The Two Faces of Luis

Sheridan had finally finished packing for her move to Paris. For some reason, almost everything she placed in her suitcase reminded her of Luis. She would pack a sweater or a skirt in her suitcase and would have a flashback of some time she'd spent with Luis. She kept thinking about how after she ran into his police car, her life had changed, forever. From that moment until now, she had thought of Luis everyday in one way or another.

For the first few months, she spent much of her time fighting with him. It didn't matter what the subject was, they managed to disagree on it. She smiled as she thought back on their fights. How honest he seemed back then. `He never hid the fact that he hated my family,' she thought to herself.

“I just don't get it,” Sheridan said out loud. She was shaking her head as she remembered how he rescued her from the magician's box, the night she'd been trapped ii it at the Lobster Shack. `Certainly he hated me then, but the true Luis had shown his face. The caring compassionate Luis`. “Or so I thought,” she muttered angrily.

Sheridan's head was now a total whirlwind. Everything she knew about Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald told her the same thing. He was a kind, compassionate, caring, loving person that would never deliberately hurt anyone. If he had a problem with someone, he certainly never held back. Everything she knew about Luis told her that he cared for her, maybe even as much as she cared for him. Everything except that one phone call.

Sheridan began pacing her living room as she kept thinking about this in her mind. “What could have happened?” she said. How could I have been so totally fooled by him, for so long?”

Sheridan slumped down in a chair and buried her head in her hands, resting it in her lap. She couldn't even shed tears anymore. She had none left. The hurt though, it just wouldn't go away. If anything, the hurt seemed to be getting worse. “Why am I having such a hard time forgetting about him? He used me. He's just like the rest!” Sheridan now laughed. “Jean Luc wanted me for my money and name, to help him out of some bind. Luis wanted me, for what? Revenge of some sort, but how? If I only understood, how he could have been so different from the man I thought I knew?!!”

“Come on, Sheridan,” she said, “Snap out of it. Try to think about something pleasant, like seeing you old friends when you get to Paris. That's it. Where's that address book of mine anyway?”

Sheridan thought about the last place she put her address book and it dawned on her she had it in Julian's study that afternoon. “Oh, not there. The last person I want to see tonight is Julian. I'm so sick of hearing him with his insincere concern over my failed love life. He always hated Luis and never wanted me to see him in the first place. For that matter, he tried to bribe him from keeping him away from me.”

Sheridan smiled for a moment as she remembered Luis telling her about the bribe Julian offered for FBI training in Quantico. She had been so happy that he'd turned it down. “There you go again Sheridan. You are better off facing Julian than continuing to think about Luis.” With that, Sheridan grabbed a jacket and left for the main house to retrieve her address book.

“Actually I'm glad he's not here, Ethan,” Sheridan said with relief. “I don't know if I could stand listening to him continue reminding me of the bad choices I've made in my life concerning men.”

They both walked into the study together. Sheridan started looking around for her address book. “Ethan,” Sheridan said seriously, as she began pulling cushions from the chairs looking for her book, “I know you mean well, but I really need to get out of Harmony. At least for awhile.” Sheridan was becoming frustrated as she couldn't locate her missing address book.

“Well, why don't you just take a little vacation away from Harmony? Why does it have to be permanent?” Ethan asked, discouraged that he was making no headway in his quest to keep Sheridan in Harmony.

Sheridan was now searching the top of Julian's desk, becoming increasingly frustrated. “Where could that book be?” She was rifling through piles on the desk, still not finding her address book.

“Ethan, I need to get away from anything that reminds me of Luis,” Sheridan said impatiently as she started opening drawers. “Harmony is such a small town, I'll be sure to run into him.”

“Ethan,” Sheridan said, “Luis is a cop. He's a cop that's out to destroy.....” Sheridan suddenly stopped what she was saying. She was looking at something in one of the drawers of Julian's desk. Their was a look of horror on her face as she started to pick it up.

“What on earth would Father be doing with a mask of Luis' face in his desk drawer? It makes no sense,” Ethan said with a quizzical look on his face. He let out a slight snicker. “I'll tell you one thing, this mask didn't come from some junk shop. Someone paid a lot of money to have this made.”

Suddenly Sheridan's face lit up. She suddenly understood everything. Ethan was continuing his ranting about the workmanship and quality of the mask, but Sheridan was hardly hearing him speak.

“It all make sense. Remember I told you that if I hadn't seen Luis with my own eyes, I never would have believed it was him? I said it was like they were two different people? One sweet, gentle and kind, the other cold and calculating? This is the other Luis,” Sheridan said with hope as she took the mask from Ethan and held it in the air. “Julian did this! I should have known!”

“How could I have been so stupid!” Sheridan hit the side of her forehead with the palm of her hand. She suddenly felt a rage within her she'd never felt before. `How could Julian be so cruel?' she thought. `Why would he do this to his own sister?'

“Why would Father do that Sheridan?” Ethan asked. “Though I must admit, having the mask here does seem pretty incriminating. It also may explain why Luis acted so out of character the other night.”

Sheridan's anger at Julian suddenly gave way to her relief that Luis hadn't been the man on the wharf that night. At least she was pretty sure it hadn't been him. “Ethan,” Sheridan said with a sparkle in her eyes that hadn't been there in awhile, “Promise me not to say anything to anyone about this mask. Please?” she begged. “If everything goes the way I hope it does, I won't be leaving Harmony after all.”

Sheridan was driving over to Luis' house. She needed to see Luis and tell him what happened. She needed to apologize for slapping him, for the way that she treated him. Suddenly a look of total gloom came over Sheridan's face. She remembered the things she said to Luis at the Youth Center. `Quick fling...Boy toy.... Oh, Sheridan, he may never forgive you for saying those things to him.' Tears now began to well up in Sheridan's eyes as she faced the reality that Luis may not forgive her.

She was angry again. Very angry at her brother Julian, for betraying her. How could she belong to a family as cold and heartless as the Cranes? `Oh, God, I can't lose Luis again. What am I saying, I'm the one that pushed him away... But it wasn't my fault. It was Julian. He did this. Probably under the direction of Alistair, I bet...' All these random thoughts ran throughout Sheridan's head as she made the trip to the Lopez-Fitzgerald house.

Luis was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a beer. He was thinking about Sheridan leaving for Europe in the morning. He kept telling himself she was crazy, just like all the other Cranes. `How could I have let myself fall for her? How could I have been so stupid! But still, why did she seem to think I used her. I don't get it? What happened? There must have been something, but she won't tell me. Actually she tried to tell me twice. At the Youth Center when the lights went out and then again at her cottage.'

“I need to find out what happened before she goes to Paris.” Luis said out loud as he stood up. He took a quick swig of his beer, placing the bottle in the sink, when he heard a knock on the door. “I wonder who that could be?” Luis said looking at his watch. Luis walked over to the door and opened it.

Luis couldn't hide the surprise from his face when he saw Sheridan Crane standing there with a slight grin on her face. “What are you doing here, Sheridan?” Luis asked suspiciously. “Did you need one last jab at me, before you leave the country? Or did you want me to give you another plaque so you could throw it against another wall. Which is it, Sheridan?” Anger had replaced the surprise on Luis' face.

