Janet Evanovich owns all the characters. I'm just playing with them for awhile.

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Chapter's 7-10

By CrimsenLiz

Chapter 7

I dropped Adam off at Rangeman and headed towards the bonds office.

I pulled up and noticed Rangers black Cayenne parked out front. "Great" I mumbled. My day can't get any worse.

I didn't even get all the way in the door when I heard Lula's big mouth.

"Daaammm girlfriend, what's this I hear about you having lunch with a hottie and that hottie beating the crap out of super cop?"

Jeeze, the news has already traveled the Burgh. "He didn't beat the crap out of him Lula! He just punched him in the nose. Basically, Morelli was yelling something about me sleeping with Ranger and all his merry men. He grabbed my wrist, so Adam told him to leave. When he didn't, he punched Joe.

"Who's this Adam?" Connie interrupted, looking up from painting her nails.

I couldn't help but blush. "Just someone I met at the Viper Room last night." I purposely left out the where he works for Rangeman and the argument with Ranger this morning.

"Spill it girl!" came from Lula. I know there's more to the story!

Shit! Can't they ever just leave well enough alone! "Sorry ladies, not much else to the story. He's an amazing kisser, that's all I'm giving you."

I walked out the door with a big grin on my face. I slid into my car, and before I pulled away, I saw Ranger walk out the door pausing to look at me before getting into the Cayenne. His usual blank face was replaced with an emotion I couldn't place. For a second I could have sworn it was sadness. Oh well, He made his feelings crystal clear. He'll just have to deal with seeing me with someone else.

Once I was back at Rangeman I settled at my cubicle to do some searches. My inbox was full. I smiled, thinking of Adam. I can't believe he turned out to be Rodriguez.

I spent the next few hours finishing my searches. I didn't realize how much time had passed until I felt two strong arms wrap around my shoulders. "Hey, Gorgeous." Adam whispered into my ear.

The warmth of his breath against my ear sent tingles down to my toes. "Well hello, Mr. Rodriguez." I breathed.

He spun the chair around so that I was facing him. "You're working late; someone must have filled your inbox."

I grinned at that remark. Smart ass. "This mysterious Rodriguez is always loading me down with searches…"

He kneeled in front of me, looking straight in my eyes and said "How would you like it if he loads you down with something else?"

Oh boy. He leaned in and kissed me, sucking my bottom lip into his mouth. Our tongues touched and I thought I might slide right out of the chair.

Suddenly I heard a throat clear. I looked up to find Lester and Bobby standing in front of my cubicle with grins on their faces.

I blushed and Adam stood up.

Bobby spoke first, and I'm glad because I wasn't sure what to say. "Hey, bomber. I see you and Rodriguez have met."

"Yea and it looks like their tonsils have met also!" Said Lester, Chuckling.

Bobby Elbowed Lester. "Ow man! I was only kidding!"

I guess that was to be expected. We were making out in the middle of the office.

"We've got to be going boys….We're having dinner at my parents. I told them.

Lester and Bobby both laughed. "Good luck Rodriguez. Steph's granny won't be able to keep her hands off of you!!" Bobby managed to choke out between laughs.

Adam looked at me, obviously confused. "What are they talking about Gorgeous?"

I guess he'll just have to find out when we get there.

"Nothing, they're just messing with you." The guys were still laughing when we got onto the elevator.

Chapter 8

"Just to warn you, the guys weren't kidding about my grandma. She might ask you about your package. She also can't keep her hands to herself. So watch your back…and your front!"

I stifled a giggle, watching the shock on his face. "Oh, it won't be that bad."

Adam turned to face me, "I didn't mean to look so afraid I just remember overhearing stories about them from the guys. I'll just steer clear of her."

We pulled up to my parents' house and like clockwork there stood my mom and grandmother by the front door. Adam squeezed my hand in reassurance. "It's now or never" I said under my breath.

Before we even made it into the house my grandma started with, "Wow! He's even cuter than that bounty hunter with the nice package! Are you single sexy?" Then she grabbed his ass.

Adam jumped about ten feet, and blushed profusely. "Mother! Leave the poor man alone!" I heard my mom scream. It won't be long before she's tippling in the kitchen. "Who is your friend, Stephanie, and where is Joseph? I was expecting him tonight."

I guess I saw this coming. "This is Adam, he and I work together at Rangeman. Joe and I are through mom, have been for months. Just drop it already!"

My father was in the living room watching something on the history channel about the military. "Hey daddy" I said sitting down next to him.

"Hey there pumpkin. Who is this?" he said gesturing towards Adam.

Since my father wasn't paying attention to my explanation of who Adam was a few minutes earlier, I guess I'll have to tell him again.

"This is Adam Rodriguez, we work together at Rangeman.

My dad stared at Adam, looking as if he was trying to place him. "Adam Rodriguez?" He said it as if he was trying to convince himself of something. "Would you happen to be from El Paso, Son?

"Yes sir, but how do you know? Not many people know I'm from El Paso."

My dad grinned. "Is your dad Manny Rodriguez?"

