As always: Not mine & not making any money. Minor Spoilers though 18.

Thanks for everyone who is continuing to read/review/alert Holiday Weekend- it puts a smile on my face. During the editing session, I decided to merge chapters six and seven. I hope that you enjoy the long chapter. I have added some links on my profile to give you a visual aid!

The last thing I recall was Ranger saying, "love you Babe" but I was lights out before I could even respond and say something stupid like I love you too.

Holiday Weekend 6

Swat….

Swat….

"What doin?" I asked Ranger, my voice filled with sleep, my eyes never opening. Ranger has woken me up in some interesting ways over the past but seriously does he think prying my eyelids open is going to start my morning off on the right foot…ugh MEN!

Great Mr. Mysterious wants to remain silent this morning, well I'll show him. Keeping my eyes closed I absently reach for the blankets and pulled them closer, desperately trying to bury myself in the bed that is as luxurious as the one in Ranger's penthouse if not more so.

I just felt myself returning to dreamland when again I felt prying fingers on my eyelids.

Swat…

I know that I have witnessed a very different Ranger here in Rhode Island but I'm relatively certain that no matter how different he is, he still does not giggle like a schoolgirl. As my eyes shot open the giggling became louder. Looking to the left, right and foot of the bed I didn't spot any visitors. I peered over the edge on my side and sure enough there was little Miss. Lexi crouching down trying to hide.

I glanced down at my watch and groaned it was only six thirty. Much to my own despise I am much better in the morning now that Ranger has been training me and that I am working at RangMan part-time but six thirty on a Saturday morning when I am on vacation is so not cool.

Think Stephanie, think, how we deal with this she is only four. When in doubt smile and wing it has become my philosophy with the Manoso family in the last twelve hours, mine as well continue along that path.

"Good morning Lexi, what are you doing?"

"Tía Estefi we go to beach and build castle now?" Lexi answered while trying to climb up on the bed with what I assumed was a bathing suit gripped in her little hand.

"Sweet Pea it is very early, we need to put on our beach cloths, have breakfast, and wait for the sun to warm everything up before we go to the beach." I answered while lifting the little girl onto the bed.

"Oh" was her sweet little reply, she sounded so disappointed and it tugged on my heart.

"Where is your mom?" I asked

"In kitchen with Tío Carlos, I sneak up see you." At least her reply had answered one of my internal questions as to where my bedmate was.

What to do? I am sure that after a while Celia will wonder where Lexi is. It would be best to avoid her coming up to look for her as I am only in one of her brothers t-shirts.

Got it.

"How about you sit here while I go and get ready for the beach, then we will go see your mom and have breakfast?" please say okay; please say okay I thought to myself while I waited for her reply.

"Kay, but you help Lexi dress and do hair" was her rather thought out reply.

I could do that, but right now I needed to get to the bathroom and take care of my own business as my bladder let itself be known. "Okay" I responded while jumping off the bed and scurrying to the bathroom, all the while thankful that Ranger's shirt came down to my knees.

I quickly took care of my business, brushed my teeth, washed my face, and pulled my hair into messy ponytail. When I exited the bathroom and walked into the dressing area, Lexi was laying on my side of the bed following me with her eyes. I closed the door and noticed that one side of the dressing area had cloths for me hanging along with a dresser while the other appeared to have the same for Ranger. I rooted though the draws until I came up with three different bathing suits, all from Victoria Secrets, all two-piece; fantastic this is so not what I would have packed for myself if I knew where I was going and who I would be with. With an eye roll to no one I began investigating my options.

One was an itty-bitty black string bikini with gold chains and detailing, definitely not happening, way to sexy and revealing.

Option number two was a pushup, strapless top with a twist appearance to the front and hip-kini bottoms that had a ring on each side in a pale pink color. What in the world was Ella thinking, I can't wear something like this around Ranger's family. The pale color alone will make me look almost nude, and not that I have too much to show but this suit leaves nothing to the imagination.

Option three was a tankini with inch wide halter straps and typical bikini bottom in a gorgeous blue color that reminded me of Caribbean water. This I could work with, the top would cover me without making me look like a skank or a grandma and the bottoms where actually bottoms not barely there's.

I put the suit on and glanced in the mirror, damn I look good if do say so myself. All the working out is truly paying off; this is probably the best beach body I have ever had. I may need to try on the other bikinis when I have more time just to see how they look. I pulled out a white beach dress and threw it on over the tankini and slid my feet into some white beaded flip-flops, I was good to go.

