Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 15 - Gossip, Flirting, Handcuffs & Trouble!
A/N: okay thanks again for the amazing reviews. You guys in a word rock!! I am having so much fun writing this story! Oh and you know I just had to have Mac in handcuffs once more - hope that's okay! :)
And just to let you know that I have used some of your suggestions in your feedback to perpetuate this story and add fun things so the more the reviews the better and longer this story becomes. This chapter is mostly SMACKED flirting & fluff so enjoy! Trust me this story will take a serious turn in the later chapters, especially when Mac is kidnapped but hope you all enjoy this for now!
I look at her in the elevator with a slight frown. I want to ask about the kiss but don't want to ruin anything for myself so remain quiet. However, once again she beats me to it. Always proving to me that her mind never rests and I'll never have the upper hand. Did I ever? Good point.
"Oh you can ask already," she smiles. "You are silent because of the kiss right?"
Damn how she does that! "No, I uh..." I start.
"Maybe now you'll believe me about Doug?" She dares.
I can only offer a nod; not really believing my good luck but telling myself I better not do anything to change it either. Mac, just shut up and enjoy. If you say you don't believe her, she'll never kiss you again! Never? Never! Fine.
"Are we really going for coffee?" I ask her as the elevator reaches the main floor.
"You thought I was making that up?" She asks with a slight frown.
"Not sure what to expect from you anymore," I offer with a nervous tone to which she just laughs.
"Mac?"
"Nothing," I frown.
She stops me as we get out of the elevator and looks at me with a hint of uncertainty. "You don't believe me do you? Do you think I was using you to make Doug jealous? Very high school science guy," she tells me in a sad tone and I immediately feel bad. How is it women are such masters at this?
"Give science guy a break, will you?" I lightly beg. "This doesn't happen to him on a regular basis. But I really want to believe you."
"Well thats a start," she huffs.
"Come on I owe you a drink," I mention.
We head into the coffee shop and I direct us to a small booth; before I slowly head back to the counter and order our drinks and something sweet to share. I offer a casual glance and she smiles back, making me feel like I'm the only person in the whole room. Even with some of the other women I've gone out with they never made me feel inside what she does. What does that mean? Mac! I scold myself. Stop trying to over analyze things all the time. Right fine! I quickly get our stuff and then head back to the table.
"So when we get back," I start.
"Back where? This is our conference room," she tells me.
"Here?"
"Never had a coffee meeting before?" She smiles.
"None I've looked forward to," I offer with a slight smile. "Okay so let's run down what we have so far."
"We have four young university men," she starts. As she continues I am once again fascinated by her way of explaining things to me. Once again she holds me captive until she's ready to let me go. Damn it, I think I'm really falling for her! Wasn't I long ago? Yes.
"They want to have a party with a few strippers, some laughs, some booze and some whatever," I continue. "We have an ex girlfriend who argues and leaves; an old friend from out of town who talks to them but then spends his week with his gay lover; we have a family enemy who pays for their party. But what those people all have in common is when they last spoke to the Bryce boys and their friends they were alive."
"Flack thinks he might finally have a lead on the caterer and Jessica said she talked to the strippers and when they left all of them were drunk but still alive," she adds.
"We need that caterer. If anyone had access to put anything in the food it would have been him," I offer with a slight scowl.
"What is it?" She wonders.
"I want a motive. Money and blackmail are always powerful motives, but how is it that we can't find one yet?"
"It could be plain old fashioned revenge," Stella notes.
"But the only person with motive for that ruled herself out last night," I huff. "But Flack is still looking at her financial stuff so that could still play out."
XXXXXXXX
I watch him explain parts of the case and I can see the anger and frustration in his blue eyes. He's trying to hold back but some things he just can't hide from me. He's looking for the hard angle but maybe there isn't one. How does his brain work? Once again I am fascinated by wondering what makes him tick. I have finally gotten my heart to slow down from the scene with Doug and the kiss I for some reason offered. I have never done that before but it was fun! Fun? Yes fun. I sure hope he believes me now about Doug, but something inside me tells me he's still uncertain. Oh what can I use to beat into his thick head that I really do like him? AH!
