I got a shower, got dressed, skipped the makeup and called my dad to see if he was home so I could pick him up and have him drive big blue home. On our way back to my place dad spoke up.

"I'm proud of you pumpkin, I'm glad you're getting training, and ending the love triangle. Yes, I knew about it. But it's your life. I have something for you. I talked to a friend from the lodge. He has a summer house on the beach it's not much you can stay there for the week. He doesn't use it much anymore, so you might have to clean it up a bit. It'll save you some money if you don't need a hotel. But before you go I'd like to stop at the gun shop and get you a new gun. I know you don't like them, but it's best to have one if you're out by yourself."
"Thanks. I'll stay at the house and we can get a new gun and try it out. Type in the address if you want to go now."

After a few turns we pulled in and I was nervous, I don't like guns. I especially don't like that I've killed a man with one. But I didn't want anyone else to have to kill for me. Remembering the slayers was the hardest. Sally sweet had never taken a life and he took several that day for me. I was determined to never let it happen again. We tried out several but ultimately we settled on my dads pick for me. It was a black Glock 26 and it was only mildly irritating that I chose the Baby Glock but decided I'd rather carry it every day than something heavy. Although what really sold me was when my dad said he thought it was the most reliable because it can still shoot whether it's dirty, muddy, or wet. He also said I shouldn't let it get dirty and leave it. We bought that some ammo and a gun cleaning kit. Then we went into the back range and he had me practice and changed my stance and practice for a little bit longer. Once he was satisfied I could load it, unload it, and shoot my target we bought more ammo and left. I dropped him off where he kissed my cheek and told me to check in and have a good time. I felt like my relationship with my dad was changing in a good way and I smiled.

On the way to the beach I thought about the choices I have made the last few days. I thought about the pain I had been causing Joe and Ranger. I thought about how unfair I had been. I thought about the training I needed what I could do to improve not just my job but my life. I have had too many cars blow up and too many people break into my house. I figure I can't really say none of it was my fault. I've known since I started bounty hunter work that anyone can break in. And they have. I guess I should find a new place when I get back. I didn't move before because rent was cheap and I wasn't getting scared out of my own home. But really, staying in an apartment that wasn't safe wasn't smart. Pulling back from my thoughts I watched the road and started looking for the house.

The house is more of a cottage. It had wooden shingle siding with a turquoise door it was tiny and perfect. I unlocked it and was in love. It had a loft bedroom and open floor plan. I put Rex on the counter and noticed it was dusty, but even I could clean that. I went out the back door to find a small porch with just enough room for two chairs and a small table. It had a small fence and it was far enough away from the water line I didn't need to worry, but it was on the water. It was like heaven and I think I'll have to rent it out when I come back even if I'm paying for it. I called my parents and told them I made it and told them it was perfect and beautiful and I loved it, that I'd probably never want to leave. I also asked my dad to make sure his friend didn't want me to pay him for staying there. He laughed a bit and said he'd ask but that he doubted it. It was his friend Randy's place and Randy wasn't a fan of the beach since it reminded him too much of his daughter who passed away a few years back. It was sad, but I could see why she loved it here. Everything could wait for tomorrow, today I would just enjoy the quiet. I changed into shorts and a bikini top and ran out to the beach with a hoodie in hand, then sat there watching the water until the sun had set. When I went in I covered the bed with a blanket set an alarm for ten minutes before sunrise and fell asleep feeling more peaceful than I had in months.

I woke up forgetting where I was and why I set the alarm for a second. Then it all came back. I laid there for a second and then grabbed some clothes and headed to the bathroom. The plan was to watch the sun rise today and I wasn't going to miss it. I opened a pop tart and dropped a piece in Rex's tank saying good morning. Then grabbing a cup of coffee, my notebook, and cell phone, I went out to the back porch. I was going to start figuring things out today and even though I'm not a morning person, no one can resist a sunrise on the water. The sun rose and it was quiet and beautiful. Since it was Tuesday and not near a holiday I didn't have to worry about anyone being around. Where should I start today?

Exercise routine. Don't get outrun by every skip!

Takedown techniques - not involving rolling in garbage...

Pick a damn lock! (Am I the only one who can't?)

