Crossing the line
By CrimsenLiz
Chapter 3
Eddie's POV
Fuck! I sat on Stephanie's couch still thinking about what just happened. Steph said she brought me here last night but I don't remember anything past having a few beers at Pino's.
Shit, I tried making out with one of my best friends. I guess I pretty much did. I was dreaming of god knows what and I wake up kissing Steph and have my hands on her ass! Damn was that a good kiss. I haven't thought about Steph in that way since high school. I would have to be dumb and blind not to fantasize about her, every guy I know has her in their number one fantasy spot. Shirley has always been the only one for me though. I assumed she felt the same way until she told me she wanted a divorce and left me. Apparently I'm not good enough for her.
She informed me that for the past four years she's been having an affair and two of our children aren't mine. I wanted so badly to beat the shit out of the bastard who was fucking my wife, but she warned me that if I did I would never see my kids again.
I felt like someone punched me in the gut when she told me that. Two children that might not even be my own, and I can't even defend myself to the man who took away my family.
She left me and said I could still see the kids, but she wanted custody. I won't even fight her. I don't want to put the kids and the rest of my family through that.
What am I going to do now?
Just then Steph came out of her bedroom. She looked at me and smiled. It was an "I feel sorry for you" smile. "Ok, your turn Eddie, towels are in the cabinet below the sink, and I have an extra pair of boxers for you in my room. Don't worry, they're the ones I sleep in, not Joe's." She said.
"Thanks, I really appreciate this. About earlier, let's just forget that ever happened. I don't want it to be weird between us."
She gave me another smile. This time it was genuine. "Forget what?"
That's my girl. My girl? I need to get a grip.
I took a short shower and left the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my waist. I left the clean boxers Steph had for me in her room. I tip toed across the hall to the bedroom and ran right into Steph. "Crap! Sorry, I forgot the boxers in your room."
She looked up at me. "Jeez Eddie, are you trying to give me a heart arrack? You scared the shit out of me!"
I chuckled. "You're such a drama queen! I'll be out in a minute."
I got dressed thinking about how Steph was looking at me. She was licking her lips and looking me up and down. I wonder what that was about. If I didn't know any better I'd think she was checking me out.
Chapter 4
Steph's POV
We got a dozen donuts and a couple coffees from the Tasty Pastry, then headed to Pino's to pick up Eddie's truck.
I couldn't' stop thinking about Eddie in that Towel earlier. Damn, I've got to get these thoughts out of my mind. He's going through some horrible shit right now; he doesn't need me suddenly drooling over him. It's just Eddie. Cop Eddie. My friend, Eddie. Not Eddie with the muscular chest and not Eddie the great kisser.
"Earth to Steph?" Eddie said laughing.
"Huh, what? Oh, sorry Eddie, what did you say?"
Shit I'm really losing it.
He was still laughing. I guess I was everyone's entertainment from time to time. "I asked you if you wanted the last donut."
I smiled. "Damn right I want the last donut! I can't believe you even asked such a stupid question!"
We pulled up to his little Toyota truck and got out.
By now it was seven thirty and people were out and about. I haven't been up this early in weeks. I guess I should check in at the bonds office. Connie is going to shit herself when she sees me walking through the door this early.
"Are you ok Eddie? If you want to talk just call, ok?"
"I will. Thanks for being a great friend. You can always tell who your true friends are in time of need."
He pulled me into a hug. It should have been like every other hug he has given me, but somehow it wasn't. He held me a little closer and a little longer than usual. I could feel his breath on my neck and I pulled back. "Are you planning on staying at home or are you getting another place?"
He looked a little lost. "I don't really want to go home but I can't afford another place and the mortgage. I'll just ask Carl or Big Dog if I can crash at one of their places."
Before I knew what I was doing I offered to let him stay at my place. "Why don't you stay with me? All I have to offer is my couch, but you're welcome to it."
Shit shit shit. I don't know if this is such a good idea. I should start thinking before opening my mouth.
He looked a little relieved. "Are you sure Steph? I don't want to impose. It would only be until I sell the house. Shirley took almost everything from the house so I don't have a lot."
"Sure, what are friends for?"
