Chapter thirteen
The week passed so slowly, Damon almost got up and cheered when Saturday finally arrived.
He had never been nervous for any date in his life before now. He had to make sure it was perfect for her. After all the disappointments and let downs she had been through, he was determined to show her how she truly deserved to be treated.
He deliberated on what to wear for a while. He had already gone out and bought a dark blue shirt and striped tie with various shades of blue to wear underneath whichever suit he decided on. All she'd told him about her dress was that it was a light blue. He wanted to coordinate with her, he knew it was cheesy, but he wanted to look like a couple. Finally after rummaging through his closet for a while he decided since it was a spring dance and to do without any black for one day. He chose a gray vest with matching gray dress pants that were tailored well.
He hung his suit up after he showered and headed out to run his errands. The dance started at three and it was in the middle of town square. The founding families were introduced first as always. Then after an early dinner the dance would begin. Elena asked him to pick her up at her parents so they could walk from there. She must have left to go over there early. Because he noticed her car was already gone when he got up.
He stopped and picked up a coffee and a muffin first thing, not that he needed the caffeine the nerves and excitement seemed to be keeping him ramped up enough. He headed over to the barber's next and got his hair cut. He had the back trimmed up and the top shorter so he wasn't quite as shaggy, he let it fall naturally to the side in a tousled way.
After another little errand it was finally time to go home and change which didn't take him long. He left the apartment complex making one last stop at the flower shop on the way to the Gilbert's. He let out a breath attempting to calm his racing heart as he made the quick trip to their house.
He was a bundle of anxiousness and nerves as he walked up to the door with two bouquets of roses in hands. He wasn't even this nervous on prom night.
"Damon, come in." Grayson was dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and a green tie.
"Hi Grayson," he said trying for the life of him to relax.
"Damon hello," Miranda greeted him. She had her hair up in a loose bun and wore a silky green sundress, with matching heels.
"Don't you look beautiful," he smiled handing her a bouquet of yellow roses.
"Oh these are beautiful, thank you." She kissed his cheeks and took them into the kitchen. "I'll get a vase for the other ones, too."
She headed back upstairs next to check on Elena.
"Are you planning on drinking tonight, Damon?" Grayson asked with his serious face.
"Maybe a glass of wine or two, but that's all," Damon said. "It'll be out of my system by the time we walk back here."
"That should be fine. You two can always stay here if you do end up having more than that. Jeremy's room is open," he offered.
"I wouldn't ever risk driving drunk," Damon assured him.
"Good," Grayson nodded. "Actually all you kids are pretty good about that. But I'm a dad, so I gotta put it out there."
Grayson looked at his watch and rolled his eyes,"I don't understand how women can take so long to put clothes on."
"It's all that time they spend trying to see their how their butt looks in the mirror," Damon said and Grayson laughed. He finally felt himself start to relax and laughed along with him.
Miranda ran down the stairs with a camera in her hand and a big smile.
"I want to get a picture of you coming down the stairs, stop at the top, please," she called up the stairs.
"Mom, come on," Elena groaned.
"Just humor the old lady," Grayson yelled out.
"Watch who you're calling old lady, buddy." Miranda turned and glared at him.
Elena stepped onto the stair case and into his line of vision. His breath caught in his throat and his racing heart just stopped beating all together for longer then he thought possible. Her big chocolate eyes were lined lightly and framed with tousled wavy chestnut hair. They locked unto his seeming to hold him in place. Her pink lips parted as her eyes left his and glazed over his entire body. His let his eyes do the same; she was the most stunning thing he ever laid eyes on. He was aware of her mom snapping pictures, but couldn't tear his eyes away. She had on a strapless blue dress that showed off her perfect soft olive skin and her flawless figure in a beautiful way. The front of the dress was short and her tall tan legs were on full display for his eyes. Her silver heels made them appear even longer, if she knew what those legs did to him. A camera flash in his direction and a chuckling Grayson pulled him out of his daze.
"Pick up your jaw and smile for the camera," Grayson whispered in his ear giving him a little pat on the back.
He smiled towards Miranda as she took his picture again, pulling his eyes away from Elena was just painful at this point.
"Okay honey, come on down." Miranda directed, turning the camera back on her; Elena gave him a nervous smile before slowly walking down the stairs, his eyes were back on her like magnets.
