YGM~The Adventure Continues Chapter 8

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Jay quickly dried off from her shower and rummaged through her closet looking for something to wear. She muttered to herself as she passed shirt after shirt, not finding anything to her liking. Eventually, Jay found a nice pink blouse and a pair of form fitting jeans that would be very complimentary to her already perfect figure. Jay was never one to flaunt her body, maybe because she didn't do much to gain it, she was born with it. Certainly she watched what she ate and exercised, but it was a gift from God.

“I can't believe I'm doing this” Jay said to herself as she put on some light makeup. “I never do this. Come on Jay, get a hold of yourself. All you're doing is going to look at some CD burners and eating pizza with a bunch of store clerks. What are you doing?” Jay shook her head when she realized how silly this all was, but she continued getting ready just the same. Once she was dressed, she glanced at her alarm clock and realized she had plenty of time before she was to meet Scott. “Maybe I'll check my email while I have time.”

Jay opened her mailbox and was surprised to see something from Scott. A wave of disappointment hit her. “He's going to cancel” she mumbled as she opened the note.

I hope you get this email. I realized almost the minute you left that I forgot to ask you something very important and this is the only way I have to contact you. If you don't check your mail, I'm sure I can figure something out, but if you do get it, it'll be that much better.

I forgot to ask…. What do you like on your pizza?

You can email me the answer. :)

Looking forward to seeing you.

Jay smiled when she read the email. “How thoughtful can one man be?”

Jay emailed her response and sighed contentedly. Jay checked the rest of her mail and saw she had an email from Sheridan that she missed the night before. Checking the clock quickly she decided she had time to read it, though she doubted she'd be able to respond until later.

Yellow roses, huh? Those have always been my favorite! This man sounds as if he is quite a gentleman, not to mention considerate. I understand you are confused right now, but Jay this does sound promising. I don't care if you saved this man's life, he didn't have to get you anything. I think he did it because he likes you. Remember when Luis saved my life from the mugger? I wanted to do something special for him and contacted Larry Bird and asked him for a jersey. I did that because I WAS eternally grateful to Luis for saving my life, but I also had feelings for him as well. If the policeman that saved me was not Luis, I don't think I would have sent a gift of that sort.

I may be reading more into this than you care for me to, but I have a feeling things are going to happen with this man, Jay. Please, keep me informed on what's going on. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you!

This email will have to be quick, Jay. I did something stupid today and fell off a stool and sprained my knee. Nothing serious, but Dr. Russell says I have to stay off it for a few days. I just took a pain pill and am getting pretty sleepy.

Take care and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Luis sends his love too!

Jay smiled. She didn't dare say out loud what she was thinking, but inside she couldn't help but think Sheridan was right. Maybe there was something going on? Jay shook the idea from her head. `This is crazy!' She thought. `Get over it Jay. You're just going to buy a CD burner from a very nice man who is willing to show you his inventory after hours since you can never make it during business hours. It's good business sense, that's all.'

Jay had just about convinced herself that's all there was to it when she saw she had a new piece of mail. She checked it and saw it was from Scott.

Thanks for answering me. I had a feeling you'd check your mail. One mushroom, onion and black olive pizza coming up.

By the way, that's my favorite : )

Jay smiled. She got up from her computer, grabbed her purse and headed out the door. The anticipation for the evening was really beginning to get to her.

“Hot chocolate?” Sheridan said with a mischievous grin.

“Yeah” Luis smiled. “I figured you didn't have a chance to have some last night, so I'd make some for you tonight.”

“Thanks” she smiled shyly as she took the steaming mug from Luis.

Luis sat down on the edge of Sheridan's bed to join her drinking the hot chocolate when Marianna walked into the bedroom.

“Luis, are you going to be here for a bit?” She asked.

“You bet” Luis smiled. “This is going to be my last chance to see my Angel in person until Monday.”

Marianna shook her head. “Ah, young love. Nothing is as sweet. Well, if you will be here with Sheridan, I would like to go see Pilar for a short while.”

