TITLE: DAYS Fairy Tale: Eric & Greta: Chapters 21-25
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 21
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Eric saw the blue silk drop to the floor in a puddle at Greta's feet. *Black heels actually* his brain told him in a fog. He slowly brought his eyes up her body. Her legs we covered in a pair of black stockings, that trailed up her calf's, and halfway up her thighs. Eric bit his lip at seeing the little metal clasps attached to them, that trailed up to her hips onto a silk, black garter belt, covering the black underwear underneath. His eyes continued up her bare stomach, and then to the black silk and lace bra. He swallowed, hard. *Ohhhh, boy.*
He hadn't said anything for a good minute or two, and it had Greta worried, "Is something wrong?" She asked quietly.
He looked into her eyes, "No, you look perfect." He said quietly. *Oh, my God. Even in my wildest dreams, I never... ever... imagined.... this.* He thought to himself. He shook his head, "Uhh, why don't you get comfortable," he told her. "And just try and relax," he said to her, but more to himself.
She sat back down on the bed, and leaned back against the pillow, pulling her legs up onto the bed.
Eric looked through the lens, and snapped a few pictures, both with his camera, and with his mind. He was never going to forget this photo shoot.
He directed her into a few more posses, which she did, and Eric thought she looked perfect. But he knew, that even though he found the pictures unbelievably sexy, the magazine companies wouldn't. He looked over at her, she still looked too ... too... sweet. He sighed and walked over to her, and sat down next to her.
She looked at him confused. "What's wrong?"
He smiled, "Nothing is wrong," he replied.
"Then what is it?" she asked.
"Greta, this..." he said gesturing to her outfit and body, "Is.. well..." he blushed, "Extremely sexy." She blushed too, and he continued, "You just have a face of an... angle." he said with a smile. She grinned. "Now don't get me wrong, that's a good thing. Just not for this shoot."
"Then what do I need to do?"
He sighed, "How do I say this... to you?"
Greta shook her head, "Eric, you may think that I am all sweet and innocent, but I do know about all this stuff. You do not need to try and censor what you say."
Eric grinned. "Okay, I need the... seductive look, a look that... says... I want you."
Greta just grinned, "Oh kay. And just how am I supposed to just do that. I've never had that look before."
Eric looked at her, "Are you kidding?"
She looked up at him questioning, "What?"
"I have seen that look on your face a few times."
"When?"
"Well...." he smiled, "One was last night, when I was doing this...." He said and leaned in and kissed her neck. Greta closed her eyes, and tilted her head to the side. Eric's hand came up and lightly touched and caressed her cheek, he then brushed her lips with his, their breathing both becoming faster. He kissed her harder, his tongue entering her mouth, a small moan coming from her. He pulled away, and looked at her. Her cheeks slightly flushed, her lips full from his kisses, her eyes closed and her mouth slightly open. He took the camera from around his neck, and took a few quick pictures, she opened her eyes to look at him, "Beautiful" he said to her. She smiled, but not happily, she gave him that sort of seductive smile he had seen only a few times from her. He almost dropped his camera when she started to crawl over the bed towards him. But he remembered what they were here for, and got a few pictures.
Greta smiled, she could feel her nerves about all this go away, she was actually having fun. She laid back down, and turned to her side, and Eric got a few more shots. She turned onto her stomach, and looked up at him. Eric was using the camera around his neck, taking shots. She sat back up, and got up on her knees, blowing a fake kiss to the camera. She gave him that perfect smile, and he snapped a few more. She then curled up her finger, in a come here motion. Eric took one more picture, and then walked to her, his breathing fast, his face flushed. His hand went to the back of her head, and brought her mouth to his in a deep soul searching kiss. Her arms went around his neck, his other arm around her. There tongues meeting, their breathing ragged, skin flushed. His hands traced her back, felt the smooth skin and silk under his fingers. Her hands went up to the front of his shirt, and pulled him back with her. They both feel back onto the bed, Eric started to kiss a trail from her ear down to her shoulder. Her slight moan made him smile into her skin. He moved to the other side of her neck, and continued in the same fashion. Her hands traveled down his back, and pulled him closer. A flash of light, startled them. They looked at each other, and Eric smiled, "The camera took a picture." He said and brought the camera out from between them. He kissed her lightly, then told her, "Stay there." He took a few more pictures. Sat the camera down on the table, then came back and sat beside her. He lightly touched her cheek, "Well, I think we're done."
She slowly sat up next to him, he brought her in for another kiss. He stroked her cheek, "So beautiful," and he kissed her again, he then looked into her eyes. "Greta...."
"Yes?" she said looking up at him.
He looked into her dark brown eyes, and thought he could get lost in them, "Greta, I L..." Their heads spun around at the knock on the door. They looked at each other, "Just a minute."
Eric stood up, and pulled Greta up with him. Greta leaned down, and got the blue robe, and put it on, and tied it around her. Eric then walked over to the door, unlocked it, and opened it slightly. He sighed, "What do you want Nicole?"
Nicole barged her way in, "Just wanted to see if you were done yet." She looked over at Greta, and noticed the flushed look in her cheeks, which made her mad.
"Yes, we just got done."
Nicole looked over at Greta, then back at Eric, "Just got done with the pictures, or... something else?"
Greta's head fell, "I'm going to change," she said quietly and headed for the dressing room, and shut the door behind her.
Eric was furious, "How dare you say something like that?" He walked over to the camera's and started to take out the film. "You know Nicole, you said you wanted to help me, to try and make up for what you did. That was a lie wasn't it?" He looked at her, she had a look of surprise on her face. "Oh don't try to act hurt, it's the truth. The only thing I don't understand is what you were trying to accomplish."
"I wasn't trying to accomplish anything," she said sweetly.
"Whatever." He said with a look of disgust on his face, "You just need to know Nicole, that you are Never going to get me back. I have moved on with my life. You had your chance, and you know what?"
"What?"
"I am so glad that you left me." Nicole looked at him in shock, "That's right. I'm glad. Because I am so much happier with Greta."
Nicole just starred at him, and then turned around and left.
Eric put his shoulders back, and stood up straight, he felt really good about that, and realized that complete closure of his time with Nicole had just happened. He took out the last roll of film, put it in his bag, and then walked over to the changing room. He knocked on the door softly, but didn't receive an answer.
He tried the door, and it opened and he walked in. Greta was dressed with her back to him. He walked up behind her and put his arms around her. She jumped slightly, but then leaned back against him. He could feel her body lightly shake every so often. He turned her around in his arms, and put his hand under her chin, and made her look at him. The mascara she was wearing was running down her face.
"Greta..." he said quietly.
"Why? Why does she do things like that?" she asked so quietly, that he could barely hear her. He brought her closer to him, and hugged her.
"I don't know. Just don't listen to her, ever.... Greta, you don't have to worry. I'm never going back to her. That part of my life is completely over, any feelings I had for her are gone." She looked up at him, he cupped his face in his hand, and wiped away her tears with the other.
"But Eric, you loved her, you wanted to marry her. It can't be that easy to get over her."
Eric shook his head, "You don't understand." He pulled her closer to him, "Greta, I thought I was in love with her. But you know what? I wasn't." He paused, "I didn't know what love was, until I met you." With that he leaned in and gave her a tender kiss.....
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Chapter 22
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Greta was in shock while Eric was kissing her. Her lips moved to their own accord, but her mind wasn't paying attention. *Did he just say what I thought he said?* Her head reeled from his words, and ran them over and over again in her brain. She needed to ask what he meant by that, just to be sure. The kiss stopped briefly, and she looked at him in the eyes, "Eric..."
"Shhh," he said to her, putting a finger to her lips, "You don't need to say anything." He leaned in again, and gave her a kiss on the lips, and then one on the forehead, and then brought her into a hug, placing his head on the top of hears.
"But.." she tried again, trying to ask what he meant.
"Greta," he said quietly, "I don't want to rush anything for either of us, I don't want there to be any regrets."
*What the heck is he talking about?* She was really confused now, but she decided to go along with it for now. And just leaned into him, to feel his arms around her.
