I don't own them, I'm not making any money…
CHAPTER 16
"You ready to go, Babe?" Ranger asked, standing from his chair and coming to pull out mine as I stood.
"Yeah," I agreed. We'd been out to dinner celebrating the fact that I was officially showing. I was now eighteen weeks pregnant, and my weekly waist measuring had shown a two inch increase in my waistline. That meant I was also celebrating the fact that I wouldn't have to run for quite a while.
"Let's see if we can get you home before you fall asleep," Ranger teased, when he noticed me stifling a yawn as he helped me into my coat.
"Mmmm, I don't think it's gonna happen," I said, leaning back into him.
"Babe," and a light squeeze was all the response I got, before Ranger took my hand and led me to the entrance.
Minutes later, the valet pulled the Mercedes to the entrance and Ranger helped me in before going around to his side. I heard the engine purr to life and we were headed home. I was out like a light before we made it out of the parking lot…
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I love Bulgari, I thought, inhaling deeply as I drifted out of a deep sleep. I kept my eyes shut for a moment, savoring the smell and the feeling of Ranger's 700 thread-count-sheets against my skin. Ranger, himself, wasn't wrapped around me, so I doubted he was still in bed, but I rolled towards his side just to check. Nope, no Ranger.
Opening my eyes, I saw a beige wall and a large dark wood dresser. I'm pretty sure that yesterday the bedroom in the apartment had tan walls and no big dresser, but then Ranger is always telling me I need to be more aware of my surroundings. Still, I don't think I'm quite that bad… Swinging my eyes around the rest of the room confirmed it; I definitely wasn't in the apartment.
My first reaction was that I had been kidnapped, yet again. I instinctively rolled my knees up and wrapped my arms around my stomach to protect my baby, but that didn't feel right. My spidey-sense wasn't tingling and Ranger and I may have showered together last night, but the smell of Bulgari was too strong to be coming from me alone. Ranger had been here, and if we were in any trouble he would still be here or would have woken me before leaving.
That established, I crawled out of bed and noticed for the first time that I was wearing one of Ranger's large, black t-shirts that I had taken to sleeping in. I was almost positive that wherever I was, I wasn't in any trouble and that Ranger was still near. Thinking it would be a good idea to have something on my bottom before I started exploring, I pulled open a dresser drawer and I found a bunch of black t-shirts, not helpful. Another drawer revealed not one pair of black silk boxers, but two. Taking a pair I stepped into them, rolling the waist band to keep them up. Looking in the rest of the drawers showed more Ranger-like clothing so my almost non-existent in-trouble feeling pretty much disappeared. Kidnappers never went to this much trouble to trick me. But where am I?
Cracking one of the two doors and peeking out, I saw a short hallway, so I ventured out of the bedroom. From there, I followed my nose to a kitchen where I found Ranger. He was standing in front of a griddle, flipping pancakes, and I felt a giggle escape me at the sight.
"Babe," he said, turning around at the sound. "You ruined your surprise. I was going to bring you breakfast in bed."
"We can still have breakfast in bed," I replied, crossing the room and pressing my lips to his before pulling away and meeting his eyes. "Ummm, by the way, where are we?"
"The Batcave, Babe."
"You brought me to the Batcave and didn't tell me!" I exclaimed, suddenly paying much closer attention to my surroundings. We'd left the restaurant at about quarter of nine last night and a look at the clock on the microwave told me it was now about eight. I'd been at the Batcave for maybe ten hours and hadn't known it!
"Go explore, Babe," Ranger said, stilling my head to press a kiss to my temple. "I'll call you when breakfast is ready."
"You know me so well," I told him, before skipping off.
I wandered from room to room, taking in everything. There was a lot of dark wood, warm color and comfortable furniture. I could quickly tell from the contents of the rooms that everything in this house was expensive and of good quality. Instead of looking sterile or intimidating, however, it was obvious every attempt had been made to make the house appear welcoming and relaxing. I could completely see Ranger coming here after chasing criminals all day and letting go… loosing the persona.
