Chapter 4 How They Met

First course of business: disclaimer

None of this is real, all fabrications on my part. I own nothing. Phantom belongs to Leroux and ALW. Darn I never have any luck. This story it is just pure fiction and fun. Please read and review. Remember this is after all, my first story.

Rating: M- there will be some sex or violence and forced sexual relations later other chapters, be warned.

E/C (Kristine) I changed spelling.

This chapter has been fixed using Erik's name, so the use of Peter will be occasional now in reference to his work and nothing more. Sorry for changing in mid stream.

AN: Vacations are nice, but home is where you come to rest after you get back. Thanks to everyone that reviewed and or read the last chapter. It made my short times on-line while gone very rewarding. Thanks to Hope for her help. I did make some changes she has not gotten to check, so please let me know if you see a mistake.

For your enjoyment, E/K with a little irritation.

Chapter 4 How They Met

Erik began each morning, by frequenting the coffee bar and snack shop in Telluride. He would get an Americano Strong to go, before setting out to view the countryside.

The view from the valley around the town was splendid. The range of mountains that surrounded the area stood as a reminder of the ruggedness the script called for. He knew it also reminded him of Scotland. The peaks were higher, but the old world feel made him miss his native homeland and his parents.

Heading back into town later that same day to grab a bite to eat, Erik noticed a beautiful sight. He was happy to see they were both headed for the same place -- a popular lunch hangout called The Eatery.

She was average height, dark chocolate hair down to her shoulders in gentle curls, and oh that body, how it curved and blossomed in all the right places.

She had a bounce and vigor when she walked that told him she was happy to be alive. A lovely serene smile graced her lips.

Erik was so taken with her, he nearly ran over a very startled man crossing the street.

He parked his car on Main Street and slipped into The Eatery unnoticed. A corner table gave him a clear view. He just wanted to look at this angel undisturbed for awhile. He ordered a cup of coffee.

At the counter, Kristine gave her order. Since it was a nice fall day outside, she ordered it to go. She wanted to take her lunch to the park to enjoy the sunshine. She was so busy these days she seldom found time to be outside. Today would be perfect.

As she waited, Kristine looked into the mirror above the back counter. She spotted someone in the corner staring at her intensely. She decided to glance around the room. Trying not to be too obvious, she turned to get a better look at him.

He was handsome and well-built from what she could see. He had the most penetrating stare. She just couldn't tell what it was about him that was different.

His dark brown wavy hair was begging to be curled around someone's fingers. His legs seemed too long to fit under the table. He sat almost sideways in the chair to give them room. She wondered how tall he was. Very, was her guess?

The waitress came back over to refill her drink. Startled, Kristine spun back around looking at the waitress, who gave her a wink and nodded in the direction of the table. Taking a quick glance again in the mirror, Kristine lifted her glass to her lips.

"He is good looking in a mysterious sort of way, isn't he?" whispered the waitress.

Grinning, Kristine glanced into the mirror again too get another look at the man at the table. Turning from the mirror reluctantly, her attention was drawn to the front door.

Entering the restaurant was a blond haired man of medium build. He was somewhat good looking in a pretty boy way. He walked to the counter, as if he owned the place and sat a few stools away from Kristine.

Pulling down a menu, he proceeded to place an order. Kristine couldn't help but notice that he was condescending to the waitress and a little too familiar.

The waitress appeared to be ready to put him in his place. She even started to tip the coffee in his lap, but decided better of it. It would be a waste of good coffee.

Raoul glared at the waitress, in her attempt to be mean. She glared back.

Raoul spotted out of the corner of his eye, the perky brunette with the full luscious figure. A rye smirk curled his lips and an odd chuckling sound escaped.

He moved down next to her and started running a finger up her arm slowly.

"Say beautiful, you look familiar to me. Haven't I seen you before? Didn't you attend the University Of Colorado?

"Yes I did," she said turning towards him and smiling, as she shrugged off his finger from her arm. She was determined to keep her cool.

"I am Raoul de Chagny…. I think I know where I've seen you… oh yeah; we had one large lecture class together. Do you live here?" Raoul was desperate to keep the conversation going.

"I doubt it. Don't think that's any of your business." Kristine responded.

What a jerk. Obviously thinks he's god's gift. She was fast becoming bored with this guy.

Trying to impress her, he stated very proudly, "I own De Chagny International. We supply planes and fly cargo and people….

"I've heard of it!" Kristine's impatience was running thin, but she kept her temper for now. She was not impressed.

The waitress smiled, as she brought over the lunch Kristine had ordered.