Eric relaxed slightly when he felt Greta relax into his arms. He knew what he had said, and he had meant every word, but he also knew, at least he thought he knew, that they weren't ready for that step yet. Heck, in reality they were only on their second date. The other thing, is he didn't want to pressure her. He knew Greta, and he knew that if he allowed her to continue, she would say it back to him. He didn't want her to feel obligated to say it because he had. Also, in reality, it scared him a little. He had never felt anything like it. He knew that what he was feeling was love, *But I thought that with Nicole too.* He knew it was different with Greta, but he needed to be sure. After a few more seconds he looked down at her, "Ready to get out of here and go develop those pictures?"
Greta looked up at him, and nodded her head yes.
"Okay then, let's get out of here." He took her hand, and led her out of the dressing room, they grabbed their coats, and he got the film and his camera, and they left.
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Greta sat on the couch trying to study for the SAT, while Eric was developing the pictures in the bathroom. He had insisted on doing them himself, for many reasons. One, he didn't want just anyone to see the pictures of Greta like that. And two, he didn't trust anyone else, he didn't want them ruined. He took a lot of supplies into the Bathroom, including a red light bulb. Greta laughed at everything he had taken in there, and commented that even she doesn't take that much stuff into the bathroom with her. He gave her a dirty look and a fake laugh, which just made her laugh even more. He had then went in the bathroom to develop the pictures. And since then she had been studying for the SAT, which was the coming weekend. But she wasn't really paying attention, he mind was on what he had said back at Titan. *Did he mean that he was in love with me? And if so, why wouldn't he let me say anything?* She couldn't answer those questions, and didn't even know how to go about finding out. A little later, Eric came out of the bathroom, and went to the refrigerator, took out a pop, and leaned against the counter. He opened it, then took a drink. "So how is it going in there?" Greta asked, walking over to him.
Eric smiled, "They are turning out very nicely." He looked over at her, grinned, "But I'm not sure I want to use them."
Greta looked surprised, "Why not? What's wrong with them?"
"Nothing, I just might want to keep them all for myself." He said with a wink. She playfully hit him on the shoulder. "No, really. They are really good Greta. They are almost dry, you can see them in a minute. Besides, I'm only going to use the ones you want me too." He sat the can down on the counter, and looked back over at her.
She grinned, "Okay."
He smiled, "How's studying going?"
She sighed, "Not good." She stopped, and tried to decide whether to ask him or not, and decided to try, "It's just that I'm not really thinking about it. I have other stuff on my mind."
Eric looked at her, "Like what?" he said already knowing.
"About what you said." she replied simply. She tried to continue, but he cut her off again.
He walked over to her, "Just don't think about it, okay?" He kissed her cheek, and then walked back over to the bathroom door, "Want to see the pictures?" he said changing the subject.
She sighed, she wanted to kill him, *Well not really, he's just... AHHHH.* She nodded yes, and walked with him into the bathroom. Eric had replaced the light in the bathroom with a red one, which made everything in there have a red shade. Eric explained the light was so that it wouldn't expose the film. She saw a lot of photographs hanging around the room on lines. Eric walked over to one of the lines, and took a few off. He then walked back over to her, and showed them to her. She looked at the pictures in shock. "This is me?" she asked looking up at him.
He grinned, "Yep."
She shook her head, it was unbelievable to her. She had never saw herself as sexy, yet that is exactly what these pictures were. It shot her confidence up a few levels. *Maybe I can compete against Nicole after all.* She thought to herself with a smile.
They looked at a few more pictures, waiting for the rest to dry, when they all did, Eric gathered them all up, and they went out into the living room. They sat on the couch and looked through the pictures. Eric held up one for her, "I think this is my personal favorite," he said with a wicked smile.
Greta looked at the picture, it was one with her, with her eyes closed, mouth partially open. "When did you take this?" She asked.
Eric smiled, "Right after I kissed you." She said looking into her eyes, "Now you see what I see." Greta blushed at his comment.
They looked though the rest of the pictures, and they decided on three that he would use. One was a close up like the one that he liked so much but with her eyes open, another was the one taken with her curling her finger in a 'come here' gesture, and the last was her crawling towards the camera. Greta admitted that she was a little embarrassed by the pictures, and Eric offered to not use them. But she insisted by saying that yes she was embarrassed slightly by them, but she was also proud of herself for doing them. Eric went and put the three pictures in his portfolio, then came back.
"So what are you going to do with the rest?" she said looking at the pile of so called 'rejected' pictures.
Eric gave a wicked smile, "Keep them."
Her eyes widened, "What? Why?"
He laughed, "You don't expect me to throw them away or give them to people do you?"
"Well no... but."
"Why you don't want me to see them?" Greta blushed, "Because, you know it wouldn't really matter if I had them or not."
"Why?"
"Because I already have the images imprinted into my mind, and I will never forget them." Greta's cheeks turned even more red, and Eric reached over and grabbed her, dragging her over to him, tickling her. She screamed, laughing, and struggling trying to get away. He pulled her over onto his lap, tickling her, she tried to stop him, but gave up, and tried to tickle him. Which made him try and stop her. They finally caught on to each others wrists in a stalemate. Both their laughter and giggles stopped as they looked into each others eyes. They leaned in and kissed each other, each letting go of each other's wrists, as their arms wrapped around each other. Trying to pull each other closer, as their lips met, and kissed passionately. Their mouths open letting each other taste one another. Their hands moved over each others back, and Greta pulled away slightly, Eric looked at her questioning.
She got up from his lap slightly, and he was about to ask what was wrong, when she turned back towards him, and sat back on his lap, straddling his legs. He grinned into the kiss that she started, and pulled her closer to him, now that they were able to have more contact. His arms went around her, and pressed her into him. Her hands worked over his neck and into his hair, as they continued to kiss. Eric groaned slightly as she moved her hips. She stopped to looked at him, "Are you okay? I'm not to heavy for you am I?" worried that she had hurt him.
He grinned and shook his head, "Greta, trust me, you're just fine." He said as he leaned back in and kissed her again. He held onto her firmly towards him, moved slightly off the couch, and then laid back onto it. She giggled as he pulled her to lay down on top of him. "What?" he asked.
She laughed again, "I feel like a teenager." she said laughing.
He grinned, "What, making out on the couch?" She nodded, "But I thought that was mostly in the back seat of cars." They both laughed, and then they started to kiss again.....
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Chapter 23
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And they kissed. Her legs falling to each side of his, her arms at his shoulders or in his hair. Their mouths moving together, lost to everything else but that kiss. Eric's arms going around her, his hands caressing her back, slowly moving under the material of her shirt. She jumped slightly at the feel of his hands on her bare back, but quickly settled back against him. Greta's skin felt so soft to his fingertips, and he could only imagine what the rest of her felt like. He broke the kiss, only to catch some air and to move his mouth to her neck. The warmth of his breath and the softness of his lips on her neck made her body slight shake, only to have him pull her tighter against him. He was rewarded with the soft sighs and small moans coming from her lips. The heat was building quickly and Greta felt like she had a high temperature. His hands moved further up her back, rubbing and tickling slightly. But they abruptly stopped and so did he when he encountered the silk strap of her bra.
His brain completely cleared at that moment, and he knew they had to stop, stop before they went to far. He opened his eyes and saw her looking into them, he also saw the same understanding there. He smiled, pulled his hands out from under her shirt, and brought one up to pull her head down to his shoulder. He heard and felt her sigh deeply, and he felt the same way. "Oh, Greta, Greta." he said quietly.
She brought her head up and looked at him, "What?" she asked.
He smiled, "You know, we always do this."
"Do what?" she asked jokingly.
He shook his head at her, but answered anyway, "Start out with a sweet little kiss, and end up..."
She finished it for him, "Getting all passionate and then stopping cause we are 'going to far'." She said bringing her hands up in a quoting gesture.
He laughed, "why did you do that?" he said gesturing to her hands and the quoting.
"Because, that's what 'you' always say." She said sitting up, straddling his torso.
"Only because I know you... both of us aren't ready to go further."
"No, you say 'both' when you mean only 'me'." She said matter of factly.
He moved up on his elbows looking up at her. "Greta, I do mean both of us. But yes, mostly you."
She pointed his finger into his chest, "Brady... how do you know if I'm ready or not?"
Eric looked up at her in shock, "What? Are you!?! Greta, we have only went on like 2 dates."
Greta started laughing at look on his face, she laughed and giggled so hard, she buried her face in his chest.
"What? What's so funny?" he asked confused.
"You are," she said looking up at him.
"Me? Why?"
"The look on your face."
