The Two Faces Of Luis

I've decided I have plenty of time to indulge in another fantasy regarding the life of our beloved Shuis. There are no spoilers involved in this version, just stuff that has already happened, formatted to fit a different possible scenario. Hope this helps to pass the time til our friends are reunited!

Chapter 1

Sheridan had finally finished packing for her move to Paris. For some reason, almost everything she placed in her suitcase reminded her of Luis. She would pack a sweater, or a skirt in her suitcase and would have a flashback of some time she'd spent with Luis. She kept thinking about how after she ran into his police car, her life had changed, for ever. From that moment until now, she had thought of Luis everyday in one way or another.

For the first few months, she spent much of her time fighting with him. It didn't matter what the subject was, they managed to disagree on it. She smiled as she thought back on their fights. How honest he seemed back then. He never hid the fact that he hated my family, or why, she thought to herself.

"I just don't get it," Sheridan said out loud to herself. She was shaking her head as she remembered how he rescued her from the magician's box, the night she'd been trapped inside. Certainly he hated her then, but the true Luis had shown his face. The caring compassionate Luis. "Or so I thought," she muttered. Sheridan's head was now a total whirlwind. Everything she knew about Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald told her the same thing. He was a kind, compassionate, caring, loving person that would never deliberately hurt anyone. If he had a problem with someone, he certainly never held back. Everything she knew about Luis told her that he cared for her, maybe even as much as she cared for him. Everything except that one phone call.

Sheridan began pacing her living room as she kept thinking about this in her mind. "What could have happened?" she said. How could I have been so totally fooled by him, for so long?" Sheridan slumped down in a chair and buried her head in her hands, resting it in her lap. She couldn't even shed tears anymore. She had none left. The hurt, though, it just wouldn't go away. If anything, the hurt seemed to be getting worse. "Why am I having such a hard time forgetting about him. He used me. He's just like the rest." She laughed. "Jean Luc wanted me for my money and name, to help him out of some bind. Luis wanted me, for what? Revenge of some sort, but how? If I only understood, how he could have been so different from the man I thought I knew!!!" "Come on, Sheridan," she said, "Snap out of it. Try to think about something pleasant, like seeing you old friends when you get to Paris. That's it. Where's that address book of mine anyway?" Sheridan thought about the last place she put her address book, and it dawned on her she had it in Julian's study that afternoon.

"Oh, not there. The last person I want to see tonight is Julian. I'm so sick of hearing him with his insincere concern over my failed love life. He always hated Luis and never wanted me to see him in the first place. For that matter, he tried to bribe him from keeping him away from me." Sheridan smiled for a moment as she remembered Luis telling her about the bribe Julian offered for FBI training in Quantico. She had been so happy that he'd turned it down. "There you go again Sheridan. You are better off facing Julian than continuing to think about Luis." With that, Sheridan grabbed a jacket and left for the main house to retrieve her address book. Sheridan entered the foyer of the main house. It was quiet, as she looked around for anyone. Ethan was just coming down the stairs as Sheridan was walking into the other room. "Sheridan! There you are," Ethan said, happy that he had another chance to try and talk Sheridan out of her move to Paris. "Hi Ethan," Sheridan smiled as she turned back to see him. Ethan quickly ran down the stairs to catch up with Sheridan. He had to make another effort to convince her to stay. "So what are you doing here?" Ethan asked curiously.

"Am I not allowed in the mansion, anymore?" Sheridan asked sarcastically. "I didn't mean it like that, Sheridan," Ethan said apologetically. "I'm just surprised to see you here this late." "I'm sorry too, Ethan," Sheridan said. "I'm just ... I just came here to find my address book. I think I left it in Julian's office when I was here this afternoon." "Father and Mother are out this evening, Sheridan," Ethan told her. "Some hospital board meeting that was canceled the other night was rescheduled for tonight." "Actually I'm glad he's not here, Ethan," Sheridan said with relief. "I don't know if I could stand listening to him continue reminding me of the bad choices I've made in my life concerning men." "Good," Ethan said with a smile. "Let's go get your address book. Then I want to talk to you." He gave Sheridan a knowing look.

They both walked into the study together. Sheridan started looking around for her address book. "Ethan," Sheridan said seriously, as she began pulling cushions from the chairs looking for her book, "I know you mean well, but I really need to get out of Harmony. At least for awhile." Sheridan was becoming frustrated as she couldn't locate her missing address book. "Well, why don't you just take a little vacation away from Harmony? Why does it have to be permanent?" Ethan asked discouraged that he was making no headway in his quest to keep Sheridan in Harmony. Sheridan was now searching the top of Julian's desk, becoming increasingly frustrated. "Where could that book be?" She was rifling through piles on the desk, still not finding her address book.

"Ethan, I need to get away from anything that reminds me of Luis," Sheridan said impatiently as she started opening drawers. "Harmony is such a small town, I'll be sure to run into him." Sheridan, what are the chances of you running into Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald? He's not in the same circles as we are. He doesn't go..." Ethan was cut off by Sheridan. "Ethan," Sheridan said, "Luis is a cop. He's a cop that's out to destroy....." Sheridan suddenly stopped what she was saying. She was looking at something in one of the drawers of Julian's desk. Their was a look of horror on her face as she started to pick it up. Sheridan? What's wrong?" Ethan asked worried as he saw the look on her face. Sheridan collapsed in the chair behind the desk. She was unable to speak. Ethan walked around to the other side of the desk to see what it was that had Sheridan so frightened. "Sheridan" What is it?" Sheridan was holding it crumpled in her fingers, so Ethan had no idea what it was. Sheridan handed the item in her hands to Ethan. It was a mask of Luis' face. A perfect likeness. "Oh, my God," was all Ethan could utter. He was in shock. It was unbelievable. "Ethan," Sheridan asked, "Why? Who? I don't get it. I...."

"What on earth would Father be doing with a mask of Luis' face in his desk drawer? It makes no sense," Ethan said with a quizzical look on his face. He let out a slight snicker. "I'll tell you one thing, this mask didn't come from some junk shop. Someone paid a lot of money to have this made. Suddenly Sheridan's face lit up. She suddenly understood everything. Ethan was continuing his ranting about the workmanship and quality of the mask, but Sheridan was hardly hearing him speak. "Ethan, do you know what this means?" "Actually, Sheridan, I'm not quite sure I do," Ethan said still with a stunned look on his face. "It all make sense. Remember I told you that if I hadn't seen Luis with my own eyes, I never would have believed it was him? I said it was like they were two different people? One sweet, gentle and kind, the other cold and calculating? This is the other Luis," Sheridan said with hope as she took the mask from Ethan and held it in the air. "Julian did this! I should have known! How could I have been so stupid!" Sheridan hit the side of her forehead with the palm of her hand. She suddenly felt a rage within her she'd never felt before. How could Julian be so cruel, she thought. Why would he do this to his own sister?

"Why would Father do that Sheridan?" Ethan asked. Though I must admit, having the mask here does seem pretty incriminating. It also may explain why Luis acted so out of character the other night." Sheridan's anger at Julian suddenly gave way to her relief that Luis hadn't been the man on the wharf that night. At least she was pretty sure it hadn't been him. "Ethan," Sheridan said with a sparkle in her eyes that hadn't been there in awhile, "Promise me not to say anything to anyone about this mask. Please?" she begged. "If everything goes the way I hope it does, I won't be leaving Harmony after all." "I won't say anything, Sheridan," Ethan promised. Sheridan quickly left the room as she had found it, gave Ethan a quick hug and left the mansion.

To Be Continued...

CHAPTER 2

Sheridan was driving over to Luis' house. She needed to see Luis and tell him what happened. She needed to apologize for slapping him, for the way that she treated him. Suddenly a look of total gloom came over Sheridan's face. She remembered the things she said to Luis at the Youth Center. Quick fling...Boy toy.... Oh, Sheridan, he may never forgive you for saying those things to him. Tears now began to well up in Sheridan's eyes as she faced the reality that Luis may not forgive her.

She was angry again. Very angry at her brother Julian, for betraying her. How could she belong to a family as cold and heartless as the Cranes? Oh, God, I can't lose Luis again. What am I saying, I'm the one that pushed him away... But it wasn't my fault. It was Julian. He did this. Probably under the direction of Alistair, I bet... All these random thoughts ran throughout Sheridan's head as she made the trip to the Lopez-Fitzgerald house.

LOPEZ-FITZGERALD HOUSE

Luis was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a beer. He was thinking about Sheridan leaving for Europe in the morning. He kept telling himself she was crazy, just like all the other Cranes. How could I have let myself fall for her? How could I have been so stupid! But still, why did she seem to think I used her. I don't get it? What happened? There must have been something, but she won't tell me. Actually she tried to tell me twice. At the Youth Center when the lights went out and then again at her cottage. "I need to find out what happened before she goes to Paris." Luis said out loud as he stood up. He took a quick swig of his beer, placing the bottle in the sink, when he heard a knock on the door. "I wonder who that could be?" Luis said looking at his watch. Luis walked over to the door and opened it. Luis couldn't hide the surprise from his face when he saw Sheridan Crane standing there with a slight grin on her face. "What are you doing here, Sheridan?" Luis asked suspiciously. "Did you need one last jab at me, before you leave the country? Or did you want me to give you another plaque so you could throw it against another wall. Which is it, Sheridan?" Anger had replaced the surprise on Luis' face.

Sheridan was very nervous. She expected this, but it's always difficult to deal with the real thing. So much harder than thinking about it. "Actually," Sheridan said timidly, "I came here to give you an explanation for my behavior. I tried to tell you several times and we were interrupted." Sheridan took a deep breath. "And I came here to apologize." Luis met Sheridan's stare. Her eyes were sad, but there was no hate. It was gone. What was it he saw, was it hope? Luis stood back so Sheridan could enter the kitchen. He was now more confused than ever. I wonder what this is all about? Luis thought to himself. Maybe she's setting me up for the kill. Huh, she can't possibly hurt me anymore than she already has. At least I may get some answers.

Luis sat down at the table. Waiting. Waiting for Sheridan to tell him why she slapped him and turned his whole life upside-down. "O.K., Sheridan. You were going to tell me why you slapped me? What happened, to suddenly make you hate me?" Luis asked with anger in his voice. He was angry because he was still affected by this woman. This woman, he once thought was the one person, with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. "First of all, Luis," Sheridan began quietly, " I don't hate you. I don't think I ever hated you. I was angry, confused and most of all very, very, hurt. I was hurt because I thought you were using me."

"Sheridan," Luis shouted angrily, "You keep saying that I used you. I keep telling you I don't know what you are talking about. TELL ME!!" Luis was now on his feet, his hands on the table as he leaned across looking furiously at Sheridan. His eyes were filled with anger, hurt and frustration. "If you'd sit down and listen for a minute, I'll tell you." Sheridan said this firmly, but there was no anger in her voice. Luis sat back down. He was more confused every time Sheridan opened her mouth. Why was she not yelling? What the hell is going on here. "Now, I want you to let me tell you everything. No interruptions until I say so. Do you understand, Luis?" Sheridan said softly. "I'll try," Luis mumbled. "As I was saying," Sheridan began, "I was very hurt. I was more hurt by what I thought I heard you say, than I have ever been in my life." Did she say thought? Luis said to himself. Nah, I must be imaging it.

"Do you remember the conversation we had on the phone after I got home from the Pier that night?" Sheridan asked. "I remember," Luis said, trying not to remember because it still hurt. "After I hung the phone up, Julian came by, trying to convince me you were using me..." "You believed him?" Luis asked in an angry disbelief as he jumped to conclusions. "Of course I didn't," Sheridan said annoyed that he would even think it was as simple as that. "I left to go find you to prove to Julian once and for all, you'd never use me. I went back to the pier and found you. You were on your cell phone, talking to someone and apparently didn't see me. As I got closer, I heard you tell some person you intended to use the very rich, Miss Sheridan Crane for your own ends. You were laughing. It was an evil laugh. You kept talking about how the Cranes had used and abused your family for years and now you were going to use one of them.

Their spoiled princess. You also said, I was right where you wanted me. I was so desperate for love I'd believe anything." Sheridan paused. Even though she now believed Luis hadn't said these hurtful words, it was still painful to hear them. She also needed to hear Luis say, it wasn't him. She needed to hear him deny it. "Sheridan," Luis said in disbelief. "Now I know you are crazy. I never said anything like that." "Luis," Sheridan said calmly, relief showing in her face as she heard the words she needed to hear, "I am not crazy. I saw you there. Or at least I thought it was you." "You thought it was me?" Luis questioned. He had heard the word thought before.

"Until tonight, I thought it was you." Sheridan said. "And now you don't think it was me?" Luis asked in a much calmer voice. He was confused. This whole thing made no sense. Not yet. "Not since I found this in Julian's desk," she said as she pulled the mask out of her purse and handed it to Luis. Luis held the mask in his hands and looked at it. He was dumbfounded at first. "Sheridan, What is this?" Luis asked. Suddenly Luis went pale as he saw what it was he was really holding. Everything started to fit together. "You found this in Julian's desk?" Sheridan nodded her head. "Luis, can you ever forgive me?" Sheridan asked, tears welling up in her eyes. "I am sorry I mistrusted you. So sorry I could ever have believed it was you. If I hadn't seen you there with my own eyes, heard your voice, I never would have believed it. But the person I saw, looked and sounded just like you Luis. I imagine that is why Julian and probably my father went to such lengths. They knew I'd never believe it unless I saw it with my own eyes."

Luis was beginning to understand why Sheridan suddenly turned on him. All of her worst fears and insecurities were delivered to her in a nice neat package. Luis was becoming angry. Very angry that Julian Crane would treat his sister in this manner. He looked at Sheridan and saw the tears in her eyes. He wanted to hug her and take her pain away, but he couldn't. Not quite yet. Sheridan wasn't sure how to take his silence. She decided she'd finish anyway. She'd finish telling Luis what she came for and then leave. "More than anything, Luis, I'm sorry for the things I said to you. I want you to know I didn't mean them, but..." tears were streaming down her face now. Sheridan was fighting hard to stop them, but it was no use. Finally she managed to finish her thoughts. "I said those things because I didn't want you to think you'd hurt me. I didn't want you to think you'd gotten the best of me." Sheridan began wiping the tears from her face.

"Sheridan," Luis said quietly, "I'm sorry too. I'm sorry that you thought it was me that hurt you." Luis reached across the table and took Sheridan's hands in his own. This caused more tears to fall from Sheridan's face. "Just to set the record straight, Sheridan," Luis continued, "After I hung the phone up from talking to you, I went back to the station house to change back into uniform. I then had to finish up my report on the guy Silvano and I nabbed. I was gone from the dock for an hour and a half. It's all documented in the police logs. If you'd only come to me earlier and confronted me..." Luis paused for a moment as he saw how this was affecting Sheridan. "We could have straightened this out a long time ago."

"Luis," Sheridan said through a tear stained face, "I don't know if I can impress upon you how much this other person looked and sounded like you. He could have been your twin. I knew what I was hearing was so out of character for you, but this man, this Luis double, knew so much about your life, about me. I couldn't bring myself to tell you." Suddenly Sheridan realized what had really happened. All the conversations with Julian and Alistair. The warnings. The threats. Sheridan's face went pale. "What is it Sheridan?" Luis asked. She gave a wry smile. "Hey, at least we both know it was an outside force that was the cause of this misunderstanding. We can at least part friends?" Sheridan said hopefully, though she really wanted much more. "Sheridan what are you talking about?" Luis asked, a sickening felling in his gut.

"Please tell me, we can part friends," Sheridan implored. "I know you may not be able to forgive me, but I don't think I can go to Paris and be at peace if you still hold me in contempt." "You mean you're still going to Paris?" Luis asked in shocked dismay. "I have to Luis," Sheridan said, as the tears started again. "I couldn't stand it if you were to be hurt again..... or worse. I couldn't stand to feel this way again either. This time was so much worse than it's ever been." Luis was thunderstruck. "Sheridan, I'm not following any of this. Why do you have to go to Paris?" "Father and Julian did this, Luis," Sheridan explained. "Don't you see? If I stay here and see you at all, they will do something else. Next time it may be worse. Much worse." Sheridan's voice trailed off and her eyes met the floor, unable to look at Luis. "So that's it?" Luis asked. "You're giving up? You are going to let Julian and Alistair run your life?"

"Of course not," Sheridan said, but her voice was far from convincing. "I just don't want to see anything happen to you. I couldn't stand it if they hurt you." "What makes you think they are going to try something else?" Luis asked. "And don't you think it should be my decision?" Sheridan laughed sarcastically. "Julian warned me. He told me there would be dire consequences if I continued to see you. I didn't believe him, but I now know what he meant. Believe me, those two don't give up until they have what they want." "Well I guess their plan worked, Sheridan," Luis said with disappointment in his voice. "I thought you were a fighter. I thought you were different from the other Cranes."

Sheridan didn't take that last remark well at all. "I am not like Julian and Alistair. I can't believe you'd even say such a thing. And I am a fighter. I just don't know... I don't want to see you... Luis I don't know what I'm saying," Sheridan finally finished in frustration. Luis was smiling now. He knew his last remark would get to her and it had. The impact of what Sheridan had told him was beginning to hit him. She didn't hate him after all. It was all a misunderstanding deliberately created by her evil family. Maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance.....

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3:

"Can you postpone your trip for a few days, until we can figure out what to do?" Luis asked. "Maybe by then we can come up with an alternative. Sheridan thought for a moment. "I guess I can. It won't be easy for me to see you, though. I think Father has me followed or something. He seems to know every move I make. Did you know, they knew I went to the pool hall with you that night? How could he have known that if he wasn't having me followed? I mean, it was a spur of the moment decision. No one knew we were going and the only people that even knew me there were Hank and Beth." Luis was genuinely concerned upon hearing Sheridan thought she was being followed. "Someone may know you are here then?" "It's possible," Sheridan agreed. " I doubt it though. Julian thinks his plan worked. He knows I'd never come and see you. Not after what I heard.

"Well you'd better think of a reason you came then, just in case," Luis warned. "I came here to say good-bye to Pilar, Luis," Sheridan said with a sly grin. "She is home, isn't she?" Sheridan asked as an after thought. Luis nodded. Sheridan smiled. "I made sure you weren't home and came to say Good-bye. After all, she is the only one in that house besides Ethan I ever cared about. Everyone in the mansion knows that." There was bitterness in Sheridan's voice as she recalled the loveless family of which she was born. "Sheridan," Luis said thoughtfully after a few moments silence. "There is something we need to get straight before we do anything. I mean, there is no point in going any further, unless we can be completely honest with each other."

"What might that be Luis," Sheridan asked, unable to read his face. Luis looked directly into Sheridan's blue eyes as he asked his question. "Besides the obvious, why were you so hurt by what I ... I mean, by what the impostor said? Why were you more hurt this time than anytime before?" Sheridan was stunned by the question. Her insides felt like lead and she felt her cheeks go hot. How can I possibly tell him? she thought. I'm not 100% sure how he feels and he want's me to tell him I'm head over heels in love with him? Luis watched her. He noted every reaction. Saw her blush, noticed her nervousness and was pleasantly amused. "Well.... I uh... Luis, I thought..." Sheridan was stammering quite badly. "Let me start by asking you this. Did you call me later that night? The night on the dock? And leave a message on my machine? Or was it not you?"

"No, that was me," Luis said with a smile as he remembered the call. "I was quite disappointed you didn't pick up the phone, as I recall." "Well, I think hearing you on the machine, hurt me more than anything. If that call had come in before I heard you... the impostor, I would have jumped on it in a minute." Sheridan eyes were sparkling as she thought about what might have been. "Did you really mean what you said earlier that same night on the phone?" Sheridan asked softly, as she looked into Luis' breathtakingly beautiful brown eyes. She could get lost in them. "Every word," Luis said very softly, with a smile that sent shivers through Sheridan's body.

"Well, I meant it too, Luis," Sheridan said tenderly. "I've never met anyone like you before, Luis. That's why it hurt me so much. There is only one other thing I can say to you to explain why I was so hurt. I'm not sure I can tell you yet. I'm having trouble admitting it to myself." Sheridan bit her lower lip as nervousness crept into her voice. Please don't ask me Luis. Please don't ask..... she thought. "Try me," Luis said with a grin. Oh, God, how am I going to say this? What if he doesn't feel the same way? "Why are you making me do this, Luis?" Sheridan asked, hoping he would back off a little.

"Sheridan," Luis said, "Completely honest, remember? As I said, if we can't be completely honest with each other then you may as well get on that plane tomorrow and go back to Paris. I need to know if this relationship is worth fighting for." Sheridan again had tears in her eyes. She knew she couldn't get out of this one. It was either do or die. If she didn't tell him, she'd end up in Paris. If she did tell him, maybe, just maybe he felt the same way and there was a chance.

Suddenly Sheridan blurted out, "Luis, it killed me to hear you say those things because I've fallen in love with you. In fact, I've come to realize I'd never really been in love before. I've never felt so much emotion in my life, except where you were concerned. When you kissed me at the docks the other night, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. I was ecstatic, and then later that same night, I felt like someone had kicked me in the stomach." Sheridan was spilling her guts to Luis and now felt totally helpless. "Oh, just forget it Luis. I'm sorry I even came here tonight." She wiped her eyes and stood to leave.

Luis felt a huge smile come across his face. He had hoped against hope that Sheridan felt the same way about him, that he felt about her. He stood up and walked over to Sheridan, blocking her path. "Luis, please," Sheridan said, unable to look at his face. "I'm sorry, but you wouldn't let it go." Luis gently placed his hands on Sheridan's face, tilting it up to meet her eyes. She tried hard not to look at him, but it was nearly impossible. "Sheridan," Luis said in almost a whisper, "Look at me," Sheridan finally met Luis' gaze. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes filled with tears. "I'm glad you told me," Luis said smiling adoringly at her. "I didn't think there was any point in continuing this relationship if we didn't feel the same way about each other." Sheridan felt her heart start pounding as she saw the look in his eyes. Was it possible? Did Luis love her too? Oh, this was too much to hope for.

"Sheridan," Luis continued, "I have been fighting my feelings for you for months now. Ever since we were in New Mexico together, I have been denying it, to myself. I can't deny it anymore. I started to realize that after we danced that tango at the youth center. I kept getting mixed signals from you after that. I was still holding back, until you came to see me at the dock that night. I had it in my head after our date at the pool hall, that the next time I saw you would tell me what I needed to know. It did. When I realized you had called the station looking for me, I thought maybe, you felt something for me." Luis paused. "Sheridan, what I'm trying to say, is I've fallen in love with you, too."

