Paradise No More

“Luis! LUIS! LUIS!!” Sheridan screamed in fear, as she stood shell-shocked. There was a bomb on their boat!

The bomb was going to explode soon, and Sheridan knew that she had to move, run, do something to avoid the blast that she knew was coming. But her feet seemed to be glued to the floor. All that she could do was scream in horror and hope that Luis could save her, yet again.

9… 8… 7… 6… 5…

Luis was climbing back up onto the boat after untangling the anchor when he heard Sheridan’s desperate cry for help.

“Sheridan?” He called in response to her frantic cry.

He heard her yell again. He could sense the fear in her voice, and his intuition was telling him that she was in danger.

“SHERIDAN!!” he shouted, as he sprinted towards the galley.

Please, God, Luis prayed. Sheridan and I have just found our happy ending-don’t take it away from us. Please! 4… 3… 2… 1…

But Luis was too late. The bomb exploded before he had even reached the stairs.

Wreckage from the boat was strewn all over the Caribbean Sea. And Luis and Sheridan’s chance at love and happiness was torn from their grasp.

Chapter 1:

The sea was filled with burning wreckage from the explosion. There were no signs of life anywhere.

Bubbles floated to the surface, and a muscular body soon followed. Only his dark hair and his tanned shoulders were visible above the water. He was dead.

But then the man raised his head and coughed, with tons of water spewing from his mouth. Exerting the little strength that he had remaining, he forced himself onto his back.

Luis took a few deep breaths and whispered the words that ruled his life before losing consciousness again. “Sheridan.”

Hours later, Luis groaned as he opened his eyes. He was fortunate to be washed ashore on a beach. While he had no idea as to where he was, he was saved from the thrashing depths of the raging surf. And, judging from the immense storm clouds overhead and the strong winds sweeping through the palm trees, it was only going to get worse.

Luis slowly got to his feet and checked out his injuries. He was ok for the most part-a few cuts and bruises, but, luckily, he hadn’t broken any bones. He did, however, have one hell of a headache.

He could tell from the sky that a huge storm was coming-it could even be a hurricane that was heading his way. He quickly scanned the surrounding area for something that he could use as a shelter during the storm. The best option was a large pile of rocks a few hundred feet from the shoreline.

Luis quickly walked over to the rocks, hoping that they would shield him from the turbulent winds and torrential rains. He leaned back against the rocks and stared out at the waves in front of him.

Mama is going to be so worried! Luis thought. She won’t know where I am, or if I’m alive. Theresa will be worried too. She and Ethan will be so upset that Sheridan and I are missing.

Sheridan. She hadn’t even crossed his mind since he had regained consciousness. He had to find her, rescue her. She was alive, he knew it. She had to be. She couldn’t, she wouldn’t be taken from him-not so soon, not now.

Frantically, he searched the high seas for any sign of his one true love, but it was to no avail. Luis moved closer to the ocean, hoping that the closer proximity would allow him to see a glimpse of her.

Then he saw it. A flash of blond hair, rolling with the tides. It had to be Sheridan, Luis knew it.

Luis quickly ran out into the surf and carefully swam out to where he had seen Sheridan only moments ago. He searched the area as best he could, but there was no sign of her.

Then, something hit his leg. He quickly reached down and grabbed it.

It was Sheridan’s arm. He quickly pulled her to the surface and pulled her to shore.

He pulled her up to the sheltered area of the island. He quickly looked her over. She was pale and had numerous cuts and scrapes all over her body. He also thought that she might have broken a few bones, but he couldn’t be sure until she awoke.

She was unconscious. Hell, she might even be dead. But that was a reality Luis refused to accept, despite the fact that she wasn’t breathing.

Sheridan couldn’t be dead. Luis simply wouldn’t allow it. If Sheridan wasn’t alive, he knew that his life was as good as over.

Chapter 2:

“C’mon, Sheridan,” Luis begged, his breath ragged from the exertion of pulling her to shore.

Luis was weak from the blood that he had lost, but he put his own pain and agony out of his mind. Sheridan was what was important.

Without Sheridan, everything lost its meaning.

Sailing. Fishing. Traveling. Working.

Without Sheridan, his own life had no meaning.

“C’mon, Sheridan. I need you so much. Breathe for me, sweetie.”

Luis waited a few moments, hoping she would breathe on her own. She didn’t. He knew he had to begin CPR.

After he started the chest compressions, water shot out of her mouth and hit Luis in the face. He ignored it and just kept on going.

After a few minutes, Sheridan finally started to breathe on her own.

Gasping for breath, Luis leaned back against the rocks. Sheridan was alive. Now, he could get some much-needed rest.

A few moments passed before Luis realized that he was shivering. If he was cold, he could only imagine how cold Sheridan must be! He had to warm her up. The only question was how?

They had both been in the ocean, and their clothes were drenched. All of the wood on the island would be soaked as well, so building a fire wasn’t an option either. The only feasible option was body heat, but as long as cold rain was pouring down from the sky above, it didn’t stand much of a chance of warming Sheridan up at all. If he could get them out of the rain, he could warm her up.

Desperately, he began feeling the rocks, hoping to find a small cavern. He found dozens of crevices, but no caves.

“I’m sorry, Sheridan,” Luis said, his tears mingling with the rain. “I want nothing more than to save you, but I don’t know how I can keep you warm.”

He glanced over at the pale face of the woman he loved. She was dying before his eyes, and there wasn’t a thing that he could do to save her.

“Dammit!” Luis shouted into the swirling wind and the driving rain. He slammed his fist into rocks in frustration. Surprisingly, the rocks began to crumble away from the force of his fist.

Luis stared at the hole in amazement. He had created that! And he saw a small cavern behind the thin rock wall!

Luis looked up at the heavens, and softly whispered, “Thank you, God. Thank you for allowing me to save Sheridan.”

He then looked back at the hole and began to work on making it larger.

Luis had removed his and Sheridan’s clothing and had placed them near the fire, in hopes that they would dry quickly. He was now lying on the cave floor with Sheridan in his arms.

He smoothed her beautiful blond curls and gave a soft smile. “I’m here for you, Sheridan. I will always be here for you. I love you, Sheridan. Sweet dreams, my love.”

Chapter 3:

Early the next morning, Luis awoke. He cautiously moved to check on Sheridan. Her breathing was regular now, and her face had regained some color.

After she woke up, he knew that she would need something to eat. He carefully removed his arms from around Sheridan and stood up to go find some food. The weather was still horrendous, but Luis had to find something that they could eat.

On his search for food, Luis had encountered numerous banana, pineapple, and coconut trees. The gale-like winds had blown many to the ground, and Luis had happily gathered them up. He knew that they would make a few good meals.

Luis had also found some fish on the beach. The tossing surf had thrown many of them ashore, and Luis had picked them up as well. The wide variety of fish increased his elation since he we sure that he would be able to catch many more fish once the turbulent waves had died down.

And to top it off, Sheridan was doing much better, and Luis was confident that she would be back to normal in no time. He hoped that he would return to the cave to find an alert Sheridan awaiting him.

“Wake up soon, my love,” Luis whispered into her ear before he began to cook his meal.

The appetizing aroma wafted over to where Sheridan lay. She moaned and slowly opened her eyes.

Luis heard the groan escape her lips and immediately rushed to her side. When he saw her stir, an ear-to-ear grin lit up his face.

“Sheridan, my darling, you’re awake!” Luis exclaimed, filled with joy.

He leaned in for a kiss, but Sheridan avoided his lips as best she could.

Luis’s eyes were immediately filled with worry and fear. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” he asked anxiously.

