Dinner was quiet, both people at the table silently reflecting on all that had happened that afternoon. As Chris sipped her coffee after the last plate had been cleared she'd remembered the icky feeling in her stomach that Nicholas's story had given her. She thought she'd take the chance and ask Erik about it.
"Erik?" she asked carefully.
"Yes sweetheart?"
"Did they ever find out who started the fire?"
She heard the breath he sucked in quickly and she watched as he very carefully set his cup down on the table. "No" he answered in a clipped tone that left her hesitant to ask any more questions.
"I'm not trying to upset you Erik, but something I heard a few days ago has my spider sense tingling." At the hard questioning look Erik threw her she took the plunge.
"Nicholas was telling me about his family, his father worked for the military as a civilian contractor. Nick says his father made a big deal out of his work being stolen, then he mentioned the man who supposedly stole his ideas lost his wife in a fire" she stopped, swallowing nervously when she saw his hand tighten on the delicate china cup. Cautiously she reached out and took his hand in hers, pulling it away from the cup. Erik looked startled but didn't say a word. Chris sighed and gave his hand a comforting squeeze.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to dredge up the past Erik. I was just curious and things seemed to fit together. Please don't be mad at me," she implored.
That seemed to break through his reverie, he kissed the back of her hand softly "Think nothing of it my dear."
An uncomfortable silence hung over them before Erik stood up abruptly, pulling Christina to her feet and pulling her into a fierce hug. "I'm sorry love, I didn't mean to shut you out. What happened in the past should remain there, I've spent years trying to put all of it behind me."
"I understand, I won't bring it up again" she pressed a soft kiss to his chin "Promise".
Erik leaned down and captured her lips with his, reveling in her reaction. Her arms found their way around his neck, drawing him closer so that his body was pressed against hers. After a few long moments Erik drew away from her, pressing a kiss to her forehead before setting her completely away from himself.
Tipping her head in confusion Chris waited for Erik to explain. "It's getting rather late my dear, would you like me to drive you home?"
"Oh…um, no. That's not necessary" she replied awkwardly, she didn't know why but she was hurt that he was sending her away. Almost as if reading her thoughts he drew a finger from her forehead down her jaw line.
"Christina I would be happy to have you stay the night here but I don't want you to feel forced or uncomfortable. We only just discussed our feelings today, I didn't want to take advantage of you"
Feeling her cheeks flame with color Chris avoided eye contact, she saw the wisdom of his words. "Wow, I feel like an idiot," she muttered. She was shocked when she felt his hands capture her face, tilting it up to his.
"Never feel like an idiot with me Christina, I will never take advantage of you but I will 'always' welcome you" he hoped she understood his meaning. The deepening of color on her cheeks confirmed it.
Chris rested her hands over his own larger ones and stepped closer to him again, pressing her body to his "Thank you Erik" she touched her mouth to his for just a moment before pulling back, before she lost control. Never before had she desired anyone as much as Erik. She knew they were not ready for that step; she was not ready for that yet.
"When will I see you again?" she asked as his arms wrapped around her waist and his cheek rested against her hair.
"Whenever you like" after a minute of thinking he asked "Would you like to go have brunch tomorrow?"
"That sounds lovely" she replied with a smile.
"I'll pick you up at 10:30?"
"It's a date" she quipped happily, pressing another kiss to his lips before pulling back, laughing. "Okay, I'm going to go home now…if I don't..well…" she let the thought die and knew he understood her unspoken thought when she saw his eyes darken with desire. Erik walked her to the door, gave her one last kiss and watched her drive away.
Upon returning to her townhouse Chris saw a familiar car parked outside her house as she pulled into the driveway. With a sigh she got out and walked down the drive to meet Nicholas. When he attempted to give her the normal 'hello kiss' she pulled away, with a hand on his chest.
"Nick, we should talk" Wow…today seemed to be the 'we need to have a talk day'. Exhausted from the high emotions of the day she tiredly invited him into her house, but didn't offer any drinks to him, she didn't want him to get comfortable.
"I'm sorry Nick, you're really sweet and nice…but…we can't be more than friends. I'm sorry I led you on".
Nick gave her a carefree smile that didn't quite make it to his eyes "It's okay Chris, I knew you weren't totally in it with me. Some people just click" he gave a small shrug and turned to walk out of the townhouse.
"Nick! Wait, before you leave can I ask you a question…about the man in the fire, who stole your dad's work?"
"Sure" he crossed his arms and leaned against the doorjamb.
"What was his name?"
The young man frowned in thought "Um…Montgomery…something Montgomery." He closed his eyes as he thought "Erik or something like that. It was so long ago I don't really remember. I was pretty young and self involved." He gave her the boyish smile that made most women melt.
"Thanks Nick" her heart ached for Erik, her suspicion thoroughly peaked though. She just had this feeling that Nick's family was somehow involved in Erik's fire, though she didn't really know what good that would do her. With a mental shrug she gave him a smile and watched as he left. He was a good guy…at least; she thought he was a good guy.
