What happened after Mac and Nikki escaped the fate Murdoc had intended for them? What is going on in Nikki's head after that? This is my first FanFiction ever, hope you'll like it. I see other writer have posted their story in several parts. I intend to post mine in one long shot, at least until I imagine and decide to add a part 2 to it
The story makes more sense if you have seen the Widowmaker (episode 052/Season 3 episode 8), and perhaps Fire and Ice and GX-1 too (episodes 049 &050).
"Rated R - for Adult themes"
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After Murdoc's fall from the Widowmaker, Mac had convinced Nikki to climb up again to the top of the mountain. They did not know if their SOS had reached Ellard in Ridgemount, and they couldn't just sit there and wait. Nikki was happy that Mac was back among the living, really, but she wished he could be a little more moderate sometimes. After the deep depression he had been into for 2 or 3 weeks, the adrenaline-kick he got from Murdoc's hunt had been exactly what he needed to be his old himself again. Smiling, alive, and full of energy. On the contrary, as the stress that had kept her going during the hunt and the climbing was vanishing, Nikki could feel how exhausted she was. But there was Mac, pushing for them to go back to what was left of Pete's cabin in case help was on its way. If not, perhaps they would be lucky enough to find Murdoc's car and be able to drive back to town, or someone could pick them up on the road. Anyway, she had no wish to sleep in the forest and Mac's arguments were fair enough.
As they came close to the cabin, the night was falling, and they could see lights from a car up the road. People were talking up there, they had obviously seen the mines Murdoc had set up and they could not drive closer. Mac and Nikki recognized Pete's voice. They could hear how worried he way by the was he talked. “Pete!!” Mac shouted. “We are here, we are OK!”
Pete: “Mac!!? Is that you?! You OK? Is Nikki with you?”
Nikki: “Yes Pete, I am here too, we are OK both of us”
Pete: “Oh thanks goodness!!”
Mac: “We will come to you through the wood, just wait!”
They reached the car where Pete and the local police were waiting. They had to explain everything about what had happened in the last 8 hours, and although the policeman had given them blankets to keep warm, Nikki could feel the humidity of the forest around her, creeping inside her skin and down to her very bones. Mac explained how Murdoc had fallen down the cliff, and although Nikki knew he was dead, the darkness around them made her uneasy, as if some evil presence were looking at her from the dark. She shivered and Pete noticed it.
Pete: «Now, you must be exhausted after such a day, it's time to go home for a good night sleep»
Mac: «Actually I am more starved than I am tired. Didn't eat a thing since morning. Could we stop and get something on the way? What you say Nikki?»
Nikki: «Well, that' fine for me but let's find some take-away and eat in the car OK? The sooner I am in my bed the better»
She slept most of the drive back to town while Pete and Mac were chatting. When they arrived to L.A., Pete drove to her place first: «Here you are Nikki. You'll be alright?»
Nikki: «Yes Pete, I'll be fine, thanks. I'll see you at the office tomorrow..»
Pete: «Take your day off, will you? You'll have enough to do trying to find yourself a new car.»
Nikki was reluctant but had to admit that not having a car was inconvenient and she needed to fix that detail as soon as possible.
Mac: «Look Nikki, I can pick you up with the Nomad and help you find a car. After all, if it hadn't been for me you'd still have one»
Nikki: «Come on MacGyver, you will not start and blame yourself for that too! It was MY decision to come and visit you, you did not ask me to do it!»
Mac: «Well, you came for my sake, and I thank you for this. But Murdoc came for me too, and he blew your car up. So in a way it's my fault if you don't have a car anymore.»
Nikki: «Oh, you are impossible! Stop blaming yourself for everything that happens around you, will you?!» Partly surrendering, Mac smiled: «I'll try. Is 8 o'clock fine for you?»
Nikki was about to fight back but she got disarmed by his calm tone and smile. «OK, 8 o'clock then. Thanks Mac. Good night Pete.»
Pete waited to see her safely inside the building before he drove off to the marina. Nikki called for the elevator, and while she was waiting, she became suddenly away of how silent it was. The day had been so full of noise and action, it felt somewhat awkward now that it was so silent. Her neighborhood was very calm though, and it was nothing strange with it. She had no bag, nothing to carry, as all her stuff had burnt in her car up at Pete's cabin. Luckily she still had her keys with her. She stepped in and went straight to the bathroom to prepare a delicious warm bath. While the water was running, she went to the kitchen and grabbed an apple. Then she stepped into the warm water and allowed herself to relax, at last.
She could see the last day as in a movie. How she had left home, the drive to Ridgemount and how she had been worried about Mac. The awful face he had when she showed up, gray in the skin, looking like he had not slept for weeks, and how angry he was at her for coming. How she had tried to get him back to reason and met a wall. She had tried to force him to react, to open up, provoked him. « You didn't push her, did you?» she had asked. She could still hear his words when he shouted in pain and anger «YES!!! I pushed her away when she needed something from me. I hurt her. Then she fell!”
