Hello again all! And again… WOW! You all are so incredibly kind! You have no idea how much this all means to me. And to hear some of you tell me how this fanfic series has helped brighten your day during this time… I am beyond touched. I've been writing fanfiction for 10 years and doing creative writing for 11 and the fact that my hobby is also having a positive impact on you all… I am so glad to hear it and am so honored. :) Anyway, enough blubbering, this chapter begins the morning after Alejandro and Heather's second 'get even' date. Enjoy!

(Heather's POV)

I was just laying in bed and just staring at the ceiling in the guest room I was in. Just trying to 'think over' yesterday.

Mainly that nothing happened.

Okay other than him being completely and insufferably annoying yesterday morning, he's actually been 'behaving himself'... so far.

We went jogging and had breakfast at this Spanish restaurant before walking back home. And other than him taking over and ordering for both of us in Spanish to show off like he always has to do… it was honestly really good.

As much as it still pains me to admit it, Alejandro had very good taste since both the restaurant and the food was honestly… ugh, it was great.

Then walking back from the restaurant with him insisting on us walking back arm in arm.

Which would have been fine if it wasn't for him doing nothing but having that smug and satisfied grin on his face, that still makes me think nothing other than he's completely up to something… and also smack him on the back of his head.

Again, it wasn't bad.

But, I am still suspicious as all get out.

Even with his 'good behavior' going over into our date that evening with going out to dinner and then having him go with me on a walk on the waterfront near the city… I am still completely suspicious. Especially since he had plenty of opportunities to try to catch me off guard and did nothing.

I know he's still trying to make something about this date play in his favor, but I am still not going to give him that satisfaction. Especially, not giving him that satisfaction when we still aren't 'even' yet.

Particularly since I was still coming up with something to make sure tonight continued to go 'my way' and I know he's got something going through his big fat head on how he can one up me and weasel his way out of letting this go MY way.

After how 'good' he was acting yesterday on our date, I can bet big money that he's up to something.

Not sure what it is? But, dammit, I know there's something! I glanced over at the clock next to my bed and threw off the covers.

Well... whatever. Maybe a shower will help me clear my head and come up with something?

(Alejandro's POV)

I just finished my shower and was putting my shirt on as I heard my phone going off.

Ah, father… he's up fairly late if it's 7 am over here.

I grinned and picked up the call as I started, "Hola Padre."

"Hola hijo. Apologies for the timing. We just returned from a dinner party with Carlos and Marisol and ended up getting home just a few minutes ago. Your poor mother was so tired that she has already turned in. You can tell how much we've assimilated to a more 'Canadian' time schedule… or perhaps we're finally just showing our age?" He started, letting out a slight chuckle at the end.

"Está bien. I was awake anyhow." I responded, not bothered by the timing.

"Ah, bueno. How are things on the home front? Doing well enough?" He inquired, making it hard for me not to fight back a grin.

Then I knew I made it completely obvious as I started, "Oh, I am MUY bueno. Never better."

"Well, you sound quite jovial. What's the occasion? Any news with you and your young lady?" He started, sounding beyond intrigued.

Again, I couldn't help myself as I threw myself on my bed and crossed my legs over each other in a relaxed state and led on, knowing I sounded as satisfied as I felt, "Well… she's here if that accounts for anything."

"Really? That is something. Has there been any 'progress'? If you don't mind my asking, of course?" Father asked, still sounding beyond interested.

I didn't want to give too much detail away but I decided to at least satisfy his curiosity as I responded, still grinning, "As far as 'us'... she came here a little after you and mother left. Then… let's just say we had a thorough discussion with each other; and all things considered, I'd say it was quite a success considering she's been here since and both of us are on the same page for the most part. We've even gone out on a few dates since then if that means anything. So… I'd say everything's going wonderfully."

There was a beat of silence until I heard a satisfied 'hmm' through the receiver before father elaborated, sounding quite pleased, "How splendid… Glad to hear things seemed to work themselves out between the two of you. Now, I won't pry too much, but I'm confident you are 'making her comfortable' with her own accommodations in our home, sí?"

