This is a sequel of stories. The first one starts off with Ethan and Theresa, and the second one is with Sheridan and Luis. WARNING!! THIS STORY CONTAINS LOTS OF SEXUAL CONTENT. IT'S RATED NC-17. IF YOU DON'T READ THAT, THEN GO BACK.
Author's Note - Disclaimer: I don't own these people. They're not mine. I just enjoy having some fun with them.
Notes: This is definetely a mature themed story. (read...sex) So if you're underage or don't like this kind of stuff, you probably want to skip this one. Otherwise, enjoy! And let me know what you think! Feedback is craved at
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Ethan tossed and turned restlessly as he tried to burrow deeper into sleep...unwilling to let go of the dream that was slowly weaving itself around his subconscious mind...
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(Ethan's Dream)
He was walking along the beach, content to enjoy the soft breeze and the moonlight casting soft shadows over the water. When he was walking like this, he could forget everything. His responsibilities as the Crane heir, his committment to Gwen, his upcoming wedding, and the cold feet he was suddenly beginning to get.
Cold feet brought on for the most part by one Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. He'd grown used to denying his feelings for her, it had almost become routine to say the words to his father and Chad. Just as it had become routine to tell Gwen he loved her.
He frowned as he allowed himself to think about the fact that a friend of his had raised several years ago when they were in law school. His friend had been going through the same situation he was in now, and had offered one piece of advice he'd picked up. You could love somebody, but you weren't necessarily "in" love with that person.
He'd recently begun to wonder if that was the case with him and Gwen. They'd been talking marriage since high school, it had been something of a foregone conclusion since they were kids. Sure he loved her, but not the way he allowed himself to love Theresa, if only in his dreams.
Theresa.
He sighed as he felt his body tighten at the thought of her. He could picture her soulful eyes, speaking to him of love and acceptance, and a desire that was just waiting for him to unleash it. His body hardened as he imagined exactly how it would feel to unleash the desire Theresa kept hidden from the world. He had a feeling it would be explosive.
And he couldn't deny he wanted to be the one to release it. Despite the fact he was marrying another woman in a little more than two days.
He cursed himself as he tried to focus on Gwen and the upcoming wedding, and on the fact that his duty was to marry Gwen, making both their families extremely happy. Cold comfort on this warm, steamy night.
He wondered what Theresa was up to, wondered if she was asleep in bed, dreaming dreams no one her age had a right to. Erotic, sexy dreams, in which he was the star player. Lord knows she starred in his dreams every night.
He sighed as he prayed for strength to resist his growing desire, even if, only in his dreams, could he admit to it, and admit to the love he felt for Theresa.
He was so immersed in his thoughts, he barely noticed the slim figure rising from the waves until he was almost upon her.
Ethan stopped in his tracks as he watched Theresa emerge from the water, shaking the droplets from her eyes as she stumbled towards the towel laid out on the sand.
He swallowed hard as he realized she was naked. She'd obviously been skinny dipping, a fact that was revealed to him in complete detail as she stretched out on the towel, raising her face to bask in the glow of the moon.
He told himself to turn around right there, knowing she'd be horrified if she caught him staring at her like this. But something inside him urged him to stay, to look his fill at his forbidden fantasy.
He remained motionless, surprised she hadn't already sensed his presence. He was standing less than three feet away from her. But she seemed oblivious to everything but the night sky as he watched her relax against the sand.
His hungry eyes traced a path from her forehead, across her full lips, down her collarbone and over her pert breasts, the tips rising into hard little peaks in the breezy night air. His gaze slipped lower, over her stomach and down to the soft patch of dark hair between her thighs. He swallowed hard as he watched a drop of water slide slowly down her stomach, coming to rest just above that patch of hair at her thighs. He couldn't stop himself from imagining what she would taste like if he leaned down and licked the droplet of water from her skin.
He could feel the reaction his body had to that suggestion as he grew unbearably tight in his jeans. He cursed his wayward thoughts, knowing he should turn around and run, he'd seen enough to give him fantasy's for years already.
His eyes remained closed as he forced himself to turn and leave. He'd managed to take one step away from her when he heard her soft moan. Damning himself, he turned back and caught his breath as he watched her hand slide across her breasts, stroking each nipple gently before sliding down her stomach and tangling in the hair between her thighs.
Could fate put any more temptation in his way tonight?
Ethan cursed as his fascinated eyes watched her pleasure herself, feeling his body nearing the bursting point as he swelled and throbbed with each motion her hand made. How he wanted to slip over to her and replace her hands with his, bringing her to a screaming ecstasy before burying himself deep inside her.
He couldn't stop himself from closing the distance between them, thanking God her eyes were still closed as her body began to arch against her fingers.
"Ethan...please...more..."
He bit back a groan as her words burst over his body, destroying any last bit of control he might have had. She was dreaming about him. There was no way he was going to leave now.
Damning them both for what he was about to do, he sank into the sand next to her and reached over to cup a breast gently in the palm of his hand. He moaned softly as he felt her arch against him, her soft skin feeling wonderful against his rough palm. Her eyes remained closed as she arched against him, continuing to moan softly. Ethan couldn't resist. He leaned down and gently took a breast into his mouth, sucking gently at the tip, feeling a fierce sense of satisfaction as she cried out his name and drew his head closer to her, trying to get him closer. He let his free hand slide down her stomach, gently replacing her fingers with his as he stroked her, moaning as her wetness seeped onto his skin and her thighs tightened around his fingers.
He thrust one gently inside her, feeling a fierce sense of possession as she arched against him, crying out his name and her love. He'd never felt this way with anyone before, especially not with Gwen.
And it still wasn't enough. He needed to feel all of her against him. With a small moan, he moved over her, feeling her body arch up into his as her hands clasped his waist, bringing him down on top of her. They both gasped at the sensation and Ethan found himself struggling for control as her small hands moved to the zipper of his jeans and pulled it down, releasing him into her hands. He moaned against her neck as he thrust against her, hearing her whimper and moan against him.
"Ethan...now...please...take me," she cried out, pulling him against her and positioning him at her entrance.
Ethan gasped, holding onto his sanity by a thin thread as he became aware of what he was about to do. He managed to pry his eyes open, seeing Theresa's were still closed, her body arching in agony aginst his.
He was about to make Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald his own. He knew he'd be her first and the thought sent a primitive surge of possessiveness through him. No one else would touch her after this. No one except him.
But he needed her to know that. To make sure she was aware this wasn't a dream.
"Theresa...it's me...look at me," he coaxed softly, pressing gently against her as her eyes fluttered open. He moaned softly as he saw the love and desire in her beautiful eyes.
"Ethan?" she asked, no fear or hesitation in her voice. Ethan smiled at her and brushed a strand of hair from her face.
"It's me Theresa...are you sure?" he asked, praying she'd say yes, wondering where he'd find the strength to leave if she said no.
He felt his heart stop as she looked up at him with love and desire in her eyes.
"I'm sure Ethan. I'm yours. I always have been. Take me..." she whispered, arching against him as she pulled him down to her.
Ethan moaned as he thrust home, stilling at her sharp cry and resting against her, letting her absorb him as the pain faded.
"Ethan..." she moaned quietly, suddenly arching against him. Ethan smiled as he began to move, amazed at how tight and hot she was. She felt incredible as she tightened around him. It was a sensation he'd never felt before. It was almost scary. He could feel the wave of release building, could sense she was nearing the edge as her frantic pleas and whispered words incited him even more.
"Ethan!" He heard her cry as he felt her body convulse around him, the sound the sweetest thing he'd ever heard in his life.
"Theresa!" he groaned as he took them both over the edge, clinging onto her as if she was his anchor in the storm.
He'd never before felt the passion or the power that was sweeping over him now. He'd never felt the perfect contentment he was feeling as he drifted back down to earth, safe and secure in Theresa's arms.
As his breathing finally returned to normal, he managed to drag open his eyes, to find Theresa smiling back at him, her heart in her eyes.
"I love you," he whispered softly, leaning up to kiss her.
He knew everything was right with his world as he leaned down to capture her lips and heard her whispered reply...
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"I love you too."
The voice that spoke the words was definately NOT Theresa's. It brought Ethan straight up in bed, a cold sweat covering his body.
"Gwen?" he managed, knowing his voice sounded strange.
"Of course it's me silly. Who'd you think it would be?" his fiancee replied as she climbed under the covers and snuggled up next to him. "If I'd have known you dream about me this way when I'm gone, maybe I'll have to come home sooner," she whispered as she planted a soft kiss against his throat before settling down aginst him and letting sleep take over her tired body.
Ethan tried to relax as he felt her fall asleep, thanking God he hadn't tacked "Theresa" onto the end of his declaration. He didn't want to think what might have happened then. But even as he tried to relax against Gwen's familiar warmth, he found himself still aching for Theresa. It had been so real, so incredible, he almost hated for it to be a dream.
He sighed, his mind a tangled mess of emotions as he tried to figure out his life.
He knew sleep wouldn't be coming any time soon.
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The End
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Sheridan tossed and turned in her sleep as she tried to keep the demons at bay. But it seemed every where she turned, another ghost from her past came back to haunt her. In her dreams, she was always running. Running away from the past, running away from the present. It would be so nice for a change to actually be running to someone...
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(Sheridan's Dream)
She was running. But she wasn't scared. She was excited. She didn't know why, she just knew she had to keep moving forward, she couldn't stop. Something wonderful was just ahead. She could feel it building up inside her, seeming to burst from every pour as a dim figure slowly began to take shape in front of her. She didn't slow as she drew closer to the figure in the mist, she couldn't. Something was compelling her to keep going, pushing her to not stop until she was there. She felt her breath coming in small pants and her heart beginning to pound like a drum as the figure slowly grew clearer and clearer.
She didn't stop until her body crashed into the figure, feeling strong arms wrap around her, holding her close, pulling her tightly against a warm, strong body.
She closed her eyes as her heart continued to pound its way out of her chest. She felt her breath catch as she inhaled his familiar scent. She'd know it anywhere. She'd know him anywhere. She sighed as she lifted her eyes to meet Luis's intense gaze.
Without thinking, she did what seemed the most natural thing in the world to her. She leaned up and pulled his head down to her, covering his lips with her own.
