Chance Encounters

Chapter 50

oOoOo

Stephanie's POV

We didn't really go overboard, much … but, you know, once we started, one thing led to another. The initial plans were unanimously agreed upon. However, in the process of ordering and purchasing the items, we probably did get a bit carried away … just a tad. We had to leave room for us and our guests! The deliveries arrived promptly during the week, and half the fun was unwrapping them, then storing them in my garage, next to one of Carlos' vehicles. Who thought that these big guys, the Den family team, plus a few extra Rangeman volunteers, would be so much fun for an occasion like this? They were just like big kids. For one thing, reaching the high spots for the lights and decorations was so much easier. Who needs a ladder when you have tall strong men like these guys?

Tiny conceded, "You know, it has been such a long time since I was part of a celebration like this. Our neighbourhood was very Italian, so we maintained the Catholic traditions with All Saints and All Souls Day. Carnivale, however, leading up to Easter was that special time for us as kids to dress up. Parish parades were the go and then the feasting after Lent. It's only since I was an adult that we switched to this one and absorbed the new traditions into our culture. But then I was already on overseas deployments."

"Yes, in Italy, it was all Catholic. It was after my fifth deployment that I really experienced my first celebration properly here in the States," Shorty admitted pensively.

"Si, same for us. But we always did el Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. We soon adopted what mainstream America celebrated," Hector added.

"Besides, like Shorty and Tiny said, many of us were already on our next deployment. But we did have fun as little kids."

Cal looked at me.

"It was BIG in my family. We were Italian-Hungarian in our heritage. But yeah, the Catholic traditions were abided. I loved the build up and helping prepare the pumpkins. Definitely my favourite time of year and Grandma and I always dressed up, waiting for the kids to come knocking at the door. My mother and Grandma spent days cooking and preparing. It was probably the only time my mother was kind of nice to me. I still love it."

They all nodded thoughtfully, not feeling deprived, but really looking forward to this evening's celebrations.

It felt like my birthday all over again. We were really pleased with the finished result and had lots of little white lights, and the larger party lights and paper lanterns to add to the ambience for when evening would approach to see how it looked for the upcoming big day. After finishing the outside lighting, we cleaned up and then had some lunch. After all that was when I sought out my favourite outside spot.

I sighed. There's a certain peace and tranquillity that washes over me with the trickling waterfall sounds. Besides, this spot is protected from the cool Autumn breeze while the sun still shone brightly, in brief glimpses between the clouds. It was forecast to be clear yet cool nights for the next couple of days. We had the standing heaters at the ready. Perfect for tonight's celebrations.

Stretching languidly, I decided that lying here, resting for a bit in the sunny warmth on one of the padded poolside loungers, was a really fine idea. I sighed, a contented sigh. Ahh, yes. Heavenly … It was a perfect thinking space for me, other than on our bed upstairs in my usual thinking position, which brings lusciously wonderful, distracting thoughts to mind of Carlos and I, in bed together. With that thought alone it brings an immediate blush to my body, just thinking about this morning's wake up call. Ohh … The things that man does to my body, my mind, and right through to my soul, are sinfully delicious. Yes, delicious, and, sometimes there is actual food involved. I chuckle to myself. Another more than satisfied smile with a sigh. Lucky me. His warm body, so strong, muscular and virile, his intense, warm, chocolatey brown eyes, his warm hands, and fingers, his mouth with those luscious lips … oh … and his tongue. Mmm-mmm. Oh boy! Fanning myself. I chuckle to myself, very quietly, as this thought comes to the fore – "I licked him, so he's mine!" Yes, he's all mine, forever.

But, I digress.

Rainchecks and punishments were thrilling and fun aspects of our rapidly escalating romance. Even from before, when Carlos followed me up the stairs, saying he was collecting on that first raincheck, we knew it was going to be something special. His husky, sexy voice sent a frisson of excitement throughout my body. Okay. Who am I kidding? We both knew it was going to be quite incredible. Either it had to happen soon or I was going to self-combust spontaneously, never mind where I was. From just those special touches, being close, and that look when his eyes got that deep, intense lusty look, I knew we were meant to be. I knew he was ready too, beyond ready.

