TITLE: DAYS Fairy Tale: Eric & Greta: Chapters 41-45
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 41
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Eric and Greta laid on the beach together for awhile longer. Talking quietly, kissing occasionally, and mostly just holding onto each other, happy in the moment.
They eventually got up, picked up their sandals and walked back to the hotel, one of their arms wrapped around each other. They got back to the room and got ready for bed.
Eric changed quickly into a pair of boxers and a T-shirt, then laid on his bed. He looked up at the ceiling, a large smile on his face. He closed his eyes, and replayed her saying those words to him in his mind. His constant replaying was interrupted by a voice.
"Eric?" Greta said as she walked over to his bed. He opened his eyes to look up at her. She was wearing a pair of light pink, silk pajamas. "For a minute, I thought you were asleep," she said as she sat down next to him, as he sat up.
"No, just thinking about and remembering tonight." He said. She smiled, then yawned, he laughed lightly, "Tired?"
She nodded yes. He looked at the clock, "Yeah, well it would be about 4 am our time."
She yawned again, then smiled. "We better get some sleep then."
Eric stood up, then took her hand, to help her up. He then led her back to the bedroom. They both walked in, and as they approached the side of the bed, Greta gave him a questioning look.
"Can I tuck you in?" he asked. She smiled and nodded yes. He pulled back the covers, and she sat down and crawled under them. She laid down, and he pulled them up over her. He sat down on the side of the bed, leaned down, kissed her forehead, then her lips. The kiss lingered as one of her arms wrapped around him, keeping him there. He slowly pulled away as she pulled her arm away.
"I love you," she said softly.
A smiled formed on his face, "I love you too," he said and gave her another small kiss. "Good night." He said then stood up moving for the door.
Greta sat up," Eric?" He turned around to look at her. She looked over at the other side of the bed, then back at him. "You know, that bed out there is oftly big, are you sure you won't get lonely out there?" she asked.
He smiled knowing exactly what she was asking, "Yeah, I probably will," he said as he moved back towards the bed.
"Well, in that case, you could always sleep here." She said motioning to the other side of the bed.
His smiled got wider, "Okay." He said. Eric then went in the other room to turn out the lights. He then walked back in the room and to the other side of the bed. He lifted up the covers and crawled under them, then moved closer to the middle of the bed. She moved over to him, and lifted up for him to put his one arm around her. She then laid her head on his chest, her one arm laying across his chest. He leaned his head down to rest his cheek against the top of her head, after having kissed it. "So, why did we get a room with two beds, and one in a separate bedroom?"
She giggled, "Hey, you are the one that made the reservations."
"Well, I didn't know I would get 'lonely'" he said teasing her.
"Hey!" she said looking up at him, "You don't have to be here," she responded.
He pulled her tighter to him, "But I want to be."
She smiled and kissed him, then laid her head back on his shoulder. They each said their 'good nights' once again, then drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
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Greta woke to a slight tickle on her check, then her neck, and finally her arm. However she didn't open her eyes. The pattern happened once more. She tried hard not to smile as her mind began to wake up and figure out her surroundings. She was on here side, and she could feel Eric's body behind her, one of his arms under her, hugging her to him. She could tell he was awake, and form his movements, she could tell he was trying to wake her as well. She kept her eyes closed, waiting to see what else he would do. He stopped the light tickling with the one hand, and wrapped it around her. He then began to kiss her neck, starting at her ear and moving downward.
*No fair,* she thought, he knew that was her weakness. She moaned slightly, and shifted to allow him more access.
Eric grinned as he continued, his lips slowly traveling down her neck to her shoulder. Her small sounds encouraging him further. He met the material of her pajamas, and skipped over it, to start kissing her shoulder.
Greta was now glad she had worn her sleeveless PJ's. She couldn't take much more and turned over to face him, then pushed him onto his back, then leaned down to kiss him. The kiss hard and passionate, her tongue at his lips requesting entrance. He opened his mouth only to surprise her when his tongue darted out into her mouth. His hands moving to the back of her head, in her hair to keep her there.
She moved, sitting up slowly, but not breaking the kiss. She moved up and over him, to straddle him, then leaned back down. His one hand moved down her back, then back up to move under her shirt, touching her bare skin. Her slight movements over him were driving him crazy, and he wanted to tell her to stop before he would embarrass himself and her. But it was too late, she had this affect on him. However, when she usually did, she wasn't sitting like she was now. She leaned down further to kiss him deeper, then gasped slightly and sat up. He looked up at her, and wanted to hide. The shock in here eyes evident.
"I'm sorry," he said softly, moving a hand up to the side of her face. "You just have this effect on me. I try to control it, but.." he trailed off when he saw the smile on her face. "What?" he asked almost afraid to ask.
She leaned back down on him, producing another grown from him, making her smile wider. Then she spoke in a voice that he had only rarely heard from her, a voice that got his blood boiling. In a soft, husky voice she replied, "I'm glad I have this effect on you." Her lips then found his again, her tongue meeting his, producing another soft moan from him.
He wrapped both arms around her, hugging her tightly, then flipped them over. She gasped slightly as she found herself on her back, and him on top of her, between her legs. "You know, it's not fair." Eric said to her, kissing her neck.
Greta's head fell back as she closed her eyes, "What's not fair?" she asked in a breathless voice, as his lips kissed around the neck line of her top.
"It's not so easy for me to tell if you are turned on, as it is for you." He said, his lips moving back up her neck, across her cheek and ending at her mouth.
She looked up at him, wrapped her legs around him, making them both emit a slight moan. Her hand came up to the side of his face, her eyes slightly closed, her lips swollen from his kisses. "You really can't tell?" she asked in that same voice.
He closed his eyes leaning into the touch, then opened his eyes to look at her. *So beautiful,* he thought, *Especially like this.* His hand traced her features, his ear's listened to her sounds. "Okay, maybe I can tell." He then went in for another kiss. They continued kissing, their hands roaming over each other's sides. But Eric pulled away after a little bit.
"Greta," he said slightly out of breath.
"Yes?" she asked in the same state.
He closed his eyes and lightly shook his head, "We need to stop, now." He said squeezing his eyes shut.
"Why?" she asked almost too innocently.
Eric squeezed his eyes shut even more, then opened them. "Greta, please. I know that 'neither' one of us are ready for more right now." He said, "And," he smiled, "I don't want to embarrass myself anymore by begging. Even though I'm not ready for that either," he said with a larger smile. "Well, emotionally I'm not ready."
With that she laughed, then she unwrapped her legs from around him. Thus allowing him to move. He rolled off of her and onto his back, closing his eyes and taking a few deep breaths. She moved over to his side, and rested her head on his shoulder.
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A few minutes later, he gave her a quick squeeze, then moved to sit up, and so did she. He gave her a soft kiss, "Umm, I'm going to go take a quick shower, a 'cold' quick shower, okay?" he asked.
She nodded yes, but looked down. He brought his hand to her chin and tilted her face up to look at him. "Greta," he said softly, "Don't even try to feel bad or anything about this. Even if you told me you were ready to make love right now, I'd still want us to wait a little."
