AN: I am so sorry for the delay in getting this chapter out. I had major technical difficulties. My boyfriend broke my lap top and then I crashed my desk top. So up until recently I have been without a computer. The good news is that I am back in business and I plan to have the updates more regularly.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the reviews! They have been so very encouraging. I love reading them. Thank you!

Now, about the story, let me assure everyone this is indeed a Bonnie and Jeremy pairing. I said in the summary that Jeremy would have competition for Bonnie and that is what happened in chapter 3 with Damon's introduction to the story. But rest assured that Bonnie and Jeremy are my preferred end game.

Now, I have outline three separate endings to story, (one that has Bonnie with Jeremy, one with Tyler and one with Damon.) If I get overwhelming feedback for one guy over another, I am willing to write the ending that everyone wants.

I hope everyone enjoys this chapter! I stayed up to almost 3:30 in the morning to finish it. Please read and review!

Chapter 4

The doorbell to the Bennett house rang incessantly. Bonnie groggily opened her eyes and cursed silently. She glanced over at the clock on her nightstand. It read 5:06 AM. No wonder she was so tired. After an awkwardly silent car ride with Stefan, she arrived home just after midnight last night. Unable to sleep, she'd paced the house for over an hour. Her mind raced with the events of the evening. Has she really kissed Damon? And so passionately? She'd kissed a few people in her day and none of those kisses compared to what she felt with Damon. She laid down around 1 AM and prayed to go to sleep. She last remembered seeing the clock at 1:57 AM before sleep finally overtook her.

The doorbell rang again and Bonnie cussed out loud this time. She threw off the covers and stumbled out of bed. "Hold on! I'm coming!" Bonnie yelled. "Who the hell could this be?" She asked herself. She walked down the stairs and to the front door. She peered out of the peep hole in the door. She didn't see anyone.

"Who is it?" She called out.

"Your dream lover," came the reply. It was Damon. Bonnie felt her pulse quicken and reflexively she tried to fix her hair. She then caught herself and forced her hands to her side in frustration. Damon was not someone for which she needed to worry about her appearance. She didn't care what he thought about her, or at least that's what she told herself.

"What do you want, Damon?' Bonnie demanded from behind the closed door.

"Open the door and find out." Damon ordered. Bonnie didn't move to open the door. She didn't have to do anything Damon asked. She considered going back upstairs to bed.

"Come on, Bonnie." Damon said drawing out the sentence. "I know you're still there. Open the door."

Bonnie relented and pulled open the door. "What do you want?" she barked. She looked at him. He was dressed in a black tee shirt and jeans. Her heart increased at just the site of him. He seemed to know as a cocky smirk crept across his face.

"Now now. Is that any way to treat a guy who has come all this way so early in the morning to do you in a favor?" He smiled at Bonnie, but she didn't return the gesture. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"

"Not on your life." Bonnie answered. "And what favor could you possibly be here to do for me at 5 o'clock in the morning?"

"Well since we left your car behind last night I figured to could use a ride to go get it." Damon explained. He leaned on the doorframe as he spoke.

"Oh." Bonnie stated softly. "Thanks, but I don't think we should go. How do we know it's safe? It's so close to Club Oz that the other witches have surely they found it by now."

"Don't worry. I scoped it out before I came over. It's safe." Bonnie stared him expectantly. "What?" Damon asked.

"When did you do all of this?"

"Earlier this morning." Damon explained. "Don't look at me that way. I'm a vampire. Nighttime is when I do my best work."

"But your wound!" Bonnie admonished him. "Damon, you should be resting."

"Calm down, Mother Hen. I went to sleep after you left and woke up a couple of hours later completely healed."

"That's good."

"I'm touched you cared." Damon stated. He reached through the door and stroked her hair. "If you'd invite me in I'd touch you back."

"Damon, maybe we should talk about –" Bonnie began. The house phone ringing cut her off. She walked over and answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Bon-Bon? It's Dad."

"Hi Daddy. What's up?" Bonnie stated.

"I am surprised to hear you sounding so chipper this early in the morning."

"Oh, I was already up. I uh, I had to go to the bathroom." Bonnie lied. "What's up?"

"I was just calling to let you know I won't home this morning like I thought. There is more damaged here anyone suspected. I am getting ready to go into surgery now which is why I had to call this early. I wanted to catch you before you went to school."

"I understand, Dad. When do you think you'll be home?"

"Unfortunately when I finish up here I have to head over to Mercy General for my regular shift. I won't be home until later tonight."

"OK.I have cheerleading practice after school and then I was going over to Grams house."

"Bonnie," Dr. Bennett began. She could hear the disapproval in her father's voice. "I know your grandmother left you that house in her will, but I don't like you spending much time over there."

"I know Dad. I'll just be over there a couple of hours."

"That's fine. Although I won't be there, I want you home by 10:00 PM, Ok Bon Bon?"

"Ok, Dad." Bonnie stated. She hung up the phone and turned around to see Damon still on the porch smiling at her.

"Bon Bon. That's cute."

"Do you always eavesdrop on people's conversations?"

"As a matter of fact, yes." Damon reply. "It's one of the benefits of have superhuman hearing."

"Whatever. Let's go." She stated. She walked toward him in the doorway.

"While I love the Hello Kitty tee shirt and the little boy shorts you're wearing, I don't think Daddy dearest would appreciate you leaving house dressed like that."

"Oh God!" Bonnie exclaimed. She'd forgotten she was still in her bedtime attire. Embarrassed she ran out of the room and up the stairs. She returned a few moments later with sweat pants and a zip up hoodie.

"I think I like you better dressed the other way." Damon cooed. Bonnie ignored that and walked out the door.

"Let's go."

"Whatever you say, Bon Bon." Damon added.

XOXOXOXOXO

Damon pulled to side of the road. He could see Bonnie's Prius a few yards away. Bonnie had pulled off of the trail and actually into the forest. It was a little after 6:00 in the morning and the sun was just creeping over the horizon.

He looked over at Bonnie to see her sleep in the passenger side of the car. He'd hoped they'd talk during the 50 minute drive, but Bonnie fell asleep almost immediately once he started moving. He felt more drawn to Bonnie then he had any other woman before, with the exception of Katherine. That kiss last night ignited a fire he hadn't felt a long time. He was certain he and Bonnie would have made love had his idiot brother not interrupted them.

Bonnie shifted in her seat as if she felt Damon's eyes on her even as she slumbered. Her eyes fluttered opened and met Damon's as she watched her.

