Ranger.
Part 9 of The Merry Man Series.
By: A. Cosentino
Ranger POVI opened my eyes slowly and blinked a few times. Steph was lying next to me, her hair spread out on the pillow, lips parted slightly. I smiled slightly at the beautiful sight before me. I don't know if I will ever get used to waking up next to her. God I hope not.
The past few months had been almost surreal. Every since I had finally broken down and taken her to 'The Batcave' we had fallen into a pattern. Steph still has her apartment. I don't know why, she's never there, but I think that it has something to do with keeping her independence. I don't know how else to show her that I want nothing more than that myself. I don't want Steph to change. I love her the way that she is. Seems to me that Morelli did more damage than I thought. She's gun shy. I guess that I can't really blame her for that.
Steph moaned in her sleep and curled up closer to me, her lips almost touching my neck. I pulled her closer to me, breathing in her intoxicating scent. I would have never thought this would have ever happened a few months ago. My mind was still reeling over how it had all came about. I would have never thought that she would have fit into my life as well as she did. It shouldn't be a surprise though she was already rooted in my life, even though I didn't realize it at the time.
I tucked a curl behind her ear and kissed her on the forehead lightly. I slowly disentangled her limbs from mine and rolled out of the bed. Steph had come home very early this morning. She had gone out for Courtney's bachlorette party last night, and didn't make it home until a little after 7. I was beginning to get worried about her, but I knew that when those ladies got together, it would be a long night.
I had just gotten back from my run when she came dragging in. Somehow, I had ended up back in bed with her. Don't ask me how it happens it just always seems to. Steph had been dressed to kill last night. Shit, even hung over this morning she was by far the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. And she's mine, I thought with a smile as I headed to the shower.
I showered and walked back into the bedroom. Steph was still dead to the world. I quickly dressed and headed down to the 5th floor. I stepped off of the elevator and into the control room. I overheard Ram talking to Junior and stopped to listen.
"Man you should have fucking seen it. I ain't never seen that many hotties together in one spot that I didn't have to shove money in their G-strings. Damn we should make a 'Women of RangeMan' calendar. Look I'll pull up the surveillance tape," Ram said.
I frowned at the thought of the guys looking my Steph that way, and I knew that Santos, Brown and Tank would probably feel the same way. Well I really couldn't blame them. The ladies had looked pretty damn hot last night. I looked up and saw Tank walking towards me. I motioned him to be quiet and come over. Tank looked at me confused and walked over slowly. I nodded my head in the direction of Ram and Junior.
"Shit," Junior whistled. "Damn that Marisa is a fine piece of ass."
I looked up at Tank and saw his eyes narrow. At that moment we decided to step around the corner. "Whatcha lookin' at boys?" Tank asked in a booming voice. Both Ram and Junior turned and stared up at us with a deer in the headlight look.
"Uh, nothing," Ram said and hit the Esc. Key. I looked at him and raised an eyebrow.
"Careful. Santos hears that shit and I won't be the one to stop him," Tank said with a grin.
"Uh," Junior said.
"Don't think the girls would go for a Ladies of RangeMan calendar," I said in a low voice. I watched as the color drained from both of their faces. I kept my blank mask firmly in place even though I was laughing inside. "Ram, I want you on the Carson case tonight," I said watching his reaction. It was a shit case with bullshit surveillance, but I thought he deserved it.
Ram looked at me and nodded. I glanced at Tank and walked away. Tank followed me to my office and shut the door behind him. Both of us started laughing as soon as it was shut.
"I'll take the video down. Christ they won't get any work done if they are just staring at our women all day," Tank said with a loud laugh. I shook my head and sat down at my desk.
"How was Court this morning?" I asked, shuffling some files on my desk.
"It wasn't pretty man," Tank said with a slight grin. "When I left this morning she was praying to the porcelain gods."
"That bad?"
"Yeah," he said sitting down across from me. "I'm telling you man, this wedding shit is so fucking stupid. Court's Mom is driving me crazy."
"When is Mama coming up?" I asked glancing over at Tank.
Tank groaned and slouched in his chair. "Next week. She's coming early to help out. I'm thinking I'm gonna be spending a lot of time at RangeMan. Man, my Mama and Court's Mom under the same roof?" Tank ran his hands over his face in frustration. "They'll kill me."
I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting Courtney's parents, but I knew Tank's Mama well. From what I had heard, sparks were going to fly. Mama is not someone that you want to tangle with. She is a very proud, slightly overbearing woman with a heart of gold. She has always accepted me into her home and I came to look at her like a second mother, even if she did spank me at the age of 19.
"It'll be over before you know it," I said handing Tank a file. "I picked this one up yesterday."
Tank glanced over the file quickly. "Fucking Sanders again? Shit," he grumbled.
We've dealt with Carmine Sanders before. He's a pimp and a pusher and got his finger's into a little of everything. Other than that, he's a total fucking psycho. He had a record a mile long, but this time, looks like he got a little to rough with one of his girls, landing her in the hospital. When the cops picked him up he was carrying and was in possession of enough Heroin that he was going away for a long time.
"Last time we had to pick up that little bastard he bit me," Tank grumbled as he stood up.
"We'll do some recon after lunch. Put our ears to the ground and see if we turn anything up on him. This is his third strike, he isn't going to be easy to find," I said booting up my computer.
"Sounds like a plan. You want Hal and Cal on the Simpson file?" Tank asked.
"Sounds good," I nodded. Tank opened the door to exit and Cayden, Santos' son came bounding through, Santos' following.
"Hey little man. Gimme five." Cayden slapped his hand against Tank's and grinned up at him. "Alright," Tank said smiling down at him. "What are you doing here?"
"I had to get Cade out of the house for a little while. Give Marisa some time to sleep," Santos said strolling in. Cayden bounded over behind my desk and was looking up at me.
He was a mix of Marisa and Santos. He had Marisa's blonde hair and blue eyes, but had Santos' darker complexion. He was dressed in a pair of black cargos, and a Spiderman t-shirt. He whipped a plastic gun out of the back of his pants and pointed it at me.
"Say hello to my little friend," he said grinning.
"Cade, what did I tell you about that?" Santos' said from across the room.
"Christ Santos what have you been teaching this kid?" I asked smiling, holding up my hands in surrender.
"He got up before me this morning and was watching Scarface on HBO," Santos said shaking his head. He walked over and snatched Cade up, slinging him over his shoulder. Cayden burst into a fit of giggles. "Repeats everything he hears," Santos grinned, swatting him on the butt lightly and setting him down.
"Bet Marisa is thrilled about that," I said laughing.
"Yeah," Santos said shaking his head. Cayden ran over and jumped on Tank. Tank picked him up with one arm and swung him around the room. Cayden was screaming with laughter. "You want him?" Santos asked Tank.
"How 'bout that little man, you wanna come live with me?" Tank asked, hoisting him under his arm like a sack of potatoes.
"I live with Sophie," Cade said giggling.
"You'd give him back," Santos' said with a laugh. Tank pretended to drop Cayden causing him to squeal with laughter again. Tank sat him down on the ground.
