Disclaimer: I don’t own the characters I write about. They belong to JER and NBC’s Passions.

Chapter One:

Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald was hiding in the bushes of Alistair Crane’s daughters house. Alistair was under heavy FBI surveillance and now it was branching out to his immediate family members. The FBI was hoping for proof of Alistair’s involvement in the current Senate scandal. They thought he was buying seats for his politicians, among other things. They had watched Miss Cranes house for a week and turned up nothing. Luis was in Harmony from D.C. on vacation but local FBI brought him in to bug her house. He was the best agent in the bureau with his expertise in developing and planting bugs. It was the local FBI’s luck that he was in town. Luis had been informed that Miss Crane had left for her usual morning run. She wasn’t due back for an hour. That gave Luis more than enough time to plant everything. He picked her lock and was in the house in a flash. He was finished and back in the bush again within ten minutes. That is why he was known as the best. Even when he had a plethora of time he only used what was needed. He made his way quickly to the dry cleaners van in the street. The driver sped off once Luis was inside.

"Mission accomplished" Luis boasted. "Nothing to it"

"Well done" Erik O’Reilly congratulated. "I never doubted you"

"Is that all Sir? I would like to officially start my MUCH deserved vacation now"

"One more think" Erik pulled out a cell phone. "Here"

"Oh no!" Luis protested. "This is my first vacation EVER. I’m not going to work"

"Luis, it just looks like a phone. It’s actually a radio tuned into the bugs you just planted. We would like your input in this case. If you by chance have any free time take a listen, please"

"I’m not promising anything. But I will take it with me"

Luis shoved the ‘cell phone’ into his pocket and grabbed his bag as they pulled up to his mother’s house. The van pulled to a stop only long enough for Luis to jump out. Then is rolled down the street. It was nice to be home again. His mother flung open the door and greeted him with open arms.

After he spent the day catching up with his mother, brother, and sisters he decided he needed a break. Keeping up with their lives was exhausting. He needed to take a walk to clear his mind of all their teenage ramblings. Not that he didn’t love them but when did their lives get so complicated? He headed to the book café. It had been his favorite spot in high school, and he could use a new book to read now that he had the time on his ands to read a book for enjoyment. He got to the café and found it to be a lot more hip than it used to be. He never remembered it being this packed. He’d have to be lucky to find a table. First he ordered his coffee and then he pretended to look over the magazines while watching for someone to vacate a table out of the corner of his eye. It wasn’t happening though. And then at last a free table, only he wasn’t the only one who saw it.

"I’m sorry" Luis apologized to the most beautiful woman he had seen in his life. Her blue eyes glimmered like sunlight on the ocean. "You can have it"

"Well" Sheridan looked around the café hoping no one was here with this god. "We can share" she offered.

"Are you alone?" Luis marveled. God was smiling down on him today.

"Yeah" She smiled shyly.

"Then I’d love to share with you" Luis extended his hand. "I’m Luis by the way"

"Sheridan" she slipped her hand in his. Suddenly she had an overwhelming feeling of completion. She quickly removed her hand from his and sat down. "I’ve never seen you here before, are you new in town?" Coming here was a nightly ritual for her. She loved to read.

"I grew up here but I live in D.C. now"

"You better be a democrat or you can no longer share my table" she teased.

"I’m not in politics" he assured her.

"Then what?"

"I’d tell you but then I’d have to kill you" he teased right back. For some reason he was instantly comfortable with her.

"FBI?" she raised her brow.

"How’d you guess?"

"Talent" she smirked. What had gotten into her?

"What is your profession?" Not that he cared if she was a garbage woman at the moment. He wanted to know what her talents were.

"My profession?" Sheridan squirmed. This chance meeting was going so well. She didn’t want to ruin it by telling him she was a Crane because he would either run away or want to take advantage of her. What to tell him?

"Yeah you know your job?"

"I’m a writer" slipped from her mouth. Sure she wrote in her journal daily but she was far from being published.

"Oh" he could tell she was lying but he decided to let it slide. "You must have a great schedule then. Mine’s murder. This is my first vacation ever"

"Yeah I get all the time off I want" at least that was the truth. "Why are you alone then and not with family or friends?"

"Sensory overdrive. So much has happened since the last time I saw them. I needed a break. But I should be heading back there now"

"Oh" she swirled the coffee around in her cup. She didn’t want him to go.

"But would it be forward of me to ask you what you’re doing tomorrow?"

"Hopefully spending time with you" she blushed. She felt like a giddy schoolgirl.

"Meet you here at the same time tomorrow?"

"I’ll be here" Sheridan agreed.

"Until tomorrow then. Goodbye Sheridan" Luis stood to leave.

"Bye Luis" Sheridan smiled as she stared at his backside while he left the book café. Things were definitely looking FINE.

Chapter Two:

Luis woke up this morning feeling better than he had in a long time. He had absolutely no worries on his mind for once. He could do what pleased him. Including going out on a date with a very sexy blonde. It wasn’t just that she was a knockout but he fell so easily in conversation with her. He enjoyed talking to her and wanted to more about her and her talents. Even if she had lied to him already. She seemed scared to tell him the truth and it seemed she didn’t want to lie. FBI training had made it difficult not to analyze everybody, even personal acquaintances. He looked forward to meeting his latest acquaintance again tonight.

Luis finally rolled out of bed. He could smell his mother’s world class cooking coming from down the hall. He couldn’t pass up the chance for a home cooked meal. He knew every delivery guy by name in D.C. He walked into the kitchen to find Theresa behind the stove, not his mother. Suddenly his dialing finger was ready for action again. Theresa wasn’t the best in the kitchen. She often substituted sugar for salt and vise versa.

"Where’s Mama?" Luis asked hoping she was just in the pantry.

"At the restaurant. One of the cooks is sick so she is filling in" Theresa explained. "I think she told the cook to get sick just so she could cook again. She can’t stand just being the boss" she giggled.

"She is a work aholic isn’t she?" Luis commented.

"Just like you" Theresa grinned at him. "Breakfast is ready" she started to dish him a plate.

"Did you cook?" he asked before taking the plate.

"Yes! I can cook now" she smiled proudly.

"Am I going to die if I eat it?"

"Luis!" she playfully slapped him.

"Okay, okay. I’ll try it"

Luis sat down at the table and took his fork in his hand. He dramatically stabbed his fork into his omelet and slowly brought it to his mouth. It was surprisingly good. He caught up with Theresa while he ate but then she had to go meet her boyfriend. Paloma and Miguel were already off with their significant others. That left him alone for the day. He couldn’t stop himself from daydreaming about his date tonight. He needed something to distract him before visions of her drove him insane. He ran to his room abd grabbed his briefcase and went to sit in the sun. He turned on the ‘cell phone’ and tuned into the life of Ms. Crane. He pulled out his laptop so if he desired he could type notes. He pressed 1 and got tuned into her bedroom but heard no movement. He tried 2, 3, and 4 and still nothing. Finally in room 5, her study, he found her. He realized she was on the phone so he quickly pressed the # key, tapping into her phone line.

Wow what luck Luis had. The first time he had even listened to the bugs and he had struck gold. Alistair is keen that the bureau is on to him. That was good to know. He wondered how much else Alistair knew about their investigation. Listening would be the only way to find out.

Oh this guy was good. He was laying it on so thick Luis doubted the woman could see through it. He obviously had learned how to play on her vulnerabilities. And she seemed blind to realize this. He felt sorry for her.

Luis didn’t know what to make of that. The woman was obviously struggling to get free. But she was also desperate for the love of her father. This desperation worried Luis. At what lengths would she go to obtain his love? He hoped she was strong.

Luis finally realized it was time for his date with the lovely Sheridan. He shaved and dabbed on some cologne. He put on a black polo shirt and a pair of khakis. When he was happy with his appearance he made his way to the book café.

Chapter Three:

Sheridan threw her phone across the room. Why did her father always do that to her? He made her think he loved her just so he could bend her to his will. Well that stopped now. She was going on a date with the agent she met yesterday. He didn’t know who she was. Or so she thought. Maybe Luis was just playing her for a fool. But he seemed so genuine and sincere. She decided just to go on the date and see what came about. She would have to study his reaction to a few questions she would pose. If he wasn’t really interested in her for her she would know by the end of the night.