Sheridan felt like she was in a dream. The man she loved, felt the same way. "Oh, Luis," Sheridan said, her blue eyes dancing. She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him into an embrace. Luis wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. Sheridan laid her head on Luis' chest, hearing his heart beating rapidly. Luis kissed the top of Sheridan's head as he held her. He closed his eyes. "Sheridan, this feels so right," Luis finally said in a whisper. I've never felt this way with anyone, Sheridan. I feel like we were born to be with each other. Sheridan lifted her head and gazed at Luis lovingly. She felt her knees buckle when she saw his smile and his eyes were filled with love. This was the Luis she knew and loved. this was the man she'd dreamed of her entire life.

Luis leaned in and kissed Sheridan gently on the lips. It was a very tender, very sweet kiss. Their kiss lingered for a few moments. For a brief moment, time stood still. Their kiss was magical. They shared a closeness afterwards that was beyond words. They knew they would never allow anyone to break them apart. Not now.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 4:

Sheridan laid her head back on Luis' chest and held him tight. She was afraid to let go as if he would disappear if she did. Luis rested his chin on Sheridan's head and closed his eyes. He gently caressed the back of her head with his hand. "You know what, Sheridan,?" Luis asked as he pulled his head back to look at her. "What ?" Sheridan asked with a happy, content smile. "I am so glad you came her tonight. I am so glad this misunderstanding is behind us. He took her face in his hands and gently traced her face with his fingers. Sheridan leaned her face towards his touch. She closed her eyes as she enjoyed this feeling. Her face was glowing, as she opened her eyes and smiled lovingly at Luis.

"I was pretty nervous on my way over her, I'll have you know," Sheridan said still grinning at him. Still enjoying his gently caress. "I never would have guessed that!" Luis kidded her. He leaned in and placed a light kiss on her forehead. He then looked at her again, this time his face was deadly serious. We do have a problem, Sheridan. A big problem. Your family does not want us together and apparently are willing to do what it takes to keep us apart," Luis stated with grave concern. Sheridan walked over to the table and seated herself. She gave Luis a look and he joined her at the table. Sheridan had her brow furrowed and was deep in thought. "Luis," Sheridan said, "I have been giving this some serious thought. I want you to hear me out before you say anything." "O.K." he agreed.

Sheridan took a deep breath and exhaled. Here goes, she thought. "Luis, I am going to cut off all ties with my family. I'm going to move out of the cottage, find my own apartment and a job. I'll make sure there is no tie to the Crane Family. She paused as she noted Luis' reaction. There was concern in his face, but so far he said nothing. Sheridan continued. "I will tell Julian and my father that I want nothing more to do with them and they can keep their money and power. If it means that I have to live my life rich and without love and happiness, then I want none of it. I would rather be living in a boxcar, if I were truly happy and had the man I loved and loved me back. The price tag for being a Crane is too high. I will trade money for true love any day." She watched Luis as he gazed deeply into her eyes. She felt a sudden chill, almost as if Luis could see straight through to her soul.

"You are willing to give up everything?" Luis asked incredulously. "Sheridan, you can't possibly mean that. You have no idea what you're saying. You have no idea what life outside of the Crane world is like. I can't let you do that." "Luis, you can't stop me," Sheridan said firmly. She had a determination in her demeanor Luis had seen many times and he knew it was no use arguing with her. Sheridan then started laughing. She laughed bitterly. "Don't you see Luis? I can't stay there anymore. I need to be able to live my life the way I see fit. I want to make my own choices." Sheridan was now on her feet pacing the kitchen floor. She had her arms folded across her middle. Every now and then she would throw them in the air to emphasize what she was saying. "I want to be able to go have a beer in a pool hall and not worry about who is following me, or being an embarrassment to the family. Why should having a good time playing darts and drinking a few beers be an embarrassment? I wasn't hurting anyone. Don't you get it? This is about me living my life. It's something I should have done along time ago."

Sheridan had stopped her pacing. She was now standing at the table with one hand on her hip, the other on the table as she leaned closer to Luis. "With the exception of Ethan, there is no one in that family I will miss, or will miss me. All they will miss is having a show piece around when they need one. Someone to entertain their stuffy friends." Sheridan stood up and flung her arms in the air as she recalled all those dull buffoons she'd been pranced in front of to entertain her father and brother. She rolled her eyes and groaned loudly. "The only thing my father cares about is the precious Crane name. The only time he ever pays any attention to me is when he wants something from me, or when I do something that displeases him. Something he thinks will tarnish the Crane name," Sheridan sarcastically said. "You know, now that I think about it, I truly believe that the reason my family wants us apart is because they see you as a threat of some kind. No one ever paid any attention to my involvement with Jean-Luc, until it was time for ridiculing me for my poor choices in men. AFTER it was over. I'm more sure than ever that they are involved with the disappearance of your father, or at the very least the Martin Impostor.

"Luis, I'm sorry for raving like an idiot," Sheridan said regretfully. She again walked back to the table and sat down. "I just can't live that life anymore. Can you understand that?" Luis watched Sheridan in amazement. God, she was beautiful when she was angry. Seeing her like this, so full of determination, made him realize how much he loved her. How different she truly was from the rest of her family. Still, he didn't want to be responsible for causing her to lose the only family she had, even if it was the Cranes. Luis slowly got up and walked over to where Sheridan was sitting. He crouched down so their faces were level. He took her hands in his. "Are you absolutely positive you want to do this, Sheridan?" Luis asked softly. He looked at her with compassion and understanding. He knew this was a big decision. He wanted to give her every opportunity to change her mind.

Sheridan reached up and held Luis' face in her hands. She gently ran her hands across his face, tracing his beard, smiling as she felt the light growth from the last day. She looked deep into his eyes. She loved looking into Luis' eyes. It made her feel warm and tingly. His eyes were sparkling and she had no control of the huge grin that crept across her face. He had that effect on her. "I'm sure Luis," she managed to say in a whisper, as she continued caressing his face. "I want to live my own life. I want to be able to do whatever I please, including seeing you." Her fingers moved from his face and began tracing his lips. They were so soft. Sheridan longed to feel his lips on her own.

Luis' heart pounded wildly in his chest, as he felt the soft touch of Sheridan's delicate fingers on his face and lips. Breathing was becoming increasingly difficult. "You know Sheridan," Luis said in a deep whisper, "I will do anything for you. Anything at all. Just name it." Luis was finding it difficult to concentrate on their conversation. Sheridan's light touches were distracting him. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this aroused, a mere touch of the hand on his face. In fact, he'd never felt this way by such a simple gesture. "I was hoping you'd say that," Sheridan said softly.

Luis very slowly leaned in closer to Sheridan. She inhaled sharply as she felt his breath on her face. As he moved in closer, Sheridan let her hands slip around his neck and he softly kissed her on the lips. He slowly increased the intensity of the kiss. Sheridan responded willingly. Their kiss was beginning to unleash the pent up desire in both of them. Neither heard the door from the living room open. Nor did they see Pilar standing there watching them.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 5:

"Ahem," Pilar cleared her throat loudly as she stood by the door to the living room with her arms folded in front of her. She had a sad look in her eyes. She knew Luis and Sheridan were playing with fire. She also knew, it was too late to stop them from falling in love. It was evident, by the scene she was watching. Luis and Sheridan reluctantly looked up and saw Pilar standing there. Both were breathless, their cheeks red.

"Mama," Luis said in surprise. He let out a slight sheepish laugh. He was embarrassed, being "caught" by his mother. He quickly scrambled to his feet and jammed his hands in his pockets. "Pilar," Sheridan exclaimed at almost the same time as Luis. She too, was embarrassed that Pilar had witnessed their kiss. Oh, boy what a kiss, Sheridan thought. "I assume Son, that you found out what the problem was and you and Sheridan have ironed out your differences?" Pilar said with an ever so slight smile. Her head was slightly tilted to one side.

Luis laughed. His cheeks still red. He couldn't get the smile off his face. "As a matter of fact we have Mama," Luis said. "If you don't mind my asking" Pilar said, "What happened to break you apart?" Now the smile was gone from Luis' face as he thought about Julian Crane and his mask. Luis picked the mask up from the table and walked over to his mother. He held it up for a moment and then handed it to her. "This was the cause of our problem," he said in an angry voice. "Julian Crane hired someone to wear this mask and make Sheridan think I was using her. She overheard the person wearing this saying I was only using Sheridan, to get back at the Cranes for what the'd done to my family. Sheridan thought it was me, and from what she's told me, I can't blame her for the way she reacted. It was an elaborate set up to keep us apart, Mama."

Pilar shook her head in dismay. "I'm sorry, son. I'm sorry Sheridan, but I can't say I'm surprised. When Julian and Alistair Crane want something, they get it. This is very disturbing." "Your damned right it's disturbing Mama," Luis sneered. "I knew they were evil, but this...." "Luis, I warned you," Pilar stated. "I warned you not to fall in love with Sheridan. I told you nothing good can come of this."

"How can you say that Mama?" Luis said shocked his mother could hurt him like this. "Sheridan and I just told each other tonight we love each other. Don't you care about my happiness? I've never felt this way about anyone in my life." "Of course I do Luis," Pilar managed a small smile. "I care about both of you, very much. I just don't want to see either of you hurt. I don't want to think of what Julian or Alistair will do when they find out their plan has failed." Pilar was shaking her head in sorrow again. "You won't have to worry about what Julian or my father think much longer Pilar," Sheridan stated.

"Oh, and why is that Sheridan?" Pilar questioned. "Because I have decided that I am going to cut myself off from the Crane Family. I am moving out of the cottage and will tell Alistair to take his trust fund and... and ruin someone else's life with it." Sheridan was angry and frustrated as she said this. Pilar's face lost all color. She walked over to the table and managed to sit down before she fell down. She was muttering under her breath in Spanish. Luis and Sheridan both saw the look in her face and were worried.

"Mama?" "Pilar?" "What's wrong Mama?" Luis asked, now very concerned. Pilar took a deep breath and finally spoke. "Sheridan, I love you like my own daughter. I am very happy that you and my son have found happiness together. Do whatever it takes to make a life together, but please, please, do not cut yourself off from your family. I beg you not to." "Why Pilar?" Sheridan asked, gently placing her hand on Pilar's shoulder. "Why is it so important to you that I not cut myself off from my family?"

"Trust me Sheridan," Pilar implored. "You do not want to cross Alistair in this manner. "It will make what he did to try and separate you from Luis look like child's play." Sheridan was frightened. She'd never seen Pilar this upset before. She seemed frightened to death. Luis also saw his mother's fear as well as Sheridan's. "Mama, you have to tell us why it's so important for Sheridan not to cut her self off from The Cranes," Luis the cop was now doing the questioning.

"I can't tell you," Pilar said, but I will tell you this much. "You are not the first person in the Crane Family who wanted to cut ties as you say. There have been others, one in particular." "What happened to them?" Sheridan asked, almost not wanting to know the answer. Tears welled up in Pilar's eyes. She shook her head. Sheridan was now fighting back tears of her own. Oh my God, she thought. What is my father really capable of? This must be something absolutely horendous for Pilar to react in this manner.

Luis walked over to Sheridan and placed a hand on her shoulder. He knew how upset she was. Sheridan reached up and grabbed his hands, squeezing it hard. Luis wanted answers and he wanted them now. He was sick and tired of running everytime Alistair Crane's name was mentioned. One man could not possibly be this totally evil and get away with it for so long. It was time to put a stop to his reign of terror.

"All right, Mama," Luis said isn a very official tone. I've had it with all this fear when Alistair Crane's name is mentioned. It's time he were stopped and I mean it. What did he do to that other member of the Crane Family? Who was it?" Pilar looked at her son and knew he wasn't going to let this go. Maybe he was right. Maybe it was time to stop Alistair from hurting anyone else. What she knew though was sure to hurt people. Especially Sheridan.

"All right. I'll tell you," Pilar said in a very sad voice. "You both must promise me, you will not make any accusations until you have proof. You say nothing, unless you have real evidence. I mean it." Pilar was looking directly at Luis, knowing his temper and inclination to run hot headily into confrontations, especially where the Cranes were involved. Luis thought for a minute and then agreed. Sheridan also agreed, though she wished she knew what she had to keep hidden.

"Sheridan, you were only a little girl at the time this happened. There was a member of the Crane family that was very unhappy. She had been married into the family for years, but never felt like she belonged. She was a wonderful woman too." Pilar smiled as she remembered. "She had a kind and gentle heart. She always put others needs before her own. She like so many others that marry into that family was deceived. She thought her husband loved her, when in fact, he married her only for her name and breeding. He continued to have affairs all through their marriage.

She was treated as a possession, not as a wife. "Certainly she had whatever physical needs she wanted. Money was never the problem. Unfortunately she was never impressed by the Crane money or power. It was a poor substitute for a happy life. Her only joy was her youngest child. She spent all the time she could with the child. She was very saddened however whenever she saw her husband with the child. He was harsh and even cruel. She wasn't sure of everything he did to the child except that whenever the child came back to her from a visit with him... well, lets just say neither of them were happy."

Sheridan and Luis were listening intently to this story as it unfolded. Sheridan had a feeling there was something familiar about it, but couldn't put her finger on it. Pilar continued. "One day, this woman decided she'd had enough. Her child was hurting badly everytime there was an encouter with the father. The woman were miserable after all those years in a loveless and emotionally if not physically abusive marriage. She decided that nothing was worth the price of her happiness, and told her husband she was leaving with the child. There was a terrible fight. I mean a terrible fight. He told her she would never leave him, nor would she take his child.

"She told him she couldn't stand to see her child treated this way anymore and yes, she was leaving with the child. She told him she'd rather die than live in that house a moment longer." Pilar watched Sheridan as Luis as they hung on her every word. She then looked at Sheridan. The next day, she was found dead in the living room. Stabbed, I think. It was all covered up, of course. The rest of the family was told she was very frail and died of natural causes. The child never really had a chance to get to know the mother. The mother that fought to take her away from the family." Pilar paused for a moment. She then looked Sheridan directly in the eyes. "That child was you, Sheridan. That woman was your mother."



To Be Continued...

Chapter 6:

At first Sheridan was stunned. Completely unable to move or say anything. Her expression a total blank. She then started shaking. She sat there and her entire body just shook. Not quite like a convulsion, but none the less, Luis was frightened. He knew the pain she must be going through at this moment. Sheridan didn't talk about her mother much, but when she did they were always fond memories. And longing to have the mother she never knew. Now she finds out that her precious mother, the only one she felt love from, was murdered at the hands of her own father.

Sheridan felt trapped. She felt as if she were inside a glass bubble and couldn't find her way out. She was going to suffocate and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it from happening. Why is this happening, she thought. Why my mother? How could this be? She suddenly remembered flashes from her childhood. Memories she hadn't had in years. She didn't even recognize them as memories except she knew the people in her memory. She had been there as a little girl. She'd been asleep in a chair when it happened. She'd seen her father and mother fight. She saw her father kill her mother. Oh my God.

"That's why I had nightmares all my life," Sheridan said with a blank look on her face. "I was there. A small child, three, maybe four years old. I saw him do it. I saw my father kill my mother." She continued shaking and staring into space. She was talking to no one in particular, just talking. Sheridan seemed to come out of her trance. She looked at Luis and Pilar who were watching her with concern. "You're right Luis. I'm not going to let my father scare me anymore. Somehow we have to stop him, but I don't know how. I don't want to live my mother's life. And I don't my life to end as hers did either." Sheridan's face was like stone. She was calm, but there was a coldness in her voice that frightened Luis.

Pilar walked over to the stove and prepared a pot of coffee. She remained silent for a few moments while she brought some mugs from the cupboards. Luis had seated himself at the table next to Sheridan. He held her hands in his, gently rubbing them. "Sheridan," Luis said calmly. "I'm not sure yet how to handle this either. I do know this. You won't be going through this alone. I'll be at your side every step of the way." Sheridan feigned a faint smile. Luis knew it was fake, but at least it was an effort. Pilar, who had heard Luis' promise to stand by Sheridan said another small prayer. She knew Luis would never desert Sheridan, but prayed to God to help them find a way.

Pilar finished making the coffee. She poured three cups and placed them on the table along with milk, sugar and spoons. Sheridan was deep in thought as the coffee was served. She absentmindedly placed a spoonful of sugar in her coffee, stirring it. Then it seemed, she forgot what she did and reached for another spoonful of sugar. She repeated this several times. Luis saw this and said nothing. He smiled at his mother, who was about to tell Sheridan what she had done when she picked up the mug and took a sip. Her face contorted into a grimace as she tasted the coffee. Pilar took the cup from Sheridan and rinsed it, replacing it with fresh coffee. Luis smiled at her, shaking his head. Sheridan, who had come back to earth from whatever planet she was on, saw the look on Luis's face and gave him a genuine smile. "I'm sorry," she said. "I guess I was just a little preoccupied." She noticed an impish grin on Luis' face and said, "Luis, don't say a word. I mean it!" She laughed as she said this.

Though still troubled, this little incident seemed to bring Sheridan out of it. Pilar had no clue as to what had just happened. She decided she'd better not ask. She did ask Sheridan how much sugar she liked in her coffee, however, as she was trying to save Sheridan another mouthful of sweetness. Sheridan replied just one, but both she and Luis became giddy. Sheridan thanked Pilar, who was looking at the two of them in disbelief. If she only knew. Pilar rejoined them at the table and asked, "Sheridan, does anyone know you are here tonight?" "Actually, no," Sheridan said as she thought about it. "Ethan was with me when I found the mask. I told him not to say anything to anyone about it and he agreed. "I also told him, that if all went well tonight I may not be leaving Harmony after all. Then I came here."

"Maybe you should call Ethan and let him know where you are," Pilar mused. "See if he can stop over and pick up the mask and return it to Julian's desk, before he noticed it missing. It will be much easier for him to return it than for you." "But Mama," Luis said startled, "That mask is evidence."

"Evidence of what, son?" Pilar asked. "That the Cranes tried to stop one of their own from becoming involved with the housekeeper's son? That is hardly a crime." Luis pondered what his mother had said. "I suppose you are right," he said reluctantly. "You both need to make a decision, right now," Pilar stated seriously. "You need to decide which is most important to you at this minute. Do you want to pursue your quest, Luis, of bringing down Julian and his father? Or do you want to continue your relationship with Sheridan?"

"Both Mama," Luis said sternly. "That is not possible, Luis." Pilar looked at Sheridan. "I think Sheridan knows this to be true as well," Pilar said as she saw the look in Sheridan's eyes. Sheridan looked sadly at them both. She knew what Pilar was saying was true. She knew it would take nothing short of a miracle to find any concrete evidence linking her father or anyone else in her family to her mothers death. Even if they could find the evidence, it would take months, even years to uncover it. Besides, if they pursued anything, it needed to be Martin Fitzgerald's disappearance. Luis had been suffering much longer than she. Sheridan excused herself from the table. She needed to call Ethan before it was too late.

Pilar and Luis were left alone at the table. Luis was just holding his coffee, thinking about what his mother said. Pilar was looking at Luis, knowing how he hated to let go of things especially where the Cranes were involved. "Luis," Pilar asked quietly, "Have you thought about what I said?" "Of course Mama." Luis said with a slightly annoyed smirk. "That's all I've been thinking about. I hate the thought of having to choose, but there is no doubt in my mind what I'd choose." "What would that be Luis?" Pilar asked, though she knew the answer. "Mama, I can't believe you even asked me that question!" Luis said in utter surprise. "I know Luis," Pilar said. "I just wanted to make sure your feelings for Sheridan are genuine."

Luis laughed. "How could they not be, Mama?" Luis said, his face radiating happiness. "She's the most amazing person I have ever met. I've never felt this way about anyone. You saw what I was like the last few weeks, when I thought things were over between us. I don't ever want to see that happen again. EVER. Even if it means slowing down my investigation of the Cranes." Luis' voice trailed off a bit. He had a slight look of dismay in his face. Pilar smiled. It was actually a large smile for Pilar, who usually seemed to appear so glum. "It wasn't that long ago Luis, that you said you didn't have time for a relationship. Your plate was too full, with your father's disappearance and all."

Luis looked at his mother and smiled. It was more of a smirk than a smile. "Well, I it would appear I've changed my mind." He managed to look serious again for a moment. "Don't get me wrong, Mama. I'm not giving up on the Cranes. I just have other things on my mind right now that are more important." "You mean Sheridan, of course," Pilar said. "Mama, I never expected this to happen. It just happened!" Luis threw his hands in the air and chuckled. "Imagine me falling in love with a Crane. Who would have ever believed it?" "Sheridan is a wonderful person, Luis. I told you that all along," Pilar told him. "I am very happy for both of you. I truly am, but I am also very worried. I don't want either of you hurt."

"Yeah, I know. That's what Sheridan and I have to figure out and fast. She's supposed to leave for Paris in the morning." Luis again had an anguished look on his face. Sheridan walked into the room. She had finished her call to Ethan. "Ethan will be here shortly," Sheridan announced as she returned to sit at the table. "He said he'd return the mask to Julian's desk drawer before he gets home. We were lucky tonight. The hospital board meeting lasted much longer than expected, so Julian won't be home for a few hours yet." "That's a relief," Luis acknowledged.

"I think I might have an idea how to buy you some time, Sheridan," Pilar said reflectively. "I think you should go to Paris tomorrow as planned." "What!?!" both Sheridan and Luis cried in unison. They looked at each other, pain in their eyes at the thought of being separated again, then looked at Pilar. "You can't be serious, Pilar?" Sheridan said, stunned. "Yes Sheridan, I am serious," Pilar said. "If you go to Paris, your father and Julian will think they have succeeded in keeping the two of you apart. For now. You can go there for a week or two and then come back to Harmony. You can tell them you decided that being in Paris didn't change anything. That being the case you wanted to come back to Harmony."

Sheridan did see the merit of Pilar's argument. She did not like the idea of leaving Luis for several weeks. Even a week would be too long. She and Luis were at a pivotal point in their relationship and she wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. "I don't know, Pilar," Sheridan said with mixed emotions. Luis was grinning from ear to ear. "That's a great idea, Mama," Luis said enthusiastically. Sheridan looked at Luis is shocked surprise. "You want me to go to Paris Luis?" She asked, trying to disguise the hurt in her voice.

