EYES WIDE OPEN

Ranger POV

Chapter 12

oOoOo

Kissing her lips lightly as I spoke, "We are here. Seventh floor. Luxurious baths and exclusive massages for sexy ladies of extraordinary might and beauty."

Scrambling the cameras was necessary as we rode up to seven. I had to remind her that we had arrived at our destination, reluctantly separating myself just a smidge from her warm, worked up body. I smiled smugly knowing I was responsible for that lusty look. My sexy Babe. She's like putty in my hand just from kissing her. But, I have to confess, I am very affected, especially with her responsiveness and taking what she wants. I was surprised how husky my voice came out. She moaned, and grinned, whisper kissing me back, "I like the sound of that, Batman."

By the time we left the elevator, Stephanie was so relaxed as we entered our apartment, I had to support her lest she melted into a puddle in the little foyer. Our apartment. I liked the sound of that.

Going in she made her way to the bedroom, first removing her shoes, and her socks, which she dumped in the bedroom. Manoeuvring her arms under her top, her bra was quickly sent flying onto the bed with a voiced sigh of relief. After a quick visit to the bathroom she emerged and washed her hands. I smiled at her as she inhaled the alluring fragrance of sandalwood and rose, with just a hint of bergamot. Every flat surface had flickering LED tea lights adding to the ambience, not too crowded.

"I like this, Carlos," she purred, as she raised her arms above her head, closing the gap between us, rubbing her breasts against my t-shirt. I growled. Her nipples were already standing to attention like good little raspberry soldiers.

"Teasing the tiger, Babe."

"Yes. But I know you like it," which elicited another growl.

She hummed as I slowly removed her t-shirt, kissing her neck on the way to her bare shoulder, laving that sweet spot near her ear, making her hum some more. I had to stop myself from getting carried away any further or the bubble bath would be just a frothy vacant omission.

"Bubble bath first. I promised," I said with a gentle kiss as I removed her cargoes, kissing each hip as I slid her cute little boy shorts down those long legs. Holding her hand, I assisted her into the bubble bath like Venus standing in her shell. Soft relaxing music, candles, dimmed lights and spicy aromas, they all created and promoted ambient relaxation. Offering her a fitted turban for her hair, she smiled in appreciation at my thoughtfulness, tucking her in her gorgeous wild curls, in order to keep them dry. I rolled a towel for a head rest. With her eyes closed, she sighed gloriously as she immersed herself fully in the warm bubbles.

I brushed my lips across hers, ever so softly. "Relax, Babe."

"Mm …," she smiled on a wistful sigh, "heavenly," which was followed by a longer sigh.

I had confirmed with Tank we were offline for the rest of the weekend. Earlier, I had arranged with Ella something simple and tasty for dinner, with a platter of snacks, healthy snacks, for later. If all went to plan, knowing we are both on the very same page, we will need those extra refreshments and snacks later. Carbs were on the list for energy.

We were both hoping to have been doing more than making out by now. It's unbelievable. Interruptions. Didn't matter what time: late nights and even a couple of early mornings at dark o'clock. It was frustrating. Then on top of that her monthly visitor also intervened with our plans. Twice! It had just been nine weeks since the accident. It was absolutely uncanny. Part of me was tempted to just whisk her away, even hire a plane to somewhere, anywhere, far away, and just do our thang! But that's one of the things that comes with the responsibility of running a successful business.

Between the unexpected late night surveillances of a high bond high risk and elusive FTA; some emergency call outs; and a critical incident at the Boston branch which required Tank and I to attend for three days; time got away from us. Stephanie being back on practically full duties was great. She felt quite liberated and empowered by that. But the extra activity and the lingering fatigue, made her tire easily. Many evenings I carried her from the couch to place her in our bed, without her even stirring.

The frustration was mutual. We were both ready to self-combust but fate intervened, repeatedly. All I wanted to do was ravish her, make sweet love to her. But I didn't want to disrespect her either. I smiled, realising that tonight the stars were aligned.

oOo

I reflected on the last few weeks while I set the table for dinner, a romantic candle lit dinner. Dios. How something simple can become so easily complicated.

