I'm calm. Honestly, I am very calm, but I have this overwhelming urge to smash Portia's face in. She's such an evil vindictive bitch. I can't even look at her without wanting to hit her. Pacing isn't helping to ease my mind but it's helping to keep me calm. I stop midstride as I feel someone's watching me. I wasn't expecting anyone to come after me, but I should have known Eric would. I don't have to turn around to know it's him. The butterflies in my stomach tip me off. His arms wrap around me from behind and he pulls me into his chest. I place my hands over his, rubbing small circles on the backs of his wrists.

"Come inside with me," he says. His warm breath ghosting across my skin sends a chill down my spine.

"I'm not ready to face everyone again. I just want to stay out here a little while longer." He kisses the space just below my ear and hovers there.

"Come inside with me."

"Why?" I squeak out trying to hold back my tears.

He kisses a trail down my neck and whispers, "I want to help you relax. Let me take care of you."

With a slight inclination of my head, I give in. His fingers intertwine with mine and I hold onto his hand like it's my life preserver. We unwrap from each other's embrace and he leads me back into the house. I can still hear Portia arguing with the rest of the family in the parlor. I'm sure they'll be in there until the will reading. I glance into the family room and see Selah with little Charles sitting on her lap. She's running her fingers through his hair while placing tiny kisses on his forehead. Poor kid. He must be traumatized.

I haven't been paying attention to where Eric is leading me, and I realize we've ended up in Jesse Compton's office. The click of the lock sliding into place throws me back in time. How nostalgic that he would choose this room. The room where we first made love. My heart aches at the memory and I want nothing else than to relive it. I want him to take me against the bookshelves and make me cry out his name. I want to feel alive and needed and desired. I want to feel my heart racing in my chest, my breath gusting uncontrollably, endorphins coursing through my veins.

Eric turns to me and pulls me to him, kissing me gently at first, then with abandon. His lips part and his tongue crashes into mine. He tastes so good. I don't know how I kept myself away from him last night. Talk about willpower.

He pulls away breathless. "Let your hair down, Sookie."

I pull my blonde locks free of the elastic holding it in a ponytail. I shake my head and my hair falls in loose waves over my shoulders. He runs his hands through them soothing my aching scalp. He grips my head, holding my face close to his. His nose trails up my jaw line and he stops just at my earlobe. He inhales deeply as if he's memorizing my scent, before continuing his ministrations. He places open mouth kisses down my neck and a shudder rips through me.

His hands ghost over my shoulders, down my arms, up my sides to my breasts. He cups each one and massages them gently. His fingers snake up the bare skin of my cleavage to my collar bone. I can't hold still any longer. I'm quivering in anticipation and moan with every touch. My back is against the bookshelves and my skirt is up over my hips. Déjà vu… my panties vanish in a flash and I'm more than ready to take Eric inside me. His hands smooth up and down my thighs before coming to rest near my hips. He grips one leg at the knee, hitching it over his hip as his fingers dip into me.

"Unh… Please, Eric. I want to be somewhere else right now. Make me forget where we are. Take me away from here." And he does.

He bends at the knee a little for leverage and moves against me, entering me in one smooth, long, thrust. I groan as each hardened inch of him stretches my walls and I come in an instant with a moan and shudder. He has me so worked up that it doesn't take much to push me over the edge. I must have really needed him. He makes love to me slowly, pressing me against the bookshelves with each stroke. Each thrust takes me further and further away from where we are. The feel of him grinding against me and moving within me is like sensory overload. I can't get enough of him. I clutch at his hair, and take his bottom lip into my mouth, sucking it gently. His thrusts speed up and I feel myself leaving my body as I float away to my happy place. With one last thrust, I bite into his neck to muffle my screams as I come. He stiffens and follows not long after, my name leaving his lips in a low hiss. I have no idea where we are anymore and that's just fine with me. All I know is I am in Eric's arms, and that's exactly where I want to be.

"I think we better get back out there. Everyone will be wondering where we are and I've had enough with the stares to last me a lifetime." I smooth my hair back into place and put my clothes to rights.

"Don't worry about them. Once the will is read, we'll go."

I hold my hand out to him, gesturing for my panties. He cocks a brow then smirks once he realizes what I'm after. He reluctantly hands them over. I have to tug a little to get them away from him. Panty thief.