She did not have the time to think about what he meant back then. Mac had stepped in the cabin and the Murdoc-nightmare had begun. But now she wondered. What was it she needed from him, and why had he pushed her away?? She could not imagine Mac refusing something to his friend. Being his colleague, she knew he could be rude, their relationship had been based on these arguments, they couldn't agree on the right way to do things at work, they were both stubborn, proud and independent. But even with that in mind, she knew he would never refuse to help her if she asked. So it did not make sens that he could have refused to help his best friend? He had never managed to refuse anything to his friend Jack Dalton, even knowing that it always ended in a catastrophe, he could not say no. What was it she had asked from him?
* * *
The day after, Mac picked her up and drove her to the place she had bought her former car. The seller was a nice fellow, Mac checked that the engine was fine, and she was soon sitting back her own wheel again. Mac stood at her opened window, his hand resting on the door. “I hope you'll be happy with it” he said.
Nikki: “Yes, it feels great, I am sure it will be fine. Thanks for your help Mac”
Mac: “I'm glad I could help. Look.., you have any plan for the rest of the day?”
Nikki: “Well, not exactly... You know, I was not prepared to have my day off so I did not plan anything really. Why?”
Mac looked a little shy suddenly, like he did not know how to say what he had in mind.
Mac: “Would you... er.. how... er... want to do something together? I do not feel like sitting home on my own yet... Would be nice with some company” he said with a poor smile.
Nikki: “Yes, why not? You have something in mind?”
Mac: “Nothing special no. Maybe take the boat and go fishing?”
Nikki: “Mm.. What about going for a run first, then fishing?”
Mac: “Wonderful! I'd love that!” he said with a big smile.
Nikki: “Good. I'll drive home and take some change, then I join you at your place, we can go from there.”
Mac climbed in his car and drove back to the marina, both relieved and happy. Nikki smiled to herself. He had this boyish look when he was smiling, but still, she knew his sorrow from missing Mike and she was happy he had asked for her company. She drove home to pick what she needed for the day: first, an outfit for running, then what she needed to shower at Mac's place and clothes to change to for the afternoon. The sun was not that strong but perhaps she should take her sunglasses along too? Was it any use in taking an extra change, in case she fell in the water or smell fish after the boat-trip? Well, no, there was no reason for that to happen really. Then, she went to the kitchen to see what she could take with her for lunch. Mac certainly had all they needed, but she did not like to come with empty hands and let him order everything. When she finally felt she had what she needed, she went down to her new car and drove away to the marina.
When she arrived, Mac was on the phone. He waved her inn and she placed the food she had taken along in the fridge.
Mac: “ Yeah, right Pete, thank you for calling. Bye.”
Nikki: “Pete?.. Did he say if they managed to clear the road from all those mines?”
Mac: “Yeah they did. I can go and pick my jeep whenever I feel for it.” He remained silent for a while, looking down at the pen he was playing with.
Nikki: “Is there something wrong?” Mac passed his hand through his hair, looking tired.
Mac: “I don't know Nikki. Pete said they did not find Murdoc's body.”
Nikki: “What? But it MUST be down there somewhere! We saw him fall! He could not have survived such a fall!!”
Mac: “No, he should not. Mike didn't.” he said with a closed face.
Nikki: “Oh Mac I'm sorry! Perhaps Murdoc had an accomplice? Someone could have found him and moved him away?”
Mac: “I don't think so. Murdoc always works alone. I don't think he is the kind of guy who's got friends looking for him either. And if some of the locals had found him, they would have called the police or the hospital, don't you think?.” They were both silent for a moment, trying to figure out what had happened. Then Mac shook his head and changed the subject: “You ready? Should we go?” Nikki smiled back: “Yes, let's go!”
They went for a long run along the beach. They chatted casually and Mac enjoyed having someone matching his physical condition. He usually had to run on his own, sometimes his neighbor Milt would cycle along but he would complain when the trip went too far. Nikki was doing just fine and he could see she was used to that kind of exercise. When they returned home, they were both sweat and happy. Mac fetched the orange juice from the fridge and a couple of glasses, then they went to sit on the veranda and cool down.
Nikki: “That was a very nice run. Is it where you use to go?”
Mac: “Well yeah, you know... I try to vary and go different places but I like this one. Starts from home, shadow from the trees on the way, fresh air from the ocean... but now I am starving. Want to take a shower while I fix something?”
Nikki: “I took a tuna-and-egg salad and some juice from home. You go take your shower, I will order what I had with me and you can fix whatever you wish to have extra while I am in the shower OK?”
Mac: “OK. I won't be long.”
