Chapter 21





"So.," Luis chuckled. "What was that all about? Afraid you can't control yourself around me, Ms. Crane?" he teased. Advancing on her. Sheridan blushed furiously at his words. How'd you guess, she thought to herself nervously as he came closer. And closer. "Luis," she squeaked. "What?" he asked innocently. Tracing his finger down her jawline. "Luis," she repeated breathlessly as he leaned in even closer. She could swear he was going to kiss her. "Hmm?" he hummed. Threading his fingers through hers and pulling her against him. "What's that?" he whispered. His dark eyes twinkling at her as he brushed his lips feather-soft against hers.

"I.I.I don't remember," she said. Sagging against him when her knees went weak. "Not laughing now. Are we?" he grinned. "Maybe it's just as well. Young, impressionable kids like my brother and sister shouldn't.just kidding," he laughed at the shocked expression on her face. Bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it. Whipping his head around when he heard a throat clear. The tiny redhead standing just two feet away had an enormous knowing smile on her lips. "Later," he said. Releasing her hand. "I promised you a date. And Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald always keeps his promises," he said in goodbye.

"OH MY GOD!" Suzie squealed. "Forgive me for saying this," she said. Looking up towards the sky. "But that man is a god. Sheridan, girl. You are so lucky!" she gushed. "Tell me all about it. He mentioned something about a date. Details. I NEED details." Sheridan laughed helplessly at Suzie's barrage of questions. "Yes," she said shyly. Staring in Luis's wake. "He asked me out last week, but we haven't had time to get together yet." "WHAT?!?! You're telling me the sexiest man alive asked you out, and you haven't MADE time to go out with him. You see? That's the difference in you and me. If I were you.let's just say.on second thought," she paused. Dropping her voice to a whisper as a couple of students trudged in, "just know I wouldn't waste any time getting to know that man better."

"Suzie!" Sheridan laughed in embarrassment. "You're awful." "Nah," Suzie giggled as they walked toward the door. "You're just jealous 'cause I have the guts to do exactly what you want to do. And don't give me that look. Come on, Sheridan. Honey. Your face is an open book. You so want the man. And don't think he doesn't know it," she laughed. All the way back to her classroom. Oh god. Am I that obvious, she wondered as she spotted Luis down the hall. Trying to break up the rather large crowd that had formed in the middle of the hall.

"Luis? What's going on here?" she queried. Joining the rather large group that seemed to have gathered. Around.around Kay, she realized as she heard the younger girl's voice clearly. "Twenty bucks?!?! Are you kidding me? What are you SMOKING?!?! Come on," she yelled in disgust. "If you want one of these," she said. Holding a tee-shirt up. Sheridan couldn't quite make out what was on the front of it. "If you want a tee-shirt with Harmony's own Prince Charming on the front of it proving how much of an ass he really is, you're going to have to pay big bucks." She looked to Luis in confusion when she heard him groan. And saw him cover his face.

"And it gets even worse," he muttered. When Theresa's voice could be heard over the crowd. "KAY BENNETT!!! What were you thinking?" she practically screamed. "You cut ME out of the picture," she whined. Picture. Whoa! What picture? Oh god. She didn't. She did! "Let me see that," she said. Pushing her way through the crowd of onlookers and grabbing the shirt from Kay's hands. Good lord. Luis was so right. Ethan would NEVER live this down. Kay tried unsuccessfully to hide the smirk on her face. Ms. Crane looked like she was going to pass out. Or KILL her, she thought. Biting her lip to keep from smiling as people starting thrusting money at her. Grabbing the tee- shirts from her hands. "Here!" Theresa squealed. Opening her purse and pulling out a wad of cash. "I was going to use this for...something else...but this is so much better. How many will that buy?" she asked cluelessly. Kay's eyes widened as she counted out the money. Was Theresa just dumb or mentally ill? The crazy girl just handed her 200 dollars. Where.? "Kay Bennett!" Luis yelled. Grabbing the money from her and stuffing it back in his sister's hands. "That's it! I hate to do this. But come with me. We're going to the office." Great, Kay thought. Just great. All that hard work for this. Ugh!



