A/N: This story was born out of a really silly thought and has been laying around on my hard drive unfinished for the longest time. Finally I finished it. I'm trying to clear up my hard drive and finish a lot of these unfinished oneshots on it for once. I hope you enjoy it :)
Sitting at my kitchen counter, staring at the piece of paper I received monthly from my credit card company. My monthly bill, which seemed excessively high. Well, compared to previous months anyway.
Going through the charges, I noticed the same name reappearing over and over again, making it all of a sudden very clear what the issue was.
For a moment I thought someone must have gotten hold of my details and went on a wild shopping spree - well, at one shop and repeatedly over the course of days - until I realized the one on the spree had been me. As of late, Victoria's Secret had become one of my most stable daily visits. It wasn't necessarily their exhibits of frills and lace and silk and flouncy fabrics that kept me coming back. Nope.
Rather it was the fact that I seemed as of late to be running low on underwear in general. To be blamed for that circumstance was one single person. Ricardo Carlos Manos, aka Ranger. For the longest time we had an odd sort of relationship, being good friends and occasional lovers and always walking a rather thin line in regard of defining what exactly it was that we did or had. To make matters even more complicated I had also been going back and forth with Joseph Morelli, who had been an on-again, off-again boyfriend for years. Eventually both of us decided that this wasn't working out in the end and we called it quits
Ranger being an opportunist - his words not mine - seemed to have realized something along the way, since my definite splitt with Morelli set him into motion of ending our undefined relationship and moving it into very, very defined territory. While still in the early stages and probably still far away from any lifelong commitment - not that I was really looking for one to be honest - we had been going very steady for the past few weeks. There never had been really a debate or discussion of what exactly it is that we were. We just...were it - whatever it was.
It goes pretty much without saying that Ranger had always been a rather passionate as well as generous lover and that didn't change just because we moved out of the casual thing and into non-casual. If anything, it just intensified. And that sort of brought me back to my initial dilemma I was facing. I loved that guy somewhat fiercely - and yes, we weren't defining us so speaking of love was not boding too well, but it also wasn't big news to me anyway. I'm almost certain I loved Ranger from the moment we met. And I loved everything about him, especially the sex - who wouldn't? But the fact that I went through panties - and sometimes even bras - like hell made me face a rather high credit card bill as I just noticed.
But this was a problem that could easily be fixed. By Ranger. Seeing he was the one responsible for it the most, he should also be the one footing the bill. After all it wasn't like I insisted on him ripping my underwear off me or being so in the moment that he seemed to forget almost everything that was in his way to the destination: satisfaction, his and mine.
One could argue now that instead of emptying the shelves at Victoria's Secret, I could also just browse at Walmart or Target, seeing that my underwear would most likely not survive long and therefore it shouldn't matter. But somehow I was too vain to show up at our rendezvous' in simple cotton granny panties. And yes, Walmart and Target did sell not only that kind of stuff. But somehow, Victoria's undies did miracles on your self-esteem. And Carlos Manoso did the rest.
The longer I thought about it, the more sense my idea made. As mentioned before, he did the main part of ruining my panties. I would at least be able to get out of them in one piece instead of ripping them off if given the time. Also, another factor that could be listed under reasons he should foot the bill was simply the fact that out of the two of us he had way more money. While I certainly wasn't dating him because of his monetary situation, it did help and make sometimes things a little easier. And he definitely could spare a few hundred bucks a month on my lingerie, seeing he was getting the most out of it.
Of course the argument that in the end both of us profited from it was without doubt valid, but I figured I had paid the last few times and now it was time for Mr. Manoso to raise to the occasion. Somehow, I had no issues seeing him actually stepping in and really raising up to the challenge. There were several options of how this could play out. Of course he could just laugh and call me insane, or ridiculous or crazy for all the wrong reasons, pushing me out the door and declaring that this wasn't his issue. While that was a real possibility it was very unlikely to happen. Ranger was always very correct and into equality concerning everything. And everything would most likely include split bills at worst, or him taking over everything. More likely to happen was him issuing me a company credit card simply for the purpose of going shopping. Or, another very likely possibility, him accompanying me on every of these sprees and giving me valuable feedback. Well, valuable in his opinion anyway. None of that really worried or scared me, but it left me all with the question to how to approach it.
