A/N: Okay, so I rated this fic T because I didn't know where this small trip could end, though I'm still not sure yet, but this chapter clearly call for it (and that's not for violence). Now, it's

2 AM, so I hope it works out as intended.

When I wrote this chapter I had a song in mind, so if you look on the net with this title ....CSI-NY - SMacked - 'Parachute'.... you'll listen and watch a good Smacked vid with this song, and will have what I had in mind for this chapter. ENJOY!

So just to warn, be prepared to duck, Smacked fluff ahead, lol.

This story hasn't been beta-ed, so all mistakes are mine.

Summary: after a deadly encounter, Mac decides to take a step towards his best friend. Will she fall for a wild guy.... fluffy Romance- you've been warned, with some comfort of course, SMacked all the way.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, beside the characters I created for this story. CSI NY belongs to CBS and Jerry Bruckeimer.


Clinging to his chest like a little girl to her teddy bear, Stella surprised herself as she even tried to lean closer. She smiled knowing that it was impossible she had already sat as close as possible of her rider. Her hips were pressed against his butt, his jeans rubbing with hers every time the bike made a stiff turned, and they had to bent slowly. In the last hour, she had enjoyed feeling and hearing his heartbeat being a constant reminder that this wasn't a dream; she hadn't fantasized once more in her bed. No, this time it was real; and even though something was deeply bothering Mac, she also knew that he was having fun too. She smiled, which explained his shy glances in his rear-view mirror to keep an eye on her. Her gaze wandered on the small piece of mirror and smiled back, even though he was now watching the road. It had been a long time, since she had felt this good, and she was glad it happened to be because of him. If they hadn't been on this bike she might even have fallen asleep, but the slow vibration under her, reminded her the reality, and honestly she really enjoyed being awake and had no desire of missing any second of close contact with him.

Her fingers pressed against his chest, holding him tight into her embrace. He couldn't repress a warm feeling invading him. His lips curled upward as he realized how it felt right to be in her arms. He had craved for this since so long that he couldn't remember. Since Claire had died, his world had been more than cold, and some nights, he remembered that if it hadn't been for Stella calling and checking on him or even reminding him to eat and sleep, then, he had no idea of what he would have done. She had always been there for him, and he was grateful for it, and he hoped this weekend, he would be able to show her how much he had appreciated that help before they could talk. His face gave a small pout at the road ahead as his mind listed the possible answers she could give him. For a long time, he had fought what he had assumed wouldn't be right for her. But now, he had made his decision and tomorrow, whatever happens, he would know if he had been wrong or not to keep it secret.

A quick glance at the sun now really high in the sky told him that it was time for another break, but this time he promised himself that he wouldn't let his thoughts drifted away into a gloomy territory. No, for her, he would keep them locked in the depth of his soul, so she could have a great weekend. The long, wide landscape had quickly been replaced by the dark, green forest as he had chosen a more adventurous path to their destination. He wanted Stella to enjoy the ride as much as he did, and the highway wasn't for him the best way, although the shortest. But since she had accepted to go 'anywhere' with him; he smirked at the thought; then, this small forest path should suit both of them.

He knew, that as a Foster child, she hadn't seen a lot of Wildlife. Being tossed from one place to another, never gave you the time to bond with family and make a trip in the country. He sighed, and with her job, he knew that she had rarely discovered what life could be in the wild. Maybe he was a bit arrogant, but he wanted to show her that it could be fun, and well, share something he had discovered when he was a kid with his dad. His lips tight, his thoughts lingered a minute to the memory of his dad and how his parents had always been there for him. He wished Stella had the joy of having the same kind of family he had. Life hadn't been fair with her so far. Her mother had been killed when she was two, her ex-boyfriend had tried to kill her, and that terrible threat of becoming HIV after a case. He clenched his jaw at the memory of her limp body lay on the floor when he had entered her apartment with this gut feeling that something was wrong with her. He let out a deep sigh of anger, if she hadn't killed Frankie in self defense that bastard would have killed her, and he would have lost her. Images of her battered bloody face printed before his eyes. Why? His brain shot in pain, as burning tears threatened his eyes. Why her, and not me? Why was he still alive when the women he loved were either killed or on the brink of disappearing? His hands squeezed the handle and he cursed himself again for wandering in a territory that would render him unable to smile to her and offer her no more than a mere grim pout for the rest of the day. This wasn't what he would have wanted for her, no, she deserved a better life, and she deserved that he gave her more than just a smile sometimes, he swore to himself.

Swallowing back his anger and fear, he took a deep breath and focused his thoughts on the lingering hands that were tightly holding him. Summoning a smile, his mind reminded him how much he wanted this weekend to be special for her, and without noticing it, his left hand left the handle and went to press on hers covering his heart. He swallowed as he felt her hands beneath the glove. She was real, and she was with him. Comforted, his hand went back to its previous position as he headed to small road boarded by giant pine trees.

A few minutes later, he slowed down, and pulled over a small wooden barrack, made in logs; his dark thoughts buried for a private sulk. Taking off his helmet, his sight looked at a small brown board attached on the edge of the roof. He smiled, it was like the first time he had seen it. Almost thirty years ago, that small board had the word diner slowly erased by the wind and rain, the same as today.

"Nothing changed," he murmured for himself, before he started in a big grin. He glanced at Stella, remembering that the last dinner they had stopped was very different than this one. "Still feeling adventurous," he teased with a big grin as he hung his helmet to the bike handle.

He watched with a small anxiety as she took off her own and her gaze was suddenly lost in the dense, green forest surrounding them. Mac followed her gaze among the green trees and couldn't suppress a deep urge of taking a deep breath. He filled his lungs with the moist air of the forest mixed with the scent of fresh, green pines and wood smoke, and smiled. This is life. Delighted of being back, he turned nervously to stare at Stella. Is she going to like it?

The place was silent, apart from the low discussion engaged between two birds. Stella frowned, she wasn't used at so much silence. Somehow, she was still searching for the low rumble of the traffic which would tell her that she was still on the same planet; but nothing came. Only a faint, warm breeze lifted her light golden curls. The gentle patof Mac's hand on her shoulder surprised her. Even with this silence she hadn't heard him circle the bike and stand beside her. He gave her a warm smile as to apologize for surprising her, and she smiled back.

"Not used to this silence, Mac," she stated a bit shyly, her brows still creased. "And I thought my apartment was too silent at night." This was kinda new for her, and she wondered if she was going to get used to it.

With a warm smile tugged at his lips, Mac slid his hand in hers and gently squeezed it. "C'mon, City Girl. Let's buy something to eat."

