A/N: I would like to say before hand that I do not own the characters in this story THOUGH the story is of my own creation. I merely like to fantasize about Damon Salvatore and what shannanigans he could get into. Please read and enjoy chapter one of Just a Kiss...
Chapter 1
New Years Eve
Elena woke with a pounding headache. Why had she had that third vodka and tonic? Or the fourth?
Or the fifth?
Because you wanted to drown your sorrows and for once not feel anything the voice in her aching head whispered.
Well at least she'd slept.
Like a brick.
Groaning she pulled herself out of the bed and headed for the adjoining bathroom. Looking in the mirror she grimaced at her haggard reflection. Sighing she grabbed a washcloth and set about making herself presentable. After a very long and full hour of careful ministrations Elena deemed herself fit for public. Returning to her room she grabbed one of her favorite yellow sundresses and slipped it over her head before braiding her hair in a long plait down her back.
Slipping on a pair of wedge sandals she headed for the sun deck. She loved the feel of the sun on her face and the wind in her hair. It wouldn t be too terrible if it helped rid her of the ache still lingering in her brain as well.
She wasn't disappointed, the sun was shinning bright and glorious in the azure sky. A light breeze tickled the few tendrils of hair that had escaped her dark chestnut braid. Her bright warm chocolate eyes lit up at the sight of the turquoise sea that surrounded her little slice of heaven. Leaning against one of the railings, Elena let the sight envelope her. This was exactly what she needed. All her worries just seemed to disappear when the sun was shining and the water was clear.
She pushed back from the rail. Her stomach was empty and she really needed to correct that. Turning she made her way into the dining room.
Damon Salvatore stepped from the shower and reached for a towel. Tomorrow was the last day of the cruise. They would be headed back into port the day after and he would be well on his way to a new job and hopefully, a new life. He toweled off vigorously before dressing and heading for the door. Breakfast awaited him and a day of no plans followed.
Damon entered the dining room and scanned for an empty table. It seemed the entire cruise had slept in and arrived at breakfast at the same time. Which meant it would be hard to find a table to himself. He groaned inwardly, and headed for the buffet line. Grabbing a plate he set off down the line adding a bit of this, looking at that, filling his plate before once again searching for a secluded spot. After what seemed like an eternity he found an empty table for two near an open window. Perfect. As he made his way towards his new found haven a flurry of motion caught his eye. A young woman in a flattering yellow sun dress was making a beeline for his spot. Looking her over he noticed her long, dark, chestnut hair braided down her back, and her olive skin glowing in the mid morning sun. Simply put she was stunning. He watched as she sat down hiding behind the potted palm with the open ocean breeze whispering across her face. If it had been anyone else Damon would have been there in a flash kicking the rude out of the person who dared to sit in his seat. But for some unknown reason he hesitated. Sighing he turned and sat at an almost empty table to enjoy his breakfast.
Elena watched as the sun began to set over the crystal blue water. Soon the New Years festivities would begin. There was a huge dinner planned, formal wear of course, dancing, and drinking. She sighed, was it sad that the only thing she was looking forward to was the endless champagne and the open bar? She stood up from the lawn chair she had been lounging on and headed for her cabin. She supposed it was time to start getting ready for the evening. Ball gowns didn't put themselves on you know.
She reached her cabin and unlocked the door stepped inside and switched on the light casting a romantic glow over the small area. She moved to the closet and pulled out the garment bag that hung there. Before heading for the shower she laid the bag across the bed. Switching on the hot water she stripped and stepped in. Relishing the feel of the water cascading down her body she slowly lathered and washed. Unfortunately it also awakened that slow burn in the center of her being. It had been months since Stefan had even looked at her with any interest. She understood why now. But that still didn't make it any easier to accept. Or fix. She wanted so badly to just... give in. Give in to the need that was slowly blossoming through out her entire body. God what she wouldn't do to be on that bed with some hot stranger taking and giving each other something they both wanted, no, needed.
Shutting off the water she stepped from the shower reluctantly before she gave into her fantasy. Walking to the bed she stared at it longingly but grabbed her bag instead. Stepping into the shimmering gold and black floor-length strapless number with a sweetheart neckline that she had so carefully picked out weeks ago, she felt sad. What was the point? It wasn't like she had anyone to share these moments with. Near to tears she zipped the dress shut before she could change her mind and headed towards the bathroom to fix her hair and put the finishing touches on her smokey-eyed make up. She wanted to look perfect. Maybe the evening would go her way, and maybe, just maybe her fantasies would become realities.