Chris fell into bed with a smile on her face, she hadn't been this happy in a very long time. When she closed her eyes she could feel Erik's lips on hers, feel his hard body pressed to her own. It was a delicious feeling, one she hadn't experienced in years. Lying in the quiet solitude of her bedroom Christina was able to decipher a lot of the thoughts swirling around in her head.
First and foremost, she 'knew' without a doubt that she loved Erik. After Rodney died she didn't think she'd ever want to marry another man, but the idea of being Erik's wife wasn't all that scary. With a mental slap Chris realized she was completely running away with her thoughts. First they had to establish a comfortable relationship, become comfortable with each other and the person they were with the other. Only then could they consider a physical relationship…if they even wanted to. Argh. Christina pressed the heel of her palms into her eyes as her thoughts spun wildly out of control.
Not too far away in a sprawling house a man who had been determined to live a life of solitude was presented with a second chance…another opportunity to create something good…something he had thought he'd had with Alexis. The staff had long since been sent to bed so Erik felt more comfortable going into the music room, a room that he had received Chris in a number of times but had rarely used it for the express purpose of creating music. Since Alexis had died the inspiration to create music had been dormant. Sitting down at the long neglected piano he stroked the ivory keys gently, as one would stroke a lover before he pressed the keys down, the gentle sound a soothing balm to his heart.
With eyes closed his fingers started to dance across the keys, seemingly of their own accord. The tune was familiar, something he had composed for Alexis and had played for her on their wedding day. As he continued with the love song tears fell from his eyes, for years he had struggled to allow his past to be laid to rest, but something had always prevented it…it had always felt like a betrayal of the worst sort. As he listened to the soft, lilting notes he had composed so lovingly for his beautiful Alexis he could almost feel her with him…hear her in his head. Feel her kiss his perfect cheek. As the song came to an end his fingers remained on the keys, bent over them as the tears overwhelmed him. He had to do this…if he didn't he could never truly be with Christina in the way that she deserved. He had to let go of Lex and their daughter.
Head tipped back and tears streaming down his face Erik prayed in a way that he hadn't since before the fire, he prayed that his wife and daughter forgave him. For surviving the fire when he should have been the one who died and for how he had lived, as a ghost, in a way that Alexis would have raged about. She would have wanted him happy, not punishing himself. After some of the longest moments of his life Erik finally felt…at peace. He finally felt as though he could move on with his life, with Christina.
Music had been his outlet, had been his escape, and had been his passion. Madeline had loved to sit next to him; entranced by the spell he would weave with his piano. Ever since the fire he hadn't been able to bring himself to play any of the music he'd composed for his wife and child…until now. Another gift from Chris…he was finally able to forgive himself. Wiping away his tears Erik rose to his feet and stumbled upstairs to his room. He fell into a peaceful, deep sleep for the first time in nearly 5 years.
At some point in the wee hours of the morning Chris was able to fall asleep, the shrill beeping of her alarm seemed like it started just seconds after she fell asleep. Noting the time she hurried out of bed and prepared herself for her date with Erik. She decided on khaki capris, a soft blue tank top and denim jacket over that. Taming her curls took some time but she managed to beat them into submission, with the sides pulled back into a clip. By the time she was spritzing some perfume on her wrists Erik had knocked on the door. When Chris opened the door Erik couldn't help but smile, she looked amazing.
Christina's jaw had dropped when she'd seen the man before her, 'hot' didn't even sound like an accurate enough word to describe him. Dressed in black slacks with a dark blue button down shirt that had the first few buttons open and a leather jacket on…she thought she'd throw him against the door and kiss him senseless.
Once she was situated in the cozy interior that was filled with the comforting scent of leather and Erik's cologne she felt herself melt into the seat, feeling happier than she had in a very very long time. When she felt Erik's hand take hers and hold it she felt herself smile widely. The drive didn't take very long, when Erik pulled into the parking lot there were no other cars, Christina gave him an odd look but when he just smiled at her and got out, striding over to her side of the car to assist her out she didn't say anything, let him continue with the cryptic act.
Leading the way into the restaurant Erik couldn't hide the smirk, it felt good to be able to take her out and not feel the constant stares that he had become somewhat accustomed to. The door opened and revealed a man in a black suit, grey shirt and black tie. He held his hand out to Erik and shook the hand Erik had extended to him. "George, thank you for doing this"
The older man waved away the comment "For my best customer and investor? How could I do any less? Please, please come in. We have your table all ready for you" He looked at Christine and smiled "Erik said you were beautiful but that words pales in comparison to the truth Mademoiselle Davies"
Chris felt herself blush again as George bent over her hand and gave it an air kiss. Looking up at Erik she tucked herself against his body, enjoying the feeling of his arm wrapping around her waist and holding her there for a moment before following George who was bustling around, barking orders out in French.
Stifling a giggle Christina watched as one of the waiters tripped over a bus boy to assist her into her chair only to be warned off by an icy glare from Erik. Another waiter appeared with champagne flutes filled with what appeared to be orange juice, but after one sip she could taste the champagne that had been added, the bubbles tickling her nose as she sipped. It had been a long times since she'd had a mimosa.
