Stephanie and Clinton laid on his couch, her back to his front, and watched TV for a little bit. His arm was over her hip and his hand was caressing her stomach just under her shirt. His hand was going slower and slower until it stopped. Stephanie didn't want to move so she just listened and could tell his breathing had evened out...he was asleep. Just as she took a deep breath of contentment, she heard him whisper, "I love you, Steph." Hearing him say that made her heart speed up. She knew he was sleeping and guessed she wasn't supposed to hear that.

Stephanie woke up to kisses being placed on her neck and shoulder. Opening her eyes, she realized they were still on the couch and the movie they had been watching was done playing. "Come on, Sunshine. I have to work in the morning. It's time to head to bed."

Stephanie stood up and waited for Clinton to stand. "Why don't you go get ready while I let the dogs out one last time and lock up," Junior said as he kissed her forehead. "Kilo, Sunshine, outside." Both dogs jumped up and followed him to the back door.

When Stephanie was done in the bathroom, she stood at the entrance to the guest room in her shorts and tank top and watched Clinton stalk up to her. "Come sleep in my room," he said.

"I should stay in here so you can sleep. You work in the morning and I know you aren't used to sleeping with someone. I don't want to keep you awake tonight."

"You can sleep where you want," Junior said, "but I'd really like to hold you. I was so comfortable with you on the couch, and I don't want to give that up. But if you aren't ready for it, I understand." Junior kissed her and headed off to the restroom to get himself ready for bed. Once he had brushed his teeth, he headed to his bedroom. He noticed Kilo and Sunshine were in their crates and that Stephanie was in the middle of his bed.

"I wasn't sure what side you sleep on since the clock is across the room and there are tables on each side of the bed."

Junior pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it in the hamper, "I'll sleep on whichever side you want me to sleep on. I'm not picky especially if I get to hold you all night." Junior climbed in bed and situated himself behind Stephanie. Wrapping his arm around her, he kissed her shoulder and let out a deep sigh. "I can't believe you are here, with me, in my bed, after all these years. Sleep tight and I'll see you tomorrow."

/\/\/\/\/\/\

When Stephanie woke up, she noticed the bed was empty but there was a piece of paper on Clinton's pillow. Looking at it with a smile, she grabbed and opened it.

Sunshine, I didn't want to wake you this morning as you looked so peaceful sleeping. I have an early shift today and should be home around 1500. If you need ANYTHING, please call me. I'll be in the office all day. I enjoyed holding you all night and hope you slept as well as I. I'll see you this afternoon.

Xoxo, Clinton

Unable to wipe the smile off her face, Stephanie decided to take a shower and get ready for the day.

/\/\/\/\/\/

As Junior pulled into the garage, he saw Snake waiting for him. "Surprised to see you here today," Snake said as they headed to the stairs. "Figured you may call in with your girl being here."

"Nope, she knew I had to work today. Left her at home in my bed sound asleep. I don't think Kilo and Sunshine wanted to leave her this morning. I had to practically drag them to get them to go outside. Then when they came back in, they didn't even stop at their food. They went straight back to the bedroom and into their crates," Junior laughed.

As they hit the locker room, Junior saw Drew and Mateo look at him and then walk out to the gym. "What's up with them?"

"Oh they know they are about to get their asses handed to them. They decided to not only find my address and show up at my house yesterday, but to just waltz in like they fucking live there. Kilo was on them and had I given him the okay, they'd be in the hospital right now."

"You're shitting me! They just walked into your house without knocking or being let in?"

"Yep, Steph and I were in the kitchen and Kilo started going nuts. I heard the screen door open and went to see what was going on. Found them standing there telling me to call my dog off. Told them to get the fuck out and I'd see them on the mats."

"I want in on that action," Snake growled. "I can't believe they are that stupid."

Snake and Junior changed and went to warm up. As they were stretching, Romeo and Stitch walked in. Romeo looked at the two and then off to Mateo and Drew, "Figured when you were done with them, I'd meet with theme and explain the rules of Rangeman to them. Brought Stitch so he could keep them alive." Romeo looked at Snake, "You helping?" Snake nodded and they all walked to the ring.

When the guys were done "teaching" Mateo and Drew a lesson, Stitch had to wrap ribs, stitch up a forehead, ice some knuckles, and wrap a knee. Junior, Snake, and Romeo were pretty certain that the guys wouldn't make the mistake again.

/\/\/\/\

After Stephanie had some breakfast, she sat on the back porch while the dogs ran around the yard. Her phone rang as Kilo came to lie down next to her.

"Morning Les!" she answered.

"Morning, Beautiful. How are you this morning? Did I wake you?"

"Nope, I'm awake. Junior's at work and I'm just hanging out with his dogs. How are things at the office?

"Things are good. Hey, listen. I have someone who wants to talk to you for a second." She heard Lester hand the phone to someone.

"Hello, Gorgeous!"

"Oh my gosh! Vince! You're back. How are you? What are your injuries? When did you get back?"

She heard Vince laughing on the other end of the phone. "Slow down, Steph. I just arrived about five minutes ago. I heard you were in Boston for some reason. I'm fine, a little sore still, but mostly healed. Spent a week in Germany at the hospital, then a week in DC debriefing and healing. Why are you in Boston?"

"Oh, well...I'm here visiting my guy."

"Your what? You didn't have a guy when I left. Who is he and how are we supposed to protect you when you are in Boston?"

"Vince, relax. All the guys now him. He works at Rangeman here in Boston."

"Name?"

Stephanie laughed and sighed, "His name is Clinton, but everyone calls him Junior."

Vince laughed, "Oh shit. You are dating Junior? Oh this is gonna be fun!"