"Oh kay, but you didn't answer my question."
"No Eric, I'm not ready for THAT." She paused, "But..."
"But what?"
She thought for a minute, "Eric, yes we have only been on technically two dates. But we have known each other for a long time, we are living together, be it in separate bedrooms." He smiled. "And we are both adults."
He smiled, "Yes. So what does that mean?" he said impatiently awaiting her answer.
"It means that we go as far as we want."
"And exactly how far is that?"
"Exactly what I said. Instead of you... or me" she added with a wink, "stopping us because we think we are going to far for the other, we stop when we ourselves are going to far."
Eric grinned, "So I can do what I want until you stop me, or until I feel uncomfortable, and the same for you." He said with a smile and laugh.
She lightly hit him on the chest at his laughter, "Yes, exactly. Do we have a deal," she said with a wink and put out her hand for a shake.
He shook his head, brought up his hand, and they shook. "Deal." He then laid his head back on the couch, brought his other hand up, and tickled her sides.
"Ahhh, no fair." She screamed and giggled, trying to get away. She moved up and away from him, he sat up, one arm going around her waist, not letting her get away. She let out high pitched squeals as he continued to tickle her at the back of her neck, under her arms, and the sides of her stomach. "Let go," she said with a laugh.
"Never," he said with a wicked grin. She tried standing up, and actually got both feet on the floor. She tried getting away, but he moved with her.
"Okay, okay. Uncle, uncle." She cried out, "Stop," she said still laughing, tears running down her face.
Eric smiled, and stood up, kissed the tears on her cheeks, then lightly kissed her lips. She smiled up at him. "So... how about" he looked at his watch, "a late dinner?" She smiled nodded her head, and they went into the kitchen.
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A couple hours later they were on the couch watching a movie. Eric sat back with his feet on the coffee table, and Greta was curled up to him, one arm around his torso, her head resting on his chest, and his arm around her. Eric looked down at Greta, and smiled. *This is how it's supposed to be.* He told himself, as he felt her snuggle a little closer. He then turned his attention back to the movie.
She smiled as she moved closer to him, she felt so happy. *Now this is just... nice.* She grinned, and tried to pay attention to the movie.
About an hour later the movie was over, and it was late. Eric sighed, and turned off the tv. He yawned, "Well, I'm going to bed, how about you?" he said to Greta. But she didn't answer. He looked down, and found her sound asleep. He smiled, "Greta?" he said quietly. She mumbled slightly, and hid her face in his chest. He carefully pulled her slowly away from him, so that he could stand up. He then slowly bent back down and put one arm under her knees, and the other under her arms. He lifted her slowly, and hugged her to him. He then walked back towards the bedroom with a smile. He opened her bedroom door with a little luck, and with the light from the hall, walked to her bed. He then slowly laid her down, so that he wouldn't wake her. He pulled his arms out from underneath her, and she tried moving closer to him. He sat at the edge of the bed, and turned on the light on the night stand. The light glow fell across the room. He looked at her, he knew she wouldn't be totally uncomfortable in what she was wearing, but didn't dare take anything off either. He gave her a small kiss, then stood up. Grabbed the sheet and pulled it across her, knowing the blanket would be to warm with all those clothes on. He then looked at her and smiled. *She looks even more beautiful and sweet when she's asleep.* He thought to himself. He then turned out the light, walked out of the room, and shut the door behind him. He leaned against the door, *But she wasn't that sweet in the photo lab.* He said with a larger smile. He shook his head, and then went into his room to get ready for bed.
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Chapter 24
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Greta woke slowly, and opened her eyes to find herself in bed. *How did I get here?* She asked herself, she didn't remember going to bed. She then realized she was still wearing her clothes, and she smiled. *I fell asleep during the movie, and Eric brought me in here.* She pulled her legs up and sat up. She yawned, and then got undressed, and then redressed. She looked out the window, and the sun was already up, she looked at the clock. It was 9:30. She brushed her hair, and put on a little makeup, then walked out of the room. She walked into the kitchen, no one was there, and she went into the bathroom. About ten minutes later she walked out, and went back to the bedrooms.
*I wonder if he is still sleep.* She slowly tried the knob to door, and it turned. She then slowly opened the door, trying to not make any noise. She smiled at the sight in front of her. He was still in bed, the comforter was mostly off the bed, and the sheet was barely on him. What made the corners of her mouth turn into a sheepish grin was that he was laying on his stomach, wearing only his boxers. She stood there for a moment appreciating the view. She took in his messed up hair, broad shoulders, muscled back, those nice blue flannel boxers, and then the nice strong legs.
Then she felt guilty, here he was asleep, and she was looking at him like... like... *Like a piece of meat.* But the thought also brought a smile to her face. She shook it all off, and walked over to the bed. She sat down softly on the edge of the bed, and looked at his face. He looked so young when he was asleep, *Not like he's old or anything, he just looks so... cute.* Her hand came up slowly, and not thinking brushed away a few stray hairs from his forehead.
She jumped when his hand came up and caught her wrist, she looked at him in shock, to find his eyes open with a teasing smile in them. "Well... hello." He said to her.
She blushed at having been caught, and she tried to cover, "I was uh, trying to wake you up."
He didn't let go of her and spoke, "Oh really?"
"Yes, really."
"So you wake someone up by quietly opening their door, staring at them for awhile, and then quietly watching them?" He said with a large smile, knowing he had her.
She was shocked, and totally embarrassed, "You were awake the whole time?"
"Yeah, I was trying to decide whether or not to get out of bed when I heard the door open."
"I... uh... I'm.." She was trying to explain herself.
Eric laughed, and pulled her closer to him, she squealed and landed on his chest. "I'm going to have to stay in bed late if this is the way I get woken up in the morning." He then leaned up and kissed her.
She was thrown for a loop, *he wasn't upset that she had been staring at him?* But that question left her mind at his kiss. His one hand still held her wrist, not letting her go, and his other moved to her face, caressing it lightly, then to the back of her head moving her in for a deeper kiss. She kissed him back, her one free arm moving to his shoulder, holding on to him. Then she realized where she was, *We're in his bed.* She realized, it didn't freak her out, like it would have not so long ago, but it was still in her mind as she continued kissing him. The couch seemed safe to her, almost anywhere seemed safe, but this... *This is a bed. And....* she thought, realizing, *Eric wasn't wearing that much.* She slowly pulled away, giving him a short, soft kiss, and looked into his eyes.
Eric looked up at her, "What's wrong?" he said, his hand placing a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Nothing's wrong, it's just that.." and she blushed, laughed and buried her face in his chest. Then wished she hadn't. The feel of his skin against her face, and the smell of him didn't help.
He let go of her wrist and tilted her face up to look at him, "just that... what?"
"Eric... we are in bed, and..." she said with a smile, a finger lightly tracing his chest making him shiver, "You aren't wearing that much."
And with that, he actually blushed, remembering what he was wearing or lack there of. "Well I figured..." He said with a grin, "I've seen you in your underwear it was only fair." he said with a wink.
She laughed, "You know, this is true... but... you got to take pictures of me." And with that she got a wicked smile on her face and got up quickly running out of the room.
Eric got out of bed and ran after her, "Greta... what are you doing?" He asked running into her bedroom looking for her, when he was blinded by a white flash. He opened his eyes as another white flash went off. Then he heard her giggling. "What's the heck?"
She continued laughing, "Now we are even."
He opened his eyes and saw her holding her camera. "Greta!" he yelled and tried to grab the camera, she moved out of his reach and ran out of the bedroom, he followed, she ran around the couch, he tried to get her. She ran round it then back to the bedrooms and ran into his room, shutting the door on him. But she didn't get it closed in time. "Greta.... I'm stronger than you, I will get in." He said with a large smile.
She agreed, she knew she wouldn't win by force, so she walked away from the door, right when he gave a big push. He went flying into the room, running right into her, and they both collapsed onto the the bed. Eric looked down at her, and Greta leaned up and kissed him, bringing her hand to the back of his neck pushing him closer to her. His arm reached out for her other one, and noticed she still held the camera. He grabbed the opposite end that she held, and she smiled into the kiss, but didn't stop and neither did he. He tried to take the camera away from her, but she wasn't letting him. They continued to struggle for it, but also continued to kiss, almost daring each other to break away first. The tug of war over the camera continued, when another white flash went off. They broke apart, both looking at the camera, and then started laughing. Eric reluctantly let go of the camera, "Okay, okay you win... but I get a double of that one." He said with a wink.