“Who do you think you are?” Sheridan asked with disgust and contempt.

“I don’t know who this Sheridan is of whom you speak, but I most certainly am not her,” she continued with an aristocratic air. “Additionally, I am not your ‘darling’ or your ‘sweetheart,’ and I will, under no circumstances, allow you to kiss me.”

Luis was stunned. Sheridan didn’t remember who she was. She didn’t remember who he was. And, most importantly, she didn’t remember the love that they had shared.

“I am Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. You are Sheridan. Sheridan Katherine Crane, the love of my life. You have a brother Julian and a father Alistair. Your mother died when you were young, and you have always felt responsible for her death. We have been dating for almost 10 months, and I have loved you since the moment I met you. Sheridan, we are engaged!” Luis responded, hoping to spark a memory of the time they had spent together.

“If we are engaged, as you claim, why am I not wearing an engagement ring?” Sheridan asked skeptically.

“It’s right here!” Luis responded grabbing her hand. To his surprise, the ring he had so lovingly placed on that finger was nowhere to be seen.

“No, it’s not, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald-if that’s even your real name.”

“It is! Sheridan, I have never lied to you. Why would I start now?”

“First off, cut the ‘Sheridan’ shit. That’s not my name,” Sheridan informed him. “Secondly, I don’t know you, so of course you’ve never lied to me! I have no reason to believe a single word that comes out of your mouth. For all I know, you kidnapped me and took me to this God-forsaken island.”

“Look at me! I’m naked! I know that I most certainly did not disrobe in front of you, so you must have removed my clothes. So tell me why, Luis. Tell me why I should believe a single word that comes out of your mouth,” Sheridan demanded forcefully, her Crane heritage appearing before Luis’s very eyes.

“Fine,” Luis surrendered in a weary voice. “Don’t believe me. But if you’re not Sheridan, who are you?”

“I’m… I’m… ” Sheridan trailed off before sighing in frustration. “Ok, so I don’t know who I am, but I know that I am not Sheridan Crane,” she informed him.

“Okay…” Luis replied slowly. “If I’m not allowed to call you Sheridan, what may I call you?”

“You can call me…” Sheridan thought about his question. What was her name? “Isabelle.”

“Okay, Isabelle,” Luis responded, trying to hide his grin. “Why don’t you put on some clothes, and then we can eat some breakfast.”

“Okay, Luis,” Sheridan replied with the same tone, reaching for her shirt.

“Ow,” she moaned softly, rubbing her wrist.

“Are you ok?” Luis asked worriedly, rushing to her side. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m just fine, Luis. My wrist just hurts a little. It’s nothing, really.”

Luis immediately took her arm and held it a few inches away from the wrist. “Move your wrist.”

“Don’t tell me what to do!” Sheridan replied. First this man undresses me, and then I’m supposed to do as he says? Ha!

“Sh-Isabelle, I think you may have broken your wrist. Just trust me. Please.”

Sheridan sighed loudly. “Oh, all right.”

She tried to move her wrist, but it was of no avail. “I-I can’t move it. It must be broken.”

“I’ll have to make a brace for it then. Would you like some help putting your clothes on? It could be difficult if you only have one arm to use.”

“I’m not helpless! I’ll do it myself!”

Luis raised his eyebrows in surprise. She didn’t trust him at all. But he didn’t protest. Rather, he shrugged his shoulders and returned to fixing breakfast.

Sheridan stalked over to the corner where she could put on her clothing and be alone with her thoughts.

That man was so arrogant! He just expected her to believe his story, despite the fact that she had no idea who he was. Sure, his dashing good looks and innocent baby face may have gotten others to believe his lies in the past, but she knew better. He was nothing more than an experienced con artist, looking to get some. If there was only one thing that Sheridan knew-and due to her amnesia it may have been the only thing that she knew-it was that he was not going to succeed. Not with her.

She tried to put on her swimsuit, but she couldn’t. She couldn’t tie the strings with only one hand. As much as she hated to admit it, she needed Luis’s help.

“Luis?” she asked meekly. “Can you give me a hand?”

Chapter 4:

Moments later, Isabelle walked back to the campfire wearing her bikini and the long t-shirt. The shirt was tattered and filled with bloodstains, but Isabelle didn’t care. She was not going to be near that-that-that slimeball while she was naked!

“And today for breakfast, mademoiselle, we have fish á la Luis with a side of pineapple,” Luis said with a French accent.

“Merci, monsieur,” Isabelle replied in kind.

Hungrily, they both ate the food. Isabelle was surprised at how good of a cook Luis was. She had expected him to be to type who asked her to make the meals. He was still scum, but she had to admit that he did have some redeeming qualities.

Less than an hour later, Luis ventured out of the cave to search for materials for a splint. Honestly, he needed time alone with his thoughts, but he also had to look for something to brace Isabelle’s wrist.

Luis still couldn’t believe it. Isabelle? Isabelle was the name that Sheridan had chosen for herself? It was far too ostentatious, far too pretentious, far too much like his original impression of her.

With a grin he remembered his first glimpse of the famed Sheridan Crane. Suffice it to say that it was not love at first sight. First, she rammed into his squad car. Then, she tried to get out of the traffic ticket by using her last name. He was sure that she was nothing more than a conceited, pampered woman-until he had been forced to work with her at the Youth Center. As much as he tried to resist, he slowly began to fall head-over-heels in love with her.

And now they were more in love than ever and engaged to be married. There was only one problem-Sheridan didn’t believe any of that. It hurt that she didn’t trust him enough to believe him.

If they were back home in Harmony, he could find numerous people who would be willing to back him up by telling her that he was her fiancé.

But they weren’t in Harmony. Rather, they were stranded on some uninhabited island in the Caribbean. Luis had no idea as to where they where or when they would be rescued. Sure, Ethan and Theresa would pool their limited resources to search for them, but that wouldn’t last long. He and Isabelle could be stuck on the island for months-if not longer!

If he had been stuck with Sheridan, Luis could have easily found ways to keep himself occupied. Unfortunately, none of those fantasies were likely to be realized, judging from Isabelle’s total lack of interest or trust in him.

Sighing softly, Luis wondered how he would be able to survive with Isabelle while remembering his loving Sheridan that Isabelle had long forgotten. His Sheridan was still there-Luis could tell. But she needed to be brought to the surface. She was, at that moment, just as Julian and Alistair had always wanted her to be-emotionless and suspicious. How could he get her to return to the wonderful woman she had been?

Luis grabbed the sticks and seaweed that he had collected and prayed for a way to transform Isabelle into his beloved Sheridan.

Chapter 5:

“C’mon, Izzy!” Luis urged. “Pull!”

“Well, Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald, if you hadn’t forgotten to check your trap before you fell asleep last night, you wouldn’t need me here helping you, now would you?” Isabelle responded with a teasing grin on her face.

Luis raised one eyebrow. “Need I remind you why I was so tired last night?”

“Hey! You enjoyed that swim just as much as I did!”

“Yeah-until we got caught in the current,” Luis replied with a smirk. “Now, c’mon. 1, 2, 3, pull!”

Both Isabelle and Luis pulled with all their might and watched the trap pop up over the rocks.

“Wow! There’s a lot of fish in there!” Isabelle said, stating the obvious.

Luis hid a grin. “Yeah, Izzy. That would be why I needed your help. C’mon, let’s get these back to the cave.”

Isabelle couldn’t believe how much everything had changed in the past few months. Luis had cared for her while she recovered from her injuries, and she had learned to trust his judgement.

