Chapter 10

Stephanie -

My god, he smelled good. And it was such a sharp contrast compared to the burning smell everywhere else. I didn't want to leave this spot ever.

But real life intruded. Our friend was hurt, so we had to check on him and get him home. It turned out Tank's arm got hit with some airborne shrapnel, and he got a dozen stitches on scene. Grumbling the whole time, which I totally got because I would do the same thing. Ranger just shook his head and told him to man up.

My car was toast. Well, toast according to Rangeman standards. It could be fixed, but would never again live up to its shiny black twins in the garage. Ranger told the police he'd send someone for it once it was cleared, and drove all three of us back to Rangeman.

Tank hopped out of the car before it even stopped and said he was going to get cleaned up.

Ranger and I sat there and stared at each other for a minute. Finally, he said, "You sure welcomed me back with a bang."

I burst out laughing. "I think you might have been hoping for a different kind of bang?"

"Babe." He grinned. "Stay and have dinner with me tonight?" And then, as if it needed it, he sweetened his offer and said, "I'll have Ella make dessert."

I smiled. "Like a date?"

"Yeah, like a date. But one you don't have to get dressed up for. You can shower on seven and we'll go from there."

Deciding to fuck with him, because it was fun, I said, "And what? If it goes well, you'll maybe take me out on a real date next, like at a restaurant with other people?"

Not fooled, he smiled. "Maybe. Depends if you put out tonight or not."

"Ranger!"

"Babe, let's just do this. See how it goes." Then, "Please?" At my stare, he leaned in, and rubbed his lips over mine, "Yes?"

Hmmmm. "Yes."

Which is why two hours later I was letting myself into Ranger's apartment to shower before dinner. I'd meant to come up sooner, but got caught up with giving a telephonic statement to the police about today's events.

I loved this apartment. It oozed calmness and cleanliness. It was cool and quiet. And the shower was ... orgasmic. I hopped in and let the hot water beat me for a few minutes (because Ranger would never have a tank that ran out of hot water), and thought about the last few weeks.

I didn't know about Ranger, but when we finally unmasked our Picture Pervert, I was going to give him a giant hug. I mean, if someone gave me one wish, I'd like to think I would pick world peace, but I am pretty sure "hot sweaty Ranger picture" would pop out of my mouth first. It was on my nightstand, it was amazing, and it made my heart do flip flops every damn time I looked at it.

I was brought out of my daydream when Ranger knocked and opened the bathroom door slightly. "We eating in the shower, Babe?"

"No! I'll be out in 5."

"I'm coming in if you're not."

Gulp. Deciding against pulling the tiger's tail, I hurried the rest of my shower, dried off, braided my hair fast, and scampered to Ranger's closer to see what clothes I had here. I threw on some yoga pants and a t-shirt, and headed to the kitchen.

He grinned when he saw me. "That shirt is definitely NOT mine, Babe," motioning towards my tight-fitted tee. I think Ella might have been in league with Ranger because the clothes I kept here always seemed tight. Like she was purposely shrinking stuff, because no one related to Ranger would accidentally mess this up - they all have the perfection gene.

We sat, we ate, and we laughed. And it worked.

He stood up to clean off the table, when I remembered. "Didn't you promise dessert?"

Almost - almost - rolling his eyes, he said, "Ella said it'd be on the cart outside at 7:30." Glancing at the clock, I jumped up and went to the door. Sure enough, sitting on a cart in the hallway was a gooey, chocolatey mess of goodness. Yum. So mesmerized by the smell of warm chocolate, I almost missed the plain box on the second shelf of the cart.

I've received a lot of unmarked boxes in the last few years, and I've learned it's always a good idea to listen really closely to make sure the box isn't ticking. And doesn't smell like rotting flesh.

That's how Ranger found me - bent over the cart with my head by the box.

Eyeing my ass in the air, he said, "Babe, I like this set up - a lot - but maybe we could move it inside and away from the cameras?"