A Shuis New Years Story

Sequel To: Trains Planes and Automobiles

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

Chapter 1:

The day after Christmas had been a blur for both Sheridan and Luis. Luis had booked the same itinerary back, rental car, plane, and then the train. Sheridan however had gotten a direct flight back from Boston. Luis decided to drive to Boston early so Sheridan could ride with him. His flight four hours after hers, but he wanted to spend every minute he could with her. Luis had already said his goodbyes to his family and began to put his and Sheridan’s things in his car. He looked at his briefcase. He hadn’t opened it since he met Sheridan. It was the first time work hadn’t been the most important thing in his life. Sheridan had been more important. That should have scared him since he had just met her, but he had never felt so alive in his life. There was a whole side to him Sheridan hadn’t seen yet, the workaholic. What would happen when they returned home and that part of his life resumed? She loved the fun loving guy who she spent the holidays with. Would this change how she felt?

Sheridan was still inside hugging his family. They had taken her under their wing. When they had returned from their Christmas party last night they walked in on her and Luis kissing. Now her family would have yelled at them to get a room, but his stood in the doorway and awwwed at them. And this morning Pilar had seen the twisty tie on her finger and new exactly what it meant. Sheridan family would have drilled into her and told her what a mistake she would be making. Pilar hugged her and told her she always thought Luis would beat Antonio to the alter. Sheridan was in constant amazement, there was absolutely no hate in this family only love. It seemed unreal to her that this was possible. After she had hugged every member of the family she joined Luis at the car. They both waved good bye and got into the car. Luis honked the horn as he pulled out of the driveway.

"They are so nice" Sheridan could sing their praises enough.

"They thought the same of you" he turned to see her blushing.

"Thank you for sharing them with me"

"You can borrow them anytime" he took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze.

"So are we still on for tonight?" she asked hopefully.

"Of coarse. You aren’t getting rid of me anytime soon" he gave her a toothy grin that made her want to melt into the seat.

"And why would I want to get rid of you?" she probed and he thought about his workaholic lifestyle.

"There are still a lot of things we don’t know about each other" he took his hand from her and returned it to the steering wheel.

"Unless you are trying to tell me you are an axe murderer, I am still going to love you. So out with it. What skeletons are you hiding?"

"It’s not really a skeleton, but a way of life" he started.

"Are you in a cult or something?" she said kind of scared. What did she really know about this man anyway?

"No!" he quickly reiterated. "Its just that I normally work 16 hour days, by choice, then sleep and do it all again. Even on Saturdays"

"Are you trying to tell me you won’t have time for us?" she asked sadly.

"I will make time for us. I promise. But I am just warning you that it might take some getting used to on my part. Please if you ever feel neglected with you yell at me. I don’t want to mess what we have up but sometimes I get so wrapped up in a case I forget other people exist" he let go of a breath he wasn’t aware he was holding.

"I will just have to do something to keep you attention" she gave him a wicked smile.

"So you are going to meet me at the train station right?" Luis asked quickly changing the subject before his groin grew tighter.

"Yeah and then we can go wherever you wish to take me. Nice change of subject by the way"

"It didn’t go unnoticed huh?"

"No, I saw your cheeks get red. I got to you" she said proudly.

"No suggestions on where you want to go tonight?"

"You like to do that don’t you?" she continued to tease. She liked to see him squirm. "But no, you can figure it out on the train ride home. You better not be picking up anymore woman on the train" she warned him playfully.

"Not a chance. You’re etched in my mind and have stolen my heart"

"That’s what I like to hear"

The car pulled to a stop at the rental car return. She leaned over to Luis and gave him a kiss he wasn’t soon going to forget. She broke the kiss and opened the door. He just stared at her like the seductress she was. After a moment he got out of the car too. He took their luggage and they both checked in. They went to Sheridan’s gate and waited for them to call her row. The fateful time came and Sheridan kissed Luis one last time before she boarded the plane. Luis went to an airport restaurant and waited for his flight.

Chapter 2:

Sheridan returned to her apartment. It was just how she left it two days ago. She thought she would like nothing better to come back here when she left but now it didn’t hold true. She didn’t want to be anywhere Luis wasn’t even her home. She threw he keys on the table by the door and kicked off her shoes before going to into the kitchen and pouring herself a drink. There was nothing like a good glass of water in the afternoon. She cursed herself for being a health nut, right now she would kill for something to relax her. She felt anxious to see Luis and that wasn’t for another six hours or so. She decided that a run would help ease some of the anxiousness, not to mention eat up some time. She ran to her room, changed and was out the door in a flash.