"Enough pictures mom," she said sounding nervous.
He walked over to her finally getting his feet to move when she reached the bottom.
"Hi," she smiled shyly.
"Hi Beautiful," he smiled and handed her the pink roses. "These are for you."
"Thank you," she said in a soft voice.
"Let me just get one picture of both of you before your dad and I leave," Miranda begged.
Elena rolled her eyes and mouthed sorry, he just smiled and put his arm across her shoulders smiling for a few pictures. Grayson and Miranda left before them. They were still standing in the entry way.
"Thank you for the roses," she said softly. "I'm going to put these in water."
He gulped, his heart had started thundering again the second the door closed and they were alone.
Get it together, he told himself following her into the kitchen.
"You look so beautiful," he stepped up behind her and lightly touched her shoulders as she set the roses in the vase.
"Thank you."
She turned to face him, they were standing so close their bodies were almost touching. "But you said that already."
"Well I'll be saying it a lot tonight, so get used to it," he grinned.
"You look incredible yourself," she said with a smile. "You got your hair cut."
"Do you like it?" He asked feeling nervous, this girl, man what she did to him.
"I love it. I can see more of your face. I didn't think you could get even hotter," she flushed a little, but her doe eyes gazed at him. He beamed at her compliments, he was so giddy he could jump and yell but he regained his cool.
"Thank you, coming from you that is a compliment of the highest order," he said with a decisive nod.
She giggled a little, when her face lit up like that it made her even more gorgeous and the sound of her laugh was like music to him.
"Did you buy blue to match me?" She asked her eyes trailing over his outfit.
"Yeah," he admitted with a lopsided grin.
"Blue is definitely your color," she said, fingering his tie. "Brings out your eyes."
"Are you saying you like my eyes?" He teased with a little wink.
She giggled and swatted him playfully. "I think you know I do."
He waggled his eyes and she flushed straightening her dress a little, which made his eyes trail over it again.
"Your dress is stunning on you," he said in a husky voice.
She smiled, her cheeks flushing. "Thank you."
"I think it could use a little something though," he said, glancing down at her neck.
"What... Damon?" Her mouth dropped open when he pulled a little box from his pocket.
"Damon you didn't have to…" he put his fingers to her lips to stop her.
"Elena, you have no idea how happy I was when you asked me to escort you to the dance. I'm the luckiest guy in town, and I just, I really like you, and I want to spoil you. You deserve to be treated like a princess, so anyway... I think this will really compliment that dress." He stammered all the words out in a hurry. This wasn't going as smoothly as he planned it in his head. He lost his focus and control being so close to her.
"I don't know what to say," she gasped, her pretty lips parted as her doe eyes stared at the little box he placed gently into her hand.
"Open it," he smiled.
She did and gasped, it was a small white gold old oval pendant with a lapis lazuli stone set in the middle, it had a few small diamonds surrounding the stone. It was hung on a delicate white cold chain.
"Oh my god," she whispered. "Tha.. thank you."
"I hope you like it," he said. "The way the necklace is so delicate and beautiful with this strong, rare and unique stone set in the middle, I saw it and I thought of you."
"Oh Damon, I... thank you, you are so sweet," she breathed.
"It reminds me of you, of your eyes," she added.
"So that means you like it right?" He asked tucking a curl back from her face.
"Like it? I love it, it's so beautiful," she said gazing at it then up at him. "Will you put it on me?"
"It only compliments your beauty," he said taking the delicate chain from the box.
She lifted her hair and he fastened the necklace around her neck, their bodies becoming even closer in the process. She dropped her hair and it fell over her shoulders and his arms which were still around the back of her neck. He fingered his hands through her soft waves, relishing the feeling of her hair in his hands. She tilted her head up, her chocolate eyes glazed over his lips and he found his head tilting closer to hers.
"Damon." She said in a breathless voice, oh god the way she said his name.
Suddenly her arms were around his neck and her face was even closer, she licked her lips. "I really like you too."
He closed the distance then, letting his lips finally brush softly against hers. A shiver went through him like nothing he had ever felt before. She trembled against him and he knew he knew she felt it too.