"I'll see you later buddy," Tank said sticking out his massive fist. Cade bumped fists with him. Tank exited my office, closing the door behind him.
Santos took a seat in the chair across from my desk, while Cayden rolled around on the floor, pointing his toy gun at various objects. "Tank know about Friday?" he asked slouching down in the chair.
"I don't think he has a clue," I said sitting back in my chair. Santos and Brown had both worked hard to plan Tank's bachelor party. It was to be a surprise. I grinned as Cade crawled up into his Dad's lap.
"How's school Cade?" I asked leaning forward. He had just started pre-school and from what I had heard, he had been hell on wheels.
"School sucks," he said twirling his toy gun around his finger.
"Cade," Santos warned.
"It can't be that bad," I said with a chuckle.
"Yesterday I was in time out," he said with a pout.
"Tell Ranger why," Santos said fighting a grin. Cade shook his head no. "Fine, then I'm going to tell him why," he said.
"No," Cade said shaking his head. "Mommy says it's bad."
"It is bad. Cade told another kid he was a punk ass mofo," Santos said fighting a grin. I found myself holding back a burst of laughter too.
"Where did he hear that?" I asked.
"Marisa took him by Trenton PD the other day on the way home from school and she said that Lula was bringing in a skip, and she called him that. Like I said he repeats everything," Santos said with a sigh.
I shook my head and booted up my computer. "Gotta watch that," I said with a laugh.
"Daddy let's go find Hal," Cade said climbing down off of Santos' lap.
"Alright little man," he said standing. "I'll catch you later man," he said leading Cade out the door. Cade stopped and I glanced up at him. He straightened himself up and pointed the toy gun at me.
"Hasta la vista, baby," he said and then dashed after Santos. I roared with laughter, shaking my head. That kid is too much. I caught up on some paperwork until almost noon. I glanced at my watch and decided to head upstairs and check on Steph.
I entered the 7th floor apartment and glanced over into the living room. Steph was curled up on the sofa sipping a giant coke and scarfing down greasy French fries. She looked over and saw me and grinned.
"God I love Ella," she said toasting me with the coke cup. I sat down next to her on the sofa.
"Feeling better I see."
"Much," she said taking a long slurp off of her coke and setting it on the coffee table.
"What are your plans for today?" I asked sliding my arm around her shoulders. Steph automatically curled up closer to me.
"This is looking pretty good," she said with a yawn. "I do need to go shopping. I need a dress for Tank's wedding. Does Tank know about Friday night?"
"I don't think that he has a clue. Everyone has kept it under wraps," I said smoothing her hair.
"What's the plan?" she asked sitting up.
"I don't know for sure. Santos and Brown have taken care of that."
"God knowing those two it could be anything. I'm sure there will be nudity involved," she said with an exaggerated eye roll.
"Hard to say. Wanna tell me about last night?" I asked teasingly.
"Do you really want to know?" she said laughing.
"Probably not."
"Yeah you probably don't," she said with a laugh. "I'll tell you this though, Courtney was out of control."
"Not a surprise," I mumbled.
"So what's up with you today?" she asked looking up at me.
"Tank and I are going to do a little hunting," I said with a grin.
"That's always fun," she said getting up off the sofa.
"I thought that we could have lunch together. I didn't realize you had Ella smuggle you in some McDonalds," I said with a grin looking up at her. Steph stretched and the little t-shirt she was wearing rode up, exposing her smooth stomach.
"Yeah well, desperate times," she said with a laugh. "I'm gonna grab a shower and meet up with Lula."
I gave her a wolf like grin and stood up pulling her close to me. "You need help?" I asked leaning down and nuzzling her neck, kissing it lightly. Steph let out a low moan and leaned against me wrapping her arms around my shoulders.
"As promising as that sounds I need a rain check," she said in a disappointed tone. I pulled away and smiled down at her.
"Babe."
"No really, I promised Lula that I would meet her about 1. I really need to get a move on." I sighed and released her from my grasp. "But later," she said throwing me a saucy smile and heading into the bedroom.
I smiled and shook my head. How silly of me to think that I could distract her from shopping, I thought with a chuckle. When it comes to a sale at Macy's she has a one track mind. I walked into the kitchen and grabbed a granola bar. I heard the shower switch on in the bathroom and for an instant I thought about helping Steph out anyway. Lula would understand if she was late.
Instead I grabbed a bottle of water and had seat at the bar. I glanced at my watch and grabbed my cell phone. I rang Tank and told him to meet me in the garage in 20. I snapped the phone shut and finished my granola bar. I heard the shower click off a few moments later and I strolled into the bedroom.
Steph came walking out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, her hair-dripping wet. She smiled at me and quickly dried her hair. "Who are you guys hunting for today?" she asked as she walked over to the closet and pulled a pair of jeans.
I kicked back on the bed and watched her pull on a pair of black panties and a matching bra. "Carmine Sanders. He's a real piece of work," I said watching her intently.
I felt my groin stir watching her and glanced away. I was so glad to see that Steph had finally gotten over her shyness around me. For a long time she wouldn't get dressed in front of me. I thought is strange that she would be so conscious of her body, to me she is beautiful in every way possible.
"Ugh, Sanders," Steph said pulling on her jeans and grabbing a RangeMan fleece. "Isn't that the guy that bit Tank last time?" she asked walking back into the bathroom.
"Yeah that would be him," I said standing up off the bed.
"Well good luck with that," she said brushing out her hair. I reached out and grabbed her waist, pulling her back against me. I leaned down and kissed her on the neck and grinned. She smelled like Bulgari. Why she insisted on using my shower gel I will never know, but I kind of liked the fact that she did.
"Have fun shopping," I mumbled against her neck. Steph turned in my arms and leaned up, kissing me lightly. I grasped her face in my hands, and brushed my thumbs across her smooth cheeks. I deepened the kiss stroking my tongue inside of her mouth. Steph made a whimpering noise and leaned against me, clutching my shoulders. I broke the kiss and smiled down at her. She had a dazed look on her face. "I'll see you tonight," I said.
Steph didn't say anything for a moment. She just stared out into space. "Earth to babe," I chuckled. Steph blinked and a blush instantly rushed upon her cheeks. She looked so damn cute when she did that. "Hey you were the one that insisted that meeting Lula was more important," I said grinning.
Steph frowned up at me. "Ass," she said laughing. I leaned down and gave her a quick peck and walked out of the bathroom.
I met up with Tank in the garage a few moments later and we headed off to look for Sanders. We loaded up into the Expedition and headed over toward Comstock. The address we had for Sanders was in a shit hole apartment complex. Tank and I parked just down the street.
"Man I just want this asshole to show. The less time I spend on his sorry ass the better," Tank grumbled from the driver's seat. I glanced over at him. Tank never complains and this is a new one on me.
"What are you so wound up for?" I asked.
"Bullshit wedding stuff man. Court's damn Mom has called me three times today. Do I look like I give a shit what color the napkins are? We could use fucking paper towels for all I care," he said shaking his head.
