It was a dark and stormy night. Isn't that the way Snoopy always started his stories? Oh and he had that little bird with him that would always fly crookedly wasn't his name Woodstock? I started giggling uncontrollable causing Tank to look at me like I was nuts. Well I probably am nuts. I can see the newspaper article now. Stephanie Plum loses her mind while incredibly bored on stakeout with a great big gorgeous man named Tank. That thought caused me even more giggles. Tank finally had enough.
"Steph, what is going on? Are you OK?"
"Oh my Tank I just realized I am Woodstock and you are Snoopy."
"I really have no clue what you are talking about but what I do know is we are supposed to be staking out that house right there."
After Tank pointed out the office I tried to stifle my thoughts and concentrate on the house. We were looking for an armed felon and I was Tank's backup. Ever since Ranger and I had decided to be best friends and nothing more I had thrown myself into my training. The man himself said he has never seen someone without the specialized military training with as good as a shot. I was now an official bad ass. I was so much a bad ass that I know handle all the high end bonds for Rangeman and my partner in crime Lula is handling all of Vinnie's small ones.
There is a thought I can concentrate on Lula is getting married to Jerry. Jerry is a great guy. Jerry owns his contracting business and loves all of Lula. He knows all about Lula's past and accepts her for all that she has overcome. For a while I thought Lula and Tank would hook up but Tank just wasn't interested in being any more than friends with her. I was so uncomfortable from sitting for so long I turned to the side and started to evaluate Tank.
Ummm Tank. Tank was gorgeous. I always had a thing for him but knowing he was Ranger's best guy friend I never acted on it. At the time Ranger and I were sort of, well, I don't know how to describe it. I was with Joe Morelli, a Trenton cop, and Ranger would steal kisses and grope me in the alley. Well as I sat there and admired this gorgeous man I realized something. Joe and I were over for good and as a matter of fact he was seeing a nurse at the hospital and Ranger and I agreed that we were just friends so why couldn't I go after Tank.
At that point my imagination was running wild. I mean think about it. I was alone in a car with Tank and had no real satisfaction in over 8 months, well, besides my shower massager and I don't consider that real satisfaction. Thinking about Tank I was staring to wiggle in my seat. I knew I would have to throw these panties away when I got home. I go through more panties this way. Tank looked over at me again.
"Steph, now what is wrong?" Oooohhh he sounds frustrated with me. Well I can take care of that frustration. Bad Stephanie. Stop thinking with your hoo-ha and start thinking with your brain.
"Tank, what would you say if I asked you out?" Wait, did I just ask Tank out? Jeez, I really got to start thinking about what I was saying. Tank turned his head and gave me a long look.
"Steph, What about Ranger?"
"What about Ranger?" Tank looked at me for a good long minute and he seemed to be thinking hard.
"What about you and Ranger? I won't do anything to jeopardize my relationship with him. He is my brother in every sense of the word except blood." I looked at Tank and thought seriously about what he said before I formulated an answer. I prayed that my mouth listened to my brain this time. This was a very important conversation and if I wanted to pursue anything with Tank it would have to be the right one. I finally decided how to answer.
"Tank, At one time I thought the dream of my life included Ranger and it still does but his role has changed. Ranger will always be a big part of my world but as my best friend. I will always love him but as a friend and brother as you do." Tank looked at me almost dumbfounded. I had never seen a man in black look so confused.
"I always thought you were a couple." Tank said. "That is the reason I have never asked you out."
"Seriously, you wanted to ask me out?" Wow, now I don't feel entirely stupid. I mean yes I have always had a thing for Tank but I had no clue that he wanted to ask me out.
"Why wouldn't I want to take you out? You are beautiful, smart, intuitive, and you make me happy." I smiled big and bright. I make someone happy. Wait, does that mean I am entertainment? Tank grabbed my hand.
"You are never entertainment to me at least not in a negative way. When you blow up a car or when you are hurt I am not laughing. If anything I get so worried I can't concentrate on anything else until I know you are alright. Steph, little one, you have touched my heart and I have been waiting but this will have to wait because here comes our skip." Tank immediately switched his gears and was once again in his Rangeman zone. I knew that we would have to continue this conversation later.
AN-"Should I continue?" Tell me what you think !