Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 4 A Little hot under the Collar?

A/N: Happy Friday everyone! Hope you enjoy this and smile as much as I did when you finish. A little Smacked foreplay anyone? Haha

As I get ready I realize that I am actually looking forward to tonight and am glad that I did agree to go after all. I'd have to settle for Doug, but it was better than going alone. His favorite color is green and so I didn't mind to oblige him by wearing a dark emerald green cocktail dress. I finishing putting my hair half way up; allowing a few tendrils to hang down around my neck and then add some sparkly earrings. I hear a knock at the door and reach for my perfume. A modest spritz and then my stilettos.

I reach for my purse and coat and then hurry to the door and open it with a smile.

"Wow, you look hot!" Doug gushes. Not exactly something a gentleman would say but then again I remind myself that Doug is a jock and so that kind of proper talk is probably lost on his limited intellect.

But I offer a smile and can't help but be flattered at his attention. "You look good also," I note in truth. Doug helps me with my coat and plants a small kiss on my cheek. I lock my place and then am off to the reception.

Doug and I make small talk about his day but nothing really stands out to me. I am more interested in the man that Taylor helped bring down this afternoon. Doug has interest in his job, but his eyes fail to hold the same intensity for justice that Taylor's do. I couldn't help but wonder what his wife would be like. Probably takes what he wants from her all the time, I surmise. In everything? I assume he's probably very selfish when it comes to his own emotional needs. Most army type guys I have known were very self assured with a large ego and little regard for others needs. I wondered if Taylor was the same type of man. Probably.

I watch the reception hall approach and then know it's time for some fun. Doug helps me out of the cab and we head inside. I spy Danny in the corner talking to the young woman I saw that came with Taylor earlier today. I'll have a word with him later about cavorting with the enemy. Don and Jess are seated at the same table Doug and I'll be at; Sheldon and his date are at the bar ordering drinks.

My eyes quickly scan for Taylor. Obviously anti-social, I huff. Typical. Why do I care?

"Stella, would you like a drink?" Doug asks and I finally put my mind where it should be, with my date.

"Yes, wine please," I tell him as I make my way over to the table to talk to my team.

XXXXXXXX

I finish doing up the button on my black dress shirt and frown as I reach for my tie. I am not looking forward to tonight, but Paula's words about Jack Harvey ring in my brain and I know I'm doing the right thing. The woman that I am going with is a secretary in the DA's office so thankfully she has a real job. The last woman Cyrus set me up with was a hairdresser, which was one of the most painful dates I have had to endure so far. I add some cologne. My brain is so worried about this stupid party that I forget my gun; something I normally dont leave home without. I get my coat and then head for the door. Thankfully Andrea is going to meet me there.

I hail a cab and then sit back and let my mind drift back to the day's events. She is stubborn and headstrong and I think would be a pain in the ass to work with but something about Bonasera seems to eat away at my peace of mind. After the fight her green eyes were fired up; almost as if I hadn't been there she would have finished him off and then walked away, brushing the dust off her back with her slender fingers. But knowing that I am used to getting my way and being in charge I am glad I dont have to work with her. My mind can't help but wonder if she'll be there tonight. Probably with her husband. Poor man, I lightly smile. "But I'll bet things aren't boring over there."

Thankfully we near the reception hall and my mind quickly shifts away from Bonasera to my opening line that I'll give my date. I quickly exit the cab and walk inside. I see a very shapely blond waiting for me, wearing a dress that is way to tight. Oh god Paula, I groan inside. How old is she? But as I get closer I see that she isn't as young as I first suspected and maybe tonight won't be the train wreck I imagined. But still, I wanted a lady at my side, not an escort.

"Mac Taylor?" She asks in some hesitancy.

"Andrea Donnovan," I smile in return, offering her a small kiss on the cheek. If it wasn't for Paula, I would have just shook her hand and that would be it. But I offer my arm and we head for the entrance. As we near the bustling area, I feel my nervous apprehension starting to build. There is a reason I haven't been to one of these things in the past and I am hoping this is my last for some time to come.

