Disclaimer: Not mine and I'm making no money.

Thanks all for the review and favorite/follows. I know I said I would get this out on Monday, but life happened so I'm sorry that this is late. I'm working on the next chapter and will hopefully have it out tomorrow or Friday. This hasn't been beta'd so I apologize now for all the mistakes.

Chapter 4

SPOV

Oh my God! That date had to be the best first date that I've ever been on. Cal was flirty and sexy and made me feel beyond special. I know he may not be what my mom thinks is traditional in looks, but he sure is a traditionalist when it came to dating. He opened doors for me and guided me through the crowds with a hand at my back. He made sure everyone around us knew that I was his and he was mine.

Cal could be an intimidating guy if you didn't know him. He's 6'5" and has a body that resembles a God's. Every Merry Man has muscles, but Cal's just seem to be in the exact proportion so that he looks amazing. They aren't too big or too small. From the look of things earlier, nothing on him is small. His head is shaved because he likes to show off the tattoo, but I know that it's light-colored and silky to the touch. He told me that his grandparents were from Sweden, so that is where he got the light hair and skin tone. His eyes are steel grey and remind me of the sky during a storm. He is one fine specimen of man and he's mine.

After Cal closed the door and I heard his SUV start-up in the parking lot, I finally shook myself out of my lust filled haze. With just one kiss he had my hormones raging and I about pulled him inside my apartment and had my wicked way with him, but I didn't. I let him push me inside and close the door. My doo-dah wasn't too happy with me, but thirty minutes alone with my shower massager made her content for a while.

I climbed into bed that night and thought about the bald-headed God sleeping a few miles away. I had a strong attraction to him and I knew that he felt the same way. He told me that he wanted to make sure I knew how I felt about him before we took our relationship to the intimate level. Hearing the stories about the stupid women who hurt him made me understand that desire a bit more. He's been hurt in the past and I refuse to rush into something and hurt him again. As much as it killed me, I would wait until I knew for sure how I felt.

Since we had been partners at RangeMan for a while now, I had gotten to really know him. After Joe and I called it quits and Ranger left, Cal was there. He helped me move on. When I trained my ass off and passed the entrance tests to become a full-time RangeMan, Cal was there with a smile and a giant hug. When his partner moved to Boston, I asked him to partner with me and he agreed. We became close. Much closer than just friends.

Even though I had no idea that he had such deep feelings for me, I began to have feelings for him. He was talking to me about some girl he met at a club and the jealousy that surged through me was my first clue that something had changed between us. I hated hearing about the other woman. That's why I agreed to go out with the accountant. I thought he looked at me like a little sister and I knew that I needed to move on.

That date made me see Cal in a whole new light. I wasn't his little sister and he wanted me just as much as I wanted him. So what's stopping me? Tank gave me his blessing and I really don't care what anyone else thinks - except one person.

I grabbed my phone and hit speed dial one. Pathetic, I know, but he had been a huge part of my life for so long and I hated that he wasn't still in it. I knew it was late, but I figured if he didn't answer then I could leave a message.

"Babe?" God hearing his voice caused so many mixed emotions to surge through me.

"How are you Ranger?" That's it Stephanie, don't let him smell your fear. Be strong.

"I'm good Babe, how are you? Is everything okay?" I could hear the worry in his voice.

"I'm fine, great actually. I just needed to talk to you about something...but maybe it's stupid and I should just..." God, could I sound any more like a twelve-year-old.

"Just talk to me Babe. Whatever it is, it's not stupid." I took a deep breath and let it out.

"I went out with Cal tonight."

"Cal? Flaming skull tattoo, Cal?" I could hear the smile in his voice and knowing that it was there made me smile too.

"Yeah." That's all I could think of to say.

"I take it from your sighs that it was a good date?" How the hell did he hear my sighs?

"It was an amazing date. I really like him and he told me that he loves me. I just wanted to make sure..." I paused again and I knew Ranger would understand my thoughts.

"I'm happy for you Babe. I know that what I did hurt you and I'm so very sorry, but I needed you to move on from the dream of us being together. I'm not built for commitment and you don't deserve to be just a fling. Cal will be what you need him to be. He's a good guy. One of the best that I've ever met." I smiled and felt a tear fall from my eye. I wasn't looking for Ranger's blessing...okay, so maybe I was.

"Thank you. I was hurt when you left, but not because the dream of us together died. I was hurt because you were my best friend and you effectively removed yourself from my life. I needed you and you weren't there." I paused and wiped a few tears away. "Cal was though. He took your spot as my friend and the place you held in my heart." I heard Ranger sigh and could almost see him wipe his hand across his face.

