Too Hot To Handle Ch 6

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Subject: Too Hot To Handle Ch 6 - 10
Posted By: OKDeanna - ezOP
Posts: 304
Posted At: (8/21/03 8:23 pm)
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Chapter Six

Sheridan had never felt so satisfied in all her life. When she had thought up the idea of striping for Luis, she had no idea it would turn out this way. She smiled as he raised his head to look at her then she pulled him in for another kiss. She moaned as Luis gently ran his hands up her bare back. He took advantage and slipped his tongue inside. She felt the fire slowly start to build again and she was just on the verge of reaching for the button on Luis' jeans when she heard a loud wolf whistle pierce the air and a masculine voice call out. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

Sheridan froze and felt the color drain from her face as she realized that she and Luis were no longer alone. Luis instantly pulled away from her and placed his body in front of hers to shield her from the view of the two men standing at the edge of the pool. She crossed her arms in front of her breasts and moved closer to Luis back. She had barely caught a glimpse of the men, but from the looks on their faces, they caught more than a glimpse of her. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks as she leaned her forehead against Luis back in total humiliation. She felt his muscles tense but figured it had more to do with their visitors than her.

"Hank, Josh what are you guys doing here?" Luis asked in a sharp voice that caused her to raise her head in surprise.

"Well we came to see if the party was still on," one of the guys said with a laugh. "But it looks like it started without us."

"Hey, Luis, aren't you going to introduce us to your... friend?" The other guy asked favoring her with a wide smile and a wink.

Sher groaned and leaned her head back against Luis. She had wanted to ruin her reputation, but being caught naked as a jaybird by two perfect strangers was a little more than she bargained for. In fact, it was a lot more than she bargained for. She only prayed Luis could get rid of them quickly. She was starting to get cold.

"Yeah the party is still on Hank and no Josh I'm not going to introduce you." Sher smiled against Luis back. Did he want to keep her to himself?

"Afraid I'll steal her away from you, Lopez-Fitzgerald?" The guy Luis had addressed as Josh asked with an edge to his voice that caused Sheridan to look up once again.

Sher couldn't wait to hear Luis' response to that. She didn't have to wait long. "Not a chance, Edwards. She's too smart to get mixed up with a guy like you."

"Then what the hell is she doing with you?" Sheridan felt Luis tense and realized immediately that Josh had struck a nerve. She suddenly became aware of the animosity between them and wondered at it's cause. A woman maybe? She wouldn't doubt it.

The two men continued to stare each other down for what seemed like an eternity until finally Hank broke the silence. "Time to go Edwards. Catch ya later, Luis. See ya beautiful."

Luis and Josh just glared at each other. After a few more tense seconds, Josh broke the connection by turning to look at her. He winked when he saw that she was looking at him, then turned to follow Hank. Luis didn't move until both men were out of sight.

"Well, he seems charming." Sher said to break the sudden tension filled silence.

"You stay the hell away from him," Luis said turning to face her, his eyes blazing with fury. "And put your damn clothes on while you're at it."

Sheridan was taken aback by the anger in his voice, but she recovered quickly, her temper on the rise. "Just who do you think you are! You don't own me. If I want to go around naked in a pool then I will. And if I want to talk to Josh or whoever I will."

Luis' eyes took on a dangerous gleam. He stepped closer to her and she backed away. "Sher, I'm only going to say this one more time. Stay the hell away from Josh Edwards."

"Why? You want to keep me all to yourself? You afraid he really will steal me away?"

"No," he said taking another step toward her. "I'm not afraid of anything Sher. That is one thing you should know about me."

She reached out a hand to touch him, but he backed away out of her reach. "Don't. Don't touch me. What happened in this pool will not happen again."

"For someone who isn't afraid of anything you seem awfully afraid right now. Don't tell me you're afraid of being alone with me again? I bet Josh wouldn't be afraid."

A string of curses fell from his mouth and caused her jaw to drop in surprise. His eyes were cold and black with fury. "You like to push buttons, don't you? See how far you can go? Well, I don't know what the hell kind of game you think you're playing, but I've had enough. I may have lost my head today, but I'm telling you right now that what happened in this pool today will not happen again. Now go get some damn clothes on."

Sher flinched. She couldn't help it. The rage in his voice and the anger in his eyes were intimidating to say the least. She had crossed a line and she knew without a doubt there was no going back. Damn, she thought as she turned away fighting tears, her plans to seduce Luis had just gone up in smoke. Sher climbed out of the pool, wrapped a towel around herself and raced inside. She'd barely made it to her room before the tears started to fall. Damn him for making her cry.

* * * * *

Luis watched as Sher raced inside the house. He knew he should apologize for taking his anger at Josh out on her, but he also knew if he did it would start whatever game she was playing right back up again. He couldn't let what happened today happen again. That could have been Ethan and Theresa that caught them in the pool or worse Julian and Ivy. A small part of him wished it had been.

Luis shook his head then got out of the pool. His jeans were soaked, but he had another pair in his truck. He walked around the house to his truck and grabbed the pants from behind his seat. After drying off and changing into the new pair of pants, he decided it was time to get back to work. He found his hammer in the same place he had dropped it earlier and began to hang another board on the outside wall of the pool house. The memories of what happened in that pool invaded his thoughts and he shook his head in confusion. Why did she get to him like that? No other girl had ever made him lose control that way. He'd forgotten his promise to himself and to Ethan. He'd forgotten everything except Sher. Because of that, he'd placed them both in an embarrassing situation.

Luis knew, thanks to Hank's tendency to have a big mouth, that it would be the main topic of conversation at the party tonight. It normally wouldn't bother him. After all, he usually thrived on this type of attention. But this time... this time it wasn't just him involved. This time Sher would be talked about as well. He hated that she was going to be put through the ringer tonight. His friends would embarrass the hell out of both of them.