Damon's tux fit him like it was made for him. Which it was. But still, he looked damn good and he knew it, as did all the single ladies that were eyeing him like meat. He smirked. It felt good to be appreciated. He worked hard to look this good. Hitting the gym 5 days a week, running 5 miles a day, and eating right were worth it. But there was one person he wanted to see, if only for a moment. The girl in the yellow sundress had yet to make an appearance and it was nearing the ten o clock mark.
As Damon made his way to the bar to refill his Bourbon, the doors swung open to reveal the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes upon. The gold and black gown hugged her body like a silken second skin flaring out from the hips into a full skirt that brushed the floor as she glided to stand near him at the bar. Her hair was pulled to one side with spiral curls bouncing with every step. As she neared, he saw her eyes were a beautiful shade of chocolate brown, swirling and pulling him in.
"Champagne please."
Her voice was smooth like silk, but with a hint of husk. He hoped his arousal wasn't as obvious as he felt it to be. She thanked the barkeep as he handed her a flute, his fingers lingering longer than necessary on her hand. Damon s amazing restraint was the only thing stopping him from snapping the mans fingers like twigs. And he had no idea where the anger had come from. He didn't even know her name.
She turned and headed for an empty table with her drink in hand. Damon watched her go and headed for the deck. He needed some air to not only clear his head but to clear his pants as well, they were getting awfully tight.
Elena felt his eyes on her as she walked away. He was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. His iced blue eyes were framed with lashes as dark as his raven hair. His face was like Adonis made flesh. He was easily the hottest guy on the cruise. She wondered why she hadn't had the pleasure of running into him before.
Because you've been too wrapped up in Stefan to notice anyone else The annoying voice of reason had returned.
Out of the corner of her eye Elena saw the Greek God exit through the doors leading to the deck. She sipped her drink allowing the alcohol to soothe her nerves, her mind, and numb her aching heart. She knew she d regret tonight tomorrow. The bubbles tingled on her tongue. She took another sip, rolling it in her mouth before swallowing. The champagne was excellent. Emptying her glass Elena stood and placed it on a tray that was being brought around for empties. Grabbing another one she headed for the dance floor. Might as well get her money's worth. Right?
Damon stood on the deck looking at the stars. It was almost midnight and he had been standing there for nearly 2 hours. But every-time he thought he d be fine to return to the party, his thoughts returned to her, and his pants were tight all over again. Thankfully the waiters were roaming the decks as well, or he d be dealing with this sober.
The doors opened and out stepped the girl he couldn't seem to escape.
"Oh Hello there." She said with a giggle, "I didn't see you standing there."
She turned to leave stumbling slightly as she went. She was drunk, he could tell.
"Wait" Damon started after her, afraid she d fall over the railing.
The girl stopped and turned, stumbling back his way. Damon stepped forward and met her half way.
"Why don't you join me?" He said grabbing her around the waist to keep her from tripping over the lounge chair beside her.
"I'm Damon"
"That sounds like a plan Damon." She said happily as he lowered her to the chair.
"Your eyes are amazing" She said suddenly blushing furiously.
"Thank you." He said grinning like a fool.
"I'm Elena by the way." She said offering her hand, "And I m not usually such a lush... I've had a bad... year." She apologized.
Damon laughed.
"You're a cute lush though."
It was Elena's turn to laugh.
Damon looked at his watch. Eleven fifty-eight.
"So I'm sure you'll be wanting to get back to your boyfriend, its almost midnight, wouldn't want to miss that magical midnight kiss." He said standing reluctantly.
Elena's eyes started to mist. She lowered her head to her hands. Damon was confused.
"Did I say something?" He asked crouching down to her level.
Elena shook her head.
"No." Her voice was thick with unshed tears.
Damon lifted her head. He couldn't help himself. He held her face between his hands, leaned in, and placed his lips against hers as the fireworks exploded above them.
Alrighty that was chapter one I hope you guys enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed (and agonized over) writing it. I know its been a long time coming and I wanted to make sure it was absolutely perfect before releasing it to be read. I want to thank somethinprettty for taking the time to beta and critique my work. Please feel free to review favorite and or follow this story. It would mean the world to me if people liked what I write. Til the next chapter,
XoX
Bonnie