Initially, we had to be careful, mindful of her injuries, especially her shoulder and her chest bruising. Bobby had done well with the recommendations for her physiotherapy, especially for the dislocated collarbone. Whiplash too can be fickle. The concussion concerns were relevant as well, especially with her history of such incidents. But the biggest setback was the fatigue. She tired easily, especially when her daily activities increased. But, it is a known fact that with pain and recovery comes fatigue. My office couch was a favoured rest stop for her.

Being in my bed, from the outset since she arrived here was good, better than good. It was essential that she was not alone. Not that Bobby would have her sleep in his bed, but he would likely have slept in the infirmary on another bed, nearby, monitoring her sleep, pain levels and comfort. For me, it was, in fact, wonderful. It was necessary to keep an eye on her considering her injuries, with particular concern for the concussion, even mild as it was, and her pain management. For Stephanie it was peaceful and conducive to her recovery, despite the pain. Any thought of getting freaky was not even on our horizon. However, as time moved along, into weeks, it became comfortable going to bed with her, albeit that I joined her much later. As soon as I slid into our warm bed, her body, and her hands, instantly moved to be close to me, touching me. A sweet little hum would emerge, "Mm … Ranger. G'night." But she never woke up, just aware of my presence. It gave me all sorts of feels, the good kind.

I smiled so much, longing for the closeness this envisioned. But waking up with her was all sorts of wonderful, especially with her tendency to snuggle. I started to consider the nice, comfortable feels, the warmth and her proximity, all felt so good. I craved it. I never expected that, to be honest. It kind of sneaked up on me. Not on a sexual level, but to my surprise, the companionship, was what I wanted with her. In a nutshell, I wanted and craved a relationship, a proper relationship. I know she did too. Our friendship had progressed to a deeper level.

I dreaded the time when she would go back to her apartment. Thankfully, the delays from the insurance assessors, and then the repair postponements allayed those fears, for the time being. I really wanted to know how she felt about staying or going back to her apartment, just to get a perception on her plans after recovery and beyond. I was a bit worried in asking, but didn't want to assume. Making assumptions always gives the wrong idea. Where to begin, that was the question? How do I broach the subject without giving off the wrong vibes?

It was time to tackle the elephant in the room. So, I had asked her, tentatively, over dinner one evening.

"What's happening with your apartment, presently? Have they given you an expected date of completion?"

She looked up at me in surprise, with a few other emotions flickering across her face. "Is there a problem?" she asked, with a little edge to her voice.

"No. No! Not a problem, per se. Not a problem at all. I just wondered if this was what you expected. Or, perhaps, did you want to speed it up, with some gentle persuasion?"

I smiled, insinuating that I could have them move faster, if that's what she wanted. Oops. Obviously, that was the wrong move, given her piercing look of disbelief.

"Are you tired of me?" That was a punch straight to the gut. Ouch. She put down her cutlery and folded her arms. Uh oh.

"No, Babe," I replied gently. "Not at all. To be honest, I really like having you here. It's actually been wonderful. I was hoping that you'd reconsider. Like, staying here, I mean. Or, you might want to take an apartment on Four, in the interim, if you prefer?"

Oh shit. That was not meant to come out like that. Why the hell did I say that? I was just trying to give her options, you know, trying to ascertain her next moves. Moves! Wrong word. Arghh! This conversation is not going the way I had hoped as she shoved her plate aside, leaving the rest of her food uneaten. She looked annoyed. Hurt. Oh. Mental facepalm. Me and my big mouth. Big mistake. If it ain't broke, as they say, don't fix it. I scrubbed my hands over my face. Her foot started jiggling.

I stood up quickly, rushing to her side and held her hand, which she relinquished reluctantly.

"Babe. Please?" I pleaded. "I didn't mean to make you doubt things. It's wonderful with you here. I love having you in my apartment, doing things together, being together. I am not trying to get rid of you. I was … I was just giving you options. If you wanted them, you know?"

Her lips tightened as her beautiful blue eyes glistened. Oh no. I've made her cry. She doesn't like to cry in front of me, or anyone.

I held her face gently, with both hands, so she could see my earnest expression. This was intense. I was hurting. She was hurting. I didn't want her to question my intentions.

"Babe, don't doubt it. Please. I want you here, with me, all the time, every day, for how ever long you want to be with me," I implored sincerely.

Her eyes were downcast but she nodded, acknowledging that she heard me, and, hopefully understood what my intentions were. Dios. This is more difficult than I thought. It's delicate. She's so fragile all of a sudden.

