. . .

As her phone started to ring Jo rushed out of the bathroom, wrapped only in a towel. For a single moment she thought it could be Mac, telling her he has to cancelled their dinner, but it was Ellie.

''Hi, sweetie pie!'' She smiled hearing her daughter's voice.

''Hi, mama!''

''So... how are you? Having fun?''

''Yeah, tons! Yesterday we were having a soccer play and I scored! Twice!'' Yeah, I scored too. Jo was about to say, but she bit her tongue.

''That's great, you rock girl! And how about the weather? I saw in the news there was raining yesterday?''

''It was, but after the game. So we stayed on the camping and played Scrabbles...''

''Let me guess, you won?'' Jo smirked, holding a towel in place with her one hand and opening her wardrobe.

''Well... no... I was second. Jack won. He's such a nerd. He combined a word 'adhesion' and gained 72 points only on this one! 'Adhesion'! Can you imagine? I don't even know such word...'' Ellie's exaggerated annoyance made Jo laugh. She was so ambitious, always had to be the best at everything. Or broke her bones trying.

''It means sticking together, honey.''

''Whatever... So, how about you? Do you miss me?''

''Of course I do! How can you even have doubts about it.'' Jo pulled her black trousers from a closet and throw them on a bed.

''I thought maybe you are throwing some wild parties when I'm gone. Well, I would if I were you!''

''And that's why I won't leave you alone at home till your 21st birthday.'' Ellie groaned.

''But really? You are staying home every evening? You should have some fun, mom!''

''Actually... I'm going out for a dinner tonight.''

''With who? Mac?'' Jo's eyes widened. How could she tell?

''Eee... Mac? Where did you get this idea?''

''Mom, come on. What are you wearing?'' Ellie asked.

''Well I was thinking... Black trousers and some elegant white blouse...'' She heard Ellie's moan. ''What?''

''Mom, are you 80 or what? You should totally wear a dress. A sexy one, making Mac's eyes pop out as he sees you!''

''Ellie!''

''What?''

Jo sighed. She's probably right. She thought and opened her closet again, gazing over the hangers with dresses.

''OK... so... which dress you think I should wear?'' Jo asked. ''Theoretically. If I were wearing one.'' She added quickly.

''Let me think...'' Ellie said, trying to remember her mom's closet.

''This black one with a square décolleté?'' Jo offered.

''Nah... It's good for an exam, not a date.''

''Ellie, it's not a date, it's only...''

''Well, it isn't exam, is it?'' She cut in and Jo smiled. She was good with her retorts. A little sassy sometimes, but still, so good.

''So maybe the red one?'' Jo asked, pulling out a hanger with tight and short red dress.

''Definitely not!''

''Why definitely?'' Jo wondered.

''It would be good for picking up a man in a bar, but not for a dinner with Mac.''

''Really? But you said I look good in it.''

''You do! It's not the point.''

''Oh...'' Jo thought Ellie was right. It would probably be over the top.

''I know! This navy one with a lacy top.''

Jo pulled the one her daughter mentioned from the closet and took a closer look. It was nice, not too short, just above the knee. It had small ruffles in the waist area, stressing this part. And the top was made of lace, with a lining that ended just above the breasts, making it look like some kind of bodice. Upper lace was sheer, put like two wide straps over shoulders, coming together near breasts and making a nice v-shaped décolleté in front and on the back. Yeah, it will do. Jo thought. Then she moaned.

''What?'' Ellie asked.

''I don't have any navy shoes.''

''It would look boring with navy shoes. Put those nude pumps instead. And some long earrings...'' Then Ellie said something to someone near her. ''Mom, I have to go, we're making a barbecue.''

''OK, sweetie. Thanks for help! Have fun!''

''You too, love ya, bye.'' And she hanged up before Jo had a chance to answer.

. . .

As Mac ranged at her door he felt a little nervous. But it took him only a while to mastered it. It's Jo. He thought. It always feels so good to be with her, so easy. But as she opened a door for him, he felt nervous again. She looked stunning. She was wearing a dress, which clanged to her body in all the right places. He had been studying her figure for months, he even saw her naked, but it had never occurred to him she had such lovely, feminine, hourglass figure. Her waistline seemed so small, he thought he could put his both palms around it and his fingers would almost meet. Her hips so deliciously round and her breasts... he couldn't tear his eyes from her cleavage, letting his gaze slide up and down. She was watching him and the way he was looking at her made her feel hot. There was obvious desire in his eyes and it was clearly he was thinking at the moment what he could do to her. She had never thought she could have such an effect on a man. His eyes finally went up, to her face and he said:

''You look amazing.''