God, he thought taking out his frustrations on the nail he was currently hammering, Ethan was going to hit the roof when he found out. Not only had he done exactly what he said he wouldn't do - gotten involved with Sher - but he'd also let Hank and Josh catch them in the act. Josh. He hoped Sher listened and stayed away from him tonight, but something told him she wouldn't. He knew he would have to keep an eye on her tonight and Josh too. He didn't want Josh anywhere near her. It wasn't because he was jealous. Hell, he didn't have any reason to be. Like Sher said, he didn't own her. But Josh Edwards was not the type of guy that Sher wanted to be around.

Luis knew that he and Josh had about the same reputation with women, but he also knew there was one big difference between them. He had a conscience and Josh... Josh didn't. He knew that Josh wouldn't think twice about taking what Sher had offered him yesterday and again this afternoon. But the only way that was going to happen would be over his dead body.

Chapter Seven

"So Luis," someone said placing a hand on his shoulder. "Who is this hot babe I hear you were making out in the pool with?"

Luis inwardly groaned and turned to find his brother Miguel standing beside him. He was the tenth person to ask that question in the last half-hour. Luis shook his head. He still didn't know what the big deal was. It wasn't the first time he'd been caught in such a compromising position and it probably wouldn't be the last. "No one you know little brother."

"Maybe not now, but if you want to introduce me I would really love to meet her." Miguel laughed. "Is she here yet? I hear she has a body to die for."

Luis knotted his fists at his sides in automatic reflex. He didn't like what people had been saying about Sher. It made her sound... like him. "No and don't talk about her that way."

Miguel raised a brow. "What's up bro? You holding out on me or something?"

Luis had just started to shake his head when he heard Miguel and about ten other guys in their vicinity let out a loud wolf whistle. He turned and his jaw hit the ground with a thud he was sure could be heard around the world. Luis let his gaze travel up a pair of shapely legs clad in hip hugging black pants over an impressively sexy round bottom to an almost bare back except for two deep red strings tied at the neck and waist. He couldn't see her face, but that didn't matter any. He already knew who she was. If the golden blond curls hadn't already given him a hint, he would have recognized that delicious looking body anywhere.

It was Sher.

* * * * *

Sheridan could feel Luis eyes on her, but she refused to look at him. She was still sore over this afternoon. She knew his anger had stemmed more from whatever happened between him and Josh than what had happened between him and her in that pool. But it still didn't give him the right to treat her the way he did, she thought feeling her temper start to rise. Imagine him thinking he could tell her what to do. Ha! She was through letting other people run her life.

She saw Theresa out of the corner of her eye and waved. Theresa was the only person she knew here besides Ethan... and Luis. Sher started walking toward her, but stopped when she heard a brunette ask, "Is that the girl Luis was making out with in the pool?"

Sher felt her cheeks color slightly. Then she smiled as she thought of the perfect way to get back at Luis for making her cry this afternoon. She turned around and gave the girl a small smile. "That's me, but I have to tell you, he wasn't very good. You know all talk and no action."

The girl's jaw hit the ground and Sher couldn't help the laughter that bubbled out of her as she walked off and made her way toward Theresa. She laughed even harder as she pictured the look on Luis face when that got back to him. It would be classic.

"What's so funny?" Theresa asked as she stopped in front of her.

Sher sobered instantly. She couldn't tell Theresa what she had just said about her brother. "Um, nothing. Just heard something that made me laugh is all. So how was your afternoon in Boston?"

Theresa raised a brow at her obvious change of subject, but didn't question her further. "It was fun. Ethan and I went to a see Top Gun this afternoon. They are having a special showing of it for the next few days."

"Ooh," Sher said running a hand through her blond curls. "That is one of my favorite movies. Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer..."

"The volleyball scene!" Theresa and Sheridan said in unison then promptly burst into laughter.

"And what are you two laughing about?" Ethan asked walking up behind Theresa and wrapping his arms around her waist.

Sher smiled. They were such a cute couple. "We were just talking about a couple of hot guys."

"Oh yeah?" A male voice called from behind her. "And would one of those hot guys happen to be me?"

She turned and found herself face to face with... Josh Edwards. She parted her lips to say something, but before she could someone laid a hand on her bare back. A wave of heat coursed through her body and she knew immediately that it was Luis.

"Actually Edwards, I believe she was talking about me."

Sheridan shook her head. "You two certainly have big egos. Actually, Theresa and I weren't talking about either one of you. God, you think just because we thought these guys were hot we automatically meant you? Please, you aren't the only two hot guys in the world."

Luis leaned down closer toward her and ran his finger up her back, much the same way she did him earlier. She couldn't help the shiver that ran through her body and when his warm breath hit her ear a second later, a fire broke out inside her. "But you do admit you think I'm hot?"

Memories of their afternoon in the pool flashed in her mind and she couldn't contain the smile that formed on her lips. Oh yeah, he was hot all right. Luis chuckled behind her and she felt her cheeks grow hot. Had she said that aloud?

"See sweetheart, I knew you had good taste."

"That's not what I heard." Josh said with a raised brow. "In fact, I heard the lady was left very unsatisfied this afternoon. Tsk, Tsk, Luis I thought you knew better. Sweetheart, I'd be glad to show you how a real man does it."

Luis came around her in a split second and had Ethan not jumped between them, she was sure he would have went for Josh's throat. Anger flashed in both their eyes and she knew their hatred of each other went deep. The only question was why?

Luis glared at Josh over Ethan's shoulder. "You stay the hell away from her Edwards. Do you hear me?"

"I hear you Luis, but you know I don't take orders from you. Besides, if the lady wants a real man who am I to deny her." He laughed as Luis once again lunged at him.

Ethan held Luis under the arms while Josh just smirked. "What's the matter Luis, the truth hurt?"

