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Someone
Like You
“Have a good one Colleen,” Dr. Chris Ramsey waved as he turned to the night ahead of him. Noting the rumbling clouds overhead, he realized that tonight was going to be yet another night of dreary misery as he headed out of Port Charles for his two and a half week vacation. As he pushed through the exit to the hospital, he thought of the last year and a half of his life as all of the misery and loneliness had really taken it’s toll on him. For a while he’d tried to connect with Jack, but that was a losing battle, Eve was in perfectly wedded bliss and the rest of the world viewed him as a snake, and while he might’ve earned some of his reputation, the last thing he wanted was to spend his two and a half weeks off in a place where the entire town would much rather him drop off the planet. He’d just as soon do them the favor. With that in mind, Chris didn’t even bother to pull out his umbrella as the cold November rain chilled him. As the damp droplets pierced the thin material of his jacket, he felt it reach deep into his soul, chilling him to the bone as he made his way towards his flashy sports car. It was the best in the lot, because after all Chris Ramsey had to have the best of everything, but in retrospect, he thought to himself as he disarmed the alarm on his hot little number, all it had ended up serving him was the best seat for one on the road of life. Shaking his head as he refused to allow himself to feel self pity as he refused to let that be his demise. After all the time he’d spent alone, he was sure not to let this little slump get to him. “A vacation would be good,” Chris muttered to himself tossing his briefcase aside onto the passenger side floor before crawling into the passenger seat of his sleek little Ferrari. Hearing the roar of the thunder above him, he noted the puddle of droplets forming around the interior of his car as he closed the door. Swiftly he withdrew himself from the damp jacket before he placed it on the floor beside him over his briefcase as he was careful to avoid getting his genuine leather interior tarnished by the rain’s after effects. “Chicago here I come,” Chris announced wondering himself what had possessed him to venture off towards the windy city, but hey if it meant staying away from the sanctimonious citizens of Port Charles, he would drive to the ends of the Earth. Okay, so maybe that was a bit of an overstatement, but then again who knew what could happen in two and a half weeks? Flipping the dial on his radio, Chris found a station with adequate enough music to begin his journey as he promised himself that life in Port Charles would be the furthest thing from his mind. To hell with them all. Greta Von Amburg looked at the map once again as her frustration grew with each passing moment. Turning her eyes to the beady eyed looking man standing before her, she pointed out the place of her destination once more, “This is what I’m looking for...this right here.” “You want to buy cigarettes?” the man questioned once again lifting his cardboard display towards her once again. “No, I told you before. I don’t want any cigarettes. I just want directions.” “Ah directions,” the man nodded in response before holding up a bag of gummy bears, “good for you.” “Can you tell me where the next service station is at?” she questioned realizing that she was getting no where with this man after a half an hour of trying to explain her intentions to him. “Service station here,” the man explained again. “Yes, I understand that, but what you’re not seeing is I need to get here,” Greta explained above the rumbling of the thunder. “What?” “Here. I need to get here. I’m going to New York City,” she explained as another roar closed in over the tiny convenience story. “Ah New York,” the man nodded excitedly, “start spreading the news.....I want to be a part of it.....” he spoke out emphatically, “New York, New York.” “Yes, New York,” she nodded eagerly, “I’m on my way to New York, but it seems I’ve taken the wrong turn, so if you could just direct me back to the highway,” she began again as the bell over the store’s entrance rang alerting the owner of another patron. “One moment,” the man waved his finger at her as he looked to the new customer before proudly holding up his cardboard cigarette display once again, “Cigarettes?” Greta turned to see the eyes of the tall dark stranger as his shoulder length jet black hair seemed to be slicked back from the rain. Her eyes moved over his ankle length overcoat leading to the inconspicuously odd pair of mirrored glasses that he wore over his eyes despite the darkness. Instantly she felt uneasy about the situation as she took a step back looking to the store owner, “On second thought, I think I’ll find my own way,” she decided folding up her map and turning towards the door eager to make a quick exit. “Where are you going pretty lady?” the new arrival questioned in a gruff voice as he reached out to her, “you look new to these parts.” “I was just on my way out,” Greta explained casually as his fingers tightened around her arm causing her to wince. “So soon?” the man questioned lowering his mirrored glasses for a brief moment as she noted the icy blue color of his eyes piercing through her causing her to shudder in response. “Cigarettes,” the store owner questioned again oblivious to the new patron’s less than noble intentions as he tugged Greta with him towards the counter top. “Sure, why not,” the man shrugged with a grim expression before reaching into his jacket and withdrawing a shotgun, “and while you’re at it, how about you fork over what’s in that cash register too?” Chris found himself immersed in the sounds of Kenny Rogers tune the Gambler when the whistling sound invaded the interior of his car. Suddenly feeling the steering wheel out of control beneath his fingers, he struggled to keep the car on the road as the slickness of the gravel began to give way under his tires. Cursing to himself as the car began to swerve towards a ditch, he tried to keep his cool though he was certain his tire was obliterated. Clenching the wheel the best he could, Chris tried to slow down as he knew the inevitable was ahead of him as his car shot straight into a ditch and Chris found himself being pulled by the restraint of the seat belt as the world went black around him. What felt like an eternity after the car spun out of control, Chris opened his eyes to discover that he was still in the ditch on the side of the road as he noted the fumes overtaking the car. Looking to the window, he noted the smoke rising from beneath the hood as he reached to unclasp his seatbelt. “No, no not my car,” Chris gasped trying to disengage himself from the rubble he’d found himself in. Frantically he tried to open the door as the smoke filled the car’s interior, but alas the lock was broken. Reaching for his suitcase, he let out a groan as he tossed it towards the passenger side window with all of his might breaking the glass as the smoke escaped through the window. “Why me?” He questioned realizing that his car was in a rather tedious position as he knew he couldn’t afford to sit around damning himself for his rotten luck. Reluctantly leaving his car behind, he climbed out of the window and collapsed into the bank beside his car as he noted the flames now rising from beneath the hood. “Damn,” Chris shot out pulling himself together as he rose from the puddle of mud he’d landed in. Frowning slightly, he raced away from his car, knowing the inevitable as he heard the sounds of the explosion behind him. As he collapsed on the ground a distance away from the remains of the car, he let out a breath of relief that he’d made it out of his car in one piece, but after a moment it turned into reflection of how much this little accident would set him back as that car was his baby. Climbing out of the ditch he’d landed in, Chris decided as soon as he was on his feet again, he’d call the insurance company and get this all straightened out. Standing upright, Chris looked to the mound of flames before him in the distance, Chris reached into his pocket for his cell phone only to discover that he’d left it in his jacket pocket which was no doubt a ball of fire back in the remains of his Ferrari. “Wonderful,” Chris shook his head more so in frustration above anything else as he looked to the open road before him noting the quietness as it seemed almost lifeless, “so much for a vacation.” “Did you hear me old man? Give me the cash!” “You don’t really want to be doing this,” Greta began as the man tugged on her arm. “Don’t tell me what I want to be doing woman,” he snapped at her. “Listen, I don’t care what you do buddy...” she started again. “Trent,” he answered turning his eyes away from the store owner. “Okay, Trent, look if you’d like to rob this store, that’s your business, but I really need to be getting out of here. In fact I have my husband in my car and if I don’t get out there soon, well he’s going to start wondering what happened to me,” Greta began bringing her free hand to her side to reach for her purse as she thought of the pepper spray she’d had inside. “A pretty woman like yourself,” Trent shook his head, “No you don’t have someone out there. I checked the cars before I came in here.” “You really have