"I'm sorry." She apologized. "I must have fallen asleep." She looked out her window. "Wow, we are here already. I slept the entire car ride."

"That you did." Damon confirmed. "Snoring like freight train the entire way."

"I do NOT snore!" Bonnie objected vehemently. She looked over at Damon and saw he was smiling. "You're messing with me."

"You have no sense of humor." Damon said as he opened his car door. "Come on, I'll walk you to your car."

"You don't have to." Bonnie stated as she got out of the car. "This isn't the end of a date."

"Whatever. I'm still getting a good night kiss."

"A vampire and a witch making out isn't a sight you see every day." A voice called out from above them. Damon was immediately in front of Bonnie, shoving her behind him to protect her.

"No need to fear me." The voice called again. Damon looked up and could see a brown hair man standing on the branch of one of the trees. In one spectacular leap he landed in front of Damon.

"I don't think we've met." The witch stated holding out his hand. Damon didn't take it. The man put his hand down. "You're Damon Salvatore. Your reputation precedes you."

"Yours doesn't." Damon stated. "Who the hell are you?"

"Tim. Tim Black." There was a drawl to his voice and it was clear he wasn't from this area of the country. "You remember me, don't you Bonnie?" Tim asked. He cocked his head to look around Damon who was still shielding Bonnie. "I tried to stop you from going in the club last night."

"Yeah, you were the door man." Bonnie stated. She moved from behind Damon. You were a real jerk last night."

"You shouldn't have been here." Tim declared. "Club Oz is no place for a young pretty witch, no matter how powerful she is."

"You seem to know a lot about us. How is that?" Damon asked. He again stepped in front of Bonnie and in Tim's direct line of sight.

"Your reputation as an aggressive force to be reckoned with seems to be well founded. You don't disappoint, Mr. Salvatore."

"Ass kissing gets you nowhere. What do you want?"

"To offer my assistance, nothing more." Tim stated. "Just like I tried to last night."

"If that's any indication of your effectiveness, you suck." Damon leveled against Tim. "She was almost killed last night and I don't remember you doing anything to help."

"It's not that simple, Vampire." Tim fired back. "Nothing dealing with witches ever is. And quite frankly this is none of your business."

"Anything dealing with this witch is my business." Damon declared.

"Whoa guys!" Bonnie interrupted forcing herself in between Damon and Tim. "I don't even understand what's going on here or what you guys are fighting about."

"Look, I came here to help." Tim began backing away from the two. "The world of witches is dangerous place." He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "I can get you the answers you need."

Damon reached forward and pulled Bonnie back. "That's enough of that."

"Your pet seems quite jealous." Tim stated. "We'll talk again when you're alone." With Tim bound away from the duo and seem to vanish in thin air.

Damon turned to Bonnie. "What'd he say to you?"

"You mean you weren't listening?" Bonnie teased.

"I tried." Damon admitted. "But for some reason I couldn't hear. It must have been some witch's trick."

"He didn't say anything you need to worry about." Bonnie informed him. She walked to her car and opened the driver's door. "Thanks for the lift, Damon. I'll see you around."

"That's it?" Damon asked. He began to walk towards her.

"That's it." Bonnie answered. She started her car and began to drive away.

XOXOXOXOXO

"So what's up with you and Bonnie?" Elena asked. She was driving and her brother was on the passenger side.

"What do you mean?" Jeremy asked. He had the visor down and was down and was fixing his hair.

"I mean you've been playing with your hair the entire car ride over here. It's just Bonnie we're going to see."

"I know where we are going. " Jeremy stated. He closed the visor. "And there is nothing up with me and Bonnie. We are just having a rematch on video games."

"And when was the last time you put on cologne to play video games?" Elena asked with a smirk on her face. "I didn't even know you owned cologne."

"Come on, Elena." Jeremy pleaded. "Give me a break."

"Alright." Elena acquiesced. "So that's the plan tonight? You are just going to play video games?"

"I guess. " Jeremy answered. "Bonnie told me she had a surprise and asked me to meet her at her Grams' house."

"A surprise? That's sounds interesting." Elena came to a stop in front of Grams' house and turned the car off. "I don't see Bonnie's car so I don't think she is here yet. We'll have to wait." Elena stated. She turned in her seat to face Jeremy. "So, what do you think the surprise is?"

"I don't know." Jeremy answered. "Did she say anything at school today?"

"No, but I could tell she was hiding something." Elena recalled. Her mind flashed back to their lunch period. She, Bonnie and Caroline were sitting on one of the benches outside the school, enjoying the nice weather.

-START FLASHBACK-

"I totally found the perfect dress for prom!" Caroline announced excitedly.

'Hey!"Elena protested. "I thought we were going dress shopping this Friday."

"I know, I know." Caroline began. "I just browsing through a catalog I got in the mail and inside of it was this perfect white dress! It's strapless and has beautiful silver embroidery around the top and the waist. It was too perfect not to buy. I had to get it. But don't worry; we'll still go shopping for you two on Friday."

"I don't know why I am going." Bonnie stated. "It's not like I have a prom date or anything."

"What about Tyler?" Caroline asked with a mischievous smile.

"Oh please!" Bonnie stated. "We haven't even gone out on one date yet. Prom is not even something we are going to talk about."

"From what you told me, I think your first date was Monday when you were at the Grill." Caroline stated as she bit into one of her apple slices.

"No way!" Bonnie objected.

"I agree with Caroline." Elena chimed in. "Think about it. You guys went to dinner-"

"At the Grill!" interrupted Bonnie. "We go there all the time!"

"But not together." Caroline stated.

"And you guys talked and got to know each other." Elena finished. "Isn't that what dating is all about?"

"If that was a first date, it was awful!" Bonnie concluded. "He was arrogant and condescending and we were constantly interrupted. And instead of ending with a good night kisses, we did homework."

"Alright, so it wasn't a perfect first date, but it was a first date nonetheless." Caroline stated. Bonnie rolled her eyes and all three girls laughed.

"What am I going to do with you two?" Bonnie asked.

"Dress shopping this weekend, that's what." Caroline answered. "When we are out this weekend, remind me to pick up some moisturizer. After finding that dress in the catalog I had to beg my mother to buy it. It was almost twice the amount we agreed I could spend on a dress. I literally followed her around the house on my knees until she caved in."

"Wow that must be some dress!" Elena stated.

"Like I said, it's perfect." Caroline agreed. "Prom night will be perfect. The three of us and our dates will all go together. I wonder how much a limo cost."

"Caroline, we do not need a limo!" Bonnie complained.

