This is an AU story. I hope you find the characters still themselves even if their world is different.

Sally

The Good Wife

Chapter 8

Quickly I showered, shampooed, shaved and buffed all of the necessary places. I really wanted to use my shower massager. I was in quite a state after my nap with Ranger. Guess I should have asked for a soundproof door along with the shower massager. Hurrying through the shower I did my hair and makeup. I dried my hair in big soft curls and did my makeup in the way I had become accustomed. It was classy, not overdone, a very expensive natural look. Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? Being an Orr, I was to keep up certain appearances. This was one of them. I was expected to use the best cosmetics and clothes that money could buy. There were some perks to my marriage, but I was beginning to question if they were they enough.

Ranger was on the phone as I exited the bathroom. His eyes darkened as they traveled up my body to the tiny robe I was wearing. He looked like an animal that had spotted his prey. I let out a little shriek and dashed into the closet. I chose black wool dress pants with a wide leg and a camel colored cashmere sweater with a cowl neck. I slipped on my favorite black dress boots and simple diamond earrings. Dinner at my parents' used to be a casual affair, jeans and a t shirt was my usual attire. Once I married Dickie all of that changed. My mother is fully caught up in being related to the Orrs, even if by marriage. It made me a little queasy, but I knew better than to fight with my mother. In some sick way I enjoyed it. My mom made a big deal over my life, who I had become. She focused more on the money and husband, but still she was proud of me. I grew up in the shadow of my perfect sister Saint Valerie. Nothing I did measured up. It wasn't until I got engaged that she stopped berating me. If I ever left him, no matter what the reason, she would disown me.

I grabbed my purse and headed out to find Ranger. I didn't know if he would be escorting me to my parents' house or if it would be one of the other guys. I was of course hoping I would get to spend more time with Ranger, but I didn't know if I wanted to expose him to my family. They're a little crazy. It being Sunday night everyone would be there, my folks, Grandma Mazur, as well as Valerie and her family. All of us in my parents' little house was a bit much. You don't notice the circus until you bring in an outsider to witness it.

What I found in my room took my breath away. Ranger was dressed for dinner. Yum. He was wearing a black dress shirt with the top two buttons open and charcoal dress pants that made his ass look amazing. Not like it would take much, I know. His hair was down and he looked absolutely edible. I licked my lips. Forget pot roast, I was going to have Cuban for dinner.

"Babe," he let out a bark of laughter. Shit, must have said that last part out loud. I used to do that all of the time, but I had cured myself of the habit. But whenever I am around him, it's like my brain short circuits and I can't think straight. He crossed the room in three long strides and kissed me senseless. His mouth wandered to my ear where he licked the shell before whispering, "Someday I'll let you." Oh boy.

"You...you can't come to dinner. Not dressed like that! My parents think I'm happily married to Dickie and if you're there dressed like that I'm not going to be able to do anything but drool all over you and babble like an idiot. You've heard the things that come out of my mouth when you're around. I'm going to be trying to ask someone to pass the potatoes and accidentally talk about how great you look without your shirt on. And that will lead to a whole other conversation I don't want to be having with my mother." I was babbling, I never babble. What the hell?

He kissed me again, but this time I think it was just to shut me up.

"Babe, you'll be fine. I couldn't go dressed like a badass. I know the kind of neighborhood your parents live in. We don't need gossip circulating around that you have an armed guard. So I'm joining you and the governor as a friend." He smiled. Jackass.

I looked at him like he'd lost his mind. "Dickie isn't coming. He never comes, I uninvited him, permanently. It's part of our agreement. We tried for a while, but except for special occasions he doesn't join us. My mom buys the whole 'he is a very busy man' routine and I don't have to pretend to be in love with him. I don't know what my mother is going to say when I show up tonight with a date." My mouth just wouldn't stop.

He raised an eyebrow, "A date? Are you asking me out?" He teased me.

"No! Christ! Let's just get this over with." I wiggled out of his embrace. "Remember you got yourself into this mess. I hope you're not charging me for hazard pay." I turned and headed for the door. Throwing it open, I found Lester waiting on the other side. He was still in badass black. Guess he wasn't invited to dinner. He looked and me and then at Ranger, when he looked back at me he grinned. Ass.

I flounced down the stairs to find a black Porsche Turbo waiting, with a black SUV behind it. The blond stegosaurus was behind the wheel and the guy with the tattooed forehead was riding shotgun. Lester opened the passenger door of the Porsche for me and helped me climb in. He was still giving me that stupid grin. Ranger went around and climbed in the driver's side. The car was amazing. It had the feel of an airplane cockpit and the leather was heavenly. I sunk back into the seat and almost moaned when Ranger started the engine.