My phone buzzes and he quickly stops while I answer. "Bonasera? Yeah what did you find? Great, we'll be right up. Thanks."
"Who was that?" Mac asks me.
"Jessica, they finally tracked down Caleb's girlfriend. Shall we?"
"Can you take this one?" He asks with some hesitancy.
"What? Why?"
"I need to go and talk to Jack Harvey," he tells me.
"Mac, you can't do that," I lightly scold.
"I want to concentrate on this case and just need to know. A friendly chat, thats all," he offers.
I look into his blue eyes and know I can't say no. But if I do go my own way and he goes alone and doesn't keep his temper in check then there will be serious implications from a powerful source.
"Mac, if something goes wrong you could get into a lot of trouble," I start.
"I hate this political BS and it's time to lay it on the line a little," he states angrily. I offer a slight frown and he quickly calms down.
XXXXXXXX
Why does she have that effect on me? Maybe she should come; it will keep me in line. "Okay here is my deal. We'll talk to the girlfriend and if nothing turns up from that, then you can come and keep me in line."
She looks at me with some hesitancy but I'm sure she senses that I won't back down and finally agrees. "Well if I don't, then our next meal might be in a prison cafeteria."
I offer a small smile but am glad she's going to agree. "Let's get this done."
We head back upstairs and I can't help but feel that I need this woman in my life on a regular basis to keep me in line. I am still a bit leery that it will last but I'll take what I can get for now. We head for the interrogation room and I spy Doug in the corner, looking at me with a scowl. Get over it buddy, we are past high school politics. But as I walk past, I can't help but look back with a daring glance that says I could kick your sorry ass any day and she's mine! Ha! Oh Mac, I chide myself. Grow up already! Speaking of high school. Can't help it, that guy makes me angry! You're jealous. So?
We reach the interrogation room and are met by Jessica Angell. "Morning," she greets us with a smile. Hmm why do I get the feeling that I'm about to be ambushed again. She looks at Stella and I just frown.
"So are you two ready for this?" She lightly teases.
"Yes," I reply quickly. Why am I nervous all of a sudden? "Who is it?"
"Cathy McDonnell," she tells us. "She was in Seattle for a conference but says she talked to Caleb just after midnight."
"Well that at least narrows down our time line. So if the strippers left at midnight and she talked to after they left then our killer showed up between midnight and two thirty," Stella states.
I am just about to direct Stella to the room when Jessica pulls her aside for a few minutes. Why do I feel like they are plotting my demise? Or is it something else? Oh man the kiss? Great! Now I'm going to be the center of office gossip for the rest of the day. As I glance around I now notice Doug in the corner talking to two others who both look at me in anger and I just frown. Right now I wish I was back in my own world; then I'd have some kind of control. I look at Stella who just laughs at Jessica and slaps her arm before she turns to join me.
"Let's go," I offer my arm to direct her to the room. Stella walks past and I look at Jessica who only offers a cryptic smile to Stella who only winks to her in return. What is it about women that they can just offer each other a look and they know what the other is thinking? I am so lost in this realm, and so only offer a sigh and follow Stella into the interrogation room.
XXXXXXXX
"Stella," Jessica whispers to me, taking me aside. "Did you just kiss Mac in front of Doug?"
"What!" I lightly stammer as I take a few steps away from Mac. "Who told you that?"
"I over heard Doug talking. Boy is he pissed at Mac," she replies, not able to contain her smile. "A make out session in the hall? In front of an ex? Wow...you are daring," she teases.
"It was just something in the heat of the...well he kinda dared... oh why the hell am I justifying myself," I huff. "Yes I kissed him," I whisper.
"About time," she teases and my face goes flush.
"Pardon?" I ask in surprise and she just smiles. "Better not tell anyone else," I lightly warn.
"Oh trust me I don't have to. It's getting around on its own," she winks. "You two are the talk of the whole building. Course the fact that you left alone together just fueled further speculation."
"What?" I lightly hiss. "Great!"
