Okay, here's my usual disclaimer: I still don't own "The Nanny". Guys, if I did, the show would be currently running in it's fifteenth season ;-). "The Nanny" is still owned by Fran Drescher and a product by Highschool Sweethearts, CBS, Sony Entertainment, Prudent Fraser Inc. and all those other companies whose names I've forgotten. Please, don't sue me, believe me, it would be for you as less fun as for me, since I'm even poorer than a church mouse. Oh and before I forget: This story is rated *R*, you're old enough to decide whether you're mature enough to read it. Thanks to the people who support me with their ideas and suggestions for improvement, they know who I mean J . Comments are welcomed as always and now have fun!!

What If You Never Knew…

A Continuation of "Pup in Paris"

by

Darknight
(darknight_at@gmx.at)

The plane landed safely in Brussels, although an emergency landing was necessary. The panic among the passengers had not yet totally subsided, for whereas everyone had been afraid of drowning in the sea before, they were now scared of being roasted on the airplane.

Fran and Max, however, sat calmly in their seats, gazing at each other.

"Did you just…" Fran stared shocked at Maxwell. Had he really just admitted he loved her and kissed her so passionately that she could still feel his lips on hers although they had left long ago?

"Miss Fine, I’m sorry, I should have never taken advantage of you in this situation, please accept my deepest apologies, I don’t even know what I was thinking. I’m really sorry it happened."

"So you take it back?" Fran inquired suspiciously.

"I was not myself." Maxwell waved his hand as if he could brush the past minute away with it.

"Well, it pretty much felt like you." Fran interjected still too astonished to find his sheepish stammering amusing.

"Well, you know what they say about people when they come face to face with death…that they do rash and ill-considered things."

"I’m an ill-considered thing?!" Fran was enraged. He considered her a blundering mistake?

"No, I mean not you, I mean kissing you…oh Miss Fine can we just drop it for now?"

Fran gave her best to hide her disappointment. She had not even fully comprehended what had happened on the plane not two minutes ago and he was already considering it the worst mistake in his life.

"Miss Fine?" Maxwell tried to look into her eyes but she averted his gaze. How could he have been so stupid, had he not learnt anything in his life? Sheffields and romance just don’t go together, like Sheffields and happiness: Once it happened everything was done to destroy it. Hadn’t history proved him enough how miserable love would make him feel?

They sat silently in their seats, staring at the pattern in the cloth of the seat before them, pretending it was the most interesting work of art they had ever seen, to cover their uneasiness.

"Sir, Madam? Are you injured?"

Fran and Max looked simultaneously up to the stewardess and remembered for the first time since the kiss where they were.

"No, I think we’re fine, aren’t we, Miss Fine?" Maxwell answered and nodded.

"Do you have troubles with your safety belts? We’ve been looking for you an eternity, we thought we’d lost you. Wait, let me help you," the stewardess opened Fran’s seat belt and helped her up, then Maxwell followed.

"It’s just safety measures, not that the plane will explode or anything like what some passengers will try to make you believe. We got into strong turbulences and had to bring the plane down, that was all. Unfortunately the landing gear blocked and we had to prepare everything for an emergency landing." The stewardess led them to the door and announced crew and passengers were safe and complete.

Maxwell and Fran were led to another group of fifty people and learned they were to be accommodated together in the same hotel near the airport. The weather was too bad to continue any earlier than the next morning and therefore the passengers were split into groups for different hotels. A shuttle bus brought them together to the airport building, where they were to be informed of further events.

Maxwell did not know what possessed him but he quickly grabbed for Fran’s hand and held it close during the waiting and drive to the hotel. Fran glanced at him slyly a couple of times wondering what was wrong with him. She tried to slip her hand out of his several times but each time he gripped her hand harder as if he were afraid to lose her. Fran was not sure what she should think of his behaviour, the last hour had been an emotional roller coaster, one minute he proclaims his love for her, the next minute he calls it a mistake and takes it back. Then he acts as if nothing had happened and now he was holding hands with her! A chuckle escaped Fran as she thought that maybe his brother had put something into their champagne to get a little heat between them.

"What’s so funny?" Maxwell looked at Fran, wanting to know.

"Oh nothing, I just realised this is the most unusual trip in my life. I mean I switch the dog…Oh my God! Chester is still on that plane!!!!!!!!" Fran started to panic.

"Shh, Miss Fine, calm down. I’m sure he’s fine. He’s been put to sleep for the flight, I’m sure he didn’t notice anything."

"But what if he wakes up and we’re not there. What if the plane explodes nevertheless and he’s still in it. We have to get him out of there!!"

