Chapter 12: Just In The Line Of Duty
Here is the next chapter in my story. A few notes on this chapter. First of all I have included song lyrics in this chapter for the first time. Since I'm not really good at this, I did have help with this part and she deserves credit for her efforts. It is VERY much appreciated! Believe me. So thank you Katy for all your help with the smooth transition. Secondly, I am attempting to change font here very briefly. This is my first "real" attempt at using HTML, so if I screw up, please forgive me. I think I have it right, but I won't know until it's posted! If I screw up too badly, I will repost it without any HTML changes. So I hope you enjoy chapter 12. - Joanne
Chapter 12:
“Oh, Luis,” Sheridan exclaimed as she took the box from him, “You shouldn’t have.” She secretly was very pleased he had. “Don’t get too excited, Sheridan,” he said grinning. “I’m only returning what was already yours. Just slightly altered.” She felt like a little girl on Christmas morning as she carefully opened the small gift-wrapped package. She kept looking up at Luis, trying to find a clue on his face, but he just smiled. It was that smile that caused her heart to do flips, which it was doing right now.
The paper now removed, she carefully opened the box. She removed from the box her most cherished possession. Her eyes lit up as she held her compact in her hands. The same compact Luis had given her once before, in New Mexico. “Luis!” She said ecstatically, wherever did you find it? I thought I’d lost it for good. I searched everywhere for it and couldn’t find it.” “I found it,” Luis said softly, “in Jean-Luc’s country house. You must have dropped it when Roger and Pierre dragged you outside.” “Thank you so much, Luis,” she said sweetly. “This means more to me than you know.” “Read the inscription,” Luis said grinning.
“You had it inscribed?” Sheridan asked in surprise. She saw the look on his face and suddenly felt her heart begin to pound. She slowly brought the compact closer so she could read the inscription by the light of the candles. After New Mexico, we learned to care,
After Paris we learned to trust, Now we can learn to love. With all my love, Luis.
Tears of joy were streaming down Sheridan’s face. She could barely read the inscription, her voice so filled with emotion. Luis walked up to Sheridan. He bent his knees and lowered himself until he was at eye level with Sheridan. “Sheridan, I want you to know I mean every word,” Luis began as he stared deeply into her breathtakingly beautiful blue eyes. “I want to learn to love you, the way you deserve to be loved.” “Oh, Luis,” was all she could manage through her tears. Luis took her hands and held them in his own. “Sheridan, my life changed forever the day you crashed into my police car. I didn’t know then, how much. We’ve had our differences to be sure, but we’ve also shared some great times. The night I kissed you on the wharf, something happened to me. I didn’t know what, all I knew is I’d never felt like that before in my life. Then when we talked later that night, I believed all was right with the world. The next day, I felt alive and truly happy for the first time in years. I started making plans for the future. I even went out and bought you a card, so I could tell you how I felt. A few minutes later my world came crashing down, when you came in and slapped me.
“I had no clue what had just happened, except it felt like my heart and soul had been ripped out of me. I immediately put up a brick wall to protect myself. I convinced my head that I was a fool for having thought you were different from the rest of your family. I vowed I’d never let anyone hurt me that way again. I vowed to forget about you and never look back. “My head kept telling me that I didn’t care. Would never care again, but my heart couldn’t let go. That’s why I had to follow you to Paris. My heart convinced me you were in danger and my head kept telling me it’s your cop instinct. I refused to let my heart show through.
“When we were home and finally talked and cleared things up, I started to let down the brick wall I’d built up, only to find I was in love with you, Sheridan. I think I have been for awhile, but was too hurt to admit it to myself.” “Oh, Luis,” Sheridan sobbed as the tears still streamed down her face. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and pulled him as close to her as she could and still breathe. This was not how she’d planned the night to go. She’d never expected this and needed to compose herself.
After a few moments, Sheridan pulled back, having composed herself enough to speak. “Luis, I have a confession to make,” she said nervously. “I overheard you talking to Pilar at the hospital the other day. I had no idea you were going to tell her what you did, otherwise I never would have stayed there. By then it was too late to move.” Luis smiled gently. “Well I see I didn’t scare you off with what you heard me tell Mama.” “Scare me off?” She repeated in surprise. “How could I be scared off by hearing that the man I’m in love, with is in love with me as well?” She asked. Luis’ gentle smile became a huge grin.
