Disclaimer: Janet Evanovich owns all characters, though if I could, I'd own Morelli. Ranger too.

My eyes jolted open as confusion swept over me. Where was I? What happened? Looking over I saw Ranger sprawled out next to me. Oh yeah. Now I remembered. Somehow the mixture of physical, emotional, and sexual exhaustion had finally knocked me out and I slept soundly for almost three hours.

"Babe," Ranger rolled over, draping an arm across my bare chest. "It's Saturday, that means sleeping in a little."

"Isn't eight sleeping in for you?"

"For me yes, but not for you." He pulled me closer then, snuggling his nose into the crook of my neck.

"I was just thinking about what I'd like to have for breakfast."

"And what did you decide on?"

I rolled on top of him, kissing his neck, his chest, his stomach. "I think I have something in mind."

Rex was sitting on the kitchen counter and when I opened the fridge I picked out a little of everything to give to me. His eyes widened in excitement when he saw all the choices. He tried to fit everything in his cheeks but failed and settled on a grape. Scurrying back in his soup can his tail end stuck out, it was almost vibrating with joy. Rex never ate this well at my place, or Joe's for that matter. I mean, he had much better food there, like pizza and subs, but deep down Rex was like Ranger. All he really wanted was something healthy.

I didn't have to work at the mall today, and I thought maybe I'd round up my last skip if I could get Lula to help me. My goal for the day was to stay busy. Being busy would allow me to avoid thinking about the huge mess I was in, not just with Joe, but now with Ranger. As if I hadn't buried myself deep enough I found I couldn't stop digging.

Putting on a pair of the tight black slacks Ella brought me, I added a pair of plain brown ankle boots, a white skin tight v-neck shirt, and my new best friend, the double push-up bra. Only after I dressed did I realize the bra was black and could easily be seen through the shirt, but at that point I was too tired from doing my hair and make-up to care. The leather jacket that went to the bike was lying on the couch next to my purse. Ella had already been in while I showered and Ranger ate his breakfast, and there was no sign anyone had even tried to sleep in the living room.

Taking the elevator I made my way down to the control room floor. Ranger had a private office there and I felt the need to stop in and tell him I was going out. Hal and a few new guys were sitting at the control desk that monitored the fleet of Rangeman cars as well as the grounds and the properties that had Rangeman surveillance installed. The two new guy's jaws almost hit the floor when I strolled out of the elevator and I knew they had been watching me the whole time.

"Good Morning Hal." I did a little finger wave as I passed by.

"Got that right." He smiled at me and I knew that not only had he heard my performance last night, he was lucky enough to catch the encore this morning.

Fire erupted in my cheeks and I hurried off, eager to be out of sight. Ranger's office door was wide open and he was sitting behind the desk, talking on his cell phone. He was dressed in his business clothes, slacks and a button up shirt, all in black of course. He said yes, no, yes again and then hung up. His eyes looked me up and down, staring at my chest momentarily before meeting my eyes.

"I just wanted to let you know I'm going out."

"Taking the bike again?"

"Yeah. I could use the distraction."

"You'll have to deal with things someday."

"I know, but I'd rather someday not be today."

"Are you going to tell me about it? Or do I have to find out on my own?"

"What's there to tell really? Joe's an asshole, who obviously hasn't changed since high school. I probably should have run him over harder with my car back then."

"Be careful. You may change your mind about that in the morning."

"Wasn't last night proof enough for you that I'm done with him?"

"Babe, last night wasn't the first time we've been together. And if I remember correctly, you were done with him then too."

"This is different."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that."

"I would. He cheated on me."

"What?" Ranger's eyes hardened slightly, something you'd never notice unless you really knew him. This was Ranger's surprised face, and honestly, Ranger was never surprised. "Are you sure?"

"I found worn panties in his car that weren't mine, and he was passed out drunk on the couch with his boxers on backwards. I'm pretty damn sure."