"Miss Fine, calm down. I’ll tell the stewardess about Chester, who knows perhaps there have been other pets on the plane too and they will be rescued anyway. Don’t panic, the most important thing is that we’re still alive." Maxwell patted her shoulder as he got up and walked towards the head of the bus to talk with the stewardess. A few minutes later he came back smiling.

"And?"

"Well, just as I’ve said. All the pets are sound and safe and put in quarantine for the night. Either they’ll bring him to our hotel tomorrow morning or he’ll stay at the airport until the flight."

Fran was getting upset again but Maxwell didn’t let her start ranting, "Of course I chose the former option, knowing you wouldn’t get any sleep tonight else."

"Thank you."

The rest of the ride was silent; both of them were preoccupied digesting the latest episode in their romantic relationship, if you could call it a relationship at all. Still, there was more between them than just an employee-employer relationship. Okay, so they did not exactly have the best connection and timing when it came to romance, but the attraction they felt towards each other was undeniable to both of them.

Fran sighed, glancing at Maxwell, why did he have to be so uptight? She wished he would let go of his emotions just once. Wait a moment didn’t he do exactly that on the plane? Yet, why had it seemed so surreal? Their kiss had felt so different from those they had exchanged earlier, especially the one at the mall. He would turn bright red if he knew that her memory of that fateful moment came back the next day. Until then she had never been kissed so passionately and yet so gently.

Maxwell was absorbed in thoughts of his own. How could this have gone so wrong? He had always thought that there was something between them, all those little flirts and innuendos in his office. Oh and those looks she gave him from time to time! Was it all deception? Still it did not alter the fact that ever since she got lost in his bed – he had to chuckle at the thought even now – he’d had feelings for her. Despite his shock of her presence in his bed, it had felt so right to wake up lying next to her, taking in her scent in the morning. That god-damn plane, if it had not been about to crash into the ocean he would have never let his feelings out in the open… but the thought of her dying without ever knowing how much she meant to him, how much he truly cared for her… and what did she do? She couldn’t care less!

Relieved to get a little distance between each other now, Fran joined the queue at the reception with Maxwell. It had not escaped her that he was still holding her hand. After twenty minutes it was finally their turn to check-in but there was another surprise waiting for them.

"Sir, I’m deeply sorry, but here on the list it says Mr and Mrs Sheffield, we got that information directly from the airline and the room assignments were made according to this list." The concierge apologised.

"Well, can’t you get me another room? Miss Fine shall take this one and I’ll pay for another."

"Sir, money is not the problem. We have no rooms left."

"This can’t be happening again!" Fran moaned.

"What, don’t tell me Andrew Lloyd Webber’s latest musical opens this weekend in Brussels too!!" Maxwell groaned a little bit annoyed.

"No, sir, the premiere was already last month, if you want me to get you some tickets…"

"NO!" Maxwell shouted, the little vein on his head throbbing.

"Mr Sheffield, we should be used to it by now, shouldn’t we? Anyway what other choice do we have? I mean you wouldn’t want to camp on the street?"

"Which is prohibited by the law, by the way." The concierge interjected, "Look, Sir, Madam. I’ll make you an offer; I’ll switch your assignments with another couple and give you the suite. I would have an extra bed brought up if we had any left but the couch in the living part of the suite is quite large and comfortable for one night. And the suite has two separate rooms."

"That would be really kind, thank you." Fran took the key-card and grabbed Maxwell’s elbow leading him to the elevator.

"Oh great not again." He sighed and pressed the button of the fourth floor.

"Look Mr Sheffield, I’m not happy about the rooming assignments, either, but we have to make the best out of it. You’ll have the bedroom and I’ll take the couch in the living room. You promise to stay in your realm and I will too." Fran suggested as they walked down the corridor to their room.

"No Miss Fine, under no circumstances I will let you sleep on that couch. You’ll stay in the bedroom."

"You only want to have the bigger room," she grinned teasingly.

Maxwell laughed and for the first time things were between them like before that fateful flight. But as quickly the moment came it went again and the two of them tried awkwardly to act as if nothing had ever happened.

"Here we are," Maxwell held the door open for Fran, who turned on the lights.

"Wow," Fran looked around the room, "this suite is as big as Ma and Dad’s apartment."

Maxwell chuckled and before he knew, it had already slipped his tongue, "You’re exaggerating as always, darling."

Fran cocked her eyebrows watching Maxwell blush a deep crimson red. They stood opposite each other, avoiding each other’s gaze sheepishly.

"God, I wish I had a suitcase to unpack!" Fran thought.

"Oh yeah!" Maxwell nodded a little too enthusiastically and Fran realized she had just thought out loud. Silence fell between them again and both were frantically looking for a topic to talk about.