Exiting the dressing room I smiled at little Lexi, she was half naked trying to get the top of her bikini on. She smiled when she saw me and I couldn't help but widen my smile, I just want to eat her up she is so cute.

"Do you need help Sweet Pea?" I asked

She just huffed and walked over to where I was standing after pulling off her tangled top she handed me both pieces. I took the bathing suit from her; she raised her arms as I pulled the pink ruffled top with pink and white check back over her head. Before I helped her put the bottoms on I asked if she needed to go to the bathroom figuring it would be easier before she was dressed. She just shook her head no and stepped into the bottoms I was holding.

I began gathering her pajamas, quickly made the bed, and was just about to usher Lexi out the door when she spoke.

"Tía Estefi my hair!"

Mental head slap, I should have remembered that. I led her to the edge of the freshly made bed, picked her up and settled her down. After grabbing my brush and a couple of elastics out of the bathroom, I climbed behind Lexi, began brushing her hair and asked "Pigtails or Braid?"

It is amazing how the simplest questions seem like life altering decisions to a four year old. After thinking about it for a few moments she decided on pigtails.

Twenty-five minutes after my early morning visitor made herself known, we were on our way downstairs, Lexi was perched on my right hip her cloths clutched to her chest. We reached the bottom of the stairs quietly, trying to avoid waking the rest of the house. I could barely make out the sounds of Ranger's and Celia's voices in the kitchen. They grew louder the closer we got and my ears perked up at the mention of my name, before I could listen further Lexi whispered in my ear "Tía Estefi I have to go potty."

This is why I don't do kids, did I not just ask her if she had to go ten minutes earlier. I set Lexi on the floor and walked her over to the bathroom right off the kitchen. After promising not to leave she made her way in.

I was leaning against the wall waiting for Lexi when I heard Ranger speak to his sister.

"What did you guys ask her in the car yesterday? When I opened the door she looked like she was going to try to swim back to New Jersey to get away from everyone, away from me."

"Quit being so dramatic Carlos, we just asked her simple questions to try to engage in conversation. We talked about things that either you or Fernando and Hector already told us" was Celia's reply.

Hmmm, how would Carlos's brother Fernando and his partner Hector know anything about me? Very strange.

"You're not telling me something hermana* and I'm going to find out." Ranger spat back at Celia.

Please Celia don't bring up your mothers in love with comment, please, I thought to myself as I continued to listen.

"Carlos relax everything is fine. Let me ask you something why did it take you guys so long to get into the house yesterday? You must have been in the driveway almost a half hour."

I would swear a very loud sigh left Rangers lips before he replied. "She was surprised all of you guys were in the house and then she was terrified."

"What do you mean she was surprised? Please do not tell me that you didn't tell that poor girl where she was going and who would be here until you pulled into the driveway?" Spoke Celia with such an icy quality to her voice, if it was directed at me I may have froze.

Maybe Ranger froze because I never heard him reply and after a few seconds Celia continued her tirade in Spanish "Juro a hermano que tiene mierda de asno para cerebros a veces.**"

When Ranger found his voice again it was so soft I almost couldn't make it out thru the wall, unfortunately hearing it did little to help me understand as he continued the conversation in Spanish. "Fui espantado de decirla. Es el corazón, mi alma, mi todo. Yo no la puedo aflojar.

Note to self, have Hector teach me more Spanish so I can continue to build on the limited 'menu of words' that I know. I am pretty sure corazón means heart, but I can't put it into context. I was lost in my own musing; I didn't hear Celia's response or Lexi exit the bathroom.

"All set Sweet Pea?" I asked when I felt her tug on my hand.

She didn't answer just continued to tug on my hand until my feet started following her into the kitchen. As soon as we entered the room Ranger and Celia's heads snapped to us at the same time. If they rehearsed it, it wouldn't have been done as accurately.

Tick-tock, tick-tock, the imaginary clock moved in my head as no one spoke when we entered. The silence felt as if it stretched on forever, only easing when both Ranger and Celia spoke at the same time.

"Morning Babe."

"Lexi what are you doing up? Who got you dressed?"

The awkwardness the silence left was still present, I don't know if it had to do with us walking in on their conversation, or the fact that we were both standing there dressed so early in the morning, but it was becoming uncomfortable. With a cheeky smile to the siblings I addressed them.

