Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 34 - Every New Beginning starts with one small Step

I reach home with a glum expression but know that Stella is right and I do need sleep. I head into the bathroom and slowly lift my t-shirt over my head and frown. Thankfully I was wearing my coat over my suit and so my chest isn't as bruised as it could have been and I am thankful that the scars are showing signs of healing. I head back into the bedroom and think about the day's events once again.

"A new Detective, great," I huff in frustration.

I hate training new people and will miss having Paula's insights. She knows me so well; how on earth will the new person know to keep my ass in line? They won't and that means I'll have added stress worrying about my actions once again. I'll have to call her today to see if any progress has been made. I stare at the empty bed in misery; trying to picture Stella lying there waiting for me, but as I blink my eyes the image fades and I'm once again alone.

With a heavy sigh I finally push myself into bed and close my eyes, wondering if I'll actually get some sleep tonight. But with the day's excitement and the fact that it's very late, I am quickly whisked into the dark realm of sleep; my brain too tired to offer nightmares and I actually wake up the next morning feeling somewhat rested.

I lay in bed for a few minutes, listening to the sound of my lone heart beat and frown. I think I would like to have her with me on a daily basis. Think? Okay I know I would but I don't want to rush her or think I'm doing it only because I saw my life nearly come to an end. And while thats part of the reason, a big step like this shouldn't be made out of desperation.

However, I have a surprise planned for Stella, something that I settled upon as yesterday came to a close; something I want to do to show my heartfelt appreciation for her help in saving my life. And while I love her; I need to prove that I won't ever take her for granted.

With that happy thought feeding my brain, I finally push myself out of bed and hurry about getting my day started; finally leaving my apartment with a happy smile upon my face.

As I am near Stella's building I can't help but notice her get out of a cab and head into our favorite coffee shop for her morning pick me up. I quickly stop the truck and rush in after her; standing just behind but not offering a sound, my smile starting to grow. She's called to the counter and I can't help but offer a, "I'm with her," forcing her to turn around and greet me with a smile.

"Hello, my treat," I offer as I tell the lady what we both want and then move to the side to wait.

"Morning handsome," she whispers, planting a kiss on my cheek. "You must have slept well because you actually look better this morning."

"Looks can be deceiving," I offer with a slight frown. "I was up all night with a slight problem," I tease.

"What problem?" She asks in concern.

"I was alone."

"Shall I remedy that tonight?" She wonders.

"I can't, I'm busy," I reply with a heavy sigh; not wanting to let her know about the surprise I have planned.

"With what?" She questions.

"Work," I huff. "New Detective stuff. It's nothing major, but maybe tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?"

She looks at me with an arched brow and I am wondering if I'll be able to hold it in until I can send her a message later on. Thankfully our coffee arrives and we our brains are back on the work track once again; she forgetting to ask me about the surprise that I mentioned last night.

"I love you," I whisper as we are forced to go our separate ways a few minutes later.

XXXXXXXX

I watch Mac get into the truck and offer a frown. "New Detective stuff? What's that all about?" I ask myself as I head back inside. Mac had mentioned a surprise yesterday but I don't want to press him if he's changed his mind.

I just assume that it's something Paula has arranged and go about my day. However, an hour later I get a text that explains his odd behavior earlier.

'Stella, its Wednesday. See you tonight. Mac'

"Why that sneak..." my voice dies out as my smile starts to grow.

"He's going to play at the club again," I whisper with a happy feeling. I had worried that his recent situation with Charles would have forced him to back into a corner; afraid to enjoy things he used to before but I see I was wrong. I am so happy that he is back to his old self that for the rest of the day my mind tries to concentrate on work but I just can't help but thinking about what tonight is going to be like.

"Stella, you and Mac want to join Jessica and I for drinks later?" Flack asks in passing as the day comes to an end.

"Another time?"

"What is he doing for you tonight?" Flack asks with a smile.

"How do you kn..." I start, trying to hide my growing smile.

"As I told you before when you displayed that same smile when you first met, when it comes to Mac, sometimes you are very transparent."