…

"Shall I have the room service bring anything to our room?"

"No." Fran shook her head indifferently.

"Okay."

…

"I’ll freshen up a little and be right back."

"Okay…I’ll make use of the fireside in the meantime." Maxwell walked over to the other side of the room and assembled some wood and paper in the fireplace.

"Come to think of it, maybe I’ll take a little shower."

Maxwell closed his eyes and looked heavenwards as if to say, this is a bloody test again, right? And already he had begun to imagine her with no clothes on.

"Mr Sheffield, I’m sorry to bother you, but this damn zipper is on strike. Would you mind helping me with that dress?"

"Of course, it’s always a pleasure to be bothered by you, Miss Fine." Maxwell walked over to her and worked on the opening, "I think I haven’t even told you tonight, how lovely you look in that dress."

Fran prayed he would finish quickly. Being so close to him was sheer torture, especially now that she knew that it was all a game to him. She did not know why he delighted in seducing her to the point where she let down all her guard to kick her away afterwards – yet that is; but his current gesture did not exactly help her in understanding his motives, either.

Finally Maxwell had freed the bit of cloth that had stuck in the zipper and pulled it down a few inches to make it easier for Fran to reach. He knew he should not go any further, but the temptation to touch her bare shoulders was too great – even for a well-composed gentleman like him.

"Yes, I think you have never looked any lovelier than tonight. We’ve made some good choice in that boutique."

"You’ve made a good choice," Fran reminded him smiling softly. The touch of his fingertips as he lightly traced along her shoulders made her shiver with arousal.

"Are you cold," he asked and bit his tongue to avoid the darling that had almost come over his lips again already all too familiar.

"A little,*darling*" Fran could not resist to tease him about his slip earlier. She turned her head around and looked at a blushing Maxwell. How could he be like that? One moment he loved her, the next not, and now he loved her again or what? If this had not been a move on her, then she definitely didn’t know.

"Well, I’ll better get that fire going." Maxwell cleared his throat and let his hands fall down to his sides again.

"You know what, I think I’m getting hungry. Is your offer still standing?"

"Sure, I’ll call them while you shower." Maxwell called over his shoulder, knowing that if he dared to look at her he would not be able to contain himself any longer.

"Thanks." He returned his attention to the wood, a sly smile creeping over his face.

Fran let the warm water run over her body. She had said it, oh why had she done that? Now she has frightened him away for sure. Why did she have to tease him like that, maybe this had been the *one* chance for them to get the stone rolling. The whole situation was just so confusing: his ‘darling’, her teasing him, the kiss, his caress on her shoulder. Oy! She shivered at the mere thought of it. He had the capability to melt her in his arms, one look and her knees turned into jelly, one kiss and she was his. A frightening thought began to dawn on her: She was his already… no matter what he said or did nor was going to say or do. She simply loved him with all his benefits and shortcomings. Please God, let the benefits outweigh the disadvantages and prove worth her waiting and emotional roller coaster. She stepped out of the cubicle and wrapped a towel around her. Damn, didn’t this fancy hotel have any guest robes?! Maybe they kept it in the bedroom but to reach that she had to sneak past Maxwell in the living room.

Cautiously she opened the door and looked around, but Maxwell was nowhere to be seen. Fran frowned and called out, "Mr Sheffield?"

"I’m in the bedroom!" He called back and Fran rolled her eyes. ‘Great!’

When she entered the other room, she saw Maxwell was on the telephone. He glanced at her briefly mouthing "Niles" to her and answered to Niles’s question. Not a second later his gaze snapped back to Fran who had now already turned her back on him as she quickly slipped in the robe, Maxwell had prepared for her on her side of the bed. Wait, her side of the bed?

Maxwell heard Niles calling for his attention on the other end of the line.

"Yes, thank you Niles, please get them on the phone. I had already feared they might have seen it on the sex o’clock… six o’clock news." Maxwell corrected himself quickly but Niles had already recognised Maxwell’s slip.

"Yes, Niles, everything’s fine."

"You can say that aloud, sweetheart, our plane got into heavy turbulences and we had to make an emergency landing in Brussels…Gracie, sweetheart, don’t worry, I’m fine, Fran’s fine, everything is okay.

"Dad? What happened?" Maxwell heard his son’s concerned voice and assumed he had grabbed the receiver from his upset sister.

"Brighton, everything is fine. We took an earlier flight home but got into bad weather and had to land in Brussels. I just called to inform you before you see it on the news and panic."

"No."

"She’s sound and safe right here with me." Maxwell turned around to look at Fran but she had already left the room again. Damn.

