Diamonds

The stars shone in the midnight sky like brilliant diamonds. And she wondered…if she closed her eyes tightly and made a wish…would it come true? She clasped her hands around her knees. Indulging herself. She had nothing to lose. Everything to gain. With odds like that, what would it hurt?

So she did it. Made a wish upon a star. Father would be in a rage if he were witness to such childish behavior, she thought. A smile playing upon her lips. But she didn’t care. Was it really such a crime? She was 17 years old. Nearly 18. And she longed to know love. BE loved.

The death of her mother was like a physical ache that never left her. She could barely remember her face. What she looked like. But she remembered the warmth she felt around her. The feeling of comfort that came with being held in her arms. A feeling of comfort she hadn’t had since, she thought with a sigh. Kicking the sand at her feet and tossing a seashell out to sea.

She didn’t know why Father had sent for her anyway. It wasn’t like he REALLY wanted her home. Boarding school almost sounded like an escape. Almost. But there wasn’t the ocean. The feeling of freedom just within her grasp. The possibility of more.

The waves lulled her into a calm. The warm summer breeze ruffled her short blond curls against her face. She closed her eyes and breathed in the salty air. Smiling as an idea came to her. Why not, she thought. Opening her blue eyes and looking around the beach. Finding it deserted. At least to her untrained eye.

Her thin cotton sundress fell to the sand below, and her tan skin gleamed in the starlight as she ran out into the waves. Her silvery laughter floated in the night air. As she splashed in the ocean’s spray with a child-like abandon. And he was captivated. Mesmerized. By her spirit. It’s beauty more rare than diamonds.

She pushed her Eggs Benedict back and forth on her plate boredly. Her first breakfast with the “family.” And no one had dared to speak a word. She sighed. Shifting in her high-backed seat. Praying this torture would be ended soon.

“Would you like some more juice, Miss Sheridan?” A thankful smile blossomed on her lips. Finally. An end to the dreadful, oppressive silence. “No thank you, Pilar. How’s your family?” she asked curiously. Genuinely interested.

“Sheridan,” her father said tersely. A warning look in his cool blue eyes. She knew that look. It translated into “We Cranes don’t waste our time with the help, the locals, the…” She was so tired of it all. She just wanted to be normal.

“Sheridan,” her sister-in-law asked. “Would you like to go riding this afternoon?” Her fork clattered against the fine china. “I’d love to go riding with you,” she smiled. “Oh. Of course I can’t go with you,” the older woman apologized. “But Ethan would love to. Wouldn’t you Ethan?” she prodded.

“But Mother…” her nephew whined. Sheridan bit her lip to keep from bursting into a fit of very unlady-like-but very Sheridan-like-laughter when Ethan yelped in pain. And very quickly changed his mind. “I’d love to go riding with you, Aunt Sheridan.” Nothing like a good old-fashioned kick to the shin to make you see the light of day.

“Thank you, Ethan,” she smiled. “But you don’t have to go if you don’t want to. I’ll be perfectly fine all by myself. In fact,” she said. Clasping her hands together. “I’d actually prefer to be alone if you don’t mind. Go exploring.”

“Exploring,” her brother scoffed snobbishly. “Sister dear. So juvenile.” But you forget, dear Brother, she thought to herself. I know NOTHING of my own home. If I can even call it that. I hardly even know my family. “Yes, Julian. Exploring. Do you have a problem with that?”

She smirked when her brother choked on his own tongue. “Father? Are you going to let her talk to me like that?” She swallowed nervously. Anxious to hear his reaction. Bracing herself for the worst. Nothing she’d ever done had been pleasing to Father. Why should this be any different? “Julian,” her father laughed mirthlessly. “*I’m* not letting her do a thing. You are.”

Julian glared at her. What a baby, she thought. Taking one last sip of her orange juice. “Father…may I be excused?” His blue eyes appraised her for several seconds before he deigned to give her the answer she sought. “You may. And Sheridan,” he called. His authoritative voice echoing in the dining room. “Don’t do anything to malign our good name.”

She stood stock still for a moment. What did he mean by that? Did he really have so little faith in her? She tucked an errant strand of her blond hair behind an ear and answered in a calm voice. “Yes, Father.” She held her breath until the dining room door closed behind her then released it in a whoosh. “Thank goodness that’s over. How am I ever going to survive this every day? It’s too much,” she sighed. Trailing her hand across the smooth wood of the banister as she ascended the stairs to her room.

A gentle knock just minutes later startled her. “Oh. Pilar,” she breathed. “You scared me. I thought you were Father. Telling me he had changed his mind and keeping me locked up in this stuffy old place forever. It’s just not home, Pilar. It has no character. I guess I don’t have a home really. Just four impersonal walls.”

“Miss Sheridan,” Pilar chided. Sitting down beside her on the pale lilac comforter. “Don’t speak like that. You’ve only been home two days. Give it time.” “Time,” Sheridan repeated. Rolling the word around on her tongue. “I can do that,” she said slowly. Her blue eyes sparkling when Pilar reached up a motherly hand and smoothed her blond hair back from her face.

“I brought your riding habit,” she said. Smiling at her. “Ugh!” Sheridan groaned. Throwing herself back against the bed’s downy softness. “I hate those things with a passion. What purpose do they serve? Except make a person look stuck-up and stupid? I want to be comfortable. Have fun. Is that too much to ask?”

“I don’t think so,” Pilar admitted quietly. “That’s why I brought you these,” she said. Producing a faded pair of cutoffs. And her favorite turquoise tank top. “Thank you, Pilar! I just knew Father had burned these,” she said. Hugging her neck in excitement and grabbing the clothes from her hands. Stripping on the spot.

Pilar laughed softly. Turning around to give her some privacy. “He tried.” “But you rescued them,” Sheridan grinned. Appearing before her in an instant. Radiating with happiness and beauty. "Have fun, Mija,” she said. Stroking her cheek affectionately. Smiling after her with love as she bounded out the door.

She traced a finger down the cool window pane. As she watched her race away on horseback moments later “Don’t let them ever taint you,” she whispered. She had more goodness in a tiny corner of her heart than Alistair and Julian put together.

“Juliet, you’re such a good girl,” Sheridan sighed happily. Patting the chesnut mare’s neck. The horse neighed in response. And Sheridan laughed softly. “Well I like you, too,” she grinned. Sitting tall in the saddle and admiring the beauty around her. “It’s so peaceful out here. You know what, Juliet? I think this will be my new secret place. A place to escape to.” I have a feeling I’m going to need it, she thought as she leaned down to hug the mare’s neck.

“Do you always talk to animals like that?” Sheridan’s blond head jerked in the direction the voice had come from, and she felt the strangest sensation when she found herself looking into a pair of the most gorgeous brown eyes she had ever seen. “Wow,” she breathed. Barely a whisper. She raised a hand to her flaming cheeks when the owner of the amazing eyes grinned even wider at her. “Who are you?” she blurted. Her blue eyes darting around for someplace, anyplace to hide. She was making an absolute fool of herself.

“My name’s Luis,” the Adonis answered. That was HER name for him. The Adonis. “And you didn’t answer my question,” he laughed. “What ques…oh! Yes,” she admitted sheepishly. Her blue eyes sparkling alluringly. Her lips twisted into a smile, and he felt himself being drawn closer and closer. There was something about her. Something familiar. “Animals always listen when you pour your sorrows out to them.”

Her words were delivered with a smile. But he felt his heart clench at the sadness, the wistfulness in her tone. He reached into his pocket then. Holding his palm out. And talking in a low voice when Juliet nuzzled his hand. “That’s a good girl, Juliet.” “How did you know her name?” Sheridan asked in surprise. He thought about lying. Teasing her. Telling her SHE had told him the horse’s name. But then she would know how long he had been watching her. Staring at her was more like it.

“Me and Juliet are old friends, aren’t we girl?” He laughed at the puzzled expression on her youthful face. “I work at the Crane stables. Help my family out with the bills.” “Oh,” she said quietly. Was that disappointment he heard in her voice? Her smile was a little less bright. The look in her eyes unreadable. He wondered what she was thinking.

Father, she thought. What would he think? He’d probably forbid it. Forbid her from talking to a member of the staff. “Hey,” Luis asked softly. Giving one of her tanned legs a tug to get her attention again. “Why the face? Was it something I said?” His eyes were drawn to her mouth as she chewed on her bottom lip thoughtfully. “No,” she finally uttered. And he felt a rush of relief. That’s weird, Luis. Why are you even feeling anything at all? You only met the girl minutes ago.

“You never did tell me your name,” he said. Taking Juliet’s bridle in his strong grasp and leading the mare forward. Where are you taking me, Sheridan wondered. But she said nothing. “My name’s Sheridan,” she said. Sucking in a deep breath at the sight before her. "Oh, it’s so beautiful,” she whispered in awe. The water rippled in the sunlight. The sound soothing and pleasant to her ears. Juliet lowered her neck and drank from the cool stream. And Sheridan took that opportunity to slide from her mount.

Luis watched HER. The feeling of familiarity growing with each passing second. When she dipped a slender hand down in the shimmering water and giggled at Juliet’s soft nicker, he was hit with the realization that this girl standing at his side…this girl was the same girl from the night before. The same girl who chased the waves into the wee hours of the morning. His heart pounded in his chest and his blood rushed through his veins as he remembered the figure she made in the starlight.

“You’re staring,” she teased. Giving him a glowing smile. Slipping her shoes from her feet and wading out into the stream. He shook his head. What was it with this girl and water? “Come on,” she called. “It feels wonderful. So crisp and cool,” she said. Arching a golden brow at him in challenge. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald wasn’t one to back down from a dare. And it was awfully warm, he rationalized as he felt sweat trickle down his back.

What the hell, he thought. Pulling his shirt over his head and toeing off his shoes. “Didn’t expect me to take you up on your offer, did you?” he smirked at the look of astonishment written across her pretty features. Her blue eyes flashed fire. “Just remember…you asked for it,” she said with an impish grin. Asked for what, he wondered. He found out a split-second later. As she thoroughly drenched him and took off running as fast as her legs would take her. And what did he do? The only thing he could do. He chased after her, of course.

“Where is that foolish daughter of mine?” Alistair boomed. Bringing his fist crashing down on his antique desk. The glass of brandy shattering on the floor. “Pilar! Get in here and clean this mess now.” “Yes, Mr. Crane,” Pilar said nervously. Kneeling to the floor and carefully picking up the slivers of broken glass. “Have someone else do that for you,” he ordered, “and find my daughter.” “Yes, Mr. Crane,” Pilar said demurely. Rushing out of the library. And slipping the door shut behind her with a heavy sigh. “Miss Sheridan,” she muttered under her breath. “You are in so much trouble.”

“Oh dear,” Ivy said sympathetically. “I’m afraid Sheridan’s stay here will be filled with incidents such as these. She doesn’t belong in this house, Pilar. Surely you must recognize that.” Pilar nodded her head slowly. “Damn that miserable father of hers. She’ll be devastated when she finds out his plans. That he had an ulterior motive for bringing her home.” “What are you talking about, Mrs. Crane?” Pilar questioned. A horrible feeling of dread washing through her. “Mrs. Crane? Who is this Colin person?” Ivy smiled sadly. “They’re doing it again, Pilar. They’re doing it again,” she whispered. Twirling the delicate chain around her neck between her fingers. “You better hurry, Pilar. He’s mad enough already.”

No, she thought. He couldn’t be that cruel. That heartless. She’s only seventeen. Too young to serve out a life sentence like the one he has planned. “Miss Sheridan,” she called. “Miss Sheridan,” she yelled once more. Squinting against the sun’s rays as she walked the short distance to the stables. Following the sound of laughter. "You asked for it,” she heard Sheridan say between giggles. What was she talking about, she wondered. Peering around the corner. Her brown eyes widening when she saw Sheridan was soaked to the skin. Her short blond hair matted to her head. “Didn’t he, Juliet?” The horse nickered softly in response. He?

“And I suppose I asked for you to attack me back there, too. Huh? Are you always so full of surprises?” Dios mio! She recognized that voice, she realized. Taking an unsteady step forward and revealing herself. “Pilar,” Sheridan said in surprise. Her lips twisted into a smile. “I didn’t hear you.” She didn’t want to do what she was about to. But she had to put a stop to this now. Whatever it was. “I suppose not, Miss Crane.” Sheridan’s blue eyes looked at her curiously. Unable to understand the coolness of her tone. The formality. Luis’s dark eyes hardened. The humor and light disappearing. “Miss Crane?” he said in disbelief. “Yes, silly,” Sheridan said in a teasing voice. “Sheridan Crane. Luis? What’s wrong? Was it something I said?”

Luis remained quiet. Motionless. Pilar felt guilt gnaw at her as she saw the hurt creep into Sheridan’s blue eyes. Mixing with the confusion there. “Miss Sheridan,” she said in a softer voice. “Your father is looking for you. It’s very important. He’s…he’s very disappointed that you missed lunch. He had someone he wanted you to meet.” “Oh,” Sheridan said. Casting her gaze to the ground. She could tell Pilar was downplaying things a bit. Most likely her father was furious. “I should go then. Bye, Luis,” she waved. “See you again sometime?” she said hopefully. Pilar wasn’t so sure.

