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Chapter 5
Ranger, Tank, Les and Bobby were busy as Stephanie flew to New York. James would be flying back later to pick them up along with some specialty gear from Rangeman Trenton and take them to New York. Nobody had let Stephanie know that they would also be in town and Ranger wanted to surprise her.
They had meetings booked with the organizers of the summit, and were then meeting with the team they had selected to help with security. The summit was less than a month away and there were a lot of things to arrange and check before it began.
They were pulling Hector in for the event and he was rushing to get Denver up and running before May. That would give the new office time to work out the bugs and get things working to their unique needs. The Core Team were still deciding on the XO for that branch, but right now Miquel from Miami was the front runner. He had served with Ranger and had come on board and helped as a demolition expert on the team. He had worked out of Rangeman Miami for a number of years but wanted a change of local. He wanted to teach his family how to ski and the climate in Colorado was somewhat cooler. He was serving as temporary XO until it could be finalized.
After James dropped off Stephanie, he left New York and continued on to New Haven, picked up a prisoner and the escorts then flew back to Trenton. Ranger had put the plan together to fly all the interested parties on the same day. Not that he worried about the flight expenses per se but utilizing James and the plane to such an efficient level and working like clockwork made the whole experience worthwhile from a business point of view. James had enough hours left in his log to safely carry out all the trips and he had leapt at the chance to get his hands on the yoke. When he was not flying, he was based out of Rangeman Boston. They had a hanger at the airport and so far it had been an excellent business decision to purchase the plane.
The men sat in the vehicle as they watched James fly in. The Rangeman vehicle would then be used to transport the FTA that Jesus and Jacob were escorting back to Trenton.
Jonas Johnson was a wily criminal who had slipped through their fingers a number of times. Rangeman had finally received a tip from a jilted girlfriend that he was hiding out in New Haven, Connecticut, working at a car wash. Jesus and Jacob had flown in commercially and tracked him down but Rangeman liked to use private transportation to transport prisoners due to ease of transporting a prisoner under restraint. It seemed that all the pieces were falling into place.
James taxied to a stop and watched from his pilot's seat as Jonas was unshackled and led to the waiting vehicle for a trip to the Trenton Police Station. Vinnie had already been advised and he had visibly heaved a sigh of relief. It had been a big bond to him and the thought that he would be at a loss having to explain to his father-in-law, Harry why he had lost him, was now just a bad memory.
James watched as the four men carrying boxes of supplies, briefcases and their duffel's that they had unloaded from the SUV climbed the steps into the plane and piled the supplies in the back, securing them. He busied himself with the controls and once again prepared to leave.
Les moved up to the cockpit area and sat in the co-pilot's seat, putting on some headphones. He was checked out on the Gulfstream G100, and hoped that James could be convinced to turn over the controls to him so he could get in some flying time too. It probably meant that he would be paying for supper, but it was worth it. Les loved to fly and tried to get his hands on the yoke anytime he was in the air.
They flew to the little airport outside New York and once again taxied to the private apron where Stephanie had debarked a few short hours ago. Ranger and Bobby unloaded the plane and Tank and Les helped James to secure the plane for the night. Once again the limo was waiting and the men, including James and all the boxes, cases and duffels squeezed into the back seat for the ride to their open suites at Rangeman.
Charles dropped them off with their gear. The plan was that Ranger would join them tomorrow and stay in his apartment after Stephanie left.
Charles continued on with Ranger in the back seat and he was talking to him through the open Plexiglas window.
"I mentioned that the lights of New York at night are spectacular and she seemed excited to see them, but I could see a touch of sadness in her eyes. I hope it is because she thought that she would like to see it with you."
Ranger smiled. He had hoped that they could spend some time together tonight too. He knew that she would probably be tired but he hoped that the mention of dinner at The London and then a scenic drive through town would be agreeable to her. Just in case he still had his duffel in the trunk in case she asked him to stay overnight.
"Thanks Digger for everything. I hope you did not let on that you knew us."
Charles smiled.
He had been a member of Ranger's team a number of years ago, but due to a combat injury had to retire from the Rangers. He had spent months in the VA hospital recovering from his wounds and unfortunately due to intermittent numbness would never be able to walk any amount of distance ever again. He had taken a job as a taxi driver, and Ranger had happened upon him one day when he took a cab from the airport.
Ranger had invited him to Rangeman in New York and had offered him a solution to hopefully both their problems. Rangeman needed the flexibility of a car service fairly frequently for visits and business dignitaries in town. Charles was looking for something to put his name on as an owner. They had hammered out an agreement.