"Stella, you are in charge of the lab and the kiss did happen in the lab and, well, you know the rest," Jessica tells me.
"Should I hang myself with the short rope now?" I sigh.
"Well I hear Mac didn't complain," she tells me and I playfully offer her a slap on the arm. I hear my name and turn to Mac. Can he tell my face is red?
"Try to keep out of trouble you two," Jessica winks at Mac as I turn back to join him.
"What was that all about?" Mac asks.
"Oh you know, girl talk," I answer and he just rolls his eyes. I sometimes can't help but laugh at Mac's face when he is trying to figure out what a certain look or certain words mean between two people; mostly women. Jessica's look was from the conversation I had with her but I'm sure Mac thinks we're plotting his demise.
We head into the room and are once again faced with another distraught female. Poor Mac, I sigh, this is just not his playing field. Maybe the field trip to see Jack Harvey will allow him to flex his macho muscles at least once this week.
"Cathy?" I start in a soft tone; forcing the young woman to look at me with a sad face. "What can you tell us about your conversation with Caleb?"
"I was in Seattle. He told me not to go. Think if I stayed with him he'd still be here," she lightly cried.
"What was in Seattle?" Mac asked.
"Work," she offers with a slight sniff. "Yeah I know, like work should ever come before love," she cries once more.
"I know this is hard on you, but anything you can tell us will help to find the monster who killed Caleb," I tell her in a low tone.
"Do you think he suffered?" Cathy asks us. I look at Mac and frown before turning back to her. "No, he was sedated."
"Cathy, what happened?" Mac presses; his patience once again wearing thin.
"I knew they were getting some strippers. Usually banned on campus but with their money they could get most anything," she frowns. "I called Caleb just after midnight as it was early in Seattle. He was a bit drunk but sounded happy and fine."
"Was his speech slow at all?" I question.
"No, he understood everything; he wasn't that drunk. Told me he missed me, that he did nothing wrong and that he loved me," Cathy's voice trails off into a sad whisper.
"Did he say anyone else was coming?" Mac tries again; his tone much softer. Yeah put a crying woman in front of even the strongest man, and he turns to mush.
"He said they were going to hang around for a few more hours and then the cleaning crew would be in and then they would be done. Sleep off the hangover and I'd see him when I got back."
"So no mention of anyone else showing up?" I ask.
"Yeah some music guy," she huffs. "Myron something, but I don't remember a last name. Sorry. Who do you think did this to him?" Cathy questions us.
"We are still working on that, thanks," I tell her. "You can go now."
"If you remember any other details that will help us catch this guy, here is my card," Mac instructs her. She offers us a sad okay and then is escorted out and Flack and Paula walk in.
XXXXXXXX
"Paula?" I ask quickly. "I thought you were home today?"
"Don't worry Mac, it's just a quick stopover," she smiles at me. "What happened to you?" She asks looking at the small band-aid on my forehead from the museum attack.
"Ran into a brick wall. What's up?" I ask, hoping she won't press for further details; like Stella in my apartment. Oh I'd never hear the end of that.
"Had to help Flack duck some red tape."
"Anything on our maintenance guys?" Stella asks quickly.
"Cyrus did a good job of taking over," Paula informs us. "But we are still trying to track down the two main guys who had access that night, my money is on fake names. We'll let you know as soon as we find them. Right now we have a joint Chief's meeting and I have to make sure our boy here knows what to say before I send him in to face the firing squad alone."
"Mac, she always this tough?" Flack asks me.
"One of the best," I smile.
"So what do you two have planned for today?" Paula asks.
"Finding out who Myron is," I reply.
I look at Stella, praying she won't mention Jack. "Just a few more calls and then back to the evidence," she tells them and I offer a small sigh of relief.
"I'll talk to you later."
"Take care of Ed," I tell as they finally leave.
"Still want to go and see Jack?" Stella asks me.
"Yes. And thanks for not mentioning it in front of Paula," I huff. "She'd never let me live it down. But he can wait. We need to find out who this Myron is. I don't remember seeing his name on the suspect list as the music guy was Jonathan Dyer and his alibi was solid."
