Lady

This short has nothing to do with nothing and no real point. And, it's an old song but when I heard it I couldn't resist. For those of you who don't know Little River Band, well, think Air Supply, they're close enough. And if you don't know either of them, well, I'm just old.

The SMS rating scale ( 1 to 10)

Sap: eh, bout a 5

Mush: 9

Smut: 0 so far

Overly dramatic end of chap: off the scale LOL

Lady

(The Little River Band)

Look around you, look up here
Take time to make time, make time to be there
Look around, be a part
Feel for the winter, but don't have a cold heart

Ranger stood in the shadows and looked out at the crowd. He knew she would be there. The reports he had been getting said that she had come here every Saturday night for as long as he'd been gone, the past 8 months. Since she didn't know he was back, there was no reason why this Saturday should be any different.

When he scanned the crowd again, he caught a glimpse of a rioted mass of brown curls. He zeroed in, wishing he could move the people standing in the way with sheer will power. The crowd was thick and he ended up moving his head back and forth to get a better look. Then, like the Red Sea, the crowd parted and there she was. His breath hitched, and for several long seconds he stood completely still.

She looked the same from where he was standing. Ranger let his eyes take a very slow inventory, the hair, the curves, the expanse of leg in 4 inch heels. He about came undone when she threw her head back and laughed at something someone in her group said. But, suddenly, as if someone pushed a stop button, she froze, her smile fading. She stood very still as her head turned from side to side, her eyes visually dissecting the crowd.

And I love you best
You're not like the rest
You're there when I need you
You're there when I need
I'm gonna need you

Ranger sank back down into the comforting darkness of the shadows in the smoky bar. She had sensed him. He knew that might happen. There had always been that "6^th sense" between them. It was then her eyes looked straight ahead, straight at him. He could tell she was trying to see through the dark of the room and into the inky blackness where he hid. He also knew she couldn't see him without coming closer. If she moved toward him, he would leave.

A frown formed on her face, and then as suddenly as the whole episode started, it stopped. She gave herself a little shake, then turned back to her friends with a smile. Ranger let out a small sigh and relaxed a bit, but not too much. After all, Stephanie was in the area.

He did let his mind wander for bit, letting himself feel how much he needed her, how much he wanted her. He knew he shouldn't do that but instead concentrate on the woman standing at the edge of the dance floor. Every time he let himself feel, the past creeps in and causes nothing but misery and the image of the last time he saw her plays through his mind.

A long time ago I had a lady to love
She made me think of things I never thought of
Now she's gone and I'm on my own
A love song has come into my mind
A love song, it was there all the time

"So, you're leaving? Just like that?" Her voice was laced with anger.

Ranger sighed. "I have to go. There's no choice." She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him. He could tell she was thinking up something.

Her eyes narrowed. "When are you coming back?"

He braced himself. "I don't know. I may not."

She snorted a snide laugh and with a voice more calm then he expected, said, "You're running."

Startled, Ranger tried to keep his reaction to himself. "Babe,…"

"Oh, spare me Ranger." She dropped her arms to the side. "Go. Go on your super secret trip. Have a nice time." Marching to the door, she opened it and then stood there waiting. "Have a nice life."

Taking a few steps forward, he stopped within inches of her. The scent of her filled his senses and he became light headed. With great determination to keep his hand steady, he reached for her face and stroked his thumb across her cheek. "Stephanie, I…"

She raised a hand to stop him. "Ranger, don't. You're leaving. I get it."

Her lips trembled and he almost changed his mind. Their eyes locked and he studied every detail of her face, while the smooth softness of her skin imprinted itself on his hand. His heart ached and battled with is brain. No, she didn't get it, not really. "It's for the best," was all he could say.

Her eyes filled with sadness and she whispered, "I thought we were friends."

He had to leave; he had to leave now. With a sad smile, he gave her cheek one last stroke. "We're everything." Then he dropped his hand, walked out the door and didn't look back.

