Chapter 6 Kristine's Job Interview and another Date

The disclaimer: nope nothing, their not mine, moving on!

AN: Thanks to Hope for editing the story for me. I had a few more reviews and Kelsismom was first one up for chapter 5 and Chapucera, both steady as always. And of course Cadoiscool, it's good to see you. Thanks for your reviews. They do mean a lot to me.

I know some of you are wondering about P/E POV and how he doesn't fit this story compared to PotO. I wanted to change things around a bit, so bear with me and here is the next chapter. Thanks again to everyone.

Rated M

I have thought and been advised to put Alternate Universe on the story. I wondered if it should have had it at the beginning. I apologize for not doing this earlier.

Enjoy….

Previous chapter: Raoul so full of disappointment and disgust over Erik and Kristine drank himself into a stupor and passed out on the sofa.

Chapter 6 Kristine has a job interview and another Date

Erik went about his errands very unaware someone was watching him.

--

Kristine met with Richard Firmin, head of the weather department at the station. He greeted her with a firm handshake, before offering her a chair. He looked back over her resume. He liked her academic qualifications. The long job interview was finally over. Richard assured her he would give her an answer in a few days.

Leaving his office, she glanced around the work area. Data gathering machines were chattering and radars were spinning, showing the local and state maps. Some of the associates were working at their desks.

One person in particular caught Kristine's eye. Her desk nameplate said Carlotta Giabaldi. She was glaring at Kristine.

Carlotta was troubled. The potential new girl wasn't as beautiful as she. At least that was her opinion. However, what if the new girl could do a better job? I like being the only woman. She can't have this job. Mr. Firmin couldn't do to that to me. I am supposed to be the one up for the TV spot. She would be my competition. NO! Carlotta thought to herself.

Carlotta positively thought the sun rose and set on her good looks. Most every man fawned over her, making her feel like a queen.

Some knew if they fussed over her, they wouldn't have to deal with her temper tantrums. Men hated dealing with women who were hard to handle.

Now someone was trying to move in on Carlotta's territory. She would see about that.
Kristine saw what she thought was a look of utter contempt in Carlotta's eyes, but she decided the woman was just having a bad day.

--

Kristine started to leave the building, when Meg called out to her from down the hall. Kristine stopped and turned, smiling at the petite blond walking towards her. She reached out and gave her a hug.

"How was your interview? Meg asked. Oh say, how about lunch?"

"My interview was fine. By the way, I've got a date for lunch today. Can we make it another day? Talk to you later, I promise." Kristine cooed.

Catching a twinkle in Kristine's eye, Meg asked, "Who? Is it that guy you told me about?"

"Yes. His name is Erik, remember?" Kristine said.

"Okay, I remember. Well, have a nice lunch. Does he have a friend I can meet?" Meg blurted out.

Kristine gave a shy response, "I don't think so. He didn't mention anybody else here in town with him when we met. Meg, I really need to get going. I'm to meet him shortly. Later..," as she rushed on towards the front doors.

--
Kristine went outside where she called Erik; suggesting she meet him back at the hotel. She wanted to change into some something warmer in case he might want to go hiking.

Oh, let this day be a good one, was her wish.

At 24, she was ready for a stable mature man in her life. All the others had just been flakes or selfish. They hadn't wanted to commit to any one person. She always knew she would be attracted to an older man. She wanted a man comfortable within himself and willing to commit to one woman. She was ready and willing to give herself unconditionally to one man.

She could see herself being with someone like Erik. His mask was not a problem. It didn't matter. That part of him was just the outer shell. Finding what lay within one's soul was all that mattered. Today would be filled with hopes and fears. Let the day progress and see where it takes us, she thought.

Back at the hotel, she had gone up to her room searching for the jeans from last night and a warm sweater that she loved to wear. Grabbing her hiking boots, jacket and fanny pack, Kristine was ready to go. She had stopped to spread on her lip gloss in front of the mirror. A knock brought her attention away from her task. It was Erik. She saw him through the little security-hole in her door.

As the door opened, Erik's breath caught in his throat. His eyes ran up and down her form. That sweater took his creative mind on a journey that would derail any man on the spot. He leaned in for a kiss. Erik had patiently waited all morning to do just that. Kristine moaned as he grabbed her waist pulling her closer. She tasted like fresh jam.

