A/N: Not mine and never will be, but I can play. Sorry for the delay which happens when you have too many writing projects, so I apologize.

For those who also follow FTYRB: I have a question. Should I end it with one very long chapter or should I break it up into shorter chapters?

Thanks as always to Jenny!

Unwanted Distraction 21

I was bubbling with excitement, anticipating my Thanksgiving Day feast in July. Moisture collected in my mouth as I salivated. Now, I was only afraid that I would drool. My stomach growled incessantly, as if to say, "Feed me! Feed me! Feed me now!"

The elevator dinged as it went express to the fifth floor. The moment the door opened, a waft of a tantalizing aroma pleasantly invaded my nostrils. I breathed it in deeply and sighed with pleasure. Nothing had ever smelled so yummy. Knowing Ella's prowess in the kitchen, I'd bet that it tasted as good as it

"I'm sure it will," Ranger said with a smirk.

"I can't believe I said that out loud," I whined.

"It's okay. You're hungry. You okay. You never got that breakfast I promised you. Let's go get the food."

"You don't have to tell me twice!"

We continued walking, with Ranger guiding me, his hand possessively on the small of my back. After turning the corner, I was surprised to find a sea of black clad men lolling about. I looked to see Ranger what thought about them there. His ESP immediately kicked into gear, after he considered it for a moment.

"They're either on break or off-duty. When they smell food, they're freaking bloodhounds. Looks like they want some chow too," Ranger remarked. "Guess we have to feed them as well.

"I can see that. Any chance we can cut the line, Batman?" I asked, not knowing how I was going to get past so many guys who were waiting to eat, too.

"Of course. Let's do it."

"I guess it is good to be boss."

"it certainly is," Ranger replied.

Even though he was behind me, I could have sworn, his lips twitched up like he was about to smile and his eyebrows quirk up. Then I felt his body language change when he directed his attention toward his men.

Ranger didn't have to say a word. It just took one look from him, and the guys parted like the Red Sea, letting us pass through. When one of them actually didn't move fast enough Ranger growled. At first, the man jumped, and then he scurried out of the way. No one likes to confront Ranger. He could make a grown man cry in terror. As a result, I had never seen a person move so quickly before, unless they were exercising or playing a game.

When we got into the break room, it was set up as if it really was Thanksgiving and not a hot, muggy day in July. The room was decorated with Thanksgiving decorations: napkins, tablecloths, and even a cornucopia were all over. A table was set up as a buffet. Platters of food covered every inch of the table. Bowls of mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, buttermilk biscuits, and stuffing beckoned to be eaten. Plates with utensils were stacked. Gravy boats were filled to the brim, ready to be poured on the turkey. Although of juicy turkey were already carved and plated, ready for us, they anything but dry.

I was drawn to the table as if I had no control. My stomach growled in anticipation of eating this feast.

The buffet line started with me in front. I went from every plate and bowl to get a sample of its contents. I soon heaped my plate with delectable morsel. When I had no more room to put anything else, I looked for a spot to sit and eat. I spied a corner seat with a snack table nearby and sat there.

Once seated, I began to gorge, as if I were a condemned prisoner eating my last meal. I couldn't help but moan in approval because everything tasted so good. One bite was better than the next.

I became painfully aware that I was the center of attention for the men, but I couldn't stop, I shrugged and kept on eating. In no time, my plate was completely empty, but I still wanted more. I felt embarrassed, because in the buffet line were people waiting to get food, and here I was, wanting seconds. I looked sheepishly at Ranger, who smiled.

"Don't worry about it Ella made this for you. The guys are lucky to be fed this at all. You've been through the mill. You deserve to be pampered." Then he remarked, "Just save room for dessert."

"Whoa, wait a minute. Is this a dawning of the apocalypse? I can't believe you're encouraging me to eat sweets."

"Babe, look at it this way. This is your eat sweets pass."

"Sort of the food equivalent of the get out of jail free card."

"I guess. Just know that the body is not always a temple. Sometimes a person needs happy food."

"I've always thought that you don't eat sweets, fat, or alcohol," I teased. "Just bark, twigs, seeds, and vegetables."

"Babe, I do indulge from time to time. The trick is to eat those things in moderation."

"Gosh, Batman, you've readily gave me information. Soon, you won't be the man of mystery."

"Is that what you think I am, Stephanie?" Ranger asked Ranger asked in my ear, causing my skin to erupt in goose bumps, before biting my earlobe. "The man of mystery?"

Being his girlfriend was showing me a whole new facet to Ranger. My eyes widened and I looked around, but everybody else was too busy. It wasn't like Ranger to do public displays of affection, especially in front of his men. The thing was that even though we were in a room full of people, no one was paying attention. They were either getting or eating food. My craving for Thanksgiving had made for a nice, impromptu celebration.

"Well," I sputtered, "I guess some things are not mysterious, while other things still are."