Sheridan was very nervous. She expected this, but it's always difficult to deal with the real thing. So much harder than thinking about it. “Actually,” Sheridan said timidly, “I came here to give you an explanation for my behavior. I tried to tell you several times and we were interrupted.” Sheridan took a deep breath. “And I came here to apologize.”

Luis met Sheridan's stare. Her eyes were sad, but there was no hate. It was gone. What was it he saw, was it hope? Luis stood back so Sheridan could enter the kitchen. He was now more confused than ever. `I wonder what this is all about?' Luis thought to himself. `Maybe she's setting me up for the kill. Huh, she can't possibly hurt me anymore than she already has. At least I may get some answers.'

“O.K., Sheridan” Luis finally said breaking the silence. “You were going to tell me why you slapped me? What happened, to suddenly make you hate me?” Luis asked with anger in his voice. He was angry because he was still affected by this woman. This woman, he once thought was the one person, with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life.

“First of all, Luis,” Sheridan began quietly, “ I don't hate you. I don't think I ever hated you. I was angry, confused and most of all very, very, hurt. I was hurt because I thought you were using me.”

“Sheridan” Luis shouted angrily, “You keep saying that I used you. I keep telling you I don't know what you are talking about. TELL ME!!” Luis was now on his feet, his hands on the table as he leaned across looking furiously at Sheridan. His eyes were filled with anger, hurt and frustration.

“If you'd sit down and listen for a minute, I'll tell you.” Sheridan said this firmly, but there was no anger in her voice. Luis sat back down. He was more confused every time Sheridan opened her mouth. `Why was she not yelling? What the hell is going on here?'

“I left to go find you to prove to Julian once and for all, you'd never use me. I went back to the pier and found you. You were on your cell phone, talking to someone and apparently didn't see me. As I got closer, I heard you tell some person you intended to use the very rich, Miss Sheridan Crane for your own ends. You were laughing. It was an evil laugh. You kept talking about how the Cranes had used and abused your family for years and now you were going to use one of them. Their spoiled princess. You also said, I was right where you wanted me. I was so desperate for love I'd believe anything.” Sheridan paused. Even though she now believed Luis hadn't said these hurtful words, it was still painful to hear them. She also needed to hear Luis say, it wasn't him. She needed to hear him deny it.

“Sheridan, What is this?” Luis asked. Suddenly Luis went pale as he saw what it was he was really holding. Everything started to fit together. “You found this in Julian's desk?”

Sheridan nodded her head. “Luis, can you ever forgive me?” Sheridan asked, tears welling up in her eyes. “I am sorry I mistrusted you. So sorry I could ever have believed it was you. If I hadn't seen you there with my own eyes, heard your voice, I never would have believed it. But the person I saw, looked and sounded just like you Luis. I imagine that is why Julian and probably my father went to such lengths. They knew I'd never believe it unless I saw it with my own eyes.”

Luis was beginning to understand why Sheridan suddenly turned on him. All of her worst fears and insecurities were delivered to her in a nice neat package. Luis was becoming angry. Very angry that Julian Crane would treat his sister in this manner. He looked at Sheridan and saw the tears in her eyes. He wanted to hug her and take her pain away, but he couldn't. Not quite yet.

“More than anything, Luis, I'm sorry for the things I said to you. I want you to know I didn't mean them, but...” tears were streaming down her face now. Sheridan was fighting hard to stop them, but it was no use. Finally she managed to finish her thoughts. “I said those things because I didn't want you to think you'd hurt me. I didn't want you to think you'd gotten the best of me.” Sheridan began wiping the tears from her face.

“Sheridan,” Luis said quietly, “I'm sorry too. I'm sorry that you thought it was me that hurt you.” Luis reached across the table and took Sheridan's hands in his own. This caused more tears to fall from Sheridan's face. “Just to set the record straight, Sheridan,” Luis continued, “After I hung the phone up from talking to you, I went back to the station house to change back into uniform. I then had to finish up my report on the guy Silvano and I nabbed. I was gone from the dock for an hour and a half. It's all documented in the police logs. If you'd only come to me earlier and confronted me...” Luis paused for a moment as he saw how this was affecting Sheridan. “We could have straightened this out a long time ago.”

“Luis,” Sheridan said through a tear stained face, “I don't know if I can impress upon you how much this other person looked and sounded like you. He could have been your twin. I knew what I was hearing was so out of character for you, but this man, this Luis double, knew so much about your life, about me. I couldn't bring myself to tell you.” Suddenly Sheridan realized what had really happened. All the conversations with Julian and Alistair. The warnings. The threats.

She gave a wry smile. “Hey, at least we both know it was an outside force that was the cause of this misunderstanding. We can at least part friends?” Sheridan said hopefully, though she really wanted much more.

“Please tell me, we can part friends,” Sheridan implored. “I know you may not be able to forgive me, but I don't think I can go to Paris and be at peace if you still hold me in contempt.”

“I have to Luis,” Sheridan said, as the tears started again. “I couldn't stand it if you were to be hurt again..... or worse. I couldn't stand to feel this way again, either. This time was so much worse than it's ever been.”

“Father and Julian did this Luis,” Sheridan explained. “Don't you see? If I stay here and see you at all, they will do something else. Next time it may be worse. Much worse.” Sheridan's voice trailed off and her eyes met the floor, unable to look at Luis.

Sheridan laughed sarcastically. “Julian warned me. He told me there would be dire consequences if I continued to see you. I didn't believe him, but I now know what he meant. Believe me, those two don't give up until they have what they want.”

“Well I guess their plan worked, Sheridan,” Luis said with disappointment in his voice. “I thought you were a fighter. I thought you were different from the other Cranes.”

Sheridan didn't take that last remark well at all. “I am not like Julian and Alistair. I can't believe you'd even say such a thing. And I am a fighter. I just don't know... I don't want to see you... Luis I don't know what I'm saying,” Sheridan finally finished in frustration.

Luis was smiling now. He knew his last remark would get to her and it had. The impact of what Sheridan had told him was beginning to hit him. She didn't hate him after all. It was all a misunderstanding deliberately created by her evil family. Maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance.....

Sheridan thought for a moment. “I guess I can. It won't be easy for me to see you, though. I think Father has me followed or something. He seems to know every move I make. Did you know, they knew I went to the pool hall with you that night? How could he have known that if he wasn't having me followed? I mean, it was a spur of the moment decision. No one knew we were going and the only people that even knew me there were Hank and Beth.”

Sheridan smiled. “I made sure you weren't home and came to say good-bye. After all, she is the only one in that house besides Ethan I ever cared about. Everyone in the mansion knows that.” There was bitterness in Sheridan's voice as she recalled the loveless family into which she was born.

“Sheridan,” Luis said thoughtfully after a few moments silence. “There is something we need to get straight before we do anything. I mean, there is no point in going any further, unless we can be completely honest with each other.”