no idea who you’re dealing with,” Greta warned, “You really don’t want to be doing this.” “Oh but I do sweet thing and when I’m done in here, you and I are going to have some fun,” he looked back to the store owner, “now give me the cash old man.” The store owner began to comply to Trent’s request as he looked to the barrel of the shot gun. Greta felt her fingers move over the clasp of her purse as Trent seemed distracted by the man filling a bag with the cash register’s contents. Slowly, she searched around the contents of her purse searching for the spray when Trent looked to her. “What do you think you’re doing?” he questioned gruffly tugging her close to him as she let out a wince and the pepper spray fell further into her purse. “Nothing....” “Good keep it that way,” he ordered looking back to the cashier, “hurry up man!” “I hurry,” the store owner insisted filling the bag in his hands as the bell over the door rang out once again alerting all of another patron. “Excuse me, but my car broke down and I seem to have misplaced my phone, so I was wondering if perhaps you could let me use yours if you,” a voice began as Greta turned her eyes towards the door to see a mud covered man before her. As he noted the exchange going on he looked back to the door, he took a step back, “I can see this is a bad time.” “You aren’t going anywhere,” Trent ordered turning towards the new arrival aiming his shot gun at him as Greta took advantage of Trent’s distraction pulling the pepper spray from her purse and spraying it at Trent as a bellow rose from him, “you bitch.” Greta took a step back as he began waving the gun wildly letting out a round as Greta yelped. Seeing the wildness behind Trent’s motions, she watched him writhe with agony before his gun was aimed right at her. “Watch out!” the mud covered man ordered leaping towards her as the shot gun went off and Greta landed on the floor beneath her heroic mud man. “Are you alright?” he questioned as he looked down at her. “I’m....I’m okay....you?” she asked feeling a bit winded as she looked up at his dark eyes that seemingly were offset by the mud covering his features. “I’ll be right back,” he promised getting up off of her and leaving her on the floor with a fresh layer of mud covering her dress before he turned towards Trent with obvious irritation, “you know nothing pisses me off more than a man who can’t go out and make money the right way. It’s one thing to run a con,” the mud man explained throwing out a punch and knocking the now pathetic looking Trent to the ground, “but this is truly useless.” With that he noted the bag beside Trent on the floor and he leaned down to pick it up before turning towards the store owner, “here you are. Now if you have a phone.” “Phone is broken. Cigarettes?,” the man nodded holding up his cardboard display before turning his eyes towards Trent who lay unconscious on the floor. “Wonderful,” Greta’s hero groaned before looking to the moron passed out on the floor, “Oh and while you’re at it, you should probably find something to keep him contained for a while, at least until you get someone out here to take care of him,” the mud man explained as he turned towards Greta extending his arm out towards her. “Thank you,” she replied getting up on her feet as she noted the stranger before her. “Are you sure you’re okay?” “I’m fine,” she nodded in response. “You’re sure?” “Positive,” she nodded, “and you?” “I’ve had better days,” he shook his head, “but at this point, I guess I’ll live,” he turned towards the store‘s exit. “Wait,” Greta called out to him. “Yes?” “I...I have a cell phone,” she explained withdrawing it from her purse, “I mean it’s the least I can do after you saved my life.” “It was no big deal,” he shook his head, “though I wish I had my cell phone.” “Then use mine. Really it’s no trouble...” she insisted. “Thanks..” “Greta,” she offered her hand to him despite the mud he’d been layered in. “Greta,” he offered up a smile accepting her handshake. “And you are?” “Miserable,” he groaned as she handed him her phone. “Aren’t we all?” she couldn’t help but laugh as she looked around the tiny store. “Ain’t that the truth,” he let out a tiny smile, “thanks Greta.” “No problem,” she gave him a look as he began to open her phone to use it. “Chris,” he offered his name as he began to dial, “Chris Ramsey.” Greta watched Chris as he hung up the phone a bit more irritated than before he’d placed the call. She watched him kick the countertop beside him as she approached him extending the moist towellette in her hand, “I take it that didn’t go too well?” “Not at all,” he replied accepting her offering as he wiped at his face, “leave it to me to have a half rate company that isn’t open at this time of night.” “Most of them aren’t,” she offered up seeing he was not at all impressed with her response, “I mean it just kind of figures. With my luck it tends to be a trend.” “Luck,” he laughed sarcastically in response, “you still believe in that kind of thing?” “Well, it’s a nice notion,” she nodded, “I mean there must’ve been some reason that you happened upon me here and saved my life.” “You have to ask yourself what you did to end up in this place to begin with,” Chris sighed, “maybe if you thought that one over, you’d see your luck wasn’t nearly as good as you’d hoped for.” “My you are a jaded one, aren’t you?” Greta gave him a look. “So what if I am,” Chris wiped at his face trying to get the caked on mud from his features. “No, there’s nothing wrong with it,” she piped in, “I mean I can’t blame you at all seeing as things seldom go my way as well.” “Now why do I seriously doubt that,” Chris gave her a look realizing her beauty for the first time since he’d entered the tiny shop, “a woman like you shouldn’t have problems.” “If only you knew,” she sighed in response, “but seriously, if you need a ride somewhere,” she paused wondering what had gotten into her as she was inviting this stranger to join her somewhere, but before she could think twice about it, the words were already out of her mouth, “I’d be more than willing to take you wherever you need to go.” “A shower would be nice,” Chris confessed with a sigh, “and maybe a change of clothes.” “Well, I don’t think you’re quite my size,” she offered with a tiny smile, “but you know I’m sure that you and I could find something along the way. A hotel or something until morning so you could get in touch with your insurance company.” “Thanks for the offer, but...” he started. “But what,” Greta gave him a look, “you’d rather spend the night with him,” she motioned towards the old man behind the counter. “Cigarettes,” he held up his display as Chris let out a tiny laugh. “Alright you’re on Greta,” Chris agreed with a nod, “we find a hotel, but dinner is on me.” “Dinner,” she raised a curious brow, “now who said I agreed to dinner with you?” “It’s the least you can let me do for giving me a ride,” he smiled at her. “Well, considering that you are dirty and you’ll probably kill the interior of my car,” she half smiled, “it had better be a nice place.” “And here I had you mistaken for a sweet, young woman,” Chris chuckled in amusement as he followed Greta out of the store and to her car as he wondered what else fate had in store for him. “Don’t mind the clutter,” Greta explained opening the door to her car and shifting around a few things to allow him access to the passenger seat, “I was on my way to this meeting out in New York and...” “New York,” Chris nodded, “why would you want to head out to a place like that? The city doesn’t seem like your type of venue.” “Already making assumptions about my personality,” she turned towards him, “you know you’ve known me what a matter of half an hour and you’re already telling me what kind of places are good for me.” “I can just see you’re not the New York type,” Chris noted watching her for a long moment, “you don’t fit the profile.” “So there’s a profile to living in New York? Do tell, I’m rather interested.” “Well first of all, if you were from New York,” Chris began leaning back into the chair, “you wouldn’t have picked me up.” “If I had good sense I wouldn’t have either, but seeing as you saved my life, I’m willing to overlook the mud.” “That’s awfully generous of you, but how to do you know I’m not some kind of serial murderer just waiting for the perfect moment to strike you,” he questioned pointedly. “Actually I don’t know that, but what I do know is if you tried to hurt me, I know karate.” “I’m sure,” Chris nodded with a tiny laugh, “you look like a brute.” “Oh I am,” she agreed with a nod, “you might not see it, but I could take you down with my pinky finger,” she held her finger out in the air. “And what a beautiful finger it is,” he touched her hand lightly feeling the softness of her skin before she withdrew from his touch. “Don’t let the beauty of it fool you,” she answered trying to keep her voice even as she felt his eyes on her. Despite the way their conversation was headed, she couldn’t help but feel something for the stranger that had rescued her. She couldn’t see his face clearly, but alas there was something about him telling her that she’d be safe with him. “I am never fooled by the elements of beauty,” Chris paused turning his eyes towards the stereo system, “although I must admit that your taste in music leaves much to be