That's when the waterworks hit. I'd cried in front of Ranger before, and this time was just as embarrassing as that time was. Trying to hide my face I turned away from him, kicking myself for not being stronger. He didn't say anything, that wasn't Ranger's style. Instead he got up, crossed the room and hugged me. It wasn't just any hug, it was a comforting hug, and it was as close as Ranger got to showing emotion. He kissed the top of my head and went back to his desk.

I left then, wiping away the tears and the eyeliner that was running down my cheeks. Hopping in the elevator I kept my eyes down, not wanting everyone in the building to know how much of a girl I was.

The Duc was right where I left it, helmet hanging on a hook on the wall in front of it. I climbed on and headed out of the garage, not sure where I was going, but just needing to go somewhere. My stomach must have been sending navigational messages to my brain because I ended up at Tasty Pastries.

A half dozen Boston crèmes later I was back on the bike and driving around town. I couldn't go pick up my skip because I had no way to bring him in. Although maybe with the way I was dressed if I just offered him a ride he would gladly get on the bike. Hmm. Might as well try.

Ernie Teller lived in a typical slum apartment on Stark Street. Part of me was worried about leaving the Duc out in the open, but I was pretty sure anyone who saw it would think it was a dealer's, and no one messed with their stuff unless they had a death wish. Below Ernie's was a butcher shop that sold meat items I didn't even know were edible. Climbing the trash infested stairs I found his door and knocked.

Ernie Teller opened, wearing nothing but a pair of tighty whiteys. Gross. His eyes looked me over, stopping on my chest and never even noticing my face. That was probably a good thing since it was possible he would remember me and start throwing food again.

"Ernie Teller?"

"That'd be me. What can I do for you foxy?"

"I was hoping you'd go for a ride with me."

His eyes flashed to my helmet then back to my cleavage. "What kind of bike you got?"

"Ducati. Superbike 848, black. Brand new."

"Let me just put some clothes on."

This was the test. If he came back with clothes on I could cart him off and hope he didn't try to run once we made it to the station. If he never came back that would mean he'd bolted, and I'd ruined my chance at catching him. Right then I told myself if he ran I wouldn't chase him. I had enough man trouble in my life I wasn't about to let Ernie Teller add himself to the list.

One minute later he was at the door wearing ratty old jeans and a stained gray shirt. He had a leather jacket that looked like it was new in 1970 and a pair of sunglasses in his hand. Ernie Teller was ready to ride.

My plan seemed good at first but now I was hitting some bumps. The first of which was the fact that Ernie seemed to think he was going to drive. I solved that with a little persuasive talk about how I loved the feel of a man behind me. Inside my stomach was churning. The next problem was once we were on the bike Ernie couldn't keep his hands to himself. He was one of those guys that thought boobs were handlebars, put in place by God to help him keep his balance on the bike.

When we got closer to downtown I picked up speed. Maybe I would luck out and we would get pulled over. Then when I stopped I could cuff him and get him hauled in. The problem with that plan was that Trenton PD was severely under funded and not once did I see a blue and white on the road. Time was ticking by and I decided to just try my luck. At the worst he would get away and I'd go home and burn my clothes and skin off. At best I could trick him into going inside by distracting him again with my assets. Lucky for me he was a man and he wouldn't tire of looking.

As we neared the building I thought up a plan. My cuffs were in my jacket pocket and all I had to do was reach down and pull them out. His hands were perfectly in place and if I eased them on gently he'd never know what was happening. Just as I took the last turn before I entered the parking lot I slide a cuff on his right hand, leaving it loose until the other was in place.

At the sound of one side locking in place he started to pull his hands away. Quickly I snapped the other and pulled into the lot, not wanting to give him a chance to freak out and knock us both to the ground. Ernie Teller was now cuffed around me and as I turned the bike off I slid his arms over mine and pushed him back off the bike.

"What the hell? You tricked me! You bitch."

"Yeah, I've heard that one before."

I wasn't in the mood to deal with this so I rushed him inside, got my papers and headed out. Morelli was leaning against the bike when I came outside and I had to calm myself before I popped all my fingers out of their sockets. His hair was sticking out all over, his five o'clock shadow was turning to beard and there were dark circles under his bloodshot eyes. He looked like hell.