"Yes Sheridan, I do," Luis replied, smirking at her. He was rubbing his hands together. "I do have a slight change to make in your plans, though." He looked at Sheridan. He saw the pain in her eyes and decided he'd better tell her now what he was planning. "The change is, I will follow you to Paris. We can spend the week there together. No Julian or Alistair to foul things up. No Hank or Beth either. Just you and me. Getting to know each other better. What do you think?" Luis looked like a schoolboy who had just won a trip to Disney World. Sheridan's face lit up. Her eyes were sparkling as she thought about time alone with Luis. In Paris no less! "Are you sure you want to do this Luis?" Sheridan asked, wanting to make sure he really wanted it and wasn't just doing it for her.

"Oh, I want to do it all right," Luis said looking at Sheridan in a manner that sent shivers through her body. His voice was deep and he seemed to forget his mother was in the room. Sheridan smiled and blushed as she gazed at Luis. She quickly broke the gaze. She hadn't forgotten Pilar was sitting right there. Pilar looked disapprovingly at her son. She knew what he was insinuating. "Luis, I trust you will use good judgment? Both of you?" she said, knowing her son would do as he pleased anyway. Luis suddenly realizing his mother was there, blushed. "Of course Mama. Don't I always?" Luis gave her a smile that caused Pilar to roll her eyes to the back of her head.

"It's settled then," Luis said triumphantly. "Let me call Sam and get the time out of work. Then I need to find someone to watch the Youth Center for me." He squeezed Sheridan's hands quickly, gave her a sexy smile, with a wink and left. Ethan arrived and Sheridan filled him in on their plans. He actually thought it was a great idea. Sheridan and Luis needed some time alone after what they'd been through. He didn't mind Sheridan going to Paris, as long as it was only a vacation. He vowed not to tell a soul, including Theresa.

Sam granted Luis his request, warning him to be careful, but wishing him the best. He agreed to cover for Luis' absence should anyone ask, as well as keep it hush where he was and with whom. Sam assured Luis he would arrange for people to keep the Youth Center operational until he returned.

Sheridan arranged for Luis' flight to Paris. He would fly out on the flight immediately following her own. She really wanted to fly with him, but they agreed it wouldn't be a good idea to be spotted leaving Harmony together. She arranged to meet Luis in New York as they would both be flying the Concorde. She didn't tell him that, however. She wanted to surprise him. She would be waiting for him at the gate at JFK. Luis tried to argue with Sheridan about paying for the plane ticket, but she wouldn't budge an inch. She knew Luis hated using Crane money for anything, but she also knew what a last minute ticket to Paris cost, and would not let him spend that kind of money to follow her there. If he really wanted to go, she would cover the ticket. He reluctantly agreed.

It was now nearly midnight. Sheridan at least was nearly finished with her packing. Luis hadn't started. Luckily he wouldn't be packing nearly as much as Sheridan. Neither one of them wanted to part, but they knew it was time for Sheridan to leave. Luis and Sheridan embraced. Luis kissed Sheridan sweetly and smiled. "Just think. The next time I see you we'll be in Paris," he said, with excitement in his voice. Not wanting to lie to him, Sheridan replied, "I can't believe it. You and me in Paris. Alone!" She smiled affectionately at Luis who gave Sheridan another kiss. This one a little more passionate than the last. "You'd better leave now, or we both might miss our flights tomorrow," Luis teased.

"Not on your life, Luis," Sheridan said with a seductive smile. This time she kissed him. She kissed him with all her might for a minute and then pulled away. She opened the door, smiled at him in an ever so sexy way and said, "Until tomorrow, Luis." She turned and walked out the door. Luis just stood there for a moment. He had a huge grin on his face as he thought of what tomorrow might bring.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 7:

Sheridan stood at the gate as they announce the arrival of Luis' flight from Harmony. She couldn't contain her excitement as she waited for the passengers to disembark the plane. Things had gone off without a hitch when she left the Crane Mansion. She said her Good-byes to Julian, Ethan and Ivy. Julian didn't seem to suspect a thing. He seemed quite pleased that she was finally leaving, where Ivy and Ethan were saddened by her departure. Ethan had given Sheridan in a wink as she left, as he knew she'd be returning in a few weeks. For the time being, Sheridan was happy. She had been dreading this trip to Paris since she made the decision to go, but after everything that had happened last night, she was now more excited than she'd ever imagined. Passengers were beginning to come out of the plane and Sheridan looked frantically for Luis. She finally spotted him and she felt her hear begin to beat wildly. He didn't see her standing there, but then again he wasn't looking for her either. He wasn't expecting to see Sheridan until he reached Paris.

Luis was thinking about what he needed to do next. He was to pick his ticket up at the main ticket counter for International Flights. He'd never been to JFK before, so he was looking everywhere for a sign leading him to that counter. He didn't see Sheridan as he passed her. Nor did he notice she was walking right beside him. "Boy, what I wouldn't give for ten minutes alone with a hot cop like you," Sheridan said in a seductive voice. Luis recognized the voice instantly and spun around facing her. "Sheridan!" He exclaimed with surprise as he grabbed her for a hug. What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to surprise you, Luis," Sheridan said happily. "You didn't think I'd let you go all the way to Paris by yourself did you? I figured once we were in New York, it would be safe to travel together." Luis grinned. "Well I'm very glad you did." His smile kept getting bigger and bigger till he almost started laughing. He gave her a quick, but intense kiss on the lips. "You just made my day." "Why thank you Luis," Sheridan said with a coy smile. She grabbed hold of his arm and pulled him close to her. "Now shall we go catch our plane?" "Wait, Luis said, "I still need to get my ticket."

"No you don't, because I have it right here," Sheridan said smiling, as she waved two tickets in the air. "Shall we?" Luis just looked at her and shook his head. He knew he was going to enjoy this trip. After all, look who he was going to be spending two weeks with in Paris? Luis and Sheridan walked arm in arm through the airport. Luis was looking at everything he saw. It was a very busy airport, and he was amazed at the bustle all around him. Finally they reached the terminal the Concorde would be departing from and Sheridan started walking towards it.

""Sheridan, what are you doing?" Luis asked in surprise. "Getting ready to board my plane, silly," she said laughingly. "The Concorde? Are you serious?" Luis asked incredulously. "I just didn't want to waste a minute of our time together on a silly airplane," Sheridan said in a sultry voice. "We'll be in Paris in two hours this way, and then who knows what we'll do with our extra time?" Sheridan grinned at Luis. Her eyes were dancing and Luis saw a fire in them, he'd felt in his own eyes many times as he thought about being alone with Sheridan. Luis felt his face catch on fire. He was longing to kiss her, really kiss her, but they were in the middle of a busy airport so he needed to control himself.

"I think I need to take off my coat. All of a sudden it's hot in here," Luis said as he gave Sheridan a knowing look. "Not as hot as it's going to be," Sheridan said quietly, giving Luis a playful look. Luis now was laughing. "You know Sheridan," Luis said, "I'm already having a great time and we haven't even boarded the plane yet! You are totally amazing, did you know that?" "Why thank you Luis. I try," Sheridan said with a devilish grin. "I also think it's only fair to warn you, I plan on keeping this up the entire trip." She gazed into Luis' eyes with an ever so innocent look.

Luis laughed again. By now he had removed his coat. His face was red from the constant flirtatious remarks from Sheridan. He was really starting to feel hot all over. "Sheridan, I have to tell you, if you keep this up till we get to Paris, I can't be held responsible for my actions when we get to the hotel." It was now Sheridan's turn to laugh. "That's the idea Luis," she said with her blue eyes sparkling as she met his gaze. Luis had been unable to keep a smile off his face since Sheridan had started playing her game. "What has gotten into you Sheridan," Luis asked in a curious but pleased voice. "You have, Luis," Sheridan replied lovingly.

Luis had never seen Sheridan this playful, this seductive. It was new to him, but he was enjoying every minute of it. No wonder he loved her the way he did. Their relationship had just reached its new level less than 12 hours ago and it appeared that Sheridan wanted .... Luis closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. He opened his eyes, looked at Sheridan and finished his thought. Sheridan wanted the same thing he did. The passengers had begun boarding. Sheridan and Luis were holding each other close, as they waited to board the Concorde. Luis was excited. He'd never been out of the country before. Never been on the Concorde before, and never been with a woman like Sheridan Crane before. She gave new meaning to the word excitement. Luis was glad he'd been forced to apply for a passport when he joined the Harmony P.D. He figured he'd use it some day as he always wanted to go to Spain, but never figured on this.

On board the plane, Luis and Sheridan took their seats. Sheridan leaned in and rested her head on Luis' shoulder. She closed her eyes and sighed happily. "I can't remember the last time I felt this happy, Luis," Sheridan said with a dreamy smile on her face. Luis took her hand in his and brought it up to his lips, kissing it gently. Sheridan let out another sigh. Luis smiled and then wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her as close to him as he could. "Just wait till you see Paris, Luis," Sheridan said excitedly. "You'll love it. It's absolutely breathtaking." She looked deep into Luis eyes. Luis couldn't take his eyes off Sheridan. "It certainly is," he said softly.

Sheridan blushed. She knew he wasn't referring to Paris. Still she couldn't look away. Her heart ached she wanted to kiss him so much and couldn't. She'd never felt so drawn to anyone in her life. "What is it about you, Officer Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, that makes me want to ... want to ... kiss you every time I lay eyes on you. Its almost as if there were a magnet inside of me causing me to be drawn to you." Suddenly Sheridan smiled as she remembered something. "What?" Luis asked with a silly grin. "I was just remembering a conversation I had with your mother months ago. I told her you and I were like those magnets that repelled each other. We shouldn't be allowed in the same room with each other," Sheridan grinned back. "I guess those silly old magnets somehow managed to reverse themselves now didn't they?"

"I'll say," Luis said. "I for one am so glad they did." He gave her an alluring smile as he raised his eyebrows. Sheridan giggled. "And who's flirting now, Luis?" "Who said you were the only one that could play this game?" Luis leaned his head into Sheridan's neck and kissed it lightly. She felt his hot breath on her skin sending electric charges flying through her body. Luis knew he was getting to her. He continued his torture until they heard the flight attendant tell everyone to fasten their seat belts.

"You were saved this time Sheridan," Luis said in a very sexy voice. "Don't be so sure about the next time." He flashed a very seductive smile at her and then proceeded to give her that killer look with his eyes. "Who says I want to be saved?" Sheridan gave him the same look back. "Oh, I can see this is going to be a very long trip," Luis groaned with pleasure as he fastened up. "See, now aren't you glad we're taking the Concorde?" She asked sweetly.

Luis laughed as the plane started to move. He smiled at Sheridan and took her hand in his. Sheridan smiled and closed her eyes. The plane was now speeding down the runway, As she felt it lift off the ground, she thought, in two hours I'll be in the most romantic city in the world with the man of my dreams. She quietly slipped into a restful sleep. Luis watched her as she slept. He was actually grateful she was asleep. He was having fun sure, but she really had been driving him crazy, and he was in no position to do anything about it. He couldn't wait to get to Paris.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 8:

Luis and Sheridan sat in the back seat of the taxi that was taking them to their hotel. Luis had been so busy the night before planning to leave the country for 2 weeks, he had no idea where they were staying or what they were doing. His original plans were to meet Sheridan at the airport in Paris, but as he found out later, she had her own agenda. He smiled as he remembered Sheridan's actions in the airport before they left the states. She had slept the entire flight, and afterwards they'd been busy with customs and making arrangements to have the luggage sent to the hotel. Sheridan was fluent in french, Luis not knowing a word. She took care of all arrangements, as Luis watched in awe.

"So what happens now, Sheridan?" Luis asked with a grin. "Well," Sheridan said with a sparkle in her eyes, "That depends on what you want to do?" She giggled. "What I mean, is, usually I just kick back my first night because of the time change. Can you believe it's 10:00 already?" "Actually, no," Luis laughed. "I see it's dark outside, but I guess I'm going to have to get used to it." "You will by tomorrow, Luis," she said rubbing his arm. "I promise." She gave him an affectionate smile. Luis couldn't help himself. He leaned in and kissed her on the lips. It was brief, but filled with fire. "Sorry Sheridan," Luis said sheepishly as he saw the cab driver watching them in the rear view mirror.

"Don't be sorry," she said, her eyes dancing. "All I've been able to think about today is kissing you. She briefly looked away. then turned back meeting his gaze. "Wait till you see the hotel we'll be staying in, Luis. I think it's my favorite in all of Europe," she said as her eyes lit up. "Oh yeah?" Luis smiled back. "We're staying at Le Parc. They have their own special garden that is absolutely gorgeous. Sheridan was giddy as a schoolgirl. "As a matter of fact," she said softly, "I reserved their two best rooms overlooking the gardens. They'll be perfect." "Can I ask you something, Sheridan?" Luis asked in a low, soft voice. He reached for her hands and began to caress them.

"Sure Luis," Sheridan said. She felt her body begin to quiver, at the sound of his voice, the caress of his hands on hers. "Why are you wasting your money like this?" Luis asked in a very quiet voice. Sheridan was shocked. Why was he bringing up the money thing, now? "Luis, I don't understand why your bringing up...." Luis grinned broadly. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Sheridan, what I meant," he said in a very seductive voice, "Is why did you get TWO rooms? You'll just be wasting your money since we'll only be using one." He gaze pierced through her body like a bolt of lightening.

Sheridan couldn't breathe. What had he just said to her? her mouth dropped open slightly as the full impact of Luis' statement hit her. Luis was suddenly embarrassed. "I'm sorry," he said. "I guess I was wro..." Sheridan put her fingers on his lips to stop him from finishing. "Don't you dare finish that sentence, Luis," Sheridan said in a whisper. She leaned closer to him and kissed him full on the mouth. She kissed him gently. Numerous soft gentle kisses. "I love you, Luis. I just didn't really expect you to want to, you know."

"Sheridan," Luis whispered. "I love you so much. I want to make love to you." He returned her kisses, increasing the passion with each kiss. "Luis," Sheridan whispered seductively, "I want you to make love to me." They continued with their passionate kissing between their conversation. "But not in the taxi!" She smiled, but couldn't stop kissing him. "You are right, Sheridan," Luis said as he continued to kiss her. His kisses moving down her neck, causing her to gasp. "Not in the taxi." Luis was breathing heavily. "How much longer until we reach the hotel?" He continued kissing her. He was now caressing her back underneath her coat. Sheridan turned her head to look out the window. Luis began kissing the back of her neck now. She could feel his warm breath on her skin and it was driving her wild. She had to rub her hand on the window to see where they were, as the window was all steamed up.

"Oh, my!" she smiled. She turned back to Luis. "We're here. The driver will be stopping any minute now." "I guess that means we'd better stop too," Luis murmured, as he kissed his way back to Sheridan's mouth. He didn't stop. "I guess you're right Luis," Sheridan replied as she kissed him back. "Luis," Sheridan said breathing harder with each sentence. "Yes?" Luis panted as he kissed her earlobe, playfully nibbling on it.

"I hate it when people kiss in public," she said sighing with pleasure as she began kissing Luis' neck. "So do I Sheridan, he replied, as he continued his exploration of Sheridan's earlobe. They were so caught up in each other, they never felt the taxi cab stop, nor did they hear the driver the first time he called them. He had a huge smirk on his face by now. "Monsieur! Mademoiselle!! We are here," the driver announced in nearly a shout. They finally broke apart as they heard the taxi driver shouting at them.

"Are you sure, Sheridan?" Luis asked. he didn't want to leave her, but was fascinated at the hotel and did want to look around a bit. "Just go," she laughed. "Just don't go too far, o.k.?" Her eyebrows were raised and the look in her eyes was filled with desire. "Oh, don't you worry about that!" Luis replied seductively. He looked around briefly leaned in and gave Sheridan a fiery kiss. Sheridan smiled at him and shook her head, but her entire body was awakened again.

Luis walked off to check out the lobby, while Sheridan walked up to the reservations desk. She tried to hurry things along as quickly as possible. She did decide to keep the extra room, so it could be used to drop off their luggage when it arrived. She explained to the clerk, they would be out for the evening, so the hotel could just deliver all their bags to the one room and they would sort it out when they got back. With room keys in hand, Sheridan turned to find Luis, but didn't see him anywhere. Luis had been wandering around the lobby, looking at everything, noticing all the different shops and stores, when he saw one that sold wine. He walked in and without thinking bought a very nice bottle of champagne. He was glad that Sheridan had told him to get some money exchanged, before they left, otherwise he'd never have thought of it.

He walked out of the wine store and saw a vender selling roses, and couldn't resist. He purchased a single red rose. He grinned as he thought about Sheridan and decided to head back to the lobby before he spent the rest of his money. Luis saw Sheridan standing there looking around. He knew she was looking for him, and decided to catch up with her and surprise her with the flower. He managed to sneak up behind her and grab her. She was about to scream when he pulled her around and presented her with the rose.

"A beautiful rose for an even more beautiful lady," Luis said with a broad smile as he held out his hand holding the rose. Sheridan smiled at him. Her eyes were bright blue and said I love you. Sheridan didn't have to say anything, but of course she did. "Luis, it's beautiful," she said with feeling. "Thank you so much." She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "You are very welcome, beautiful," Luis said. His was staring at her in such a loving way. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her. Sheridan remembered the keys. "See what I have?" she said impishly as she held up the keys. Luis frowned slightly as he saw two keys. He tried to hide his disappointment, but Sheridan noticed it right away.

"I told the reservations clerk that we would be out for the evening. He is going to arrange to have all our luggage delivered to one room, and we can sort it out when we get back." "I see," Luis said, but he didn't really. Sheridan knew that, but didn't set him straight. She grabbed his hand and took him in the direction of their rooms. Luis opened one door for Sheridan and was about to go to the other room. Sheridan grabbed his arm and pulled him inside. "Just where do you think you are going?" She asked in a very seductive voice.

Luis was about to answer her question when she pulled him in for a passionate kiss. They kissed for a few minutes then Sheridan stopped. She looked up at Luis who was catching his breath. "Now where was it you were going, Luis?" Sheridan walked away in a very deliberate manner and looked over her shoulder as she made her last statement. She turned back and smiled to herself. "I'm going to take my coat off and kick back. How about you Luis?" Sheridan walked over to the closet and removed her coat. She took her shoes off and put them in the closet as well.

Luis stood there for a brief moment and shook his head. She was still playing with him. She never had any intention of going out tonight. She did it so we wouldn't be disturbed. He laughed inwardly. Two can play at this game, he thought. "Sheridan, why are you taking your shoes and coat off? I thought we were going out tonight?" Luis asked in feigned surprise. Sheridan looked at him in total surprise. "Luis, I thought we agreed to stay in tonight and order room service?" Sheridan said. She was looking at him intensely, unable to believe he didn't realize she'd been teasing him. "Oh, I thought you changed your mind," Luis said with a smile. "I was a little disappointed at first, but I understand. I was actually looking forward to going out tonight, Sheridan." Luis fought back the urge to laugh.

Sheridan was stunned. "Sheridan, you stupid idiot! Why didn't you just tell him! Now he wants to go out tonight. Wait. You can still change this... Suddenly her stunned look turned to a smile. "I have an idea, she said. You want to go out and I want to stay in, so why don't we each take five minutes and convince the each other. Whichever argument is better will win. And I want you to go first." She moved over to a comfortable deep cushioned chair and sat down. She crossed her legs and stretched both arms behind herself on the chair. "Convince me, Luis!" she said with a smile. I wonder what she's up to? he thought. Ok, I'll play along.... "Well for starters, I'm famished. I'd like nothing better than to have a nice quite late night dinner in some little bistro. I also hear this city is unbelievable at night. I'd love to see some of it......

Luis continued his argument for the full five minutes. In fact, it was a very convincing argument. Sheridan almost felt guilty for not wanting to show Luis her favorite city tonight. After all, she knew every nuance of Paris, and he'd never been here before. In a way, it would be like seeing it for the first time herself, through the eyes of the man she loved. Key word: Almost. "Your turn, Sheridan," Luis said proudly. He knew he'd made a great case, though he wasn't sure why he made it sound so convincing. He'd had different plans for the evening. Sheridan walked up to Luis. "May I have your watch?" she asked.

Now he really had no idea what she was doing. "My watch?" he asked in wonder. "Yes. I want to time myself, to make sure I don't take longer than five minutes." Sheridan gave Luis a sweet smile as he handed her his watch. She then set the alarm to go off in exactly 5 minutes.

"Luis," Sheridan said in a very sexy voice. "I'm just going to show you what we can do while we kick back and relax. That's if my argument is better than yours, that is." She walked up to Luis, standing very close to him, She took her hands and placed then on his abdomen and gently caressed his entire torso. Her eyes kept moving up and down his body, meeting his eyes, as he watched her with pleasure. She then moved her hands to his face. She let them wander slowly to the back of his neck and pulled him close to her. She kissed him passionately on the lips. He responded to her kiss. She removed one hand and let it wander up and down his back. She masterfully untucked his shirt and began unbuttoning it. She started to kiss her way down his neck. As each opened button exposed a new area of Luis well built torso, she began to kiss that as well.

Luis was enjoying every minute of this. He'd never experienced such pleasure before. To think, he said to himself. This is only the beginning. God, what this woman does to me. He felt a warm sensation flow through his body as Sheridan continued her exploration of his chest. Every now and then their eyes would meet, and he saw a fire in her eyes, he'd never seen before. Just as Luis was beginning to lose concentration for everything besides what he was feeling when Sheridan touched him, he heard an annoying ‘beep beep beep beep' in the distance. That was Sheridan's cue. She immediately pulled away and walked over to the watch turning the alarm off. She left a totally breathless Luis standing there with a smirk on his face.

"O.K. Luis," Sheridan said with a triumphant look. "I'll let you decide what we do tonight." She went back to the chair she'd been sitting in earlier and resumed her position. Luis wanted to get her in the worst way, but he couldn't. She'd won this time. All of her flirting all day with him, the cab ride to the hotel and now this? Luis had been fighting an urge to kiss her for months, now. They'd been in numerous positions where that's all he'd thought about doing. Now, he could fight anymore. Sitting before him was the most beautiful woman in the world. The woman he loved more than life itself, and she loved him too. No, Paris would wait till tomorrow.

Luis walked up to Sheridan. He stood there for a moment, just watching her. He'd never had the burning desire to make love to a woman before the way he wanted Sheridan at this moment. He wasn't smiling. His insides were in knots. His eyes penetrated to Sheridan's soul. He just stood there, finally extending his arm, holding his hand out. He was breathing hard, but not from their kiss earlier. He was scared. So much had happened in the last few weeks. He was experiencing emotions he didn't know he even possessed. He was used to being able to control his feelings, but now, with Sheridan, he was unable to restrain his emotions.