“All I wanted to do was yell, I love you too, Luis, but I couldn’t. So I’ll tell you now,” she whispered. “I am in love with you Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.” “As I am with you, Sheridan Crane,” Luis said. Ethan had just finished dinner at the Crane Mansion and was moping around the living room. Julian passed through on his way to his study and noticed Ethan practically sulking. “Ethan, my boy” he said as sincerely as Julian could, “What’s wrong?” “Oh it’s nothing Father” Ethan frowned. “Just bored I guess. I miss Gwen terribly as well.” “Why don’t you go see Sheridan?” Julian asked, knowing how close the two were.
“In case you hadn’t noticed Father,” Ethan said, “Sheridan’s cottage is still a crime scene. She’s not staying there. Besides, she’s out on a date tonight with Luis.” “She’s WHAT?” Julian bellowed. Ethan was startled to say the least. “Why are you so surprised, Father?” Ethan asked curiously. “After all, Luis saved her life in Paris numerous times. I convinced her to tell him what she saw that night on the Wharf and finally settle things with him one way or another. After talking to him, she realized it couldn’t possibly have been Luis on the wharf that night and they made up. I’m very happy for her Father.”
Julian was pale. His mouth hung wide, not knowing what to say. “Father, Is something wrong?” Ethan questioned, noticing the look on Julian’s face. Julian plastered one of his cockeyed fake smiles on his face. “No Ethan. Nothing is wrong.” He walked over to the bar and poured himself a large glass of brandy. “I’m going into my study Ethan and wish not to be disturbed. Why don’t you go have some fun tonight? Hmm? Sew your wild oats! Show this town what Crane men are made of!” “I may go have some fun Father,” Ethan said sarcastically, “but I’m not sewing any wild oats. I love Gwen and I would never deliberately cheat on her like you are suggesting. When I get married, it will be a total commitment to one woman for life.”
“Ah, but Ethan, you astutely pointed out, you are not married yet!” Julian gave his son a knowing look and a sinister laugh. “Have fun my boy” he said as he walked on through to his study. Ethan shot his father a disapproving look as he watched him leave the room. The two remained motionless as they stared longingly at each other in the candlelit room. Luis leaned in and kissed Sheridan with desire and passion he’d never possessed.
Sheridan had never experienced such a sensation in her life. There was something different about this kiss, which was causing her to lose her sense of reality. She knew she needed to stop it soon or she’d never be able to break free. Gently she broke the kiss. She was completely breathless after such a brief kiss. “Wow, Luis,” she said, “What was that?” “I’m not sure,” he answered, fire still in his eyes. “But I know I want to do that again.” His voice was quiet and low and caused Sheridan’s entire body to tingle. “Well, what do you say we eat dinner first, and then we can try that again?” She suggested playfully.
“Do we have to eat?” He asked, still mesmerized by their last kiss. “Luis, just so you know, I skipped lunch today in order to eat this dinner with you tonight. So right now I am ravenous.” She gave Luis a pleading look. She also knew if he held out much longer, she would definitely give up dinner for another kiss like that one. “I’m pretty hungry too,” He agreed with a smile. Sheridan smiled back and they began to eat. They ate in silence for a few minutes, each stealing a glance from the other whenever they could. “So did you buy out all the stores in Harmony today?” Luis asked with a smirk.
Sheridan grinned. “No, only about half,” she replied. “Tina did get a good tour of all the designer shops in town though, she added lightheartedly. “I bet she was impressed with that,” Luis kidded. “It’s hard to impress someone from Boston with much from Harmony,” Sheridan replied. “Well she certainly was impressed with you” Luis smiled proudly. “Well, I like her too, Luis,” Sheridan said. “I only wish she could stay here in Harmony. It’s too bad she’s only assigned here temporarily. It’s been along time since I’ve had another woman around I can talk to.”