Rangeman would float Charles Butler money to start up a car service and in return they would have the use of Digger and the vehicle for their use when in town. New York was no place to have a car hanging around and using up valuable parking spaces and so far it was working well. The underground garage at Rangeman was much smaller than other branches and every vehicle was in heavy demand at all times.
Charles had his customers and would fit in any Rangeman requests around his own business. Besides that, he could drive them around and then shoot the shit with the men when they were in town.
He pulled up to the front door of Halston Heritage in the reserved space out front. He looked at Ranger sitting in the dark corner in the back of the limo. It looked like he wanted to surprise Stephanie.
Charles slid out from behind the wheel of the car and stood by the door waiting for her to emerge from the shop. She was escorted by Mr. Hammond, who had greeted her that morning.
Charles could see by the set of her shoulders and her face that she had had a tiring day and he wondered how she would react to Ranger hiding in the back seat.
He opened the door and waited patiently for her to walk the short distance. He observed as she gave her host a kiss on the cheek. Charles could see him visibly blush, and his eyes light up as she whispered something in his ear.
She practically danced to the car and climbed in.
Charles closed the door and walked around to the driver's side just in time to hear Stephanie practically shriek as Ranger said, "Babe".
He closed the privacy glass and smoothly pulled away. He planned on taking the very long way back to the hotel. He figured that they would never notice.
~~~o0o~~~
There was a conference call. Everything was slotting into place and the operatives were embedded in their cover jobs. It was time to let everyone calm down and wait. They had time to smooth any troubled waters.
~~~o0o~~~
Ranger grabbed Stephanie to keep her from leaping off the seat of the limo. He pulled her over to him and lifted her onto his lap, and proceeded to gently nibble on her ear.
"That was very mean this morning, Babe. Just for that, I followed you here to keep an eye on you and see if you are willing to put your money where your sweet little mouth is."
He continued to nibble on the bottom of her ear, then moved down and gave a kiss all the way down her jawline to her chin, then moved up to kiss her gently on the lips. His hands had begun to explore under and around and then stopped at the tie of the wrap around dress. He began to pull inch by agonizing inch the tie until it was almost ready to open.
Stephanie put her hand on his and stopped him.
"Ranger, we are in a limo, driving around New York City with a man named Charles driving. We are NOT going to do what you think we are going to do! Ranger, if we ever got stopped, besides being very embarrassed, I think it might be illegal! Besides that and I hate to admit it, but I need a bath to relax some very sore muscles. I had no idea that trying on this many outfits would be sooo tiring."
She spoke again.
"Can you stay with me tonight, please?"
He laid her head back against his chest and breathed in the scent of her hair shampoo. She sighed in contentment as she relaxed in his arms.
"I was hoping you would ask me, Babe. Just in case, I have my duffel in the trunk."
They sat like that all the way to the hotel and Ranger hit the intercom button.
"We have your cell phone number and will call with our evening plans should we need your services."
Charles parked and stayed in the car. The uniformed doorman strode to the back passenger door and opened it, viewing two people in the back sitting close together. He touched his hat in a salute and put his white-gloved hand out to assist the lady to disembark.
Ranger exited the car and placing his hand on the small of Stephanie's back, escorted her into the lobby of the hotel.
The doorman could both see and hear the trunk being opened remotely and snapped his fingers, bringing out a porter with a rolling carrier for the luggage. The porter placed the suitcase, computer bag and the duffel on the cart and pushed the cart into the hotel.
Ranger strode to the desk and the concierge was waiting.
"Reservation for Manoso."
He handed over his credit card for verification and took the two key cards, passing one to Stephanie, and then they led the porter to the elevator which was sitting open.
Ranger pressed the button for the 47th floor and the elevator swiftly headed upwards.
The porter stopped at the door behind both Ranger and Stephanie and patiently waited for Ranger to open the door with his card.
He followed them with his hands full of the luggage, placing it just inside the door. He palmed the tip, touched his thumb and fore finger to the rim of his cap, thanked them then exited the suite.
Stephanie stood in the entranceway and could just feel her mouth gape open. The windows looked out onto the New York skyline and in the early evening dusk it looked absolutely splendid. She remembered that Charles had said that New York at night was something to see. She took Ranger's hand and they walked closer to the windows to view the sight.
There was a knock and Ranger left Stephanie's side to stride over to the door. He looked through the peephole then turned the handle and opened the door.
There was another porter with a garment bag hanging on a luggage rack. He handed Ranger a note and waited.
Ranger beckoned Stephanie over to the door.
"This is for you, Babe," he said as he received the bag and once again tipped the porter.
He closed the door and watched as Stephanie opened the embossed envelope and slipped a card out. She read the message to Ranger.
