I was slowly becoming aware. I felt so relaxed, so good, so…oh my god! I had sex with Batman last night! So that shower I could hear running was probably Ranger. Oh crap. What a great night it was, but now what? Maybe if I close my eyes and just think about how comfortable this bed is I will go back to sleep and won't have to think about it for a little while longer. Yep. That's right. Avoidance, my second favorite coping mechanism. As I was in Ranger's bed without any clothes on I was pretty sure denial wasn't going to work this time.
Oh great! The shower's been turned off. C'mon Steph, squeeze those eyes shut, you can go back to sleep, I know you can do it. "Babe, you're looking constipated there. You OK?" So avoidance wasn't going to work either. I opened my eyes to see Ranger standing next to the bed, his ivory towel tied low on his hips. Shit. He looked so sexy, just Ranger and his towel. He sat down on the bed next to me and leaned over to give me a kiss on the forehead. "I have an early meeting this morning. I've already called Ella and she'll be bringing breakfast up in about five minutes. I'm going to get dressed, have a quick bite to eat and get downstairs for my meeting. Take your time getting up. There are clothes for you in my closest." I raised an eyebrow at that. A smile tugged at Ranger's mouth as he said "I told you, Ella likes it when you're here. She always makes sure that there a couple of changes of clothes for you, just in case you stay over." I blushed at the thought of Ella planning for my staying overnight at Ranger's. This got me a full smile and a shake of the head. Ranger leaned over again, whispered "see you downstairs" in my ear and gave me a quick kiss.
I stayed in bed until Ranger was ready to go. I didn't want to get in his way. Well, that and the fact that I didn't want to deal with any leftover sexual feelings. I know I'm a chickenshit about men, well, at least about Ranger and Morelli, but I don't know what I was being a chicken about this morning. After all, we had already done the deed, a couple of times. So what was wrong with me now?
After I heard the front door close I got out of bed and headed for breakfast. I decided to eat first hoping that the concoction of Bulgari and testosterone that Ranger left in the shower would wear off. The tray Ella left offered fresh fruit, bagels and something else under its own covered dish. When I lifted the cover I discovered a big bowl of Frosted Flakes with a little sticky note that said "Just between us. E." I just love Ella. I went to the fridge, got some milk and enjoyed my frosted flakes. Then I had some of the fresh fruit, to try to be healthy. Then the bagels looked sad, like I had been avoiding or rejecting them, so I toasted one of them and smothered it with cream cheese.
I realized there was no way to avoid the shower any longer if I wanted to get to work. Besides, I wanted my pants to still fit me and if I kept eating that wasn't going to happen. I entered the bathroom. No luck. The masculinity and Bulgari were overwhelming. I gave myself a pep talk. "OK Steph, you can do this, quick in, quick out. Wash your hair, your body and rinse. Then run out of there as fast as you can." Yeesh. I was going to have to think about all this avoidance. I just slept with the guy and now I'm trying to avoid his, his essence? It wasn't adding up, but it was time to get ready for work, not try to sort out the wacky feelings I have that control my life.
I was able to take my shower quickly. I almost failed when it came time to use the Bulgari body wash. I felt my self relaxing and drifting. Focus! I told myself. I did the only thing any normal woman would do under similar circumstances. I held my breath and tried to block any scent from entering my nostrils. If anyone saw me running from the bathroom they would have thought I was being chased by the devil himself.
In Ranger's changing room I found a small stash of woman's clothing. It was all in my size, so I guess Ranger wasn't lying when he said Ella kept clothes for me. There were two sets of black pants, a black v-neck t-shirt and a black crew neck tee with the Rangeman logo on them, black socks, and even black panties. Egads! Even the panties had the logo on them. Yikes. There was also a pair of Docs in my size, but I decided to wear the boots I had worn yesterday.
By the time I dressed my hair was almost dry. I pulled it back into a quick ponytail. I rummaged through my bag looking for my mascara. When I finally found it I used a decorative mirror in the living area to apply it. There was no way I was going back into that bathroom. I swiped on my mascara, looked at my reflection and then swiped some more on.
I looked in the mirror again and decided anymore mascara and I was going to look like a drag queen. Speaking of drag queens, I wonder how Sally is? I should call him sometime. Maybe I'll do it now. Then this mean little voice in my head started saying "Stephanie, Stephanie, Stephanie. The time for procrastination is over. You slept with Ranger and now it is time to face the boss." Stupid voice. I shrugged and gave in, knowing waiting wasn't going to make it any easier. I looked around the apartment to make sure I had all my stuff, walked to the door and exited the apartment. Pushing the elevator button I wondered what was waiting for me on the fifth floor.