"About that… I was planning to stay with my Gran for a bit. I can't go back to my house now that I know Bill lied to me and probably had Selah there. Gran won't be home most of the day tomorrow and you should come over. We'll have some alone time. I need tonight to regroup a little."

"I understand, but I don't like leaving you alone. I know how old-fashioned grandmothers are and your Gran probably won't appreciate me spending the night there. I'll come by to see you though. When you're ready, I want you to stay with me until we go back to Sweden." I hadn't even thought about returning to Sweden. Fuck!

"Where are you staying?"

"I have a condo just outside of town. I know I don't really need it since moving back to Sweden, but it's nice to have a place of my own for when I visit."

"How do you have a condo? You don't work." He drops his head and shuffles his feet before answering.

"I'm pretty well off, Sookie. My father and grandfather took care of that. I don't have to work but I still keep up with the family business. Does that bother you?"

"A little. But that's my problem. Look, let's get out of here while I'm still in a good mood."

Could Bill have picked a more boring lawyer? His monotonous voice drones on and on and on. I'm exhausted after sitting for two long hours listening to Bill's will be read. Try saying that five times fast. Bill's will be read, Bill's will be read. Bill's bills be wed. Can't do it! I have to do something to stay awake. Caroline's dozing off, Sarah's scowling at Selah, and Portia just looks pissed. I want to get the hell out of here.

I can't say that I'm surprised by some of Bill's antics. He has to have the last word. He totally fucked Selah over. He left her some little trinkets and a few books, Portia got a bit of money—$100,000 to be exact, which makes me wonder how close they were. Maybe it was pay-off money for keeping her mouth shut about Selah. I know in my heart of hearts that she had some idea Selah was around. She didn't look surprised at all to see her here today. She probably tipped her off and told her to come by. Bitch.

The most shocking bit was what Bill left me. The house, the cars, and money. He treated me like shit while he was alive yet decided to reward me upon his death? It killed him to give me money when I asked for it but he leaves me a small fortune? I don't want any of it. I don't care how many millions he's left me. For a second I think about how I could settle quite nicely with that money, but I wouldn't feel good about it. Plus, I don't want any reminders of Bill. I hate to speak ill of the dead but I have a nagging feeling that he wanted to have something he could always hold over me. If I take that money and live off of it, it'll be like he's had the final say in my life. I can't allow it.

He didn't acknowledge his son at all. That concerns me. Did he not believe Selah either? Sarah doesn't hesitate to get a paternity test scheduled before Selah leaves the reading. The look of disappointment on Selah's face will probably haunt me until… I have a drink. Fuck that uppity bitch and the antique broom she flew in on. If it turns out Charles is Bill's son, I'll make sure he's taken care of. It's the least I can do for the boy. He's innocent in all of this and I'm not a complete shrew.

As promised, Eric takes me to Gran's after the reading. The ride to her house is quiet and my fatigue is setting in. I am so tired from jetlag, our interlude in Jesse's office and this crazy ass day. I can't wait to turn in as soon as I get to Gran's. I kiss Eric goodnight at the door and he promises to come by first thing in the morning. I don't doubt it. Gran is somewhere in the house when I get there. I call out for her, but she doesn't answer. I walk back to my old bedroom, strip down to my underwear and collapse on top of my bed. I fall asleep with haunting thoughts of Bill laughing at me from the grave.

Once I get up the next day, I throw on my robe and check to see if Gran is up. She's gone. She's left a note for me on the fridge as well as breakfast in the oven. She'll be back by dinner, her note says. Where that woman goes, I don't know but she sure does keep a healthy social life. I check to make sure there's coffee and peek into the oven to see what Gran's left me. Biscuits, eggs, bacon and grits. Mmm… Just as I settle in for breakfast there's a knock on the door. Eric.

"God Morgon, älskling."

"Morning. Have you eaten yet? I was just about to eat breakfast. Come in."

I feel a pair of eyes on my back as I pour my coffee. I turn my head to the side to see Eric watching me with hooded eyes. I'm in trouble, I think to myself. I hadn't noticed before but his tee shirt fits tight enough to his chest that I can see the definition of each muscle lining his torso. His shirt is black, which offsets his tanned skin and golden hair. The blue jeans he's wearing sit so low on his hips that when he raises his arms to fold his hands behind his head, just enough of his "V" shows to get my mouth watering. God, he's beautiful. I send up a silent prayer of thanks for the beautiful man that stands before me. I must have done something right.

