Summary: Just a little Halloween fun for our dynamic duo.

The house at the top of the hill

"Millicent Gertrude Andrews! How dare you bring people here without telling me!" Katie Belle all but screeched at her ghostly counterpart.

"I didn’t bring anyone here ane you know it," Millie huffed. "They’re coming all on there own. You know I don’t have the power to summon anyone. This happens every year, and you’ve haunted this house with me for the past 60 years. One would think you’d know me a little bit better by now. Now, are you going to help me get ready for them or not?" Millie asked, hands on her translucent hips, her tapping foot not making a sound on the hard wood floor.

"It’s just...well, every year a couple ends up on our doorstep on Halloween, and every year something happens to mess up everything. The pressure is just more than I can take anymore," Katie Belle Baker dropped on the duvet dramatically, complete with arm thrown across her brow.

"Oh hush, you old drama queen. This year is going to be different. This year, it’s going to be perfect," Millie spoke while walking across the room , turning on lights with a wave of her hand.

Katie Belle sat up straight. "Oh really? And just what makes you so sure about this year?"

"Because, my dear friend, this year we’re going to draw out the big guns. We’ve been going about this business all wrong," she began explaining as by magic, the room began to right itself. Cobwebs melted away, dust vanished. The room sprang to life in all of its former glory, and Millie turned to her friend. "This year, we’re going to stick to what we know will work best."

Katie Belle gasped. "You don’t really mean..."

"Oh, but I do. We’ve been trying to make them all fall in love in one night. This time...this time will be all about fire and passion and...seduction," Millie winked at her.

Excited for the first time in 60 years, Katie Belle jumped up and clasped her hands, literally floating over to the old Victrola by the window. "Oooh, you know, I think you just might be right. And I’ve got just the thing to set the mood. They’ll never know what hit them!"

Both women giggled with impish delight as the rest of the house began changing around them.



Unknown Road Somewhere in rural Virginia

"Unbelievable. This is just...unbelievable," Mac reiterated, unable to come up with a better word for their current situation.

"What? It’s not like I purposely TRIED to get us lost, Mac," Harm stated, irritated that, as the man and in charge, he should have been able to get them to the Halloween party without having to stop and ask for directions.

"No, but you could have stopped back at that gas station and asked," she insisted, turning in her seat to look out the window. Rain pelted the car causing visibility to be nil, but still she looked, choosing the blurry scenery over her riding companion.

He looked so good, dressed up in his costume, the gangster type suit and fedora only enhancing his already impressive features. He looked dark, dangerous, and good enough to eat. He’d even went so far as to rent a 1936 Chevrolet Sedan, for which she just knew he had spent a small fortune, just so they would completely look the part.

Honestly, she had been more than a little taken aback when he’d suggested she dress to match him for the JAG Halloween party, but she’d been touched as well. He’d been wonderful to her lately. So, of course, she had to agree, and now here she sat in her circa 1930's vintage outfit, complete with hat and naughty under-things. Of course, he didn’t know about those, but it was hard to ignore the flair in his eyes when he’d picked her up at her apartment that evening and saw her for the first time. She looked like something out of a fetish catalog, and Mac couldn’t help but feel a little powerful at the hungry look in his eyes. She smiled at the thought.

"Okay, now that’s a little scary. One minute you’re mad at me, the next you look like the cat that just ate the cream. What are you thinking about, Mac?" Harm asked, curiosity and amusement tinging his deep voice.

Now that was a loaded question. "Well, one, I’m thinking that we’re never going to get to this party tonight. And two," she hesitated to tell him the real reason, not sure how he’d take it.

"Yes?" he prodded, glancing over at her briefly before looking back at the road.

She shifted in her seat, uncomfortable. "That this rain is getting worse. We either need to turn back, or find some place to stop and wait it out."

Harm smothered a smile, knowing she had just hedged in telling him the truth. No woman smiled like Mac just did without a reason. But he decided to drop it, for now. "I agree, it’s getting damn tough to drive this thing. Only thing is, turning back would be just as bad; we’re in the middle of nowhere."

