"Two months? Two months Mac and you and Gillian still haven't--?" Alex gave his brother a sympathetic expression. The two men were out watering plants and pulling weeds, both of them in grungy shorts and t-shirts caked with mud and grass stains. He went over to his brother and patted his shoulder.
"I feel your pain!"
"Feel my pain?" Mac rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Alex I'm not suffering."
"You're not?" His younger brother scoffed. "Yeah right that's why you're in a cranky mood--" He crouched down and with gentle hands removed the growing weeds from in between plants, along with rocks and other debris that might hinder vegetation.
"I am not!" MacGyver gave the hose a tug, making his way along the row carefully watering.
"So what's the deal? She just not ready or what?" He stood up; wiping his wet hands on his already dirty blue shorts.
"I don't know, we agreed to take things slow and believe me we have been--"
Alex glanced over his shoulder at his brother. "I admire your restraint Mac, Gillian's got those long legs and that great butt--"
The description made Mac whimper tilting his head back at the visual images his brother painted. The truth being that he was rather frustrated about things being at a turtle's pace but at the same time he didn't want to pressure Gillian.
"And those luscious lips, man I bet they taste great! The kind of lips you know would be good at--" A shower of freezing cold water suddenly rained down on the unsuspecting younger MacGyver right in the head and down his face.
"Hey!" He sputtered, wiping his hand down his face. "Mac!"
"Thought you could use some cooling off Lex--" Satisfied that he had drowned his brother enough Mac shifted the hose back and continued watering.
"Thanks a lot!" Alex straightened up and shook his head out water droplets flying everywhere. "Geez and here I thought honesty was the best policy."
"Not when it comes to my girlfriend, no--" Mac reached the end of the row and turned off the hose pulling it after him as he went to the next one. "Besides, don't you have a certain blond woman as your girlfriend?"
"Molly--" That brought a smile to the wet man's face. "Yeah she and I are getting along really well."
"I don't want to hear about it!" He flipped the small valve that would release the water and carefully irrigated his flowers. "You're supposed to be de-weeding."
"Coming! I'm coming! Slave Driver!" Alex quickly caught up this brother and crouched back down.
"See what I mean? You're a crank! And it's all because you haven't taken the initiative with Gillian."
Mac shut off the water and turned to face his brother. "Initiative? And what I am I supposed to do? Force her? Tell her I'm horny and that my hand is a poor substitute for her?" He didn't mean to say that last statement; he groaned and dropped his head back when he saw Alex's grin.
"Oh ho! So you are frustrated!"
"Well of course I'm frustrated! You've seen her she's gorgeous and she makes me feel good."
"Oh I just bet!"
He lowered his head and stared at his brother. "Believe it or not there's more to being with a woman than sex Alex! She makes me feel--"
"Needed?" His brother finished, his grin had faded to a more somber expression. He watched his older brother for a moment or two recognizing the look in his eyes. "You love her, don't you?"
"Yeah--" Mac admitted quietly, turning away. "The first moment I ever saw her it was like I got struck by lightning. I can't stop thinking about her and knowing I'm going to see her soon makes me so happy and excited. Like a kid on Christmas morning--" He sighed, his shoulders drooping. "I don't want to push her Lex; she's been through enough already."
Alex put his arm around his big brother's shoulders. "Sounds like love to me Mac, and that's a good thing. I know there's more than being with a woman than sex but it is an important part because it can express how two people feel better than words can. I know you don't want to push Gillian but don't your feelings count for anything?"
"Yeah they do--" Mac ran his hands through his long hair. "I guess I better have a talk with her than because if we don't do something soon I swear I'm going to spontaneously combust--" That admission brought a blush to his face and his brother patted his shoulder.
"I hear you, it was like that for me and Molly too before we finally got together. So when do you see her again?"
"Tonight, candlelight dinner at her place. Mom is going to be taking care of Corinne for a few hours--" He sighed, seeing his wet brother suddenly made him feel guilty. "I'm sorry Lex; I shouldn't have taken my frustrations out on you."
"No big deal, it was refreshing and it got some of the dirt off--" He looked down at his smudged grey t-shirt briefly. "My last bit of advice to you is maybe get her on your turf. I've been promising to take Corinne to the amusement park in Minneapolis, that alone is a whole day right there; me and Mom can take her and then she can spend the night at the house. That way you and Gillian can have the whole night here alone without having to worry about the baby."
Both of Mac's eyebrows raised. "You would do that?"
Alex gave Mac a grin nodding his head. "Yeah I would. I'd do anything to see my brother happy--"
Gillian closed the door to her daughter's bedroom, the little girl had gone down for her nap and her mother walked quietly down the hall and into the living room. She plopped down on the couch and swung her legs around contemplating whether or not she should nap herself. When Corinne woke up she would be heading to Ellen's house and Mac would be coming. The thought of seeing him brought a smile to Gill's face as she rolled partially over and snagged her grey cordless phone dialing a series of numbers. Hearing the phone beginning to ring she drew her legs up and crossed them.
"Hey Leigh, you busy?"
"Hi Gill, no not really. What's up?"
"Oh not much, this and that--" She played with the frayed bottom of her jean shorts picking at the strings. "Sorry I didn't call you back the other night, I was busy."
"Don't worry about it. How is Babycakes doing?"
"Corinne is fine; she's doing well at daycare and she's really talking a lot now. I took some photos of her and put them in the mail for you."
"That's great! I can't wait to see them and I'm glad she's doing good. How's Elizabeth and Joshua?"
"Fine! They're talking about coming out here for Christmas but they're not sure with the weather and all. But then again they really want to see Corinne so they're undecided--" She pulled off a string and dropped it over the edge of the couch. "How's your parents doing?"
"Living it up in Florida, they want me to come there for the holidays but with work and all I'm not sure. The hobby shop?"
"Pretty good, nice steady flow of customers and the apartment is really coming along. I'm thinking about getting some shelves put in. Listen Leigh, I wanted to talk to you about something."
"So what's his name?"
She sighed, shaking her head. "Damn it how did you know? I was about to tell you."
"So tell me, I'm all ears."
"All right--" Gillian grinned, turning back on her side. "His name is Mac and he has a business. He owns a nursery."
"Business man? Wow so what's he look like?"
"He's a little over six feet—Great build! A body to die for! He's got long blond hair and big brown eyes."
"Ooo nice! He sounds gorgeous! How long you been seeing him?"
"Two months--" Gillian bit her lip, knowing the next question her friend was going to ask.
"And the sex?"
"I knew you were going to ask me that!"
"Well of course I'm going to ask you that!"
"Well--" She winced a little letting the silence answer the question.
"You haven't slept with him? Gillian why not?"