She nodded okay, but her expression stayed the same. He hugged her to him, "Greta, I an not disappointed or anything like that at all. Heck, you've told me you love me, I'm the happiest man in the world." He said pulling away to look at her, holding her at the shoulders.
A smile slowly formed on her face, and he continued, "And when we are both ready, and when everything is right, we will both know it, and that is when we will make love." He then hugged her and told her, he loved her.
She kissed his check, told him the same thing. He then stood up, and headed for the bathroom to take his shower. As he closed the door behind him, she laid back on the bed and smiled.
Once he got out of the shower, and she took hers, they both got dressed, got some breakfast, and then went out sight seeing. They traveled all around the island seeing the sites, taking pictures, and making tons of wonderful memories together. They were in love, and it showed, and to them they were the happiest people on earth. They went to restaurants, and shops, gardens and the volcano. They went snorkeling, and whale watching. Eric took a ton of pictures of her on the beach, and she took many of him as well. They spent their vacation together, never separate for more than a few minutes to shower or change. As they boarded their plane on the way back to Salem, they had large smiles on their faces, with eyes filled with love for one another. Back at the hotel, Eric's bed was still made, and had never been used the whole time there.
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Chapter 42
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The plane landed at Salem Airport at about 9pm, and Eric & Greta got off the plane arm in arm. Both had large smiles on their faces as they made their way to baggage claim. They talked on and off about the trip, and how happy they were to be home. After a little hassle with baggage they made their way to Eric's Jeep and headed home.
As they walked through the door, they dropped their baggage on the floor, and went right for the couch. They sat down next to each other, their feet on the coffee table, heads back on the couch.
"I'm exhausted," Greta said out loud.
"I know what you mean," Eric responded. He closed his eyes, then felt her curl up next to him and put her head on his shoulder. He smiled, "Just think, in a couple of days you will be in college." He said with a slight laugh.
Greta groaned, "Don't mention that."
"Hey, you don't have to go you know."
"I know, but I want to, I want to do something with my life. I Just have to figure out what that is. Hopefully these classes will help with that."
He grinned, and hugged her to him. "So, what do you want to do?" He asked.
She looked up at him, "Well, I'm kinda hungry."
"But we ate dinner on the plane."
She lightly hit him on the chest, "You call that dinner? Neither one of us ate very much." Eric just laughed. "But I don't feel like cooking at all."
"How about some Chinese food?"
"Mmm, that sounds good. Who wants to get up to order it?"
'You're the hungry one."
"Funny! I know you are too. I can hear your stomach."
"I'm not moving, I'm too tired."
Greta groaned and moaned, then finally stood up and made her way to the phone. She placed the order, then went back to sit down. "It'll be here in about a half hour."
Eric yawned, "Hopefully I'm not asleep by then."
Greta agreed, she laid her head back on his chest and the next thing she knew there was a knock at the door. She opened her eyes, jumped up and answered the door. She paid the delivery man and took the food, shutting the door behind her. "I can't believe I feel asleep."
"So did I," Eric admitted.
She brought the food over to the couch, and set it on the coffee table. Eric sat up and turned on the TV. He found a comedy show and left it there. They both took their food, and began to eat as they watched TV and laughed at the jokes.
When the last fortune cookie was ate, and the boxes were in the trash, they headed to bed. They dragged their suit cases into their bedrooms, but neither unpacked. They changed, and got ready for bed.
They brushed their teeth together, then headed back to the bedrooms. They each stood in front of their own door and looked at each other. Eric raised his arm slightly, holding his hand out to her, she took it, and he pulled her to him. He leaned down and kissed her, her arms went around his neck, pulling him closer to her. He pulled her body up tight against his, and she gave a small moan. His one hand held her to him at her back, as the other turned his knob to his bedroom door. The door opened and he walked backwards into his room pulling her with him. He kept walking till the backs of his legs hit the bed, and he fell back onto it.
She let out a small yell, having been pulled down with him. But was quickly quieted again as he kissed her. He rolled her to her side then onto her back. He moved over her, his upper body moving over hers, her one leg coming up to wrap around his legs. The kiss continued into many kisses, many touches and embraces.
Greta broke away to catch her breath, her hand came up to rest lightly on his cheek. He closed his eyes concentrating on her touch and allowing his body to calm down. "We should get some sleep." She said quietly.
He yawned, grinned, and opened his eyes to look at her. "Yeah, we should."
She sat up slowly, then leaned back down to give him a kiss, "Good night."
Eric looked at her confused, "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to bed." She responded.
"Oh," he said quietly, his heart breaking.
She saw the look on his face, and she laid back down. He looked at her, "Greta?"
"Yes?" she asked.
"Okay, I'm confused." She smiled at him, and he continued. "The whole time we were in Hawaii, we slept in the same bed. Now back in Salem, you want to sleep apart. But you just laid back down."
Greta's smile got larger. "I don't know, I just thought..." She trailed off.
He rolled onto his side, and brought his hand up to the side of her face. "You just thought, what?"
"I thought that it was a vacation thing. That you did that because it was... special... or something."
He caressed her cheek and had her look at him, "Greta, do you think I just did that because I thought I had to or something? Greta, I love you. I love sharing my bed with you, I love waking up to you in the morning. I always want to. And not just because of a vacation or something."
She smiled, "So I can stay here tonight?"
"You better," he said with a smile and pulled her into his arms for a hug. They then released each other, and moved so that they had their heads on the pillows. Greta turned onto her side, and Eric moved up behind her, wrapping an arm around her. Her fingers laced together with his, and he rested his face in the crook of her neck.
"Good Night," he said softly into her ear, gave her a soft kiss on her neck, "I love you."
She smiled, "I love you too," she said as she brought his hand up to kiss it, then it returned to her stomach. In no time they were both sound asleep.
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Chapter 43
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Time moved on fast, Greta started college, and Eric worked on many photo shoots. Bo and John had found Hope and Stephano at the Chateau in France. They were both surprised to find out that Hope was pregnant. Especially Bo, who unfortunately had to tell Hope it wasn't his. What was even more surprising was that John and Stephano finally admitted what they knew, and said it could be theirs.
Everyone was in shock, especially Hope and Marlena. Things were rocky with John and Marlena, but she forgave him. After all, it wasn't really him. The doctor's told them they would have to postpone a DNA test, because they didn't want to risk anything. Hope had already had enough complications.
Greta was also in shock by the news. The question of the paternity of the child was so similar to her own. She decided that once everyone knew who the babies father was, she would tell her mother's final secret.
Greta had also contacted builder's in Paris to take out the secret passage, and to fix up the turret. She wanted to sell the chateau, and get past that part of her life. The builders and her had agreed on the blue prints, and they had already begun working. They said they would be done sometime early april. Greta then contacted the Realtor and told them to sell the chateau as soon as they were done.
