Disclaimer: I don't own anything, I'm not making any money, and all the wonderful characters belong to JE. This story takes place 9 weeks after TS ends. It was my thought for Lean Mean Thirteen. I took the Lean and Mean to heart. I'm sure most people have read this, but if you haven't, I hope you enjoy it. This was my very first fan fiction. I've since went back and did a lot of work on it. Same plot, but I've added and deleted and just all around cleaned it up.
Rating: R
Warnings: Violence, foul language, and sex
Thanks to Stayce my fabulous editor.
***Completely and seriously reedited***
Learning Thirteen
Chapter Nine
Being wrapped up in Ranger's arms had a way of making a girl feel better. It didn't take away all the hurt and disappointment, but it did make my tummy squishy and my heart warm. I looked up into his gorgeous brown eyes and felt my tummy get squishy again. All I saw was love in his eyes, and just the fact that he let me see it made me love him even more. I stood up on my tip toes and kissed him softly.
"Come over and have dinner with me tonight. I'll have Ella make you dessert," he said and brushed his lips across mine.
"Hmm, you're playing hard ball throwing in dessert." I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Tell me," I whispered, brushing my lips across his, "what else do I get if I come for dinner?"
"I suggest you pack a bag," he said, nipping at my bottom lip.
"That sounds promising. Does that mean I'm staying the night?" He kissed me hard on the mouth while drawing me closer to him.
"It means you'll be far too tired to drive home." He dropped his lips to mine again as my phone started buzzing on my hip.
"If it's not mine it's yours," he said, grinning and leaning against his car pulling me with him.
I pulled my phone off my hip and rested against Ranger's chest. "Hey Tanner," I said, smiling.
"Hey beautiful. How you doing?" he asked and Ranger's eyebrow shot up. He could hear the conversation, and I knew that when I answered. I didn't have anything to hide so the phone call didn't need to be private.
"I'm good. Thanks for asking," I said, sinking into Ranger further. There was silence on the other end for a moment, and I thought maybe we got disconnected. "Tanner?"
"I know when you're hiding something, Baby. Tell me how you really are?" he asked, his voice taking on a serious tone.
Ranger's blank face dropped real quickly at the endearment, and I wasn't sure what to do. I knew Tanner didn't mean it in a sexual way. He'd been calling me Baby for a few weeks now. He sees me as a little sister and that was how he saw the term Baby.
"I'm not hiding anything. What I'm feeling is fairly obvious. I'm sad that Sarah got killed because of me. I'm mad as hell that this guy is fucking with me. I'm extremely pissed I don't know who he is, and why he's fucking with me. Mostly I'm growing impatient with finding him and it's only been two days, but he's already found a way to plant his ass in my life. I'm sick of his fucked up game, and when I find him he's going to wish he never met me. Other than the obvious I'm good," I said, tipping my head keeping my eyes locked with Ranger's. He hadn't lifted his mask yet. I wanted him to know that Tanner wasn't a threat.
"Good to know. How's the head?" he asked, with a snort. I grinned and giggled a little. That earned me a glare, but at least the mask lifted a little.
"The head is great. It's been kissed better." I bit my bottom lip.
"That's almost the best news I've heard all day," he said, and Ranger lifted a brow. I just smiled.
"Oh yeah you got something that can beat Ranger lovin …" I started to say but got interrupted.
"Hey there baby I don't want to hear it," he said, and I grinned. "Some things are better left unsaid. I'm just glad you two finally shut off your damn phones."
I looked at Ranger and smiled knowing he heard the comment. His expression softened just a touch, and I kissed him quietly.
"Anyways I wanted to know how you were, but I also wanted to let Ranger know I have a present here for him."
"Oh?"
Ranger leaned in a little closer. "What do you got for me?" Ranger asked Tanner as he took the phone.
"Should have known you would be together. I have a tape from the parking lot. I wanted to give you a chance to get a copy made before I turn it over to Detective Morelli. I forgot I had the owners of the building install surveillance cameras a few months ago. I watched it and you can't see faces, but it's worth a look. I also know Morelli has a tendency to keep things for Steph when she gets involved with one of his cases. She doesn't need shit kept from her when it's her life being put at risk. He thinks keeping her ignorant is keeping her safe. That shit is just wrong and backwards," he said, with a slight bite to his voice.
Ranger smiled and pulled me in closer. I had a feeling Ranger was going to like Tanner and James a lot. They reminded me of him. They had the Merry Men attitude about them.
