Sorry, so sorry it's taken so long to get this up! I hope you all enjoy it! I want to say a profuse thank you again to all of you who have taken the time to read this and let me know that you like it!

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A cool breeze wisped at Maddie's hair and she sighed reluctantly, knowing they couldn't stay cocooned in each other's arms forever. They would have to leave the soft blanket of the stars and return to the small mass of dancers.

"It's time to go back inside," Esteban murmured into her hair, as though he read her thoughts.

"Do we have to?" She was so enjoying the sensation of finally being in his arms, that she was convinced any idea involving them to move was a very bad idea, indeed.

"Well...we could always fly off into the night and run away together to the Bahamas –" He grinned at her devilishly.

Nervous laughter bubbled out of her as she looked away, trying to still her anxious heart. She felt as though a vacuum was sucking her oxygen dry as the tantalizing thought of taking flight in his arms cloaked her.

"It does not have to be the Bahamas; we could run away to my country..." he told her playfully, though his eyes held a hint of something she couldn't quite decipher. "There are so many things that I wish to show you back home. There's this particular spot that's shaded over by many trees. You can sit and be alone. It's cozy and dark, and very beautiful... One day, I will take you there."

The intensity in his gaze made her knees buckle, and she was very thankful that he was still holding on to her. "I'd like that..." she replied, in barely more than a whisper.

His eyes suddenly widened with an idea. "Oh! And I could teach you to Llama Board with the best of them!"

She peered at him curiously. "Llama boarding?"

He nodded his head vigorously. "Oh, si. It is a tough sport, but I could teach you!"

She chuckled softly. "So, is that your favourite past time back home?"

A sly smile crept across his features as he arched one brow. "Oh, no – there are other things that I enjoy much more..."

An insane blush poured over her as she ducked her head from his ardent gaze. A stuttering "Oh..." was all that she could manage.

He reveled in the effect that he had on her. One of his large hands reached up to brush her silken tresses out of her face. He grinned down on her. "For instance, I like kissing you more than boarding with any old llama. I could go on kissing you forever..." He leaned in and brushed a light kiss across her lips.

She tried to overcome the dizzy intoxication that was filling her. He pulled back and released her of his hold, opting to grab her hand in his instead.

"Shall we rejoin our amigos?"

She gave her acquiesce, following him back through the Tipton front doors. They were about to enter the lounge-turned-elegant dance hall when Esteban's slow gait was halted by a tugging on his arm. He looked back at Maddie questioningly.

"I really, really like you, Esteban," she mumbled gravely.

The corners of his mouth quirked upward. "And you know that I am crazy for you, my little Madeline."

A breeze of relief brushed through her at his earnest words. "So, you're not going to change your mind?"

"Change my mind about you?"

She nodded mutely and then he let out a short laugh, much to her chagrin. "This isn't funny, Esteban."

"I am sorry, el pequeño. I do not think you understand." His brows were slightly furrowed as he continued to look at her, but his lips were set in puzzled half smile.

"Then tell me. Just tell me, so we can stop playing these games! If you want to be with Rebecca or some other floozy," her voice was beginning to raise, but she didn't notice. She slipped her hand out of his grasp and coloured her words with flailing arms. "You know, it's not very nice to mess with a girl's heart just because you can! I thought we were at least friends, Esteban, but a friend wouldn't do this to ano –" Suddenly his lips were on hers, dying out her wild rant. The kiss ended as promptly as it had started and she found herself more confused than ever.

He shrugged sheepishly. "It worked earlier when you wanted me to be quiet."

"Why don't you just be honest with me?"

"You want me to be honest?"

"Yeah, that's what I said," Impatience was creeping into her voice at his stalling.

"I will be honest, then," His voice was raised an octave and he gulped so loud he was afraid his ear drums would burst.

She stared at him expectantly.

"I do not know why we are even arguing!" He burst out.

"Because! Because...because – you know! And if you don't, then you should!"

"Well, I don't!"

"Well, then I don't know!"

"This is ridiculous!" He yelled louder than he intended.

"Yes, it is!" She agreed, still not lowering her voice.

