Finally, by nearly all respects, Harm and Mac were a couple, living on a tropical paradise, perpetually hungry and openly in love. Harm wasn't sure where to go with their relationship at first, since he and Mac had been best friends and working partners for so long. He decided to do what came natural to him, which meant mooning over her like some sixteen-year-old kid. He couldn't wipe off a stupid smile on his face whenever he was alone and thinking of Mac. His breath still got caught in his throat at the sight of her. She was the only woman who left him truly vulnerable, who could level him with a glance. He used to fear that kind of exposure to another person because he always sought control. Now, with Mac, he was finally able to let go. Once freed up to express himself, Harm felt uninhibited and spontaneous. He allowed previously suppressed thoughts to enter his consciousness, and he was amazed at how often he noticed Mac's beautiful features. She was adorable. He loved her with all of his heart, and looked for the right opportunity to tell her so. Back on the mainland, he'd know how to wine her and dine her, but on the island, he could only offer her more fish, garnished with barnacles and shells…not very romantic. Harm considered his options. He wished he could bring her pearls from the sea, to show her how much he treasured her. She deserved the best.
Mac loved all the attention she got from Harm, as he made his feelings known to her more explicitly. He flirted with her throughout the day, and used his innate magnetism to work his way into her heart. Mac was fully aware that he was trying to charm the socks off her, if she'd had any, that is. Little did Harm know that he didn't have to do any of that posturing; he'd already won her over. Mac was amused by his attempts at clever remarks, and teasing glances. But all Harm had to do was send her one of his lazy grins and she'd melt instantaneously in the hot Columbian sun. In any case, their dance of intimacy was fun and effortless, so Mac just let things unfold on their own. She enjoyed having Harm on the chase; it was endlessly entertaining.
Two days after their pivotal talk, Harm brought her exotic red and purple flowers and insisted on adorning her hair with them. He sat her down on the campsite log and fussed over her, trying to weave her hair and absolutely cracking her up in the process. It was comical to see this mothering side of Harm – such a contrast to his flyboy facade. As his hands touched her head and neck, tugging and smoothing out lopsided braids, Mac swayed into his steady movements. His proximity heightened her senses. They laughed and joked throughout his attempted makeover. All the while, Harm would inadvertently brush up against her, sending thrilling impulses radiating down her body. When Harm leaned over to find just the right stem to go above her ear, Mac nearly gasped in shock at the discovery of his arousal. It was difficult to ignore. His breathing was unsteady, and she could tell that Harm was as affected as she was by the chemistry between them. Before she could collect her thoughts, Harm began to trace her ear tenderly and to blow on it. Mac could hardly move, she was so enthralled by his sensual gesture. He kissed her and nibbled on her ear lobe, then grazed down her neck, nuzzling with further attention. Mac's eyes practically rolled back in her head. Harm moved slowly around to the front of her, and knelt down. He put his hands either side of her face, and kissed Mac on the lips with single-minded fervor. At once, Harm was flooded with the intoxicating feel of her skin and taste of her mouth. Mac moved her tongue in to play with his, and Harm moaned in response. The sweet fragrance of the flowers permeated his senses. In the corner of his mind, Harm wondered why he had ever waited to be with Mac. Harm felt her hands reach out to rest on his thighs. Mac's tentative fingers traced his bare skin, slowly sweeping upwards. He closed his eyes and desperately hoped that Mac would move them even higher, his breath all but halted in his chest. When she skimmed the bottom of his shorts, Harm pulled back to look at her for a moment, his eyes glazed over in sexual excitement.
As much as Harm wanted to throw Mac down on the ground and make love to her right there on the sand, he needed to slow things down. He didn't want his intense desire for her overshadow all of the other feelings that needed to be dealt with. He longed for her sexually, but wanted to hold back those impulses enough to show Mac how much he cared about her first. He had to do this right, to cherish her and drive out all of her doubts. His unrestrained lust would only confuse the issue.
"Wow, Mac…anymore kisses like that, and you're gonna give me a heart attack," he said in a ragged voice.
Mac smiled at him, and moved her hands to his waist. "Well, it must be the hairdo. I feel like a new woman."
"You look radiant," Harm pronounced, taking in the bright flowers woven throughout her hair.
"You don't look so bad yourself, and I didn't even groom you. But then, you always look good." Harm was flattered at her comment. Mac squinted her eyes in suspicious appraisal and continued, "You know, I believe you're trying to seduce me."
Harm gave Mac a splendid smile, which sent a tingle down Mac's spine. She'd figured him out. All of his focus was locked on her, and she couldn't help but get lost in Harm's blue eyes and handsome face. After a moment, she looked down shyly, embarrassed to be caught staring at him. She couldn't hide her blush. Harm reached out and pulled her chin up with his gentle fingers. He kissed her one more time, and then said poignantly, "I love you, Sarah MacKenzie."
Mac's heart filled with supreme elation. Harm had finally said those fateful words, the ones that sealed her to him forever. At last, she could finally express what she had known for so long.
"I love you too, Harm. I always have."
Harm laughed lightly with joy, and kissed Mac once more with renewed passion. Then, he pulled her closer to his chest and hugged her tightly. From over her ear, Mac heard Harm admit, "I am trying to seduce you, but I'm just going real slow."
"I guess that explains the seven year time frame."
They chuckled together, and Harm moved to sit down beside her on the wood, his knees nudging hers.
"I'm sorry that it took so long to get my head out of my six, Mac…a lot of wasted time. I want to make it up to you somehow."
"Well, I'll think of something." She leaned back on her hands and looked up at the palm trees thoughtfully. "Hmmm….Maybe a few more of those steamy backrubs of yours," she said with a delicious smile.
"You like those, huh? All you have to do is ask," Harm said with a smug grin. He put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a wink. "Anytime, Mac…I'm all yours."