I don't know what has happened to all my reviewers, but I wish they would come back – or at least let me know they are still out there…I can't hear them breathing! Please let me know what you think.

Thanks again, to Mlle.Fox for the use of her wonderful character, Allie. You make me look good, my friend!

No portion of this storyline, or the use of my original characters, is to be used in any way without my written permission, or that of Mlle.Fox, in reference to Allie. Thank you.

Enjoy.

CHAPTER 29

Erik took both ladies out for an early dinner and sat dejectedly while they whispered and giggled about various things. He was not sure whether to be insulted or joyful; all he knew, was that Karlie had a glow to her that made his heart sing…and if Allie did this to her, than he would sit dejectedly forever.

They arrived at the opera house around 7:30 p.m., and Erik unloaded the luggage and carried it into Karlie's room. Allie was going to be staying with her for the next couple of days. He sat it down and took Karlie's hand, leading her toward the door.

"I'm going to go out to the house and do the final preparations to move in." Erik told her, pulling her toward him. "I want to be in there by the first of January."

"That's the day after tomorrow, Erik…I'm going to miss you." Karlie pouted.

Erik grinned, "Will you now?" He teased, his heart floating in the clouds.

She gave his arm a playful swat and smiled sweetly. He couldn't believe that this woman loved him; but she assured him she did, with every caress and every kiss.

"Don't forget, we have the ball tomorrow night." Karlie reminded him.

He was still nervous about this "costume" she had for him to wear. He was not used

to showing his body; he had kept it covered up for so many years, thinking it

was as disgusting as the rest of him.

But Karlie could not get enough of it, and she held nothing back when letting

him know exactly how much she loved to touch and kiss him.

"How could I forget…you have me parading around half-naked in front of all of New Orleans elite." He chastised.

He glanced up at Allie and saw her eyes go as big as saucers. From the look on

her face, she had something to say in reference to that.

She held up a finger and interjected, "'Scuse me? HALF nekkid?"

At her pointed look to Karlie, who sheepishly grinned; Erik replied, feeling the blush creep in to his cheeks, "She has me going as King Leonidas of the Spartans."

Still looking at Karlie dryly, Allie said, "M-Hmm! Well, me I'm goin' as a star!" She looked directly to Erik, "As I said at supper, I got my invitation for all my work with the orphans…so I figured I might as well make a grand appearance!" Allie stated, putting her hands on her hips for emphasis. "That, an' I already had a silver gown!"

Erik and Karlie exchanged glances, shrugged their shoulders, and continued to listen, "Back from before the War…you know, so it's got this big ol' hoop and plenty of petticoats." She put her arms to the side a moment as to illustrate the width of the skirts, "I just had a seamstress sew on some silver beads here and there, found a nice mask; will put on my Mama's diamonds and…wham!" she slapped her hands together; "I'm a star!"

Erik chuckled at her mile-a-minute gab and at Karlie who retorted dryly, "As if the world needed you to have another inflation to your ego!"

Allie glared at her friend a moment but was drawn back to Erik who asked, "So, does the star have a companion to make for an interesting constellation?"

Allie smiled coquettishly, "No...but not only do I have a tendency to make friends of the male persuasion right quick, I'm sure Karlie would not object to sharin' you one night Mon-sewer…" she drawled, causing Erik to chuckle at her accent, "seein' as to how there's enough of ya for the two of us!" Allie winked, sending Erik's eyes as big as saucers, his jaw dropping, and Karlie's arms to wrap possessively around his waist.

"Not a chance!" Karlie exclaimed, "Honestly Allie, the things you say! Your mother must be turning in her grave!"

Allie folded her arms and told them pointedly, "Honey, my Mama's done turned in her grave so many times, she don't know which way is heaven and which way's hell!" Erik just shook his head and laughed, causing Karlie to shoot him an accusing look.

"Now, if ya'll excuse me, I have ta use the powder room!" Allie announced, heading out the door.

As she exited, Karlie told her, "Oh...it's the second door on the..."

Allie turned and smiled, "Suga'? Why would I git the directions from you when I can git them from a handsome stagehand?"

At that, her skirts disappeared from view only to have her cross the other way after a young stagehand went by carrying a stage prop.

Karlie and Erik laughed with Erik saying, "Now I understand how you got to be so... presumptuous!"

Karlie nodded with fondness in her eyes, "Allie's always been a mother and a big sister to me. I care for her very much."

Erik smiled and nodded in agreement, "Hmm I can see that and how she cares for you." His forehead furrowed and his lips quirked, "I just hope she likes me."

Karlie looked up at him and smiled, "Allie doesn't flirt with people she dislikes!"

Shrugging, Erik said, "Why she should flirt with me is debatable. But changing subject…" he wrapped his arms around her waist and loosely held her to him, "I'm glad she's coming to the ball with us. Somehow, I feel more secure knowing she will be there to talk to." He kissed the tip of her upturned nose, "It was fortunate she received an invitation for her charitable work."

Karlie turned to start unpacking her friend's suitcase. She said with a dry tone, "It was also a bold face lie."

Erik furrowed his brow, "What?"

Karlie turned to him and explained,"Allie thinks I don't know, but I know she's been receiving invitations to the ball for years…she's never gone because she'd rather spend the New Year with me."

"Why not ask you to come as her guest?" Erik asked.

"Because she knows the society matrons and the debutants would eat me alive. She's always been very protective of me. I suppose this year that she feels if I'm on your arm; no one would dare say anything." Karlie said, directing her gaze to the floor.

Erik moved his hand from around her waist and tilted her chin up, "Anything about...?"

"About my being a working class girl and in the theater. I'm not exactly the catch of the year for matrons with sons to marry off!" Karlie told him raising her eyebrows.

For the first time, Erik realized that Karlie was just as nervous about the ball as he was. He admired her courage to go and show those of society she deserved to be there.

He smiled and said, "Well you are the catch of any year for me!"

Karlie smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, "Oh Erik!"

Pulling back, Erik said, "Well…I understand now why Allie seemed so surprised hearing you were attending. But how come she's been receiving invitations for years?"

"Erik, Allie Waterford is one of New Orleans wealthiest women! And there's a lot of war widows out there with depleted funds and sons to marry off! You'll see at the ball, they'll be all over her!" Karlie told him, and then burst out laughing. "Not that she would mind of course!"

Erik shrugged his broad shoulders and grinned, "I don't intend to be watching her, my eyes will be on the most beautiful woman there…you."

Erik pulled her close for a kiss. He tilted her chin with his fingers and gently took her lips, placing several short, but luscious kisses upon their fullness. He moved from her mouth to her neck and gently traced its curve with his tongue, causing Karlie to moan with pleasure.

He nuzzled her ear and took its soft lobe in his mouth, gently suckling. Karlie knew he could not feel her reaction to this simple, but erotic action. Bolts of passion shot through her, causing her womanly core to throb in anticipation of coming events.

He worked his way back up her jaw line, and once again took her lips in a searing, smoldering kiss that left them both breathless; wrapping his tongue around hers like silk rope, drawing the very breath from her.

Where he had learned to kiss like that, Karlie had no idea; but she would spend the rest of her life reaping the benefits.

To be continued…