"Good morning. Celia, Lexi visited me this morning with her swimsuit in hand. I helped her dress and did her hair, I hope you don't mind."

"Of course I don't mind but what do you mean Lexi visited you Estefanía, where were you?" With a glance over at the clock Celia continued, "it's only a little after seven."

I chuckled. "She came up to the bedroom about six thirty, she was ready to go build a sand castle." I paused and smiled, looking down at the little girl before I continued. "I explained that we needed to get dressed, have breakfast, and wait for the sun to warm everything up before we can go."

"I am so sorry she bothered you Estefanía. Thank you for helping her, it seems like she has become rather attached. She is an early riser, but I didn't even hear her." Celia replied.

I smiled a mischievous little smile at Ranger before I spoke. "Seems like she has some of her Uncles abilities, she told me she snuck upstairs before you two noticed her."

Ranger chuckled before reaching down and scooping Lexi up. He plopped her on a stool at the island before speaking to her. "What should we make for breakfast Munchkin?"

"PANCAKES!" Lexi yelled so loud I was sure the rest of the house would be up in no time.

Celia excused herself from the kitchen to get dressed; it was only then that I noticed she was in pajamas.

I began making my away around the island and into the kitchen on the hunt for some coffee. For the first time I noticed how incredible the kitchen was. I have burnt water in the past, and my culinary skills tend to be limited to peanut butter and olive sandwiches and reheating my mother's leftovers but this is the kind of kitchen that inspires you to learn how to cook. The cabinetry had a white wash finish and you could tell by looking at the stove and refrigerator that they were not only huge but also top of the line. It was a kitchen with an adjoined seating area that was designed with entertaining in mind.

I located the coffee pot and started fixing myself a cup with the cream and sugar that were out. I didn't notice Ranger was behind me until he whispered in my ear causing a shiver to run threw my body.

"Sleep well Babe?" he asked while kissing that oh so sensitive spot were my ear and jaw aligned.

"Mmmm Hmmm" was all I could say. Oh how my body betrays my mind whenever he is close.

"Was something wrong with the pajamas I left for you?" Ranger asked while pressing me into the counter a little more with his body.

"Hugh" I shook my head slightly, closing my eyes, trying to realign my brain before I spoke again. "No Ranger, they were beautiful I just like sleeping in your shirt."

He placed another kiss on me, this time on my ear lobe before he gently pulled on it with his teeth, his hands sliding down my sides to rest on my hips. I am pretty sure I let out a soft moan.

"Why Babe?" he asked in a husky voice, while still whispering in my ear.

I felt my eyes fly open with that question and was happy that he couldn't see my face. I couldn't very well say because it smells like you and makes me feel safe. I couldn't say because I love you and it makes me feel close to you. Ranger began moving his hands up my sides and back down to my hips, as I stood there panicked. Shit…shit…shit, how do I answer this.

A very loud clearing of the throat brought me back to reality. Ranger took a step back and we both turned around, so much for Batman always being aware of his surroundings he looked as startled as I was.

Marcus was standing there grinning like a Cheshire Cat. "Do you think I can get some of that coffee?" he asked.

Thank you for the interruption I thought to myself.

"Sure, sure" I replied rather hastily, grabbing my cup and wiggling around the two men, making my way over to one of the stools. It was only then I realized that the majority of the family was in the kitchen. How could we not have heard them? I felt my cheeks starting to blush, what did they see? What did they hear?

Breakfast or should I say the morning feast, as there were three different kinds of pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and pastries served, all pasted in a blur. The men of the family seemed to be in charge of the morning meal. Watching "domesticated Ranger" always makes my heart beat a little faster and today was no exception.

Before long we were all heading down to the beach. Beach chairs, umbrellas, sand toys, boogie boards, and surf boards all made there way down along with beach blankets, towels, and a cooler filled with water and juice boxes. We set everything up on the private beach that belonged to the house it was truly incredible.

Ranger kissed me on the forehead telling me his was off to teach Rafael how to surf, as it would be high tide at 9:58. I couldn't help but wonder if we were every going to spend any time together, alone on this trip. I didn't get to travel along those thoughts for long as Lexi came over to take me to where the buckets and pals had been set out in the perfect spot for her castle.

