Disclaimer: Any characters that you recognize don't belong to me. I'm thankful that Janet lets us play with them when we want.
Thank you to my amazing beta, Rangergirl1234. Her tips and changes make my ramblings much easier to read!
Lifetime of Love
Chapter 4
After fours hours in the ER, x-rays, MRI's, and being felt up by numerous doctors it was decided that I had herniated a disc in my back that was causing the pain. It was putting slight pressure on my spinal cord, but they weren't too concerned about it. I was on two weeks of light duty and had anti-inflammatory pain pills to take to help with the swelling and the pain. The doctor even gave me some tips of some exercises I could do to help with the healing. Yeah, because those will get done.
Once I got my discharge papers, I left Bobby chatting with the doctor and I made my way out to the waiting room to find Joe so he could take me home. I saw Zero, Ranger and Les but no Joe. Les must have seen me looking for him because he was the one who spoke.
"He got a call and had to leave. Said to tell you that he'll be by later tonight after his shift." Well hell. There went my ride home. I nodded and sat slowly in the chair beside Les. He looked at me and raised his eyebrow. I knew he wanted to know about the injury, but I was being stubborn and didn't want to tell them. It wasn't their business.
Bobby came out a few minutes later and filled the guys in any way. Ranger kept his eyes on me the entire time Bobby talked. I didn't meet his gaze, but I could feel his eyes on me. Zero watched me too, but the look in his eyes wasn't as hard as Ranger's. I could almost see concern. When Bobby was done talking to the guys, Ranger nodded and then approached where I was sitting. He squatted down in front of me and took my hands in his.
"Babe, will you come back to RangeMan for the two weeks? We have an open apartment on four if you don't feel comfortable staying on seven." I started to open my mouth to protest, but was stopped by Ranger's finger over my lips.
"Think about it. You'll have Bobby right across the hall, Ella to cook for you, and I know Hector would love to massage your sore muscles."
Oh my God, I almost forgot about Hector's massages. For an ex-gang member, he's got such gentle hands. I pulled a muscle in my leg about three months ago and Hector was all too willing to rub the sore muscles. Ranger had me persuaded to stay there at Ella, but Hector sealed the deal.
"Okay. Let me go home and pack a bag. The apartment on four sounds like heaven." Ranger wasn't happy that I picked there instead of his penthouse, but I couldn't let myself live with Ranger for two weeks. It will only give me a glimpse of something that I might want and will never have.
Les and Bobby helped me stand and walk out to the SUV. I glanced behind me and saw Ranger and Zero talking and it didn't look too friendly. They were both tense and ready to punch each other. I wondered what was going on.
When we got back to my apartment, Les gathered Rex and all his necessities and I packed some clothes. I didn't plan on leaving the apartment much, so I mostly packed lounge pants and tank tops. I wanted to be comfortable. I could always come back here sometime and grab more clothes if I needed something different.
When we finally pulled into the RangeMan offices on Haywood, I was exhausted. The pain pills made me tired and I had been awake for too freaking long. Bobby grabbed my bags, Les grabbed Rex and Zero tried to help me. When I stumbled, he scooped me up in his arms and carried me into the elevator. He held me perfectly so it didn't put pressure on my lower back.
I blame the pain pills or the exhaustion or maybe it was my rampaging hormones, but when the elevator doors closed I snuggled into Zero's hard body and tucked my face into his neck. The content sigh that I released caused a growl to sound from behind us. If my mental Merry Man placement was right, that would make Ranger the producer of the growl. Oh well.
Ranger opened the door to the apartment and the guys got all of my stuff situated. Zero took me straight to the bedroom and placed me on the bed. I suddenly wasn't tired anymore. Feeling him that close to me and feeling the soft bed beneath me was enough to make me crazy. He didn't pull away right away and moved his hand to brush some hair out of my face.
Luckily the other guys didn't follow us into the bedroom so our little interlude wasn't witnessed. He smiled at me and placed a gentle kiss on my nose. He pulled away and stood up.
"Sleep, Breá. I'll come by later to check on you. Would that be okay?" I smiled and nodded. He turned out the light and then closed the bedroom door. I was asleep instantly.
I slept until after noon the next day. When I finally pulled myself up from the drug induced sleep, I looked around the room and momentarily forgot where I was. Waking up in a strange bed always freaked me out. I noticed a note propped up on the table beside the bed. There were two little pills inside with a quick message.
Breá,
Take these to help with the pain. They won't make you as sleepy as the prescription ones. I'll come by after my shift ends and I want you awake so we can talk.
~ Noah
My heart hammered in my chest and I smiled bigger than I had in a long time. There was something about his note that made me happy. Was it that he cared enough to want to help me or the fact that he wants to talk? Usually I get scared when I hear those words, but there was a sweetness in the notes tone that told me I would like this talk. Can written words have a tone? Possibly, I'm reading too much into this.
