Disclaimer:

I hereby incorporate all standard disclaimers as set forth in previous chapters to this story.

Chapter 2:

Sloan awoke at 5:30 a.m. He turned to Erin and noticed how peaceful she looked while asleep. He leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on the lips but before he could pull away she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him back to her.

"Where do you think you're going?" She asked.

"I have to head home to shower and change and I have to meet my client and the team's GM by 8:00." He reminded her.

"One quickie to start the day off right." She demanded.

"Sorry, you'll just have to keep those thoughts fresh for tonight speaking of which, pack a bag as you'll be staying in Manhattan." He responded, giving her one last long kiss. He then quickly dressed while she watched him. "If you will please turn off your alarm system, I will be off. See you in court counselor."

Erin remotely disarmed the system before she rolled over and lay on his side of the bed feeling his warmth and breathing in his sent from the pillow as she smiled from ear to ear. She couldn't believe her luck and how much she enjoyed being with him, not to mention that finding an attentive lover these days was like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack. She rolled back over on her back and threw the covers off. "Damn, why couldn't it be Saturday morning and I could have kept him here all day long." she pouted before rising up out of bed and heading to the bathroom in order to get ready for the day. For once, she looked forward to an early morning session of court.

Sloan arrived at 8:00 a.m. on the dot to find his client and the team's General Manager present along with an individual who was likely the person detailed to keep an eye on Delmont as per the ROR order.

He quickly conferred with his client and insured that he understood and agreed with the terms of the Plea Agreement.

"Let me make something very clear to you Mark. If you violate this agreement in anyway, even in another state, the Manhattan DA's office will issue an arrest warrant for you, haul you back here and stick you in Riker's Island before putting you on trial and seeking the maximum sentence statutorily possible and I will not be your attorney because I do not practice criminal law. The prosecutor has a real bone in her nose about misbehaving athletes so it's by sheer luck that we caught her on a good day and she agreed to this deal. I can also speak for your boss here that if you screw up, the team will cut you in a heartbeat and you'll have nobody supporting you on this, so I would advise for you to grow up, get your head out of your ass, get some help, and make something of yourself before you wind up another has been who could have been, are we clear?" Sloan asked.

"Perfectly Sloan." He remorsefully nodded.

Erin Reagan walked into the courtroom. Her only acknowledgement of Sloan was a chaste "Good morning" before she sat down at the prosecution's table.

"Sign this." Sloan instructed Delmont as he handed over the Plea Agreement.

"Be right back." Sloan went over Erin. "Counselor, my client has been thoroughly educated on the Plea Agreement and has accordingly accepted and signed it. He is prepared to change his plea to guilty and to allocute on the charges."

Erin looked up, trying to maintain her best poker face but slipping with a smile in her eyes. "Thank you Mr. Silver, I will have the clerk so enter this into the record. Your client can formally plea and allocute as soon as court is in session." She responded.

"Thank you Madam Prosecutor." Sloan replied, his eyes twinkling back.

Sloan waived Delmont up to the defense table and instructed him to be seated.

As Sloan turned away from her, Erin looked at his shoulders remembering how just three hours ago she had her arms around them, pulling him to her. She felt herself becoming aroused so she snapped out of her erotic thoughts just as the bailiff ordered everyone to rise as the judge entered.

The clerk called the case and Erin put the details of the Plea Agreement on the record and Sloan affirmed the terms and provisions stated therein were accurate and accepted by his client. Mark Delmont then formally changed his plea to guilty and confessed his transgressions to the Court. The judge accepted the allocution and the Plea Agreement, asked Erin to prepare a Final Order of Disposition which he would sign, and dismissed the case without prejudice meaning that if Mark Delmont screwed up, the DA's office would be free to refile the and pursue the charges at trial.

Delmont shook Sloan's hand and thanked him before leaving with his assigned escort.

The GM walked over and thanked him before he leaned in for a conspiratorial whisper. "Do you have something going on with the prosecutor, because when you turned to head over to your table, she gave you a look like she was sizing you up for later tonight." He joked.

"Hazard of fame." Sloan responded while shrugging his shoulders.

The GM smiled, shook his head, and departed. As Sloan exited the courtroom, Erin came up next to him. "Follow me." She ordered.

They went upstairs to her office where she closed the door and went over to her desk and procured a tissue which she used to remove her lipstick. She then walked over and planted a long hot kiss on Sloan. "Sorry, but I couldn't get that out of my mind."

He hugged her tightly and kissed her again.

"Carlo will pick you up after work and take you home to get ready, and deliver you to me at 7:00 p.m.. Bring what you need for overnight and he'll drive you back here tomorrow morning and then take you home after work, or if you can, we can meet up for dinner, depending on you and Nicky."

"I can't wait." She said as she leaned into him. "So, what are you doing this weekend?" She asked.

"Not sure as you haven't given me my marching orders as of yet." He chuckled.

"Smart man." She grinned.

Sloan then headed downstairs to the Imperial and hopped in back.

"To the office please." Sloan ordered.

