Boxes of Red

Monday morning and there's a mysterious envelope sitting on my kitchen bench leaning up against a Tasty Pastry bag with a coffee beside it. Okay. Still warm and actually steaming hot. Mmmm … This was no ordinary envelope, more one of those a fancy types, so, not a bill. Flat and thin … safe to say not a bomb. Just not touching it yet. Inside my apartment. Hmmm … curiouser and curiouser. Hmph. I half snorted. How did it get here? The food fairies know my fridge is with supplies and real food these days and not just some little baby carrots which I was just about to feed Rex, my little housemate, aka, pet hamster. Well, anyone could break into my apartment which was proven time and time again. I now have better security. How nice of them to bring me coffee, and, as I opened the bag, oh yes, two fresh Boston creams. They smelt divine.

What to do? Do I just go for it? Or do I wait. Be aware of your surroundings, Stephanie. I checked for intruders and feral dust bunnies. Clear. Well, there were some dust bunnies. Suspects? A stalker? Not recently and I doubt that a stalker would leave me presents of my favourite morning pick me up starters and with the new system, less likely to be able to get in. Perhaps it's a bribe, yummy Boston creams coercion. Nuh-uh. They know I'd do anything for them. They'd only have to ask.

Morelli? Nah, he's more a pizza sub and beers man. Besides, he's been on my shit list for almost a year now despite what my mother desires. She can have him with bells on! Since he decided it was alright for him to have flings, yes, flings, on the side and then made the stupid mistake in getting caught kissing and fondling a scantily clad new girl friend next door to one of my grandmother's Clip 'n Curl friends. Said kissing and fondling was apparently very R-rated and he was oblivious to his captive little audience watching avidly and also to the photo being snapped by Grandma Mazur. She and Millicent Hofstedder were supremely elated and instead of leaving as she was, Grandma and Millicent went inside and decided to share it. You could only see him mostly side on but there was no mistaking that ass and that hair.

Sharing for Grandma Mazur was not on electronic media. They had made colour copies during the week for their friends and other Clip 'n Curl type establishments and any store noticeboards. That's sharing and it got an instant response. Evidently, the response was quite rapid and widespread as other incriminating photos with other girl friends were shared in the same manner soon after. Said girl friends were none too happy with him nor having their dirty laundry aired. It was very amusing watching the fall out and the slinging matches. Best of all, however, was when a fourth girl friend emerged from Newark and suddenly they rallied together against him. The Chief of Police, was not impressed when one of these girl friends was closely involved in one of Morelli's investigations and it may have compromised said investigation. He was given an offer too good to refuse: demotion, resign or transfer to Philadelphia or somewhere further afield. Needless to say, I have seen very little of him since he left the Tri-State area.

"Oh, that can't possibly be your Joseph," my Mom instantly remarked when Grandma showed shared the picture over dinner one Friday night more than nine months ago.

"He's NOT my Joseph, Mother." I scowled at her and Grandma continued like a dog with a juicy bone.

"Never said who it was," smirked Grandma as her dentures did a dosey-doe in her mouth, "But there's no doubt about it. Millicent and I saw him in the flesh." My mother was still in denial and then had the audacity to blame me for his dalliances because I couldn't hold his attention. I promptly stood up and kissed my Dad and Grandma.

"Goodnight Daddy. Goodnight, Grandma. It was a nice dinner until just now. I'm out of here."

"What about your pineapple upside down cake? I made it especially for you. It's your favourite." She was sounding desperate.

"You know what? I've lost my appetite. And … that is no longer my favourite cake. This is what you stoop down to, to lure me here for dinner with that cake for "a chat" aka lecture. Give it a break, Mom, a big break. Why don't you give it to your precious Joseph?"

Daddy had glared at my mother. "You would be happy to have our daughter hitched up with that philandering Italian scumbag? Honestly Helen. If I didn't know better, I would think you had the hots for him. He doesn't deserve my Pumpkin."

Some weeks later, that fuckwit had the gall to come skulking back to my apartment with flowers, yes, flowers and pizza in hand and a six pack of beer. He tried the "I'm cute and sexy and you love me" pose as he tried to barge in with a mumbled sorry Cupcake that would barely pass as remorseful. Cute my ass!

