Surprise, surprise. I didn't catch Lester during our ninety mile run. I really should have known better too. I mean, the guy is related to Ranger. And the only way I'd ever catch Ranger is if he was missing a leg…and maybe a lung too. Even then, it might be close.

On a positive note, I got something even better than a donut after my workout. And a whole lot healthier.

I was busy in the bathroom showering off all the sticky sweat from my run when the air pressure suddenly changed, and my breath caught in my chest.

Normally realizing you're not alone in the bathroom can be a major cause for concern. Especially if you have a bizarre history of psychopathic intruders like me. But I only know of one person capable of moving like smoke and filling a room with the smell of Bulgari even before the bottle has been opened.

The tell-tale tingles tickled the back of my neck, and I resisted the urge to turn around. After all, Ranger shower surprises are some of my favorites.

Several silent moments passed, and I assumed my "mystery" guest was enjoying his view. Too bad I was feeling impatient. So I purposely dropped my razor on the floor and bent down to get it.

"Babe," came a very low and husky growl.

I spun around and put my hand to my heart. "I do declare," I drawled, "you done startled me somethin' fierce."

Ranger just stood there a moment, using some pretty intense willpower to hold back a laugh. I was amusing him.

"Good grief." I gave an exasperated sigh. "Why aren't you naked already? I thought that whole dropped-razor routine was a pretty obvious invitation."

Then I noticed the barely-visible black sling holding his left arm in place.

"Oh my gosh! What happened?"

"It's nothing."

"No, nothing is nothing. As in no bandages, no slings, no casts. This," I said pointing to his arm, "is something. This is…"

I didn't get a chance to finish my thought. Because the next thing I knew, a fully clothed Ranger had joined me in the shower, his lips immediately fusing with mine, strategically sucking every last coherent thought from my brain.

I pushed against his chest in half-hearted protest, but the kiss deepened and my fingers curled into his shirt, pulling him closer instead.

"Does this mean I get to be on top?" I asked, tracing a gentle finger along the now-drenched sling.

Ranger was too busy tangling his fingers in my hair and licking stray water droplets from my skin to answer.

"I'll just take that as a yes."

His lips turned up in a subtle smile. "Babe."

###

"Did I hurt you?" I asked, delicately dragging my fingers down Ranger's injured arm.

He was reclined against the pillows, his eyes closed.

"I feel too good right now to care." His mouth tipped into a small smile. "Maybe you should take top more often."

Then his hand slid beneath the covers and caressed my backside. He opened his eyes and grinned. "Have you been working out, babe?"

Finally! A bit of recognition for all the torturous hours of exercise I'd been putting in lately.

"Maybe a little," I replied.

"Sexy."

I blew out a sigh. "My pants haven't been fitting all that well since Seattle. Too much stress eating, I think." And maybe too many of those delicious mini donuts. Good thing that donut shop was on the opposite side of the country. Otherwise my diet plans would be completely doomed.

Ranger leaned down and kissed the top of my head. "Proud of you, babe."

"Don't be too proud yet. My pants still aren't fitting." I crinkled my nose in disgust.

"You just got back. Give it some time."

Gee, where had I heard that before? Oh yeah, from another male who could probably diet for an hour and magically lose five pounds. Not that these men ever needed to diet either. You know, since their muscles had muscles.

Stupid metabolism. My mother always warned me this day would come. And here I'd always thought it to be some silly, idle threat.

I sure hoped Amber struggled with her metabolism. That she had to wear Spanx to get that perfectly formed hourglass figure she always sported. Maybe she had a sixth toe on her foot or something else creepy too. Or irritable bowel syndrome. Or maybe she was lactose intolerant. I'll bet if she eats just one slice of cheese, she can clear a room faster than a teenage boy.

I smirked at the thought.

Ranger quirked an eyebrow. "What's so funny?"

"Just postulating on some random theories."

He gave me a look. "Did you buy another word-a-day calendar while I was gone?"

"Maybe." Hey, it's not a crime to want to sound intelligent.

Okay, I hadn't really bought a word-a-day calendar. "Postulating" was from an article I'd read in the Time magazine someone had conveniently left behind on the airplane from Seattle to Newark. I'd been waiting several days to use it.

"Want to know today's word?" I asked seductively. Didn't mean I couldn't still have some fun here.

"Do I?"

I leaned down and whispered a word in his ear.

He thought about smiling. "You expect me to believe 'arousal' is in a word-a-day calendar?"

I shrugged my shoulders and gave a coy grin. "It could be."

"Maybe. It is a pretty good word." He pulled me into his arms and kissed me, soft at first then gradually building with some pretty intense passion. My toes tingled when we broke apart. And maybe some other fun places too. "Want to know a better one?"

I gave a nod as I felt his hand start travelling south.

His lips nipped at that favorite spot on my neck before brushing the shell of my ear. I gasped when he spoke.

"Wait," I said half-dazed. "Is that even in English?"

"No."

"Spanish?"

"Si."

I rolled my eyes. "But I don't speak Spanish."

He grinned. "Context clues, babe."