Damon blinks his eyes open, turns his head and glances at the clock on the bedside table. It was 8:20 in the morning and the sun is shining in around the edges of the window. He shifts gingerly, a little sore from the long hike with Elena. He lays in bed staring at the ceiling for a few minutes then he swings his legs out of bed. He pulls on a pair of jeans, cursing like a sailor at every twinge of discomfort and then reaches for a shirt without bothering to button it before going into the bathroom to clean up and splash on some cologne.

Damon starts to make his way downstairs to see about a cup of stiff coffee and something to eat. He needs to run into Gallatin to see Elena's mortgage holder and determine how easy it'll be to buy this place out from under her. And when she finds out, and she will, she's going to curse the ground he walks on.

When he reaches the bottom step, a volley of barks greets him. "You must be Gus."

At first the dog is curious, then as Damon crouches there is a louder bark. "Hey buddy," he says softly. Soon Gus comes closer to his outstretched hand and, after a few sniffs, gives it a lick. Hearing the approach of footsteps, the dog backs off and runs outside through the doggie door.

"You must be, Mr. Salvatore?"

"Yes, and you are?" Damon asks, smiling at the older woman.

"Sheila, I'm Elena's guardian, well not anymore now that she's an adult and I do the cooking around here. The dining room is through that door," she points to her right.

"I have to say, something smells really good."

"There's bacon, eggs, cinnamon rolls, biscuits and sausage gravy. You can go help yourself."

"Thank you, Sheila, I'm going to do that right now," Damon gives her a nod and enters the dining hall, the saloon type doors swing shut behind him.

"Name's Enzo, I'm the ranch foreman," he approaches Damon. "Care if I sit?"

"Not at all," Damon stuffs his last bite of biscuits and gravy in his mouth then swallows it down with what's left in his coffee cup.

"Sheila's cooking is second to none," Enzo laughs at the way Damon practically licks his plate clean.

"I can't argue with that," he agrees, and wipes his mouth with a napkin.

"I came to show you around a little."

"I went hiking with Elena yesterday. I need to go into town, I forgot deodorant and a couple other things."

"You can do that this afternoon. Come on, I'll show you the stables," Enzo empties his coffee cup and stands up.

"Do I need to pay for breakfast?"

"You can leave a tip if you want but the food is included in your room fee."

"Makes sense," Damon pulls out a couple of bucks, tosses them on the table then follows Enzo outside...

Damon eyes the horse.

The horse eyes Damon.

"Have you ridden before?"

"Yeah, but it's been a while, a long while."

With Enzo's consent, he opens the stall door, noting the way the horse prances to the side and flares his nostrils, obviously displeased with Damon. The horse tosses its head opposite to the hand he reaches out with.

"I don't think he likes me," he mentions to Enzo.

Enzo snorts. "Yep, El Capitan has an attitude sometimes, like his mistress," his head snaps to the side when Elena enters the stable with Gus at her feet.

"I resent that remark," Elena replies, arching an eyebrow at her friend.

Damon backs out of the stall but leaves the door open. El Capitan keeps a watchful eye on him.

"El is a handsome boy," she approaches the black horse from the side and reaches out to stroke his neck.

Damon can see that he's settling down. "He obviously likes you," he mentions then stoops down to pet Gus.

"We've raised him, he should like me and Enzo," Elena winks at her ranch foreman.

"So, do you own this mountain?" Damon backs out of the stall.

"Not the whole mountain, this property and the area we were yesterday. It's been in the family for generations," Elena explains.

"The main house isn't that old though?"

"No, my grandparents built it and after mom and dad moved in, they updated and remodeled. They added the indoor pool, sauna and a few other amenities."

"You seem to have guests right now?" Damon points to a group of kids entering the corral with a woman about Elena's age.

"That's Bonnie, you can go watch a little bit if you want. I need to help Sheila in the kitchen, we're expecting a load of beef today for a steak fry. I'll see you later," she replies, staring at him for a moment before calling for Gus and leaving the barn.

Her smile is one of happiness growing, much as a spring flower opens. Damon can see how it comes from deep inside to light her eyes and spread into every part of her. He and Enzo follow her out of the barn, he climbs on the rail but watches her till she enters the house and closes the door.

"The tools of your first riding lesson," Bonnie tells the children while stroking the neck of a chestnut-colored pony who is munching on some hay. "Before you learn how to actually ride a horse, you have to know how to take care of it…"

"Can we pet him?" a young girl with red braids asks.

