Chapter 6 The Date
SPOV
Ranger led me to his 911 to drive us to Shorty's for pizza and beer with the rest of the Merry Men. "So where are you taking me on our date?" I asked after he slid into the car.
"It's a surprise but don't worry you'll love it. I'll pick you up at 9 am, and pack a weekend bag."
Oh boy. "How am I supposed to know what to pack? You aren't taking me camping are you?"
Rangers lips ticked upwards in an almost smile. "No babe, Just pack makes you most comfortable. But you should also pack that black dress with the open back with the Louboutin's."
Interesting. I wonder where he was taking me that I would need a black tie dress and six hundred dollar shoes. I didn't ask any more questions on the way over allowing Ranger to slip into his zone. I didn't mean to jump him when I heard his voice reading my scores but I couldn't help myself. I'm happy he didn't push me away though. I hope that this date will mean the start of a relationship or even forever. He pulled into the parking lot about 20 minutes later and ran around the car to open my door.
"I missed you." I said as he wrapped his arm around my waist and led me into the pizzeria.
"I missed you too Babe. We have a lot to talk about but today let's just celebrate your accomplishments with the men who've trained you."
A chorus of shouts from my Merry Men "Bomber!" "Beautiful" "Little Girl" "Sparky" echoed through the restaurant as we walked through the doors. We made our way to the tables they had pushed together. Tank pulled out a seat next to him and Ranger sat on my otherside next to Hector. The men passed around beer and we ordered 20 large pizzas for the group. Other men that were on duty joined us as they got off shift and eventually the whole joint was a big Rangeman party. We toasted myself and the other rookies for getting through the first exam. I noticed Fish downed his entire drink after that one, we toasted the merry men for keeping the company afloat while Ranger was gone, and we toasted Ranger for completing his Black Ops contract. He didn't mention retirement but I figured he'd update us on that soon enough. As the night went on the toasts got weirder and at one point Lester and Booby even toasted to Hal's dog who just passed obedience school.
It was 10 pm by the time Ranger stood up and excused us from the party. He drove me back to my apartment, securing the spot right next to the door. We got to my door and he did his normal sweeping measures after I unlocked the door.
"All Clear. Where's Rex?" He said as I was taking my coat off and hanging it up on the coat rack I kept by the door.
"I imagine chasing a large juicy grape on the big wheel in the sky." I replied. Ranger came over wand wrapped his arms around me before kissing the top of my head. "I'm sorry Babe"
"It's the circle of life. Unfortunately, besides he lived an abnormally long time for a common hamster you know he almost doubled his expected life expectancy." Range nodded in acknowledgement but still gave me a second squeeze.
"I should get going, Babe. As much as I'd love to stay and have a little fun I still have a few things to get ready for tomorrow and you still gotta pack."
I separated myself from him a little so I could look up at him. "I suppose you're right." With that I kissed him with all I could muster. Soon we both gave into the moment both trying to take all that we could from the other. Ranger pulled back first and I groaned. His eyes were a deep black and I could feel my effect on him between my legs. "Don't go crazy Babe" and with that he gave me one last kiss gently on my lips and left.
It took me a few minutes to recover. I made my way to the shower turning it to cold. Once I finished I slipped on some pajama shorts and one of Ranger's T-shirts. I took out a small duffle bag from my closet. Found the dress in the back of my closet and laid it over the arm chair so it wouldn't get too wrinkly. Next I packed up a pair of nice slacks, a white silk blouse, a pair of jeans, a casual shirt, a sweater, pajamas, and undergarments for 3 days. I checked the weather and threw in some extra warm socks and a sweatshirt. I took another pair of jeans, a long sleeve shirt, and a sweater to wear for traveling tomorrow. I moved on to the bathroom and packed up my toiletries, jewelry, and makeup then placed that on top. I figured I would wear my winter boots during travel so I took a plastic bag from under my sink in the kitchen and took my sneakers and threw them in the bag. Finally I got the box with the Louibouton's down from the top of the dresser and placed them into the bag and zipped it up. I picked out a crossbody bag and threw in some essentials like my wallet, gum, and stun gun and placed it next to the bag. It was 1 am by the time I double checked everything and headed to bed after making sure I set an alarm for the morning.
