Chapter #11

When Stella woke the following morning, she noticed Mac had left the cabin. Putting on her hiking boots she picked up in town, she headed out. Nearing the bottom step, she seen the huge puddle that reached straight across to the next cabin.

Stepping down, she realized the water had to be at least two feet deep. Then just where the hell was Mac? Hearing sounds of sloshing, she turned towards the side of the cabin. What she seen almost made her pee her pants, with laughter.

Mac was stuck in a huge mud pocket. He was sitting in a puddle that was nestled around the mud, trying to remove his boots.

"This isn't funny Stella. Now get over here and help me out," yelled Mac.

"But I'll get my new boots dirty, Mac. Plus... there is a big puddle here. How am I suppose to get around it?" asked Stella.

"Go back into the cabin, and come out the bedroom window." said Mac.

Heading back inside, Stella noticed the mud puddle was all around the side of the cabin.

"Mac... there is mud there too? I payed sixty dollars for these boots. Do you really want me to wreck them? How about I toss you out a sheet, then pull you out." asked Stella.

Mac was getting pissed. He had been stuck in that mud hole for two hours now. Yet all Stella was worried about, was her damn boots.

"Listen Stella. Take off your damn boots and crawl your ass through the window, right now." Mac yelled.

"Fine. But you owe me big time for this, Taylor," shouted Stella.

Taking off her boots, Stella continued cursing Mac from the window. Then placing her feet through, she felt the mud squish between her toes.

"Eww... ahhh Mac, this is gross. How the hell did you get stuck, in the first place?" she asked.

"Maybe because I came out at six in the morning Stella, and it was still dark. So I missed the mud hole," grunted Mac.

Reaching his side, she got behind his back. Placing her arms under his, she pulled. Problem was, he wouldn't budge.

"You're.... to... heavy... Mac," strained Stella.

"Come around to the front. Try pulling that way," said Mac.

When Stella reached the front. She wrapped Mac's hands in hers. Then pulling forward, he came flying out of the hole, landing directly on top of her.

"Ouff..."

Mac could feel the vibration of Stella's laughter.

"What is so funny, Stella?"

"You... you look like that mud monster creature. I can barely see, the whites of your eyes." Laughed Stella trying to catch her breath.

"Listen Stel. You don't look so hot yourself. I can't believe you women pay for this stuff," said Mac.

As Stella removed a piece of mud from his hair. Mac felt the caress all the way to his soul. Lowering his head, he looked into her eyes which were dancing happily from his hyjinx. Bringing his lips just a whisper away, they could feel each other become absorbed in the moment. Both feeling the pull, both ready to take the risk of crossing that line....

"Whoa... are you two okay? Do you need some help there?" asked Sammy.

Breaking apart with speed. Mac looked up and seen two of the guys from the next cabin. Pulling Stella up into his arms, he held her.

"No. We are fine. Thanks for asking though."

"Sure man. Anytime. See ya," said Sammy.

Once Mac was sure they left. He picked Stella up and carried her into the cabin. Placing her feet on the floor, he said...

"You go and have your shower first, Stella. I'll get one when you're done," said Mac.

"Are you sure, Mac? I don't mind waiting. You were in the mud longer then I was," said Stella.

"It's okay, Stel. Go get cleaned up," said Mac.

While Stella had her shower, Mac poured himself a coffee. Sitting down on the chair, he watched as the mud dried on his pants, as he thought about the kiss they had almost shared. So deep within his memory, he didn't hear Stella come out.

"Okay Mac, it's all yours. Mac... hey Mac."

"Hm... what is it, Stel?"

"You can have the shower now," Stella said.

"Thanks." Getting up, Mac's legs were stiff from the dried mud. Trying to stifle her laughter, she coughed. Hearing the shower she turned, and seen the face in the window. Startling her. "What the hell does he want?" she whispered.

"Hey... sorry I startled you. I was wondering if you have any sugar we can borrow. We can't get into town. The roads are blocked," said Sammy.

Stella unlocked the door with caution. The jerk was looking at her like she was his lunch. Hearing the shower turn off, Mac walked out in a towel. Well that did it. All Stella's thoughts, fears and worries flew out the window. Leaving nothing but the stunning man before her.

Trying to find her voice, the guy knocked on the window again. Hearing the bang, Mac turned.

"Stella... what the hell does he want? Stella." Mac yelled, knocking her out of her daydream.

"Hm... ohh... sugar. He wanted to borrow sugar."

