Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 14 - A turning point?
I look at his hand and then into his blue eyes and know I couldn't say no even if I wanted to. But I'm glad he believes me about Doug, at least I'm hoping he's not just saying that to make me feel better. Part of me thinks he is, but I have to take that on a leap of faith as that's all I have right now.
I offer my hand and gently squeeze his. "Well I was going to buy dinner, but I'll make it instead."
"I don't have much food, sorry," he frowns as he holds me near to him; the warmth from our bodies filling up the small entranceway; making me light headed once again. Damn the effect this man has on me. He's not even pushing himself on me and it's driving me to want him more!
"Trust me growing up, meal times were always every man for themselves," I reply.
"You came from a big family?" He asks softly.
"You could say that," I smile in return. And while I don't want to lie to him, there are certain things about my past that I just can't confess to him just yet. I don't know him that well; I hope I will in time, but we'll see. "Just go and relax or whatever and I'll fix us something. Trust me it will be simple."
"I'm a simple man, I told you that," he states in a low tone.
"Well I'd tell you I like simple things but you might think I'm telling you that just to make you feel better," I offer softly.
"I would find it very hard to believe," he replies as we regrettably pull apart.
"Why?"
"Stella, please. You actually expect me to believe that an amazing, beautiful, intelligent woman like you, spends her nights alone instead of having a million men pursing you to do a million exciting things?"
"You really think that of me?" I ask in surprise. Is he just saying that? I almost don't want to believe it, but something inside tells me he's not lying and just enjoy the praise.
"I do," he answers warmly, a soft smile playing upon his handsome face.
"Thanks. But you'll just have to trust me on the simple things," I reply with some hesitancy. "Okay so I'll just make something to eat. Trust me I could find food at Gandhi's," I state making him laugh. "At least put on some casual clothes."
He offers a nod and then I watch him slowly walk past me into his bedroom and close the door. I quickly glance around his living room and notice it is very clean. There is marine memorabilia and some awards hanging on the wall; a few pictures of him with various people; but two of him with a dark haired woman. I gaze at the picture and notice they both look happy. Old girlfriend or ex-wife? Either way if I ask, and it's a sticky subject then it will ruin the night; and I just got him to open up, I won't ruin that now. I see his guitar in the corner and walk over to it. I bend down and touch it, a smile starting to form as I picture him playing a special song just for me.
Oh Stella, that will probably never happen. I finally sense I'm not alone and so quickly turn around to see Mac looking at me in wonder. "Sorry, I just wanted to," I start as I quickly stand up. I haven't seen him in anything other than a suit so his casual pants and tight black t-shirt, only serve as fuel for another marine-type fantasy. Damn this man! Will he kiss me now? Stella! Right. Can I kiss him now? Stella! Right, dinner.
"I'm not mad," he tells me with a warm smile.
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"Well I would like to hear you play sometime," she tells me as she moves in closer. With my brain still fuzzy from the attack, her being so close is once again making me turn to mush. I was warm already and having her stand inches from me, just serves to warm my core further. Can I kiss her again? Stupid, she wants to make dinner. Right, dinner.
"Careful what you wish for," I offer in a soft tone and she smiles. "And thank you."
"I haven't made dinner yet," she frowns as she turns to leave.
I gently grab her arm and pull her back to me. "I meant for helping me."
"It's because of me tha..." she starts and I place a finger on her lips, stopping her sentence.
"Now you were going to agree with me right?" I offer, throwing back at her the same words she used on me the other night.
She offers only a smile. "Just go and rest okay before you get yourself into trouble," she lightly instructs.
"I like trouble," I tell her in a husky tone; her body now pressed up against mine. I lightly lean in and plant one more soft kiss on her lips. "Told you," I whisper and she just smiles.
"Shall I return the favor sometime?" She dares as she gently pulls my head to hers but doesn't kiss me.
"You are right now," I frown and she lightly laughs. Oh the power this woman has over me. Mac, you are so sad, my brain chides. I know. But as she offers one more kiss my whole body starts to warm once again and I feel my dizziness starting to come back. I think if she offered all of herself to me right now, I probably would die. And you were a Marine?
