A Fresh Start
Chapter 24
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"I expected you to be six four, built like a brick shithouse, with tattoos," Zip remarked.
"Well, I'm not six four, as you can see, and I am a lot finer built, but, I do have a tattoo."
Somebody muttered, "Mighty fine," which was followed by a grunt.
Another mumbled, "Be still my heart," which was also accompanied by a thump and a grunt.
Tank is busy keeping the men in line. I like him.
"Has Ranger seen it? What is it? How many do you have? Where -," Lester asked eagerly but stopped suddenly when Tank clocked him upside, again.
"Lo siento," he apologised remorsefully.
I nodded my thanks to Tank, then grinned.
"Car-, Ranger has seen it, but only briefly, before we went snorkelling from the boat at the Keys that time. But Cal has seen it, haven't you Cal?" I added light-heartedly with a smile. I couldn't resist putting him in the spotlight with that little segue.
Ranger chuckled as the tall man blushed. All heads whiplashed to Cal in absolute surprise. Tank rubbed his chin thoughtfully, before grinning with enlightenment as he seemed to recall my observations at my first introductions, after my interview with him.
"Er, I only saw it from a distance… from the other boat, you know."
I couldn't help but chuckle at his obvious discomfort as he looked nervously from Ranger to the curious eyes of the guys milling around us.
"Relax, Cal. As I told you before, you needed Ram's scope to be able to get a better fix on it and focus on the detail. But, you know, Hector has seen it, close up too."
Hector stood his ground with a cheeky smirk. He was not giving any details. He just raised an eyebrow and winked at me while nursing his beer.
"In fact, Hector designed it for me especially."
Ranger put his arm over my shoulder, chuckling, "Stop teasing my men." Then more softly, "I have to confess, I can't wait to inspect it more closely myself," he husked in my ear, with a nip to my lobe. Oh boy. What this man does to me. Tank was watching and grinned.
"I'll show you mine if you show me yours," Binkie grinned cheekily before ducking and stepping back just in time beyond Tank's reach. I had already figured that he was normally quiet and shy, but going by his colleagues' reactions, they were surprised he had the sass to say it, out loud. Maybe his mute button failed since he blushed. Sweet. I'll just file that little nugget away, for later.
"I'll might give that some thought, Binkie, only if you tell me how these guys come to call you Binkie." I looked him square in the eyes and he nodded as I raised my eyebrows in a challenge. The gauntlet has been thrown. I aim to find out all their names and nicknames, you know, just part of all that getting to know you stuff.
"You're already profiling my men, Babe?" Carlos whispered with a chuckle as he offered me another beer. I smiled innocently. "Who? Me?"
Meeting the guys again for a Tacos and Tortillas night at El Sombreros was a good idea. Apparently, they do this once a month for a social event, but not always at the same venue. I met a few more of the Miami team who all seemed keen to meet the mysterious Phoenix. News went around fast, like a wildfire. They were all very respectful, even the curious ones who needed a subtle reminder from Tank. No harm done. I wasn't offended. I was really enjoying the welcoming spirit and the camaraderie.
I shocked them when we arrived and The Beast let rip, with a roar of anticipation, I'd like to call it, once we entered the room with all the tantalising aromas of that spicy food. It was a sumptuous feast. Between the platters of hot food, was a delicious variety of tropical fruit, even those yummy plantains. I just patted my tummy and shrugged my shoulders.
The food was great and disappeared quickly, but it was more than just tacos and tortillas. Cuban food, spicy and flavoursome was the order of the day. The selection included nachos, guacamole and some other dips, hard and soft tortillas and crispy tacos. I loved the fish tacos but the crabmeat tacos were divine. I think I moaned my approval a bit too evocatively, as there was a tense moment where silence suddenly prevailed. The men had strained or frozen expressions on their faces with some making uncomfortable or painful adjustments. Oops. Carlos' dark eyes were clearly on a different wavelength.
