Mac wasn't sure what made him ask her to dance. But as the first notes of the song drifted toward him, he found himself getting up and wordlessly extending his hand to her. He saw the surprise flit across her face, but then it was gone and she was following him to the dance floor.

He pulled her close – closer than ever would have dared in front of their colleagues. He was thankful when she didn't stiffen or pull away – instead, she just rested on hand on his shoulder while letting him take the other.

They moved slowly to the music, letting the melody drift over and envelope them. Without even realizing it, they began to move closer together, until their bodies were touching. Carefully, Mac rested his cheek against hers, closing his eyes at the feel of her skin.

He wondered when things had begun to change between him and Stella. He shuffled through his memories, looking for that exact moment when he began to think of her as more than just a friend. But as he through about it, he was faced with image after image: Stella taking care of him after Claire died, the reassuring smiles she gave him when no one else was looking, the way she held him after an especially brutal case, leaning over to give him a warm kiss on the cheek. As they continued to flash through his mind, Mac realized that the change had been gradual – they just kept moving closer together, giving the other the safe harbor that they needed.

Pulling himself out of his reverie, he became aware of the fact that he was now holding Stella tightly, his fingers moving in slow circles just under the hem of her shirt. His first instinct was to stiffen, to distance himself from the contact – but Stella seemed perfectly comfortable with their closeness. The hand on his shoulder had moved up to his neck, her fingers playing idly with the hair there.

As they continued to sway to the music, Mac focused on the words. He knew the song – it had been a favorite of his for years. But it wasn't until that very moment that he truly felt it. Swallowing hard, he moved his mouth to Stella's ear, his voice low and quiet as he began to sing.

But if my silence made you leave

Then that would be my worst mistake

So I will share this room with you

And you can have this heart to break

And this is why my eyes are closed

It's just as well for all I've seen

And so it goes, and so it goes

And you're the only one who knows

So I would choose to be with you

That's if the choice were mine to make

But you can make decisions too

And you can have this heart to break

The song moved into its last lines, and Mac pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers. Finding what he was looking for – what had been there all along – he leaned in slowly, brushing his lips against hers. Stella responded, her hold on him tightening and her feet stilling. Their kisses were slow, and Mac tilted his head to take it deeper. Stella moaned softly, the sound rocking through Mac's body, and he suddenly wondered how he had gone so long without this woman in his arms.

When they finally separated, the song was over, another taking its place. Nervously, Mac tried to decided if he should say something, or if he should take her home. But Stella just gave him that reassuring smile before resting her cheek against his. Without thinking about it, Mac started to move to the music again, bringing her with him. As he closed his eyes once more, he realized something he should have known all along – he could dance with this woman forever.