Inbox Chapter 3: Chapter's 11 through 14, a janet evanovich fanfic

*disclaimer—Characters belong to Janet Evanovich—I'm only taking them for a ride.

Inbox

By CrimesnLiz

Chapter's 11-14

Chapter 11

Adam and I decided to fly to Miami and drive his truck back to Trenton. Our flight left early on Friday morning, we both took the day off at Rangeman. Our plane landed in Miami International Airport at 10:15 am, and we took a cab to the Rangeman facilities.

I was slightly nervous because I knew Ranger worked here mostly and we hadn't really left on the best of terms. It only took us fifteen minutes to get to Rangeman and as soon as we pulled into garage Silvio was waiting for us.

"Stephanie, What a surprise! I didn't realize you were coming with Rodriguez. Are you here to see Ranger?"

Before I could answer Adam interrupted. "She's with me Silvio. Ranger doesn't know she's here."

Silvio looked uncomfortable.

I decided to speak before this got any weirder for all of us. "Well, we have to pack up the rest of Adam's things before tonight. We're going out and we want to be done before then.

Silvio looked relieved that we were leaving. "If you need anything, you know where I'll be."

We got weird looks from some of the guys around the building. I'm sure they were wondering why I was with Adam and not Ranger. So far we haven't run into him, but the day was still young.

The morning turned into afternoon and we were finally done packing Adam's apartment. He didn't have much to begin with.

"Mind if I take a shower?" I was feeling kind of grimy from the trip and packing.

Adam pulled me to him and kissed my nose. "Sure. There should be a couple extra towels in the closet."

We were going to a club in South Beach, and I wanted to look my best. I was done showering quickly and began to tame my hair. I had paid a visit to Mr. Alexander a few days ago and he convinced me to go straight again. My hair was even longer when straight and it came to the middle of my back.

I put on the off the shoulder black and white dress I got from my trip to Victoria's Secret. I paired it with some black boots with 4 inch heels that went up to my knees. I was about to put on a black choker when Adam came up behind me and started to fasten a chain around my neck. I looked down, and it was a white gold chain with a key hanging off of it.

"It's beautiful Adam!"

He turned me around to face him. "I figured since you have my heart, you would want the key to it."

My eyes misted up. I was at a loss for words. "Oh Adam. That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me."

He Smiled. "Are you done with the bathroom? I need to shower before we go."

I must have lost track of time. It was already seven o'clock. "I just have to finish with my makeup."

"You don't need any make up Gorgeous."

He must be kidding. "At least let me put on some mascara and lip gloss."

A Burg girl never goes without mascara.

He laughed. "Ok, I'll be out of the shower in a minute."

After applying what little make I could wear I settled in the living room to wait for Adam.

He appeared ten minutes later wearing dark fading jeans and a black button down shirt. "All ready, let's get going."

The ride down the elevator was a quiet one. The apartments here were on the 6th floor, so we had to pass by the offices to get to the lot. Adam had an arm around my waste and my head was resting on his shoulder. The elevator stopped on the third floor and I was surprised to see Ranger step in beside us.

His eyes were dark and his hands were clenched to his sides. "Hello Stephanie, Adam. I didn't know you two were here."

I guess no one in the building had the balls to tell him we were here. Probably they thought he would beat their ass.

Adam spoke before I had the chance to. "I came to pack up the rest of my stuff and drive it back to Trenton. I invited Steph to come along."

Before any more conversation could take place the door opened to the lot and Ranger stepped out. "If you need anything while you're here, call Silvio." He walked as fast as he could to his car and sped off.

"Well, that was uncomfortable" I said under my breath. I couldn't help but feel disappointed that Ranger didn't try to catch up. I've been trying to deny it, I miss him terribly and it seems that he doesn't feel the same way. He couldn't wait to get out of Trenton and away from me. I guess it's better this way. Adam is an amazing guy, I've got to push Ranger to the back of my mind and focus on the sweet man beside me.

Adam opened the car door for me and I slipped inside. His car was amazing. It was a black BMW z4 Roadster. We took off for the club, and with the weekend traffic we made it there in fifteen minutes.

Chapter 12

The club was in a brightly lit in the front, and gave the appearance of a celebrity hangout.

Red carpet adorned the front walk. It was roped off and lines of people were waiting to get in. There was a giant neon sign that said "Olive-r-Twist" above the doors.

I was in awe. This place was spectacular!

Adam bypassed the line and walked toward the bouncer. They did some sort of complicated handshake and he pulled back the rope for us.

