**JE owns them all. LUCKY!
Crossing the Line
By:CrimenLiz
Chapter 9
Eddie's POV
I couldn't find Steph anywhere. I finally found my cell phone in between the cushions in my truck. She left me a few messages and the last one sounded kind of sad. I hope she doesn't think I left this morning because I regretted last night. I should have left a note. I'm such a dumb-ass! Shirley called and asked to pick up the boys because she forgot they had baseball games tomorrow at their new school. When I went back to the apartment to find Steph, she was gone. I checked at the Bonds office and the police station and she wasn't there either. Robin told me she had been there earlier looking for me.
"She looked kind of upset about something Eddie. She didn't seem like her usual self. I don't know what was wrong."
Shit. I fucked up. "I don't know either Robin, I'll try calling her again, I hope she's not in any trouble."
She smiled. "Call here if you need anything."
"Sure thing, bye." On my way out the door I decided to call her parents house. I doubted she would be there, but it never hurts to try.
"Hello, Mrs. Plum?"
"Sorry, this is Edna, who is this? Are you a hottie?"
Jesus. Its Steph's grandmother. She's a wild thing. "This is Eddie Gazzara Mrs. Mazur. I'm looking for Stephanie, is she there?"
"Sorry, she's not here, is she in some kind of trouble? Is she out helping that hot bounty hunter with the nice package?"
Gag me. I didn't need to hear about Ranger's package. "No, I don't think she's in any kind of trouble, I just haven't heard from her today. Call me if you hear from her."
I hung up without saying goodbye. I know that's rude, but I have to get a hold of Steph and explain. She probably hates me.
I know! Rangeman always seems to have a tracker on Steph somewhere; maybe they'll know where she is. I'll with the guys.
I pulled up to Rangeman and waved at the guys from the gate. The let me in the garage and I parked and headed up to the control room.
"What's up Gazzara?" Tank said. "Are you here on official police business?"
I laughed. I guess that's what it looks like. "Nah, I was just seeing if Steph was around. She called me this morning and I misplaced my phone, so I called her back and can't get a hold of her."
Tank laughed. "She's not here man. Let me pull up the tracker on her car and see where she is."
He typed some stuff into his computer and a bunch of dots came up on a map. "It looks like she's in Point Pleasant. Her car is parked on Ocean Avenue."
I gave him a questioning look. "Why would she be in Point Pleasant?"
"Beats me, she likes to go there to think. Is she upset about something?"
I sighed. "Last night Ranger came barging in the apartment and got all pissy with Steph. I was comforting her after he left and one thing led to another…."
"I knew it!" he shouted.
"Keep your voice down!" I hissed. I don't want anyone to know. This morning I had to pick up the boys and forgot to leave her a note. She probably thinks I regret what happened, but I don't. I don't think I've ever cared about someone like I care for her. I never realized how much I love her until last night. She gets under my skin like no one else."
I can't believe I'm spilling my guts to Tank. I hardly know him.
He smiled. "She does seem to have that affect on people. If it helps, I think she feels the same way about you. The way you two look at each other says love. I'm actually surprised you guys didn't realize it sooner. Go find her and tell her how you feel, trust me, it'll be worth it."
I grinned. She loves me. "Thanks man, I'll see you later."
I walked out of Rangeman with a huge grin on my face. Time to go find the love of my life.
Chapter 10
Steph's POV
I'm sitting near the water digging my feet into the sand. I came here to get Eddie out of my head, but I can't seem to. Last night was amazing. He made me feel like I've never felt before. With Joe it was always good, but I wasn't always connected. With Ranger it was great, and even though he was connected to me in bed, it was what came afterward that I hated. He wasn't ready for more than a relationship in bed and I'm not willing to wait forever.
But Eddie was wonderful. He was attentive, he made me feel like I as the only woman on earth. Plus he said he loved me. I hope it was for real and not just an in the moment blurt.
The sun was slowly going down over the horizon and it was getting a little bit chilly. Even though it was early June, we were still having some cold nights. A shirt was suddenly draped over my shoulders. I looked up to see Eddie kneeling beside me. Wow, I really wasn't aware of my surroundings.
"How did you know I was here?" I said barely audible.
He smiled. "Tank pulled up your tracker and told me."
Figures I muttered.
His face suddenly got serious. "Steph, I'm so sorry about this morning. I woke up and totally forgot I had the boys this weekend and left in a hurry because I was late."