She gasped as she felt his arms tighten around her, drawing her firmly against his body as his lips devoured hers. She moaned against him as she allowed his tongue to slip inside her mouth, tasting and learning her secret flavors. She returned the favor, glorying in the simple male essence that was Luis.
When she finally pulled away for a much needed breath, she felt her entire body go into sensory overload as she saw the desire burning in his gaze.
"Sheridan."
She closed her eyes and moaned as she heard her name emerge on a low groan from deep in his throat. She leaned closer as she felt his hands slip to her collarbone, slowly stroking the soft skin, his eyes burning a trail from her lips to her neck and then lower. She wondered if this was what it felt like to swoon as she sank against him, closing her eyes and leaning her head back to fully enjoy the sensation of his rough hands on her sensitive skin.
"Luis...please," she moaned quietly, pulling him closer, desperate to feel his lips on hers again.
With a groan she felt him comply, leaning down to capture her lips in another soul stirring kiss as his hands moved lower. She couldn't hold back a moan as she felt him brush his palms across her breasts, feeling the tips harden at his touch. She pressed herself into his hands, begging with her body for him to continue. She heard him moan as his mouth slipped down to her neck, planting warm kisses along her shoulder blades and neck while his hands continued to knead and stroke her through the thin material of the silk teddy she was wearing.
(It was her dream, she could wear what she wanted while running through the darkness of the night!)
She gasped as she felt his hands suddenly slide up her arms, grasping the straps of her teddy and slipping them down, his warm palms against her heated skin making her shiver with need. She stood proudly before him as the teddy landed in a puddle on the floor. She had to grab onto his shoulders to stop from fainting as she saw the naked desire burning in his eyes as he slowly looked her up and down. She smiled at him as he swallowed hard, watching how her body reacted to his simple glance.
When she couldn't take not touching anymore, she reached for his hands and placed them on her bare skin, shuddering as she felt his palms close around her sensitive flesh, stroking and kneading it until she cried out at the overwhelming sensation.
She moaned as she ran her hands across his chest, loving the warm feeling of his skin against her palms. She was extremely glad he wasn't wearing a shirt.
(Again, it was her dream, her perrogative. And in her dreams Luis definately did NOT wear a shirt. In fact, he usually wore nothing at all)
She smiled as she heard his low moan as she ran her fingers along his sides, slipping around to cup his backside and pull him close to her. She smiled again as she watched the desire growing in his eyes as she slipped a leg around his waist, pressing her weeping center against his thigh.
She liked seeing him like this. Dazed and stunned with desire for her. Sheridan Crane.
She cried out as she suddenly felt him yank her against him as his head bowed to take one breast deep into his mouth. She mewed against him as she held him closer, feeling his hands slip around her waist and pull her tightly to him.
She arched against his thigh, desperately wanting more, but unwilling to move from the extremely arousing position they were locked in. Her hands tangled in his hair almost fiercely as she pulled him closer, urging him on with her sighs and moans.
She could feel him straining against her through the material of his jeans. She wanted to feel more. With another moan, she slipped her hands to his waist, hearing his breath hiss in sharply as she gently pulled at his zipper, releasing him into her hands. She loved the animalistic groan he made as she began to stroke his hard flesh, feeling him arch against her hands, his head thrown back, teeth clenched in ecstasy.
She loved watching him like this. Watching him enjoy what she was doing to him. It made her feel powerful. It made her feel special. It made her feel loved.
She was so lost in watching him, she never felt his hands moving past her waist. She gasped and cried out as she felt his fingers suddenly tangle in the curly hair between her thighs. She couldn't stop herself from moaning as she arched against his fingers, feeling him stroking her softly, gently, just enough to arouse her to a fever pitch, but not hard enough to satisfy the unsatiable desire she could feel building throughout her body.
"Luis...touch me..." she moaned quietly, gasping as he slid two fingers inside her warmth. She cried out again and arched against him, begging him with her hips and her cries to move faster. She bit down hard on her lower lip as he complied, his strokes becoming harder and faster against her weeping flesh.
Without realizing it, she began to stroke him faster as well, feeling him harden even more in her grip.
But it wasn't enough. Her body needed him. She needed him.
"Luis...please...take me," she whispered against his lips as she brought his head down to hers and kissed him with all the passion she was feeling.
She moaned as she felt him remove his fingers and position himself against her, stopping for one moment to look deeply into her eyes.
"Sheridan...are you sure?" he asked quietly, and she knew he meant it. He'd stop if she asked him to. Could she love this man any more?
"Luis...I'm yours. I always will be," she whispered, seeing his eyes light with love and desire as he gripped her tightly around the waist and thrust home.
She cried out at the exquisite sensation of having his body buried deeply inside her. She couldn't believe how incredible he felt as he moved gently against her, whispering words of love and desire against her ear.
But slow and steady was for another time. Right now, she needed hard and fast.
"Luis...more..." she whimpered, hearing him groan as his hands drew her closer and he began to thrust faster against her.
She felt her entire world blending into a callidascope of colors and sounds as he pushed her closer to the edge. She knew he was right there with her, the tension in his body and the strength of his thrusts revealing more than he knew.
"Now...Luis...Now..." she cried out as she felt him thrust high and hard one last time. She screamed his name as she fell over the edge, hearing her own name echoed in his cry as his body shuddered against her.
She was flying through the clouds, wrapped in her lover's arms, falling fast and steep, then slower and slower, the waves of ecstasy becoming sweeter and sweeter as she slowly floated down to earth, wrapped tightly in Luis's arms.
Several moments later she finally became aware of her surroundings, and the man looking so lovingly down into her eyes.
"I love you Sheridan Crane, you're mine now," he whispered softly, leaning down to kiss her gently.
"Yours. I'm yours Luis. I always have been. I always will be. I love you," she whispered back, tears filling her eyes as she finally realized she knew what perfect happiness felt like.
She smiled up at him as her eyes cleared, suddenly feeling his arms loosen, falling away from her waist.
"Luis?" she asked fearfully, feeling a sudden coldness shuddering through her body as his form slowly faded back into the mist, dissolving among the vapor as if he were never there.
"Luis?" she cried frantically, moving forward, beginning to run into the fog, knowing he had to be there somewhere, he wouldn't just leave her. Not after what they'd shared.
The cold dampness suddenly surrounded her, as did the empty blackness she always seemed to be running from. She felt the first tear fall as she sank to the floor, wrapping her arms around her now freezing body, unable to do anything more than scream his name.
"Luis!"
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The cry brought Sheridan straight up in bed, heart pounding, body freezing, tears seeping down her face. She looked around her in confusion, seeing the familiar walls of her room in the mansion surrounding her.
No dark tunnel. Nothing to run from.
No Luis.
She let the tears come as she wrapped her arms around her achingly cold body, wondering what her dreams were trying to tell her, wondering if she'd ever truly find that perfect happiness with Luis.
God knew she wanted it! She just didn't know how to go about getting it, aside from her dreams. Their past history wasn't exactly conducive to a great relationship, but she wanted to change that. She just didn't know how. Or if Luis would even want that.
As the tears finally stopped, she realized there was no way she was going to sleep again tonight.
Drying her eyes with her palms, she slipped out of bed and padded over to the chair, wrapping a fluffy white robe tightly around her still shivering body.
God, it had felt so real! So real she could still smell his scent in the air around her. Could still feel his touch on her skin. Could still feel him deep inside her, bringing her to a screaming ecstasy like she'd never known.
She sighed, forcing herself to push those thoughts away, determined to get her mind on something else.
She sighed as she slipped quietly down the stairs, not sure where she was headed, but knowing any place was better than her cold, lonely bed with only the memories of Luis to warm her. She sighed as she noticed a light on in the study. Someone must have forgotten to turn it off when everyone went to sleep. But since it was on, maybe she'd find a good book and try to lose herself in different type of fantasy world. It had to be better than the messed up life she was currently leading. She sighed as she pushed open the door, gasping as she saw the tall figure standing by the window, looking longingly up at the stars.
"Ethan?" she asked quietly, seeing her nephew jump and turn to meet her gaze.
"Sheridan? What are you doing here? Or for that matter, what are you doing up at this hour?" Ethan asked his Aunt quietly, noticing the tearstains on her face. She'd obviously been dreaming again. He moved towards her, drawing her gently down onto the couch with him, seeing the relief in her eyes as she curled up into the cushions.
"I decided to stay here tonight. Too many people at the cottage. I sort of snuck up here after they all went to sleep," she said sheepishly, seeing Ethan frown.
"Isn't that going to cause problems if Luis wakes up and finds you're not there?" he asked quietly, seeing something spark in his Aunt's eyes at the name.
"I left a note, but I had to get away, I couldn't handle another night of sleeping in the same house with Luis," she replied softly, her eyes losing focus as she remembered her dream and how much she'd truly enjoyed being around Luis then.
Ethan sighed as he watched his aunt's eyes go dreamy at the mention of Theresa's brother. If he was any judge of character, his aunt had it bad for the cop.
Probably just as bad as he seemed to have it for Theresa.
Ethan cursed as thoughts of his earlier dream flooded his mind, the images of Theresa, crying out his name as he made her his, the soft moonlight casting her face in an incandescent glow.
Sheridan came back to reality as she heard Ethan's muttered oath, noticing his eyes had gone unfocused as if he was remembering a good dream as well.
She had a feeling he wasn't dreaming about Gwen.
Maybe there was someone else out there who could understand her growing obsession with a Lopez-Fitzgerald. It couldn't hurt to ask since Ethan seemed to be as upset as she was.
"You want to talk about your Lopez-Fitzgerald and then I'll tell you about mine?" she asked quietly, seeing his head jerk around to meet her gaze.
Ethan sighed as he realized his aunt saw more than he'd thought she could. Maybe it would do some good to talk about his mixed up emotions. Maybe it would do them both some good.
"Where do you want to start? My dream or yours?" he asked quietly.
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The End
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. I'm only playing with them!
Notes: The third part of my 'Night' Series stories. Theresa's dreaming now...and yes, it's again a MATURE CONTENT dream! If you don't like that stuff (sex) or are underage, go away now! Otherwise, enjoy! (Luis's dream is up next!) ************** Theresa sighed softly in her sleep as she rolled over, snuggling against the pillow pressed against her side. She'd long since kicked the covers onto the floor, the night was too hot to do anything else. She moved restlessly as she slid deeper into her dreams...