I tried to smother the laugh threatening to come out as I watched my friend anguish over this. "Have you talked to Court about this?"
Tank sighed and sat back in the seat, running his hands over his baldhead. "I tried to call her earlier, but she is still asleep I guess. She isn't answering her phone, which is why her Mom keeps calling me. How shitty is that?"
"Pretty shitty," I agreed.
In all the years that I have known Tank I have hardly ever seen him stressed out. I didn't envy him at all right now. This wedding shit was turning into a fiasco. He had asked me to be his best man a couple of weeks ago, and I of course agreed. I never thought that this would happen. I mean Tank and I are so much alike and I guess I just assumed that he would never get married.
When he told me that he asked her, to say I was shocked was an understatement. I like Courtney. She's a great woman. I never in a million years ever expected him to end up with someone like her. Tank's tastes always ran toward the Lula type, and to see him with this little 5'6" blonde was shocking. But I could tell by the way he looks at her that he loves her.
We sat on Sanders apartment complex for about an hour, both of us lost in our own thoughts.
"You have got to be fucking kidding me," Tank said sitting forward in the seat glaring down the street.
I followed his glare and saw a little silver Audi TT Quattro driving slowly down the street. "That's not her," I said.
"The fuck it isn't. Look at the plates," Tank growled. I looked more closely noticing the blue and white Connecticut plates.
"What in the fuck is she doing over here?" I asked.
"I don't know but I'm going to find out," Tank growled whipping out his cell phone. Tank put the phone to his ear and sat there seething. "What in the hell are you doing on Comstock?" he yelled into the phone. He sighed and sat back. "Honey there is no florist on Comstock. You have the wrong address." Pause. "Yes I am just down the street." Pause. "Baby no," he said and clicked the phone shut.
I watched as Courtney parked and got out of her car. "Guess it's safe to say that our cover is blown," Tank groaned.
She stuck out like a sore thumb down here wearing a little pink tank top and white Capri pants. Her long hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she was wearing little high-heeled sandals. Courtney bounded up to the Expedition smiling brightly and pecked on the window waving at us. I covered my smile with my hand as Tank rolled down the window. "Climb in the back," he said.
"Why?" she asked.
"Just get in the back Court," he pleaded. Courtney hopped up into the back seat. "Honey this is a really bad area. You shouldn't be here," he sighed.
"I figured that out when I got down here. I swear this is the address I got. Oh hi Ranger," she said happily. I nodded in her direction. "I have to get the flowers taken care of. Why in the world are you guys just sitting here?" she asked puzzled.
"Surveillance," Tank grumbled.
"Oh so you are looking for some one? Who? Is he a really bad guy? Does he live around here? How long have you been sitting here? Have you seen him yet?" she asked leaning up between the seats. I fought another smile as I watch Tank actually roll his eyes.
"Court you shouldn't be here. Something really bad could happen to you. I want you to get into your car and go home," Tank explained patiently.
"I can't just go home. I have all of this stuff to take care of. Did Mom call you? Have you made a decision on the napkins?"
I watched as Tank fought for patience. "I don't care about the napkins," he said slowly.
"What do you mean you don't care?" she huffed and poked Tank on the shoulder. Tank took a deep breath and glanced over at me. I looked out the window silently shaking with laughter.
"Listen honey it's not that I don't care, it's just that this is more of your thing. The only important part of all of this is that I'm marrying you," he said quietly. I glanced back over at him and Tank glared at me, daring me to say a word.
"Of course that is the most important part. I just thought that you would want to be involved in the planning of this thing. I'm trying really hard to include you here. It's your wedding too," Court said.
"That's ok baby. You can do whatever you would like and I won't mind. You have better taste in this sort of thing than I do," he said quietly.
"Fine. I will take care of it, but don't be pissed off when we have pink napkins," she spat. "My battery died on my PDA, can you look up the damn florist for me from in here?" she asked.
"What is the name of it?" he asked opening the laptop.
"Mozzacato's florist I think," she said digging in her purse.
"That's over on Carlson Street," I answered.
"Carlson? Oh," she said.
"It's just down the street from Pino's baby. In the Burg," Tank answered.
"Oh that pizza place? Ooops, guess I am a little lost then," she said.
"Can you get back?" he asked.
"Yes that is why I have GPS," she said sticking out her tongue at him.
"So did you have a good time last night Courtney?" I asked.
Courtney let out a full laugh. "It was awesome. I was feeling pretty crappy this morning, but it was worth it. There were these strippers, and oh man they…"
"Don't you need to get to the florist?" Tank asked cutting her off.
"Jealous baby? Don't be. None of them were as fine as you," she said flashing me a smile and leaning forward kissing Tank. "I see you tonight sweetie. We can talk about what you want to do about the tuxes. See ya later Ranger," she said grabbing her purse and hopping out. Tank and I watched as she waltzed back to her car and pulled away.
"If you say a word to anyone I will tell everyone that you and Vinnie shared that duck," he said casting me a look. I burst out laughing.
"You're a sick fuck," I said chuckling. "Fine I won't tell anyone just how whipped you are."
"Huh, look who's talking," he grumbled.
"I am not whipped."
"Hey whatever you say. Happens to the best of us," he said grinning, settling back into the seat.
"Not me," I said glancing over at him.
"Yeah, uh huh."
Neither of us said anything for a long while, both of us lost in our own thoughts. Me whipped? I don't think so, I thought shaking my head. We sat on Sanders for another two hours and still nothing. I glanced down at my watch.
"Let's wrap this up. I'll put someone on him tonight," I said.
Without saying a word Tank fired up the engine and pulled away from the curb. Neither of us said anything on the way, both lost in our own thoughts. We pulled on to Haywood when a thought struck me.
"Pink napkins?" I asked teasingly.
"I wasn't fucking around man. Remember the duck," Tank warned as he pulled into the RangeMan garage. He parked and we hopped out walking toward the elevator. We hopped in and Tank hit the 5th floor.
"Pink?" I said looking over at him grinning.
"Just wait until you get married. You'll see," he said looking at me.
"Not gonna happen."
"Yeah," he smirked as the elevator doors opened. I heard laughter coming from the rec. room and I glanced over at Tank. We both rolled in. I couldn't help but grin at the site.
Lester, Cayden, Hal, Bobby and his little girl Cassie were sitting around the table. Playing poker. Cassie was standing on the chair raking the chips towards her.
"She's a little card shark," Hal said sitting back.
"Ok one more hand then we're done," Bobby said.
"You sure Daddy? You only owe me 50 so far," Cassie said grinning. She was a beautiful little girl with Elle's dark hair, green eyes, and olive complexion, but her features were just like Bobby's. She was wearing a little pink sundress and her dark hair was falling in curls around her. She was just a little younger than Cayden, and it seemed surreal that they were four years old already.
"What in the hell are you teaching these kids?" Tank asked. Cassie's face lit up and she stumbled down out of the chair, rushing towards Tank.
"Did I miss the memo? Is it bring your kid to work day?" I asked looking over at Brown. He shrugged.