"Oh hello Maggie, yes, yes I know we’re fine. You really don’t have to worry about us, we’ll be probably back by tomorrow evening."

"Of course," Maxwell put the phone down and called for Fran who appeared immediately at the door, "They want to talk to you." He held the receiver out to her.

"Hey you three, everything’s okay with you?" Fran smiled into the phone.

Maxwell remained some more time in the room watching Fran talking with their children.

"No B, the plane did not explode… nope, no fire either, just a simple landing at an airport. No, no big blow-up slides, either, I’m sorry to disappoint you."

Fran turned to Maxwell and they chuckled winking at each other. He rolled his eyes and shook his head and Fran broke out into laughter. He left the room shortly after, for seeing Fran clad only in the hotel robe brought some life into his imagination and he knew a cold shower would sooner or later be required so why not now while Fran told the children everything about the near plane crash. Last thing he heard was how Fran comforted little Gracie who had taken the news a bit badly.

Maxwell’s mind was wandering. How had this situation between them become so awkward? Could his kiss really be the only trigger? There had to be more, but what? He could have sworn that that look right before he kissed her was so full of love like it had never been before – not even that one time when they had come home from the Shakespeare play and he wanted to kiss her too. Just how could he have been so mistaken when her signals seemed so clear? But then again the astonished look on her face after he had kissed and admitted his love to her could not be misunderstood. And did she tell him she loved him as well? No! Okay, so he blurted out his feelings at an inappropriate time and a little unexpectedly but there was no need for her to be that hesitant and shocked. There was only one explanation: He must have had misinterpreted her flirting signals. No wonder, he had been off the dating market for years.

Maxwell turned off the faucet and stepped out of the shower. He wrapped a towel around his body and looked at himself in the mirror. Maxwell Sheffield, what were you thinking? It’s not like you were such a hunk that the girls had to queue up for an evening with you. Did he really think a woman like Fran could fall for him? A boring, up-tight British cold fish. He laughed. The only problem he had to master now was to pull himself together for the night; the idea of Fran sleeping next door with no nightgown to wear was more than tempting. He was glad he did not have to worry about sharing the same bed with Fran because then he would not have known how to contain himself. He looked down, "And you, mister, will behave!"

Maxwell was not prepared for the sight that awaited him in the living room by no means. There in the light of the fire was Fran cowered on a pillow and sobbing heavily. Quickly he rushed over to her in a few strides.

"Miss Fine, are you okay?" Seeing her in such a dishevelled state tore his heart apart.

"No, I’m not…" Fran said between heavy sobs.

"Okay, I admit it was a stupid question." Maxwell put an arm around her shoulder, "Shh… What happened?"

"Nothing." Fran sobbed.

"C’mon, if it were nothing, you would not be dissolved into tears." He brought her head against his shoulder. "You can tell me."

"Oh Mr Sheffield we could be all dead by now!" Fran broke out into more tears. Now Maxwell understood where her problem was.

"When I talked to the children I realised how close I was to never seeing them again. What would have become of them without you and me? They’re still so small, they need us."

"Fran, it’s all over now, I’m here." Maxwell pulled her quickly in an embrace, rocking her softly to comfort her. "Shh, I’m here, you’re safe with me, I won’t let anything happen to you…ever."

"What if the plane had gone down, would we be floating in the sea now? How cold do you think the water would have been? Would we have first drowned or frozen to death?" Fran looked up at Maxwell with tear-swollen eyes.

"Darling, don’t think about such things. Your little head is far too beautiful to rack its brains about such horrible scenarios."

"I’m sorry that you have to witness all this, now you’re going to think that I’m one of those weak, timid and anxious little things."

"No, why should I? Only I did not expect this, at all. You make such a composed impression on me; I didn’t think I had to worry about you. I’m sorry, I should have foreseen it."

"It’s just that until the phone call, my mind was preoccupied with other things. But when I settled down on the pillow I realized how dangerous it might have been, and that it could have turned out really bad. For the first time I had actually time to think about the past events and I felt sooo small and meaningless in this big world." Fran buried her head into the soft material of Maxwell’s robe.

Maxwell stroked her head gently, "I know but this is all past now. I won’t let any harm happen to you. In a few years we will laugh about it and have an adventurous story to tell at parties."

"We were lucky this time, huh?"

"I think it was just not our time to go, we’re still needed here on earth."

"It makes you really think about your life. I mean I never thought it could end this way, I always thought I would be somewhere close to ninety, or one hundred years of age if I got lucky. I would have enough time with those I love and above all I would be able to tell them I love them and say good-bye to them before…" Fran’s voice broke.