She raised an amused smile toward him. "Wow, you're gonna eat twice a day? Be careful or you're gonna get used to it, Mac," she teased as she marvelled of his familiar way of taking hold of her hand every once in a while, as if he was afraid she would run away. She wanted to tell him she was going to stay, no matter what, but the perspective of his hand lingering in hers longer was too attractive to break the spell. Instead, she sealed her lips and graciously followed him.

"Well, I had a good teacher," he continued, her hand firmly nestled in his as he pushed the door open. He took a deep breath. He felt more relax when he could feel her fingers in his, and he had to admit, it gave him a comforting feeling of reality; that she was alive. It was easier then, to push away those dark images of her lying dead. He shook his head and focused his mind on the warm hand in his. Only cheerful, Mac, remember, cheerful.

As she followed Mac inside, the old scent of smoke mixed with the damp ground immediately assaulted her nose. Stella looked around wondering if people were really eating in that gloomy place and realized that it was more like a store, though a couple of chairs had been lazily placed in a dark corner, and the tiniest table she had ever seen was set next to it. She gave a look of surprise to Mac, but he seemed amused and grinned as he stepped to the counter.

"Hey, how' ya doin'?" threw a tall guy with a messy, brown beard, exiting from a back door. He put aside the big cigar he had in the mouth, although, noted Stella, he wasn't smoking at all. Probably chewing it. That can't be healthy.

Mac smiled and saluted the seller. "We will need two canes, and one of your fishing packs," asked Mac. "Some smoked meat you have over there, cream cheese, the bag of bagels, and the packs of soda too." Then, he glanced at Stella, eyeing her frame as if he was thinking at something. A big grin suddenly lighted up his face and he pointed at something near the seller. "I'll need a pack of those two," he said, his eyes sparkling towards Stella.

She frowned, wondering what new idea had come up in his mind as she stepped closer. Unfortunately, his order was already stuffed in a big, paper bag, and he was carefully putting it aside.

"You need something, Stell?" he called with a soft smile as she tried to peep inside the bag.

"Huh, maybe some fruit too," she asked looking around the dark place. Though she had doubts this place had much choice as in a supermarket.

Mac smiled. Of course. "Apples, right?" He gave her a small complicit wink, referring at their previous conversation.

She nodded with a smile. "Well, you know me, got to follow my diet," she quipped, remembering to keep a check on his food too, after all she owed him one, right?

The seller looked at Stella then at Mac, a deep frown carving his face. "Sorry guys, but I don't have those, though I have some dried cranberries if you're up to?"

Mac glanced at Stella and as she agreed, the seller added it to their bag and gave him his note. Mac handed him a handle of green bills.

"You guys ain't from here, right?" the seller asked a bit amused by the complicit look his clients hadn't stopped exchanging. Ah, lovers.

"Haven't been here for a long time," confessed Mac as he grabbed the bag.

Stella turned to him a surprise look. So he knows this place. A light smile grazed her lips. This trip was going to be really interesting, then. Her heart skipped in her chest at the opportunity offered of discovering her partner's past. Until today, he had remained quite obscure on his childhood and even his war time, but now her mind was delighting at the idea of him revealing a new side of his personality only to her. Again, this weekend promised to be full of discoveries. Her eyes sparkled in delight as she watched Mac talked with the seller.

"Ah," said the man. "Well so ya know to be careful around the Ol' Man Creek, right?"

Mac nodded. "Yeah, I know, but we won't go there."

"Ya sure know your way around then," concluded the seller. "But just in case, here is a map of the forest. The place quite changed if you haven't been around for some time."

Stella hastily grabbed the map the seller was handing them with a childish smile to Mac. She was curious to know where they were and where was that Old Man Creek they were talking about. Why should they be careful up there?

Heading out, Mac felt the comforting presence of Stella, following him few step behind. As he reached his bike, he heard her foot stop and frowned. He quickly set their grocery's bag in the trunk underneath his saddle and closed it. He sat on his bike, and glanced with a smile at Stella. She had fully opened the map, her eyes wide at the large forest unfolded before her.

"Wow, this is huge, Mac!" she exclaimed with a big smile.

He grinned, happy to see that she seemed enthusiast, and not regretting to come with him. He knew that some woman hated the forest and the life in wilderness, but up until now, he didn't know if Stella would fall for it or not, though he had hoped for the former. So now seeing her face so excited, her eyes gleaming with joy, he knew he had made the right choice. Although with the night coming, she might regret it for good.

Patiently, he waited that she was done looking at the map. They were done for today, though he hadn't told her yet, so there was no rush at all. Silently, he put his helmet on, and inhaled gently the air of the forest. Images flashed back in his mind, as the scent of the pine trees mixed with the smoky scent of burned woods slowly filled his lungs. He had missed the feeling. That total freedom, without the burden of the job, his responsibilities toward his city and his team all were far behind him, though if needed, he could change into CSI mode in the second. For a short moment, he freed his mind of all the horror he had seen in his life, and he was ten years old again; his dad cradling his small hand in his, their faces bathed by the warm sun of july while they trodtoward the crystal river. A soft smile tugged at his lips at the memory of his dad, his hero. An invulnerable shield slowly surrounded him at the powerful memory. Looking up, he gazed at the beautiful woman before him, her golden curls softly lifted by the warm breeze, each of her smiles accompanied by a blazing sun. At this precise moment, as they were both alone in the middle of this giant forest, he knew she was the one the same way he had known with Claire. There was no doubt nor fear only certainty and peace; he would give his life for her.

Finally, Stella folded the map and stuffed it inside her jacket. Her eyes sparkled in content, and she graced him of a shy smile. "So cowboy, I guess we're not gonna eat here, right?" she asked as she saw him ready to ride again, though he was looking at her with a look she had never seen before. Her lips tight, she felt something deep inside her warming and sparkling in expectations, and wondered what this look could mean.

"Not here, no." He racked his throat and focused his thoughts on their path ahead, his dream pushed aside. He slid his shades on and looked at the wooden barrack facing the road. "I know a better place." He gave her a shy smile, and turned on the engine.

His shy expression created a warm feeling inside her, as if he was silently asking for her permission to move to the next step. She bit her lower lip. Of course she wanted to go there, but maybe he wasn't thinking at the same place she had in mind. Or maybe he is, shot her mind. Sinking the helmet on her head, she gracefully slipped behind him, pressing her body against his with delight. She let out a deep sigh, wondering if he had any clue of what her heart was feeling at being so close to him. But then, her arms snaked around his strong chest, and once again she felt his heart skipping as if he was surprised by her move. She grinned. It felt good to feel him express his emotions so honestly, though she could bet he wasn't doing it consciously. Nevertheless, she had to admit she liked to feel his heart beating for her like that. So maybe he knew what he was doing to her. A shy smile grazed her face at the thought that maybe there was more for this trip that she had expected at first. Her heart began to pound madly at that new possibility. She closed her eyes. C'mon, Stell, don't get too excited, girl.