“Marianna, please, go!” Sheridan encouraged. “I'll be fine, really I will.”

“I know you will my dear” Marianna smirked. “Especially with Luis at your side.”

Sheridan blushed slightly. Marianna was right of course. Sheridan always felt as if no harm could come to her with Luis at her side.

“Tell Mama I'll be home later?” Luis asked.

“Of course I will” Marianna smiled.

With that, Marianna left Sheridan and Luis to their hot chocolate and went to visit her niece, Pilar.

***********************

Scott sat at the front counter of his electronics store flipping through inventory sheets, though he was having a difficult time concentrating. Every minute or so, he'd glance at his wristwatch, then up at the clock on the wall behind him and then he'd look out the front window.

“Scott, you know the pizza is always late” Michael shouted from the store room when he saw Scott fidgeting nervously up front.

“Yeah, right” Scott laughed slightly. He didn't know how he was going to tell Michael that it wasn't the pizza he was waiting for, but a young lady. Not just any young lady, but one that he'd not been able to stop thinking about since he met her several days earlier. He knew he had to tell Michael at some point since Jay would be arriving at any minute… “I'm not waiting for the pizza, Michael,” he finally said. “Someone is meeting me here.”

“Oh?” Michael asked curiously.

“Yeah, you remember the cop that stopped that creep from robbing the store a few days ago? Well, she never got a chance to get what she came in here for and since we were going to be here for inventory tonight and she has such a crazy schedule I told her she could stop by.” Scott tried to make it sound as casual as possible. He didn't really want to be questioned by Michael or any of the other staff members, but he figured if Jay just showed up with no explanations that would cause incessant store gossip which was the last thing he wanted. Just as Jay didn't want to be the brunt of police humor, Scott didn't want to be the brunt of idle store gossip.

“That's nice of you” Michael said. “You know, one of these days we might consider staying open till 7:00 or 8:00 at least a few nights a week. I bet we'd really increase revenue that way.”

Scott smiled. This is exactly why he loved having Michael work for him so much. “That's a great idea Michael. I'll tell you what. If you work out the details for staffing the store several nights a week, we'll make a go at it.”

“Sure thing Scott” Michael said proudly. He loved it when he came up with ideas that Scott liked. Michael had a feeling that it wouldn't be too long before Scott was too busy to act as the store's manager as well as owner and hoped he'd be the one to get the position. “I'll get to work on that as soon as we finish with the inventory.”

“Good man” Scott replied.

Michael returned to his inventory while Scott returned to his vigil of checking his watch against the store clock and then looking out the front window. He nearly jumped up from his seat when he saw Jay slowly walk up to the front door.

Jay heaved a nervous breath as she lightly knocked on the door of Scott's Electronics. She'd caught a glimpse of someone sitting at the front counter as she walked by the window and thought it was Scott, but couldn't be entirely sure. Jay couldn't believe how nervous she was. “It's just a casual meeting, Jay. Not even a meeting, really. You're here to buy computer parts, remember?” Jay stopped rambling to herself when she heard the click of the lock being opened and then saw the brilliant smile of it's owner.

“Good evening Detective” Scott said, his eyes sparkling brightly as they met with Jay's.

“Hi” Jay managed to say, though with her heart in her throat from his intense stare, it was difficult to speak.

Scott opened the door a little further and beckoned Jay to enter. Jay walked inside and stood next to Scott while he locked the door once again.

“I must say, you look much more comfortable” Scott said as he carefully gave Jay the once over.

Jay laughed nervously, knowing Scott was checking her out. Normally she didn't appreciate men staring at her body, but somehow things were different this time.

“Definitely” Jay agreed.

“Well I approve” Scott grinned.

Jay blushed. She couldn't remember when a man got to her like this man did. The only man that ever got away with saying things like this to her before was Luis and it was very different with him, or at least she hoped it would be, `There you go again Jay' she thought to herself. `Cut this out, will you?'

