AN: Holidays are over, but the busy work season starts. I still want to get on with this story, though, so here's a short chapter. I only own Anna, the rest of the characters belong to Janet Evanovich's imagination.

Chapter Fourteen

While I didn't want to talk to Ranger about Morelli, I couldn't help but think about what was going on right now. I woke up wondering if his relationship with Anna was going to spell the end of our friendship. I wasn't too sure what I felt for the guy right now. Part of me wanted to beat the living daylight out of him; part wanted to let Ranger do it for me. Turns out, I didn't need to worry.

"Looks like Morelli's in trouble with his own department," Ranger offered, along with a cup of coffee.

I took the coffee, tasting it before I asked the obvious question, "What's he done?"

"He's being looked at seriously for the Gilman murder."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "How do you know?" Okay, maybe a stupid question. Ranger was Batman, wasn't he?

"Your buddy Constanza called earlier. Tank took the information. Constanza thought maybe we could help clear Morelli."

I could tell that Ranger was thinking this one over. "Are you planning on helping?" I kept my voice neutral.

"What do you want me to do, Babe?"

Shoot, I was afraid he would do this. I debated with myself how to proceed.

"This isn't just about Morelli anymore, Ric. It's also about Anna," I said, playing the sympathy card, at least I hoped.

Ranger didn't fall for it. "You don't know Anna, Babe. Don't try to go there." He crossed the room and headed toward the bedroom.

I followed, waiting until he was in the bedroom though. I wasn't sure what I was going to say.

"Ric, it's not that I have feelings for Morelli other than friendship, but I honestly cannot believe that he would hurt Terry. He was sleeping with her, remember?"

Ranger was lacing up his boots. "Like I said, what do you want me to do?"

"I want you to stop leaving it up to me. Do you really believe that Morelli had anything to do with Terry's death? Put aside what you feel about Joe personally because of me."

I saw the look in his eyes and realized that he was actually still jealous of what Joe and I had.

"Ric, there's nothing between Morelli and me except friendship. I thought you had accepted that."

"I have," he stated flatly. He started toward the door and turned around abruptly. "I just wish the guy would stay out of our lives." He grabbed his cell and headed toward the elevator.

"Hey, wait," I called after him. "You can't leave it like this, Ranger. We should clear the air."

"Why, Babe? I thought there was nothing between you and Morelli?"

"Then start acting like you believe it. I can't walk around here worrying about what you're thinking all the time."

Ranger walked back toward me. "You're right. I'm being an ass. Maybe I am still jealous. I've spent a long time hiding it, Babe. It's a lot harder to hide when you're right here, this close."

He grasped my arms and pulled me close. "I can't get enough."

The kiss was magical, but left no time for my response. When we finally came up for air, I whispered against him, "That goes for me too, you know. I'm still having a hard time watching the effect you have on other women."

"Guess we both have some more adjustments to make," he sighed. With one last kiss, he was out of the apartment by way of the elevator, reminding me that he would be home for dinner but wouldn't be in the office.

I contemplated going downstairs, but had a few chores to do. While Ella would gladly take care of everything, I still felt compelled to handle my own laundry some times. I tried to take care of the apartment as if it was my own, still having trouble accepting it as home, but I was coming around. I was cleaning the bathroom when I heard the apartment phone ring. It only rang when someone was coming to the apartment. Ranger always used his cell for business.

"Hello," I offered. "Anna, where are you?... Sure you can come up." Anna's visit wasn't totally a surprise. There were still things that needed to be handled between us, one thing being this murder charge against Joe.

Anna arrived at the apartment looking pretty worn out. I bet she wasn't sleeping very well.

"Stephanie, thanks for seeing me. I realize that Ranger isn't here, and I wanted to talk to you alone anyway."

I smiled at here. "Why wouldn't I talk to you?"

"God, if I were you, I would be really pissed at me. Despite the fact I didn't know he had a girlfriend, I still feel incredibly guilty for the affair. I know I have to give Morelli the chance to be part of my baby's life, but it's hard, you know."

I thought I understood. "You know, I can't be mad at anyone when I'm so happy here with Ranger. I know I should be more upset with Joe, but I think he made enough trouble for himself right now. I don't really feel like adding to it, although being gracious isn't exactly the Burg way."

"So I've heard. You wouldn't believe the things I've heard about this place. I'm not in Virginia anymore. It's a world away from Florida as well. By the way, Les isn't taking my newest predicament very well. I think he feels I'm throwing my life away. I'm hoping he'll change his mind once he sees the kid. Naturally, it will take a lot longer for him to accept Morelli."

I thought about what she said. "Lester will come around. It's Morelli I'm worried about. Did you hear about the murder investigation where he's being named prime suspect?"

"Yeah, I heard about it. Totally bogus, if you ask me. I still have connections in Richmond. All the evidence is circumstantial, but the department is pretty ticked off with Joe's attitude. Do you think Ranger will help investigate?"

"Wish I knew," I sighed.