Self-defense- knee to groin doesn't count.

Be aware of surroundings. DON'T GET KIDNAPPED. I'M A GROWN WOMAN!

Prevent vehicle explosions. Change car Karma!

Learn Spanish. Whats he been saying?

Learn blank face. Protect my heart

OK so list made. What do I need that I can do by myself to start? I can buy a lock picking set. I pick up my phone and scroll around on amazon for one. They have everything, right? Wait I should call Jeffs son Austin first.

"Hello?"
"Hi this is Stephanie Plum. I'm looking for Austin is he there?"
"Hi Stephanie, my dad said you'd be calling about taking self-defense classes and maybe using the gym. He said you find trouble a little too often." Great one more person who doesn't know but knows I'm a wreck.
"Yeah I guess I do. Truthfully I'm not sure if I could use your gym since I don't live in point pleasant but I was hoping you could help me out maybe tell me where to start. I'm over at Randy's beach house. Jeff said you'd know it do you think you could stop by some time and we could talk?"
"Sure you're a few houses down from me. When are you free?"
"Anytime that works for you I'm just outside watching the water. It's a vacation for me so no real plans."
"OK. Let me get some breakfast and I'll be over. Have you eaten?"
"I had a pop tart." Seriously is that ever enough food?
"I've got some donuts They're from yesterday but I can bring them over and we can talk while we eat?" Seriously who lets donuts sit all day without eating them?
"That sounds great! I'll see you in a bit. Come around back."
I heard the disconnect and stared at it. Another man with no phone manners. I found a lock pick set that came with a clear lock that taught you how to do it. I went ahead and ordered it for prime shipping so I'd be able to practice here. Maybe I'll be free of getting handcuffed by the time I got back?

