tJanet Evanovich owns all the characters. I'm just enjoying them for a bit.

*Many thanks to Xylia for all your help!

Inbox

By CrimsenLiz

Chapter 1

I thought the distraction job went rather well. We got our guy and I didn't even get stabbed, shot or hit in the process. I decided to stay at the club afterward, not wanting to waste my newly purchased ensemble of Black FMP and a tight fitting black halter dress.

It's been three months since Ranger and I slept together for the second time. And three months since he told me to go back to Morelli. Again. He didn't stick around long enough to find out that I didn't plan on going back to Morelli. At first I was hurt by his actions, but I finally realized that Ranger could never give me what I needed. I couldn't ask him to change for me, just like I didn't want to change for Joe. A few weeks after Ranger left, Tank offered me my job back at Rangeman doing computer searches. It's been slow at Vinnie's lately, so I took the Job. I've never been so busy, Rodriguez kept my inbox full, along with searches for the rest of the crew. I still had no idea who this Rodriguez was, but I was assured that he is in fact real.

Maybe I should explain who I am and who the two men who used to be in my life are. I'm Stephanie Plum, a mediocre bounty hunter from Trenton New Jersey. I blackmailed my cousin Vinnie into giving me a job and then had to bring in FTA Joe Morelli in. He just happened to be my childhood crush and the man who took my virginity behind a case at the Tasty Pastry. He was known as a womanizer and has the best buns in Trenton. Ranger, my mentor, friend, and two-time lover helped me get my start in the bounty hunting business. His real name is Ricardo Carlos Manoso, and even though I've known him for a few years, he still remains a mystery to me. His mocha latte body has been known to be the cause of hot flashes in women around Trenton and I'm sure around the world.

"Hey Bombshell, You coming?!" Lester shouted over the loud music, taking me out of my trance.

"Nope, I'm going to stay here for awhile, have a few drinks and maybe dance a little" I said.

"Ok bombshell, but how about I stay and keep you company it's been awhile since I've been out." He said.

Lester is a co-worker of mine; he works for Ranger and his company Rangeman. He recently came back to work after recuperating from a gunshot wound to the leg and hasn't been able to party in awhile.

Lester wasted no time in finding himself female companionship for the night and left within the hour.

After a few drinks and dances I was ready to call it a night when I noticed a guy standing across the room. He was absolutely gorgeous. Yum. He had wavy brown hair and the biggest blue eyes I've ever seen. He caught my gaze, and held it for a second before walking towards me.

"crap crap crap…THINK Stephanie." I thought. It had been so long since I'd even thought of talking to a guy let alone a hottie like this one.

"Hi, I'm Adam." He drawled.

"Stephanie" I said, almost in a whisper.

He had an accent that would make any girl swoon. It sounded like he was from Texas, but I couldn't be sure.

"Wanna Dance?"

I think I stuttered out a "sure" and he grabbed my hand and led me onto the dance floor.

My back was to his front, and he wrapped his arms around me. We swayed to the music

"Excuse me miss
I couldn't help but to notice how alone you are
I dig the attitude and how you're acting like you own the bar
Got me flashing keys and I don't even own a car
Like you ain't feeling my charm, because I know you are
I'm trying to see how your lips feel
Oh I'm sorry, my name is Travie and I'm pretty much a big deal
Oh, you've never heard of me
That sounds absurd to me
The way you stole my attention was flat out burglary
What do you say let's exit stage left so me and you can
Possibly reconvene and play some naked peekaboo
Cause after all the blouse you're wearing is kinda see through
And it's obvious I'm heading wherever you're leading me too
Such an angel with a devilish angle
And quite the certified sweet talker
And you're buying every line of it girl
And I don't really blame you
If I was in your shoes I'd probably do the same too"

He turned me around so I was facing him. He held onto my hips while he sang to the music.

"We have to take our clothes off
We have to party all night
And we have to take our clothes off
To have a good time
Oh no"

I found myself singing along as well. I started to relax, dancing playfully around him.

"You're a great dancer" he breathed into my ear.

"so are you" I shouted over the music.