She shook her head and blushed, "Maybe I should let you develop them instead of someone else."
He smiled, "That may be a good idea." She stood up, and looked at the clock, it was already after 10:30. "Well, I'm starving, and I'm going to make breakfast." She walked over to him, and poked her finger into his chest, "And you... get dressed." She said with a grin, and then turned to walk out of the bedroom.
"Yes, ma'am," Eric said with a laugh and shut his door behind her.
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A little bit later, they were sitting on the kitchen stools at the counter, eating breakfast, with Eric now fully dressed. "You know, I still can't believe you took a picture of me in my underwear." He said shaking his head, and putting a fork of food in his mouth.
She finished chewing, "Well you took a lot more than two of me in mine!"
He laughed, "True, but you volunteered."
"Yeah... well...." She tried to think of something, "I'm the innocent one."
He looked over at her, "Oh I see, I can't say that. But you can use it in your defense." She grinned and nodded. "Well.... as far as I'm concerned you aren't as sweet and innocent as everyone thinks."
"What is that supposed to mean?" she asked taking offense.
"I didn't mean it in a bad way." He said turning towards her, putting and arm around her, and pulling her in for a kiss. "It's just after that photo shoot, it is hard to see you as completely innocent. And wasn't it you that told me that I could do what I wanted with you, and vice versa until the other said to stop?"
She smiled, "Okay, okay." She said standing up and taking her plate to the sink, and he followed, "But I still say when I get those pictures we are then even."
"All right, I will agree to that. The tons of pictures of you in black, silk lingerie, with your makeup and hair done, completely equal those of me with my messed up morning hair and old pair of flannel blue boxers." He said sarcastically.
"Okay Brady, if you want to put it like that. Then you still owe me." She said with a wicked grin.
"Wait, then I take it back. I didn't mean it."
"Nope to late."
"Okay, then what do I owe you?"
Greta thought about it for a minute, "I'll get back to you on it." She said as she walked over to the couch, sat down, and opened up her lap top.
Eric sat down next to her, "Come on, tell me. I don't like owing anything." He said with a puppy dog look.
Greta looked at him, and couldn't refuse. She sat the lap top on the coffee table and moved closer to him, "Okay, you really want to know what I want?"
He sighed, "Yeah," he said with dread.
"I want you to..." she moved in closer, "kiss me."
He looked at her in shock, "That's it?"
"What, that's not good enough?"
"Oh, that's just fine." He said as he brought his arms around her, and pulled her to him, kissing her.
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Chapter 25
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Greta walked around Salem Place, it was 2 days before Christmas and she still hadn't found exactly what she wanted to get Eric for Christmas, she bought something little before, but she had decided to put that in his sock, instead. She smiled, *When was the last time I had a Christmas stocking?* Eric and her had decided to get some small stuff for each other and put them in each other socks, they agreed it was slightly childish, but also a lot of fun. The stuff for his sock was all done, everyone else's gifts were done, but she had no idea what to get him for Christmas. Every time she thought of something, she dismissed it for being too impersonal, too personal, or just not right. What was the perfect thing to get a boyfriend for Christmas? She smiled again at that thought. *Yes, boyfriend.* A lot had happened since Paris until this point. They had become best friends, and then that all changed with that first kiss. She shook her head at herself, as she looked at the store window, *How innocent I was then, but I still am, as he always tells me.* Then they moved in together, *Not as a couple, but as more than friends.* And since then, they had went on countless dates, and had many almost to far moments. Besides their relationship, she had also took the SAT, passed with a pretty good score, and got into Salem U for Spring Semester, starting January 17th. Everyone was doing great, Bo and Hope we happy, even though Hope was still going through counseling. Greta kept telling Eric, that there was something weird about Hope, but Eric just kept saying that his mom would straighten her out. Greta shook her head again, and tried to focus on the task at hand. "What to get a completely wonderful guy for your first Christmas together?"
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Eric sighed, as he walked out of the store, he had just taken back the second gift he had got for Greta for Christmas. The first one he took back two weeks ago, because he decided that it didn't fit what their relationship had evolved into. This second one, was the same way. He laughed, *Everyday the relationship changes a little more, I'm never going to be happy with anything that I get her. At least most of her sock is done,* he just wanted to get some good chocolates to put in there. *Well, I guess, it's more shopping for today.* And with that he started to walk around, and think. A lot had changed for him since Paris, *Yeah, I'm actually completely happy.* Getting over Nicole was hard, but as he realized, he was over her the moment he kissed Greta that first time. *Greta is everything I have ever wanted in a woman.* He smiled, he just knew that this Christmas, and New Year was going to be perfect, *If I can just find the right gift.* Things were a little tense about a week ago though, he admitted to himself. He remembered the look on her face when he told her about the job offers that he had......
******
"What?" She looked at him in shock.
"Those are my two offers." He told her, he was expecting her not to like them, but he didn't expect what she said next.
"Take the one in New York." She told him flatly.
"But Greta... it's in NEW YORK, when I could just stay in Salem and work at Titian."
She turned away from him, and walked into the kitchen, "But you quit working at Titian, why do you want to go back?"
"Because it's a good job, and they are willing to pay a lot to get me back, besides..." he said walking over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder, "It keeps me in Salem with you."
She turned around to look at him, "But for how long?"
"What?"
"How long with me?"
"Greta, I don't understand."
"Nicole offered you the job, and you will have to work with her. So my question is, how long before you go back to her?"
Eric looked at her in shock, then he got angry, "Do you really think I'm just going to back to her? Do you really think that I am like that? God, Greta. I'm with you, what do you want? I can't help that I was once with her, no matter how much I wish I never met her, doesn't change anything."
"But I know what she is trying to do, she want's you back. And this is her way of trying to do it!"
Eric shook his head, "So you just assume that she will get me back? Are you saying I'm just a walking hormone or something?"
"No, but..." She shook her head, she just didn't like it, "I just don't trust her."
"NO, Greta, you don't trust ME!"
Her eyes widened in shock, "Yes I do!"
"Then there shouldn't be a problem." Greta turned away from him and said something quietly, but he couldn't hear her, "What did you say?" He asked moving closer to her, but she didn't answer him. He put his hand on her shoulder, and she jumped slightly, he turned her to face him, and then lifted her chin to find tears streaming down her cheeks. "Greta... what? What's wrong? What did you say?"
She looked up at him, "I just don't want to lose you."
He pulled her into his arms, "What makes you think you will lose me?"
She leaned her head on his chest, "Because I lose everyone I care about."
He pulled her tighter against him, and stroked her hair, realizing what it all was really about, "Greta, you aren't going to lose me, especially to Nicole." With that he lead her over to the couch, and they talked, and talked.....
******
Eric sighed again, *And we agreed that I should take the job at Titian, but Greta was right. Nicole was trying to get me back. Even though she is a married woman. But I have refused to fall into her trap.* Whenever Nicole did something he would just remember anything, even the small stuff that Greta and him do together, and he knew that Nicole couldn't win. He smiled at some of the memories that he had with Greta, besides all the close intimate moments. The day he was trying to teach her how to drive, always brought a smile to his face. *Well actually it was a couple of Days.* But she finally got it, took the drivers course, and she now had a permit. She just had to have the permit for a certain amount of time before she could get her license. He rounded the corner, and saw Greta staring into a store window lost in thought.
"What to get a completely wonderful guy for your first Christmas together?"
Eric smiled, and walked up behind her, "A kiss from you."
Greta jumped and turned around, "Eric! Don't scare me like that." Eric just laughed, and leaned in and kissed her. She smiled up at him.
"So, I am hoping that it was me that you were talking about."
"Of course silly." And she lightly hit him on the shoulder, "I'm having a difficult time figuring out what to get you."
He smiled, "I know what you mean. Nothing seems right for you either."
She shook her head, "Well, we can't shop together."
"Oh, why not?" He said with a wink.
"Eric, you KNOW why. It wouldn't be a surprise if we did."
"Okay, how about we get some lunch, and talk, and maybe we can think of something for each other."
"Sounds good, Java Cafe?"
"Why not." And with that they walked over to get some lunch.
An hour later they were done talking and eating, and a half hour after that they both walked out of separate stores with bags in their hands and smiles on their faces.
