I apologize for the delay. I've been working on this chapter for days now, but with this brutal heat I've felt dizzy and weak.

Btw, I guess you can now put a specific photo for a story so I uploaded a picture of the pastel de galleta I made last weekXD

In this chapter, you get an insight of how S&R became a full-time couple.

Disclaimer: The Plum Universe belongs to JE.

We spent the morning sitting on the couch and staying out of the heat. I traded my usual uniform of jeans and T-shirt for track shorts and a tank top. Julie was also wearing shorts and a girly tee. Despite our light attire the heat was brutal, making me feel like I was melting in the short walk to my car.

The drive to Rangeman wasn't so bad, the Jeep's AC kept us nicely refreshed. Did I mention I love this car?

The underground garage at Rangeman wasn't so bad, making our short walk to the elevator bearable. We were a bit early, but we still rode the elevator to the fifth floor.

"Ah!" Stepping out of the elevator we were greeted with even cooler temperature. Just as Julie finished unloading Lester headed our way.

"Nice." He said. I'm not sure if his praise was meant for Julie's change in wardrobe or mine. Lester said something to Julie in Spanish. The teen shrugged, answering in the same rushed manner. The conversation was too quick for me to even try to decipher what was said. Language barriers suck.

Bobby ambled over to us holding two cold water bottles. He greeted us with a head nod, handed a water bottle to Lester and punched the button to call the elevator. The doors opened and both men said goodbye.

Ranger was just ending a call when we entered his office.

"I had Ella make us something." Ranger told us, his eyes fixated on his daughter.

"It's not just vegetables, right?" The tease got a giggle out of Julie which made Ranger smile softly.

"I just need to make one last call." He told us to head upstairs and that he'd catch up in a little bit.

When we got to Ranger's apartment Ella had already delivered trays of food. A nice, healthy vegetable salad for Ranger. For us Ella left a tuna salad and crackers. A note said there was ice cream in the freezer. The meal was perfect for this weather.

We'd set the food out on the table when Ranger came in. He was in his usual uniform of black tee and cargo pants. He'd showered and shaved since I saw him this morning, looking good enough to eat.

We started our meal in silence. I could feel the tension building, but before it reached uncomfortable levels Julie spoke.

"So, how long have you guys been an official item?" She asked, popping a tuna salad covered cracker into her mouth. "I mean, I always figured you two were more." She shrugged, saying it looked like we'd finally evolved into a full-time couple.

I blushed at her oh so correct observation. I spared a glance at Ranger, knowing he knew what I was thinking. Some time ago we fell into bed once again. Okay, it was more of a frantic coupling against his front door. And as satisfying as it was I just didn't want to be stuck in that 'friends with benefits' type loop. Ranger was working on making way to the bedroom for round two, but I stopped him. I don't know what it was about that night that made me snap and tell him how I felt. I couldn't go on having him for fleeting moments. I wanted him, but most importantly I needed and loved him. So, I told him. I let it all out in the open that night. I remember the stunned look on his face when I told him I just couldn't do the dance anymore. I shoved myself into my clothes and walked away. I fought myself through the entire drive back to my apartment. It would be so easy to continue with the way things were, but I wanted more. When I got to my apartment I knew that keeping the temptations at bay would be difficult, but I convinced myself that it had to be this way. I'd just reached my bedroom when I heard my front door open and slam shut. Without a doubt I knew it was him. I hadn't bothered to turn on any lights, but his footsteps and scent alerted me of his proximity. I'd started to tell him to leave. His lips crashed with mine, silently saying he wasn't going anywhere. We made love all night, every single touch and kiss a reminder of how perfectly magical we were together. When morning came he was there, willing to demonstrate that what we had wasn't just a fling. Beyond our friendship there was love.

"Well, it's going to sound a little bit clichéd." I said, snapping back to reality. I reached for Ranger's hand, twining our fingers together. "But I guess when you figure out that you REALLY know..." I held Ranger's gaze, feeling his reassuring squeeze. "It's time." I finished, winking at Ranger. He grinned at me, his handsome face lighting up.

"Oh." Julie pondered my response for a moment, looking like she couldn't quite grasp what I was saying.

After clearing the table Julie made a bathroom break, giving me the perfect opportunity to talk to Ranger.

"Is it me or is there something you're not telling me?" I crowded him against the sink.

"What do you mean?" Ranger asked, genuinely surprised.

"Julie's been here for a few days and not once have I seen her even try to communicate with her mom. Are things really this bad between them?" Ranger sighed, saying he didn't know much about what happened.

"Rachel said they had a fight and that she was done." Ranger thinks his ex acted in the heat of the moment when she decided to send Julie to stay with him for a while. "I want to approach the subject with Julie, but I feel she's avoiding it."

"Maybe she thinks you're predisposed against her." I tapped him on the cheek, telling him he had to show Julie that he was willing to listen to her.

"You're probably right." Ranger said on a rushed exhale. His cell phone rang and he sighed. "I need to get back to my office." He swooped down, landing a quick peck on my lips. "I'll see you for dinner." He said we could order in and that he'd be at my place at around six.

"Wait." I stopped him before he left the kitchen. "My apartment?"

He grinned again, making me want to tackle and devour him. "Julie's not the only one who likes staying with you." He winked at me, skimming his fingers over my bare shoulders and sending and electrifying feeling up my spine. I think he liked that I was showing a little bit more skin today.

I waited for the teen in the living room when Ranger left.

"So, what are we doing now?"

"I thought we could watch a movie." I offered. It's too hot out to engage in any outdoor activities.

Her eyes lit up. "Yeah!"

Stephanie's determined to figure out what's going on between Julie and her mother;)