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(Theresa's Dream)
She didn't know why she was here, all she knew was that she had to see Ethan. She slipped quietly to the side of the bed, watching as the man she loved twisted and turned in his sleep. She had to resist the urge to touch him, to feel his warm skin underneath her hands. Warm skin that was bared to her eager gaze thanks to the fact he'd kicked most of the covers off of his body.
She caught her breath as she heard him moan in his sleep.
"Theresa..." he moaned softly, twisting and turning until he was on his back.
Theresa listened in shock, wondering if she'd heard him right. Had he just called out her name? Was he dreaming about her? She moved closer as she watched his hands clench, gathering fist fulls of his sheets as he continued to half mutter, half moan her name.
"Theresa...please...I need you now..."
She gasped quietly as his words registered and her gaze immediately flew to the bulge between his legs, obvious to even her untrained eye. She felt herself blushing as she realized he was indeed dreaming about her. Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. And it sounded like a rather erotic dream as well. She settled gently onto the side of his bed, not touching him, simply watching as his hands continued to move restlessly against the covers.
"Theresa...oh God, yes...right there...yes..." he moaned, his hands clenching even tighter as Theresa felt her body temperature rise. Her fascinated gaze roamed over his body, amazed at how beautiful he was, wondering how it would feel to really touch him. Like a lover would.
Common sense flew out the window as she gave in to the urge and gently ran her palms up his chest, shivering at the warmth of his skin against hers. She flicked her fingertips across his small nipples, earning a moan from deep in his throat. She did it again, feeling her heartbeat speed up even more as she felt him arch against her.
"Theresa..." he moaned again as she moved lower. Taking a deep breath, she slid her hands under the covers at his waist, slipping them lower and lower until her fingertips brushed against his straining flesh. The moan he made at her touch sent shock waves of pure desire running down her spine. She gasped as she felt one of his hands suddenly move to capture hers, wondering if he was waking up. She looked up at his face, seeing his eyes were still closed, his face scrunched up in a grimace as he moved her hand so she was holding him fully in her palm.
"Theresa...baby...just like that..."
His whisper had the heat pooling between her thighs and her nipples tightening as he began to guide her strokes. She quickly picked up on they rhythm he liked and began to stroke him long and hard, feeling his body shudder and arch into her hand. Her free hand continued to run over his chest, nails gently raking a path down his skin as his body tensed against her. She tried to control the need to rub her legs together to ease the ache between her thighs, but it wasn't working. She was more aroused than she'd ever been in her life. She might still be a virgin, but she knew, deep inside, that nothing that felt this right could be wrong.
She suddenly had an intense desire to see all of him. With a gentle tug, she slipped the sheet down his body, baring him to her gaze. She caughter her lower lip between her teeth as she stared at the sheer size and strength of him, cupped in her small hand. As she tensed and released her fingers around him, she watched him grow, his hand suddenly reaching to cover hers.
She smiled as she saw sweat break out over his body as she complied. She smiled again as she leaned over and gently slid her tongue up his shaft, amazed at the softness of the skin surrounding the hardness. Testing the waters even more, she took just the tip of him into her mouth and sucked lightly, her eyes locked on his face, amazed at the emotions flowing over it.
"Theresa!"
She gasped at his cry as his hands suddenly came to life and reached down, pulling her mouth away from him. She looked up at his face in confusion, seeing his eyes were now wide open. She felt her heart stop as the knowledge of where she was and what she was doing to him registered in his eyes.
She held her breath as she watched the struggle going on between his mind, his heart and his body.
"Theresa..." he moaned softly, closing his eyes as he pulled her up his body, claiming her lips in a passionate kiss as he rolled her over onto her back, coming down hard on top of her. She moaned at the sensation of his warm body pressing her into the mattress as his tongue proceeded to learn all the secrets of her mouth.
Before she could do more than gasp in air when he finally released her lips, she felt all that breath leave her body as his hands slid up to cup her breasts, pushing the thin material of her halter top down over her breasts, baring them to his avid gaze. She cried out softly as his mouth latched onto one breast, sucking and nibbling until it drove her crazy.
"Ethan...please..." she moaned, feeling his lips move lower as his hands slipped inside the waistband of her shorts and pushed them down her legs. She moaned as two of his fingers slipped inside the elastic waistband of her panties, burying themselves deep inside her willing body. She couldn't stop herself from arching against him and begging for more.
"Please...Ethan..." she moaned, feeling every nerve in her body go into sensory overload. She watched his eyes as he removed his fingers and placed himself against her center.
"Theresa...I love you...but are you sure?" he whispered against her ear.
She looked at him, afraid to believe what she was hearing. She must be hallucinating.
But the love shining from the depths of his eyes was enough. She sighed as she wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him tightly against her.
"I'm sure...I love you too," she whispered, seeing him smile at her as he thrust home. She cried out as he filled her to bursting, his strokes hard and fast, making her cry out her desire. She couldn't believe how wild a ride this was! Her body was humming, she was poised on the edge of a great fall into ecstasy, and she had a partner taking that leap with her this time.
She cried out his name as the passion finally swept her over the edge, into waves and waves of pleasure, anchored by Ethan's groaning of her name as he flew off with her. This was right. This was how it was supposed to be.
She smiled to herself as she floated back down to earth, her head resting against Ethan's shoulder. She could feel his harsh breathing as he caught his breath after their climax. The blissful look on his face did even more for her confidence level.
"That was incredible," he said quietly, brushing a strand of hair off her face.
She smiled shyly at him.
"It was okay, considering it was my first time?" she asked quietly, truly wanting to know.
She watched as a beautiful smile came over Ethan's face.
"You were fantastic, incredible...everything I could have dreamed. I hope you felt the same," he trailed off, looking deeply into her eyes.
She felt the tears build, knowing they still had things to sort out, but also knowing that their day would come...very, very soon.
"You've always been who and what I dream about," she replied softly, seeing him smile. "I love you too," she finished as the tears clouded her vision.
When she didn't hear a reply, she opened her eyes and to her horror, saw Ethan backing away from her, a horrified expression on his face.
"Ethan?" she asked, fear and confusion in her voice as he shrank away from her, fading back into the foggy mist that suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
"Ethan!" she cried out again, frantically reaching for him as he disappeared into thin air and mist. She felt her heart shatter into a million pieces as the tears began to flow.
***********
"Ethan!"
Her cry brought her straight up in bed, tears streaming down her face, body aching fiercely for his touch. It took several moments for her to orient herself and figure out she'd only dreamed she and Ethan had made love. That knowledge alone was enough to reduce her to tears again.
It had seemed to real, so special. Her body still ached for him, craved his touch so desperately, she didn't know how she was going to survive.
But she had to stop. She had to. Ethan was marrying Gwen in two days. She'd done all she could to stop him, but nothing had worked. She'd lost him and it was killing her. But she couldn't afford to be dreaming about him like this. He wasn't hers. He never would be. No matter how much she wanted him to be.
Shaking herself as she wiped away her tears, she dragged herself from the bed and headed for a cold shower. She only hoped it would help her ease the ache in her heart that seemed as if it would never be filled.
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The End
Disclaimer: I own none of these people. They belong to NBC and Passions. They're not mine.
Notes and Warning: Part 4 of the "Night Series," and yes, this is yet another mature content story! If you don't want to read sexy stuff, don't read it. Otherwise, enjoy!
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Luis sighed as he restlessly tossed and turned in his bed. His eyes were closed against the oppressing heat of the night...but his mind was locked in someplace a thousand times hotter...
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(Luis's Dream)
"What's wrong Luis? You look extremely tense."
Sheridan's soft voice made him wince as if in pain. He rubbed his forehead, subtly leaning away from where she sat next to him on the couch, trying desperately to regain control of his raging hormones.
He was cursing the fates right about now for putting them in this situation. No man in his right mind could sit this close to Sheridan Crane and keep himself under control. The way her soft breathing was clearly audible to his ears, the scent of her perfume intoxicating and eveloping him. The brush of her soft skin against his as she moved or shifted positions while looking at the papers in her hands.
He was harder than a rock, completely turned on and praying desperately for something to distract him before he did something they'd both regret.
Like ravishing her right there on the sofa. In broad daylight.
"It's nothing, I'm just tired," he tried, hoping the desperation wasn't obvious in his voice.
Sheridan pouted at him and it only served to raise his body temperature more. What she could do to him with that lower lip...
"If you're sure..." she said quietly, shifting slightly closer to him.
He gulped as he felt her body press against his side as she leaned over to grab one of the files on the table in front of him. He tried to mask his indrawn breath as their bodies touched, noticing with little satisfaction, that she seemed to be out of breath as well.
Maybe he wasn't the only one affected by their closeness.
He watched as she slowly pulled the file towards her, obviously in no hurry to break contact with his body. He wasn't going to talk her out of it either. It felt too good.
So he waited, feeling himself grow harder and harder with each second she lingered against him.
He looked at her sharply when he heard the soft gasp she tried to hide as she finally pulled away from him. He could see her pulse beating frantically against her throat and she kept licking her lips, avoiding eye contact.
He was surprised how much he wanted to pull her back against him, already missing the familiar warmth of her against his side.
So why should he miss it? She obviously was just as affected by him if he was reading the signs right.
He knew then that he didn't have a prayer as Sheridan suddenly looked up and caught his gaze.
With a quick move, he reached over and hooked an arm around her waist, pulling her across his lap, wrapping his arms tightly around her. He stared into her startled eyes and felt a fierce sense of possession fill his body at the desire he read there.
Without stopping to think, he leaned down and captured her lips with his, hearing her gasp and open to him as he swept his tongue inside her mouth and began to explore.
He felt his body go into sensory overload as the taste of her burst across his lips, rich and flavorful and uniquely Sheridan. She moaned softly against him, wrapping her arms around his neck and deepening the kiss.
This time it was his turn to groan as her tongue began to stroke along his, her nails digging into the back of his neck as she held him tightly to her.
His hands wandered down her back, slipping under her thin shirt and moving to cup her breasts. He gasped as he realized she wasn't wearing a bra and her heated flesh was bare to him. She cried out as he began to stroke and knead her already hard nipples as she mewled softly against his mouth as he felt her sensitive flesh swell to fill his palms.
