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THE STATION
Ricardo rubbed the back of his neck; he had been awake for almost 30 hours. The murder investigation was stalled with absolutely no leads; the body had been identified as a young woman in her late 20’s from one of the more prominent families in Sunset Beach. This one was going to be complicated and the Chief would push the department until an arrest was made; the girl’s father sat on the city council. Ricardo stretched his arms over his head and began to yawn; he nearly choked when he realized his deodorant must have stopped working after 24 hours. "Good God," he remarked as he stood up and retrieved a stick of Right Guard from his top drawer. He tugged his shirttail out and began to reapply the gel just as Amanda opened the door and stepped into his office. Ricardo yanked the deodorant from under his shirt hoping he had applied enough to cover the ripeness before she saw him. Amanda looked no worse for wear after having been up all night searching the beach for evidence. Her long brown hair was pulled high on her head in a ponytail; she was dressed casually in faded jeans and a Northwestern University sweatshirt. Her contacts had dried up hours ago and she now sported trendy, wire-framed glasses. Ricardo had never been attracted to women who wore glasses but he couldn’t help notice how cute Amanda looked; she looked like a college student who had been cramming for finals all night. She stood before his desk, apparently unfazed by his freshening activities, and placed her hands on her waist. With her palms against her back, she stretched her tired muscles; her head tilted back and her breasts pushed forward; Ricardo’s mouth gaped open with admiration. "Alright," she said shaking her head as she finished her stretch. "So, we’ve been over the pier three times. Nothing broken, no sign of a struggle." She waited for Ricardo to respond. "Ricardo?" "Huh?" he answered, still focusing a little too closely on her body. "I’m sorry, I’m just a little distracted." Amanda sat down in the chair across from him. "Chief told me about your brother, Ricardo. Is there any news?" The tough, straight-laced woman softened before his eyes; the concern and tenderness in her eyes sparked an inexplicable feeling in Ricardo. "Do they think it’s going to be permanent?" "Uh, they uh." Get control Ricardo, she’s your co-worker and you’re engaged. "They don’t know yet. It’s going to take some time." "I know that you are close. If there’s anything I can do," she offered sincerely. "Just let me know." Ricardo looked up and Amanda smiled. It wasn’t her usual reserved, guarded smile; it lit up her face, her eyes, and the room. Their eyes locked for the briefest instant before they simultaneously shifted in their chairs. "Well, Spence says that he’s calling…" Her voice faded from his reception as he watched intently the way her lips moved when she spoke. Something about this woman captured his attention; she was beautiful and smart and yet so careful to keep herself on guard. He couldn’t help but wonder what had hurt her so badly in the past to warrant this protective shield; or rather who had hurt her. Ricardo tuned back into the conversation placing the improper thoughts of Amanda into the back of his mind. THE HOSPITAL "Ms. Martinez," the nurse whispered quietly. Antonio and Gabi were sleeping soundly and she didn’t want to wake Antonio. Gabi squinted her eyes, unsure as she awoke of just where she was. Her hand rested against Antonio’s chest and as she opened her eyes, she saw him sleeping beside her, his head to the side, his arm around her back. "We have to take Mr. Torres for some tests now." "Oh I’m sorry," Gabi apologized quietly as she sat up and carefully extracted herself from his embrace. "I must have fallen asleep. What time is it?" "It’s almost 6," she answered as Gabi placed Antonio’s arm gently against the bed. She leaned over and kissed his forehead; his head moved slightly and he groaned softly. Gabi smiled then turned to the nurse. "Why do you have to do tests so early?" "It’s all about when they can schedule the equipment," she replied as she unhooked the machines that monitored Antonio. "I know it’s early, but it’s the only time we could work him in." The nurse realized she needed something from the hall. "I’ll be right back," she told Gabi as she left the room. Antonio stirred in the bed and Gabi could see a look of fear crossing his face; his eyes were still closed. "Antonio it’s alright, I’m here." Gabi moved to his side and took his hand. "Wake up. You’re having a dream." Antonio’s eyes flew open and he was breathing heavily. "It’s okay, see, you were just having a bad dream." Antonio looked around the room and realized that he was in fact in the hospital. He tried to wiggle his toes, to move his foot, to pick up his leg. "No, it wasn’t a dream," he said softly, his voice sad and somber. Gabi squeezed his hand tightly and blinked back tears. She reached out and stroked his cheek; Antonio turned his face away from her. Gabi pulled her hand back slowly and was about to speak when the nurse came back in. "Oh, you’re awake Mr. Torres. We’re going to take you for some tests now. You should be back in an hour or so." The nurse directed her words over her shoulder to Gabi as she fiddled with Antonio’s IV line. "You can wait here if you’d like." "Can I talk to her alone for a minute before we go?" Antonio queried as the nurse finished what she was doing. She nodded and smiled then discreetly left the room. Gabi watched the door close and turned back to Antonio. He held out his hand and she smiled. She quickly moved close and slipped her hand into his. "I want you to go home and get some sleep, Gabi, okay?" She started