Trusting his judgement was the key-she still didn’t trust his words. No matter what Luis said or did, she didn’t remember him or anything else about her life. She knew that she was being very cynical, but when she woke up she was naked! How could she trust him after that? If they were engaged, as he had claimed, it would make sense for her to be unclothed around him. But, chances were, it was just a convenient excuse.

But Isabelle felt a hesitant friendship building between her and Luis-not that she’d tell him that. If he had been using her, he’d find a way to use this friendship to convince her that they were lovers. She couldn’t have that. So she carried on with the minor disputes, which, oddly, seemed hauntingly familiar. She dismissed the thought, certain that if she had known someone as infuriating as Luis, she would have remembered it.

Luis had to hide a grin as they walked back to the cave together. Unbeknownst to her, Isabelle had transformed herself into the Sheridan that he loved so much. With her sassy comebacks, Luis couldn’t help but recall the times when he’d thought Sheridan had hated him. In reality, she was hiding her love for him since she thought that he hated her! They had had a genuine love-hate relationship, which had escalated to a passionate, loving relationship. Now, Luis almost felt as if he was back at square one.

Well, not quite. He had made some progress. The haughty, snobbish Isabelle had been transformed into the teasing, fiery Izzy. More and more each day, Izzy was mirroring the Sheridan that he had thought he had lost forever that fateful night.

That was why he had begun calling her Izzy. Isabelle made her sound like Julian’s twin sister. While she was Julian’s sister, they were nothing alike. So she became Izzy to him. The nickname had the same spark and attitude that Isabelle now possessed. Maybe, with a little luck, today would be the day when Izzy would reclaim her identity as Sheridan Katherine Crane.

“Luis?” Izzy asked with vulnerability in her eyes.

Luis saw this, and softly replied, “Yes, Izzy?”

“How much longer are we going to be here? How much longer until we’re rescued?”

Luis saw how sad she looked, and felt the need to lighten the mood. “Am I not entertaining enough for you anymore?” he asked with eyebrows raised.

Izzy felt a bubble of laughter escape her lips. “No! It’s just, I mean, I-I want to eat something other than fish every day. I want to eat steak! Hell, I want to each anything but seafood.”

“Oh, so now you’re insulting my cooking? Well, thanks. I love being here with you too, Izzy,” Luis replied with a sarcastic grin.

“You know that’s not what I meant, Luis,” Izzy replied with a frown. “Seriously, do you think we’ll be rescued?”

“Honestly?” Izzy nodded hopefully. “I doubt it.”

The smile on Izzy’s immediately faded. “Oh.”

“Izzy, I know how you feel. I want to go back as much as you do. I worry about Mama earning enough money to take care of Theresa and Miguel. I worry about Theresa and Ethan. He doesn’t have a job, and if they get married, they’re in for some tough times. I worry about Miguel. He thinks he’s so in love with Charity that he doesn’t realize the woman he’s loved his whole life is actually his best friend Kay. I’m afraid that he’ll marry Charity and discover too late that Kay is the woman he really loves. There are so many things that I don’t want to miss, so many things I want to do to help out. But, instead, I’m stuck here on this deserted island.”

While Luis talked about his family, Izzy had begun to cry silently. “At least you know what you’re missing. I have no idea who I left behind,” she said between tears.

Luis pulled Izzy close and held her tight. He knew that her amnesia had to be frightening and frustrating. He’d feel lost if he couldn’t remember who he was.

“I’m sorry, Izzy. I wish I could help you remember, but I don’t know how. I’d tell you about your life, but I know that you don’t trust me to tell you the truth.”

“I know, Luis, but could you tell me something about my family? Something good?”

Something good? Luis racked his brain for something good he could tell her. As far as he knew, he was the only good thing that had happened to her. Ethan was the only good thing about that family that came to mind-and he wasn’t even a Crane anymore! Then, it came to him.

“Your mother was a wonderful woman-just like you. She was beautiful and rich, but she had a great heart. She loved you so much. You were her only daughter, and you two were inseparable. You look just like she did at your age.”

Smiling happily, Izzy closed her eyes. “Thank you, Luis.”

“Good night, Izzy,” Luis replied, removing his arms from around her.

“Luis, could you hold me tonight? Please?”

“Of course I can,” Luis replied softly.

He lay down on the cave floor and carefully pulled Izzy into his arms. “Sweet dreams, my love,” Luis whispered softly.

“Hmmm?” Izzy murmured sleepily.

Luis didn’t respond, and Izzy soon drifted into dreamland. Slowly but surely, Luis was making progress. He had Izzy in his arms tonight. Maybe tomorrow she would begin to trust him. Chapter 6:

Early the next morning, Izzy rolled onto her back as she awoke. Luis’s arms were no longer around her, and she felt the loss. Wondering where Luis had gone, Izzy sat up and scanned the cave. She didn’t see him, so she got to her feet and walked out of the cave.

“Luis?” she called. Where could he have gone? “Luis? Are you out here?”

“I’m right here, Izzy,” Luis replied.

Izzy’s gaze immediately flew to where Luis’s voice had come from. She saw his dark, handsome form emerge from the water. Izzy groaned inwardly. That man was sexy as hell, and it was becoming harder and harder for her to resist throwing herself into his arms and begging him to make love to her.

It was nothing more than a sexual attraction, Izzy told herself repeatedly. The man was so hot that she sometimes feared getting sunburn.

Asking Luis to hold her last night was a moment of weakness. Sure, she had slept soundly, but he now knew that she thought of him as a friend-if not more. At least he had left before she had awakened. If he had still had his arms around her when she woke up… Well, suffice it to say that she didn’t know what would have happened once her hormones had kicked into overdrive. But now, with water running down his tanned, sculpted body, Izzy thought that she would melt into a puddle at his feet.

“What are you doing in the ocean so early in the morning, Luis?” Izzy questioned.

It’s my island-version of a cold shower!

Luis’s mind screamed. When he woke up with Izzy in his arms, he knew that if he didn’t get out of the cave, he was going to kiss her. And he didn’t know where that kiss would take them. Probably nowhere, judging from her extremely low opinion of him. She had, after all, made it exceeding clear their first day on the island that he wasn’t, under any circumstances, allowed to kiss her.

But Luis couldn’t tell her that. So, instead, he said, “I guess I just felt like going for a swim.”

“Why didn’t you wake me? Maybe I want to go for a swim!”

Luis groaned inwardly. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to last long with her in a wet bikini. Hell, he had barely been able to hold back when they went swimming the other day. He had been about to kiss her when he realized they were caught in the current. Then he had to focus all of his thoughts and energy towards getting them ashore. By the time he had gotten ashore, he doubted he had had enough energy to do anything if she had thrown herself at him!

“I’m sorry, Izzy. You were just sleeping so soundly that I didn’t want to wake you,” Luis apologized.

“That’s ok, Luis,” she replied with a grin. “You can make it up to me now!”

Luis was puzzled, until he saw her run towards him, a determined grin on her face. She was going to try to throw him back in the water.

“No way, Izzy!” Luis shouted as he began sprinting down the shore. “You’re never going to catch me!”

“Wanna bet?” she retorted with a wide grin.

“Yeah!” Luis responded as he suddenly changed directions and began chasing after her.

Izzy shrieked, and quickly tried to avoid Luis’s outstretched arms. She ran as fast as she could in the opposite direction, but it wasn’t long before Luis caught up to her. He tossed her over his shoulder in one fluid motion.

“Put me down!” Izzy demanded, her fists beating on his back.

“Your wish is my command!” he responded with a smirk before unloading her into the surf. Izzy sunk beneath the water-and stayed there.

