I Remember You

Chapter 9

Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing. I hope that you all enjoy this chapter. You all are the absolute best.

This chapter is going to follow Sookie's PoV from the last chapter.

If I forgot to include my disclaimer, on any other chapters and any chapter hereafter, I want Ms. Charlaine Harris and other readers to know that I am aware that she owns all of the main characters. I cannot say this enough; this goes for past and future chapters. I will do my best to keep the lawyers at bay. In the words of our dear President Nixon, 'I am not a crook.'


It is Thursday; 3:00 in the afternoon and my weekend has officially begun. I had only one patient that I was to see tomorrow but due to an illness, she won't be coming. Belinda was happy to say that my appointment for Friday has been canceled.

"Three day weekend?" she asked. The images in her head were telling me that she had some serious plans and she couldn't wait to get them started. How could I say no to a face like that?

"Three day weekend it is." She hopped a little and she thanked me with a giggle. She ran out of the office to call her friend to let him know that they had an extra day together. I haven't had a three day weekend in ages. As a matter of fact, I couldn't remember the last time I'd a long weekend. Coupled with my pending date, this weekend couldn't possibly get any better. I thought that I could even leave the office before 5:00.

My phone began to ring.

Amelia was calling to let me know that she had an unscheduled arrival and we had to change our late lunch date into a dinner date. "I'm sorry but he just walked in. You know that I am not turning down any millionaire clients. That will cut into my shopping money."

I could see the miniature cash registers dancing around her head. She loved nothing more than shopping. She also loved a good clearance sale; what woman doesn't?

"Millionaire; who is it this time? If it's Gerard Butler, I'm going to choke the shit of you. I told you that if he ever comes in to call me. He won't need to pay your ridiculous fee. I have to make him see that a woman with curves is sexy. Hips do not make a woman fat. A bony pair of arms cannot be inviting. Naomi Campbell is not sexy."

"Maybe if her attitude was a little better, she could be. I promise you that I will tell you but darling, but it is not him. You are the physical type for the guy that is here today. He's not your type mentally, though. He likes 'em young, pretty, blond, and dumb. You'd have to dumb yourself down in order to be with him." She snorted when she said that. "He does require that his potential sex partner has a nice body. You're not his type. You have ambition and you're beautiful."

What kind of man wants a woman that doesn't have her own career or anything else for that matter? "Who is this loser?"

"He's a television icon; supposedly. That's how he describes himself. I don't know if he really is or not but I can tell you this. He is extremely wealthy ... and old ... I mean like 90 but as the old adage goes, you're never too old for love. One thing that could work in his favor is that you can take care of him. Ninety year old men need to be taken care of; O-L-D."

If she thinks that 90 years old is old, what would she think of Eric?

"Up yours Amelia," I retorted. "Am I that desperate? What's going on? You never pass up millionaires. You'd play along with him just so he could take you shopping." The Amelia that I know would put on a blond wig and a padded bra if she thought that he would take her shopping. "I've known you too long to fall for this trap."

Then it hit me. She's telling me because of who my other crush is. "OMG; is it Anderson Cooper? Just because his hair is silver does not mean he's 90 years old. He is cute but suspect. I can't shake the feeling that he may be a little sweeter than a man should be; if you can pick up what I'm putting down.

"He wishes." In a whispered voice, she said, "It is Larry King; that wrinkled old fart that used to be on CNN. I have no choice but to pass him up. He wants a young, sweet, blonde thang. That's you. I, Amelia Broadway, am happily out of the running."

"You have a blonde wig."

"I can never buy a wig that blond, Sookie Stackhouse."

"There is no way in hell I'm going for that old man. He's ... so old." We each started laughing as we talked about his body and his wrinkles. "Oh, don't forget his old man hair and face and those ugly glasses. Yuck. I'll bet his you-know-what is one little, shriveled up wrinkle. Ewww; I'll bet he shakes when he's having sex if he's on top." We both erupted with laughter.

"He probably slobs when his false teeth slip." We laughed even louder. "Hey, how would you know if anybody shakes when they're on top; young or old? Aren't you 'The Virgin Stackhouse'?"

"You don't have to have sleep around to know what old people look like when they are in the throes of passion. Didn't you see that movie with Jack Nicholson? He was having sex with that young girl, Amanda Peete; terrible actress. Anyway, he was shaking and he's got to be what ... about 102?"

