Part Eleven
Catherine's little hand flapped wildly as Luis's car pulled out of the driveway. When the light from Luis's headlights totally disappeared, she finally dropped the curtain and turned back to them with a somber expression. "Catherine?" Gwen asked. "What's wrong?" Catherine crossed her arms around her chest and stared at the carpeted floor with a pout on her pink lips. "I wanted to go with them." Ethan smiled. Scooping her unyielding little body up in his arms. "You mean you don't want to stay with me and Gwen? I'm so hurt," he pretended to cry. Gwen rolled her eyes behind his back. Ethan couldn't even cry for real. His fake tears were embarrassing. "I'm still mad at you," Catherine huffed. Squirming to free herself from his hold. "I don't want you," she muttered. "I want Gwen." "Here, Sweetie," Gwen murmured. Opening her arms. Ethan sighed in disappointment when Catherine wrapped her arms tightly around Gwen's neck and wouldn't let go. He was SO under-appreciated. "How 'bout we watch one of your movies? You'd like that, wouldn't you?" he heard Gwen ask as she disappeared into the living room. Carrying Catherine. "Ethan! Make us some popcorn, will you?" He started for the kitchen when the doorbell chimed. "I'll get it," he yelled.
"SURPRISE!" Theresa squealed happily when he flung open the door. "Me and Whit are here to help baby-sit Catherine. Aren't we, Whit? Whit," she pinched Whitney on the inside of her arm. "Yeah, Ethan," Whitney plastered a fake smile on her face. "We thought we'd help you and Gwen out." Yeah, right, she thought silently. Theresa could care less about anyone else but Ethan. She was just using Catherine as an excuse to spend some time with him. Ethan smiled readily. She was always so.enthusiastic. "What's in the bag?" he nodded at the gigantic shopping bag between the two girls. "All kinds of goodies Catherine is going to love," Theresa gushed. Pushing her way through the front door and leaving Whitney to struggle with the bag. Great, she groaned. Two minutes and Theresa was already making moon eyes at him. She loved the girl, but she had NO shame. "Catherine," she announced cheerily. "Your aunt Theresa is here!"
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Sheridan smiled as she took Luis's hand, and he helped her out of the car. She looked around at the twinkling lights that hung from the tree's branches, the tables lit by soft candlelight, the terrace overlooking the ocean with its breaking waves below. "It's beautiful, Luis." Luis's face broke into a relieved smile. "You like it?" "I LOVE it," she told him sincerely. Giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "Come with me," he whispered. And she followed as he led her to a secluded spot around the corner. Holding her chair out for her. "Thank you," she murmured. Seating herself and gazing out across the sea. Luis watched her with a tender smile on his handsome face. Admiring the way her blue eyes sparkled with childlike excitement. Her cheeks flushed with color. He resisted the temptation to reach out and tuck an errant golden curl, fluttering in the breeze, behind her ear. He knew if he touched her, he would most certainly take her in his arms and kiss her like his life depended on it.
A waiter appeared before them. Filling their glasses with wine. Setting a tray of appetizers on the table. "Luis," Sheridan looked at him incredulously. "You remembered." Luis took her hand across the table. Caressing the back of her knuckles with his thumb. "I remember EVERYTHING about that first date. But I thought you might appreciate this place," he glanced at their surroundings, "much more." "It's so.romantic," she admitted with a shy smile. Luis rose from his chair and held out his hand to her, and for the first time, Sheridan heard the faint notes of a nameless song playing in the background. "May I have this dance?" "You may," she laughed softly as he pulled her to her feet. They swayed gently in each other's arms. Cheek to cheek at first. Gradually, Sheridan fully relaxed in Luis's arms. Resting her head against his chest. The sound of the waves, the music, fading in the background as she listened to the lulling, steady beat of his heart. The song ended, and she raised her head. Gazing deeply into Luis's dark eyes. So full of emotion. And their lips inched closer. He could almost taste her sweet kiss, when. "Sir.your dinner is served." Luis helped her back in her chair and took his seat across from her. Waiting until the waiter was gone before he spoke. "Wonderful timing," he muttered under his breath. "God, I wanted to kiss you." She blushed and ducked her head. "Maybe it's a good thing," she laughed. "Why's that?" he asked with an amused smile. "I don't know if I'd have had the willpower to tell you to stop." Luis groaned. And took a generous drink from his glass of wine.