Pure hatred filled Luis' eyes and Ethan was having a hard time holding him. Several people had gathered around and were hollering for Luis to give Josh what he deserved. She had thought all of them were friends, but maybe she was mistaken. She heard Theresa yell for someone named Miguel to help Ethan hold Luis back and a second later a dark haired man that reminded her of Luis appeared. Hank arrived too and managed to drag Josh to the other side of the pool. Luis watched them go with daggers in his eyes.

"Luis," Ethan said moving so that he blocked Josh from his view. "This is neither the time nor the place. I thought you guys had settled this a long time ago."

Luis shook his head. "So did I, but the guy has been pushing my buttons all day today."

"What do you mean all day? I thought this was the first time you saw him today?"

"Um," Luis glanced at her and she wondered if he would tell Ethan what happened between them in the pool. "Josh and Hank came by earlier today when Sher and I were... swimming in the pool. Josh made a point of dredging up the past."

"Damn," Ethan said swiveling around to glare at Josh across the pool. "why can't he just leave well enough alone. What did he do? Hit on Sher?"

Sher was surprised to see Luis color slightly. Bad boy I'm-not-afraid-of-anything Luis was blushing? "Yeah, he did. But you and I both know he only did it to get me to react."

Ethan nodded. "And you gave him exactly what he wanted."

Luis sighed and closed his eyes. "Yeah I did. Hell, Ethan, I couldn't help it. The guy pushed the right buttons today."

Ethan glanced at her suddenly then turned back to Luis. "What were you and Sher doing in the pool? I thought you had a lot of work to do today?"

Luis' eyes flew open and his brown gaze connected with hers. She knew he didn't want to tell Ethan what had happened anymore than she did. But she also knew that he would find out eventually. After all, it was all over the party tonight.

"Ethan, I sort of... well... I -" She broke off unsure of exactly how to tell Ethan she had tried to seduce his best friend today.

"Sher didn't want to... swim alone so I offered to join her." Luis said a few seconds later, which caused Miguel to chuckle. But Luis gave him a sharp look and he sobered instantly.

Ethan shook his head. "I don't under -"

"Sweetie," Theresa interrupted a second later. "Isn't it time for karaoke?"

Sher smiled at Theresa's obvious attempt to distract Ethan from his current line of questioning. Did she know what happened in the pool today? She hadn't acted like it earlier, but something in the way she was looking at her now told Sher she did.

"Yeah I guess it is." Ethan said turning around to look at her. "Are you going to sing first?"

Theresa laughed. "How about we do a duet?"

Ethan smiled. "That sounds good to me. Sher can do the next song. She has a great voice."

Sher froze then narrowed her eyes at Ethan. "You know I don't sing in front of people Ethan!"

"What's the matter are you afraid?" That was Luis. She turned and fixed him with a withering glare. "Like you I'm not afraid of anything."

"Then Prove it."

"All right I will! But," she said placing a finger on his muscular chest. "only if you agree to do the song after me."

"Sorry sweetheart, but that ain't gonna happen. I don't sing."

"What's the matter is big bad Luis afraid?" She asked with a smirk. "What would your friends say if they knew you were afraid to sing a song?"

He raised a brow at that then gave her an irresistible devil-may-care grin that made her heart race in anticipation. "Sher I already told you I'm not afraid of anything. And just to prove it, I'll even let you pick the song."

Sher smiled at that. This was going to be a lot of fun. No, she thought her smile growing wider, tonight would be a lot more than just fun. It would be a night to remember. She was going to make sure of it.

Chapter Eight

Luis watched as Theresa gave Ethan his microphone and wondered what type of song they were going to sing. He figured, knowing his sister the way he did, it would be some sappy love song. His sister had this idea of fate and destiny that really bugged him. To hear her talk you would think that nothing happens by chance that everything that happens in life is already planned out. He shook his head. No one was in charge of his life, but him. He'd made sure of that a long time ago. That was one of the reasons he'd found his own place a couple of years ago. His apartment might not be much, but it was better than living with his folks and hearing night and day what a perfect son Antonio was. Just because Antonio had always done the right thing didn't mean he had to.

Theresa and Ethan turned to each other and anyone could see the love they shared between them went deep. He was really happy for both of them. Of course, he thought with a rueful smile, that wasn't always the case. They had kept it a secret from him the first few months, but then he'd walked in on them in bed together and he'd hit the roof. It had taken him awhile to forgive Ethan for getting involved with his sister. But once he realized Theresa wasn't just another conquest for Ethan that he had really fallen for her, he was behind it all the way.

Luis shook his head and grabbed a beer from the cooler beside him. He'd just taken a sip when he felt someone run a hand lightly over his back. He looked up just as the music started and couldn't make himself look away. The look in Sher's eyes combined with the soft music was... hypnotic. Then Theresa and Ethan started to sing.

I finally found someone
That knocks me off my feet
I finally found the one
That makes me feel complete

Luis barely heard the words as he continued to stare into Sher's bright blue eyes. She smiled suddenly and Luis knew without a doubt that he had to touch her. He set his beer down on the table beside him then held out a hand. She came to him willingly. He wrapped his arms around her waist as she wrapped hers around his neck. They held each other as Theresa and Ethan continued to sing and never once broke the connection their eyes held.

It started out over coffee
We started out as friends
It's funny how from simple things
The best things begin.

To Luis the best thing in life was holding a beautiful woman in your arms and having her look at you like you were the only man in the room, especially if that woman was Sher.

This time it's different
And it's all because of you
It's better than it's ever been.

That was true enough, he thought. This time it was different and he knew without a doubt it was because of the woman in his arms.

Cause we can talk it through

My favorite line was
'Can I call you sometime'
It's all you had to say
To take my breath away

Luis was finding it difficult to breathe himself. He tightened his hold around Sher's waist and wasn't at all surprised when she leaned her head to rest on his chest. She felt so good in his arms... like she was meant to be there. Whoa, Luis get a grip. It's just a dance. You've done this with countless women countless times before. It didn't mean a damn thing. Hell, you barely know her.