"About. I think he's as old as my dad. Anyway, I'll be down as soon as I'm done with Wrinkles." We giggled again.

"If I finish up my paperwork early, I'll meet you." With a sigh, I ended my call and went back to work.

With my paperwork finally complete, I sat back and relaxed. I thought about Hunter, Katie, and BJ and the progress that they have made. Before long, they will no longer need me. That is my goal. I want them all to succeed and they will. Today has been a good day.

I locked down my files and my desk drawers. I secured my laptop and my desk top. I called my security company from my personal cell and told them to sweep my office twice each day over the weekend. I then called the answering service to let them know that my weekend had started.

"Do not disturb me unless it's an emergency."

Walter, the operator for our answering service, asked me, "Big plans?"

"I really hope so."

"We'll keep our fingers crossed. Have a great weekend."

"You too, Walter," I said. "And thanks."

With my last call done, I looked around my office to be sure that there was nothing left for me to do; there wasn't and I was ready to go.

Just as I grabbed my purse and jacket to go upstairs, Belinda ran into my office with a look of surprise. "Sookie," she said, "you must have one hell of an admirer because he is seriously crazy about you!"

She held the door open and stepped aside so that I could see what was behind her. I couldn't believe it. I dropped my purse and my jacket onto the floor.

There were men entering my office caring vases and vases of yellow and white daisies. I stood in the middle of the floor with my hands over my mouth. They are the brightest yellow and white flowers that I've ever seen and they are for me. The last man to enter was holding a card and a small black box with a big yellow bow wrapped around it.

"You are Miss. Stackhouse?"

"Yeah."

"I am to tell you that last night was the best night of Eric Northman's life in over five years. He has never been happier. When you walked into the club, he knew that his life would never be the same. He said that it is getting harder and harder to have to wait until Friday night to see you. If time permits, he will see you tonight." He bowed to me when his speech was done.

I didn't know what to say or to do so I just stood there.

"He will meet you at your home Friday night at first dark; 7:00 pm." The man holding the card and the box handed me the gifts and bowed to me once again. The other men followed suit before they leaving my office.

As the last man was leaving my office, Amelia entered. The look on her face looked exactly like mine and Belinda's. "What the fuck did you do last night, Sookie?" Amelia walked into the room and smelled each flower as if they were different varieties. "Who did you meet and what did you do to make him do this for you?"

I shrugged my shoulders.

Amelia went from vase to vase and each vase had a card attached to it. After her inspection, Amelia grabbed the first card from the last bouquet that she looked into. "My every thought is of you," Amelia read. She picked up another card from another bouquet. It read the same thing. Another and another ... the same ... the same ... She looked over at Belinda.

"Read that card, Belinda."

"My every thought is of you."

Belinda looked at me and asked, "What the fuck did you do last night?"

I didn't know what to say. When I picked my purse and jacket up from the floor, Amelia took them from me. She put my purse on my shoulder and threw my jacket over her arm and waited. I just stood there and looked from Amelia and Belinda with a goofy grin on my face. They both looked as if they are waiting for something.

"Come on Sookie," Belinda begged. She used her head to point towards my hands. "The card and the little black box; are you gonna open them?"

"What's in the box, Sook?" Amelia asked.

"I don't know," I said with a shake of my head.

"Seriously, Sookie, are you high? Open it and see what's in it." Amelia said.

"I guess I can open it, huh? It's mine." I still have that goofy grin on my face as I looked from Amelia to Belinda. I opened the envelope as carefully and as slowly as possible. I didn't want to rip it.

Amelia threw her arms in the air. "Will you hurry the fuck up?"

No, I will not. It is worth taking my time; it is beautiful. The front of the card is made of white velvet and my name is spelled out in little yellow letters. Each letter is raised so that I can feel the details. Daisies and butterflies decorate the card. I've never had a man do such nice things for me before; well my grandpa and Desmond but they are family. They have to do stuff for me. But Eric, he owes me nothing but in just the little time we've known each other, he's done this for me. Slowly and carefully, I open the first card that I'd ever received from a man.

It read, 'I miss you, E'.

I didn't notice that Amelia and Belinda were staring over my shoulder.

"Who is 'E'?" Amelia asked.

Belinda leaned behind me and said to Amelia, "Eric Northman. That's what the delivery man said." She had wonder in her voice. "Did you sleep with this Eric Northman?" she said in my ear.