“A Crane. A damn Crane,” Luis ground out after Sheridan disappeared into the grand Mansion. Brushing Juliet down roughly. “Luis…Hijo. It isn’t her fault. Don’t hold it against her. Sheridan doesn’t have a malicious bone in her body.” “Why the apology, Mama?” Luis asked tersely. “When it’s so obvious. You knew what my reaction would be to hearing her name. And that’s exactly why you did it. Don’t deny it,” he said. His brown eyes glittering with anger. “Hijo…it’s better.” “Yeah,” he interrupted. “It is better. Now I know to keep my distance. Alistair Crane sure as hell doesn’t want his princess fooling around with the stable boy. Martin Fitzgerald’s son. Not after what he did.”

“Hijo,” Pilar said harshly. “You have no proof. No proof that Mr. Crane had anything to do with your father’s disappearance. So please…drop it. For my sake. For your brothers’ and sisters’ sakes.” The hard line of Luis’s jaw relaxed somewhat. And the tone of his voice softened as he wrapped his strong arms around her. “I’m sorry, Mama. I am. It’s just…” “I know, Hijo,” Pilar said. A finger to his lips. “Get to work,” she ordered. “Mr. Crane…Mr. Crane is not in a very forgiving mood today,” she sighed. Cupping his cheek tenderly and kissing him goodbye.

“Bye, Mama,” Luis muttered. “When is he ever in a forgiving mood?” he wondered. Stroking Juliet between the ears. He almost felt sorry for Sheridan. Old Man Crane was not going to be happy when he saw her. He couldn’t help the smile that tugged at the corners of his lips as he remembered just how she arrived at her present appearance. She sure didn’t seem like a Crane. But then…Cranes were good at hiding their true identity. Their true feelings.

Pilar wiped the perspiration from her brow when she stepped back into the coolness of the mansion. Her heart twisting when she heard the voices down the hall. Of Sheridan. Her father. And this fellow…Colin. With the piercing gray eyes. “You aren’t paid to eavesdrop, Pilar,” Julian hissed as he passed by. “Go…dust something,” he said. His voice dripping with disdain. She ascended the stairs wearily. She would never understand the Crane ways. Never.

When she returned to the library some minutes, hours later…Sheridan remained. In the darkness. Helpless tears coursing down her pale, smooth cheeks. Staring forward listlessly. “Did you hear, Pilar?” she said tonelessly. Startling her. It was so quiet. An awful stillness but for the sound of Sheridan’s gentle sobs. “Hear what, Miss Sheridan?” she asked. Stroking Sheridan’s damp blond locks back from her face tenderly.

Sheridan twisted the ring on her finger nervously. “I’m to be married by the end of the summer,” she said brokenly. Focusing her blue gaze on her for the first time. The sheer pain in her eyes ripping Pilar’s heart to shreds. Pilar brushed Sheridan’s tears away with the pads of her thumb. “Oh, Pilar,” Sheridan cried. Crumpling in her arms. “I don’t even know him. How could Father do such a thing? Why does he hate me so much?”

“Stop fidgeting,” Julian hissed in passing. Raising the glass of brandy to lips and savoring the last drop. “Hi. My name is Julian. And I’m an alcoholic,” she muttered under her breath. Shooting a withering glare his way. Why not fidget, she wondered. When she felt like this whole party tonight was really an auction, and she was going to be sold to the highest bidder. Father’d do it, too. Colin Lindsay wasn’t the wealthiest heir in Maine. Much less in the country. Father was nothing if not ambitious. She shivered as she saw the man in question walking toward her with forceful steps-Colin at his side. Rubbing her bare arms roughly. the heat outside was sweltering. Why then did she feel like the temperature had just plummeted?

“Ms. Crane…what a pleasure to see you again,” he said. Bringing her hand to his lips. “This,” he said. Roving her figure with his icy gray eyes, “is a much better look for you.” “Thank you,” she whispered. Praying for an escape. She had nothing in common with this…this man. He was fifteen years her senior. Whatever would they talk about? “You do look lovely tonight,” her father said. Appearing every bit the doting father. She knew it was all an act. Of course, he thought that. This was the only dress that met his approval. She felt…naked.

The neckline plunged entirely too low for her tastes. She was afraid the thin spaghetti straps would somehow falter, and she’d flash everyone. It’d taken Pilar a good ten minutes to pick her jaw up from the floor. Her lips twisted into a sardonic smile as she remembered Pilar’s softly uttered words of surprise. “Dios mio! Miss Sheridan! You look 25, 26 years old.” Father’s intention she was sure. If she didn’t look seventeen, the press wouldn’t have such a fuss. Would they? The ONLY saving grace of the dress was its shocking red color.

Flashbulbs of what seemed millions of cameras blinded her as picture after picture was taken of the ‘happy’ couple. Colin’s arm around her waist felt foreign. Wrong. Her cheeks hurt from the effort it took to smile. Play the part. Her skin crawled where his thumb stroked the small of her back, and she felt the overwhelming need to cry. She didn’t know she had any tears left. Be brave, Sheridan. You can do this. You can. Only a few more pictures. Then you can get out of here. You can leave this nightmare behind. If only for tonight.

Her sister-in-law smiled at her sympathetically over the top of her flute of champagne. Ethan’s blue eyes stared boredly off into space as he posed with his intended. He and Gwen had perfected their smiles for the outside world. They liked each other well enough, Sheridan guessed. At least THEY had that. She had NO such hope, she realized as Colin pulled her into his wooden embrace and led her in an uninspired waltz for the cameras. Her father watched with a pleased smile on his lips. Couldn’t he see she was unhappy? Did he even care? The music stopped, and she sighed in relief. Holding an unsteady hand to her brow. “Colin…I feel a little dizzy. With all the dancing and the champagne.” “Here…let me help you,” he offered. “I can take you to your room.” “No. No,” she said in a panicked voice. “My dear sister-in-law can help me. Won’t you, Ivy?” “Of course, Darling,” Ivy smiled. Slipping an arm about her waist and leading her away from all the madness.

She blinked against the brightness as her room was flooded with light upstairs with one touch of a switch. “You’re not really dizzy, are you?” Ivy said knowingly. “No,” she whispered. Drawing the curtains back and gazing out the window at the festivities below. Ivy laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. “If you ever need anyone to talk to, Sheridan…I’m here,” she said. Giving her a reassuring squeeze. “Thank you,” Sheridan replied in a choked voice. Throwing her arms around Ivy’s neck. It felt good to know she had SOMEONE on her side. Ivy brushed her tears away from her cheeks and kissed her forehead. “I have to go. You know how your brother gets at these sorts of things. Alistair will kill him and me if I don’t keep him under control,” she said with a slight smile. “Good night, Sheridan,” she called. Shutting the door behind her.

She hugged her knees close to her chest as she stared out at the starlight. Aching with loneliness. She wished with her whole heart that Mother was here. Alive. She would never let Father do this to her. NEVER. She felt so helpless. So alone. She needed to go someplace. Get out of here. To clear her head. Strengthen her heart for what lay ahead. And maybe find a way out, she thought. Padding over to her bedroom door and chancing a glance outside. She knew the perfect place, she realized as she stole down the hallway and out the servant’s entrance into the night air. The perfect place.

“Juliet…you’re the only one I can talk to,” she sighed. Laying her golden head against the mare’s warm neck. Juliet neighed in response, and Sheridan laughed softly at the notion the horse was agreeing with her. She scratched between the horse’s ears. “You are,” she repeated. Juliet nuzzled her palm. “I love you, too,” Sheridan smiled. “Talking to your four-legged friend again?” The smile on Sheridan’s face faltered as she remembered Luis’s behavior toward her since the revelation she was indeed Alistair Crane’s daughter. “So what if I am?” she replied coolly. The smirk on Luis’s handsome face disappeared. His feelings of distrust and hatred for all things Crane started a slow simmer beneath the surface. He shucked the tuxedo jacket off his shoulders and jerked at the tie around his neck impatiently. “What’s wrong? Trouble in paradise?” She looked at him strangely. Confused. Whatever was he talking about?

“I..I..trouble in paradise? What kind of question is that?” Paradise? By no means. Paradise would be freedom. Paradise would be honesty. Paradise would be knowing someone in this big world loved her. Warts and all. “I bet ole man Crane wouldn’t take too kindly to finding out his daughter feigned illness to escape to the stables to continue an ongoing affair with one tall, leggy…HORSE,” he sneered. “What would the fiance think?” “He’s not my keeper,” she blurted angrily. Stepping from the shadows. And Luis lost all train of thought at that moment. He couldn’t formulate a single thought besides…the girl didn’t know how beautiful she was in the soft glow of the lantern.

“What? Cat got your tongue, Luis?” she asked. Her tone was teasing. But the look in her eyes. There was so much hurt there. A deep sadness. Something she hid masterfully from the rest of the world. “He’s not my keeper,” she asserted. Grabbing a curry brush and stroking Juliet’s coat gently. He fought the urge to reach out to her when he saw her chin quiver. Her motions slow. “He’s not. He’s not…Luis…,” she said in a whisper. “I don’t love him. And does my father care?” Her blue eyes were shimmering with tears. “No,” she answered herself. “Father doesn’t CARE about me. This engagement…this marriage…is just another way to expand his millions. His power. But you already know that already, don’t you?”

He took the brush from her grasp, and she watched its descent into the hay below. “You hate him. You hate ALL Cranes,” she said quietly. And she shivered as he fingered the thin spaghetti straps of her dress. She looked at him. Through him. Waiting expectantly for his answer. “Nevermind,” she cried. “Your silence says enough. Leave, Luis. I won’t tell Father you skipped out early on your job. Have to save my hide, after all.” She swept past him. Rubbing her arms roughly. She couldn’t get rid of the coldness.

“No,” he said. Grabbing his tuxedo jacket from its resting place across the top of Juliet’s stall. “I don’t hate ALL Cranes,” he said sincerely. Wrapping the midnight jacket around her shoulders carefully. “I don’t hate you,” he whispered. Brushing a gentle hand through her hair. Sheridan held her breath. “Hay,” he smiled. “You had it in your hair.” “Oh,” she said in slight disappointment. “Thanks…thank you. You don’t…you don’t hate me?” she asked in a little girl voice. He pulled her to him without thinking. “I don’t hate you,” he repeated once more. She clutched his shirt desperately, and seconds later he felt the warmth of her tears seeping through.

“Enough tears, okay?” he smiled. Wiping her tears away with his thumbs. Sheridan nodded and slipped from his embrace. “Hey…where are you going? I didn’t say you could leave.” A smile shone through when she realized he was teasing. “Going to hold me prisoner?” “Something like that,” he laughed. Cocking his head to the side. “Hear that? The party’s still going. The music’s still playing. I couldn’t help but notice Colin is rather…untalented…when it comes to…hell. The man can’t dance.”

Sheridan burst into helpless laughter. “You’re being too hard on him. He only broke two of my toes.” “Two too many,” Luis jested. “So…” “So what?” she whispered. Feigning ignorance to his intentions. “Luis!” she squealed when Luis grabbed her hand and brought her close. “Alright,” she giggled. “I would love to dance.” Luis grinned. Mission accomplished. “I promise I won’t break anymore of your lovely toes.” And Sheridan laughed and laughed as he twirled her into the night.

She pulled the blue tank over her head, and snapped the silver bracelet around her wrist. The clock on her nightstand read 11:30. Her ears strained to hear any tell-tale sign. She didn’t want to wake anyone. Least of all Father. A giggle escaped her lips as her blue eyes scanned her room. A pillow mound lay where she should be. She crossed her fingers and hoped that would be enough to convince Father she was sound asleep. But then…she didn’t have much to worry about. Father never checked on her. The man simply did not care.

The door creaked a little too loudly. And she was sure her footsteps boomed in the old carpeted hall. She didn’t dare breathe. Certain EVERYONE could hear. Finally her hand was on the doorknob, and she sighed in relief. Home free. Just a few more steps. A few more steps to the stables and Juliet. “Sheridan! Whatever are you doing?” She turned around slowly. “Ivy. I…I…I couldn’t sleep. And I thought I might take a walk. Clear my head.”

A not altogether false statement, Ivy realized. But she wasn’t fooled. She raised a hand to cup Sheridan’s cheek. “Sheridan…don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.” Sheridan’s blue eyes melted. Ivy smiled at her sister-in-law’s impromptu hug. “Thank you,” Sheridan breathed. “You’re the only one that understands.” “Run along now,” Ivy advised. “I’ll make sure no one sees you.” She watched Sheridan’s slim figure disappear in the darkness. “I do understand, Sheridan. You have no idea how much.”

“Hi Juliet,” Sheridan greeted with a smile. “Are you ready girl? Time to go see Luis. Remember him?” “Of course she remembers me. I’m not the kind of guy you forget.” “Luis! Don’t do that again! You scared me. For a second I thought you were Father,” she trembled. “He’d send me away. Lock me up until my wedding day. Don’t think he wouldn’t.” “I wouldn’t put anything past the bastard. Look…Sheridan. I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I won’t do it again. I promise,” he said seriously. Bringing her hand up to his lips. Sheridan’s blue eyes fluttered closed. And a glorious smile lit up her pretty features. Her hand tingled where Luis’s lips had touched it. “I believe you,” she whispered. Luis grinned at her. “Good. I mean it.”

