A/N: I hope everyone is able to enjoy the holiday season. Consider this chapter a gift... drum roll please... I believe this is the chapter everyone has been waiting for. I know I have ;) Please let me know what you think! I hope to post again within the next two weeks. Reviews are truly appreciated.

Disclaimer: I own none of the usual suspects.

Plum & Prejudice

Chapter 24:

"But since then we have both, I hope, improved in civility."

I'm humming along to the music coming from my stereo, the glass of white wine sitting on the table beside me. The slight whirring tells me Rex is getting his exercise done on his wheel. I curl my bare feet to my side, and my sketchbook sits on my legs. I had basically forgotten I had this little idea notepad tucked away in a dark closet corner. Working at Coco de Mer and seeing their designs sparked something in me I thought had been long buried.

I feel the flush on my cheeks from the wine as my late-night project fuels me. I look at the pencil drawings in my lap. Delicate patterns of lacy lingerie fill my scattered page. I purse my lips and gently grab my wine for a sip. I took art classes as my budget and schedule allowed in college, but I never let it become my main focus. Instead, I had the singular business mind through school since I figured that would lead to job security but not necessarily job satisfaction.

I take another drink of wine, pleased that my sketches seem decent despite the time away from practicing. Maybe after I figure out a few pieces, I can pitch it to Angelica to possibly debut a line straight from New York. I flip the page in my book as I envision a new piece. I'm absorbed in the shading, details of how the lace should look when two sharp knocks sound at the door. I immediately startle, my heart pounds in my chest—a quick glance at the clock. Holy shit. It's one in the morning. Who the hell would be here so late?

A bolt of panic shoots through me. Whoever it is, it can't be good. I realize now that I'm in a tiny pair of sleep shorts that barely cover my butt cheeks and a thin black tank top. I get up slowly and make my way to the door. I try to be quiet in case it's an unwanted visitor. I know that Morelli or Mooch can't get close without RangeMan knowing, which gives me some peace of mind.

I get on my tiptoes to glance through the peephole. I take in a little breath as I realize Ranger is out there. The awareness of him comes to me like a bolt of lightning, and the familiar tingle begins. I quickly unlock the door and throw it open.

"Ranger, what's going on? Is everything okay?" I let out in a rush, confused yet delighted to see him. I feel a swell in my chest, seeing him again after all this time and seeing him again after admitting to myself that I'm attracted to him. My eyes track him over to make sure he's in one piece. Indeed he is, and his black t-shirt looks painted on. His hair is tied back at the nape of his neck, and his diamond in the ear is missing. He looks delectable. I feel my mouth go dry and a tightness coil low in my belly.

"Babe," he says quietly, his eyes going black as his pupils dilate. I'm not sure what he means by his one-word greeting, but I'm dazed. The wine, the late hour, and his unexpected appearance have me lost and trying to catch up. I see the corner of his mouth tip up in an almost there smirk.

"Can I come in?" he questions, one eyebrow raised. I nod absentmindedly and step aside as he comes in. I shut the door behind him.

"So, is everything okay? It's late," I repeat my question as I see him scanning my apartment. I notice his gaze linger on the wine and sketchbook. The music is still on too, and Kings of Leon has come on singing about sex on fire. I feel my cheeks heat up as I hear the lyrics and realize what I'm wearing in front of the adonis like Ranger. The Ranger I've been thinking about a lot and wanting to know better. The Ranger who asked me out, and I turned down. The Ranger who saved me and saw me a mess. The Ranger who was so kind to my family and me after I rejected him. Ranger turns slowly to face me. Our eyes meet, and I see something indecipherable in his eyes.

"I just got back to Trenton," he finally replies, "I just...just needed to see you." He seems unsure of himself as he says the last part, and his hand goes to rub the back of his neck. I swallow thickly, my heart beating fast. I think I might still have a chance.

"Would you like a glass of wine?" I question, trying to figure out how to navigate this. He nods, his dark eyes tracking my movements as I move around the island to grab another glass. I notice Rex is notably silent. A peek over at my furry little buddy shows his whiskers twitching as his eyes lock on my late-night visitor.