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Whitney clutched her stomach in near pain. Not bothering to wipe the tears from her cheeks. Never in her life.not even from Theresa.had she witnessed such silliness. Catherine continued to prance around the living room. Sheridan's silver hair brush in her hands as she serenaded them with "Tomorrow." Curly red wig resting atop her own black curls, and red freckles dotting her olive cheeks. She'd already impressed them with "Goodbye Earl." How she knew the words to that song.Whitney shook her head. Catherine was an entertainer at heart, and a mighty good one at that. She had Theresa's sappy rendition of "Valentine" beat by leaps and bounds. And poor Ethan.he had NO qualms making a complete and utter fool of himself during his take on "Hound Dog." If the way he was currently drowning in Theresa's overly adoring and totally obvious gaze was any indication, he WAS a hound dog. She couldn't squash the feelings of guilt that plagued her no matter how hard she tried. She knew Gwen wasn't blind. It was there for all the world to see. And Ethan was just plain stupid. Carrying on so in front of his GIRLFRIEND. Gwen had tears in her eyes, alright. But not from laughter. She'd had enough. "Theresa," she snapped. Yanking Theresa off the couch. "We have to talk."
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Sheridan leaned back against Luis's chest with a contented sigh. "Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald," she teased when he rested his chin on her shoulder. "I seem to remember an incident involving Gwen and my nephew." He laughed. Placing a fleeting kiss on the silky skin of her neck. And the sound thrilled her. Made her heart so light it soared. "You're worth bending the rules for," he said seriously, and she turned around in his arms with a start. "Luis," she whispered. Tears filling her beautiful blue eyes. Wide with wonder at his words. "Shh," he shushed her with a finger to her lips. A devastating smile taking over his whole face as he leaned in close. He was going to kiss her, she thought. Biting her lip in anticipation. "You're worth everything to me," he told her. Cupping her jaw in his palm and brushing his lips against hers sweetly. She twined her arms around his neck. Taking him by surprise as she kissed him back fiercely. So passionately it took his breath away. And he leaned his forehead against hers. Taking ragged breaths to replenish the oxygen that had evacuated his lungs. Sheridan shivered as she felt his hand caress the back of her knee. Moaning with pleasure as his mouth captured hers again. Kissing her more deeply than before as he lowered her to the blanket below. Crushing her body with his. One hand skimming the sensitive skin of her thigh while the other roamed her side. Making her suck in a deep breath when it brushed against her breast. Searing her through the scant material of the red dress. "Luis," she panted as he planted open-mouthed kisses on her neck. "Luis.maybe we should stop now while we still can." "I know," he answered her. His hot breath against her ear sending another delicious shiver down her spine. "I don't know if I want to," he muttered. Drawing her bottom lip between his and sucking on it. Shattering every last bit of her already waning resistance. What the hell, she thought as a moan of pleasure escaped her lips. What was that Gwen had said? Throw caution to the wind? Well.this was her. Sheridan Crane. Throwing caution to the wind and enjoying herself immensely.
Part Twelve
THIS was her. Sheridan Crane. Utterly and completely mortified. She felt like a reckless teen-aged girl. Caught making out in the back of a car with her boyfriend. By her father. Okay.so Sam Bennett was as far from her father as a man could get. And they hadn't been caught in the back of a car. It was the beach. A public beach. But still. She'd relived the moment Sam'd shone the flashlight's harsh beam into her eyes over and over again in the eternity it'd taken Luis to talk him down. If there were a God (she was certain there was, he just liked poking fun at her sometimes), Luis would be able to convince him to let them off with only an unofficial warning. This is great, Sheridan, she scolded herself. She'd probably have to wear a turtle-neck tomorrow to hide her hickies. Her blue eyes remained shut even as she heard Sam's police cruiser crank up and drive away in the distance.