"I'll send someone over to make a copy. I appreciate this. I own you one man," Ranger said, with his mouth next to my temple.
"No you don't. This is about Steph, and I would do anything for her. I love her very much, and I don't want to see her get hurt. I grew up with four brothers and no sisters. Steph and Lula are like the sisters I never had. We've grown real close over the last eight weeks. I know what you mean to her, so I knew you would make sure she got to see the tape," Tanner said, and I smiled.
I loved him too, but he was right it was a brother/sister kind of love. It was the same love I had for Tank, and the same love I was gaining for Lester. I looked over to the doors and saw him and Manny guarding me even though I was with Ranger. I laid my head on Ranger's chest and watched my guards for the day. Lester did a complete scan of the area then locked eyes with me. I gave him a slight smile, and he smiled full on back. He winked at me and flicked his eyes to Ranger earning him a proper Burg eye roll. He chuckled and went back to alert guard dog.
Ranger disconnected my phone and clipped it back on my hip. His hand lingered giving it a squeeze before the hand made a trail up the side of my body in a feather light touch. When his fingers brushed across the side my breast, I closed my eyes and moaned. Damn this man could turn me into a puddle with just a simple touch. He continued up, cupping my cheek in his hand and his lips softly covered mine in a deeply emotional kiss. I whimpered into his mouth as I felt Goosebumps cover my entire body. He eased out of the kiss leaving me quite breathless. He leaned his forehead against mine while brushing his thumb across my lips.
"Come over whenever you're finished for the day. I'll wait to watch the tape until you get there. Go straight to the fifth floor when you arrive. We'll head upstairs after we've watched the tape," he said, and kissed me softly before letting me go.
"Are you picking that tape up personally?" I asked, grinning. He smiled back and got in his car. I walked back up into Burger King to finish my lunch.
"So you two didn't catch your skip, what's up next on the plate today?" Lester asked, taking his seat across from me.
"We gotta find our skip. She's a sneaky little shit. I honestly didn't think she would go back to her house. I was thinking we would do a little B & E and learn some more about her then hit the neighbors and the rest of that list," I said, finishing my fries.
"Yeah that shocked me too. You don't think she'd go back again after we left?" Lula asked, and I raised an eyebrow. "You said sneaky not smart."
"Huh, don't know. Let's head over there now and conduct our search like we planned. I didn't really get that good of a look around while I was dodging chairs, book, and plates," I said, while chucking my garbage and heading out the door. "Tanner called while I was outside with Ranger. He remembered the parking lot was under surveillance. Ranger's picking up a copy and we'll all watch it later."
"Sounds like fun. We'll meet you two there," Lester said and got into the Explorer.
We arrived a few minutes later and looked around briefly for the red Jetta. We didn't see the car so we proceeded up the steps with the guys in tow this time. They stayed on the porch keeping watch while Lula and I went in. After all they were there to watch for the psycho, not help us with our skips. We slipped on gloves and walked through the door. Lula went up the stairs while I searched the main floor. The furniture was sparse and mostly upturned on the floor, thanks to it being chucked in my path or at my head. The wall paper was peeling and the tan carpet was stained. Overall the place was actually pretty big. I opened the closet on my left and kicked around the items piled up on the floor. I was gonna have to spray my shoes with Lysol when I was finished. I moved forward into the living room and riffled through the papers scattered around. Bills, bills, more bills, junk mail, more junk mail, magazine, nothing useful. The kitchen was even less useful, and the dining room pathetic. I went back into the living room and headed up the stairs hoping Lula was having better luck. I got to the top of the stairs and met Lula on the landing. She was coming from the back half of the house.
"This place has four bedrooms," Lula said, breezing by me.
"Really?" I said, following her.
"Back two rooms and bathroom are empty. I'm checking the front two if you want to hit the top floor."
"There's another floor?" I asked, whipping around looking for the stairs. I walked up to the third floor amazed at the size. If it wasn't in such a lousy neighborhood the house would be appealing. What am I thinking I'm not a house person? I'd have to pick out drapes and mow the lawn.
I found an address book page lying on the master bedroom floor and that was it. There was nothing in the room at the opposite end of the hall from the bedroom, and there was nothing in the bathroom. The rooms were decorated sparsely just like the main floor. I couldn't figure out how Windy was affording a house this great. She obviously didn't have many possessions, and the possessions she did have were not in the best condition. I walked down the stairs and met Lula at the bottom.