"Something special," is all I offer and he walks away just shaking his head.

And as I head for home I already know what I am going to wear, something green. His favorite color; the dress I once wore not so many weeks ago when I first laid eyes on him. Once home, I hurry to get ready, my fingers are actually nervous as they put on some dangly earrings and then apply some perfume; to strategic spots I want to draw his attention to. I reach for the stiletto's that drive him crazy and hurry out the door.

XXXXXXXX

"Proud of you Mac," Paula tells me warmly. "One of these days, we'll make it a couples outing."

"Not sure if I would survive that."

"Trust me Macm you survived death right?"

"Right."

"Enjoy tonight."

And unlike the first time I invited Stella to the club I was nervous and didn't know what to expect; tonight I am on top of my game. I have everything planned in my mind and despite the fact that I am still nervous to a degree, I know that once I am up there and I see her smile, my heart will slow to a normal pace until the evening ends. Due to the damn scars still on my arms, I choose a black dress shirt and casual pants so I won't worry about being self conscious when I am playing.

I make one quick stop before I reach the club and unlike the first single rose I offered; tonight when she arrives, there will be a dozen waiting for her.

"Hey welcome back!" Luke greets me with a smile and slight hug. "How are you feeling?"

"Not as nervous as last time I had company," I offer.

"She's still with you?" Luke teases.

"Funny."

"That's pretty awesome. So what do you have planned for her for tonight?"

"Noth..."

"So that wide grin is because you are happy to see me?"

"Nice try."

"Mac, what do you have in mind?"

"Well..."

XXXXXXXX

I lean back in the taxi cab and my smile is already starting to grow; my heart is beating faster as we near the club. And while it's true I know we'll be going home together tonight, I can't help but feel my nervous anticipation starting to build. I quickly push myself out of the cab and head into the club. I offer a nod to Joe, the guy who greeted me last time and head inside. I see the roses waiting for me and feel my eyes actually tear up at his beautiful gesture; once again garnering me a few jealous stares from nearby single women. I know where Mac is, so I leave my coat and the flowers; I want to show them off for all to see, and slowly wander back stage.

"Am I interrupting something?" I ask softly as I see him and Luke talking.

"Not any more," Luke smiles as he breaks apart from Mac. I walk up to them and Mac quickly stands up; his face going a deeper shade of red.

"Luke," I smile.

"Good to see you again Stella."

"Wow," Mac whispers as he offers a kiss on the cheek. "Now I won't be able to concentrate for sure," he admits and Luke just laughs, walking away, shaking his head.

"Thank you for the flowers," I whisper in return, kissing him back; his arm still wrapped around me. "Always wondered what it was like back here?"

"Boring until you came," he throws at me and I smile. "But you look amazing. And I love the green dress. Thank you for wearing it."

"Thank you for inviting me tonight," I tell him as I watch the rest of the band file in. "I'll see you at the break."

"Yes you will," he tells me, kissing me once more and not really wanting to let go.

XXXXXXXX

I watch her leave and feel my core starting to warm. Why did she have to wear that dress, I lightly moan. It's my favorite! I watch the guys watching her as she leaves and then turn to me with a smile.

"Sorry guys, she's mine," I offer and they just laugh.

We finally take the stage and unlike last time, this time seeing her in the audience, expecting me to play for her, makes me feel like we are the only two in the club and I am at ease. I have something special planned for her but once again am going to wait until the second set before tipping my hand. And while I know it will garner me something special in return; my heart still can't wait for her to hear this expression of my love. I take my place on stage and this time allow my memory to guide my fingers as I occasionally lock eyes with Stella and offer a heartfelt smile of love and devotion.

"How was your day?" I ask as I finally take my seat beside her after the first break. "I was so distracted by how amazing you looked earlier that I am sorry I forgot to ask."

She just offers a small laugh in return and tells me about her otherwise boring day. "And the new detective stuff?" She throws at me. "Mac Taylor you lied to me?"