Time passed quickly as Lexi and I built a castle taller then the four year old. We had a little help from Renzo and Dannica but they both seemed rather shy around me still. A few times when I wasn't paying attention to what we were doing and instead watching Ranger teach Rafael the finder points of surfing Alejandro would sneak over and kick down or hit a part of the castle. I found it rather amusing, as he was being a typical three-year old but Lexi wasn't as thrilled. At one point she threw sand in his face and was spotted by Maria, which earned her a time out.

After a few hours the women scooped up the little kids in order to get them washed up for lunch and a nap. They asked me to join them inside but I declined. I wasn't done soaking up the rays and was enjoying all the men still going strong on the surfboards. It looked as if Rafael was doing really well; he was able to stand up a few times. I couldn't help but smile as I looked between all five of them in the water. They were all beautiful male specimens including Ricardo Sr. and it was almost as if I was watching a movie instead of experiencing real life.

I could get use to this I thought to myself as I laid down on one of the blankets, using a rolled towel for a pillow, I watched the waves roll in. Stop it Stephanie, stop it right there. You don't even know whose house this is, and just because Ranger brought you away for the weekend with his family doesn't mean that he has changed his status on relationships and is going to be bringing you around all the time. Take what you can get, be happy with his friendship and support I told myself. The problem I've been having is that my mind had all the right answers, but my heart wouldn't listen. How much longer could I go on loving this man from afar while being so close to him? By the end of this weekend my heart may be broken into so many pieces I wouldn't be able to put it together again and Ranger wouldn't have done anything wrong. He has told me more times then I care to remember that 'his lifestyle doesn't lend itself to relationships' and 'his love doesn't come with a ring' but unfortunately for me being told these things and listening to them were two different things. I closed my eyes and sighed, I could do this I would be strong because losing him is not an option. I can't lose him!

My eyes flew open when I realized I was no longer lying on the blanket, but flung over a broad and muscular shoulder. Looking down I saw Rangers beautiful ass in front of my face and it took my entire will power not to bite it. What in the world was he doing? Slowly I saw the water covering his legs as he made his way into the surf, oh no! I wrapped my legs around his waist and pulled my body up so that I was facing him. He had that damn smirk on his face, and I could tell I was entertaining him again.

"Need to be more aware of your surroundings Babe" Ranger said as our eyes focused in on one another.

I squeezed him tighter around the waist and brought my hands up to rest on his shoulders. His hands came down and rested on my ass and it was only then that I realized that we were mouth-to-mouth, groin-to-groin.

Ranger's eyes were twinkling with amusement the entire time he was walking farther out into the surf. A wave broke, splashing up on my back and I clung tighter to Ranger. Damn that was cold.

"Put me down" I said.

"You've been saying that to me a lot lately Babe." Ranger replied.

"Carlos, put me down." As soon as I said it my eyes widened with surprised and I clasped my left hand over my mouth. I've never called him by his given name.

Ranger looked stunned for a second and then pulled my hand away from my mouth and said "say it again."

I must have acquired ESP because I knew exactly what he wanted to hear.

"Carlos" I breathed. I felt Rangers length grow hard against me before his lips crashed down on mine.

He kissed me with such passion that I thought my heart was going to explode. His tongue explored my mouth, stroking my own, all while cradling me closer to him. I felt my nipples harden and I pressed my chest into his, while sliding my hands around his back and up into his loose hair.

After a few moments we pulled away from each other both gasping for air. Ranger rested his forehead against mine, his eyes closed. I could feel his heart beating widely and for once it was nice to see that he was as affected as I was.

Ranger opened his mouth to speak but before any words came out a loud whistle snapped both of our heads in the direction of the shore. Standing there was a man, maybe a few years younger then Ranger and not as built, but it was easy to see the family resemblance. I had to assume that it was Fernando, Ranger's brother. Behind him on the deck at the top of the stairs was another man, must be his partner I thought.

"Hermano**** you better bring Estefanía over to meet me right now. I have been waiting far to long to meet this Angelita."

Ranger groaned and started walking towards the shore, my legs still wrapped tightly around his waist. As we got closer, the man who was on the stairs came into focus and all of a sudden a few things started to fall into place.

Edited 03/07/13

*hermana- sister

**Juro a hermano que tiene mierda de asno para cerebros a veces.- I swear brother you have donkey shit for brains sometimes.

*** Fui espantado de decirla. Es el corazón, mi alma, mi todo. Yo no la puedo aflojar. - I was scared to tell her. She is my heart, my soul, my everything. I can't loose her.

*hermano- brother

Translations were made using freetranslation . com English to Spanish (Latin American)