Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 13 - A Night at the Museum
"I'm just going to check with Lindsay so I'll know if she was in that room at all," Mac tells me.
"Okay I'll finish our report on Davis and put him to bed," I wink at him.
"Speaking of beds. You could have tried your little handcuff experiment on him," he lightly frowns.
"Oh yeah that would have been fun," I huff. "Not my type sorry. I like a man who's actually into a woman! Like you."
He looks at me as if to say something more but wisely chooses not to. "Come to the lab when you're done. Or my office," he tells me.
"Your office? See I knew you'd like it here," I smile warmly.
"What's not to like?" He offers casually as he turns and leaves. I wonder when I can tell him that I broke up with Doug. Maybe tonight after the museum. Maybe over dinner? Hope so. It's my turn; I should at least return the favor from last night. Plus I think I'd sell my eyeteeth for another kiss. Oh Stella, that sounds desperate. For another kiss? I think I am. Oh I'm sad!
I turn on my heel and head for Flack's office to get a copy of Davis's statement. Sadly my smile hasn't faded and once again it's quickly picked up by observant bystanders.
"You're still smiling. I take it Taylor is still impressing you," Flack mentions, looking up at me. I see Jessica Angell coming over and smile at her, ignoring Flack's comment.
"Stella," Jessica smiles at me as she comes and stands by Flack's desk. "You guys got quite the case here. Thanks, but I'm now stuck with the two bit hoods," she comments. "And working with Sully."
"Oh but you did have fun with the strippers," Flack teases her and she just playfully slaps his arm. "Stella, the two detectives checked the campus and nothing. If there is a secret passage then no one could find it," she informs me.
"Thanks, Flack told us this morning," I tell her as Detective Sullivan calls her name.
"I get another boring call," Jessica huffs.
"Sorry, it was Paula Watford's doing," I inform her.
"Yeah Flack says she's quite the woman," Jessica offers.
"Well I'm impressed," I smile.
"And not only with Paula," Flack tries again.
"Don tells me you have a crush on your new partner," Jessica smiles.
"What?" I seethe at Flack.
"And growing each day," Flack continues.
"If you ever need a favor, you can forget it," I tell him in a light tone.
"Is it true?" Jessica asks with a slight smile.
"He's good at his job," I try as I turn to leave.
"So I've heard," Jessica answers.
"Okay so if you guys are discussing my love life then you need some help," I try with a slight smile.
"Well after what Doug told me," Flack frowns.
"What did he say?" I ask angrily.
"That you blew him off because you are seeing someone new?"
"Stella?" Jessica asks with a smile.
"It's a line you hand someone when you don't want to see them again. That's all. And if you tell him it was just a line I'll kill you both," I warn them.
"Yeah Doug was too boring," Flack frowns. "Now Taylor," he starts again.
"See you guys later," I call out and they both lightly laugh. But as I walk away I hear Jessica tell Flack, 'yeah she likes him. Trust me I'm a woman, I know.' Damn she's right! I offer a sigh and then hurry back to my office. I do like Mac. I can't lie about that. I am actually looking forward to seeing Mac in a place of high culture. Probably another revelation. But it will be dark. A kiss? Stella! Right.
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"So nothing on Megan Salish?" I ask Lindsay as I wait for the results.
"Nope. If she was in on the boy's murderers then she did it away from the room. However, there are still some prints around. But you know it would make sense to drug them if a woman did kill them. Four young men?"
"Yeah but she'd have to have something on all of them. And so far we only have her threatening the Bryce's. Flack is going to talk to the family lawyer and Stella and I are going to drop by the museum. It's closed now so if there is anything on her, at least we won't make a scene."
"Hmm you two in a museum when it's dark," Lindsay teases. "Better behave."
"You're getting as bad as Cyrus. See you tomorrow," I frown as leave the room and go in search of Stella once more. I wonder what she's doing after our date at the museum? Date? That was a figure of speech! But the boyfriend didn't call today so maybe there is hope! Mac! Right, no hope. A little? I near her office and stop in the doorway while she finishes her report.
"Mac, hold on a sec," she tells me without looking up.