"A kiss was all that we did and he did that on my cheek." Belinda raised her eyebrows at me. "You pervert. He kissed the cheek on my face."

Amelia looked at me with her mouth wide open. I can see the images of my ... the vampire in her head. "The big blond vampire … the one that owns Fangtasia … the one that everyone woman in Shreveport drools over … the one that has never given a human woman a second look? Is that the one?"

I nodded.

"Motherfucker!" she said. "What the fuck did you do you last night?"

I don't know what I've done to deserve the attentions of Eric Northman. Whatever I'd done, I was going to keep doing it.

I put the card back into the envelope and tucked it inside my purse. I just stared at the little black box. I'm not going to automatically assume that he has bought me a diamond necklace or a diamond bracelet. I hope that he doesn't think that he has to buy me to get me to like him. I already like him. He doesn't have to buy my affections. I am not his girlfriend ... am I? If it is an extravagant gift, I will have no choice but to give it back. I can't accept an expensive gift. I pray to myself silently that it isn't jewelry. I really want this to work.

"Will you open it dammit?"

If I didn't know better, I would think that Amelia yelled at me. She was beginning to bug the hell out of me. I was about to give her what for but the look on her face told me that it wasn't anger in her voice but excitement and happiness for me. Her images were of pure joy. As always, my best friend is happy for me.

"Maybe he gave you a key to his house so that you can do what you want to him. If you need any pointers, let me know. Mmmm; I'll bet he's good," she said wide eyed and nodding.

When I look to the left of me, Belinda was smiling too. "Go on," she motioned toward the box. Same expressions, same images; they are truly my friends.

I inhaled and opened the box. What I saw when I opened the box, made me laugh. Amelia and Belinda looked at the gift and then at each other. There was a look of confusion on their faces but to me, it was hilarious. Eric sent me a lifetime pass to Fangtasia as his personal guest. No cover charge. Always welcome. Always free.

As if it were planned, Amelia and Belinda said once more and in unison, "What the fuck did you do last night?"

I told them some of what happened last night when I went to Fangtasia. They hung on my every word. "You are one lucky bitch," Amelia said.

Belinda asked Amelia what Eric looked like and Amelia was more than happy to tell her.

My heart did a big happy dance. I texted Eric to let him know that I love my flowers and that I will use my lifetime free pass until he tires of me. I told him that I couldn't wait to see him Friday. Before I gave myself a chance to think, I sent him another text. 'I really can't w8 2 c u.'

Once all of the excitement was over, Amelia and Belinda helped me take the flowers home. After we arranged the flowers in my living room, kitchen, guest bedrooms, den, and my bedroom, I made each of us a glass of tea before we went to dinner.

"I need to change. Give me fifteen minutes to get ready. Keep trying to talk Belinda into going." I had to get out of those shoes.

"You got it," Amelia yelled after me as I ran upstairs.

I opt for a pale blue halter dress and white sandals. I put on my diamond studded earrings and freshened up my makeup. After brushing my teeth and running my fingers through my hair, I spritzed on a little Obsession and was ready to go.

When I went downstairs, the girls were sitting on the couch laughing at Larry King. Amelia and I tried to get Belinda to come with us to dinner but again, she declined. While Belinda was telling us why she couldn't tag along, Amelia got a call. She motioned towards the door so that we could get a move on.

Once outside, Belinda said that she had to go. "I hope that you get what you want. If anyone deserves to be happy, it's you. I like to see you like this. You looked really pretty today."

"Thank you Belinda."

Belinda and I said our good nights. While I was walking to the garage, Amelia was just getting off of the phone and running to catch up to me. "Sookie, wait. I'll drive."

I looked at her surprised. She never wants to drive.

"There's no point in taking two cars. We can take my car and I'll just bring you home later."

She is trying her best to look as if she is being a good friend when we both knew that she is being nosy. I know what is going to happen and it has nothing to do with my telepathy either. She is going ask if we can go to Fangtasia because she's never been; with me anyway. Before she springs the idea on me, she will fake concern about some other issue to show that she truly cares.

"We have to consider the price of gas. It's ridiculous."

See; I told ya.

"Right," I said as sarcastically as possible.

As she walks to the driver's side of the car, she gives me her best 'What did I do wrong?' look. It never works on me but it never stops her from using it.

We haven't even backed out of the driveway before she says, "Hey, do you wanna go to Fang ..."