"I have nothing to say to you." I picked the helmet up off the seat and pulled my hair back into a ponytail.

"Please Steph. You've gotta listen to me."

"I don't gotta do anything. Now just leave me alone."

"I swear-"

"Don't. Just don't." I was shaking my head now, working to keep the tears back. "Who was it?"

"You have to believe me; I don't remember any of it."

"You don't remember? You actually expect me to believe that? Let me guess, you were too drunk to remember right?"

"I must have been. I mean, I only had a few beers, but I literally don't remember anything."

"Well let me remind you then. You're boxers were on backwards and there was a pair of freak panties in the back of your car. Remember now?"

"No." He hung his head, his shoulders slouched and he sighed. "I love you. I would never hurt you like this."

"Well you did."

I turned to leave and he grabbed my wrist. His face flew to the side then, as though someone had smacked it, hard. Looking back it was probably me. Okay, it was me, and to be honest it felt good. Pushing the helmet down I climbed on the bike and took off. My mind was racing and my chest started to hurt. After I'd gone a few miles and I figured I was safe I found an alley and pulled over. Ripping the helmet off I let the sobs shake my body, and then leaned over as I threw up. This really wasn't my day.

Composing myself I headed for Hamilton so I could drop off my papers and get a check from Connie before she left. I wasn't sure what I'd do for the rest of the day since I had no work, no skips, and no boyfriend. However I did have a bike, an amazing bike, and if I were lucky I could get Ranger to go for a ride with me. Of course that would lead to other things, because being so close to Ranger and having a vibrating machine between my legs was sure to make my lady parts scream.

"He's still calling for you." Connie handed me a paper filled with notes on it. All were messages from Joe.

"Tell him he can stop bothering you because I'm not going to call him back and I've changed my cell phone number. And no I'm not giving it to anyone."

"Huhn." Lula was sitting on the couch back in her regular neon green spandex pants and yellow leopard print shirt. Today her hair was orange, and I mean orange. "How you gonna get a new number and not even give it to me?"

"I didn't really get a new number; I just want him to think that."

"You plan on telling us what happened? Cause you know my gossip sense is a tingling." Lula was practically palpitating at the thought of it.

"I'm sure you'll hear soon enough." I bit on my lip and tried to rush through it so I could avoid another puking and crying episode. My eyes and my stomach were both much too tired for that. "He cheated on me."

"Say what?" Lula jumped up then, looking like a woman scorned. "With who?"

"No idea." I told them all about that night, they both loved the part where I dumped coke on him and slapped him across the face.

"Shit. If I was you I'd have done more than a slap in the face." Connie nodded in agreement and I didn't even want to hear the things that happened to men who wronged them.

"But it's over, and I'm moving on now."

"Does this moving on have to do with the new bike you're driving?" I could see the heat rising in Connie's face and I knew what she was thinking.

"This moving on has to do with never seeing Joe Morelli again."

Just then the door flew open and Joyce Barnhardt strutted in. She was in her usual leather outfit, which I thought fit her, since she was such a cow. Somewhere under there she probably had a set of udders that she used to get Vinnie to give her a job.

"No new skips in?" She smiled sarcastically at all of us.

"Nothing new. Stephanie brought in all the outstanding cases we had."

"Nice work dear." Joyce was up to something, and honestly I didn't want to know what.

Just then the phone rang. Connie, Lula and I all looked at each other, and none of us moved. It rang a few more times before Joyce reached down to answer it.

"Hello?" She paused and then started up again. "Oh hey Joe. I'm glad you called, I just needed to ask you something." She looked over at me and turned her back, making a big show about needing privacy. I turned to walk out the door when I heard her say, "I'm pretty sure I left my panties in your car."

Every hair stood up on end, and I could feel the tremors shake my body.

"Uh oh." Lula said as she and Connie both started to back away from the table.

There was a heat burning in my body, and I realized part of it was from anger and another part was desire. A hand was on my lower back then, grabbing a hold of my shirt to keep me from going too far forward.