"Same here," Maxwell said barely audible, "though when Sara died God took that illusion away from me. She went without ever knowing how much I loved her. I was such a fool, how many times I could have said those three words and didn’t because I was caught up in work or watching TV or whatever. I’ve wished so many times I could have told her I love her before she died, that it is enough for an eternity. A small wish, but which has never been granted." He sighed heavily and Fran was now rubbing his arm giving back some of the comfort she had received from him earlier.

A knock on the door interrupted their little intimacy. He got up to open the door, "This should better be the room service, I’m starving."

Maxwell had ordered a light dinner considering it was already late night and they would soon go to sleep. They ate in silence and strangely enough the uneasiness between them had almost disappeared and been replaced by a newfound intimacy if there had not been "the thing" pending over them like the sword of Damocles. However, none of them dared to bring up the topic, afraid of where a discussion would lead to after the stress and strains of the eventful day. Both decided it would be best to turn in for the night and Maxwell went into the bedroom to grab a pillow and blanket and schlepped it to the couch.

"Hey, you won’t start crying again, will you?" He frowned at Fran who was sitting again on the pillow in front of the fireplace.

"Fran?" he called her name when she didn’t react.

"Hm?" She snapped out of her thoughts.

"… Must have been a wonderful thought that had you absorbed."

"I just thought it’s a pity we can’t enjoy this cosy atmosphere more. I mean under normal circumstances I would be thrilled to be at this lovely place with a handsome millionaire," she winked at him, "but somehow chemistry doesn’t seem right tonight."

Maxwell looked at Fran for a long time. She had invited him to talk about what had taken place on the flight, but how could he explain it to her? How could he explain her feelings he had not known he had until he had confessed them to her?

"Fran, I…" He trailed off.

"Maxwell, you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t like, but tonight has shown how little time we have left sometimes and there is something I want you to know. Things can’t possibly get any more difficult between us, and I’ve already warmed up to the idea that it might be better for the both of us if I’d quit …"

"WHAT?!" Maxwell shouted enraged not believing his ears.

"Please let me finish because if this moment passes by I’ll never be able to work up again the courage to tell you. It is true what they say about your last minutes… When we were on that plane and about to crash into the ocean I saw my whole life in flashes going through my mind again."

Maxwell’s face softened and he sat down opposite to Fran, leaning on his left arm as he listened intently to what she had to say. He tucked a rebellious strain of her curly hair behind her ear.

"I saw my family, Ma and Dad, Yetta, Nay and her kids, I saw Niles and even Miss Babcock. And I saw you with your children and all the wonderful moments we’ve lived together. And for a split second the earth stood still and one thought took hold of me: What if we were to die and you would never know…" Fran looked at Maxwell who had spoken the last part of the sentence with her. Not one more word was said; instead his head came slowly closer until he finally brushed his lips timidly over hers.

"Maxwell, I…"

"Shh, now it’s my turn," he silenced her with a soft kiss and then gazed deeply into her eyes, "I love you, Fran," He rested his head against hers, "with all my heart." He almost choked the last words as he let his bottled up emotions free. He cupped her face in his right hand and while stroking her cheek with his thumb he brought his lips back to hers for a long and tender kiss. Gently he parted her lips with his tongue, searching hers for a little game. He let his tongue explore the sweet and warm depths of Fran’s mouth tentatively first but soon they were lost in a heated liplock.

As his hand wandered slowly down her neck to her décolleté, following the seam of her robe, his tongue darted in and out of her mouth again and again, teasing her, making love to her. Swiftly he pulled her robe-belt open, thus revealing the natural beauty of Fran’s luxurious body. Maxwell pushed both endings of the garment aside and a little over her shoulder and sneaked his hand underneath. He stroked her side softly as he brought his lips down to Fran’s shoulder. He kissed the little spot of revealed skin there, and began to push her robe back with his nose as his lips caressed her bare skin.

Fran let out a sigh and realized she had held her breath for…for how long? Time seemed to stand still as Maxwell cherished her body in their little foreplay. If he continued like this she’d have a homerun before the game actually began. But she was far from complaining, the last minutes had been the most wonderful in her life and she would do everything to make their lovemaking last all night, and fulfilling for the both of them. She felt Maxwell taking her into his arms before he nudged her down onto the carpeted floor and hovered over her with the upper half of his body.

"Wait," Fran stopped him from continuing his exploration of her mouth and pulled the cushion away from under her. "Too uncomfortable," she laughed, "and while we’re already at it," she slipped quickly out of the loose sleeves of her robe. Now that she was completely free with her arms she reached out behind Maxwell’s head bringing it down for a sensuous kiss.

