I am super thankful for all the review so far! Lula will definitely make an appearance later! I will probably alternate between POV's.

Also, for now The merrymen being featured are Tank, Lester, Bobby and Cal. I think Hector might come in too... If you want any others just let me know!

Read. Rate. Review. Be jolly and eat toast.

I leaned against my car after Carlos walked away. He kissed my hand. I knew a big goofy grin had spread across my face because Mary Lou and Lenny were laughing. But Mary Lou was right... he had a nice ass.

"What about your tasty cakes Steph?" Lenny asked.

"Huh?" What tasty cakes? Honestly, I wasn't even sure he was talking to me. I couldn't be Stephanie Plum; curvy bookworm extraordinaire. Stephanie Plum didn't get kissed by guys that looked like that. Hell, she never even talked to guys that looked like that.

Mary Lou laughed and took my keys. "I'll drive. I don't wanna die because your Latin lover can't keep his lips to himself."

We got in my car and drove to my house where my mother was waiting on the porch, with crossed arms and a scowl.

"Stephanie Plum, I just got a call from Mrs. Morelli. She heard from Linda Yokonovich that YOU were being... morally loose behind the candy store."

I sighed. I am genuinely curious how these things spread. I kissed a guy behind the bleachers and now I'm Joyce Barnhardt. Mary Lou laughed a bit.

"Mrs. Plum, I can assure you that isn't true. I have been with Stephanie all day. It is a nasty rumor started by Joe Morelli because Steph turned him down again." Mary Lou explained flawlessly. This is why she is my best friend.

My mother sputtered a bit about boys and threw her hands up in the air and went inside.

"Thanks." I smiled in her direction which she returned. "No problem bestie."

We went up to my room to do homework and chat. A few hours later we ate and then I drove Mary Lou home. On my way home I stopped to fill my tank up and buy some tasty cakes. I swear, I turned my car off for maybe five minutes and now the damn thing won't start! I stood there glaring at it. I kicked the hood and began cursing at it.

"You stupid piece of shit! I just filled you up. I have been nothing but good to you. I change your oil and tires and get you fixed whenever you need it! You money chugging, gas guzzling, son of a,"

"Problem with your car, babe?" I turned to see Carlos standing there with a grin on his perfect lips. I had the decency to blush.

"It, umm, won't start." I said looking at the dent my foot had put in it. Great, Adonis had been sent to earth wrapped in caramel and he found he yelling at my car like a lunatic.

"Mind if I take a look?" He said brushing past me. I lost my words as a shiver ran down my spine. He popped the hood and looked around for a bit.

"Start the car, Babe." he said gently. I attempted but it just hummed and kapooted. I sighed. He chuckled.

"It's not so bad,really. You're just low on oil." He wiped his hands on his jeans and I kicked my car once more for good measure.

"Stupid piece of," I was interrupted again.

"Babe." I bit my lower lip and looked at Carlos. I had the urge to tuck myself into his arms and rest my head on his solid chest. He stepped forward and into that little bubble people usually avoid popping. He reached his hand out and tucked a stray curl behind my ear and let the rough pad of his thumb trail down my cheek.

"We should get you home. It's getting late." He said pulling away. I pulled him back with a firm hand on his t-shirt. I wrapped my hand around his neck and rest the other on his pectoral. He took the hint and in seconds we were kissing. His hands rested on my hips. He added subtle pressure, never pushing for more just letting it happen. I don't know how long this went on but a chuckle pulled Carlos from our kiss. I was still mostly dazed and clung to him.

"Hey there, Beautiful. I see my cousin has been nothing but ungentlemanly. Honestly, Carlos, eating a girls face outside where anyone could see. What would your mother say?" Lester smirked. "Don't worry, I'll save you from the big bad wolf." He offered out his hand in assistance. Before Carlos could reply I piped in.

"Maybe I want to be eaten." I said gripping Latin Adonis' shirt tighter. The big muscled black guy chuckled and mumbled something along the lines of 'be careful what you wish for'.

"Is that so?" Carlos hummed in my ear. A shiver ran down my spine. "You cold,Babe?" He asked with a smirk.

"Not even slightly." I gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "I have to get home."

And without another word I was driving home with a big ol' grin on my flushed face.

I AM SOOOOO SOOO SOOOO SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG! I was sick and lacking inspiration.

THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS