Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 19 - Closer to each other! Closer to danger?

I reach my truck and my mind is racing. Did I just do this? Did I just invite her to the club to watch me play? I did! Well I want to show off a bit and figure this is the best way; science guy has to prove he's got something cool going for him. But what if I mess up? Oh maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Too late now! You can't just call and chicken out. I push the truck into traffic and offer a heavy sigh as I reach for my phone.

"Mac?" Paula asks with a frown. "Everything okay? You sound anxious."

"I invited her to the club to watch me play," I offer with a heavy sigh. I listen to the growing silence and frown. "Paula?"

"Sorry I am too busy trying to restart my heart," she tells me and I can't help but smile. "I am in shock. Did I hear you right? Mac you've never done this before. I am proud of you."

"What if it's not her thing? What if she is bored or something? What if..." I ramble on and Paula laughs. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"You must really like her if you are this worried about impressing her," Paula tells me.

"I guess I do."

"Well I for one say it's about damn time. Just go and enjoy. Did she say yes?"

"Kinda had to," I frown.

"Mac, she's a woman. Do you honestly think you could have bullied her into it? No. So go home, find whatever you have inside your empty fridge so you don't pass out on stage and go and have a good time. Oh and if you want to really up your game do these two things..."

I listen to Paula's suggestion's and hang up with a smile and an added boost of confidence. But despite that confidence I just want tonight to be special and am nervous about screwing up. I reach home with a determined mind and a racing heart; telling myself to expect nothing more from tonight except to try to impress the woman I know I'm falling for. And after? Mac, concentrate on being able to get through your set without having a heart attack.

XXXXXXXX

I stand before my closet and my heart is racing. What do I wear? To a club? Mac just doesn't strike me as the techno party kinda guy but maybe I am once again wrong about him. I was never this excited about what to wear on other dates, certainly none with Doug the loser, but I just can't seem to slow my heart and want to dress to make an impression. Sadly I don't think I have to try too hard with Mac, but I do want to make him smile a little more than usual.

Finally I reach for a simple black cocktail dress; black is a good choice as it can be either dressy or casual. I hurry into the bathroom and stare at my hair. Well I always wear it down to work, why not up like I had for the mayoral party. I get to work on taming the beast and then reach for some makeup. Thankfully we aren't going to a crime scene so I can wear a little more perfume than I normally do; and while my body is still sore from the night before, I grab a modest pair of heels, my coat and I'm out the door. Once again the ride to the club is one of nervous anticipation. I don't know what to expect and his mysterious surprise has me wondering what other woman he's done this for. Hopefully I'm the first; but I really don't want to push my luck so won't get my hopes up too much! I slowly walk into the club and look for Mac but can't fine him; then my eyes watch as a strange man approaches me with a timid expression.

"Stella Bonasera?" He asks and I offer a slight smile.

"Do I know you?" I ask quickly.

"I'm Joe. Mac told me to meet you," he tells me and my heart sinks.

I've been stood up? What! "He's not coming?" I ask weakly and he smiles.

"Yes, but he wanted me to show you to your table. He'll be along later."

Later? What? Are you serious? I offer a look of surprise but just agree with a slight nod. I slowly follow behind the strange man and enter the main area and I notice it's not the kind of club I thought it would be. A very intimate setting, a small stage and people who look normal rather than the usual gaggle of gang bangers that frequent the "club" scene that I thought we would be going to. Since this is his neck of the woods I wasn't sure what to expect but so far it's okay. But where is Mac? This tardiness is not him and is sort of troubling.

"This is your table," he tells me.

"Thanks," I offer in a small voice as I sit down and spy a single red rose with a small note under it.

Stella, 'I'll be at your side as soon as I can. Enjoy the show.' Mac

"Enjoy the show? Without him? Is he kidding?" I wonder as I look around for him but frown when I can't see his face looking back at me. I wait as the minutes slowly tick past and my anxiety is starting to grow. What if he chickened out? Got a better offer? Died on the way over? Another ten minutes pass and I'm about to call a search party. Where the hell is Mac! I look at the time on my phone and then watch as a guy comes on stage and walks up to a small mike.

"We'll be starting shortly," he tells us and I settle back in my chair with a small sigh. Oh well, I'm here now so might as well enjoy until Mac arrives. That is if Mac arrives. Where is he? Oh he better have a good explanation for this.

XXXXXXXX

I offer one more glance into the audience trying to get my heart to stop racing. Stella looks so beautiful sitting at the table; the way some hair dangles down her neck; the way the black fabric hugs her body; the way the lighting plays with the shape of her body. How on earth will I be able to concentrate tonight?