"I'll set the table. That is if you can pull off a miracle," I tell her with a slight frown, sadly pulling back before I force myself to go all the way. I just can't do that, as much as her body is telling me to, I need to respect well, anything that might develop. She wants you to. There will be another time. Chicken.
"Hungry?"
"Trust me, we should..." I start and she places a warm finger on my flushed lips.
"We are staying in and that's final," and with those words she turns and heads for the kitchen; denying me further action and leaving my brain and body screaming for more. Damn, how I want this woman. AH!
Is she going to be disappointed? Yes! Hello, you never have food in the fridge. But I won't allow myself to get my hopes up that much. I'm sure after she finds out what I'm really like she'll be disappointed and go back to the jock. Science guy better be smart. Stop letting the kissing cloud your brain. Can't help it, I inwardly sigh. Kissing her is amazing! Why haven't other women been this good? Because you didn't like any of them. Oh right. I like her. A lot! Oh there is no hope for me, was there ever? No. Good point.
I hear her offer a small laugh and look up as I set down two plates. "Told you so," I frown. My head is still pounding and my chest is bruised; neither of which I will share with her because I dont want her to wallow in her guilt any more than she is. Plus if I'm offered a make out session after dinner then I'll push aside a heart attack if I have to.
"Actually I'm laughing because you have stuff here you can make a descent meal with," she tells me as I round the corner into the kitchen and lean against a cupboard. I watch in amazement as she has pulled out a few items I didn't even know existed and is busy making dinner. I won't admit this to her; especially this early in the game, but this is my idea of a perfect evening, minus the attack of course. Spending time with someone I'm attracted to, maybe care for? Possibly, but again that's too soon to admit. Working together to make a meal and then just sharing the events of the day is my idea of perfect. Course a night of hot sex would cap the evening as perfect! Mac! Right back to reality. I'm a guy, shesh I can't help it! Especially watching her body in action. She's making dinner. So?
"So that's the most exotic place you've eaten in, in your travels?" She asks me; forcing my mind back to reality, where is should be, with her and out of the gutter.
I walk up to her and offer to cut up whatever she's working on and I start into my answer. For now, I'm going to tell myself that she's here and interested in at least growing a friendship.
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I feel my nervousness starting to grow once again as he comes up to me; takes the knife from my hands and starts to help. I love watching his strong arms flex as he basically butchers the veggies and then offers me a sheepish smile. Just being this close is making me smile and when he starts to talk about his travels, I can't help but be drawn further into the world that is Mac Taylor. Did I mention arms are my favorite body part on a man? Oh I need help. But as I listen to his voice I try to concentrate, but all my muddled brain will allow me to dwell on is his lips on mine. Why didn't Doug's kisses ever taste so good? Because you like Mac, oh right I do.
I know he probably won't believe me right now but I do enjoy this; spending some quiet time getting to know an interesting man that I know I am attracted to. I too think this would be a perfect evening. And dessert? Hmm that could be in his bedroom. Stella! Oh right, back to reality. Mac writes himself off so easily and I'm inclined to think the woman in the picture might have something to do about it. Was she his wife? If she left him then maybe he still holds out hope she'll return and then I would be really screwed. So many questions dance around in my head that I'm almost too lost in my own thoughts to actually pay attention to what he is saying. Thankfully the sound of his voice brings me back to reality and in a matter of minutes dinner is on the table and we are settled in to enjoy it.
"Wow," he smiles at me. "This is a simply amazing. I didn't even know this food existed."
"What do you normally do for dinner? Eat out?"
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"Sometimes, or go to Paula's," I tell her without looking up. Mac, what did you just admit! "Oh sorry," I rush.
"Why?" She asks me with a frown.
"I'm not a third wheel or anything," I tell her, trying not to make myself sound pathetic.
"I think it's nice to have friends that close. I sometimes hang with Don and Jessica. Do you think that's lame?"
"No, of course not," I smile warmly. I offer a slight wince but try to quickly swallow it down. I hope she didn't see that. I think she did. Damn it!
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"How are you feeling? And dont lie to make me feel better."
"If I say I feel like I was hit by a truck, would that make you happy?" He asks softly.