With everything going on, it was like no time had passed, and it was already February 12th. When Sami met Eric at the Java Cafe he was shocked by that. She told him what she got Austin for Valentine's Day. "You forgot." She said looking at her twin brother.
"I didn't forget, I just didn't know it was here already. I now have some shopping and planning to do."
Sami grinned, "You and Greta are getting really serious aren't you?"
Eric smiled, "Yeah, Greta is absolutely wonderful, and I love her." They both smiled. "I thought I would never be this happy again, and you know what? I'm so much happier now then I was with you know who. But... you have to help me figure out what to do for Valentines Day."
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Greta looked though the papers on her desk, then the book, still not finding what she was looking for. The phone rang and she ran into the kitchen to pick it up.
"Hello?"
"Hi Greta," came the voice of Belle Black.
"Hi Belle, what can I do for you? Eric's not here."
"That's okay, I called to talk to you anyway."
"Oh, okay."
"Can we meet at Salem Place, like Java Cafe or something?"
"Umm, sure, I'll be there in about 15 minutes."
"Thanks, bye."
Greta hung up the phone, with a weird look on her face. Yes, her and Eric's family had gotten closer, but this was still weird. Greta got ready quickly and got a cab to Salem Place. *Now that I have my license, I really need to get a car.* She thought as she paid the driver.
She walked over to Java Cafe, and saw Belle sitting and talking with Sami. Both had smiles on their faces, and they got bigger as they saw Greta approach. She got there and took a set, looking at them both, "So... what's up?" She said looking at Belle.
Belle grinned, "Sorry to sound so desperate on the phone. But we really wanted to get you here, and away from the books for awhile."
Greta grinned, "Okay, what for?"
"A sister's day out." Sami said.
Greta looked at them confused, "But, I'm not your sister."
They laughed, "Well, no, not yet. But practically." Belle said with a smile, that made Greta blush.
They talked for a little while, surprising Greta as Sami did Eric, that Valentines day was so close. "I've been so busy, I lost track of time." She admitted. They told her her not to worry, and with a large smile, and knowledge about what Eric was doing, Sami told her her, "We'll help you figure out something."
With that they headed off shopping. They went to just about every store, and they probably had at least one bag from each between them. Greta made it back to the apartment to find Eric there making dinner.
"Welcome home dear," he said to her with a smile as she went and put the bags in her room. She came back out and kissed him. "Did you and my sisters have fun?" he asked.
"You knew?" she asked.
He gave a larger smile, "I had lunch with Sami today. I told her her about you, and how you were doing. And it was her idea, I swear." He said as he stirred the spaghetti sauce.
She smiled and walked up behind him, and wrapped her arms around him. "Well it was a lot of fun," she admitted. "Mmm, that smells good, need any help?"
"Nope, noodles are done, garlic bread is done, and the sauce is just about ready."
Greta looked around and saw the counter already set, but she went to the fridge and got out drinks for both of them.
They enjoyed their dinner together, then went to the couch, and cuddling up to each other they watched some TV.
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Chapter 44
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Greta worked hard for the rest of the weekend to make sure she had all the work she needed for monday and tuesday done ahead of time. She wasn't sure what Eric had planned for Monday night, but she was pretty certain he would remember. Especially since he had lunch with Sami on Saturday. She was happy with what she got for him, and happy that they helped her pick it out.
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Eric smiled as he hung up his cell phone, everything was set. It would be a perfect Valentine's Day. The roses would be ready for him to pick up, her favorite chocolates from France were arriving tomorrow morning, and the dinner plans were made. Now he just had to address the card and wrap her present.
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Greta got everything ready for tomorrow night. She had three different outfits to choose from, depending on where they were going or what they were doing. His present and card were all taken care of. And her little surprise was all planned. Now all she had to do was find some patience and wait.
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It seemed like forever, but Eric was finally done at work, and Greta was back from classes. When he walked in the door, he went right over to her, kissed her passionately, then said, "Happy Valentine's Day."
She grinned and replied, "Happy Valentine's Day."
"I hope you don't have any plans tonight."
She grinned, "I do," he looked worried then she went on, "With you."
He smiled, "You scared me for a second." He looked at his watch. "Can you be ready in three hours?" he asked her.
"That's more then enough time, but what should I wear?" she asked with a smile.
"Umm, something... very nice."
"Could you give me more of a hint?"
"Well..." he thought for a moment, "Something like you wore to the Harriman Ball, or that dress would be beautiful."
She smiled wider, "Okay, that's good enough of a hint. But can you tell me what we are doing?"
"Nope, you'll find out later."
She sighed, happily, "Okay. I'll go get ready." She kissed him lightly, then moved back and into her bedroom.
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Greta did her make-up, then her hair. She then slid on her nylons, and walked over to her closet in her robe. Her mind thought back to buying the dress she had in her hands. Sami had talked her into buying something so dressy, and now she had to wonder. *Did she know what Eric had planned?* Greta smiled to herself, *Of course she did. Sami is his twin.*
She laid the dress on the bed, then slid off her robe. She then put on the dress. She looked in the mirror and smiled as she smoothed out the dress. She did a few touch ups on her makeup, put on her jewelry, grabbed Eric's present, and headed for the door.
Eric heard her door open, and he turned around to look at her. His smile grew wide as he took her in. Her hair was down, just like he liked, but the bottom was all curls. She had a diamond hair clip on the side matching her earrings and necklace. He had thought she would wear what she did at the Ball, but he was pleasantly surprised to find her in a new dress. He walked over to her in his black tux, took her hand and kissed it. "You look beautiful." He told her looking again at her in the burgundy dress. The dress was made of black silk covered in burgundy lace. It's sleeves came to her wrists, but the top hung off her shoulders and dipped low but modestly in front. It hugged her body to the waist then became fuller and pooled at her feet.
She smiled up at him, got closer and gave him a soft kiss, then spoke. "And you look very handsome." She then pulled away, and handed him his gift, "Happy Valentines Day."
He smiled, took the gift, set it on the kitchen counter, and told her to wait right there. He then went back into his bedroom and came back out moments later.
"Happy Valentines Day," He said as he produced a dozen red, pink, and white roses from behind his back, as well as another box.
Her eyes lighted up at the flowers, she took them and inhaled their scent deeply, "They're beautiful." She went and got a vase, put some water in it, and then started to put the flowers in it. Eric smiled as he watched her. As she put them in the vase, he wrapped his arms around her, and kissed the back of her neck. When she was done, she turned around in his arms, kissed him, then said, "Thank you."
"You are more then welcome." he said handing her the other box.
She took the box, read what was on it, "How did you get these?" she asked, opening the box and taking out a chocolate.
"I had them ship them here." She smiled and offered him the chocolate. He opened his mouth and took half. She then ate the other half herself. "Mmm, I can see why you like them."
She grinned, "Thank you again." She looked at her gift, picked it up, then handed it back to him.
He smiled, took the box, but motioned to the card on the the box of chocolates. She took the card, opened it, then read it. She read it slowly, letting it all sink in. He had made the card himself, and that made it that much more special. She set the card on the counter next to the flowers and chocolates. She wrapped her arms around him, hugged him, then leaned up for a kiss. "I love you too." she said with a smile.