"In a little bit. As I was saying, you take good care of them and they'll take good care of you."

"Michael, set the bucket down here," Bonnie points to spot.

A blonde boy does as he's told.

"Always approach from the side, never directly in front or behind," she cautions. "Talking is usually a good idea too. Let's the horse know that you're close. You try."

"What am I supposed to say?" Michael asks.

"You can say hi," Bonnie looks at him.

"What's its name?"

"Gingersnap."

"Hi Gingersnap," he hesitantly lays his palm on the animal's neck and begins to pet it. "She's soft."

"Yep, and she likes that. Gently stroking a horse's neck is always helpful. It tells the horse that you're not going to hurt it." Bonnie next shows the children how to put a halter on and get the horse to follow her.

"We'll let you have at it, Bonnie," Enzo winks at her and urges Damon back inside the stable where he saddles up two horses. Once he's certain that isn't going to topple off, the two men trot out of the barn, down the gravel road and into the forest that surrounds the ranch.

Damon takes a quick shower after returning from riding with Enzo. He changes into a crisp button-down and dress pants, splashes on a little cologne then leaves his room, closing and locking the door behind him. He takes the stairs two a time, grateful that Elena is nowhere to be seen when he reaches the main floor. He hurries outside, hops in his rental SUV and heads back into town to speak to Mr. Fell at the local bank.

Damon drives around a little bit till he finds an open parking spot and quickly pulls in. He walks down the sidewalk, looking at all the businesses, restaurants, trinket and souvenir shops, leather goods, a custom hat store, he may have to get himself a Stetson before heading home.

"And where would I wear that?" he laughs and opens the door to enter. The bank's lobby area is a sort what an art gallery would be if artists lacked soul and passion. Looking around, he walks over to the reception desk. "I have an appointment with Mr. Fell. I represent Mikaelson Holdings, name's Damon Salvatore."

"Oh yes, Mr. Fell is expecting you. If you'll have a seat, I'll let him know you're here," the woman with a pixie haircut smiles at him.

Damon nods then sits and picks up a magazine. It's a local travel journal with pictures of Glacier National Park and the surrounding areas. Yellowstone isn't all that far away, and Idaho is a beautiful state too. Elena's property is buttressing mountains and forest land.

"Mr. Fell can see you now."

Damon sets the magazine down and stands up. Nodding he enters the office, smiling at the young woman when she snaps the door closed behind him.

"Mr. Salvatore," the older man comes around and shakes Damon's hand.

"Mr. Fell, it's a pleasure to meet you. As you know, I'm here to find out about Ms. Gilbert's property. Mr. Mikaelson is very interested in purchasing it," Damon sits down.

"Currently Miss Gilbert is eight months behind in the rent. I've known her all of her life, her parents too. I don't want to foreclose on her but the bank's Board of Directors is starting to pressure me. I know what the place means to her but I believe selling her holdings to Mr. Mikaelson is in her best interest," Mr. Fell explains.

"I need to look at her file, everything," he stresses the word. "so I can assess it. Only then can I give Mr. Mikaelson an informed judgement on the property's value."

"Yes, of course, I have it right here," he hands Damon the file.

"Thank you," Damon sets it down. "Do you have an asking price at all?"

"The last assessment for property taxes was 2.1 million dollars, that includes the acreage and all the buildings."

"Seems reasonable, I'll include that in my report. Is there anything else?" Damon asks, tilting his head slightly.

"No, go over the file. When I hear from you, I'll give the Board an update."

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Fell," Damon stands up, shakes his hand and with a nod, departs the bank with the file securely in his hand.

Damon's walking back to his vehicle when the Jaws theme begins to play on his phone. "Mr. Mikaelson!"

"Damon, what can you tell me?"

"Hello to you too," he mumbles under his breath.

"Are you there? Hello, hello?"

"I'm here, Mr. Mikaelson. I just finished up with Mr. Fell. According to him, Miss Gilbert is eight months behind with her mortgage..."

"And?"

"The last property tax assessment on the property is 2.1 million dollars. He did give me her file so I can go over it and write up a report, get some figures for you. Mr. Fell also mentioned that the bank's board is anxious to be rid of it so they may sell for a reduced price."

"As soon as you give me some numbers, I'll have an offer written up."

"Before you get ahead of yourself, the property has been in Miss Gilbert's family for generations. Locals might not take kindly to having it sold out from under her."

"I don't care about that. Locals won't be paying to stay there, rich people will. We can charge whatever we want and people will pay it. A world class resort will create local jobs. It's a win-win."