"Umm, yes he is. This is getting too weird. How do you know this information sir?" Adam said looking confused.

"I knew I recognized you! I was in the army with your dad. Best man at his wedding. I haven't seen you since you were in grade school!" I've never seen my dad smile so much before. It was as if he were a different person.

I looked from my dad back to Adam a few times. What the hell is going on? I never heard of a Manny Rodriguez. Adams face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Holy Shit! Falcon?! My dad still tells stories about you. I didn't know your last name is Plum! What a small world."

I interrupted the reunion. "Wait a minute. You two know each other"

"We sure do, Pumpkin. I served with his dad in the army. He and I were inseparable. You and Adam used to play with each other when you were toddlers. Probably have some pictures somewhere."

Oh no. baby pictures of me and possibly Adam together. Probably in the bathtub.

"Ellen, do we still have those pictures of our vacations to Texas when the girls were little?"

My mother came sulking out of the kitchen. "They're probably in the hall closet Frank; we will find them after we eat.

Whew. That was a close one. Maybe they'll forget and we won't have to relive those childhood memories.

Dinner went along un-eventful. And by uneventful, I mean Dad and Adam talked the whole time taking up the entire conversation. The talked about Adam's Dad and caught up on stuff that went on over the years. I felt a little left out but mostly I was still in shock that I supposedly knew Adam.

Much to my dismay, my father did not forget about the pictures. We all gathered in the living room and looked at an old album full of Adam, Valerie and I playing. As much as I hoped there wasn't a tub picture, I was wrong. There were a few. If it's possible my hair was curlier back then, and it was plastered to my face as Adam poured a cup of water over my head. I'll have to burn these later so no one else sees them.

Adam got up after looking at the album "Well, Falcon. It was great seeing you again. I don't know how long I'll be in town. I'm hoping Ric will transfer me here permanently. You should give my dad a call; he'd love to hear from you. He still does some government work, I'm sure you would have some good input for him.

My dad shook his hand. "I just might do that. Nice to see you again. Goodnight you two."

I drove back to Rangeman on Autopilot.

"Are you ok, Gorgeous? I didn't' mean to ignore you. I was just so surprised to see Falcon, I mean your dad, and I got a little sidetracked.

I turned to him. "It's ok, it was a lot to take in and I'm still trying to process it all. I guess it is cool that our families know each other. Saves us the trouble of introductions. I don't know why my dad doesn't talk about his time in the army more often; I'll have to ask him about it later."

I pulled up to Rangeman a few minutes later. "Thanks for going to dinner with me. I know we only met last night, but I feel like we've known each other forever. If I'm not careful I could easily fall in love with you, Adam."

"Me too, Gorgeous, I promise you'll have my full attention tomorrow."

He proceeded to give me a kiss that made my toes curl. I didn't have time to fully register the kiss. I was in such a haze I didn't realize he was already out the door and on his way to the fourth floor.

I don't know how I'm going to make it home.

*Hold on tight. Smut ahead!

Chapter 9

It's been a week since the dinner at my parents and I haven't scared Adam away yet. We have gone out to lunch everyday. We haven't had any alone time yet, but we're getting together tonight to watch a movie.

At ten after five, I shut down my computer and started towards the elevator. They opened and I got in beside Tank. "What's up, Bombshell?"

I smiled. "Hey Tank. I'm on my way home. Adam is coming over for a movie night. I have to get home and straighten up a little.

"I'm glad you're moving on Steph. I hated seeing you so upset over Ric".

"I really wish people would get over this thing with Ranger. I realized sometime ago he can't give me what I need. I'll always love him but I can't wait around for him to make up his mind."

Tank gave me a big hug. "Good for you. I'm glad you realized when you did. If Rodriguez gives you any trouble, let me know."

Figures. I know if Adam messed up in any way, he'd have a few unhappy merry men.

I cleaned up the apartment the best I could with the time I had. Adam was coming over at 7 and I still had to shower. I made myself a peanut butter and olive sandwich and headed to the bedroom. As I ate, I contemplated what to wear tonight. Since it was only a movie I decided to wear Victoria's Secret pink PJ pants and a matching baby doll tee.

I showered, shaved and moisturized. I didn't expect anything to happen tonight, but just in case. I went with minimal make up just a swipe of mascara and a little lip gloss.

I came out from the bedroom just in time to hear a knock at the door.

"Hey Gorgeous" Adam said when I opened my door.

Wow. I think he gets better looking every time I see him. He had on faded blue jeans and a fitted white t-shirt. His brown hair was freshly cut and he smelled like he just got out of the shower.

"Hey yourself, come in and have a seat. Pick out a movie from the rack and I'll get us some popcorn and beer."

"How about Armageddon?" Adam drawled as I plopped down on the couch. "Sure, whatever you want."

We settled on the couch and munched on some popcorn while we watched the movie. Halfway through the movie, Adam pulled me against him, wrapping his arms around my waste. His touch was making my skin tingle. I really didn't want to start anything tonight, every other relationship I've had has been all about sex. I want more.