Thankfully, with a grin and a nudge, Lester broke the tension, a lusty tension I think, by also expressing his approval of the exquisite empanadas with the same moans and gusto as I did. They all laughed and all was good. Everyone did the same, laughing in relief. This was a good ice breaker, a turning point as they relaxed a bit more. Perhaps the beer also helped.
I overheard the conversation behind me and couldn't stop smiling as I licked my fingers. Carlos' eyes were suddenly very dark until I grabbed a serviette to wipe the delicious food juices. I could tell he was about to intercede, but I stopped him with my hand on his heart. Then Carlos noticed my sparkling, mischievous eyes. I liked this conversation. It amused me at their boyish curiosity.
"I wonder what it is? Maybe it's a butterfly?" Lester wondered.
"Nah. Something more delicate but longer, not wider. It was quite ornate from what I could discern from that distance, you know, nicely stylised. Damn. She was so right. I wish I'd thought of that. Ram's scope would have made a difference," Cal pondered while I chuckled into my knuckles, stifling a laugh. Tank was watching me, while watchful over his team, so I gave him the same look – desist, let them ponder. No harm done. He nodded. Did I just ESP my message to him?
This time Carlos chuckled. "Yes. You did. You are going to be such a great part of the team, Stephanie."
"You know. She doesn't strike me as the butterfly tat kind of woman. Nor something prissy or girly like a flower or hearts. It will be something significant, and tasteful, I bet," Bobby remarked.
Hector was listening to their conversation, ever watchful as he brought over a margarita. I gushed with delight.
"Oh, Hector. You're a man after my heart!" to which he grinned broadly, confusing the others as they looked warily at Carlos, Ranger, their boss, for his reaction.
"De nada, Stephanie," Hector shrugged smugly as he knuckle-bumped Carlos. He knew I loved margaritas, but he also gave me a bottle of water. Ah yes, hydration.
At least I have eaten, heartily, so it's not like I am drinking on an empty stomach. I know the folly in that. I licked some of the salt off the rim, watching Carlos through my eyelashes as the luscious liquid hit my tongue. His reaction was predictable, too easy, and he knew I was teasing him. But, truth be told I couldn't deny the sensation of my first sip while enjoying his reaction at the same time.
"Oh. My. Goodness. That has to be the best margarita, ever!" I took another sip. Oh yes. So very tasty. I know, I said that before, not so long ago. They must mix it just right in Miami. Perhaps it's the quality of the tequila.
We were in a function room but I could hear live music filtering in from the restaurant and the club, making me sway my hips to the Latin beat. This place had a great atmosphere and I can see why they chose this as a regular venue. As the food was cleared away, the tantalising sounds of the dance beat was even more enticing. I finished my margarita and drank almost half of my water. Hector grabbed my water bottle, handing it to a surprised Carlos, leading me by the hand into the club to follow the music. Tank laughed. No one was going to get away with something like that, but it seems Hector can do it, regardless. His laughter was infectious and I delighted in his mischief as he grinned at me.
As we danced, the rest of our group wandered into the club, as was the plan, watching the two of us dance. I think seeing Hector dancing with me surprised them, partly for his audaciousness but also his great dance moves. Carlos was grinning, guarding my water bottle carefully. With each song I had a new partner, tagged by a second, sometimes a third partner, Tank being the first to dare, after a glare at Lester, who was next. In between breaks, I finished off that water bottle and enjoyed another refreshing margarita. Carlos watched avidly, smiling all the time.
My Welcome to Rangeman introduction was unlike anyone else's experience Hal had chuckled in my ear while we danced. That was hilarious.
"Did nobody dance with you, Hal?" He laughed before spinning me in a double twirl and pulling me back in close to his chest. For a big guy, just like Tank, he was remarkably light on his feet. As that set finished, Hal brought me over to Carlos, a little breathless. In the meantime, the men had found other dance partners, of which there was no shortage of volunteers. These men were all accomplished dancers, leading well. Perhaps that's a Rangeman prerequisite, I wondered.
