That was pretty good story! But ranger never told stephanie who was following her... I hope stephanie and joe get married and I hope ranger doesn't come between them.

Very intriguing chapter! I'm curious as to why Stephanie signed the papers so easily. A two year contract is quite a commitment. And I'm even more curious as to why Ranger was at the Tasty Pastry, following Stephanie in the first place! Why has Ranger been paying more attention to her lately? What caused him to tune in to her in the first place? Is this tied in to Hallie somehow? He says he doesn't know more but they will find out together. Can we believe him? Ranger silently examining every single breath Steph took and move of her hands would cause me to question his motives. I hope she keeps her wits about her when she meets up with him later!

Joe was really pissed about Ranger. I wonder what he knows about Ranger that causes such a reaction. But I was happy to see Stephanie disarm Joe's anger over the situation and turn things around. Handcuffs and Morelli - great combination! Looking forward to more!

I love the handcuffs. I would think that to be one of the highlights of being with a cop. That being said I am very intrigued by the late night visitor.

Stephanie sure signed that contract pretty quickly. She doesn't even seem shocked that Ranger knows so much about her. Oh, this is going to be good. Glad that Steph and Morelli made up for the time being. With Ranger in the mix, you never know what's going to happen. Can't wait for more!

Jessica :)

Why would you take a job and be tracked 24/7 by a man you don't even know? That's just crazy!
He didn't give her much information on who may be tailing her accept to tell her to come back at night? Mmmmm, seems she should be concerned why she would be expected back and how she'll explain having to meet Ranger to Joe?
Already no backbone so Ranger will continue to dictate...Darn!
Love how she talks to herself and convince herself it's alright to take the car, lol.
How does she even KNOW that everything is legitimate when she KNOWS nothing about Ranger or his business...I like Joe's attempt to look out for her but apparently it's not welcome.
To validate her own BAD decision she throws Tanya back in his face, wow what a fool.
I thought her comparison to her ex was unjustified after all he didn't invite TANYA over but Joe caring enough to allow her tears and words to play upon his sympathy is evident he really wants them to be together.
How entertaining of her to seduce Joe with the champagne and strip tease act, lol.

I'm sure with all the characters you have introduced that future chapters will afford more twists and tirades for both Joe and Stephanie.
I certainly am perked up awaiting updates.

Cheers,
Julie M

Whew! Just catching up on my reading, and got pretty excited to see this one come through. More than worth the wait, as always. Pretty darned worried over this deal with Ranger. He always adds a little something to the mix, doesn't he? He-he-he. I have faith in you though, Megan. You're going to take us all on an exciting adventure...of that I have no doubt!

Thank you for still taking time to keep up with all of these stories when I KNOW how full your plate is. Your writing is a gift that we are blessed to have you share with us.

Carol :-)

Something tells me Ranger is going to throw a wrench into the relationship as he always does. I know he has lots of fans but I just do not feel he is right for Steph. Let's hope that is in line for this story.

I am also concerned about there being no mention of who is following her. I am sure it has something to do with the exes and I am sure they are lurking somewhere waiting to cause havoc and mayhem. I also worry about the Tanya line. Who shows up at a colleagues house with champagne and flutes without some alterior motive. You are making me wonder at all of these turns.

Sounds like you have an over flowing plate with the holidays thrown in so do not worry about delays in posting. Yes we love it when you do, but fully understand your time is limited and then add in the holidays! Just don't just drop the story. There have been some great one out there that just stopped without an end and I would hate to see that happen to this one as it is so great. I look forward to the nest chapter whenever you post it so take the pressure off of yourself cause you have us all hooked and we will wait for what your next chapter.

Kate

Megan,

I promise you don't need to say sorry! I am always so happy to see you post. And I think everyone understands you have lot going on! You're amazing to be able to have three different stories going at once plus your own original material. I would NEVER be able to keep it all straight or nearly as intriguing as you do!
My goodness she is going to work for Rangeman! I did NOT see that coming. I never guessed it was Ranger who had come to her rescue at the bakery either! You sneaky writer! I will say I find him being in the mix of all this interesting.
Her reaction to getting the car from Ranger was classic Stephanie! Wanting to return it but just one little ride couldn't hurt. LOL
Glad after Joe's initial reaction to her job they worked out their differences. Nice passion between them at the end! LOL Hot!
Loving all the twists and turns. I hope she keeps Ranger at arms length! ;) I know there is lots more to come looking foward to every word. Thanks for taking the time to leave us wanting MORE!
Juie

She is pretty inspirational isn't she :) I was so worried they wouldn't make up this chapter, so thank you for that! So she's working for range man, huh? Can't wait to see how much trouble she gets into there and if Ranger provokes her if she can stay away like a good girl! Where are the ex's? Probably in an underground cave waiting to pounce? Thanks for the update!

Ditto on Julie's shout out. She's awesome. Carol's (BlackhawkCarol) and Kim's (knm2009) stories have been inspiring to me as well.

Nice update. I love how Joe's adoration for Steph just oozes from every pore the way you portray him. I'm almost jealous.

Great ending. Morelli, champagne and handcuffs, what more can a girl ask for? Looking forward to more fantastic writing from you. -T

Oh boy there is trouble ahead, Stephanie working for Ranger is going to be constant drama and turmoil. The suspense is killing me I wonder who is following Stephanie and why. I was so happy that Joe and Stephanie kinda made up I hate for them to fight after all that time apart and just now reuniting then the craziness with Haley I just want them to be happy FINALLY!

Holy Cow Batman-Ranger then Tanya. Come on Joe do you really want us to believe a coworker discussing the case would sign a note XOXO? Hope Stephanie isn't that naive!
Well back to their usual antics of fighting and telling her what NOT to do, maybe should tell her WHAT she can...win/win outcome, yes?
Anyway, can't wait to see where you go from here...

Thanx for being upredictable and for all the unforsceen characters tossed into this mix.

Cheers,
Julie M

Ranger thrown into the mix -what can happen next? I do not like how the episode with Joe and Tonya but looks can be deceiving. On one hand he has a history or family history of cheating while on the other hand seems to love Steph and has waited so long to be with her. I will bet that somewhere there is a setup where Hallie and Coop are involved and that more than likely plays into someone following Steph. Great twist to the the storyline and look forward to what happens at Rangeman and with Joe.

Kate

I have to agree with another viewer who said things just interesting now that Ranger's in the picture...NOT that I'm proposing you flip this from a Cupcake story. Please NO! LOL. But there's just something about man in black who takes the tension to a whole new level.

Thanks for finding time to give us something great to read over the holiday. Hope you had a terrific Thanksgiving.

Carol :-)

Megan!

You are doing it again! I have very mixed feelings about Ranger and the effect he seems to have on her already! Yikes. Then I'm all relieved that Joe is fine and at home. Just when I begin to breathe easier Tonya and her visit comes to light. Love Joe but why the heck didn't he tell her the truth?
I can totally see Steph reacting exactly the way she did. Joe get a shirt on and go after her!
And why would he let Tonya past the front door in the first place. Jeez!
Now the plot thickens to a gooy mess what with all the possible monkey wrenches you have going.
You are one amazing literary juggler. I can't wait to see how you keep this all bouncing in the air and what the end result will be.
Steph going to Rangeman just to spite Joe is scary! :( And they were having so much fun on the couch until she saw the darned Champagne and glasses!
Okay you know I'll be anxiously awaiting what you have in store for us next.
Twists and turns are your specialty! And you know how to keep a reader guessing. ALL GOOD!
Julie