A/N: Thank you again for all the reviews, follows and faves! I know I say that all the time, but I do mean it. So we get a little plot, and maybe a little more insight into our characters. I know I have a habit of having Damon buy stuff for his lady loves, but it's fun to write. Keep the reviews coming! PLEASE! They really do help keep me motivated. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own or operate "The Vampire Diaries."

Chapter 6: Designer Plans

"We're never taking on an event this size in four days again, Care. Never!" Elena said firmly. She had been in the office since seven that morning.

"I agree. But the commission on a $40K event? That's a lot of cash to pass up, El. Seriously."

"I know, I know. But if one of us drops dead from stress, it's a zero sum proposition, right?"

"Right. Tell you what. Let's hit the Sitar's buffet and take a long lunch before we get back to the craziness, all right?" Caroline suggested.

"Sounds great. I could definitely stand some tikka masala and korma right now. I hope they have the galub jamun," she said wistfully. She loved the honey-soaked sweets. Her phone rang. It was Damon. Well, she had intended to call him about Friday, anyway. "Hey, hon. What's up?" she said.

"Are you free for lunch?"

"You're in Atlanta? Again?"

He cleared his throat. "Well, after last night, I felt like I wanted to see you."

"Caroline and I were going to take a long lunch at Sitar and gorge on the buffet. You can meet us there."

"Just so happens I'm outside your building. Need a lift?"

"Gracious, Damon. We were going to walk. It's only a couple of blocks. And we wanted to get outside since it's a nice day."

"I'll walk with you, if that's all right."

Caroline was saying, "Ask him! Ask him!" in a loud whisper.

Elena nodded. "Sure it is. Oh, Mrs. Gatlin, the lady who's throwing this party on Friday is thanking Caroline and me by inviting us as guests, and I need a date. Who should I ask, do you think?" she said, teasing, then said, "Oh! Jeremy's coming to visit this weekend. I'll just go with him. He cleans up pretty well."

"Bet I clean up better than your brother," Damon purred, sending tingles to Elena's toes.

"Really? You mean you'd like to be my date? How nice! The thought never occurred to me!" Her tone was all innocence, and Caroline was laughing silently.

"Elena Gilbert, you are a tease," he said darkly.

"Who me? Never. Nooo. Not me." She was relaying his words to Caroline and they were both laughing.

"Don't tease a vampire, Elena. It's not healthy." Damon's tone was a little menacing.

"Oh c'mon, hon. I wasn't teasing to be mean. You have to know I wasn't gonna ask anybody but you. Do something about the cranky, how about it?"

He got her reference. Maybe he did need a little extra blood. "O.K. I'll see you down here in ten minutes or so then?"

"About that. See ya." She clicked off the call and chuckled. "Apparently, there are some things you can't tease Damon about."

"Don't you think that's a little odd?" Caroline asked.

"Not really. I guess you just don't challenge the manhood. You know, he's pretty badass and he doesn't much like it when anybody pokes the machismo. He'd better get used to it if he's dating me, though. It's fun to pick at him, and Lord knows he teases me. He'll learn I'll give as good as I get."

"Girl power!" Caroline said, as she and Elena bumped fists and laughed.

Damon had to admit the ladies made a lovely picture as they came out of the office building. Caroline wore a mint green twinset and dark slacks. Her hair was piled on top of her head and she even wore pearls. Damon grinned at that. Elena wore a tailored cotton dress in coral. It tied at the neck and the skirt flared out a little. It reminded Damon of the dresses the girls wore in the late 1950s. Her hair was in a high ponytail. He fed the parking meter another couple of dollars and smiled as they approached.

"Hi Caroline," he said and then to Elena, "Hey sugar." He kissed her cheek, figuring she wouldn't want him messing with her lipstick. "You ladies are gorgeous." He offered an arm to each and they started down the street. Both women were very aware of the looks they got from the females passing by. When they got to the restaurant, he opened the door and allowed them to precede him inside.

"Such a gentleman!" Caroline exclaimed. "I don't remember the last time a guy opened a door for me."

Damon grinned at her. "Mother would have had a fit if I didn't. She insisted Stefan and I have good manners. Even if we don't always use them. And Jincey would've beaten us half to death. She was our housekeeper. Even now, when my manners lapse in front of a lady, I still kind of look around to make sure she's not there." Elena chuckled, knowing how long ago he was talking about.