"How on earth did you know it was me?" I ask in shock.
"Trade secret," she looks up with a wink.
I just shake my head as I know she's not going to tell me; once again adding to the mystique about this amazing woman in front of me. She finishes her report and then pushes herself up. Once again I catch a small glimpse of that olive skin and smile. Her eyes meet mine and I quickly turn away. Damn it! Did she see that?
"Mac, were you looking just now?"
"What? No," I stammer.
"Fess," she demands.
"Stella, I got only a glimpse," I rush in my defense, thinking she was mad. Why the hell am I defending myself?
"I show you mine, you show me yours," she smiles, playfully crossing her arms.
"My," I start and then stop. "You really do like seeing me in a tight spot," I huff. "Let me get my suit jacket."
I hear her lightly laugh and I can't help but smile. And I hate to admit it, but what she told me the other day was right. After looking at all the pictures of those carved up bodies, a playful flirty moment now and again is more than welcome. I check my gun and then head out to meet her.
"Are you a big museum buff?" Stella asks me as we get into my truck and head for the museum. Despite the fact I'm driving I always get a chuckle from the little ethnic curses she offers when she's not pleased with the driving conditions around or in front of her.
"Buff? No. I have been once or twice but never really enough to enjoy it," I frown as I look out the window.
"Here or in DC?"
"Both."
"Why didn't you enjoy it?" She asks again.
"My tour guide was boring," I huff as I turn to look at her. She offers a sideways glace. "Please just don't ask."
"I thought I'd spare you," she smiles.
"Very kind," I tell her.
We near the museum and I frown. For some reason even my facial expressions aren't lost on her.
"What is it?" She asks me in concern.
"I dont like these places after dark," I reply casually.
"You, scared of the dark?" She teases.
"Scared? No," I huff. "Not a fan. Shesh, it depends on the situation," I reply as we head up the stairs.
"Never been in the dark before?"
"Is that a metaphor?" I throw at her.
"Maybe," she shoots right back.
"Not work related," I sigh. In life yes, many times, especially when it comes to you; I want to tell her but thankfully I hold back. Oh I'd never hear the end of that.
We show our badges to the front door guard and are told that Megan Salish is expecting us and are given directions to her office.
"These places are too quiet, and why the hell am I whispering?" I offer with a frown.
"Maybe you're worried the mummies will come to life and answer you?" She throws at me.
"Not funny," I tell her as walk past another exhibit. It was one of music and I stop to look.
"You really are a music lover," she notes as she comes and stands right beside me.
"I knew this was coming and thought maybe I'd come back during normal daylight hours," I mention in passing.
"Need a tour guide?" She offers.
"Careful what you wish for," I throw at her. We continue on our way to Megan's office. "Ms. Salish?" I call out as I knock on the door. No answer and I look at Stella and frown.
"She knew we were coming right?"
"That's what Paula told me," I answer as I carefully push the door open. We look inside and it's empty. "So either she changed her mind or someone else beat us to her."
"Let's look around this place," I tell her quickly. "Maybe that someone else is still here."
"We each take one side and meet back here?" She suggests.
"Keep your gun ready," I instruct. "In case we do run into unwanted company."
"Don't worry, this place doesn't freak me out," she tells me.
"Just be careful," I tell her.
"You too."
As much as I hate to; I part ways with Stella and take the left side of the building; that contains the service entrance as I don't want her to venture out there on her own. But by telling her that she shouldn't go alone would, I'm sure, garner me a lecture on how she did things alone before I came into her life and would do them alone after I'm gone. That one thought makes my mood instantly fall. How can I go back to working on a daily basis without her at my side?
And in truth this place; this quiet and this alone does give me the creeps. But I won't ever admit that much of myself to her. I mean I was in the Marines. Shesh! I have to appear in control at all times. I head for the back of the building and slowly push the door open.
"Ms. Salish?" I call out loudly.