At the time, I didn't figure that her mood and doubts were enhanced by her PMS which is why her emotions were so raw. Stupid me! Having a mother and three sisters, I should have guessed and understood. I was not used to this anymore after so long. Just bad timing. Bad choice of words, which left it open to a multitude of speculations.

I decided she needed some space and didn't want to make her feel pressured. I want her to choose, not feel obliged to stay, or whatever. I don't even want to go there. Doing what was expected was a bad memory, a nasty stigma from the Burg with the Morelli saga. Inside my head I prayed, 'Please don't go there, Babe.' How can a simple question become so contorted in a matter of seconds?

Okay. Man up, Manoso.

"Do you want to think about it?"

She nodded.

"Do you want to try an apartment on Four?" She nodded. My heart was breaking. I withheld the sigh of pain.

"Okay. I can have Ella set it up for you. Tonight?"

She looked at me, her eyes so sad and forlorn, desperately trying to hold herself together. She nodded once again.

I took a deep breath. "Alright. I'll call Ella now, and make the arrangements. You go and pack a duffle and take the things you need."

Without another word, she rushed to the bathroom, shutting the door.

I rang Ella. Much to my surprise, I was feeling quite distraught. Doing emotions is not my usual MO. I found myself pacing, running my hand through my hair repeatedly. I spoke in rapid Spanish and she sensed my pain immediately. Yes, I was upset. I explained how the conversation had suddenly gone off onto an unwanted tangent.

"Carlos. Listen to me. I think I know why your question deviated onto a different course. Be brave. What you are doing now, to recover your losses so to speak, is very smart. You have given her options. You have opened your heart to her. Here is my advice. If you love someone, set them free; if they come back to you, it was meant to be. I know this is hard. Give her time. I will set the room up for her with some fresh linen right now. Keep the faith, Carlos, mi sobrino. (my nephew) I will take her down in fifteen minutes or when she is ready."

I have never been so close to be on the verge of tears when Stephanie left, holding her silk covered pillow under her arm. The lump in my throat was unbearable, making it hard to swallow. Dios. I sighed heavily, scrubbing my face with both hands. I leaned against the door with my forehead, listening as she went down the elevator, but really hoping she might change her mind. Stupid. I chastised myself. Why the hell did I have to ruin everything? Okay. Deep breath. This is not going to help.

To take my mind off things, I cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher. I poured myself a shot of rum, but decided against it, pouring it down the sink. I made a coffee instead. I poured that down the sink as well, grabbing a water bottle instead.

I sat down on the couch, channel surfing aimlessly. I didn't really know what to do with myself. I felt like I had lost control, like a part of me was missing. I decided to change for the gym. As I geared up, Hector slapped me on my back walking towards the mats.

"Peleamos." (We spar.)

I wasn't angry. I wasn't upset. I was confused. It was as if Hector knew what I needed, starting slowly until my head was in the game. He was a worthy opponent making me work for my moves and counter moves. After forty five minutes he called it time, knuckle bumping me as he stepped out of the mats zone.

"Ella es tu corazon." (She is your heart.) "Ella te ama." (She loves you.)

I grinned as I watched Hector leaving as he tossed his now empty water bottle in the recycling bin and flicking the lid into the trash can beside it, followed by a casual parting salute. I downed mine and did the same, minus the salute. But I did mentally salute mi hermano, my brother. Hector is so intuitive. I sprinted up the stairs, almost pausing on Four, but continued all the way up to Seven. Ella's words came to mind and I said a little prayer of hope. After a refreshing shower, once again I found myself on the couch, alone.

I felt so lost. It was now much later so I went to bed. Alone. I sighed as I lay back, my hands behind my head, staring aimlessly up at the ceiling, rewinding that fated conversation. I was not about to be a stupid man who would blame or insinuate it on her PMS. How could I have sprung that question more diplomatically? Was I too blunt? Hm. Sprung. Yes. Maybe a little bit of subtle preamble might have helped. Perhaps the timing was off. If I could, I would say it differently. But it is what it is. I only hope that Stephanie is also reviewing my question and our responses.