"Well, I think it's very, very nice, for a change," Caroline said. They were seated, and waited for the server to bring their water and silverware. "And you're a neat dresser. I get so tired of seeing guys my age slouch around looking like unmade beds. Have a little self-respect, for crying out loud!" She started for the buffet and Damon gave Elena a wry look.

"Yes, she's always like this, but she's my best friend, so deal."

"I will," he murmured.

"And get ready to watch me pig out. I don't hold back at this place. And yay! Galub jamun. Have to save room for that. "

Damon leaned over and whispered in her ear, "One day, I'll have some at the house and I'll feed them to you."

Heat coursed through Elena's veins, but she said, "I can manage to eat them by myself."

"Not if you're tied to my bed. And then," his voice dropped even lower. "You can lick the syrup from my fingers."

Elena swallowed. "You. Are. Evil," she said.

"Are you just now figuring that out?" he replied pleasantly.

"I definitely need extra korma today," she said, and put a large serving on her plate, along with basmati rice and the onion naan.

Damon was amused at the amount of food the girls consumed, but it was nice to be around people who actually knew a little something about food not from their home region. After they finished, he said, "If you'll excuse me, I need to wash my hands. That syrup is sticky. Gets everywhere," and here he shot a heated look at Elena, who just smiled.

When he was in the bathroom, Caroline said, "What were that look and all that whispering about?" Elena repeated his words and her friend's mouth fell open. "Why that - that - pervert!"

"It's not perverted. Just a tiny bit kinky," Elena snickered.

Caroline conceded the point. "Yeah, I know. Trouble is, with those eyes, he could talk you into nearly anything. Whips, chains. Spanking. He just has the look of a man who's tried everything. At least once. And enjoyed most of it."

"I'd agree with that assessment," Elena said. "But shush. He has ears like a lynx. He hears everything." Naturally, she didn't elaborate on why, but Damon grinned to himself. He caught Caroline's statement and it had him chuckling inwardly. She was much, much sharper than she appeared. But Elena had told him that.

They walked back to the office building and Damon was relieved there was still time on the parking meter. He didn't want to have to deal with a ticket for something like this.

"I need to talk to Damon a second, Caroline. I'll be up in a minute," Elena said.

"All right. Thanks for lunch, Damon. That was nice of you. See you later."

"Have a good one," he answered. "Let's sit in the car for a little privacy, anyway."

"Good idea."

She got in the car and when Damon did, he said, "I wasn't expecting to see Katherine last night. She was waiting on me when I got home, the bitch."

"Well, I didn't think you sent her an engraved invitation," Elena answered.

Damon grinned and actually looked a little relieved. "Not hardly. She's been known to show up when she needs money, though. Elijah must have kicked her out of New Orleans again. That's usually when she comes sniffing around, is when he's had enough of her stirring up trouble there. Hopefully, it'll be a while before we see her again. But I told her even before you called, that she should ask Stefan the next time. I'm tired of giving her money just because she spends it like water and won't save or invest any of it."

"So not only is she a heartless turbo-bitch, but she's also a gold digger. Nice."

Damon laughed. "Let's say she's lazy. Well, I say that. She will work harder to not have to work than most people do at a regular job. Not like she could ever hold down a job. The place would be chaos in a week. She's a cosmic troublemaker. She's not happy unless everyone around her is miserable and caught up in some kind of drama. I wish Klaus had staked her when he had the chance."

"Klaus?" Elena asked.

"Old, old vampire. One of the Originals. She's been on the run from him for centuries. But she can't lie low for very long, like I said. She has to cause trouble, so you just follow the trail of destruction, and she's bound to be at the end of it. Inevitable."

"Yeah, the Mystic Falls Archives weren't very complimentary, for sure."

"Probably the truest accounts in those dusty old records are the ones about Katherine. They couldn't print the worst of the things she did. No one would have believed it. But I'll need a double bourbon if we keep discussing her. What about this thing Friday night?"

Elena grinned at him. "Just that Caroline and I are invited. Actually, she and Jeremy are going together. They're friends and Jeremy owes me a couple of favors. So he's taking her. Suit and tie will be fine. I'm not even going to ask if you own a suit. I know you do."