Chapter 22



"Wait a minute! Wait a minute!" Kay yelled. "Do we really have to do this? I mean, my dad's going to kill me. Luis.you don't want my death hanging over your head, do you?" Kay exaggerated. Giving him her best innocent look. "Cut it out, Kay. You're forgetting the fact that I've known you your entire life. I know ALL your little tricks. And no offense, Kay. But Mother Theresa you're NOT." Kay's mouth hung open in shock. Luis grabbed her by the arm and pulled her forward once more. "Okay.okay.so I'm the anti- heroine. Is that really so bad?" she pouted. Sheridan snickered in the background. And Luis couldn't control the smile that took over his face.

"That's better," Kay said appreciatively. "See? That wasn't so hard. So.what do you say? Are you going to cut me some slack? Even you have to admit, Ms. Crane, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Your nephew might have a future as a drag queen if all the Crane money dries up, and Daddy can't buy his job for him. How in the world did HE make it out of Harvard?" Sheridan opened her mouth to answer her. But shut it when laughter escaped instead. "Kay," Luis warned. "What?" she huffed. "I think it's a valid question."

"Keep talking and the deal's off," Luis answered. "Deal? You're cutting me a deal? There is a God. Thank you, Luis," she said happily. Catching him off-guard when she threw her arms around his neck in thanks. "Whoa! Slow down," he chuckled. "I didn't say I was letting you off scot-free." "Great," Kay muttered sarcastically. "Ms. Crane.a little help here. Don't you have him on a tight enough leash yet?" Sheridan choked in embarrassment. Luis smiled at her reaction and said, "Hand it over."

"You're kidding me," Kay grumbled. "Do you realize how much money I spent getting those ridiculous tee-shirts made? My car money. That was my car money. Now I'll never save enough," she sighed. Digging through her pockets and pulling out the wad of cash. "What are you going to do with all that anyway?" she asked curiously. "There's over $300 there." "Give it to charity," Sheridan suggested. Luis beamed at her. "Oh puh-leaze," Kay groaned. "Would you stop it with the public flirting and googly eyes? Go on a real date already. Get it over with. You two are worse than Chris Hall and his squeeze of the week. What's next? Making out on Ms. Crane's desk? Oh.my.god! You didn't!" she exclaimed when Sheridan looked at her feet. Her cheeks burning red.

"You know," she grinned. A devious twinkle in her eyes. "That's primo blackmail material. I could SO use that. But I won't," she rushed. Seeing Luis's warning glare. And catching sight of the cuffs he passed back and forth from hand to hand. "I didn't think so," he smiled. "Now that we have that settled.I want you to get ALL those tee-shirts back. I don't care how you do it. Just do it. Mr. Crane could press charges against you. You don't want that. Do you Kay?" "No," she mumbled. "Anything else, Drill Sergeant?" "An apology to Ms. Crane would be nice. Ethan IS her nephew." "I'm sorry, Ms. Crane," she said in a sincere enough voice. "I'll never insult Tweedledum again," she giggled evilly over her shoulder as she walked away.

"That girl is something else," Luis laughed. Shaking his head. "Are we as bad as she claims?" Sheridan asked with a shy smile. "Must be," Luis grinned. "You might not always like what Kay has to say..." "She's...um, what's the word?" Sheridan said. "I think the word you're looking for is 'blunt'," Luis supplied. "I can't deny there's usually a kernel of truth in what she says. So...Ms. Crane," he teased. "Let's take the plunge. In Kay's words 'Get it over with'. What do you say?" he said. Giving her his most charming smile. "Saturday--'cause all the other nights are school nights," he said hurriedly. "8ish. I'll pick you up. Any objections?" he asked. Bringing her hand up to his lips. "No objections," Sheridan answered with a glorious smile. "See you then," Luis waved as he walked down the hall. A similar smile plastered on his face. "Hope you wear your dancing shoes," he called. Dancing shoes, indeed, Sheridan thought to herself as she admired the view. If I can pick my jaw up off the floor long enough.