I am once again rewarded with only silence and that angers me. I hear a faint sound coming from the service door and feel my uneasiness starting to develop. I take a few steps closer to the door and find it locked; obviously just my imagination playing games with me. I hadn't figured on mentioning the visit to this place to see the music exhibit and I doubt she'll take me up on it; but a guy can hope right? With her as my tour guide, watching paint dry I'm sure she'd make exciting much less a real exhibit on something I actually enjoy!
As I once again head for the other side of the service bay that will take me into another area I wonder how Stella is faring?
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I don't think I'd admit this to Mac, but this place does give me the creeps also. Every whispered sound and I'm turning around with my hand going for my gun. Oh Stella, get a grip, there are security guards out there and Megan probably chickened out and left; either that or she really is guilty. I finally reach the end of the room I'm in and stop and listen once more. Silence.
I wonder if Mac believes me that I would like to visit the music exhibit with him. He probably thinks you're still with Doug, my brain reminds me. When I tell him, will he then? Still my mind can't help but wonder if I can put him in another tight spot. There is no one here after all, I wrongly assume. Hmm a prank on Mac might be fun. Too bad I couldn't dress up as a mummy!
I reach a small area and find the area for the security office. "Hi," I say to the guard as I pull my badge. "I and my partner, who is somewhere around here, are looking for Megan Salish. We were told by the front guard that she's here?"
"I think I saw her leave by the back awhile ago. He might not have known," he frowns at me. "Sorry."
"Thanks," I reply as I call Flack. "When you are done you will need to track down Megan. Obviously she made the meeting but I dont think she ever wanted to keep it. Guilty of something, that's for sure. Right. Call us when you find her. Yeah I'll tell Mac."
"These cameras see every room?" I ask as I hang up with Flack and finally notice Mac on the security screen before me and smile. For a split second I want to chicken out but figure there is nothing to worry about in here and it's just for fun.
"Yes why?" The guard replies.
"Hey Mac," I call on my phone. "Anything?"
"No. Did you find her?" He asks me.
"No."
"So I guess we can go now?" He questions, almost sounding eager.
"You really don't like this place after dark do you? Hold on a sec." I ask as I see him on the security camera before me. I press mute on my phone for a second and look at the security guard. "Can I play a small trick on my partner?"
"Will it get me in trouble?" He asks quickly.
"No, I promise. Can you just turn off the lights to the rooms around him?"
"If he breaks something," the guard starts.
"Trust me; he'll probably just stand right where he is until I am at his side. When I get there can I call you to turn the lights on?" I ask, knowing that I have already lifted his flashlight when he wasn't looking and he'll have to stay put.
"Lady this better not cost me my job," he lightly warns.
"It won't. I give you my word," I tell him as I go back to Mac. "Hey Mac,"
"Yeah?"
"Still afraid of the dark?"
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"Stella!" I frown as the area I'm in goes completely dark. "Very mature."
"Hey at least I didn't ship you off to Brazil! You could always start your own exhibit. Can you find the lost Marine? Sort of like Where's Waldo? Think anyone would go for it," she tells me and I can hear her smiling on the other end.
"No. You told me these little pranks would end," I huff.
"Megan is gone," she tells me. "The guard here says she left a while ago and I called Flack to look for her."
"So can you turn the lights back on now?" I ask quickly; the noises in the darkness around me starting to once again play tricks with my already nervous brain.
"Sure," she answers. "Hurry back."
"Funny. I can't see."
"Where is your flashlight?"
I reach into my pockets and curse. "Damn it! Must be in the truck. Did you plan this?" I ask in light anger.
"Maybe," she replies.
"Where is my flashlight? It's always here?" I ask in frustration.
"It's waiting for you," she teases. "With me."
"Fine. How about I just wait here for you."
"Okay fine, I'll be right there to save you!" She lightly laughs and I frown. But when she arrives and it's dark, I remind myself. A quick kiss? Sadly that thought is quickly taken away from me.
But just as I am about to stuff my phone back into my pocket and wait for the lights to come back on, a large gloved hand shoots out from the darkness, covers my mouth and an arm wraps around my neck. I try to call out to Stella but the large hand keeps my cries to a muffled whisper. I once again try to pull at the mans arms but as he continues to squeeze my neck I am soon lightly gasping for air, dropping my phone in the process.