Erik couldn't help but watch in appreciation as Chris sampled her drink, her blue eyes locked onto his own the entire time. He hadn't realized that such simple pleasures for himself would make her so happy.
"How did you manage this?" she inquired after a few minutes..
"About 10 years ago a friend of my father's had come to me, asking to invest in his fledgling restaurant. Knowing my father would've wanted to help where he could I agreed. Best investment I've made" he answered, tipping his own glass in her direction.
"This is amazing Erik, thank you" she placed her free hand on his and squeezed, her eyes softening. "No one has ever done anything like this for me before"
By that time the two young waiters had appeared with trays loaded with food, Christina wasn't entirely sure where to start. Deciding on crepes topped with fresh berries, some eggs and sausage she started working her way through the meal, closing her eyes in pleasure with her first heavenly bite. With a blush she saw Erik watching her carefully. After swallowing her food she pressed a hand to her chest "Oh my god, I think that's one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth" she declared with a chuckle.
Erik loved to see her cheeks color like that, more than that he loved to see her get so much pleasure out of something so simple like a meal. After a few long minutes of watching her eat he too started on his breakfast. Many platefuls later Chris was delightfully stuffed, she sipped her coffee and sat back in her chair, watching Erik haggle with George over the bill. Before that moment Chris had never thought she would ever see Erik out like this and playfully arguing with someone like he was. It brought her hope for the future.
As they drove away Erik glanced over at his precious cargo and rested his hand on top of hers. "Thank you for brunch Erik, it was lovely"
Erik brushed a kiss to the back of her hand before turning his eyes on the road in front of them. He drove them back to his house, guiding her into the backyard where to her dismay was a thriving garden that she had never seen before. He pulled her to a bench and sat down next to her…moment of truth, she deserved to know exactly what happened that night, about his past, about his life.
Upon her confused look he offered a hesitant smile "I thought it was time for me to tell you what happened that night."
"Erik, you don't have to. I don-" he interrupted her with a finger across her lips, silencing her.
"Yes I do Chris. You need to understand how I became the person I am today, if we're going to go any further then you need to know"
Nodding Chris took his hand and waited for him to begin.
His eyes firmly on the ground at his feet he took a few deep breaths before beginning.
"It was a fairly normal night I suppose. Lex and I had put Maddy to bed and we were enjoying some time to ourselves, I had been wrapped up in a big project at work and hadn't been home a lot, I had actually been out of the country for about a month or so. I had been fighting with one of my engineers at work" he looked at her "I believe you know a little bit about that. Although I take great exception to the accusation that I 'stole' his work. Markus Delaney was a bit awkward and bitter over the fact that my design had been chosen over his. It's as simple as that." He shook his head as he realized he was getting distracted.
"Anyway…Lex and I were sitting in front of the fire, enjoying a glass of wine" he hazarded a glance at Chris who was listening carefully, sympathy shining in her beautiful eyes. "I heard something outside, when I got up to investigate someone threw a brick through the window. I don't really know how the fire got started" his throat tightened with emotion and Chris wound an arm around his waist.
"I tried to run upstairs to Madeline's room, but…" he rubbed his forehead distractedly, his eyes shimmering with tears "I never made it. I woke up a few weeks later in the ICU; I had been in a coma, which the doctors said, saved my life. I…I didn't even get to see my wife and child buried" tears choked him.
Chris brushed her own tears away and pulled him into her arms, kissing his cheek, temple, neck anything she could reach. Erik buried his face in her neck, his arms tightly wrapped around her waist, holding her against him. Christina allowed him the time he needed to pull himself together, not wanting to rush him.
A long, painful few moments passed as Erik allowed the tears to fall, allowed himself to feel angry and hurt. With the tender kisses and embraces from Chris he felt a little bit of the hurt ebb away. Once he was composed he wiped his tears away and sat up straight again.
"They still haven't found out who set the fire to the house. I no longer care. I've allowed myself to feel angry and bitter for far too long. It's exhausting"
Christina nodded in agreement with him "But it's good to let yourself have that time to feel angry. If you don't you'll never move on"
"You helped, more than you'll probably ever know," he rasped out, clutching her hand almost desperately. "I've been aware of you for….quite a long time."
When he saw the question in her eyes he blushed a little "I would wait for you to run by my house every evening. I thought you were magnificent"
It was Chris's turn to blush. She let herself lean against him, his arm around her shoulders before he pressed a kiss to her temple before continuing on.
"I can't promise that I'll always be…easy to get along with." He flashed her a wry smile "That has been a flaw of mine since I was a child. But I promise I won't keep anything from you again. I hope you understand why I did…"
"Erik you never had to explain anything to me, I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to let me in a little bit. I don't want you to be anything more than you and 'you' are really incredible" she leaned in to press a soft kiss to his lips "I'm sorry so many bad things have happened to you"
"Good things too" his hand was tangled in her hair, tucking a stray curl behind her ear before cupping her chin "Thank you Christina" he pulled her to him and gave her a kiss, affectionate and loving. In response Chris maneuvered herself into his lap, arms tight around his neck as she deepened the kiss, forgetting everything and everyone around them.