"Sorry man but Elle is wiped out. I took Cassie to the park and decided to stop by here," he said.
Tank reached down and picked Cassie up tossing her in the air. She squealed with delight, and Tank cradled her in his arms. "How are you baby girl? Don't you look pretty today," he said straightening her little dress. Cassie giggled.
"You look pretty too," she beamed up at him. Everyone cracked up laughing.
"That's a first," Tank said. Cassie reached out to me and I took her from Tank. She wrapped her little arms around my neck hugging me.
"You been catchin' bad guys?" she asked me with her green eyes wide.
"Not today sweetie," I said.
"Wanna play?" she said squirming out of my arms. I sat her down and she ran back over to the table.
"I think I'll pass," I said watching her scamper back and climb up into the seat.
"I'm going to check in with Ram and Junior," Tank said nodding to me and leaving the room.
"We all set for Friday?" Hal asked.
"Yep, good to go," Bobby answered standing. "I'll let you guys know all the details later. Come on baby girl," he said motioning toward Cassie.
"But Daddy I want to stay and play," she said sticking her bottom lip out. I watched as Bobby crumbled. That little girl has him wrapped around her little finger.
"We'll play when we get home, ok baby? It's almost time to wake Mommy up anyway," he said gently. Cassie shrugged and hopped down from her chair.
"Don't forget you owe me 20 Cade," she said grinning at Cayden.
"I'm good for it baby," he said sticking his tongue out at her. Cassie returned the gesture and Bobby swooped her up. She waved bye to everyone.
"I'll see you guys later," Bobby said leaving the rec. room.
"We gotta get movin' too little man," Santos said standing. Cayden jumped out of the chair following his Dad.
"Bye Hal, bye Ranger," he called following Santos.
"Bye Cade," I said grinning down at him. He was so grown up at four it was scary.
"I'm outta here too," Hal said standing. "I have to meet Amy in a little while," he said grinning at me. I nodded to him and walked back into the control room. All seemed to be running smoothly, I glanced at my watch and saw that it was almost 5pm and I decided to call it a day.
"Yo," I said sticking my head into Tank's office. "I'll be on the 7th."
"I just got off the phone with Mama," he said groaning sitting back his chair.
"Oh yeah?"
"She'll be here Saturday. A whole four days early," he said running his hands over his baldhead. Watching the frustration appear on my friends face made me doubly glad that I wasn't in his position. I knew that Tank would certainly be happy to get out Friday night.
"It'll be fine," I said with a grin. "Later," I called and headed to the elevator. My thoughts turned to Steph. Wonder if she went by Victoria's Secret? Now that could be fun, I thought with a chuckle as I hit the button for the 7th floor.
Steph POV Smut Warning"Lula I can't wear that to the wedding," I said shaking my head at the little red slutty dress she was holding up.
"Huh, I don't see why not. This dress was made for your skinny white ass," she said looking at it.
"I'm thinking something a little more conservative," I said digging through the rack of dresses.
"See that's your problem, you need to think color," she said pulling out a neon green strapless dress. "Now THIS is what I am talking about," she said looking at the dress. I had to fight a grin. Of course that would be something she would pick.
"What are you wearing anyway?" I asked.
I had been a little surprised that Lula was even going to the wedding, considering her past with Tank. But Lula seemed to have moved right along. The first night that we found out about Courtney, I went to her apartment loaded for bear with Chunky Monkey and two-dozen doughnuts. She had surprised us all though by declaring that she hoped they were happy together.
She is a better woman than I am. When I heard that Joe was seeing someone, for a split second I had wished horrible things on both of them. But then I remembered that I have Ranger. Well as much as anyone can have Ranger, and the feeling passed.
"Don't you worry 'bout what I'm gonna be wearing. I always look good. Now what about this one?" she said holding up a deep charcoal gray satin dress, that shimmered when the fabric moved. It had spaghetti straps and hit just above the knee. It was flowy and feminine, and a damn cute dress. "Now this is classy," she said handing me the dress.
"Yeah this could work," I said taking the dress from her. I headed off to the dressing room and changed into the dress. I came out and Lula gasped.
"Damn girl, would you look at you? Batman won't know what to do when he sees you in that!" she said eyeing me approvingly. I twirled in the mirror and watched the fabric shimmer.
"Yep, this is the one," I said walking back into the dressing room. I changed and we headed off to the shoe department. After dropping almost $250 on the dress and another $115 on the 'perfect' shoes, I decided I was wiped out.
"Oh girl you KNOW you gonna need somethin' to wear under that now. Don't be frontin' we gotta head in here," she said pulling me into Victoria's Secret.
I thought about arguing, but who am I kidding. It doesn't hurt to look right?
An hour later and another $150 we exited. My Visa was crying from my purse, but with what I had in the little pink bag, I thought it was worth it. Lula and I loaded our purchases into the Cayenne that I was borrowing from Ranger, since my little CRV went off to car heaven.
"I could get used to this," Lula said sliding into the cushy leather seat. "And what does something like this cost you?" she asked raising her eyebrow at me.
"I don't kiss and tell."
"Huh, yeah keep it all to your self, I see how it is," she huffed. I laughed and put the Cayenne into gear and pulled out. I dropped Lula off at her apartment and headed back to RangeMan. It was almost 6 and I was hoping that Ranger would be home.
I pulled into the garage and headed up to the 7th floor, and fumbled with my bags trying to get the key into the slot. I finally got the door open and stumbled into the foyer. I looked over and saw Ranger sitting on the sofa, looking good enough to eat, as if he doesn't always look that way. He was wearing a black pair of basketball shorts and a black t-shirt, feet bare. His long tan legs were propped up on the coffee table, and he flashed me a panty-soaking smile.
"Hi," I said dropping my bags and purse. Ranger flipped off the TV and walked over to me. He glanced down at the little pink bag and raised his eyebrow.
"You get something for me?" he asked picking up the bag and holding it on his finger.
"Maybe," I said stepping toward him and leaning up, kissing him lightly. In the past few months we had fallen into sort of a pattern. I saw Ranger everyday, and usually stayed here every night. I was amazed at the effect that he had on me. His dark eyes looked down at me and I felt a zing rush through my body.
Ranger opened the bag to peek inside. I pulled it off of his finger and grinned. "Impatient?" I said teasingly. Ranger growled low in his throat and pulled me flush against his hard body.
"You could say that," he said just before his lips met mine. It was a devastating kiss that turned my insides to mush. My body was tingling from the contact with his, and when his tongue stroked inside of my mouth, I forgot to breathe. Ranger broke the kiss and looked down at me. I could feel a flush spread across my cheeks and he grinned. "So you gonna show me what you bought?" he asked teasingly.
"I can do that," I said and dashed toward the bedroom. Ranger followed laughing. "I'll just be a moment," I called over my shoulder as I slipped into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me.
I pulled my purchase out of the little bag. There was no denying it. I had bought this with Ranger in mind. It was a little floral halter baby doll, black with deep red flowers and a hook behind the neck. It was open from just below the breasts down and a matching little thong. I slipped it on and took a good look at myself in the mirror, flipping my hair over my shoulders. Not bad, I thought turning around.
