"So, out with it Stackhouse."

"Out with what? I don't know what you're talking about."

"You know I can tell when you're lying because you suck at it. So out with it."

I can't tell her. She'll want to kill me, I just know it. What do I do? Tell my best friend I had sex with her boyfriend when they hadn't known each other and that seeing him again makes my body ache for him? I need to make it back to Bon Temps in one piece so I have to think fast.

"If I tell you, it'll ruin the surprise."

"Surprise? For me?"

"Yes, princess. Who do you think?"

"Was this your idea or Eric's?"

"My idea." Thank you God! And please forgive me for lying. Amen.

"Figures. He doesn't do anything on the fly. There's always a rhyme or reason for why he does anything." That just makes things worse. I wish she wouldn't have told me that.

"Yeah, so, get out so I can get ready for bed. I'll see you in the morning."

"Night."

She finally walks away leaving me in peace. I fall to the bed and sobs rip from my chest. I can't breathe and feel like a total piece of shit. I should go home. I need to get out of here, at least. I can always get a room somewhere and pray I don't run into Pam when I go out. Or, I'll just stay in my room and fake sick. I can do that. There is no way I can face Eric or Leif, or whatever he wants to be called, knowing that he still thinks about me after a year. He's had to have seen pictures of me around here by now, so he knew Pam and I were friends. I don't know what to believe.

I need someone to talk to. I think about calling Gran since I need to let her know I'm here anyway. I hate to put this on her but I need advice and I can trust her to give me a dose of the good stuff. She never tells me what I want to hear but what I need to hear. It's with shaking hands that I dial the familiar number to my family home. The phone rings a few times before she answers.

"Hello." Her voice is barely above a whisper.

"Hey Gran, its Sookie. I wanted to let you know I'm here. In Sweden. I made it safely. The flight was good. Pam says hi." I start rambling. I don't know how to broach the subject so I figure to just spill. "Gran, I need to ask you something. But it's bad, really bad."

"Oh God! Sookie, honey, what's wrong?"

"I'm fine Gran, it's just Pam's boyfriend. I um, well, I knew him from a year ago. We had a little fling and seeing him again has brought some old feelings to the surface. He's told me that he still thinks about me. Hearing him say that just…"

"Now Sookie Stackhouse you listen to me and you listen good, don't even think about doing anything with that man."

"Gran I'm not–"

"Don't tell me what you're not going to do. I know you better than you know yourself and just from the sound of your voice I can hear what you're thinking. You love Pam like a sister and you'd kill her or she'd kill you, literally–knowing how crazy she is. You can't entertain any thoughts about him or what you two used to have. You have to think about what's best for you, I know that, and in this instance getting involved with your best friend's boyfriend is not best for anyone. You'll get over it. Now I know I raised you to be a perfect lady and I expect no less than ladylike behavior from you." Shit. Talk about harsh.

I clear my throat but can't speak. The tears are rolling down my face so quickly that I can't catch them all in time. Gran is right, I know, but I don't want her to be. She hears my sobs through the phone and shushes me. She starts singing my favorite lullaby from my childhood to calm me down. I know it's an odd thing for her to do, but it works. Once I've cried myself out, I wipe away the trail of tears left on my cheeks.

"Thanks Gran. I know you're right and I won't let you down. I promise you."

"That's good dear. Now you call me if you need to. No matter what the time. I'm always here and you know that I love you more than anything."

"As I love you. Bye, Gran."

The next morning I climb out of bed much too nervous to do anything. I don't know if Eric's here or not. I remember Gran's words as I get dressed for the day and vow to keep my promise to her. It will be difficult, but I can do it. I tiptoe out of my room because I haven't heard any sounds indicating Pam is up. I walk into the kitchen looking for coffee and decide that I should have stayed in bed. Eric is standing at the stove shirtless, wearing blue sleep pants (the same damned blue as his eyes) making breakfast. I forgot he could cook.

"Morning." I haven't forgotten my manners, just my self-control.

"Good morning Sookie. Did you sleep well?" He smirks. He's pure evil.

"I did, thank you for asking. Is there enough coffee for me too?"

"Of course. I'll pour you a cup." He pulls down a mug from the cabinet overhead and fills it for me. He turns to hand it to me and I stand looking dumbfounded until he places it on the island in the center of the room. I reach for it once he leans back against the counter opposite the island. We stand there glaring at each other for what seems like forever.

"Can I ask what's for breakfast?"

"Yes, you can ask." Smart ass…

"O-kay then. Look, Eric, I don't want things to be difficult between us. So, can we be cordial toward each other? Please?"

"Of course, Sookie. I don't want to give you a hard time."He actually sounds sincere.