Sheridan decided to look her best for this date. If Luis was just trying to use her to incriminate her father she wanted him to know what he was missing. She wasn’t usually so egotistical but tonight she didn’t feel like being modest. She slipped into her favorite little black dress and then proceeded to do her hair and makeup. Once she was proud of the way she looked she found her purse and left to go find her FBI man, Luis.

Sheridan found him already seated at a table in the Book Café. He had two mugs of coffee on the table with him. Maybe he was playing her. Who had been with him until now? She sauntered over to him and made her presence known.

"Hi Luis" Sheridan smiled seductively at him.

"Hi Sheridan" he stood and then sat back down with her. This definitely not the same woman he met yesterday. This one was ready and rearing to play games. "I got you some coffee" he pointed to the cup in front of her.

"This is for me?" she questioned.

"Yes but I didn’t know what you normally drank so it’s just black. I made sure there was cream and sugar here on the table though. Did you think I had another hot date before you?"

"No" she said quickly but was unable to hide the red that was creeping onto her cheeks.

"You did!" he teased which seemed to relax her a little but he could see she was still on edge.

"Okay so maybe I did but how was I supposed to know you were going to be such a gentleman"

"I guess I’ll give you that"

"Thank you" she smiled broadly. "For the coffee that is"

"Have you eaten yet?" he asked.

"Nope"

"Good, then let’s go" he stood and then reached for her hand.

"What about my coffee?"

"Addicted to coffee much?" he found he already loved to get at her. "I’ll buy you another cup at the restaurant"

Luis tugged at her hand finally getting her to stand. When they got outside, having assumed she had driven, he told her they would come back for her car. Where they were going was just down the wharf. She agreed to walk only if he would hold her hand. The wharf was scary at night. He gladly took hold of her hand. They made it to the restaurant safely and Luis smiled to see it so busy. Levanto de Harmony had definitely made a name for herself.

"I hope you made reservations" Sheridan said when she saw where he intended to take her.

"Nope" he just kept smiling.

"It’s almost impossible to get a table here without one"

"We’ll see" he opened the door for her.

"LUIS!" the hostess squealed when she saw him.

"Hey Paloma. Got a table for your favorite brother?"

"Of coarse"

"Then you admit I’m your favorite?"

"Just don’t tell Miguel. Who’s this?" she notices the woman behind Luis. Sheridan had just been watching the two interact.

"Sheridan this is my nosy sister Paloma" he dragged Sheridan out from behind him. "Paloma this is Sheridan"

After conversing with his sister for a moment she led them to thrit table. Sheridan wondered how much more of his family she was going to meet tonight. They talked about their favorite foods while they looked over the menu. When Luis placed their order he demanded no one but the head chef serve them. Sheridan and Luis watched Paloma scurry to the waitress as she when into the kitchen obviously informing her of who Luis was.

"You know the cook too? Do you know the owner of the Book Café because I have run up quite a tab there"

"Cute" he smiled at her. Whatever was bothering her earlier was now gone. "My mother is cooking today. She actually owns the place but one of the cooks took ill this morning"

"I see. Homesick for your mommy’s cooking are you?"

"Hell yes! Wait ‘til you taste it"

The evening continued the same way, fun and carefree. She seemed to avoid all personal questions but otherwise she was very open and honest with him. She was even blunt at times. They enjoyed playing off each other and had stomachaches by the end of the night from giggling too much. Sheridan twice had caught his mother peaking on them from the kitchen and blushed each time. She was really enjoying her time with Luis. He didn’t push to know anything she wasn’t ready to tell him. She knew now that he wasn’t with her because of work. This was his vacation. He had told her that on more than one occasion.

They were now back on the wharf. Only a mere block from her car. She didn’t want the night to come to a close. It was the most fun she had had in a long time, possibly ever. Even though she slowed her steps as they approached her car, they eventually made it there.

"So I’ll meet you here tomorrow morning and we’ll go running" Luis said standing in front of her with her hands clutched in his.

"Only if you promise to take it easy on me"

"I promise" his lips itched to kiss her but he wasn’t sure if she would accept it. "I’ll see you tomorrow then" he started to move away but she tightened her grip on his hands.

"No goodnight kiss?" she raised her brows at him.

"Do you deserve one?" he flashed her his million-dollar grin.

"After putting up with you the whole night? YES!"

"Remember you asked for it"

Luis pressed his lips gently to hers. He only intended it to be short and sweet but it turned to something more intense quickly. Their lips seemed to be magnets stuck together. Not even the need for oxygen was going to break them apart. Luis ran his hands down her bare back finally letting them rest on her bottom. Sheridan had her arms wrapped around his neck, her fingers tangled in his hair. Neither had ever felt anything like this before. They didn’t want stop. They feared that it would never be like this again. So they hungrily clung together. That is until some teenage boys yelled at them to get a room. Finally they floated down from the clouds.

"Bye Luis" she bit her swollen lower lip.

"Bye Sheridan" he gave her one more quick kiss and then started to walk away. She fell against her car and sighed. She was never more excited to go running before in her life.

Chapter Four:

Sheridan and Luis had been spending the last couple days joined at the hip. Luis was beginning to feel guilty because he was supposed to be spending this time with his family and he had yet to spend the day with them. So this was the day. He was taking his family to Boston for a day of shopping for the girls and then they would catch the Red Sox play the Yankees, followed by a late dinner. It was a compromise on everyone’s part. Luis was so tempted to invite Sheridan along but he knew his time in Harmony was limited and his family deserved one day with his full attention on them. They were on their way now and all he could think was he was glad he didn’t drive. Because, try as he might, his mind kept wandering back to her.

~*~*~*~ Flashback ~*~*~*~

Sheridan was already across the street from the Book Café stretching when he arrived. He couldn’t help but stare at her cute little butt while she bent over to touch her toes. Since playfulness seemed to be part of their relationship, he snuck up behind her. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her off the ground. She burst into a fit of giggles knowing it was him. He was spinning her around with her arms and legs just dangling there. He finally let her down and they but struggled to stand because they were dizzy. But one look into each other’s eyes and they were pulled to one another again. Luis loved the feel of her soft lips pressed against his. She tasted so sweet and she had so much energy surging through her and crashing into him. Then he got a stronger dose of that energy when she pushed away from him and yelled ‘Tag! You’re it!’ Before he knew it she was dashing down the street. When he finally caught her he was rewarded with another kiss. He liked that game.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Luis was still sitting in the car while his whole family stood outside it laughing at him. They knew how far gone he was. He laughed with them when he realized what he was doing. It was going to be a long day if things kept up this way.

The women dragged him in and Miguel in store after store searching for who knows what. He promised them all he would buy them something special to wear to dinner after the ball game. They were on a mission now, looking for that special outfit. Even Miguel got into trying to find something he could bring back to Harmony and use to impress his girlfriend.

Luis couldn’t help but glance through the women’s section of the stores. He found himself wondering what Sheridan would look like in some of these things. Maybe he would bring her back something. Something she would look delightful in. No matter what he tried he always seemed to think about her.

~*~*~*~ Flashback ~*~*~*~

They had ended their run near the cove. They were both breathless. Neither had ever run so hard. They kept trying to out do each other. They both collapsed into the sand struggling to move. It was warm for a spring day and the next thing he knew Sheridan was on her feet again, stripping! He felt his heart speed up as he watched her shed her t-shirt and shorts.

"What?" she asked innocently.

"Whatcha doing?" he struggled to ask.

"Going for a swim"

"In what?"

"This" she stood before him in her sports bra and underwear. "Don’t look so shocked. This isn’t half as revealing as my bikinis"

With that she jumped into the pool of water the cove enclosed. Luis quickly stood and tore off his shirt and joined her. She swam to him and snaked her arms and legs around him and began to nibble on his ear. The day in the water was pure and utter bliss but it did nothing to cool them off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Luis!" his entire family yelled his name.

"What? … Huh?" he stuttered.

"You need to give the saleslady your credit card" Theresa explained making sure to annunciate each word clearly.

"Oh right" he took out his wallet and handed over his plastic.

"Luis better be careful or he is going to get hit on the head by a foul ball at the ball game" Miguel laughed.

"Oh be quite" he took his little brother under his arm and mussed his hair.