"I know you are all eco-friendly with your Prius, Bonnie, but we are not ridding in that thing to prom! Besides, I saw it this morning and it was cover in mud and there were scratches. Where you trying to go off-roading in that thing"

"Me?" Bonnie asked suddenly. "No. I don't know." she lied. She could tell them about her trip to Club Oz. And she especially could tell them about Damon!

"You don't know how your car became covered in mud and scratched?" Elena asked confused.

"No. That's not what I meant." Bonnie said quickly. "I drove into a ditch yesterday." she covered. "I swerved to miss a raccoon or something in the road and wound up in a ditch. It's no big deal."

Bonnie could tell from the look Elena gave her that she didn't the lie, at least not completely. She moved on quickly before anymore questions could be asked. "What stores are we hitting this weekend?"

"Oh my God! I have it all mapped out!" Caroline began. She prattled on, laying out the shopping plans for the weekend.

Bonnie stole a quick glance at Elena. Her best friend was paying attention to Caroline, but the confused looked hadn't completely dissipated. Bonnie hated lying to her, but there was no way she was going to tell about last night, what she did with Damon and worse, what she wanted to do.

-END FLASHBACK-

"It's probably better that you don't know anything." Jeremy stated snapping Elena out of her memories. "I wouldn't want to ruin Bonnie's surprise."

"No," Elena agreed. "We would want to do anything to take away from that." From the tone in her voice, Jeremy could tell she was mocking him.

"Elena, we are only friends." Jeremy insisted. "Just like you and Bonnie are just friends."

Elena laughed. "I don't know if you actually believe that, but I certainly don't. She's clearly had an effect on you."

"No she hasn't."

"Yes she has!" Elena insisted. "Proof is that the fact that you can't stop smiling."

"I can too!" Jeremy declared. He wiped the smile from his face, but it was only gone a second or two before reappearing. They both laughed at his failure.

"This isn't a bad thing." Elena assured him. "If memory serves, you've had a crush on her before."

"Come on Elena!" Jeremy groaned. "I was in the first grade."

"And you drew the cutest picture for her. What was it again?"

"It was a horse. She used to go horseback riding all of the time."

"I remember. I also remember how you cried when she threw it away."

"That was so embarrassing!" Jeremy exclaimed.

"She didn't have a choice." Elena explained. "I spilled orange juice all over it so she couldn't keep it. It was ruined."

"Why didn't anyone tell me that then?" Jeremy questioned.

"We tried, but you wouldn't listen. You were convinced she just didn't want it. Remember what you did then?"

"How could I forget? It was the first time I ever got a spanking."

"You deserved it for cutting her hair! She stayed mad at you for weeks! " Elena stated with laugh. Jeremy joined her in laughing.

"I was such a brat."

"Was?" Elena asked. "When did you stop?"

"Very funny." Jeremy stated. He looked up as Bonnie's car pulled into the drive way. "Finally she's here." He moved to get out of the car. Elena caught his arm to stop him.

"My advice for what it's worth, Jer," She offered. "Don't wait too long to tell her how you feel. Bonnie will appreciate the honesty. She doesn't like to play games." Jeremy nodded and exited the car. Elena got out as well.

"Hey you guys!" Bonnie stated. She was still wearing her cheerleading uniform. "Sorry I am late. I had to run out and get the last thing I needed for my little surprise." She held up the brown paper bag that was in her arms. "Elena, are you joining us for a little video game madness?"

"No!" Jeremy answered quickly. Bonnie gave him a strange look.

"He's right. I can't. I am meeting Betsy to work on our history assignment." Elena explained. "Besides, I won't want to ruin your surprise."

"Oh, no worries there," Bonnie assured her, "But I understand if you can't stay. I'll see you tomorrow at school?"

"Yeah, for sure." Elena stated. She turned to Jeremy. His hands were full as he had retrieved the Wii from the backseat of Elena's car. "I'll pick you up after I get done with Betsy. It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours."

"Oh, don't worry about it." Bonnie stated. "I can drop him off on my way home."

"But your house and my house are in totally opposite directions when leaving from here." Elena stated. Jeremy gave her a look that could freeze fire.

"It's not a big deal." Bonnie stated.

"You heard the woman. Don't you have to get going?" Jeremy prodded.

"Yeah. I don't want to be late. Thanks Bonnie and I'll see you later." Elena headed back to her car while Bonnie and Jeremy walked to the front door.

"Here, let me help you with that." Jeremy offered.

"I got it." said Bonnie. "You just want to get a look in this bag and ruin the surprise." she teased him. "Not gonna happen."

Jeremy laughed. "Can I get just a tiny hint?"

"Nope." Bonne replied. She opened the door and led the way into the house. "You go to the living room and set up the Wii. I am going to finish with the surprise. I'll call you when it's ready."

Jeremy found his way to the living. Grams had an older TV, but he had no trouble connecting the Wii to it. Once it was set up, he began to wonder around his settings. The place was nicely decorated and smelled fresh. He could tell that the carpet was recently vacuumed. He moved to the built-in bookshelf. It was lined with books that looked much older than him. He pulled one down off of the shelf. Understanding Magic: Controlling the Witch Within. What a strange book to have, Jeremy thought to himself. He'd heard rumors about Bonnie's grams. Most stated she was eccentric or a little nutty. With books like this he could understand why.

"Jeremy!" Bonnie called. She walked into the living room. "I am ready with the surprise."

"Good." he answered. "Let's go."

"Close your eyes." She stated.

"Bonnie…" he complained.

"Oh just do it!" She insisted. He complied. "Good. Now hold out your hand." He again did as she asked and she took his hand. She let him to the kitchen. She then moved behind him and used her hands to cover his eyes. "Are you ready?" She asked.

"Are you kidding? I've been waiting for this since you promised it to me on Monday. I am so ready."

"Good." Bonnie stated. She dropped her hands from his face and yelled "Surprise!"

Jeremy looked around at the kitchen. There were candle all around. The table was set for two and in the center was a steaming pot of gumbo.

"Bonnie, you did all of this for me?" Jeremy asked.

"Well, it started that way, but it ended up being kind of for me too." Bonnie explained. "I decided to make gumbo after we talked the other day and you reminded me that I made it for you guys right after your parents died. I decided to make it for you on Monday after I forgot to meet you."

"You mean when you blew me off." Jeremy added with a smile. Bonnie swatted his arm and he playfully jumped out of the way.