Sheridan found her run exhilarating. It calmed her down significantly. On her run she had thought of the perfect thing to do with Luis tonight. The only problem was she told him to decide. She also figured out a way to sidestep that problem. Or at least she had a pretty good idea how. She didn’t stop running when she opened the door. She ran to her coat and found Luis’s business card. He had given it to her, with his home number written on back, after their first meeting on the train. His home number wasn’t what was important at this moment. It was his office number. She dialed the number and slouched on a chair.

"Hello, office of the district attorney. This is Marleen"

"Hello Marleen. Are you Luis’s, I mean, Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald’s secretary?"

"Yes, how can I help you Ms…"

"Crane. Look I know you don’t know me or of me yet, but I need your help"

"And what is your relationship with Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald" she probed.

"Well that is a good question. I’ll have to find that out later when I meet him at the train station"

"Ok, I get it" Marleen laughed. "What can I do for you?"

"Has he called for his messages yet?"

"No, but I am surprised usually on his days off he calls in on the hour"

"Good, when he calls I want you to make him worry about a case. Anyone take your pick"

"Okay, but now I have a question. Why?"

"Why have a date tonight" Sheridan explained. "And I told him to plan it but now I am wishing I planned it. I have a perfect idea and need his mind to be occupied until I see him"

"Not a problem" she replied happily. "I’ll do my best"

"That is all I can ask. Thank you Marleen"

Sheridan put down the receiver and went on to take a shower. Luis would be back in about four hours that gave her about three hours to plan. She wanted everything to be perfect. It wouldn’t take much to set her plan in motion. Just a few phone calls and then she could relax until she had to meet him.

Luis waited and waited at for his flight. Three hours after Sheridan left, they started boarding his flight. He had planned on planning his date with Sheridan with his time, but they hadn’t slept much last night and he fell asleep. His mother, father, Sheridan and he drank coffee into the night talking about whatever suited their fancy. He loved to watch Sheridan talk. He could have just watched her for hours. In fact he was sure he did. He boarded the plane and slid his briefcase under the seat. He was so lost in thought that he didn’t even realize they had taken off. Sheridan seemed to cure him of his fear of flying. Even when she wasn’t there and he was just thinking of her. He thought about working a little, but he decided to work out his plans for tonight first. He took out a piece of paper and started to dissect what he thought Sheridan would think was fun.

Luis couldn’t think of anything original. Finally frustrated he sat down his pen and looked at the phone in the back of the seat in front of him. He hadn’t called his office to check in yet. Surely Marleen thought he was dead by now. Finally he decided since he wasn’t getting anywhere with ideas for the date what could it hurt. He wasn’t surprised to find that his fingers already dialed before his mind decided. It was already ringing.

"Hello, office of the district attorney. This is Marleen"

"Marleen, it’s Luis"

"Luis, how are you this afternoon?" she was going to try not to screw up this conversation.

"Fine, thank you. Are there any messages?"

"Umm, yes. The Anderson case"

"What about it?" Luis responded quickly. The Anderson case was a high profile case and he didn’t need anything to happen to it.

"Happened? Oh, umm, the date has been moved up"

"To what?" he pulled out his pad and started scribbling notes.

"Tomorrow" she blurted out. This lying thing was harder than she though and she worked with Lawyers.

"Tomorrow? How did that happen?"

"I’m not sure, something about a death in the family" she hoped he was buying this.

"Okay, I brought my notes with me I will start reviewing them right away. Bye Marleen" He hung up the phone with out waiting for her to reply.

Luis opened his briefcase and pulled out the needed files. He opened it and began studying the case details. He had to commit them to memory tonight if the trial was tomorrow. The pilot announced the decent and Luis quickly packed up his things and stowed them. He clutched the armrests thinking of how much he would miss life if the plane plummeted at this moment. He didn’t want to leave now. He took a deep breath and tried to think happy thoughts but it didn’t seem to work. He broke out in a cold sweat and his hands became clammy. Finally the plane landed he hurried to get a cab and then it was onto the train. He immediately took out his briefcase and repeated what he had been doing on the plane. The ride went quickly and he grabbed his luggage and went to look for his car. He found it with a hood ornament he didn’t remember he had.

"Sheridan" he gasped just now remembering their date. She saw the look on his face and realized Marleen had done her job. She bit her to keep from laughing.