Ranger never asked for directions, so I guess he knew where my parents lived. It was about a half hour trip to Chambersburg, the part of Trenton I grew up in. Even before we moved into the Governor's mansion I lived a half hour or so from the burg as we call it. Dickie and I own a way too big house in one of the more affluent parts of Trenton, but I'd drawn the line at moving into a gated community. I can't say I was upset that I got out of the burg. It was one of those places where you knew everybody and everybody knew your business. One of the benefits of marrying into the Orr family is that while I am sure we were still gossiped about; the family was rich and powerful enough that nobody said anything too bad. They weren't the sort of people you wanted to tick off.

Ranger seemed to be in some sort of zone as he drove, almost like I wasn't there. I might have been offended, but it wasn't like this was a date. I was a married woman for chrissake, unhappily married yes, but married none the less. I didn't date.

I used the time to contemplate how my life had turned upside down so quickly. As crazy as the last twenty four hours have been between the Inauguration, the death threats and the run in with my father in law, there has been a bright side. Having an incredibly sexy Cuban man at your side constantly was a nice bonus. Plus with my hormones running amok over my close proximity to Ranger, I haven't had too much time to freak out about the whole stalker thing.

As we reached the edge of the burg I turned to Ranger, "I think you can tell my Dad what's going on, but as far as everyone else is concerned I think it's best that you're just a friend joining me for dinner. My mom tends to blow things out of proportion. I really don't want to spend dinner listening to her go on and on about how Betty Kruselli's daughter doesn't have stalkers after her." He smiled a little. "Oh you're smiling now, but just know I gave you fair warning, I'm not responsible for anything that goes on in there." His smile got bigger. I thought for a minute, "Since we're friends I can't introduce you as Ranger. What do you want me to call you?"

"Carlos, Ric or Ricardo, I answer to all three." He glanced at me before returning to the road. He rolled his Rs when he spoke and I heard some of his accent come through. I remembered him murmuring in Spanish to me last night. Last night I found it calming, right now I thought it was sexy as hell. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, please help me get through dinner without jumping him.

Our arrival interrupted my thoughts. We pulled up to the house and both my mother and grandma were waiting at the front door. I turned to Ranger and he was giving me his wolf grin. Fuck. Out loud. How am I going to make it through dinner? He leaned over and kissed me, fast, but furious. I was dazed as he got out of the car and came around to open my door. He held his hand out and helped me from the car, still a little out of it.

"Don't do that!" I hissed as we turned toward the house. He chuckled. "Yeah well it isn't going to be funny when my mom sees my lipstick on your face." He stopped laughing and discreetly wiped his mouth of any traces of my Ravishing Red from his lips. He guided me up to the house with his hand at the small of my back. I spotted the black SUV parked two houses down. I felt bad they would have to sit in the car all evening, but knowing what I was facing, I'd trade places with them in a heartbeat.

"Stephanie, you brought company." My mom's manners were always impeccable as she eyed Ranger suspiciously.

"And he's HOT!" My grandma added. Ranger's step faltered a bit at her observation, but he quickly recovered.

"Mom, Grandma, this is my friend Carlos Manoso. Carlos this is my mother Helen Plum and my Grandma Edna Mazur." My mom smiled politely and my grandma leered at him.

Ranger's voice was rich. "Mrs. Plum, Mrs. Mazur, I hope it isn't too big of an inconvenience that I'm joining you for dinner, Stephanie insisted." Wait, I what?

"Oh no, there's always room for friends." My mom was obviously charmed by the handsome man. I knew how she felt. We made our way into the house and I felt Ranger jump. I smiled. Grandma never disappoints.

"Babe, your grandma just grabbed my ass." His voice was harsh as he whispered into my ear.

I smiled, "Just be glad your back was to her or she would've grabbed something else." He visibly paled.

I led Ranger to safety in the living room where my dad was watching TV with Albert. I introduced them and then went to find my sister and her brood. Valerie was in the kitchen wearing Baby Lisa in a sling, stirring the gravy. Little Frankie was clinging to her leg. When he saw me he released his mother and jumped into my arms.

"Aunt Feffie!" He threw his arms around my neck and gave me a big slobbery kiss. I kissed his forehead and pushed his blond hair out of his eyes.

"Have you been a good boy for your mommy this week Frankie?" His green eyes danced with mischief as he nodded yes. Liar. Frankie was a beautiful three year old, but all boy and a bit on the ornery side. It was a bit of a shock for Valerie after the girls. Angie, the oldest was sitting at the table tossing the salad, ever the perfect child. Mary Alice whinnied a greeting and galloped off down the hall. The girl was convinced she was a horse. Everyone thought it was a phase, but it had been nearly two years now. I brought her to one of the child psychologists we use down at the Foundation. She assured Valerie that Mary Alice was fine; she just had a very active imagination and a great sense of adventure. It was good for Valerie and my mom to hear and they finally laid off the poor girl. I thought she was great, but she also reminded me a lot of myself as a kid so I was a little biased.

