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The day dawned in absolute perfection as Elena sat on the tiny fire escape outside their apartment. She'd found the little bag of coffee grounds on her doorstep and knew Damon had brought her another gift. She sighed softly as she considered the newest town member and his penchant for presents. No matter how much she fought him on it, he remained stubborn. While she despised charity she found herself unable to fight with him over coffee. The rich grounds were much too comforting. It had been awhile since she could get up and enjoy a cup of coffee before work.
Christopher was still sleeping and the house was blissfully quiet. These were the moments she used to savor when they still had life insurance money. Once the money ran out she often had to use those few moments to cook breakfast before rushing off to work. Back when they had the money she only worked at the Grill and could spend those mornings with her son when he rolled out of bed early enough. Now she was lucky to get two hours with him a day.
She had a day off today and still could not spend it with Christopher. He had field trips and evenings with Jeremy and she had a date. A date! How unbelievably crazy was that entire concept? The last time Elena had a date was three weeks before Christopher's conception. She hadn't been in a dating mood with an infant and money troubles. As Christopher grew her time seemed to shrink more and more.
Caring for an infant seemed like a breeze once the bills started pouring in for an elementary school child. Diapers and formula cost a lot of money but medical bills for a broken arm? She preferred the diapers and formula. After the medical bills he grew like a weed and needed new clothes constantly and then shoes and school supplies. He also ate a lot more.
She leaned back against the cool brick and considered the town from her windows. It hadn't changed much from eight years ago when she packed a few boxes and went looking. A baby strapped to her and a gleam of determination in her eyes guaranteed she'd be heard. She'd signed that lease for the simple fact it was in a safe part of town. She could see the apartment from both her jobs and it was near the sheriff station. She could feel comfortable letting him walk home from one place to the other. She could feel comfortable leaving him alone to go and get mail from downstairs. It was one thing she didn't have to worry about as much. Although she always worried.
"Mom?" Christopher called sleepily. He poked his head out of the living room window and smiled. "You look pretty."
"Thank you," Elena stuttered. She watched as her little boy climbed out after her and snuggled up under the blanket she had dragged out with her. His dark hair tickled her ear when she lay her head against his. "Are you excited for your trip?"
"Yeah! We're doing all those tours for the local history project. Andie said she'd take notes and I could take pictures," he said excitedly.
"Andie huh?" Elena said with a smile. Ever since that family moved into town her boy had been sweet on that girl. He was much too shy to do anything about it but it seemed Andie was taking a bit of a leap. The girl was the picture of polite and good and seemed to be the sort of girl she would like her son to hang around. Andie was a lonely girl but she wasn't under the Lockwood thrall like many of the other kids. She wouldn't harm her son the way they did.
"Yeah, she didn't want to work with Mason so..." he trailed off.
"She picked the better man," she replied. "Now go have some cereal and I'll get you some juice."
With one glance at the bright sunlight, she smiled and thought how wonderful the day was to be going on a date with a gorgeous man.
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Damon rolled over in his bed and stared out at the changing leaves. Fall was in the air, he had determined and it was something he hadn't realized he missed. There was something about Mystic Falls during the Fall. There was something magical about multi-colored leaves and that little crisp in the air. The square had been decked out for Halloween and many people were talking Thanksgiving already.
He thought about the traditional family setting he hadn't had for years and the holiday wrapped around it. For the oddest reason he wanted Elena and Christopher downstairs in the formal dining room. He could see her in his kitchen arguing with him about side dishes and the turkey carving. He could see Christopher in the Parlor watching television and begging for desserts.
What was it about them? Damon had dated plenty of women in the past but something about her just drew him in. When she had agreed to a date he'd had this odd sense of surprise. While he wanted a date with her he had expected her to continue to reject him. He was used to getting his own way and there was an element of the chase when it came to Elena Gilbert. He had thought he might lose interest when she agreed but she'd surprised him. He wanted her more.
