While the storm is raging outside, Damon pulls her against him. For some reason, the swirl of mixed feelings and emotions raging in him since his eyes settled on hers - calms down, the doubts he might have had fall quiet. He is nervous, alright? Yet, he's absolutely certain, that this is the right thing.

It was bound to happen.

Her hands settle on his chest, feeling his heart beating under her fingers.

Strong and steady.

His fingers slide down her hips, under the strings of her panties. His breath fans against her neck, a second before his lips touch her skin again.

"You sure about this?" he whispers, his mouth against her ear, feeling the need to offer her an out. Although there is no out anymore for either of them at this precise moment. His hands slide further down, so close.

So Close.

"Yes," she admits, nodding vigorously as she stares into his eyes. Their blue color is a shade she's never seen before. They're so mesmerizing as if he's looking into her soul. Elena can't take hers off of them. It doesn't matter he's just a boy, her employee in the daily routine, she doesn't care about the obvious differences separating them. He's clearly experienced, more or less but she's still the one who should stop this...insanity.

She ignores her inner voice.

She just wants him.

One of his hands move up to cup her breast and brush his thumb across her plump nipple. Moaning, she grinds against the hardened length of him. When he nips at her collarbone, a rush of heat sears through her.

His left-hand drops lower, brushing the front of the lacey panties. Damon slips his fingers under the edge of it teasing her. With his mouth on hers, he circles her entrance before thrusting a finger into her.

Her breath comes out in a gasp.

His voice is hoarse, his fingers still inside, his lips next to her ear. "You're so beautiful."

She can't reply, can't think, it feels so, so good. Then his arm moves, she hears a pop and a zipper rasp as he slips off his jeans. Elena watches him pull a condom out of his wallet, open the packet with his teeth and roll it on.

Then her thong disappears with a jerk of his wrist.

A second later, his warm skin presses against hers and she feels his tip poised.

"Please," she's already breathing heavily.

Every part of Elena's body is on fire, every breath sends new sparks of desire shooting through her. Her fingertips tingle where she digs them into his shoulders; even her toes wiggle as she wraps her legs around his waist and raises her hips to coax him in.

Damon's lips brush hers; she moans and arches against him, her breasts pushing into his chest.

He slides into her in one thrust.

This is the point of no return.

Her heart pounds.

Her pupils flare.

All Elena feels is Damon inside of her, filling her, somehow touching every part of her. Letting her head fall back, she closes her eyes.

This is what she's been missing.

"Look at me. I want to see you Elena," His voice is soft as he thrusts again and his fingers dig into her ribs.

Elena forces her eyes open to meet his gaze when one of his hands closes over her breast.

His eyes are nearly solid black, searing into hers. Her heart catches at the little flames licking at the edges.

His hand slides between their bodies, and her back arches off the hay covered ground. Elena lifts her hips, to meet his strokes as she clings to him, wanting to feel everything he has to give.

Sensations sweep over her body, shimmers, heated until they explode. She keeps her eyes open, letting him watch as everything inside of her peaks and convulses.

Two more thrusts – hard, fast, is enough to set her on fire all over again. Damon stiffens, groans her name and presses his lips against hers.

Elena gasps for air as tremors spiral through her body. Damon shifts his hips, grinds the base of his length against her, and more shudders rip endlessly through her. And when she clutches his ass and digs her nails in, Damon hisses, his head jerks back, his jaw goes rigid and then she feels him pulsing into the condom inside of her.

After a beat he goes boneless on top of her, his weight pressing her down. Elena ghosts her fingertips up and down his back.

"Incredible," he murmurs into her hair, and they stay joined - until he pulls back, holding on to the bottom of the condom as he slides out of her. Reluctantly he drags himself off the ground to drop into the garbage while Elena watches. She looks young and vulnerable; shy as if worried about how he sees her. It can't be that though.

Shouldn't he be the one worried about how she sees him?

He drops back onto the hay and gathers her in his arms. They lay, blissful and spent, sharing languid kisses and ghosting touches across the planes of each other's skin. The pitter patter of the rain creates a shield around them.

Feeling him harden against her hip, she wants him.

Again.

It's been so damn long.

Damon moves to drop open mouth kisses along her jaw then descends to valley between her breasts. He kisses the nipple of one breast and then the other. And when he moves lower still, Elena shifts, pushes him onto his back and straddles him. Sucking in a breath, she raises her pelvis up and slides onto him slowly...

Elena's staring absently at the smooth, brown milk as it creates a contrast with the mug that's clutched between her hands. She doesn't know how much time passes before Caroline enters through the kitchen door and does a double take at finding her sitting there.