"Why not? Think about that really hard Leigh!"
The line went silent for a moment before Gillian heard her friend sigh heavily.
"All right I'm sorry. I guess I just got so excited that you've met someone—I know you're probably afraid too right?"
"I don't know what I am Leigh--" Wiping her hand down her face, Gillian shook her head. "Mac is wonderful and he's caring and special—Corinne adores him and I do too! Its just that—Michael hasn't even been gone a year and here I am--"
"Falling in love with someone else?"
The words hit Gillian right in her stomach and she inwardly gasped. "Oh my God—I never thought of it like that."
"Of course not, its called guilt Sweetie and that's what you've got, a massive case of guilt. Guilt that another man is in your life and guilt that your daughter adores him."
"So what do I do Leigh? I want Mac so bad, when I'm with him—It's like I'm 16 again like I was back in high school."
"I remember those days Gill, when the boys gave us fluttering stomachs and quaking thighs."
"Yes that's it exactly! I really want to sleep with but it's been 14 months since I've made love Leigh! 14 months! That's a long time!"
"Eh, you never forget how Gill just start kissing him and let good old Mother Nature do the rest. I guarantee it'll all come back to you."
Gillian took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I do want to sleep with him but maybe we should mess around a little first. I mean we've just kissed and did some touchy feely but that's about it."
"That's all? Geez, you really are rusty at this aren't you? The next time you see him I suggest you play touchy feely again but this time BELOW the waist."
"Leigh!" The sound of her laughter came through the phone and soon Gill was laughing too. "All right, maybe I should. I think we could both use the tension reliever. He's coming to dinner tonight."
"Perfect! Get your sexiest dress and have some fun!"
Gillian dragged the match along the bottom of the box sparking it into flame; touching it to the wicks of a pair of candles on her kitchen table. Setting the matches on the counter she looked down at herself gaging her outfit. Her dress, a light blue silk with paisley design, went to mid thigh and had spaghetti straps; she ran her hand down it smoothing out the material. She had left her hair loose knowing that's how Mac liked it best; nothing seemed to please him more than to run his fingers through it.
"Well I hope this knocks his eyes out--" She said to herself as a knock sounded from the living room. Taking a deep breath to control the sudden rush of tingles she got in her stomach and went over to the door. And there he was—black jeans, a white dress shirt, his long hair loose and a bundle of flowers in his hand; just the sight of him made her stomach tingle even more.
Mac smiled at Gillian appreciatively as he held the flowers out to her. "Hi."
"Hi, come on in--" Stepping aside, she let her guest in closing the door behind him.
"You look—incredible--" He breathed, swallowing hard at the dress that left very little to his imagination.
"Thanks so do you--" Sniffing the flowers, she took them into the kitchen. "And thank you for the flowers--" She found a vase on top of the fridge and put them in water.
MacGyver rubbed his hands together; it was the only thing he could do to stop them from sliding down that dress. "So what's for dinner?"
"Pot roast—But it's going to take another 90 minutes to cook--" The flowers were added to the table, Gill leaned over once more to sniff them.
"90 minutes—so what are we going to do until then?"
Gillian turned towards him and stretched out her hand. "Oh I'm sure we can think of something--"
Just the soft sexy tone of her voice made Mac's stomach clench; his mouth going dry.
"We can?" He asked as he reached out and took her hand.
"I think so--" A small soft smile came to her face as she tugged on his wrist towards the hall. "It's just us; your mom won't be dropping off Corinne for a few hours."
Mac swallowed hard letting her lead him; flashes of thought raced through his mind--maybe, just maybe they were ready to take that next step. He nearly tripped down the stairs.
Once they reached the bedroom she let go of his hand climbed up onto the bed. The room had been prepared; the soft scent of vanilla wafted in the air from the burning candles strategically placed on the dresser and both nightstands. Gillian rolled across the white comforter and onto her side facing him. She patted the area beside her smiling.
"Why don't you come over here?"
He didn't need to be asked twice, Mac practically did a swan dive onto the bed. Gillian scooted closer to him and reached out, running her fingers down the side of his face. She leaned forward and brushed her lips against his.
Mac groaned, wrapping his arms around Gillian as he pulled her on top of him. All his frustrations, his desires were behind that kiss; his heart pounded in his chest as the sweet taste of her invaded his senses. The soft press of her body against his, the smell of her hair—It was good, all good and he felt himself swell in reaction. He wanted more so much more and let his hands slide down that dress to her butt and cupped it; his fingers relaying his message of deep aching need.
Gillian returned it, just as desperate as he was. Her fingers began plucking at the buttons on his shirt wanting to expose the flesh beneath it. Finally she did and broke the kiss her head dropping to nuzzle and lick at his chest as more of the shirt opened; sighing at the clean scent and tangy taste of his skin.
"Uhhh--" Mac craned his neck, his hands in her hair as he watched her get lower and lower; her warm lips tracing over his chest, ribs and stomach. "God I want you Gill—so bad--" He whispered; his voice husky with desire.
"Want you too--" She moved back up and kissed him again; her hand sliding back down to his fly. She worked the button open on his jeans and touched the zipper pulling it down. Sticking her hand inside, she felt the prominent bulge in his boxers.
MacGyver gasped against her mouth, feeling her fingers wrap around his now aching shaft and stroking it. Gillian broke the kiss and rolled over getting a small bottle of baby oil from her nightstand.
"What are you doing?" Mac panted, his body electrified from the touches and kisses.
She showed him the baby oil and grasped his shaft again lifting it from the confinement of his boxers. Its size and heft now exposed to her; she widened her eyes a little as she added a couple drops to the palm of her right hand.
"My goodness—Someone ate his vegetables when he was a boy--"
The statement made Mac grin, his face blushing. "My mother insisted--"
Gillian's smile faded as she stretched back out beside him planting kisses on his lips. Her now slickened hand curled around his straining shaft; she watched his face seeing the desire shining in his eyes as he gazed at her.
"Gill--" He whispered his eyes sliding closed as he arched his back thrusting his hips into her hand. The way he spoke her name made her shudder; a flush of heat starting to burn between her thighs.
Mac reached down and put his own hand over hers as she stroked him, his breathing growing ragged.
"Oh God that's perfect, just right--"
Overcome by the hot shaft in her hand, the tone of his voice and her own arousal, Gillian covered his mouth with hers, her fingers tightening around him. She felt him gasp against her lips; her hand pumping faster.
Mac grasped her shoulders, fingers sinking into the bare flesh. He wanted to warn her what was coming, stop her before it was too late—But the frustrations of the past two months wouldn't let him; he simply gave in and enjoyed the pleasure she was giving him; tearing his mouth away from hers and panting as his orgasm hit him. Thumping his head back against the pillow, his pelvis undulated into her hand again and again as he shuddered, the warm eruption washing over her hand and splattering on the comforter and his jeans. Mac's head raised and his flushed face tightened briefly before he collapsed back against the bed, panting and spent.