Luis looked directly into Sheridan's blue eyes as he asked his question. “Besides the obvious, why were you so hurt by what I ... I mean, by what the impostor said? Why were you more hurt this time than anytime before?”

Sheridan was stunned by the question. Her insides felt like lead and she felt her cheeks go hot. `How can I possibly tell him?' she thought. `I'm not 100% sure how he feels and he wants me to tell him I'm head over heels in love with him?'

“Well.... I uh... Luis, I thought...” Sheridan was stammering quite badly. “Let me start by asking you this. Did you call me later that night? The night on the dock? And leave a message on my machine? Or was it not you?”

“Well, I think hearing you on the machine, hurt me more than anything. If that call had come in before I heard you... the impostor, I would have jumped on it in a minute.” Sheridan eyes were sparkling as she thought about what might have been.

“Did you really mean what you said earlier that same night on the phone?” Sheridan asked softly, as she looked into Luis' breathtakingly beautiful brown eyes. She could get lost in them.

“Well, I meant it too, Luis,” Sheridan said tenderly. “I've never met anyone like you before, Luis. That's why it hurt me so much. There is only one other thing I can say to you to explain why I was so hurt. I'm not sure I can tell you yet. I'm having trouble admitting it to myself.” Sheridan bit her lower lip as nervousness crept into her voice. `Please don't ask me Luis. Please don't ask..... ` she thought.

“Sheridan,” Luis said, “Completely honest, remember? As I said, if we can't be completely honest with each other then you may as well get on that plane tomorrow and go back to Paris. I need to know if this relationship is worth fighting for.”

Sheridan again had tears in her eyes. She knew she couldn't get out of this one. It was either do or die. If she didn't tell him, she'd end up in Paris. If she did tell him, maybe, just maybe he felt the same way and there was a chance.

Suddenly Sheridan blurted out, “Luis, it killed me to hear you say those things because I've fallen in love with you. In fact, I've come to realize I'd never really been in love before. I've never felt so much emotion in my life, except where you were concerned. When you kissed me at the docks the other night, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. I was ecstatic, and then later that same night, I felt like someone had kicked me in the stomach.” Sheridan was spilling her guts to Luis and now felt totally helpless. “Oh, just forget it Luis. I'm sorry I even came here tonight.” She wiped her eyes and stood to leave.

Luis felt a huge smile come across his face. He had hoped against hope that Sheridan felt the same way about him, that he felt about her. He stood up and walked over to Sheridan, blocking her path.

“I'm glad you told me,” Luis said smiling adoringly at her. “I didn't think there was any point in continuing this relationship if we didn't feel the same way about each other.”

“Sheridan” Luis continued, “I have been fighting my feelings for you for months now. Ever since we were in New Mexico together, I have been denying it to myself. I can't deny it anymore. I started to realize that after we danced that tango at the youth center. I kept getting mixed signals from you after that. I was still holding back, until you came to see me at the dock that night. I had it in my head after our date at the pool hall, that the next time I saw you would tell me what I needed to know. It did. When I realized you had called the station looking for me, I thought maybe, you felt something for me.” Luis paused. “Sheridan, what I'm trying to say, is I've fallen in love with you, too.”

Sheridan felt like she was in a dream. The man she loved, felt the same way. “Oh, Luis!” Sheridan said, her blue eyes dancing. She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him into an embrace. Luis wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. Sheridan laid her head on Luis' chest, hearing his heart beating rapidly.

Luis kissed the top of Sheridan's head as he held her. He closed his eyes. “Sheridan, this feels so right,” Luis finally said in a whisper. “I've never felt this way with anyone, Sheridan. I feel like we were born to be with each other.”

Sheridan lifted her head and gazed at Luis lovingly. She felt her knees buckle when she saw his smile and his eyes were filled with love. This was the Luis she knew and loved. This was the man she'd dreamed of her entire life.

Luis leaned in and kissed Sheridan gently on the lips. It was a very tender, very sweet kiss. Their kiss lingered for a few moments. For a brief moment, time stood still. Their kiss was magical. They shared a closeness afterwards that was beyond words. They knew they would never allow anyone to break them apart. Not now, not ever.

Sheridan lay her head back on Luis' chest and held him tight. She was afraid to let go as if he would disappear if she did. Luis rested his chin on Sheridan's head and closed his eyes. He gently caressed the back of her head with his hand.

I am so glad you came her tonight. I am so glad this misunderstanding is behind us.” He took her face in his hands and gently traced her face with his fingers. Sheridan leaned her face towards his touch. She closed her eyes as she enjoyed this feeling. Her face was glowing, as she opened her eyes and smiled lovingly at Luis.

“I never would have guessed that!” Luis kidded her. He leaned in and placed a light kiss on her forehead. He then looked at her again, this time his face was deadly serious. “We do have a problem, Sheridan. A big problem. Your family does not want us together and apparently are willing to do what it takes to keep us apart,” Luis stated with grave concern.

Sheridan walked over to the table and seated herself. She gave Luis a look and he joined her at the table. Sheridan had her brow furrowed and was deep in thought. “Luis” Sheridan said thoughtfully, “I have been giving this some serious consideration. I want you to hear me out before you say anything.”

Sheridan took a deep breath and exhaled. `Here goes,' she thought. “Luis, I am going to cut off all ties with my family. I'm going to move out of the cottage, find my own apartment and a job. I'll make sure there is no tie to the Crane Family. She paused as she noted Luis' reaction. There was concern in his face, but so far he said nothing.

Sheridan continued. “I will tell Julian and my father that I want nothing more to do with them and they can keep their money and power. If it means that I have to live my life rich and without love and happiness, then I want none of it. I would rather be living in a boxcar, if I were truly happy and had the man I loved at my side. The price tag for being a Crane is too high. I will trade money for true love any day.” She watched Luis as he gazed deeply into her eyes. She felt a sudden chill, almost as if Luis could see straight through to her soul.

“You are willing to give up everything?” Luis asked incredulously. “Sheridan, you can't possibly mean that. You have no idea what you're saying. You have no idea what life outside of the Crane world is like. I can't let you do that.”

“Luis, you can't stop me,” Sheridan said firmly. She had a determination in her demeanor Luis had seen many times and he knew it was no use arguing with her. Sheridan then started laughing. She laughed bitterly. “Don't you see Luis? I can't stay there anymore. I need to be able to live my life the way I see fit. I want to make my own choices.” Sheridan was now on her feet pacing the kitchen floor. She had her arms folded across her middle. Every now and then she would throw them in the air to emphasize what she was saying. “I want to be able to go have a beer in a pool hall and not worry about who is following me, or being an embarrassment to the family. Why should having a good time playing darts and drinking a few beers be an embarrassment? I wasn't hurting anyone. Don't you get it? This is about me living my life. It's something I should have done along time ago.”

Sheridan had stopped her pacing. She was now standing at the table with one hand on her hip, the other on the table as she leaned closer to Luis. “With the exception of Ethan, there is no one in that family I will miss, or will miss me. All they will miss is having a show piece around when they need one. Someone to entertain their stuffy friends.” Sheridan stood up and flung her arms in the air as she recalled all those dull buffoons she'd been pranced in front of to entertain her father and brother. She rolled her eyes and groaned loudly.