"I'm sorry Babe. I would love to still be your friend. I have missed you so much since I left and I think I need you just as much as you need me." I thought for a second about how Ranger and I would work as friends. Would it be weird? We started out as friends so it shouldn't be too strange.

"I think friends sounds great. I miss you too. Are you coming up for a visit anytime soon?" I heard Ranger smile again.

"I'll be up next month to do a review of the building and employees. I hear from Tank that you're blowing the guys out of the water in the re-evaluations. I'm proud of you, Babe." Hearing those five words made me smile and I knew that everything was going to be okay between us.

"Thanks. I had some amazing teachers. Tank, Les, and Bobby all deserve a raise for putting up with my shit in the gym and give Ram one while you're at it. He had to watch me shoot the crotches of paper men for three weeks." Ranger laughed and it made me smile bigger.

"I'll be sure to give them each a bonus. I'm glad you're doing so well, Babe. It makes me happy to know that you're happy."

"I am happy, and I think I'm going to be getting much, MUCH happier."

"To much info, Babe. Has Cal seen the tattoo yet?" Ranger's seen my artwork a time or two but he had never shared that bit of info with anyone.

"Nope. We're taking it slow. He told me that he loves me, but I need to make sure that what I'm feeling is strong enough to take that step. I would hate to hurt him."

"Go with your gut, Babe. I've always trusted it and you should too. Trust it when it tells you that it's love." I smiled again and glanced at the clock. Ranger and I had talked for forty-five minutes.

"I should let you go Ranger, I've got a date tomorrow and I need my beauty sleep. You probably have to get up in a few hours to punish yourself in the gym."

"Maybe I'll sleep in tomorrow, who knows. It was great talking to you Babe. I really do miss you."

"I miss you too and I'll call you again soon. Good night, Ranger."

"Good night Babe." We each disconnected the call and I fell back into bed. I felt better after talking to Ranger. It wasn't that I was holding on to hope that he would come running back; I needed to see for myself how my heart would act when we talked.

Right after he left, every time someone would mention his name my heart would hurt. I knew that I still loved him, but talking to him that night. I felt no pain. I was over him and I was able to move on - with Cal. That thought made me incredibly happy.

I slept soundly that night with dreams of a muscular bald man wrapping his body around mine. In my dream, the man had no face...but the flaming skull tattoo was vivid and I knew exactly who the man was who made my skin burn with one touch.

I woke up in plenty of time to dress for my beach trip. After a quick shower and complete shaving, I lotioned every inch of my skin. I didn't want it to look or feel dry. I planned on being touched often that day. I dressed in a pair of khaki Capri pants and a thin white T-shirt. It was early June, so the weather was warming but the water wasn't ready to venture into just yet. I slipped my feet into a pair of black flip-flops and grabbed a light jacket just in case I needed it.

At promptly 1000, there was a knock on my apartment door. I did one last hair and make-up check before opening the door. I smiled when I saw the man standing on the other side. Obviously we had both thought the same thing about because Cal stood wearing a pair of khaki cargo shorts and a white T-shirt. On his sexy feet were a pair of black Nike flip-flops.

"Look...we're twinkies today." I said through a laugh. Cal smiled and pulled me into a warm hug.

"Twinkies?" Cal looked at me confused.

"Twinkies, you know...twins. We're wearing the same outfit practically." Cal looked at my outfit and then glanced down at his.

"I guess we are, but..." Cal leaned down and whispered into my ear, his warm breath on my ear making my body shiver. "...I can guarantee that what's under the clothes is remarkably different." I giggled at first, picturing Cal wearing the white lace thong and bra set that I was sporting.

"What? You're not into wearing ladies lingerie?" I cheekily asked him.

"I'm not into wearing anything, Angel." It took me a second to comprehend what he had said, but when I finally understood what he implied, I let out a long moan. God, sitting beside a commando Cal all day was going to be torture.

"You ready to go?" Cal chuckled at my dazed expression. I finally got myself under control and shook the naughty thoughts out of my head. I turned and grabbed my purse and jacket and dropped a few carrots in Rex's cage. I didn't know when I would be home.

"Let's do it, sexy." Cal smiled and took my hand in his. We exited the apartment and locked up the poor excuse for a door. Cal led me down to the parking lot and helped me into his gorgeous SUV.

It was about an hour drive to Point Pleasant, depending on traffic. Cal and I slipped back into an easy discussion about our pasts just like our trip to New York.

"What did you want to be when you grew up?" I asked Cal.