He grinned at her. "I have several. Are we thinking Armani, Versace, Dior? They're all in the closet."

Elena's eyes widened. "Pick one. I'm sure any of them will be great. I'll be honest and tell you that I won't be able to tell the difference." She laughed.

"So what are you wearing?" he asked.

"I have no idea. I'll shop my closet, I guess." She shrugged.

"Doesn't matter. You'll still be the most beautiful woman in the room," Damon answered with a grin.

"Oh, you. But thanks. Guess I'd better get back upstairs. Wouldn't want Caroline to have a cow."

He laughed. "No, that would definitely not be good. Especially since it would be my fault." He leaned over to kiss Elena. "I'll see you Friday. What time?"

She leaned into his lips, wishing they had all afternoon. "Maybe five-thirty? It starts at six."

"I'll be there," he said, and nuzzled her neck.

"Good Lord. Let me get out of this car before they arrest us for public indecency," she said, and before Damon could even come up with a snarky comment, she was out of the car. She waved at him and went inside.

He shook his head. "That woman is gonna kill me for sure," he muttered as he pulled out of his parking space and headed for home.

Elena was glad she had eaten such a large lunch, because by the time she got home, she was so worn out, she just wanted to go to bed. She had been on the phone and online all day. When she finally got home, she remembered to text Damon. "Home safely. Worn out. Good night."

Damon saw her text and smiled. She really did work hard.

Tuesday and Wednesday were exactly the same. Elena and Caroline were both swamped with work. They were badgering the caterers, harassing the set up company and having a back and forth yelling match with the band Mrs. Gatlin wanted to hire.

"Listen. This will be the highest paying gig you'll probably get this year," Elena was telling the lead singer. "Why are you squalling about having to wear sleeves long enough to cover your X-rated tats? She's not asking you to rent a tux, just to wear sleeves, for crying out loud! What's the big deal?"

Caroline watched as Elena sank her head to the desk in defeat, phone still at her ear. "Well, I've had enough of this!" she said, and grabbed Elena's phone. "Listen here. If the band doesn't want the gig, we have other people we can hire. There are at least twenty bands in this town that would jump at the chance to play one of Linda Gatlin's parties! In case you don't know, there will be some fairly prominent people there in the entertainment industry, and you could be screwing up a chance to get someone to hear your music, just because you want to be Billy Badass and not wear sleeves! So, we'll just call Blind Justice and offer them the gig! And you can tell the rest of the band how you screwed them each out of a $500 paycheck, O.K.?" A short pause. "Oh, hell yes, I'll call Blind Justice! I don't have to put up with their artistic temperament, damn the man attitude! They're a great band and would actually be glad to get the gig!" More silence. Elena was shaking her head at Caroline. Sometimes, she was just too nice. Caroline would twist the knife in a heartbeat.

"Yeah, I thought that would wake you up. Yes, you can wear black, as long as the sleeves cover up those Fangoria-worthy doodles on your skin that you call art! Oh, I can insult your lifestyle choices all I want to. I'm hiring you and I'll be the one to make sure you get your check! And it's not even like it's your band! I just couldn't get ahold of Jack. Yeah, keep telling yourself that. Just make sure you have sleeves on or your band is going to be short a lead singer. Jack and the guys can just play instrumentals all night. No, I'm not bluffing. I'll see you Friday at four, sharp. Yeah, you too." Caroline clicked off the call and handed Elena's phone to her.

Elena laughed. "Thanks. You're so much better at that than I am."

"Well, that jackass gave me a headache with his attitude." Caroline sighed and looked at her watch. "It's four-thirty. Let's call it a day. I'm the early bird tomorrow so I'll be here about six. Have you heard from Jeremy?"

"Yeah, he said he'd be here by five, if his flight leaves on time. He said he could catch a ride to my place with a buddy, so I'm guessing six or so. He said he had his blues pressed and ready to go," she answered with a grin.

"That's my boy!" Caroline exclaimed. "I love that kid. Even if he's not really a kid anymore. So, have you worked out the details with Mr. Wonderful?"

"Yeah, except what I'm wearing. I just don't have that much. I guess I'll go to Macy's and see what they've got. Otherwise, I guess it'll be that navy blue sheath. It's a hundred years old, but it still fits and it looks nice."

