Chapter 3

When Mac and Stella got back to the lab. They headed right to Adam.

"Adam!! Did you find anything on the clothing?"

"Nothing Mac. The only trace and blood belonged to Danny and Lindsay. I'm really sorry boss."

"It's okay Adam. Thanks for trying."

Walking away, Mac headed to his office.

"You think he's going to be alright?"

"He'll be fine Adam. Don't worry."

"It's nice to have you back Stella. I just wish it had been under better terms."

"Thanks Adam. You and me both. I'll see you later."

Stella walked down and seen Mac sitting in his office with his hands between his face.

"You okay Mac?"

"I'm fine Stella. Just a little tired."

Reaching up she touched his shoulder.

"Why don't you head home Mac. Everything's been handle with Lindsay. Get yourself some rest."

"Rest?? How long have you known me Stella. I'm the one who doesn't know how to rest, remember?" He teased.

Smiling she softly caressed his face.

"How about you try. Come on Mac. I'll even walk you home."

Mac grinned.

"You go ahead Stel. I think I'll stay here a bit. I have a few more cases to close before I head home."

Sitting on the edge of his desk she smiled.

"Okay, you win. I'll go get the coffee. You pull out the files and we will work on them together. How's that?"

Smiling he just couldn't tell her no. Sliding off his desk he watched her as she walked from his office. Admiring her gorgeous form as he caressed her up and down with his eyes.

"I feel that Taylor." She laughed as she walked down the hall.

Mac began to think back to Don's earlier words.

"You know what I think Mac? I think you love her."

Shaking his head from such thoughts he grabbed the files they needed and sat them on the table.

Flack's Apartment.

Flack awoke to the sound of movement coming from his living room. Getting out of bed he seen Danny getting dressed.

"Where you think you're going Messer?"

"I just need to see her Don. I need to make sure she's...she's...."

"You were given direct orders to stay away from the lab Danny. How's it going to look if Mac realizes I can't even get you to stay put."

"I'm sorry man. Please understand I need to see her."

Sobbing again, Don gripped him in his arms.

"Okay Danny. Give me a few minutes to get dressed. We'll go down together."

"Thanks man. Thanks."

Heading into his room Don called Mac to give him the heads up on Danny coming in to see Lindsay's body.

When Stella came back with the coffee she found Mac sleeping on the couch. How sweet he looked. Reaching her hand up she caressed his cheek. She wasn't sure why she did it. She just knew it felt right.

Stroking her fingertip across it, she felt his warm hand cover hers as he opened his eyes.

"What are you up to there Stel?"

Blushing she shyly lowered her head. Mac could tell she was nervous about being caught. He could feel it in her pulse.

"I was just waking you. You feel alseep Mac. I told you you should go home."

Mac let the subject drop. He could tell she was embarressed enough.

"As soon as we get these files done."

Taking a sip of coffee, Mac could still feel her caress on his cheek. Funny he thought to himself. She had caressed his cheek several times. But somehow this time it felt different, more meaningful, almost loving.

Shaking himself from his thoughts again, he reached for a file.

*Ring,ring*

"Taylor."

"Hey Mac. I've tried my best to keep Danny here. But he's determined to see Lindsay. I really don't think I can stop him this time."

"Okay Don. That's fine. Bring him down. We'll be waiting."

When Don arrived with Danny the first thing he noticed was how pale and tired Danny looked.

"You are stubborn Danny. I told you to stay put. You need rest, and time to heal."

"I'll rest after I see Lindsay. I just need to see her for myself Mac."

He understood that. But he could also tell Danny wasn't well enough to even stand.

"Let's go. I'll take you down."

As they entered Sid was waiting with Lindsay.

"We'll leave you alone Danny."

"Thanks Sid. I appreciate it."

Leaving Danny to say good bye. Sid headed upstairs with Mac.

"Think he'll be okay Mac?"

"I think so. It's going to take time. He's strong though. he'll get through it. especially with the help of our family."

Sid smiled he knew what had meant by that comment.

"Hi Stella."