A new song started in the bar and Ranger's thoughts were dragged back to the present. Back to the woman across the room.

So lady, let me take a look at you now
You're there on the dance floor, making me want you somehow
Oh lady, I think it's only fair I should say to you
Don't be thinkin' that I don't want you, 'cause maybe I do

It was the end of the night and the bar was clearing out. Ranger had watched her all night and he could tell she felt his gaze. She would often look around, trying to be casual about it. She knew something was off but couldn't place it. Now her frustration was clearly displayed for him to see. She was saying goodbye to the last of her friends. But, instead of leaving, she settled back at the table as the waitress walked around for last call.

She shook her head no at the waitress and fiddled with the glass in front of her. She was waiting for something…for him and he knew it.

He could leave now and she'd never know. She'd probably chalk up the odd feeling to "just one of those things" or an off night. That would make him a heel, a jerk. Then again, wasn't he already one for leaving the first time?

As he studied her, he knew he couldn't leave. He came back because he wanted her with him, and in his life. The last eight months had been cold and lonely. He suffered needlessly and hurt her needlessly.

How things were different now, he didn't know. How he would explain his return, he didn't know. All he knew is that he needed her.

Look around, come to me
I have no answers, but know where I wanna be
I look around, play a part
I was born in the winter and cooled by a warm heart

Ranger was just about to get up when he noticed a man approach Stephanie. The guy stumbled a little and Stephanie had been so intent on her glass that she jumped. They exchanged a few words and she shrugged in a "sure, why not" kind of way. The man held out his hand and she took it, but without a smile. The stranger led her to the dance floor for the last song of the night, which happened to be a slow song. He held her at arms length but then, in a dramatic display, quickly pulled her up against him.

Ranger stood quicky, but stayed where he was when he noticed that Stephanie pushed the guy back and obviously gave him a few harsh words. The man looked sheepish and nodded, letting Stephanie set the distance between them. A smile tugged at Ranger's mouth. That was his Babe.

He watched as they started dancing, her back facing him, but found it more and more difficult to control his feelings as he did. They were meant for each other and he was a damn fool to take so long to figure it out. When Stephanie's dancing partner started to have roving hands, is when Ranger decided it was time to step in.

And I love you best
You're not like the rest
You're there when I need you
You're there when I need
I'm gonna need you

Just as he stepped from the shadows, Stephanie's partner swung her around so now she faced towards Ranger. There was hardly anyone left in the bar and he was in her direct line of sight. He froze, afraid of her reaction, but there was none. That's when he noticed her down cast eyes, the look on her face sad and withdrawn.

He took another step forward and she gave a slight jerk, her eyes lifting just a little. He was pretty sure the guy didn't do anything to cause her reaction. If he had, Ranger was pretty sure Steph would read him the riot act. No, she had felt him step from the shadows.

Taking several long strides, Ranger stopped just short of her. She jerked again and stiffened in her dance partners arms, still looking at the floor.

"What's wrong?" he heard the stranger ask her. She shook her head and slowly raised her eyes.

Chapter 2

The SMSO rating scale ( 1 to 10)

Sap: eh, bout a 5 still

Mush: 6

Smut: 2 so far

Overly dramatic end of chap: 2

When their eyes met, Ranger's blood began to boil. She looked so beautiful, her wide blue eyes staring at him, that it took all the control he had not to grab here right there.

"I can't dance right now, but thanks," she said. Ranger's heart dropped like a stone.

As he went to say something, movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. The guys she had been dancing with, was moving away, disgruntled look on his face. Thank God. The words she said were meant for that guy, not him.

Stephanie took a step closer and so did Ranger. His insides were on fire and he felt as if he was shaking. He was positive it was noticeable, but she didn't say anything. She just stood there, looking like a dream.

"Would you like to dance?" Her voice was low and strong, but hushed.

Ranger could only swallow and nod, otherwise his tough exterior would crack and she'd be able to see inside. If he allowed that, it'd be his undoing. She flashed a sly smile and something inside told him she already figured all that out.