"I take it you know that guy?" I said to Adam.

He gave me one of his bone melting smiles. "He works for Rangeman Miami. We provide security for this place."

Well, that explains it. I guess the security business has its perks.

The inside of the club was even more glamorous than the outside. The middle was an open dance floor and there were tables and booths surrounding it. The bar was huge. It stretched the entire length of one wall. Beautiful light was hanging behind the liquor bottles, shinning through the bottles, illuminating the otherwise dark and shadowy club. A stage with band and DJ equipment was along the back wall. A huge mural of an olive martini took up the wall behind the stage and had small lights from above shining down on it.

Adam chuckled, noticing my open mouth stare at the beauty of the place. "Earth to Steph?"

I guess I was lost in thought for a while. "Sorry. I just can't get over how amazing this place is."

He smiled. "I'm glad you like it. Would you like a drink first or do you want to dance?"

Definitely drinks first. "Let's get a drink first, then we'll dance."

We found a table after picking up a signature Olive-r-Twist Martini and a beer from the bar.

I took a sip from my martini. The flavors exploded in my mouth. It wasn't like a regular martini. It was sweet and sour at the same time. Hints of citrus and sour olives. I wouldn't have thought they would have paired so nicely together. I couldn't help the moans that escaped my mouth. Adam looked a little uncomfortable, shifting in his seat. Blush floated over my cheeks. "Oops. I can't help it. This is delicious!"

It's alright gorgeous. It will help when we get out on the dance floor. We quickly emptied our glasses, not wanting to waste any time.

"Give it to me" by Nelly Furtado came over the speakers

I'm the type of girl that'll look you dead in the eye (eye)
I'm real as they come if you don't know why im fly-y-y-y-y

seen ya try to switch it up but girl you
ain't got to
I'm the wonderwoman let me go get my ropes
I'm a supermodel and mummy, si mummy
amnesty international got bankrupt (im on top, on lock)
you love my ass and my abs and the video called promiscuous
my style is miticulous-s-s-s-s

When we were in the middle of the dance floor Adam pulled me close, grinding his body against mine. Our bodies moved to the music and his hands rested low on my hips. He spun me in a circle and I pushed my back against his front. His lips glided over my neck and he kissed his way down to my shoulder. My body shuddered in response to his hot breath on me.

if you see us in the club we'll be acting real nice
if you see us on the floor you'll be watchin all night
we ain't here to hurt nobody
so give it to me give it to me give it to me
wanna see you work your body
so give it to me give it to me give it to me

when timbo is in the party everbody put up their hands
I get a half a mill for my beats you get a couple grand-d-d-d-d
never gonna see the day that I ain't got the upper hand
I'm respected from californ.i.a. way down to japan
I'm a real producer and you just the piano man
your song gonna top the charts, I heard em, I'm not a fan-n-n-n-n
talkin greasy im the one that gave them they chance
somebody need to tell em they can't do it like I can

Could you speak up and stop the mumbling
I don't think you're getting clear.
Sitting on the top it's hard to hear you from way up here.
I saw you tryin to act cute on tv just let me clear the air.
We missed you on the charts last week
Damn that's right, you wasn't there.
If sexy never left, then why's everybody on my shi it it?
Don't hate on me just because you didn't come up with it.
So if you see us in the club go on and walk the other way
Cuz our run will never be over; not at least until we say

We danced a few more songs and I began to get thirsty. Something wasn't feeling right. I felt like we were being watched. Impossible. No one knew who I was here. I do attract crazies like nobody's business, but I deserve a break.

I think Adam sensed something was wrong and guided me to a table. He sat me down and went to the bar for some drinks. He returned with one of those delicious drinks for me and a beer for himself.

"You want to tell me what's wrong?" He looked worried.

"Nothing's wrong. I just feel like we're being watched. My spidey senses are tingling."

"You were being watched." He laughed.

I scowled. "It's not funny! I'm usually right when it comes to my spidey senses."

He smiled even bigger. "What I was getting at is, you are the most beautiful woman here. Every man in this room had trouble keeping his eyes off of you! Let's go dance some more, I want to be close to you." He kissed me with lots of tongue and pulled me into the crowd.

He did a good job of distracting me from being paranoid. "This is one of my favorite songs."

It did have a good beat. I thought I knew it, but couldn't place the name.

"It's "Smooth" by Carlos Santana." He said over the music.

