With my eyes focused firmly on hers, I pour my heart out when I ask, "Now that our secrets are out in the open, will you give us a chance, Elena?"

I watch as a mixture of shock, awe and fear crosses her beautiful face.

"Damon... are you sure this is what you want?"

Reaching across the table, I take her hands in mine. While giving them a squeeze, I tell her that she's exactly who I want. Her age doesn't matter to me. All I know is that her mere touch sets my blood on fire and sends it sloshing through my veins. It's something I've never felt with a woman before.

"If you're sure, yes, I'd like to see you again too. But, Damon, we're going to have to tell Tag at some point."

Even though I see a little fear and doubt in her eyes, I'm not going to get into it with her right now. I need to show her how much I want what's brewing between us to grow and prosper. Her presence alone nearly takes my breath away, she's beautiful especially on the inside.

"Damon?"

Smiling, I give her hand another squeeze.

"I agree. But can we just have a couple of days to ourselves first? I just want a little alone time and then the two of us can sit him down and explain things."

After brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, she drops her eyes, shaking her head just slightly.

"I don't know, Damon. I don't want to make the same mistake with him that I made with you."

"He'll understand. You told me that he knows you've been seeing someone right?"

"Yes, Damon, but he doesn't know that the guy his mom is seeing is his boss and his friend."

"I'm well aware of that. Maybe we can tell him this coming weekend? Do you work?"

"No, I have Saturday and Sunday off that is unless something happens and they call me to come in."

"You don't have to go in though, right?"

"No, I'm not obligated to go in but I feel guilty when I say no."

"I admire that in you, Elena but surely you're allowed to have some time to yourself once in awhile?"

"I know."

When I look at my watch, I realize that I have to leave if I want to see Brady before visiting hours are over.

"I need to leave. I want to check in on Brady while I still can. But I'm going to call you later so we can set up another date. Would that be okay with you?"

"I'd like that," she says softly, finally a genuine smile forms, brightening up her face.

"That's what I like to see," I tease. Standing up, I take her hand to walk her back to the car. And because there are other people around, I don't kiss her deeply like I want to. Instead, I press a wispy kiss to her lips. Once she slides behind the steering wheel, I stoop down and kiss her once more, this time with a little more passion. When I pull back breathlessly, I stand up on wobbly legs.

"Goodbye, Elena," I whisper, pushing her car door closed when she says the same. I stand back and watch till her car disappears. Turning around, I walk into the hospital and take the stairs to Brady's room. Fortunately he's recovering quickly. He's still in a high level of care floor but he's no longer in intensive care. Brady and I have been best friends since literally the sandbox. Our parents still spend a lot of time together. He's actually more like a brother to me than a best friend.

"Hi buddy," I greet him, taking his hand between mine and giving it a squeeze.

"How are you feeling?"

"My head hurts but the doctor told me that that's a given since I did have brain surgery. Other than that, Dr. Aldrich told me that my scaring should be minimal so it shouldn't scare away the ladies," he jokes, laughing.

"Only you," I laugh, shaking my head.

"How's work going, you know since I'm not around?"

"We miss you, Brady. You keep us on our toes."

"Have you seen anymore of your girl?"

"Actually, Brady, my girl is Dr. Gilbert."

"She's the girl you've been seeing?"

"The one and only."

"She's hot."

"That's not all, she's Tag's mother."

"Holy hell, Damon! How can she be his mother?"

"I know. I never would have guessed her to be that old either."

"What are you going to do about that?"

"I really like her... a lot, Brady. For now, we're going to keep seeing each other. We're going to tell Tag soon. I just wish I had a clue as to how he'll react? He's a great kid but will he be okay with me having a romantic relationship with his mom?"

"I can't answer that, Damon. For your sake, I hope he'll be cool with it."

"Me too, buddy, me too."

After leaving Brady, I decide to go to talk to my sister. She's always been in my corner. Although I have never really been a hellion, I did raise a few eyebrows when I was in high school. My dad actually had to bail me and Brady out of jail more than once for childish pranks such as egging cars and stupid shit like that.

