific foot masseuse." He gave her a friendly smile and it felt good and right and normal between them once more.

She tilted her head to the side, her hair dropping with the movement. "Oh? And what else where you known to be good at?"

He tilted his own head. "Oh...lots of things..." He let the answer trail off as she raised her eyebrows.

"Mr. Sheffield, I do believe you're flirting. Friends do NOT flirt." She waved her finger in a little 'no no' motion at him.

He chuckled. "I have to stay in practice Miss Fine and Niles gets upset when I try it on him."

She smirked. "Well, as long as I get to keep my skills sharp too."

He smirked right back. "Well of course... I shouldn't take all the advantage of our friendship."

She grinned evilly. "I was hoping you would say that." And she didn't wait before taking her feet from his lap and quickly raising up on her knees to lean toward him.

"Just think of it as a token of friendship for taking me shopping today." Her voice was a whisper against his lips and then, to his utter amazement, she brought down those soft lips to his and moved them ever so gently. He felt her bite at his bottom lip with her teeth and he opened it slightly. Her tongue darted out to soothe the little abrasion and he almost lost his mind. What were they doing?!

He closed his eyes against the sensations he was feeling and lost himself for the moment in the feel of her mouth on his. He meant to move away; to tell her that this shouldn't be and that friendship shouldn't explore areas such as this. Then, she slanted her mouth over his and dipped her tongue ever so softly into his mouth and every sane thought flew from his head. Max felt a quickening sensation run through his body and had an insane urge to pull her beneath him on the seat. Instead, his hand found a grasp at her neck and he funneled his fingers up through her hair pressing her into his mouth harder and hotter.

She eased back a bit and his mouth followed, refusing to let go of the delicious pressure. This time it was he who lead the kiss and he eased her gently back until her head fell against the seat cushion. He straightened his mouth on hers and opened his mouth even wider, needing to feel the pressure and the burn as he took possession.

They continued to taste each other in the silence of the back seat, their bodies tensing and chests heaving as they clung. Finally, it was Fran who could stand no more and eased her mouth away from his. Sliding her cheek down to his chest, she felt his heartbeat thumping irregular and very hard.

She smiled through her desire. That had to be a good sign. Something had been accomplished with their little friendly shopping trip. She couldn't mess up now. She raised her head and willed herself to find his eyes and play it cool.

"Just keeping my skills sharp Mr. Sheffield." She smiled the slightest bit teasing and blew a heavy breath through her own lips which contradicted the light tone of her voice.

Max could barely breathe, as he too, blew out harsh breaths. If that was the kiss of a friend, her lover would be one helluva lucky man.

He felt the limo roll to a stop in front of the townhouse and dazed, he sat until Clevis opened the door for them to get out. He waited a moment longer as Miss Fine slid her tennis shoes back on her feet. In a lingering stupor, he allowed her to get out first and then followed his friend to the door. He slowly began to come to his senses and realized that she was waiting on him to open the door.

He did so and moved aside for her to enter first. However, she paused and turned to him putting a gentle hand on his arm. The smile she gave him was extraordinary.

"Today was fun. Thank you for going with me Mr. Sheffield."

He gave her a genuine smile, not quite meeting her eyes. "Thank you for asking me Miss Fine."

She took one step inside the doorway and paused again as if she didn't quite want to move from the threshold. She looked back over her shoulder at him and spoke one final thought. "We'll have to go again sometime...you know...since we're trying out our..friendship..."

He smiled, not knowing quite what to say and followed her in clicking the door into place behind him.

She immediately went over and tossed her bag onto the sofa before turning and stretching. "I'm famished. I'm just gonna go up and grab a quick shower and then eat a late sandwich." She paused and looked over to see him doing a little stretching of his own.

Max didn't feel the least tired now but no way was he telling her that. And no way in hell could he handle any more time in her presence tonight after what had just transpired in the limo. He feigned a yawn and looked down at his watch before giving her one last quick glance. "Oh, no Miss Fine, you go right ahead. I think I'll take a bite into my study later. I've a bit of work that needs finishing up."

She gave him a knowing glance and said nothing further, turning to retreat to the comfort of her room.

Max didn't stop at the kitchen but instead headed straight to his office where he plopped down in his leather chair and threw his head back. He wasn't hungry-at least not for food- and he simply needed to be alone for a bit.

To think.

About he and Miss Fine.

And about Friendship.

It had seemed such a simple solution.

He let out a weighty breath.

It should be so simple.

But, if that were so, then why did he feel more confused than ever?

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