“Izzy? Isabelle? Are you ok?” Luis shouted as he waded to the spot where she went under. If he hurt her at all, he’d never forgive himself.

Beneath the waves, Izzy saw Luis’s legs get closer and closer. When he was right beside her, she burst out of water and pounced. Luis fell over into the waves from the force of her explosion.

His head popped above the surface. “You don’t play fair!” he accused.

Izzy just giggled and tried to escape his desperate grabs. “You’re not going to catch me!”

Luis sprung up from the water and resumed his chase. Soon, he caught up to her and gently pushed her to the ground. He tried to pin her, but she fought him every step of the way.

“Luis! You’re getting sand all over me!” she shrieked in protest.

“Don’t worry, Izzy. That’s what the water’s for. We can have you cleaned up in no time!”

“Yeah? Let’s see how you like it!” Using all of her strength, she flipping Luis onto his back.

“Do you give up yet?” she crowed in victory. This was the most fun that she’d had in months!

“Never!” Luis cried.

With a grunt of exertion, Luis tossed her over. He pinned her arm behind her head. “What about you?”

“Never!” she responded in kind, still trying to find some way out of his firm grasp.

“Okay, okay,” Izzy conceded. “Uncle!”

Luis dropped her arm, and Izzy stopped struggling. They simply stared into each other’s eyes, entranced by the close position they were in.

Izzy’s gaze shifted to Luis’s soft, full lips. She wanted nothing more than to feel those warm lips on hers, but she feared that a kiss could start a fire that could never be extinguished.

Luis looked intently into Izzy’s eyes. What was that he saw there? He could have sworn is was desire and lust, but he knew he had to be mistaken. She didn’t want him-not like that.

Izzy couldn’t take the torture anymore. Hell, she was going to die on this island anyhow-why become celibate when there was such a sexy specimen of man on this island?

“Luis,” she murmured softly, as her lips began the short trip to his.

Their lips met briefly-ever so briefly before they were interrupted by a loud foghorn. They immediately separated, and got to their feet.

“Oh, Luis! It’s a boat!” Izzy exclaimed anxiously. “Do you think we’ll be rescued?”

Luis stared at the mammoth luxury liner sailing past. “We will if I have anything to say about it!”

Chapter 7:

Quickly, the two collected dry wood and palm leaves to make a bonfire. They quickly lit it, hoping that it would be large enough and bright enough to catch the boat captain’s eye. Within minutes, the fire was 6 feet tall and gaining height by the second.

“Oh, Luis, do you think they saw us?” Izzy asked hopefully.

“I hope so, Izzy. We’ll find out soon enough.”

“Lila, my darling,” Gregory began in his sexy British accent, “where do you think we should hold our wedding ceremony? Should it be in the chapel or in the ballroom?”

“Whatever you decide will be perfect, Gregory,” Lila simpered. “You always make the most intelligent decisions!”

“You’re right, my dear,” Gregory responded arrogantly. “We shall have it in the ballroom. So many people will want to attend our wedding that we must ensure that there is enough room for everyone.”

“FIRE!! FIRE!!!!” a passenger shouted, running down the deck.

“Fire?” Lila panicked. She had so many beautiful things aboard. They could not go up in flames! She simply wouldn’t stand for it. “Gregory, quickly, help me gather my things and get them onto a lifeboat.”

“One moment, my love,” he replied.

“Excuse me,” he said to one of the passengers flooding onto the deck, “can you tell me how long you think we will have before the boat goes up in flames?”

The woman simply laughed. “The fire isn’t on the boat. It’s on the island over there. We thought that we saw some people on the island waving for help, so John ran to alert the captain.”

“Gregory,” Lila reminded him forcefully. “My things?”

“Thank you, miss,” Gregory replied graciously. “Lila, dearest, the boat isn’t on fire. They were simply talking about a fire on the island, and people who may need to be rescued.”

Lila sighed. “The nerve of those people! How dare they start a fire on an island and make me think that my clothes are in danger!”

Gregory hid a grin. Lila was so funny some times. She had such a sense of humor!

“I feel faint, so I’m going to return to our suite. Gregory, walk with me.” Lila commanded.

“Of course, love,” Gregory responded automatically. He took her arm, and they began the walk back to their cabin.

“Andy!” Michael Kelly exclaimed as he opened the door. “Thank goodness I’ve found you.”

“Ever head of knocking, Mike?” Andy replied with eyebrows raised.

His smile instantly disappeared once he saw the serious expression on his friend’s face. “Mike, what’s wrong?”

“There’s a fire, Andy, and it’s a big one.”

“A fire?” Andy replied, immediately rising to his feet. “How long do we have? Have you radioed for a rescue boat? Have you-?”

“Andy, calm down. The ship’s not on fire-it’s one of the islands. And some people were seen there, waving for help. We think that they may be trapped on this inferno of an island.”

Andy sighed with relief. But then he realized the danger that these innocent people were in. Action needed to be taken. Immediately. “Mike, organize a rescue mission. Take Midge, Eric, and Jake with you in a rescue boat. Will you be able to fit all of you in one boat?”

“I think so, Andy. There only appeared to be two people.”

“Ok, then. Go rescue them and bring them back here. We can take good care of them until we dock again.”

“Yes, sir,” Mike replied with a grin as he walked out the door. He knew that Andy hated to be called sir.

“Mike! What did I tell you about that! Michael!!!” Andy shouted to the deaf ears of his best friend, as Mike walked off to organize a search party.

“Oh, Luis,” Izzy sighed in disappointment. “They didn’t stop.”

“What? The boat?” Luis asked, stifling a laugh. “You expected the boat to stop?”

“Of course,” she responded, puzzled. “How else would they rescue us?”

“Izzy, sweetheart,” Luis began gently, “if they’re going to rescue us, they’ll send out a rescue boat, not the big ship.”

“Oh. I knew that. I was just checking to see if you knew that,” Izzy informed him.

Luis looked at her serious face and laughed. “Of course you did, Izzy. Of course you did.”

“Oh? Don’t believe me, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald? You know what I do to people who don’t believe me? I throw them into the sea!”

“Oh, really?” Luis asked with an amused expression on his face. “And how do you intend to accomplish that?”

“Same way I did this morning,” she responded with a confident grin.

“Oh, this morning, huh? You mean when I pinned you, and you cried uncle?”

“No, before that. Before you cheated.”

“Oh… so when you cheated?”

“I did not cheat! I just used my position to my advantage.”

“Yeah, you made me think you were hurt, and then you attacked me. That’s playing fair alright.”

“You’re just jealous that I thought of it first. Besides, you used your strength to your advantage! Fair’s fair.”

“Oh, really?” Luis asked. “Ok, then I propose another battle. First one to soak the other wins. Deal?”

With a glint in her eye, Izzy agreed. “Deal.”

“On your marks…” she called out as Luis prepared to run.

“Go!”

Luis was expecting ‘Get set!’ to come next and was caught off-guard. “Hey! That’s not fair!”

“Too bad!” she called out as she ran across the beach.

Luis was hot on her tail. “I’m gonna find you, Isabelle! Just you wait!”

“You see them, Mike?” Eric Brace asked for the third time since they’d started paddling towards the island.

“No, Eric. They seem to have disappeared.” Mike was confused. He had seen them waving frantically from the island when he was on the boat. Now they were nowhere to be found.

“Well, we can land and look around for them,” Jacob Meyers added. “They’ve got to be on the island somewhere. And that fire looks like it was built to be noticed. They were probably shipwrecked and built the fire to make sure that we saw them.”

