Disclaimer: The characters you recognize as J.E. are hers. Any other character is a figment of my imagination. Kallie and Raven are my own creation and I take credit for creating them.

Spoilers: Possibly any book from 1-18.

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Chapter 36: Restless

Julie's POV:

I couldn't sleep. I was restless with having to stay inside. The only one who seemed to understand how Kallie and I were feeling locked inside all day was Stephanie. I slipped out of bed and pulled on a pair of running shorts and a tank top. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and headed down to the gym. I needed to get rid of the excess energy. I set the treadmill and started out at a slow run. I had just gotten into my rhythm when I caught sight of Rambo out of the corner of my eye. He stepped over to the machine next to me and started his own run. By the time I was ready to climb off the machine, Rambo was finishing his own run. I noticed in the time it took me to run 5 miles he had doubled the distance on his machine.

Rambo stepped off his machine and asked if I wanted to join him for coffee. I shrugged but followed him as he led the way up to his apartment on 4. When he opened the door, I looked around and noticed it was a nice place even though it didn't hold a candle to the penthouse. Rambo told me to have a seat and he'd get the coffee going. I sat down and leaned my head back. Suddenly I felt hands gently massaging my neck and shoulders. I moaned in pleasure at the feel of his hands. When I opened my eyes a moment later to look up into his face, his eyes were dark with desire. I felt a matching desire wash over me. He leaned down and covered my mouth with his and the kiss he bestowed on me had me moaning and leaning closer to the pleasure he was creating in my body.

Just as it was getting good his phone rang. I was hoping he would ignore it but no such luck. He pulled away and answered his phone, "Hello?" From the way he paused and his eyes darted to me, I had a feeling it was my dad on the other end of the phone. His next words confirmed my suspicion. "I understand sir. No sir, I'll send her right up."

He disconnected the call and gave me a wry smile. "That was your dad. He wants me to send you upstairs now."

I grinned, "He just doesn't want me to have any fun." I stood and headed for the door. When I got to the door I turned and gave him my best sultry look and told him, "I guess you were saved by the ring of the phone." I licked my lips and continued, "See you soon big guy."

I quickly slipped out the door because the sudden look of lust told me if I didn't get out of there right away I wasn't getting out at all. I ran up the stairs to the apartment and when I walked in, dad was standing there with his arms folded across his chest. He raised an eyebrow when I walked in and he asked, "So what's going on between you and Rambo?"

I felt like a deer caught in headlights. Before I could say anything Stephanie walked in. She smiled and said, "Well you two sure are up early."

Dad didn't take his eyes off me as he reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist. She leaned her head on his shoulder. I sighed and rolled my eyes. Stephanie laughed and I gave her a puzzled look. She shook her head and said, "I've corrupted you and Kallie. You both have the eye roll down pat."

I grinned because I realized she was right and Kallie and I did indeed have her eye roll down to a science. I turned to head to my room thinking I might have escaped but no luck. Dad's next words once again stopped me in my tracks, "You still haven't answered my question. What's between you and Rambo?"

I shrugged, "Nothing really, we're just getting to know each other."

"I've already told the men they aren't to fraternize with you and Kallie."

I frowned. My gaze went from him to Stephanie and then back, "Gee dad, I appreciate you looking out for us, but I think Kallie and I are old enough to make those decisions for ourselves."

Stephanie looked up into dad's face and said, "Julie's right Ranger. You can't stop them from getting involved with someone because they work for you. Besides, who better to watch out for the girls than one of your own men?"

Dad frowned and his eyes narrowed. "All right you two, I know when I'm outnumbered." He sighed and kissed Steph on the lips.

While he was otherwise occupied I headed into my room and headed for the shower. I had just dressed for the day and was getting ready to head to the kitchen when my phone rang. I answered it and smiled as I recognized Rambo's voice. He asked if I wanted to have dinner with him and I told him I would love to. When he ended the call I made my way out to the kitchen and was surprised to see Kallie dressed and waiting for me. She gave me a knowing grin and said, "He knocks your socks off when he kisses you doesn't he?"

We both burst out laughing.