"You get the file and I'll meet you in the data room," she tells me.
"Right," I reply with a small smile as I turn and take my leave. However, I can still feel Doug's eyes watching me and as soon as I leave the police part of the building my nervous tension starts to ease. Get real Mac, as if he'll try something. He might. He's not two! Yes he is.
I reach the lab and notice Adam and Danny stop talking when I walk in the room. Okay so why the hell am I nervous again? I hate this! I offer them a small nod and they both offer sheepish grins. Hmm did they hear about the kiss thing? Are they talking about me? No, guys don't gossip like that. Mac, give your head a shake and get back to work. Right. I start into my next task, but a few minutes' later Danny walks up to me.
"Big Mac," he says in a low tone.
"What's up?" I ask, not looking up. When he doesn't answer I just look at him; and he offers me a sheepish smile. "What's is it?" I ask again, looking past him to Adam, who is lightly laughing. Okay why is my nervous tension growing again? What is going on?
"Something wrong gentlemen?" I huff.
"No we are just waiting for our make-out session," Adam pipes up and Danny starts to laugh. "Oh not with Stella though, I mean with our own girls," Adam finishes.
"This gives Lindsay the green light right?" Danny lightly smirks.
"What?" I offer with a light hiss. Okay so now I'm the talk of the office? Damn it!
"Sorry," Adam smiles. "But it was great!"
"This is very grade two guys," I frown and try to turn back to my task. And why the hell am I so warm all of a sudden? Because you liked the fact that she kissed you in public and are flattered by the attention. No I'm not! Liar.
"What was it like to make out with our fearless leader?" Danny lightly goads and I look at him sharply.
"We weren't making out," I reply in haste. Why the hell am I justifying myself to these guys?
"Why are you upset?" Adam asks lightly. "We think it's cool and we like you a lot better than Doug."
"Yeah Mac we never liked that guy," Danny adds.
I look at him in shock and actually offer a smile. Really? Science guy is liked better than the jock by his own peers? That's great. Mac, grow up! Quiet! Let me enjoy this.
"So what was it like?" Danny presses.
"Come on spill, does he want to kill you now?" Adam teases and I just roll my eyes.
"Mac!"
"I don't kiss and tell, sorry guys," I tell them as I try to turn back to the piece in my hand and try to concentrate on it. However, as they both take their leave out of the small room, laughing and talking I just offer a heavy sigh. And for the next half hour I am bombarded with small looks, whispered gossip and whatever else these people can throw at me. Oh when is this day over? Sadly it's just started and I think I'm in for a bumpy ride; even my own staff don't spare me my mental demise.
"Mac, if you have no plans for another make-out session right now can you look at this?" Cyrus teases.
"Don't start," I growl.
"You know you get after me for making on the job during working hours," Cyrus throws at me and I look at him in shock.
"You do and we weren't making out. Why the hell am I having this conversation with you," I huff.
"Is she a good kisser?" Cyrus continues; ignoring my obvious embarrassment.
"You know I could order you down to parking duty," I frown. However, he just hands me the photo walks away, heading for Sheldon who a few minutes later looks in my direction and offers a smile. However, when I feel Stella approach my nervous tension starts to grow once again.
"Having fun?" She smiles.
"Not really," I frown. "Did you find Myron?" I ask quietly.
"Yes, Myron Fields," she offers, showing me his rap sheet.
XXXXXXXX
I look at Mac and can't but notice how tense he is. I wonder if it's the gossip. I mean I was bombarded with it, was he also?
"Mac?"
"What?" He replies quickly. He looks at me with a frown and I can only offer a small smile. "Sorry, just not used to being..."
"The topic of office gossip?" I counter.
"Frankly yes," he huffs. "Are you?"
"Well gossip is just a natural part of the working world." I start. "Look it's happened before."
"So you make it a habit of kissing men in the hallway?" He asks with slight annoyance.
"No not that, I meant gossip in general, but, it's just that," I try again and he looks at me with a frown.
"What? You do?" He questions.