"So, how did it go last night?" Carlo asked, clearly not happy that Sloan had slipped his leash, but at the same time elated his advice relating to Erin Reagan had been headed.

"Fantastic and I told her about what you had said. You're right, she is a treasure. By the way, have someone head over to my building and retrieve the grey MKS I used last night. Here's the key." Sloan remarked as he handed over the fob.

"Speaking of which, I have a name for the black one. What do you want me to do?" He asked.

"Have him field strip that car and detail it to showroom new and he's to do it on his own time which means Saturday, and he is not to take it to a car wash. When he's done he can clean any of the others in the fleet that need it, except for the two beasts."

"I'd never let anyone near them boss, only Mike and I take care of this baby and the big Lincoln."

"On another note, please collect Erin after work tonight, take her home so she can change, and bring her to this address by 7:00 p.m." He said handing Carlo a slip of paper. "We'll spend an hour there before heading over to the Bar gala and then to dinner and who knows what else. Take the Lincoln as it will be easier for her to climb in and out of the back if she's wearing an evening gown. We'll keep that one for the night."

The 1961-69 Lincolns were famous for their rear "suicide doors" which opened backwards making it much easier for someone to climb in and out of the rear of the car than did conventional rear doors.

Carlo smiled. "Will do boss. Mike will pick you up in this one and get you there in time to meet her."

He then gave Carlo his instructions for tomorrow morning and for transporting Erin back home tomorrow evening if necessary.

Two hours after Sloan had departed Erin's office, Danny Reagan made his appearance. He entered and she could tell immediately what he wanted, so Erin gave him a smile that she knew would egg him on.

"Danny, what brings you by?" She teasingly asked.

"As if you don't know." He answered. "Who's this new guy you're dating and where did you meet him?"

"Danny, who I date is my business and I don't need you running a background check on him. Carlo Freghetti already has." She stated.

"Carlo, you mean Dad's old driver? He retired four years ago so how's he involved in this?" Danny asked.

"Carlo is his driver and he vetted him before taking the job. Mike Cornell also works for him."

"What's this guy do that he needs two ex NYPD detectives as drivers, who are probably his bodyguards as well." Danny asked.

"In good time big brother, in good time." She answered.

"You sleeping with him already?" Danny asked.

"Danny, that is none of your business and if you don't want me to slap your face or another part of your anatomy, then I suggest you stow it and simply give me a hug and leave." She firmly ordered.

Danny didn't go for the hug, but he did walk over to the door. "Ok, fine, but you know I'm going to find out and when I do, he better come up squeaky clean." He said and left.

When Danny Reagan returned to Midtown North, he looked up Carlo Freghetti and gave him a call, but Freghetti wasn't spilling the beans. His employment was legitimate and his employer confidential. He was told not to try to worm the information out of Mike Cornell either, who was standing right next to him nodding.

"Ok, Sis, two can play your game." Danny mumbled to himself so he looked up what Bar Association events were scheduled that night and learned that the New York Woman's Bar Association was holding its annual gala that night at the Tribeca Rooftop in west lower Manhattan. Danny smirked. "Gotcha."

Erin floated through her day, excited at the evening and night that lay ahead of her. She didn't usually care for the different events she felt compelled to attend because she usually wound up going stag or in some instances, with her baby brother however tonight, she would be in the company of the man she loved and she wanted everyone to know it.

"Loved." Erin thought to herself. "He makes me feel loved and I feel the same towards him, but I've only known him for 30 hours. Can one fall in love so soon?"

She had never felt this way about anyone, even with Jack it took months before she had any feelings of such a nature towards him, but Sloan was different. He held a certain combination of vulnerability, shyness and insecurity as to women coupled with a man who knew what he wanted, had achieved success and had superior level of intellect and self confidence, not to mention he was an absolute gentleman who thought first and foremost to her needs.

As she exited her office building that evening she noticed a beautiful deep blue classic limousine waiting at the curb. The driver's door opened and a face from her past appeared. "Carlo!" Erin shouted and rushed over to give her father's former body man a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Erin Reagan, as beautiful as ever." He smiled back.

"I have to thank you for talking some sense into Sloan. I heard you were going to arrest him for criminal stupidity." She laughed.

"Hey, if anyone lets you get away then they are guilty as charged." He responded. "Your chariot awaits milady."

He opened the back door to the Lincoln, shocking Erin. "The door opens the wrong way." She noted.

"Necessary design. These cars were originally supposed to be two door T-Birds but when they were stretched and turned into four door Lincolns they had nowhere to hang the rear doors so they put them on backwards. Sloan said it would be easier for you to get in and out of this one if you're wearing a gown tonight."

"He's always anticipating my needs. I'm sure you recall where I live, so let's go. I'll need an hour to shower, change and pack a bag for tonight." She said.

"By the way, I had a call today from Danny. He's trying to sniff out who you're dating." Carlo warned.

"I'm not surprised, but I know you and Mike well enough that you won't tell him." She responded.