“Thanks” Jay answered.

“Well, I have a nice selection of burners in my office” Scott explained. “I thought we'd have a little peace and quiet in there. Right now everyone is in the store room, but they'll be on their way out here when they finish in there.”

“Sounds good to me” Jay said.

Scott escorted Jay to his office, stopping by to give Michael the money to pay for the pizza when it arrived. “Let me know when it arrives” Scott smiled at his trusted employee.

“Sure thing Scott” Michael answered.

Scott closed the door to his office and pulled a chair up to his desk for Jay to sit at while he explained the differences between the different CD burners. Jay was visibly impressed with Scott's knowledge of computers, especially considering she was by no means an expert.

“You certainly know your stuff” Jay commented. “You must have been at the top of your class.”

Scott chuckled. “Well, I was 2nd in my class, but it had nothing to do with electronics” he said.

“No kidding? What did you graduate in?” Jay asked curiously.

“I went to business school” Scott said. “I already knew a lot about electronics but I knew I'd never make anything of myself working for someone else, so I decided to get my degree in business.”

“That was smart” Jay said. “Me, I'm just a civil servant, but I get to do what I've always wanted and that's get the criminals off the street.”

“Well, you excel at that” Scott smiled. “I'm sure you were top of your class at the police academy.”

Jay laughed. “Actually, I was 2nd as well. My best friend beat me out for top honors.”

Scott couldn't keep the grin off his face. “That's something else we have in common.” The more he talked to this woman, the more he felt drawn to her. More drawn in fact than to any person he remember.

“I wonder what else we have in common?” Jay said without thinking. She immediately blushed when she realized what she said, but Scott put her at ease right away.

“I'd like to know the answer to that one myself” he said. Scott's gaze penetrated to Jay's very core, causing her insides to do flip flops. Before she had a chance to answer, there was a knock at the door. “Come in” Scott said.

Michael walked in carrying several boxes of pizza. “Pizza's here” he announced.

Scott got up from his seat behind the desk and found the mushroom, onion and black olive pizza. “Thanks Michael” Scott said, “We'll eat in here. Come get me if you need anything.”

“Of course” Michael said, then took his leave.

“Just so you know” Scott said with a glint in his eye, “this is the best pizza in Southern California.”

“Oh really?” Jay asked with amusement.

“I guarantee one bite of this pizza and you'll never want another.”

Jay smiled as Scott grabbed some plates and napkins for the two of them. Jay couldn't remember the last time she'd enjoyed herself so much. Actually, she could. She really enjoyed the time she spent this past summer with Luis and Sheridan, but this was different.

“A surprise shower for Sheridan?” Pilar asked, placing a cup of herbal tea on the table in front of her aunt. “That's a wonderful idea!” Pilar then placed her own cup on the table and sat down to join Marianna.

“We'll need to work quickly on this Pilar” Marianna said, picking up the steaming mug. “There will be so much activity after Thanksgiving with last minute wedding preparations, I think we need to do it before that time.”

“Yes, I agree with you” Pilar said. “It is a shame most of the bridal party will not be able to attend, but I am sure Sheridan will understand.” Pilar shook her head slightly and then sipped on her tea.

“Sheridan will understand, Pilar” Marianna said. “Besides, the only thing that matters to her is marrying your son. I am so happy she finally found the man of her dreams.” Marianna truly could not remember seeing a couple so in love as Luis and Sheridan were.

“I too have never seen Sheridan so happy” Pilar smiled. “Luis as well has never been happier. Meeting Sheridan and falling in love with her has brought new life to him.”

“It is a good thing their love is so strong” Marianna said wistfully. “They will have many obstacles in their life.” She picked her mug up and carefully took a sip of the hot tea.

“Because Sheridan is a Crane” Pilar said thoughtfully. Pilar always knew marrying Sheridan would not be easy for her son.

“Yes” Marianna replied. “She received another call from Alistair today.”