"Anyways," Bonnie continued. "Once I started cooking, it was like Grams was right here with me." She stopped talking and closed her eyes. There was a smile on her face. "I can still feel her presence now." Bonnie stated. She opened them again and looked at Jeremy. "Grams had this tradition that I am trying to follow. Whenever she felt the presence of a loved one, she'd light a candle. I lit one tonight every time I felt her presence." She gestured around the room. "That's why there are so many candles lit." Bonnie explained.

"That's really cool." Jeremy said sincerely.

Bonnie smiled. "Let's eat before out food gets cold."

Jeremy pulled out her chair. Her smile widened as she sat down. He took his place next to her. She ladled a generous helping of the gumbo into his bowl and then gave herself a smaller scoop. Jeremy inhaled the aroma.

"This smells wonderful." he said. He took a spoonful and savored to flavor. "And it taste even better."

"Thanks." Bonnie said in between bites. "I had to leave cheerleading practice early to everything done on time. Then when I got here, the place needed to be cleaned. No one has been in here since shortly after Grams' funeral." There was a touch of melancholy to her voice. Bonnie wouldn't allow herself to dwell on the pain. "I wasn't counting on that so I didn't have time to make dessert."

"No worries." Jeremy assured her. "This dinner is great just the way it is. I don't need dessert"

"Oh yes you do." Bonnie argued. "Or at least you better. I said I didn't have time to make dessert, not that there wasn't dessert. I ran out to Gene's Pastry shop and picked up their Strawberry Chocolate Éclair Fantasy. That's why I was late getting here. It's in the refrigerator now."

Jeremy dropped his spoon into his bowl. He gave Bonnie an incredulous look. "That is my absolute favorite dessert." he announced. "How could you know?"

"I have my ways." Bonnie stated with a chuckle. No need to tell him she'd be having visions of the dessert all day. Sometimes it's good to be a witch.

"You are the best, Bonnie. I don't deserve all this."

"We'll see if you still feel that way about me after I kick your butt in tennis again!"

"Cocky, aren't?" Jeremy stated. He finished his gumbo and helped himself to another. "Don't be so sure you're gonna win. I've been practicing."

"Practice-smatish" Bonnie said dismissively waiving her hand at Jeremy. "I'm a natural."

"It's going to be sweet kicking your cute little butt." He said.

"Funny. I was about to say the same thing to you!" Bonnie added.

"Ok, since you are so confident, it's time to up the ante." Jeremy declared.

"What did you have in mind?" Bonnie asked. She'd finished her bowl of gumbo and sat back in the chair.

"I don't know. What's a prize of sufficient value to both of us? How about the loser does the winner's homework for a week?"

"From you, that's not a prize, it's a threat!" Bonnie joked and Jeremy laughed with her. How about the loser has to carry the winner's books around school for a week?"

Jeremy shook his head. "It'd never work. None of our classes are close enough to pull it off. One of us would be late to every class for a week. That's a lot of detention." He finished his second bowl and suddenly snapped his fingers. "I got it. The loser has to spend the day with the winner doing whatever the winner wants."

"This has potential." Bonnie stated. "But let's get to the details. The entire day is from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM."

"Let's make it 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. I don't want you to have to get up that early to come over."

"That's fine," Bonnie conceded, "but it's you who'll be coming over to see me."

"And now the date. Does this Saturday work for you?"

"No, I uh, I have plans." Bonnie danced a bit with her wording. "What about Sunday?"

"I can't. I promised Jenna I'd help her with the yard work on Sunday. Next Saturday?"

"Deal!" Bonnie said. She stuck out her hand and Jeremy shook it.

"Come on." Jeremy said standing. He grabbed his empty bowl and Bonnie's. "Let's clean this up so we can get on to your Wii beat down."

Bonnie grabbed the pot and moved the whole thing to the refrigerator. "Remind me to grab this before we go. I don't want to leave any food here."

"Yeah, sure." Jeremy agreed. He smiled as she wiped off the table. He couldn't remember the last time he enjoyed himself more doing something as simple as the dishes. There was a natural comfort with Bonnie that was unexpected, yet very welcomed. She didn't pretend around him and he didn't have to put up a front for her. Although this side of their relationship was new, the sense of contentment it gave him was very surprising. His mind wondered even more as him pictured himself and Bonnie as married adults, living in Grams' house. He wanted to come home to that dream, to her, everyday.

"What are you looking at me like that for?" Bonnie asked breaking Jeremy's daydream.

"Was I staring? I was just thinking about that dessert." Jeremy covered. "Maybe we should have washed the dishes after we ate it."

"It's better that we wait. I'll need something to cheer you up after I kill you in tennis." Bonnie teased. She went to the sink to rinse the dish towel.

"You are just so confident." Jeremy mused. He stood behind her, took her by the shoulders and inclined his head towards her. He was taller so he had to bend a bit. "Don't worry. I'll be gracious in victory and provide a shoulder for you to cry on."

Bonnie could feel his breath on her ear. She inhaled sharply at the electric feeling that ran up her spine and seemed to set her brain on fire. It was the same feeling that she got when Jeremy touched her days ago when they were at his house, but now it was stronger. She unconsciously leaned back into his chest. It was solid and she could feel his heart pounding. 'Good.' She thought to herself. 'I'm not the only one feeling something!'

"Let's get this smack down going." Jeremy whispered in her ear. He punctuated the statement by playfully smacking her on the butt. She let out a surprised yelp and turned to face him. He was laughing and jogging out of the kitchen in anticipation of coming wrath.

"That's going to cost you, Jeremy Gilbert!" Bonnie cried out after him. She rushed to living room. "I was just going to beat you. Now I have to humiliate you!"

"Less talk and more action." Jeremy replied. He already had the Wii remote in hand and the game turned out. He tossed her the remote and she strapped up.

They began to play Wii tennis. It was a very close game. Bonnie managed to edge Jeremy out and won the first match.

"You see that?" Bonnie asked pointing at the game. "It says Bonnie won. Get used to see that. That's what the screen is going to be saying all night!"

"I was just warming up."

"Warming up? It's a thousand degrees in here." Bonnie said. She walked over to the thermostat and turned the temperature down. "It was freezing when I got here today so cranked up the heat. I forgot to turn it back down." She explained. She took her position next to Jeremy in front of the TV. "Now, bring it on!" Bonnie declared. They played the second game and it was again very close. In the end, Jeremy won.

"Looks like your beginners luck is starting to wear off." Jeremy teased her. When she didn't respond right away he kept at it. "What no smart-ass comeback?"

"I am going to let my actions speak for me." Bonnie said.

"Well then let's get to it." Jeremy declared. Before he continued the game, he reached down to his waist and pulled his Tee-shirt off over his head.