"Who's this?" Ranger questions, moving closer to Rex's cage. I see my buddy scurry back into the empty soup can that serves as his home base. I grab a glass from the upper shelf, my tank top rises, and I tug it down. I turn to see his eyes back on me, and I pour him a healthy dose of Chardonnay. I decide I should top mine off as well.

"That's Rex," I respond, "looks like you startled him." I put the wine back in the fridge and hand Ranger his glass. Our fingers brush, and I feel that familiar jolt. It runs through my hand, up to my arm, and down my spine. I lock eyes on him, and he's watching me intently, his chocolate eyes black. Danger flashes through my mind. I'm staring at the panther, ready to kill his prey. I swallow thickly and take a step back.

"Thanks, Babe," he replies, his mouth tipping up at the corner in his trademark smirk. I motion to the couches, and I retake my seat. I fold my legs up underneath me and grab my wine. I'm delighted when he decides to sit right beside me. Maybe this means I still have a shot. I can feel the warmth radiating off of him and soaking into my skin. I take a sip, okay, a gulp of my wine. I want to apologize for before and see if I still have a chance to go on a date with him.

I study his profile as he takes a drink. His jaw is strong; his nose is straight sloping while not too large or too small. His hair is thick and shiny, and his skin is unblemished. I take another drink. This man must have hoards of women throwing themselves at him. I know I'm beautiful, but doubt grips me. He could have anyone, and somehow, he likes- liked me. Maybe, he likes me present-tense, which is what I need to find out. I feel my stomach do butterflies at the thought.

We mimic each other as we both take a drink of wine. The thought makes me smile. Ranger catches my eye, and I can see something glimmering in his.

"How have you been?" he questions, swirling his wine before resting it on his thigh. I take a moment to really contemplate that question. So much has happened this year. It's been a whirlwind. I can't believe it's already the middle of April.

"Good," I finally settle on, feeling the truth of it in my chest, "of course, I still have the trial hanging over my head, but otherwise, things are going very well." I look over and see the ghost of his smile. His knee nudges mine as he locks eyes with me.

"I'm glad to hear that, Babe," he replies sincerely before taking another sip of his wine.

"And you? Are you back for good?" I question as I try to work up the nerve to tell Ranger how I feel. I look up to see his face as he responds, and his eyes lock on the floor.

"I'll be fine. I'm back indefinitely," Ranger says, pausing before continuing, "until I get called for another mission. I only have two left in my current contract. He looks up to meet my gaze. "And after, I'm not sure if I'll re-sign. I think it will depend on the people in my life." As he explains, I feel my heartbeat speed up, his expressive chocolate eyes locked on mine. I feel my throat go dry. Now is the time to tell him. Before I can form the words, he's speaking again.

"Please, tell me now if your feelings remain as they were in January," he questions, his voice low and gravelly, "my feelings for you remain the same, maybe even stronger, but one word, and I'll never mention it again."

My heart starts beating double time at his admission. Ranger still has feelings for me! I place my wine down gently and grab his free hand in mine. His is warm and calloused as I squeeze. I can feel my traitorous cheeks coloring.

"I cannot begin to explain how my feelings have changed," I respond carefully, "I've thought of you in every spare minute since the last time we met." I drop my eyes from his face as I finish. I hear him move slowly. I look up to see him place his wine glass on the table before turning back to me. He puts his hand on my chin and gently lifts my face to meet his. His touch sends tingles through my skin, and my heart is pounding. I can barely hear from the blood rushing through my ears. My tongue darts out to moisten my lips. I see his eyes darken.