desired.” “Don’t you dare touch my radio,” she warned shooting him a glare, “that is off limits even to you.” “Ouch, I found a sore spot,” Chris chuckled in amusement, “a woman who is possessive about what is hers.” “I happen to like this stuff,” Greta explained with a soft smile. “Elton John,” Chris gave her a look, “now why don’t I see you as the type.” “I didn’t realize there was a type, but seeing as you think you have me pegged,” she gave him a look, “it just proves you don’t know the first thing about me.” “Indeed it’s like diving into an open book,” Chris agreed, “however I must say that the cover leaves much interest to be explored.” “Excuse me,” she looked to him for a moment. “You seem like a very interesting person Greta,” he admitted with a mud covered smile. “And you seem,” she paused searching for the word, “different...” “Different,” he thought it over, “well that’s a start.” “If you say so,” she hesitated, “so Chris, why don’t you tell me more about you, I mean other than you enjoy blowing up cars and rescuing women from convenience stores on a whim, along with playing in the mud.” “Well, if I told you about me, you’d find that my life is rather boring,” he sighed, “there’s not much to tell.” “So tell it anyways,” she urged as he turned the channel on her radio, “hey.” “What?” he questioned as she smacked at his hand. “Don’t touch that,” she warned with a light smile. “Sorry,” he frowned, “my mistake.” “Indeed it was,” she laughed, “so tell me about you?” “What do you want to hear?” he asked slumping back in his seat. “What do you want to tell me?” “Well, there are two possible scenarios seeing as you and I are complete strangers.” “And they would be?” “One, I could tell you a completely fabricated story of my greatness going on and on for hours about how wonderful I am and how I alone have managed to shape the world around me, or two, I could tell you the plain and simple truth.” “I find the truth works well,” she answered giving him a sideways glance, “unless of course you find deceptions to be much more arousing.” “It all depends on the situation,” he gave her a slight once over as he recognized the flirting tone in her voice, “what would you prefer?” “What are you going to give me?” “Anything you’d like, Greta,” he answered with a confident grin. “In that case,” she smiled at him, “lay it on me.” “Okay,” he took in a breath, “I’m from New York, or rather I live there right now.” “Obviously based on your little assessment of me,” she nodded, “go on.” “I thought that was sufficient enough,” Chris replied with a frown, “I think it’s your turn.” “Excuse me?” “Well, you know give a little, get a little,” he watched her for a moment, “so tell me, where are you from?” “I never agreed to play along.” “Now Greta, think about this one, why would I reveal my all to you when you haven’t told me a single thing about you other than your name.” “I thought you prided yourself on having me pegged.” “I never said that.” “But you did in your own way by implying that I am most certainly not the New York type.” “True, but that doesn’t mean I know what type you are,” he paused before offering up a flirtatious smile, “although I wouldn’t mind knowing what type that might be.” “Well in that case, you’ll have to work a little bit for it,” she teased back, “you seem to like playing detective, so why not tell me what you see?” “In that case,” he rolled up his mud soaked sleeves, “I see a woman who has a strong sense of adventure, someone who isn’t afraid to explore new things on her own. She has a certain sense of independence, and style, though her musical tastes leave much to be desired....” “Hey watch it,” she warned with a laugh. “She has a bit of a sense of humor, a generous nature and a rather curious need for truth,” Chris noted, “it’s her curious nature that has landed her in some rather precarious situations, much like the one I just found her in.” “Oh I see, so you think my sense of adventure leads me astray?” “That and your romantic side that still believes in fate and love, which of course I can see with your smile those are things you still believe in, although the absense of a ring on your finger indicates that you haven’t met that special someone yet, but you’re still looking.” “Go on,” she insisted noting a hotel up ahead. “Those hands of yours are remarkable so I would guess that you do something to keep them well protected and given your distaste for the rack of cigarettes back there, one would say you’re not a smoker,” he finished as she pulled into the hotel lot parking the car, “so how am I doing?” “You’re making progress,” she nodded with a smile, “now if you’ll excuse me. I’ll go get us a room.” “A room huh?” he smiled at her. “Don’t get your hopes up,” she shot him a glare, “I’m going to try for two.” “Oh of course,” he nodded with a smile watching her walk into the hotel office as he wondered just who fate had him stumble upon. Time would just have to tell, he thought to himself as he turned the dial on the radio finding a more appropriate song to listen to for the time being, “much better,” he smiled to himself. After nearly twenty minutes of waiting, Chris turned back to the hotel entrance Greta had slipped away into and with a frown, he emerged from the car, holding her keys in his hand as he stepped into the hotel lobby. Scanning it briefly, he found Greta waiting by a desk for someone to tend to her. “What’s going on,” Chris questioned approaching her from behind as she nearly jumped out of her skin. “You scared me Chris,” she gasped turning to face him. “Did you get a room?” “Not yet,” she shook her head, “but I’m working on it. They aren‘t really willing to speak to me seeing as we don‘t have reservations.” “I can see that,” Chris noted watching the person behind the counter walk past once again. “Excuse me,” Greta began waiting for the hotel receptionist to tend to her, “excuse me.” “Just a minute,” the receptionist waved before taking off behind the wall once again. “That was effective,” Chris muttered. “You have a better idea,” Greta gave him a look. “As a matter of fact, I do,” he nodded taking a step back as he toppled over onto the ground falling limp before her. “Chris,” Greta gasped rushing over to his side as he lay motionless on the ground before her, “Chris....” The clerk heard the sounds of Greta’s cries and rushed out to see Chris laying on the ground. “Oh my,” the clerk circled around the desk, “what happened?” “I...I don’t know,” Greta began as Chris let out a tiny groan. “Wh-what was that,” he slowly opened his eyes. “Chris, are you okay?” Greta questioned worried as the clerk moved to his side. “Sir, is everything alright?” “It was,” Chris replied struggling to sit up, “that is until I came in here to see my wife and I slipped on this floor,” he motioned to the marble like tile beneath his feet, “honestly I had no idea that it was soaked like it was and....” “Sir, I’m terribly sorry,” the clerk apologized as Greta began to help Chris up. “As you should be,” Chris noted, “a place like this most certainly shouldn’t fall victim to neglect considering...” “I’m terrible sorry. This was a huge mistake...” “Indeed,” Chris nodded, “and here my wife and I had heard such wonderful things about your establishment from the Kennedy family.” “The Kennedy’s,” the clerk’s eyes widened, “why yes they have had wonderful times here in the past, and sir, I can assure you that every word they have spoken about us is true.” “If that was the case, then you wouldn’t have lost my wife and my reservations,” Chris continued bitterly, “here we are on our honeymoon and I’m damn near breaking my neck in your lobby, not to mention having to wait over half an hour just to have someone speak with us after you incompetents lost our reservations to begin with.” “Sir, I can assure you that this kind of thing very seldom happens around here,” the man explained with a frown, “but what I can assure you is that your room is very secure with us.” “You just told my wife that...” “That was before Mr.” “Vanderhorn,” Chris replied with a frown, “Dr. Vanderhorn.” “Doctor, why yes indeed,” the man nodded, “we’ll just work on getting you and your wife settled. Ah yes, I see one of our presidential suites is available here.” “I don’t know if we should take it,” he looked to Greta, “what do you think seeing as they were rather rude to you?” “Oh I don’t know,” Greta played along wondering what in the world had possessed Chris. “I insist,” the man explained, “and for your inconvenience tonight is on the house, at our expense.” “Throw in a bottle of your finest champagne and we may consider,” Chris suggested. “Of course,” the man nodded with a smile, “anything to please our guests. I’ll just go get you your room key.” As the man disappeared, Greta looked to Chris with sudden amusement, “I can’t believe you just did that.” “Well, you know it was a trick my father taught me back in his hay day and it tends to work.” “I can see I had you pegged wrong,” Greta admitted, “I never imagined I’d be here with a conman.” “Does that frighten you?” “Not in the least,” she shook her head, “if anything I find it more intriguing.” “Good,” he smiled at her, “then something tells me you and I are in for a good time.” Greta stood by the window of the presidential suite of the hotel room as the sounds of water running in the