Title: All I Need is You
Chapter 8 - Unpleasant Confessions & Uninvited Guests
Stella opened her eyes early the next morning and glanced up at Mac with a slight smile. As secure as she felt in her love and marriage to him; she now wondered what gave Ella McBride reason to come back, thinking that she could now be with Mac. I know Mac would never be unfaithful or lead her on intentionally, but has she been thinking that way for the past number of months she was in treatment? Stella's mind ponders as Mac's body gently shifted next to hers, his warm parted lips making her smile.
His arms around her tightened as she noticed his face slightly crunch and now wondered what his mind was offering in the way of negative thoughts. Ella? Even though it could be a negative thought, her mind was now a tad bit jealous to even share some of his head space with a woman who has no claim to the man she loves; her husband and soon to be father of her child.
Mac finally opened his eyes and looked down to see Stella looking at a picture of them on their wedding day; one of the first things she unpacked to personalize their new bedroom space.
"Thinking about me?" Mac questioned, forcing Stella's eyes to immediately shift from the picture to lock with his.
"Thinking about you wearing nothing under your painting coveralls," she teased. Inside she knows that she has to push aside the small amount of insecurity about Ella McBride. I'm sure she got the picture, Stella tells herself. Besides, if I bring it up again, he'll just deny it and I'll show I'm paranoid for no reason.
"And can I have the same fantasy?" Mac asked as his hands gently rested on her warm belly.
"Hmm maybe," she teased as she smiled at him as their baby once again moved under the warm loving hand of its father. "I think our baby likes my suggestion."
"Ah," Mac smiled as he kissed her cheek. Mac's eyes wandered around their cluttered bedroom and he offered a heavy sigh before looking back down at his wife with a warm smile. "Lots to do today. But we have to paint first right?"
"It won't take us too long."
"How are you feeling this morning?"
"Just a bit tired," she answered as her finger drew small circles on his bare chest. "The baby isn't acting up," she giggled. "Blame the baby."
"Poor baby," Mac teased as his hand continued to linger on her warm stomach, delighting in the small movements of his child beneath his hand. He glanced at Stella and smiled, his mind however was a mix of love and concern. Love for his wife and child and concern over the return of Ella. He told himself that she had taken the hint, but he would never tell Stella that he had a nightmare were Ella did her harm.
I can only hope she took the hint, Mac thought as he pushed himself out of bed and hurried after Stella into the kitchen to get breakfast ready and start their day.
Carl opened his eyes and looked around the small bedroom for Ella. After dinner they had sex and had fallen asleep together. However, it was something she had said last night that he never bothered to mention as it would have killed the mood, but felt it needed to be addressed now that both were awake and it was a new day. Oh Mac...she had groaned just before climax, in a voice almost inaudible but something his brain still registered.
He quickly pulled on a pair of sweat pants and t-shirt and goes in search of his elusive lover. He finds her, coffee in hand, standing beside the window looking out.
"Morning," he frowned as he ran a hand through some dark brown hair.
"Morning," she answered with a tense smile as she watched him come closer. "You have that look on your face."
"You called me his name again last night."
"What are you talking about?"
"Damn it Ella! Just before you came and don't play dumb with me. I hate to sound so pissy in the morning, but kinda hard to remember great sex when you call me Mac instead of Carl."
"I was stressed..."
"During sex?"
"During sex! Before sex, after sex...whatever," her voice trailed off as she turned and looked back out the window. Will he even wonder if I see Mac's face instead of his when we have sex now? Carl can never understand me like Mac does!
"Ella?"
"What!" She snapped turning to him with a slight scowl. "You know I was locked up in that god forsaken place for the better part of a damn year! Yes I was happy to get help and I ran into an old friend who helped make that possible and I guess I was just so happy to be here and free that his name slipped out!"
"But..." Carl started, feeling remorse and falling into her trap once again.
"Suppose you think I don't love you either!"
"I never said that," Carl insisted as he came closer.
She looked at him with a frown; picking him early on because he bore a similar resemblance to the man she was really in infatuated with; Mac Taylor.
"Will you forgive me?"
"Carl..."
"Just kinda like to hear you call my name when we have sex," he huffed as he finally reached her and wrapped his arms around her. "To know you are thinking of me."
"I was thinking fo you." She kissed his cheek and hugged him back; eyes devoid of warmth and feeing, but her body just responding to a male touch as it had been programmed to from a small girl. "Want breakfast?"