Gillian swallowed hard, amazed at what she had just witnessed; seeing the absolute surrender in Mac's face. She got up and went to the bathroom, washed her hands and brought back a washcloth.
"Mac?" Climbing back into the bed, she wiped up the mess on her comforter.
"Yeah?" He turned his head back to look at her, seeing the embarrassment on her face and the washcloth in her hand. "Going to clean up the mess you made?" He grinned at her seeing her cheeks grow even redder.
"If you want me too."
"Oh yeah, definitely--"
He watched her wrap the warm cloth around him cleaning his shaft thoroughly before tucking it back into his boxers and wiping down his jeans. She set the washcloth on her nightstand and laid back down; her head on his chest.
"Was that—okay?"
"Okay?" MacGyver wrapped his arms around her and lifted her chin. "Just okay? No. Utterly fantastic and amazing—yes--" He craned his neck and kissed her.
"I had been wanting to do that for awhile now--" She admitted with a grin, sighing as she lowered her head back down.
Mac stared up at the ceiling, his hand rubbing her back. "There's something I've been wanting to do too--"
"Really? What?"
He wrapped his arms around her and rolled them over once. "Return the favor--" Touching the open ends of his shirt he pulled it out of his pants and took it off, dropping it over the side of the bed.
Gillian sat up, her hands roaming over his now bare chest feeling the strong muscles ripple beneath the surface of his skin and the tickle of his chest hair against her palms as they slid between his pecs.
"I've seen you the least I can do is let you see me--" She reached behind her head and unbuttoned the top of her dress; rising to her knees she touched the bottom of it and began pulling it up until she was finally able to remove it leaving her in her white lacy bra and panties.
"Beautiful--" Mac breathed as his hands cupped her chest; her bra opened in the front and his fingers slid to it. He lifted his eyes asking silent permission.
She gave the tiniest of nods as the front closure was opened and her chest was uncovered. Opening her eyes, she saw the flush of desire return to Mac's face as her lowered her to the bed and kissed her. They stayed locked in deep, wet kisses for a few moments before their lips parted.
"I know you're afraid--" MacGyver spoke against her skin as he trailed kisses and licks down her neck.
"I am--" Gillian closed her eyes, his lips left her skin wet as he went down, each brush of them making her tingle.
"I'd never hurt you Gill--" He buried his face in her chest kissing it; he latched onto one of her nipples hearing her gasp. The taste of them sent another flush of heat between his thighs; her tiny whimpers and moans was causing him to swell all over again.
"I know—I know you wouldn't hurt me Mac--" Came her breathy response, she lifted her chest a little towards his hungry mouth.
"Then why are you afraid?" His hand slid down her ribs to the waistband of her panties and slipped inside them.
"Because I--" Gillian gasped, her hips rising off the bed as his fingers roamed over her pubic bone.
"I lost Michael; I don't want to lose you too."
Mac slid back up her body, his fingers slipping into the juicy sweetness of her sex. He found the hard nub of her pleasure and circled it. "You're not going to lose me--" Covering her mouth with his and his fingers sliding through the slick folds in gentle caresses; he felt the tension building within her.
"Just let it go Gill, let me give you pleasure."
Gillian closed her eyes, her pelvis thrusting against his hand; the flush of an impending orgasm starting in her cheeks. Her hands grabbed his shoulders as she tipped her head back, her lips parting as she panted.
"Mac—please don't stop--"
"No, I won't, not till you come--" MacGyver felt the heated throb between his legs, the sight of Gill lost in her passion. The gleam of her bare body and flushed skin; the smell of their mutual arousal heavy in the room made him shudder. He withdrew his fingers from her syrupy center and stretched out over her rubbing his pelvis against hers.
Her eyes flew open, taking the full brunt of his weight. For a moment she froze, her passion snuffing out like a birthday candle as she stared into his face thinking that they were going to make love. Mac gazed at her and dropped his head their mouths pressing together. The bump and grind of his hips against her made her gasp, the heat of his erection burning through the denim and into her skin. Instinctively, she widened her legs so he could fit more fully between them finally understanding what he was doing.
Their bodies moved in a heated rhythm together, pelvis to pelvis. The solid feel of Mac's stiff shaft nudging against her hard nub made her breathing heavier; she raised her legs, wrapping them around his back. She closed her eyes again, hugging him around the neck. A wave of tingles suddenly flared up deep in her pelvis and Gillian gasped loudly, squeezing Mac between her legs.
"Gill--" MacGyver thrust harder against her squeezing his eyes shut as the wet flood seeped through his jeans. Finally he stilled, his head resting against her collarbone as he tried to catch his breath.
"Mmm I needed that--" Mac raised his head and kissed her, seeing her stunned expression.
"Gill?"
She blinked and looked at him, a blush coming to her face. "I did too—you were incredible."
"I didn't do anything to earn a compliment like that--" He didn't want to move off of her; content to stay where he was he nuzzled the side of her face. "I know I'm a mess though."
"I've got sweats you can wear--" Gillian sighed contently feeling fatigue begin to come over her.
The beeping of the oven timer echoing through the apartment woke them both up; they had drifted off to a peaceful sleep in each other's arms. Gillian groaned not wanting to leave the comfortable warm body currently pressed against her.
"Damn it—If I don't get up we're going to be eating burned
pot roast--"
MacGyver touched her hair, kissing it. "Well then you better go take care of
it, I'm looking forward to your pot roast."
"All right, all right--" Gillian rolled off of him and got a t-shirt out of her dresser slipping it on. "I'll get dinner ready, why don't you go clean up?" Still in his jeans, Mac tucked his arms under his head and nodded.
"Yeah, it'll only take me about 20 minutes."
"Well, clean towels and everything is in the bathroom--" She glanced over her shoulder at him seeing his smile as she went over to the staircase and started to climb up it.
Mac did a full body stretch, flexing his feet as he got out of bed. Despite the mess he felt fantastic and whistled as he got a pair of black sweats and a blue t-shirt out of Gillian's closet. Stepping into the bathroom, he set his clothes on the toilet and flung back the shower curtain. He would take a nice shower and then have dinner with Gillian; hopefully before he went home he'd have a chance to see his favorite baby girl.
Gillian closed her eyes, breathing in the rich aroma of her now cooked pot roast. The meat, tender and juicy, fell apart as she sliced it.
"Perfect! It came out perfect!" She piled the slices onto a plate along with the potatoes, carrots and onions that had cooked with it. The two candles still burned behind her, they had only shrunken a little; she arranged the pot roast slices and vegetables on two plates and set them down on the table.
