I wanted to update last night but had a back night class. Anyway, hope you enjoy. I made this one extra long with some good SMUT at the end. Enjoy! Ranger sure did! LOL
SPOV
My stomach grumbled as I gathered all the notes from this morning's meetings. I had been done for an hour but couldn't bring myself to head up to 5. God help me, but I was embarrassed. Not only did I break down when I told Ranger about the baby, but then this morning in the shower had gone all wrong. I should have just walk out of the bathroom as soon as he came in. Of course Ranger was much nicer to me than Joe was but I didn't want to think about that right now. Instead my thoughts took me back to the day I went home from the hospital.
The injuries I sustained from the accident were minimal, physically at least. Other than losing the baby I just had a couple cracked ribs and a split lip. Emotionally I was a wreck. Tank had come to see me the day I was being released, offering his condolences, and letting me know a position was available whenever I was ready, but to take my time.
Joe was pissed that I was communicating with one of the Merry Men and didn't hide his opposition to it. On the way home I decided to tell him I was accepting a full-time job at Rangeman.
"Like hell you are." Joe shouted once he took me back to his house. "You just lost our baby; you don't know what you are saying."
It infuriated me that he thought I couldn't make a sound decision, "No Joe, your wrong. I told Tank I was coming to work for him when Grandma passed away. It has nothing to do with the baby." I was sore and tired and just wanted to lie down and sleep.
When they told me I lost the baby I was numb, blaming myself for her death. It was more than just making the decision to drive home when I should have asked for a ride. I kept remembering back when I found out I was pregnant and wishing it would just go away. I guess God was still punishing me for not being married first; at least that's what my mother says.
"Stephanie, I will not allow you to work for those animals." Not in the mood to fight I pulled my cell phone out and text Tank.
Still ignoring Joe I made my way up the stairs and gathered some of my belongings. He arrived only 3 minutes later, making his presence known by ringing the doorbell.
I heard Joe growl "What do you want?" as he answered the door.
"I'm here for Stephanie. Is she ready to go?" Tank stood arms crossed, filling the doorway. I could see Hal and Cal flanking him, taking up similar positions.
At the top of the stairs I waved down to Tank, "Do you think you can help me bring this down?" The doctor had told me not to lift anything heavy for a few days and while the basket of clothes wasn't really heavy, I was in too much pain to make my way down the stairs while trying to balance my stuff.
Tank nodded to me and moved slightly left, allowing Cal to enter the house. He swiftly grabbed up my belongings and took them out to a waiting car.
Joe and Tank had been facing off when he turned his glare to me "What the fuck are you doing Stephanie. You just killed our baby and now you're going to run off with these mongrels?"
I winced as I slowly descended the stairs, I had no emotion or energy to care what Joe said or thought. I had heard it all at the hospital. 'Killed our baby', as if my intention was to get in an accident and lose the only thing that would love me unconditionally. All I wanted was a quiet place to go to sleep where no one could berate me about the baby and the decisions I was making for my future.
About halfway down I had to stop and rest, I really needed to take another Percocet.
"Do you have anything else that needs to go Steph?" Tank asked his voice filled with compassion.
"My purse is on the table in the dining room, and Joe put my medication on the kitchen counter." Again, Cal entered the house, this time Joe moved to block his way.
"She's not going anywhere. Take one more step and I'll have you arrested for trespassing."
Sighing I started to move down the stairs again, "I'll get it myself then." Tank reached for my hand, helping me down the last part of the steps. Cal and Joe were still nose to nose so I had to slide along the hall wall to pass them.
Gathering my meds I grabbed my purse and started for the front door. This time as I passed Joe he grabbed my arm. Through gritted teeth he said "You are not leaving."
Three guns were pointed in his direction "You'd best let her go." Tank gnarled, the menace in his voice making me quiver. I had forgotten how deadly these men were when provoked.
Joe laughed humorously, "I'd like to see you shoot a cop, in his own home, unarmed." The unmistakable sound of three guns being cocked was immediately heard.
"I'd be happy to go to jail for Stephanie" this came from Cal and the other two men nodded their agreement. "We won't ask you again."
He roughly released my arm, causing me to stumble. Tank caught me, wrapped his arm around my waist and helped me to the car. Cal and Hal were still squared off with Joe but joined us once I was settled into the seat.
"You okay bomber?" Tank asked once we were on our way to Hayward. It was agreed that I would stay there until I was feeling better so the guys could help me. It would also keep Joe from popping in whenever he wanted.
I felt tears spring to my eyes, finally coming to terms with the events of the last week. Nodding I glanced out the window trying to hide the evidence of my weakness.