She twisted in her seat to face him, her arms crossed over her chest. "No kidding. I never would have guessed."

He looked at her, ready to retort, when her exposed thigh caught his attention. Her long tapered skirt had a high slit down the side and the material had fallen away to reveal the top of her hose and the clip of a garter belt. His mouth went dry.

The clearing of her throat raised his eyes level with hers. Her raised eyebrow and slight smile was enough to make the heat start creeping up his neck. All of a sudden it was really warm in the car. "I...um...well..."

Mac just shook her head and looked forward, and her breath promptly lodged in her throat. "Harm, look out!"

Jerking his head, he slammed on the breaks to keep from running into the wrought iron gate in front of them. The car skidded and fish-tailed before sliding to a halt an inch from the rusting metal.

Both Harm and Mac were breathing hard, stunned at the near miss. When he had gathered his wits enough to move, Harm unbuckled his seat belt and moved across the seat, his shaking hands immediately coming to rest on both sides of her face, bringing it level to his. "You okay, Mac?"

Unable to find her voice, Mac only nodded that she was. His thumbs brushed her cheek bones, his eyes searching hers for any sign of a falsehood on her part. When he seemed to be satisfied that she was indeed telling the truth, he brought her closer, his forehead coming to rest against hers until he could get his breathing under control.

Stunned by his reaction, Mac pulled back, her hand coming to rest on his cheek. "I’m fine."

Feeling the effects of her touch, and her nearness, Harm had the overwhelming urge to kiss her. He leaned in slowly, just about to brush his lips across hers, when the loud clanging of the gate caught their attention.

Before their eyes the gates began creaking open. The rain was falling even harder now it seemed, making it even more difficult to see. Harm looked around them and was only then aware that there was also nowhere else to go but forward. Straining to see, he could just barely make out the silhouette of a large house up on a hill at the end of the long and winding drive. "Well, would you look at that."

Mac followed the direction of his gaze and she too saw the eerie outline of what looked to be an old Victorian mansion in the distance. There was no way to tell from their current position if it was inhabited or not, but it didn’t look like they would have much choice but to find out. "Well, Hammer. What now?"

With a crooked smile he replied, "Guess we’re going up."



The house at the top of the hill

"Oh drats!" Katie Belle exclaimed. "That stupid gate opened just as they were about to kiss. Sixty years we STILL don’t have our timing right."

"As I recall you never did, even when you were alive," Millie cackled as she floated into the hall way and down toward the dining room.

"Now, you wait just a minute. I had great comedic timing!" Katie Belle followed along behind her.

"Yes, you did. Too bad the plays you were in were supposed to be dramas," Millie laughed even harder.

"That is not funny, Millicent," the younger ghost pouted.

"Oh all right," Millie rolled her eyes. "You were a wonderful actress, no one better has ever graced stage or screen. Now will you put some of that great timing to use and help me finish this table before they get here?!"

Katie Belle batted her eyelashes. "Well, when you put it like that..."



The trek up the driveway was treacherous, but Harm handled it like a pro, not letting his thoughts drift at all to the woman beside him...or her stocking clad thigh. He was damn proud of himself too...because that was one hellava world class thigh.

He’d always known Mac was a beautiful woman, but he’d always kept his feelings and...urges, at bay. Until recently. Now that he’d finally admitted he loved her, it was taking all of his iron control not to grab her and do all the wicked things he wanted to with her every time he saw her.

"So, Harm...we going to sit here with the car idling all night, or are we going to try to go in?"

Realizing he’d been caught lost in thought, Harm colored a bit and tried to recover. Shutting the car off and leaning across the seat, his face was right next to hers as he looked out the window and up at the house. "Well, as long as you’re not scared, I guess we’ll see if anyone is home."

His nearness and the smell of his after shave was doing funny things to her. Drawing a shaky breath she answered with as much spunk as she could muster. "I’m a Marine, Harm. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you," she said with a wink.