“The only thing my father cares about is the precious Crane name. The only time he ever pays any attention to me is when he wants something from me, or when I do something that displeases him. Something he thinks will tarnish the Crane name,” Sheridan sarcastically said. “You know, now that I think about it, I truly believe that the reason my family wants us apart is because they see you as a threat of some kind. No one ever paid any attention to my involvement with Jean-Luc, until it was time for ridiculing me for my poor choices in men. AFTER it was over. I'm more sure than ever that they are involved with the disappearance of your father, or at the very least the Martin Impostor.”

“Luis, I'm sorry for raving like an idiot,” Sheridan said regretfully. She again walked back to the table and sat down. “I just can't live that life anymore. Can you understand that?”

Luis watched Sheridan in amazement. God, she was beautiful when she was angry. Seeing her like this, so full of determination, made him realize how much he loved her. How different she truly was from the rest of her family. Still, he didn't want to be responsible for causing her to lose the only family she had, even if it was the Cranes.

Luis slowly got up and walked over to where Sheridan was sitting. He crouched down so their faces were level. He took her hands in his. “Are you absolutely positive you want to do this, Sheridan?” Luis asked softly. He looked at her with compassion and understanding. He knew this was a big decision. He wanted to give her every opportunity to change her mind.

Sheridan reached up and held Luis' face in her hands. She gently ran her hands across his face, tracing his beard, smiling as she felt the light growth from the last day. She looked deep into his eyes. She loved looking into Luis' eyes. It made her feel warm and tingly. His eyes were sparkling and she had no control of the huge grin that crept across her face. He had that effect on her.

“I'm sure Luis,” she managed to say in a whisper, as she continued caressing his face. “I want to live my own life. I want to be able to do whatever I please, including seeing you.” Her fingers moved from his face and began tracing his lips. They were so soft. Sheridan longed to feel his lips on her own.

Luis' heart pounded wildly in his chest, as he felt the soft touch of Sheridan's delicate fingers on his face and lips. Breathing was becoming increasingly difficult. “You know Sheridan,” Luis said in a deep whisper, “I will do anything for you. Anything at all. Just name it.” Luis was finding it difficult to concentrate on their conversation. Sheridan's light touches were distracting him. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this aroused, a mere touch of the hand on his face. In fact, he'd never felt this way by such a simple gesture.

Luis very slowly leaned in closer to Sheridan. She inhaled sharply as she felt his breath on her face. As he moved in closer, Sheridan let her hands slip around his neck and he softly kissed her on the lips. He slowly increased the intensity of the kiss. Sheridan responded willingly. Their kiss was beginning to unleash the pent up desire in both of them. Neither heard the door from the living room open. Nor did they see Pilar standing there watching them.

“Ahem,” Pilar cleared her throat loudly as she stood by the door to the living room with her arms folded in front of her. She had a sad look in her eyes. She knew Luis and Sheridan were playing with fire. She also knew, it was too late to stop them from falling in love. It was evident, by the scene she was watching.

“Mama,” Luis said in surprise. He let out a slight sheepish laugh. He was embarrassed, being “caught” by his mother. He quickly scrambled to his feet and jammed his hands in his pockets.

“I assume son that you found out what the problem was and you and Sheridan have ironed out your differences?” Pilar said with an ever so slight smile. Her head was slightly tilted to one side.

Now the smile was gone from Luis' face as he thought about Julian Crane and his mask. Luis picked the mask up from the table and walked over to his mother. He held it up for a moment and then handed it to her. “This was the cause of our problem,” he said in an angry voice. “Julian Crane hired someone to wear this mask and make Sheridan think I was using her. She overheard the person wearing this say I was only using her, to get back at the Cranes for what they'd done to my family. Sheridan thought it was me, and from what she's told me, I can't blame her for the way she reacted. It was an elaborate set up to keep us apart, Mama.”

Pilar shook her head in dismay. “I'm sorry, son. I'm sorry Sheridan, but I can't say I'm surprised. When Julian and Alistair Crane want something, they get it. This is very disturbing.”

“How can you say that Mama?” Luis said shocked his mother could hurt him like this. “Sheridan and I just told each other tonight we love each other. Don't you care about my happiness? I've never felt this way about anyone in my life.”

“Of course I do Luis,” Pilar managed a small smile. “I care about both of you, very much. I just don't want to see either of you hurt. I don't want to think of what Julian or Alistair will do when they find out their plan has failed.” Pilar was shaking her head in sorrow again.

“Because I have decided that I am going to cut myself off from the Crane Family. I am moving out of the cottage and will tell Alistair to take his trust fund and... And ruin someone else's life with it.” Sheridan was angry and frustrated as she said this.

Pilar's face lost all color. She walked over to the table and managed to sit down before she fell down. She was muttering under her breath in Spanish. Luis and Sheridan both saw the look in her face and were worried.

Pilar took a deep breath and finally spoke. “Sheridan, I love you like my own daughter. I am very happy that you and my son have found happiness together. Do whatever it takes to make a life together, but please, please, do not cut yourself off from your family. I beg you not to.”

“Trust me Sheridan,” Pilar implored. “You do not want to cross Alistair in this manner. “It will make what he did to try and separate you from Luis look like child's play.”

“I can't tell you,” Pilar said, but I will tell you this much. “You are not the first person in the Crane Family who wanted to cut ties as you say. There have been others, one in particular.”

Sheridan was now fighting back tears of her own. `Oh my God, she thought. `What is my father really capable of? This must be something absolutely horrendous for Pilar to react in this manner.'

Luis walked over to Sheridan and placed a hand on her shoulder. He knew how upset she was. Sheridan reached up and grabbed his hands, squeezing it hard. Luis wanted answers and he wanted them now. He was sick and tired of running every time Alistair Crane's name was mentioned. One man could not possibly be this totally evil and get away with it for so long. It was time to put a stop to his reign of terror.

“All right, Mama,” Luis said isn't a very official tone. “I've had it with all this fear when Alistair Crane's name is mentioned. It's time he was stopped and I mean it. What did he do to that other member of the Crane Family? Who was it?”

Pilar looked at her son and knew he wasn't going to let this go. Maybe he was right. Maybe it was time to stop Alistair from hurting anyone else. What she knew though, was sure to hurt people. Especially Sheridan.

“All right. I'll tell you,” Pilar said in a very sad voice. “You both must promise me, you will not make any accusations until you have proof. You say nothing, unless you have real evidence. I mean it.” Pilar was looking directly at Luis, knowing his temper and inclination to run hot headily into confrontations, especially where the Cranes were involved.

“Sheridan, you were only a little girl at the time this happened. There was a member of the Crane family that was very unhappy. She had been married into the family for years, but never felt like she belonged. She was a wonderful woman too.” Pilar smiled as she remembered. “She had a kind and gentle heart. She always put others needs before her own. She like so many others that marry into that family was deceived. She thought her husband loved her, when in fact, he married her only for her name and breeding. He continued to have affairs all through their marriage. She was treated as a possession, not as a wife.”