"Ah had to keep you guessing," I reply with a timid tone.

"Oh you had me at hello this morning," she teases.

I take one of the roses and gently hold it in my fingers; the fingers that are not too busy being tempted by hers. I smell the rose and then look at her. "You smell better."

"Are you trying to earn a midnight snack?" She teases.

"Just one?" I counter.

She doesn't answer and once again she has me guessing. I hear the guys back on stage and know it's time for round two. "See you soon," I offer; planting a warm kiss on her lips before I take my place on stage once again.

After the second song, it's my turn to take the mike and offer something to the crowd. "Evening everyone. I'm not much for words or being in the spotlight but this next song is one that is dedicated to the most amazing woman in the world; if not for her I wouldn't be here tonight. Stella, I love you."

I watch her eyes slightly water as I start into my version of 'Can't help falling in love.' She mouths I love you in return and my heart soars once more. I finally finish the song and she whispers thank you and I know my nervousness was just rewarded. She's the one; the one I know I'll spend the rest of my life with.

XXXXXXXX

Mac finishes the song and my heart is racing. The first time he had a song dedicated to me I was falling in love; this time, him actually singing to me and me alone, I know I am in love. I continue to listen to the music, but my mind can't help but offer the soft loving words from Mac's mouth as he was singing to me. I finally sit back in my chair and allow myself to actually listen to the rest of the show, giving my heart rate time to slow back down.

When it's finally over, my anticipation once again starts to build as I watch Mac hurry back stage and then reappear a few minutes later; even faster than last time. He comes and stands before me; even now not sure of my reaction to what he did tonight.

"Do you even need me to tell you how wonderful that was?" I whisper as I wrap my arms around his neck and pull his lips to mine.

"Well I love you and hope that tonight was as special for you as it was for me," he whispers in return; offering a kiss that is backed with a hint of uncertainty.

"Amazing," I praise and I finally feel his body ease in my grasp. "My new favorite song," I whisper in his ear, planting a small kiss and feel his body slightly tense with desire.

"We should leave here," he gulps and I just smile. "Hungry?" He asks quickly.

"Yes," I reply and his grin widens.

"Just miss having you as my partner," he offers as we slowly walk into his building, arm in arm.

"I do too," I frown. "Are you ready to walk away from your team?"

He looks at me with a slight frown before shaking his head no. "I couldn't ask you to do that either. So I guess we are stuck."

"But not alone," I remind him and he hugs me close once again. We let ourselves inside and he hurries to put his guitar away as I hang up my coat and slowly wander into his kitchen and pour myself something to drink. When I turn around he is leaning against the doorframe with a smile on his face.

XXXXXXXX

"I'll see you tonight?" He asks me with a smile.

"Might have to work late," I throw at him. "New detective stuff."

"Funny," he remarks dryly as he drops me off at home and continues to work. I hurry inside with a smile and quickly change before I am back on the road; heading for work. However as fun as the morning was, when I enter my office all alone, I am wishing that Mac was with me.

"Will it ever happen?"

XXXXXXXX

"Morning Taylor," Paula greets me as I get off the elevator and notice her waiting for me. "Late night? How did it go? I see you're still alive."

"It went better than expected," I offer with a smile.

"And was she impressed this time also?"

"Said she loved me," I reply with a wide grin.

"Well with that smile, I am guessing you believe her and must have had a very late night."

"And morning," I offer and she looks at me in surprise.

"Very bold of you Mac," she winks and I just shake my head.

"Nice to see you in my neck of the woods," I smile; offering her a hug. "Here to clean things up?"

"Just a few," she offers with a slight frown. "How are you? Still stuck in this morbid place all by yourself?"

"It's what I'm used to," I offer with a heavy sigh.

"You miss the glass walls."

"I miss the glass walls," I huff. "Miss her as my partner," I tell her in truth. "Miss having her around to keep me in line. I miss everything," I frown. "But it has to be right?"

"Mac..." Paula starts.