While Ranger wasn't like most men and actually listened to things I said, making unbeknownst a note somewhere on his mind to remember at a later stage. So, me just going to him and complaining was feeling odd. I certainly wasn't one of these women that just hit heavily on a topic, hoping her guy would catch on, but stating facts straight out wasn't really feeling right either.
And then inspiration struck me. I knew he had been complaining once or twice in the past few days about budget meetings and finance negotiations coming up, so… perfect timing to present him with a very different take on budgeting.
I opened up my laptop and researched a few things, making notes off what seemed useful and got to work about half an hour after I had started my research. It took me about an hour to get done what I wanted to accomplish and decided I only needed to get the man himself.
Calling under falls pretences I reached Lester within seconds, who informed me that Ranger was stuck with surveillance on a rather high bond case and wouldn't be around for the next few hours.
"I feel like a movie night," I declared after his lengthy explanation which contained way too many details for my taste.
"And how can I help you with that?" Lester asked amused and with a laugh.
"Well, Carlos isn't around and you picked up. I'll bring the beer when you provide the popcorn?" I suggested and knew I was winning before I even started. Lester was a sucker for movie nights, always complaining he had way too little chance of doing them.
"You got yourself a deal. I'm certain we can find something on Netflix to appeal both our likings," he said and I rolled my eyes. Lester's taste in movies and mine was almost a perfect match. The chance that we'd find something within two seconds was very realistic.
"Great, I'll start my way over to Haywood now and meet you at your apartment," I suggested and was out the door a minute later.
Parking at Haywood about twenty minutes after I had started out on my journey, I made my way to the fifth floor, finding Carlos' office and booted up his computer quickly. When one of the Merry Men had given me a slightly curious look, I had just mentioned that I had left something at his office a few days ago and it seemed that was enough of an explanation. It wasn't completely unusual either, seeing that all of them knew we were dating by now and I was in and out of Carlos office all the time, though usually when he was actually in himself. But, no one asked and everyone seemed to be perfectly fine with my explanation, so I wasn't complaining.
I logged into his computer, using his credentials he had given me at one point or another in the past – though for obviously different reasons than what I was about to do – and found his program that kept his appointments in neat order, looking for the perfect day to use. Wednesday – which was two days from now – seemed to be wide open, so I created an appointment under the ominous name of S.P. LLC and the subcategory of Budgeting and hit the save button. A few seconds later I shut down his computer and made my way to find Lester.
Two days later I found myself in a conference room, waiting for Carlos to arrive. I was surprised when no one actually had stopped me and asked what I was doing, sitting in a conference room as well as that Carlos hadn't come right away the moment I set foot into RangeMan, being surely notified about my arrival and curious what I was up to. I had dressed in my best suit – and also only one pretty much – and sat down in one of the chairs, laying out a few papers in front of me.
At ten on the dot my man walked into the conference room and stopped right at the door, seeming confused or surprised or maybe even both. Sure, he definitely wasn't expecting me. If the tables had been turned I'd probably be as surprised walking into a conference room for a meeting and seeing him.
"Mr. Manoso," I said formally, getting up from my chair right by the windowfront. "I'm your ten o'clock."
For the fraction of a second, I could see his facial muscles move, probably about to greet me with his usual Babe – which could have a lot of meanings – but stopping himself and surprising me for a moment when he shifted in Corporate!Ranger. He loosened the button of his suit jacket and I found myself wondering what it would take for him to continue with the buttons on his dress shirt? I was a sucker for Carlos in a suit and usually made not even an attempt at hiding it. Unfortunately, I wasn't treated as often as I'd have liked to the image of Carlos in a suit.