Luis’s hand brushed against hers when he ran it down Juliet’s saddle and cinched it. She smiled when he let fingers linger against hers. Then jerked them away. He felt it too. Luis put one foot in the stir-up and was soon astride Juliet. “Ready?” he smiled. Offering his hand. Her blue eyes shone as she took it trustingly. And snuggled against his warmth. Resting her chin on his shoulder as he navigated Juliet out of the stable. The stars were their guiding light. Sheridan wondered if she had seen such a beautiful night in her lifetime and decided no. She hadn’t. “You aren’t falling asleep on me?” Luis teased. “We’re almost there.”

Sheridan slipped her arms around his waist. “No,” she murmured. “I was just thinking…the stars are so beautiful, Luis. The sounds…they comfort me.” She could see the smile stretching across Luis’s lips. “Lo-Fitz! Are you laughing at me?” Luis winced when she pinched his arm. “Serves you right,” she giggled. Juliet neighed, and Luis could hear water rippling up ahead. He dismounted and held his arms out for Sheridan. Groaning as her lithe body came into contact with his. She was so soft. “Luis,” she laughed nervously. No man had ever looked at her the way Luis was looking at her now. What was that emotion in his beautiful amber eyes? “You can let me go now,” she whispered. Still…she was disappointed when his hands fell from her waist.

“Luis. Aren’t you coming in?” she asked as she stripped her tank from her body. Luis chuckled at her muffled words. “LUIS!” she shrieked when he grabbed her up in his arms and plunged into the water. “Just for that…” Luis gasped for air when he resurfaced. The little minx dunked him. “Sheridan,” he teased as he waded out to her. “You can run but you can’t hide,” he warned. A dangerous gleam in his dark eyes. She giggled helplessly as slapped her hands in the water. Trying to deter him. Of course it didn’t work. And who said she wanted it to. “I got you!” Luis cried triumphantly. “You got me,” she repeated. Staring up at him with those hypnotic blue eyes. “I do, don’t I?” he laughed. Brushing her wet golden curls from her face. Sheridan sighed and leaned into his touch. Luis breathed in sharply at her closeness. What was happening to him? Why did he want to hold her like this forever? Her pouty pink lips were just begging to be kissed. And he knew she would let him.

“Luis,” she whispered as his lips inched closer to hers. “Shh,” he hushed. Sliding his fingers to the nape of her neck and pulling her closer still. “Luis,” she sighed as his lips brushed feather-light kisses on her cheeks. Down her jaw. “Don’t talk,” he smiled. Quieting her with a finger on her lips. “I’m going to kiss you now, Sheridan. May I kiss you?” Her blue eyes were luminous in the starlight, and a droplet of water clung to her upper lip. Her lips parted, and she closed her eyes. She WANTED him to kiss her. More than anything else in the world. “Yes,” she uttered. Luis framed her face with his big hands and nuzzled her nose with his own. “I’ve never been kissed before, Luis. I won’t let Colin kiss me.”

Her words were like cold harsh reality slapping him in the face. “Colin.” Sheridan raised a hand to her lips. “I don’t want him to kiss me. I don’t want anybody but y…” “Sheridan. Get out of the water,” he said tonelessly. “Get your things. I’m taking you home.” “But Luis…” she choked. “I thought…are you angry with me?” “No. I’m not angry with you, Sheridan. Leave it alone. Okay?” Tears shimmered in her eyes, and he felt like the biggest jerk alive. But he couldn’t. Couldn’t kiss her. Not when she belonged to another man. “Okay,” she whispered. Wading past him. “Sheridan,” he grabbed her arm. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. It’s just…” She gently removed his hand from her arm. “I know, Luis. Forget about it. I’ll be okay. If you don’t mind…I’d rather walk home.” “But Sheridan…” “Luis…” “Okay.” Why did he feel like he was letting his world walk away?

Luis wiped the sweat from his brow with a groan. It was so damn hot. The hottest summer Harmony had ever experienced. The sun beat down relentlessly. Making the unpleasant aroma that lingered in the stables even more...disgusting. He laid the pitchfork against the stall’s wooden wall. Juliet shook her head at him. Her wise brown eyes staring at him. “You know…,” Luis said. Looking each direction to make sure no one heard him. “I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t like you. Just a little bit. You stink,” he sighed. Scratching the mare between the ears affectionately. “What would SHE think?” Juliet whinnied. “I know. I miss her, too,” Luis frowned. Since that night…and their almost kiss…he hadn’t seen hide nor hair of Sheridan for almost 2 weeks. And he couldn’t help but worry about her. “I never meant to hurt her,” he told the horse with a pat to the neck. “But maybe things are better this way. She’s engaged to someone else. It wouldn’t be right.”

“What wouldn’t be right?” Luis’s brown eyes met the blue green eyes of the Lady of the House. Ivy Crane. “Mrs. Crane…what can I do for you?” Somehow…despite the unbearable heat…the woman managed to look cool. And that only served to strengthen Luis’s conviction. The woman truly was an Ice Queen. “Answer my question, Luis. What wouldn’t be right?” Luis scoffed at her. “Forgive me for saying this, Mrs. Crane. But that is none of your damn business.” Ivy stepped closer, and Luis thought he saw a crack in her façade “You’re wrong, Luis. Sheridan is my business. This has to do with her, doesn’t it? Something happened between you two. I’ve wondered why she stopped visiting you.” “Visiting me…” “Luis,” Ivy rolled her eyes. “Sheridan loves Juliet. But I hardly think she’d slip out in the middle of night to come see her. No. It’s you. You’re the one. What happened? She won’t open up to me.” Luis ignored her. Picking up the pitchfork once more. “Time is running out, Luis. The wedding is only 6 weeks away,” she shot back over her shoulder. “Just remember…she needs you. And it’s not wrong.”

Luis kicked at the hay at his feet in irritation. As if he didn’t feel bad enough. His feelings a jumbled mess. Mama. Mama could help, he thought. Leaving the stables with purposeful steps. Voices reached him as he neared the big house. And as he rounded the corner, he came face to face with the owner of one voice in particular that made his heart jump. “Hi, Luis,” Sheridan whispered. Casting her blue eyes downward. “Sheridan…” “Excuse me,” a snide voice interrupted. “I don’t think we’ve met. Colin Lindsay. And you are?” “Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald,” Luis answered. Wiping his hand off on the leg of his jeans and offering his hand. Colin looked at it with disdain, and Luis’s hand fell back to his side. “Luis works in the stables,” Sheridan said quietly. “He’s Pilar’s son.” “Pilar? I can’t seem to place her,” Colin said boredly. “Aha! The head housekeeper! The one you’re so fond of. Luis…how do you think your mother would like coming to work for us. After the wedding, of course.” Luis’s jaw clenched. Sheridan bowed her head in shame. “Colin! There you are,” Julian called. “Would you care to share a brandy?” Colin kissed Sheridan dryly on the cheek. “Darling…aren’t you coming?” “I’ll be right there,” Sheridan replied weakly.

Luis grabbed Sheridan’s elbow and steered her to a more secluded section of the gardens. “Where’s the Sheridan I know? Are you just going to give up without a fight?” Sheridan raised tearful blue eyes to him. “A fight for what, Luis? I have nothing. Nothing to fight for. Do I?” she choked. “Father’s right. Colin will take care of me. I’ll give him a couple heirs. Then I’ll have my freedom. And someone to love me.” “Sheridan,” Luis spat in anger. Shaking her roughly by the shoulders. “Do you hear yourself? My god! What has he done to you?” “Nothing, Luis. Nothing at all,” she snapped. Jerking from his hold. “I just finally realized…this is my life. The life I was born to. I can’t walk away from it. No matter…” “No matter what, Sheridan? Tell me you don’t want this. Tell me the girl I know…the girl I…that girl is still in there. Please,” he pleaded. Pulling her into the shadows with him. “Tell me…” he whispered. Delving his hands into her short blond curls and searching her blue eyes. She trembled under his gentle touch. Clung to him for support as his lips inched closer to hers. “No!” she cried. Shoving him away. “No. It’s too late, Luis. There’s nothing you can do,” she cried. Turning to go. Escape. “You’re wrong, Sheridan. It’s not too late. If you can bring yourself to believe that…I’ll be waiting. You know where to find me.” “Goodbye, Luis.”

The hours until nightfall passed so slowly…Luis was certain it was an eternity. What the hell was he thinking? Running away with the Crane Princess? “Well, Luis…looks like you don’t have to worry about that. She’s not coming.” The water rippled in front of him. Silver in the twilight. “It was a stupid idea anyway. What can you give her? Nothing. Ten more minutes, Luis. Give her ten more minutes. Maybe she got held up.” Ten more minutes crawled by. The hands on his watch ticked by at an excruciating pace. “Forget it. She’s not coming,” he sighed. His shoulders drooping with disappointment. He picked up a smooth stone and watched as it skipped across the brook. And raised his eyes to the heavens. He’d already passed his chance up…”Luis! Luis! Wait! Please don’t go!” Her small hand fit perfectly in his, and she gave him a nervous smile. “I knew she was still in there,” he teased as he brushed her hair from her brow and placed a tender, lingering kiss there. “Hurry. We don’t have much time.” And so began Sheridan’s second chance. His second chance. Their second chance.

Somehow…during the interminable bus ride she had fallen asleep, he realized with a smile. Nameless cities whirred past. Their lights low. The whole world was sleeping. But for him. His mind was too busy. What had he done? What had they done? He couldn’t close his eyes. Then reality would set in. For the first time in his life, he jumped without looking. What did the future hold? Would they ever be able to outrun their past? Was it possible?

“Luis?” Her blue eyes were puffy from sleep. Her blond curls tousled. He raised a hand and brushed his knuckles across her cheek. “You have a red spot. Right there,” he teased. “From where you were leaning against the window.” “And my neck hurts, too,” she pouted. “Where are we?” she asked softly. Trailing a hand down the window. “What time is it?” He laughed, and she looked at him curiously. “So many questions. I’m not sure where we are,” he answered. “But we’re going south. We’re hours away from them, Princess. What?” Luis asked curiously at the look on her face. “Nothing,” she murmured with a coy smile. Princess.

“Luis…you never answered my other question,” she yawned. “It’s early,” he smirked. “Too early. Go back to sleep, Sheridan.” She shifted around in the seat for several minutes. “Luis…I can’t get comfortable. Can I…” He held his arms open, and she snuggled close. Her head resting above his heart. “Thank you, Luis.” The steady beat of his heart lulled her back to sleep. Luis buried his nose in her soft hair and breathed in deeply. “Holding you feels too good.”

The bus lurched to a stop. Wheels screeching. “Wake up, Sleepyhead,” he teased. “Luis,” Sheridan whined as he slid an arm around her waist and tugged her up. She leaned against him heavily. “We’re here.” “Where’s here?” she grumbled. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “Let’s go find out,” he grabbed her hand. She threw her backpack over her shoulder and followed.

“Luis! The sun’s coming up!” she said excitedly. Dropping her backpack to the ground beside her. “Sher…Wait!” He grasped the key that dangled from the manager’s pinkie and shoved it into his pocket. His feet sank deep into the sand as he trudged forward. His dark eyes searching. And finding her. Frolicking in the waves. “It’s so beautiful,” she whispered in awe. Dropping down beside him. Sea water dripping and trickling down her arms. Her blue eyes shining. “Sunset or sunrise?” “You first,” he grinned. “Sunrise. The beginning of a new day,” she explained. “But I love the sunset, too. Especially over the ocean. It’s amazing. All the colors stretching for forever. What about you, Luis?” “Sunrise,” he said. Staring into her eyes. Especially the glow it gave HER.

“Thank you, Luis,” she whispered. “Thank you for…” “Thank me for what? You made the decision. It was all you.” “Well…thank you anyway,” she laughed. Swiping at the bothersome tears that escaped despite her best effort. “And it wasn’t all me,” she refuted stubbornly. Brown eyes stared into blue, and Luis felt something pulling him closer. Inch by inch. His eyes shifted to her lips, and his hand rose of its own volition to cup her jaw. He could almost taste her on his lips when…Sheridan’s stomach growled. And she doubled over in a fit of laughter. “I’m hungry, Luis.” He pulled her to her feet. “Come on.”

“Forgetting something, Princess?” “What?” Sheridan shrugged her shoulders. “We can’t go in anywhere looking like this,” he said. Pointing at her with a smile. “Hey! You don’t look so good yourself, Lo-Fitz!” she shot back. “I’m not dripping wet and covered with sand either,” he retorted. “No sand, huh? How’d you manage that little magic trick, Luis? Sounds impossible to me.” “Okay, Smartypants. So I do have a little sand on me, but you…you look like $#!^,” he smirked. “UH! Take it back! Right now,” she demanded. Advancing on him. “Okay…you look…I can’t take it back,” he grinned. “I’d be lying.” “Luis,” Sheridan’s blue eyes flashed angrily. But Luis wasn’t fooled. She wanted so hard to laugh.