Kristine wanted to pay her check and leave without incident. This man was getting on her nerves. She tried quickly to gather her lunch and things to leave. Raoul reached out and grabbed her arm -- a little too tightly causing her to lose her grip on her things. She noticed he was about to say something, while she tried to remove her arm from his hand.

"I am going to take you out to dinner tonight, so clear your social calendar!" He didn't ask, he demanded. Kristine couldn't believe his arrogance.

"My social calendar is full! Let …go… of… my arm!" she whispered fixing him with a hard stare. "If you will excuse me, I need to get going!" Kristine turned back around to gather her lunch and jacket again, and then she rushed out the door.

Over at the far table Erik was watching the exchange between the two. He was about to get up and help her when she wrenched free of the man's grip and left.

He was impressed with the way the angel, 'his angel' (he chuckled to himself) had handled herself. But, if that creep goes near her again, he thought, I will deck him! He paid his check and hurried out after her. Hopefully, he wouldn't get the same treatment.

Once outside, Kristine looked back to see God's gift heading towards his car.

I hope he will give up and go away, she thought. The intriguing stranger was right behind him.

Kristine quickened her pace, as she headed towards the park to find a bench. She was out in the open and no one would dare bother her with the police station just a block away. She sat facing the front door of the restaurant, keeping an eye on both men, especially the "Deluded One."

Raoul was incensed! He was not used to being treated this way. His car said it all as he peeled out down the street. How did he lose this chance with that woman? Raoul decided his ego was bruised. Looking in the mirror, he noticed that other guy follow her out of The Eatery. What the hell does he think he is doing? He knew he had to see what happened. She'll tank him too, just like me.

Erik started to follow 'his angel' to the park, careful to keep his distance. It wouldn't surprise him if she were a black belt. God, what a woman, he thought happily to himself.

For some unexplained reason, Erik was drawn to 'his angel'. Why would he ever want to call a woman 'his angel'? He had no idea. How could he begin to explain to anyone, even his two best friends, what there was about this pull that drew him too her? No other woman had the ability to draw him close, let alone make him want to know more about them.

In the past, relationships he had with women were never very deep. How could he have a relationship? Most women departed faster than bananas turned old. After a time, he began to sour on women, except for bed partners. The other kicker was if he got lucky would they take off his mask. His mind kept racing with so much unanswered possibilities. He had to stop questioning and take a leap of faith.

Erik spotted her sitting on a bench preparing to eat. He had to take a chance. He had to know more. Hopefully she would sense his sincerity. He had never been more sincere in his life. He wanted to know this woman! He felt she could be the one! Now or never, hemuttered to himself.

Erik was not the shy type, especially when it came to the ladies. When he set his sights on a woman, any woman, he never let her walk away without trying to get a name and phone number. Nevertheless, he wanted to take it slow with this one after what had just occurred. He knew she was a little skittish right now.

Before he knew it he was in front of her.

Kristine slowly looked up, nearly choking on her first bite. The tall stranger was right in front of her gazing down into her eyes.

He opened his mouth to speak, "My name is P..," he stuttered and then said, "I mean Erik." (Why did I do that? I can't even form words right in front of her, let alone my name.) "I couldn't help but notice what happened back there. Are you all right?"

She nodded and thanked him for asking.

He seemed nervous. She liked that. He even stuttered.

His eyes were very striking. They gave off a soft golden glow. At times, they seemed almost to be pleading for something. It made her wonder what they were looking for.

Then she noticed his lips. My how they called you into them. She licked her lips thinking about how they would taste when given a long lingering kiss.

Glancing down to put her sandwich away, she noticed his hands! They were large and powerful looking. It made Kristine blush at the thought; what they could do to one's body when allowed to explore.

"You don't even know him and look what he's doing to you, Kristine. Down girl!

Erik then asked, "May I sit down?" pointing to the bench.

She again nodded. For someone usually not a loss for words, Kristine, surprisingly, was speechless.

She noticed his mask, but never gave the mask another thought. Her parents had taught her not to stare or make comments about other people's disadvantages. She learned that as a child.

Erik asked her about the town, "Was there a good spot for night life -- dancing and dinner?"

Kristine had to think for a minute. She had just come back to town to apply for the job and wasn't familiar with places to go for the evening. It had been a while since she had lived here and businesses had changed.

"It's been a while since I've been out at night." She responded.

"That's hard to believe," he smiled. "And by the way, I liked how you handled Mr. Pushy back there." he chuckled.

"Thanks. Dad taught me to defend myself against unwanted jerks like him." She lightly giggled.

"He did a good job so far, from what I could see. Do you work around here?" He slipped that in gently. He didn't want to be too pushy himself, like that jackass.