When he faced her their noses were only inches apart. Staring deeply into her eyes he murmured, "I don’t know, Mac...maybe you’ll be the one that needs protecting."

Her heart started galloping wildly at the husky rumble of his voice. She leaned in a fraction of inch closer, their lips were almost touching. Just as she was about to close the distance between them a crack of lightning illuminated the sky and the loud thunder caused her to jump.

Nervous laughter filled the car as Harm moved away. "All right, guess we need to get out of this car and see what’s really in there."

Mac grabbed the umbrella at her feet, thankful for the few seconds to get herself squared away. Tonight was turning out to be hell on her nerves. "Ready when you are."

Smirking slightly at her comment, Harm took the umbrella out of her hands. "Sit still, I’ll come around for you."

Before she could utter a protest he was out of the car and coming around to her door. With a woosh the door opened and Harm helped her out of the car, tucking her into his side as they walked toward the house. Even with all of the clothes between them she could feel the heat off of his big body. She tucked her head in closer to his shoulder and let him lead her.

Soon they were standing at the massive front door, huddled together under the umbrella. With shaking fingers Mac reached out and pulled the bell, hoping to signal someone inside the old home. No lights appeared to be on, but still she rang it again. "Doesn’t look like there’s anyone here."

Harm took a hold of the knob and tried it. It cracked like a seal, the door creaking open as he pushed it with just the tips of his fingers. "Well, it’s not locked. Guess all we can do is head in and hope no one shoots us."

"Great plan," Mac mumbled as they both stood there just looking into the dark house.

After a few more minutes with neither moving, Mac finally asked, "So, we going in or what?"

Harm laughed. "I’m waiting for you, Marine. I thought you were going to protect me."

Shoring up her courage Mac straightened and pulled away. "All right." Then she mumbled something about courage and the Navy that would make most sailors blush.

"Don’t worry, I’m right behind you." Harm replied, amused.

It was dark, no light anywhere except for the flickering of one lonely candle sitting on a table at the end of the long entryway. Waiting for her eyes to adjust, Mac squinted, trying to see past the foyer into the rest of the house.

"Well first thing, help me find a light switch or something," Mac whispered to Harm, whom she hoped was still behind her.

A big hand on her backside confirmed he was. "Oops, sorry, Mac. I was...um...trying to find the wall."

She couldn’t help it; she chuckled. "Aim a little higher, would ya?"

"Do you really want me to do that?" he asked, tongue in cheek.

"Ha ha, you’re just so funny, Rabb," but even her gruff voice couldn’t hide her smile.

"Thanks, I think so." A comedy of errors ensued, both of them fumbling in the dark for the switch. "Geez, where are the lights in this place any..."

Harm had barely got the words out when on their own, one by one, the lights began to turn themselves on down the wall. By the end, the pair stood with their mouths open, again unable to move.

When Mac was finally able to get her throat working she croaked, "Did you..?"

Harm shook his head ‘no’. "Did you...?"

"No."

Taking her by the hand, he gave it a squeeze before starting forward. "Well, let’s go see what else is here, shall we?"

Not wanting to look as scared as she felt at the moment, Mac nodded her consent. Together they walked further into the house, taking in the art and the ornate furniture around them. Beautiful gilded mirrors lined the way, and Mac watched their reflection as they passed each one. They made a striking couple, there was no question about that. Their costumes only added to the illusion.

Reaching the end, the hallway opened up, and all there was was dark space all around them. "Now what?" Mac asked.

As if by magic more lights sprang to life around the room and Mac gasped. It was absolutely beautiful. Large and spacious, the room spread out around them in every direction. "Wow."

"Yeah," he agreed.

There wasn’t much in way of decoration, but what it lacked in detail it more than made up for in atmosphere. Somehow the room gave off the impression of being outdoors, the high domed glass ceiling adding to the effect. There were doors at every turn, and a winding staircase directly in front of them leading to the open second floor.

"So, where to now?" Harm asked, looking around for some sort of sign. Again, lights twinkled brightly around one of the doorways, and Harm chuckled. "Kind of like a landing strip, leading the way. Isn’t it?"