But it wasn't enough, he had to see what he was touching. With a practiced move, he pulled back and reached for the hem of her shirt. Catching on quickly, she helped him slip the material up and over her head, baring her creamy flesh to his heated gaze.
She was beautiful, not to small, yet not to large. A perfect fit for his hands...and his lips. He smiled at her cry as he leaned down and took her into his mouth. He suckled and pulled at her soft skin, feeling her arch against him, urging him on.
"Luis...more...please..."
Her softly moaned words sent a shaft of desire pulsing through his body. Without removing his lips from her breast, he slid his hands down to her waist, slipping them inside the waistband of her skirt, feeling the heat radiating from between her thighs.
For him.
Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.
It was an overpowering sensation and he couldn't stop himself from slipping his fingers lower, tangling them in the downy hair between her legs. Her keening cry had him hardening almost unbearably against his jeans. Her whimpers and moans were driving him crazy.
He needed her. Now.
Before she could do more than gasp, he slipped two fingers inside her and began to move. He felt her body arch against his hand, crying out her pleasure and her need.
"Luis...like that...yes...please..."
He groaned as he felt her hands finally move to his waist, struggling to undo his zipper and pull him out of the confining material. He nearly lost his mind as he felt her small hands cupping him, stroking him gently as he continued to move against her.
"Now Luis...please...I need you now..."
With a groan, he pushed her skirt and panties down her legs, stretching her out against the sofa as he shucked off his own pants. She was moaning constantly now, arching towards him, begging him to take her.
She was the most erotic sight he'd ever seen. Her blonde hair lay fanned out against the dark pillows, shining like spun gold as she moaned and arched against him. Her pleasure was reflected in her face, making him swell against her hands.
She was so beautiful. And she was his. No matter what her past or his, nothing was going to stop this moment. Nothing was going to stop him from making her his.
He sighed as he positioned himself between her thighs, seeing her eyes open as he paused.
"Sheridan...are you sure?" he asked quietly, knowing he could stop if she asked, praying to God that she wouldn't. The smile she gave him sent his blood pressure through the roof.
"I'm sure...take me...I'm yours," she whispered softly, wrapping her legs around his waist and drawing him against her.
With an animalistic groan, he buried himself deep inside her, crying out at the exquisite sensation. She was tight and hot...and aroused him more than any other woman in his life ever had.
"Luis...please..." she moaned, arching into him as he groaned and complied. Burying his head against her neck he began to pound into her, rejoicing as she met his every thrust, increasing the pace when he went too slow for her taste. The feeling of climbing and climbing, with her right there beside him only heightened his pleasure.
He felt the exact moment when she reached the peak. With a cry of his name, he felt her muscles clamp down around him as release swept over her. His hoarse cry echoed hers as he let himself fly over the cliff, Sheridan's arms wrapped securely around him, falling with him through the clouds.
The waves of ecstasy sweeping over his body were almost enough to undo him. He'd never felt this peace, this pleasure, this complete rightness with anyone before.
As he slowly drifted back to reality, he became aware of their situation. Sprawled out on the couch, in the living room, where anyone could walk in on them.
He'd been so caught up in their passion, he hadn't given it a thought. Not that he really cared that much right now either. He was content to rest in her arms, smiling into her eyes as they opened and locked on his.
"Wow," he whispered, seeing her smile at him.
"Wow is right, it's never been like that before for me Luis, not with anyone," she replied softly, reaching to stroke his forehead gently.
He felt his heart leave his body and enter into her keeping with those words.
"Me either...I love you Sheridan" he said softly, letting her see he meant the words with everything in his being.
The tears of joy that filled her eyes nearly undid him.
"I love you too Luis...I always have," she whispered back, leaning down to capture his lips.
He let all his love and longing pour into their kiss, feeling her sigh against his mouth and snuggle closer to him.
He closed his eyes, simply enjoying the feeling of being wrapped in her arms. He was safe and secure, and she loved him.
Everything was right with the world.
He felt the sudden urge to tell her this so he opened his eyes, expecting to see her beautiful face.
Instead, he found himself gazing into a brightly colored pillow.
"Sheridan?" he asked, confusion in his voice as he realized he wasn't wrapped in her arms at all. In fact, he was alone, clutching a couch pillow to his chest.
"Sheridan!" he cried out, looking frantically around for her, seeing nothing but the quiet, empty room.
****************
"Sheridan!"
His anguished cry ripped him from his slumber and brought him straight up in bed, breathing hard and heavily as he realized it had all been a dream.
But it had felt so real! He could still see her, feel her, taste her, see her eyes lose focus as he sent her over the edge, screaming his name the whole way.
He was harder than a rock, every muscle in his body aching and ready.
For a woman that could never be his.
She was a Crane. He didn't like or trust her damn family. He didn't like the thought that she might have had something to do with his father's disappearance. He didn't like the fact he was with her constantly, and couldn't have her. Couldn't express his feelings to her. Had to fight them with everything inside of him that wanted instead to hold her when she cried, to comfort her as she relived terrible memories of her childhood.
God how he loved the woman! No matter how irritating and annoying she could be. No matter that she was a Crane.
He loved her.
And he was damned if he knew what to do about it.
Grumbling about his life and women in general, he headed for a cold shower, hoping it would relieve some of his pent up desire and frustration.
****************
Ten minutes later he knew he wasn't going back to sleep. His body was still to tense and wired from his erotic dream.
Besides, he could swear he smelled her scent in his room. It lingered on his mind. He had to get away.
Cursing her again, he padded down the stairs, hoping there was a bottle of beer in the fridge. He needed something to take the edge off this unwanted desire.
Finding a bottle of his favorite brand on the shelf, he walked quietly into the living room, noticing immediately that the front door was wide open and unlocked. His senses went on red alert as he quietly moved towards the front door, body tensing as he sensed a presence on the porch.
He let out a sigh of relief as he recognized the slim form of his sister, sitting on the front steps, gazing into the night sky.
Taking a deep breath to relax his nerves, he opened the door, seeing her start at the squeak of the springs.
"Luis! You startled me," Theresa said quietly, turning as her brother came to sit beside her. She watched as he took a long sip of beer, remaing silent as he followed her gaze up to the starry night sky.
"Couldn't sleep either?" Luis asked, seeing Theresa nod.
"Too many disturbingly wonderful dreams," she replied, sadly,looking back up at the sky.
"I know the feeling," he muttered, taking another sip of beer as a comfortable silence developed between them. It was rather comforting in a way. He knew he'd been rough on his little sister lately, especially about her friendship with Ethan Crane. He really didn't like the boy, even if he was Sheridan's nephew. He didn't like Theresa mooning over him either.
Because despite the fact they all thought he was oblivious to all things other than Sheridan, he was aware enough of the tension that arced between Ethan and his sister whenever they were in a room together. It was almost at the same level as the tension between himself and Sheridan. And that scared him. She was after all, still his baby sister. And Ethan was a Crane.
God life was complicated.
"You're thinking about Sheridan, aren't you?" Theresa asked quietly, seeing her brother's head jerk around at her soft words. She smiled slightly as he remained silent, choosing neither to confirm nor deny her words. He didn't have to. It was as obvious as sunlight to her.
Her brother was in love with Sheridan.
Just as she was in love with Ethan.
Two Lopez-Fitzgeralds in love with two Cranes... and no way to make things work out for either of them.
Fate was too cruel sometimes.
"Don't look at me like that. I'm fine," Luis told her gently as he watched her knowing gaze land on his face. He sighed, realizing his little sister was more perceptive than he'd thought. She was also more transparent than she knew.
"I'm gonna take a stab here and guess your dreams were of Ethan, right?" he asked quietly, seeing her eyes fall from his, knowing he was right.
He fought the rage that filled his system as he thought about the annoying boy and how he was always interferring with his and Sheridan's relationship. He really didn't like him. For different reasons to numerous to count.
But his sister was obviously in love with him.
And foolish and stupid as he knew that might be for them both, deep inside of him, he couldn't help but understand how she felt.
Ethan would never marry her, not with Gwen and the Crane legacy in his future.
Sheridan most likely had something to do with his father's disappearance, and he was becoming more and more sure she was involved with it somehow, whether she knew it or not. The last thing he needed was to fall in love with her. She'd never marry him anyhow.
He and Theresa were lowly Lopez-Fitzgeralds. Not good enough for the Cranes, no matter how hard they tried.
It was a bitter pill to swallow, but one he did none the less. He'd accepted it long ago. He only wished Theresa were a bit tougher.
He watched, his heart aching as a tear slipped down her cheek as she stared into the sky, refusing to look at him.
"I should have figured you'd see it, and I suppose you're going to yell at me now for it. Call me stupid and obsessed and dreaming out of my reach, tell me how stupid it is to love someone you know you can never have," she replied bitterly, surprising him with her vehemence. He felt his heart crack a little more for her as she turned to stare at him with tear filled eyes.
"Aren't you going to call me stupid and foolish? Everyone else has, I'm used to it by now and besides, I know how much you hate him," she whispered as another tear escaped.
Luis sighed and cursed the fates as he pulled her into his arms, feeling the damn burst as she began to sob against his chest as if her heart were breaking.
He couldn't find it in his heart to yell at her right now, or to put her down and tell her about the futility of her dreams, not when her defenses were so low and her heart was hurting so badly.
His own heart wasn't in much better shape.
Damn those Cranes!
He sighed as he rocked his baby sister as she sobbed, aching for them both and for the hand fate had dealt them.
He wondered what they were going to do about it now.
*********
The End
Disclaimer: I don't own them. They're not mine.
Notes: This is the conclusion to the "Night" series. It's more emotional this time, and definately not a dream. Hope you enjoyed this series, stay tuned for more E/T and L/S vingettes over the next few weeks. I have a feeling I'm going to be inspired!
*****************
Ethan closed his eyes and rested his head in his hands. In a 24 hour period, his entire world had come crashing down around him.
24 hours after he'd managed to admit to his aunt that yes, he did have feelings for Theresa, he'd then denied them, this time to Theresa herself.
The end result was that she'd landed in a hospital bed, fighting for her life.
How the hell had it come to this?
He felt his heart break as he looked up at Theresa's pale face, her body so still and frail against the starkness of the white hospital bed. She was in a coma, fighting to hang on, and all he could do was sit here and pray.
