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

Chapter One:

Sheridan Crane walked up the steps of the youth center. It was time to start another day of community service. What the judge sentenced her to was unfair. It wasn’t like she was purposely speeding. She was just in a bad mood. Hell she should be allowed to crash into something after the pain that piece of scum put her through. It should be her god given right.

Sheridan scuffed her feet as she approached the door. Saying she was looking forward to this day was the understatement of the year. It wasn’t the children or the work. She enjoyed both. They gave her a feeling of accomplishment. It was her boss that got to her. He was the most arrogant, egotistical, and impossible man in the world.

Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald sat at his desk eying the clock in his office. He was just waiting for his new employee to be late. He admitted he needed help around here but why did it have to be her? Everything she came in contact with ended up mangled. His police cruiser proved his point.

Five minutes left, she had five minutes left before he made her scrub the toilets. He was sick of her tardiness. She made it impossible for him to be able to be civil to her. She was pigheaded, stubborn and not to mention the most helpless person he knew. She knew how to do exactly nothing. Just them she walked into his office. Damn she was on time, now what was he going to do with her?

"You’re on time" Luis commented.

"You seem surprised" She shot back.

"I guess there has to be a first for everything"

"Very funny" she replied dryly. "What torture do you have in store for me today?"

Sheridan cringed while she waited for his answer. No doubt he had something awful planned. She looked over at his desk expecting to see a toothbrush that she was to clean the floors with. There wasn’t one there though, maybe he planned on having her lick the floor clean.

"Actually, I don’t have anything planned today" he admitted. "I guess I could use some help in the office"

Luis hoped he wouldn’t regret his decision. Hopefully she could at least file or do some simple math. If not she was more helpless than he originally thought.

What was he thinking? Was the first thing that popped into Sheridan’s head. He wanted them to be in the same room, together and he expected them not to kill each other? Obviously he was suffering from temporary memory loss.

"Are you sure?" she questioned.

"Look at my desk. Oh wait, I lost it under all this paper work. I need help finding it again"

"You aren’t afraid I’ll mess something up?"

"Well yes but that is true of anything I would have you do. It’s a risk I am willing to take"

Why did he always have to push her buttons? If she had had anything in her hands at that moment she would have hurled it at him. He was that infuriating. Instead she sat in the chair on the other side of the desk.

"Fine" she huffed. "What do you want me to do?"

What did he want her to do? That was a loaded question if ever he heard one. He wanted her to leave, catch the next flight back to Paris. He wanted her to do anything that would take her out of his hair.

"Just take these folders and file them in the cabinet" he pointed to the corner.

"I can do that" she grabbed the pile of folders.

"I hope so" Luis couldn’t help one last stab.

Chapter Two:

Sheridan went to her corner and began her trivial task. She plopped down on the floor and started the filing. She opened the bottom drawer and placed file after file in its slot. She looked over to Luis, expecting to see him playing come sort of video game on his computer while she slaved away in the corner. What she saw was not what she expected.

Luis was at his desk going over the budget. He was looking for some money to add some after school programs for the older kids. The preschool and elementary students were all set but the middle schoolers were getting bored and not coming in as much. And it was them he was most worried about. But he couldn’t seem to be finding any extra money.

Luis was squinting as he went over the pages of the ledger. Call it a macho thing but he didn’t want anyone to know he wore reading glasses. He had just gotten them and for the first time in his life he was insecure about his appearance. He looked over to check on Sheridan and caught her staring at him.

"You need glasses" she commented as she went back to her filing.

"I just got some" he replied.

"Well, I know you doubt my intelligence but they will only work if you wear them"

"I know" Luis rubbed his eyes.

"Then why aren’t you wearing them?"

"I don’t know"

"Put them on" she insisted.

Luis groaned and rifled through his desk, pretending to look for his glasses. He looked through every drawer before he gave up. Sheridan left her spot on the floor and walked over to his desk while Luis continued his search.

"I guess I left them at home" Luis lied.

"You mean these right here?" she dangled his glasses in front of his face.

"I must have over looked them" he snatched them from her hand.

"Luis why don’t you want to wear your glasses?"

"I look like a geek"

"Some very distinguished men wear glasses"

"I don’t want to be distinguished. I want to be me and I don’t wear glasses"

"Put them on. I’ll give you my honest opinion"

"I’m sure you will"

Luis reluctantly reached over for his glasses. As slowly as possible he cleaned the lens off. He didn’t want any specks on them. He rested them on the bridge of his nose and looked over at Sheridan, insecurity written across his face.

Sheridan’s heart began to race and her palms began to sweat. How could he even think he looked anything but yummy in those glasses? Not that wasn’t perfect without them. They just added a certain je ne sais quoi. It added to his mysterious qualities. Sheridan carefully monitored her breath because it was threatening to quicken.

"You look intelligent" she swallowed hard. "But you’re right. You look like a geek"

"I told you" he ripped the glasses from his face.

Sheridan thanked god. He looked entirely too scrumptious. She hated that man. It wasn’t fair that his physical appearance could so such things to her. She had to think of something else. Quickly! He is arrogant, tyrannical, drop dead gorgeous, NO! Pigheaded, egotistical, but those lips were so damn inviting. Stop it Sheridan!

"Are you ok?" Luis asked.

"Um .. yeah.. fine" she replied.

Why the hell was she looking at him like that? She looked like she was going to jump him and he cursed himself for liking it. Sure she was beautiful, probably the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, but she was still a Crane. And a spoiled princess but those eyes had some sort of magical power. Get a grip Luis!

Chapter Three:

"I’m just going to go back and file now" Sheridan needed to distance herself from Luis and now.

"Yeah, I’m going to finish this budget. Not that I am going to get anywhere though" Luis griped.

"Not balancing out right?" she asked over her back. Looking at the wall was safer than looking at him.

"No, it’s balanced. But the problem is we have no surplus. And we are in dire need of programs for the older kids"

"I’ve been noticing that a lot of the middle school kids haven’t been showing up lately. And isn’t it between the hours of three and six that kids their age experiment with sex and drugs?"

"That’s exactly what I am worried about"

"And there’s no money anywhere?"

"Nope"

"Well why don’t I …"

God, here she went again. Why was it that she thought she could solve every problem with her check book? He didn’t want Crane money. It was tainted. He wouldn’t let the youth center become one of them many places in Harmony in debted to the Cranes. It irked him that she continued to wave her money under his nose.