Biting his lower lip, Mac swore that he had to keep a check of his reactions when she was around. He hoped somehow she couldn't feel his heart accelerating every time she was touching him. In truth, he had always felt like that, but since she had pressed her body against him this morning, his heart had surprised him by the high rate he was taking even when she was just brushing his hand. She moved behind him and her warm breath caressed his nape as she spoke, sending chills down his spine. Oh God.

"Ready, cowboy," confirmed Stella.

He gulped the lump in his throat and stepped on the gear. Softly, the Harley led them back to the road, and within minutes, Mac found the path he was looking for. With a smile grazing his lips, he drove the bike to an old path made of hard trampled soil that lazily climbed the mountain. He was glad today was a shining, summer day, otherwise that path would have been muddy and the excitement wouldn't have been the same.

About half an hour of small bumps and dents later, the path stopped in the middle of the forest. Stella frowned staring at the giant pine trees surrounding them. It seemed the road stopped right there. Did Mac make a wrong turn? Then she remembered they had just followed the path, and they hadn't come across any other roads. Mac turned off the engine, and the plain silence of the forest engulfed them as he climbed down. At first she had to confess, it scared her a little. Well, not like a real fear, she had seen worst as a CSI. No, it was more this feeling of being suddenly alone, abandoned even though Mac was there with her. She lightly shivered, not wanting to make Mac uncomfortable. She just wasn't used at the absence of sound. She smirked, she had probably let it appear on her face as few seconds later Mac was giving her a warm comforting smile of his own.

Standing under the trees, he unzipped his jacket. His hands rested lazily on his hips. Mac raised his head, and gazed at the sun trying to pierce through the dense canopy above him.

"The forest is alive, Stella," he whispered as if he didn't want to scare the forest. "If you listen, you'll hear it singing, and you'll never be alone."

His words struck her. How could he know she had felt abandoned? Her lips tight, she frowned. She didn't want to upset him with this. But then, he seemed quietly relax, which was even more unusual. So, she finally followed his gaze to the blue sky, curious to understand what he had meant. She observed with awe the wind gently blowing through the dancing, crown trees while the sun playfully to wink at her. Then, she heard it; the voice of the forest. Soft and sweet, though strong and reassuring at the same time, she listened to the warm breeze brushing the branches in soft whispers, the birds singing together and the trees' bark cracking to answer. A gentle smile grazed her lips at the magic she had discovered. Mac's warm hand slipped into hers.

"Come," he murmured to her ear before he led her between the trees.

Feeling as she was just ten and had once again escaped the surveillance of the sisters to discover the world, she grinned widely and ran beside Mac. Their fingers entwinned together in an unbreakable bond, her heart madly pounding in excitement between her ears.

His boots crushed the thick layers of dried pines in the rhythm of his beating heart. This place had always been magic for him as a kid and now that he had the opportunity to show it to Stella, his heart was accelerating, wondering what she would think of it. He swallowed, a giddy feeling of excitement blossoming in his heart. Deep down, he knew her heart was beating at the same pace as his, and that simple thought made him even happier as they were now sharing the same path. His free hand took support on the trunk of a giant pine tree as he stopped letting them get their breath back. He watched with satisfaction his partner grinning like a kid, mirroring his own childish smile. Cocking his head, he gave her a shy wink before he resumed their walk but this time in a lower pace. They weren't far anyway.

Few minutes passed, and the dense forest gave in to a small clearing bathed by the warm sunrays. Stella watched with delight, the green grass covering the small nest and gently licking into the turquoise river below. It was as if the trees themselves had stepped back to leave that small open space nestled near the river.

"Mac, it's beautiful!" Her heart spoke as she let the warm sun bathed her face. Taking a deep breath, she unzipped her vest, and let the warm breeze caressed her neck.

He grinned like a kid. And you haven't seen the half of it. "So, you won't mind if we set our camp here tonight?" he asked, hoping she was loving the forest as much as he did.

"Camp? Like in 'camping'?" she asked her eyes, widening.

"Yep, like in camping. So, huh, ya up to, City Girl?" his voice trailed off a bit, his eyes searching for the moment she was going to back down and ask for a small room in a Comfort Inn.

"Ya do know I have no training what so ever in camping, and that I could burn this forest like the cooking of the other day, right?"

Mac smiled, his mind remembering the day she had wanted to make a new recipe and had asked him to come and taste. He smirked, though she had forgotten that some spices sometimes tend to burn as well. He chuckled lightly. The flame over the oven had surprised both of them. The dish had quickly finished into the sink before he had ordered chinese with a soft smile, while watching a fuming Stella staring at her charred ceiling. Anyway, danger had been avoided and all had been fine, except for her ceiling. He grinned. That day had been a great Bonasera moment. To her, used to cook so well, she had to be distracted not to watch the cooking. His smile widened remembering she had blamed the fire on him for wearing unconventional clothes. He smiled. That evening had been on a weekend and for once he had been playing mechanics with an old buddy from his boot camp. They were customizing some parts of their Harley when she had called to invite him and had said, that whatever cloth he had would work. So he had come as he was dressed.

"This should be considered against the law, Mac Taylor," she had said looking at his clothes the minute she had let him in.

"Well, it's just a mechanic suit, I know it's a bit dirty, and..." he had replied with a frown full of apologies.

"I'm not talking about the suit Mac, more about the absence of conventional t-shirt underneath."

"What?" he had stuttered, looking at the top black suit wrapped around his waist and the white, short, sleeve t-shirt he had worn that day. What was wrong with his t-shirt? He had thought at the time.

He chuckled, remembering how her eyes had unconventionally lingered on his chest that day.

"Well, I'm not a trained firefighter," he teased, his mind back to their talk. "But I planned the eventuality and the river below should provide efficient fire extinguisher in any case." He pointed at the turquoise water glistening like a mirror.

She took a fake offended look. "You planned the eventuality?" she nudged his side in disbelief. "And what else have you planned, mister I'm-no-fireman."

"I'm better in lighting fires," he replied quickly. Taking a deep breath, he playfully turned his face toward the river trying to hide his cheeks turning crimson.

Stella lighted face grinned. Did he just start foreplay? Mac? But then, she remembered that the past weeks he had seen happier than ever, apart that last week, of course. She frowned, staring at his dark, short hair. What was going on with him? "Mac?"