"Hijo, maybe for your safety you should call Sheridan before the game" Pilar suggested in all seriousness. Luis was quite the space cadet today.

"I’ll be fine Mama"

Luis was right. He was fine during the ball game. Sports seemed to always work at distracting men from thinking of women. But now that they were at dinner seeing all the couples eating around them made her pop into his mind again. Pilar saw Luis’s eyes started to glaze over. She decided to start a conversation before they lost him again.

"You really like her don’t you?" Pilar asked. Everyone else stopped their conversations to hear his answer.

"Yes" he said dreamily.

"What’s her family like?" Pilar continued.

"I don’t know" he admitted.

"Well what’s her last name? Maybe we know them" she concluded.

"I don’t know that either" he scratched his head.

"What do you know about her?" Pilar asked.

"She is sweet, funny, intelligent, caring, beautiful, energetic, and incredibly likeable" he gushed.

"Just likeable?" Miguel raised his brow.

"Well…" Luis looked around the table. All four pairs of eyes were focused on him. " Maybe she is more than likeable" they just continued to stare not letting him off the hook. "She is definitely loveable"

"I knew it!" Theresa shrieked. "It was fate that you came home" Luis just rolled his eyes. But deep down he couldn’t help but hope she was right.

They had made it home safely from Boston and he now his old bedroom staring at the phone. He wanted so badly to call her and find out how her day went. But it was late and he didn’t want to wake her. He remembered how listening to the bugs in the Crane house had distracted him before. He’d try that again tonight. He wondered what the Crane heiress was up to now. He dug out the cell phone and laptop and again tuned into the lives of the rich, famous, and criminal.

Chapter Five:

Luis sat on his bed listening to the bugs. So far all he had heard was dead air. She wasn’t home. He was going to give up on her and call it a night when he heard something. He quickly switched to the back entrance and listened in.

Luis couldn’t believe his luck. Not that he wanted this Crane woman hurt but everytime he listened Alistair seemed to pop up. Too bad he wasn’t on this case.

Luis could hear them struggling. She was obviously trying to force him out. Then he heard the door slam. He heard her sigh and spout "God damn him" before he heard her break into tears. He felt guilty listening to her cry and not be able to comfort her. He had the overwhelming urge to give her a hug. She hadn’t done anything wrong. He wished he could tell her that. She was just trying to stand up for herself. He listened to her sobs subside and then she began to talk to herself.

Luis didn’t hear anything after that. He heard her go into the bathroom and ready herself for bed. He decided to do the same. He switched off his equipment and stowed it for the night. He tripped down to his boxers and brushed his teeth. He crawled in under his covers. He took one last look at the phone and switched off his light. He made a silent wish that she would call him. The phone then rang scaring the shit out of him. He answered it after one ring and found Sheridan on the other end. Theresa would say it was fate.

"I didn’t wake you did I?" she asked.

"No, I wouldn’t care if you did" he confessed. "I missed you today"

"I missed you too. Are we still on for tomorrow?"

"Of course! Don’t even think you’re getting rid of me"

"Damn" she teased. "I guess I’m stuck with you"

"Yeah and you like it"

"You bet" she laughed. "How was your day?"

"Great. My sisters are a riot. But I kept wishing you were there"

"Really?" she blushed into the phone.

"Yep. My family is now convinced I’m a space cadet. How was yours?"

"Don’t ask"

"That bad huh?"

"Worse" she wanted to confide in him so badly but it wasn’t right telling hm who she was over the phone.

"Anything I can help with?" he hoped she would finally open up to him.

"No. I just wished I spent the day with you" she avoided his question.

"Tomorrow" he promised.

"Well I’ll let you get to bed. I just wanted to hear your voice before I sleep. Now my dreams will be sweet"

"Night Sheridan" Luis smiled.

"Goodnight Luis" she was smiling too. "I’ll see you in the morning" they both replaced their phones to their cradles.

"Sheridan tomorrow you’re going to tell me all about you. I need you to open up to me. I need you to trust me" Luis whispered into the air and then let out a yawn. Tomorrow she was going to answer all his questions. He’d tickle the answers out of her if he had to.

Chapter Six:

Sheridan woke up the next morning feeling better than she thought. Usually when she fought with her father she tossed and turned all night thinking of a way to please him but calling Luis last night proved to be the right thing to do. She smiled as she remembered her dream from last night.

~*~*~*~ Dream ~*~*~*~

Sheridan giggled. Luis was being his normal playful self. He was sitting on top of her, pinning her arms above her head with one hand and tickling her sides with his other. He wanted to know how old she was. She kept insisting she was 21, which of course was a lie. He hardly believed her though. He pounced on her and started to tickle it out of her.

"What will you give me if I tell you?" she continued to laugh.

"I’ll tell you something you don’t know about me" he offered.

"What?"

"You’ll just have to trust me" he tickled her again.

"Fine! Just stop tickling me" she pleaded and he stopped. "I’m 27. Now it’s your turn"

"Hmmm. What to tell you?" he put his finger on his cheek and pretended to be deep in thought. "Oh! I know" he bent down and whispered something in her ear.

"Really?" she smiled brightly.

"Really" he kissed her lightly on the lips.

"I love you too Luis, so much"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan sighed happily as she readied herself their date today. She wondered what he had planned for them today. She hoped it included some place secluded. She had fun doing things with him, but her body ached for more. She was tempted to bring him back to her place but everyone knew this was the house of the Crane heiress. She knew she couldn’t hide the fact she was a Crane forever. She needed to tell him everything and she would, today. God give her the courage to do what’s right.

She met Luis at the Book Café like usual. Luis asked to pick her up time and time again but she always refused. She said it was out of his way. He was getting suspicious now. She knew he wasn’t going to be patient with her much longer. She joined him at the table and took a sip from the cup in front of her. He had learned she liked expresso. She smiled with gratitude.

"Morning Luis" she bent across the table and captured his lips in a quick kiss.

"Morning" he smiled nervously. He didn’t want to run her off with his questions.

"What’s on the agenda for the day?"

"I thought we’d go down to the pier later and spend the day at the carnival"

"Sounds like fun" she took another sip of coffee. "What until then?"

"I want to talk" he said hesitantly.

"About what?" she asked even though she feared she knew.

"You. Sheridan, I like you. A lot, more than a lot actually. But last night I realized I don’t even know your last name"

"I know you must have many questions" she stared at the table.

"I have never pushed you to tell me anything because I’ve sensed your apprehensions"

"I know that. And thank you"

"But Sheridan, I want more. If we are to go any farther you need to open up to me. You have to tell me what you’re hiding"

"I know Luis" she nodded. "It’s time I told you everything. I want to tell you"

"Then why haven’t you?" he reached across the table taking her hands in his.

"I’m afraid" she confessed.

"Of what? You don’t have to be afraid of me"

"I’m not afraid of you. I’m afraid of losing you" she admitted.

"You won’t" he assured her. "Just tell me, please"

"Okay" she drew a deep breath before beginning.

** BEEP BEEP BEEP **

Although Luis was on vacation he was still required to carry his beeper with him at all times in case of emergency. But could it go off at a worse time? He felt they were finally going to have a break through. And now he had to call Washington. Luis excused himself and wandered over to the payphone. Sheridan followed him for a moment but stopped short of the phone and entered the woman’s room instead. She went to freshen up while he made his call.

"Hey Carter. You beeped me. What’s up?" Luis asked annoyed they interrupted him and Sheridan. "You’re kidding me right? I still have a weeks worth of vacation left" Luis wasn’t ready to go back to work yet. "Damn them!" Luis said furiously. "Damn the Cranes for being Criminals. I am going to catch every last one of them and throw them behind bars where they all belong. They’ve ruined everything!" Luis knew he was blowing this out of proportion but he didn’t want to go back to Washington yet. He wasn’t ready to leave. He didn’t want to leave Sheridan.

Sheridan hadn’t meant to over hear Luis’s conversation but it came echoing into the bathroom. She nearly collapsed in tears when she heard him curse the Cranes. He DID know who she was. Her father was right, he was just using her. The bastard! He was just a user like every other guy she came in contact with. Well she wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of seeing how much he hurt her. That’s what he wanted right? To destroy her. He was seeking revenge on her family for ruining everything. She made sure he was still on the phone and quickly and quietly left the bathroom. She stopped at the table only to gather her coat. Then she proceeded out the door. She vanished from the Book Café before he could realize she was gone.