"Hello, Stephanie? It's Austin" Great another gorgeous man. Not what I needed. He was somewhere around 6'3" with tanned skin and well defined muscles on a lean body. He had short brown hair and brown eyes. And a few tattoos that somehow made him look even better. He was tan cargo shorts and a black t-shirt that fit just right and was barefoot. He had a clean shaved face and looked like he just got out of the shower. But I'm off men, so I shouldn't worry about it. Bobby, Lester, and Diesel are all attractive and I don't jump them.
"Yup you found me. Thanks for coming."
"How do you like the place?"
"It's perfect and beautiful! I wouldn't ever leave if I could stay. But I live an hour away."
"I'm glad you like it. We redid it a few years ago. It's nice to see someone enjoy it again."
"I'm sorry I heard about Randy's daughter, were you close?"
"We were good friends. Not everyone lives here year round but we both did."
"I'm sorry for your loss."
"Thanks but it was a few years ago. Time helps. Anyways I brought breakfast, you can tell me what your goals are while we eat."
"Sounds good. I made a list. Too many thoughts, and I need some help. I can't keep putting it off and living in denial land."
"Let's see it."
"Oh, um, OK." I didn't intend to show it off. But why not I need the help. I reluctantly handed it over. He smiled and looked confused. Maybe his dad didn't tell him everything.
"Your dad didn't tell you everything about me, did he?"
"He said your Franks daughter and a bounty hunter with a great capture rate but you had some troubles." Here it goes.
"Have you heard about the bombshell bounty hunter?"
"Bombshell Bounty Hunter?"
"That's what they call me. Basically, Lula and I are a lot like Lucy and Ethel. Neither one of us exercise. So everyone is faster than us. I somehow also get covered in garbage, my cars usually don't last more than a few weeks before they explode or something flattens them. I mean that literally. I've been kidnapped a few times, stalked, stunned, shot, stabbed, and thrown off a bridge. I'm a mess. I do almost always capture my FTA's but I get rescued more than any normal person. And the knee to balls comment it's basically my signature move since I don't like to use guns. I got a new gun with no bad memories and I've started working on it." OK just barely but I had to throw in some good cause that's a lot of bad. He stared at me for a bit then smiled.
"I can see why he said you get in a bit of trouble. I can help with some of it. Who's the guy?"
I sighed everyone has heard of Rangeman by now and Ranger seems to know everyone.
"Someone I fell for knowing they didn't want a relationship. My love life was a mess too. I fell for two different men. I didn't cheat but I took advantage of breaks in the relationship. One who wanted me to be the dutiful housewife with kids. The other who could offer me a condom but not a ring. Unfortunately, I don't want to be a housewife and babies are terrifying. And I fell for the other before I ever slept with him. One night wasn't enough." Why am I telling him all this? Judas he's not a therapist.
"Wow. I'm sorry. That's rough."
"Yeah sorry to dump it all on you. I ended it with both but we'll stay friends. I just don't want to repeat it all again."
"No problem I don't mind listening. I just got out of a bad relationship too."
"Yeah your dad mentioned you were recently single." I smiled, "my mom does the same thing. Casually mentioning I'm single to any available guy with a job."
"Yeah. Dad's like that. He thinks a good woman will fix anything." He chuckled a bit. "I'm not looking for any woman though. I'm happy being here alone with the dog for now anyway."
"Yeah I'm on a real break from all men. I think I need to cool it for a bit. Learn to be by myself and have it be enough."
"OK sounds good. Let's start with the exercise! We'll see where you're at and what we can do to improve it. I go jogging in the mornings while you're here why don't you come with me. I try to be done by sunrise. Then I do the rest of my workout at home or at the gym. We can tailor something to fit you."
"OK but I can't run far or fast so don't let me slow you down. I don't mind if you leave me behind. I'll eventually make it or fall over."
"If you're serious about this then you'll need a new diet too for when you start. It will help you build more muscle instead of just burning off fat. I'm not calling you fat don't mistake me. But you'll use a lot of energy to burn through donuts and pop tarts when you could use it to help build more muscle." He said taking a bite out of the donut. This is going to suck.
"This is definitely going to suck, but I can do it. I can eat more than rabbit food though, right?" He laughed a bit and nodded. We talked about my goals and how to achieve them. We decided playing poker would help with the blank face and Rosetta Stone could help with learning Spanish. After running and workout he would teach me a new take down technique each day. He also said that we could continue this after I went back to Trenton just on the weekends when I wasn't working. Which sounded awesome to me. We then went to his place where he had all his home gym and we went through the cycle. I was sweating and my face was red but I made 2.5 miles of running. After a water break I lifted some weights to see what I could do, then I did pull ups, push-ups, sit ups, and squats. Basically, I left a lot to be desired. But he made me feel comfortable not embarrassed. He said a lot of his clients are worse off when they start and now they can run marathons. I don't plan on doing it, but it'd be nice to be physically able.

Then we separated to shower and meet back up to go shoe shopping since I would need shoes that didn't give me blisters and I could run in. I was excited about shoe shopping until I found out I didn't get to pick based on looks. I got a pair of running shoes that he chose for me, then I got a pair of cute flip flops so I had shoes to wear around the beach. Once I got home I climbed up the loft and passed out from exhaustion. This is going to be a long week.

Three days later I opened the lock pick kit and played around with it. It was kind of fun. In the morning, we run, he jogs at my pace until I'm done then runs on his own. He set me up with a circuit of exercises and when he comes back I start weights. Running wasn't as hard, but still it wasn't anywhere near being easy. I also haven't had sugar and I can feel it affecting me. I'm not falling for Austin, he's definitely in the friend zone, but I'm not blind either. Soon I'll have to up my work outs. I'm not sure how to tell Austin I need more of a work out from jelly donut hormones. He's shown me a few self defense moves and a few things to help with take downs so I'm not just responding to being attacked. At night, we light a fire and drink a few beers watching the sun set and talking about our lives and played some poker. He has a gym but a few friends of his would buy and rehab houses to sell on the side. His last girlfriend cheated on him with one of those friends and he has taken a break from it. He told me about his gym and we walked over and checked it out once. He was a skinny kid who got picked on for a while in school until he found boxing and started gaining muscle. From there he went on to marshal arts. And eventually got a degree and opened the gym. I told him more about Lula and Grandma Mazur and we laughed about some of the things I've gotten into. He wants to meet my grandma and wants to equal her when he's old. Doesn't everyone? During the day, I work on Rosetta Stone and hope it sticks and I pick it up fast. If not I can always take some night classes at the local college, but I don't want anyone to know I'm learning. I just want to know what people are saying.

