Rangers Betrayal

Connie and Lula froze as they watched Stephanie enter the office, complete with red cheeks, puffy eyes and Kleenex falling from her pockets. The two woman jumped up quickly to consol their upset friend.

"Oh Stephanie, I'm so sorry." said Connie as she offered a hug of support.

Through the tears and the sniffing Stephanie tried to speak, "I.. Just… can't believe it… it's over, it's really over.."

Lula pulled Stephanie's head onto her shoulder as she ushered her to the couch. "Oh girl, it's ok. Just let those tears out and you will feel so much better."

Again Stephanie muttered, "bbbut… how can it be over. I mean it didn't really even get started. What am I going to do now that Ran…"

"Shhhh. Don't say it Steph." Connie said as she offered yet more comfort to her friend.

Stephanie paused to blow her nose then immediately started ranting and raving again. "My heart is empty now. How will I go on." And as if Scarlet O'Hara herself possessed Stephanie's body, she flung her hand to her forehead and fell backwards against the couch. "Things will never be the same!" she cried.

Connie and Lula looked at one another for clues as to what to do or say. Finding no words they simply held Steph and allowed her to cry.

Minutes passed as no one spoke. Just as Connie and Lula were about to break their comforting circle of arms, Stephanie cried out again. "Why didn't it work out? Wwwwhhhhyyyy!" she wailed.

Lula quickly pulled Stephanie's head into her large bosom, muting the sounds of her cries. "Shhhh. Girl you're gonna get through this. I promise."

Connie decided to try the positive approach. "Steph, maybe it's not as bad as you think it is. Look on the bright side, now you will have plenty of time to go out with just us girls!"

Stephanie glanced in Connie's direction then threw her hands up in disgust. "But I don't want to go out with the girls… I want Ranger….."

"Someone say my name?" said an uber husky voice from the front of the office.

Connie tried to prevent disaster. "Um.. Ranger, now's not the best time. Maybe you can come back later."

Ranger merely lifted an eyebrow towards her and took three steps to stand in front of Stephanie. He nudged her legs with his knees. When her tear-stained face met his a small, devious little smile spread across his lips.

"How dare you! You bastard, I can't believe you think this is funny!" screamed Stephanie.

Ranger tossed back his head in laughter then grabbed Steph's hand and hauled her through the door. When he swung her into the alley she was panting from anger.

"Don't you dare make fun of me."

Ranger didn't speak, instead he used his mouth to quiet hers. He devoured her lips in one slow, long, deep kiss that melted them both on the spot. When he pulled away he used the pad of his thumb to dry her remaining tears.

"I'd never make fun of you babe. But there's no reason to be so upset. The NHL just cancelled this season, there's always next year." Ranger explained.

"But that's an entire year! How am I going to survive and entire year without watching ANY Ranger's games?" Steph asked.

Ranger slide his leg between hers and pulled her body into his. "I can think of a few ways."

Staring into his wolf grin, she finally had to smile herself. "Oh yeah? Well, what's in it for me?"

"Make you a deal babe. Give me a year to spoil you completely and if you survive I'll make sure you have front row tickets to every Ranger game next season."

Stephanie thought about the decision for a split second then said, "Ranger, you've got yourself a deal."

The End

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Sorry! I just couldn't resist! This story has been buzzing in my head ever since I heard the NHL cancelled their season. Lol. Hope ya'll don't mind.