“Dios mio!” Pilar exclaimed. “What did he say to her this time?”

Marianna shook her head in disgust. “The same thing. He reiterated that if Sheridan chooses to marry Luis, she will lose her place in the Crane family. That man has even prevented Sheridan from inheriting the trust fund her mother left to her.”

“I was afraid something like this would happen. Alistair Crane will never allow this wedding to take place.” Pilar placed the cup she was holding down on the table and momentarily closed her eyes, deep in thought.

“Maybe so, but Sheridan refused to allow him to manipulate her. She is going ahead with the wedding despite her father's protests.”

“I do know Sheridan has never thought much of the Crane power and money. She was different from the rest of the Cranes from the time she was a little girl. Sheridan has always been like her mother, God rest her soul. I just pray she can adjust to living a simpler life.”

Marianna smiled. “I think she already has, Pilar. She even has a job now.”

“At the Youth Center” Pilar said. “It is wonderful what Sheridan is doing there with her fund raising…”

“No, no! Pilar, Sheridan now has a real job there. Luis told her tonight that the board has opened up two permanent positions. It seems that they have received so many donations that they can now afford two full time employees. Sheridan will continue what she is doing with the children and Buzzy will also be working there full time.”

Pilar's eyes lit up. “That is wonderful news” Pilar exclaimed happily.

“Yes, Sheridan was thrilled, as was Luis” Marianna agreed.

The two women sipped on their tea for a moment in silence. Marianna then reached into her large purse and pulled out her wedding organizer and a pen and opened to a blank page. “Now, I want to start organizing this shower” Marianna said, her eyes sparkling. One thing Marianna loved to do and that was organize parties and events. Sheridan's shower was one event she was definitely looking forward to organizing.

“Of course, Marianna” Pilar said. “What can I do to help?”

“Wow, you and Marianna seem to have everything under control” Luis said as he held Sheridan's list in front of him reading every detail carefully. You don't need me at all.”

“Don't be silly” Sheridan said, gently swatting Luis' arm. “Marianna is just helping me organize my thoughts. My head is absolutely filled with ideas and she's just jotting them down so we can actually use them. You should see the organizer she's carrying around with her now.”

Luis smirked. “I can only imagine.” Luis leaned in closer to Sheridan on the bed. Sheridan smiled, immediately taking advantage of their new position and resting her head on his chest.

“This is nice” Sheridan remarked as Luis gently stroked her hair.

“You don't hear me complaining, do you?” Luis grinned.

“Can I tell you something?” Sheridan said after a moment of just enjoying Luis' warm embrace.

“You can tell me anything Angel, you know that” Luis said placing a kiss on her forehead.

“Earlier today I was feeling pretty low, after the phone call from my father” Sheridan began.

“I know sweetie and I am sorry. I hate to see you sad like that.”

“Luis, it had nothing to do with you, I want you to know that. I love you and nothing will change that, but it really saddens me to finally realize that my family cares nothing for me or my happiness. All my father cares about is his precious empire. He's afraid my marrying you will somehow mar the family name.”

“I'm sure marrying the housekeeper's son isn't exactly what he had planned for you” Luis remarked with slight sarcasm. “But Sheridan, I think there is more to it than that. I think this has something to do with my father's disappearance as well.”

“You might be right, Luis” Sheridan agreed. “Whatever his reason, he's made it clear he no longer wants me as part of the family.” Sheridan's eyes misted over as her mind totally comprehended what this meant.

Luis pulled her closer to him still. Sheridan tried to fight it, but began to gently sob in Luis' arms.

“Ssh” Luis soothed. He slowly rocked Sheridan in his arms, trying to help her deal with her pain. As much as Luis despised Alistair and Julian Crane, he did respect the fact that they were Sheridan's family. The only family she had and by marrying him, she would be cutting off all ties with them. “Sheridan, you're soon going to be part of my family. In fact, you already are part of the family. Mama loves you as a daughter and Miguel and Theresa are crazy about you.”

