RANGER POV CHAPTER 2

Stephanie was sitting next to me in the 911 as I drove across Honolulu. She was staring at the ring I had just slid onto her finger and was clearly a bit overwhelmed. I had to admit, that moment had been a bit intense for me as well. My left hand was on the steering wheel and my right hand rested on her thigh. My gaze was straight ahead, unflinching. But, as I was trained, I was just as intently watching my peripheral vision. The ring resting on my left ring finger was as distracting to me as hers was to her.

The last day had been a mix of emotions, that I work very hard to control. For some reason, I always have more trouble controlling emotions around Stephanie. She pulls out smiles and laughter when she is around and fear, anger, and worry when she is in danger. Years of practice keep these emotions well hidden. It has been a long time since I even felt them bubbling up as they do now.

When I learned that Stephanie had been planning a trip to Hawaii and she had invited Morelli, I had been surprised to find myself jealous. I know someday he will wise up and make a real commitment to her and then she will be out of my life. But it doesn't seem like it will be anytime soon, because he didn't take time off from work to come with her on this vacation, instead, choosing to let her go alone.

She hadn't asked if I wanted to go. But no matter how much I would've wanted to go with her, I know I would've told her no. Pleasure vacations aren't really part of my life. I'd never been as excited to chase down a skip as I was when she called and said she had a lead on the Rug in Hawaii. I really wanted to be here with her, and Simon Ruguzzi had just made it possible. I may even take it easy on him when I apprehend him as a thank-you gift.

Her second call got me on a red-eye flight out of LaGuardia with a 45-minute layover to change planes in Vegas and take off again for Hawaii. I had Ella pack for me while I ran to the jeweler to buy rings. When I called to book a room at the resort she had followed Tootie too, I booked an ocean-view cottage with a private spa and paid for the entire week. No reason for her to cut her vacation short if I ended up heading back with the Rug.

I pulled up in front of the resort and parked the car. I popped the trunk and told the bellhop to take the bags to the room for Manoso. I gave the keys to the valet and grabbed Stephanie's hand to head into the lobby.

I strode right up to the front desk, not letting go of her hand. "Checking in," I said to the clerk, "Mr. and Mrs. Manoso." I felt Stephanie's gaze on me and was worried her face may make the clerk suspicious, so I pulled her in for a kiss and then slid my arm around her waist.

"You must be newlyweds" the clerk said, smiling at us.

Neither of us responded to that comment and I handed the clerk my back card to check in. I could tell she was impressed and she handed us our keys she said "if there is anything either of you need, don't hesitate to ask."

I pulled Stephanie in for another kiss, to cement to the clerk that we were happy newlyweds on vacation and headed to our cottage. I had studied the blueprints for the resort on the plane, so I knew exactly where I was going. I opened the door to the cottage and Stephanie followed me in. I saw her face light up when she walked in and watched her explore the cottage, feeling very pleased inside that something as simple as this room had brought her such happiness.

She made her way back over and stood in front of me. "Mr. and Mrs. Manoso?"

"Babe" I smiled at her. "You said it was married-couples only. We had to get in."

"Should we head out and look for the Rug?" she asked. She was standing directly in front of me and I could feel the heat from her skin. I couldn't care less at the moment about bringing in Ruguzzi.

I placed both hands on her waist, running them around behind her pulling her into me. "Later." I said as I lowered my face to hers. The kiss deepened quickly. We were interrupted by the bellhop bringing our bags before I was ready. I held back my disappointment and went to open the door for the bellhop, tipping him generously.

By the time, he had left, Stephanie had found the fold back wall and was standing on the lanai. I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her. She leaned back into me, relaxing. I could've stayed that way for the rest of the day, just holding her in my arms and watching the ocean. Knowing this was dangerous territory, I decided to get to work.

"Since we have our bags now, let's head down to the resort pool and see if we can spot Tootie or the Rug." I kissed her on the side of the head as I unwrapped myself from her and walked back into the room.