Chapter #10

While the rain and wind pelted against the cabin. Mac and Stella decided to sit by the fire and roast marshmallows. Placing the stick near the flame, Stella laughed.

"What's so funny, Stel?" asked Mac.

"I keep thinking back to the Ghostbuster's movie. When that stay puff marshmallow turned into a giant, trying to destroy New York." said Stella.

Mac gave her a quizical look.

"Oh come on, Mac. Are you telling me you've never seen, Ghostbuster's?" asked Stella.

"Afraid not, Stel. I'm not really much of a movie buff," said Mac.

"Then we will just have too drag you back home to, New York. This way we can rent the movie and you can learn all about, Stay Puff." Laughed Stella.

"Stella... please don't keep doing this to yourself. It upsets me," said Mac.

Turning herself away from Mac's face, she toasted her marshmallow again. Mac knew he upset her. But he couldn't feel guilty about it. Getting up, he walked to the kitchen and poured himself another coffee. Then looking out the window, he smelled the stench of rotten blood and deer meat.

"Stella, stay here, and keep the light off. I'll be right back," said Mac.

"Eww... what is that smell, Mac?" asked Stella.

"That's what I'm going to find out." answered Mac.

Sneaking across to the cabin, Mac cautiously peeked through the window. Seeing the skin and carcus of the deer, he tried not to lose his temper. Making his way back over to his own cabin, he wasn't sure what to tell Stella, about their little deer.

Waiting at the door with a towel, Stella placed it over Mac's head.

"What did you find out, Mac?" asked Stella.

Stella could see the sadness in Mac's eyes.

"What is it, Mac? What did you find out?" Stella asked again.

"I'm sorry Stella. They were cooking a deer," said Mac with sadness.

"No... not our little deer with the white little patch over its head?" cried Stella.

"I'm sorry, Stella." said Mac.

Seeing her tears, broke his heart. Taking her into his wet arms, he allowed her to cry onto his cold wet skin.

"Shh... come on Stella. Try and calm down. Let's go sit back by the fire," said Mac.

Walking with her wrapped in his arm, he leaned back against the couch resting her between his legs. Stroking her hair, as she continued to cry on his chest. Watching the fire burn, Mac noticed the silence. Lowering his head, he found her sleeping.

Lifting her into his arms, he carried her to his bed. Pulling back the comforter, he placed her down, snuggling her under it. Walking back out of the room, he whispered...

"Goodnight, Stella."

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Back in New York, Don and Jess were packing for their flight on friday.

"Hey Don, do you think this means Mac is coming back home with us?" asked Jess.

"I don't know, Jess. All Stella mentioned was some shady looking characters. Then she asked me to bring up Mac's, badge and gun," replied Don.

"I guess he knows about the letter then. That Stella didn't hand it in," asked Jess.

"I would think so. Stella said that she helped him release his pain. So they must have had one huge heart to heart. She said he's a different Mac. He is even laughing and smiling now." said Don.

"Mac... laughing over silly things? This is a side to him I have to see." said Jess.

Taking Jess into his arms, he passionately kissed her.

"I love you, Jess."

"I love you too, Donnie. Now take me to bed," sighed Jess.

Sweeping her up in his arms. He carried her to their bed.

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Later that night, Stella woke to the howling wind and rain. Feeling the chill fill her bones. She walked out still fully clothed to the living room. Seeing Mac stretched out on his side facing away from the fire, she crawled in beside him, facing the opposite way. Snuggling herself closer, she touched her cold back to his warm one. Then laying her head down on the pillow, she fell back into sleep.

Mac knew she was beside him. He had felt her cold shirt touch his bare back. Carefully turning so he wouldn't wake her, he watched her sleep. Tracing the outline of her beautiful hair, neck, hips and legs with his eyes. Leaving his body no choice, but too respond. A feeling that he hadn't felt since his Claire.

Closing his eyes he tried not to focus on the now warm body beside him. Though she wasn't helping his cause. For every time he backed away, she'd move closer to his heat. Almost like a magnetic force.

Deciding to get up, she turned at the same time and wrapped her arm around him. Now laying flat, she had her head curled under his neck.

"Great! Now what Taylor?" he sighed to himself.

Mac could feel his shaft constrict against his jeans. Such an uncomfortable pressure as he closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. Why did she have to be so damn warm, and smell so damn good. Didn't she realize that she was already a disturbance to his peace of mind? Obviously not. cause if she had any idea of his thoughts, she'd be running from him, not sleeping so innocently against him.

Knowing he was going to have to move her, whether she woke or not. He pulled himself away from her arms, watching as she didn't even wake. All the damn woman did, was take his spot. All curled up in a ball now, he could barely see her hair. Standing stiffly, Mac headed to the front door of the cabin. Stepping outside, he allowed the cold wind and rain to cool him and his needy thoughts off.

tbc...