Sheridan smiled through her tears. “You're family is wonderful” she said quietly.

“And whenever you're ready, we'll start a family of our own. I can see you right now with a blonde haired, blue eyed angel tugging at your skirt asking mommy for the new Barbie doll she saw in the store window.” Luis' eyes grew wide as his vision became clearer. He seemed to lose himself in the dream he was creating for Sheridan. “You'll lean down to our breathtakingly beautiful daughter and tell her that Christmas is only a few days away and you bet if she tells Santa about it, she'll find one under the tree Christmas morning.”

Sheridan's tears of sadness had now turned to tears of joy as she could see the same picture as Luis. “What else do you see?” Sheridan asked, gazing into Luis' eyes lovingly, wanting him to share more of his dream with her.

Luis couldn't keep the dazzling grin off his face. “Well, this little girl is beautiful you understand. She looks just like her mother and at the mention of Christmas and Santa Claus, her eyes light up and she begins jumping up and down. She wants you to take her to see Santa.”

Sheridan could see it all so clearly in her head. She decided she wanted to join in on Luis' fantasy. “And her mother loves the idea. She tells the little girl they'll go see Santa right away, just as soon as she bundles her baby brother up. She picks up a tiny baby boy with dark hair and dark eyes and all she can think about is how beautiful he is, just like his father.”

Luis smiled. He was really beginning to enjoy this.

“And after you take the children to see Santa you drop by at the children's grandmother's house, because she is making gingerbread men and it's a family tradition to have an assembly line to make these special cookies. The little angel gets the special job of putting the hats on the gingerbread men.

“Hats?” Sheridan asked.

“Yeah, hats. Made out of little round peppermint candies. You can't have a gingerbread man without a hat” Luis said with a sly grin.

“Oh and let's not forget that Grandma offers to take the children for the night so Mommy and Daddy can celebrate their wedding anniversary.”

“Definitely” Luis said, swaying Sheridan in his arms. “They don't even mind that they have to celebrate a day early because every year on their wedding anniversary they will be spending their time with their family, which is something both of them want very much.”

Sheridan closed her eyes, as if living the dream for a moment. “Luis, I can't wait for us to start a family. I really am looking forward to sharing the traditions you've made with your family.”

“And starting new ones of our own” Luis added.

“Thanks” Sheridan said softly as she gazed adoringly into her fiancé's eyes.

Luis smiled back, holding tightly the woman he loved and the woman he would love for all eternity.

“Surely you can have one more piece?” Scott smiled playfully. He knew of course what the answer would be, but he just wanted to see Jay's reaction. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had this much fun or been this relaxed.

“Are you kidding me?” Jay asked. “I've already had three pieces!” Jay couldn't keep the grin off her face however, as she talked to Scott.

“So tell me Detective, was I right about the pizza?”

Jay smirked. “Yes you are right. This is the best pizza I've ever had.”

“Good, because I get a commission for every person I get to say that” Scott joked.

Jay laughed. “Well, the place I usually get my pizza from had better hope this place doesn't deliver to where I live. If they do, they'll miss out on one of their best customers during football and basketball season.”

“UCLA or USC?” Scott asked with a twinkle in his eye.

“UCLA of course. Is their any other team?”

“You are sooo lucky!” Scott grinned. “I might have to kidnap you if you said USC.”

“Kidnapping is against the law you know” Jay replied with a raised brow. She fought hard to keep a serious expression on her face.

“Yeah, yeah, I know” Scott said with a wave of his hand in a dismissive fashion. He chuckled at Jay trying to keep a straight face.

“You bet” Jay replied. “And the Clippers too, sometimes.”

“Good deal. A girl after my own heart” Scott smiled. “You must have been raised around here.”

"Actually, no. I'm a transplant from the east coast." Jay said. "I was raised to be a Celtics fan. I still get ragged on a lot by my friends back home for switching to the hated Lakers. My ex-partner, he's in Harmony, he's the worst about getting on me about the whole Lakers vs. Celtics thing."

