A/N: Hi everyone! I'm finally in college, classes start on Monday, and I met some really cool people. The Leadership conference was fun… GO WOMBATS! Lol. Anyways, thank you so far to everyone who has been reading and reviewing (and those not reviewing) and my beta, Halley. Enjoy! And please don't forget to review!

Chapter 18: The Ride

As time went on, Stephanie's voice improved and their relationship had forged into a comfortable friendship. During the lessons, Etienne was the strict teacher but after he would engage conversation easily with his pupil.

Stephanie's presence was agreeable and he enjoyed their talks very much. She was well read in literature of his time, something he didn't believe she would know much of. They discussed poetry, operas, and his father. She told him about how consumed Erik became with her computer and the websites dedicated to, well, him. She even told him about some of the lessons she had him go through, especially his "date" with Christa.

"He was scared brainless! But I think since she looked an awful like Christine it was a little easier on him. Ironically enough, she had a friend who looked like him who she liked very much. On the good note, the evening wasn't a complete failure and Erik was much more confident than ever."

He laughed, shaking his head in trying to picture his father doing everything she said. Yet he wasn't surprised over his father's wanting to see his godfather being run through a sword. As a child the two men never got along, though in front of their wives they attempted to be good. But Etienne was in every way his father's son and at times loathed him whenever Raoul would tell stories about his and Christine's childhood. Only in the Phantom's son's eyes, his parents were the ones to create all the memories; not some other.

"My father never told us that one before," he admitted.

She gave a lopsided grin. "Probably didn't want Christine to think he was unfaithful. So, now do you believe I am who I am?" she teased.

His cheeks burned, as he gazed down. "Will you ever forgive my inexcusable behavior?"

Stephanie reached forward in her seat, placing her hand on top of his folded hands in his lap. "I understand. If I was in your position I guess I would be suspicious too."

The sudden touch brought forth a rush of feelings within Etienne. Her face was close and the urge to kiss those full lips grew alarmingly tempting.

His countenance creased, the golden tint in his irises became more pronounced. The stare he was giving her, Stephanie inwardly shuddered. What she meant as a friendly gesture had ended up nearly searing her skin.

She pulled her hand back, breaking the contact that was growing stronger each passing second. What is wrong with you? It was just hand and hand touch, nothing special. Besides, you have Dan.

Grr, why do I keep reminding myself? She thought with irritation.

While Stephanie was busy berating herself, Etienne had the time to curve his desire and gain control over his body. With her in close proximity, he found it difficult to concentrate on anything but her. And it didn't help much to know that she was having the same problem like him. Her eyes were an open book once she found a level of security with a person. He saw the guilt warring with lust only to have the former overpower.

Her boy, he bitterly thought. No matter how much his mind tried convincing himself any feelings she had for him will never be as deep as his; not when she often spoke about Dan. She was too good to ever betray one she loved, even though Etienne wanted her to do so, so badly.

"I-I think I'll go," she said, rising.

Don't let her go! His heart screamed. "How about a ride?" he blurted out, jumping to his feet.

Stephanie blinked. "Pardon?"

"I mean, would you accompany me on a ride through the grounds? It's a lovely day that shouldn't be wasted." Etienne's hands began sweating as his heart throbbed.

She thought about it for a moment and then smiled brightly. "Sure. Let me get dressed."

Etienne frowned as she laughed at his expression. "You'll see."

xxXXxx

Etienne had finished preparing the horses when Stephanie came strolling into the stables.

"Hey there!" she called. She stuffed her hands into the pockets of her pants, smirking as Etienne looked her over.

"W-what are you wearing?" he asked.

"Oh these? Well, as much as I love doing the 19th century dress bit 24/7, I need something I'm used to from my own time. I hope you don't mind me borrowing your old shirt and pants. Christine said you don't wear them anymore."

He nodded, not speaking from the shock of her wearing his… his clothes! They were baggy but she had the shirt tucked in and secured tightly with a belt and her hair was pulled up away from her face. Subconsciously, he was thinking that after this he would surely require them back!