Chapter 23



"Oh Luis," Theresa sighed dreamily as she watched him glance in the mirror. Again. "This is so wonderful. I can't wait for the wedding." "Theresa," Luis quirked an eyebrow at her. "You haven't been inhaling that stuff, have you?" he asked. Pointing to the glittery pink polish on her nails. "Huh?" she asked cluelessly. "Forget it," he grinned. Looking into his little sister's starry eyes. "As I was saying." Theresa bubbled doggedly. "It's FATE, you know. That you and Ms. Crane met. Do you think she'd let me be one of her bridesmaids?" she asked. Twirling around and around. Giggling when she stumbled into her big brother's arms. "Theresa! Please be more careful." You're already at a disadvantage naturally, you lovable klutz. "Do you want two broken arms?" "No! Silly!" she smiled when the doorbell rang. "That'll be Whit," she said. Skipping to the front door. Coming disastrously close to falling flat on her face twice.

"Whit!" she squealed exuberantly. Throwing her good arm around the other girl's neck. "Come on in," she ushered. "I need your help with something. Quick," she whispered. Dragging her back to her room and shutting the door. "Oh my goodness! Whitney!" she babbled breathlessly. "This is the PERFECT opportunity. Tonight you-and my brother-are going to help me get in the Crane Mansion." "WHAT!" Whitney yelled in surprise. "Theresa! Are you crazy? Wait! Don't answer that. Stupid question. You're certifiable, girl." "Oh Whit," Theresa sighed. "Why do you always say that?" Whitney crossed her arms and tapped her foot in irritation. "Do you want the Cliff Notes' version? Or the real thing?"

Theresa ignored her. Flinging the door to her closet open and pulling out a black jumpsuit. "What do you think?" "Crane security will mis-know you're a stalker and arrest you on the spot." "Whit," Theresa whined. "Quit trying to steal my fun. Luis doesn't know it yet. But he's going to get me free admittance onto Crane grounds. And the rest.well, I'll make up the rest as I go along. I'm going to do it anyway," she said. Trying to pull her pink tank over her head and groaning in frustration when it got stuck. On her bothersome cast. Oh well. It was worth it. Ethan had come to her house with flowers. Roses. All because of that cast. She wondered.what would he bring her if she.nah. "Thank you, Whitney," she beamed as her best friend helped her slip the shirt over her head. And she stepped into the jumpsuit. "All done. How do I look?" she asked. Turning around slowly. "Like a Catwoman reject," Whitney muttered.

"Theresa," they heard Luis call. "I'm about to leave. Just wanted to say bye." "Bye, Luis. Have fun," she shouted. "Hurry, Whit. Help me out that window. I have to stow away in the back of Luis's car before he gets in. Oh wait," she said. Biting her lip. "Stall him. I'll never make it if you don't." "Theresa," Whitney hissed. "I promise.I won't mention FATE or DESTINY for a whole week. Scout's honor," she pouted. "Cheater!" Whitney laughed when she saw Theresa's crossed fingers. "If I didn't love you so much." "Thank you," she grinned. Throwing one leg over the window sill. Whitney rolled her eyes when she heard a soft "Ouch." And pulled Theresa's bedroom door shut behind her. "Luis? Sorry to bother you.but I need your help on something."

Theresa barely stifled her giggles from her hiding place in the backseat as she listened to her brother sing along with the music on the radio. Singing was best left up to her. She was the one with the 'real' talent. Her heart sped up when the car rolled to a stop and a light penetrated the blanket she was hidden under. Please. Please. It's fate. Don't mess with fate. God wanted her to be Mrs. Ethan Crane. He wouldn't let her down now. She breathed a sigh of relief when the car started moving again. And she was still safe and sound. "Ow," she whispered. Rubbing her head when Luis's sudden stop made her lurch forward. Crashing into the passenger seat. "What the hell," she heard her brother swear. She held her breath until she heard the car door open and shut a few minutes later. Whew! That was close.

