I don't own them and I'm not making any money…
Thank you all so much for all of the wonderful reviews, I really appreciate them. And thank you Harmne and haleigh.l for your help editing, you ladies make a world of difference. Other than that, enjoy the chapter!
What Happens in Vegas
Chapter 14
"You guys are wonderful," I told Bobby and Hal after linking my arms through theirs. We were riding the elevator up to the fifth floor and I couldn't stop smiling. Today had been great. We'd gotten all four of my skips, I'd actually helped, and I was still clean. To top it all off, there had been no sign of Harper, the stalker.
"Tell that to Ranger," Hal said. "Maybe he'll give us a raise."
I was laughing at that as we exited the elevator and stepped onto the floor. The guys in the control room looked up and grinned at the sight we made, walking with our arms linked until a hush suddenly descended. Ranger was here.
Automatically looking around, I stretched myself a bit taller trying to locate him. After a moment, I saw him coming from the direction of his office and dropped Bobby and Hal's arms to skip over to him.
"Have a good day, Babe?" he asked smiling.
"Yes. We rounded up all of my skips and I stayed clean." I did a little twirl in front of him to display my cleanliness.
"Well then celebration is in order," he said, stopping my twirl when I was facing him again and dropping a kiss to my curls. "How about we have dinner out tonight?"
"Really?" I asked. I hadn't had a fun evening out since Harper had started targeting me and Ranger.
"Really," Ranger confirmed, causing me to do a little dance.
I looked down at my watch when I was through and saw it was already a quarter of five. "What time?"
"Will 6:30 give you time to get ready?"
Smiling because he knew that's what I was asking, I nodded and impulsively tilted my face up to kiss the corner of his mouth. It wasn't until I was flouncing off towards the elevator that I realized what I had done. I'd just kissed him in the middle of the control room, in front of half the guys. Shit.
By the time I'd made it to the seventh floor, I'd filed the situation in the back of my brain, deciding to deny it for now. I had a date to get ready for. Well, I guess it wasn't really a date, but I could pretend.
In the shower, I mentally reviewed my wardrobe, but couldn't come up with something to wear. The major problem was that I didn't know where we were going. Should I dress for Shorty's or Rossini's? Ranger would consider either restaurant suitable for a celebratory dinner, but they have very different dress codes.
I rinsed the last of the conditioner out of my hair and shut off the shower. I'd just have to call Ranger and ask. Wrapping a towel around my hair and another around my body, I went in search of my phone. I speed dialed Ranger when I found it and listened to it ring twice before he answered with his customary 'Yo.'
"Yo, yourself."
"Miss me already, Babe?" he asked, laughing a little.
"Dreadfully. And I wanted to know where we're going for dinner."
"It's a surprise."
"Will you at least tell me what I should wear?"
"Dress nice, but not formal. Is that good enough?"
"It should be," I answered and hung up, smiling because I'd gotten in the last word.
I tossed my phone back into my purse and glanced at the clock. It was already twenty after five, which meant I only had about an hour to finish getting ready. I really needed to get a move on if I wanted to make it on time.
I hurried back to the vanity area and started the battle with my hair. I gelled it, sprayed it with anti-frizz spray and blow-dried it on low power to give me soft loose curls. When I was done, the overall effect was pretty nice. After playing with it for a bit, I decided to pin most of the hair back, with only a few strands left free to fall around my face.
Staring at the soft, natural looking hairdo, I thought light makeup would go well with it. I put on a light coat of foundation, blush, eye shadow and mascara and decided I was done. It was less makeup than I usually wore, but I was going for a slightly different look tonight.
At the dresser, I pulled out a cream lace bra and panty set and pulled them on. Sexy underwear always made a nice outfit feel that much better. Now I just needed to decide what to wear over. I hadn't come up with anything while I was in the shower, but standing in front of the closet and staring for a while might inspire me.
I was flipping through my clothes for the first time when I came to a little, cream colored cocktail dress. Pulling it out, I stared at it, but had no recollection of buying it. It was in with my clothes and a glance at the tag showed it was my size… Ella must have been doing my shopping again.
