One Eventful Weekend

Here is the new sequel to "The Letter Years". There may be similar minor details that are the same as "A Passion-Filled Weekend" (the old sequel), but all in all it's going to be different. Let me know what you think because feedback is always more than appreciated. Nikki

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters. They were all created by James E. Reilly. The namesakes of Dani and Fitz I believe are owned by me.

Chapter 1:

I did the first thing that came to mind, and in a very shaky voice, I said, "Hello." I mean here I was standing in front of the man I've love practically my entire life. This was big. Thankfully he said hello back. The next thing I knew he was holding out his arms. Without any hestitance, I stepped forward into his embrace. I dreamed of being in his arms in his warm, loving embrace for so long. The real thing was so much better though. For the first time in my life I knew where I belonged. It was with him, in his arms forever.

Slowly we both pulled apart, neither of us wanting to, but both knowing we had to. It was then that I realized I was crying. This was everything I'd dreamed of and more. It long surpassed all my expectations with just a simple hello and hug. As he looked at me he much have noticed my tears. Gently, with the pad of his thumb, he wiped them all away. "Th- thank you," I studdered. The fire that ignited from that single touch was unlike anything I'd ever felt. His hand lingered on my cheek a second longer and he smiled. When he took his hand away a burning sensation was all that was left.

"Would you like to go up?" he asked. I nodded my head. He took my hand in his, and together we went up to our seats. At that moment I was no longer walking. I was flying. This is what it felt like to be on Cloud Nine and I never wanted to float back down to Earth. In a matter of minutes, we were at our section, and seconds later, in our seats. With fifteen minutes until face-off, we had some time to talk. I had so much to say, to tell him, but I didn't know where to start.

Turning my head to face him, I opened my mouth to speak. As I uttered my first word, he did too. Laughing, I told him to go first. He instisted I go first. I finally agreed. I started again, but I realized I needed to do something before I attempted to spill my guts. "Let me introduce myself." "I know who you are," he said. "You're Dani, my best friend Dani."

"I know you know that. From the beginning I've been dying to know one thing though, you're real name." "Oh. I guess I was so excited I forgot about that minor detail." "My name, my real God-given birth name, is Sheridan. Okay, don't keep me waiting. What's your name Fitz?" Oh God, I was acting like a giddy school girl. "Sheridan, huh? What a beautiful name for such a beautiful lady. My name is Luis."

Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. His name just rolled off my tongue. But that wasn't what I was thinking about. He said "a beautiful lady?" Did he really think I was beautiful? I had to be blushing. "Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald," I said out loud. "Well Luis, there's so much I want to tell you, but now. Later, when we're alone."

As I said that, the lights went off, leaving only the ones directly about the rink still on. The player's skated onto the ice from their perspective dressing rooms. The crowd stood and cheered as the Rangers skated around, but as the man stepped on the ice to sing the National Anthem, the noise died down. Fitz removed his hat as the man sang. For the first time, I saw his hair. Suddenly I had the image of me running my fingers through his hair. What a wonderful sensation that was. And that was just a dream.

Uh-oh, I got caught staring. Looking at Fitz, he had a sly smile on his face. Again, I found myself blushing. Why did he have to be so incredibly sexy? Why did he have to have such a killer smile? Why was I complaining? I already knew what a beautiful person he was inside, and now I knew he was sexy as sin too. Nope, not a thing to complain about.

He had to have realized how embarrassed I was, because he reached for my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Yes, I definitely was the luckiest woman in the world. By this time, the National Anthem was over. Everybody was sitting down, and we joined them. Lacing our fingers together, we watched the game.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 2:

I had to look down to make sure I wasn't dreaming. It was real. My fingers were really threaded together with the fingers of the most beautiful woman in the world., my best friend, Sheridan Crane, my Dani. This was too good.

Looking over at her, I watched her watch the game. She wore the same expression I wore watching, so intend, so focused. With every bone-crushing check I watched her face contort in pain and then she cheered along with the rest of the crowd, just as I did. Just another thing to add to the long list of things we had in common.

I couldn't help but fall even more in love with her right then and there. There was a connection, such a strong bond between us that just grew stronger with each passing moment. It's as if we both knew what the other was feeling. No words needed to be spoken. We just knew. After twenty minutes of hockey that didn't have much action with the exception of a couple nice checks, we were left to talk again. "Dani, are you hungry?" I asked. "Would you like to get something to eat?" She nodded her head. With our fingers still laced together, we went to the nearest food stand.

