Disclaimer: Not Mine

Author's Note: I hope you guys like this chapter!

Back Home

We were in Ranger's big black Ford truck heading back to my apartment when I thought of something. I look over at Ranger who has his hands on the wheel and is staring straight ahead. It appears he is in a zone. I think all the RangeMan guys have it. I really need to know so I ask.

"Ranger?" He never takes his eyes off the road.

"Mmmm."

"How did you and Tank get there so fast? I mean Beckham's place is not too far from the city but you got there really quick." He shifts in his seat and glances over at me.

"We just happened to be close by." My eyes narrow at him.

"You were following us, weren't you?"

Gritting his teeth he answers, "Yes." I chew on my lower lip for a minute before asking.

"Why? Do you not trust Hal or me?" He glances over at me before looking back at the road.

"It has nothing to do with trust, Stephanie."

"Then what?"

"You're the first girl we have ever had doing field work and I wanted to make sure everything went okay." I smile. Awww how sweet.

"Thanks Ranger." I settle back in my seat and we ride the rest of the way in silence.

We pull up in front my apartment building and Ranger gets a spot in front. I open my door and turn to Ranger.

"Thanks for the ride home." He cocks an eyebrow.

"I'm going to walk you up." My eyes widen and I start to shake my head.

"You don't have to, I'll be fine." Truth was I was afraid if he came up to my apartment I would jump his sexy ass body.

"I have no doubts that you'll be fine. But while you are taking a shower, I am going to call Bobby and have him bring something over to ward off any diseases that blood may have contained."

"Oh okay. " We both got out the vehicle and headed towards the apartment doors. When we got on the elevator, I turned to look at Ranger.

"Thanks for being so caring and concerned about all this." Ranger looks me over.

"You're welcome."

We got off the elevator and hit my apartment door. I give the keys to Ranger who unlocks it. He hands me the key back.

"Stay here. I'm going to check everything over." I roll my eyes but I nod.

He goes in and 5 minutes later, he is at the door once again and ushers me in.

"I'm gonna take a shower. Help yourself to anything in the fridge."

"Thanks. I'm going to call Bobby while you are in the shower." I nod and walk into the bathroom.

I drop the blanket and peel off my clothes. I turn the shower on as hot as I can stand it and jump in. I lather up hair first working the shampoo in. I rinse the shampoo out of my hair and lather it all up again. This time I don't scrub as hard. Once I get the shampoo out a second time, I grab my loofah and squirt a big size of body wash into it. I scrub from head to toe and everywhere in between. I do that twice more before throwing the loofah away.

I step out of the shower feeling clean and feeling so much better. I towel dry my hair and then wrap a towel around me. I walk out of the bathroom and come face to face with Ranger who is on his phone. He looks me up and down and his eyes darken to almost black. I take a big gulp and almost run to my bedroom.

I pull out a pair of boy shorts and a sports bra and put them on. I then put on a pair of jogging pants and black RangeMan t-shirt. I hear someone knock on the door and I'm guessing it's Bobby. I run my fingers through my hair before heading out to the living room to face Ranger and Bobby.

I walk into the kitchen and come up short.

"Cupcake, are you okay?" He takes a step toward me and I take a step back.

"Morelli, what are you doing here?" He reaches out a hand and again I take a step back running into Ranger.

"I wanted to make sure you were okay. I heard what happen. You should quit your crazy job. I hear they're hiring at the button factory."

"I like working for RangeMan." Ranger steps around me when another knock sounds at the door. I grab his arm and he looks at me. I shake my head and his eyes turn to Morelli.

"Morelli, it's time you leave." Morelli glares at Ranger.

"Manoso, I'm not going anywhere."

"Steph doesn't want you here."

"Yes she does, don't you Steph?" I shake my head no and again a knock sounds at the door. This time Bobby calls out.

"Come in, Bobby." I hear the door open and close and a few seconds later, Bobby steps into the kitchen and turns his eyes on Morelli.

"Morelli, what the hell are you doing here?"

"I was checking on Steph." Bobby takes a step towards him and Morelli backs up.

