A/N: Again, thank you to everyone for your wonderful reviews, and I apologize for not responding individually to thank you. I promise to try to do better.

Thank you to L&S once again for their kindness and patience as well as their encouragement, handholding and occasional butt-kicking.

A special thank you to the incredibly talented Kate for taking time on her day off to help me over the hurdle and give me encouragement.

Disclaimer: None of the characters are mine. I borrowed them from the amazing J.E. to have a little fun.

Warnings: Sexual content, Language and Spoilers for all 13.

I apologize that this chapter is a little short. It's just the way it came out.

Learning about love - Chapter 8

I must have fallen asleep before Ranger had come in the night before. When I woke up I was in bed wrapped in his arms. I turned and pressed a kiss against his neck, inhaling his scent deeply. He smelled wonderful.

How many times had I waken beside Ranger unable to touch him as I wanted because of my need to be faithful to Joe? For the first time I felt free to touch and to taste as I pleased.

Even as I felt the heat rise in my cheeks at the thought of being bold with Ranger, I tilted my head and I did what I wanted, sliding my tongue over his chest; licking him, tasting him. Loving the saltiness of his skin and wanting more, I leaned up and flicked my tongue over Ranger's nipple and was rewarded by a low growl that rumbled through his chest.

"Is this the part where you rub against me and jump on for a ride?"

I froze in shock, unable to believe what I'd heard. I didn't say anything. After a long, silent minute Ranger put his hand under my chin and tilted my face up to his. Seeing the horrified look on my face, Ranger started laughing.

I leaned over and nipped sharply at the nipple I had previously been licking and then slid my tongue over the area again while reaching under the blanket and stroking him. I was thrilled when Ranger quit laughing and drew in a sharp breath.

"Playing with fire, Babe," he said on a groan. I smiled as I felt Ranger's hand tangle in my hair, and I lifted my head back up to look at him.

"You spent a lot of time doing the same thing to me yesterday. It seems only fair that I should return the favor." I once again started licking Ranger's chest, working my way down his body, chuckling to myself at Ranger's strangled, 'Babe.'

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A long time later I was face down on the bed trying to catch my breath.

"Shower." Ranger's voice was rough beside me, giving me a feeling of satisfaction.

"You can go first," I panted out.

"I have a better idea, Babe." Ranger rolled off the bed, scooped me up in his arms and carried me to the shower. He set me down to lean in and adjust the water temperature. When he was done, he lifted me up so that my legs were wrapped around his waist. Stepping into the shower with me, Ranger proceeded to once again amaze me with his stamina.

I watched as Ranger got out of the shower first and handed me a towel. I stood holding it against myself as I watched him dry off. My body felt battered, my legs were sore when I moved, and I had unused muscles screaming from the rigorous lovemaking we'd shared in the last 24 hours, but as I watched Ranger sliding the snow white towel over his mocha latte colored skin and perfectly toned body, I could feel myself start to drool.

Ranger looked up at me and blinked once. After searching my face, he threw his head back and burst out laughing. I glared at him, but he just smiled and walked over to me.

"I'd love to accommodate you, Babe, but don't you think we should have some food and recharge?" Ranger's voice was tinged with amusement, and for the first time since I'd met him his eyes danced with merriment and fun. I knew Ranger had a fun side that would occasionally surface, but I've often compared it to handing out little treats from time to time. This was a different Ranger. He seemed more relaxed.

When I just stood staring at him, Ranger lifted an eyebrow.

"Babe?"

"I love you." Where did that come from? I wasn't even sure I'd said it out loud until I saw Ranger's eyes darken and he started toward me.

As he approached he held out his hand to me, and taking my hand into his, he tugged me gently from the shower. When I was standing directly in front of him, he reached up and tucked my wet hair behind my ears and framed my face with his hands.

"I love you too, mi amor." Ranger leaned forward and kissed me softly and then pulled me into his arms hugging me tightly. Finally he pulled back and gave me a small smile.

Picking up the now discarded towel from the floor, he threw it in the bathroom hamper and brought me a new one. While I dried off, Ranger walked into the bedroom. When he came back, he had pulled on an old faded pair of jeans, and he was carrying his thick terry clothe robe. After wrapping me in it he led me to the kitchen.

When we got to the kitchen Ranger walked to the in-house phone he used to contact Ella and looked over at me questioningly.

"Food?"

"Absolutely food." I'd already had a vigorous morning. I was starving. I needed fuel.

"Good morning, Ella. Yes, we're ready. Thank you. That will be fine." As Ranger hung up he turned to me.

"Breakfast will be about 15 minutes. Ella wasn't sure when we'd be ready, and she didn't want it sitting there getting cold."

"That's fine. I can wait. I need coffee now, though."

As I walked past, Ranger grabbed the collar of the robe and pulled me to him for a deep kiss and then released me.

"Let me make it, Babe. I bet if you look up in that cupboard there you'll find something to tide you over while we wait for Ella." Ranger turned to run water for the coffee. Puzzled by the grin on his face, expecting to find a tree bark granola bar, I opened the cupboard door and let out a moan when I saw the familiar pastry box of Butterscotch Krimpet Tastykakes sitting on the shelf. Not even trying to guess how Ranger had pulled that off, my hand darted in and grabbed the box, once again causing Ranger to chuckle.

Amazed at this new side to Ranger, wondering how long it would last, I set my treasured box on the counter and walked over to him as he turned back from the coffeemaker. I put my arms around his neck and, taking his silky, still damp hair in my hands, I pulled his mouth to mine. I had one second to catch the look of surprise in his eyes before I kissed him with all the gratitude I was feeling. When I finally finished and stepped back, we both knew I was thanking him for far more than a box of pastries.