"No. I'm hungry and I don't think they serve food."

"I just thought that you would want to ..."

"No."

She sighed. "I am just thinking about you, Sook..."

I turned to look at her. The look said it all.

"Okay." She shook her head as if she couldn't believe that I wouldn't listen to her. "I'll tell ya this; it's a sad, sad world when a girl can't show concern for her best friend's budding relationship." She shook her head as if it was the most tragic thing to have ever been said.

I laughed at a girl's best friend.

We decided on the Sit and Spin for dinner. This is the nightclub/restaurant for the young, hip crowd of Shreveport. Everybody comes here; no matter the day of the week or the time of night. If you want to be seen, this is the place. I've been here twice and each time, it's been Amelia's idea. I've never come on my own because this place is just not my speed. I never object because they have the best menu in town. Their mixed drinks are to die for and their playlist is the best. When we enter the restaurant, I look around at the other patrons.

Not everyone there is human. The voids in the air mean that there are vampires here. The different colors indicate that shifters and Weres are here too. There are other creatures here but I can't tell what they are. Everyone's brain pattern is different.

Out of habit, I drop my shields and listen for any danger. Grandpa always told me to do that whenever I enter a crowded establishment.

'You never know what's lurking behind every door. Always stay alert'.

I have never gone anywhere without making sure of my surroundings. So far, everything is okay. There are a lot of voids. I look in the direction of the voids but I only see the darkest corner. I wondered if ... nah; he wouldn't come here. I turned my attentions back to the crowded dance floor. People are dancing and having a great time.

Once Amelia and I are seated, it doesn't take long for us to decide what we want. I haven't eaten anything but Nutter Butters since this morning. Amelia ordered the seared swordfish with steamed asparagus and carrots with garlic and herb bread. I had the medium rare steak with a small baked potato and Cesar salad, no dressing.

While we are eating, we talk about a lot of stuff; everything but what Amelia wants to ask me. She wants me to bring up the subject of Eric but I won't. The questions are flooding her mind. If she wants to know, she'll ask me. I don't have to wait very long. She's about to.

"Okay bitch, since you're going to force me to ask you, what is this Eric Northman like? I have heard of him. They say that the human women adore him but he doesn't give them the time of day. He turns them away each time."

"What have you heard about him?"

Shoving another piece of swordfish into her mouth, she continues. "There are rumors that he was in love once but she's gone. From what I've heard, no other woman interests him; that is until you. They say that he really loved this woman."

"Oh," is all that I can say. I knew that there is no way that he would be single. I wonder what happened to her. Maybe she moved on to another vampire. Maybe she died. When I asked him if he had a girlfriend or a wife, he didn't answer. Maybe he didn't want to hurt my feelings. I never should have gone to that club. I should have gone home.

"So what gives? What is it about you?"

"I don't know. But I can tell you this, when I met him last night, it was almost as if we already knew each other. I felt so comfortable around him. I didn't want to leave. Amelia, I brushed against him last night when I walked past him and I could 'feel' him ... maybe. I even had dreams of him last night that were so real."

"Maybe you're his lost love." She looked me in my eyes and I can see that she's not kidding. "It happens. There are many stories like this is the supe world. A lover dies and another lives; so to speak. The one that's left behind walks the world sad and alone waiting for his or her lost love to return. Love is the most powerful thing in the world, Sookie. When you have been so long without it and you finally have it in your grasps, you never want to let it go." She squeezed my hand and said, "If you found him, it was meant to be."

I'd never seen her more serious.

"Can you imagine a vampire, walking this world forever alone? Imagine him finding his one true love and she dies or she leaves him. Suppose he'd never known love until he'd found her and boom ... she's gone. That is so tragic. Waking up alone and feeling empty inside." She took a sip of her wine. "Maybe it's you."

"I wish." I cleared my throat and said, "I told him things last night; things that I haven't even told you."

She let her fork drop onto her plate. "I know... I know that you did not tell him about your secret. If you told him that you're psychic, I'm going to be so pissed at you."

I looked over her shoulder and waved at a complete stranger. Surprisingly, he waved back and had a huge smile on his face.

"Sookie Stackhouse! How could you? I'm supposed to be your best friend."

I reached across the table and placed my hand over hers. "You are my best friend and I am sorry. I never meant to tell him. It just came out. I don't know why. It just felt right." After an uncomfortable silence, I said, "You've always known what I can do anyway. I'm not a psychic and you know it. You were just waiting for me to tell you."