"Good. Thank you. Listen, last night I told Pam that we had some sort of surprise planned for her."

"I know. She told me all about it. So, what exactly did you have in mind?"

"I don't know because I made it up on the spot. I couldn't possibly tell her what you'd said to me now could I?"

"Why not? You'd save me the trouble of having to break the news to her."

"You wouldn't, you couldn't possibly be that cruel."

"Me, cruel? I take it you've forgotten how you left me last year. Sneaking away in the middle of the night never to be seen again. I thought we had something and you crushed me." He leans forward over the island to get closer to me. He lowers his voice so much I have to strain to hear him.

"So is this payback?"I whisper back.

"No, you're not that important to me."

"That's not quite the impression I get, but if you say so."

"If I'd known you were the friend Pam went on and on about I wouldn't be here." What was that supposed to mean?

I hadn't gotten a chance to ask him as Pam chose that moment to drag herself out of her bedroom. She has crazy bed hair and looks like the walking dead. She never could function early in the morning.

"Hey you two. You know, if I keep catching you like this I'm going to start thinking something is going on."

Eric laughs while I down the rest of my coffee before placing my mug in the sink. I make sure not to get any closer to Eric than necessary but he manages to brush my hand with his, sending chills down my spine. I seriously think about going home. I scurry off to my room and bury myself under the covers.

Pam comes into my room a few minutes later.

"What's wrong with you? You've been acting weird since I picked you up yesterday."

"Got a lot on my mind. Met this guy on the plane to New York. I've been thinking about calling him but I'm not sure if I should."

"Ooh, gossip. Dish." I tell her all about meeting Alcide and she eats it right up. I actually feel better after talking to her about it. He just may be what I need to knock Eric out of my system.

"Um, Pam. I need to ask you something. I know I have no right to as I'm the guest here but would it be too much trouble to ask your boyfriend to put a shirt on? You know, just while I'm here?"

"Why Sookie? If I didn't know you better I'd think you were a prude. He's fucking hot isn't he?" Did she want me to answer that?

"Pam!"

"I get it. You're uncomfortable and I don't want you to be. I want you to treat my home like your home. What's that saying in Spanish?"

"Mi casa es su casa."

"Right. That. I'll ask him. I can't say he'll do it because he Swedish. Swedes like to be naked. I'll see what I can do."She laughs her evil laugh as if she can't help herself.

"If not I can always stay at a hotel or something."

"Don't even think of it. I'll take care of it. So, what do you want to do today?"

"I don't know. I'd love to get some sleep but we could–"

"Shop. We'll go shopping. You need stuff. Let me get dressed and we'll go." That's Pam.

She flew from the room before I could respond. She does always get what she wants. Spoiled brat. I fall back onto the bed, feeling defeated. I have to get my confidence back. I know I can handle this and it'll be fine. I have six more days to go and then I'm home free. Six long, excruciating days…

Pam is ready in no time and she's dragging me all over Stockholm for odds and ends she insists I need. It's not that cold here to me but she says the nights are not like anything I've ever experienced. I guess she has a point since the last time I was here, it was summer. I've bought a new coat, a hat and scarf, and an outrageous party dress Pam said I had to get. Of course, she has some outing planned that I'll absolutely hate, but I'll go. For her.

We take a short break for lunch at a small restaurant Eric recommends. I am starving since I skipped breakfast and cannot wait to eat. We sit down to a table and Eric sits directly across from me. Of course, he would. He's taking pleasure in my suffering because he knows (I'm not sure how but he knows) I'm having a hard time seeing him again.

"So Pam wants me to cut my hair. What do you think Sookie?"

"Ugh, um…" was my intelligent reply. I couldn't tell him that I wanted him to keep it long since all I thought about for the past few hours was running my fingers through it. Or that I could remember gripping his hair tightly as he made love to me that last night we were together. I could hear his low moans in my ear, feel the warmth of his skin against mine, the strands of his hair brushing against my collarbone as our bodies moved in sync. No, I couldn't say any of those things so I just spat out gibberish.

"It's okay Sookie you don't have to answer. He'll cut it because I want him to. Isn't that right Eric?" The look on Eric's face told me he didn't like that response from Pam but he didn't say anything.

"You know I should uh, call Gran and let her know that I'm here. I'll just pop outside and I'll be right back." I couldn't get away from the table fast enough.

I'd already called Gran when I broke down last night but I had to say something to get away from Eric's gaze. I seriously thought he was trying to hypnotize me the way he was staring at me. After talking with Gran, I realized I need to stay out of trouble. I feel like Eric is dragging me into something I want no part of. I am so not going to survive this week. My hands are shaking so much that I couldn't dial a number if I wanted to. I need a drink. I need to calm down. Then I start thinking about Eric again and I feel my face warm as my blush spreads across my cheeks.