"I seem to have forgotten about the purpose of this meeting, Mrs. Plum, so if maybe you could remind me again?" he suggested a moment later and surprised me again when he seemed to be definitely into playing along with whatever my odd mind had conjured up. He pulled out a chair opposite me at the table and sat down after I had lowered myself to my own chair. Without much further ado, I went straight into my issue.
"While I previously have enjoyed our collaborations very much, it came to my attention recently that I'm at a slightly financial disadvantage and our meeting was called upon to fix that disadvantage and to mediate more favourable terms which suit us both."
I could see him thinking and almost wrecking his brain, trying to figure out what the hell I could be talking about. Before I could however say anything, explaining things further he talked.
"I seem to remember that so far the tab for all our get-togethers had always been picked up my me, so I'm not sure what you could possibly be talking about when stating a financial disadvantage. So I might need more clarification on the situation, Ms. Plum."
I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face for a second. This was somehow just too much fun. And I couldn't even explain why.
I pushed an envelop across the table to where he was sitting, seeing him open it and taking out the papers I had put in. Studying the papers, his eyebrows raised with each passing second.
"What's that?" he asked confused and also seeming very amused.
"A bill," I just explained, finding my design rather impressive. And very official looking. I made a logo and came up with a small slogan which made the bill I had slipped towards him look authentic as hell.
"I can see that. It states here Stephanie Plum Entertainment LLC."
"That's me, sort of," I tried explaining dumbly. Obviously it was me.
"Interesting that it's made out to me personally and not RangeMan itself," he noted, skipping through several pages. Had I mentioned I had been very thorough?
"Well, in this very specific instance you are the client and not RangeMan. So, it seemed appropriate."
I watched him thump through the pages, flipping back and forth and seeming more and more amused the longer he stared at it.
"Also, for accuracy reasons, I included dated credit card statements supporting my claim as well as photographic proof, which of course can also be provided with the actual evidence at request."
"Are you certain this is a budget meeting, Mrs. Plum, and not a preliminary hearing?" he asked, almost grinning and I tried to remain serious.
"This is about outstanding payments and also a negotiation of how to deal with future monetary imbalance when it comes to the issue again. Consider this a debate about service rendered by me and utilized by you."
"Services rendered? Babe, that makes you sound like a prostitute and me like I actually pay for sex," he said, sounding somewhat amused.
I let his remark sink in for a second and for whatever reason decided on only one appropriate answer.
"I'm certain we both know that if I was a prostitute, I'd be a high end one," I suggested and wanted to hit my head on the table a second later. Seriously? Out of all the possible things I could have said that had seemed the best choice? Some days I questioned my own sanity.
"And worth every cent," he chipped in amused and also serious. For that alone I wanted to kick his leg under the table. Instead, I hit the table leg and hurt myself in the process.
"Anyway, back to the issue," I went on, rubbing my hurting leg, trying to get this conversation back on track.
"Ms. Plum, I can guarantee you that I take your concern serious and value our business relations. How would you propose we were to handle this in the future?" he asked serious and I was surprised he went there that quickly. I would have expected a longer banter back and forth, filled with plenty if inuendo and suggestions.
Thinking about his question I had to realize that I actually hadn't really thought about the answer. It wasn't like I hadn't thought about it all, but somehow, I hadn't expected him to ask about my suggestions. I had assumed he'd just state his preferred idea and that was that.
"Well," I started, thinking about options for a while. "Shared costs in equal parts could be one suggestion. Or a flat rate monthly payment – though that might actually restrict options and your enthusiasm."
"I'm afraid anything that might restrict my enthusiasm won't work. Unless we of course start with a high flat rate and use whatever is left additional options."
I wasn't entirely sure what he meant with additional options but had a rough idea and felt blush creep up my neck. My assumption of course could be wrong. But I knew the guy sitting in front of him. When it concerned his enthusiasm and was related to sex it seemed the sky was the limit.