Chapter Seven:

Luis went back to the table preparing to break the bad news to Sheridan. But when he arrived Sheridan wasn’t there. He sat down assuming she was still in the bathroom. As the minutes passed he grew worried about her where abouts. It wasn’t like her to up and disappear. He asked Grace Bennett, a woman his mother was friends with, to check on her. Grace returned and informed him the bathroom was empty. Luis didn’t know what was going on but he was getting a sinking feeling this was what getting stood up felt like. Whatever Sheridan had to tell him was bigger than he originally thought. Luis knew she had a good heart so she shouldn’t have been afraid to tell him anything but obviously she was. She wasn’t here anymore.

Luis still hadn’t found her after an hour of searching. He hated to give up but he had no other choice. He wanted to go spend his final night in Harmony with his family if he couldn’t be with her. He shuffled his feet and walked head down back home. He was greeted by his brother when he walked in the door. Luis wished he could be alone so he could nurse his broken heart but he knew he wasn’t going to get this time to spend with his family again for a while.

"Hey bro" Miguel looked up from the basketball game he was watching. "I though you were spending the day with Sheridan"

"I was" Luis mumbled. "My plans changed"

"Wanna watch the game with me?" Miguel asked oblivious to Luis’s condition.

"No thanks man. I need to make some phone calls"

Luis retreated to his room. Sports weren’t even appealing to him now. What was wrong with him? He called his superiors to find out exactly how he was going to be involved in the Crane case. He was informed that the local FBI needed his expertise. They were getting nowhere. OS he was to stay in Harmony. Only this time he was on the job. He was to listen to the bugs he planted and also devise a way to bug the Crane mansion. That was going to be his top priority. The FBI desperately needed extra ears in the mansion. At least this would give him more time with his family. Tonight he could just mope and hide in his room.

His mother knocked on his door around dinnertime. He joined everyone for the meal but didn’t say a word. No one bothered him either. They could tell he was hurting and let him be. After only about two bites he was full. He excused himself and left to take a walk. He was hoping the night air would help put his mind at ease.

The walk did anything but help him though. Everything in the town reminded him of her. He had spent more of his time since he retuned to Harmony with her. He desperately needed a douse of caffeine but couldn’t bring himself to enter the Book Café. That had been their meeting place. Why did she have so little faith in him? He would have worked through anything she needed to tell him. Didn’t she understand it didn’t matter to him what she had done in her past as long as she agreed to be part of his future?

Luis just kept wandering. He didn’t have a destination but he kept ending up in places they had spent time. Right now he was walking near the waters of the cove. And that’s when he saw her. She was sitting on a rock staring out at the water. She looked like her felt, lost. He walked over to her. He places his hand on her shoulder letting her know he was there.

"Go away" she insisted.

"Why did you leave?" he refused to just leave without getting some answers.

"I said, go away" she replied bitterly.

"What the hell is going on?" he circled around her since she refused to face him.

"You want to know?" she stood and looked him in the eye. "I loathe you" she glared at him.

"What did I do?" Luis asked in shock.

"Does it really matter? I know exactly who you are and what you want from me"

"Sheridan, all I have ever wanted from you is the truth"

"About what exactly? I don’t know anything about my father’s business"

"Your father?" Luis was confused. What did she mean?

"Never mind!" she threw her hands into the air. "You’re FBI, you’ll figure it out!"

Sheridan turned from Luis and started to walk off. She couldn’t look at him anymore. Just seeing him made her heart shatter. He grabbed her arm though, unwilling to let her leave.

"Don’t touch me!" she seethed in a voice she didn’t know she processed.

"Sheridan, please tell me what’s going on" he pleaded as he let her go.

Sheridan refused to give him an answer. She just started to run away again. He let her go for a moment. Luis let her believe he was going to let her go without a fight. When she was just about out of sight he used his tracking skills and followed her. He stayed out of her vision as he trailed her. Luis pursued her all the way to what he presumed was her house. He watched her climb the steps and slam the door. Luis looked around at the house. He knew this house. He bugged this house. This was the house of the Crane heiress!

Chapter Eight:

Luis stood on Sheridan’s doorstep, Sheridan Crane’s doorstep. No wonder she didn’t want to tell him who she was. She knew her father was under FBI investigation. She must be at wits end with her father ordering her to stay away from him. But why did she choose this morning to listen to him? He planned on knocking on her door and talk some sense into her but he wasn’t exactly sure what there was to explain yet.

Luis sat on her front steps and pondered what could have caused the sudden change in her. They were in the Book Café and she was finally about to open up to him. Then he got beeped. So he used the phone while she was in the woman’s room. Oh god! If she heard him on the phone that would explain everything. He had said some nasty things about the Cranes. He had no idea she was one of them. She must think he was using her but he would never do that. He cared about her too much. He moved quickly to the door and began to pound on it.

"Sheridan, open up the door" Luis yelled.

"Go away Luis" she yelled back.

"No!" he refused. "We need to talk!"

"I have nothing to say to you!" she was unwilling to move from her spot on the couch.

"Well I have plenty to say to you"

"I don’t want to hear it"

"If you ever cared about me at all please open the door" he hoped he had struck a soft spot.

"I’m going to call the police!" she warned.

"What do you think I am?" he knew the local police wouldn’t touch a federal agent.

"A lying bastard! That’s what I think you are!" Sheridan was on the verge of losing it. She hated him for what he had done but she longed to be held by him. "Please just go" she couldn’t fight the tears anymore.

Luis couldn’t stand that he was the cause of her tears. If she would just open the door he was sure he could make things better. He could easily puck the lock again but that would do nothing but anger her. He sat down in front of her door and then leaned back against it. He wasn’t going to leave her. He refused to give up. He could hear her continue to cry. He decided he better wait till she stopped before trying again. He felt a vibrating in his pocket. Now that he was back on duty he was carrying all sorts of gadgets with him. He pulled out his cell phone and answered it.

"Lopez-Fitzgerald" he said somberly.

"Have you been listening?" Agent O’Reilly asked.

"To what?"

"The bugs. Something big is going down at the Crane house. Miss Crane is really pissed at some guy"

"Say hello to some guy" Luis grumbled.

"You’re there?"

"Yes"

"Oh man. What did you do?"

"It’s a long story. Did you need anything else?"

"I just wanted to get your opinion but it can wait. Good luck man"

Luis closed his phone and sighed. He could still hear her inside whimpering. At least she seemed to be calming a little bit. He would give her a few more minutes before he tried again. But before he could give their situation anymore thought his pocket began to shake again. He snatched his phone and brought it to his ear.

"Lopez-Fitzgerald" he answered rather annoyed.

"Agent" a voice said sternly.

"Sir" Luis stood up out of habit.

"I have just been informed of something rather interesting. You are acquainted with Miss Crane?"

"Yes sir. I met her upon return to Harmony"

"You are to use your friendship with her to gain access to the mansion"

"I won’t do it sir. I will not betray her trust" Luis wandered away from her door so she couldn’t over hear.

"This is not up for negotiation Agent"

"But she won’t even talk to me" Luis was not looking forward to this assignment. He lov… liked her a lot. He didn’t want to get her involved.

"Fix it" Special Agent Taylor insisted. "And that’s an order!"

Luis was next greeted by a dial tone. This was not going well, not at all. Now not only did he have to patch up the rift between them for his heart’s sake but it was also a direct order from his boss. This new twist was going to make it harder for him to get her to forgive him. If she thought he was using her already, now what was she going to think? He went back to her door. It was time for that talk. He knocked on her door again.

"Sheridan, I know you don’t want to listen but please I have so much to tell you"

"Luis, please…" she pleaded, ready to cry all over again.

"You must hate me but I promise you I didn’t know"

Sheridan listened and he sounded sincere but he was lying she was sure of it. No one was ever going to love her for her. He was just another in a long line of users. She couldn’t let him get the best of her again. She decided just not to reply anymore. She stood ready to go up to her bedroom. She wouldn’t have to listen to him there. She stood at the bottom of the stairs and took one last look at the door.

"Goodbye Luis" she whispered sadly. She thought he was the one that was different.