"Do you want me to call Ranger? He'd want to know everything's that happened. Hell, he'd be on the next plane home." I knew this was true, and if I was honest, a part of me wanted Ranger to come to my rescue. But the damsel in distress was dying out of me and while it would take me awhile to heal, I was looking forward to taking care of myself.
"No. Please don't call him. I'd like to be the one to tell him."
Furiously I swiped at the tears that had managed to fall down my face. I hated thinking back to those months.
I picked up the files and headed up to 5, taking the stairs. One of the other things I had been working on was getting a little more exercise. No need to take the elevator one floor up when I could just as easily walk.
"Babe?" I jumped, not hearing anyone in the stairwell.
"Shit Ranger! You scared me." He chuckled.
"You need to be more aware of your surroundings babe." Smiling I nodded. Normally I would roll my eyes but it was nice to hear those words again. Ranger made his way up to me and I instantly flung my arms around him.
His arms enveloped me, holding me tight "You okay Steph?" I could hear the concern in his voice and I couldn't help but laugh. Before Ranger left the only time I had ever initiated contact between us was when I was scared.
"I'm fine Ranger." Still laughing I continued, "I just wanted to hug you." He lifted my chin so I was looking at him and raised an eyebrow making me laugh even more.
"I'm starting to feel really self conscious here Steph."
I lifted myself up on my tip toes and kissed his cheek, "I'm sorry. I was just so happy to see you all I could think about was holding onto you for a minute." I blushed at the admission gaining a smile from Ranger. "For some reason it was funny to me when you thought something was wrong. I guess I just realized that we've never really been close like this unless you were saving me." This time the thought made me frown.
Ranger squeezed my hand and led me up the stairs to 5. We were walking by my cubicle when he stopped "You want to go get some lunch?"
"Yes! I'm starving!" He laughed and took the files out of my hand.
"For Tank?" I nodded, "Grab your stuff and meet me at the elevator."
We decided to go to the deli across the street. I ordered a chicken cesar wrap and approving of my order Ranger ordered the same. Of course my side of fries wasn't to his liking so he got a bowl of fresh fruit. Once we were settled in the back we dug in.
"So, I've been working on your office and you can move your stuff in after lunch if you'd like."
I smiled, trying to tame my excitement "Sure" I said, like it was no big deal. He chuckled and grabbed a fry off my place. I stared, open mouthed, as I watched him eat it. "You just ate something deep fried."
This earned me a full out Ranger laugh and he grabbed another, quickly throwing it into his mouth. "A few fries won't kill me."
RPOV
I loved spending time with Stephanie. It was one of the things I realized when I was away. This woman made me want to live again and when I was with her I actually felt things. It was amusing to me to see her shock when I ate a few of her French fries. They were pretty good and if I hadn't been so set in my diet for a good 15 years now it would be easy for me to give in and eat a whole plate of the damn things. I loved giving her a hard time about what she ate but, and I'd never admit this to her, I liked that she got the bad stuff. It gave me an excuse to take a couple bites and enjoy the fatty goodness without blowing my cover.
All day the morning had been playing through my head. She was so beautiful in the shower, especially when I was pleasing her. Her head thrown back, water running down her body was the most sensual thing I had ever seen. I could tell it was hard for her to admit she couldn't find release. Again guilt had found its way to me and I berated myself for pushing her. But I wouldn't deny that the challenge of making her orgasm had my mind running on triple X all day. Right off the bat I could tell part of the problem was she wasn't relaxed. It was like she immediately stressed over it and it ruined all the pleasure. She was putting too much pressure on herself, again. That's what she always did. Her mom and Joe had pushed her so much the last 5 years subconsciously Stephanie felt like she had to be perfect in everything she did.
I knew it was hard for her to open up to me last night and my heart ached at the pain she was in while telling me the story. It was clear though, sitting here in the diner, and seeing the easy smile on her face that she had worked through the worst of the damage.
I was hoping we would get an opportunity to talk more about it though. There was a nagging curiosity as to how things ended with her and Joe. Was it because of the baby? Or did they just fall out of a relationship again? God help him if he left her because she lost the baby. It wasn't her fault and I wouldn't hesitate the beat that into him. Hell, I'd welcome an opportunity to bash in Morelli's face.
"You're staring at me." Steph said, breaking my thoughts, her cheeks reddening.
I brushed my thumb across the flush on her face "You're beautiful when you blush." She pushed her plate away and leaned back in her chair, serious look replacing her smile.
"Do you have any questions?" She was absently picking at a thread on her skirt "About anything I told you last night?"