Huh. Carlos. Damn. Another reminder of Ranger. I've always wanted to know Carlos, but all I got was the Mysterious Ranger. Not that I don't Love Ranger—but It would be nice to get to know the Carlos side of him also. Shit. Love? I need get a grip and realize Ranger and I will never be.

I was ripped out of my thoughts once more tonight by Adam.

He pulled me close and our bodies began to sway in rhythm to the music. I wrapped my arms around his neck and his hands found themselves on my butt and he lifted me up. He covered my lips with his and slipped his tongue into my mouth.

Man it´s a hot one
Like seven inches from the midday sun
I hear you whisper and the words melt everyone
But you stay so cool
My Muñcquita, my Spanish Harlem
Mona Lisa
Your´re my reason for reason
The step in my groove
And if you said this life ain´t good enough
I would give my world to lift you up
I could change my life to better suit your mood
Cause you´re so smooth

And it´s just like the ocean under the moon
Well that´s the same as the emotion that I get from you
You got the kind of lovin that could be so smooth
Give my your heart make it real or else forget about it

He growled. "I don't know if I'm going to last much longer." He began to kiss me again, this time with everything he had. I pulled back.

"Don't start something you can't finish." Said huskily. "you'll have to wait until later, because if we continue this here, we'll be giving everyone a free show!"

He laughed. "I guess it's settled then."

Suddenly I felt the familiar tingle and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. It can't be. Why would Ranger be here? I looked around the room, but I didn't see him anywhere. I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned around.

"Mind if I cut in?"

Oh boy. I think I need another drink.

Chapter 13

Ranger's POV

I peeled out of the garage, looking back at the happy couple. If I had known Steph was going to be here this weekend I would've made plans to be away.

I knew by calling the control room that Rodriguez planned on taking Steph to Olive-r-twist tonight. It's a new club that Rangeman is providing security for. Maybe I should stop by and make sure everything is running smoothly.

Fuck. Who am I kidding? I just want to check on my babe. It's been hell not seeing her on a regular basis. I feel like I lost my best friend. I took her for granted. I finally pushed her away and I have no one to blame but myself.

I could feel her presenses as soon as I stepped into the club.

I walked to the side of the dance floor and leaned against the wall. It only took me a minute to find her. Her hair was straight but she was as beautiful as I've ever seen her. A popular top forty song was playing and she and Rodriguez were dancing. He had his hands on her hips and they were grinding against one another.

It made my blood boil to see another man's hands on her. She suddenly looked uncomfortable and began looking around. She knew she was being watched. That's my babe.

I know I should leave, but I can't seem to stay away. Just a few more minutes and then I'll go.

After they took a break and had a drink they were back on the dance floor again. He was doing a good job of distracting her. I wish it was my body rubbing up against her. My lips on her body.

They were practically fucking in front of everyone. I inched closer to them. It was like watching a train wreck. So horrific, but unable to look away. My heart clenched.

I knew the minute she realized I was near. She stopped dancing and began looking around.

Before I knew what I was doing, I was walking across the dance floor to my babe.

Here goes nothing.

"Mind if I cut in?"

Steph's POV

I lost all ability to speak. What the hell was he doing here?

I looked from Adam to Ranger trying to decide what to do. I could say I want to say no to him cutting in, but I'd be lying. Lately I've been missing Ranger a lot. He still made my heart race and my toes curl. I miss talking to him, I miss his smile, and I miss how his one word sentences could mean so much.

Adam broke the trance I was in. "He can cut in if that's ok with you Steph. I'm getting thirsty anyway. How about you come back to the table in a few and a margarita will be waiting for you?"

What the hell?

"Ummm…Ok I guess I'll see you in a few then."

He kissed me on the lips and made his way to the bar. He didn't seem happy about leaving me, but I don't think he could say no to Ranger.

A band that had been setting up, began to play. A beautiful Latino woman and a guitar player began to sing "Hips Don't Lie".

I Never really knew that she could dance like this
She makes a man want to speak Spanish
Como se llama, bonita, mi casa, su casa?

Shakira, Shakira

Oh baby when you talk like that
You make a woman go mad
So be wise and keep on
Reading the signs of my body

And I'm on tonight
You know my hips don't lie
And I'm starting to feel it's right
All the attraction, the tension
Don't you see baby, this is perfection

Hey Girl, I can see your body moving
And it's driving me crazy
And I, didn't have the slightest idea
Until I saw you dancing

And when you walk up on the dance floor
Nobody cannot ignore the way you move your body, girl
And everything so unexpected -the way you right and left it
So you can keep on shaking it

I never really knew that she could dance like this
She makes a man want to speak Spanish
Como se llama, si bonita, si mi casa, su casa

"Babe." Ranger whispered as he pulled me to him.