I breathed a sigh of relief. Wait, where are the boys? "If you have the boys this weekend, where are they?"
"Shirley picked them up earlier, it turns out they have a few baseball games this weekend she forgot about."
"Oh."
"Steph." "Eddie." We both said at the same time.
I laughed. "You go first."
He sat down in the sand beside me and looked me in the eyes. "I wanted to tell you that I don't regret last night. Not one bit. I meant it when I said I love you. I tried to ignore my feelings the past few weeks, but I couldn't any longer last night. When you kissed me it was like something inside me was released. I love you Stephanie Plum. I love you with all my heart."
Tears streamed down my face. "I love you too Eddie. I can't hide my feelings anymore. Last night was the best night of my life. You are amazing."
He pulled me to him and kissed me for all he was worth. We ended up lying down in the sand and kissing for what seemed like forever. I pulled back and laid my head on his chest looking up at the stars. "What do we do now?"
He chuckled. "I don't know, it's been awhile since I've done the dating thing, I'm not sure what to do."
I smiled. "Why don't we stay in Point Pleasant for the night?"
"That's a great Idea. I just have to be back by tomorrow afternoon, I have to work."
"Sounds like a plan, let's go."
We ended up staying at the Tower Cottage Inn a few streets over from the beach. Every time I come to Point Pleasant I want to stay there and never really hand anyone to share it with. The house was beautiful, looking like a mix between a light house and a Victorian house. Our room was the Tower Suite. The woman who checked us in gave us a deal because she didn't have anyone booked for that room all weekend. The room was in the shape of an octagon and had a high ceiling. The bed was big and placed in the middle of five bay windows at the front of the house. The Tower suite was just that, the top of the house. The bed had a dozen pillows and a down comforter. The luxury didn't stop there, the bathroom had a two person whirl pool tub with a small window behind it and had candles lit around it. I must be in heaven.
"I'm thinking we should try out the tub." Eddie breathed into my ear as he put his arms around me.
Great minds think alike. "I second that."
Eddie took his time undressing me, kissing every inch of my body as he was doing it. I did the same to him while the water was running and by the time we got in, my body was screaming for release. I lay back against him just enjoying being in his arms. His hardness was poking against my back and he was kissing my neck. I turned around to straddle him and placed small kisses on his face. "I never want this to end."
He looked up at me with his pale blue eyes. "I love you." He whispered.
"And I love you…." I returned.
We soaked in the tub, teasing each other, but not going any farther than that. We dried each other off with big fluffy towels and crawled into bed naked. Eddie lay facing me cupping my face with his hands. He kissed me long and slow, his lips burning into mine. Our legs tangled together and our hands roamed. "I want you." He groaned into my ear. I took the initiative and let my hand stroke his maleness and guided him to me. That's all it took. He slid into me slow giving me time to adjust to his size. Jesus. This is definitely heaven. We made love for hours, in bed, in the tub, in the shower. We stopped periodically and drank the complimentary champagne and ate chocolate covered strawberries. Sleep didn't come until sometime after three am.
I awoke to the feeling of someone watching me. I opened my eyes and Eddie was staring at me and stroking the hair from my face. "Good morning beautiful." He breathed.
I leaned forward and kissed him soundly. "Mmmm morning."
I looked at the clock. "It's only six am! What are you doing up?"
He chuckled sleepily. "I only woke up a few minutes before you did. I was just watching you sleep, you were so peaceful and beautiful."
"Let's walk on the beach and down the boardwalk before we have to go back to Trenton."
He kissed me. "Ok, let's get ready and eat breakfast first, I'm starving. You know how to work a man's appetite up."
We met with a few other guests and had a breakfast of fresh fruit, Eggs, toast and sausage. I never knew fruit could taste so good with anything other than cake. Eddie and I fed each other fruit off of our plates and I moaned with every bite.
A man across the table cleared his throat. "You two must be newly weds." He said.
Eddie chuckled. "Not yet."
I looked at him stunned. Marriage? I didn't think he would ever want to get married again after Shirley.
He kissed my lips. "Who wouldn't want to marry you Stephanie Plum? You're amazing."
I smiled. "Right back at ya Gazzara. You're pretty amazing yourself."
We walked on the beach hand in hand running our feet over the sand and water. The sun danced over the water and I could feel myself tanning already. Occasionally we stopped to pick up shells and splash the water. There was a photo shop on the boardwalk and decided to get a few photos of us taken. My favorite was one of us kissing, both of our eyes closed. You could see the passion and love on our faces. The clerk offered to frame one for both of us and we agreed. The frames were silver and 'Forever and always" engraved on the bottom.