Sheridan didn’t get any farther though. Before she could venture up the stairs a hand came from behind her and covered her mouth. She tried to struggle but it was useless. Someone had her. ‘Luis’ she screamed in her head. ‘Please help’ she hoped he was telepathic or she was in trouble.

Chapter Nine:

Sheridan continued to struggle. Why was this happening to her again? She had been kidnapped twice before once when she was eight and then again when she was thirteen. Both times she was held for ransom. Luckily, because she was the only child, her father paid. But both times he got his money back and the men were still in jail. Well as far as she knew they were. Maybe this was one of them seeking their revenge. ‘God please help!’ She felt his grip loosening around her mouth. She took the chance to scream for help.

"Luis!" She screamed.

"Shh. Sheridan. It’s me" Luis soothed.

Luis turned her around and her eyes filled with relief. She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him tight. When her fear subsided she pulled back and slapped him hard across the face. What was he thinking sneaking up behind her like that? Was he trying to give her a heart attack?

"What the hell do you think you’re doing?" Sheridan seethed. "You scared the shit out of me!"

"You wouldn’t let me in"

"So what, you have an extra key?"

"I picked the lock" he replied non-chalantly.

"Oh right. I forgot you’re a legal criminal"

"Sheridan please just let me explain. There are some things you don’t know"

"Fine!" she relented. "I know you’re not going to leave until you speak your mind. So enlighten me"

"Take a walk with me" he suggested thinking of all the bugs in her house.

"I’m not going anywhere with you" she protested.

"How about just sitting outside, neutral territory"

"Let’s just get this over with"

Sheridan strode to her back door and flung it open, mearly taking it off its hinges. Luis followed quickly behind her making sure she wasn’t going to run away. She made a beeline for her picnic table and climbed a top it. He thought about joining her but he thought it best to keep his distance. He had already gotten slapped once. He choose to drag a patio chair over and sit in front of her. She tapped her foot impatiently on the bench as she waited for him.

"Well?" she asked as soon as he sat.

"You heard me on the phone didn’t you?" he got straight to the point.

"I didn’t mean to but…" it wasn’t like she was intentionally eavesdropping.

"But you did"

"Yes"

"And you’re mad…"

"Irate or furious would be a better choice of words" she interrupted.

"Okay, you’re furious" he looked at her for her approval and she nodded. "With me because you think I was using you?"

"You WERE!" she shouted adamantly.

"Sheridan, I didn’t know you were a Crane until I followed you home just now"

"Right" she replied not believing a word he said. "Then why do you hate my father so much? Why are all the Cranes damned criminals?" She was deeply scarred that he threw her in that category.

"Because, whatever your father is doing is getting more serious and the bureau is cutting my vacation short. And that meant I wasn’t going to get to spend time with you"

Sheridan just stared at him blankly. She wasn’t sure if she should believe him. After all he was FBI. He was trained to lie.

"I was mad because I thought I had to go back to D.C. So I took it out on your family"

"And now you’re not? Going back to Washington, I mean"

"No, I’m not" he got a little hope from her inquiry.

"Why not?"

"The bureau needs me here"

"Oh" she replied sadly.

"Sheridan, there’s more"

Luis studied Sheridan. He knew she wasn’t going to like what he had to tell her. He could tell she was still skeptical about his explanation. This wasn’t going to make him any more credible. This was just going to get her all fired up again.

"What is it?" She questioned. She was exhausted from the events of the day.

"You know I told you I didn’t know you were a Crane until I got here…"

"I knew you were lying!" she seethed.

"Would you let me finish?" he sighed. "That was true, but do you want to know how I knew this was the Crane heiress’s house?"

"Enlighten me"

"Before I was officially on vacation, I had one last job" he paused to decide if he should tell her. He concluded she deserved the whole truth. "I had to bug your house"

"Excuse me?" Sheridan tilted her head hoping it would allow her ears to unclog.

"The FBI has your entire house in their ears"

Luis watched her and waited. He was waiting for the big one. Her temper was going to cause the earth to open up and swallow him whole. God have mercy on him.

Chapter Ten:

Luis could hear the second hands on his watch tick away as he waited for her reaction. Each second felt like eternity. She wasn’t reacting though. She stares at him, no emotion appearing on her face.

"Do you understand what I just said?" Luis asked when over five minutes had passed and she had yet to speak.

"Yes" she replied coolly. "Crane’s aren’t devoid of intelligence"

"Have I ever treated you like I thought you were inferior?"

"I’m sure FBI agents are trained to manipulate"

She was still angry, he was sure of it. He could almost see her breathing ice crystals. He didn’t know if she would ever be able to forgive him. The way she was acting now he didn’t have much hope for their future.

"So how long have you been listening to me?" the question came out cold and hard but inside she was embarrassed. How much had he heard? Had he heard her denounce her father? Had he heard her cry after her father ridiculed her? What about when she sang in the shower or… oh god! Had he heard her talk to herself excitedly when she prepared for their dates?

"Actually I wasn’t on the case. So other than a few times when…" he paused. The only time he had listened to the bugs was when he needed to get his mind of her. He couldn’t tell her that. "Other than a few times, I wasn’t even listening"

"What did you hear those times?"

"I heard you on the phone once with your father and another time when he was in your house"

"Do they know you’re telling me this?"

"No they don’t. They would probably pull me from the case if they did. And probably fire me"

"Well let’s go tell them then" she sought revenge for his hurting her. She promised herself she wouldn’t feel guilty for this later. He was just a user and deserved what he got.

"Sheridan stop!" Luis jumped off his chair and blocked her path inside.

"Why? You hurt me so now I’m going to return the favor"

"Don’t you think you’re being just a tad bit childish?"

"No" she scoffed.

"Okay so you still don’t believe that I didn’t know you were a Crane before tonight"

"Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner"

"What can I say to change your opinion?"

"Nothing!"

Suddenly Luis had an idea. So she wasn’t going to believe a word he said but maybe his family could help. They teased him constantly about the dopey look on his face that appeared since he had met her. Surely she would believe them. Or at least consider what they had to say.

"Fine you don’t believe me, maybe you’ll believe someone else"

"What are you talking about?"

"Come on. I want you to talk …"

"I already told you" she interrupted. "I am not going anywhere with you!"

"Yes you are!" he insisted. He didn’t want to lose what they had. It had nothing to do with the case.

"No!"

"Yes!" they stood facing each other in their stand off. Neither was willing to back down.

"You can’t make me go anywhere with you!"

"Oh can’t I?"

"No" she huffed.

"We’ll just see about that" he gave her an up to know good smile.

"Luis, what are you doing?" She asked as he inched closer to her.

Without a word Luis grabbed her and flung her over his shoulder. She squealed for him to put her down, but he refused. She tried to kick but he had his arms firmly wrapped around her legs. So she began to pound on his back. He just kept walking away from her house and towards his own. She stopped punching him after a block or two.

Sheridan was frustrated. She had to get away from him. Being so close to him in this primal way, was driving her wild. If he put her down and made any move to kiss her, her wall would crumble and she would melt into his arms. There was no way she was going to let that happen though. She tried to catch him off guard so simultaneously she bit his back and pinched his butt as hard as she could.

"Hey!" Luis responded without missing a step. "I know I’m irresistible but we are in public"

"Oh shut up!" she replied highly annoyed that her plan did nothing to him. "Put me down!" she ordered again.

"I will"

"You will?" she said in disbelief.

"Sure, when we get there" he laughed and got slapped hard on the back for it. "You know if you keep abusing me I’m not going to be responsible for my actions"

"Is that so" she challenged, then proceeded to slap his ass. It was just too tempting.

"That’s it!" he roared.

They were passing Lighthouse Park at that moment so Luis saw it fit to take a detour. When he was a kid his mother used to take him to the wading pool next to the playground. He hoped it was still there and he hoped it was filled. It was. He was glad night had fallen and the park was deserted. Sheridan could only see things they past so it was a chock for her when he set her on her feet and gave her a slight push. There was a splash followed by a thud when her butt hit the bottom of the pool.

"AHHHH!" she screamed. "You bastard!"

"Like you are an angel. I probably still have teeth marks on my back"

"You deserved them" she chorused.