He racked his throat, his back still to her and his gaze lost in the small clearing. "Well, that's what my father used to say," he corrected. Gee, why his heart was going so fast now? Calm down Mac, it's only Stella. Yeah, but why have I never felt like that with Peyton? He shook his head. Nope, not true, I did feel like that with Peyton but mostly when she was sucking the air around me, and we were at the office. With Stella, it's like permanent fire blazing inside. Am I becoming crazy? Well, talking to yourself could be considered like it, Mac. He took a deep breath, his lips tight. He glanced over his shoulder at Stella who didn't try to hide her broad grin at his discomfort. No, the more she's around and the more I can't breathe. Can't be a coincidence, his brain shot. Sure genius, you know the answer since the beginning so why are you trying to make sense of it now? His lips tight, he gave her a weak smile. Because that damn brain needs to go rational when my heart wants to play the wild card. What's wrong with going with your heart anyway? His mind asked in despair. Nothing, echoed the voice of his dad. There's nothing wrong going with your heart, son. Mac shut his eyes for a second, and his lips curled upward at the thought of his dad, and their last trip in this place.

"Mac?" came Stella's voice.

He opened his eyes and gave her a shy apology. "Sorry." He sighed and her hand gently patted his shoulder. "Haven't been here in a while. Brings back memory."

"I see," she stated, softly stroking his back. "So where are we going to set our campfire? Kinda new for me. Live in the wild and all."

He turned to her, his face beaming. "Oh, you're gonna love it, Stella."

"Kinda do already," she grinned with a mischievous smile as she saw a playful glimmer flashing in Mac's green eyes.

He grabbed her hand and led her in the middle of the clearing, before he spoke. "We'll set up our camp near the water, over there." He said pointing at a small spot covered with thick, green grass. But first, we need to eat. Stay here I'll bring the bike and..." he began as he walked back the way they came, but her hold on him stopped him.

"You don't seriously think you're gonna keep me away from you a second," she teased, and then blushed at the underlining meaning in her words.

"What?" he asked surprise by her serious tone. "I'm not leaving you, Stell, I just..."

She cut him off as she pressed her hand over his beating heart. "Nope cowboy, if we ride together, we do all together."

He chuckled. "Okay, but stay close. It's easy to get lost in a forest if you don't know your way around."

"So I'll have to stay close, huh. How close do you mean?" she teased, loving the way his cheeks turned crimson and his lips curled into a smile.

Shyly, his hand rubbed his neck. "Stell, you know I didn't mean..."

"Relax, Mac, I'll let you breath, though I won't let you out of my sight," she continued, not sure why she was pushing so hard their game. But she had to admit his embarrassment was a delight to her eyes, and she enjoyed his cheeks taking new shades of red every time she was poking a little more.

He gave her a sheepish smile, before his embarrassment quickly faded at the mention of losing her in the woods. "You better, City Girl."

Turning toward the forest, Mac headed back to his bike, though this time he walked instead of running to keep an eye on Stella, just in case. Even though he loved the forest, he had as a kid, got lost in the woods, and when you're six, and it's dark, things can turn up pretty scary and dangerous. He smirked, mostly when you start to blindly run from every scream you hear. He pouted. His leg was still remembering it. Avoiding some bushes and small trees, and after walking for a little while, they were finally back to their initial point.

Stella watched amused as Mac took the crutch off the bike and began to push it before him, his hands firmly holding the handles. "I don't think you can cross that thick barrier of busheswe passed, Mac," intervened Stella.

But Mac glanced at her with a boyish grin, and after few yards through the trees, he circled a big rock hidden by a tree and took a small trail going down the small hill. He smiled back at her as the summer heat began to warm his body. So after a minute of strained efforts to push his bike, he put the crutch on once again, took off his jacket, and tugged his sleeves half way up to his arms.

Stepping beside him, Stella grabbed the jacket he had left on the saddle before it fell.

Mac glanced shyly at Stella. "Thanks." Then he resumed his efforts to push his bike.

"Well, I'm no biker, but I think that even if this trail is quite narrow, I'm sure that with your skill you can ride to our future camp. So now that I see the path you can go on, I'll follow right after, don't need to wait for me, White Knight," she quipped, waving her hand in the direction of the path.

He lightly chuckled. "Thanks, but I'm not waiting for you."

"You don't," she said, her brows creasing with disappointment.

"No." Mac couldn't suppress a small laugh at her confused look. "Sorry, Stell. Though I wouldn't leave you alone, it's not the reason why I'm pushing my ..."

"So why, then?"

"We're on an Indian trail, Stella."

"So?"

"Well, my dad always said that when you like something you better take care of it, and respect it." His hand pointed at the trail they were following. "This trail had been trudged by the Susquehannock for centuries, and..." he puffed, beads of sweat glistening his forehead. "and, so paying respect to their memory by not crushing it with our wheels is the least we can do. Besides, I don't have the heart to break the magic spell of the forest with my engine."

Stella smiled widely at Mac's small confession. "Okay, Wild Mac." She stepped behind the bike, tied Mac's jacket around her waist and began to push as well.

"Stell, you don't need to, besides you might hurt yourself there," he said with a worried glance to her hands. But he noted that as stubborn as he was, she kept pushing the bike, her fingers resting dangerously near the turning wheel. One slipping move and she could break her fingers or even her wrist with the wheel, even rip a piece of flesh. He sighed, images of her bloody hand trapped into the wheel rushing into his mind. "Okay," he stated, conceding defeat as he stopped the bike and slipped the crutch down. He watched her smiling face now covered with small beads of sweat too. "Take off your jacket," he said, with a firm tone as he stepped inches of her.

"What?" Her heart skipped in her chest at his commanding tone, but mostly at his near proximity. She could feel heat radiating from him as his hands went to her hips. She blushed, when she felt his fingers fumbling over her bailey as he untied his jacket from her waist, and his breath tickled her face when he stood up.

Stepping back, Mac avoided her quiet stare, his cheeks slightly flushed but not from his latest efforts. He swallowed as he rolled up his jacket and stuffed it inside one of the bags, and waited for Stella's.

Widening her eyes, and her breathing returning to normal, Stella realized Mac was waiting for her jacket. With a sheepish smile, she took it off before she put it in his waiting hand. Without a word, he stuffed the jacket inside the bike, and then turned to Stella, biting his lower lip.

"Okay, Stell. Since you wanna help, I'll show you how. But no more fingers around these wheels," he said, his authority returning. "You could break your hand," his face softened as he pointed at the wheel. "Stell?"

"Acknowledge Sir," she quipped with a mischievous smile, and a mock salute.

He flashed her a fake offended look. "Alright, City Girl. Come over here." He waved his hand and showed his previous place near the bike.

As ordered, and grinning like a kid, Stella walked to the designated spot beside the bike.