“I agree with Jake,” Margaret Meyers concurred.

“There’s a surprise,” Eric whispered to Mike, just loud enough for Midge to hear.

“C’mon, Eric, think about it. It makes sense. Besides, what do we have to lose by looking around the island? An hour of our time? So what? We might be able to save 2 people’s lives with that hour.”

Eric raised his arms in mock surrender. “Fine, Midge. You’re right. You’re always right.”

Suddenly, the rescue boat stopped. “We’ve hit shore, guys. Let’s hop out and pull ‘er ashore,” Mike instructed.

“Aye, aye, sir!” all three replied in unison.

Mike rolled his eyes and hopped out of the boat. Hopefully, they would be able to find the stranded people. He doubted anyone could survive on such a deserted island for long.

Chapter 8:

“I’m coming, Izzy! I’m gonna get you!” Luis called out as he sprinted after her in the sand.

“No way, Luis! You can never catch me!” she called back as she continued to run. She knew that he was right-he would catch her, but she couldn’t admit defeat! Besides, this was too much fun to give up so easily!

With a few more strides, Luis closed the gap between them. “I’ve got you, Izzy! You’re my prisoner!” He grabbed he waist and tossed her over his shoulder, as he had earlier that day. Nonchalantly, he strolled towards the sea, with Izzy shrieking the entire way.

“Put me down, Luis! Put me down!”

“Okay,” Luis replied agreeably.

Izzy winced, expecting another dunking. Luis wouldn’t put her down if it wouldn’t win the battle. “Not the water, Luis! Please!”

Luis laid her down on the sand, and held her arms to the ground. “If you don’t want to get wet, then it’s time for tickle torture!!” he cried as he began to tickle her.

“No!” Izzy tried to shout as she began to laugh uncontrollably. “NO!!!”

“You hear that?” Jake asked as they pulled the boat up on shore.

“Hear what?” Eric asked. “The birds chirping?”

“No, Eric. I think I heard it too,” Mike said. “Didn’t that just sound like a woman’s scream?”

They hear another loud scream. “And there it is again,” Jake added. “Someone’s in trouble! Let’s go!”

They four ran off down the beach towards where Izzy’s scream had come from.

Luis simply ignored her and continued torturing her.

“Miss!” they heard a voice cry from the distance. “Miss, are you alright?”

Luis froze. Someone else was on their island? His eyes flew to Izzy’s, which were clouded with just as much shock and surprise as his were.

“Miss?” the voice asked again.

They heads swung towards the voice. They saw a tall, blonde-hair man standing before them, a worried look on his face. Soon, two men and a woman came to join him.

“Yes,” Izzy replied. “Yes, I’m fine. We’re not hurt or anything. How did you get here? Are you all stranded too?”

The woman threw her long, auburn hair over her shoulder. “No, we’re not stranded. Actually, we saw your fire from our ship and rowed out to rescue you. When we heard you screaming we got worried. What happened?”

“I’m afraid I have to take the blame for that,” Luis replied, embarrassed. “I was tickling Izzy, and she was begging me to stop.”

“Oh,” the woman replied in a surprised tone. “Well, if you want, you’re more than welcome to come with us back to our boat. We’d be glad to have you.”

Luis slowly got to his feet. “Thanks. We’ve been here for a couple of months and were beginning to wonder if we’d ever get off of this island!”

Izzy grabbed the hand Luis offered and stood up herself. “Yeah, I’ve been craving food. Anything but seafood, and I’ll be thrilled.”

“Well, I’m sure we can find something for you to eat,” a red-haired man said with a grin. “By the way, I’m Mike. This is Eric, and those two are Midge and Jake.”

“Nice to meet you guys,” Izzy responded with a grin. “I’m Izzy-short for Isabelle, and this is Luis. Now, c’mon! Lead me to the food!”

Hours later, Luis and Izzy were on the Island Dream. They had immediately been ushered to the ship’s doctor, and had been given a clean bill of health. They had eaten plate after plate of the delicious food at the boat’s restaurant. Now, they were sitting in the lounge, talking with their new friends.

“Wow,” Izzy said, reclining in Luis’s arms. “This is like a dream. Mere hours ago, I thought that I was trapped on that island for the rest of my days. Now… well, now I’m on this beautiful cruise ship, heading home. I just wish I knew who I was…”

“Wait, you have amnesia?” Midge asked curiously.

“Yeah. I couldn’t remember my name, so I chose Isabelle. Luis over here started calling me Izzy, and, well, it stuck!”

“Jake, who was that person who disappeared in that boating accident? She looked a lot like you, Izzy. What was her name again?”

Jake shrugged. “Don’t look at me. I have no idea.”

“Hey, Anna!” Midge called to a brunette passing by. “Anna, c’mere a minute, will you?”

Obligingly, Anna walked over. “Hey, Midge. What’s up?”

“Who do you think that is?” Midge asked, pointing to Izzy.

Anna stared at her a moment, stumped. Then it came to her. “Sheridan Crane. I can’t believe it! I heard you were dead! Your family had a funeral and everything!”

“You think I’m Sheridan Crane?” Izzy asked. That was exactly who Luis had told her she was.

“Yeah! And you…” she continued, staring at Luis. “Aren’t you Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald? You’re the cop that saved her from those French guys, aren’t you? Wow! I can’t believe this. I just met Sheridan Crane and Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. This is amazing!” Anna walked off, muttering her disbelief the entire way.

“You’ll have to forgive her,” Midge told them. “She gets a little starstruck around famous people.”

“But I-I’m not famous,” Luis protested. “I’m only a police officer.”

“You’re engaged to Sheridan Crane,” Midge reminded him. “That makes you famous.”

“Well,” Jake interrupted, “you two must be exhausted. Why don’t I show you to your room?”

Izzy nodded automatically. She was Sheridan Crane? And she was engaged to Luis? Impossible! But… he did seem to care about her. He was always making sure that she was alright, always trying to make her smile. Could it be?

“Midge took the liberty of buying you two some things to wear. You’ve been in those for far too long.”

“Yeah, Doctor Myhrum helped me guess on the sizes. I hope they fit.”

At the mention of new clothes, Izzy’s face lit up like a child’s on Christmas Day. “Who cares if they fit! I just want to get out of these old things!” she cried with delight. “Thank you so much, Midge.”

Midge smiled back. “Don’t worry about it. I can only imagine how slimy you two feel right now.”

“Well, thanks, you two. This means so much to us.” Luis gave both of them a grateful grin.

“Well, this is the place,” Jake said, taking a key out of his pocket. “Room 143. See you two tomorrow.”

“You bet, Jake. We’ll see you at breakfast.”

Midge heard Izzy gasp and knew that she’d opened the door.

“Oh, Luis! Look at the room! It’s so beautiful!” she cried in amazement.

Luis looked at the room and saw a spacious suite. Rose petals covered the bedspread and the floor. It was a lover’s paradise-a room that he and Sheridan would have loved to occupy.

“Guys, we can’t afford a room like this. A regular room will be fine.”

“Uh uh, Luis,” Midge said with a playful frown. “Andy told us to give you this room-on the house. He knew that you’d been through a lot, and since this room was vacant…”

“Thank you,” Izzy replied gratefully. “Thank you both. And thank Andy for us, whoever he is!”

“Andy’s the captain of this ship,” Jake informed them. “And we’ll pass on your appreciation. Good night.”

“Sweet dreams!” Midge called, giving Izzy a suggestive wink.

Izzy blushed in response to Midge’s insinuation. If only she knew how hard it was to keep herself from acting upon those same thoughts. And in this room… Well, it was going to be damn near impossible.

