TITLE: DAYS Fairy Tale: Eric & Greta: Chapters 10-15
WRITTEN BY: Heather Ferguson (fergus80)
EMAIL: hferguso@niu.edu
WEBSITE: http://eric_greta.tripod.com (from when Jensen was on days)
Rating: If you can watch DAYS, you can read this. If there is a rating change, a link to the chap. will be provided.
Disclaimer: Days of Our Lives and all of their characters are property of Corday Productions and NBC.
My Rant: Okay, I'm finally putting this up on FanFiction.net. Mostly to free up my website space. This was started way back in Oct. of 1999, and I haven't decided if it's finished yet or not. Reviews are always welcome!
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Chapter 10
Eric and Greta only broke the kiss to come up for air. Eric opened his eyes the same time she did, they stared at each other, and slowly Eric pulled her into a hug. She laid her head on his chest, he rested his cheek on the top of her head, and they held each other in a long, quiet hug.
Greta felt wonderful, *everything was completely false.* She couldn't believe it, then she felt terrible. Quietly she spoke, "I'm sorry."
Eric opened his eyes, he barely head her, "Why?" he asked pulling away from her enough to look in her eyes.
Greta didn't look at him, she focused on a area of his shirt, "Because, everything, this whole fight or whatever it was, was my fault."
Eric just shook his head, titled her face up to look at him, "No, it was not your fault. It was Nicole's, and mine for not pressuring you to tell me last night, when I knew something was wrong."
Greta shook her head, "It's not your fault, I wouldn't tell you, I should have known better and told you." Eric laughed, "What?" she asked confused.
"Why are we fighting over who caused this? It's over, it's done with. Let's just agree that we will communicate to each other when something is wrong."
Greta smiled and nodded her head, "Agreed."
"Okay it's still pretty early, want to go back inside and play a game of pool?"
"I'd like that."
"Okay, but just so you know. It's not a date, just as friends."
Greta looked up at him, did he not want to date anymore? *Then what about that... unbelievable kiss?*
Eric saw the look of questioning in her eyes, and then continued. "Because, I don't think last night counts as our first date. I say, we start over with that." Greta smiled then nodded, figuring out what he meant. Eric turned towards her, and grabbed her hand, kissed it, she giggled slightly. "So, Greta. Would you like to go on a date with me, next Friday?"
Greta smiled, "I'd love too."
Eric smiled, "Great, I'll get it all worked out, and tell you what time and everything. And I promise one thing."
"And what is that?"
"We will not run into any Nicole's or Lucus's, or anyone like that!"
She smiled, "Good." And with that they headed back into the Cheaten Heart. It was slightly less crowded, it was the time right before dinner and after late lunch. They got an empty pool table, Greta racked up the balls, and Eric got the pool sticks. Eric broke, the balls spread out over the table, a striped ball going in one pocket. "Well, I'm stripes, you're solids." Greta nodded, and chalked the tip of her pool stick, waiting for her turn. She knew she wasn't going to win, Eric had been playing pool a lot longer than her. *But maybe I can even things out.* She decided to move closer to him. Looking over his shoulder at the ball he was aiming at. Eric looked up at her and smiled, then looked back at the shot. "So, which one are you shooting for?" she asked quietly, close to his ear. Eric swallowed hard, her warm breath on his neck, her proximity to him, the smell of her perfume, and the sound of her voice was making it difficult for him to focus.
"Uhh, the red stripped one." *Did my voice just go an octave higher?" he asked himself. Just then he had a thought, *Is she doing this deliberately?* Then he he dismissed the idea. *No, this is Greta you're talking about.* With that he tried to take a shot at the ball, and missed terribly.
Greta smiled, "My turn!" she said happily, then walked around the table looking for a good shot.
Eric stood up straight and watched her, she finally found a shot she liked, and took a shot, but just missed it.
Eric smiled, "Back to me." He walked to the spot where he would take his shot, and she came back over, and again looked over his shoulder. Eric smiled and turned back to look at her, "Uh, Greta, could you move back a little, don't want to hit you with the pool stick." He thought he almost saw a frown, but she moved back, then a few seconds later moved to the opposite side of the table, to the pocket he was shooting for, and leaned on the side of the table, smiling at him. That did it, Eric knew now that she was doing it deliberately. He smiled back at her, took the shot, and missed it deliberately.
Greta again happy, went to look for a shot. Eric smiled, *Well my dear Greta, two can play at this game.* Eric looked at Greta's shot, it was a difficult one. He moved over to her, leaned over her, whispered in her ear, "Want some help with that?"
She jumped slightly at this breath by her ear, and shyly responded, "Yes." Eric smiled, and leaned over her more, bringing his head down right beside hers, his mouth by her ear. His arms going around her to help her grasp the pool stick. Greta felt his chest rest against her back, and she swallowed hard.
"Okay, first you need to figure out where you are going to hit the ball, and then line it up." He whispered in her ear. He shifted her slightly to move her into a better position. Eric thought everyone in the room could hear his heartbeat because it was ringing through his ears, but he continued. "Okay, now, loosen your fingers around it slightly. Take a few practice shots." She aimed and let the poll stick go back and forth a few times, getting ready for the shot. "Now, go for it." With that she pulled back the stick and then hit the cue ball. It flew across the table, hitting the other ball sending it right into the pocket. "You got it," Eric said simply and then slowly backed up letting her go.
Greta turned around, her cheeks a slight shade of pink, "Yeah, I guess I did. Thanks."
"No problem." With that they moved apart, and Greta took another shot.
Awhile later, they were in Eric's Jeep driving home, Greta had Chinese take out in her lap. "I still say I could have won if you didn't stop the game," she said.
Eric glanced at her, then back at the road. "Greta, I didn't end the game, you did! You hit the eight ball in." He smiled, "Which means I won."
"But at least I got it in!"
He laughed, "Well that is for sure." She playfully hit him on the shoulder.
A little later they were back to the apartment, sitting on the floor, food on the coffee table. Eric was trying to use chop sticks, but trying was the operative word. Greta laughed, "It's like this," she said again, for the hundredth time showing how her fingers held them.
Eric tried again, "Forget it." He got up went into the kitchen, and then cam back with fork in hand. Great just shook her head as he sat down next to her. "We need to stop with the take out food." He finally said.
"I know what you mean, how about we go grocery shopping tomorrow?"
"Good idea." They went back to their food, talking about anything that came to mind.
The containers were now mostly empty, and they were both sitting on the couch. "Okay, you first." Eric said to Greta.
Greta broke open her fortune cookie, took out slip of paper and read, "Friendship and Love are the two greatest gifts." Greta blushed slightly, looked up at Eric, "What kind of fortune is that?"
Eric laughed, "Yeah, it's more of a saying than anything."
Greta sat the slip of paper on the coffee table, and took a bite of the fortune cookie, then motioned to Eric. "Okay, what does yours say?"
Eric cracked open the cookie, looked at the fortune, "Uh nothing."
Greta looked at him puzzled, "What do you mean? Did they give you a blank piece of paper?" Greta reached over to take the paper to look at it, Eric held it out of her reach. "What? Let me see it?" Greta stood up to get the paper, Eric wouldn't let her get it. She grabbed his arm, trying to get it away from him. "Why won't you let me see it?" He only replied with a smile. He tried pulling away from her, but in the process she lost her balance. She fell onto his lap. But she was determined to get the paper and didn't pay attention, and neither did he. The two continued to struggle, Greta tried to use her weight to get his arm to move, and lunged backwards. Eric wouldn't let go, and her momentum sent him forward. She fell on her back, he fell right on top of her. This time they did notice their position, and the thought about the fortune was forgotten.
Greta looked up at him, his face only mear inches from hers. Eric looked down at her, her lips mear centimeters from his own. They looked each other in the eyes, waiting, waiting for someone to make the first move. Eric could feel her sweet breath on this face, Greta could feel his deep intakes of breath. Their position on the couch firmly stuck in their minds. Eric leaned down slowly, and Greta closed her eyes waiting.
{Ring, Ring}
The two jumped up quickly startled, Eric then realized that it was the phone. He slowly got off the couch and answered it.
"Hello?"
{{Eric, it's Carrie.}}
"Oh, Hi Carrie." He said trying to slow down his heart rate.
Carrie paused, {{Did I, interrupt something?}}
Eric didn't answer the question, but asked one of his own, "What's up Carrie?"
Carrie grinned at this side step, {{The photographer we had for the fight tomorrow had to back out. I know you are going to the fight anyway, so...}}
Eric smiled, and finished it for her, "So you want to know if I'll fill in."
{{Yeah, I know you aren't supposed to start till monday, but I, the hospital, needs you.}}
"No problem, I'll do it."
{{Thanks, I'll meet you there, two hours before to get some shots and for setup. That okay?}}
"No problem," And with that they said their good byes, and Eric hung up the phone.
Eric came back over and sat down on the couch next to Greta. "Well, I'm shooting the fight tomorrow." Greta smiled, he continued, "So, I won't be able to watch it with you like we planned, I'm sorry."
Greta shook her head, "No that's okay. I understand." She smiled, then looked over to the slip of paper sitting on the coffee table, the one Eric laid their while answering the phone, quickly she grabbed it, and looked at it. Eric saw what she was doing and tried to stop her, and grab it from her. She stood up quickly and moved away, and read it out load, "You're soul mate is closer than you think." She stared at the piece of paper, and Eric stood up, and stopped trying to get it from her. She paused, you could cut the tension with a knife. She then looked up at him, and smiled, "It wasn't blank."
"Yeah, I know." He took the piece of paper and looked at it.
"And that one was a fortune and not a saying."
"True," He said, and put the slip of paper in his pocket. Eric went over to sit on the couch, turned on the television, "What do you want to watch?"
Greta sat on the other side of the couch, "Don't know, what's on?" Eric and Greta sat and watched TV for the rest of the night, talking about different things, but not really paying attention. Their minds on other things, namely each other......