This is it, oh, I finally found someone
Someone to share my life
I finally found the one
To be with every night

Luis sprayed his hands over her bare back and couldn't help but love the feel of her soft skin underneath his fingertips. He rested his chin on the top of her head as they continued to sway to the music. Her perfume floated to his nostrils and Luis took a deep breath, loving the scent that was totally her. She was intoxicating.

'Cause whatever I do
It's just got to be with you
My life has just begun
I finally found someone

He rubbed his hands over her bare back and thought he heard her sigh. Her fingers started to play with the back of his neck and a shiver of heat coursed through his body as one fingernail raked his skin. God, he wanted her. He couldn't remember ever wanting anyone the way he wanted her. She tightened her hold on his neck and he tightened his on her waist. Every delicious curve of her body met his and he thought for sure he would die right then and there.

Did I keep you waiting (I didn't mind)
I apologize (Baby that's fine)

I would wait forever to just know you were mine

You know, I love your hair (Are you sure it looks right?)
I love what you wear (Isn't it too tight?)
You're exceptional
I can't wait for the rest of my life

This is it, oh I finally found someone
Someone to share my life
I finally found the one
To be with every night

Luis logically knew he shouldn't be having these thoughts about her. She was Ethan's cousin after all, but his brain... his brain was not doing his thinking right now. His body was and it was crying out with the need to have her. If only she wasn't Ethan's cousin...

'Cause whatever I do
It's just got to be with you
My life has just begun
I finally found someone

'Cause whatever I do
It's just got to be with you
My life has just begun
I finally found someone

The music died down, but Luis and Sher continued to hold each other for a few more seconds. When they finally raised their heads and their eyes connected, something passed between them that Luis was sure he'd never felt before. He dipped his head toward her, but then the deafening sound of clapping broke the moment.

Luis jumped back as if he'd been burned. Had he really been about to kiss her again? After he swore he wouldn't? God, what the hell was the matter with him? Her blue eyes sparkled with anticipation and he suddenly felt like the biggest jerk alive. "I'm sorry Sher. I... we can't do this. I can't get involved with you."

Hurt lit her eyes, but she masked it quickly then pushed him out of her way and stomped toward Theresa and Ethan. Luis watched her grab the microphone out of Ethan's hand and whisper something to his sister. Theresa's eyes lit up and Luis wondered what the hell they were up to. Then realizing there was absolutely no telling, he shook his head and turned around to grab his beer off the table beside him. For the first time in a long time, he felt the need to get rip roaring drunk.

* * * * *

Sheridan glanced at Luis who was standing just a few feet away. He had his back to her and at this very moment was drinking the beer he'd sat down earlier. Why hadn't he kissed her? She knew he wanted to. She saw it in his eyes. Then everyone around them had started clapping and he had pulled back. 'I can't get involved with you.' Hearing those words had hurt. She'd never admit it to anyone, but it had.

It wasn't like she wanted a relationship with him, she thought watching as he raised his beer to his lips again. She watched his lips touch the bottle and wished they were touching her lips instead. She could still feel the heat from their kiss this afternoon in the pool. Could he feel it too?

She shook her head, all she wanted was for everyone to stop seeing her as little miss innocent. But to do that she knew she had to raise some eyebrows. She knew she had the whole summer to do it, but meeting Luis had made her jumpstart her plan a little quicker than she intended. She wasn't exactly sure why, but she knew she had to go through with it. Something inside her was screaming to get out... and it would get out she thought, with or without the help of Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald!

Sher nodded to Theresa and Ethan to start the music then got into her opening pose. She lowered her head to look at the ground. Then opening bars of the song started and Sher raised the mike then started to move to the beat.

Oh... I feel like I've been locked up tight
For a century of lonely nights
Waiting for someone, to release me
You're licking your lips and blowing kisses my way
But that don't mean I'm gonna give it away
Baby, baby, baby (baby, baby, baby)

Oh whoa...
My body's saying let's go
Oh whoa...
My heart is saying no, no

She saw several people raise their eyebrows at her moves. She just smiled and continued to lose herself in the song. Luis still hadn't turned around, but she knew he was listening. She could tell by the way he tightened his grip on the beer in his hand.

If you wanna be with me, baby, there's a price you'll pay
I'm a genie in a bottle, you gotta rub me the right way
If you wanna be with me, I can make your wish come true
YOU GOTTA MAKE A BIG IMPRESSION, I GOTTA LIKE WHAT YOU DO

I'm a genie in a bottle, baby
Gotta rub me the right way, honey
I'm a genie in a bottle, baby
Come, come, come, and let me out

She ran a hand down her side at the line 'gotta rub me the right way, honey' and several men let out a wolf whistle, which finally caused Luis to turn around. Their eyes connected and she couldn't mistake the heat in them. Now that he was finally looking at her, it was time to show him just how much fun she could be.

* * * * *

Luis fought turning around for as long as he could, but as soon as he heard the wolf whistles, he knew he couldn't fight it anymore. He had to see what she was doing. The curiosity was killing him. He turned and their eyes connected. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't look away from her.

The music's playing and the lights' down low
Just one more dance and then we're good to go
Waiting for someone, who needs me

He needed her, naked and underneath him. God, he thought running his free hand through his black hair, he had to stop this. He couldn't get involved with her. He couldn't. He didn't want anything serious and if she fell for him, he'd only break her heart. He finally managed to look away from her and his eyes fell on Ethan, who right now looked as if he was about to drag her out of the sight of the males surrounding the pool. He laughed. He couldn't help it. He looked back at Sher, but she was no longer looking at him. In fact, at the moment, she was making her way toward his little brother.