"I don't think so, Morelli! You have a nerve. What happened? Your girl friends don't want to play with your 'boys' no more? And 'your boys' miss me? Fuck. Off. Morelli. You're such a jerk and a man whore. You had your chance and blew it and I've moved on. I can't believe I put up with all your shit and bullying for as long as I did. Get a life, Morelli because I'm no longer in your ballpark! Thanks a lot. What does that say? What were you thinking? Aw, Stephanie is easy. She'll take me back. Well, newsflash, Morelli. Not in this life nor any other dimension." I took the cheap flowers and jammed them into his chest, kicked the six pack over and frisbeed the pizza box towards the stairs before slamming the door in his stunned and surprised face.

More knocking at the door and he was calling out to me, "Aw Cupcake!"

I wrenched the door open and glared at him.

"You. Do. NOT. Call. Me. Cupcake. From here on in. EVER. Kapeesh? Or I will rearrange your 'boys' so you can enjoy them for breakfast!"

So that was well over nine months ago. I was still doing bounty hunting but Tank had asked me to help with some searches and skip tracing for some sticky shady characters in August when they were short staffed at Rangeman when something big was going down in Miami. It's amazing what a bit of inside information from the 'Burg grapevine can do and a touch of woman's intuition. Fresh eyes always give a new perspective. I made a number of successful connections and Tank was relieved and overjoyed. It was a bit like insider information.

I have worked there ever since, doing field work with one of the Merry Men to partner me, initially part-time and now full-time. Over this time, I started going to the gym and the gun range as part of our agreement because I had to have their back as well. I was doing really well with my fitness and Bobby was very pleased to point out that my BMI was now at the optimum level for my height. My Hungarian hormones had always helped me keep my figure but now I was toned with some nice definition. Nothing OTT. Ew. No. I liked my new look. I felt proud. The guys took turns with training and even spotting when I did weights. Of course, my weights are for toning and some strength unlike theirs which were for toning, strength, muscle and more muscles. No hardship working out in the gym with all that eye candy.

So here I am, with a bonus surprise breakfast. My tummy roared loudly as it does when it's hungry. The Merry Men always laugh when it rumbles. I can't help it. They call it the Beast and eye it suspiciously. Oh. Who am I kidding? I'm hungry and that coffee is just at the right temperature and it's beckoning. I take a sip and fill my mouth with a scrumptious mouthful of fresh Boston cream. Hmm-mmm. I moan and enjoy my bonus breakfast. Oh joy! I feel almost human. As I lick my fingers and drink the last dregs of the coffee I decide to open this mysterious envelope. I wipe them on my little PJ shorts and tank top.

It could be Ranger or even one of the Merry Men. Ranger seems more likely as we have been getting closer and more familiar. We have had a few real good talks and cleared the air. He was still waiting for me to take Morelli back although I can't imagine why. I guess our on-off relationship history was a bit telling. We talked about our relationship and Ranger finally conceded that we were in one since the day we'd met but more so since that first kiss in my parking lot when I had the plates for the BMW. Oh, boy! That was some kiss and I had said, "That's all I think about," when he posed that question. Now there is no doubt. It's Ranger and Stephanie, we're a couple, more than just an item. I miss him terribly.

But Ranger's been in the wind for about two weeks, having left late January and I haven't heard a word but Tank assures me that he is safe. I love the fact that Ranger and I are taking this go even further. I know he feels it, too. He makes me feel all kinds of good and safe and protected, cherished and desired. When he holds me I can't help but melt into his warm muscular arms. He knows me and can read me so well. There have been many touches, gentle incidental touches like a hand on my shoulder, a hand in the small of my back leading me into a room or the elevator and then all the gentle touches to my face, my cheek, my jawline and my arms. It sends a tingle up my arms and back and in no time he has my heart rate up and pining for more when he relinquishes his touch. When he kisses me softly I go all gooey inside and when he deepens the kiss I am putty in his hands. I can get lost in those kisses, so tender lately that he has almost brought me to tears with the sheer love and devotion conveyed. Boy, he knows how to kiss. He gets up close and personal, in my space in a really nice sort of way but I don't back off anymore. I used to find it a bit intimidating but two can play at that game, oh yes. He can still make me blush with just a look, that searing I want you, deep dark and lustful look. He knows how to set me on fire without even touching me. Or he gets that mischievous glint in his eye and I know he's up to something and I'm in trouble, a really good kind of trouble. He is sexy and smart and before he left he was all kinds of playful like he was showing more of himself.

