Chance Encounters
Chapter 36
oOoOo
I do a lot of my thinking while I swim, it's a great thinking space. I don't need to count my laps, I just check my timing with the big clock up on the patio every now and then. Swimming is so automatic, just like walking and running. I just power along, do my tumble turns at each end and keep going steady and strong. I must have been going a bit faster than usual. I decided to take a break. Swimming across the adjoining splash pool, I made my way up the steps and toweled myself dry. It was nice and quiet here, just the sounds of the birds in the trees and the lovely sound of the water cascading over the rocks at the far end of the splash pool. In a word, pleasant. Reclining on one of the loungers, I had a drink of water, contemplating these thoughts after I had been doing my laps. I continued with my reflections, sometimes chastising myself but not overthinking things either. I lay on my tummy, keeping in the shade of the sun shade parasol.
Now, where was I? Oh yes. Facepalm. "No shit, Sherlock!" At least I can laugh about that now.
You'd think I would have learned my lesson by now. No-oo. Thinking out loud has been a habit of mine, ever since I was a kid. It got me into trouble on a few occasions. I tend to verbalise or vocalise while I'm counting, even when I'm driving and thinking, or having a conversation in the mirror, you know, rehearsing a scenario. Anyway … That shit-eating grin on Ranger's face gave it away, and probably the hysterical laughter from the guys that erupted around me, saying such words out loud, to their boss. And he was being so sweet too, as I nudged him with my shoulder. I really was just muttering to myself, not meaning any malice towards him, it was just a reflection of my morning FTA memorable encounters, especially that fucking little arsonist. But it didn't stop there. It seems that I feel so relaxed in his presence that I drop my guard. Oh well. It is what it is. His smile lingered after that shit-eating grin. I was amusing him.
To my surprise Mary Lou and Lenny joined us after we had just enjoyed delicious pepperoni pizzas. So good. Mary Lou's reaction to the guys was quite funny and she blushed. All the guys knew each other, Lenny included, and when Ranger elucidated about having hired him for a plumbing contract, it all made sense. Mary Lou and Lenny were celebrating after having been to court with the successful case of embezzlement against two of their former staff members. Lenny explained what happened and how they had asked me to investigate. I was happy to sit there and hear their joy and be modest about my participation. That obviously wasn't enough for these guys. And then I did it again. Omigod.
Somehow Ranger's arm was behind my head. Nice. When did he do that? The looks of pride and admiration were good for my ego and it felt good with their compliments. "Full of surprises; not just beautiful but clever too," and then Ranger says softly, "Babe, so many hidden talents," with that warm smile. Sigh. He wins me every time with that. And what did I think?
"You have no idea of my hidden talents." Really. I was just thinking it. It was an immediate response. But no-oo. I voiced it, and he heard me. So did Hector. Apparently only within their earshot. That's how I knew, by Hector's reaction, that secret gleaming smile of his. I threw my head back, onto Ranger's bicep. Thunk! I looked into his dark, dark eyes. I couldn't take my eyes off him. "Now that's a challenge I'm really interested in. I aim to find out. That's my mission. You are truly special. We all see it. I see it. And, I really like what I see." His voice was deep and husky, sexy husky, a sexy husky bedroom voice. Wow! I was getting hot in all the right places. I was trapped, staring into his lusty eyes, mesmerised by his voice and his warm proximity. I was flummoxed. I had no comeback. Those first few words were on repeat in my mind and my heart was beating harder. I was sure he could hear it. I blew a few stray wispy curls off my forehead. Blushing, all I could muster was, "It's getting hot in here." I was set to self-combust spontaneously what with those dark eyes, those words and that sexy husky voice. And Mary Lou was smiling at my predicament, enjoying it.
Anyway, Cal asked me how had I accomplished this embezzlement investigation. Good diversion, Cal. Saved. I could see Ranger smiling at me, somehow being closer, thighs touching more closely. Oh boy. It took a bit to concentrate but I managed. I elaborated on my findings in more detail, following the money trail, their work history and those mysterious 42N8 files. Fortunately for me, I am so inquisitive. Mary Lou invited us all to celebrate with them, dinner and dancing that evening.
"Do you like to dance, Babe? Is that one of your … hidden talents?" and his wolf grin was focussed on me. Playful Ranger. Mm. Nice. Right. I was ready for him. I just smiled and licked my lips … oh yes, he liked that. I can play that game too Mister Smart and Sexy. So, I aced him back with, "Sure. Can you dance, Ranger?"
Lester's reaction was so funny as Ranger grinned at my sass. "Beautiful. We dance. We got moves you may not have seen, ever." Oh boy. Bring it on. I'm a lucky girl.
We agreed to meet at a Cuban restaurant, not in Trenton. Ranger offered to pick me up and was fishing since he didn't know where I lived, and suggesting it might be a date. When Hector quietly said, "from my place," followed by Shorty as well, implying where I lived, "and with me." They were all stunned. Whiplash! I enjoyed that unexpected reaction. I like being a bit mysterious and this was all working in my favour without being deliberate about it.