What have I gotten myself into? I seem to be asking myself that a lot lately.
The only car in front of the bonds office this early was Connie's. "Hey Steph, you're here early. What's the occasion?"
I gave her my best eye roll. "Can't I show up early for no reason?"
"No" she said smiling. She continued. "I heard Shirley the whiner left Eddie; do you know anything about that?"
Shit. Connie is one of the Burg's biggest gossipers; I had to be careful how I answered her question. "Yea, you heard right. He's hanging in there."
She raised her thick black eyebrow at me. "Is that all? I thought you of all people would have the details."
"I know just as much as you do." I said quickly.
I know she didn't buy it, not even for a second. "Any skips for me?"
She looked slightly annoyed. "No, check back this afternoon."
"Ok, I'll be back later. Bye."
I high tailed it out of there so she couldn't grill me anymore.
I hope Eddie Sells his house soon, because I don't know how long I can keep my hormones in check or how long I can keep the girls at bay. They always know when I'm hiding something.
Chapter 5
The past two months have been interesting to say the least. Eddie has been working the night shift since Shirley left and I work during the day so we miss each other a lot. On the nights and days we are together we hang out, watching a game or movie on TV and eat take out. We're into a pretty regular routine.
My mother has been ironing more than ever before and leaving so many messages that I had to UN plug my answering machine. Her reaction to the whole situation was "Sylvia Brenner's daughter doesn't have her cousin's husband living with her! Why can't you be normal Stephanie?"
I've been avoiding her since that conversation.
Eddie's divorce was finalized last week and got visitation of his boys. It was confirmed by blood test that the youngest two boys were in fact not his. Shirley still allowed him to have visitation with them as well. After all he's been there since their births.
He finally sold his three bedroom ranch style house and is in the process of looking for a small apartment to rent.
In all honesty I'm going to miss having him around. Don't get me wrong, the sexual tension is still there but we have gotten closer as friends.
Tonight we were going to play poker with some of the guys from Rangeman. We've been playing with Tank, Lester and cal for a few weeks now.
Eddie was picking me up and we were driving over together. While I was waiting for my ride, Joe called. "Hey Cupcake, there's a Ranger's game on TV tonight, want to come over and hang out?"
"Sorry Joe, I've got a poker game with the guys tonight. Eddie is on his way to pick me up right now."
He laughed. "You're in deep cupcake."
I had no clue what he was talking about.
"Um, Ok."
He laughed again. "Have fun Cupcake." He said before hanging up.
I didn't have time to wonder what he was talking about because Eddie pulled up. "You're late Gazzara!" I tried to give him a serious face but he gave me a lopsided grin and I laughed.
"Sorry, I had a late arrest and a shit load of paper work came along with it. Can you drive so I can change? I didn't have time to at work."
He still had his police uniform on along with all his hardware. "You're a pain in my ass Gazzara, get in."
We got in and Eddie immediately began stripping down. HE had a wife beater on underneath his uniform shirt. He took off his u utility belt and put it on the floor in front of him. His pants followed and now all he had on were his boxers. Hot damn! I licked my lips and I'm sure he saw me.
"You're sweating a little, are you ok Steph?" He said sounding concerned.
I cleared my throat. "Yea sure. I'm ok."
Hell no, I'm not ok. I haven't had sex in months and my shower massager isn't doing it for me anymore. I keep having fantasies about my roommate/ best friend and it's not healthy! It's UN natural to go this long without some kind of relief. A half naked man isn't helping!
"What ever you say." He said
He dressed in worn blue jeans and a tight white shirt and threw a blue flannel shirt over it leaving it unbuttoned. The blue in the shirt went perfect with his pale blue eyes. He shoved a Ranger's hat on his mop of brown hair. "All done."
Good, no more naked Eddie.
We arrived at Rangeman twenty minutes late. When we finally made it to the fourth floor recreation room the guys were already assembled there. A few extras joined us. Bobby and Hector were lounging on the couch nursing beers. Tank was noticeably absent from the group.
"Hey guys, sorry were late. Boy wonder here had to work late." I said pointing to Eddie.