"Now, hands on the handle." He said. "You're holding up?" he asked with a wicked grin.

She frowned, not sure his wicked grin was a good thing for her future, but she trusted him, and she wasn't going to back down now. "Yup."

"Okay, then, so here we go." He slipped the crutch up and stepped back.

"Mac?" she asked, wondering what he was doing. Okay, she was holding the bike but that thing was heavy. And damn it, sliding too, she noted as she had to squeeze the handles not to let the bike fell.

Mac watched amused from his spot a little behind her. "Alright, now, you just have to push," he smirked. "You wanted to help, right?"

"What? Yes, but?" she yelled back. Frowning she glanced over her shoulder to find her partner, his arms crossed and a smug glow of a bad ass kid onhis face. All right, if he wanted to play like that she could too. That thing was heavy right, but she wasn't called the tough Bonasera for nothing. Taking a deep breath, she pushed on her legs and to her surprise the bike slowly moved forward. Her brows knitted. Wow, she grinned inwardly. See that, Mac?

Mac laughed at Stella's shocked expression when he had told her to push. She had probably thought that he really meant for her to push his bike all the way. He knew his partner was tough, and she wasn't going to back down from a fight; and when you started to push his little bike, the weight was quickly changing to be more comfortable and easy to move. His sight praised on Stella's effort to move the bike and her sudden realization that it wasn't heavy when it moved. He smiled, admiring her way to fight even when she was in unknown ground. Well, she was so tough that sometimes he really feared for her life. Hell, not sometimes, every time. He sighed, following her closely just in case. The trail was uneven at some place, and in a few minutes with the small hill ahead he knew he would have to take it back; but at least she wouldn't get hurt by trying to help. This way, she would let him continue as she would be satisfied for having done her fair share of work. Or at least he hoped so.

Stella smiled proudly. Some of her ex-boyfriends happened to have a bike, but most of them would have never let her touch their bike, 'their baby' as they called it. She ground her teeth at the thought. So, she must admit, it had surprised her that Mac let her take command over his bike, even if it was for a prank. But again, Mac was really different from the other men she had known; caring, respectful of her feelings, and mostly considering her as his equal; were some of the thoughts that came to her mind when she was thinking about him. She continued to push as she could see the trail going up and feeling the bike resisting at her efforts.

Prepared to push more, she was surprised once again when she felt a pair of strong arms ensnaring her. Mac's warm hands covered hers. Their helmets tied to the front bar of the bike dangled slightly as she felt his strength taking over and the bike went slowly up the hill. It was a relieve to push, though it was mostly Mac who was doing all the job now. She wasn't blind enough to believe she could compete with his strong muscles. She grinned, but her smile quickly faded as her body slowly warmed on fire. Her heart beating in her throat, his body was pressed against her back, and now she realized what he must have felt to have her behind him this morning. She swallowed wondering if he could hear a heart beating as she had. Surely, feeling him so close, and his breath brushing her neck was just warming her own core and mind.

Stella loved against him, Mac felt his core burning as his legs pushed to move his bike forward. "I'm good Stell, you can step aside now, you've done enough," he said, with a whisper. I'm good. Damn it! What are you thinking, Mac? He shut his eyes hoping Stella wasn't gonna bounce back on his words, but thankfully she didn't take the bait and remained strangely silent.

I'm good. Oh Mac, I am too. Gee, Stell, calm down. "Huh, that's okay, Mac, I said I wanted to help, so I'll go all the way." Are you out of your mind? All the way? Now he's going to think that you like to be like that. So what's wrong about being pressed against a friend, a very good friend. You mean a potential lover? She sighed, scolding her mischievous brain. Why can't she get a break from her mind sometimes? Lover? Right, I love him and I never told him, happy? But now what? It's not like he seems troubled by me right now. She sighed as the trail became steeper. I wish I had told him. So why not now? Yeah right, and screw that big weekend, no thanks. She took a deep breath. C'mon Stella, just enjoy yourself, after all it's not everyday that you can ride with Mac. She smiled, as a soft breeze brought her his aftershave. Now finally pushing that bike isn't so bad after all, she thought mischievously, her face reddening.

Gee, he hadn't counted on her sticking while he was pushing his bike, now he was trapped. The trail was steep and he couldn't leave her alone without letting her deal with the full weight of his bike, and that could turn up really bad. He shook his head. Nice play, Mac, really. But now his own mind was playing tricks with him. The trail is too narrow, that's why you told her to come here, his mind repeated as to justify his actions and her presence right in his arms. Yeah, but she could think you're trying to seduce her? Am I? He swallowed, feeling her sweet perfume slowly rising toward his senses while her body kept pressing against him. Maybe, but she doesn't seem to mind? He shut his eyes but she moved slightly and her whole body rubbed against his, sending golden, perfumed curls to nuzzle with his face. He clenched his teeth, trying to focus on other things, like the job, or bodies. Oh God, Mac. Not bodies, her body. His mind flashed him images of his partner in a less dressed apparel, and he couldn't suppress a warm desire growing inside him. Oh God not now. Think Mac! Just think! Dead bodies, right. Think dead bodies. He took a deep breath as they reached the top of the small hill, the clearing in view. He gulped for his salvation. Saved by the clearing.

As the bike slowly rolled at the top of the small, hill, two broken hearts let their breath out at the same time. It had been too close, they thought in unison.

Mac stopped the bike. "You should step aside, now, Stell," he softly spoke. "Now the road is descending a bit, and that's risky if we are both holding the bike." To his relieve, he felt her slowly slipping from his arms.

"Alright cowboy, get your horse back at the stable," she grinned. It had been more than fun to help him out with his bike. One, she had learned a few more things about his indian side; and two, she had the pleasure to feel his arms around her, as if he was really holding her. She sighed, if only. But as long as she would keep her mouth shut, nothing would happen, but there were small chances that he felt the same thin. So she'd better save it for the end of the trip, at least she would get great memories by then if their friendship was broken by her confession.

"Thanks for your help, Stell," Mac said softly, giving her a warm smile. He sighed, even if it had been tough for him to remain cool, he had enjoyed that small trip in the forest, though it wasn't as if they were together. He tightened his lips and continued to push his bike, Stella walking by his side. He glanced, frowning as she was remaining silent. "Something's wrong?"

She chuckled lightly, gazing at his green, warm eyes. Her lips curled upward, as she got lost in the green pools of his intense stare. "Huh, just thinking that I'm enjoying this trip."

The road getting dented, Mac had to clench his grip around the handles to keep his bike in check. He glanced quickly at his partner. "Then, I'm glad," he said, hoping she would say the same thing tomorrow. He finally stopped his bike near the edge of the forest, and pushed the crutch down. He grinned at Stella.

