A/N: Sorry for the long time in updating. I can't seem to get my muse to cooperate. This one is adults only. Enjoy…

Count on Me

Remote Cabin – Virginia Countryside
December 25, 2003
1715 Local

Harm pulled the Lexus onto a winding gravel road that led into the forest. They had gotten a late start from DC, and even though he'd made Mac an enormous breakfast (by his standards), she complained of being hungry on the drive down.

He found a truck stop with a twenty-four-hour restaurant. Mac ordered a double cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate milkshake. Not for the first time, Harm wondered where she put all that food and still managed to maintain her slender frame.

Fortunately for him, they had an extensive salad bar. As usual, Mac teased him about eating his eating habits. "I don't know how you manage to keep your strength only salad."

"My strength is just fine, thank you." He wanted to add he would show her just how much stamina he had but figured their newfound relationship was still a bit precarious, and he didn't want to do anything to rock the boat.

Mac gasped in surprise when he rounded a corner, and the cabin came into view. It was secluded but still offered breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.

"You like it?"

"It's beautiful. I had no idea your stepfather owned property in Virginia."

"He bought it as an investment. For a while, they contracted through a property management firm to rent it out as a vacation home. But when the contract expired, Frank decided to allow only family and close friends to use it. I think he and Mom have stayed here less than a dozen times over the years." Harm parked the Lexus near the front entrance.

"If this were my place, I'd come every chance I'd get," Mac said as she got out of the car.

"Leave our things for now. I'll get them later. We are just in time to see the sunset."

The two-story log cabin had a wrap-around porch with an outdoor hot tub. The inside had vaulted ceilings, a rock fireplace, and floor to ceiling windows in the living room. While chilly, the inside temperature wasn't unbearable, but Harm adjusted the thermostat. "I'll build a fire later. Frank said there was plenty of firewood."

Mac hurried to look at the setting sun. Harm walked up behind and put his arms around her. She leaned back against his hard body. "It's like a picture," she said.

They stood and watched silently as the sun dipped below the horizon. Finally, Mac turned in his arms. "Thank you for this."

"My pleasure," he said as their lips met.

Mac willingly opened her mouth to Harm's probing tongue, and she allowed hers to dance with his. Being with him felt good. Right. She wondered what it would feel like to take him inside her. It wasn't the first time she'd fantasized about making love with him.

Shortly after they'd met, she told him that dress whites and gold wings were overrated. But when she entered his room in Columbia all those years ago, it was all she could stand not to throw herself at him. He'd looked so damned handsome in that uniform.

Mac felt his growing arousal against her stomach, and she moaned as his hands skimmed the sides of her breasts. Finally, the need for air forced them apart. Breathless, they pulled away from one another.

Harm's voice was husky when he spoke. "As much as I want to continue this, it will be dark soon. We need our bags from the car, and I also want to bring some wood inside. That is if you'd like a fire."

"That would be nice." Mac gave him a quick peck on the lips, then glanced around the room. She glanced around the room. "So, where is everything?"

"There are two bedrooms upstairs. The master bedroom and bath are through that door. Look around while I bring our things inside."

Mac waited until Harm left before entering the bedroom. It was spacious with a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. A large jacuzzi tub was in one corner near the windows, and French doors opened to the deck.

A king-sized bed, matching bedside tables and dresser, a love seat, lounge chair, and lamp completed the room's furnishings. Everything was of the finest quality, which came as no surprise to Mac.

The bath was equally spacious with a double walk-in shower. Mac couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to share it with Harm, and her body tingled in anticipation. Walking back into the bedroom, she glanced at the jacuzzi. It was large enough for two people. She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't hear him enter the room.

"I'll put our things in the closet. That is unless you want me to sleep upstairs."

"We shared a bed last night, didn't we?"

Harm's voice grew husky. "But last night, all we did was sleep."

"It's okay, Harm. Put our things in here." Mac wasn't sure why the thought of really sleeping with Harm suddenly made her nervous. She'd dreamed of the moment almost from the first time they met.

"So, how many women have you brought to this place?" she asked

"Why would you think I'd brought anyone here?"

She half smiled, trying to keep the mood in teasing banter. "Come on. No long-legged blondes?"

"Despite what you might think, I don't flirt with every skirt that walks past me. I've never brought another woman here."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "You haven't? I would have thought—"

"Mac, there was a time when you could say I was a sailor with a woman in every port. Before I… Doesn't matter. Believe it or not, I'm not that man anymore. I'm going to start the fireplace. You can join me whenever."

Oh, God. What have I done?

It was thirty-two minutes and twenty-seven seconds before Mac dared to emerge from the bedroom. She hadn't intended to offend Harm or hurt his feelings. Her nervousness got the best of her.

So, she'd spent the last half-hour trying to calm herself.

Relax, that's your best friend in there. Your best friend who wants to have an intimate relationship with. Isn't that what you've wanted for years?

Yeah, since Australia. No Russia. No, the time in the Appalachian Mountains. No, since Red Rock Mesa, or really since the Rose Garden.

Now they were so close, and she'd managed to screw it up. Harm was usually the one to open mouth and insert foot, not her. Taking a deep breath, she walked into the living room. He sat on the sofa facing the fireplace, head back, and eyes closed. A small table lamp and the fire provided the only light.

Mac stopped and drank in the sight of him. He was still the most handsome man she'd ever met. He looked different with the beard and longer hair, but she liked it. He would have never been able to get away with that if he was still in the Navy.

There was a time when you could say I was a sailor with a woman in every port... I'm not that man anymore

Mac gasped. The Navy. Forced to leave after getting in his twenty years. Two DFCs, a silver star. Years spent flying F14s, then becoming a Jag lawyer. All that was gone. He'd given it all up. For her.