"Yes, sir, it is." Damon suddenly feels a little sick to his stomach although he doesn't know why. Perhaps it's because he hasn't eaten anything since breakfast.

"Keep me up to speed." Mikael ends the call.

Damon slips the phone in his pocket. Noticing a little diner up ahead, he goes inside to get himself a sandwich and something to drink. He slides into a booth and nods when the waitress appears with a menu.

"Coffee?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Sure sweetie," she turns over the cup and fills it for him. "Special today is the hot beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy."

"That sounds really good. I don't think I need this," Damon hands her back the menu.

"That'll be right up," she smiles, takes the menu and pins up his order for the cook.

While waiting Damon opens the file and thumbs through a few of the papers. He should be excited; he'll get a bonus if this deal goes through and yet something is gnawing at him. Why? Shaking it off, he closes up the file when his waitress reappears with his meal.

"That looks and smells delicious," he pushes the paperwork aside.

"It's plate lickin' good," she slides it in front of him.

"I believe that," Damon moans when he sticks a bite in his mouth. and slathered in gravy.

"Do you need any ketchup or a glass of water?"

"No ketchup, yes water and can I ask you something?" Damon sets his utensils down and looks at her name badge.

"Sure," she sits down opposite of him.

"Whispering Pines Ranch, are you familiar with it?"

"Yes, it's a wonderful place, people are always raving about it. Elena is an angel truly. She hosts a charity barn dance every summer, donates the proceeds to our local food bank. The town has a festival every year too that she helps out with. Last year she donated a quilt to be auctioned off plus they sell Sheila's brisket every year and a portion of those monies are also donated. I know she has financial issues but she doesn't compromise her integrity."

"She sounds like a great lady," Damon takes another bite, suddenly losing his appetite.

"She really is but I need to get back to work now," she winks at him when Matt calls out an order. "I hope I answered your question."

"You did, thank you," he looks for the name on her badge, "Theophilia."

"If you're doing more than passing through town, stop in again."

"I'll do that." Damon sighs, throws some cash on the table and leaves the diner without finishing his meal.

In the six hours he's been in bed, Damon thinks he woke up at least that many times. Not for that long, but enough to break his sleep into un-refreshing chunks. Sighing, he gets out of bed, showers and heads downstairs. He's not really hungry either so he bypasses the dining area and goes outside to get some fresh air.

Reaching the fence, he lays his arms across the wood and rests his chin on them. He notices a bee hovering around a dandelion. He stares at it intently, noticing its large black eyes. Its thorax is dark with golden hairs radiating outwards and their translucent wings originate there, as do three pairs of strong black legs, their abdomen is a black and gold striped ellipse coming to a sharp point at the stinger.

"Morning," comes from behind so he looks over his shoulder to see Elena approaching him.

"Good morning. I can see why you love it out here so much," he mentions, his eyes meeting hers.

"It's home," Elena replies, her eyes landing on a spider. It's the color of winter chestnuts and its body is just as generously rounded. She's amazed that the speed it can move on its eight stubby legs.

"Yikes," Damon jumps back when he notices it moving closer to him.

"It's just a wolf spider," she laughs making him feel a little sheepish.

"This is a poor segue but what do you do for fun around here?"

"There's hiking, horseback riding, you can swim."

"No, I mean like a local baseball team or nightclubs, that kind of thing."

"Come on, I have an idea," she grabs his arm and leads him to her pickup. "I'm going to let Sheila know that I'll be gone for a few hours, be right back."

"Okay," he watches her retreat then hops into the pickup. Damon waits for her curiously, wondering where she's going to take him.

The ride conversation flows effortlessly. The more Elena learns about Damon, the more she wants to know. He's funny, charming and oh so handsome. The drive takes them out of town and an hour later, she's pulling into a parking lot.

"Mini golf?" he asks, and gestures to the sign as his mouth twists into a grin.

"What can I say? It's a nice place to escape to, " she laughs even as heat floods her cheeks.

"Bring it on," Damon smirks and follows her into the building.

"There is no way you're a novice at this," Damon grumbles, watching as she lines up her shot on the last hole.

Elena rolls her eyes playfully, "I think someone doesn't like to lose."

She's been making it hard for him to concentrate on anything...especially when she bends over her putter, giving him an ample view of her perfect rear. His mind's imagining her lithe legs wrapping themselves around his middle while he thrusts up...