"Hungry?" he asked as she was staring at the iridescence of the water turning every ray of light into a rainbow.

Just like his eyes, she thought with a smile, before she gave him a warm gaze. He was so surprising this weekend, that she wondered a moment what else he had in store. "Yup, really hungry."

"Well, let see what we have here." He opened the trunk under his saddle and rummaged through the paper bag. "...Bagels, cream cheese, smoked meat and cranberries." He smiled as he playfully tossed her the bag of black, red fruit.

A smile tugged at her lips, she followed him a few feet down as he sat on a bed of grey pebbles scattered along the river. She observed him, as he set their food next to him and drew a knife from his jeans pocket. Still holding her bag of cranberries, she sat beside him, leaving the food between them. With a boyish grin, he opened the bag of bagels and started to make a Sandwich His hands worked quickly, and she noted that he wasn't taking the same care as he used to when handling evidence. Of course not. She scolded herself.

She rolled her eyes to the azure sky over them. Fortunately, he had left his habits for the job, and wasn't becoming a maniac. She smiled lightly, wondering when she had started to ask so many questions about her friend. Until then, things had been simple and she had never thought of him this way. Though until then, she had always caressed the idea of their friendship evolving into something less friendly. But currently, it hadn't been just an idea. For a few months now, she had noted how while she was watching him during a case or working in his office, she had started to have those questions about what he would wear the next day? Or what he did during his weekend? and with who? Or what he would do for the evening? She frowned, before that, she had never thought about it, unless she could see on his face that he was tired or bothered by something. So why now was she busy trying to imagine what he was doing while his free time, especially when she wasn't with him? She heard him racked his throat and turned a blushing smile toward him.

"I guess we're gonna need to go food shopping soon if you don't like this." He stated with a bit of anxiety in his voice.

She looked down and realized he had been holding a sandwich in front of her for who knows how long. She grabbed the sandwich and gave him a weak smile. "Ah, sorry, Mac. My mind..."

"Drifted?" he tried, though he knew already the answer. He had seen how deep in her thoughts she had sunk lately, especially since he had picked her up this morning. He sighed hoping that deep inside she wasn't lying and being diplomat when she was saying she enjoyed this ride. He didn't want her to feel obligated toward him.

"You can say that," she replied a bit evasive.

His lips tight, he stared at the blue water changing its color. Slowly, he brought one leg toward his chest, and his arm lazily rested on it, his hand still holding his knife.

"You know," he started, his gaze now lost on the shining, crystal surface. "My dad told me one day, that when you think you're lost or in need of answers, the best place to go is where a forest meets a river." He lowered his voice, as images of his dad and their last trip together here rushed back into his mind. His lips tight, he closed his eyes feeling that pain soaring again. He quickly swallowed it back. It had been just before his departure for Beirut. His shoulders sagged lightly, his heart heavy from this painful reminder.

What? Wondered Stella, stunned by his sudden confession. Did he mean he felt lost? or in search of answers? That's why he came here?

"Mac?" Stella asked as she saw his face looking down, and his back sagged forward. Her stomach churned at the sudden change of his attitude, obvious sign that he wasn't doing so good after all. Had the shadow come back in his eyes? Bending a little, her hand reached for his back and felt him shiver at the touch. Biting her lower lip, his shiver quickly faded when she gently stroked his back.

He took a deep breath and mustered a half smile. "Sorry, I guess my mind drifted too." He sighed, cursing his brain for letting himself go in a dark path he had promised he would avoid for her sake. "So, you like it?" he asked, pointing at the sandwich she hadn't touched, and trying to change the subject.

The shadow's back, she noticed bitterly. Her body tensed at the reflection of his buried pain glooming in his eyes. She sighed heavily. But seeing his discomfort and will to get back to less serious matters, she playfully frowned as if she was discovering something new in her hand.

"Well let's see if you're a good cook," she teased, knowing the time wasn't at any confession from any of them. Taking a small bite, she glanced to see him watching her, and waiting. Chewing with a big smile, she muffled a word but it didn't come out right.

A boyish grin appeared on his face. "Well, I thought you knew better than to talk while you're eating," he replied on the same teasing tone.

She squinted with a small smile, a grin sparkling in her eyes. "Not bad," she admitted. And although a trace of the shadow was still lingering behind his eyes, she saw him relax a bit at her answer, and wondered if that gloom could be related to her. Was he really expecting her to leave him? "You know, this place is amazing," she said, hoping to make him understand she was going to stick with him this weekend, no matter what. "Now, camping will be a first for me, but you're not gonna get rid of me that easily, I swear, I'll get my scout badge at the end of this weekend," she grinned, her hand rose, mimicking a swearing pose.

He grinned at her answer and felt his tension fading even more. He pondered if she hadn't said that just to make him feel better, but whatever was the reason it worked. Focusing his attention on the food, he prepared a sandwich for himself, and then, stretched out his legs on the beach pebble. He watched the river streaming down; the low flow of the blue, crystal water rolling over the rounded stones, playing a sweet music to his soul, and after a moment he felt great, at peace, his dark thoughts gone, as well as his meal. He lay backwards, his arms crossed behind his head and stared at the sky. Small clouds were passing lazily the azure sky pushed by the small breeze. He smiled, happy that Stella was with him; happy that she was alive and seemed to enjoy that day. Then, he rolled on his side and found Stella gazing at him. Her cheeks turned a bit of pink when their sights met, and he wondered what she was thinking for observing him like that.

Her sandwich gone, she was now enjoying the small red fruit, and the joyful view of her partner finally relaxing. It was great to see him without his eternal burden weighing on his shoulder. She watched as he slowly lay to watch the sky, his features peacefully smiling. She had the deep feeling that he was showing her a side he had never done before, perhaps afraid of her judgement, but today he looked almost free. Well, almost if it hadn't been for that little shadow still coming back in his eyes at sometimes. Then, the small clouds disappeared and the sun bathed his face the moment he turned to her. Caught in her contemplation, she blushed, not really sure why, but considering the shy smile he gave her, she bet he had noticed her crimson cheeks.

He smiled. Her blush was giving Stella a spark of innocence he had never seen before. It was as if she was afraid of showing him the real person that was inside her, but at the same time, was encouraging him to try to reach for it. He breathed slowly, not sure why, but he couldn't detach his sight of her beautiful, blushing face, and somehow he wished she would look at him everyday with that same shy smile lighted by those sparkles in her eyes. He sealed his lips, just gazing at her, knowing that one of them would have to say something, but he couldn't. He felt good with her gaze lingering on him, he felt strong the way she was looking at him, he felt rejuvenated and confident in the world. He let out a sigh of pleasure that she obviously didn't miss as she replied by the same kind, making his smile growing even more.