"Sure," Carl smiled, telling himself that everything was back to normal; never guessing that inside the mind of the woman in his arms was a terrible plan to try to destroy a new family. A plan that he would, against his will and better judgment, play an integral role in.
"Okay now I like the look of that," Stella teased Mac as he pulled on the coveralls, his chest bare. He flexed for her, taking delight in her wide smile before reaching for a t-shirt. "Mac!"
"How about when we are actually done work?"
"Well I guess I'll be the only one playing fair," she stated as she took off her t-shirt and allowed him to feast upon the lacey bra that was under the coveralls.
"You call that fair?" Mac asked weakly. "That's not fair; now I won't be able to concentrate."
Stella laughed as she pulled her t-shirt back on, kissed her husband on the cheek and then headed past him into the living room to get started on the large task of painting their new living room. The morning progressed well with them able to finish most of the living room, kitchen, dining area and den with the warm earth tones that were bought a few days before.
Mac finished with the den and then headed back into the main area only to find Stella not there.
"Stella?"
"In here Mac," Stella called out from the baby's room.
Mac walked into the room to find Stella gently rocking back and forth in the nursing chair they bought a week after they found out; it had been on hold and delivered the same day as the rest of their belongings from storage.
"I guess we have to leave this room for now."
"Could paint it a neutral color," Mac suggested and Stella looked at him in surprise. "I know, I sound like you."
"Come here handsome," Stella smiled as she held out her hand for him to come closer. Mac slowly eased himself onto the floor, his eyes locked with hers before moving to her belly.
"How are you feeling?"
"Hungry and a bit stiff."
"Should have invested in a massage table," Mac suggested as her fingers gently played with dusty dark brown hair, his fingers making swirly patterns on her covered belly. "Hello little one, its daddy."
Stella listened to Mac's gentle words and smiled. When they first started living together; after Dario Fastido has forced them to basically speed things up; tension and uncertainty abounded. But as the days passed their marital bond only strengthened; survived a few near death experiences and came out stronger and even more determined to succeed. At first when she mentioned to Mac that she wanted him involved in the wedding plans she was prepared for pushback. But he surprised her by being there when needed, making some surprised adjustments on his own and actually enjoying being a part of the whole once in a lifetime process. Greece was a turning point for them. His attitude toward family life and being a husband had softened him and while at work he was still the hard ass leader his team had come to respect and admire; at home he was what was before her now, gentle, kind and in love with his family and the idea of now being a new father.
She also had worried about them not being as young as she would have hoped for two people starting out with a new life to look after; but once again his quiet confidence in both their combined abilities gave her the strength to want to face motherhood with minor anxiety. And as she listened to his loving words, a peaceful expression on his handsome face, his strong hands as they gently touched her swollen stomach, her love for him grew more than she thought possible.
Mac finally looked up at her with a slight frown. "What?"
"Just you," she echoed his favorite line. "And that's all."
Mac smiled at her before he reached for his phone. "Greek right?"
"Would be perfect," she replied as he ordered for pizza for lunch.
"So what did you decide about this room?"
"Well we could do the light brown and green. I have a feeling if we have a girl she won't be a big fan of pink."
"Why not?" Mac asked with arched brows.
"Too girly," Stella giggled. "When is the last time you saw me wear pink?"
Mac searched his brain before he offered a small shrug.
"I don't wear pink."
"And if we have a boy?"
"A mini Mac?"
"No more Mac's," he insisted as she bent down and kissed his ear before whispering in it.
"I like big Mac..."
Mac smiled as his body produced small shivers from her warm breath and then subsequent kiss that followed. "Stella..." he groaned as her tongue teased the warm crook of his ear. "Lunch is coming."
"Can't you be quick?"
"Don't like to be," he teased as he twisted himself around, reached his hand around the back of her head and guided her lips to his. "I like to enjoy you," he whispered before he started to taste her mouth. Stella's body leaned into her husband's her hands playing with the side of his face and dark sweaty strands of hair at the base of his neck, her mouth continued to devour his in return.
But just as he was about to ease her down the buzzer sounded and their connection was broken.
"Lunch is here," Mac stated as he regrettably pushed himself away and hurried toward the buzzer. He pushed it to enter but nothing happened. "I think it's broken, be right back up!" Mac called out as he quickly grabbed his wallet and headed outside.