He leaned down, kissed her again, then opened his card, attached to the box. He read it, as well as everything she wrote in it. Sat it on the table next to hers, brought his hand up to caress her check, then kissed her deeply. He slowly pulled away, then spoke. "As for this," he said indicating the box, "I'll open it later." He then walked over and put it into a large bag by the door.
He then grabbed her black cashmere wrap. She walked over to him, and he wrapped it around her shoulders. He leaned in for another kiss, then pulled away slowly. "Ready?" She nodded yes. He opened the door, she grabbed her purse and headed out into the hall. He picked up the bag by it's handles, and the locked the door behind him.
They pulled up to Titan, and the Valet took the car. Eric put out his arm for Greta, and held the bag with the other.
He lead her inside the building and towards the elevator. He pushed one of the elevator buttons and Greta gave him a strange look. "I need to drop something off really quick at the lab, I'm sorry."
"No, that's okay." Greta told him with a smile. They got out when the elevator doors opened. He led her to the photo lab, opened the door, motioned her into the dark lab, then turned on the light.
Greta gasped at what she saw, she looked around the room in shock, then looked at Eric. "This is gorgeous." She said motioning to the room.
Eric smiled, "I know someone at the Penthouse Grill and they helped me set it up." He said as he locked the door and set the bag down.
Greta walked further into the room. Trees and flowers surrounded the room, along with a ton of white Christmas lights. Those lights the only thing lighting the room. There was a table to one side, all set for dinner. Greta turned back towards him as she started to hear soft music playing.
"May I have this dance?" Eric asked as he walked over to her.
She smiled and nodded yes. Greta took his hand, and he pulled her to him. His hand at her back, hers at his shoulder, their other hands intertwined. She laid her head against his chest as they swayed to the music.
They stopped when the song did, and she looked up into his eyes. He stared intensely into hers, cupped her cheek with his hand, then kissed her. His kiss hard and passionate. The next song came on, and neither noticed as they continued their kiss. When they finally broke away there were both breathless.
Eric went and picked up the bag, then escorted Greta to the table. He sat the bag down by his chair, then pulled her chair out for her. She sat down, and then he took his chair across from her.
Greta looked around the room, still in shock, if it wasn't for the ceiling and the door, she could have sworn she was outside. "I can't believe Nicole let you do this."
Eric smiled, "That's because she doesn't know."
Greta's smile grew larger, she turned towards him. "Are you going to open your gift?" She asked.
"After dinner." He said, knowing it was torturing her more by making her wait for him to open it. "Besides, dinner is getting cold."
He reached over and grabbed the bottle of champagne from the ice bucket. The cork flew across the room with a loud pop, making them both laugh. Then Eric poured them each some.
He then held up his glass after he put the bottle back in the bucket. "To the happiness of today, tomorrow and always. May we celebrate many more holiday's to come, together." As they were about to clink their glasses Eric added, "And... to love." They then clinked their glasses and each took a sip.
They took the lids off their dinners, and began to eat. They talked, made more toasts, and mostly just enjoyed each other's company, just like they always did.
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Chapter 45
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They finished their meal, and when they were about to eat dessert, Greta couldn't take it anymore. "Eric, open your gift."
Eric laughed. "Okay, okay." He picked up the box, and ripped off the paper. He cut the tape along the edges then took the top off. He moved the tissue paper away to find a picture frame. It was divided into four parts. One side was a 5X7 and the other side was 3 smaller pictures. He picked it up to look at it, noticing how heavy the pewter frame was. It had a very nice design around the edge. He smiled at the pictures he found in the frame. The 5X7 was a picture of the two of them in Hawaii on the beach at sunset. The smaller ones consisted of pictures of them in Paris, Salem Park, and one from Christmas at the Blacks. He then noticed an engraving at the bottom, which read, "May our future together be even more joyful."
Eric looked up to see Greta watching him, with a slight worried look on her face. He smiled, "Oh, I love it, but I love you so much more." He said as he stood and moved over to her. He gave her a hug, and a large kiss then sat back down. He looked at the pictures some more, then set it back in the box. He then reached down and took another box out of the bag and handed it to Greta.
"Eric, you didn't have to get me anything else. With the flowers, chocolates, and this," she said motioning around her, "Was all more than enough."
"But I wanted too, so open it already," he said just as impatient as she was.
Greta ripped off the paper, and opened the box. She looked at the contents and smiled.
"Now, I know you already have one, sort of, but it's just plastic and cardboard."
Greta took the gift out of the box. Her hand moving over the soft black leather. Her fingers tracing over her name embossed into the cover. "Yeah, but this is wonderful." She said opening up the planner. It had a calendar, to do lists, address pages, and tons of other stuff. In the back was places for business cards, as well as pictures. Greta smiled when she got to the picture pages. There were pictures of the two of them in Paris, Hawaii, and Salem. A picture of her and Mrs. Horton, everyone at the Black family Christmas, her and other's and one of her and her mother. She was almost in tears. "Thank you, I love it." She said standing up and moving over to him. She threw her arms around him, hugged him and then gave him a large kiss.
"Glad you like it, thought you could use a really nice, professional one."
She grinned, "Yeah I could."
Eric stood up, and held out his hand. She took it, and he lead her to the open floor. They smiled, pulled each other close and started to dance to the music. They looked into each other's eyes, as they moved. Her hand moved up to touch his face, caressing his cheek. His eyes closed partially, moving towards her touch. His hands moved down to hold her around her waist. Her other hand moved up to the back of his neck, pulling him down slightly. Their lips met in several, small, lingering kisses. Their eyes spoke volumes of their feelings to each other as they danced.
When the song ended, Eric led her back to her chair, then he sat down in his. They then ate their dessert. Afterwards, they danced to a few more songs, then Greta excused herself to go to the ladies room. Once out the door, she looked at her watch and smiled, she took out her cell phone and placed her call. "Hi." she said into the phone.
"Are you about ready to leave?" came the voice.
"Yeah, probably in about ten minutes or so."
"Okay, everything will be ready."
"Thank you." Greta said. She talked to the person a few more minutes then hung up the phone. She then returned to the photo lab.
They had one more dance, then decided to head home. Eric put out the candles, helped her with her wrap, picked up the bag with the presents, and then they were out the door.
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They walked through the hallway of the apartment building, smiling, happy, and arm in arm.
"I had a wonderful night," Eric said to her with a big grin.
"So did I." Greta agreed.
They got to the door, Eric unlocked it, then opened it. He walked in and was shocked at what he found.
He walked into the middle of the room, Greta followed locking the door behind them. Greta took off her wrap and laid it on the back of the couch.
Eric looked around the room. The lights were not on, but he could see clearly because of the candles, and as he could see they led back into the bedroom. Soft music was playing, and flowers were all over perfuming the room. He looked back at Greta with this mouth open. He looked at her nervous form in front of him. He was in shock, *Did this mean?* but he only spoke one word, "Greta?..."