Chapter 9:

Once they were inside the room, Izzy went directly to the armoire. She opened the mahogany doors and saw hangers full of clothes. Blue. Red. Cotton. Silk. The options were endless.

After she changed, she sat down on the king-sized bed. “Luis?” she asked. “Can we talk?” “I’m sorry, Luis.”

Luis raised an eyebrow. “What horrible sin have you committed lately?”

Izzy laughed. “Where is that from? It seems so familiar… Yet so unknown at the same time.”

“It’s from one of your favorite movies-The Princess Bride. I was hoping it would spark a memory, Izzy.”

“See, that’s the problem. That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about!”

“You don’t want to remember?” Luis was shocked. “Why not?”

“No. No, that’s not what I meant. I meant that I’m not Isabelle. I’m not Izzy. I’m Sheridan Crane-soon-to-be-Lopez-Fitzgerald. I didn’t believe you, and I should have. I’m sorry.”

“But Is-Sheridan,” Luis grinned at the rush he got saying her name again. “Sheridan, there’s nothing to forgive. You had no reason to trust me. You didn’t remember me or your life.”

“You’re right, Luis. I didn’t. But during our months together, you were nothing but kind and considerate to me. You never gave me any reason to suspect that I shouldn’t trust you. Yet I held on to my suspicions. I was too proud to admit that I was wrong about you. I’m sorry, Luis. I am so sorry!” Sheridan sobbed.

“Oh, sweetie,” Luis consoled her. He held her tight, and rubbed her back soothingly. “It’s ok, honey. You know the truth now.”

“You want me to WHAT?!?” Kylie Morgan shouted into her cell phone. While she was the mirror image of her twin sister Lila, their personalities couldn’t be more different. Both were tall with long jet-black hair and piercing green eyes. Lila was a simpering social queen who felt empty without a man. Kylie, on the other hand, didn’t have nor need a man. She had a promising career as a businesswoman and didn’t want to be hampered by a man.

“You heard me, my dear,” Alistair Crane informed her. “I want to you go after Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.”

“But, Mr. Crane, sir, I-I couldn’t. What would he see in a woman like me anyhow?”

“You are the perfect woman for Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald, Kylie. Trust me. And, if you are successful in your pursuit, you will find your goings in the business world much easier. But if you fail…” Alistair trailed off darkly.

“Yes, Mr. Crane. I will try my best.”

“No, Kylie. You will do it. Not try. Failure is not an option.” Alistair disconnected.

Meanwhile, Luis and Sheridan were up in their suite unaware of what Alistair was doing. Sheridan had stopped crying, but Luis didn’t want to let her go. Knowing that all good things must come to an end, Luis removed her arms from around Sheridan and sat upright.

Trying to ignore the loss she felt, Sheridan said, “Well, should we order some room service?”

“It is getting rather late,” Luis agreed as he reached for the menu.

“Nuh uh,” Sheridan replied, stealing it from his grasp. “This is my treat. I treated you horribly for the longest time, and I want to make amends.”

“Okay, Sher,” Luis conceded. “Could you get me-”

“No! I think I know what you’d like. I want to see if I’m right. Please?”

Luis nodded, with an amused grin on his face. Hopefully, Sheridan was getting her memory back. At least she appeared to be on the right track.

“Luis, could you come here a moment?” Sheridan requested.

Luis obliged. “Is the food here?”

“Yes, but I want to set some things up before we start to eat. So could I…?” Sheridan held up a bandanna.

“You want to blindfold me?” Luis asked in surprise.

She nodded. Luis shrugged. “Okay.”

Grinning, Sheridan carefully tied the blindfold over his eyes. “Now sit here,” she said, helping him sit on the bed.

It was time to put her plan into motion.

Chapter 10:

“Father, look at this headline!” Amanda Crane exclaimed as she read the morning paper. “‘Sheridan Crane and fiancé rescued’ Can you believe it? Aunt Sheridan is alive!”

Julian Crane glanced at his foolish, young daughter. “Amanda, my darling, what type of rubbish are you reading now? We both know that Aunt Sheridan is dead. You were at the funeral yourself.”

Amanda was offended. Like she would read any tabloids after what happened to Ethan? “Father, I’m reading the New York Times. Apparently she and Luis were rescued off of some desert island yesterday afternoon. They’re both surprisingly healthy, considering they’ve spent the last 7 months stranded on an island! Oh, this is great!”

“Of course it is, my dear,” Julian said, plastering a fake smile on his face. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some business I need to take care of.”

Father is not going to be pleased when he discovers that Sheridan and her cop hero are back from the dead.

“Yes, Father?” Julian responded nervously.

Good, Julian was scared. As he very well should be. Alistair was enraged. After 7 months without having to worry about the bothersome and nosy Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, he had returned from the dead.

“Julian, I thought you said your plan was foolproof! You told me that they would both die, and if Luis did somehow manage to survive he would be guilt-ridden over the loss of his Sheridan. Well, Julian, they both survived! Your plan failed!”

“I-I’m sorry, Father,” Julian apologized. “But I-I do have another plan. They will both die for sure this time.”

“Julian, your plan didn’t work. Now, it is time to do this my way.” Alistair disconnected.

His plan was already in motion. And it was sure to work-assuming Julian didn’t manage to find a way to ruin it all.

After blindfolding Luis, Sheridan scurried around the room, quickly preparing her surprise. Hearing her swift movements piqued Luis’s curiosity. What was she planning?

“Okay, Luis,” Sheridan said after taking a deep breath. “Are you ready?”

“Ready and waiting, my dear,” Luis said with an alluring grin.

Oh, that man is sexy beyond words! Sheridan thought to herself. But she pushed the thought out of her mind. There would be time for that later.

“Voila!” Sheridan cried, removing the blindfold with a quick tug. “What do you think?”

Luis found himself in a rare position. He was speechless. Typically, he could find words to describe anything and everything, but this… this was something beyond his wildest dreams.

Sheridan had dimmed the lights and lit a few candles in strategic corners of the room. There was a single red rose in a carved glass vase on the table. But beside the table was a single loveseat. Curiously, there was only one place set on the table.

“Well?” Sheridan prompted. “What do you think, Luis?”

“I, I… It’s perfect, Sheridan. Just perfect.”

Sheridan flashed him a devastating grin and walked towards him. It was then that Luis noticed what she was wearing. She had changed out of her jean shorts and tank top into a very sexy-and very revealing piece of red lingerie. Luis knew that if he had been standing, his knees would have buckled. Damn, that woman was beautiful.

“Well, then, I believe you should take a seat Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald. You are, after all, tonight’s honored guest,” she informed him in a formal tone.

“Oh, really, Ms. Crane?” Luis replied in kind. “Well, if you insist.” Luis stood and walked over to the loveseat.

“Good evening, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald. My name is Sheridan, and I will be serving you tonight. Are you hungry, Officer?” she asked with a sweet smile.

Luis gave her a look. “I am very hungry-but what I want probably isn’t on the menu.”

“Oh, really?” Sheridan countered. “And what is it that you want?”

Slowly, Luis rose to his feet. He walked towards Sheridan until their bodies were almost touching. Almost, but not quite. He looked deep into her eyes.

“I thought it would be obvious, my love,” he said teasingly.

Sheridan gazed into his eyes and saw desire. He wanted her. Sheridan moaned at the mere thought of it. His effect on her was unbelievable.