"Sorry about that," Luis apologized sheepishly. "I feel like my." ".I know," she released a pent-up breath. "I'm so." ".embarrassed?" he finished for her with a smile on his lips. "Don't worry," he told her. Offering his hand. And pulling her to her feet. "Sam won't say anything. Then he'd have to explain." Her blue eyes twinkled as she smiled at him. "Close call," she giggled. "Very close," he laughed. Wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close again. For another sweet, hot, FRUSTRATING kiss. "I guess He's trying to tell us something," Sheridan sighed against his lips. "Who?" Luis quirked a brow at her. "God? You're telling me God doesn't want us to have sex?" "I'm saying maybe we should wait to make love until the time is right." "If that's the case," Luis sighed. Kissing her forehead gently. "I guess I'll just have to wait. But keep in mind.I may be a pretty good guy," he teased. "But I'm NO saint. Then again, I happen to be madly in love with you. So." She took him off-guard with another kiss. What it lacked in finesse, it made up for in feeling. "That's okay," she smiled. Threading her fingers through his and pulling him forward. "I love you, too. I'm not Mother Teresa myself."
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"Whit!" Theresa groaned. "Would you stop it already? You're like a broken record. I'm not blind. Gwen's Ethan's girlfriend. So what? So what?" she repeated. Completely unfazed by the tongue-lashing Whitney had just delivered to her not five short minutes ago. "But I'm the woman he's meant to be with. Don't you see? It's fate, Whitney. It's fate. Nobody's stealing anybody here. I'm just giving fate a helping hand. Making sure Ethan notices me. And how wonderful I am," she said with so much conviction Whitney had to wonder.just what was wrong with her? "Theresa! Whitney! Did you two get lost?" Ethan called from the living room. Theresa smiled dreamily. "See, Whit? Ethan misses me. HE misses ME. And he's got Gwen sitting right beside him." Whitney rolled her eyes as Theresa floated back into the living room. "God give me patience," she said to the heavens. "Catherine, Sweetie," Gwen said softly. "It's way past your bedtime." "But I want to wait for Sheri," Catherine yawned. "She has to sing to me. And Luis tells me a story."
"I'll make you a deal," Gwen bargained. "What about we go upstairs.**I** read you a story-whichever one you want.and when Luis and Sheri get here they can do it all over again. Sound fair?" Catherine's green eyes drooped wearily. "Oui," she yawned again as Gwen scooped her up in her arms and started toward the stairs. Theresa giggled and Ethan chuckled in amusement when Catherine's curly dark head lolled on Gwen's shoulder a second later. "Wow! That was quick," Theresa continued to giggle. "One minute she was.then she was." she gasped in between giggles. Whitney glared at Theresa. Fawning all over Ethan. AGAIN. She was torn between playing chaperone and hurrying after Gwen to offer her help. Courtesy won out when she saw how difficult it was for Gwen to navigate the stairs with the limp body of a four-year-old in her arms. "Thank you, Whitney," Gwen smiled warmly. "She's heavier than she looks. Besides.I'm NO Luis," she joked lightheartedly as Whitney pushed the door to Catherine's bedroom open.