"Babe," he breathes gently, moving in so slowly. His eyes are questioning without words, and I appreciate him more. I nod my head just enough for him to see my answer. I unconsciously hold my breath as he moves closer. He leans down, and my eyelids flutter closed as his lips capture mine. Ranger is all warmth which I soak up. His tongue swipes across my lips for access, which I grant readily. Our lips fuse, and his hands slide under my arms while his hands press lightly against my shoulders. My arms wind around his neck and into his hair. The normal tingle is now a hum throughout my whole body. I relish the taste of him and the hint of wine on his tongue. He adjusts, and in a second, I find myself straddling him. His hand trails to my jaw, and I pull back, resting my head on his as we both try to control our breathing.

Ranger twirls a piece of my hair around his finger before tucking it behind my ear. He leans up and presses a kiss to my temple. I close my eyes and breathe in his scent. He brushes the hair away from my neck, and I feel the prickle on my skin as his calloused thumb touches my soft skin. My eyes pop open in surprise as he begins kissing my neck, trailing down my shoulder. I can't help the low moan that escapes and the goosebumps that appear from the attention of his soft lips and the contrast of his stubbly jaw. I feel him smile against my skin as he pulls back. His eyes are completely dark as he looks up at me.

"You are breathtaking," he murmurs, brushing his thumb against my bottom lip. I lean down and capture his lips with mine. His hand roams through my curls, and he pulls my head closer. I hold onto his shoulders as we get lost in the feeling. I shift to find a better position, and he groans, pulling back. I'm happy to see he seems to be having as much trouble as I do catching breath. I hope he can't tell that my panties are most definitely ruined. If this is how much he can affect me just from kissing... I don't even want to think about anything else. Eek! He runs his hands up and down my arms.

"As much as I'm enjoying this," he begins, "I want to take you out on a real date." I nod, feeling giddy. It's not every day you find the man of your dreams who's a gentleman and knows how to treat a woman. Most men would take as much as they could and say screw a date. I move to get off his lap when he encircles my waist and holds me close.

"I don't mind you staying here, though," he says, a wolf grin appearing, "if you don't." I smile and lean in to kiss him softly. The little peck I meant to give him turns into another five minutes of delicious slow kissing.

"You'll be the death of me, Babe," he groans as I finally pull away, "and what a way to go." I laugh out loud at his proclamation. He shifts me, so my legs are draped over one side and resting on the couch, while my top half snuggles into the crook of his arm, my head resting on his shoulder. We sit in silence for a few moments, and I enjoy his warmth and his slightly citrusy smell.

"Did you know that my feelings for you had changed when you came tonight?" I ask, my fingers tracing absentminded patterns on his t-shirt. Finally, he grabs my hand in his and brings my fingers to his mouth as he kisses them before releasing.

"Not exactly, but Lester and Tank told me some gossip that gave me hope," he explains with a sardonic smile, "I had hardly dared to hope before, but what they told me gave me enough to finish my mission and hurry back here to find out." I raise my eyebrows in surprise. What gossip would they have told him?

"What gossip would get you to believe that?" I ask, watching his face closely. A grin transforms his features, and his eyes are dancing with joy. It's breathtaking to see.

"They were telling me about a night out at Shorty's," he starts, and suddenly I know exactly what his answer will be, "apparently, Caroline made it her job that night to question you about me. Ram doesn't know not to update her on my personal life. Those two are very close." He grins and shakes his head.

"I knew enough about you to know that you would tell her straight to her face if she was out of line or if you'd never date me considering you did so quite well to my face," he continues, "the fact that you wouldn't tell her no about getting into a relationship with me is what tipped me off." I blush and laugh awkwardly.

"Yes, I was quite abrasive that day at Jen and Joe's," I reply, embarrassed, "of course, I'd have no problem telling Caroline how little I thought of you."

"What did you say to me that day that I did not deserve?" he questions, his dark eyes piercing mine. My mouth drops in astonishment.

"I think if we both scrutinize our previous behavior, we will, of course, find fault. Now, I'd say we've quite amended our relationship, wouldn't you say?" I reply, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth. He sighs.

"I can't forgive my own behavior so easily," he says, "I've replayed that moment in my mind so many times. My demeanor, my words, and my attitude were unforgivable. And your rebuff so well applied, I will never forget, 'and might I ask with so little politeness and romance you chose to inform me of your feelings.' I didn't comprehend it then, but after months of agonizing over it, I've come to see the truth of it all."