"I told him as much but you know Danny, once he's on a scent he's like a pit bull looking for something to sink its teeth into." Carlo noted.

"I'll handle Danny. Just let me know if he shows up tonight. Here's my cell number." And she gave it to him.

"You think he's going to crash the party?" Carlo asked.

"I'd be shocked if he didn't." She answered as she slid into the back seat.

In the meantime, Mike Cornell had transported Sloan back home in the big Imperial where he had changed into his tuxedo and was preparing to head back out. He slipped on his sidearm, buttoned his jacket and then looked in the mirror to insure that he was presentable to Erin.

Satisfied, he picked up his cellphone and texted Mike "On my way down" before locking up and catching the next elevator.

Erin walked out of her condo at 6:30 p.m. She handed her overnight bags to Carlo who placed them inside the car's mammoth trunk. Erin noticed and commented one could get a couple of bodies in there without having to move the spare tire.

"Always thinking like an ADA, eh Erin?" Carlo joked.

"Actually, I was thinking we could lock Danny in there for the night." She mused.

On their way to Manhattan, she addressed Carlo. "I feel like a princess riding in her coach on the way to the ball." She said.

"That's because you are a princess and this time, the coach isn't turning in to a pumpkin at midnight and your prince has already found you." He noted.

Sloan arrived first a little before 7:00 p.m. He leaned back into the luxurious leather and reflected on the excitement Erin had brought into his life. He liked her spunk and assertiveness and how she just went after what she wanted. He had no issues with a woman like that because when he pushed back, and there would be times when he did, she wouldn't blow over like a paper kite in a storm. He was sure that there would be some heated discussions between them, but as long as they kissed and made up, he was fine with her venting steam. Otherwise, he couldn't ask for more in a woman as she was everything Carlo had promised her to be.

Mike looked up into the rearview mirror and nodded. "Boss, they're here."

Carlo pulled up directly behind them. Sloan exited the Imperial and thanked Mike, slipping him a couple of C-Notes for his patience. "Come on boss, you always do that and you pay us very well as it is." He said refusing to take the tip. "Go on, I enjoy taking care of you two." Sloan responded. "Take this one back and we'll keep the Lincoln for the rest of the night."

Erin had exited her limousine and came over to give Sloan a hug and peck, so as not to ruin her lipstick.

"Wow!" Sloan exclaimed, "You look absolutely scrumptious" which caused her to beam.

Erin was wearing a deep blue Lamé dress which stopped mid-thigh showing off her long gorgeous legs, along with deep blue Jimmy Choo shoes and a matching necklace and earrings of sapphires and diamonds.

She noticed Sloan in his off white dinner jacket, with his navy tuxedo pants, navy blue Bruno Magli loafers and silk off white shirt with its sapphire and diamond studs and matching links. "I can't wait to get you home and unwrap you." She said while appraising him.

She then looked at the two cars admiring their classic and understated elegance. "I think someone has a definite affinity for beautiful things." She smiled.

"Guilty as charged." He smiled as he hugged her.

"They look almost the same but different." She said.

"Because the same man designed them both." He went on to explain. "They are both 1964 models. You arrived in a Lincoln Continental. This is the Crown Imperial by Chrysler, it's version of Lincoln or Cadillac. A man named Elwood Engle was the special projects stylist for Ford Motor when he designed the 1961 Lincoln. He then went over to Chrysler where he became the chief stylist and designed the 1964 Imperial. He had originally designed the Lincoln as a two door Thunderbird so when it was stretched to four doors, Engle wasn't happy with how the car turned out. The Imperial was his way of showing what the Lincoln could have been like if the brass at Ford had listened to him. He designed many famous cars, and while the 1964 Imperial was always his favorite the 1961 Lincoln will forever remain his legacy." Sloan explained.

"And that's why the rear doors hang backwards on the Lincoln, because they had nowhere else to install them." She smiled.

"I see Carlo's been giving you an education." He said as kissed her cheek. "Come, we have some time to ourselves and there is wonderful wine and delicious appetizers awaiting us."

Erin liked how he took the time to explain things to her unlike most men who did it to brag or who dodged her questions, Sloan showed a deep patience in wanting to share things with her. He treated her as an equal and conversely, he listened to her instead of brushing her off as so often happens in social situations where the man wants to dominate the conversation.

They entered what was an intimate French bistro and were immediately seated. They reviewed the menu and Erin suggested the Escargot and Sloan the shaved duck appetizer which they would share. They agreed on a red wine and each ordered a glass along with the food.

"This will hold us over until dinner." He explained.

She reached over and held his hand. "I feel so special when I'm with you."

"Good, because you are special and if I am not making you feel that way, then let me know." He responded.

"One bit of bad news I have to bring up. My brother Danny is snooping around trying to find out who you are." She said.

"I know, Carlo already informed me. I'm not worried about it." He responded.

"He may show up tonight in order to check you out." She said.

"Again, not worried about it. Let him satiate his curiosity and then he'll back off." Sloan advised. "Danny is responsible for his own actions, not you."