"You can keep your money" Luis shot at her.

"I wasn’t …" Sheridan tried to explain.

"Save it! You can’t solve every problem with your checkbook!" he angrily fired.

Why did he always have to assume she was offering a handout? She wasn’t planning on just handing him a wad of cash. She was going to suggest getting corporate sponsors. She had a lot of rich friends who didn’t even know her family and most of them ran their own businesses and were looking for ways to give back to the community. But why bother trying to help? It was obvious he would never let her.

"Forget I said anything" she rebuffed.

"I wish I could" Luis seethed.

"You know? Since you are already mad at me, I’ll throw this out. I know money doesn’t solve every problem but wouldn’t it solve this one?" she cleverly stated.

"Well yes but … "

"But you won’t take money from me because...?"

"You’re a Crane" he admitted.

"And thus I am evil and my money is covered in blood"

"You said it, not me"

How could he hate her so much? It wasn’t like she grew up under the influence of her father and brother. She just returned to the states and hadn’t so much as received a birthday card while she was abroad. She wasn’t the devil’s spawn. She was a good person. Why couldn’t he see that? Wait, the better question was why did she care what he thought of her at all?

"You know Luis, I was just going to offer to help find sponsors but I can see my help isn’t wanted. I’m done filing. What do you want me to do next? And please whatever it is can it not be in the vicinity of you"

"Like I said earlier, I need help in here today. So you are just going to have to suffer. Look I just came off the night shift at the station and am getting tired. Could you run to the book café and get some coffee?"

"Oh this is rich. First you insult me and now you want me to do you a favor?" she got up and started putting on her could.

"And yet you are going to do it"

"It will take me away from you won’t it?"

Sheridan left the youth center in a hurry. She hated that he always dug into her. She never did anything to him. Ok well yes she did wreck is car but that was an accident. She never did anything intentionally hurt him. And he did everything in his power to scrutinize her. He didn’t have to like her but did he have to hate her?

Chapter Four:

Rain started to trickle down as she walked over to the book café. The one day she decided to walk and not take her car it decided to rain. It figured. Wouldn’t anything go right in her life? At least it was just sprinkling. She reached the book café only a little damp. Everyone seemed to be out for coffee this morning. She stood at the back of the line and waited. Luis would probably send out the search team when she didn’t return in five minutes. Not for her of coarse but for his coffee. He would have one of the rescuers push her of a cliff if he could.

Luis sat at his desk still frustrated that he couldn’t find any money for the new programs he wanted to start. He slammed the book shut and then looked at the clock. He sent Sheridan out for coffee over half an hour ago. What could be taking her so long? It was a five minute walk from here and if she took her car it was a millisecond. Maybe she got lost. He wouldn’t doubt that she passed some dress hop on the way and just had to go in. Nothing serious could ever happen to someone in Harmony. But there had to be a first for everything right?

Sure he didn’t want her in his life but he didn’t want her hurt either. Suddenly he found himself staring at the clock. With every passing minute he became more worried about her safety. Maybe he should call the book café. No, he didn’t want to start any rumors about things happening between him and Sheridan. He’d wait a little longer and then go in search of his coffee.

Sheridan finally made it out of the book café. She felt sorry for Chad. He was the only one there this morning and he was getting slammed. He said there had never been a rush for coffee like that before. He said it had to be the weather. It was pitch black outside and it was approaching 11 am. It looked like there was going to be a storm. And wouldn’t it be her luck she had to walk in it. At least it was only a couple of blocks. But then as her luck would have it the sky seemed to open up and unleash a downpour on her. She tried to hurry back but her attempt was in vain. When she reached the doors of the youth center she was soaked to the bone.

When Sheridan returned Luis was pacing in front of the doors. He quickly stopped when he heard the doors open. He looked at her and first sighed with relief, she wasn’t dead, but then he burst into laughter. She looked like a drowned rat. She was soaked from head to toe.

"What happened to you?" he continued to laugh.

"You really need windows in your office"

Sheridan opened the door and moved aside so Luis could get a glimpse. It looked like something out of Twister out there. The winds were swirling and the rain was whipping everywhere.

"Why didn’t you take your car?" he questioned.

"Do you think it was like this when I started to walk? I am not stupid, no matter what you believe"

"Is that my coffee?" he asked avoiding the subject of her stupidity.

"Yeah, but it might be just a bit watered down. I’m fine by the way"

"I know. And thank you. Why don’t you go change?"

"Into what? I don’t exactly carry a portable closet"

"You don’t? I thought every princess carried one"

Luis didn’t know why it was so easy for him to be so snide to her. He was never so impolite to any person other than her. Sure he said zingers to other people but they were all meant in fun and were followed by a laugh. But he meant the ones he said to her. They were intended to be cruel. There was no doubt about. He wasn’t raised to be this way though. And his mother would throw a fit if she heard some of the things he said. For his mother’s sake he decided he would be nice to her for the rest of the day. Though it was going to be the challenge of his life.

"I’m sorry" he apologized. "Look, I have some extra clothes in my locker, just some shorts and a t-shirt, but you can borrow them. They are clean"

"No thank you" she said curtly.

She wasn’t going to take anything from him. He probably put itching powder in them. She peeled off her coat and hung it on a hook. Maybe at least that would dry before she had to go home. She turned back to Luis only to find his eyes almost bugging out of his head.

Chapter Five:

As she took off her coat Luis watched on. He was going to insist she wear his clothes. He didn’t want her getting sick. She would probably sue him. But the coat was off he had an increased inability to breathe. She was wearing a white shirt. And now it was wet. He was in man heaven. He tried to move his eyes from her but they wouldn’t seem to listen. The shirt was hugging her in all the right places.

Sheridan didn’t know what was going on until she followed his stare. Her face quickly became beet red. She was basically flashing him and by the look on his face he seemed to be enjoying it. She reached for her coat and immediately threw it back on.

"I’m sorry" Luis mumbled although he was anything but sorry. "Are you sure you don’t want to borrow my clothes?"

"If it’s all the same to you I think I will just run home and change. I’ll be back before you know I’m gone" Sheridan replied.

"Go ahead"

"Thank you"

"But you are going to have to stay late"

"I figured as much"

Sheridan hadn’t so much as stepped towards the door before the emergency sirens began to sound outside. Apparently the storm that was brewing outside was more than a typical storm.