“Fine. I look…awful,” she conceded. “Just give me my room key so I can go get cleaned up. Please,” she pleaded. Luis dangled the single key in front of her nose. “Where’s mine?” she asked puzzledly. “We’re not…Luis! Where will you sleep?” “If you think I’m giving up the bed for you…” “Well you’re not sleeping WITH me,” she grumbled. No, Luis thought. Definitely not that. Maybe he SHOULD get another room. This might prove to be a problem. He couldn’t think straight when she was too close. Like she was right now. “No,” he rolled his eyes. “Listen…we’ll work this out later. I thought you said you were hungry.” “I am,” Sheridan whined. When he snatched the key back out of her reach. “Luis! Give me the key!”

“No way. You’re not going in the room like THAT.” “Ugh!” Sheridan groaned. Doing her best impersonation of a spoiled brat. Apparently hours and hours on a Greyhound bus didn’t agree with her. “And how am I going to fix that?” she snapped. Luis picked up the hose at his feet. “Luis…Luis…NO!” she shrieked as he twisted the nozzle and icy water jetted out. Drenching her. “I am so going to get you for that,” she chattered. Wrestling him for the hose. Luis trapped her between his arms and pushed her up against the wall. Directing the spray at her with an evil grin. “What’s the matter, Princess?” he teased. As she tried desperately to escape. Her soft body wiggling against him. “Luis,” she begged. “Please…please stop,” she shivered. He turned the nozzle off and let it drop to the ground. That damn pull again. He was beginning to think it was useless to fight it. His hands framed her face. His lips barely grazed hers…”Get a room!” a grizzled faced old man barked. “We already…damn,” he swore under his breath when he realized what she had done. “Little minx. Sheridan!” he yelled. Jogging to catch up with her. “Great,” he muttered to himself. Girls always used up all the hot water. Didn’t matter, though. A cold shower seemed more in order anyway.

“Did you enjoy your cold shower, Luis?” Sheridan smirked at him across the booth. Luis rolled his eyes at her and buried his nose in the menu. After several minutes…he threw it down on the counter. “Bit of a staring problem you have there, Miss.” Sheridan laughed. Picking up the ketchup bottle beside her and aiming it at Luis. “I don’t think you want to mess with me, Mister,” she arched a golden brow. Luis couldn’t help the wide smile that dominated his face. “Put that down.” “No,” Sheridan refused. Holding the ketchup bottle way in the air. Over her head. “Make me,” she challenged. Luis’s hands reached out. Grabbing at nothing but air. “Ahem.”

Sheridan straightened up and set the ketchup bottle down at the waitress’s icy glare. “Hi,” she said in a monotone voice. “My name is Susan, and I’m your waitress for this morning. What can I get you?” Sheridan raised a hand to her mouth and turned her head away. She didn’t mean to laugh. Really, she didn’t. “Ha, ha,” Susan rolled her eyes. “Your order?” Luis shot a warning look Sheridan’s way. “Good morning, Susan,” he said diplomatically. She stared back at him without expression. “Uh…I’d like…let’s see,” he said. Studying the menu. “I’d like #3. What about you, Sh…Sherry?” The look on Sheridan’s face was priceless. Her blue eyes sparkled mischievously as she grinned back at him after a moment. “Hmm…no eggs and bacon for me this morning, Luigi.” Luis choked on his coffee. “I’ll have the French toast,” she smiled up at Susan. “Will that be all?” “Yes,” Sheridan said brightly.

“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning,” she said in a low voice. “Luigi? What the hell kind of name is that? Come on,” Luis grimaced. “Surely, you can do better than that. And what’s wrong with Sherry anyway? It’s cute.” “Cute? Cute, Luis?” Sheridan threw up her hands. “Gee. You don’t know me that well, huh? I HATE cute.” “Oh really?” Luis teased. Leaning in closer to her. “Well, you look pretty CUTE when you’re mad.” Sheridan crossed her arms around her chest and glared at him. Who wanted to look cute anyway? That just proved it. Luis thought she was a kid. She’d rather look sexy. “Uh oh,” she grumbled. “Here comes Eeyore again.” Luis barely contained his laughter as he took his plate from Susan’s hands.

“Okay! That’s it! I’m through with this damn place! I quit!” she yelled. Yanking her apron over her head and tossing it over her shoulder. Sheridan’s blue eyes were wide. “I never meant for THAT to happen.” A pudgy little man with the longest mustache Sheridan had ever seen waddled over and started arguing heatedly with Susan. Luis ducked his head and nibbled on a piece of bacon. Sheridan cowered in the corner of the booth when she heard her name mentioned. Finally Susan stomped out, and the diner door bounced back open she slammed it so hard. “What am I going to do?” the little man worried as he trudged back into the kitchen.

“Luis,” Sheridan hissed. “I feel so bad.” Luis slid a hand across the table and squeezed hers. “Don’t worry about it. At least she wasn’t fired.” “But…” “It wasn’t your fault. She obviously wasn’t happy here.” Sheridan stabbed at her syrup-drenched French toast distractedly. “If you’re not going to eat that I will,” Luis declared. Pulling her plate away from her playfully. “Luis,” she cried. Blue eyes sparkling. “I said I was hungry. I’ll eat it,” she laughed. “Give it back.” Luis picked up a dripping piece and closed his lips around the fork. “Mmm. Mmm. Good,” he moaned. For her benefit, of course. Before he could blink an eye, Sheridan was crammed into the tiny seat beside him. Fighting him for the fork. “Luis,” she pouted. He picked up the fork again and brought it to her lips. “Luis,” Sheridan giggled. “I can feed myself.” She laughed helplessly as he slipped the fork past her lips. “Good?” he smiled at her. Taking his napkin and wiping the sticky syrup from the corner of her mouth. “Very good,” she whispered.

He pushed her plate back over to her, and they finished their breakfast in comfortable silence. Well…Luis was sure it was comfortable for her. He was having a dandy time keeping his hands to himself. “Luis,” Sheridan mumbled around a mouthful of food. “I thought they taught you better manners at boarding school,” he teased. Sheridan rolled her eyes at him. This was getting to be a common occurrence between them, he realized with a grin. “Seriously, Luis. What do we do now? You know…money. A place to stay.” “I talked to the manager about doing some odd jobs for him while you were in the shower. That’ll help a little. And he said we could rent out the room.” Sheridan sighed. At least it was clean. But it was SO different from what she was used to. “What about me? What’ll I do?”

Luis shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know yet. I can take care of you.” “Lo-Fitz! I’m not this child you have to pamper.” “Who said anything about pampering?” Luis grinned. Like a true smartass, Sheridan thought. Huffing in pure irritation. “I mean it, Luis,” she growled. “I can’t just sit around doing NOTHING all day.” Isn’t that what you did at the Crane Mansion back in Harmony, Luis thought. But didn’t dare say. It’d be off with his head then. “Don’t worry,” he told her. “We’ll find you a job. Although…what exactly you’re qualified for…I don’t know,” he said slyly. “Ouch!” he yelped when she socked him in the shoulder. “If you’ll excuse me,” she announced. “I have to use the ladies’ room.” Luis slid out behind her. “I’ll wait for you outside.”

He waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, when he was on the brink of giving up and going back inside, she burst through the diner’s door. “Luis!” she exclaimed. “Guess what?” To borrow a phrase from his mother…Dios Mio! This couldn’t be good. “What, Princess?” Her blue eyes twinkled at him. “I got a job! I got a job!” she said excitedly. Luis blinked twice. Three times. “They…he…hired YOU,” he stammered. Sheridan tilted her head to the side and studied him. “So? Are you saying I can’t do it?” He burst into laughter. “You? The Crane Princess? A waitress?” Sheridan’s eyes flashed at him. Angrily. “What’s so unbelievable about that?” He just shook his head. “A lot of things,” he muttered under his breath. “I’ll prove you wrong, Luis. Just wait and see,” she shot over her shoulder as she left him in the dust. Crossing the street to their hotel. “Stubborn,” he shook his head with a smile. Mama always told him he was stubborn. It looked like he had finally met his match. He jogged across the street after her. Might as well enjoy their last day of freedom. Their brand-new life officially started tomorrow.

“Take it back,” came her muffled voice. “And if I don’t?” he challenged. “You’ll be sorry,” she threatened. “Oh…I’m so scared,” he taunted. “If you’re so tough, come out of hiding and make good on your threats. Didn’t think so,” he said. Rising from the lumpy mattress and walking towards the bathroom. “I said take it back!” Sheridan cried. And Luis yelped in surprise to find a very angry blond attached to his back. Long tanned legs wrapped around his waist. “Sherry,” he teased. “I thought rich girls had better breeding,” he egged her on. Running his hands down her calves to the soles of her feet. “Are you ticklish, Sherry?” “Luis,” she growled. “I’m warning you…” “You were saying?” he grinned when she shrieked with helpless laughter and squirmed to get away.

“Ugh! You’re so…so…you make me so mad,” she glared at him. Picking up her forgotten pillow and bringing it down forcefully over his head. He grabbed at her, and she squealed and darted across the room. “Luis! Quit torturing me!” she laughed from the other side of the room. “Why? It’s fun,” he grinned. “Luis…I have to take a shower. I’m going to be late. I don’t want to get fired my first day.” “Now you’re worried about work. What’s the matter, Princess? Scared?” She straightened up and put on a brave face. “Me?” she scoffed. “Scared?” she threw the pillow down and walked around the bed. Coming to a stop just inches from him. "Do I look scared to you, Luis?” she smirked.

He looked her up and down and swallowed hard. No. She didn’t look scared. HE was the one suddenly scared as hell, he realized as his brown eyes traveled up the length of her long legs. “You’re wearing my shirt,” he said. “So,” she smiled. “I forgot my pjs. Big deal,” she rolled her blue eyes at him. His shirt was all she was wearing it seemed…oh god, he gulped. Turning away. She’s a kid, Luis. Let it go. “Luis?” she questioned. “Is something wrong? Look. If it’s that big of a deal, you can have your shirt back. Here. I’ll give it to you now if you want,” she told him “Just…uh…don’t turn around until I get something on.” Damn. His imagination was getting the better of him, he thought. Groaning inwardly.

He heard the bathroom door click shut. Then her voice. “Luigi,” she teased. “You can turn around now.” The shower started running, and he looked around the cramped space they shared. This was NOT going to work. He had to find some way to keep himself busy. So busy he wouldn’t be able to even think about giving in to temptation. He glanced at the watch on his wrist. Still early yet. A few extra minutes wouldn’t kill him, he thought as he scribbled a note on a piece of paper and rested it against the lamp on the night stand.

Sheridan came out of the bathroom refreshed and ready to begin her new job. Well…as ready as she’d ever be. She sighed in disappointment when she read Luis’s note and realized he’d already left. “I wanted to ask you if this looked alright for a waitress,” she murmured. Appraising her appearance once more in the mirror in front of her. “Hmm,” she muttered. Smoothing down her short black skirt. “Maybe this skirt IS a little short. But it’s the closest thing to ‘appropriate’ I have.” She buttoned the last button on her white blouse and clasped the earrings in her ears. “How hard can it be?” she told her reflection. Pushing down the butterflies that fluttered in her stomach. “Just smile, Sheri…Sherry. And take their order. It’s not like you’re going to have to actually cook the food yourself. Isn’t that a relief?” It’d be awful to burn the diner down her first day on the job, she thought with a smile as she slipped out the front door. Terrible. But she was going to have better luck than that. And Luis would have to eat his words.

Better luck! How wrong could she have been? It seemed her first day was one of the busiest days the tiny diner had seen in weeks. And she and Alison (much nicer than Susan to her relief) were the only two people working! What was it with waitresses quitting this job? Oh yeah…she got it, she thought as she leaned over the counter to scrub the remainders of her last customers’ meals off the table. The people were downright rude. Little kids never liked to actually eat their food with forks or spoons or in their plates for that matter. And disgusting losers making passes at them all day. Well…that was just in HER limited experience. Add that to 5 broken plates, a whole tray of drinks dumped in this really nice guy’s lap (he could have KILLED her…but he didn’t), and oh yeah…nearly burning the kitchen down when Mr. Izzaria took five (more like ten) to smoke.

“Hey kid,” Alison called from the front. “Someone’s here for ya. Wowza,” she whistled under his breath. “That Luigi?” she smacked on her gum. Twirling a strand of her auburn hair around a pink nail. Sheridan wiped her brow with the back of her hand and trudged over to stand beside her. “That’s him,” she answered with a wide smile. Luis was going to kill her for saying his name was Luigi. But not even that fact could sober her. Just hearing that name threatened to crack her up. Alison licked her lips as Luis walked towards them. “Sherry,” he said. Grinning at her messy appearance. Blond hair curling wildly about her face. Her white blouse stained a rainbow of colors. “Looks like you had a good first day,” he laughed. Alison giggled and fawned over Luis. She sounded like a hyena, Sheridan thought with a frown. “Kids just love to throw stuff, you know?” Luis’s brown eyes twinkled as he looked into hers. “I haven’t had the pleasure…,” he said. Taking Alison’s hand and bringing it to his lips. Sheridan bristled at his actions. Sure, Luis. Pour on the charm, she thought with a frown. “The pleasure’s all mine,” she purred.