Luis saw her recognition and slowly began the decent to her lips. It wasn’t long before the simple kiss escalated into much, much more. Sheridan moaned again, and Luis slipped his tongue into her mouth. Their tongues danced that tango that their bodies had ached to perform again. Sheridan’s nailed raked Luis’s back, as she pulled him closer to her. She needed him, now and forever.

“Luis,” Sheridan gasped, “make love to me.”

Luis gazed into her eyes. He saw her blue eyes darkening with passion by the moment. He knew that she wanted him, just as she knew that he wanted her. Slowly, he lowered her onto the bed so they could share in their love once again.

Chapter 11:

“Yes, Mr. Crane,” Kylie repeated for what felt like the hundredth time. “I understand. Where is Luis now?”

“He is with my daughter right now.”

“If they’re already together…”

“Let them have their moment in the sun. This will only work to help you drive a wedge between them. Now you remember what I told you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“After Lila talks to Sheridan alone, put the plan into effect. Don’t fail me.” Alistair disconnected.

With an ecstatic sigh, Sheridan tilted her head towards Luis. “Has it always been like that?” she asked.

Luis smoothed her blond, curly hair. “We were always great together, Sher. But this? It was… it was… unbelievable. But part was due to my sexy waitress.”

“I’m here to serve you, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald,” she replied with an alluring grin.

“Oh, really?” Luis responded. “Then why don’t we-”

Ring, ring! The telephone interrupted them.

Luis sighed in frustration. “Hello? Yeah, she’s right here.”

“It’s for you,” he said, handing the phone to Sheridan.

“Who is it?” she whispered.

Luis shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine.”

“Hello?” Sheridan responded warily.

Moments later, Sheridan had put on some clothes and met her lifelong friend at the pool. At least Lila Morgan said she was her friend. Sheridan couldn’t remember her, but her amnesia would have seen to that.

“Sheridan!” a black-haired woman shouted as she walked towards her. “I’m so glad you’re alright!” The two embraced, as tears ran down Lila’s face.

“Lila?” Sheridan asked.

“Of course I’m Lila!” she replied with a grin. “I couldn’t believe my luck when you were rescued by the very boat that I was on with my fiancé! I was so worried about you! But, Sheridan, what are you doing with Luis?”

“What are you talking about?” Sheridan asked. “He’s my fiancé. I love him.”

Lila gasped. “You mean you don’t remember? He used you, hun. He used your family money and influence to advance his career.”

Meanwhile, Luis had headed to the boat’s restaurant for breakfast. Actually, since it was closer to 3 o’clock, it was more like lunch or dinner, but Luis didn’t care. He was starving so he took a seat at the bar.

“Hey,” a dark-haired Amazon said to him. “Is this seat taken?” She motioned towards the stool next to him.

“I-I-” Luis stuttered.

“Cat got your tongue?” Kylie asked. “Don’t worry, I don’t bite…hard.” She flashed him a devastating grin.

Without waiting for a response, she sat down. The plan was going better than expected. Her orange tube top and tight black shorts certainly seemed to be attracting Luis’s attention. At this rate, the second part of Mr. Crane’s plan would be irrelevant. She’d have Luis eating out of her hand in no time.

“Sheridan was going to sit there,” Luis said, finally completing a thought.

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure she can find somewhere else to sit. Don’t you?” Kylie cooed with a sexy smile. She had to admit, if there was one man that she wanted to seduce, it would probably be Luis.

Astonished, Luis simply nodded. Who was this girl and why was she after him?

When they arrived, Luis wasn’t there. Instead, they found a note.

Sheridan,
I went off to find some food. Meet me in the restaurant when you get back.
Kisses, Luis

Sheridan sent Lila a confident smile, believing that she would find Luis waiting for her there.

Oh, Sheridan, Lila thought. You have no idea what my sister is up to…

“L-Luis. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.”

“Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald,” Kylie repeated. “A sexy name for a very sexy man.”

Luis just stared at her in disbelief. Didn’t she realize how much she was embarrassing herself?

Kylie placed her hand on his leg and moved closer. “Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, I am very attracted to you.”

She moved closer and closer to Luis’s lips. He knew that if he didn’t move she was going to kiss him. But for some reason he didn’t want to move.

The mystery woman’s lips hit his, and he felt a soft, warm feeling spread throughout his body.

Then, he heard a gasp. He spun around and saw Sheridan standing there, tears running down her cheek. Oh, shit.

Chapter 12:

“Sheridan!” Luis cried, pulling himself out of the woman’s grasp. “I can explain!”

“Like hell you can explain, Luis! I never should have believed a word out of your mouth!” Sheridan ran off, never giving Luis a second glance.

“Don’t worry, sexy,” the woman said, placing her hand on his arm. “I’m still here.”

Luis shrugged her hand off, and began the chase.

Sheridan couldn’t believe it. After all that had happened between them, Luis was still using her. Lila was right. She was right. She had thought he was using her on the island, and now her worst fears had been realized.

She had thought they had made love last night, but now she knew the truth. It had been love making for her, but for Luis is was just sex.

She couldn’t believe it. She had sworn she saw love in his eyes. She had felt his love in his actions. He must have been a very good actor.

She felt his arm grab her shoulder. “Sheridan, please, just hear me out,” he begged. “It’s not what it looked like.”

“Oh, so you weren’t kissing that woman? I didn’t she her running her hands all over her body?” Sheridan asked, wiping away her tears. “Be real, Luis. I’m not seeing things.”

“Sheridan, she kissed me. I didn’t kiss her.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, Luis, but doesn’t it usually take two people to kiss? There were two sets of lips involved there, right?” Sheridan’s voice had lost all traces of sadness. Now, it was filled with sarcasm and contempt.

“Sheridan, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

“It’s too late for apologies, Luis. Last night was a mistake.”

“But, Sheridan!” Luis gasped. “You can’t mean that.”

“I do, Luis,” Sheridan said, steeling herself against the persuasive words that were sure to come.

“But, Sheridan, I love you!” Luis pleaded.

Sheridan’s hand came out and slapped Luis along the jaw. “You do not love me. If you loved me, you never would have done this to me. Stay the hell out of my life.”

Luis looked at Sheridan, a pained look in his eyes. “If that’s what you want, Sheridan, I’ll leave you alone.”

As she watched the man she loved walk out of her life, Sheridan felt her heart break in two. She flew to the railing, and leaned against it, tears streaming down her face. Oh, Luis, Sheridan’s heart cried out as she stared at the clear blue water. Why couldn’t you have loved me the way I love you?

Later, Sheridan and Lila were in Lila’s suite. Since Sheridan could no longer stay with Luis, Lila had been nice enough to allow Sheridan to stay in her suite.

“Lila, how did you know Luis was using me? You said he did it before? When?”

“You honestly don’t remember?” Lila asked, disbelief written all over her face.

“I don’t remember anything,” Sheridan replied sadly. “I don’t even remember who I am. The only reason that I know that I am Sheridan Crane is that that people recognized me and told me who I am.”

“Well, it was 2, almost 3 years ago when it happened for the first time.”

“First time?” Sheridan asked in shock. “He did it more than once?”

“Yeah, hun, he did. The first time was right after your first kiss. Your dear brother was worried about you and told you that he was only using you. You refused to believe it because you really liked him. You went back to where you kissed to prove Julian wrong, and you saw Luis on the phone.”

“And…?” Sheridan asked, almost afraid to know. The pain was deep enough now. She didn’t know if she could handle anything more.

“And you heard him talking about how he was just using you. How your family had used and abused his family for years. Now he was going to use one of theirs. Their Princess Sheridan-you.”