"Ranger." I was trying hard to play it cool. Like it didn't matter to me that we were so close. That I wasn't suddenly aware of his breath on my face. I can't do this. I'm with Adam.

"What are you doing here? I haven't seen you in weeks and all of a sudden you show up when I'm on a date."

If I hadn't been paying attention I wouldn't have caught the pained look in his eyes. His black face immediately replaced it. "I was here on business. I saw you and wanted to say "Hi"."

Bullshit. "Well, Hi then." I said coolly.

His lips turned up slightly. "I've missed you, Babe."

I couldn't lie. "I've missed you too Ranger."

At that he began gliding me across the dance floor, our bodies never parting. One hand in mine, the other on my ass, he ground his pelvis against mine.

I heard a groan, and I'm pretty sure it was me.

"Jesus Babe." Ranger groaned into my ear.

I was so close to having an orgasm that I was shaking.

Shit. Shit. Shit. This can't happen. Adam was watching us from the bar.

"Ranger. I have to go. I can't do this." I pulled away.

It's killing me to walk away. I love him so much, but I don't know if my heart could stand another break.

"Babe, wait."

I turned around. "Yea?"

"I just wanted you to know, I do love you, not in my own way, but completely. It's just not safe for us to be together. You're better off with Adam. He'll give you the life you need. The life you deserve."

He walked through the crowd of dancers and out the door.

What just happened? I stood there frozen, unable to move, tears streaming down my face.

Adam's POV

I know in my heart of hearts Steph is still in love with Ranger. Anyone could see it plain as day. I guess I wanted so much for it to work out, I didn't see what was right in front of me. I was really hoping I could be the one for her.

I could be pissed off, but I'm not that kind of guy. You're lucky if you find true love once in your lifetime. Who am I to deny them of that?

It makes me sick to watch Ranger puller her in, knowing he's going to push her away again. I know I shouldn't have allowed him to dance with her, but I know she wanted to, it was written all over her face. The funny thing is, she knew he was there. Even before he walked over to us. She stopped dancing and was looking around for someone. It's as if their bodies were in tune with one another.

They were dancing like no one else was in the room. They fit together perfectly.

Steph suddenly stiffened in Rangers arms and whispered something to him. She began to walk away, and I saw Ranger mouth "Wait".

He said something to her and then walked away, leaving her standing in the sea of dancers alone.

Shit. She's crying. Damn him! He's done it again. How can he walk away from her so many times? They are made for each other.

The question is, how can I get them both to realize it?

Chapter 14

Steph's POV

After Ranger walked away, I vaguely remember Adam pulling me into his arms and carrying me to the car.

The ride back to Rangeman was quiet. I didn't know what to say.

"I'm sorry Adam. I ruined our night out."

He looked like a kid who was told there was no Santa claus.

"It's ok, Gorgeous. You didn't ruin anything. We need to talk about what went on back there though."

I knew that was coming. "I can't….I don't….I don't know what came over me back there."

I could barely get the words out. Adam took my hand in his. By now we were at the Rangeman garage.

"How about you start by telling me what he said to make you cry?"

The tears started falling again. "He told me he loves me. I'm better off with you. You'll give me what I need and deserve. Then he walked away." By now I was sobbing.

I heard Adam mutter "Bastard" under his breath.

"I'm so sorry Adam, every time I think I'm over him, he comes back into my life, reminding me how much I love him. I don't think I ever stopped. I was beginning to be so happy with you. I guess I was trying to distract myself from my feelings for Ranger.

I'm so sorry. I never meant to lead you on. I thought I was over him. Honest"

I couldn't control the sobs and now I was hiccuping.

He gave me a weak smile. "Shhh, It's going to be ok. I love you, Steph. I also know that you love me, just not the same way you love Ranger."

I must have looked a little shocked because he laughed.

"Gorgeous, I'm not blind. I saw the way you two looked at each other tonight. I probably should have seen this coming, but I wanted this to work out so much. You're a wonderful person, Steph. I hope someday I'll find someone as half as amazing as you are."

What as he trying to say?

" I think you need some time to figure out what you want. Maybe you'll decide you want me, but I truly think the most you can offer me is friendship. And that's ok."

I can't believe he's so understanding. "Adam…I didn't plan on this. I hope we can still be friends, but you're right. It might be best for me to take some time to figure things out."