"Let's see, red or white wine with a Bellot pot roast?" Gillian debated with herself as she got out two wine glasses and put them on the counter.
"I think red--"
She turned around and saw Mac in the kitchen doorway all shower fresh, barefoot and grinning. The first thing she noticed was that the sweats were way too short for his long legs.
"Red? Are you sure?"
Mac padded into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around her nuzzling her neck. "Uh huh, a nice light red with pot roast."
"Sorry if the sweats are too short. I like to buy them baggy but I guess they're not baggy enough to fit you--" She sighed, enjoying the warmth that now surrounded her and the clean scent.
"It's all right, we can put my jeans on to wash after dinner--" His hands slid down her t-shirt and over her thighs; his fingers still cool from the shower against her warm skin made her jump a little.
"Are you sure you want pot roast? Seems like there's something else on your mind--" Gillian reached behind her, touching his damp head.
"There is, and that's something we need to talk about Gill."
"We do?"
"Uh huh, but after we eat--" He let go of her and sat down at the table looking at his plate. "It looks really good."
Gillian opened her fridge and got out a bottle of red wine, filling both glasses. "It's my mom's recipe--" Putting the wine back, she picked up both glasses and handed one to him while she sat down.
"What do we need to talk about?"
Mac tried the pot roast, the meat melting in his mouth. He waited until he swallowed to talk to her, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Good roast--" He reached out and took a hold of her hand; she looked across the table at him seeing the sudden serious expression in his eyes.
"I care about you Gill, a lot and I know you care about me too. I think you know the next step we should take."
She nodded, her stomach suddenly filled with butterflies. "I do care about you Mac and I do want to make love to you I'm just—unsure."
"About what?"
"Where do we go from there? I mean—what does the future hold for us? You've got your business and I've got mine. Do you want both of us in your life? What about Corinne? Do you really want the responsibility of raising a child that isn't yours?"
That last statement hit him and suddenly he wasn't staring across the table at Gillian. He saw Kate, with her dark hair and deceptive smile. Kate who had made him so many promises and had failed to keep a one; Kate who had gotten pregnant by someone else-- Suddenly feeling overwhelmed by the past, Mac let go of Gillian's hand and got up from the table. All the pain came rushing back to him; he stretched his arms out, leaned against the counter and bowed his head.
"It's not as easy as it sounds, going to bed is going to mean a lot more than just sex for both of us Mac and I think you know that--" Gillian scooted her chair back and stood up, standing behind him she reached out and touched his back. "I'm sorry if I upset you, I don't know what's wrong with me. I came out here to find a new life for me and for Corinne. It's staring me right in the face and I'm terrified."
MacGyver took a deep breath and let it out slowly, raising his head. The gentle stroke of Gillian's hand on his back brought him out of his stupor.
"It does mean more to me than just sex Gillian; you mean more to me than Kate ever did. I saw her right now; I saw her face when you said that about Corinne. Two months ago you laid out all your cards on the table and told me that if I couldn't handle being in your life and Corinne's life to just go. Now I think it's my turn--" He straightened up and turned around facing her. "I can't promise what the future is going to hold because I don't know, but what I can promise you is that no matter what happens you'll have me--" Mac reached out and took her small hands in his. "We'll be together, all three of us and we'll face the future together as a family."
Gillian's throat tightened and she swallowed a huge lump down. "Mac--"
He tugged on her wrists bringing her up against his chest; his fingers touched her hair. "I'm saying that I'm in love with you Gillian, since that day I fell asleep at my mom's and opened my eyes and saw you standing over me--" He watched her dark eyes widen and grow shiny, a tear rolled down her cheek and he wiped it away. "If you can't handle that then I'll get my clothes and leave; I'll never darken your door again."
She closed her eyes feeling her lower lip tremble. The words he spoke echoed through her mind and deep down in her heart she knew she loved him too. "Mac I--"
"No--" His fingers touched her lips and she opened her eyes. "If you need more time to say it back to me I understand--" Mac's fingers slid from her lips down to her neck and cupped the back of it, pulling her into an embrace.
"Don't go, please don't go--" Gillian buried her head in the crook of his neck. "I do want to build a future with you."
"I don't want to go--" He closed his eyes in pure relief pressing his hand to the back of her head; he could feel her tears wetting his skin and tightened his embrace.
"I do want to make love to you; more than anything."
Mac let go of her and pulled back from the hug, wiping her face. "I want you too, but not tonight. It's been a big night for us and Corinne will be back soon."
After dinner Gillian and Mac snuggled on the couch watching a movie. Mac's clothes had been washed and were currently tumbling in the dryer. Gillian had gotten dressed in sweats knowing that Ellen would be by soon to drop off her daughter. She sighed as she nuzzled MacGyver's warm throat, kissing it.
"I like this—Being in your arms like this--"
"Me too--" MacGyver shifted her over, laying her fully on top of him. She didn't weigh much at all, her body heat blending with his an oddly comforting sensation.
"I have something to confess."
"All right, what?" He gazed down at her; she raised her head a small smile drawing up her lips. "I haven't been this happy in a really long time. Not since--" Her smile faded replaced with a more pained expression. "Not since before Michael got sick."
Mac nodded; clearing his throat as he touched her hair. "You've told me a lot about Michael, but not about what things were like when you found out about the brain tumor."
"I know--" Gillian looked away from his gaze. "It's not that easy to talk about."
He touched her chin and turned it back. "I'm not saying you have to but I just want you to know that you can. I want to know everything about Michael."
"You do?" This raised both her eyebrows as she stared into his face seeing him nod. "Why?"
"Because he was your husband and Corinne's father; you three made up a family. As the fourth member of the family I'd really like to know."
Gillian laid her head back down on his chest. "Michael had an appointment with his doctor—The headaches were killers and when he came back there was this strange look on his face--" She began, closing her eyes…
"Michael? What happened? What did the doctor say?" Gillian saw his stunned expression and took his hands leading him to the maroon sofa and sitting him down. He let her, his green eyes still looking glazed for a moment before turning to look at his wife.
"Dr. Matthews says I've got a brain tumor Gillian--"
"What?" She barely managed to get out; her throat had instantly closed up from the shocking news.
"It's in a place they can't operate—There are treatments available but they can't guarantee anything."
Gillian closed her eyes feeling her chest tighten. "There's got to be a mistake, they've got to be wrong."
Michael gave his wife's hands a strong squeeze. "No Gill they're sure."
"Oh God--" She touched her hand to her mouth and held out her arms. Michael slid into them as the couple embraced.
"It's going to be all right Gillian--" He stroked his sobbing wife's hair, her tears tearing at his heart. "Everything is going to be just fine."