''You're not bad yourself.'' He was wearing a suit, but it didn't matter she had seen him in it so many times already. It was the look on his face that made him so sexy tonight.

''You're ready?''

''Yeah.'' She grabbed a purse that was matching her shoes, which had 5-inches heel, making her almost equal with him at height.

''So let's go.'' He let her pass the door, placing his hand on a small of her back. She smiled. This small gesture was like his trademark to her, as he had done it many times before. Yet tonight it felt so remarkable.

. . .

All evening Jo felt so special and sexy. And it was Mac, who made her feel that way. He simply couldn't tear his eyes from her and it was so obvious she was in his mind the whole time. He had everything planned and he was taking care of her with such affection. Of course, he always acted like a gentleman, from the very first day they met. But being out with him as his date was so much better. He was spoiling her and his sweet comments really were warming her heart. She liked that by his way of acting he was clearly sending a message to everyone nearby that she was with him. Or maybe even that she was his. It didn't even bother her that he was a little overprotective with her at times. Like insisting he would accompany her in the cab to her place and escort her right to her door. With someone else she would probably fuss about it, making some comment about her being a grown-up woman, not a helpless child. But not with Mac. With him she knew he was doing it not to prove he was better at taking care of her than her taking care of herself. He was doing it, because he thought it was right.

. . .

The ding made by the elevator when they reached her floor didn't catch his attention, it was her voice that did.

''Mac...'' Jo said softly, dragging her fingers through his hair. He tore his lips away of her neck and pulled her quickly from the elevator. She managed to find keys in her purse and she placed it into a lock as soon as she reached her door. He was right behind her, his arms sneaked around her waist and he pressed his whole body to hers. She opened the first lock but found it difficult to do the same with the second one. His face was near her neck, he moved away her hair with his nose and placed a soft kiss on her skin. Her hands were trembling. The keys made a noise and it brought his attention to them. He smiled and reached for them, unlocking the door easily. God! How can he be so calm? She thought entering her own apartment. He followed her, closed the door behind them and with one quick movement he grabbed her by the waist, spun around and shoved against the door. His lips were on hers before she even had a chance to gasp. He pinned her harder and deepened the kiss. Jo moaned into his mouth and tried to broke the kiss, but she was unable. Her hand that was placed on his chest pushed him away slightly and it made him wondering what was going on. He moved his lips away and gave her a chance to pant:

''Doorknob...''

''Sorry.'' He mumbled, moving his hand from her waist to her back and finding the place where the damn thing hurt her. His hand came between her back and the door, securing her and he used it to push her into him this time. His lips attacked hers once more. Jo felt so delightfully light-headed, she felt tipsy, but it could not be from those two glasses of wine she had drunk. She opened her mouth slightly and he took advantage of the invitation, tasting her sweetness. After a few moments the urge to breath took over them and he tore away from her lips, breathing deeply. She looked well kissed, her lips were swollen and had deeper shade of red than they usually had. She smiled at him, her eyes sparkled with happiness.

''You're so beautiful, Jo.'' He whispered. ''You have no idea how hard it was to resist you for whole evening.''

She didn't answer and once again he wondered why his compliments were making her so embarrassed. She turned away her gaze and said:

''I'm thirsty.'' Then she freed herself from his arms and went to the kitchen, followed by him. ''You want some?'' She asked but he shook his head. He watched as she poured herself a glass of juice and drank it with small sips, squinting her eyes, enjoying the cold liquid. She put the empty glass on a counter and licked her lips. How it's possible I find every single thing she does so sensual and alluring? He wondered. God, I fell so deep for her. He was sure it was much more than usual sexual attraction. She was like an angel to him, perfect and flawless. He would give up everything to be with her, to spoil her, protect her, to take care of her... He not only wanted her, he needed her. He needed her so badly. And there she was, standing in front of him. He could make one step and pull her in his arms, holding her like there wouldn't be tomorrow. And he knew she would comply, but somehow it was still not enough for him. Her voice brought him back to reality.

''Penny for you thoughts?'' She offered.

''I don't think you want to know...''

She approached him, placed her arms around his neck and breathed:

''Oh, I do.''

''I was thinking about how I managed to keep my hands off you the whole evening when my imagination teased me with such naughty ideas.''

''Like what?'' She couldn't refrain herself from finding out what he was imagining.

''Like tearing your dress apart and taking you right there, on the restaurant table, in front of all those people.'' She felt sudden rush of blood going through her body. She thought she should stop him from saying it, but she couldn't. ''Or bringing my hand up your thigh, right to your center, when we were in the cab. Checking if you want me as bad as I want you.'' Her body was now on fire. Is it real? Mac Taylor, this restrained and sedate man, talking to her like that? ''Or taking you against cold elevator's wall, making it hard and quick.'' She could barely stand right now. She leaned against kitchen table, her breathing clearly accelerated.

