AN: Wow! 34 Reviews on the first chapter alone. And good ones too, all of them. That's a record for me. Thank you, all of you who put in their time to review. And for those of you who practically begged me to continue soon, how can I refuse? This new chapter is for you...
Disclaimer: Only borrowing, but do I really need to return Harm? I'll pay the fines...oh, well...
On with it...
Deciding she would look even more foolish just standing there, Mac checked if the coast was clear before half walking half running to her own office. Quickly she closed the door to lean against it, trying to get her bearings, annoyed she was so out of breath. She smiled a little at the sight of her carrier bag standing next to her desk, her urge to strangle a certain Sailor for the moment subdued.
Another knock on her door jolted her out of the rest of her reverie as she allowed two midshipmen to come in carrying a folded bunk-bed, a mattress, sheets, blankets and a pillow.
"Excuse us ma'am, where would you like us to put these things?"
Overlooking the tiny space, she decided she'd move her desk a foot or two to the front and set up her makeshift bed behind it, so she wouldn't be in full view of the entire bullpen as soon as the door was opened. Without waiting, the two men dropped their load on the cleared spot.
"Do you need a hand setting up, ma'am?"
She shook her head with a smile. "No, thank you, gentlemen. I'll be fine."
They saluted sharply, made a perfect about-face and left her to her own devices again.
Settling in for the night was easy and curious to what everybody else was doing, she stepped out into the bullpen again, only to run into the same frame for the second time in a row.
"We've got to stop meeting like this, Mac, what will people think?"
"Stuff it, Squid. You're not off the hook yet."
"Off what hook? I didn't say anything."
"I know you didn't but…"
"Come on, Mac, don't you even consider it remotely funny?"
His flyboy grin broke her resolve yet again and she smiled a little.
"Okay, have it your way."
Again, her words had run away with her and she wished she could extract her foot from her mouth, hoping against all hope he wouldn't take this the wrong way. She didn't have to wait long for his retort though.
"Well, I have to say, my darling Marine, you're full of surprises today. Having it my way… hmmm, just think of the possibilities."
He wriggled his eyebrows suggestively.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Sailor."
"A man can dream can't he?"
"Yeah, just keep dreaming. That's the only place you're getting any luck with me."
For a moment he seemed just a little taken aback. But not for long. Leaning in closer he whispered ever so seductively.
"Are you positive?"
Before she could answer he was well on his way to the mess, where the Admiral had ordered the mess staff to make them dinner.
After a while Mac composed herself enough to follow him, feeling not very hungry. Not for food, that is.
To tell the truth, Mac rather had a fun evening after that. Now that nearly everybody in the building had come to terms with the situation and informed family and friends, they were all set on making themselves as comfortable as possible, turning the break room into a cozy spot where the violent weather couldn't get to them. Harriet, who'd only planned to come over only for a short visit, produced a pack of cookies from her bag and after making them all some more coffee, sat down next to her husband, striking up a conversation with Mac.
Eagerly Mac listened to the latest antics of little AJ, if only just to keep herself from looking in a certain direction. Ever since Harm had joined their little circle, he'd been making funny faces at her, the worst of which was his 'wriggling eyebrows' move, reminding her of their earlier conversation. It was not just the fact he was teasing her that made her nervous, it was his flirting.
Damn him for openly flirting with her! Damn him for stealing glances at her every so often, knowing she could feel his eyes burning holes into her back. She would burn into a crisp if she would take the challenge of holding his gaze. Instead, she opted for a nice safe conversation with Harriet. Hell, she would feel more at ease discussing case-files with Sturgis.
On the other hand…flirting with Harm? She would deny it under oath, but she felt exhilarated, exuberant, alive. And wanted. And what the hell was wrong with that?
The evening dragged on and one by one, everybody left the break room to get some sleep. By midnight, Mac felt herself stifle a yawn and knew she'd better try and get a bit of shut-eye herself. She stood from her chair.
"I'm going to bed. Goodnight all."
When she dared to glance over at Harm, she immediately wished she hadn't. An amused smile tugged at his mouth, though to anybody else it should seem all too innocent. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, she flashed her own sweetest smile at him and wished him a good night in a husky, seductive tone.
"Sweet dreams, Flyboy."
To her amusement she saw him flush ever so little. Content at her little victory, she closed the door of the room and headed into her own office.
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