Her lips tight, she kept gazing at the green, ocean pools he offered her. It was comforting to be with him, and relaxing. Last week hadn't been one she wanted to remember, especially him getting hurt, and she hadn't really dealt with the fact that one day, those blades could cut much deeper in his flesh, and she would be left alone. However, seeing his green, unyielding fields gazing and graced by his charming smile were enough to give her hope for the rest of her life. She breathed slowly, hoping this moment to last forever. She wanted to print that memory in her mind, and never forget he was looking at her right now. If she had to tell someone, she would have said he wasn't looking like a friend, no, there was so much more in those eyes. So she lingered in his deep, green pools now turning into a blue, crystal ocean of hope.

With a smile, the sun bathed its children with its warm rays, not wanting them to be bothered by the cold, and watched them like a grateful parent seeing happiness filling their heart. Even the dense, green forest lulled a soft song mixed of birdsong and soft cracking branches to honor what had blossomed for years, and waited to be harvested. An eagle crossed the sky and following the advice of its friends, the sun and the forest, graced the human silhouettes of its shadow, blessing them for a happy future.

He didn't know, for how long he had gazed at Stella like that. He just knew that one minute he was with her, totally drawn into her emerald world, feeling in peace; and a long time later he had stood up with regret, thinking that if he wasn't preparing their tools, they weren't going to have a lot to eat this evening. Not that it had really bothered him, he was used to skip meals, but he didn't want her to do the same. No, she needed to eat properly and have a good night rest. He smirked inwardly, knowing that if she could have read his thoughts, she would have teased him about it, saying that he should apply then his politics to himself. But in truth he had forgotten a long time ago to keep a check on himself. He was living as the life was going, and if he had no time to eat or sleep it didn't matter, although time wasn't always the problem with the latter. Looking at her, it's only when his knees popped for having stayed in the same position for too long, that it occurred to him that a lot of time had passed without any of them to talk or move. A small smile tugged at his lips as he gave her a hand to help her stand, and she gratefully accepted it.

Without a word, Stella held to his hand, happy to feel his skin under her fingers, though she was regretting that he had broken this peaceful moment. She understood that they had to move, but honestly she would have liked to stay like that forever. So hoping to keep some of the dream intact she sealed her lips, and lingered in the dream of his eyes as he pointed at a place. She nodded, grateful he wasn't talking either.

With a soft sigh, he felt her fingers grazed his skin when she stood up, and turned to show her where their campfire would be. He smiled, not sure he wanted to talk and break what strange and comforting feelings had been built between them. It was as if their bond had been strengthened ten times, and he really liked that.

Stella watched as Mac went to his bike and put the remaining food in the small trunk before he pulled out two canes and a small paper bag. Too intrigued, she racked her throat lightly, and her chin pointed at the things he had in hands.

He grinned. "Before we set the camp, we have to make sure we have enough food for tonight," he said, walking to the river.

She watched amused as he sat and took off his shoes and socks. "Don't tell me I'm gonna see you swim to catch our meal?" she teased. No way, he was going to play Tarzan now. Her cheeks flushed at the thought of him stripping down before her.

"Nope."

Her beating heart slowed down, and her hopes of seeing more of him were crushed by his little word.

"We are going to fish our next meal," he said with a big grin plastered on his face.

"Huh, We?" she was stunned. He wanted her to fish. Huh, good luck with that. Even in the small amusement parks, she had never caught anything but water. So she wasn't sure he should count on her to feed them both. This wasn't going to be very funny anyway. "Mac, I never...Huh, learn to..." She frowned. How could she tell him that she screwed at fishing?

Mac gave her a warm smile feeling her growing discomfort. "It's easy, Stell." The small cane in hand, he gave a quick jolt to his wrist and the cane suddenly grew before Stella to become much longer. "Take your shoes and socks off," he playfully said, his eyes quickly following her curves up and down.

Unsure of where all this was going, she began to untie her boots while he was carefully attaching a thin line to the longer cane and set it next to her, with a childish smile.

"Okay, now what?" she asked, when he was done with the second cane.

"Now we put food at the hook, and we wait," he stated with a boyish grin.

"Just like that?" she had seen a lot of movies where there was fisherman and it had always seemed more complicated than putting food at the hook. "Alright." She stood up, and pulled up her bottom pants to her knees. Her cane in hand she took the worming 'food', like he had called it and attached it to the hook before she followed him.

The stream was cold and yet refreshing with the summer sun now burning their skin. So she found it nice after this warm day to be free of her boots. To add to her pleasure, the bed of the river was carpetted with small pebbles and sand, and the combination was fun to play with her toes, though really different from a beach.

Mac smiled as he had heard Stella's feet meeting the cold water and her muffled sighs of delight after few seconds in the refreshing liquid. His neck was starting to burn, and his sweater was now clinging to his chest as sweat slowly dripped the long of his back and under his arms. They were far in the afternoon, and the summer sun was burning their body. So fishing was a good way to cool a little bit before the evening. He glanced over his shoulder and watched how she was observing him carefully, watching all his moves, thinking that maybe there was a secret for fishing. Well, maybe there was, but to him, it was only a good way to spend some quality time with his best friend, the forest and think, though today he was preferring to avoid the latter.

She put her line in the water and watched at the bobber remained afloat. Wondering how the hell she was going to know when she would have a fish. She watched through the clear water small shadows turning around what had to be her hook, but so far, nothing had happened.

"How is it supposed to work?" she whispered to Mac. She had seen in movies that talking was always bad for the fish, it would scare it.

He smiled at her low voice. "You know you can talk louder," he teased on the same kind of whisper she had used, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

She watched his grin lighting up his face. "What ya...?" she started on a whisper, before realizing he was muffling a big laugh. "I mean," she continued with a normal voice. "Not funny Mac. Why the hell people are always whispering when they're fishing?"

His chuckle burst in the small clearing. "Well, maybe because they just want to have silence around them, so it's another diplomatic way to say to the others to shut the hell up, I guess."

She looked at him, stunned by his answer.

He shrugged, raising his brows. "Sorry, but with my dad we always talked for hours, and we always had fishes, so, I don't think there's a link."

She let out a small chuckle. His reasoning made senses.

He racked his throat, turning a cocky smile to her. "So I don't mind if you talk. Kinda like to hear the sound of your voice anyway," he said, before turning his head back toward the blue water and avoiding her bewildered stare. His cheeks turned crimson, but he knew that she couldn't see him. So what? You like her voice it's no big deal right?