"When I was really young, I wanted to be a doctor. My grandpa got sick and I wanted to be able to help make him better, but that dream died when I realized that I really didn't like school." I laughed. Being a doctor required a whole lot of schooling.

"After the doctor dream, I thought about being a professional wrestler. I used to watch WWF with my dad and I would mimic the moves that I saw. That dream ended when I learned that everything that they show on TV is fake. After that, I decided that maybe a firefighter would be fun but I didn't really like being hot, so running into fires wouldn't be very smart. A recruiter from the Navy came and talked to us in High School. From that moment I knew that I wanted to be a SEAL. The rest is history." I smiled, picturing Cal as a professional wrestler. I would love to see him in tiny little tights that the guys wear. "What about you, Angel? I know about your Wonder Woman obsession. Was there anything else that you wanted to be when you grew up?"

I thought for a few moments. I never had a plan on what I wanted to do when I got older, just what I didn't want to do. "I never gave it much thought. I knew I didn't want to be just another burg housewife, but I didn't think about what I really wanted to do. I majored in business in college because I didn't know what else to do. E.E. Martin was just a job and you know how I fell into the Bounty Hunter Business." Cal glanced over at me and raised his eyebrow. I'm not sure if it was because of my loud sigh or because my career was never something I thought much about.

"So if you could any job today, what would you do? What would make you happy?" Cal asked and turned his attention back to the highway.

"I love my job at RangeMan and I'm happy most days, but if I could do anything?" I thought about it for a second and looked at him. "You can't laugh because it's kind of silly." I saw his eye brow raise again but he didn't look at me.

"I'll never laugh at you, Angel and I doubt that it's silly." I took a deep breath looked down at my hands resting in my lap. I was fidgeting and jumped when Cal's warm hand took mine in his and rested it on his upper thigh.

"When I decided to pose for Playboy, I did a little research about photography and stuff. Then during the shoot, I was more intrigued by the photographer than what I was doing. I bought a camera after that and started playing around with taking pictures. There's just something about looking through the lens of your camera and capturing the perfect shot. I guess if I could ANYTHING and get paid for it, it would be that. I would love to just go out and take pictures." I chanced a glance at Cal and was surprised to see a huge smile on his face.

"I don't think that's silly at all. I think that's awesome. Do you still have your camera?" Cal sounded a little too excited.

"No, the Dick kept it in the divorce even though it was mine before we got together. He knew how much I loved that damn thing and he hated that I was always taking his picture. I haven't touched a camera since I walked out of that house." I turned to look out the window lost in my memories of my disastrous marriage.

"Siri, can you direct me to the closest camera store?" Cal's voice snapped me out of my memories. He was holding his Iphone and talking with a small smile on his face. A few seconds later, the automated Siri voice filled the vehicle.

"I've found two camera stores that are fairly close to you. Would you like directions?"

Cal chose which store he wanted to go to and he let Siri's voice guide him to our new destination.

"What are we doing here?" I asked when Cal parked in front of a small shop named Copper's Camera and Video.

"I'm going to buy you a new camera for you to use at the beach today." I stood stunned for a second and then quickly followed Cal into the store. He busied himself talking to the owner of the small shop and I walked over to the camera's.

"What was your old camera Angel?" I looked at Cal and the owner. Both had smiles on their faces.

"Cannon, but they're really expensive. Anything will do." Cal went back to talking to the owner as I looked at their merchandise.

"Come here, Steph. See if this one will work." I walked over to where Cal was standing holding a camera for me. I recognized the body and knew that it was better than just working. It was a Cannon 60d. Not the top of the line, but a damn nice camera. My mouth was watering as I looked at the camera.

"Cal, this is a two thousand dollar camera. I don't want you to spend that kind of money on me." I took the camera in my hands and immediately felt happy. There was something about holding in my hands that made me complete. My face must have shown my pleasure because Cal smiled and nodded toward the guy behind the counter.

"Now, what lens?" The owner directed us to the lens selection and looking at their prices almost made me fall over.

Forty-five minutes and numerous arguments later, we walked out with a new camera, three lenses, and the case to carry everything. There was also multiple other 'accessories' that Cal decided that I needed. In total, he spent close to ten thousand dollars in one store. All for me.

"Cal, you didn't have to buy me all of this. I feel really bad that you spent so much money on a stupid dream that will never happen." We stopped at the back of the SUV to load up the multiple shopping bags. Cal took me in his arms and looked into my eyes.