Explaining how this came about seemed the right cue to disclose some more information about how I came to these living arrangements with my guardians and protectors and how we purchased the four villas as a package deal.
Before we left, we sorted the medium FTA files, offering what background information I already had, and what Connie and I had discussed before they all entered the Bond's Office. It was really great doing this together as a team. I could see this had potential as a regular brainstorm session. They responded well to my input and allowed me to take the lead on these files since I had already perused them with Connie.
That finalised, Ranger was a bit put out when Hector said we'd meet there. I confirmed rather mischievously that it wasn't a date, just dinner and dancing and celebrating with friends. Ooh. That was another challenge for him, as I said, "So, you still owe me." And I knew I was in trouble as I quickly walked away. Yep, I was pulling the Tiger's tail, and enjoying it.
Dinner was so much fun with the new taste sensations. I know Ranger liked my dress and the new perfume. When he speaks so softly in my ear, I swear I could easily have turned into a puddle of goo. And another pair of panties bit the dust. He gets my heart racing with just a look, that smile and that voice. Ay-yai-yai. Feeling playful, I let him taste the margarita, but not from the glass. I swallowed and kissed him with a lot of tongue teasing so he could taste the salty tangy goodness. Yep. I definitely caught him off guard, and he loved it. I knew from that look, he was gonna get me back later. And he did. Empanadas. Oh yes. He is a devil and I love it.
That night the dancing was so wonderful. But Mr Handsome and Mysterious was playing games, while I danced happily with the Rangeman guys in turn as they were on my virtual dance card. I know he was watching, closely. Lester was right, they had the moves, but Ranger, Carlos, was clearly the best. Flirting and dancing with this man was doing all sorts of crazy things to my hormones. He knew how to make me feel so wonderful. He flirted just as much. I was so hot after our last set that I grabbed an ice cube to cool me down, sucking it. Well, that's how it started, but I had other hot spots, so I ran it across my lips, my neck and my chin. I offered him one since Ranger, Carlos, was watching me closely, so I ran another ice cube across his lips and his jaw and his chest and then swallowed it. He took my lips in a searing kiss, and wow. Yeah. Those lips. Mm-mm. My whole body was zinging. And then we did bachata, sexy sensual bachata. Oh boy. His moves were so, so, wow! And he stole some kisses when we were in close. Dancing with Carlos was so arousing. Oh my God! We got lost in the sensual moment. It wasn't sex on the dance floor, but ay-yai-yai … it was as close to it as was legally possible. I couldn't take my eyes off him, feeling his hard body in close, warm and strong, and hard. I know he was aroused, and Mamma-Mia! He was packing heat and I wasn't talking about his gun. Swooning here. I was reluctant to leave the warmth and closeness of his body. Sigh.
But then we had a much needed coffee and some tasty churros and then somehow, no surprise, I was lights out. What a day. I certainly had sweet dreams that night, and many more. I smiled as I rolled over languidly. Mm. Happy thoughts. Time to cool off with all those hot thoughts, so into the pool for some more laps.
Definitely needed to cool down as I recalled seeing Ranger here at The Den. Oh my, my, oh my. That man is so fine! I couldn't even keep a hold of my towel when Cal and I came out of the pool. There he stood, sexy as hell, Mr GQ of the Year, in his Armani suit. I think I dropped my towel, and my jaw, to see him so unexpectedly. Tiny and Cal were grinning at me. Corporate Armani Ranger was a good look.
Suddenly, the alarms went off indicating an intruder. Hector sent me to the safe room with Ranger. Oh boy.
I was in a bit of a funk going into the safe room, knowing this was for real. Ranger's presence was very reassuring and he helped so easily by taking my hand and pulling me onto his lap to watch the outside feed on the screen. It felt comfortable and I snuggled in. When he chuckled, my curiosity was piqued. He began to laugh, pointing at the screen, nodding his head at the same time hugging me tightly, that he recognised the intruder. He had tears in his eyes! I loved that sound, his chuckles and his laugh, making me smile and laugh with him as the intruder revealed his "weapons". It was so funny and cathartic. That and the tantalising kiss he laid on me. He got me again. That man, what he does to me. Mm-mm.
Code 3, at Rangeman HQ. What the fuck? I wasn't being held against my wishes, but Ranger and Hector recommended it was safer for me to be at Rangeman after some critical information was received ... about Ramirez and Gaspick. A serious threat. Yikes. The bonus was time with these gorgeous guys, my Merry Men. Hector took me on a scenic tour. Mm-mm. Seeing them working out in the gym was definitely a bonus. Hector teased me about enjoying the eye candy. But I wasn't prepared for the next onslaught on my ovaries, my heart and my eyes. Ay-yai-yai!
If I thought Rangeman-all-in-black Ranger was yummy, and Corporate-Armani Ranger … Omigod! Be still my heart. I was yet to see another side of this luscious man. Apparently, they went off into the night to "shake the hood". I said a little prayer to protect my Ranger and my Merry Men. Yes. I did say my Ranger. Next morning, they were back, pumped up and loud, and wow. Watching them all walk past me at the printer like a Homies Parade and Lester tapped my chin to close my mouth, smiling that sexy smile of his, saying, "Eh. Chica. You like bad boys. Si? Muy bonito,". I think I nodded as if I was in a trance.