And what had she done? Not some much as even thanked him. Didn't defend his actions before the admiral. Her words, "But sir, he saved my life," were pathetic.

Had the situation been reversed, Harm would have gone the distance. He would have pointed out how Chegwidden had gone from the stance of "no man left behind" to a suck ass weakling who catered to the SECNAV's every whim. He wouldn't have cared about being brought up on charges.

Tears flowed down her cheeks as she realized just what Harm had sacrificed for her. She was angry with him in Paraguay because he wouldn't say the words. But his actions spoke much louder.

"Mac, what's wrong?" Harm sprang from the sofa and rushed to her. "Why are you crying?"

"I… I'm sor.. Sorry."

"Hey, it's okay. I realize you were teasing about me bringing other women here. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did. Come, sit down." He led her to the couch, then sat beside her.

"No, it's not that. I'm sorry for what I did to you. I should never have taken that assignment in Paraguay. If I hadn't, you'd still be in the Navy. You gave it all up for me, and I never even thanked you." She laid her head on his shoulder and wept.

Harm kissed the top of her head. "Mac, honey, it's okay. Don't cry."

She sniffled, then managed a smile. "Don't want to give the corps a bad name."

"You'd never do that,' he said, pulling her into his arms.

The kiss was gentle at first, then Harm's tongue touched the seam of her lips, asking permission to enter. Mac willingly opened her mouth to his exploring tongue. All the while, Harm's hands weren't idle as they caressed Mac beneath her sweater. Her tongue meshed with his as they tasted one another.

They broke apart briefly for air only to come together once again. When Harm ran his hands beneath her sweater, Mac reluctantly pulled away and raised her arms so he could remove it. He reached for the front clasp of her bra, then deftly flicked it open, allowing Mac's ample breasts spilled forth.

He paused for a moment, drinking in the sight of her before his mouth latched onto one cinnamon nipple. Mac's head tilted back in pleasure as he nursed from her. She'd waited so long for them to be together. It couldn't be real. It had to be a dream. She opened her eyes to see his dark head buried between her breasts.

It is real. Not a dream.

Then her eyes noticed something else. The windows were bare.

"Um, Harm."

His voice was husky. "Yeah, babe?"

"The windows. Someone could see us."

"Maac," he said, drawing out her name. "Now who's being a prude?"

"I'm not! It's just that—"

"The cabin is on ten acres of private property that backs up to a national forest. Not likely anyone is nearby, and if they were, Frank has some pretty sophisticated security equipment. Do you really want me to stop?" His hand brushed her hardened nipple, causing her to moan in pleasure.

"No. Don't. Please don't stop."

As Harm continued his ministrations, Mac began exploring on her own, running her hands down his muscular back. She tugged at his shirt, wanting to pull it free from his jeans. She'd seen him shirtless before and wanted to run her fingers through what she knew was the right amount of chest hair. It tapered to his flat abs, and she longed to see the part of him she'd only dreamed about.

Harm helped her to pull his shirt over his head, which Mac tossed across the room. He lay back on the sofa pulling her on top of him. Both topless, the sensation of skin against skin made Mac want more. She could feel his growing erection straining against his jeans as she ran her hand over him.

Mac lowered with his zipper, then reached inside his boxers to wrap her fingers around his already swollen shaft.

Harm groaned with pleasure.

"You like?"

"Oh, yeah. But if you keep that up, this is going to be over before it begins." He pulled her hand away, then went to work on getting her out of her jeans. Clothes flew as they frantically undressed one another. Finally, the two of them were completely naked.

Harm stood, then took her hand and led her to the rug in front of the fireplace, their hands still caressing one another, tongues still dueling. There would come a time for slow and easy, but for now, there had been too many years of pent up passion.

"Mac, I don't think I can be gentle," Harm said as he prepared to enter her.

"Don't be gentle. Be good."

And he was.

Remote Cabin – Virginia Countryside
December 26, 2003
0945 Local

Mac blinked as she awakened When she opened her eyes, she was surprised to see it was well after the break of day. She figured it must be mid-morning. After a night of lovemaking, her internal clock was all out of whack. But at this point, who cared?

She snuggled deeper beneath the covers, relishing the feel of the strong arm wrapped around her waist and the naked body beside her.

Harm.

Her one-time partner. Her best friend. Her lover. After their initial love-making session by the fireplace, Harm had carried her into the bedroom and laid her gently on the bed. Their second time was slow and gentle, with each of them taking the time to explore one another's bodies.

They couldn't get enough of one another. They made love a third time while sharing the shower and then a fourth.

Mac smiled. Maybe today, they'd share the whirlpool.

She felt Harm stir and turned to face him. His hair was mussed. He looked adorable as he opened his baby blue eyes. Last night, they had been smoky gray with passion.

"Hey," he said.

"Hey, yourself."

"What time is it?"

"Around 0930 or so."

Harm cocked an eyebrow. "What? You mean your internal clock isn't working?"

"You knocked it out of whack."

"Oh, I did, huh?"

"I'm confident it will come back." She placed a gentle kiss on his lips.

"Happy?"

"Extremely. And you?"

"Never better."

Mac looked away, lost in thought.

"Something on your mind?"

"Just thinking. Men have waltzed in and out of my life, but you've always been there."

"Not always. Not for the last six months…"

"Well, most of that was my fault. I wanted to be angry with you, but I couldn't be. Deep down inside I know I could always count on you."

"You can always count on me. I don't ever want to leave you again Mac."

"And I don't want you to."

A/N: Count on Me by Jefferson Starship