"He was so brave—despite the pain and fear. The treatments were hard on him and sometimes he would get so sick he'd be throwing up all day and night. For six months he endured this determined that he was going to make it--"
Mac listened to Gillian's words seeing the image of the black haired man with the green eyes slowly wasting away. He kept quiet just letting her talk and tightened his hold on her trying to soothe her trembling.
"Did you ever watch someone dying Mac?" Gillian lifted her head to look at him; the pained gaze of her shining eyes hit him right in the chest.
"No--" He answered quietly.
Gillian took a deep breath letting it out slowly. "It's like watching a snowman melt when the temperature barely rises above freezing. It's not a quick thing and as the days go by you can see where the snow has melted and fallen off. That snowman disintegrates right before your eyes."
Her words made Mac shiver and he swallowed hard.
"Michael's last day—He had been drifting in and out of consciousness for the past few days thanks to the morphine IV they gave him. The last few days of his life were spent in our house in Minneapolis, but we had a 24 hour nurse there at his bedside. I went to check on him—it was just after first light. The treatments had thinned out his hair; he hardly had any of it left. He was grey, not pale or sickly but grey like concrete but his eyes were just as sparkling and green as ever--"
Michael saw her in the doorway, her lavender robe around her. "Hey Sweetheart, come here--" He raised a hand to her waiting for her to take it. Gillian felt a lump forming in her throat at the sight of him, so weak he could barely hold his arm out.
"How are you doing Baby?" She went to his side, taking his hand and holding it in hers as she sat down on the edge of the bed.
"I think we both know the answer to that--" He sighed, leaning back against his pillow. "How's the baby?"
"She's still asleep, I just checked on her--" Gillian reached out and stroked his face; he turned his head and pressed his cheek against her hand; those emerald eyes focused their gaze on her.
"Bring her to me Gill, please."
"She'll be awake soon Michael."
"I know but I want to see her now--" Michael insisted and as much as Gillian wanted to protest, she rose from the bed and left the room. A short time later she returned with the sleeping baby, the ten month old in lavender pajamas cradled in her mother's arms.
"Here she is Michael--" Gillian sat back down on the bed and gently placed Corinne in his arms.
"My big girl--" He closed his eyes pressing his nose against her cheek, inhaling the soft baby powder scent.
"You're one of the best things that happened to me Corinne; I want you to know that."
That lump in Gillian's throat now grew to the size of a mountain; the tears threatening her eyes. She knew why he said those things but they were still difficult to hear.
He ignored her going on with what he was saying. "No matter what, I want you to remember that your daddy loves you very much--" Michael planted a kiss against her cheek, his own tears leaving a wet mark.
"Take her back to bed Gill, please--" He turned away, not wanting his wife to see.
Gillian said nothing, once more she did as he asked and took Corinne to her room.
"Why didn't you want to wait till Corinne was--" She stopped in mid sentence seeing Michael slumped sideways in the bed.
"Michael?" Racing to the bed, she touched his shoulder and sat him back up; seeing a blood trail from the corner of his mouth.
"Oh my God! Michael!" She leaned his head against her chest trying to find a pulse on his neck. Pressing her fingers to his jugular she found it, weak and thready.
He opened his eyes to look at her. "Gillian--" He gurgled, as more blood came from his mouth and soaked into her robe.
"I have to call someone Michael, I have to get the nurse just hang on all right?" The tears were rolling down her face but she ignored them.
"No! No more—I'm done--" His eyes open and shut briefly, Gillian noticed the green color seemed to be fading.
"No we need more time! Michael please!" Gillian looked around frantically. "Mrs. Memphis! Mrs. Memphis where are you!"
"I sent her home."
She gazed down at her husband, shaking her head. "Why did you do that?"
"I can't—do this anymore Gill—Just--- Just let me go--" Michael wheezed, it seemed harder and harder for him to breathe.
"Michael please don't go!" His wife sobbed, stroking a shaking hand over his ashen face.
Michael stared up at her, a small smile coming to his blood frothed lips. "Love you—Gill I'll—always be—with you, remember that--" He took one last breath, reaching up to stroke her cheek; his thin fingers sliding over the wet skin. "Always--"
Gillian squeezed her eyes shut briefly pressing that weak hand even firmer against her face. "I love you Michael, please don't go--"
She watched him smile at her again but that smile slowly faded and with it the light in Michael's eyes. His last breath exhaled out of him in a soft hiss.
"Michael?" She lowered his hand from her face and touched his neck trying to find the pulse. Nothing, she felt nothing. The realization hit her like a freight train; her husband was gone. Her lip began to tremble as she gently lowered him back to the bed. Gillian picked his hand back up, kissing it gently she placed it beside him. For what seemed like an eternity she simply stared at him not believing he was really gone, expecting that at any moment he would open his eyes. But the moment never came.
Mac sat up and gathered Gillian in his arms rocking her. He felt a little overcome himself listening to that story finally understanding the deep pain she had suffered; it made his own seem so small in comparison.
"It's all right Gillian shh--" He soothed listening to her sobbing and pressing his hand to the back of her head. Finally they tapered off some and she pulled back wiping her face.
"I'm sorry Mac; I didn't mean to break down like that."
"No, it's okay--" MacGyver reached out and brushed a tear from her cheek.
Gillian took a deep shuddering breath. "It was a lot easier to tell you that then I thought. I wasn't sure I was going to be able too--" Leaning forward, she closed her eyes and pressed her mouth to Mac's taking it in a slow, warm kiss. He returned it, his hands sliding up her face and into her hair. She broke it, planting tiny kisses on his lips.
"Thanks for caring Mac."
"I do care, I don't want to take Michael's place not for you or Corinne--" He touched his forehead to hers sighing.
A knock on the door stopped the conversation, Gillian climbed off of Mac giving her face another wipe down and smoothing out her loose hair as she crossed the living room to the door. Unlocking the door, she pulled it open and saw the smiling face of Ellen Jackson; she had a tired looking Corinne by the hand.
"Hi, how was dinner?" Ellen peeked around the door frame and saw her son on the couch.
Gillian pulled the door back further as she crouched down, looking at her daughter.
"Hi Baby, have fun?"
Corinne didn't say anything, simply rubbed her eyes and held out her arms.
"Aww come here--" Gillian lifted her daughter into her arms, hugging her.
"She's a little cranky, I think she's just tired--" She saw her son get up from the couch and come over to her. "Hi Mac--" His appearance raised an eyebrow as did Mac's sheepish grin.
"Hey Mom, have fun?"
"Yeah we did--" She shot him a very maternal gaze before focusing her attention back to Gillian. "She ate some chicken and peas and cookies for dessert."