"No, but I have been wracked by guilt since I turned that light off," I frown. Of course I can tell he's in pain. I know his body also took a beating; not just his head. And of course I feel responsible. How can I not? I'd never want to see harm come to him. He had mentioned over dinner that part of the reason he left the marines and joined CSI was the fact that he wouldnt be in the line of fire. Great Stella! You put him back in the line of fire; over a prank no less and at a museum, like one of the least offensive places on the planet!
"It wasn't your fault," he tries to explain. I offer a weak smile but I know I should take my leave before I end up wanting more from him than a simple meal; and after those kisses, I know I want more from him. But in truth I don't want to leave. Mac is so different from other men I've gone out with; especially Doug. Doug couldn't wait to finish the meal and then head for the bedroom. But once again Mac's quiet reserve has me totally enthralled and wanting more from him.
I wonder what he's holding back on, but I think that woman's picture might have something to do with it. Would he ever tell me who she is and what relationship she was to him? Stella, don't ask right now! Don't ruin this, my brain tells me. Thankfully I listen.
"Let me clean up," I offer as I quickly push myself up off the table and head into the kitchen with some plates. However, I didn't expect him to be so close and I turn around only to bump into him; sending his plate flying and me almost slipping backwards. But despite his own pain his strong arm shoots out, grabs mine and pulls me to him. However, my foot steps on some of the leftovers and I find myself falling forward onto him and we both land on the floor.
I look at him and frown, but he only smiles. "This is becoming a habit with you," he tells me warmly; gazing into my eyes, begging for more than a simple smile.
"I'm somehow inclined to think you planned this," I whisper; my heart starting to beat faster. I lean in close; not able to contain myself and offer a small kiss on his warm lips once again, he just smells too good to ignore. I go to turn my head to get up but he pulls me close, happy to return the favor when his lips meet mine once more. The kiss is brief at first but ends warm and inviting. It starts out with a hint of uncertainty on his part but then finishes with firm conviction. He wraps his strong arms around me once more and starts to hungrily devour my lips, like a man on death row eating his last meal. He offers a small moan and my body goes up in flames.
Oh I want more right now! However, a few minutes into our amazing make out session, I move my arms in closer to his body, but accidentally push down on a sore spot and he offers a small yelp.
"Mac?" I ask quickly, pulling away in regret; looking at my finger with blood on it. "Mac, this is blood!"
"Just a tender spot," he frowns at me.
"Can I see?" I ask softly. I gently pull up his black t-shirt and spy the bloody cut on his side and then look at him with a frown. "Why didn't you tell me about this? Mac, you're cut and bleeding."
"It's just a scratch," he tells me in haste.
"And you got after me for saying that in the hotel," I frown at him.
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"Hold on and let me fix that, and no I won't take no for an answer," she tells me as she gently rolls off and hurries to the bathroom and comes back with the first-aid kit. Damn it, l curse myself when she gets up! Science guy was totally denied by his own big mouth. So much for not letting a small pain ruin things. But I know if she hadn't, I would have taken charge and demanded more from her, so maybe it's a good thing this happened. I don't want guilt sex and I don't want to move too fast after our first kiss. Shesh Mac, can you take it slow? With her? No.
"Stella, it's nothing," I try to explain as she kneels beside me once again; mad at myself for ruining the moment. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit to myself that kissing her is one of the best feelings I've had in a long time. Other women never felt as good in my arms; and I know another woman never will. Damn it Mac! I curse myself as she looks at me with a frown. Please not the pity card again. "Stella," I try.
"Take off your shirt," she lightly demands, and I look at her with arched brows.
"Pardon?" I ask with a nervous hint. Why do I have to take my shirt off? "Here," I tell her as I lift it up.
"Mac," she starts.
"Please," I lightly beg; searching her eyes for a way out. She demands more, I can tell by her look. But I'm no where near the picture of athletic muscle Doug is so am not about to offer myself willingly this soon. And while I'd like to think she'd find all of me appealing, until that moment when I do offer myself, I'll just have to wonder. "This is good."
She's smiling? Does she approve? Or is she just being kind. She's a woman, Mac, I tell myself. You'll never know! So don't ask.