Their wine arrived and they both recapped their feelings about last night and as to where their relationship, albeit short, was heading. Both agreed that they were not ones to spend months ascertaining how things were progressing, but to enjoy the moment and work towards always building a stronger foundation that would support the continuous growth between them. They each knew the other wasn't going anywhere and that barring deception, lying or game playing, there was nothing to worry about except how to spend as much time together as possible.

"Ok, I have a quick question for you. You're family are devout Irish Catholics and I my dear, am Jewish, so how does Frank Reagan and company accept that?" He asked.

"Excellent question. As for my father and Jamie, I believe they would rather see me involved with or married to a kind, loving and supportive man who is Jewish rather than a cheat, liar and abuser who is Irish Catholic. As for Danny, he lost his faith years ago so I'm not sure he has a right to comment. My grandfather is old fashioned but is more concerned with my happiness. As for Nicky, she's very open to everything and as for me, I would rather have the man my father would like me to have rather than the one I am expected to, why, are you asking me to convert?"

"No, I wouldn't expect either of us to which doesn't mean that we can't respect the other's upbringing. With me it isn't about the organized aspect of religion as it is about the culture and history of my people. I'm not observant as far as attending services weekly." He answered her.

Erin explained her personal viewpoints on the subject and that while she did have a faith in God, she primarily attended because she wanted to set an example for Nicky and because it was expected for her to attend.

Erin noticed that it was already 8:00 p.m. "The wine and the appetizers were delicious, but more so the company and conversation and while I would very much like to stay here and continue, I have a very handsome man whom I wish to show off tonight, so, shall we?" She asked.

Sloan signaled their server who came over with the check. Erin quickly grabbed it and when Sloan tried to take it from her she slapped his hand. "This one is on me. I enjoy taking you out as well."

"I think you broke my hand." He teased.

"Then learn your lesson and don't get grabby." She firmly noted.

They exited and climbed into the Lincoln which quickly whisked them to the Tribeca Hotel where Danny Reagan spotted them exiting the limo and entering the building.

Danny recognized Carlo Freghetti and walked over to him. "Hi Carlo, nice wheels." He said.

"Danny, how are you?" Carlo asked.

"I'd be better if I knew who my sister was with." He answered.

"You'll have to address that with Erin." Carlo responded as he held his ground.

Danny walked around to the rear of the Lincoln and wrote down the license plate. "Be right back." Carlo just nodded.

He called dispatch and identified himself. "New York vanity plate Whiskey November Gulf Delta Tango Gulf Romeo 2."

Dispatch responded. Whiskey November Gulf Delta Tango Gulf Romeo 2 is a 1964 Lincoln Continental Limousine registered to Winged Tiger Classics, LLC., and she gave an address.

"Any contact info for that address?" He asked.

10-4. Contact party is one Carlo Freghetti at the same location.

Danny shook his head. "Thanks" and he hung up.

Danny walked back over to Carlo who smiled at him. "I could have saved you the trouble if you had simply asked."

"Ok Carlo, I understand confidentiality and all. I'll just head upstairs and find out for myself."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you Danny, not because my employer would do anything, but once you walk through that door I will call Erin who is expecting you and she won't be happy." Carlo warned.

"Won't be the first time Carlo." Danny smirked. "Whatever else about your boss, he has style when it comes to cars, this one's a beauty."

In the interim, Erin had asked Sloan to fetch her a glass of wine as she didn't want to mix champagne with her earlier libation. Danny entered and observed as Sloan leaned over to kiss Erin's cheek. He also noticed the telltale sign of a pistol grip slightly pushing against his dinner jacket, something only a trained eye would look for as the jacket had obviously been tailored to allow for the gun.

When Sloan approached the bar, Danny stood next to him and placed his shield on the counter. "I sure hope that you have a permit for that thing on your left hip." He said.

Sloan looked over and grinned. "I sure hope you have an explanation for your sister, who is about to come over here as soon as she receives Carlo's phone call which should be right about, now." He said, looking over at Erin who just put her phone away and was making a bee line towards Danny.

Erin came over and grabbed Danny by the arm. "Come with me right now." She said pulling him out of the room. Once they were clear of the event room, she let go of his arm and grabbed him by the ear, pulling him along like a naughty school boy bound for the principal's office until they were well out of sight of everyone else.

"What in the hell do you think you are doing Danny?" She asked.

"I'm checking up on you, that's what." He answered her while rubbing his sore ear. "I don't know this guy from Adam and I want to be sure he's clean and that you're safe."

"I already told you he's cleaner than an operating room and that Carlo has already checked him out. You're just being nosy." She said.

"Great, but Carlo is no longer NYPD so he can't run the checks that I can." Danny responded.

"I'm going to say this once, so listen very carefully to me. I love you and you are my big brother, but one day you are going to push me too far and I am going to either cut you out of my life or I will give you the beating of yours, do you read me Gunnery Sergeant?" She asked.

"Yes, I read you loud and clear." He answered.

