Be My Valentine Chapter 13

Chapter 13

The moment Stephanie grabs hold of Ranger's hand, the corner of his lips curls up and he almost smiles. It's both easy and hard to love a woman like Stephanie Plum. She never feels comfortable openly showing her affections. She's never honest about her feelings though she can never hide the longings and desires in her eyes. He sometimes wonders what she truly wants from him and herself. She comes to him whenever she's in need. He gives her cars. He gives her protection. He gives her pleasure. He gives her help. She goes back to Joe Morelli once her problems are solved. It feels like he's playing with someone else's pet. Around them the firemen busily keep on working. Another police patrol car arrives. The uniform cops cast a glance at their direction and grin. Joe Morelli's frown grows darker and deeper. He's apparently upset. And Ranger, as usual, doesn't give a damn what Morelli thinks, wants and needs.

Joe Morelli. A thirty-something Trenton police detective. The man who grew up in the same neighborhood with Stephanie. Who is he exactly? A good man? A changed man? A smart and decent man who managed to escape a vicious family curse? Or a sly and lazy man who wants comfortable familiar easy sex instead of a committed relationship that eventually comes with obligations, burdens and a wedding ring? Does Morelli even know what he wants from Stephanie? Is Morelli willing and able to give Stephanie what she really needs? Can the two of them think things through, have a rational talk about their unhealthy on-and-off relationship and then walk away from it?

Ranger gently tightens his arm and gathers Stephanie nearer as he feels the warmth of her much smaller hand. She will always have a place in his heart. But does he have enough room for her in his everyday life? Does he want Stephanie to become an essential part of his world? Is she ready for a serious relationship? Is he ready for another marriage? Are they ready for babies? Will she have the courage to look at his eyes and tell him she loves him? Will she want to have him in her life?

And will she be able to quit Joe Morelli?

He raises his brow slightly at Stephanie when she looks up at him with a feeble smile. She's nervous, tired, and hungry. But she's also determined. She has something to tell him. She has something to say to Joe Morelli. She has made up her mind. She has chosen her path. Together they walk forward as a grim-looking Morelli pushes himself off his car. 

There will be no turning back.