"You did? Sounds good--" Gillian planted a kiss on her daughter's head; the little girl leaned against her mom's shoulder. "Look who's here."
A pair of hazel eyes focused on the blond man, who smiled and gave a wave. "Hey Baby!"
Corinne sat back up, blinking at Mac for a moment before holding out her arms to him.
He grinned and lifted her from Gillian.
"Aww--" Ellen beamed, not only from the little girl knowing her son but the warm look of affection on Mac's face as he held her.
"Thank you so much for watching her Ellen, I really appreciate it--" Gillian stroked her hand over her daughter's back.
"It was no trouble, you know I have fun doing it--" Her gaze bounced between her son and Gillian. "Well I better let you put her to bed."
Mac moved from side to side rocking Corinne. "She's practically asleep now--" He pressed his hand to the back of her head.
"Then I really better let you go--"
Gillian gave the older woman a hug. "Have a good night Ellen, drive carefully."
"Oh I will--" She patted Gillian's back before letting her go.
"Night Mom--" Mac turned sideways and kissed his mother's cheek.
"Night Honey--" With that she turned and walked down the stairs; Gillian closed the door behind her.
"Can you put her down?"
"Yeah, no problem--" He headed down the hall and slipped into Corinne's bedroom. A short time later he came out quietly closing the door behind him.
"I just took off her shoes."
"Thank you--" Gillian wrapped her arms around his waist. "You have to go home don't you?"
"Yeah but I really don't want to--" His hands slid over her back slowly. "I've got some early deliveries tomorrow and a few more businesses want fountains like the one I got for the Mayor's."
"Sounds like you're going to be busy--" She peered up into his face seeing him nod.
"A little bit, but if I get too bogged down Alex helps me since he's off from school for the summer--" Mac dropped his head and kissed her. Gillian felt his tongue slide into her mouth and touched hers to it; both of them groaning softly before the annoying buzzing sound of the dryer parted their lips.
Alex parked his black Sebring alongside his brother's truck shutting down the engine. He tucked his sunglasses into his light blue t-shirt as he walked up to the cabin opening the back door.
"Mac?"
"Hey Baby Brother!" Mac shouted from the stove, a huge grin on his face as he glanced over his shoulder at him briefly before flipping over another pancake. Alex watched him a moment, his older brother in khaki overalls and a white t-shirt; his long hair left down and he whistled happily while he cooked.
"Excuse me I think I have the wrong house--" Alex glanced around the kitchen. "Okay this looks like my brother's kitchen and cabin but the last time I saw him he was a sexually frustrated crank and now here's this happy cooking guy. So either I'll go down in the cellar and find the pod that contains my real brother or--" He let his words trail off, raising an eyebrow. "Oh ho! I see!"
"See what?" The gas burner clicked as Mac turned it off and slid a plate containing pancakes and sausage to his brother.
"I think you got some action that's what I think--" Alex pulled one of Mac's stools out from under the counter, his denim short covered thighs straddling it.
"Well--" Mac set a fork and napkin down, his grin widening. "We didn't do it if that's what you're thinking but we did some other things that were just as satisfying--" He picked up his own plate and rounded the counter, sitting down beside his brother.
"I'm not so sure I believe that but obviously it was enough you're practically glowing--" He dug into his breakfast; he always enjoyed his brother's pancakes.
"When do you think you and Mom are going to take Corinne to the Minneapolis fair?" Cutting his pancakes, Mac took a bite of them wiping his mouth. His stomach growled its approval; his appetite seemed huge this particular morning.
"I'll get some milk--" Alex got up from the stool and got a carton out of the fridge. "Oh I don't know, maybe next week--" Two glasses were sitting in the drain board and he set them on the counter and filled them with milk. "So what are we doing today?"
"We've got some deliveries and a few estimates for some landscaping jobs and we need to take measurements for at least three more fountains--" Mac took the glass of milk from his brother and had a hearty sip.
Alex sighed shaking his head. "Terrific, anything else?"
"For you no, for me I have to go into Minneapolis for some a special order--"
"Minneapolis? All the way there for what?"
"Mom's friend Mrs. Perkins wanted some special plants and I was able to find someone in Minneapolis to get them from. Some bonsai trees and some orchids, and they were really reasonable too. A place called the Enchanted Gardens, its right off the highway--" MacGyver picked up the syrup and added more of it to his remaining pancakes. "She's even paying me extra to go get them for her."
"That's nice of her considering Minneapolis is 100 miles away--" Alex returned the milk to the fridge and sat back down finishing his breakfast.
Mac saw his brother's skeptical expression and leaned closer to him. "Little extra touches like that are what keep my customers happy Lex and that in turn gets me more customers. So in the end 200 miles is worth it--"
"Yeah I suppose--" He grumbled under his breath as cut into a sausage. "That alone is going to take you three hours you know, there and back."
"I know, but the drive will be nice so I don't mind--" Mac got up from the stool and carried his plate to the sink.
Mac drove down the highway, pushing his truck to the very brink. The words his mother spoke to him rolled around in his head like loose marbles as he stared out into the black night with only the gray light from the dash illuminating his face.
"Mac, there's been a robbery."
"Robbery? Where?"
"Gillian's shop got hit while she closed."
"Oh God is she all right?"
"She got stabbed Mac, Penny Parker called me to come get Corinne. I've got her here at the house and sent Alex to Lancaster General to find out more about Gillian."
"I'm going there right now, bring Corinne to me there."
"I can take her Mac its not a big deal."
"Mom—bring Corinne to LG."
"All right son, I'll be there as soon as I can--"
The truck screeched to a halt in the first row right beside the sliding glass doors of the squatty beige medical building; the words LANCASTER GENERAL brightly illuminated. Mac jogged up the ramp the doors parting with a hiss; there he met his brother face to face.
"Gill's fine Mac, it was a minor wound and they're giving her stitches now--" Alex spoke in a calm voice his hand on his brother's shoulders staring into his face. He saw the fear and anger etched into Mac's features. "I told Mom to keep Corinne; you can get her when you take Gill home."
"I told her to bring her--" Mac rubbed his hand across his eyes, sighing in relief.
"I know but she called me and I told her to keep the baby with her--" He moved his hands away, waiting for his brother's reaction. "I think we've got enough drama right now then that little girl seeing her mom hurt."
Mac took a deep breath letting it out slowly as he dropped his head back. "Where is she?"
"Down the hall in the ER, room number one. She's pretty upset right now Mac, Pete is there taking her statement. Gill's going to need some clothes; I'll bring something from your house and bring it to you."
"Thanks Alex--" Mac finally lowered his head swallowing hard. "When Mom told me, I just got all these images--" His mouth still moved though no sound came out.