Mac scoffed, "Leave it to you to turn something like this into a metaphor about flying."

"Well, what would you call it?" he challenged.

"Weird," she stated, not elaborating.

"But kind of cool. You know, being in a real haunted house on Halloween," he wiggled his eyebrows at her.

She gave him that look that, without words, told him he’d lost his mind. Although unbelieving, she still played along. "Yeah well, lights coming on by themselves is okay, but if anything flies about the room I am out of here!"

He laughed out loud at that, his eyes shining with mirth, and Mac felt her heart tumble in her chest. That smile was incredible, and it took everything in her not to reach up and touch her fingers to that mouth.

Instead she said, "I’m so glad you’re enjoying yourself, Harm."

Tilting his head, the ghost of that smile still on his lips, he said, "And you’re not...enjoying yourself?"

Surprisingly, she realized she was. More than she had in a long time. Unable to resist it any longer, she reached up on tip toe and gave him a peck to the cheek. "Things with you are never boring, that’s for sure."

Touched by the small gesture, Harm raised their joined hands to his lips, brushing her knuckles with a soft kiss. "Gosh, Mac, I feel the same way about you."

"You’re such a sweet talker, Harmon." She batted her eyelashes at him.

Both of them laughing this time, they walked over to the door side by side.

"You ready?" he asked her.

"Ready as I’ll ever be," she assured him.

Holding up the umbrella like a weapon, Harm put his other hand on the doorknob and spoke up. "Okay, Monty, we’ll take what’s behind door number one."

Cautiously they opened the door and entered the room, Mac behind Harm and barely peeking over his shoulder. The sight that greeted them was another shock in a whole list of them tonight.

Before them sat a very elegantly decorated table for two, complete with delicate china and glowing light from two tall taper candles in the center. Crystal wine goblets and gleaming polished silver accented the place settings. Behind the table a fire roared in the hand carved marble fire place.

"Well, I’ll be damned," Harm muttered.

Mac walked out from behind him to stand next to the table. She fingered one of the crystal cups before looking up at him. "Obviously someone was here a little while ago if the table is set and the candles are burning. I wonder what happened to make them leave in such a rush."

Harm looked skeptical, but decided to let it go for the time being. He moved to the dinner cart sitting next to the table and removed one the silver cover from the platter. "I don’t know what happened. But I definitely don’t think we should let this go to waste." He lifted the cover higher allowing her to see the creamy plate of pasta underneath.

The scent of Alfredo, garlic and grilled chicken filled their senses, and Mac’s mouth began to water. "Oh God, that smells wonderful."

The euphoric look on Mac’s face did funny things to his body. He could imagine that look in a hundred different scenarios, and all of them included him, her, and a big bed.

"Are you okay, Harm? That’s the third time tonight I’ve ‘lost’ you," she asked, genuinely concerned.

Snapping back into the present, Harm looked at her with new determination. With a boldness he didn’t even know he possessed, he leaned the umbrella against the cart before walking behind her and, without asking permission, wrapped his arms around her and began unbuttoning her overcoat. Then, starting at her shoulders, he pulled it off and let his hands drag down her arms as it slipped to the floor. Even through the fabric of her dress, it felt like there was electricity in his fingertips. She shivered.

But she about went through the roof when he leaned down and kissed the exposed skin at the nape of her neck. "Everything is just fine, Mac," he whispered next to her ear.

Unable to stop her self, Mac leaned back into his embrace. "Harm...what’s happening here?"

"Honestly, I don’t know, but it feels like...magic, doesn’t it?" he replied, nuzzling the skin below her earlobe.

Just then, her stomach growled and they both burst out laughing. "Okay, I guess it’s time to feed you," he teased. Releasing her, Harm pulled away and immediately she missed him. But it was only far enough to move to the table to hold out her chair for her. Apparently chivalry wasn’t dead.

