Chapter Fourteen: Jealousy and a Moment of Clarity
Sighing contentedly, Christine opened groggy eyes and was greeted with light streaming through the window, illuminating her bed. Almost immediately a smile lit up her entire face as she recalled the night before. Erik had been...God, she had never in her entire life enjoyed an evening like she had last night. Everything had been perfect. He had been a perfect gentleman, and she had felt absolutely beautiful in his presence. When she was with Erik he made her feel like the most gorgeous, most important woman on the face of the planet, and no man she had ever met had ever made her feel that way. But the highlight of the entire evening had been when he sang to her...she knew she had melted at the sound of his smooth, sexy voice. If she had thought that his speaking voice was lucious, the mere idea of his singing voice had her as near to ecstasy as she had ever been.
Now, waking up in his home, she knew she could be comfortable in a place like this. She didn't like the city, and she knew she never would. But here in Erik's apartment, she felt safe and protected. It was a part of him, and she loved having the privledge of staying here. Getting out of bed Christine stretched lazily, looking down at herself to realize that she was still wearing her dress from the night before. She didn't remember dozing off, but thought it very sweet of Erik to carry her all the way to her room and tuck her into bed.
"I feel like a woman that just won the lottery," she murmured to herself, going over to her suitcase. Rifling through it she found a pair of worn jeans and a green knit top. Throwing them on she checked her reflection in the mirror hanging on the wall before making her way from the room. Excitement was coursing through her, her thoughts full of what Erik might have planned for today. As she walked toward the living room she could hear noises coming from the kitchen, and something smelling delicious filled her senses.
"Erik?" she called.
"In the kitchen!" he yelled back. Smiling, she made her way into the room he had indicated. She found him bending over to grab something from the fridge, and she took a hidden moment to study his backside, unable to help it...it was just right there in front of her, and looking was as natural as breathing, something that good was always noticed. Glancing at the stove she saw bacon frying and eggs cooking away. Several pancakes were also sizzling on a skillet. He looked like he had his hands full so she went over and flipped the pancakes so they wouldn't burn. He had made her breakfast! A loopy smile appeared on her face. This man's brownie points had definately skyrocketed.
"For you, my lady..."
Christine gasped in happiness as he produced a single red rose in front of her, a black ribbon tied around the stem. Taking it from him she found several tears fall for no apparent reason. Would this man ever do anything to make her hate him? She doubted it, because her feelings towards him were changing rapidly. Embarrassed by the tears she turned herself into his chest, feeling his arms wrap themselves around her. Erik said nothing, any moment holding her was a few precious moments that he would never question. If the look in her eyes was anything to go by, he was doing something right. Steering her to the kitchen table he sat her down and gave her a cup of coffee. When he went to pull away she grabbed his hand before he could pull back completely. Watching through slightly hooded eyes Erik made no movement as Christine stood up and cupped his face in her hands, one smooth from the mask and the other with a hint of beard stubble. For a moment she looked at him, really looked at him, and before he could form another thought she had leaned forward and kissed him, her lips gentle and soft.
Pulling her closer against him, Erik tangled his hands in her hair and kissed her back, firmly. He could feel her smile as the kiss grew, Erik taking the lead.
"Erik!" Christine gasped, pulling away from his very persuasive mouth, "The eggs!"
For a moment it took him a second to realize what in the world she was talking about when he very much just wanted to continue kissing her. He had liked the way her body seemed to go pliant against his, and the contrast between her softness and his hardness excited him.
"Breakfast!"
Laughter filled the kitchen as Christine watched Erik scramble away from her to franticallly try to save the eggs, bacon, and pancakes. His face fell when he realized that most of them were burnt, and she immediately felt guilty, her tears and her kiss being the things that had burnt the breakfast. Going to him, and wrapping her arms around his waist, she kissed the back of his neck.
"I actually like my breakfast on the crispier side," she murmured. He turned to her, a smile forming on his recently frowning lips, and he gave her a quick kiss.
"Thanks...but I am not going to make you eat this," he said, shaking his head.
"You're not making me do anything! You made me a wonderful breakfast and I am going to enjoy it!"
He watched silently as Christine prepared the two of them a plate and settled herself once more at the kitchen table. Deciding to join her he sat down and watched as she took a bite of one of her black pancakes. Her eyes closed and she made a little moaning sound, one that caught Erik completely off guard and had his body reacting violently. She looked so damned gorgeous, and it almost looked like she was enjoying his ruined breakfast and he wanted to gather her up into his arms and hug her tightly for making such an effort when his surprise for her was ruined.
"As much as I want to hear you make that noise again, sweetheart, why don't we pick something up to eat when we go?" he said.