I'm shocked by his admitting this. I never thought he'd be replaying that scene over and over as I had. We both made mistakes; we both had our feelings hurt.

"I never thought my words would make such a strong impression," I say quietly, my fingers back to tracing random patterns against his chest. It's comforting, touching him, being in his arms.

"I'm sure you didn't. At that time, you thought I was a complete and utter asshole who didn't have feelings," he says with a little smirk, "and before I met you, that could be mostly true. I've never had a real relationship, and I've certainly never thought about how I come off to you. But as you said, 'and made me realize that if you were the last man on earth, I'd rather die alone than be with you.'" I feel my cheeks blaze as he repeats the words I had uttered to him so long ago. I cover my face with my hands.

"Please, don't repeat what was said in the past," I moan, completely embarrassed, "I assure you, I've spent the last months ashamed. By the time Caroline approached me, my opinion of you had changed completely." He grabs my hand and intertwines our fingers. He kisses my lips softly and pulls away slowly.

"You have no idea how happy that makes me," he informs me, and he tucks my head under his chin, "you have no idea how scared I was that day I was looking for you to give you the letter." I gulp and tense up as I remember the day he speaks about.

"No matter what you said to me, I never wished any harm on you," he says quietly, "Morelli was lucky he didn't need to go to the hospital before jail that night. Only knowing you needed me kept me from doing more harm." I squeeze his hand.

"It wasn't your fault," I tell him firmly, "let's not dwell on the past." Ranger sighs.

"If only I had warned you when I knew you would be spending time with him," he mutters, and I can tell how guilty he feels.

"Even if you had, at the time, I wouldn't have listened. Besides, I don't think it would have mattered one way or the other if I had seen him or not," I reply sternly, "he'd been obsessed with me since high school. He even admitted to me that night, and he had planned to attack me before he left for the Navy. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, so he never got the chance."

Ranger presses a kiss to the top of my head and squeezes me tight. Being so close to him feels so foreign yet so right. I would never have expected this from him.

"I have to admit; I am so very grateful that you turned me down the first time," he says after a minute, surprising me yet again, "you taught me a lesson. Very difficult at first but most necessary. I was properly humbled, and you showed me how much I lacked in order to properly please a woman worthy of being pleased."

"Really? Are you sure you did not hate me after I proclaimed you the last man on earth I'd ever consider?" I question incredulously. He laughs, and I bask in the rich timber.

"I could never hate you. I was angry, to be sure, but soon I began to realize that you were right, and it transformed me."

"I thought for sure you would have kicked me out that night I ended up in your apartment," I mention, thinking back to movie night with Gigi, "I was mortified to see you after I had been so rude. And there you were, so nice and polite to me. Even going so far as to help my family." He laughs silently, and I can feel his chest move again.

"It was my sole mission to be polite and kind to you then," he admits, "I was trying to show you who I really am. I wanted to reverse your thoughts on a selfish, prideful man. I wanted your forgiveness and to show you how you prompted me to change." I feel my heart swell at another of his admissions.

"You also made quite the impression on my sister," he explains, "she's eager to spend more time with you." That fact makes me smile.

"I also enjoyed spending time with your sister," I reply with a smile, "she's special and thinks very highly of you." Ranger squeezes me close. We sit in silence for a moment, the quiet background music still playing.

"Let's leave all of that in the past," I say finally, "now we can look towards a future as we get to know each other better."

"I'd like nothing more, Babe," he replies, and he moves so I'm next to him again. We lock eyes, and I see the admiration and warmth shining from his eyes. He leans down again, and his lips consume mine. Our tongues duel in a passionate kiss. He presses tightly to me, and I want more. I moan into his mouth, and he pulls back but rests his face against mine.

"We're going to do this, and it's going to be good," he states matter of fact before moving to give me another searing kiss. Oh boy, I'm going to be in trouble in the best way.