I smirked as I responded confidently, "Absolutely, I gave her a guest room and made sure she has everything she needs. Why? Did you have doubts about me hosting properly?"

Father just chuckled and responded, "Not at all. Well, I suppose you'll want to get back to your young lady. Though I'd say we'll wait until we come back to tell your dear mamá for the time being. But just know that I am quite pleased with this news. But, you both are adults and you don't need my meddling in this. Just take advantage of this opportunity with being alone together. Enjoy it."

Though I still wasn't entirely sure why father fully approves of Heather yet he seemed determined to not tell me precisely the reasoning behind it, I wasn't about to question it. Considering he's my only ally in the family it seems when it comes to Heather and our relationship in general.

But, not wanting to give too much away, I just smirked and responded as smoothly as possible, "Gracias padre. I most definitely will. Buenas noches."

"Buenas noches, mijo." He responded before hanging up.

Well, whether I know exactly why or not… at least father seemed more than pleased.

Not that it entirely matters to me since I came to terms with how I felt about Heather despite what everyone else thinks, but it does help.

Honestly, I'm just appreciative of the suggestion of not telling mother about Heather and I. Well at least not until they return to Canada for the time being. But, that's all for a later time.

For now, I have a 'plan' in progress for this evening. All I have to do is just wait and 'play my cards' correctly and considering Heather… strategically.

9 hours later

(Heather's POV)

I just got my purse together and was about to call out that I was ready when I heard, "Hola mi ángel."

I whipped my head over to see Alejandro standing in the dining area right next to me. I decided not to acknowledge it as I just started, "Oh, good… let's go."

Right as I turned on my heels to walk to the front door, I felt him grab my hands as he started, "Oh Heather, while I find you're idea quite wonderful with going to see a movie and having a nice dinner together… I have an alternate proposal."

He stepped aside as I was about to ask him what the hell was going on as I saw 2 places set at the table and a candle lit between them.

My eyes went wide for a second until he put his arm around my shoulders as he said, "I figured we've been going out quite a bit lately and I thought that a nice, relaxing night in together is just what's needed."

Finally my sense caught up with me as I knit my eyebrows together and shoved his hand off my shoulder as I turned to him and responded, jabbing my finger into his chest, "Um, excuse me? 'This' is not your show here. You still owe me one more date to do what I want and we are going to have one."

Not to mention at least out in public we have more witnesses to ensure he has as little chance as possible to get out of doing this 'my way'.

"And indeed we are, Heather. I just thought we could stay in instead. You see, our cook Isobel left me some meals to heat up since she's off for the week and I haven't touched any of her food yet since we've been dining out these past couple nights. So, I figured we could do your plan just as well staying in. A nice candle light dinner and then a movie afterward." He proposed, smiling slightly as he waved his hand to motion to the dining room.

I shook my head to collect myself as I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at him.

Right as I was about to retaliate, he walked past me and held a chair out for me as he started, almost trying to smoothly persuade me into it, "Did I neglect to mention one of the meals she left for me was her lemon roasted salmon? And since it's my favorite, she left me enough for 2 servings. This way you can sample her cooking and see how well she makes. And believe me… it is quite delicious."

He kept looking me directly in the eye as he motioned to the chair he pulled out from the table, clearly wanting me to sit.

As much as I tried to resist and didn't want to give in… ugh, that salmon we had at the lake house was really good.

I kept thinking and then also remembered how he even admitted that his cook made it even better than he did…

Hmm?...

I let out a short sigh before crossing my arms again and starting shortly, "Fine. But, only because I want to try it."

"Sí, mi cariña. Of course. And I always have to admit, Isobel's dishes are quite a treat." He said, pushing in my chair for me as I sat down and then took his place at the chair adjacent to me, grinning as he divided the food between us.

Okay Heather, just stay on task.