He cursed himself for being a coward. Because he was too afraid to admit his true feelings to her, he'd put her in this hospital bed.
If she died, it would be his fault.
"Hey, you hanging in there?"
Sheridan's soft voice brought his bleary eyes around to her. He tried to smile, but felt tears welling up behind his eyes instead.
Without a word, Sheridan moved over to him and hugged him hard.
"She's a fighter Ethan, she'll pull through, she has to," Sheridan said quietly, heart aching for her nephew and the woman he loved.
"But it's all my fault," he whispered brokenly as he pulled away, standing to pace the room.
"Nonsense, you couldn't have known that she was going to take Miguel's motorcycle, you couldn't have known the brakes would fail," Sheridan began, but was cut off.
"You don't understand!" He cried almost desperately. "It's my fault she took off on the bike. I told her I didn't love her," he whispered softly, anguish in his eyes.
Sheridan let out a deep breath, heart aching for them both.
"So you flat out lied to her, straight to her face?" she asked quietly, no accusation in her tone, just a simple statement of fact.
"I might as well have killed her myself," he whispered brokenly, letting the tears fall as he stopped at the foot of the bed, watching the still form of the woman he loved.
"Oh Ethan," Sheridan whispered softly, wondering how fate could have been so cruel to them all.
"If she dies, if she dies thinking I don't love her," he whispered, agony in his voice as he moved to clutch Theresa's hand.
"She's not going to die Ethan. You just have to think positive," his aunt replied quietly, turning to gaze at Theresa's pale face. "You can pull her through, we all can," she said softly, wondering if that were true.
"I'm not going to let her die!" Ethan stated fiercely, returning to his seat by her bedside, holding her hand tightly in his. "You hear that Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald? You're not going to die! You're not going to leave me! I won't let you!" he cried fiercely, praying that she'd hear him, praying that she'd wake up.
He didn't know what he'd do if she didn't.
His mind flashed back to the intensely erotic dreams he'd been having of her lately. Of taking her on the warm sand, of hearing her scream his name as he made her his.
How could he have been so stupid? How could he have given up the one person who could make him totally happy?
He was so involved in his memories, and Sheridan so involved in watching him, neither noticed the tall figure looming in the doorway.
Luis fought back the rage he felt as he saw Ethan holding his sister's hand. The boy had no right to be here! He'd done enough damage to Theresa's heart. The last thing he wanted was him around her. He still remembered his sister's heartbroken crying from the night before.
His sister had the misfortune to love the S.O.B. He wished he could have changed that, but he couldn't. Because he knew Ethan would never marry her. No matter how much he might love her.
Because despite his anger and hatred towards Ethan Crane, there was no mistaking the anguished look in the boy's eyes.
Ethan was in love with his sister. Whether he admitted it or not.
But he was a Crane. And that meant there was nothing he could do about his love.
Theresa was doomed for heartbreak.
He wished he could get more satisfaction out of knowing Ethan would be suffering as well.
Unfortunately, he couldn't.
The reason was sitting on the other side of Theresa's bed, gazing at them both with sympathy.
Sheridan.
He sighed as he remembered his erotic dreams about her from the night before. Dreams that had kept him from sleep. Pictures and images he couldn't get out of his head.
But this was not the time. His baby sister was fighting for her life. He had to do what he could to help her.
And much as he hated it, he knew having Ethan there might be the only thing that would bring her back. For that reason alone he would tolerate the Crane heir.
Muttering a curse under his breath, he entered the room, seeing Sheridan's gaze immediately connect with his. He nodded slightly, gaze passing over Ethan as it settled on the still form of his sister.
He felt a lump rise in his throat as he looked at her.
His baby sister, whom he'd sworn to protect, was lying bruised and broken and so still in a hospital bed. He was supposed to keep her safe. He'd failed. He didn't know how he could live with that.
The anguish in his eyes nearly broke Sheridan's heart. She watched in concern as the big man in front of her struggled to hold back his tears, his fears and frustrations evident only to one who loved him as much as she did.
Without stopping to think, she rose from her chair and went to him, pulling him into her arms. She felt his slight resistance dissolve after a moment, his strong arms wrapping tightly around her, holding her close as his body shuddered in her arms.
She held him against her, wishing with all her heart she could do something to ease his pain. She knew he was feeling guilty. She knew more about him than he thought. Especially about his loyalty and love for his family.
It was one of the many reasons she loved him.
"Luis, she's going to make it, we're not going to lose her," she whispered softly, feeling his arms tighten around her.
Luis couldn't speak, his emotions too raw. All he could do was hold her tighter, thanking God that she understood and didn't try to gloss things over. She felt good in his arms, and for once in his life, he let someone else absorb his pain and help him deal with it.
Despite all that was between them, despite the fact that she was a Crane, she understood.
And deep down inside of himself, a spark of hope began to glow.
After a few moments, he pulled back, brushing away the tear that escaped, seeing Sheridan smile gently at him. He didn't resist as she pulled him over to the bed, smiling down at his sister.
"Theresa, Luis is here. Please honey, wake up and say hello to your brother, he's waiting to hear from you," Sheridan said softly, praying for a response. She watched as Ethan's head slowly turned towards them, holding her breath as his gaze met Luis's.
Luis stared hard at Ethan, distrust and dislike in his eyes. Ethan met the stare head on, knowing he deserved the look, but unwilling to back away from him, or the woman he loved. He let his eyes convey that message, tightening his hand on Theresa's.
Luis sighed, forcing his anger down, seeing the challenge in the younger boy's eyes. Despite it all, he was in love with Theresa. There was no mistaking that. What he chose to do about it, well, that was another story.
For another day.
Right now, if he could help bring Theresa back, well, he'd learn to put up with him.
The message was sent and received between the two men, and Sheridan breathed a sigh of relief as she felt Luis slowly relax against her side.
Luis pulled up a chair next to Sheridan, sinking down into it. He didn't even start when he felt her hand cover his. He sighed, entwining their fingers, trying to smile at her. Her sweet smile lifted his heart a fraction.
God he loved this woman!
Feeling more hopeful, he turned his attention back to his sister, praying for a miracle.
Ethan was growing desperate.
He didn't know what to do. He'd tried everything.
He'd tried joking. He'd tried threatening. He'd promised her anything she wanted.
He'd told her he loved her. And he'd meant the words.
But even that didn't work. She remained cold and silent, lost somewhere in her mind.
He was terrified he'd lost her for good.
He was running out of time.
"Excuse me, I need to take her blood pressure."
The soft voice of the nurse made Ethan jump, reluctantly releasing Theresa's hand as the nurse moved by him. He watched as she methodically performed the now familiar ritual, feeling his heart sink at her sigh as she finished.
"Nothing's changed, I'm sorry," she whispered softly, feeling sad for the three people sitting around the bed. Especially the young man. He'd been here since she'd been brought in, and was obviously in love with the unconscious girl.
"Isn't there anything we can do?" Ethan asked hoarsely, desperate for any ray of hope.
The nurse sighed.
"There's nothing else I can tell you. Keep talking to her, remind her she's loved and that she's needed. Find a way to help her remember the happier times in her life. Help her remember there are people who love her. It's about all anyone can do," the nurse replied softly as she slipped out of the room.
Ethan looked over at his aunt and Luis, sitting side by side, holding hands. Part of him wanted to rip Luis away from Sheridan, knowing how much he disliked Theresa's brother.
Another part knew how much his aunt loved Luis, and even if he didn't like the man much, he wanted his aunt to be happy.
And after all, Luis was the brother of the woman he loved.
He sighed, turning back to the bed, wondering what else he could do to bring Theresa back to him.
As he racked his brain for ideas, the memories of their time together played in his head, the melody a familiar one.
He suddenly jumped up, startling Sheridan and Luis.
"Ethan, what is it?" Sheridan asked, fearful at the almost crazed expression in her nephew's eyes.
"I think I know something that might work, I need to find Chad," he replied, moving from the room.
Luis watched him go, hoping that for once, Ethan was right.
"He loves her you know, despite the numerous obstacles and the totall illogic of it all," Sheridan said softly, sighing as Luis jerked back around to face her. She knew it wasn't what he wanted to hear, but figured he'd have to face it sooner or later. Because no matter what happened, she knew Ethan wasn't going to be marrying Gwen.
Not when he was so in love with Theresa.
"He's not worthy of her," Luis said quietly, anger in his eyes, knowing the boy was Sheridan's nephew, but unable to stop the force of his words.
Sheridan sighed as she tightened her grip on his hand.
"Luis, I know he's been stupid. I know it hasn't been easy on either of them. I'm not excusing his behavior, or Theresa's, but you have to understand, he loves her. He's only just truly realized that for himself. And when we bring her back, he's going to be with her. Nothing and no one is going to stop him, no matter how many fireworks that ignites," she said quietly, seeing the truth of her words register in his eyes.
"I know what you're saying is the truth Sheridan, but I don't have to like it," Luis said with resignation in his voice. He didn't like the thought of Ethan and his sister. She could do better.
But she loved the stubborn Crane.
He knew what loving a Crane felt like.
He sighed, trying to smile as he looked into Sheridan's eyes. He was surprised at the sympathy and understanding he read in them.
Along with what he thought, for one brief moment, could be love?
Sheridan felt her heart leap into her throat as she watched Luis's eyes darken. She knew she'd probably shown him more of her feelings in this one glance than she ever had. But she couldn't help it. Her emotions were too close to the surface. She knew how hard seeing Ethan with Theresa was for him, and she respected him even more that he'd kept his head.
His love for his sister and his desire to see her happy was obvious in the way he tolerated Ethan.
It only made her love him more.
A love she suddenly feared he'd seen.
She knew he had as she felt his lips touch hers, softly, tentatively, trying to gage her reaction.
His lips felt wonderful against hers and she couldn't stop the small moan that escaped her throat as he deepened the kiss.
Luis knew this was wrong, he was kissing Sheridan inches away from where his sister lay fighting for her life. But he couldn't stop. It wasn't even so much about the desire this time. Simply the need to be with the one woman who understood him better than all others. To accept her comfort and her love.
He hadn't been mistaken at the love he'd read in her eyes.
It was the worst time in the world to admit it, but he couldn't help himself.
"I love you," he whispered softly as they drew apart for breath. He felt his heart stop as his words registered in her eyes and her body froze.