I quickly scan the room and spy some key people. Cyrus is already at my table with his date; a very attractive Asian woman who seems to have him totally captivated. Sadly when it comes to Cyrus it doesn't take a woman much to distract him. I look for Lindsay and frown when I see her talking to Danny Messer. Traitor! My mind yells. I'll have to tell her later that she can't give out any secrets to Bonasera's team. I need to maintain control and have the upper hand at all times.

Then I see her. She's sitting alone but I can't imagine for very long. She's beautiful, there is no denying that; dressed the way a lady should be. Wearing green, my favorite color. Sadly that's a marine thing that I have tried to shed long ago but just haven't yet; now I like it all over again. The dress has a low back, showing a little more olive toned skin than I thought I would ever glimpse. My hand feels a sudden urge to touch the inviting smooth surface but its forbidden territory and I push the thought aside. Her hair is up and I have to resist the urge to pull one of those loose curls just to watch it bounce back to join the rest. Mac! I scold myself. Very childish. Get a grip! I scan for a ring but dont see any. In fact it looks like her ring finger hasn't pushed metal of any kind on it ever. Interesting, I note. I wonder why? Too picky? Or not worth the risk?

Thankfully Andrea asks me a question and my attention is where it should be.

XXXXXXXX

I turn and look for Doug with my wine and notice he's been detained at the bar and laughing with two other officers. Typical I thought, short attention span. Why did I agree to this?

But as my eyes scan a little further to the right I see him. He's at the bar and is dressed in all black. I can't help but tell myself that's what a handsome man should look like. I scan for a ring but dont see one and the woman he's with doesn't seem to have his full attention. Unless he's the kind of man that doesnt wear a ring even if he owned one and doesn't pay his wife much heed. But with that tight dress, she looks like she's trying to hard to impress him. Not his wife. But I notice a small smile and his attention is back with the woman at his side. Once again his presence captivates all those around him, even me. Damn it Stella! I curse myself as I quickly look away. I was always a sucker for a man in black; Taylor now included.

The dinner announcement is made and I watch Danny walk back to our table and sit down; without Taylor's CSI. Doug comes back to my side and sits down, his arm instinctively around my shoulders.

"Joining forces with the enemy?" I lightly scold.

"Lindsay Monroe," Danny tells me. "Couldnt help myself," he offers with a frown.

"Just dont give Taylor any of my secrets!" I lightly hiss.

"Dont worry I just said hello," Danny tells me quickly, exchanging a nervous glance with Flack. I just roll my eyes and then give Taylor one last glance as he takes his seat and the reception starts.

"Show time," I mention to Andrea as I guide her to our table.

"Did you give Messer anything?" I ask Lindsay in a soft tone.

"I just said hello," she frowns, like a teenager being interrogated by her father for talking to a boy he told her not to.

"Keep it that way," I warn.

I finally notice the large well built man take his seat beside Bonasera and frown. I didn't picture her as a woman who went for the jock type but surmise maybe that's all will handle her?

I hear Carlson's MC start his speech and my mind starts to panic for another reason. I was told when I walked in that there would be a special mention and I have a sudden urge to rush from the room and leave a note stating that I was called away for an emergency. But I owe this to Paula to do my ass kissing duty to the Mayor and so with a heavy sigh I settle back in my chair and wait. I am told I only have to endure a brief round of applause and offer a nod but thankfully say no words.

I listen to the Mayor's introduction. He starts into his speech and my mind again starts to wander. He then starts into his piece about Taylor's team and my anger starts to rise. I am happy that Taylor helped bring him down but inside I wish it was me so I can't help but be mad. I hear the shout out to Mac Taylor and watch as he accepts his applause, offering a small nod and wave. How modest, I frown. So much for the arrogant man I assumed he'd be. I see his partner lean over and give him a warm kiss but his body is still and unattached. Maybe he's just cold?

I accept the applause and then feel Andrea's kiss but my mind is annoyed. I hate this kind of attention. Never have been one for fanfare. Even the small awards I got for the various battles I was in were small and without any audience. Since I started in DC I have been in the spotlight more and it's very unnerving. This is one of the times I miss Paula here at my side. But thankfully it passes and then it's on to dinner.

