Timing is Everything

JSP's Shuis Achives | home

(This one was written when I heard a spoiler in the fall of 2000 that Sam was relieving Luis from his duties as Sheridan's bodyguard. As usual, things didn't happen quite like this....)

Sheridan tossed in bed, unable to sleep after the events of the evening. Her mind was a whirlwind as she remembered everything that had happened in the last several hours. She was glad Ethan had finally told Gwen the wedding was off, but she felt terrible for her. Gwen was beside herself with anguish and had vowed to get Theresa if it was the last thing she did. Sheridan could do little more than listen to her and sympathize. She hated to see her going through all this pain, but didn't want Ethan to spend the rest of his life missing out on true love if this was indeed the way he felt. She realized Ethan must really be head over heels in love with Theresa if he would risk the wrath of their family. She knew she'd do it for true love, but she never even imagined this would happen to Ethan. He was after all the Crane heir and his marriage was much more important to the family than anyone else's, especially her own.

Sheridan was grateful Gwen hadn't told Luis it was Theresa that Ethan was in love with. She knew that Luis would go ballistic and that was the last thing anyone needed at this point. She and Luis had had such a wonderful evening until they returned home to the cottage. She'd learned so much about herself and Luis this evening, yet she was still so unsure.

Only this afternoon she had finally convinced herself that things were finally over between herself and Luis. He was using her and refused to admit it. There was no way she could start a relationship under those circumstances. However, every time she successfully convinced herself it was really over, something happened to bring her closer to Luis. Tonight she witnessed one of the most beautiful sights anyone could ever see. She aided Luis in the delivery of Pat's baby. A beautiful healthy baby boy. She could still remember the overwhelming feelings of joy and happiness when she heard the first cry of Luis Sheridan. Her lips slowly curved upward into a dreamy smile as she thought about the baby's name. She was thrilled that Pat had chosen to name the baby after them. It truly was an honor she never expected bestowed upon her.

Sheridan sighed deeply as she saw Luis' face in her mind's eye. His hazel eyes dancing as they bore into her soul as he handed the baby to his mother for the first time. At that moment Sheridan wished it was she who had given birth and Luis was holding his own son. “Is Pat right?” she asked herself out loud. “Can I trust Luis?” A frown again appeared on her face as she once again mulled over the question in her mind. Unable to lie still any longer, she climbed out of bed and quickly put on her matching robe. She began pacing the floor as she continued to think about Luis.

Sheridan was becoming increasingly frustrated. Every ounce of her being wanted to trust Luis, wanted to be with him, start a relationship with him. Never in her life had she met a man who affected her the way he did. There was absolutely nothing boring about their relationship. Whether they were at each others throats or in complete agreement on something there was just something about the way they were with each other that was unique. Pat had told her how sad it was that she'd be missing out on her one true love. The man she was meant to be with. The more she thought about it the more she knew Pat was right. If she allowed Luis to go, if she let him slip through her fingers she would never find this kind of love again. She and Luis shared some kind of unexplainable connection. So why was it the one man she wanted to be with had to be the one man that hurt her more than all the rest?

Sheridan sat down on the edge of her bed and placed her head in her hands. “He's just using you Sheridan” she said trying to convince herself that what she knew she'd seen and heard was real. She knew it was real, but if it was, how could she love him the way she did?

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Luis lay on the couch in Sheridan's living room in a sleepless state. He too kept thinking about everything that had happened that evening. It was slowly killing him inside knowing that Sheridan believed he was using her. He wanted nothing more than prove to her that he'd never use her. Sheridan Crane was unlike any woman that he'd ever met. If he could have chosen who he fell in love with it certainly would not have been a Crane, but unfortunately he had no control over it. She'd crashed into his life a little over a year ago and had changed it forever. No one had ever had the effect on him she did. His mind raced and he smiled when a picture of Sheridan holding Pat's baby flashed through it. She looked more beautiful that he'd ever seen her as she sat in the rocking chair holding him, singing him a lullaby. All he could think of when he saw her there was that could be them, their child. If it weren't for her meddling family that is. “Damn them” he muttered.

