Disclaimer: Stan belongs to me...the rest belong to JE

SCHOOL DAZE

I slowly opened my eyes to see a pair of chocolate brown eyes staring back at me. Umm, what a way to wake to start the day.

"Ranger? Why are you at my apartment so early?"

"Morning Babe."

"That doesn't answer my question."

Ranger leaned down and started kissing me. You know that mind distracting; forget everything you know, including your name kind of kiss. Ok, he's forgiven for waking me so early.

"Umm Ranger, did you come here to kiss me good morning or did you need something?"

"Both."

"No you didn't. What do you want?"

"To kiss you again."

"Nice try. What do you really want?"

"Got a job."

"I knew it! What is it? It must be something I'm not going to want to do."

"Why do you say that?"

"You're using those get-me-to-do-whatever-you-want kisses."

"Is it working?"

"I don't know, tell me about the job and I'll let you know."

"It's really not that bad. Some Civil Rights group wants to hire Rangeman for security and snooping. I need you to help."

"That doesn't sound so bad. What's the catch?"

"You will need to brush up on Civil Laws."

"So, I'll go to the library or look it up on the computer."

"I don't think that's going to be enough. I need you to take some classes at the Community College."

"Oh No! Ranger, I haven't been to college in years. I don't want to go back either."

"Come on, Babe. It'll be fun. Besides, Rangeman will pay your tuition and buy your books. There's even an allowance for clothes in the plan."

"New clothes? And shoes? Do I get shop for them?"

"Yes. You will be issued a Rangeman credit card to buy whatever you want."

"I guess I could do it, for the sake of Civil Rights."

"Good, I took the liberty of registering you for a couple of classes."

"Wait, how am I going to get there? My car bit the dust."

"The guys and I will make sure you get to class and home again."

"When do I start?"

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? I haven't even got to shop yet."

"Yeah, classes actually started last week. You will need to start ASAP so that you don't get too far behind."

"Well, I guess I need to get up then."

"You go take a shower, I'll make coffee. When you're finished, we'll eat breakfast. Then we can go to the office and I issue you that credit card so you can go shopping. You can use my SUV."

"Ranger, I don't have anything here for breakfast."

"I took care of that too. I brought donuts."

"You did come prepared."

"Go take a shower."

I headed off to take a shower. I showered and fixed myself in record time. I wasn't all that excited about going back to school, but shopping oh yeah, that's right up my alley.

When I was finished, I walked into the kitchen to a very sexy Ranger sitting at my table. He had a plate with assorted donuts for me and a grapefruit for himself.

I sat at the counter and he poured me a cup of coffee. We ate and then headed off to the office.

When we got to his office, there was a box sitting on his desk. It had BOMBSHELL written across it in big bold letters. It had my books, notebook, pens, pencils, paper, folders, and a book sack. There was a note taped to the side of the box.

I took the note and began to read it.

Bombshell:

Here's everything our schoolgirl should need.

If you make new friends, make sure they're as sexy as you are. Cheerleaders make good friends.

Good luck on your first day.

Luv,

The Guys.

They were so going to pay for this. Every one of them including Ranger.

My first class was at eight. You would've thought Ranger could've scheduled me later classes. But, no not Mr. Get an early start and you'll still have time to for other things.

Lester was assigned to take me to school. When we arrived in the front of the school, Lester asked, "Need me to carry your books Bombshell?"

"No, Lester, I think I can manage."

"Just offering. You know if anything happens to you between the car and your first class, Ranger would have my ass."

"Your not worried about your ass, you're worried about asses of all these young college girls."

"Well, that too. But, Ranger would have my ass."

"Bye Lester."

Well, here I was standing in the halls of college, AGAIN. God, how do I let him get me into these things? If I could only say no. We all know that "No Ranger" was not in my vocabulary.

My first class wasn't too bad. The professor had seen me in the newspaper. She said she was honored to have a celebrity in her class.

My second class was even better. The professor insisted that everyone in the class had a study partner.