"I've been trying to call you." Ranger whispered in my ear.

"Not now! It was Joyce." I hissed through clenched teeth.

He took over then, knowing that if I didn't leave the office that minute I would kill her. I didn't have a gun but everyone else did and there were three people in the room who would gladly give me on in a heart beat.

"Babe," He spoke loudly now so everyone could hear. "We're still on for dinner tonight right?"

"What?" This caught me by surprise and I wasn't exactly sure how to answer. Ranger was playing a game.

"Our date."

"Oh. Yeah." Short answers were best. I didn't think I could form multi syllable words just yet.

"Maybe we should go back to my place now."

"Sure."

He pulled me into him then, kissing me deeply. So deeply in fact I was sure he could taste the donuts I had eaten for breakfast. Then I remembered that I'd just been sick and I pulled away quickly, feeling extra grossed out. I waved goodbye to Connie and Lula, both of whom were fanning themselves and signaling me to call them. Joyce's face was as bright red as her hair and I winked at her before we left.

Ranger climbed on the bike and I got on behind him, wrapping my arms tightly around his body. I leaned my face against his back, pressing my cheek as close to him as possible. We took off and I closed my eyes. My helmet was still at the bonds office. Oh well, I wasn't going to ask him to go back and get it. The wind whipping by my face was cool and smoggy, just the way Jersey liked it. He took us back to Rangeman and we rode the elevator in silence. I didn't bother taking my clothes off, instead I climbed into his bed fully dressed and cried myself to sleep. My plan was to either never wake up, or only wake up to find out this was all just a horrible nightmare and not really my life. The problem with that plan was that neither option was possible and instead I rolled out of bed a few hours later, knowing that I'd have to go to my parents for dinner.

I showered again, and was pretty sure that once Ranger saw his water bill he'd burn me at the stake. In all honesty I didn't feel like getting ready so I pulled my hair back in a ponytail, skipped out on make-up and pulled on a pair of jeans, a black shirt of Ranger's and flip flops. My mother was going to have a conniption fit when I got there but I was over caring.

Ranger was wearing a t-shirt just like the one I had on, but it fit him much more snuggly. He had on black dress slacks and his hair was pulled back, just barely forming a pony-tail. A while back he cut it short to disguise himself and it still hadn't grown back all the way.

"Babe," Ranger used the word babe to mean many things. This time babe meant 'Is that really how you're going to your mother's house?'

"Yes. This is really how I'm going out."

"It's fine by me, but are you really up to listening to your mother talk about it?"

He was right. As much as I didn't care I knew my mother would never let me hear the end of it. I went back into the bathroom, added some mascara and lipstick and came back out.

"Better." He pulled on a jacket and handed me one as well and we were off.

We took the turbo tonight. I never officially asked Ranger to come to dinner; it was all just part of his charm. He knew what I was thinking, and what I wanted without me actually having to speak it.

As is burg tradition my Grandma Mazur was waiting at the door for us and she smiled wide when she saw the car and Ranger. "I'd sure like to get me one of those." She said as we got closer.

"You think she means me or the car?" Ranger said in my ear as we made our way to the living room.

"Both."

Following all the burg traditions my father was in the living room, watching television and reading the paper. He glanced up when we came in, smiled at Ranger and mumbled something about a hired hit man. Ranger took a seat on the couch and I headed for the kitchen, not sure what I would find there.

It was bad. My mother had chopped up everything in the house. The thing about my mother was that when she was stressed she ironed, but once she ironed everything she went on to chopping. Anything minced was a bad sign. Today my mother had cut up twelve kinds of vegetables as well as the meat and rolls.

"Uh oh." I leaned over to Grandma and asked what was wrong.

"No idea. She got a phone call this afternoon and she's been at it ever since.

When my mother looked up and saw me she dropped her knife and crossed the room, arms stretched out. She pulled me in tightly rubbing my back with one hand and smoothing out my hair with the other. After a few minutes she leaned back to look at me, kissed me on the cheek and then went to finish dinner. Great. My mother had lost her mind.