I opened the bathroom door and stepped into the bedroom. Ranger was standing over by the bed, shirt off, and I felt my stomach do a little flip-flop when he looked at me. His dark eyes swept over me and I felt a little shiver slip down my spine as I saw the almost primal look in them. I felt my nipples harden and strain against the fabric as he swept his eyes back up me.
I did a little twirl. "You like?" I asked with a little smile. Ranger didn't say anything but the wolf like grin that he gave me spoke volumes. He took three long steps towards me and slipped his arms around my waist, pulling me flush against his hard body. "I'll take that as a yes," I whispered when Ranger's lips were just a breath away from mine.
When his lips touched mine, slowly at first, I felt my whole body strain to get closer to him. He slid his hands down over my butt and pulled me tight against him. I could feel his rock hard erection pressing against my stomach, and I leaned up on my tiptoes to wrap my arms around his strong broad shoulders. I heard a moan escape from me as Ranger broke the kiss and placed hot kisses down my neck, stopping to bite down lightly on the pulse point.
Ranger slid his tongue across the top of my breasts that were straining out of the nightgown, causing me to break out into gooseflesh. I whimpered and threw my head back; Ranger slipped his hand up and threaded it through my hair pulling it tight. I gasped as he bit down lightly on my hard nipple, sending a wave of desire shooting through me.
I raked my nails up his back, cradling his head closer to my breast. Ranger slipped his arm under my ass and lifted me; his hand still pulling my hair tight, and carried me over toward the bed. He sat me down on the bed and took a step back, his gaze raking over me. I had always felt self-conscious about my body, but he had a way of looking at me that made me feel beautiful.
He knelt before me, placing hot kisses up the inside of my calf and up to the inside of my thigh. My breath caught in my throat when I felt his hot breath against the thin satin of my thong. I felt his strong hands move under me and grasp the small band of my panties, and he began to tug them down slowly and cast them aside. He placed feather light kisses on my hipbone. My body was on fire and screaming for release. My breath was coming in short gasps as I looked down across my heaving chest and my eyes met his dark chocolate ones.
When his tongue brushed across my core I exploded instantly, my hips arching off the bed and my hands grasping the sheets. Ranger didn't let up and slid two fingers inside of me. Within moments I felt myself begin to spiral out of control again.
"Ranger, please," I whimpered all the while pressing closer to his mouth. He pulled away and quickly discarded his shorts. I let my eyes roam over his perfect body, taking in the rippling muscles under the smooth mocha-latte skin, the perfect ridges of his 8-pack abs, hard well defined thighs and his record breaking erection standing proudly. My eyes swept back up and met his as he moved over top of me, placing hot kisses and nips up my stomach.
He kissed up my neck and traced the shell of my ear with his tongue. He slid the top of my nightgown down and tweaked my rock hard nipples, sending another jolt through me.
"Ranger I want you inside of me," I whimpered. I heard him chuckle against my ear.
"You know what I want babe? I want to bury myself inside of you and fuck you until you scream my name. Not Ranger but Carlos. I want to feel you come again and again, screaming my name the whole time."
His words sent me into a frenzy and I felt my own wetness dampen the inside of my thighs. I wrapped my legs around his waist and could feel him pressing against my slick opening. I ground against him, willing him to do exactly what he had just said to me. Ranger pulled back and took his cock into his hand guiding it inside of me, inch by glorious inch.
With one swift thrust he was buried to the hilt inside of me and the sensations sent a shockwave through me. I had never wanted someone the way that I wanted him, and doubted that I ever would again. I clung to him, capturing his lips with mine, pulling his lower lip in between my teeth and sucking. He began to rock his hips, slowly but deliberately before increasing the speed; pulling almost all the way out and then thrusting back in hard.
I felt the mother of all orgasms building inside of me. In one quick motion Ranger rolled over so that I was on top of him. I sat back taking him fully inside of me. He leaned up and latched onto one of my nipples, sucking hard. The sharpness of pain and pleasure mixed together was almost too much to handle, and I heard myself cry out again.
"Say it babe. I want to hear you scream it when you come," he whispered in my ear before pulling my earlobe into his mouth and sucking. He thrust up into me hard pushing me closer to the edge. He lay back on the bed and I rocked my hips hard against him. I looked down into this dark eyes and the lust that I saw sent me soaring. With a hard thrust of his hips I exploded.
"CARLOS!" I screamed as the orgasm washed over me. Before it could end he clamped onto my nipple again and brushed his thumb across my clit, causing a whole new set of sensations to course though me, and I screamed his name again as yet another orgasm swept through me.
"Fuck Steph," I heard Ranger groan roughly as he found his release and shuddered under me. I collapsed on top of him, unable to move. Every nerve ending in my body was humming and throbbing. I felt Ranger slip his hands up my back, stroking gently. I slowly slid off of him, curling up and laying my head into the crook of his arm. I felt sated, exhausted and completely content.
Ranger turned to face me still stroking my back. I began to feel drowsy and stifled a yawn. Ranger unclasped the little nightgown at the back of my neck and pulled it away, casting it aside.
"Cute outfit by the way," he said with a chuckle.
"Mmm, thanks," I mumbled curling up closer to him, taking in his warmth. "I thought you might like it." I felt Ranger's chest shake with laughter and I looked over at the clock next to the bed. I was shocked to realize that it was already after 7pm, and my stomach chose that moment to rumble.
"Uh oh, time to feed the beast," Ranger said kissing me lightly on the top of my head.
"What I can't help it that I like to eat," I said as he rolled off the bed. Ranger let out a full laugh and grabbed his shorts.
"Never said it was a bad thing babe. I'll call Ella," he said leaving the bedroom. I stretched and drug myself up out of bed and headed toward the bathroom.
After a long hot shower, I stepped out and wrapped myself in a towel. I quickly dried my hair and body, and slipped into a comfy pair of PJ pants and a t-shirt. I padded into the kitchen where Ranger was setting up glasses and utensils. A mouth-watering aroma filled the kitchen. Ranger glanced over at me and smiled, causing my heart to do a little pitter-patter. I don't think that I will ever get used to looking at him, or the effect that one of his glances has on me.
Ranger was still shirtless, wearing nothing but his shorts. He took a seat at the bar in the kitchen, filling my glass with wine. I sat across from him and looked down at the delicious food that Ella had made. Herb roasted chicken with rice. Yum.
"Ella remembered you too," Ranger said with a grin. He motioned over at a two large pieces of chocolate cake sitting on the bar.
"Gotta love Ella," I said taking a long sip of my wine and plowing into the food. Ranger and I ate and talked about current events. This is the Ranger that no one sees. Laid back, easy going, somewhat carefree. Underneath that though there is always an underlying factor. He was always ready to pounce if need be. Always ready for anything. I guess that is one of the reasons that I love him.
"Did you get a lead on Sanders?" I asked taking a long sip of my wine.
"We sat on his place for awhile, but he never showed up. We did have a visitor though," he said with a grin.