“So…are you ready?” he asked. Stuffing his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “Give me just a few more minutes,” she sighed. “I still have a couple tables in back,” she nodded her head. “That’s okay,” Luis shrugged his shoulders. “Hey Luigi,” Alison batted her lashes. “You look like a hungry guy. Can I get you anything?” Sheridan narrowed her blue eyes at her. Okay…maybe Alison wasn’t so nice after all. She was falling all over Luis. And for all she knew, Luis was her boyfriend. Taken. So what was with the obvious flirting? She was so busy staring at the pair the sound of another plate shattering on the floor almost gave her a heart attack. “Great! Just great!” Mr. Izzaria yelled. “Kid…you’re not going to have any money left in your paycheck by the time you finished paying for all the damages.” “I’m sorry, Mr. Izzaria. I wasn’t…” The corners of Mr. Izzaria’s mouth turned down humorlessly as he caught her glance at Luis. And her eyes fill with tears. “Just don’t let it happen again,” he advised. Waddling towards the kitchen. “And Kid?” Sheridan blinked back the tears. “Yes, Mr. Izzaria?” “You got a lot of growing up to do if you’re going to catch up to that one.” Sheridan wiped at her tears with the corner of her apron. Who said she wanted to? She set the rest of the dishes on the counter and approached Luis. “I’m finished.” Luis held up a hand to her. “I’ll see you later,” he said absently. “Alison offered to show me around town.” She pushed past him out the door. “You can come with us…if you want,” Alison called as an afterthought. But Sheridan was already gone.

It was after midnight…way past midnight…when Luis slipped inside their hotel room. Smelling like smoke and cheap perfume. “Sheridan…are you still awake?” he hissed in the darkness. She shut her eyes tight and forced herself to breathe evenly. “Guess not,” he mumbled. Stripping his shirt over his head. He groaned when he spotted Alison’s fuschia lipstick on his collar. How was he going to get THAT out without Sheridan seeing it and getting the wrong idea? He’d never been…MAULED…like that before. Alison had practically attacked him. He couldn’t deny he deserved part of the blame. He wasn’t exactly unwilling. But the weirdest thing…when he kissed her back…it was Sheridan’s lips beneath his. Her blue eyes he stared into. “Dammit, Luis. You have to stop that.”

Stop what, Sheridan wondered as she listened to him move around the room. Her heart thumped against her ribcage when she caught a glimpse of his naked back as he walked past her into the bathroom. The door clicked shut, and she released a sigh of relief when she heard the shower running. She stared up at the ceiling. Noting absently the cracks there. Why did she have to feel this way? Why was she so…jealous? She hated being jealous. Luis wasn’t even hers. But you ran away with him, Sheridan, her brain supplied. He’s got to be something to you. You dropped everything and followed him down here. Maybe not the ends of the earth. But she knew all it’d take was one word. Just one word, and she’d follow him anywhere. Why was that?

The water in the bathroom ceased running, and she buried her face in her pillow once more. She wanted so badly to cry. She could scarcely breathe around the lump in her throat. Why did she feel this terrible ache? Hot tears slid down her cheeks as she felt the mattress shift beneath his weight. “Sheridan?” Luis whispered once more in the darkness. And her shoulders quaked at the concern in his voice. She was so confused. Jealous. And maybe…maybe even a little bit homesick. Though she didn’t know why. “Sheridan,” Luis sighed. Combing his fingers through her hair. “Are you crying, Princess?” She came undone. Sobbing openly as he slid his arms around her waist from behind and rested his chin on her bare shoulder. “Don’t. I can’t stand to see you cry.”

Luis sighed and kissed her damp cheeks. “Shh. Don’t cry. Everything’s going to work out. You’ll see.” Sheridan turned around in his arms and gazed up at him with big, tear-filled blue eyes. “Sheridan,” he whispered. Brushing her tears away gently with the pads of his thumbs. “Talk to me,” he pleaded softly. Threading his fingers through hers and bringing their joined hands to his lips. She shook her head and tried to avoid his searching brown eyes. “No, you don’t,” he said. Grasping her chin and forcing her to look at him. “Tell me what’s wrong.” She looked at him with glittering, sad blue eyes. “Luis…I don’t…”

“Spit it out,” he told her. “I can’t,” Sheridan muttered under her breath. Growing angrier by the minute. It was too embarrassing. Mortifying, actually. “Luis…leave me alone. It’s not like you care anyway. If you cared, you wouldn’t have been out with Alison all night.” Luis grabbed her hand and held it down with his own beside her blond head on the pillow. Grinning at her broadly. She was jealous! “Aww…the little girl is jealous,” he teased. Sheridan’s jaw set stubbornly, and she struggled against him. “I’m not a little girl,” she protested heatedly. “Luis! Leave me alone,” she demanded when he grabbed her other wrist and held it above her head. His deep brown eyes shining with mischief.

“What’s the matter?” he taunted. “Ugh! Luis…if you don’t let go right now,” she ground out between clenched teeth, “I swear you’ll live to regret it.” Luis smiled wider and leaned in closer. Unbearably closer. Sheridan held her breath as his mouth hovered over hers. “Luis, please,” she cried. Fresh tears stinging the corners of her eyes. “Don’t…” “Don’t what?” he breathed. Staring at her full pink lips. “Don’t play games with me.” He sighed guiltily and leaned his forehead against hers. Releasing her wrists and running his hands down her arms. Then trailing his knuckles across her cheeks. “I’m sorry,” he apologized. Kissing her forehead and turning over to lie on his back.

“Come here,” he whispered. Pulling her into his arms. “Shh, Sheridan,” he soothed. “Go to sleep. Close those pretty blue eyes and relax. Forget all about today. All of it.” No more Alison, he thought silently. “Forget everything bad, and just concentrate on the good. You doing that?” he asked. Tipping her chin up with the tips of his fingers. “Yes,” she said with just the hint of a smile. “What are you thinking about?” he ventured curiously. “No. Wait,” he laughed. “Water and Juliet.” Sheridan shook her head with a smile. Her laughter music to Luis’s ears. “That’s not all,” she admitted. Tucking her head back under his chin. Yawning. And listening to his heart thud inside his chest. “But I’m not going to tell you,” she said in a teasing voice. Not going to tell him HE was her good thought. “Fine. Be that way,” Luis grumbled good-naturedly. “Go to sleep, Luis,” Sheridan whispered. And he did. A matching smile on his face.

The bells at the front chimed, and she turned her attention to the number one reason she wanted Sherry out of the picture. The sinfully handsome guy currently smiling at the girl like she was all that mattered in this world. “Hey Luigi,” she waved. She crossed her arms across her chest angrily when he waved back distractedly and returned to the brat. Mr. Izzaria shook his head. The girl beside him was trouble with a capital T. Too bad he couldn’t afford to let her go. “Mr. Izzaria,” Sherry crossed the small distance to stand in front of them, “is it alright if I cut out early? There’s a carnival tonight, and…” “Sherry, Sherry,” he interrupted her breathless plea. “Go. Alison will finish up here. Won’t you?” he asked. Shooting her a look that warned…NO ARGUMENTS. “Yeah…I’ll finish up here. Go have fun, Sherry,” she said sweetly. Plastering her best fake smile on her lips.

Luis waited outside their room while she changed clothes. Listening to the waves surging against the shore. Breathing deeply of the salty air. It reminded him of home. Harmony. And for an instant, he was hit with a terrible feeling of homesickness. The guilt racked through him as he thought of his mama back home. His candle probably joined Papa’s and Antonio’s candles. “Luis? Luis? Is something wrong?” Sheridan’s voice broke through the fog. He looked down at her small hand on his arm. Light on dark. It was strangely mesmerizing. “Luis? We don’t have to go to this carnival…” “Sheridan,” he shook his head. “We’re going, and that’s it. I think we’ve earned a little fun. Don’t you?” Her blue eyes sparkled alluringly in the fading light, and when she spoke it was with the excitement of a child. “I’ve never been to a carnival before, Luis.” “Never?” he asked in shock. His brown eyes alight with amusement at the expression of pure anticipation on her face. “Never,” she said softly. “Well,” he grinned. Offering her his hand. “What do you say? I think it’s time we get this show on the road.” She tangled her fingers with his-her silvery laughter making his smile grow even wider, and they were off.

They walked nearly a mile before the bright lights came into sight. The line was much longer than he expected, and the wait was a good fifteen to twenty minutes. Fifteen to twenty minutes of misery, he thought as every man within sight ogled Sheridan in her beloved faded jean cutoffs and torquoise tank. The spaghetti straps kept slipping, and Luis wanted to wrap his hands around the punk behind them with the beady brown eyes and greasy yellow hair that just couldn’t look away. Sheridan giggled at the menacing glare Luis sent the guy’s way. A surprised smile on her lips when he snaked his arm about her middle and pulled her closer. Could Luis be…was he…jealous? “Luis? What are you doing?” she asked curiously. “I have to protect you, Princess,” he whispered. In complete seriousness. And she cracked up. “When are you going to realize I’m not a kid? I can take care of myself,” she told him. But she made NO move to remove his arm from her waist. In fact…she rather liked it. Alison watched them from a distance. Her blue eyes burning a hole into Sheridan as the line shifted forward, and Luis dug in his jean pockets for their fare.

“What do you want to do first?” Luis asked. “Sheridan? Sheridan?” he laughed. Waving a hand in front of her face. “Sher…” he grinned. “I…Luis…I don’t know,” she finally whispered. “Come on,” he shook his head in amusement. Ambling up to the nearest booth. “Ever played basketball?” he asked her after handing over a couple dollars to the guy at the counter. “No,” she shook her blond head. Biting her lip. “You do it, Luis. I’ll watch.” He wanted to roll his eyes at her. But she was too damn cute when she was nervous. He stepped behind the line etched across the ground and raised him arms to shoot. Each basket went in, and Sheridan was clapping wildly by the time he was finished. The old guy behind the counter smiled at him. “Your choice, Son. Pick something for your girl.” “She’s not…you’ve got the wrong idea,” Luis whispered in embarrassment. Glad Sheridan couldn’t hear him over the loud, happy music and people milling about. “I don’t think so,” the man shook his head. “Looks like your girl to me.” Luis opened his mouth to protest, but the man cut him off. “That teddy bear at the top. She’s been eyeing it the whole time,” he whispered with a friendly smile. “I’ll take it,” Luis answered. Watching the smile on Sheridan’s face grow when she saw the man pull the teddy bear down. “For you,” Luis grinned. Presenting the bear proudly. Sheridan’s blue eyes twinkled up at him as she stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “Thank you,” she smiled. All he was capable of was an answering smile as he lifted a hand to his cheek where it still tingled from the fleeting touch of soft lips. Alison stepped from the shadows. An ugly frown marring her features.

They played every game. Rode every ride imaginable. Except for one. The Ferris Wheel. “Sheridan…” Luis tugged on her arm gently. But still she would not budge. “Luis, no.” “I don’t get it,” he said. Trying not to laugh at the look of utter horror written plainly across her face. “No,” she whispered harshly. Her blue eyes staring at the ground. Refusing to meet his. His brown eyes glanced skyward, and suddenly he realized…she was afraid of heights! “Sheridan,” he said quietly. Tipping her chin up with his index finger. “You trust me, don’t you?” She nodded her head immediately. Without a second thought. “Then believe me,” he pleaded with earnest brown eyes. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ll keep you safe. It’s a promise.” “Luis, I don’t know. It’s so high. I’m afraid I’ll…” “Sheridan,” he said pointedly. “Promise you’ll catch me if I fall?” she asked timidly. And if her fear weren’t so real, so tangible, he would have laughed outright. But he didn’t. “Promise,” he vowed. Gripping her hand tightly in his own as they were ushered forward, and the attendant secured them in the bucket. “Luis,” Sheridan panicked as the big wheel churned, and they started climbing. Climbing slowly to the top. “Shh,” he soothed. “They’re just loading everybody in. And then the ride will start. Sheridan,” he laughed as she squeezed her blue eyes shut.