"No I don't. You're the first," I stammer.
"Right," he huffs.
"You don't believe me?"
"Where is Myron?" He asks quickly.
Oh damn this stubborn man! "Mac! You seriously don't believe me?" I ask with crossed arms.
"I am not playing this game," he huffs.
"Why too mature?" I goad.
"Too smart to know when to walk away," he sighs taking the sheet from me and turning and heading for a computer. I look at him with a frown not realizing that Lindsay is hovering beside me.
"Ohh I just want to ring his neck sometimes," I huff, turning away and bumping into Lindsay with a small gasp. "Didn't see you. Sorry that wasn't supposed to be out loud."
"Mac not handling the office gossip well?" She asks with a slight smile.
"I guess not," I frown as I watch Mac take his leave out of the room; his posture stiff and expression angry.
"Yeah he hates any kind of attention," she frowns.
"Attention? It's just talk," I frown.
"If Mac isn't in control of a situation he can't handle it; even talk. Cyrus and I have tried on many occasions to get him to just loosen up a bit, but he can play the stubborn child card really well," Lindsay informs me.
"It was just one kiss to shut up an ex," I sigh. "Why am I defending my actions?"
"Did you like it? Kissing Mac?" She lightly asks and my smile gives me away in an instant. Stella! Well I did like, how on earth can I lie about it? Oh why did I get out of bed today!
"Well it's kinda obvious and you don't have to defend anything to me; I'm happy for you and him," she smiles warmly at me.
"You are?" I ask in light surprise.
"Yeah, all he's ever had in his life are lame bimbos," she admits and I just laugh. "He needs a woman of substance. He's probably a little embarrassed because he does like you."
"What? It is obvious?" I want to know.
"Please, it was so obvious the day you two started working together," she throws at me. "He'll probably just sulk for the rest of the day however. He's very good at that."
"Men," I frown.
"But if I kiss Danny right here, will I get in trouble?"
"That was not a license for everyone to just behave inappropriately," I sigh; wondering if what I did was such a good idea. Did you like it? Yes! Then don't worry about it, it will die down. When? When you retire. Great!
"That wasn't inappropriate," Lindsay quickly corrects. "It was kinda cool," she tells me and I can't help but smile. "Besides I know Mac didn't really mind the kiss; probably liked it. He just hates people talking about him."
"Yeah but it will probably garner me the silent treatment from Mr. Stubborn for the rest of the day," I frown.
"Well you could always do something get him to loosen up a bit so he's not so stressed for the rest of the day."
"Not another make out session in public," I frown.
"In private?" Lindsay smiles.
"What?" I ask quickly. "That's not such a good idea," I sigh.
"Yeah I guess you need to let Mac get some control back," she frowns. "But it would be funny."
Stella, what? You are thinking about it. I know. And why do handcuffs enter the picture? Sadly I did promise Mac that the pranks would stop, but the longer I dwell on it, the more I goad myself into actually carrying it out. So I do the unthinkable. "What are you thinking?" I ask Lindsay. "And if I do agree, you better swear to me that you won't tell a living soul and I mean Danny especially! I do need to spare Mac some heartache."
"Well since he signs my paycheck I agree. So I swear," she answers with a grin. I can't believe I am actually listening but the more I continue to hear out the younger woman before me I realize two things; her and I are drawing closer as friends and she's actually a fun distraction and we still get work done. Oh Mac is going to kill me.
"Well," she starts. She finishes and my heart is racing with nervous anticipation as I take my leave. Lindsay goes about her task and I am thankful that she's true to her word and this little outing will only stay between us. Now where is my unsuspecting victim Mac?
XXXXXXXX
"Thanks Flack," I answer with a heavy sigh.
"Sorry Mac," he frowns. "Myron Fields alibi is solid. Those parole tracking devices can't lie. He was back home when he said he was."
"I guess that's why his name wasn't on the guest list. He didn't tell his parole officer because he wanted the extra cash. Thanks I'll tell Stella," I tell him as I am about to hang up.
"So I hear Doug is pretty pissed at you," Flack tells me.