"Good, then if and when I need your help, I will ask for it. Until then, stop trying to control me because I'm not going to tolerate it." She stated.

Sloan walked over and caught the end of the tongue lashing. "Erin, a moment please?" He asked of her. "Danny, please wait there."

Erin came over and they stepped away from Danny.

"I have three sisters who are just as protective of me as your brothers are of you. Many a time Lynne has crossed that line, but I understand why. I don't want to come between you and Danny, especially as you have already lost one brother. Let's tell him who I am and assuage his concerns and let him go about his evening, okay?"

"Fine, but are you sure?" She asked, still fuming.

"Yes, because in the end, he's your brother and he loves and cares about you and I respect that." Sloan answered.

Erin leaned in and whispered to Sloan. "You make me love you more every day."

They walked back over to Danny. "My name is Sloan Silver. I'm sure that if you are a baseball or hockey fan you will know who I am." Sloan also handed over his New York and Michigan Bar Association ID Cards as well as his New York Concealed Weapons permit and his Michigan driver's license.

Danny shook his head. "Of course, Winged Tiger, it makes sense. He returned the documents to Sloan. I'm Danny Reagan, Erin's older brother. I'm sorry for how I approached this, but I'm a bit overprotective of my little sister." He apologized.

"There is no need to apologize to me Detective as I have three younger sisters myself however whether you owe Erin an apology is another matter. We met on a case and have been seeing one another. My intentions with her are strictly honorable and we have agreed to let her set the pace of the relationship." Sloan explained.

"Alright, then I understand. I used to watch when you would play here in New York and I know you have a very clean reputation so my sister is in good hands." He acknowledged.

Danny then sheepishly turned to his sister. "Erin, I'm sorry, but now that I know you are with someone like Sloan, I can relax. I'll leave you two alone."

"Danny, come here." She ordered.

Danny walked over to Erin and she gave him a big hug and kiss on the cheek. As long as you're here, you might as well come in for a drink. Sloan nodded his agreement and put his hand on Danny's back. "Please join us."

Erin sent Carlo a text that all was okay.

"You have two sons, correct Danny?" Sloan asked.

"Yeah, why?" He asked.

"I'll have Erin deliver you some signed memorabilia they may enjoy having." Sloan smiled.

Danny thanked him and they shook hands. They returned to the gala where Danny remained for one drink and then left his sister in peace.

Of course, before he was out of the building Danny called Jamie and filled him in on the news. While Jamie was livid that Danny had violated Erin's privacy, he was excited at who she was seeing.

Erin introduced Sloan around to key people in the New York legal community and he noticed that a couple of his partners were present, so reverse introductions were made.

Not wanting to be rude, they stayed for the keynote speaker whom Sloan actually enjoyed listening to.

After a few goodbyes to key people, Erin practically pulled Sloan out of the gala and back to the Lincoln where Carlo already had the door opened and waiting.

"I'm sorry about Danny, sometimes he just doesn't know when to quit." Erin apologized to Carlo.

"No need to apologize Erin, I'm well aware of Danny's reputation. You're lucky to have a brother who cares about you. How many victims have we seen who were less fortunate?" He asked.

Now Erin felt guilty. "You're right it's just how he goes about it sometimes." She responded.

"Now he knows so he'll back off." Carlo concluded.

She turned to Sloan once they were in the car. "I told Carlo on the way over that I felt like a princess on her way to the ball. Now I have my prince with me and Carlo promised that this coach will not turn into a pumpkin at midnight." She grinned as she pulled Sloan close to her.

Erin kissed Sloan deeply. "Just making sure you don't turn back into a frog." She teased.

Sloan laughed and shook his head. "Speaking of frogs, next destination please." He instructed and they were on their way to dinner.

Carlo pulled up in front of La Grenouille, a boutique French restaurant on E. 52nd Street.

Sloan laughed as Erin read the name. "It's French for 'The Frog' so be careful or I may yet turn back into one before the night is over." He teased.

Sloan and Erin exited the car. "I'll call when we're ready to leave so you might as well go have dinner Carlo."

Sloan and Erin were seated at a quaint two top near the front window where they could look out onto the city.

For the next two hours they enjoyed a gastronomic delight comprised of traditional French cuisines, with Erin nearly having an orgasm over her chocolate soufflé.

By the time they exited the restaurant, Erin did feel she was a princess and there was nothing anyone could do or say that would take her prince away.

She had never been treated like this in her entire life and she relished the attention, but she also realized that Saturday night, she would be pulling out all the stops to return the favor because she wanted to impress Sloan as much as he had impressed her.

Carlo dropped them off sometime after midnight and handed Sloan Erin's overnight bags. Sloan slipped him an envelope, said goodnight and the beautiful Lincoln drove off.

"There goes my coach." Erin pouted.

"Yes, but you still have your prince." He teased.

"Well that's even better and when I get him upstairs, he's all mine." She said as they headed inside and up to the penthouse suite 65 stories above.