"I know, I know--" Alex put his hand on his brother's shoulder again squeezing it. "But she's all right, why don't you go see her?"
His brother nodded in reply and headed down the hall, his legs feeling like chewed bubble gum. He found the room marked one and peeked in the small window seeing the tan uniform of his friend.
Steeling himself he opened the door and stepped into the room.
"I don't know Sheriff, it all happened so fast--"
Mac heard the fear and emotion in Gillian's shaky voice, it was the same tone she had used only the night before. He saw the pink curtain and gripped it, flinging it back. The first thing he saw was Gillian in the bed, her face pale and frightened; her bloody clothes had been taken away by Pete's deputies. The hospital had put a blue gown on Gillian; the bottom of it hiked up revealing the heavy taped gauze over her mid section. She saw Mac and her face brightened instantly.
"Mac--" Her eyes grew shiny and her lower lip began to tremble.
"Hi Mac--" Pete had his black notebook in his hands, giving his friend a smile over his shoulder.
He didn't say one word, his focus on Gillian as he quickly rounded the bed and sat down on its edge gathering her in his arms.
"Are you all right?" He whispered, holding her tightly.
"I'm okay--" Gillian trembled against him, feeling her tears spilling from her eyes. "They—They gave me stitches, I'm pretty numb right now."
"That's okay, stitches are nothing. I've gotten a ton of them--" Mac stroked his hand down her loose hair trying to soothe her.
"I just want to go home Mac--" Her voice defeated, she laid her head on his shoulder.
"We'll go home as soon as the doctor says you can. Then we'll get Corinne and go back to your place--"
"I wish she was here, I drove everyone crazy asking about her, finally Alex told me where she was--"
"Well if you remember anything else, you've got my number--" Pete flipped his notebook closed and tucked it into his pocket. He picked up his hat and jacket from a nearby chair and slipped them back on. "Don't worry Gill, we'll catch them--" He reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. "You just take it easy for the next few days, all right?"
"I will Sheriff, thank you--" Gillian gave him a smile, patting his hand.
"Mac--" Pete gave his friend a nod, who returned it.
"Thanks Pete, let us know if you find anything."
The couple watched the Sheriff leave; hearing his heavy footsteps grow faint as he walked down the hall.
Mac turned his attention back to Gill seeing the bloody gauze taped over her stomach. He reached out and ran his fingers over it gently.
"Want to tell me what happened?"
Her hand lifted from the side of the bed and touched his; their fingers interlocking. She leaned back against the pillow sighing.
"I was locking up; I had finished in the back and was clearing the front. I could have sworn I had locked the front door until I heard the bell. My back was too the door and suddenly someone grabbed me from behind--" She shook her head. "Everything is such a blur, I remember fighting with whoever had me and kicking and stuff. I never saw the knife but suddenly there was this burning in my stomach, it hurt so bad—I was dropped on the floor and shoved away. I saw two men messing with my register; they got it open and took the money. I had already taken out the day's receipts and had just what I open with everyday, 50 dollars. I don't know what happened after that, all I remember is feeling someone shaking me. I opened my eyes and saw Willis leaning over me--" She put her hand across her eyes, her body starting to tremble again.
"Gill, it's all right--" He tugged on her wrist sitting her up; wrapping his arms around her again he held her. "You're safe, its over."
"I just want to go home Mac--" Drawing in a deep breath she cringed a moment. "Ow--" Leaning back, she touched her bandage. "The anesthetic must be wearing out."
"I'm going to go see if I can find a doctor--" He raised her chin caressing her face. "I'll be right back--" Mac brushed his mouth against hers gently in a small kiss.
"Mrs. Pershing?"
The kiss broken by a sudden presence, both people turned towards a dark haired nurse in green scrubs holding a silver clipboard.
"Dr. Holloway said that you can go home now but she wants you back in three days to check your stitches."
"All right, any instructions?"
"If you'll just sign these I'll explain them--" The nurse moved the tray closer to her, Mac got up and stepped back allowing the nurse to get closer to Gill.
"You're supposed to rest and not lift anything over 10 pounds for a period of seven days. You can take a shower but don't get the stitches wet. If you have any pain, Tylenol should take care of it. You're to come back in three for a follow up and the doctor will instruct you further at that time--" She handed Gillian a pen and watched as her patient signed the release papers. The nurse gave her a copy and set everything aside. She pulled back the sheet and swung Gillian's legs over the side of the bed.
"I'm going to get a wheelchair, you just sit here a moment, all right?"
Gillian nodded, her legs feeling like wet celery. The position hurt her stomach and she rubbed it a little.
"We'll get Corinne and go back to your place. Then we'll have something to eat and get some rest--" Mac stood in front of her and rubbed down her arms.
"I don't know what I'm going to do. I guess Willis can run the store for me while I heal up--" She wrapped her arms around MacGyver's waist burying her head in his shirt.
"Don't worry about anything; I'll take care of it. I'm going to go check and see if Alex brought those clothes for you--" He touched her hair and planted a kiss in it.
Ellen peeked around the open door seeing her son in the porch light. She sighed in relief, opened the door all the way and clutched her blue robe even tighter against the chilly night air.
"How's Gillian?"
"All right, she's got 10 stitches in her stomach. Where's Corinne?" MacGyver ran his fingers through his hair, between the day's work and what happened to Gillian he felt totally exhausted.
"She's in here--" Ellen led her son into the living room pointing out Corinne. The little girl had on a blue sundress snuggled up to a fat couch cushion. The sight of her made Mac sigh as he rounded the couch and knelt down beside her reaching out to stroke her hair. It didn't rouse her so he stood up and gently scooped her into his arms leaning her against his chest.
"She had dinner and everything. You do have a car seat right?"
"Yeah it's between us in the truck; Alex brought it out of the Nomad for me--" Mac looked down at the little girl, adjusting her over his shoulder. "I better go Mom, Gillian needs to get home and rest."
His mom nodded as she escorted her son to the front door. Opening it, she cupped the back of her son's head and pulled it down kissing his forehead. "You'll take good care of her Mac, I know you will."
"Thanks Mom--" He gave her a smile before turning and heading down the sidewalk towards his truck.
Mac turned off the gas picking up the silver saucepan by the handle and pouring the contents into two coffee mugs; he carried them down the hall and stairs closing the metal gate behind him as he made his way to the master bedroom.
Gillian laid sideways on her bed, her eyes closed.
"Gill?" She turned towards the stairs seeing Mac coming down them.
"Where's Corinne?"
"In her pajamas and into bed, she fell back asleep pretty fast--" He sat down on the edge of the bed looking at her; the hockey t-shirt and red sweats were huge making Gillian look like a little girl.
"I really should stick you in the shower and clean you up."
