Author's Note: So there you have it…. Our girl has chosen her man! A couple things I want to add…. This will be the last chapter Since The Beginning; the file I am uploading after this will explain the sequel. Also! As I'm sure you all know by now I am a BabeCake- and since Joe was not chosen in this story for the HEA; I am working on a different story with a CC HEA. I will specify in the description that it is a CC story.
SMUT Warning—Nothing Super Smutty… But just a headsup!
Disclaimer: You know what is mine and what is JE's.
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When I woke up the next morning I was wrapped up in Ranger's embrace; it didn't seem real. He was here- and he was mine; I never wanted to move from this spot. My body was sore and ached; but there was another ache present that I couldn't deny anymore. When Ranger slept he looked completely at peace and not like a man that had a dark past; a dangerous job, and many other things that made him the man he was. My fingers reached out to rub the side of his face and just the simple contact made my body crave more. I was originally going to take it slow; but hell with it- this sexy man was mine. And to be completely honest since the night I stayed at Ranger's after apprehending Ronald Ellis; I have wanted him. My body was frustrated and in need; it had been a little over 4 years since the last time I rolled away in a tangle of sweaty sheets with anyone. Ranger was beginning to stir awake and before he could wake up and protest my indecent request I pressed my lips to his neck. I could hear the slight intake of breath escape his lips as he gained consciousness, but I wasn't stopping. My lips trailed kisses from his neck to his chest and with my free hand my fingers explored the muscles in his arm. I could hear the faint sound of a moan leave him which ignited a fire deep inside me. My lips moved from his chest to the far side of his neck; giving me the perfect excuse to move my body over his. I could feel Ranger hard against me and I couldn't help but smile. I lightly nipped at his neck and his ear and my hips slowly moved back and forth over him. At first it was just supposed to be a way for me to make him want me but a moan of desire came from deep in my throat. In an instant I was on my back and Ranger was holding his weight over me; his eyes burned with the same desire I knew were in mine. I reached up to him and kissed his neck once more tracing my tongue the length of his neck. His lips moved down to meet mine and even though the cut in my lip still burned- our lips moved together in a deepening kiss.
But suddenly he pulled away from me leaving me wanting more.
"Babe." His voice was trying to scold me from trying to seduce him into more.
"This is the second time now you have denied me in bed. You're starting to make me feel like something's wrong with me."
"There is babe, you need your pain meds and to change the bandage on your bullet wound."
"There is nothing sexy about those things; come on they can wait. I really don't think I can- I have waited far too long." I didn't mean to sound whiney- but I could tell from his smile that that was exactly how I was sounding.
"So have I, but I want to take you until we can't move anymore. And with the current condition you are in- that isn't going to be long."
"I'll be fine! Please, it's been over 4 years and I can't wait another minute."
"It's been over 4 years for me too, and I can wait." My begging and pleading got pushed to the back of my mind.
"You never…. While I was away?" He slowly shook his head while our eyes held together. I couldn't hide my smile; especially when I saw his smile in return.
"You love me."
"I sure do, babe." His lips reached down once more to mine before he backed away from me.
OoooOoooOoooOoooO
Ranger brought had me take my pain meds and then carefully wrapped up my cast up so it couldn't get wet from my shower. I was pleased to see Ranger had every intention of joining me in the shower; but when he realized I thought we were going to have delicious shower sex he informed me this was strictly business. As I stood letting the heavy stream of water fall over me, Ranger lathered up my hair with shampoo and helped me rinse it. Then he repeated it with the conditioner; so maybe it wasn't the Ranger-induced orgasm I was craving, but it was wonderful none-the-less. After he rinsed out my conditioner and was in the process of running shampoo through his own hair I turned to watch him. The water running over his dark perfect muscles gave a new meaning to the term 'wet dream'. I wanted to listen to him and not egg him on anymore than I already have but I couldn't help it. My lips found the curve of his chin and moved back around his neck but before I could get any further his hands were latched onto my shoulders holding me back.
I knew his self-control was good; but I could see even his control wasn't that good.
"Are you on something?" At first I was offended; 'on something' what like I had to be on drugs to want him. Then I got it, duh, he wanted me and wanted to insure there wouldn't be any little Ranger's running around. And never before had I imagined three simple letters would be the beginning of my undoing.
"IUD." I answered much more breathy than I meant to.
"Thank God." My body was pinned against the wall and the passion and desire that had been built up wanting this man for the past four years was released…. A few times.
I was lying in bed watching Ranger as he carefully rewrapped the bandage on my leg. He worked with precision, doing a better job than the nurses and doctors in the hospital.