Spying a comfy-looking, over stuffed couch, I decided to try it out. It was very large, almost uncomfortable for me to try to sit normally in, but definitely Merry Man sized. Just to check out if it lived up to its appearance, I stretched out and twisted around a bit. The only thing that could make it better would be a Ranger-sized pillow. Today was Saturday, and I really hoped we'd spend the weekend here… this would be a great spot for our Sunday afternoon nap.
"You falling asleep on me, Babe?" I heard from Ranger, just as my eyes had fluttered shut.
"Mmmm, not on you," I said a little regretfully, sitting back up and crossing my legs under me.
"That's good. Are you ready for breakfast?"
"Breakfast in bed?" I countered.
"Yeah. Go get yourself in bed, and act surprised when I bring breakfast in."
"Okay," I said, stretching to brush my lips against his as I passed him.
I quickly made my way back to the bedroom and slipped between the heavenly sheets. I curled into a ball, pretending to sleep so Ranger could 'wake' me for his breakfast in bed. But, since it's me and the bed is so comfortable, I fell asleep for real. I woke when I felt Ranger pressing kisses all over my face, I hadn't been asleep long, but I could tell I'd amused Ranger.
"Babe, you didn't have to play along that much," he teased, climbing into bed and settling a tray on his lap and me against his chest where I could easily reach. It couldn't have been the most convenient position for him to eat, but whatever makes him happy…
"So, Babe, what do you think of the Batcave," he asked, once we were working our way through the stack of whole wheat pancakes he'd made.
"I love it, it's cosey," I replied, scooping up a forkful of strawberry topping. "Did you have to disclose the location to have someone decorate?" I really couldn't see Ranger sitting around considering fabric choices.
"Elisa's an interior designer, Babe. She did the house and the 7th floor apartment. She likes to use me as a test dummy for what she calls her 'masculine sophisticate' look."
"It's nice," I told him pressing a kiss to his jaw.
"I'm glad you like it, Babe."
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Beep beep beep beep…
Rolling over, I slapped the alarm and stared at the ceiling. God, I hate Monday mornings, I thought. Ranger and I had spent a wonderful weekend at the Batcave, relaxing and enjoying being alone together, but it had to come to an end. We had driven back to the Haywood Building late Sunday night and I now knew the location of the Batcave, although I'd promised Ranger not to reveal it. Today it was back to business as usual. I have a vague recollection of Ranger kissing me awake before telling me he was going running. I couldn't hear him out in the apartment, so I assumed he wasn't back and crawled out of bed, headed for the shower.
I was just about done and rinsing the conditioner from my hair when I felt a blast of cold air. Letting out a small, startled shriek, I spun around to find a sweaty Ranger. Hmmm, seems somebody didn't want to wait his turn for the shower. I was just starting to get pruney, so, wordlessly, I lathered a sponge with Bulgari before handing it to him, kissing him thoroughly and stepping through the sliding glass door into the bathroom.
"Babe," Ranger complained from the other side of the door.
"I was getting pruney, Ranger. Pruney isn't sexy," I told him, wrapping myself in a fluffy towel.
"You're always sexy. Babe."
"I'll remember that for later," I laughed, and exited the bathroom. Truth be told, I was dangerously close to saying 'screw pruney' and joining him, so I removed myself from temptation and went to finish getting ready.
Forty minutes later, Ranger and I were exiting the elevator onto the 5th floor. "Have a good day at work, Honey," I joked; giving him a little kiss before detaching myself from his arms so we could head our separate directions.
"You too, Darling," he replied, before kissing my forehead and stalking off to make the world a safer place.