Bonnie's eye's drunk in the spectacular sight before her and rendered her speechless. He was gorgeous. His hairless chest was rock hard and well defined. Her eyes journeyed down to his washboard abs. There was a treasure trail of hair starting at his navel and disappearing in the waist band of his boxers. It took all of her concentration just to will herself to breathe again. Her eyes trekked back up to Jeremy's face. She absorbed his pouty lips and slight flushness to his cheeks. She noticed the twinkle in his dark brooding eyes. Bonnie love the way his dark brown hair hung over his eyebrows. She wanted to reach out and push it back and draw him into a long kiss.

She jumped slightly as Jeremy cleared his throat. He chuckled quietly at her abashed look.

"You think showing me that bird chest is going to help you beat me?" Bonnie asked trying to regain her composure.

"I took off my shirt because I am hot, not to distract you." Jeremy explained. "I can't help it if you like what you see."

"Don't flatter yourself, fly-boy. If I want to see a really nice chest I'll stand in a mirror and take off my own shirt." Bonnie stated. Jeremy burst out laughing. Bonnie took advantage of his distraction and started the game. She scored the first point. It was the only point she scored. She defeated herself with contact peeks she took at Jeremy's sculpted torso. Jeremy served the game winning shot. It was at that moment that Bonnie stole at stood mesmerized, watch Jeremy's arm and chest muscles ripple at he hit the imaginary ball.

On screen, the tennis ball whizzed by and her character didn't even take a swing.

"Ha!" Jeremy yelled, shattering her reverie once again. "I win! After all of that trash talking you were barely competition for the third game!" He was in her face dancing around. She was content just watching him.

"As the winner of the bet, I get to choose what we do. I am thinking we'll go fishing. Have you ever put a worm on a hook? It gets pretty tough cause they little fellas are slimy and the wiggle all around."

"Gross!" Bonnie declared. "It's time for a rematch. But let's switch games."

"I am fine with a rematch." Jeremy stated. "Tennis was the only game that you had any chance to beat me. What's your poison?"

"How about bowling?" she suggested.

"That's fine." Jeremy said. He changed the sport to bowling. Bonnie went first and knocked down 7 pins in the first frame. Jeremy went next and as he went to bowl, Bonnie bumped into him.

"Oops." She said with a sweet smile. Jeremy gave her a knowing look.

"Is that how you want to play it?" he asked.

"What?" she replied feigning innocence.

Jeremy didn't buy that act for a second. "Let's play it your way then." With her next turn, he poked her in the side just as she was to release the ball. It soared into the gutter.

This was the way they played the entire game. Not a single balled was rolled without interference from the opposing player. During the seventh frame, Bonnie stood in from Jeremy completely blocking his view from the screen. During the ninth, Jeremy outright tickled Bonnie causing her to drop the ball twice before throwing two gutter balls. At the end of the game, Bonnie stood victorious over Jeremy.

"How do you like dem apples!" She declared doing a happy dance in his face.

"This is the lowest scoring game I've ever bowled" Jeremy declared. 'Our scores are pathetic! 39 to 33? That's just embarrassing!"

"Call it what you want. I am very proud of those 39 points! Come to think of it, that's the best game I ever bowled!" Bonnie added.

Jeremy laughed. "I would share that with many people." He told her. He walked closer to her. "So what do we do now?"

"About what?" she asked.

"The bet. We are both tied at winning one game."

Then it is time for the tie breaker. No rematches, winner takes all." Bonnie declared. "What other games are there on this Wii Sports."

"Uh, baseball and boxing."

"Well, you are on the baseball team so I don't think I can beat you at that one. Looks like we are boxing!" Bonnie stated.

"You think you can beat me at boxing?" Jeremy asked mockingly. He didn't attempt to hide the disbelief in his voice.

"Hey!" Bonnie protested. "For all you know I am a lean meaning boxing machine." She began to dance around him in a boxer's stance jabbing the air. He laughed at her silliness. "Laugh all you want. I am going to come out on top!"

"Maybe that's just where I want you." Jeremy stated. Now Bonnie laughed and pushed gently on his bare chest.

"Oh for Pete's sake!" She cried."Let's just play the game. "

Jeremy attached the additional nun-chuck to their remote and then loaded the game. The two began to box earnestly. With playful intensity they duked it out on the screen. There was moaning and groaning, laughing and trash talking. After 3 grueling rounds, Jeremy managed to knock Bonnie out.

Bonnie could not have been happier. Boxing was exhausting! She collapsed on the couch, breathing heavily as Jeremy did a victory dance in front of the TV.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls!" Jeremy stated in an faux announcer's voice. He was using the remote as a pretend microphone. "This was the match of the century! In one corner was Bonnie Bennett – the upstart from northwest side of town. She came into the match talking tough, but tough talk was she brought to the table. Her opponent was the reigning champ and still undefeated Jeremy Gilbert. He took all of his adversary's gruff in stride. He decided to let his actions speak for him. And boy did they ever! In the third round, Jeremy delivered a crush blow that completely K. Blabber-Mouth Bennett!"

Bonnie laughed out loud at her new nick-name.

"Champ," Jeremy continued his commentary. "What do you have to say for yourself after this decisive win?" He switched to his own voice.

"Well, I want to thank everyone that believed in me. That was a tough match, but with so much at astake, I rose to the challenge and made the win. I also want to let Bonnie know that even though this was a humiliating loss for her, I am still her friend."

With that last jab Bonnie picked up a pillow from the couch and whipped it at him. He caught it with a laugh. He walked over to the sofa where Bonnie lay prostate, lifted her legs up and sat down. He then eased her legs into his lap. With both of his hands, he brushed his hair, wet with perspiration, back off of his handsome face. He glanced over at Bonnie to see her smiling at him. He returned the smile.

"That was fun." Jeremy stated.

"Yeah, it was," Bonnie agreed. "Despite my, how did you put it, humiliating defeat?"

Jeremy laughed. "Maybe I got a bit carried away. "

"Uh, ya think?" Bonnie added with playful sarcasm. "I thought you were going to be magnanimous in victory and offer me a shoulder to cry on."

"I don't even know what that word means, but if you need a shoulder to cry on, I got two right here for you."

Bonnie laughed and shook her head. "Thanks, but the pain is still too raw to process." She joked.

"You know what this means, don't you?" Jeremy asked.

"Yeah. I lost the bet. Now, I have to go fishing." Bonnie stated with a sour look. Jeremy let loose a small laugh.

"Fishing is negotiable." He conceded.