I thought about sending the dress, and any other new clothes, back since Ranger couldn't go buying me a new wardrobe, but the fabric was so soft. I was just going to try it on. When I tried it on, I found myself spinning circles in front of the mirror, watching how the skirt fluttered and enjoying the feel of the dress. It felt wonderful on and it looked even better. With a sigh, I realized I was keeping the dress and I was going to wear it.
I heard the apartment door open while I was digging through the closet for a pair of matching FMP's. Finding the pair I was looking for, I stood just as Ranger was entering the bedroom.
And he stopped dead in his tracks. "Babe," he said after staring at me for a moment.
"Ranger," I replied, trying not to smirk. I guess he likes the dress too.
"You look nice."
"Thank you," I said, spinning to give him a better look and hoping to hide my blush at his compliment.
When I stopped spinning, he gave me a soft smile, probably to say he'd caught the blush and disappeared into the bathroom.
I checked the time again and saw we had to leave in about fifteen minutes, so I went looking for a purse. I found one to match my dress and shoes and transferred the necessities to it. There were the usual things like lip gloss, keys and compact, but I also tossed in my pepper spray just to be safe. I'd let Ranger take care of the heavier artillery…
As if my thoughts had summoned him, Ranger came striding out of the bedroom dressed to kill. He was in black slacks, a charcoal shirt and a black jacket. He looked absolutely delicious.
"Thanks, Babe," he said smiling.
"Stop invading my thoughts," I protested to hide my embarrassment over getting caught ogling him.
Ranger laughed at that before gallantly extending his arm. I took it, enjoying the feeling of my bare arm tucked between his body and arm as we left the apartment.
In the elevator, Ranger didn't release my arm and I relaxed against him, taking in the image of us in the mirrored door of the elevator. We looked good. We made a stunning contrast with his dark complexion and dark clothing and my light skin and cream dress. I made the decision then and there to enjoy tonight. To pretend that Ranger and I really had a relationship, that this was real… if only for one night. I would be like Cinderella, but I was keeping the dress since I couldn't have my Prince Charming.
When the elevator doors pinged open, our reflections slid away and I was brought back from my thoughts. Looking out into the garage, I saw an army of black. Well maybe not an army, but four Merry Men take up enough space to look like an army. Confused, I looked up at Ranger.
"Don't want anything messing up your night out," he said simply.
I felt touched that he would go to so much trouble that I didn't protest the extra guards. I wanted to enjoy tonight and if this was what it took, so be it. Besides, I'd admitted awhile ago that I wanted a relationship with Ranger and I wasn't delusional enough to think that it would come without the occasional body guard. That was just something I'd have to understand.
Ranger gave me a smile for my easy acceptance and squeezed my arm before releasing it and helping me into the Turbo.
When we pulled out of the garage, we had a Bronco in front of us and one behind us. I thought it was overkill, but I also wanted Ranger to relax tonight. So, if overkill was what it took, then I'd go along with it.
We'd been driving for twenty minutes and were traveling along the highway when I began bugging Ranger about where we were going. And he still wouldn't tell me. He wouldn't give me any hints or even tell me how long it would take to get there. Huffing a bit, I told him to keep his secret, I didn't care and started staring out the window. I don't think he believed me.
Eventually, we took a Newark exit and I turned to look at Ranger.
"You seemed to enjoy the dinner my mom made the other night, so I thought we'd go out for Cuban. One of my favorite restaurants is here, and I think you'll like it."
"Oh." I wasn't sure what else to respond with. I'd assumed we would go to Rossini's, but the trip out of Trenton had nixed that idea. Ranger had obviously put some thought into dinner and it gave me a warm feeling in my belly that I decided not to think about.
Instead, I thought about the dress. I wasn't sure how I felt about Ranger, via Ella, buying clothes for me. If the dress wasn't wonderful, I might be mad. Probably I should say something.
"Thanks for the dress."
"Babe?" Ranger asked, sounding confused.
"I didn't buy this dress. I'm pretty sure Ella did."
Ranger let out a laugh at that and I turned to glare at him. I didn't see anything funny. "I told Ella to pick up anything you might need while staying at the apartment. I was thinking peanut butter, white bread, some movies… Ella was thinking clothes."