Maxwell hesitated a moment, still taking in the beautiful sight of Fran lying naked in front of him. His gaze swept over her body one more time before he leaned over Fran back again and ravished her mouth.

"You’re so beautiful..." He whispered huskily, "…So lovely … I don’t deserve you." Hungrily he sought her lips and parted them to let his tongue intertwine with hers. As the passion in their kiss increased, Fran buried her hand deeper into his hair as if to increase their proximity too. Maxwell’s hand was wildly and yet tenderly roaming Fran’s body, exploring every spot of her soft and pale skin. Caressing and savouring it while Fran’s hands started roaming Maxwell’s body fervently until Maxwell had to break their kiss.

"Careful, Fran, right now I have about the control of a college boy," he warned her and put her hand aside.

Fran chuckled and responded frisky, "Well, you surely know what they say about the stamina of college boys!"

"Fran!" Maxwell blushed a little. "This was a serious warning!"

Fran let go of Maxwell and brushed her hand over his belly up to his chest where she sneaked it under the robe and drew tiny ornaments with her forefinger following the pectorals on his skin.

"I want this night to be unforgettable for you, darling, and it’s been a long time since I’ve been with a woman."

Fran smiled and stared into his beautiful hazel eyes. His face hovered now again over hers and it was impossible for Maxwell to resist her sweet lips.

"I know," Fran reached up to stroke his face, "but it doesn’t matter, Maxwell, I love you and we have the whole night. This night has already gone beyond anything I had ever imagined or hoped for in my wildest dreams. Never did I think that being with you would be as wonderful as it actually is. You’ve exceeded my highest expectations, Maxwell Sheffield, and we haven’t even made love, which doesn’t mean that I’ll renounce it!" Fran winked at him.

Maxwell could do nothing else than stare at her a long time, "Do you know at all how much I love you? You’re the best thing that could happen in my life. I love you so much I can’t put it into words."

"Then show me, Maxwell, make love to me." Fran reached for his belt and disentangled it. That Maxwell needed not to be told twice, he got rid of his robe deftly and rolled on top of Fran.

Both gasped at the first skin-to-skin contact, they looked at each other and smiled. Fran breathed a silent, "I love you" before Maxwell caught her lips in a heated kiss, putting all his love and passion for the woman of his dreams inside it. He positioned himself and made her slowly his, never breaking their eye contact.

Fran gazed deeply into Maxwell’s eyes. She had only one thought on her mind, never had anything in her life felt so right like this. When Danny dumped her, she thought it was the most miserable day in her life, but the truth was it was the glorious day of a new beginning of a far more fulfilling life. From the moment she saw Maxwell the first time she knew deep down that he was the man she had been waiting for all her life. There was a gentleness and love in his eyes that he tried so hard to hide from the world. He hid behind his British restraint and up bringing but Fran had seen him through early. Underneath the surface slumbered a man capable of such love, care and tenderness as only a few men were made of. And right now she was more than happy to add passion and ardour to her list.

Until he made her his, Maxwell did not know how much he had missed the wonderful and sweet closeness of a woman. He loved the electrified feeling of Fran’s soft skin on his as he brushed his body against hers. Her head was lying between his arms and he caressed her temples tenderly with his fingertips. He showered her face with little kisses before his lips wandered down Fran’s throat and nuzzled her neck. What he loved even more was the certainty that she was his as he was hers, there was a bond between them that could not be cut anymore. They belonged to each other and just knowing that she would be there with him and for him forever now was more satisfying than anything else in the world.

Fran’s breathing quickened along with the growth of her arousal. Her right hand played with the locks on his neck before she started rubbing his back. The passion in his kisses became more demanding, he traced the curves of her lips with his tongue, dipping inside from time to time. Who had thought there’d be such a passionate lover under the perfect Broadway producer image? But Fran loved this unknown side of Maxwell she was still discovering. He was taking her into heights of passion she had never been before, actually it had never felt so wonderful to be with a man before. She smiled as she realised that it was only another evidence that Maxwell was the fulfilment of everything she desired in a man. He was her lover, her soul mate and protector.

Soon they had to give in to their longing of finally becoming one like they had dreamed of for so long. Both delighted in watching the other one losing themselves in the wonderful, sweet sensations, knowing it was their deep love for each other that created them. Maxwell collapsed on top of Fran, it seemed all his strength had left his body. They shared a long and sensuous kiss, yearning to keep those wonderful feelings of the afterglow a little longer. Exhausted but with a contented grin on their face they lay on the floor, waiting for their breath to return to normal. Fran began absentmindedly stroking Maxwell’s head, who lifted it to give her a long and tender kiss.

"I can feel your heart beating." Fran smiled.

