PROBLEMATIC
Chapter 16
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I woke up from my much needed afternoon nap feeling refreshed. I just lay in bed, luxuriating, and thinking, after I checked the time. Plenty of time. I sighed happily. Lovely one thousand thread count sheets feel so glorious. I was smiling, sighing and thinking.
Ranger.
Carlos.
Sigh.
I am so glad I finally had the courage to admit how I felt, to say what I wanted to tell him for so long. I didn't chicken out. I didn't run away. It turned out that we were both on the same page. Our declarations were heartfelt and honest.
I have never heard Ranger express himself in so many words. I don't mind. I smiled. "No regrets," I affirmed to myself. He was so open and his face showed all his emotions. There were no disclaimers, no qualifiers, no provisos. I half expected them to appear, but not this time. He was candid, and just as committed to me as I was to him. We were a pair of idiots, but we finally came to terms with our feelings for one another.
Feeling contented, I got up and made the bed, loving the feel of my new bedding as I smoothed the top layer and plumped up the new pillows. I stood back, smiling, admiring my sophisticated bedding. I found myself smiling a lot. Now, if only the rest of my apartment looked that good.
Come to think of it, having had the courage to finally go for what I desired most, Carlos, by telling him how I truly felt about him, and how much I loved him, that's what was making me feel so happy. The tension within, the knots that were tied up inside while the worry that felt like tumbling elephants in my stomach, were now all gone. I had procrastinated and stalled for too long. Because I dared to speak my heart, I feel really happy now. Better still, Carlos felt the same. For once, and hopefully forever, we are on the same page.
Enough pondering. Bathroom and shower time. I have a dinner date, and dancing to prepare for. Pamper time for me.
Ah. Ranger-y thoughts assaulted my brain.
The alluring smell of Bulgari, and just his proximity set my hormones ablaze. His shower gel sits on my shower shelf but I decided to use my own shower gel which complimented my perfume. Tonight, was going to be special.
As I washed myself, more thoughts of Ranger, Carlos, kept floating into my mind.
Warm hands.
His hand in the small of my back as he walked with me, guiding, warm and protective.
Tucking a stray curl behind my ear. Such a sweet and caring gesture, which made me feel special. Sometimes it sent a shiver down my back, just like now just thinking about it. A nice warm shiver, of desire.
When he kisses that sweet spot behind my ear. Sigh. And down my neck. Ohh.
I shampooed and conditioned my hair, leaving the conditioner in for a bit longer.
"I'm addicted to you," he'd told me. I think that's both of us. He is so addictive. I can't get enough of him and now he has declared we are together, in a relationship, an "us". I was feeling deliriously happy.
Stolen kisses in the alley beside the Bonds Office.
Ooh. They were especially hormone revving. Holy cow! That man could kiss! His lips should be registered… but only for me, exclusively.
Those sensational toe-curling kisses.
I was getting quite worked up and steamy, but not from the hot water.
Oops. I'd better get a move on, since I don't have an endless supply of hot water, unlike his shower in the penthouse this morning. I made sure I was smooth in all the right places. I had a feeling things might progress tonight.
While I was drying myself, I smiled as I read an incoming text. I'll pick you up at 1830. That's 6:30pm. This was followed by a winky smile. I grinned. Ranger sending me an emoji text message. I was amused.
My hair behaved itself and fell in lovely soft curls. I know he loves my hair. My "wild hair" as he calls it.
Makeup I kept light with a subtle smoky outline for my eyes, and mascara, of course, but only one layer. My face glowed from the facial scrub. With a quick swipe of lip gloss, I was done.
Providentially, I had a dark blue set of lacy bra and boy-short panties, which went well with my new outfit. The dress was perfect, simple V-necked sleeveless top, with a wide fitted waist and a subtle flouncy flared skirt, well above the knee, perfect for flirty dancing. It was a longer mini. Some silver dangly earrings and a couple of silver bangles completed the look. Just as I slipped my shoes on, there was a knocking at the door.
Before opening the door, I checked the peephole. Ranger was grinning on the other side. I unlocked and unchained the door to the sexiest man alive. Wow! Talk about take my breath away! How is it, that a simple thing like having his sleeves rolled up to just below his elbows, makes a sexy man look even sexier? Black pants and a white shirt. Nice!
"Oops. Sorry. Where are my manners?" I flustered. "Come in, come in. You're looking mighty fine, Ranger. I don't recall seeing you in a white shirt before. It's a really cool look. Fabulous, in fact."
Handing me a bunch of flowers, red roses, just like the rose at breakfast, he stepped inside. Omigosh. Flowers. I cannot recall getting flowers on a date. Certainly not with Morelli. There's a first time for everything. I closed the door behind him.
"Good to know, Babe," he husked as he did a slow body scan, lingering on my long legs. "You look absolutely stunning." Oh. Out loud and he nodded with an amused grin. Oh well. Meh. It's the truth.