RPOV
I got back to Haywood and made a quick stop at my office on the fifth floor. I logged onto my computer to check my email. Everything we would need was confirmed so I printed off the necessary documents and put them into my travel portfolio. I knew that most of it was on my phone but I wanted to have the paper just in case. I logged off my computer and opened the secret panel behind my bookshelf and grabbed some things out of my safe before locking up my office for the weekend. I had already worked out with the rest of the core team that I would take this last weekend off and then return to work. Once I got back Tank planned to take a two week vacation and then Bobby and Lester planned to do the same once Tank returned.
I made my way back up to my apartment and saw a duffel sitting by the doorway. I had asked Ella to pack a weekend bag for me. I put the materials for my office in the bag before making my way to the shower and then to bed.
I woke up at 0500 as always so I made my way to the gym to get a workout in. There weren't as many guys as usual since it was a weekend but the core team was by the cardio equipment so I went over to join them.
"Morning" Tank and Bobby nodded.
"Hiya Boss! Didn't expect you here. Though you'd be wrapped around a pretty brunette." Lester chimed in.
I glared at him stepping down from the treadmill I just got on. "Santos Mats 5 minutes" I slapped the back of his head and made my way over to the mats to stretch out. 50 minutes later I had taken down Lester 7 times and he had taken me down once after a cheap shot to my still sore ribs. I got down from the mats and made my way over to the weights where Tank and Bobby had moved while we were sparring.
"So got everything ready for the big weekend bossman?" Tank asked.
"Yep, got the reservations, the tickets, and the papers. I'm picking her up at her apartment at 9."
"You finally gonna grow a pair and make her yours?" Lester asked.
"Not that it's any of your business but yes that is the plan."
"Good for you two Ranger. I for one and am excited for you two." Bobby replied. The other two chimed in with similar sentiments before we all returned to our individual silent workouts. It was almost 8 by the time I made it back up to the apartment so I quickly showered before whipping up an omelet. Normally I don't bother Ella on weekends unless Steph is staying with me or I'm working. Once I finished I cleaned up the dishes and packed up the last of my things from my office including my travel laptop which Hector outfitted to factory settings unless you knew the secret pathway to get into the main programs. He kept all the travel laptops on a separate server too so he could monitor what each one was being used for but also so if anyone tried to hack in it wouldn't affect our mainframe. I gathered everything up and took the stairs down to the garage putting it in the back seat of the Cayenne. Normally I would take the 911 but since I wasn't here I didn't get snow tires put on it this year and I wanted to make sure we'd get there safely since we would be driving.
I made my way through Trenton to pick up Steph. I stopped at the tasty pastry and got her a boston creme donut and large coffee. She was in her kitchen when I entered. She thinks I break in all the time but I actually had a key to use. Hector got mad at me once saying I was damaging the springs by picking the lock too often which actually made it easier for the lock to break and become ineffective. So ever since he has provided me with the key even if Steph's landlord was the one to change the door.
Steph was trying to get her coffee maker to work so when I put the donut bag and coffee down in front of her she immediately turned around and kissed me. After a minute we turned apart so she could turn back to grab the treats and take her first bite. She moaned while eating the donut so I pushed my hips forward trapping her in between myself and the counter so she could feel what she was doing to me. Once she finished the donut I stepped back so she could throw away the bag. "Ready Babe?"
"I think so. I put everything out in the living room." We walked out of the kitchen. I picked up the dress and her duffel while she grabbed her purse and slipped on her coat. We made our way down to the car and I hung up her dress and threw her bag in the backseat with mine. She had let herself into the car so I slipped into the driver's seat.
"So are you going to tell me more about this date now?" she reached over and entangled our fingers together resting on my thigh.
"We are going to New York City but that's all you get, the rest will be remaining a surprise." She turned her head and stuck her tongue out at me, she was pulling the tiger's tail. "Babe. Put it away before I make you regret it." I squeezed her hand and settled into my driving zone as she quickly slipped back to sleep not even ten minutes from her apartment.