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Chapter 11
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Greta and Eric woke up early the next day and headed to the local supermarket. After much disagreement about what they should buy, they each got their own shopping cart, and got what they each wanted. Greta wanted lean chicken breast, fish and seafood, Eric got beef, pork, and 'a good stake' as he said. Greta went for the green vegetables, carrots, and tomatoes, Eric for potatoes, corn, and ketchup. Which Greta told him wasn't a vegetable, but he disagreed and said it was made of tomatoes so therefore it was. Which she just reminded him that actually a tomato was a fruit. Which he just gave a dirty look too. Greta kidded him that he would die of a heart attack before he was 40, Eric told her she would disappear if she didn't put more meat on her bones. Which resulted in a playful slap on his arm. The two however did agree on something's, namely; coffee, hot chocolate, peanut butter, jelly, and chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. The two of them went through the checkout separately, and then went out to Eric's Jeep to load it up. Eric looked at everything in the carts, "I just hope it all fits in the kitchen," he said with a wink. Greta just laughed, and got in the passenger side.
Eric got in, and started the drive back to the apartment.
Greta looked out her window, then spoke, "I really need to learn how to drive."
Eric looked over at her, then realized she was right. He hadn't really thought of it before, "Yeah, I guess they really didn't have a driving school out in the bayou, huh?"
Greta looked over at him and smiled, "Nope, and I just haven't had much time or chance to learn before."
Eric smiled, "Well, I could teach you. But of course, you'll have to take a course too."
Greta smiled, "I'd like that."
"So have you thought anymore about what you want to do in Salem, job wise anyway?"
She shook her head, "I've been thinking about it, on and off. And I can't think of anything. However, I did have an idea about what to do till I think of something."
He looked over at her, "And that is?"
"I was thinking of maybe enrolling at Salem U for next semester, take some classes, see what I like. That sort of thing."
Eric smiled, "I think that that would be a great idea. College is definitely important." With those words he parked the car, then got out of the car, where Greta joined him. In two trips they had the groceries in the apartment, and were starting to put them away.
A short while latter, everything was put away, and the cupboards were mostly full and so was the refrigerator. They poured themselves something to drink and walked over to the couch.
"So any idea on a major?" Eric asked her, continuing their conversation from earlier.
"Nope, not yet. There is just to much I like, hopefully I'll find out soon though."
Eric nodded, understanding what she meant. They continued talking about college, what she would need to do to enroll, tests she might have to take, which Eric told her he would help her with. The conversation then went into discussing her driving. He told her that she didn't have too, that a lot of people didn't drive, but that he understood her wanting too. It was like a sense of freedom, to be able to go somewhere without depending on someone else to get there. There conversation, ended abruptly when Greta noticed the time. "Eric, what time do have to go to the fight?"
Eric looked over at the clock, and jumped off the couch, "In 20 minutes. I've got to get going." Eric flew into his room to get ready. Greta stood up and shook her head. In a couple minutes he was back out, and ready to go, "Can you get to the fight tonight?"
"Yeah, Bo's going to take me."
Eric smiled, "I'll hopefully see you there." He opened the door, and was about to leave when he turned around and looked at her.
"What?" Greta asked.
"Nothing," but he came back to her, and kissed her on the cheek, smiled, "See you later," And with that he was out the door, leaving Greta with a huge smile on her face.
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Two hours later, Greta was walking in to the sports arena with Bo and Shawn (D), some of the Brady clan where all ready there, and they took their seats up in the stands with them. They all said their hello's, many giving Greta a hug. They sat and talked waiting for the game to begin. But Greta wasn't really paying attention, she was looking out into the crown of people.
"He's probably taking last minute pictures of the fighters," Greta jumped at Bo's words. Bo smiled, "That's who you were looking for right?" Greta nodded yes, as her eyes again started moving around the room. A couple minutes later she spotted him. Eric was now taking pictures of the empty ring, with Carrie behind him pointing out different shots, then some of the crowd. When he took a picture of where she was, he smiled, looked up, and waved, then went back to work.
Greta smiled, and then started talking with the Brady's, Bo smiling having noticed the interaction between the two. About fifteen minutes later, the announcer went into the ring. "Ladies...... and Gentlemen..... May I have your attention." The crowd slowly became quiet, the announcer spoke, then started to introduce the opponents. "In this corner we have Austin Reed." The crowd cheered loudly, while others booed. The Brady's cheered loudly along with Greta. Not that she knew Austin that well, or that she didn't like Brandon, it's just that Brandon was Nicole's brother, and that was reason enough for Greta. "And in this corner, Brandon Walker." The same response from the crowd came. Greta could see Eric down by Austin and Brandon taking pictures, and she smiled.
He was doing what he wanted to do in life, photography. Now if only she could find what she wanted to do. Here mind stopped that route of thought when the bell rang sounding the beginning of the fight. Greta hated to watch the blows thrown and impacting the other person. Ever so often she would avert her eyes, so she didn't have to look. Bo leaned over and gave her a half hug, then went back to watching the fight. In no time, Round one was over, and people were up to grab popcorn and pop, or whatever they wanted to eat. Eric came over to the stands, and Greta stood up and walked down the bleachers to him. "So how's it going?" she asked him.
He smiled, "Not bad, I think I got some really good shots. How's it going in the stands?"
Greta laughed, "Not sure if I should have come."
Eric looked puzzled, "Why not?"
"Because it's so brutal!"
Eric laughed, and leaned in and gave her a hug, "It's boxing what do you expect?" He laughed, and she looked up to him, and he pushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear. What they didn't see was the very jealous, angry pair of eyes looking at them. Nicole was staring at the two of them, and her temper was boiling. *If I can't have Eric, Greta, neither will you.* And with that thought she went over to talk to her brother.
Eric slowly pulled away from the hug, and smiled, "Well, I'll have to get back to work." Greta nodded, and slowly walked back up the bleachers, and Eric back over to the ring.
Bo taped her on the shoulder, "Hey Greta, I need to leave, Hope's back home." He said with a smile.
"That's great!" she responded and gave him a quick hug.
"So, can you catch a ride with someone?" Greta nodded, knowing that she could probably go home with Eric, or find someone. With that Bo left, finding Shawn (D) on his way out. She moved up another row to sit with the Brady's and continued to watch the match. However a few rounds in, something went wrong. Brandon went nuts, and just started beating the heck out of Austin. Austin then collapsed onto the mat, and Lexie and Craig rushed into the ring. The place was in chaos. A few minutes later, Austin was wheeled out on a stretcher. A few seconds later, Eric came over and got her, and they rushed out to the Jeep, and to the hospital.......
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Chapter 12
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It had been a long time since Austin was rushed into surgery, the families were eagerly awaiting any news. Greta was on her way back to the waiting area, after getting two cups of coffee. She saw Eric, he had his arms around Sami, trying to comfort her. Greta walked slowly up to them, "Here's your coffee," she said quietly.
Sami looked over at Greta and smiled, "Thanks," she said taking the cup and went to sit down. Eric took Sami's cup, helped her sit down, and put her crutches next to the chair, then handed her cup back. "That's my brother, always looking out for me."
Eric smiled, "That's my job." He gave her a light pat on the shoulder, and then walked back over to Greta and took the other cup of coffee. "Thanks, I need it," he took a sip, "Didn't get any for yourself?"
Greta smiled, "Well, I couldn't carry more than two," she said kidding him.
"Here," he offered her his, "I don't think germs really matter anymore," he said with a wink. She blushed slightly, and took the cup and took a few sips and handed it back to him. She looked over and caught Sami watching them. With a small smile she turned back to Marlena.
Eric quickly finished the coffee and threw out the cup. "So, I see the bickering has stopped," Greta said looking round, to find the Brady's on the one side and the Reeds on the other.
Eric shook his head, "Yeah, I think we all tired out." Greta looked at him, he looked physically and emotionally exhausted. She moved closer to him, and opened her arms. He looked at her, and almost fell into them. He had been giving out so many comforting hugs, to Sami, Carrie, and Billie that he was warn out, and needed one himself. Greta smiled as Eric let her hug him, the day had been very interesting to say the least. If any fears about Eric's feelings for Nicole remained they were gone now. The fighting of Lucas and Nicole against Sami and Eric was nothing less than extremely hateful. The only thing that still bothered her was that she could see that Nicole still had feelings for Eric. She tried to shake those thoughts away, as she continued to hug Eric. He slowly pulled away, and stood up straight, but didn't let her go. "Thanks, I really needed that."
Greta was going to tell him there was no need, when Craig walked out of the doors. Everyone walked over to him, Craig hushed them. "He is in the recovery room right now, surgery went okay. But we did have a couple close calls. I'm not allowing any visitors right now. I will allow them when we move him into a room. I'll let you know," and with that he left.
A small sense of relief went through the room, and the hugging began once again.
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The key slowly turned in the lock of the apartment door, and in walked Eric, followed by Greta. Their coats landed on the couch, and Eric shut and locked the door behind him. Greta looked out the window, "I think the sun is starting to come up."
Eric looked, "Then we better get to sleep." He yawned deeply.
She yawned, "Stop it! You know yawning is contagious."
He smiled, "Well to bad, I'm heading to bed, you should too."
She followed him through the kitchen, "Oh, I am." She yawned again.
He walked towards his room, pulling his shirt off and over his head, and threw it into the corner of his room when he stepped in. Greta stopped in her tracks, not opening her door, and starred at his bare back. Her eyes traveled over his broad shoulders, he turned around and she was treated the the sight of his bare chest, but she starred just a little to long and he caught her.
Rather it was the fact that she found him to be gorgeous, or that she was so tired her mind was clouded, or a little bit of both, she didn't know, but she didn't move. She just slowly looked up into his eyes expecting to find an amused smile on his face. But instead what she found was something much more. She had seen this look on his face once before, it was the look he had given her right before he kissed her that first time. He slowly, determinedly walked over to her, her eyes stayed focused on his. The look on his face almost sacred her, but not in a bad way. He reached out for her, and pulled her to him. One hand going to the back of her head in her hair, the other to the small of her back. And then his mouth was on hers. It wasn't soft, it wasn't gentle, it was raw and passionate, and she returned it with vigor. Her hands moving around him to caress his back, his skin under her finger tips.
His hand was moving in her hair, Eric was trying to pull her closer. Greta slightly jumped at the feel of his tongue at her lips. She opened her mouth instinctively, allowing him to probe her depths. She thought she heard a slight moan from him but wasn't sure, and indeed she had as Eric tasted her. She was as sweet as she seemed, part of Eric's mind was telling him that this was going to far. But the other part of his mind, his heart, and mostly his body wasn't listening to him.
Greta's heart was racing, her body felt like it was on fire, she had never felt anything like this before, this feeling of real desire. She didn't even know where it came from, they were joking and tired before. Then all of a sudden... this.