"Would you mind." she nodded at the bed, and Whitney immediately pulled the comforter and sheets back. Gwen lay Catherine down gently, but as she moved away, Catherine tightened her arms around her neck. Mumbling, "Don't leave me." "I'm not leaving. I'll stay with you until Sheri gets back. I promise. Whitney," she whispered. "Her pajamas are in the top drawer in the corner." "I'll get them," Whitney said as she crossed the room. Returning just moments later with a cute little pink and white number. "I guess I was the only little girl without pink in her wardrobe," Whitney murmured as she helped Gwen slip the tank over Catherine's curly head. "Pink is a little girl's staple," Gwen laughed as Catherine's button nose wrinkled, and they held their breath for several seconds. Waiting for a sneeze that didn't come. "My room was pink for years before I was able to convince Mother to have it changed. It wasn't easy, though." she trailed off. The pajama pants were harder to manage, but finally, Catherine was all set. "She's so cute," Whitney smiled. Brushing a stubborn curl from her forehead. "Yes, she is," Gwen agreed. Bright lights illuminated the dimly lit room briefly as Luis's car cut a path up the driveway. "Sheri?" Catherine sighed in her sleep. "Sheri's coming."
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Sheridan reached for the door, but Luis stopped her. "Luis," she laughed. "They know we're outside," she told him. Blue eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "I know they know," he grinned. "But I'm not ready to share you yet. You don't know how much I wish we could finish what we started back there on that beach," he said in a low voice. The look in his eyes making all her nerve endings come alive at once. "Luis," she groaned. "Stop that. You know we can't.not with Catherine.I thought we agreed to wait." "I already warned you.believe me. It's not easy keeping my hands to myself. Especially right now when you look.you look so damn beautiful. All I want to do is." "This?" Sheridan teased as she wrapped her arms around his neck and slowly closed the distance between their lips. The kiss started off slow. Sweet. Innocent even. But it soon became a raging inferno that neither could control. Not even when they heard Theresa's puzzled "Ethan.I know I heard them drive up. Come on. You saw the lights, too. Where are they.what could they be." "Luis.," Sheridan mumbled against Luis's lips. "Luis.Luis!" she shrieked as they tumbled backward. Nearly plowing over Theresa. "I guess that answers that question," Theresa giggled. And Luis rolled his eyes when he saw Ethan glaring down at him. "Can we have some privacy here?" he groaned as he threaded his fingers back in her hair. "Just one more." Sheridan laughed against his lips as Ethan grumbled in the background. "You're crazy, you know that?" About you, Luis thought with a happy smile. About you.
Catherine's little hand flapped wildly as Luis's car pulled out of the driveway. When the light from Luis's headlights totally disappeared, she finally dropped the curtain and turned back to them with a somber expression. "Catherine?" Gwen asked. "What's wrong?" Catherine crossed her arms around her chest and stared at the carpeted floor with a pout on her pink lips. "I wanted to go with them." Ethan smiled. Scooping her unyielding little body up in his arms. "You mean you don't want to stay with me and Gwen? I'm so hurt," he pretended to cry. Gwen rolled her eyes behind his back. Ethan couldn't even cry for real. His fake tears were embarrassing. "I'm still mad at you," Catherine huffed. Squirming to free herself from his hold. "I don't want you," she muttered. "I want Gwen." "Here, Sweetie," Gwen murmured. Opening her arms. Ethan sighed in disappointment when Catherine wrapped her arms tightly around Gwen's neck and wouldn't let go. He was SO under-appreciated. "How 'bout we watch one of your movies? You'd like that, wouldn't you?" he heard Gwen ask as she disappeared into the living room. Carrying Catherine. "Ethan! Make us some popcorn, will you?" He started for the kitchen when the doorbell chimed. "I'll get it," he yelled.
"SURPRISE!" Theresa squealed happily when he flung open the door. "Me and Whit are here to help baby-sit Catherine. Aren't we, Whit? Whit," she pinched Whitney on the inside of her arm. "Yeah, Ethan," Whitney plastered a fake smile on her face. "We thought we'd help you and Gwen out." Yeah, right, she thought silently. Theresa could care less about anyone else but Ethan. She was just using Catherine as an excuse to spend some time with him. Ethan smiled readily. She was always so.enthusiastic. "What's in the bag?" he nodded at the gigantic shopping bag between the two girls. "All kinds of goodies Catherine is going to love," Theresa gushed. Pushing her way through the front door and leaving Whitney to struggle with the bag. Great, she groaned. Two minutes and Theresa was already making moon eyes at him. She loved the girl, but she had NO shame. "Catherine," she announced cheerily. "Your aunt Theresa is here!"
