(AN : This story is coming to a close there are only a couple chapters left. I know it is short but I'm fairly happy with it. Happy Reading)

I woke up at 5 am this morning. I needed to be at Rangeman at 7 for my physical and then my fitness and weapons test. I took a quick shower and straightened my hair. I pulled out my Navy sweatpants and a Navy t-shirt to put on. In another duffel bag, I threw in a pair of jeans, tank top, and a pair of boots. I tucked my Glock into my waistband and put my ankle holster on with my Sig Sauer. I looked at the clock and realized it was 6:15.

Cal was getting himself ready. We hadn't said anything to each other, partly because I think I hurt him and partly because he doesn't seem like he wants to talk just yet. I know I won't lose his friendship but I also know he needs time. I grabbed my phone off the nightstand and walked into the kitchen where he had already made coffee. I fixed myself a mug and drank it fairly quickly. I had just finished it off when Cal walked in the kitchen in his uniform. I smiled up at him.

"Morning Sexy." I'm going to act like we normally would and pray that he does the same.

"Morning Honey. You ready for today?" Thank goodness he is acting normal.

"Yep, I'm ready. Let's roll."

He nodded and we walked out the front door and to our cars. I got in my Navigator and followed him to Rangeman and parked in the garage. We walked to the elevator together and I knew we would be just fine,. Things would be different between us, but we would still be best friends. We rode the elevator up to five. Cal went to his cubicle and I walked over to Ranger's door and knocked. I heard his gruff "Enter" and walked in. He looked up from the paperwork he was doing.

"Babe."

"Ranger." I smiled as I said it.

"The doctor is already here to perform your physical and as soon as he is finished. We will head to the gym to start your testing." I nodded and smiled as he got up from his desk. We walked to the elevator in silence and got on. He hit the button for three and once we arrived we walked down to what was obviously Bobby's work space. It looked very similar to a doctor's office; with white walls. There were four chairs in the front all black leather. There were two doors, one was open and it was an office with a desk and chairs, the other was closed and I knew that was the exam room. Bobby walked into the office

"Good morning Steph."

"Good morning Bobby." He smiled at me. He was gorgeous. I realized it is a good thing I'm single with all these hot men roaming around.

"You ready? The doctor is already in the exam room."

I nodded, got up and followed him into the second door. We went over my medical and family history and then a routine physical was done. I walked out of the exam room at about 8:30. Ranger was still sitting in the same chair. He walked over to Bobby and was given my results; that I was perfectly healthy. He walked back over to me.

"Come on Babe. Now for the fun part."

I nodded and we went to the gym. He set me up on a treadmill and told me to run five miles. I ran five miles in about 35 minutes and hopped off the treadmill. He was writing on a clipboard. Next, he had me do as many sit ups as I could in two minutes. I was able to 75. We then moved on to push ups; I did 73 in two minutes. We then went to a pull up bar where I did 10. After that, we went to the mats and I sparred with Lester and then Tank. It was noon when we were finished in the gym. Ranger decided it was time to break for lunch and then meet back on five at 1 to head to the gun range. I went into the men's locker room where I had put my duffel and changed into my jeans and tank top and boots. I walked back into the gym with my duffel bag in hand and Lester was waiting on me.

"Hey Beautiful, you want to go grab lunch with me?" I smiled up at him.

"Sure, lets go." He nodded and I followed him to the elevator. We went down to the garage, and he pulled me to his SUV. Once we were both in and buckled up he looked over at me.

"Anything specific you want for lunch?" He asked.

"Nope, anything is fine." He nodded and put the SUV in gear and took off out of the garage. We pulled into a small diner about 2 miles from Rangeman. We got and walked in. The diner was small but cozy. I followed him to a booth in the back where we could easily watch the front door. We sat down and looked over the menu. After a few minutes, the waitress finally came over.

"What can I get you?" She asked politely. She was probably mid forties, with brown hair and brown eyes. She stood at probably 5'4 and was average weight. I smiled at her.

"Bacon cheeseburger, cheese fries, and a coke." She scribbled on her pad and then looked at Lester.

"Chili cheeseburger, cheese fries, and a coke." She nodded and scribbled his order down.

"I'll go put this in and get your drinks." We both nodded at her and she turned and walked off.

"Beautiful, you want to do your celebration tonight?"

"Sure sounds good, What all will be doing and how should I dress?"