'Having fun Detective Taylor?' He whispers in my ear.
Panic starts to flood my entire body as he drags me further into the darkness. I try to kick at my attacker but he simply laughs in my ear and presses on. I watch as the lights come back on, but the area I'm being taken toward is still dark and I have a bad feeling about this. The longer his arm stays around my neck the closer I am to passing out.
We round another corner and before I can react I am pushed head first into a wall, dazing me. My attacker takes advantage of my dazed state and stuffs a cloth into my mouth and then pulls my arms behind my back and shoves me again into the wall; my head hitting it twice and I'm now losing consciousness; gasping for air. I finally kick at the wall as he's about to push me into once more and thankfully I can stop myself. I push back with whatever strength I have left and finally feel us falling to the ground. But just as I'm about to take the cloth out of my mouth I feel my insides scream in pain as I am kicked hard in the gut. Stella! My mind calls out.
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"I really need to turn those lights back on," the guard tells me.
"Okay," I huff. At least he can't be that mad at me, I reason. It wasn't for very long.
Just as he turns the lights back on in the area Mac was last seen I frown at the screen. "Where is he?" I ask the guard to my right.
"Sorry ma'am, maybe he left," the guard answers.
"Thanks," I answer as I hurry out of the room. "Better not be planning my demise Taylor," I call out loudly as I near the area I think Mac is. I arrive there and don't see him. "Very funny Mac," I try again as I reach for my phone.
"Very grown up of you," I call out with a frown. "Okay you can come out now."
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'Your partner is very insistent on finding you,' my attacker taunts me as he kicks me in the side. I finally manage to pull the cloth from my mouth and lightly cough. But before I can grab at the man, he takes me by the foot and starts to drag me toward the service door.
"STE," I try with any energy I can muster. But as we near a set of metal stairs I am unaware of the danger I face until he throws me down them. I land in a daze, hit my head and then my world goes dark.
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"Mac?" I call out again; thinking I heard his voice calling my name. "If you are playing hide and seek, you will be sorry," I mention lightly. But when I hear nothing I know I'm in trouble. "Okay fine, I'm going to stay right here until you come out." A few more mintues pass.
"Mac?" Silence. Real panic now starts to flood my system as I think if something has happened to Mac. Maybe I went too far with this? I quickly search the area and then dial his phone. But much to my horror the rings are beside me, but he's not. I find his phone on the floor; my name on display. "MAC!" I call out loudly as I dial the security office. "I think my partner is missing, can you see him on any camera?"
The few seconds it takes the guard to look for Mac feels like a painful eternity to me. Guilt is already starting to cover me as I think that maybe I will be responsible for Mac getting hurt. Maybe he just dropped his phone, I try to tell myself. Yeah right Stella, he's in trouble. Damn it! Oh what have I done?
"I see a man near the service entrance," the guard finally tells me. I turn on my heel and race for the dimly lit door that is marked 'exit'. I reach the exit and draw my gun before I push the door open.
"Mac?" I call out, my nervous tension on high. I hear the door slam shut and run down the loading ramp and push the door open. "MAC!" I try again. I look around the dark alley but see and hear nothing. I hurry back inside and start to examine the room before me.
"Mac!" I try again, my heart now racing. Stupid! I scold myself. Maybe I should ship myself to Brazil. I pull out my flashlight and start to quickly scan the corners. My eyes finally rest on what looks like a person near a small set of metal stairs. I rush to them only to gaze upon Mac in horror.
"What the hell!" I exclaim as I notice he's not moving. I quickly kneel at his side; his back to me and notice his hands are cuffed and he's gagged with a cloth in his mouth. I gently remove the cloth and feel for a pulse. Finding it I quickly pull out his handcuff key and pull the cuffs from around his wrists and then notice some fresh blood on my fingers. I turn his face back to mine and gasp at the small bloody wound on his forehead; and blood coming from his nose. Who did this to him?
"Mac, can you hear me?" I ask again, my eyes watering with guilt and concern; mostly guilt right now. I touch his warm face and frown. Oh what have I done? I call the security guard and within minutes he's at my side and then out in the alley.