They pulled back gazing at each other. Kristine said, "We need to go or the day will be gone before we know it, if we keep kissing." She could kiss him repeatedly, but would wait until later.

Erik's Jeep was waiting out by the front curb. Piling all their things in the back, they drove off.

Raoul watched from his car across the way. A low nasty moan escaped Raoul's throat. Soon Kristine, you will be mine.

They finally turned off-road and began the climb to a wooded area. Erik stopped on the edge of a clearing. This was perfect for their lunch break.

The beautiful mountains loomed all around them.

They spread their blanket on the ground and set out lunch. Erik had The Eatery fix a salad and soup combination with a bottle of wine and two glasses. It was a clear cool day. The golden Aspens rustled in the gentle breeze around them, while they ate and talked.

Erik began by telling Kristine, "I'm out here looking at a location where my next picture would be filmed."

She asked, "What is the role you will play in this film?"

He replied, "It's a futuristic type western with vampires. I portray a priest out to avenge his niece's kidnapping."

Kristine was interested in the whole idea of films. Everything fascinated her as he kept talking.

When he finished, he asked her about her ambitions. She began talking about her dissolved dream of working for a studio in the music department. She wanted to be a sound stage singer who recorded with an orchestra for the movies. But, her dream had ended and a new dream of weather forecasting would hopefully start soon.

Erik sat mesmerized as she talked about her hopes and dreams. Kristine also said, she hoped to find someone someday to share in her dreams, but so far most of the men had been had too childish to catch her interest. Then she looked at Erik. Her eyes were dark and full of longing. He hadn't seen this in her before. She inched her way to him as his breath caught. She bent over hesitating slightly licking her lips, and then kissed him.

Erik responded by reaching out and pulling her in for an even closer kiss. Their tongues meshed and danced in and out of each other's mouth. Breaking away, they sank back into a warm embrace as they stared out on the landscape.

Erik genuinely thought it was time to see just what this moment held for him. This might be too soon, but if it was, he could move on and not be too hurt. Would she accept him as he was? Would his damaged face hold a horror for her?

He was ready to take off his mask. The possibility of rejection showing on her face ran through his mind. He hoped he was wrong about Kristine.

Please if there really is a God, which was something he doubted, let her look beyond my face.

"I have something I need to tell you about myself." he began. "When I was a child, there was an accident involving our car. There were physical injuries I sustained causing irreversible damage to my face. From that day on, when I go out in public, I wear a mask." He continued, "My parents taught me looks were not important. My mother explained that out in the world my face would bring fear and intolerance. They didn't want me to wear it in our home. They loved me as I was."

"But, I saw what she was telling me. Outside our home and town, people were cruel. My father did everything in his power to protect me. I made the choice to wear this leather mask." His fingers lightly skimmed over it. "He told me, when I became a man to be aware how other people treated me in life. Having a face that would disgust people wasn't the true measure of a man. How one lived life and how one felt inside were the most important things to live by. Never let anyone insult you, for they aren't worthy at all."

"In the past, I have tried to start relationships with women. It was my face, which became the barrier between us. Eventually, I began to hide behind it. When any woman saw it she would turn scream and turn away or run into another room until I covered my face. Only then would she return.

I feel there is a bond forming between us. I need to know now if you will look beyond my face to the man I am inside?"

He had never been able to tell other women about himself; they fled first. He turned inward and the trust he had for women faded. Now with Kristine, there was something he couldn't explain. It was a sense of compassion, gentleness and a feeling of hope. She seemed to radiate it from within, possibly from her soul.

Kristine had said she experienced loneliness growing up. He had a fairly normal childhood, at least in his town. One or two of the town's children weren't nice; for the most part, he had ignored them. Nevertheless, as Erik matured, he was a very lonely and isolated person. You endure what you have to in life, you grow and move on, he thought.

Closing his eyes momentarily, Erik took off his mask. Opening his eyes slowly, they became riveted on hers as she took her first look at his face.

Kristine never flinched. She met his gaze looking deep into his eyes with caring and grace. She knew she was falling for this man. She began to run her hand over his right cheek ever so lightly, letting him know that everything was all right and nothing would stop her.