While standing in line, we looked at the menu. Both of us decided we were going to get a hot dog and coke. After about five minutes, we were at the counter ordering. "I would like two hot dogs and two cokes, please," I told the lady behind the counter. We got our food and drinks and wet to put condiments on the hot dogs. I was a little surprised that she put a lot of ketchup, just a little mustard, and some relish on. That was exactly how I liked my hot dogs. Laughing, we walked back to our seats.

I looked up at the clock and saw that we had five minutes before the second period started. I really wanted to talk to Dani, but five minutes didn't leave enough time for us to eat and still have time to talk. I realized I would just have to wait.

Half way through the second period, it was time for my surprise. The usher brought the daisies I had bought for Dani up to her. He gave them to her and I told her to read the note attached to the bottom. The note told her to look up at the scoreboard. There was a special message up there from me to her. "Dani, Happy Tenth. I hope we have many, many more. I love you Dani."

I looked over to her only to find her crying. Oh God, I scared her. Panicking, I asked what I did wrong. "Dani, please don't cry. I hate to see you cry. Knowing I hurt you is unbearable. Please tell me what I did?" "You love me, I mean really love me? Not as a friend, but as a woman?" "Yes, I love you. I love you more than a friend." Is that why she was crying? Because she didn't feel the same way? Because she didn't want to hurt me?

"I love you too Fitz. I have for the longest time. I've dreamed of you saying those words to me so many nights." "So, nothing's wrong?" "Everything is perfect. I love you so much." "And I love you." She loved me. She really loved me. I really was the luckiest man on the planet. I leaned over and kissed her cheek. "We'll finish talking later," I said. "Definitely."

I finished watching the game with a huge grin. Whenever I looked over at Dani, I noticed she was smiling too. The only thing that took my attention away from her was when Gary Galley scored with less than a minute left to break the 0-0 tie. I cheered nice and loud because he was an ex-Sabre. I felt Dani squeeze my hand and give me a sweet kiss on the cheek.

When the final horn blew, I walked out of the arena. Holding my hand was Dani, my best friend, the woman of my dreams. She loved me as much as I loved her. Together, we got in the cab. She was able to snuggle perfectly in my arm. All was right in the world.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 3: “There’s something that I’ve wanted to do for awhile now,” Fitz said when we got out of the cab. “Oh, and what’s that?” I asked. “This.” He pulled me close, lowered his head, and captured my lips in a heart-stopping kiss. Everything else ceased to exist in that moment. We were the only two people in the world. I’d never felt anything like it. What was I saying, I’d never been kissed before.

It was perfect, more perfect than I could ever imagine. All the other kisses that could have happened would have paled in comparison. There wasn’t any doubt in my mind about that.

Slowly, we pulled apart, both of us breathless. The only word either of us could say was, “Wow.” I was glad it had the same effect on him as it did on me. “That was... Wow,” I heard him say. “I know. Wow,” I said. “I love you. I love you so much.” “I love you too, Fitz, more than I thought I could ever love someone.” “What do you say we go up to our rooms now? We can hang out for awhile before we go to bed. I have so much planned for us tomorrow.”

“Okay. You brought some pictures with you right? You promised you would. I brought some with me.” “Yes, I remembered. You insisted on it, and insisted on it. Even through the letters, I couldn’t deny you anything.” I smiled at that. I already had him wrapped around my finger. He didn’t know it yet, but I was wrapped around his finger too. “What are we waiting for then. Come on, I’ll race you up.” With that I took off. He wasn’t far behind me. By the time I made it to the elevator, he’d caught up. Luckily we were the only one’s in the elevator, because he had me pinned up against the wall, tickling me.

I laughed so hard I couldn’t breath. I repeatedly told him to stop, but he didn’t until we heard the door open. We were on our floor. We got out, and I tried to compose myself. I came up behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist. “You’ll pay for that,” I said. “Oh really. What are you going to do to me?” he asked with a hint of a seductive tone. “You’ll just have to wait and see. I’ll strike when you least expect it.” My voice held the same tone his did.

I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all, and I didn’t understand that. I stopped walking. Fitz stopped and turned to face me. “Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I was just joking around back there. I didn’t mean anything by it. I swear I didn’t.” “You didn’t make me feel uncomfortable. That’s why I hesitated. I’ve never been like this with anyone, never been this close to anyone. This is all new to me. I was just puzzled at why that felt so natural.

I know you’d never intentionally do anything to hurt me, or make me feel uncomfortable. Let’s just go in our rooms.” “Okay, but only if you’re sure nothing’s wrong.” “Nothing’s wrong, I promise.” “Okay, if you say so.” We stopped in front of my door. “See you in my room in a few minutes.” “Okay.” I stole one last, quick kiss before I opened the door to my room. I quickly throw on my pajamas, grabbed the photo album I brought and made my way to the adjoining door. I knocked on the door and waited for Fitz to open it.