Out of breath, Eric broke the kiss for a moment, and looked at Greta. Her eyes still closed, her lips slightly swollen from their kissing, her face flushed, and hair slightly messed, he thought she never looked more beautiful. She slowly opened her eyes, desire evident in them, he wanted nothing more than to pick her up and take her to bed with him. But that small part of his brain won out. He lowered his head to her shoulder, and pulled her into a hug, taking a deep breath, trying to calm down. Trying to do the right thing. But her labored breathing, and fast heartbeat, along with the smell of her perfume were not helping.
Greta was worried at first at why he stopped, but as her mind was coming back to her she understood. Neither of them were ready for anything else. Eric slowly stood straight and looked her in the eyes. His one hand caressing her face, he leaned in and gave her a soft, gentle kiss, and then tried to explain everything with his eyes.
She understood, and closed her eyes in acknowledgment, words not able to really express what they wanted to say. He then softly said, "Good night."
She responded, "Good night," and with that they broke apart and headed into their bedrooms. They both got ready for bed, but they had a hard time falling to sleep.
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Chapter 13
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Greta turned over on her side, opened her eyes and looked at the clock. She blinked twice, *One thirty?* she sat up in bed and threw the blankets off, opened the door and walked into the kitchen. Eric was sitting at the kitchen counter, with a mug of coffee in his hands. She walked over to the coffee pot and saw that he was in a T-shirt and boxers, and she smiled when she noticed that his hair was still messed up. She made herself a cup of coffee and went to sit down on the couch, her one hand came up to mess up his hair even more as she passed by, and said, "Good Morning."
Eric gave her a dirty look for messing with his hair, and followed her to the couch, "Actually, it should be, good afternoon."
She playfully hit him on the shoulder, as they both sat down, "Whatever," she said with a yawn and took a sip of her coffee.
"I'm so glad Carrie said not to come in today."
"Well, I don't think she'll be at work either. I'm just glad Austin is going to be okay."
"Yeah me too," he said taking another drink.
Greta looked over at him, "So what are we going to do today?"
Eric grinned, and shook his head, "I have no idea." They both laughed slightly. "Honestly, I could probably go back to sleep. But the day is almost over really."
Greta agreed, "Hmm, what to do." She tried to think of something they could do, but the more she tried, the more she woke up, and the more she thought about the kiss last night. Which brought a smile to her face.
Eric saw the smile, "What? Did you think of something to do?"
Greta turned to look at him, "No, was just thinking."
Eric prodded, "About?"
"Nothing." He gave her that look telling her he would get it out of her one way or another. "Okay, okay. Geez." He laughed, she was way to easy, then he waited for her to continue. "I was thinking about last night," she pause, "Well actually this morning."
Eric looked her in the eyes, the smile receding form his lips. A million fears popped into his mind, did she not like it, did she regret it? But then he saw the smile on her face, and knew that that wasn't the case. He sat the mug on the coffee table, and scooted to the middle of the couch, leaving her the other half. "And, what are you thinking about that?"
Greta almost shuddered at the sound of his voice, how could he always do this to her? He wasn't kidding or playing around anymore. His voice was somewhat lower, and determined, and she knew what this was leading to, and she welcomed it. "I was thinking," she said quietly, and slowly moving closer to him, so that they were sitting next to each other, their legs touching, their faces inches apart. She continued, "that I liked it."
He starred into her dark eyes, "Oh you did, did you?" She nodded her head yes. His hand came up to her cheek, caressing her face, she turned into the touch, and for some reason unknown to her, she kissed the palm of his hand, then closed her eyes to enjoy the touch, only opening them when he spoke. "You know, we haven't even been on our 'first date' yet." She nodded her head in acknowledgment, as one of his hands came down just under her knees. He then picked them up and she turned with them as he moved them over his lap. The hand then traveling up to rest on her hip. He then continued, "We are probably moving way to fast for either of us," he said quietly leaning in close to her, their heads touching.
Greta nodded, "Yeah probably," she replied moving closer to him, her arms coming around his neck.
His other hand coming up to rest behind her head, in her hair, "I'm so glad we agree," and with that they both leaned in, and their lips met. This time it was soft and gentle, but wasn't staying like that for long. They were both becoming more aggressive, his tongue moving into her mouth, and this time she joined in. Surprising Eric a little, but he welcomed it. Her hands moving from his shoulder to his neck and into his hair. His hands moving from her face and neck to her back. Each trying to get closer together. They broke apart a few times for a breath of air, but unlike before, they didn't stop. Things were getting heated, and quickly. Eric finally broke the kiss when the war between his body and his mind couldn't take it anymore. His body wanting to move her on top of his, touch her, caress her, and his mind yelling at him not to.
Greta looked at him questioning, and it broke his heart. He took a deep breath, and brought his hand to her cheek, he decided to be straight foreword. "Greta, it's..." he paused trying to find the words, "it's difficult to be this close to you and kiss you..." He paused again, and looked into her eyes, "and not want to touch you."
"But you are touching me," she said simply.
He smiled at her innocence, his hand moving on her back to make his next point, "Not 'this' kind of touching."
She looked down and blushed, embarrassed that she just got his meaning, "Oh," was all she said.
Eric raised her chin to look at him, "And don't you dare think that it's only because of you that we should take this slow. It is for both of us." He said and punctuated it with a soft, quick kiss.
She smiled. They were both starting to cool down again. Greta almost laughed, they had done it again. One minute they were kidding around, and the next they were kissing passionately. Greta took a deep breath, "Okay, so what are we going to do while we take this slow?"
Eric smiled, he really didn't know. He knew that they had already taken the next step, and it would be very hard to go back. And he also knew he didn't want to go back. When he kissed her, he felt something, something so different yet so much better than with Nicole. He didn't know exactly what that was yet, but he liked it. He took a deep breath, and in defeat answered her, "I have no idea." Which made them both laugh. He stood up and pulled her up with him, "for one thing..." he said looking down at her in her pajamas, "We need to get dressed." She giggled realizing what they were both wearing. "Then," he continued, "We need to get something to eat. I'm starving." Which produced more laughter from her.
They both then walked back to their bedrooms and got dressed. About 15 minutes later they were both done, and Greta walked into the kitchen where Eric waited, "So now what? Are we going to fix a late lunch?"
Eric smiled, "Nah, how about we go get something to eat?" Greta nodded that that was fine. Eric grabbed his keys and coat, "Great, I have the perfect place." Greta grabbed her stuff as well and they left.
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Chapter 14
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In a little while they walked into the Brady Pub. Caroline saw them immediately and walked over to them, giving them huge hugs, and ushered them to a booth close to the bar.
"So you two, what do you want?" she asked with a smile on her face.
"No doubt about it, a large bowl of Brady Chowder. I haven't had it in so long."
Caroline gave a large smile, "And you dear?" she asked.
Greta smiled, "I'll have the same."
"Great," Caroline turned to the bar, "Hey Shawn, two bowls of chowder."
"Coming right up," was the reply.
She turned back to them, "So how are you doing? You were still at the hospital when we left."
"We're tired, but we'll live," replied Eric, "We were there until early morning."
"Yeah the sun was starting to come up," Greta said.
Caroline shook her head, "So I assume this is probably breakfast?"
They both laughed and responded, "Yes."
Shawn then came over and placed the bowls in front of them, patting Eric on the shoulder. "How's my boy?" he asked.
Eric smiled, "I'm fine grandpa."
Caroline smiled at the two of them, *They are such a cute couple, and Eric seems so happy. I'm so glad that him and Nic...* She didn't finish that thought, she never trusted the girl, and she had good reason not too. "Well, Shawn let us leave them to their breakfast." They turned to go back to the bar with Shawn asking, "Breakfast?" Caroline just patted him on the back, telling all about it.
Greta picked up her spoon, dipped it into the chowder, blew some cool air over the spoonful, then ate it. Eric watched her do all of this, "What?" she finally asked.
"Just seeing if you like it."
"Of course I do, I've had the famous Brady Chowder, cure all to everything, before," she said with a wink.
"Oh," he said and started eating his own. They made small talk, and got on the topic of college.
"I think I 'm going to apply for enrollment for next semester at Salem U."
Eric smiled, "I think that is a great idea. How about we head over there after we are done her."
"That would be great. I need to get an application, and see what all I have to do. I know I'm going to have trouble because of all those years in the bayou."
Eric understood, "But you should be able to get most of your school records. You might have to take a test or something though."
Greta sighed, "That's right, I forgot about all the tests, papers, and homework. Maybe I won't go." She said with a wink.
"Oh no, you are going." They both laughed, and finished their chowder. Eric and Greta split the bill, hugged Shawn Caroline, and headed for Salem U.
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A few hours later they were back at the apartment with many brochures, papers, booklets, and applications. Greta had signed up for the late November SAT and had purchased a study guide for it. She was now looking at all the things required for the application. Which Eric grabbed from her, "Hey!" she yelled and tried to get it back.
He deflected her grabs, and sat on the other end of the couch, "Just let me ask and you can answer." Greta finally gave in and sat back down, grabbing a pen and pad of paper to write down what she needed to do. She wrote down the transcripts from the boarding schools she attended, three letters of recommendation, and the SAT. Eric continued with the requirements, Name, got it," he said with a wink. "Birth date, got that too. Sex..." he paused almost making a joke but decided not to, "female. Social security number..."
Greta interrupted him, "I don't have one."
Eric looked up at her, "Why?"
"I'm not a US citizen, I'm a French citizen," she said simply.
Eric hadn't thought about that, a hundred fears went through his head, *Would they make her leave the country?* But he then dismissed it, *She isn't trying to get a job right now, and she has been in America for over nine years.* "You could probably get US citizenship if you wanted to," he told her.
Greta smiled, "Another thing to add on my list. Let's see, College, SAT, drivers license, and now citizenship. Easy, I'll do it all tomorrow," she said with a laugh.
"That is a lot to do, but don't worry, I can help you."
She looked at him with a large smile, "Thank you, Eric. I don't know what I would do without you."
"You would be just fine."
She disagreed but instructed him to continue reading the requirements. They continued until they were through, and talked about all of them. They agreed on Mrs. Horton, Marlena, and Bo to give her the letters of recommendation. And then went about fixing dinner. "So, looking forward to your first day of work tomorrow?" Greta asked.
"Yeah, I need to develop all those pictures, even though, I'm sure we won't be using them with what happened."