"And you deserved this" he chimed. "Now we are even"

"Not quite"

Sheridan dragged her arm along the top of the water and soaked Luis from the waist down. He should have figured as much. She always played dirty but damn it aroused him. She was always so energetic. He loved it. He loved … Stop it! He needed to patch things up between them before he could think like that again. He extended his hand and helped her out of the pool.

"Are you going to walk now?" he asked.

"Sure" she complied thinking she would walk the other way.

"With me?" he corrected reading her thoughts.

"Only if you tell me where we are going"

"To my house" he admitted.

"Why?" she pressed for more information.

"You’ll find out" he still had a hold of her hand and tugged on it as he began to walk. Reluctantly she followed.

Sheridan had calmed immensely since the start of this confrontation. She wondered if it was because of his touch. Her hand was still tucked away in his. She would never understand the sense of completion she got from the simplest of touches from this man. She wished with all her heart it were the same for him. But how could it be? He was just using her. Together they climbed the three steps to Luis’s front door. She wondered what he had planned for her behind door number one.

Chapter Eleven:

Luis opened the door and literally had to push Sheridan inside. He hoped that for once his family was home. It was late though so his brother and sister’s curfew should have passed. They found them all in the kitchen having hot chocolate and sharing stories of their days. When the kitchen door flung open they all turned their eyes to Sheridan and Luis. They tried not to laugh at the couple’s appearance. They were still soaked.

"Luis, what happened to you guys?" Miguel asked with a smirk.

"It’s a long story. I’ll fill you in later but first I need you guys to do something for me" Luis explained.

"Anything Luis" Paloma readily agreed.

"What do you want us to do?" Theresa asked.

"Well, I’m going to go up to my room and I want you guys to tell Sheridan anything she wanted to know. Don’t hold anything back on my account. Be brutally honest, ok?"

"Sure hijo, but what is this all about?" Pilar questioned.

"Sheridan can clue you in if she wants. I’m leaving now" Luis pushed Sheridan further into the room.

"Don’t do this" Sheridan whispered, pleading with him not to leave.

"You wanted to know if I was using you, ask them" he responded and vanished from the room. Sheridan stared at his family unsure of how to proceed.

"Do you want some hot chocolate?" Pilar asked.

"Or a towel" Miguel piped in. He received a disapproving glance from his mother.

"Actually, I would love both" Sheridan answered remaining close to the door.

"Come, sit down" Theresa pushed out a chair for her.

"Thank you" she said to both Theresa and Pilar.

"So what’s going on? You two don’t look as happy as you were in the restaurant" Paloma commented.

Sheridan filled them in on the whole situation. She told them she was a Crane and Luis’s involvement in her father’s case. She explained that the FBI had been keeping close tabs on her and it was her theory that this was why Luis was spending time with her. She refrained herself from insulting Luis in front of his family. When she was finished recounting all of the events she downed her now lukewarm chocolate. She wished it was something stronger. Luis’s family took in what she said not responding until she was finished.

"You don’t believe he had any feelings for you?" Paloma asked trying to clarify.

"No" She responded sadly.

"You can’t see that he loves you?" Theresa asked putting Sheridan on the spot.

"He doesn’t love me" Sheridan rebuffed. "He is just doing his job"

"That is what you believe but it is not the truth" Pilar jumped in. "I have never seen my son act this way. You have turned his life upside down"

"What are you talking about?" She needed more of an explanation.

"When Luis took us to Boston it was almost if he wasn’t there" Pilar told her.

"He kept getting this far off look on his face" Paloma continued.

"Yeah, I don’t think he even realized he spent so much money on us" Theresa added.

"He just wanted to keep us busy so he could think about you" Miguel threw in.

"Listen to me Sheridan" Pilar took both of Sheridan’s hands in hers. "Luis would never use an innocent person for work or otherwise. I have seen him interact with other women but never have I seen him so free with someone. He doesn’t put up a front with you. He let’s his playfulness show"

"We do have fun teasing and embarrassing each other" Sheridan agreed. "I really like being with him"

"Then don’t give up on him" Paloma encouraged.

"You and Luis are destined to be together" Theresa chimed.

"And we all know how useless it is to fight destiny" Miguel rolled his eyes.

"Before I make any decisions, I have one more request of all of you" Sheridan informed them. They all nodded in agreement. "I want each of you to tell me one thing you heard him say or he told you about me"

Luis looked at the clock. They had been in there for almost an hour. He refrained himself from eavesdropping. He didn’t want her to catch him in the act. He hoped she was still there and she hadn’t escaped. But he knew someone would tell him if she left. He didn’t know what to do with himself while he waited. He played solitaire, tried reading, dusted, made his bed and now he was pacing the floor. He hoped she would immerge from the kitchen soon. He was going to drive himself insane if she didn’t.

It was then that she appeared in his doorway. She had tears in her eyes. And he wasn’t sure of the look she was giving him. He stopped pacing and waited for her to say or do something. He didn’t have to wait long. She wiped away her tears and closed the gap between them. She allowed herself only to kiss him on the cheek before she buried her head in his shoulder. The tears fell freely again. He wrapped his arms tightly around her and tried to soothe her. He hated to see her cry.

"I’m sorry" she whispered.

"Shhh." He tried to quiet her. "How did you find my family?" he kept her head securely on his shoulder.

"Very informative" she tried to control her tears.

"Do you trust me now?" he didn’t want to ask but he had to know for sure.

Luis felt her stiffen in his embrace. Sheridan though about it. She wanted so much to stay in his arms forever. But could she take to heart what his family said about him? After all he could have just as easily brainwashed them as he did her. But if he was just using her why did this feel so right? She relaxed again in his arms. She wasn’t able to stop the feeling of completion. So she stopped trying to fight.

"You don’t trust me do you?" he asked sadly. He was sure the session with his family would work.

"Not completely" she admitted.

"But you’re starting to" he said hopefully, to which he received a nod. "What did they say that made you change your mind?"

Sheridan broke away from Luis so that it was possible for her to look into his eyes. His eyes were so deep. She had to keep herself from getting lost in them. She had so much to tell him. She had to control her emotions for a little while longer. Luis took her hand and guided her to his bed. They sat together, hands still joined.

"They told me things" she said shyly.

"What kind of things?" he pushed.

"Nothing. Well just your average he’s walked into two walls and a door kind of stuff"

"Miguel told you that didn’t he?"

"He’s a miniature version of you" she laughed.

"But it’s actually what Theresa said that got me"

"What did my head in the clouds sister have to say?" he queried.

"Well, she gave me a direct quote from you"

"Oh really?" he rolled his eyes. He was sure his sister exaggerated. Theresa was a hopeless romantic.

"Ye. Do you want to know what she said?" Luis nodded. "She said you said this when you were all at dinner in Boston" she cleared her throat. "She is sweet, funny, intelligent, caring, beautiful, energetic, and incredibly likeable" Sheridan said in one breath and was sure she saw a blush creep up on Luis’s face.

"I guess I did say some like that" he replied shyly.

"LIKE that?" she questioned.

"Okay exactly like that" he mused. "Do you believe me?"

"What does this tell you?"

Sheridan bent over and kissed his lips sweetly. It wasn’t intense but it was sensual. They slowly melted into one, perfectly content with each other. The soft kisses continued until Luis pulled away. He didn’t want to but he had to.

"Don’t stop" Sheridan stuck out her lip.

"Sheridan there is one more think I have to tell you"

"What?" she was giving him a heated look making it hard for him to concentrate.

"You believe that I wasn’t using you right?"

"Yes I believe you know" she assured him. Her heart wouldn’t let her give up on him.

"Ok good because although I didn’t used you before. I’m going to have to use you now"

And then there was silence.

Chapter Twelve:

"Excuse me?" Sheridan broke the silence and bore into his eyes. What was he talking about now?

"I know I’ve told you a lot today and it’s been tough to swallow but there’s more" he confessed.

"How can there be more? You already told me the FBI has me under surveillance"

"Well they aren’t making any progression in the case so they enlisted my help"

"So your vacation is over. You already told me that"

"Well yes but it is what I have to do for the case that bothers me" he admitted.

"Just tell me. I will try not to get mad"

"Right. Here goes" he drew a breath. "I need to gain access to the Crane Mansion so I can plant bugs there"

"And that concerns me how? I don’t care what you do to my father" she replied nonchalantly.