"If I remember correctly, Morelli, we told you Steph wanted nothing to do with you. Leave."

Morelli nods his head at me and walks out of the kitchen. Only when the front door opens and shuts do I breathe a sigh of relief. Morelli gives me such a bad feeling.

Bobby gathers me in his arms and rubs my back.

"Are you okay, Steph?"

"I'm fine Bobby. He just surprised me is all." Bobby looks at Ranger when he finally decides to speak.

"What was that all about?"

"Morelli seems to have an idea in his head that Stephanie wants him and he doesn't want to give up hope that they will end up together. I thought we got him to back off, it looks like he might need another lecture."

"Explain." I interrupt before Bobby can explain.

"Let's just drop it for now. Bobby, do I need a shot?" Bobby nods his head in Ranger's direction and I'm guessing Bobby will be getting the 3rd degree when Ranger gets back to RangeMan.

"Yea Steph you do. It may sting for a minute, okay?" I nod my head and look at Ranger. I start feeling light headed when I see the needle.

"Babe, you okay?" I shake my head.

"I hate needles, Ranger."

He picks me up and sits me down on the bar stool in my kitchen. Bobby grabs my arm and rubs alcohol on the spot. Ranger bends down so his lips are right next to my ear. I can feel his breath against my ear and my neck. When he starts talking his voice is low and husky.

"You did a good job today, Babe. I'm proud of you. You impressed the hell out of me, Babe."

"All done, Steph." I shake my head when I hear Bobby's voice. Ranger pulls back and smiles. I don't mean a twitch of lips. I mean a complete 200 watt smile and I just about fall off the bar stool.

"Thanks Bobby."

"You're welcome, Steph. I'm going to head out. I'll see ya tomorrow, Steph."

"Bye Bobby." He kisses my cheek and then walks out of my kitchen. I turn to face Ranger.

"Thank you, Ranger for keeping my mind off the needle." He gives me another grin.

"It was my pleasure. You wanna tell me about you and Morelli?" I take a deep breath.

"My mom thinks I should be married with a bunch of babies already and she thinks Morelli is the perfect candidate." He raises an eyebrow.

"What do you think?" I get up and go to the fridge, grabbing two bottles of water. I hand one to Ranger and he takes it.

"Come on in the living room and I'll explain a little more." He follows me to the living room and I sit down on the couch. He sits down next to me and faces me.

"Now, I think he's a jerk. A wolf in sheep's clothing."

"Why?"

"He has everyone fooled. Just because he became a cop doesn't mean he's perfect or that he's changed."

"If he gives you any trouble, let me know."

"Are you going to try and protect me, Ranger?" I was only joking but his face turns even more serious. He tucks a stray curl behind my ear before answering.

"With my life, Steph." I gnaw my lower lip and smile.

"Thanks." He runs a fingertip down my arm and it sends a chill up my spine.

"Why are you so nervous around me?" I shrug my shoulders.

"Maybe cuz you're my boss." I don't think he liked my answer, but I wasn't about to tell him that I think he's the most sexiest man I have ever seen or been around.

"Don't be. You have no reason to be nervous around me. Treat me like you do the rest of my men. Okay?" I nod and smile.

"Okay. Wanna watch a movie?"

"Sure."

"Ghostsbusters, okay?" He raises an eyebrow.

"What?"

"Nothing. Yea its fine with me." I pop in the movie and sit back down. Ranger puts his arm around my shoulders and I snuggle up against him.

When the credits roll signaling the end of the movie, I stand up and stretch. Ranger stands up next to me.

"I guess I better go. Thanks for the afternoon movie." I smile and walk him to the door.

"Thanks for rescuing me."

"Anytime Babe." We stop at the front door and Ranger turns to me. He cups my face in his hands and brings my face to his. He brushes my lips once then twice with his and pulls away.

"See ya tomorrow, Steph." I smile.

"Bye Ranger." He opens the door, gives me one last smile and walks out.

Author's Note: I told you it would be a surprise. Ranger is going to have to work for it. I hope you enjoyed it!