Usually it's just the regular crowd I have to deal with and them I pay no heed. Oh there are regulars every week; a few who have asked for my number from time to time in the past but I never obliged any of them and certainly none I would ever ask to come and see me play. This is a complete first for me and I'm as nervous as hell. A smile can't help but curl onto my lips as I watch her take another smell of the rose and put it down. But I see her expression and know she's probably wondering where the hell I am. Hopefully when I walk onto stage all will be forgiven.

"Never seen you this nervous Mac," Luke one of the other band members tells me. "Which one?"

"The beautiful one," I tell him with a soft voice, my eyes still on Stella. It's not lost on Luke as his gaze follows mine and he looks at me and smiles.

"She said yes to you?" He laughs, slapping me on the back as I just frown. "Come on, time to start. Do you think you'll remember how to play?"

"Very funny," I throw back in a dry tone as I offer Stella one more glance and then head for my guitar. "Just don't ask me to sing tonight," I manage.

"You sure?" Luke asks with a frown.

"Trust me I just need to get through this first," I huff. "But I need a favor."

Luke looks at me with a wide grin. "Ah got it. What's her name?"

"Stella," I reply with a nervous glance.

"Alright then, let's get this party started."

Mac, you can do this, I tell myself. I take a deep breath and head for the stage. Here goes nothing.

XXXXXXXX

I watch as the curtain slowly opens and I glance around once more for Mac. He just doesn't seem the type to stand me up without calling? What if something is wrong? However as I turn back to the stage my opinion of Mac Taylor completely changes once again. I watch as the last band member takes the stage and my heart stops, but my smile widens. Mac! He plays? Of course! He had told me when we first started working together but I put it out of my head that he would ever want me to hear him so I am totally taken by surprise; and in a very good way.

He's wearing regular clothes; but then again anything would look good on him in my mind. When he sits down and his arms and hands wrap around that musical instrument, my admiration and desire can't help but grow. I finally feel at ease and settle into my chair and for the first time since I can remember, totally lose myself in the world around me, allowing the music to pull me further into the world of Mac Taylor and not let go. He's such a paradox. One minute he's able to kill a man with one hand and the next he's able to play a musical instrument with the skill of a master artist. I think I'm in love.

I continue to listen to the music and then finally the first set it up and I can't help but offer heartfelt applause; before we are told the band will take a short break and then be back for their last set. My heart once again starts to beat faster as I watch Mac gently set down his guitar and then slowly head for me; a few women offer small stares but his eyes are locked with mine and he doesn't even give them the time of day. That's right, he's with me; I feel like telling them all.

XXXXXXXX

My heart starts to beat faster as I head for Stella. What will she think? Will she tell me I played well just spare my feelings? Or was she genuinely impressed? I think there are other people in the club but as I walk toward her, everyone else fades from my mind.

"You made it," I offer warmly as I sit down beside her and plant a soft kiss on her cheek. "Thanks for coming. Are you mad at me for being coy?"

"Well I was about to leave when the band was about to start and my date didn't show up but then I saw him walk on stage so figured I'd give him a second chance," she throws at me with a smile.

"Glad you did," I tell her.

"Thanks for the rose," she smiles.

"You are more than welcome." Okay why can't I get my nervousness to subside? "Enjoying the show?"

"You know I don't think I'll enjoy music again unless it's you playing for me," she tells me and I just beam. She takes my hand and intertwines her fingers, her eyes locked with mine. The heat from our being close is almost making me lightheaded but thankfully I am able to tell myself I have another set to get through and to pass out now would ruin the night.

"You look beautiful," I praise and she smiles. I know I said the right thing as she offers her lips to mine and I can't resist the tempting offer and so kiss her in return. "Thank you," she whispers.

"When did you start playing here?" She asks and I'm once again immersed into my explanation about how I got started here and playing the club in general. I glance back at the stage and know it's time to get back before I go on for the second set.

"Are you hungry?" I ask quickly. "They have food here," I mention to her.

"Did you eat?" She asks.

"Just whatever I had in the fridge."

"Which means nothing," she smiles.

"Okay you're right. But if you want, afterward we can take something back to my place and just unwind? I live close by. But if you think that's too forward..." my voice rambles off in a nervous tone.

"I think I would like that," she smiles, leaning in and planting a warm kiss on my lips. I lean back with a grin; my core warming my entire body once again. "See you soon."

I offer her one more kiss; not even paying attention to anyone else around me; like my attention would ever be placed for even one second in the direction of another woman as long as she's on this planet.

XXXXXXXX

I watch Mac head back to the stage; pick up his guitar and just make small talk and laughter with the guys before they start. I don't think I could ever go back to even thinking about another man for even a second as long as Mac is around; he just seems to up them at every turn. As if he would say to any other man, 'bring it on I know I'm better,' but his quiet insecurity is also somewhat of a turn on. Oh I know he's more than capable of commanding attention when he wants it; and I know he's more than capable of taking anything when he wants it; but he always puts me first even though I know he's wanting more than just a friend at his side and I can't help but want to draw closer to him.