"Hello dear" she said as she hopped down from his hood. She had already cleaned the snow off of it. He dropped his luggage and took her into his arms. They kissed until he felt her shiver and he decided they should get in their cars.

"Wait a second" Luis grabbed her hand stopping her from going to her car. "How did you know which car was mine?"

"I was going to wait for you inside but then I passed this vehicle that had a license plate. DA IRISH. I just had a hunch" she smiled as she headed to her car. "By the can we stop off somewhere before out date. I forgot something" she watched his face light up, she knew he was figuring he could plan something while they drove.

"Sure. I’ll follow you" he got into his car as she did. She was ready for some fun and he drove racking his mind thinking of something special to do with her.

Chapter 3:

Sheridan led her car down the street on the way to where she had planned. She drove into the parking lot of her apartment building. Luis parked next to her and assumed this is where she lived. It looked modest for being a daughter of trillionaire, but Sheridan didn’t seem to care about money. He rolled down the window and watched her get out of her car and walk towards his. His head kept telling him to look into her eyes, but they were anywhere but. She knew just how to walk to entice him.

"You getting out?" she leaned onto the edge of the window.

"I think I will just wait here" still needing time to make plans, his mind would wonder if he went up there with her.

"No!" she protested a little too quickly. "I mean, I am not sure how long it will take me to find what I am looking for. I don’t want you sitting out here all alone"

"Ok" he relented and went inside with her.

She led him up the stairs to her third floor apartment. The door was decorated with a wreath that she obviously hadn’t thought to take down yet. She opened the door and he was greeted by a heavenly smell. She had tricked him, she hadn’t forgotten anything. He was amazed and relieved at the same time. He was so touched she would do this for him, but now he felt better about not having any plans for them. She was something else.

"I thought you forgot something" he called her bluff.

"I did. I forgot I have dinner ready for us" she smiled. "I am such and airhead sometimes"

"You are amazing do you know that?" he drew her into his arms and started to trail kisses on her face and neck.

"I do now" she wrapped her arms around his neck and tilted her head to the side giving him better access to hers.

"I love you" the words flowed from his mouth. It wasn’t the first time he had told her and it wouldn’t be the last. He had only known her for a little over two days and already she owned his heart.

"I love you too" she bent her head so that her lips met his and things escalated from there. Fires were ignited between them and the were quickly losing themselves in each other. "Luis" Sheridan murmured.

"Huh?" he didn’t stop the sweet torture his lips brought upon her.

"Dinner…cold…need…to stop" she managed to get out between kisses and labored breathes.

"Right…stop" he tried to pull away but her kisses were too sweet. Finally she managed to push him away.

"Luis, we need to have dinner before dessert" she said suggestively.

"So if I eat my vegetables like a good boy I will get a reward?" he played her game.

"You just might" she said in a singsong voice.

"So what are we having?" he asked as she led him to the table.

"It’s a surprise" she said as she disappeared into the kitchen. "But I know you will like it"

"How can you be so sure?" but as soon as he asked the question she came out and put a plate of his favorite foods on the table. "How did you know I liked lobster?" Sheridan sat across from him.

"A little birdie told me. And the blue cheese dressing is already on your salad. Although for the life of me I can’t understand how you can like it"

"How did you find this out?"

"I’m psychic"

"I’m not buying it"

"Ok, so I called Pilar. She was very helpful"

"And just who else have you called tonight?" he inquired as he sipped on some of his favorite wine.

"That you know? Just your secretary Marleen. You should give her a raise" she giggled.

"I would love to if I had a choice in the matter. And what exactly did you talk to my secretary about? Oh wait a minute, the Anderson case isn’t on trial tomorrow is it? You threw me a curve ball so I wouldn’t make plans of my own for tonight"

"Why counselor, what ever makes you say that?" she winked at him.

"I love you more each minute I spend with you" he admitted wholeheartedly.

They finished dinner and Luis helped Sheridan clear the table. They threw the dishes in the dishwasher and blew out the candles. Luis wanted nothing more to throw his arms around her and take her in the bedroom, but Sheridan still had plans for them. She told him there would still be time for other things later, but she really wanted to take him somewhere. He agreed, rather reluctantly, and they went outside. Sheridan didn’t open her car doors but instead her trunk. She retrieved to pairs of ices skates and gave one to Luis.

"We’re going ice skating? And I take it my mother told you my shoe size"

"Yes and yes. There is a rink across the street and it should still be light up by Christmas lights. It is picturesque"

"Well let’s go then. I can’t wait to skate circles around you" he dragged her across the street.