We get back to Pam's place and I figure out what to do for her surprise. I decide to make dinner for us since Pam is such a gracious host. At least that's what I tell her. It ruins the surprise but she's off my back. Eric just nods and goes along with my plan. I need to get groceries to prepare this meal and hadn't quite figured out how to do that alone. I know Pam doesn't want to go grocery shopping and Eric would be more than willing to accompany me. I figure I can go alone and try not to get lost.

What happens is not what I had planned at all. Pam forces Eric to go with me. He didn't put up much of a fight. Go figure. I protest like crazy but she isn't hearing it. She has something to do and can't possibly come with me. I call bullshit but she overrules me.

So here I am, in the car with Eric heading to get groceries. It has gotten cooler so we have the windows rolled up and the heat is going strong, which does nothing but enhance how good Eric smells. Whatever he is wearing is stirring up my hormones like crazy. The thoughts running through my mind just from his scent alone are hot enough to burn the clothes right off me. The moisture that's pooled in my panties is ridiculous. I have to get out of this car and soon. I keep in mind my promise to Gran and keep my hands to myself. Just as my resolve starts to waver, we pull up the small market and Eric shuts off the car. I quickly climb out and take in a deep breath of fresh air.

Eric leads me to the door of the market with his hand on the small of my back. I pull away and he smirks. It hits me what I want to make for dinner and I send Eric off after the fresh ingredients I need, while I search out the noodles and sauce. The less time we're alone the better. He makes it back to me before I'm finished so I get him to grab the items beyond my reach. I would catch Eric smirking at me every once in a while (enjoying my discomfort I'm sure). I can't wait to kick him in the balls and wipe that smirk from his face. When did I become so violent?

"You know, if you don't quit messing with me, I'm going to tell Pam about our little fling."

"First, it was not a fling. At least not for me. Second, tell her. She should know that you want me just as much as I want you."

"See, that right there. You have to stop saying things like that to me. I can't take it."

"Like you can't take seeing me shirtless. Did I make you uncomfortable Sookie?" I would have taken him seriously had he not been smiling ear to ear. I am not a fan of the shit eating grin.

"No, Eric you didn't make me uncomfortable. I was just, um, shit. Yes, I was uncomfortable. I shouldn't be lusting after my best friend's boyfriend, no matter how sexy I think you are."

"You think I'm sexy?" I need to keep my mouth shut.

After that little exchange, I ignore Eric the rest of the shopping trip. Thank God it didn't take us long. We head back to the car and I sigh. I have to crack the window for the ride back. I just can't handle riding with him ensconced in his scent. A woman can only stare down and turn away from so much temptation. We get back to the apartment and Pam is nowhere to be found. I look to Eric and he shrugs as if it's a regular occurrence. He must have read my face as he answers my unasked question.

"She disappears when her father calls. He's top priority for her. She's probably with him now."

"But she knows I'm planning dinner for her. She would have left a note or something, right?"

"Why don't you call her? See where she is. I'll start emptying the bags. Maybe I can help with dinner?" Not a good idea.

"Sure, whatever. I don't really need your help though." I mumble as I dial Pam's number.

"Hey, where are you woman? We're back from the store and you're gone? I'm making you dinner or did you forget?"

"My dad called, I'll be back as soon as I can. Family business. Don't worry your pretty little head, I'll be there. If Eric causes any problems just tell him to fuck off."

She hangs up and I sigh, again. Eric chuckles in the distance and I'm officially not in the mood for his bullshit.

"It was something to do with her father, right?"

"How did you know?"

"Always is. So, what are we making for dinner this evening?"

"Um, we're not making anything. I'm making lasagna."

"You don't want my help?"

"No, I don't."I start gathering my ingredients and set out to brown the ground beef.

"Come on Sookie, just admit it. You are attracted to me. You think about the days we spent together. You want to relive some of the–"

"I will admit to nothing. If you can't keep quiet then I suggest you leave."

"You can't kick me out of my apartment."

"No, but I can ban you from the kitchen."I am so pissed that I spill spaghetti sauce all over my hand while opening the jar. Eric stalks toward me as I clean up my mess.

"You think so, huh? I'd like to see you try it." He grabs my hand, pulling one of my fingers into his mouth and slowly sucks the sauce off. His tongue is warm against my cool skin. He takes his time getting my finger clean, making sure to get every bit of sauce. He licks his lips as he finishes and smiles at me, looking directly into my eyes. My knees go wobbly and I think I am going to hit the floor. This man drives me crazy. The look in his eye is wild as he pulls another finger into his mouth. Mmm…I snatch my hand away before he can begin his assault on another one of my digits.