"I'm not supposed to get my stitches wet--"
"Don't worry, duct tape will fix that--" He stood back up and reached into his overalls pocket pulling out a flattened roll.
"Duct tape?" Gillian gazed skeptically at him. "Don't tell me you're going to tape me up like a mummy?"
He twirled it in his hands. "Well—maybe a little--" Mac took his Swiss Army knife out and pulled her shirt up to her neck. He saw the disinfectant they used to clean out the wound around the edges of the first-aid tape.
"Where did they get you?"
"It's above my belly button kind of off to the side. I guess my wiggling around gave him bad aim--" Gillian swallowed hard, trembling a little under his gaze. His dark eyes not only traced over her wounded midsection but her uncovered white lace bra.
"I'm going to cut the tape and take off your gauze, all right?" His hand touched her waist gently, fingers stroking the smooth, warm skin.
"I trust you--" She put her hand over his giving him a small smile.
Opening the scissors on his knife, Mac carefully lifted the edge of the gauze and started snipping away the tape. "Whoever did this did a good job; you've got more tape than a post office--" Gill snickered, gasping at the press of the cold metal blades against her skin.
"Hey watch that laughing now, don't want to accidentally give you a tummy tuck--" Finally getting half the tape cut, Mac peeled back the gauze seeing her stomach washed in that mustard yellow disinfectant. There were traces of dark blood around the wound itself, the slit held together by black stitches.
Mac raised his eyes to look into her face. "It's not bad Gill."
"Dr. Holloway said the knife didn't go in deep enough to cause major damage. I'm lucky that way--" She cringed when he tugged on the tape; the gauze finally coming off.
"Sorry--" He saw her face and rubbed the area gently. "I didn't mean to pull it--" Mac cut the gauze in half and then again, making the square as small as possible. He put it back over the wound gently and cut two strips of duct tape.
"So you're going to make a water proof patch?"
Flashing her a grin, Mac covered the gauze with both tape strips. "There, that should do it--" He set his tape and knife down on the nightstand, picked up a mug and handed it to her.
"Here, its clam chowder. After you drink it we'll take a shower."
She took the mug and then nearly dropped it, her big eyes wide. "We'll shower?"
"Yeah--" He raised the mug to his lips, still seeing her astonished expression over the rim. "You've lost some blood and had anesthesia, I'm not going to risk you adding a cracked skull to your current injury list."
Her face burned at the idea but she hoped the coffee mug hid it as she had a sip of the soup, the warmth of it soothing her.
"Maybe we should just go now before I'm too tired to care--" She had another swallow of the soup, gazing at him.
"All right--" Mac plucked the mug from her fingers and got up, holding out his hand. "Come on."
Gillian's hand trembled as she gently placed it in his. He pulled her off the bed, keeping a firm grip on his as they walked to the bathroom together.
She stepped behind the curtain first feeling extremely self conscious at her bare body and silver taped stomach. Mac joined her a moment later pulling the curtain closed behind him.
Gillian glanced over his shoulder at him, swallowing hard feeling her cheeks burn at the sight of the nude man. Her eyes traced over his broad shoulders, flat chest and hard stomach; down the trail of dark hair to his lean hips and powerful legs.
"Holy Cow--" Gillian whispered as her eyes made their way back up his face seeing his sheepish grin.
"I was thinking the same thing myself--" He breathed as he drew her to him, sighing at the warm press of their bodies.
"You're gorgeous Gill; I want you so damn bad--" Mac closed his eyes cradling her against his chest as he stepped into the shower spray.
"I know, I want you too but that's going to have to wait now--" She raised her head, planting kisses along his collarbones.
"As much as I don't want to, it'll be worth it--" He reached down and picked up the bar of soap, rubbing it up and down her back. "We better get cleaned up and into bed, you need to rest."
Gillian sighed, already feeling sleepy from the warm water cascading down her. She gazed up into his face seeing the water droplets rolling down it; his hair, turned to dark blond from the water, hung down his chest.
"God just look at you--"
"You're not so bad yourself--" His fingers glided down her cheek as he gave a deep wistful sigh. "Soon, we'll make love soon."
Wrapping her arms back around him, Gillian closed her eyes listening to the strong beating of his heart.
"Promise?"
Giving her wet head another kiss, MacGyver nodded.
"Promise."
MacGyver's eyes snapped open, feeling the warm body close to his moving. He saw the red display on Gillian's alarm clock, it read 1 15. Beside him, Gillian whimpered rolling onto her back; her face twisted in a grimace.
"Gill?" He propped himself up on one elbow and touched her shoulder shaking it. "Gill?"
Her breathing sped up as she kicked the blanket off the bed, small groans coming out of her.
"Shhh, its all right--" Mac laid back down and pulled her against him wrapping his arms around her. "It's all right you're safe--"
With a loud gasp she opened her eyes looking around the dark bedroom. "Mac?"
"Yeah--" He touched her head feeling her tremble. "It was just a bad dream that's all."
Gillian took a deep shuddering breath. "I was back in the store--" She whispered, burying her head in the crook of his neck. "How am I going to face it Mac? How am I going to be able to run my store without being afraid?"
"The same way you've faced everything else, head on. You're strong Gill just look at all you've done; left Minneapolis and came out here, raising Corinne on your own and your shop. I think you've got a lot of courage--" He picked up her hand and kissed it pressing it to his chest.
She raised her head staring down into his face; even with faint traces of moon light filtering into the room she could make out his features. Dropping her head, her mouth took his in a kiss; her fingers roaming up his face. Sliding across his body she gasped and broke the kiss forgetting about her injured stomach. Mac quickly rolled them over, gently placing his hand on the gauze.
"You all right?"
"My own fault--" Gillian winced as the pain began to fade, she raised her head and looked down at her stomach. "That's what I get for trying to seduce you."
MacGyver rubbed his hand across the gauze gently. "When this is healed you won't have to try--" He curled up beside her resting his head on her shoulder. "Go back to sleep Gill, we still have a long time before dawn."
"Corinne will be up by seven--" Gillian yawned, her eyes closing briefly.
"Talk about an early bird, she sounds like me--" Mac got up from the bed and picked up the comforter, lifted it in the air and snapped it; the blanket gently coming to rest over Gillian. He climbed back in sliding across the mattress to Gill's warm prone form.
"If this keeps up I'm going to enjoy sleeping naked--" He snuggled up to her; one of his long legs sliding between hers as one arm stretched across her chest.
"You and me both--" Turning her head, she gave him another kiss peering into his face. She wanted so bad to tell him how she really felt about him but no—it would wait for another time, a special moment between them that she hoped would happen soon. With that she lowered her head back down to the pillow and settled down for the rest of the night.