so... this is kinda going into a longer direction than i originally anticipated. oh well. i'm not actually sure how to finish this yet... but anyway, this chapter is mostly dialog to move along the story. i'm not fond of this chapter - but i needed to get something up and out there. so here it is.

If he blamed himself for anything, even in the slightest bit, it was for bringing Brian back into their lives. He was a smart man, sometimes too smart. He brought Brian in to torture Mackenzie, he wrote the damn article and was sent on his way. And now he's forced his way back into their lives.
Another thing he blamed himself for was that Mackenzie felt the need to protect him. He knew many things; she was sorry, she accept any punishment he threw her way, she would do anything to correct her mistake. But he didn't know she loved him.

She loved him.

He was still trying to grasp this concept. He still loved her so much. After everything he was completely in love with this women.

He looked down at her. She was fast asleep. Her legs crossed over his, her head still on his shoulder. Her arms wrapped tightly around his midsection, gripping on to his shirt. His arm causally draped over her, his left hand rest on her legs. It had been a long day for her. Talking to Habib took more out of her than he anticipated; she cried for a good hour after he left. They grabbed something to eat on the way back and they've been on the couch ever since.
Will wanted to take her away again, make everything better. He knew that he could. He was the only one she trusted in right now. Maybe he could clear some time with Charlie next week, he could take her away. A mini-vacation. She'd never go for it; claiming she had much more work to do than she really did have. But in be end, he'd convince her, even if it meant lying about where they were actually going.

"I can't tell you specifics," Will sighed. "I just need a week off with Mackenzie."

"Are you two planning to elope?" Charlie took a sip of his scotch.

"Uh..." Will chucked. "I wouldn't be opposed to it."

"Do I need to know?" Charlie asked seriously. "Is everything okay? She's okay?"

"She's okay now." Will looked out the window.

"You guys can have the week off. Fuck, get out of here now for all I care. But I expect you back in that chair in a week."

"You know she'll bring me back here in one piece."

"She doesn't mess around, William. Don't hurt her."

"I won't." Will got up and headed towards the door. "Do me a favor," he stopped at turned around.

"Hmmm?"

"Tell her to leave. She'll argue with me all day. Tell her to leave at lunch - I will take care of the rest."

"You are a piece of work," Charlie picked up his phone and began to dial Mackenzie's number.

Will went back to his office to shut down and leave before Mackenzie could catch him. He was also on the phone with Lonney explaining what was about to happen; where they were going. He made all the necessary arrangements in a simple phone call.

He was letting himself into his apartment when his phone rang.

"Hey Mac,"

"It's the strangest thing, Charlie just told me to leave and if I didn't then I would be fired. Are you behind this, William?"

He smiled. "I'll be at your place soon." He tried to keep his voice even, not to let up on his excitement.

"You know I hate surprises."

"It won't be a surprise." Will laughed. "I'll tell you where we are going when we are going."

"We are going somewhere?"

"Yes." Will was throwing things in a suitcase. "Pack Mackenzie."

"How will I know what to pack?"

"Whatever you want will be perfect." And with that he hung up.

Mackenzie went home and started to pack. Throwing random items in her bag, hoping they would suffice for wherever they were going.
She could help the excitement that ran through her body - time away with Will was some thing that she desperately missed. Vacations with Will were always amazing.

She was brought back to reality when there was a knock on her door. She zipped up her bag and tried to walk as calmly as possible to answer it.

"Are you going-" she stopped when she realized it wasn't Will.

"Good afternoon, Mackenzie."

"Hey Lonney."

"You ready? I'm instructed to take your baggage and you down to the car."

"Please tell me Will is down there as well? It is this another surprise?"

"Will is waiting in the vehicle." Lonney smiled.

"Here's to nothing then." Mackenzie smiled as Lonney took her bags.

"We will stop for lunch and then get going."

"Can I ask where?"

"Will told me not to answer your questions."

"A hint?"

"You didn't hear this from me, we are going to the airport after lunch."

"The airport?" Mackenzie was flabbergasted.

"Remember, I didn't tell you anything." Lonney smirked.

"Can you tell me where we are going?" Mackenzie climbed in next to Will.

"That would ruin all the fun."

"So you're kidnapping me?"

"I could drug you and it would make it a whole lot easier." Will grabbed her hand. "Just relax, Kenz."

"I just -"

"Don't like not being in control." Will finished with her.

"Yeah." Mackenzie added.

"Do you trust me?" Will asked, still holding on to her hand.

"Of course.." Mackenzie's face softened and squeezed his hand.

"Promise me you'll just let me take care of everything?"

"Will," Mackenzie sighed.

"Promise me."

"Promise." Mackenzie smiled.

"The next week is nothing but me and you, relaxing, talking, stress free, work free..." His hand moved up to cup her cheek, "it's just you and me." He finished in a whisper.

"Why? What is this?" She asked, eyes closed, leaning into him.

"Because I think after the whole thing with Brian, you need a vacation. And you need to relax and-" He was cut off by Mackenzie kissing his lips.

"Thank you." She whispered into his lips.

"No need to thank me." He smiled against her lips. After a moment she pulled away first, blushing, suddenly shy if her bold move, she turned to look out the window.

It was a quick and quiet ride to the airport. They made it quickly through security and baggage check, and they made it to the gate just as they started boarding first class.