A/N: Thanks for all the reviews. Sorry about the little twist there at the end of the last chapter with Harm's comment. Well, not really, I like a little drama. (LOL) Be forewarned – more drama and some angst are coming in future chapters but remember I'm a shipper all the way! In the meantime, let's enjoy our dynamic duo finally getting together.

Sarah Mackenzie's Apartment
December 25, 2003
0914 Local

Mac floated to the edge of sleep, trying to ignore the persistent ringing that awakened her. She opened her eyes, surprised to see it was broad daylight. Without looking at the nightstand, her internal clock told her it was 0914.

She couldn't remember the last time she'd slept this late or this good. Perhaps it had to do with the person beside her. She and Harm had talked until well after midnight, cuddling together on the sofa, until they both fell asleep. Mac had awakened at 0230 and suggested they go to bed.

Harm, ever the gentleman, offered the sleep on the sofa, but Mac wouldn't hear of it. "We've slept together before. No reason you can't sleep with me in my bed."

Although they shared several passionate kisses the night before, they hadn't yet taken the step of becoming lovers. Both of them sensed their newfound relationship was fragile, and neither of them wanted to do anything to upset the balance.

By mutual consent, they agreed to take things slow, although when Harm stripped down to his boxers before climbing into bed, it was all Mac could do not to ravage him. He had filled out more since she'd called him stick boy, but it was all muscle.

He stirred in his sleep and mumbled something incoherent. When Mac tried to pull away to answer the phone, he put his arm around her waist and tried to draw her closer. "Harm, I need to answer the phone."

"Just ignore it, baby."

"Might be important." She rolled to her side and reached for the phone. "Hello," she said in a sleep-laden voice.

Harriet was on the other end. "Oh, I'm sorry, Ma'am. You were asleep."

"It's okay. Time to get up anyway. What's going on?"

"I wanted you to know the invitation for dinner is still on. You don't need to bring anything—just yourself. You seemed sad yesterday, and I hate for anyone to spend Christmas alone."

"Thanks, but I…" Her response was cut short when Harm began nuzzling her neck. "I'm not alo— I mean, I…" She resisted the urge to moan when Harm found a sensitive spot below her ear.

"Is something wrong, Ma'am?"

"Not a thing, Harriet. Thank you for the invitation, but I do have plan. And don't worry, I'm fine." She could picture Harriet's expression.

"Oh, my gosh. You have company. I hope I didn't interrupt anything. Sorry, it's none of my business, but I didn't realize you and Mr. Webb were that close."

Mac sat straight up in bed. She knew Harriet wasn't one to pry, but the insinuation there was anything intimate between her and Clayton Webb was too much.

"I am not involved with Clayton Webb, nor will I ever be!"

"I'm sorry. I knew you went out a few times and just assumed. Please forgive me."

"It's okay. I can understand why someone might think that."

"So, there's somebody new in your life?"

"You might say that." Mac looked at Harm, who had raised his eye in question. "Harriet," she mouthed silently.

"Well, then, I won't keep you. Merry Christmas!"

"Same to you. Tell Bud likewise and give the boys an extra hug for me." Mac ended the call. "She's going to be all over this when I go back to work on Monday—wanting to know who the new man in my life is."

"Tell her. Okay by me."

"Then, she's going to assume that we…"

Harm shrugged. "Well, it's only a matter of time."

Mac couldn't help but blush. This man had been her best friend for years, and he probably knew her better than anyone, but the thought of when they did become intimate sent warmth through her body. But she wanted their first time to be special. Romantic. "So, what do you want to do today?"

"Stay in bed."

"Well, right now, I'm hungry."

"Oh, that's right. You expect breakfast after a man spends the night. Got anything in the fridge?"

"The makings for omelets."

"Then allow me. I think I still owe you breakfast from that night we spent in the Appalachians."

Sarah Mackenzie's Apartment
December 25, 2003
1030 Local

Mac sat back in her chair and rubbed her stomach. "That was delicious, Flyboy." She stopped short at the use of the nickname she'd once given him. "I'm sorry. Guess I shouldn't call you that anymore."

"Mac, it's okay. I still fly planes. Just for the CIA."

"Yeah, you do at that. Hey, you made breakfast. I'll clean up."

Harm leaned over, then kissed her. "Let's do it together."

"Together. I like the sound of that," Mac said as she rose from the table.

Harm followed her into the kitchen. "So, Mac. What do you want to do today? Did I understand you right that you don't have to return to work until Monday?"

"That's right. I took tomorrow off. What about you?"

"Nothing until next week. I have an idea. Would you like to go out of town for a few days? I know the perfect spot—a cabin near Shenandoah National Park. Indoor hot tub, fireplace, kitchen. Secluded with a gorgeous view."

Mac's eyes grew wide. "Sounds wonderful, but it's probably booked."

"I can pretty much guarantee it's not. Let me make a phone call—one I need to make anyway." He pulled his cell phone from his pocket, located the number, and waited for the other party to answer. "Hello, Frank. Calling to wish you and Mom and Merry Christmas… Hope it's not too early… Should have known Mom would already be up early… Sure, but I need to ask you something first… I'm hoping the cabin is available for the next few days… It is…" Harm nodded at Mac.

"Great… Yeah, I still have a key… No need to worry about food. We'll pick up what we need… Hi, Mom… Merry Christmas… Who am I taking with me to the cabin? What makes you think I'm not going alone?" He looked at Mac, raising his eyebrows in question.

She nodded.

"Okay, you're right. I am taking someone… It's Mac… That's good to know, Mom…Yes, I remember you once told me she was quite the girl… How long have we been dating? Not long… Okay, I'll tell her… Yes, I'm very fortunate to have her in my life right now… Tell Frank I said thanks… Bye." He ended the call.

"Your mother said something about me?" Mac asked.

"Just before we went to Russia. She's been hoping we'd get together for years."

"You never told me."

"Yeah, I kept quiet about a lot of things. But not anymore. So, how about it? Would you like to spend a long weekend with me?"

"I would love to spend the weekend with you, Harmon Rabb, Jr."

Harm pulled her into his arms, and their lips met. Mac willingly opened her mouth to his questing tongue. His hands roamed over her body, and she shivered as they made their way beneath her blouse. She ran her fingers through his hair, loving the feel of it being slightly longer. Desire pooled between Mac's legs and she whimpered when the need for air forced them apart.

Both were breathing hard. Mac was tempted to say to hell with the cabin and pull him into the bedroom. But she knew getting away from everything, and everyone would be nice. After she had a couple of minutes to catch her breath, she said. "So, uh, what kind of clothes do I need to pack?"

Harm's voice was husky. "You won't need many."

Mac's breath caught in her throat.

"Seriously, just casual things—jeans, sweaters, the like. If we have time, we can hike in the nearby mountains."

"As long as it doesn't involve crazed poachers."

"We need to swing by my place so I can throw some things together. The weather is supposed to be nice, but just the same, I think its best we take the Lexus. We should get there by late afternoon."

"Give me ten minutes, and I'll be ready."

He drove through the quiet streets of Georgetown with one destination in mind. Sarah Mackenzie's apartment. He didn't want to believe what he'd heard last night, but he had to see for himself.

When he turned onto the familiar street, he saw Sarah Mackenzie's car in its usual place. But parked behind it was a classic 1968 Corvette. There couldn't be too many like that in DC. No doubt who it belonged to.

He drove by slowly, resisting the urge to stop. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out Rabb had probably spent the night.

Damn. The man has managed to weasel his way back into her life. This was something he couldn't allow. Them being together would mess up the entire plan. Somehow, he had to find a way to keep them apart.

A/N: In My Life by The Beatles