Sorry about the multiple postings. I apparently can't follow directions on how to post. Hopefully, I've got it under control now. Maybe.
Disclaimer: characters not mine.
The Plan
Instant joy. I feel a huge smile cross my face as I walk outside the bonds office, because standing right there in front of me is sheer perfection - Ranger, leaning against my current not-so-crappy Explorer, arms crossed, looking beyond hot in faded jeans and white button down Oxford, sleeves rolled up. Yay! He's back. He's been out of town, checking in on his other Rangeman offices. It's been 12 days, but it feels like 12 weeks. I've missed him - missed being with him and around him, missed the feeling of contentment, the tingle on my neck, and the flutter in my stomach I get when I'm with him.
"Just the man I'm looking for. I need a favor," I tell him. I can't see his eyes behind his sunglasses, but he wants to smile, I can tell. Instead, he raises one eyebrow, waiting, I know, for me to explain.
It feels like we've grown closer over the last few months. When he's in town, rarely a day goes by without us seeing each other. We don't talk about it. As if by unspoken agreement, we take turns seeking the other out - just for a few minutes here and there and nothing beyond some really exceptional kissing and some clever banter, but I think it gives each of us something we need to get through our day. At least I need it to get through my day. And unless my Ranger radar is off, he does too.
"I need a place to stay for a while. Lula's building is being demolished, and I've been thinking about moving anyways. I told her she could have my apartment. I'm going to start looking for a townhouse or condo or something, but in the meantime I was hoping I could stay with you." Bold move, I know. But I'd used the last really long 12 days to make some decisions. I'd been having pretty good luck lately with my skips and had a run of successful and profitable distractions for Rangeman. For once in my life, I had a decent chunk of cash in the bank and had been looking forward to a newer, nicer place. Maybe one that less resembled the dorm-like atmosphere of my current apartment.
Besides moving, I'd also decided I want Ranger. However I can get him. I have spent the last two years fighting my feelings for him and, when that failed, hiding them. Self preservation, I thought, because Ranger doesn't do relationships. That's what he's told me over and over again and, even though he knows I'm not with Joe anymore, he hasn't said anything that would lead me to believe he's changed his mind. Said anything, no. Done anything, maybe. I realized I've slowly been relaxing that barrier, and I also realized that I am ready to lay it all on the line. I know the risks, I've actually thought them out for once. I'm willing to take whatever he offers, but I think - okay, hope - that Ranger will let me in. If "someday" is still a distant concept in Ranger's mind, I'm going to do what I can to push it to the forefront.
So, I've come up with a plan. It involves us spending as much time together as possible. Not rocket science, but, with my luck, I'm thinking simple is the way to go. I had thought to ease into this, but, fortunately for me, Lula's housing predicament provided a legitimate basis for me to just dive in. Why not. What the hell.
"Babe."
"What? We've stayed together before. I'll be neat. I'll be quiet."
And there's the smile. "Babe, you're neither of those things. Besides, I like it when you're loud." His smile becomes a smirk.
"Ranger." He's thinking about it, I can tell. I put my hands on my hips and try to stare him down, which only makes him smile wider. God, he's hot.
With his slight nod, I sense victory and fling myself at him, legs around his waist and arms around his neck. I cuddle into Ranger, my face in his neck, inhaling my favorite scent.
"Thank you."
"No price, babe." I can feel his arms tighten around me, and I know he's missed me too.