"Yes, he did. No, I am applying for a job here in town." She told just enough to find out if he was really interested.

"What do you do?" He was hungry to know everything about her.

This is going smoothly, she thought. "I am trying for an opening in the weather department at the broadcast station here in town."

"Oh, that must be an interesting field to work in." Erik added.

"Yes, it has been one dream of mine since I was a girl. I have wanted to chase storms, study them and see what makes them form."

"I can see you doing that. You have a drive for excitement in your eyes." He loved her eyes -- as blue as the afternoon sky.

Blushing, she lowered her gaze and smiled. He has a way with words that makes me tingle a little.

"Would you take a walk around the park with me?" he asked, hoping he wasn't moving too fast.

"Sure, we could do that." Packing her lunch back up, she reached for her jacket, but he had already brought it to her shoulders, gently draping it over them.

They began to walk around talking about nothing in particular; just getting a feel for one another's company.

About a block away, Raoul sat in his car watching the scene play out. He had left the restaurant, but circled back. What nerve, her pushing me over for that guy, accepting his advances. What's so special about him in comparison to me? She had become something he intended to have. Nothing was going to get in his way. Wait and see.

As they circled back around the park, Erik said, "I could use a cup of coffee. Do you have time to get one?"

"I would love one. I am getting a little chilly," she said pulling the jacket in a little more over her arms.

Stepping back inside The Eatery, they sat down at a table near the window.

Erik motioned for the waitress to bring two coffees.

"I am in town looking at a location for a movie that will be made here soon." He decided to try and talk about himself a bit.

"You are? How exciting. What is the movie about?" She was intrigued.

"It is a futuristic western with a bit of horror thrown in." He laughed at the way he said that. It came out all wrong.

Erik moved his arm, as the waitress set down their coffee.

"That kind of genre is new to me. I would like to hear more sometime." She said, laughing at the way he made her feel. She was happy to be around someone so interesting and kind. He seemed to want to be with her and not just to make time. At least she didn't think he did.

They both took sugar and reached for it at the same time. She felt a distinct jolt pass through her hand, as he grazed it with his fingers.

He felt the sensation too, causing him to flex his fingers.

She sighed slightly, as he motioned for her to take the sugar packet from the bowl.

Taking a packet after she did, he stirred the contents into his cup and decided to ask her one more question. It was now or never.

"Would you care to have dinner with me and possibly go dancing after?" He held his breath waiting for her answer.

Startled by his question, she pondered a minute, making him wait before she replied, "I would be delighted. I'll meet you there. Oh by the way, where are we going?"

"Okay! That sounds fine. " Erik was one happy man. "Let me go ask if there is a good place nearby. Be right back."

Back at the counter, Erik asked the waitress for a recommendation. He was hoping for a nice place close to the hotel.

The waitress told him about "The High Road", within walking distance from here. That pleased him. Now he could have a nice long evening with her. Erik returned to the table.

"She just told me of a place called "The High Road". It is just up the block and I am staying at the hotel over there." He pointed out the window to the hotel across the street.

Privately, she was pleased it was close. Kristine had booked a room at the same hotel. It was a treat to stay in one after dorm life and sharing a room with Meg her best friend in college. Her parents were out of town finishing a concert tour and would return later in the month. If she got the job, she would begin her search for an apartment. Her freedom was still her top priority. Living with her parents was a last resort.

Just to be on the safe side she wouldn't tell Erik where she was staying. Being cautious was something her Dad had drilled into her.

Before it slipped his mind he tried again to ask for her cell number and where she was staying.

She could still hear her father saying "Can't be too careful." Even though she wanted to get close to this man, it was too soon for phone number giveaways. If he's really interested he'll understand.

"No not yet. I'll tell you later, okay?" she got past that for now. "What do you say to after dinner? I will see how we are doing and maybe then I might give it to you." she winked.

Erik nearly fell off his chair when she winked at him. She seemed, shy but there was obviously more to her than what he saw.

Now he had to develop this relationship past the coffee and conversation stage. It was dinner, dancing and maybe a kiss. Oh yes, a kiss on her full pink lips. Here he was staring again and he needed snap out of it.

"Why don't we say 7:30 then? I guess I'll meet you there!" Erik gave her a big smile. He had a date with her and the other guy didn't. That was very thrilling to him. He beat the pretty boy out of a date with her.

"May I ask your name?" She seemed to hesitate. He began to worry. "I could call you Angel if you like."

"My name's Kristine. And I'm no angel." Erik's eyes widened with surprise and delight. She was playful. She was unpredictable. What other exciting surprises were in store?