He growled playfully. "Hey! Who are you calling boy wonder?" He said pushing me.
I laughed, punching him in the shoulder. "You know you love me, don't deny it!"
He pulled me to him and put his arm around my shoulders. "Always."
"Are you two ready to stop goofing around and play?" Said Bobby.
I guess Bobby was taking Tank's place. Where is Tank at tonight? I was looking forward to seeing the big guy."
Bobby started dealing the cards. "He had to take care of some things, he'll be here later."
Lester cut in saying, "Hey Beautiful, wanna play strip poker?" Then he winked at me.
I rolled my eyes at him. "In your dreams Santos!"
"Come on Steph, just one round?" pleaded Eddie.
"Dream on boy wonder." I said laughing.
He continued, "Awe come on, don't be like that."
"No strip poker, and that's final!"
We played a few rounds and just as I was getting ready to call it a night Tank walked in followed by Ranger.
Damn, he's still as good looking as he was before. He was looking around the table at everyone and stopped when he got to Eddie. He seemed surprised that he was there. I guess he had every right to be, it's not like Eddie hung out here before.
Tank spoke up. "Am I too late?"
"You're lucky big guy, I was about to call it a night but since you're my favorite merry man I'll stay awhile longer. I'll be over here on the couch."
Tank smiled. "I'm glad I made it in time Bombshell. I haven't seen you in a week."
Ranger started at me intently. If he thought I was going to acknowledge his presence he had another thing coming. Not a word from him for months and he expects me to be the first one to talk. No way.
I plopped down on the couch and relaxed while the guys started a new game. Instead of joining in, Ranger sat down beside me. "Babe." He said.
"Ranger" I said keeping it simple.
"How long have you guys been playing like this?"
Why he was all of a sudden interested, I'm not sure. "I don't know maybe a month?"
He looked at the table then back at me. "Gazzara always come?"
Oh, so he doesn't know. This should be interesting. "Lately" I said being vague. He doesn't have to know everything.
We sat there in silence for a few minutes until I decided to turn on the stereo.
An Outkast CD was already in the player and the song "Rosa Parks" came on. By now the game was over and everyone was getting up from the table.
Ah ha, hush that fuss
Everybody move to the back of the bus
Do you wanna bump and slump with us
We the type of people make the club get crunk
Many a day has passed, the night has gone by
But still I find the time to put that bump off in your eye
Total chaos, for these playas, thought we was absent
We takin another route to represent the Dungeon Family
Like Great Day, me and my nigga decide to take the back way
We stabbing every city then we headed to that bat cave
A-T-L, Georgia, what we do for ya
Bull doggin hoes like them Georgetown Hoyas
Boy you sounding silly, thank my Brougham aint sittin pretty
Doing doughnuts round you suckas like then circles around titties
Damn we the committee gone burn it down
But us gone bust you in the mouth with the chorus now
"I love this song Beautiful, dance with me." Lester said as he pulled me into his arms.
We danced for a minute or two while Ranger watched in amazement. He didn't realize how close I've become to his men; they were like over protective big brothers.
Eddie cut in and pulled my back to his front and started grinding against me to the music. His hands slid down to my hips and I placed my hands over his.
I met a gypsy and she hipped me to some life game
To stimulate then activate the left and right brain
Said baby boy you only funky as your last cut
You focus on the past your ass'll be a has what
Thats one to live by or either that one to die to
I try to just throw it at you determine your own adventure
Andre, got to her station here's my destination
She got off the bus, the conversation lingered in my head for hours
Took a shower kinda sour cause my favorite group ain't comin with it
But I'm witcha you cause you probably goin through it anyway
But anyhow when in doubt went on out and bought it
Cause I thought it would be jammin but examine all the flawsky-wawsky
Awfully, it's sad and it's costly, but that's all she wrote
And I hope I never have to float in that boat
Up shit creek it's weak is the last quote
That I want to hear when I'm goin down when all's said and done
And we got a new joe in town
When the record player get to skippin and slowin down
All yawl can say is them niggas earned that crown but until then...
Ranger looked like he was going to burst. He definitely didn't like seeing Eddie's hands on me.