She pouted as she put a carrot in her mouth. "You still could have told me." She scooted her carrots and asparagus absently around on the plate. "Didn't I tell you that I'm a witch?"

"I know and I'm sorry. Are you mad at me?"

I hate it when she is mad at me. The longest amount of time spent we've been mad at each other is fifteen minutes but even that is too long when it's your best friend.

"Awww come on. You've kept things from me. Professor Josh Hamilton." Lab coats, test tubes and hoses were involved. I really won't go into any details.

She was about to deny it but I looked at her as if she knew better. "Okay." She shrugged her shoulders and sighed extremely loud. After a few more minutes of silence and eating, Amelia looked up at me; still pouting and said, "I won't be mad if you loan me your black velvet shawl."

"It's a deal. I'll give it to you when you take me home. Sleepover tonight?" I asked.

"If I don't get lucky," she answered. "Hey, how did you end up at Fangtasia's when you were supposed to be going to Merlotte's?"

I swallowed a bite of potato. "Yeah but something happened. Amelia, you know that when I have to be somewhere how I hate to be late and if I've never been to that place, I will leave extra early."

She nodded.

"I couldn't find that place. No matter how I tried, I couldn't find it. Each turn was a dead end and it was completely black; no houses, no street lights, no cars, no nothing. I got tired of driving in circles and decided to call it a night. You'll never believe this but the road that Fangtasia was on, I passed that road at least ten times and I swear to you, the club was not there until I was heading home."

Amelia stopped chewing and looks at me. My dear friend has found a new mission.

"It appeared out of nowhere. It's almost as if I was meant to find Fangtasia and not Merlotte's. I couldn't even find the town of Bon Temps."

"Hmmmm; I have to look into that. That sounds like some kind of magic is going on. I'll call Octavia." If anyone knows, Octavia will. She is Amelia's mentor.

When we finished our meal, we talked a little longer. We talked about my clients; never their names or their gifts; she asked about their personal files and security. She only asked because she is the one that wards my files and office. She wanted to be sure that the wards are still holding. And they are but I have to be careful. That is why I had sweepers.

We talked a little more and then one of Amelia's favorite songs was playing; 'Cheers to the Freakin' Weekend' by Rhianna.

"Uh-oh Sook, let's dance!"

With Amelia, you don't get a chance to object. She snatched my hand and dragged me onto the dance floor. It was fun and I loved it. Men started dancing around us. Men always seemed to get excited when women dance together. The crowd circled us and cheered us on. People were holding their drinks up in the air and singing along with the song. This was the most fun I've had in … ever. It was great. I needed to do this more often.

Three more songs play and each song is a 'dance until you can't dance no more' song. Amelia and I were enjoying ourselves. When I suddenly had the feeling the Eric is here. I don't know why but I could almost feel him. Maybe I was feeling that way because of the dream. Maybe it's because of the flowers and the pass. Maybe it was just me because I couldn't get him off of my mind but I can feel him.

Anyway, when the song was over, this guy slips his number into my hand before he leaves with his entourage. He blows me a kiss as his buddies pull him off of the dance floor. He mouthed the words 'call me' and did the praying hands as if he was begging for my attentions. I laughed. I watched the guy as he and his friends departed. I slipped the number in my pocket to throw away later. He isn't my type.

"Here's an oldie but goodie. This is to Sandra from Andrew; tonight's the night that you guys will be 'Sharing the Night Together'. Enjoy all you lovers out there," the DJ said in a sultry tone.

I turned down several dance offers and began the long journey back to our table alone. Suddenly; I stopped dead in my tracks. This time I knew that I could feel him. My heart stopped and dropped to the bottom of my feet.

"Eric," I whispered.

When I turn around, there he is, looking down at me. I wanted to kiss him and hold him. I wanted to love him. He stood tall and he looked absolutely fabulous; every single inch of him. He is dressed in a pair of faded blue jeans and a Fangtasia tee. His beautiful blond hair is framed around his handsome face. His eyes are fastened on mine with such intensity, I can feel that he wants me and I know that he can feel that I want him.

"Eric," I said again as I touched his face. "I've missed you."

He reached into my pocket and retrieved the phone number that the guy from earlier gave me. "You won't need this."

"I won't," I confirmed as I shook my head.

