Ranger's POV
It was 3:13am, sleep was just toying with me at this point. I've tossed and turned for most of the night, I knew what was keeping me awake. I heard the words in my dreams and each waking moment since she spoke them, she would choose this chaotic life, the dangerous moments that I knew she saw as adventures, much as I do if I'm honest. The biggest thing is she would…choose me. I've been playing head games with myself, she could mean just working together as teacher and student or being each other's confidant. So she chooses this life but what exactly does that mean?? I feel like a prepubescent girl that has called her crush and has over analyzed every word that was said. I might as well lay on my stomach, kick my feet in the air and start twirling my hair.
I jerk back the bed covers, yup, still have a dick down there. I've got to get a hold of myself, not literally but it would be nice. I need Steph, I need for us to sit down and have an open and honest discussion about what the hell we are doing. I want to be with her more than I've ever wanted anything. I'm suddenly disgusted with the way we have been with each other, too much damn time has passed when what I want has been in front of me the whole time. She wants it, I know that is what she was trying to tell me, at least 90% sure that is what she was trying to tell me. I've got one of the most intimidating reps around, have since my first assignment in the Army but this supposed badass is about to admit to this little blue eyed devil that he wants to marry her. I want more kids, I want to do what I should have with Julie and I want it with my Babe. Be grandparents together, annoy the shit out of our kids and love each other for the rest of our lives.
I haphazardly get dressed, grab my keys off the side table and I'm in the garage before I hear the penthouse stairwell door close. As I'm pulling into this old apartment building's parking lot, I look to my left and smile remembering the first time I kissed Steph. Best fucking thing I shouldn't have done. I feel invigorated while simultaneously wanting to puke, what if she didn't mean what I thought or she has changed her mind. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and open my car door. The world feels more alive right now, everything is crisp and in focus like I've never felt. I come upon her apartment door and decide to let myself in. Steph thinks I pick her lock constantly but it's never occurred to her I made a copy of her key. I'd hate to ruin her fantasy of me so that will stay our little secret.
I insert the key and turn the tumbler and the hairs on the back of my neck standup. The deadbolt wasn't locked. I slowly open her door and survey the area, gun in my hand held loosely by my side but ready to give an introduction at any given moment. I find no sign of Steph anywhere. I start coming up with valid reasons she would not be here in the middle of the night and the door left unlocked but I know them to all be bullshit. That is only confirmed when I see the blood on the kitchen floor and a tooth.