After dinner I quickly excuse myself from Andrea and head for the entrance. I call Paula.

"What am I missing?" She asks me.

"Nothing I would have rather missed," I state sourly.

"How's Andrea?" She wonders.

"Nothing I would have rather missed," I echo.

"Mac, give the poor girl a break. She's been asking about you ever since she met you a few months ago," Paula informs me.

"Next time lose my number. Say hi to Ed," I say hanging up. I look at my watch and curse. But with a heavy sigh I force myself back into the reception hall to find Andrea; my mind already working on an excuse so I can take my leave.

I scan the room again and frown when I see Messer making his way back over to my table to ask Monroe to dance. I feel like I should say something but I know his reputation and I can't be that angry. I am worried that Bonasera will hear things about my team; but I know Lindsay and dont think she'd sell me out.

I watch as Bonasera's date leads her to the dance floor and holds her close; a little too close for my liking. What? I'm not jealous. Mac, give your head a shake! I stifle a small laugh as I watch him trying to lead her around in a not so graceful manner. That's not how you treat a lady like that, I want to tell him. Lady? Bonasera? Did I just pay her a compliment? Well she is that, I can't deny it. I would show him how it's done but in truth I am not much of a dancer myself and have nothing to gain. I know Andrea will probably want to dance also but this is one battle I am confident I will win. I hear the music starting to fade as I order a beer. Sadly Andrea spies me and I'm not able to escape as fast as I would like.

I thank Doug for the dance and then go in search of the bathroom. I pass by Taylor at the bar with his date and stop to listen; his back is to me so I figure no harm no foul. He asks her a question, almost as if he's trying a little too hard to sound like he's interested in what she has to say. But she offers him a stupid remark and I hear his sigh. I just roll my eyes. Oh save me from brainless women! I want to shout in her face. A man of quality asks you an engaging question and you can't even answer like a normal woman? Quality! Oh wait, did I just pay him compliment? Well he is quality. Oh Stella, give it a rest! I finally remember my initial mission and press on to the bathroom.

I finally finish and then head out. I hear Taylor talking to his date and stop to listen. I know I probably shouldn't but I just can't help myself. I would like some juicy gossip but sadly it's very boring to what I had anticipated.

Andrea asks me again for one last dance and I just smile and refuse. I gave her one and that was it. I know I'll probably hear from Paula how she went home broken hearted but I'm just not into this. All this display of emotion and carrying on like I am interested seems like I am lying and so I am going to take my leave while my mental state is still in tact.

"Mac?" Andrea asks me sadly. "Are you sure?"

"Sorry," I offer. "I can see you home. But if you want to stay and party I dont mind."

"Can we go back to your place and party?" She asks me with a half whisper.

While I'd admit it has been a bit since I saw a little sexual action I just can't bring myself to sleep with this woman out of pure selfish desire. Besides, in truth, she really doesn't turn me on.

"Andrea, I am flattered," I tell her in truth. "But I also dont want to make this something more than it is going to be, which is well nothing," I tell her. Does that make sense? I hope she gets the message because I dont want a scene and having a fight is the last thing on my mind.

"I understand," she offers with a fake smile. She plants a soft kiss on my lips and then turns to leave. I offer a heavy sigh and then pull out my phone. But I'm not going home. Can't sleep and I'd rather be at work when my mind is this active. I head for the coatroom and get my coat and then head for the door. I hear Cyrus behind me and know I'm busted.

"Mac," he calls my name and I offer a small curse and turn back. "Leaving so soon?"

"Make sure Andrea gets home okay?"

"Isn't that your job?" Cyrus goads.

"I can order you to," I counter.

"Are you going home?" Cyrus asks.

"Yes," I lie.

"Mac" he pushes. "Where are you going?"

Damn, I hate how my team knows me so well. "I have to check one thing out."

"You are going back to the scene right? Mac, you are unarmed and have no tools," he reminds me.

"I'll see you tomorrow," I tell him.

"One of these days will you ever ask for backup? Or do things like a normal person?"

"No," I reply.

"It will get you into trouble," Cyrus reminds me.

"Then you can say I told you so," I offer.