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Why does he hesitate so much? What is he afraid of? A comparison to Doug? It's true their body types are opposite, but I wasn't going to judge him, I'm totally attracted to all of him; I just wanted a glimpse of the forbidden. But as he pulls his shirt up, I am pleased with what I see and smile. Firm and smooth, a light dusting of hair below his belly button, leading my eyes lower and my brain instantly thinking naughty thoughts. His smooth skin is very inviting to the touch. I gently place some disinfectant on his wound and notice him offer a veiled wince.
"Stop trying to be so tough," I tell him. "I can see it hurts."
"I have been through worse," he offers.
"Anyone to nurse you back to health after those times?" I ask, mostly fishing for a deeper insight into who the mystery woman in the pictures with him is. Sadly he doesnt play. Damn it!
"Sorry to disappoint," he frowns.
"Too bad," I smile as I gently place another band-aid over the cut and then carefully pull his shirt back down. I look into his eyes and know I want more, but I'm not easy so I know I have to take my leave before I do something stupid. And being this close to him; my hand near his waist, I know I'll do something stupid. But we just kissed and I have to leave him wanting more. Oh I don't think that will be too hard.
"I should go," I finally offer; my heart racing and my face still flush. Oh does this man know the affect he has on me? Stella. What? You are sad. I know, I can't help it with him.
He stands up and helps me to my feet, once again his strong arms holding me close. "Thank you," he offers warmly. "For everything."
"It wasn't much," I lightly frown.
"I'm a simple man, remember?" He smiles.
"I doubt that," I throw back at him. "I will leave if you promise you'll just go to bed and rest. Or do I have to use other means?" I tease.
"Hmm I might like the other means," he teases and once again my brain is on edge. Does he want more right now? But he takes the easy way out. "I promise I'll go to sleep," he tells me softly, once again looking at me, demanding more but not able to extend himself fully either. "I'll see you tomorrow. Please take my truck; I don't want you catching a cab alone."
"Mac, I'm a big girl," I tell him as I lean in close. "Goodnight," I whisper as I plant a small, warm kiss on his inviting lips. He pulls me close and offers one more; for good measure? Not sure, but that time I felt it down to the tip of my toes.
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"Goodnight," I whisper back in a husky tone as I offer her one more kiss and know if I don't stop now, I might not be able to. She offers another warm smile and then finally heads for the door and opens it.
"But," she starts.
"Stella, it wasn't your fault. Please don't think on that another second," I try in a soft but firm tone. The last thing I want is for her to spend the night worrying about me over guilt. "Remember, I don't do the guilt thing."
"I do," she pouts. I gently lift her chin so her eyes meet mine. "If the situation was reversed would you want me to spend the night wallowing in mis-guided guilt?"
"Mis-guided?" She starts only to have me plant one more soft kiss on her perfect lips.
"See you tomorrow."
"See there are times when I just can't win with you," she offers.
"I'll take what I can get," I tell her. I finally watch her leave and then hurry to the window to make sure she takes the truck. However, as I soon realize she left the keys on the table I offer a curse in her name. "Stubborn!" I frown as she hails a cab and then looks up at me with a smile before disappearing from my view.
But I quickly realize that her unpredictability is also one of the reasons she keeps me wanting more. However, just once I wish she'd listen to me, or she really will be the death of me; at least mentally.
I turn back to my kitchen and slowly walk into it and finish cleaning what was missed. I smile as I remember us washing the dishes or even when we took the tumble on the floor thanks to the food. But I am once again hit with the silence of my apartment as I slowly head back into the living room and sit down in my favorite chair. I look at the picture of me and Carla and frown.
"Well Carla, what do you think of her? Do you approve? Should I go for it?" I ask in a dead whisper; as a feeling of sorrow starts to cover me. I finally start to feel the pain of the beating earlier from my attacker and know that my life is in jeopardy. I think back on all the times I've had close calls in my life and know that now I'm more worried than in the past. Stella is to blame for that. For some reason I am now worried that I might not see her again. Oh that sounds lame. But it's true!
