I rushed out of the bonds office as fast as my feet could carry me. I got to my car and as luck would have it, there was Joe leaning against my car door. I closed my eyes, took a calming breath and hoped I was seeing things. I opened one eye and he was still there looking at me strangely. Oh no! Don't panic he might not expect a thing. Eye roll, riiight when has my luck ever been that good?

"Uh, cupcake?" Joe questioned a little unsurely. I opened both eyes and faced him bravely.

"Yes?" Great my voice squeaked. He raised one eyebrow and for some reason it ticked me off.

"What?" I said a little more forcefully.

"Nothing, you just look different." He said puzzled.

"Look Joe I have some FTAs to catch, can we talk later."

"Sure cupcake. One question though," I held my breath hoping he wouldn't ask about last night.

"Okay what?" I asked.

"If you're going after FTAs, where are your folders?" Before I could even answer he turned and walked to his truck. He gave me one last grin and pulled out of the lot. I looked down at my hands and shook my head. I got into my car planning on going home but as I passed the grocery store I felt guilty leaving Mac home with no food in the house.

I sighed and pulled into the lot. Luckily I got a parking space up front so it would be a 10-minute shopping trip. I quickly got some tasty cakes, ice cream bars, macaroni and cheese and last but not least beer. When I got to the check out a girl named Cindy was working there. I remember her briefly from high school but we weren't good friends or anything.

"Oh my God, Stephanie Plum!" she yelled.

"Uh, hi Cindy."

"Who's staying with you now? The word is he came late last night and hasn't left yet." She started excitedly. She couldn't be talking about Mac. There was no way anyone could have known about him.

"Um, Cindy. Where did you hear about this?" I asked in a little voice.

"Oh one of your next door neighbors. I think his name is Mr. Peterson. He said he was watching you for himself that one day he was going to "make his move" and then something about having to much competition. So who is he?" she looked at me with wide, curious eyes.

"I uh, have to go." I threw down the money and grabbed my bags. When I got to my apartment building I ran up the stairs. I had to stop half way and curse the stupid inventor who made them, but I made it to my apartment. When I walked in I couldn't believe how clean it was.

I walked into the kitchen and I could actually see my face on the toaster. While I was stunned at the cleanness of my place I didn't notice Mac come up behind me. He picked me up by the waist and spun me around.

"Sugar, you need to be more aware of your surroundings." Now where have I heard that before? Oh yes I remember, Ranger.

"I know but this is amazing. I have never seen my place this clean before." He just shrugged.

"Oh, I almost forgot why I came back. People know you're here. I swear to God it wasn't me who told them." I added quickly.

"I know. I went shopping for food and this lady named Cindy rang up the groceries. She is one nosey person." He said. Oh no I forgot about the groceries in the car.

"You don't seem surprised." I said a little confused.

"Well of course I'm not surprised. We do live in a building of old people and plus its you." I wasn't sure what to make of that so I changed the subject.

"How long are we going to act like boyfriend and girlfriend?" lord it sounded like I was in middle school again.

"Oh for a month and we have to make public appearances." He said with a grin.

"Public appearances?" I squeaked.

"Yup."

"Oh boy." God, this is going to be a long month.

A/N: Okay I am VERY sorry this took so long. I have made plans to go to Florida for most of July so I will try to pick up the pace on the chapters. THANKS TO ALL MY REVIEWERS! I will try my best to update soon!