I couldn't remember being happier.
Chapter 11
Eddie's POV
Since we took separate cars to the beach Steph and I headed back in different directions. It only took us twenty minutes to say goodbye, kissing and petting each other endlessly. I couldn't seem to get enough of her.
I stopped at the apartment and changed quickly for work. I was going to be late, but it's definitely worth it.
I walked into the Trenton Police Department and almost ran into Morelli. "Hey man, sorry about that, I'm late."
He looked at me for a moment and then a huge grin appeared on his face. "She got to you, didn't she?"
I swear I must have blushed. Shit, I'm going soft. "What are you talking about Morelli?"
He laughed. "Well, I couldn't get in touch with either one of you last night and then you come running in here like a bat out of hell. That screams Stephanie Plum to me."
I forgot how well Morelli knew Steph. "Yea, we were together. I met her at Point Pleasant."
He smiled. "Just don't hurt her Gazzara, she's a special woman, she only deserves the best. I'm just sorry I wasn't the one for her."
"Don't worry, I only have her best interests at heart. I promise. One thing though, please don't tell anyone about us. She has enough trouble as it is with the gossip around her, I don't want to add to it."
"My lips are sealed. I know how it is." He turned and walked into his office and I was off to catch some bad guys.
This is going to be a long night without Steph.
Steph's POV
After Eddie left I decided to make a run to the grocery store. Eddie and I have practically eaten everything in the apartment. We were out of the essentials, beer, peanut butter, bread and Cake. It's not very healthy but it sure does taste good!
I picked up a couple extra things, actual healthy food we could cook easily for dinner or for a snack. Eddie was supposed to be moving out into his own apartment but hopefully I could persuade him to stay. I never wanted to live with anyone before. This must be the real thing. Every time I stayed with Morelli, I wanted to run for the hills!
I juggled a few bags in my hands while trying to open up the door. I walked across the room to the kitchen counter and tried to set them down without spilling anything.
"Need some help Babe?" A voice came from the living room.
"Jesus H. Christ Ranger! You scared the shit out of me!"
He chuckled. "Need to be more aware of your surroundings Babe."
"Yea, whatever" I spat, trying to pick everything I dropped.
He crossed the room holding the picture of Eddie and me. I must have left it on the coffee table.
"Something you need to tell me?" he said quietly.
I didn't know what to say. "It just happened. One day we were just friends, and the next it was something more. A lot more. We didn't plan it, and we didn't mean to hurt anyone in the process."
"I know babe. I know. Do you love him?"
I smiled. "Yea, I do. A lot. I didn't think I could ever feel this way about someone."
He smiled a sad smile. "I wish I could have been him Babe. I'll love you forever, but I just can't give you what he can. I hope we can still be friends."
I was almost crying. "You bet your ass we're still friends. You just can't be trying to cop a feel in the ally anymore. Ok? I'll always love you too Ranger. You're one of my best friends; I don't ever want that to change."
He hugged me and whispered in my ear. "Never."
"You can always call if you need anything. Don't hesitate." He kissed me on my forehead and left.
I'm glad he and I can still be friends, it hurts that he won't give me more than an occasional roll in the hay, but we're better off as friends and what I have with Eddie is more than I could ever imagine.
Chapter 12
Steph's POV
It's been two weeks since that weekend at the beach. The Burg vine has been doing its job of passing on the news of the new found relationship Eddie and I have. Some people are even saying we were seeing each other when he and Shirley were still married. But my close friends and family know that's total bullshit. The girls at the office were at a loss for words when I told them about us. They had no idea and never thought in a million years that Eddie and I would get together. Connie just about had a heart attack when one day last week Eddie came in on his day off wearing tight blue jeans and a tight muscle showing blue shirt to match his eyes. They usually see him when he's working and in his uniform. He looked absolutely delicious in the outfit and it showed off his newly formed muscles.
"Afternoon beautiful, he said. Then he wrapped his arms around me and kissed me like there was no tomorrow. There was lots of tongue and moans. Probably from me. When we finally broke apart Connie was fanning herself and Lula was drooling.