"So… which is mine?" Stephanie questioned as she stepped towards the black stallion Etienne stood by.

"Um…this is mine. Yours is set," he replied, gesturing to the frosty white mare on his other side.

"Sweet. What're their names?" Stephanie went over to the other horse and softly patted her velvet nose.

He grinned. "This steed is Eros and that princess is Psyche."

"How fitting." She giggled as Psyche nudged her chest. Running her hands down her mane, Stephanie took the reins and swung over. Sitting comfortably, Stephanie tilted her head at Etienne. "What?"

"Nothing," he brushed off and took his place on top of his horse. "Ready?"

"Whenever you are."

"Come on then. I have something I would like to show you."

He spurred on Eros with Stephanie by his side. Etienne glanced over his shoulder and was amazed by her stance. She obviously knew how to ride. And she did…well.

Catching his look, she smiled. "Dan and I would often go to the stables near our apartment to relieve the stress of work and classes. Riding is so therapeutic, don'tcha think P.J?"

"Indeed," he agreed. "P.J?"

She chuckled. "Phantom Junior."

"Ah." Etienne felt a pull of his lips in an amused grin of his christened nickname by her. He found that he rather like it. It was something between them that only they would know. The intimacy of that knowledge caused a swell of hope in his breast.

Stephanie sat back and closed her eyes to the gentle breeze fluttering against her face. It felt so good to be out and the company wasn't intolerable. She was glad that things between them straightened out. Etienne wasn't all that bad than she initially believed. Apparently, he was filled with surprises just like his father.

Erik… He was one man that very girl wished she had. And she was finding that Etienne was practically similar to him. Not just the looks but the genius to take something imperfect and mold it to perfection itself. There was an air of mystery, of magic between father and son. Her voice which was lacking in everything imaginable had magically been transformed.

Stealing a quick look towards her instructor, she couldn't believe that Etienne done that. The more she thought on it, the more she was looking at him with different eyes. Where did his arrogance go?

She frowned. He was actually…nice. Was that even possible for a man such as him? Apparently so. But why the change?

Shaking her head, Stephanie rid herself from anymore thinking on the matter. She was determined to have a good day and questioning his motives wasn't going to help.

"We're getting closer," Etienne told Stephanie.

"Where are we exactly?" she asked, looking around.

"We're still on the grounds if that's what you mean. We own all the land surrounding the estate including this forest. It's a good several hundred acres."

"Damn," Stephanie whistled. "My family doesn't even own that much. Then again, we're not as rich as Erik is."

"You're rich?" Etienne looked back.

"Yeah. Why is it hard to believe?"

He shook his head, urging Eros on. "Not at all, milady. Ah. We're here."

"Whoa Nelly!" Stephanie said, slowing Psyche down. She caught his amused look and shrugged. "I've heard it in these cowboy movies. Couldn't resist."

He laughed, jumping off Eros. He walked over to assist her, but Stephanie waved him away. "I'm not helpless." And with that she hopped over. "See?"

"How can I forget?" Etienne jested lightly, taking the reins of hers and his horse's to a nearby branch. When they were secured, Etienne held out his hand for her, beckoning her to come to him with his dark eyes.

Feeling her breath quicken (and heart skipping a beat), she took his outstretched palm and followed as he took her a little deeper into the woods. Brief images of getting lost and being stalked by a witch flooded her mind, eliciting a muffled nervous giggle as she stepped faster to keep in line with his long strides.

Ten minutes later, Etienne stopped suddenly. "Close your eyes," he whispered.

Trepidation crept into her features yet his overpowering magnetic voice and protective gaze washed away her doubts as she complied with his wish.

A pure masculine grin broke out as he, excitedly like a child with a new toy, picked up her hand and led her to his most private and sacred hiding spot. No one knew what contained in the woods but he and Maddy, except it was only him who ever used them.

Now he was going to share something precious of his to her. He only hoped that one day she will grant him the same…

"Open them," he breathed.

Stephanie's eyelids fluttered opened, a tiny 'o' shaped her mouth. "Oh my…"

TBC…