He's going back to the crime scene? At this hour? And unarmed? Does he think he's Rambo? But something about me is intrigued enough to want to follow. I had thought I had Mac Taylor pegged as a boring workaholic with a bad temper, a man who would just sit around all night, dance with his date and then leave. But he was surprising me at every turn and it was very unnerving - in a good way. Oh Stella, just leave it alone. But it's a dangerous area and he has no gun, I reason. What drives this man? I have to know! I am always armed so I go in search of Doug, allowing Taylor to take his leave. Being a woman, I always have the perfect excuse.

I head back into the party hall and spy Danny finally asking that Lindsay girl for another dance. I have given my earlier warning and dont want to seem a nagging mother so will let him have his fun tonight. I'll get the gossip from Sheldon tomorrow.

"Stella, are you sure I can't come with you?" Doug half begs as I slowly make my way to the door.

"I'll be okay. I just need to take a Tylenol and get some sleep," I lie. He tries to hide his disappointment and for a split second I feel bad. But in truth I dont feel like having sex with this Neanderthal and that's it. "Sorry to ruin your night Doug," I tell him with a fake frown.

"Can I at least call you?" He asks me.

"Sure," I reply absently.

I finally take my leave and then hail a cab, giving them the same address as Taylor. I just have to know what he's up to.

XXXXXXXX

I know I should have my head examined as I head back to the crime scene but I dont want to go home and staying at that party was the last thing I wanted, so this was the lesser of two evils. But as we near the dimly lit building I am wondering if this was such a good idea after all. But since I always seem to rush in where angels fear to tread I press on as I would any other occasion.

I order the cab to stop and slowly get out, not realizing that I am now being watched by two people. I look around, quickly studying my surroundings and then hurry for the front door. This neighborhood isn't as bad as some, but still one that a sane person wouldn't want to venture into at night, much less alone and unarmed.

I quickly rush into the building and then stop once again and listen. Quiet. I hate quiet in certain circumstances and this is one of them. But I just have to scope the scene before I go and see Hank Watley. I gently duck under the yellow scene tape and push the door open. I flip on a small light and the apartment is bathed in a stale beige glow. I slowly walk toward Dean's small bedroom and flip on another small light. This one casts odd shadows on the walls around me but I am not unnerved by it.

I bend down to examine the small pool of blood on the floor and am so caught up in what I am doing that I am unaware of someone coming up behind me until I feel something hard in my back. I go to stand up when I hear a 'click' of a trigger being cocked and I stop. "UP!" I am told.

"NYPD," I try with a huff. But my only reward is the gun being shoved in further. I offer a small wince but refuse to show fear. But as I gently sniff the air I am taken aback by a familiar scent.

"What the," I try as I am about to turn around when a silver handcuff is slapped on my wrist and tightened.

Now I'm mad. I fake a stumble and then turn around and with a swift push of my hand I send my surprise attacker flying backwards. Then I stare in horror at the last person I expected to see on the receiving end of my blow.

"Bonasera!" I state in shock as I watch her stumble backwards toward a chair. She lets out a small yelp as she hits the floor and I curse myself for being so rough.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I demand as I rush to help her up. But she just looks at me in surprise and refuses my help. Our eyes spy the gun and I reach for it when she rolls to her side and snatches it out of my grasp. She hits my leg and I slightly falter, but it's enough for me to bend slightly forward, my wrist with the cuff quickly captured by her and fastened to a pipe beside her. I grab her wrist and pull her back to me; my free hand trying to get the key which I think is in her purse. But the few seconds her amazing body is pressed up against mine, is enough to distract me long enough for her to escape. Man that felt good. Mac! Wake up, it's a trap stupid!

"Yeah nice try Taylor," I retort as I cock the trigger once more. My stomach is sore from his hit but nothing compared to my pride. I will send him the bill for my dress. I look into his surprised blue eyes and he looks back with wonder. Damn him! Those eyes keep me captivated once again. And why did his body feel so good holding mine close. Doug didn't feel like that. Stella! Snap out of it!

"Did I hurt you?" I have to ask her.

"No," I reply in half truth. Can he tell I'm lying?