That initial chance encounter demonstrated that totally. Since then, we had kissed and made out … man, could he kiss! And we had danced, danced sensually, and those were promises of really wonderful things to come. Sizzling is an understatement. I swoon at the thought of how Carlos makes me feel, my skin all a-tingle and that need and Desire, with a capital D. We really only had one date, which was not complete … poor Manny. It really wasn't his fault that he got shot. But we made sure to have together time. And we have since made up for lost time, many times. I think we barely slept that first night, except to re-hydrate and get some energy food, and shower, together, you know, to save water. Perhaps a power nap. Did I tell you? Carlos is really good in the shower. I think I have had more orgasms with this man of mine in the first couple of weeks than in my entire adult life. He completes me. He makes me soar, so I can fly.

Our first time was slow and scintillatingly sensual, despite my obvious distress and frequent requests, alright, demands, for fast and furious. He chuckled at me! But, oh, the agony and the absolute ecstasy, was so worth it. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't being impatient, but oh my God, that man is so, so sexy and I wanted him inside me pronto. But no-o. He wanted to explore, with his hands, those fingers, his mouth and his tongue. Okay, explore was good, better than good, sensational. Multiple orgasms was a huge revelation for me. He played my body. I didn't know I had it in me, but he knew I had that potential. My body was positively vibrating with lust and pent up energy, poised to explode, but he skilfully kept me on the edge of that final all-consuming glorious precipice. Carlos could make me lose myself to the point of delirium, but his self-control was unbelievable. So, of course, after that night, I made it my mission to snap that control, just some of the time. We were playful in the bedroom, or wherever the location was. He is a generous lover and he has such stamina. Wow! It was like he knew my body already and where to touch and kiss, making me weak at the knees to the point of almost forgetting my name. We talk, and smile and laugh during our love-making. It goes beyond sex … way beyond. Sigh …

Of course, I was no slouch and I was making sure on collecting on my rainchecks. One time I casually strolled into his office, leaned against the closed door as I slowly and deliberately locked it, and watched him. I was just wearing my standard Rangeman uniform, black on black. He was busy on his laptop when he suddenly looked up and saw me staring lustfully at him, slowly licking my lips.

"I'm collecting on my raincheck, Carlos," I said in a sexy, husky voice, trilling that R in the manner that he likes so much, skimming my hands slowly over my breasts.

In an instant he stopped everything and a gorgeous, wolf grin replaced that split-second surprise at my declaration, watching my hands. I stalked over towards him, holding his eyes captive as he quickly stood giving me a sinful look as if I was prey. But, he was my prey. I was the predator, and he loved that.

"I'm all hot and bothered, and I need some release. Not the sort of release that could possibly relieve this sort of tension in the gym," as I nibbled my bottom lip, "I want you, Carlos. I need you. Now." I purred lustily, as I ran my hands slowly and deliberately over his chest, pinching and twisting his nipples, and down along his taut rippling abs, and to his sides and his muscular back, making him groan as I grazed my nails over his skin.

His eyes blazed darkly. I stood in front of him, now no longer touching, completely in his personal space, forcing him to look down into my eyes. I know he loves my blue eyes. He tells me that practically every day. I took his face in both hands, pulling him down to me, kissing those sumptuous lips with a deep penetrating kiss, nipping his bottom lip to press my point. His eyes darted swiftly around the room before slowly walking me backwards until I was up against the wall, sandwiched between his hard, hot body and said wall, kissing me all the way. His lips caressed my neck and across my collarbone to the other side until he found my lips again. I loved how he made me feel. And, much to my delight, it was fast and furious and hot. Just what I needed.

He grinned at me once we both caught our breath, him still holding me up, leaning into me, forehead to forehead, with sweet little kisses to my face and neck. I slowly released my thighs from his hips but still held on tight. I didn't think my legs were ready just yet and he knew that.

"You can collect any time you feel that kind of need for release and that sort of tension to be relieved, Babe," slowly easing me down until I was steady on my own two feet.

He grabbed two water bottles and we cleaned up and composed ourselves as we recovered from our flashpoint of passion. I tidied up my hair, and his, which was all mussed up … such a sexy look. I hummed in approval with a wink. Pulling up our pants, upon locating my bra and t-shirt, checking zips and buttons and that my clothes were sitting all right in the appropriate places, together we walked out of his office to the break room for some sustenance, holding hands all the way. Carlos was a professional man and wasn't into PDAs at work. But, at the Den? Now that's a different matter.

I smiled contentedly at that delightful flashback. I had promised him punishment, at his question …

"You, Carlos Manoso, are a bad boy." And his response? … "Does that mean I have to be punished?"

And, that's how it started. Well, he had essentially volunteered to be punished, but that is a moot point. Ta-may-to, to-mah-to. However, before the morning was out, he had counter-promised punishment for me. I couldn't stop smiling. Being able to focus on my work and searches from then onwards was almost pointless.