Luis was shaken from his reverie as he heard someone knocking on the cottage door. He jumped up in surprise as the hour was very late. Then again, this had not been a normal evening. Luis readied himself for a confrontation with Ethan as he was about the only person he hadn't seen at the cottage that evening. “He'll probably blame me that he fell in love with some other unlucky girl” Luis grimaced as he made his way to the door. “Thank God Theresa already has a boyfriend. I'd hate to think what she'd do if she found out the wedding was cancelled.” Luis opened the door and was surprised to see Sam standing there.

“Sam!” Luis said. “What are you doing here at this hour?”

Sam walked into the cottage and Luis closed the door. “Sorry to wake you up buddy” Sam apologized, “but I have some news for you.”

“I wasn't sleeping Sam” Luis admitted. “I have a lot on my mind.”

“No doubt” Sam agreed. “You've had a busy night. I saw the report where you and Sheridan delivered that baby. Good work Luis.”

“Thanks Sam” Luis grinned. “I couldn't have done it without Sheridan. Sam, she was amazing.”

Sam's smile faded. He knew by the look in Luis' eyes that he wasn't going to like what he was there to tell him. “Luis, I'm glad Sheridan was a big help, but from now on I think you'll have to learn how to solo again.”

Sam, what are you talking about?” Luis frowned.

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Sheridan heard voices in the living room and wondered who else could possible have stopped by tonight. she thought about Ethan, but the voices were too quiet to be Luis and Ethan in the same room, so she walked over to her bedroom door and carefully opened it. She quietly walked out to see who was there. She froze when she heard Sam's voice and what he said next.

“Luis, I just received a call from Hal. It seems that Interpol had had absolutely no activity reported on Roger or Pierre since Les' death. They believe that Roger and Pierre no longer think Sheridan is a threat to them and have called off any assassination attempts. As of right now, you are no longer Sheridan's bodyguard.”

Luis was dumbfounded by the news. He had been preparing himself for this for several days, but actually hearing the words felt like a knife in his heart. Sheridan too felt as if she'd been punched in the stomach. All her talk about wanting Luis out of her life was finally a reality. He would be leaving possibly tonight. Though she kept telling herself this was all for the best, hearing Sam tell Luis he was no longer her bodyguard crushed her like she'd never been crushed. She could barely breathe as she continued listening.

“Sam, are you sure this is a good idea?” Luis questioned. He knew once he left the cottage he'd have no reason to ever see Sheridan again and it was unthinkable to him to never see her again. “Sam, I heard Roger swear he'd find her and kill her if it was the last thing he ever did. I have a really bad feeling about this.”

Sam knew Luis was hurting. He knew how much he cared for Sheridan and that something was keeping them apart. He also knew it was for the best. A relationship with a cop and a Crane would NEVER work. He knew only too well. “Luis, if it's her security you're worried about talk to Crane Security before you leave. I'm sure they would be more than happy to keep a close eye on her.”

“Luis” Sam said with authority, “It's a done deal. Hal suggested you leave tonight, but said it would be all right if you waited till morning.”

Luis ran his hand through his hair and began pacing the room. Sheridan felt a single tear fall down her cheek as she realized Luis was really leaving. She too knew she'd probably never see him again. This wasn't what she wanted, but how could she stop it?

Another knock was heard at the cottage door. Luis quickly walked over and opened it only to find Hank standing there wearing a huge grin. “Hank! What the hell are you doing back here?” Luis asked. He was in no mood for Hank right at the moment.

“I came to help you move out buddy” Hank grinned as he walked into the cottage.

“What?” Luis asked.

“I just came from the station and they told me Sam was here telling you, you are no longer Sheridan's bodyguard. I'm here to offer my services to you.”

“I don't need any help Hank” Luis said with a touch of anger.

“Well you are leaving, aren't you buddy?” Hank asked suspiciously.

“Hank, what is your problem?” Luis asked. “For crying out loud, it's the middle of the night and I just found out. Why are you in such a hurry to get me out of here tonight?”

“The sooner you're gone good buddy, the sooner I can move in” Hank said with a cocky grin.