I had so many questions for her but I didn't want to make her uncomfortable, "More than anything I just want to know that you are okay."
Her blue eyes pierced mine and I could see the unshed tears "Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me Ranger." The smile returned to her face, "I'm actually doing fine, really. I love my job" this earned me an even bigger smile "and the people I work with. I feel like I'm finally doing something productive and I can take care of myself. It feels good, makes it easier to ignore the people who don't approve."
It was the opening I needed to ask about her mom and Joe. Leaning forward I asked, "Who doesn't approve babe?"
She rolled her eyes and I smiled, "Mom, of course. And Joe. But that doesn't matter anymore." I nodded. The two people who never really wanted her happiness but theirs instead.
"Can I ask what happened with you and Joe? Or is it too sensitive to talk about now?" She contemplated my question and I internally sighed in relief when I saw her resolve.
"I wasn't happy with him, ever. Once everything happened with the baby I just decided to be done." She sipped at her water, signally that was all she was going to say about it. "It's so hard for me to admit this Ranger but, when I lost the baby, a part of me felt relief that I wasn't going to be attached to him for the rest of my life."
"And he just let you go." This earned me a sarcastic laugh.
"No actually. It's kind of a funny story, from my perspective. You know how much he despises me relying on you and your guys." I nodded. "Well when I got home from the hospital I just wanted to be alone, or, with people who actually cared about me. So I text Tank to come pick me up." Oh boy, I bet that went over well. I tried to hide my smirk but I knew she saw it when she laughed. "It was great Ranger, there were threats made and guns drawn but eventually they got me out." She shook her head as if reliving the incident amused her.
Wanting to get the whole story I asked, "Can I ask Tank about it?"
"Of course." She took a breath, "He was really great to me Ranger. All of your men were. They kept Joe and my mom away until I was feeling better about everything and could tell them to back off. They didn't treat me any differently either. When I would go to the grocery store or something people were giving me sad looks and asking if I was okay. It made it unbearable to go out. But whenever I was at Rangeman the guys gave me shit for what I was eating or taking the elevator one floor down." I laughed, of course that was something she would do. "Anyway, they were great. Without them I might still be locked up at Joes getting ready to walk down the aisle." I cringed at the thought.
It gave me pride knowing my men were taking care of her while I was gone. Of course if they hadn't I would be boxing them up and sending them to a third world country. After years of having Stephanie around most of the guys fought over who could run to her rescue. They all looked at her like a little sister and it made me feel at ease knowing even though I wasn't here, they were.
"You ready to go check out your new office?" I asked gathering up our plates.
"Yes." I could see she was more excited than she was letting on and it made me chuckle. God I loved this woman.
Back at Rangemen I helped Steph pack up her cubicle and walked her towards the newly renovated office, directly across from mine. There were two reasons I picked this office, the first was it was the biggest one aside from mine, and the second was it was close to me. I would be able to peek in on her numerous times throughout the day without making it obvious.
SPOV
Ranger led me towards his office and pointed to the door across from it with my name on a plaque on the wall. I smiled, this was my first office and I couldn't wait to be along so I could do a happy dance. Opening the door I was surprised to find the office almost as big as Rangers. There was a huge desk in the middle of the room with bookshelves along the walls. A small sitting area with a couch and wingback chairs was directly to my right, perfect for client meetings, I thought.
"Do you like it?" I nodded still taking in my new digs. No way did I deserve this much. Tank had been here longer than me and had so much more responsibility, this should be his office. "Tank doesn't want an office babe. We all agree that this fits you perfectly."
I mock glared at him, "I hate when you read my mind." He just laughed and started unpacking my files, placing them in the desk drawers.
"Do you have any other meetings today?"
"Like you don't know." I replied rolling my eyes. He laughed.
"Just thought it would be safer for me to ask than to pry into your schedule."
I smiled noting that something about Ranger had definitely changed while he was away. He was softer somehow. Maybe he just felt bad for me. "No meetings this afternoon. Connie's on vacation so I'm picking up the skip tracing for the rest of the week."
"I have a few possible new hires in there. Would you mind running those first and then taking a look through the file? You have the best instincts and something might jump out at you that I would miss." Like that would ever happen. I've never known Ranger to miss anything. He's probably reading my mind right now and knows I'm mentally rolling my eyes.
He threw his head back and laughed a rumble that warm sensations straight to my doodah. "Seriously Ranger, how do you do that?"
His eyes darkened and he backed me into the wall, reaching out to close the door, "I can read you like a book babe. Every thought you have flashes across your face. And don't think I don't know how my laugh affects you either." He brushed his lips over mine before pulling away. "Have dinner with me?"