distance captured her attention. As she turned to look across the room, she noted Chris’ mud soaked shirt draped over the chair before her. Her nose wrinkled as she lifted his shirt from the chair upon hearing the sounds of faint tapping at the door. Setting the shirt back down, she moved to answer the door finding herself greeted by a man in a red pressed uniform holding a package. “For your husband,” he explained with a soft smile, “on us.” “Thank you,” Greta replied accepting the package as she noted the name on the bag. Making her way across the suite she tapped on the door to the bathroom getting no response over the sounds of the shower. “I’ll just leave this out here,” she thought to herself as she heard Chris’ voice from within as he sang to himself in the shower. She looked to the package imagining him coming out to retrieve it as her mud man would emerge mud free and naked. A soft shiver rushed through her as she remembered the feel of his body over hers in the store. He’d felt so warm, so muscular and....she shook the thought. Had a road trip driven her completely mad? Was she so desperate for attention that she was finding herself attracted to what could be a lunatic stranger? However, she couldn’t see him as a lunatic after he’d saved her life. After all, he had made a point to rescue her, so therefore her couldn’t be all that bad, could he? As she was lost in her thoughts, Greta heard the sounds of the shower stopping and she tapped on the door again, “Chris, your things arrived,” she explained her voice a bit shaky. “Thanks,” he opened the door, a white towel wrapped around his waist as she took in a full view of him for the first time minus the mud he’d been covered in. Unable to mask her surprise, she found herself meeting his dark, brown eyes as his damp hair pressed to his damp skin. Her eyes traveled over his broad, hair dusted muscled chest as her pulse seemed to quicken at the view. He smiled at her, flashing her a beautiful, white grin as he reached out for the package in her hands. Tugging on it gently, he felt her hold upon it, “I can take that now.” “Oh,” she replied nearly dropping it as she took a step back, “okay, fine then.” “Thanks,” he watched her noting her nervousness as a proud smile crossed over his features. It had been a long time since anyone seemed nervous around him, but in a way Greta was almost more adorable in her nervousness than he’d imagined, “so did you make plans for dinner?” “Oh well, actually, if you wanted,” she hesitated, “they said dinner was on the house too, remember?” “That’s right,” Chris nodded with a smile, “so what time would you care to join me?” “Well, I,” she stopped herself, “I need to get ready and all.” “Oh?” “You know take a shower and clean up a bit,” she continued nervously as he opened the bathroom door a bit wider. “Well, you’re more than welcome to use the shower while I get cleaned up in here,” he suggested with a smile. “I don’t think that is such a good....” she tapered off nervously. “I’m kidding,” he half laughed, “Seriously, I’ll get dressed out here. The shower is all yours.” “Thanks,” she smiled as he brushed past her pressing his damp skin against her arm briefly before she turned around to look at him once again. “Yes?” He questioned feeling her eyes upon him as he turned to face her, a wide grin over his features, “can I help you with something?” “Actually,” she stepped forward, “you’re standing on my,” she motioned down, “suitcase.” “Oh,” he replied removing his foot as she bent down to pick up the suitcase, “sorry.” “No problem really,” she pulled the suitcase aside before taking a seat on the floor ready to open it up and pull her things out. As she began to unzip the suitcase, she felt his eyes upon her and she looked up to him feeling a blush cross over her features, “on second thought, I think I’ll just take this with me,” she decided getting up swiftly and making her way into the bathroom. Chris watched her in amusement as he thought to this new, beautiful woman he’d happened upon. Maybe the day wasn’t going so bad after all, he thought to himself getting dressed. Half an hour later, Greta emerged from the bathroom, her stomach tied in knots after she’d fumbled with her hair for what felt like an eternity, never quite getting it to the point she’d hoped for. Stepping into the darkened hotel room, she noted the silence surrounding her as she set her suitcase down beside the door, “Chris,” she called out into the darkness finding herself met by a silence, “Chris, are you in here?” Hearing no response, Greta felt a frown fall over her features as she wondered where he’d drifted off to. Suddenly her mind flashed back to her purse she’d left over by the night stand. Hurriedly Greta rushed over to the night stand finding her purse exactly where she’d left it. A breath of relief rushed over her as she sat down on the bed wondering what had happened to Chris. “There you are,” his voice cut through her thoughts as he stepped into the room from the balcony, “I was wondering if you’d ever make your way out of there.” “I’m sorry,” she turned to face him seeing him in a dark, navy colored suit and tie before her, “wow, you look...” “Yes?” He questioned with a smile as she rose from the bed nervously. “Well, a lot different than I’d imagined,” she admitted with a smile, “seeing as you don’t have that mud mask going for you right now.” “Then I take it you approve,” he flashed her a sexy smile. “Of course,” she nodded feeling a hair bounce beside her ear falling from the clip she’d placed it in. With a frown she reached for the dark, auburn lock ready to tuck it behind her ear as Chris stepped forward reaching out to her taking the soft, ringlet within his fingers. “Allow me,” he smiled moving to tuck her hair behind her ear before stopping himself as he met her dark eyes, “on second thought,” he reached for the clip in her hair, the base of his palm brushing up against the back of her neck causing tremors to rush through her body at his nearness, “I think you look more beautiful with it down,” he explained unclasping the clip in her hair as her dark, ringlets cascaded around her shoulders framing her soft features as a proud smile pressed over his lips, “I was right. You’re stunning.” “And you’re a flatterer,” Greta smiled nervously taking a step back as she felt the weight of his gaze upon her causing her to grow weak in the knees at his closeness. “I prefer the term charmer,” Chris offered up noting her shyness as he reached out to take her hand pressing a light kiss over the top of it, “of course in your case, I don’t believe flattery goes unspoken.” “You’d be surprised,” Greta let out a breath, “so um, are you ready for dinner?” “Well, I was,” Chris paused releasing her hand, “but then the hotel called and let me know that the dining room was closed for the evening.” “What?” her eyes widened. “Well, we did check in rather late and seeing as you took a while in there, well it looks like the dining room is out of the question,” Chris explained to her. “Chris, I’m so sorry,” Greta began apologetically, “had I known that I would’ve been the one to keep us from..” “You didn’t keep us from anything,” he extended his arm out towards her, “seeing as we couldn’t go to dinner, I took the liberty of having dinner brought to us. Shall we?” “But I thought you said,” she watched him closely. “Outside milady,” he replied with an inviting grin, “I hope you don’t mind dinner by moonlight.” “Oh you mean,” she looked back to the balcony noting the faint glow just outside the glass doors, “oh of course,” she accepted his arm, “that sounds wonderful.” “Excellent,” Chris replied leading her towards the balcony, “and this way it’ll give me a chance to get the know the woman who took me in without all the distractions of an annoying, underpaid waiter who’d just as soon see us split from this place.” “You’re quite the optimist, aren’t you,” she smiled back at him as he lead her out into the night. Gazing across the sky, she could see the stars shining brightly from the darkness, hanging close to the moon as a cool, gently breeze swept past her, “It’s beautiful tonight.” “Not nearly as beautiful as you are,” Chris answered watching her eyes light up as he placed his arm around her waist, “now if you’ll just follow me.” “Of course,” she sucked in a breath feeling her pulse quickening at the feel of his touch upon her. The warmth of his finger tips pressed over her hip as she turned to see a table set up for two before her eyes. It was covered in a light, lacy patterned table cloth that seemed iridescent beneath the moonlight and amidst the trays and champagne glasses was a dove shaped candle flickering gently with the breeze as Chris guided her to her seat. “Champagne?” he questioned reaching for the bottle as he circled around to his side of the table, “only the finest.” “Well in that case,” she smiled watching him pour her glass then his own before he took a seat across from her. “I hope you don’t mind that I took the liberty of ordering dinner for you,” Chris began motioning to the tray before her, “I hope you like Italian.” “I love Italian,” she replied looking down to the plate laid out before her as the sweet, intoxicating aroma filled her senses. Reaching for her fork, she offered up a soft smile before digging into her dinner taking the first