She slowly drew her eyes across his face. A gentle smile graced her supple lips. She began placing soft kisses along the line of his good cheek to where his right nose ridge should have been. Her lips continued trailing kisses up and over where an eyebrow once was. Finally, she began tracing down to the far side only a bony spot now that once held a high and full cheek. She cupped his chin with her hand and gave him a tender kiss.

All the while, Erik never moved as tears streamed down his face. He truly had found someone to look beyond his face down into the deepest part of his soul. He was falling deeper each moment for this woman, the more she touched him. Erik had ached for such intimate touches for years.

Erik couldn't wait. He pulled her down on the blanket kissing her with a sensually arousing kiss. He gently ran his tongue on the outside of her lips begging to be let in. Kristine gladly let him in as her tongue pushed deep within his mouth. They lay on the blanket basking in the exploration of one another.

He gently ran his hands down her sides and up again. Kristine began to move against his hands as they skimmed over her. He pushed one hand under her sweater, feeling her smooth skin and taught stomach. Her skin felt like fine silk against his hands.

He slowly began the climb to her breasts. All the while his fingers kept caressing her skin, sending shivers down Kristine's spine to her toes. Erik could feel her nipples through the lace of her bra. Those tight hardened peaks made his erection swell, causing his pants to tighten as he shifted. He began to tease her peaks encircling them with his fingers. She moaned and wiggled, loving every stroke.

He kissed her slender neck, skimming up and over to her ear. He ran his tongue down her earlobe, nipping at the end with his teeth. At one point, he entered her ear flicking his tongue quickly making her squeal unmercifully. Heat passed through Kristine's body and it was only natural for her hips to move against his. She felt something hard brush her leg, straining inside his pants to get out. This brought another shiver down her entire body, ending between her legs.

She couldn't contain it longer, out from her lips came a very passionate moan. "Erik, this isn't fair…, oh God."

Kristine had taken her tongue tracing his neck and ear in gentle circles while she nipped him now and them. She gave him a sensual assault much like he gave her. This eventually took Erik to the next level. He was trying to restrain his body. Little by little, he was losing the battle. Her plea didn't help.

With a heated look, the other knew it could get even more passionate. They were gasping for breath, while they played with one another.

She bit her lip after she let her tongue run over it. She was ready. Her eyes were masked and dark with passion. Her cheeks glowed with the deep blush as Erik looked into her face. Kristine ached for more, but it was moving way too fast. It was after all, their second day together. In the back of her mind, she could go on, but instead she would hold back a while longer. Just how long would her reserve last?

Still gasping for words she said, "We clearly need a little more time to get to know one another, before becoming too intimate. I am beginning to have deep feelings for you Erik. I do not want to rush into anything yet, please understand." Shaking her head to clear the thoughts of what she really wanted to do with him.

"I do understand and won't press you until you're ready. Make no mistake; I don't want to lose you. I will respect your wishes." He usually had to get what he wanted before women found out about his face. Now that he had a woman who did care, he was willing to do whatever it took to make her perfectly happy. By doing this, he was ensuring in the end, he too would be happier just waiting.

Erik assured Kristine, but with each word, he was trying to convince himself. He had never turned down any willing woman before. Why now? But, he knew there were feelings for her in his heart.She gave him another kiss. She would be there. Running wasn't Kristine's style.

The sun was setting behind the mountains, making a chill rise in the late afternoon air. Gently helping her to her feet, Erik pulled her in for another deep kiss and one last hug before going.

I will not run from her, was his last thought. He usually ran when he was done withcertain women. Those who stayed hoped to see what fringe benefits they could get byhanging around. He disliked them. He had dealt with only two in his career so far and itwasn't something he wanted to remember.

Loading the back end of the Jeep with their things, it dawned on them; they had never viewed the surrounding area for the film's exact location.

Heading back to town for dinner and a walk was what they wanted to do tonight. Erik walked Kristine to her room. He took her in his arms to reaffirm his promise to her.

"When the time is right we both will know without hesitation." He said. Pressing her back into the door, Erik's kiss expressed, she was his and his alone. She returned his passionate feelings in a hungry and heated kiss. He was reluctant to let her go inside her room. He wanted to be there holding her body next to his.

"I will pick you up in little over an hour, my angel." Erik said. She nodded before she disappeared behind her door.