Nikki went to the kitchen bench and found some plates while hearing Mac closing the door of the bathroom upstairs and running the water. It was strange to think that he was in the shower while she was there. Kind of intimate feeling. Their adventure in the mountain had brought them closer together, some of the ice between them had melted and their friendship had definitely grown stronger, more confident. She was happy about it, somehow it felt like she had a brother again. But then of course she did not think Mac could have the same feeling for her. He never had a sister, and she could not imagine for a second that she could fill the space left by Mike. They were much closer, and it was too early anyway, his wound was still wide open. Again she wondered what it was that Mike had needed from Mac and he had refused to give her... She heard the door open upstairs, and Mac calling from the landing: “Nikki? Bathroom's free!”
She had just dressed the table and placed the salad bowl on the kitchen bench. She grabbed her bag and climbed the stairs. She had never been up there before. There was two doors, one was closed and she assumed it was Mac's room. The other door was just pushed shut. Confident that it was the bathroom, she pushed it softly open, just to find that she was wrong. There was the bedroom, and Mac stood there, a towel round his waist, foraging in his cupboard after some fresh clothes. In her surprise, Nikki could not move for a moment. She hold her breath, fascinated by the handsome man she could not take her eyes from. A sudden wave of heat rise in her body from her toes and up to her face she could feel burning. She had never felt such a strong and sudden desire for anyone. Terrified by the violence of the feeling, she stepped back. At that moment, he turned round and saw her, surprised to find her there but concerned by the look on her face, like if she were afraid of something. He sent a quick look at the window, in case there was danger there, but saw nothing. She looked like she was petrified while she stepped back, unaware of the open stairs just behind. “Nikki! Watch the stairs!” he cried. He run to catch her. “Are you alright?” he asked. Nikki seemed to regain control of herself, broke eye-contact and freed herself from his grip. “I'm alright” she said in a breath. Then she hurried in the bathroom and locked the door. Mac stood there for a while, puzzled by her strange behavior, wondering what she could have seen or done that would have put her in such a state. Then he returned to his room and dressed up.
Meanwhile, Nikki was leaning against the bathroom's door, feeling her burning cheeks, the beating of her heart, still feeling his hands where he had griped her. She prayed that he did not see her face, nor understood what she felt and though. Oh she could never look him up in the eyes again! What would he think of her!? She had never felt such a thing before. Never. What had happened to her!? And minutes ago she felt she had a brother again?! Ha! A brother!! Right... Anything but a brother! These were not feelings a woman could have for her brother, definitely not. She shocked herself, how could she react like that to Mac? Just by looking at his back while he was unaware for her presence!? He didn't seem to be embarrassed when he had seen her standing there, he was much more concerned by her security. Of course, he did not have that kind of thoughts for her, he saw her as a friend and colleague, and nothing more. “Come on!” she thought. “I have seen men in a towel before! Even very handsome men... Why do I react like that now? Why Mac? Well he is handsome, that's for sure, but I never felt attracted to him before. Not that way.. This is ridiculous!” Hearing Mac walking pass the door and down the stairs, she began to relax. With shaking hands she took off her clothes and stepped into the shower. Her mind was still working wildly and she found it difficult to ignore the flashes that her fantasy kept sending. It was both very exciting and scary. Scary because she felt she had no control at all. It wasn't something she had chosen to feel or think, her mind worked on its own and she did not like it. And how on earth was she supposed to come out of this bathroom and look at Mac again? He was down in the kitchen, right under her feet, certainly waiting for her to come down! Oh God what am I going to do? I will sure turn bright red as soon as he looks at me! Perhaps I should go home, pretend I am not well? It wouldn't be such a lie. I AM not well! Definitely not. But I can't go, can I? He asked my company so he would not be alone, and he looked so pleased to go fishing together! But how can I spend several hours on that little boat with him now? I would die of shame if he came to know what went through my mind. Well. There is no way he ever could know, could he? No, no way. So if I just act as normal, well, everything would be perfectly fine. Just forget the whole thing. It's going to be OK.
She went down the stairs, breathing deeply and trying to compose herself. Luckily, Mac was out, probably preparing the boat for their afternoon trip. She jumped as he came in.
Mac: “Here you are! Then, let's have some lunch, I'm starving!” She could see that he was smiling to her, but somehow, his eyes studied her closely. Like if he knew something was wrong but sensed she would not want to discuss it. She was both relieved that he did not ask her any further, and scared that his sensibility was so acute that he also could have understood what was in her mind. She tried to find back to their wonderful morning but something was broken. After a casual chat on fishing and boats, the silence felt while they were eating. Mac cast side looks to her and she knew that, at one point, he would ask what this was all about. She offered to make some coffee, just remembering as she was speaking that Mac did not drink coffee.
Mac: “Nikki. Is there something wrong? Have I offended you in some way?”
Nikki: “Oh no Mac, really, you've done nothing wrong! It's me... I... suppose I am paying for all that stress yesterday... I... Perhaps I should go home and take it easy the rest of the day..” she said, unable to look him in the eyes. Mac didn't buy it.