I took the pills and decided to shower and get dressed for a day of doing nothing. I was able to somewhat comfortably shave and get myself clean in the shower and was even able to stretch my arms up to wash my rats nest hair. Drugs are a wonderful thing.
I was pleased with my successful shower. I dressed in a little black thong and matching barely there bra; black Capri yoga pants and a pink tank top with Angel written in sparkly black letters on the bust. It was a Victoria Secret impulse buy and it made my boobs look incredible.
I wasn't willing to think of why I was putting forth so much effort to look good. I was supposed to be pissed at Zero and I sure as hell didn't want Ranger to see me looking this good. He had his chance to have me and blew it, so his loss is going to be someone else's gain.
After throwing my hair into a messy/sexy pony-tail, I peeked into the kitchen to see what Ella had left me for breakfast or lunch. I found a plate of chicken alfredo in the microwave and a cup of her homemade chocolate pudding in the fridge. Oh, how I love Ella.
I ate my lunch and enjoyed every bite. I even licked the alfredo sauce off the plate. Hey, don't judge me - Ella is a goddess in the kitchen. Her dinners are always amazing, but her desserts are to die for. I moaned my way through the entire cup of pudding. I was in heaven.
After my lunch was finished and cleaned up, I grabbed the TV remote and found a comfortable position on the couch. I really hated daytime TV, but I was able to find a movie that I hadn't seen in quite a while so I settled in to watch it. With a combination of a full stomach and the pills, I didn't stay awake very long. I think I remembered watching about thirty minutes of the movie and then I was out.
The next thing I knew, someone was sitting beside me on the couch. Hands were stroking my face gently and he was whispering in my ear. I really couldn't pay attention to the words because I was too focused on his hand trailing down my arm and then on to my hip and down my leg. I couldn't help the moan that escaped my lips.
I heard a familiar chuckle and opened my eyes to see Zero smiling down at me. There was a sparkle in his eyes and he lowered his face to mine and gently kissed my lips. I felt the heat immediately, but he didn't linger long enough for it to build into an inferno.
"Time to get up sleeping beauty. I need to talk to you." The whispered words in my ear sent chills down my spine and I shivered when he placed a kiss on the spot right behind my ear lobe. You know the spot I'm talking about.
"I'm awake. I didn't mean to fall asleep again." I stretched and felt a stab of pain but it didn't last long. I maneuvered my legs under me and sat up on the couch leaning on the arm with my legs crossed in front of me. Zero grabbed us each a bottle of water and sat on the opposite end of the couch facing me.
He looked so damn sexy sitting there. Talking was the last thing on my mind, but I knew he needed to tell me something important so I behaved myself and sat there like a good little girl. Bad Stephanie can come out and play later.
"Steph, I'm sorry about how I acted the other day." He looked so nervous and so unsure of himself. It was a new to see that attitude from a Merry Man. They were always confident and cock-sure of themselves.
"Why did you do it? What changed in that fifteen-seconds?" I had to know the reason for the change. Call me too curious for my own good. He let out a long sigh and looked into my eyes. The sparkle was gone and in its' place was something else - something that resembled love.
"The message I got was about work and I was upset that they interrupted our time together. I really like you Steph. I'm not used to feeling this way about someone and it scared me. I know my coldness hurt you and I'm so sorry. Can you forgive me?" He looked down at his water bottle in his hands. He reminded me of a little boy being sent to the time-out chair. Dejected and ashamed.
"Of course I'll forgive you. I really like you too, Noah. I've enjoyed the time we spent together." I tried to lean forward to kiss him, but a pain in my back stopped my progress. I cussed and leaned back into the arm. He smiled at me and made the move to lay over me. He wasn't putting all his weight on me, but it was enough to make my hormones sing.
"Am I hurting you?" He whispered, his lips just a breath away from mine? I shook my head and moaned.
"Thank you for giving me a second chance, Breá. I'll make sure you don't regret it." His lips met mine in that instant and moved against mine. It was a gentle kiss, but when his tongue came out to play, it turned hotter than hell. My mouth opened for him to explore and my hands when up to tangle in his hair. God it felt so silky.
I felt one of his hands toying with the hem of my tank-top, patiently asking for permission to go exploring. I granted access by placing my hand on top of his and guiding it to where I wanted him to go. His warm palm massaged my bra clad breast making my nipples ache and stand for attention. When his fingers pinched the nipple, I arched my back in appreciation. With a herniated disc, that was the wrong move.
Pain shot through my back and I hissed, drawing my lips away from his. He pulled away instantly and stood up.
"God, Steph. I'm so sorry! I got caught up in the moment and forgot..." I didn't let him go any further. It wasn't entirely his fault.
"NOAH! It's not your fault. I was just as caught up as you were. I'll be fine, I just moved the wrong way. I guess I got too excited." He didn't look convinced but gingerly sat down beside me.