"Hi Sid. would you like a coffee or something? I can still catch Don. He just went down to get one."

"No I'm fine. Thanks though. If I may say it's great to have you back. I'm just sorry it had to be under these circumstances."

"I know Sid. I really do. It's going to seem different around here without Lindsay."

Leaving Stella talking with Sid. Mac went back to his files. Opening one he couldn't seem to concentrate. The only thing on his mind was that caress that still burned on his cheek.

"Air. Air is what I need." He said to himself.

Getting up he left his office and walked outside.

"Where you going Mac?"

"I'll be back Stella. I just need some air."

"He's just upset and worried about Danny. He'll be fine Stella. He's just being Mac."

"Yeah. Yeah, I guess."

A short time later Danny came back up. Walking into Mac's office he sat down.

"Now will you go home and rest?"

"Yeah. Sure Mac. Where's Don?"

"He's here. I'll page him for you."

"You called Mac?"

"Danny's ready to go back to your place now. Try and keep him there please."

"Sure. Let's go Danno. No more walks tonight."

Helping him up, he wrapped his arm around his waist and led him to the car.

Closing up the last file Mac noticed it was three in the morning.

"That's it Stel. Come on I'll take you home."

Standing Stella felt the stiffness in her legs. Stretching her arms in the air, Mac watched in fevered passion. God she was like a Goddess. "Snap out of it Taylor."

"Okay Mac, I'm ready."

Walking out from his office, he flicked off the light.

"Why don't you take the morning off Stella?"

"No. I'll be fine Mac. I can handle it." She smiled sweetly.

As they neared her apartment she reached for her keys. Unlocking the door she turned....

"Well. This is me Mac. Thanks for walking me home. I'll see you in the morning."

"Okay Stel. Goodnight."

Closing the door she breathed a sigh. "Oh God. Settle down heart." For the last few weeks Mac had been playing on her mind at night. The dreams she had of him were so vivid, so real. She could taste him, the scent, the aura of his kiss, his stroke, his warm breath. "Damn it Stella, stop."

Heading into the bathroom she turned on the shower to near cold. Dropping her clothes she climbed in. Allowing the chill of the water to wash away any remaining thoughts of him from her mind. Or so she thought.

When Mac arrived at home, he dropped his keys on the table and started a pot of coffee. He knew he was to wired to sleep. Closing his eyes for the briefest of moments he seen her. Seen her body stretch as her little shirt raised above her waist showing her belly button, her flattened tummy.

Oh the thoughts, as he could see her playing within his mind. Opening his eyes he headed to the bathroom and turned on the shower. The only thing he knew was he had to get her off his mind and fast. She was his co-worker, his best friend. There was no way in hell he would cross that line.

Dropping his shirt to the ground, the phone rang.

"Taylor."

"Hey Mac."

"Don?? What's the matter?"

"Nothing. Just wanted to let you know that Danny has finally settled down. I gave him two of his tranqs, he's out."

"Good. He needs it. How is he mentally?"

"I'm not sure. He's still emotional. But I think he's going to be fine. Though I'm begining to think it may be a good idea not to send him to Montana with Lindsay's body. I think it would be to much on him. Especially to face her family."

"Yeah. I've been thinking about that myself. Okay. I'll cancel the flight for him, let him sleep in the morning. Try not to wake him unless you have to."

"Okay Mac. I'll talk to you sometime tomorrow."

Hanging up the phone Mac dropped the rest of his clothes and stepped into the shower. Feeling the water spray across his skin he closed his eyes, and felt her, smelled her. Each and every drop that touched his skin caused it to shiver. Like a fingertip caress from her delicate hands.

So lost in her now. He could feel his body begin to heat in pleasure, in desires that had long been forgotten. Losing himself deeper within his thoughts he could feel his soul seperate, his spirit begin to soar. God the passion was too much, as he smacked his hands against the shower wall.

Opening his eyes he swore under his breath..."Christ sakes, this has got to stop." Stepping out of the shower, he dried himself off, slipped into his sweats, and collapsed on his bed. His last thought being....Stella.

tbc...