"I'm sorry to barge in, I saw the car and when you didn't come to the door, I was worried," Caroline mentions and sits down across from her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't even hear it," Elena smiles tightly then seems to be somewhere else again.

"It's quite obvious that something's troubling you. Spill," Caroline takes the cold mug from her hands and sets it in the sink.

"I don't know what to do," she runs her fingers through her hair.

"Do about what..." her voice trails when Elena rolls her eyes.

"You slept with him!" Caroline gasps.

Elena gets up and leans forward over the sink to stare outside.

"How was it?"

"It was great, the best sex I've ever had. Every time has been amazing."

"Oh Elena, so you've done it more than once!?"

"Yes...," she drops her chin to her chest.

Caroline takes Elena's shoulders and sits her back down. "I want all the details," she sits forward in her chair.

"The first time was during that storm a few weeks ago... That led to another and well you know."

"Why are so glum then? What's wrong with having fun if you're both enjoying it?" Caroline squeezes her hand.

"Do I have to go over this with you again? He's seventeen! And he's witty, fun, beautiful and I want him every time I see him. The stubble feels," she blows out a breath as goosebumps erupt on her skin.

Caroline looks at her sympathetically "Elena, I think it's great that you're having some fun, getting a little. You've kept men at a distance for far too long as far as I'm concerned' sex is healthy."

"You think?" Elena deadpans.

Caroline studies her for a few seconds. "You're my very best friend. My advice is for you to stop overthinking it and enjoy the ride."

"You think I don't want to? God, I crave his touch when I'm lying in bed at night. He took me out for lunch. It was totally innocent but every time I heard the bell above door ring, I was looking over my shoulders. I don't want to hurt him."

"Why do you have to hurt him?"

"Caroline, you're not that thick. It'll have to end at some point."

"School is starting soon, he'll probably find a girlfriend that he doesn't have to hide..."

"That right there," Elena points at her, "he shouldn't have to hide."

"He makes you feel good. There's nothing wrong with that. Don't throw it away."

Elena looks at her staggered although she shouldn't, this is Caroline after all.

"I know I'm repeating myself but don't over think it, just do what feels right." She stands up and places a kiss on her forehead "And that's enough heart-to-hearts for one night, I think. I tell you what, I'm going to run to town and get a nice bottle of wine and some snacks. Then you and I can watch a good tearjerker."

"Yeah?"

"Yes, now go choose a DVD, and I'll be back soon."

"Thanks, Caroline," she walks her to her car.

"No problem" she shoots her a smile and once again Elena is left alone immersed in her many thoughts.

"Good afternoon," the cheery voice of Lillian Salvatore greets her when she enters the Copperfield and Twist Bookstore.

"Hello, Mrs. Salvatore. I'm Elena Gilbert. My nephew is going to be two pretty soon, I thought maybe a couple books to go with his toys."

"It's nice to meet you. Damon raves about his job."

"That's good to know," Elena tries to keep a neutral face.

"Feel free to look around, the children's section is over there," Lillian points to a small area with kid-sized tables and chairs along with a TV playing a Disney movie.

Elena has always loved bookstores. When she and Aaron lived in California, often times she would spend the day in a Barnes and Noble. She looks around, the walls are covered by soothing colors, the smell of coffee brewing awakens her senses. Mrs. Salvatore also has some nicely scented candles for sale.

She thumbs through a few of the books, hoping to find just the right one.

"We just got some of these in," she opens the book to show Elena, pushing the button that plays the animal sounds.

"I like that," Elena's eyes widen. "I'll take it, thanks for suggesting it," she follows Lillian to the checkout stand.

"Well thank you for giving Damon a chance. I want him to know the value of hard work. His father and I didn't grow up privileged by any means," Lillian looks at Elena while ringing up the purchase.

"He's a good worker, he's impressive, great work ethic, diligent, I'm sure you're very proud."

"We are. With school starting he's been getting scholarship letters. He really needs to maintain his grades so he can get into a good school. We haven't talked to him yet but I don't know if he'll have time to work those long hours at your farm and study too..."

"Your concern is understandable, Damon's smart, capable, I'm sure he'll go far in whatever field he chooses," Elena pulls some cash out of her wallet and hands it to her.

"I'm glad you can see it from my point of view because his father and I are going to have a chat with him one of these nights."

Does she suspect?

"I'm not going to fire him, he's been an asset to me but I won't try to talk him out of leaving if that's his choice," Elena assures her.

"Thank you," Lillian hands Elena the package.

Elena nods and leaves the bookstore, feeling Mrs. Salvatore's eyes on her the whole time.