His free hand wrapped around my waist and pulled me against his hard, muscular body. He took my lips in a luscious kiss, a kiss with a lot of promise. I moaned. He growled and nipped my ear lobe. Reluctantly, he let me go.
"Hold that thought for later, Babe."
I quickly grabbed a vase to place the flowers in. "These are beautiful, Ranger. Thank you."
"De nada. You deserve beautiful things."
I rushed to the bathroom to wash my hands and grab my clutch from the bed.
"I'm ready."
It was a wonderful night. A lovely dinner at a classy restaurant, in a hotel, in Lawrence Township. No one was taking pictures as we sat in a cosy secluded area, Ranger, as usual, with his back to the wall with full view of the restaurant and the entrance, between the greenery. No Burg gossips or spies evident. While we sipped our wine after we'd eaten our delicious meal, Ranger held my hand, rubbing light circles on the back with his thumb. It felt nice. His fingers lingered on my ring finger. He kissed my hand.
"I think this finger needs something," he announced quite nonchalantly. I glanced at him in surprise. His warm brown eyes softened with that special look I have grown to love and see more of lately.
It was my right hand. Much to my surprise he opened a velvet box to reveal a beautiful white gold ring with a continuous infinity-like weave, set with three diamonds filling the top weave. Wow. Talk about take my breath away, again. This was so unexpected.
"This is a promise ring, Stephanie. I promise to be there for you, to love you today, tomorrow and forever. This is Someday, which I often used to tease you about. It's for real. It's not an engagement ring, but I do have a design already in mind. I know we haven't even discussed marriage, but for the time being this is my promise to you. To be honest, I might still be called away, you know, into the wind. But, I promise to come back to you, no matter what. I love you Stephanie Michelle Plum."
My eyes prickled. "I love you too, Ricardo Carlos Manoso, now and forever. I will wait for you when and if that happens. It's so beautiful, Carlos," I said in awe as he gently took my hand and slipped the ring in place. A perfect fit. He kissed my new promise ring reverently.
"Dios. I love the sound of that, how you called me Carlos. When we are together, I would love it if you called me Carlos all the time."
We left shortly after finishing our coffees and Carlos settled the account with a substantial tip. Part of the hotel had a night club and, as we walked closer, hand in hand, the lovely Latin beats excited me. He grinned as we waited in the short queue, my hips already swaying. He whispered in my ear, standing behind me as his hands drifted down to my hips. Spanish whispers, but even though I didn't understand the words, his voice sounded so sexy with whatever he said, that it sent a warm rush to my core. What this man does to me!
We danced and drank water in between, never leaving our glasses unattended, always asking for a new glass upon our return. Salsa dancing is quite vigorous and energetic. We also danced the merengue, and the cha-cha. I've never danced the cha-cha so sensually. Carlos is a wonderful lead, he makes me feel so accomplished. Silently I thanked Grandma for suggesting ballroom dance lessons rather than ballet for me so long ago.
My clutch had a fine chain crossover strap, so it was safe while we danced, sitting just off my hip. In the next break, Carlos had a beer and I had a margarita to celebrate our promise to each other. I felt exhilarated. The dancing was sensational. Carlos was a brilliant dancer, strongly leading me with all the right moves. Some of the songs had lyrics and he sang them to me, in Spanish. They sounded so seductive, his resonant voice doing things to me, to my heart, to my body. I found that, with our close moves and contact, and the stolen kisses in between, so very arousing.
Other men tried to ask me to dance but one possessive look from Carlos had them quickly changing their minds. At the same time, there were a number of women, some very attractive ones, even some very plastic ones, who tried to hit on Carlos. One even cut in between us to grab his attention. Carlos deftly twirled me away to catch me on her other side, ignoring her rude interruption. She tried again. Persistent bitch. Miss Augmented Mammoplasty also had false eyelashes, trout pout lips, and, without a doubt, collagen implants and Botox. What was real under all that "enhancement"? To add to her attack arsenal, she wore a very tight faux leather hot pink dress which left little to the imagination with all the cut-aways. She scowled at me until Carlos cut her down firmly yet politely causing her to turn away in a huff, targeting her next couple. She reminded me of Joyce.
But even that little nasty diversion didn't ruin our Happy.
We took a water break again, and I quickly grabbed an ice cube, from the mini ice bucket, to rub across my forehead, my lips and down my neck. Carlos moved in so close, offering me another ice cube. I was mesmerised by his molten chocolate, very dark chocolate eyes. Slowly I rubbed his lips, then my neck and down to my cleavage, where he sucked it from my fingers. Gone. Holy shit. I needed another one STAT! I nearly self-combusted on the spot.
When the music changed to a bachata beat, Carlos grinned like a wolf might look at its prey in delight. "Can you bachata, querida?" I nodded, completely captivated by his eyes, and then his husky voice as he whispered in my ear. "We bachata, now." Oh boy. Is it hot in here?