"Will have dinner at Rossini's and then will be heading to a new club that just opened up right outside Trenton. The name of it is Paradise. Dress sexy, but also something you can move in." I nodded and about that time my phone rang. I pulled it out of my pocket and it was my realtor.

"Les, I have to get this." He nodded and I opened my phone.

"Stephanie Plum." I answered.

"Ms. Plum. This is Andrea Randall. We just got an offer on your house."

"What was the offer?" I asked getting excited about selling that house and being able to get a house here.

"They offered $675,000. It's a good offer since it is only 50,000 less than list price."

"Do you think I should take it or leave the house on the market?"

"Honestly, I would take it. Not very many people have even wanted to tour the house. The couple that put the offer in just moved here because the husband is being stationed here." That sold me another military person moving in.

"Yeah, I would like to take the offer but I'm in New Jersey. Is there a realtor here that I can sign the papers with?"

"Yeah. There is a realtor named Jack Barnes. He is located on Hamilton Ave."

"Okay thanks Andrea. If you could have the papers to him by this afternoon, I'll go and sign them around 3."

"I will let the couple know. Thank you Ms. Plum." I hung up smiling and looked up at Lester.

"I take it that was a good phone call."

"Yeah. I got an offer on my house, and I'm taking it. This means I can buy a new house outright. My old house was paid for so if I buy one using the money I just made on it, I shouldn't have any payments."

"That's good. Congrats. So have you decided what office you are going to work in?"

"I want to talk to Ranger about it. If he has an opening I'd like to stay right here in Trenton."

"I'm sure he does. I do have a question for you though."

"Shoot."

"What's going on with you and Cal?"

Our food came out just as he had finished asking. We both dug in and I figured I have nothing to hide so I would tell him after we finished eating. We both ate quickly and he grabbed the bill. After he paid, we walked back out to the SUV. I knew he was wanting to bring up the question again so I put him out of his misery.

"Cal and I are best friends. There were benefits that came with that friendship, but we have stopped those. I'm not ready for a real relationship and enjoy just going out and having fun." I said while watching him for a reaction.

Some men are taking back by this, others love the fact that I don't want a relationship. Lester looked over at me and smiled. We drove back to Rangeman in silence and when we got back we went straight to the gun range. Once in the gun range, Ranger told me what I had to do. I was to use both of my personal guns and one gun of his choosing. There would also be different targets set up, with distances ranging from 5-30 feet. He would tell me which gun to use and how many rounds. I would have all three guns strapped on me and would have to pull them when he stated and I would be timed. He chose not to tell me what my time needed to be. We finally finished about an hour later and I cleaned all three guns and swept up the shell casings. I looked at Ranger and saw a hint of a smile.

"Well Babe, you passed. Have you thought about what office you want to work in?"

"As a matter of fact I have. I would love to stay here in this office, if you have an opening here."

"I do have an opening here. Are you going to want an apartment here?"

"Nope I'm heading from here to a Realtor's office to sign papers. I just sold my house in Virginia . So, I'm gonna check out a few places I found online last night." I said happily. Ranger nodded and we left the gun range. I went straight to my SUV and climbed in to drive to the realtor's office.

The realtor's office was easy. I went in and signed some papers and that was it. The money would be put automatically into my bank account after my realtor fees were paid. I got in my car and called the realtor with the houses and apartment I wanted to look at. The realtor's name was LeAnn Ragsdale. I looked dawn at the paper with her number and pulled my cell phone out and called her. She answered on the second ring.

"Century 21. This is LeAnn."

"Hi, LeAnn. My name is Stephanie Plum and I had pulled up some listing last night and was wondering if I could schedule a time to take a look at them."

"Of course Ms. Plum. Would you be able to come to my office. Say in about 30 minutes? We can go over the ones you would like to see up close."

"That would be great. And please call me Steph or Stephanie."

"Okay Stephanie. I will see you in about 30 minutes." And I disconnected.

Exactly 30 minutes later, I pulled up to the Century 21 office. I walked in and who I assume is LeAnn, since she was the only person there, jaw dropped. I'm sure it was the fact that I had a gun visible. I smiled at her and stuck my hand out.

"Are you LeAnn? I'm Stephanie Plum" I said.