"I'm going to Lenox Square this afternoon. I'll look around and if I see something, I'll text you a photo, and if you like it, I'll get it and you can pay me. How about that?"

Elena nodded. "Suits me. I just want to go home and go to bed. Even if it is four-thirty. I'm hitting a drive-through for some tasty junk food, going home, maybe watch some mindless TV while I eat, and then bedtime!"

"Sounds like a plan. I'll let you know if I find anything."

"O.K."

When Elena got home, she saw a large box sitting on the porch. What the…? She looked at it, and then, recognized the handwriting. Damon. What was he up to, now? She carried the box inside and unwrapped it. Inside were two more boxes. One had a Dolce and Gabbana label, while a smaller shoebox had the Jimmy Choo logo. That stinker. What had he bought?

She opened the Jimmy Choo box and found a pair of strappy jeweled sandals inside. Then, when she opened the D&G box, she nearly fainted. Inside was a navy lace dress with a flounced bottom, the most adorable clutch she had ever seen, and earrings and a necklace to match the clutch. Good Lord. Elena wasn't sure it was right that a man knew so very much about how to shop for women's clothes. She suddenly wasn't nearly as tired and flew to try on the dress and shoes. When she looked at herself, she had to shake her head. Couture really was a whole different world. How had he gotten this stuff so quickly? He was Damon. That kind of explained it, right there.

Her phone beeped. Well, speak of the devil, and his blue-eyed imp appeared. Although Damon was a little too big and too aggressive to be a true imp. "Did you get the box?" he texted.

"Yep," she replied.

"Do you like it and does everything fit?"

"Everything is beautiful and fits. You didn't have to do this, though."

There wasn't an immediate reply, and Elena could almost count the seconds until her phone rang and his name popped up.

As soon as she answered, he said, "I wanted to do it. I don't often get the opportunity to spend money on a beautiful woman."

"Thank you. But I did have something I could wear," she said.

"I'm sure you did. But every woman deserves at least one designer dress in her lifetime." He would give her a closet full if she would allow him.

"You're very sweet, Damon. Thanks."

"I'm not sweet. I'm trying to turn your head with beautiful clothes, sincere compliments and mind-blowing sex," he said. "Don't you know the worst thing you can call a man is 'sweet'? Really, Elena," but his voice was teasing.

"Well, as long as the compliments are sincere, I'll live with it," she answered.

"They are definitely sincere. Are you tired? You're home early."

"Worn slap out. I told Caroline I'm going to eat my hamburger, watch something stupid on TV that doesn't require any brainpower and then I'm going to bed. Do you have any research contracts this week?"

"Only a land grant search from the 1700s. That was my main reason for being in town on Monday. I had to hit the land records office at the Capitol. But I still wanted to join you for lunch."

"Did you find what you were looking for?"

"Maybe. I'll have to take a closer look at the records. These land records can turn up odd things. But we'll see. Don't you stay up too late watching TV."

Elena laughed. "Don't worry about that. It'll be a job staying awake long enough to eat my supper. Good night, hon."

"Good night, Elena. Sweet dreams," he purred and ended the call.

Elena hung her dress up. "Wow. A real designer dress. Caroline's gonna have a cow for sure, this time. Kittens too, maybe." She laughed out loud.

About 4:45 the next day, Elena got a text from Jeremy saying he had landed safely and would be on his way to her house. "Hey Care, Jeremy's on his way in. I want to be at the house when he gets there, so can you handle the rest?"

"Oh sure. You've worked like a slave today, so go ahead. Because we are so awesome, just a few loose ends to tie up!" she crowed.

"Good deal. See you in the morning. My early day tomorrow. Jeremy and I can go to breakfast and then I'll be here by 6:30 or so."

"Allrighty. Go on then."

"Good night!" Elena called over her shoulder. About the time she got in her car, Damon called.

"Did your brother get here safely?" he asked.

"Yeah. He's on his way to my place. We were going to get some dinner and then crash."

"Would you both like to meet me somewhere? Or I could just meet you at your house. I'm in Marietta, already. More research."

"Seriously? Or is that just your cover story for being a stalker boyfriend?" She was afraid that might push Damon's buttons a little too hard, but he just snickered.