Luis whistled the whole way to Sheridan's cottage door. He tugged at his collar nervously. Unbuttoning the top button as he pushed the doorbell. "I'll be right there," he heard a familiar voice say. And just seconds later, he literally stopped breathing at the sight in front of him. He not only stopped breathing. His heart thudded to a stop.

"Luis?" Sheridan smiled nervously. "What? You don't like the dress?" she asked. Looking down shyly. Finally he found his tongue. "Don't like the dress? Don't like the dress? Are you kidding me? I think I'm going to have to arrest you. It's a crime to look that good," he grinned. Admiring her beauty. From head to toe. "That dress is sheer perfection," he whistled appreciately. It sure is sheer. That's for damn sure, he thought. Gulping. "Red is most definitely your color." ANY color is YOUR color, Luis, she thought with a smile. Staring at him. They were so caught up in each other.they didn't notice Theresa steal away from Luis's car and dart off in the distance. With a few stumbles, of course. The girl was anything BUT stealthy.



Chapter 24



"Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness!" Theresa squealed in the darkness. "I can't believe this is really happening! I'm about to go inside the Crane Mansion! To Ethan's room! Oh no," she gasped when a voice slurred, "Who's thwere?" She darted around the corner. Her back flat against the wall. Chest heaving from all the excitement. "I thaid who's thwere?" the surly voice demanded. Her eyes widened when a figure stepped out into the moonlight.

And she realized it was none other than Mr. Crane. What was that he was wearing? She squinted. Trying to make it out in the darkness. Clamping a hand over her own mouth when it dawned on her. Mr. Crane was wearing a Batman costume! She looked down at her jumpsuit and grinned. He KNEW she was coming and wanted to make her feel welcome. How sweet! Since that was the case.she decided to come out of hiding.

"Hi, Mr. Crane!" she bubbled. Jumping out from the shadows. "BWA!!!" he screamed. That WAS him she heard screaming like a woman the night she broke her arm. Julian did a double take. More like a triple take. He clutched his brandy glass in one hand and rubbed his eyes with the other. Blinking. NO. He WASN'T dreaming. "C-C-C-C-atwoman?" he asked in disbelief.

"What?" Theresa asked dumbly. Even better, Julian thought. Giving her his best leer. Beauty. NO brains. "Do you have something in your eye, Mr. Crane?" Theresa asked cluelessly. "Uh.uh.no," he answered. Slipping his arm around her shoulders. "What do you thay I give you a thour of the Mansion," he grinned. "Bedrooms first," he said. A devious twinkle in his eye as he led her inside.

"I can't believe how beautiful your home is, Mr. Crane," Theresa gushed. Twirling around. Her eyes lifted upward. "I feel just like Annie." "That must make me Daddy Warbucks," Julian said. Sidling up next to her and lifting her long brown hair off of her shoulder. His eyes rolled back in pleasure. Who needed Vicky Vale anyway? Suzanne paled in comparison to this lovely-how should he say it-vapid, perhaps? Theresa. "Oh Mr. Crane," Theresa sighed. Stepping forward and placing a hand on the stair rail. "You promised me a tour. What are you waiting for? I want to see every room in this house." Oh that could be arranged, dear girl. Ooo. He'd like nothing better than to.

"Have you ever been on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous?" Theresa babbled as she tripped up the stairs. "That's my FAVORITE show," she said in a faraway voice. "Mr. Crane? I asked you a question," she said. Turning around. Was Mr. Crane staring at her butt just now? "Uh.yes, Ca.Theresa? I think you lost an earring," he said. Biting his lip in glee as he admired the view when she leaned down to search for it. God, she was easy. She hadn't even been wearing earrings.