"Really?" She asked with a glimmer of hope beaming in her eyes.

"Yeah, really." He replied. "I'd never force you do something you didn't want to do." Jeremy reached up and brushed her wet bangs off her face. He drew his hand down the side of her face in a soft caress. Bonnie closed her eyes and inhaled deeply at his touch. She opened her eyes again and she met Jeremy's gaze.

The same electric feeling was there. It was the most perplexing sensation. It was akin to grabbing hold of a live wire and simultaneously feeling the deepest serenity that she's ever know. It was captivating and intoxicating. Jeremy was a drug to her and she was quickly becoming hook.

Jeremy seemed to sense it too, or at the very least he sensed Bonnie's attraction to him. He leaned forward, moving in for a spectacular first kiss.

At least it would have been. Seeing him move in panicked Bonnie. She rolled over off the couch and hit the floor on her hands and knees.

"Dessert!" She declared standing up. "We haven't had dessert!"

"Funny, I thought we were just getting to it." Jeremy stated under his breath.

Bonnie couldn't make out what he said and decided to ignore it. "Come one." She said holding out her hand. "Let's get some dessert."

Jeremy took it and the duo walked to the kitchen. Jeremy sat at the table as Bonnie walked to the refrigerator.

"This was the last éclair they had a Gene's." Bonnie stated as she took it out. She sat it on the counter and began to remove it from the box. "There was this guy in line behind that just left when I got the last one. He was not happy."

"Another life destroyed by Bonnie "The Heartbreaker" Bennett." Jeremy kidded with her. He sat, still shirtless, at the table waiting for her.

"You know me." Bonnie replied. She finally managed to open the pastry box and carefully extract the treat. "I leave a trail of wounded hearts in my wake."

"That's the rumor going around school." Jeremy continued to mess with her.

"It's true. I am heartless. I get a guy, use him for all he worth and then toss him aside." Bonnie confirmed. She began to make her way to the table with the éclair in hand.

"So the question is," Jeremy stated smiling at her, "When do I get my turn?"

Bonnie blanched and dropped the éclair. It flipped over and hit the floor face down. Bonnie yelped.

"Oh no!" she groaned. "Look what I've done!" She knelt down to survey the damage. Her spirits sagged even further when she turned over the tin pan. "Oh just looked at this! It's ruined! Jeremy, I am so sorry!"

"It's Ok." Jeremy said. He had already stood when she dropped it. He now walked over to the counter and grabbed the box and then knelt beside her to collect the mess.

"No, it's not ok." Bonnie argued. "This is your favorite dessert. You've been looking forward to it all night and what do I do? Drop it on the floor! This is just terrible!" She didn't take a pause between statements. She said everything in one long breath.

"Bonnie, calm down. It's not that big of a deal." Jeremy consoled her. Satisfied that they had gathered as much of the treat into the box as they could he stood and took it to the garbage. Bonnie also rose.

"I don't know what's come over me." She started to walk to the broom closet at the end of the kitchen. Jeremy could hear as she continued to talk. "Normally I am not this clumsy." She returned to his sight with a Swifer mop and proceeded to clean the floor with the éclair had fallen while blathering on. "I feel simply awful. I know this is your favorite dessert and I really wanted you to enjoy everything. I am so sorry, Jeremy."

"Bonnie!" Jeremy said loud enough to disrupt her rant. She looked up and saw him smiling at her. He walked closer and grabbed her by the shoulders to stop her from mopping. "You didn't ruin anything. As a matter of fact, everything is perfect." He leaned in and brushed his lips against her's. He took the mop from her hand and returned it to the closet

The kiss was so soft, so gentle and yet, Bonnie's lips tingled. She raised her hand to her mouth and stood in stunned silence at what just occurred. Jeremy retuned from putting up the mop to find her frozen in that pose. Sitting at the table, he smiled while shaking his head at Bonnie astonishment. Seconds passed and when she didn't speak or move, he finally broke the silence.

"You ok?" he asked. Bonnie didn't reply right away.

"What just happened here?" finally came the reply. Though she was clearly shaken, her voice didn't betray any of her internal turmoil.

"It's called a kiss, Bonnie. It's what people do to show affection. They kiss when they like each other." When she didn't respond to his mild joke, he held out his hand to her. "Come here." He ordered. She reached for his hand and he pulled her into the chair next to his.

"Are you OK or did I over step some boundaries?" Jeremy waited for her to respond, but she didn't. "I am sorry if I did. We were having a good time and I thought you felt the same way about me as I feel about you."

"How do you feel about me?" Bonnie asked. Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Jeremy thought about what Elena had told him early tonight and decided to be honest. He silently prayed his sister knew Bonnie as well as she thought she did. He sighed before he looked her square in the eyes and then began to speak.

"I like you, Bonnie. I like you a lot. That is why I kissed you. Tonight has been this incredible evening for me but I don't think you understand why. Tonight wasn't great because of the gumbo, although that was good. Tonight wasn't great because we played video games, although that was fun. Tonight certainly wasn't great because of the dessert; I didn't even get to taste that. Tonight was perfect because I got to spend time with you. There was no pretending, or putting up a front. It was just you and me, relaxing and having a good time. I like that, Bonnie. I like you."

Jeremy waited for Bonnie to respond. She didn't. She sat there with her eyes opened wide. He wasn't even sure if she blinked. Seconds passed which seemed like hours to Jeremy. Finally he broke the silence again.

"Come on, Bonnie. You gotta say something."

"I-" Bonnie began and then stopped. "I don't even know what to say."

"Why don't you tell me how you feel." he said. There was brief pause and then he added, "About me."

Bonnie was still at a loss for words. She wasn't sure she could tell her up from down, let alone what she felt about anything. How could be enjoying herself with Jeremy tonight and just yesterday she was making out with Damon? Her emotions, her whole seemed to be spinning out of control.

She took a deep breath to collect her thoughts. She decided to be as honest with Jeremy as she could.

"I honestly don't know what I feel. About anything. Every since Grams died, it's like my feeling are deeper or more intense. It's really throwing me off."

"What do you mean?" Jeremy asked.

"I feel like I am losing control of my life, or even myself. I am doing things I know are wrong, and if you ask me why, I couldn't even tell you. It's strange and stupid."

"Bonnie, I know what you are going through." Jeremy took her hand. "You remember how I was after my parents died? I pushed away everyone who loved me and wanted to help me. I pretty much went the text book route of self destructive behavior. I started drinking and doing drugs. Elena and Aunt Jenna tried so hard, but nothing they did could get through to me."

