40I'm so surprised by how many people want this story to continue. I really only had the idea as a one-shot and I've spent a few days thinking of turning it into a chapter story. I'm sorry to say this will stay as a one-shot but I did decided to add a second part as Ranger's POV. It was funny in my head so I thought I'd share. Also it should clear up what Ranger was waiting to work out. Thanks for all the great reviews! You guys make me want to put all my Ranger fantasies on paper.
RPOV
"Too much fucking paperwork" I mumbled as I added another folder to my 'to do' pile. Tank was probably right when he said I should hire an assistant. Leaning forward I rubbed the bridge of my nose, trying to work out a headache.
Just as the pain in my head began to subside the alarm on my phone went off indicating a site break in. Glancing at the read-out I opened my office door and yelled to Cal at the monitors "Pull up the city pool."
Sure enough there was someone climbing the fence. I reached for my cell phone to dispatch a vehicle when something very familiar caught my eye. "Zoom in." Yep, that was definitely Lula. Trying to hide a smile I waved for Tank to join me. He and Lula had been 'dating' for a couple months now.
"Boss." He said. I pointed to the screen. "Oh shit." Was his response.
A small group began to form around the monitors as we watched Lula walk slowly around the perimeter of the pool. Then she stopped, placed her hands on her hips, and started yelling. "Do we have audio?" I asked.
"No." She began stomping her feet and flailing her arms. What I would give to hear what she was saying. Promptly she stopped, walked over to the fence and pulled a lone inner tube into the water. She stared at the tube for a couple minutes before finally turning around and setting herself into it and pulled herself along the edge of the pool.
I looked over at Tank, raising my eyebrow to ask what the fuck?
"No fucking clue."
"Okay, lets… " I stopped when she reached her starting point and attempted to get out of the tube. Hoping she was going to get out and leave I didn't finish my sentence suggesting we send a car out. However we all chuckled as she repeatedly fell back into the tube, no luck getting out of the pool.
On her last fall the momentum pushed her into the middle of the pool and a look of horror crossed her face. Reaching into her shirt she pulled out a phone and we all look at Tank, expecting his to ring.
When his phone stayed silent I sighed and headed back to my office to grab my stuff. Since she's my best friends girlfriend and Stephanie's friend I figured the least I could do was take care of this myself. No need for her to get arrested for getting stuck in a pool.
I heard a string of curses from my men and few laughs as I headed back to the monitor to grab Tank. "Is she still stuck?"
Silence.
Pushing Hal and Zero out of the way I froze. Stephanie was standing by the pool in her bra and underwear. Quickly I shut the monitor off and glared at all my men. "The only two people scheduled for monitor duty are Cal and Binkie. Everyone else get back to work!"
"You!" I pointed to Tank, Lester, and Bobby "with me. And you two," I turned to Cal and Binkie, "don't you fucking turn that camera back on until I call and tell you to. Got it?"
They both nodded as the four of us headed to the elevator.
Once in the explorer and on our way to the pool Lester broke the silence "Damn Ranger. If you don't figure this shit out with Bomber I might have to make a run at her." Knowing my cousin he was probably just trying to get a rise out of me, and it was working.
Stephanie had been broken up with Joe for 6 months now, working full time for Rangeman, and I hadn't made any moves towards her. When we slept together a few years ago I told her if Joe was out of her bed long enough she would find me in it. At the time I meant it, I still mean it. It's just that I thought Steph would work things out with the cop.
Instead I watched her go back and forth continually unhappy with his demands while I got more and more attached to her. Soon I was praying she would ends things with him so I wouldn't have to feel guilty for all the poaching I was doing.
What I didn't expect was that I would want more once things ended for good with Joe. Did I want to be in Stephanie's bed? Hell yes. I was tired of all the sexual tension and constant erections when she was around. But Stephanie wormed her way into my life, gaining her a number 1 spot in my heart and she deserved so much better than a fuck buddy.
I didn't want to put myself out there though if things weren't truly over with her and Joe. So, when she broke things off this last time, I placed a call to my commander and told him I wanted out of my contract. No more secret government jobs. I didn't need them nor did I really have time for them anymore. Rangeman was taking off and I wanted to spend more time with my company. Plus, this gave me 6 months to feel out where Steph was. If she was still done with Joe when my contract expired, I would make my move. If not, then I was going to open a new office in New York and relocate myself.
Friday is the end of my contract and I couldn't wait to get my notarized letter from the Army releasing me from all duties. I have big plans for Steph and I, she just doesn't know it yet.
We pulled into the lot and quickly unlocked the gate to the pool. It was pouring down rain and I could hear the girls shouting at each other as we approached the water.
"You idiot! You could have killed me!" Stephanie yelled to Lula, followed by a splash of water. I had to fight my instinct to just reach in and pull her out, but the sight before me made me smile.
The four of us stood, arms crossed, heads cocked to the side as Lula sputtered from the water that Steph threw on her and responded ""You were the one who fell on me!"
"I only fell on you because you pulled me in with you!" This lead to a water fight, both of them hitting water in the others direction. We stood and watched for a few minutes before deciding to break it up. No need for one of them to drown the other.
No sure of the best way to announce ourselves I decided to clear my throat. Instantly the water stilled and two sets of eyes turned to look our way.
"Ladies" I nodded to them, laughing on the inside as Stephanie's face turned bright red. She was so cute when she blushed.
Tank and I stepped forward and offered our hands to help them out. Pulling Stephanie close to me I wrapped my Rangeman jacket around her shivering body and lead her out of the gate towards her car.
"How did you know we were here?" She asked. I pointed to the cameras mounted on the fence and building. "Oh, right."
My guys were going to give her shit about this all week.
Once the girls drove off and the pool was re-secured we headed back to Hayward. It was hard for me not to go home with her but I had set a goal and I'm was sticking to it. No sooner than Friday and that letter is in my hand am I going to make my move.
Bobby broke my thoughts when he asked Tank "What was Lula doing?"
Tank just shook his head, "I guess trying to get over her fear of water. She thought if she got close to the pool it would help but when that didn't work she decided floating in it would."
We all started at Tank before busting out laughing. "Seriously man, your woman is crazy." Lester said slapping him on the back.
"Don't I know it," he responded before Lester turned to me.
"But man… if Stephanie has to save Lula every time she tries to get over her fear, I won't complain any." He winked at me in the rearview mirror. "Don't worry Ranger. I'll let you get to Friday, but come next Monday, if you haven't staked your claim," he shrugged, "all bets are off."
Fucker. I thought. How the hell did he know I was waiting until Friday?
"The ESP thing must run in the family man." Lester said smiling at me.
Shaking my head I couldn't help but smile. No backing out now Ranger, I thought, no way are you letting Lester put his hands on your woman.
My woman… I like how that sounds.