See prologue for disclaimers.

Chapter 18

I closed my eyes and swallowed.

"Babe," Ranger choked out, "are you in love with Lester?"

"I could be if I let myself," I said quietly, then looked at Ranger, his expression was shuttered. "I do love him..."

Ranger nodded and stared at a spot on the floor, his jaw clenched tight.

"...as a friend," I finished. "But, no, you're not too late because of that. The thing is I've always trusted you unquestioningly and this situation has changed that. I don't know how long that will take to repair."

Ranger nodded again, and said, "I guess I just need to know if I can make this right. I want to earn back your trust. Do you think you can forgive me?"

I studied his warm, dark eyes and the unguarded emotion there that he normally hid so carefully. I took in the tense set of his shoulders as he waited for me to answer. His hands were clenched on the counter, and I recalled how it felt for him to touch me with those hands. I pictured walking away from him and never again feeling his arms around me, never again experiencing the glow that he alone could create just by being near. Could I forgive him? Hell yeah. I loved him. Would I make it easy on him? Hell no.

"I can understand why you helped Carmen. Although I hope your mother knows what she almost cost you. My problem is the secrecy thing. I know that there are things about yourself that you may not be allowed to share. But, if I'm gonna be with you, you're gonna have to stop with the man of mystery routine. I can't worry every time you're out of my sight if you'll be back or if you're off getting hitched or if you'll be a different person when you return. If you pull something like this again, with no explanation or warning, then I'm done no matter if it kills me." I looked at Ranger, his blank face was in place.

I went on, "You're gonna have to let me into your life. Those are my terms." Somewhere during this past week, I'd found a strength I didn't know I'd possessed. Maybe it was the ego boost the Merry Men had given me. I decided I like it. I deserved this, I deserved to be happy.

"Your terms are acceptable." The beginnings of a smile played on his lips. "I'm willing to take it slowly and earn your forgiveness. Maybe we could start out with a date."

"No," I said.

Ranger looked crestfallen, his shoulders slumped and the almost smile disappeared.

I laughed. "I mean no more first dates. I've had enough of those for a while. I don't want weeks of awkward kisses at the door or nervous silences. Can't we just skip all that and get to the good parts?"

Ranger flashed a devastating smile. "I could handle that, Babe."

"So, how much longer are you going to be married for?"

"My attorneys are ready to file the divorce papers. We should have this wrapped up by the end of the month."

"And then you'll be free."

"No."

"No?"

"No. Then I'll be yours. I don't want to be free."

Ranger stood and walked into the kitchen. He approached me with slow steps. "I love you, Babe."

I waited for the caveat, for the condition, for the terms, for the qualification, but it never came.

I looked up to see Ranger staring at me, eyes serious, "That's it, Babe. I love you. Period."

"I love you, too," I said, my voice unsteady, emotions at the surface. "I've known it for a long time now. I don't know when I fell in love with you, but it's there and I can't escape it. Even when I was angry at you for hurting me and when I was heartbroken, I loved you."

"Babe, I'm so sorry."

"I know." I could feel myself trembling and tears welling up.

Ranger stood a breath away from me and whispered in reverent supplication, "Can I please hold you now?"

I threw myself into his arms and it just felt right, like two pieces of a puzzle coming together. I was home. We stood there for countless minutes, relishing the feel of each other. He tilted my chin up with the tip of his finger, love shimmering in his eyes. He leaned in and kissed me, sweetly and gently. Then he rested his chin on my head and I rested my head on his chest over his heart.

After a few minutes, I started chuckling to myself and then giggling. Ranger pulled back from the embrace to hold me at arm's length. He quirked an eyebrow, "What's funny, Babe?"

"Batman was defeated by his mommy." I cracked up again at the thought of Ranger being cowed by a little Cuban woman wielding a wooden spoon.

Ranger chuckled too and said, "This totally destroys the image, doesn't it?"

"Yup," I said, giggling still. I wrapped my arms around him again and he pressed a kiss to my head.

"Good."

Huh? "Huh?"

"Good. I'm tired of playing a role with you. I want you to get to know me. Me. Not the street thug, or the superhero, or the CEO. I'm not any of those people. I'm real and I feel and sometimes I'm… stupid. I know it's not sexy and I know it's not exciting. It's just real… and that's me. I want you to know me."

"I want that, too. In fact, I demand it." I said, as he nuzzled my neck. Warmth spread through me as every cell hummed in response to his nearness. I kissed his ear and whispered, "Although, there is one persona of yours that I'm curious about. And I'd hate to find out it was an act."

Ranger looked at me questioningly.

I grinned, "Are you really a Cuban Sex God?"

"Babe," he smiled his slow, dazzling, melt me into a puddle smile, "you know the answer to that."

"I don't know, my memory's dim," I breathed. "It's been a very long time. You may have to remind me."

He captured my mouth in a hot, passionate, tongue-tangling kiss. I was panting when he broke away.

"I'll be happy to remind you… now and for the rest of my life."

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A/N: Stay tuned for an epilogue. Still have to break poor Lester's heart. sniff Please let me know what you thought of this chapter...