To Be Continued...

The song “I Knew I Loved You” is by Savage Garden, and the song “Everything” is by Seven Day Faith.

Chapter 4:

"I'm coming. Just give me a second," I said. I surveyed the room one last time before I made my way to the door. I opened the door and found Dani standing there in her pajamas, holding a photo album. "Come in." She walked into the room, and I shut the door behind her. I came up behind her and wrapped my arms around her. "You are so beautiful," I whispered in her ear. "I'm in my pajamas," she said. "Yeah but they're cute pajamas. That doesn't matter though. I bet you look beautiful in whatever you wear."

"Now you're just sucking up." "Yeah, well maybe. Seriously though, you really are beautiful," I whispered in her ear. I felt her tremble. "Are you okay?" "Yeah, I'm fine. That just tickled." "If you say so." I had a feeling her body was reacting the same way mine was because of our close proximity. "Why don't you go sit on the bed, while I turn on some music." "Okay." She went over the bed while I put in the tape I'd brought with me and pushed play. Picking up my shoebox of pictures, I joined her. "So," she said. "So," I said. "Why don't you get up for a second? We can get a little more comfortable, and then you can show me some of your pictures." "Alright."

We both stood up. I sat back down and leaned against the headboard. Holding out my arms, I signaled for her to join me. Soon she was comfortably resting against me. "Okay, let's see those pictures I know you're just dying to show me." She opened the photo album and the first picture that caught my eye was of her and two other girls. They were dressed formally, probably for a dance or something. All of them looked beautiful, but Dani looked stunning. She was wearing a floor-length, spaghetti-strapped, red dress with a slit up to her mid-thigh on one side. The dress showed off all of her feminine curves. Her hair was curled some, and fell perfectly, forming her face. I had to have been practically drooling.

"Do you see something you like?" she asked with a smile on her lips. "Wow," was all I could say. "Did she still have the dress?" I wondered. "Dani, you look absolutely gorgeous in that picture. What were you all dressed up for?" "Prom last year. These are the friends I went with. She pointed to the auburn-haired girl standing next to her. The girl was wearing a sophisticated, black dress that stopped at her knees. "This is my friend, Gwen. You know the one I talk about always getting in trouble with," Dani said.

I nodded. I had heard many stories about Dani and Gwen. It was nice to be able to put a face to go along with all the stories. "She sounds and looks like a girl for Hank," I said. "Hank, you're partner in crime?" "That would be the one and only." We laughed for a few minutes. Pointing to the girl standing next to Gwen, who was wearing a navy blue, strapless gown that stopped at the floor, I asked, "Who's this?" "That is Mindy Thompson. She and I were neighbors for six years. She and Warren, my prom date are together now. Both of them are going to NYU."

"Let me see this prom date of yours. I want to know if he was worthy of being your date." "Fitz, he was just a friend. I spend the whole time I danced with him wishing I was in your arms. I dreamed of you holding me close, swaying o the music together. The whole night I wished I could have had one dance with you even though I knew it was impossible." "How about I make your dream come true now?"

"I don't understand. How are you going to do that?" I pointed to the little stereo. I started to get up, and Dani shifted off of me. "Miss Crane, may I have this dance." Extending my hand, I waited for her to agree. "Yes you may," she said as she grabbed my hand. Together we made our way to the middle of the room. It was just big enough for a very miniature dance floor.

By this time the song playing had ended. We waited patiently for the next one. In a matter of seconds, a familiar sound filled the room. It was the first few notes of the perfect song to describe how I felt, Savage Garden's "I Knew I Loved You."

Maybe it’s intuition
But some things you just don’t question
Like in your eyes
I see my future in an instant
And there it goes
I think I’ve found my best friend
I know that it might sound more than a little crazy
But I believe

I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into live
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my live

She slid her arms around my neck and my arms snaked around her waist. Together we began swaying to the music. Dancing had never felt more right. We were perfectly in sync, like we were moving as one person. As we became even more comfortable, I pulled her closer, and she rested her head on my shoulder.

There’s just no rhyme or reason
Only this sense of completion
And in you eyes
I see the missing pieces
I’m searching for
I think I’ve found my best friend
I know that it might sound more than a little crazy
But I believe

I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into live
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my live

“Dani,” I said quietly. She looked up at me. “I knew I loved you before I met you.” “Oh Fitz, me too,” she said just as quietly. “I mean I knew I loved you, not that you loved me.”