"Hey, you stole my dance partner! Lester yelled.
Eddie laughed playfully. "She promised me a dance in the ninth grade and never delivered, so I'm cashing in now." He pressed against me harder.
Without thinking I shot back "I would have kept my promise but you were always about Shirley, so I never got a chance to." I automatically slapped a hand over my mouth. Shit.
Eddie released me and everyone went silent.
"Shit, I'm sorry Eddie. I didn't mean anything by it. I swear."
He suddenly looked sad. "It's alright Steph, no harm done."
But there was I could see it in his eyes.
"I'm going to head out guys; I'll see you at next week's game." He walked out and left me standing there.
Ranger looked at everyone, confused. He summoned Tank to his office and they left.
Dammit, Eddie was my ride. "Hey Santos, will you give me a ride home?"
"Sure Beautiful, come on." He said
He dropped me off at my apartment and thankfully Eddie's Truck was parked next to my car. I was glad he wasn't out alone getting drunk.
Chapter 6
Tank's POV
I can only imagine what the boss is thinking right now. I didn't fill him in on Gazzara's divorce.
Just as I thought, he was pissed. "What the fuck is going on here Tank? Why is Eddie Gazzara here playing poker?"
I just have to play this cool. There's no reason for him to be pissed, he has no hold on Stephanie.
"A lot has happened since you left boss man. Gazzara's wife ran out on him and they got divorced. Steph invited him to play poker with us a few weeks ago and he's been coming ever since. When everyone else was whispering behind his back, the Bombshell really stepped up and became a good friend to him. She's the only one he'll really talk to. He found out his two youngest kids aren't even his for fucks sake, it tore him apart."
I think that calmed him down. I'll give him that much but I'll be damned if I'm going to tell him Gazzara is living with Steph. I don't want to be shipped to a third world country.
"So you're telling me that Steph and Gazzara are only friends."
Shit, on the surface it looks like their just friends, but I think there's more to it. I'm definitely not telling him that.
"As far as I know." I said trying to sound casual.
All he said was "Good." then left the room.
Steph's POV
****Warning, Smut Ahead, Beware!
When I walked into my apartment Eddie was sitting on the couch in his boxers eating out of a Ben and Jerry's ice cream tub. "You're such a girl Gazzara!" I snickered.
"Shove it Plum." He said smiling back at me.
I changed into Pajama pants with a matching tank top and joined Eddie on the couch. "Wanna talk about it?" I asked.
He shrugged. "Not really, let's watch a movie."
He must live in denial land like I do sometimes. "Ghostbusters?" I suggested.
There isn't any other movie that would compare.
"Whatever you want." He said as he put the ice cream in the freezer.
The good thing about Eddie living with me is that no one has tried to break in for awhile. I haven't had a stalker or crazy person after me in weeks. It's a wonderful feeling.
We curled up on the couch together and I leaned against his chest listening to his heart beat. He smelled like beer and ice cream, two of my favorite things. Some time during the movie we fell asleep, his arms around me and my head on his chest.
Sometime later I heard the locks on my door tumble. Christ, someone is breaking into my apartment, so much for my streak of no crazy stalkers.
Eddie must have heard the noise also because he jumped up and grabbed his gun from the coffee table.
A black figure came into view, Ranger. I must be losing my touch I didn't even sense him coming.
Eddie was the first to speak. "Shit, man. You scared the shit outta me, what are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing." Ranger threw back.
Eddie was looking slightly annoyed. "I live here, what's your excuse?"
Ranger's blank face was in place and he looked pissed. "Is that true Stephanie?"
Uh oh, he used my full name; he must be really pissed off. "Yes, he's been living here for awhile now, but he needed—
He didn't even give me a chance to finish my sentence because he walked out of my apartment slamming the door behind him.
Eddie looked at me in disbelief. "What the hell was that all about?"
I sighed. "You just met jealous Ranger."
"Huh?" he said
"Ranger thinks we're together." I replied.
"What?! Was all he could say.