Hormone's racing at the speed of light
But that don't mean it's gotta be tonight
Baby, baby, baby (Baby, baby, baby,)

Oh whoa....
My body's saying let's go
Oh whoa....
My heart is saying no, no

If you wanna get with me, baby, there's a price you pay
I'm a genie in a bottle, baby, you gotta rub me the right way

She stopped right in front of Miguel and ran a hand suggestively down her side. Luis saw red. It didn't matter that it was his little brother and he knew that Miguel wouldn't cross that line. It didn't matter that Sher didn't know it was his brother. The only thing that matter was that smoky look in her eyes that should be... for him.

If you wanna be with me, I can make your dreams come true
You gotta make a big impression, I gotta like what you do
Just come and set me free, baby, and I'll be with you

She moved away from Miguel and walked to stand in front of Hank. Hank raised his a brow in question and Sheridan winked at him. What the hell kind of game was she playing? She couldn't go around teasing guys like Hank, not without expecting him to react. Or did she expect him to react? She couldn't be interest in Hank. Could she?

I'm a genie in a bottle, baby
Gotta rub me the right way, honey
I'm a genie in a bottle, baby
Come, come, come, and let me out

She ran a hand suggestively down her side and Hank's hand shot out to follow it. Luis took a step forward, but stopped when Sher moved away out of Hank's reach. She moved slightly to the left which brought her face to face with... Josh Edwards. Sher glanced at him over her shoulder and he did not like the gleam in her eye. He wasn't exactly sure what she was going to do, but he could tell by that look he wasn't going to like it. Sure enough a second later, she grabbed Josh's hand and placed it at her waist.

I'm a genie in a bottle, baby
Gotta rub me the right way, honey
I'm a genie in a bottle, baby
Come, come, come, and let me out

Josh ran his hand up and down her side then looked at him and grinned. The bastard. Luis took another step closer, but found himself being stopped by a hand on his chest. He looked up to find Ethan standing in front of him, shaking his head. He narrowed his eyes and turned back to Sher. Josh still had his hand on her, but just as Luis started to take another step, she moved away out of his reach. He relaxed slightly, but then his eyes found Josh and saw the satisfied smirk on his face and his temper rose once again.

Oh whoa....
My body's saying let's go
Oh whoa....
My heart is saying no, no

Luis took another step toward Josh, but then Sher came up beside him. Ethan moved to his side and Sher moved to stand in front of him. She placed a finger on his chest and started to sing. She made a grab for his hand during one part of the song, but he pulled it back out of her reach. He was not going to play these games with her. She was purposely trying to tick him off and it had worked.

If you wanna get with me, baby, there's a price you pay
I'm a genie in a bottle, baby, you gotta rub me the right way
If you wanna be with me, I can make your dreams come true
You gotta make a big impression, I gotta like what you do

Luis stepped back away from her and when he saw the hurt expression on her face, he shook his head and turned around altogether. That was the wrong thing to do. Sher placed her hand on his back and started to rub it all over. Then she ran a hand over his butt and Luis turned around in shock. She was a little vixen that's what she was. She smiled and gave him an exaggerated wink, then turned and walked toward another guy. Luis watched as she performed her same routine on him.

If you wanna get with me, baby, there's a price you pay
I'm a genie in a bottle, baby, you gotta rub me the right way
If you wanna be with me, I can make your dreams come true
You gotta make a big impression, I gotta like what you do
Just come and set me free, baby, and I'll be with you

I'm a genie in a bottle, baby
Come, come, come and let me out

Finally, she ended the song and everyone, especially the guys went haywire. Luis did nothing. He just glared at the guys who were at this moment flanking her from all sides. He ran a hand over his face then turned around and downed what was left of his beer. He set the empty bottle on the bar then reached for another out of the cooler. He was just about to take off the lid when he felt her hand on his back once again. He turned his head to look at her and she had the gall to give him a sweet and innocent smile. Ha! After that performance, he knew for a fact she was no little miss innocent. She was... she was just too much.

"Luis," she said in a breathless whisper. "It's your turn."

Whoa he thought, surely she didn't mean... He raised a brow at her, but she just smiled and handed him the mic in her hand. Luis just stared at it in confusion while she laughed and leaned in to whisper near his ear. "You didn't forget, did you? You said you would sing the song after me and since I just got done, I guess that means you're up. Unless you're too afraid?"

He shook his head. "Sweetheart, I told you I'm not afraid of anything. What song?"

She smiled and Luis had the sudden and unmistakable feeling that letting her pick the song had not been such a good idea. In fact, he had the distinct impression she hoped he made a fool of himself. "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling."

Luis brows shot up in surprise. That song from Top Gun? "You've got to be kidding."

"Nope," she said with a sly grin. "You said I could pick the song and that's the song I pick. Unless, there is some reason why you can't do it? I mean you do know the song right?"

Oh he knew it all right. He glanced around at his buddies who all looked to be still in a state of shock. He'd never sang in front of any of them. The only person that knew what was coming was Miguel. He looked over at him and they both shared a grin of remembrance. He knew everyone else thought he was going to make a fool of himself. Maybe he would. After all, it had been a long time. "Oh yeah, I know the song, sweetheart. In fact, I know it very well."

She furrowed her brows in confusion, but he didn't waste any more time talking to her. He just walked over to Theresa and had her get the song ready. He glanced back at Sher who still stood in the same place he'd left her. Oh yeah, he thought breaking out into a huge grin, little miss innocent was about to get the shock of her life.

Chapter Nine

Sheridan sat down on the blue and white beer cooler, ready to watch Luis' performance. He still had his back to her so she took a moment to look at him. Dressed in black denim jeans, a black open collar shirt, and black biker looking boots, he looked sexy as hell. But that was nothing new. He could be wearing a paper bag and he'd still be sexy as hell. He turned suddenly as if sensing her stare and their eyes met. Then a second later he broke out into a huge grin and she wondered what exactly he was up to. He didn't look nervous. In fact, he looked... he looked like he knew something she didn't. The music started and Luis walked toward her. Oh god, she thought her breath catching in her throat as he stopped a few inches in front of her, he was going to stand in front of her and sing.