delectable bite of the chicken, “mmm...this is good.” “Then I guessed right,” Chris smiled reaching out to his own meal as he watched her take another bite, “so tell me Greta, what are you going to be doing in New York?” “I thought you were going to play detective. You seemed to enjoy that,” she answered teasingly. “Well I did,” he replied noting the sparkle behind her dark eyes, “but I thought we’d take the time to get to know one another without all the guessing games...at least for now.” “So you’re not into games?” Greta raised a curious brow, “now why does that surprise me?” “What kind of man do you take me for Greta?” Chris mused with a smile. “I was beginning to wonder actually,” she admitted, “I don’t quite have you pegged it would seem.” “Is that a good thing?” “In my life, I like to pride myself on being a judge of character,” she hesitated. “But?” “But I usually am completely wrong about a person,” she confessed with a sigh, “I guess you could call it a curse.” “A curse?” he raised a brow, “now how could a woman as beautiful as yourself be cursed? I can’t see the gods offering up any kind of misfortune upon you.” “You’d be surprised,” she answered taking a sip of her champagne, “but enough about me, what about you?” “What about me?” “Oh come on. You want to keep searching for clues about me, so what about you? What do you do in New York?” “Drive people crazy,” Chris answered with a teasing grin. “I’m serious.” “So am I. It’s my job.” “To drive people completely insane? What are you a sadist?” “More of a maschochist really,” he answered with a hearty laugh, “but really, what do you think I am?” “Obviously a ladies man from this little set up here,” she noted her surroundings. “Set up? Why Greta, is that what you think this is? This is merely a thank you for your being kind enough to pick me up.” “Well, you did save my life,” she pointed out. “I suppose,” he nodded accordingly. “And not many conmen who are truly into the con would do such a thing,” she paused looking him over as if to size him up, “so I would guess beneath that cool exterior of yours, you have a soft side, maybe a heroic need lost within in.” “I’m a regular Clark Kent,” he chuckled in amusement, “is that what you’re saying?” “Is that what you’re trying to tell me?” “You tell me.” “I thought we weren’t playing any games Chris,” she set her fork down. “Is that what this is called,” he teased reaching out towards her hand touching it briefly, “what would you like to know?” “Who are you,” she asked lightly feeling a breeze wrap around her shoulders. “Just a man who was lucky enough to find his way into the arms of a very, beautiful fascinating woman,” he answered. “Ah, so you think you’re smooth,” she noted a bit uneasy as she turned her eyes away from him wondering if he could see the blush she felt rising over her. “I’d like to think so, but alas, I think I’m more of one of those cursed individuals you spoke of earlier.” “Now why do I seriously doubt that, Chris?” “Because you haven’t really had a chance to know me yet.” “That’s because you,” she turned her eyes towards him, “aren’t offering up any answers.” “Perhaps after a dance,” he extended his hand out to her, “may I have the honor?” “Well,” she pretended to think it over, “I suppose,” she agreed as he rose from his seat circling the table to help her up. Taking her into his arms, Greta heard the soft sounds of the wind around them and a tiny laugh built up in her throat, “there isn’t any music.” “It’s what’s in here,” he lifted her hand over his heart allowing her a moment to feel the strong, steady beats beneath her fingers as he drew her closer in his arms, “close your eyes.” “Why?” she asked tilting her head up towards him as she noted the deep, penetrating way he’d held her in his eyes. “Just do it,” he urged holding her closer yet, “and feel.” Despite her concerns, Greta closed her eyes leaning into Chris as the strong, solid rhythm of his heart guided them in a dance, in a song that was all their own as the moonlight cast their shadows upon the wall. Finding herself more at ease, Greta pressed herself into him allowing herself a taste of the warmth his strong arms provided. He held her with such natural ease, yet in his arms, she found a certain sense of safety, a tender feeling of comfort as their silent dance continued on. After what felt like an eternity in his arms, Greta opened her eyes noting that he’d kept his gaze fixed upon her. With a soft smile, she felt his finger trace the contours of her face, tenderly sweeping her hair from her eyes as she tilted her head upward feeling his lips just above hers and the warmth of him radiated over her capturing her in that moment. “So tell me Chris,” she broke the silence as she felt his breath within hers, “who are you?” “What would you say if I told you I was your destiny,” he questioned easing his lips over hers in a slow, tender kiss as she found herself eagerly accepting the motion of his embrace. Bringing her arms around him, she felt her body melt into his as their kiss deepened and a tremor rose from within her causing her knees to buckle away dropping her into his arms with a gasp, “whoa there,” he held her up as she looked to him with embarrassed eyes, “I know I’m good, but I didn’t think I was that good.” “Very funny,” she tried to compose herself as she stood taller clearing her throat before his arms wrapped around her once again, “so tell me Chris,” she tried to keep her head clear, “do you use that line often?” “Never,” he answered spinning her around in a livelier dance, “was it good?” “It had it’s merits,” she answered with a hint of laughter, “although I think you’ll have to do better than telling me that you’re my destiny. I need to know more about my destiny before I can decide if it is indeed meant for me.” “Fine,” he spun her around dipping her beneath the moonlight, “what do you want to know?” “What are you willing to tell me?” “It all depends,” Chris smiled. “On?” “On what I get from you,” Chris teased, “what were you doing in New York?” “I had a work related event,” Greta answered lightly. “What kind of work?” “You first,” she watched his eyes. “Can’t you tell?” “Let me guess. You swindle old ladies out of their fortunes,” she teased. “I gave that up decades ago. Try again,” Chris laughed lightly seeing the soft beauty the moonlight cast over her features. “Um, well I can’t say you’d be a humanitarian, though you do have the tendencies.” “You think you have me pegged,” he laughed lightly. “You keep me guessing.” “Alright, I’ll tell you,” he stopped moving keeping her in his arms, “I’m a salesman.” “A salesman,” she repeated with a nod, “I see.” “You don’t believe me?” “Should I?” she asked with a hint of laughter. “It’s the truth,” Chris nodded, “I was on my way to Chicago for a seminar.” “On?” “Shoes,” Chris replied. “So you’re a shoe salesman?” “Well, it isn’t the highest paying job, but it’s enough for a guy like me,” he answered lightly. “A shoe salesman that was driving a Ferrari and wearing Armani?” she raised a skeptic brow. “Hey, what can I say? I like to look good in what I do,” he slipped his fingers over her waist hugging her body closer to his, “besides can you tell me anything that looks more sensual than a woman getting dressed in the morning? The care that she takes in slipping into her pantyhose, the way her shoe hugs over her foot, caressing it, comforting it throughout the day...” “Oh please,” she let out a laugh, “if that was a line, it’s not working.” “And here I thought I was doing so good,” he chuckled lightly. “So really, what do you do?” “I’m a bartender,” Chris answered, “and I can whip up the finest martinis you’ve ever tasted in this lifetime.” “A bartender,” she nodded again, “right.” “Ah still in doubt,” he stepped away from her reaching for her hand, “come on. I’ll prove it to you,” he lead her into the room. “Where are we going?” “To give you the most enticing, delectable experience of your life,” He explained leading her over towards the mini bar, “have a seat and be ready to be amazed.” Greta watched him as he made his way behind the bar, looking quite at ease as he pulled together the essentials for the perfect martini. A smile lit up his handsome features as he looked to her. “Once you have a taste of this, I’m telling you that you’ll never go back,” Chris explained proudly finishing up their drinks before moving in beside her, “now here you are.” “Thank you,” she replied accepting the drink as she raised it to her lips. “Well?” “Oh that is good,” Greta confessed taking another sip, “very good indeed.” “Now do you believe me,” he questioned loosening his tie as he took a seat on the floor before her feet. “It might be a bit more convincing than it was before,” she admitted watching him slip out of his tie as he reached for her foot slipping it out of her velvety, black heel. Gently he set the shoe aside as he looked up to her still holding her foot within the palm of his hand. “What are you doing?” “Proving my other talents,” Chris answered gently massaging her foot, “It’s your turn now.” “I don’t know if I can concentrate with you doing that,” she answered a bit uneasy as she tried to pull her foot away. “Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle,” Chris smiled at her, “besides I’m trying to prove my worth.” “I think you’ve more than accomplished