“Certainly she had whatever physical needs she wanted. Money was never the problem. Unfortunately the Crane money or power never impressed her. It was a poor substitute for a happy life. Her only joy was her youngest child. She spent all the time she could with the child. She was very saddened however whenever she saw her husband with the child. He was harsh and even cruel. She wasn't sure of everything he did to the child except that whenever the child came back to her from a visit with him... well, lets just say neither of them were happy.”

Pilar continued. “One day, this woman decided she'd had enough. Her child was hurting badly every time there was an encounter with the father. The woman were miserable after all those years in a loveless and emotionally if not physically abusive marriage. She decided that nothing was worth the price of her happiness, and told her husband she was leaving with the child. There was a terrible fight. I mean a terrible fight. He told her she would never leave him, nor would she take his child.”

“She told him she couldn't stand to see her child treated this way anymore and yes, she was leaving with the child. She told him she'd rather die than live in that house a moment longer.”

Pilar watched Sheridan as Luis as they hung on her every word. She then looked at Sheridan. The next day, she was found dead in the living room. Stabbed, I think. It was all covered up, of course. The rest of the family was told she was very frail and died of natural causes. The child never really had a chance to get to know the mother. The mother that fought to take her away from the family." Pilar paused for a moment. She then looked Sheridan directly in the eyes. "That child was you, Sheridan. That woman was your mother.”

At first Sheridan was stunned. Completely unable to move or say anything. Her expression a total blank. She then started shaking. She sat there and her entire body just shook. Not quite like a convulsion, but nonetheless, Luis was frightened. He knew the pain she must be going through at this moment. Sheridan didn't talk about her mother much, but when she did they were always fond memories. Sheridan always longed to have the mother she never knew and now she finds out that her precious mother, the only one she felt love from, was murdered at the hands of her own father? This was quite a bit to handle.

Sheridan felt trapped. She felt as if she were inside a glass bubble and couldn't find her way out. She was going to suffocate and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it from happening. `Why is this happening?' she thought. `Why my mother? How could this be?' She suddenly remembered flashes from her childhood. Memories she hadn't had in years. She didn't even recognize them as memories except she knew the people in her memory. She had been there as a little girl. She'd been asleep in a chair when it happened. She'd seen her father and mother fight. She saw her father kill her mother. `Oh my God.'

“That's why I had nightmares all my life,” Sheridan said with a blank look on her face. “I was there. A small child, three, maybe four years old. I saw him do it. I saw my father kill my mother.” She continued shaking and staring into space. She was talking to no one in particular, just talking.

Sheridan seemed to come out of her trance. She looked at Luis and Pilar who were watching her with concern. “You're right Luis. I'm not going to let my father scare me anymore. Somehow we have to stop him, but I don't know how. I don't want to live my mother's life. And I don't my life to end as hers did either.” Sheridan's face was like stone. She was calm, but there was a coldness in her voice that frightened Luis.

Pilar walked over to the stove and prepared a pot of coffee. She remained silent for a few moments while she brought some mugs from the cupboards. Luis had seated himself at the table next to Sheridan. He held her hands in his, gently rubbing them. “Sheridan,” Luis said calmly. “I'm not sure yet how to handle this either. I do know this. You won't be going through this alone. I'll be at your side every step of the way.”

Sheridan feigned a faint smile. Luis knew it was fake, but at least it was an effort. Pilar, who had heard Luis' promise to stand by Sheridan said another small prayer. She knew Luis would never desert Sheridan, but prayed to God to help them find a way.

Pilar finished making the coffee. She poured three cups and placed them on the table along with milk, sugar and spoons. Sheridan was deep in thought as the coffee was served. She absentmindedly placed a spoonful of sugar in her coffee, stirring it. Then it seemed, she forgot what she did and reached for another spoonful of sugar. She repeated this several times. Luis saw this and said nothing. He smiled at his mother, who was about to tell Sheridan what she had done when she picked up the mug and took a sip. Her face contorted into a grimace as she tasted the coffee.

Pilar took the cup from Sheridan and rinsed it, replacing it with fresh coffee. Luis smiled at her, shaking his head. Sheridan, who had come back to earth from whatever planet she was on, saw the look on Luis's face and gave him a genuine smile. “I'm sorry,” she said. “I guess I was just a little preoccupied.” She noticed an impish grin on Luis' face and said, “Luis, don't say a word. I mean it!” She laughed as she said this.

Though still troubled, this little incident seemed to bring Sheridan out of it. Pilar had no clue as to what had just happened. She decided she'd better not ask. She did ask Sheridan how much sugar she liked in her coffee, however, as she was trying to save Sheridan another mouthful of sweetness. Sheridan replied just one, but both she and Luis became giddy. Sheridan thanked Pilar, who was looking at the two of them in disbelief. If she only knew.

“Actually no,” Sheridan said as she thought about it. “Ethan was with me when I found the mask. I told him not to say anything to anyone about it and he agreed. “I also told him, that if all went well tonight I may not be leaving Harmony after all. Then I came here.”

“Maybe you should call Ethan and let him know where you are,” Pilar mused. “See if he can stop over and pick up the mask and return it to Julian's desk, before he noticed it missing. It will be much easier for him to return it than for you.”

“You both need to make a decision right now,” Pilar stated seriously. “You need to decide which is most important to you at this minute. Do you want to pursue your quest Luis, of bringing down Julian and his father? Or do you want to continue your relationship with Sheridan?”

Sheridan looked sadly at them both. She knew what Pilar was saying was true. She knew it would take nothing short of a miracle to find any concrete evidence linking her father or anyone else in her family to her mothers death. Even if they could find the evidence, it would take months, even years to uncover it. Besides, if they pursued anything, it needed to be Martin Fitzgerald's disappearance. Luis had been suffering much longer than she.

Pilar and Luis were left alone at the table. Luis was just holding his coffee, thinking about what his mother said. Pilar was looking at Luis, knowing how he hated to let go of things especially where the Cranes were involved.

“Of course Mama.” Luis said with a slightly annoyed smirk. “That's all I've been thinking about. I hate the thought of having to choose, but there is no doubt in my mind what I'd choose.”

Luis laughed. “How could they not be Mama?” Luis said, his face radiating happiness. “She's the most amazing person I have ever met. I've never felt this way about anyone. You saw what I was like the last few weeks, when I thought things were over between us. I don't ever want to see that happen again. EVER! Even if it means slowing down my investigation of the Cranes.” Luis' voice trailed off a bit. He had a slight look of dismay in his face.

Pilar smiled. It was actually a large smile for Pilar, who usually seemed to appear so glum. “It wasn't that long ago Luis, that you said you didn't have time for a relationship. Your plate was too full, with your father's disappearance and all.”

Luis looked at his mother and smiled. It was more of a smirk than a smile. “Well, I it would appear I've changed my mind.” He managed to look serious again for a moment. “Don't get me wrong, Mama. I'm not giving up on the Cranes. I just have other things on my mind right now that are more important.”