Raising my hand, I push her doorbell. It's not late yet, only about eight in the evening. Brady was getting tired otherwise I would've stayed with him a little longer.

"Damon?"

"Hi, I was wondering if you could spare your brother a few minutes?"

"Of course, come on in."

"Is Nick home?"

"He is but he didn't feel good so he went to bed. He has a cough and a fever."

"I hope he feels better tomorrow."

"Me too. But what did you want to talk about?" she asks, leading me into her living room.

"Do you want something to drink? A beer? Tea?"

"I'll have a beer but only one, I'm driving."

"I'll be right back." I watch as she disappears around the corner. What am I doing I think to myself. Dropping my face into my hands, I startle slightly when I feel the couch dip when she sits down beside me.

"Okay, Damon, what's going on?"

"It's about Elena."

"What about her? Did something happen?"

"Yeah, something happened alright," I utter, raking my fingers through my hair.

When I feel her hand on my arm, I look at her again.

"You can tell me anything. You know that."

"Katherine, Elena is not only Tag's mom but she's thirty four years old. Don't get me wrong, her age doesn't bother me but I don't know what you or Tag or even mom and dad will think about this?"

"Tag's mom? Wow!" she says, a stunned look on her face.

"Damon, I know you like this woman but the fact that she has a teenager brings it's own set of problems."

"I'm well aware of that."

"Did you know about Tag?"

"No, I just found out about him quite by accident. While we were holding vigil, you know, waiting to hear something about Brady, Tag just happened to bring his mother over to meet us. I tell you, Katherine, I had the shock of my life when I saw Elena standing in front of me."

"Why didn't she tell you about him?"

"She explained to me that every guy she's ever had an interest in has taken off like a bat out of hell as soon as she told them about her son. She was afraid that I would run too. But in fairness to her, she did try to tell me but dad interrupted us, asking me to come to the house."

"Damon, I don't know what to say. I'm just as stunned as you are. That said, I can see that you really like this woman."

"I think I'm falling in love with her, Katherine," I whisper, my eyes never leaving hers.

"Just tread carefully okay? I don't want to see you get hurt."

"I don't either. I just need you to be on my side when I work up the nerve to tell mom and dad."

"Do you even need to ask? Of course, I'll always be on your side."

"How about we watch a little TV? You can stay in the guest room if you want to drink heavily..."

"I'd like that, thanks, sis," I say softly, giving her a hug.

"You're welcome, why don't you pick a movie and I'll make us a cocktail."

"You're on." Chuckling, I walk over to the DVD cabinet and choose a movie. Once she hands me a glass, the two of us kick back and watch it, just enjoying each others company.

Elena:

"Caroline, come in."

"I'm sorry I've been AWOL lately but between my work and Tyler's, we haven't seen nearly enough of each other so we made the most of our time together if you get my drift," she tells me.

"I understand, Caroline. I really don't expect you to be at my beckon call."

"Do you want some coffee?"

"Need you ask?"

"So, Elena. What's up?"

"Damon knows about Tag."

"Well, don't just leave me hanging."

"He found out quite by accident. I didn't hear anything from him for a couple of days but then he came after me at work the night before last asking me to give the two of us a chance."

"That's something."

"Yeah, it is."

"Something else is bothering you, what is it?"

Picking up my coffee cup, I take a swallow. I really don't want to go into the age thing with her today. I know she'll go into her own little tirade and that is something that I just can't deal with today.

"Nothing else really, Caroline. The thing is... is that he's Tag's boss."

"How did Tag take that?"

"We haven't told him yet. We're going to tell him together this weekend."

"I'd love to be a fly on the wall for that conversation."

"Caroline, you're not helping."

"Oh come on, don't be so serious. For heaven's sakes, Elena, lighten up."

"I'm scared, Caroline," I say softly, getting up to refill my coffee cup.

"Elena?"

"What Caroline? I asked you here for a little support and instead you get your jollies out of this. It's serious."