Greta agreed, "So what do we want to make for dinner," she said looking in the fridge.
Eric looked over her shoulder, "Hmmm, let's see, since we bought a lot of different things, I'm not sure." Greta stood back up, and closed the door. Walked over tot he counter, and jumped up to sit on the counter.
"Well, pasta or stir fry sounds good."
Eric walked over to her and leaned his hip against the side of the counter next to her. "If we make the stir fry with beef then I'll go for it." Greta rolled her eyes but agreed, she was about to jump off the counter when Eric told her to stay there. He went and got the steak and vegetables out of the refrigerator. Handed her the vegetables, and placed the meat on the other counter. Then went over and got two knives and cutting boards, and gave her one of each, which she thanked him for. She started to cut up the carrots, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and broccoli. She leaned down low enough to open the cupboard door behind her, and grabbed a large bowl then shut it. Making Eric laugh at her movements.
"What? You told me to stay here!" she said teasing him.
He sighed and shook his head, "I didn't mean you had to, permanently!" She just laughed, as they continued to cut. Eric got done before her, "Slow poke." he called her.
"Hey, I have more to cut then you." She said reaching out and hitting his shoulder.
He just grinned and got out the large pan to fry everything in. He added a little olive oil, then added the meat and started to cook it. He then got out a pot for the rice and placed it on the stove. He then headed for the rice, he walked over to Greta, "Excuse me, the rice in in here." He said pointing to the door under her legs. She smiled and opened her legs to allow him to open the door. Eric starred at her in disbelief for minute, "You are taking the, staying there thing kind far aren't we?" She just giggled in response. He opened the door and crouched down to get the bag of rice, he stood up quickly, closing the door, but hit his head on the counter while standing back up. "Owww."
Greta's hands went immediately to his head where he bumped it, her legs moving back down.
"Are you okay?" she asked tilting his head down so she could see where he hit it.
He looked down, her chest was right in his face, and he was was standing between her legs, he swallowed hard trying to stop the mental images that were going though his mind, *God help me.*
"Eric? Are you okay?" Greta asked again after getting no answer.
He looked up into her concerned face only inches from his. "I'm fine," he said quietly. He stood there looking into her eyes, then place his hands on the counter top, one on each side of her. Concern fading away, Greta realized the position they were in, *Oh my.* Was the only thing she could think. They stayed there waiting for... what? They weren't sure, the tension in the room was great.
Eric leaned in slowly, *Here we go again,* his mind told him, *Just remember it's not going that far.* But he stopped listening, when Greta's arms pulled him closer to her, her legs wrapped around his waist, and she leaned in and kissed him. His arms moved around her, pulling her to the edge of the counter, allowing her legs to wrap around him even more, eliciting a small moan from him. She wrapped her arms around his neck a little more, and Eric picked her up from the counter kissing her even more. She held on tight as he began to walk. Their brains were yelling at each of them, asking them what the hell they were doing, but neither listened. Eric slowly walked towards the couch, his hands caressing her back as his lips started to trail down her neck. She tilted her neck to the side, allowing him to continue, as she sighed at the contact. He finally made it to the couch, leaning over, he slowly dropped her on to, and then followed. Her hands moved into his hair, bringing his mouth back up to hers, as they started kissing again. Her legs coming to wrap around him once more, making them both grown. He moved down the left side of her neck with kisses, and his hands were moving from her hair to the sides of her ribs, and were about to move further.
"Eric?" Greta said breathlessly, but he didn't answer, "Eric," her mind becoming clearer, "Eric, I think something is burning!" Those words cut through his mind, remembering the stir fry, he jumped up and ran to the stove turning it off, and taking the pan off the burner. Greta was right behind him, and looked in the pan. The steak was burnt to a crisp.
They looked at each other, blushed slightly, then started laughing. They had chicken stir fry that night instead of beef, much to Eric's dismay.
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Chapter 15
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The rest of the week had went quickly, Eric and Greta actually were not able to spend much time together. Eric usually left for work before she got up, and returned late after dinner. It was a very demanding job, but he was enjoying it. Greta was busy getting everything together for college. She typed up her application, went and got the letters of recommendation, and called to get her boarding school transcripts sent. She also went down to the court house to find out about citizenship, but they told her they would get back to her. With that all done she was starting to study for the SAT, but her mind kept wondering because friday was coming, and she couldn't wait. She wondered what Eric had planned for their so-called first date. She had went shopping during the week also, and bought two dresses, one a very nice, fancy dress, and one a more simple, yet beautiful dress, since she had no idea what Eric had in mind, and wasn't telling her.
Eric was sitting at Java Cafe having lunch when John walked up to him. "Hey Eric, haven't seen you in while. How are you doing?"
Eric looked up, and smiled, as John sat down. "Good, the job is going great. But Carrie can be a real slave driver." He said with a smile, and John laughed. "But, I do have the rest of the day off, which is nice. I have a lot to do for tonight."
"What are you doing tonight?" John asked.
Eric smiled, "It's Greta's and my first date, well, sort of." He said shaking his head, "And this time, no one is going to be there to mess it up." He said with a determined look on his face.
"Do you need any help?" John asked
"Now that you mention it, yeah I could. What do you know about...." And with that the two of them went into discussing the plans for the night.
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Greta was walking around Salem place, she was looking for a pair of shoes to go with the one dress. When she bought it, she was sure she had some that would go with it, but they didn't look exactly right, and wouldn't be good for dancing. *That is if we are going dancing.* She said with a sigh, it was quite annoying that she had no idea what to expect, but it was also very nice.
The only problem is that was not the only thing she was thinking about, she was also thinking of her run in with Hope in the ladies room. She knew Hope didn't have anymore of Gina's memories, *But she seemed so much like my mother.* She shook her head, trying to clear it, and just hoped that Marlena could talk to Hope. She continued on her mission, determined that that run in wouldn't affect the rest of the day. The thought of the 'date' brought a smile to her face, and she opened the door to the shoe store and went inside.
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John clicked off his cell phone and put it back in his coat, "Well that part is all set up, and you have the rest right?"
"Yep, everything's ready. Thanks John, I just hope she likes it."
John grinned, "Oh, I think she will." The two of them got up from the table, left their money, and started to walk out of the Java Cafe, when they spotted Greta coming out of nearest store.
"Hey, Greta!" Eric yelled to her, and they walked over to her.
Greta looked up and smiled, and met them, she lightly hit Eric on the chest, "Long time stranger. Hey, shouldn't you be at work?" She said with a wink.
"I've got the rest of the day off." Eric tried to look in the bags.
Greta pulled the bags away, "Oh no, if you don't tell me what we are doing tonight, I'm not going to tell you what I bought," she said with a grin.
Eric smiled, "Okay."
Great grabbed him by his coat collar, "No! You are supposed to tell me!" Eric just laughed. Greta started to whine, "Ahh, Eric!" She looked over at John for help, "Can you tell him that I at least need to know something, or I have no idea what to wear."
John smiled, "She's right man, you wouldn't want her to dress in jeans and a T-shirt."
Greta turned towards Eric, pleading in her eyes, Eric just laughed but answered. "All I'm going to tell you is that I'm going to wear a tux."
Greta smiled, "That at least helps." She paused, "Now where are we going?"
Eric just shook his head, "I'm not telling you."
Greta grumbled, and John and Eric just laughed. "Well, Eric, I have to go meet Marlena. Have a great Night." He said with a wink.
"Thanks John for everything. And we will."
John left, and Eric directed Greta to the Jeep, "What did John help you with?" Eric just laughed as he shut the door for her.
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Greta had a sense of deja vu looking in the mirror, not that long ago she was getting ready for her first date with Eric, that turned out not to really happen. But now, here she was again, preparing for her first date with Eric. She smiled, he was going to wear a tux, like he did at the ball. He looked so handsome, and everything was so perfect in Paris. She wished they could go back. But those thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. She smiled, "Just a second," and looked at herself in the mirror. She smoothed out her long black dress. She walked to her bedroom door, and opened it to find Eric standing there all decked out in a black tux, he looked so handsome.
Eric starred at her, her hair down but pulled back slightly and curled. Showing off her neck and a pair of diamond earrings and necklace. But that was not what is eyes were focusing on. The dress was off the shoulder, strapless, with sheer black sleeves. The dress dipped *low,* showing off some cleavage. The dress clung to her body almost like a second skin, made of the same sheer black material. Eric looked up into her now amused eyes, "You look... breathtaking."
Greta blushed, "Thank you."
"Oh, these are for you," he said pulling out a large bouquet of roses from behind his back."
Greta smiled, taking them form him, she lifted them to her nose. They smelled wonderful. They were a mix of beautiful colors, white, peach, yellow, and light pink. "Their beautiful."
"They don't compare to you," he told her offering his arm. Greta smiled, grabbed her purse, then took his arm. Eric escorted her out of the apartment and to the Jeep. He opened the door, helped her in, then shut the door. He walked over to his side and climbed in. He turned towards her, and took a piece of black fabric from his pocket. He held it up to her, "Now, It's going to be a surprise, and I don't want you to figure it out."
Greta sighed, but smiled, and agreed. She turned away from him so he could put the blindfold on her. He carefully placed it over her eyes and tied it so that he didn't mess up her hair. After he tied it, he leaned in, and not able to help himself, placed a small kiss on the back of her neck. She smiled at that, she then turned back in the seat, and Eric started to drive. She tried to figure out where they were going by the turns he made. But after what seemed like him going in circles she stopped and decided to just let him surprise her.
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After a little bit of time, Greta felt the car stop, and Eric parked it. "Stay there, and don't take that blindfold off," he told her as he got out of the car. A few seconds later her door was opening up, and Eric's hand was on her arm, helping her out of the Jeep. "Okay, we don't have to walk to far."
"Where are we going?" she asked trying to walk but not able to see. She leaned into Eric more, to try and keep her balance, which he gladly helped her with.
"You'll see.... Okay stop." She stood still, "Okay, move a little this way." He said angling her to the right a little bit. He move behind her, and she could feel his hands at the blind fold. "Now close your eyes, and don't open them till I tell you."
She wanted to scream, she was to excited to wait, the surprise was killing her. He undid the blindfold and put it in his pocket. Then wrapped his arms around her, "Okay, open them."
Greta opened her eyes and took in the sight before her, she was in shock, and the only thing she could say was, "It's beautiful."