"What are you smiling at?" He asked, not breaking the concentration as he worked.
"Am I smiling?" I hadn't noticed.
"Since we got out of the shower."
"Because you make me happy." His lips parted into a smile as he finished with my bandage.
"Right back at ya, babe. Although, you did kind of attack me in the shower- I didn't have a choice." My mouth dropped open in mock insult.
"I certainly did not attack you; as I recall you more than willingly gave yourself to me."
"I couldn't resist."
"Hey- I'm not complaining." He leaned over me placing a soft kiss on my lips.
"Good, what did you want to do today?" I thought for a minute- I really should talk to Eddie, and I wanted to get my baby back. Although having her at my parents last night turned out to benefit me in more ways than I could have imagined. Then it hit me- shit!
"Joe!" Ranger's eyes widened at me- I didn't mean to say that out loud.
"You want to do Joe today?"
"No." That's right my mom had said Joe was thinking about stopping over; what if he came over and saw Ranger's car parked outside? While I wasn't in love with Joe the way I was in love with Ranger; he was still important to me. I needed to talk to him- I wasn't the old Stephanie leading on two men because I couldn't make up my mind. I knew who I wanted, and the other deserved to know.
"Babe." Ranger was having a hard time waiting for an explanation.
"I need to talk to Joe." I didn't want to say that Ranger was a jealous guy- because he really had no reason to be. He knew all his assets and the way he had hold over me; but saying he was possessive definitely fit the bill.
"Listen, I want to see him and either I'm going to see him or I'm going to make him come here. Either way I need to talk to him without you glaring down at him."
"I'll drive you to him."
"Thank you, I'll give him a call and see where he is."
"I have to call RangeMan anyways to ask about a few things. There is still a tracking device on his truck; I can see where he is at."
"Okay- thanks." This was probably better anyways, this way if Joe did drive over here last night he didn't have a chance to drive off before I got a chance to talk to him.
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Half hour later I was standing at Joe's front door- too nervous to knock. Ranger dropped me off down the block (per my request) and told me to call when I was ready for a ride home. But now I've been standing here for the last few minutes dreading what awaited me. Either he came over and saw Ranger's car and was going to be mad/sad/upset; or he didn't stop by and was going to be the sweet and loveable Joe- not knowing I was here to end all prospects of our future. Suddenly Joe opened the door and my time to sit and deep breathe had come to an end. He had his cop face on, his expression was serious and unreadable.
"Gonna stand there all day?"
"Thinking about it." His lips twitched up a bit at the corner into a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"It can't be good for you to stand for long periods of time." We walked in over to the couch and sat for a few minutes in silence. I noticed Bob was tied up in the backyard, and while part of me wished he was inside to create a distraction- he also had a habit of expressing love by jumping on you. I stared down at my hands, how am I supposed to do this? How am I supposed to tell Joe its over? Not that we have been a couple for years but still- I knew what he wanted and we would always have Aly, so he would always be in my future. But I couldn't be what he wanted- Ranger was my future; and I finally realized it wasn't because of anything that Joe had done.
"Steph…" I looked up at him and saw in his eyes the pain lingering on the edge of his expression. "I know what you're here to talk about?"
"How?"
"Stephanie, I love you very much and I was heartbroken when you left- and I know I wasn't the only one. I knew Ranger spent time with you and staying in contact, and when you came home- I felt like he was just trying to butt in because that's just how he was. That was until we were at the hospital."
"What do you mean?"
"The first day after you were all fixed up and you were unconscious Aly and I were visiting you. Well it was getting late so I brought her to your parents' house and I was originally just going to come home. But I realized there was no where I wanted to be but there with you- so I went back. I was close to your room and before I walked in, the door was half open and I saw Ranger in there with you. My first instinct was to rip him apart and make him leave, but I couldn't move. He sat there holding your hand and he looked terrible. All along I just assumed his feelings for you were there- but nothing serious. But seeing him in there with no one else around, I realized how much he loved you. I tried to block it out of my mind and think of it as nothing; but while I was in the office last night I suddenly just stopped everything I was doing. And it was like it hit me like a ton of bricks, I realized that all along I thought of Ranger as budding into our relationship. When- I was the intruder."
"I'm so sorry, Joe." I wanted to say more; but what? I couldn't deny it- I didn't see him as being an intruder, but that wasn't going to make it any easier to point this out. "I really do love you, and you are so special to me." He nodded slowly and looked up at me with a comforting smile.
"I know, but I have to admit if I was going to lose you to anyone- it would be to him. Because at least I know the lengths he will go to keep you safe when you are in danger."
"Yeah, and to be honest I still don't understand why he does what he does for me."