"I remember." Bonnie nodded. "They were very worried about you. We all were."

Jeremy looked away from Bonnie. "I am sorry I put them through all of that." he said sincerely. He turned back to Bonnie. "Things only got worse when I started hanging out with Vicky and her crowd. It was only after she disappeared that I realized what I was doing. I was trying anything to escape the pain of dealing with my parent's death. Drugs, booze, sex – anything so I wouldn't feel pain."

Bonnie perked up at his last statement. That seemed to explain her connection with Damon. She only acted that way with him so she wouldn't have to feel the pain of Grams death. That must be it, she told herself. Instantly, it was like a burden had been lifted from her shoulders.

"I am sharing of this with you, Bonnie to let you know I really do feel your pain. I understand what you are going through and hopefully, you can learn from my mistakes and not travel down that same self destructive path."

"I appreciate you being so open and honest with me." Bonnie started. "It means a lot to me and it's helpful. Somehow, just knowing someone out there understands how I feel helps."

"Hey," Jeremy said rubbing his hand on her cheek. "Not someone out there, but someone in here knows what you are going through. Whatever you need, I am here for you."

"Thank you." Bonnie stated. She took and deep breath and then said, "But what I think I need the most is to be honest with you about how I feel. When I am around others, I feel like I have to pretend so they don't worry. With you that's not the case. It's very nice to let my guard down. Besides, I don't have to pretend to be happy with you. I really am happy. What I am saying is that I really enjoy spending time with you too, Jeremy."

Jeremy smile and said, "Not quite the declaration of love I was hoping for, but it'll do."

"Oh?" Bonnie stated with a chuckle. "What were you expecting?"

"I don't know. Something like this:" Jeremy cleared his throat and then continued speaking in a high pitch voice to emulate Bonnie. "Oh Jeremy, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me! I don't know who I managed without you in the past, but I know I can't live without you in the future. Please say you'll be my boyfriend and I will be yours forever and ever!"

Bonnie laughed at the joke. "Wow. You had some high hopes, especially considering you didn't make any such declarations to me!"

"I just thought you wanted to be honest about your feelings. I was just trying to help you find the right words." Jeremy offered with a smile. Bonnie's eyes seem to narrow and her focused switched from his face to his chest.

"What's that?" Bonnie asked.

"What?" Jeremy inquired looking down at his chest.

"Come here. You have something on your chest. She grabbed a napkin from the holder on the table and rubbed the spot. "I got it. Some of the éclair must have gotten on you when you helped me clean it up." She began to chuckle.

"What so funny?"

"I can't believe we had the whole serious and deep conversation and you didn't have your shirt on."

"That's why you couldn't tell me how you felt!" Jeremy exclaimed. He stood and began to flex in front of Bonnie. "You were distracted by my rippling pectorals!" Jeremy said in his best Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation. He put a bulging bicep in Bonnie's face. "Go on." He prompted. "Feel it. It's solid."

Bonnie swatted his muscular arm away. "Get that thing out of my face. Just because you have an OK body doesn't mean I am going to swoon." She stood up to back away from him.

"Come here, Heartbreaker." Jeremy gathered her in his arms with her back pressed firmly against his chest. "Oh, there is major swooning going on right now. If I wasn't holding you right now, you collapse from all of the swooning."

"Is that so?" Bonnie asked. She enjoyed being in his arms and made no effort to leave his embrace.

"You bet." Jeremy answered. "Hey, I just had a thought." I know a way we can make up for not having dessert." He nuzzled his nose in her ear.

"Jeremy!" Bonnie exclaimed and pulled away from him. "That's moving super fast, don't you think?"

"What are you-" Jeremy stopped and he realized what Bonnie was talking about. He laughed. "You thought I meant sex?"

"Didn't you?" Bonnie challenged him.

"Hey, if you are offering I am certainly not turning it down, but I going to suggest that we walk to Kopp's for ice cream. I passed it on my way over here and the flavor of the day was strawberry éclair. While it's not the same as Gene's Pastry, it just may hit the spot."

"Oh. Sorry." Bonnie said in a small voice.

"You always misunderstand what I say."

"I do not!" Bonnie argued.

"Yeah, you do." Jeremy insisted. You did on Sunday when you stopped by my house and you did at least once earlier tonight. It's like being in an episode of Three's Company."

"Three's Company?" Bonnie repeated.

"Yeah, the old TV show." Jeremy replied. When Bonnie still didn't recognize what he was talking about he continued. "You know, Jack Tripper. Janet and Chrissy?" He stated. Bonnie shook her head. "The Regal Begal?" Bonnie shook her head again. "Don Knots played Mr. Furley! Watch Nick at Nick once in a while Bonnie!"

"I have don't watch a lot of TV."

"I'm sure you have better ways to spend your nights." Jeremy added with a smirk.

"Are you going to tell me I misunderstood that one too?" Bonnie asked.

Jeremy raised his hands in surrender. "Naw. You got me on that one." He glanced over at the clock. "Come, on. We better get going. Kopp's closes soon." They walked to the living room.

"You make sure you put a shirt on. I don't what you showing the entire neighborhood your business."

"Don't worry." Jeremy said grabbing his shirt. "I'll save all of my business just for you."

"Whatever." Bonnie said. "She slipped on a pair of flip flops. "Let's go. There's ice cream waiting!"

The duo headed out the door and Jeremy immediately took her hand. They began to walk to down the block talking about one thing or another. It was a short distance to the Kopp's and when they were just about ½ a block away; Bonnie tripped on the uneven sidewalk and almost fell. Jeremy caught her.

"Are you OK?" He asked steadying her in his arms.

"Yeah, I am, but my shoe is not." He looked down at her thong and the fabric that went between her toes had completely ripped off. "This sucks." She said.

"Don't worry, I can get you there." Jeremy stated. He knelt down in front of her with his back to her. "Hop on."

"No! I am not getting on your back"

"Why not? I can carry you to Kopp's."

"It's too far and I am too heavy." Bonnie protested.

"First off, it's less than a block away and secondly you are hardly too heavy. I am sure I can carry you. Just get on and stop arguing. They are going to close before we get there if we keep this up."

"Fine." Bonnie relented and climbed on.

"Hold on!" Jeremy cried and took off running. Bonnie squealed and clung tightly to him. He soon reached they destination and set Bonnie down on a bench outside of the ice cream parlor. He sat down next to her. Both were laughing and Jeremy was slightly out of breath.

"That was fun! I can't remember the last time I had a piggy back ride." Bonnie exclaimed.