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, Court ended up down on Comstock, and pretty much blew our cover."
I threw back my head and laughed. Trying to picture preppy little Courtney down on Comstock was too much. "Bet that went over well. She is really stressing about this wedding stuff," I said standing and clearing my plate. I opened the fridge and pulled out a little carrot, and walked over dropping it into Rex's cage.
"Yeah Tank is too," Ranger said clearing his plate. He came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me back against him. I closed my eyes and smiled. Being with him like this almost seems like a dream. I would have never thought that I would have ever seen a slightly domesticated Ranger a few months ago. I was determined not to over think this too much. I had made the decision a long time ago that I would take whatever it was he had to offer. It would be enough.
He leaned down and kissed me lightly on the neck. "I have a few things to take care of. Shouldn't take long, babe." He said releasing me.
"I'm just going to veg and watch TV," I said following him into the living room. Ranger nodded and walked into his office. I collapsed on the sofa and flipped on the TV. I started watching some Lifetime movie and was out like a light before to long.
I awoke sometime later to Ranger lifting me off of the sofa. I opened my eyes and noticed that the apartment was dark. "How long was I sleeping?" I asked stifling a yawn.
"A while," he said carrying me into the bedroom. He sat me down next to the bed, and I slipped off my PJ pants and curled up under the covers. I felt Ranger slip in behind me and pull me against him. "Night babe," he said kissing me on the back of the neck.
"Night," I said quietly. I lay there for a while just enjoying the feel of him being so close, and thinking how lucky I am to have this man in my life. That was my last thought before I drifted off into a restful sleep.
Ranger POV
Saturday morning…….
I rolled over and looked at the clock on the bedside table. It was a little after 0800. My head was pounding and my mouth felt like it was full of sand. It was official. I had a hangover. I glanced across the bed noticing that Steph wasn't there. The bed felt empty without her, but I remembered that she had stayed at her apartment last night when I had gone out with the guys.
I rolled over and sat on the side of the bed, cradling my head in my hands. Damn, things had gotten out of hand last night. Brown and Santos had planned this thing to a T. We ended up in Atlantic City at several of the casinos, and eventually the strip club. Tank had been very surprised, but had a great time. I couldn't remember that last time that all of us had been together like that. It brought back some good memories.
I stumbled into the bathroom, rubbing my eyes. I switched on the shower and climbed inside. After the shower I felt somewhat human again. I quickly dressed and walked into the kitchen. I looked into the living room to see Santos' sleeping figure on the sofa.
After brewing some coffee, I walked over and kicked his legs off of the sofa, laughing at how he jumped awake. After her got his bearings, he grumbled in protest and sat on the sofa.
"Asshole," he grumbled as he rubbed his eyes. I forgot that Santos had decided to sleep here last night. Good thing to, he was way to drunk to be driving anywhere.
"Sleep well princess?" I asked as I sat down in the chair. He looked at me with slightly blood shot eyes and groaned, sitting back on the sofa.
"How in the fuck are you not hung over?" he asked sitting forward. I shrugged. I didn't mention the four Advil I had taken earlier.
"Guess I can hold my liquor," I said with a grin and took a sip of coffee. "Unlike some people."
"Fuck you. You got more coffee," he said standing and walking toward the kitchen. He returned a few moments later and sat on the couch, pounding coffee and a bottled water. "That shit was crazy last night," he said running his hands through his hair.
"Yeah. Wonder how Tank is making out this morning?"
"He took the last apartment on the 4th, hence why I'm here," he said laughing. His cell phone began to chirp and I watched as he reached into his pocket, pulling his phone and red lace thong out. "What the hell?" he said looking at the thong. He glanced at the screen. "Hey sweetie," he answered.
I grinned and Lester threw the thong at me. I flicked it off of my chest where it had landed and listened to Lester on the phone. It amazed me how whipped Marisa had him. He had changed so much in the past few years. Lester was no longer the care free 'player' that I had always known him to be. Family life seemed to suit him. Knowing him the way I do, I have to admit that was a pretty scary thought.
He snapped his phone shut after saying he would be home shortly and took a long pull off of his bottled water.
"I just can't believe it," I said.
"What's that?"
"You. Mr. Family man," I said with a shake of my head. Lester looked at me and gave me a lopsided grin.
"I wouldn't have it any other way man," he said sitting back on the sofa.
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah. In the beginning I missed going out with you guys, chasing women and all of that. Things happened fast with Marisa and me. Maybe too fast. I wouldn't change a thing though."
I thought about what he said for a moment as I sipped my coffee. "Let me ask you this though? Don't you worry about them? Worry about what would happen to them if something went wrong?"
Lester looked at me and shrugged. "Of course I do. I worry that something will happen and I won't get to see Cade grow up. I have enough set aside to ensure that they would be taken care of if that were to happen. Marisa understands about my job. She accepts that. I'm a little more cautious than before. I don't do some of the stupid shit that I would have 5 years ago. Here's the thing though, before it was just me to think about. Now all of that has changed. I love Marisa more than I can tell you, and I love our son. I never thought that I would turn into Mr. Family Man, as you call it, but I have to tell you man, it's the best thing that ever happened to me."
Lester glanced at his watch and grimaced. "I gotta get a move on. Cade's got a soccer game" He stood and shot me a look. "Not one fucking word," he said with a grin.
I roared laughing at the thought of Santos standing on the sidelines of this kids soccer game, hung over and hiding behind his Oakley's. "Have a good time," I snorted. Santos flipped me a bird and gathered his stuff.
"Later," he said as he walked out the door.
I sat there for a long time and thought about the conversation that we had just had. I have always been so careful to keep people at arms length, for their safety. I let Steph in more than anyone. I know that Stephanie had come to the realization that what we have right now was it. As good as it gets. Here lately though I had been thinking a lot about our relationship. Did I want something permanent with Steph?
Permanent. That's a scary word. I knew that at some point it would be something that Steph would want. What would happen then? What if I can't risk her like that? What if I just can't do it? Could I really stomach seeing her with someone else?
No. I've done that before and it almost killed me.
I pushed the thought of commitment out of my head as my cell phone chirped. I glanced at the read out. Tank. I couldn't believe that he was even functioning this morning. I flipped open the phone.
"Yo."
"Yo, I need to talk to you," he said.
"Talk."
"I'm coming up," he said and disconnected. I snapped the phone shut and sat back in the chair. I had no idea what in the hell Tank could possibly need to talk about. Sounded important though. Within a few minutes I heard the door to my apartment open.
"There's coffee," I called, taking another sip of mine and flipping on the news. Tank settled on the sofa a few minutes later. I glanced over at him. He looked like shit. "What's up?" I asked watching him intently.
"Man, I'm getting married," he said in a panicked voice.
"Yeah."
"Christ! I'm getting married!" he said again, running his hands over his baldhead in frustration.
"What you don't want to?"
"I don't know," he answered sitting back on the sofa, rubbing his eyes.
I didn't say anything for a moment. I had never seen Tank like this before. We are a lot alike; rarely show any type of emotion, much less panic.