Once inside, Kristine danced around the room remembering their day and all that had happened on the blanket. Erik had allowed her to see his face. It never mattered to her what he looked like. Why would it? What was down in a person's soul was all she cared to about. That was to her the true measure of a man. His twisted face held no horrors for her.

After having this moment of reflection, Kristine went to her computer to see what messages had been sent.

Meg had written she wanted lunch the next day, wanting to hear more about the man that Kristine had in her life. Giggling and blushing she answered Meg back. She would meet her the next day at The Eatery for lunch.

There was a note from Richard Firmin. Kristine indeed had the position at the station. Now she had something great to celebrate along with the new man in her life. Life really was good. She went to take a shower and change for her evening out with Erik.

Erik entered his room on a cloud filled with hope. He now had a wonderful womanwho saw beyond the scars on his face to the man he was inside. What a great time to be alive.

He opened his computer to see a personal message from his friend and producer of his upcoming movie, Nadir Khan. He was coming out to join Erik. Nadir had to do some advance preparation work for the film. He wrote he wanted to take a break and since Erik was there, they could spend some time together. Nadir suggested he ease up on the women he was sleeping with. Ever the good friend, Nadir knew Erik would regret this wild life someday.

Shaking his head at what the Persian had written. Erik sent a note telling him he had definitely found someone and would introduce Nadir to her when he arrived. He hoped Nadir wouldn't think he was joking.

Erik composed when he had the time. Acting was a funny profession. You worked like a dog for four months or more to make a film. You could very well sit around until the next project came along or schedules were reset on projects you have lined up. On those down times, Erik wrote music.

He published his works under his real name "Erik Destler." No one knew who this reclusive composer was. No photos were taken or public appearances were ever made. Now he had a perfectly good reason to write music again. He had found a museand her name was Kristine.

That evening, Erik came to Kristine's door carrying a single dark red rose tied with a sheer black ribbon. He knocked waiting for her to open the door, inviting him in.

When she did, Erik handed her the rose. Taking it, she let it trail across her lips as she looked at him, melting him on the spot. Kristine reached up to kiss him ever so gently. Turning around she put the rose in a glass of water and went to gather her things.

Erik took a moment to glance around her room. His mind began to wander when he thought of the Jacuzzi in his room. He envisioned holding Kristine in a sea of bubbles while she lay back onto him. His arm holding her in place while he trailed kisses down her neck and then he would pick her up out of the tub, moving over to the bedroom to make love to her.

Just then, Kristine jarred his thoughts by saying she was ready to go. He had to adjust his stance to cover up the bulge in his pants he didn't want her to see.

Reset your mind guy, you can't let her see you this way. Not yet anyway. He had promised Kristine.

They left for dinner and a walk.

Out on the street in his car sat Raoul watching the two walk to dinner and he was not happy at all. Something must be done and soon, he thought. Raoul had intended to introduce himself to her and then invite her to fly away with him to a romantic spot. But, his first attempt failed. He was getting clumsy with his approach towards women.

When would Kristine be alone? Erik had to work sometime. Raoul would keep an eye out for an opportunity to present itself. How could she refuse his generous offer? What would he get in return? He was a greedy bastard when he thought about it.

His mind wandered as he pondered these thoughts. He was in a state of arousal and angry that Kristine wouldn't be there to alleviate his needs, Raoul decided to do it to himself. He grabbed a towel from the glove box. He leaned in, turning up the volume on the radio to drown any other sound. Unzipping his pants, he slipped his hand in and let his mind hit a euphoric state, while his thoughts were of Kristine. He manipulated and stroked himself until his release had been reached. No one could see inside. He hoped no one noticed his car had been rocking from side to side.

Raoul sat back with a smile of contentment on his lips. Luckily, the auto glass was tinted very dark and it was illegal to drive around with them this way, but no one had stopped him so far. Why would they, it was not to their financial benefit to do so. If it ever got out he paid certain officers a bribe, his goose would be cooked.

--
After dinner, Kristine and Erik took their walk around town. It was then Erik told Kristine that under the real name -- Erik Destler he wrote music.

She stopped walking. A surprised look came over her angelic face.

"Erik Destler! You're the composer?" she shrieked with excitement. She looked around to see if anyone was near after her outburst. "I knew I should know that name yesterday, but it hadn't sunk in when you told me. I have loved your work for some time now. I used to listen to your music when I was in college, but hadn't been aware of any new pieces in a long while." Kristine explained.