"Competitive much?" she teased.

They laced their skates and took the ice. The small pond was surrounded by trees decorated with white lights. It was like skating in the midst of thousands of fireflies. The skated around hand in hand. Their happiness was interrupted when they saw a huddled mass under a bench near the rink. Sheridan skated over to it and Luis protectively followed. The person was really small and Sheridan doubted it was anything but a child. She trudged through the snow on her skates and kneeled before the bench.

"Hey" she rubbed the child’s back.

"Be careful" Luis warned he wasn’t as trusting as she was. The child turned over and looked at them with sad eyes.

"Charlie?" Sheridan gasped as the boys face came into view.

"Hi Miss Crane" Charlie said in recognition. Luis finally calmed when he saw it was indeed a child. Luis helped Charlie onto the bench and put him between him and Sheridan trying to keep him warm, but he wouldn’t stop shivering.

"Charlie is your mom around?" she asked him.

"No ma’am" he sad as tears began to form in his eyes.

"Okay I live right across the street" she calmly explained. "Let’s go get you warm"

Sheridan and Luis took off their skates and put their shoes back on. They led Charlie to Sheridan’s home and got him some hot chocolate and chicken noodle soup. While he was warming he explained that his mother left him in the park yesterday and went to get some cigarettes and she never came back. Luis and Sheridan shared painful glances. She pulled Luis into another room while Charlie continued to eat.

"Sheridan we have to turn him into the police and social services" Luis’s lawyer mind kicked it.

"Luis, I am his teacher. He trusts me I am not going to let him feel abandoned by me too. He’s staying with me" she protested.

"His mother could be hurt or worse dead. You have to report it to the police"

"I will Luis. In the morning. I will not have to police some in here tonight and poke and probe at Charlie"

"Something could happen to his mother that you could have prevented in that time. Do you want to orphan him?" he argued trying to knock some sense in her.

"I will call the police and declare her missing I will say I am her neighbor or something, but until tomorrow Charlie stays here" she turned away from him angrily.

"You are not his mother Sheridan. It is not your right" he argued but that was the wrong thing to say.

"I may not be his mother, but I know how it is to be unloved by your family. This isn’t the first time his mother disappeared. He hated the foster homes. I am his teacher and if I can protect him for one night I am going to do it" she yelled at him.

"Be reasonable!" he spat back. "You can’t get this involved with your students"

"They are kids! They need to be looked after. Each and everyone is special to me. They day they enter my classroom I pledge to do everything I can to teach them. How can I teach someone is filled with hatred because he is passed from house to house. He is not a witness in one of your cases Luis, he is a child"

"You can not project your horrible childhood onto other children. You are trying to save them because you couldn’t save yourself" they continued to argue voices raised.

"What are you a psychiatrist too? Look Luis I think you should leave. You don’t seem to understand me and you don’t seem to want to help Charlie" her voice cracked and was almost brought to tears when she told him to get out. He tried to come closer and hug her and tell her he was sorry, but she pushed him away. "Go Luis" she demanded.

Luis left her alone in the other room and went into the kitchen to find Charlie still eating. Charlie looked up at Luis with his big blue eyes filled with tears. He tried to wipe them before Luis saw but it was too late.

"I’m sorry" Charlie cried. "I didn’t mean to get between you and Miss Crane. I’ll leave" he began to get up.

"No, I messed up kid. Not you. You stay here. I’m not wanted. She’ll keep you safe tonight" Luis tousled Charlie’s sandy hair, grabbed his coat and walked out the door with a heavy heart.

Chapter 4:

It had been two days and Luis hadn’t heard from Sheridan. He had tried to call her but her answering machine always picked up. He always left a message but she never returned his calls. They only way he could keep his mind off of her was to immerse himself in work. He had even decided he was going to work this Sunday, New Years Eve. He wasn’t about to go out without Sheridan and dismissed him so easily he doubted she really loved him. Not only was he worried that he screwed things beyond repair with Sheridan but he wondered what happened to Charlie. She was right the little guys didn’t deserve to go through that. He decided to call an officer he knew in that precinct.

"Officer Jensen" a man with a husky voice answered.

"Keith, it’s Luis"

"Hey man, what’s going on? What are you doing for New Years?" Keith and Luis had been friends while Luis was on the force. They were rookies together.