“You’re cutting off my circulation, Princess,” he teased as they lurched into motion. “Sheridan…open your eyes. You’re missing a helluva view.” She felt the gentle breeze on her cheeks. Heard the tinkling music in her ears. “Please,” Luis begged. And she smiled as she imagined the Puppy Dog face he was surely giving her. “Don’t let go,” she made him promise once more. “I won’t,” he promised. “Now open those eyes,” he ordered. Grinning as they slowly fluttered open. At her gasp of awe as she saw what he saw. "Luis…it’s SO beautiful. You can see the ocean all the way from here. And the stars! They’re so bright,” she said in childlike wonder. The Ferris Wheel groaned to a halt, and the fear was back in an instant. “Luis! What’s going on? Oh no! Are we stuck up here?” “Calm down, Blondie,” the Punk from earlier shrieked. Rocking his bucket back and forth violently. “Figures,” Luis muttered under his breath. “He’s alone. Loser. Sheridan…hey,” he whispered. Raising a hand to her cheek when he saw the sheen of tears visible in her blue eyes. “Aww…don’t cry. This happens all the time. Nobody ever gets stuck up at the top for an eternity,” he tried to joke. Failing miserably. “Not funny, Luis,” Sheridan pouted. “Don’t,” he pleaded as one fat tear spilled over onto her silky cheek. “Sher…” “I can’t help it,” she sniffled. “Luis!” she cried. Her voice rising a few octaves as panic washed over her in waves with the gentle sway of the bucket. “We’re going to die! We’re going to die!” she screamed frantically. While the Punk howled hysterically. “Sheridan!” he yelled. Cupping her face in the palms of his hands and forcing her to look into his eyes. “Calm down. We are NOT going to die.” “But Luis…how can…”

She couldn’t think. She couldn’t breathe as his lips brushed against hers gently. Her blood rushed in her ears, and she was sure her heart would pound right out of her chest. Forget falling to her death. She was going to die from heart failure. And all it took was the gentlest pressure of his lips against her own. “Luis,” she murmured against his lips. Her pale lashes fluttering against his skin. “Shh,” Luis quieted her. “Don’t…don’t say anything. Okay?” She nodded her head slowly. She trembled as he captured her lips again. Drawing her bottom lip between both of his in the sweetest kiss…She slid her hands up his chest to clutch his shoulders. She wanted to be closer to him. She needed to be closer. He combed his fingers through the curls at the nape of her neck as he pulled back and gazed into her amazing blue eyes. Bluer than the ocean. Corny, maybe. But it was true. She edged closer shyly. Still gripping his strong shoulders. And kissed him lightly on the lips. Once. Twice. And then again. But this time he kept her close as he angled his mouth over hers. Tracing her lips with his tongue. Groaning when she parted her lips and let him kiss her more deeply as she clung to him. “That’s it, Kids,” a loud, obnoxious voice jerked them back to reality. “Ride’s over.” Sheridan held a hand to her mouth. Cheeks flaming red with embarrassment as she ducked her head and reached blindly for his hand. And he felt a jolt of electricity right down to his toes as he grasped it firmly and pulled her to her feet. He promised her he’d catch her if she fell…who was going to catch him? What the hell was he going to do now, he wondered as they pushed through the crowd that was slowly disippating. He was so preoccupied he didn’t even notice her as they made their way to the exit. Alison’s blue eyes glittered with jealous rage. As she crumpled up the newspaper she’d been holding up in front of her face as she followed them and threw it to the ground. A little boy passing by tripped. Staining its white pages brown with soda, and his green eyes grew wide as he recognized the pictures on the front page. The pretty girl from the Ferris Wheel! And the guy! “Trevor! Trevor! Quit dawdling. Hurry up!” Trevor scurried after his mother and the rest of his family. “Hey, Mike,” he tugged on his big brother’s pants leg. “What does ‘kidnapped’ mean?”

The sand shifted under their bare feet as they trudged back to the hotel. Silence except the crashing waves along the private beach. She glanced up at him nervously. What was he thinking? He hadn’t said a thing since their kiss on the Ferris Wheel. Their kiss! Her cheeks burned hot just thinking about it. It was amazing. Indescribably amazing. She smiled slightly. It was…right. Her first kiss, and it was from Luis. Luis caught her smile out of the corner of his brown eyes. “What are you smiling about?” he asked. Brown eyes twinkling in the starlight. She blushed furiously under his attention, and he grinned at her. “Sherry,” he teased. Taking the sandals from her hands and dropping them to the sand below by his own shoes. “Tell me,” he said. Grabbing her other hand and threading his fingers through hers. “Look at me, Sheridan,” he told her. And Sheridan raised shining blue eyes to his face. “Our…Luis…” “Yes?” he prodded gently. “You kissed me,” she whispered in wonder. “I did,” he smiled back at her. Running the back of his knuckles across her cheek gently. “Luis…” she sighed. Leaning into his touch. “Luis? Where are you?” she cried. Feeling bereft when she realized…he wasn’t there. “Out here,” he called. Her eyes searched. Finding him. Knee-deep in the waves. “What are you waiting for? The water feels great.”

The water lapped at her ankles, and her laughter made him smile. “I can’t, Luis. I don’t have my suit on.” “So,” he shrugged his shoulders. Wading toward her. “Luis…Luis…don’t!” she shrieked as he grabbed her up and hoisted her over his shoulder. When the water was waist-deep, he finally let her down. “Luis!” she pushed at his chest. “Now what am I going to do? I’m soaking wet.” “Swim,” Luis waggled his eyebrows at her. “Ugh!” she groaned. Slapping the water beside her, and drenching him. “You’ll pay for that,” Luis promised. Blinking his eyes against the stinging salt water. And Sheridan’s blue eyes grew wide as he gave chase. Catching her and dunking her underneath the gently breaking waves. “That was SO mean, Luigi,” she sputtered. Pretending to pout. “Alright, Sherry,” he teased. “Seriously…you know I hate that name. Of all the fake names you could have come up with…why that one?” “I don’t know,” Sheridan said slyly. “Maybe it’s because…” “Because what?” he questioned. Brushing her wet blond locks from her eyes. Sheridan sucked in a deep breath. “Because,” she said. A mischievous smile playing on her pink lips as she backed up. Slowly putting distance between her and Luis. “Because you look like one of the Super Mario Brothers,” she giggled. Then turned and ran. Luis grabbed his chest in mock hurt. “You slay me.”

Luis dropped to the sand beside her and wiped his face with the tee-shirt he’d abandoned earlier. Sheridan bit her lip as the droplets of water gleamed on his bronzed skin, and she crossed her arms across her chest self-consciously. Shivering at the breeze blowing off the ocean. “Cold?” Luis asked. Pulling her into his arms and rubbing her arms briskly with his warm hands. Sheridan closed her eyes and leaned back against him. “Luis?” “Yeah,” he said quietly. “Do you miss it?” He rested his chin on her shoulder with a sigh. “Do you miss Harmony? Your family?” Luis slid his arms around her waist and hugged her close. “Do you?” he evaded her question. “I miss Juliet,” she tried to smile. Luis chuckled. “And Ethan. And Ivy. And your mother,” she finished in a choked voice. “Me too,” Luis admitted. Sheridan shifted in his arms to face him. “It’s my fault. I took you away from her. And your brother and sisters. Luis…you should just forget about me and go home,” she cried. Chin quivering. “Pilar must miss you so. You have people who love you and are concerned.” He brushed her tears away with a gentle hand. “You have people that care about you, too,” he whispered. But love, she wondered. Sure, Ivy and Ethan CARED about her. Pilar CARED about her. But did ANYONE…least of all her father…LOVE her? “It’s not the same,” she said in a tremulous voice. “I made my choice,” he said. Staring deeply into her blue eyes. “And I don’t regret it. Not for a second.”

“Thank you,” she whispered. Twining her arms tightly about his neck. Luis hands rubbed her back in soothing circles. “Shh,” he murmured into her ear. “You’re going to be okay. You have me. We have each other,” he whispered. Pulling back to kiss her forehead. He traced her lips with the pads of his thumbs. “I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I promise,” he vowed. Leaning close to brush his lips across her brow. Her damp cheeks. And the tears fell faster. “Shh. Don’t cry,” he pleaded. Sheridan looked at him with sad blue eyes. “Kiss me again, Luis. Please,” she said. Her hands rested on his shoulders, and her eyes darted back and forth from his eyes to his mouth. He groaned when she shifted in his lap and crushed her to him before granting her request. His lips lingering sweetly on hers. Sheridan stared back at him with hooded blue eyes. Heart pounding furiously in her chest as she ran her hands up and down his muscled chest. Luis slid his hand around the back of her neck and kissed her again. A slow, deep, drugging kiss that had her mind whirling. She pulled back in surprise when she realized they were falling. To the sand beneath them.

Luis stared up at her with eyes dark. Dark with desire, she realized with just a twinge of anxiety. Things were moving a little too fast. At a breakneck speed. But she was powerless to resist when he reached for her. He slipped his tongue past her parted lips and started the furious rush of feelings within her again. His hands were everywhere. Caressing her bare thighs. Just above her knee. Slipping beneath the hem of her tank. Burning the skin of her back with its heat. She felt…happy. Alive. In a dream-like state. Her body ached for his touch. But her heart, her mind…”Luis…” His hand slid around and cupped her rib cage, and her breath stopped in her throat. Her eyes fluttered closed once more when he touched her, and she felt her body respond. It was all too much. She was scared. Frightened beyond belief. “Luis…stop,” she cried weakly as he kissed her neck. His hot breath on her skin making her shiver. “Luis,” she pushed against his chest. Hot tears of humiliation springing to her blue eyes. “I said STOP!” she yelled. Pushing him away more violently and scrambling away. Watching the reassuring surge of the waves as she propped her chin on her raised knee.

Luis pulled his tee-shirt back over his head. And just watched her in silence for a few moments. “I’m sorry,” she finally whispered. Turning her teary gaze upon him. “There’s something wrong with me, isn’t there? I don’t know what I want, Luis. I asked you to kiss me. I wanted you to. But then…I don’t know what happened…” “It’s not your fault,” he told her. Running a gentle hand through her soft damp curls and placing a tender kiss on her forehead. “It’s mine. I knew…I know you’ve never…I should have stopped. I shouldn’t have…it was too much too soon,” he said softly. Wiping her tears from her cheeks carefully. “I’m just not…ready for all that,” she admitted with extreme embarrassment. Ducking her head. “Hey,” he said. Making her look at him. “I understand. And I promise…from now on…we take things more slowly.” “You really understand? You’re not just saying that to make me feel better? You’re not disappointed?” she asked in a breathless rush. Blue eyes bright with hope. He understood! “Yes. No. And yes and no,” he grinned. “But only a tiny bit disappointed,” he said quickly when her beautiful face fell. “I’ll wait for you, Princess. When you’re ready…” He laughed as she threw her arms around his neck joyfully. “Thank you, Luis! You’re amazing!” No, he thought as he held her in his arms. YOU’RE the amazing one. “Come on,” he nodded his head in the direction of their hotel. “I think it’s time we went back. Don’t you?” She took his hand with a smile. And they disappeared down the sandy beach. Together.

Alison snarled at the blissful smile on Luigi’s face when he first caught sight of Sherry. The only thing worse was the look on HER face. The girl was…to put it quite simply…IN LOVE. Head over heels, deeply, madly, passionately, knots in the stomach IN LOVE. She studied Luigi out of the corner of her eye while she filled her arms with dirty plates and cups and forks and spoons. He was in love with her, too, she realized with a pang. The funny thing was…she didn’t think either realized it. Either that or they were too busy lying to themselves. She’d be happy for them. IF she weren’t so damn mad. He wasn’t supposed to love the little bitch. EVERYONE loved her. He was supposed to love HER. Alison. It wasn’t fair, she thought. Slamming the plates down on the counter so hard Mr. Izzaria glared at her. She ignored him. Stalking off toward the bathroom in the back. Mr. Izzaria turned his eyes back on the young couple in front of him. He smiled and patted Sherry’s face fondly. “Get out of here, Kid. You have the whole weekend off. You deserve it.” Sheridan was so overcome she threw her arms around the little old man’s neck and kissed his cheek. Luis laughed the whole way out the door at the image of Mr. Izzaria’s blazing red cheeks.

“Luis,” Sheridan pleaded. Looking up at him with dancing blue eyes as they walked along the beach later. To a secret destination. “Tell me where we’re going. Please. I can’t stand the suspense.” Luis shook his head with a grin. Pulling the sheet of paper out of the pocket of his shorts and reading it quickly. Sheridan tried to swipe the paper from his hands. Pouting when he yanked it just out of reach. “I see patience isn’t your strong suit,” he teased. “Luis,” she whined. “Where are we going? I want to know,” she said. Slipping her arms around his waist and staring up at him with wide, innocent blue eyes. He leaned down to kiss the tip of her nose lightly and pulled back. Brown eyes twinkling. “I’m not telling.” Sheridan dropped her arms from his waist. “Fine. Be that way,” she grumbled. Trudging ahead of him. He struggled to keep a straight face every time she sneaked a glance back. With that ridiculous but oh-so adorable pout on her lips. A full-fledged grin spread over his lips when she turned around just in time to exclaim in awe. “Oh my…Luis,” she breathed. “It’s so beautiful. There’s no one here,” she said incredulously. “If I lived here…Luis, I’d NEVER leave.” His eyes roamed the exterior of the old but majestic beachhouse. The paint was chipped. The small yard beyond the sand overgrown. Wild roses twined around the porch rails. Wild roses. Odd. “Joe was right. It DOES need a lot of work.” “LUIS!” Sheridan bounced on her heels excitedly. “This is the place? Oh!” she threw her arms around his neck. “Sheridan,” he laughed as she bounded up the creaky weather-beaten steps, and the front door banged against the wall behind her.

He followed her. Walking through the spacious, open living room. Ceiling fans whirred above him, and he looked up just in time to see her disappear upstairs. “Sheridan,” he laughed. “I’m exploring,” she shot back. Poking her golden head back around the corner of the wall. “Luis…this place is amazing.” “Amazing, huh?” he shook his head. Wiping the thick layer of dust off the coffee table resting before an extremely oversized sofa. His dark eyes were drawn the large bay windows and the view outside. The waves capping and breaking as they surged toward the shore. It had its own charm. He wandered around. Doing his own exploration. Pleased when he found the kitchen. Another large, airy room that was surprisingly modern. A magnet held a note in place on the refrigerator door, and he plucked it down. Scanning Joe’s familiar scrawl. He grinned to himself as he read the instructions laid out for him. A little painting. He could handle that. Replace the broken steps on the porch. Basically just a little spit and polish. Nothing he hadn’t done before. And the best part…he and Sheridan were free to use anything in the house they needed. Plus, the kitchen was fully stocked with food. Food! He remembered then…he’d missed lunch when Joe took him aside to describe the job he’d had in mind. “Luis,” Sheridan’s voice startled him. “Is there anything in there?” she asked. Peering around him at the refrigerator. “I’m starving!” He laughed out loud when her stomach chose that precise moment to growl very, very loudly. “I told you,” she laughed with him. Hopping on the counter and letting her now bare feet dangle in the air. All of five minutes, and she had already ditched the shoes. She shrieked with laughter when he tickled the soles of her feet. Finally shoving him away. “Stop it,” she said. Frowning. “I mean it, Luis. I’m SO hungry. It isn’t even funny.”