"Elena." He murmured into her lips before pressing his lips firmer against hers deepening the kiss. Her soft lips seemed to mold to his as she kissed him back. He started running his hands through her hair. She did the same her fingers teasing his short locks in the back.
He pulled back slightly and smiled at her she smiled back their eyes locking on each other's and then down to each other's lips again. Before they knew it their bodies were pressed together as their lips crashed into each other fiercely. They were both gasping for air and the room was spinning when they finally pulled apart.
Her eyes locked unto his full of desire her lips were red and swollen and her cheeks were flushed.
"Wow," she breathed.
"That, you, yeah, wow," he breathed.
She giggled and pulled him down to kiss her again he happily obliged.
Grayson and Miranda arrived at town square and quickly found Maria and Giuseppe in the park. They were up on the hill top where dinner would be served. It over looked town square so they could watch the dance and arrivals. Giuseppe looked handsome in his black tux and red tie. Maria was stunning as always in the long colorful silky wrap dress she had on. Her dark hair was tucked back in a loose braid.
"I made some cookies and peach cobbler." Maria nodded at the desserts laid out on the table.
"She brings her own desserts," Miranda smiled fondly and hugged her.
"I'm sure it'll beat whatever they serve." Grayson kissed her cheek and she beamed happily at the compliment, her blue eyes dancing.
"Flattery will get you lots of chocolate chip cookies," she smiled.
"Then may I mention how lovely you look tonight?" He kissed her hand.
"Stop flirting with my wife," Giuseppe joked slapping Grayson's back.
"Jealousy will get you everywhere." Maria winked at Giuseppe and they all laughed when he blushed.
"Don't look now here come the Lockwood's," Grayson sighed.
"So Conner's in town huh?' Miranda frowned; he was a big criminal defense attorney he lived in New York.
He and Grayson butted heads in high school. There were four Lockwood brothers, ever since Richard started running for senate Conner and Daniel a mayor in South Carolina came around more often. They did it for the free publicity, but whenever they were in town they acted like they owned it. Grayson got all hot under the collar whenever he had to deal with Lockwood's it worried her sometimes. They were a powerful family.
"At least he who shall not be named isn't with them," Grayson remarked.
"Let's hope he doesn't show up," Miranda said.
"Caroline looks lovely," Maria said gazing at the bubbly blond in her pink ruffled halter style dress that fell just above her knee. She wore matching pumps and had her hair curled into ringlets. Tyler looked handsome and all grown up next to her in his classic black and white suit.
"She sure does." Miranda smiled, glad Maria was here to point out the positive.
It was all about the kids, they would change everything. They wouldn't carry this rivalry on. Tyler was different and he represented his generation. Unfortunately so did Mason, but Miranda hoped the breakup would force him on and out. He had somehow remained quiet all week, she hadn't heard a thing about him.
The Lockwood's made their way towards the front of the mayor's office. Tyler and Caroline separated from them quickly and headed towards the lower part of the park where most of the younger kids mingled.
"Here they come, get your camera ready." Miranda nudged Maria, seeing Damon and Elena coming up the road from the distance.
"Oh my, she looks so beautiful," Maria squinted to see better, before snapping a picture.
She could see their arms were linked as they got a little closer. She kept looking up at him and smiling and he couldn't seem to take his eyes off her.
"They are so beautiful," Maria said, sounding misty as she snapped another picture.
"All grown up," Grayson sighed sadly.
"Can you believe it?" Miranda said. "It seems like just yesterday, when she was a baby and little Damon…remember how he'd come running into the room whenever she cried all worried? I still remember his serious little face."
Maria smiled fondly and Giuseppe and Grayson laughed.
"What's wrong with the baby?" Grayson recalled, "Baby Lena."
"I think that's where her nick name came from actually," Miranda mumbled.
"Then Stefan was born a few months later and he just groaned whenever he fussed." Giuseppe added with a deep chuckle.
They watched the oblivious couple as they got closer to town square. Damon whispered something in Elena's ear and she burst into giggles. Miranda tried to recall the last time she'd seen her daughter so happy and she couldn't.
"He looks so proud and she looks so happy," Maria said in a soft voice.
"You guys are paying for the wedding," Grayson blurted out.
Miranda turned to glare at her always inappropriate husband.
"What? I was just throwing it out there," he smirked.