Gracefully she sat down and watched as Harm served her and then himself. The setting was intimate, cozy, and their legs touched under the table as they set in to eat. Harm poured water into their goblets from a pitcher neither noticed wasn’t there originally. They were too wrapped up in each other to notice much of anything.

They made idle small talk, sometimes they said nothing at all, but for the first time in a long time they were completely comfortable in each other’s presence.

"This is nice," she said, swirling more fettuccini onto her fork.

He had to agree. "It is, isn’t it? Beats the hell out of some hokey Halloween party."

"Bud and Harriet are going to be worried sick, you know." She took another bite, savoring the flavor of the rich sauce on her tongue.

Enthralled, Harm watched her. "Yeah, but there’s not a whole lot we can do about it. The storm hasn’t let up any, and I haven’t seen any phones around this place. And even if I had my cell with me I’m not sure I could get a signal out here." While true, they all sounded like excuses to him. Truth was, he was exactly where he wanted to be, and wasn’t about to give up the opportunity to spend some time alone with her. After all that had been the plan for tonight all along.

She tilted her head and studied him. "You’re looking so smug. What are you thinking about?"

Instead of answering he leaned across the table placing his thumb to the corner of her mouth, giving it a swipe. Her breath hitched just with that small contact. She watched with wide eyes as he licked that thumb before offering, "You had sauce on your mouth. Hope you don’t mind."

Tired of pretense and sick of waiting anymore, Mac stood and walked over to his side of the table without a word, not even pausing before lowering her head to his and kissing him. Shock reeled through him at the delicious assault of her mouth on his. It took him a moment, but as soon as he’d recovered he returned the kiss, his hands sliding to her hips.

In the next instant she was seated on his lap, their lips never breaking contact. Her arms snaked around his neck, his around her waist, as they continued to feast off of each other. The need for air finally drove them apart, and panting Harm asked, "What...what was that for?"

Air was just as equally hard to come by for her. "I got tired of waiting for you to make a move."

He cocked an eyebrow. "I thought that’s what I was doing."

She smiled a sassy smile. "You were moving way too slow, Harmon. Plus that hat of yours is making me crazy."

He licked his lips, moved closer. "Well, let’s see what we can do about speeding things up, shall we?"

"Let’s," she agreed, inching toward him.

Their lips had only just met, when the sound of music drifted into the room. Soft sultry sounds swirled around them, calling them, beckoning them to join in the dance.

She looked at the doorway. "Where do you think it’s coming from?"

"I don’t know. Maybe we should go see what’s behind door number two. " Placing a fingertip on her chin to turn her face to his, he looked deeply into her eyes and asked, "What do you say, Mac?"

There was only one answer to give him. "Yes."

In the background two ghostly figures embraced with glee.

Hand in hand, side by side, they walked out into the main room, listening, trying to find the direction of the haunting melody.

"I think it’s coming from over here," she pointed in the direction of the door directly across from them.

"I don’t think so, Mac. I think it’s coming from over there," he pointed at door in the opposite direction.

Sighing, Mac pulled away and stood in the middle of the room. "Okay, I do not believe in ghosts but...we could use a little help here," she called out, her voice echoing through the cavernous house.

Nothing happened for a moment, and Mac turned to him, as if asking him what came next. Shrugging he looked around as if expecting another sign.

In the next instant the lights all around the room dimmed to just a soft, barely there glow. For the first time that evening the storm seemed to be letting up a little and the clouds parted, allowing the moon to shine through the glass dome in the ceiling like a spot light on her. Harm’s breath caught in his throat as he looked at her in the moonlight.

Then a gust of warm air swept in and swirled around them both, rustling Mac’s dress and threatening to blow away the fedora off of his head. Behind the wind came the music, filling the whole room with its sensuous beat. The rhumba rhythm of the song caught hold of him, his body almost aching to take her in his arms and sway to the erotic melody. The heat in her eyes as she looked at him told him he wasn’t alone, giving him courage, and then he was there, offering her his hand. "Dance with me?"