"I feel yours too." Maxwell gazed into her deep brown eyes, full of warmth and love for him.

"It’s racing so fast, are you okay?"

"Yeah, it might just jump out of my chest but else…" he chuckled softly, "I’ve never been happier in my life!"

"Me too!" Fran sighed and snuggled her head under his chin.

"Where did I find someone as loving as you? You must have fallen from heaven!" Maxwell buried his nose in her hair, kissing her head and taking in her scent.

"Well, technically it was me who found you." Fran muffled against his chest. Maxwell let out a long satisfied sigh and rolled on his side. He took Fran in his arms, who cuddled quickly into his embrace.

"Right. What a nice tush, huh?" Maxwell laughed out loud.

"You remember?!" Fran wrinkled her nose and blushed.

"How I love it when you do that!" Maxwell rubbed his nose against hers. "Of course I do, in fact it seems like only yesterday that you breezed into my home." He gave her a short peck, "I love you."

"Love you more." Fran’s tongue darted out to kiss him passionately. Maxwell brushed his hand softly over Fran’s body.

"You’re cold," Maxwell broke their kiss and looked at Fran concerned. "Maybe we should make use of that king-sized bed in the other room."

Fran pulled a face, "No, I find this place far too comfortable to trade it for anything. I could lie here with you forever. This is the most romantic place I ever made love with somebody and you would have to carry or drag or schlep me violently away from here." And to prove her point even more Fran rubbed her face against Maxwell’s neck.

"I got it," Maxwell chuckled, "then I’ll make sure we won’t freeze here." He raised and grabbed the pillow he had put on the couch next to them. Then he pulled down the blanket and covered them both with it.

"Better?" He looked at Fran questioningly.

"Perfect," Fran nodded and wanted to snuggle back against him.

"Wait," Maxwell stopped her and flipped on his stomach. He quickly put more pieces of wood into the fireplace to make sure the fire would keep going through the night.

"So now it’s perfect!" Maxwell nodded satisfied and bent down to kiss Fran. "I guess I can add chopping wood for the fireplace in my bedroom to my daily activities when we’re back in New York."

"Awe, that’s so sweet." Fran kissed him back lovingly, "You have a fireplace in your room?" Her eyes were twinkling with excitement.

"Mhm, and I have a fairly good feeling that it will be frequently used in the future." He winked at Fran. He leaned over her and both shared a long and sweet kiss.

"You’re so beautiful." He said while gazing deeply into her eyes.

"And you’re quite handsome too!" Fran winked back at him and cupped his chin in her hand. Her lips sought his and their tongues started playing with each other. Their kiss became more demanding and their hands started roaming each other’s body wildly.

"I love you," Maxwell breathed huskily. "I don’t think I can ever get enough of your sexy body." His head dived under the blanket and he covered Fran’s body with little kisses.

"I sincerely hope so." Fran giggled because Maxwell’s hair was tickling her belly.

"Are you ticklish?" She heard his muffled voice and Fran already feared he would take a merciless advantage of that. But instead he kissed her belly button softly and his head reappeared with a soft smile on his lips. She looked into his eyes and was taken back by the love shining into them. So much love for her only. Fran felt the need to tell him he meant as much to her as she to him.

"I love you, Maxwell, like I’ve never loved anyone before." Fran’s voice almost broke. "You make me so happy, I can’t believe my luck."

"You make me very happy too Fran. I thought I’d never be able to fall in love with another woman again. But I’m here with you, enjoying every moment of intimacy we share because I’m head over heels in love with you."

They shared a long and tender kiss, their tongues slowly intertwined and disentangled again several times, playing and teasing each other as their hands roamed over their bodies. Maxwell shifted his position and made Fran his for the second time. Soon they were absorbed in their little world again where nothing else mattered than the fulfilment of the other one’s needs. This time their lovemaking was slow and gentle now that the first wave of passion had been unleashed. They continued their curious exploration of each other’s body with their hands and lips, until they fell exhausted, asleep in the early morning hours.

Maxwell was the first one to stir slowly. He blinked a few times, puzzled by the unknown surroundings. He raised his head to look around and froze a moment. His arms were tightly wrapped about… Miss Fine? The memory of the past night came quickly back and a huge smile spread across Maxwell’s face. He bent slightly forward and placed a soft kiss on her shoulder. He pulled the sheet a little up to cover her skin and pressed his body closer against hers. He buried his nose into her neck and rubbed it gently against her skin.