Sheridan’s lower lip was trembling, and tears were threatening to fall for the third time that day. “Was that it?” She hoped against hope that it was, but her gut told her that it wasn’t.

“Well, that’s all that I remember about that time. There was more, Sher, but it I don’t remember much else.” Lila paused for dramatic effect. “After awhile, he convinced you to forget about it. He denied it every time you told him what had happened. You wanted him so badly that you believed him. Eventually, he proposed, although I’m not sure why he bothered. Probably to show the world how close you two were.”

Sheridan’s tears were falling freely now. Even their engagement had been a sham. How cruel could Luis be?

Lila had to hide her grin. Sheridan was eating up every word better than she had expected. After a few more stories and white lies and Sheridan would be believing Luis was the devil incarnate.

Luis was lying on the bed in the hotel room contemplating how he had let things get so out of hand. As he thought about it, Sheridan’s words echoed through his head.

“You do not love me. If you loved me, you never would have done this to me.”

She was right. He loved Sheridan, yet he was kissing another woman. True, it had only been for a split second, but he should have seen it coming from the first moment that woman sat down. She had the look of a seductress about her, and he hadn’t realized it. She had hit on him from her first words, and he hadn’t moved away.

If he loved Sheridan he would have moved away from her. He would’ve ended the kiss sooner. Hell, he never would have even talked to the woman if he truly loved Sheridan!

But that realization wasn’t what had hurt the most.

“Last night was a mistake.”

That had hurt. She thought that their night of wild, passionate lovemaking was a mistake? It killed him to think that she didn’t love him like he thought she did. But if she loved him how could she think of the previous night as a mistake?

He rubbed his cheek. Sheridan sure did know how to slap a man and make it hurt. She hadn’t lost a thing since the day she slapped him in the Youth Center.

Oh my God! Luis thought. That’s why she slapped me! She thinks I’m using her again. How can I prove to her that I’m not?

Chapter 13:

“Everything is going according to plan, Mr. Crane,” Lila assured him. “Actually, things are much better than I expected. I had no idea that your daughter could be so gullible.”

“She has been hurt by many men, Lila. Her subconscious knows this and is simply waiting for Luis to do the same. You and your sister provided the perfect opportunity for her subconscious to take advantage of that insecurity,” Alistair explained.

“What would you like us to do next, Mr. Crane?”

“I have already talked to Kylie. She knows what her next step will be. You must simply play Sheridan’s dearest and most devoted friend. Keep her close to you-and away from the persuasive Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald.” Alistair disconnected.

Lila glanced over at her new “best friend.” Sheridan was tossing and turning, probably in the throes of a horrible nightmare. Lila’s mouth twisted into a sardonic smirk. A horrible nightmare á la Lila Morgan.

“No, Luis! Don’t leave! You love me, Luis! ME!” Sheridan cried out.

Lila was enjoying this far too much. Sheridan was apparently “remembering” the things Lila had told her about Luis. Well, they were for the most part true, Lila had left out minor details and added a few others. Such as the fact that Alistair and Julian Crane had paid the woman to call Luis’s cell when they knew Sheridan would answer. And the fact that Luis that Sheridan had caught the woman with, was actually a Luis impostor. Lila chuckled in amazement. What she wouldn’t give for that kind of power.

But as much as she was enjoying Sheridan’s nightmare, she knew that she had to follow Alistair’s plan.

“Sheridan,” Lila whispered, softly shaking Sheridan out of her restless sleep. “Sheridan, wake up.”

“No. Come back!” Sheridan moaned. “Luis, you love me. You do.”

“Sheridan, you’re dreaming!” Lila said in a louder voice. “WAKE UP!”

Sheridan’s eyes popped open. “Luis?” she asked. “Where’s Luis?”

Lila gave her a pitying smile. “Sheridan, it was a dream. A nightmare. Luis isn’t here. You broke up with him a few hours ago. Remember?”

Suddenly, it all came rushing back to Sheridan. Luis kissing that woman in the restaurant. Luis claiming that he wasn’t to blame. Sheridan telling him to get the hell out of her life.

“Oh, God, Lila,” Sheridan moaned in agony. “Why did he have to use me? Why couldn’t he have loved me like I love him?”

“I don’t know, Sheridan. Everyone back home thinks Luis is the greatest thing since sliced bread. But you and I know the truth. We know who Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald really is!”

“But, Lila, he was so kind and sweet to me on the island. I thought he really loved me!”

“Sher, you had amnesia. He hoped to use that to his advantage so he could use you again. Don’t you see that?”

“Yes,” Sheridan cried. “Yes, I see it! But I don’t want to! Oh, God, I don’t want to! I want to be back on that island with Luis. Back when life was simple. Back before I knew what kind of man he really was!”

First off, some guy named Tom Brady was the starting quarterback of the New England Patriots. Luis had followed the Pats his whole life, and this shocked him. What had happened to Drew Bledsoe?

And Arizona Diamondbacks had made it to the World Series. It was merely 4 years since they joined the league and they were in the Series already?

Everything in his life was so different. He had just been rescued off a desert island and was sure to find his job gone after he returned to Harmony. If Luis was lost at sea, why would Sam save his job? Sheridan thought he was using her again and refused to even speak to him. Even sports were different now!

A knock at the door disturbed Luis from his deep thoughts. Wearily, he went to answer the door.

“Yeah?” he asked, as he opened the door.

“Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald,” the woman from the restaurant purred. “We meet again.”

“Who are you?” Luis demanded, as she pushed her way past him. “And what are you doing in my suite?”

“I am whoever you want me to be, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. Who do you think I am?”

Luis already had a number of names for this woman, but he wouldn’t say any of them to her face. “What’s your name?” he asked again.

“Kylie. The woman of your dreams.” Kylie sure wouldn’t mind making his dreams come true. She hadn’t had sex in a long time, and she was sure that he was just the man to reacquaint her with it.

“Look, Kylie, I’m not interested in… anything with you. I love Sheridan,” Luis informed her, avoiding her gaze. She was wearing a sheer bathrobe, and Luis feared that that was all that she was wearing.

“Is that so, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald?” Kylie asked with a seductive grin. Slowly, she slipped the bathrobe from her shoulders and let it fall to the floor. “Maybe you’d like to reconsider?”

Great. She was naked under that bathrobe. Luis knew he had to put a stop to this before it went any further.

“Kylie, I am not going to sleep with you. I am not going to kiss you. I am not going to be involved with you romantically at all. Ever. I love Sheridan. Period.”

“Well, lover boy, she doesn’t appear to return your feelings,” Kylie reminded him, not deterred in the least. “I, however, know something she does not. You are the sexiest, most desirable man alive. I want you so bad, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.”

“Stop!” Luis cried. “Stop calling me by my full name!”

“Ok, Luis. I will-if you kiss me.”

“No!” Luis shouted. “Get the hell out of my room before I call security!”

“Okay,” Kylie replied. “But what will people think when they see a naked woman emerge from your room? What if this news got back to Sheridan? What would she think of you then?”

Luis ran to the armoire and pulled out an armload of clothes. Sheridan certainly wasn’t coming back to claim them anytime soon.

“Here!” he said, shoving the clothing into Kylie’s arms. “Put this on and get the hell out of my room!”

“You’re no fun, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald,” Kylie replied, pulling on the clothes. “I thought a man as hot as you would know how to let loose a little. But I see I was wrong.”

Once she was clothed, Luis forcibly pushed Kylie out of his room and bolted the door behind her.

“Oh, Luis,” Kylie said to herself, “you may have won this round, but I will win the war. Just you wait and see.”

Chapter 14