Sheridan, who was sitting in the chair with a smug look on her face, suddenly felt her smile disappear and her heart caught in her throat. She felt Luis' gaze piercing through to her very essence. She opened her mouth slightly, wanting to say something, but no words would come out. Her stomach felt like it was a butterfly garden. She felt her body tremble as she held out her hand to Luis. They both felt a quiver through their bodies as their hands touched. Their eyes never lost contact. She slowly stood up. Luis led them both to the bedroom. Sheridan, too was now finding it difficult to breathe. She'd been flirting with him all day. Wanting him all day. Now, she too was afraid. Afraid for almost the same reasons as Luis. They stood next to the bed. Luis raised his hands and very gently held her face. He continues staring deep into her gorgeous blue eyes. Sheridan breathing had become fast and hard. Luis gently laid Sheridan on the bed. He gave her a last look, as if asking her ‘Are you sure you're o.k. with this?' Sheridan reached out with her arms in response to his look. She had a faint inviting smile on her lips. Luis returned the smile and carefully laid on top of her.

Luis quickly pulled Sheridan into a kiss. It started gently, but quickly turned into a long kiss, filled with passion and desire. Luis soon parted their lips, deepening their kiss. His hands were gently running up and down Sheridan's sides. He was following the curves of her body. Sheridan broke the kiss coming up for air. She moaned, "Oh God, Luis, as she felt his hands exploring her breasts. He soon began unbuttoning her shirt. He began kissing her neck. Her head fell back and she closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation he was causing her to experience. Her hands clasped Luis' head and she was rifling his hair as he finished unbuttoning her shirt. He slid it from her shoulders and she let out another light moan.

Sheridan wanted desperately to kiss him. She moved her hands down to his face and pulled his head up. When their lips met, it was a fierce kiss. Both, now totally lost in each other. Luis undid Sheridan's bra and removed it. He now caressed her chest, causing Sheridan too kiss him even harder. She was now removing his shirt and tugging at his belt. The two stopped kissing long enough to undress each other. Both were breathing heavily. Their hearts were pounding. Once undressed they looked at each other for a moment.

"I love you, Sheridan." "I love you Luis." They returned to another kiss. Both totally unable to control themselves or their feelings. They proceeded to make love for the first time. Both felt their bodies come alive in a way they'd never known.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 9:

Sheridan and Luis lay facing each other, in each others arms. They were both smiling as they caught their breath. Their bodies glistened. Luis gently kissed Sheridan's forehead. He then looked deeply into her eyes. Sheridan ‘s eyes were dancing as she lost herself in Luis gaze. "What are you thinking about?" Luis asked sweetly, still unable to peel his eyes away from her.

Sheridan let out a quiet laugh. "Actually, I was thinking about you. Who would have figured that?" She smiled and kissed him gently on the lips. "I was thinking that I have never been happier in my life. This was the absolutely most incredible experience of my life. I love looking at you, especially your eyes, and I just plain love you. I think I love you more now than I did this morning."

Luis gave Sheridan another kiss. He smiled adoringly at her. "I was thinking almost the exact same thing. I still can't believe we are really here. God, I love you Sheridan." He held her tightly. "I'm never going to let you go." "You'd better not Luis," Sheridan said. And I love you too. Do you know how good it feels to really be able to say that?" "Yeah, I do," Luis replied. "I love you!" He smiled. "I'm just sorry it took us this long to tell each other." Sheridan suddenly started to giggle. She looked at Luis and said, "You'll never believe what thought came into my head." "What," he asked with a grin. "I think I need to thank Julian for us being here." Sheridan said still giggling. "Excuse me?" Luis frowned upon hearing Julian's name.

"Really Luis, think about it," Sheridan explained. "If Julian and my father hadn't tried to break us up with that impostor and mask, "I never would have wanted to come to Paris, and thus we wouldn't be here." "Yeah, I guess," Luis admitted, "but don't expect me to thank him for anything." He still hated Julian Crane and nothing would ever change that. "Well I don't want to think about him anymore," Sheridan said with an impish grin. "I only want to think about you." She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and laid her head on his chest. "You mean us, don't you?" Luis asked.

"Us, I like the sound of that," Sheridan said dreamily. "So do I Sheridan. So do I." Luis pulled Sheridan's head up and kissed her passionately. They again proceeded to make love. They continued to make love several more times during the night. Luis forgot about the bottle of champagne he bought. Both forgot they were supposed to order room service. Their only thoughts were of each other.

It was late morning when Sheridan and Luis finally rose from their slumber. They were starving, since they hadn't eaten since early the afternoon before, US time. They both quickly showered and dressed, and Sheridan took them to a quaint little cafe, she frequented when she lived in Paris. When they were done eating, Sheridan took Luis on a short walking tour of Paris. She also gave him a quick geography lesson about the history of Paris.

Sheridan explained to Luis that the Sienne River was the classic dividing line of Paris. It was divided into the left and right banks, The right bank being the more elegant and formal, the left bank is more relaxed and bohemian. She took Luis down the Champs Elysees and felt like she'd never seen the city before and she pointed everything out to him. She was so excited to be in this city with him, she almost couldn't stand it.

"Sheridan, you are amazing," Luis said as they were walking. "You know so much about this city. So much of it's history." He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "It almost feels as if this is the first time I am seeing it though. I guess I took a lot of this for granted, living here as long as I did," Sheridan said. Luis just smiled and squeezed her hand as they continued walking. They saw the Arc de Triomphe. Sheridan explained to Luis how wonderful the ceremonies were there on V.E. day. (Victory in Europe). She explained there were flags hanging from different countries around the world, with a huge French flag in the middle of the Arc.

The next site they saw was Place de Concorde and she pointed out the spot where Marie Antoinette was beheaded. Then they came to Jardin de Tuileries. It was a huge, beautifully kept garden. "Did you know that this garden used to be the backyard of many famous kings of France? Including Napoleon?" Sheridan asked Luis. "No I didn't," he responded with an amazed smile. "Picture this if you will," Sheridan said excitedly, holding her arm out towards the garden as if she were watching the scene in her mind. "The start of the French Revolution. A peasant uprising. They killed 600 Swiss Guards and overtook the palace." Luis could almost see it as Sheridan explained it to him. He just smiled and shook his head in awe of her knowledge of the country.

"You know, I think I must be the luckiest man alive," Luis said grinning at her. "Why is that Luis?" Sheridan asked, blushing slightly. "Not only do I have you as the love of my life, but also as my own personal tour guide of the most romantic city in the world," Luis replied grinning. Sheridan blushed again, but returned the smile. She looked at her watch and saw it was getting along towards dinnertime. Suddenly she had an idea. "Luis," Sheridan said with a sly look. "Would you like to go out on a date with me tonight?" Luis laughed. Then he realized she must be up to something. "What are you up to Sheridan?" he asked with a friendly, but suspicious look on his face. Sheridan gave him a smirk. "I'm not up to anything Luis! I just thought I'd take you out on a date. The kind of date the French people would have."

"O.K. Sheridan," Luis smiled at her. "I would love to go on a date with you." "Good," Sheridan said demurely. "Lets go back and get ready then. I sure hope you are hungry!" She laughed knowing how many courses would be served. "You bet I'm hungry," he said. "In more ways than one!" He raised his eyebrows and gave Sheridan a look that made her heart skip a few beats. They walked back to their hotel and prepared themselves for their "date."

Sheridan had convinced Luis to use the other room while they were getting ready. He wasn't happy about it, but she told him she wanted to be able to pick him up for their date. After all, it would only be for an hour or so, Luis begrudgingly agreed. Sheridan called the restaurant she chose and made reservations for them. She then proceeded to shower and dress. Sheridan put on a beautiful strapless black dress. It fell above her knees and showed off every curve of her body. She wasn't sure why, but she was kind of nervous. Maybe it wasn't nerves, maybe just anticipation. all she knew, was anytime Luis was around, or she thought about him, she felt something. All good of course. That was the effect he had on her.

Once she'd finished getting ready, she checked the time and decided it was time to get Luis. She grabbed her coat and left. She walked all the way to the next room and smiled to herself about how silly this was, but she was enjoying it. Luis opened the door and his mouth nearly dropped to the floor. "You look incredible, Sheridan," he said with an approving look. He surveyed every inch of her body, which made Sheridan blush. "Thank you, Luis," she said. "And I think I'm going to have to keep my eye on you tonight. Looking the way you do, some young French babe will definitely make a play for you." Sheridan gave Luis a playful evil eye.

"Don't you worry about that, Sheridan," Luis said as he cocked his head to the side and smiled. "I only have eyes for you." He then began to survey her body once again and shook his head in approval. Sheridan gave Luis a bashful smile and held her arm out for him to take. "Shall we?" she asked. Luis took her arm and they walked off together.

Luis and Sheridan were seated in a quaint cafe that was crowded with people. Luis agreed to let Sheridan order. Sheridan ordered them each a Kir Royale. "So what is this drink you ordered?" Luis asked curiously. "You'll see," she smiled coyly. She noticed the look on his face and said, "Don't worry, there is no eye of newt of unicorn tail in it." She new Luis wasn't one for trying exotic things. This caused him to laugh. "Sheridan, you are too much. Did you know that?" Luis loved it when Sheridan acted as she was right now. Funny, charming and playful. There wasn't anything about this woman he didn't like.

Their drinks were served. Luis had to admit it was good. He was actually pleasantly surprised. Sheridan told him it should be good, as it was the most popular drink in Paris these days. They stayed at the cafe for about an hour. They were talking about everything and anything, when Sheridan realized they were almost late for their dinner reservation. They quickly left and arrived just in time to be seated at the restaurant. Luis was amazed at how pleasant all the staff were at these establishments. "Dining, is probably the most important event for the French people," Sheridan explained. "everything revolves around a meal, whether at home or in a restaurant. Meals can take hours sometimes, even in restaurants."

"I wouldn't mind that," Luis said with a grin. "Especially with you to share it with me." "Luis, you are the sweetest man I know," Sheridan said. "You'd better watch out, though. I may start to get a big head." Her eyes were sparkling as she said this to Luis. He always managed to make her feel wonderful inside. "It will never happen Sheridan," Luis said seriously. "I mean every word of it." He reached across the table and took her hand. "I really am the luckiest man alive."

"Luis you have to stop this," Sheridan said blushing again. She was enjoying it, but never had someone pay her so many compliments. Luis started laughing. "I just thought of something. Hank is going to kill me when he finds out about us. He hates losing especially to me." "Why would Hank kill you?" Sheridan asked uncertainly. "Come on Sheridan? Didn't you notice Hank wanted you to be his girlfriend?" Luis asked with surprise.

"Yes, I guess I did notice that," Sheridan admitted with a slight frown. "I tried to tell him several times, I only wanted to be friends, but he was just so persistent. I hated to hurt him, which is why I always seemed to end up going out with him, when it was someone else I thought I would be with."

Their waiter interrupted and brought a bottle of wine to the table and poured them each a glass. Luis curiosity got the better of him. When the waiter was gone, he pursued the issue. "What did you mean by that last remark? Sheridan smiled at Luis. "I suppose I might as well tell you. Not that I didn't try on numerous times. "Do you remember the flowers Hank gave me at the Youth Center on the day of the Skating event?" "Don't remind me!" Luis said with a smirk on his face. He remembered how hurt he's been when he found out Sheridan was going out with Hank.

"What you probably don't know was there was a note with them asking me on a date. It was unsigned. I thought the flowers were from you. I mean it was the morning after our first date and I'd had such a wonderful time, I just thought they were from you." Sheridan gave Luis an embarrassed smile. "I never knew that, Sheridan," Luis said with a surprised smile. "I must say, I'm glad to hear that." "Well then you may be glad to hear this too," Sheridan confessed. "Do you also remember when I asked Hank out for New Year's Eve at the Seascape?" "Yes," Luis answered, wondering what this one was about.

"Well," Sheridan said shyly, as she looked at the floor briefly then back at Luis. "I thought it was you I asked out. I was afraid you'd say no and I didn't have the courage to ask you face to face, so I asked you from behind the supply closet door. I was rather surprised when Hank emerged instead of you." Luis now was really laughing. "This is too funny, Sheridan! All this time I thought you really liked Hank. "When I think of the time we.... Never mind that. I think you and I have some serious time to make up here, don't you?" Luis gave Sheridan one of those looks that caused her to tingle all over. "I think, that despite the fact I was driven crazy for several months," Sheridan said seductively. Her blue eyes staring deep into Luis' brown ones. "That we are making up for it wonderfully. I can't imagine anything better than being here with you."

They continue talking all during their meal. Sheridan fed Luis at least one bite of each cheese that was served during that course. She giggled every time he found one he didn't like. The look on his face was priceless. Luis of course returned the favor, making Sheridan sample it as well. The night seemed endless. Course after course was served, Neither one seemed to notice that three hours had gone by since they arrived at the restaurant. They finally left the restaurant and walked the streets of Paris arm in arm. As they were walking Luis looked at Sheridan with a very impish grin. "So my beautiful date, are you going to tell me how the French end their dates?"

"Well," Sheridan said teasingly, that all depends." She looked up at Luis and raised one eyebrow. It depends on how the date went. It also depends on how sexy the person you asked out is." Sheridan smiled at Luis in an ever so seductive way. "And if a person passes this criteria?" Luis asked as he gently kissed Sheridan's neck. "I'd say that there would be a good chance of a goodnight kiss....Or something." Sheridan was getting a warm feeling through her body as she felt Luis' warm breath and kisses on her neck. "Or something, huh?" Luis asked in a deep voice, as he continued kissing Sheridan's bare neck. Her perfume was intoxicating.

" Well, if you keep this up, I may have to show you first hand when I drop you off," Sheridan whispered. "Well I definitely want to find out first hand," Luis whispered back. He looked at Sheridan catching her gaze. This caused Sheridan's heart to flutter. They finally arrived at the hotel and went up to their room. Once inside, Sheridan took off her coat. Before she'd had a chance to hang it up, Luis was standing behind her kissing her neck and shoulders. "I've been wanting to do this all night," he said. Sheridan smiled. "You know what I want?" she said pulling away from him and continuing to hang her coat up. "What's that?" Luis asked, somewhat confused. She turned and gave Luis a sexy smile. "I want to dance with you."

"A dance huh? I think that can be arranged," Luis said with a hugh grin. Luis walked over to the radio and found a station that was playing slow dance music. He walked up to Sheridan and extended his arm. "May I have this dance, Miss Crane?" he smiled. "Why certainly," Sheridan replied giving Luis her hand. They danced to the music holding each other close. They both held the others gaze, occasionally kissing short sweet kisses. Luis hands were roaming free, caressing Sheridan's shoulders and back. She finally laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes. She inhaled deeply as she caught the scent of Luis' cologne. She was more content at that moment than she'd ever been. How she wanted that night to last forever. Luis too was thinking about how happy he was. Too happy to think about the problems they still had to face. He'd worry about that another day.

Luis finally pulled Sheridan's head up and kissed her lips. She responded. Their kiss continued to build as they stood there swaying to the music. Luis hands were roaming free. He unzipped Sheridan's dress, causing her to gasp suddenly and then she smiled. As her dress fell to the floor she returned the favor by unbuttoning Luis shirt and undoing his belt. She looked up into his eyes and saw they were on fire. She caught her breath and killed his fiercely on the mouth. Luis in one moved picked her up and carried her to the bed. They were both breathing hard at this point. Sheridan pulled Luis' shirt off the rest of the way, tossing it on the floor. She started tugging on his pants, pulling off his trousers and boxers in one move.

Luis was pleasantly surprised at this move and managed to give Sheridan a quick grin before he attacked with full force. She groaned his name loudly as he kissed his way up and down her body, removing her remaining garments in the process. Again, they were lost in each other, willingly giving each other everything they had to give.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 10:

A week had past already, and Sheridan and Luis had been having a wonderful time. With an occasional quick reference, neither even thought about the trouble that lay ahead of them. They toured Paris by day, went to a different restaurant each night and then made love until they were exhausted. Each day they seemed to fall deeper and deeper in love, but both were avoiding the inevitable. They had issues that needed to be dealt with. They were having lunch in a small cafe one afternoon, when Sheridan reached in her purse for her wallet. Her hands felt something unfamiliar and she pulled it out. She held it up and grimaced. "Oh, no," she said.

"What's wrong?" Luis questioned, looking at her hand clutching something. "I almost forgot about this. It's Jean-Luc's. His grandfather's pocket watch. I was going to return it when I got here," Sheridan frowned. "You can still return it Sheridan," Luis said. "I'll go with you. I'd kind of like to see what sort of man stole your heart before I did." He was smiling, but Sheridan detected just a hint of jealousy in his voice. "Luis, NO man, has ever stolen my heart the way you have," Sheridan said lovingly. Luis gave her a sly grin. "Lets do it today then?"

"All right," she agreed. "Let me call him first." Sheridan walked over to a pay phone. she looked up the number and dialed. The same man answered the phone that had answered it when she called from her cottage. "Hello, may I speak with Jean-Luc please?" Sheridan asked. "He's not here at the moment, may I ask who is calling?" Roger said. "Is this the beautiful blonde American, Sheridan I spoke with before?" "Yes, it is," Sheridan said, feeling uneasy. "When do you expect him back?" "Any minute actually," Roger said. "He just ran out to get a newspaper."

"Fine. Will you tell him I will be there within the hour. I have something to return to him," She said flatly. "Oh, You do not want to make amends with him?" Roger said. "I so wanted you two to spend eternity together." Roger was wearing an evil smile. "Hardly," Sheridan said. She was beginning to feel very cold. "Just tell him I'll be there soon. I just have something of his I want to return. Good-bye." She hung up the phone feeling shaky as she walked back to the table. "Sheridan, what's wrong?" Luis asked as she returned to the table. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"No, not a ghost," Sheridan said as she crossed her arms and rubbed them up and down in an attempt to warm up. "It was the man who answered the phone. He answered it before when I called. He just gives me the creeps. I can't explain it. I met this man once for about five seconds and he remembered me when I called. Twice now. Doesn't that seem rather strange to you?" "Yeah, it does," Luis agreed with concern. "Did you talk to Jean-Luc?"

"No, I didn't," Sheridan explained. He was on a business trip last time I called and this time he was out buying a newspaper." She thought for a moment and then laughed slightly. "I'm probably just letting my imagination run wild. After all, I never intended to see him again until I found the watch. Let's go." She smiled at Luis, but he could see she was still afraid of something. "O.K., but I'm not letting you out of my site. Not for a second," he warned. Sheridan smiled at him and took his hand. They left the cafe for Jean-Luc's apartment.

As soon as he hung the phone up with Jean-Luc's American fiancee, Roger called Pierre. "Get over here, now. She will be her within the hour. She must not leave here alive." "Understood," Pierre said. "I will be there shortly." Roger placed the phone back into it's cradle. "It is time for you to be reunited with your old lover Jean-Luc, Mademoiselle Sheridan. I told you I wanted you two together for eternity." Roger threw his head back and laughed a loud blood curdling laugh.

Sheridan and Luis caught the metro and headed for Jean-Luc's apartment. Sheridan was still nervous, but trying to hide it from Luis. She really had no reason to be nervous, she told herself. Granted he had hurt her last summer, but she'd long since gotten over him. She started smiling as she thought about thanking him instead of chastising him. "What are you so happy about?" Luis asked curiously. He was sitting next to Sheridan with his arm wrapped around her shoulder. She was leaning her head on his shoulder when he caught her smile from the corner of his eye. Sheridan looked up at Luis. "I was just thinking about Jean-Luc," Sheridan said.

"Really?" Luis asked, He wasn't smiling anymore. He was wondering what she could possibly remember that would make her smile like that. The guy used her. She wouldn't think about..... "I was thinking I should thank him for nearly breaking my heart," Sheridan said, as she looked affectionately at Luis. "Sheridan, I don't think I understand," Luis stated in confusion.

"That's easy, Luis. The reason I came back to Harmony in the first place was to forget Jean-Luc. I was also upset at the time, which is why I drove my car straight into your police car. If that hadn't happened, I wouldn't have met you. And you are the best thing that ever happened to me." Sheridan gave Luis a huge grin when she finished. Luis laughed. It always made him feel great when Sheridan said things like that to him, but sometimes he wondered about her logic. She was right, though. But somehow Luis knew in his heart that he and Sheridan would have somehow managed to get together despite everything. He kissed her gently on the cheek. "You amaze me. You leave nothing to chance, do you?" Luis said.

"I believe everything happens for a reason," Sheridan explained sweetly. "That's why having my heart broken all those times was worth it. If it hadn't been broken, I'd never have found true love." "I love you, Sheridan," Luis said as he pulled her closer to him. "And I love you, Luis," Sheridan replied. They rode the rest of the way to their stop in silence, just holding each other.

They approached Jean-Luc's apartment building and Sheridan suddenly stopped. Her face turned white and she had an awful feeling again. "What is it, Sheridan?" Luis asked. "Are you all right?" Luis was really getting concerned. "Something is not right here, Luis. I'm not sure what it is, but I know something is definitely wrong," she said. "You don't have to do this you know," Luis said. "You could just mail it to him." "I know, but we're here. We might as well get it over with," Sheridan said. She looked toward the parking lot and frowned. "I wonder where his car is? He never would have traded it in, it was his prized possession."

"Sheridan, if you insist on going through with this, then I'm going to wait in the hall. I don't want him or them to know I'm here in case there is something wrong. You got that?" Luis' cop instincts were now in full force. He didn't like anything about this situation. "O.K." Sheridan agreed. Just don't go too far away? Please?" She had a desperate look on her face. Luis took her face in his hands. "I will not let anything happen to you, Sheridan. I promise you," Luis said wholeheartedly. He then gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Lets get this over with, please!"

They walked into the apartment building. Luckily Jean-Luc's apartment was at the end of a hall, so Luis could hide right around the corner. Sheridan rang the bell. Inside Jean-Luc's apartment Pierre hid in another room and Roger answered the door. "Well, if it isn't the beautiful American fiancee of Jean-Luc. You are even more beautiful than I remember." He made a gesture for Sheridan to enter. She walked into the apartment, feeling like it was a death march. "Jean-Luc is no longer my fiancee," Sheridan said with disgust. "I'd appreciate it if you could just call him for me. I'd like to just give him what I came here for and leave." Sheridan was very nervous. Why hadn't Jean-Luc answered the door?