"Thank you for such a delightful day at Halston Heritage, Steph. New York is meant to be appreciated by a night on the town and it is our pleasure to provide you with this dress and accessories to see and take advantage of our beautiful city. We have reserved your driver for the rest of the evening courtesy of our company. At the same time, we have also taken the liberty of booking an all-expense-paid meal for you and a guest at Le Bernardin with a reservation for 9:00 tonight.
I and my staff add that it was such a pleasure to assist you and we are will be excited to hear your name mentioned at the Forbes Women's Summit as an up and coming businesswoman of excellence."
Rod had signed his name at the bottom of the card, and another business card with his private phone number printed with his full name and the embossed trademark of Halston Heritage in the corner fell out of the envelope.
Stephanie leaned against Ranger and he hugged her to him. Ranger pulled his phone out of his pocket and dialed a number.
"Bring my dress suit in the blue bag to me at The London, room 4707 as soon as possible."
Stephanie had taken the bag and laid it on the king-sized bed. She carefully pulled down the zipper and gasped as she looked at the contents.
Rod had sent her a dress she had not tried on, but it was stunning. It was a sapphire blue halter-style full-length gown with a slit cut up the side. Inside were matching shoes and a clutch. There was a jewelers box in the bottom of the bag and she opened it looking at a dainty necklace and earrings.
Stephanie looked at Ranger and her eyes started to tear up. He took her in his arms and gave her a hug.
She mumbled into his chest.
"It is so pretty, Ranger. It is also way too much. Do you even know how much the bill was today? I don't make that much in two months!"
Ranger tipped her chin up so he could look in her eyes.
"You deserve everything you purchased today, Babe. They could obviously see your beauty and by the look of that dress, they wanted you to have fun tonight."
He looked at his watch. They had just over three hours before the reservation.
"How about you have a bath and relax those tired muscles and I will wait for my suit to arrive. It should not be too long. I have the driver's number and will co-ordinate with him when we should leave."
Giving her a soft kiss he gently turned her around and headed her to the bathroom. He could hear her exclaim how beautiful the bathroom was and then squeal in excitement at the sight of the gigantic tub.
He saw her close the door and heard the water turn on. He could imagine her pouring in enough bath gel to make a mountain of bubbles. He was ready to phone again and tell Rangeman to hurry up with his suit. He wanted to join her as soon as possible.
He pulled out his phone again and pressed a number. Digger answered and they spoke about timing. Ranger hung up and continued to wait. He looked at his watch again. Stephanie had started to hum as she lay in the bubbles.
There was a knock at the door and Ranger quickly headed there and opened it. A third porter was standing there with a blue garment bag hanging on a luggage rack. Thanking him and once again tipping him for his service he took the bag and also laid it on the bed, opening it and making sure everything was there. He carefully picked up both garment bags and hung them in the closet.
He then walked to the bathroom door and turned the handle.
Stephanie was sitting in a gigantic tub and the bath bubbles were shifting and popping gently as she moved. Her hair was piled on top of her head using a scrunchie and she was leaning back with her head against the tub edge on a fluffy folded towel.
Ranger made short work of undressing and he slipped in behind his Babe, causing her to smile as she moved forward then leaned back against him.
She looked relaxed as she leaned against her man. He caressed her neck with his lips, kissing just behind her ear. Her hair was up and he had complete access to her neck and her other ear, and down to her shoulder. His kisses and nips were gentle and she was wriggling as if he were tickling. His hands wandered and he reached around her caressing her breasts, then pinching them slightly. His hands moved lower and lower still. She started to moan slightly in his ear and her back arched.
Stephanie pulled the plug with her big toe and she stood up. She was covered in bath bubbles and looked absolutely breathtaking as she reached her hand down to him.
They stepped out of the tub and wiped the bubbles off then wrapping the towels around themselves they walked out of the bathroom, hand in hand.
Ranger guided his Babe to the side of the king-sized bed and proceeded to unwrap the towel from around her. She untucked the towel from around his waist and slowly inched lower the towel from around his waist to over his hips, then let it drop slowly to the floor.
Ranger picked her up by putting his hands under her cheeks and gently placed her on the bed, climbing on one knee then another. He looked at her with her hair still piled on top of her head, tousled but sexy as hell.
He began to kiss her starting at one sexy ankle then moved up, kiss by gentle kiss. Stephanie had her hands fisted in the sheets as he moved upward, steadily upward. She tried to reach for him but he changed directions and then kissed back down the other side. Once again he moved upwards, this time with his hands caressing and gently massaging. Stephanie put her hands on his abs and she was softly rubbing them back and forth, her nails making light pink marks as she caressed, moving ever so slowly.
She was starting to pant slightly and her moans were getting more vocal. Ranger reached down and softly caressed her then putting two fingers in between her folds he pumped his fingers slowly then speeding up.