Last of all, Bad-Boy-Homeboy Street Ranger came into my stunned zone. Street Ranger took advantage, caressing my cheek and his sexy expressive voice rumbled, "Eh, Bonita niña. Mi Querida." His hand tucked into my hair and pulled me close. He kissed me deeply with a toe-curling kiss, then twisted a wayward curl around his finger before tucking it behind my ear. His Cuban accent was more distinctive and super sexy. With a dazzling one hundred watt smile he swaggered away, saying, "Later, Babe."
I just about swooned … the sexy bad boy vibe, his sexy accented voice, his touch, that kiss, and talking Spanish. Oh. My. God! I was awestruck. The bandanna, those baggy pants and that tight tank top, flashing all that glorious mocha latte muscular skin had me checking my mouth for drool.
Hector followed and winked at me, snapping me out of my stupor. "Si, muy sexy," he said with a shit-eating grin. Then the door to the conference room closed. I had to sit down before my legs gave way. Cold water helped too. Hal winked at me. We had a meeting for a take-down with Vince, and we were taking Zero and Zip as back up.
When Ranger stood in the doorway as the Homies parade left the fifth floor, he hung from the door jamb, smirking at me, noticing how I appreciated the look and the pose. That man is so Sexy. Jeez. I hope I didn't blurt that out loud! No reaction, so I was safe, but it didn't matter. He knew what I was thinking as I licked my lips. He called me over. "I'm going upstairs to catch up on some sleep." He winked, his voice now had a husky timbre. "You could always join me, if you like," he whispered. He put his warm hand behind my neck and kissed me so tenderly closing the minimal space that was between us.
So tempting! But I politely declined, despite my traitorous hormones screaming madly at me, because we were just about to leave for our take-down and playfully said I'd take a raincheck. He just grinned at that, a wolfish grin. Oh, Stephanie, Stephanie. I am in so much trouble with this man. I kissed him back, nipping his bottom lip, saying, "Sweet dreams, Bad Boy." He laughed into the stairwell. Wow. I've got it bad for that man.
Because there was still a Code 3, they rotated a Vixen Watch between their shifts for the night security at The Den. Ranger was in the guest room and I had trouble sleeping, knowing he was there, so close by, just one room away. Going downstairs to make myself a mug of hot chocolate, I was surprised when Ranger came down the stairs to the kitchen as well. Omigod. He was drop-dead gorgeous, his hair all mussed up … so Sexy … again, Sexy with a capital S. Holy shit!
Bare-chested wearing only low-slung sweat pants, sleepy or sleepless Ranger had me captivated with that look. He smiled sweetly. "Nice jammies, Babe," he smirked as he removed my mug from the microwave, standing so close I could feel the heat radiate from his warm body. My mouth was malfunctioning as the messages from my addled brain demonstrated, as I offered him a hot chocolate, still admiring his chest and abs. "You know, you have excellent abs and pecs and I love biceps. Nice biceps." To save face, I quickly stuffed a couple of marshmallows in my mouth, while I amused him again. We leaned against the island benchtop, sipping quietly … I may have hummed a bit while sipping the chocolaty-marshmallow goodness whilst standing next this gorgeous chocolaty-mocha-latte Cuban sex god … when he gently took my mug from my hands and kissed my lips tenderly.
"Mmm … marshmallowy chocolate goodness," I mumbled contentedly. I really felt comfortable in his presence. Now the question is … was I referring to my hot drink, or to the hot chocolate mocha latte gorgeous man beside me? Well DUHH! Stupid question.
"Couldn't sleep, huh?" I shook my head. "Me neither," he smiled softly. I started to lean against him. He helped me upstairs to my bedroom and tucked me in. When I suggested that he might like to join me, he politely declined with a warm smile. "I'm guarding your body tonight. But I will take a raincheck, Babe." And he kissed my temple with a smile at his own payback with the raincheck. Score, one all.
Did I see a momentary hesitation before he smiled? Of course, he was on duty, Stephanie Watch. But his smile lingered and that led me into my slumber with my own smile. I certainly had sweet dreams that night.
I emerged from the pool feeling invigorated and I was smiling with my delectable reflections. Feeling good about my swim routine was secondary but it allowed me to reflect on the pleasant encounters with this gorgeous man who has taken the forefront in my thoughts, no longer just on a daily basis. He was on my mind, actively in my dreams. No hardship really there, now was it?
That was about the time when we decided to invite the Rangeman guys over for a barbecue cook out. I thought a nice relaxing poolside evening, with Ella and Luis as well, to say thank you for all their support with everything to date.
But, of course, things didn't go quite as planned …
oOoOo
TBC
What a dilemma for Steph, with all those lusty thoughts and reflections. Which of them is putting on the most pressure?
I'm sure you can guess where this recollection brings us.