"Hiding under a rock. But that isn’t why I called. What’s the word on a little boy named Charlie. Should have come to you a day ago"

"Charlie Thomas, the cutie with the big blue eyes. Yeah this gorgeous blonde brought him in and let me tell you this woman was stacked" Luis cringed when he heard Keith talk like that. He wanted to scream at him but he held is temper. "The kid is living with his grandma now. She had no idea her daughter was neglecting him. She is going to file for adoption"

"That’s great. Thanks man, I owe you one" Luis hung up before Keith could start ogling over Sheridan again. And he was sure it was to come, Keith was like that.

Before he had time to think of what to do next Marleen came in with a stack of messages and a weird look on her face. She informed him he had a visitor.

"Who is it?"

"A Mr. Thomas, Charlie Thomas" she tried to see if he knew the child in the waiting room.

"Charlie is here? How did he get to this side of town?" Luis pushed paced Marleen and into the lobby. "Hey buddy" he took Charlie into his office and Marleen left them, shutting the door on her way out. "What can I do for you Charlie?"

"Mr. Luis" he tried to sound professional. "I came to discuss Miss Crane"

"Oh really" Luis was intrigued. "And how is Miss Crane? Have you seen her lately?"

"Yep, last night. She watched me while my grandma talked to her lawyer. We played monopoly and I won" he said proudly.

"That’s great Charlie"

"Well you see sir there is a problem. Miss Crane was always so happy, but now whenever I see her she is so sad. I know it is because of the fight you had over me, so I came to help"

"What do you mean she is sad?" Luis queried.

"Well while I was there last night you called. She waited for the machine to pick up and when she heard you she started to cry. She hurried to the bathroom, but I saw"

"So, how do you want to help? But remember this is not your fault in anyway"

"I know but I want her to be happy like she used to be. She is doing so much to help me. I love living with my grandma. She is so nice"

"And what do you propose we do?"

"Luis, I am only seven. I can’t come up with everything, but I do have one proposition" he started to talk in words well beyond his seven years. "Tomorrow afternoon my grandma and Miss Crane both need to go talk to a judge about my situation" Luis couldn’t believe his ears, is this kid for real? He talks like an adult. "I need a babysitter for about half an hour. This would be you. Miss Crane has offered to pick me up and take care of me until grandma is done. The only problem is she has no doubt seen your house so we will have to have her pick me up some where else"

"Actually" Luis interrupted. "She hasn’t been to my house yet. So that will be ok. Wait! What am talking about? I am taking advice from a seven year old"

"Luis, I call this operation ball drop. You will back together by the News Years. Can I have your address?" he smiled happily as Luis wrote it down for him.

"Oh, the optimism of youth" he chuckled. "You said you didn’t have a plan, but I sense you are hiding something Charlie"

"Well I don’t have definite plans Luis. But I hope to cause a couple of chance meetings between you two. You need to work out the rest. Keep in touch" Charlie handed Luis a piece of paper cut to the size of business card. Scribbled on the front of the paper was the name Charlie Thomas and his phone number. This kid was just too cute. Luis took the card and Charlie ran out his office in a flash, obviously in a hurry to get home. Luis doubted anyone knew where he was.

Sheridan sat on the front steps of her apartment. She still had a week off before she needed to go back to work. What she wouldn’t give for a diversion. Luis was imbedding in her mind and she wanted him to go away. She just wanted to help Charlie, he didn’t know how bad Charlie had it. If she could she would save all the children of the world from feeling unloved. Why didn’t Luis understand after what happened to her she wanted to prevent anyone else from having to feel that agony. She had heard Luis apologize numerous times on her machine, but that wasn’t enough for her. She wanted him to come and throw his strong arms around her and kiss her. She didn’t think that was asking too much. She was sitting on the steps in hopes that Luis might just drive by, but she knew he was at work. She stared at the sky and tried to decide what the clouds look like.

"Miss Crane!" Charlie yelled trying to get her attention. He got off his bike and unfastened his helmet.

"Charlie" she jumped. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to give you the address of where you need to pick me up tomorrow"

"Are you sure you will be safe there?" Sheridan questioned.

"Absolutely" she smiled handing her a piece of paper with Luis’s address. He had recopied it just in case she recognized his handwriting. "I have to go Miss Crane. I’ll see you tomorrow" he secured his helmet and took off down the street.

Sheridan smiled as she thought about Charlie. He looked so happy and she was sure it was because he now knew how it felt to be loved. His grandmother was the sweetest lady. A light inside her brightened thinking that she had a part in making Charlie’s life better. She decided to splurge and spend the rest of the day at the spa. She needed to do good deeds more often. Hopefully the masseuse would be able to relieve some of the stress caused by a certain someone of the opposite sex.

