AN: This story has been in the back of my mind for a long time now. I just got the courage (thanks to some awesome ladies) to post my first story yesterday. I quickly typed this for Margaret who LOVES reading stories. I will be updating both stories as long as I can stay on top of homework and housework and keeping a toddler boy out of trouble lol
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Everything that is familiar belongs to JE. I'm just using her characters.
Steph POV
It is 7:45 AM and I am driving to Haywood. Yes I am actually awake, dressed, and driving at this ungodly hour. See today is my first official day as a full time Rangeman employee. Well I guess full time restricted Rangeman employee is more correct. I still have to train and qualify but I will be working all day now, not just the few hours here and there that I would occasionally work while doing searches for the Merry Men.
Life was good. My career life that is. My personal life sucks. It went down the drain. I went from two hot men interested in me to none in a matter of hours. See Joe met this Preschool teacher and they immediately hit it off. He was worried about how I would take it but I assured him we were better off as friends. We still have our pizza, beer, and game nights but we are solely friends now. There haven't been any arguments about getting married and settling down or about my job. At least not from Morelli.
A few hours after Joe and I split for good, Ranger called and asked me to meet him at my apartment. I was a little skeptical but agreed. I told him all about Joe and the teacher and asked where we stood. He once again gave me the usual my life doesn't lend itself to relationships spill so I gave him an ultimatum. I told him it was all or nothing. He either wanted me as a girlfriend or strictly friend only. No stolen kisses, touches, or lustful glances. He decided he only wanted to be here for me as a friend. So that's what he is, my friend/mentor.
He told me the real reason he wanted me to meet him here was because he wanted me to come work for him at Rangeman. He said he needed me safe with a reliable job and car since he was due to go into the wind. See his contract was about to be up in six months so he knew there would be one last mission. He was still undecided as to whether he wanted to resign or not.
After some tough negotiating on diet and exercise I finally agreed. While I didn't want to exercise I knew it was important. If I were to have the Merry Men's back like they had mine then I would do whatever it took to keep them safe. As a bonus I could still eat my doughnuts. I could only have one a day but hey it's better than nothing. Ella also promised to make desserts that would taste good but also meet Ranger's standards.
I finally make it to Rangeman with three minutes to spare. I grab my bag, jump out of my car, and race up the stairs so I can make it to the meeting on time.
Ranger POV
I walk into the conference room and look for Babe. She wasn't here yet. I glance at my watch and see she still has three minutes. I walk to my seat and sit down just as Steph runs in slightly out of breath.
^Whew I made it and on time. In your face Batman^ Les laughs loudly and Babe blushes a bit when she realizes she said that out loud.
"I've got to stop thinking out loud." Babe whispers.
"Beautiful, we love when you do that and I for one hope you never stop doing that" Les exclaimed.
Sensing Babe's uncomfortableness I speak up. "This meeting will be quick. Everything has been running smoothly and according to plan. We have two FTAs to get this week. Babe has already completed the research so we need to set up a surveillance schedule. We will have Babe sit in on a few with different teams until we can find her a permanent partner."
I waited to see if anyone had anything to add. When no one said anything I dismissed everyone except Babe.
Steph POV
I can't believe the oh so elusive Batman talked as much as he just did. It must be a record for him. I have a feeling he only talked to benefit me. All of the guys seem to have ESP and can have a conversation without words. Hearing Ranger say that I will be on surveillance was exciting. I don't like sitting inside at a computer all day.
I get a little nervous when Ranger dismisses everyone except me. I wonder what this could be about. He waits until everyone leaves to speak.
"Babe I know you don't like exercise but if you are going to be out in the field then you will have to train. We can negotiate your schedule but you will need to meet with Bobby, Les, Woody, and Ram at least three times a week. You will need to meet with Tank weekly to discuss your progress. You can choose the days and times and get back to me later today."
I give him my confused look and he immediately know what I am confused about.
He explains, "You will be meeting with Bobby for your exercise training; with Les you will learn lock picking skills. Woody will teach you defensive driving, how to spot a tail, and how to lose one. Ram will train you with your weapon. You need to be comfortable with your gun. And like I already said you will meet with Tank weekly to discuss your progress. If you have any questions or problems you can come to myself or Tank. We are all here for you."
After hearing Ranger explain to me all of the training I needed I realize I have a long way to go. "OK Batman" I hesitated before adding "I will check with the guys and see when they are free."
"No Babe their schedules will revolve around yours for the next few months. You pick the days and times and just let us know" he said then added, "but exercising in the mornings will give you more energy throughout the day."
I give him my normal eye roll and reply, "I'll take that into consideration."
As I was getting ready to walk out of the conference room I felt Ranger walk up behind me. I quickly turn around and see a pained expression on his face before he quickly slams his blank face down.
"What is it Ranger?" I cautiously ask.
I don't usually like cliffhangers but I needed to end it here or it would be a novel. I promise I won't have too many cliffies.