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Sheridan smiled as she took Luis's hand, and he helped her out of the car. She looked around at the twinkling lights that hung from the tree's branches, the tables lit by soft candlelight, the terrace overlooking the ocean with its breaking waves below. "It's beautiful, Luis." Luis's face broke into a relieved smile. "You like it?" "I LOVE it," she told him sincerely. Giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "Come with me," he whispered. And she followed as he led her to a secluded spot around the corner. Holding her chair out for her. "Thank you," she murmured. Seating herself and gazing out across the sea. Luis watched her with a tender smile on his handsome face. Admiring the way her blue eyes sparkled with childlike excitement. Her cheeks flushed with color. He resisted the temptation to reach out and tuck an errant golden curl, fluttering in the breeze, behind her ear. He knew if he touched her, he would most certainly take her in his arms and kiss her like his life depended on it.
A waiter appeared before them. Filling their glasses with wine. Setting a tray of appetizers on the table. "Luis," Sheridan looked at him incredulously. "You remembered." Luis took her hand across the table. Caressing the back of her knuckles with his thumb. "I remember EVERYTHING about that first date. But I thought you might appreciate this place," he glanced at their surroundings, "much more." "It's so.romantic," she admitted with a shy smile. Luis rose from his chair and held out his hand to her, and for the first time, Sheridan heard the faint notes of a nameless song playing in the background. "May I have this dance?" "You may," she laughed softly as he pulled her to her feet. They swayed gently in each other's arms. Cheek to cheek at first. Gradually, Sheridan fully relaxed in Luis's arms. Resting her head against his chest. The sound of the waves, the music, fading in the background as she listened to the lulling, steady beat of his heart. The song ended, and she raised her head. Gazing deeply into Luis's dark eyes. So full of emotion. And their lips inched closer. He could almost taste her sweet kiss, when. "Sir.your dinner is served." Luis helped her back in her chair and took his seat across from her. Waiting until the waiter was gone before he spoke. "Wonderful timing," he muttered under his breath. "God, I wanted to kiss you." She blushed and ducked her head. "Maybe it's a good thing," she laughed. "Why's that?" he asked with an amused smile. "I don't know if I'd have had the willpower to tell you to stop." Luis groaned. And took a generous drink from his glass of wine.
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Whitney clutched her stomach in near pain. Not bothering to wipe the tears from her cheeks. Never in her life.not even from Theresa.had she witnessed such silliness. Catherine continued to prance around the living room. Sheridan's silver hair brush in her hands as she serenaded them with "Tomorrow." Curly red wig resting atop her own black curls, and red freckles dotting her olive cheeks. She'd already impressed them with "Goodbye Earl." How she knew the words to that song.Whitney shook her head. Catherine was an entertainer at heart, and a mighty good one at that. She had Theresa's sappy rendition of "Valentine" beat by leaps and bounds. And poor Ethan.he had NO qualms making a complete and utter fool of himself during his take on "Hound Dog." If the way he was currently drowning in Theresa's overly adoring and totally obvious gaze was any indication, he WAS a hound dog. She couldn't squash the feelings of guilt that plagued her no matter how hard she tried. She knew Gwen wasn't blind. It was there for all the world to see. And Ethan was just plain stupid. Carrying on so in front of his GIRLFRIEND. Gwen had tears in her eyes, alright. But not from laughter. She'd had enough. "Theresa," she snapped. Yanking Theresa off the couch. "We have to talk."
