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What Happens in Vegas
Chapter 13
Mom only brought up the divorce issue one more time, and it was when she had me alone in the kitchen to pack up my leftovers. She actually held them hostage for a few minutes trying to get me to promise to work it out with Ranger. I didn't know how to tell her that there really wasn't anything to work out…
Ranger got the all-clear call from the guys outside, and we were free. Encased in the peace full interior of the Turbo, I finally let out a sigh.
"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Ranger asked.
"Not as bad as I was expecting, but she managed to corner me twice."
"Poor, Babe," Ranger said, tousling my curls before starting the car.
"Hey! Watch the hair," I protested.
"Why? We're just going home."
"Yeah, but I don't want you to make a habit of it."
Neither of us noticed how easily we'd just thought of the apartment as home…
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When Ranger and I got back to the apartment, I was emotionally drained, so I did the only rational thing. I flopped on the couch with no intention of moving. After a minute or so, Ranger joined me and handed me a beer before taking a long pull from his own.
"Thanks."
"You earned it," Ranger said, pulling me close and tucking me under his arm.
My only response was an indistinct sound of agreement.
We stayed like that, snuggled together and sipping our beers until I drained mine. Leaning forward, I placed the empty bottle on the coffee table and settled myself back against Ranger's chest and tucked my face into his neck.
Breathing in the unique scent of Bulgari and Ranger, I felt myself go all gooey. My hormones were doing a bit of a samba, but I was completely relaxed so I just smiled against Ranger's skin. I knew the calm was from a mixture of the alcohol in my blood stream and relief that the day was done, but I didn't care. It sent me to that very happy place between sober and drunk, where everything is all warm and fuzzy.
"You smell nice," I said, breathing deeply, and then placing my lips against Ranger's neck.
"Thanks, Babe," he replied, chuckling a bit before dropping a kiss into my hair. "So do you."
I pressed my lips a bit more firmly against his neck in answer, before speaking up. "Ella got me new shower gel."
"I should give her a raise."
"You should, 'cause it smells so good with yours. The bathroom doesn't smell all yucky after we're both in there."
"Did it smell yucky before?"
"No," I said, giggling to myself because Ranger said 'yucky.' "It smelled like you. And I smelled like you. Usually that was okay, but sometimes it made my hormones want a jelly doughnut."
"Babe, you're giving information to the enemy again."
"And I think I messed up Lula's jelly doughnut metaphor. But did you get what I meant?"
"Yeah, I got what you meant," Ranger said, chuckling deep in his chest so I could feel the vibrations through me.
"I think my hormones need a jelly doughnut now."
"Babe," Ranger half groaned.
"Hmmm," I hummed against his neck, dragging my lips back and forth, and then placing soft kisses over the bit of skin I could reach. Really his skin was so nice, I just couldn't keep my lips to myself.
"Babe, I think giving you that beer was a bad idea tonight," Ranger said, turning me a little so he still had a hold of my waist, but my lips weren't against his neck.
"Hey," I protested before I registered what he said. "And I'm not drunk. Happy, but not drunk."
He didn't argue, but laughed softly again and settled me back against him. I noticed I was positioned so I couldn't reach his neck, and pouted for a second before deciding I was too comfy to be angry.
Some time later, I felt myself being carried and realized I must have fallen asleep on Ranger.
"I'm awake," I mumbled softly, only to get a squeeze in reply before being settled down on the bed.
I started to drift off again, but then Ranger was slowly peeling my jeans off. My hormones picked up while my body was trying to go back to sleep. It was an odd combination. It resulted in me being awake while I was slipped into one of his t-shirts, but in a hazy, unalert state. And maybe I was a little bit buzzy…
Whatever it was, when Ranger climbed into bed beside me, I rolled so I was settled on top of him and then kissed his bare chest. Scooting up, I rested my lips against his for a minute before lifting my head and looking in his eyes.
"Kiss me?" I asked on a whisper.
I loved him. I'd admitted it and I'd accepted that nothing would come of it. But right now, I wanted to pretend that this was real. If only for a minute.
I saw his mouth open to speak, but I didn't think I could handle a rejection. Instead, I gently placed a finger against his lips and tried again. "Please."