Sloan opened up the entrance to his penthouse apartment and turned off the alarm. He then placed Erin's bags inside, all the while blocking her from coming in. Finally, he picked her up and carried her inside, closing the door with his foot while she reached down and locked the door and deadbolt.

He spun her around and carried her over to the window where she could gaze upon the city and the lights of the other buildings were reflecting in her eyes.

She turned toward her love and kissed him as he held her. "I love you Sloan Silver."

"And I love you more Erin Reagan." He responded.

He carried her around and showed her the entire suite which was enclosed on all sides by large open windows, a panoramic view of New York City before her.

Finally, he carried her into his bedroom and gently laid her on the bed before removing her shoes and leaning in to kiss her.

They slowly undressed one another and carefully hung up their clothes. Sloan then entered the master bathroom where he began filling the oversize Jacuzzi to which he would add bath salts and soap which were sure to delight Erin. He insured that the water was not too hot as she had been drinking and he didn't want her to pass out.

When the tub was at the right water level and temperature he went and collected Erin and deposited her gently into the tub. He then activated the jets and added the bath salts.

She slowly began to melt into another place, the awareness of absolute pleasure was like nothing else she had experienced. Every nerve ending on fire yet at the same time, her mind was very tranquil.

She looked up at Sloan and held out her hand. "Come in here with me." She softly beckoned, and he entered and sat down facing her.

Erin moved over and sat in his lap and began running her hands all over him as her excitement built.

They satisfied one another in the tub before exiting to take a long shower together which Erin once again christened with him.

Finally, they were in bed and she held him tightly to her as he brought her to yet another level of pleasure before she mounted him to conclude the night.

Both exhausted, they now slept in one another's arms with small kisses being traded along with enveloping hugs.

As sleep claimed them both, Erin held her lover against her chest and promised to herself that she would do whatever it took in order to keep this special man as her own.

The next morning Erin awoke to find she was alone and that his side of the bed beginning to cool. She was about to get up and go searching when he walked in carrying a breakfast tray which he sat on the bed atop her thighs. "Bon Appetite." He greeted.

Scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, French toast, coffee and orange juice awaited her.

"Where's yours?" She asked.

"Be right back." He said returning with an identical tray.

As they sat in bed having breakfast Erin was amazed. "This is delicious."

"Thank you dear." He responded.

"So on top of everything else you have going for you, you can also cook." She noted.

"Yes." He smiled.

"Is there anything that you can't do?" She asked.

"Ironing and pressing." He answered. "I manage to screw those up."

"Well, I will be happy to iron your clothes." She said.

"Then we make the perfect couple." He noted.

"So, what are your plans for tonight?" She asked.

"Depends on what you tell me they are. I'm assuming that you have to spend some evenings with Nicky." He noted.

"Yes, but she's in her last few days of summer vacation and spending as much time away from home as possible until school starts, so I may find myself free tonight. Either way, you are always welcome over." Erin said.

"Wouldn't that pose a quandary, introducing me to Nicky and then having me spend the night?" He asked.

"Not really, Nicky is very open minded and she knows by now that her father and I aren't getting back together. Even she's realized that he's not cut out for the role."

"Maybe at some point it would be a good idea for us to go to dinner together and for her to get used to the idea of you having someone before I simply popped in and went upstairs to your room." He noted.

"Perhaps, and I appreciate you thinking of her in that regard. Again, I will let you know what's up but you are mine for Friday and Saturday nights, okay?"

"Deal." He said

Carlo came to pick her up and deliver her to work at 11:30 a.m. while Mike transported Sloan to his office.

The rest of the day went by slowly for both Sloan and Erin, but they both understood that other phases of life must go on.

Sloan's housekeeper couldn't believe the state of the bathroom or bedroom and it finally dawned on her that her employer must have had someone over last night as he was usually a very tidy person.

She changed the sheets and towels and put the old ones in the washer and dryer and bagged up the dry cleaning for pick up.

By the time she left four hours later, nobody would have realized the enjoyment two people had shared over the past few hours.

Danny may have been off Erin's shit list but he was now on Linda's. When he arrived home the previous night and informed her as to what he had discovered, she tore into him like never before.

"How dare you Daniel Reagan, spying on your sister like that. You're lucky that you didn't ruin her relationship, most men would have taken off and ended it right then and there."

"Yeah, well then he would have shown his true colors." Danny replied.

"No Danny, you showed yours. I wouldn't like it if my family spied on me regarding you or someone else's family spied on our boys while they were out with their daughter. Sometimes you just don't know when to sit back and shut up."

Danny had never seen Linda this upset.

"Ok, I'm sorry. I went too far, again." He admitted.

"Yeah, but you never listen to anyone who tells you that you are. Your boys adore their aunt. If you push her away what do we tell them, that we can't go to Sunday dinners or family events on the nights Erin goes because their father didn't know when to mind his own business?"

"Okay, I get it Linda." Danny said.

"Yeah, until the next time. Maybe it will be Jamie or Nicky that you manage to piss off." She said as she stormed out of the kitchen.