Got chicks, all hot chicks
Indie-rock chicks, and hip-hop chicks
Slim chicks, round chicks
Black, white, yellow, and brown chicks
Got chicks, all hot chicks
Indie-rock chicks, and hip-hop chicks
Slim chicks, round chicks
Black, white, yellow, and brown chicks

Good grief girl, you're giving me goosebumps
Standing there in your underwear and new pumps
It's like the more time we waste and less time I get to taste you
Honestly I could easily replace you
It's not a scam girl
That's how I am girl
Peter Pan, I'm a sucker for Smucker's jam girl
It's clear I'm only here for good clean fun
Shut up and kiss me like the antidotes under my tongue
Whoa

We have to take our clothes off
And we have to party all night
And we have to take our clothes off
To have a good time
Oh no
We have to take our clothes off
And we have to party all night
And we have to take our clothes off
To have a good time
Oh no

By the time the song ended I was sweaty and thirsty.

Adam grabbed my hand pulling me off the dance floor. "Let's go get a drink"

I sat at a vacant table while Adam got us drinks. "I got you a margarita, is that ok?"

"Sure, that's fine" I said through sips of the cool drink."So Adam, what do you do?"

"I work for a security company in Florida, I'm here in Trenton on business, speaking of work, what do you do Stephanie? Are you from around here?"

"I was born and raised here in Trenton, and I'm a bounty hunter." Not a very good one, but it pays the bills.

His blue eyes stared into my own and he said "You're probably not as bad as you think"

"Lets not talk about that now, It's depressing. I love this song, let's dance!" He followed me wrapping his arms around my waste pulling me against his body.

You say
You searching for somebody
That'll take you out
And do you right
Well come here baby
And let daddy show
You what it feel like
You know all you gotta do
Is tell me
What you sippin' on
(Sippin on, sippin on) (ey)
And I promise
That I'm gonna keep
It comin' all night long

I couldn't help but feel an attraction to this stranger as we swayed back and forth with the music. After all, I'm not dead.

Lookin' in your eyes
While you on the other side
And I think miss shorty
I've got a thing for you
Doin' it on purpose windin
And workin' it
I can tell by the way
You lookin' at me girl
I wanna make love in this club 'ey
(In this club 'ey in this club 'ey)
I wanna make love in this club 'ey
(In this club 'ey in this club 'ey)

His hands settled on my lower back, dipping me backwards then pulling me up and burying his face in my neck, whispering in my ear, "I've got to go soon, I've got an early morning, will you walk me out?"

Bummer. I finally meet a nice guy, and he's got to go home early. "ok" I say, trying to hide my disappointment.

Once outside, he pulled me close pressing a kiss to my lips. His tongue found its way into my mouth and I tried hard not to moan at the sensation it sent down to my toes. We both pulled away breathless.

"Can I call you sometime gorgeous?" I almost didn't hear him say it, too lost in the after haze of that amazing kiss.

I borrowed a pen from the bouncer and wrote my number on the back of a receipt from my purse.

"Here you go, If It goes straight to voicemail, it means my phone died or I turned it off to hide from my mother. This happens a lot so just leave a message with your number and I'll call you back"

"Ok, I had a great night Stephanie. You've made my stay in Trenton much more enjoyable, I hope to see you again soon."

He leaned in for one last kiss, sending me into another haze. I watched as he got into his car and drove away.

"Shit!" I forgot I rode to the club with the guys because of the distraction, just realizing I had no way of getting home. Since I heard the man himself was back in town for the week, I decided to give him a call. "Here goes nothing" I thought.

I really didn't want to do this. I got out my phone and pushed speed dial 1. After a few rings I got the familiar "Yo."

"Yo yourself."

"What can I do for you babe, it's late"

"Sorry Ranger, I need a ride. Can you help me out?"

There was silence on the other end, like he was trying to decide whether or not to help. After what seemed like forever, he said "where are you?"

"That new club in Newark, Viper Room."

"Someone will be there in 10" The dial tone followed.

What does that mean? I guess he's sending someone else to get me. I know we haven't been on the best of terms lately, but he always comes when I call.

*songs in this chapter- "Clothes Off" by Gym Class Heroes and "Love In This Club" by Usher

Chapter 2

By CrimsenLiz

Ring. Ring…Ring. Ring. Just five more minutes I put a pillow over my head to drown out the ringing of the phone. I'll just let the machine get it.