Elena wiggles a bit and takes her shot. Damon stares in awe as her ball rolls up the green, around the loop, through the volcano, down the dinosaur's back before dropping into the hole. She stands up straight and smiles at him sweetly. "I think that means I won, but you should still take your shot so I know how big my margin of victory is."

It takes every iota of self control Damon possesses to stop himself from slinging her against him and kissing her into silence. Instead, he suppresses a smile, shakes his head and bends over to set up his own shot. He can feel her eyes hot on his backside as he adjusts his golf ball for what he hopes will be a perfect shot. He glances back at her before turning and lining up his club. He swings, and misses. Thoroughly embarrassed, he takes another one...this time it rolls off to the side, completely missing the hole.

Hearing Elena snort behind him, he slowly turns, glaring at her.

Her lips pull into a smile, her eyes go wide and she slowly backs away. "Damon," she says softly, trying to placate him. Elena drops her club and turns to run just as he lunges for her. She squeals as his arms close around her waist, pulling her back into his chest.

"Who's winning now?" he growls in her ear while holding onto her squirming body. "Say uncle."

"Never!" she shakes her head back and forth.

He turns her with his hands on her hips and ducks, slinging her over his shoulder in a fireman's hold. She's laughing and yelling at him to stop, as he carries her out of the building and across the parking lot.

Her giggles reverberate through him as she holds onto his sides. Damon can't remember the last time he's had so much fun with a woman. She'd told him about her parents and the ranch; he'd told her a little about himself too, and worries about her finding out the truth about him.

Although his experience with her is limited, it's not hard to see that Elena is one of the nicest people he's ever had the pleasure of meeting; she'll likely never forgive him if she learns the real reason he's staying at the Whispering Pines Ranch.

Damon approaches her pickup, lowering her slowly to her feet. Her smile evaporates and little flames lick at her pupils when she slides down his body. He hadn't planned on that maneuver eliciting such a response, but he isn't going to complain. Elena's hands rest on his chest as she gazes up into his eyes. Her lips are slightly parted and with every breath, her bosom brushes against his chest. Everything about the woman in his arms is mesmerizing - her stare, her lips, her scent, her laugh.

Damon can't help himself; he needs a taste.

Just one.

Elena's eyes flutter closed as he traps her against the side of the truck and his mouth descends on hers. The moment the moan leaves the back of her throat, it's like a lit match tossed into a barrel of kerosene. His fingers dig into her hips and his tongue invades her warm mouth. Her hands slide up his chest, one wrapping around his neck and the other diving into his hair. God, he loves the feel of her nails raking across his scalp.

His hands travel up and down her sides, his thumbs grazing the undersides of her breasts, eliciting a gasp. They're both panting by the time she pulls away, her eyes glazed over.

It takes her a second to come to, but when she does, the rosy color hits her cheeks as she glances around the parking lot.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, running her hands through her hair. "I didn't mean to get so carried away."

"Hey," he tilts her chin up to look into his face, "Don't apologize, I liked it and besides I'm the instigator."

"Okay," Elena pulls her keys out of her front pocket.

"Okay," he agrees, letting his hand slide down her neck and pulling her in for another quick kiss.

"What I really want is some ice cream," Elena bites her bottom lip.

A gesture that sends his blood rushing south.

"On one condition," he replies, trying to concentrate on anything but her teeth sinking into her plump pink lip.

"And that is?"

"You stop biting that lip or I can't promise I'll remain a gentleman," his voice is low and strained.

Elena's mouth falls open in surprise, and he can't help but grin. Before she can respond, he pulls her from the side of the pickup, opens the driver's side door and steps back while she hops in. He pushes the door closed with a wink and climbs in himself.

Their ride across town is full of sideways glances. He brushes his hand against hers the whole way over to Sweet Peak's Ice Cream Parlor. Elena orders the Alpenglow. It's orange creamsicle with hints of smoky vanilla and the perfect swirl of blood orange ice cream. Damon orders huckleberry ice cream with a rich huckleberry jam swirl, flakey pastry pieces and a sprinkle of orange zest.

"This is the best ice cream I've tasted in forever," Damon swipes his tongue across the cold and creamy goodness.

"This is my favorite place," Elena's insides ignite the way his tongue pokes out.

When they finish, Damon pays the cashier then they return to the truck. The entire drive home he contemplates how wise it would be to just spill everything, but the only way he sees that ending is a hard slap to his face and Elena storming away from him in disgust. By the time they arrive back at the ranch, his mind is completely at war with itself.