My mother announced that it was time to eat and we all took our places at the dinner table. Mom sat at the end of the table nearest the kitchen, in case she needed to grab something during the meal. Like it was possible we would run out of food? There was enough on the table to feed a small army. My dad sat at the other end. Ranger sat between my dad and me. Frankie was on my right with Angie on his other side. On the other side of the table sat Albert Kloughn my brother in law, my sister Valerie with Lisa, then Mary Alice and Grandma Mazur. Ranger looked relieved when he saw he was seated as far as humanly possible from my grandma. After the kids said grace, we all dug in.

My mother immediately gushed about how nice the ball had been the night before. "It was lovely, but we didn't get to see much of you Stephanie. You disappeared pretty early into the evening." She scolded me for shirking my hostess duties.

"I wasn't feeling very good, so I went up to lay down in one of the rooms upstairs, I was a little dizzy and my stomach wasn't doing too well," was my feeble excuse.

My mother got excited, "Maybe you're pregnant!" I choked on my mashed potatoes and Ranger patted my back. I think I heard him laugh. Bastard. I took a big gulp of wine before answering.

"Um, probably just the nerves and excitement of the big day," I offered.

My mother was quick to answer, "But you could be, wouldn't that be wonderful! You shouldn't be drinking that wine; it could be harming my grandbaby."

I sighed, "Mom, it's fine. Pretty sure I'm not pregnant." I finished my glass before pouring a second. Pretty sure as in no way in hell am I pregnant unless Immaculate Conception is a real thing. I put my fingers on my lips as I thought to make sure it wasn't out loud.

"Maybe soon," my mom was hopeful. Maybe not, I thought.

I was able to turn the conversation to Valerie and the kids, asking them how school was going. Angie gave a play by play of her latest book series, Percy Jackson, something about all of the Greek gods and goddess being real; pretty believable considering I had a real life Cuban Sex God sitting next to me. I looked around the table quickly, but no one was looking at me, so I must have kept that one to myself. I took another long drink of wine in celebration.

Mary Alice thanked me again for the riding lessons Dickie and I had given her for Christmas. She told me about her favorite horse Bumble Bee and how much she enjoyed riding him. The phrase triggered an image of me riding Ranger, but I shook my head to clear the image and polished off my wine. When it was his turn, Frankie told me all about the Autobots and Decepticons, while Ranger and my dad talked about the army.

Grandma kept her eyes on Ranger the whole meal. "Stephanie, where'd you find the hot one with the nice package?" wiggling her eyebrows at Ranger. Ranger choked on his salad and it was my turn to pat him on the back.

"Mother!" my mom scolded her.

"What? Dickie is good looking in a Frat boy sort of way, but this one is like sex on legs." Grandma continued.

I heard my dad mutter something like, "Crazy old bat," Under his breath.

I tried to stifle a laugh. When Ranger's hand found my thigh under the table and gave it a squeeze, it turned into more of a moan. I refilled and emptied my wine glass quickly.

The rest of the meal was relatively quiet and passed pretty swiftly; of course it could have been all of the wine that helped time fly. Dessert was my favorite, pineapple upside down cake with fresh whipping cream. I moaned in delight as I wolfed down my piece. I noticed Ranger's piece only had a few bites out of it. I looked up at him and saw his eyes were dark and he was looking at me like he had other ideas for the whipped cream. Yum. I licked my lips and I heard a low growl escape him as he leaned over and whispered, "Playing with fire, Babe." Gulp.

As soon as it was acceptable, Ranger and I excused ourselves and said our goodbyes. I thanked mom for dinner and for coming last night. Valerie and I promised to have coffee later in the week and my dad pulled me aside to tell me to be careful and he was worried about me. I assured him everything was fine and that Ranger was taking good care of me. Ranger of course had charmed everyone and managed to get away without being groped again by my grandma.

As soon as we made it to the car, I collapsed into the seat. I did it! I survived! Yeah me!

Ranger climbed into the driver's seat and turned to look at me. He shook his head, "Babe, you come from a long line of scary women." I though a moment about being insulted, but considering it was a pretty accurate assessment, I just shrugged.

"You can't say I didn't warn you." I smiled at him. He studied me for a minute before reaching across and giving me a mind numbing kiss. Thank god for tinted windows was the only thought I could form before my brain turned to jelly. Just as quickly as it started, the kiss ended and Ranger was back in his driving zone. Between the amazing car seats, the scent of Ranger, and all of the wine I had to calm my nerves during dinner, I was asleep before we got out of the burg.

I awoke as Ranger set me down on the bed. He must have carried me in from the car. He had started to undress me, but I assured him I could take of it myself. Stupid I know, but lots of wine makes you foggy. I made my way to the dressing room and changed into some cotton sleep shorts and a cami tank, fumbled through brushing my teeth and washing my face before climbing into bed. Ranger had been on the phone. When his call ended, he came over and tucked me in. He ran his finger under the tiny strap of my tank, "Pretty," he whispered against my lips before kissing me soundly. He told me Tank was posted outside and he would back to check on me later. I tried to watch his fine ass as he left the room, but thanks to the wine I was out before my head hit the pillow. I thought of the look on Ranger's face during dessert tonight and I planned on having very sweet dreams.