Her answer was to place her palm in his, and instantly he had her body tucked close to him, his arms around her. They were gliding across the floor, their bodies completely in sync. The moonlight seemed to follow them everywhere as they danced together, their bodies touching intimately. Time seemed to stand still as one song melted into the next, and still they danced until they were both breathless.

As the music swelled and crescendoed, building in intensity, so did their reactions to each other. Abruptly he stopped, just holding her tightly in his arms, and for a long moment just started at her. Her chest was heaving from exertion and his nearness, her lips slightly parted, and Harm couldn’ t wait another moment to have her.

He released her only to cup both sides of her face in his hands before bringing her closer, claiming her mouth in a searing kiss. This kiss was all fire and passion, and soon both were in a heated battle to get as close to the other as they could. Lips fused together, tongues tangled, and still it wasn’t enough.

He broke away long enough to ask in a gruff whisper, "Be with me tonight?"

Her surrender was complete and immediate. "Yes," she answered without hesitation.

In the style of Rhett Butler, Harm swept her off her feet and ascended the grand staircase. Lights led the way, but he didn’t really need them, he knew the way instinctively. He came to the half open doorway and pushed it in slightly with his foot, before carrying her over the threshold. The room was lit only by the roaring fire in the fireplace, casting the room in a soft glow.

Mac sighed, leaning her head against his shoulder and whispering in his ear, "So romantic."

Turning his face toward hers he kissed her soundly before replying, "This is only the beginning."

He kicked the door shut before moving them over to the bed. Harm released her legs, letting her slide down his body, the friction igniting a fire inside of him. When she was steady on her feet, their eyes met and they just stared for what seemed like forever. The moment they’d had both waited for for nine long years had finally arrived. She started to say something, but she was interrupted with an embrace and a kiss that made her forget any of the conversations she had planned.

He kissed her like there wouldn’t be a next time, like at any moment someone or something would break the spell cast upon them. But there would be no one there to see them tonight, no one to interrupt this moment. Even the spirits in the house had granted them privacy. This was their time, and he kissed her with a tenderness she hadn’t known existed until this man.

Their bodies were crushed against one another, savoring every touch, every caress. His coat disappeared first, her hands smoothing over the crisp shirt underneath. His breathing quickened when she reached for his tie and removed it before slowly undoing the buttons on his shirt. When her fingernails raked down his chest passion suddenly unleashed itself, like a floodgate opening and it threatened to consume them both. He pressed her up against the tall bed, before claiming her mouth once more. Their lower bodies were grinding against each other, his arousal evident in every thrust of his hips.

She pushed the hat off of his head, her fingers burying in his silky hair as she held him to her. He eventually pulled away, doing the same for her by removing her hat and releasing the pins in her hair. It was so erotic to pull those pins out slowly, one at a time, and then to see that beautiful hair tumble down around her shoulders.

He wasted no time in ridding her of her jacket and soon her blouse followed. Brushing the silk chemise underneath with the back of his hand caused her nipples to harden and Harm couldn’t stop himself from stroking one through the material. She gasped then groaned, arching into his touch.

His other hand moved to the button and zipper on her skirt. "I need to see all of this," was his ragged statement. "I’ve been thinking about your underwear since you gave me a peak in the car." The skirt slithered to the floor.

"I did no...oh god!" His hand was sliding up the back of her thigh and her breath caught in her throat when he reached the swell of her bottom and squeezed.

He buried his face into her neck as he furiously pulled at her underwear as if it were an enemy to be conquered. She pushed him back, her hands immediately reaching for his belt. Before she could accomplish the task though, he scooped her off her feet and collapsed with her onto the bed, coming down on top of her. A shoe came off, then the other, all in a blur. Somewhere she’d lost control. Wanting to gain the upper hand, she twisted her body sharply and the pair suddenly changed positions, now with her on top.