"Stephanie Plum, this is your mother. What's this I hear about you kissing a man outside a club in Newark last night?" Why can't you be like my friends daughters? Settle down with that nice boy Joeseph Morelli? I expect you for dinner tonight. Bring Joseph. BEEEP.

Christ, my head hurts like hell. My mom's nagging voice first thing in the morning didn't help either. I dragged myself from bed and did my morning routine. After my shower I decided to actually make an effort with my hair for once, and used the special hair gel Mr. Alexander gave me. My hair fell down around my face in loopy curls. I did my make up and added an extra coat of mascara for courage.

When I entered the kitchen I noticed a bag of McDonald's fries and a large coke. Mmm…the hangover cure.. I wonder who brought these…must have been the food fairy. Must have been Tank.

I couldn't stop thinking about Adam.. I went to sleep last night thinking about him and woke up doing the same thing. Hopefully he'll give me a call soon.

Chapter 3

By crimsenliz

I sat down at my cubicle a little later than usual…but hey, what mattered was that I actually showed up, right? Probably I should have stopped and got some Boston Crèmes for breakfast, but I was already so late.

Hmm…that's odd. I have no searches in my inbox. I guess Rodriguez must have had a long night also!

Just then Hector walked past my cubicle. "Hey Hector, what's up with Rodriguez today? My inbox is usually filled to the max by this time of day, and I have none."

Hector smiled, "ask him yourself Bonita, he's talking with the boss in his office." He said walking away.

What? I finally get to see who the mysterious Rodriguez is? I could hardly contain my excitement! I walked to Rangers office and knocked on the door.

"Who is it" came Rangers voice. "It's Steph"

"Oh, come on in Babe" He replied.

There was a man standing in front of Ranger's desk, his back to me. His back was to me but, hmm that behind looks familiar must be standard Rangeman issued. LOL

"Babe, I'd like you to meet Adam Rodriguez he's filling in for Hector while he's on vacation—I'm sure you've wanted to know who sends you all those searches."

The man turned around, and I gasped. "Adam? What are you doing here?"

"Hi I'm Adam Rodriguez, I believe we met last night" He drawled.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing. "You're Rodriguez?? So you knew who I was last night and you didn't say a word!" Are you kidding me here? I finally meet a nice guy and he's a sneak!?

Ranger interrupted my shouts "What the hell is going on here Babe? Why were you with Rodriguez last night?"

"I can explain Ranger". I took a breath. "After the distraction last night Lester and I stayed at the club to unwind and have a good time and After he left I met Adam and we had a few drinks and danced. That's all. I had no idea he was Adam Rodriguez."

"That's all it was to you, just a dance?" Adam whispered.

I didn't know what to say. What was I supposed to think, he obviously knew who I was and didn't say a damn word. "Well Rodriguez, since you obviously lied to me about who you were, yea, that's all it was!"

He looked at me with a pained face. "I swear Stephanie I had no idea who you were "the Stephanie Plum". I don't work in this office I work in the Miami office; I send you searches from there. I've only heard stories I didn't know what you looked like. Please don't be upset!"

I stood there stunned. I Always wanted to know who Rodriguez was, I just never pictured finding out like this.

Ranger interrupted my thoughts and opened mouth stare, "What the hell do you think you were doing? I thought I made it clear to everyone in this company that my babe, I mean Stephanie, is off limits!"

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. His babe! His babe!!!?? "Just who do you think you are Ranger?! For your information, I'm not "your babe". You made that abundantly clear when you fucked me then told me you don't do relationships and sent me back to Morelli! I'll go out with whom ever I please; it's no concern of yours!"

I stomped out of the room slamming the door. I'm pretty sure everyone in the whole building heard me screaming at Ranger. No one dared approach me as I made my way to the elevator. "Men!" I shouted to no one in particular.

The doors of the elevator opened "What about men?" Lester asked as I stepped inside.

"They're all scum, especially your boss!"

"Whoa beautiful, not all of us are scum of the earth. What'd he do this time."

Ahh! I was so furious I could feel my hands clenching to my sides. "He thinks he can just have me whenever he wants then send me back to Morelli. He doesn't want me, but he doesn't want anyone else to have me either! Well, it stops now Lester! I'm done! I finally meet an amazing guy and he tells him he has to stay away from me!"