You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips

As soon as she heard his deep, rich voice she knew she'd been had. He had said he didn't sing, but he never said he couldn't sing. Damn, she thought raising her eyes to meet his, he wasn't going to make a fool of himself. A mischievous gleam lit his brown eyes and she knew exactly what he was going to do. He smiled, leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips. Then he pulled back and grabbed her hand.

And there's no tenderness like before in your fingertips.

His rubbed his fingertips against her fingertips and a bolt of electricity shot up her arm. She looked into his eyes in surprise and he winked at her. Oh god, he was going to drive her insane.

You're trying hard not to show it, (baby).
But baby, baby I know it...

He winked at her and she felt herself turn ten shades of red. The man was... he was just too much.

You've lost that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling,
You've lost that lovin' feeling,
Now it's gone... gone... gone... wooooooh.

He stepped back and released her hand. Then once he was a few inches away from her he held out his hand to her. She placed her own in it and he pulled her up off the cooler. Then he walked around her all the while singing the song that would forever remain in her memory.

Now there's no welcome look in your eyes when I reach for you.
And now you're starting to criticize little things I do.
It makes me just feel like crying, (baby).
'Cause baby, something in you is dying.

You lost that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling,
You've lost that lovin' feeling,
Now it's gone... gone... gone... wooooooh

He walked around to stand in front of her and to her surprise he got down on his knees.

Baby, baby, I get down on my knees for you.

If you would only love me like you used to do, yeah.

We had a love... a love... a love you don't find everyday.

So don't... don't... don't... don't let it slip away.

He grabbed her hand and walked toward her on his knees, with a pleading look in his eyes. Oh god, he really was trying to drive her insane.

Baby (baby), baby (baby),
I beg of you please...please,
I need your love (I need your love), I need your love (I need your love),
So bring it on back (So bring it on back), Bring it on back (so bring it on back).

He jumped up in one fluid motion and released her hand. Then he stepped back and grinned a Cheshire grin. When he stepped back close to her, it was to run a finger along her jaw. A shiver ran down her spine as he traced her lower lip. She narrowed her eyes realizing what he was trying to do and decided it was time to react. Before he could remove his finger from her lips, her tongue shot out and he jumped back about a foot. But to her surprise he kept singing. He didn't miss a beat. He raised a brow and smiled at her obvious attempt to get him to screw up. Damn the man. Did he really have to be so damn sexy when he was trying to best her?

Bring back that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling
Bring back that lovin' feeling,
'Cause it's gone... gone... gone, and I can't go on, noooo...

Bring back that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling
Bring back that lovin' feeling,
'Cause it's gone... gone...

Luis finished the song and thunderous applause broke out. He looked at her and grinned, but before she could react, his friends surrounded him. Once she couldn't see him anymore, Sheridan was finally able to breathe normally again. She had no idea he could sing like that. In fact, she was in shock. She could see the top of his head, but there was no way she could get close to him. The crowd surrounding him was just too thick. God, she needed a drink. She reached behind her and grabbed a beer out of the cooler. The man had definitely shocked her today. She hadn't thought anyone could be sexier than Tom Cruise singing that song, but she was wrong. Luis was.

Sheridan took a deep breath then twisted the top off her beer. She closed her eyes and took a good long drink. He had really gotten to her with that song. She had never dreamed he would affect her like that. He'd literally stolen her breath. She opened her eyes and they connected with Luis' instantly. She knew he wanted to know what she thought and she didn't disappoint him. She raised her beer to him then placed the fingers from her other hand to her lips and kissed them. He laughed then started to walk toward her, but before he got two inches Ethan stepped in his way. She couldn't see Ethan's face, but from the looks of things whatever he was saying was not good. In fact, his body was so rigid it was almost as if he was ready to kill Luis. Oh god, she thought just realizing what that meant. Ethan found out about what happened in the pool.

* * * * *

Luis was finally able to get away from the crowd that had gathered around him after his song and immediately looked around for Sher. He found her right where he'd left her, standing next to the beer cooler. She had her eyes closed so she hadn't seen him yet. God, he thought letting his eyes travel up and down her body, she was beautiful. He thought it was cute how she tried to fluster him during his song, but of course, he hadn't let her. He had refused to let her get to him. Sher finally opened her eyes and met with his. He raised a brow in silent question. He really wanted to know how she liked his performance. She raised her beer as if to salute him then raised her other hand and kissed her fingertips. He laughed. He couldn't help it. She just looked so dang cute. He took a step toward her, but one step was as far as she got, because Ethan suddenly blocked his path. One quick look into Ethan's angry blue eyes and he knew exactly what was about to happen. Oh hell, he thought closing his eyes in preparation to face Ethan's wrath. He knew what was coming and he did not want to get into right now. In fact, if it was up to him, they wouldn't get into it at all.

Luis took a deep breath then opened his eyes ready to face Ethan's fury. "Eth -"

"Is it true?" Ethan asked grabbing him by the collar of his shirt. When Luis raised a brow in surprise, Ethan dropped his hands and glared at him. "Were you and Sher making out in the pool? Did Josh and Hank really catch her naked?"

Luis nodded then ducked as Ethan took a swing at him. "Dammit Ethan, calm down."

"Calm down hell! That's my cousin you were making out with!"

Luis ducked as Ethan swung again. This was not going to be pretty. Ethan was madder than he had ever seen him. Right now, he reminded him of him, when he had caught Ethan in bed with Theresa. He seemed to recall throwing a few punches himself, only his had actually connected with Ethan's jaw. Luis grabbed Ethan's arm as he tried to make another swing then got right in his face. "Calm the hell down, Ethan! You want to discuss this that's fine. But I'll be damned if I get into another fight with you. Do you remember what happened the last time we fought?"