Slowly, she raised her hand and held it out to him. Just as he went to reach for her, the music that had been playing stopped. Stephanie dropped her hand, the trance broken, and started looking around frantically. It was like she forgot where they were.

Moving quickly, Ranger took the two steps needed to stand right in front of her. He gently took her by the shoulders and felt a jolt of electricity the second he made contact. In that instant he knew he wouldn't survive the night. By the time this was over, he'd be hers forever, his façade cracked and peeled away. But then, that's why he came back, wasn't it?

"Wait here," he said. He waited until she nodded. It was no guarantee she wouldn't run, but he had to try. As much as he didn't want to leave her, he had to make sure the music came back on. He felt her eyes on him as he turned and walked to the bar. After few quick words, nod of the head in Steph's direction, and several large bills changing hands, he had the bar for the night.

As he walked back to where she was still standing, he realized he was fooling himself if he thought he could leave her again. And if she thought she was walking away, well, she had better think again.

He walked right up to her, until they were only a breath apart. The urge to reach out and put his thumb against the rapid pulse in her throat was great, but he held back. "Dance?" he whispered. She looked confused for a second, but then the music started and she jumped in surprise.

"I should be going. It's been a long day…" she trailed off when she met his eyes and saw the serious look on his face.

"Babe," he whispered, desperation lacing his words. "Don't." Reaching out, he took her hand in his. Then watched as she swallowed hard and blinked in rapid succession. She was nervous and probably a little scared; he didn't want her like that. But then, as quickly as her nervous reaction came, it was gone. That's when he realized he wasn't getting off the hook so easily.

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Where have you been?" Nope, she wasn't going to let him just waltz back in.

He still had her hand, so he tugged on it and she took a step closer. The relief he felt when she didn't pull away was overwhelming. Everything was riding on this verbal dance, maybe if they put it off... "Can we dance first?" He mentally crossed his fingers. His hopes faded when she straightened her spine and stuck her chin out.

"I deserve better." He just stared at her, but she didn't back down. "Besides, if I don't demand an explanation now, you just might decide to leave after our dance and I'd be left with nothing but a memory again."

Ouch. He supposed he deserved that. He knew he had hurt her. Without a word, he took her by the elbow and led her over to the table she had been sitting at before.

"We should leave. They probably want to close up."

"Got it covered," was all he said. He chuckled silently when she rolled her eyes.

The Marvin Gaye song, Sexual Healing, came on over the speakers and he involuntarily winced. Not exactly the song to fit the mood at the moment, but maybe later… Once he got her settled he made a quick trip to behind the bar and cut the music. The sexy love songs would be great when they danced, but during "the talk" they'd only lower his odds of survival.

She waited calmly until he was seated next to her, to start her questioning. "What do you want with me?" She laughed softly at his startled look. "Ranger, you've been gone for awhile. I've learned a few things and one of them is that I don't dwell on the past. So, if you expected an inquisition on why you left, you'll be disappointed. You did, and there isn't a thing I can do about it, then or now. What I can do something about, is find out what you want from me now that you're here." She sat back in her chair, placed her hands in her lap, looked him straight in the eye, and then waited. She was done, guess it was his turn. And if she could be so blunt, he'd meet her head on.

He leaned forward; eyes locked with hers, and started to speak in a deliberate, but soft tone. "What I want, is you." Her eyes narrowed but he pushed on. "You," he paused, "with me," another pause, "by my side," a slightly longer pause, "always." Her jaw had dropped and her eyes were wide.

