I do not own the characters in this story and am not making any money off this story.
I am not going to do it anymore. I love Ranger - but this friend's with benefits relationship we have is just not doing it for me anymore. I know he cares about me but not the same way I care about him. I need and deserve more.
After Hawaii and the picture Razzle Dazzle mess Joe and I decided to split up for good. I still love him but he could not get past what happened in Hawaii. We shared one last night of passion before he went on a long-term assignment in New York City.
Ranger and I started about a month after Joe left. We talked and agreed that we would be monogamous but technically did not have a relationship.
Tonight we are going to Amato's Cafe for dinner, a little dancing and a sleep over at his house in Princeton. I have decided this will be the last time. Tomorrow will be the first day of the rest of my life. I have convinced him to let me drive over using the pretense that I want to go shopping in Princeton tomorrow. I don't want to end things and then have to ride back to Trenton with him.
We are meeting at the "bat-cave" at 7. Amato's is dressy so I am wearing a baby blue halter dress that he has never seen. I think he will like it because it is about the same color as my eyes. I have left my hair down with the front pulled back and I am wearing the Sapphire earrings and necklace set Morelli gave me a few years ago for my birthday last year.
I don't have a key to the house so I park and go to the front door. Ranger is on the phone when he answers the door and tells me he will be a few more minutes. I nod and take my overnight bag up to the master bedroom taking a few minutes to look around, knowing this will be the last night I spend here. The last time I love him in that bed between those amazing sheets.
When I return downstairs he is still on the phone. Man he looks good tonight. He is wearing black slacks with a crimson button down shirt. Sexy! I do planning on enjoying him one last time before ending things tonight!
We get to the restaurant just in time for our 7:30 reservation. I love this place! Best Italian food in New Jersey. Don't tell my mother but it is even better than hers.
After dinner and some intense dancing we head back to his place. He seems to have something on his mind he seems to be more in his driving zone than normal. I am worried about being able to step away from him tonight so I am enjoying the quiet time myself.
As soon as Ranger turns off the car he shoved his seat back and pulled me over onto his lap and whispers "I need you now Babe". Of course I am ready for a Ranger induced orgasm and more than willing.
After making love well having sex in the garage, the laundry room and on the stairs we finally make it to the bedroom and he is ready to talk.
"Babe, Julie is having some issues so I am going to Miami for a while" he said while trying to keep from looking me in the eye. "I think we need to cool things down and spend some time apart. My stance on relationships has not changed it is better this way. " I am trying not to laugh because this is what I wanted in the first place. I am also trying not to cry because this just proves to me even more that this is for the best.
"Ranger tonight was going to be the last time for me as well. I need more than just an occasional dinner and sex. It started out being enough but it is just not anymore. This is really happening at a good time. Maybe when you get back we can start working on getting back to just being friends." He now has a very confused look on his face. I guess he thought I was going to grovel and beg him not to leave me.
"I think I am going to go home. See you at the office tomorrow if you are there. Maybe we can have dinner before you leave town. If not I will see you when you get back." Now he is looking at me like I kicked his cat. I guess he was not expecting a wham bam thank you sir tonight. Ha ha. Score one for me.
He walks me to the door, kisses me and tells me to be careful.
I am able to get to the end of the street before the tears start.
The next few days went by quickly. We had a going away dinner for Ranger at Shorty's Tuesday night and he left Wednesday morning. It was a bitter-sweet goodbye. I know our relationship will never be more than friendship and it hurts.
Today is Saturday and I am going out with the girls for Lula's birthday! I am really excited! We are starting out at Pino's for dinner and then going to a new club called The Chickasaw. We heard that they have cages all around the dance floor that you can get in and dance. Lula has decided that we are only cage dancing tonight! I am hoping for some cute guys to buy us drinks. It has been so long since I have been out on the town I don't know if I will know how to act.
We made it to the Chickasaw around 10pm and the place was packed with a line down the block. Rangeman does their security so we get to go right in. Tank, Bobby, Lester and Woody are already there with a huge table with balloons for Lula. It is sweet Tank really does love her.
After toasting Lula and doing a few shots we decide to claim a cage. Lula, Tank, Lester, Connie Woody and I actually all fit in one with room to spare. We all danced together about an hour until I decided it was time for a bathroom-drink break.
Getting off the dance floor I noticed the most gorgeous man I think I have ever seen standing next to the bar. He is about 6 foot 5 inches, blond hair, brown eyes and pure muscle. This man puts Ranger to shame. Being 3 or 4 sheets to the wind I decide I need to meet him. Putting a little more swing to my hips than normal I walk over to the where he is standing.
"Hi I'm Stephanie. I am the official Chickasaw welcoming committee tonight. Just wanted to come over and make sure you were having a good time." Where in the heck did that come from? Oh yeah Long Island Iced teas and Tequila shots. Liquid courage.
He looks a little shocked but shakes my hand. "I'm Mark. When are you going to take me out to dinner?" I think I shock myself by replying "Tomorrow night but you're taking me out to."
He acted like he was tipping a hat at me and said "You drive a hard bargain ma'am. Give me your number and it's a date."
We ended up dancing to a couple fast songs and I was nervous when a slow song started. I was anxious for no reason. He pulled me into his arms, not too close and we just danced. There was nothing sexual about it. I think he may really be a nice guy. He met the Merry Men and the girls and they seemed to like him as well. At the end of the night I gave him my phone number and kissed him on the cheek.
I woke up Sunday sick as a dog. I can't remember the last time I have puked so much. Lester and Bobby even brought the cure over and it did not help. I finally quit throwing up around 1 and felt great the rest of the day. Reminder to self not to drink two Long Island Ice Teas and two Tequila shots in the same night ever again.
Mark called and we decided to go to dinner Wednesday. I was glad that gave me a few days to try to remember everything we talked about Saturday night.
Sunday night I went to my parent's for dinner and was sick again. Another reason to be glad my date with Mark is not until Wednesday maybe this bug will be gone by then.
Monday morning I had to be at Rangeman by 8am for the Core Team meeting. Tank has asked me to take over more of the office duties since Ranger is gone. I am glad for the work because skips have really been down lately.
It is going to be a busy week. Date with Mark Wednesday, dinner with Lester and Bobby Thursday and a distraction Friday night. At least I have not thrown up again.