"I think we're getting a little ahead of ourselves," Giuseppe said.
Grayson just shrugged giving Miranda a look, she glanced at them again and smiled, before looking over at Maria who was smiling with tears in her eyes.
Elena felt like everyone was staring at them the second they made their way into the center of the crowd. She knew most of them were probably curious what she was doing arm in arm with Damon.
"Everyone's staring," she whispered.
"Because you're so beautiful," he said sweetly pulling her closer to him, even though that made them more closely looked at it, somehow made her feel more secure. All she really wanted to do was kiss him again and again.
Talk about fireworks, how many dates started with an explosive mind blowing kiss? She wasn't sure how they managed to pry themselves away to actually walk here.
She fingered her beautiful necklace smiling softly, she couldn't believe he would buy her such an expensive gift on their very first date, but he was Damon. He never ceased to surprise her.
"Maybe, it's because you're so handsome," she smiled up at him.
"Elena." Carol Lockwood and her husband Richard approached them with Mason's creepy brother Conner and Rose whose eyes seemed to be flickering in disappointment seeing her arm in arm with Damon.
"Good afternoon," Elena said with a polite smile. "You all know Damon."
"Hello," Damon said.
"Hello Elena, Damon," Richard said politely, before giving Carol a warning look.
"Yes of course, nice to see you moving along so quickly," Carol said in a dry voice.
"Not as quickly as your brother in law. He started moving on before we even ended," Elena remarked, refusing to back down to her ever again.
"Elena that's highly inappropriate," Carol said.
"Considering the subject of this topic, I have to politely disagree, Carol," Conner said taking Elena's hand.
"Miss Gilbert I apologize for whatever my wayward little brother did to drive you away..."
"Okay thanks," she pulled her hand away.
Damon unlinked his arm through hers and wrapped it around her waist a tense look on his face.
"I think we should move along," Richard said in a tense voice giving Conner a dark look. Carol crossed her arms looking offended as she followed them.
She shuddered relieved that was over.
"I never liked that guy and I didn't like the way he was looking at you," Damon said turning back and glaring at the back of Conner's head.
"I always got a weird vibe around him. Car does too, he's weird seriously," Elena said. "I guess it's better than Mason being here though."
"Yeah that's a relief." he said. "His brother doesn't like him too much?"
They stopped walking and stood near off to the side of the mayors building turning to face each other.
"Richard's the only one who tolerates Mason. They're all jealous of how spoiled and young Mason is, I guess. They think they're better than him and he's a disgrace….but, we shouldn't talk about this, I guess." She trailed off, a worried look crossing her face.
Her new…well Damon wouldn't want to hear about her ex after she just kissed him right? This was all so confusing now she wasn't sure what was appropriate. It was like a whirlwind and she hadn't come down and let the dust settle yet.
He tilted her chin up and she met those cobalt eyes her knees going weak, she forgot for a second what they were talking about in the first place.
"Hey, I know timing wise things are crazy, you just broke up with him. This is all really new and above everything else we're friends. You're still sorting out a lot of emotions there and if you want to talk about it. I want to listen. If he comes up randomly that's okay too. I don't want you to stop talking to me about things even as we get closer," Damon said, his face so sincere it warmed her she felt herself falling into an ease.
"You're the most understanding man on the planet," she said with an appreciative smile.
"We just get each other," he moved his hand to her cheek tracing it lightly.
The crowd started moving into the park, he glanced at his watch.
"I guess we better go find our parents," he said, they linked arms again and headed towards the park.
"Elena, Damon!" Caroline shrieked when they reached the park, she came running over in her cute
pink dress with a wide smile.
"You look awesome!" Elena exclaimed, embracing her.
"Me? My gosh you are gorgeous," Caroline gushed.
"Car we gotta go Dad's about to talk," Tyler groaned.
"We'll see you guys in minute," she hurried after him.
Their parents all walked down to join them and she listened to the Mayors long speech about May day and the founding families, zoning out like she usually did. This time she kept thinking about that kiss in the kitchen.
"So without further ado, I introduce the founding families," the mayor announced and the crowd cheered.
"Starting with my family the first founders," Richard said, she felt Damon tense again and reached for his hand squeezing it in hers. "Representing the Lockwood's, first is my brother, Conner."