But as much as I wish it were true about Doug, I can't help but wonder if it's the whole truth. Why would she just up and dump him if she wasn't sure I liked her? Maybe she knew? Mac, she's a woman, why are you trying to figure out what she was thinking? Don't know, I guess I'm tired. Those amazing kisses have turned my brain into goo and I can't think on anything properly right now. Her faint scent still lingers on me and I can't help but feel my core warm once more. But then I think about why she was here, I was hurt. Next time no Jack!
"I have to get Jack!" I lightly hiss as I look at the time. Too late to call Paula as she'll be with Ed and the girls and I can't take away from their family time. It'll wait until the morning. I close my eyes, telling myself I'll only sleep for a few minutes; Stella in my arms and my brain replaying the few brief but amazing kisses we shared. Just a few minutes and then I'll go to bed and sleep properly, but when I open my eyes next, a few hours will have passed. I finally wander over to my bed; a smile still permanently pasted on my face. Sleep tonight is a welcome sensation.
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I finally reach home, my brain replaying the sensations my whole body felt each time Mac held me close and planted a few kisses on my lips. I did sense at first a bit of hesitation; as if he was unsure of what he was offering I might not like. But when he finally gave himself to me, there was no hesitation, just warm desire. Oh I know he'd be more than capable of forcing himself on me, not in a bad way but just in a way that would make me want to comply. But he didn't and I can't help but want to want him even more. Doug asked for sex the first night. Mac, didn't. Why do I find that so appealing? Even when he wouldn't offer to remove his shirt, unnerving but endearing. What's not to like? He's my type in every way! Ah stubborn man!
As I slowly move around my apartment to get ready for the night I can't help but wonder what tomorrow will be like for us. We made a connection tonight and while I'd like to tell myself it was based on guilt, I have to believe it was also based on truth. A real turning point for us both. And I do hope he believes me about Doug, but part of me does doubt that. I slowly head into the bedroom to get changed. My heart is still beating fast as I can smell him on me and my core warms instantly. I'll shower in the morning, this way I can go to sleep with him. Oh wait that sounded bad, I lightly laugh.
I wonder if he'll ever believe that I will not be disappointed in anything he has to offer me. I like simple; I wonder if he'd ever believe that. Stella he's a guy. Duh! He's thick, remember? He also said he had a hard time believing I would like simple things. But just being there; making dinner and then enjoying it together was one of the more enjoyable times I've had. Growing up in one foster home after another didn't afford me the opportunity for a real home life; never the feeling of belonging or being loved. Always on the outside looking in; wishing I had what other normal girls had. Someone to love and need me. With Doug or the other guys I've dated I never felt that. I spend one night with Taylor, and not even the whole night and suddenly I feel like I belong to someone great. Oh Stella, give your head a shake. What's going to happen when this is all over? He'll walk out of your life and then you'll be screwed! Damn it!
But as I remember our kiss goodnight, I offer a small smile as I quickly get undressed and then pull on my pajama's and climb into bed. And as I close my eyes, my lips have a permanent smile pasted on them as darkness finally consumes me; the faint scent of Mac Taylor playing with my tired brain and offering me dreams I never thought possible.
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"It has to be Jack Harvey," I tell Paula, early the next morning. "He's got a plant somewhere in either your office or mine. It's just too odd to be a coincidence."
"What did Stella say?"
"I didn't tell her all the details."
"Mac!"
"I just said it was some guy."
"What did she say?" Paula huffs.
"That we need to get him," I frown.
"She's good for you you know," Paula replies. And even though I can't see her face I know she's smiling.
"And what happens when this is all over and we have to go our separate ways?" I ask. Tell me, I beg inside my mind. Please tell me how this is going to work out.
"Well when that time comes, you two will just have to figure it out," she answers. Not giving me anything to work with.
"That's not what I wanted to hear," I frown.
"Sorry Mac, but when it comes to matters of the heart, nothing is easy; especially with you."
"Ah, I knew I should have walked away from day one."
"Mac, why are you still trying to live a life of sacrifice? You know she wouldn't want that."
"Who, Stella or Carla?" I wonder.
"Both," she replies.
"Caring about someone costs too much," I huff.
"I almost lost Ed," she tells me in a soft tone. "I know what you are feeling."