"Maybe we need to cool it down until I'm fully healed. Think you can do that big boy?" I was smirking at him and he turned his sexy half-smile on me and mumbled in the most sexy voice I've ever heard.
"I can handle it, but I don't think you can. Does that mean I can't kiss you?" I acted like I was thinking hard about the question. There was no way I was going to give up his kisses.
"I sure as hell hope not." He growled and leaned forward to take my lips again. I could kiss this man for the rest of my life. WOAH! Where the hell did that thought come from? Let's just focus on the rest of the night, first.
He must have felt me tense, because he stopped kissing and pulled away again.
"Did I hurt you again?"
"Nope. I could kiss you all day and night." I smiled at him and rubbed his arm that was lying on my lap. He smiled back.
"The feeling is mutual. Now, how about dinner? How does a meatball sub sound? I'll call Pinos and go pick it up." I nodded and he grabbed his cell phone. My mouth watered at the thought of the yummy sub passing my lips.
He must have seen my expression because he laughed out loud and dialed the number. I heard him place the order and then he grabbed his keys and dropped a kiss on my lips.
"Be back in a few minutes." When he opened the door, Les was standing there getting ready to knock. He looked shocked to see Zero open the door, but didn't say anything. Les walked in while Zero walked out.
Les watched the door close and then turned to where I was sitting on the couch. It was no use trying to hide the freshly kissed look on my face. Les was the resident playboy and could sense a make-out session from a mile away.
"Beautiful, you look..." he pretended to think and inspect my face. He turned my face to each side and then lifted my chin. "You look happy." I smiled at him. Les is a really great guy. A horn-dog, yes, but a great guy nonetheless.
"I am happy, Les." He pulled me into his side and kissed my head.
"And do we owe the thanks to Zero for making you this happy?" I wasn't sure if Zero wanted to tell the guys anything about us, but it was going to be hard to hide it.
"Maybe, but please don't say anything to him about it. It's new and I don't want to fuck it up." Les laughed. I knew the guys would warn Zero not to hurt me when they heard about us. It's what big brothers do, and the guys at RangeMan were definitely my big brothers.
"I'm happy for you. When did this new thing start with you two?" I always felt comfortable talking to Les. He listens and honestly cares about me. He also talks too. He's told me all about his life.
"I guess it started on Valentine's Day. I was determined to go out and have fun and ended up at the club where Zero was bouncing. He asked me to eat with him after his shift and then we went out the next day." I felt him tense when I mentioned Valentine's Day. I assumed his date didn't turn out like he hoped and shrugged off the tension in the room. Les changed the subject from my love life to my back.
"Beautiful, do you want me to help you do the exercises the doctor recommended? It will help you heal faster. I've had a back injury similar to yours and I know the benefit of stretching every day." Hmmm, he said the bad word. Exercise. But, if it will help me get healed faster than I'm willing to try it.
"That would be great Les. The faster I heal, the faster I can get back to work." AND maybe have an orgasm with another person. I heard Les bust out laughing beside me and I realized that I spoke that out loud. I should have been embarrassed, but it was Lester, so I just shrugged. It was the truth.
Les sobered quickly and got serious. "Are you sure about you and Zero, Steph?" That was an odd question.
"Why does this bother you Les? We like each other and we're both adults. What's wrong?" He looked at me searching my face for something. He placed a kiss on my forehead.
"I just don't want you to get hurt, Beautiful." He sounded sincere. I was about to ask him why he thought Zero would hurt me, but the door opened and Zero walked through with bags smelling like heaven.
He brought the food to me and Les stood up to leave. He kissed my head again and I heard Zero growl. Les chuckled as he stood and walked toward the door.
"I'm out. You guys have a good night. Steph, if you decide that you want some help with those stretches, just let me know. You have my number." Zero followed Les to the door and they had a brief whispered conversation before Zero joined me on the couch. He looked tense and upset.
"What was that all about?" Something Les said pissed him off.
"Nothing important. Let's eat and then we can watch a movie." He pulled the subs out and seemed to relax a little. I let the subject go when he placed the meatball sub with extra cheese in my hand. I would bring it up again later - after I finished eating this culinary masterpiece.
After dinner, I was once again exhausted. I think it had something to do with having a full stomach. Zero popped in Ghostbusters and we snuggled up on the couch together. He threw a blanket over our laps and soon I found myself cuddled into his warm embrace. His fingers were lazily drawing patterns on my bare arm and it didn't take long for me to go to sleep. The last thing I remembered was hearing Zero whisper in my ear. "I love you Steph, never doubt that no matter what happens. Sleep my love." Of course maybe I was dreaming already.
A/N - I want to thank you all for the reviews and favorite/follows. I read each and every review and try to respond to them all, but if I missed yours then I apologize! I will try to do better.
The next chapter should be out on Friday. It will contain smut so if you don't like to read that, send me a PM and I'll tell you what happens in the chapter after the smut. : )