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Sheridan leaned back against Luis's chest with a contented sigh. "Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald," she teased when he rested his chin on her shoulder. "I seem to remember an incident involving Gwen and my nephew." He laughed. Placing a fleeting kiss on the silky skin of her neck. And the sound thrilled her. Made her heart so light it soared. "You're worth bending the rules for," he said seriously, and she turned around in his arms with a start. "Luis," she whispered. Tears filling her beautiful blue eyes. Wide with wonder at his words. "Shh," he shushed her with a finger to her lips. A devastating smile taking over his whole face as he leaned in close. He was going to kiss her, she thought. Biting her lip in anticipation. "You're worth everything to me," he told her. Cupping her jaw in his palm and brushing his lips against hers sweetly. She twined her arms around his neck. Taking him by surprise as she kissed him back fiercely. So passionately it took his breath away. And he leaned his forehead against hers. Taking ragged breaths to replenish the oxygen that had evacuated his lungs. Sheridan shivered as she felt his hand caress the back of her knee. Moaning with pleasure as his mouth captured hers again. Kissing her more deeply than before as he lowered her to the blanket below. Crushing her body with his. One hand skimming the sensitive skin of her thigh while the other roamed her side. Making her suck in a deep breath when it brushed against her breast. Searing her through the scant material of the red dress. "Luis," she panted as he planted open-mouthed kisses on her neck. "Luis.maybe we should stop now while we still can." "I know," he answered her. His hot breath against her ear sending another delicious shiver down her spine. "I don't know if I want to," he muttered. Drawing her bottom lip between his and sucking on it. Shattering every last bit of her already waning resistance. What the hell, she thought as a moan of pleasure escaped her lips. What was that Gwen had said? Throw caution to the wind? Well.this was her. Sheridan Crane. Throwing caution to the wind and enjoying herself immensely.
Part Twelve
THIS was her. Sheridan Crane. Utterly and completely mortified. She felt like a reckless teen-aged girl. Caught making out in the back of a car with her boyfriend. By her father. Okay.so Sam Bennett was as far from her father as a man could get. And they hadn't been caught in the back of a car. It was the beach. A public beach. But still. She'd relived the moment Sam'd shone the flashlight's harsh beam into her eyes over and over again in the eternity it'd taken Luis to talk him down. If there were a God (she was certain there was, he just liked poking fun at her sometimes), Luis would be able to convince him to let them off with only an unofficial warning. This is great, Sheridan, she scolded herself. She'd probably have to wear a turtle-neck tomorrow to hide her hickies. Her blue eyes remained shut even as she heard Sam's police cruiser crank up and drive away in the distance.
"Sorry about that," Luis apologized sheepishly. "I feel like my." ".I know," she released a pent-up breath. "I'm so." ".embarrassed?" he finished for her with a smile on his lips. "Don't worry," he told her. Offering his hand. And pulling her to her feet. "Sam won't say anything. Then he'd have to explain." Her blue eyes twinkled as she smiled at him. "Close call," she giggled. "Very close," he laughed. Wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close again. For another sweet, hot, FRUSTRATING kiss. "I guess He's trying to tell us something," Sheridan sighed against his lips. "Who?" Luis quirked a brow at her. "God? You're telling me God doesn't want us to have sex?" "I'm saying maybe we should wait to make love until the time is right." "If that's the case," Luis sighed. Kissing her forehead gently. "I guess I'll just have to wait. But keep in mind.I may be a pretty good guy," he teased. "But I'm NO saint. Then again, I happen to be madly in love with you. So." She took him off-guard with another kiss. What it lacked in finesse, it made up for in feeling. "That's okay," she smiled. Threading her fingers through his and pulling him forward. "I love you, too. I'm not Mother Teresa myself."
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"Whit!" Theresa groaned. "Would you stop it already? You're like a broken record. I'm not blind. Gwen's Ethan's girlfriend. So what? So what?" she repeated. Completely unfazed by the tongue-lashing Whitney had just delivered to her not five short minutes ago. "But I'm the woman he's meant to be with. Don't you see? It's fate, Whitney. It's fate. Nobody's stealing anybody here. I'm just giving fate a helping hand. Making sure Ethan notices me. And how wonderful I am," she said with so much conviction Whitney had to wonder.just what was wrong with her? "Theresa! Whitney! Did you two get lost?" Ethan called from the living room. Theresa smiled dreamily. "See, Whit? Ethan misses me. HE misses ME. And he's got Gwen sitting right beside him." Whitney rolled her eyes as Theresa floated back into the living room. "God give me patience," she said to the heavens. "Catherine, Sweetie," Gwen said softly. "It's way past your bedtime." "But I want to wait for Sheri," Catherine yawned. "She has to sing to me. And Luis tells me a story."