You can do this…

We finished dinner and I took the napkin from my lap and set it back on the table as I commented, "Well, that was really good. I'll give you that. Though I still find it hard to believe you actually admit to someone doing anything better than you."

He smirked and said, "When it comes to culinary prowess and as I have said, I have no trouble admitting that Isobel is the best. Though, considering she's been with my family for 7 years since we moved here… is there any room or reason to be surprised?"

He proceeded to take a sip from his glass of wine as I rolled my eyes slight, looking at the time on the grandfather clock in the corner.

But it was short lived as Alejandro let out a refreshed sigh and started, "Well, how about we retire to the living room for a movie? And what better movie than picking up with the Scrollsaw series. I tried to watch them on my own but could never seem to fully get myself to watch them. Besides, considering they are your favorite, I figured we could pick up where we left off at Scrollsaw 2. This way we can watch them in each other's company and you can continue to educate me. After how much I enjoyed the first one, I am very much intrigued to see the rest of the series."

It was silent for a second as I started, trying to maintain my composure, "Okay, whatever… you're just lucky these are movies I happen to like."

"Of course, though before we move on, how about a little more wine? You seemed to like my favorite Moscato last time, so I figured it was worth a reappearance at dinner this evening." He said, opening the bottle and topping off both our glasses with mine being almost empty.

Look and again, as much as Alejandro and I have in common that it makes me want to pull on my hair and scream… his choice in wine is excellent.

This Moscato he likes is almost as good as the kind I like… almost.

Since I knew talking would only put me in a flustered hole when it comes to dealing with him, I just took my glass of wine and followed him to the living room.

We both sat down as he got the second Scrollsaw movie going and sat back, putting his arm around my shoulder like he did the first time we watched a movie together. But, I was determined to keep my wits about me and ignore it to the best of my ability.

Even though he was wearing that subtle amount of cologne again that makes him smell so good.

UGH! WILL YOU GET A GRIP, HEATHER?!

My internal tirade was cut off as the opening credits started, maintaining my focus on the screen despite Alejandro smoothing his thumb on the shoulder from where his arm was wrapped around me.

Just ignore it Heather… Just watch the movie and keep your goal in sight.

90 minutes later

The credits started rolling and as much as I hate to admit it… I kind of preferred staying in and watching Scrollsaw movies.

As much as they are definitely my favorite movies, I really only watch them and marathon them by myself every year at Halloween. But now that I've been watching them with Alejandro… I don't think I can find them half as entertaining as just watching him watch them.

Mainly that he gets just as if not more into it as I do. And the proof was me seeing him with an intrigued look on his face as I was trying to fight off an obvious smirk.

Instead I just took the remote out of his hand and paused it as I asked, "Again… thoughts?"

He sat back as he started, "Well… I think I preferred the first one thus far, but… this one was also fairly interesting. But, now that I'm caught up… perhaps we can go right into the third?"

I was about to agree and go back the the menu to start streaming the third movie until I froze up when I started getting an inkling.

Don't do it, Heather… the more time you keep giving, the more opportunity he gets to try and turn this in 'his favor' than he already has.

I mean… SERIOUSLY?! Look at you! He already harangued you into staying in tonight and YOU bought into it! Back out now!

I leaned forward and shook my head, trying to get myself back in control of the situation.

"No, I'm fine. I think I'm just going to call it…" I was cut off as he put his arm around my shoulder again as he started, "So soon? If I recall correctly, the third was one of if not your favorite, was it not? Are you sure you don't want to watch it? I'd love to see it, especially with you."

He kept smoothing his hand over my shoulder as I kept biting my lip, trying to hold back.

Dammit… why is he able to get to me by doing the stupidest crap?!

Despite everything in my mind screaming at me not to do it… crap.

Oh, whatever. I can handle it. It's just one more movie. Just get a grip and keep yourself in check, Heather. You can do this for the next 90 minutes.

I just sat back and said, "Fine, but one more is all you're getting out of this."

I got the third movie cued up as I heard, "One is all I ask for, mi reina."

