I found this song short and can’t remember if I ever posted it or not. Well, here it is, maybe for the second time. <shrug>

Fooled Around and Fell in Love

By Elvin Bishop

I must have been through about a million girls

I'd love 'em then I'd leave 'em alone

I didn't care how much they cried, no sir

Their tears left me cold as a stone

But then I fooled around and fell in love

I fooled around and fell in love, yes I did

I fooled around and fell in love

I fooled around and fell in love

He woke with a start, reaching for his gun on the bedside table as a reflex.

"Are you going shoot me?" came a sultry female voice in the bed next to him. He exhaled loudly and set his gun back on the table, dropping his head, face first, into the pillow.

"I guess that's a no." He didn't respond, just turned his head and leveled his icy gaze at her. "Well, aren't you all warm and cuddly the morning after." Her tone was sarcastic and gave the impression of cool disinterest. He knew better.

Their eyes locked and he could see the hurt and betrayal she was feeling although the look on her face was as blank as his own. It was time to leave.

"I have to go," he said flatly.

She sighed and sat up, clutching the sheet to her chest. "Yeah." She turned away from him and swung her legs over the side of the bed, presenting her bare back. He let his eyes drift down until he reached the curve of her hips and one very nicely shaped bottom. For a brief second he considered reaching out and pulling her back into bed. She'd let him, he knew it, but that might lead to her having some hope about the two of them. That couldn't happen. He wasn't interested. Last night he had been looking for a release, it was as simple as that and on some level she understood. It was all the other levels where things tended to get complicated and he wanted no part of them with her. Without giving another thought to it, he lifted off the bed and went in search of his clothes.

"You can have the shower first," she whispered.

He needed to get out of there. He could shower at home. "No, go ahead." He saw her stiffen at his words. She knew he'd be gone when she got out.

"Fine." He watched as she let the sheet drop. She stood and headed toward the bathroom.

"Jeanne." She stopped and stood completely still for one beat, then slowly turned. He had to give her credit, she knew she had been used and was in the middle of being dumped, but she kept her stoic façade firmly in place as she faced him completely naked. If nothing else, she was a professional, cool and calm, and almost as good as he was…almost.

He wasn't sure why he called her name and now that he had her attention he had no idea what to say. He wasn't going to lie to her about getting together again. If he needed release and she happened to be around, then maybe…

"Don't, Ranger." Her voice jerked him away from his thoughts. The questioning look she had a few seconds ago had turned into a thin lipped, tight, self-protective expression.

He gave her a curt nod and she turned back and went into the bathroom, quietly shutting the door behind her. Dressing quickly and efficiently, he put all his weapons on his body where they belonged. He headed for the door but stopped as he had a thought. It would sting and cut her deep but the message would be loud and clear.

Reaching into his back pocket he pulled out his wallet and started to count what money he had. With a resigned sigh he finally grabbed everything he had and threw it on the bed and then left.

It used to be when I'd see a girl that I liked

I'd get out my book and write down her name

But when the grass got a little greener

on the other side I'd just tear out that page

I fooled around and fell in love

I fooled around and fell in love,

since I met you baby

I fooled around and fell

in love, I fooled around and fell in love

Ranger knew that Tank was eyeing him and that something was obviously on his mind. But, Ranger was known for his patience and he could wait him out. As it happened, it didn't take long.

"Jeanne Ellen is here."

"I know." He had spotted her the minute they entered the bar. She was decked out in her usual leather and looked good. The two men sat at the bar quietly, watching the crowd…and checking out the women. Several had bought them drinks, but he hadn't found any that interested him. It was looking like Jeanne was going to be it after all. Turning in her direction, he gave her a smoldering look. At first she scoffed and looked away, but eventually she returned the heated gaze.

She was just about to get up and walk over when a large busted blonde slipped her arm through his. He looked down at her with a cold stare, taking in the bright, cherry red lips, long eye lashes and size D breasts

"Hi. I'm Carla." He had expected her voice to be squeaky, but it wasn't. It was low and sexy.

A half smile lifted the corners of his mouth. "Rick."

Something close to a wolf grin graced her face. "Wanna get out of here?" He gave a quick nod. She smiled bigger. "Good. I'll be right back. Don't leave without me."

"Never." He flashed one of his 200-watt smile. Ranger watched the sway of her hips as she sauntered off.

"Why are you doing this?"

Ranger looked at Tank, but didn't say anything.

"You're an asshole, Manoso."

Ranger snorted in disgust and took a swallow of his beer.

"No one is going to fill her shoes. No matter how many woman you go through." Tank took a swig at his beer bottle. "You fucked up man. Admit it. Now you don't know how to fix it."

Ranger turned to his long time friend with anger in his eyes. "Shut the fuck up."

"Yeah, whatever." Tank stood and threw some money on the bar. "Go get laid. Won't make any difference."

Free, on my own

That's the way I used to be

Ah, but since I met you baby,

love's got a hold on me

It's got a hold on me now,

I can't let go of you baby

I fooled around and fell in love

I fooled around and fell in love, oh yes I did

I fooled around, fooled around, fooled around, fooled around,

fooled around, fooled around, fell in love

Ranger sat, cloaked in darkness and silence, in his car and watched the apartment building,. The light was on and he could see her moving around and he wished like hell he could go to her.

After his words with Tank, he left the bar, leaving the blonde behind. His friend's words had cut to close to the truth. Close? Hell, they were right on and now he was in no mood for anyone else but her. But shit, he had screwed up and now didn't have a clue as what to do.

His chest tightened as he watched Morelli pull up and park his car. She had done what he had told her, gone back to Morelli. He cursed himself for being so stupid.

That one night…one night, that's it took and he was lost. Whatever possessed him to make the stupid deal in the first place?

Aw, who is he kidding? He knows exactly why he laid out the deal. He foolishly thought he could have her and leave her, just like the rest. But nothing is ever like it he thinks it will be when it comes to Stephanie Plum. Nothing. Sleeping with her was no different. Then he had to go and dig himself a hole.

"I don't do relationships," he whispered to himself. "Go back to Morelli."

Christ, for being such a bright man, he sure was stupid when it came to Steph.

Stupid and in love.

I fooled around and fell in love

I fooled around and fell in love, oh yes I did

I fooled around, fooled around, fooled around, fooled around,

fooled around, fooled around, fell in love

THE END