"Shit." Danny said as he grabbed another beer and went outside to sit on the porch.

He remembered a quote from school. "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions."

As he sat pondering his actions, he thought about his late younger brother Joe, and how he had failed to protect him from the Blue Templar, and how close he had come on many occasions to losing Jamie. When Erin had been shot in court he had made the decision that had Delgado killed her, he would have killed Delgado and then himself as he could not have lived with allowing two of his siblings to die on his watch.

When Danny's phone rang that afternoon, he was surprised that it was Erin calling him.

"Yeah Erin?" He answered, dejection and frustration clearly evident in his voice.

"I understand that you are in the doghouse Danny." Erin gently inquired.

"Linda must have called you." He stated.

"She did and I told her that we were fine, and that she didn't have to worry about it, that hopefully this time you learned your lesson and if not, she better get you a donut to sit on because I was going to blister your ass next time you crossed the line." She said.

"I know, and again, I'm sorry. I'm sitting here thinking about Joe and Jamie and you with Delgado."

"Danny, stop. There is only so much you can do, but we are all adults. Do you think I'm happy when you pull some of the Superman stunts that you pull out there? How about the bank you walked into unarmed, or gee Danny, the woman whose car was wired to take out half of Washington Square and there's my brother, standing right next to her. Do you want me to go on?"

"No, you've sort of made your point." He said.

"Exactly and as much as I want to run in and pull you out by the ear like I did last night, I have to trust your judgment that you have the situation under control and will come out alive, just as you have to trust Jamie and me to do the same." She said.

"Ok, you're right." He admitted.

"Good, now kiss Linda and make up or I'll come over with my wooden hairbrush and I don't care how old you are or if you are my older brother, I will turn you over my knee, do you understand?" She asked.

"Yeah, I understand. I love you Sis." He said chuckled, knowing she would carry out her threat.

"I love you more big brother, now go make nice and behave yourself." And she hung up.

Erin often thought how sometimes she had to become more of a mother than a sister to her brothers and how one of these days she was going to have to carry out her threat if they were going to realize that it wasn't an empty one.

"Danny, Danny, Danny." She said aloud while looking up towards the ceiling of her office. "He means well, but doesn't understand that it's his methods, not his intentions that are his own worst enemy." She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't notice someone was standing in her doorway.

"He's always been like that Sunshine, and I doubt he'll ever change." Frank said to his daughter.

"Dad" she said surprisingly, "what brings you over here?"

"Let's say that I've heard about some of the commotion that's been going on between you and Danny and I wanted to check on you for myself."

"What in particular would you like to know Dad? She asked.

"Are you happy?" He asked.

"Very, in fact, I'm in love." She grinned ear to ear.

"Are you sure that it's love?" He inquired.

"Yes Dad, I am. It's only been a few days, well, okay, a couple of days, but he's wonderful, attentive, charming, loving and kind." She answered.

"And Carlo Freghetti approves of him which is bonus points in my book because Carlo knows a charlatan when he sees one." Frank informed her.

"Dad, Carlo's the one who had to tell him not to let me get away after I asked him out for a drink and he didn't respond." Erin said.

"Erin, you know that you have my blessing for whatever makes you happy, but I just want to be sure that this isn't some whirlwind excitement you are going through and then after the good times begin to wear off, you become disappointed or hurt." Frank told her.

"Dad, do you know who he is?" She asked.

"Yes, I do and he has an impeccable reputation and on that level, I am glad you are seeing him. However there is one major potential problem that I see."

"That he's Jewish?" Erin asked.

"That would be a major potential problem." Frank acknowledged, though it wasn't the one that had come to mind.

"So you would rather I be with someone who made me less happy, who was a hot headed Irish Catholic, and not necessarily a good one, rather than be with Sloan who is everything you should want in a man who your daughter loves, just because he is Jewish?" She asked.

"No Erin, but as you raised the subject, I just want to point out that there will be some instances where religion becomes a factor and it isn't always easy to delineate a defining line on where you stand." He responded.

"So you're concerned whether he will have a problem with me going to Sunday services, or Christmas or Easter Mass, or our saying Grace before our meals?" She asked.

"Do you foresee these as being a problem?" Frank asked.

"I don't know Dad, why don't you ask him before you condemn him." She fired back. "You may be surprised at his answers or are you just using religion as an excuse because in reality, you know how successful he is and you think that maybe in time I would bore him?" She asked.

Frank gave Erin a cold hard look. "I would never think that." He responded.

"I'm afraid that with all his success and money, he may take you away from us and that you'll forget where you came from." Frank said confessing his true concern.

Erin came over to her father. "Dad, if you really think that then you really don't know me and you don't know him. Yes, he lives a very nice lifestyle, but he also does a tremendous amount for others. He has never made me feel anything less than special and yet he has never brought money up as an issue and I really do feel that I am in love with him." She said.

"Then invite him to Sunday dinner. Maybe it's time we all meet him." Frank said.

"We haven't even been going out for a week; don't you think it's too soon?" She asked.