Her eyes never left his as she slid down, her breasts rubbing against him as she went. He moved to sit up, but she pushed him back, still smiling. Straddling his thighs, she finished undoing his belt and then the zipper of his fly. His breathing was becoming more shallow with every second, and when she grabbed his pants at the hips and pulled, he jumped slightly. He lifted his hips to help her, and soon his aroused manhood was revealed. Lifting himself on his elbows, he watched as her eyes looked up at him from below his waist. She smiled a wicked smile before turning her attention downward.

There were no inhibitions. They both understood what was going to happen now and there would be nothing to stop them from enjoying each other completely.

She pulled his pants down and off before spreading open his legs. Without looking up she began to kiss the base of his erect cock, teasing, tasting, savoring the scent of him. She licked him then took him into her mouth, her tongue teasing and tasting and flicking at the tip. He fell back, a slight moan passing his lips as he put his hand on the back of her head, guiding her movements. She was stroking him now as she licked and sucked, all the while stroking his hardness. She released him and moved up suddenly and kissed then licked his stomach, looking to see if he was enjoying it. She continued stroking him, the tip growing moist from her touch and her thumb ran back and forth across the top, spreading the moisture and heightening his pleasure.

With a primal growl, Harm grabbed her under her arms and brought her across his lap. They both groaned at the intimate contact. The rest of their clothing was coming off at a fast and furious pace, and soon she was naked, except for those garters. "I want to leave those on," he said, almost to himself.

He rolled them, and she came to rest against the large pillows, her hair fanning out around her. He took in every detail of her lucius body. Her large heavy breasts were perfect for her figure, round and soft yet they maintained a beautiful shape, even when she laid on her back. Skin that he'd dreamed of tasting lay before him. Slim waist, curvy hips, and toned thighs encased in silk.

He moved between her legs, spread them until she was totally exposed before him, and he touched her. His thumb brushed over her swollen clit and it was as if she had been hit by lightning. It was exactly the reaction he had hoped for.

"Harm...please...make love to me," she pleaded.

For him, that was all she needed to say.

Coming to rest over her body, he kissed her as he found her opening and plunged deep within her for the first time. She gasped as her deepest being expanded to take him all in. For a moment they froze there, trembling at the power of their joining. Then with a motion that comes from the most primal of urges, they began to move.

Slowly at first, grinding, he slid nearly all the way out before plunging back into her. With every slide he could feel the silk of her stockings, rubbing against his skin, adding another dimension to their lovemaking. They began to build momentum, kissing, trying to breathe, moaning as waves of sheer pleasure shot through their loins. Whispers of romance, promises of forever were uttered, so low that only they could have heard them had there been anyone listening.

The ecstacy mounted with every thrust, and all too soon she could feel the beginnings of climax. His pleasure was building too, the physical sensations were overloading his system, as was the love and affection that shone in her eyes as she looked at him.

She felt a build up in the pit of her stomach and then in a moment, like a breaking wave, she came. It released from her stomach and radiated through out her whole body, her moans and cries of pleasure echoing around them. At the same time, her contractions tightened her inner walls around him and he felt the control leave his body and his release was upon him. He continued to thrust into her and tried to hold back as long as he could, but the sensations were too strong, and unable to hold it off any longer, he came with the hoarse whisper of her name.

They were breathing heavily, shaking, trembling, and he stayed within her, wanting to stay buried in her body forever. But he knew it wasn’t possible and, sooner than he liked, he rolled to the side, bringing her with him and wrapping her in his arms. She was shivering, and suddenly he realized that it was curiously cold in their room, the fire having died down long ago. He grabbed the heavy blankets that had been unmercifully battered during their coupling and pulled them over them.

Wrapped up together they drifted in and out of reality as their bodies settled back into themselves. An hour had passed and neither had any notion of it as they held on to one another.

They talked and kissed and laughed, truly sharing their time together, and all too soon the dance of passion started all over again.



"Doggonit, Katie Bell. Would you hurry up? They’re going to be awake soon," Millie fussed.

"I’m going as fast as I can; don’t get your knickers in a twist," Katie Belle’s voice came out in a sing song voice as she put the finishing touches on the breakfast cart.