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To Be Continued
WRITTEN BY: Heather Ferguson (fergus80)
EMAIL: hferguso@niu.edu
WEBSITE: http://eric_greta.tripod.com (from when Jensen was on days)
Rating: If you can watch DAYS, you can read this. If there is a rating change, a link to the chap. will be provided.
Disclaimer: Days of Our Lives and all of their characters are property of Corday Productions and NBC.
My Rant: Okay, I'm finally putting this up on FanFiction.net. Mostly to free up my website space. This was started way back in Oct. of 1999, and I haven't decided if it's finished yet or not. Reviews are always welcome!
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Chapter 10
Eric and Greta only broke the kiss to come up for air. Eric opened his eyes the same time she did, they stared at each other, and slowly Eric pulled her into a hug. She laid her head on his chest, he rested his cheek on the top of her head, and they held each other in a long, quiet hug.
Greta felt wonderful, *everything was completely false.* She couldn't believe it, then she felt terrible. Quietly she spoke, "I'm sorry."
Eric opened his eyes, he barely head her, "Why?" he asked pulling away from her enough to look in her eyes.
Greta didn't look at him, she focused on a area of his shirt, "Because, everything, this whole fight or whatever it was, was my fault."
Eric just shook his head, titled her face up to look at him, "No, it was not your fault. It was Nicole's, and mine for not pressuring you to tell me last night, when I knew something was wrong."
Greta shook her head, "It's not your fault, I wouldn't tell you, I should have known better and told you." Eric laughed, "What?" she asked confused.
"Why are we fighting over who caused this? It's over, it's done with. Let's just agree that we will communicate to each other when something is wrong."
Greta smiled and nodded her head, "Agreed."
"Okay it's still pretty early, want to go back inside and play a game of pool?"
"I'd like that."
"Okay, but just so you know. It's not a date, just as friends."
Greta looked up at him, did he not want to date anymore? *Then what about that... unbelievable kiss?*
Eric saw the look of questioning in her eyes, and then continued. "Because, I don't think last night counts as our first date. I say, we start over with that." Greta smiled then nodded, figuring out what he meant. Eric turned towards her, and grabbed her hand, kissed it, she giggled slightly. "So, Greta. Would you like to go on a date with me, next Friday?"
Greta smiled, "I'd love too."
Eric smiled, "Great, I'll get it all worked out, and tell you what time and everything. And I promise one thing."
"And what is that?"
"We will not run into any Nicole's or Lucus's, or anyone like that!"
She smiled, "Good." And with that they headed back into the Cheaten Heart. It was slightly less crowded, it was the time right before dinner and after late lunch. They got an empty pool table, Greta racked up the balls, and Eric got the pool sticks. Eric broke, the balls spread out over the table, a striped ball going in one pocket. "Well, I'm stripes, you're solids." Greta nodded, and chalked the tip of her pool stick, waiting for her turn. She knew she wasn't going to win, Eric had been playing pool a lot longer than her. *But maybe I can even things out.* She decided to move closer to him. Looking over his shoulder at the ball he was aiming at. Eric looked up at her and smiled, then looked back at the shot. "So, which one are you shooting for?" she asked quietly, close to his ear. Eric swallowed hard, her warm breath on his neck, her proximity to him, the smell of her perfume, and the sound of her voice was making it difficult for him to focus.
"Uhh, the red stripped one." *Did my voice just go an octave higher?" he asked himself. Just then he had a thought, *Is she doing this deliberately?* Then he he dismissed the idea. *No, this is Greta you're talking about.* With that he tried to take a shot at the ball, and missed terribly.
Greta smiled, "My turn!" she said happily, then walked around the table looking for a good shot.
Eric stood up straight and watched her, she finally found a shot she liked, and took a shot, but just missed it.
Eric smiled, "Back to me." He walked to the spot where he would take his shot, and she came back over, and again looked over his shoulder. Eric smiled and turned back to look at her, "Uh, Greta, could you move back a little, don't want to hit you with the pool stick." He thought he almost saw a frown, but she moved back, then a few seconds later moved to the opposite side of the table, to the pocket he was shooting for, and leaned on the side of the table, smiling at him. That did it, Eric knew now that she was doing it deliberately. He smiled back at her, took the shot, and missed it deliberately.
Greta again happy, went to look for a shot. Eric smiled, *Well my dear Greta, two can play at this game.* Eric looked at Greta's shot, it was a difficult one. He moved over to her, leaned over her, whispered in her ear, "Want some help with that?"
She jumped slightly at this breath by her ear, and shyly responded, "Yes." Eric smiled, and leaned over her more, bringing his head down right beside hers, his mouth by her ear. His arms going around her to help her grasp the pool stick. Greta felt his chest rest against her back, and she swallowed hard.
"Okay, first you need to figure out where you are going to hit the ball, and then line it up." He whispered in her ear. He shifted her slightly to move her into a better position. Eric thought everyone in the room could hear his heartbeat because it was ringing through his ears, but he continued. "Okay, now, loosen your fingers around it slightly. Take a few practice shots." She aimed and let the poll stick go back and forth a few times, getting ready for the shot. "Now, go for it." With that she pulled back the stick and then hit the cue ball. It flew across the table, hitting the other ball sending it right into the pocket. "You got it," Eric said simply and then slowly backed up letting her go.
Greta turned around, her cheeks a slight shade of pink, "Yeah, I guess I did. Thanks."
"No problem." With that they moved apart, and Greta took another shot.
Awhile later, they were in Eric's Jeep driving home, Greta had Chinese take out in her lap. "I still say I could have won if you didn't stop the game," she said.
Eric glanced at her, then back at the road. "Greta, I didn't end the game, you did! You hit the eight ball in." He smiled, "Which means I won."
"But at least I got it in!"
He laughed, "Well that is for sure." She playfully hit him on the shoulder.
A little later they were back to the apartment, sitting on the floor, food on the coffee table. Eric was trying to use chop sticks, but trying was the operative word. Greta laughed, "It's like this," she said again, for the hundredth time showing how her fingers held them.
Eric tried again, "Forget it." He got up went into the kitchen, and then cam back with fork in hand. Great just shook her head as he sat down next to her. "We need to stop with the take out food." He finally said.
"I know what you mean, how about we go grocery shopping tomorrow?"
"Good idea." They went back to their food, talking about anything that came to mind.
The containers were now mostly empty, and they were both sitting on the couch. "Okay, you first." Eric said to Greta.
Greta broke open her fortune cookie, took out slip of paper and read, "Friendship and Love are the two greatest gifts." Greta blushed slightly, looked up at Eric, "What kind of fortune is that?"
Eric laughed, "Yeah, it's more of a saying than anything."
Greta sat the slip of paper on the coffee table, and took a bite of the fortune cookie, then motioned to Eric. "Okay, what does yours say?"
Eric cracked open the cookie, looked at the fortune, "Uh nothing."
Greta looked at him puzzled, "What do you mean? Did they give you a blank piece of paper?" Greta reached over to take the paper to look at it, Eric held it out of her reach. "What? Let me see it?" Greta stood up to get the paper, Eric wouldn't let her get it. She grabbed his arm, trying to get it away from him. "Why won't you let me see it?" He only replied with a smile. He tried pulling away from her, but in the process she lost her balance. She fell onto his lap. But she was determined to get the paper and didn't pay attention, and neither did he. The two continued to struggle, Greta tried to use her weight to get his arm to move, and lunged backwards. Eric wouldn't let go, and her momentum sent him forward. She fell on her back, he fell right on top of her. This time they did notice their position, and the thought about the fortune was forgotten.
Greta looked up at him, his face only mear inches from hers. Eric looked down at her, her lips mear centimeters from his own. They looked each other in the eyes, waiting, waiting for someone to make the first move. Eric could feel her sweet breath on this face, Greta could feel his deep intakes of breath. Their position on the couch firmly stuck in their minds. Eric leaned down slowly, and Greta closed her eyes waiting.
{Ring, Ring}
The two jumped up quickly startled, Eric then realized that it was the phone. He slowly got off the couch and answered it.
"Hello?"
{{Eric, it's Carrie.}}
"Oh, Hi Carrie." He said trying to slow down his heart rate.
Carrie paused, {{Did I, interrupt something?}}
Eric didn't answer the question, but asked one of his own, "What's up Carrie?"
Carrie grinned at this side step, {{The photographer we had for the fight tomorrow had to back out. I know you are going to the fight anyway, so...}}
Eric smiled, and finished it for her, "So you want to know if I'll fill in."
{{Yeah, I know you aren't supposed to start till monday, but I, the hospital, needs you.}}
"No problem, I'll do it."
{{Thanks, I'll meet you there, two hours before to get some shots and for setup. That okay?}}
"No problem," And with that they said their good byes, and Eric hung up the phone.
Eric came back over and sat down on the couch next to Greta. "Well, I'm shooting the fight tomorrow." Greta smiled, he continued, "So, I won't be able to watch it with you like we planned, I'm sorry."
Greta shook her head, "No that's okay. I understand." She smiled, then looked over to the slip of paper sitting on the coffee table, the one Eric laid their while answering the phone, quickly she grabbed it, and looked at it. Eric saw what she was doing and tried to stop her, and grab it from her. She stood up quickly and moved away, and read it out load, "You're soul mate is closer than you think." She stared at the piece of paper, and Eric stood up, and stopped trying to get it from her. She paused, you could cut the tension with a knife. She then looked up at him, and smiled, "It wasn't blank."
"Yeah, I know." He took the piece of paper and looked at it.
"And that one was a fortune and not a saying."
"True," He said, and put the slip of paper in his pocket. Eric went over to sit on the couch, turned on the television, "What do you want to watch?"
Greta sat on the other side of the couch, "Don't know, what's on?" Eric and Greta sat and watched TV for the rest of the night, talking about different things, but not really paying attention. Their minds on other things, namely each other......