"Is noting in my life sacred any longer?" I frown.
"Uh Stella kissed you in front of him and a bunch of other onlookers in a hallway with glass walls," he laughs. "Did you think we'd spare you because you are just visiting?"
"Actually yes," I moan.
"Don't worry about it man. I am actually pulling for you," he informs me. "Doug was never right for Stella."
"Thanks I think," I sigh. "Do you think he'll kill me?"
"Nah. Doug's a big mouth but I dont think he'd do anything stupid. But if he's jealous enough he might?"
"Great," I answer as I finally hang up. I offer a curse as another lead turns out to be a dead end and go in search of Stella once more. I walk up to her office but she's not there so I head back to the lab. I am once again hit with obvious stares and smiles; whispered conversations and cryptic gazes. Oh I hate this! I hate being the subject of any kind of gossip that I have no control over. And if I didn't know any better I would swear I was going to see my picture on their intranet on what kind of conduct is wrong in an office setting. Maybe I should have called in sick today!
I walk into the lab and look around, no Stella.
"Mac?" Lindsay calls to me in a casual tone; leaving Danny who only offers me a wink. Oh brother. I turn around and sadly am clueless as to the trap I am about to walk into.
"Are you looking for Stella?"
"I am," I lightly frown. "And please no more comments."
"I thought I'd spare you," she smiles. "But it was funny."
"As I was saying, where is she?"
"Archives."
"What on earth for?" I wonder.
"Something about the case. She said she found a name tied to a case from the past and went to pull the files."
"What was the name?" I ask.
"You'll just have to ask her," she replies and I offer a heavy sigh.
"Right. And where is archives?" I ask. Oh why I am just so unsuspecting? I wasn't unsuspecting in the Marines! Um hello, you never faced an army of women. Oh right.
"Basement," she directs and then turns back to her task.
"How on earth do you know that?"
"Good make out spot," she winks and I just sigh as I take my leave. I head for the elevator and notice my anxiety is already on high. This case has dealt some unexpected hands and my uneasiness is starting to grow. Being attracted to someone takes a lot of work; but I remind myself that I haven't even wanted myself to be this attracted or involved with a woman for a good number of years so maybe that's why my anxiety is high. Mac! What? Stop trying to analyze things already.
I reach the bottom and the elevator doors open to revel a dimly lit hallway that leads to who the hell knows where.
"Stella?" I ask with a hint of nervousness. Why do I get the feeling I am being set up. I start down the hallway, cursing myself for not bringing at least a flashlight. Mac! What? You were a Marine? So? So pretty sad.
"Stella?" I try again as I come to the end and reach a T junction. Left or right? I hear shuffling to the right and decide to check it out.
"Stella?"
"Over here," I hear her voice and offer a small sigh of relief. I head toward the noise and round the corner and stop short.
"What on earth?" I ask in shock as I look up and see her about a foot above my head on a small catwalk. "What are you doing up there?"
"Looking for something," she replies casually.
I watch her with a slight frown but also in fascination. "Just be careful."
"At least if I fall, you'll be here to catch me," she smiles.
"Yeah just make sure that doesn't happen," I frown. I hear a noise in the distance and quickly turn to see what it is. Sadly what I don't know is that my new nemesis, Doug Bilson is heading for us and will stop and observe what happens next; leading to a showdown that will cost me a lot.
"Jumpy?" She questions.
"No," I lie. "Need some help?" I ask.
"Yeah give me your hands so you can take this. Put them here," she directs. I lift up my arms and lean toward the edge of the metal runway; my hands landing right beside the edge where she wants them. Sadly it's what she was expecting and before I can react, she has both wrists captured in handcuffs, looped over one of the metal rails and I'm trapped.
"What the hell!" I state in shock, while she just laughs. "Stella!"
"Ha serves you right for making me feel bad for my actions this morning," she tells me as she hurries away.
"Come back! Damn it!" I shout as I try in vain to pull myself free. I frantically look around to make sure that I'm alone and seethe as she slowly walks back to me with a large grin, a small key dangling in her hand.