Chapter 5:

Sheridan had just finished telling the judge of the facts she knew about Charlie’s case. She hated to think of him as a case but in reality he was. But she had a good feeling that custody was going to be given to his grandmother since his mother failed to show. She looked at the address again as she pulled in front of the house. She looked at the two story brick house and sighed. It looked like what she imagined living in, raising kids, and growing old with the man she loved. She got out of the car and shuffled her feet to the door. She was guessing a family lived here with lots of kids to Charlie to play with. She didn’t want to see their happiness she wanted to wallow in her self-pity. Before she knocked on the door she shook her head replacing her frown with a smile. Time to put on a happy face. She knocked and was surprised when Charlie bounded to the door, instead of the owner of the house.

"Hey Charlie, are you ready to go?" she said sweetly as she patted his head.

"Not quite Miss Crane. There is something I want you to see first"

Charlie grabbed her hand and dragged her inside. He pulled her to the living room. Inside was Luis standing wearing a suit with a red rose in his hand.

"Surprise" Charlie announced and bounded further into the house.

"Luis" Sheridan stood in the same spot not able to move. "This is your house?"

"This is my house" he repeated.

"You watched Charlie?" she was still rooted to the same spot.

"Yes, listen Sheridan I am so sorry for being a jerk" he moved closer to her. "I should have realized how important it is for you to help kids. My analytical mind took over" he held out the rose for her and she gladly accepted bringing it to her nose and taking in its sweet scent.

"Luis, I…" she stopped when she saw Charlie looking from another doorway and then something clicked. The apology she was about accept was about to be shot down. "Charlie go to another room" she demanded. She heard Charlie’s feet scamper into another room. "This is low Luis, even for a lawyer" she dug into him.

"Sheridan what are you talking about. And don’t stereotype me. I didn’t you when I found you were a Crane I would hope for the same courtesy" he became defensive.

"You used an innocent child to try and win me back. Luis you shouldn’t use a child for anything" she was enraged.

"Sheridan I didn’t use Charlie. He came to me with this idea, not the other way around" he tried to explain.

"Whatever Luis" she turned around and threw up her hands.

"It’s true" he persisted.

"He is seven! Not exactly capable of masterminding a scheme like this" she huffed in exasperation. "Charlie" she yelled. "Get your coat and shoes" she told him when he came into view. "We’re leaving"

"Sheridan, please" Luis pleaded.

"Save it Luis. You told me you were sorry and you understood why I wanted to protect Charlie. Well then you should have guessed how I would react to the using of a child. For any reason!" she was fed up.

Sheridan took Charlie’s hand and put him in her car. She didn’t say a word to him she couldn’t. She wasn’t made at him for falling prey to Luis, but she was angry right now and didn’t want to say anything to hurt Charlie. They drove home in silence. Charlie slouched in the seat. His plan wasn’t working how he planned, but he still had a few tricks up his sleeves. Sheridan pulled into her parking lot and Charlie unbuckled himself and began to rummage through the back seat.

"Charlie, what are you doing?" Sheridan questioned.

"Looking for my reading book. I think I forgot it at Luis’s. Can we go back and get it?"

"I’m sure your grandmother can take you tomorrow" Sheridan explained not wanting to see Luis anytime soon.

"No, we are leaving for the Holiday weekend to visit other relatives. She said I had to work on it tonight" he persisted.

"Are you sure you left it?" she asked again before they drove all the way back.

"Yes" he assured her.

Sheridan restarted the car and pulled back out. She didn’t want to but education was the most important thing in a child’s life besides love and she wasn’t about take that away from him either. She contemplated sitting in the car but he insisted he didn’t know where it was in the house. So she followed slowly behind him. He knocked on the door with urgency. Luis came running to the door scared there was an emergency.

"Charlie is something wrong? Is Sheridan ok? Please tell me nothing happened to her" Sheridan was standing back in the shadows of the porch and to calm him she stepped out. "Thank god" he ran his hand threw his hair.

"I left my book Luis" Charlie explained.

"It’s still on the table where you left it" Charlie ran past him to retrieve his book.

"He left it here on purpose didn’t he?" Sheridan asked almost in a daze.