"What is that?" Sheridan asked nervously.

"The emergency sirens" he informed her.

"What does that mean?"

"Could be one of many things let’s go listen to the radio"

"I’m going to run home before it gets worse"

"Like hell you are" Luis protested. "The siren means it is worse. You are to stay where you are and take shelter"

"But I’ve been stuck with you all day!" Sheridan whined.

Luis grabbed her hand and pulled her into the office. He pushed her onto the couch and moved into the corner of the room and pushed on the radio. The newscaster seemed to be in the middle of the warning and it was hard to tell what the actual trouble was. Sheridan sat on the couch shivering as they waited.

***This is Bob Howard with KJLM public radio. The weather service has issued a storm warning. While there are no tornados expected, wind gusts are predicted to reach levels of well over 75 mph. Please stay in your homes and away from windows. Flying debris could be dangerous***

Luis clicked off the radio and went back over to Sheridan. What was he going to do now that they were stuck her together for the rest of the night? They were at each other’s throats all ready how were they going to survive the storm?

"So we’re stuck?" Sheridan asked full well knowing that the answer was yes.

"Unfortunately yes" Luis groaned.

"I know you aren’t exactly thrilled with me being stuck here with you but could you try and be any less enthusiastic?" Sheridan griped and shivered all at once.

"Would you please go change into my clothes?" he asked when he saw her shiver.

"I don’t want your god damn clothes"

Why did she have to be stuck with him? She would rather be stuck with her brother. And that was saying a lot. She couldn’t stand being in the company of her brother for more than five minutes. What were they going to do stuck together for probably the whole night? Then it hit her. He was going to make her work the night away. She wasn’t going to be able to walk by the morning because she was going to work her so hard.

Why did she have to be so damn stubborn? What did she think was wrong with his clothes anyway? He told her they were clean. His mother washed them. She was the same person who washed Sheridan’s clothes. He hated that the woman that sat before he helped in working his mother to the bone. His mother worked way to hard so he decided when Sheridan first started working here to give her a taste of her own medicine. She was responding just as he had hoped. He knew she hated working here.

"You’re going to get sick" he told her as she let out a string of sneezes.

"What do you care? I’d think you’d be happy if I died. One less Crane to deal with" she shot out.

"Yeah but if you survived you would probably sue me"

"What would I get out of suing you?" Sheridan snapped.

Oh that didn’t come out the way she wanted it to. She didn’t want to make a comment on his social standing. But she knew that if taken the wrong way it was the way it sounded. She didn’t want anything from him, good or bad. It wasn’t meant to be a comment that he didn’t money or property worth taking. She knew he was a proud mad and this was going to hit hard.

"That’s right. What could us Lopez-Fitzgerald’s have that you could possibly want? According to your standards we shouldn’t even be able to breath"

"Luis, that’s not what I meant" she tried to apologize.

"I don’t care. I am going to go in the gym and workout. I don’t care what you do but stay away!"

Chapter Six:

Ugh! Sheridan felt like a heel. What was it about her and Luis? They always seemed to rub each other the wrong way. And it wasn’t like she meant to do it. When she was around Luis it just seemed to happen. Sneeze. Oh great if she stayed in these wet clothes any longer she was going to get. Sneeze. Sick. She thought about it for a moment. It was either stay in these wet clothes and get sick or borrow Luis’s clothes and go insane because she would be able to smell him on his clothes. He would be there lingering and taunting her until the storm passed. Becoming ill was suddenly more appealing. Sneeze. Why was she so stubborn?

Luis began to punch the bag with fury. He had a sudden surge of emotion that was cause by the blonde in his office. He chastised himself for looking at her with lust when he saw her in her wet shirt. She was a Crane, a damned Crane. And she had almost gotten the better of him. But that was the way they operated. They waiting to strike until you least expected it. He waited for her to come into the gym in a bikini and announce she was going to shut down the youth center because he ran it. That would be the Crane thing to do.

"Luis?" she said softly as she came into the gym. "I know you told me to stay away from you but can I still borrow your clothes?" Sneeze. Sneeze. Sneeze.

"Go ahead" he said without missing a punch. She flinched at his coldness.

"You know what? Forget it. I am just going to sit under the hand dryer in the girls bathroom" she pivoted around and slammed the door behind her.

Sheridan did literally what she said she was going to do. She went to the bathroom and sat under the stream of warm air. She was so cold. She took off her coat and threw it to the side of her. It didn’t matter that her shirt was see through when she was alone. Sneeze. Next off came her tennis shoes and sopping socks. The dryer had turned off she reached up and smacked the button again. Sneeze. She leaned back against the wall closed her eyes. Suddenly she didn’t feel very well. When the dryer went off again she left it that way. She was really hot all of a sudden.

Luis punched the bag a few more times after she left but the length of time between each swing continued to grow as he thought about her. Damn she even ruined his workouts! But she looked miserable in her wet clothes and she had been out getting his coffee. He went to get his clothes out of his locker and try and make a peace offering. When he passed the girls room he felt even guiltier when he heard the hand dryer blowing. He hadn’t thought she was serious but she seemed to be as stubborn as he was.

He retrieved his clothes and went to knock on the bathroom door. Luis wasn’t prepared to see what greeting him when he walked into the bathroom. He had tried knocking but she hadn’t answered. Finally he shouted that he was coming in because she was being a snob. He had meant to get a rise out of her, but still received nothing. When he walked in he saw her passed out under the hand dryer. He immediately dropped his clothes and went to her side.

Chapter Seven:

"Sheridan, wake up!" Luis ordered while slapping her lightly on the face. But she didn’t respond. "What happened?" he asked himself knowing she was unable to answer. It didn’t appear that she had fallen. He placed his hand on her forehead just to check and suddenly he knew what the problem was. "You’re burning up. This is all my fault. I should have insisted you change the moment you walked in the door"

Luis was again over come with guilt. So he picked her up off the floor and carried her into his office. He placed her gently on the couch and then went back to the bathroom. He picked up his discarded clothes and grabbed some towels before returning to her side.

