Stephanie:
The week that I had spent with Ranger was great. I got to hide in his tower to just take the time to cope with Grandma Mazur's passing, my life, the men in my life, and my mother. I had checked in from time to time to see how everyone was doing and let them know that I was physically doing okay. I didn't want my family to worry where I was so I told them I was staying here at RangerMan for now and working from their office. My grandma had been my friend, and my in-between with me and my mom. I was the in-between grandma and my dad; it had been my mom's job if I wasn't around. I'd had a lot of time to think about things. The main thing that was getting at me was the letter that Grandma Mazur left me along with 'Big Blue'. I have had this letter for almost a week now and it had me thinking. Then again… being with Ranger all week has made it a little easier to not focus on it.
Ranger and Joe are the only two men that I have in my life besides my dad. I know how I feel for Ranger but I also know where he stands or relationships. Joe on the other hand wanted what my ex-husband pretty much had till he slipped up and got caught on the kitchen table. Well, for the most part. He wanted a wife and I wanted to keep my crazy job. I know I'm not great at it, but I do enjoy it. Joe wanted me home, bare foot and pregnant. I still wanted to be me. I love the thrill of the chase. Joe and I were done, although that didn't mean that I don't care for him anymore. Ranger on the other hand understood that and accepted it with making sure to keep my ass alive. He, his Merry Men, and his tracking have saved me more times than I could count.
"Good morning, Babe." Ranger was leaned against the counter giving Rex a piece of bagel as I entered into the kitchen. I knew he was fresh out of the shower by the dampened hair and the smell of Bulgari body wash that lingered around him. "I have a meeting today." He then leaned in to give me a kiss on the top of my head. "Morning to you too. Did you sleep well?" I asked as I leaned over and tapped on the tank's glass to say good morning to Rex, but he was too busy enjoying his bagel inside his tin can to pay me any attention.
I watched Ranger as I ate the oatmeal that Ella had brought up. I rinsed my bowl and spoon off in the sink and placed them in the dishwasher. He was watching every single move that I made. "I am going to head back home today. You do realize you are already over 2 days on your 3 day rule." I looked up and his mouth made a slight grin. I was guessing that he was grinning because of either the 3 day rule comment or because he was getting his place back to himself. Regardless, I was amused.
Ranger:
I didn't know what to say to not make me look desperate for her. She was the only one that can get me to break my rules. Knowing that she and Morelli were done, it felt good to have her around. "Well, between my shifts and you working downstairs, it added up to 3 days." I grinned at her and she smiled back.
I put my stuff into the dishwasher and headed to the room to get my things together for the day. She, on the other hand, had dropped her robe as she headed back to the bedroom. Technically, it was my robe, although I didn't mind seeing her in it. "I'm going to get in the shower," is all I heard and she was looked back at me over her shoulder. I knew I shouldn't, but how could I say no? I was willing to meet her needs and wants. I needed to make up for what I had missed while I was gone. Being away from her, not knowing if she was okay, or wondering if she was with Morelli. I always tell her I love her in a different way, but the thing was it wasn't different. It was in love. I was scared of a repeat in my life. I have a child that I love but a marriage that I couldn't do because I was always away on missions and my heart wasn't in it. I need this time with her. It was now or never…..now it is.
Stephanie:
I started the shower and climbed in. I tilted my head back, feeling the warm water wash over my body. The shower door slid open and revealed Ranger standing in all his wonderful glory. All ready at half-mast, waiting for me. He climbed in and the next thing I knew, he had me pinned up against the wall with his body, placing his hands above my shoulders. I kissed him with all I had. He placed his hands at my waist, picking me up and easing me on to him. This man's sex drive is so intense but the question in my mind was if he had ever been this way with another woman before or with all of them. The way we were with each other, who needs a gym?
"What about your meeting? You'll be late, won't you?" I moaned in his ear. He leaned into me and pushed harder. "It's been taking care of. I have something more important to take care of first and foremost," he said through his teeth.