Sadly, they both had to be put on hold, to be rescheduled, not forgotten, oh no. Just temporarily postponed. So, essentially, another raincheck! And, what was his punishment for? Hell, I don't remember anymore, but just remembering that Punishment was on the agenda was enough, nothing more needed to be said. I think there was a lot of delicious, edible, warmed up oil involved. Punishment delayed was a bit like denying gratification, as we teased each other at every opportunity. But, in all seriousness, the lockdown deferred the call for punishment, definitely not forgotten. But, then again, it was a mighty fine diversion when we were alone in bed. Yes, despite the lockdown, our nights were still about being together, embracing our love for one another. Going to bed together and waking up with his warm body beside me, whether up on seven or here at the Den, was wonderful.

Being playful in our banter, we actively sought opportunities to create punishment scenarios. The mischievous manner in which we indulged ourselves was something once again I had never experienced before with any lover or sexual partner. Let's face it. I had won the Magical Super Sex Lottery. Carlos was Magic. Blindfolds, a tie or two, a single feather, were simple props. He did say he could ruin me for all other men. And then conceded, that I had ruined him for all other women. I grinned at that declaration. It was such a candid confession. I'm sure he had a lot more experience in sexual encounters, more than me, but it was nice to know. Sure, I'll admit it, I felt rather smug with that. It was mutual.

"I don't need handcuffs to enslave a woman," he'd whispered to me with a voice that was deep and husky sending a frisson of excitement throughout my body zinging southward. More than a subtle thrill. Another promise.

"Bring it on, Carlos," I declared brazenly.

I found myself thrown over his shoulder and carted upstairs very hastily, lest I changed my mind. Pfft. Who was I kidding? His ability to enslave me was demonstrated in so many wonderful ways.

Another asset, was yoga. Carlos definitely liked my yoga finesse and the flexibility it afforded which of course led to some creative … positions. Whoo! Fanning myself again! Aye-yai-yai!

There was no red room of pain, but we indulged a number of fantasies, and role play made it all the more pleasurable and sex-citing. Ice cubes and some chilled fruit and a can of squirty cream was always fun. "Let's have dessert," was a new euphemism. Sigh and I could feel myself blushing again as I recalled Carlos declaring his favourite dessert was pie. Phew. Is it hot out here? See what I mean?

"Babe." I jumped, more like levitated. He has a habit of sneaking up on me.

"I see that smile and you are blushing," he teased as he leaned over me to kiss me deeply. "You look so very contented lying there. Happy thoughts? Hmm? Care to share?"

Staring intently at me, his eyebrow quirked up inquisitively, and so cockily. He knew exactly what was going on inside my mind.

He had his playful grin. There are so many aspects to this man, but Playful Flirty Carlos was fast becoming my favourite. But I did so love Sexy Ranger, and slick Corporate Armani Ranger. Madre Dios! Oh, let's not forget Street Ranger from the Homeboy Parade. He exuded bad boy vibes which made him all the more desirable, especially with just a lusty look. Phew! Those eyes. Rangeman Ranger in those tight, black painted on t-shirts, showing every muscular plane of his sinful body, was oh so yummy. He was the first Ranger I met. Oh my God! Sweaty Workout Ranger was a wickedly awesome sight, his rippling muscles glistening with sweat, removing his tank top. Oh, and let's not forget Dripping-Wet-From-the-Pool Ranger, mmm, yummy. Again, I digress as I checked the corner of my mouth for drool.

"Earth to Babe? I think I lost you there for a bit," he chuckled knowingly.

"How did you know where I was?"

Okay, so I deflected, with a coy grin.

"I heard you humming. And you were also squirming. And there was some moaning too, and sighing."

I licked my lips and he growled, kissing me again.

"Hold that thought. I think I have to action on that this evening. Were you thinking about having … extra dessert?"

The shit-eating grin on his face told me he knew exactly what I was thinking. I smiled coyly.

"You are so in trouble, woman!"

"Oh yesss!"

"Dessert before the main course?" he nudged me with a sexy wink.

"You're a man after my heart, Carlos."

"I will treasure it forever. Later, Babe."

Then he took off with Manny and Hector, both of whom were grinning at me, for the final pick up for this evening's family event. I blew a wispy curl off my forehead. They chuckled and winked in departure.

In the midst of all the drama and lockdowns, my birthday had escaped the attention of the Rangeman guys, except for Carlos. My mind was distracted by all the drama. He really surprised me and, to be honest, with all the excitement and distractions, I had almost forgotten as well. And, that was when he proposed to me, on my birthday, catching me completely unawares.