"You don't? Do you really not realize how much you mean to people?"
"I just kind of seem like a big disaster waiting to happen." Joe smiled.
"Well you are- but you're much more than that too."
"Thanks."
"We do need to talk about Aly. I understand that I won't be coming around every night to see her because well- that would get a little crowded in my opinion. But we need to work out a schedule- I don't want to lose time with my daughter."
"Joe you won't, besides- you really think that girl is going to let me keep you two apart; even if I did want?"
"You're right, she is your daughter after all- and any one that knows you I'm sure realizes they have no say in what you're doing."
"You're right about that." Joe's eyes darted to the time on the cable box.
"Am I keeping you from something?"
"I need to go into the office for a little bit, but first- I have one request." Joe stood up and looked down at me with a sly smile- making me very nervous.
"What's the request?"
"Dance with me."
"What?" I asked in disbelief.
"Listen, I had big plans for us; engagement, wedding, more kids, growing old together, lots of sex and Pino's. I realize that isn't going to happen; but what I was really looking forward to was the first dance at our wedding."
"You had all that planned out?" He shrugged his shoulders trying to look uninterested; even though I could see he was completely serious.
"So what do you say?" He held down his hand to me. "Besides, if you do get married to Ranger or some other borderline scary guy; I have a feeling I would be escorted into a dark alley if I tried to take the first dance with you." I couldn't help but smile; how was I supposed to say no to that? And truthfully- I didn't want to. I placed my hand in his and let him pull me to my feet. He picked up the remote for his stereo and flipped it on. Joe loved listening to the Oldies, which was the station currently tuned in. Billie Holiday's song "I'll Be Seeing You" was just starting up, making a wide smile spread over Joe's face.
"Perfect."
He placed an arm around my waist and held onto my good hand with the other one. I let my other arm wrap around his shoulders and slowly we started to move. Joe silently sang along with Billie making me smile; but then it was like at the same time it hit us both- this really was it. I could feel a lump rising in my throat and no longer could I stare into his eyes; so instead I rested my cheek against his. The jokes were gone, the fun moment had disappeared and was replaced with the sense of Good Bye. I could tell the song was coming to an end so with a final strong hug with his one arm he gently moved his face back to look at me. The look in his eyes told me on the inside he was crying, so as the song came to an end I gently placed a final kiss on his lips. He responded with all the love he felt and then it was over. His thumbs gently wiped away the tears from my cheeks that I hadn't realized were there, and a smile crept back over his lips.
"Thank you."
"Of course."
"So I realize you don't have a vehicle here, need me to drop you off somewhere?"
"Actually, can you bring me in with you? I should probably talk to Eddie sooner rather than later, and maybe with a cast on my wrist he'll go a little easier on me." Joe laughed.
"Good thinking, Cupcake."
"Is he really mad?" Joe shrugged his shoulders as he walked to the patio door.
"If it was anyone else that did that; they'd be fired. Since it's you all you'll probably get is a slap on the wrist."
"Ow!"
"Ha- I mean your good wrist. Head on out to my truck, I am going to let Bob in and I don't think I could handle watching him jump on you."
"Thanks!"
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On the car ride into the office Ranger called me all of 3 times; but I didn't want to answer and have Joe realize his car was being tracked. Our conversation went way better than I ever imagined it would and I wasn't ready to put him in a sour mood just yet. Once we pulled into the lot though I told Joe not to wait for me; I needed to call Ranger before things got ugly.
"Yo." I rolled my eyes.
"I still only get a 'yo' when I call; doesn't make me feel very special."
"So I see Morelli's truck is at the station. Meaning he either locked you in the house because he didn't take the news well, someone stole his car and drove it in to the police station, or you had me drop you off a block away and had your other boyfriend pick you up. So which one is it?"
"All of the above."
"Babe."
"Morelli had to go into the station, I need to talk to Eddie- it just made sense."
"And answering my phone calls didn't?"
"If I answered your calls, Morelli would probably figure out his truck is being tracked. And I'm almost positive he wouldn't like that."
"Okay, well we need to talk."
"Shit seriously! I'm sorry I didn't answer your calls Carlos, but if we're already going to have the talk already I'm going to be really pissed." I could hear him laugh into the phone.
"Not that kind of talk, Babe. That talk will never be one I initiate." My smiled beamed like a school girl.
"Okay, well then what is this talk about?"
"We'll talk later, where are you going after you talk to Eddie?"
"I'd like to see my kid."
"Can I make a recommendation?"
"I don't think I can stop you."
"One of my men will be there to pick you up at the station; go to your mom's house. Once I finish with everything here at the office I will pick you up so we can go back to your place to talk."