Our motion was in sync with each thrust. All I wanted was for us was to take our time. No matter how much time we had, I was going to use every bit that I could. This man knew what he's doing for sure and, I wasn't going to let him waste him talent.
Ranger:
Easing into her, she pressed her head up against the shower wall and took me in. This was for her more than me. This was personal. I knew that I'd been more of a distraction for her than she had been for me. When I was with her, it wasn't just sex. I loved taking my time with her, feeling her, the smell of her. I wanted to make love to her right there and then. She was perfect in every way. When we finished, I held her to the wall and placed my head to her chest as we steadied our breathing. How she does this to me I will never fully understand.
My phone made a noise and as I looked at it, I heard the blow dryer turn off. "How about lunch after the meeting?" She appeared in the doorway with a towel on, her hair done and you could tell she had on what she called "Jersey Girl" make-up. "Sure I have some searches left to do before I head home today." She went over and grabbed a pair of black jeans, a black tank top, and a pair of sneakers. I couldn't help myself and I placed my arms around her waist, kissing the back of her ear.
"Meeting," she said playfully.
"I will meet you at 1pm down stairs; I don't want to have to go looking for you. If I do, we're not making it to lunch. It's your choice," I told her.
Stephanie:
If he kissed me behind my ear again, I was not going to stop him advancing, and neither of us would get any work done today. I agreed to meet with him to go to lunch after his meeting, so I packed everything by the door and left Rex on the kitchen table before I went down stairs. The fifth floor was where they monitored all their accounts for RangerMan Inc. Tank was on one monitor and Hal was on the other. "Good morning guys. What's new?" Both men grunted, but Hal did a backwards wave. I couldn't help but laugh to myself as I went to my desk. Tank, Hal, and Cal were a few of my guardians. I wasn't sure if they knew it or not, but that's how I looked at it. I was Beautiful when they called my name and Ranger called me Babe. Plus, if any of the guys referred to me as "their Babe" Ranger would most likely kill them.
They didn't talk much at the monitors, but they are a lot of fun on breaks and when they have to babysit me. They always got a kick out of the stuff I do to get my FTAs and the story always sounds worse when one of them were there living it. I have had a few of mine and Ranger's cars blown up, stripped or stolen. They have even placed a board up in the monitor room to take bets. If it weren't for my luck, I would be rather offended by it. Sometimes, for shits and giggles, I even placed a bet. It was nice to see them smile or even laugh at my expense.
I must have lost track of time. Before I knew it, Ranger's office door opened and he walked out, giving me a simple "I see you" look my way. Hal and Tank didn't budge, but me on the other hand, I couldn't help myself. Behind him was a guy that I haven't seen before. He was tall with black hair, green eyes, and caramel skin. He was toned, but nothing like Ranger. I felt eyes on me, and I knew it wasn't Ranger's tingle that I was getting. I just figured it would be best to clean up. I was starving by this time of day. I could always go for some cake anyway.
Ranger:
I knew Babe was nearby considering I heard her, Tank, and Hal laughing while they talked about her up and coming FTAs she needed to get this week. She was a smart woman, but she had some crazy ways to get the job done. The guys were so comfortable with her—more so when they think I am not around. Then again, who couldn't be? She somehow gets them to open up to her, look at me. She is definitely a people person. I, on the other hand, looked forward to a call that would make me smile. She went through clothes and cars like construction workers. When Ace and I came out of the office, she was in her little corner getting cleaned up to go to lunch with me. Ace on the other hand seemed to be interested in her and I could kill a man for looking at Babe that way. I gave her up once and I was not willing to do it again. I just couldn't.
Looking over, Babe was in her own thoughts for a moment, as was I. I loved when she looked like that. She was one of a kind— free spirited, beautiful, and alive.
"Babe, you ready to go soon?" I asked as she walked by me.
She looking up at me, smiled and gave me a simple "Yes".
