Housewarming Party

The first week went fine, it was now Friday. Mac fit in just fine with the group. Stella was at her apartment with Jess. Their friends would be coming over shortly.

"So Stell. What's been going on in your life?"

"Besides living in my own place, nothing."

"Don't like any one this year?"

"No."

"Not even a guy that goes by the name Mac Taylor?"

"What? No. I don't like Mac more than a friend," Stella stated trying to hide a smile, which Jess caught her on.

"Ha, you do like him."

"I never said that."

"Your reaction tells me otherwise. Just ask him out. You guys look cute together."

"I barely know him."

"You know him more than any of us. Do it before I do?"

"He said he wasn't looking for anybody."

"Once you ask him, how could he possibly say no?"

"Jess. I'm done talking about this."

"Fine," Jess pouted, and a knock was finally heard on the door. Jess went to go open it and it was Don. "Hey Don. Guess what?"

"Your finally going to admit to me that you like me?"

"That's not even close. Stella likes Mac."

"Ok-ay. Good for her."

"You suck you know that."

"I'm not a girl, you really think I care who you females like?"

"You would be more appreciative if it was about someone who liked you."

"So?" Don shrugs.

"No wonder why your single."

"Just waiting for you to go out with me."

"Ain't gonna happen Don," Jess shook her head and walked away. A few minutes later all Stella's friends came.

Stella was sitting on the recliner, Danny and Lindsay on the love seat. Aiden, Adam and Hawkes on the three seater couch. Don sitting on an arm, and Mac on the other. Jess was sitting on a stool.

"So what are we going to play?" Jess asked, getting bored after a few quiet minutes.

"Spin the bottle," Danny answers.

"Truth or dare," Lindsay says.

"Strip poker?" Don asked with a smile, looking at Jess.

"No Don. We are not playing strip poker."

"Would Twister suit you better."

"Don, you can't tell us any more ideas you have."

"Party pooper," Don grunts.

"Let's just play truth or dare," Stella told her friends.

"Alright Stella, you get to pick first then."

"Okay," Stella smirks. "Mine's for you Jess. Truth or dare?"

"Truth."

"How do you really feel about Don?"

"He's... um a nice guy, but can be annoying at times. He's sweet too."

"Okay. Your turn," Stella nods to her friend.

"Okay this one is for Mac. Truth or dare?"

"Truth."

"Since you moved to New York is there anyone you like or think you would ever consider dating?"

"Yes, there is one."

"Can I ask who?"

Mac smirked, "No. But it is a girl."

"I would hope so. Okay Mr. Taylor, who's your victim?"

"Adam. Truth or dare?"

"Truth."

"Why are you so nervous around women?"

"Only certain ones, because I wouldn't want to be rejected. That's why I never ask any girl to go out with me. Okay so um.., I pick Aiden."

"Dare."

"Um... okay I dare you to... tell me who you like out of this group."

"I have to admit that I like all you guys, but in different ways."

"Okay."

The game went on and on until Don asked Stella truth or dare. She chose truth.

"Is there anyone in this room you have ever thought about kissing?"

"Yes. And it is a guy."

"That's all I get. That's no fun," Don sighs.

"Anyways, now that that's over with any one want a soda or something?"

"Sure, thanks Stella."

"Mac, you want to help me?"

"Sure," he nods and he followed her to the kitchen.

"What's your favorite soda? I got root beer, orange soda, cherry Pepsi and Coke."

"Cherry Pepsi."

"Good choice," Stella nods. "You'll have to thank Jess for bringing some sodas over."

"I sense that there is another reason why you wanted me to come and help."

"Yeah, about your answer to the truth question."

"Oh, well, yeah there is someone I like. But I don't know if she likes me."

"It's not Peyton is it?"

"No, but you know her."

"Will you tell me?" she asked and he shook her head.

"You wouldn't tell me who you would kiss if I asked, right?"

"I guess not," Stella shrugs.

"But just to give you a hint, it's someone in this apartment."

"Good to know," Stella nods. "Do you think you know who I would want to kiss?"

"Yes."

"Then you going to tell me who you think?"

Mac nods, "Only one way I will tell you."

"How?"

"Close your eyes."

"Why?"

"Just do it," he tells her softly, she finally closes her eyes. Before she knew it his arms were around her and their lips touched. Stella started kissing back, wrapping her arms around his neck before pulling back.

"Well Mac, you were right," Stella grins, kissing him once more.

"Let's go back outside before the team gets to wondering."

"This is going to stay between me and you right?"

"For right now," he replies. "You are an great woman. And a good kisser," he winks.

"So are you," she replies, and then they went back into the living room. The whole night the crew never had a clue, about their now secret relationship. Mac not caring he only knew Stella for a week. There was something special about her, that he couldn't put his finger on.