Master of the Heart

Master of the Heart

Chapter 21

Sorry, it's such a short chapter. I had to break this chapter up into smaller parts. I hope all is well in your world! Please, if you enjoy this, take time to review it.

Ranger and Bobby left, Joe looked at Terri. He could see the trepidation in her eyes. She nervously asked.

"So is Ranger trustworthy? "

Joe hesitated just a bit. "Yes."

"Tell me what you don't like."

"I've known Ranger a long time. He's always dependable, nothing not to like."

"In other words, he's a good guy, who holds Stephanie's attention, and that's what irritates you?"

Joe grunted in response. "Way back, I thought he was into things he shouldn't be, but as time unfolded, he has always been on moral high ground."

"So sometimes he operates outside the law?"

Joe nodded no. "No. I've never caught him doing anything wrong."

"Just make sure Ranger doesn't sell me to the Russian mob."

Joe held her hand tight.

"He won't. Besides, he would never get away with it. I'm a cop, remember?"

"Why do I feel so alone?"

"You know, your Dad cares about you a great deal."

"I think he's fooling you. We haven't been that close lately."

"I understand that. Didn't your Dad send Father Forde to check you?"

"Yes. That surprised me. It felt weird."

"He showed up at my house this morning and asked me to take you away for a few days."

"He did?"

Joe nodded.

"Did you tell him you would?"

"No. I didn't give anything away."

"Your too good at this, Joe."

He smiled. "Your Father said something similar."

"When I was younger, he had a secret mistress. I never meet her. I wish they were still together. Why Joyce? She's been married five times! All she is looking for is another get rich quick scheme."

"Maybe she's blackmailing him?" Joe asked with an adorable raised eyebrow.

"That's something to think about."

"Maybe it the sex?" He gave her a full-on predatory grin.

"Ewww! No! I don't even want to think about that."

He wiggled his eyebrows up and down and laughed.

"Do you think Ranger can handle Joyce if she were to try and hurt me?"

"I recall a time when she irritated Stephanie, and he stepped in."

"Do Joyce and Ranger have a history?"

Joe laughed. "I don't think Ranger would damage his temple."

Joe squeezed her hand and kissed the top of it. His big brown eyes meet hers.

"It's going to work out. All of it, and when it's over, I'm going to take you out on a date."

Terri shook her head no. "Joe, you can't play with my heart."

"Who said I was playing you ?" He asked with concern.

"No one. It's too soon for you to think about me. I think it's time I get dressed and get ready to go. It's time to forge my path." She pulled free from his hand adjusted her wires, iv tubes and hospital gown. Then she scooted to the edge of the bed. He stood quickly, blocking her way. His arms engulfed her, making her want to wrap her arms around him. He pulled her close to his chest. His next words would rumble through her head and heart for months to come.

"Terri, I'm not just asking for a date later down the road. He took a deep breath and continued." I'm asking you to give me a chance to be more than a friend."

He tightened his embrace, then sat back down in the guest chair and pulled it close to her. He gave her the most incredible puppy dog eyes.

He leaned forward and paused.

She closed her eyes to the hurt of wanting him. Now years later, he was offering a small part of himself! It made her feel like yesterday's leftovers. She was surprised to feel his soft lips barely touch her forehead. Then he kissed her cheeks. Her eyes opened as his soft lips meet hers but only for a fleeting moment.

"Think it over." He sat back in his chair, still blocking her exit.

She looked up at him with watery eyes and thought, "I want it all. Not just a date." but said nothing.

He looked at the tears falling down her face. It tugged at his heart. He could not let her go to Ranger's upset.

"I need to take this slow. I can't have you feeling like your second best."

Terri wiped her eyes and pressed the nurse button on her control. Like a parent at Christmas, Terri responded with, "We'll see."

"That's not an answer."

"It's all I have to give you." She said softly.

The chime of Bobby's text startled Ranger awake.

"I'm bringing in Lost-n-Found. E.T.A. 3 min."

Forty minutes had passed since he had left Terri's room! He stretched, then jumped into action. He exited his vehicle and had the back passenger door open as Bobby rolled Terri out of the lobby. Bobby poitioned the chair where he wanted it and handed Terri's bag to Ranger, then walked to stand in front of Terri. "Let me help you up. I don't want you to bump that arm." Bobby helped her as she stood. A silent Joe Morelli stood in the background watching.

Ranger pulled the wheelchair out of the way. Bobby helped her into the truck and sat in the back seat with her.

Ranger stood in place, making Joe walk to him.

"Let me know if you need help guarding her. I was hoping you could let me know how she's doing."

"We're going to Lula's for the night and see if anyone tries to grab her."

"Lula's? "

"Yeah, Tank had made a few improvements to her place, including a safe room. I'll keep in touch." He started to turn and leave, but curiosity got the better of him. "Does Stephanie know?"

"Know what?"

"How much are you're in love with Terri?"

"I don't know what you mean?"

"It's written all over your face for everyone to see."

"I care. I've always cared."

Ranger shook his head like he could not believe the words were coming out of Joe's mouth. "Dude!"

"You think she loves me?" Joe looked shocked.

"I'd bet Stephanie's life on it."

Joe's mouth fell open as Ranger walked away.