to protest and he squeezed her hand. "You need to recuperate from yesterday too. Please, for me?" She nodded and smiled at his concern for her well being. "I need you to do me a favor. Can you do that for me?" "Anything, Antonio." "I don’t want you to tell Ricardo…don’t talk to him about me," Antonio began. Gabi’s face showed her confusion. "About us." She started to object but he continued. "I don’t want you to face him alone." It wasn’t the real reason, but he knew she would agree. "I want to tell him together Gabi. I don’t know how he will react and I don’t want you to have to deal with it all alone." "You’re right, Antonio. Of course." Gabi happily agreed; the fact that he wanted to tell Ricardo calmed her fear of what he had been saying last night. "I also would like to wait until I’m out of the hospital." "No, Antonio," Gabi protested. She didn’t want to hide her feelings for him a minute longer than she had to. "Please, I don’t want to wait that long." "I just don’t think that’s a discussion we should have here, Gabi. It might get a little heated and we don’t need to share it with the hospital staff." Knowing his brother as well as he did, he added. "You know how Ricardo can get when he’s upset." The disappointment on Gabi’s face nearly broke his heart, though not as much as the fact that he had no intention of ever telling Ricardo about he and Gabi. "Come here," he beckoned her with a sweet smile. Gabi leaned over him and they shared a tender kiss. "Now go get some sleep. Promise?" "Promise," she purred as she opened her eyes; his kisses made her feel blissfully dizzy. "I love you." Antonio watched her for a minute then touched his thumb to her chin. "I love you too, Gabi." The nurse returned to take Antonio for his test; Gabi gathered her purse and jacket and followed them out of the room. With one last wave, Gabi turned down the hall and left the hospital; she went back home, to Surf Central. "Okay, Mr. Torres, we just need you to stay calm and relaxed. It’s important that you don’t move your arms or your head." The voice over the speaker was muffled but audible. Antonio’s eyes followed the movement of the steel table into the large round tube; the clicking of the MRI machine was like a metronome. "Good, just close your eyes and think of something soothing and peaceful. The test will take about 45 minutes." 45 minutes, Antonio thought. This was going to be a long 45 minutes. Before he knew it, he had been lulled to sleep by the rhythmic tempo of the gigantic machine that encased his body. Gabi climbed the stairs to her room exhausted yet exhilarated. All that had taken place in the last 24 hours was mind-boggling; Antonio with Ashley, Gabi and Antonio hashing out their feelings in the car, being carjacked, Gabi almost being raped, Antonio getting shot trying to save her life and now, not knowing whether he would ever walk again. She wanted to take a shower before climbing into bed but she was just too tired. She started to climb into bed when she stopped and a smile crossed her lips. Leaving her room, she went down the hall into Antonio’s room. She walked over to the closet and pulled out one of his t-shirts; lifting it to her nose, she inhaled the scent of his cologne. Gabi quickly pulled off her clothes and put on his shirt. Pulling back the covers, she climbed into his bed and snuggled against his pillow. Hugging it to her, Gabi’s eyes filled with tears at the overwhelming love she felt for him; she imagined how it would feel to lie in his arms every night; she closed her eyes and fell asleep. Antonio approached the bedroom; the candles were lit and their soft light filled the room. Rose petals of all colors lay scattered on the white satin sheets; the aroma of the flowers soon to be enhanced by their hot, sweaty bodies. Holding the last intact rose in his hand, Antonio strode slowly across the room to Gabi. She sat at the makeup table with her back to him. Her heart accelerated as she caught a glimpse of him in the mirror moving toward her languidly, seductively; his silk robe hung open to reveal he was clothed only in navy blue silk boxer shorts. Gabi dipped her head shyly as he approached her and held the rose in front of her face. She looked up into the mirror and caught his eyes in the reflection. The look of love in his eyes was undeniable; the gaze of his warm, dark eyes fixed on her told her all she needed to know. She lifted her hand and gently accepted the token, bringing it to her nose to inhale its sweetness. Antonio’s strong hands slid over the emerald green silk robe that covered her shoulders; Gabi smiled as she saw his new gold wedding band perched on his left ring finger. She leaned her head to the right and closed her eyes as the pressure of his fingers increased steadily. Tilting her head back slightly, she couldn’t stop the soft moan of pleasure that escaped her lips. Antonio grinned at the effect he was having on his new bride; her long, dark lashes lowered with amorous gratification. Mere hours before, they stood before God and their friends and family, pledging their love and undying devotion. Tonight, he would show her the true depth of his love; tonight they would bond as soulmates forever. "Gabi," he whispered softly as he held out his hand. She placed the rose on the table and slipped her tiny hand into his. Antonio raised her hand and placed his lips against her matching gold band; Gabi felt tears sting her eyes as she watched her husband. Antonio lifted her hands and placed them around his neck; bringing her closer to him, he leaned forward and locked his mouth on hers. Burying his fingers in her silky hair, he delicately kissed her warm parted lips. His hands slipped down her back molding her petite body to his