Chapter 20: An Herbivore I Am Not

Mac shivers, both from Harm's words and his gentle ministrations. Perhaps she should rethink his not being able to talk or her ability to hear. Now that she has heard what could probably be termed as his "bedroom voice," she can't wait to hear it when they actually make it to the bedroom, and her name is the one emanating from his lips in the throes of passion. She may very well turn into a pile of goo before they even get things started. Who knew that a simple voice could be such a turn on? Actually, she did know. She has heard his voice lowered, several times over the years, in fact. A perfect example occurred in his office after she had returned from her father's funeral. She had remarked "it was getting dark in here" and he replied "is it?"

Another instance is when he practically seductively whispered her name, her real name, on the ferry in Australia. However, none of those times affected her as much as his voice was moving her today. Maybe it was because back then, she was completely confused as to how he felt about her, and now she has no doubts.

She knows that they need to talk too, but she figures a little bit of rest might be in order before they cross that bridge. She hopes he doesn't have the same reaction she exhibited in Paraguay, if she asks to table the discussion until later, even though she plans to rephrase it slightly. She also doesn't want anyone to interrupt them in the middle of said discussion, or more amorous activities, again. She could very well end up with another bruise, unrelated to the accident, if Harm has to bury his chin in her shoulder from embarrassment again. She also surmises that someone will be coming to check on her vitals soon, so she will wait to nap until after that happens. However, she can't resist needling Harm a little bit more first.

She teases, "So, my lips are tangy, huh?"

Harm leans over for another lingering taste, tracing his tongue across the seam of her lips. When he has finished his investigation, he smiles, "Yes, they are. However, I may have to refrain from kissing you directly after you have a Beltway Burger."

Mac smiles, "Don't want to taste ketchup?"

Harm wrinkles his nose, "Ketchup wouldn't be so bad, but I have no desire to taste any form of dead animal!"

Mac exclaims, "You still don't eat meat? I figured after all these years; you finally would have given in at some point."

Harm gasps, "Not on your life! I would look like the Pillsbury Doughboy if I indulged in half of the garbage I have seen you eat." He lets his gaze travel down her beautiful body as he remarks, "Wherever you pack it away obviously isn't visible, but not all of us were blessed with great metabolism, especially as we grow older."

Mac blushes under his scrutiny. Apparently, Harm is just as happy to be able to look at her body all he wants as she is to be able to ogle his. Even better, she can also touch him whenever she wants to. She really wishes he would let her just check out of the hospital now. There are things they need to discuss, and things she wants to do with him and to him. Before she can begin to start arguing her case, there is a knock on the door.

The nurse that interrupted them earlier when Harm had to take a phone call is exhibiting a slight pink tinge to his features as he walks in the room. He is probably still slightly embarrassed from the episode he walked in on earlier, even though he has probably walked in on much worse. People who face losing each other tend to exhibit some dramatic actions. The nurse probably wasn't nearly as flustered as Harm was, but Mac still finds it cute. And they always accuse women of blushing! Harm moves away from the bed, so that the nurse can see to his duties.

The nurse clears his throat, "I'm sorry I didn't have a proper chance to introduce myself earlier. I'm Gary, and I've come to check your vitals, and to see what you would like for dinner. The cafeteria isn't the greatest, but we do have several selections, including some vegetation options, if you would like."

Mac laughs out loud. She gestures her thumb pointing in Harm's direction, "That one over there is the rabbit! If I have to pick something, I'll take whatever is best fit for a carnivore. I don't suppose you would have a nice medium rare NY strip on the menu?" Gary shakes his head in the negative. Mac grins, "I didn't think so. However, I'm hoping I can talk him into getting me a nice, big, fat, greasy, juicy burger with a side of fries and a chocolate shake! It's been years since I have had a fantastic Beltway Burger."

Harm shakes his head, "Not on your life, Marine! Even if I had my car, which I don't, I am not leaving the hospital until you do. However, you might be able to convince me to order in some Chinese or a half and half pizza like the old days."

As Gary jots some notes down in Mac's chart, she teases, "I could always kick you out of my room until you agree to get me a burger."

Harm smiles, "Yeah, you could, but you won't. You missed me too much, and I think you told me you loved me too."

Mac continues, "There weren't any witnesses to that conversation, so I can deny it."

Harm laughs, "No ears may have heard your comments, but your fair nurse here definitely saw some things that could be construed as romantic activities when he walked in here earlier."

Gary again buries his note in the paper on the clipboard, wishing he was anywhere but here at the moment.

Mac shrugs her should, "Meh. Circumstantial evidence. And if I recall correctly, the only thing he saw was your head buried in my shoulder. I didn't know you could play ostrich so well, Harm."

Harm grins, "In that case, I could come over there and kiss the living daylights out of you right now."

Mac chuckles, "Nah, you wouldn't do that. You're too much of a prude! I don't see you as a man who is really into public displays of affection."

Harm raises his eyebrows to his hairline, and folds his arms over his chest, taunting, "Is that a challenge, Mac?"

The nurse seeks to excuse himself, not wanting to be in the middle of this verbal sparring match any longer. He offers, "Miss MacKenzie, everything looks good. If you can just press the buzzer when you decide on dinner, I'll be happy to put your order in."

Harm walks back over to her bed, and tells her, "If you weren't in a hospital bed right now, I would hoist you over my shoulder, and fireman carry you to the bedroom."

Mac's voice gets extremely husky, and there is a definite twinkle in her eye, as she whispers, "I look forward to it."