Ethan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Luis knew he remembered that day. He doubted it was a day either one of them would soon forget.

Luis froze as his fist made contact with Ethan's jaw, knocking him backward into Theresa's wall. Pictures frames fell from the wall and glass scattered across the floor. He heard Theresa scream, but his eyes were focused on the trickle of blood now running down the side of his best friend's face. Where had it come from? He looked above Ethan's head and noticed the empty space where a picture had been hanging above his head. Oh god, had it fallen and hit Ethan in the head?

Luis watched in horror as Ethan started to slide to the ground. He started toward him, but Theresa pushed him out of the way. "Damn Theresa, I didn't mean -"

"You didn't mean what?" Theresa asked sending him an icy glare and running to Ethan's side. "You didn't mean to attack him? It sure as hell looked that way to me! You had no right to treat him this way Luis. None. I'm a big girl and what happened between him and I is between him and I. It's none of your business."

Ethan raised a hand to his head and when he pulled it back, blood oozed over his fingers. From the looks of the amount of blood coming from the gash on his head, he was going to need stitches. He wouldn't doubt if he had a concussion too. Oh god, Luis thought sinking back onto the bed and placing his head in his hands, his temper had finally gotten the best of him.

Ethan had needed stitches that day, about 50 of them to be exact. He'd also had a mild concussion. Luis shook his head to clear it of the bad memories. He and Ethan had made a pact that day to never fight again. They had kept it until today. "I'm sorry Ethan. I know how you feel right now and I don't blame you. But nothing really happened between Sher & I."

"Because you were interrupted?" He asked with an edge to his voice.

Luis grimaced. He didn't want to admit that was the reason, but he didn't want to lie to Ethan either. "Yeah, if we hadn't gotten interrupted things probably would have gone further than they did."

Ethan nodded, the anger still visible in his eyes. "So do you care about her at all? Or do you just see her as another lay?"

Luis closed his eyes then shook his head trying to fight the anger rising inside him. He knew Ethan had a right to be concerned, but he really couldn't believe what Ethan was asking him. They had been friends a long time and he thought Ethan knew him better than that. Luis opened his eyes and pinned him with a cold, hard stare. "Ethan, I can't believe you would even ask me that. I fought my attraction to your cousin because I knew you didn't like the idea of her and I together. But evidently she didn't agree with you. She came onto me again this afternoon and I tried to resist her, but she made it impossible."

"You didn't answer my question. Do you care about her at all?"

Luis knew he had to answer, but he really didn't have an answer. He looked over at Sher and saw her laughing at something someone was telling her. He couldn't see who it was because his view was blocked. But then after a few seconds, someone moved and he saw exactly who she was talking to... Josh Edwards.

Luis narrowed his eyes. He had warned him to stay away from her, but apparently, he didn't hear too well. He took a step forward, but Ethan stopped him with his next comment. "I guess that answers my question. You do care about her, don't you?"

Luis swung his gaze back to Ethan in surprise. "What are you talking about?"

Ethan had the gall to chuckle. "You're so jealous right now, you can't see straight. They're only talking Luis."

Talking? Didn't he realize who she was only talking to? "Ethan, are you telling me that her talking to JOSH, doesn't bother you? After what he's done?"

Ethan shook his head and let out a loud sigh. "You and Josh have your own issues, Luis. Yeah, I don't agree with what he did. I'd like to punch his lights out myself for it, but it doesn't mean Sher can't talk to the guy."

Luis turned his gaze back to look at Sher and Josh. Instead Of Sher, he found Beth who was currently making her way toward him. He groaned. He hadn't known she was here tonight. If he had, he would have made damn sure to keep out of her sight.

Chapter Ten

Sheridan watched as Ethan grabbed Luis by the collar of his black shirt. She had never seen Ethan like this. He wasn't usually so rough with people. In fact, she had never seen him treat anyone this way before. She had to stop it, she thought taking a step toward them, right now, before things got out of control. Two steps is as far as she got because that's when Ethan took the first swing.

"No," Sheridan screamed and started to run toward them. "Ethan stop it!"

She hadn't made it a quarter of the way there, before someone grabbed her around the waist from behind to stop her. She screamed again for them to stop, but neither of them seemed to hear her. It was as if they were in their own little world. Of course, in reality, they were probably too far away to hear her over the loud music. She shook her head then turned her head to see who held her. Once she saw who it was, she felt her own temper start to rise. "Dammit Josh, let me go. I have to stop them."

Sheridan struggled in his grasp, but he held her firm. "Dammit Josh, I said let me go!"

"Sorry sweetheart, no can do. I let you go over there and you're likely to get hurt. Besides," Josh said shaking his head. "fighting is not exactly new to Luis. In case, you didn't know the guy has an awfully bad temper."

"But one of them could get hurt!" Sheridan said once again struggling to get out of his grasp.

"That certainly wouldn't be anything new." Josh said with a somewhat bitter laugh. "The last guy Luis fought ended up in the hospital."

"What?!" Sheridan said turning around in surprise. "What happened?"

"I don't know the details." Josh said glancing to where Luis and Ethan stood. "But the guy ended up having to get about fifty stitches in his head. He also ended up with a mild concussion."

God, Sheridan thought looking back at Luis, she hoped things didn't get that out of control. She started to struggle against Josh's grip again, but stopped when she realized Luis and Ethan no longer looked angry. In fact, they seemed to be talking now. She released a deep breath then turned back around to Josh. "You can let me go now. They seemed to have calmed down."

Josh nodded and released her. "I didn't mean to grab you like that. I just didn't want you to get hurt."

She smiled at his obvious concern for her safety. "Thank you for your concern, but I would have been fine."

She took a step back and ran into some behind her. "Oh sorry." She said turning around to apologize. "I didn't see you there."