Stella's jaw opened half way at the grateful compliment her partner had just graced her. Like your voice. "Huh..." she rambled still watching his back and the thin line of sweat now cladding tightly his sweater. "How will I know that I have a fish?"

He gave her a warm smile. "Oh, believe me, Stell, you'll know."

She crunched her face, not sure his answer was much clearer. So she stared at the bopper for what seemed an eternity until, she heard him muffled a curse just before pulling out a long silver fish from the water. She stared, amazed as the fish wiggled in the air hooked by Mac's line, each of its moves shining a rainbow. He turned toward her a sheepish smile as to apologize he had a fish and not her.

"It's alright," she said with a smirk. "I can understand that experience counts."

He grinned like a kid as he passed next to her and dropped his fish on the grass. "Your turn will come, Grasshopper," he wickedly uttered as he trudged through the water to go back to his initial place.

She smiled at the playfulness side he was showing her. In fact, she didn't need a fish to be happy, just gazing at his nape, and seeing his muscles slowly relaxing was the best prize she would have wanted. Then, after patiently waiting for a fish that definitely didn't want to hook up with her, another idea silently sneaked inside her brain as Mac was pulling another fish from the water.

With a feeling of guilt, Mac lay the second fish on the grass and went back to the river. He wondered if fishing had been a good idea. Stella seemed to have shelled back, and she was now silent. Trying to draw a smile on her face, he playfully sprinkled a little water on her when he passed near her, a big apologetic smile plastered on his face as if it was by accident. But to his disappointment she didn't react as he had planned. Instead of smiling or sprinkling him either, she had just ignored the water.

"Ah, it's okay, Mac," she said, faking she hadn't noted that he had sprinkled her intentionally. But he had just given her the opportunity she was waiting for. Not sure if the idea that had popped in her mind would work at first, she knew the minute he had sprinkled her, that finally she might have found something funny about fishing.

He frowned, his line back in the water, and his eyes staring at his red bopper. "You wanna stop fishing?" he asked turning his back to her. He sighed. He was nervous again, pondering if finally this hadn't been a bad idea after all. But then, her voice close to his ear caught him by surprise.

Stella watched with a grin as Mac turned toward her with a light frown. Knowing her partner and his skills, she wouldn't have a lot of opportunities, so counting on the surprise factor, she stepped closer with a mischievous smile and gave him a heavy push. She watched wickedly as losing his balance he fell backward and splashed in the water, a look of surprise and content painted on his face.

"Gotcha, Mac," she teased, a light laugh escaping her lips at his small predicament. But before she had the time to praise her victory, she felt his strong hand grabbing at her jeans pocket and she was pulled down with him with a big laugh.

"What did you say?" he teased as his face emerged from the water, inches of hers; water dripping from his drenched, short hair and into his smiling eyes. His body half under the water, he grinned as Stella was on top of him, fighting his arms which had quickly snaked around her waist, hindering her eventual retreat. Her erratic moves plunged his head several times in the water, but he kept his hold, and after a while she gave up. His green eyes praised his victory as they connected with her sparkling emeralds. His arms happily wrapped around her wet body, ensuring she was tightly pressed against his beating heart.

"How did you get to me so fast?" she mumbled through the water dripping from her wet curls.

"Told you I have an indian side," he quipped, his eyes gleaming with delight.

"Well, do you have a seal side too?" she added as she managed to set one of her arms free and pushed his head under the cool water with a playful grin.

Free from his grip, she laughed before she swam to escape him. Though she didn't go far, as his strong hand closed on her ankle, and she was dragged back to him. "Mac?" she screamed playfully at the sudden pull, her words finishing with light gargles. He laughed as she tried to set free but this time, he kept his hold, though he was careful not to bruise her delicate skin.

"You can't escape me," he stated with satisfaction as he dragged her slim body further against him, breathing in short rasps.

Her head under the water, her arms waved in all directions to find the surface and filled her lungs with air. But suddenly she was gently pulled up by two strong arms. Breathing happily she found herself captive in Mac's strong embrace. His face was inches of her, and he smiled playfully at her, his eyes sparkling like a kid. Body against body, she could feel his heart beating fast in his chest from the efforts he had used to pull her from the water, and now to keep her from escaping his arms.

Mac watched with a smile of pleasure as water dripped from her golden curls when he pulled her from the water and drawn her to him. His heart was beating madly from the contact of her cladded shirt against him. His green eyes followed the curve of her body, her clothes wet and stuck to her perfect forms. He delighted at the view of her top printing her well curved breast. Then, his eyes connected with hers and he tightened his hold against her waist, keeping her close of him. Her breath inches of him, he could feel her heart beating rapidly too. Her breath softly brushed his flushed face when she stopped to move and remained frozen in his arms, her emerald eyes trapped in his. His heart accelerated and he had to swallow to keep it from bursting out of his chest.

Petrified by his intense gaze, Stella watched with fascination the man who had managed to enslave her, just with his sparkling, green eyes. Her heart was beating so fast, she wasn't sure she wasn't going to pass out and was more than thankful that he was holding her in his arms. For a second, she wondered if now wasn't the right time to tell him what she had laid in her heart for so long.

His mind went at top speed, wondering what he should do now that she was in his arms. But then, he bit his lower lip. He had taken a decision, and until then, he couldn't compromise everything with a dumb move. Tomorrow, his mind repeated. Tomorrow I'll know if I have lost her forever or if we stay friends. Fear crept back to his mind.

But then, he blinked and she saw him hesitate before his grip loosened around her, and she could stand on her own in the river. She watched with fascination as she was finally freed from his arms, though his hands lingered a bit longer on her hips before he let them sadly dropped in the water. With a cute, boyish grin, his hand rubbed his neck, and his eyes sparkled a small sorry. Sorry. No, she didn't want him to be sorry.

"We should set the fireplace before the night," he said, his lips sealed in a guilty pout before he trudged back to the bank, his soaked clothes dripping heavily to the river.

Taking a deep breath, her arms dropped limply on her side, wondering what kind of idea had popped into his mind when he was holding her. She would have sworn she had seen something shining in his green pools, but now she could as well be imagining what she wanted too. She let out a deep sigh. But took a deep breath, determined more than ever to enjoy this weekend. So far, this day had been great, and she was just amazed to see him so relax, and playful. Although there was still something bothering him, her heart was now beating, rejuvenated with a new hope. Resting her warm eyes on her partner drenched silhouette, she smiled, reminding herself that this surprising weekend was just starting.

...TBC


A/N: Well, I hope you're enjoying the ride, cause I think I'm just getting warmed up here, sorry, that story is really getting into me, and it's late...lol so don't forget to leave a review and tell me what you thought of this.

Have a great week!