Ranger POV

I don't know how this incredible creature sitting in front of me could think of her self as just 'entertainment'. In this minute amount of time I have known her she has blown my expectations of almost anyone I have every met. Everything I have seen so far has been bittersweet. Sweet because of how incredibly I seem to be drawn to her, bitter because I NEED more and there doesn't seem that I will have enough time. I need to combine all those years being strategic artist with those younger years spent appreciating the nuances of the beauty of woman together to have this woman in front of me.

"Mi familia calls me Carlos since my father is also Ricardo. It would please me greatly if you would also call me Carlos." As I say this to her I grab her hand and run my thumb across the underside of her wrist I see her inhale as I do this. I hope that I affect her as much as she affects me.

"Well since it would please you then I guess I will have to call you Carlos. I noticed that you have already called me Babe, but if you ever feel like some diversity you can call me Stephanie or Steph." She just gives me a bright smile.

We chatted through our meal, we didn't even order but the food was just brought to us. The conversation never faltered, it flowed from topics of our families, my large one to her small one, and then to my time in the Army hence my nickname and she told me about her job selling lingerie. She even laughed at me when I got a twinkle in my eye imaging her in some delicate pieces, then she told me it was granny panties, thankfully I will keep my mental memory of her in her underwear. We talked about my company, how it came to be and my dreams for the future and about how she is looking for a job since the feds closed it down. With her smile, disposition and her family connection to the mayor and the bond office I am sure she would do wonders in my company.

"You know my offer to help earlier doesn't have to be for only a ride. I do have a company that I think you would fit into quite well. I think meeting you today was kismet. Not only would my clients respond to your warm smile rather than the stony exteriors of myself and my men. Not only that you have roots and connections in the community. Will you work for me and give my company what I never knew it was missing until I met you?" I am so hopeful she will accept so that I can see her everyday and learn everything about this goddess. She seems to think my offer over and I can see the myriad of emotions flow over her face. She is very expression-ative, such a difference from me and my men.

"Oh Carlos, I know I just had my car repo'd and I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, but for some reason I don't want a pity job." She said looking down at our joined hands then quietly said "especially from you".

"Pity, no I don't think I can claim that as an emotion I am feeling for you. I know that it has only been a couple hours, but I taken with you. Your beauty is beyond skin deep it is soul deep and I can see it. I need you in my life, in what ever way you are comfortable being in it. Dios, I can't believe I am telling you these things. But I am and hope like hell it isn't scaring you away." I don't think I could be considered a coward considering the missions I have been on, but I don't think I can look in her eyes and see that I have scared her and she doesn't want to be in my life.

"Oh Carlos, your not scaring me away, these past couple of hours have been amazing." I lift my head and look at her as my fear is wiped away by her answer.

"I can see your scared, what is it Querida?" I can see her take a deep breath and gather her self in order to respond.

"I am scared that this isn't real, that you will get to know me and won't have anything to do with me. Only a couple of hours and you have made such an impact on being near me. I'm not ready to let you go yet and that in and of itself is very scary." She admits.

"Babe, I'm not ready to let you go either. How about we finish up here and I show you around my business and we can figure out together where you want to work." At my words an incredible smile lights her face and a twinkle in her eye that should never leave her face.

A/N: The characters contained in this story are not mine; I make no money out of this adventure. The only thing I get is the satisfaction of writing it and hopefully providing entertainment to you the reader! For the one who makes money of these characters please see Janet Evanovich.

Translation: Mi familia – My family

Querida – Sweetheart