He stood up from the bed and pulled on a pair of boxers. He moved to stand by the large windows overlooking the balcony and whistled. It was a beautiful fall day and he had all sorts of plans. He would pick her up at the flower shop and drive, top-down, to the gardens. They would walk around and talk before surprising her with a picnic lunch. They would eat and get in a little make-out time and then he'd take her home, lingering in the doorway.
He opened the windows and stepped outside loving the coldness of Fall on his skin. He looked over the empty balcony and considered the space. He had not really spent much time making the place his own since he moved in but he had plans. If he was going to stay then he would make the place his.
He looked at the cool stone and thought about putting a table out here with maybe a space heater. He could drink his coffee and have breakfast out here when it was nice out. He glanced down the enclosed space to the other door. It had been his brother's room once upon a time and was completely ready to be a kid's room again. Maybe he could redecorate it a bit so once he wore Elena down he could have them here in his space. It did not hurt he could make sure they slept in comfortable beds and had enough to eat in the morning.
He shook his head against the thoughts invading his mind. It was too early to be considering her as someone who would spend the night. It was easily too early to be considering her son staying with him. No matter how much he tried to fight the thoughts his mind drifted to the large empty house which was perfect for a family. It had been alone too long over the years and it seemed to ache for someone to fill it.
A droplet fell onto his hand and he peered up at the sky. It was still sunny but perhaps some runoff had lingered on the roof. He glanced looked around him and felt another droplet. He gazed up at the slightly cloudy sky.
"Shit," he managed to hiss before the skies opened up in a torrential downpour. He glared at the sky as rain pelted him, resisting the urge to shake his fist at the heavens. With rain ruining his perfect plans he swore loudly. This was turning out to be a horrible beginning.
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Elena stared at the rain falling outside and sighed. She had been alone in the flower shop all morning with only the delivery man coming in once. Mrs. Flowers had errands to run and Elena was trapped until noon when she could hang up the pink apron and go on her date. She couldn't help but wonder what he had planned with the sudden rain making an appearance. She hoped he hadn't gone through too much to have it all shot to hell.
She had let herself get incredibly excited when she pulled her new dress out of the bag. Caroline and Bonnie were the best friends a girl could have and between them she'd gotten a new date outfit. Bonnie bought the most beautiful pair of red stiletto heels to match the roses printed on her dress. Mrs. Flowers had taken one look at her and weaved a few flowers into Elena's hair. She had offered to pay but Mrs. Flowers had demanded she take them. It was her first date in eight years and she should enjoy herself.
Christopher had been positively giddy that morning when he'd seen her all dressed up. He had been almost as excited as she was but he couldn't seem to contain it. His mother looked happy and for the first time in a long time she realized she looked glowy. She stared at herself in the mirror for nearly ten minutes trying to decipher what it meant she looked so happy. It was just a date but then the man himself sort of had that effect on her. Damon Salvatore had a way about him.
The bell jingled promisingly and she shot up in excitement. He lowered the umbrella, propping it against the door, before smiling at her. She found herself smiling at him in return. He was right on time, on the dot. It was nice seeing a punctual man.
"You look...amazing," he breathed. She blushed prettily as he moved towards her. He looked like the bad boy, all leather and sex. He smirked at her for a split second before pulling her into his arms fiercely. She hadn't expected this as he kissed her thoroughly, seeming to reacquaint himself with her.
"Hi," she breathed as he pulled back from her. He reached up and tweaked one of the flowers gently. "I...um...you look...yum."
"Yummy?" he chuckled. "Well thanks."
"Sorry my mind's a little hazy," she replied.
"Uh huh," he said with another chuckle. "It's my sexiness that is wreaking havoc on you. If you want we could skip lunch and I could show you how mind-blowing I can be."
"I'd rather go to lunch first," she said softly. "I haven't eaten much today."