Mac hurried down the exit stairs, not caring that he wasn't wearing shoes and then pushed his way into the foyer to get their lunch. But as he rounded the corner, he stopped short.
"What the..." his voice trailed off in quiet anger as he saw standing beside the delivery man; Ella McBride. With a whispered curse he pasted on a tight lipped smile and headed for the front door. Mac paid the delivery man, offered only a small nod to Ella and then turned to leave; praying she wasn't there to see him. His prayer wasn't answered.
"Mac!" She called out as she slipped between the two doors before they closed.
"Ella, what are you doing here?" Mac asked firmly, his smile long since gone.
"I came to see you. Are you free for lunch? I am and that smells great."
"I am not free and I have to go."
"You smell just as good," she whispered as she slowly moved in closer. "Are you busy?"
"Yes I'm busy. Ella, you need to leave."
"I came here to show my appreciation for all you did for me Mac."
"You are welcome and nothing more needs to be said. Now I have to go and you need leave as well."
"Do you find me attractive?" She wondered.
"I am going upstairs to have lunch with my wife," Mac offered with a hint of anger; not answering her question.
"Wife?" Ella questioned looking at his ring hand. "You don't have a ring on. Nice try Mac. Please, can I come up? I know how to be quick if you don't have much time."
"Ella, I am married and I didn't want to get paint thinner on my ring, why are you really here?"
"Mac, I'm sorry if I..."
"How did you find this place?" Mac demanded in frustration.
"New listing," she stated with a pout as she backs up a little. "I wanted to come and see you so we could spend the afternoon together. You helped me so much and this is the only way I know how to say thank you; to show you how much I appreciated all you did for me."
"Ella you really need to stop this," Mac stopped his tone softening, but telling himself he didn't owe her any kind of explanation into his personal life. "I have to go."
"Can I call you later? You know just to tell you how it went at the institution and stuff?" Ella questioned with a soft smile, her body now moving in closer, her hand on his arm, fingers gently feeling the taut muscle. "Since it was you that helped me so much."
"Ella, there is no point in calling, so please don't. I'm sure it was fine but I do have to go."
"Right, I see you're busy," she gulped back, her fists balling at her sides to keep her anger in check. I don't understand his hesitation, doesn't he want me? Her brain asked with misguided intent. How could he not want me? I even hinted at sex? All men want sex! "Okay Mac, I'll let you go right now and talk to you later."
"Ella, please there is no later."
"Mac!"
"What?"
"Are you mad at me?"
"Just not sure why you are doing this."
"For you."
"You need to move on with your life Ella. You thanked me and that is enough. Nothing more needs to be said or done. Please don't come back here. Goodbye."
Mac offered only a small nod as he hurried back upstairs. With each step he took his mind argued about telling Stella. If I tell her then she'll only be upset for the rest of the day. I'm sure I made it clear this time. But I thought I did last time? However, I don't lie to Stella, my wife and she needs to know. Damn it! He curses himself but knows what he has to do and so finally settled upon a course of action as he reached their door and pushed himself inside.
"Main door lock is busted," Mac informed her as he placed the large Greek pizza on the already dressed table. "Locksmith was just coming in."
"Smells good," Stella smiled as she looked at his tense posture. "Mac, everything okay?"
"Yes. Just hungry," he answered in half truth as he places two slices on a plate and handed it to her.
She just nodded her head as she took the food, but inside she felt that something was a bit off. "You're not um...having second thoughts are you?"
"Pardon?"
"Well I know today we talked about our new family and maybe you..."
"No second thoughts," he interrupted as he gently squeezed her hand. "Just hungry and a bit tired."
Stella looked at Mac weakly and he allowed a heavy sigh to escape his lips. "Ella was downstairs."
"Pardon? What the hell...Mac?"
"Said she came to thank me for..."
"You said she said that..."
"Stella, I argued with myself about not telling you as I didn't want to upset you. It was like a sixty second conversation and then I left. I have always strove to be honest with you but knew this would ruin things for..." Mac's voice trailed off in anger.
"I'm glad you told me..."
"But..."
"No, I'm glad you told me," Stella states as she takes his hand and gives it a firm squeeze.
"Right."
"But give me a break. Mac, that's two days in a row. You told me that..."
"I thought yesterday would be it. I told her agan that she thanked me and that's it. Then I told her not to come back and nothing more needs to be said and then I left."
Stella looked at his tension and frowned. Inside she was angry, but not at her husband, at the young woman who was now trying to get his attention.