I saw the moment he made his decision and felt my mouth go dry as he lifted his head to catch my lips. The kiss was soft and tender and drug on for long minutes. When we pulled apart, we were both breathing heavily, Ranger's arms were wrapped around me almost painfully and I had my fingers wound tightly through his hair.
"Babe," he said gently when the silence began to stretch.
"I'm sorry," was all I could whisper as I closed my eyes and tucked my head under his chin.
"Don't be." He gave me a slight squeeze and then moved us so he was spooned up against me.
He let his fingers run up and down my arm, causing shivers, but it felt good. It wasn't long before I was deeply asleep again.
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Cold. That was my first conscious thought of the morning. My warm cocoon was gone and chilly air was tickling my legs. I'd curled into a protective ball, attempting to go back to sleep, when I felt a warm hand running up and down my arm and over my back. It felt nice.
"Wake up, Babe. It's time to go to the gym," I heard then. Maybe not so nice.
"Sleep," I said, reaching behind myself to grab the hand and tug it towards the bed.
It didn't do any good, but made Ranger laugh and scoop me up. When I was on my feet, he spun me around and pointed me towards the bathroom.
"You have five minutes."
"I could really grow to hate you," I muttered as I stumbled to the bathroom.
Once there, I answered Mother Nature, brushed my teeth and pulled my hair into a pony tail. In the bedroom, I pulled on shorts, sports bra and tank top before heading out into the apartment. I found Ranger in the living room, lounging against a wall, staring intently at his watch. I sent him a glare.
"You made it in just less than five minutes."
I shot him another glare, causing him to laugh and we headed for the gym.
Once there, we went over everything I'd leaned so far and then Ranger taught me some moves he claimed were more effective than the crotch kick. After an hour, I could probably break an attacker's nose with the heel of my hand… I wasn't sure since I didn't actually break any noses in practice. I also learned a kick to take out a knee so I wouldn't be chased. That one, I thought, would be good to know.
When we were through, Ranger had me pick open a pair of cuffs again before we headed up to the apartment.
"So, what are your plans for the day?" Ranger asked in the elevator.
"I was thinking I'd go after some skips," I said, watching him closely for any reaction. I was ready to fight for my right to do as I chose. I stayed in the building for the most part yesterday, but I didn't feel like hiding today.
I saw Ranger giving me a long considering look and was just about to argue when he nodded. "But I'm sending two guys with you."
"Ranger," I protested. "I don't need two guards. And you're bleeding money again."
"Please," he said, causing me to glare at him. He knew I was a sucker for that word. "I can take better care of myself if I'm not worried about you."
That was another low blow. He knew I'd do it if it was for his safety.
"I feel like I'm being manipulated here."
"You are, but it's also the truth."
"That's playing dirty."
"I am a mercenary," he reminded me with a small wolf grin.
Rolling my eyes, I followed him off the elevator and into the apartment. As a peace offering, he asked if I wanted to shower first, but I told him to go ahead. He took five minute showers and I'd feel bad making him wait on me.
While he showered, I said hello to Rex and gave him some of Ranger's cardboard cereal. He loved the stuff. I guess rabbit food worked on hamsters too.
"Babe," I heard shortly after that. "Shower's free."
Heading through the bedroom, I found a towel-clad Ranger and hustled into the bathroom before I did something to embarrass myself. I was just wondering if he did it on purpose, when I realized the bathroom was warm and Bulgari scented again. And my hormones were loving it. They were reminding me of the kisses we'd shared yesterday and the night we'd shared more than kisses.
I took a deep breath and willed myself to calm down. But it didn't work. Not only were my hormones reacting, but I realized I had an emotional reaction to the smell as well. And it scared me because I knew the emotional connection I had to Ranger was getting stronger. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to let go when this was over…
Those thoughts effectively silenced my hormones, but left me feeling sad. I tuned on the shower and stepped under the spray even as I felt my eyes tearing up. I'd never regret loving Ranger, but I didn't ask for it either. When Ranger and I had first realized we were married, I hadn't kept my guard up, and now my heart was more involved than I wanted it to be. The divorce was going to hurt, but it had to happen. Ranger didn't do relationships and there was no way I'd try to change who he was because that was who I loved.
Shaking off those thoughts, I quickly scrubbed down and got out of the shower. I toweled off and splashed cold water on my face before peeking around the door into the bedroom. It wouldn't do for Ranger to see that I had been crying.