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Chapter 11
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Greta and Eric woke up early the next day and headed to the local supermarket. After much disagreement about what they should buy, they each got their own shopping cart, and got what they each wanted. Greta wanted lean chicken breast, fish and seafood, Eric got beef, pork, and 'a good stake' as he said. Greta went for the green vegetables, carrots, and tomatoes, Eric for potatoes, corn, and ketchup. Which Greta told him wasn't a vegetable, but he disagreed and said it was made of tomatoes so therefore it was. Which she just reminded him that actually a tomato was a fruit. Which he just gave a dirty look too. Greta kidded him that he would die of a heart attack before he was 40, Eric told her she would disappear if she didn't put more meat on her bones. Which resulted in a playful slap on his arm. The two however did agree on something's, namely; coffee, hot chocolate, peanut butter, jelly, and chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. The two of them went through the checkout separately, and then went out to Eric's Jeep to load it up. Eric looked at everything in the carts, "I just hope it all fits in the kitchen," he said with a wink. Greta just laughed, and got in the passenger side.
Eric got in, and started the drive back to the apartment.
Greta looked out her window, then spoke, "I really need to learn how to drive."
Eric looked over at her, then realized she was right. He hadn't really thought of it before, "Yeah, I guess they really didn't have a driving school out in the bayou, huh?"
Greta looked over at him and smiled, "Nope, and I just haven't had much time or chance to learn before."
Eric smiled, "Well, I could teach you. But of course, you'll have to take a course too."
Greta smiled, "I'd like that."
"So have you thought anymore about what you want to do in Salem, job wise anyway?"
She shook her head, "I've been thinking about it, on and off. And I can't think of anything. However, I did have an idea about what to do till I think of something."
He looked over at her, "And that is?"
"I was thinking of maybe enrolling at Salem U for next semester, take some classes, see what I like. That sort of thing."
Eric smiled, "I think that that would be a great idea. College is definitely important." With those words he parked the car, then got out of the car, where Greta joined him. In two trips they had the groceries in the apartment, and were starting to put them away.
A short while latter, everything was put away, and the cupboards were mostly full and so was the refrigerator. They poured themselves something to drink and walked over to the couch.
"So any idea on a major?" Eric asked her, continuing their conversation from earlier.
"Nope, not yet. There is just to much I like, hopefully I'll find out soon though."
Eric nodded, understanding what she meant. They continued talking about college, what she would need to do to enroll, tests she might have to take, which Eric told her he would help her with. The conversation then went into discussing her driving. He told her that she didn't have too, that a lot of people didn't drive, but that he understood her wanting too. It was like a sense of freedom, to be able to go somewhere without depending on someone else to get there. There conversation, ended abruptly when Greta noticed the time. "Eric, what time do have to go to the fight?"
Eric looked over at the clock, and jumped off the couch, "In 20 minutes. I've got to get going." Eric flew into his room to get ready. Greta stood up and shook her head. In a couple minutes he was back out, and ready to go, "Can you get to the fight tonight?"
"Yeah, Bo's going to take me."
Eric smiled, "I'll hopefully see you there." He opened the door, and was about to leave when he turned around and looked at her.
"What?" Greta asked.
"Nothing," but he came back to her, and kissed her on the cheek, smiled, "See you later," And with that he was out the door, leaving Greta with a huge smile on her face.
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Two hours later, Greta was walking in to the sports arena with Bo and Shawn (D), some of the Brady clan where all ready there, and they took their seats up in the stands with them. They all said their hello's, many giving Greta a hug. They sat and talked waiting for the game to begin. But Greta wasn't really paying attention, she was looking out into the crown of people.
"He's probably taking last minute pictures of the fighters," Greta jumped at Bo's words. Bo smiled, "That's who you were looking for right?" Greta nodded yes, as her eyes again started moving around the room. A couple minutes later she spotted him. Eric was now taking pictures of the empty ring, with Carrie behind him pointing out different shots, then some of the crowd. When he took a picture of where she was, he smiled, looked up, and waved, then went back to work.
Greta smiled, and then started talking with the Brady's, Bo smiling having noticed the interaction between the two. About fifteen minutes later, the announcer went into the ring. "Ladies...... and Gentlemen..... May I have your attention." The crowd slowly became quiet, the announcer spoke, then started to introduce the opponents. "In this corner we have Austin Reed." The crowd cheered loudly, while others booed. The Brady's cheered loudly along with Greta. Not that she knew Austin that well, or that she didn't like Brandon, it's just that Brandon was Nicole's brother, and that was reason enough for Greta. "And in this corner, Brandon Walker." The same response from the crowd came. Greta could see Eric down by Austin and Brandon taking pictures, and she smiled.
He was doing what he wanted to do in life, photography. Now if only she could find what she wanted to do. Here mind stopped that route of thought when the bell rang sounding the beginning of the fight. Greta hated to watch the blows thrown and impacting the other person. Ever so often she would avert her eyes, so she didn't have to look. Bo leaned over and gave her a half hug, then went back to watching the fight. In no time, Round one was over, and people were up to grab popcorn and pop, or whatever they wanted to eat. Eric came over to the stands, and Greta stood up and walked down the bleachers to him. "So how's it going?" she asked him.
He smiled, "Not bad, I think I got some really good shots. How's it going in the stands?"
Greta laughed, "Not sure if I should have come."
Eric looked puzzled, "Why not?"
"Because it's so brutal!"
Eric laughed, and leaned in and gave her a hug, "It's boxing what do you expect?" He laughed, and she looked up to him, and he pushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear. What they didn't see was the very jealous, angry pair of eyes looking at them. Nicole was staring at the two of them, and her temper was boiling. *If I can't have Eric, Greta, neither will you.* And with that thought she went over to talk to her brother.
Eric slowly pulled away from the hug, and smiled, "Well, I'll have to get back to work." Greta nodded, and slowly walked back up the bleachers, and Eric back over to the ring.
Bo taped her on the shoulder, "Hey Greta, I need to leave, Hope's back home." He said with a smile.
"That's great!" she responded and gave him a quick hug.
"So, can you catch a ride with someone?" Greta nodded, knowing that she could probably go home with Eric, or find someone. With that Bo left, finding Shawn (D) on his way out. She moved up another row to sit with the Brady's and continued to watch the match. However a few rounds in, something went wrong. Brandon went nuts, and just started beating the heck out of Austin. Austin then collapsed onto the mat, and Lexie and Craig rushed into the ring. The place was in chaos. A few minutes later, Austin was wheeled out on a stretcher. A few seconds later, Eric came over and got her, and they rushed out to the Jeep, and to the hospital.......
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Chapter 12
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It had been a long time since Austin was rushed into surgery, the families were eagerly awaiting any news. Greta was on her way back to the waiting area, after getting two cups of coffee. She saw Eric, he had his arms around Sami, trying to comfort her. Greta walked slowly up to them, "Here's your coffee," she said quietly.
Sami looked over at Greta and smiled, "Thanks," she said taking the cup and went to sit down. Eric took Sami's cup, helped her sit down, and put her crutches next to the chair, then handed her cup back. "That's my brother, always looking out for me."
Eric smiled, "That's my job." He gave her a light pat on the shoulder, and then walked back over to Greta and took the other cup of coffee. "Thanks, I need it," he took a sip, "Didn't get any for yourself?"
Greta smiled, "Well, I couldn't carry more than two," she said kidding him.
"Here," he offered her his, "I don't think germs really matter anymore," he said with a wink. She blushed slightly, and took the cup and took a few sips and handed it back to him. She looked over and caught Sami watching them. With a small smile she turned back to Marlena.
Eric quickly finished the coffee and threw out the cup. "So, I see the bickering has stopped," Greta said looking round, to find the Brady's on the one side and the Reeds on the other.
Eric shook his head, "Yeah, I think we all tired out." Greta looked at him, he looked physically and emotionally exhausted. She moved closer to him, and opened her arms. He looked at her, and almost fell into them. He had been giving out so many comforting hugs, to Sami, Carrie, and Billie that he was warn out, and needed one himself. Greta smiled as Eric let her hug him, the day had been very interesting to say the least. If any fears about Eric's feelings for Nicole remained they were gone now. The fighting of Lucas and Nicole against Sami and Eric was nothing less than extremely hateful. The only thing that still bothered her was that she could see that Nicole still had feelings for Eric. She tried to shake those thoughts away, as she continued to hug Eric. He slowly pulled away, and stood up straight, but didn't let her go. "Thanks, I really needed that."
Greta was going to tell him there was no need, when Craig walked out of the doors. Everyone walked over to him, Craig hushed them. "He is in the recovery room right now, surgery went okay. But we did have a couple close calls. I'm not allowing any visitors right now. I will allow them when we move him into a room. I'll let you know," and with that he left.
A small sense of relief went through the room, and the hugging began once again.
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The key slowly turned in the lock of the apartment door, and in walked Eric, followed by Greta. Their coats landed on the couch, and Eric shut and locked the door behind him. Greta looked out the window, "I think the sun is starting to come up."
Eric looked, "Then we better get to sleep." He yawned deeply.
She yawned, "Stop it! You know yawning is contagious."
He smiled, "Well to bad, I'm heading to bed, you should too."
She followed him through the kitchen, "Oh, I am." She yawned again.
He walked towards his room, pulling his shirt off and over his head, and threw it into the corner of his room when he stepped in. Greta stopped in her tracks, not opening her door, and starred at his bare back. Her eyes traveled over his broad shoulders, he turned around and she was treated the the sight of his bare chest, but she starred just a little to long and he caught her.
Rather it was the fact that she found him to be gorgeous, or that she was so tired her mind was clouded, or a little bit of both, she didn't know, but she didn't move. She just slowly looked up into his eyes expecting to find an amused smile on his face. But instead what she found was something much more. She had seen this look on his face once before, it was the look he had given her right before he kissed her that first time. He slowly, determinedly walked over to her, her eyes stayed focused on his. The look on his face almost sacred her, but not in a bad way. He reached out for her, and pulled her to him. One hand going to the back of her head in her hair, the other to the small of her back. And then his mouth was on hers. It wasn't soft, it wasn't gentle, it was raw and passionate, and she returned it with vigor. Her hands moving around him to caress his back, his skin under her finger tips.
His hand was moving in her hair, Eric was trying to pull her closer. Greta slightly jumped at the feel of his tongue at her lips. She opened her mouth instinctively, allowing him to probe her depths. She thought she heard a slight moan from him but wasn't sure, and indeed she had as Eric tasted her. She was as sweet as she seemed, part of Eric's mind was telling him that this was going to far. But the other part of his mind, his heart, and mostly his body wasn't listening to him.
Greta's heart was racing, her body felt like it was on fire, she had never felt anything like this before, this feeling of real desire. She didn't even know where it came from, they were joking and tired before. Then all of a sudden... this.