Lester looked at me with a confused look on his face, not knowing how to respond. "Who did he tell to stay away from you, beautiful? I'm sure if he told him to leave you alone, it was for a good reason."

I was beginning to calm down a little bit. We stepped off the elevator into the garage and I replied "After you left the club last night I met someone. His name is Adam. We had a great time. When I come into work this morning, Hector told me Rodriguez was here in Rangers office, and I've been trying to find out who he is since my inbox started filling up. I walk in and there stands Adam….Rodriguez. The guy I met last night."

Lester let out a chuckle. "No shit?" I'm assuming you both realized each others identities and Ranger flipped his shit."

I sighed. "Pretty much. I just don't see why it's any of his business who I'm with. He's the one who turned me down"

Lester turned to leave. "We'll never know why Ranger does the things he does. He'll get over it. See ya later Bomber."

Chapter 4

By Crimsenliz

I slid into my newly purchased SUV. It's almost lunch time. Maybe I'll get some Pino's and take it to Vinnie's and eat with the girls. Ring ring….my phone rang with the ringtone I had set for unknown callers.

"Yo" I growled into the phone.

"Hey gorgeous,"

"Yes, Rodriguez", I said. "Listen Stephanie" He began, "I'm really sorry I had no clue who you were until you walked into Ric's office.

"I know, Adam" I replied, I'm sorry for the way I acted. The truth is Ranger and I were involved a few months ago, nothing serious, but he still is kind of possessive towards me." I sighed waiting for some sort of response."

"I know Steph, we've all had the same lecture, I guess I just didn't realize you two weren't an item. HE keeps and eye on you like you two are serious." Then he was silent.

What! He couldn't be serious. Ranger wanted nothing to do with me. "No, there's nothing going on with us. There might have been at one time but he made it clear that he doesn't want or need a relationship."

"Well" He drawled. "Do you want to go get some lunch? I was planning on asking you anyway before I found out who you were.

Like I could turn him down. Lunch, and with a hot guy. "Sure, why not. Let's go to Pino's it's my favorite place they have amazing pizza. I'm down in the parking garage. Come on down, I'll drive"

"Alright, I'll see you in a minute."

True to his word, the elevator doors opened a few minutes later and Adam was stepping through the doors. I watched as he walked towards me, wearing all black, muscles peaking out of his sleeves. His brown hair was falling over his blue eyes. I was so mad earlier I didn't even notice his standard Rangeman attire. Last night he had been wearing jeans and a button down shirt.

He opened the door and slid in the seat next to me." Hey, gorgeous." He leaned in close to my face. "I've been thinking about you non stop since last night. I can't get our goodnight kiss out of my mind, is it ok if I kiss you; I don't think I can wait any longer."

I managed to squeak out an "ok" and suddenly his lips brushed against mine softly. His tongue demanded entrance into my mouth. I parted my lips and our tongues swirled together. My hands wrapped around his neck, instinctively. He pulled away from my lips but kept his hands around my waste. I started to feel a little dizzy from the kiss and I rested my forehead against his. I wasn't sure what I was feeling. I've only known him since last night, but something inside me says this feels so right.

"Wow" I whispered.

'Yea, Wow" he said. "I think we have an audience."

I turned around to see Tank and Ranger staring at us. Tank was all smiles, and Ranger stood with his lips in a straight line, eyes dark with anger.

"I guess they got a free show then" I replied. "Let's go, I'm starved."

Chapter 5

By CrimesnLiz

Rangers POV

I couldn't believe my eyes. They were actually making out in my parking garage. I stood there watching them with my fists clenched at my sides. I suddenly felt like punching someone.

I heard tank chuckling beside me. "Shut up" I hiss.

"Man, that could be you right now, but you still have your head up your ass."

I didn't even answer him, I loved Steph, but I couldn't put her in danger. Too many people would use her to get to me. "I can't Tank. I love her, but I don't want anything bad to happen to her. I couldn't stand it if anything happened to her because of me."

"Look man, either shit or get off the pot. She loves you. Or at least she did until you broke her heart. If you don't want her, quit pulling her back and forth like a damn yoyo. She deserves to be happy, let her go."

I knew he was right.