that one,” she answered with a soft smile as his fingers moved over the bottom of her foot, massaging her at just the right pressure and motion, “oh that feels nice.” “Are you convinced?” he questioned watching her close her eyes giving way to the feel of the massage. “I’m convinced,” she nodded in response feeling him ease her foot to the ground again and she opened her eyes feeling him reach for the other foot carefully dropping the shoe to the floor beside him. “Well, then what are you waiting for?” he questioned moving his heavenly fingers over her foot as he watched her relax before him. “I’m an artist,” Greta answered in a soft breath, “I’m going to New York for an expedition.” “An expedition?” he raised a curious brow, “what kind?” “I paint,” she admitted with a sigh, “it was something that ran in my family.” “Being a painter?” “My mother was quite skilled, one of the finest actually,” she continued on. “And you?” “I try, but I don’t think I live up to her legacy,” Greta admitted. “I’m sure you don’t give yourself nearly enough credit,” his fingers pressed over her ankle feeling her melt against his touch. “No, I’m fair in my assessment of myself,” Greta confessed, “I wasn’t nearly the woman my mother was, but I try to live up to the expectations she laid out for the world.” “I’m sure she’s still quite proud of you.” “She’s dead,” Greta answered sadly. “I’m sorry,” Chris stopped his massage opting to move onto the sofa beside her, “I didn’t mean to push.” “No, it’s okay,” Greta sighed, “she and I were rather estranged from one another for a long time and by the time I found her, well she was already far into her illness. At least I was able to say goodbye to her.” “I know what it’s like to lose a parent,” Chris confessed, “ I was seven when my mother passed away.” “I’m sorry to hear that,” Greta frowned slightly. “It was awful to live through, seeing as my father wasn’t exactly the most stand up guys,” Chris paused looking into her dark, concerned eyes, “hence the whole conman persona you saw before.” “I see,” she nodded, “it must’ve been hard to live with.” “Try being the oldest of five,” Chris admitted, “it was up to me to be the mother and father that we never had. It tends to pressure you a bit.” “I’ll say, but look at you now,” Greta smiled at him, “you’re a noble guy. I think your mother would be proud.” “I don’t know if she’d be happy with all the choices I’ve made. I did some really crazy things to get where I am in my life and even now with my job...” “Chris, what’s wrong with your job?” “My father was always expecting me to do more, to be more, but now,” he paused, “well, I don’t think anything he taught me came into play.” “I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing,” she leaned in towards him, “I mean look at you. You seem to be happy with what you do and quite good at it too,” she motioned towards the martini, “beyond that you’re a kind, caring man who happened to save my life this afternoon.” He let out a tiny laugh. “What’s so funny?” “It’s been a long time since anyone has said something like that about me,” Chris admitted with a smile, “you must be drunk.” “I’m not drunk silly,” she pressed her fingers over his shoulder, “I’m just calling it like I see it.” “And what do you see Greta?” “Someone I’m actually having a wonderful time with,” she leaned in closer to him, “someone who I feel fortunate to have encountered.” “I’m the fortunate one,” he whispered snaking his arm around her as he pulled her close to him on the sofa. Feeling her ease in against him, he moved his lips above hers taking a moment to inhale the sweet, floral scent of her hair as she closed her eyes lifting her chin up with his guidance. “I think we’re both pretty lucky,” she answered softly bridging the distance between them as their lips met in a tender union. Feeling Chris’ fingers fan out over her cheek, her mouth melded against his opening slightly as their kiss deepened. His arms slipped around her waist pulling her into his lap as his tongue gently probed hers seeking out a response from her.As a moan rose within her, Greta felt a warmth fill her body, washing over her being as his solid male form rested beneath her slender form. Feeling her breath taken from her, Greta pulled back from the kiss, finding herself lost in Chris’ eyes. Saying nothing she noticed the way that he too appeared to be flushed by what had just transpired between them. “That’s never happened to me before,” he confessed a note of surprise in his voice as his fingers pressed over her skin. “Me neither,” she admitted leaning forward to kiss him again, seeking out the same response as before hoping that somehow it would bring another new set of sensations from deep within her. As Chris wrapped his arms around her, she felt him easing her back onto the soft, his strong muscular form surrounding her, wrapping her up in his embrace as she held him to her kissing him again and again with an urgency unlike anything she’d ever known. “Greta,” he breathed against her lips as they parted from that moment. His eyes held her reaching down deep into her and seeking out something that Greta couldn’t quite put into words as his touch pressed over her body, learning her curves. “Chris,” she answered not knowing what to say as this feeling overtook her, absorbing deep into every synapse as he felt so right over her. She traced his spine, feeling the strength beneath his jacket as they connected again in a deeper, more passionate display than before. Silently, her walls were crumbling around her as this man, this beautiful stranger had seduced her with his passion, with his desire, with his touch. Never before had she found herself longing to be one with another as he held her, caressed her, took his time in learning her body’s forbidden secrets. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered trailing his lips over her skin tasting it’s sweetness as he reached for her hands bringing them up over her head as his lips tapered off over her neck to her shoulders, tracing soft patterns over the soft, vulnerable skin of her underarm. “Chris,” she spoke his name in a throaty whisper as she shifted beneath him longing to touch him, to feel him as he released her hands. She clasped him desperately yearning to know his body, as the warning signals were going off in her head. She kissed him again and again drowning deep in his ocean of pleasure as her heart was racing, her pulse a steady beat beneath the strength of his heart, “Chris, wait there’s something I have to tell you.” “Anything,” he tore his lips away from hers as he looked down to her seeing the beauty behind her features. “Chris,” she reached for his hand kissing each digit as he held her in his arms, “Chris, I don’t do things like this.” “Neither do I,” Chris confessed leaning down to kiss her again, “but there’s something about it that feels so right, so wonderful....” “I know,” she answered meeting his desperate kiss with a soft whimper as her hands traveled over the contours of his body, “but before we do this, you need to understand something...” “Are we really doing this,” he asked bringing his thick fingers through his dark hair as her head tipped back allowing him access to her neck. His lips pressed over her, tongue tasting the warmth of her pulse as her hands moved over the lapels of his jacket sliding it over his shoulders. “It feels that way,” she murmured her hands pressing over the buttons of his shirt as she longed to feel the heat burning beneath the surface, to lay against his heartbeat, feeling his life force with hers, “and I want this.” “I want it too,” he captured her mouth with his pulling her body up towards him as his hands slipped around her waist easing her shirt over her soft form. “Chris, I want this too, but there’s something,” she paused leaning back a bit allowing him to ease the soft, dark material over her shoulders as she took in a breath feeling the anticipation in her chest as his eyes fell upon her. “Greta, you’re so beautiful,” he whispered tugging her body against his as the touch of her skin sent tremors through him, bringing forth sensations he’d long pushed aside since his time after his ex-wife’s departure. His lips grazed over hers skimming the surface of her lips teasingly before eased over her silken flesh learning the depths of her desire. “Chris, I’ve never,” she sucked in a sharp breath as he held her against him, “I’ve never done anything like this before.” “Neither have I,” he confessed capturing her lips once more, “but there’s something about you, something about the two of us together right now, right here...” “I feel it too,” she whimpered melting into his touch as she tore herself away from him, “but Chris you need to know that I’ve never...” “Never,” he paused seeing the expression wash over her features as a blush spilled over her cheeks, “you mean...” “I didn’t want to say anything, but I figured it might be obvious,” she turned away from him, “I’m sorry.” “Wait a second,” he placed his hand on her shoulder, “Greta, are you trying to tell me that you’ve never made love before?” “It sounds silly, doesn’t it,” Greta refused to look at him. “No, it doesn’t, it’s just....” He was at a loss. “Just that someone my age, someone like me should’ve already experienced the act of making love...” “Well, I am surprised, but