Disclaimer: Not my characters, but I hope they're having fun…

Chapter 2

Alone for the first time in hours I sagged against the elevator wall, my hands briefly cupping my aching breasts before crossing my arms over them protectively. I let my head drop and wondered if I could possibly embarrass myself any more tonight. I was so rattled, wondering what to say if Ranger was waiting for me, that I practically leaped out of the elevator when the doors opened on an empty hall.

I was halfway down the hall and the elevator had already gone when I realized I'd hit the button for the third floor by mistake.

I just stood there for several minutes, my mind blank and my feet aching from too much dancing in too high of heels. Then it occurred to me that this might actually work out for the best. Ranger might have gone to my apartment, but what were the chances he'd look for me up here when he found I wasn't home?

Slipping my shoes off, I crept to the shadowy end of the hall and leaned myself in the corner. The carpet wasn't particularly clean here but at least it didn't smell, and I wiggled my toes to ease the aches while I waited.

After fifteen long minutes passed without Ranger appearing, I figured it was safe to go home. I was a little surprised my cell hadn't rung until I fished in my little bag for my keys and realized it was still on the charger in my bedroom.

I took the stairs down, carrying my shoes with my key ready in the other hand. My problem hadn't subsided and the lacy little boy-cut panties were now damp enough to be uncomfortable. I peeked around the door to check the hall before I stepped out of the stairwell, releasing a held breath when I found it empty. It was after two am by now; Ranger had probably given up and gone back to the Batcave. I assume even Batman has to sleep sometime, and his mornings tended to start early.

No man-shaped shadows lurked in my entry or kitchen or lounged on my couch. My apartment was dark and still, just the way I'd left it. There were times like this that I still caught myself listening for Rex's wheel. I missed my little buddy, but I couldn't bring myself to get a new pet just yet.

Just as I turned the deadbolt, arms came around me from behind without warning. Even knowing it had to be Ranger I still nearly came out of my skin, and was only partially successful in muffling my shriek. I heard two soft thuds as my shoes landed on the carpet somewhere in the living room.

"Easy, babe. It's only me." Without letting go he turned me to face him and hauled me in close, one warm hand splayed across the bare skin of my back. "Want to tell me why we're playing hide-n-seek in the dark?"

There was a trace of amusement in his voice. Between that and the adrenaline rush he'd just given me, I found a brief flash of courage. I looked up to give him a piece of my mind and realized his face was right there. Without thought I rose to my tiptoes, pressing myself against him, and took his mouth.

For a fraction of a second he went rigid with surprise. Then his arms nearly crushed me as his mouth took mine. For perhaps the first time I kissed him back with an equal hunger, and the rush of heat nearly set me on fire.

My back hit the door and his hands slid up my ribcage, his thumbs finding and rubbing my jelly-bean nipples though the thin silk, making me moan. Then one hand shifted, sliding up under my skirt to cup one butt cheek, the tips of his fingers brushing the damp lace between my legs. A shudder ran through him even as his hands tightened and I arched against him, feeling him harden against me. He broke the kiss with an indrawn breath, almost a gasp.

"Dios, Steph! What's gotten into you?" he exclaimed against my lips.

Nothing, for far too long, I thought.

He stiffened and I realized I'd muttered the words aloud.

He drew back slightly. "Is this an invitation?" He sounded almost stunned.

"Yes," I whispered, shifting against him.

He kissed me hard and deep, his hips pinning me to the door, the hard length of him so close, so close. One hand slid down, cupping the heat between my legs. I arched against him, felt the wet rush of heat, and heard him swear.

"…timing fucking sucks," was all I caught. His fingers tightened and I cried out. He growled and yanked his hand away, leaving me stranded on the edge one shaky breath from release. I felt him lift me and turn, felt the chill of the wall on my back. "God damn it Stephanie! It's nearly three and I have clients due at seven. Four hours isn't nearly enough." His hands gripped my face and held me for one last searing kiss. "Tonight. I'll pick you up at seven."

And he was gone, shutting the door firmly behind him, leaving me propped against the wall aching with need and wondering what in the hell I'd just done.