Mac: “You sure? Sure there isn't anything else?”
Nikki: “I just need to rest Mac, really, nothing wrong on your side!” she said with a forced smile while she stood up and collected their plates from the table.
Mac sat silently at the table while she went back and forth to try and give the change. Then she went to the door, excusing herself for not coming with him fishing; “I would have loved that but I think it wiser to take it an other time. I hope you are not too disappointed...”
Mac: “No problem Nikki” He stood up and joined her at the door before she could go out. A finger under her chin, he lifted her head, his eyes diving deep into hers he said “If there is anything, you call me, alright?” Uneasy, she hesitated. She just wished he would kiss her. At the same time she wished he could have cared less, and said good bye from the table. Sending him a desperate glance, she freed herself from his hand and rushed through the door. “I will Mac, thanks.”
Mac stood at the door, looking at his friend walking away a little too fast to be right. He had the feeling that her hurry was not to go home, but to leave him. He neither understood nor liked it. He wished she could speak to him, tell him what it was, but he also felt he was the cause of the change in her and therefore the last person she would talk to. After she disappeared from the pontoon, he sighted and went back to the house. Nikki had taken the dishes to the kitchen. He put the rest of the food in the fridge and stepped out on the veranda. Sitting on the rail, he looked out to the sea, trying to remember all he had said and done in the morning. She had been fine and happy during their jogging tour, and while they were sitting out here enjoying their orange juice. Then he had got up to shower, and when she came up everything was changed. Could something have happened while he was in the bathroom? She said he had done nothing wrong but somehow, he felt it wasn't exactly true. Did she speak to someone? A phone call perhaps? Could she have seen something in the house that would have upset her? A picture? Papers? He could not think of anything. However, he went in, checked the phone and took a round in the living-room, examining everything, trying to think as if he were her, looking for a clue. Then he went up, stood where she had stood and tried to see what she had seen. Nothing seemed strange to him. Sighting, he decided he couldn't do more for the moment, and decided to go fishing on his own.
Lying on the deck of the boat, he waited for the fish to bait. The inaction reminded him on his days at Pete's cabin. The pain of loosing Mike was still acute, but it did not feel as heavy as it had been back there. The climbing with Nikki, discovering Mike's harness had ripped off, had taken a burden off his breast. Still, he felt that she wouldn't have felt if she had not been hurt by his answer. She was such an experienced climber, she wouldn't have fallen, hadn't she been overwhelmed by emotions. Was he responsible for that? Well, for hurting her yes, but he could not have answered anything else. They had been friends since they were kids, and he had always seen her as a pal, one of the guys. Never as a potential girlfriend, even though he knew she was attracted by him. Love was so complicated... He had had so many girlfriends, and none of them could give him the same feeling of security as his friends. Friendship was simple. Not love. Love implied too much, you had to bond yourself to someone, your life changed, and when that someone went away you were ripped of a part of yourself, finding yourself all alone again, trying to fill the gap and never managing to do just that. It was the commitment love implied that scared him. With friends it was easier. You could see them whenever you wanted, but they had their lives and you had yours. No obligation, no change. Mike was gone, but his life did not really change. It was as if she were living her life as before, far from him, as they had done for years without seeing each other. The only difference was that he knew he could never meet her again. Time would help coming over that. But then, there was Nikki. Something had opened up between them in the last two days, and something had come between them again. It was not the same thing though. The irritation they felt in each other's presence had gone while they were running from Murdoc. They had been worried for each other, with no other task to accomplish than to stay alive. No performance, no choice of method, no mission to accomplish,just helping each other. Caring. Be friends. That's just what they had been after that. Until this other thing had come between them again. Embarrassment, fear... Where did it come from? Oh, he did not like to let a puzzle unsolved! And this one concerned him too closely to let it alone! He collected his fishing lines and turned the boat to sail home.
Meanwhile, Nikki felt awful. Being home was not the solution, she felt like a lion in a cage, not able to concentrate on anything but incapable of relaxing either. She felt bad about letting Mac down when he actually had asked for her company. She had done all the paperwork for the cars insurance already, the one that had exploded and the new one. Her cupboards were full, the laundry was done, and she had washed her flat before she drove to Pete's cabin the day before. She had nothing left to do! She decided to go to the office, at least she knew it was work waiting there and hoped it would be enough to force her mind out of the morning's events.
She had decided to avoid Pete, he had given her the day off and would expect her to take it. But of course, just her luck, he was in the corridor when she arrived and spotted her at once: “Nikki! What are you doing here? You were supposed to be home and rest!”
Nikki: “Oh come on Pete, I am fine you know. And I have work to do.”
Pete: “I should have known. You are impossible. A workaholic, that's what you are!”