I grabbed jeans and a t-shirt to wear and checked out my face in the mirror over the dresser. There was no sign of my tears, and I was very grateful. After that, I flipped my hair upside down, towel dried it and gelled it before heading out to the kitchen.
"Ella just dropped off breakfast," Ranger said, glancing up from his newspaper as I entered.
I sat at the bar and was surprised to find a plate of pancakes on the tray with Ranger's usual breakfast. The surprise must have shown on my face, because Ranger laughed and set his newspaper aside before pacing the plate in front of me.
"I told Ella what a good sport you were being about the self defense lessons and she thought you needed a different reward than doughnuts."
"For breakfast like this, I'd gladly go to the gym," I said, pouring syrup all over my pancakes.
"Babe, you better watch what you say. I might just hold you to that."
"Can I make conditions on what can go on during said gym visit?"
"We'll work that out later," Ranger said, giving me another smile.
As I took the first wonderful bites of my pancakes, I thought about that smile. I'd seen Ranger smile and heard him laugh more often in the past few days than I thought I had in the time I'd known him. Maybe I was just seeing his private side. Or maybe I was entertainment again. I didn't think it was the entertainment choice though, because a lot of the time the smile was affectionate or his wolf grin.
Shrugging it off, I decided I didn't really care why he smiled as long as I got to see it.
Half way though my pancakes, Ranger stood and disappeared into the bedroom. When he reemerged, he was fully armed with his utility belt and his hair was pulled back. He was ready for work.
"I'm heading out, Babe. When you leave, don't forget to stop in the control room for your backup."
"Of course, darling," I said, doing my best Saint Valerie imitation.
"You're such a smartass," he said, stalking over to me. "What am I going to do with you?"
I just looked up and fluttered my eyelashes.
This apparently wasn't the smartest thing to do, because Ranger immediately engulfed me in his arms before lowering his lips to mine. It took a minute for my shock to wear off, but when it did, I fisted my hands in his shirt and kissed back. The kiss was deep and intense and drug on until my lungs were screaming for air.
When Ranger pulled away, my body was molded strategically against his and we were both breathing deeply. But while I'm sure my expression was beyond glazed, he was wearing a smug grin.
"Someday you'll learn not to mess with me," he said, shaking his head and smiling.
I'm going to blame the brain burnout, but that comment combined with the smug look on his face just begged retaliation. Before I'd even thought it through, I darted my leg out like Ranger had taught me this morning and swiped his feet out from underneath him. I only had a moment to gloat though, because before I knew what happened, he'd grabbed my ankle and pulled me down with him.
"Not smart, Babe," he growled with a predatory look on his face.
Seeing that as a challenge, I told smart Stephanie to shut up and rolled so I was pinning Ranger down. Not that it was very effective, because within seconds he had our positions reversed. And he was kissing me again. I think I'd known this would be the outcome when I first tripped him, but either way, I was kissing him back for all I was worth.
One hand had pulled his hair loose and the other had just found its way under his shirt. I played my nails across his abs, causing him to growl and leading me to think he was getting a bit distracted. Trying not to get distracted myself, I began to wiggle enough to get myself back on top when Ranger froze. Seconds later, I realized why. The apartment door was opening and we heard Ella softly humming to herself.
We managed to get ourselves standing again, just as she entered the kitchen.
"Hello, dears," Ella said, giving us a big smile.
I could feel my face flaming, knowing she could tell just what had been going on. Ranger's shirt was crumpled and untucked and his hair was a mess where I'd had my hand buried in it. I didn't even want to think about what I looked like, but my lips felt swollen and I was pretty sure there was a bite mark on my neck. I felt awkward to say the least.
"Uh, thanks for the pancakes," I said to break the silence, as Ella started cleaning up.
"It was nothing dear," she replied still smiling.
"Well, I gotta go finish getting ready." I felt bad about abandoning Ranger, but I wanted to escape.
"And I need to get my other gun," Ranger said as he followed me into the bedroom.
I heard the door shut and was immediately hauled against Ranger's chest. "Babe. My housekeeper nearly caught us - ."
"You started it?" I tried.
He shook his head and released me. "You keep my life interesting," he said as he started straightening his shirt and pulling back his hair.
"So was there another gun?"
"No, and you and Ella both knew it. I just didn't want to stand out there straightening myself up and I didn't want to do it in the hall where the cameras would see."