"Yes I'm LeAnn.. Umm…Please follow me to my desk." I nodded and followed her to her desk. She was still looking quite nervous. I sat down in the guest chair across the desk from her. She smiled at me nervously.

"Can I ask what you do, Stephanie?" She asked.

"I just got out of the Navy and am now working at Rangeman Security." I said smiling widely.

"Oh Okay. What listings were you wanting to look at?"

"The apartment and one house is in Ewing and the other is in Hamilton Township. The apartment is a two bedroom and two bathroom. The house is Ewing is a three bedroom with four bathrooms. The house is Hamilton Township is four bedroom with five bathrooms." She started typing furiously on her computer. She finally looked up and smiled.

"Stephanie, if you have time we could go look at all three right now. I would say Hamilton Township first since it is the closest and then we can go to Ewing." I smiled back at her.

"That sounds great. Would you like to ride with me or I can follow you. I'm sorry I just prefer to be in my own vehicle." She nodded and I could tell she was thinking.

"How about you just follow me." I nodded and got up. Walking back to my car, I noticed Cal, Ranger, and Lester were parked by my car. Huh? I walked over to the Bronco they were sitting in.

"What are you three doing here?" I asked.

"We were wanting to go look at houses with you and as your friends we want to make sure the neighborhoods are safe." Cal replied. I smiled at them.

"Fine you can either ride with me or follow me but keep in mind, Its my house I'm picking out." They all nodded and Lester got out and came to my Navigator. Poor guy he was riding in the backseat of the Bronco. Lester and I got in my car and watched as LeAnn pulled out and we pulled out behind her with Ranger and Cal behind us. Ridiculous, this is freaking ridiculous, I have an entourage just to go look at houses.

We drove to Hamilton Township and the house looked better on the outside than what it did online. It was a brick two story house with a red front door. There were flowers planted all along the front of the house and a circular driveway. It had a two car garage and a shed in the back. We walked in the front door of the house to a foyer, two feet to the right were the stairs that led to the second story, If you turned completely to the right there was the living room, there was a closet to the left and a bathroom beside the closet. We walked into the living room, it was fairly large with tan walls, there were doors to an office to the right of the living room, going straight from the living room led us to the dining room, which was painted in a deep red, to the left of the dining room was the kitchen with all new stainless steel appliances. There was a sunroom off of the kitchen and a family room on the other side of the kitchen, the family room was painted in beige. We circled our way around and went upstairs. Upstairs held the bedrooms, going up the stairs led to a hallway, straight from the hallway led to the master suite which was huge, there was a balcony off the master bedroom and the master bathroom was to die for, it had a Jacuzzi tub and the biggest shower I have ever seen, with six showerheads, it also had a double vanity. The master bedroom and bathroom both had were done in white. Walking beside where the staircase led us up was another hallway with the three bedrooms, all of the bedrooms had their own bathrooms, these bathrooms were plain with a shower, toilet and sink. They were all the same size, the only differences were colors. The first bedroom we went to was in a light tan, the second was a darker tan, and the third was white. All of the bathrooms matched the bedrooms. We went back down the stairs and she led us into the sunroom which held a door that would take us to the basement. The basement was most of the way finished and would make an amazing gym. The only thing that needed done there were the walls needed painted. It was a great house and was the perfect price and I saw no reason to look in Ewing. We walked back to the front door and all of the guys had been quiet as we walked through the house. When we got back out to the cars LeAnn turned and looked at me.

"What did you think?"

"I love it. There is no reason for me to look at the other properties. I'd like to make an offer on this house." She smiled and I knew she was making a lot on commission with this house.

"Let's go back to the office and you can look over the paper work and we can schedule the inspection and put in your offer." I smiled and nodded. I walked back to my car and Ranger was riding with me this time. Actually, it looked like he thought he was driving my car. He was on the driver side waiting on me. I walked up to him and raised my eyebrow at him in question. He looked at me a little sheepishly.

"I though I would drive." he said. I looked at him closely.

"If you want to drive go drive your car, you go with me I drive." He gave me a 200 watt smile and walked over to the passenger side and got in. I hopped in the driver seat and took off towards the realtor's office. We were riding in companionable silence when he broke it. Huh, didn't see that coming

"So babe. Do you think you would let Rangeman install a security system in the house?"

"Yeah, I was gonna ask you about that and prices for the install and monthly." He raised an eyebrow, I looked at him and smiled.