Walking pass her, Mac grabbed a cup of sugar and passed it through the door. Leaving Stella to smell his cologne.

"Thanks, man. Mighty nice of you. See ya," said Sammy.

As he looked at Stella once more. Mac closed the blind and walked back into the bedroom.

Stella was still trying to catch her breathe. Never had she seen so much of Mac before. Thinking back to the last three days, they had shared more then friendship. She had noticed the soft subtle changes. Especially that almost a kiss, today. Closing her eyes, she could still feel the warmth of his breath near her lips.

"Stella... are you okay? I hope he didn't upset you. I'm seriously not happy with the way he looks at you. There is no need for that. Did you want a coffee?" asked Mac.

"Sure, thanks." said Stella trying to find her voice.

Sitting down to their coffee, very few words were said. For neither knew how to approach their near kiss.

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Don, Jess and the gang arrived two days early. Waiting to rent a 4x4, Adam asked...

"Err... um... do you think Mac and Stella will be upset, because we came early?"

"Stop worrying Adam. They will be more then excited. It's not as if they are on their honeymoon." laughed Jess.

Adam looked perplexed, Don told Jess to behave.

"Okay sir, we have your 4x4. If you can fill out this form and the insurance, you can go."

Once they were on their way. Don noticed how flooded everything was.

"Holy crap, Don. How much rain did they get up here?" asked Jess.

Don was trying to concentrate on the roads. They were so slick and full of mud. Finally pulling up in front of the cabin, Don noticed the four guys on their porch.

"Is that them, Don?" asked Sheldon.

"I think so. Mac said there was only them, and one other guy up here. So it must be."

Parking the 4x4, they got out. As the guys seen Jess, Devon whistled. Slapping his brother on the arm, he told him to shut the hell up.

"Listen you idiot. Stop drawing attention to us. What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Nothing. I was just whistling at her. Afterall, you get the other one. So why can't I have her?"

"Look, Devon. When we get the money on friday. You can kill them all, if you want. I don't care. Until then, we keep focused on that damn map. Understand?"

Heading back into their cabin, Devon took one last look, at Jess.

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When Stella heard the knock, she looked out the window. Seeing Don and the gang, she screamed with happiness. Running out from the bedroom with the rifle, everyone stared at Mac.

"Is that anyway to greet your friends, Taylor?"

Putting down the rifle, Mac walked over and embraced them one by one.

"Damn Mac, look at you. This getaway is really working for you. You look amazing. I've never seen you so relaxed and happy." said Jess.

"I know. It's all this beauty around me." he said, as he looked at Stella. Not missing the chemistry, Sheldon, Don, and Jess smiled. Mac had truly found his inner self. It showed not only in his face, but in his heart. Stella was right. Mac had learned how to live again.

"So what's for dinner, Mac?"

"I don't know? Stella and I took out a meal for two, we weren't expecting company. We could fry up the fish from yesterday. It's a beautiful trout I caught."

"Yeah, I cleaned and deboned it myself."

Don snickered. "Yet Mac still stands."

Swatting his arm, she laughed. then reaching for Adam she hugged him.

"How are you doing Adam?"

"Good, Stel. Um... if you'd like we can bring in the groceries from the car."

While Mac and Sheldon headed out to help, Stella asked...

"Don... did you get a chance to see Danny and Lindsay, before you left?"

"We did Stel. She's doing good. Just about ready to burst. Poor Danny is already running around like a chicken who's lost his head. He was all nice and calm, till Lindsay told him the baby stopped moving and was in position for birthing. Ever since then, he's been a mess."

"Aww... poor Danny. So has Sinclair been bustin' your ass."

"Nah... he hasn't been to bad, Stel. Till we told him we were leaving to bring Mac home. Then he had a fit... Who's going to protect New York, with all of you away? I said... you are. See you in a week and walked out. I mean what is he going to do, fire us all."

Jess interrupted and said... "So tell us Stella, do you and Mac realize you are in love yet?"

"Jess... what did I tell you on the plane?"

"That if they haven't noticed yet, I should wait till they do. But if we let that happen, they will both be dead and buried long before they get a chance too say, I do."

"Sorry Stel. We just figured you and Mac would have both realized by now that you're in love. I'm sure you haven't missed it. Have you?"

"No... no I haven't Don. I think Mac and I have both realized it. But neither of us are willing to cross that line."

Walking back into the cabin with the food, Mac noticed the tension. Not saying anything about it, he started unpacking the bags.

tbc...

Meanwhile...