"Okay" I said breathless. He smiled and kissed me again, this time licking my lower lip. I opened my mouth to him and felt him grow hard against me. It reminded me of seeing him stroke himself in the shower and I moaned into his mouth. His hands tangled in my hair and I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
His lips moved to my neck and he whispered "I have no control around you Quierda" before licking my ear lobe. My knees went weak but he slide his leg between mine catching me, rubbing his knee on my center. It felt amazing but the anxiety from this morning washed over me quickly sobering me. "Steph, let me make you feel good."
Shaking my head I tried to push him away but he was like a brick wall. "You don't understand Ranger. It doesn't work anymore." I felt him laugh and it pissed me off, reminding me of my last intimate encounter with Joe.
It had been 2 months since I had been released from the hospital and I was just moving back into my apartment. Joe came over that night saying he wanted to talk but instead he really wanted to get laid. While I in no way was interested in a relationship with Joe I was still human and it had been forever since we had had sex.
Before I knew it we were in bed, Joe close, begging me to cum with him, but I couldn't. Something in me shut down and I didn't feel anything for him anymore. It was the official end to our relationship. Joe screamed and yelled that I wasn't even trying and the least I could do was fake it. He stormed out saying that I was horrible in bed anyway and he wasn't surprised I couldn't get my rocks off anymore. It was my punishment for killing our baby.
"Don't laugh at me Ranger." I let the anger at Joe come out in my words and he pushed off the wall confused.
"I wasn't laughing at you Steph." He reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear but I jerked out of his reach. "Babe, I'm sorry." He looked hurt but I couldn't bring myself to feel sorry for him. He wasn't the one having trouble finishing. He wasn't the one walking around sexually frustrated all the time, not even being able to take care of it himself. I was looking at the carpet and he lifted my chin to look up at him. His eyes were soft, compassionate, caring, "I swear it Steph. I shouldn't have laughed. It was how you said it that amused me, but don't think for one second I find this funny." He smiled and kissed me chastely. "I've spent 8 months dreaming of being with you. If you trust me and relax we can make this work, I promise."
Something in me snapped and I pushed him into one of the chairs settling on my knees in front of him. "You do so much for me Ranger; let me do something for you."
RPOV
I hesitated, knowing what she wanted to do. If this was a random women that I used to search for before that one night with Steph I wouldn't care, but this was my babe. She deserved to be worshiped, loved, pleased; never should she be the one on her knees.
She was working my gun belt loose and as much as my heart and mind were screaming to stop her, my dick was throbbing at what was to come. "Fuck Steph, I can't let you do this." I started to move her but was pierced with a killing look. Leave it to Steph to make up her mind about this. There was no stopping the woman when she got that look in her eyes.
Reluctantly I sat back and closed my eyes. I heard the zipper on my pants go down and sucked in a breath when he reached in and released me, running her hand from base to tip. She moved her hands to my hips, pushing at my pants. I lifted off the chair letting her pull them down to my ankles. Her hands ran up my thighs as her tongue licked at my tip. I squeezed the arms of the chair to keep from cuming right then. She had no idea but I was so close I didn't know if I would have control over it.
I felt her mouth close around me, her slick tongue rubbing circles around my tip. I moaned at the contact and she slid down my shaft, sucking on the way back up. My heart was racing, trying to keep myself in control.
Her mouth was hot and wet and every time she sucked me down I imagined myself thrusting deep inside her. She sped up, reaching down with one of her hands to play with my balls. "OH fuck…" I groaned holding myself in the chair. Every fiber in my body wanted to take control and pound into her mouth.
I opened my eyes and looked down at her, head bobbing, hair spilled on my thighs. I felt my dick grow impossibly harder, signally it was ready for explosion. Her movements sped up and every time she reached my tip she would swirl her tongue around it causing me to grunt. Not able to hold myself in the chair any longer I lifted my hips, gently thrusting myself further into her mouth. She opened her throat and took all of me in, throwing me over the edge. "Dios, dios, dios…" I moaned cum spilling into her mouth. She continued to suck, prolonging the orgasm, swallowing all of me down, only slowing her movements once I relaxed back into the chair.
I was panting trying to come up with words to describe what she had just done for me. Her blue eyes looked into mine and she smiled, "Babe…"
"Ranger…." She teased wiping at her mouth as she stood up. I reached out and pulled her onto my lap.
"That was…. There are no words." I nuzzled her neck, "Thank you."
"Anytime Batman." We sat that way for a few minutes, my heart rate slowly returning to normal. Finally she spoke up, "So, where are we going for dinner?"
I laughed, "I'll take you to Paris for dinner after that Babe."