Before leaving Shreveport the next morning, I ran some errands for our class project. Eric was going to research office equipment and computer software on the internet. I went to Walmart and Office Depot to price office furniture and office supplies. On a whim I stopped by the Salvation Army. I found a slightly used desk, chair, and two filing cabinets for $200. I took pictures with my new phone and emailed them to Eric. Cheap furniture would really help us on our office budget.

We were busy that night at Merlotte's. Along with our regulars, several out of town groups of weres were at the bar. Overall they were well mannered and decent tippers.

Sam was doing paperwork in his office during one of my breaks.

"Why are there so many strangers here tonight?" I asked.

Sam smiled. "You are good for business, cher."

"Me?"

"Word travels fast in the supe community. They are here to catch a glimpse of the human Eric values so highly."

"Are you serious?"

"He killed to protect you. Vampires don't usually place any value on humans outside of blood and sex."

"I must have pretty good blood, huh?" I asked, obviously not thinking before I spoke.

Sam hesitated and blushed a little. I sure hoped everyone out there wasn't thinking I was some kind of sex goddess or dominatrix.

"So they are here to check me out?" I asked.

"They are curious and attempting to avoid trouble. No one wants to accidentally incur Eric's wrath."

"Crystal didn't 'accidentally' put me in her trunk," I said.

"True," Sam agreed.

I started to walk away. "Sookie, I heard you were at the Shamrock last night."

"Yes. I visited Eric at work."

"My source said you were – and I quote – all over each other. That doesn't sound like you," Sam said.

I had to think about how to answer that politely.

"We held hands and laughed a lot," I answered. "But we weren't making out in public or anything." Why did I feel like I had to justify myself to Sam?

"Vampires generally aren't very touchy feely – more chance of humans realizing something is different about them."

"Well, I know what Eric is," I replied.

"Still, I don't understand why he is flaunting you. Be careful, cher," Sam warned.

"Thanks, Sam," I said and walked away. It really wasn't any of his business, but I could tell it was concern on Sam's part, not nosiness.

Did Eric know others would see our telepathic routine as flaunting?

When my shift was over, I headed toward my car. Just as I was unlocking it, my phone rang. It took me a moment to find it in my purse.

"Hello, lover. I was excited to see that you sent me photos," he said, his voice dripping sex.

"Did you like the furniture?" I asked.

"I was hoping for pictures of you." Could he see me roll my eyes all the way in Shreveport?

"Are we in agreement that a bar office should be more concerned about function than beauty?"

"We are. People come to see the bar and the patrons, not the office. With the money you saved us on office furniture, we should be able to splurge a little on electronics. I'll get some numbers together and show everything to you in class Tuesday."

"Sounds good," I replied.

"We'll need to get together to work on our PowerPoint and presentation."

"Next week I'm working for you on my only night off," I told Eric.

"Maybe we can do a little of both." And have sex?

"We've had several groups of weres visit Merlotte's lately. Sam says they are coming to see what I am like- the human you value."

"Weres are such gossips. If only they paid as much attention to their own lives."

"Sam also heard you were flaunting me at the casino last night."

"Flaunting you?" Eric chuckled. "They are probably all imagining the amazing sex you are providing to keep me interested."

"Just great. You couldn't just like my personality?"

"I do like you," Eric answered. "I like, like you too."

"Stop!"I laughed.

"Where are you?" Eric asked.

"In my car at Merlotte's."

"If I come to your house, will you meet me on the front porch?"

I was really tired – but. "Yes."

Eric hung up. I drove home and changed into jeans and a sweatshirt. The weather was warming up a little bit. I also ran a toothbrush over my teeth and let my hair down and brushed it out. I glanced out my bedroom window to see Eric smiling at me. How long had he been there?

When I stepped onto the front porch, Eric pulled me into a hug. He found my mouth with his and kissed me until I was gasping for air.

"Miss me?" I asked.

Eric sat on the porch swing and pulled me onto his lap.

"Sam said vampires aren't into touching," I teased.

"I like to touch you everywhere," Eric whispered in my ear as his hand slipped under the hem of my shirt. I put my hand over his. Gran was inside!

"Your grandmother is asleep, isn't she?" he asked.

"I don't feel right with her just inside," I said.

"You feel alright to me," Eric answered with a grin, although he did move his hand to the outside of my shirt. I lay my head against his chest and closed my eyes.

EPOV

Did I really fly all the way to Bon Temps so Sookie could fall asleep on my lap? Apparently I did. I would make sure Pam didn't find out – she had already been teasing me. When I agreed to watch over Sookie, I never imagined that I would come to care for her.