"I’m thinking yes. And I am also thinking he isn’t coming back anytime soon. Sheridan you have to know I am sorry. If I thought you would have seen me I would have come to see you, but if you wouldn’t answer the phone I thought you would slam the door in my face"

"I wanted you to come Luis" she admitted. "But you never did" tears began to stain her checks.

"We are both stubborn beings Sheridan. I think we almost caused our downfall"

"Almost?" tears fell faster and faster.

Charlie’s nose was pressed against the window. He couldn’t hear the words but he could see her tears. He went to go protect her. He ran from the house and pushed Luis away from her.

"Stop it!" Charlie screamed. "I thought you loved her. Stop making her cry!" Charlie looked like he was about to try and beat up Luis.

"Charlie" Sheridan put her hands on his shoulders and kneeled to his level. "I am crying because I am happy. Luis didn’t do anything wrong, this time" she threw a wink at Luis.

"Really?" Charlie didn’t seem to believe her.

"Yes" she reassured him. "Can you go wait in the car Charlie? I will be right there I promise" they watched him trot off. "Is there still a chance for us?"

"There is no question about it" she ran into his arms and held on for dear life.

"I’m so sorry for not believing you earlier" she breathed a sigh of relief went she rest her head on his shoulder and his arms were wrapped tightly around her. "Can we do something tomorrow?"

"I can’t sweetie" he regretted. "I have a case to try. I will be busy with that until Saturday. But I will call you and maybe drop by every night" he promised.

"I’d like that" they heard the car horn sound behind them, reminding them that although he was cleaver Charlie was still a kid. "I better go" she broke away from him and started for the steps.

"Hey Sheridan" she turned back to him. "I love you"

"I love you too Luis. I call you when I send Charlie home. Luis will you be my date for New Years? That is if you don’t already have plans. You don’t have plans do you?" she babbled.

"Actually I do" he said solemnly.

"Oh" she sent her eyes downcast thinking of how fast he rebounded.

"With you" he said sweetly causing her ears to perk. She gave him the biggest grin he had ever seen and then she was off into the night. He was going to have a tough time trying that cause when all he was going to be doing was dreaming of New Years.

Chapter 6:

New Years had finally come. Luis was relieved. It was the first day he didn’t have to work since he and Sheridan had made up. Although they had spent some time together, he couldn’t be hers completely. That is until today. Finally his mind wouldn’t be on the little scum who killed his mother because she told him he couldn’t go to a Marilyn Manson concert. He retaliated by pointing a gun to her head. Luis had won the case sending the seventeen-year-old creep to prison for life. Sheridan had been so sweet during the trial. She had worried he would skip meals. And she was right he would have had she not packed him a lunch every morning and brought him dinner in his office. She always insisted on following him home afraid that he was too tired to drive. He thought she was such a worrywart but loved every second of it. Sheridan had stayed at Luis’s house every night to keep him company. The truth of the matter was they stayed up too late talking that when the time for her to leave came around she was so tired it wasn’t safe for her to drive. She didn’t mind it though. She had the best sleep of her life snuggled in Luis’s arms. She didn’t bother bringing over some of her clothes and when he asked about it she reply she liked sleeping in his boxers and t-shirts and she could go change after he left. How could he argue with that? Although he wouldn’t mind a bit if she moved some of her things in. He wouldn’t mind at all. He wanted to make this a permanent arrangement, her living with him, but he didn’t want to scare her off. There physical relationship hadn’t escalated past a LOT of kissing and cuddling. Sheridan didn’t want to rush things and Luis didn’t want to his mind to be on a case. He wanted to be able to be fully immersed in her. Maybe it would happen tonight, maybe not. They didn’t care as long as they were together. It was eight in the morning and he was awake, but Sheridan was still asleep, curled in a little ball. He ran his finger down her arm and she swatted at it in her sleep. She was so ticklish he loved it. Sometimes he could just touch her and she would giggle. It was endearing. He kissed her cheek and rose from bed determined to make this day special. He went into the kitchen and began to rummage to the refrigerator looking for something to concoct a breakfast with. Luis found some eggs and bacon. He would have to go marketing but this would do for the morning. He cooked the eggs, bacon, and even some toast. He didn’t have a tray to put it on, but he found a silver platter and placed everything on. He could set that on her lap or on the night table next to her. She was still asleep when he entered the room so he set the platter on the night table and thought of a way to wake her. He thought about the way he would like to be woken up most and was convince she would like it too. He knelt down besides her like the prince did with sleeping beauty and pressed his lips to hers. Only he wasn’t so pure and innocent with his intentions. He tugged at her lips with his teeth and encouraged her to subconsciously allow him to deepen the kiss. And it worked. She woke with the most wonderful sensation taking a hold of her body. She wrapped her arms around his neck and ruffled his hair in the back. She let a soft groan escape from her mouth as their tongued dueled. She pulled at his arms, asking him to get in bed with her and he complied. He positioned himself on top of her and helped himself to the beauty beneath him.