"Would the boys tease you?" I asked innocently.
"Babe, you're gonna get yourself in trouble again."
"Fine," I said, heading into the vanity area to repair my hair and start my makeup. "Do you know when you'll be back tonight?"
"By six at the latest, why?" Ranger had followed me into the vanity and was leaning against the wall watching me put on my makeup. It was obvious he was killing time before he had to pass back through the Ella inhabited apartment.
"No reason. I'm just making conversation."
"I can take a hint then," he said, stepping forward and dropping a kiss on my temple. "See you tonight."
And he was gone.
I had just finished swiping on mascara when I heard a soft knock at the bedroom door before Ella entered. Stepping out of the vanity area, I found her efficiently stripping the bed and tossing the bedding into a laundry basket.
"Need any help?" I offered. I still wasn't used to someone taking care of things like that.
"No, I'm good," she said before looking up at me. "I don't think I've had a chance to tell you how glad I am that you and Ranger finally got together. He's such a nice young man and you're good for him."
"Um," I started, not really sure how to explain the situation, especially considering what she'd walked in on in the kitchen. "We didn't really mean to get married. And, uh, we're going to end it after we deal with the guy stalking us."
"Well then, I guess I'll just have to take advantage of the time that I have you here," Ella said, quickly masking a disappointed look.
I wasn't really sure what that comment meant or how to continue the conversation, so I grabbed my phone from its charger, told Ella to have a good day and got out of there.
On the ride to the fifth floor, I employed my skills for denial and pretended that none of the scenes with Ella had actually happened. That way, next time I saw her, I could act normally
When the elevator doors slid open, I declared myself good to go and stepped of onto the floor. I made a beeline for the control room and found Bobby and Hal waiting for me. Guess they were my guards for the day.
"So, what are we doing today, Bomber?" Bobby asked as they both stood to join me.
"Going after skips. You two ready to be intimidating?" That was all they'd really have to do. When I had the Merry Men with me, most of my skips came pretty willingly.
They both answered my question with a silent scowl. I'd take that as a yes.
We made our way down to the garage and once we were in the Bronco, Bobby asked where to. Since I didn't have any active files, our first stop was the office.
Not thinking, I hadn't directed the guys to stop for doughnuts first. I was completely unarmed when Lula and Connie started pelting me with questions as I walked through the door. Apparently they'd heard about the 'shoot out' at Pino's yesterday.
"So, do you have any files for me?" was my only response when they finally stopped for air.
"Yep," said Connie, "But you're not getting them until we get some gossip."
"Fine," I gave in, flopping on the chair by her desk. I motioned for the guys to get comfortable on the sofa. This could take a while.
"So, first off, why were you having lunch with Super Cop?" Lula demanded indignantly.
"We were talking. Believe it or not, he's been a big part of my life and I wanted to clear the air."
"So you're not getting' back together?"
"No. But we're working on being friends."
"What's Ranger think of that?" Connie asked.
"Lunch at Pino's was his idea."
"He doesn't want you to get back with Joe does he?" she asked in a shocked voice.
"No," I said laughing. "He just knew how upset I was over how things stood between Joe and me."
"Speaking of Batman," Lula said, "what's going on with you two? Tank says you're staying together 'til the stalker thing's done. That true?"
"Yeah, we're dealing with one thing at a time."
"Hmph. I was hoping you'd convinced him he couldn't live without you."
"Nope. Next question," I said, wanting to get off that particular topic.
"How close are you to getting the stalker situation straightened out?" Connie asked.
"Not very. We know it's one of Ranger's old skips that I did distraction on, but no one seems to know where to find him. He's being pretty low key as far as stalkers go, too. Just enough of a treat to be irritating."
"So for the time being, you and Ranger are staying husband and wife?"
"Yep," I answered and decided it was time to try to put an end to this. "Can I have my files now?"
"What do you think, Lula? Should I give her the files?"
"Sure. She's answered our questions pretty straight. Didn't try to dodge them. And her story seems to match up with what Tank told me."
That caused me to glare at Lula while Connie got my paperwork ready. Tank and I would be having a chat later. Or maybe I'd have Ranger have a chat with him… Tank would probably just laugh at me.
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A/N: Well, I hope you like it! Please review and let me know! I love getting your feed back and hearing how you think the story is going…