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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 21
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Eric saw the blue silk drop to the floor in a puddle at Greta's feet. *Black heels actually* his brain told him in a fog. He slowly brought his eyes up her body. Her legs we covered in a pair of black stockings, that trailed up her calf's, and halfway up her thighs. Eric bit his lip at seeing the little metal clasps attached to them, that trailed up to her hips onto a silk, black garter belt, covering the black underwear underneath. His eyes continued up her bare stomach, and then to the black silk and lace bra. He swallowed, hard. *Ohhhh, boy.*
He hadn't said anything for a good minute or two, and it had Greta worried, "Is something wrong?" She asked quietly.
He looked into her eyes, "No, you look perfect." He said quietly. *Oh, my God. Even in my wildest dreams, I never... ever... imagined.... this.* He thought to himself. He shook his head, "Uhh, why don't you get comfortable," he told her. "And just try and relax," he said to her, but more to himself.
She sat back down on the bed, and leaned back against the pillow, pulling her legs up onto the bed.
Eric looked through the lens, and snapped a few pictures, both with his camera, and with his mind. He was never going to forget this photo shoot.
He directed her into a few more posses, which she did, and Eric thought she looked perfect. But he knew, that even though he found the pictures unbelievably sexy, the magazine companies wouldn't. He looked over at her, she still looked too ... too... sweet. He sighed and walked over to her, and sat down next to her.
She looked at him confused. "What's wrong?"
He smiled, "Nothing is wrong," he replied.
"Then what is it?" she asked.
"Greta, this..." he said gesturing to her outfit and body, "Is.. well..." he blushed, "Extremely sexy." She blushed too, and he continued, "You just have a face of an... angle." he said with a smile. She grinned. "Now don't get me wrong, that's a good thing. Just not for this shoot."
"Then what do I need to do?"
He sighed, "How do I say this... to you?"
Greta shook her head, "Eric, you may think that I am all sweet and innocent, but I do know about all this stuff. You do not need to try and censor what you say."
Eric grinned. "Okay, I need the... seductive look, a look that... says... I want you."
Greta just grinned, "Oh kay. And just how am I supposed to just do that. I've never had that look before."
Eric looked at her, "Are you kidding?"
She looked up at him questioning, "What?"
"I have seen that look on your face a few times."
"When?"
"Well...." he smiled, "One was last night, when I was doing this...." He said and leaned in and kissed her neck. Greta closed her eyes, and tilted her head to the side. Eric's hand came up and lightly touched and caressed her cheek, he then brushed her lips with his, their breathing both becoming faster. He kissed her harder, his tongue entering her mouth, a small moan coming from her. He pulled away, and looked at her. Her cheeks slightly flushed, her lips full from his kisses, her eyes closed and her mouth slightly open. He took the camera from around his neck, and took a few quick pictures, she opened her eyes to look at him, "Beautiful" he said to her. She smiled, but not happily, she gave him that sort of seductive smile he had seen only a few times from her. He almost dropped his camera when she started to crawl over the bed towards him. But he remembered what they were here for, and got a few pictures.
Greta smiled, she could feel her nerves about all this go away, she was actually having fun. She laid back down, and turned to her side, and Eric got a few more shots. She turned onto her stomach, and looked up at him. Eric was using the camera around his neck, taking shots. She sat back up, and got up on her knees, blowing a fake kiss to the camera. She gave him that perfect smile, and he snapped a few more. She then curled up her finger, in a come here motion. Eric took one more picture, and then walked to her, his breathing fast, his face flushed. His hand went to the back of her head, and brought her mouth to his in a deep soul searching kiss. Her arms went around his neck, his other arm around her. There tongues meeting, their breathing ragged, skin flushed. His hands traced her back, felt the smooth skin and silk under his fingers. Her hands went up to the front of his shirt, and pulled him back with her. They both feel back onto the bed, Eric started to kiss a trail from her ear down to her shoulder. Her slight moan made him smile into her skin. He moved to the other side of her neck, and continued in the same fashion. Her hands traveled down his back, and pulled him closer. A flash of light, startled them. They looked at each other, and Eric smiled, "The camera took a picture." He said and brought the camera out from between them. He kissed her lightly, then told her, "Stay there." He took a few more pictures. Sat the camera down on the table, then came back and sat beside her. He lightly touched her cheek, "Well, I think we're done."
She slowly sat up next to him, he brought her in for another kiss. He stroked her cheek, "So beautiful," and he kissed her again, he then looked into her eyes. "Greta...."
"Yes?" she said looking up at him.
He looked into her dark brown eyes, and thought he could get lost in them, "Greta, I L..." Their heads spun around at the knock on the door. They looked at each other, "Just a minute."
Eric stood up, and pulled Greta up with him. Greta leaned down, and got the blue robe, and put it on, and tied it around her. Eric then walked over to the door, unlocked it, and opened it slightly. He sighed, "What do you want Nicole?"
Nicole barged her way in, "Just wanted to see if you were done yet." She looked over at Greta, and noticed the flushed look in her cheeks, which made her mad.
"Yes, we just got done."
Nicole looked over at Greta, then back at Eric, "Just got done with the pictures, or... something else?"
Greta's head fell, "I'm going to change," she said quietly and headed for the dressing room, and shut the door behind her.
Eric was furious, "How dare you say something like that?" He walked over to the camera's and started to take out the film. "You know Nicole, you said you wanted to help me, to try and make up for what you did. That was a lie wasn't it?" He looked at her, she had a look of surprise on her face. "Oh don't try to act hurt, it's the truth. The only thing I don't understand is what you were trying to accomplish."
"I wasn't trying to accomplish anything," she said sweetly.
"Whatever." He said with a look of disgust on his face, "You just need to know Nicole, that you are Never going to get me back. I have moved on with my life. You had your chance, and you know what?"
"What?"
"I am so glad that you left me." Nicole looked at him in shock, "That's right. I'm glad. Because I am so much happier with Greta."
Nicole just starred at him, and then turned around and left.
Eric put his shoulders back, and stood up straight, he felt really good about that, and realized that complete closure of his time with Nicole had just happened. He took out the last roll of film, put it in his bag, and then walked over to the changing room. He knocked on the door softly, but didn't receive an answer.
He tried the door, and it opened and he walked in. Greta was dressed with her back to him. He walked up behind her and put his arms around her. She jumped slightly, but then leaned back against him. He could feel her body lightly shake every so often. He turned her around in his arms, and put his hand under her chin, and made her look at him. The mascara she was wearing was running down her face.
"Greta..." he said quietly.
"Why? Why does she do things like that?" she asked so quietly, that he could barely hear her. He brought her closer to him, and hugged her.
"I don't know. Just don't listen to her, ever.... Greta, you don't have to worry. I'm never going back to her. That part of my life is completely over, any feelings I had for her are gone." She looked up at him, he cupped his face in his hand, and wiped away her tears with the other.
"But Eric, you loved her, you wanted to marry her. It can't be that easy to get over her."
Eric shook his head, "You don't understand." He pulled her closer to him, "Greta, I thought I was in love with her. But you know what? I wasn't." He paused, "I didn't know what love was, until I met you." With that he leaned in and gave her a tender kiss.....
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Chapter 22
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Greta was in shock while Eric was kissing her. Her lips moved to their own accord, but her mind wasn't paying attention. *Did he just say what I thought he said?* Her head reeled from his words, and ran them over and over again in her brain. She needed to ask what he meant by that, just to be sure. The kiss stopped briefly, and she looked at him in the eyes, "Eric..."
"Shhh," he said to her, putting a finger to her lips, "You don't need to say anything." He leaned in again, and gave her a kiss on the lips, and then one on the forehead, and then brought her into a hug, placing his head on the top of hears.
"But.." she tried again, trying to ask what he meant.
"Greta," he said quietly, "I don't want to rush anything for either of us, I don't want there to be any regrets."
*What the heck is he talking about?* She was really confused now, but she decided to go along with it for now. And just leaned into him, to feel his arms around her.
Eric relaxed slightly when he felt Greta relax into his arms. He knew what he had said, and he had meant every word, but he also knew, at least he thought he knew, that they weren't ready for that step yet. Heck, in reality they were only on their second date. The other thing, is he didn't want to pressure her. He knew Greta, and he knew that if he allowed her to continue, she would say it back to him. He didn't want her to feel obligated to say it because he had. Also, in reality, it scared him a little. He had never felt anything like it. He knew that what he was feeling was love, *But I thought that with Nicole too.* He knew it was different with Greta, but he needed to be sure. After a few more seconds he looked down at her, "Ready to get out of here and go develop those pictures?"