"I had fun, Damon," she says softly. "Thank you."

Against his better judgment, he leans in, placing his hands on her hips to pull her close and closes his lips over hers. She melts beneath him almost instantly. With one taste, he's a goner.

She's intoxicating.

Elena presses herself into his chest to deepen the kiss. They part when air becomes a necessity.

"Goodnight, Elena," he whispers against her mouth then extracts himself from her arms. He backs away and disappears inside the lodge, the taste of Elena still lingering on his tongue.

"And then what happened?" Bonnie looks at Elena.

"He kissed me," Elena feels her cheeks heat up.

"He kissed you?"

"Ah ha," she nods, "he planted one straight on my lips."

"Did you kiss him back?"

"Yes."

"Is he a good kisser?"

"I don't want to talk about it," Elena pours herself another cup of coffee.

"That means it was good," Bonnie takes a swallow of hers. "Listen, Elena, are you sure you know what you're doing? He's not from around here, he'll be going back to wherever he came from when and if he can help you."

"I know you're right but what if he would decide he likes it here?"

"You're reaching," Bonnie starts, distracted when the kitchen door opens and Enzo appears.

"I could use a cup of that," he opens the cupboard, pulls a mug down and fills it to the brim before taking a long swallow. "Good coffee," he licks his lips.

"Where's the city slicker today?" Enzo takes a seat between Elena and Bonnie.

"You mean Damon?" Elena reaches for one of Sheila's delicious orange rolls.

"Yeah, him. His vehicle is gone too."

"Really? He must have gotten up early? I took him to play miniature golf yesterday. We had a good time." Elena smiles at the memory.

"I think our girl is smitten," Bonnie gestures with her head for him to look at Elena.

"That's great, Elena. Just be careful okay. He seems nice enough but this really isn't his world. He's a city boy."

"I suppose you're right. I'm going to take El for ride, tell Sheila I'll be back in a little while to help her with tonight's food prep," Elena sets her cup in the sink and slips out through the kitchen door with Gus trailing after her. Her thoughts drift to Damon and before long she realizes that she has a huge grin on her face.

The room is dark except for the television and the large candle on the coffee table, the flame fluttering and dancing before him. Damon cradles a glass of bourbon in his hand, the base resting against his leg. He stares at his computer screen; all he has to do is click send.

"Preliminary and assessment. Owner has title to significant mountain acreage now held in trust, several months behind in payments. No assessment yet of owner's willingness to sell the property...Location is perfect for Mikaelson Holdings."

He's screwed. When Mikael buys the property for back mortgage and taxes, Elena will hate him. If he tells her before the sale goes down, she'll still hate him...just maybe not as much? Emptying his glass, he sets it down and ghosts his finger over the mouse with the carat hovering above the send button.

"Fuck it," he mumbles, grabs his bottle of bourbon and takes a long pull straight from the bottle. Standing up, he walks over to the window, opens the curtain and looks outside. The campfire lights a glow in the darkness night. Flames send red sparks dancing into the light breeze and smoke twirls heavenwards. Even with the screen shut, he can hear songs and jokes. People are smiling, children are running around with sparklers. And then he sees her, beautifully aglow by the firelight.

As if sensing him staring, she looks up towards his window and waves, her smile is one of happiness growing, much as a spring flower opens. Even from this distance, he can see how it comes from deep inside to light her eyes. He raises his hand and then steps away, returning to his computer. Lifting his bottle, he takes another mouthful then lowers his hand, grips the mouse and clicks send...

"You're not into campfires?" Elena approaches him the next afternoon.

"Not really, it's not something my family did. From what I could see, everyone was having a good time."

"You should have come outside. Marshmallows on a stick are to die for," she pokes her tongue out and swipes her bottom lip.

"I'm more partial to s'mores myself."

"They're good, yes but not as good as burnt marshmallows."

Damon sticks his tongue out, feigning a shudder.

"Stop it," she laughs. "Totally off topic but one of our local pubs has a live band tonight. You're welcome to come along...um...unless you have work to do?" Elena bites on her lower lip.

"You want me to go with you?"

"Only if you want to, of course," she feels hot under his scrutiny.

"I'd like that. I have a few things to do right now. What time?"

"Meet me down here at six."

"That sounds great, see ya later, Elena," he winks at her and then disappears outside with his cellphone gripped in his hand.

"Do you know anything about country dancing?" Elena asks, pulling into the lot at Bushwhackers Bar and Grill.