"Well, then I should just tell you what I was going to say before you started your rambling!"

She scoffed indignantly. "Ah!" She narrowed her eyes. "So, you do have a confession to make, bellboy!" she finished off shrilly.

"Yes, yes I do!" He stood tall, looking down at her seriously.

"Well, then – make it!" She braced herself for whatever he was about to say – whether it be that he really does have feelings for that horrible Rebecca girl, or that he just wasn't quite sure what his feelings were for her; she would be ready. She would be strong; and more than anything, she would not cry, again!

"I'll tell you –" His voice hitched, he was so nervous.

She squeezed her eyes shut tightly. "Just tell me."

"I..." He swallowed forcefully, again, and opened his mouth to rush the words out before he could have a second thought. "I LOVE YOU, MADDIE!"

She snapped her lids open, looking at him through large dumbfounded saucers. "What?" she breathed.

"He said he 'loved you'!" London's voice floated over.

Esteban and Maddie both swung their heads to the side, only to find themselves being watched by a rapturous crowd. London, Zack, Cody, Carey, Arwin, Trevor, and Rebecca were all standing at the lounge entrance, gawking at them.

"How long have you guys been watching us?" Maddie asked, finally finding her voice.

"Since you started yelling like maniacs," London tutted.

"So, you heard everything?"

The seven easedroppers stood there awkwardly.

"Not everything," Trevor spoke up, taking a step closer. "You still haven't answered him."

"Trevor," she started.

"It's ok, Maddie. I know you didn't hurt me out of vindictiveness. I wish you would have told me what was going on, but it's done and over with. I'll get over it."

"Thank you, Trevor." Maddie hugged him briefly.

"You're a lucky man, Esteban. Treat her right." Trevor said to him, albeit with a little more malice than intended.

"I am a lucky man; very lucky." Esteban answered, his gaze glued to Maddie.

"Well, this is – uncomfortable. Let's go back inside, what do you say, my King?" Carey looked at Arwin fondly, causing him to hyperventilate slightly.

He caught his breath before looking at his lovely fellow contest winner. "Anything for you, my sweet," he replied smoothly, surprising even himself.

"We'll talk later," Carey whispered to Maddie conspiratorially as she swept past.

"Well, I just – I hope that you're happy, Esteban! Because you certainly won't be hearing from me again!" Rebecca huffed as she swirled out of sight.

Cody laughed. "Like that's any loss!" He looked over at his brother, who hadn't said a word. "Well, I guess we'll see you two inside."

"Yeah, I've got a dance to get back to! I mean, everyone's in there just waiting for me! It's not like they can fun without me! Duh!" London turned on her extremely high heel before pausing and looking back at the couple over her shoulder. "Oh, and it's about time, you two!" She giggled before disappearing after Cody.

That left only Zack, Maddie, and Esteban standing there. Zack stared at Esteban as though he were trying to see right through him.

"You love her?"

"Si – yes. I love her very much," he answered soberly.

Maddie gaped up at Esteban, her mouth open in an 'O'.

Zack stood silently, watching the two gaze at each other. His heart lurched painfully. He wanted to throw a tantrum, he wanted to scream and shout that it's not fair! He wanted to ask her if she returned Esteban's love, or if she thought that she could ever grow to love him, Zack, when he was older. He wanted to do all of this. Then he thought about what the manly thing to do would be. So, he decided to do it. It was time to bow out, leave them to discuss things with each other. For once, he would do the mature thing. After all, if he really cared for her he would want her to be happy above all else. Even if that 'all else' meant to be happy with someone else – to be happy with Esteban.

"Well, I'll just...go, then..." he muttered, but they were too caught up in each other to notice that he was still even standing there. He walked away, dejected in the heart, but lighter in the soul for having made the right decision.

Esteban continued to bare himself silently, staring into her eyes, waiting for her to say something in response to his declaration. "We are alone now," he whispered to her tenderly. They were standing mere inches from each other, but they weren't touching. They both had stiff stances, wondering what would happen next.

"You really love me?" Her lashes batted profusely for a moment, still trying to register everything that had unfolded during this eventful and emotional evening.