"It was fun." Jeremy agreed. He stood. "Wait here. I'll be back with some ice cream."

"Here." Bonnie said reaching into her pocket. "Let me pay. I am the one who dropped dessert.

"Don't worry about it." Jeremy said as he walked away toward the entrance to the Shoppe. Bonnie watched him walk into the store. She then turned her attention to her broken shoe. Looking down, she didn't notice the man approaching her.

"You two make a cute couple." The man stated. Bonnie's head jerked up and she tried to make out who had made the statement. "But isn't it a little strange to be dating your best friend's kid brother?"

As the man got closer she recognized him as Tim, the witch she'd met this morning.

"Tim?" Bonnie asked.

"In the flesh." He answered. "And don't get me wrong. I don't know the kid but I already like him better then that Doberman you were with this morning. Yikes."

"What are you doing here?" Bonnie demanded.

"First, I am fixing your shoe." With a gesture of his hand the shoe was repaired. Bonnie slipped it on her foot and stood up. "That's something you should have been able to do yourself. Secondly, I told you we would talk when you are alone and you seem to be by yourself right now."

"I am not by myself. Jeremy is going to- Wait. How do you who Jeremy is, let alone that he is my best friend's brother? Have you been spying on me!" She demanded. Tim took her by the arm and lead her away from the restaurant.

"I know a great deal. For instance, I know you set a very dangerous chain of events into motion when you went to Club Oz last night."

"What are you talking about?"

"Withes of your raw power are rare indeed, Bonnie Bennett. Every witch in the club could sense your power when you walked in. They will be coming for you, to exploit that power to their own selfish gain."

"And why are you here?"

"To help." He answered simply.

"And I am supposed to believe you're doing this out of the goodness of your heart?"

"You are wise to suspicious. Just know that I have my reasons and for now, they are geared toward your best interest."

"You are going to have to do better than that."

"I'll earn your trust, Bonnie. I'll start right now. You should get back to your friend. He's in trouble and doesn't even know it.

Meanwhile Jeremy was next in line. He ordered two sugar cones of the strawberry éclair ice cream and paid for them. The attendant returned shortly with his order. He turned with his order and gave a small yell as a figure suddenly appeared before him.

"Anna! Geeze! You scared the life outa me."

"Sorry." He pint size woman answered. "I was walking home and I saw you in here. I thought it'd be fun to surprise you. So surprise!"

"I am definitely surprised." Jeremy answered. "What are you doing here? I thought you left town with your mother."

"She changed her mind. She decided she wants to stay here. That's means I'll be going to school with you. My mom enrolled me today. I start on Monday."

"That's really cool, Anna." Jeremy said sincerely.

"I see you have two ice cream cones. Are you here with someone?"

"Yeah, I am." Jeremy answered. "Speaking of that, I should probably get back to her." Jeremy stated. He headed for the door.

"Here, let me get that." Anna said since his hands were full with ice cream. Jeremy walked out and Anna followed him. "So, are you like on a date or something?"

"Uh, I guess you could say that." Jeremy danced with his wording a bit. They walked to the bench, but Bonnie wasn't there.

"Where's your date?" Anna asked.

"I don't know. She was right here. Bonnie!" he called out. Jeremy looked around but didn't see any sigh of her.

"Maybe she left you." Anna suggested.

"She wouldn't do that." Jeremy said defensively. "Bonnie!" He called out again and still didn't get an answer.

"Well, it looks like you are stuck with two ice cream cones. Maybe, just maybe, if you are nice to me, I'll take one of those off of your hands."

"Hey Jeremy!" Bonnie called running up to him.

'Shit!' Anna thought to herself. 'It's the witch!' She turned her back to both Jeremy and Bonnie put her hood on from her sweater.

"Sorry about that." Bonnie said breathless from running to him. "I went to go fix my shoe." She lied. "I didn't want you to have to carry me all the way home."

"Oh. I was wondering where you went off to." Jeremy said. He held his hand out to her. "I present to you one double scoop strawberry éclair ice cream cone with nuts.

Thank you." Bonnie said accepting the cone. She took a lick. "Mmm. It's delicious. Who's this?"

"Oh, I'm sorry." Jeremy apologized. He placed his hand on Anna's shoulder and turned her around. "Bonnie, this is Anna. Her family recently moved to Mystic Falls. She is going to be going to school with us."

Bonnie's eyes widened in horror. This was the vampire that had Ben kidnap her and Elena. She was also one of the people for which Grams' died opening the tomb.

"You!" Bonnie yelled. "Jeremy! Get away from her! She is dangerous!"

"Bonnie?" Jeremy asked confused. "What are you talking about?"

"What is wrong with your friend?" Anna asked innocently.

"Don't play games with me. I know who you are!" Bonne declared. She was trying to concentrate her powers to incapacitate Anna.

"Uh, we just met." Anna turned to Jeremy. "I think I am going to get out of here. Your friend is kind of creeping me out." Anna smiled inwardly. She knew that she'd made Bonnie look like a fool.

"See you later, Anna." Jeremy turned to Bonnie. "What was that all about?

"I know that girl. She is not what she seems." Bonnie stated.

"You know Anna? From where?" Jeremy asked.

"She was there the night Grams died." Bonnie stopped from continuing. She wished that she could tell Jeremy the full truth, but it just wasn't possible at this time.

Jeremy's gaze softened and he nodded in understanding. "You saw her the night your grandmother died? That's why you were so worked up. You associate her with that night." He put his arm around her. "It's ok Bonnie. I understand. Come on. Let's walk back to Grams."

Bonnie looked off in the direction that Anna had taken. She then turned back around and rested her chest on Jeremy's chest. Another layer had just been added to her already complicated life.

End Chapter.

Author's Note: So what did you think? Bonnie and Jeremy connected in a major way. The plan is to see their relationship continue to develop with a strong foundation. Damon also made an appearance early on in the chapter. He seems to have fallen hard for everyone's favorite witch. We are going to see what he does next to get her attention. In my mind Bonnie and Jeremy are like a slow burning fire while Bonnie and Damon are like an inferno. Infernos may be hotter, but they burn out quickly. The slow burn can last a life time and can still be pretty damn hot.

Chapter 4 also introduced Anna on to the scene. She doesn't like that Bonnie is now a rival for Jeremy's affections. Future chapters will reveal what lengths she'll go to to eliminate the competition.

Next Chapter: Bonnie and Tyler's date. Jeremy finds out about it and has a strong reaction! Plus more of Tim's motives are revealed. Please submit a review and let me know what you think!