"I'm sorry, okay? I didn't realize that your feelings ran so deep for this guy. You're my best friend, of course I'm on your side, I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I don't know what to do. As much as I want Tag to be okay with all of this, I'm just afraid. He has to be my first priority so if he doesn't accept Damon, I'll have to end things. God, Caroline, I don't want to."

Without letting a moment pass, she gets up and pulls me into her arms, running her hand along my back to comfort me.

Once I regain my composure, I pull away.

"Thanks, Care. Who knows, maybe Tag will be okay with it?"

Just as she starts to speak, her phone rings. Once she ends the call, she turns to me.

"I have to go, sweetie. Are you going to be okay?"

"Of course. I'm Elena Gilbert, remember?" I joke, reaching up to dab the moisture from my eyes.

"Yes, you are Elena Gilbert. You're the strongest person that I know. And no matter how this plays out, I'll always be here, you know that."

"I do."

After giving me another hug, she tells me goodbye, turning around to give me one more look before pulling the door closed behind her.

Feeling anxious, I drop my chin to my chest while grabbing onto the sink's edge, squeezing it so hard that my fingertips and knuckles turn white. So lost in thought, I actually startle when I hear my own cellphone ring. Taking a breath, I walk over to the table to pick it up. I can't help the smile that forms on my face when I see that it's him.

"Damon, hi."

"Hi, Elena, how are you feeling?"

"Actually, I'm much better now that you called."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Not that I'm not happy that you called but was there something that you wanted?"

"Yes, Elena. I was wondering if you'd consider spending the night with me Saturday? I will make us supper and then when I take you home Sunday, we can talk to Tag if that's okay with you of course?"

"Damon, that sounds heavenly. I'd love to see you Saturday."

"What time do you want me to pick you up?"

"What time works for you?"

"You know what, why don't I pick you up early and we can spend the afternoon doing something touristy and then we'll go back to my house?"

"I'd like that."

"I'll pick you up at noon, okay?"

"Yes, that's perfect."

"Will Tag be home?"

"I doubt it, he usually spends the weekend catching up with his girl and his friends. And if I'm not mistaken, he's going to spend Friday night with his buddy, Ben."

"Thank you again, Elena."

"For what?"

"For giving us a chance, for being in my life."

"Damon?"

"It's true, Elena."

"I feel the same," I start to say when another call cuts in.

"I'm sorry, Damon. It's the hospital, I need to answer it."

"No worries, just don't let them talk you into working either Saturday or Sunday."

"I won't. Goodbye, Damon."

"Bye," he whispers and then the phone clicks off. After holding it close for a millisecond, I click to answer whoever is calling from the hospital.

Damon:

The first time I drove by Elena's house, I panicked when I saw Tag standing outside talking to his mom and another kid. Rather than pull up, I drove right past her house. Fortunately, I don't think Elena even noticed me. I let a good fifteen minutes pass by before I turn around and go back to her house. After pulling into her driveway, I jump out of the car and walk up to her front door. Sucking in a breath, I raise my hand, rapping on it with my knuckles.

"Damon, come in," she says, smiling widely when she sees that it's me.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Almost. Where are we going?"

"That's for me to know and for you to dot, dot, dot..." I tease, raising my eyebrows seductively at her.

"Please..."

"I'll tell you in the car, come on."

"I just need to grab my overnight bag. Do you want to just stand there?"

Shaking my head, I follow her in and push the door closed. A few minutes later she comes back with a satchel. When I hold my hand out, she smiles and hands it to me. After throwing the strap over my shoulder, I reach for her hand and pull her flush against my body and then I kiss her.

"Okay, now where are we going?"

"Dr. Gilbert, we are going to the Fort Matanzas National Monument."

"Really? I'm excited now. I don't think I've ever told you but I love history, love it."

"I'll let you in on a secret but if you squeal, I'll have to kill you," I tease.

"Seriously?"

"Yep.. I love history too."

"Like that's a life ending secret...," she scoffs, laughing.

"Now that's a sound I like to hear."