"No. Just that the Cobb County Archives have some things the state land office doesn't. It's been helpful. Thought I'd take a chance that you hadn't eaten yet. I'd like to meet your brother, unless you're keeping me a secret or something."

Elena thought she detected a little hurt in his voice at the end. "Of course you're not a secret. Caroline Forbes knows about you. This means nothing is secret." She laughed. "I haven't talked to Jeremy in a month probably, except by email, so he doesn't know yet, but I'll tell him before you get to the house. I'll give him the whole thing, except for your unusual, um, dietary habits. O.K.?"

"O.K. I'll see you at your place, then."

Elena reflected on the fact that, in spite of Damon's slightly calloused exterior, that he could be hurt easily and deeply. He just didn't show it. So she knew she needed to be extra careful of his feelings. She didn't want him to feel like she was ashamed of him or something. As if any woman with any sense would feel ashamed of being seen with Damon Salvatore! He was definitely one of the best looking men she had ever seen. Period. Competition was for second place.

Jeremy was waiting on her when she pulled into the drive. She ran to him. "Jer! How are you, sweetie?" She hugged him.

"I'm fine, sis."

"How long have you been sitting on the porch?"

"Ten minutes, tops. Rob just left. Not like it's freezing cold, though. How are you?"

She unlocked the door and motioned him inside. "I'm good. Tired. I told you about this event. It's been a nightmare. I told Caroline we were never taking on another event this size on such short notice, no matter how much we got paid. It just isn't worth the hassle. But I'm so glad to see you! How have you been?"

"I'm good. It's been a slow week for us, so I actually got a little down time." He collapsed on the sofa.

"That's great. I need to tell you something, though." She sat in the recliner.

"What is it, or rather, who is it?" Jeremy asked with a grin.

She laughed. "I never could keep a poker face around you. It's a who. His name is Damon and I've been seeing him for a couple of weeks. He lives in Rome."

"That's a hike."

"He doesn't mind. He likes to drive. He saw me on 'Good Morning Atlanta' talking about my books and contacted me."

"So he likes to read romance? That's weird."

"Hush. No, he offered to help me do some research. We just hit it off."

"From the look on your face, I'd say you did. How old is he?"

Oooh. Toughie. Well, he looked older than his 25 human years. "He's thirty. Just a couple of years younger than I am."

"And he has a job, so he won't be interested in your money."

"He does contract research work, but he's independently wealthy," she explained.

"Sounds good. Is he from Georgia?" Elena knew Jeremy would want to know everything, and he didn't disappoint her.

"No, he's from Virginia, too. Mystic Falls. You know, that little town just north of Fell's Church." It was about 20 miles from the small town where they grew up.

"Oh yeah."

"And he's coming over to have dinner with us. I think he wants to get the meet the family thing out of the way," Elena explained.

Jeremy nodded. "So, are you like, falling for this guy or what?"

Elena rolled her eyes. "Jer! C'mon! I've just been seeing him for a couple of weeks!"

"Sis, guys don't drive 60 miles to see a woman unless they're really interested. Has he slept over?"

"Nunya!" Which was Gilbert parlance for "None of your business."

Jeremy grinned. "Which means he has. Hey!" he said, seeing the expression on his sister's face, "You're consenting adults. You two want to do the horizontal bop, it's cool with me. Just don't give him your bank account number."

"Jeremy David Gilbert!" Elena said, outraged.

"Chill out, sis. It's not like I'm gonna ask him." Jeremy was clearly enjoying making his sister squirm. He didn't get many opportunities.

"You are the most impossible little brother ever born!"

"Good thing you love me so much then, isn't it?" He grinned.

"You'd better believe it. Otherwise, the Air Force would be looking for a body," she harrumphed.

Damon was getting a kick out of the conversation. He had been standing on Elena's porch for about five minutes, and of course, could hear everything they were saying. But, it sounded like Jeremy wasn't upset about his presence in Elena's life, which made everything much easier. He rang the doorbell.

Elena stood and pointed her finger at her brother in the universal "You'd better behave!" gesture. He smirked. Lord, it was like dealing with Damon. At least she could smack Jeremy. She opened the door. "Hey, Damon. Come on in." As he walked in, Jeremy stood. "Damon, this is my brother, Jeremy. Jer, this is Damon Salvatore."