"I hope you forgive me for this"

Luis began to unbutton her white blouse trying with all his might to remember she was sick and this was her benefit and not for his pleasure. He peeled the wet shirt from her skin and then debated whether or not to remove her bra. He concluded it was wet too so he unhooked it. He removed it quickly and then covered her with a towel. He refused to be anything but a gentleman in any situation. He picked his t-shirt off the ground and placed it over her head, removing the towel in the process. He repeated the process with the lower half of her body. He didn’t have blanket any blankets around so he covered her with towels. Then again he went into the bathroom. This time coming back with a wet towel for her forehead. Luis knew he needed to find her medicine to get her fever down so again he left to search the supply closet. He returned only able to locate some Children’s Tylenol. He was lucky to have found anything at all. He doubled the dose indicated on the bottle and squeezed the dropper into her mouth. Then he closed her mouth making her swallow. This double dose of medicine had diminished half the bottle.

"That should do it" he said as he sat on the floor next to the couch. "You just have to wake up now Sheridan" he rubbed her hand. He wanted to keep touching her. He thought that would disturb her sleep. That and her small hand fit perfectly in his. He watched her like a time bomb waiting to explode. He never took his eyes from her. With every passing hour he grew more concerned. He needed her to wake up. He didn’t want to give her the other dose of medicine until she did. But after four hours he decided he had no other choice. He wished he could take her to the hospital but with the storm brewing it was impossible. Earlier he had tried to call an ambulance only to learn the phone was dead. The phone lines must have been blown down. After giving her the last of the medicine he was again forced to wait. After another hour or so he was greeted by a pair of sad blue eyes.

"Help me" Sheridan groaned but before Luis could answer her eyes rolled back and she again passed out.

Chapter Eight:

Luis was hopeful when Sheridan opened her eyes but now that she was unconscious again he worried more. He knew she needed help. She had asked for it. But he didn’t know what he could do anymore. He felt so guilty for this to be happening to her. If he hadn’t sent her to get his coffee she would be fine now. Damn his caffeine craving!

"Sheridan, come on you have to wake up"

Luis shook her shoulders trying to elicite a response from her. She groaned but didn’t open her eyes. He continued to move her a bit, determined to get her to wake up. He moved her arms up and down, made her clap her hands, anything to disturb her sleep. She continued to groan so he knew he was having some effect.

"Luis stop!" she finally had the strength to say.

"Not until you open your eyes" he replied.

"No" she refused.

"Then I’m not going to stop"

"Please? You’re hurting me" she pleaded.

"Nope" he wasn’t going to fall for her excuses. He knew she just wanted to sleep. "Stop being such a mule and open your eyes"

"Luis, can’t you even leave me alone when I’m sick?" Sheridan griped.

"Sorry I can’t do that. I love to torture you" right now he just loved hearing her voice. It was a relief that she was coming to. And she was fighting with him. That had to be a good sign.

Sheridan sighed. All she wanted to do was sleep. She felt like she had been run over by a mack truck. Why couldn’t he be nice to her for once and let her sleep? But she knew it wasn’t going to happen so she relented and opened her eyes.

"Thank you"

"They’re blue" she commented.

"Yes I know your eyes are blue. So what?"

"You’ve seen them so now can I please go back to sleep??" she whined to the best of her ability.

"No. In fact I need you to sit up now"

"Luis, I feel like shit. Can’t you just leave me alone?"

Didn’t she understand how sick she was. She had been passed out for nearly six hours. Now that she was awake he intended to keep her that way. No matter how hard she fought. He was going to fight harder.

"Do you have any idea how long you’ve been sleeping?"

"No" she replied defensively.

"Six hours" he informed her. "I know you probably feel like hell but I’m afraid if you go back to sleep…." He couldn’t finish his thought but he hoped she was beginning to grasp the severity of the situation.

"Ok Luis. I’ll try and stay awake"

Sheridan immediately sat up. She didn’t realize how sick she actually was. He was just trying to care for her and she was bitching at him. She didn’t seem to have any control over her emotions at the moment and she began to cry. She cried because she couldn’t believe what a spoiled brat she was being. She wanted to say she was sorry but tears came out instead of words.

Luis helped her into a sitting position and watched her as she seemed to process the information he had just told her. She seemed to become sad about something and then she began to cry. He hated to see anyone cry but her tears seemed to cause him inner turmoil. He figured she was just scared about her health so he told her not to worry he would take care of her. But that only seemed to cause more tears to fall. What did he do now?

"Sheridan, please stop crying" he handed her a towel to wipe her tears.

"I’m sorry" she finally found her voice again. "I just can’t seem to control it"

"It’s okay. Everything will be okay" he promised.

Sheridan believed him. He might be the most arrogant piece of work on the planet but he was honest. She knew he would make sure she got better. He might hate her for being a Crane but he wouldn’t let her die. Sheridan’s mind seemed to be coming to and she remembered the storm outside. She was going to ask him about it but then she heard the windows and doors rattling intensely. There was no point to ask. But she looked down and had something else to ask. Why was she in Luis’s clothes?

"Luis, how did I get changed?"

Chapter Nine:

Luis fidgeted with his hands. He didn’t know how to tell her that he undressed her without her exploding. He knew she wasn’t going to be happy. Nor was she going to let it go without yelling at him and believing the worst.

Sheridan watched Luis’s facial expressions. He seemed to be pensive about something. Why wouldn’t he just tell her how she got into his dry clothes? She had a pretty good idea all ready. She just needed his confirmation. She wasn’t going to get mad.

"Well Luis?"

"I changed you" he mumbled. His voice was barely audible.

"What?" she asked even though she heard him. She just loved to see him squirm.

"I changed you" Luis admitted.

"I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT!! AND ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS…" She yelled knowing that is what he expected. "Thank you" she said softly.

"Excuse me?" he asked completely shocked those words were in her vocabulary.

"Thank you for taking care of me" she smiled.

He must be getting sick too. Sheridan Crane just thanked him, not once but twice. He must be delusional. But he wasn’t going to call her on it. He was just going to accept it. Of all the things she was predictable wasn’t one of them. He kind of liked that.

Sheridan studied him once again. She expected him to make a big deal about her saying thank you but he didn’t. He simply said you’re welcome. That was a first. She wanted so much to go back to sleep but when she tried to lay back down his hand stopped her. She knew she had to stay up but did he have to touch her? That was causing a whole new set of problems.

"Still feeling crappy?" Luis asked while rubbing her back.

"A little better now" she managed to squeak out.