As soon as we arrive at the monument, we get out of the car. Taking her hand in mine, I lead her into the visitor center where we walk around and look at the exhibits.

Fort Matanzas National Monument was built in 1742 to defend the city of St. Augustine from British attack. It has stood in the Matanzas Inlet for well over 250 years. A remnant of Florida's Spanish past, today the fort is maintained by the National Park Service.

The two of us get on the passenger ferry to take the short ride to the fort. There is no admission nor ferry fee which makes it nice for families to visit. Fort Matanzas has a long past, inarguably connected with the founding of St. Augustine by Pedro Menendez de Aviles. In 1565, Menendez killed over 250 French Huguenots upon the shores of this inlet; the famed Jean Ribault was one of these Frenchmen.

Due to the history of the site, the Spanish named both fort and the inlet "Matanzas," meaning "slaughters" in English - a name carried on to this day. It is believed that a small wooden watchtower was always present on the inlet to guard the watery 'back door' entrance to St. Augustine. The fort that visitors see today was not built until British attacks increased along the Florida coast in the 1740s. Visitors will note some similarities between the construction of St. Augustine's fort, the Castillo de San Marcos, and Fort Matanzas because both are made of coquina. Coquina, a naturally occurring stone along Florida's east coast, is composed of shell fragments that are cemented together by the pounding surf upon the beach. This stone is easy to quarry and provided the Spanish with ample building material that was impenetrable to cannon fire.

Once we get off of the ferry, we walk around and enjoy the reenactments and demonstrations that depict the times of early fortifications. Re-enactors are onsite almost everyday during the summer. They tell the history of the fort to visitors.

We climb the ladder to stand on the stone fortress. It's really amazing that the place is still standing given its age and history.

"Look at the cannon, Damon," Elena remarks, running her hand along the cold lead.

"It would be cool to see it take a shot," I add, taking her fingers in mine again.

After we finish walking through the fort, we walk down to the water's edge, take off our shoes and just enjoy being together. When I see the deep look on her face, I step in front of her.

"What's going on in here?" I ask, pressing my fingertips to her temple.

"I'm just thinking about Tag. How is he going to react to his friend dating his mom?"

"I wish I could say that he'll be fine with it but I just don't know, Elena. You know him, how do you think he'll react?"

"I hope he'll be okay with everything, Damon. He is glad that I'm dating and I know that he wants me to be happy. But you're not just anyone, you're his friend and his boss and how he'll react to that, I haven't a clue?"

"Let's just hope for the best, okay?"

When she drops her eyes, I use my fingertips to lift her chin since so she has to face me. I lean in and kiss her.

"We'll make it work, Elena. Somehow we'll make it work."

"I hope you're right." After giving her one more, this time blistering kiss, I take her hand in mine and we continue our trek down the beach. Realizing that the last ferry is about to depart, we quickly hurry back to the fort so we can catch it and not be stranded here overnight.

As soon as we get back to my car, I open the door and let her slide in.

"Since we missed it the first time, do you want to go to the lighthouse and take the ghost tour?"

"Damon, I'd love too," she squeals, clapping her hands like a child.

"Okay then, let's go."

After stopping to get a little something to eat, we get back in the car and drive to the lighthouse, arriving just in time to buy our tickets.

The guide tells us about the history of the lighthouse and about the paranormal activity rumored to be prevalent at the place. Its history includes a man who hanged himself on the front porch, and reports of people hearing footsteps running up and down stairs and the voice of a twelve-year-old girl calling out. As we ascend the stairs, our guide explains that he has heard a groaning sound while climbing this very staircase. At the top of the lighthouse, a padlocked door recently was found open one morning without the alarm having been activated. Witnesses have seen a "woman in white" and a little girl here during storms.

After the tour of the building, Tim, our guide, leads us to the house where the lighthouse-keepers lived. After the last lighthouse-keeper heard footsteps and voices, and saw lights turn on and off inside the house, he refused to stay there and chose to sleep in a nearby Coast Guard bungalow instead. In the basement a number of people have seen the ghost of a man walk past.