"Be careful, it's slippery," Damon cautions as he, Enzo and Stefan continue their trek. The mountain path is covered with loose rock, each one washed smooth by the river that once ran freely over them.

Thick, dark green leafy boughs arch over their path from either side shrouding the harsh midday sun. Still it doesn't make their steep incline any easier. When they reach a couple of big boulders, they stop to rest for a few minutes. Damon unscrews the lid from his canteen and takes a long swallow before handing it to Stefan. Leaning over, he fixes his shoes laces and then looks around. The boulders that are in constant shadow are moss and lichen covered.

When they reach the lake, they drop their packs and then go in search of some dried leaves and branches to start a campfire with. While Stefan goes for more wood, Damon finds some rocks to encircle the fire so it doesn't get spread out of the perimeter.

Once they have what they need, Enzo starts a fire. They're expecting some of their friends for an overnight camp out and keg party. With the cool water beckoning, they strip out of their clothes and walk into it. It's the dead of August, but the coolness of it feels good, refreshing, Damon shields his eyes and looks up at the sky. The sun is cascading making the azure blue lake glimmer like diamonds.

Noticing Andie, Tyler, Matt and some of the others walk into the campsite, Damon trudges a little farther downstream, careful not to slip on the smooth stones. He can't help but imagine how great it would be if he and Elena could go away, just the two them. They could have sex all weekend without having to worry about anyone barging in on them.

They had a close call with Vincent, they were getting hot and heavy in her truck. Luckily, they saw the dust cloud kicked up by his tires. Damon grabbed his shirt and disappeared into the woods surrounding her property.

He's not ashamed, he doesn't care if anyone knows about the two of them but he has to respect her wishes until she gives him the go ahead. Although it is getting frustrating. Now his parents want him to quit his job so he can put all his time and attention into school.

"Damon, wait up," Enzo's voice pulls him from his thoughts.

"What is it?" Damon turns around, having forgotten that little matter of a hickey on the inside of his thigh.

"You got laid?" Enzo raises his arm to high five Damon.

"If you breathe a word of this to anyone, I'll fucking kick your ass into next week."

Enzo chuckles, mockingly crossing his heart. "It was good yes?"

"She's sensational, the way she rides..." Damon feels himself harden at the thought so he sinks into the cold water to tame it.

"Find out if she has any friends who might be interested in teaching a boy a few things. I can pretend to be young and innocent."

"You innocent? Hah!" Damon laughs.

"You should know that Andie has plans for you this weekend."

"I guess Andie will have to make other plans."

"Really? You're going to pass up sex? Andie is hot."

"I know she's hot, this wouldn't be the first time but after having Elena..." Damon purses his lips and exhales.

"Man, she must be great." Enzo rakes his eyes over his friend.

"Andie is a piece of chuck steak, Elena's filet mignon..."

Damon's tired when he finishes up for the day. He hasn't seen Elena at all, her car was gone when he arrived this morning but as he walks towards the house, he notices it parked beside his. His heart starts racing and when he reaches the door, he slips inside to look for her.

Hearing a soft hum, he follows it, finding her standing in front of the bathroom mirror wearing only a towel. Damon slowly lets his eyes travel up and down her form, from her bare shimmering legs to her cleavage.

"You're stunning."

Elena turns. His eyes are sparkling with heat as he moves closer to her.

She swallows hard as his breath stirs her eyelashes. She backs away but before she steps over the threshold, she stops. Inside she's screaming, pleading with herself.

Turn around and walk away.

But no matter how loud her little voice is, she can't will her feet to move.

"Damon," she knows the heat burning in his eyes matches her own. Sucking in a breath to still her thundering heart, she undoes the knot on her towel, letting it fall to the floor and pool around her feet, exposing her naked body.

"Kiss me."

"I've thought about nothing else since I got up this morning."

And then their lips crash together. He lifts her up and she wraps her legs around his waist. Without her even realizing it, her hands slide up his chest and clutch at his shoulders, bunching up the fabric of his tee shirt.

His fingers stroke through her wet hair and curl around the back of her head as his lips press harder against hers.

She whimpers softly and he maneuvers them so his butt rests against the counter top. While he holds her, she reaches down to flick the button on his pants then reaches inside to stroke him.

He moans in pleasure against her lips.

Using her hand, she guides him to where she wants him, letting go when she feels the tip brush against her slick flesh.

Damon hisses.

Heat surges through his veins with every pound of his heart.

He seeks out her mouth and with one quick thrust, he's inside of her...

Thanks everyone so very much. And thank you Eva, you're amazing.

Chapter title: 'Make Me Lose Control' by Eric Carmen.

Have a wonderful day. We'll see you soon.