"Let's just finish up."
"Mac..."
"We just need to finish," he finished in a firm tone and she could do little more than nod in agreement, swallowing back a lump of tension. The rest of their lunch was spent in regretable silence before Stella watched Mac take his leave and head back into the living room to paint; his frustration obvious. But she knew that Ella probably wanted to cause this tension which is why she showed up at their home and so once again pushed aside her natural feelings of animosity and went in search of Mac, determined not to let their day end like it did when Ella first showed up, tense and strained.
Mac's back was to her in the corner of the living room and so Stella walked up to him, gently took the brush from his hands, set it down and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"I never wanted to upset you," Mac confessed in truth.
"I know," Stella nodded her head as she looked up with a frown. "Just hard to hear that she just shows up at our new home wanting your attention once again for a seemingly small reason."
"Trust me Stella..." Mac starts in a frantic tone, only to have Stella quickly silence him with a kiss.
"I do trust you. And I don't want her to ruin another day or cause more tension, which could be her game."
"What?"
"Let's just finish and keep to our origional plan."
"Stella..."
"Mac I'm okay," she stated in half truth, knowing inside she didn't trust for a second what Ella was up to. "I want us to get back to where we were before she came."
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm sure," she answered with a warm smile, praying her tension didn't show through. "I love you."
"I love you and only you. I show you mine you show me yours?"
"You know it handsome," Stella smiled as she kissed him again; once again pushing aside growing anxiety and tension toward Ella McBride.
"Hey did you get what you needed?" Carl asked as Ella as he caught up with her a block outside of Mac's new apartment. Her face had tried to hide her disappointment from Mac's second brush off, but inside she wasn't sure why he insisted he was married when for the second time he wasn't wearing his wedding ring. He made up another excuse like last time but inside she now wondered what was really going on.
I'll surprise him at work tomorrow, she tells herself as she finally snapped back to reality and Carl. "I did. Did you?" She asked as they started to walk in the other direction.
"There is a great sushi place around here for lunch and..."
"You know I feel like pizza. Greek to be exact," she stated firmly.
"Ok-ay. Pizza it is," Carl frowned. Half hour ago she insisted on sushi, what is gong on? They walked in silence toward a nearby pizza eatery before Carl broke it once more. "So I know you talked about getting a part time job. Have you thought of anything you'd like to do?"
"Well I saw a reception job at the county coroner's office," she mentioned. "I think they pay really well and part time even get benefits." She told him, her mind thinking on a different reason. It's in the same building Mac works and this way I'll be close to the man I love all the time.
"That sounds good, did you apply?"
"This morning," Ella answered with a frown. "Just kinda worried that with me being in the treatment center that I might not get a good reference or anything."
"Well I could always put in a good word," Carl mentioned, once again taking the bait she so masterfully arranged.
"I'd like that," she smiled as she took his hand and squeezed it. They entered the small eatery and she took a seat while Carl ordered for her what Mac was having as well. Soon Mac, soon we'll be together. And I will make you happy and you will love me.
By the time evening rolled around, the tension from earlier had finally subsided; the new Taylor apartment was fully painted, some larger pieces of furniture moved into place, the bedroom items almost completely unpacked; leaving a few boxes that would now have to wait until tomorrow. Thankfully the tension that Ella McBride tried to cause had all but faded from mind and Stella's anxiety was low, her desire for her husband, however, was high and she wasn't about to let Ella ruin anything for her. I don't know your game Ella, but you'll not succeed in tearing apart my family!
"Mac what did you want..." Stella called out from the kitchen. "For dinner?"
"You," he mentioned warmly as he walked into the kitchen with no shirt on and his overalls hanging around his waist.
"Mmm like the sound of that," she smiled as he came closer. His manly scent, mixed with the faint smell of soap and sweat, ensured she was more than turned on in a matter of minutes.
"Unless you are too tired?"
"Kinda hard to have you like this Mac and think about only sleep," she whispered as his body pressed into hers. "Besides you smell too good to ignore. And you look good enough to eat," she teased warmly, his face lighting up at her hungry words.
Her fingers started to tease his warm bare chest as his lips started to hungrily devour hers. His warm hands started to gently undo the clasps of her overalls, freeing her upper half of the fabric straps, letting them fall to her sides and then started on her undershirt. Stella's back arched into his, her lips on his neck, moving lower, his mouth forced to reward her with warm groans of delight as her fingers started to push the overalls down, leaving just his boxers to cover his growing desire for her.