"That might be so but the bureau wanted me to reconcile with you so you would take me to the mansion"

Sheridan tried to digest what Luis was explaining. Now she was confused again. Did he make up with her for the good of the case or the good of his heart? But why would he tell her all this if he wasn’t being sincere about his feelings for her? He didn’t have to tell her. Instead of blowing up at him again, she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"But please don’t think I kissed you to bend you to my will. I’d never do that to you" Luis quickly explained. He didn’t want her think he was like her father.

"I know" she ran her hand over his cheek. "I trust you completely"

"That’s good to hear" he smiled brightly and couldn’t resist kissing her smiling lips.

"Luis, I want to help you. I’ll get you into the mansion so you can plant your bugs" she offered.

Luis didn’t know what to say. He didn’t think she would so readily agree. But he didn’t think she realized the consequences if she did help him. Luis knew Alistair’s wife had died long ago. If Sheridan helped put her father behind bars she wouldn’t have any family left. Not to mention the incredible guilt Luis was feeling for enlisting her help in the first place. He didn’t want her to keep on believing people got close to her because they wanted something from her. From what he heard over the airwaves her father had been doing that to her for too long. He wanted her to know someone could love her unconditionally and only expect love in return.

"No Sheridan. I will find another way into the mansion" Luis refused her offer.

"But you just said it was your orders for me to get you into the mansion"

"I know but there has got to be another way"

"If there was don’t you think they would have thought of it by now?" she pointed out. "Just let me help you"

"No"

"Why not?" she was a little hurt that he wouldn’t let her get involved.

"Because. I don’t think you realize what would happen if you helped me"

"I do!" she replied adamantly.

"Then tell me what you think would happen" he wondered how delusional her answer was going to be.

"Well I get you into the mansion. You plant your devices. You complete your job and get to go back on vacation. Ergo you get to spend more time with me" her smile could light up all of Harmony right now. He hated to dim it.

"Sheridan, it’s great you are thinking positively…"

"It’s a first for me" she mused.

"But there is one big hole in your theory" she waited for him to explain. "If you were to help you would possibly have a hand in destroying your father. I know you might not always get along with him but he is the only family you have" Sheridan shifted uncomfortably in her seat. What he said was ringing true. "Could you live with yourself knowing you took away the only family you have ever known? I don’t think I could"

Sheridan thought about it for a moment. Could she really help put her father behind bars and turn around and live a happy life? She wasn’t sure. But the man she lov… liked a lit needed her help. She didn’t want him to lose his job because of her. Hurting Luis would sting more than hurting her father. So she made up her mind. Luis was the most important thing in her life. He cared about her. She doubted her father ever did.

"I still want to help" she said firmly.

"I’m not going to let you" he replied.

"Let me? No offence Luis but no one tells me what I can and can not do!" she spurted out.

"That’s not what I meant" he corrected. "Thank you for the offer but I decline. I will find another way"

"Of all the stubborn, pigheaded… would you just accept my help?" she exasperated.

"Oh, I’m being stubborn? I don’t think so" he responded.

"I do! You’re being childish" she accused.

"Look in the mirror lately" he shot back.

"Let me help!"

"No!"

Luis loved to see her feisty and all fired up. He couldn’t deny that she got to him. He wanted so much to kiss those lips to get her to shut up. So he did. Sheridan was powerless to resist him. Not that she wanted him to stop. He had magical lips. They finally pulled a part because of the need for oxygen. They rested their foreheads together, unwilling to relinquish their closeness.

"Are you going to let me help you?" she whispered.

"Nope" he breathed.

"Please?" she batted her eyes.

"All that is going to get you is this…"

And he kissed her again. Now that she was allowing him again he was going to kiss her every chance he got. They were lucky they hadn’t reclined on his bed though because his mother popped her head in the room to say goodnight. She was happy they worked out their problems but was a bit embarrassed because of what she walked in on, as were they. Luis decided since it was so late it was time to walk Sheridan home. They walked back across town hand in hand. Sheridan couldn’t help but yawn every once and a while. Luis took notice. It had been a long day. By the time they were half way there she was yawning every other step. Luis stopped and offered his back to her. She hopped on resting her head on his shoulder. She kissed him on the cheek and said thank you. He gave her a piggyback ride until they reached her house. He set her down on the front porch and turned to face her.

"I’ll call you tomorrow" he promised. "I have to work but I’ll call you"

"Okay" she nodded somberly.

"Miss me" he gave her a 1000-watt smile.

"I already do"

"Goodnight Sheridan" he kissed her cheek knowing if he kissed her lips he wouldn’t be able to leave. He turned to go.

"Luis" he turned back. "Don’t go"

Chapter Thirteen:

Luis took one look into her pleading eyes and he was a goner. He didn’t think he was ever going to be able to deny her anything. All she had to do was ask and he would make her wishes come true. He climbed back up her steps and rejoined their hands.

"Anything for you" he told her honestly.

"Thank you" she opened the door and let them both inside. She was proud of herself for asking him to stay. If only he would never leave. "Do you want something to drink?" she asked as she led the way to the kitchen.

"Sure" he responded.

"Wine? She asked holding up a bottle.

"Whatever you’re having"

"Are you always this easy to please"

Luis let his eyes wander around her house. They seemed to stop in every place he had planted a bog. He couldn’t help but want to rip them out from their hiding spots. They finally had some privacy but because of the bureau they really didn’t.

"Luis are you okay? You seem distracted" she commented as she handed him a glass of wine.

"I was just thinking" he confessed.

"About what?"

"About us and how we’re actually alone" he wiggled his brows suggestively.

"Mmm… I like the sound of that" she moved closer to him.

"I thought you might" he continued the playful banter. He leaned in as if he were going to nibble on her ear but whispered this instead, "remember they’re listening to use" she nodded.

"Luis, it’s been a long day. Why don’t we go soak in the tub?"

"No. I’m not really in the moss" he lied. He knew what she was getting at. She wanted to find a room with out a bug.

‘My bathroom’ she mouthed. He nodded. "Have I shown you my attic?"

"Yes and it’s lovely" knowing she wasn’t going to give up he suggested drinking their wine under the stars. She was out the door before he finished his suggestion. She sat a top her picnic table for the second time that night and waited for him to join her. He handed her, her glass of wine that she had forgotten in her quick escape. She gulped it down before he could even sit. He stared at her with wide eyes.

"I’m nervous" she shrugged and then extended her arm waiting for him to refill her glass.

"So you didn’t want me to leave" he playfully stated. "Why?"

"I… um…" she stuttered. "You’re a FBI agent, you figure it out!"

"I’m off duty right now. Why don’t you save me the effort and just tell me" he could tell her was totally embarrassing her. He loved seeing her this way.

"Well… we just made up and all" she stated but he just smiled at her not letting her off the hook. "And what we had going was nice but…" she trailed off again.

"But what?" he asked sporting his most naïve face.

"Why are you making this difficult?"

"Because I can. Now continue" he urged.

"Have you ever heard the expression kiss and make up?"

"Possibly"

"Uggghh! You are impossible!" she groaned.

"Yeah so what’s your point?"

"My point?!? My point is I want to have some alone time with my boyfriend. What are you my boyfriend?"

"I hope so" he kissed her gently on the lips. "Now continue. I want to know more about this alone time" he wiggled his eye brows again.

"What does it matter?" she hopped to her feet and sighed in frustration. "It’s not going to happen because they can hear EVERYTHING!"

"But if they weren’t listening he continued to push.

"Well I hoped…"

Sheridan decided that actions spoke louder than words. She grabbed Luis by the shirt collar and pulled him from his seated position. She fiercely kissed his lips, leaving nothing to his imagination. She let her hand roam over his chiseled body purposely trying to drive him insane. It was working. Luis didn’t have a coherent thought in his head. She pushed him away as strongly as she grabbed. He stood in front of her stunned by her actions.

"There! Now you know. Are you satisfied?"

Satisfied? Was he satisfied? Hell no! All that did was fill his body with desire. He wouldn’t be satisfied until she was his, completely. Then without another thought he breezed by her and marched into the house. She quickly followed him wondering what he was up to. She watched as he picked the tiny microphones from their hiding places. When he had gathered them all he returned outside and placed them on her driveway. Then stomped his feet destroying the little devices.