“Is that where you are from? Harmony?” Scott asked as he grabbed himself another piece of the veggie lovers' pizza.

"Harmony, Maine. It's where I transferred from." Jay shivered just thinking about the winter in Maine. “I was actually raised in a small town about 30 miles north of Harmony. “Maine is one of the coldest places around. That's why I'm here in Southern California.”

“Cold, huh? I can't recall ever having been to Maine, but by judging the weather reports I see during the winter, I believe you. Maine's loss is California's gain.”

Jay shook her head and smiled. “A friend of mine is determined to get me to move back there. I can't see it happening though. I don't miss shoveling snow or having to dress like an Eskimo just to get your newspaper off the front steps in the morning.”

“How long have you been here?” Scott asked.

“About five years” Jay said. “I got an offer from the Beverly Hills PD I simply couldn't refuse. My mother thought I'd lost it at the time, but I think she's finally accepted my moving here. How about you? Are you a native Californian?”

Scott washed down his pizza with a long sip of coke before answering Jay. “I can't remember being any where but California” he smiled. “But, I haven't always been from the LA area.”

“Oh? Where are you from then?” Jay asked.

“Actually I only live here part time. I live in San Diego when I'm not here. That's where my other store is.”

“You have two stores?” Jay asked in surprise.

“Yep” Scott said. “The one in San Diego is my first store. I opened this one two years ago after I finished getting my MBA at UCLA.”

“Number 2 in the MBA program at UCLA? I am impressed. Your parents must have been quite proud of you.”

There was a rapping at the door and Scott excused himself to answer it.

****************************

“We're all set in the store room and we're going to inventory the sales floor now” he told Scott.

“Super” Scott smiled.

“This new system you devised to do inventory cuts down on the time by nearly half” Michael said excitedly.

“Good” Scott returned. “I figured it would be more efficient. “I'm glad you're pleased with it.”

“I'll let you know when we're finished.”

“Thanks Michael.” Michael left and Scott again closed the door.

“He certainly seems efficient” Jay commented as Scott walked back to the desk.

“He is” Scott replied. “That's why I think I'm going to make him the store's manager if I end up opening another store.”

“You're thinking about a third store?” Jay asked in amazement.

“Yeah, I'm going to San Diego as soon as the preliminary is over Monday to look at some real estate. The store down there is really doing well and there's nothing in the area I'm looking at in the way of electronics' stores so I think this is the right time to open another.”

“Good for you” Jay said. She was truly happy for Scott, yet there was a part of her that didn't want Scott to go. San Diego was several hours away.

“I'll be back here by the end of the week” Scott said, as if reading Jay's thoughts. In actuality, he didn't really need to come back to LA for several weeks, but something was telling him he should.

Jay and Scott talked for another hour about anything and everything from the latest crime waves in LA county to the upcoming basketball season. Both were completely relaxed with each other, finding that neither of them wanted the evening to end. Jay found herself staring more than she would have imagined at Scott's lips, wondering what it would be like to kiss him. She couldn't remember the last time she fantasized about kissing a man the way she did right now with Scott.

Scott was having similar fantasies about Jay. He really wasn't sure how to handle the situation either since he'd put so much time and effort into his work. Scott had carefully avoided members of the opposite sex for many years now. He wasn't the type to chase women and while he was building his business, he decided having a girlfriend or string of girlfriends would just complicate matters. Scott knew that someday the right woman would come along and he would be totally blown away. Until then he would manage to keep himself more than busy with the electronics business. Now Scott had to stop and rethink everything. Jay had managed to do to him what no woman had done to him since he was a teenager.

Just as Scott's thoughts were about to turn into actions, another knock was heard at the door. Scott let out a sigh and went to answer it.

“We're all finished out here, Scott” Michael announced.

“Very good” Scott said. “I'll be out to check everything in just a moment.”