SPOV
I woke up when we had slowed down and found we were stuck in the middle of traffic in the middle of Manhattan. "Welcome back Babe'' Ranger looked over at me and gave me his full 200 watt smile. After about 20 minutes we pulled up to the front of the Plaza Hotel. Ranger parked and an older man about my father's age came up and opened my door. I quickly gathered my things and stepped out. Thankfully I put my dress into a garment bag this morning but the rest of my luggage and current outfit were definitely not fit for someone staying here. I tried my best to smooth the wrinkles out in my shirt when Ranger came up and started directing me inside. We made our way to the front desk to check in. As Ranger was talking to the receptionist I took a moment to look around. The lobby was more decadent than anything I had seen before.
"Ah yes, Mr and Mrs Manoso. Welcome to the Plaza. We have you here for one night in one of our legacy suites." The receptionist said. It wasn't lost on me that she thought we were married. "Hershel, our bellhop will take you to your room. Please let us know if you need anything during your stay." Ranger gave the woman a polite smile before taking the valet slip and room keys from her. "Thank you." Ranger turned me in the direction of a skinny young man standing by the cart with our luggage. Hershel directed us towards the elevators. We got took the elevator to the penthouse level before getting off.
Ranger opened the door and motioned me through the door. Hershel placed our luggage in the room and hung my dress in the bedroom before returning to take the cart and leave. Ranger shook his hand and I saw the hint of a hundred benign slipped into his hands as they broke. The suite was absolutely stunning. The first floor had a closet to the right of the entry with a half bath to the right of that. As you walked through the hallway there was an elegant study with a beautiful wooden executive desk and a daybed. The room was painted an off white color with crown molding. Everything in the suite was accented in gold. A large living room with a beautiful blue sofa, mismatched arm chairs, and small dining table. There was also an elegant staircase leading to the second floor. I walked up the stairs and found a beautiful master suite with a king size bed. The master bath was mostly white and gold marble with a large soaking tub and separate rooms for the toilet and walk in shower. The suite was rounded out with a beautiful private terrace that overlooked the NYC skyline and courtyard of the Plaza. I walked back down stairs where Ranger was looking around the living room.
"Ranger this is too much. This must be costing you a fortune. We don't have to stay here, we can go to one of those chain hotels like a Hilton or a Holiday Inn." I walked up and wrapped my arms around him snuggling my head on his chest.
"No price Babe." Ranger kissed my forehead and gave me a squeeze before we moved to sit on the couch.
"So what are we gonna do now?" I asked eagerly.
"Well I was thinking if your interested the Rangers are playing the Bruins at 1 so I thought we would go to the game.
"OMG! You can't be serious. I've always wanted to go to a game! Me and my dad always watched the Rangers games while I was growing up but we've never been able to go to a game. He's gonna be so jealous!" I nearly jumped him as I straddled his lap and started kissing him and thanking him.
We stayed on the couch for a little while making out like we were teenagers. I wanted to jump his bones right then and there but it was just past 11 and we still had to get ready for the game.
"Babe, we gotta get ready for the game. Plus I was thinking we walk and do some sigh seeing along the way."
"Who are you? Do I need to get a DNA test to ensure your really Ranger?"
He started laughing and gave me a full 1000 watt smile. "It's really me Babe. I've never done the whole NY tourist thing. I thought it would be fun for you."
I smiled back at him. "Let's go Batman." I opened my luggage and dug out the sweatshirt I had thrown in. It was still pretty cold being winter but the extra layer would be the perfect addition to keep me warm. Ranger helped me slip on my coat and we both put on gloves and hats. We exited the hotel and made our way across 59th and then down Broadway. I took pictures with my phone of everything I saw including Ellen's Stardust Diner, The red steps, and Times Square from all the angles. We crossed over on 41st so we could walk around Bryant Park. We continued down to where Macy's was on 34th. Ranger had to remind me several times that if he were to take me shopping we would miss the game but he promised we would do some shopping on 5th Ave the next day. I told him just going back to Macy'swould be fine with me but he was insistent on going to the higher end stores. We finally made it to Madison Square Garden just after noon. We made our way through security and Ranger showed our tickets to the attendant. It was at that time my stomach had chosen to make its presence known so Ranger bought me a Hot dog and some nachos with a coke and just a Hotdog and water for himself. We found our section and our seats turned out to be first row right behind the Rangers goalie.
