Chapter 27
Ranger's POV
My eyes open and I glance over at my sleeping Babe. We arrived in Miami a little after 0200 this morning and didn't get to my Miami home and to sleep until about 0330. She's probably still tired, but I don't want to waste too much of our time sleeping. After all, it is 1100. On the other hand, I want to stay like this, watching Steph sleep, laying in my arms, for the rest of my life. After all these years I never thought that I would have a chance to be with her like this.
The last few months have been like something out of my dreams, my fantasies. The only part missing is making love to Stephanie. My body aches for her, I swear, I take up to three or four cold showers a day to try to keep myself in check. I only hope that this weekend, now that we are alone for a few days, that Steph will let down some of her walls and let me in. I'd love nothing more than to have at least one more child with Stephanie. I'd love to watch our child grow inside her, and then grow up, seeing his or her first steps, first words, first everything. I missed so much with Lucia and Alejandro, and I want to experience that with a child of ours.
I see Steph start to stir, starting to wake up and I can't help the overwhelming desire to taste, her, to kiss her, so I start at her neck, just below her ear, a spot I know drives her crazy. I continue down her body, shifting the Rangeman t-shirt she's wearing over her breasts so I can suck on her delicious nipples, bringing them to hard little pyramids. I'm watching her face and see her open her eyes. "Good morning, Babe," I say as I continue to my trek down her abdomen, pausing to French kiss her belly button, moving further down still, licking, nipping, and kissing her inner thighs.
"Morning, Carlos. I could get used to wake-up calls like this." Stephanie purrs as she opens her legs for me. I shift her panties aside, taking a moment to decide how I want to attack. I know what drives my Babe crazy, but what will let her allow me to take the next step? I decided to lick her slit, from the bottom all the way to the nub at the top. I hear Stephanie moan in pleasure, so I continue, licking her a few more times. Then, I decide that her panties have to go and pull them down off her body. My fingers enter between her folds as my mouth goes back, drinking all of her juices, the sweetest taste. I feel her hips start to buck, knowing that she is getting close to a release. I love how I can make her lose control so easily. This woman deserves to be worshipped, and I intend to spend the rest of my life at her altar. I move my fingers, hitting her g-spot as I stimulate her clit, and soon, Steph is gripping the sheets, her breathing erratic, and she starts to scream in pleasure as she climaxes. I ride her orgasm through and begin to kiss back up her body until my lips meet hers, my rock-hard dick against her core, with these damned boxers in the way.
"Carlos, make love to me."
"Are you sure, Babe?"
"Yes, Carlos, I'm sure." I reach over to the nightstand, going to grab a condom. "No, it's not necessary."
"Babe, are you sure? What if you get pregnant again?"
"Then we have another child, as long as you are okay with that."
I push my boxers off and slide into Stephanie, pausing when I'm fully sheathed, enjoying the feeling of her around me once again. I swear, it's better than I ever remember. I feel those same emotions running through me as I felt all those years ago. I still for a moment, then start to slowly move inside Stephanie, not wanting to rush this, our first time coming together, now, as a true couple. We have the rest of our lives for hard and fast, and I will take her that way later, but now is not the time for that. My mouth meets Steph's as our tongues battled for dominance, trying to taste every bit of each other mouth. My torso is flush against Stephanie's breasts, rubbing against her nipples, feeling them pebble, her arms wrapped around my back. Our bodies are practically one as we partake in the oldest dance known to man and woman, the dance that connects our souls. We move together slowly, passionately, tasting and touching, the climax arriving without screams or shouts, but instead with a kiss that binds us together for the rest of our lives. No, we may not have rings on our fingers or a piece of paper that says that we are husband and wife, but I know, without a doubt, that I will be next to this woman until the moment I take my last breath.
As our orgasms hit, I gently stroke her, milking both of our pleasures, hoping that we created another life, further proof of our love and devotion to each other. Once we are spent, I roll over onto my back, pulling Steph on me. "I love you, Stephanie. You mean the world to me, you and the kids."
"I love you too, Carlos. I'm so glad we found each other again."
I'm ready to start round two, but her stomach reminds us that it's time for breakfast. "Come on, Babe, I'll make us something to eat."
I get up and pull on a pair of basketball shorts, and head to the kitchen. A few minutes later, Steph arrives, wearing my t-shirt, and thankfully, panties. Otherwise, I don't think I'd ever finish our meal. First, I make us egg white omelets with cheese, spinach, and peppers. I also make two slices of low-calorie multi-grain bread toast. Then, I put Steph's breakfast in front of her while she pours us each a mug of coffee.
"Babe, I have something I would like to talk to you about, but I don't want you to get angry. I'm not mad at you, just confused."
"What's up?"
"If you didn't let it slip that night at Shorty's, were you ever planning on telling me about Lucia and Alex?"