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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 41
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Eric and Greta laid on the beach together for awhile longer. Talking quietly, kissing occasionally, and mostly just holding onto each other, happy in the moment.
They eventually got up, picked up their sandals and walked back to the hotel, one of their arms wrapped around each other. They got back to the room and got ready for bed.
Eric changed quickly into a pair of boxers and a T-shirt, then laid on his bed. He looked up at the ceiling, a large smile on his face. He closed his eyes, and replayed her saying those words to him in his mind. His constant replaying was interrupted by a voice.
"Eric?" Greta said as she walked over to his bed. He opened his eyes to look up at her. She was wearing a pair of light pink, silk pajamas. "For a minute, I thought you were asleep," she said as she sat down next to him, as he sat up.
"No, just thinking about and remembering tonight." He said. She smiled, then yawned, he laughed lightly, "Tired?"
She nodded yes. He looked at the clock, "Yeah, well it would be about 4 am our time."
She yawned again, then smiled. "We better get some sleep then."
Eric stood up, then took her hand, to help her up. He then led her back to the bedroom. They both walked in, and as they approached the side of the bed, Greta gave him a questioning look.
"Can I tuck you in?" he asked. She smiled and nodded yes. He pulled back the covers, and she sat down and crawled under them. She laid down, and he pulled them up over her. He sat down on the side of the bed, leaned down, kissed her forehead, then her lips. The kiss lingered as one of her arms wrapped around him, keeping him there. He slowly pulled away as she pulled her arm away.
"I love you," she said softly.
A smiled formed on his face, "I love you too," he said and gave her another small kiss. "Good night." He said then stood up moving for the door.
Greta sat up," Eric?" He turned around to look at her. She looked over at the other side of the bed, then back at him. "You know, that bed out there is oftly big, are you sure you won't get lonely out there?" she asked.
He smiled knowing exactly what she was asking, "Yeah, I probably will," he said as he moved back towards the bed.
"Well, in that case, you could always sleep here." She said motioning to the other side of the bed.
His smiled got wider, "Okay." He said. Eric then went in the other room to turn out the lights. He then walked back in the room and to the other side of the bed. He lifted up the covers and crawled under them, then moved closer to the middle of the bed. She moved over to him, and lifted up for him to put his one arm around her. She then laid her head on his chest, her one arm laying across his chest. He leaned his head down to rest his cheek against the top of her head, after having kissed it. "So, why did we get a room with two beds, and one in a separate bedroom?"
She giggled, "Hey, you are the one that made the reservations."
"Well, I didn't know I would get 'lonely'" he said teasing her.
"Hey!" she said looking up at him, "You don't have to be here," she responded.
He pulled her tighter to him, "But I want to be."
She smiled and kissed him, then laid her head back on his shoulder. They each said their 'good nights' once again, then drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
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Greta woke to a slight tickle on her check, then her neck, and finally her arm. However she didn't open her eyes. The pattern happened once more. She tried hard not to smile as her mind began to wake up and figure out her surroundings. She was on here side, and she could feel Eric's body behind her, one of his arms under her, hugging her to him. She could tell he was awake, and form his movements, she could tell he was trying to wake her as well. She kept her eyes closed, waiting to see what else he would do. He stopped the light tickling with the one hand, and wrapped it around her. He then began to kiss her neck, starting at her ear and moving downward.
*No fair,* she thought, he knew that was her weakness. She moaned slightly, and shifted to allow him more access.
Eric grinned as he continued, his lips slowly traveling down her neck to her shoulder. Her small sounds encouraging him further. He met the material of her pajamas, and skipped over it, to start kissing her shoulder.
Greta was now glad she had worn her sleeveless PJ's. She couldn't take much more and turned over to face him, then pushed him onto his back, then leaned down to kiss him. The kiss hard and passionate, her tongue at his lips requesting entrance. He opened his mouth only to surprise her when his tongue darted out into her mouth. His hands moving to the back of her head, in her hair to keep her there.
She moved, sitting up slowly, but not breaking the kiss. She moved up and over him, to straddle him, then leaned back down. His one hand moved down her back, then back up to move under her shirt, touching her bare skin. Her slight movements over him were driving him crazy, and he wanted to tell her to stop before he would embarrass himself and her. But it was too late, she had this affect on him. However, when she usually did, she wasn't sitting like she was now. She leaned down further to kiss him deeper, then gasped slightly and sat up. He looked up at her, and wanted to hide. The shock in here eyes evident.
"I'm sorry," he said softly, moving a hand up to the side of her face. "You just have this effect on me. I try to control it, but.." he trailed off when he saw the smile on her face. "What?" he asked almost afraid to ask.
She leaned back down on him, producing another grown from him, making her smile wider. Then she spoke in a voice that he had only rarely heard from her, a voice that got his blood boiling. In a soft, husky voice she replied, "I'm glad I have this effect on you." Her lips then found his again, her tongue meeting his, producing another soft moan from him.
He wrapped both arms around her, hugging her tightly, then flipped them over. She gasped slightly as she found herself on her back, and him on top of her, between her legs. "You know, it's not fair." Eric said to her, kissing her neck.
Greta's head fell back as she closed her eyes, "What's not fair?" she asked in a breathless voice, as his lips kissed around the neck line of her top.
"It's not so easy for me to tell if you are turned on, as it is for you." He said, his lips moving back up her neck, across her cheek and ending at her mouth.
She looked up at him, wrapped her legs around him, making them both emit a slight moan. Her hand came up to the side of his face, her eyes slightly closed, her lips swollen from his kisses. "You really can't tell?" she asked in that same voice.
He closed his eyes leaning into the touch, then opened his eyes to look at her. *So beautiful,* he thought, *Especially like this.* His hand traced her features, his ear's listened to her sounds. "Okay, maybe I can tell." He then went in for another kiss. They continued kissing, their hands roaming over each other's sides. But Eric pulled away after a little bit.
"Greta," he said slightly out of breath.
"Yes?" she asked in the same state.
He closed his eyes and lightly shook his head, "We need to stop, now." He said squeezing his eyes shut.
"Why?" she asked almost too innocently.
Eric squeezed his eyes shut even more, then opened them. "Greta, please. I know that 'neither' one of us are ready for more right now." He said, "And," he smiled, "I don't want to embarrass myself anymore by begging. Even though I'm not ready for that either," he said with a larger smile. "Well, emotionally I'm not ready."
With that she laughed, then she unwrapped her legs from around him. Thus allowing him to move. He rolled off of her and onto his back, closing his eyes and taking a few deep breaths. She moved over to his side, and rested her head on his shoulder.
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A few minutes later, he gave her a quick squeeze, then moved to sit up, and so did she. He gave her a soft kiss, "Umm, I'm going to go take a quick shower, a 'cold' quick shower, okay?" he asked.
She nodded yes, but looked down. He brought his hand to her chin and tilted her face up to look at him. "Greta," he said softly, "Don't even try to feel bad or anything about this. Even if you told me you were ready to make love right now, I'd still want us to wait a little."