"No, can't say that I do, I've always been more of a rock and roller. 'You give love a bad name'," Damon croons, doing his best Bon Jovi imitation before stepping out of the truck when she turns off the engine.

"I like all kinds of music. You can watch, it's fun," Elena smiles and gets out. Together they walk inside. A small group of men catches her attention when she gets closer to the wooden steps at the bar entrance. Most of cowboys are harmless so when one of them whistles, she grins and rolls her eyes playfully.

The sun disappears quickly, leaving the parking lot and the woods surrounding them bathed in lavender and shadows, save for the lone floodlight the owner tacked on top of the bar a couple years back.

"Elena," a shrill voice hollers from behind and Elena recognizes it immediately. A smile breaks out on her face and she hurries to greet her friend.

"How long have you been home?" Elena squeals, pulling the blonde into her arms for a quick hug.

"I got home the day before yesterday. I was going to run out to the ranch but between mom and Tyler, I haven't had a free moment." Caroline runs her eyes over Damon, "And who are you?"

"This is Damon Salvatore. He's spending a few days at the ranch. Damon's a city boy from Chicago so I'm giving him a taste of country life."

"Elena! You're lookin' good this evening." Galen Vaughn rakes his eyes over her, checking out her summer dress and boots, lingering in places they shouldn't. "It's been a while."

"It has. I didn't know you were in town?" she replies, stepping a little closer to Damon, hoping he'll take the hint.

"I broke a couple ribs falling off a bull so I thought I'd spend a little time with my folks till the doctor gives me the okay to rejoin the rodeo," He puts his hat back on, and she can't help but notice it's the same Stetson he's had since they were in high school.

"I hope you feel better soon, Galen."

"Thanks," he tips his hat and walks inside the bar.

"Are you going to open the door for the lady or what, Damon?" Caroline remarks from a few feet away.

Instead of answering, he lets his hand settle on the small of Elena's back and leads her up the steps before holding the door open with a smile.

Music and laughter spill out into the night and for a moment they stand there, taking in the atmosphere.

"Thanks," she gives him one last glance before stepping over the threshold.

"Elena and I will get a table, you guys can get us some drinks," Caroline latches onto her arm and leads them to a booth in the back.

"So, do you like him?" the blonde doesn't beat around the bush.

"It's not like that with us," she tells her quietly, "I suspect he'll be going back to Chicago soon."

"I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I like him, I won't deny that but I know it's temporary. I'll be fine."

"Alright but if you need a shoulder, you know where to find me."

"Bonnie and Enzo warned...," Elena shuts up when Damon and Tyler appear. She watches as a pitcher of beer and four tequila shots hit the hardwood in front of them.

Before she can say anything, she feels a weight against her right side as Damon slides in beside her.

"How do you like Gallatin so far?" Caroline asks.

"It seems like a nice town," Damon answers, wondering where she's going with her questions.

"Elena says you're from Chicago. What brings you to our neck of the woods?"

"Work," he looks at Elena, not sure how much if anything she wants him to reveal.

"Enough with the inquisition, Care," Elena holds her shot glass above her mug. "On the count of three."

Everyone nods in agreement.

"One… two… three!"

They drop the shots and chug, finishing in one pull.

At the end of the evening, Elena's a little tipsy so she hands Damon the keys. "I can't do this in Chicago," he jerks the wheel, taking them off the road and into the mud.

She tries to roll up the window but isn't fast enough, muds splatters across her arm, into her hair and even on her dress.

"What the he-"

"Oh, come on, let me have a little fun," he chuckles but quickly pulls back onto the highway.

The lights for Whispering Pines lodge soon come into view, and a few miles down the road, he signals before turning onto the gravel road, stopping when he reaches the main house.

He opens his door and gets out, stepping around the front of the truck to open hers. She nods and slides out; he pushes it closed behind her and walks her up the steps and into the house.

"Thanks for including me, I had a good time," Damon brushes a muddy strand of hair off of her face. He leans down, capturing her lips with his, a long, slow, deep kiss, that makes her knees go weak.

When they part, he sighs heavily, out of breath himself. "Goodnight Elena," he whispers, then turns and starts to ascend the staircase.

Elena watches till he disappears at the top of the landing, her fingers still ghosting her lips.

Hello everyone. Thank you all, so very much. Your kindness, friendship and support are just awesome.

Chapter title: 'While I'm Here' by Dan Seals.

Check out our one shot "I Dream of Genie" posted yesterday.

Have an amazing day.