God! Did he know what he was doing to her? Even when she was sick he still had an effect on her. He was just trying to be kind and she was having impure thoughts. God help her for liking his touch because she knew something that felt this good had to be a sin.

Luis finally realized where his hand was at that moment and completely tensed. His fingertips began to tingle and he suddenly felt short of breath. She was a crane! She had no right to make him feel like this. But she was beautiful and sexy. Crane. He was struggling to remember everything.

"Hungry!" Luis blurted out and bolted to a standing position.

"Huh?" she asked. The only thought in her mind was that she missed the warmth of his hand.

"You have to be hungry. You haven’t eaten in hours"

"Have you?"

"No but I’m not the one that’s sick"

"Ok… but do you have magical powers?"

"Huh?" it was his turn to be confused.

"We’re stuck in the youth center. Either you forgot to mention you have a fully stocked kitchen here when I started working or we’re screwed"

Luis thought about it and she was right. They were screwed. Basically they had water from the tape. That wasn’t good at all seeing as the radio announcer wasn’t predicting an end to the storm. They would probably be stuck in here until tomorrow. Then he remembered something and stormed out of the office.

Sheridan watched Luis as he shot from the room. For whatever reason he left she didn’t care because this gave her a chance to rest. She flopped back on the couch and instantly closed her eyes. It was a relief to relax and to succomb to the exhaustion that racked her body. She was asleep before she could count the first sheep.

Luis rifled through his locker. He knew it was in there somewhere. Mama had made sure he had it before he left this morning. She knew he wouldn’t remember since he was just coming off the night shift at the station. And there it was, a brown paper bag complete with bread, an apple, and a container of his mother’s homemade chicken soup. It was just what Sheridan needed. He was lucky one of the volunteers at the center had donated a microwave. He went back to his office and immediately noticed sleeping beauty on the couch. He slammed the door behind him and made his way to the microwave. He made sure to make as much noise as possible.

"Wake up" he ordered as he pressed the start button.

"Go away" she grumbled.

"I mean it Sheridan. Get up"

"Or what?" she challenged.

"Or I’ll add another 50 hours to your community service" he replied with a smirk.

"I’m up" Sheridan moved suddenly into a sitting position. "Are you going to let me sleep EVER?"

"Yes, when it is bed time"

Why was he so UGH? Did he feel it necessary to torture her on a daily basis? All she wanted to do was sleep. She was feeling better. She knew she would wake up, eventually. She would be fine if he just let her sleep.

"What are you doing?" she was still cranky.

"I remembered Mama packed me a lunch this morning"

"Awww! How sweet of her. Did she comb your hair and pick out your clothes too?"

Luis just glared at her. Why was she always on his case? Here he was going out of his way to make sure she got better and she was still making his life as difficult as she could. At least she had said thank you once but he had a feeling that was as good as it was going to get.

"Are you always like this?" Luis asked.

"Around you yes. You bring out the best in me" she smirked at him.

"Don’t you get tired of playing the uptight princess?"

Sheridan’s jaw dropped to the floor. He could pretend to be nice to her all he wanted but the truth was he was the same arrogant bastard underneath the niceties. She wasn’t going to let him get away with that one.

"Don’t you get tired of playing the stick up the ass cop?" she shot back at him.

"Is that how you see me?" he asked as he pulled the soup out of the microwave and set it on his desk.

"I see a kinder, more free you around the kids but that’s not what I see when you’re with me"

"It’s the exact same way with you. Come here" he went to the couch and helped her walk to his desk chair. "For now let’s call a truce and eat"

"You’re going to share?"

"Of coarse. I’m not cruel"

"Could have fooled me… I’m sorry"

Sheridan didn’t mean for the last remark to slip out. Think before speaking was not in her make up when she was around Luis. Insulting him had become second nature. Zingers just seemed to roll off her tongue when he was the intended target.

Luis sat across from Sheridan at his desk. He cut the apple and the bread in half and left the soup in the middle of the table. She protested sharing the soup because she didn’t want him to fall ill too but he just handed her a spoon and told her to eat. He didn’t want any arguments. They both needed food.

"Thank you for sharing Luis"

"You’re welcome"

"And thank you for not throwing me out in the storm. I know it must be tough for you to be stuck with someone you hate"

"Sheridan, I don’t hate…" Luis noticed a sudden change in Sheridan’s coloring. "Are you okay?"

Sheridan suddenly felt the room beginning to spin. She should not have eaten everything she did. But it had tasted so good. However now her stomach was very angry with her. She felt incredibly queasy and could feel herself turning green. This was not good. Not good at all.

Chapter Ten:

Sheridan had never been more embarrassed in her whole life. She couldn’t have apologized enough for what just happened. Luis had left the room to clean himself while Sheridan worked on cleaning the desk and floor. Never in her life had she remembered getting so sick. She hated that Luis has to be there to witness it. She hated it even more that he had been in the way. She cleaned what she could and then retreated to the couch. She covered herself with towels and closed her eyes. She doubted Luis would object to her sleeping now.

Luis didn’t even want to attempt to clean his soiled sweater and jeans. So instead he just peeled them off. His tank top and boxers had been spared and since Sheridan was already wearing his extra clothes he would have to remain this way. He really didn’t mind though. Maybe he could cause her a little discomfort just as she did to him earlier in that wet white shirt. Not that he enjoyed revenge but after all she had caused today he thought he was well entitled to a little. He stopped off at the storage closet before he returned to his office.

"I thought I told you to stay awake" Luis called to her when he came into the room.

"Leave me alone Luis. I’m too embarrassed to look at you" she shouted back as she covered her head with a towel.

"It could have happened to anyone" Luis said as he pulled the towel from her head.

"And how many times have you vomited on your boss?"

"Well none but.."

"Then you don’t know how awful I feel"

"It was an accident Sheridan, forget it"

"I’m surprised you are even coming near me"

Luis didn’t know why but he found her to be quite adorable at the moment. He thought a Crabe was adorable. How strange was that? But her cheeks were crimson and she refused to look at him in the eye. He could have a lot of fun at her expense but he decided to take the high road. Usually he wouldn’t miss his chance to tease her but she had been through enough today. He’d give her a break, but just this once.

"Here" he handed her a generic new toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste. "I thought you might want these"

"Thank you but where did you get them?" she asked very grateful to get the current taste out of her mouth.

"Some of the less fortunate children don’t have the best hygiene so we keep those in stock" Luis explained.