A thousand angels dance around you
I am complete not that I’ve found you
I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into live
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my live

“I knew what you meant,” I said. I slowly lowered my head and our lips met in a loving, sensual kiss. My tongue probed her lips, begging for access. Her lips parted slightly, and I took that opportunity and slipped my tongue inside. Our tongues collided together like an exotic dance. It was unlike anything I’d experienced before. We both pulled breathlessly apart.

“Mmmmm, Dani. Wow.” “I know.” The song had ended, but neither of us had noticed. We were still swaying. We came out of our trance when the next song started. Neither of us made any move to got sit down. Enjoying being in each other’s arms, we continued dancing.

Yesterday wasn’t anything, until I met you
And now today means everything, and it’s all because of you
Follow me through the looking glass, as I count the times
And dream of ways that I can soon be inside your life Tonight

I talk to you with an open smile, and you talk to me
I feel your breath as you inhale, the words that I speak
A sample of my good faith would lead to your heart
Forever take what I can give, and learn from the start
That I question why you’re in my eyes
Because you mean everything (everything)
I question why your in my life
Because you mean everything to me

"This is the group I was telling you about. You know, the Buffalo group, Seven Day Faith. I've seen these guys in concert twice," I said. "I think I recall you mentioning something about them once or twice. Oh no, I'm mistaken. It was more. What was it, every letter for a month after you say them last time?" she asked, laughing the entire time. "Okay, okay. I went through a little obsession phase with their music for awhile there."

"They are good though." "You really think so?" "Yes. I'm not just saying that to agree with you. This is a great song." "Well I'm glad."

Yesterday wasn’t anything, until I met you
And now today means everything, and it’s all because of you
Follow me through the looking glass, as I count the times
And dream of ways that I can soon be inside your life
That I question why you’re in my eyes
Because you mean everything (everything)
I question why your in my life
Because you mean everything to me

As we danced, we just gazed into each other's eyes. I found myself falling even harder. Looking into those piercing, blue eyes was like looking into her soul. All her love was reflecting in them. I still couldn't believe that love was for me. "What are you thinking about? You look like you're in another world?" she asked. "I was just thinking about you, and how happy I am that you feel the same way about me that I feel about you. I'm the luckiest guy in the world," I said. "Oh Fitz."

Till the end I hope you'll see it through
Till the end you'll see my point of view
Till the end you mean the world to me
Because you mean everything

Everything
Everything
Everything to me
Oh, oh you mean everything to me
Baby you mean everything to me
Oh you mean so much to me
Oh you mean so much to me
You mean everything

When the song ended, we went back over to the bed. I grabbed the shoebox and started looking through the pictures. "Oh my God," I heard her say. ****************************************

To Be Continued...

Chapter 5:

“Oh my God,” I said. “What?” he asked. “Oh my God.” I rummaged through my photo album until a came across the picture I was looking for. Pulling it out, I told him to show me the picture he just had in his hand. He grabbed it and gave me a “so what?” look. I showed him the picture I was holding. “Oh my God,” I heard him say. We were both holding the same picture. It was of a little brown-haired, Latino boy, and a little, blond-haired, blue-eyed girl. The boy and girl were in a sandbox, completely covered in sand. “That’s me,” we both said. Neither of us laughed. The situation was too weird. I turned my picture over to see if there was writing on it. I saw there was. It said, “Sheridan and Luis, age 3.”

“We knew each other when we were younger,” I said uncertainly. “Must be,” he said just as uncertainly. It was all too much for me to deal with then. I needed a few minutes to take it all in. I got up and started to pace. “Why didn’t our parents say anything?” I asked. “They probably didn’t know. I bet you there are millions of Crane’s in the world,” he answered. “How many Lopez-Fitzgerald’s are there, though?” “Good question. Why don’t you come sit down?” He was right. It wasn’t worth getting upset over. Was it really a bad thing that we knew each other when we were kids? The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea that we were friends when we were little. It showed how connected we were.

I walked over to bed and sat down. He turned so my back was to him and began massagin my shoulders. It felt great. “Don’t stop,” I moaned. “Does this feel good?” he asked. “Mmmm, yes.” I just sat there and enjoyed feeling his strong hands relieving any tension I had. “I have an idea,” he said. “What’s that?” I asked. “Call your parents. I want to know how well we knew each other.” I looked over at the clock. It was midnight. “I want to know too, but it’s late. My parents would freak because they’d think something was wrong. I’ll call them in the morning.”