Luis was really angry now. He knew his best friend claimed to be in love with Sheridan. The thought sickened him to have Hank making his moves on her. Even though he knew Sheridan didn't trust him enough to have a relationship with her, he still hoped one day he'd be able to prove to her he would never use her.

Sheridan rolled her eyes. Hank would now be hounding her everyday. He'd been a good friend to her, or so she thought, but she had absolutely no romantic interest in him. She'd tried to tell him nicely several times, but he never seemed to get it. At least he'd never really pushed the issue. She had a feeling though that things would change as soon as Luis left and she didn't like it at all.

“Hank, is this really necessary?” Sam asked of his brother. He was surprised Hank could be so callous with Luis' feelings.

“Hell yes it's necessary!” Hank said. “Sheridan thinks Luis was just using her and the sooner he leaves the sooner she can forget about him and all those painful memories.”

“I never used Sheridan!” Luis said heatedly. “I would never do that to her or any other woman and you know it!”

“Whoa! Buddy! Chill, will ya?” I'm just stating facts here. That's what Sheridan believes” Hank said trying to be diplomatic. “Hey, you should be happy to be getting out of here. You hate the Cranes man. You've said it a million times. You know a relationship with you and Sheridan would never work. You two are at each others throats most of the time.”

“Hank, I've told you I don't hate Sheridan. I could never hate Sheridan. She is nothing like the Crane men and you have no idea what you are talking about. If we could only get past whatever this issue is about me using her I think Sheridan and I could have something special.”

Sheridan felt her heart ache. “If only” she whispered to herself. She slowly walked a little closer to the living room and watched Luis. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw he was clad only in his shorts. Why did she have to feel this way every time she looked at him?

“Hank, I think we should leave” Sam said. “Luis has to deal with this himself. You need to respect his feelings for Sheridan as he respects yours.”

“What feelings Sam?” Hank asked. “He's never even said how he really feels about her! Maybe Sheridan is right. Maybe he was using her.”

“Hank, that was a low blow even from you. How could you ever say something like that to me? You and I have been friends for too long, for you to even say such a thing, never mind believe it.” Luis was irate.

“Hank, enough!” Sam chastised. “I know you like Sheridan, but I also know Luis and Sheridan had something special once. It's not easy to deal with the fact that you can never have the woman you love.”

“All right, I'll go” Hank said. “I can't wait until things return to normal around here. You'll see Luis. In a few months I'll be with Sheridan. I'll have finally shown her that the Bennett charm is far more appealing than your Irish Latin charm. You'll see I'm right and will get back with Beth. You guys were so crazy about each other in high school man. You should have never let her go. It doesn't matter though, because I have a hunch that if you make a play for Beth, you two will be married by Christmas.”

“Would you just shut up Hank! “ Luis seethed. “I am sick and tired of you throwing Beth up in my face! We went out for a few years in high school, that was it. What I felt for Beth in high school is nothing compared to the way I feel about Sheridan now. I'll always love Beth as a friend, but nothing more. I`m in love with Sheridan, like it or not. She's different Hank. Different from any woman I've ever met and I've never felt this way about Beth or anyone else. So don't even start with Beth again. If I were to do what you suggest, I would be guilty of using Beth to get over my feelings for Sheridan and I told you I will never do that, despite what you think.”

Sheridan's heart began to pound. Had she really just heard Luis admit he loved her? This was too much. Once and for all she was going to find out exactly how he felt. She had to before he left. Sheridan began walking into the living room. Luis had his back to her.

“We're going to leave now Luis.” Sam said.

“Fine” Luis muttered. “Look, I'll leave in the morning. I don't want to wake Sheridan up now to say good-bye.” Good-bye. The words stuck in his throat.

“You don't have to wake me up Luis” Sheridan said as she made her presence known.

Luis turned around when he heard her voice. He caught his breath when he saw the look on her face. `Did she hear what I just said?' he thought. “Sheridan” he stated. “Sam was just telling me I've officially been removed as your bodyguard.”

“Sheridan, if you want I can stay and help Luis pack. He can be out of here in twenty minutes” Hank said with a hopeful smile.

No thank you Hank” Sheridan said not even looking at him. “I need to talk to Luis alone if you don't mind.”