"Is he okay?" He asks me as he comes back to see us.
"Just dazed," I frown as I hold Mac in my tight grasp. "Did you see anyone?"
"No, but we have had troubles with break-in's in the past week. Your partner was probably in the wrong place at the wrong time," he frowns. "Did you want me to call the police?"
"You do what you must," I reply as I finally feel Mac starting to move. "We'll be out of here shortly."
"But he should," the guard starts.
"Trust me he won't go to a hospital. I know him," I tell the guard as I clean Mac's face.
Mac's eyes finally start to open and I notice they are watery and trying to focus. "Mac?" I ask softly. "Can you focus on me?"
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I finally feel my world coming back to me and try to force my eyes to focus on Stella's concerned face. "Stel," I try in a soft whisper.
"Just rest," she tells me as I try to move. I offer a wince and then settle back into her arms. So much for dinner tonight. Damn it! If I didn't know better, I would swear its Doug trying to keep me out of the picture for good! Has to be Jack! Jack will pay for this!
"How do you feel?" Stella asks me.
"Like I was the main attraction at the super bowl," I offer faintly.
"Did you see anyone?"
"No it was dark and he grabbed me from behind. And no I'm not going to a hospital!"
"Big surprise. I'm going to take you home, can you stand?" She asks me in misery.
"I think so," I offer.
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I regrettably loosen my hold on Mac and help him to stand up. I notice he's still dizzy and so before he can fall, I wrap my arms around him and hold on. But as much as I'd like to enjoy holding him this close, my guilt is starting to eat away. "How do you feel?"
"Dizzy," he frowns.
"Tell me about what happened when we get to your place," I tell him softly as he's finally able to stand on his own. "Just try to relax okay?" I offer in concern. "Do you want me to get the cloth analzyed tonight?"
"All you'll find is my DNA. He must have had night goggles and was wearing gloves," he tells me with a slight scowl. I quickly bend down and grab the cloth once more and dab the cut above his eye; stuffing it into my pocket. "Do you have a first aid kit at home?"
"Stella, you don't have to fuss," he tells with a frown. "I'm okay."
"Come on Mr. Stubborn, let me make this up to you. I feel responsible."
"I don't need pity," he rushes and I once again feel responsible.
Without another word I wrap my arm around his waist; not giving him a chance to protest and lead us slowly toward the front door. I can't take the silence and now he thinks I only want to help him out of pity. Damn it! Now I've really done it. We reach his truck and I help him into the passenger seat and then hurry around to the driver's side. I offer a nervous glance but he refuses to look at me.
"I'm sorry," I offer with a broken tone.
"Stella," he starts.
"Mac, I was just having a bit of fun and I'm sorry. I didn't know there was a thief there."
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A thief? I ask myself. It was Jack! "Who said it was a thief?"
"Security guard said they've had troubles with break-in's all week," she tells me as we slowly head for my place. "First the university and now this; Mac, you just seem a natural magnet for being in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"I know," I frown, my head is still pounding and my eyes are still a bit blurry. I know she feels guilty but I can't get his voice out of my head; the same voice that attacked me in the university. Has to be Jack's guy! Damn that guy. There goes my dinner invitation. Oh well, I'm sure she had plans anyways.
"You can go back to the lab and I'll drive myself home," I try in a soft tone.
"Mac, forget it, I found you unconscious, handcuffed and gagged on a cement floor and your face is bleeding," she tells me. "I'm taking you home and then I'll take a cab back. And I won't take no for an answer. If you got into an accident on the way home, I'd never forgive myself."
"I told you I don't need pity," I huff with a frown.
"I'm not listening," she tells me in return.
Since she has already picked me up once I don't have to ask how she knows where I live. And while I'd like to think her concern is genuine, I know it was her prank that got me hurt. Or was it? If the lights hadn't gone out, would I still have been attacked? Another thing now occupies my muddled brain. How did he know where I would be, that is if he did know I'd be there in the first place? What is Jack's game? Just to piss me off? Well it's working!