I wondered about Stephanie, three floors down. I hope she is comfortable, hoping she was alright. My mind wandered. Thankfully her pain has neutralised now, only appearing after over-exertion. Her recovery is complete, but Bobby was still monitoring her for extended rehab. I couldn't stop thinking about her, those hurtful expressions, the glistening eyes, her beautiful blue eyes. I sighed. I was finding that sleep was evasive. I was restless. I sniffed her pillow, enjoying the lingering fragrance of her perfume and her shampoo, longing for her to be there.

Suddenly, I heard the elevator stop at my floor, and, as I held my breath, someone fobbed their way into my apartment. I waited with bated breath, listening to the soft foot falls as they approached my bedroom. I sat up in bed, watching as she hesitated at the door, nibbling her index finger. I still hadn't switched off the lights, just on dim. Oh, what a beautiful sight. My heart skipped a beat, along with a jump for joy as well.

"Babe? You're back?" I asked, full of hope.

"Carlos. Yes. … I came back." She gave me a tentative smile. "I … I couldn't sleep." I smiled, noting that she called me Carlos. My heart was beating faster.

She walked to my side of the bed, clutching her silk pillow like a teddy bear, dropping her duffle at the end of the bed, on the floor. I patted the side of my bed, making room for her to sit. I smiled at her. I could tell she had been crying. Poor Babe. I stroked her face, cupping her cheek. She leaned into my warm hand immediately.

"Lo siento, Babe. I didn't mean to upset you." I said, sitting up straighter. (I'm sorry.)

"I am sorry, too, Carlos. I reacted, the wrong way. Then I couldn't stop myself. I was confused." She sniffed with a sob escaping.

"Oh, my poor Babe. I didn't mean to confuse you. I love you. I really want you here, with me. All the time. I love it. It feels like home, with you here. Come here." I patted her side of the bed. I smiled as she tossed her silk pillow onto her side. Then, as she was climbing over me, she froze.

"You love me? Feels like home?"

"Si. Querida, te amo. I love you with all my heart. I thought I had lost you. Please forgive me?"

"I love you too, Carlos. I couldn't bear to be without you. I felt so alone in that bed. Please forgive me?"

"Deal."

"Deal."

I kissed her and held her tight, feeling so happy and so relieved. The kiss deepened but when we came up for air, she yawned, blushed since she was quite embarrassed and sheepish. I chuckled. "Come on, Stephanie. It's time to sleep." She chuckled with a muffled, "Sorry". It didn't take her long, once she was comfortable, under the quilt, snuggled into my side, she was soon fast asleep. I smiled indulgently at her. That's my Babe as I kissed her temple. It's been a big, eventful day.

I felt so much better. I was happy. She chose me. I admit, I didn't expect to see her so soon, but I am not complaining. I fell asleep with a smile on my face, relishing the feeling of her in our bed.

oOo

I shook my head back to the present, checking the dining setting, the music and dimmed the lights before walking to the bathroom. I knocked gently on the door not wanting to make her jump.

"Would you like some more warm water? Then I'll give you a foot massage before the main event."

She smiled and moaned. "Yes please, to both," she grinned coyly, nibbling her bottom lip. She moved over a bit as I added more warm water.

Grabbing the little foot stool, I sat on it as I took one foot and started massaging each toe, rubbing and gently twisting and pulling one toe at a time. I rubbed the sole of her foot with my thumbs, adding some lotion to keep her skin moist. I placed a rolled towel underneath her foot on the edge of the bath, then massaged around her heel and around her ankles, sneaking a kiss to her toes every now and then. When I massaged her calf the groans of approval and those little squeals of delight were nearly my undoing. Gently, I returned her foot to the bath, then grabbed the other foot for a repeat performance.

"Oh, Carlos. You have magic hands," she moaned with her eyes closed.

"This is only the first part. There. Your feet have had a well-deserved massage as I returned that foot into the bath. The water has cooled down."

I grabbed a large fluffy towel, holding it open for her as she stood up. She watched the water swirl down the drain and smiled with a happy sigh, before stepping out into the towel.

"That was so good, Carlos."

I helped her dry her beautiful body before leading her to our bedroom for the main event. I had watched Bobby as he had massaged her shoulders as part of her recovery, and that was my aim to focus on those areas that he had. The first part required her to be sitting up. Her responses were much more vocal with me, as she sat on the edge of the bed in front of me. She crooned and moaned throughout. I could feel the tightness relax as I worked her muscles into submission. She rolled her head back, humming. I kissed her exposed neck and down the side until I reached her lips. Her eyes were still closed.