After about 15 minutes spent searching for the non-existent earring, they finally arrived at the second floor. "Right this way, dear," he said. This was the best drunken haze he had ever had. "Make yourself comfortable," he suggested. "Would you like something to drink?" "Whatever you have, Mr. Crane," Theresa answered. Leaning back against the silk sheets with a dreamy sigh. If she closed her eyes, she could imagine she was in Ethan's room. Oh my goodness, she thought. Shooting upright. "Ethan!"

What the hell, Julian thought. Rubbing his head where they'd collided. Ethan was a new one on him. But if the lovely girl wanted Ethan.he could BE Ethan. "Hold that thought," he whispered. Scampering off the bed. Ethan. Ethan. He pulled his best stuffed shirt outfit out of the closet and thrust his arms through the sleeves of the dreadful sweater. "Oh Theresa," he called. Waltzing back into the bedroom. Expecting to see her lying there. Waiting for him. On the bed. "Drat! Where is she?" He got his answer seconds later when Gwen's shrill scream made his ears ring. "Oh my god!"



Chapter 25



"Wow! Luis," Sheridan said breathlessly. "I didn't know there was a place like this in Harmony," she smiled. Luis looked at her in amazement. Then he grinned. "I was so sure you wouldn't like this place," he laughed. "What?" Sheridan asked. "I said." he shouted. Trying to be heard over the noise of the crowd. "Forget it, Luis. Come on," she said. Pulling him out on to the dance floor. "I want to dance."

He felt a jolt of electricity pass through him when she placed her smaller hand in his and began moving to the music. He had never been with someone so.alive. He was having a hard time keeping up with her. That might have had something to do with the fact that his jaw was flapping open in a perpetual expression of awe. "Luis," Sheridan laughed. Leaning in close. "Stop drooling, Officer," she said in a throaty whisper. Her blue eyes sparkling with mirth as she placed his hands on her hips.

The music seemed to fade in the background as they danced. Like they had danced together forever. Only with each other. The woman dancing with such abandon in front of him was not the same woman who blushed furiously at his teasing remarks. This woman was sexy as hell. He was having a hard time deciding which Sheridan Crane he liked more. It surprised him when he realized he wanted to get to know all the quirks of her personality. All her little imperfections.

The music slowed. But he was still unable to catch his breath. You're beautiful, he had the insane urge to say as they swayed gently with the strains of the soft Spanish melody. Instead he only pulled her closer. Laughing softly at the surprise in her blue eyes. And covering her bare back with one of his hands. The fingers of his other hand twined with hers.

Sheridan shivered when Luis caressed her skin softly. Slowly. Oh god, she thought. Somebody save me from myself. She felt herself drowning in his dark eyes. And he knew it, too, she realized. Ducking her head in embarrassment. A smile playing on her lips. She didn't have to have eyes in the top of her head to see the smirk on Luis's face. What was he doing to her? And did she even want him to stop?

Before she could answer her own question, the music ended. She slipped out of his arms. And escaped. She was afraid she couldn't control herself much longer if he kept looking at her like that. The cool ocean breeze felt wonderful on her overheated skin, and she breathed in the salty air.

"Sheridan," she muttered to herself. Crossing her arms over her chest and looking up at the starry sky. "You have to get ahold of yourself. What would Luis have done if you'd grabbed him and.? You know what? You're nuts, girl. He's just teasing you. I'm sure his heart doesn't flutter like a schoolboy's every time he sees YOU," she sighed.

She gasped in surprise when an amused voice answered her question. "Worse," he grinned. Walking towards her. And cupping her face. "HE gets the uncontrollable urge to do THIS," he said. Giving her a toe-curling kiss. One that had her sliding her arms around his neck and holding on for dear life. And him smiling against her lips when she oaned softly into his mouth.

"You have my permission to do that whenever and wherever you get the urge, Officer," she said breathlessly. A glorious smile on her face. She giggled as he took her up on her offer. Making the first kiss pale in comparison. "Ms. Crane," he grinned. "You have a deal."