We spent the next couple of days playing tourists. And newlyweds. Ranger even kept his promise and took me shopping on Rodeo Drive. Although, truth be told, the stores were all a little too trendy and high end for my taste. And it was hard to rationalize spending my former apartment's monthly rent on just one vampy blouse. Even if Ranger tried to convince me that he'd write it off as a business expense. But the atmosphere was nice, and I thoroughly enjoyed all the fuss and pampering at the shops.

The day after the shopping extravaganza, we spent an afternoon at the beach soaking up the beautiful California rays and grazing on food from street vendors along the boardwalk. It was probably my favorite part of the trip. Or at least a close second to the nighttime activities Ranger often surprised me with. It's hard to top bedroom activities with Ranger.

At some point during our trip, Ranger received a text with a date, time, and location for the meeting with his mystery contact. We did some quick research and discovered our destination for the evening was a popular rooftop bar called Perch located downtown LA, in the heart of the city. It seemed classy and nonthreatening, but Ranger wasn't thrilled about the crowds. I figured anything was better than meeting in a dark alley in a bad part of town.

Despite the numerous times I'd been on similar assignments with the man of mystery, I still felt a few random butterflies as I got dressed that evening. I was just finishing up with my hair in the bathroom when Ranger poked his head in to check on me.

"Almost ready?" he asked crossing his arms over his chest as he did a very slow body scan.

I felt my temperature rise whenever his gaze would linger on certain places.

"Yeah. I think so." After fluffing my hair one last time, I turned around and smiled. "What do you think? Could I pass for a local?"

Ranger's mouth twitched. "Not a chance."

I frowned and quickly turned my attention back to the mirror. "Is it my hair? It hasn't really been cooperating tonight. Must be all the humidity." I fussed with it some more. "Or maybe the dress? Is it too… I don't know. Too Jersey? I could change. Maybe go with something more…I don't know…sophisticated? Is that the right look here?"

I froze when I felt a hand travel up the length of my body. It gave me tingles and a small shiver of desire. Then another hand moved my hair aside to expose my neck. Ranger brushed a kiss across my shoulder. "It's the attitude. They don't make them like that here."

"Oh." My attitude wasn't exactly something I could change. Believe me, I've tried. Still, I was marginally disappointed that it would keep me from blending in.

Ranger took a step back and admired me again. "Wouldn't have you any other way, babe. The attitude makes you unique. All the local girls are a dime a dozen."

Aw! How sweet? I felt a sudden surge of confidence.

"Well then. What are we waiting for?" I asked, pulling Ranger toward the door. "Let's get this show on the road."