"Found a page torn out of an address book. Has a few names, but no numbers and no addresses," I said as we walked down the stairs and out the door.
"I found a whole lotta nothin. But damn it's a nice house," Lula said, looking at it again before we walked down the steps behind the guys. "I wonder what the price is."
"Lula, the neighborhood is not nice. Besides what on earth would you do with all that house?" I asked, leaning against the side of my car.
She grinned at me. "Have you seen my man? He's a big man, he needs room to play." Lester burst out laughing and Manny covered up a snort with a cough. "So girl what are we doing about that address page you got?" she asked, officially changing the subject. I shook my head and looked at the list again. I folded it and slipped in my back pocket.
"We have an hour until shift change, so how about if we talk to a few neighbors, drop by my place quickly, and then head to RangeMan. Ranger should have that tape by now. We can watch it and call it a night. I'll use Ranger's computer tonight and run a search on the address page people," I said, while tossing my gloves in my car.
Twenty minutes later we were on our way to my apartment. The neighbors were absolutely useless. Lula took the houses across the street from Windy's house, and I hit the four houses after hers. Two weren't home, and the other two only cared that the horrible girl didn't have that defenseless baby anymore. Lula's people didn't even know who she was asking about. I guess Meth houses in that neighborhood were a common thing.
I pulled up to the gate and entered the code. The gates opened smoothly, and I pulled through going to my parking spot. I ran up to my apartment with Lester following and quickly packed a bag. Lester busied himself with teasing me and feeding Rex. We were back on the road headed for RangeMan five minutes later. Once at RangeMan I flashed my key to open the gate blocking the underground parking lot. I parked my mini in the last of Ranger's four spots and headed to the elevator. I hit five on the panel and the elevator jumped into action. If Lula was curious she didn't show it or say anything. RangeMan and Ranger's apartment at RangeMan are two things we'd never discussed. At five, Lula and I followed Lester and Manny out and into the control room. Ace, Oscar, Hal, and Zero were manning the monitors. Lula stared around in shock. It was an impressive setup, so I understood the shock.
"Hey, hey, hey it's the bad ass two some," Ace said, smiling. He hopped up and dropped a kiss on my head and slung an arm around Lula's shoulders.
"Ranger around?" I asked, leaning against the wall next to Lester.
"What only come around to visit the boss? You don't love us or something," Ace said, pouting. "I'm hurt." He grinned tugging on a curl as he headed back to his station to sign off for the day.
"Not to worry, Ace, she loves us just not as much as she loves the boss," Bobby said from behind me. He just came through the stairs door with Frankie trailing behind him. I smiled and batted my eyelashes. "How's the head hon?" he asked, kissing my forehead and then turned to Lula. "What's up Lula?
"Not much. How's it shaken Brown?" she asked, from her comfortable stance against the wall.
The elevator opened and Nate, Isaac, Vince, Snake, Gram, Clay, Woody, and Slick filed out for shift change. Nate, Isaac, Vince, and Snake took up their positions in front of the monitors after muttering hellos to Lula and me. Gram and Clay caught up with Bobby and Frankie and headed out. Woody and Slick stood next to Lula and asked where we were headed. I grinned and dropped my head on Lester's shoulder. My eyes slowly slid shut. I wasn't at all willing to trade Lester in for Woody or Slick. It wasn't that I disliked either man. It was that Lester's … well Lester. I'd grown attached over the last several days. And I honestly didn't think either of the other men had the same comfortable shoulder. I was exhausted. The day was just too much, and it was only four o'clock. I still had to watch the tape, do a search on Windy's friends, and think real hard about how to catch the psycho. I felt a familiar tingle and the air shifted just slightly, and I knew Ranger walked into the room. I smiled, keeping my eyes closed, and comfortably on Lester's shoulder.
"You don't have anything exciting planned for this evening other than work do you, because that seems to be the only thing I brought home, honey," I said, unmoving from my spot. I felt Lester's shoulder shake slightly.
"Boss there's a woman that just arrived asking to speak with you. Her name's Carolyn Green. Should I have Bill send her up?" Nate asked, and I cracked one eye open to look at Ranger. He grinned at me.
"I don't know her. What does she want?" Ranger asked, still watching me amused. I rolled my eyes and closed them again.
"Something to do with Sarah Sutherland. She seems kind of shaky," Nate said, and I flew off of Lester's shoulder.