But at the moment all those thoughts seemed to take a backseat to the way he was making my body feel. He began to rub my back and I think a moan escaped my lips. "Oh, Adam that feels so good."

"Oh yea?" he breathed into my ear, placing tiny kisses from my ear lope down my neck.

I managed to turn around and straddle him. Our mouths met and our hands were roaming everywhere. I know I should slow down but my brain was not on the same wavelength as my hormones. Our clothes started disappearing and my hands ran down his washboard stomach. His body is so incredible. Sweat had already begun to mist over his upper body and all I wanted to do was lick it off of him. My tongue shot out against his skin and licked a drop of sweat. Mmmm. He tastes so good.

His hands slipped into my pants and under my panties. "Steph...mmm...you're so wet."

All I could do was moan. He slipped one finger inside me and I immediately came hard, screaming his name.

"You're so beautiful when you come." Adam moaned as he sucked on his finger that was just inside me. We continued kissing and it's as if warning bells were going off in my head, I stopped and laid my head against his chest.

"Adam, I can't do this."

I could feel him tense under me. "I'm sorry, Steph. I didn't mean to go so fast. It's just so hard to stop with you. You make me lose control. It's never been like that with anyone else.

I sighed. "It's ok, I should have stopped sooner. I just don't want a repeat of my past relationships. I want more than Sex.

Adam lifted my chin and looked into my eyes. "We will take it slow from now on. I really like you. I want to do this right. No pressure. I'll leave now before we tempt each other again. He put on his shirt and shoes. "Goodnight, Gorgeous." He kissed my nose and walked out the door.

I don't know how long I can hold out if every movie night ends like that. My hormones are on high alert!

Chapter 10

The next few months with Adam were wonderful. We still haden't had sex, and I'm glad because I'd gotten to know him better than I ever knew The Dick, Joe or Ranger put together. Not that we haden't had a few close calls. There had been some major heavy petting.

I've learned that he's an only child, and he lived in Texas most of his childhood. He went into the army at 18, but instead of going into the field he did mostly security and computer work. When he got out, Ranger hired him on at Rangeman Miami as a securities analyst and computer programmer. He doesn't date a lot and he has only been in one serious relationship before. His engagement to his ex ended when she told him she decided she liked women. She broke his heart. That was 2 years ago and he hasn't dated anyone seriously since. He seems to be opening up to me more and more each day. I hope this is real, because I don't think my heart could take another break.

I continued to bring in skips for Vinnie, and with Ranger gone, the guys are still giving me back up.

I was feeling really good this morning. Adam and I were going away this weekend and I think this is it. And if it isn't I think I'll buy out the Tasty cake company! I walked into Vinnie's and Connie greeted me with a pained face. "So Steph, why haven't you done it with Mr. Hottie yet?"

I immediately blushed. Jeeze was it that obvious?

"I don't know what you're talking about." I hoped that would end the discussion, but I doubt it even registered to her.

"Dang Gurrrrrl!" spoke up Lula. "Are you still hung up on Batman or something? Your skinny white ass needs some lovin, so go get it!"

I guess they weren't going to let it go. I'll just give them the bare minimum. "We're waiting for the right time, Lula. He asked me to go to Miami for the weekend; he has to move the rest of his stuff from his Rangeman apartment there to the one here. Hector wanted to be near his family in Miami so he switched places with Adam."

I could practically see Lula busting at the seems. "Ooh gurrl! We need to go shopping. You need Miami clothes!"

She was right. Money was available since skips had been plentiful this week. "Ok, let's go. I can't be long, I still have to pack tonight, and we're leaving tomorrow right after work."

It seemed like I tried on every dress in Macy's. Adam and I were going to his buddy's wedding while we were in Miami and I needed something conservative yet Jersey girl. That's hard to find.

Just then, the sales girl walked by with a cart rack full of new dresses and began putting them on a nearby display.

"That's the dress!" Lula screamed.

She jumped over two chairs running to the cart. I can't believe she managed to get to the sales woman in one piece. I've never seen her run so fast. Not even for food!

"Check this out girlfriend!" She held up a royal blue halter dress. It was long and flowing stopping just below the knee. Holy cow. This is the dress!

"Well? try it on, girl. We ain't got all day!" Lula said, thrusting the dress at me.

It fit perfectly. "Ok Lula, time for the shoes."

We headed to the shoe department and I saw them immediately. Four inch heels in silver with silver crystals on the straps. They were a little out of my price range, but I had to have them. I paid for the shoes and dress then headed towards Victoria's secret.

I didn't really want to buy any lingerie to wear for Adam. He is just so wholesome; I wanted to try something different. I picked out a white boy cut pajama set. The underwear was boy cut and the top was a baby doll tank top. Very cute. I think he'll like it. I also got some underwear to match my new dress along with a new bikini and a sundress to go over it. A girl has to be prepared. I paid for my purchases, said goodbye to Lula and headed home to pack.

After the day of shopping and packing I had no trouble falling asleep as my head hit the pillow. I dreamt of Adam all night long.

**More to come soon! Leave me your comments and suggestions!