I watch as Stephanie puts down her fork and takes a sip of coffee. "Honestly, I'm not sure. I would like to think that I eventually would have told you, but I was afraid. Afraid that somehow you'd swoop in and ruin the life we had together. I struggled a lot, especially once my marriage to Dickie failed; to be the mother I had to be for the twins. I struggled with depression and was on anti-depressants for a few years. It was only about a year before you arrived in Trenton that I finally got back on track. I was afraid that you would try to move us away from Trenton to Miami and that I would lose who I was. We never really spoke to each other outside of work-related scenarios, and I didn't know who you were.
"Also, after hearing about the search programs Rangeman has and the background checks you run on all employees, I thought you already knew from reading my file and didn't want anything to do with them. You were so steadfast on returning to Miami and not forming relationships with anyone that I thought you just wanted to keep things status quo. I think that I was starting to work myself up to tell you when I let the cat out of the bag."
I'm surprised at Stephanie's answer, through the logic in her response. "I never read your file. In fact, when we first opened Rangeman, Lester told me I should look you up. I told him I didn't want to know. I was hurt that you never tried to contact me. I think I told you that already. But what I didn't tell you was that I did look you up. I got as far as your name and the date of your marriage. Once I saw that you married Dickie, I didn't look any further. I figured that if you could marry another man less than a year after we met while I was overseas, then you never loved me or wanted me. I regret not reading the file more thoroughly, though if I had, I probably would have been angrier with you."
"I do regret not telling you sooner. It is the one thing I wish I could change."
"You know, Babe, I don't regret it. I don't know if I would have been receptive to hear that I had children when I first arrived in Trenton. Initially, I thought you were sleeping your way through my men, but that was before I knew you were you. When you were Michelle Orr, I didn't know you. The way the men reacted when you walked in late that day, well, I took that for something other than what it is, respect. Once I saw that Michelle Orr was none other than Stephanie Plum, I was glad to reconnect but still angry and hurt. I think if you had told me right away, I would have returned to Miami almost immediately, thinking you were trying to trap me."
"Then I guess the way you found out was the right way for us," Steph says while reaching across the table to take my hand.
We finish eating breakfast in silence and then clean up the kitchen together. Finally, we head to the shower and take one together to save time. I manage to make love to Stephanie once more, this time hard, fast, and a little rough against the shower enclosure wall.
When we finally get dressed, Stephanie asks what the plan for the day is. "I thought I'd show you around Miami, and if you want, take you to Rangeman Miami. I'm sure Bobby and Tank would like to see you."
"That would be great. Are you going to show me where you hung out as a kid?"
"Of course. Maybe tomorrow, if the weather cooperates, we can spend time at the beach. It will probably be too cool to swim, but we can relax."
"You know, I was actually a little surprised your house wasn't on the water," Steph says.
"I thought about getting a house on the water, but I never anticipated spending a lot of time there, so it seemed like a waste of money. Also, there is the issue of hurricanes. I didn't want to worry about flooding or other damage every time there is a storm. Since Rangeman is usually extra busy, ensuring that our clients are secured, and I don't want my focus to be on my home."
"That makes sense."
We spend Friday visiting Miami Rangeman and spending the evening with Bobby and Tank. On Saturday, I took Steph around Little Havana, showing her the sights, buying her a few items from some of the boutiques, and introducing her to some great Cuban food and desserts. On Saturday night, we hit up a club, similar to the one where we met all those years ago, but this one, for an older crowd. Bobby and Tank joined us, each with their girl du jour.
Bobby was dating a pretty woman with light brown hair and green eyes. She works at one of the businesses we monitor and is okay with the hours we keep. Apparently, her father was a cop, and she grew up with him being called away in the middle of the night and not being available for days. Her name is Mackenzie and she's 28. Tank is dating a woman who is the polar opposite of him. She's about 5'1" and 110 soaking wet. She has curly black hair and brown eyes, and her skin tone is a shade darker than mine. She lives in the same complex as Tank's aunt, and he met her when she was trying to bring a large box into her apartment. Seeing such a tiny woman with Tank is a rather amusing sight, but her attitude and feistiness is as large as Tank. Her name is Aisha.
Stephanie is wearing a sexy wine-colored halter-style dress that hugs all her curves and shows off her fabulous legs. It took all of my legendary control to get us out of the house tonight and to this club. I'm not quite sure we'll make it home, but I know when we do there will be fireworks.
"I wish Lester were here. It seems so strange to be at a club without him." Steph comments.
"I'm glad he's not here, then I'd be busy watching his six, making sure he stays out of trouble," I tell her.
"He's not that bad."
"Babe."
"So, Stephanie, how did you meet the guys?" Aisha asks.
"That's a long story. When I was in college, a few of my friends and I decided to come here to Miami for spring break. When we checked into the hotel, my bag broke, and my stuff when all over the lobby. Carlos and Lester helped me gather my belongings. From that point, I spent the week with Carlos and the guys. We lost contact with each other and then reunited when I was hired to work for their company in Trenton."