"Go?" she replied, unable to stop the blush that formed when he made the comment about her little moan. He nodded, grinning.
"I wanted to take you to one of my galleries," he said. Christine nearly leapt out of her seat.
"Really?" she gasped. He nodded. She clapped and really did jump out of her chair. Laughing, he stood and grabbed his car keys.
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Christine came to a realization while she and Erik drove through the city, towards his gallery. When she was with Erik, whether it was in public or not, she felt like a girl who had been given every woman's dream man. Last night when she had been with him on their date, she had noticed the looks many of the woman gave him, and felt so lucky to be the one he had chosen. She felt like she didn't deserve him, that he was far more than she had a right to claim. What scared her even more was the idea that this was all one very long, wonderful dream. Glancing over at him, she wondered why God had sent this wonderful man to her. Was it His way of showing her that she needed to move on? She would like to think that. Her life, however, had taught her to realize that not everything came out the way you wanted, and she told herself that she was going to enjoy every minute she was given with Erik, for she never knew when he might be torn away from her.
"Here we are..."
Christine stared up at the massive building in front of her, knowing her jaw had dropped to the floor. Bontecou Gallery was plastered to the front and through the many windows she saw furniture all situated so it was at its best vantage point for onlookers. This place was definately more than she expected and was only barely aware of Erik opening her car door and helping her out. She had not really thought about how much money Erik must earn to own a place like this, and when he had told her where they were going he had said it was 'one' of his galleries. Another thing to add to his growing list of attributes, he was very successful. When he ushered her into the building she was given very little time to admire the beautiful interior that could almost rival the magnificent furniture pieces.
A woman came rushing towards them, and Christine was almost taken aback by her beauty. Lustrous, straight blonde hair was pulled into a ponytail, showing off high cheekbones and sparkling blue eyes that could put any body of water to shame. She wore a form fitting black skirt, heels, and an off the shoulder pink sweater, all of which accented her supple curves. Unconciously Christine found herself moving closer to Erik, her hand slipping into his. He glanced at her briefly with some surprise reflecting in his eyes, but she wasn't paying close enough attention to notice his look.
"Erik!" the woman cried, much too happy to see the masked man, in Christine's opinion. Her hand tightened around his.
"Lauren..." he replied, saying nothing as the beautiful woman kissed both of his cheeks. Jealousy is an ugly monster, Christine! She repeated this to herself several times and it helped...somewhat. Lauren's eyes immediately found Christine and before she quite knew what was happening the blonde woman was wrapping her into a tight hug.
"Oh, how nice to meet you! I'm Lauren!"
Christine found herself unable to stop the smile that formed at the other woman's bubbly personality.
"I'm Christine," she said, shaking the blonde woman's hand. Lauren beamed at her and glanced between the couple, her eyes noticing immediatley the clasped hands.
"I didn't expect you here, Erik! Nadir called and said that you had moved to a small town in the middle of nowhere!" she said, deciding that it was not her business to pry just yet, though she was intrigued. In all the years she had known Erik, he had never brought a woman to his place of business...never!
"Nadir was right, I did move, but thought a visit back here might be...interesting," he said, glancing at Christine with a smile.
"Of course! I am really glad to see you again, it has been awhile," Lauren said, to which he nodded.
"The two of you have known eachother long?" Christine asked, noticing the familiarity between the two. Erik glanced at her from the corner of his eye. Did he detect a hint of jealousy? No, he couldn't see that! His baker wouldn't get jealous of another woman...would she? He had to admit that he liked the idea, liked the thought of her not wanting any other woman near him but herself. Keep fantasizing, Erik, for that has got to be the most ridiculous notion!
"Lauren has worked here since I first opened this gallery, about ten years ago," he said.
"Yeah, we go way back! So, Erik, what brings the two of you here?" she asked. This time Erik grinned.
"I was thinking that perhaps Christine would like to pick something out...on the house. In fact, make that several things!"
Both women turned to look at him in surprise, Lauren because this was a giving side to Erik she had never seen, and Christine because this man was giving her way too much! Treating her like an absolute princess.
"Erik, I cannot-"
He stopped her from speaking when he cupped her face in his hands and pressed a kiss to her mouth, catching her by surprise. She didn't think he would do anything like that in public, but felt a small thrill shoot through her body. He had kissed her in front of Lauren, and it was like he was making it obvious that Christine was with him...that he was claiming his territory and she was suddenly very happy.
"Do this for me, and don't argue," he murmured against her mouth. She could only mutely nod. Erik smiled and turned back to Lauren.
