Nothing much in the disclaimer of spoiler world has changed. -Hey, sorry it took me a while to write this. Thanks to CP for her pointers on Fiji. ~ Enjoy.

Chapter 4

Mac was in a state of awe. The hotel was more than she imagined. She looked around at the lobby. Birds of Paradise were strewn about the room and mini palm trees were planted in terra cotta pots. The crash of the waves was audible through the open windows. As her eyes surveyed the room they stopped to watch one man checking in. He was dressed very well in civvies. Khaki pants and a navy blue polo. She was going to have to stop staring at Harm. 'But you have to admit he does have a great six.' Mac thought sheepishly. Shivers ran down her spine when he turned to her. He always seemed to know what she was thinking. It scared her, she had never let anyone become close before, Mac had always kept those she loved at a distance. If they don't get to close, then they can't hurt you. That was her kick-ass marine mantra. That was all going to change. She was ready, ready to let caution fly into the wind. Harm was her one true love and he needed to know that before it was to late.

Harm walked over and handed her the key to her room. Just thinking about her bed was enough to make her yawn. It had been a long day. Both Harm and Mac were ready to turn in for the day. Harm lightly placed his hand on Mac's shoulder. She was wearing a light pink halter-top, so the feel of Harm's hand on her bare flesh sent an electrifying current though out her body. His hands were so soft, and his touch so gentle, Mac wanted to savor it forever. As they approached the elevator Harm's hand was slowly moving up her shoulder to the nape of her neck. Harm debated whether or not he should untie the strings of her top. It was tempting and so hard to resist. His hand migrated north to the nape of her neck. Another shiver went down Mac's spine; her head told her she was enjoying this far too much. Many possible ideas ran though Harm's head as to what to do tomorrow. Hike, kayak, scuba dive, or lay on the beach with his beautiful by his side. He would talk to Mac in the morning. When they arrived at their respective rooms, they said their good nights. All of a sudden Mac engulfed Harm in her arms for a quick hug, one that left him stunned.

0930 local time Mac's Room #729

Mac was watching the clear blue waves come crashing against the white sand of the beach. The lushness of the tropical foliage was amazing. She was so mesmerized by the beauty that she completely forgot what she was doing. It took her a minute to snap back to reality. She stood with her toothbrush hanging out of her mouth thinking of what the dawning day might hold. Her thoughts were hastily interrupted by Harm coming by to plan the day's events.

"So marine, we have a few possible options. Hiking, swimming, beach lounging, island tour, jet skiing, scuba-

"I get the point Harm. If you can do it with water, you can do it here." Mac interrupted. She already had some ideas of her own. "I vote for the hike, in the visitor's guide they mention some trails, and that way we could go at our own pace and see some of the island. Some even have waterfalls at the end."

"How about a picnic?

"Feeling romantic flyboy?" Mac quizzically asked.

"Sounds like a plan, when do you want to leave?" Harm questioned, slightly embarrassed.

"In about thirty minutes. The trail head is about a five minute walk from here." Harm left with a see you then comment and proceeded to prepare for their sojourn.

1010 local time Trail head

Mac and Harm set out on their island adventure with high spirits and good moods. Harm noticed a sparkle in Mac's eyes that never was there before. In the seven years he knew her she had never been so carefree as she was this moment. His heart swelled with the love he felt towards her, he could not waste another day. Today was the day he was going to pull his head out of his six and tell her how he felt.

They were the only people on the trail that day, it was nice to know they were alone. When the reached the end of the trail, a beautiful little waterfalls cascading over rocks into a small blue pool greeted the tired couple. The humidity and the heat were enough to make walking a chore. Mac was beginning to form some conclusions on Harm's behavior of late. She was beginning to read him like a book, if he liked it or not. One look at the water gave her an idea to ensure some reaction form her squid. But it would have to wait until after they ate.

Over the light lunch of bread, water, and local fruit, they talked about the birds, plants, and other sights they had seen. "I know we are supposed to separate ourselves from work, but I wonder how much is going to be in the office pool because of this vacation." Mac asked with an air of sarcasm. She found the whole thing extremely funny.

"Funny you should mention that Mac." Harm seemed to getting a little on the anxious side. "Well, I have something to tell you. I, um, well, for some time now, um, err-" Harm was rapidly becoming bright red and his loss for words was not helping the situation.

"Harm if you cannot spit out a coherent sentence, I suggest you join me for a swim." Mac said defiantly. She was already standing up and headed towards the water.

"Harm red already, turned a new shade of crimson. "I did not bring my suit." He sheepishly replied.

"That does not matter, I did not bring mine." Mac matter-of-factly replied. Caution was now thrown into the wind. It was time to act. Mac's clothes were already on the sand and she was in treading water. "The water is nice squid, come on a join me. Harm needed no more encouraging. He was in the water as fast as humanly possible.