"I never thought I’d be so happy to see a toothbrush" she started to stand.

"Do you want help?" he could tell she was still weak and didn’t want her to fall.

"I think I’ll be okay" she smiled as she left the office.

Sheridan thought Luis was the most thoughtful man in the world at that moment. He wasn’t worried that he had to spend the night in boxers. He was trying to make her comfortable and even got her a toothbrush. Oh wait a minute! Luis was in his boxers and a tight tank top. She could see the outline of every muscle through that. Suddenly she felt very weak again and it had nothing to do with the fact that she was sick. It had everything to do with a certain Latin/Irish man and his six pack. She managed to finish brushing her teeth and was about to go back to the office but decided to splash some cold water on her face first. Her body was overheating and she was positive her fever was gone.

"Fever back?" Luis asked from the doorway as he watched her douse her face with water.

"LUIS!" she screamed. She hadn’t known he was there. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to check on you"

"What if I was naked or something?"

"You came to brush your teeth and besides I’ve already seen you naked once today" Luis couldn’t help himself this time. He watched in amusement as her face turned beet red.

"Yeah… Well…" she had no idea what to say to that.

Luis was amused now. He had the woman, who had a comeback for everything, speechless. He was amazed. He never thought he would see the day when Sheridan Crane would have nothing to say. Now what to do? He decided to go back to the office and check the weather report. Sheridan followed him out. Maybe it was getting better by now.

*** This is Bob Howard with KJLM public radio. I am happy to inform you that the storm is beginning to disapate. The winds have already begun to subside. The weather service has lifted the wind warning. Please stay tuned for more information. ***

"Great we can go home now" Sheridan said more than excited to go home and see her own bed. Her body ached and she couldn’t wait to close her eyes.

"Yeah we can go home" Luis was a little disappointed. He didn’t know why but he enjoyed taking care of Sheridan, no matter her last name.

Chapter Eleven:

*** This is Bob Howard with KJLM public radio again. I’ve been asked to inform you that although the dangerous weather has subsided please stay at your current location if possible. The winds have caused many downed power lines and other hazards. For your safety stay put. Cleaning crews will be working through the night to make Harmony safe again by morning. ***

This was all Luis needed to hear. They were not going anywhere until morning. Not that Sheridan was in any condition to drive anyhow. She was so drowsy he caught her nodding off during the announcement. Whether she liked it or not they would be stuck together until morning.

"Where are you going?" Luis asked as Sheridan tried to sneak to the door.

"Home" she replied innocently.

Sheridan knew he was going to refuse but she didn’t want to stay. She would go insane if she had to spend the night looking at him in his boxers. Her fingers itched to touch every ripple on his torso. She had dreamed about him before and she knew tonight wasn’t going to be an exception. There was no way she was going to sleep near him. She was famous for talking in her sleep and if he overheard her she would never hear the end of it. But mostly she craved her own bed. With him in it made it more tempting. Stop it Sheridan!

"We aren’t leaving" Luis protested.

"But I’m sick and I want to go home" she whined.

"You heard the reporter. We are to stay put" he recited for her.

"If possible! He said only if it was possible" she pointed out.

"How is it not possible for you to stay here tonight?" he questioned.

"If we stay we’ll kill each other. I’m sure that’s ground for a change in local officer!"

Oh that was rich. She was pulling the we hate each other routine. He wasn’t buying it though. They had managed to be in the company of each other all day. Granted she had been unconscious for six hours but that was just a technicality. He hated to admit it but he actually enjoyed their day together, mishaps and all.

"I’m sorry Sheridan but we’re not going anywhere" Luis told her flatly.

"I’m leaving and you can’t stop me" she said snottily.

"Sheridan, you can hardly sit up. How do you expect to drive? And do I need to remind you of the incident with the chicken soup?" Luis hoped this would shut her up.

"No you don’t have to remind me. I remember quite well. That’s why I want to go home. I want my own bed. I AM going Luis"

Embarrassing her hadn’t worked to shut her up this time. He hoped that she would become flustered like last time and not know what to say. What was he going to do now? He had to stop her. He still felt guilty for her being sick. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if she got hurt too. Finally after going though scenario after scenario in his mind. He chose the only thing he thought would work. He grabbed her arm, turning her around, and pressed his lips firmly against hers.

Sheridan didn’t know what was happening. Two seconds ago they were argueing, as usual, but now he was kissing her. Damn he was a good kisser. Tiny shock waves were sent through her body and she was sure there had to be sparks flying from their lips. She hadn’t wanted to sink into the kiss but she was losing the will to protest. His lips were just too addicting.

Luis hadn’t intended for the kiss to last as long as it had but her lips were so soft. It was as if they were inviting him to continue. She tasted so sweet and she didn’t make any effort to stop so why should he? He felt her hands slide up his chest and he was a goner. He could live like this forever. A boom of thunder finally brought them out of the clouds and back to reality.

"What was that?" Sheridan asked fighting for her breath and touching her swollen lips.

"I was just trying to get you to shut up and listen" Luis said struggling with his own breathing.

"Well it worked" she replied still in a daze.

"I’m sorry" he apologized.

Don’t’ be sorry Luis. That was the single best kiss ever. You can belittle my family to your heart’s content if you kiss me like that again. Just please don’t say it was a mistake because nothing that feels like that could ever be a mistake.

"I shouldn’t have done that. It was a mistake" Luis continued.

Please don’t agree with me Sheridan. I really don’t think it was a mistake. It was… There isn’t a word to describe that kiss. If I saw any indication you craved another as much as I, I would kiss you again. And again. I would be tempted to forget you are a Crane if you let me taste those sweet lips again.

"Yeah it was a mistake" she said firmly even though she was lying through her teeth.

"I shouldn’t have taken advantage of your weakened state. I’m sorry"

"Apology accepted. Let’s just forget it ever happened" she suggested.

Not that she would ever be able to forget. That kiss was going to fuel her dreams for weeks to come. If he ever happened to touch her while they worked she was going to flash back to that kiss. Forgetting it was not a possibility. For her.

"It’s already forgotten" he lied.

How was he supposed to forget about something he wanted to do over and over again? He found himself staring at her mouth as she talked. When her tongue darted out to moisten her lips he about died. He wasn’t ever going to be able to forget that kiss, EVER.

"It’s getting late" she pointed to the clock. It read almost ten.