We near my place and for some reason, my anxiety is starting to grow. While I'd like her to come up, I really just want to be alone. I'm sure she has Doug waiting and the last thing I want is for him to come over or have her use him as an excuse to leave once I'm inside.
"Thanks, you take the truck and," I start as she stops the truck. She doesn't listen to me but instead gets out and hurries to my side.
"I am taking you inside and getting you cleaned up and that's it. End of discussion," she tells me in a soft tone. "I'm a woman, why even bother trying to argue with me?"
"Stella," I start as she undoes my seatbelt and offers her arm. I look at her face and know she's hurt and worried and I'd like to think really concerned. But as I look into her eyes, I just can't say no. Will I ever say no to her? Probably not. Oh I'm doomed.
"Which is your house key?" She asks softly as we slowly walk into the building.
And once again the pull she has over me is astounding. I pull out the key and numbly hand it to her.
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I take his key as we get into the elevator. He won't look at me and I feel tension starting to build. I hate this! This is all my fault and now I fear that a harmless prank will drive us apart. Just when I have a green light in my life with a great man, I'm back at the beginning and forced to start over; now I'm stuck. Stella! I know, stupid.
We finally reach his apartment and he goes to take the key from my hand but I am faster and shove it into the lock, turn and push the door open.
"Mac, just don't fuss," I tell him. "Please?"
"Stella, I don't need," he starts in anguish.
I don't listen as I quickly spy his bedroom and slowly help him into it and then down on his bed. "Do you have a first aid kit?"
He looks at me in anguish and for the first time I notice hurt and fear in his blue eyes. "I'm sorry," I tell him again in misery.
"I'm okay now, just go and have your date or whatever," he frowns.
"Mac, you were just attacked," I sigh. "Where is your first aid kit? I am not going to leave until I fix you up."
"Bathroom," he finally resigns.
I head out of his bedroom and into the bathroom. Everything is so neat and in place. But I can't mistake the smell of him and it floods my senses and I even offer a small smile. But that smile quickly fades as I think on the real reason I am here. It's not after a great night out with him; I was responsible for him getting hurt. Stella! I know I feel guilty!
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I watch her leave and offer a loud sigh. I don't want her pity and never have been one to play up the sympathy card when I get nothing in return. I know it was Jack but I can't tell her that. If she thinks I am a target, I'll have more pity and that I don't need. I want her concern to be genuine. Damn it! I was sure she would have gone out with me again tonight. And the kiss? Damn it probably will never come now. If I tried, she'd probably oblige just to make me feel better. A guilt kiss? Yeah that would be lame. Are you sure? No.
As I sit up I notice the room still lightly spinning. I slowly start to take off my jacket as she hurries back into my bedroom. I wonder what she thinks? Is she judging me by what's around? She's a woman; of course she is! Her brain especially never rests. Does she like it? Do I care? Yes for some reason. And why am I now nervous? I am an adult. I can have a woman in my bedroom; I have before. So why the hell am I nervous now? Just am. That's because you like her. Oh I do! Oh I need sleep.
"Here let me help you," she offers as she finally frees me of my jacket and gun holster. "Just lay back okay?" She instructs me in a gentle tone. I offer only a frown as I start to drown in the green pools before me. Her eyes are watery, why? Guilt, remember? Oh yeah guilt.
"I'm okay, don't be sad," I tell her gently.
"Mac, this is my fault," she tells me again in sorrow. She opens the kit and then starts to clean the wound on my forehead. I offer a wince and she quickly pulls back.
"It's not you," I tell her. "Just stings."
"I'll try to be more careful," she tries again.
I take her hand and gently bring it down in front of me. "I'm okay."
"Mac, just lay still," she tells me. "I can tell you're hurting by the way you offer a grimace every time you move or breathe. Did he hit you?"
"A few times," I huff as she starts to clean my face. She undoes a few buttons of my dress shirt and looks at the dirt on my black t-shirt.
"Do you want to take that off?" She asks in a nervous tone.