As soon as the door closed, Luis was on top of it, with his ear pressed against it. Good, I can hear what is being said, he thought. "I'm afraid Jean-Luc won't be joining us today, Mademoiselle Sheridan," Roger said. "I never did get your last name?" "Look, I only came here today to return this pocket watch to Jean-Luc. I was hoping to do it in person, but I've wasted enough time already on this matter. So let me just give it to you and you can give it to him when he returns," Sheridan said. Her nervousness was quite evident. Luis could hear her voice trembling from the hall. He was getting a lousy feeling in his gut.

"I am afraid, Jean-Luc will not be needing this watch." He took the watch from Sheridan and tossed it on the desk. Roger was wearing an evil smile. "I'm afraid I don't know what you are talking about, monsieur? I have no idea who you even are?" Sheridan was very pale. Luis knew something was very wrong. What the hell am I going to do? Think Luis, think!! "Have you not, beautiful lady, wondered why you have not spoken to Jean-Luc?" Roger asked. "Yes, I have wondered that," Sheridan said, petrified of the answer.

"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, Mademoiselle, but Jean-Luc is dead," Roger said with feigned sadness. "It was very tragic. There was a girl killed with him. Mimi, I believe her name was." Roger was shaking his head. A surprised smile appeared on his face. "At first we thought it was you killed with Jean-Luc. It was a car explosion if my memory is clear. On the very night I met you." Sheridan felt faint. She was supposed to be in that car, not Mimi. Oh, my God, they're going to kill me.

"I'm very sorry to hear about Jean-Luc and his girlfriend. I think I'll be going now. Good-bye." Sheridan started toward the door when Pierre emerged from the bedroom holding a gun. "I don't understand what's going on here," Sheridan said. "Who are you and why are you holding a gun on me?" Sheridan was hoping Luis would hear her. Luis did hear and was now panicking. I can't barge in there with them holding a gun on her. Hell I don't have a weapon. I can't leave to call the police, they might kill her. Hell, they might kill her anyway! Dammit!

"Mademoiselle, we are very sorry, but you have seen my face," Roger said. "We cannot allow you to live." Sheridan was frozen in place. She knew death was imminent. Her only thoughts were of Luis. Luis, I love you she thought. She closed her eyes. A few tears rolled down her cheek. "Pierre, take her out back and finish the job. We do not need to do anymore cleaning than necessary," Roger said. "When you are finished, make sure you dispose of the body. She is our last loose end. Come back here when you are finished."

"Yes Roger," Pierre said. "I will be back soon. He walked up to Sheridan and jammed the gun in her back. "Lets go," he demanded. He pushed Sheridan towards the door. Luis jumped back from the door when he heard it start to open. Thank God they didn't shoot her in there. At least I have a chance. Luis found a stairwell to hide under until he determined where the thug was taking Sheridan.

Pierre emerged from the door with Sheridan in front of him. The gun was buried deep in her back and he had his other arm wrapped around her shoulder. She was looking desperately for Luis. She knew he had to be there somewhere. He promised. Luis where are you, she thought. Pierre took Sheridan down the back stairs. Luis waited until they were at the bottom then followed taking the stairs silently three at a time. He followed the to the back door. He saw them go to the alley. Luis quickly ran out the front door and around the back of the building. It was a dimly lit alley. No one would see them there.

Luis slowly crept up on Pierre. Sheridan was standing there with her eyes closed. Waiting. Pierre held the gun to Sheridan's head. "Au revoir, Mademoiselle Sheridan," Pierre laughed evilly as he said this. Prepare to join your lover in eternity. "Luis I love you," Sheridan muttered as she waited to die. Luis heard this and pounced on Pierre from behind. The gun went off, hitting the building. "Luis was a man possessed. He punched Pierre with in an inch of his life. "Sheridan," he shouted, "Go call the police, NOW! Don't go in that building and don't come back here till the police show up. Tell them I have one of them and the other is in the apartment."

Sheridan immediately obeyed. She ran as fast as she could to call the police. Luis had Pierre in a headlock with one arm twisted behind his back. "It's over pal," Luis sneered. "I shouldn't even call the police. I should just take care of you myself. But lucky for you, I believe in the law. I'll let your justice system take care of you. The police arrived within minutes. Sheridan reappeared when they did, and explained everything to them in French, which Luis couldn't do. As soon as the police took Pierre from Luis' grasp he ran to Sheridan and hugged her with all his might. He buried his head on her shoulder.

Luis and Sheridan ended up spending the next few hours at the police station. They were informed that the French authorities as well as Interpol had been looking for these two men for sometime. They were the head of a major drug ring in which Jean -Luc was involved. Jean-Luc wanted out and was planning on using Sheridan's money and clout to buy his way out. Unfortunately, these two men never leave witnesses, which is why Jean-Luc was killed and why they tried to kill Sheridan.

They were finally allowed to leave the police station after giving their statements. The French police captain was planning on notifying Luis' boss and informing him of his bravery and the capture of these two wanted men. Luis and Sheridan thanked them and left. They were offered a ride back to their hotel and accepted. Sheridan and Luis were in the back of a police car on their way back to their hotel. They'd been silent for a few moments, until Luis finally spoke. "Well, Sheridan," Luis said with a grin, "You sure know how to show a guy an exciting time."

Sheridan looked at Luis. She was about to chastise him, but couldn't when she saw the look on his face. "Is that what you call a good time?" Sheridan asked in disbelief. "I didn't say it was a good time, I said exciting," Luis said with a twinkle in his eyes." "You weren't the one with the gun pointed at your head," Sheridan said dryly. "I'm sorry, Sheridan," Luis said awkwardly. He wrapped his arms around her. Suddenly Sheridan started shaking, as if all the terror from the days events were being released at once. She buried her head in his arms and tears flowed down her cheeks.

"I'm sorry for acting this way," she said. "It's just everything hit me at the same time." "It's ok, really," Luis said soothingly as he gently rubbed her back. "It's over. They can't hurt you anymore." Luis?" Sheridan looked at him. Her blue eyes anguished and filled with tears. "Just hold me, please?"

Luis held her tight. He never let go. He held on to her as they left the police car, all the way to their room. They walked into the hotel room and Luis gently sat Sheridan on the couch. He just held her, gently rubbing her back. Sheridan felt safe. She knew nothing would happen to her as long as Luis held her tight. She never wanted to leave Luis' arms. Once again, he'd saved her life. She was slowly lulled to sleep by his gentle rubbing of her back.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 11:

It was several hours later when Sheridan finally woke up. She felt arms wrapped around her and looked up to see Luis smiling down at her. "Hey beautiful," Luis said with a sweet smile. "Are you feeling any better?" "Much better thanks to you," Sheridan said as she looked dreamily into Luis' eyes. "You are always there for me aren't you Luis?" Sheridan wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close to her. "I hope so Sheridan," Luis said as he held her. I'd do anything for you." "Now I need you to do something for me,?" he said with a sly smile.

Sheridan laughed, for the first time in hours. It was so good to see her smile again Luis thought. "Luis, haven't you figured out by now, there is no such thing as a ‘quick' bit in Paris?" Sheridan grinned at him. "You're right," he admitted, "but I'm still starving!" Luis rubbed his stomach and gave her a pathetic look with big brown puppy dog eyes. She couldn't help but smile at how he looked, but really didn't feel much like going out for a long dinner. "Would you mind if we just ordered from room service tonight?" Sheridan asked. "I'm not really up to going out tonight." "That would be just fine Sheridan," Luis said with an affectionate smile. "I'll let you order though," I don't want to start a French American war. "What's that?" she asked. "I'm starving! Lets go get a quick bite, please?" Luis pleaded with her jokingly.

Sheridan smiled. she knew Luis was referring to how easily the French are insulted, particularly by Americans who try to order food American style. To the French when you order a meal, it's just that. A meal with at least five courses. It needed some getting used to for tourists. "Certainly Luis," Sheridan smiled. "It will be my pleasure. How about if I find out if they have any good movies we could rent?" "Good idea," Luis agreed. "Could you make sure it at least has English subtitles though?" Sheridan burst out laughing. "You don't ask for much, do you?" "Well, what can I say?" Luis grinned.

"I'll make a deal with you," Sheridan laughed. "If I can't get one in English or with English subtitles, then I'll be your personal translator." "Deal," Luis grinned. Sheridan called for room service and ordered them dinner. She asked about a movie, and was told they had a video rental store in the lobby, which offered a wide variety of both French and American Films in both languages. "O.K. Luis. I'm trusting you here. "There is a video store in the lobby. They have both French and American Films in both languages. Please don't get anything scary? Not tonight." Sheridan smiled, but Luis knew she meant it. "I know. I wouldn't do that to you after what you've been through today," Luis said with love and concern in his voice. "How about a nice romance or a comedy?"

"That would be great," Sheridan said with a grin. Her eyes were showing him great appreciation. "I'm going to call Ethan while you are gone." "Sounds good to me," Luis said. He kissed Sheridan on the cheek and headed out the door. Sheridan was about to pick up the phone to call Ethan, when it began to ring. Sheridan looked a bit surprised as she answered the phone. "Hmm, I wonder who that could be?" "Hello?" "Sheridan, is that you?" "Ethan?"

"Yes, it's Ethan. Sheridan, I am so glad to hear your voice? Are you all right?" Ethan asked. His voice was very excited, but also very quiet, almost a whisper. "Don't tell me you've heard what happened?" Sheridan asked with amused annoyance. "Have we ever," Ethan said still excited. "Listen, Sheridan I can't talk right now. I'm just calling to make sure you watch CNN international at 10:00 your time. You are going to be very pleasantly surprised. I have to go now. Call me later tonight if you want. After you watch CNN, or tomorrow morning. You may want to celebrate tonight." Ethan let out a quick laugh.. Bye!" Sheridan listened as the phone clicked. Her mouth was open as she hung up the phone. She had a wondrous smile forming on her mouth. "I wonder what that was all about?"

Sheridan walked over to the television and turned it on. She searched for CNNi, finally finding it. It was 8:20 according to CNNi. Nothing of interest was on at this moment. Just talk about the OPEC prices, the devaluation of the Yen. "I wonder what is going to be on at 10:00 that will make me so happy?" Sheridan was lost in thought when she heard a knock at the door. "Boy that was fast," Sheridan said as she walked to the door to answer it. It was room service . She graciously accepted their meal, giving the bellboy a generous tip. Just as she was about to close the door, she felt it being pushed open. she looked up and it was Luis. "Oh, hi," she said. "Dinner is served." Sheridan smiled at Luis as she motioned to the table with their dinner.

"Great," he said, "I am famished. And I got us a movie for later. I think it's one we can both enjoy." Luis smiled as he proudly held up "Titanic" "Luis, it's perfect," Sheridan said excitedly, "I've always wanted to see this movie." "You mean you've never seen Titanic?" Luis asked in genuine surprise. No, I haven't," Sheridan admitted sadly. "It's one of those movies I always wanted to see, but could never bring myself to see it alone." "Well, you can see it tonight and you don't have to watch it alone," Luis smiled sweetly. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a kiss on the forehead. Sheridan hugged him back and smiled.

"Now let's eat!" Luis said rubbing his stomach. Sheridan laughed. "Of course Luis. Let's eat!" Sheridan began setting the small table in the sitting room up for dinner. Luis wheeled the cart over to the table. Sheridan began serving their meal and Luis sat down. Sheridan suddenly had an idea and ran out of the room for a second, only to return with two candles. she lit them and went to dim the lights. She turned to Luis and smiled. "How's this?" she asked with a sheepish grin. Luis smiled approvingly. "Perfect."

As they were eating Luis told Sheridan about all the commotion in the hotel lobby. "You know, I swear some royalty must be coming. I've never seen such a crowd in my life. They were all clamored around the registration desk harassing the poor clerk. Luis shook his head. "I wonder who they think is coming here?" "Oh, Luis," Sheridan said suddenly remembering something. "remember i was going to call Ethan?" Luis nodded. "Well he called me," Sheridan announced. "I was a bit surprised. Especially surprised at his reason." "What was his reason?" Luis asked curiously.

"That's just it Luis," Sheridan said with a surprised look on her face. She through her hands up in the air. He told me to watch CNN international at 10:00 tonight. He said it would make me very happy. He was all excited about something. Oh, and word of our adventure has already reached Harmony." Sheridan's happy demeanor faded as she thought about what this could mean. "I suppose that means Julian knows I'm in Paris?" Luis frowned. "Ethan didn't say, but it's a very good possibility." Sheridan sadly admitted. "Well," Luis said cheerfully, "At least we've had an entire week together without anyone spoiling it. And believe me, this has been one week I'll never forget." Luis gave Sheridan a sly seductive look. He raised his eyebrows, then lowering them. He smiled at her.

Sheridan felt warm all over as she caught Luis' glance. "Don't you dare think this is over, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald," Sheridan said sternly. She tied her best to look angry, but she couldn't keep it up. A smile started to develop in the corner of her mouth. "There is no way I am ever letting you go." She gave a cutesy smile. "Besides, Ethan says it's supposed to be good news tonight. We'll watch Titanic as soon as it's whatever we are supposed to see is over, O.K.?" Sheridan asked sweetly. "Sheridan, Titanic is over three hours long," Luis informed her. "What's the matter, Officer, Do you have someplace to be in the morning or something?" Sheridan asked playfully as she tilted her head to the side and gazed deep into Luis' eyes.

Luis grinned. He stared back. He was totally mesmerized by her sparkling blue eyes. "Actually, I was planning on spending tomorrow morning with an amazing woman," he said still gazing at her. "Really Luis? Should I be jealous?" Sheridan asked grinning. Luis laughed. He just had a flashback of Sheridan jealous. It was at the wharf, right after they'd kissed for the first time. He was nervous. He was afraid to admit how he felt and told Sheridan he kissed her as a cover for his stakeout.

It had been an ackward few minutes. Luckily cal had called, alerting Luis to the fact that Sheridan had called the station looking for him. Hearing that, and getting her to admit it had made him feel wonderful. So why had she come? To tell him what a wonderful time she'd had at the pool hall. Sheridan had beaten Mac at darts. Luis had been so proud. Luis was trying to tell Sheridan how much everyone loved watching her whip Mac at Darts. Sheridan didn't think Beth thought so. Luis smiled again. She kept questioning me about my relationship with Beth. She's clever too, he thought. She made me realize I hadn't really set Beth straight. She also made me realize she was definitely interested. Oh, the look on her face was sooo cute!

"O.K. Luis, now I'm really beginning to wonder? What are you thinking about?" Sheridan asked quizzically. "Just thinking," Luis said with a big smirk. "About you, and Beth..." He kept a straight face, staring at nothing in particular, trying to catch Sheridan's reaction, without her noticing. "You were thinking about me... and Beth? Sheridan asked quietly. The green eyed monster had definitely returned. "Yeah," Luis sighed. " I was thinking about the jealous look on your face that night at the wharf when you kept drilling me about Beth." Luis was laughing triumphantly by now.

Sheridan blushed. She didn't want to admit she had been jealous of Beth, but she really had been. "You don't know what you are talking about Luis," Sheridan scolded. Luis was totally amused. he loved watching her squirm. "Yeah, o.k. Sheridan. I believe you." He was now playing with her. Sheridan gave him a smart look and returned to her food. He was right after all. They finished their meal talking and joking. Sheridan tried to get Luis back, but it didn't work. It just made him tease her all the more. Eventually Sheridan looked at her watch and it was 9:58.

"Luis, hurry, we need to go watch CNN" Sheridan jumped up and ran to the couch in front of the television. Luis joined her. He wrapped her arms around her and pulled her close to him. They waited for the top of the hour. Sheridan and Luis sat wrapped in each others arms, watching the stock market report. "I hope this was "Ethan's idea of a bad joke?" Luis said wryly. "Let's give it another few minutes, Luis. I don't think this is what would get him so excited," Sheridan said "All right," Luis said. 5 more minutes. Then I turn the lights out completely!" He began caressing Sheridan's neck.

"Mmm," she said as she felt tingles go down her spine. She was almost losing concentration when she saw a familiar site on the television. "Luis," Sheridan squealed, "Look it's the mansion! What is this?" Luis looked up at the word mansion. Sure enough there was a live view of the Crane Estate. Luis and Sheridan were now glued to the television. "A special report, coming to you from a sleepy New England Town," the reporter was saying. "We are live here at the Crane Estate in Harmony. In a few minutes, Julian Crane, son of Alistair Crane, founder of Crane Industries and world renown billionaire, will be leading his family in a press conference.

Earlier today in Paris, Alistair Crane's beautiful daughter Sheridan was held at gunpoint by an alleged international drug lord. Two men, known to us only as Roger and Pierre, have been sought after by French authorities and Interpol for months now. They were wanted in connection with the death of Miss Crane's ex-fiancee and his mistress, as well as numerous drug related charges.

"We will switch to our crew inside the mansion as the press conference is set to begin." Sheridan and Luis looked at each other briefly in disbelief and then returned to the television. The camera switched to inside the house, where Julian, Ivy and Ethan stood in front of numerous microphones. A view of the entire room, showed about 20 reporters writing, filming, recording and snapping pictures of her family. Julian moved closer to the main podium, leaving Ivy and Ethan a few steps behind him. "Ladies and Gentlmen of the Press. Thank you very much for joining us today." Julian had a well trained smile on his face.

"I am very happy to stand here today and tell you that my sister Sheridan is fine. I spoke to her only a few minutes ago, and she assured me she is alive and well." "What a liar!" Sheridan spewed in disgust. Luis just grinned. She unfortunately had no knowledge that her ex-fiancee had been killed last summer. She had a family heirloom of his and being the kind considerate woman that she is, she wanted nothing more than to return it to it's rightful owner, no matter how painful the memory. She had no idea what kind of man he really was."

"I would like to thank the French Authorities for the safe rescue of my sister. She is well loved by her entire family." "Excuse me, Mr. Crane?" one reporter asked. "We heard it was actually one of your own local Harmony police officers that saved your sister? Can you elaborate on that please?" Ivy quickly stepped up to the podium, nearly knocking Julian down. He was about to grab her and push her away when he realized he was in front of the entire world. He just smiled, that well learned smile. His eyes however, were daggers through Ivy's cold heart. "I think I can explain that one Ivy said smiling broadly. "This is a bit complicated people, so listen up," Ivy said sweetly. She had a glow of a smile.

"My sister-in-law Sheridan has been living back in Harmony since this past summer. She had no idea that her ex-fiancee Jean Luc was killed several minutes after she'd left him. She left Paris, never knowing what kind of a man he was. The other men, Roger and Pierre, had met Sheridan. She could identify them, and therefore she was a threat. They had been planning on killing her for months, but needed to lure her back to Paris to do it. They couldn't afford to come the States. "Recently, Sheridan began dating a local Harmony Police Officer, Luis Lopez Fitzgerald. They were really becoming quite close. Roger and Pierre had been keeping close tabs on Sheridan. They had spies everywhere. They thought it very dangerous for Sheridan to be so romantically involved with a cop. They needed to put a stop to it and get her back to Paris.

Sheridan and Luis were watching Ivy with their mouths open. They were in total disbelief. Julian was trying to hide his tears as Ivy was publicizing Sheridan's love affair with Officer LowLife Fitzgerald, his arch enemy! Ivy, her smile widening as she watched the distressed look on Julian's face, continued. "Pierre and Roger hired a man to impersonate Luis. The Luis impostor was very unlike the real Officer Lopez Fitzgerald. Sheridan felt betrayed. she was hurt, beyond hurt by the things the impostor said to her. She decided to leave Harmony and return to Paris to forget about Luis." "What Roger and Pierre didn't count on was the persistence of Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. He too had been hurt. Hurt badly by Sheridan, but unlike Sheridan, he had no idea. Sheridan never told him what she'd seen or heard. He only knew that she turned on him, without explanation.

"Luis being the driven police officer that he is, was unable to let go of this. It was a mystery. One that must be solved. He knew Sheridan still had feelings for him, so why was she treating him this way? "Sheridan has always confided in her nephew Ethan," Ivy smiled sweetly at Ethan. "Luis knew this. He finally realized Sheridan would never tell him why she was angry, so Luis started putting pressure on Ethan. Ethan didn't want to betray Sheridan's confidence, but he could see how much Luis was hurting, and knew there was no way that this man who had been so kind, sincere, and compassionate with Sheridan only days before could have been the same man who hurt Sheridan so much. Everyone in Harmony has known Luis his entire life. They know the sacrifices he made to keep his family together after his father disappeared. He started the Harmony Youth Center to help children from broken homes or from families struggling to make ends meet, have a better life. He has freely and willingly given of himself to his family and community, not asking anything in return.

"Ethan, finally told Luis what happened. Luis decided to do a little investigating . He stumbled upon men making inquiries about himself and Sheridan and decided to tail them. He unwittingly found himself, or should I say the impersonator. Unfortunately, the impersonator escaped, but Luis had the mask. Sheridan had left for Paris already, so he followed.

"While looking for Sheridan in Paris, he stumbled onto Roger and Pierre. They were following Sheridan so he followed them. When they finally made their move against Sheridan, Luis was there to save her. He proved to her he hadn't been the man she overheard by showing her the mask. He then figured that it was Roger and Pierre that had set this whole thing up to get Sheridan away from him, because he was a cop and come back to France. So, as you can see, Our family is indebted to Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald for saving our dear Sheridan." Ivy now gave a sly grin and said rather quietly "I for one hope to have Luis as my brother in law one day soon."

The room was buzzing with people talking. Reporters were firing questions at anyone willing to answer. Julian was standing there with a smile that almost looked like he'd just seen the bird statue on National television being opened for Alistair. Ethan took over at the podium and explained that would be all, except they hoped the reporters would be kind to his Aunt, as she had just been reunited with Luis.

Ivy looked at Julian. She saw his expression and it made her glow with satisfaction. "Well Julian," Ivy finally said, "I got you this time. This will teach you to leave other peoples love lives alone. You can't touch Sheridan or Luis now. I just made them the most sought after couple since JFK Jr. and his lovely wife, God rest their souls. People will be talking about them for sometime to come. And the best part Julian? You need to thank me. I saved your sagging derriere from being exposed as the mastermind of the impostor."