"I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with you buying me clothes," I said, getting the conversation back on topic.
"Ella bought them."
"With your money."
"I don't mind," he said, reaching out and grabbing one of the hands I was twisting nervously in my lap. "Actually, I think I like spoiling my wife. Maybe I'll buy you a car."
"Ranger," I said, trying for outraged, but messing it up with a laugh. I'm pretty sure he was teasing me, at least I hope so.
Our conversation was ended shortly after that by Ranger announcing we were at the restaurant. He was pulling into a half full parking lot in front of a small building. As we approached it, I could hear salsa music and smell the food. I'm pretty sure my walk sped up since Ranger started chuckling beside me.
As soon as we entered, we were shown to a back booth. Ranger of course immediately moved so he could sit with his back to the wall, but he surprised me when he pulled me down beside him before I could sit on the opposite side. When I shot him a questioning look, he just gave me a low wattage smile and draped an arm over my shoulders. Since I was comfy and wrapped up in Ranger, I wasn't going to complain.
Not long after that, a waitress showed up with menus and took our drink orders. When she walked away, I flipped open the menu but quickly discovered a problem: it was all in Spanish. I brought this to Ranger's attention, and he told me he'd order for both of us. I was still debating whether or not to be concerned when the waitress came back with our drinks and asked if we were ready to order.
Ranger said we were and then proceeded to order in Spanish. And my insides turned to mush. He should not be allowed to talk like that, or he should at least warn me before he does.
When the waitress left us alone again, Ranger turned to me and said something else in Spanish. He must have noticed my reaction while he ordered.
"Stop it," I said, swatting his arm.
"I thought you liked it."
"That's the problem," I muttered, before taking a sip of my drink to stop myself from saying anything else.
Ranger just laughed and wrapped an arm around my back. His touch and the smell of Bulgari were distracting me, so within minutes, I broke my self imposed vow of silence.
"So you come here often?" I doubted he'd answer my question, but I had to say something.
"Yeah, my uncle owns the place."
"Oh," I said, slightly stunned at getting a real answer. I still wasn't back to normal when he spoke again.
"If you promise not to go into shock I'll tell you more."
"I promise," I replied, wide eyed as I gave the 'scouts honor' sign.
"Okay, well see that kid over there bussing tables?" he asked, tipping his head to the left.
Turning my head, I saw a skinny Latino boy, who looked to be about thirteen. I nodded my head in confirmation even though I didn't know why I was looking at the kid.
"That's my cousin Carmen's son, Dom. He's pretty much what I looked like when I was thirteen and worked here bussing tables until the auto-theft incident."
"You were a bus boy?" I asked in shock. I couldn't really see it.
"Yep. Wore the white button-down shirt and everything."
And that made me think of something I'd always wondered about. "Will you tell me why you wear black so much?"
"Not much to tell, Babe. I got out of the Rangers and worked for a security company. Their uniform was black on black. As I got a reputation, I became known for wearing black like I am now. And I like it."
That got a laugh out of me.
Before I could ask another question, the waitress returned with our food. She sat the plates in front of us and I saw Ranger had ordered us the same thing. It smelled wonderful and I would say that it was chicken, but past that I wouldn't venture a guess. I lifted my eyes to Ranger's for more info.
"It's pollo agridulce, or sweet and spicy chicken, Babe. It's made with mango, ginger, red pepper, sugar, butter and oil. You'll love it."
"And you're going to eat it?" I asked. From what he said, it sounded as good as it smelled, but it didn't sound like temple food.
"Yeah. We're celebrating, so tonight's not a temple night."
"Well, thanks for not ordering us Cuban salad," I said, before saluting him with my fork and taking the first bite. It was wonderful.
We ate in silence. Or mostly silence… I may have let out a moan or two. I could seriously get into this whole Cuban food thing because what I'd had so far, I'd loved.
When I'd taken the last bite of my dinner, Ranger shocked me further by ordering dessert. He spoke rapid Spanish with the waitress again, so I had no idea what he'd ordered. I was a little nervous since dinner had been so obviously unhealthy that he may have some secret healthy dessert to feed me.