“Mama, I never expected this to happen. It just happened!” Luis threw his hands in the air and chuckled. “Imagine me falling in love with a Crane! Who would have ever believed it?”

“Sheridan is a wonderful person, Luis. I told you that all along,” Pilar told him. “I am very happy for both of you. I truly am, but I am also very worried. I don't want either of you hurt.”

“Ethan will be here shortly,” Sheridan announced as she returned to sit at the table. “He said he'd return the mask to Julian's desk drawer before he gets home. We were lucky tonight. The hospital board meeting lasted much longer than expected, so Julian won't be home for a few hours yet.”

“Yes Sheridan, I am serious,” Pilar said. “If you go to Paris, your father and Julian will think they have succeeded in keeping the two of you apart. For now. You can go there for a week or two and then come back to Harmony. You can tell them you decided that being in Paris didn't change anything. That being the case you wanted to come back to Harmony.”

Sheridan did see the merit of Pilar's argument. She did not like the idea of leaving Luis for several weeks. Even a week would be too long. She and Luis were at a pivotal point in their relationship and she wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. “I don't know, Pilar,” Sheridan said with mixed emotions.

“Yes Sheridan, I do,” Luis replied, smirking at her. He was rubbing his hands together. “I do have a slight change to make in your plans though.” He looked at Sheridan. He saw the pain in her eyes and decided he'd better tell her now what he was planning. “The change is, I will follow you to Paris. We can spend the week there together. No Julian or Alistair to foul things up. No Hank or Beth either. Just you and me. Getting to know each other better. What do you think?” Luis looked like a schoolboy who had just won a trip to Disney World.

Sheridan's face lit up. Her eyes were sparkling as she thought about time alone with Luis. In Paris no less! “Are you sure you want to do this Luis?” Sheridan asked, wanting to make sure he really wanted it and wasn't just doing it for her.

“Oh, I want to do it all right,” Luis said looking at Sheridan in a manner that sent shivers through her body. His voice was deep and he seemed to forget his mother was in the room.

Pilar looked disapprovingly at her son. She knew what he was insinuating. “Luis, I trust you will use good judgment? Both of you?” she said, knowing her son would do as he pleased anyway.

“It's settled then,” Luis said triumphantly. “Let me call Sam and get the time out of work. Then I need to find someone to watch the Youth Center for me.” He squeezed Sheridan's hands quickly, gave her a sexy smile, with a wink and left.

Ethan arrived and Sheridan filled him in on their plans. He actually thought it was a great idea. Sheridan and Luis needed some time alone after what they'd been through. He didn't mind Sheridan going to Paris, as long as it was only a vacation. He vowed not to tell a soul, including Theresa.

Sam granted Luis his request, warning him to be careful, but wishing him the best. He agreed to cover for Luis' absence should anyone ask, as well as keep it hush where he was and with whom. Sam assured Luis he would arrange for people to keep the Youth Center operational until he returned.

Sheridan arranged for Luis' flight to Paris. He would fly out on the flight immediately following her own. She really wanted to fly with him, but they agreed it wouldn't be a good idea to be spotted leaving Harmony together. She arranged to meet Luis in New York as they would both be flying the Concorde. She didn't tell him that, however. She wanted to surprise him. She would be waiting for him at the gate at JFK.

Luis tried to argue with Sheridan about paying for the plane ticket, but she wouldn't budge an inch. She knew Luis hated using Crane money for anything, but she also knew what a last minute ticket to Paris cost, and would not let him spend that kind of money to follow her there. If he really wanted to go, she would cover the ticket. He reluctantly agreed.

It was now nearly midnight. Sheridan at least was nearly finished with her packing. Luis hadn't started. Luckily he wouldn't be packing nearly as much as Sheridan. Neither one of them wanted to part, but they knew it was time for Sheridan to leave.

Not wanting to lie to him, Sheridan replied, “I can't believe it. The two of us in Paris, alone!” She smiled affectionately at Luis who gave Sheridan another kiss. This one a little more passionate than the last.

“Not on your life, Luis,” Sheridan said with a seductive smile. This time she kissed him. She kissed him with all her might for a minute and then pulled away. She opened the door, smiled at him in an ever so sexy way and said, “Until tomorrow, Luis.” She turned and walked out the door.

Sheridan stood at the gate as they announce the arrival of Luis' flight from Harmony. She couldn't contain her excitement as she waited for the passengers to disembark the plane. Things had gone off without a hitch when she left the Crane Mansion. She said her good-byes to Julian, Ethan and Ivy. Julian didn't seem to suspect a thing. He seemed quite pleased that she was finally leaving, where Ivy and Ethan were saddened by her departure. Ethan had given Sheridan a quick wink as she left, as he knew she'd be returning in a few weeks.

For the time being, Sheridan was happy. She had been dreading this trip to Paris since she made the decision to go, but after everything that had happened last night, she was now more excited than she'd ever imagined. Passengers were beginning to come out of the plane and Sheridan looked frantically for Luis. She finally spotted him and she felt her heart begin to beat wildly. He didn't see her standing there, but then again he wasn't looking for her either. He wasn't expecting to see Sheridan until he reached Paris.

Luis was thinking about what he needed to do next. He was to pick his ticket up at the main ticket counter for International Flights. He'd never been to JFK before, so he was looking everywhere for a sign leading him to that counter. He didn't see Sheridan as he passed her. Nor did he notice she was walking right beside him.

“I wanted to surprise you Luis,” Sheridan said happily. “You didn't think I'd let you go all the way to Paris by yourself did you? I figured once we were in New York, it would be safe to travel together.”

Luis grinned. “Well I'm very glad you did.” His smile kept getting bigger and bigger till he almost started laughing. He gave her a quick, but intense kiss on the lips. “You just made my day.”

Luis and Sheridan walked arm in arm through the airport. Luis was looking at everything he saw. It was a very busy airport, and he was amazed at the bustle all around him. Finally they reached the terminal the Concorde would be departing from and Sheridan started walking towards it.

“I just didn't want to waste a minute of our time together on a silly airplane,” Sheridan said in a sultry voice. “We'll be in Paris in two hours this way, and then who knows what we'll do with our extra time?” Sheridan grinned at Luis. Her eyes were dancing and Luis saw a fire in them, he'd felt in his own eyes many times as he thought about being alone with Sheridan. Luis felt his face catch on fire. He was longing to kiss her, really kiss her, but they were in the middle of a busy airport so he needed to control himself.

Luis now was laughing. “You know Sheridan,” Luis said, “I'm already having a great time and we haven't even boarded the plane yet! You are totally amazing, did you know that?”

“Why thank you Luis. I try,” Sheridan said with a devilish grin. “I also think it's only fair to warn you, I plan on keeping this up the entire trip.” She gazed into Luis' eyes with an ever so innocent look.

Luis laughed again. By now he had removed his coat. His face was red from the constant flirtatious remarks from Sheridan. He was really starting to feel hot all over. “Sheridan, I have to tell you, if you keep this up till we get to Paris, I can't be held responsible for my actions when we get to the hotel.”