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"Will you keep your voice down," I lightly direct; trying in vain to downplay my growing grin. Stella! What? Give the poor man a break already. No way! I like him like this. Puts me in control for once and I like having control over him for once. Don't you always. Hush!
"Okay you promised no more pranks," he huffs in anger as I come and stand inches from his captive body.
"Actually this wasn't my entire idea but at least I get to reap the rewards," I smile sweetly at him.
"Pardon? Whose idea was this?" He asks weakly.
"Hmmm can't tell, it's a secret," I whisper as I lean in close.
"Are you serious someone else knows about this?" He demands in frustration.
"Maybe," I smile at him. Oh damn, why does he have to smell so good! Sadly the fact that he's just worked himself into a bit of a sweat is making his scent that much more appealing to me. His face is flushed and his strong arms continue to flex under his dark dress shirt as he tries in vain to pull himself free. But I see something other than anger in the blue eyes before me and smile as I lean in closer.
"Stella, I," he starts only to have me take his lips and plant a small kiss on them, silencing him. I feel his body hesitate as he slightly pulls back but then lean in and offers whatever he can before pulling back and offering a small curse.
"Okay fun time is over," he frowns. "And I swear I will get even," he tells me in a firm tone.
"Oh please I know you're not that angry," I tease. "And stop pulling already."
"Stella, what if someone comes down here!" He lightly hisses, pulling on his wrists once more. I gently reach up and touch them and he finally stops.
"Well don't worry, I am only going to leave you like this for an hour or so," I tell him as I pull back as my phone rings.
"Pardon?"
"You need to loosen up a little, you know away from the gossip," I inform him.
"What!"
"Bonasera," I answer.
"Ste," he starts as I gently place my hand over his mouth and offer a "shh" forcing him to glare back in shock.
"Right, okay I'll be right there. Oh trust me, it is. Thanks," I tell Lindsay as I hang up my fake call. Mac yanks his head away from my hand and frowns.
"I have to go," I tell him.
"What?" He asks in shock. "Just give me the damn key then!"
"It's the control issue that bothers you most right?" I challenge.
"What are you talking about?"
"The gossip. Is that what bugs you the most? Don't you know the only person you can control is yourself?"
"Thank you Dr. Phil," he snides. "Undo these before we are seen."
"Once again you are trying to control everything. Maybe I should sign you up for some control issue classes," I suggest with a slight frown.
"You are really enjoying this aren't you," he mocks.
"Aren't you?" I counter and he finally stops his useless struggling. "Oh I think you are."
"But," he tries.
"Actually, I am really enjoying this," I tell him as I move in close, wrap my arms around his waist and pull him close. Stella! What? So much for not wanting to appear desperate! This isn't desperate. This is just fun! My lips start to lightly taste his before I press myself against his rapidly beating heart and am finally rewarded with a soft moan. My hand can't help but start to gently slide up one his captive arms, feeling the hard mussel and offering my own soft moan of delight. I pull back and he actually offers a soft smile.
"Told you," I whisper, almost out of breath. And it's a damn good thing we are where we are, because if we were any place else, I know I'd strip him down to nothing and force myself on him. Stella! What? Can't help it; the more he resists the more I want him. That's sad. I know. But it's true. Doug would have begged me already to do that, but the more Taylor's body begs for more but his words are the opposite I can't help myself. But it's dark down here and I can have my way with him and he can't stop me. Oh maybe I'm the one who needs the help.
XXXXXXXX
She pulls her warm body back from me and I'm in agony. Oh why the hell won't she just force herself on me already? Because you can't have sex right here! Why not! It's dark and no one is around! Whatever. Sadly with the smell of her still dancing around in my clouded brain; the feeling of her body pressed up against mine and the way her hands just touching whatever they want, I could do little more than offer a smile of content. You are sad. I know.
"Will I ever be able to win with you?" I ask with a slight frown.
"I'm a woman. Do you really want the answer to that?" She throws at me. "But I do have to go."
"Fine, undo these and I'll come with you," I tell her.
"Actually you are going to wait here for me," she smiles sweetly.