"Dance with me," he said. His fangs are on display and thankfully he did not try to hide them. They were the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

"I would love to."

As we dance, our eyes are locked. His big strong arms pull me as close as possible to him. My arms are wrapped around his waist so tightly anyone would have believe that he was about to fly away and I am his anchor. I look up at him and I want to feel his mouth on mine. My face begins to flush as the idea of our lips touching floods my mind. I felt my female parts start to tingle. He has a fiery look in his eyes and he inhales. I had never felt like this before. This moment reminds me of the dream; the dream of being in love.

"Eric."

We are still holding each other when the song ends.

"Well, well, well, look at you Ms. Stackhouse. Is this your 'E'?"

I closed my eyes and turned to face a smirking Amelia. When I tried to let go of him, Eric held onto me. If I had blinked I would have missed it but Eric looked at her as if he hates her. Does he know her? A lot of people hate Amelia once they meet her. Maybe she's done something or said something to him and she doesn't remember. She's extremely blunt and has very little tact.

"Eric, this is Amelia. She is my best friend from college. Amelia, this is Eric." Amelia offered Eric her hand.

He reluctantly took his hand from mine and stiffly shook Amelia's and said a short, "Hello." After their greeting, I greedily took his hand back into my own.

Amelia walked around him and looked him up and down. "Nice; very nice Sook," she said as she winked at me. "Are you ready to go home or is your vampire going to take you home? I have to leave early in the morning for Alexandria. I don't want to cut your night short if you want to stay."

When she called him my vampire, I blushed.

"She will be fine. I will make sure that she is safe." Eric left no room for argument.

She kissed my cheek and told me and Eric goodnight. "I'll call you tomorrow on my way back. I don't know how long I'll be there. I have to meet a client. Be safe." Before leaving, she said, "Don't worry about the sleepover tonight. I'm going home." She winked at me and proceeded to leave. "And don't worry about the bill. I'll get it on my way out."

"Call me when you get to Alexandria so that I'll know that you arrived safely. I love you. Don't forget to call me," I called after her as she walked away.

She waved good-bye and said, "Okay, mom."

Once she was gone, I turned my attentions back to Eric. "Thank you so much for the flowers and the pass to Fangtasia. I hope that you don't regret giving it to me when I show up unexpectedly."

"Never," he said.

Eric placed his palm in the small of my back as he led me to the table that Amelia and I had earlier occupied. His cool touch made me quiver all over. When we were seated, Eric was still gripping my hand.

"I could not stop thinking of you last night. I wanted to let you know. I had to let you know." He lifted my hand to his cool lips. His lips felt so familiar. It was as if he had kissed every inch of me. It felt so good that I felt as if I would burst into flames.

I got up from my seat and I sat on Eric's lap. I wrapped my arms around his neck. I leaned in and kissed him. My heart was beating faster. My skin flushed. His kisses are so sweet. When I opened my eyes, he was looking at me. I slowly removed my lips from his and gave him a coy smile.

"Why did you do that?" he asked.

"I've wanted to since I'd met you. I dreamt of you last night."

"And I dreamed of you." He gave me a piercing look, and said, "You are so beautiful."

"I'll bet you say that to all of the girls."

"Never."

From the look in his eyes, I know that he means it. He brushed his lips lightly over mine. He kissed along my face and his fangs were still down; he nibbled my earlobe. The sensation sent chills through my body. He kissed and licked my neck. We looked into each other's eyes and a feeling of lust, desire, and everything in between passed back and forth.

Unable to speak above a whisper, I asked, "How did you know that I was here?" I kept my hands on his face as I peppered it lightly with the sweetest of kisses.

Eric reached up and delicately ran a finger down the side of my face. "I was sitting over there," he pointed to the dark corner. "I wanted to see you before you left for the night. Our meeting is taking longer than expected and I wanted to spend some time with you before I have to go back."

I felt my heart fall. "You have to go?" I wanted to stay with him until the dawn; just to talk. I wanted to share my day with him. I want to be a part of his night.

"I don't want to," he said hastily. "There is vampire business that we have to take care of." He looked as if he wanted to tell me more but stopped himself. "I will spend all of tomorrow night with you." His lips were cool against my forehead. "I promise."

I left his lap and took my purse from the other side of the table and draped it over my shoulder. "I understand," I said. "You didn't have to tell Amelia that you'd take me home. I can get a cab. We have tomorrow night to spend together. That's supposed to be our real date anyway."