“I didn’t even realize it was this late. Time flies when you’re having fun. How true is that?” “Very true. It feels like we just got back a few minutes ago. I can’t believe it’s already midnight.” “Are you tired? Do you want to call it a night?” “I’m not tired, and unless you’re ready to call it a night, I’m not.” “And miss spending more time with you? No way. I’m going to spend every second that I can with you.” “Me too Fitz. So, what now?” “What would you like to do Dani?” “I asked you first.” “I know, but it doesn’t matter to me what we do.” “We can just lie here on the bed, and you can catch me up on your family. Then I’ll catch you up on mine.” “Sounds like a plan.”

We laid down on the bed, his arms encircling me. “This is the way is should always be,” I said. “The way what should be?” he asked. “You and I together. You holding me in your arms, and me feeling more content than I ever have before.” “I couldn’t agree more. Now, who do you want to know about first?” I listened to him talk for awhile. The last thing I remembered hearing him say was, “And Miguel...” I vaguely remember him telling me that he loved me and good night.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 6:

I woke up feeling better than I ever had. I couldn't recall a time I'd ever slept so peacefully. I didn't know what caused it until I felt the presence of another person with me. I thanked God it wasn't a dream. I really had Dani, the woman of my dreams, in my arms. Opening my eyes, I looked at the sleeping figure next to me. She was so beautiful, and she looked so much at peace. I almost didn't have the heart to wake her, almost. As much as I enjoyed just watching her, I wanted to spend as much time with a more conscious Dani.

"Hey Sleepyhead, wake up," I said softly, while I brushed a strand of stray hair off of her forehead. "Come on. I've got so much planned for us today. Just open your eyes Baby." I watched as a smile formed on her lips. "How long have you been awake? You were just faking it, weren't you?" I asked. She just kept on smiling. "What did you just call me?" she asked. "Sleepyhead?"

"No, after that." "Baby?" "Yeah, that." "Why did you ask?" "Because I like it. Say it again." "Baby." "Again." "Baby." She inched closer to me. We went back and forth like that until there were mere nanometers between our lips. "Again," she said. "Baby," I mutter against her lips before taking complete control of them. We kissed long and passionately before coming up for air. "Mmmmmmm. Good morning," she said.

"Good morning to you too, Dani. That was the best way to wake up," I said. "I think so too. I was afraid to open my eyes. I didn't want last night to be a dream. I'm so glad it wasn't a dream." "Me too. Me too." "It was a dream in a way though." "I don't understand." "It's my dream come true." "Mine too. Dani, you have to believe me when I tell you that I could lie here with you like this all day, but we have to get up.

There's so much for us to do today. I want to be able to experience as much as the city as I can with you. I want to see it through your eyes." I looked over at the clock, and it read, "8:00AM." "I'll meet you in your room at 9:00. Does that sound like a plan?" I asked. "It does," she said jumping out of the bed. She scurried to the door mumbling, "I have one hour, one hour."

I laughed. What was it with women, and taking so long to get ready? I'll never understand. Living with my sisters I learned if I don't get in the bathroom first, I never will. "You're already beautiful," I yelled before she shut the door. I got up to take a shower. Once I reached the bathroom, I shut the door and quickly jumped into the shower. My mind wandered to the night before as the water hit me.

I couldn't believe the connection between Dani and me. It was so strong we knew each other immediately. Dancing with her, holding her in my arms, those were the best feelings in the world. Nothing could compare to the feeling of her lips against mine. They were soft, and she was gentle, almost shy. Everything about her was perfect. She was perfect.

What was even more perfect was the fact that she was mine. She was my love as I was hers. Not to mention, she was beautiful, not only on the outside, but the inside too. I would have loved her no matter what, but I still believe, and I may be biased, that she was the most gorgeous creature on the planet. I had to get out of there before I overheated. I quickly toweled off and got dressed. I decided on my favorite pair of jeans, which were faded and slightly worn, and the navy blue button down shirt Theresa bought me for my birthday.

She said it would come in handy when I met the woman of my dreams. I think he exact words were, "There's no way she'll be able to resist you." I hoped she was right. I would find out soon. I looked over at the clock, and saw that it was mine. "Here goes," I said as I opened my door and knocked on hers. I heard her yell, "I'm coming," and in the next few seconds, I heard the doorknob turning.

When she opened the door, my jaw fell to the ground. Standing there in a red turtleneck sweater, and form-fitting, faded, blue jeans, was Dani. No one had ever looked more beautiful. "You look incredible," I finally got out. "You don't look so bad yourself," she said. She turned, and headed over to the bed. Shutting the door, I followed.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 7:

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” I said to myself. That was the understatement of the year. No, make that the century. No, that was definitely the understatement of the millennium. Fitz was too gorgeous for words. I couldn’t stop the low, appreciative whistle that escaped from between my lips when he bent over to retie his shoe. Seeing his perfectly-formed behind almost pushed me over the edge. Oh the thoughts that ran through my mind at that moment. He was killing me.