"No, I haven't had the down time to write any new works. I have been busy with acting, and I haven't had a muse to inspire me as of late. But you ...you could spark a forest fire. Did you know that?" Erik whispered in her ear.

His last words sent shivers through her body. She turned to him and kissed his lips so very softly, skimming the edges with her tongue. Erik reached up and pulled her closer capturing her hard on the lips. She mewed into his mouth. Their kiss lasted for a long time until the tower clock chimed, making them both jump and laugh out loud.

Erik took her into his arm as he wrapped his coat around her and began walking back to the hotel. The night air had chilled more as darkness descended. He didn't want her to catch cold.

--
They were standing in the hallway to her room when Kristine inserted the key opening the door. She pulled him in with her. She took off his coat, letting it fall to the floor. She backed up to her bed and began to bring him down with her as she kissed his smooth side of his face. Kristine gingerly started to pull off his mask. His breath held in his lungs until she finished. She wanted to see his face. She planted a deep kiss on his lips.

He laid down over her, letting his tongue take the lead into her mouth. She began to play with his as hers darted in and out of his mouth. His hands began to wrap around her waist, going under her shirt in back. Her skin was warm to the touch, soft and silky as his hands danced across her back. Kristine could feel his erection awakening in his pants as it grew.

Down the center of her body to between her legs moved a hot piercing feeling. She shuttered hard when it stopped. Erik pulled back looking at her. He knew what was happening to her.

The few times this happened to a woman, they would shutter at some point before he took them. Was she ready? Did she want him now? He was hesitant to ask.

He enjoyed kissing her lips and reluctantly stopped. Their eyes met. He was aching for her, but it could be too soon. What exactly did she want him to do?

She kissed him down his neck as she began to unbutton his shirt. He took that as his answer and took the next move, undoing her bra.

Now he would take those delicate soft breasts into his hands and play with them. He began to rub and tease her nipples, as she began to arch slightly against his touch.

His other hand began to lift her shirt off her head. In doing so, he exposed the most beautiful breasts he had ever seen. They were there for his pleasure. They fit his hands as if they were molded specifically for them. The nipples were dark and hard. He moved over capturing a breast in his mouth. Oh, the sweet soft feel as he sucked it gently and then teasingly began tracing his tongue round the nipple. This sent pulsating sensations down Kristine's chest to her belly and beyond.

With his other hand, he began the slow march down her taut stomach to the button on her jeans. Erik drew his hand to her bottom as he began to rub and squeeze it. Kristine pulled her hips high, rubbing against his member until it ached.

Within moments, she had undone his jeans while she slid her hand inside stroking his erection. It felt so good and Erik was moving his hips with each pull of her hand.

Her touch was making him grow bigger with each manipulation.

His mind came back to what he was doing, trying to unbutton her jeans. He finally accomplished his mission opening it up while unzipping them. Slipping his hand in, he maneuvered it between her legs to feel the lace of her thong covering her heated inner secrets. Erik moved his long finger under the lace.

"I need you Kristine." Shivers ran down her spine when he said that.

Her inner voice was telling her it was still too soon and they should stop. But, her carnal voice wanted more and needed it now. The internal fight was raging on in her mind

"We are moving too fast and I think we should to stop, please Erik. I'm sorry. I should never have started this." She wanted him so, but knew it would be unwise at this time to go any further right now.

"Please just hold me tonight?" Kristine leaned into his body closing her eyes to the struggle she was going through.

Her feelings for him hadn't changed. Her core ached bringing her so near to an orgasm, one or two more strokes from his fingers and she would have succumbed to his touch. Her inner battle raged on. How much longer? Would she make it? She hadn't meant to be a tease.

Erik wanted to take her, but after what she said, he had to stop. He lay on top of her for a moment, knowing this could end up like all the others, if he didn't stop now. He wanted to have her in his life and he wasn't willing to take any risks.

All at once Erik did the most endearing thing for her; he pulled her jeans back up and secured them. Reaching over he found her blouse, drawing it over her head, making sure he covered her with it. Taking his jeans in hand, he put himself back together. He scooted her closer to him. He found the covers and draped them over their bodies. Feeling secure and warm, they fell asleep in one another's arms fully dressed.

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