Do I want to make my shirt off? For her? Yes. But right now it's not the opportunity to get excited about her wanting to see me undress. Not when I know she'll compare me to her jock boyfriend. And him I can't compare to, so why try? I'm getting nothing in return so why put myself out there.
"I'm okay," I reply. "Thanks for,"
"Can I make you something to eat?" She offers.
"Oh I don't have much, so you can just go," I frown. She looks upset but I can't help it. "Funny thing I was going to ask you for dinner tonight, but I guess that plan is moot. I know two in a row but I guy can try right?"
"Now who's making me feel guilty?" She asks with a heavy sigh. "Please forgive me? I won't pull another prank, I promise."
"It was the truth," I tell her. "Please dont' feel guilty."
"Well I do, because I was going to ask you for dinner," she admits to me.
"Sure," I sigh.
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Great, now he doesn't believe me, I huff inwardly. "Mac, I am telling the truth. You offered me a great night last night and I wanted to return the favor," I explain to him. "Course I would have let you pick tonight."
"It would have been nice," he slightly smiles to me and I once again feel guilty. "Thanks for the help. So I'll see you tomorrow?" He asks me as he tries to sit up.
I gently place a hand on his chest and slowly push him back down. "Mac, I'm sure the room is still spinning for you and you are trying to be brave for me. But you don't have to pretend."
"Yes I do," he confesses.
"Why?" I ask in concern.
"Stella, I do appreciate your concern but we both know you're here because you think you're responsible, not because you want to be," he tries to explain with torment in his blue eyes. "But you have another life and I'm not a part of it. So thanks for the help and,"
"You don't believe me do you?" I ask him in misery.
"About what? That you wanted to ask me to dinner?" He asks with a slight smile. "No offense but no. I know you are just saying that to make me feel better. And while I wish it were true I'm not stupid either and am not one on pity, nor do I like to play up the guilt card just because I can," he stops and slowly pushes himself up.
"Mac?" I start. "I'd like to stay," I tell him. He looks at me in shock but slowly shakes his head no.
"It's okay," he offers with a slight wince. "I'm sure Doug will be waiting."
"I'm sure he will," I reply. "But not for me, not any more. I'm not seeing Doug anymore."
"What? Really?"
I notice his expression but somehow get the feeling that he doesn't believe me. "Do you believe me?" I ask gently.
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I look at her face and really want to believe her. But is she saying that just to make me feel better? Only one way to know for sure. Mac, I warn myself. Do you know what you are doing? No.
"I think you're saying this to make me feel better," I tell her in anguish.
"Do you feel better?"
"I would if it was the truth. But I don't want you to tell me what I want to hear just to make me feel better," I offer in torment.
"Mac," she starts.
"Stella, please. I'm just going to take a shower and get some sleep." As much as I want her to stay I just can't bear the thought of her staying and then getting a call from Doug, or even worse for him to come over and I watch them leave together and I'm alone. Better to end my misery right now. "Please?"
"Okay fine," she huffs as she pushes herself up. She turns to face me with a sad expression and I feel my heart instantly break. This amazing woman is usually so strong and self assured but before me like this, tears in her eyes, I can't help but be drawn to her fragile side. But even though it's killing me, this is what I have to do. I have to save myself. Why? Don't know, maybe it's because my head hurts. Stupid Jack! Stupid Doug! What about stupid Mac? Oh that's to come!
"Is that what you want?" She asks in a firm tone and I can tell she's holding back tears and trying to look strong.
"Yes," I tell her with a frown. Are you sure? She's going to leave anyways, I falsely reason.
"Damn you're stubborn," She huffs in anger.
"I told you I was," I reply. Was that childish? Yes!
"Fine, sorry for even trying to show that I care!" She half shouts.
"I don't need guilt!" I stammer in return.
"I am actually concerned," she retorts.
"I don't believe you," I throw at her. Mac? What! Stupid Mac! Told you so.
"So now I'm lying?" She snaps.
"Ah! Stop going in circles," I tell her. "I am fine. I was hurt and I don't care if it was because of the prank but it happened and I can move past it. No big deal."
"Just like the rest of your life right?" She throws at me.
"Yes. What?"