I watch them take their places, order another drink and then once again sit back and enjoy the show that I tell myself Mac is playing only for me. I love to watch his arms holding that instrument and can almost picture my body placed in his skilled hands and my core warms once again.

The band finishes their first song and I watch one of the men take the mike and then looks at Mac with a smile. "How are you all doing tonight?" He asks in a loud voice to which we all clap and some offer modest cheers. "I'm Luke and I have been asked to help out with a special favor, for my friend Mac, our fellow band member here, who has a very important lady here tonight," Luke starts and I look at Mac in surprise; Mac offering me a small smile in return. "And he's asked me to sing a special song for her. So Stella, this is for you from Mac."

I feel my face go instantly red as all eyes are on me and my heart starts to race faster as Luke whispers something to the band and Mac just shakes his head offers a smile before they start. And I can't help but feel my eyes slightly water as Luke's voice starts to sing, 'When you say nothing at all,' a song by Ronan Keating; but when he sings it and Mac looks at me, my heart just melts. I know I'm falling in love. How could I not after all this?

The song finishes and Mac offers a wink and I can only smile in return; my heart racing too fast to offer anything other than a happy grin. The fact that no man has ever done this before is winning Mac more than a make out session. Oh I don't want to be too forward but this just makes me want to rush up onto stage and kiss him until I can't breathe any longer.

The second set sadly starts to come to an end and I feel my nervous anticipation starting to build. What will happen afterward? Stella, don't get your hopes up for anything; it's just dinner. I know, but watching him here, hearing the song dedicated to me by him; my desire just continues to grow as each minute passes and its hard not to think of something more than a simple goodnight kiss. Hmm with those arms wrapped around me instead of that guitar? How can I not want that? I was jealous of that darn instrument all night!

XXXXXXXX

"Mac you owe me," Luke mentions as we pack up back stage. "Do you think that won you brownie points?"

"Hopefully," I offer with a timid smile. "But thanks. I know I was too nervous to even attempt that."

"Next time you have to do that for me," Luke laughs as I turn to leave. "See ya man."

I quickly put my guitar in its case and then feel my heart start to race once again. Where should I take her for dinner? Well it's late but something light might a nice way to unwind. There is a nice little Greek place next door. Garlic? And you want to make out afterward? Right no garlic. I grab my coat and then make my way back into the main seating area to see Stella waiting for me with a smile on her lips and the rose in her hands.

"That was simply amazing," she smiles wrapping her arms around me and giving me a hug and kiss on the lips. "Thank you. I think that song is my new favorite."

"You're more than welcome," I reply warmly. "I would have done the honors myself but I was too nervous."

"The fact that it was done is what counts," she tells me with a smile and I can't help but feel that tonight I made the right decision.

"Still hungry?" I ask.

"What's nearby?"

"Well I was going to suggest Greek but I dont think either of want to spend the rest of the night smelling like Garlic," I tell her and she laughs. "And if I tell you what I have in the fridge you'll get after me."

"Beer and Mr. Noodles?" She throws at me and I can't help but smile.

"Ah you know me so well."

"Actually after tonight, it's you who's got me guessing," she informs me and my grin widens.

"Gotta keep you interested," I whisper as she moves in closer.

"You don't have to try that hard, but I really loved tonight so thank you," she whispers in return, offering me another kiss. I think I'm still on an adrenaline high as I take her into my arms once again and pull her close, taking her lips and not offering them back until I'm finished. Sadly our moment is broken by a familiar voice.

"Hey you two, get a room will ya!" Luke calls out and we both look up with flushed faces.

"We should go," I whisper with a flushed face, as I wrap my arm around her waist, throwing a wink in Luke's direction who only smiles in return. We head outside into the cool night air and stop on the busy street. "So what's the plan?"

I watch in fascination once again as her eyes take in everything around her finally settling on a small take out diner and then she looks up at me in expectation. I am a little taken back by her simple suggestion however.

"It's uh..." I start.

"Simple?" She finishes.

"Very," I finally smile.

"You didn't believe me about that did you?" She challenges in a light tone.

"I guess I have to now," I tell her as we slowly walk toward it. As we wait we talk more about the club and the days stress has all but melted away. Stella gathers up the food and we get into a cab for the short ride to my apartment and then finally get inside. She heads for the table; putting the food down and taking off her coat while I put my guitar away.

XXXXXXXX

"What?" He asks in haste, as if once again he's done something or I've seen something that I am not pleased with.

"Did you eat at all today?" I ask in concern.

"Tonight will be a first for a lot of things."

"Firsts huh? You mean the club? The song?" I ask in shock. "You have never..." my voice trails off, my mind in anticipation for the correct answer.