Julian looked at Ivy and glared. Ivy just laughed in his face. Sheridan and Luis were completely dumbfounded by what they had just witnessed. They knew most of it was a lie, but it was so cleverly intertwined with the truth, they knew everyone would buy it. Luis was beginning to get angry. Sheridan on the other hand was elated. They needed to settle this matter and do it now.....

To Be Continued...

Chapter 12:

Luis stood up and began pacing the floor. "They're all alike, Sheridan. Did you know that?" Luis said angrily. His hands were jammed tightly in the pockets of his already tight fitting black jeans. "Even Ivy, and she's only a Crane by marriage. And Ethan standing there going along with everything she said. I thought he was supposed to be different Sheridan? Isn't that what you keep telling me?" Sheridan stood up and walked over to Luis. She had a huge smile on her face as she grabbed his arm, causing him to look at her. Seeing her smile only made him madder.

"Luis, don't you get it?" Sheridan asked. "No, I guess I don't GET it, Sheridan," Luis fumed, pulling his arm away from her. He was now fidgeting in place. "Didn't you see the look on Julian's face?" Sheridan laughed. "It was priceless. He had no idea Ivy was going to do that. She made the whole thing up for us. Ethan must have told her what happened. There is no other explanation. She used the information to keep Julian and Alistair from bothering us again. They can't touch us now." "I'm not sure I follow, Sheridan," Luis said as the anger was subsiding. He relaxed a bit.

"How on earth are my father and Julian going to dare break us apart after the little speech Ivy just made?" Sheridan asked, a look of amusement on her face. "One of the things my family hates most is bad press and scandals. Ivy has made our relationship public knowledge and done it in a way that will never be construed as scandalous. She's turned you into a hero. She's also prevented any retaliation from Julian and Father, by pinning the impostor thing on those drug dealers. She did it so we can go back to Harmony together and not worry about Alistair and Julian. She also did it to preserve the Crane name. For Ethan's future, I'm sure. So you see, no scandals. Just one hero and a love affair. That's a small price to pay for the Crane Family, believe me."

Luis was beginning to understand what Ivy did. He didn't like the idea of all the lies and deceit, however. "Sheridan, why can't the Crane's ever tell the truth?" Luis asked. His anger nearly gone, but he wanted her to know he did not approve of their methods of doing business.

"Luis, I'm not saying I agree with my family's methods. As a matter of fact, I would have much preferred the whole truth come out, but you know as well as I, it probably never would. If we ever did manage to get at the truth, it might take us years to prove it, if at all," Sheridan said regrettably. "We needed a way to keep Julian and Alistair from trying to keep us apart. We now have that way." Sheridan's voice was now almost a whisper. She once again had placed her hand on Luis' arm and was gently rubbing it. She wanted so much for him to understand.

"Does this mean we are going to have reporters tailing us wherever we go?" Luis now asked quietly. He suddenly remembered the crowd at the front desk when he went to rent their movie. He grimaced at the thought. "What is it?" Sheridan asked as she saw the look on his face. "Remember the commotion I told you about in the lobby earlier?" Luis groaned.

Sheridan smiled. She was used to reporters following her everywhere. ""Yes. They probably are looking for us," Sheridan admitted. She noticed the serious frown on Luis' face. "Don't worry. It will only last a few weeks. They'll find someone new and more exciting to tail. Besides, I've learned a few tricks to dodge them." She had a mischievous smile on her face. Luis finally smiled. "Well, maybe they'll find someone new, but I don't think they will ever find a more exciting couple." His eyes were smiling now, causing Sheridan to catch her breath.

"O.K. you," Sheridan grinned. "Tomorrow I have a plan for us to escape the press. Tonight, however, you owe me a movie." She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and looked dreamily into his eyes. "We still have a week of fun ahead of us and I don't want to miss a moment. Besides I really want to see this movie with you." Luis looked down at Sheridan. He loved looking at this woman. She was the most beautiful person he'd ever met. He could never say no to her when she was this charming. "O.K. You win. Let's watch the movie. I want to do one thing first."

Luis bent down and kissed Sheridan on the lips. He kissed her gently at first, but she responded feverently. They kissed passionately for several minutes. Sheridan was beginning to let her hands roam up and down Luis' chest. Luis suddenly pulled away breathless. "I thought you wanted to watch the movie?" he said with a deep voice. "I do want to see the movie," Sheridan said seductively. "But you just do something to me when you kiss me." Her eyes were on fire.

"Tell me about it, Sheridan." Luis grinned at her. His eyes unable to break her gaze. "Let's go watch the movie." "O.K. Sheridan said. But instead of following Luis to the couch, she grabbed his arm and whipped him around so he was facing her. She pulled his head down and kissed him wildly. Luis couldn't help but respond to her. She had the same effect on him, he obviously had on her. But he really was surprised at how Sheridan couldn't seem to control her self tonight. This could prove interesting, he thought. Luis pulled away again. Both were panting. "Sheridan, Luis asked playfully, "What's going on?"

"You know what Luis?" Sheridan said. "You put the movie in and I'll be back in a minute. I need to take a shower first." Sheridan ran off leaving a surprised Luis standing there. He put the tape in and set it up to start at the beginning of the movie, getting rid of all the previews. Suddenly he had a thought and laughed. Sheridan was in the shower talking to herself. "Control yourself Sheridan. You can wait a few hours. You do want to see this movie you know. She closed her eyes, starting to relax as she felt the warm water massage her body. She was lost in thought, hearing only the sound of the water as it sprayed her body. Suddenly she thought she felt someone kiss her neck. She shook her head and was about to turn the temperature towards cool, when she felt herself being turned around. Luis was in the shower with her.

He grabbed her in for a passionate kiss. Sheridan instantly responded. She was on fire. She ran her hands over Luis warm, wet torso. He let a groan escape his lips as she did this. He began kissing Sheridan's neck, working his way down her body. Sheridan grabbed Luis's hair and began rifling his wet head. Her hands slid down his back and she caressed his soaked skin. Her eyes were closed. She felt Luis begin to explore her breasts. "Oh my God, Luis," Sheridan moaned excitedly. She pulled his held up and kissed his mouth with wanton desire.

Luis pulled her close too him, kissing her wildly. His hands sliding up and down her back and sides. Luis pulled his head away for a moment and looked Sheridan in the eyes. He saw a look, he'd never seen. With all the wonderful nights they'd spent together, this look was new. He gently picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him. He pulled her in for another passionate kiss and they began to make love in the shower.

Sheridan and Luis were snuggled up on the couch together. They both were satisfied for the moment, neither quite knowing what had come over them. Luis was clad in a pair of pajama bottoms and Sheridan was wearing an oversized sweatshirt. Luis turned the VCR on and they sat wrapped in each others arms watching the movie. Luis was amused watching Sheridan during the movie. She was riveted by the entire movie. She would make comments under her breath every now and again. She shouted at the tv several times and at the end, she was crying.

"I didn't realize you became so emotional watching movies Sheridan," Luis said with amusement. Sheridan gave Luis the evil eye and then grinned. "Luis it was so sad. She finally found true love and he died." Sheridan still had tears in her eyes. "Yeah, but they were reunited at the very end," Luis reminded her." "I know. I'm sorry I am so emotional. But there were so many things about that movie that... well, that reminded me of myself. Of us..." Her voice trailed off.

"I'm sorry, Sheridan," Luis said. "I thought this would be a good movie for us to watch. When I thought of it, I was thinking more about a big boat sinking than the rich girl, poor guy aspect of it. I should have been..." Sheridan cut him off. "Don't apologize Luis," Sheridan said. "You are the kindest most considerate man I've ever met. It's not your fault I'm a blubbering idiot sometimes. Look, the tears are gone now." She smiled. She snuggled close to Luis. She buried her head in the crook of his arm and absent mindedly began caressing his chest very lightly.

Sheridan sighed. She always felt safe and secure when Luis had his arms wrapped around her. "You know what Luis? There is no place in this word I'd rather be right now than in your arms." She continued her gentle caress, still unaware of her actions. Every once in awhile she would softly kiss his chest. Luis knew it was unintentional, but nevertheless, he was becoming unnerved by her actions, He felt his spine tingle and his body filled with warmth. The effect she has on him was unreal. He slowly began kissing her neck in response.

Sheridan giggled. "What are you doing?" "The same thing you are," he responded. Sheridan then realized what she had been doing for the last few minutes. "I didn't realize," Sheridan said as she looked at Luis. Instead of stopping, she continued, now with a deliberate purpose. "I hate to tell you this Luis, but it really is quite late," Sheridan said with a sly smile. "Tomorrow I have big plans for us, so we need to get some sleep." She still was massaging his chest.

"Big plans, huh?" Luis said. "Yes. But that's all I'm going to tell you. You'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out what they are." "Is there nothing I can do to convince you to tell me?" Luis asked her with a playful grin. "Nope." Sheridan shook her head. She jumped up off the couch. "You'll just have to wait until tomorrow," she said as she walked towards the bedroom. Luis jumped up after her and grabbed her, swinging her over his shoulder. "That's what you think," he said as he playfully patted her behind. Sheridan squealed with delight as Luis carried her off to bed.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 13:

Sheridan woke early the next morning. She smiled as she remembered her wonderful night with Luis. First he surprised her in the shower and later he picked her up, threw her over his shoulder and carried her to bed. He had a lot of pay back coming for the way he'd teased her. Then she remembered the night of wild lovemaking the two had share after he was through playing games. Two can play at this she thought.

Sheridan slipped quietly out of bed, being careful not to disturb Luis as she untangled her body from his. She had a lot of plans for today, and packing would be a priority, as they were leaving Paris. The press knew she and Luis were there and weren't likely to leave them alone for a minute.

Sheridan went into the other room and made several phone calls. The first call she made was to Ethan. She knew it was very early morning in Harmony, but she didn't have any other choice. He was the only Crane she could trust to do what she needed done. Besides, he told her to call him.

"Hello?" A groggy voice picked up the phone. "Ethan it's Sheridan," she said in a whisper. "Look I'm sorry about the time, but I had to get things started here and I need your help. By the way, Thank you for everything you and Ivy did for us. You don't know how much that meant to both of us."

Ethan was starting to wake up. He rubbed his eyes and sat up in bed. "I'm glad everything worked out Sheridan," Ethan said. "You know I'd do anything for my favorite Aunt. Mother was very pleased to help as well. She really seemed to enjoy taking Father and Grandfather down a notch or two. I'm still not quite sure why?" Ethan had a frown on his face. "Ethan, this is what I need you to do for me," Sheridan said, still in a whisper so as not to wake Luis. Don't let anyone know what you are doing, O.K.?"

"Sure Sheridan," Ethan agreed, "but why are you whispering?" "Luis is still asleep and it's going to be a surprise for him," Sheridan said with a sly smile on her face. "He spent half the night trying to get it out of me, but I wouldn't budge." "Still stubborn as ever, I see," Ethan said. "O.K. Tell me what I need to do."

Sheridan explained her plans to Ethan. Ethan smiled to himself at the excitement in her voice. When she'd finished, Ethan said, "No problem Sheridan. I'll take care of it right now and no one will be the wiser. Everyone else is asleep. It will all be taken care of before they wake up." "Thank you Ethan," Sheridan said with gratitude. "Call me if you have any problem. Otherwise I'll see you next week."

"Good luck!" Ethan said. "Thanks," Sheridan replied. They both hung up their phone. Sheridan quickly checked on Luis. He was sound asleep. Good, she thought.

She returned to the telephone and continued her calls. She called the front desk and informed them of her plans to check out. She called the airlines and made reservations for both of them. She talked to the airline reservations manager, informing him of who she was and the need to keep her identity private. He was used to such requests and made arrangements for them to fly under assumed names and still use their real passports. She then called room service and arranged for breakfast to be sent up.

Sheridan checked on Luis again. He was still asleep. She checked her watch and noted the time. "Time to start," she said quietly. Sheridan quickly hurried and took a shower. She dried off and began dressing. Sheridan then located a small suitcase, not much bigger than a makeup case that she carried with her at all times. It contained all different sorts of makeup, two wigs, different colored contact lenses, several pair of glasses and sunglasses, as well as a few other miscellaneous items. She opened a small box and put in contact lenses. They changed her eyes from blue to brown. She applied a heavy foundation to her face and hands, darkening her skin color slightly. She looked tanner than anything. She made sure her makeup was well applied, but not her usual look. She chose the dark brown haired wig over the red, as it would go better with the makeup she was wearing. She put the wig on and arranged the hair in a nice style, making sure to cover any of her own blonde curls.

Next Sheridan found a fake mole and placed it on her cheek. She found some padding and padded her hips so they were larger than her own. She next applied her perfume and looked at herself in a full-length mirror. She was wearing a large white sweatshirt that said Montreal on it and a pair of loose fitting jeans. She smiled approvingly at the person in front of her. She barely recognized herself. "Now to try it out on Luis," she said with a devilish grin.

She quietly exited the bathroom. Luis was starting to stir in bed. She ran to the other room and opened the door to the hotel room. Just as she'd arranged, breakfast was outside the door waiting for them. She quickly walked out the door, closing it. She then knocked loudly on the door. Luis was just waking up when he heard the knock. He looked around not seeing Sheridan anywhere and decided he'd better get the door. "I wonder where she is?" He mused.

Luis opened the door and saw a woman standing there with the breakfast cart. "Le petit dejenuis, monsieur," Sheridan said with a seductive smile. "I didn't order breakfast," Luis said suspiciously. He looked at the woman thinking there was something familiar about her, but couldn't quite place it. "Perhaps Madame ordered it, Monsieur?" She said in a thick French accent. Sheridan started pushing the cart into the room. Her hand brushed Luis' arm as she walked past him.

Luis caught a whiff of her perfume as she walked by. He also felt a slight tingle as her arm brushed his. He stifled a grin and decided he would play along. "I guess it's possible Madame ordered breakfast. But she's not here right now. I'm not really sure where she went." "Such a shame for such a handsome man to be left alone for his meal," Sheridan said with the same thick accent.

"Yeah, it is," Luis said sadly. He then quickly looked around the room. "Hey, since she's not here, why don't you join me for breakfast? Since my FRIEND is not here, I don't think she'll ever find out," he said seductively. He raised his eyebrows and closed the distance between himself and Sheridan.

Sheridan was in shock. She couldn't believe Luis would do this to her. Suddenly Luis kissed her passionately on the mouth. She broke the kiss and started to retreat. "Monsieur, I believe you misunderstood me", Sheridan said with panic in her voice. "I understood perfectly," Luis said with a sexy smile. He started towards Sheridan again. "I want you. I need you now Mademoiselle..." He was only inches from her face. Right before he kissed her again he said, "...Sheridan."

Sheridan was about to protest again when she heard her name. She kissed him back for a minute, then pulled away again. She looked at him. Saw the impish grin on his face. "She wanted to be mad at him, but with that smile plastered on his face, she couldn't. "How did you know?" She asked. "It was easy. First your perfume and second, when you hand brushed my arm I felt a shiver down my spine. No other person in this world has that effect on me Sheridan," he explained.

Sheridan grinned sheepishly as she stared at Luis. "You too, huh?" She asked. "Yeah, me too," he answered as he watched her in amusement. "So tell me, What is the disguise for? Getting even with me for teasing you last night, I suppose? You know, Sheridan, if I remember correctly," Luis continued seductively as he caressed her face, "You THANKED me later for all that ‘teasing'. I also remember you were a little wildcat last night."

Sheridan's cheeks turned crimson. She was about to protest, but Luis pulled her into a fiery kiss. She quickly forgot about her embarrassment at being called a wildcat. After a few minutes, Luis gently broke the kiss. "So what's with the disguise?" He asked. "Oh," Sheridan said as she momentarily forgot herself. "This is part of my plan to escape the press. I've done it before, though luckily the press in Harmony is much nicer than the European press, so it's been awhile. I guess I've lost my touch."

"Sheridan, how many people of the press corps know what your perfume smells like? And I certainly hope none are affected by the brush of your hand the way I am. Other than that, there would only be one other way for me to it was you and I think that would be illegal, even in France." Luis grinned at Sheridan causing her to blush again. "Let's eat breakfast and I'll tell you my plan."

Luis and Sheridan sat down to eat, while Sheridan filled Luis in on how they would make their getaway. The first thing they would be doing is packing. One overnight bag each with a change of clothes and a few personal items. Everything else would be packed and sent to the US on the Crane Jet. Sheridan explained to Luis that Ethan was making arrangements for the Crane Jet to pick up their luggage and fly it back to the states. The media will think they are on the jet as well. Meanwhile, they will fly to a different destination incognito for the next week.

Luis was amazed as he listened to Sheridan explain her plan. She told him everything except where they were going. She also told him he would be traveling in disguise as well. Granted, he wouldn't need to go to the lengths she did, but a little change would be good. "O.K. Sheridan, I understand why you are doing all of this, but you still haven't told me where we are going?" Luis stated. "Oh, I haven't?" Sheridan said with feigned innocence.

"No, you haven't." He smiled. "Let's just say, it's someplace that you've always wanted to go," Sheridan said with an impish grin. Luis let this information sink in for a moment before saying anything. He had a gut feeling he knew where they were going, but he didn't want to get false hope. Finally he gathered the courage to ask a question. "Are you trying to tell me we are going to Spain?" Luis asked calmly.

Sheridan was beaming. "I wanted to surprise you, but there was just no way I could do it without blindfolding you and putting wax in your ears. "Yes, we are going to Spain. Madrid to start and then we will take it from there. For the next six days, I will be your personal tour guide of the place you've always wanted to visit."

Luis just stared at Sheridan for a moment. Then he started grinning from ear to ear. He stood up and walked over to Sheridan and took her hands in his pulling her to her feet. "Have I told you lately how much I love you, Sheridan Crane?" Luis said with a sparkle in his eyes. "What did I do to deserve you?" Luis then pulled her close to him in a tight embrace. "I have a feeling I will remember this trip for the rest of my life." Luis continued his tight hold of Sheridan as he stared deeply into her now dark brown eyes.

Sheridan just smiled back at Luis. "If you stick with me Luis, I'll make your whole life memorable, I promise." Her eyes were dancing. "Now if you've finished eating, I suggest we start getting ready to go to Spain." "Your wish is my command," Luis said as he backed up a little and took a little bow in front of Sheridan. Sheridan smirked at him. "O.K., why don't you go shower and I'll pack your stuff for you. How does that sound?" "Sounds great," Luis said. He kissed her sweetly on the cheek and headed for the shower.

Sheridan went into the other room and began packing. She started packing the overnight bags first, then decided they really only needed one bag between the two of them. The less to carry the better she thought. She then consolidated the two bags into one. She left out a change of clothes for Luis, a pair of jeans and a black sweater. She then packed the rest of the bags except her little bag of tricks. Soon she would transform Luis into another person as well.

Sheridan walked into the living area and waited for Luis to finish with his shower. She didn't have to wait long for him to emerge. He was already dressed. Sheridan looked up from the magazine she was flipping through. "Good," she smiled. "Now it's time to turn you into Patrick." "Patrick?" Luis asked curiously.

"You are Patrick Tormey and I'm Julia Blackwell," Sheridan explained. "The only reason we even need these names is because these are the names that will be listed on the passenger manifest for our flight to Madrid. There is always some nosy reporter who gets hold of the lists before the flights looking for recognizable names." "O.K. Julia," Luis said slyly, "Do your thing."

Luis was pretty easy to transform. Sheridan handed him a pair of blue contact lenses and instructed him to place them in his eyes. She then found a thin mustache and well-trimmed beard and carefully applied them to his face. Luis fidgeted a little as he tried to get accustomed to his new facial hair. "This is very uncomfortable Sheridan," Luis complained. "I'm sorry," Sheridan apologized. "It will only be for a few hours. As soon as we get to our hotel in Madrid we can take this stuff off."

"All right," Luis consented. "Only for you though. I feel like an idiot." "Why don't you take a look in the mirror?" Sheridan asked as she surveyed her work. Luis looked at himself in the mirror. Though he was uncomfortable, he had to admit, his appearance was completely altered. "You do good work Sheridan," he confessed. He then turned toward her and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips.

Sheridan wrinkled her nose and grinned slightly. "I sure hope you never grow one of these for real. I much prefer a soft, clean shaven face." She gently touched the parts of his face that didn't have the bogus beard glued to it. "You‘ll never have to worry about that Sheridan," Luis said. "I tried once to grow a beard and couldn't get past the second day."

"I'm very glad to hear that Luis!" Sheridan smiled happily. She then checked the time. "O.K. It's just about time to go." She called the front desk manager and spoke to him briefly. She hung up the phone and turned to Luis. "Let's go. There will be a taxi waiting for us when we get downstairs."

Luis picked up their bag and then took Sheridan's hand. They quietly left the room. Luis headed for the elevator and Sheridan redirected him towards the stairs. She led him up two flights and they took the elevator down from that floor. As they entered the lobby, they both stiffened. Reporters were everywhere. They each took a deep breath and continued walking towards the lobby doors. The reporters eyed them quickly when they emerged from the elevator, then quickly dismissed them as not who they were looking for. Luis and Sheridan continued walking as quickly as they could without being obvious about their haste. They soon were out the door and in the taxi, headed for the airport.

They rode to the airport in virtual silence, each afraid to say something to the other. They did steal an affectionate glance every now and again. They reached the airport in no time and were soon on the plane headed for Madrid. They continued their relative silence all the way to Spain.

Once in Spain, both were feeling much more comfortable. They had passed through every group of reporters they'd seen without so much as a second glance. While at the airport in Paris, Sheridan heard someone telling a reporter that the Crane jet had just arrived to pick up passengers. She and Luis watched in amusement as the group of reporters flocked to the terminal that housed the Crane jet. Now they both felt almost free, but were not quite willing to let their guard down completely.

"I can't believe we made it here so easily," Luis remarked as they sat in the taxi on the way to their hotel." "I told you I knew how to avoid the press if I wanted too," Sheridan said softly with a grin on her face. "You sure did a good job, I'll admit," Luis stated, being careful not to say her name. Sheridan just smiled and moved in close to Luis and nestled her head on his chest. She sighed happily.

Luis bent down and whispered into her ear. "I can't wait to get to the hotel so we can fool around, JULIA." Sheridan looked up at Luis and gave him a mischievous look. "Julia doesn't fool around with bearded men." "Well I can take care of that in a heartbeat," Luis whispered back as he gently traced Sheridan's jaw line with his fingers. "Very good PATRICK," she said emphasizing his name. She gave him a good-natured smile and returned her head to resting on his chest. Luis continued to gently caress her face, causing Sheridan to smile in contentment as she felt her body tingle.