His eyes hardened and she almost stepped back from his steely gaze. He held her still as he blinked back his own anger in favor of deep thinking. She would eat soon enough and then he'd make sure she was full before she left. His plans had been derailed but he'd managed a spectacular plan B if he did say so himself.
"Lunch it is," he replied. "So are you ready?"
"Yep," she said as she spun out of his arms to hang up her apron. "Mrs. Flowers always closes from 12 to 1 so I can lock up and go. She'll re-open at one."
He nodded as he watched her move around to grab her purse and flick light switches. She turned off the register and locked up the small safe behind the counter. She turned on the misters to water some of the plants before grabbing his hand to pull him out the front door. Before a rain droplet could touch her, he had the umbrella over her head as she locked the door. Soon enough she was whisked into his Camaro, top-up, with heat blowing against her chilled legs.
"Where are we going?" she asked as she watched the town fly by past them.
"My house," he replied. "I had plans but with the rain I had to...adjust."
"What are we going to do?" she asked curiously. She should feel a sense of fear at being alone with a man in his home but she felt giddy. Damon wouldn't harm her in any physical way and she knew he had something amazing planned. He was the kind of man who took great pleasure in giving pleasure.
He helped her out of the car and rushed her into the front door. She shivered as he helped her out of new shoes, which by now were completely soaked. He took a towel off an inside table and dried her feet as she desperately tried to get him to stop.
"It's embarrassing Damon!" she said as she tried to pull her foot back.
"They got wet because of me and I'm taking care of you," he replied. Finally he let each one go before ushering her down the hall. She looked into each and every room as they passed amazed at the wealth. She'd never seen windows that large or wood surfaces that gleamed. The fireplace was the size of her largest closet and she almost begged to try it out.
He escorted her through the kitchen until she could see a set of double doors, dark mahogany with flower accents. He stopped in front of them and whirled around to face her. She reached out to trace the leaf designs carved into the doors before glancing up at him. He looked nervous to her but he was trying to appear nonchalant.
"I had plans," he began. "I thought we'd go to the gardens and have a picnic. We could just walk around and talk and then maybe I could convince you to go to dinner."
"That sounds nice," she said with a smile. "I haven't been to the gardens in years. It's too bad about the rain."
"I'll take you next time if you want," he replied.
"So cocky," she murmured. "I think I like that about you. You seem so sure of yourself in a...non-asshole kind of way." She reached up at touched his cheek softly. "You're so stubborn."
"Non-asshole, huh?" he said happily. "Well I'll take it. Now I had to improvise so it's not up to the standards of those snooty plant people at the Gardens..."
"What is it?" Elena asked. He turned and opened the doors, tugging her into the room. Her gasp was nearly silent as she looked at the room enclosed completely in glass. She recognized the style of the room from the gardening books she'd seen over the years. It was like an indoor greenhouse but it was used more for recreation. Typically a person would put all sorts of plants in pots and planters to keep them blooming during the harsh winters. Some people put benches and tables inside to promote the indoor garden look.
This one was filled with flowers and vases of all sorts until she felt like she was walking in a wildflower field. Everything was planned with such a discerning eye and she realized quickly she'd seen this style before. She spun around to look at him questioningly but finished her little tour. In the center of the space was a table and two chairs, decked out for a picnic. Candles burned brightly on various stone surfaces creating an odd little oasis in the middle of the outdoor storm.
"You did all this?" she asked softly.
"I had plans," he replied. "When they didn't work I had to make new ones. I wasn't sure the flower shop carried enough to make this reality but your boss came through."
"You bought all of this from the flower shop?" she asked incredulously. She had guessed from the arrangements which were classic Mrs. Flowers but she resisted it. There was no way he'd go through this much trouble for her.
"I wanted to create the gardens for you," he said. "I aim to please."
"Why?" she whispered. "Why did you go through all this trouble?"
"You better not be saying you aren't worth it," he replied bitingly. "You are well worth the expense and I wanted to make it clear to you I want this. You, I want you."