It was so romantic, and totally unexpected. A quiet, peaceful evening, after a busy day of setting up some other lighting, enjoying the lovely big bathtub, soaking up the bubbles and relaxing after our extra playful bedroom capers. Carlos had lit all the votive candles around the bathroom, and dimmed the lights, so it was full of golden ambience. After sponge washing me leisurely, he gently massaged my feet, my legs, my shoulders, my back and head. I was absolutely sated, feeling like a blob of jelly, quivering in delight, but blissfully relaxed. It wasn't sexual, but tender and loving, and oh so sensual. He pulled me towards him so I was straddled across his lap, arranging my limp limbs snugly around him, hands holding my face with such a warm look in his eyes. He kissed me chastely and oh so reverently.

Reaching over to the side table beside the bath, he refilled our champagne glasses and clinked them again.

"Happy Birthday, Stephanie Michelle," which had me smiling broadly.

Just the week before all the dramas, we had gone to the courts to lodge my new name by Deed Poll. So now, I was no longer a Plum, just Stephanie Michelle. It was processed promptly and the Justice of the Peace, who coincidentally, was aware of my family history, had no hesitation in endorsing it with his official seal of approval. And, it felt damned right and good. Stephanie Michelle. Yes.

It appears, that at the same time, Carlos had collected all the paperwork for a marriage licence.

"To us," he said softly, bringing me back to the present, and I echoed, "to us."

We sipped, holding each other's eyes captive. But Carlos had another surprise up his sleeve, or wet bubble-clad arm, in this case. Placing both our glasses on the little side table he gave me a sweet adoring look. His voice softened and his hand caressed my face lightly.

"Since you walked into my life so unexpectedly and memorably, I cannot imagine a future without you in it, with you as my other half. You complete me, Stephanie, heart and soul. Will you do me the honour of allowing me to be your husband? And in turn honouring me with wanting to be my wife?"

My eyes glistened and I saw the raw emotion in his eyes as the candles caught the moisture in his eyes, as I am sure they did in mine. I was totally overwhelmed and without hesitation, I was nodding my head.

"Yes, Carlos. I would be most honoured to have you as my husband, and, unequivocally, it would be an honour to be your wife. My life also has become so much more with you, and more so with each and every day. You have already captured my heart and soul. You have made this the most memorable birthday ever."

His smile was beyond a thousand watts as he presented a velvet box before me, his eyes sparkling with mischief in the candlelight. Opening it revealed a beautiful pear-shaped diamond ring, surrounded by a double halo of smaller round diamonds. It was framed by blue sapphires rimming the halo. It was so beautiful with a triple band of smaller diamonds down the shoulders. It was absolutely stunning, accentuated even more so as it sparkled in the candlelight.

"Here, look. Beneath the bezel of the centre stone, are two sapphires. I especially liked this as they symbolise faithfulness and everlasting love. They remind me of your beautiful eyes, when you are in the throes of passion. The sapphires are a signature aspect to the designer, and, once I discovered that, I couldn't resist what it means to us."

He kissed my finger as he slipped it into place. It was amazing. He kissed my ring and then kissed me, so sweetly and full of emotion. I was speechless and so stunned, not just by the ring, but the proposal which surpassed my birthday.

Since the water had cooled, he lifted me up easily, and after drying off he carried me to our bed where we made sweet sensual love which brought me to tears of joy. We were both emotional, then rested for some of the night, until we craved one another again. And again.

We decided to keep it secret for the time being, not wanting to steal the limelight from Hector and Manny. It was almost a week after Hector and Manny had their wedding, neither of us realising that we four were on the same page. Hector and Manny did not mind. Manny conceded that they guessed we would not be far behind, even betting one another that it would be soon, blaming it on the Power of the Den.

I smiled at that wonderfully blissful memory.

"Babe," Carlos whispered huskily, causing me to shriek in surprise.

"How is it that you can approach so soundlessly."

"Mmm," he grinned mischievously, "it's the hunter, the ultimate predator in me, and I have captured my prey!"

With that, in one strong, smooth move, he effortlessly lifted me up, throwing me over his shoulder and raced inside and up the stairs to claim his prize. Oh! Lucky me!

oOoOo

TBC

There you go. A nice long chapter to whet your appetite. Almost at the end.

I'm sure you can guess the celebration from the not so subtle clues. Enjoy.

Next chapter, some more revelations.

TTFN … Ta Ta For Now.