Since there were an odd number of students (until I joined the class), Stanley was with another pair. Stanley was going to be my study partner.

When I heard my partner was named Stanley, I thought oh no. He's got to be a geek. Probably some book worm that was going to make me look dumber than a rock.

I looked around the room for him. I didn't see anyone that looked like a geek. Maybe he wasn't here today. That's even worse; he could be one of those brianiacs that only show up on test day and ace the test.

Boy was I wrong. Stanley was actually Stan. He was hot. Not Merry man hot and definitely not Ranger hot. But still hot. Oh yeah, payback time.

Stan and I talked after class and decided that we would study at my apartment the next day after school.

When I reached the front of the building, I knew who was picking me up. There was a group of girls standing at the front door talking about the sexiest man they had ever seen. One of the girls stopped suddenly and the other walked right into her, dropping her books on the ground. Ranger has that affect on women.

They wondered if he was a new student. One of them commenting that he was probably here to pick up his girlfriend. The other insisted, that someone that HOT could never be with just one girl.

I stood there listening to their conversation in amusement. I should be mad, but it was too funny to be mad.

I decided I needed to walk outside, when the group of girls plotted to get his attention if he was still standing out front.

Sure enough, Ranger was leaning against his car with his legs crossed at his ankles and arms across his chest. It made his muscle budge even more when he crossed his arms. He had his hair down and a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses on. Yep, he is sexy.

I gave him a little wave and when Ranger noticed me, he waved back. He pushed himself off the car and started walking toward me.

I heard one of the girls say, "See he did notice me. He's coming this way." Then she waved at him. I had to laugh. The look on her face was priceless when he walked pass her to me and kissed me on the forehead.

"Hey, Babe, how was your first day?"

"It was good."

"Here, let me take your books. Wouldn't look very gentlemen-like if I let my girl carry her own books."

Ranger grabbed my book sack, threw his arm around my shoulder and led me to the car.

"Ranger, Bombshell called. She said to tell you she doesn't need a ride home today." Tank called from the hall.

"Who's taking her home?"

"Don't know man. She didn't say."

"What did she say?"

"All she said was tell Ranger I got a ride home."

"She didn't say if she was coming by here?"

"No! Man! I told you exactly what she said. What's with you?"

"Nothing. You know this is an important case, I just want to make sure she's ready."

"Yeah right, the case."

Stan and I got to my apartment and decided to order pizza before we started studying. Pizza was his favorite food also.

I ordered the pizza and then went off to change into something more comfortable. I pulled a tight little tank top on and threw on a pair of short-shorts. Yep that should do.

While we were waiting for the pizza, we talked. Hey, if we were going to be study partners, we needed to know a little about each other. I mean, we needed to know each other's likes and dislikes.

Before long we were laughing so hard at each other, my side was hurting. I think Stan and I are going to be really good friends.

"You know Sweet Pea, I really like you." Stan said with a really heavy southern draw. Yeah, I know what you're thinking another nickname. What is it with guys? Why can't they just call me by my name?

The pizza was gone and it was time to hit the books. We were sitting on the sofa, side-by-side, with our upper arms slightly touching. We were leaning over my coffee table, looking at my Into to Civil Law book. Stan was explaining some law to me, when we heard my doorknob turning.

"Is someone breaking in your apartment, Sweet Pea?"

"No that's probably just Ranger."

"The guy that picked you up yesterday?"

"Yeah. You saw him?"

"No, I heard some girls talking about you in my Criminology class this morning."

"Oh."

"Babe?" Ranger said as he walked into my living room.

"Ranger?" I questioned.

"Came to see if you wanted to have dinner." He said.

"No, sorry, Ranger, Stan and I had pizza." I informed him

"Stan?" He questioned.

"Oh, I'm sorry. You haven't met Stan, have you? Ranger, this is Stan Clayton. He's my study partner for my Civil Law class. Stan, this is Ranger. He's my…boss." I introduced.

"Howdy." Stan said as he stood to shake Ranger's hand. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Hello…Stan, is it?"