Tim goes on to explain the Ghost Hunters were here on sight and they could hear a woman's voice saying, "Help me." They also saw something block a window, a shadow like apparition floating near the lights and a figure leaning over a railing near them But when they ran upstairs, they didn't find anything.

He continues telling us that after analyzing the evidence, a team member Steve showed them a clip of something peeking over the railing. He says that, if the figure they saw was solid, a nearby motion sensor should have turned on a light, but it didn't.

"They showed a few of us a clip of something moving quickly on the stairs, which literally sent chills up my spine."

"Wow, I'm going to have to find that episode on their website. It sounds really interesting," I say, giving Elena's hand a squeeze. Once the tour is done, we walk down to the beach because I want to kiss her in the moonlight.

"You know what the best part of dating you is?"

"No," she whispers, her eyes firmly fixed on mine.

"I can kiss you whenever I want," I whisper then wrap her in my arms, again pulling her flush against my body. Knowing that she can feel how much I want her, I crash my lips to hers, kissing her like my life depended on it. When she opens her mouth, I thrust my tongue in to tangle with hers. Relaxing my hold on her so I can cradle her cheeks with my palms, I tilt her head and deepen the kiss. When my need for air overrides everything else, I finally let go, panting for air. As soon as I suck enough oxygen into my lungs to speak, I ask if she's ready to go back to my place. Nodding excitedly, I take her hand and practically run with her to my car. As soon as she's buckled in, I jump in, turn on the ignition and gun the engine, driving home as fast as is legally allowed.

It seems to take forever but finally I pull into my driveway and then into my garage. Once we're both out of the car, I close the garage door, take her hand and lead her into my house.

"This is really nice, Damon," she says, her voice sounding awed.

"It helps when your dad owns a construction company. He helped me design and build it."

"It shows, it's beautiful. I've always wanted a house with a bay window and a seat."

I smile when she walks over to mine, sitting down and staring at my backyard spa."

"Would you like to go in the hot tub?"

"I.. I didn't bring a swimsuit."

"I'm sure you can see that my property is surrounded by a privacy fence..."

"You mean, go in there naked?"

"I'm game if you are?"

I laugh at the scandalized look on her face. "If it makes you uncomfortable, we can skip it."

"No, I want to," she whispers. Standing up she walks over and throws her arms around my neck. I encircle her lower back with my own arms and kiss her mightily once more.

"Come," I say softly, pulling her outside with me. As soon as we get out there, I pull my tee shirt over my head and then I do the same with hers. While kissing her again, I use my hand to unclasp her bra, pulling it down her arms when I break the kiss. Taking her breasts in my hands, I run my thumbs over her nipples for a moment before leaning forward to capture on of them in my mouth. When I let go of one, I immediately encircle the other one, nipping on it with my teeth. Her moans spur me to suckle harder while I roll her other nipple between my fingers.

"Damon," she whimpers, threading her fingers through my unruly locks. As always she takes my breath away when I kiss her. Stepping back, I drop my shorts and boxers then with her permission, I undo her the snap on her jeans shorts, lowering them along with her panties down her long svelte legs. Wasting no time, I pick her up and carry her, depositing her into the hot tub. Taking a breath, I get in myself and pull her onto my lap, kiss her deeply while sliding a finger inside of her. Dropping her head back, she rides my fingers. Elena surprises me when she links her fingers with mine and then lowers them to the apex of her thighs, the two of us stroking her engorged bundle of nerves till she's writhing and moaning and moments later, she convulses. I watch as her release washes through her and as beautiful as she is, she's even more beautiful in this moment.

After kissing her deeply, she turns around wrapping her legs around my waist while using her hand to take a hold of my cock, positioning me at her entrance. She raises up, impaling herself on my length when she lowers back down. Taking ahold of her hips, I help her move up and down, the feeling of her hot, tight walls enveloping me is beyond exquisite. It must be what paradise feels like because I can't imagine that it can ever be better than this. I want this woman with every fiber of my being. With my encouragement, I pull out of her and turn her around. When she grabs onto the hot tub edge, I move behind her and push back inside of her. Soon we work into a heady rhythm, her hips meeting me thrust for thrust as the sounds of skin slapping skin and our love making fill the air.