Nikki: “Well Pete, that makes two of us” she said while she passed him. He sighted, laughing to himself. Nikki entered her office, relieved to find the familiar environment where she could forget the rest of the world, buried in her work. She settled herself down, finding the file she had been working on for the last weeks. This was a complicated case and she would soon be too busy with it to think of something else. Or so she thought... The case was very similar to the GX-1 mission in East Germany. She had been so annoyed by that blonde girl MacGyver was so nice to when Pete and she had arrived in Switzerland. What was her name again? A ridiculous one, she had thought back then. Heidi, it was. Well, there wasn't anything wrong with it after all. Why did she pick it up back then? She realized only now that she had been jealous. Jealous because he had obviously been interested in that beautiful girl while he got irritated when he saw that SHE had come along with Pete. The rat! She could still feel the irritation! By reaction, she had found a great pleasure in provoking him afterward. And he had fired back of course, enjoying himself when she had no choice but to share his sleeping-bag that night on the mountain. She wished she could have controlled her jealousy from the beginning, then things might have been different between them during that mission. Very different! Oh no! There was her fantasy spinning again!! It would not have been different! Mac was NOT attracted to her whatsoever, he did not want to have her there and was mostly annoyed to have to drag her around during that mission. Or was he only annoyed because she had provoked him all the way? Well, since the Widowmaker, the provocation had vanished from their relationship and he looked pretty pleased to have her company. He had even asked for it, and seemed to enjoy his day so far. Oh great! She did not manage to work either. She really had some sorting out to do. In a rage, she began to pack her bag. Who could she go to for help? If only she had had a sister! Someone she could discuss anything with. But she only had a brother, Daniel, and he was dead. He was friend with MacGyver in high school, and it was because of his death she had first met Mac. She had kissed him in Sumal's office when the guard had surprised them. Or was it he who had kissed her? Never mind. She wished he could step in her office at this very moment and do it again. She jumped as someone knocked at the door. She tried to compose herself before she answered. Ellen came in.
Ellen: “Mr Thornton would like a word with you Mrs Carpenter”
Nikki: “With me? Fine, I am coming”
Pete: “Ah Nikki, since you are here I though I would like to debrief what happened yesterday with you. Are you alright?”
Nikki: “Y... yes Pete, quite alright I think”
Pete: “It was a scary encounter you had with Murdoc. No nightmare, no unexplained fear?”
Nikki: “No Pete, I'm fine”
Pete: “Good. However, I wanted you to know that his body was not found in the area it was supposed to be. The police found no track that could explain what happened to him.”
Nikki: “Yes I know, I was at MacGyver's place when you spoke to him this morning and he told me. How is this possible Pete? He could not have survived such a fall, could he?”
Pete: “I don't know Nikki. With anyone else I would swear it was impossible. With Murdoc... He has survived so many certain deaths, I can not explain it.”
Nikki: “So... if he is still alive, he will come back after MacGyver some day, right?”
Pete: “If he is still alive... yes, I am afraid he will.” Nikki kept silent for a while, feeling a growing concern about Mac she had left alone for the afternoon.
Nikki: “You don't think he could be in danger right now, do you?”
Pete: “No Nikki, I don't think so. IF Murdoc survived the fall, he is at least wounded, I don't think he would go running after any one just now. But then again, we never can be sure of anything with this man.” He cast a glance at the woman in front of him, concerned that she looked so genuinely worried. “Don't worry Nikki, I am sure everything will be fine.” he said with a smile he hoped was reassuring. She smiled back and left his office. He sighted. He could never understand the relationship between those two. They were always arguing, never agreed about a thing, and yet, they really cared for each other. “Like siblings” he thought.
* * *
Mac was determined to find out what was going on with Nikki. After he came home, he took the car and drove to her place. There was no answer, so he went to the nearby store, in case she had just gone for some shopping. When he returned, she was not back so he decided to try at the Phoenix Foundation. Pete was on the phone so Mac went in and crashed in a chair to wait. “Hey Mac” said Pete when he put down the phone. “Good to see you back to work! Want to be filled in? I got a couple of cases that could interest you.”
Mac: “Well, no thanks. I just dropped by to say hello. Seen Nikki 'round here today?”
Pete: “Yeah sure, she couldn't stay home a whole day, she is impossible when it comes to work!”
Mac: “You talked to her?”
Pete: “Yeah, I had a debriefing with her. Why that?”
Mac: “Did she... say anything?”
Pete: “What you mean?”
Mac: “Well, you know, we spent some time together this morning, then she got... I don't know, quite strange, and then she left while we were supposed to go fishing?”
Pete: “Fishing?” he laughed. “Oh Mac, of course she left, I don't think Nikki is the kind of person who likes to go fishing you know!”
Mac: “But she looked like she was looking forward to it! I really don't think the fishing was the problem”
Pete: “Then, perhaps you've been a little bit nasty to her!?”
Mac: “No I didn't! I was actually very nice and helped her with her car, and we had a GOOD time.”