"Sheridan, we should wait" he said as he played with her hair.

"Why?" she asked while tugging at his shirt.

"I was kind of hoping to ring in the New Year this way" he replied shyly.

"Oh, but what a way to send this one off" she looked at him with hungry eyes and he was a goner. She was a siren and she was singing his song.

Hours later, after the basked in the after glow of their love and showered each making sure the other was thoroughly clean, they dressed for their party. It was the first time Sheridan had brought over something to wear later. Her dress for New Year’s Eve. They had decided to mingle with some of Luis’s colleagues for a while and then return home to celebrate the New Year alone with each other. Sheridan was dressed in her simple yet elegant navy slip dress with spaghetti straps and a slit was to high for Luis’s tastes. He would have liked her to leave more to imagination for the other men at the party. But he would never tell her that because she looked stunning and happy about her appearance. Luis had on a suit with a metallic navy shirt and tie. They looked absolutely adorable together seeing as they had matched their color schemes. They didn’t mind though, they would be happy to be known as the cute couple. Finally ready, they headed for the party.

Luis had introduced Sheridan to so many people it was impossible to keep their names straight. She was talking to one of his colleague’s wives when she suddenly turned green. Luis was talking to a doe eyed beauty and he was laughing with her. Sheridan saw this flirtatious bimbo and saw red. She excused herself from her current conversation and hurried to Luis’s side linking her arm in his. No one was going to take Luis away from her.

"Oh Sheridan there you are" Luis said casually knowing full well she was jealous. "I would like you to meet my secretary, Marleen. Marleen this is Sheridan Crane"

"Marleen!" Sheridan reached for her hand and shook at as she relaxed. "It is nice to put a face with the voice"

"The same goes for you" Marleen replied.

"I didn’t mean to interrupt, but honey could we leave soon? It’s already almost eleven" Sheridan asked sweetly as she kissed him on the cheek.

"Of coarse. Thank you for the advice Marleen and happy New Year"

Luis found their coats and helped Sheridan on with hers. She kept looking at him funny as they rode the elevator down and then as they waited for the valet to bring around their car. She was trying to read him. She wondered what advice he could need. They sat in a comfortable silence on the way home. Luis trying the words he wanted and Sheridan wondering what was going on with him. They were finally to Luis’s house before anything was said.

"We’re home" he announced as he opened the door and then hurried to her side of the car to escort her into the house.

"Home? I like the sound of that" she took the bait and Luis livened in the success. They walked inside and Luis took their jackets. Sheridan immediately darted for the couch and flopped down kicking off her shoes. Luis lost his suit jacket and loosened his tie on the way to join Sheridan.

"No fair" she stated as he came closer.

"No fair what?" he pondered as he sat next to her taking her into his arms.

"I can’t take off of loosen anything to get more comfortable. I lose the dress and I am naked"

"I wouldn’t mind" he wiggled his eyebrows.

"I’m sure you wouldn’t. Luis, what did Marleen give you advice about?"

"I was waiting for that. You seem to notice everything" he kissed her forehead.

"Is that a bad thing?" she worried.

"Not at all. Marleen and I were just talking about you. Hey I didn’t notice you were wearing that" he lost his concentration when he noticed the twisty tie he had put on her finger on Christmas was still there.

"I’m going to wear it on all special occasions" she announced proudly. "It was quite the conversation piece. I think you might get it from some of the guys Tuesday. But back to Marleen. Why were you talking about me?"

"I wanted to know if she thought it was too early to ask you to move in with me, permanently"

"Ask me" she shot out.

"Move in with me?"

"Yeah" she almost sighed the word she was so happy. They kissed to seal the deal. She watched with the corner of her eye and saw that it was almost midnight. "Hey Luis?"

"Hmm?" he refused to take his lips off of her.

"Happy New Year" she said as the clock began to chime.

"Happy New Year Love" and he went back to kissing her soft lips.

Christmas had brought them together and brought out a new found love. But New Year’s had gotten them through their first fight and strengthened their hold on one another. Neither one was soon to escape the love they were trapped in. It is going to be a glorious year.