"Seems like your fan club from yesterday was talking about you at school this morning." I informed Ranger.

"So…you already had dinner?" Ranger asked me.

"Yeah, I have a paper due in two weeks. All the others have a week head start on me, so I have to study extra hard to have my paper ready." I told him.

"Yeah, Sweet Pea, here is catching on quick." Stan added.

"Ok, how about lunch tomorrow? I know you have a break between classes." Ranger asked.

"Sorry, Ranger. I wished I could but Stan and I are going to the library on my break." I said.

"Oh." Ranger was back to one-word sentences.

"Who's taking me to school tomorrow?" I asked Ranger.

"You don't have a ride?" Stan asked.

"No, unfortunately my car bit the dust." I told him.

"I can pick you up. I don't mind. It's on my way." He told me.

"I will be here to pick you up in the morning." Ranger hissed.

"Thanks, Stan. I really appreciate it, but the guys usually take turns taking me to school. I think it's there way of making sure I get there." I explained.

"Babe, walk me out?" Ranger said. It was more like a statement than a request.

"Sure," I said. "Stan, please excuse me, I'll be right back."

"No problem, Sweet Pea, I'll be right here." Stan said.

Ranger pulled me up from the sofa, wrapped his arm around my waist and led me to the door. When we got to the door, Ranger walked out and pulled me out behind him. He pulled his shirt off and pulled it over my head, then pinned me to the door and starting kissing me like there was no tomorrow.

Oh God half-naked Ranger kissing me in the hallway of my apartment building.

He kissed me one more time and then turned to walk away. "See you in the morning, Sweet Pea." He said sarcastically. "Keep MY shirt on."

"Ranger, you can't drive home like that, you'll cause a wreck." I teased.

"Got an extra in the truck." Was his only reply.

When I walked back in, Stan started laughing when he saw Ranger's Rangeman shirt hanging to my knees.

"That man has it bad for you, Sweet Pea."

"Only because he thinks someone else wants me. It's an ego thing."

"I don't think so. He looks at you like you're a Goddess. And he looked at me like he wanted to kill me."

"I could only wish. We have been dancing around each other for three years now. His life doesn't lend itself to relationships."

"You didn't tell him did you?"

"Nope,"

"You're a devious woman."

"Serves him right."

"Yo, Tank"

"Yeah."

"I want everything you can find out about a Stan Clayton."

"Everything. Where he came from. Where he lives. His major. What he did before he came to Jersey."

"EVERYTHING, I said."

"Don't worry about it, just get me the information."

"Yeah, I'll be there in twenty. Have it by the time I get there."

"I don't care how long it could take. Have it by the time I get there."

Ranger arrived at my apartment to pick me up at five AM the next morning. He let himself in (as usual) and headed to my bedroom. I stirred awake when I felt him get into bed with me.

When I asked why he was so early, he simply said he wanted to lay with me for a while.

Stan and I had planned to meet at the front of the building to have coffee before our first classes. When Ranger pulled up, sure enough, Stan was there waiting for me.

Ranger quickly got out and was to my side of the car before I could get the door open. He opened my door, helped me and then grabbed my book sack from the back seat. He pinned me against the car with his body and gave me one hell of a goodbye kiss.

When he finally pulled away, he said, "Bye Babe, have a good day. I'll be here to pick you up at three. Don't call and leave me a message that you already have a ride. We have plans tonight." Then he slapped me on the ass, waved to Stan saying, "Morning Stan, take care of my girl today." Then got in his car and left.

"That was one hell of a display of affection for someone who doesn't do relationships." Stan winked at me as I approached him.

"It's only because you were standing here waiting for me."

'Girl, I'm telling you he has it bad for you. You can tell by the way that he looks at you. That's not jealousy, that's love."

"Yeah, everyone keeps telling me that, but it would be nice to hear it from him."

"You still haven't told him have you?"

"Nope."

"Are you gonna?"

"Maybe, when the semester is over."

"You're bad."

"I know."

"Come on Sweet Pea lets get to class."