more so,” he reached out to her turning her to face him, “Greta, if you’ve never, I mean if you haven’t....” “I can understand why you wouldn’t want me now knowing that,” she pushed away from him rising from the sofa, “I knew telling you was going to be a mistake.” “No, Greta, it’s not that,” he fought to keep his breath even as he felt her pull away from him, “I mean it’s not what you’re thinking.” “Then what is it Chris?” she asked looking to him briefly. “It’s just,” he stammered for the words as he rose from the sofa as well, “we hardly know one another.” “Don’t you think I’ve thought about that,” she asked closing her eyes, “don’t you think I know how crazy this all seems?” “But still you want us to be together,” he questioned lightly placing his hand on her shoulder, “you want to be with me?” “Chris, this is going to sound insane, but I can’t even begin to explain to you what I’m feeling in this moment,” Greta spun around to face him, “time after time I’ve found reasons why I wanted to wait, reasons why waiting was the right thing, but now...” “What?” he questioned seeing the soft tears building behind her eyes. “I know that you and I are no more than strangers, but Chris, I just know, I can feel it,” she stepped in towards him, “when we found one another, somehow I just knew that you were the one.” “Greta, that’s a big step,” he offered touching her cheek, “I don’t want you to give me such a gift only to feel like I took advantage of you somehow, violated your trust.” “Chris, I wouldn’t have let things go this far if I wasn’t sure,” she admitted, “I know we don’t know each other like most people do, but Chris, there’s just something about you...something special....” “I feel it too,” Chris confessed as he reached out to her, “I could feel it when I saw you standing there in that convenience store, something about the way you came into my arms...” “Then let’s make magic tonight,” Greta urged leaning forward to kiss him again, “show me what it means to make love.” “Greta, if I make love to you, I want it to be something you’ll remember, something special,” Chris blurted out wrapping her up in his arms, “to have such a gift as the one you’re offering me...” “Chris, I’ve never wanted to give so much of myself to a man before,” she confessed her heart aching as he looked down at her, “please don’t tell me you don’t want me. Don’t tell me that you think I’m foolish for this...” “No,” he shook his head cupping her face in his hands, “you aren’t foolish. Not at all.” “Then make love to me,” she tipped her head up towards his kissing him softly, “be with me.” “I just don’t want you to regret this,” he replied pulling her into his arms as his desire for her overwhelmed his senses. While he’d found her to be a beautiful woman before this confession of hers now as he held her in his arms, there was something even more incredible about her, angelic as he realized what a prize he held against him. As they parted from a gentle kiss, Chris touched her cheek, “Greta, is this truly what you want?” “I want to lose myself with you,” she answered bringing her arms around him, pulling him into a deep embrace as their lips sought out the passion alive within each other. Knowing the desire behind her touch, Chris felt the woman before him, so alive, so beautiful, so precious in his arms as he lifted her from the ground keeping her slender form close to his. Carrying her in his arms, their kisses continued as he moved towards the bedroom wondering how he’d happened upon someone so beautiful, so pure, so trusting and in those moments of holding her, he felt a rush of emotions. Guilt, desire, passion, unworthiness, nervousness, anticipation all wrapped into one as he imagined what it would be like to bring her into his world. Gently laying her upon the comforter, he noted the way her hair spilled around her features wrapping her up in a beautiful blanket of auburn ringlets as his eyes feasted upon her longing flesh. She seemed so perfect, so beautiful as he touched her, learning the sweetness of her untouched perfection as her body melted into his touch. Chris moved in over her seeing her eyes caught up in a whirlwind of passion, fear and anticipation as he kissed her tenderly, slowly as he promised himself he would do everything in his power to make this night magical for her. His mouth grazed her skin, testing her responsiveness as her body arched up against his and a moan erupted within her. His hand played over her curves causing a tremor to rush through her as his fingers hooked in over the top of her skirt. Their eyes connected and he noted the nervousness was over her features as he kissed her tenderly, silently assuring her that the night would be nothing short of magic between them. Slowly tearing from her, Chris pressed tender, feathery light kisses over her skin making a path down her abdomen as his fingers eased the material of her skirt down her body easing it over her thighs as he gazed up into her dark eyes. She lifted her hips in response to his guidance as he pulled the skirt from her petal soft skin. As he stood before her, he noted the soft trembling that had overtaken her as he watched her intently. Discarding her skirt, Chris stood before her keeping his eyes fixed on her as he sensed her fear of the unknown. Reaching out to her slender, shapely leg, he lifted it from the mattress in a tender hold as his lips pressed an affectionate kiss against the arch of her heel as a breath escaped from her lungs. Greta held him in her gaze as she felt his heavenly touch. His lips tapered off over her heel placing feathery light kisses over her toes before he kissed the tips causing a rush of heat to surge through her. As she opened her mouth to speak, he gently placed her toe between his lips, leaving no inch of her untouched as he worshiped her body. She closed her eyes feeling the suction of his mouth over her as her body melted against his attentions. As she found herself wrapped up in the whirlwind of emotions he’d brought to life within her, he eased her leg back down upon the mattress before reaching for her other foot offering up the same languorous response. A soft sigh escaped from Greta’s lips as he held her, doting all his attention upon her as she felt him lower her leg once again. Greta’s lips curled into a purr as he’d managed to put her body at ease with such a simple, tender gesture that when he’d pulled away she’d felt a coldness rush over her by his absense. Much to her surprise, the chill was replaced by a warmth as she felt the damp softness of his lips pressed against her abdomen kissing her stomach lightly. Opening her eyes, Greta reached out to him drawing his lips to hers for a kiss as he held her, drawing her into his arms protectively. “Oh Chris,” she replied kissing him again as he rolled onto his back giving her a chance to adjust to the feel of his body beneath hers. Her eyes widened a bit as she lay against the turgid rod of his manhood beneath her, but more so she surprised herself in the deep, profound reaction her body had offered him. She shifted above him longing to feel him as a part of her, to know what it was like to have him as a part of her as anticipation flooded her mind. “You’re amazing Greta,” Chris whispered pulling her against him as his hands traveled over her back reaching out to the hook on her bra. He gently eased it apart as their lips parted. Her lip trembled slightly as he rose to an elevated position keeping her in his lap as the soft, white material parted, “we’ll take this as slow as you need,” he assured her kissing her again with a slow, subtle determination, “if this is too much...” “No,” she shook her head bringing his thumbs up beneath her bra straps urging him to alleviate the material from her body, “go on.” “Alright,” he replied sliding the straps down her shoulders as his eyes remained fixed upon the chocolate depths before him. He touched her cheek keeping his gaze upon her beautiful features as the material fell from her soft form. As Greta looked to him, she bit on her lower lip feeling the weight of her nakedness as her breasts were exposed to him. Unable to imagine what his response would be to her, she remained frozen waiting for him to look at her as he kept his eyes upon her surprising her with another tender kiss as he pulled her body against his. Her heart was racing as he kissed her again and again, fingers rushing through her hair as he held her close allowing her the time to adjust to the feel of their connection, of the passion behind their skin against skin. “Chris,” she purred his name breathlessly as they parted and she wrapped his arms around her keeping herself safe within the confines of his arms. “You feel incredible,” Chris confessed keeping her close to him as his eyes never strayed from hers, “you are by far the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.” “I’m sure you tell all the ladies that,” she offered up with a nervous laugh as they remained in their intimate position holding onto one another as he looked deep within her, keeping his eyes fixed on hers. “Never,” Chris shook his head gently tumbling her back onto the mattress as he pressed over her, “I’ve never believed it about anyone until now.” “Chris you don’t have to,” she began as he silenced her with a kiss. “It’s the truth,” he replied his