Author: Feather (Flightf)

Warnings: Spoilers all the way through Twelve Sharp.

Disclaimers: I own nothing…JE owns it all….I will return everything when I am finished. I am basing the strip aerobics on two programs Shelia Kelly's the S Factor and Carmen Electra's Aerobic Striptease.

Rating (K-M) M

A/N: This is the 1st story in my Pole Dancers Diary Series. Reviews and comments always welcome. Sigh this has been extremely difficult to write. My muse ran away……

Chapter 6: Stay With Me

Ranger's POV

I made quick work of the lock and opened the door to Steph's apartment. Her apartment was quiet except for the squeaking of the rat running in his wheel. I could see her purse and jacket thrown on the table where she had dropped them. Shoes discarded on the floor. Walking into the kitchen, I kept my eyes open for anything out of place. The kitchen was in its usual disarray, a few dirty dishes and a pile of mail sitting on the counter. I flipped through the mail looking for anything that's looked threatening. Nothing but bills and junk mail so I moved on. I glanced down at the trash can and only saw a bag from the Tasty Pastry. I checked the living room next and nothing was out of place. Silently I walked towards her bedroom. The door was closed; I turned the knob and pushed the door open. I could tell that the door was pushing something along the floor.

I slipped inside the room and had to stop myself from laughing. Stephanie was spread eagle on the bed fully dressed. Softly snoring and a trickle of drool at the corner of her lips. As I walked to her side of the bed I had to dodge empty beer bottles and the lamp shade from the nightstand. I leaned over her and brushed her curls out of her face. I mentally braced myself to help her get undressed and put her to bed properly. I unzipped her jeans and my breath caught at the sight of blue lace. I let my breath out in a long soothing exhale and started the job of sliding the jeans off of her hips.

"Ranger?" I could tell by her voice that she wasn't completely awake or sober. I forced my eyes from her hip to her face. She was trying to open her eyes but the alcohol seemed to be winning the fight. Finally, I could see slits of dark blue and my groin tightened. Passion eyes, heavy lidded from sleep and it was all I could do not to strip and get into bed beside her, "Why are you here?"

"Just stopping by." I slipped the jeans the rest of the way off. She rolled onto her belly and I pulled the covers to her shoulders.

"Hmmm…stay with me." She mumbled into her pillow. I immediately stiffened; I know that she didn't mean it. I could already her snoring. I knew that in the morning she wouldn't remember asking me to stay. In the morning, I would have to explain why I was in her bed.

I leaned over and put her lamp back on the nightstand. I picked up the beer bottles to take them to the kitchen. As I was walking to the door I notice a large leather gym bag top open with garments half in and half out sitting next to the door. My Babe owns a gym bag? I had to stop myself from laughing out load. Chuckling I made my way back to the kitchen. I was standing in front of the trashcan debating on walking out the door, knowing full well all I wanted to do was walk back in the bedroom and hold my babe all night. I looked at the clock on the stove- 1:30am.

I slipped between the cover, inhaled Stephanie's unique scent, pulled her into my arms and savored the way that her body melted into mine.

"MMMM Ranger" she mumbled into my chest

"Sleep Babe, we'll talk in the morning." Hoping that in the morning I would be able to figure out what is wrong with her.

"'kay…"