"Another month and we get to try something new," she whispered into his ear before gently sucking on the lobe.
"Wanna try now?" He uttered with a soft moan as her fingers teased his swollen groin. "Practice makes perfect right?"
"Sure," she replied in haste as his fingers freed her body of the overalls, leaving just a few traces of satin and lace over her perfect form.
"You are so beautiful," Mac praised as he slowly lowered her to the floor, adjusting her into one of the new positions they had read about. "You okay?"
"I know you won't hurt me Mac," Stella gently gasped as she tried to adjust to the new sensations her husband offered.
Mac carefully adjusted Stella's to where he needed her and winced slightly when she offered a small gasp of pain instead of delight.
"Stella?"
"Mac, I'm okay," she assured him as their rhythm started once more. "Don't stop."
Mac had to stretch himself a little more to reach her mouth but found it was worth the effort when her tongue started to tease the warm opening he offered; her lips sucking on his bottom one.
"Oh gosh Stella..." he groaned as her new body position and the movement of her mouth on his forced his body to react faster than expected.
"Mac!" Stella exclaimed as they neared climax and a few minutes later Mac gently removed himself and helped Stella lie down on her side, her head on his chest. "Wow...that was..."
"Brief," Mac grimaced.
"Not that brief."
"Briefer than other times."
"Maybe. But certainly amazing," she smiled as she looked up at him warmly. "Never did that before."
"Me either," he replied as he moved her up onto his shoulder. He pushed some damp curls off her cheek before kissing her forehead. "I love you," he whispered as he pulled back. "Please be honest with me. Did I hurt you?"
"Well it was a little uncomfortable at first but so is being pregnant," she stated in truth as his warm hand rested on her belly. He felt small movements and looked up at her with a smile. "No way our baby slept through all that rockin'," she teased and he chuckled.
"No I guess not."
"Are you okay? I mean you did take a lot of the weight for both of us."
"Never too tired or weak to hold you and make love like that," he answered honestly; his grin ear to ear. "But when the baby comes, we'll keep that one on standby."
"Ah...liked it did you?" Stella smiled as she brought his lips to hers and tasted them once more.
"Very much."
Just as the kissing started to deepen, her stomach growled and the mood was broken.
"Baby calls," Mac teased as he kissed the top of her nose. "How about dinner in front of the new fireplace?"
"Sounds perfect," she smiled as Mac helped her stand up.
He wrapped his arms around her naked body and held her close, his heart rate still racing as his mind replayed their new sexual adventure. "You are amazing," he whispered in her ear before he planted a soft kiss on her cheek. Both headed into the bedroom where Stella put on her robe and Mac pulled on a pair of sweatpants and then both headed back into the main living room area. The mild smell of paint had all but subsided as Mac wandered near the fireplace and started up the fire while Stella ordered their dinner.
"You know I miss home cooked food," Stella stated as Mac arranged a blanket on the table a small coffee table for their drinks.
"I do as well but today you worked too hard for me to even ask you to take on such a burden," he stated as he sat down beside her on the couch and gently massaged her neck and shoulders.
"Cooking for my family is never a burden Mac. And when our baby comes, I'll have to get used to it even more."
"Right."
Stella listened to the silence grow once again before she stopped his actions and looked at in wonder. "Mac?"
"A year Stella. Maternity leave is a year. It'll be hard not to have you at my side every day around the lab."
"You know I'll go stir crazy here and besides, I doubt the boss would have any trouble with us," she emphasized, "helping out with paperwork and such."
"Don't mind that idea at all," he stated in truth.
"Think you'll be able to concentrate?"
"Stella, I'm a trained professional."
"That just means you know how to look like you do."
Mac offered a mock wince in protest as the buzzer rang once more. He gently moved Stella aside and picked up the phone. This time, much to his delight the buzzer allowed the delivery man to come up, so he wouldn't have to dress and go downstairs, his fateful meeting with Ella a reminder that a threat was still looming. He had quickly put his ring on when he got back after seeing Ella, swearing to himself, no matter what, it would never again leave his hand; no matter the substance that might come on contact with it; his future happiness and mental sanity all depended on it.
Mac brought the dinner to the middle of the warm living room and helped Stella spread out their items and then both started to enjoy what was offered. They made small talk about what else needed to be put away, the kind of crib they would buy for their baby, the Messer wedding only a few weeks away and what else would change with the new Taylor addition.
