Ranger just continued looking at me. "So do we have that resolved, Babe?"
I nodded. "Good, because there are a couple of things I need to discuss with you." Ranger had his serious look back on.
Gulp
Chapter 6
"I was on the phone with the Miami office when you came by before. There's been a breach in security there. We think it's an inside job." Ranger had his blank face on again. I could tell he was angry though, as his voice was eerily calm.
"I'm going to have to go down there, Babe. I'm worried about leaving you."
This totally surprised me. OK, it pissed me off a little, too. I mean, what was he thinking? Now that he had given me a few mind blowing, heart stopping orgasms I couldn't take care of myself? Everyone knows that is so not the way to deal with me. Under the circumstances I decided it was safer to pursue the surprised part. I never win when I challenge Ranger, and who knows what he might do to prove his point, whatever it may be.
So I simply asked him why he was worried about me.
"I didn't say I'm worried about you, I said I'm worried about leaving you." Ranger waited long enough for me to give the eye roll that he knew was coming before he continued. When my eyes returned to his face I saw a small smile and what looked like genuine affection. "Last night was great and I hope we share many more nights like that."
"Buuuutttt….??" I asked.
"But I have to go to Miami to deal with this."
"Geez, Ranger, that's it? You have to go to Miami? That's what has you worried about me? Oh yeah, I meaning 'about leaving' me."
"I must say you're taking this better than I thought you would. I expected you tie it in with the fact that my life does not lend itself to relationships. I thought you might think I was leaving you, not that I was going to Miami."
I looked at Ranger, considering what he was saying. "Hmmm, I hadn't thought about it that way yet."
I was interrupted by Ranger's laughter as he said "Oh good. Now I'm suggesting reasons for you to get pissed at me." Seeing the humor in the statement I laughed with him. "But seriously, Stephanie, I have no idea long I'll be gone. Like I said, we suspect it might be an inside job. Some of the properties that we are responsible for have recently been compromised. It looks like a small glitch in security is being arranged and during that very short window of opportunity burglaries are happening. The thieves appear to know what the want and exactly where on the property it is. We've recently hired a handful of new people, mostly in IT."
"Oh Ranger, I'm so sorry. I know how careful you are when hiring people. It seems like everyone I've met at Rangeman was a Ranger with you. I can't imagine any of them betraying you like that."
Ranger answered "The business has gotten big enough that I've had to begin hiring outside my group of army buddies. I give priority to guys who have references from my current employees. Someone else here is going to be pretty upset too, having gone out on a limb to give a reference to someone who clearly duped him."
"My presence in Miami will be kept quiet. We don't want to tip anyone off that we know there's a problem. You know, Tank will know, but everyone else will think I'm in the wind." Ranger continued that "At some point I'll get in touch with Julie and her mother. I'd like to spend some time with her while I'm down there."
I nodded while listening, understanding the importance of resolving this issue. Ranger eyes had never left mine. "You could come with me, Babe."
My eyebrows shot up as I sputtered "What? Who? Me?"
Ranger was trying not to smile, make that laugh, at me. "Yes Babe, you. I like having you around. I'm sure there'll be work you could do there so you won't get bored." Ranger gave a little smile and said "Julie would love to see you too. Her mother says you're still a primary topic of conversation at home. Close your mouth, Babe. Julie thinks you're very, very cool."
Well, if I had any reservations about going, which I did, that sealed the deal. There was no way I was going to go spend time with Julie. I mean, Batgirl thinks I'm cool! How excellent is that! There is no way I'm going to risk her finding out what a dork I really am.
Plus, there were the bigger issues. Last night's sex was amazing. But I wasn't feeling great about the fact that I'd slept with Ranger. I justified it in my mind by thinking maybe this will get him out of my system, and me out of his. I knew however that it was raw lust. And it felt wrong. Technically, Joe and I weren't together so it wasn't really cheating. But it sure felt like that. The morning had been too busy to think too much about Morelli, but when I did I felt crappy about what happened with Ranger. And each time Joe entered my mind I told myself I had to wait until later in the day when I had enough time and brain power to deal with this conundrum.
"Babe?"
"I think I should stay here, Ranger."
He nodded. "You'll be able to get me on my cell. If you change your mind, or even want to come for a visit, let me know. And remember, you and Tank are the only ones in Trenton who know where I am. Everyone else thinks I'm in the wind."
"When do you leave?"
"My flight leaves in two hours."
I nodded and stood. "OK. I'm sorry this is happening. I'm sure you have a lot to do before you go. I hope you get it resolved quickly." Before I could turn to leave Ranger grabbed my arm and pulled me hard against him, so that I was standing between his legs. God I love it when he does that. He leaned down and gave me a bone melting kiss. I think I whimpered when he snuck his tongue into my mouth to touch my tongue.
"I'll keep in touch Babe."