I also couldn’t help but turn the brightest shade of red when he turned around and smiled at me. As embarrassed as I was, I grinned even bigger. I didn’t miss the fact that he was blushing a little too. “Okay, let me get this straight,” he said as he stood upright. “I don’t look so bad, but the minute I bend over, you whistle.” A cocky smile formed on his lips. “You know you look better than not so bad. You look incredibly sexy. Is that what you wanted to hear?” I asked. He walked over to me and put his arms around my waist. “Wow. Incredibly sexy,” he said fending surprise. I laughed. “Don’t act so surprised. I know you know you’re sexy.”

“You’re right. I am sexy.” “You’re full of yourself too.” I playfully hit him. “You wound me Dani. Just for that, you’re going to pay.” “Oh, and what’s my punishment?” “This.” He pushed me onto the bed and tickled me. “Say uncle.” “Never,” I said trying to wiggle away from him. “Say it.” “No.” “I won’t stop until you do.” “No.” “Come on. Say it.” “I won’t say it. You will stop if you know what’s good for you.” “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I won’t kiss you for the rest of the weekend if you don’t stop now.” The second those words left my mouth, he stopped. “I knew you’d see things my way,” I said. “I couldn’t take the chance if you were being serious. I doubt you were though,” he said. “You’ll never know. I knew you wouldn’t last the rest of the weekend.” “Now who’s full of herself?” “But you love me anyways.” “You know I do.” He placed a gentle kiss on my lips. “Are you ready to see the city?” “Yes, but there’s something I want to do first.” “What’s that?” “Call my mom. I waited for you before I called her. I know you’re as curious about that picture as I am.”

“Yes. I am.” I picked up the phone, dialed my number, put the speakerphone on, and placed the phone back in its cradle. Together Fitz and I waited patiently for someone to pick up. After three rings, we heard someone pick up. “Hello, Crane Residence,” I heard Ethan say. “Ethan, it’s me, Sheridan. Is Mom there?” I asked. “Yeah Sheridan. Is something wrong?” “No, everything’s great. Just go get her,” “Okay.” “That’s my brother Ethan,” I told Fitz after we heard the phone on the other end being set down. “I figured that one out on my own,” he said. “Thanks for the introduction though.” “Hello Sheridan. What are you calling for?” I heard my mother say.

“Mom, there’s someone I want to introduce to you. Make that someone I want to reintroduce to you ,” I said. “I’m here, in my hotel room, with Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, also known as Fitz.” “Hello Mrs. Crane,” Fitz said. “It’s a pleasure being able to talk to you.” “Hello Luis. As much as I suspected you were Sheridan’s friend, this is still shocking,” my mother said. “Mom, why didn’t you tell me that Fitz and I knew each other as children?” I asked. “There are a number of reasons. I was never one hundred percent sure it was Luis. You never asked me either. Oh, and you also wanted your identities to be a mystery.”

“That makes sense. It was shocking to find out that Fitz and I had known each other before.” “I imagine it was.” “Mom, Fitz and I are going to see the city now. I’ll see you when I get home. I love you.” “Okay. I love you too. I was nice talking to you Luis.” “It was nice talking to you too Mrs. Crane. Good-bye,” Fitz said. “Bye,” we heard my mom say before she hung up. “Are you ready to go?” I asked. “Yes,” Fitz said. He helped me with my coat, and then put his own on. We walked out the door, ready to see the city together.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 8:

“Where are we going?” Dani asked. “You’ll see. It’s a surprise. We’ll be there soon though,” I said. “I hate surprises. You know that.” ”I know you do. You’re going to like this surprise though. I promise. Don’t be mad.” ”I won’t. Are you sure we’re almost there?” “I’m positive.” ”You know what they say Fitz? Only fools are positvie.” ”Who says that? I’ve never heard that before.” ”You’re telling me your younger sisters have never made you watch Fern Gully? That was teh best line of the movie.” ”No, they haven’t.” ”Well, we’ll just have to watch it sometime. I’m warning you now though, it’s a little kid’s movie.” ”I’ll watch anything with you. I just don’t know how much of the movie I’ll be watching.” “What do you mean by that?”

