Disclaimer they aren't mine. Janet Evanovich created them I'm just taking them out to enjoy the holiday.

All mistakes are my own. Merry Christmas.

OooooooooooO

"You can do this Stephanie," I muttered to myself.

The loud creak of my ten-year old Honda's door echoed through the underground garage of Rangeman. Before climbing out of the car I cinched the belt of my trench coat as tight as I could and checked to make sure the red velvet hat was still tucked snugly in the pocket. On a breath I stood from the car and glanced around relieved that I was alone. I counted my steps listening to the clicking of my black stilettos as I rushed to the elevator. I gave a little finger wave to the camera as I rode up to the penthouse wondering if the Merry Man on duty was aware that I was practically naked under my coat. I decided not to think about it and instead silently rehearsed the speech I'd made up on the drive across town.

When I exited the elevator I was surprised to see Ranger waiting. Someone had alerted him of my arrival. He was dressed in his usual SWAT gear leaning against the doorframe looking effortlessly sexy and very dangerous.

"Babe," he greeted me.

"Ranger."

Ranger stepped to the side and I slid past his firm body glad to be finally out of the cameras watch. Taking one last deep breath for courage I squared my shoulders and turned to look at Ranger. He was studying me with an expression that sent me from nervous to thermal nuclear meltdown instantly.

"Welcome home. How was Miami?" I asked.

"Busy. I'll be heading back after the first of the year."

My heart sank to hear he would be leaving so soon. Then again Ranger never stayed in one place too long. After all he was like the wind traveling a course only he knew and he could see.

I pulled the belt on my coat my coat a little tighter. Rangers eyes followed the movement of my hands. Suddenly I felt very self conscience of the naughty Santa costume I was wearing. I silently cursed the Frederick's of Hollywood and American Express for helping me make a fool of myself tonight.

"Would you like to take your coat off Babe? I was going to open a bottle of wine and listen to some music."

"No!" I shouted. "I mean no thank you. I only stopped by to say hello."

Ranger narrowed his eyes slightly and his lips tipped up in an almost smile. I swallowed hard because I knew he was growing suspicious of my strange behavior. I took a step toward the door, sliding past Ranger. Lightening fast he changed the momentum and I was pinned to the wall by his delicious body my head bookended between his strong hands.

"Lester tells me that you ended your relationship with Morelli. Tank was quick to point out that a week later he took a job in Camden and moved a week after that. Bobby thought I should know that you've been keeping to yourself but that Eddie Garazza has been bragging about how much you've learned at the firing range. He told Brown you been meeting him at the range three days a week. Seems Garazza also let it slip you've been studying self-defense at Cobra Dojo."

"Eddie said he wouldn't tell anyone," I whispered not making eye contact with him.

Ranger worked his thigh between my legs and slid his hands to my back pulling us flush against each other. I stopped breathing for a few seconds. Ranger knew the effect he had on my body and no doubt he was using it to his advantage.

"Today in the bond's office Connie told me that the two of you have been taking a weekly wine tasting course and that you've been driving her nuts studying. She tried to bribe me to take your to your next class. Lula decided I should know you've been talking about taking a cooking a cooking class and that you bought a computer program to learn Spanish. Then today I was working at my desk when Tank, Santos and Brown came in unannounced and called an impromptu meeting..."

Ranger's hands slid around my waist and he untied the belt to the coat. His hands tunneled inside. Feeling the silky fabric of the red corset he raised an eyebrow at me in question. Before I could say anything Ranger pulled the coat open and his breath caught when he saw the red satin trimmed with white fur.

"Is this an invitation Babe because it certainly looks like one," he said leaning forward to run his mouth over my collar bone.

I tilted my head to give him batter access to my neck. Then I remembered the speech I'd rehearsed in the elevator. This wasn't suppose to happen like this.

"Ranger" I said pushing his shoulders a little. "Ranger stop...I mean wait."

Ranger's stopped and took a step back never breaking eye contact with me. I took a minute to gather my thoughts and pulled the coat back on my shoulders. I shook my head to clear it and took a deep breath.

" What everyone told you was true. I've been trying to change, to become a better bounty hunter and a better person. Some of those choices or rather a lot of those choices have been influenced by you. At first I denied it telling myself that it was only coincidence that I was interested in learning about things that peaked your interest. That I wasn't doing it to impress you. Then I got the flu and I spent a few days alone in my apartment. I had plenty of time to think about my life. That's when I realized I was changing because of you. Because I wanted to be a part of your life. I love you. I came here tonight to offer myself, my whole self to you," I paused opening the jacket a little. "I know you want this part of me but do you want the rest of me too?"

OooooooooooO

More tomorrow...