"Good because this is not funny, now undo this," I demand. She looks at me, almost daring me to take one more step toward her, knowing I am unable. What is this woman's game? And why do I want more?

"You're a big boy, you undo it," she tells me.

"Okay I'm not playing games," I huff.

"Neither am I," she counters. "Haven't had to get out of a tight spot before?" She dares me.

"Why are you here?" He demands as I slowly take another step, my gun still trained on him. He is trying in vain to keep himself under control but I can tell he is slowly losing it.

"Why are you here?" I counter, knowing the answer but not wanting to give him an upper hand of any kind. I notice he is still trying to yank himself free and I smile. I feel a small twinge in my stomach but I bite back the pain, I will not show myself weak to this man.

I study the woman before me with interest. If I wasn't worried about what she was up to, I would take her in my arms and force at least one kiss on those perfect lips. That is if I could get both arms free. Damn it Taylor! I curse myself, trying to get the 'guy' part of my brain quickly under control. But her green eyes are daring me to take one more step and I once again curse myself for wanting to give in. I know she is hurting from the hit but won't show it to me. Why is she so stubborn!

"Are you here alone?" I ask him with a small smile.

"Are you?" He counters.

"I think you are," I say, taking a step forward, making him take a step backward. I love how men are so easily distracted by women. Poor sap! "Think a call to your supervisor to come and fetch you might be in order."

"What?" I ask weakly. I look at her in shock. Would she really do that to me? I feel a small bit of panic starting to develop but I refuse to show that to her. She hears a noise and quickly turns to look and then turns back to me. Is that fear? Or concern? I doubt she's worried about me! She hates me!

"I dont think you should be here alone," he tells me, a hint of actual concern in his voice and a bit nervous. I didn't think he could ever be nervous. Is he nervous?

"I'm not alone you're here," I counter with a wink.

I see him offer a small look of annoyance and try to free himself once more, obviously assuming that I am just fooling around. "Okay jokes over, let me go."

"Are you scared of me?" I ask with an innocent look.

"No," he tells me with a light scoff.

I study the woman before me with growing fascination. The gun is still trained on me and it's loaded and ready to fire. She wouldnt shoot me, would she? What her game is I dont know and that is annoying as hell. And why is she here? Why isn't she at the party? "What happened to your date? He run out of steroids?" I offer.

"What happened to yours? She has to go to school in the morning?" She calls my sarcastic question.

Damn this woman knows how to play me! I hate this and know I need to take my leave before I end up doing something really stupid. But I'm trapped and this furthers my frustration.

"It's late and you need to go. This is no place for a lady," I tell her. "Now where the hell is the damn key!" I snap, my anger finally getting the best of me. She simply arches a brow and smiles but says nothing.

"Do you always yell at a lady?" I question, making him quickly calm a little.

"Can you please give me the key?" I ask in with a tight smile. "Was that better?" Why do I care what she thinks?

"No. At least all the purse snatchers will be able to sleep in peace tonight," I throw at him with a playful smile.

"I am not laughing, so undo this now," I demand of her.

"Do you always come to a crime scene, alone and unarmed?" She asks me.

"Undo this," I state again, pulling frantically on my trapped wrist.

"Where is your gun?" She smiles.

I curse under my breath. "Bonasera!" I try once more; ignoring her and trying to tell myself that I will get even.

"Goodnight Taylor. I guess with all the money you scored today you can afford a new set. Oh that's right, those are mine and I have the key. I guess you can afford to buy me a new set. And I will expect them tomorrow!"

"Bonasera!" I shout as she turns to leave.

"See you around Taylor," she lightly laughs as she leaves me in the now still apartment and closes the door.

"Damn that woman!" I curse as I look around for anything I can use to get myself free.

I turn and leave Taylor right where he is, laughing to myself but not wanting to gloat too much. I have never done anything like this before but for some reason I just couldnt help it. This morning I was cursing his name and now I'm playing games. Oh I'm sad! I'm sure I'll feel his wrath in the way of a get even scheme but the look on his face was worth it. I close the door and hurry back to the entrance. I'm sure he'll figure out a way to free himself and know he'll probably send a mercenary to take me out but then that would mean he'd have to admit to being bested by a woman. Doesnt seem the type.

