Make No Mistake

Stella stepped back. "Mac, I- you- we-"

Mac stood, waiting patiently, and set the bag on the floor.

"Augh!" Stella groaned. "Why can't you just-" she sighed and gave up.

"It just wouldn't-"

She was cut off by his lips on hers, and all rational thoughts fled.

She resisted the urge to run her fingers through his dark brown hair and stepped back, breaking the kiss.

"Mac..." Stella drew in a ragged breath. "You can't- we can't-"

"Stella." Mac spoke quietly and put a finger to her lips. "You drive me crazy. Your smile brightens my day, you are the most beautiful woman on the planet, your sense of humour- and you- are a joy to know." He stared into her deep brown eyes. "I love you, Stel," he paused. "But I will not pressure you."

Stella looked at him incredulously. "What?"

Mac chuckled. "Don't you believe me?"

"No."

This answer caused Mac to laugh out loud.

"Are you laughing at me?"

Mac just laughed some more. "Stella Bonasera, I am out-of-my-mind in love with you. You make my life an adventure. I can't ever imagine not having you with me."

Stella blinked. "I- uh, Mac, I-" she stammered. "I don't know if I can, I mean- I don't know what to say..."

Mac shrugged. "Okay. Have some breakfast, think it over," he suggested easily. "Come." He picked up the bag and led her to the kitchen, where he quickly put all the fruit, donuts, coffee, and bagels onto the table.

"Uh, wow, Mac, you didn't have to go all out." Stella told him.

"My pleasure." Mac grinned at her. "Really, it's no big deal."

"Okay, if you're sure." The brunette still looked uncertain.

"I'm sure of a lot of things that you don't think I am."

"Let's walk."

"Walk where?"

"Anywhere."

"Uh, okay."

"C'mon."

"I'm coming."

"So..." Stella's breath came out in little puffs in the cold, wintry park.

"So... what?" Mac stuck his hands in his pockets.

"Mac," she said exasperatedly.

"What?"

"Why are you being so difficult?"

"I'm not, you are."
"Augh!" Stella threw her hands up in frustration and walked faster, leaving him behind.

"Stel, you know I didn't mean it like that."

"Like what?" she plunked down on a wooden bench.

"Do you want me to leave?" Mac asked as he sat down beside her.

"I don't know."

"Look, Stella, if I'm making you uncomfortable, I will go." The former Marine stood up as quickly as he had sat down. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay." Stella didn't feel like arguing with him. "Bye."

A/N: yeah, i know, this is kind of a filler chapter, sorry. Umm, I'm updating as quickly as i can, but originally this was a one-shot thing, so i have no idea really where i'm going with this... but i love all your sweet reviews! they keep this story going! i'll add another chapter- hopefully tomorrow or the day after!