"Someone needs to tell me what's going on here." Grandma demanded as she pulled plates out of the cabinet.

"I got a phone call today from Connie. She told me all about it." Even better. My personal life was once again burning its way through the town. "Don't worry she didn't tell anyone else, and I've kept my mouth shut about it."

"Tell anyone else what?" Grandma was throwing her hands in the air, trying to catch our attention.

"You tell her. I'm going to go out and check on Ranger. I have a feeling Dad is talking him into doing a little dirty work for him."

"Ranger's here? You didn't tell me you were inviting anyone. Would you just look at how I've ruined dinner! You're father is going to be furious."

I wasn't sure exactly where to sit. My father was in his chair, Ranger was on the couch. Biting my lip I sat down next to Ranger and my father didn't even notice when Ranger's arm slunk around my shoulders. After a few muffled screams from the kitchen Grandma came out, jogged up the stairs and came back down carrying Elise. Elise was Grandma's .45 long barrel. Whatever she was up to, it wasn't good.

"I'm gonna get that no account sonovabitch and his hussy." Her face was hard and her teeth were in place, never a good sign.

"Whoa. You can't shoot anyone." I said as I stood in her way.

"To hell I can't! I'm old. We got different rules than you young folks."

"Really? And since when is it okay for someone to shoot someone?"

"Like I said we got different rules. My rules say I can shoot someone if I want."

"That's sweet of you and all, but I'd rather shoot them myself, if you don't mind."

"Huhn. I see what you're saying." She leaned in closer to me. "You need to borrow my gun?"

"No thanks, I'll use my own."

My father was already sitting at the table when we finished up. His plate was filled with food and his fork was on its way to his mouth when there was a knock on the door. "Oh for Christ's sake, don't people know it's dinner time?"

Ranger went to the front window and looked out. From the look on his face I knew who it was, and I wasn't about to answer. My mother walked to the front door, towel gripped tightly in hand and opened it, leaving the screen door closed.

"Yes?"

"Can I talk to Stephanie?" Morelli looked even worse than he had that morning.

"I think you should go home Joseph."

"Please."

"If you don't leave now, I'll call your mother." That was how you made a threat in the burg. People weren't scared of getting the police or even the mob called on them, but when someone brought your mother into things, you listened. Obviously Morelli had forgotten that rule because he didn't budge. Grandma Mazur poked her head out the door, her gun pointed at him.

"She said to beat it. So beat it."

I wasn't really sure if she'd shoot him, but I wasn't going to risk the chance. Glancing over at Ranger I sent him a mental message to please fix this and he went to the door, opened up the screen and stepped outside.

"I think you should go now." He said as he crossed his arms in front of him.

"I'm not leaving till I talk to her."

"Look, she doesn't want to talk to you. You owe her enough to leave."

Joe swung at him then, catching the side of his mouth and pushing him back slightly. Ranger reacted like a cat and instantly returned the punch. Both of them had blood on their hands and faces. They were both swinging away at each other, seeming to be evenly matched.

"Stop it!" I yelled as I ran out the door, pushing between them. "Why her? How could you?" I was hitting Morelli in the chest, slamming my hands harder and harder against him. "I could have forgiven you if it was anyone but her! I hate you!" Ranger had me around the waist now and I was kicking and flailing, trying so hard to reach Morelli and break his face.

Morelli turned away then, putting his hands in his front pockets and walking down the street. We all went back inside to find that my father had already finished his first plate full of food. Nothing was that important that it would make my father miss dinner. Everyone filled up their plates and ate in silence. When everyone was done my father finally spoke.

"What I don't understand is why the meat and rolls are in such little pieces."

A/N

As always thanks to my beta, AKA mom who comes over and cleans my house.

Did we all see this coming? Did you know who the "other" girl was from the start?

Thank you so much to all who have read and reviewed. Plum fans leave such wonderful reviews. Keep it up, and don't worry, more twists and turns will follow.

Have a wonderful Holiday whatever it is you may celebrate, and a VERY safe and happy New Year! Drink one for Grandma Mazur!