"You didn't seriously think I would not pay for my security system did you?"

"No, I really thought I would offer it and you would accept for free." I smiled at him.

"No, I will pay for it like any other customer." He nodded and looked back at the road. We drove the rest of the way in silence. When we got back to LeAnn's office, we all walked in. She gave me some papers to fill out. One was the inspection paperwork which would cost me a $1,000, the house was listed at $650,000 but had been on the market for a year so I put my offer in at $600,000. LeAnn called the company that handles inspections and he is going out to the house tomorrow, which is Wednesday and if it all goes like I hope and they accept my offer hopefully I can close on Friday. The couple that own the house want it closed on immediately, at least that is what LeAnn says. I guess I will find out, I finished signing all the papers which was the papers for the inspection and then my offer. I handed them back to her and shook her hand.

"Stephanie, I'll give you a call as soon as we find out if they accept your offer or counter offer and then as soon as we get the inspection report back. If all goes well, we can try to close Friday."

"Thank you so much LeAnn." She smiled at me as I turned to walk out. We got back out to the SUV's and Cal looked at me.

"What are your plans now, Honey?" Cal asked.

"I'm going back to your apartment so I can shower and get ready for our night out or did you forget?" He laughed.

"No I didn't forget. I get off at five. I'll come straight to the apartment to get ready so we can be ready by 7." I nodded and Ranger looked at me.

"I'd like for you to start tomorrow but since most of my men are going out to celebrate with you, I've decided all that go for the celebration don't have to come in until 10 am but will also be working late." I smiled and nodded and heard Lester mutter "Hell Yeah".

I walked over and got into my SUV. It was now 4:30, which meant I needed to get my ass going if I wanted to be ready tonight. I didn't even know who all was going. I drove back to the apartment listening to Metallica, thinking of what I wanted to wear. It needed to be sexy but dance appropriate. I got back to the apartment and went straight to the shower. I took a long shower, shaved, exfoliated, and moisturized within an inch of my life. When I got out Cal was in the kitchen looking through his mail. The only reason I know that is because I walked in the kitchen wrapped in just my towel to grab a beer out of the fridge. He looked up and smiled at me.

"Honey, I sure hope you plan on wearing more than that towel to the club."

"Yes, Jackass. I plan on wearing more than this towel to dinner and the club." He laughed and I walked back into the bedroom to pick out an outfit. I found the perfect outfit, It was a pair of black leggings, a tight in all the right places tunic that ended just below my ass. It was a tank and semi loose around the waist but got tight over the ass and was tight around my upper thighs. It was hot pink with black zebra like stripes. I paired it with black knee high FMP's with a 4 inch heel. I put on a CZ cuff bracelet, diamond stud earrings, and CZ choker that matched the bracelet. I put on light make up and straightened my hair. I was finally ready and it was 6:30. Cal was already waiting in the living room for me. He had on khaki pants with a blue button up long sleeve shirt but he rolled up the sleeves above his forearms. He looked HOT. I couldn't wait to see how the other men were dressed and if they brought dates. I walked out of the bedroom and Cal turned to look at me.

"Damn Honey, You look HOTT!" He replied a little awestruck.

"Thanks Cal. Your looking pretty damn sexy yourself." I told him with a grin. He got up and took my arm and linked it in his.

"You ready?" He asked. I nodded and he led me out the door where he had called a taxi, so we didn't have to worry about driving or leaving our cars vehicle. We rode in silence to Rossini's and when we got there we walked in and told them we had a reservation under Rangeman. We were escorted to a private party area where most of the guys were already waiting on us. I received catcalls and whistles from most of them which made me blush. I'm used to leading a team of very disciplined men who wouldn't dare whistle at me. Mostly because I scare the shit out of them. Tank had a woman sitting on his lap, she was big and had on spandex, I didn't realize spandex could stretch like that. She was probably size 16 squeezed into a size 10 spandex. It was a bright orange tube dress and she had on black FMP's and had orange streaks in her hair. It looked like she could pop out of it at any moment but somehow I got the feeling I was gonna like her. Connie was there, I went to school with Connie and heard she was working for the weasel Vinnie at his bonds office. Connie was like a human Betty Boop, she was also a member of the family with a capital F. I looked at Connie and smiled.

"Hey Connie. Long time no see." She looked at me and her jaw dropped.