They continued the trip in silence, but their subdued hand movements spoke volumes. As Luis was caressing Sheridan's face, Sheridan was gently massaging the exposed area of his chest. Both were becoming increasing affected by the actions of the other, but were maintaining a much lower profile than they had on their cab ride from the Paris airport to their hotel.

Soon the cab driver announced in Spanish that they would be arriving momentarily at their hotel. Without even thinking Luis acknowledged him and thanked him. Sheridan smiled to herself as she thought how nice it was that Luis could now communicate, as he was fluent in Spanish. Within a few minutes they had pulled up in front of the hotel.

Luis paid the driver and they walked into the hotel. This time they walked up to the registration desk together, no longer fearing Alistair's wrath, but Sheridan still placed the registration under the name Julia Blackwell. She asked to speak with the manager. Once the manager appeared, Sheridan smiled and thanked him for attending to them personally. As soon as she gave her name, he smiled back, understanding completely. The registration process was completed in no time and Sheridan and Luis were headed to their suite.

The suite was elegantly decorated in a turn of the century motif. (The last century that is) Luis looked around in awe as he walked into each room. Suddenly a grin appeared on his face. "Only one bedroom this time, Miss Crane? What will people think?"

Sheridan blushed slightly. "I wonder," she said as she raised an eyebrow in a suggestive look. Luis caught her look and gave her an equally enticing glance. "I'm headed for the shower," he announced. "Do you want to join me?"

Sheridan giggled. "Normally I would, but I'll have to pass this time. Otherwise we'll never make it to dinner tonight. And I have something in mind we're both going to love!" She gave Luis a wink and left him to his shower. She was quite pleased with herself, as she knew they would both enjoy their first night in Spain.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 14:

I know this has been a long time in coming, but here it is. This is an "R" rated episode, so if there are any people out there who don't like it, then don't read it.

Sheridan had just finished getting dressed. She was wearing the only thing she'd packed, a white cotton form fitting sweater and a just below the knee length blue skirt. She wore a pair of blue pumps. Her outfit was simple, but on Sheridan it looked great. She was putting her earrings on, when she felt Luis kissing her neck. She smiled as she felt his smooth face on her neck. "I see Patrick left," Sheridan said slyly as she enjoyed the feel of Luis clean- face on her skin.

"Yeah," Luis said. "Poor guy told me he wasn't appreciated anymore. He said this girl Julia he was with didn't like his beard for some reason. I see she's gone too." "Such a shame. Looks like you're stuck with just me," Sheridan sighed with a playful grin. "I'll have to deal with it, won't I?" He continued laying down kisses on her neck causing Sheridan to inhale deeply as she felt tingles down her spine. Finally she stood up and turned around to look at Luis. He was wearing a dark gray shirt and black pants. She smiled at him approvingly.

"I hope I won't be a disappointment for you," Sheridan said seductively. She gently kissed him on the lips. "Somehow I think you could never disappoint me, Sheridan." He gave her a sweet kiss in return. "So are you ready to show me this city?" "Absolutely," Sheridan said enthusiastically. She grabbed her bag and Luis' hand and the two headed for dinner.

They shared a traditional Spanish meal at a local restaurant, talking about their plans for the week. Sheridan had arranged for them to see a bullfight the next day, which Luis was pleased with, and they would then tour the countryside for the remainder of their stay. She told him a week wasn't enough to see all of Spain, but promised they would come back again sometime when they had more time. After dinner, they walked the streets of Madrid for awhile just soaking in the different culture and atmosphere. They stopped at a few shops along the way, where Sheridan purchased some clothes since they had sent all of their things to the States. Luis protested as Sheridan was buying clothes for him, but she reminded him that it was her idea to ship everything back to the States. She was not going to let Luis purchase a new wardrobe because of one of her whims. Though he didn't like it, he agreed, as it was no use fighting with Sheridan on this point. He did tell her he would pay her back when she least expected it. She smiled and agreed. After purchasing several outfits each, they arranged to have them sent to the hotel and they continued their walk.

Luis was amazed at how the city was such a combination of new and old. He also knew there was no one he would rather be there with than Sheridan. Sheridan smiled when he told her that. She also told him she'd never enjoyed Europe so much as she had for the last week. Having him there with her was the best thing that ever happened. They continued to walk arm in arm until they reached their destination. Sheridan was taking Luis to a popular nightclub.

Luis looked around the club in wonder as he and Sheridan sat at their table sipping their drinks. He then glanced back at Sheridan and smiled. "This place is amazing Sheridan," he said. "Look at all these people out enjoying themselves on a Monday night no less." His gaze kept shifting from the people at the bar to the dance floor to Sheridan who was sitting next to him.

"Many of these people are locals," she explained, "but there are a fair number of tourists as well. This is one of the more popular clubs in Madrid." "I can see why," Luis said nodding his head in approval. The song that was playing ended and a cheer filled the room. The people from the dance floor started drifting back towards their tables to finish their drinks. Couples were chatting excitedly as they walked by Sheridan and Luis. Luis was wondering what was going on, as he watched all the couples stroll by. Luis was about to stop someone and ask what everyone was so excited about when one couple came up to speak with him.

"Hi, Do you speak English?" This very loudly dressed man asked Luis with a big grin. The man looked oddly like Reese, glasses and all. A hand came flying from behind him, hitting him sharply on the arm. "You can't ask that question in English, honey. You need to ask it in Spanish, duh," the woman with the loudly dressed man said in a squeaky voice. She was a very pretty blonde who was obviously was a few quarters shy of a dollar bill. The woman folder her hands in front of her as she rolled her eyes to the back of her head.

"Sorry honey," the man said as he pulled out his pocket English/Spanish translator. Luis and Sheridan stared at the couple and then at each other. Luis turned his head to prevent the odd pair from seeing him laugh. Sheridan did a much better job at stifling her laugh. "We both speak English," Sheridan said with a smile. "We are Americans." The man looked up from his translator. "See I told you Sue," the man said with a superior grin. "Hi. I'm Harold and This is Sue," he said motioning to his companion. "We were wondering if you two would be joining the dance contest?"

Luis had finally managed to stifle his amusement and turned around to look at Harold and Sue. "Dance contest?" He asked curiously. "What kind of dance contest?" Harold was looking pretty cocky now. He knew something they didn't. "Oh yeah," he said with an air of authority. They hold a different dance contest here every night. We've come here every night since we've been in Madrid. Tonight is our last night and we are really looking forward to it." Harold gave Sue a raised eyebrow and then turned back to Luis and Sheridan. "Tonight is the Tango contest. Sue and I love the tango, don't we Sue?"

Sue gave Harold a shy smile. Luis looked at Sheridan who gave him a very innocent smile. He knew by her look, she'd known about this all along. "Tango contest. Hmm. What do you think, Sheridan? Should we enter the contest?" Luis was giving Sheridan the sweetest most naive smile he could. Before Sheridan could answer Harold continued. "I need to warn you, I think Sue and I will have an advantage over you. They say in order to do the Tango properly you need to have Latin blood in you. I have Latin blood in me."

Luis looked up at Harold in genuine surprise at he looked at Harold's blonde hair, fair complexion and blue eyes. He looked like he'd just fallen off a Swedish turnip truck. "You have Latin blood in you?" Luis asked as he tried to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. Sheridan had buried her head in Luis shoulder as she was laughing uncontrollably. Luis knew what she was doing, as his shoulder was shaking with her laughter.

"Oh yes," Harold replied confidently. "My parents came to Spain on their honeymoon and I was conceived here." He looked at Sheridan and Luis as he proudly made his statement. Sheridan glanced up for a quick second, but upon hearing this she returned her head to Luis' shoulder. She was now crying she was laughing so hard. "I see," Luis said as he stared at Harold in total amazement. "It will be an interesting contest then Harold. You may see us out there."

"Well, good then," Harold said nodding his head in approval of Luis thinking about entering the contest. He grinned. He looked at Sheridan, then back at Luis. He leaned in and whispered into Luis' ear, "I don't know how familiar you are with the Tango, friend, but I guess I should warn you." He stole another glance at Sheridan who was finally watching these two characters with a straight face. "They say that dancing the Tango with someone makes you feel like you just had sex." Harold stood up and glanced at Sheridan again, then winked at Luis. "Good luck." Harold took Sue's hand and they walked to their table.

Luis turned toward Sheridan and put his hand up blocking his face from the view of Sue and Harold. He began laughing uncontrollably. Sheridan again began to laugh as she looked at Luis. "What did he say to you just then?" "Oh, our worldly Latin lover informed me that once you've danced the tango with someone it fells like you've just had sex," Luis informed Sheridan with a playful smile. "Really now?" Sheridan said with a smirk. "I guess that explains why all I wanted to do after I danced the Tango with you at the Youth Center, was take a cold shower."

"You too, huh?" Luis grinned. "It was that Tango that forced me to realize I had feelings for you other than animosity." "Oh, come on now Luis. We really hadn't fought much since we came back from New Mexico. I also would have sworn you were going to kiss me the night I brought you the slides, but the phone interrupted us," Sheridan said. Luis grinned at her. "You're right. I think I was going to kiss you that night. Saved by Sam." He laughed and Sheridan shot him a dirty look. "What I should have said, Sheridan," Luis continued affectionately, "is it was that Tango that caused me to stop fighting my feelings for you. Is that better?"

"Much better," Sheridan said as she smiled lovingly at Luis. "By the way, I already signed us up for the dance contest. That was the surprise I had for you tonight. After all, we haven't danced a Tango since before our first date. I'm not counting that one at the party you had for me. We were both angry at the time and I'd rather forget about that time in my life." "This will be interesting then," Luis said with a sly smile. "We haven't danced a Tango as a couple before. Do you think we can make it as ‘hot' as everyone seemed to think that last one was?" "I think we can make it as hot as your 'Latin' friend over there seems to think he is," Sheridan laughed as she watched ‘macho man' practicing his moves by himself next to his table.

Luis was about to bust a gut laughing as he watched Harold practicing in front of Sue. She seemed to be giving him instructions from a book in her hands. "I don't know Sheridan, but I can't wait to find out." Luis and Sheridan continued talking about various things as they waited for the contest to start. Just as they had finished their drinks and were about to order another round, there was an announcement that the dance contest would be starting. There was a cheer from the crowd that had been anxiously waiting for the contest to begin.

The announcer began by explaining the rules of the contest and the fact that this was for amateurs only. Any professional dancers would be disqualified. There would be 20 couples participating in the contest. 5 couples would dance together at a time, with one couple winning each group. Then the final four couples would each dance alone with a winner being chosen from the final four. The winning couple would receive a trophy and a cash prize equivalent to $500. The winner would be chosen based on the judges decision as to which couple seemed to be the most in synch with each other and originality of dance moves. Physical contact was definitely permitted as long as there was no lewd behavior. Kissing during the dance was not allowed. The order of dancers was announced. Sheridan and Luis were number 16, so they would be in the fourth set of dancers. Their friends Harold and Sue were in the second set.

Luis went to get them each a drink, as they would be waiting a bit for their turn. The announcer showed each of the couples to their portion of the dance floor. It was a fairly large dance floor, so each couple had ample space to dance without bumping into another couple. The same music would be played for each set of couples. When they did the individual dances later, requests could be made.

Luis and Sheridan watched as the first set of dancers did their number on the dance floor. It was difficult to really watch all of them at the same time, but they both seemed to focus on one couple, who they both agreed was the best of the group. They figured this would be what the judges would do as well. When the dance was over everyone clapped and cheered the Tangoers. Neither Sheridan nor Luis was surprised that couple number 3 won their section.

During the next set, they were more interested in watching Harold and Sue than all the dancers. Both Sheridan and Luis were quite surprised at how good they actually were at the Tango. "I never would have believed it," Luis whispered to Sheridan. "They really know how to dance the Tango." "They certainly do," Sheridan whispered back. She glanced briefly at the other couples and decided that Harold and Sue definitely were the best of the group. Again, their choice was the winner. Sue and Harold won their set. They sat and watched the next set of dancers as well, also picking the winners of that set. "I think we should be judging this contest instead of entering it, Luis," Sheridan said with a sly smile.

"You may be right about that one," Luis replied as they called the last group of couple to the dance floor. Luis stood up and extended his hand towards Sheridan. "Shall we?" Sheridan smiled as she took Luis hand and they headed towards the dance floor. They took their place on the dance floor standing opposite of each other. The music began and Sheridan and Luis became lost in the music. Lost in each other. Luis led and Sheridan followed, knowing exactly what he wanted to do at all times. Both could feel the music and danced to it as if they were another instrument playing the music. Their eyes never left each other. It was as if they were one person, mirror images of the same person. No words need be spoken. Their bodies told the story. Time seemed to stand still for the four minutes of the dance. There was only the music and themselves.

The music finally stopped. Luis and Sheridan were breathless and flushed. They hardly noticed the clapping and cheering coming from all the onlookers as the winners were announced. Couple 16 would compete in the final round. Luis smiled at Sheridan. "I guess we haven't lost our magic." "You haven't lost anything Luis," Sheridan said seductively as she raised her eyebrow. Luis squeezed her hand and winked at Sheridan. "I guess Harold was right then!"

"I guess he was," Sheridan responded. "And to think, we get to do this again in a few minutes." Luis laughed. "I could do this with you all day and night Sheridan." "Same here Luis." Sheridan smiled back They returned to their table and finished their drinks while waiting for the final competition. Several people came up to them and congratulated them on their win and told them what a great job they did dancing. Both graciously accepted the comments they received; though it did embarrass both of them a little. Luis had picked out the music he wanted for their next dance. They would be the last couple to dance. Both were excited and nervous at the same time. They sat and watched the other three couples dance, finally it was their turn again.

Standing on the dance floor, the music began to play. Sheridan immediately recognized it as the music that was playing when they danced their first tango. She smiled briefly at Luis in recognition and they began to dance. Once again, they were the only two in the room, feeling the music. Their movements were fluid. Sheridan followed Luis' lead, knowing what he wanted her to do almost before he asked her. As if they had done this a hundred times a day their entire life. Both looked at each other with a burning passion that was evident to anyone watching. Their body movements only enhanced what their eyes were saying. When the dance was finished, both had one thing on their mind. Going back to their hotel room, alone. The crowd was cheering loudly. They were surrounded by other patrons congratulating them once again, as they attempted to make their way back to their table. Both were completely breathless.

Finally the winner was announced. Luis and Sheridan had won the Tango contest and the people in the nightclub shouted for an encore. Even Harold and Sue came up to congratulate Luis and Sheridan and too requested an encore. Embarrassed by all the fuss, they relented and gave a brief encore for the onlookers. They then collected their prize and returned to their table. Luis handed Sheridan the prize money and told her it would help pay back the clothes she had just purchased. Sheridan now tried to protest, but saw the look of determination in Luis' face and decided against it. She smiled and thanked him.

They decided it was time to leave when people were flocking over in droves to meet them. It took nearly an hour from the time they decided to leave to actually get out the door, as they didn't want to be rude to anyone. Finally they emerged from the club and began running down the street. When they were a few blocks away, they slowed to a walk and began laughing through their breathlessness.

"Do you believe all those people?" Luis asked. "I've never seen anything like it in my life." "That was fun tonight wasn't it?" Sheridan asked. "Yes it was," Luis smiled. "The best part for me was having you as my partner. And to think, I once told Miguel you dance the Tango the same no matter whom you dance it with." "You did, did you?" Sheridan asked with a raised eyebrow. "When did you tell him that?" "Right after that Tango at the Youth Center," Luis admitted sheepishly. "He was bugging me about having a thing for you and I told him he was wrong. Five minutes after that I asked you out on our first date. It's amazing what can happen in such a short time."

"It certainly is," Sheridan agreed. "I can't wait to see what will happen a short time from now." "Oh?" Luis asked in a sexy voice as he pulled Sheridan close to him. "Do you have more plans for tonight, Miss Crane?" "Let's put it this way. I don't want to take a cold shower tonight Luis" Sheridan grinned.

"Maybe not a cold one, but a HOT shower is always nice," Luis replied, his brown eyes penetrating right to Sheridan's soul as she felt her entire body tingle. "It doesn't take a shower to make me hot when I'm around you Luis," Sheridan said in a soft voice. Luis chuckled. "Let's pick up the pace, shall we? Suddenly I have an overwhelming urge to get back to the hotel. "So do I," Sheridan agreed. "It's funny how we think so much alike."

They quickly approached their hotel and made their way to their room. The door was no sooner closed when Luis pulled Sheridan in for a fiery kiss. Sheridan responded with equal passion. Soon they came up for air and Sheridan broke their embrace. Luis was momentarily confused, but he saw the look in Sheridan's eyes and knew she was up to something. He was also pretty sure he was going to like it. Sheridan dimmed the lights and inserted a tape in the tape player, then walked back over to Luis. "How about one more dance?" She asked in a very seductive voice. Her sparkling blue eyes were on fire. "And this time anything goes."

Sheridan didn't need to ask twice. The Tango music played and Luis pulled Sheridan close to him. Their bodies so close, there was no light between them. Luis smiled and gently ran his hands up and down the curves of her body. Sheridan sighed happily at the feel of Luis' touch on her body. Luis took Sheridan's hands in his own and started to dance. Every chance he had, Luis was in some way touching Sheridan. He kissed her neck, her face. He pressed his body as close to her as possible. Sheridan ran her hands up and down Luis's back and chest. She trailed kisses all over his chest and neck, unbuttoning his shirt in the process. As the dance progressed things really heated up. Their emotions were no longer being held within like in the tango they danced at the club. They were now expressing everything they were feeling.

Luis, now shirtless had his hands massaging Sheridan's back, while her hands were toying with his belt. They were gazing at each other with an intensity they'd not felt before. Luis leaned in and kissed Sheridan excitedly. Sheridan responded with equal fervor, her quest now completed as she flung his belt across the room. Luis broke the kiss and stared at her with fire in his eyes. He raised her hands in the air. Making sure she kept them there for a moment he then quickly reached down and pulled her sweater up over her head. She smiled seductively at him as he did this. Luis then held her close as they continued their "dance." Sheridan reached up and pulled Luis head down towards her. She kissed him gently at first. Luis parted their lips causing the kiss to intensify immediately. Sheridan had her hands rummaging Luis' hair. Luis was massaging her back, undoing her bra at the same time. He also unzipped her skirt moments after he tossed her bra. Sheridan's skirt fell to the floor. This only caused her to kiss Luis harder and faster. Their hearts were both beating rapidly and they were finding breathing a chore.

The dance that Sheridan and Luis were sharing no longer even resembled one. They didn't even notice when the tape finished playing. They were totally lost in each other. Sheridan was undoing Luis' pants as he began kissing her neck moving his way down her chest. This caused Sheridan to moan his name loudly, which in turn caused Luis to kiss her harder than before. When Luis' pants finally fell to the floor, he stepped out of them and with one quick move, he scooped Sheridan up and carried her to the bed. He stood her up in front of the bed and pulled her panties down, then lowered her to the bed. He then took off her own boxers and lay down next to her on the bed. Sheridan turned on her side and smiled at Luis. She then quickly climbed on top of him and began kissing him hungrily. Luis returned her kisses. Both were completely caught up in each other as they began to make love. They both realized later that they'd never be able to dance the tango again without remembering this moment.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 15:

Sheridan was smiling as Luis watched her sleeping. She was nestled on his chest as they were flying back to Harmony. Luis was remembering the last two weeks of his life that had been spent with Sheridan. So much had happened to change his life in the last few months. The last 2 weeks. He smiled as he gently stroked her hair. He silently laughed to himself as memories came flooding back to him. He remembered all the fights they had, then becoming friends, fighting their feelings for each other for so long, the misunderstandings and finally finding each other.

The last two weeks had been the most incredible weeks of his life. Luis had gone from feeling totally lost when Sheridan thought he had used her, to feeling nothing but pure happiness when Sheridan was in his arms. In the two weeks they had spent together, he had learned so much about Sheridan. The most important thing he had learned was that he was hopelessly in love with her and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Luis still couldn't believe how he felt every time he saw her, every time he felt her touch. It was almost like he'd been living in a dream and now he was coming back to reality. But she was still with him. 'Oh how I hope things stay like this,' he thought as he continued to gently stroke her hair. 'I've never felt this way in my life. I never would have dreamed that I'd find the perfect woman from the Crane family.'

Sheridan stirred slightly. Her eyes fluttered open and as they came into focus, she saw Luis gazing lovingly at her. This caused her heart to skip a beat as it always did when he smiled at her like that. "I didn't realize I dozed off. I was having a wonderful dream though." Sheridan grinned broadly as she remembered her dream. It was her wedding to Luis. "Oh yeah? What was it about?" Luis asked.

Sheridan suddenly blushed, not wanting Luis to know what she was dreaming. "I can't tell you," she managed to get out. "If I do it may never happen." Luis noticed her blushing and the obvious nervousness in her demeanor and wondered what she could possibly be dreaming about that she didn't want him to know about. After all, they had shared so much in the last few weeks, what could make her blush like that. "You can tell me Sheridan," Luis said as he squeezed her hand. Sheridan really didn't want to tell Luis about her dream. "I'm not telling you. Not now anyway," Sheridan said flatly.

Luis could tell by the tone of her voice she wasn't going to budge. "Well, I just hope if it was a good one it involved me." Sheridan tried to stifle a grin, but couldn't. "I knew it!" He said. "So what could be so bad you can't tell me, Sheridan?" Luis asked in a low sexy voice. "I mean after all the 'different' things we've done recently? Surely it can't be THAT bad." Luis was smiling; thinking Sheridan had had an erotic dream. He was totally unaware how serious this matter was to her.

Sheridan thought about lying to him and telling him the dream was about something else, but now with all the fuss about it, she'd really feel like a jerk if she said something simple. She was stuck now. She either had to tell him or not. She was really afraid to tell him, as she feared he'd get frightened or worse. Despite all they'd been through, she was still insecure in the area of love. Yes, she'd made major steps in the last few weeks, but she was still a bit timid. She knew she loved Luis with all her heart and knew Luis loved her, but was still not sure what he saw for their future. Sheridan knew what she wanted, what she dreamed of, but didn't know for sure about Luis. Not about his long-term plans. So for now, she would just evade answering him.

