Hello all. Got the idea for this one while working on an update for Shock, but it didn't really fit for that storyline so decided to release it as a stand alone short story.
Let me know your thoughts on this one.
Disclaimer: The Plum universe belongs to JE. Mistakes are mine (oops).
Ranger's POV
I passed a hand across my face as I logged off for the day. Pushing away from my desk I moved my neck from side to side in an effort to work out the stiffness that settled after a long day of endless paperwork. My feet seemed to drag as I exited my office, slowly heading up to my penthouse. I rarely take the short route, but I decided to take the elevator up to the seventh floor tonight. A small smile threatened to escape me as the elevator began to ascend. Normally Babe's with me when I do indulge on this small luxury.
Not tonight, I thought solemnly as the short ride came to an end.
My thoughts continued to revolve around the unstoppable force that Babe is as I closed the front door and tossed my keys in the silver bowl on the sideboard. The smell of food wafted my way, alerting me that I'd just missed Ella's delivery visit. Deciding on a quick shower before dinner, I padded towards my bedroom.
The pulse of the hot water cascading over my head felt great. I stood under the multiple sprays for several minutes, allowing myself a moment of relaxation. The relaxation didn't last long as images of Babe once again invaded my thoughts. Thinking about her while lathering up only served to excite my body, not the other way around. The temptation to wrap my hand around my hardening dick was more insistent than usual. Despite the arousal, I opted for switching the temperature of the water. Cold water would have to do.
Drying hastily and throwing on a pair of black sweats, I exited my bedroom to head into the kitchen and eat.
My phone buzzed just as I reached to remove the silver dome covering my plate.
"Yo?" I barked out as I surveyed the grilled chicken and steamed vegetables.
"Stephanie just parked." Zero announced. The tug on the corner of my lip wasn't unexpected. A surprise Babe visit is always welcomed. "Uh, sir?" I was about to hang up when Zero's inquiry gave me pause.
"What?" Frowning, I waited impatiently for whatever Zero felt was so important for me to know. "Is she hurt?"
"No!" Zero said she looked fine. "Never mind, sir." Before I could question him further, the call ended.
I was still frowning at my cellphone when I heard the front door open. The sounds of her heels against my hardwood floor announced her quick approach.
"Babe." I greeted as she continued to walk my way, my gaze still locked on my cell. My heart skipped a beat when I finally lifted my head. Her feet were encased in some ridiculously silver sparkling high heels that only made her legs seem toner and longer. The navy blue dress she wore stopped at mid thigh, encasing her form quite suggestively. As my eyes continued to appreciatively rake up her form, I noted the dress seemed to be held closed together by some type of belt that was tied below her left breast. Whatever she was wearing under that so called dress gave her a more pronounced cleavage. I wanted to reach out, pull her closer and just bury my face against those soft swells. Her curls were perfection tonight as was her make up. The red lips were a nice seductive touch. I briefly wondered how long it would take me to smear that lipstick off her tempting lips..
"Ranger." She said when my eyes finally locked with hers. I registered her hands moving, but fought my curiosity in order to keep my gaze locked with hers. "Fuck me." She ordered at the same time she parted the dress to reveal the red lace undergarments. I lost the battle, allowing myself the pleasure of taking in the sight of her creamy flesh on display.
I must have taken too long to respond or show some type of outward reaction, because Babe was in the process of covering up. The look she shot my way was full of emotion and it felt like a jab to my abdomen to see her look so sad.
"Babe…" I managed to choke out, but she was quick to shut me down.
"I'm sorry for bothering you." She made a gesture with her hands, indicating I was free to return to my untouched food. "I'll see myself out." She said with a flat tone that held an air of finality to it.
When the front door clicked shut, I finally snapped into action. It was as if I'd blinked and she was gone. I hadn't even finished processing what was happening in front of me, which is rare, which caused her to get the wrong impression.
Bolting off the stool, it only took me a handful of steps to realize not only was I barefoot, but also shirtless. "Fuck!" I growled, annoyed that I had to essentially waste precious seconds by taking a much needed detour.