"I love you. Amor te!" He grabbed her shoulders to emphasize his words. "Ah, my beautiful little Maddie. You must know that I love you...you must feel it."

An impossibly mammoth grin broke it's way on her face. "You love me!"

Esteban rolled his head back looking up, muttering "Finally, she gets it!" with a laugh. He looked back at her. "So, what do you say? Are you my girl, now?" He asked hopefully.

"Esteban – I've been your girl for a long time!" She launched herself in his arms.

He held her close a moment. "Would you honour me with a dance, Miss Fitzpatrick?"

"Mm, I think I can arrange that, Mr. Ramirez," she grinned up at him coyly.

He led them both back though the linen clad lounge entrance and took her to the middle of the dance floor. She was suddenly thankful that she had broken the other heel off of her shoe when she was outside earlier, so now her foot wear that were formally heels were both flat and even with each other. It would have been very difficult to dance with one heel in tact and the other one broken! It would be like being born on the side of a hill, she joked to herself. He turned to her and reached out his arm. She rested her hand in his outstretched one, with her other hand going to his shoulder. His free hand snaked round her waist bringing her closer and ready for the slow waltz that was wafting from the band. They began the steps clumsily, grinning goofily at each other. The music suddenly shifted to an exotic spanish guitar riff and they both looked over to the band. Arwin was sitting with the string players, his fingers deftly striking the old guitar. Carey was seated next to him, watching him admiringly.

"I didn't know Arwin played..."

"Neither did I..." Esteban agreed, his eyes lighting up. "Do you know what they are playing?"

"No, I don't recognize it." She gazed up at him and she was intrigued by his abrupt change in mood. His look was fiery and incredibly sexy as he smirked at her.

"This is 'Granada'. Oh, this is almost like the national anthem of my country. Come on, my bola del fuego – we will show them how to dance to this!"

He began to lead her through some passionate latin dance steps, his hand sliding around to rest on the small of her back as they moved. She was pulled in flush against him as they danced together, and she had to concentrate hard to keep up with him. Their legs were moving in unison soon and she almost crumbled under his heated look. He was really into this music and she loved that she was seeing this side of him that she isn't usually privy to.

The rest of the dancers had scattered and moved to make a skirt around them. They danced in the large circle made for them, their feet moving rapidly together. Esteban led her around and about, she couldn't believe that this often times bumbling bell hop would be so adept at one of the most romantic forms of dance. His gaze kept flickering between pure passion to a sweet tenderness toward her and she felt faint, not for the first time that evening. As the song came to a close he twirled her one last time and she arrived back in his arms beaming.

The crowd erupted in applause and Esteban's previous self confidence faltered a bit at all of the attention.

"Oh, thank you very much. I have a good partner," he said graciously, motioning to Maddie. There were a few more hoots and hollers of appreciation before the music resumed with more of the classical fare and after a moment's pause Esteban gathered Maddie in his arms again for a slower paced dance.

"That was – amazing," Maddie remarked, still astounded at his hidden talent.

"Oh, that was nothing," he said modestly, but his gratified blush was not lost on her.

She looked over her shoulder and spotted Trevor dancing with London, they both seemed to be enjoying themselves. She saw that Zack and Cody were each dancing with girls that she didn't recognize, but figured them to be guests of the hotel. Rebecca was dancing with Lance, but she looked bored out of her mind – he was probably regaling her with some daring tale involving water. Maddie snickered at this thought. She saw Esteban regarding her closely.

"You look happy."

"I am." She exhaled contentedly, happy to be in his arms.

"I don't think that this night could get any better..." he cooed, lost in the nearness of her.

"Esteban,"

"Hmm?"

"I love you, too." She glowed so bright, he couldn't believe it was for him.

"Oh, I was wrong! This night did just get better!" He smiled broadly and nuzzled her cheek with his own. "Ah! This really is a sweet life!"

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Ah! It is finished! What did you guys think? I really had fun with the Granada bit, that was fun to imagine and write. Heehee. And I couldn't resist theoh socheesy last punny line! Had to do it!Leave a review if you like, I would love to hear what you thought! Eh, please?