"He's jealous. He told me numerous times he doesn't do relationships. His life comes with a condom not a ring. He left and didn't even tell me goodbye, and I haven't seen or heard from him in months. He shows up and expects me to pick up right where we left off, but I don't want to. I deserve so much more than a make out session in an ally. He doesn't want to be with me, but he doesn't want anyone else to be with me either and that's total bullshit. I deserve to be happy."
He came over and hugged me. "I'm sorry Steph. Everyone can see how much you care about each other; I don't know what his problem is. It's his loss, don't let him ruin your chances with anyone else because he is unable to commit."
I snuggled closer to him breathing in his scent. I tucked my head under his chin and the stubble on his face brushed up against my forehead. "I just want to forget about it. I'm done trying to make him see me that way."
He pulled my face up and looked into my eyes. "Who wouldn't see you that way? You're smart, funny, and sexy….." He trailed off still looking deep into my eyes.
"Really? I asked. He nodded. "Thanks Gazzara, you're not too bad yourself."
We continued staring at each other for a few seconds. The tension was radiating off of us and his blue eyes turned darker.
I couldn't stand it anymore. I leaned in and pressed my lips to his. He hesitated for a second looking surprised but eventually started kissing me back with everything he had. His tongue pushed its way into my mouth and battled with my own. I caught his bottom lip with my teeth and nipped it. He growled and started kissing me with a hunger that I couldn't place. It's like he hadn't ever kissed anyone before this moment. Our bodies molded together perfectly and my skin sizzled underneath his.
I've wanted to do this for weeks now; I can't keep lying to myself. I slid my hands under his shirt and ran my fingers along his washboard stomach. I slid them lower rubbing near the edge of his boxers. He moaned into my mouth and his hands roamed under my tank top kneading my breasts. Oh god, who knew Eddie, had magic hands. I arched under his touch and moaned his name.
We walked backwards into the bedroom. He tripped with me in his arms and toppled onto the bed. He laughed huskily. His lips trailed kisses down my jaw and onto my neck leaving my skin burning behind.
I pulled off his shirt, frantic to get it off and ripped it in the process. I'm turning into a brazen hussy! Eventually he had my clothes off and I was pressed up against him in just my underwear. My nipples immediately turned hard and he took one in his mouth and suckled. He did the same to the other and I arched into him and moaned. "Eddie. Please..."
"Christ Steph, I've been thinking about this for weeks. If you want to stop we have to now, because if we go any further I don't know if I will be able to quit.
"Don't stop, please don't stop." Was all I managed to get out.
His eyes turned even darker and suddenly he was hovering over me capturing my mouth with his. I slid my hand into his boxers and stroked his hard length. Jesus, he was huge. He groaned in response. "I need to be inside you Steph. Please." He said almost begging.
"Mmm." I moaned barely aware of my surroundings. He took that as consent and had my soaked panties off in an instant. His fingers played at my folds and he slid two fingers inside me. "Oh god you're so wet" He breathed pulling his fingers out of me. I whimpered at the loss. "What do you want Steph? Tell me what you want…" He groaned.
"You Eddie, I need you inside me…please." I begged. He didn't give me warning he just slammed inside me and buried himself to the hilt. He stilled for a moment looking into my eyes. He placed a soft kiss to my lips. "I love you." He slid back out standing attention at my entrance. He slowly slid back into me and rocked back and forth kissing me with passion. We swallowed each other's moans and let our hands roam each other's bodies. It was like a free for all, exploring, touching, and kissing.
His face was burrowed in my neck and I could feel sweat dripping off of his brow. He bit down on my pulse point and I screamed. Pressure began building low in my stomach and my back arched. I exploded all around him and I could tell he wasn't far behind. His body tensed up and he whispered "Steph" into my ear and he came inside me hard, his body shaking. We stared into one another's eyes as we came down from our high. Eddie gave me a slow sensual kiss on the lips then on each of my eye lids.
He pulled out and lay down beside me. I snuggled against him and he wrapped his arms around me.
I just had sex with my best friend. No that wasn't just sex that was making love. The best I've ever had. It wasn't like that with Joe or Ranger.
Wait. It couldn't be. He said he loves me? Did I hear him correctly? I couldn't just imagine it.
I fell asleep realizing I was falling in love with one of my best friends. Did we just cross the line?