I could feel his lips linger next to my ear for a moment, making my eyes go wide. But, before I thought he was going to try anything else, he settled into sitting position next to me, his arm still around my shoulders as I kept feeling fingertips slowly and almost sensually smoothing themselves over my shoulder, but I was determined to keep ignoring it.

All I kept doing was looking at the screen for the next 15 minutes as it almost felt like I was slowly but surely being pulled closer toward him.

Then my heart was practically pounding almost violently against my chest as my eyes went wide when I glanced down and saw his other hand smoothing over right knee. I just crossed my legs at the ankles to try and somehow keep myself contained.

Don't do it, Heather. Don't let your guard down with him for one damn second. You know he's just trying to…

My thoughts were completely wiped out as I felt his lips next to my ear again, feeling his teeth graze it slightly as I grit my own teeth, determined to ignore him.

He was trying to get a reaction out of me and I am NOT going to give him what he wants that easy!

If he thinks this is going to work then he is delusional!

He is not going to work me up with these cheap high school level tricks and get what he wants over my cold, dead!...

I froze up as his hand from my shoulder drifted to my chin as I heard him say, hearing that same kind of desire in his voice that immediately brought me back to the lake house, "Heather…"

Then he turned my head toward his, only to make me stare directly into his eyes.

I felt locked in just long enough until I felt my stomach drop as he closed his eyes and slowly but surely slid me down until I pressed into the couch with him on top of me.

Oh… NO! NO HEATHER! STOP IT! He is NOT going to get what he wants with me from just a little low level and cheap 'seduction'!

He can dream on and go take a fucking hike if he thinks a little 'make out session' with some 'sweettalking' is going to work on me at all like some total…

He broke away from me as he sat up, not breaking eye contact with me for a second as he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside, just staring at me.

Dammit…

I could feel my entire body get a warm rush until everything felt almost… burning.

And before I could do anything he leaned back down, still maintaining complete eye contact with me, until he kissed me.

I was about to question why I was just letting myself just submit to this when I felt his hands drift down my sides as he said lowly in my ear, subtle but his voice completely laced with lust and desire, only turning me on even more, "Heather… Te amo…"

He kept kissing me and pulling me more and more against him.

My eyes practically rolled to the back of my head as he smoothed one of his hands behind me, sliding up the inside of my shirt before slowly and teasingly sliding it down my back, making a satisfied chill go down my spine.

I kept trying to painfully resist until eventually I felt my self-control completely snapped as I gave in and practically locked my arms and legs around him in almost a vice grip as I pressed my lips forcefully against his, making him let out a long groan against my lips… making me only want him more.

We kept kissing as I kept feeling him press into my hips and noticing the complete obvious pressing into more than anything else.

Ugh… dammit Heather…

And it looks like a 'checkmate' for Alejandro. Lol. XD But, for real, I wanted to show Alejandro getting his way to still give Heather what she technically wanted to do for their date while also using his subtle 'tactics' to get what he wanted with Heather since they became a couple… and even before that. Either way, I thought it would have been fairly funny if Alejandro set them up with a nice dinner, wine, and using Heather's favorite movies to work to his advantage again… and this time, looks like their sexual tension lightning struck twice in a way! Lol. XD Heather is such a 'my way or the highway' kind of girl and I just think Alejandro slowly sliding his way into her affections to finally 'wear her down' so to speak would totally be something that would happen with them. And looks like the 'dastardly duo' is about to 'seal the deal' officially. Or will they? Will Heather finally give in to an extent and just move on in her own way with Alejandro in their relationship? Find out what will happen next time! Thanks again so much for all the love and support with taking the time to read. Constructive reviews are always appreciated and hope you all continue to stay well.

Stay classy!

Dexter1995

P.S. For those of you wondering and maybe have guessed on wondering who Marisol is when she was mentioned during Alejandro and Gerardo's phone call, all I will say is that she is Alejandro's sister-in-law/Carlos's wife. But, more on all that later. ;) Thanks again for reading and stay safe all!