“I already know that I’d rather look at you than watch the movie.” ”Why do you have to be so sweet? You’re going to make me cry. Wait. Why am I complaining? I like it when you’re sweet.” Tears brimmed her eyes. “I’m so lucky.” “No. I’m the lucky one,” I said seriously. Looking up at me with those big, beautiful, blue eyes, she smiled. “You want to know something?” she asked. “What?” I asked. “I’m still waiting for my surprise,” she said with a pout. I chuckled. “You really are impatient, aren’t you?” ”Yes, I am.” Not even two minutes later I said, “Well baby, wait no longer.” Her face lit up. “You mean...We’re going...Oh Fitz, this is so romantic.” ”I told you you’d like your surprise. Was I right?” ”No. I don’t like it. I absolutely love it.” ”I’m glad.”

”I can’t think of anything more perfect than a horse-drawn carriage ride through New York City, snuggled in the arms of the man I love.” ”I was hoping you’d say that. I can’t think of anything more perfect either. My lady, you’re carriage awaits.” I extended my hand to her, and she readily excepted it. Within seconds, we were both comfortably seated in each other’s arms. “Yep, perfect,” I said. “Mm, definitely perfect,” she said. After twenty minutes, I noticed Dani had started to shiver. “Baby, are you cold?” I asked. “A little,” she answered. “Now you know why we stopped to get a blanket. I couldn’t have you freezing to death.” ”Yes I do, and no we couldn’t let that happen.” ”No we couldn’t. What do you say we snuggle under this blanket than?” ”I say that’s one of the best ideas I’ve heard.”

Soon we were cuddled underneath the blanket. I pulled her closer to me, and she laid her head on my shoulder. “Isn’t it the most incredible site you’ve ever seen?” she asked when we reached Central Park. “Yes it is,” I said smiling down at her. I was unable to tear my eyes from the adorable creature sitting next to me. “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.” Leaning down, I brushed my lips gently against hers. “I mean it Dani. There’s nothing more beautiful than you.”

To Be Continued...

Chapter 9:

“Baby,” Fitz said as we rode along. “Are you still cold?” I was still a little cold, but nothing I couldn’t live with. If you think I was going to pass up the chance to snuggle with the hotter than hot man sitting next to me, you’re crazy. Nope. No way I’d pass that up. “Just a little,” I answered. “I’m sure you can think of a way to warm me up though,” I said playfully. He raised his eyebrows. “Oh baby, I know plenty of ways to warm you up. Not all of them are appropriate right now though.” I was surprised by his response, but pleasantly so. It just felt so natural. “Dani, are you okay?” he asked. “I didn’t step over any lines, did I? I’m sorry if I did.” “No Fitz, it’s fine. This banter seems so natural. I admit I was shocked at first, but not bad shocked.”

“Good. I didn’t want to push it. I know all of this is new to you. It’s new to me too.” “Don’t worry about it. If I’m not ready for something, I’ll tell you.” “And I’ll understand completely.” “Thank you.” “You’re welcome, but there’s no reason to thank me.” We sat in silence for a few moments, just enjoying each other’s company. “So, what can you do to warm me up?” I asked. “Well, I can do this,” he said as he pulled me closer to him. I was comfortably snuggled against him, and I sighed contently. “I’m feeling a little warmer. Is there anything else you can do?” “This,” he said, brushing his lips lightly against mine. “Mmmm,” I moaned. “And this.” He kissed me again. “I’m definitely getting warmer, but I’m not quite there yet.” “I guess I’ll have to try a little harder than.” “I guess you will.”

With that, he took full possession of my lips. We kissed passionately, sensually. It was by far the hottest kiss I’d ever experienced. His tongue probed my lips, begging for entrance. I gladly obliged. Tongues colliding, I heard him groan softly. A groan of my own soon followed. As the kiss intensified, I decided this was the best way to warm up. Well, there was another way, but I wasn’t going there. I wasn’t just getting warm, though. No, I was getting hot, and fast. We were treading on dangerous water. I think Fitz sensed it too because he started to pull away. “Did that do the trick?” he asked once he regained some composure. “And then some,” I said, smiling at him. “I can’t think of a better way to warm up.” He just smiled at me. “Well, yes I can,” I said blushing. “Oh really?” he said.

“Really.” At that moment, we arrived at our stop. I couldn’t believe our carriage ride was over. “Thank you for that wonderfully, romantic experience,” I said once we were both on the ground. “You are more than welcome. I take it you had fun?” he said. “I did.” “Good then.” “What now?” “Are you hungry?” My stomach decided to growl at that moment. Fitz chuckled. “I take that as a yes,” he said. “Yes,” I replied embarrassed. “Let’s go get some food then.”