"Yes, I think we proved that the other night. You're sure you don't want to go upstairs so we can solve any remaining mysteries?" he asked, his eyes darkening to ebony.

"There is nothing I'd rather do than be alone with you," I answered honestly, my body heating up.

Just then, Bobby and Lester sat down and joined us, ignoring Ranger's scowls. Talk about a mood killer! I didn't like the timing of their intrusion, but I hadn't seen them since they'd helped at the hospital and wanted to ask if Flunkman had been released by the police. Still, I could understand Ranger's displeasure. I was glad that he'd frowned at them and not me, because I'd hate to meet him at the mats or be sent to a third world country.

Well, maybe if we met on the mats for a different reason…

"Beautiful, going to the mats with Ranger, for whatever reason, can be quite painful."

I whispered to Ranger, "Did I actually blurt that out, too?"

"Yup," Ranger replied as his lips turned up until a hundred-watt smile appeared. "So you want to go to the mats with me?" he asked as he gave me an uncharacteristic wink.

"Huh?" I dumbly replied. Was I the epitome of articulation or what? "Am I giving you too much ammunition to use against me again?"

"No, Babe. I feel the same way about you."

It was a good thing we were not playing poker, because that smile did funny things to my stomach as it belly flopped. The man was my Achilles' heel. I never could resist him. I was just grateful that we had this time together. I saw him lean over to whisper more in my ear, but he was interrupted when his cell chirped.

"Yo," Ranger answered. "This is Manoso," he continued after a pause.

An ominous silence grew as Ranger listened attentively to the call and didn't say anything for a long time.

Finally, he concluded the call by saying, "Be there in fifteen."

Darn bad timing if you asked me. Without Ranger there, any thought would remain just daydreams until his return.

"Hold that thought," Ranger said, interrupting my musing. "Sorry Steph. We have to go."

"Go where?" I asked.

"Santos, Brown, you're with me." Ranger ordered. He'd either not heard my question or he was ignoring me. He had gotten up and checked something up on his cellphone, scowling. It was the angriest I had ever seen him.

I for one couldn't figure out his phone, what was with all the buttons, apps and doodads. His was the latest in technology-a smartphone. Mine was anything but smart…more like a stupid phone. As long as it made and answered phone calls, it was good enough for me.

"Why does this always happen when I'm about to eat?" Lester grumbled, getting up from his seat.

"Beats me. But that is how it is," I said, getting up myself. "You know Murphy's Law."

"Yeah, anything that can go wrong will go wrong," Lester said with a wry grin.

"Babe, you're not going," Ranger said.

"Oh, okay, but please tell me there is something I can do to help." I frowned, but didn't argue. I was in no shape and would only get someone hurt if I was in danger.

"Sure, Rangeman. Do we suit up?" Bobby asked.

"You will report in full gear," Ranger explained as he scanned the room, calling names as he "Full gear?" I whispered, doubtful that anyone heard me. did. "Men, we have a situation. You will get the 4-1-1 on an as needed basis, understand.

The guys nodded the assent.

I turned to the merry man beside me and asked, "Les, do they mean riot suits?" "Yes, riot suits," Lester explained. "Kevlar vests, helmets, protectors, gas masks... We are in SWAT mode."

"Stephanie, all I need you to do is to please stay put. You can help the guys in control; you can run searches—anything but leaving the building!" Ranger implored.

I never heard a catch in his voice and didn't want to make a bad situation worse, which was good, because his eyes had changed. Instead of the rich chocolate brown I'd expected, his eyes were dull, with no emotion in them. A chill crept slowly up my spine, leaving goose bumps in its wake. Something very wrong was going on, and my spidey sense was on red alert. His silent plea made more of an impact than Morelli's blustering or posturing ever had. Calm reasoning took the sails out any fight I might have had. I was running around like a reject from "Pirates of the Caribbean," with my left eye still covered by a patch. I would be more of a liability than a help.

"Wow, I think I'm growing up, because I plan to do just that."

"Good to hear," Ranger said, softening some.

"Besides, is futile."

"Babe, you're from the 'Burg, not the Borg."

"Sorry, just nerves talking I explained. "See you later."

"Count on it."

Unmindful of a blatant display of public affection, Ranger leaned over to kiss me deeply. Lost in the kiss, I was completely oblivious until the kiss ended and Ranger was pulling away. The room burst in a spontaneous round of applause. I looked deep into Ranger's eye, which were darkening to the warm brown with tinges of black in them that I was used to seeing. I breathed a momentary sigh of relief.

Some brave soul hollered, "Way to go, it's about time!"

That broke the tension in the room for about a second, as the men on call got up and ready for what could be some kind of an emergency. I didn't dare ask anyone what it was. I put a false smile on my face, which masked my fear. I was quickly coming to the conclusion that I somewhat understood Ranger's reluctance to do relationships. He had to do many dangerous things and didn't want anyone to worry about him or him to worry about them. I tried to stifle the feeling that this was goodbye, so I began to pray with all my heart that it wasn't.