They shook hands and Damon looked Jeremy over. His hair was lighter in color than Elena's, but they both had big brown eyes, and their faces had a similar shape. Definitely a family resemblance. Jeremy was about his height, with a slightly larger build, but then again, he was in the military. "Nice to meet you, Jeremy," Damon said. "Elena's told me about you."

"Don't believe it, whatever it was," he said with a laugh. "I think it's the older sister's job to remember as many embarrassing stories as possible."

Damon laughed. "Older siblings in general. Keeps you little ones in your place."

It was Jeremy's turn to roll his eyes. "Elena says the same thing." He was observing Damon. Interesting looking guy. Jeremy liked girls all the way, but he could see how a girl could fall hard for this guy. Sharp dresser, put together, and yeah, very good looking. Like a male model or something. "Hey, let me change clothes before we eat," he said. "I've been riding a transport and they're not exactly jetliners. Be right back." He went into the bedroom to change and Elena and Damon sat on the sofa.

She leaned her head on his shoulder. "I am so tired," she said. Damon put his arm around her shoulders and she cuddled to him. She was asleep almost immediately. Jeremy came out of the bedroom about 10 minutes later and saw his sister, sound asleep on the sofa.

"For real? She always could go to sleep at the drop of a hat."

Damon grinned at him and dug out his wallet. "Here. You mind going to grab something for us? She's beat and I don't want to wake her up." He took out a couple of folded bills and handed them to Jeremy.

"Thanks, man. I'll just get her keys. Anything in particular you like? Or don't like?"

"If you bring it, I'll eat it," Damon said.

"O.K. Back in a few, then." He left.

Damon looked fondly at Elena, her head pillowed on her chest, just as if they slept that way every night. She was snoring softly and he grinned and shifted so she would be more comfortable. He stroked her hair and for the first time, seriously considered what it would mean to be human. He could have a real relationship with Elena. They could get married, have a life - maybe children. Children. There was a thought. He imagined holding a little girl who looked just like Elena, chasing a son whose eyes were the same summer blue as his. He rarely allowed himself the luxury of indulging in those kinds of daydreams. Figuring he had at least 20 minutes or so before Jeremy got back, he closed his eyes and slipped into Elena's dream.

She was in the office again. She looked up at him. "What are you doing here?"

"Taking you away from all this," he said, and the scene changed, and they were in a park in Rome where he liked to go. He took a chance and said, "I think our daughter is awake."

Elena turned to see a blanket and a punkin seat on it. She went to pick up the fussy child, who immediately hushed. "Do we have a daughter?"

"Right now, sure."

"And a son, too, apparently," she said, watching as a chubby-legged boy tackled Damon's legs. Damon swung the child up into his arms and looked at himself when he was that age. He put the boy on his shoulders and he and Elena and the little girl walked contentedly through the park. God, but it seemed so real, so wonderful.

The image faded out and he opened his eyes to see Elena looking up at him. "How did you do that?"

"Perks of the condition," he said.

"Is that what you really want, Damon? A family?"

"I've thought about it. Not that it's really possible, but it doesn't mean it doesn't cross my mind once in a while."

Elena smiled a little sadly. "And you'd want that family with me?"

He kissed the top of her head. "It's not the worst thought in the world. You'd make a great mom."

"That's a really nice thing to say, Damon. I think you'd be a pretty good dad, too."

"Me? I doubt it, but it's a nice fantasy." He stroked her hair.

Elena felt tremendous sadness for Damon. He had been forced to give up everything that most people valued, and for what? For a completely selfish woman who had no interest in him except for his body, but was willing to make him a virtual slave so she could have it. Horrible person. She reached up to kiss his cheek.

"What was that for?" he asked, although he knew.

"Just 'cause."

He smiled. "Jeremy's gone to get us some dinner."

"You're brave. No telling what he'll come back with."

Damon chuckled. "I'm willing to take the risk. You're tuckered out."

She sighed. "I am. And I still have that party to get through tomorrow night. I'm gonna need a hit of speed to get through it, I'm so tired."

"I'll give you a hit of the best vamp blood in Georgia. Perk you right up," he said.

"Really? I just thought it healed."