Luis had been unable to keep a smile off his face since Sheridan had started playing her game. “What has gotten into you Sheridan,” Luis asked in a curious, but pleased voice.

Luis had never seen Sheridan this playful, this seductive. It was new to him, but he was enjoying every minute of it. No wonder he loved her the way he did. Their relationship had just reached its new level less than 12 hours ago and it appeared that Sheridan wanted .... Luis closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. He opened his eyes, looked at Sheridan and finished his thought. Sheridan wanted the same thing he did.

The passengers had begun boarding. Sheridan and Luis were holding each other close, as they waited to board the Concorde. Luis was excited. He'd never been out of the country before. Never been on the Concorde before, and never been with a woman like Sheridan Crane before. She gave new meaning to the word excitement. Luis was glad he'd been forced to apply for a passport when he joined the Harmony P.D. He figured he'd use it some day as he always wanted to go to Spain, but never figured on this.

On board the plane, Luis and Sheridan took their seats. Sheridan leaned in and rested her head on Luis' shoulder. She closed her eyes and sighed happily. “I can't remember the last time I felt this happy, Luis,” Sheridan said with a dreamy smile on her face. Luis took her hand in his and brought it up to his lips, kissing it gently. Sheridan let out another sigh. Luis smiled and then wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her as close to him as he could.

Sheridan blushed. She knew he wasn't referring to Paris. Still she couldn't look away. Her heart ached she wanted to kiss him so much and couldn't. She'd never felt so drawn to anyone in her life. “What is it about you, Officer Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, that makes me want to ... want to ... kiss you every time I lay eyes on you. Its almost as if there were a magnet inside of me causing me to be drawn to you.” Suddenly Sheridan smiled as she remembered something.

“I was just remembering a conversation I had with your mother months ago. I told her you and I were like those magnets that repelled each other. We shouldn't be allowed in the same room with each other,” Sheridan grinned back. “I guess those silly old magnets somehow managed to reverse themselves now didn't they?”

“Who said you were the only one that could play this game?” Luis leaned his head into Sheridan's neck and kissed it lightly. She felt his hot breath on her skin sending electric charges flying through her body. Luis knew he was getting to her. He continued his torture until they heard the flight attendant tell everyone to fasten their seat belts.

“You were saved this time Sheridan,” Luis said in a very sexy voice. “Don't be so sure about the next time.” He flashed a very seductive smile at her and then proceeded to give her that killer look with his eyes.

Luis laughed as the plane started to move. He smiled at Sheridan and took her hand in his. Sheridan smiled and closed her eyes. The plane was now speeding down the runway, As she felt it lift off the ground, she thought, `in two hours I'll be in the most romantic city in the world with the man of my dreams.' She quietly slipped into a restful sleep.

Luis watched her as she slept. He was actually grateful she was asleep. He was having fun sure, but she really had been driving him crazy, and he was in no position to do anything about it. He couldn't wait to get to Paris.

Luis and Sheridan sat in the back seat of the taxi that was taking them to their hotel. Luis had been so busy the night before planning to leave the country for 2 weeks, he had no idea where they were staying or what they were doing. His original plans were to meet Sheridan at the airport in Paris, but as he found out later, she had her own agenda. He smiled as he remembered Sheridan's actions in the airport before they left the states. She had slept the entire flight, and afterwards they'd been busy with customs and making arrangements to have the luggage sent to the hotel. Sheridan was fluent in French, Luis not knowing a word. She took care of all arrangements, as Luis watched in awe.

“Well,” Sheridan said with a sparkle in her eyes, “That depends on what you want to do.” She giggled. “What I mean, is, usually I just kick back my first night because of the time change. Can you believe it's 10:00 already?”

“Don't be sorry,” she said, her eyes dancing. “All I've been able to think about today is kissing you.” She briefly looked away, then turned back meeting his gaze. “Wait till you see the hotel we'll be staying in, Luis. I think it's my favorite in all of Europe,” she said as her eyes lit up.

“We're staying at Le Parc. They have their own special garden that is absolutely gorgeous!” Sheridan was giddy as a schoolgirl. “As a matter of fact,” she said softly, “I reserved their two best rooms overlooking the gardens. They'll be perfect.”

Luis grinned broadly. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Sheridan, what I meant,” he said in a very seductive voice, “Is why did you get TWO rooms? You'll just be wasting your money since we'll only be using one.” He gaze pierced through her body like a bolt of lightening.

Sheridan put her fingers on his lips to stop him from finishing. “Don't you dare finish that sentence, Luis,” Sheridan said in a whisper. She leaned closer to him and kissed him full on the mouth. She kissed him gently. Numerous soft gentle kisses. “I love you, Luis. I just didn't really expect you to want to... you know...”

“Luis,” Sheridan whispered seductively, “I want you to make love to me.” They continued with their passionate kissing between their conversation. “But not in the taxi!” She smiled, but couldn't stop kissing him.

“You're right Sheridan,” Luis said as he continued to kiss her. His kisses moving down her neck, causing her to gasp. “Not in the taxi.” Luis was breathing heavily. “How much longer until we reach the hotel?” He continued kissing her. He was now caressing her back underneath her coat.

Sheridan turned her head to look out the window. Luis began kissing the back of her neck now. She could feel his warm breath on her skin and it was driving her wild. She had to rub her hand on the window to see where they were, as the window was all steamed up.

They finally broke apart as they heard the taxi driver shouting at them. Neither said anything. The quickly gathered their belongings and exited the taxi. Sheridan paid and thanked the driver and they walked hand in hand into the hotel lobby. Luis' mouth dropped as he surveyed the hotel. The decor was no less than fabulously elegant. There were crystal chandeliers everywhere, antique furniture, and colorful oriental rugs covering the marble floors. Luis was also surprised at the amount of activity at this late hour. `And I thought New York was the City that never slept,' he thought as he watched all the people coming and going.

“Oh, don't you worry about that!” Luis replied seductively. He looked around briefly leaned in and gave Sheridan a fiery kiss. Sheridan smiled at him and shook her head, but her entire body was awakened again.

Luis walked off to check out the lobby, while Sheridan walked up to the reservations desk. She tried to hurry things along as quickly as possible. She did decide to keep the extra room, so it could be used to drop off their luggage when it arrived. She explained to the clerk, they would be out for the evening, so the hotel could just deliver all their bags to the one room and they would sort it out when they got back. With room keys in hand, Sheridan turned to find Luis, but didn't see him anywhere.

Luis had been wandering around the lobby, looking at everything, noticing all the different shops and stores, when he saw one that sold wine. He walked in and without thinking bought a very nice bottle of champagne. He was glad that Sheridan had told him to get some money exchanged, before they left, otherwise he'd never have thought of it.

He walked out of the wine store and saw a vender selling roses, and couldn't resist. He purchased a single red rose. He grinned as he thought about Sheridan and decided to head back to the lobby before he spent the rest of his money.

Luis saw Sheridan standing there looking around. He knew she was looking for him, and decided to catch up with her and surprise her with the flower. He managed to sneak up behind her and grab her. She was about to scream when he pulled her around and presented her with the rose.