hard, muscular frame. Antonio groaned as his erection swelled; Gabi grinned underneath his lips as it pressed against her thigh. His mouth traced a path down her throat to the hollow of her neck; he playfully caressed the tender spot with his tongue. His fingers deftly untied her robe as her grip on his shoulders tightened. His hands moved up her arms until they reached her shoulders, pushing the silky fabric back and down her arms until it fell to the floor. Antonio pulled back from her to admire the lace teddy underneath her robe; Gabi dropped her eyes bashfully until he lifted her chin with his finger. "My God, you’re so beautiful," his voice dropped to a whisper; a soft smile broke her lips as she accepted his reassurance. Feeling more confident, Gabi brought her hands up and placed them underneath his robe. She ran her fingertips over his broad chest, sliding delicately over the muscles of his torso. An ache of desire spread over Antonio’s body and he caught his breath. His robe fell to the floor as Gabi’s hands landed on the waistband of his boxers. She toyed with the elastic as his lips closed over hers; his tongue licked tantalizingly then plunged into the depths of her mouth. Gabi’s fingers slid up to his shoulders and she tightened her grip, digging her nails into his powerful muscles. Antonio’s hand slid the straps off her shoulders and he replaced them with hot, wet kisses. Gabi leaned back against the strong arm that supported her as his hand cupped her now bare breast and lifted it to his waiting lips. She looked down at his thick, dark hair and lifted her hands to caress his head. He tugged the fabric over her hips and pushed it to the floor. After relieving her of her teddy, his hand glided down her belly and slipped between her thighs as he nibbled at her rosy peaks. Gabi moaned softly and pulled his head closer to her breasts. Under his sensitive, skillful mouth and hands, waves of spreading desire brought Gabi to a feverish pitch. Antonio could hear her labored breathing as she clung to him with breathless urgency. "Please," she begged him softly, "Please take me now." The passion in her voice stirred Antonio’s manhood to new dimensions. Gabi pushed her hand into his boxers; her heart was pounding against her ribs as she pushed off his shorts and he sprang free. Her hand slipped down and closed around his swollen hardness; he groaned as the fever in his veins seemed to be closing is throat. "Oh Gabi," he moaned as she caressed him slowly. "Yes. Yes." His brought his lips back up to meet hers as she teased him to new heights. He returned the pleasure as his fingers toyed at her most sensitive spot. Trembling with anticipation, Gabi ran her hands over his hard body. "Make love to me, Antonio. I need you inside me." Pulling back roughly, he scooped her up into his arms never breaking her gaze. He carried her over to the bed and laid her gently against the cool, rose covered satin sheets. Lowering his body next to hers, Antonio leaned over to kiss her trembling lips; gently at first and then more insistently. His tongue darted to probe the sweetness of her mouth as he rolled her underneath him and pressed himself against her. Gabi reached out for the strong, lean body poised above her and feverishly drew him closer. His responses rising to a throbbing urgency, Antonio settled his weight upon her and desperate to lose himself in her, he surged forward. Gabi screamed in ecstasy as he plunged in deeply; her body tight and enveloping, her nipples pressing into his chest. His lips brushed her cheek as he moved, more slowly now, gently, deliberately. Gabi’s breath began to shorten as he dove deeper and deeper; she held him in a fierce embrace as she panted against his shoulder. Antonio was aching now but holding back until he was certain she would be satisfied. As if sensing his hesitation, Gabi lifted her head and purred into his ear, "Faster, faster." He dutifully increased his pace and watched her as she drew near the edge. She moaned a cry of helplessness against the raging storm; she was almost there. Seeing her lose control brought Antonio to the brink; he closed his eyes as he opened himself up to he immense pleasure running through his body. He began to moan in time with his rhythm growing louder and stronger. Gabi’s moan gave way to a soft cry of rapture and Antonio felt all his passion rushing down as the throb of his groin pumped and he poured himself into her. Gabi hung on to him as if she were drowning as they cried out together then lay trembling in their embrace. Gabi sat up with a start; she’d just had the most amazing dream. A smile crossed her lips as she settled back against his pillow. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her dream had been so powerful, so real; she felt as if Antonio were right here with her. It was a dream she would not soon forget as she slipped quickly back to sleep with only one thing on her mind; she couldn’t wait to be able to marry Antonio, to become his wife. Her wedding day would become the fulfillment of her dreams. "Okay, Mr. Torres, we’re all finished." The voice crackling across the microphone roused Antonio from the most amazingly sensual dream he had ever had. As the machine bed moved him out of the tunnel, the depressing reality of the situation returned and he realized that his dream was and always would be just that, a dream. He avoided the eyes of the medical staff as they placed him back onto his gurney for the trip back to his room. "So, did you have a nice rest?" the nurse asked him innocently as they left the MRI room. "Any good dreams?" Antonio closed his eyes tightly and shook his head; at least he would always have his dreams.
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