A/N It's almost sad to bring this to a close. I've really enjoyed writing this story. I have to say that half the joy in writing it was the good feedback and the ideas given to me and the grace you've all given towards my writing. Thanks for the journey. Enjoy the ending!

Chapter 9 Key to my Heart

The next day……….

Danny, Flack, and Hawkes drink their coffee as they stand around Mac's office waiting on Stella to bring him by. Lindsay is doing the finishing touches on her red, white, and blue balloons. She's hung a big "Welcome Back, Mac" sign over his door. Danny is enjoying watching her excitement. She was so proud of herself for getting the red, white, and blue balloons since Mac had been a Marine. Danny thought she was going to punch Flack when he walked in earlier and said it looked like someone had upchucked the American Flag all over Mac's office. Danny had to turn his head to not laugh! He laughs now thinking about it. He just knows better than to let Lindsay see him laughing!

Sid Hammerback is coming down the hall and informs the crew that "the boss" is coming in. Everyone rushes to get in their places and wait.

Stella and Mac are chatting comfortably walking down to the office. Stella is smiling to herself because she knows Mac has no idea everyone is piled in his office. She looks at how attractive he is in his blue jeans and cobalt blue shirt. She tries to remember if she's ever even seen him in blue jeans. Nah……………….she would have remembered. She makes a mental note to tell Sheldon he did a darned good job when he brought Mac some clothes!

They get to the office and Stella steps back a little as Mac walks in. "Welcome Back!" they all shout at him. His face colors a little and he nods at them. "Thanks guys. It's good to be back."

Lindsay walks up and hugs him. "You look great! Are you feeling OK?"

Mac addresses the group. "Thanks Lindsay. I feel a lot better and they tell me that the headaches should start easing off and becoming more infrequent. I have to get through the weekend and I'll be back at work full force on Monday. From what I've heard, you all have carried this place beautifully while I was out."

Danny piped up, "Like I told ya, Mac. You taught us well." Everyone in the room either nodded or spoke agreement. Mac looked down and smiled a small smile.

"Thank you. We've got some things to talk about in the coming days. All of this has made me realize some things and I've learned that every day is important. When I come back next week I'll be talking to my team again." Stella holds her breath and Flack coughs in the corner. Stella then throws Flack a look and Mac gives him a grin. Danny and Lindsay look at each other and Lindsay gives him a smug, "I told you so" look.

Mac continues, "Thanks again for everything. I'll be leaving in a few minutes so you all can head back to work. I'll see you all on Monday." As people start filing out, Danny is intently watching Mac and Stella. There was something about the way they looked at one another. He is still watching them when Flack goes up and quietly says to Mac, "I think you have lipstick on your mouth," as he is going out the door. Mac and Stella both reach up to wipe their mouths. Flack laughs and says, "Just kidding…………." And waves at them as he's leaving.

It was enough to nudge Danny. He took Lindsay's hand and walked up to them. "Mac, uh………..when you get back, Lindsay and I need to meet with you." Mac looks at the two of them and knows exactly what is going on. He smiles at them and says, "I guess a near death experience makes everyone's heart vulnerable, huh?" Stella smiles at him and then at the younger couple. Danny and Lindsay both nod. Mac says, "Just keep it out of the workplace and be as discreet as you can and we'll talk more next week. I've got to figure out how to handle all of this."

Danny shakes his hand and says, "Thanks Mac. I appreciate it. Get some rest this weekend and don't over do it. See ya Monday." He and Lindsay leave trying very hard not to touch each other and look professional.

Stella turns to Mac and smiles. "Well, Detective Taylor, how are you going to get out of this one? You now have two couples in your workplace."

Mac blows out his breath and laughs. "I have no idea what I am going to do, but I've got until Monday to figure it out. You hungry? We can get something to eat and when you take me home you can visit for awhile."

Stella bites her bottom lip. "I'm hungry Mac, but I'm also exhausted. How about we pick up Chinese and eat at your place where we can relax?" He touches her arm to guide her out the door, "Good idea. Let's get out of here."

They sit on the couch and watch the fireplace. "That was wonderful. I didn't realize just how bad the hospital food was." Mac says as he kicks his feet up on the coffee table.

Stella nods at him and gets up to start cleaning up. Mac reaches for her arm. "Stella, leave it. It can wait. Come here." He pulls her down beside him and puts his arms around her drawing her to him. She lays her head on his shoulder and feels her body react just to the scent of him.

"I could lay like this forever, Mac." She says quietly.

"Well, I have no intention of you moving any time soon," he whispers into her hair. She looks up at him and he leans down and gives her a warm, sensuous kiss. She lets her hand trail up his chest and he slowly stops her hand.

She raises up and looks at him. "It's too soon isn't it Mac?"

Mac smiles at her and shakes his head. "No Stella, it's not too soon. It's just that it has been a very long time since I was with a woman. You know that or at least you suspected it. I think it's time and I want you. I want you to stay tonight and I want it to start right here right now. The reason I am stopping you here is because I want to be sure you want the same thing. You are a beautiful woman, Stella, and I've come home to some cold showers because of you many nights." He gives her time to let the surprise register on her face and continues, " I want to love you completely, but if you aren't ready………….now is the time to say so because it won't take much more until I am at a point of not turning back from it." Stella watches his face and sees the truth of his heart in his eyes. This man truly does love her and she sees that. She smiles at him and leans up to kiss him stopping just as she gets to his mouth and whispering, "I've been ready for a long time, Mac Taylor, and I've had my share of cold showers too."

He kisses her softly and leans back to look in her eyes. He reaches up and brushes a curl back from her face. "Ah, Stella, this is going to be an incredible journey. You hold the key to my heart. I never thought it could be unlocked again."

"Love is a never ending journey too, Mac. We have the rest of the journey to figure it all out." She kisses him again and puts her hand back on his chest. She allows her hand to slide up his shirt and feel the warmth of his chest. She trails her fingers through the hair on his chest and Mac thinks he may lose control before he wants to. He returns her kiss more passionately and starts to explore her as well. Stella lets her hand trail down his chest and unbuttons his jeans. Mac starts to say something and she slides her hand into his jeans and feels his hardness. A groan escapes his throat and he says her name in a way that she hopes she never forgets. Mac thinks her hands must be on fire and he pulls her up before he loses control and walks her to the bedroom. "Let me show you the rest of the place, "he says with a smile. Stella flips the light off as they start down the hallway.

"I thought you'd never ask……….." she murmurs into his ear.

El Finito!

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I'm not very good at writing explicit stuff. I like to let the imagination carry over. I hope you enjoyed the story! Please read and review and I appreciate every comment that everyone has made! Thank you to the ones who added this story to your favorites list! That means a lot! You all are awesome! Susan