“What about Gwen? Or Ivy? Or my mother?” Luis questioned. Sheridan smiled. “I love Gwen, Luis,” she said, “ so don’t take this the wrong way, but she’s too serious. She’s not one I can share my hopes and dreams with. She always has to bring me back to reality. As for Ivy, she and I have been getting along well since I came home from Paris last summer, but we’ve never really been close.” Sheridan paused for a moment before continuing. “As for Pilar, I love her as if she were my own mother. She’s been there for me since I was a little girl and helped me through some very difficult times in my life. BUT... she is also your mother and there are just certain things I’d rather not discuss with her.”
A large smile crept across Luis’ face. He looked at Sheridan who was gazing at him in a very affectionate manner. “So Luis, I really have enjoyed talking to Tina these past few days. She’s given me a whole new way of looking at certain things. “Well, we’ll just have to make Tina feel so welcome in Harmony she’ll never want to leave,” Luis suggested. “You know Luis,” Sheridan said with excitement. “That’s a great idea. Do you think there’s a chance she could get a job with the department?” “Sam’s always looking for good officers,” Luis agreed, “but Sheridan, she has a life back in Boston. What makes you think she’d want to move to Harmony?”
“Well it doesn’t hurt to ask does it?” Sheridan asked as she continued to eat her lobster. “No, I guess it doesn’t,” Luis consented. They continued to eat for a few more minutes when Luis finally asked her a question that he’d wanted to know the answer to all evening. “Sheridan,” Luis said with a very serious face, “Why didn’t you call me and tell me Hank was bothering you earlier today?” “Oh, Luis, it was nothing really,” Sheridan said, not wanting to cause any more trouble between the two best friends. Sheridan hated that she had been the cause of such a huge fight between them. “That’s not the way I hear it, Sheridan,” Luis said with concern. “I know you don’t want to cause any more hard feelings between Hank and myself. I can appreciate that, but you are not responsible for what happened. Hank is. He is the one that assumed things he shouldn’t have. He and I have fought over girls in the past, but it was always good-natured. There was nothing good natured about the way he acted last night, or about the things he said to you this afternoon.”
“Well, I must admit Luis,” Sheridan said reluctantly; “He did scare me a bit. I’d never seen him act that way. There was also a look in his eyes that was so cold it sent chills through me.” “Well if he bothers you again, promise me you’ll tell me?” Luis implored. “I promise,” Sheridan agreed. “I’m very lucky to have you looking out for me, Luis. You even made sure our little lobster friends didn’t have to suffer,” she grinned. I was almost tempted to let them suffer Sheridan,” Luis said mischievously. “I asked them what the secret was to getting the meat out of these little parts here and they wouldn’t tell me! Imagine that!” Luis held up a small leg as a demonstration. “But, since I promised to be kind, I rubbed their bellies putting them to sleep before I cooked them.”
Sheridan giggled listening to Luis. “That was so sweet of you to lull them to sleep first she said grinning. “Just for that, I’ll just have to show you what the lobsters wouldn’t.” Sheridan stood up and walked over to Luis with a very playful look in her eyes. Luis watched her, waiting with anticipation her next move. Sheridan slid down into his lap and said provocatively “Let me show you how to get meat from these guys. Her eyes locked with Luis’ for a moment. Her heart was pounding, but she finally broke the gaze and turned towards Luis’ plate. “Now watch carefully, she instructed softly.
“Oh, I’m watching, Sheridan,” he said in a husky voice. He felt his breathing quicken as he watched her expertly remove the meat from the tiny leg. She held it up to him and dangled the fork in front of him. “See?” she said with a satisfied grin. She slowly moved the fork towards his mouth, feeding him the morsel of food. Luis grinned as he savored his mouthful of lobster. Their eyes never left each other. “Now,” she announced handing him the fork, “It’s your turn.” Sheridan smiled teasingly.