After dinner Mac once again insisted that Stella rest on the couch while he cleaned up and then as per their nightly ritual; when afforded; he reached for his guitar, pulled her feet onto his lap and started to gently play for his family. Stella always delighted in the sensations of their child as it wanted to get closer to the soft music its father was offering.
"Our child is going to like music. No doubt about that," Stella whispered as they slowly wandered toward the bedroom an hour later. Both already having showered and now it was time to call it a night. Mac was the first to get into bed and waited for Stella before reaching for the parenting handbook to read a bit more before actually falling into sleep.
"Love when you read to me," Stella murmured as she nestled into Mac's chest and just listened to the sound of his voice as he read another chapter in their parenting book.
By the time he finished reading, Mac looked down at Stella who was now fast asleep. He gently kissed her forehead and smiled when her face lightly creased but she didn't awaken. He carefully put the book aside, turned off the light and then moved himself down into a better sleeping positing, Stella body naturally moving with him. He whispered goodnight and by the time his mind had finally been taken into the dark realm of sleep; the visit from his uninvited guest today was all but forgotten.
Ella pushed herself out of the small bed she was in and slowly wandered over to her desk the following morning. After sex with Carl the night before she just needed space and some time to herself; her less than happy visit with Mac still on her mind many hours later. He'll be happy to see me today, she told herself as she started to comb her hair; her mind now wondering what to expect from her interview.
She slowly wandered over to her closet and stared at her small amount of clothing with a deep frown. Not having time to shop while in the institution she had bought a few items yesterday but not enough if she was going to get a job in a professional environment.
Just remember to think positive things; focus on what you love, and the feeling for self harm should pass, she remembered being told during one of her sessions. You have a lot of energy and potential inside of you Ella McBride, you just need to harness those things for when they are needed most.
"I better get this job," she stated as she quickly reached for a fitted dark, knee length skirt and pulled it on. "I want Mac to be proud of the job I'm getting. Maybe we'll be able to have lunch together a few times a week," she pondered in mis-guided thoughts. She hurried and put on the blouse and then the suit jacket and then stood before the mirror with a smile on her face.
"Well what do you think?" She asked Carl as he finally walked into the room and leaned against the door frame.
"I think you look great?"
"But will I impress?" She gently demanded. And I mean Mac, not the interviewer.
"Who wouldn't to hire you?" Carl grinned innocently. "Want some breakfast?"
"Just something quick. I want to be early so that I can psyche myself up a bit more."
"You'll be just fine," Carl assured her as he hugged her close, her eyes looked past devoid of feeling. But as always when she pulled back, she smiled at him; making him believe that all was okay.
They headed into the kitchen where Carl went about making them something simple for breakfast and Ella made the coffee. In truth she was fond of Carl and if her brain had been thinking the correct way she would have realized that he was what she needed to keep her whole and mostly sane. But her mind was twisted; from long ago warped into something beyond conventional help. She was in love with a man; a married man; a man who didn't give her a second thought, glance or minute of his day. And if she had been completely honest with the counselors at the rehabilitation clinic they would have told her she was trying to find in Mac Taylor, what her own biological father failed to supply.
But as she poured herself a cup of the steaming liquid caffeine her mind now dwelled on the day ahead; not on the interview as it should be, but her meeting afterward. A surprise visit on an unsuspecting married man.
"Damn it we slept in!" Mac growled as he quickly mopped up the coffee on the counter.
"Just go and let me do this already," Stella told him as she gently touched his hand and stopped his angry actions.
"But..."
"Mac, just go. You have a meeting and I don't."
He looked at her with a frown before he offered a heavy sigh and then leaned in and kissed her softly on the cheek. "Thank you," he whispered.
"You'll make it up to me tonight."
"Don't think I'll mind that," Mac smiled as he gave her a quick kiss on the lips and then headed for the door.
Stella busied herself with cleaning up the spilled coffee and getting something to eat before heading out the door. In Greece it was so enjoyable to actually sit down to a relaxed breakfast but since they were back they had done pretty good sticking to something similar on the weekends; during the week was always rushed. Stella finished her breakfast and then hurried out the door. By the time she reached the lab, Mac was still with Flack and Sinclair and there were files on her desk already waiting.
Stella walked into the main lab and up to Lindsay who was working on a piece of evidence from a new case.
"How did the painting and unpacking go?"