Taking my hand, he twirled me onto the dance floor into a sexy, seductive, sensual dance. Bachata is all that and so much more. I have danced bachata before, but never like this with anyone. Carlos was a bachata aficionado. His warm hands were on me at all times unless he released me for a spin, but one hand always maintained contact. We danced closer and closer until there was barely any space to even slide a piece of paper between us. I moaned as I felt his arousal against my thigh. Our eyes were locked on each other, as we moved with the music, swaying and turning, with the soft hip movements, body rolls, and with the occasional taps with our hips. It was seductive, it was sexy and oh so intimate.
The set finished and he pushed me forward, following closely behind me.
"Querida," he groaned.
"Carlos," I sighed. "I know. Me too."
"I want you, now. It's too long to wait and drive back to Trenton. I hope you don't mind, but I made a booking for a room at the hotel here and-"
I laughed and grabbed his hand. "What are you waiting for? Take me up, Batman! I need you. I want you," I replied, my voice husky in anticipation as I purred the words in his ear.
We were barely in the room when he pinned me against the wall, waiting for the door to lock, his lips skimming down my neck, as his hand gently tugged at my shoulder strap.
"I need you now. I don't think I can go slow, Babe," he said, leaning his forehead to mine, his voice strained in an effort to maintain control. "Dancing with you has made me lose control. I am so addicted to you. You do things to me, Babe."
"Ditto for me, Carlos. Make love to me. Stop wasting time with words. You're a man of action."
He laughed and scooped me up, running to the bed.
We did make it to the bed, which had rose petals on sprinkled on the turned down sheets, and chocolates alongside an ice bucket with champagne. Congratulations Carlos and Stephanie was on the gift card. He grinned at me sheepishly before the wolf grin took over. He was on a mission, and I was the intended target.
As he unzipped me, he popped a chocolate into my mouth, murmuring all the while in Spanish. Endearments I recognised. This was even better than our first night together, which was that ridiculous deal. But, oh so good, and wonderful, and memorable. He definitely ruined me for all other men. We'd had other encounters, but tonight was different, special, more intense. We made love three times before sleep consumed us. He has some stamina, and I matched it readily, willingly and passionately. Passion. Lust. Love. Desire. We had it all and still craving for more. Making love with Carlos was beyond amazing.
I sighed again, relishing in the afterglow.
Morning glory.
Showering together with a sexy, happy ending before we cleaned and sponged each other down, especially in our delicate sexy parts.
Carlos, always prepared and organised, had two duffle bags in our room, with a change of clothes for both of us.
"What? No walk of shame?" I laughed and thanked him for his thoughtfulness.
It was such a great evening dinner and then dancing with Carlos. A wild wonderful night of passion and love and the morning after. Such a wonderful, memorable night. Oh, sweet memories.
But we did take the opportunity to celebrate in my apartment, and also in his penthouse on seven. Dinner together was part of the plan, followed by another wonderful night of making love. At Rangeman, the bonus of an Ella breakfast was great.
That was just over eight months ago. I must have sighed loudly with my reminiscences. Hal thoughtfully brought me a coffee.
"Are you okay, Steph?"
"Yes. Just savouring some sweet memories."
He grinned.
"Keep the faith, Steph. He will be back." I nodded and sipped my coffee as the search printed.
Two days later he was called for another mission. His body language as he emerged from his office was all I needed to know. I knew even before he told me, yet my spidey senses were calm. That was reassuring.
His eyes captured mine as he grabbed my hand, and we went upstairs, in the elevator, for a goodbye coupling, validating our promise to one another. Three hours later, Tank drove him to the air strip. He already had his game face on.
Yes, unbelievably, that was eight months ago. Now Grandma is in my apartment and I am living permanently at Rangeman, on the fourth floor. I feel safe. In that time, I passed all the required targets to become an official Rangeman team member.
I sighed as the next search was in motion. A tap on my cubicle brought me back to the present. Back to work.
"Ready to shoot some paper men?" Ram enticed me back to reality with that teaser.
Shooting a gun was now second nature, no more anxiety, but I still maintained my accuracy, shooting the targets in the critical areas. That bit of tightness in my gut was relieved momentarily while I worked with my Glock, a rifle, a SIG Sauer and cute pink pearl-handled Beretta. He winked at me with that little baby. For the rest, it was down to the serious routine as I worked successfully with each one. After the usual sweeping up of the casings he high-fived me. His gorgeous grin was huge. Ram loved his guns. He was excited with my persistence and determination to master a variety of weapons.
"Well done, Bomber. Good session." High praise from the sniper extraordinaire.
I was feeling edgy this morning. Well, not edgy as such, in an ominous way, but my instincts told me something was afoot. Back upstairs, I knocked on Tank's door.
As I walked in, I said, "I sense a shift in the universe."
"Ah. Little Girl. I was expecting you. I have news."
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