"This is typical for you right?" She challenges.
"It's all I know," I shoot back.
"Fine. But give me what I want and I'll leave!" She huffs.
"What do you want from me?" I ask loudly.
"You know!" She throws at me.
And all I can do is pull her close; hold her captive against me, and plant a warm but firm kiss on her inviting lips. It floods my whole body with fire and in seconds my brain is wondering why the hell I was yelling in the first place. But a kiss offered in anger? To end a fight? Did I to the right thing? She offers a soft moan and I am in heaven. I want nothing more than to devour every inch of warm flesh she has to offer, but she pulls back and looks at me in surprise, and I know that dream won't come true; at least not right now. Way to go Mac, I chide. Real smart. My anger is gone and all that is left is confusion and hungry desire.
"I meant the truth," she whispers almost out of breath.
XXXXXXXX
When Mac pulled me into his arms and kissed my lips, my heart literally stopped. It was warm, forceful and left me wanting more of him. Obviously he's used to taking what he wants, but his body was telling me to give what I had to offer and he would do the same. I wanted at that moment for his lips to cover all of me but it wasn't the time. I needed him to believe that I do care, so I in regret pulled back; my eyes locked with his. I see uncertainly in the blue pools before me but I know what I have to do. I can't force my way into his life, he has to want me in it. I know what I have to do. Stella? I do, here goes.
"The truth," I whisper. "That's all I wanted from you," I tell him as I push him backward onto the bed in a sitting position. "You need to rest."
XXXXXXXX
I look at her in surprise. The truth? Oh Mac, you idiot, I scold myself. What I have I done? "The truth?" I ask weakly. "I want to beleive you, but I don't know what to think. That's the truth."
I watch her take a deep breath and suddenly I'm the one filled with guilt and feel ashamed for making her want to cry because of me; or making her think that she's lying. Ah stupid science guy!
XXXXXXXX
"Yes I did want to play a small prank in the museum and feel very guilty right now that you got hurt because of me. In truth I did want to ask you for dinner before this all happened and thought that our visit to Ms. Salish would just end after a boring conversation and then I'd ask you for dinner. And if you thought I said that about Doug to make you feel better, I did in part. But he's not waiting for me and won't be as I told him it was over. I guess stupidly thinking that I had someone else I wanted to get to know, without him thinking that Doug was in his way of wanting to get to know me in return," she offers and I am immediately crushed. Oh what have I done!
As I watch her face, I know she's telling the truth and I feel my world getting smaller and smaller. She broke up with Doug, to get to know me better? Am I this lucky? I can't believe that. Can I? Did I just make a big mistake in telling her I don't believe her? Oh stupid science guy you just blew it big time! But that kiss gives me a glimmer of hope. I just need to do things right. Can I? Haven't yet.
"Well there, I spilt my guts and you can take it as you want. I'll see you tomorrow," she rushes as she turns and heads out of my bedroom.
Don't let her leave like this, I order myself. Go after her. I quickly push myself up, but in doing so, the room starts to spin and I fall to my knees. "Damn it!" I curse. Get up! I order myself once again and finally do. "Stella wait," I lightly call out as my front door closes.
I hurry to the door and pull it open and look outside; the hallway is empty. "Stella!" I call again. She's gone. "Damn it!" I offer a small curse when she doesn't come back and I'm left alone, wallowing in my misery. I close the door but when I turn back I'm not alone.
"Stella?"
"I guess I'm just as stubborn as you," she tells me in a warm tone, as she offers me a nervous glance. "But I'm telling the truth. I know the timing sucks but I would have told you anyways. This is where I want to be; helping you get better so you're back by my side."
"Are you sure that's what you really want?" I ask softly.
"Yes, please believe me?" She offers.
"I believe you," I whisper in truth.
"So you don't think I'm lying to you?" She asks weakly.
"I would hope you never lie to me," I tell her in kind. "And I'm sorry if I made you feel that way."
"I don't have reason to lie to you," she admits.
A/N: what should Stella do? Sorry to cut it there but this chappy was long and hope you still want to find out more. Please do your magic and you'll be rewarded!