''Oh Lord...'' She whispered.

''Now you've got a thin idea what you are doing to me.'' Mac said, moving closer to her. She was looking to the side, avoiding his gaze. He placed his hand on her chin and turned her head to face him, looking into her eyes. ''Why does it make you so uncomfortable?'' He simply asked.

''It's not that.'' She shook her head. ''It was amazing last night. I really enjoyed being so close to you.'' She smiled. ''But losing myself... into this sensation again... makes me...'' She paused. She was unable to turned her head and avoid his gaze, as he was still holding a soft grip on her chin. Instead she closed her eyes.

''Makes you what?'' He asked and she shook his head.

''Never mind.'' She said quickly. He wanted to say something, but she put her index finger over his lips, silencing him. ''You turned me on so much with saying all those things. No more talking. Please, switch to action.'' And then she offered him the most beautiful smile she could put on, hoping he wouldn't be asking more questions. And he didn't. He grabbed her waist tightly, lifted her up, and sit her on an edge of the kitchen table. His mouth devoured hers and she moaned at the sudden contact. His hands were stroking her thighs, going higher and higher. He felt a characteristic texture of the lace and then his fingers skipped over her bare skin. God! She's wearing stockings. He gasped and she smiled into his mouth at his response. His action became more frantic as he pulled her dress up.

''Lift.'' He ordered and she pushed herself up for a second, letting him pushed the bottom of her dress to her waistline. He pulled away a little, letting his eyes rake over her, hungrily drinking in the sight of her. She looked highly erotic, supporting herself on her hands placed behind her on the table, with her stocking clad legs slightly parted. He dragged his palms from her knees to her hips, hearing her sudden intake of breath. Then he hooked his thumbs with the hem of her nude, lacy panties and paused. She whimpered, keeping her eyes closed.

''Tell me.'' He asked. She opened her eyes. They weren't brown any more, they looked like black shining diamonds.

''I want you to touch me...'' Her voice barely a whisper.

He pulled the little piece of garment down her long legs, letting it fall to the floor. Then he kissed her senseless, touching her as she wanted. Her wetness and hotness made him moan into the kiss and she moaned as well, feeling his strong fingers on her sensitive skin. He started to caress her, knowing exactly what he was doing. His fingers went up and down several times, relishing in her softness. Then he found her sweet spot. It felt like a perfect shaped pearl against his fingers and he stroked it with his thumb, putting just right amount of pressure. She broke their kiss and tossed her head back letting out a whimper. He seized the opportunity and kissed the column of her throat. She moved her hand to his and for a moment he thought she would pushed his hand away, but she gripped his wrist tight, her nails sinking into his skin.

''You feel so good, Jo... So soft...'' He whispered and she loosened up her grip on his wrist a little bit. His thumb continued to do its magic, while his index finger went down. He slowly pushed it in and out, making her gasp. He repeated this motion and his other hand moved to her lower back, holding her in place.

''More.'' She whimpered and he complied by adding his middle finger. ''Oh, yeees.'' She finally let go of his wrist and moved her hand to his shoulder. He knew she wouldn't last long as her muscles started to quiver. He curled his fingers, searching for this perfect spot inside her that could send her over the moon. Soon after his fingertips came across some thickening, standing out from the softness and he rubbed it gently. He smiled as her reaction confirmed he had found it – she panted out his name and her whole body started to shiver. He was looking at her and saw she clenched her eyelids and let out a broken whimper like she was about to start crying. She thought she would pass out. It is even possible? To pass out from too much pleasure? The thought run through her mind, but it was soon forgotten as Mac touched this perfect spot again. She felt herself like falling into darkness and she clenched to his shoulders with both her hands.

''Hold me...'' She whispered and as he pulled her close to his chest with his one arm she came hard against his fingers, trembling violently.

. . .

Mac hold her close for a long moment, waiting for her heartbeat to slow down and her breathing to become steady again. But even then she refused to move or look at him. So he picked her up from the table, nested secure in his arms and took to her bedroom, gently lowering her on the bed. Her body was a little limp like she had been dragged. He took off her shoes and undressed her, covering her with a sheet. Then he undressed himself us well, leaving only his boxers on and climbed into the bed besides Jo, spooning her and placing his arm over her. He shifted a little and looked down at her. Her eyes were closed and she looked almost peaceful, although he felt something wasn't right. Her reaction was just too odd. He hoped he didn't hurt her in any way. His heart skipped a beat when he saw a little tear that escaped from under her eyelid and rolled down her cheek.