"Ranger!"
"Send her up," Ranger said, taking my hand as we walked to the elevator to meet her. After a minute the elevator opened revealing the woman that was with Sarah in the park the other morning. She had large sky-blue eyes that were rimmed with red. Her hair was curly, night-black and worn in a high pony tail. She had a supple build and light-colored skin. Her cheekbones were prominent and mouth large. Her lower lip was trembling slightly and her legs didn't look like they would carry her much further.
"Les," I said, nodding my head to her. Lester and Manny hurried forward each taking an arm helping her to Ranger's office. Tank joined us by that point and we all crammed into Ranger's office. Manny and Frankie took off after Carolyn was settled. Bobby gave my hair a tussle and took off as well. I looked at Lester, and he smiled taking up a position next to Ranger's desk. Woody and Slick took up guard next to the door. Lula and I sat on the large black leather couch with Carolyn between us. Ranger and Tank pulled up two chairs and sat just in front of us. Carolyn was shaking all over and silently sobbing. I took her hand trying to calm her so she could talk to us.
"I'm so sorry, Carolyn. It's all my fault. If Sarah hadn't talked to me none of this would have happened," I said, trying to hold in the tears threatening to spill out.
"No, no this … this isn't your fault," she whispered. She wiped her eyes and took a few calming breaths. "Sarah did the right thing by talking to you. I was there when they showed up. I was in the bathroom, and they didn't search the house," she said, her voice quivering. "I couldn't see what happened, but the bathroom was just next …" she gasped as tears spilled down her cheeks. "There were three of them. They kept asking why the almighty Ranger Manoso didn't protect her after she talked to the bitch Stephanie Plum. They kept asking what she told you," she said, looking at me. Her eyes were so sad. It felt like my heart was being ripped from my chest. "She was strong, though. She didn't tell them shit. She didn't utter one word the entire time." Her head dropped back and she covered her face with her hands. "I should have helped her. I was so scared. I'm not strong like Sarah. I feel so horrible. I could have saved her," she whispered.
"Carolyn, you did the right thing by staying hidden. Sarah wouldn't have wanted you to get hurt. You said there were three of them," Ranger said, talking to her in a soothing voice. "I'm very sorry I didn't offer to protect her. At the time we didn't know the situation was so serious. All we had was a note, that didn't give us any inclination he would hurt people."
"It's not your fault, either. I came here for two reasons. I felt you needed to know what I heard, and because I need you to protect me. They asked Sarah who I was. She wouldn't tell them. I'm scared they'll figure it out. They took her cell when they left. They can easily figure out who I am. My cell keeps ringing from a blocked number. I haven't answered and there is no voice mail. Sarah and I were lovers, so it's only a matter of time before they figure out who I am. As soon as I figured out who Ranger Manoso was I came right here. I'm scared," she said.
I spaced off at that point. This guy was insane. He was taking care of loose ends, and completely willing to kill innocent people. I shook thinking about what he wanted to do to me. I felt the couch shift, and then I was in Lester's arms. I let him hold me as I shook remembering Sarah's face. God what they must have done to her before killing her.
"Babe?" I looked up at Ranger and realized Carolyn, Woody, and Slick were gone. I must have looked confused because Ranger shook his head amused. "I'll never figure out how you can space out at will. It's probably a good thing you did, though. I don't think you would have wanted to hear everything that happened to Sarah," he said, taking me from Lester. "I'm putting her in a safe house. Woody and Slick are taking the first shift since you're here for the night. They took her to her place to get some stuff. You ready to watch that tape?" I nodded just as my cell rang. Morelli.
"Hey," I said.
"Are you doing okay, Cupcake," he asked, just as softly as I'd answered the phone.
"Yeah I'm okay."
"Good. I have a tape from the parking lot at the gym. I wanted you to know. I can't show it to you since it is evidence, but I can tell you what's on it."
"I was just getting ready to watch it, so there's no need."
"Yeah I figured you would have a copy." I snorted. I knew there was a reason he actually told me about it.
"Look Joe, I know this is your case and you hate it when I'm wrapped up in one of your cases, but can we put aside our differences and work together? All of us. This involves me. I know you and Ranger work together all the time when issues arise with me. You don't have to be friends, but a professional level would be nice."
"You're right. As much as I hate it we'll all have to deal with each other throughout this. You got anything new I should know about?" he asked, with a sigh.