Conner walked out his running a hand through his blond hair and smiling at the crowd.
"He looks like a freaky version of a Ken doll," her dad muttered, she laughed and Damon chuckled next to her.
"Shh," Miranda scolded them.
"My beautiful wife, Carol," He smiled at her and she gave him an 'oh Richard' look smiling and waving at the crowd as they cheered.
"And with his lovely date and long term girlfriend, another founding family member Miss Caroline Forbes, my son Tyler," he said last.
Elena whistled and cheered with the crowd when a happy Caroline and Tyler walked out with actual genuine smiles on their faces.
"Let's start walking," Giuseppe directed them.
"And you all know me. The Mayor of this great town, Richard Lockwood," he laughed and the crowd laughed with him.
"Representing the Forbes with have, Miss Caroline's mother, Elizabeth Forbes," he introduced next, she stepped out to the center and waved before going to stand by Caroline and Tyler.
"Representing the Gilberts, first please welcome John Gilbert," Richard introduced.
Her mom and dad raced ahead getting ready to be introduced next while her Uncle John came out and did a little dance getting the crowd to crack up. Her heart started beating nervously; she was going to be introduced as Damon's date. Anyone who wasn't gossiping, would be now.
"Grayson and his lovely wife Miranda." The crowd cheered loud for her parents.
"Representing the Salvatore's we have Giuseppe and his beautiful wife Maria," they looked so graceful gliding out to the crowd, Elena gazed at them for a second.
"You ready?" Damon whispered.
"Yeah," she gulped.
"Their son, Damon, joined by another founding family member, Miss Elena Gilbert," Richard announced.
She walked out with Damon feeling hot when she stared out at the crowd, there were a lot of loud cheers for Damon, but she could hear all the whispers. He held up her hand and kissed it and everyone cheered a little more. Her face broke into a smile and decided she didn't give a damn what anyone thought. She was here with the most handsome sought after man in town, the man of her dreams. They went to stand next to his parents and Maria squeezed her arm, relaxing her a little more.
She nearly gasped out loud when she saw Mason in the distance watching them. She glanced towards Damon but he didn't notice him. She could barely make out his face, but she saw the dirty tee-shirt he was wearing, it was the same one he had on the last time she saw him. In the next second he just turned and walked away, his head down. She gulped, relieved and confused, but at least he didn't cause a scene.
"The founding families," Richard said out loud, gesturing to all of them.
"Yeah, can we eat now?" Her uncle john blurted out eliciting laughter from the crowd.
"Yes let's eat," Richard declared. The crowd cheered loud and they made their way back to the park.
They sat with their parents up on the hilltop of the park. It was so nice not being stuck with the Lockwood's. She could actually enjoy herself and just have a good time. She decided not to mention seeing Mason, she didn't see him now and wanted to just enjoy the day.
"Where are Ric and Jenna?" She asked.
"I guess she has a touch of the flue," Miranda frowned. "She over does it, you have to be careful Elena. Finals can wear you down."
"I'm fine mom," Elena assured her. "My schedule is nothing compared to Jenna's."
The waiters came with the food and her mouth watered it was pork tenderloin and mashed potatoes with a garden salad.
"This looks so good," she dug in eagerly.
"I have to admit it's not bad," Giuseppe said.
They all glanced at Maria, she was the biggest food critic of anyone nothing tasted quite as good as what she made.
"Very good," she smiled. "Even better when I don't have to do any of the work."
"Just gave them the recipe," Damon grinned.
"How could you tell?" She smiled wide at her son.
"You gave them your pork recipe?" Giuseppe said.
"No wonder it's so good," Elena said, before taking another large bite.
"Yes and your son could tell," she pouted at him.
"I thought it tasted familiar," Giuseppe defended.
"Uh oh, someone's in the dog house." Grayson chuckled and Giuseppe scowled.
"So Stefan's coming home early?" Miranda asked.
"Yes, but he isn't staying as long. We have some business things to discuss," Giuseppe said looking down at his plate as Damon looked sharply at him.
"The Lockwood brat still working for you?" Grayson asked.
"Not anymore, no," Giuseppe said in a low voice. "I don't think this is the time."
Elena looked up now in surprise, she glanced over at Damon and he seemed as confused as she did.
"No shop talk, this is a dance," Maria said in a firm tone.