"If you are truly in love with him, and he with you, then no, it is not too soon. Ask him and see what he says and let me know." Frank stated. "You're my only daughter and I do want to see you happy, so please bear with me until I feel comfortable that this is genuine and if and when I do, you'll know it and have my full support and my blessing." He said as he kissed her forehead and left.

Erin sat back in her chair angry and frustrated. She had completely misjudged her father or had she? The more she thought about it the more she decided that if Sloan really loved her, now was the time to walk the plank. She picked up her phone and dialed his private line.

"Hi sweetheart." He answered.

"Hi lover, got a minute?" She asked.

"Only for you. What can I do you for?" He teased.

"My father was just here" and she proceeded to relay the conversation. "He would like you to join us for Sunday dinner." Erin stated, awaiting the bombshell that Sloan would drop on her.

"I'd be delighted, is there anything I can bring?" He responded.

Erin felt her happiness level instantly rebound to where it had been before Frank's visit.

"Yes, you can bring Nicky and me and this time I want the Imperial." She made clear.

"Ok, let me see if I have your order correct. One Imperial sized Sundae with Nicky sprinkles and an Erin cherry on top." He joked.

"Silly boy." She laughed. "You already got my cherry." She teased.

"What do you think I'm putting on top of the Sundae? He tossed back at her. "Let me know the details, but you have nothing to worry about. Talk to you later sweetheart." And he disconnected before she could respond to his cherry comment.

Erin sat back with a smile on her face. "You dirty boy, ok, he got me on that one, but I'll get even." She said to herself.

She placed a call to her father. "Ok Dad, he would be and I quote, 'delighted' unquote to meet everyone on Sunday."

"Then we look forward to meeting him as well." Frank said before hanging up.

Erin had Nicky on Thursday night so she elected to remain home catching up on some mother-daughter time which Sloan fully supported. He would spend an evening at the Grand Havana Room where he would have dinner and enjoy a good cigar. He would call her later that night.

It was decided that Friday night would be bowling night and that Nicky would come along as well. She wanted to meet the man who was making her mother happy and Sloan readily agreed, so when he stopped by Erin's house to pick them up driving one of the company MKS's, she was surprised that Carlo wasn't driving him.

"I get one night off for good behavior besides, I have you and Nicky to protect me." He said.

Sloan and Nicky hit it off from the moment they met and as Nicky was a science whiz, they had a lot to talk about as Sloan held a PhD in Aeronautical Design and Engineering and another in Quantum Mechanics, both obtained during his research in proving that pitching was a science, not an art, which is what led to the success of his career. He could factor numerous variables into each pitch and have 95% of them land exactly where and how he wanted them to.

"Mom, I know who I am going to ask for help with my next science project." She smiled at Sloan.

"Happy to help, but no frogs or biology." He responded.

Bowling was fun until halfway through the second game when Erin called a foul. She noticed that when Sloan had a 6/10 or a 9/10 spare, he would bowl left handed getting the ball to arc over and take out the pins. If he had 4/7 or a 7/8 spare he'd bowl right handed causing the reverse arc.

"You're cheating." She accused.

"How am I cheating?" He asked.

"You can't use two different arms to bowl with. Pick one or the other." She ordered.

"Erin, there is nothing in the rule book that says you can't change arms when you bowl." He laughed.

"I don't care, that gives you an unfair advantage over us in cleaning up the spares." She argued.

"Mom, he's right, I've seen others do it too."

"Well I don't care, we're playing by my rules and if he knows what's good for him, he'll pick one arm or the other." She made clear.

"Do you play tennis?" Sloan asked Erin.

"Yes." She answered.

"Which arm is your forehand?" He asked.

"The same one I'm going to use to smack you the next time you change arms tonight, my right." She answered.

"What about your backhand?" He asked.

"The same one, why?"

"Ok, I have two forehands and one back hand. Right and left arm forehands, left arm backhand. Does that mean I have an unfair advantage against you playing tennis?" He asked.

"Yes, it gives you greater range of reach to either side than a back hand would." She answered.

"So you would not play tennis with me unless I only played from my left side." He asked.

"Correct."

"Then how would you ever bat against me when I can pitch from either side and did for 30 years?" He asked.

"That isn't fair either, how is the batter supposed to know which side to hit from?" She asked.

"So you wouldn't play baseball against me." He asked.

"You're a major league pitcher, I wouldn't allow you to pitch against my team at all." She retorted.

Sloan looked at Nicky who answered. "You're not going to win this one so quit while you're ahead. Pick one arm and stick with it." She advised.

"Smart girl." Erin smiled.

The rest of the night he bowled with his left arm but it didn't help Erin or Nicky as he just made sure he threw strike after strike and if he left any pins, it was usually easy for him to clean them up.

Sloan and Nicky left happily while Erin was still pissed. He finally kissed her to Nicky's delight and she loosened up and started laughing again.

"So, when we play darts, only one arm?" He asked.

"If you don't want me to put a dart in your tushie then yes, one arm." She grinned.

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