Greta looked up at him, and nodded her head yes.
"Okay then, let's get out of here." He took her hand, and led her out of the dressing room, they grabbed their coats, and he got the film and his camera, and they left.
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Greta sat on the couch trying to study for the SAT, while Eric was developing the pictures in the bathroom. He had insisted on doing them himself, for many reasons. One, he didn't want just anyone to see the pictures of Greta like that. And two, he didn't trust anyone else, he didn't want them ruined. He took a lot of supplies into the Bathroom, including a red light bulb. Greta laughed at everything he had taken in there, and commented that even she doesn't take that much stuff into the bathroom with her. He gave her a dirty look and a fake laugh, which just made her laugh even more. He had then went in the bathroom to develop the pictures. And since then she had been studying for the SAT, which was the coming weekend. But she wasn't really paying attention, he mind was on what he had said back at Titan. *Did he mean that he was in love with me? And if so, why wouldn't he let me say anything?* She couldn't answer those questions, and didn't even know how to go about finding out. A little later, Eric came out of the bathroom, and went to the refrigerator, took out a pop, and leaned against the counter. He opened it, then took a drink. "So how is it going in there?" Greta asked, walking over to him.
Eric smiled, "They are turning out very nicely." He looked over at her, grinned, "But I'm not sure I want to use them."
Greta looked surprised, "Why not? What's wrong with them?"
"Nothing, I just might want to keep them all for myself." He said with a wink. She playfully hit him on the shoulder. "No, really. They are really good Greta. They are almost dry, you can see them in a minute. Besides, I'm only going to use the ones you want me too." He sat the can down on the counter, and looked back over at her.
She grinned, "Okay."
He smiled, "How's studying going?"
She sighed, "Not good." She stopped, and tried to decide whether to ask him or not, and decided to try, "It's just that I'm not really thinking about it. I have other stuff on my mind."
Eric looked at her, "Like what?" he said already knowing.
"About what you said." she replied simply. She tried to continue, but he cut her off again.
He walked over to her, "Just don't think about it, okay?" He kissed her cheek, and then walked back over to the bathroom door, "Want to see the pictures?" he said changing the subject.
She sighed, she wanted to kill him, *Well not really, he's just... AHHHH.* She nodded yes, and walked with him into the bathroom. Eric had replaced the light in the bathroom with a red one, which made everything in there have a red shade. Eric explained the light was so that it wouldn't expose the film. She saw a lot of photographs hanging around the room on lines. Eric walked over to one of the lines, and took a few off. He then walked back over to her, and showed them to her. She looked at the pictures in shock. "This is me?" she asked looking up at him.
He grinned, "Yep."
She shook her head, it was unbelievable to her. She had never saw herself as sexy, yet that is exactly what these pictures were. It shot her confidence up a few levels. *Maybe I can compete against Nicole after all.* She thought to herself with a smile.
They looked at a few more pictures, waiting for the rest to dry, when they all did, Eric gathered them all up, and they went out into the living room. They sat on the couch and looked through the pictures. Eric held up one for her, "I think this is my personal favorite," he said with a wicked smile.
Greta looked at the picture, it was one with her, with her eyes closed, mouth partially open. "When did you take this?" She asked.
Eric smiled, "Right after I kissed you." She said looking into her eyes, "Now you see what I see." Greta blushed at his comment.
They looked though the rest of the pictures, and they decided on three that he would use. One was a close up like the one that he liked so much but with her eyes open, another was the one taken with her curling her finger in a 'come here' gesture, and the last was her crawling towards the camera. Greta admitted that she was a little embarrassed by the pictures, and Eric offered to not use them. But she insisted by saying that yes she was embarrassed slightly by them, but she was also proud of herself for doing them. Eric went and put the three pictures in his portfolio, then came back.
"So what are you going to do with the rest?" she said looking at the pile of so called 'rejected' pictures.
Eric gave a wicked smile, "Keep them."
Her eyes widened, "What? Why?"
He laughed, "You don't expect me to throw them away or give them to people do you?"
"Well no... but."
"Why you don't want me to see them?" Greta blushed, "Because, you know it wouldn't really matter if I had them or not."
"Why?"
"Because I already have the images imprinted into my mind, and I will never forget them." Greta's cheeks turned even more red, and Eric reached over and grabbed her, dragging her over to him, tickling her. She screamed, laughing, and struggling trying to get away. He pulled her over onto his lap, tickling her, she tried to stop him, but gave up, and tried to tickle him. Which made him try and stop her. They finally caught on to each others wrists in a stalemate. Both their laughter and giggles stopped as they looked into each others eyes. They leaned in and kissed each other, each letting go of each other's wrists, as their arms wrapped around each other. Trying to pull each other closer, as their lips met, and kissed passionately. Their mouths open letting each other taste one another. Their hands moved over each others back, and Greta pulled away slightly, Eric looked at her questioning.
She got up from his lap slightly, and he was about to ask what was wrong, when she turned back towards him, and sat back on his lap, straddling his legs. He grinned into the kiss that she started, and pulled her closer to him, now that they were able to have more contact. His arms went around her, and pressed her into him. Her hands worked over his neck and into his hair, as they continued to kiss. Eric groaned slightly as she moved her hips. She stopped to looked at him, "Are you okay? I'm not to heavy for you am I?" worried that she had hurt him.
He grinned and shook his head, "Greta, trust me, you're just fine." He said as he leaned back in and kissed her again. He held onto her firmly towards him, moved slightly off the couch, and then laid back onto it. She giggled as he pulled her to lay down on top of him. "What?" he asked.
She laughed again, "I feel like a teenager." she said laughing.
He grinned, "What, making out on the couch?" She nodded, "But I thought that was mostly in the back seat of cars." They both laughed, and then they started to kiss again.....
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Chapter 23
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And they kissed. Her legs falling to each side of his, her arms at his shoulders or in his hair. Their mouths moving together, lost to everything else but that kiss. Eric's arms going around her, his hands caressing her back, slowly moving under the material of her shirt. She jumped slightly at the feel of his hands on her bare back, but quickly settled back against him. Greta's skin felt so soft to his fingertips, and he could only imagine what the rest of her felt like. He broke the kiss, only to catch some air and to move his mouth to her neck. The warmth of his breath and the softness of his lips on her neck made her body slight shake, only to have him pull her tighter against him. He was rewarded with the soft sighs and small moans coming from her lips. The heat was building quickly and Greta felt like she had a high temperature. His hands moved further up her back, rubbing and tickling slightly. But they abruptly stopped and so did he when he encountered the silk strap of her bra.
His brain completely cleared at that moment, and he knew they had to stop, stop before they went to far. He opened his eyes and saw her looking into them, he also saw the same understanding there. He smiled, pulled his hands out from under her shirt, and brought one up to pull her head down to his shoulder. He heard and felt her sigh deeply, and he felt the same way. "Oh, Greta, Greta." he said quietly.
She brought her head up and looked at him, "What?" she asked.
He smiled, "You know, we always do this."
"Do what?" she asked jokingly.
He shook his head at her, but answered anyway, "Start out with a sweet little kiss, and end up..."
She finished it for him, "Getting all passionate and then stopping cause we are 'going to far'." She said bringing her hands up in a quoting gesture.
He laughed, "why did you do that?" he said gesturing to her hands and the quoting.
"Because, that's what 'you' always say." She said sitting up, straddling his torso.
"Only because I know you... both of us aren't ready to go further."
"No, you say 'both' when you mean only 'me'." She said matter of factly.
He moved up on his elbows looking up at her. "Greta, I do mean both of us. But yes, mostly you."
She pointed his finger into his chest, "Brady... how do you know if I'm ready or not?"
Eric looked up at her in shock, "What? Are you!?! Greta, we have only went on like 2 dates."
Greta started laughing at look on his face, she laughed and giggled so hard, she buried her face in his chest.
"What? What's so funny?" he asked confused.
"You are," she said looking up at him.
"Me? Why?"
"The look on your face."
"Oh kay, but you didn't answer my question."