"I apologize," Miranda said giving Grayson a dark look.
"Of course there's much better topics, like where's that dessert." Grayson rubbed his hands and Maria laughed heartily pulling out a container of cookies and some peach cobbler.
"Ooh peach cobbler, thank you," Elena said happily.
"My favorite," Damon swiped the pan away and she laughed and swatted him snatching it back.
"I'll share," she offered getting a forkful and holding it out for him. Instead of taking the fork he just took the bite right from her hand with a suggestive little wink. Her face flushed bright red their parents were right there! But, Maria was just smiling happily as was Miranda and Grayson was rolling his eyes while Giuseppe just laughed a little.
She was still blushing a little when she dug into her delicious dessert.
"This is so good," she said and Maria beamed wider.
"Looks like they're setting up for the dance." Giuseppe looked down watching them clear the area.
"May I?" He got up and held his hand out for Maria.
"But of course," she smiled letting him lead he out to the square.
"Come on babe, let's show 'em how it's done." Grayson took Miranda's hand and helped her up.
Elena smiled at the way they bounced down the hill like teenagers in love.
She turned to look at Damon, the sun was starting to set a little and it reflected in his amazing blue eyes.
"God you look so beautiful right now," he mimicked her thoughts.
"So do you," she said breathlessly.
His lips crashed down on hers again without warning, she scooted close to him the warmth of his body enveloping her.
"Dance with me?" He huffed out as they pulled apart she just nodded, literally swooning as he pulled her to her feet and escorted her down the hill.
All eyes were on them, but the second she found herself standing in front of him she locked her eyes unto his and everyone, everything else just disappeared. He took her in his arms and didn't break eye contact with her. A soft romantic song was paying in the background but she was so lost in his eyes she hardly even heard it. They flowed together to the music perfectly as if they had danced together a thousand times. He spun her around and her heart leaped when he pulled her back. Every time they lost eye contact they seemed to connect again with more intensity then before.
The crowd was applauding when the song ended, she just smiled softly at him her eyes traveling to his lips.
"Come here," he whispered. He put his arm around her and they started walking back up to the hill top park they were on earlier. He steered her past the table they sat at and further up the hill towards the woods.
"Where are we going?" She finally found her voice.
"You'll see."
They stepped past a few trees to a little clearing way up on the top of the hill that over looked the town.
"Oh wow. I never even knew this was here," she breathed.
"The fireworks will look great from up here," he smiled taking her hand in his. She rested her head on his shoulder and smiled closing her eyes for a moment just absorbing all of this, all of him.
"This is awesome," she said. "I can still hear the music."
"You want to dance again?" He nudged her.
"I would love to," she turned and in an instant was in his arms again melting into him while they slowly swayed to the music. They were moving closer and closer until they were kissing again, the dance forgotten until the music picked up a little.
He surprised her by spinning her around and dipping her down. She laughed and wrapped her leg around him which elicited a small groan from him. She felt so beautiful dancing with him up here under the sunset. It was amazing. They danced until they were both breathless and he plopped down to the ground pulling her unto his lap.
"I didn't want you to get your pretty dress dirty," he said with a boyish grin that made her giggle again.
"Oh well how considerate of you," she smiled curling up comfortably in his lap. He secured his arms around her and kissed the side of her neck.
"It has other benefits," he murmured, causing a ripple to go down her spine.
The first fireworks started and she gasped a little they were so vivid from way up here.
"Wow," she breathed.
"They're pretty cool huh?"' He squeezed her tighter she put her hand over his and smiled. "Yeah it's amazing."
"You are amazing," he said kissing the top of her head.
"No that's all you, this night, has been so wonderful. I feel like a princess," she said.
"Good, that's how I want you to feel," he said in a husky voice.
She was at a loss for words so she turned around in his lap and kissed him, his eyes flickered in happiness and he responded instantly to her. She couldn't believe how their bodies seemed to react to each other, she could feel his heart racing against her own.
The fireworks started getting louder and brighter she turned back around, securely wrapped in his arms as she watched the beautiful display. Everything else just faded away and she felt herself relaxing into this little private world with him, thinking she never wanted to come down.
**Thanks again for the reviews everyone!Hope you enjoyed the update! Please keep'em coming**