That didn't stop him. "What you didn't ask, but I'll answer anyway, is why I came back." He waited a moment until he knew his words sunk in. Reaching over, he put a finger under her chin and closed her mouth, then ran his thumb over her bottom lip. Then, as he took her hand, he smiled, letting the look in his eyes soften. "I came back because," he stalled. This was tougher than he thought. Clearing his throat and working hard at not losing eye contact, he went on. "I came back because I missed you. I put myself through eight months of torture only to realize I couldn't be without you." His look turned intense again and moved slightly forward. "I came back because I made a mistake eight months ago. I came back," he moved to within an inch of her face, "to make things right." He brushed his lips against hers and watched as her eyes drifted shut. "I came back, " he spoke against her lips, "to make you mine."

"Wha…what," she stuttered, her eyes still closed and lips trembling, "what if I'm already taken?" She placed her hands on his chest and pushed him back a few inches. "What if I don't want to?"

His heart had stopped beating and there was no way he could breath, at least not until he saw the heat in her eyes. Whatever her words might be saying, her eyes said something different. She wanted him as much as he wanted her.

He stood and pulled her up and against him. The second they touched she melted against him. He smiled his first wolf grin in a long time. "I'd change your mind."

Then he kissed her, without asking, without apology. He brought his lips down to hers and when she opened her mouth to his, he was lost. He devoured her and took all he had been missing, then gave all he had been holding back. Their tongues danced around each other and he felt the all too familiar pull at his groin; his heart swelled until he thought it might burst. This was right, this was meant to be.

He had been so lost in the kiss he almost didn't notice when music started playing. Stephanie hadn't reacted at all so he knew she hadn't noticed. Slowly, without breaking their connection, he turned so he was facing the bar, then deepened the kiss by angling his head. When his eyes shifted up, he saw the back of Tank. The large man was walking away and raised his hand in a wave, then was out the door. God Bless best friends.

Reluctantly, he broke the kiss. Steph looked at him with heavy lidded eyes. "Dance with me?" he whispered.

For a second she was confused and looked around the room, noticing for the first time that the music was back on and the place empty. "How did you…" she let out a husky laugh, "Never mind." She rocked her hips against his and he sucked in a quick breath. "Let's dance," she half growled. He didn't need to be told twice.

He turned from her, grabbing her hand in the process, and took several large strides until they were on the dance floor.

Chapter 3

The SMS rating scale ( 1 to 10)

Sap: 5

Mush: 9

Smut: 8

Overly dramatic end of chap: 3

Ranger felt all the air leave his lungs as Stephanie molded herself against him. One of his hands slipped around her waist while the other went to the back of her head. Slowly, her pulled her face towards his, until their lips were barely touching. He felt her hands go around his waist, with the fingers of one, sliding under the waistband of his pants. Her hips started to sway with the slow rhythm of the music.

"Kiss me," she said in a breathy demand.

And he did. Their eyes had been locked on each other, but now he let his drift close as he gave her everything he had. The hand he had in her hair tightened against her scalp, the one around her waist tried to pull her closer, as if it were possible. There was only one way to be any closer to her, and it wasn't time for that…yet, but soon, very soon. His control was slipping and he didn't know how much longer he could wait to be insider her, surrounded by her slick heat.

The song changed to a recent Faith Hill hit, and Stephanie changed the pulse of their bodies to match the tempo of the new song. Her hand had worked their way under the back of his shirt and as they kissed. She was torturing him by gently running her nails up and down his lower back. It wasn't enough that every inch of his skin was sensitized to her touch, she had to make it worse by teasing him.

I can feel the magic floating in the air

Being with you gets me that way

I watch the sunlight dance across your face and I've

Never been this swept away

All my thoughts seem to settle on the breeze

When I'm lying wrapped up in your arms

The whole world just fades away

The only thing I hear

Is the beating of your heart

With great effort, he concentrated on the kiss. They way her lips moved over his and how her slippery tongue drove him crazy with little licks and teases. Stopping the kiss, he pulled her head back so she bared her throat to him. She kept her eyes closed and he took a moment to look at the flush to her cheeks, the unsteady rise and fall of her chest, the labored breaths through slightly parted kiss-bruised lips. Even leaning back as she was, she managed to keep the steady movement of their bodies going. He was so close to losing it.