Well, I better go do my part to contribute to 'world safeness,' I thought, heading for my cubicle. And just as I suspected, there was already a stack of search requests waiting for me. Booting up my computer, I got to thinking… they're search requests. What happens if I just deny them and stick them in my out-box. I wonder what Rodriguez would do if I just got a rubber stamp that said 'denied' and sent his searches back. Maybe I'd finally figure out who he is…
I worked my way through half the stack by lunchtime, and didn't find one I had the heart to deny. Probably the whole denial thing was wishful thinking on my part. At the same time my stomach let out a growl, I felt the baby do a couple of somersaults, so I decided to go find some food. Staring into the break-room fridge, I couldn't find anything that I was hungry for today. I knew if I called Ella she'd make me something different, but I was really craving the steamed rice and veggies Ranger had turned me onto from the one Chinese place downtown. Acknowledging the thought was just too much for me, I called in an order and had it delivered to the bonds office. It had been awhile since I'd seen the girls and forever since we'd had lunch.
"Hey, Ranger?" I said, poking my head through his open office door.
"Yeah, Babe?"
"I just wanted to let you know I'm heading out. I'm having lunch with the girls."
"Have fun and be safe," he said, giving me a smile before bending back over his paperwork. I'd never tell him to his face, but he just looks so cute sitting behind his desk, looking all serious when he's concentrating on something. I spent a few seconds just watching him, until he lifted his eyes to me and gave me a small head shake. Smiling, I sent him a finger wave and flounced away.
I made it to the bonds office in record time, even managing to beat my Chinese. Not that I was really worried either Connie or Lula would eat my rice and veggies… I'd made sure to order plenty of General Tso's, fried rice and egg rolls for them.
"Hey, white girl, we haven't seen you around here in forever," said Lula when I entered the bonds office.
"I know," I said, laughing. "That's why we're doing lunch today."
"Where are we going? I don't see you carrying any food cartons," Lula demanded.
"I ordered Chinese," I explained. "It should be here any moment."
"Alright then," chimed in Connie. "While we wait, why don't you take that coat off and let us get a good look at you? Are you showing yet?"
"Yep," I said smiling proudly as I slid off my coat and lifted my shirt off my belly.
"Is the kid kicking yet?" asked Lula, sticking a hand on my slightly puffy belly.
"Hey, that's cold!" I protested, jumping back. "And yes, I can feel it, but Ranger hasn't been able to feel it yet and neither have any of the guys."
"You've got all those sexy men touching your stomach?" questioned Lula, slightly in awe.
"There are benefits to this pregnancy thing," I joked.
"Hmmm," said Lula, looking a bit too much like she was seriously considering the idea.
"Lula!" Connie and I scolded together.
"What? Those men are fine," she argued.
"Lula, you'd undo all the hard work from your last diet," Connie reasoned. Lula had lost about twenty pounds on her last diet and was pretty proud of the fact.
"I guess you're right girlfriend," Lula conceded.
Right about then the Chinese arrived, so the subject was dropped in favor of more important things, like eating. I paid the delivery boy and we arranged the cartons all over Connie's desk before setting in.
"Steph, you are wonderful," Connie said, grabbing an egg roll and drenching it in duck sauce.
"That you are girl, but you've lost all sense in food," declared Lula, looking at what I was eating and turning away in disgust.
"I can't help it. I'm pregnant," I stated.
"Couldn't you crave something normal like peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwiches or a cheese coating on everything," teased Connie.
"I have no control."
"What's it like being with Batman?" Lula sprung. I had adamantly refused to share details of Ranger and my relationship and Lula couldn't handle it. She thought if she kept asking at random moments she'd surprise me into answering. It hadn't worked yet.
"Sorry, but I'm not gonna kiss and tell," I said, giving her the same answer I'd given every other time she asked.
"Fine, but one day you will slip up," she declared.
"Maybe," I said.
Once Lula dropped the 'Ranger' subject, we chatted about this and that for quite awhile. Me telling them about the guys' antics at Rangeman, and them updating me on Vinnie's activities, until I couldn't handle any more. There is only so much I want to know about him and Joyce or him and farm animals…
"Well, I better get going," I said, standing and releasing the button on my jeans. I hadn't gown much, but I hadn't had much room to begin with so a biggish meal made me uncomfortable.
