Chapter 7
Once again I was back at my computer, staring at the screen while pretending to get work done. There was so much going on in my head that I was having a tough time focusing on the searches. I smiled to myself as I imagined Ranger telling me "Babe, I can smell something burning. Those wheels must be moving awfully fast."
Ranger had left a couple of hours ago without saying anything else. I guess that was ok. Really, what else was there to say to one another at this time. I knew I was welcome to join him. He knew I didn't want to. Yet.
I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I had turned the ringer off. I just didn't want to put anything else on my plate today. My Mom had probably heard by now about Morelli and me. Grandma might want a ride to a viewing. Vinnie might be looking for me to track down a skip. And Lula and Connie were probably just plain looking for me. Them I could not face. Not right now. Those two would be on me like a dog on a bone wanting to know what was going on with Morelli, what was going on with Batman. How could I tell them when I did not know myself. So I took a little trip to Denial World and didn't answer my phone
I looked at the phone. It had been Joe who called and he left a message. I figured I might as well get it over with and see what he had to say. It was a simple message, "Hi Cupcake. I just wanted to let you know I miss you and I'm thinking about you." My eyes narrowed as I looked at the phone. What kind of game was this he was trying to play? Deciding again I didn't want anymore on my plate I dismissed the message.
I was surprised when Tank came into my office. He quietly told me "I just spoke with Ranger. He has set up a command post in one of the hotels there so that no one is tipped off that he's in town. He's got Zip with him. Ranger asked me to make sure that you know that you can stay on seven if you want to." Hmmm, not to mention he knew what I'd be up to as long as I remained at Rangeman.
When I arrived on the seventh floor I used my key to enter Ranger's apartment. It felt weird coming here without Ranger being here, after last night. My first experience here had been when I was hiding out from the Slayers. Ranger was in the wind so I thought it was the perfect hiding place. Little did I know, although I should have, how well monitored this place is. Rangemen knew when I approached the building, never mind when I was actually staying here.
Then there was last night. Even though the Merry Men knew I stayed here last night, what happened behind closed doors remained private and personal. Now, here I was entering this place which had become almost like a cocoon, safe and secure, and I knew they Merry Men were watching. I tried to act non-chalant as I let myself in. I closed the door and leaned against it, exhaling breath which I had not even known I was holding. I looked up and across from me was the wall Ranger had pressed me against as he seduced me last night, the wall where I allowed him to seduce me. It brought a rush of emotions, not to mention a rush straight to my doodah. I closed my eyes, remembering to slow seduction. When I opened my eyes again all I saw was an empty wall. Shaking my head I headed for the bedroom. Actually, it was the walk-in in the bedroom I was headed for. I'm sure Ella had already laundered, ironed and replaced my clothing in the walk-in. Man, I wish I were as efficient as she is. Then again, maybe not. Then people expect you to do things.
Anyway, I entered the bedroom and stopped dead in my tracks, the sharp intake of breath I heard had apparently come from me. As expected, Ella had already been there and done her thing. What I hadn't expected was the effect it would have on me. I walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge. All of a sudden I realized I had tears running down my face. I wasn't exactly crying, but my face sure was wet.
Ok, Steph, time to pull yourself together and figure out what these tears were about. I mean, it's not like what happened last night was unexpected. That it happened last night was not planned, but I've known for a long time that I love two men. That I should sleep with Ranger when I wasn't with Joe was probably going to happen again at some point. And I knew he cared about me too. He had his whole "no relationships" thing going on, but somehow I knew he cared more about me than just as a sex partner. And I don't think he was involved with anyone else. The guys wouldn't put up with that.
So, the sex last night was great. Some of it was pretty primal. Other parts were so affectionate and caring. It was a night of Ranger induced orgasms that were out of this world. I looked around the room, trying to see what I was missing, what felt so off. And then it hit me, like a ton of bricks. ME! That's what was missing. Looking around the room there was not the least bit of evidence of the loving, passionate night I had just spent with Batman. Ranger's apartment never had tchotchkes around to personalize his apartment. It could have belonged to any alpha male. But I thought there would be some sort of evidence of our night together, a rumpled bedspread, a pair of panties partially hidden under the bed, something that would show that I had somehow invaded this fortress.
As it was, there were no signs saying "Stephanie was here". I shook my head, trying to clear it. I walked into the bathroom to splash some cold water on my face and add a quick swipe of mascara to bolster my self confidence when I faced to cameras. I went to the walk-in, retrieved my clothes and left the apartment. I rode down to the garage thinking about Boston Creams. As the doors opened I gave the guys in the control room I little finger wave bye and headed for home.