Hey everyone! Finally I'm updating this story again! I know it's been a while but I just didn't get anything done lately so yeah... hope you don't kill me now... ;-)

So... reviews have dropped since the new season started, which is kinda sad... I was waiting for reviews for this one and for Undercover Romance but lately it seems lots of readers don't want to continue... so anyways... THANKS to those of you who keeps reading ind reviewing! You guys really rock! And remember... it's your reviews that keeps my stories going!

Chapter twenty eight: Memories and 'What Ifs'

An hour after that little banter I was sitting at his bedside, my elbows rested on the edge of his bed and my head rested on my hands. Mac had fallen asleep about half an hour ago and I replaying our last conversation over and over again. I was now wondering if Mac had been jealous when I teased him with my 'date with the tub'. Was he really jealous? I mean if he was in love with me, as his mother had told me, he might have been, but would he really show it just like that? I didn't dare to call him on his questions, because I didn't want to force him into something and I also didn't want to destroy the light moment we had. But maybe I should have? Oh damn it Stella, stop it already! He loves you, just as you love him. Get that into your thick head! My brain scolded and I just shook my head and closed my eyes for a few seconds before I thought of the good times and bad time we shared.

Actually I was remembering the time before and after Mac had followed me to Greece to… well, to make sure I was going to be okay. Remembering the fight we had before I flew to Greece to get things cleared up, I quickly thought of the time I shared with Mac, far away from home. Actually I had been surprised that he followed me, but after all that happened during my time there, I was glad he did. And I'll never forget his heartfelt confession, when he told me he cared about me. Never will I forget how he looked at me when he said that. So much love and friendship in his blue eyes and yet so worried about my well being. Despite all the fights we had, we still were best friends and since the day he was shot by Patos I realized how much I actually needed him in my life. I didn't know how I could go on without him. How would I survive?

I remembered the moment we shared in his kitchen before Don called us to the third crime scene of that killer. I remembered the love that sparkled in Mac's eyes and the tenderness he was treating me with. I also remember the warm feeling that ran through my body as we stood inches away, eyes locked, searching for the right thing to do. I closed my eyes and I could smell the soft scent of his cologne and feel the feeling of his strong arm wrapped around my waist. My lips automatically curled into a smile as I remembered that he was the one wanting to take the next step, wanting to kiss me, but the image of us nearly kissing faded by someone softly calling my name. My eyes snapped opened and I sat up straight in my chair, looking at Mac who was now looking at me with a mixture of amusement and concern.

"Love that smile on you." He said, smiling shyly. "What were you thinking of?"

"Memories." I replied. "Memories of just the two of us."

"Must have been good ones referring to that smile."

"Actually… yes. But there are many good memories of you and me."

"True…" he said quietly and looked away.

"What is it, Mac?" I quickly called him on that gesture.

"Just thinking of…" he started but then there was a knock on the door and Dr. Hendricks entered the room. Inside I cursed him for his bad timing.

"Oh Ms. Bonasera, you're back?" he asked as he saw me sitting next to Mac's bed again.

"Yeah. Finished my interrogation." I replied and watched him as he checked on Mac again.

"Do you feel like eating Mr. Taylor?" he asked Mac.

"Do I have a choice? I think I could need some food." Mac answered with a smile.

"Yeah, you don't really have a choice. Any pain left?"

"No."

"Good, the nurse will come with dinner in a few minutes. Fever's now gone so you'll be just fine. I'm very satisfied with you Mr. Taylor." Dr. Hendricks smiled.

"Glad to hear that." Mac stated.

"You're lucky to have a great woman like Ms. Bonasera at your site. Seems you two have an invisible bond."

"That we do." Mac stated and looked at me with a soft smile, his face slightly flushing.

"Well, I'll be coming back tomorrow and I'll send a nurse with some supper for you. Do you want something, too, Ms. Bonasera?" he asked me, but I shook my head. I had some late lunch before I came here and I wasn't really hungry. Dr. Hendricks nodded and left the room, leaving Mac and me alone, wondering how he'd know all that about us without knowing us.

"Did you tell him something?" Mac wondered.

"Not a single word. He's good at observations. But that bond was obvious when I left for a few minutes and you scared me to death…" I said.

"I'm sorry… Can't really offer you something else…"

"It's okay, Mac. You're alive and awake and that's all that matters for me."

"Nice confession."

"Yeah, a confession that I care about you, but believe I confessed much more…" I stopped, before I ran into my own misery, but it was too late.

"I know." He nearly whispered.

WHAT! He knew? What did he knew? Could he remember that I said I loved him? How much did he really know? Oh Stella… you're seriously in trouble now…

"Y…you know? What do you know?" I dared to ask.

"Why so scared, Stella?"

"I'm not scared, Mac, just… surprised."

"Will you answer a question for me?" he asked a bit too shy.

"Sure."

"Did you mean what you said then? Honestly?"

"Yes I did."

"Good."

"Mac?" I asked, wondering what he was thinking now.

"Just thinking, Stell."

"Yeah, I can see that. Care to share?"

"Stella, don't be mad now or get me wrong, but… honestly I would like to tell ya, but… just not here. Okay?" he said and I knew he was pulling back once more, but why? I knew it was pointless to argue with him and honestly I didn't want to argue with him, so I just dropped the topic.

"I'm not mad, don't worry." I said with a smile just as another knock was heard and the nurse came with supper for Mac. What if he would pull back again? What if he didn't love me? What if…

Alright... I hope you liked it and please let me know what you think! I NEED YOUR REVIEWS!

A/N: I also have a new poll on my profile so to all of you who haven't voted yet... PLEASE DO!

Have a great Sunday everyone! blackrose538