"I can have you on a plane to Mexico in a couple of hours," I offered. Tank looked at me and snorted.
"Like she wouldn't track me down," he said with a groan.
I thought about what Court would do if Tank jumped ship. It wouldn't be pretty. "Probably," I agreed.
"How in the fuck did I get into this situation?"
"Good question."
"You're not helping."
"I'm not Dr. Phil."
"No shit."
I sighed and drained my coffee cup. I wasn't really in the mood for this kind of shit, but the fact that Tank was sitting here freaking out, kind of bothered me. He is always so cool and calm. We've been in some shitty situations together. Situations where we thought that one of us wouldn't make it out alive. Never in all the years I have known him have I ever witnessed something like this.
"Relax," I said watching him closely. Tank took a deep breath and sat forward. "Do you not want to marry Courtney?"
"I don't know."
"Do you love her?"
"That's a stupid question. Yeah."
"Then what's the problem?"
"I don't know."
"If you don't know how am I supposed to help you?"
Tank groaned in frustration. "It's her mother."
"Her mother?"
"Yes."
"What about her?"
"She's driving me fucking crazy! All of this bullshit wedding crap! What the fuck?"
I fought the urge to laugh. "They just want to include you."
"I don't want to be included."
"Then tell her that."
"I don't think that would go over well."
"I can have you on a flight in a few hours," I said once again, surveying his reaction. I knew that all he was experiencing was pre-wedding jitters. "Or you could call the whole thing off. Explain it to Court. I'm sure that she would understand." Uh, yeah, I thought.
"She'd kill me."
"But if you are serious about not going through with it, isn't that the right thing to do?"
"Look who's talking?" Tank said with a smirk on his face.
"What does that mean?"
"Never mind," he said draining his coffee. "I love Courtney. Her mother is part of the deal I guess," he said with a sigh.
"Feel better?" I asked.
"Not really. I gotta go pick Mama up from the airport. Thanks for all your helpful advice," Tank said, sarcasm dripping from his voice.
"Anytime," I shrugged.
Tank stood and walked toward the door. "One fucking week," I heard him grumble.
"Mexico," I called over my shoulder.
"Don't forget 7pm tonight," he called. Shit the rehearsal dinner was tonight.
"Wouldn't miss that," I said with a laugh as I heard the door slam. I can't believe that Tank has his panties in that much of a wad, and I sure as hell didn't envy him one bit.
The rest of my day was pretty normal. Handled some shitty paperwork, went over a few files, the normal kind of thing. Steph called about 5pm and I was to pick her up at 6:30.
I wasn't really looking forward to this. This has never been my kind of thing, but it's for Tank. I dressed quickly, grabbed my keys and headed over to pick up Steph.
I arrived at her building at exactly 6:30 and took the stairs up. I let myself into her apartment and walked toward her bedroom where I could hear the radio playing. I leaned against the doorframe and watched her as she slipped on a pair of 4-inch black heels. She looked amazing. She was wearing a small black halter style dress that flared out slightly at the bottom.
She turned towards me and smiled. I returned her smile and walked into the room, leaning down to kiss her lightly. Steph wrapped her arms around my waist and pulled herself closer to me.
"I missed you last night," she said quietly. I smiled and kissed her hair. I had missed her too but didn't think that was something I should be admitting.
"You almost ready?" I asked stepping back and letting my gaze sweep up her long legs.
"Yep. I'll be out in a second."
I walked back into her living room and sat down on the sofa. I glanced around her small apartment. I don't now why she insists on keeping this place. She should just move in with me, I thought. Wait. That is one more step to permanence. Is that what you want? Thankfully Steph strolled into the room, wrapping a black silk wrap around her shoulders, allowing my mind to focus on her rather than the question at hand. I wanted to put that one off as long as possible.
I stood and placed my hand on the back of her neck, enjoying the feel of her silky skin against my palm. Steph locked up and we took the elevator downstairs. I couldn't stop looking at her. She was by far the most gorgeous woman that I had ever seen. She had that girl next-door kind of innocence, and she has a way of sucking someone in.
She looked up at me and smiled as I opened the door to the Mercedes. I slid behind the wheel and we were on our way. We chatted about our day and we arrived at the Trenton Marriott just a few minutes before 7. As we walked into the dining room, my eyes scanned the whole room. My gaze settled on Tank's Mama, chatting with Santos. She looked over and saw me, her whole face lighting up. She began to walk towards us.
"There is someone that I want you to meet," I said leaning down and whispering in Steph's ear. She looked up just as Mama pushed her way though a few RangeMan employees.
"Carlos Manoso, you better get your butt over here and give Mama a hug," she said holding out her arms. I smiled a full smile and hugged her. "Just let me look at you," she said holding me at arms length.
"How have you been Mama?" I asked.
"Fine just fine. You been a stayin' out of trouble," she asked looking up at me intently.
"Of course," I said giving her my best smile.
"Pshhh, I know you're a lying now," she said hugging me again. "Oh it's been to long!" she exclaimed, hugging me tighter.
"Mama there is someone that I would like for you to meet. This is Stephanie Plum," I said turning toward Steph. "Steph this is Evelyn Baxter, Tank's Mama."
Mama stepped forward and shook Steph's hand, her eye running over Steph. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Baxter," Steph said smiling.
"Oh you just call me Mama, everyone does. Now is this your girlfriend?" Mama asked turning towards me. I looked at her and blinked a few times. Mama always did get right to the point.
"Yes," I said glancing at Steph. Steph grinned at me and Mama turned her attention back to her.
"Oh well aren't you a pretty thing? So when are you two a getting married?" she asked wrapping her arm through Steph's and looking at me. Steph had a deer in the headlight look on her face.
"Well we haven't really discussed that," I said looking down at Mama.
"Hunh, well whatcha waitin' on? You ain't a getting any younger you know. It was nice to meet you Stephanie, I gotta get back over there and save Whit from Court's Mama. I'm a telling you that woman can talk a mile a minute and I think she's had a few drinks already. I'll be a seein' you later," she said patting Steph's arm. She leaned up and kissed me on the cheek and headed back over to where Tank was.
"Whit?" Steph asked looking up at me.
"Tank," I said grinning. "Short for Whitley." Steph suppressed a giggle and I slid my arm around her waist. "He's a little sensitive about it," I said with a chuckle and guided her over to our table.
The evening went well, without any major catastrophes. Everyone seemed to have a great time. I watched Bobby spin Elle around on the dance floor, and Tank hold Courtney close to him, whispering something in her ear to make her blush.
Lester and Marisa were dancing and Steph was dancing with Cayden. Steph threw her head back and laughed at something Cayden said. I was struck by the sight of her with a child. He could easily be hers, I thought. Ours. I said that I never wanted another child. But the though of a kid with Steph didn't bother me.
Then it hit me.
I want to marry her.