"Yes I do. The other woman that was with Sarah in the park came to RangeMan. She was at the house when Sarah was killed," I said, looking at Ranger. He nodded his head. "She's getting some stuff together right now, but then she's coming back here before going to a safe house. I know you need to question her, but please don't make things difficult. Ranger promised to protect her, and he will. You know the police don't have the capabilities RangeMan has to protect a witness. She's scared Joe and needs to feel safe. Ranger can make her safe, but we wanted you to have a chance to talk to her. I don't know how helpful she'll be to the case I kind of spaced off during all the details."
"Why did she go to Ranger instead of the police station?" he asked.
"She can explain all that. I really want to watch this tape. Why don't you head over here and you can talk to her in Ranger's office when she gets back," I said, getting a raised eyebrow from Ranger. I smiled and gave him a pleading look. He actually rolled his eyes and walked over to get the tape ready.
"I'll be there in twenty minutes." And he hung up.
"Girl I don't believe you just offered Batman's office to SuperCop," Lula said, shaking her head.
"Look he doesn't have to allow us to put Carolyn in a safe house. What we are doing it interfering with a police investigation. I figure if we work with Joe he'll let us do what we need to do. It's his case and if we tread lightly and don't step on his toes he'll give us more room."
Ranger looked at me with amusement. "Legally gray, but morally right. Is that what you're getting at Babe?"
"Whatever, can we just watch this tape?" I said, sitting in the vacated chair in front of the monitor.
Everybody gathered around behind me as Nate started the tape. The camera was pretty far away from the area Lula parked the Firebird, but we could still see us. Ten minutes after we walked through the door to the gym a man in black matching the description Sarah gave us walked slowly up to the Firebird carrying the box. He placed it on the ground and pulled out something to unlock the passenger door. He heaved the box back up and put it on the seat before slipping the paper under the wiper blade. He started to walk away, but changed his mind and came back slashing all the tires. He left the way he came and Nate killed the tape.
I got a brilliant idea and reached forward pushing play again. I fast forwarded it until Lula and I walked out of the gym then pushed play. We watched as I dialed Ranger, grabbed the note, and had a break down. The entire scene replayed, and I realized how much I needed Ranger. The way we embraced each other when he arrived was so loving, but there was also what appeared to be desperation, like we were each others life line. Ranger's hand squeezed my shoulder, and I knew he saw it too. I stopped the tape there. I didn't need to see the rest. I wanted to have the feeling of the embrace remain.
"How much do you think Sarah weighed?" I asked, still staring at the black screen.
"162. She was big boned and quite tall," a small voice said from behind us all. I turned around and smiled at Carolyn just as Morelli got off the elevator and walked into the communication room. I quickly introduced them and showed them to Ranger's office.
"So, 162 pounds of dead weight. Our man in black is pretty strong. Sarah was accurate with her description," I said, pinching the bridge of my nose. My head hurt, and I was tired.
"Woody and Slick you're Carolyn's guards until shift change. Once she's finished with Morelli take her to the safe house. Two hour check in times. Tank brief Roy, Manuel, Bobby, and Zero on the situation. They're on guard duty for Carolyn. Lester, you and Tony need to be outside the gym tomorrow morning at eight o'clock. You shadow the girls. I want you stuck to them like glue. Woody and Ike are your relief. Brief them a half hour early. Steph and I are offline unless there's an emergency," Ranger ordered.
"Ranger, I have a list of names to search tonight. I planned on working on your computer for a few hours," I said.
"Babe, you're exhausted. You were perfectly content with sleeping on Lester's shoulder an hour ago. Let me have the list, and Nate will run the search for you and have it ready before we leave in the morning," he said, while tucking a curl behind my ear. He was right I was exhausted. I handed him the list from my back pocket, and he passed it on.
"Come on, Babe. I do believe I promised you dessert, and Ella was only too happy to make it for you," he said, taking my hand.
We got to the elevator just as Morelli and Carolyn came out of the office. I figured they would be a lot longer, but I suppose she just wanted to get it over with. The seven of us got into the elevator together. Lula claimed being that close to Joe would give her the hives so she opted for the stairs and pulled Tank behind her. The ride down was quiet and a little uncomfortable. The elevator stopped at the lobby first and Joe asked if he could speak with me for a minute. Lester got off with me, and Ranger rode the rest of the way down to the garage to give last minute instructions to the guys.