Luis took the fork from Sheridan and grinned infectiously. He picked up another tiny leg and attempted the same maneuver he’d seen Sheridan make earlier failing miserably. Sheridan just smiled and once again showed him, this time leaving the meat inside. Again, Luis used his fork and diligently worked at removing the remains of the leg. This time he managed to successfully scoop out the meat. He held the fork up victoriously, with the meat skewered on its prongs. He then returned the deed and teasingly swerved his fork to and fro until he gently fed her his prized catch. Sheridan sat in Luis’ lap lost in his gaze. She now had both arms around his neck and was smiling lovingly at him. “You are a fast learner” she finally said.
“Only as good as my teacher,” he replied grinning at her. Sheridan leaned forward and rested her forehead against his. “I could learn to like this,” Luis said with a raised brow. “Oh you could Luis?” Sheridan asked with feigned suspicion. "Sure," he said, "What's not to like? A bottle of good wine, a lobster dinner complete with lessons in how to eat every last bit, a blazing fire, soft music, and best of all, having you here with me. Sheridan gave Luis a bashful smile and ran her hand along the contours of his face. A new song began playing and Luis recognized it instantly. The words reminded him so much of Sheridan.
She knew she caught my eye
And that was all it took
Ain't it strange how forever changed
With just one look
The magic filled the night
She touched my soul like no one else
Yes, the way that woman made me feel
Left me talking to myself
You better run for cover
You better hide your heart
'Cause once you start to love her
You know you'll never stop
She shines like a diamond
When she walks into a room
She could charm the stars
Hypnotize the moon
Luis looked up and caught her eye and smiled. "You know this song, Sheridan," he began and she leaned back slightly to look at him. "It's exactly how I feel about you." Sheridan felt the grin return from that sweet sentiment. She brushed her nose to his lightly and then rested her forehead against his. She exhaled a contended sigh and listened to the rest of the words.
Once I held her close
I knew just where I stood
No you never get a second chance
To ever feel so good
Then and there I knew
These words were etched in stone
If you can't feel the power of
The greatest love you've known, oh, oh
You better run for cover
You better hide your heart
'Cause once you start to love her
You know you'll never stop
She shines like a diamond
When she walks into a room
She could charm the stars
Hypnotize the moon
"Is this how you really feel about me?" Sheridan asked with a soft, curious tone. "Yes Sheridan, exactly how I feel about you,” Luis said with a sexy smile. Sheridan felt like she was living in a dream. She leaned in and kissed Luis softly on the lips. She felt warmth flood her entire body. She pulled her head back and gave Luis a very enticing smile. "So you think I hypnotize the moon, do you?" she asked. "Why not?" he grinned. "You've hypnotized me?" “Now I know why I fell for you the way I did. You are just the sweetest man I’ve ever met,” Sheridan told him as she kissed his cheek lightly. “Sweet am I?” Luis asked in amusement.
“Yes,” Sheridan said softly giving him a gentle kiss on the forehead. “Sweet.” She then kissed the tip of his nose. “And gentle.” Luis’ expression was now one of pure pleasure. She now let her lips brush his cheek, “And kind.” Sheridan stopped for a moment and stared at his mouth. She let her fingers gently outline his lips and she heard him inhale sharply. Sheridan leaned in, closing the distance between them. She stopped briefly and said in a hoarse whisper, “And so very sexy.” Luis placed his hand behind Sheridan’s head pulling her towards him until their lips converged. When their lips met, both felt a surge of passion flow through their bodies. The kiss escalated quickly into something neither of them could control. Sheridan broke the kiss for a moment to catch her breath. “Oh, Luis,” she moaned gasping for air.
“My God, Sheridan” he responded as he began eagerly laying kisses on her neck and shoulders. Sheridan threw her head back in pleasure as she closed her eyes. Luis kissed his way back up to Sheridan’s face. He sought out her mouth and kissed her fiercely. Sheridan returned the kiss with every bit as much zeal. Her hands caressed his face, making their way through his now rumpled hair. Luis in turn was caressing the exposed areas of her back and shoulders. Luis came up for air and again began trailing kisses on Sheridan’s neck. “Sheridan?” Luis called in a deep breathless voice. “Yes, Luis?” she whispered gruffly.
