I apologize for the wait, but a couple weeks ago I had a little accident. I was working a Fair event when I tripped and while trying to brace my fall with my hands, I messed up my right thumb. It's very uncomfortable to type with a cast, so writing this took me longer than usual.

Anyway, here's the continuation. Hope you enjoy;)

Disclaimer: The Plum universe belongs to JE.

I popped in the instructional CD and upped the volume on my laptop. Last month I got fed up with a skip that played me by acting like he didn't speak English. That whole incident motivated me to become bilingual and finally got myself a course, albeit cheap, to learn Spanish.

I was about thirty minutes into the lesson when it was time to review the previous day's session.

Where is the library?

Oh, man. I was almost certain I knew the answer, but still felt nervous. "Donde esta la... libreria?" I grimaced, realizing that it didn't sound quite right. Fuck. Learning a new language is hard.

Just when I was about to click on the icon that would reveal the correct answer, I stiffened as I noticed the change in the atmosphere. I wasn't alone.

I swallowed as I heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching.

"As sexy as you sound rolling your Rs, that's incorrect." Ranger spoke in my ear and I almost jumped. He leaned closer, his chest brushing against my shoulders. "It's biblioteca."

I shivered, his proximity and intoxicating Bulgari scent made a jolt of pleasure shoot straight to my doodah. "Yes." I nodded, both for his correction and for him to move closer.

"Are you making progress?" His lips brushed against the shell of my ear and I suddenly found myself fiercely gripping my laptop.

Another nod. "Somewhat." I shut my laptop, finally turning around to face him. He looked as handsome and tempting as ever. "Maybe what I need is someone to practice with." As soon as the words left my lips, I realized that it sounded like an invitation.

"I'll help you."

"Thanks." The almost smile playing on the corners of his mouth made me gasp with anticipation, his intentions clear as day.

In the following weeks Ranger stopped by my apartment almost every night to 'help' me with my Spanish. We never got very far into a lesson before I was naked and enjoying some Ranger magic. I didn't know where we were heading, but I allowed it. Morelli and I were in an off phase, meaning there really was no reason for me to feel guilty about my nightly activities with Ranger.

One night I took extra care getting ready, exfoliating thoroughly and moisturizing. I was determined for it to be a great night and maybe get Ranger to share his thoughts about this thing we had going on.

I slipped an oversized t-shirt over a lace bra and panty set I bought especially for the occasion. I must have waited over an hour for him and just when I was about to call it a day, I felt his presence.

"Hey." I turned away from the TV to face him, finding business Ranger. He looked extremely yummy in his black suit and silky tie. A flash of heat dashed to my doodah and I struggled to keep my hands to myself.

"I'm going out of the country." Like ripping a bandage, he didn't sugarcoat it.

"Oh." Ranger was going to be in the wind for weeks. I'm sure my disappointment was noticeable. "I guess I can find another Spanish tutor." I shrugged, the movement making the hem of the tee brush higher against my thighs.

"Babe." An almost growl left his lips, a sure warning that he would shoot anyone took on the job of being my 'tutor'.

"Do you have time for a quick lesson?" I wanted him. Bad. My body was taking over and it was telling my brain to butt off.

"I can do quick." Ranger's predatory smile had my hands flying to grab a hold of him. I undid the knot of his tie, shoved his suit jacket out of the way and unbuttoned his shirt with lighting speed. "Babe." A strangled moan left his lips when I cupped him through his pants before I unzipped him, reached inside and stroked his hardness.

Then next morning I woke up extremely satisfied, but alone. It was then that I realized Ranger and I were going to have to talk about things.

I spent the weeks of Ranger's absence tracking down skips and dealing with the craziness that sometimes accompanies my job. So when Lula suggested a stop at 7 Eleven to 'recharge', I was more than happy to go with her. I put the lid on my Big Gulp of Coke, inserted the straw and took a glorious sip. There's nothing better than a cold Coke on a hot summer day.

"That's all you gettin'?" Lula asked when I met her at the register.

"Yeah." I took a large gulp as I pulled out a crumpled five dollar bill from my jeans pocket.

"Hmph." Lula shrugged in an 'Okay, but I'm not sharing' manner.

When we got back to Lula's Firebird she struggled with her large Nachos, assorted sweets and drink as she fished her keys from her purse.

"Here." I took the keys from her, unlocking the car.

"You know what, you drive." Lula tightened her hold on the junk food as she strutted over to the passenger side.

"Okay." I got behind the wheel, placed my drink in the cup holder and backed out of the parking space. It didn't take long before the smell of Lula's food wafted over to me, instantly becoming overwhelming.

"What's wrong?" Lula mumbled, the crunch of the nacho chips punctuating the question.

"I think I'm gonna be sick." I screeched to a halt in a 'no stopping any time' zone and barely managed to power down the window in time to empty my guts.

"Are you sick?" Lula wasn't bothered by the episode and continued eating.

"I, uh, just felt nauseous." I used my Coke to rinse my mouth.

"Hmm."

"What?" I turned to look at her as I pulled away from the curb.

"That's how it starts."

"What starts?"

"Them pregnancy discomforts."

If Lula had known then how much sex I'd had with Ranger prior to his departure, I would have never heard the end of it.

And almost six years later I was back in the same situation: possibly pregnant and no Ranger in Trenton.

I grabbed two pregnancy tests from the shelf, just to double check, paid for them and got back on the road.

On my drive to Rangeman I kept glancing at my purse next to me on the passenger seat. I was determined to take the test as soon as I got to the building.

But of course, nothing ever waits at Rangeman. Julie was already waiting for me in my office.

"We finally have access to the chemical facility to install a security system." Julie said the client requested for me to be present since I did the initial walk through.

"Ready?" Justin swung into the office and I knew I wasn't going to have time to find out if I was pregnant. It was going to have to wait until I got home.

"Yeah." I followed the two out of my office, hoping the day flew by.

S&R

I must have been kidding myself when I thought I'd have time to take the test when I got home.

It wasn't until Eddie was fed, had finished his take home assignments, spent his energy in various afternoon activities, bathed and put to bed that I finally had the so desired time AND privacy to find out if I was or wasn't pregnant.

I felt just as nervous as when I found out I was pregnant with Eddie.

The wait felt eternal.

Positive.

My eyes filled with tears, a dozen different emotions invaded me at the knowledge. Excitement, happiness…

I showered and got ready for bed, deciding it was best since I didn't know what time Ranger was going to be back.

A heartfelt sigh escaped me when I finally slipped under the sheets. The day had left me pretty spent, exhaustion took over and I thought taking a quick nap before Ranger got home was a great way to pass the time.