"God, Steph…" he ground out, then went right for her neck. Hips lips landed on her pulse, and he left them there, feeling the rhythm of her life pound beneath. Finally, he brought his tongue out and traced a path to her ear. Her breath hitched when he took his tongue along the outside of her ear and then blew against it, ending the seduction by biting her earlobe and working the stop directly under it. His thumb had moved from the back of her head and landed on her neck, resting on her pulse point on the opposite side of her neck where his mouth was working. He felt her heart rate increase.

He raised his head. "Babe, is that for me?" She looked at him through lowered lashes. "Is this," he pressed his thumb against her neck, "pounding of your heart for me?" She didn't answer, but just looked at him. They had stopped moving now, but neither noticed, nor cared. "Is it?" He pressed a little harder and she gasped. "Tell me your heart beats for me." He waited. "Tell me." The rise and fall of her chest increased and her eyes were wide now.

"Ranger," she moaned. That did it. His control snapped. He straightened her and then slid his hand down to under her ass. When he lifted, she automatically threw her arms around his neck and then lifted her legs to encircle his waist. Now, pressed against her, he could feel the movement of her chest as she took labored breaths. She looked him in the eyes and he could see the passion and love as clearly as she could see his. Lowering her head slightly, she brought her lips to meet his.

With a sound that could only be described as a low purr, he started to walk them back to the far end of the dance floor where there was a stage. When he bumped her against it, she broke the kiss and tried to look behind her. He gently set her down so she was sitting on the stage and he was still standing. In the back of his mind he thought the stage was a perfect height for…well, the perfect height.

Stephanie was looking around as if trying to get her barring. As soon as he took hold of her face and turned it up towards his, she gasped and held her breath. He had no idea what look was on his face to warrant such a reaction, and he didn't care. He wanted her and he knew she wanted him. There was no stopping now.

Slowly, he pushed her backwards until she was leaning back, propped up with her hand behind her. Her knees spread, hanging over the edge and he was standing in between them.

‘Cause I can feel you breathe

It's washing over me

Suddenly I'm melting into you

There's nothing left to prove

Baby all we need is just to be

Caught up in the touch

The slow and steady rush

Baby, isn't that the way that love's supposed to be

I can feel you breathe

Just breathe

He hovered close, only a fraction away and whispered with the music, "Just breathe." Then he kissed her.

In a way I know my heart is waking up

As all the walls come tumbling down

I’m closer than I've ever felt before

And I know

And you know

There's no need for words right now

‘Cause I can feel you breathe

It's washing over me

Suddenly I'm melting into you

There's nothing left to prove

Baby all we need is just to be

This kiss was electric, hot, heavy and demanding. His hands started to roam until he found the edge of her sweater. Not wasting any time, he broke the kiss only long enough to pull her forward again and tug the sweater up and off. He also used those scant seconds to rid her of her bra. She fell back on her hands again, but he couldn't take his eyes off the sight before him. It had been so long, so, so long.

With a trembling hand, he reached out and palmed her breast. She closed her eyes, let out a sigh mixed with a moan, and fell back onto her elbows. When he rolled her peaked nipple with his fingers, she flopped down onto her back. He brought both his hands to her chest, rubbing and pulling until he couldn't take it any longer and had to have a taste.

The first slight flick of his tongue on her left nipple had it tightening even more, begging for a release. When he sucked it into his mouth and began to suckle she arched her back and let out a low groan. Her hands came to fist in his hair and his mouth latched onto the other breast. She tasted just like he remembered and the more he took in, the faster his heart pounded.

Caught up in the touch

The slow and steady rush

Baby, isn't that the way that love's supposed to be

I can feel you breathe

Just breathe

One of Ranger's hands made its way down to the short skirt she was wearing. With a soft touch he trailed his fingers down the outside of her thigh, then under to behind her knee where he tickled. Her legs were bare and her skin was smooth and soft. Steph started to squirm and he brought his hand up to her hip to stop her. With a moan, he straightened, leaving her wet aching nipples behind.