"We should get some sleep" he suggested.

"You’re going to let me sleep?"

"Yes but don’t be surprised if I wake you during the night"

"Fine" she agreed. She was sick of arguing and needed to get away from Luis before she jumped him.

"You can have the couch" Luis offered.

"Where are you going to sleep?" she asked.

"The benches in the locker room"

"Are you sure you don’t want the couch?"

"You’re sick. You take it. I’ll be fine on the benches"

Sheridan didn’t like the idea of Luis sleeping on the hard benches but the couch was small. They would basically have to sleep on top of each other if they shared. That was not an option with Sheridan’s current state of mind. It was in the gutter pure and simple.

"If you’re sure, okay. Goodnight Luis"

"Night Sheridan"

"Thank you again for taking care of me today"

"You’re welcome"

Luis took one last look at her before he left. What he wouldn’t give to kiss her goodnight. He marveled how things could change after just one kiss. Too bad she didn’t feel the same. And if only she wasn’t a Crane, he would pursue her. But she was and that would only mean heartache for both of them so he had to leave it alone. He crawled onto the bench and closed his eyes. He didn’t realize how truly tired he was until he instantly fell asleep like he was on the most comfortable of beds.

Chapter Twelve:

Luis was glad he had chosen to sleep in a different room than Sheridan. He had already woken himself up twice because of vivid dreams of her and of them. He wasn’t sure but he was willing to bet he was calling her name out in his sleep. He had to get up and walk around after the last dream. What he really needed was a cold shower. The more he thought about it the more he thought it was for the best. He needed to cool down. He shed his clothes and quickly stood under the cold spray.

Sheridan had fallen right to sleep. After Luis forced her to stay awake all day she was exhausted. She was surprised she managed to stay up as long as she did. But then again that kiss seemed to awaken her whole body. She had thought she would relive that moment over and over in her dreams tonight but it didn’t happen. She was plagued by a nightmare instead.

She was walking through a foggy dark alley trying to catch up with her faceless hero. The man, who always promised to love her for who she was, was there. But this time he wasn’t saving her. He was walking away from her. He wouldn’t stop when she called him. Not that she knew his name but he knew it was her. He shouted over his shoulder for her to stop following him. She begged him to stop, not to leave her. But he didn’t listen. He kept on walking and the fog just continued to get thicker. Just before he disappeared he whispered "you shouldn’t have waited so long." And then he was gone.

"NO!" Sheridan screamed in her sleep. "Don’t go! Don’t leave me alone" she shouted as tears began to drench her cheeks.

Luis heard Sheridan screaming and quickly jumped out of the shower. He threw a towel haphazardly around his waist and ran to his office. She continues to scream as he approached her.

"Shh Sheridan, it’s just a dream" he wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Please don’t leave me" she pleaded.

"I’m not going anywhere I promise. Just please calm down"

"I don’t want to be alone, you can’t leave me alone" she continued.

"I won’t. I’ll stay right here" he brushed the hair away from her face.

"Hold me" she begged.

How was he supposed to hold her? He was still wet from his shower. Not to mention barely covered with a towel. This was not good. After his dreams tonight he didn’t know if he could hold her and remain sane. But she continued to plead with him. He couldn’t stand to see her in this state. He finally gave into her wishes and crawled behind her on the couch. He pulled her to his chest and felt her calm when she placed her head under his chin. How was he going to get through the night?

"You didn’t leave me" she sighed.

"I promised I wouldn’t"

Luis couldn’t help himself. He placed a gentle kiss on the crown of her head. She sighed in his arms and snuggled closer. He promised himself he wouldn’t fall asleep. He had to get up and dressed before she awoke. He wouldn’t want her to see all of him. And he knew the towel wouldn’t stay in place throughout the night. He did everything in his power to stay awake. He now knew there were 46 tiles on his office ceiling. But it had been a long day and it was so comfortable with her in his arms. It wasn’t long before sleep consumed him.

Sheridan woke up in the morning feeling ten times better than she had the day before. She didn’t think she would sleep as well as she had. Maybe she would have to put this couch in her bedroom. She tried to turn to change position and suddenly it became clear why she had slept so well. There were two strong arms around her waust. She had dreamed once about waking up in Luis’s arms but this was even better. She wondered how they had gotten in the predicament. And what else she didn’t remember about last night.

"Luis?" she said softly trying not to scare him awake. He didn’t seem to budge though. "Luis?" she repeated a little louder this time.

Luis still didn’t so much as stir. She thought about trying harder to wake him, but she felt rather safe and warm in his arms. There was no need to rush. She took the opportunity to memorize his face with her fingers. If only they came from the same planet. Or even if he didn’t hate her family. She’d be willing to give them a try in a heartbeat. But she knew Luis’s feelings about not wanting to be a kept man. And he had an overwhelming hatred for her family that seemed to spill onto her. Was it even worth trying if she knew how it would end up? And who’s to say he would want to try anyway? He had said their kiss was a mistake.

Luis had woken up to a strange sensation. It tingled and made his while body come alive. He kept his eyes closed and savored the feel of her fingers on his face. He chastised himself for falling asleep with her in his arms but if he got to wake up like this he was willing to make it a nightly ritual. What was he thinking? She was still a Crane and the relationship still wouldn’t work. Sleeping with her nestled on top of him didn’t change anything. But God help him he wanted her. His eyes flew open catching her with her fingers trailing across his lips. If he didn’t get away from her at that moment she was going to know exactly how much he wanted her.

"Morning Sheridan" he spoke against her fingers.

"Luis!" she yelped and jumped from the couch.

"Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you"

"Um Luis?" her eyes travel below his waist. "I think you lost something"

"Huh?" his eyes followed her gaze and sure enough he had lost his towel in his sleep. "Well I guess it’s only fair" he chuckled as he covered himself.

"What is?"

"I got to see your finer qualities yesterday"

"Yes that definitely was FINE" she said in a daze. Her eyes were locked on the towel.

Luis couldn’t stand the way she was looking at him right then. Her eyes held the desire he felt. He had to get out of the room right now before he did something irrational.

"I think I’m going to get dressed" he stood carefully then secured the towel around his waist.

"Do you want your clothes back? I’m sure mine are dry"

"Yeah sure. I don’t know what Mama would say if I came home in my boxers" they shared a nervous laugh.