"I know you do. So what advice can you offer to me?"
"Take it one day at a time and always be honest. You always tell others it's important to you. Perhaps you should start listening to yourself."
"Thanks," I lightly grimace. "Anything from Flack?"
"Yeah that's why I really called. Guess who he picked up last night?"
"Megan Salish?"
"Yeah she's waiting for you guys. And I'll keep checking on Jack. If he's paid a man on the outside to stalk you when I'll find it. These guys don't to anything for free. Just don't do anything stupid. Keep away from Jack!"
"Right. I'm on my way in. Thanks," I tell Paula and head for the door.
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"Thanks, I'm on my," I start as Mac tells me about Megan.
"Stella, I'll come and pick you up. It's the least I can do," I hear him tell me and I can tell he's smiling. How could I say no?
"How long?" I ask.
"Look out your window," he tells me.
I hurry and look down and see his truck is already there. "Another surprise," I tell him as I hang up and rush out the door. "And now my handsome chauffer is here to take me for a ride?" I tease as I get into his truck.
"Well two can play that game remember? I'm a fast learner," he smiles.
"I can see that. I'll have to step up my game," I frown.
"And if you do that I'll be completely lost once again," he says in uncertainty.
"Weren't you always?" I wink to which he just smiles. "Where did they find Megan?"
"Paula told me that Flack found her at her home. She apparently had something else better to do."
"Yeah now if that doesn't make her look guilty," I mention as I look out the window; lost in thought. It just feels so normal, being here with him. After last night and me wondering how today would play out. Maybe it is as Jessica told me; you can work closely with someone you are attracted to if you find the right one. Is Taylor the right one? I guess only time will tell; but I sure hope so.
I hear him start to talk about Jack Harvey and I'm immediately drawn back into his world.
"What did Paula say about it?"
"Well she didn't discount the burglar thing as that has been happening," he tells me with a heavy sigh. "And Jack has powerful enemies a lot more important than me. But she'll keep her ears open and let me know. I think it was just a coincidence."
We reach the police station that is joined with my lab and head in the front door. I see Sheldon heading for us with Cyrus in tow.
"Well?" Mac asks them.
"Stomach contents," Sheldon says handing me the report.
"And there was no secret passage found on campus," Cyrus frowns. "Still working on tracking down the caterer and the two workers that had access to the room."
"So they were sedated," I mumble to myself. "Ketamine and a few other things. That's why they didn't fight back."
"Sheldon, find out who was able to get that and compile a list and start eliminating," Mac directs.
"Right so let's go and find Megan," I mention as Cyrus and Sheldon walk away. "I think those two are becoming friends."
"That seems to happen a lot with this group," Mac smiles as me. I can only agree as we turn and head for Megan Salish.
The last time Mac questioned a woman she came on to him. I wonder what to expect this time. I have come to learn with Mac that nothing ever is the same. And that's a good thing right? You bet it is!
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We head for the interrogation room and I can't help but wonder what this woman will tell us. The last time Stella was with me and we talked to Dean winters it was rather embarrassing. So I'm hoping this one will just play out professionally and without incident. Having her this close and knowing that we shared a few intimate moments last night is rather odd but not awkward. Paula once told me that when you care for someone you can work with them and still have a separate private life if you do things right. Stella told me about Flack and his partner and the few interactions I have seen with them lead me to believe she's right. Mac, she's a woman. You doubted?
We push our way into the interrogation room and this time it's just me and Stella. Megan looks nervous but then she has right to be.
"Ms. Salish?" I start in a soft tone. Paula always tells me that when I'm angry I can come off intimidating so I have to force myself to be a little bit calmer.
"Where were you last night? We had a meeting remember?" Stella asks.
"I know and I'm sorry. I had to take a private, well, meeting with my lawyer and," she starts.
"That's not possible since Detective Flack was with Lawrence last night," I interrupt.
"The truth Megan," Stella presses. "Where were you really?"
"Look we know there was bad blood between you and the Bryce's. We know about him pulling his funding and we know you threatened his boys. However, we find it odd that you would pay for their party. Seems like a perfect plan to get those boys alone and send in your hit-man to finish what you couldnt personally do."