"There of course is another way to go about this and provide an appropriate solution," he suggested and I was curious what his suggestion would amount to now.
"You have my attention," I replied, seeing him grin at me. That had me even more worried.
"You could just solve the entire… issue, by simply foregoing the offending fabric. Come to think of it, that would also affect time."
Before I could reply I let out a loud bark of laughter, not even having spent a thought on that possibility. Of course, it was more than just to be expected, seeing that going commando was Carlos' favourite practice.
"Somehow I have this image of your productivity dropping significantly if that was to happen, Mr. Manoso," I suggested with a wide smile, knowing I was right. Ranger liked to pride himself with the fact that he was hardworking and barely ever got distracted. But I had it on very good authority that there were very few things that could very effectively distract him. And all of them surprisingly evolved around me.
"It seems we are at a standstill, Ms. Plum."
"That it does," I agreed with a soft smile.
"Of course, we could also just make sure I get debited directly, taking away the distress this situation is most likely causing you."
"And how would you suggest we take care of the debiting?" I asked, being certain that if he put his mind to it, Carlos would actually find a way. And judging by his amused expression and raised eyebrow at me, he knew as well. All that was missing was Babe.
I watched him go through the papers once more, looking at single sheet carefully before looking up at me with a smie.
"You know these are some very high numbers," Carlos stated after having thumped through the papers once more. "I might need to see actual evidence of this numbers being correct. A proof of said purchased seems only fair. Not that I would ever accuse you of lying. But, we both need to make sure we get our money's worth and it all remains fair for every party involved."
I saw the gleam in his eyes which accompanied his grin and decided to blindside him for a second. I looked at the frosted glass front behind him, shielding this conference room hopefully from preying eyes and got up, replying his grin with one of my own. I unbuttoned my suit pants and pushed the fabric down until my underwear was very much in display. Judging by the expression on Carlos' face he had not expected this whatsoever and I grinned to myself, happy that for once I managed to get the upper hand of Mr Cool as a cucumber.
"Look all you want," I replied finally, spinning slowly and providing him with a perfect 360° view of my current silk thong, hoping secretly the frosted glass was doing its job.
"Why do I keep thinking quality over quantity when looking at you?" I heard him ask a long time later, probably not being able earlier to process a single thought while I stood in front of him in my thong.
"I don't know," I said, shrugging. "But I can guarantee you, they feel great. Though, looking at you they most likely won't survive for long."
"Probably not," he simply agreed, shrugging as well. A second later I felt his hands first on what I assumed was supposed to be the silky fabric but was more palming my ass cheeks. In all fairness, there was very little fabric to begin with.
"I second that they feel great," he agreed as if deep in thought, before he softly pinched my ass. "Maybe commando needs to be stricken from the list of suggestions."
I was only listening to him with half my mind, simply giving in to the feeling of enjoying his hands on my ass. Leaning back and resting my head on his shoulder I let him do whatever he wanted, coming to the realization that it didn't matter who'd foot the bill. At worst case, I'd starve or lived of dry pasta for a month. Who needed food anyway?
"Now, you mentioned evidence earlier in regards of earlier meetings which resulted in your financial disadvantage. I'm afraid I might have to see said evidence, just to make sure I'm not paying for something which doesn't exist."
"That can be arranged," I more or less hummed at his remark.
"So, I'd suggest, we move this meeting to a more… appropriate location," he whispered against my ear. I might even have missed it, since my mind was occupied with other things right now. And then, the words registered. And…
Oh boy.
And of course, everything would end exactly the way I had almost predicted. I got an official RangeMan credit card, which was supposedly a corporate card, but I knew better. For a second, I wondered how Ranger would explain all the Victoria's Secret charges on the credit card and how they could possibly be business expenses. And he also took it upon himself that if he was already paying for most of it, he should get a say and accompanied me almost dutiful on each and every shopping trip, telling me unfiltered exactly what was on his mind whenever I required feedback – and even when I didn't.
If everything in life would be that simple.