"Paula, as much as I hoped I would be able to just leave my team and take up the job as her co-lead, I just can't. I have worked too hard with this team to just leave them behind. And her place isn't big enough for all of us and, and I guess I knew right from the start that we'd end up back like this."

"Talk about morbid," Paula throws at me and I smile.

"So found me a new Detective yet?" I ask with some nervous anticipation; trying to change the subject.

"Actually a few good ones," she smiles. "But I'm not gone yet so nice try in thinking that you can replace me that easily."

"You know I hate change right?"

"After all you've been through?" She counters. "Thought that would be second nature to you by now."

"Who are the detectives?" I ask in haste.

"Mac, just calm your nerves," she tells me. "When have I ever let you down?"

"Haven't yet," I offer with a frown.

"And I'm not going to start. Besides I have been working on something that I think even you will like."

"Should I be afraid?" I question.

"Maybe a little," she winks. "So what's on the agenda for today?"

"Not sure yet," I tell her as I look down the hall and see my team busy in the lab.

"Just not the same without the whole team here," she mentions in a casual tone.

"Ah that would be too distracting," I frown. "It's better this way."

"Better for who?" she challenges.

"Glad you're back to your old self," I smile.

"Mac, I gotta run. Have a meeting with the Mayor's Law Enforcement Commissioner," she lightly frowns. "My new boss."

"You'll be working for him?" I ask in shock. "Paula that's the major league."

"Honey you know it," she smiles, planting a soft kiss on my cheek. "Enjoy the rest of today; I have a surprise for you tomorrow."

"I don't know if I can handle anymore surprises from you," I frown.

"Trust me, you'll like it."

"Will it impact my life?"

"Probably not as much as you might think," she assures me. "Just enjoy today," she tells me as she takes her leave.

"Enjoy?" I ask with a slight frown as I head into the lab to see what my team is up to.

"Big Mac," Cyrus greets me and then laughs.

"He got that from Danny," Lindsay states rolling her eyes. "Speaking of Danny, are you making any plans to trade Cyrus yet?"

"Nice try," Cyrus frowns. "At least I work; not making dreamy faces thinking about Danny boy all day long."

"Yeah you better not be!" Lindsay throws at him and he frowns.

"Ah work?" I get them back to the real world.

"Right" Cyrus starts.

"So what have we got?" I ask; eager to change the subject away from another joint working effort. I know that won't happen so no point in getting my hopes up. And while I am still worried about Paula's surprise tomorrow, I tell myself that today I am here to work and that's it. However, into the day my mind can't help but wonder what Stella is doing; and although I want to phone to see what she's up to; see if she's taken any calls alone or to see if she's even thinking about me, I know I have to respect her space and her job as lead of her lab; the way it was before I entered the picture. And while I know I'll see her on a more frequent personal level; I miss having her as my partner on a daily basis.

XXXXXXXX

"How's Mac?" Danny asks me as I head into the lab later that morning.

"Wondering which case of mine is going to take his money," I lightly offer and Danny smiles.

"Any chance of a job opening that Lindsay could apply to?" He asks, making Sheldon look up quickly. "You know like one of ours for one of his?"

"Don't worry doc, we're not going to trade you," I tell him and both smile.

"We could," Danny smiles. "Just saying it's an option."

"Trust me Danny at least you work here," Sheldon retorts with a grin. "Poor Mac, you'd never get anything done."

"Boys!" I shake my head, forcing them back to the real reason they are here. "So what's on the agenda for today?" And as Danny gives me the case rundown, the next few hour pass by without note and it feels like I have been here all along; the past few weeks, just a pleasant memory. I do wonder what Mac is up to; if he's taken any more calls alone or taken my advice to just take it easy the rest of this week.

Each time I pass by the spare office, I can't help but picture him there, offering me a smile as I walk by but then fading from my view as I realize it's all in my head. I could have very easily worked with him on a regular basis; being the only one here without a regular partner it would have been more than acceptable to share that responsibility with him. But that's not to be, so with a firm nod of my head I push myself back to the lab to get my latest task finished.