"You do security?" Mackenzie asked, in awe.
"No," Steph laughed, "I'm a physical therapist and a licensed massage therapist. In addition, I run some searches. I am, by no means, a security expert."
"Wow, that's pretty cool. What is it like working at Rangeman?"
"It's great. The men I work with are like a bunch of brothers to me. They are always looking out for me and help me and my kids whenever we need it."
"Kids?" Aisha asks.
"Yes, Stephanie and I have ten-year-old twins."
"Oh." I see the light bulb click for both Mackenzie and Aisha.
"So, how did you meet Tank and Bobby?" Stephanie asks. Both ladies share their stories while we all enjoy each other's company. A short time later, I see that we are all in need of another round.
"Do you all want another drink?" I ask.
"Yes, I'll have another Sex on the Beach," Aisha states.
"I'll have a Mojito," Mackenzie answers.
"Beer for us." Tank replies for him and Bobby.
"Water," Steph replies. I smile.
"I'll go with you," Bobby says. Tank stays with the ladies as Bobby and I move towards the bar.
"How are things going between you two."
"Great. Living together is working out much better than I anticipated. I thought that we'd have some difficulties getting used to each other, but it's been a seamless transition. Being able to spend every day with Lucia and Alex is a blessing. I never thought that I would be the family guy, but I love it."
"I bet it doesn't hurt to wake up next to Steph every morning."
"No, it doesn't." We arrive at the bar and quickly order our drinks. While we're waiting, a woman comes over to me.
"Hey, there lover. I could use a strong, handsome man like yourself tonight. My apartment is a few blocks away." A woman with long, black hair and brown eyes says to me. She has large breasts, which are clearly implants, and is wearing a tight, black dress that barely covers her assets.
"Sorry, but I'm here with someone. I'm not interested."
"That chick with the crazy hair? She can't possibly satisfy you. I know things to do to a man's body that will drive you insane."
"I'm sorry, but there is no sexual act that you could do that would make me want you over her. Now, if you don't mind, I'm not interested." Thankfully, the bartender is finished with our order. I pay, leaving a generous tip, as Bobby and I head back to our group. I see Stephanie watching, clearly not pleased.
"What did that skank want? Did she want to get in your pants?"
"Yes, Babe, that was her goal."
"Bitch. Thinking that if she shows off her fake tits, she'll get any man. So fucking shallow." I allow the corner of my mouth to turn up, giving the start of a smile.
I whisper in Steph's ear, "let's dance, Babe, and show her our moves."
I bring Steph onto the dance floor. Since this is a Latin club, all the music is the music of my youth. I bring Stephanie close to me as we start to dance together. Our bodies recognize each other, and we move as if we are one, going from the salsa to the cha-cha to the bachata. Electricity is flowing between us as we dance, hips swaying, bodies up against each other. It's all a form of foreplay between us, a prequel to the dance we'll do tonight. Primal and urgent, another expression of our love. I observe the skank watching, and see the jealousy in her eyes, and I know that she will try to hurt my Babe in some way. Women like her don't like to lose, but I won't let her.
I don't know what happens when we dance, but somehow, we always get transported to another place, a place where it is only the two of us. Everyone else seems to fade away, to not exist. It's never been like this with anyone else aside from Stephanie. Only she invokes these feelings in me. Once again, as a song ends, I find our mouths fused together, kissing each other passionately.
I break away. "If we keep this up, we won't make it home."
"I don't want to leave yet."
"Neither do I, Babe."
I take her hand and lead her back to our little group. She takes her water, downing it quickly. I sit on the couch in the lounge of the VIP section where we are hanging out, pulling Steph onto my lap. We stay another two hours, talking and dancing, having a great time. But soon, the club is closing and it's time for us to leave.
"It was great meeting you two," Stephanie tells Aisha and Mackenzie. She gives Bobby and Tank a hug and kiss on the cheek. "Don't stay away for too long. I'd like to see you in Trenton again."
"Don't worry, we'll be back, though probably not together." Bobby answers.
"We miss you, Steph, but not Carlos. You can keep his ass in Jersey."
After saying our final goodbyes, we get into my car. Before we are even three blocks away, Stephanie is fast asleep. When we pull up to the house, she's still out. I gently carry her to our room, remove her dress and bra, and replace it with one of my t-shirts. Steph doesn't even stir. I remove her eye make-up and tuck her in before taking a cold shower. As much as I want to make love to my Babe, we have all the time in the world. This has been a long weekend for her, and I want her to be rested. Besides, I have no plans for us in the morning. I kiss her forehead and slide into bed behind her. She shifts so she's practically on top of me, and I drift off to sleep with the love of my life in my arms. Life can't get any better.