Ace jumped in to break our contact. "Hey, I'm Ace, and you are?"
I wanted Ace to respect the fact that when I was in a room with Babe, no one addressed her.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Stephanie Plum. I take it Ace is your street name like Ranger's?" she asked with a warm smile.
"Yes it is. Ranger, she's gorgeous and smart. Is this the bounty hunter you mentioned? If you don't want her, I will take care of her," Ace said with a dangerous and confident look in his eyes.
"Excuse me, but I'm not that type of person. I don't let people pass me around and I don't like how you are talking about me as if I'm not even standing here. And to let you know, I do just fine on my own."
That was my girl, full of fire. She didn't take shit from anyone. "Well then," he said. "I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. I'm taking it you and Ranger are a couple then?"
The next thing I know she chimed in. "That's none of your concern, but I just ended a relationship. As far as Ranger and I do go, he doesn't do relationships." This had trouble written all over this subject. Ace did this on purpose. I knew that I needed to figure this and fast. Wanting her wasn't the problem: it was my past, my enemies, and making major changes in my life. I have had the comfort of women in my life for personal needs, but with Babe it was different. She wasn't a fling, but a "Girl Next Door" kind.
"Five minutes, down stairs." I said to her still eyeing Ace. I knew he was up to no good. While I was looking at him, he was staring her. I needed to get his focus off of her and back to our conversation.
"Nice meeting you. Maybe we will meet again," she said as the elevator doors closed.
Still looking at him I made a low growling noise. "Ace, I'm warning you: keep away from her."
"Ranger, didn't you hear her? She can handle herself. I am taking it that you and she are not committed. So she can make her own decisions. Well, we will be in touch." He then got onto the elevator. I was hoping he had meant him and me, but I had to go with my gut feeling that he meant her.
Stephanie:
I knew I was going to pay for putting Ranger on the spot like that, but I couldn't help it. I'm Jersey born and raised, and taught not to take shit from anyone. I hurried up and grabbed my stuff, Rex's cage, and went downstairs. I put everything in Ranger's truck and his truck definitely fit him. The truck was an F150, all black with silver chrome. Huge tires with lots of lights. To me, it was pretty much jacked up on juice that was just shiny and had this sexy, tough look to it. When I turned around, Ace was coming from the elevator. `
"Hey, if you ever need a hand with an FTA, give me a call." He smiled at me and handed me his card. I looked at it and put it in my back pocket.
"I'll keep you in mind, thanks."
He got into his SUV and pulled out of the garage as Ranger got off the elevator. I leaned up against the truck door, looking at Ranger and before he asked I told him what Ace had said.
"Babe" I looked at him wondering how he knew him. "He's my brother." Now I see it. "Well, maybe I will give him a call. Maybe he'll want to take me out for a drink sometime." I could feel the heat coming off of Ranger.
I really wasn't able to eat lunch. I was still processing what happened at RangerMan's office. How did Ranger feel about me? I knew he had said he loved me in his own way.
"Well, this has been some Monday." I paused. I was hoping to break the silence.
"Ranger, are we okay?" I asked, considering how quiet the ride home was.
"I don't want him near you," he said. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"Why? Why not, Ranger? I don't understand you sometimes; you didn't have a problem sending me to Morelli. You can't handle a relationship with anyone and then when someone is interested you go all "high alert" over me. What's the deal?" I put my head down into my hands and didn't say anything more. When we got into my parking lot I climbed out, grabbed my stuff, and Rex just as he came to a stop. As I went to shut the back door all I heard was "Babe I…"
I honestly didn't care to hear what he had to say at that point. I had given him all day and I was exhausted. I walked up to my apartment went in, closing the door behind me. I leaned back up against my front door with my head pressed back, trying to hold my tears at bay. I pulled myself together for the most part and placed Rex's cage on the counter in the kitchen. All I knew was that I need to get out of the house to think. I need fresh air to think about all this.