"Yeah right," I huff. "Jokes over we have to get back to work now."
"Yeah right," she retorts. "I have to get back to work and you have to learn your lesson."
"Lesson learnt!" I lightly hiss. "Now undo these."
"Because you really hurt my feelings," she starts with a sad face.
"What how?" I ask in concern. "Stella, I never meant to hurt your feelings," I frown.
"Are you sorry I kissed you this morning in front of everyone?" She dares.
"It's just never happened before," I finally resign. "Never had a woman want to and," I start as she moves in closer once again. "And yes I enjoyed it. Fine, that's the truth. But I hate being talked about."
"And that you blame on me?" She counters.
"Not completely. I also blame Doug," I frown; not realizing that Doug is listening and already plotting my downfall.
"Well I don't care about Doug and I'm glad I did it in front of him," she offers. "Now kiss me science guy once more so I can leave in peace."
"But you," I start as she silences me once more with a hungry kiss; her lips teasing mine before they pull away. "See told you, no more Doug."
"No more Doug," I whisper with a smile. But then I hear her name being called and we both look in the opposite direction Doug is waiting; offering angry curses in my name.
"Stella!" The voice calls again. She looks at me with a frown.
"Hold on a sec," she tells me.
"Stella, come back!" I demand as she turns and hurries down the hallway.
"Just hold on," she calls back.
"Damn it!" I curse as she fades into the darkness. I look up at my wrists and once again struggle in vain to get myself free. However, I am so distracted by my predicament and the noise of the cuffs rattling around over my head on the metal beam that I don't see anyone coming up from behind; I of course assuming I am still alone.
However, just as I hear a noise and am about to try to turn around, I am punched hard in the back. I offer a small gasp but by the second hit my eyes water; my lungs immediately lose air and I'm sagging on my captive wrists.
"Having fun?" Doug states gruffly as he walks around and stands in front of me. "This was supposed to be my fun with her!" He growls in anger as he punches me in the stomach.
"What the...hell," I huff as my lungs are gasping for air.
"No more Doug, huh!" He hisses as he hits me again. "We'll see about that," he tries. But thankfully I am able to bring my leg up, kick him hard in the gut, causing him to slam into the wall behind him. He quickly recovers and walks around to my back once again; where he knows I can't get at him. Damn it! "Come back and face me you moron!" I growl in anger.
"I will later," he snides.
"Afraid?" I goad.
"Oh trust me science guy, you'll get it soon enough."
With the cuffs holding my wrists in place I am unable to twist around to at least defend myself to a small degree. When I do try to move, the metal cuts into my flesh and I'm forced back to my original position; my back to him and I'm a sitting duck.
"Get a life...Doug," I try as he leans in close.
"You're not wanted here loser!" He tells me angrily.
"I am by Stella. That's what's bothering you right? Well too bad! So you can get lost!" I growl; trying to act like I'm not in pain. Although my kidneys are screaming and my lungs are straining, this guy is going to have his ass kicked by me before the end of the day.
Thankfully I hear Stella calling my name and Doug curses; ready to take his leave.
"This is far from over science geek!" He hisses as I grit my teeth.
"Grow up jock," I throw at him.
"You and I will meet again!" He promises in anger.
"If we do, you won't have the upper hand next time, I promise you that!" I lightly challenge; not realizing that I will come to regret those very words spoken rashly.
"We'll see about that!" He finishes in anger, turning and rushing away.
A/N: hmmm what is Doug up to? What does he have planned to get even? What will Mac do? And Stella? What happens when Mac tells her about Doug? Yes I love to create tension and have Mac in trouble! That's what I do best. But lots more to come in this story, so hope that's okay!
Okay so this chappy was long and I had to end it there before you guys ran out of oxygen reading it all. And please tell me you aren't bored with lack of action!!!
I am supposed to do a shout out the FanFic 2009 awards by Shabb the Corrupter and thanks to the amazing readers who nominated this story. When I get my heart restarted I'll be very happy. You guys rock! So you know the drill the more reviews = the faster the next update!