Disclaimer: All belongs to Janet Evanovich, don't hurt me.

A/N: So I'm very sorry for the delay but I haven't had much computer access lately. Everyone say thank you to Lyn-chan (one of my best friends) who has been allowing me the use of her computer….

Only 3 chapters to go… hope you haven't gotten tired of the wait. Now read and review.

Chapter 8: Boston Cream

"Cupcake, how are you?" Morelli asked as he let me in.

"I'm fine Joe."

It was Wednesday, my night with Joe, a movie and Pino's. I walked into the living room and took a seat on the couch. Bob came running and jumped up next to me.

It was weird. He never seems to run me down anymore, never seem to be hyperactive around me. Its almost like he knew I couldn't deal with that side of him. Instead every time I was there Bob would flop next to me and put his head on my lap for a good ol' scratch behind the ears.

So I complied and scratched behind his ears while he remained perfectly still. Morelli came out with a pizza box and a movie sitting on top.

"What is it tonight?" I asked.

"Gladiators."

"But that's so sad."

"Eat up." He said as he opened up the pizza box on the coffee table and handed me a slice.

We had finished eating, I was snuggled into Morelli and we were in the middle of Gladiator when Morelli breached the silence.

"What are you going to do Steph?" He asked without even moving from his position.

I didn't move either; I didn't know what he was talking about. I was too busy watching Russell Crowe fight it out in the coliseum. "Huh?"

"Are you going to move in with Manoso?"

I remained silent. I didn't know what to say. I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I had been avoiding making any decisions. Of course inaction is also a decision.

"I don't know." I replied quietly.

He nodded and then continued to watch the movie. I was surprised that he wasn't yelling and screaming or telling me what a bad guy Ranger was.

When midnight approached there was a knock at the door. Morelli went and answered it. I knew it was Ranger there to pick me up. There was some whispering and then silence. Morelli walked back into the room with a frown on his face.

"He's waiting in the truck." He said flatly.

I got up and made my way to the door. I was passing by Joe when he grabbed me by the arm and pulled me to him. He held me tight for a minute. "I love you Steph," he whispered into my ear and gave me a kiss on the forehead, then he released me.

I stood there staring at him wondering what I should say or do, but nothing came to me.

"You should go, he's waiting." He said with a softer voice.

I nodded to this and said good night and walked away.

When I joined Ranger in the truck he didn't look too pleased. He looked a little angry. On our way to Haywood I thought about Morelli.

He's been really patient with me. He hasn't tried anything with me. We haven't even kissed since before, but then I haven't kissed anyone.

When we pulled into the garage I noticed Ranger had calmed, I guess the super Zen zone can do that to a man. But the question was what has he calm down from?

We got out of the truck and went up the seventh floor. I yawned as I realized how tired I was. I'm pretty sure Ranger was tired too because he was starting to hunch.

I went directly to the bedroom. Taking off all the spare clothing I had on I crawled into the bed, snuggling in for the night. I heard Ranger go into the bathroom and close the door.

I momentarily woke up as Ranger got into bed behind me. He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me up to him. His chest warming my back, lulling me back to sleep. I felt the silk of his boxers move against my skin. I had noticed that the number of silk boxers had increased over the last couple of months.

When I woke up I was craving a Boston Cream and I thought I smelled one. Wait a minute I do smell one.

I tried to turn but Ranger was at my back and obstructing the way.

"Yeah, Babe, that's a Boston Cream."

I struggled out of the bed and out to the dinning table. There sat a bag with Boston Cream in it. I devoured it in two seconds flat and walked back into the bedroom rubbing my tummy.

"Thanks, I needed that."

"Just thought you could use it, considering what you'll have to face tonight."

Ah! Such a full sentence from Ranger, it's a miracle. I thought I saw a tugging frown on Ranger's face, but the point is he's right. "I need another Boston Cream." I mumbled and Ranger grinned.