Sheridan wondered if she'd heard him right. Had he just said he loved her? She took one look at his eyes and was sure.
Luis loved her. Despite everything that remained between them, her past, his quest to find out what happened to his father, her possible involvement, he loved her.
She smiled as she felt the tears building behind her eyes.
"I love you too," she whispered back, seeing his body relax as he pulled her tightly into his arms. She let herself sink against him, unable to believe she'd finally admitted her feelings. And that they were returned.
She couldn't stop the tears that escaped as she let herself finally believe Luis loved her.
Luis sighed as he pulled back, stroking the tears gently from her cheeks.
"I know its totally the wrong time, and place, but I couldn't go another minute without telling you how I felt," he said softly, smiling into her eyes.
Sheridan sniffed as she reached up to brush a kiss across his lips.
"I know the feeling," she whispered, turning back to the still figure lying in the bed. "Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, listen up. I know you can hear me. Ethan loves you. He's a stubborn fool, just like your brother, but he loves you. Your brother finally admitted he loves me, and despite the circumstances, I believe him," she said, her voice softening as Luis gripped her hand tightly and brushed a kiss across her cheek.
"Listen to her Theresa, I'm a stubborn fool, who can hold a grudge, but I can't hold back my feelings anymore. You knew before I did how I felt about Sheridan, and you tried to tell me. Well, I listened," he replied softly, seeing Sheridan smile at him. He smiled back before hardening his voice as he turned to his sister. "Now you listen to me. Despite the fact you know how much I can't stand him, Ethan does love you, and he needs you to come back to him. We do too, we all need you Theresa, please come back to us," he trailed off, feeling the tears building again.
Sheridan sighed and wrapped him in her arms, rocking him gently as he finally let his tears flow. She knew the emotional overload of the past ten minutes was too much to take in at once. She let her own tears flow as she prayed that Theresa would hear them and come back, to find her happiness with Ethan. She'd found hers with Luis, and she refused to believe Theresa couldn't do the same.
They both started as Ethan barged back into the room, Chad and Whitney close behind him.
Ethan didn't spare them a glance as he headed over to the table beside the bed, reaching down and plugging in the CD player he was carrying.
"What are you doing?" Luis asked quietly, wondering at Ethan's actions.
Ethan finally looked over at them, only slightly surprised to see his aunt cradled in Luis's arms. Looks like they'd worked things out. And for his aunt's sake, he'd accept that. He'd accept Luis.
All that mattered right now was Theresa.
"I'm going to see if I can't bring her back to me," he said softly, punching the buttons until the right song began to play.
As the familiar notes swept into the room, Ethan moved to Theresa's side, taking one of her hands in his. He lifted it gently to his lips and placed a heated kiss on her cool flesh.
"Listen Theresa, it's our song. I know I told you it didn't have any special meaning, but it does. It means so much to me," he whispered softly, tuning out everything and everyone in the room but the girl lying pale and still in the bed.
The melody and lyrics to "My Romance" floated through the room as Ethan concentrated on connecting with Theresa. He tried with all his might to make her sense him, to sense his love.
"You remember how we danced to this at the jazz club. You looked so beautiful that night. I didn't know what to do with myself, you were so beautiful, you took my breath away. And earlier tonight, you were so beautiful, so beautiful in the moonlight," he whispered softly, losing himself in the memories. He was oblivious to the others in the room. He didn't care what they heard. He wasn't ashamed. He loved her. He was going to make sure she knew that. And he was going to get her back.
"Please Theresa, please come back to me, I need you so much. I was a fool, I didn't mean what I said. I love you Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, and I want to show you how much, but I can't do that if you don't come back to me. I love you baby," he whispered the last words against her ear, seeing one of his tears land on her cheek.
He almost didn't see the faint twitch of her eye lids.
But he caught it.
"Theresa?" he asked, joy and disbelief in his voice as he watched her long lashes slowly flutter open.
"Ethan?" he heard her ask quietly, almost uncertainly.
He closed his eyes and thanked God for brining her back to him.
"I'm here Theresa, and I love you," he whispered again, not trying to hold back his tears.
Theresa looked around her, realizing that she was in a hospital bed, surrounded by her friends and family. And a weeping Ethan, who'd just declared he loved her.
She struggled to remember how she'd gotten here, feeling the memories suddenly crash back over her.
The agony of Ethan's confession. The blind panic when the breaks wouldn't work on the motorcycle. The crushing pain then dark oblivion as her body hit the ground and she lost conscious.
The beautiful melody playing in her ears now, with the refrain of Ethan's love echoing throught it.
"You really do love me?" she asked, turning her gaze up to Ethan, knowing she'd be able to tell if he meant it. She couldn't shake the fear he'd only said it to bring her back. She couldn't bear it if he hadn't meant it. Not after how coldly he'd told her he didn't love her earlier.
Ethan watched the conflicting emotions filtering through her eyes and knew exactly what she was thinking. He cursed himself for putting those doubts in her head, for making himself doubt his feelings.
He took her hand gently and looked her straight in the eyes.
"I love you Theresa. I didn't mean what I said earlier. I've been denying my feelings for too long, and I can't anymore. I love you. I want to be with you. Only you. You're my romance, my one true romance. And I'm going to love you for all time," he whispered softly, feeling his own tears building again as he saw his words finally register in her eyes.
"Oh Ethan," Theresa managed, feeling her tears fall as she realized he was sincere.
Ethan Crane loved her. He really loved her.
She smiled up at him.
"It's about time," she whispered, hearing him groan as he leaned down and gently captured her lips with his. She smiled as she gave herself over to his gentle kiss, feeling the love and joy flowing from him to her.
They both smiled idiotically at each other as they pulled away, only then noticing the people around them.
Chad held a tearful Whitney in his arms, stroking her hair softly as she clung to him, a brilliant smile on her face as she stared at her two friends. Chad's own smile was enough to light up the entire room.
Sheridan was crying softly in Luis's arms, as he held onto her tightly, his heart rejoicing at seeing his sister awake and alive. Even if it was Ethan Crane who'd brought her back.
He stared hard at the young man, seeing the fierce possession in his eyes as he held his sister. In that glance, he nodded quietly, accepting that Ethan loved Theresa, but conveying that if he hurt her, he'd have hell to pay.
Ethan got the message.
He nodded at Luis before turning back to Theresa and taking her gently in his arms, resting his forehead against hers as their song finished.
"My romance, doesn't need a thing but you."
*************
The End
Notes: Okay, several people asked very nicely if I could please add a "Savy" fic to my Night Series. Here's the result. (Deanna, I hope you enjoy it and it's something like what you had in mind!) I hope it delivers and I got the basic story/history stuff right. And yes, it's for MATURE audiences. That's what some wanted. So here it is! Enjoy!
*******************
Ivy Crane watched the surreal scene in front of her in stunned silence.
She�d heard Theresa was in an accident and had decided to come offer Pilar support. After all, Pilar had certainly come through for her during the whole �attach� case� fiasco. Besides, she knew if anything ever happened to Ethan, she�d be beyond consolable. She figured Pilar could use a friend right about now.
So she�d entered the hospital and asked the nurse at the desk where Theresa�s room was. She was a bit surprised when the nurse simply gestured down the hall and rolled her eyes. As she�d walked down the hall, she�d heard voices coming from the cubicle in front of her, mixed in with a sweet old fashioned love song she�d heard somewhere before.
She stopped just short of entering the room, able to see the group gathered inside without them seeing her.
Her mouth dropped open as she saw Sheridan wrapped in Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald�s arms, tear tracks obvious on both their faces. Whitney and Chad were in much the same position, looking worried.
What was going on? Certainly Theresa couldn�t be dead? Could she?
She felt her face pale as she turned her attention to the young woman lying in the hospital bed, wrapped in her son�s arms.
Ivy closed her eyes, wondering if she were seeing things.
She opened them and looked again.
Her body shuddered as she watched her son pull Theresa close to him, his words clearly audible to her, even from this distance.
�Theresa, I love you, come back to me, please.�
She heard the words but she wasn�t processing them.
Surely Ethan couldn�t have spoken them? He couldn�t love Theresa. He loved Gwen. He was marrying Gwen. The futures of both their families depended on their marriage.
She felt her heart sinking as she heard her son repeat his declaration, and knowing him like she did, knew he meant every word.
She remained silent as she heard Theresa murmur Ethan�s name as she awoke, watching quietly as Ethan proceeded to proclaim his love again before kissing the young woman passionately, the music behind them a fitting tribute to the words.
If she�d had doubts before, she didn�t now.
Ethan, her precious son, heir to the Crane fortune, was in love with Theresa, their housekeeper�s daughter.
She knew her son�s heart well, despite what he might think at times.
She knew he�d given it to Theresa tonight.
In that moment, she saw all her dreams of Ethan�s future come crashing down around her.
Everything she�d hoped and planned for for years had just gone down in flames.
There would be no wedding, no familial merger, and no mercy for either of the young lovers. Not once the Crane and Hotchkiss families learned about this relationship. Alistar and Julian would move heaven and hell to keep Theresa and Ethan apart, and Gwen and Rebecca would be right there helping as well.
She wondered at the irony of the situation.
Like mother, like son.
She could work up rage to some degree, but deep inside, the part of her that knew and loved her son, knew he could be happy with Theresa.
She felt a pain in her heart for them both as she realized how difficult that happiness would be to come by.
She knew the pain of a love like theirs firsthand.
Hadn�t she almost had it with Sam?
Until her family and the Crane�s had destroyed everything?
She moved quietly away from the cubicle, sure she couldn�t handle seeing or talking to anyone in the room. Ethan�s confession and the realization of what it would mean to them all were enough to shake her to the core.
They also brought up memories of Sam.
Memories she�d been trying to forget for years.
She left the hospital, forcing her emotions down, knowing she needed perspective on the situation. She didn�t notice the rain pelting down around her, soaking her to the bone as she raced for her car. Once inside, she forced her mind to remain blank, simply needing to get home before everything fell apart.
Ten minutes later she was headed up the stairs, straight to her bedroom. Once inside she closed the door and locked it, moving over and sinking down onto the bed as the tears finally escaped.
She let them come, crying for Ethan and Theresa, for Gwen, and for her own mistakes in the past.
Why did her son have to go down the same road she had? It wasn�t fair to do to him and Theresa what had been done to her and Sam.