"Lost in thought?" Speaking of Austin.
"Oh, yeah, hey how was work?"
"It was good. You can come up anytime you get bored."
"I might have to take you up on that. There's something I need to ask. I need a second workout plan."
"Why what's wrong with what you're doing? Are you hurt?"
"Well, you see." Big sigh "I haven't had any sugar. Usually I have more sugar than sense and without sugar, my hormones go a little crazy. So, I need the extra workout to work off the jelly donut hormones." Please don't laugh. Yup, he laughed.
"Yeah we can add something. It'll have to be light, so you don't overdo it. But you can run longer and during the day you could attend the yoga class. So, jelly donut hormones? I've never heard of those." He's still smiling. I guess it sounds crazy.
"Yeah, last time I went off sugar I was a bit like a rabbit. I lasted a week, before something happened and someone gave me a bag of donuts."
He laughed again. He was sexy when he smiles. God help me I need to go run.
"So want to go running, or do you want to go for a swim?" Hopefully he realizes I'm not trying to get him in bed. He laughed again.
"I'm pretty hot stuff huh? Let's go for a swim. You just keep your distance. You've got enough man trouble. And I need a friend more than a partner."
"You know you're gorgeous, but I need a friend and I don't need more men drama."

We swam for a half hour and built a sand castle, went to our separate places for a shower and I figured I'd call in while I waited for Austin to come back over. Grandma Mazur answered and asked if I found me a hot stud yet, and then told me about her new man. Apparently, he has all his teeth and he's known to get frisky. She has her first date tonight. Mom was ironing because grandma tried to open a casket lid again and dad was good, just watching TV. I said I loved them and hung up. I sent a text to Lula asking how things were and Rangeman was collecting skips while she did the filing and visited with Connie and she wanted me to come back to work because she was bored. She was having fun checking out the Rangeman guys though. Austin came back over for the sunset and beer and we just hung out. It's been nice. I'm not ready to go home even though in a few days I need to. After Austin left I called Ranger.

"Babe?"
"Ranger."
"How's the beach?"
"It's great. I would stay here forever if I could. How are you?"
"Things are good. We've picked up a few of your skips, but there's a few I left for you. Connie said you would want to pick up Mooner."
"Yeah, I think he forgets on purpose sometimes so I have an excuse to spend half a day watch TV Land marathons with him."
"Babe" I could hear the amusement in his voice.
"Ranger. I just called to let you know I am OK. I'm actually doing more than OK. I made a friend up here, he's been helping me get in better shape and come up with an exercise plan."
"Oh. Who is he?"
"One of my dads' poker buddies' son. He's just a friend, but has a gym and is helping me."
"Ok. Are you safe? I could come visit."
"I'm safe. There's no need to visit. Ranger I meant it. I can only be your friend. I know we have chemistry. I feel the connection but for now I can only be your friend."
"I know. I meant I could visit as a friend."
"Oh. Sorry, um, not this time. I'm going to see about renting this place next time. It's the perfect cottage. I seriously love it here. Maybe another time I come down I will invite you, the merry men and the girls. It would be fun. But I don't have the room for any of you. There's only a loft bedroom."
"Not a problem I can rent something for all of us. You still coming home at the end of the week?"
"Yeah I'll be back on Monday sometime. I'll see you then. Bye Ranger."
"Stay safe Babe." He hung up.

I dreamt of Ranger and our someday. More like some night. I woke way to early and was bouncing around trying to wait to wake up Austin. I eventually gave in and went over to his place. I knocked on his door realizing it was only 4 am but I was awake, and he had told me I to let him know if I needed anything.

"Steph?"
"Hey, so now that you're awake want to go for our run?"
"What time is it? Is something wrong?"
"It's 4 and nothing's wrong. Just thought we could get a head start today."

He looked at me funny and probably connected the dots. He smiled big and laughed a bit as he went back in to change. He was tying his shoes I heard him mumble something about jelly donuts and knew he had it figured out. I did my best to not be embarrassed but I blushed a bit. Today I ran longer and harder. He didn't go running again after me. I also did better on the rest of my workout. And we had omelets on the porch as the sun rose.

