This is my first story... Please let me know what you think by reviewing! None of these characters are mine, they belong to J. Evanovich. Hope you enjoy...

Language, Sex, and Adult Themes apply...

This is my version of Janet's 16th book.

I love getting reviews! The more reviews, the faster I will post.

Sixteen Pistols Reloaded - Chapter 2

"A club?!" I asked, enthusiastically. The thought of going to a club was very exciting, even if it was for work, but then I thought about my closet full of boring work clothes. The dress I would normally wear out on the town was currently sitting in the bottom of the dumpster outside my apartment complex, ruined from the last, shall we say messy, distraction job I did. My face must have faltered, because Ranger was staring at me inquisitively.

"What's wrong, babe? Two seconds ago you were excited, and now it looks like someone just told you that you have a dentist appointment to get a root canal." Ranger said, looking genuinely confused.

"It's just that, the last distraction job I did, got a little out of hand, and I had to chuck my favorite little black dress in the dumpster."

"Not to worry, the mall is open for at least three more hours," he replied, while pulling his wallet out of his back pocket. "Take this card for work expenses, I'm sure you'll have no problems picking out some new club clothes... and get a sexy new pair of heels to match."

I should feel guilty for taking, what looked to me like a platinum, no-limits credit card. But Ranger said for "work expenses", so there was really no need to feel guilty at all, at least that's what I was going to keep telling myself. "Thanks, Batman. I shouldn't be too long," I said, putting on my most innocent little smile and stood up from the table.

"Be back in two hours, tops. We'll all be meeting in conference room B at 8:00 to go over the plan for tonight, and then we'll need to head out around 10pm at the very latest."

Ranger got up from the table, and stood behind me. Close enough so that I could feel his heat. He put his lips to my ear and whispered, "There's enough money on that card to get something lacy to go under that dress too."

Just the thought of him thinking about me wearing something lacy sent a flame straight to my core. Ranger could obviously tell the affect he had on me, because he had the start of a sexy grin on his face. I hurried out of the apartment without another word and got down to the parking garage as fast as I could.

Normally, I would ask Lula to come shop with me, but she was busy getting her nails filled at the salon. So I pushed through the mall entrance and headed straight to Nordstrom. I loved everything about the mall; the smell, the sounds, the people-watching. Not to mention the fact that I could shop until I dropped. I found the dress section towards the back, and instantly a dress, or twelve, caught my eye. I grabbed at least 6 dresses and headed to the fitting room.

I stepped out feeling confident about my two choices, and then caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. UGH! Not only was my hair in complete disarray, but my skin looked horrible in this light. I was definitely going to need some new makeup, courtesy of Rangeman. I navigated my way to Sephora and made my selections quickly.

I was on my way back towards the entrance when I realized I needed a new pair of FMPs to match. I practically sprinted to DSW and located the perfect pair of black, leather stilettos. I got to the register and made my purchase, trying to get out of there as fast as I could. I still needed to do my hair and makeup before the meeting.

I walked out of DSW feeling the wonderful high that shopping always gave me, when I stopped in front of Victoria's Secret. Oh, fuck it. If he wants to play dirty, let the games begin. I walked into the mother of all lingerie stores and spotted a lacy, black number that would work perfectly with dress number one. The best part was the strappy, little garter belt that would hold up sheer stockings. Eat your heart out, Batman.

I was just walking out of Vickie's when I saw him. I cursed under my breath. There was no getting out of this conversation, he had noticed me as well.

"Cupcake, you shopping for something sexy to wear for me?" Joe asked me, curiously trying to peak into my bag. I snatched it away just before he got a hold of it.

Joseph Morelli is my on again, off again boyfriend. We are currently off, for what seems like the last time. He can't handle me working for Ranger, or doing anything revolving bounty hunting. And he certainly wasn't going to like this new case I just took on, which reminded me that I don't even really know what it is yet... hmm.

"No, Joe. I just needed to pick up a new bra."

He didn't seem interested in the slightest, eyeing me up and down like I was a piece of meat. "What are you doing tonight, sweet heart? You know, I miss you. How about you come over and watch the game. I'll pick up some pizza and beer." He said, trying to persuade me.

"I'm working tonight.." I was cut off by the sound of my cell phone going off. I looked down and smiled. I answered Ranger's brief phone call and hung up.

Joe was standing there, looking more annoyed by the minute. That Italian temper seemed to flare up, especially whenever Ranger was mentioned. "Jesus, Stephanie. When are you going to find a suitable job for yourself? If you keep working with that maniac mercenary, you're never going settle down, get married, and have kids! What kind of man wants a woman who is constantly putting herself in danger, always hanging around those steroid junkies. NO MAN, THATS WHO!"

I could feel my blood boiling in my viens, and smoke start pouring out of my ears. "You know what, Morelli? Just because I'm not your idea of what the perfect woman is, doesn't mean that I'm not someone else's perfect woman. I don't need to settle down right now and have kids. I'm not going to be some Burg version of the stepford wives, no matter how bad you and my mother want that for me. I'm tired of listening to what everyone else wants me to be. If you can't love me for who I am, then get the hell out of my life."

I was really on a roll now, my knuckles turning white from clutching onto my bags. I was about to walk away, but then remembered the rude comments he made towards Ranger and my Merry Men, "Oh, and another thing. That "maniac mercenary" and those "steroid junkies" are some of the greatest men that I know, not to mention, some of my best friends. They would never try to change who I am." I stated coldly, before stalking off towards the car with my head held high.

It wasn't until I got to the car that I let myself shed a few tears. Joe has not only been my boyfriend for the past few years, but he's been one of my closest friends. I knew in my gut that it was over between us. We have had this conversation far too many times. I hoped things wouldn't get too ugly. I did value his friendship, but not if he was going to bitch about my choices. It was my life dammit. I didn't have time to reflect on what had just happened, so I'd save that for later, hopefully way later. I put my luxurious Cayenne into drive and sped away towards Rangeman.

I know it's starting kind of slow, but stay with me! It will pick up, I promise!

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