"Are you hungry? I'd be happy to get you some—"

Before I can finish my sentence, Eric has crossed the room in two bounds crushing my body against the countertop. He takes the mug from my hand and his lips press into mine with so much passion my knees buckle under me. His hands go to my waist and he lifts me to sit on the countertop. He nibbles, licks and sucks his way down my neck to my collarbone.

"I guess… you don't want… what's in… the stove, huh?" I ask through breathy pants.

He grunts a "no" and keeps nipping at my skin. His hands snake their way to my front and he slowly unties the belt of my robe. He peels the silky fabric back from my skin and slides the cup of my bra down, revealing my nipple. His fingers slide over my skin, slowly. I jerk forward not able to help myself. He lowers his head to my breast and he draws his tongue around my areola in slow circles. He suckles at my breast, nipping at the tight bud as he flicks it over and over again. He slides his hand under the other half of my robe to palm my other breast, tweaking the nipple between his thumb and forefinger until it's taught. I arch my back pressing my breast further into waiting his hand. He switches his attention to my lace covered nipple as his hands dip down below my waist. I'm more than ready for whatever he has planned.

His fingers slide up the inside of my thigh, playing with the edge of my lace panties. A finger pulls the thin scrap of fabric to the side and dips into my slick folds. He moves his finger back and forth, skimming my nub before he inserts one finger into me. I grip his shoulders before sliding my hands up his neck, into his hair. I twine my fingers through his silken strands pulling his face to mine. I moan into his ear when he removes his finger and he grunts into my neck. I'm not sure when he's unbuckled his pants but I hear them fall to the floor with a soft "plop." He grabs my thighs, moving me closer to him. He leans in to kiss my lips and whispers, "I can't wait," as he thrusts into me. I cry out and wrap my legs around his waist. I squeeze my thighs together with each of his thrusts. He groans into my neck as he nips at the sensitive flesh of my collarbone. My robe falls from my shoulders and Eric latches onto the curve of my neck, sucking hard enough to leave a mark. Before long I reach my climax and come screaming his name. But he isn't finished yet.

With my legs firmly gripping his hips, we move from the countertop to the kitchen table. I should be thinking Gran is going to kill me because I'm having sex in her kitchen, but all I can think of is more. Eric pounds into me and I meet him thrust for thrust. I watch the motion of his hips and am hypnotized. I grip his ass to make him go harder, deeper, faster. I hear the table creaking under us and pray to God it will hold. I'm so close to bliss I can taste it. He doesn't quit until I'm digging my nails into his back as a string of profanities leaves my lips. Yes, it's that damn good.

Instead of enjoying Gran's cooking for breakfast, Eric and I enjoyed each other. Thoroughly. We made it from the kitchen to the living room floor, to end up in my bedroom.

"So how'd you sleep last night?" I ask, folding a pillow under my chin.

"Terrible. I woke up and you weren't there." He rolls onto his side laying his head on his arm.

"I'm sorry about that. I was so tired last night that I passed out as soon as my head hit the pillow. But, if I can be honest, I don't think I want to sleep without you another night. Maybe I'll go to your condo with you after dinner… if you'll still have me?"

"Lover, you don't have to ask. Of course I'll still have you. All I want is you, Sookie. You know that."

We lay quietly for a while after that and I notice Eric's breathing is slow and even. I leave him asleep in my bed to clean up in the kitchen. I think Gran would kill me if she knew I'd had sex on her kitchen counter and table. Once I finish cleaning, I hop in the shower and throw on a tank top and pair of jeans. Just as I finish pulling my hair up into a ponytail, the phone rings and I rush to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Bitch! You didn't call me and tell me you were at Gran's. I'll be right over."

"Laffy? I'm so sorry. Things have been… complicated."

"I know. I heard about Bill. I would offer my condolences but I know how much you wanted that bastard out of your life. How you holding up, sweetness?"

"I'm good. Eric's here with me."

"Ooh, is that the PYT Amelia's been telling me about? Do I get to meet him?"

"PYT?"

"Pretty young thing. Song by Michael Jackson. Come on, Sook! I know you know what I'm talking about."

"Okay, okay I got you. Just get your ass over here. I miss you and we have a lot of catching up to do."

"I miss you too. Be there in twenty and I want to know everything. And I mean everything!"

"I know. See you soon."

"So who's the bitch I need to cut? Porta-pot, Portoto, Portabello? Cause you know I will fight a ho!" I'm laughing so hard it takes me a minute before I can answer him.