"Talk, like talk? Or talk like talk?" I could practically hear his smile.
"Definitely the first, and hopefully if I'm lucky some of the second."
"I'm pretty sure you'll have some luck tonight."
"Babe." He said before disconnecting; I sat staring at the phone for a little while with a smile before walking into to meet with Eddie.
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My talk with Eddie went fine, after being told at least a dozen times how stupid I was to not let others in on what was going on. So now after my medical leave is up I get the pleasure of going into the office every day and basically have my every move watched. Eddie let me know that if I had been anyone else- I would have been fired on the spot. Not that I could blame him; he had a right to be mad. I realized halfway through our "meeting" that my wanting to handle everything on my own was simply to prove that I wasn't the poor pathetic Stephanie. That Wisconsin had actually been a positive change in my life- which my actions made me look a lot like the old Stephanie.
At least spending time with Aly made me feel better- like she always did. We spent hours together coloring because my mother insisted I sit with my leg propped up a pillow at all times. When Ranger called to tell me he was on his way it sparked at least a million questions from my mother and Grandma Mazur. I was hoping having Aly in the room was going to keep me from answering these questions. That was until my mom sent my dad on a walk with Aly- which was recommended in a tone that no one argued with. So I fessed up and explained how no- I wasn't with Joe but yes- I was now with Ranger. Of course Grandma Mazur made plenty of comments that made me glad Ranger wasn't in the room to listen too; because he may have been far too freaked out by my family and bolted. While my mother went off about how Joe and I belonged together. I was saved when I saw Ranger pull up and I was out the door bolting to the car before it had come to a complete stop.
After eating dinner and talking a little bit about our days and how my talk went with Morelli (minus the dance and the kiss). We laid on the couch my head resting on his chest, our fingers moving together while we watched TV.
"So are we going to keep avoiding what it is you need to talk about all night? Or was talk a way to get me all alone?"
"I don't need an excuse to get you alone, Babe."
"Okay, so spill the beans." My head rose and fell with his chest as he let out a large breath- okay, something was definitely up.
"I got a call while you were in the hospital to take an assignment."
"What kind of assignment?"
"Like a government issued assignment." I reluctantly pulled myself off his chest to look at him.
"For how long?"
"It depends; it could be a couple months- or longer."
"Oh." I felt my heart sink deep into the pits of my stomach.
"I turned them down, but I got a call today from them. Apparently I'm the best one for the job and they decided to try and sweeten the deal. I told them I wasn't going to take it because there was someone in my life that I couldn't just walk away from because she was in critical condition."
"Would that someone be me? Or am I going to have to go hunt some other woman down?" I asked with a smile. He reached out and brushed a curl behind my ear.
"It has always been you, Stephanie."
"Okay good, you can continue." His lips twitched into a smile but it was obvious there was more he needed to tell me.
"They told me today if I were to accept this assignment it would be the end of my contract. Which means after this job is over I wouldn't have to leave again… I wouldn't have to leave you again."
"So what are you going to do?"
"Ask you what you think I should do?"
"Oh, why are you leaving it up to me?" He sat upright and traced the curves of my face with the tips of his fingers.
"Because while I am no expert on this whole relationship thing; I do believe this is the way it should be done."
"Well that does make sense." Ranger was silent waiting for my answer- I could tell he needed an answer right away. Or else he would have given me plenty of time to think this over.
"I want you to do what you think is best. I realize that isn't much help but if the role was reversed I'd want your support. By telling you not to go may be completely going against what you want and you may be saddling with an even worse assignment in the future. However, by telling you to go- is like telling you I don't want you here with me. So whatever you choose, I'll stand behind you." His hands wrapped into the front of my shirt and pulled me into his chest. I knew right then and there that he was going; I finally had Ranger in my life the way I have yearned for and now he's leaving.
"When do you leave?"
"Sunday morning." I pulled back and stared at him, there was nothing in his face that told me he was only joking.
"That quick?" He hugged me tighter and a deep sob escaped my chest.
"Are you in pain?"
"Yeah, I am." I knew he meant physically, but emotionally I was hurting worse than I ever imagined I could- in such a short period of time. We were off the couch, and as I stayed cradled in his arms he took me upstairs to bed.
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All I wanted to do Saturday was hold him, but there were things he had to do to keep the business going. After about an hour of pacing around my house trying to decide how to spend my time before he arrived- it hit me. I knew exactly what I was going to do; and there were a couple things I needed. The first was Suzanne, the second was Ranger's robe that hung in my bathroom, her straighter, some FMPs, make-up and certain outfit I have been waiting to put for an occasion to wear again.