''Jo... what is it? Tell me. Did I hurt you?'' He asked softly, his voice harsh with emotions. She shook her head and he was relieved a little, but not for long. ''So what is it? Please talk to me.''

''I'm sorry...'' She breathed out, squeezing her eyelids even more, trying not to let another tears escape.

''For what?'' He asked, truly surprised.

''I'm just so hopeless with it.'' She brought her hands to her face, covering it and he heard a quite sob. He pulled her closer into his hug and rocked her gently, trying to calm her down:

''Please don't cry. Honey... don't cry. You're breaking my heart.''

She managed to composed herself at his statement, then she lowered her hands and he turned her a little, that she was lying on her back and he could see her face.

''I'm so sorry.'' She repeated, turning even more to him. He stroked her cheek with his thumb, brushing away the traces of tears. ''Mac, you shouldn't fall for me.'' She said quickly, her voice was shaky. ''I'm so bad at this. You should have someone who is better for you, who is able to respond in a... regular way.'' Now he was really confused. What she was trying to say?

''Shhh... Slow down. I don't want anyone else. I want you.'' He said calmly. ''And I don't think you are bad at anything.''

''But I am. I was trying so hard to do it with you... as it is supposed to be done... but I simply can't. I'm...'' There it is. She hated to admitted that, but there was no other way. She had to be honest with him. ''...too scared.'' Her voice was barely a whisper as she finished the sentence.

''Scared of what?'' He frowned his eyebrows, trying to figure out what she meant. ''Making love with me?''

''Making love in general.'' She finally looked at him. ''Not with you. With you it's perfect. It's not you, it's me...''

''But what's so scary about it?'' He asked, trying not to chuckle.

"This feeling... of losing myself. It's wonderful and scary at the same time. Like I am falling into an abyss.'' Then it struck him. He finally could understand it. It was all about the control. He did observed this in her long time ago. Jo always had to be in control. If she wasn't, she was freaking out. She always tried to have everything her own way. Even if she agreed for a compromise she still had to check if it would be possible for her to get it like she wanted and if it was, she was fine with that, as she had a feeling she made that decision by letting go. God! He knew that! It was her routine, she did it at every step. She was even driving manual, not automatic, which was hard for him to understand at first, but now it was making perfect sense. She was probably hurt once by someone who she decided to trust and gave up some of her control and it turned against her. By someone who was overly authoritative, dominating over her... Damn! He thought. Of course, Russ. And now being in control was the most important thing for her and no wonders that she struggled so much for keeping it. It was suddenly so clear for him why it was hard for her to relax and let it go when they were making out. And why she begged him to hold her tight when she tipped over the edge earlier tonight. After all it was about losing control and that's why it was so hard for her to enjoy it.

''Jo, honey...'' He smiled softly at her. ''You have nothing to worry about. You know you can always say stop?'' She nodded. ''And you can always tell me to go slower... or faster. And I will comply. The whole thing it's not only about me, it's about you as well. And if you aren't feeling comfortable, then I'm not enjoying it either.'' She looked directly into his eyes, searching something that could warn her that he wasn't telling the truth. But she didn't find anything. ''It's not that bad to lose control once in awhile. When I'm with you, nothing bad can happen to you then. And I won't hurt you either.''

''I know that.'' She whispered. She buried her face in his chest and added: ''Sorry for ruining the evening. It was perfect till I freaked out.'' She muttered.

''I don't consider it as ruined.'' He smiled. Then she pulled away from him a little and she rose one eyebrow at him, saying:

''If you want to...'' He knew what she was about to say, so he silenced her:

''No, tonight was thrilling enough.'' He said honestly.

''But you didn't...'' Again he interrupted her.

''It's OK. Don't worry about me. I'm sure you'll make it up to me.'' He playfully nudged her neck.

''You bet.'' She laughed and he smiled. It was so good to hear her laughter. He pulled her closer to his chest and squeezed a little. It seemed like a perfect moment to say it. Those three little words were almost exiting his mouth when he catch them and swallowed them down. He was concerned if she would say it back and he didn't want her to feel guilty if she wasn't ready for that.

''You know you should be back in work tomorrow?'' He said instead.

''Oh, crap.'' She sighed, making him chuckle.

''And I'm pretty sure your strict boss won't accept any excuses.'' He added.

''You're so right about that.''

''So go to sleep, Jo.''

''Mmmm.'' Was her only response.

. . .

A/NI decided to put a little conversation with Ellie at the beginning, as she will be back from her camp soon and she will start playing a role in the story, so that's why this chapter is longer then others.

I hope Jo isn't much out of character and doesn't seem hysterical.

And next chapter will be fun to write as they both will be at work again and Lindsay will be watching them soooo carefully ;)

Thank you once more for all lovely reviews and pms!