What the fuck? Where in the hell did that come from? This isn't how this is supposed to go, I thought. But there it was, bigger than life. I glanced over at Bobby and Elle then back to Lester and Marisa. They do it. Why can't I? I stared at her profile for a long moment, willing my heart to stop flip flopping in my chest. This wasn't going to be easy, but I knew that it was the one thing that I wanted more than anything in the world.
Steph handed Cayden off to Marisa and walked over to me. A look of concern slipped across her face. "Are you ok?" she asked laying her hand on my arm.
"I'm fine," I said. Stephanie flashed me a smile and slipped her hand into mine.
"Let's dance," she said smiling. I stood and followed her out onto the floor. As we danced I relished the feeling of her in my arms and it did nothing but reinforce the feeling building inside of me and I pulled her closer to me. I leaned down nuzzling the side of her neck and heard her sigh. I slid my hand down her back and placed it on her hip, squeezing lightly. Steph pressed herself closer to me.
"Are you about ready to leave?" she whispered in my ear. She pulled away and looked up at me, her blue eyes had turned a dark shade of sapphire and I felt myself go hard.
"I was ready hours ago," I growled and took her hand, pulling her behind me off of the dance floor. I quickly grabbed her purse and handed it to her, we said our goodbyes and headed out the door. I needed to get her home. Now.
After I had her loaded into the Mercedes I pulled out of the parking lot and began the drive home, a little faster than normal. I sailed through a yellow light and heard Steph giggle from beside me. I glanced over at her.
"In a hurry?" she said with a laugh. I grinned and slipped back into my zone. She doesn't know the half of it, I thought as I sailed through another yellow light. I glanced over at Steph who was looking out the window. This is gonna be good, I thought with a grin.
"STOP!" Steph yelled suddenly. I looked over at her. "There he is! That little snake! I've been chasing him for a week!" she exclaimed pointing out the window.
I sighed and eased the Mercedes over to the curb. Guess all of those nasty little thoughts would have to wait for a little while. "Babe, can't this wait?" I asked.
Steph was slipping off her shoes and pulling her cuffs out of her purse. "I'm sorry Ranger I have to get him. I only have until tomorrow. You gonna help me?" she asked hopping out of the car. I sighed, reached over and pulled a Glock out of the glove compartment, checked the clip and hopped out. Steph was already running down the street, and I had to jog to catch up with her.
The skip turned and caught sight of Steph and took off at a full run. Steph took off after him. "Shit, why do they always run?" I mumbled and chased after them. I watched the skip duck down an alley and Steph turn the corner behind him, stun gun drawn, cuffs dangling from her hand. "Babe, wait," I called but she didn't listen and took off after him.
When I reached the corner I heard a surprised yelp and a crash. My heart jumped into my throat. I turned the corner, gun drawn, and stopped dead. Steph was sitting on top of the skip struggling to get him cuffed. She was covered in garbage with something that looked distinctly like Chinese food stuck in her hair.
"Just look at my dress. I should just stun your ass for the fun of it," she yelled him as she latched the cuff onto his other wrist. She glanced up in my direction. "Nice of you to finally show up," she said.
I fought the grin threatening to appear and walked over. I helped her stand and hauled the skip up to his feet. "Tackle?" I asked grinning at Steph. She flashed me a dazzling smile and I jerked the skip towards the front of the alley. I pulled out my cell phone and dialed Zero, gave him our location and stood back to wait.
"Why do they never run from you?" Steph grumbled picking something off of her dress. I shrugged at looked over at the skip. He was just a kid, maybe 19 with a pimply face and grungy clothes. He looked at me with wide eyes.
"Apologize," I said looking at him. The kid swallowed hard and didn't say anything. "Do you know who I am?" I asked. The kid nodded and shivered. "Then apologize to Ms. Plum."
"Sorry," he mumbled.
"For?" I prompted. The kid looked up at me.
"For running."
I looked over at Steph and grinned. She gave me a patented eye roll. "Smart ass," she mumbled. Within a moment Zero pulled up and I helped him load the skip into the back of the Explorer. I gave Zero instructions to drop the body receipt in Steph's box at RangeMan and ushered her to the car.
"Guess the mood is kinda gone huh?" she asked as she picked a noodle out of her hair. I grinned and shrugged.
"I never thought I would ever be attracted to a woman with Lo Mein stuck in her hair," I said and put the car into gear. "Never a dull moment with you babe." I pulled onto Haywood and parked in the RangeMan garage. Steph jumped out of the car and stalked toward the elevator. I watched her as she walked, thinking about the decision I had come to earlier that night.
Was it the right thing? I doubt it. Was it what I really wanted? Yes. I think. Why does all of this shit have to be so complicated? Steph glanced at me as the elevator rose to the 7th floor.
"You keep staring at me. Is it that bad?" she asked pulling a piece of lettuce off on her dress. I grinned.
"Not that bad."
The elevator opened and I stepped out and opened my apartment door. Steph walked through dropping her shoes by the door and chucking her purse. "Well that was an exciting," she said with a small laugh. She turned and looked up at me. "Sorry I ruined tonight."
My gaze swept up her from head to toe. Her beautiful dress was smudged with dirt, lettuce and some other unidentifiable substance. She had several noodles stuck in her hair, and a smudge of something black on her cheek. Her right arm was scraped and oozing blood and a nice purplish bruise appearing on her left shoulder.
She was so stunning she took my breath.
I closed the gap between us and took her hand. She looked up at me, her bright blue eyes full of questions. I swallowed hard. My heart was pounding in my ears. "Marry me Stephanie," I blurted out before I lost my nerve.
Steph's jaw dropped and she began to hyperventilate. She pulled her hand from mine and took a step back.
"Babe, calm down," I said soothingly.
"What did you say?" she managed to stutter. I took a step closer to her.
"I love you babe. Marry me." I watched as it sunk in. My nerves were a wreak. What in the fuck am I doing?
"I…I…." She mumbled.
"Babe, breathe."
"I can't."
"Slow deep breaths."
"No, I can't."
"Sure you can. Breath in through your mouth and out your nose."
"No, I can't marry you," she said. Tears were burning in her eyes and she walked past me. I turned to watch her.
"What?"
"I'm sorry Ranger. I can't do it. I'm so sorry," she said picking up her shoes and purse.
"Babe wait," I said walking towards her. I placed my hand on her shoulder and felt her shivering. "Let's talk about this."
She looked up at me as a tear rolled down her cheek. "I can't talk about this. I need some time Ranger. I'm sorry. I need some time." She rushed out the front door, slamming it in the process. I stood unbelieving, willing myself to go after her. I couldn't though. I was rooted in place.
I had put myself out there, laid it on the line and this is what happens. I was mentally kicking myself in the ass. I should have known it was too much. I walked over to the window and watched my Cayenne pull out of the garage. I paced my apartment for a long time, trying to calm down. She needs space. I can do that. She needs time. I can do that too.
I finally settled in the office and booted up my computer. Work always helps me calm down. Without even realizing it I pulled up the RangeMan GPS and popped in the code for the Cayenne. It popped up on the screen and I ground my teeth.
Son of a bitch.
My Cayenne was parked at 136 Franklin.
Morelli's house.