She stared up at him surprised at his vehemence. He wanted her to understand he was not looking for one date or one night with her. He wanted her to understand he was interested in her and she still wasn't sure why. She had done nothing to attract his attention other than do what she did every day.
"You fascinate me," he explained. "Did I mention how sexy you look right now?"
"No but I won't sleep with you," she said snarkily.
"I had that planned for date three but if you'd prefer we can bump it up," he replied as he pulled her tightly against him. She could feel him against her belly and unwillingly, she felt her body clench in pure feminine response.
"Aren't you cocky?" she murmured. She wasn't good at this sort of game but she thought she was holding her own. She hadn't flirted in years and something about Damon made her question whether or not it was working at all. Perhaps she sounded stupid and he was just being polite.
"Why don't you tell me?" he said with a quick nip to her ear. His breath was warm on her ear as he traced it with his tongue, tugging impatiently with his teeth. His hands had moved to her backside, cupping her in places usually requiring a slap to a customer's face. She could feel him against her, hard and throbbing and herself wet and warm. She knew he would not push for her today but something about his desire made her want him to try.
His lips and tongue tempted her as he made it clear he desired her. Her body was limp against his as she was swept along a path she'd only heard of before this moment. She'd never had the pleasure of feeling this way with someone even someone she hardly knew. His dark hair brushed against her in a caress mirroring the movement of his lips. She fought for clear-headedness as his lips met hers.
She was in a garden, man-made, but no less beautiful. She was in the arms of a man she was learning to care for on levels she didn't know exist. She was on a first date for the first time in years and all she could think about was his bed upstairs. She knew if she asked he would take her. If she merely whispered her desire he would honor it. She knew he would whisk her there and hours from now would ask her for another date which would hopefully involve a meal before a tumble into bed. She would accept as she basked in the glow of pleasure but she would always wonder if the sex was what made her accept.
"You make me forget to argue," she finally managed through his kisses.
"You make me crazy," he replied. "I can't get you out of my mind."
"Mmm...I like that but we need to stop," she said as she fought for a little distance. He allowed her none but he did stop kissing her. She blushed prettily before meeting his gaze purposefully. "Let's have lunch and talk."
"Absolutely crazy," he whispered as he let go of her to adjust his pants. "All right let's eat then."
She smiled at his discomfort while she led him to the table. He waited for her to sit down before sitting down across from her. He took her palm in his hand and stroked the back of her hand heatedly. She watched the motion for a moment as she felt each brush deep within her. When she raised her eyes to his she saw the stormy gaze that watched her. There was intent there but it was pushed back to promise her he would never push.
She sighed softly before lifting a glass of the wine he'd poured. It was still chilled slightly and she sipped the white wine slowly. It calmed her.
He was losing any level of calm he'd managed to find in the seconds they'd sat down at the table. He watched each sip of her wine with eyes like a hawk as her throat bobbed daringly with each sip. Something about her made him lose control and he wondered if he wouldn't lose it all and tug her to the floor. He could see her sprawled on the floor, limbs warm and inviting as he made her mindless. He could hear her soft sighs as though he'd had the pleasure of them before now.
Her eyes blinked seductively and he found himself lifting her palm to his lips to trace his tongue over the lines there. She gasped enchantingly and he watched the desire pool in her chocolate gaze. They were the darkest chocolate he'd ever seen and he wished to see them liquid and languid in contentment, unable to focus on anything but him. It didn't matter she wasn't truly his yet or her stubborn streak concerning herself and her son. All that mattered was the way she looked at him now when he was alone with her, aware of her desire and his.
All that mattered was this moment.
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Hi all! Miss me? I'll be working on "His" tomorrow and then "TBL". My goal is to complete "TBL" before going back to "Clue Me In" because "CMI" is very intensive since I have to keep every single detail 100% straight.
Thanks guys!