“I told the reservations clerk that we would be out for the evening. He is going to arrange to have all our luggage delivered to one room, and we can sort it out when we get back.”

Luis opened one door for Sheridan and was about to go to the other room. Sheridan grabbed his arm and pulled him inside. “Just where do you think you are going?” She asked in a very seductive voice.

Luis was about to answer her question when she pulled him in for a passionate kiss. They kissed for a few minutes then Sheridan stopped. She looked up at Luis who was catching his breath. “Now where was it you were going, Luis?” Sheridan walked away in a very deliberate manner and looked over her shoulder as she made her last statement. She turned back and smiled to herself. “I'm going to take my coat off and kick back. How about you Luis?”

Luis stood there for a brief moment and shook his head. She was still playing with him. She never had any intention of going out tonight. She did it so we wouldn't be disturbed. He laughed inwardly. `Two can play at this game,' he thought.

Sheridan looked at him in total surprise. “Luis, I thought we agreed to stay in tonight and order room service?” Sheridan said. She was looking at him intensely, unable to believe he didn't realize she'd been teasing him.

“Oh, I thought you changed your mind,” Luis said with a smile. “I was a little disappointed at first, but I understand. I was actually looking forward to going out tonight Sheridan.” Luis fought back the urge to laugh.

Sheridan was stunned. `Sheridan, you stupid idiot! Why didn't you just tell him! Now he wants to go out tonight. Wait! You can still change this... Suddenly her stunned look turned to a smile. “I have an idea, she said. “You want to go out and I want to stay in, so why don't we each take five minutes and convince the each other. Whichever argument is better will win. And I want you to go first.” She moved over to a comfortable deep cushioned chair and sat down. She crossed her legs and stretched both arms behind herself on the chair.

`I wonder what she's up to?' he thought. `Ok, I'll play along....' “Well for starters, I'm famished. I'd like nothing better than to have a nice quite late night dinner in some little bistro. I also hear this city is unbelievable at night. I'd love to see some of it...... “

Luis continued his argument for the full five minutes. In fact, it was a very convincing argument. Sheridan almost felt guilty for not wanting to show Luis her favorite city tonight. After all, she knew every nuance of Paris, and he'd never been here before. In a way, it would be like seeing it for the first time herself, through the eyes of the man she loved. Keyword: Almost.

“Yes. I want to time myself, to make sure I don't take longer than five minutes.” Sheridan gave Luis a sweet smile as he handed her his watch. She then set the alarm to go off in exactly 5 minutes.

“Luis,” Sheridan said in a very sexy voice. “I'm just going to show you what we can do while we kick back and relax. That's if my argument is better than yours, that is.” She walked up to Luis, standing very close to him, She took her hands and placed then on his abdomen and gently caressed his entire torso. Her eyes kept moving up and down his body, meeting his eyes, as he watched her with pleasure. She then moved her hands to his face. She let them wander slowly to the back of his neck and pulled him close to her. She kissed him passionately on the lips. He responded to her kiss. She removed one hand and let it wander up and down his back. She masterfully untucked his shirt and began unbuttoning it. She started to kiss her way down his neck. As each opened button exposed a new area of Luis well built torso, she began to kiss that as well.

Luis was enjoying every minute of this. He'd never experienced such pleasure before. `To think,' he said to himself. `This is only the beginning. God, what this woman does to me!' He felt a warm sensation flow through his body as Sheridan continued her exploration of his chest. Every now and then their eyes would meet, and he saw a fire in her eyes, he'd never seen before. Just as Luis was beginning to lose concentration for everything besides what he was feeling when Sheridan touched him, he heard an annoying `beep beep beep beep' in the distance.

That was Sheridan's cue. She immediately pulled away and walked over to the watch turning the alarm off. She left a totally breathless Luis standing there with a smirk on his face.

“O.K. Luis,” Sheridan said with a triumphant look. “I'll let you decide what we do tonight.” She went back to the chair she'd been sitting in earlier and resumed her position.

Luis wanted to get her in the worst way, but he couldn't. She'd won this time. All of her flirting all day with him, the cab ride to the hotel and now this? Luis had been fighting an urge to kiss her for months, now. They'd been in numerous positions where that's all he'd thought about doing. Now, he couldn't fight it anymore. Sitting before him was the most beautiful woman in the world. The woman he loved more than life itself, and she loved him too. No, Paris would wait till tomorrow.

Luis walked up to Sheridan. He stood there for a moment, just watching her. He'd never had the burning desire to make love to a woman before the way he wanted Sheridan at this moment. He wasn't smiling. His insides were in knots. His eyes penetrated to Sheridan's soul. He just stood there, finally extending his arm, holding his hand out. He was breathing hard, but not from their kiss earlier. He was scared. So much had happened in the last few weeks. He was experiencing emotions he didn't know he even possessed. He was used to being able to control his feelings, but now with Sheridan, he was unable to restrain his emotions.

Sheridan, who was sitting in the chair with a smug look on her face, suddenly felt her smile disappear and her heart caught in her throat. She felt Luis' gaze piercing through to her very essence. She opened her mouth slightly, wanting to say something, but no words would come out. Her stomach felt like it was a butterfly garden. She felt her body tremble as she held out her hand to Luis. They both felt a quiver through their bodies as their hands touched. Their eyes never lost contact. She slowly stood up. Luis led them both to the bedroom. Sheridan, too was now finding it difficult to breathe. She'd been flirting with him all day. Wanting him all day. Now, she too, was afraid. Afraid for almost the same reasons as Luis.

They stood next to the bed. Luis raised his hands and very gently held her face. He continued staring deep into her gorgeous blue eyes. Sheridan's breathing had become fast and hard. Luis gently lay Sheridan on the bed. He gave her a last look, as if asking her `Are you sure you're o.k. with this?' Sheridan reached out with her arms in response to his look. She had a faint inviting smile on her lips. Luis returned the smile and carefully laid on top of her.

Luis quickly pulled Sheridan into a kiss. It started gently, but quickly turned into a long kiss, filled with passion and desire. Luis soon parted their lips, deepening their kiss. His hands were gently running up and down Sheridan's sides. He was following the curves of her body.

Sheridan broke the kiss coming up for air. She moaned, “Oh God, Luis!” as she felt his hands exploring her breasts. He soon began unbuttoning her shirt. He began kissing her neck. Her head fell back and she closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation he was causing her to experience. Her hands clasped Luis' head and she was rifling his hair as he finished unbuttoning her shirt. He slid it from her shoulders and she let out another light moan.

Sheridan wanted desperately to kiss him. She moved her hands down to his face and pulled his head up. When their lips met, it was a fierce kiss. Both, now totally lost in each other. Luis undid Sheridan's bra and removed it. He now caressed her chest, causing Sheridan to kiss him even harder. She was now removing his shirt and tugging at his belt. The two stopped kissing long enough to undress each other. Both were breathing heavily. Their hearts were pounding. Once undressed, they looked at each other for a moment.

They returned to another kiss. Both totally unable to control themselves or their feelings. They proceeded to make love for the first time. Both felt their bodies come alive in a way they'd never known.