"We finished all the painting and thanks to you and Jessica we had very little boxes to unpack. A few odds and ends left over but otherwise last night we just relaxed. How are your wedding plans coming?"
"Everything for the most part is done. I have a dress fitting this weekend and then two weeks after that, Danny and I will be married. Think Sinclair is going to freak?"
"I think as long as you maintain your discreetness like you are right now, everything should be fine," Stella mentioned with a warm smile.
"And Mac doesn't care?"
"As long as it doesn't affect the quality of your work or your time away from the office, he won't be bothered by it."
"Got it," Lindsay replied with a tight lipped smile and nod of her head. "How are you feeling?"
"A few stomach cramps this morning but then I have never been pregnant before so have no frame of reference to whether or not this is normal."
"Well I guess as long as you keep your stress levels low you'll be okay."
"Good thing I work in a stress free environment," Stella retorted with a slight bit of sarcasm.
"Good thing."
Stella finished her task and then headed back to her office to get some paperwork done. An hour later she watched as Mac slowly walked up to her door, a tense look on his handsome face.
"How did it go?" Stella inquired in concern.
"Kane swears he was set up and so now it's a case of his word against Flack's and the witness," Mac sighed as he slumped down in a chair in front of her desk.
"Did the witness tell their side?"
"She was pretty shaken up but then Jessica talked to her and she finally offered her side, which of course put Flack in the clear and showed Kane for what he really is."
"An ass looking for an easy way out?"
"Exactly," Mac replied with a slight smile. "How are you feeling?"
"Baby is active today."
"Stella?"
"We're fine Mac," she quickly assured him. "Growing pains."
"You know I won't say it."
"Sheldon and Danny took the call."
"I hate to see you stuck behind a desk. Damn it Stella, I remember how miserable you were with the whole Dario situation."
"Mac that was very different from this. Yes back then I was angry that I wasn't allowed to do my job properly; missed being in the field and at the heart of the action. But this is different. I'm doing this for us...all of us...all three of us," she smiled warmly, finally be rewarded with a small but genuine grin. "Now I'm putting myself behind a desk when I feel tired or just not one hundred percent."
"Still feel selfish."
"You should," she teased and he smirked as his phone rang.
"Taylor. Sheldon what do you have? Right. Okay I'll be there shortly. Bye."
"What happened?"
"Another body was found in that same apartment they got the call from earlier and Lindsay is busy. I'll take this one."
"Are you sure?"
"Trust me a few hours away from Sinclair the better," he smiled as he stood up to leave. "Oh, I left a few files down at the reception desk when I was..."
"I'll get them."
"Thanks."
"That's twice today Mac," Stella teased. "For that I should make you make dinner."
"Doesn't sound so bad."
"In the nude."
"Might hurt. Would you settle for boxers and an apron?"
Stella looked at him with arched brows as she felt her cheeks flush. "Are you flirting with me?"
"Is it working?"
"Yes."
"Then I am," Mac smiled as he turned to leave. "Be back soon."
"See you later."
She watched him leave and then tried to force her brain to not picture Mac half naked while he made them dinner. "Oh damn it!" She laughed as she realized she needed a complete break. So with a soft sigh she pushed herself up from the desk and went in search of his files at the reception desk.
She neared the desk and failed to see the eager young woman enter the main door; heading her way.
"Did Detective Taylor leave some files here?"
"Yes he did, Mrs. Taylor," the clerk smiled as she reached for them. "Here you go."
"Thanks," Stella replied just as she turned to leave. But the name of her husband, spoken by another woman quickly made her turn back.
"Is Mac Taylor in?"
"No I'm sorry he's out," the clerk replied. "Can I at leave give him your name?"
"Ella," she replied as Stella turned to see who had inquired of her husband. Ella McBride? Her mind yelled in shock. What the hell does she want now?
"Is there a message I can perhaps give to him?" Stella queried with a straight face, forcing the young woman to look directly at her.
"No, I'll come back," Ella mentioned with a hint of disdain, not wanting another woman to tell her Mac anything. I'll do that myself!
"Well then can I tell him the reason you stopped by, Ella?"
How the hell does she know who I am? Ella studied the beautiful and very pregnant woman before her. "And who would you be?"
"His wife."
"What?"
A/N: Okay so how do you think Ella will react? Will her being there cause the tension Ella wants? Think Stella can remain calm three days in a row?Please review and let me know.
PS: NY Stories updated tomorrow