"No Eric, I'm not ready for THAT." She paused, "But..."
"But what?"
She thought for a minute, "Eric, yes we have only been on technically two dates. But we have known each other for a long time, we are living together, be it in separate bedrooms." He smiled. "And we are both adults."
He smiled, "Yes. So what does that mean?" he said impatiently awaiting her answer.
"It means that we go as far as we want."
"And exactly how far is that?"
"Exactly what I said. Instead of you... or me" she added with a wink, "stopping us because we think we are going to far for the other, we stop when we ourselves are going to far."
Eric grinned, "So I can do what I want until you stop me, or until I feel uncomfortable, and the same for you." He said with a smile and laugh.
She lightly hit him on the chest at his laughter, "Yes, exactly. Do we have a deal," she said with a wink and put out her hand for a shake.
He shook his head, brought up his hand, and they shook. "Deal." He then laid his head back on the couch, brought his other hand up, and tickled her sides.
"Ahhh, no fair." She screamed and giggled, trying to get away. She moved up and away from him, he sat up, one arm going around her waist, not letting her get away. She let out high pitched squeals as he continued to tickle her at the back of her neck, under her arms, and the sides of her stomach. "Let go," she said with a laugh.
"Never," he said with a wicked grin. She tried standing up, and actually got both feet on the floor. She tried getting away, but he moved with her.
"Okay, okay. Uncle, uncle." She cried out, "Stop," she said still laughing, tears running down her face.
Eric smiled, and stood up, kissed the tears on her cheeks, then lightly kissed her lips. She smiled up at him. "So... how about" he looked at his watch, "a late dinner?" She smiled nodded her head, and they went into the kitchen.
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A couple hours later they were on the couch watching a movie. Eric sat back with his feet on the coffee table, and Greta was curled up to him, one arm around his torso, her head resting on his chest, and his arm around her. Eric looked down at Greta, and smiled. *This is how it's supposed to be.* He told himself, as he felt her snuggle a little closer. He then turned his attention back to the movie.
She smiled as she moved closer to him, she felt so happy. *Now this is just... nice.* She grinned, and tried to pay attention to the movie.
About an hour later the movie was over, and it was late. Eric sighed, and turned off the tv. He yawned, "Well, I'm going to bed, how about you?" he said to Greta. But she didn't answer. He looked down, and found her sound asleep. He smiled, "Greta?" he said quietly. She mumbled slightly, and hid her face in his chest. He carefully pulled her slowly away from him, so that he could stand up. He then slowly bent back down and put one arm under her knees, and the other under her arms. He lifted her slowly, and hugged her to him. He then walked back towards the bedroom with a smile. He opened her bedroom door with a little luck, and with the light from the hall, walked to her bed. He then slowly laid her down, so that he wouldn't wake her. He pulled his arms out from underneath her, and she tried moving closer to him. He sat at the edge of the bed, and turned on the light on the night stand. The light glow fell across the room. He looked at her, he knew she wouldn't be totally uncomfortable in what she was wearing, but didn't dare take anything off either. He gave her a small kiss, then stood up. Grabbed the sheet and pulled it across her, knowing the blanket would be to warm with all those clothes on. He then looked at her and smiled. *She looks even more beautiful and sweet when she's asleep.* He thought to himself. He then turned out the light, walked out of the room, and shut the door behind him. He leaned against the door, *But she wasn't that sweet in the photo lab.* He said with a larger smile. He shook his head, and then went into his room to get ready for bed.
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Chapter 24
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Greta woke slowly, and opened her eyes to find herself in bed. *How did I get here?* She asked herself, she didn't remember going to bed. She then realized she was still wearing her clothes, and she smiled. *I fell asleep during the movie, and Eric brought me in here.* She pulled her legs up and sat up. She yawned, and then got undressed, and then redressed. She looked out the window, and the sun was already up, she looked at the clock. It was 9:30. She brushed her hair, and put on a little makeup, then walked out of the room. She walked into the kitchen, no one was there, and she went into the bathroom. About ten minutes later she walked out, and went back to the bedrooms.
*I wonder if he is still sleep.* She slowly tried the knob to door, and it turned. She then slowly opened the door, trying to not make any noise. She smiled at the sight in front of her. He was still in bed, the comforter was mostly off the bed, and the sheet was barely on him. What made the corners of her mouth turn into a sheepish grin was that he was laying on his stomach, wearing only his boxers. She stood there for a moment appreciating the view. She took in his messed up hair, broad shoulders, muscled back, those nice blue flannel boxers, and then the nice strong legs.
Then she felt guilty, here he was asleep, and she was looking at him like... like... *Like a piece of meat.* But the thought also brought a smile to her face. She shook it all off, and walked over to the bed. She sat down softly on the edge of the bed, and looked at his face. He looked so young when he was asleep, *Not like he's old or anything, he just looks so... cute.* Her hand came up slowly, and not thinking brushed away a few stray hairs from his forehead.
She jumped when his hand came up and caught her wrist, she looked at him in shock, to find his eyes open with a teasing smile in them. "Well... hello." He said to her.
She blushed at having been caught, and she tried to cover, "I was uh, trying to wake you up."
He didn't let go of her and spoke, "Oh really?"
"Yes, really."
"So you wake someone up by quietly opening their door, staring at them for awhile, and then quietly watching them?" He said with a large smile, knowing he had her.
She was shocked, and totally embarrassed, "You were awake the whole time?"
"Yeah, I was trying to decide whether or not to get out of bed when I heard the door open."
"I... uh... I'm.." She was trying to explain herself.
Eric laughed, and pulled her closer to him, she squealed and landed on his chest. "I'm going to have to stay in bed late if this is the way I get woken up in the morning." He then leaned up and kissed her.
She was thrown for a loop, *he wasn't upset that she had been staring at him?* But that question left her mind at his kiss. His one hand still held her wrist, not letting her go, and his other moved to her face, caressing it lightly, then to the back of her head moving her in for a deeper kiss. She kissed him back, her one free arm moving to his shoulder, holding on to him. Then she realized where she was, *We're in his bed.* She realized, it didn't freak her out, like it would have not so long ago, but it was still in her mind as she continued kissing him. The couch seemed safe to her, almost anywhere seemed safe, but this... *This is a bed. And....* she thought, realizing, *Eric wasn't wearing that much.* She slowly pulled away, giving him a short, soft kiss, and looked into his eyes.
Eric looked up at her, "What's wrong?" he said, his hand placing a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Nothing's wrong, it's just that.." and she blushed, laughed and buried her face in his chest. Then wished she hadn't. The feel of his skin against her face, and the smell of him didn't help.
He let go of her wrist and tilted her face up to look at him, "just that... what?"
"Eric... we are in bed, and..." she said with a smile, a finger lightly tracing his chest making him shiver, "You aren't wearing that much."
And with that, he actually blushed, remembering what he was wearing or lack there of. "Well I figured..." He said with a grin, "I've seen you in your underwear it was only fair." he said with a wink.
She laughed, "You know, this is true... but... you got to take pictures of me." And with that she got a wicked smile on her face and got up quickly running out of the room.
Eric got out of bed and ran after her, "Greta... what are you doing?" He asked running into her bedroom looking for her, when he was blinded by a white flash. He opened his eyes as another white flash went off. Then he heard her giggling. "What's the heck?"
She continued laughing, "Now we are even."
He opened his eyes and saw her holding her camera. "Greta!" he yelled and tried to grab the camera, she moved out of his reach and ran out of the bedroom, he followed, she ran around the couch, he tried to get her. She ran round it then back to the bedrooms and ran into his room, shutting the door on him. But she didn't get it closed in time. "Greta.... I'm stronger than you, I will get in." He said with a large smile.
She agreed, she knew she wouldn't win by force, so she walked away from the door, right when he gave a big push. He went flying into the room, running right into her, and they both collapsed onto the the bed. Eric looked down at her, and Greta leaned up and kissed him, bringing her hand to the back of his neck pushing him closer to her. His arm reached out for her other one, and noticed she still held the camera. He grabbed the opposite end that she held, and she smiled into the kiss, but didn't stop and neither did he. He tried to take the camera away from her, but she wasn't letting him. They continued to struggle for it, but also continued to kiss, almost daring each other to break away first. The tug of war over the camera continued, when another white flash went off. They broke apart, both looking at the camera, and then started laughing. Eric reluctantly let go of the camera, "Okay, okay you win... but I get a double of that one." He said with a wink.