palms tracing over her sides, feeling the trembling beneath his touch as his fingers crept in over her navel. He tipped down to kiss her again as she lay back into the pillows easing into his touch. Seeing she was a bit more comfortable in his arms, Chris allowed his fingers to taper off over her breastbone, feeling the warmth of her heart beating beneath his touch as a breath fell from her lips. Seeing her at ease with his touch, he gently captured her soft flesh within his touch as he drank a moan from her lips. Feeling Greta tense up as he held her, caressing her full, swollen flesh, he continued to kiss her hoping to alleviate her concerns as he gently kneaded and caressed her breast. Her kiss softened as he continued to touch her learning her responsiveness to him. As they parted he traced her lip with his index finger before his kisses tapered off over her skin learning the taste of the untouched beauty of Greta before his mouth closed over the tense peak of her arousal. “Chris,” Greta gasped his name as his mouth pressed over her. She closed her eyes lost in the sensations he was drawing out from within her as his tongue swept over her bringing about something she’d never quite felt before. A cry erupted within her as his teeth grazed her taut skin, drawing her deeper into his mouth with every skilled, patient movement, “oh Chris,” she ran her nails over his back feeling the power of his seduction as her body grew tense, tight, then washed over with a warm flame licking over her features as he somehow drew her out from within. Just as she found herself taken to the point of no return, somehow Chris had managed to capture her again, drawing her into his cauldron of desire as her body became his for the taking, ready to learn the passion his mouth promised her. As she cried out beneath him, he held her close to him, drawing his hands over her spine pulling her to him as his mouth pressed over the unattended breast offering up the same, undivided attention and pleasure that he’d offered her moments earlier. Greta felt another moan rising from within her as she fought to restrain herself biting on her lower lip as her body caused her to react in ways she’d hadn’t dreamt possible as this man, this handsome stranger had cast some wonderful, mystical spell over her turning her over to the forbidden desires she’d ran from. As he pulled away from her, his lips traveled over her body making their way to her mouth as he kissed her again with a growing fire present beneath his lips. He was taking his time, going to painstaking lengths to make this right for her and as she held him, she realized the pleasures he’d provided her were small in comparison to the one she’d been asking of him. Her legs hugged his body over hers as she raised her hips from the mattress to meet him. Chris began his hands easing over her pert bottom as he removed her soft, cotton panties giving her body complete access to him as he moved in over her once again. Her eyes widened as he brushed up against her, his solid, rock hard form pressing against her thigh as his size caused her to gasp. “Greta, I just need you to know,” Chris began sensing her hesitation as he moved just above her opening realizing what a moment like this could mean to someone like her. His hand pressed against her cheek as he leaned forward to kiss her, “there will be a moment where things will feel...” he paused seeking out the word, “if you want to do this, know that I don’t want to hurt you.” “You’re not going to hurt me,” She smiled in response as her arms hooked over him, “you’ve done anything but...” “I only want to show you a world of pleasure,” he answered kissing her again, her trusting eyes upon him as he sucked in a sharp breath pressing himself into the damp folds of her womanhood as a cry erupted within her. He could see the visible discomfort behind her eyes as he stilled himself within her knowing that this was something she’d never experienced before. His hand pressed over her cheek as he eased himself a bit further within her and she let out another whimper, “let me know if you want me to stop,” he spoke uneasily as she tensed up beneath him tears forming in the corner of her eyes at his penetration. “No,” she shook her head despite the pain that had ripped through her. Something about his eyes forced her to look beyond the moment of discomfort as his lips pressed over her cheek tasting the saltiness of the tear that escaped from her dark eyes, “don’t stop.” “It’s only going to get better,” Chris promised her as her body adjusted to him, easing beneath his touch as his arms held her close to him, “I promise you,” he whispered again slowly moving within her as Greta clung to him allowing him to set the pace between them as her heart pounded beneath him. Holding him tightly, Greta found the unpleasant feelings of his body’s invasion transpiring into something more as her hips pressed up gently to meet him, to allow him access to her, to allow him access to that special part of her she’d kept to herself all this time. His mouth moved over hers, kissing her softly, gently as they moved together in slow, solid motions falling into the rhythm their lovemaking had brought about. Her eyes softened as his palm pressed over her cheek whispering words of assurances to her as things picked up between them. Her heart was racing, body burning with sensations unlike anything she’d ever experienced as he made love to her. Lost in his arm, in his eyes, in his touch, she felt him reach deep within her drawing out a part of her, a lost feeling that only he seemed to be able to reach as they made love. Somehow this man had not only found a way to possess her body, but he’d captured her heart, her soul, her very essence as a soft moan rose from within her.Chris kissed her again and again feeling his own need building within her as her body held him tightly, drawing him on with each careful thrust of his body. She arched up to meet him, her cries of passion threatening to tear his control away from him as she began to move with him, her body now at ease as she surrounded him. Her arms pressed around his shoulders, holding him closer as things took on a new level, a new intensity between them as her breathing labored, growing ragged with his as their hearts pounded seeking out some kind of release. Chris noted the look of apprehension behind Greta’s eyes as he realized her hold on control was slipping away. He kissed her passionately as his hands sought out her fingers wanting to ease her into this moment with him as the first wave of her climax rushed over her inspiring a new kind of explosion within her as a cry spilled from her lips. “Don’t fight it,” Chris felt her tensing up beneath him as he squeezed her hands, “just let your heart be your guide,” he urged kissing her again as she gave herself over to her climax drowning him deep within her velvety depths. Unable to restrain himself a moment longer, Chris gave way to her climax riding the wave with her as he too lost himself within the beauty and magic of the precious offering Greta had given him. Moments after their passion died down, Chris held Greta in his arms keeping her close to him as he rolled over onto his back pressing a kiss over her forehead as she nestled into his chest, “How are you feeling,” he asked breaking the silence as he kissed her gently. “Incredible,” she confessed her damp hair pressed against his chest as his fingers tapered off over her spine, “I had no idea it could be like that.” “I just wanted it to be perfect for you,” Chris admitted realizing what a precious gift he held in his arms as this woman had managed to reach into him in ways he hadn’t thought possible since love had evaded him in Port Charles. There was something about him, something about her innocence, her spirit, her trust in him that had captivated him. He was somehow lost in her, imagining what it would be like to hold this woman for eternity as she lay against him in perfect ease. “It was magical,” she pressed a kiss over his chest exhaustion overtaking her as she nestled over him beneath the blankets. “You’re magical Greta,” he replied determined to keep her close to him and in his life after she’d awakened something inside of him in this night they shared, “too perfect for words.” “Now you’re just trying to make me feel better,” she turned her eyes towards him. “No I mean it,” he touched her cheek gently, “you’re an amazing woman Greta.” “Chris, you have no idea how much this means to me,” she answered rising up to kiss him once more as she realized that in a night her world had changed, her dreams had somehow come true and all her desires had been awakened and fulfilled in the arms of an incredible stranger. As she snuggled into his arms, she thought about her life before meeting Chris Ramsey and somehow it seemed as though she’d hadn’t lived before this night in his arms and a tiny fear built up inside her as she imagined having to go on without this feeling he’d provided her with. Was it possible she was falling in love with this handsome stranger that had managed to work his way into her heart without even realizing it and more importantly, she frowned as she closed her eyes trying to ease herself to sleep, was he feeling it too, or was she once again setting herself up for heartache? Only time would tell... |