The next morning Alex woke up to light streaming in through the windows. She laid in bed for a few minutes then groaned.

"Shit."

She couldn't stop thinking about the kiss. She couldn't stop thinking about Damon and the feelings that both angered and confused her. She had thought about it for hours last night, but couldn't figure out when her feelings had grown.

"Damn him," she said as she slammed the door and walked downstairs. She dialed Caroline's number as she walked downstairs.

"Alex, what's up?"

"I need girl talk. Can we meet at the Grill?"

"Sure. How about in fifteen minutes?"

"Perfect."

"See you then."

Alex went to her car and quickly drove to the Grill. When she got there Caroline was already sitting at a table.

"So what's up?" Caroline asked after they ordered.

"I need to tell you something," She said, "and you can't freak out."

"Ok. No freaking out."

She took a deep breath. "Damon kissed me last night."

"What!" Her eyes widened. "Please tell me you didn't kiss him back. Actually just tell me that this is a joke."

"I did, and it's not a joke."

Caroline let out a groan. "Alex, we told you to stay away from him."

"Caroline, I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself, but right I need your advice," she said. "Please put whatever feelings you have about Damon aside and tell me how to handle this."

She let out a sigh and then said,"Ok. No judging. So how do you feel about Damon?"

"We're friends."

"Is that all?"

Alex sighed. "I don't know anymore."

"Alex, I've seen you two together and as much as I hate it I think you're falling for him."

"No, I'm not. I don't fall for people Caroline."

"It's not really something you have much control over Alex."

"I like being in control Caroline. You know that." She groaned and laid her head on the table. "Oh god."

Caroline laughed. "I think you've got somewhere to be."

Alex smiled and stood up. "Thanks, Care."

...

Alex parked her car in the driveway of the boarding house and went to knock on the door. Stefan opened it and held it so she could go inside.

"Hey Alex, I headed out, but I'll talk to you later." He said.

Alex stepped inside and made her way to the living room. Damon was sitting on the couch, glass in hand.

"Hello Alex," he said.

"And you said I'm the one with a drinking problem."

"Why are you here?"

"I thought we needed to talk."

"About?"

She rolled her eyes and walked farther into the room. He knew exactly what she wanted to talk about, but was avoiding it.

"I'm sure you can guess."

"Oh, you mean the kiss. Well, that was just to get you to stay put while I took care of something." He said brushing it off.

"Don't try that with me, Damon "

"Try what?"

"Act like you don't care about anything."

"Guess what Alex I 'm not acting," he said standing up.

"I'm not going to let you worm your way into my life just to back out when things start to get real."

"Then leave."

Both of their voices were raised and anger was evident on both of their faces. She began to walk towards him.

"Why do you insist on being difficult."

"I am bad for you Alex. You should run as far away from me as humanly possible, but you don't. You stay here hoping that I'll prove to you that I'm good but I won't because I'm not."

"I'm not a saint Damon. There's nothing you have to prove to me."

"You say that now but you have no idea."

"You don't have to prove anything to me because I'm already in love with you."

He froze and stared at her; eyes widened in shock.

"I love you, Damon."

He walked forward and stopped when he stood in front of her.

"I love you."

He cupped her face, and slowly leaned forward, meeting her lips with his own. His fingers caressed her skin lightly, settling on her waist. She moved her hands up and tangled them in his hair. After a moment they pulled away breathing heavy but their lips reconnected seconds later. Neither had any intention of stopping any time soon.

They pulled away from each other when someone called Alex's name. When they looked over they saw Elena and Stefan standing there.

"Wow. Great." Elena said and walked away.

Alex looked at Damon one more time before going after her. When they got outside Alex yelled for her.

"What Alex? What? Do you wanna talk about how you've ignored everything everyone has told you about him?" she said. "I told you to stay away from him."

"Yes you did, but you have no right to. That is my decision to make."

"You're choosing wrong."

"At least I can make a choice."

Elena looked at her surprised and hurt. Alex sighed.

"I love him, Elena. You know that's not common for me, so let it go."

Elena looked down and nodded.

"I'm sorry. Just...be careful. I don't want you to end up hurt."

Alex stepped away from her.

"I'm gonna go home."

She turned away and began walking to her car while Elena went inside. She stopped when she saw who was standing nearby.

She sighed. "Get in the car."

...

Alex and Elijah stood across from each other in a small clearing.

"I admit when Elena asked me to protect her sister Alex I assumed it a coincidence," he said. "But I did have my suspicions."

She smiled. "Surprise."

"I didn't know you were in Mystic Falls."

"I just got back a few months ago. Why haven't I seen you until now?"

"Elena and her friends daggered me."

Alex looked up at him. "I'm sorry Elijah. I didn't know."

"Don't be sorry. You had no control over the situation."

His phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket. He glanced at the screen and put it back.

"I'm afraid I need to leave."

She took a step away. "Me too."

"Your secret is safe with me Alexandria."

"Thank you."