Here you go! Chapter two. Hope you like!

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10:30 am

Two hours later they were still at the café. Breakfast had been excellent in taste, company and conversation. It had been a while since they had been able to just sit and talk without the pressures of the lab looming over them. Stella was impressed; Mac seemed to be completely focused on her. He had not looked at his watch once and the only time he had touched his phone was to turn it off as it rang, about thirty minutes ago. She had been unable to fault him for checking to see who the caller was. It was nice to have his undivided attention, and truth be told, she wished she had it more often.

Glancing at her own watch she proclaimed that it was time to go.

"Is there any point – "

"Nope!" Her smile made him just a little unwary.

Collecting their things, they started making their way out of the building. Laughter ensued as both tried to make it to the door first: Mac bent on opening it for her and Stella determined not to let him. Quickly stepping around him, Stella was about to proclaim her victory when a man who was coming in held the door for her.

"I win by proxy." Mac smirked after he shot the other man a look that made any thoughts the observer had about Stella quickly vanish.

"What is it with men and doors? I'm not a feminist but to go out of your way…" she trailed off.

"Stella, you are a beautiful woman, men are going to take notice. The boors will look at you as a piece of meat; the chivalrous will do what comes naturally." Mac placed his hand lightly at the small of her back guiding her outside as she blushed and turned her face from him.

"Mac…"

"You are, don't even bother. So, do I at least get a hint of what is about to take place or what?" he asked to diffuse what could possibly become an uncomfortable situation.

A thoughtful look came over Stella's face as she gave Mac an appraising look. "Hmmm, you might not be dressed for the occasion…but I guess you'll dry."

"I'll what?" Mac was understandably incredulous and very skeptical.

"Dry, Mac, dry. Now come on, we'll miss the fun if we're late. We're walking again." Mac groaned as she stuck her arm through his, yet allowed her to drag him down the street.

For the next several blocks, during which linked arms unraveled to wrap around waists, they again walked in companionable silence, punctuated occasionally by Mac asking futile questions about their destination. He knew she'd never answer but enjoyed making her smile and relished the occasional laugh that came from her lips. People they passed always took second glances, enjoying the sight of the striking couple; his head tilted towards her, obviously trying to get her to tell him something, which she, in turn was not giving up. Laughter was in their eyes, back lit by something else.

After about ten minutes Stella stopped them, enjoying the look of slight confusion on Mac's face as he took in their location.

"The Humane Society? And what exactly are we doing here?"

"I volunteer here for two hours on my days off. I like animals and my place won't let me have one. This is the closest I can come to owning one. Today is bath day!!" She smiled in delight at the look of realization that dawned on her partners face.

"I'll dry." His voice was full of irony. "And smell like dog for the rest of the day as well as who knows what else."

"They give us lab coats, rubber gloves and aprons. You'll be fine. Now let's go." It was clear that she was looking forward to what was about to take place.

"Hey Stella! They're setting up in the back. Who's this?" The grandmotherly receptionist greeted them as they walked in.

"This is my friend Mac Taylor. He also happens to be my boss. I dragged him along today."

"Reeeeeally? A friend you say?"

"Yes, a friend. And no matchmaking Rena. We're going to the back now."

"Care to explain?" Mac asked as they moved down a hall.

"That's Rena. She's our Yente; always matchmaking. She was married to her husband for 45 years. He died last year of a heart attack. She was devastated; they had been high school sweethearts."

"She seems sweet."

"She is. So far she's successfully set up two others here with their spouses. Her sights are currently set on me; she keeps asking me what I like in a man."

"And what do you tell her?" He couldn't help but ask.

Stella wriggled her eyebrows at him. "That I like stubborn scientist-Marines with an exaggerated hero complex."

Mac was taken aback at her bold statement, but quickly recovered. "Are you flirting with me Miss Bonasera?"

"Never." Stella could not believe she had said that, but was quick to cover the slip with her typical humour and sarcasm. "Now move it Taylor. Time to play in the water with some animals. Let's get you wet."

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So in case you're wondering: this chapter is inspired by my brother and sister-in-law. About once a month they go down to the local animal shelter and play with the animals. It's one of their favourite things to do.