"Ranger…"

"Shhh, Babe."

Quickly, he grasped her hips and scooted her towards him, while at the same time working her skirt up over her hips. The first thing he immediately noticed was how wet her panties were. He lowered his head slightly and took in a deep breath. Her feminine scent filled his senses. "Jesus, Steph…"

"Ranger please, just…" He cut her words off when he stripped away her underwear. His intention was to draw this out, make it so pleasurable for her that she'd never forget. His body had other ideas. Without any warning he parted her and thrust a finger inside. She arched her back, her breathing heavy and erratic. His thumb found her center and she cried out, her inner muscles clenching around his finger.

Caught up in the touch

The slow and steady rush

Baby, isn't that the way that love's supposed to be

I can feel you breathe

Just breathe

Her neck and chest were flushed with a rosy glow and his eyes watched her as she rode the wave of pleasure. He busied himself with getting his pants off and when he looked back at her, he noticed her parted lips, red and swollen from kissing, and the tint to her cheeks. That's when he saw a single tear slide down the side of her face. He bent over to deliver a sweet kiss.

"Babe…"

She pushed him back slightly, eyes open and clear. "If you don't get inside me now…"

He may have been stupid eight months ago, but he wasn't being stupid today. He studied her for a second to make sure she was ok, wiping the trail of wetness on her face with his thumb. "Now," she said.

He covered himself quickly, then entered her in one long, smooth stroke. Once buried inside, he stilled. He stopped breathing. He was pretty sure the world stopped spinning. More importantly, he was home. This was right. She was right. It's where he belonged…with her. He felt like his heart was too big for his chest.

His eyes had been closed, he didn't even realize it, but when he looked down at her, she was staring up at him with love in her eyes, tears streaming down her face. He reached out to wipe them away. "I love you, Stephanie." He started to move, their eyes locked. After a few strokes she reached out and he pulled her up. Her hands locked behind his neck and he kissed her in rhythm to their lovemaking. He wasn’t going to last much longer.

Pulling back, he rested his forehead on hers, stopping all movement. She groaned. He smiled.

"Tell me," he commanded through gritted teeth. Stopping like he did had been one of the hardest things he ever had to do. All she did was blink, and wiggled her hips to try to get him moving again. "Tell me."

"Ranger," she whined, closing her eyes. "I'm almost…"

"No. Tell me."

Her eyes flew open and she leaned back into his arms that were around her back. "My heart beats for you."

"And."

She rolled her eyes and he chuckled, which had them both gasping at the movement.

"And," he ground out impatiently.

"I love you, Ranger."

He laid her down and started to move again, faster now, harder. "We're…together…always." She nodded, but arched her back when his hand slid to where they were joined.

"Always," she screamed while going over the edge.

He lost it then, his need too great to hold back. His eyes closed and he let the white-hot feeling of release wash over him. He couldn't place himself in reality. He felt completely disconnected to his surroundings, and yet one with to the woman beneath him. Good lord, he was in deep.

A soft hand touched his face and he jerked. He was sprawled directly on top of Steph. Immediately, he went to push up, but she stopped him. "No, don't move." They were still joined and she squeezed him from the inside. He groaned and she laughed.

Finally, as their breathing became normal, she took his face in her hands. "Why did you leave?"

He smiled, having known she would ask eventually. "I thought it would be keep you safe."

"Ranger, I'm never more safe than when I'm with you." He opened his mouth to say something but she stopped him. "I don't mean like that. I mean we're stronger together than we are apart. That's what makes me safe."

"I've got you now, and I'm never letting go."

She snorted. "As if you could." Then squeezed him again.

He felt himself harden inside her. "Not right away, anyway." He smiled.

She squeezed. "Not ever."

He began to move again. "No," he said, "not ever."

THE END

I can feel the magic floating in the air

Being with you gets me that way