"You don't fit in your jeans? Girl we gotta go shopping!" exclaimed Lula.
"Lula, I have to get back to work."
"Girl, you work almost every day. We haven't been shopping in forever," she pouted giving me her version of puppy-dog eyes.
I rolled my eyes, feeling myself give in. It wasn't one of my gun range days with Hector and I only had a few searches left. I'd be able to catch up tomorrow easily if I took a short lunch since I never had that much work by lunch time anyways.
"Let me just call Ranger first and clear it," I said.
Lula shifted into rhino mode so fast I almost missed it. "Batman makes you call him and ask to go shopping. That is sucky boyfriend behavior."
"I'm not calling Ranger my boyfriend to ask to go shopping. I'm calling Ranger my boss to ask for the afternoon off," I explained quickly.
"Oh," and Lula was back to normal.
Lula and Connie argued about some filing that was creating a mountain behind Connie's desk while I called Ranger. He was fine with an afternoon of shopping and as soon as Lula convinced Connie she'd be in bright and early tomorrow to do the filing, we were off.
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Lula and I had shopped until about five, then I'd dropped her at the bonds office for her car before heading home to the apartment. I found a Post-It on Rex's cage from Ranger telling me him and the guys had a takedown, so I was on my own for dinner. I called down to Ella to see if she and Luis wanted company for dinner tonight because it had been awhile since I'd visited.
"Oh, let me get a good look at you," Ella cried out, grabbing me as soon as I walked into the apartment. "I heard from the boys that you're showing."
"And they talk about women gossiping," I said laughing, as Ella ran a hand around my belly.
"They are pretty bad," she agreed, letting me go and stepping back for a better look. "You look wonderful, dear."
"Thank you," I replied, as my stomach let out a rumble.
"We better get her fed. I remember what you were like when you were pregnant and hungry," said Luis, giving a fake shudder.
"Oh, stop that," scolded Ella, bustling in front of us to put dinner on.
Dinner was wonderful, and by the time it was over I was full, sleepy and yawning, so Ella sent me upstairs to sleep. When I protested that it was too early to sleep, Ella told me that the baby was tiring me out and for the next few months if I wanted to sleep I should take advantage of it while I could. I agreed.
Ranger still wasn't back, so I settled for pulling one of his t-shirts on before snuggling into bed. I fell asleep immediately, staying in a deep sleep until my bladder drug me awake. Still no Ranger, I thought, rolling to his side, so I climbed out of bed and answered nature's call. Climbing back into bed, I caught sight of the clock and it was 2:00 in the morning. I tried to fall asleep, but tossed and turned and couldn't get to sleep without Ranger. Giving up, I grabbed the latest issue of the baby magazine Ranger had ordered for me and started reading. I figured I needed all the help I could get.
Three articles in, I heard the apartment door open and moments later a weary looking Ranger walked through the door. Looks like the takedown didn't go so well, I thought.
I slid from between the sheets and wrapped my arms around him before leading him to the bathroom. I turned on the shower and stripped us both before shoving him in and washing him carefully while looking for injuries. Not finding anything besides a few bruises I relaxed a bit.
"That bad, huh?" I asked softly, when we were almost done and Ranger still hadn't said anything.
"Yeah, we had some bad intel. The skip wasn't home alone and stoned off his ass, he was home with a bunch of buddies and they were all drunk, mean and thinking they were as big as Tank."
"Are the guys okay?"
"Yeah, Lester got nicked with a knife, but he got stitched up when we dropped the skip and his buddies off at the ER."
"That's good," I said, stepping us out of the shower. It also explained what took them so long. Taking skips means you have to wait awhile for the body receipt, usually give a statement, and get a lecture from the PD on not hurting skips.
I got us all dried off and tucked into bed. Ranger cuddled me into his side and immediately drifted off to sleep. It wasn't long before his even breathing lulled me to sleep as well.
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A/N: Tell me what you think! I love getting any feedback so Please Review!! Also, thanks for reading, I hope you're enjoying!