Pete: “Well, I don't know Mac, she didn't mention anything and she was perfectly normal to me. Why don't you ask her anyway? She should be in her office. If you would excuse me now, I got work to do!” Mac took his mail on the way to Nikki's office, but there was no one there, he learned from some colleagues that she had been there and had left only minutes ago. So he drove back to her place with no luck, she was nowhere to find. Perhaps she had gone to a friend?, or to the beach..., there was no way to know. He would better try again later in the evening. Worried and frustrated, he drove back home. He threw his keys and post on the kitchen counter and crashed on the couch. He passed his hand on his face, trying to figure out where she could be. The evening was falling so he decided he should go to the boat and collect the fishing equipment he had left there.
Lost in his thoughts, he walked to the boat, collected the equipment and lifted it to the pontoon. As he checked one last time that the boat was securely attached, he noticed that someone was standing at the end of the pontoon, facing the sea. “Looks like I am not the only one who has things to sort out” he thought. He took his equipment and carried it to the store room at the back of the house-boat. On his way back to his front door, he stopped suddenly, as the figure at the end of the pontoon was turning away from the sea and walking back toward him. Astonished, he realized it was Nikki! She seemed to notice him at the same time and they hurried toward each other. He was relieved to see her and gave her a bear hug. She found his lips and kissed them. At first he thought it was merely an accident, so he moved slightly away from her. She was observing him, trying to find out what he was thinking, if he was shocked or angry at her, but she could only see surprise and kindness, so she kissed him again tenderly, her hands slowly finding their way to the back of his neck, her fingers stroking his hair.
When they separated, they kept close, forehead against forehead.
Mac: “Nikki, what are you doing here? I looked for you everywhere!”
Nikki, surprised: “You did? Well, I needed to see you, and you weren't home. I though you were fishing and I was waiting for you.”
Mac: “And I was at the office,at your flat, I drove round half the town looking for you!” She smiled. They walked toward the house-boat, her arm round his waist, his lying on her shoulders. He slipped her to open the door and let her in. Then he closed the door and switched the light on in the kitchen. She took his waist again, her arms pressing his back for a new kiss. As tender as their embrace had been on the pontoon, this time she let her hunger and desire slip and he got confused. Her hands drew the bottom of his shirt out of his belt. An electrical wave spread along his spine when he felt her hands on his bare skin. He stalled. Holding her arms and moving away from her, he catch his breath: “Wha... what... what are you doing Nikki?” She whispered: “I want you Mac.”
Mac: “You... You what? Er... Wait a minute... What you mean, you want me?” He could not make any sens of this.
Nikki, suddenly embarrassed, was holding her breath: “I.. I...” She sighted. “I'm sorry Mac. I did not mean to offend you. I... Oh my god!” She blushed and could not look at him. But he was still holding her arms and she could not go away. He was startled. The whole thing was so unreal! But there she was, ashamed now, he was afraid she would start crying if he did not find a way to ease the air. “Hey. Come here.” he said while walking her to the couch. He sat beside her, holding her hands, looking concerned but reassuring. “Hey... Look at me. That's OK, no harm done.” He paused to give her a chance to say something, but she was keeping her eyes down and would not say a word. “Let's talk about it will you? I.... Look. You are a beautiful woman and I care about you. I really do. But this..? I don't get it! We have been colleagues and friends for some time now, but I never knew you had this kind of feelings for me. What... What happened? I dunnow what to say!”
Slowly, the shame she had felt when he moved away from her, was being replaced by a warm feeling of respect and tenderness. He was not the kind of man who would lay with any woman just for fun. He actually cared. Wanted to be sure. She slowly relaxed, smiled and looked at him. There he was, with this wonderful smile and his warm brown eyes looking at her. “Mac I... well.. I don't know what to say. It just came over me when you... er.. well, this morning..?, in your room..?”
Mac: “This morning? What happened this morning? You looked petrified on that landing!”
Nikki: “You can believe I was! I thought I was entering an empty bathroom, and there you were, so handsome and sexy in your towel, and I..! I...!” She blushed again. He smiled wider, feeling the blood coloring his cheeks too: “Oh... so THAT's what happened up there!” He cast himself back in the sofa in relief, eventually able to answer the questions that had puzzled him throughout the afternoon. “Well er... yes” she said with a charming shyness. “I could not think of anything but you after that. Couldn't sleep, couldn't work, it was no use! And Pete said Murdoc would probably come after you again one day, I got worried and had to come back.” Mac smiled and drew her to his chest, holding her in a hug. They remained silent for a while, enjoying each other's contact.
Nikki: “You know, I think I have been attracted by you all along, and all that snapping and provocation between us was a way of denying it. But these last days, it kind of disappeared and I had nothing left to hide from my feelings for you.”