She nodded okay, but her expression stayed the same. He hugged her to him, "Greta, I an not disappointed or anything like that at all. Heck, you've told me you love me, I'm the happiest man in the world." He said pulling away to look at her, holding her at the shoulders.
A smile slowly formed on her face, and he continued, "And when we are both ready, and when everything is right, we will both know it, and that is when we will make love." He then hugged her and told her, he loved her.
She kissed his check, told him the same thing. He then stood up, and headed for the bathroom to take his shower. As he closed the door behind him, she laid back on the bed and smiled.
Once he got out of the shower, and she took hers, they both got dressed, got some breakfast, and then went out sight seeing. They traveled all around the island seeing the sites, taking pictures, and making tons of wonderful memories together. They were in love, and it showed, and to them they were the happiest people on earth. They went to restaurants, and shops, gardens and the volcano. They went snorkeling, and whale watching. Eric took a ton of pictures of her on the beach, and she took many of him as well. They spent their vacation together, never separate for more than a few minutes to shower or change. As they boarded their plane on the way back to Salem, they had large smiles on their faces, with eyes filled with love for one another. Back at the hotel, Eric's bed was still made, and had never been used the whole time there.
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Chapter 42
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The plane landed at Salem Airport at about 9pm, and Eric & Greta got off the plane arm in arm. Both had large smiles on their faces as they made their way to baggage claim. They talked on and off about the trip, and how happy they were to be home. After a little hassle with baggage they made their way to Eric's Jeep and headed home.
As they walked through the door, they dropped their baggage on the floor, and went right for the couch. They sat down next to each other, their feet on the coffee table, heads back on the couch.
"I'm exhausted," Greta said out loud.
"I know what you mean," Eric responded. He closed his eyes, then felt her curl up next to him and put her head on his shoulder. He smiled, "Just think, in a couple of days you will be in college." He said with a slight laugh.
Greta groaned, "Don't mention that."
"Hey, you don't have to go you know."
"I know, but I want to, I want to do something with my life. I Just have to figure out what that is. Hopefully these classes will help with that."
He grinned, and hugged her to him. "So, what do you want to do?" He asked.
She looked up at him, "Well, I'm kinda hungry."
"But we ate dinner on the plane."
She lightly hit him on the chest, "You call that dinner? Neither one of us ate very much." Eric just laughed. "But I don't feel like cooking at all."
"How about some Chinese food?"
"Mmm, that sounds good. Who wants to get up to order it?"
'You're the hungry one."
"Funny! I know you are too. I can hear your stomach."
"I'm not moving, I'm too tired."
Greta groaned and moaned, then finally stood up and made her way to the phone. She placed the order, then went back to sit down. "It'll be here in about a half hour."
Eric yawned, "Hopefully I'm not asleep by then."
Greta agreed, she laid her head back on his chest and the next thing she knew there was a knock at the door. She opened her eyes, jumped up and answered the door. She paid the delivery man and took the food, shutting the door behind her. "I can't believe I feel asleep."
"So did I," Eric admitted.
She brought the food over to the couch, and set it on the coffee table. Eric sat up and turned on the TV. He found a comedy show and left it there. They both took their food, and began to eat as they watched TV and laughed at the jokes.
When the last fortune cookie was ate, and the boxes were in the trash, they headed to bed. They dragged their suit cases into their bedrooms, but neither unpacked. They changed, and got ready for bed.
They brushed their teeth together, then headed back to the bedrooms. They each stood in front of their own door and looked at each other. Eric raised his arm slightly, holding his hand out to her, she took it, and he pulled her to him. He leaned down and kissed her, her arms went around his neck, pulling him closer to her. He pulled her body up tight against his, and she gave a small moan. His one hand held her to him at her back, as the other turned his knob to his bedroom door. The door opened and he walked backwards into his room pulling her with him. He kept walking till the backs of his legs hit the bed, and he fell back onto it.
She let out a small yell, having been pulled down with him. But was quickly quieted again as he kissed her. He rolled her to her side then onto her back. He moved over her, his upper body moving over hers, her one leg coming up to wrap around his legs. The kiss continued into many kisses, many touches and embraces.
Greta broke away to catch her breath, her hand came up to rest lightly on his cheek. He closed his eyes concentrating on her touch and allowing his body to calm down. "We should get some sleep." She said quietly.
He yawned, grinned, and opened his eyes to look at her. "Yeah, we should."
She sat up slowly, then leaned back down to give him a kiss, "Good night."
Eric looked at her confused, "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to bed." She responded.
"Oh," he said quietly, his heart breaking.
She saw the look on his face, and she laid back down. He looked at her, "Greta?"
"Yes?" she asked.
"Okay, I'm confused." She smiled at him, and he continued. "The whole time we were in Hawaii, we slept in the same bed. Now back in Salem, you want to sleep apart. But you just laid back down."
Greta's smile got larger. "I don't know, I just thought..." She trailed off.
He rolled onto his side, and brought his hand up to the side of her face. "You just thought, what?"
"I thought that it was a vacation thing. That you did that because it was... special... or something."
He caressed her cheek and had her look at him, "Greta, do you think I just did that because I thought I had to or something? Greta, I love you. I love sharing my bed with you, I love waking up to you in the morning. I always want to. And not just because of a vacation or something."
She smiled, "So I can stay here tonight?"
"You better," he said with a smile and pulled her into his arms for a hug. They then released each other, and moved so that they had their heads on the pillows. Greta turned onto her side, and Eric moved up behind her, wrapping an arm around her. Her fingers laced together with his, and he rested his face in the crook of her neck.
"Good Night," he said softly into her ear, gave her a soft kiss on her neck, "I love you."
She smiled, "I love you too," she said as she brought his hand up to kiss it, then it returned to her stomach. In no time they were both sound asleep.
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Chapter 43
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Time moved on fast, Greta started college, and Eric worked on many photo shoots. Bo and John had found Hope and Stephano at the Chateau in France. They were both surprised to find out that Hope was pregnant. Especially Bo, who unfortunately had to tell Hope it wasn't his. What was even more surprising was that John and Stephano finally admitted what they knew, and said it could be theirs.
Everyone was in shock, especially Hope and Marlena. Things were rocky with John and Marlena, but she forgave him. After all, it wasn't really him. The doctor's told them they would have to postpone a DNA test, because they didn't want to risk anything. Hope had already had enough complications.
Greta was also in shock by the news. The question of the paternity of the child was so similar to her own. She decided that once everyone knew who the babies father was, she would tell her mother's final secret.
Greta had also contacted builder's in Paris to take out the secret passage, and to fix up the turret. She wanted to sell the chateau, and get past that part of her life. The builders and her had agreed on the blue prints, and they had already begun working. They said they would be done sometime early april. Greta then contacted the Realtor and told them to sell the chateau as soon as they were done.
With everything going on, it was like no time had passed, and it was already February 12th. When Sami met Eric at the Java Cafe he was shocked by that. She told him what she got Austin for Valentine's Day. "You forgot." She said looking at her twin brother.