"Yes, well watch where you are going next time." Said a tall, lean redhead, her voice filled with disdain.

Sher raised a brow in surprise then watched her walk away. "Well, she seems awfully nice."

Josh laughed. "Oh she is. That's why we aren't together anymore."

"You used to date her?" Sher asked not even bothering to hide her pity.

"Well, sort of. We ended up in bed one night and let's just say I woke up and realized I'd made a horrendous mistake." He said that with a grimace and a shudder, which caused Sher to laugh.

"I see, wasn't what you thought huh?"

"Something like that." Josh said with a quick grin. "So beautiful, how 'bout a dance?"

"Um, I don't think so. I really should go check on Luis and Ethan. But thank you anyway."

Josh nodded. "Anytime, and hey if you change your mind about that dance, I'll be around."

She gave him a smile then turned and started to make her way to Luis and Ethan. She was almost there when she saw a beautiful brunette walk up to Luis and place her arms around his neck. Sheridan stood frozen for several seconds then watched as the woman pulled Luis into a deep kiss. She blinked once, then a second time, hoping she wasn't seeing what she thought she was, but no they were still there. Who was she? And what did she mean to Luis?

Someone walked up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "That's Beth, Luis' ex."

Sher sucked in a deep breath. "Ex? Are you sure it's ex? They look awfully cozy to me."

Josh shrugged. "At one time, they used to be scorching. I know she never got over their breakup and... he didn't either. I guess she wants another chance."

She narrowed her eyes as Luis ran his hands up the woman's arms. Obviously, Luis wanted another chance with her, too. If he didn't, he would have pulled away by now. She didn't know why she was so surprised that he was kissing another woman. After all, Luis had told her they couldn't get involved. Now she knew the reason why. It wasn't because of Ethan like she thought. It was because he wanted his ex back. Well, as far as she was concerned, he could have her.

"Josh," she said turning and giving him a bright smile. "What do you say we get out of here? It suddenly seems a little too crowded."

His green eyes widened in surprise, but then he broke out into a huge grin and held out his arm for her. "Sure thing, sweetheart. My car is right out front."

Sher smiled and took his arm. She knew Luis had told her to stay away from Josh, but she no longer cared what he thought. He should have told her he was interested in another woman. She would have backed off in her pursuit of him. Instead, he'd let her make a fool out of herself in front of everyone. Well, he wouldn't get another chance. She was through chasing him around. She'd just have to find someone else to help her ruin her reputation. She glanced at Josh and smiled. Maybe she already had.

* * * * *

Luis unwrapped Beth's arms from around his neck then pushed her away from him. He'd told her time and time again that they were through. He'd really thought she'd gotten the hint, but obviously she hadn't. Damn, he thought running a hand through his thick black hair, why couldn't she just leave him the hell alone? Hadn't she caused enough damage already?

"Luis?" Beth said in a silky voice that turned his stomach. "Why did you pull away?"

Luis shook his head. "Beth, I've told you a thousand times that we're through. Yet, you continue to throw yourself at me. Well, I'm telling you for the last time, I'm not interested. And that isn't going to change."

Beth gave him an icy glare. "Because of that blond I saw you with earlier?"

At first, Luis didn't know how to respond, but then he saw Ethan's raised brow and decided to tell the truth. "Yeah, Beth, because of that blond."

"So she's the new woman, huh? Better be careful, Luis. She doesn't seem the type to be faithful. In fact, she looked pretty cozy with Josh a few minutes ago."

Luis tried to fight his anger, but found he couldn't. "You'd know all about that wouldn't you, Beth? After all, it was your cheating on me with Josh that broke us up. Well, I got news for you, Sher is not like you."

"Um Luis," Hank's voice said from behind him. "You might want to rethink that observation."

Luis turned and glared at Hank. "What the hell are you talking about Bennett?"

"I just saw Sher and Josh leave in his car a few minutes ago. Don't know where they were going, but wherever it is, it will definitely be just the two of them."

Luis grabbed Hank by the front of his shirt, almost picking him up off the ground. "Are you sure it was Sher that you saw Josh leave with?"

"Yeah, it was her." Hank said trying to pry his fingers off his shirt. "I recognized her blond curls."

Luis swore then released Hank and headed for his truck. He heard Ethan calling after him, but he wasn't about to stop. He had to find Sher. Josh had better not try anything with her, Luis thought grabbing the keys out of his pocket and throwing open his truck door, because he would definitely not be responsible for his actions if he did.

Luis started his truck and gunned the engine, heading for the place Josh usually took his women. The tires on his old Chevy squealed as he turned the corner and got onto the highway, but Luis didn't pay them any mind. He was too focused on what he was going to do to Josh when he found him. He just hoped he got there in time to stop Sher from making a very big mistake.

* * * * *

Sheridan looked over at Josh and wondered if leaving with him had been a smart move. She had reacted out of anger and... Yes, if she was honest with herself she had to admit to having more than a little twinge of jealousy, but to leave with a guy she didn't really know? That caused her more than a moment of pause. What did she know about Josh? Other than the fact that Luis hated him?

Nothing, she thought feeling the panic start to rise in the back of her throat, she knew absolutely nothing about Josh Edwards. "Um, Josh, I think maybe... I think we should go back to the party now. I don't think us leaving was such a hot idea. If Ethan, " or Luis she added silently. "finds out I left with you... well he won't be very happy."

Josh laughed. "Are you sure it isn't Luis you're really worried about? After all, the whole reason you left with me in the first place was to make him jealous."

Sheridan swallowed hard. She heard the bitterness in his voice and saw the way his hand tightened on the steering wheel. As far as she could tell, whatever had happened between him and Luis went very deep on both sides. She had to wonder at Josh' intentions toward her. She knew she had been the one to ask him to leave the party, but something told her his motives were more selfish than her own. God, she thought placing a hand on her rapidly churning stomach, what had she gotten herself into.

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