"It's Portia and you know that. Who told you?" He throws me a look and I already know the answer to my question.

"Amelia!" We say simultaneously.

"She just doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut!" I laugh.

"Hey, you know she's just looking out for you. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral. I got stuck on the road and got here as soon as I could. How are you? You in mourning or you ready to celebrate? I'm sure you did some celebrating with that pretty young thang you got hidden around here somewhere. Where is he with his sexy ass anyway?"

"Wait, just what did Amelia tell you? I haven't spoken to you in a long time. And I'm going to kill her."

"Now you know how Amelia is. You don't tell her secrets if you want to keep them secrets. Like I said, where is he? Don't make me go looking for him."

"Okay, okay… he's in my bed. Napping."

"Damn bitch! You wore him out like that!" We laugh. Laffy always knows how to crack me up.

"I am not answering that question."

"You will once I get some vodka in you. Where's ya stash? I know you have one so you can celebrate not having to live with that constant stick up your ass."

I laugh at him before leaving the kitchen to collect my bag from the bedroom. I tiptoe to make sure I don't wake Eric. He's so beautiful when he sleeps. His hair is splayed across my pillow and the sheet is barely covering his naked body. I'm almost tempted to stay in here and wake him up, but I let him sleep. I walk back into the kitchen with bottles held high and Laffy hops up to get us some glasses. As soon as I put the tequila down, he snatches it up to pour me a tall shot.

"Here you go. Drink it all the way down and I'll give you a few minutes before I start questioning you again."

"I'm not saying a word Lafayette and there's nothing you can do to make me."

About two hours and too many shots of tequila, vodka and rum (when did I get rum?) later, Laffy knows everything about everything. We're laughing, crying, and blowing our noses together. I guess we get a little loud because I hear Eric shuffling around in the bathroom.

"Shh, Laf. I think we woke him up. Don't say anything embarrassing about me to him or I will kill you."

"You will do no such thing, Beeech. Don't worry; you know I have your back. But if he's too cute, you just might wanna watch ya back! Cause I'll take yo man!"

I smack his bald head and he pokes me in the boob. He knows how much I hate that shit. Put the two of us together with a bottle of alcohol and its good times. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Eric pulling a shirt over his head, his hair in disarray and a look of apprehension on his face. Once he sees I'm not alone, he smiles and walks over to me. I stand up to kiss him and he sits in my chair, pulling me down onto his lap.

"Hey, Sookie. I heard a little commotion and wanted to make sure everything was okay." Laffy looks from me to Eric, waiting.

"S'all good love. Eric, this is Lafayette. Laffy, this is my Eric."

"Well how do you do? Unh! You gots good taste miss, real good taste."

"Laf, he can hear you. Don't pay him any mind, Eric. He's drunk."

"Looks like you may be too, lover." He whispers into my neck. "Nice to meet you Lafayette." He offers Laffy his hand to shake.

"I'm sorry we woke you. Sook here didn't want to spill the goods, so I had to get her talking the only way I know how. Doesn't take more than three shots to get her verbal diarrhea flowing. Now you know my secret for getting her to talk."

"Oh, I don't have to get her drunk. I have other ways." He winks at Laf.

"Ooh, Sookie I think I like him. He's definitely a keeper."

"I know that Laf. I know. So…"

"Are you two hungry? We can go get something to eat. I'm starving."

"I bet." Laf says under his breath. I smack his arm.

"Gran should be back soon. She has plans to make dinner. She lives for company. I better make sure Jason's coming over too."

"Now you know that boy will be here. He can smell your Gran's cooking from a mile away. It was very nice to meet you, Eric. I'll leave you two lovebirds alone." He kisses the top of my head as he walks into the living room and throws Eric a wink. He's passed the infamous Laffy test.

"I like him. He makes you smile," Eric says.

"You're being sweet. I still can't get over the will reading. I never imagined Bill had so much money saved and he left it all to me. Why would he do that? I thought for sure he would have taken me out of his will after finding out about us."

"Maybe he hadn't gotten around to it?"

"That's possible, but he has a son and he didn't leave him anything. That's not right. I'm going to call Sophie-Ann tomorrow and see if she can set up a trust for him—after Sarah gets the results of the paternity test, of course. Although, he looks just like Bill."