This very moment I'm getting ready for the annual Trenton Police Department Gala. Eddie asked me to go a month ago, before we got together. I was putting the finishing touches on my make-up and ready to put my dress on. I got my hair done at Mr. Alexander's and he left it down and parted it over to the side giving me soft curls around my face. My dress was the color of sapphires, long flowing and strapless. It had an empire waste and was made of silk chiffon. I left my makeup understated with soft smokey eyes with little mascara and soft pink lip gloss on my lips.
I accessorized with midnight blue shoes with Swarafski crystals on the straps and matching clutch.
I was twirling around in my dress like a princess when Eddie walked in. "You look gorgeous." He said kissing my lips softly.
I looked him up and down. He had a black tux on with his hair freshly cut and face recently shaven. He smelled like aftershave and soap. I pressed my face to his neck and inhaled his scent. I love the way he smells. It makes me want to rip his clothes off.
He must have been reading my mind. "I bet we have a few extra minutes…."
Hell no! I just got ready! "I don't think so, boy wonder. It took me hours to look like this, and you're not going to mess it up."
We arrived at the gala relatively early. We were meeting Joe and Robin for drinks in the hotel lobby.
"Cupcake, you're looking pretty good." Joe said as we sat down at the small table. Robin punched him in the arm.
"Ow! I told you, you looked good too!" He whined.
Eddie and I laughed. "Let's get some drinks, shall we?" Eddie said waving the waitress over.
We had a few drinks, and then people started pouring in and decided we should head to the ball room to our table.
The annual gala helps raise money for underprivileged children of New Jersey. I came with Joe a few years ago, but left early after we had a fight. Hopefully this year will be better. Our table was right next to the Rangeman table and we chatted back and forth with Tank, Lula and the rest of the guys. Ranger was there with a busty blonde by his side. He seemed to be having an ok time. He stole a few glances me and smiled.
Awards and checks were given out, while we ate. The food was to die for, especially the dessert. Eddie and I each had something different, me with chocolate cake and him with berry cheesecake. We took turns feeding each other and I think making everyone else at the table jealous. Carl and Big Dog were there with dates I didn't know and Joe with Robin. The boring part of the night was over and a band started playing prompting people to dance.
A gorgeous woman I recognized as a local singer took the stage. She began to sing "Baby I love your Ways" by Peter Frampton.
"Shadows grow so long before my eyes
And they're moving across the page
Suddenly the day turns into night
Far away from the city but don't hesitate
'Cause your love won't wait hey
Ooh baby I love your way every day
Wanna tell you I love your way every day
Wanna be with you night and day"
Eddie held his hand out to me. "Let's dance beautiful."
I smiled back at him and took his hand. We began to move to the music playfully.
"Moon appears to shine and light the sky
With the help of some fireflies
I wonder how they have the power shine shine shine
I can see them under the pines
But don't hesitate 'cause your love won't wait hey
Ooh baby I love your way every day
Wanna tell you I love your way every day
Wanna be with you night and day uh yeah"
We swayed back and forth not really going by any certain dance. He whispered sweet nothings and jokes in my ear making me laugh out loud. I know people were staring at us, I could feel eyes on me. I know Eddie noticed too, but he just held on to me tighter and began to sing the lyrics to me.
"But don't hesitate 'cause your love won't wait
I can see the sunset in your eyes
Brown and grey and blue besides
Clouds are stalking islands in the sun
Wish I could dry one out of season
But don't hesitate 'cause your love won't wait hey
Ooh baby I love your way every day
Wanna tell you I love your way uuhh
Wanna be with you night and day
Ooh baby I love your way every day
Wanna tell you I love your way uuhh
Wanna be with you night and day"
Soon the song was over and we headed back to our table for a drink. Eddie excused himself and went to the bathroom.
I don't know how this night could get any better.
**Steph's Dress**
.com/S/3001192?refsid=256345&refcat=0%7e2376776%7e2378685%7e2380947%7e2380968&SourceID=&SlotID=1&origin=related
**Steph's Hair**
Chapter 13
Eddie's POV
I made the excuse of going to the bathroom to get out of there. I don't know if I can do this. It might be too soon.
One thing I do know is that I love Stephanie Plum with all my heart. Now it's time to grow some balls and get a grip.
You can do this. Joe walked up to me and patted me on the back. "You ok Gazzara? You're looking a bit pale."
I hope I don't look that bad. "I'm alright, might have had too much to drink. I'll be fine."
He must have bought it because he headed back to the ball room. I checked with the band to make sure everything was set and went in the same direction as Joe.
Here goes nothing.