He offered me the water bottle first which I rubbed across my forehead and my cheeks, and then across my chest. He blew on the chilly droplets and smiled as I shuddered at the wonderful cooling sensation. That dancing was exhilarating. Thankfully the guys cut in mid dance, since there were so many of them, while keeping other non-Rangeman wannabe dancers away. It was nice to feel safe without being dominated by these men, or possessive about me.
Once I caught my breath, after I sipped some water to rehydrate, Carlos handed me the margarita. With all that dancing I had surely burned off any alcohol content in my system. Just as I took the last sip making sure I licked all the salty goodness from the rim, a new set of music started up, slow and smooth, making me sway irresistibly as the music beckoned to me. Carlos took my hand and twirled me out and back in so that I was firmly against his chest. Finally, it is his turn as he moved me to the dance floor with a slow sexy rumba. No one cut in. We locked eyes and moved together like we were one, as if we had been dancing so many years together already. This was only our second time since Little Havana that we danced together. When the bachata beat kicked in on the next song, I was completely mesmerised by this sexy man. He was singing the words in my ear, Spanish words, so sexy and making me tingle all over with his resonant voice. I recognised quite a few words. They were love songs from the heart. Mi corazon. (My heart).
Dancing so closely together was like foreplay. Man, he could move. The sensual bachata sent my hormones into orbit. I needed a drink before I self-combusted right here on the dance floor. He led me with new moves, guiding me firmly, allowing me to add my own styling moves, such was our connection. He finished the dance with a deep dip, holding me there, his eyes dark and passionate. It was then that we realised we had the dance floor to ourselves with everyone cheering and whistling at us. We were so in the moment. The cat calls were very vocal. He grinned at me as he slowly brought me up, kissing me firmly on the lips before walking us back to the group, our fingers interlocked.
"We had these jugs of ice water ready to put out the fire! Talk about burn the floor!" Lester laughed pushing the two jugs towards us.
I grabbed a glassful and downed it almost in one go. Was it hot in here? Carlos smirked at me, proud of his part in the burning of said dancefloor. Did I say that out loud again? He just raised an eyebrow but the corners of his lips betrayed him. He was amused. He was still holding my hand.
"That was hot. You two dance like you've danced your entire lives together," Bobby said eagerly, "even better than when we saw you two salsa dancing at Little Havana."
"Where did you learn to dance so well, Stephanie?" asked Hal curiously. Tank was grinning like he already knew the answer.
As if on cue, Hector had brought me a new margarita and I was sipping it slowly, delighting in the wonderful refreshing tanginess, while Ranger had a beer.
I smiled. "I did some when I was young, because I was not poised enough for ballet. My Grandma took me to dance classes." I took another salt encrusted sip before continuing. "However, to be honest, all credit is due to mi hermano here, Hector. He is responsible for my dance skills. It was part of my fitness program." I laughed. Well, that was the truth. Once again Hector was given looks of surprise.
"Hector and I were at college together. He also taught me self defence skills. But that's another story." I sipped my margarita, enjoying the buzz of conversation around me, with Carlos holding me close, just a casual arm across my shoulder. It felt all kinds of nice, safe, comfortable and protected from other prospective dance partners. My guys, made a formidable barrier around me. My guys, my Merry Men, who were still making time to dance with the lovely ladies.
It's a pleasant change to be in a club which wasn't the bump and grind kind. This was invigorating and lively, my kind of happy place. I sat on one of the bar stools, happy to sit out for the rest of the evening. Carlos was attentive and seemed to be enjoying himself too, allowing me to lean against his chest. That felt nice, feeling the rumble through my back when he spoke or laughed, and sometimes kissed my temple, checking on me.
To think that these guys, my Merry Men, would be my work colleagues, starting on Monday, is amazing. I have my uniform already, currently residing in the boot of Carlos' car in the wheelie bag. I was looking forward to shopping with Ella tomorrow and finding some nice things to make my new apartment look and feel more homely.