"We can add a run at night to help you calm down and burn energy I thought you were mostly kidding about the pent-up energy. But you were mostly able to keep up with me today for almost 4 miles. It should help you sleep a bit better too."
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have woken you. I won't wake you tomorrow I can run by myself."
"No, wake me. It just surprised me. I don't mind waking up earlier. Are you going to keep it up when you get home in a few days?"
"Yeah. For a while. I want to do this. I just have to avoid eating with Lula and seeing Ranger." I was mostly thinking out loud but that was the first time I said Ranger was the guy I loved.
"Ranger Manoso. I know of him. I thought that's who it was but you were avoiding his name and I didn't want to push. He's not a bad guy."
"No. He's just complicated. And besides I'm going to focus on me, not men. It's like it's my new mantra. Me not men. How do you know Ranger?"
"My cousin Brett works there and has talked about him a bit. I don't know him personally but I trust him."
"I know Brett. I swear I didn't know he was going to get bombed or I wouldn't have stopped, and it all washed out I think." He looked confused.
"Guess he didn't tell you about that huh?" He laughed.
"No. What happened."
"He was assigned to drive me and I was having trouble getting a skip so I thought I'd have Brett help me. He's a big guy. My FTA was a taxidermist, only instead of deer and elk, he stuffed rodents. He also made moving rodents, and exploding ones. So, we get there and Brett opens the door instead of letting me, and Bam! A Beaver exploded on him. They were filled with some kind of thick goop, but it washed off skin OK." He laughed full out that time.
"I can see why he hadn't told me that story. I can't wait to see him now. Maybe I'll get him a stuffed beaver. That's great!" I laughed that time too.

Later that day I went to the gym and took the yoga class and met some of Austins friends. They were nice but I didn't want to keep interrupt, so I didn't stay long. I went back to the cottage and decided to just jump in the ocean and sun tan for a while. After all it was vacation and I would end up getting sweaty later after a run. Instead of waiting for Austin to run with me I went by myself about an hour before he usually came over. He shouldn't be punished because I'm off sex and sugar. I ran for 40 minutes and showered. Then we had burgers on his back porch and said goodnight to the sun with a beer. As much as I loved it here I was beginning to miss being home and having work. I was getting better at Rosetta Stone granted I'm still in the first week so it should be easy. I have figured out the lock picking toy though and I can pick my way into the cottage. I haven't tried anything else. It takes me a while but I can do it. Having nothing to do all day has helped. I have a nice tan too. And my blue eyes pop even though I haven't worn any make up since I've been here. I haven't even needed mascara.

The next few days passed pretty much the same and I was going to come back on the weekends so I could keep working with Austin even if I had to rent a room. But today was the day to clean up and pack up I had to leave and get back to my life. I did my morning workout with him and when he went to work I did my packing and Spanish lesson. Then I went to yoga and hung out with him for a bit before coming back to clean up. I skipped my last run since the shower was already clean and instead went for a swim and used Austin outdoor shower to wash off the salt. Thankfully I left my bikini on cause that's where he found me. His eyes were roaming and I knew my face was red. I can't say I haven't noticed him so I didn't call him out on it.
"Uh um sorry I didn't think you'd mind. I already got the cottage cleaned up."
"Yeah no problem. I heard the water on when I came in and was checking who was out here."
"So want to share a pizza with me before I leave? If your busy tonight I can just get something on the way."
"Pizza sounds good. I'll order it and you can use the bathroom shower if you want to get cleaned and changed."
"Thanks."
I grabbed my stuff and literally slipped into the bathroom slamming my elbow into the sink yelping as I fell.
"I'm OK" I yelled not wanting him to see. I cleaned up quickly favoring my elbow. Tomorrow it would be a giant bruise but I was OK. When I was dried and dressed, I came out to the porch where he checked it over and told me it was best not to lift too much with it for a while and try to keep from hitting it again. He didn't say tell me what to do he gave advice. Unfortunately, while he was attractive I only had friendly feelings towards him not bedroom ones. He didn't keep me at arm's length and he didn't tell me what to do. We ate our pizza and I promised I'd be back soon. Then it was time to head home.