The game was so exciting and everything I thought it would be after 30 years of watching them on TV. They ended up winning 2-1 but were tied up until the end of the third period so the atmosphere in the air was quite electric and tense all at the same time. Once the game was over Ranger had called a car to come pick us up as I was too tired to walk back. Once we were back at the hotel Ranger told me he had made reservations for dinner at 5:30 tonight. That gave us about an hour and a half so I decided to take a nap before getting ready. Ranger wasn't tired so he decided to use his laptop to start reviewing some of the paperwork head lined up for his return to office. I woke up about 30 minutes later and quickly made my way to take a shower. Once I was done I put on a large white robe that was so soft I thought maybe I'd gone to heaven and this wasn't real life anymore. Ranger walked into the bathroom as I was trying to figure out what to do with my hair.
"Where are we going tonight? What do I need to wear?" I asked as he stripped down and got into the shower. He was absolutely stunning. His handsomeness always caused my knees to jelly a little. It was a good thing I wasn't wearing any panties. I knew he asked me to bring the dress but I wan't sure if that was for dinner or some other activity he had planned.
"Wear the dress and shoes I told you to bring and wear your hair down. I love your curls." I smiled at myself in the mirror and then made quick work of my makeup and hair. Back in the bedroom I took the shoes out of the box I brought them in and set them on the floor next to the bed. I pulled out a baby blue lace thong and slipped it on under my robe. Then I took the dress out of the garment back and slipped it on without a bra since it was backless. I slipped on my shoes and descended the stairs down to the first floor.
RPOV
I was finishing putting my cufflinks on and fixing the collar of my Armani suit when I heard Steph walking upstairs to come down. I turned around to see the most beautiful woman to ever walk this planet descending the stairs in one of my favorite dresses she owned. I knew she was wearing her Loubotin's I was so happy Lula had forced her to buy and was excited to take her to bed later with them on. But first we needed to get through this dinner. I know we were already here on this date but I needed to make sure she knew I was serious about a relationship and apologize for pushing her away.
"Babe, you look absolutely stunning" I took her hand as she stepped down onto the marble flooring from the stairs. I then wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her into a light kiss. I had Ella order a coat for Stephanie from one of the high end stores and had asked the hotel Butler to pick it up while we were at the game today. It was a beautiful long black goat that fell to her ankles and fit her perfectly as I helped her put it on.
"Ranger this coat is amazing but why? I could've worn the coat I brought."
"No price Babe and I will remind you of that until the day I die so don't forget that. YOu needed a coat to match the wonderful ensemble underneath." I replied while taking her hand and leading her out the door. We met the car at the front taking us to Marisol's on the upper west side of Manhattan. The driver came around and opened our door, I slid out first and then helped Steph out of the car. We made our way to the front of the restaurant where the hostess was. "Manoso" I stated for the woman. She gulped a little before checking for the reservation. Once she found it she picked up some menus and walked us back to a private booth near the kitchen. It wasn't the fanciest table in the room but it was the one I always used when I ate here.
"Wow this place is so fancy I feel like a celebrity." Steph said as she look around the room that was full with lots of men and woman in black tie attire. I knew Stephanie would've enjoyed a dollar slice from any one of the pizzerias here but that could be saved for another day tonight was going to be about opulence as I hoped we would be celebrating the start of our relationship.
The waitress came over and with some waters and asked if we would like anything else to drink. I ordered a bottle of the Mas La Plana 2011, a spanish red wine I knew Steph would enjoy.
"Do you mind if I order our entrees?" I asked Steph.