He took my hand, and we began to walk. Five minutes later, he asked me, “Where would you like to go?” “I don’t know. Any place with food sounds good to me though,” I said. My stomach growled again. We wandered for a few more minutes until we found ourselves at the entrance of the Hard Rock Cafe. “How does here sound?” he asked. “It sounds perfect.” “Good. Let’s go eat then.” With that, we walked inside.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 10:

We were finally seated five minutes later at a table for two in secluded corner of the restaurant. "Can I get you anything?" the waitress asked after she introduced herself as Christine. "Do you know what you want Dani?" I asked. "Hot chocolate please," she told Christine. "Make that two," I said when Christine looked at me. "Whip cream too please." "Mine too," Dani said before Christine walked away. "I thought you said you were warm," I whispered in here ear once Christine was out of site. I watched as she shivered. "I am," she whispered back in a shaky breath. "I just love hot chocolate." "Oh. Why did you shiver just then?" "Hmmm. Let's see what you do when I do this." With that she leaned in as close as possible and blew a stream of hot breath in my ear.

"She did not just do that," I said to myself. "That was....wait, why am I complaining? I loved every minute of it." When she stopped I said, "Point taken." She leaned back on her seat with a satisfied smile on her face. Ugh. I wanted nothing more at that moment then to kiss that smile right off her lips. God help me, had Christine not walked back in that instant, I would have too. Christine cleared her throat as she set the mugs of hot chocolate on our table. "Is there anything I can get the two of you?"

"Dani, what do you want to eat? I know you're hungry. Order something," I said. "Can you give us another minute to look over the menu?" Dani asked. Christine nodded and walked away. "Did you see that look the waitress gave us when she came over with our hot chocolate? You're going to get us in trouble." "Me. What did I do?" I asked innocently. "Like you don't know." "I can't help it, but I will try. So what are you going to get?" "I think I'm just going to get a cheeseburger."

"Great minds think alike because that's exactly what I planned on ordering." Christine returned a couple minutes later to take our order, and then we were left alone again. I reached over and laced my fingers with Dani's. "I'm sorry about earlier." "What are you apologizing for?" She asked. "Earlier, you know. When I got a little carried away there. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable." "Don't worry Fitz. It's okay. I got a carried away too. It's forgotten." "You're too good to me." I leaned over and kissed her cheek. "The same goes for you too." "I do have one question for you though."

"What's that?" "When we were on the carriage you said something, but never really had the chance to finish telling me what you were talking about." "I did. I don't know what you're talking about." She had a mischievous look on her face. She knew exactly what I was talking about. All I had to do was look at her and she immediately blushed. "You know exactly what I'm talking about so don't try to deny it." "I haven't the slightest clue." Her face was beat red at this point. "Why don't you clue me in as to what you're hinting at."

"If you want to play that little game then here goes. Do you remember the carriage ride? Do you remember being cold?" She nodded her head as I asked those questions. "Do you remember how you warmed up?" "Oh yeah," Dani said as a huge smile formed on her face. She recalled the event clearly. Dani's Flashback "So, what can you do to warm me up?" I asked. "Well, I can do this," he said as he pulled me closer to him. I was comfortably snuggled against him, and I sighed contentedly. "I'm feeling a little warmer. Is there anything else you can do?" "This," he said, brushing his lips lightly against mine.

"Mmmm," I moaned. "And this." He kissed me again. "I'm definitely getting warmer, but I'm not quite there yet." "I guess I'll have to try a little harder than." "I guess you will." With that, he took full possession of my lips. We kissed passionately, sensually. It was by far the hottest kiss I'd ever experienced. His tongue probed my lips, begging for entrance. I gladly obliged. Tongues colliding, I heard him groan softly. A groan of my own soon followed.

As the kiss intensified, I decided this was the best way to warm up. Well, there was another way, but I wasn't going there. I wasn't just getting warm, though. No, I was getting hot, and fast. We were treading on dangerous water. I think Fitz sensed it too because he started to pull away. "Did that do the trick?" he asked once he regained some composure. "And then some," I said, smiling at him. "I can't think of a better way to warm up."

He just smiled at me. "Well, yes I can," I said blushing. "Oh really?" he said. "Really." Her face returned to that shade of red that it was just moments earlier. "So Dani, what other ways did you have in mind of warming up?" I asked. Impossible as it was, her face became an even brighter shade of red. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. "Well. Do you remember what you were going to tell me back on the carriage?" I asked.

"I…I…I…" she stuttered. She got lucky because out of the corner of her eye she caught Christine walking over with our food. "Hey look, our foods on its way." By the time the words left her mouth, Christine had made her way over to our table. "Is there anything else I can get you?" she asked. We both told her no and she left us to eat our meal. I looked over to Dani. Her face was slowly becoming its normal shade. I just chuckled. "You'll pay for that one Fitz," I heard her whisper. I just laughed some more before I dug into my cheeseburger.

To Be Continued…