The sun was just starting to go down and everything was set; the downstairs lights were off and in the bedroom I waited with a bottle of Pinot Noir, and about a dozen candles flickering light around the room. Suzanne and I had spent the last couple of hours making everything perfect. My make-up was an absolute perfect gray smokey eye; Suzanne had straightened my hair and put a little curl at the ends and poofed it up a little in the front. My favorite part though was the outfit- the exact outfit I wore the night I tried to take down Ronald Ellis. Baby blue body hugging- cleavage showing top, booty shorts, fish nets and the FMPs to go with it. On many occasions I thought back to the night where we were moments away from experiencing what was going to be a guaranteed amazing orgasm. I was glad the outfit still fit- not that it mattered; since I didn't plan on wearing it that long anyways. I heard the front door open, and I slipped my arms into Ranger's robe and tied it around the waist.
I could hear him taking the stairs and I positioned myself on the far side of the room and stood waiting for my man. The door open and his eyes widened in surprise as he took in the scene in front of him. Slowly though as he realized what I was doing his body became more at ease as he leaned against the door frame, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Hi baby, how was your day?" I asked.
"Getting better by the second, how was yours?"
"Well, I'm getting a little warm in this robe but I can't get it off because of this cast. I was hoping you might be able to help me." A sexy smirk reached his lips as I unconsciously scanned his body with my eyes and licked my lips.
"I'm pretty sure I'm up to the challenge." I stayed right where I was and he slowly stalked towards me until his hand could reach the tie of the robe. He slowly pulled it open and push the robe back revealing my stripper wear. His eyes darkened as he met my eyes.
"I do recall seeing this before."
"Last time I wore it you pushed me away and said not like this, so I'm hoping this is more like it."
"This is much more like it."
"Are you hungry?"
"Oh yeah." Our eyes were locked and I could feel my body melting under his gaze.
"What would you like for dinner?"
"You know- I'm actually craving dessert tonight. And you are exactly what I was hoping for."
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"Babe, wake up I have to go." I opened my eyes to him standing over me; dressed, showered- all ready to leave me.
"What if I change my mind and tell you that you have to stay with me." His lips met mine and his arms pulled me out of bed. I looked at the clock- 5am; this should be illegal to get up and leave your girlfriend this early in the morning. Especially when we have only had about 3 hours of accumulated sleep the night before. Not that it wasn't worth it; everything went as planned and as a result last night successfully made up for the 4 years I had spent without this man. I looked down and had completely forgot that at some point during the night my blue stripper outfit was traded in for a gray t-shirt that hung lower than a majority of my skirts. Ranger leaned down and scooped me up into his arms and easily carried me downstairs and put me down by the front door.
Before I even had a chance to feel sad his lips were pressed against mine with a passion that quickly shot my body into consciousness. My left hand wrapped its way around his neck and deepened the kiss. Quickly though he pulled away both us panting hard.
"I need to leave." I shook my head and threw my mouth back on his- I wasn't ready to let him go yet, or ever for that matter.
"Babe." He said with a sigh against my mouth. I could tell he was trying to be the responsible Ranger I knew and loved- and normally I wouldn't push something like this. But who knew when I was going to see him again.
"Please Carlos." I moaned into him, and then I was lifted off the ground- my legs immediately wrapped around his body. We were moving backward until I felt the wall against my back, I heard the zipper of his black cargo pants and in one quick movement my underwear was ripped off and he thrust into me. I screamed out at the contact, after a night of slow, passionate amazing love-making- this rough and quick moment was just what my body craved. My lips kissed whatever part of his body I could reach and with each powerful thrust I felt my body responding in the delicious way that no one like Ranger could create. We were both moaning and moving together- my body was about to find its release and with a final thrust I yelled out in ecstacy. Ranger found my mouth with his as he climaxed; we stayed like that for another minute while our breathing and heart rate slowed to a normal level. He set me back down and pulled his zipper back into place.
"I love you, Carlos."
"I love you, Stephanie." I put my arms around him once more for a hug as the tears started pouring out. He pulled me back from him and his beautiful dark eyes found mine.
"Goodbye Scarecrow, I'm going to miss you most of all." A whole new batch of tears poured down as he repeated the same line I used when he left me to my new life in Wisconsin. With a final kiss I watched him walk outside, get in his car and drive away. I ran back upstairs and wrapped myself in our blankets and let myself cry. I knew I was going to miss him- but last time he returned to me; and this time there was no doubt in my mind that my Ranger would come back to me once again.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed! Please Please tell me what you think! Check out the "Last Word" for info on the sequel if you are interested in reading more! Luv ya darlings! =]