"Manoso not trust you, Cupcake?" he asked, eying Lester trailing after us out of the elevator.
"Unless she's with Ranger, I stick to her like glue. In case you've forgotten you've managed to have her taken right out from under your nose, because you thought she was safe at your house. You haven't earned the right to guard her in my opinion," Lester said, glaring daggers at Joe.
"Les," I said, shocked.
He looked at me, and I knew he was serious. He was right. Joe always thought that because he was a cop he could protect me and that his house was safe. It was far from safe, and nobody seemed to have a problem going after me on his watch.
"I don't plan on listening to your conversation, but do not move more than five feet from me," Lester said, crossing his arms over his muscular chest.
I looked at Joe, and he was fuming. It wasn't that Joe was a bad cop, he was a good cop. I was just a tricky person to protect. "What did you need, Joe?" I asked, moving closer to him so our conversation was private.
"I questioned Herman and Elizabeth Coleman. Herman was driving the car that morning, but claims to never have been on that side of town. He's lying I just don't have any proof. Herman's not our man in black. He's not bulky enough nor is he tall enough. I don't have enough for a warrant either, but I plan on setting up surveillance on them," he said, while tucking a curl behind my ear. I got that funny fluttering feeling in my stomach and knew I needed some distance or I would be repeating the same situation with Joe as I did with Ranger. I stepped back just slightly and Joe's cop face slammed into place.
"I can't tell you everything regarding the case, but I can share quite a bit. The more you keep me informed the more I can return the favor." He leaned forward and brushed his lips across mine.
"Joe I can't do this. I hurt you because I allowed Ranger to do exactly what you're doing. I still love you, so I know it will be easy for me to fall back into this pattern. I won't let myself because I'm in love with Ranger. I need you to please allow me to explore what Ranger and I have without the interference," I said, backing up.
"He didn't give us that chance," Joe said, seriously and walked away.
I turned around running into Lester. We walked to the elevator in silence, and rode the entire way up to the seventh floor in silence. The doors opened, I stepped out, and the doors closed. He never said anything to me, nor did he look at me. I unlocked the door and went in. Ranger was leaning against the wall waiting for me. His face was blank, and I knew the control room already informed him of the activities in the lobby.
"It was just a kiss. I didn't return it and it won't happen again," I said in my defense before he could utter a word. He chuckled and walked into the kitchen to the fridge. He pulled out two Coronas and seated himself at the breakfast bar. I sat down next to him and took the offering.
"I'm curious what did you say to Joe when I would kiss you," he asked, and took a drink from his bottle.
"We never talked about you kissing me, and he never saw you kissing me," I said, watching him closely.
"What would you say to me about me kissing you? Let's say the first time I kissed you. What was it?" he asked, looking me in the eyes.
"Is this a trick question?"
"No. What did the kiss mean to you?" he asked, taking another drink.
"Trouble." He smiled and nodded.
"What about the kiss when I came back from Miami? What would you say if Joe asked about it?" he asked, tucking a curl behind my ear.
"It meant big trouble to me. I loved the kiss. It felt way too good. A kiss shouldn't feel that good when you are in a relationship with somebody else. It felt so good that I couldn't allow you to kiss me again before you left. I would have ripped your clothes off and became a cheater. If Joe asked about that kiss, I would've either lied my ass off or feign ignorance," I said, taking a drink.
"So when he brushed his lips across yours, knowing every camera aimed at him was picking it up, and I would know about it instantly, it didn't induce any other feeling but, 'it was just a kiss'?" he asked, draining his bottle.
I smiled knowing he was being just a little bit hypocritical. After all he did spend two years kissing another man's woman. That man was now giving him a taste of his own medicine. He has discovered he doesn't like it. I looked at him watching me and felt my heart slam against my ribs. Jesus this was my fault. I was the reason these men hurt. This wasn't a game of cat and mouse. This was about feelings. Real feelings. And not even an hour ago I realized how deep those feelings run when I watched the tape. I grabbed Ranger's hand and gave it a squeeze.
"You know the feeling you have right now?" I asked, getting a slight nod in return. "Imagine how Joe felt when I told him I wouldn't go back to him because I'm in love with you and to please not interfere with our relationship." Ranger brushed a finger across my lips and cupped my cheek before leaning in and claiming my lips with his own. He picked me up keeping our lips locked and carried me to the bedroom. He kicked the door closed, and I was singing the hallelujah chorus.