"Could you show her around for a few minutes? I need to make a few phone calls," he said. Christine looked at him with some surprise, not wanting him too far away from her. She was slightly disappointed that he didn't show her around himself but decided that she wouldn't make a scene, whatever reason he was making a phone call had to be important. Even if she wanted to argue Lauren gave her very little choice, taking her arm and leading her away.
"Don't worry, you are in capable hands!" Lauren laughed when Christine looked behind her to see Erik walking into a small room. For the next five minutes or so she was shown many of the pieces native to France, and although they were all beautiful she couldn't stop wishing he was right next to her. Wasn't it ridiculous that she couldn't spend a few minutes without him? He probably needed a break from her...that thought made her somber.
"You know, in the past ten years I have worked here, and have known Erik, he has never talked about a girl, dated a girl, or even brought a girl here...I think you are quite special to him," Lauren said, breaking through Christine's thoughts. She met the other woman's gave in surprise. She had often wondered about Erik's past relationships but didn't want to dwell on them. But according to Lauren he hadn't dated anyone in ten years. Why not? He was a good looking, successful man, surely he would have scores of women flocking after him?
"I see why, you are quite lovely! The two of you make a stunning couple," she continued. Christine found herself blushing at the compliments, suddenly not minding Lauren all that much. She looked good with Erik? She hadn't thought about that, but she supposed they did, though God knew she was attracted to this man because of more than his looks! He was everything she had ever wanted!
"Thank you," she murmured.
"Of course! So, where are you from?" Lauren asked.
"Heaven," Christine answered. The other female frowned.
"Heaven?"
"Yes, that's right, I found my own angel in Heaven..."
Both turned to see Erik standing behind them, his hands in his pockets and a very big grin on his face.
"And if that look on your face is anything to go by, you are head over heels for this 'angel'," Lauren said, excusing herself from the couple. Christine blushed and looked away, trying to keep her mind away from the look Erik was giving her. This trip was bringing them closer together, no doubt about that, but one look at him staring at her like that and her legs might just give way beneath her.
"Found anything you like?"
Yes, you...
"Everything is beautiful, but I cannot accept anything more! You have done too much for me already!" she gasped. Her eyes closed when he pulled her in for a hug, resting his face against her neck. The feel of his warm body was a sensation she could very well get used to.
"I like seeing you smile," he whispered, as way of explanation. Christine pulled back slighlty so she could look into his eyes.
"You make me smile..."
For a moment time seemed to stand still as Erik gazed at her, his eyes searching hers deeply. The few women he had been with in the past had only been interested in him because of his money. At first it had not bothered him, for they were there for a short time to fill the lonliness he had in his heart. But he had soon realized that it wasn't just sex that he needed, and none of the women he had ever been with ever filled the void he had in his heart. Then bizarre chance had him moving into a small town few had heard of, and it just so happened that the first person he met was this lovely woman standing before him. A woman who saw him, not his mask.
From the very start she had been nothing but kind to him, and now, with her saying simply that it was he that made her smile, not all of the gifts, he did not know what he had done to deserve her. He had thought that perhaps if he gave her everything she could possibly want he would be that much closer to winning her heart. Erik realized now that she didn't want his money-she wanted him. It was something new to him, and he knew he should have never believed that Christine was so shallow-because he knew she wasn't. He had never met anyone more kind-hearted and generous in his entire life. He had never thought his life would grant him someone like this...
A single tear fell from his eyes. Christine reached up and gently wiped it away, smiling softly.
"Thank you..."
"For what, Erik?"
"Wanting me..."
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"Erik, where are we going?"
Her only response was a low chuckle and Christine could feel the excitement inside her growing. When they had left the gallery Erik had taken a blind fold and covered her eyes. She had not known what to think but he had whispered into her ear to trust him, and she did. She couldn't see anything so she had no idea where the car was taking them, but it felt as if they had been driving for hours. Erik had said little the entire ride, and she knew he was thinking deeply about what she had said in the gallery, about him making her smile. She didn't know about his past relationships, but she wondered if any had only wanted him for the money. She knew it was more than possible, many women would do anything, say anything as long as they got what they wanted. She just hoped he realized that that was not the kind of girl she was and that was definately not why she was with him this weekend.
"Erik?"
Her heart leapt when he reached across the seat and gently grasped her hand in his. She felt herself relax almost immediately. Whenever he was near she felt as if she never had to worry about anything, that she was safe and well taken care of. It was a feeling she had not experienced in a very long time. The car slowly came to a stop and Erik ushered her out of the car. Immediately she noticed the breeze and smell of saltiness in the air. He took her arm and began to lead her forward, the ground they were walking on becoming very soft and pliant. She felt as if she had an idea as to where they were, but didn't want to ruin the surprise by guessing. Erik's hand grasped hers once more while the other gently removed the blindfold. Christine kept her eyes closed for a minute, silently preparing her for whatever he had in store for them. Slowly her eyes opened and she felt the air rush from her lungs in surprised wonder...