"I'll make you a deal," Gwen bargained. "What about we go upstairs.**I** read you a story-whichever one you want.and when Luis and Sheri get here they can do it all over again. Sound fair?" Catherine's green eyes drooped wearily. "Oui," she yawned again as Gwen scooped her up in her arms and started toward the stairs. Theresa giggled and Ethan chuckled in amusement when Catherine's curly dark head lolled on Gwen's shoulder a second later. "Wow! That was quick," Theresa continued to giggle. "One minute she was.then she was." she gasped in between giggles. Whitney glared at Theresa. Fawning all over Ethan. AGAIN. She was torn between playing chaperone and hurrying after Gwen to offer her help. Courtesy won out when she saw how difficult it was for Gwen to navigate the stairs with the limp body of a four-year-old in her arms. "Thank you, Whitney," Gwen smiled warmly. "She's heavier than she looks. Besides.I'm NO Luis," she joked lightheartedly as Whitney pushed the door to Catherine's bedroom open.
"Would you mind." she nodded at the bed, and Whitney immediately pulled the comforter and sheets back. Gwen lay Catherine down gently, but as she moved away, Catherine tightened her arms around her neck. Mumbling, "Don't leave me." "I'm not leaving. I'll stay with you until Sheri gets back. I promise. Whitney," she whispered. "Her pajamas are in the top drawer in the corner." "I'll get them," Whitney said as she crossed the room. Returning just moments later with a cute little pink and white number. "I guess I was the only little girl without pink in her wardrobe," Whitney murmured as she helped Gwen slip the tank over Catherine's curly head. "Pink is a little girl's staple," Gwen laughed as Catherine's button nose wrinkled, and they held their breath for several seconds. Waiting for a sneeze that didn't come. "My room was pink for years before I was able to convince Mother to have it changed. It wasn't easy, though." she trailed off. The pajama pants were harder to manage, but finally, Catherine was all set. "She's so cute," Whitney smiled. Brushing a stubborn curl from her forehead. "Yes, she is," Gwen agreed. Bright lights illuminated the dimly lit room briefly as Luis's car cut a path up the driveway. "Sheri?" Catherine sighed in her sleep. "Sheri's coming."
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Sheridan reached for the door, but Luis stopped her. "Luis," she laughed. "They know we're outside," she told him. Blue eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "I know they know," he grinned. "But I'm not ready to share you yet. You don't know how much I wish we could finish what we started back there on that beach," he said in a low voice. The look in his eyes making all her nerve endings come alive at once. "Luis," she groaned. "Stop that. You know we can't.not with Catherine.I thought we agreed to wait." "I already warned you.believe me. It's not easy keeping my hands to myself. Especially right now when you look.you look so damn beautiful. All I want to do is." "This?" Sheridan teased as she wrapped her arms around his neck and slowly closed the distance between their lips. The kiss started off slow. Sweet. Innocent even. But it soon became a raging inferno that neither could control. Not even when they heard Theresa's puzzled "Ethan.I know I heard them drive up. Come on. You saw the lights, too. Where are they.what could they be." "Luis.," Sheridan mumbled against Luis's lips. "Luis.Luis!" she shrieked as they tumbled backward. Nearly plowing over Theresa. "I guess that answers that question," Theresa giggled. And Luis rolled his eyes when he saw Ethan glaring down at him. "Can we have some privacy here?" he groaned as he threaded his fingers back in her hair. "Just one more." Sheridan laughed against his lips as Ethan grumbled in the background. "You're crazy, you know that?" About you, Luis thought with a happy smile. About you.