Beefcake for Charity Ch 11- Let the Dates Begin

HECTOR POV

With a few more taps on my laptop mouse the remainder of the music feed was set and I could leave my post and grab some punch. The sight of Santos bested by the boss-man and Estephania's granny was a priceless moment I was only too happy to get on video. Santos will be surprised when he watches it back. He was the one dumb enough to pull a prank on Ranger and implicate me in it. If he wasn't my brother in arms and such a valuable member of the team his payback would have involved pain. A great deal of pain not just the uncomfortable pinching and groping of one Edna Mazur.

I have to give it to him though, Lester really does have a way of charming people and manipulating a situation to suit his needs. His songs were spot on for each Rangeman as he stepped out to be bid on. I wonder what song he would have chosen for me if I had agreed to participate as bachelor instead of volunteering to man the music and surveillance plus a few other undisclosed operations. When Boss-man came to me with a top secret plan of course I couldn't say no, I'd been more than happy to help.

When Tank fell I couldn't resist playing Brick House and the fact that Santos will get blamed is just bonus.

CAL POV

I lucked out. I can't believe I never met Charlene before. She is hot, down to earth and best of all she isn't the least bit intimidated by my appearance. When she wiped the makeup off Flaming Fred I was flabbergasted for one that she knew he was there and that she wanted to see him. I knew at that moment I had to get to know this woman better. But that moment when she slipped her jacket off and I saw the intricate art covering her arms it was like the skies opened up and angels began to sing like on that episode of the Simpsons. It was a crazy moment that just felt right. Thank God I don't have to explain it because she seemed to feel it too.

Who knew this charity event would introduce me to someone so cool? I've got to find a way to thank Steph for getting me here.

Charlene just touched my arm and laughed at my joke. That's a good sign right? It's not like I have a lot to go on here, women usually avoid me. A youthful indiscretion like Flaming Fred usually makes women back away from me, or worse, run in the other direction. But Charlene loves him. She ran her fingertips over him admiring the artistry and asked who did the work.

"Do you want to get out of here?" she asked.

"Yeah, sure, what did you have in mind?" I asked.

"Maybe grab a bite? We could take it back to my shop?"

I couldn't help the grin spreading rapidly across my lips, "Sounds good," I said picking up her jacket as she grabbed her purse.

I couldn't wait any longer I had to ask, "Why did you pick me? And how did you know about Flaming Fred?"

She grinned and looked at me thoughtfully a moment before she spoke. "There is just something about you Calvin. Something about you that speaks to me. I noticed it a few weeks ago. You and another guy from Rangeman responded to a call at a friend of mine's business."

I was confused, I didn't remember seeing her and I would think I'd remember HER!

"I was cleaning up a mess and you were busy writing down her statement," Charlene said as if reading my mind or at least the confused expression on my face. I nodded in understanding.

"So when she mentioned Rangemen were taking part in this bachelor auction I took a chance that you were one of them," she said laying her hand on my chest. My hands found her waist. It felt so natural to be touching her. When she had asked me to dance with her earlier I didn't question it, I just did it because that felt right too.

"I like you Calvin," she said and I actually felt my heart rate increase. "I wiped the makeup away because I want to know the real you. Will you let me get to know you?" Wow, I was speechless. She looked into my eyes and I could actually feel our faces being pulled closer together until she placed a sweet kiss on my lips. My arms tightened around her and I returned the kiss. "I'd like that," I said resting my forehead against hers. She smiled and grabbed my hand and lead the way out.

STEPHANIE POV

I watched with interest as a middle aged woman approached Hal.

"Ma'am," he nodded with a small blush as he spotted her paddle with his winning bid number on it.

"Hal is it?" She asked.

"Yes Ma'am," he answered.

"This is my daughter Sarah," she said as she dragged out from behind her the girl who had gathered his discarded shirt earlier. He gave her a nod.

"You seem like a nice boy," the woman continued. "And Sarah is a sweet girl but very shy," she said nudging the girl closer to him. "I trust Rangeman and from what I've seen here tonight, you'll be a gentleman."

"Yes Ma'am," he said.

"Good, I'll leave you two to make arrangements," she said and walked to the desk out front to pay.

"Your shirt," the girl said quietly blushing profusely and thrusting her arm forward to hand it to him. His fingers brushed hers as he accepted it.

"Thanks," he said. She blushed.

"I'm sorry about my mom," she said quietly. Hal shrugged and pulled out a chair for her. She sat and he scooted her closer to the table and took a seat next to her. "So how old are you, Sarah?" he asked setting his shirt on the table next to him.

"Twenty-two," she answered staring at her hands in her lap. "How old are you?" she asked.

"Twenty-eight," he answered watching her nod but not look up at him. "If you'd rather not go out with me," he started to say.

Her head popped up abruptly, "No, it's not that," she blurted out.

"I scare you?" Hal asked looking like he was waiting for her to reject him.

"No, it's not that either, " she mumbled dropping her gaze again.

"Then what is it?" he asked tentatively reaching out for her hand. Her face flushed profusely. "It's okay," Hal said leaning in,"You can tell me."

There was a long pause as she gathered her strength. "It's just," she paused, "it's just you are so hot. I'm sorry my mom forced you to take me out."

Hal smiled. I had to cover my mouth with my hand to keep the "aww" to myself so I wouldn't interrupt their moment. Instead I squeezed Ranger's hand and gave him a little kiss. I tilted my head toward Hal and his date and Ranger nodded.

Hal took the girl's hands and they disappeared in his. "Listen to me Sarah," he said softly, "No one forces me to do anything I don't want to and I would be honored to escort you anywhere."