"I'm glad I know that the descriptions are english but I wasn't sure what would actually taste good." She replied.
The waitress came back and poured out two glasses before taking our orders. I ordered Codicia De Pescado Y Mariscos for myself which was a mixed seafood dish with fennel and rice. I ordered Paella Valencian with shrimp, rice, scallops, chorizo, and chicken for Steph.
"I can't wait to try it." Steph said once the waitress excused herself. "I've never had Cuban cuisine before."
I smiled before jumping into the conversation I have been waiting to have. "Steph, I wanted to talk to you." She sucked in a some air so I quickly added. "It's nothing bad" hopefully "I just have some things I wanted to tell you and ask you."
"Okay I'm all ears." She turned to look me in the eyes and gave me a soft smile. All I wanted to crash my lips with hers but I had to do this first.
"So you know how when I leave for long periods of time with no communication to do the work of the government." She nodded indicating she was following. "Well I have officially retired from special operations following the completion of this last mission. I wasn't sure when I left if I was going to choose to renew my contract or not as you were still seeing the Cop and I wasn't sure if I would even make it home. But my mission got screwed up and I was away a lot longer than I thought I would be and during that time I decided to reevaluate a lot of things in my life. I never realized how much of an idiot I was by sleeping with you and then telling you to go back to Morelli or constantly telling you my life doesn't lend itself to relationships. Cause you see we already have a relationship Babe and I want to make that official. This is Someday Babe and it's yours if you want it." I ended my speech and held my breath, nervous for how she would respond.
"Ranger you being gone allowed me to reevaluate as well. Even before catching Joe cheating on me I knew that I couldn't go on living the way I was. Everyday of my life was a constant mess of random events that led back to my inability to correctly or efficiently do the things I was supposed to be an expert in. I constantly was putting myself, Lula, the Merry Men, and even Joe in danger by getting myself into the messes I did. I decided to get training not just to appease you or anyone else but for myself and my wellbeing. During that time I also realized that the love I maybe once felt for Joe was gone and that my love for you was quite strong. Before your speech just now I had vowed to myself that I wouldn't push you away because that would only cause me great pain so I planned to keep things the way they always have been so I could always have you in my life. So absolutely yes Ranger bring on Someday!" With that she leaned in and kissed me. I swiped my tongue across her lips and waited for her to grant access. The waiter delivering our food cleared his throat about 5 minutes later, getting us to break apart. We ate in a euphoric silence other than Stephanie's pleasurable moans as she ate. Once we had both finished our dishes the waitress came by to clear our plates. She asked if the chef could come by to which I responded yes. A young cuban woman came over to the table chefs hat and all about 3 minutes later carrying two plates of Flan. After setting down the dishes she engulfed me in a hug before slapping me in the back of the head. Steph looked at the chef apprehensively before I introduced her.
"Babe, this is my older sister Isabella she is the Head Chef here. Isabella this is Stephanie."
"OMG the famous Stephanie! Celia is going to be so jealous I got to meet you! Did you enjoy the food? I brought you some Flan for dessert. It's Carlo's favorite."
"It's nice to meet you Isabella. Yes I loved everything. I have never had Cuban food and I can't say It didn't exceed my expectations. I'm surprised you have a favorite dessert Carlos considering you don't eat them." she smirked at me. Dios hearing my name come from her lips means everything to me.
"Just because I don't eat them doesn't mean I've never eaten them" I then took a bite of the the flan and ate it. She countered my action my looking straight into my eyes and while eating a bite of her own. "Touche" she responded before giggling.
"I can see why Carlos always talks about you Steph. Well I hope this one brings you around more often so I can get to know you better but I do need to get back to the kitchen. We are still in the middle of the dinner rush." Isabella remarked. Stephanie got up and hugged her before I also gave her a hug and she went back to the kitchen.
"So the start of Someday and I get to meet you sister. This has been an eventful evening."
"It's just getting started, Babe." I winked at her before we both slid back into the booth to finish off our desserts. Once done I paid the bill and we headed outside where our car was waiting for us to take us back to the hotel.