I look around to make sure that I'm safe and then hurry across the street to wait for a cab. Taylor has his phone and so I dont worry about his safety. Well maybe a little. After all he is unarmed, I tell myself. In truth I wouldnt want to see him hurt for any reason so I wait a bit longer until one of the lights is turned out.

XXXXXXXX

My eyes finally rest on a small tool and I reach for it, cursing once more Bonasera's name as I my fingers finally snatch it. If I wasn't so busy trying to free myself of my embarrassing predicament I'd rush over to her apartment and finish what we started here. Man I'm pathetic! But as I remember the look on her face when I hit her in the stomach I do feel a twinge of guilt starting to cover me and I quickly calm down. She didnt deserve the hit and I'm glad I didn't use full force or I would have really hurt her. That I would never want; no matter what she did.

But as I feel the cuff finally come free, I kick whatever is within striking distance and then turn off the light and rush for the front door. I would have stayed but now I'm sure I have garnered unwanted attention and the last thing I need is a call to my supervisor about someone snooping around a crime scene in the middle of the night. My sympathy for Bonasera has faded fast and now I'm mad. I slam the door shut and then rush for the stairs. By the time I get to the street my nemesis is gone.

I have such an urge to send a nasty message but if I compose it right now, it'll be littered with profanity that in truth she doesn't deserve. Well maybe a little. So instead I call a cab and wait, stuffing the cuffs into my coat pocket and offering a slight grimace at how the night turned out.

"Not as I had planned," I frown as the taxi nears. I get in and give the driver my address. I rest my head on the back and then feel a small smile tug at the corner of my mouth. I haven't met a woman yet that can go one on one with me and smile as she gets the upper hand and then leaves me wanting more. The feel of her body against mine was, oh Mac, it was foreplay and you were left in the cold! But as I think on the real reason she was there a frown develops.

She was there alone. What if I wasn't there? Would she do it anyways? How did she know I was there? Why was she there? I curse myself once more and hit the back of seat in anger, drawing a wondering glance from the cab driver and I offer a small apology and quickly calm myself down.

As I near my place I do remember that owe her something. Out comes the blackberry.

XXXXXXXX

I watch Taylor turn off the first light and look at the time on my blackberry and smile. Not bad. Obviously a pro in getting out of tight spots in a hurry. I get into the cab and give them directions to my apartment, my heart is still racing. But my stomach is still a bit sore and to that I do offer a curse in Taylor's name.

I did deserve the hit and am pretty sure he didn't use full force. If he did, I know I would be in a lot more pain and probably still in that apartment. I do wonder what he found to get himself free, but reminding myself he was in the marines he probably could make a weapon from a piece of dry pasta. I offer a small laugh at that last thought and close my eyes. Today's events have finally taken their toll and I start to feel fatigue coming upon me. How is it that I can wrestle with a man like that and still be thinking about it? Why was it such a turn on? This was certainly a lot more fun than enduring another boring football story from Doug. Poor Doug. He wasn't even close to being in the same league as Mac Taylor. And why didn't it feel as good when Doug held me close? It was only a few seconds but it felt so right. I need sleep.

I'm sure he's probably wondering why I was there. I pull out my blackberry and for a split second think about sending him a text just to goad him one last time. I remind myself that I had the last laugh so I decide to quit while I'm a head. But as I reach home my blackberry finally buzzes to life.

Stella 'Expect these in the mail,' Mac. It's a picture of a set of pink fuzzy handcuffs. I can't help but smile but I don't reply. I want him to wonder what my reply will be and he can worry about that until he goes to sleep. I let my mind wander to the cuffs and wonder what he'd look like with those wrapped around his wrists, his strong arms captured, letting me have my way with him. Oh get a grip Stella, I chide myself! That'll never happen!