She looked up at him surprised; her eyes brimming with tears, "You mean that?"

"Wouldn't say it if I didn't," he said with a genuine, heart melting smile.

"See," I said to Ranger, "This is why I love my Merry Men!" I sniffled unable to keep a few happy tears from straying down my cheek. Ranger gave me a squeeze and kissed the top of my head as I leaned into him.

When I looked back Hal and Sarah were sitting closer and talking quietly together; both of them grinning. It did my heart good to see Halasaurus this way.

WOODY POV

It wasn't hard to find my date since she was sitting at the same table; in her smart business suit and my hat perched on top of her head. There was something intriguing about her; something sexy about the way she nursed her drink. She was watching the group around Lester so she hadn't noticed me yet.

Her strawberry blonde hair looked good dangling from under my hat and I noticed a patch of freckles across her cute little nose as she sipped her frozen drink through a straw. As she pursed her lips around the straw I noticed how full and pink they were.

"Howdy," I said adding an extra bit of southern drawl. Her blue eyes sparkled as she met my gaze.

"Hi there," she smiled setting her drink down to get up.

"Please sit," I said pulling up a chair next to her, turning it around and resting my arms on the back of it. I set my long neck bottle on the table. "Name's Woody," I said extending my hand.

She took it and smiled brightly, "Colette."

"I think we have a date," I grinned.

"I believe we do," she grinned back. "Oh," she said and reached for the hat on her head, "I believe this is yours."

"Naw," I said and waved her off. "It looks good on you."

Her face flushed and I decided this would be fun.

TANK POV

To say this event hasn't been what I expected is an understatement.

I spotted Edna with Santos and got at least a little bit of satisfaction knowing that he was going to get a little bit of payback without me having to lift a finger.

I did need to speak to Edna before she left though so I headed over to the group.

"Edna, could I speak with you a moment?" I asked making sure I could see her hands at all times as I lead her to a more private table.

"Sure thing, hot stuff," she grinned.

"Care to explain to me what was going on earlier? Why were you recording me? I'd like you to delete it now," I demanded crossing my arms over my chest.

Edna plopped up onto the stool and fished her phone out of her jacket pocket and poked a few buttons. "Your hot mama Lula was going to bid on you. Since she was out of town she asked me to proxy; you know bid in her place, on her behalf."

"I know what proxy means," I growled.

"Well anyway," she continued; not at all put off by my tone or stance. "We was on Skype so she could be here to see her man strut his stuff."

Inwardly I had to smile that Lula was trying to claim her territory even though I had assured her days ago this was just a dinner for charity. She had agreed it was a good cause so I don't know why she was so upset earlier.

"You know," Edna said tapping her index finger on her lip, "You're a good match for Lula. It would take a big guy like you to make her feel protected and I think under that gruff exterior you are really just a big teddy-bear; am I right?"

"No!" I scowled, "I am NOT a teddy-bear!"

"That's what I thought you'd say," Edna laughed and reached up and patted my cheek. "You're a good man, Mr. Tank. Take good care of Lula. She needs that in her life." Once the words left her mouth she hopped off the stool and raced over to her group and grabbed a handful of Santo's ass. He jumped and squealed like a little girl.

"Stop that!" he hissed as he rubbed his rapidly bruising behind. I have to admit it gave me a little joy to see him squirm and suffer!

STEPHANIE POV

It did my heart proud to see my Merry Men with their dates. Cal and his date were headed out the door. He was holding her jacket for her to slip into and smiling broadly at her.

Oh I hope the dates all go well. I want so much for them all to be happy!

Hal and that young woman who picked up his shirt during the auction seemed to be hitting it off. They were still talking and smiling at one another.

Manny was looking around for his date. Not really knowing what she looked like; he took a seat and ordered a beer while he waited for her to come find him. I would love to help him but I didn't see who it was either with the numbers of bids happening all at once.

After his beer arrived a casually dressed woman in her 30's approached him. He sat up and started to stand up to invite her to join him but she put her hand up to stop him. "I'm sorry," she said, "My friend had to leave suddenly. Her son is sick."

"Is he okay?" Manny asked gesturing for her to have a seat.

"Yes, I believe so," she said and sat down next to him.

"Can I get you a drink?" he asked.

She shook her head. "I just wanted to speak with you and let you know she had to leave."

"Well, I appreciate that," he said taking a sip from his bottle. "How should I get a hold of her later? I assume she was the highest bidder?"

"Not exactly," the woman said. "Theresa is an amazing woman. Her husband was killed four years ago. He was in the military," she explained.

Manny nodded. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said; his genuine sympathy apparent on his handsome face.

The woman nodded. "So Theresa is a single mom, who spends all her time when she isn't working doting on her adorable son Matty. She needs a night out to just have fun and enjoy herself; To feel like a desirable woman again not just somebody's mom. So, a bunch of us pooled our money and bid on you. The way you danced with that emcee woman with such care and respect, we knew you'd be just the right man to show Theresa a nice night out."

Manny blinked and patted the woman's hand. "I'd be honored," he said, recieving a brilliant smile in return.

"Okay ladies, I have arranged limousine transportation for us for a nice evening of dining and dancing. Everybody up for that?" Lester asked. The ladies all gathered their things and Les guided them out the door making sure he was bringing up the rear outside of any grabby hands.

A/N: Thank you to all the the reviewers for giving me that extra encouragement and support! OK, so coming up, Lester still has some tricks up his sleeve, and we still don't know what Ranger has been up to.. or who pulled in the most money...Let me know what you think so far... :)