She grinned. A delicate blush rose in her cheeks that made Erik's heart speed up. To him she was most definitely an angel. He wanted more than ever to make her 'HIS' angel.

"Then Kristine it is. See you at the "The High Road" at 7:30, Kristine."

He hated to leave her but he had other errands to run, so he excused himself. Kristine walked outside with him and watched as he went on his way. My, he had a nice body from behind. Sure made for a great view, she mused to herself.

Erik could feel her eyes following him as he left and he didn't mind that she was watching him walk away. Many women had told him he had a great ass and it was well worth the view. He chuckled as he walked.

Walking back over to the park bench to sit down, Kristine reached for her cell phone and used the speed dial to ring Meg. This day she wanted to share with her friend who was like a sister. She heard the phone ring. Meg answered in her usual flip cheery way.

"Hey Kris, how's it going today?" she asked.

"Well, it started out like any normal day and then started down hill for a bit. But, it recovered nicely." Sitting there she thought again about Erik and that view of his behind.

"What do you mean down hill a bit? What happened?" There was silence on the other end. Meg was curious and a little concerned.

"Kris… Earth to Kris, are you still there?" Meg yelled into the phone, trying to get her attention.

"Mmm…. What? Oh, sorry! I am still here. My mind was somewhere else for a minute." Kristine cleared her throat and continued. She heard Meg giggling on the other end.

"I saw this great looking guy at The Eatery and was enjoying the view when this," she shivered before continuing, "Pretty boy Raoul de whatever entered. He makes my skin crawl." She shivered again spitting out the last part of her sentence.

"Who? Oh him. Be careful around him! He's weird!" Meg's voice was laced with an acid tone, when she said this.

"What do you mean?" What Meg said alarmed Kristine!

"I'll tell you later," Meg replied. "Just be careful." Meg was eager to get back to Kristine's story. "Go on tell me more."

"God's gift to women" tried to come on to me and demanded I go out with him, but I got away from him and went to the park. Don't think he was very happy about it. I thought for sure he'd come after me, but he just jumped into his car and burned rubber down the street, like demons were after him."

"The gorgeous guy was right behind him, when I was looking for a bench in the park. I nearly choked on my lunch, as I looked up and there he was right in front of me." Kristine was out of breath and tried to catch it.

"How did you get another guy? You attract them like flies! So, what did you do?" squealed Meg.

"I was so surprised at first, I just sat there. He told me his name was Erik and he asked if I was all right. We talked a bit and walked around the park. Meg, I've never been so excited and still so comfortable with anyone in my whole life! We ended back at The Eatery for coffee."

"He told me he was here to scout out a location for that movie company you and I had heard about. Eventually, our hands touched and I felt the biggest jolt. I can't describe it to you, but it was amazing. Meg, there was just something about him. He was so ..." Kristine trailed off for a minute remembering the encounter. She found it difficult to put into words what she had felt meeting this fascinating man.

"Then he asked me if I knew of a place for dinner and dancing. 'I said no, I didn't know of any places.', so he asked the waitress…" Kristine never got to finish her sentence.

Meg pushed in and said, "Hey all he told you was his first name? Sounds fishy to me; be careful." she warned.

"I will mom! I bet he'll tell me the rest of his name tonight. You never let me finish. We're dining at "The High Road". Know it?" Kristine asked.

"That's a great place, Kristine. He's going to spend a little money on you." Meg added.

"Really?" They both laughed.

"Meg, he seems genuine…sincere… but after my experience with what's his name, I guess I should still be careful. I said I would meet him there."

Drawing a deep breath Kristine continued. "That's safe, right?" She waited for Meg to answer.

"Yes, that's about as safe as you can get. Anyway, what else happened?"

"He asked my name and when I hesitated he said he could call me 'Angel'. Can you imagine? The way he said it was so sweet. I giggled like a fool. Don't worry, I told him my first name only. I watched him walk away and he was even better from the back. He has a fine ass, Meg." She laughed.

Kristine's laugh was contagious. They kept it up for a good minute before Meg remembered she had a deadline to meet.

"Woman I have to go. I have a story to get out before the 6 o'clock news. Call me after your evening with this Erik guy. Okay later."

"Oh Meg, did I tell you that Erik wears a mask on one side of his face? Talk to you later, bye." Kristine hung up.

Meg yelled into the mouthpiece, but by that time, Kristine was gone. Meg wondered if she had really heard "Erik wears a mask one the right side of his face." but realized that's exactly what Kristine had said. That sounded strangely familiar.

"Oh my God!" was all Meg could get out of her mouth.