Fran squirmed a little in his arms, feeling something scratching her neck. She moved a little but the feeling did not go away. Instead it was now above the height of her jaw as Maxwell began nibbling on her earlobe. She moaned as if to complain and slowly opened her eyes. She turned her head slightly and stared into Maxwell’s olive green eyes. Maxwell saw wonderment spreading on her face as if she tried to recall how they had gotten into this situation. A moment later she beamed at him grinning sheepishly.

"Morning, Mrs Sheffield." Maxwell alluded to the mistake at the reception.

Fran grinned and played along, "Morning, my little college boy."

They chuckled softly.

"How’d you sleep?"

"Superb. I had this fantastic dream I hooked up with this cute head of a millionaire on an aero-plane."

"Oh," Maxwell was disappointed, "then it was all just a dream?"

Fran turned around in his arms and snuggled against his chest.

"It wasn’t a dream, Maxwell, was it?"

"No, my darling," he gave her a tender good-morning kiss.

"You won’t take this back this time?"

"Fran! What do you think of me. I’m not such a blithering idiot."

"Well, you were on that plane."

Maxwell growled, "Maybe I deserved that but have you got any idea of how humiliated I felt when I confessed my love to you and your only response was a cold and shocked stare?"

"What? And did you ever think how I felt when you told me you loved me and before I could fully take in your words you took it back!"

"I did that only because I thought you’d hate me for what I did."

"Hate you? Maxwell, I could never hate you, I love you far too much to do that. Where the heck did you get that idea?"

"Well then not hate but anger. You were so distant all evening that I thought you had had it with me."

"Did last night seem as if I had had it with you?"

"No, you rather did *it* than have it with me." Maxwell grinned.

"See? I didn’t want to repulse you, honey, but I was so puzzled. I’d dreamed so many times that you’d say those three words to me that I thought it wasn’t real. I guess I thought, I’d be already in heaven."

"If only I had known," Maxwell sighed, "we could have saved a lot of time and make better use of it."

"No regrets, Maxwell, the important thing is we’re here together now. Only next time you tell me something important like that consider giving me a minute or two to collect my thoughts." Fran smiled gently.

"Okay, agreed," Maxwell kissed her softly.

"So no more taking back anymore?" Fran asked as she nibbled on his under lip.

"What are you planning to do? Biting my lip until I bleed if I say no?"

"Maybe." Fran giggled.

"I can assure you Fran, my only intention is to make you happy for the rest of your life."

"Good boy," Fran rewarded him with a sensuous kiss.

"Besides, I’d have to take it back four times." Maxwell grinned before he devoured her lips. After a while Fran broke their kiss and worry replaced happiness in her eyes.

"What’s wrong?" Maxwell asked with a concerned voice.

"I wish we wouldn’t have to leave this place today." Fran sighed.

"Honestly Fran, one night on this hard floor is enough." Maxwell joked to cheer her up, although not successfully. He sighed too, "What’s bothering you so much, sweetheart?"

"What will happen once we’ve returned to New York."

"Nothing?" Fran shrank back. Nothing? Acting as if it never had happened was even worse than taking back.

"Fran, it’s no big deal. We’re adult, we can handle this, we’ll have to give the children a little time to get used to the new situation but they’re old enough to understand that we love each other. We’ll have to break the news gently to them and then, I thought we might start officially dating each other until the children are completely at ease with that. Anyway as I said I am sure they’ll understand, in fact I think they’ll be thrilled at the idea that you’ll become their new mother. A few weeks should be enough, at the maximum we’ll have to wait a few months for the wedding to take place."

Fran listened to him, slowly digesting everything that he had just said. "Maxwell. Maxwell." Fran interrupted him softly, "When did you plan all this?"

"While I was waiting for you to wake up this morning. You look like an angel when you’re sleeping, did you know?"

"No," Fran shook her head smiling softly. "OY!"

"What?"

"Here I am lying wondering how I will be able to keep my hands off you during the flight and you tell me I have to pull myself together for a few months."

"Oh, did I forget to mention that, of course, we’d have secret nightly encounters during our engagement in your room?"

"My room?"

"Yeah, I thought we’d save the big bed and the fireplace for the wedding to have a little imprevu…"

"Maxwell, what would you say if we make the most out of the king-sized bed in this bedroom now to get a little foretaste on upcoming nights."

"I’d say let the games begin!" Maxwell laughed and rose quickly. He pulled Fran up and swept her off the ground in a swift movement. He carried her over, "It would have really been a waste to leave this bed untouched." He put her carefully down and laid himself on top of her.

"I love you."

"I love you more."

"Not as much as I do."

"That’s what *you* think."

"Actually I think I’ll have to silence you…" Maxwell kissed her passionately and once more time stood still as the two lovers became one again.

Back to Fan Fiction

Back to The Really Unofficial Nanny Home Page