Steph's POV
Eddie came back to the table just as the band started to play a Taylor Swift song. I think it's called "Love Story."
(Play this video for this chapter.)
.com/watch?v=z4xmxb9K8RI
"We were both young when I first saw you.
I close my eyes and the flashback starts:
I'm standing there on a balcony in summer air.
See the lights; see the party, the ball gowns.
See you make your way through the crowd
and say hello;"
We slowly walked onto the dance floor and held me in one of the stances we learned when we took dance lessons as kids.
He placed a hand on my shoulder and clasped the other one with my own. We glided to the music weaving in and out of the other couples. I knew all eyes were on us, the Burg is still not used to us together. We've had more time to get used to it than they have.
"Little did I know
that you were Romeo; you were throwing pebbles,
and my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet."
And I was crying on the staircase,
begging you, 'Please, don't go.'
And I said,
"Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all there's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
it's a love story - baby just say 'Yes.'"
Eddie must have decided to bypass our dance training because he pulled me closer and put his hand on my lower back. I looked up at him and he smiled placing a light kiss on my lips. I rested my head on his shoulders, content to be in his arms.
"So I sneak out to the garden to see you.
We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew.
So close your eyes; escape this town for a little while.
'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter,
and my daddy said "Stay away from Juliet,"
But you were everything to me; I was begging you, 'Please, don't go,'
And I said,
"Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all there's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
it's a love story - baby just say 'Yes.'"
The woman singing climbed down the stage stairs and began walking into the crowd. Hmm, I wonder what she's up to.
"Romeo save me; they're tryin' to tell me how to feel.
This love is difficult, but it's real.
Don't be afraid; we'll make it out of this mess.
It's a love story - baby just say 'Yes.'
Oh.
I got tired of waiting,
wondering if you were ever comin' around.
My faith in you was fading
when I met you on the outskirts of town.
And I said,
"Romeo save me - I've been feeling so alone.
I keep waiting for you but you never come.
Is this in my head? I don't know what to think-"
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said,"
She stopped in front of us and handed Eddie the Microphone. What the hell?
He pulled something out of his pocket, knelt down and started singing:
"Marry me, Juliet. You'll never have to be alone."
As he sang he opened a black jewelry box revealing a simple emerald cut diamond ring. OH MY GOD! Tears streamed down my face and I know I had a big goofy grin on my face.
I love you and that's all I really know.
I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress;
it's a love story - baby just say 'Yes.'"
He finished the verse and handed the microphone back to the woman and she finished the song.
He smiled. "I love you Stephanie Plum, will you be with me for always?" he said as he slipped the ring on my finger.
I grinned, tears still running down my face. "Yes, yes, yes! I'll marry you Eddie!" I threw my arms around his neck and said "I love you!"
He picked me up and spun me around. By now everyone was standing and applauding. People had their phones out taking pictures and making calls. And the rumors begin.
I looked out into the crowd and saw the faces of my stunned friends. Everyone at our table was clapping and cheering. Especially Joe, Big Dog and Carl. I suspect they might have known what was going on. I looked to the next table and saw Rangers face. He had a sad smile on his face. I smiled back at him and he gave me a full what smile. I saw him mouth "Proud of you Babe." He will always hold a special place in my heart.
Joe was the first to congratulate us. "Way to go Gazzara! I can't believe you pulled that off! You're going to be the talk of the town for months!"
I was standing with my back to the crowd of dancers but I could feel someone watching me. I turned around searching for the culprit. My spidey sense was out of control and I had a bad feeling. How could I have such a bad feeling on the best day of my life? Eddie had his arm around me and felt me tense up. "What's wrong Steph?"
I sighed. "I don't know, something doesn't feel right."
He gave me a pained look. "Steph, is this is too sudden for you, you can just say no, I'll understand."
I grabbed him and kissed him. 'No, no. That's not it. I just feel like there's someone watching me."
His shoulders relaxed. "I'll have one of the guys on duty check the crowd out." He walked away to find someone on duty.
It made me feel a little better, but I still kept looking around. Ranger caught my eye and lifted his eyebrow, asking what was up.
We still have an ESP type connection and I just let my eyes sweep the room and he understood. Just as he got up to come toward us I felt something hit me in the back.
Shit, that hurt. What the hell? My vision started to blur and everything began to go black. The last thing I heard was Ranger saying "Steph's been shot, call 911!"
Then everything went black.
*To Be Continued….
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