"There" he said triumphantly. "Now we can go inside"

"Well look who just threw the rule book out the window" Sheridan giggled as Luis practically dragged her inside.

But they didn’t even make it in the door when his phone and beeper sounded simultaneously.

"Damn it!" Luis grumbled. "Just a second" he mentioned to Sheridan before answering the endless ringing. "Lopez-Fitzgerald"

"Get in her now!" Special Agent Taylor ordered.

"I’m preoccupied at the moment" Luis winked at Sheridan.

"Now!" Taylor bellowed and hung up the phone. Luis shoved the phone back in his pocket.

"Let me guess" she wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled into his chest. "You have to go"

"You guessed right" he kissed the tope of her head. "Can we fight tomorrow so we can make up?"

"We don’t have to fight we can just go straight to the making up" she suggested.

"Mmmm. I like that idea" he responded then took his finger under her chin and lifted so their eyes can meet. "Is that a promise?"

"Definitely"

He brushed a small kiss against her lips. Her eyes fluttered shut wishing this moment would never end. He cupped her face in his hands and placed one more tender kiss on her soft lips before leaving. Sheridan went back inside and straight to her bedroom. She flopped back on her bed and groaned in frustration.

Luis headed to the FBI headquarters they had set up in a room at the Harmony Police Station. He walked into the room and all eyes glared at him. He could tell they were not happy campers. He was in for one hell of a lecture.

"Agent Lopez-Fitzgerald" agent Taylor said coldly. "What do you think you were doing?"

"I was trying to have some private time with my girlfriend" Luis explained.

"No! You were deliberately trying to hinder the case. You were instructed to get Ms. Crane to take you to the mansion"

"You are asking me to break my girlfriend’s trust. I won’t do it" he protested.

"We are going to continue to work on this case with or without your help" Taylor flipped a switch on a transmitter. "As you can see your stunt did nothing to detour us"

They could hear her scream into her pillow. Luis felt guilty listening to her inner most thoughts but what choice did he have? They weren’t turning it off.

They could then hear her start to cry. It was then Luis had heard enough. He walked over and flicked the switch, ceasing her sobs from entering the room. Why were they doing this to him? Why did they insist on involving her?

"Look, I said I would help you and I will. Just leave her out of it" Luis mandated.

"I only accept agent who can follow orders" Taylor replied icily. "You are no longer on this case"

"Fine! Then I’m back on vacation and I’ll return to D.C. in a week as planned"

"That’s a negative. You have been ordered to return in the morning. You’re booked on the 6 am flight" Taylor handed him his plane ticket. "Now get out of my site"

That had happened over an hour ago. Now Luis lay in bed staring at the ceiling wondering what he was going to do. He would lose his job if he stayed or lose Sheridan’s heart if he left. When did life get so complicated? Suddenly without warning everything became clear. The answer hit him like a ton of bricks. He quickly sat upright and reached for his phone. He knew exactly what had to be done.

Chapter Fourteen:

Luis stepped out of the shower the next morning not at all refreshed. He hadn’t slept all night. He was busy working out the details of his life. He looked at the clock, 4:30am. Was it too early to go to Sheridan’s? but really what choice did he have? He dressed and downed a cup of coffee before gathering his things from his room. It was going to be a while before he saw this room again. He left a note for his mother promising he would call as soon as he could. He got in his rental car and drove to Sheridan’s. He knocked on her front door gently at first but then began to pound knowing this was the only way to wake her. She came to the door in a black silk robe. She had bed head, morning breath, and no make up. This reaffirmed his decision.

"Hi beautiful!" he said as she opened the door.

"Luis!" she squealed horrified of her appearance. "What are you doing here?"

"What I can’t just come see my girl?"

"Your girl" he repeated dreamily. "Well yes but it’s 5 in the morning" she stood back and allowed Luis into her house. He passed her and walked over to the couch and sat. she joined him after closing the door. She eyed him questionably. He didn’t just come for a visit. She was sure of that but then why was he here? Not that she was complaining, he could come to her house anytime. If she had it her way he would never leave.

"What’s up Luis?" she asked him nervously. She couldn’t read him.

"I’m leaving today" he informed her.

Those three words wiped the smile completely from her face. She had cried herself to sleep last night thinking about his return to D.C. However she didn’t think she was going to lose him so quickly.

"Why?" she mustered the strength to say without crying.

"I’ll tell you everything in time, but first I have to show you something"

"What?" she asked her voice still strained.

"This" Luis held out his hands so she could view the contents within.

"What are those?" she asked curiously. It wasn’t what she expected a FBI badge and credentials to look like.

"This is my new identification" he smiled.

"New?"

"Look a little closer" he held them to her eye level.

"Harmony PD? I don’t get it"

"You’re looking at Harmony’s newest officer" he stood up proudly. "Detective Lopez-Fitzgerald at your service ma’am" he saluted her.

"Ha…ha…Harmony P.D.? You’re moving here?" She stuttered while trying to kepp her emotions in check.

"Yep. I start in two weeks"

"You can’t Luis!"

"Not exactly the reaction I was hoping for"

"You can’t give up your job because of me! You’ll resent me and you’ll never be happy!" she argued.

"Sheridan, I wouldn’t have been happy if I stayed with the FBI"

"Yes you would have!" she stood and stomped her foot. "Sure you are mad now but it would have been resolved. Go tell them you made a mistake" she urged.

"I can’t do that"

"Why not? You loved your job"

"Yes I love fighting crime and putting criminals where they belong, which I am still going to be doing, but Sheridan you’re missing on key factor"

"What’s that?"

"I can’t work for someone who orders me to betray someone I love"

The word love slipped easily from his tongue and there was no taking it back. She heard it. Her eyes were going to pop out of her head. He reached over and picked her chin off the floor and returned it to its rightful place. He stroked his hand across her cheek before dropping it back to his side.

"What did you say? Whom did they ask you to betray?" she fired at him when her brain began functioning again.

"They wanted me to use you" he explained. "To get to your father. I explained this all to you last night"

"No, no, no, no" she spattered. "You can’t work for someone you … ?" she waited for him to fill in the blank.

Sheridan’s smile stretched to her ears. She couldn’t believe that this was finally happening to her. The man she loved so deeply actually returned her feelings. He quit his job just to protect her. But wait. She was getting ahead of herself. He hadn’t actually said those three magical words.

"No one will hurt or force me to betray those I love" he repeated.

"But what does that mean?" he voice caught in her throat.

"I think you know what that means" he looked at her coyly. He took her hands in his and led her back to the couch. He kissed both of her hands before continuing. "I don’t know what kind of spell you cast over me but since I met you me heart has been racing. Everyday when I wake up my first thought is of you. And at nights you linger in my dreams. What it boils down to is I love you" tears began to trickle from her eyes. "I do. And I think I always have"

"Oh Luis" not able to contain her excitement any longer, she flung her arms around his neck. "I love you too" she declared.

Luis brought her head to his and began a series of the sweetest kissed ever shared between a couple. But this time they had the opportunity to fully explore each other. Their hands roamed freely. They were on the verge of taking things to the next level when Sheridan burst into tears.

She just remembered something he said earlier. He was planning on leaving this morning. He can’t leave her! But he also said he was joining Harmony P.D. This wasn’t making sense. She was so confused but the fear of losing him won out and tears gushed from her eyes.

"Hey what’s wrong" he wiped the tears with his thumbs.

"You’re leaving" she sobbed.

"Oh that" Luis said dismissively. "Don’t worry we’re coming back"

"We’re?"

"Yes the FBI is still keeping you under tabs so I thought we could use a little vacation"

"Really?" she asked hopefully. "But they could follow us"

"If your father doesn’t know where you are they have no reason to meddle in your life" Luis smiled.

"Where are we going?" she got excited.

"It’s a surprise"

"When are we going?"

"As soon as you pack!"

"I’ll hurry" she dashed from the couch. "What kind of clothes should I pack?" she called from her bedroom.

"Warm weather" he yelled back although he didn’t expect her to be wearing much of anything if he had his way.

Sheridan came down the steps dragging two suitcases behind her. Luis loaded them in the car and joined an already seatbelted Sheridan. Luis started the car and pulled out of her driveway. They started the journey of their new lives … together.

THE END