"Angel, please stop telling me that I didn't have to do this. I know that I didn't have to, but I wanted to. I did missions with Ranger and the other guys so I have money stashed away so don't worry about the price. Every time I ran into a battle zone or went out on a mission, I thought about what I would do with the money that I knew I would get paid. My dream has always been to spoil the woman I love with everything that she's ever wanted. I've loved you for so long and didn't get to spoil you so I have a lot of time to make up for. Just enjoy it, Steph." He placed a gentle kiss on my lips and then looked at me again.

"Besides, if you could have seen your face when you were talking about taking pictures or when you held that camera...you wouldn't be arguing. I know that you love this and I LOVE being able to make you happy. Please let me make you happy, Stephanie." I sighed and placed my head against his solid chest.

"You do make me happy Cal, but not because you spend money on me." He kissed the top of my head.

"Then just think of this as a fringe benefit for dating me." I laughed slightly and then looked up into his dark eyes.

"I can think of much better fringe benefits to make me happy." I rubbed my thigh against his crotch as I spoke and chuckled as his eyes rolled back into his head. He shook his head and let out a groan.

"You're evil, Angel...we'll get to those benefits later. Now, we're going to the beach and you're going to show me your mad photography skills." He kissed me gently one last time before helping me into the SUV.

The rest of the drive to the beach was silent. I pulled the camera and one lens up in the front seat with me so I could get everything set up and so I could re-familiarize myself with the camera. It wasn't exactly like my old one, but close enough that I knew what I was doing.

Before I knew it, Cal had pulled into a private house's driveway and parked. He smiled at me and opened his door. I looked at the beautiful house in front of me. It was what you would think a typical beach house would be, only it was much bigger.

"This is a RangeMan safe-house. Tank said that we could use the private beach behind it if we needed to." I stepped out of the SUV and smiled at Cal.

"I think that sounds amazing." We walked hand in hand around the house and onto the stretch of sand behind it. The view was breathtaking and I immediately started snapping pictures.

Cal stood back and watched me with amusement written all over his face. I snapped a few shots of him when he wasn't paying close attention but I mainly focused my camera on the ocean stretched out before us. I found some birds to photograph and then even did some sky shots. When everything around you is so beautiful, it's hard to decide what to take a picture of.

Two hours and about three hundred pictures later, I snapped my lens cap back on and shut off my latest toy. I felt alive and happier than I had in a really long time. I hadn't realized how much I loved being behind a camera. I gently packed the camera back into its case and sat it down in the sand beside where Cal was sitting.

Looking at the man sitting in the sand made my heart skip some beats. His strong legs were stretched out in front of him and he leaned back onto his muscled arms. His face bore a small smirk as he saw me checking him out. I got brave and lowered myself down into his lap. I wrapped my legs around his waist and shivered when his arms moved around me.

"Thank you for today, Cal. I can't even tell you what it feels like to be able to do what I love again." I caressed his face and smiled at him.

"You're welcome, Angel. I can see how much you love taking pictures. I don't think I've ever seen you smile that much or that big." He placed a small kiss on the tip of my nose. "I like to think that I'm helping you fly."

"You've done more than just help me fly. You built me the fucking wings and shoved me out of the nest. I haven't felt this alive in a very long time." He smiled at me again.

"I'm glad that I was here to witness it." I adjusted myself in Cal's lap and heard him suck in a breath. I felt something stirring under me and stifled a giggle.

"You woke up a sleeping beast, Angel." Cal's eyes were dark and his lips moved to take mine in a searing kiss. I groaned into his mouth and wrapped my arms around his neck making sure to press my breasts into his chest. His warm hands moved under my shirt and started making their way up my sides.

Just as things were getting good, my stomach let loose with an embarrassing growl. Cal pulled back from the kiss with a chuckle and I rolled my eyes.

"Sounds like your beast is awake too. Let's get it fed before it eats you alive." I sighed and made a move to stand up. Cal helped me stand and then dusted the sand off my clothes. I decided he might need help too, so I moved around him to brush the sand off his perfect ass. I just wanted to help.

I grabbed the camera case and we walked hand in hand back to the SUV. We loaded up and Cal drove toward a little Mexican restaurant that had good reviews. I didn't care what we ate, as long as it made the growls stop.

Half-way through our dinner and conversation, Cal's cell phone chirped and a second later mine followed. We glanced at the messages while trying to get the waitresses attention. Our presence had been requested at RangeMan for an important meeting. Even though it was our day off, we decided to pack up and head back to Trenton to see what was happening at the office. It wasn't everyday that Tank called an emergency meeting. I texted Tank our ETA and Cal and I sped off back toward Trenton.

A/N - This wasn't the original direction that I had for this chapter, but the characters kind of took over and made me write it this way. I hope you all enjoyed.