"My knickers are NOT in a twist. It’s just that everything has went right so far, and we are this close," she held up her fingers, "to being release from this place. I don’t know about you, but after sixty years I am ready to move on."

Katie Belle floated over and patted her friend’s translucent shoulder. "I know, Sweety. I am, too." Looking uncertain, she glanced down for a moment before continuing. "It’s just...well, promise you forget me. I mean, just in case we don’t end up together."

The older ghost wrapped her arms around the younger. "Oh, Honey. Even when this is all over, nothing is gonna separate us. I promise, you’re always gonna be stuck with me. Think you can handle it?"

"I don’t think I’d want it any other way, Millie. Now, enough mushy stuff. We’d better get this tray upstairs. They’ll be awake any minute!"

Millie just looked up at the ceiling, praying for patience.



Harm woke to sunlight on his face, and a warm body pressed up against his side, her arm thrown across his chest. He couldn’t help it, he smiled. Life was good. A very long night of lovemaking had convinced him that he hadn’t truly been living until he’d been with the woman he loved.

His fingers lightly skimmed up and down the smooth skin of her back. In sleep she shivered, burrowing closer to him. He could already feel his body’s reaction to her, just her nearness causing his whole being to tighten in awareness.

As if sensing that he was awake, she pried one eye open, gaging the situation. Not that there could be any doubt about how he felt about her after last night, but she still wanted to get a feel for things, just in case.

The minute she looked up into those brilliant blue eyes, she knew that everything was just fine.

"Morning," she whispered.

"Morning, beautiful." He caressed her cheek.

She glanced over at the window. "Looks like the rain has stopped. Guess we should get going here soon."

"What? You don’t want to spend the morning here in bed with me? Or share what’s on that tray over there?" he asked, hoping to stall for just a few more moments with her.

Sitting up she looked at the breakfast tray next to the bed. "Now where did that come from?"

"I have no idea. But I’m not about to look a gift horse in the mouth," he replied, pulling a plump strawberry off a platter, before bringing it to her lips.

Making sure she had his full attention she bit into the juicy fruit, chewing leisurely before licking her lips in appreciation.

Harm groaned.

Encouraged by his reaction, Mac straddled his waist then leaned over to pick up a piece of pineapple. She rubbed it over his lips before popping it into his mouth. As soon as he was finished chewing she kissed him, savoring the flavor on his lips.

"Mmmm..." he moaned into her mouth, his arms wrapping around her. "All of a sudden I’m hungry, but not for food."

Breathless, she replied, "Oh, really? And just what are you hungry for?"

Flipping her onto her back, he kissed his way down her body. At the juncture of her thighs he looked up at her from underneath his lashes and growled. "You."

It was some time later before they gathered their things and walked out the front door. They walked hand in hand out to the car, and he opened the door for her, waiting for her to get in and get settled before giving her a kiss. He lingered for a moment then forced himself to pull away. With only a smile he withdrew and shut the door before walking around to his side of the car.

Getting in behind the wheel, Harm reached for the ignition to start the car when Mac asked, "So, how did you pull all of this off, Harm?"

Stunned by the question, Harm wasn’t quite sure how to answer. Finally he settled on the obvious. "What do you mean, Mac?"

"Come on, Harm. Admit it, you planned all of this. Not that I’m complaining at all, I’d just like to know what kind of strings you had to pull to get a "haunted house" with all of the trappings, just for a seduction."

"Mac, I admit that I had planned to highjack you and drag you off somewhere last night. But...it wasn’t here. I had a reservation at a bed and breakfast all lined out. But we...uh...kind of got lost." He looked at her sheepishly.

Mac gaped like a fish. "So...so you’re saying that we...spent the night in..." Mac turned to look out the window at the old house and gasped. "Oh my god!"

Before Harm could even question her she was out of the car. Not knowing what had upset her, he followed her out. "Mac, what are you..." The words died in his throat.

For standing before them was the shell of what had once been a grand house, boarded up and dilapidated.

And suddenly, ghostly laughter could be heard in the wind...

The End... Muwahahahah!