It took me a total of six minutes to switch into cargos, T-shirt, boots and grab my keys to trot down to the underground garage. By the time I stormed out of the stairwell Babe was really gone. In her place I found a dumbfounded Lester standing next to the vacant parking space I've long ago officially designated as hers.
"'Man, what the fuck did you do to her?" Lester's question was out of line. The hard look he shot my way was one I rarely see on him. His usual playful demeanor was replaced by one that was eerily serious.
"Santos." I snapped at him, shooting him my best glare to signify that he was way out of line.
His reply stopped me as I reached for the door of the Turbo. "You're fucking stupid." His green eyes narrowed, daring me to argue, as he tossed a plastic bag at me. Managing to grip the plastic saved the contents from spilling out onto the ground. Lester was already mid turn before he added one last verbal punch over his shoulder. "Call me to the mats all you want, but I stand by what I said. You're fucking stupid for letting someone like that walk one of your life."
I was torn between beating the snot out of him or going after Babe. I'll get you later, Cousin. I muttered to myself as I angled into the Turbo. As the engine roared to life I noted that the contents inside of the plastic bag consisted of an array of trackers that have been assigned to Stephanie. Guess Babe was busy searching for and removing every tracker we've tagged her with recently. My insides clenched painfully as it dawned on me that this uncharacteristic display from her couldn't be good news.
With purpose, I sped out of the building and down Haywood. I was determined to catch up to her and demand she explain what this was all for. What did it mean?
There was no activity outside of her building. Her neighbors were behind closed doors binging their nightly TV entertainment. All the spots were taken except the one by the dumpster where she normally parks. My jaw clenched as I realized she hadn't come home yet.
Fine, Babe. I parked on the street and jogged up to her apartment on the second floor. Fine, I'll wait for you Babe.
I sucked in a breath when I noted how empty her apartment was. As far as I can recall she hasn't had any issues or fires thanks to her FTAs. She's never been someone with a lot of furniture, but this was minimalistic even for her. The kitchen cupboards were empty, which wasn't a big surprise. The fridge was empty as well. Again, that's not very odd. At least not for Babe. Rex was notably missing from his space on the counter and that worried me. He's lived longer than he should have. Babe didn't mention the rat dying when she worked a distraction for Rangeman three nights ago. Hmm…
Her living room was notably devoid of the lumpy couch or small TV she kept. I began to worry that something was really wrong and hurriedly made my way towards her bedroom.
A breath I didn't even realize I was holding swooshed out when I noted the bedroom was still furnished. Well, the bed and chair were still intact. Out of curiosity, I opened the drawers in the dresser next to the bed and noted how little clothes were inside. Normally her drawers are stuffed to beyond capacity, making it difficult to even open them.
What the hell? I thought when I looked inside of her closet and found no clothes hanging. Instead, the closet was empty except for three large suitcases neatly lined up next to the wall.
I pulled my cellphone out of my pocket and dialed her number. My fingers flexed against the device when the call went straight to voicemail. "Babe, call me." I said through gritted teeth.
I must have paced her bedroom about a thousand times as endless thoughts assaulted me. Was she finally moving out of this deathtrap apartment? Could it really be a simple move like so many people do on an everyday basis? Or could it be something more? What if she was leaving? Leaving for good?...
"No!" I found myself shouting into the empty bedroom. Babe can't leave.
Eventually I opted to sit on the chair I've long ago claimed as mine and proceeded to wait for her to arrive.
Long hours passed until I heard the door unlock and swing open. Finally, Babe. You're not getting away from me this time.
S&R
Stephanie's POV
I'm so stupid! I thought as I stormed out of Rangeman and drove away from Haywood. Of course he'd turn me down. He's only interested in having me when I'm not available. How stupid of me to believe we could ever be something more.
Arriving at the bar had me deciding to wipe away all thoughts that revolved around Ranger. He's made it very clear time and time again that we'll never be anything serious.
Friends? Sure.
Occasional work partners? Yup.