"I would never kill them!" She hisses in anger.
"Where were you?" Stella presses.
"I was with my sister," she finally resigns. "She's having marital problems and had to attend counseling last night. Her children dont know and I dont want them to. Yes I wanted to get Martin back for pulling my funding, but trust me I have two boys of my own. If I lost them to some stupid business deal gone bad, I'd be forever damned. I wouldn't do that to another parent in return. Those damn emails I sent were sent in anger," she looks directly at me. "Haven't you ever sent something or said something you wish you could have taken back?"
"We're not talking about me," I frown. "We will have to call this marriage counselor. What is their name?"
"Dr. Ruth Marks," she resigns. "Look I figured you guys would track me down. Call who you want."
"Thanks," Stella tells her and we both slowly leave the room. I look back into the window and heave a sigh. "What?" Stella asks me. "Thinks she's lying?"
"No. I'm just frustrated that so far we have no credible suspects. I just want this wrapped up!"
"Tired of me already?" She teases.
I look at her with a slight frown. How is it that sometimes she sounds just as insecure about us as I do?
"No, tired of being misled by whoever is pulling the damn strings!" I tell her firmly. "I hate this not knowing."
"Well then let's get back to the drawing board and figure out what we do know," she tells me in a gentle tone.
I look at her with a frown. "Let's go. This is why I hated working cases in DC. They were always so political and no one wanted to step on toes and it was painful to get anything done."
"Paula and Flack will get us what we need. They just need to be sensitive so that the press doesn't get the wrong information."
"I know," I huff. "Life was simple as a marine. You knew your purpose, your enemy, your mission. You right the wrong and that was it."
"Trust me Mac, we will get this guy," she assures me.
"Which one? Jack or the real killer?"
"Both," she smiles. And there it is. That look of confidence in me and I once again feel like I can do anything with her at my side. I hope I return the favor. We round the corner to my office and I see Doug waiting for her. Damn that guy! So maybe she did just tell me it was over to save my ego. What is going on?
"Stella," Doug smiles at her; ignoring me as I would suspect.
"What's up Doug?" She asks quickly. I hear some nervousness in her voice. Is she worried that her lie is caught by me?
"I came by to see if you wanted to get coffee or something?" Doug presses.
"No thanks," she tells him with a frown.
"Stella, we need to talk," he presses.
"Actually I'm busy. Mac is taking me for coffee. Sorry," she smiles at him.
"Yeah right," Doug scoffs. "Him?"
"Yes me," I reply firmly. "Sorry Doug, we have to go," I tell him with a smile. Mac! I scold myself. Well it's better than hitting him. Oh I really want to do that! Just play along already. She's using you as a way out, are you going to turn her down? No.
"Stella, are you serious?" Doug asks firmly. "You'd rather go with him? Are you kidding?"
Then to my everlasting delight and surprise she turns on her heel and in front of him, gently puts both hands on my face and kisses me full on the mouth. My heart stops. Mac? Yes I'm still here. Did this just happen? Yes! I look at Doug and I can tell he's pissed. I can only smile. I have no words as I'm still working on getting my heart restarted.
"No, I'm not kidding," she tells him sweetly.
I look at his face as he looks from her to me and then back to her. Ha! Take that jock. Chalk one win up for science guy. And before I can offer any kind of word in my defense, Stella locks arms with me and guides me to the elevator. My lips are still on fire and my heart is racing. I think she's talking to me, but my well educated brain can only register her lips on mine. Wow!
"Come on science guy," she smiles. "You owe Sorority girl a coffee."
I watch the doors close and offer a cryptic smile to Doug who only scowls at me in return. And as we walk away I hear him say that he'll get even. Will he try to kill me? Probably. But I say bring it on. Nothing could ruin this moment for me. And today I think is going to be a good day after all. With her at my side, what could go wrong?
A/N: ah famous last words Mac! Yeah like I'd like Doug just walk away that easily. But don't worry Stella won't go back. But what do you think Doug has planned to try to drive them apart? Feedback as always is so very welcome! THe more reviews the faster next chapter! Maybe in a few days!