Stephanie moaned again and cried, "Take me now, Ranger, take me now."
He moved up over her body and slid in, waiting for her to adjust to him before he continued.
Their lips found each other as they moved in unison. They tumbled over the edge together and held each other as the waves of emotion subsided.
Stephanie woke up to Ranger's kisses. She smiled a sleepy but completely relaxed smile at him then looked at the alarm clock he was holding in his hand.
She practically shrieked in his ear as she realized the time. She would need to move and move fast if she was to be ready in time for the reservation.
Practically kneeing him in her haste, she jumped out of bed and grabbing her make-up bag, dashed into the bathroom. Ranger chuckled at the sight of the back of his Babe as she slammed the door to the bathroom closed in her haste to start getting ready.
He flipped the covers off himself and climbed out of bed. He thought about joining her in the shower, but time was beginning to become an issue and instead, he walked over to the closet for his suit.
The shower was turned off and he waited for a few precious minutes before knocking and walking in, taking his turn alone. When he emerged, Stephanie was sitting at the make-up table wrapped in another bath sheet and was brushing her hair with the hair dryer in the other hand and her assortment of lotions and make up in front of her.
He headed out of the room with his towel slung lazily over his hips with a smirk that he could practically feel her eyes following him through the mirror out the door.
He was dressed by the time she emerged and she took a quick breath to attempt to calm her hormones. He was dressed in a black Armani suit, complete with black shirt and tie and black dress shoes. He looked absolutely like the successful business person he was.
Stephanie carefully stepped into her new dress. She looked down and slipped on one delicate shoe then the other. She knew shoes and could recognize a Jimmy Choo when she saw them and once again grimaced at the obvious cost of the entire outfit.
She looked in the full-length mirror for a last check and Ranger stepped to her side. They looked at each other in the reflection.
Ranger's phone beeped. Charles was outside.
Looking at her reflection one more time, Stephanie reached for her clutch and placed a lip gloss and a tissue along with the key card in it and prepared to leave the room.
Walking down the hall to the elevator, Ranger had his hand resting lightly on the small of her back, marveling at the backless design of his beauty. He firmly believed that she would be commanding a great deal of attention this evening, and although he felt a touch of jealousy that he was sharing her for a few short hours, she deserved every accolade.
The elevator rode smoothly to the main floor and as they stepped out, a number of guests looked at the stunning couple emerging. Ranger did not notice the women eyeing him, but he was very, very cognizant of the men eyeing her.
They walked to the front entrance and the doorman on duty opened it for them. Charles was waiting and the doorman opened the back door to the limo and assisted Stephanie into the vehicle. Ranger followed and the door closed with a small click.
Charles waited for them to get comfortable then the intercom came on.
"Good evening. The restaurant is only a few blocks away, but they asked me to delay our arrival by a few minutes due to some delays in front of their parking lane."
With that, Charles guided the limo into traffic and smoothly drove along, giving a running commentary of the buildings on each side and some history of the area. They could both hear the beep of his phone and without missing a beat he changed direction and drove back the way he came.
Charles slid to a gentle stop and waited. The back door was opened once again and Ranger stepped out, then gave his hand as Stephanie stretched one leg out of the interior, then another. There were whispers from curious onlookers as she stepped out of the car, but taking no notice, she put her hand on Ranger's arm, and they moved to the door.
The Maitre'd was waiting.
"Welcome to Le Bernardin, Monsieur Manoso. Your table is waiting."
With that, he signaled and a waiter led them to a table for two in a small alcove overlooking the newly renovated main floor.
The waiter waited as Ranger seated Stephanie then chose a chair with his back to the wall. He accepted the wine list. Making his choice, he spoke in French to the waiter who smoothly acknowledged the order and moved away.
Ranger looked at Stephanie as she curiously looked around. She had heard rave reviews of the restaurant and tried to not stare as Vinnie had described taking Lucille here for lunch once. He had complained that all they served was fish, fish, fish; spoke to him in a foreign language and the portion that he had received that had cost way too much in his opinion left him hungry. He had crowed that he had stopped at McDonalds later to fill up.
The waiter brought the wine Ranger had chosen to the table and uncorked it, letting Ranger smell and taste it for his approval then watched as he poured a glass for her, then re-filled the glass for Ranger to exactly the same height. He had put it in an ice bucket at the side of the table and disappeared.
Ranger picked up his glass and saluted Stephanie.
"To a beautiful lady who dropped everything to help me once again."
I will post another chapter on Monday. Sunday is usually a day for fun and family, but we get to rebuild a fence in our yard blown down by a recent windstorm. Yippee!(not!)