Out of breath, Eric broke the kiss for a moment, and looked at Greta. Her eyes still closed, her lips slightly swollen from their kissing, her face flushed, and hair slightly messed, he thought she never looked more beautiful. She slowly opened her eyes, desire evident in them, he wanted nothing more than to pick her up and take her to bed with him. But that small part of his brain won out. He lowered his head to her shoulder, and pulled her into a hug, taking a deep breath, trying to calm down. Trying to do the right thing. But her labored breathing, and fast heartbeat, along with the smell of her perfume were not helping.
Greta was worried at first at why he stopped, but as her mind was coming back to her she understood. Neither of them were ready for anything else. Eric slowly stood straight and looked her in the eyes. His one hand caressing her face, he leaned in and gave her a soft, gentle kiss, and then tried to explain everything with his eyes.
She understood, and closed her eyes in acknowledgment, words not able to really express what they wanted to say. He then softly said, "Good night."
She responded, "Good night," and with that they broke apart and headed into their bedrooms. They both got ready for bed, but they had a hard time falling to sleep.
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Chapter 13
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Greta turned over on her side, opened her eyes and looked at the clock. She blinked twice, *One thirty?* she sat up in bed and threw the blankets off, opened the door and walked into the kitchen. Eric was sitting at the kitchen counter, with a mug of coffee in his hands. She walked over to the coffee pot and saw that he was in a T-shirt and boxers, and she smiled when she noticed that his hair was still messed up. She made herself a cup of coffee and went to sit down on the couch, her one hand came up to mess up his hair even more as she passed by, and said, "Good Morning."
Eric gave her a dirty look for messing with his hair, and followed her to the couch, "Actually, it should be, good afternoon."
She playfully hit him on the shoulder, as they both sat down, "Whatever," she said with a yawn and took a sip of her coffee.
"I'm so glad Carrie said not to come in today."
"Well, I don't think she'll be at work either. I'm just glad Austin is going to be okay."
"Yeah me too," he said taking another drink.
Greta looked over at him, "So what are we going to do today?"
Eric grinned, and shook his head, "I have no idea." They both laughed slightly. "Honestly, I could probably go back to sleep. But the day is almost over really."
Greta agreed, "Hmm, what to do." She tried to think of something they could do, but the more she tried, the more she woke up, and the more she thought about the kiss last night. Which brought a smile to her face.
Eric saw the smile, "What? Did you think of something to do?"
Greta turned to look at him, "No, was just thinking."
Eric prodded, "About?"
"Nothing." He gave her that look telling her he would get it out of her one way or another. "Okay, okay. Geez." He laughed, she was way to easy, then he waited for her to continue. "I was thinking about last night," she pause, "Well actually this morning."
Eric looked her in the eyes, the smile receding form his lips. A million fears popped into his mind, did she not like it, did she regret it? But then he saw the smile on her face, and knew that that wasn't the case. He sat the mug on the coffee table, and scooted to the middle of the couch, leaving her the other half. "And, what are you thinking about that?"
Greta almost shuddered at the sound of his voice, how could he always do this to her? He wasn't kidding or playing around anymore. His voice was somewhat lower, and determined, and she knew what this was leading to, and she welcomed it. "I was thinking," she said quietly, and slowly moving closer to him, so that they were sitting next to each other, their legs touching, their faces inches apart. She continued, "that I liked it."
He starred into her dark eyes, "Oh you did, did you?" She nodded her head yes. His hand came up to her cheek, caressing her face, she turned into the touch, and for some reason unknown to her, she kissed the palm of his hand, then closed her eyes to enjoy the touch, only opening them when he spoke. "You know, we haven't even been on our 'first date' yet." She nodded her head in acknowledgment, as one of his hands came down just under her knees. He then picked them up and she turned with them as he moved them over his lap. The hand then traveling up to rest on her hip. He then continued, "We are probably moving way to fast for either of us," he said quietly leaning in close to her, their heads touching.
Greta nodded, "Yeah probably," she replied moving closer to him, her arms coming around his neck.
His other hand coming up to rest behind her head, in her hair, "I'm so glad we agree," and with that they both leaned in, and their lips met. This time it was soft and gentle, but wasn't staying like that for long. They were both becoming more aggressive, his tongue moving into her mouth, and this time she joined in. Surprising Eric a little, but he welcomed it. Her hands moving from his shoulder to his neck and into his hair. His hands moving from her face and neck to her back. Each trying to get closer together. They broke apart a few times for a breath of air, but unlike before, they didn't stop. Things were getting heated, and quickly. Eric finally broke the kiss when the war between his body and his mind couldn't take it anymore. His body wanting to move her on top of his, touch her, caress her, and his mind yelling at him not to.
Greta looked at him questioning, and it broke his heart. He took a deep breath, and brought his hand to her cheek, he decided to be straight foreword. "Greta, it's..." he paused trying to find the words, "it's difficult to be this close to you and kiss you..." He paused again, and looked into her eyes, "and not want to touch you."
"But you are touching me," she said simply.
He smiled at her innocence, his hand moving on her back to make his next point, "Not 'this' kind of touching."
She looked down and blushed, embarrassed that she just got his meaning, "Oh," was all she said.
Eric raised her chin to look at him, "And don't you dare think that it's only because of you that we should take this slow. It is for both of us." He said and punctuated it with a soft, quick kiss.
She smiled. They were both starting to cool down again. Greta almost laughed, they had done it again. One minute they were kidding around, and the next they were kissing passionately. Greta took a deep breath, "Okay, so what are we going to do while we take this slow?"
Eric smiled, he really didn't know. He knew that they had already taken the next step, and it would be very hard to go back. And he also knew he didn't want to go back. When he kissed her, he felt something, something so different yet so much better than with Nicole. He didn't know exactly what that was yet, but he liked it. He took a deep breath, and in defeat answered her, "I have no idea." Which made them both laugh. He stood up and pulled her up with him, "for one thing..." he said looking down at her in her pajamas, "We need to get dressed." She giggled realizing what they were both wearing. "Then," he continued, "We need to get something to eat. I'm starving." Which produced more laughter from her.
They both then walked back to their bedrooms and got dressed. About 15 minutes later they were both done, and Greta walked into the kitchen where Eric waited, "So now what? Are we going to fix a late lunch?"
Eric smiled, "Nah, how about we go get something to eat?" Greta nodded that that was fine. Eric grabbed his keys and coat, "Great, I have the perfect place." Greta grabbed her stuff as well and they left.
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Chapter 14
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In a little while they walked into the Brady Pub. Caroline saw them immediately and walked over to them, giving them huge hugs, and ushered them to a booth close to the bar.
"So you two, what do you want?" she asked with a smile on her face.
"No doubt about it, a large bowl of Brady Chowder. I haven't had it in so long."
Caroline gave a large smile, "And you dear?" she asked.
Greta smiled, "I'll have the same."
"Great," Caroline turned to the bar, "Hey Shawn, two bowls of chowder."
"Coming right up," was the reply.
She turned back to them, "So how are you doing? You were still at the hospital when we left."
"We're tired, but we'll live," replied Eric, "We were there until early morning."
"Yeah the sun was starting to come up," Greta said.
Caroline shook her head, "So I assume this is probably breakfast?"
They both laughed and responded, "Yes."
Shawn then came over and placed the bowls in front of them, patting Eric on the shoulder. "How's my boy?" he asked.
Eric smiled, "I'm fine grandpa."
Caroline smiled at the two of them, *They are such a cute couple, and Eric seems so happy. I'm so glad that him and Nic...* She didn't finish that thought, she never trusted the girl, and she had good reason not too. "Well, Shawn let us leave them to their breakfast." They turned to go back to the bar with Shawn asking, "Breakfast?" Caroline just patted him on the back, telling all about it.
Greta picked up her spoon, dipped it into the chowder, blew some cool air over the spoonful, then ate it. Eric watched her do all of this, "What?" she finally asked.
"Just seeing if you like it."
"Of course I do, I've had the famous Brady Chowder, cure all to everything, before," she said with a wink.
"Oh," he said and started eating his own. They made small talk, and got on the topic of college.
"I think I 'm going to apply for enrollment for next semester at Salem U."
Eric smiled, "I think that is a great idea. How about we head over there after we are done her."
"That would be great. I need to get an application, and see what all I have to do. I know I'm going to have trouble because of all those years in the bayou."
Eric understood, "But you should be able to get most of your school records. You might have to take a test or something though."
Greta sighed, "That's right, I forgot about all the tests, papers, and homework. Maybe I won't go." She said with a wink.
"Oh no, you are going." They both laughed, and finished their chowder. Eric and Greta split the bill, hugged Shawn Caroline, and headed for Salem U.
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A few hours later they were back at the apartment with many brochures, papers, booklets, and applications. Greta had signed up for the late November SAT and had purchased a study guide for it. She was now looking at all the things required for the application. Which Eric grabbed from her, "Hey!" she yelled and tried to get it back.
He deflected her grabs, and sat on the other end of the couch, "Just let me ask and you can answer." Greta finally gave in and sat back down, grabbing a pen and pad of paper to write down what she needed to do. She wrote down the transcripts from the boarding schools she attended, three letters of recommendation, and the SAT. Eric continued with the requirements, Name, got it," he said with a wink. "Birth date, got that too. Sex..." he paused almost making a joke but decided not to, "female. Social security number..."
Greta interrupted him, "I don't have one."
Eric looked up at her, "Why?"
"I'm not a US citizen, I'm a French citizen," she said simply.
Eric hadn't thought about that, a hundred fears went through his head, *Would they make her leave the country?* But he then dismissed it, *She isn't trying to get a job right now, and she has been in America for over nine years.* "You could probably get US citizenship if you wanted to," he told her.
Greta smiled, "Another thing to add on my list. Let's see, College, SAT, drivers license, and now citizenship. Easy, I'll do it all tomorrow," she said with a laugh.
"That is a lot to do, but don't worry, I can help you."
She looked at him with a large smile, "Thank you, Eric. I don't know what I would do without you."
"You would be just fine."
She disagreed but instructed him to continue reading the requirements. They continued until they were through, and talked about all of them. They agreed on Mrs. Horton, Marlena, and Bo to give her the letters of recommendation. And then went about fixing dinner. "So, looking forward to your first day of work tomorrow?" Greta asked.
"Yeah, I need to develop all those pictures, even though, I'm sure we won't be using them with what happened."