Michael left and Scott turned to Jay. “Well, I'm afraid that's my cue. It's time for me to go back to work” he said, disappointment evident in his voice.

“I understand completely” Jay replied, getting up from her seat and gathering her purse. “I should get going anyway. I have to work tomorrow and I still have a few things to get done.”

“I'll walk you to your car” Scott offered.

“You don't need to do that” Jay said.

“I want to” Scott said quietly. Jay just smiled, acknowledging his kind offer.

Scott and Jay walked in silence, both thinking what a wonderful evening they'd had and both wondering the same thing, when they would see the other person again. Jay's car seemed to be in front of them before either was ready to part company.

“Thank you for everything, Scott” Jay smiled. “I had a wonderful time tonight and I can't thank you enough for taking time out of your busy schedule to accommodate me.”

“You're very welcome” Scott said, flashing a gorgeous smile. “Don't forget to call me or email me if you have any problems hooking that CD burner up to your computer.”

“I won't” Jay replied. Somehow Jay was becoming lost in Scott's gaze. She couldn't even break their stare to put the key in her car door. Scott seemed to find this endearing and gently took the keys from her and unlocked the door. Jay about jumped out of her skin when Scott's hand touched hers. Jay was experiencing so many emotions tonight all at the same time, she decided it was a good thing the evening was over. This was all new to her and she needed time to regroup. Being in Scott's presence would make that impossible.

“Thanks” Jay said when Scott had her door opened.

“Thank you for a very pleasant evening Jay” Scott said. “I can't remember the last time I enjoyed someone's company the way I did yours tonight.”

Jay blushed, feeling the same way about Scott.

“I'd like to see you again sometime” Scott blurted out. “This week will be impossible for me, but maybe someday soon we can get together?”

“I'd really like that” Jay smiled.

“Good” Scott chuckled. He was pretty sure Jay had enjoyed herself as much as he did. But her accepting his offer confirmed it for him. “Maybe we can email while I'm out of town just to keep in touch? That way you'll have an idea when I'll be back in town and hopefully we can work something out with our schedules.”

“I'd like that” Jay grinned. “And I'll definitely find a way to make my schedule work out.”

Scott felt the urge to kiss Jay right now, but he knew he wouldn't want to stop if he did. “Well, I'd better get back inside. I'm sure these guys have better things to do with the remainder of their Friday night.” He extended his hand to shake Jay's.

Jay took his hand, slightly relieved and slightly disappointed. Again, the touch of his hand sent chills through her body, more so this time than each time previously. Scott clasped his other hand over Jay's, as if trying to keep the connection he was feeling to her right now. Finally, after a long moment, he pulled his hands away and stepped back.

“Good night” Jay smiled.

“Night” Scott said. He stood there and watched Jay as she pulled away, his eyes fixated on her car until it was completely out of sight. He heaved a deep sigh and then slowly walked back into his store to finish with the inventory.

Marianna returned to the cottage after she and Pilar had made considerable progress in their plans for Sheridan's shower. Both women were excited over the prospect of throwing this shower and when Theresa arrived home in the midst of their planning session, she only added to the excitement with her own enthusiasm.

All was quiet at the cottage and Marianna was concerned for a brief moment. She knew that Luis would never leave Sheridan alone, besides his car was outside. She walked down the hallway to Sheridan's room and found the door slightly ajar. She carefully peeked inside and what she saw brought a smile to her face. Sitting on the edge of the bed with his legs up was Luis, sound asleep. In his arms, her head resting comfortably on his chest was Sheridan with a dreamlike smile on her face.

It was late, Marianna knew that but the two of them looked so happy and were absolutely sound asleep that she didn't have the heart to wake them. Quietly, Marianna shut the lights in Sheridan's room out and called Pilar to tell her that Luis was sound asleep and would be home early in the morning to get ready for work. She then set her alarm so she'd be able to wake her nephew in time for him to go to work. With a satisfied grin, Marianna turned in herself.