"Pam told me if you gave me trouble to tell you to fuck off. So, fuck off!"

"Really? Sookie." The way he said my name…

"Please, Eric. Just stop. I can't…"

He moves so quickly I almost lose my balance when he grabs my shoulders pulling me to him. He crashes his lips to mine desperately, hungrily. I try to pull away but he has me pinned between the counter and his tall, lean body. His hands move to my waist pulling me even closer and his hips grind into me. My mouth opens on its own accord and his tongue traces my lips. I moan into his mouth and elicit a sexy growl from deep in Eric's chest. As I return his kiss, I mentally slap myself and push against him to separate our bodies for some much needed air. I know I'm not strong enough to move him but he allows it. I run the back of my hand across my mouth, as if that will erase the evidence of our heated kiss, and turn away from him.

"If you ever do that again I will–"

"You will what?"

"I don't know, but something you won't like. Don't do that again, I'm begging you."My words come out in a low whimper.

"I'd rather you beg me to take you over and over again. You kissed me back, you feel it too."

"That doesn't make it right."

"It feels right to me. Why can't you just accept the inevitable? Is that why you ran that night? Were you scared that you felt something for me too?"

"Too? You didn't know me and I didn't know you. We still don't know each other. How can you possibly feel anything for me?"

"I don't deal in semantics. I know how I feel and I felt alive when I was with you. Your touch set me on fire. Why do you think I was so insatiable that week? I couldn't get enough of you Sookie and you were the same with me. Take all the time you need to think about it and you'll see. Search deep within yourself and then we'll talk again."

Before I can respond he stalks out of the apartment, leaving me alone with uncooked lasagna and my thoughts. My thoughts are what got me into this in the first place. If I had told Pam right away how I knew Eric, she would understand why I can't stay here. I go about preparing dinner with the hopes that a good meal will soften the blow when I tell her that I'm leaving.

When Pam comes back, I prepare to sit down to a very uncomfortable dinner. I have the table set for two because I don't know if Eric will be coming back or not. He shows up shortly after Pam and doesn't look at me. I know she doesn't know what's happened but my guilt takes a strong hold of me and doesn't let go. My appetite is gone and I can't think straight. I excuse myself without finishing dinner because I can't even look at Pam. Eric keeps his head down as well but I'm not sure he's feeling guilty. I can't worry about his feelings anymore.

"Pam I hope you enjoy dinner but I think I'm going to go to bed. I'm really tired and I need to rest."

"Sure Sookie. Thanks for this. I really appreciate it. I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night."

I head to my room and collapse on the bed. Today has been one of those days. I get up, with a lot of effort, and brush my teeth and get ready for bed. I climb back into bed and am asleep before my head hits the pillow.

Not long after I've drifted into a pleasant sleep, I'm awakened by a noise. I'm not worried about intruders since Pam is so high up but I can't be sure what I'm hearing. If anything is up Eric should still be here and he can handle it. Since I'm not sure, I creep out into the hall prepared to be scared shitless because there's not much else I can do.

"Pam, stop! I said I have a headache. Go to sleep. It's late."

"What? Are you saying you're too tired to fuck me, Eric?"

"Go to sleep. You're being irrational."

Oh shit! I did not need to hear that. I creep back to my bedroom, shut the door and climb into bed burying my head under two pillows. I know I can't stay here now. I figure he thinks he's punishing himself since I shut him down earlier and is taking his frustration out on Pam.

Between the kiss and the way he licked the sauce from my fingers, my thoughts are consumed with Eric. I fall to sleep with him on my mind. He can't leave me alone even in my dreams, can he?

His tongue rolls over the dip in my clavicle. He stops to suck at the delicate skin gently nipping at his leisure. His hands have found my breasts and work my nipples into taut buds which react to the slightest touch. I feel his erection pressed against my naked thigh. I moan his name urging him to continue. He looks up at me and smirks knowing that he wants to tease me a little more before giving in to my desires.

My hips thrust up into his hovering body making him jerk. Two can play at this game. I slide under him until my mouth is able to reach his nipple. I latch on sucking and biting, making him moan. He grips my hair pulling my face to his, kissing me long and hard. He moves into position between my legs and holds my gaze. He wants me to watch him enter me. I look down as he pushes forward into my center. We both groan and my legs clench down on his waist. I squeeze tightly so that I can hold on. He moves with hard, fast thrusts. I cry for more, harder, faster…

I wake up realizing that was the last time I'd seen him. Once he'd fallen asleep, I got dressed and walked out of his bedroom and his life for what I thought was forever. Now here I am, dreaming about past indiscretions that I wish were present.