Mac said, slowly: “Yeah. I see what you mean.” He looked at her, nestled on his shoulder. She was indeed an attractive woman. Feeling his eyes upon her, she looked up and as their eyes met, he could see down to her soul. Overwhelmed, he felt a delicious wave of warm dizziness spreading under his skin to his entire body. He kissed her softly at first, but she was careful to let him lead the dance. She had made it clear what she wanted, the choice was now his. She was very conscious of the burning contact of his hands. He left her lips and descended softly along her jaw to the base of her neck. It sent small waves of electricity under her skin. One of his hands was finding its way to the upper button of her blouse. He opened it, just this one, and started exploring the bare skin of her neckline. Her free hand was foraging the thick hair of his neck. The other one had been stuck between them so far, but as Mac had moved to face her, she could move it again. She found her way back to the bottom of his shirt and slipped under it, enjoying the contact of the soft skin and the muscles. Again, an exciting wave spread along his spine and he stopped his kissing of her neckline to return to her mouth for a passionate and hungry kiss that left both of them panting. “Let's go upstairs” he said. “ I've got protection there.” She kissed him softly before leaving the couch. He went to lock the door and switch off the light before taking her hand to climb the stairs in the dark.
The moon was casting a cold light through the bay windows over the stairs, and they stopped on the landing to look at its reflection on the sea. He was standing back her, his arms round her waist. The sea was calm and they enjoyed the magic of the view for a while, until he buried his nose in her hair and reached for her neck to kiss. She turned around to answer his embrace and they exchanged a long tender kiss before he took her hands in his and paced backward to guide her into the bedroom.
“Now Mac”, she said playfully, “where is that sexy towel of yours?” Taping a finger on her nose, he answered: “I won't tell you. You nearly fell in the stairs last time you saw it”.
“Well, that would give you an excuse to rescue me. What about that?” He turned around to place her at the bottom of the bed before he answered: “I'd rather have you falling on the bed” he said, pushing her shoulders softly so she fell on her back. Then, he came on the top of her. “And now, beautiful lady, I got my excuse to rescue you! What about that?” He tried to kiss her but she was giggling and made him roll onto the bed. He laughed too, then she rolled upon him, holding his wrists over his head. “Mmm.. I love that laughter of yours” she said sensually before she kissed him. The fever of desire took them, and they slowly stripped each other of their clothes while exploring and tasting their naked skins. The ballet of sensations took them on a wave of pleasure as if their bodies had known each other from the dawn of times.
Not willing to give their embrace up yet, they did not move until their hearts had found back to a regular rhythm. The tenderness of the moment was as good as the passion they just shared, and as desire did not blind their minds anymore they became aware of the details, how their bodies fitted together, the softness of the skin, the intimacy they shared. But after a while, Mac had to get up. “I'll be back” he said, heading to the bathroom. After he had freshened up, he came back, a towel around his waist and a puckish smile on his face: “So, what you say now?” he asked.
“Oh boy”, said Nikki, lying in the middle of the bed, “you ARE gorgeous! No wonder I felt so dizzy when I saw you this morning!” He laughed and crawled up to her on the bed: “You naughty girl!” he said before he kissed her on the nose. She rolled him on his back and looking deep into his eyes, she said slowly: “You know, I am hungry.”
Mac: “Oh no!! You naughty naughty girl!” he cried, his forehead in his hands.
Nikki: “I am serious Mac.” she said on the same slow, sensual tone. She planted a kiss on his cheek before getting up, and on her way to the bathroom she added casually: “Didn't eat a thing since we had lunch together!” He relaxed his arms and looked at her, realizing that she actually meant food. He became suddenly conscious of his empty stomach, as he had skipped diner too. He got up, dressed, and went down to the kitchen. Rapidly, he threw bread slices on the baking tray, covered them with tuna, small pieces of tomato, cheese, and placed them in the oven. Meanwhile, Nikki had freshened up, dressed and joined him in the kitchen, looking at him. “You have many talents Mac. I love seeing a man in a kitchen”. He looked at her, smiling over the sink where he was rinsing his knife. “It should be ready soon. Why don't you look back there if you can find some plates and glasses?”
Soon enough, the cheese had melted and they could sit at the table.
Nikki: «Mmm! This is delicious! Would be perfect with a glass of wine! What do you call that?»
Mac: «It's called bruschettas. Kind of Italian toasts. Sorry, I have no wine, but perhaps you would care for some grape juice? It's the closest I have to wine» They enjoyed their meal and realized it was not so late after all. Nikki offered to do the dishes while Mac tided the kitchen. “It's only 9 o'clock” he said. ”Do you want to see a movie?”
Nikki: “Well, I've got to work tomorrow and I did not take any change. Perhaps I'd better go home.”
Mac came to stand back her, embraced her waist and kissed her neck. “Really?” he asked. “How early do you have to be at work?”
Nikki: “You know, some of us actually have fixed hours at the office!?”
Mac: “Well, I'm sure. Isn't that typical? It's the problem with you bureaucrats. No fantasy at all.” he teased from her neck. Taken aback by the obvious provocation, Nikki turned around to protest, and met the impish look in his eyes. “You...!” she said, shaking him by the shoulders. Very pleased with himself, he imprisoned her in his arms. “Now, Mrs Carpenter. You are my prisoner. You can't leave before the morning. See? There's nothing you can do.”