Sam.
She closed her eyes, letting weariness over come her, sinking softly into sleep amid dreams of the one true love of her life.
****************
Ivy�s Dream
She was walking along the pier, watching the waves crash into the sand and dreaming about the time she�d spent with Sam there, years and years ago.
Before Julian. Before Grace. When life had been simpler. When it had just been the two of them.
She felt her eyes tear up as she remembered how it felt to be wrapped in Sam�s arms, the feeling of his body pressing hers into the sand so incredible it still had the power to make her shiver. She felt a soft breeze blow across her cheek as she leaned against a pylon, letting her mind wander back over the taste, the feel and the passion that was Sam Bennett.
She gasped as she suddenly felt strong arms circle her waist, drawing her back against a solid body.
A very aroused, solid body.
She felt her heart leap as she started to struggle, suddenly going still as she recognized the scent and feel of the man holding her so tightly.
She could never forget him.
She sighed and leaned back into his chest, wondering why the hell he was here, why he was holding her like this and why she was letting him.
But it felt too good to move.
She closed her eyes as she felt his hands tighten around her waist and she felt his warm breath against her ear.
�You look so damn beautiful in the moonlight, I can�t stop thinking about what it was like to touch you, to hear you scream my name in the throes of passion,� he whispered in a low, erotic voice.
She shuddered as his words sent a jolt of electricity and arousal through her system, centering between her thighs. God his voice was so sexy! She couldn�t deny it made her shiver every time he spoke.
�Do you remember what it felt like to be mine, to be only mine?� he whispered, planting a soft kiss against her neck as his hands moved higher. She nodded almost incoherent as sensations swamped her body. She couldn�t stop her moan as she felt him stroke the tips of her breasts through the thin material of her sweater.
�Sam, I remember everything,� she whispered back, feeling him nuzzling into the hollow between her neck and shoulder. She wasn�t sure why he was here, or what he was doing, but she wasn�t going to complain.
�Good, it�s about time you did,� he whispered back, suddenly turning her in his arms and taking her mouth in a bruising kiss.
Ivy wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss as she pressed her body into his. The sensations were swamping her again, all of them familiar and so welcome she could have cried.
She moaned into his mouth as his tongue swept out to duel with hers as his hands pulling her closer, running up and down her back in almost frantic strokes as he kissed the breath from her body.
She couldn�t breathe from the strength of his hold and the power of his kiss, and she knew she didn�t want to.
This is how it had been the night they created Ethan.
She wanted to experience it again.
Damn the consequences.
Throwing caution to the wind, she pulled him over to the shadow of the buildings along the wharf, moaning as she felt his strong body press her back against the wood paneling of the building. She could feel every inch of him pressing into her, and knew he wanted her as much as she wanted him.
Without stopping to think, she slipped her hands under his sweater, finding bare skin and raking her nails across it. He felt so good to her touch. So warm and strong and solid.
His moan against her lips was heaven to her ears. She began to stroke her nails across his chest, feeling his small male nipples harden as she scratched over them. He moaned again and she felt her knees go weak at the sound.
She was the one to gasp and cry out then as she felt his hands slide under her top, cupping her aching breast in his palm. He began to tug and pull the sensitive flesh, kneading her as she hardened against his palm. His flesh was so warm against hers, she was burning up. She cried out as she suddenly felt him swoop down and take her into his mouth. The stroke of his tongue and the nip of his teeth threw her into a frenzy as she arched against him, begging for more. She needed more.
�Sam, please,� she whispered as she moved her hands to his waist, cupping and stroking the bulge at his groin. His groan as he thrust against her was all the answer she needed. She reached for his zipper, pulling it down with ease and releasing him into her palm. He was just as she remembered, hard and strong and straining. She began to stroke him slowly, remembering it was what he liked. How could she forget when it brought her as much pleasure as it did him?
She moaned as she felt him gently nip her neck as his hands slid down to her thighs, pushing her skirt up to her waist and stroking her through her soaked panties. The feeling of his fingers almost sent her over the edge, it had been far too long since she�d felt him there. He was turning her insides to mush as she felt her body burning up, desperate with the need to feel him deep inside her.
She arched against him, stroking him a bit faster as she felt his fingers slip inside her panties, two of them suddenly thrusting deep into her willing body. She cried out as she clamped her inner muscles down around him, moaning into his throat as he twisted his fingers, finding her sweet spot with one slow stroke.
She muffled her scream against his neck as her body convulsed against him.
She�d forgotten how he could do that to her so quickly.
�You hadn�t forgotten what I do to you, had you?� he whispered softly against her ear as she shook her head.
�Only you, only you Sam,� she moaned back as she felt him slip his fingers from her, positioning himself against her center. He felt so good, and it had been so long, she could barely think. All she could do was feel.
And feel she did as she arched against him.
His words brought tears to her eyes and a new desire to her body.
�Ivy, it�s been too long. Once we do this, there�s no going back. You�re mine and you always will be,� Sam whispered darkly against her throat, lifting her so she was level with him, keeping himself poised against her center, waiting for her words.
Ivy looked down into his beloved face and smiled.
�God yes, I�m yours Sam Bennett. I always have been,� she moaned, turning it into a high pitched whimper as he thrust hard into her.
She cried out as her back hit the rough wood wall behind her as Sam began thrusting into her in long slow strokes, just as she remembered.
This was where she�d wanted, where she�d needed him for years. This was where she wanted to be. It was utterly and completely right. Nothing had ever felt better to her in her life.
But she needed something more. Something only Sam could give her.
�Sam, please, I need more,� she whispered against his throat, feeling him increase the power of his thrusts, moaning her name as he pounded into her.
�So good Ivy, I�ve never forgotten this, never forgotten you, no matter how long or who I was with. I couldn�t forget you, I love you too much,� he groaned against her throat as he lifted his head to meet her eyes.
Ivy felt her eyes fill with tears as she realized that for the first time in years, she had hope for her future.
A future with Sam Bennett. The man she loved more than life itself. The man who�d unknowingly fathered their son.
She cried out as his final thrust sent her spiraling over the edge, screaming his name as she convulsed around him. She felt him shuddering against her as they flew over the edge and into bliss, knowing they were together in their own small world. She couldn�t believe the ecstasy sweeping over her as she floated, safe in the arms of the man she loved.
Several moments later she found herself floating back to earth, coming to rest gently in Sam�s arms. She looked up at his face as he smiled down at her, gently separating their sweaty bodies.
�I love you Ivy,� he whispered, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on her lips.
Ivy couldn�t stop the lone tear that escaped. She was too happy for words.
�I love you too Sam,� she whispered back, reaching for him again.
She suddenly sensed something was wrong as she watched Sam backing away from her, a small smile on his lips.
�Sam?� she asked hesitantly, seeing him become transparent in front of her.
�Sam?� She cried out again, reaching frantically for him as he dissolved into thin air.
�Sam!� She screamed it now, moving forward, reaching out, searching desperately for his form in the mist that had suddenly developed around her.
He couldn�t have left! He loved her. They�d just made passionate love, standing up, on the wharf for God�s sake! She�d had perfect happiness in her grasp, now it was gone.
�Sam! Please come back, I love you!� she cried into the emptiness, finding no one to hear.
She suddenly sensed movement to her side and her spirits lifted.
�Sam, I knew you couldn�t leave me,� she managed, reaching out to grab onto the body that had suddenly materialized in front of her.
She gasped in shock and drew back as she saw Julian�s hateful face staring back at her.
�Did you think I�d let you and Sam run off together and embarrass the Crane family name? Did you honestly think I�d ever let you go, especially to someone as small and insignificant and low class as Harmony�s bumbling police chief?�
The spite and glee in her husband�s words brought tears to her eyes, her body still aching for Sam.
�You�re never going to be his, you�re a Crane for better or for worse, and I�ll kill you if you do anything to make me look foolish. You can�t escape your destiny Ivy. It�s with me, as a Crane. Sam Bennett will never be yours, never,� Julian finished with an unholy look of glee.
�No! I won�t believe it, I can�t believe it,� she whispered, feeling her heart sink at her husband�s deranged laughter.
She sank to her knees in the mist, letting the tears fall as she ached for the pure bliss she�d known a few moments ago.
Her heart ached for Sam as her soul cried out to him.
But there was no answer in the solemn silence surrounding her.
*******************
�Sam!�
Her cry brought her straight up in bed, tears streaming down her face. She looked around her in surprise, amazed that nothing she�d just felt had been real.
Nothing of her wonderful time with Sam was real.
Sam hated her. For something he thought she�d done to them a long time ago. Something she�d had no part in. He�d never love her like he once had. He loved Grace. He had a family with Grace.
He had a family with her. He just didn�t know it.
And he never would.
The Julian in her dream had been right.
She was doomed to remain a Crane for life. She�d made her choice years ago, she�d have to live with it. No matter if it was based on lies and deceptions. No matter how much she hated her husband.
No matter how much she still loved Sam Bennett.
She sank back down into the pillows as the tears started again.
The pain was ripping her up inside, more so because she realized her son was destined to realize the same sad truth.
He was a Crane, for all intents and purposes. With that came responsibilities. Responsibilities she herself had put upon him.
But wasn�t she doing the exact same thing to her son that her father and Julian had done to her?
Condemning Ethan to a life of duty and honor, instead of the passionate love he felt for Theresa?
Would Ethan face the challenge and meet it, or be crushed by the willpower of the Crane dynasty?
A part of her deep down inside was rooting for them. Maybe Ethan could be strong where she hadn�t been, and fight for his future with Theresa.
Unfortunately, she didn�t know if any amount of strength could overcome the obstacles they were about to face.
She clutched one of the bed pillows to her heart, rocking back and forth with it as she realized she had no one to turn to, no one to talk to about this situation.
God she wished Sam were here right now. Talking to her, making her feel hopeful again. Taking her to untold of heights as he took her over and over again. Whispering his love and his support as they talked about their son and his rocky future.
But Sam wasn�t hers. He never had been. He never would be.
She was alone, as she�d always been.
As she always would be.
Her heart and soul cried out to him, knowing he wouldn�t hear.
Her sobs continued long into the night.
*******
End
Notes: This is the companion piece to Ivy's "Night" story. Again, it's for MATURE readers! Hope it's what people like and enjoy!