Many times I have lost awareness of my surroundings, many times, so totally enraptured. I sigh. I'm not complaining. What that man does to me! But lately, before he went into the wind, he too was becoming less aware of his surroundings, only to be taunted and jolted out of our lust haze by the Merry Men with their catcalls and whistles and calls to "Get a room!" when we looked at each other as lovers only can do and not just when we kiss passionately. He was more touchy feely than ever before and his face showed his emotions and what I saw there made my heart skip more than a beat. I craved his touch, his lips, his hard hot body and more especially now while he is not with me. I can't wait to see him and I miss him terribly. It's as if part of me is missing, my other half, my heart and soul. He is my soul mate. I know this now and feel it all the more while he is away. I know he is safe. I can feel it.

We have laughed a lot together and spent time alone on seven, sometimes just sitting and chilling, mulling over the day, or enjoying companionable silence, zoning out simultaneously. I felt comfortable. We felt comfortable with neither taking the other for granted. I have never heard Ranger talk so much as he often talks in short staccato statements. He opened up to me and told me about his family and how he had a daughter, Julie, named after his Mom, Julieta. I told him about my first rocky but short marriage to the Dick. His marriage to Rachel to give Julie his name and support for Rachel and how she is now married to Ron was quite unexpected and sad to hear. We shared childhood experiences and dreams.

At other times we didn't have to speak, words were unnecessary. We have indulged in hot make-out sessions, sometimes in the car, in the garage, in the elevator, on seven and in his office, even on the roof and here in my apartment.

But our relationship has gone beyond kissing and making out. We have taken it to a higher level like I have never ever experienced before. He promised he would spoil me for all other men and now all I can say is, "Men? What other men?" There could never be anyone else and he smugly realised my thoughts after our first ever time together.

I will never forget our first time. If what he could do with his lips when he kissed me was hot, oh boy, what he did to my body and all the hot spots and erogenous zones I didn't even know I had, was unbelievable, inconceivable for me until now! Wow! Fanning myself here! Oh, boy! Might need to get some clean panties. And that was without even going where I desired him most. He knew my body and read it well, played it well and kept up a tantalising, teasing and scintillating rhythm that set me on fire all over. Then, when he finally entered me slowly, when we finally came together in that primal way, after bringing me to so many orgasms, it was such a tenderly, sweet, powerful coupling that I was brought to tears, tears of joy and exhilaration and ultimate elation to a whole new plane. It was so sensual and intense and overwhelmingly beautiful. That first time was so special, but not the only time that night. Heh, heh. From hard and fast and lustful to tender and quiet rolling orgasms that seemed to merge into one enormous tidal wave of sensuality. We made love throughout the night with only short breaks, for something to eat, more water, a short recovery nap, a shower where more action happened. Did I tell you he was good in the shower? Oh. My. God! Since that wonderful night even Ranger admitted how intense our love making was and how he too was affected and overwhelmed with the sensuality like he had never experienced before. Since then we have given in to our desires and do more than just make out, but not where we would be interrupted by the guys. We did come close though.

We have been on some dinner dates and spent wonderful times at Point Pleasant. Sometimes the Merry Men would come along to Point Pleasant and there would be fun on the beach from beach volleyball (no hardship there with so much eye candy) to surfing, swimming and general madness and just relaxation like lying in the sun soaking up the rays for some vitamin Ds. There were always plenty of volunteers to rub some sunscreen onto my back and other parts, Lester, of course, being the most notorious repeat offender. Ranger would growl and do it himself, both sides. Hmmmm. He loved touching my body and because of all my moaning, it made the men … very uncomfortable. At other times he would carry me fireman style or just throw me over his shoulder, into the water or into the beach house all caveman-like. Happy thoughts. Sexy Ranger, Naked Ranger, Beach Ranger, Rescue Ranger and Fireman Ranger were all so delectable.

He promised to take me to Atlantic City when he gets back. Before he left he asked me to consider leaving my apartment and moving in with him, on seven. I didn't hesitate to say yes and I've packed my things and marked the rest for charity or the dumpster. I know. I could have been in his beautiful apartment on seven already last week. There wasn't much to pack but it was so much more alone without him in his apartment when there are so many things to remind me of him … his bed with that exquisite high quality linen, his shower, his shower gel and all the places where we had been intimate. So I am ready to go and I feel quite light and liberated. I hope he is back soon, with no new holes or scars.

So what do you think?

I was writing this and my Muse just ran wild with it so I decided to split my one shot into a chapter story. I will post the second part later today. I hope you enjoy it. Happy Valentine's Day.