"I didn't forget, I just didn't know it was here already. I now have some shopping and planning to do."
Sami grinned, "You and Greta are getting really serious aren't you?"
Eric smiled, "Yeah, Greta is absolutely wonderful, and I love her." They both smiled. "I thought I would never be this happy again, and you know what? I'm so much happier now then I was with you know who. But... you have to help me figure out what to do for Valentines Day."
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Greta looked though the papers on her desk, then the book, still not finding what she was looking for. The phone rang and she ran into the kitchen to pick it up.
"Hello?"
"Hi Greta," came the voice of Belle Black.
"Hi Belle, what can I do for you? Eric's not here."
"That's okay, I called to talk to you anyway."
"Oh, okay."
"Can we meet at Salem Place, like Java Cafe or something?"
"Umm, sure, I'll be there in about 15 minutes."
"Thanks, bye."
Greta hung up the phone, with a weird look on her face. Yes, her and Eric's family had gotten closer, but this was still weird. Greta got ready quickly and got a cab to Salem Place. *Now that I have my license, I really need to get a car.* She thought as she paid the driver.
She walked over to Java Cafe, and saw Belle sitting and talking with Sami. Both had smiles on their faces, and they got bigger as they saw Greta approach. She got there and took a set, looking at them both, "So... what's up?" She said looking at Belle.
Belle grinned, "Sorry to sound so desperate on the phone. But we really wanted to get you here, and away from the books for awhile."
Greta grinned, "Okay, what for?"
"A sister's day out." Sami said.
Greta looked at them confused, "But, I'm not your sister."
They laughed, "Well, no, not yet. But practically." Belle said with a smile, that made Greta blush.
They talked for a little while, surprising Greta as Sami did Eric, that Valentines day was so close. "I've been so busy, I lost track of time." She admitted. They told her her not to worry, and with a large smile, and knowledge about what Eric was doing, Sami told her her, "We'll help you figure out something."
With that they headed off shopping. They went to just about every store, and they probably had at least one bag from each between them. Greta made it back to the apartment to find Eric there making dinner.
"Welcome home dear," he said to her with a smile as she went and put the bags in her room. She came back out and kissed him. "Did you and my sisters have fun?" he asked.
"You knew?" she asked.
He gave a larger smile, "I had lunch with Sami today. I told her her about you, and how you were doing. And it was her idea, I swear." He said as he stirred the spaghetti sauce.
She smiled and walked up behind him, and wrapped her arms around him. "Well it was a lot of fun," she admitted. "Mmm, that smells good, need any help?"
"Nope, noodles are done, garlic bread is done, and the sauce is just about ready."
Greta looked around and saw the counter already set, but she went to the fridge and got out drinks for both of them.
They enjoyed their dinner together, then went to the couch, and cuddling up to each other they watched some TV.
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Chapter 44
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Greta worked hard for the rest of the weekend to make sure she had all the work she needed for monday and tuesday done ahead of time. She wasn't sure what Eric had planned for Monday night, but she was pretty certain he would remember. Especially since he had lunch with Sami on Saturday. She was happy with what she got for him, and happy that they helped her pick it out.
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Eric smiled as he hung up his cell phone, everything was set. It would be a perfect Valentine's Day. The roses would be ready for him to pick up, her favorite chocolates from France were arriving tomorrow morning, and the dinner plans were made. Now he just had to address the card and wrap her present.
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Greta got everything ready for tomorrow night. She had three different outfits to choose from, depending on where they were going or what they were doing. His present and card were all taken care of. And her little surprise was all planned. Now all she had to do was find some patience and wait.
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It seemed like forever, but Eric was finally done at work, and Greta was back from classes. When he walked in the door, he went right over to her, kissed her passionately, then said, "Happy Valentine's Day."
She grinned and replied, "Happy Valentine's Day."
"I hope you don't have any plans tonight."
She grinned, "I do," he looked worried then she went on, "With you."
He smiled, "You scared me for a second." He looked at his watch. "Can you be ready in three hours?" he asked her.
"That's more then enough time, but what should I wear?" she asked with a smile.
"Umm, something... very nice."
"Could you give me more of a hint?"
"Well..." he thought for a moment, "Something like you wore to the Harriman Ball, or that dress would be beautiful."
She smiled wider, "Okay, that's good enough of a hint. But can you tell me what we are doing?"
"Nope, you'll find out later."
She sighed, happily, "Okay. I'll go get ready." She kissed him lightly, then moved back and into her bedroom.
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Greta did her make-up, then her hair. She then slid on her nylons, and walked over to her closet in her robe. Her mind thought back to buying the dress she had in her hands. Sami had talked her into buying something so dressy, and now she had to wonder. *Did she know what Eric had planned?* Greta smiled to herself, *Of course she did. Sami is his twin.*
She laid the dress on the bed, then slid off her robe. She then put on the dress. She looked in the mirror and smiled as she smoothed out the dress. She did a few touch ups on her makeup, put on her jewelry, grabbed Eric's present, and headed for the door.
Eric heard her door open, and he turned around to look at her. His smile grew wide as he took her in. Her hair was down, just like he liked, but the bottom was all curls. She had a diamond hair clip on the side matching her earrings and necklace. He had thought she would wear what she did at the Ball, but he was pleasantly surprised to find her in a new dress. He walked over to her in his black tux, took her hand and kissed it. "You look beautiful." He told her looking again at her in the burgundy dress. The dress was made of black silk covered in burgundy lace. It's sleeves came to her wrists, but the top hung off her shoulders and dipped low but modestly in front. It hugged her body to the waist then became fuller and pooled at her feet.
She smiled up at him, got closer and gave him a soft kiss, then spoke. "And you look very handsome." She then pulled away, and handed him his gift, "Happy Valentines Day."
He smiled, took the gift, set it on the kitchen counter, and told her to wait right there. He then went back into his bedroom and came back out moments later.
"Happy Valentines Day," He said as he produced a dozen red, pink, and white roses from behind his back, as well as another box.
Her eyes lighted up at the flowers, she took them and inhaled their scent deeply, "They're beautiful." She went and got a vase, put some water in it, and then started to put the flowers in it. Eric smiled as he watched her. As she put them in the vase, he wrapped his arms around her, and kissed the back of her neck. When she was done, she turned around in his arms, kissed him, then said, "Thank you."
"You are more then welcome." he said handing her the other box.
She took the box, read what was on it, "How did you get these?" she asked, opening the box and taking out a chocolate.
"I had them ship them here." She smiled and offered him the chocolate. He opened his mouth and took half. She then ate the other half herself. "Mmm, I can see why you like them."
She grinned, "Thank you again." She looked at her gift, picked it up, then handed it back to him.
He smiled, took the box, but motioned to the card on the the box of chocolates. She took the card, opened it, then read it. She read it slowly, letting it all sink in. He had made the card himself, and that made it that much more special. She set the card on the counter next to the flowers and chocolates. She wrapped her arms around him, hugged him, then leaned up for a kiss. "I love you too." she said with a smile.