"I can't Tank. I've tried. But I guess I'm going to have to try harder. I plan on staying in Miami permanently. "

"If you think that's what's best, man. I'll look after her, but I wont stop her from being happy, I won't spy on her personal life for you. Make this a clean break."

If it killed me I was going to forget all about Stephanie Plum. The love of my life. It's for the best. "As of right now, Tank, you're in charge of Rangeman Trenton. I won't be coming back.

Chapter 6

By CrimesnLiz

Steph's POV

As we walked into Pino's, I looked to the back of the place and inwardly groaned. There sat Joe Morelli along with fellow officers Carl and Big Dog. Since luck was not on my side today, everyone stopped and stared as Adam and I sat down at our booth.

"Jeeze, you could hear a pin drop in this place. You'd think they've never seen you before" said Adam, laughing a little.

I just rolled my eyes and replied "It's not me, it's you. It'll be half way across the Burg that I was here with you. By the time it gets to my mother we'll married next week. Nothing here is private, and everything is overly exaggerated."

Just then, we were interrupted by the waitress. She took our order but not before dropping her pad and pencil several times. I guess Adam has the same effect on women Ranger does. Hopefully our drinks will make it to the table intact. I'm thirsty.

"So I guess you come here a lot?" Adam said. "She didn't even have to ask you what you wanted, she just wrote it down!"

Me coming here a lot is an understatement. Pino?s pizza and meatball subs was a major food group to me, not to mention a daily part of my diet ."Probably four times a week" I blushed. "Nothing wrong with a healthy appetite" He replied.

I think I'm in love. He didn't even tell me this food is going to kill me.

He looked into my eyes and said "Steph, I know we're out to lunch, but I was hoping I could take you out to dinner tonight?

Crap. Dinner at my parents. I knew I should have called and told my mom I wasn't coming. "I'd love to but I'm expected at my parents for dinner..unless you'd like to come along?" please say yes. Please say yes. I silently pleaded.

"Ok, Gorgeous. Just tell me where and when and I'll be there." He smiled at me and just as suddenly as it appeared it was gone. Coming Towards us was none other than Joe Morelli.

"Hey cupcake" He said to me, but practically shooting daggers from his eyes towards Adam.

"I don't think we've met" Adam said to Joe, "I'm Adam Rodriguez." He held his hand out to Joe.

Joe hesitated but shook it and said "Joe Morelli.".

Whew. They're going to be civil. There was enough testosterone between them to build an army full of me.

Turning to me Joe said, "So Steph, I'll see you at dinner tonight at your parents?"

Oh crap. How do I get out of this. Probably I should've called my mom and told her Joe and I were done. "Well about that Joe, Adam is going with me tonight, so I don't think you should go." Here it comes I thought.

"Shit Cupcake! Why can't you just quit hanging out with Manoso's washed up military thugs! This is out of control. They're just using you! Just marry me and have our babies. The boys miss you Cupcake."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I interrupted him –"No Joe! I won't quit my job for you or anyone! I don't want to get married or have kids, why can't you just get that through your thick skull!?" Joe stood there, veins popping out of his head, looking furious.

"Just leave, Adam and I were about to eat."

"So that's it Stephanie? You're just going to give me up for this?" He said pointing to Adam.

"I bet you're fucking him and the rest of

Manoso's goons! This is it! I won't take sloppy seconds from a bunch of overgrown felons!"

Oh shit. He did not just say that! I was about to scream at him when Adam spoke up.

"I believe the lady asked you to leave Morelli."

"I'll leave when I'm good and ready" Morelli Hissed as he grabbed my wrist.

It happened in slow motion. Adam pulled back his fist and punched Joe in the face.

I heard gasps from around the room People were already pulling out their cell phones. My mother would know in a matter of minutes. Oh god, my life sucks.

Morelli had a look to kill "This isn't over cupcake!" he said, before walking out the door.

"Well that was fun" I whined. "Sorry about that, he doesn't seem to understand that he and I are over. Have been for months."

Adam looked at me his eyes softening. It's ok gorgeous. "I just don't like to see women manhandled, especially the one I care about."

What? Ok I'm blushing. He cares about me? I've only known him for a day.

He took my hand in his and placed a kiss on each one of my fingertips, sending tingles down my body. I'm sure everyone in the room was watching us, but I didn't care. I think my body may turn to mush. God help me, I think I'm falling in Love.