"Okay. I’ll be right back"

Sheridan left the room and went to change. It didn’t take her long to return dressed in her own clothes again. Luis took his from her and took his turn to change. He was quick to return because he knew their time stuck together was limited. Sheridan was in her coat, purse in hand, when he got back to the office.

"I just wanted to thank you again for taking care of me yesterday"

"You’re my friend Sheridan. I’d do it again in an instant"

"You really consider me a friend?"

"Yes and I hope you consider me one too"

"Of coarse I do" she smiled. "Goodbye Luis"

"See you tomorrow Sheridan"

Sheridan walked out of the youth center office and then proceeded to the parking lot. There still seemed to be a lot of debris around but her care seemed to have been spared from damage. She got behind the wheel and looked at the youth center. Luis and she had spent the whole day together and they were still alive. They even came out of this as friends. No one was going to believe it. She could settle being just friends with Luis for now. It was a step in the right direction. She turned the key and started the ignition.

Chapter Thirteen:

Luis looked around the youth center. He wasn’t sure why he didn’t want to leave. He just didn’t. He walked around his office picking up the remains of last night. There was a pile of towels on the end of the couch. He flashed back to having to take her out of her wet clothes. Try as he might to be a gentleman he couldn’t help his eyes from wandering. He had soaked in every inch of her beauty before covering her. Then there was that magical kiss. His lips tingled just thinking about it. Then sleeping the night away with her. She fit perfectly in his arms. But why did she have to be a Crane. Life could be so cruel.

Sheridan sat behind the wheel of her car just staring at the youth center. She hadn’t been able to drive home yet. Something in her mind was insisting that she stay. It was a voice telling her something. But she couldn’t remember whose it was. It just kept repeating "you waited too long." Waited too long for what? Then she remembered her nightmare from last night. Her dream man had disappeared because she had not acted on her feelings. She thought about the man inside the youth center. Was she going to lose her chance with him too? Was he the man she’d been waiting for? There was only one way to find out. She shut off the car and opened the car door. She headed straight back inside and went directly into Luis’s office.

"Are you ok? Won’t your car start?" Luis asked surprised to see her back.

With that sentence Sheridan was sure things gad changed. Had this been a couple of days ago he would have snapped at her and asked why she had come back. But now he actually wondered if something was wrong. She liked that he seemed to care.

"No everything is fine" she began to summon all her courage. "I just forgot to do something"

"What?" he furrowed his brow and looked around but didn’t see anything she could have forgotten.

"This"

Sheridan boldly walked before him and captured his lips with her own. Then that feeling came over her again. That feeling came over her again. That warm fuzzy, this is the way life is meant to be, feeling. She was definitely glad she came back. This kiss was even better than the first one.

Luis wasn’t sure what was happening. She had walked right up to him and just started kissing him. He must have died and gone to heaven. He knew he had to stop this. He didn’t want to lead her one or hurt her. But the ways of emotion that were crashing through his body right now were making it difficult to do anything except continue to kiss her. He couldn’t give into it though. He wouldn’t do that to her. Finally he managed to push her away.

"Sheridan, we have to stop" Luis said while backing away from the temptation.

"Why?" she said playing the role of seductress and moving closer to him.

"I don’t want to hurt you" he confessed.

"Trust me Luis. This doesn’t hurt"

And then she was kissing him again. God help him he didn’t know how much more of this he could take. She knew just how to make him putty in her hands. He had to resist her. He couldn’t fall under her spell. But with her running her hands over every muscle on his chest he was slowly losing his sanity. No she was still a Crane and it would still never work. Stop! He had to stop. But he just couldn’t tear himself away from her this time. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer.

Sheridan could tell he was still trying to fight the kiss but when he wrapped his arm around her and held her tight she knew he was losing the battle. She brought her arms around his neck and let her fingers tangle in his hair. She could really get used to this. He was just too yummy for words. But he had to pull away again. Damn him!

"Would you stop that!" she was annoyed.

"Stop kissing me!" he shouted a little louder than he intended.

"Why?" she yelled back.

"Because!"

"What kind of answer is that?" she continued to shout.

"Mine!"

"Well it’s not good enough. I want a real answer!"

"You’re a CRANE!"

"So what!"

"So what? So WHAT!"

"Yeah" he voice softened a bit. "Why does that matter? Didn’t you enjoy kissing me?" Sheridan had completely calmed now.

Why did it matter again? He did enjoy kissing her. He more than enjoyed it. And he would more than enjoy a whole lot more. No! it wouldn’t happen. They would only end up hurt. It was better not to start. He was at a point in his life where he wanted a relationship. He was over his fling stage. Why start something that would only end badly. That’s why he had to stop kissing her.

"Yes. I’m not going to lie. I want to kiss you again" Luis admitted.

"Then what’s the problem? Am I that repulsive because my last name is Crane? I’m not my father or brother"

"I know"

"Then, I repeat, what’s the problem?"

Why did he have to analyze everything to death? He admitted they had and attraction for one another. She wanted to find out if what they had was just lust or if something could actually grow from this. Why couldn’t he open his mind? They could miss out on their one chance on true love if he didn’t.

"The problem is we would bever work" he informed her.

"How do you know?" she questioned.

"Come on Sheridan. I’m beer and you’re wine. We don’t mix"

"Who says? Have you ever tried it?"

"No but I don’t want to hurt you"

"How do you know you will?"

"I don’t but…"

"But nothing Luis. If I didn’t have the money I do and was just a middle class Joe there would still be the chance of you hurting me. Relationships aren’t rock solid. But you can’t be afraid to try"

Why all of a sudden was she so smart? Was he going to admit she was right making him wrong? Well if he continued his proud and stubborn ways he would go home alone. But if he admitted he was wrong for once he would be allowed to kiss the sexy woman before him as he pleased. It was a tough decision but he finally made up his mind. This time he pulled her by the waist into his arms. He kissed her with everything he had in him. He nibbled on her lower lip trying to gain more access. This time he wasn’t going to pull away, but she did.

"I take it you have seen the error of your ways" Sheridan teased.

"When I’m wrong I admit it"

"Uh huh sure. You just can’t resist my charms"

"Is that so terrible?"

"Not at all" she smiled against her lips.

They meshed their lips together once again. The kiss was intense and passionate. They let their hands roam freely as their bodies melted into one. This is what forever was for.

THE END