Greta agreed, "So what do we want to make for dinner," she said looking in the fridge.
Eric looked over her shoulder, "Hmmm, let's see, since we bought a lot of different things, I'm not sure." Greta stood back up, and closed the door. Walked over tot he counter, and jumped up to sit on the counter.
"Well, pasta or stir fry sounds good."
Eric walked over to her and leaned his hip against the side of the counter next to her. "If we make the stir fry with beef then I'll go for it." Greta rolled her eyes but agreed, she was about to jump off the counter when Eric told her to stay there. He went and got the steak and vegetables out of the refrigerator. Handed her the vegetables, and placed the meat on the other counter. Then went over and got two knives and cutting boards, and gave her one of each, which she thanked him for. She started to cut up the carrots, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and broccoli. She leaned down low enough to open the cupboard door behind her, and grabbed a large bowl then shut it. Making Eric laugh at her movements.
"What? You told me to stay here!" she said teasing him.
He sighed and shook his head, "I didn't mean you had to, permanently!" She just laughed, as they continued to cut. Eric got done before her, "Slow poke." he called her.
"Hey, I have more to cut then you." She said reaching out and hitting his shoulder.
He just grinned and got out the large pan to fry everything in. He added a little olive oil, then added the meat and started to cook it. He then got out a pot for the rice and placed it on the stove. He then headed for the rice, he walked over to Greta, "Excuse me, the rice in in here." He said pointing to the door under her legs. She smiled and opened her legs to allow him to open the door. Eric starred at her in disbelief for minute, "You are taking the, staying there thing kind far aren't we?" She just giggled in response. He opened the door and crouched down to get the bag of rice, he stood up quickly, closing the door, but hit his head on the counter while standing back up. "Owww."
Greta's hands went immediately to his head where he bumped it, her legs moving back down.
"Are you okay?" she asked tilting his head down so she could see where he hit it.
He looked down, her chest was right in his face, and he was was standing between her legs, he swallowed hard trying to stop the mental images that were going though his mind, *God help me.*
"Eric? Are you okay?" Greta asked again after getting no answer.
He looked up into her concerned face only inches from his. "I'm fine," he said quietly. He stood there looking into her eyes, then place his hands on the counter top, one on each side of her. Concern fading away, Greta realized the position they were in, *Oh my.* Was the only thing she could think. They stayed there waiting for... what? They weren't sure, the tension in the room was great.
Eric leaned in slowly, *Here we go again,* his mind told him, *Just remember it's not going that far.* But he stopped listening, when Greta's arms pulled him closer to her, her legs wrapped around his waist, and she leaned in and kissed him. His arms moved around her, pulling her to the edge of the counter, allowing her legs to wrap around him even more, eliciting a small moan from him. She wrapped her arms around his neck a little more, and Eric picked her up from the counter kissing her even more. She held on tight as he began to walk. Their brains were yelling at each of them, asking them what the hell they were doing, but neither listened. Eric slowly walked towards the couch, his hands caressing her back as his lips started to trail down her neck. She tilted her neck to the side, allowing him to continue, as she sighed at the contact. He finally made it to the couch, leaning over, he slowly dropped her on to, and then followed. Her hands moved into his hair, bringing his mouth back up to hers, as they started kissing again. Her legs coming to wrap around him once more, making them both grown. He moved down the left side of her neck with kisses, and his hands were moving from her hair to the sides of her ribs, and were about to move further.
"Eric?" Greta said breathlessly, but he didn't answer, "Eric," her mind becoming clearer, "Eric, I think something is burning!" Those words cut through his mind, remembering the stir fry, he jumped up and ran to the stove turning it off, and taking the pan off the burner. Greta was right behind him, and looked in the pan. The steak was burnt to a crisp.
They looked at each other, blushed slightly, then started laughing. They had chicken stir fry that night instead of beef, much to Eric's dismay.
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Chapter 15
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The rest of the week had went quickly, Eric and Greta actually were not able to spend much time together. Eric usually left for work before she got up, and returned late after dinner. It was a very demanding job, but he was enjoying it. Greta was busy getting everything together for college. She typed up her application, went and got the letters of recommendation, and called to get her boarding school transcripts sent. She also went down to the court house to find out about citizenship, but they told her they would get back to her. With that all done she was starting to study for the SAT, but her mind kept wondering because friday was coming, and she couldn't wait. She wondered what Eric had planned for their so-called first date. She had went shopping during the week also, and bought two dresses, one a very nice, fancy dress, and one a more simple, yet beautiful dress, since she had no idea what Eric had in mind, and wasn't telling her.
Eric was sitting at Java Cafe having lunch when John walked up to him. "Hey Eric, haven't seen you in while. How are you doing?"
Eric looked up, and smiled, as John sat down. "Good, the job is going great. But Carrie can be a real slave driver." He said with a smile, and John laughed. "But, I do have the rest of the day off, which is nice. I have a lot to do for tonight."
"What are you doing tonight?" John asked.
Eric smiled, "It's Greta's and my first date, well, sort of." He said shaking his head, "And this time, no one is going to be there to mess it up." He said with a determined look on his face.
"Do you need any help?" John asked
"Now that you mention it, yeah I could. What do you know about...." And with that the two of them went into discussing the plans for the night.
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Greta was walking around Salem place, she was looking for a pair of shoes to go with the one dress. When she bought it, she was sure she had some that would go with it, but they didn't look exactly right, and wouldn't be good for dancing. *That is if we are going dancing.* She said with a sigh, it was quite annoying that she had no idea what to expect, but it was also very nice.
The only problem is that was not the only thing she was thinking about, she was also thinking of her run in with Hope in the ladies room. She knew Hope didn't have anymore of Gina's memories, *But she seemed so much like my mother.* She shook her head, trying to clear it, and just hoped that Marlena could talk to Hope. She continued on her mission, determined that that run in wouldn't affect the rest of the day. The thought of the 'date' brought a smile to her face, and she opened the door to the shoe store and went inside.
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John clicked off his cell phone and put it back in his coat, "Well that part is all set up, and you have the rest right?"
"Yep, everything's ready. Thanks John, I just hope she likes it."
John grinned, "Oh, I think she will." The two of them got up from the table, left their money, and started to walk out of the Java Cafe, when they spotted Greta coming out of nearest store.
"Hey, Greta!" Eric yelled to her, and they walked over to her.
Greta looked up and smiled, and met them, she lightly hit Eric on the chest, "Long time stranger. Hey, shouldn't you be at work?" She said with a wink.
"I've got the rest of the day off." Eric tried to look in the bags.
Greta pulled the bags away, "Oh no, if you don't tell me what we are doing tonight, I'm not going to tell you what I bought," she said with a grin.
Eric smiled, "Okay."
Great grabbed him by his coat collar, "No! You are supposed to tell me!" Eric just laughed. Greta started to whine, "Ahh, Eric!" She looked over at John for help, "Can you tell him that I at least need to know something, or I have no idea what to wear."
John smiled, "She's right man, you wouldn't want her to dress in jeans and a T-shirt."
Greta turned towards Eric, pleading in her eyes, Eric just laughed but answered. "All I'm going to tell you is that I'm going to wear a tux."
Greta smiled, "That at least helps." She paused, "Now where are we going?"
Eric just shook his head, "I'm not telling you."
Greta grumbled, and John and Eric just laughed. "Well, Eric, I have to go meet Marlena. Have a great Night." He said with a wink.
"Thanks John for everything. And we will."
John left, and Eric directed Greta to the Jeep, "What did John help you with?" Eric just laughed as he shut the door for her.
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Greta had a sense of deja vu looking in the mirror, not that long ago she was getting ready for her first date with Eric, that turned out not to really happen. But now, here she was again, preparing for her first date with Eric. She smiled, he was going to wear a tux, like he did at the ball. He looked so handsome, and everything was so perfect in Paris. She wished they could go back. But those thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. She smiled, "Just a second," and looked at herself in the mirror. She smoothed out her long black dress. She walked to her bedroom door, and opened it to find Eric standing there all decked out in a black tux, he looked so handsome.
Eric starred at her, her hair down but pulled back slightly and curled. Showing off her neck and a pair of diamond earrings and necklace. But that was not what is eyes were focusing on. The dress was off the shoulder, strapless, with sheer black sleeves. The dress dipped *low,* showing off some cleavage. The dress clung to her body almost like a second skin, made of the same sheer black material. Eric looked up into her now amused eyes, "You look... breathtaking."
Greta blushed, "Thank you."
"Oh, these are for you," he said pulling out a large bouquet of roses from behind his back."
Greta smiled, taking them form him, she lifted them to her nose. They smelled wonderful. They were a mix of beautiful colors, white, peach, yellow, and light pink. "Their beautiful."
"They don't compare to you," he told her offering his arm. Greta smiled, grabbed her purse, then took his arm. Eric escorted her out of the apartment and to the Jeep. He opened the door, helped her in, then shut the door. He walked over to his side and climbed in. He turned towards her, and took a piece of black fabric from his pocket. He held it up to her, "Now, It's going to be a surprise, and I don't want you to figure it out."
Greta sighed, but smiled, and agreed. She turned away from him so he could put the blindfold on her. He carefully placed it over her eyes and tied it so that he didn't mess up her hair. After he tied it, he leaned in, and not able to help himself, placed a small kiss on the back of her neck. She smiled at that, she then turned back in the seat, and Eric started to drive. She tried to figure out where they were going by the turns he made. But after what seemed like him going in circles she stopped and decided to just let him surprise her.
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After a little bit of time, Greta felt the car stop, and Eric parked it. "Stay there, and don't take that blindfold off," he told her as he got out of the car. A few seconds later her door was opening up, and Eric's hand was on her arm, helping her out of the Jeep. "Okay, we don't have to walk to far."
"Where are we going?" she asked trying to walk but not able to see. She leaned into Eric more, to try and keep her balance, which he gladly helped her with.
"You'll see.... Okay stop." She stood still, "Okay, move a little this way." He said angling her to the right a little bit. He move behind her, and she could feel his hands at the blind fold. "Now close your eyes, and don't open them till I tell you."
She wanted to scream, she was to excited to wait, the surprise was killing her. He undid the blindfold and put it in his pocket. Then wrapped his arms around her, "Okay, open them."
Greta opened her eyes and took in the sight before her, she was in shock, and the only thing she could say was, "It's beautiful."
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To Be Continued