"Never asked anyone before you to come and watch me play; certainly never did that with the song before. Never really wanted to, until now," he admits. I almost don't want to believe its true, but as I allow myself to drown in the sea of blue before me I know he's not lying to me and my heart soars. He did all this for me? And me alone? If I wasn't so happy and selfishly wanted him all to myself I would almost tell myself not believe it. I can only offer a smile and a small thank you; both which seem inadequate.

XXXXXXXX

We stop in the hallway and he pulls me into his arms one more time; offering me one last passion filled kiss.

"Thank you for an amazing night last night," I whisper.

"Thank you for making a dream come true," he whispers in return and I can't help but smile. I take his truck keys and then head outside. The ride home is one of happy joy as my brain refuses to show me anything other than images of myself wrapped in Mac's arms. I dont remember letting myself into my apartment, having a quick shower or getting dressed before I am back on the road and heading for the lab. For some reason, I just can't get there fast enough. I hurry inside and my heart is racing. I see Mac talking to Danny and offer a professional nod, trying to hide my growing smile.

"Someone must have had fun last night," Lindsay comments as I head into the busy hallway. Oh grief is it that obvious.

"Went and saw Mac play," I tell her, trying to sound casual.

"That's a first for him. Interesting," she smiles, offering me a knowing glance.

"What?"

"Nothing," she replies as she turns to leave; pausing before she does. "Just interesting how Mac has the same smile he's trying to downplay also this morning. Must have been some show," she offers with a wink.

She walks away and I can only watch in amusement. It was some show alright; probably one of the best I've ever seen. Oh how on earth am I going to be able to hide my smile for the rest of the day? Little did I know that the events of today would force Mac and I to take things to another level; one that would reveal a lot more about him and our future than I ever expected.

XXXXXXXX

I look up from Danny and offer Stella what I hope is an appropriate smile and nod and then try to turn my attention back to the item in my hands.

"Late night?" Danny asks me; trying to sound casual.

"Sort of," I reply absently. Can he hear my heart racing?

"Stella have fun?" He asks and I look up in surprise.

"Pardon?"

"Hey man whatever," he smiles. "It goes no further than here."

"Right," I huff and he laughs.

"Well maybe a little further."

"Don't you have work to do?" I ask in a light tone; one that isn't as annoyed as it should be. Oh how on earth am I going to be able to concentrate today? Thankfully I get a page from the lab and work is once again occupying my brain as I head into the lab and up to Sheldon.

"Got the drug list narrowed down but the only name on the list for anyone who bought Ketamine is Jeremy Frost."

"Our dead caterer," I huff. "Damn it!" I curse as Stella walks up to us.

"Another dead end?"

"Our sedative was bought by Jeremy Frost," I frown. "So he puts the drugs in the drinks; leaves while they're alive. Comes back, kills them, lies to us and then kills himself?"

"Too easy?" Stella questions.

"Way too easy."

"You know if someone did plan this," Sheldon starts. "They are a genius."

"One that must have a lot of money to be able to ensure that every lead turns out to be a dead end," she offers as my phone rings.

"Taylor. Cyrus what did you find?" I answer. "You found them? Good job! Who?" I ask looking at Stella. "Okay you and Sheldon take one and we'll take the other. Sheldon is finished and I'll send him over to help you. Danny and Lindsay are going to wrap up the Frost scene today. Cyrus, if this happens to be our guy, either one, watch your ass. This guy has already carved up four young men. I don't want you two to be the next scene we are working on. Right talk to you later. Sheldon, call Cyrus right now and go and meet him. Yeah he'll give you the details. Thanks."

"I'm on it," he answers in haste before rushing out of the room.

"What's that all about?" Stella asks me.

"So thanks to Paula, Cyrus was finally able to track down the person who runs the facility the night murder took place and two maintenance guys who not only were using fake names; but who opened up the place and then shut it down. They were the only two with sole access to the room the night of the party; could be them and we might have caught a break. Maybe either one of them can shed some light on if and when they found the boys dead. Cyrus and Sheldon are taking a Donald Amor; currently working on a construction site in his spare time. We get Tyler Redmond, currently working part time at the long island amusement park."

"Amusement park?" She arches a brow. "Hopefully not the haunted house."

"Just keep your gun close," I offer with a slight smile.

"Ready for another adventure?" She asks me.

With you at my side, I want to tell her. Hell yes I'm ready! "Lead the way," is all I manage. Oh Mac, do you think you'll survive today? Probably not. And little do I know that the scene we are about to arrive on will force my hand; a hand I was hoping I wouldn't have to play this soon in the game.

A/N: Okay so hopefully this chapter wasn't too sappy but it's time for some action and more about Mac's stalker and soon to be kidnapper. So the amusement park is next but don't expect cotton candy and clowns. This is my mind we're talking about and it's twisted! lol hope you still are enjoying and want to know what I have up my sleeve for these two in the way of trouble and a possible past revelation? hmmmm