For Fortune and Love
Chapter Fourteen
The next morning, I went out to my car and discovered someone had spray painted it. Mainly musing along the lines of me naked and eventually dead. I briefly thought about calling the police but I knew there wasn't anything they could do. Probably, I'd have to explain to Ranger why my car was a walking pornography bill board. I'd have to confess about the stalker. He would be mad that I hadn't mentioned it earlier. In my defense, if he had bothered to show up yesterday, I would have told him. I was good at rationalizing things.
I was still angry. It was like nothing had happened between us. I figured two could play that game. I drove to the spa at 10 AM and was greeted by a scary looking Russian woman.
Three hours later I emerged from the spa. I had a gel manicure and pedicure and two distinct eyebrows. A keratin treatment had left my usually unruly hair smooth and silky, and my hair had been cut into long layers with just the right amount of fringe around my face. Subtle caramel highlights completed the look. I also resembled a hairless chihuahua. Every inch of my body had been waxed including down there. I had to admit it wasn't entirely an unpleasant feeling, but it made me feel a little slutty in a good way. I tried the idea of sexy Stephanie with her manicured lady parts on for size.
As I drove towards RangeMan, I couldn't help but wonder if this is how Ranger liked his women. Perfect hair, perfect nails, perfect landscaping.
I fobbed my way into the RangeMan garage and picked the farthest spot away in the garage hoping nobody would notice the obscenities on my car. I went up to Ranger's apartment and let myself in. Someone had laid out clothes for me to wear including an elegant high neck hot pink jumpsuit with a roll collar and sophisticated palazzo legs. I assumed the rest of my things had already been transported to the plane. We were flying on a private charter. Ranger almost never flew commercial. Something about guns and explosive bomb residue. Those TSA guys were real sticklers.
I took the clothes into Ranger's bathroom and changed out of my jeans, t-shirt and boots. The clothes were classy, beautifully tailored and definitely not me. When I opened the door, Tank was waiting for me. I was irrationally disappointed it wasn't Ranger. I slipped the Chanel sunglasses on and left with Tank. Neither of us spoke on the ride to the airport.
I climbed on the plane and buckled in. Still no sign of Ranger. I wondered how it would be between us. Would the walls be back up? Would they be higher and thicker?
I saw a black SUV arrive. Ranger got out. He stole my breath away. Ranger was magnificent in cargo pants and a t-shirt. Today Ranger was in perfectly tailored slacks and a dark blue polo shirt. He had dark aviator sunglasses on and he was pure perfection. His movements were always a combination of power and grace. He boarded the plane and his gaze settled on me.
Several RangeMan employees were on board so I didn't expect I'd get more than a cursory greeting. Ranger wasn't demonstrative in front of his men. Today he surprised me and stalked straight to me put his hand behind my neck and pulled me to him and kissed me lightly on the mouth. "You're late" I breathed. "You're beautiful" he replied and sat down and buckled in next to me "But you should probably explain your car".
Ranger was grim faced while I explained the pictures and notes. He was concerned that it was escalating, and I knew he was right. I was afraid it was more serious than I originally thought. I knew Ranger would look into it and that made me feel better. Besides I was going to Miami. I'd be far away from Trenton. Maybe the guy would find someone else to stalk.