"Don't worry. You'll love what I ordered," he ESPed.
"How do you do that?" I demanded. It was a bit frustrating that he could always tell what I was thinking and I never had any idea what was going on inside his head.
"It's one of those 'if I told you, I'd have to kill you' things," he said with a completely serious look on his face.
I just rolled my eyes in response. "Fine. Keep your secret. But tell me something else instead."
"Like what?"
"Just something. Like earlier, when you were telling me about being a busboy."
"Babe, I'm no good at this divulging information thing. You're going to have to be more specific."
"Okay. Will you tell me how you started Rangeman?"
"I could do that," he said with a half grin.
It grew into a whole grin, when I made a quick 'go on' motion.
"Well, I got out of the Rangers was and worked in security for a while, but I got a bit bored. I decided bounty hunting looked fun, but back then I was after high profile offenders wanted by the government. I made some money and my brother, Tonio, who's an investment banker, told me to invest. He said starting my own company would be a good idea. I didn't have quite enough money, so I called up some buddies, asked if they wanted to invest and suddenly I had partners and a company. That was four years ago."
"I give that a six out of ten," I said when he stopped.
"Babe?"
"There were facts and you brought in stuff about family and investors, but it was short. You could have told me how Tonio persuaded you to invest or how you decided on a security company…"
I kept teasing for about another minute until I was interrupted by the arrival of dessert. The waitress placed two plates, each with a small, yellow cone-shaped cake and two cups of coffee on the table. They looked delicious, but first I turned to Ranger to find out what it was.
"They're capuchinos, a Cuban pastry. They're not easy to make, but luckily, my aunt enjoys making them. And they're one of the few desserts I eat. Try it."
And I did. I cut off the very tip of the cone and put it in my mouth. I hadn't even swallowed when I decided I had a new favorite pastry.
Ranger must have been doing the ESP thing again, because he smiled before taking a bite of his cake and sipping his coffee.
Some time later, Ranger paid the bill and once again offered me his arm to walk out of the restaurant. It had been a wonderful evening and I felt like I was walking on a cloud until I spotted the Merry Men waiting for us by the door. That brought me back to reality, but I decided not to let it get to me and allowed myself to be escorted to the car.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
I was being carried and the smell of Bulgari assaulting my senses told me who was doing the carrying. Reluctantly, I opened my eyes to realize we were in the foyer of the seventh floor and Ranger was opening the door to the apartment.
"I can walk," I mumbled trying to look up at Ranger.
"Yeah, but I realized I've been a bad husband, so I'm not going to let you."
I must have looked as confused as I felt at that, because Ranger squeezed me a bit tighter and carried me into the apartment.
"I realized I hadn't carried you across any thresholds since we've been married. So I needed to fix that."
"A true romantic," I teased, snuggling a bit deeper into his chest and enjoying the ride.
He carried me though the apartment, into our bedroom and my heart began to speed up. I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself, not wanting him to feel my racing pulse. My eyes snapped open, however, when I felt myself being gently stood on my feet.
"You really do look beautiful tonight," Ranger said, using one hand to hold me close to himself and twisting a finger of the other hand in one of my loose curls.
I opened my mouth to speak, but no sound would come out. Even if I could have formed words, I wouldn't have known what to say. Instead, I leaned into him and kissed his neck, exposed by his loosened tie and open collar. And to my amazement, I felt his pulse pick up under my lips. I began to nibble and felt his arms come around me, holding me to him.
And then his phone went off.
He spoke a handful of words into the phone, while still holding me with the other arm. Snuggled against his chest as I was, I could hear the voice on the other end, but couldn't make out the words. From the tone, however, I knew it was one of the guys. I waited until Ranger had snapped his phone shut to lift my eyes to his in question.
"Sorry Babe, but some guys on stakeout just spotted a skip. Looks like I've got a takedown tonight."
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
A/N: Well, I hope you like it. I'll be at the beach with no internet for the next week, so leave me some reviews for when I get back! The next chapter's also close to done, and I'll try to get it posted as soon as possible when I get home…