Lovers? When it's convenient for him, absolutely.
A more defined relationship? Never.
I parked on the edge of the lot and pulled out my phone. I replied to the email from Lori, officially accepting her job offer. Lori Miranda and I met back in college. We had several classes together and didn't really keep in contact after graduation. I recently reconnected with her by accident, bumping into her at the Newark airport while I was after the trail of one of my FTAs. We had coffee before she flew back West. We've kept in contact since and was surprised when she offered me a job only months after reconnecting. I did my due diligence, researching her company and location. After no red flags appeared in my search, I took a weekend trip to Oregon last month in hopes of putting the whole thing to rest. I figured I'd fly out there, indulge the offer and simply decline when I realized it wasn't going to be my cup of tea. I was very wrong. I absolutely loved the town and people. I met my prospective coworkers, effectively falling in love with the idea of change. Good change. I've struggled with finalizing the decision, wondering if this is really something that I should do. After a lot of introspection, I came to the realization that the only thing that kept holding me back from making this decision was Ranger. When Lori commented that the relationship must be very serious for me to be doubting my decision to move, I recognized that what Ranger and I have is nowhere near what Lori assumes it is. So, I decided to pay Ranger a little surprise visit in order to settle my doubts. In retrospect, I should have known better. The only times Ranger seems to want anything beyond friendship with me just so happens to be when I'm not available. I've either been with Morelli or trudging along through an off phase when Ranger's opportunistic ways have focused on me.
"How delusional of you, Stephanie." I muttered as I powered off my phone and angled out of my SUV.
"Hey, white gurl!" Lula hollered when she spotted me approaching their table. The girls at the bonds office know that I've been offered a new job opportunity, but didn't know that I've even entertained the idea of backing out because of my feelings for Ranger.
"Hey." Connie was less outspoken, silently assessing my serious mood.
"Hey." I pasted my best party smile on and signaled for a drink while I took my seat next to Lula's. "Hit me!" I announced shortly before Lula shoved a tequila shot in front of me. Quickly downing the liquid elicited a cheer from Lula. The burning in my throat was a welcomed distraction.
"Uuu, gurl, he is checking you out!" Lula screeched beside me.
I followed her line of sight and locked eyes with a handsome man standing by the bar. I brought a second shot to my lips as my gaze raked over the stranger. He wasn't overly muscular, but I could tell he was active thanks to the fitted grey button down shirt. His jeans hugged his strong thighs, the denim stretching against his skin as he leaned against a bar stool. When my eyes flicked back up to his face, he shot me a confident grin. I could clearly read his emotions on his features, which was a welcomed change. No more trying to decipher what one word replies meant and no more waiting or settling for crumbs. I was done.
"Stephanie!" Connie hissed at me when she saw I was blatantly baiting the stranger.
Ignoring her, I reached for Connie's untouched shot. The man smiled fully as he watched me down my third shot of the night. There was no guessing needed for what his thoughts revolved around. Sex.
"Hi." He greeted when he finally made his way over to us and settled three fruity drinks on our table.
"Thank you, handsome." Lula flirted as she took a drink, not so discretely nudging my thigh under the table.
"Thanks." I said coyly, slowly wrapping my lips around the tiny straw. His grey eyes widened slightly as he took in my deliberate show.
"Wanna dance?" He asked, offering me his right hand.
"Sure." I accepted, slipping my left hand into his. He had a solid grip, I noted as he dragged me onto the small dance floor by the back door.
"I'm Joel." He introduced himself as we began a suggestive dance.
"Stephanie." I said while moving to the beat.
We danced for a few songs, not saying much as we continued to move against each other.
"Do you want to get out of here?" His question broke our silence.
"Yes." I surprised myself with how quickly I replied. In that moment I understood how true it was. I've desperately wanted to get away form this town for as along as I can remember.
And tonight I finally made my choice to leave everything that had to do with my previous life behind. Excitement spread warmly across my chest, or maybe it was the alcohol, as we moved away from the dance floor.
Change was coming and it'll be good for me.