Just to set the records straight, I know NOTHING about fashion do's and don'ts - everything that's good about my story in the fashion suggestions and Eriks "HOT" look, is the sole property and expert eye of my wonderfully talented, extremely brilliant Beta...Mlle. Fox.

Erik thanks you, Mlle. Fox - and so do I.

MAN OF SORROWS

CHAPTER 12

Christine didn't know which one terrified her more; the prospect that Erik would be there – or the chance that he wouldn't be there.

Evie wouldn't hear of her catching a cab once she heard that Rafe was in town and would be bringing Meg; she was going to send a limousine to pick her up.

Christine didn't have another dress, other than the one she wore to the grand opening. She decided on a very feminine pantsuit in peach. She wore the best blouse she had underneath it. The blouse was cream color, soft peach skin, and had a lacy collar.

The neckline was moderate and tasteful, and Christine wore her mothers cameo necklace to reduce the amount of skin she was showing.

She finished off her ensemble with a pair of flat loafers in cream.

Christine was pleased with her overall appearance and wondered what Meg would think. She observed her image in the mirror and caught the glint of mischief in her eyes and the high color in her cheeks…was the chance that Erik might be there making her take more pride in the way she looked?

Christine, you barely know him…besides, he's a famous artist who probably has droves of women chasing after him. Why would he be interested in a timid, homely woman like you?

None of the words she said to herself was doing any good; she still longed to be near him. The short time she had felt the warmth of his presence, Christine had felt a stirring of something…rather domestic. She didn't understand it, but there was a needful, uncertain-of-his-place-in-the-world quality in him that she longed to cuddle and nurture.

Of course, by the time a few days had passed, Christine had convinced herself that she had imagined it. There was no sorrow in his eyes, no seeking need within his heart…she was just focusing her desire to love on a man she had felt close to because of his art.

She nervously stood at the window and watched for the limo to pull up…she resisted the urge to bite her nails, a nervous habit she was trying to get over, and concentrated on the street below her window.

When the black, opaque car finally arrived, Christine forced herself not to run down the stairs; but instead, waited for the buzzer and told the driver she would be down as soon as possible.

"Mademoiselle Daughtry, your carriage awaits." The male voice spoke clearly into the speaker.

Christine bounded down the stairs with a grin in place. She smiled brightly at the tall driver as he opened the door for her.

The car – or rather room – as the interior was big enough to fit the entire copy room at the school inside it; was stylish and chic.

A bar, television, comfortable seats, leather interior, and plush carpeting let Christine know – quickly – that she was way out of her world.

She hadn't even fully explored the wonderful amenities of the car, before they were pulling up in front of a beautiful apartment building nestled along side the Hudson River.

"Wow! I never knew such a place existed!" Christine breathed.

The building was lit up with an array of lights. The driver waited patiently while she stood gaped-mouth, and admired her surroundings.

"Where are we?" She finally asked in a dreamy tone.

He smiled, as if it was the most natural question in the world and kindly answered her.

"1 River Terrace in Battery Park City, Miss Daughtry."

She slowly inched her way toward the entrance, still not sure if she belonged there, and smiled at the door attendant as he greeted her and allowed her entrance.

"They are expecting you, Miss Daughtry. Take the elevator to the top floor, the apartment is on your left."

She breathlessly thanked the man and made her way to the elevator. Christine felt like she was in a dream as she observed the posh design of the apartment building; the interior was luxurious and expensively furnished – with tasteful pictures and sculptures placed in numerous areas around the room.

There were floor-length windows every few feet that lit the room up with the starry sky, and the lights reflecting off the Hudson. Christine had never seen anything so beautiful.

The elevator dinged and Christine rode the quiet contraption to the top floor. When the doors opened, she was greeted by a large, full-wall window overlooking the Hudson – the view was breathtaking.

Christine went to the window and surreally stood watch over the city she loved so much. The beauty before her brought tears to her eyes and a thankful smile to her lips.

"I never knew it was this beautiful." She whispered.

"There's beauty in everything…you just have to know where to look."

Christine spun around at the rich baritone voice that had resonated off the walls surrounding her.

Erik Argeneau stood five feet from her, looking sinfully attractive. She swept her eyes down his tall frame; noting the casual elegance of his clothing, thinking the sports coat looked perfect on his tall, masculine build.

He was looking at the black sky, but she knew his eyes had been on her before she had turned upon hearing his voice.

"Do you really believe that?"

One side of his luscious mouth turned up, making him even more gorgeous – Christine was in a trance, mesmerized by the green of his eyes and ethereal presence that seemed to act as his shadow.

"An artist always finds beauty in that which appears to have none."

His words rang true to heart and Christine smiled. Normally, she would have been a complete wreck with him around her…men – at least those few she had been attracted to – always made her feel self-conscious, which caused her to become a klutz.

He moved closer to her and Christine could smell the fresh cologne he wore and see the stars sparkle in his eyes; she still could not believe he stood there with her.

"Erik…may I ask you a personal question?"

He nodded his consent, but part of him feared she was going to ask about the mask, and he was not prepared to explain the painful circumstances that had forced him into seclusion; but she did not.

"Why did you just disappear? You were on the verge of being one of the most beloved and sought after artists."

He hadn't even considered that there were people within the regular population in the United States who were familiar with his work; he had those who auctioned his work and collected it, of course, but he did not know there were others who admired his work.

He smiled wearily and offered his arm.

"That is a long story, and one that I fear will take more time than we have - another time…perhaps later we can take a walk down by the river."

"That would be lovely." She breathed.

For reasons that escaped him, Erik felt close to this woman. It was as if there was some unseen force pulling them toward each other and Erik was not one to ignore unseen forces.

She smiled up at him and wrapped her arm around his, feeling the warmth of his flesh beneath her palm. He felt good…really good.

She had never realized how strongly built he was. His arms were well defined and toned, and his chest looked to be the same beneath the black T-shirt that he wore; and those jeans – oh my – his legs, slender male hips, and tight backside left little else for eyes to focus on.

His appearance was that of a sophisticated urbanite; ready to take on the world. He wore confidence, sagacity, and wisdom as beautifully as he wore his clothing.

She felt the flush enter her cheeks and hoped he didn't see it…how would she explain the direction her eyes and mind had taken? She just hoped he hadn't noticed her wide-eyed, gaping stare.

"Shall we join the others…Evie has been anxious to see you"…as have I. He added to himself.

"I'll follow you."…anywhere. She thought.

If she didn't know any better, Christine would swear that she was lost in a dream. Was there a chance that he also felt the attraction between them? Did he know that his nearness both flustered and comforted her?

She highly doubted it.

TBC