Disclaimer: See previous chapter

Chapter 2

Author's Note: Umm I haven't gotten any reviews thus far but I've gotten plenty of hits on this one so I thought I would update it first. Plus I started this one first. If you are following both of my stories then this is probably how my updates will go. I will update this one, then You, then this one. Back and forth like that so I won't be starving the other story of attention. Read & Review guys so I can get some more ideas!
--Lex

Where we left off:

"Some other time then," he said, pulling away slowly.

With the distance between us now, my brain started to work again. Fuck! I'm still in a towel! I grabbed a pair of boxers and a t-shirt, throwing them on quickly.

I padded out to the living room where Ranger was seated on my couch. I sighed, wishing I could see him like this all the time.

Ranger looked up at me and gave me a real smile. I wet my non-existant panties. He patted the cushion beside him, wanting me to sit down.

"What's going on?," I asked, plopping down beside him with a goofy smile planted on my face due to the close proximity we were sharing.

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"I have a job for you, if you want to take it," he said, staring ahead, not looking at me. It was odd for Ranger to do that so I simply kept quiet, allowing him to go on.

"Well I want you to be a distraction for someone we are tracking in Hawaii. He recently skipped town. His name is Ben Luciano. He's very dangerous, wanted for attempted murder, murder, rape, and drug trafficing, so if you are too scared to take this case then I wouldn't blame you babe. If you want to help, then that would be great," he said, his lip twitching slightly at the look on my face.

He had struck a nerve. 'Too scared', me? NO WAY! I refused to be insulted like that. "If I don't take the job, who will be doing to distraction?," I asked, my tone struggling to stay neutral.

"Jeanne Ellen," he stated simply, his eyes showing no emotion, his face like a stone.

"I accept," I said, my voice still controlled, but my eyes had a fire in them. No way was I going to let her anywhere near him! I wanted Ranger for myself and I didn't trust that woman with him to save my life. I would not have her flouncing around in some skimpy dress in front of him while I sat here, worried that he would have sex with her, or even worse, get into a relationship with her! I just couldn't let that happen!

"Great! We leave a week from tomorrow, so if you wanted to stay at Rangeman, then that's fine, but if not then I will come pick you up the day before we leave and you can stay at Rangman so we won't have as much hassle about getting together the day we leave. You will also need to be briefed. Tank, Lester, and Hal will be going with us."

I sat in shock. That was the most I had ever heard him say. I nodded. "Okay, I might come over within the next few days, but one question. What about clothes? I don't exactly have things for a distraction job Ranger."

"Babe. We shop tomorrow. Be ready at 8," he said, his mouth twitching again. I shrieked and lunged, hugging him. I felt him tense at first but he softened and put his arms around me, pulling me onto his lap. I pulled back and looked into his eyes to see them showing a hint of emotion, but nothing major. He crushed his lips to mine and his hand was wandering into my shorts when his cell rang. With a few choice words and some muttering in Spanish, he unclipped the phone from his belt and flipped it open.

"Yeah." pause... "Everything is in order." pause again... "We leave a week from tomorrow. Have everything ready." Disconnect. He never says goodbye. It always used to irritate me but now I amused myself but continuing with a goodbye and see you tonight, even though we rarely saw each other for long at night. Normally it was just when he broke in, tried to have sex with me, pulled away, and left. Did I mention that he's confusing?

"Tank?," I can play this one word game too.

"Yeah. Gotta run. Dinner, my place, 8?," he asked.

I nodded before I realized it and he was gone. 'Oh god, what am I getting myself into!,' was all I could think at this point.

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I came out of the bathroom with a beige skirt that came up about 7 inches above my knee, a long-sleeve black v-neck shirt from Old Navy, thigh-high black suede boots and my hair straight as a board. My eyes were surrounded in smoky shadow with a bit of navy liner and a light pink blush. I had to admit, I looked hot. I was afraid of what Ranger would do when he saw me, but I wanted to give him something nice to look at. Under the dressy clothes I had on a black lace thong and matching bra. I was being brave wearing this around Ranger. With my luck he would rip it off of me completely. I laughed at the thought and felt my skin get hot. Okay no more Ranger sex thoughts for right now. I didn't want to mess up my clothes and have to have a playtime with the showerhead.

When 7:40 hit, I decided I would get there a bit early and say 'Hello' to the boys on my way in. I stepped out of my apartment, locked the door behind me and headed down to the parking lot. I found Morelli leaning up against the door of my car. I grimaced and shook my head. "Joe I can't talk. I have a date. Kindly remove yourself from the side of my vehicle."