"So Luis," Sheridan said changing the subject. "Where should we go when we get back? I mean where should we go first?" Suddenly Luis realized they would be returning home. He would be returning to his Mother's house and Sheridan would be returning to her cottage on Crane property. He felt a wave of sadness engulf him as he now realized he would no longer be able to spend the time with Sheridan he had for the last two weeks. It had been wonderful exploring Europe by day with her, sharing his meals with her, his hopes and dreams and have her asleep in his arms at night. Now that would all change. They were going back to reality.

"Luis, what's wrong?" Sheridan asked as she saw the sad look on his face. She gently took his had in hers and squeezed it. "Nothing's wrong," Luis feigned a smile. "I was just thinking about where we should go first. Your cottage or my house?" "I see," Sheridan said. She now understood why he looked so sad. She too had enjoyed every minute of the past two weeks and couldn't bear to think of going to bed without Luis' arms wrapped around her. She always felt so safe and secure when he is around. There was not another person on earth that made her feel as loved as Luis Lopez Fitzgerald did. "Well, I think we should go to your house first, Luis," Sheridan said. "I would much rather Pilar be the first person I see upon my return home than Julian. I don't think I'm quite ready to deal with him."

"Good. I'll call Mama and tell her we're coming there first," Luis said. Luis picked up the phone and dialed his number. "Hello" Pilar answered the phone. "Mama, it's Luis." "Luis! Mio! It is so good to hear from you." Pilar said excitedly. "Mama, Sheridan and I are just are just about to land in New York. We should be in Harmony in about two hours. Sheridan arranged for the Crane Jet to pick us up at JFK and take us to Harmony." "Do you have a ride home from the airport, mio?" Pilar asked.

Luis grinned. "I never even thought about it. We can catch a cab, Mama. It's no big deal." "Don't be silly, Luis. I will be there waiting for you. Ask Sheridan if she'd like me to bring Ethan along." "I'm sure she'd love that, Mama," Luis said. He whispered to Sheridan what Pilar had asked. She smiled at him. "I'll see you soon mio," Pilar said. "Bye Mama," Luis said as he hung the phone up.

Several hours later Luis and Sheridan stepped off the Crane Jet. They were both wary from their trip, but still managed to give each other a longing glance as they realized they were now home and the life they had become accustomed to was ending rapidly. Luis and Sheridan walked hand in hand as they looked around for Pilar. As they walked through the Harmony airport they both stiffened as they heard a familiar voice.

"Luis is that you?" It was Hank. Hank was the last person on earth Luis wanted to see at this very moment. Finally Luis and Sheridan turned around to face Hank. "Sheridan! You came back!!" Hank was ecstatic to see Sheridan. He hadn't noticed that Luis and Sheridan had been holding hands. He ran up to her and pulled her into a big hug. "I'm so glad you decided to come back to Harmony, Sheridan."

Sheridan was at a loss. Why was he acting this way? Surely he'd seen the Press conference last week. It would be difficult to misinterpret Ivy on that one. She'd been so blunt and even threw in she wanted Luis to be her new brother in law soon. "It's good to see you too Hank," Sheridan said with less than enthusiasm. Luis was trying his hardest to hide his jealousy, but he wasn't doing a very good job. He knew Sheridan loved him, but this was Hank he was dealing with now. He knew Hank wanted Sheridan for his own and would stop at nothing to get her. Especially if it meant taking her away from Luis.

"So Hank, did you see the news conference last week?" Sheridan came right out and asked him as she pulled herself quickly out of his embrace. She wasn't in the mood for playing games with Hank. "What news conference?" Hank asked curiously. "I've been out of town since right before you left Sheridan. In fact, I left the night before you went to Paris. I needed to mend my broken heart." Hank gave her a fake hurt look as he clutched his chest. He then grinned. Sheridan and Luis looked at each other in disbelief. Sheridan was just about to say something when Pilar and Ethan approached.

"Mio! Sheridan!" Pilar called out as she moved quickly towards them. She grabbed both of them giving them a huge hug. She kissed them each on the cheek. Ethan now moved in and gave Sheridan a big hug and a kiss. "It's great to have you back Sheridan. I'm so glad you are safe. Sheridan gave Ethan a huge smile. "I can see from the look in your eyes that you had a great time otherwise, Sheridan. Am I right?" Ethan had one eyebrow raised in a quizzical look.

Sheridan blushed and lowered her head briefly. She then looked up at Luis who was staring at her with a small smile on his face. He gave her a quick wink, which caused her to blush again. "The best time Ethan. The BEST!" Pilar couldn't help but smile. She was very happy that Sheridan and Luis had finally found true love and happiness. She had been afraid for them before, but after the events of the last two weeks, she felt more comfortable with their relationship. Hank was watching this exchange very uncertain of what was happening. He had a disturbing feeling he wasn't going to like it though. "Did I miss something here guys?" Hank asked with a confused smile.

Ethan and Pilar looked at Hank. Sheridan quickly jumped in. "Hank's been out of town since the day before I left. He has no idea what's happened," Sheridan said. "I see," Pilar said with a slightly worried look. She knew very well about Hank's desire to win Sheridan's affection. Ethan knew Hank liked Sheridan, but had no idea of all the details involved in the relationship of the trio. "Well Hank, your friend Luis is a hero. He saved Sheridan's life in Paris. It was all over the news. I'm surprised you didn't see it on television."

"I was in the mountains camping. No phones or television for two weeks," Hank said. His smile was now a frown as he noticed Sheridan reaching for Luis' hand. "So BUDDY, do you want to tell me what went on while I was gone? I thought you were just here to greet Sheridan's plane."

"Oh, no," Ethan interjected. "Luis has been in Europe with Sheridan for the past two weeks. They were in Paris for the first week and after the Press conference I'm not sure where they went. It looks like they had a good time though judging by the looks on their faces. Ethan grinned at his Aunt.

Luis knew by Hank's face he was very unhappy. He also knew he needed to talk to him alone. This was not going to be easy. "Hank, could I talk to you alone for a minute?" Luis excused himself from the group. He gave Sheridan a smile and she returned it, which did not go unnoticed by Hank. They left the group and headed for the Men's room. Once inside, Hank didn't waste a minute. "OK Luis, What the hell is going on here?" Hank demanded.

"Hank," Luis began. "Sheridan and I made up. I found out why she was so upset with me and it was all a misunderstanding. We've told each other... I mean, we're... Hank, Sheridan and I are in love with each other. We've told each other too." Luis didn't want to be so blunt, but he saw no other way. "Oh, this is great! Just great! I can't believe you man!" Hank fumed. "You steal my girl and tell her you love her? Why just to get her in the sack?" "Shut up Hank! Just shut up," Luis shouted. "You don't know what you are talking about. I LOVE SHERIDAN! I love her more than I've ever loved anyone in my life. She loves me too." "So are you denying that you banged Sheridan?" Hank sneered.

Luis' face was now crimson. His fist was clenched and it took every ounce of self-control he had to prevent himself from knocking Hank into the next room. "Hank, if I EVER hear you talk about Sheridan that way again, I'll knock your lights out. Do you HEAR me?" Luis had never felt such anger in his life. Not with all the things the Cranes had done, not with all the criminals he'd dealt with. This was different. No one was going to talk about Sheridan in that manner. Especially Hank, who claimed he wanted her. Luis was feeling sick at the thought Hank was his friend.

"I didn't notice a ring on Sheridan's finger good buddy. I'm not giving up till I see one," Hank smirked. "She can't mean that much to you after all." Luis glared at Hank for a long moment but said nothing. He was right after all. Sheridan was not his. He knew Sheridan wouldn't go out with Hank, but it wouldn't stop Hank from trying. "I've had a long day Hank. Now I AM taking Sheridan home." "She'll forget all about you soon my friend. As soon as she realizes that the Hankster is so much better at CERTAIN things than you are!" Hank laughed evilly as he walked away leaving Luis fuming.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 16:

Luis remained behind in the restroom to calm himself . Hank had angered him beyond words. He'd never felt that kind of anger in his life. Luis knew that Sheridan loved him and never had any feelings toward Hank except friendship. He wasn't really concerned about that. What did concern him was the callous, even dirty minded way Hank was trying to construe Luis' relationship with Sheridan. He and Sheridan had made love in Paris ONLY because they were both deeply in love with each other. Luis was not one to casually have sex with a person. Hank knew it as well. He was trying to anger Luis and it had worked.

What Luis was worried about was the lengths Hank would go to in order to take Sheridan away from him. He certainly was going to try and Luis knew it. There was only one thing he could do to stop Hank. He smiled to himself as he made his decision. Luis walked back to where Sheridan, Pilar and Ethan were standing. Hank had returned to the group as well and had his arm wrapped tightly around Sheridan's shoulder. Luis could tell by her stature that he was making her uncomfortable.

He felt the anger build in him, but slowly released it as he concentrated on his new plan. He managed a genuine smile as he faced the group. "Mama, may I talk with you a second?" Luis asked Pilar. "Certainly Son," Pilar answered as he took Pilar out of earshot. He gave Sheridan a comforting glance before he left.

‘I wonder what he's up to?' Sheridan thought as she watched Luis and his mother talk. She was trying to figure it out, but Pilar was often a difficult person to read. She most often wore a very stoic look on her face. Suddenly she was jolted back to her immediate surroundings as she felt Hank's arm start to wander and it unnerved her. She didn't want to make a scene, especially in front of Ethan, but she certainly wasn't going to allow Hank Bennett to continue groping her. Sheridan quickly moved from his embrace. "If you'll both excuse me, I need to use the ladies room." She then headed off in the direction of the rest rooms.

"So Hank," Ethan said cheerfully, "Isn't it great about Luis and Sheridan? They are so right for each other, don't you think? It gives me faith that true love will conquer all. And those two have had their share of problems. I certainly hope they decide to marry soon."

Hank was trying to hold back his anger as Ethan spoke. "Marry? Are you crazy, Ethan? They hardly know each other. No, Luis will never get married until he solves his Father's disappearance. Besides, he will want to spend a lot of time getting to know Sheridan and in a few weeks, he'll realize they have nothing in common and they will part their ways. Those two are like oil and water. You mark my words." Hank said this in a very matter of fact tone. Almost angry until the end when he smiled. An almost evil smile. Ethan was not sure how to take what Hank had just said. He decided to just keep his mouth shut, so as not to provoke Hank any further. There was something about the look in his eyes just then, that Ethan didn't like.

Pilar and Luis returned to the group, Luis was grinning from ear to ear. Pilar wasn't grinning, but she seemed rather pleased. "So where is Sheridan?" Luis asked "She went to the ladies room. She'll be back in a minute," Ethan said. Just then, he spotted Sheridan walking towards them. Luis walked a little way to meet up with her and took her hand. ‘No way was Hank touching her again,' Luis thought. Sheridan gave Luis a big smile as if to say ‘Thank You'. She hadn't been pleased with Hank's attention.

"It was nice seeing you Hank," Luis said with a hint of sarcasm. "But we really are beat so we're headed home. See you later, BUDDY." Luis didn't hold back the sarcasm in his last word, which caused Sheridan to give Luis an inquisitive look. Luis wouldn't or couldn't return her gaze. He just squeezed Sheridan's hand and started walking toward the baggage claim. Pilar and Ethan followed leaving Hank standing there with an angry look on his face.

Luis opened the door to the Lopez-Fitzgerald house letting the others enter before him. Theresa was in the kitchen waiting for them as they entered. She immediately ran up to Luis and gave her big brother a huge hug. "Luis, I am so proud of you," Theresa said excitedly, "and so happy for you and Sheridan. I knew you two would get together. It was fate. And when it's fate it will happen." Theresa was beaming as she stole a glance at Ethan. She avoided her mother's glance, as she knew it would be a dirty look. Theresa knew it drove Pilar crazy when she mentioned fate. Theresa then went over to Sheridan and gave her a hug. "Sheridan, I'm so glad you are back in Harmony. Everyone missed you so much. The Youth Center hasn't been the same since you left."

"Thank you Theresa," Sheridan said, "But I doubt that." She smiled at Luis' sister. She then looked over at her nephew who hadn't taken his eyes off Theresa since he'd entered the house. She then saw a disapproving look on Pilar's face and wondered what had happened since she'd left for Paris.

"I'm not kidding Sheridan, the kids really do miss you. Especially the girls I might add." Theresa sincerely was glad to see Sheridan return. She was especially happy that her brother had finally found happiness. ‘If only Ethan and I could be as happy,' she thought. "So what's been happening around here since I left?" Sheridan asked curiously.

Ethan and Theresa looked at each other and began to laugh. "You wouldn't believe it Sheridan, but we had an avalanche here last week. Sheridan looked at them in utter surprise. Ethan and Theresa excitedly began to tell her their encounter at the cabin, while Luis motioned to his mother and the two of them slipped out of the room.

Luis followed Pilar to her bedroom and sat on her bed while he waited for her to locate something. After a few moments, she sat down next to Luis on the bed. She handed Luis a large box which he quickly opened. As he rummaged through the box looking for what he wanted, he looked at some old photos of his family when they were young. One photo, in particular made Luis smile. It was of Martin, Pilar and five young children on Christmas morning in front of the tree. Everyone wore huge smiles. Luis smiled as he remembered when the photo was taken. "Mama, may I have this picture?" Luis asked. "I love this photo. It reminds me of happier times."

"Of course, mi hijo," Pilar said. "You may have the picture. Just remember this. You will have many more happy memories in the future. Your life is just beginning Luis. Make it a happy one, please?" "I will Mama," Luis said with a huge grin. "Are you sure Sheridan is the one person to make you truly happy?" Pilar asked, already knowing the answer to the question.

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life Mama," Luis answered as he grinned from ear to ear. "Mama, I can't begin to tell you how she makes me feel. All I can tell you is that I can't imagine my life without her. There was a brief moment in Paris when I thought she was going to be killed and I wanted to die along with her. I don't ever want to feel that again."

"Then I am happy for you mi hijo," Pilar smiled. "You know how much I love Sheridan. Just be good to her. She deserves someone to love her. She has never really had anyone to love her except Ethan. Thank God for Ethan. I don't know how she would have survived in that family without him."

"I hate to tell you this, Mama, but she speaks of you and Ethan in the same breath when she refers to her childhood. She loves you a great deal. Almost as a mother." Luis smiled at his mother as he thought that she was the one to save Sheridan from her miserable existence as a Crane. "I told you along time ago that Sheridan and Ethan were different from the rest of the family. They are nothing like Julian and Alistair, Pilar said.

"That's because of you Mama," Luis said proudly. Pilar tried hard not to blush. She decided to change the subject. "Did you find what you wanted, Luis?" Luis returned to his rummaging. He finally pulled out a very small bag. "Here it is!" he exclaimed triumphantly. He then pulled a box out from inside the small bag and opened it to examine the contents. Luis stared at the contents with awe. "It's perfect, Mama. Just perfect." Luis held the object up to the light for a better look. "I'm going to do this right now, Mama," Luis said. "Before I lose my nerve." Pilar smiled at Luis as she watched him leave her room.

Luis returned to the kitchen. Ethan and Theresa were still telling Sheridan all about their avalanche adventure. Sheridan was so enthralled with the story she hadn't seen Luis disappear. Theresa stopped briefly when she saw Luis walk into the room. "Didn't want to hear our story, huh?" Theresa kidded Luis. Luis looked at Theresa in total confusion. He hadn't heard one word of what she'd been saying. He still had no idea about the avalanche, nor did he care at this very minute. He would learn about all that he missed in good time. Right now he needed to talk to Sheridan.

"Ethan, Theresa, Could I please borrow Sheridan for a little while. I need to talk to her and it's important." Luis asked nicely, but Theresa knew it was serious, whatever it was. "Sure Luis," Theresa said. "Ethan and I don't mind waiting a little while." "Sure," Ethan happily agreed. "I'll keep Theresa and Pilar company until you get back." He smiled at Theresa as he said this. Luis was oblivious to this, but Sheridan had been watching Ethan very carefully this afternoon. She noticed.

"Theresa, go ask Mama to make reservations for all of us at a restaurant tonight. Take your pick. The Lobster Shack, the Seascape, anyplace nice. It's on me. Make sure Miguel invites Charity. Ethan, I want you there as well, and please bring Gwen." "Oh, I'm sorry Luis, Gwen is out of town for awhile." Ethan said. "She should be back next week sometime."

"Well, then you can be Theresa's escort for the evening, if you don't mind," Luis said. "And I promise I won't kill you!" Luis grinned as he said this. Everyone in Harmony knew what Luis would do if he ever caught Theresa near Ethan Crane. "I was wrong about you Ethan. You and Sheridan are both very different from Julian and Alistair. I'm sorry if I gave you a hard time in the past. I hope we can be friends?" Luis extended his hand towards Ethan, who shook it and gave Luis a friendly grin.

"Friends it is, Luis. And I would be happy to escort Theresa tonight. Is tonight something special?" Ethan said. "For starters we are celebrating Sheridan's return to Harmony. That's good enough for me!" Luis smiled at Sheridan and took her hand as they got ready to leave. "We'll be back soon," Luis promised.

As Luis and Sheridan departed, Theresa couldn't hold back her joy. Luis and Ethan friends? Luis allowing Ethan to be her escort for the evening? She was thrilled. "Ethan, do you believe my brother?" Theresa asked. Ethan too was quite happy at the news, but wasn't quite sure why. "I'm glad we can all be friends now, Theresa," Ethan said with a grin. It's amazing how things seem to be changing for the better, isn't it?" "Oh yes, Ethan, it is," Theresa said. "I'm going to give Mama Luis' message. I'll be back in a second." With that, Theresa happily ran out of the room to deliver her message.

Luis and Sheridan were driving in Luis car. Luis was very nervous. Sheridan could sense this. "Luis you seem to be preoccupied. Is something wrong?" Sheridan asked gently. "Why would you ask that, Sheridan?" Luis asked in surprise. "You just seem nervous. I hope I haven't done anything to..." Sheridan was cut off in mid sentence. "Sheridan, you have done everything right," Luis said as he took her hand in his. Luis tried to avoid her gaze, because he would never be able to concentrate on the road if he caught a glance of her incredible blue eyes.

Sheridan now knew something was wrong. When Luis had taken hold of her hand she noticed his palm was all sweaty. ‘Why all of a sudden is he so nervous?' she wondered. She was beginning to get a little worried, when all of a sudden Luis slammed on the breaks. He pulled the car over to the side of the road and stopped. "Luis! Are you sure you are alright?" Sheridan was a bit shaken up, but more worried about Luis than anything.

"Sheridan, I need you to get out of the car for a minute," Luis stated. Sheridan's fear was mounting. She obeyed Luis' request. She trusted him with her life. She was still very concerned something was wrong, however. Luis was already standing in front of his car when Sheridan joined him. "Alright Luis," Sheridan said firmly. "I know something is wrong. Will you please tell me? Maybe I can help."

"I think maybe you can help me Sheridan," Luis said. "He now has a few small beads of sweat on his brow. He took her hands in his and stared deeply into her eyes. "Sheridan, I need to tell you one more time that I love you more than anything on this earth. You get to me in ways I'd never dreamed possible. You have brought me a joy and happiness I never thought I'd have and a passion that should be illegal." Luis grinned slightly as he said this.

Sheridan now seemed more nervous than Luis. ‘Oh no,' she thought, ‘something bad has happened and he can't see me anymore. I'll die if he breaks off our relationship.' "There is only one thing on earth that could make me happier than I am right now," Luis continued. "What's that?" Sheridan asked. She stared into his gorgeous brown eyes as if it would be the last time she's be able to see them. Luis took both of Sheridan's hands in his own. He knelt down on one knee. "Sheridan Crane, will you marry me?"

Sheridan was floored. She now felt as if she were in a dream. This couldn't be happening to her. Did she really hear what she thought she'd heard? Did Luis just propose to her? The man of her dreams? The one man that loved her, for who she was, not for her family name and fortune? She looked at Luis. He was still bent down on one knee. Then she looked around her and realized why he'd picked that spot. They were at the very spot where she had crashed into Luis' police car all those months ago. It was the spot where they first met. Granted, it wasn't love at first sight, but they both knew even then, there was something between them. As much as she thought she hated the arrogant cop that arrested her, she couldn't help but find herself attracted to him, which at the time, only caused her to lash out more at him.

"So Sheridan, will you marry me?" Luis asked again. He was more nervous now, as she'd not spoken a word. ‘Maybe she's not ready for this you fool!' Luis chastised himself. 'Too late now,' he thought. 'I'd better just wait and hear her answer.' Sheridan looked at Luis. Tears were forming in her eyes. "Yes, Luis," Sheridan said in barely a whisper. I want nothing more than to be your wife." The tears were falling down Sheridan's face now. He stood up and placed his thumb on her cheek and gently brushed away her tears. He smiled at her in a way that made her go breathless. Luis wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Sheridan, you have just made me the happiest man alive," Luis said as he stared longingly into her sparkling blue eyes. Luis released Sheridan briefly and put his hand in his pocket. He pulled out a small bag and removed an object from it. He then took Sheridan's left hand in his own and with his right hand place a perfect one carat marquis shaped diamond ring in a platinum setting on her third finger.

"I wasn't sure if it would fit. I see it does," Luis said happily. "This was my grandmother Fitzgerald's engagement ring. She left it to Papa when she died and he told me, it would be for me to give the girl I married. It's a perfect diamond Sheridan. My grandfather was actually quite wealthy at one time. He bought the ring at Tiffany's in New York. I still have all the original papers authenticating it. I want you to get a new setting for it. One that you will like."

"Luis, I love this ring just the way it is. I won't let you change it!" Sheridan beamed as she looked at her engagement ring. She watched as it shone in the setting sun. "I love you Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald." She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. After a moment, they broke the kiss when they were nearly knocked over by a speeding car. Sheridan jumped back as the car flew by.

"Now do you see why I pulled you over last summer?" Luis teased. Sheridan grinned at him. "This was quite the place to propose. I almost didn't recognize it. But I'll never forget this spot again as long as I live." "I certainly hope not, Sheridan. But I think we need to get out of here for now. What do you say we go tell our family and then celebrate?" Luis asked mischievously. "I'd say that was a good idea. I can't wait to go out to dinner with my fiance and his family," Sheridan replied happily.

"You mean YOUR new family," Luis corrected. "Right, my new family," Sheridan said happily as she got back into the car. Luis and Sheridan drove back to the Lopez-Fitzgerald house. Sheridan leaned her head on Luis' shoulder remembering her dream on the airplane that morning. "You know what Luis?" Sheridan said. "Dreams do come true." Sheridan closed her eyes and thought about her future with the man she loved.

THE END