He leaned down, kissed her again, then opened his card, attached to the box. He read it, as well as everything she wrote in it. Sat it on the table next to hers, brought his hand up to caress her check, then kissed her deeply. He slowly pulled away, then spoke. "As for this," he said indicating the box, "I'll open it later." He then walked over and put it into a large bag by the door.
He then grabbed her black cashmere wrap. She walked over to him, and he wrapped it around her shoulders. He leaned in for another kiss, then pulled away slowly. "Ready?" She nodded yes. He opened the door, she grabbed her purse and headed out into the hall. He picked up the bag by it's handles, and the locked the door behind him.
They pulled up to Titan, and the Valet took the car. Eric put out his arm for Greta, and held the bag with the other.
He lead her inside the building and towards the elevator. He pushed one of the elevator buttons and Greta gave him a strange look. "I need to drop something off really quick at the lab, I'm sorry."
"No, that's okay." Greta told him with a smile. They got out when the elevator doors opened. He led her to the photo lab, opened the door, motioned her into the dark lab, then turned on the light.
Greta gasped at what she saw, she looked around the room in shock, then looked at Eric. "This is gorgeous." She said motioning to the room.
Eric smiled, "I know someone at the Penthouse Grill and they helped me set it up." He said as he locked the door and set the bag down.
Greta walked further into the room. Trees and flowers surrounded the room, along with a ton of white Christmas lights. Those lights the only thing lighting the room. There was a table to one side, all set for dinner. Greta turned back towards him as she started to hear soft music playing.
"May I have this dance?" Eric asked as he walked over to her.
She smiled and nodded yes. Greta took his hand, and he pulled her to him. His hand at her back, hers at his shoulder, their other hands intertwined. She laid her head against his chest as they swayed to the music.
They stopped when the song did, and she looked up into his eyes. He stared intensely into hers, cupped her cheek with his hand, then kissed her. His kiss hard and passionate. The next song came on, and neither noticed as they continued their kiss. When they finally broke away there were both breathless.
Eric went and picked up the bag, then escorted Greta to the table. He sat the bag down by his chair, then pulled her chair out for her. She sat down, and then he took his chair across from her.
Greta looked around the room, still in shock, if it wasn't for the ceiling and the door, she could have sworn she was outside. "I can't believe Nicole let you do this."
Eric smiled, "That's because she doesn't know."
Greta's smile grew larger, she turned towards him. "Are you going to open your gift?" She asked.
"After dinner." He said, knowing it was torturing her more by making her wait for him to open it. "Besides, dinner is getting cold."
He reached over and grabbed the bottle of champagne from the ice bucket. The cork flew across the room with a loud pop, making them both laugh. Then Eric poured them each some.
He then held up his glass after he put the bottle back in the bucket. "To the happiness of today, tomorrow and always. May we celebrate many more holiday's to come, together." As they were about to clink their glasses Eric added, "And... to love." They then clinked their glasses and each took a sip.
They took the lids off their dinners, and began to eat. They talked, made more toasts, and mostly just enjoyed each other's company, just like they always did.
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Chapter 45
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They finished their meal, and when they were about to eat dessert, Greta couldn't take it anymore. "Eric, open your gift."
Eric laughed. "Okay, okay." He picked up the box, and ripped off the paper. He cut the tape along the edges then took the top off. He moved the tissue paper away to find a picture frame. It was divided into four parts. One side was a 5X7 and the other side was 3 smaller pictures. He picked it up to look at it, noticing how heavy the pewter frame was. It had a very nice design around the edge. He smiled at the pictures he found in the frame. The 5X7 was a picture of the two of them in Hawaii on the beach at sunset. The smaller ones consisted of pictures of them in Paris, Salem Park, and one from Christmas at the Blacks. He then noticed an engraving at the bottom, which read, "May our future together be even more joyful."
Eric looked up to see Greta watching him, with a slight worried look on her face. He smiled, "Oh, I love it, but I love you so much more." He said as he stood and moved over to her. He gave her a hug, and a large kiss then sat back down. He looked at the pictures some more, then set it back in the box. He then reached down and took another box out of the bag and handed it to Greta.
"Eric, you didn't have to get me anything else. With the flowers, chocolates, and this," she said motioning around her, "Was all more than enough."
"But I wanted too, so open it already," he said just as impatient as she was.
Greta ripped off the paper, and opened the box. She looked at the contents and smiled.
"Now, I know you already have one, sort of, but it's just plastic and cardboard."
Greta took the gift out of the box. Her hand moving over the soft black leather. Her fingers tracing over her name embossed into the cover. "Yeah, but this is wonderful." She said opening up the planner. It had a calendar, to do lists, address pages, and tons of other stuff. In the back was places for business cards, as well as pictures. Greta smiled when she got to the picture pages. There were pictures of the two of them in Paris, Hawaii, and Salem. A picture of her and Mrs. Horton, everyone at the Black family Christmas, her and other's and one of her and her mother. She was almost in tears. "Thank you, I love it." She said standing up and moving over to him. She threw her arms around him, hugged him and then gave him a large kiss.
"Glad you like it, thought you could use a really nice, professional one."
She grinned, "Yeah I could."
Eric stood up, and held out his hand. She took it, and he lead her to the open floor. They smiled, pulled each other close and started to dance to the music. They looked into each other's eyes, as they moved. Her hand moved up to touch his face, caressing his cheek. His eyes closed partially, moving towards her touch. His hands moved down to hold her around her waist. Her other hand moved up to the back of his neck, pulling him down slightly. Their lips met in several, small, lingering kisses. Their eyes spoke volumes of their feelings to each other as they danced.
When the song ended, Eric led her back to her chair, then he sat down in his. They then ate their dessert. Afterwards, they danced to a few more songs, then Greta excused herself to go to the ladies room. Once out the door, she looked at her watch and smiled, she took out her cell phone and placed her call. "Hi." she said into the phone.
"Are you about ready to leave?" came the voice.
"Yeah, probably in about ten minutes or so."
"Okay, everything will be ready."
"Thank you." Greta said. She talked to the person a few more minutes then hung up the phone. She then returned to the photo lab.
They had one more dance, then decided to head home. Eric put out the candles, helped her with her wrap, picked up the bag with the presents, and then they were out the door.
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They walked through the hallway of the apartment building, smiling, happy, and arm in arm.
"I had a wonderful night," Eric said to her with a big grin.
"So did I." Greta agreed.
They got to the door, Eric unlocked it, then opened it. He walked in and was shocked at what he found.
He walked into the middle of the room, Greta followed locking the door behind them. Greta took off her wrap and laid it on the back of the couch.
Eric looked around the room. The lights were not on, but he could see clearly because of the candles, and as he could see they led back into the bedroom. Soft music was playing, and flowers were all over perfuming the room. He looked back at Greta with this mouth open. He looked at her nervous form in front of him. He was in shock, *Did this mean?* but he only spoke one word, "Greta?..."
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To Be Continued