"Tank, where's that information I asked for? I told you I wanted it last night."

"Its right here man. What's the deal?"

"Nothing. I just wanted him checked out. Since when do you question my orders?"

"Who is this guy? There was nothing in his file that indicated he's a bad guy."

"That's what I was afraid of."

"Does this have something to do with Bombshell and her ride home yesterday?"

"It's none of your business. What did you find out him?"

"Stanley Simpson Clayton. Borne September 2, 1980 in Kinston, Al.

Parents both dead, died in car accident. No brothers, two sisters. Transferred here last semester from University of Alabama. His major is Criminal Psychology, with a minor in Government. He works as a teacher's aid to the Government department to pay his fees. No arrest record. Never been in trouble as far as I can tell."

"Figures, he's fucking perfect."

"Ranger? Who is this guy and why is he getting under your skin?"

"He's Steph's study partner."

"I knew it. What are you gonna do?"

"I don't know."

"You know if you fuck with him, she's gonna have a fit."

"Yeah, I know."

Sure enough, when Stan and I walked out the door, Ranger was leaned against his car waiting for me. When he saw us, he started toward us. When he reached us, he drew me in for a hug and a kiss.

"Stan, did Steph tell you there would be no study session tonight?" Ranger asked him without taking his eyes my lips.

"Yeah, she told me. I guess she's all your's tonight." Stan winked at me.

"Yes, she is." Ranger was starting to get a little sarcastic.

"Hey, you guys can stop talking about me like I'm not here." I hissed. Men and their egos.

"Come on Babe, we have things to do." Ranger said, giving my waist a little tug.

"Bye, Sweet Pea. See you in the morning. Do you need a ride?" Stan asked.

"No, she doesn't. I'll be giving her a ride." Ranger answered for me.

When we walked away, Ranger asked me if I was ready to enjoy the rest of my day.

"You were rude to Stan. He was just trying to be nice by offering me a ride."

"He doesn't know where I live, so how's he going to pick you up in the morning?"

"Who says I'm going to be at your apartment in the morning?"

"You're not. You're going to be at my house."

"The Bat cave?"

"Yeah, Babe. I figured we would have dinner and hang out at my house tonight."

"Wow! What brought this on?"

"I don't know, just thought you might like to see it. But, if you don't want to, we can go back to the apartment."

"NO! No, the Bat cave is fine. I need to stop by my apartment and get some clothes."

"Already taken care of. I stopped by on my way to pick you up. Your bag is in the back."

"Ranger, you didn't pack me anything to sleep in." I said digging through my bag.

"I know."

The next few weeks were pretty much routine. Ranger always dropped me off and picked me up. I spent every few nights with him. He would leave study time for Stan and I, but always stopped by to see how things were going.

My paper was due in three days. So, Ranger gave me a little extra study time. I know it was killing him though. He asked me everyday if I was through with it yet.

"Hello."

"Stan, hello, this is Ranger. Can you meet with me?"

"Sure, what's up?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to talk to you."

"Well I get off in about a half-hour. I could come to your office."

"No. I will meet you at your apartment."

"Ok, my address is…"

"I know where you live."

"See in about forty five minutes then."

"Ranger, hey man come in."

"Look this isn't exactly a social call, so I'll get straight to the point."

"Is something wrong with Sweet Pea?"

"NO. Here."

"What's this?"

"Five thousand dollars and a blank check made out to the college."

"For?"

"For you to drop your Civil Law class. The cash is for you and the check is to pay your tuition and what ever else you need for next semester."

"What? Dude wouldn't be cheaper to just tell her how you feel?"

"Look, Ba…Steph has a very important job. She can't afford to be distracted. I need her to be on top of things for this job. If you are a distraction to her it could be dangerous for everyone on the team."

"Distracted from her job or you?"

"I told you…"

"Man, you've got it bad for her. It's so obvious. Why don't you just tell her you love her and get it over with? Besides, she has nothing to offer me."

"What? Are you serious? She's beautiful, sexy, and smart. A man would have to be blind or…"

"Gay."