****************
Sam Bennett paced around his living room, listening to the pounding rain against the windows.
He couldn�t sleep tonight, and he didn�t want to think about why.
Unfortunately, he couldn�t stop thinking about it.
He couldn�t stop thinking about her.
Ivy.
His hands clenched into fists as he imagined her beautiful eyes looking into his with so much love. He could still feel her lithe body pressed against his as she begged him to take her higher and harder than she�d ever known.
He cursed as he thought about his beautiful wife sleeping upstairs.
He loved Grace. He truly did.
But she wasn�t the one on his mind tonight.
He groaned and sank down on the couch.
He thought about how much Ivy�s marriage to Julian had hurt him so many years ago. They�d made such incredible love the night before, he�d never been to the places she�d taken him in that one night. He�d been so happy for his future, a future with her.
To find out she�d married Julian, well, he�d been heartbroken.
And angry, so very angry.
He�d left, he couldn�t stay. Not if he�d had to watch her with Julian every day.
He couldn�t understand, he didn�t understand.
He still didn�t. Not even after Ivy tried to make him understand.
He�d moved on. He�d found a new life and a new love.
So why couldn�t he get his old one out of his mind?
This was insane. Truly insane. He had a beautiful wife, children, a home and job that he loved.
So why did he suddenly feel he wanted, he needed more?
Needed something only Ivy could give him?
He closed his eyes, hoping his aching head would clear and the pain would go away.
Still confused, he sank into a restless sleep.
************
Sam�s Dream
He was so tired. He�d spent the past six hours working late, trying to finish up the never-ending paperwork that seemed to come with the job. Files and forms littered his desk and his brain was fried from trying to read the words in front of him.
Especially when his mind was occupied elsewhere.
He cursed himself as he tried to put Ivy�s eyes out of his mind. As he tried to forget the way her body had looked when she�d suddenly appeared, half-naked in his hotel room several months ago.
It was an image that stuck in his brain. He couldn�t get rid of it.
He wasn�t sure he wanted to.
He cursed himself again, slamming a fist down on the desk as he tried to picture Grace�s face in his mind.
Her sweet, loving face. Her sweet trusting face.
He tried to remember the peace and joy he felt each time they made love. The simple pleasure in giving and taking, of bringing the other a soft, sweet pleasure.
Theirs was a safe, secure, and comfortable love.
So why then did he find himself thinking of the passion he and Ivy once shared?
The way she felt against him, her skin soft and giving as he bruised her soft flesh with the force of his kisses, knowing she wanted more. Remembering the marks she�d leave on his back and the pure joy he�d remember of her putting them there, raking her nails down his back as he cried out in pleasure.
He cursed again, banging his head against the desk, wishing he could put her out of his head.
Wishing he could put her words out of his head.
She�d said Ethan was his son.
The words continued to haunt him.
How could Ethan Crane be his? There was no way. It was just another lie she�d told to try and get him back.
Then why did he find himself wishing it hadn�t been a lie?
Wishing he and Ivy could have had a life together, with Ethan, their son?
Wishing he could have found the passion he had with Ivy in his relationship with Grace.
It wasn�t fair! He�d thought his life was settled and he was happy.
He had been.
Until Ivy came back into it, stirring things up.
Stirring his passions up like they hadn�t been in years.
Not since they�d been together.
God, why couldn�t he get her off his mind?
�You can�t forget me, you can�t forget us, or what we had, can you?�
Her soft voice brought him out of his seat like a gun shot.
He whirled around to see the object of his desire standing in the doorway, wearing nothing but a long overcoat. Her hair swirled around her face, softly framing its beauty. He loved it when she wore her hair down.
He couldn�t think like this. He couldn�t let her get to him.
�What do you want Ivy? It�s late and I�m about to go home,� he muttered, swallowing hard as she advanced on him, a predatory look in her beautiful eyes.
Eyes filled with love and desire.
For him.
He swallowed hard. v �What do you think I want Sam?�
Her husky voice already had him harder than a rock.
This was not good. This was very, very bad.
So why did it feel so damn good?
�Ivy, come on. We�ve been through this before, we�re over, we�re done. It ended when you married Juilan. I moved on, I love Grace. End of discussion,� he tried, unable to move as she closed in on him.
He wondered why he was suddenly glued to the spot.
�Sam, you know that�s not true. I can see it in your eyes. I can see it in your body. You want me, you always have. You always will,� she murmured as she slipped up next to him.
Sam closed his eyes, willing the vision in front of him to disappear. His will power wasn�t exactly stalwart right about now. Maybe if he wished hard enough, she�d disappear.
He opened his eyes and found himself staring straight into hers.
He figured he hadn�t wished hard enough.
He hadn�t wanted to.
With a muttered curse, he pulled her to him and slammed his mouth down on hers.
Her surprised gasp was all it took for him to thrust his tongue inside her mouth, relearning the taste and feel of her. He growled in primitive triumph at the low moan she made in the back of her throat as he fisted his hands in her hair, twisting and turning her head to meet his ravenous kiss.
She gave as good as she got.
He hissed as he felt the familiar sensation of her nails raking down his back. Even through his shirt, he knew she�d leave marks.
Good.
Without thinking, he reached for the belt of her overcoat, pulling it apart and pushing the garment off her shoulders. He cursed long and low as it became apparent she wore nothing underneath.
Her sly smile was the final straw.
With another moan that was more like a growl, he buried his face against her neck, kissing and nipping at her pulse point, remembering how she�d been extremely sensitive there.
She still was.
He smiled as he felt her body shudder against his as her hands fisted in his hair, pulling his mouth harder against hers.
He cupped her breasts in his hands, enjoying the throaty moan she made as he began to stroke and knead the soft flesh, feeling her nipples harden against his palm. She was arching against him, whimpering in her throat as she tried to guide his head to her chest.
He complied.
He slipped down and moved his mouth over her aching flesh, hearing her keening cry of his name as she arched into his mouth.
He lost himself in the feel and taste of her skin. God how he�d wanted this! God how he wanted her!
He�d never stopped.
He groaned as he felt her hands slip down to his fly, unbuckling and unzipping him before he could do more than moan. He heard her groan in response as she finally cupped him in her palm and he struggled to retain his control as she began to stroke him in the hard, fast rhythm he loved.
She remembered.
With another groan, he arched into her hands, seeing the pleased smile on her face as her breath panted through her lips.
She was beautiful.
He had to touch her.
His hands skimmed down the smooth flesh of her stomach, feeling her shiver against his hands. Before she could do more than cry out, he slipped his fingers between her thighs, finding her hot and slick and ready for him. He thrust two fingers deep inside her, watching in sheer pleasure as she arched into him, her body bowing backwards across the desk as she began to move against him, her nails raking down his back with a force he�d forgotten.
She was beautiful when she was loving him. She always had been. She always would be.
�Sam, please, now.�
He whispered plea nearly sent him over the edge.
Without thinking of anything but finally being back inside her, he positioned himself against her, bending her body even further across the desk. He looked deep into her eyes, wanting to watch her, watching him, as he made her his again.
�Ivy, you�re mine, you always will be,� he managed, the words almost crazed as he thrust deep and hard into her.
Her answering scream of his name was all the reply he needed.
He began to move, amazed that her body picked up his rhythm by the third stroke.
She�d always been this way, so quick to follow him, to bring him extreme pleasure.
Pleasure he could feel building inside himself as he felt a passion and release like he�d never known building in his body. He could sense she was with him every step of the way, her moans and cries telling him exactly how much she loved him, loved what they were doing.
His thrusts grew faster as he felt his body go into sensory overload at the picture she made, her blonde hair fanned out across the top of his desk as her body rose to meet his in the soft lamplight.
It was too much.
With a hoarse shout of her name, he felt himself explode, knowing she went with him as she clenched around him, screaming his name in ecstasy.
He was flying, wrapped in her arms, through a place he�d never been before. A place he�d never known. Waves of ecstasy swamped him as he held her tightly against him, wondering how he�d survived for so long without this feeling, without her.
As he finally felt himself floating back down to earth, he opened his eyes and looked into her shining ones.
She took his breath away.
She always had.
She always would.
He couldn�t fight it any longer.
�I love you Ivy,� he whispered softly, seeing her eyes fill with tears.
�I love you too Sam, I always have,� she whispered back and he felt a joy unlike anything he�d ever known flood over his system.
He leaned down and pulled her up into his arms, holding her tightly against him, refusing to think about anything but the current moment.
Everything else he�d deal with later.
Right now, he had his Ivy back, in his arms, where she belonged.
He smiled as he gripped her tighter, feeling her brush a kiss across his neck before pulling back.
He pulled slightly away from her, watching as she leaned down to pick up her discarded coat, smiling gently at him as she slipped it on.
He watched her, a strange feeling of emptiness beginning to fill him as she turned and walked away.
�Ivy? Where are you going?� he asked, surprised when she didn�t answer. She didn�t even turn to acknowledge him.
�Ivy?� he called out, watching in stunned denial as she suddenly vanished into thin air.
�Ivy!� he screamed her name this time, unable to say why he felt like his entire life had just slipped through his hands.
**************
�Ivy!�
His cry brought him awake in a flash.
The rain was still pounding against the windows and the living room was cloaked in a concealing darkness.
He was home. In his living room. In his house. With his family.
With his wife sleeping peacefully unaware upstairs.
Unaware he�d just had a dream about making the most passionate love of his life, but not to his wife.
He cursed as he felt his body crying out for the softness he�d been dreaming about. He couldn�t believe it wasn�t real, that Ivy hadn�t appeared in his office and blown him away with her charm and loving seduction.
He wished it hadn�t been a dream.
He cursed again as he forced himself to rise, forced himself to push thoughts of making love to Ivy from his mind as he headed back upstairs.
He climbed back into bed, feeling Grace stir and roll over, wrapping her arms around his chest.
�You okay?� she asked sleepily.
He leaned down and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her gently on the forehead.
�I�m fine, go back to sleep,� he whispered, feeling her plant a kiss against his chest.
She felt nothing like he imagined Ivy would.
�Love you,� she whispered softly as she fell back to sleep.
Sam remained silent.
He couldn�t bring himself to say the words to her.
Not after dreaming he�d said them to Ivy.
Sleep was a long time coming that night.
**********
The End