"It's better to be safe than sorry. Speaking of which, I wanted to ask you something. I didn't really think about it until yesterday, but do you want kids?"

"Um, yeah. I've always wanted kids. Bill and I fought about it quite a bit actually. I kind of resigned myself to being childless since he was so against it. But now, yeah. I would love to have a few kids."

"With me?" He looks hopeful.

"I haven't thought that far ahead yet."

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to force the issue. We talked a little about marriage and you're not ready to do it again. Do you think that might change?"

"I really don't know. I haven't thought much about it. I've been focused on getting away from Bill, which I did—and being with you. I like the way things are now. I like that it's just us."

"Oh."

"Sookie! Eric!" Gran calls out to us. I barely hear the door close behind her before she's out the door again.

"We're in the kitchen, Gran! Shit, I better drink some water. She'll be able to tell I'm sloshed. Even though our talking has sobered me up a bit. Are my eyes red?"

He shakes his head. I think he's upset. This is all I need right now. Gran comes into the kitchen with Laffy and Jason in tow, carrying bags of groceries. I give them all a hug and prepare to help make dinner. Eric takes his leave to go for a walk and Jason goes to join him.

"Is everything all right, Sook? The mood is considerably glum in here since I left you two," Laf whispers.

"It's fine. Everything's fine." I blink away my unshed tears.

"We didn't get to talk last night. How was the funeral?" Gran asks.

"I'm surprised you weren't there. It was eventful to say the least."

"I know you don't know this dear, but Caroline and I never really got along. She wouldn't even allow me in her house with one of my pecan pies as a peace offering. I sent a card and flowers, though." Guess I learn something new every day.

"Gran, I had no idea. She's such a sweet woman."

"Oh, she is now. Back when she…" She lets her sentence drift. "Well, when we were younger, she was a man stealer. Oh yeah, couldn't leave her alone with your husband for a minute."

"Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit!" Laf says.

We all laugh and finish prepping dinner. Of course, Jason times it so that by the time he and Eric get back, the table is set and we're all ready to eat. Eric blows me a kiss when he enters the dining room and sits across from me. I rather enjoy the view. Laf claims the seat next to me and Jason and Gran sit at the opposite ends of the table. We make small talk during dinner and Laf keeps us all entertained with his tales of living in Bon Temps. I sure did miss him.

"Hey Sook, make sure you let me know if you need help handling that Portia woman." Oops.

"Um, Laf…" I shake my head at him. I guess I failed to mention she's Eric's mom.

"It's okay, Sookie. My mom was a little nuts yesterday. And she did slap you."

Laf looks sufficiently shamed, for all of two second before he looks up at me, eyes narrowed, "Wait, what? She slapped you but you slapped her ass back, right? Sorry Gran." She just gives Laf a 'you know you better watch your mouth' look.

"No, I didn't slap her back. I do not resort to violence. I use my words. You know that."

Gran reaches over and pats my hand in support. "Well, I hope I don't run into her knowing that. No matter how upset with you she is or was, she had no right to strike you."

"I know Gran, but it's over and done. Eric handled it pretty well." She smiles over at him.

"I always did like your father young man. I'm sure he instilled some values in you. Those Bellefleur women though…" She makes a very unladylike noise.

"Gran!" Jason's been quiet this whole time but he and I both pipe up.

"What? I'm telling the truth," she says.

"I think I've been missing out on the town gossip or you've been holding back." Jason says.

Well, I know where he'll be every weekend from now on. He's so dang nosy.

Once we're finished, everyone pitches in to clean up and we sit down for coffee and dessert. Gran's made a beautiful Italian Cream Cake and I can't wait to dig into it. I've missed her baking. She steps out on the porch—to smoke I'm sure—then comes back inside to get ready for bed. Laffy makes his excuse to leave and Jason scuttles off after having two more pieces of cake. Eric and I are left at the table staring at one another. We need to finish talking and I can't say I'm looking forward to it.

A/N: Thanks for reading, favoriting, alerting and reviewing. You guys don't know how much I appreciate your enthusiasm for this story. And I actually tried saying "Bill's will be read" five times fast and it didn't work out. LOL.

I have to give a special thank you to the lovely Suaru-chan, whom I would lost without. She is absolutely heaven sent and I loves her dearly. Make sure if you haven't you read her story, All My Love. Chapter 9 especially. It's all daddy Eric and it's all good… xoxo

Translation

God Morgon, älskling – Good morning dearest