She shook her head and blushed, "Maybe I should let you develop them instead of someone else."
He smiled, "That may be a good idea." She stood up, and looked at the clock, it was already after 10:30. "Well, I'm starving, and I'm going to make breakfast." She walked over to him, and poked her finger into his chest, "And you... get dressed." She said with a grin, and then turned to walk out of the bedroom.
"Yes, ma'am," Eric said with a laugh and shut his door behind her.
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A little bit later, they were sitting on the kitchen stools at the counter, eating breakfast, with Eric now fully dressed. "You know, I still can't believe you took a picture of me in my underwear." He said shaking his head, and putting a fork of food in his mouth.
She finished chewing, "Well you took a lot more than two of me in mine!"
He laughed, "True, but you volunteered."
"Yeah... well...." She tried to think of something, "I'm the innocent one."
He looked over at her, "Oh I see, I can't say that. But you can use it in your defense." She grinned and nodded. "Well.... as far as I'm concerned you aren't as sweet and innocent as everyone thinks."
"What is that supposed to mean?" she asked taking offense.
"I didn't mean it in a bad way." He said turning towards her, putting and arm around her, and pulling her in for a kiss. "It's just after that photo shoot, it is hard to see you as completely innocent. And wasn't it you that told me that I could do what I wanted with you, and vice versa until the other said to stop?"
She smiled, "Okay, okay." She said standing up and taking her plate to the sink, and he followed, "But I still say when I get those pictures we are then even."
"All right, I will agree to that. The tons of pictures of you in black, silk lingerie, with your makeup and hair done, completely equal those of me with my messed up morning hair and old pair of flannel blue boxers." He said sarcastically.
"Okay Brady, if you want to put it like that. Then you still owe me." She said with a wicked grin.
"Wait, then I take it back. I didn't mean it."
"Nope to late."
"Okay, then what do I owe you?"
Greta thought about it for a minute, "I'll get back to you on it." She said as she walked over to the couch, sat down, and opened up her lap top.
Eric sat down next to her, "Come on, tell me. I don't like owing anything." He said with a puppy dog look.
Greta looked at him, and couldn't refuse. She sat the lap top on the coffee table and moved closer to him, "Okay, you really want to know what I want?"
He sighed, "Yeah," he said with dread.
"I want you to..." she moved in closer, "kiss me."
He looked at her in shock, "That's it?"
"What, that's not good enough?"
"Oh, that's just fine." He said as he brought his arms around her, and pulled her to him, kissing her.
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Chapter 25
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Greta walked around Salem Place, it was 2 days before Christmas and she still hadn't found exactly what she wanted to get Eric for Christmas, she bought something little before, but she had decided to put that in his sock, instead. She smiled, *When was the last time I had a Christmas stocking?* Eric and her had decided to get some small stuff for each other and put them in each other socks, they agreed it was slightly childish, but also a lot of fun. The stuff for his sock was all done, everyone else's gifts were done, but she had no idea what to get him for Christmas. Every time she thought of something, she dismissed it for being too impersonal, too personal, or just not right. What was the perfect thing to get a boyfriend for Christmas? She smiled again at that thought. *Yes, boyfriend.* A lot had happened since Paris until this point. They had become best friends, and then that all changed with that first kiss. She shook her head at herself, as she looked at the store window, *How innocent I was then, but I still am, as he always tells me.* Then they moved in together, *Not as a couple, but as more than friends.* And since then, they had went on countless dates, and had many almost to far moments. Besides their relationship, she had also took the SAT, passed with a pretty good score, and got into Salem U for Spring Semester, starting January 17th. Everyone was doing great, Bo and Hope we happy, even though Hope was still going through counseling. Greta kept telling Eric, that there was something weird about Hope, but Eric just kept saying that his mom would straighten her out. Greta shook her head again, and tried to focus on the task at hand. "What to get a completely wonderful guy for your first Christmas together?"
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Eric sighed, as he walked out of the store, he had just taken back the second gift he had got for Greta for Christmas. The first one he took back two weeks ago, because he decided that it didn't fit what their relationship had evolved into. This second one, was the same way. He laughed, *Everyday the relationship changes a little more, I'm never going to be happy with anything that I get her. At least most of her sock is done,* he just wanted to get some good chocolates to put in there. *Well, I guess, it's more shopping for today.* And with that he started to walk around, and think. A lot had changed for him since Paris, *Yeah, I'm actually completely happy.* Getting over Nicole was hard, but as he realized, he was over her the moment he kissed Greta that first time. *Greta is everything I have ever wanted in a woman.* He smiled, he just knew that this Christmas, and New Year was going to be perfect, *If I can just find the right gift.* Things were a little tense about a week ago though, he admitted to himself. He remembered the look on her face when he told her about the job offers that he had......
******
"What?" She looked at him in shock.
"Those are my two offers." He told her, he was expecting her not to like them, but he didn't expect what she said next.
"Take the one in New York." She told him flatly.
"But Greta... it's in NEW YORK, when I could just stay in Salem and work at Titian."
She turned away from him, and walked into the kitchen, "But you quit working at Titian, why do you want to go back?"
"Because it's a good job, and they are willing to pay a lot to get me back, besides..." he said walking over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder, "It keeps me in Salem with you."
She turned around to look at him, "But for how long?"
"What?"
"How long with me?"
"Greta, I don't understand."
"Nicole offered you the job, and you will have to work with her. So my question is, how long before you go back to her?"
Eric looked at her in shock, then he got angry, "Do you really think I'm just going to back to her? Do you really think that I am like that? God, Greta. I'm with you, what do you want? I can't help that I was once with her, no matter how much I wish I never met her, doesn't change anything."
"But I know what she is trying to do, she want's you back. And this is her way of trying to do it!"
Eric shook his head, "So you just assume that she will get me back? Are you saying I'm just a walking hormone or something?"
"No, but..." She shook her head, she just didn't like it, "I just don't trust her."
"NO, Greta, you don't trust ME!"
Her eyes widened in shock, "Yes I do!"
"Then there shouldn't be a problem." Greta turned away from him and said something quietly, but he couldn't hear her, "What did you say?" He asked moving closer to her, but she didn't answer him. He put his hand on her shoulder, and she jumped slightly, he turned her to face him, and then lifted her chin to find tears streaming down her cheeks. "Greta... what? What's wrong? What did you say?"
She looked up at him, "I just don't want to lose you."
He pulled her into his arms, "What makes you think you will lose me?"
She leaned her head on his chest, "Because I lose everyone I care about."
He pulled her tighter against him, and stroked her hair, realizing what it all was really about, "Greta, you aren't going to lose me, especially to Nicole." With that he lead her over to the couch, and they talked, and talked.....
******
Eric sighed again, *And we agreed that I should take the job at Titian, but Greta was right. Nicole was trying to get me back. Even though she is a married woman. But I have refused to fall into her trap.* Whenever Nicole did something he would just remember anything, even the small stuff that Greta and him do together, and he knew that Nicole couldn't win. He smiled at some of the memories that he had with Greta, besides all the close intimate moments. The day he was trying to teach her how to drive, always brought a smile to his face. *Well actually it was a couple of Days.* But she finally got it, took the drivers course, and she now had a permit. She just had to have the permit for a certain amount of time before she could get her license. He rounded the corner, and saw Greta staring into a store window lost in thought.
"What to get a completely wonderful guy for your first Christmas together?"
Eric smiled, and walked up behind her, "A kiss from you."
Greta jumped and turned around, "Eric! Don't scare me like that." Eric just laughed, and leaned in and kissed her. She smiled up at him.
"So, I am hoping that it was me that you were talking about."
"Of course silly." And she lightly hit him on the shoulder, "I'm having a difficult time figuring out what to get you."
He smiled, "I know what you mean. Nothing seems right for you either."
She shook her head, "Well, we can't shop together."
"Oh, why not?" He said with a wink.
"Eric, you KNOW why. It wouldn't be a surprise if we did."
"Okay, how about we get some lunch, and talk, and maybe we can think of something for each other."
"Sounds good, Java Cafe?"
"Why not." And with that they walked over to get some lunch.
An hour later they were done talking and eating, and a half hour after that they both walked out of separate stores with bags in their hands and smiles on their faces.
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To Be Continued