They stood on the beach, the sun beginning to set on the never ending water. Before them was a simple wooden table that had been adorned with a red tablecloth. Two candles illuminated the roses sitting in a vase and there was an extravagant feast lying on the table. A bottle of chilled wine and what looked like chicken with pasta...she couldn't take it all in. She turned to Erik to see him looking at her intently, wanting to see her reaction. Words had failed her the moment the blindfold had been removed, so she decided to let her actions speak louder than words. Throwing her arms around him she gave him a smoldering kiss, one that caught Erik completely off guard. But he didn't argue, on the contrary, he kissed her with just as much enthusiasm. When he pulled away the sparkle in her eyes told him that she was extremely happy.
When both were seated he poured them some wine and told her to dig in. She didn't, she continued to stare at him. Erik liked the way she was looking at him, because no woman had looked at him that way before.
"Erik...how...?" she trailed off, gesturing to everything before them. He grinned.
"You know those phone calls I made at the gallery?"
She nodded.
"I was calling a few good friends of mine and they set this all up for me," he said. Christine immediately blushed, remembering the disappointment she had felt when he hadn't shown her around the gallery because of these calls. Reaching across the table she took his hand in hers and began to eat. Through their meal Erik learned that Christine had spent a few years in the city in order to go to college, and he was impressed to learn that she had a degree in business. She told him that baking was what she grew up around and that it was her calling, and that was why she had not minded continuing the bakery on her own, because she loved that place far too much. He found out that her favorite color was green, she loved singing in the shower, and she liked books almost as much as movies. He also learned that she was twenty-six years old, something he was surprised to find out. Because she looked much younger. He knew time would be good to her and as she grew older she would grow more beautiful.
The meal was very informational for Christine as well. Erik told her that his favorite color was black, he had graduated from New York University, majoring in French and linguistics but then got his degree in business as well in order to open his galleries. Christine was impressed with his vast knowledge, and told him that she was very attracted to a man with brains, something that earned her a hot kiss from Erik. He also told her that he was thirty-three and that had her wondering why he had never married.
"All of this was so wonderful, Erik, thank you..."
"I am glad you enjoyed it."
Darkness had already fallen, but Christine wasn't quite ready to leave. Standing she went over to Erik and grabbed both of his hands, pulling him away from the table.
"Walk with me," she said, in way of explanation. Smiling, he nodded. She took her shoes off and he followed suit before beginning to walk along the beach. Christine sighed in contentment as Erik wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. They said nothing, but the silence wasn't awkward, not even in the slightest. They were comfortable around eachother and she liked this feeling. Erik was in heaven, he knew it. To have this woman walking beside him...he didn't want to sound sappy, but she made him feel so...alive! When he was with her nothing else mattered.
"Christine?"
Laughing she pulled him toward the water. Both of them were standing in the water before he could think of pulling away, the icy water stinging his feet.
"Oh, no you don't!"
She squealed when Erik grabbed her around the waist and threw her over his shoulder. Giggling she tried pounding on his back to make him let go, but he seemed unfazed by her tiny hands. He made a move as if he was going to drop her into the icy water and she screamed in laughter.
"Erik!"
Clutching onto him for dear life she had tears of mirth falling from her eyes. He did drop her, but on her feet, and she gasped as the icy water enveloped her own feet. He was laughing at the look on her face and so in retaliation she reached down and splashed him with water. The smile grew as he returned the water, causing her to scream again as she tried to run away from the water he was throwing at her. Just when she reached the dry sand she felt Erik's arm wrap around her waist. They spun and ended up landing in the sand, Christine landing right on top of Erik's solid chest. She gasped when he spun her beneath her.
"Erik..."
His gaze had that smoldering look again and all she could do was stare up at him silently. All of his wonderful, hard, warm, body was pressed to hers and she suddenly wanted him to kiss her very much. She moaned when he did just what she had wanted. Christine knew she would always remember this moment, the feel of him against her, his lips, the feel of the sand beneath her, and the sound of the ocean surrounding them. Erik didn't take it any further than the kiss, not wanting her to feel pressured. He rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes for a moment.
When he looked back down at her, her lips swollen and the stars overhead reflecting in her eyes he knew he was completely and utterly lost. Whether he liked it or not...he had fallen in love with her, and he had no idea what to do about it...
A/N: I know everyone is waiting for my other stories to be updated, but fear not, they will be. I just loved this chapter and had to get it out to you all! Next chapter there might be some questions answered, oh, and don't worry, their weekend isn't over just yet! Review! Thank you!DonJuanTriumphs