Nikki: “How do you think to hold me here Mister? Are you going to duct-tape me on the bed?”
Mac: “Wow... I take back what I just said. You HAVE some fantasy after all! What a weird idea! It could sure be interesting to try it!”he said, diving into her neck to kiss her again. It became very passionate, inviting for more, until Nikki moved slightly away from him. “Never though that your glass door was not offering much privacy? Anyone going past it would get quite a view!”
“er... right...” he said, cooling down. “Never though about it... Usually I only do kitchen stuff in my kitchen... Want some dessert?”
Nikki: “I think we just had, haven't we...?” she said. He smiled. “Nikki, you are beautiful” he said. “Beautiful, and delicious” he added impishly. She smiled at him before asking “So, what about that movie you so dearly wanted me to stay for?”
Mac: “Have a look over there and choose something. I'll fix some popcorn.”
Nikki had not reached the shelf that there was a knock at the door, and Pete entered.
Pete: “er... hey there! Oh, hey Nikki, didn't know you were here! Er... Mac, I drove to the cabin after work to meet my insurance agent, and I took your jeep back on a trailer. Would you mind come and give me a hand with it?”
Mac: “er... yeah. Yeah of course!” He cast a glance at Nikki before he followed Pete outside. “So er... you.. just arrive from Ridgemount?”
Pete: “Yeah! Yeah, just coming back this instant. The guy from the insurance company wanted to see the cabin by himself. There was not much left to show him, though. It's burnt down to the ground. The only thing left is the pontoon.”
Mac. “I'm sorry Pete. Murdoc knows what he does when he plays with matches. What will you do?”
Pete: “Ha... There is not much I can do. Get the place cleaned up, and either sell the ground or build a new cabin. I dunnow yet. Here, you know how to lower that thing on the trailer?”
Mac: “Yeah. Let me handle that.” When the jeep was safely down from the trailer and parked, Mac said: “Thanks for taking it back, you spared me the trip up there. Want to come in? We were going to see a movie.”
Pete: “er... no no no, thanks, er.. I had a long day and I have to deliver the trailer back before I go home. Enjoy yourself, will you? I'll see you in the morning. Bye!”
Mac: “Bye Pete... And thanks again.” He saw his friend driving away before he walked back home. Nikki was in the kitchen, filling a bowl with pop corn. She sent a worried look at Mac: “You think he arrived when he said he arrived?”
Mac: “I... don't know Nikki...”
Nikki: “You think he saw... ?”
Mac: “There is no way to know, that glass door is definitely no good for privacy! But if he did, you can be sure he won't say a word to anyone.”
Nikki: “I know. But I certainly hope he did not.”
Mac: “Yeah. I hope so too, but whatever is done is done, there is nothing we could do about that. Let's see this movie. What did you choose?”
Nikki: “You are very practical. Good point for you! I found an Indiana Jones I haven't seen.”
Mac: “Really? You like that stuff?”
Nikki: “Well, yes! Is that so surprising?”
Mac: “Oh, I though you were more into... sophisticate stuff. You know...”
Nikki: “I do. But I also like action. And Harrison Ford is just my type.” she added to tease him. “Ah!” he said before feeding the film to the player and reaching for the remote control. They made themselves comfortable on the couch, enjoying the movie and each other's company. But toward the end of the movie, as he often did when sitting passive in front of a screen, Mac felt dozy and his head leant heavier against Nikki's. “Hey Sleepy-head!” she said. “Is it bed-time?”
“Mmm.. no, I'll be fine” he mumbled. “You really have to see the end, it's good! I've seen it 3 times so.. no much suspense left for me... ”
Nikki: “Well in that case, why don't you go up? Then I won't have to wait for the bathroom.”
Mac: “Good point. Clever girl!” He dragged himself up from the couch. “See you soon” he said kissing her lightly. She saw him staggering to the stairs and returned her attention to the movie. At the end of it, she removed the tape from the player, locked the door securely and switched all the lights off before heading upstairs. Although Mac was dozy when he got up, he had though to leave a new toothbrush on the sink for her. She helped herself with a towel, thinking that she would have to go home in the morning as she did not even take her compact with her. In the bedroom, she could hear Mac's regular breathing. She removed her clothes and joined him, trying not to wake him up as she entered the bed. “Hey” he whispered with a sleepy voice. “Come here” he said, opening the quilt for her to join him. She curled herself against him and he wrapped his arm around her. She gave him a soft kiss and sighted. “Good night” she said. “Night” he mumbled before falling back to sleep. She enjoyed feeling the weight of his arm, the warmth of his body in her back, the soft swaying of the house-boat. Soon, she was deep asleep too.
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Hope you enjoyed