"Omigod, Stephanie Plum! Girl how are you and where have you been?" She asked.

"I'm good, just got out of the Navy and now I'm going to be working at Rangeman. How are you?"

"Girl, I'm good. Oh this is Lula, she works at Vinnie's filing and picking up low bond skips" I stuck my hand out to Lula.

"I'm Stephanie Plum. Its nice to meet you." She shook my hand then looked at Tank.

"Is this the Plum that saved your ass?" She asked Tank and he nodded.

"You mean to tell me this skinny ass white girl save your ass?" He nodded again and she looked back at me.

"Well girl, thanks for saving my man. Maybe you can train me, but I ain't giving up donuts or cluck in a bucket" I laughed.

"I would never ask that since I eat the same food." She smiled at me.

"I think we are gonna get along just fine white girl." I nodded and sat down at the table.

We had a full stock of wine and the waiter filled my glass. We all ordered our food and made small talk while we waited. Of course, it ended up leading to stories of our time in the military and of course Cal had to bring up a major mishap that happened right before our first mission. Cal looked up at the people we were celebrating with.

"Ya'll wanna here how Bombshell here blew up a Hummer before our first mission?"

They all nodded and I could hear some laughter so Cal got on with the story.

"We don't call her Bombshell for no reason. This is what started it all. We were preparing for our first mission and Steph here decided she was gonna build a bomb… and then take it apart to prove she could do it. So, she built the bomb and then put on the hummer. About 15 minutes later we had all gathered around to watch her disable the bomb, keep in mind she built the bomb and what does she do, she cuts the wrong wire before cutting the right wire and the hummer blows up. We were on base when this was done so men are flying out of their barracks with guns drawn. She drew her gun, when we, her team, stop laughing a her for pulling her own gun she looks at everyone around and the first thing she said was 'It wasn't my fault'. After that things continued to blow up around her. We never did figure out she got the knack for blowing everything up but she did. I think she has blown up three hummers, a tank, and two barracks."

Everyone of course is laughing. They won't be laughing when something blows up around them. Our dinner was delivered shortly after Cal told that story and we all ate in silence. After dinner, Ranger called the cab company and ordered cabs for everyone. Ranger also paid the bill for everyone before we loaded up into the cabs. We got to the club Paradise and sat down at a table, surprisingly they actually had one big enough to fit all of us. We ordered four pitchers of beer and margaritas for me, Connie, and Lula. We sat and drank and we all watched the dance floor.

After everyone had finished our first round of drinks we ordered Tequila shots which is very my style. Everyone did a shot and then we took a break to dance. I took turns dancing with all the guys as did Connie, I danced with Ranger, Bobby, Lester, Cal, Hal, Woody, and Vince. They were all great dancers, Lula stayed dancing with Tank. When we all got back to the table I decide we were gonna take shots of something of my choosing, and I chose Jagerbombs. I ordered them and when they were brought over all the guys were staring at me, hell this is one of my favorite drinks. We all did out Jagerbombs and then ordered more beer and more margaritas. We were all having a good time and starting to get a little drunk. We danced more and I got to know the guys, they all told me a little bit about them not much but a little. After about three more shots I had decided I was about ready to go. Lester and Ranger both wanted one more dance with me so I took Lester first. Lester was a major flirt, not that I minded he was HOTT and with his beautiful green eyes. I could practically melt into them.

"SO beautiful, you going home with me tonight?" He asked with a wicked grin.

"I don't know Santos I'll have to think about it." I smiled at him. We continued to dance with his hands firmly planted on my ass. After the song was over Ranger wanted his last dance. I walked back onto the dance floor with him and he put his hands firmly on my ass, what is it with these guys. We started dancing and I knew the question that was coming.

"Babe, Did you ever figure out what was going on with you and Cal?" I nodded and smiled at him.

"We decided we were going to stay best friends and nothing more. He wants more than I'm willing to offer at this point. I don't want a serious relationship. I'm not ready for that. I need to be free and fly." He nodded and smiled at me but I could tell he had something on his mind. We finished our dance and the song ended. Someone, although I'm not sure who, had already called the cabs so we all walked outside and loaded into cabs. Cal and I went back to his apartment and straight to bed. I was honestly surprised I was even able to take my clothes off and put a t shirt on. Laying in bed I realized I was really going to need the cure in the morning before work.

AN: Review Please