"Does lots of things." He cocked his head. "Jeremy's back. I'll open the door for him." He suited actions to words and Jeremy came in, carrying bags and a couple of boxes.

"You went to Vittone's, didn't you?" Elena said.

"Of course. They've got the best eggplant parmesan and I know you love it."

"Awesome! Thanks Jer," she said, and ruffled his hair.

"Here's your change, Damon," Jeremy held out the money.

"Keep it. Call it a delivery fee." He grinned.

"Thanks!"

Damon enjoyed watching Elena eat and interact with Jeremy. They loved needling each other, which explained why she liked to pick at him so much. It was one of her ways of showing affection. So, he decided very privately to be more laid back about her teasing. He knew he could be a little prickly.

"Elena, Damon's gonna think he's dating a garbage disposal if you keep on eating like that!" Jeremy said.

"Shut up. You might as well unhinge your jaw like a snake to eat. Glutton."

Damon chuckled. "I like a girl with a healthy appetite. Nothing more depressing than taking a woman out on a date, going to a nice restaurant and she eats one bite of everything, declares she's full and leaves fifty bucks' worth of food on the plate. Drives me crazy."

"No worries about that with Elena. She's a plate-cleaner."

"You're dead, little Gilbert," Elena replied. "Dead, dead, dead."

"I've heard the wind blow before," he shot back.

"Hey kids, settle down," Damon said, laughing.

After dinner, Damon helped clear the table. "I need to go on. You're tired and have a big day tomorrow," he said to Elena.

"O.K. Wish you could stay," she murmured.

"Me too, but my clothes are at home."

"So is it going to be Armani, Versace or Dior?"

He shrugged. "Don't know. I'll have to decide which one I'll be the hottest in," and he smirked at her.

She reached up to whisper in his ear, "You're hottest in your birthday suit," and she could swear a faint wash of pink tinged his cheeks and ears.

He gave her a sidelong look. "You are a very bad girl."

"You'd better believe it. Wanna punish me?" Her tone was pure devilment.

Damon took a deep breath. "Remember what I said about teasing a vampire? Stop it."

Elena gave him a toothy grin. "O.K. I'll be good."

Dammit, everything she said went right to his groin. "You try me, sweetheart," he said.

As they walked outside, Damon spoke pleasantly to Jeremy and when he and Elena got to his car, he took her in his arms for a hot, delicious kiss. "You were pushing my control in there, sugar," he breathed.

"Sorry. You push mine, too, though. I think it's safe to say we push each others' buttons in a pretty major kind of way."

"Ya think?" he laughed softly and pressed his forehead to hers. He kissed her again. "I need to leave or I won't get away tonight, and if you're going with the best looking guy in Atlanta tomorrow night, I need to go home."

She laughed. "Conceited," and she kissed him softly on the cheek. "Good night, Damon. Drive safely."

"Always. Don't stay up late talking to Jeremy. You need rest. That's an order."

"Yes sir," she said and flipped a mock salute, which made him snicker.

He kissed her once more. "Good night," he said and he got in the car and left.

Elena went back inside and locked the door and set the security alarm.

"You've got it bad for that guy," Jeremy said.

"What makes you think that?"

"That big ol' goofy grin on your face. And I know you were playing footsie with him under the table at dinner. You can hardly keep your hands off him."

"Shut up, little Gilbert," she retorted.

"O.K. But you've still got it bad for him. Is the daybed in the office made up?"

"Of course. And soap and towels are in the other bathroom."

"All right." Jeremy hugged his sister. "Night, Elena. It's good to be here."

"'Night, Jer. I'm glad to have you here," she said.

Elena brushed her hair in her bathroom and thought about the dream Damon stepped into. He would like to have a family - and with her. That was a huge concept to wrap her brain around. She wasn't sure how she felt about it. Very good, on the one hand. Sorrow for Damon, on the other hand. It could never happen and that was just so sad. He had been dealt a bad hand in many ways. He did very well, all things considered, but she wished there was a way he could have some of the human experiences he wanted - like children. Maybe one day, she thought.

As she lay down, she said softly, "Stay out of my head tonight, Damon. I need to sleep, not have sexy dreams about you." She could swear she heard him chuckle, just as she dropped off to sleep.