"What, can't be late for your date with Ranger?," he said snidely.

"Not that it's any of your business but yes I am having dinner with Ranger tonight. He has been making a habit of being around lately and not just for the sex," I said with venom in my voice.

"Why do you always go back to him?," he said, sounding a bit hurt now.

"Funny you should ask. He always asks me the same thing about you," I said with a sigh.

As soon as the words left my lips I grinned because I saw an unmistakeable black Porsche rolling into the lot.

"Speak of the devil. I daresay I won't be catching you later Joe," I said and strolled over to the porsche, opening the door and smoothly sliding in, placing a small kiss on Ranger's cheek. I closed my door, and we sped away, Joe screaming the entire time, until we were out of his earshot.
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"Babe, what was that about?," he asked, a dangerous look in his eyes.

"I thought I was going to meet you at your place," I said with a confused look. He stared me down, wanting an answer, so I backed down and gave him one.

"I walked out to my car to find Joe leaning up against it and we fought. I told him I didn't want to talk, that I had a date, and he made a remark about me not being able to be late for my date with you and I said yes. He got mad and I said somethings that I won't regret and you pulled up to save me, like always," I said with a smile. He shook his head and laughed a real laugh.

"Okay so spill! I thought I was meeting you at your place."

"Well that was the original plan, but things have changed a bit. I have a surprise for you," he said with a grin. I noticed how great he was looking. He had an armani cream colored suit on and looked absolutely edible. I sighed, feeling very brave, and placed my hand on his leg. He shot me a molten chocolate look and I grinned.

"Well, where are we going then Batman?," I asked, curious now.

"It's a surprise. You are lucky I didn't blind fold you, but I like to have you watch me like you always do," he said looking straight forward at the road.
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We had been driving for about twenty minutes when we pulled up outside of a large theatre. I was checking my lipstick when he opened my door for me. I smiled and took his hand, sliding out of the car and into his arms. He held me close for a moment and kisses my forehead. I didn't know much about this place except it was a very classy theatre. When we approached the building, my arm looped through Ranger's, I saw the posters everywhere for the opera being performed here tonight. "The Phantom Of The Opera". I gasped. This was my favorite play in high school and I loved the movie that had just recently come out. I remembered raving to Tank and Lester about it and they both just shook their heads and acted like they were ignoring me. Apparently they had made note of that and informed Ranger about it.

"I hope you like this opera babe," he said, watching my face with curiousity in his eyes.

"I can't wait! I thought we were going to eat though," I said in a curious voice.

He laughed a deep laugh, his head falling back a bit. "Yes yes, we are still going to eat. The Opera doesn't start for another 3 hours so we have time. But no alcohol, you know you can't handle it and I can't have you molesting me or passing out while we are watching this," he said with a grin.

"One glass of wine, and that is my final answer!"

He nodded in agreement and we proceeded inside. The place was absolutely gorgeous and I felt a bit underdressed, but Ranger assured me that I looked fine, and I did feel a bit better. Who cares what anyone thinks? As long as I kept getting those appreciative looks from Batman, I would be fine!

We ate in a restaurant located inside, Ranger getting a chef salad, and myself having the chicken tetrazzini. It was delicious and it took all my might not to moan out loud on the first, second, and third bite. Ranger looked amused at my dilemma and shook his head, muttering something in Spanish. I shot him a glare, but couldn't suppress a grin myself.

We finished up at our table and headed into the actual theatre part of the Opera House. I was wondering where we would be seated when Ranger lead us up to the second row back. I grinned and kissed his cheek lovingly. He motioned for me to sit down and he took his seat beside me, taking his cell out and turning it off. I smiled an appreciative smile, knowing that we wouldn't be interrupted by business while enjoying the play. As the lights dimmed, Ranger took hold of my hand, entwining his finger with mine.
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The play was absolutely amazing and I cried at several parts, Ranger shooting me a loving smile when I did, and laughed with me when the play took a funny turn. Of course it was a Ranger laugh, his lips twitching in that funny way they always did, but I noticed something different about him tonight. He wasn't on his guard and he actually relaxed. On the way home, he reclined my seat back for me when he put me in the car, and I was lulled to sleep by the hum of the porche's engine and Ranger rubbing my back...

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Okay guys, that's it for this chapter! Leave me some reviews and let me know what you think about it! I hope it's good. It took long enough!

Lex