XXXXXXXX

I watch my blackberry but get no reply; a first for her. Usually I get a snide comment within seconds and thought for sure the picture I sent would at least garner me a curse in reply. Maybe she was pissed about the hit. I would be and I hope I didn't really hurt her as that wasn't my intention. Or maybe she was intrigued with the picture I sent and is thinking about it. Oh Mac, I sigh inwardly. Give your head a shake! But as I look at the picture once more I can almost see those wrapped around her delicate wrists. A smile forms and my core starts to warm. I finally see my apartment approach and breathe a sigh of relief as the image fades from my tired brain.

I slowly walk into my apartment just as the phone rings. For a split second I wonder if it's Bonasera calling with a smart reply but it's not. Why am I disappointed?

"Mac?" Paula asks.

"Hi," I simply offer.

"How come you sound disappointed?" She asks, catching the tone in my voice that I tried to hide.

"Just tired," I lie.

"How was the party?"

"Ended on an interesting note," I say in truth as I shed my coat.

"I guess you liked Andrea then," she smiles.

"Oh I sent her home hours ago," I tell her.

"Mac," Paula sighs heavily, knowing that she'll be the one to do the damage control.

"Told you to lose my number," I retort. "How's Ed?"

"He tells you to smarten up and find yourself a good woman already," Paula quotes.

I was about to make a comment about the woman who put me in my place tonight but think against it. The last thing I need is Paula to play matcher maker with me and Bonasera! Oh grief that would be bad. I might have been a bit turned on by tonight's events but on a regular basis I think I would kill her and her independence! So I take the easy way out yet again.

"You're taken. Tell Ed I'll try to drop by tomorrow." I say goodnight and then walk into my bedroom to get ready for the night. My heart is still beating a bit fast and I just can't sleep. Another thing that Bonasera now has over me; my sleeping pattern! I pull off my tie and unbutton my shirt and then head back into the living room and flip on my laptop. I changed my pattern for a stranger that has affected my life in a way I never expected. Why am I doing this for her? Why is she forcing me to change? I try telling myself this altercation was a one time thing and that's it. But then I do something I have never done in my life and it was because of her!

I dial up a site that normal people shouldn't even venture but I do owe her a set of handcuffs and I'm a man of my word. I could always look up her address but I think I'll send it to work, that'll really make her mad, I smile. I purchase the pink item and then shut my computer down. Once again the 'guy' part of my brain is wondering what she'd look like with only those on, allowing me to have my way. Damn it Mac! Get a hold of yourself! That jock gets that fantasy! I offer myself a small slap on the cheek for that last thought and flip on the TV. I need something to clear tonight events out of my head.

Tomorrow I tell myself will be business as usual but her scene is right next to mine so that might complicate things a little. I settle down into the chair as my eyes start to get tired. I was wrong about today it didn't suck by any means. If fact, even if I planned for a month, it wouldn't have turned out this good. Oh I'm sad.

XXXXXXXX

I slowly let myself into my apartment with a smile. I head for the answering machine and am a bit upset it's not another goad from Taylor. Why do I care?

'Stella, it's Doug. Sorry you weren't feeling well but I had a great time tonight and I can't wait to see you again. Dinner? Some place quieter? See you tomorrow. Doug.'

And while I did have fun at the reception with Doug, my mind is still back in that apartment when I was tussling with Taylor. I think he tries very hard to keep himself under lock and key and I wonder if he'd ever let anyone get close. Probably not. He's not married and there is usually a good reason why a quality man isn't married by his age he's hiding something. Either that or he is all show and is really a horrible person when you get to know him. I think if I had to face his stubbornness on a daily basis I'd probably kill him. Thankfully this was a one time thing!

My butt is a bit sore and my stomach a still a little unsettled as I reach for a Tylenol. I told Doug I needed one so no harm in following through. I finally dress for bed and crawl under the covers. Tomorrow is going to be interesting as I have to once again be in the same proximity as Taylor. How will that play out? Well I dont have to work with him so I dont have to worry about anything else.

I think about the events of today and as I rest my head on the pillow and close my eyes a smile starts to form on my lips. Tonight wasn't as boring as I thought it would be.

A/N: okay so this is just lead up to the "big" case they are forced to share. I dont like to rush into things and wanted to develop some sexual tension before I make them connect. Do you still like it? Want some more? Please drop me a review and hoped you at least smiled once. Thanks!!