Needing her to come, I reach around and pinch her clit, she spirals out of control with my name on her lips. I push in and pull out a few more times before joining her as the pure unfettered ecstasy floods my veins. My heart is pounding chaotically against my rib cage as I struggle to feel my legs. When she turns around, I'm literally mesmerized by the sight of her heaving bosom. Feeling so much dare I say love in this moment, I reach for her, pull her into my arms and kiss her with everything I have.

Once we can feel our legs again, I help her out of the hot tub and wrap her in my bathrobe. After cinching a towel around my waist, I take her hands in mine and lead her backwards back into my house.

"Do you want something to drink? I have some wine, beer, soda, water?"

"Some wine would be nice."

"I agree."

Pulling her with me into the kitchen, I take the bottle from the refrigerator before reaching into the cupboard for a couple of glasses. After pouring us each some, I hand her the glass. With the wine bottle in one hand and my glass in the other, I tell her to follow me as I lead her into my bedroom. Winking at me seductively, she drops her robe, revealing her gorgeously naked body to me once more.

"Whew," I mumble, completely in awe of her. Swallowing thickly, I set the bottle and my glass down on my bedside table so I can pull back the covers. The two of us climb in and I pull her close so her gloriously naked breasts are pressed into my chest. We talk and drink our wine. Smiling lasciviously, she raises her brows then ducks under the covers. I gasp when I feel her lips on me. Mere moments later, I erupt like a teenaged boy at my first rodeo.

"Where did you learn to do that?" I mumble, my head thrown back and my eyes still closed.

"It's not like I've had a lot of practice..."

"Honey, it doesn't get any better than that. You're amazing, Elena. Do you know that?"

"Damon?"

Without wasting anymore precious moments, I pull her underneath me, settle between her legs and take us to paradise once more.

"Are you ready?" I ask when I pull into her drive way the next day. It's just after one o'clock. Between several times last night and again this morning, we were both exhausted. I had a bit of a panic when I realized that I hadn't worn a condom but Elena is on birth control. She has an implant in her arm that is good for another year but we did put it to the test last night. I'm still a bit sore but this kind of pain is so worth it.

"I'm nervous, Damon."

"Honestly, I am a little bit too. But we have to tell him."

"Yes, we do."

Getting out of the car, I walk around and open her door, extending my hand to help her out. Once she's standing, I pull her into my arms and give her a kiss on the forehead. Linking our fingers together, we walk into her house through the kitchen door. The TV is on so he must be in the living room. I watch as she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Our eyes join for a few seconds and then I kiss her again. As soon as we separate, I hear Tag's voice.

"Is that you, mom?"

"Yes, it's me. I'll be right out."

"We can do this, Elena."

Nodding, she takes my hand and the two of us walk into the living room.

With his attention on the baseball game, he doesn't look up till Elena speaks.

"Tag, I need to tell you..." she starts to say and it's then that he raises his eyes. His mouth drops open at the same time his eyes widen.

"Damon? What are you doing here?"

A MASSIVE THANKS TO ALL OF YOU. I'm simply in awe of your support. I appreciate you all so much. The reviews really mean the world to me and to Eva.

A big thanks to you too, Eva. You always surprise me with your brilliance and incredible insight.

Chapter title: 'Right Now' by Van Halen.

I have three additional stories in progress. 'Angels Fall', 'Dig' and 'Turn the Page'. I did post a two-shot called 'Halo: The End of the Beginning'. I would love to hear your thoughts on it. There will be a short sequel to it called 'Halo: Through the Mist' which will post soon.

Be safe, have a fabulous day and please click that *REVIEW* button. It's the reviews that keep Eva and I engaged and excited about writing new DE stories. #DELENAFOREVER