He stood up quickly. "Don't be upset, my lover. If I did not have to be at the meeting, I would stay the night with you." My heart almost pounded itself right out of my chest. He pulled me to him and we begin to move to whatever song is playing.

"What have you done to me?" I asked as he kissed me. Those fabulous blue eyes were on fire and they had captured me; every inch of me and I loved it.

After that wonderful kiss, he smiled and said, "I am a charmer."

"Yes you are."

"Come, my lover, let me take you home."

When we reached his car, I knew that it had to be his; flashy, beautiful, sleek, and sexy. It was a bright red Corvette. BLDSKR was the license plate. That was too funny.

Once he made sure that I was buckled in, he drove away. I have to say that because he is a man and a vampire, I assumed that he would drive like a maniac. When a sports car is involved most men have no concept of the words 'speed' and 'limit'. Eric must be an exception to the rule; he drove the speed limit. It was as if he was in no hurry to get me home and that in its self made me happy. The best part of the drive was that he did ask me about my day. He seemed to really want to hear about it. He laughed at the right points. He asked questions at the right times. He was just amazing.

"I know that your night has just begun, but how has it been so far?" I asked him.

"Wonderful," he said has he held my hand. "It's been just wonderful."

When we reached my house, my happiness didn't last long. I was sad all over again. He ran to the passenger side of the car and opened the door for me. He reached for my hand and helped me from the car. We walked hand in hand to the front door. Once we were on the porch, I took my keys from my purse and unlocked the door. I turned to Eric and I could tell; no I could feel that he felt the way that I did. He didn't want to go.

"I'm glad that I got to see you tonight. I had a really nice time."

"You couldn't wait to see me?" he asked smugly.

"You are the one that couldn't wait; lurking in corners, stalking me, watching me." I winked at him. "You want me."

"I do." With those two words, my hootchie jumped and his nostrils flared once again. My goodness, I want him.

"You made my day the absolute best. Plus seeing you, I just knew that it couldn't get any better."

"It is always a joy to see you smile."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Anything for you," he said. When he said that, it startled me. He said that to me before. He said that to me last night in my dream.

"Twice tonight you called me lover. Why?"

"Because you will be my lover, you will be mine and I will be yours."

My heart did a quick thump and I think … I'm not sure … but I think that it stopped. I swallowed deep and hard, "How do you know?"

"Because I know what I want and I want you. You will be my lover." There was no question in his voice when he spoke. I know in my heart that he is right.

He traced his fingers along my face and he lovingly kissed me. I expected a passionate, blow the shoes off my feet and the hair off my head type of kiss. But it was so delicate. When he released my lips, I could feel him all over me. It felt like heaven and I said as much. There was so much electricity in that one kiss. I wished that he would stay. I placed both hands on either side of his waist and leaned the top of my head onto his chest. I looked at my feet. I didn't want him to go. I gripped his shirt tightly in my hands.

"Will you come back, if it's not too late?"

OH MY GOD; did I ask him to come back to my house … at night … while I'll be in bed … alone?

"You don't have to. I mean, it is okay. I was just wondering." Now I was babbling like a brook. Since he couldn't see my face, I squeezed my eyes closed and mentally gave myself a good talking to.

"It will be pretty late when I am done. I don't want to interfere with your rest. Do you have to work tomorrow?"

I shook my head no. I was afraid to speak. I didn't understand why I was feeling this way. Just the thought of him leaving me turned me into a liar and a blubbering mess. I didn't have to speak after all. I began to cry.

"Why can I feel you? Why do I want you? What have you done to me?" I whispered more to myself than to him. "I don't want you to go." I watched as my tears fell onto the porch.

"Sookie," he said.

I didn't look up at him. I turned to go into the house. With my back to him and my hand on the doorknob, I said, "Don't come back tonight. I'm being selfish. I should be glad that I saw you at all. I don't think that you should come back tonight. I may not let you go." With that, I went into the house and leaned against the door.

"Good night, Sookie," he said to the door.

I wanted to throw the door open and beg him to come back to me. I wanted to tell him that never wanted him to leave. Being the coward that I am, I did nothing. I stayed put. I listened to him crank his car and drive away. I kicked the door with the heel of my foot before going upstairs. I ran my bath water as hot as I could stand it and turned on my radio. The song playing described my feelings perfectly; 'I Wish I Was the Moon Tonight'.