“Well good night” Sam said as he grabbed Hank's arm. “Luis, I'll talk to you in the morning.”

“Yeah” Luis answered. “Goodnight Sam.” Luis continued to gaze at Sheridan as he heard the cottage door close.

Sheridan took a few steps forward as she closed the distance between herself and Luis. “Did you mean it?” she asked softly as she gazed hopefully into his warm brown eyes.

Luis' heart skipped a beat. This was it. His final chance to be with the woman he loved. What else did he have to lose at this point? Another ray of hope and then let down, that was all. He was beginning to feel like a yoyo the way he bounced between being on cloud nine and feeling like he's been beaten. The look in her eyes told him to take one more chance.

Luis closed the gap between them and placed his hands on Sheridan's arms and gently began to rub them. “Yes Sheridan” he said softly as he fixed his gaze on hers. “I meant every word.”

“Could you say it again?” she asked in almost a whisper. “Would you tell me?” Her voice was shaky, yet filled with hope. Sheridan felt as if she was in a dream. It was almost too good to be true. She stood motionless waiting. She was waiting to hear him say the three words she wanted to hear more than anything in this world.

“I love you Sheridan” he finally said. Sheridan felt her knees about to buckle when she heard him say those three magic words. “I love you more than I ever dreamed possible.”

Sheridan felt a smile coming to her face. She laughed lightly as she stared into the most beautiful face she'd ever seen. The face of a man who truly loved her. She could see it written all over him. She was really beginning to believe Pat was right. How could she possibly look into those eyes and not trust him? “Luis” she said wholeheartedly, “I love you too.”

Luis stood there for a moment processing what he'd just heard. A slow grin appeared on his face. Sheridan slowly ran her hands over his bare chest sending shivers through him. When her hands wrapped around his neck he wanted to pick her up and carry her off, but he was still slightly hesitant. “So” he said quietly, “Where exactly does that leave us?”

Sheridan knew what he meant and she pulled him down into a passionate kiss. After a moment she pulled back. “Does that help answer your question?” she asked seductively.

It sure did. “Sheridan, I'm not your bodyguard anymore” he grinned slyly. “Do you have any idea what that means?”

“Oh yeah” she smiled. Luis pulled her into a passionate embrace and the two of them became lost in each other. Months of frustration, desire and passion for each other were being released all at once.

Luis and Sheridan were a raging inferno. Both had only one thing on their mind at the moment. “God I want you Sheridan!” Luis whispered heatedly as he began devouring her neck.

Sheridan had never felt so alive in her life. She had longed for this moment and she never believed it would ever happen, but it was here, right now. “I want you too Luis” she said breathlessly. “Make love to me.”

Luis didn't have to be asked twice. He swept Sheridan up in his arms and carried her into the bedroom. He gently laid her on the bed and climbed in next to her. He met her gaze and saw a look of passion and desire he had felt for months reflected in her eyes. He found her mouth and again began to kiss her eagerly. Sheridan responded with equal measure. Luis began to explore her body. Sheridan groaned in pleasure as Luis was causing her to feel things she'd only dreamed of.

“Hey Luis? Are you still here?” Sam could be heard yelling in the living room. Luis jumped up immediately and took a deep breath.

“Damn it!” he sputtered.

Sheridan let out a frustrated sigh as she slowly climbed out of bed and followed Luis into the living room. She smoothed her gown and robe and took a deep breath before facing Sam.

“I'm right here Sam” Luis said trying to hide his disappointment.

“Good, you're still here” Sam said. “I just talked to Hal again. It seems as though there has been another hit man hired after all. He's already in Harmony and supposedly is someone very close to both of you.”

“Another hit man?” Sheridan asked as she walked up to Luis. Luis instinctively wrapped his arm around Sheridan and she melted into his embrace.

“Luis will be staying on as your bodyguard after all Sheridan” Sam said. He had a look of confusion on his face as he watched both Sheridan and Luis' faces fall. “Did I miss something here?”

Sheridan and Luis looked at each other in total frustration. Sheridan knew how serious Luis was about crossing the “line” before, what about now? They both looked longingly at each other wondering what would happen now?