He began to nibble at her earlobe, which sent waves of pleasure through her body. “Do you mind if we move from here?” he asked. “What?” she said, confused by his question. “This chair, it’s killing me,” he confessed. “Of course we can move” she said, regaining her breath. Sheridan started to get up but Luis stopped her.
“You don’t need to move. I’ll take care of it” he said. In one swift movement, Luis placed one arm under her knees and the other around her shoulders and stood up with her in his arms. “I like this too,” he grinned. Sheridan smiled back and wrapped her arms around his neck. He walked over to the couch and sat down, still carrying her in his arms. He leaned back slightly pulling her with him, so she was almost lying on top of him. “Much better,” he said with a sexy smile.
Sheridan grinned back at him. “You’ll get no argument from me,” she said seductively. Her eyes were filled with desire and she gently pushed Luis further down on the couch, now completely on top of him. “Sheridan!” Luis said with feigned shock. “What are you doing?” “What do you think I’m doing Luis?” she asked in a whisper. She lowered her head and kissed him again. Luis deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth. His hands worked their way up and down her body resting on her hips. Sheridan now in a new position took advantage of it. She broke their kiss and began kissing Luis’ neck. She ran her hands over his shirt, resting them at the top button. As her kisses made their way down his neck, she began unbuttoning his shirt, massaging the newly exposed areas of his chest.
Sheridan looked up for a moment when she heard Luis moan her name. She watched him with his eyes closed enjoying her touch, which only aroused her further. One by one, Sheridan opened the buttons of Luis’ shirt. She massaged his chest followed by gentle kisses. Luis’ breathing was becoming heavier. “Sheridan,” he gasped, “Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me?” He pulled his head up slightly and looked at her. She saw a burning passion in his eyes that was almost frightening.
“Do you want me to stop?” she whispered, trying to hide her disappointment.
“Did I say anything about stopping?” he asked still short of breath. “I just wanted to know if you had any idea what sort of effect you are having on me.” “A good one I hope,” she grinned. “Oh, believe me, it’s a good one,” he laughed. “We just haven’t really discussed this yet.” “What would you like to discuss?” she asked. Luis pulled himself to an upright position and wrapped his arms around Sheridan. Sheridan buried her head on his chest. She inhaled deeply, the scent of his cologne, the feel of his body, driving her mad. “I think we need to talk about where this is going tonight,” Luis said. “Sheridan, we did agree to tale things slowly. This is anything but slow.” He pulled her head up to look in her eyes.
“I know Luis,” she said trying to hide her disappointment. Luis could see in her eyes that she didn’t want to stop. Neither did he. “Tell me again, why we agreed to take it slowly?” he asked as he caressed her face. Sheridan felt her body tingle. She closed her eyes briefly as she enjoyed his touch. “I think it was because we’ve hurt each other so much in the past.” “That’s right,” he said as he again began to kiss her neck. “I have to tell you Sheridan, unless you stand firm, I’ll never be able to take this slowly.” He started nibbling at her earlobe again. “All I want to do right now Sheridan is make love to the woman I love.”
Sheridan involuntarily shivered. The combination of kisses and pillow caused Sheridan to lose her battle. She pulled back from Luis and stared at him. “Then make love to me Luis,” she whispered. She grabbed his arms and pulled him toward her as she fell back on the couch. Luis gave her a final glance, wanting to be completely sure about this and found Sheridan giving him an inviting smile. He leaned down and kissed her.
Once again, their kiss took off like a rocket, sending them into another place in time. Sheridan was just about to fall deeper under Luis’ spell when she suddenly shot up. Luis was left breathless and confused. “Luis,” I’m sorry she said kissing him sweetly on the lips. “It’s just that this isn’t what I want for out first time. It needs to be perfect.” “So far tonight’s been perfect for me” he smiled. “I know,” she agreed. “Everything has been perfect, so far. But I want to get the dishes cleaned up first. And I also have dessert for us. I think you’ll like it too,” she teased. “I will, huh?” “You will” she promised. “I was also hoping for a dance with you later.” “That does sound like fun,” he grinned. “Good,” she said softly. She stood up and started gathering the dishes from the table. Luis followed her and helped clear the table.
To Be Continued…