I had already confirmed that my boxes would arrive on Sunday, from Dad's place. I know my neighbours in Hector, Manny and Cal. How lucky am I? They have already volunteered to be the muscle and help me unpack, and set up on Sunday.
"Babe?"
I startled a bit. Oops. I had zoned out, leaning against a firm warm chest behind me, his hand having kept me steady so that I didn't fall off the stool.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. This has been so wonderful. Thank you so much."
"De nada. Welcome to the team," Cal remarked, reassuring me that I was okay. "You danced your feet off, you must be quite tired. Don't feel bad about it."
"Yeah," Zip added, "we're off to do some clubbing and more partying. You're welcome to join us."
"Thanks, but I'm ready to go back to my hotel. It's been an eventful day. Have fun and be safe, you guys."
They waved and chuckled and slowly filtered out. Tank and Hector stayed with me while Carlos settled the bill. He was back in no time.
As we walked back to the car, Carlos gently took my hand in his.
"You impressed the guys tonight with your dancing prowess, Stephanie."
"It helps when I have a good strong male lead. They are all accomplished dancers, you especially. Is that a Rangeman prerequisite?" I asked with a cheeky grin.
He chuckled. I was amusing him again. "There are occasions where Rangeman attends formal functions as part of our private security services. It works best when we are required to mingle, which includes dancing with the clientele as well as maintaining security on the perimeters, both inside and out."
He opened the car door for me. I hadn't realised it, but it was then that Tank and Hector said goodnight and went their own way. Hector gave Carlos a knowing look and I had to look away lest I chuckle, or worse, still, burst out laughing. I pressed my lips tightly together, but once the door closed I could release my mirth. Tank winked at me, knowing what just went down.
"Yes, I know. He is very protective of you," Carlos chuckled as he started the car and drove me back to the hotel. He took my hand and placed it on his thigh. I sighed contentedly.
"I had a great time, Carlos, really great."
"I can tell."
He walked me inside, leaving the car with the valet, which indicated to me that he was not coming upstairs with me. He's such a gentleman, noble and chivalrous as he towed the wheelie bag with my uniforms behind him, while holding my hand with the other. He pressed the button for the elevator and we waited.
"That was a fantastic evening, Carlos. The food and the company was wonderful. The dancing was so much fun. I had a truly wonderful evening. You have a great team working for you. It feels solid with a respectful camaraderie."
"I'm glad you had a great time, Babe. I did too."
He took my hand and kissed it. The look in his eyes was smouldering and dark. Oh boy. When we finally get together, it's gonna be hot, for sure.
He grinned at me, a huge 200 watt grin. With one hand on my cheek, he pulled me close and kissed me. "I'll make sure of that, Babe. We are going to be amazing together, I know it. You know it, too."
Omigod. I blushed, Damned stupid mute button. He chuckled, ruffled my hair before giving me a chaste kiss just as the elevator arrived, handing me the wheelie bag.
He was amused. "I must say, I like how you feed those little morsels of intel to the enemy." With that he gave me a wolfish grin while gently shoving me into the elevator cab.
"Wait for us!" came the call from behind us with a rush of clicking heels, low kitten heels.
Ah. Thelma and Louise again, I smiled as I pressed the hold-door-open button. They eyed Carlos as they passed hurriedly inside the cab, with huge smiles on their faces.
"Thanks. Yep. He's the one, honey. Don't let him get away because you two are soul mates. We can tell. He's a keeper."
They grinned and nodded at each other.
Thelma selected their floor and the doors closed slowly while I watched my man Carlos, watching the ladies and still smiling at me. Be still my heart. I am a lucky woman.
"You're about to get luckier with that one, Sweetheart," Louise piped up, nudging her friend knowingly which set them off into giggles while fanning themselves.
Sigh. I did it again. Meh. I am a lucky woman. Note to self: check that mute button.
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