I hurried through work Wednesday so I could get home in time to shower, shave and buff before my date with Mark. He called Tuesday to confirm and told me to wear jeans that we would be very casual. So I am wearing black jeans and a light blue v-neck top. Nothing too revealing.

I learned a little about him when we made plans for tonight's date. If my mother ever meets him she will be very impressed by the fact that he is an orthopedic surgeon. He just moved to Trenton from Atlanta where completed his residency. He did four years in the Army before Medical School. And he was not a Ranger. Most of his Army time he was in Alabama at the Fort Rucker helicopter school. I have a thing for Military men lately.

Mark arrived wearing a Philadelphia Eagles button down and some amazingly tight jeans. (Man my hormones are on overdrive.)

"So where are we going tonight? " I ask.

"Believe me you are going to have a great time and meet some interesting people." He says with a sheepish smile on his face.

"Hmm…we are heading towards Philly and you are wearing an Eagles shirt. The Eagles pre-season game against the Falcons?" I am excited now!

"Got it in one Sweetheart!" Hmm..Sweetheart is a new one I think to myself.

"Cool I have never been to an Eagles game."

We had a blast at the game. It turns out he is on the Eagles Orthopedic staff so sat on the field behind the players bench. I was very impressed. I even got to meet a few of the players.

Of course I fell asleep on the drive back to Trenton. He walked me to my door and gave me an awesome good night kiss and left. Wow he is a good kisser. I am going to need a new shower massage soon.

Thursday morning my phone is ringing off the hook. Fifteen voicemail messages before 10am.

My mother-"Stephanie Michelle Plum why were you on the sidelines of the Eagles game last night. Janet Evanovich's daughter doesn't stand on the sidelines of football games with strange men"

Lula- "Girl I saw you on TV with that fine man from Saturday night last night. Connie and I need details! And don't forget to bring some donuts. "

Mary Lou- "Call me!"

Eddie "Can you get me tickets and babysit?"

Ranger- "Babe"

Grandma- "Did you get to go to the locker room and see any fine packages?"

Mark- "I had a really good time last night. I will call you later about getting together this weekend." Sorry I missed that call.

This is the kind of day to stay in bed and forget the rest of the world...but that won't pay the bills.

I drag myself to the bonds office to face the Lula and Connie inquisition after picking up two dozen donuts.

After filling the girls in on my date - leaving out what a great kisser he is- I head to Rangeman where Lester is waiting for an update.

"So Beautiful caught you on TV last night let's hear all about it."

I smile. "Not much to tell we went to the game, hung out and then he took me home." And then the nausea hits me again. I barely make it to the bathroom. Man I thought I was over this bug.

Thursday evening I decide to bite the bullet and have dinner with my parents. The Burg is evidently buzzing with the news of me being on the sidelines of the Eagles game last night.

"Stephanie, what about Joseph? Angie Morelli called me this afternoon very upset because Joe saw you on TV."

"Mom, Joe and I are friends now and that is it."

"What about the package?" Grandma decides to chime in "are you still seeing him?"

"No Grandma, Ranger went to Miami last week for an extended stay. Julie needs him now."

Jeez I should have stayed at home.

I make it thru the roast, mashed potatoes and gravy without throwing up so I am happy. Mom sent me home with a bag full of leftovers and almost an entire Pineapple upside down cake.

Friday night's distraction should be a fairly easy job. Tom Evans is a serial shoplifter and thinks he is a ladies man. Tank doesn't think I will have any problems getting him out the door. He likes to frequent Al's bar on the edge of the Burg. I decide on a pair of tight jeans and a very low-cut black blouse and a pair of black FMP's.

This is the first distraction I have done since Ranger left so I am a bit apprehensive but I am sure Tank and the guys have it all worked out. My Spidey Sense is not going off so I think we are good.

Lester arrives a little before 9 to pick me up and of course he picks the lock and comes right in. Why can no one knock?

"Beautiful are you ready for this?" he asks as he hands me the mic to hide under my clothes. This makes me miss Ranger since he always wired me up himself. Gotta get used to this.

"Sure Les the guy does not sound that bad."

"Bobby is behind the bar, Hal will be at the door as a bouncer and Hector and Woodie will be playing pool."

"Sounds good."

"Evans is there and is playing pool at the table next to our guys"

Lester gives me a kiss on my cheek and sends me in.

I go in and get a fake Long Island Iced Tea from Bobby and walk over to Hector and Woody but checking Evans out to the point that he notices me"

"Hey Girl you I have never seen you here before" What an orginial line he has. "Would you like to dance?"

"Sure" I say as he grabs my hand and practically drags me to the dance floor. I have to shoo Hal off letting him know I am still in control of the situation.

"I am supposed to meet some friends at Deseo would you like to go with?" I ask while batting my eyelashes at him.

"Sure Babe" it throws me for a minute when he calls me "Babe" and I let my guard down and he grabs me, kisses me and latches on to my neck like a vampire. Dang I know that left a mark. I try to regain my composure "Hold on Big Guy there is plenty of time for that later." He nods and we head out the front door. When we are outside hesitate, acting like I am looking for my keys just as Tank and Lester grab him. ''

Hal helps Tank get Evan in the SUV and Lester comes over ready to take me home.

"Beautiful let me look at your neck. Yep you have a big hickey. Let's get you home so you can shower and get him off you." I guess Ranger filled Lester in on my post distraction routine.

We both are in the zone during the drive back to my apartment. Lester takes the stairs and I opt for the elevator of course he beats me to my door. When I step out of the elevator he is hold a vase full of white roses.

"Beautiful, new stalker?"

I run to the bathroom and throw up.