“Uh huh,” he teased. “You don’t help, you don’t eat.” “Luis!” she gasped. “I don’t know how to cook,” she grumbled. Crossing her arms around her chest. “You know that.” “Well, Princess,” he gave her foot a tug. “I think it’s time you learned. What are you waiting for?” He snapped his fingers for effect. “Move it. Move it.” “UGH!” she groaned. Slipping from the counter and yanking the freezer open. Plates clattered and cabinets banged open and shut as he searched for the appropriate cookware. Sheridan surveyed the freezer’s contents with wide blue eyes. How was she supposed to know what all this stuff was? “Why don’t you check the bottom first?” Luis suggested. Sheridan did as he instructed, and he grinned. Reaching past her to withdraw the steaks. Breathing in the pleasant aroma and making a mental note to himself to kiss the ground Joe walked on when he saw him again. The guy was just TOO generous. He’d even marinated them. “Just what I’m in the mood for. A big, juicy steak.” Sheridan narrowed her blue eyes at him. “You better not just throw it on for all of two seconds. I prefer my food dead, thank you very much. Not dripping and bloody.” “But Sherry,” he teased. “That’s the best way to eat it.” She shuddered involuntarily. “Luis,” she gagged. “I’m always afraid I’m going to stick my fork in it, and it’s going to MOO back at me.” Luis howled with laughter. “You are just too much.”

Cooking with Sheridan…it was quite an experience. One he wouldn’t forget. His Princess was NO Martha Stewart. Hell…she wasn’t even close to Betty Crocker. They ate their dinner in the kitchen with lots of good-natured teasing and everyday conversation. Then they retired to the swing on the front porch. Cuddling close. Her head tucked beneath his chin as the sea breeze blew gently. Ruffling her blond curls and tickling his nose. The sun set over the horizon. Its purples and pinks and oranges a brilliant display of beauty. He ran his hands up and down her arms. Listening to the gentle sound of her relaxed breathing. He realized with a smile that she was asleep. Dead to the world as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her inside. Up the stairs and into the first room he came to. A room painted a most tranquil color of blue. He pulled back the blankets and lay her down. A peaceful smile on her lips as he kissed her brow. He pulled his tee-shirt over his head and crawled into bed beside her. Drawing her into his arms with a contented sigh and closing his eyes in slumber. They had a busy day ahead of them tomorrow.

She woke up to the unwelcome sound of a hammer pounding outside. “Luis,” she moaned. “And on my day off,” she huffed. Burying her blond head underneath the down pillow. The hammering stopped, but she kept the pillow over her head. Sure the hammering’d be replaced with some other dreadfully loud noise. “What do you think you’re doing?” a muffled voice asked. Yanking the pillow away. “Trying to SLEEP,” she scowled at him. “Go away and be quiet,” she ordered. Grabbing the pillow back from him and diving under it. A few minutes passed and nothing happened. She couldn’t help being a bit disappointed. “Luis,” she said. “Luis?” she repeated. “Where’d you go? Luis,” she pouted. “I didn’t really mean it,” she grumbled to herself. “Good!” Luis exclaimed. Almost frightening her to death when he grabbed her from behind and starting tickling her relentlessly. “Luis!” she shrieked. Trying desperately to escape. “I’m sorry. Stop! Stop! Uncle,” she giggled breathlessly. Chest heaving as he pinned her wrists above her head. “Uncle,” he teased. Brown eyes sparkling at her. “I think not.” Sheridan held her breath as his face loomed nearer.

“Luis?” Luis held her wrists in one hand. Caressing her cheek with the other before placing a sweet kiss on one corner of her mouth. Then the other. “Luis,” she sighed. Eyes fluttering shut. He brushed his lips along her jawline to her neck. His hand left her wrists as he slid it down the length of her arm and down her rib cage to her waist. Making her gasp when he brushed the side of her breast. “Luis,” she pleaded with glittering blue eyes. And he captured her lips with his. Kissing her with agonizing slowness. Deliberately teasing her-and himself. Her hands tangled in his black hair. Holding him to her. When he pulled away, she felt like crying. Why? “Luis,” she said shakily. “Why did you stop?” He cupped her jaw in his palm. Rubbing his thumb over swollen lips. “Because we have work to do,” he told her. Just before climbing off the bed and walking to the door. “We?” she asked in confusion. “Yes, we. Time to rise and shine, Princess. This isn’t a free ride. You have to earn your keep.” He wasn’t kidding. He meant business! She groaned. Sailing the pillow through the air after his retreating form.

When she joined him on the porch dressed in a pair of cutoff denim shorts and baby blue bikini top, he tossed a pair of dirty-looking old gloves at her. “Luis,” she rolled her eyes. “What are these for?” He shook his head with a grin. “See those rose bushes?” She nodded her head slowly. “You’re going to prune them back before they take over the entire house. “Luis!” “Problem, Sherry?” he arched a dark brow at her. She huffed in annoyance. He knew damn well she had NO idea what to do. But she wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of admitting it. She pulled the gloves on and set to work. Luis smiled at her dogged determination. Almost an hour elapsed. No words passed between them. He lay the hammer down on the newly repaired steps and wiped the sweat from his brow with his arm. Standing back to watch her in action. He had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing aloud. She’d made virtually NO progress, and if ever a person looked like a fish out of water…that was Sheridan. “What?” she groaned when she felt his eyes boring into her from behind. “Luigi,” she growled. Using the hated nickname. “Don’t you dare say anything,” she warned. “I’m doing the best I can.” “Give me those,” he said. “With pleasure,” she beamed. Tugging the gloves off and dropping them in his upturned hands. “Here’s your garden thingy, too.” Luis chuckled under his breath. Watching the gentle sway of her hips appreciatively as she climbed up the steps to the front door. “Great,” he teased. “Do a good job on that housework for Joe, okay?” “UUUUUGGGGGHHHHH!!!” The door banged shut behind her.

As afternoon approached, the sun’s rays beat down more forcefully. The heat broken only by the salty sea breeze. He stripped his shirt from his upper body and tied it around his waist. Leaning his forehead against the arm he had braced against the white column of the porch. “Luis,” he heard her call. And the door opening softly. Then silence. He raised his head to find her staring at him. Slack-jawed. Biting her lip nervously. And holding a glass of the most deliciously cool-looking water he’d ever seen. He smirked at her expression and slowly straightened up. “Take a picture, Princess. It’ll last longer,” he teased. Highly amused when she blushed ten different shades of red. “Are you going to bring me that glass of water or am I going to have to wrestle you for it?” Sheridan’s jaw worked. Trying to formulate more than an incoherent jumble of words. Oh god, she thought. Breath stopping in her throat. She’d never found sweaty men irresistible or even attractive before. But then again…she hadn’t known Luis. She hadn’t known a lot of things. “Here,” she said faintly. Holding the glass out to him. Luis gave her one of his knee-knocking grins as he took the glass from her hand carefully. His fingers brushing against hers and sending shockwaves through her entire body. She pulled her hand away awkwardly and stared at the ground. “I’m going for a swim. Do you want to come?” she asked. Looking up at him with hopeful blue eyes. "I don’t know,” he said hesitantly. “There’s still a lot of work to be done.” He cursed inwardly at the look of total disappointment that painted her features before she turned and walked away.

The water swirled around her ankles, and the sand sank beneath her feet as she stood at the beach’s edge. A hand to her brow. Shielding her eyes from the brightness of the sun as she scanned the horizon. A slight smile on her lips as she recognized a tiny dot in the distance. A boat. Sea gulls squawked overhead. And she closed her eyes. Taking a deep, cleansing breath. The water was cold as she waded out. Refreshing and invigorating though it made her shiver. Her eyes were drawn to the ocean’s floor. Watching as the surge of the waves tossed seashells forward. Only to drag them back with a magnetic pull. A tiny fish darted past, and she felt foolish for the tiny thrill of fright that filled her momentarily. She squinted against the sun’s glare as her eyes searched the beach. Hoping to see him. Hoping Luis had changed his mind. Sighing when all she saw was the purple splash of color that was her beach towel against the pale, gleaming sand. Her arms cut through the waves skillfully as they took her farther and farther from shore. And she lost all sense of time. Luis’s dark eyes searched and found her bobbing among the waves. The momentary panic he’d felt at not being able to locate her after a rather lengthy absence replaced with relief as he waded deeper into the water. Intent on reaching her side. Work could wait. He needed a break anyway, he reasoned. And he never liked to think he was the reason that beautiful smile was gone.

A brilliant smile lit up her face when she felt his arms snake around her waist from behind. “Oh, you’re so hard at work right now, Luigi,” she teased breathlessly as his lips lingered on the curve of her neck and his arms tightened around her. Molding her body to his. Her head fell back against his shoulder, and Luis hooked her arm around his neck. She hummed with pleasure as his fingers splayed across her stomach. Caressing her skin absently. Delicious tingles coursed through her, and she turned in his arms to look at him. Blue eyes dark and her voice husky as she said his name. Slipping her arms around his neck. One of Luis’s hands went to the small of her back, and he pressed her close. Staring down into her eyes. They were oblivious to their surroundings. And Sheridan was sure she’d died and gone to Heaven when his mouth covered hers. Their kisses growing in intensity and hunger with each second that passed. “Sheridan,” Luis pulled away. Panting for much-needed oxygen. His forehead resting against hers. “If you want me to stop, tell me now.” She felt a nervous flutter in her stomach, but then he smiled reassuringly at her. Linking their hands together. “No,” she murmured softly. “Don’t stop,” she told him. Kissing him with surprising boldness and wrapping her legs around his waist. “Don’t ever stop.”

Was it possible to FEEL this much, Sheridan wondered as she melted into Luis. Her legs tightened around his waist as she opened her mouth over his. Moaning as the kiss reached a fever-pitch intensity. Her blood rushed in her ears. Her heart beat furiously against her rib cage. Her insides turning into molten heat. So hot she had the insane notion she was burning alive. From the inside out as his tongue stroked deftly against hers. One of Luis’s hands splayed at dip of her waist. And the nimble fingers of his other hand played with the tiny baby blue string at her back. She sucked in unsteady breaths when he finally released her lips. Her chest heaving. The need for air overwhelming. She clutched at his shoulders. Leaning her forehead against his for several seconds. Until the need to feel his lips on hers again proved too much. She wanted to cry at the sweetness of his kiss as he drew her bottom lip between both of his soft, warm lips.

Her fingers combed the damp black hair at the base of his neck lightly just before she wrapped her arms more tightly about his neck. Loving the heady feeling of being so close to him. Not even a breath’s distance between their bodies. Luis groaned at the sensation the contact of her lithe body with his produced. The feeling of her soft skin, chilled by the ocean’s waters, beneath his fingertips. Silky skin that quickly warmed under his ministrations. His fingers toyed with the tie at her back. Just the slightest pull, and it began to give way. Ever so slowly. And, in an instant, the eyes tinted purple with desire and want and the tiniest measure of reservation opened. Dazzling him. Making him weak. Powerless to resist her. Any longer.

His steps were slow but deliberate as he carried her back to the shore. And Sheridan whimpered at the loss of contact when he lowered her down to the plush towel below. Luis’s brown eyes glittered, almost black, at her as he braced himself on his elbows. Reaching a hand out to sweep her golden hair from her brow and placing a feather-light kiss there. “Luis,” she breathed. Holding out her arms and welcoming the solid warmth of him again. She ran her hands up and down his arms. Amazed at the sheer strength brimming just beneath the surface as his muscles rippled with each movement. Luis’s lips trailed down the line of her jaw. The hiss of his breath against the curve of her neck making her shiver. The feel of his hands. His touch intoxicating as his hands lingered at her waist. His thumbs caressing her sides absently. She sighed against his lips as he rolled them over. And they were face to face. Nose to nose. Mouth to mouth. Giving and taking pleasure from each other. His hands swept the length of her back. Tracing the ridges of her spine. And her heart lodged somewhere in her throat as fingers undid the final strings at her neck. “Luis,” her voice came out in a whisper. An unsure whisper. Her breath stopping as he pulled her to him. “Shh,” he soothed. Kissing her temple and rubbing her back comfortingly. “You need me to slow down…I’ll slow down,” he murmured raggedly against her brow. “Whatever you want, Princess. Whatever you want.”

She felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. Amazed at the caring in his voice. The understanding. And she felt totally inadequate at that moment. Woefully inexperienced. Wasn’t it she who’d moments-or maybe it was hours ago, she couldn’t tell anymore-just told him not to ever stop? She listened to the pounding of his heart as it gradually slowed to a steadier, calmer beat. Wishing for all the world that she could throw all her fears away, and just let him…But she couldn’t. Not right here, in this moment, anyway. And that realization had her crying hot, bitter tears. Tears that spilled onto his skin and made his heart ache for her. Ache to kiss them away. “I’m so sorry,” she cried in shame. “I did it again. I’m so stupid, Luis. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I want you to…I want to…I want to be with you, Luis. So much it hurts,” she whispered. Lifting her head to look at him. For the first time. “There’s NOTHING wrong with you, Princess. It’s a natural reaction. A lot has happened the last several weeks, and it’s okay to be scared. Is that all, though? Are you just scared to go further? Or is it something else?” he implored her. “Something else?” she asked in confusion. “Luis…what do you mean?” Luis sat up. Bringing her with him. She fumbled with the ties at her back for a moment. Then dropped her hands to her lap. Clasping them together nervously. Digging her toes into the sand at her feet and studying the ring on her finger. The cross ring she never took off. “I don’t know,” he finally said. Shifting uncomfortably beside her as their shoulders brushed. The electric shocks coursing through his veins. “I don’t know,” he repeated. “Maybe you’re afraid what’ll happen afterward.” “Luis,” she said softly. Twisting the ring on her finger self-consciously. “I don’t follow.” “The future,” he supplied. “It’s not always a definite thing. Maybe that scares you more than…forget it. I obviously have NO clue what I’m saying here. Forget I even said a word.” “No,” she sighed. A gentle hand on his arm. “I think you do. And you’re right. What happens, Luis, if my father finds us? What happens then? Will we just go our separate ways? My father’s a very powerful man,” she ducked her head. “He’s used to getting what he wants, and in this case, he wants me MARRIED. And not to you,” she said quietly.

“Not to me,” he muttered under his breath. Surprised at how much that thought bothered him. And the depth of his feelings surprised him. He’d told himself before that he was just helping her out. A friend. An innocent among evil. That he cared about. Very much. But enough that the thought of her married to another man revolted him? Did funny things to his heart? Suddenly, he wasn’t sure of anything anymore. Least of all his feelings for the beautiful, vibrant girl beside him. “Would you…” “Would I what?” he asked. Resisting the urge to look away from her intense blue gaze. “Nothing,” she mumbled. Tucking her knees beneath her skin and looking out at the waves in front of her. Would you fight to be with me, she wondered silently. “Hey,” he said softly. Against her ear as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. “Get rid of the down face, okay. ‘Cause we don’t have to worry about your father. Or anyone else from Harmony. We’re safe. And we have all the time in the world to figure this out for ourselves. Someday you’ll be ready,” he said with another kiss to her temple. She smiled slightly at the sweet kiss he bestowed on her cheek. His faith in her. “Are you coming?” he asked. Hand outstretched. “We still have a helluva lot of work left to do, Princess. Not to mention…what’s for dinner?” he teased. Jerking his hand away with an amused chuckle as she swatted at it in irritation. That amused chuckle turning to outright laughter as she jumped him from behind and rode his back all the way to the beach house steps. “No dinner for you, young lady,” he groaned as he climbed the steps with heavy feet. “Ouch! I’m sorry,” he grumbled good-naturedly as he nudged the front door open with his shoulder. “Getting a little feisty, aren’t we?” “Luigi,” she warned. “SHUT UP!”

Sheridan shielded her eyes from the sun as she gazed up at Luis’s handiwork. And, er…some of his other fine attributes. “Enjoying the view?” Luis smirked. Well…she couldn’t actually see him smirking. But she could IMAGINE it. “Yes,” she said with much enthusiasm. Barely keeping a straight face. “You are just so talented, Luigi. The next Michaelangelo.” Luis turned to her with a grin. “Yeah…those blue eyes of yours have been admiring my paint job for the last hour.” She rolled her eyes at him and crossed her arms around her waist. “If you want to see me naked, Sherry,” he teased as he descended the ladder. “All you have to do is just ask,” he said in a low voice. Invading her personal space and making her hold her breath as he grazed her cheek with the back of his knuckles. “Really?” she said in a voice more breathy than she would have liked. “Just ask nicely,” he told her. Hooking his arms around her waist and drawing her against him. Sheridan’s eyes fluttered closed as all her nerve endings came alive at the full-body contact. When Luis kissed her, she didn’t THINK. She just FELT. Luis would have kissed her into oblivion gladly had they not been rudely interrupted. He didn’t bother to disguise the groan of extreme disappointment that left his lips at the sound of a throat being cleared. Followed by a high-pitched giggle. “Who are you?” he asked. His dark eyes landing on…a midget!

“My name’s Kailey Ann,” the midget giggled. Luis laughed under his breath when he realized his earlier assessment was wrong. So she wasn’t a midget. She was a little kid no more than 8, 9 years old. Same difference if you asked him. He had the strangest feeling of familiarity strike him as knelt down eye level with her and stared into her twinkling brown eyes. The dazed, confused look finally left Sheridan’s blue eyes soon after he yanked her down beside him, and it dawned on him slowly as he listened to Kailey Ann’s excited chatter…the reason she seemed so familiar was the fact that she reminded him of his kid sister back home. “Hi, Kailey Ann,” Sheridan greeted sweetly. “What brings you by?” Kailey Ann shoved a piece of blue and white stationary at her. “Mama said to give this to you. You’re invited to a party at our house. It’s down that way,” the midget-as Luis couldn’t help but think of her-pointed. “I’m so-“ he started to decline her offer. He didn’t want to go to a party with lots of other people their last evening at the beachhouse. He wanted Sheridan all to himself. But he just couldn’t stick to his rather selfish guns when he saw the sparkle in her blue eyes. “We’d love to come,” she gushed. “Do we need to bring anything?” Luis asked. There was no way around it now. She had her heart set on it. “Nope,” Kailey Ann said. Bouncing on the balls of her feet. “See you tonight,” she waved as she jogged down the beachside. “A party. Luis…I can’t wait,” Sheridan smiled up at him. “Oh no! What will I wear?” Luis rolled his eyes as she bounded up the steps and inside the house.

The hours before the party were spent finishing up the last of the chores on Joe’s list. Luis was pleasantly surprised to find it was hardly difficult. He actually had time to spare. And it took him all of 5 minutes to get dressed. Sheridan, on the other hand… “Sherry,” he groaned. Knocking on the bedroom door. “If you don’t hurry, we’re going to be late.” “Just a minute.” “Just a minute, my ass,” Luis muttered under his breath. Coming from the lips of a female…he’d believe it when he saw it. “Wait for me downstairs, Luis,” she called. Why the hell did she sound nervous, he wondered. But he shrugged it off as he went downstairs. Why the hell didn’t she sound MORE nervous, he wondered in astonishment as his eyes traveled up a pair of long, tanned legs. Past the fitted skirt of a dress reminiscent of the one she’d worn a lifetime ago. The night he first realized she wasn’t so bad, after all. Damn if she didn’t OWN the color red. “Luis?” she asked with just a twinge of anxiety evident in her voice. “Aren’t you going to say anything?” He gulped. TOO MUCH skin! He wasn’t letting her outside showing so much skin. “Earth to Luis,” she waved a hand in front of his face. “Where’d you find…THAT?” “THAT? Luis…you don’t like it?” she asked. Her face falling. “Like it! Like it? Of course, I like it. You look…AMAZING,” he breathed. And incredibly sexy, he thought silently. “Thank you,” she murmured. Blue eyes sparkling alluringly at him. “Looks like Joe has a girlfriend,” she giggled. Pecking him on the lips sweetly. “Come on, Luis. We’re going be late.” “And whose fault is that?” he grumbled good-naturedly as she pulled him out the front door.

Kailey Ann greeted them at the front door, and Sheridan was SO RELIEVED to see a familiar face. Even if she’d only seen it for the first time that afternoon. “MAMA! THEY’RE HERE!” she yelled at the top of her lungs. Sheridan winced. Yeah, Luis thought to himself. That clinches it. Kailey Ann was Theresa’s twin. Now he really believed everyone had a double out there. An older, much more annoying version of Kailey Ann appeared before them quite suddenly. Hanging all over him instantly and virtually ignoring Sheridan. “You better watch out,” Kailey Ann told Sheridan with a roll of her dark eyes. “The divorce papers came yesterday, and she’s on the prowl again.” Sheridan’s brows shot up. But her blue eyes narrowed as Catwoman pulled Luis out onto the makeshift dance floor. Proceeding to engage him in an absolutely obscene dance that had jealousy flaring within her, and fire blazing in her blue eyes. “Don’t get so fired up about it,” Kailey Ann advised her. “It’s so obvious he’d rather be dancing with you. Leelee’s wasted.” “Leelee?” Sheridan asked in confusion. “My mom,” Kailey Ann said matter-of-factly. “She’s been drinking all day. She never waits for the party,” she heaved a long-suffering sigh. “Cut in,” she said after a few more minutes of watching Leelee TRY to dance. “What?” Sheridan asked distractedly. “I said cut in. Or else she’s fixin’ to plant a big one on him. You better hurry,” Kailey Ann warned. Laughing gleefully as Sheridan stalked across the patio. Steam practically pouring from her ears. Leelee didn’t stand a chance. She grinned at her mother when sulked to her side. “Kailey Ann,” she drawled. “Get me another…” “I know, I know,” she groaned. She wanted to watch the sparks fly! No fair!

As if she didn’t feel majorly out of league before, Sheridan almost DIED when the first dramatic strains of tango music reached her ears. “Where do you think you’re going?” Luis smirked. Tightening his hold on her. “Luis,” Sheridan whined. “I…” “Don’t even try to tell me you don’t know how. You forget. Mama knows you VERY well,” he grinned. Threading his fingers through hers. “But Luis…” “No buts,” he told her. Raising a finger to her protesting lips. “Dance with me, Sheridan,” he said softly. Just the hint of a plea in his voice. She groaned. “When you ask so sweetly…” She smiled at him. And he knew he had her. “Let’s give them something to talk about,” he teased. Making her laugh wildly as he dipped her unexpectedly. But the laughter died in her throat as they moved together. Before she knew it, the dance was over. Everyone around them was cheering them on, and the look in Luis’s dark eyes made her shiver from head to toe. “Sherry,” he leaned forward to whisper in her ear. “Are you ready to go?” She nodded her head. “Bye, Kailey Ann,” she barely managed to say before Luis tugged her down the patio stairs and onto the beach below.

They didn’t say anything during the walk back to the beach house, and when Luis’s hand sought out hers, Sheridan almost jumped out of her skin. She wondered if he could feel how badly her palms were sweating. How hard her heart was pounding. The beach house was totally dark save the moonlight that danced here and there. Luis turned the key in the lock and pushed the door open. He didn’t bother to turn on any lights. Just reclaimed her hand and led her up the stairs. Her heels clicked against the wood loudly, and she laughed nervously. Luis’s teeth gleamed white in the shadows as he smiled at her. The bedroom door creaked open slowly. A sliver of silver light illuminated the room, and she trembled as he reached for her. “C’mere, Princess.” His big hands framed her face as he brushed feather-light kisses against her lips. So sweet and gentle she wanted to cry. She finally knew. “I’m sorry,” he breathed. “I didn’t mean to make you cry. Really good for the ole ego,” he tried to joke. “I’m moving too fast again, aren’t I?” he asked worriedly. She smiled tearfully at him. Slipping her arms around his neck. “No,” she murmured. Just before she kissed him. “You really mean it?” he asked. Hope in his brown eyes. “Shut up and kiss me, Luigi,” she teased. And he had no choice but to grant her request.

The breeze ruffled the lace curtains. Made goosebumps pebble her skin. Though she wasn’t sure if it was the cool ocean air or the way Luis looked at her, touched her, whispered in her ear. Luis’s fingers played with the thin spaghetti straps at her shoulders as his lips traveled down her jaw line. To her mouth once more, and she melted into him. The straps fell from her shoulders, and she sighed as his mouth lingered along her collarbone. The red dress was falling. She was falling. Fast. And Luis lay her back against the pillows. Covering her body with his. His shirt, his slacks gone. Her hands buried in his black hair as he kissed the hollow of her throat. Slid a hand up her ribcage to cup the fullness of her breast. He worshipped her. Making her whimper for release. Gasp for breath. Writhe beneath him restlessly. “Luis,” she pleaded. He captured her hands in his. Losing himself in her depthless blue eyes. “Sheridan,” he whispered. Nuzzling her nose and kissing each corner of her pouting mouth. “Are you sure? Are you certain this is what you want, Princess?” He groaned as he felt her long legs wrap around his waist. “100%,” she smiled brilliantly at him. “Love me, Luis,” she whispered. Arching into him. Love, he wondered as he pushed into her with aching slowness. Was it love that made his heart clench at the tiny gasp of pain that escaped her lips? Was it love that he felt as he gently kissed her tears away? Murmuring apologies against her lips, her brow, her temple as he moved within her. Was it love he felt as she cried his name softly? Was it love that made his heart swell as she snuggled peacefully in his arms as the moon painted the room in shades of silver and midnight shadows? Was it love, he wondered as he closed his eyes with a sigh. Fatigue finally overtaking him. Was it love?