"Mm. Magic hands, Carlos," she crooned. I was just holding it together. Down boy. I can be patient, we have all night after all.

It was then that the Beast growled making me laugh out loud.

"Oopsie," she chuckled.

"Time to feed the Beast, Babe. Go put on something comfortable. Dinner is ready," I smiled giving her a chaste kiss.

With the candles lit, I was pleased with the ambience. Looking up, Stephanie was radiant, relaxed and smiling, wearing her yoga pants and a tank top, without a bra. My wolf grin did not go unnoticed. "Soon, Carlos," she purred as she strolled up to me, running her fingers up and down my abs and up to my chest with a gentle consoling pat on my heart. I pulled her chair out and kissed her chastely as she sat down. While she was inhaling the delicious aromas of the meal, I was inhaling the beautiful fragrances of my Babe.

I uncovered the dishes and we ate heartily. Ella had surpassed herself. Tasty marinated chicken fajitas with colourful capsicum strips, tortillas ready to assemble, with a selection of toppings including sour cream, guacamole, her special tomato salsa, cheese, rice and black beans. A crisp sparkling Prosecco completed the meal. We ate mostly in silence, both of us savouring the tantalising flavours. Watching her lick her fingers was getting to me. I grabbed her hand, and licked her fingers, humming with the taste and nibbling her finger tips.

Her eyes widened. "Omigod. That is so sexy."

I kissed the palm of her hand.

"Come with me, Babe. I'll show you sexy. I'll show you tantalising. More than just my magic hands."

"Hm. I think you need to explain that. Perhaps a demonstration would be helpful," she teased.

I stood up, blew out the candle and took her hand, practically all in one motion, while steering her towards our bedroom.

We were both full of anticipation and it was a magical night. Magic hands was just the start of it. Slow and tantalising gave way to fast and passionate, after a warning growl for hard and fast. Slow and luxurious can come later. Lips, tongues, teeth with gentle nibbles and so much more, we succumbed to our passionate desires, many times, resting in between, sharing the tasty platter to refuel with more finger food. It was beyond amazing, making love to Stephanie, my Babe.

She stretched languorously smiling at me after catching her breath. It was past dark o'clock, three-thirty in her language. Our hearts were still beating rapidly, as she held her palm over mine.

"Mm-mm. Carlos. I was beginning to wonder if we'd ever get here with all those interruptions, dramas and issues. It was so worth the wait. I have to admit I was worried that I was just going to self-combust in the control room yesterday when Armani Ranger wolf-grinned at me while talking to Tank."

I grinned, remembering the lusty glaze that appeared in those gorgeous blue eyes. She was mesmerising, looking sophisticated in heels and her stylish tailored suit after a client meeting as she stepped from the elevator. I was so distracted I didn't even hear what Tank was saying. She ignored Hal talking to her, handing him her files, while walking directly towards me. I sensed a sudden silence in the control room as she tugged at my tie so I was up close and personal, before kissing me, a scintillating kiss, her hands running up and down my silk shirt. Madre Dios!

"Hm, muy sexy, Carlos," she purred as she nipped my bottom lip. "Gotta be aware of your surroundings, Batman," she grinned as she walked back to Hal and her cubicle. Her Merry Men high-fived her as she passed. I looked at Tank and Hector who had joined him. I had a goofy grin on my face. Yeah. Right, Babe. Payback! Hector and Tank were laughing. She got me.

Well, tonight I worked on that payback and she didn't complain at all. She may have begged, growled even, asking for more, but she was a very sated happy Babe. Such stamina, matching mine. She's the one. My soul mate. I felt it. I'm sure the whole building felt it.

"Batman? I think I lost you there for a bit," she giggled. "I have no doubt that you have magic hands but your lips and tongue and mouth are in league together. Let's not forget that special Deadly Weapon of yours! Oh, my God! I have never had so many orgasms, ever, in one night. Or, would you believe, in my entire life! You have ruined me for all other men. You are the Wizard, Carlos."

"Deadly weapon?" I laughed.

I kissed her, "Te amo, Babe. Let's get some sleep."

"Te amo, Carlos. Sounds like a good idea …" she yawned with another languorous stretch.

I think I have worn her out but she wasn't complaining. It didn't take long for sleep to capture me either.

Absolute bliss.

oOoOo

TBC