AN: I know some will be disappointed but I struggle to write smut & would rather not write bad smut which is worse than none at all IMHO. I also think they should take it slow; it was 8 books before they had sex and how many more until they did it again?

Thanks everyone for the reviews. I know FF has been wonky

Chapter 9

Stephanie's POV

We took the stairs down to the parking lot, Ranger had his hand on my lower back, leading me to a black BMW 850 Ci. I slid inside and let out a soft moan at how luxurious the leather seats were. I buckled myself in as he shut the door. Ranger walked around the car with such grace. I was always amazed at how he moved.

I remember when Uncle Moe stole this car. I should've realized then how much I cared for Ranger. I was so scared he was killed when the cabin blew up. I'm not sure if Lula led them to the cabin but that wouldn't surprise me. I'd made a decision; I might befriend her but wouldn't partner with her this time around. She put my life at risk too many times. I'd also not allow her to use me for food and gossip.

Ranger shifted the car smoothly as we drove in silence to the diner. We pulled in and it was fairly busy, Jersey loves their diners. We walked in and saw the back booth was open. Ranger sat with his back to the wall. I knew I was safe, with him watching. His eyes were always alert.

The waitress came over to take our order. I had a Tuscano chicken wrap but light on the cheese and substitute the fries and coleslaw for a side salad. Ranger had broiled salmon with a side salad and steamed broccoli. We both ordered unsweetened iced tea.

After the waitress left, we talked about our childhood, getting to know each other. It was really nice and I learned more about Ranger during dinner than I had in the three years we had known each other on my first go around. He shared funny stories from his childhood and about living with his grandmother in Miami. I told him about growing up and how my mother had treated me differently than my sister.

After we finished eating, we went back to our apartment building. We saw a man in an orange Jeep Compass illuminated by his phone, I gasped when I saw his face.

"You know him?" Ranger asked.

"Yes, that's Morelli, my mother tried to plan my wedding to him last night. He's a cop with TPD," I said with a groan, "my mother must have told him where I live."

Ranger walked me in with his arm around my waist. It was nice and an unusual gesture from him. He invited me to watch a movie at his apartment seeing as I didn't have a TV. I was glad he wasn't scared off by Morelli being here. I know it was always an issue before but I think the way I acted contributed to it.

We found a movie neither of us had seen yet to rent, Mission Impossible: Fallout. It was good. I liked most of these movies. After that movie we turned on a Yankee game. We began to kiss, oh man was he a great kisser, and touched each other. We were interrupted when we heard the lock in the door snick. His roommate was back.

"I'm sorry Babe, Les is home. I don't want to move too fast but I feel so drawn to you. More than I have to any other woman. I want to get to know you and show you respect not a quick fuck on the couch," Ranger said.

I sighed, "I feel the same way. Plus, if I'm going to work for you, I don't want us to screw this up and have it impact our working relationship."

Les comes over and asks, "what are you kids up to," with a leer and raised eyebrows.

"I was just leaving," I said. "Thank you, Carlos, for dinner, I had a nice time. I'll contact an attorney to look at the contract."

He walked me to my door and gave me a sweet kiss goodnight. "Sleep well Babe."

I went into my room and looked out the window through the blinds and saw Morelli's jeep was gone. I got ready for bed and made a quick call to leave a voice mail for the manager to not allow Morelli to badge himself in without a warrant. I left a brief explanation that my mother was pushing for a wedding I didn't want. That done I quickly fell asleep with dreams of sweet kisses.

Ranger POV:

I went back to my apartment after walking Stephanie to her door. I wasn't sure why I wanted to take it slow but knowing she would work for me may have been part of it. I also think I'm a little scared of a relationship, I have enemies and still have a contract with the government.

"Hey primo. So, what's up with the hot LT?"

"We had dinner and watched a movie," I responded.

"Now I see why you warned me off. You could've said you wanted to bang her first," he joked.

I slammed him up against the wall, "you will show her respect. She will be your coworker and a co-owner of Rangeman, she's not some piece of ass you fuck and dump." I let go and turned my back to him while running my hand through my hair.

Lester gulped, "sorry man. You seem awfully serious about her. She seems cool and I hope it works out."

"I'm sorry Les. I can't explain the way I feel. Let's get some rest we have a full day tomorrow looking for skips and I have a meeting with the contractor to add a women's locker room and bathrooms," I said as I made my way to my bedroom.

Stephanie's POV – the next day

I awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. I quickly did my business, brushed my teeth and dressed in workout clothes. It was 0500 as I locked my door and heard my neighbors come out of their homes.

"Hey Steph, you want to come with us for a run," Hal asked.

"Sure, how far do ya'll run," I replied.

Cal answered for the group, "ten miles before coming back to hit the gym."

I smiled, "that works for me."

We made our way down the stairs and out of the building. As we left, we saw Morelli's Jeep in the lot. He was going to be persistent. When we returned, he was still sitting there. What an idiot, I mean that color stands out. We went to the gym, which had free towels and bottles of water in a fridge. We all downed some water and wiped sweat off our neck and face before hitting the machines.

After my workout I went upstairs to my apartment to shower. I looked out my window to see Morelli had left. After showering, I grabbed a bowl of yogurt, added some blueberries and granola to eat my breakfast. I went to my office and opened my laptop.

After connecting to my internet, I googled attorneys. I saw Richard Orr and moved past him and noticed Albert Kloughn I passed on him as well. I found a female contract lawyer outside the Burg, Skylar Tiburón. I didn't recognize her name so I figured I'd be safe hiring her. The last thing I needed was the details of the contract leaked all over the Burg.

It was still too early to call so I did some research online for additional household items and stores. I needed a plan for shopping with Mare. I was picking her up around 0830. I thought we could go to the Jersey Shore Outlets. They have a Le Creuset store and I wanted to look at the pans. We can also stop at Monmouth Mall where they have Boscov's and Macys. I needed another set of sheets and more towels.

At 0800 I went down to the office and met the office manager as she was unlocking the door. I waited for her to listen to the messages and she looked at me. I smiled, "yeah, I wanted to discuss my message in more detail."

She asked about Morelli. I explained my mother's obsession with marriage and dinner the other night. She voiced understanding, she grew up in the Burg and was a few years younger than me. She agreed to tell the other staff to not allow anyone in the apartments and ensure that if there was a police officer he was directed to the office. I thanked her and left to visit my bestie.