A/N: Just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who reviews, alerts and favorites my story. I appreciate you so much. Special thank you to my lovie hearttorn for her awesome beta skills. Enjoy!

Eric POV

I don't know what Pam thinks I am but I am not a fucking chauffeur. She calls me up to go with her to pick up her best friend from the airport. I was expecting her to call because she wanted to spend time with me. Every time we talk now she asks me to do something for her. Then, I come home to find she's not even there. I can't figure out why she asked me to move in with her. Between my job and her running to her father's beck and call, we hardly see each other anymore. When we are together all she does is talk about her best friend and how she can't wait to see her again. I tune her out when she starts off with "back when I was in Bon Temps." I'm not interested in what her friend is like and I could care less how much she misses her. I just want to hear that she misses me for once.

But, like the good, pussywhipped boyfriend I am, I cave and drive her to the airport, even scampering off to the luggage claim to get her friend's bag. When Pam tells me her friend's name my breath hitches in my throat. I know that name. I've dreamt about a woman who has that name. But this couldn't be the same Sookie that I met last year. Could it? I curse myself for not listening closer to Pam's ramblings about her and what she looks like. She may have even shown me a picture or two but I can't remember now. I walk like a zombie to the carousel to wait for her bag. Then it hits me that I have no idea what kind of bag I'm looking for. I only have her name. Sookie Stackhouse.

I have no idea how many Sookies there are in the world and right now I'm praying that there are at least two. If there is any way that this Sookie, Pam's best friend Sookie, is my Sookie…I shake my head to clear my thoughts. I don't know what I would do if it actually is the same Sookie. After about five minutes of waiting, I spot her name on a tag attached to a small black carryall. I grab it and sling it over my shoulder. My phone chimes alerting me that I have a new text message. It's Pam telling me that they've gone to the car. I make my way to the parking garage and my steps slow as I approach the shiny black BMW. I look up and my gaze falls upon the beautiful blonde standing next to Pam.

In my surprise, and before I can stop myself, I breathe her name, "Sookie." I cannot believe this. It is her and I'm fucked. I walk to the trunk of the car with my head down and place her bag in it. I slam it shut out of sheer frustration and Pam grabs me to introduce us. I see the look of realization in Sookie's eyes but there's nothing to be done. She says my name questionably and I know why. When we met last year I introduced myself to her using my middle name. It was stupid of me to do so at the time but I never gave out my first name to girls who were going to be one night stands. I would have loved to hear Eric being screamed from her lips but I settled for Leif.

My heart skips a beat when our hands touch. That same spark from the first time I met her is still there. It's like a jolt of electricity and butterflies shooting through me all at the same time. She looks just as gorgeous now as she did then in a simple white tee shirt and blue jeans, her hair falling around her shoulders in soft waves. My mind goes into overdrive thinking of a way to get her alone so we can talk. I want to know why she left the way she did and why she never called. I know I slipped my number into her purse. It was cowardly of me but I never thought she wouldn't use it.

But here she is, standing in front of me, next to my girlfriend. All I can think about is the feel of her hair sweeping over my chest as she straddled me, her soft, warm hands holding onto my shoulders for dear life, the scent of her surrounding me like a whirlwind.

We climb into the car and head off to our apartment. As Pam talks her ear off, I can't help but stare at Sookie. Her crystal blues eyes sear into mine in the rearview mirror before she quickly glances away. She could never look me in the eye for long. Her reticence reminds me of the first time we met.

Walking down the street toward one of the local clubs in Stockholm, I stopped short when I saw a mop of blonde hair bent over a mess of items strewn along the sidewalk. I wasn't sure what happened but it looked like the owner of that blonde hair dropped her purse. Being the gentleman that I am, I walked over to help her. She looked up at me and I was done for. She looked so sweet, so innocent–I wanted her as soon as she opened her mouth to tell me her name. I wanted to have her, to possess her, to make her mine so that no other man could claim her. She had no idea how she had me at that moment.

"Thank you so much. I'm such a clumsy dork. Um, I'm Sookie." We'd both reached to pick up her lip gloss when our hands collided and that spark shot through me.

"Leif."

"Thank you, Leif. I appreciate you coming to my rescue. Someone bumped into me, my purse went flying and I think I lost my friend. Hey, you speak English?"

"I do."

"Oh. Well, thank you again. I guess I should try to find my friend." I hoped it wasn't a boyfriend but a girl as beautiful as she was had to be taken.

"Maybe I can help. What does he look like?"

"She looks like me, only taller and much prettier." I looked her over and she dropped her head. She avoided looking up at me again.

"Hmm… taller, okay but prettier… no. You happen to be one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen, if not THE most beautiful. I am surprised your boyfriend allows you out alone."

"I'm sure you say that to all the girls. And no, I don't, um, no boyfriend. Just me. I can take care of myself by the way." A slow blush crept across her cheeks as I placed a finger under her chin, lifting her face to meet my eyes.

"I can see that. So, shall we look for your friend?"

"I'm sure I can manage, thank you."

"Okay. Maybe I will see you again, Sookie."

I wasn't going to let her out of my sight that easily. I kept my distance, watching her from the bar as she searched for her friend amongst the hoard of gyrating bodies and flashing lights. She never did find her and I made sure we bumped into one another again. She wasn't as surprised to see me in the club and she looked relieved. We made our way to the door so that we could find someplace quieter to talk.

"I take it you didn't find your friend?"

"No, I'm not sure where she disappeared to. I tried calling her cell but it's so noisy in there she'd never hear it ringing."

"Is this your first time in Stockholm?"

"It is. Are you from here?"

"I am. Born and bred. I could show you around if you like. Maybe keep you company until you find your friend?"

"That would be great if you weren't a stranger."

"We've been introduced so we're not strangers."

"I don't know."

"I promise I don't bite. Is there anything I can do to gain your trust?"

"You don't look like a creep, but I've been told to be on my guard. I'm going to go with my gut."

"So…?"

"You can keep me company until I find Pamela. But after that, we go our separate ways."

"Deal. Are you hungry, Sookie?"

She smiled a little and nodded. We went to get something to eat at Pet Sounds in Södermalm. I liked to think of it as my second home. The food was great and it was always filled with locals–who added to the homey feel–and it didn't hurt that I had a small ownership in the place. Hell, I ate there so much I should have stock in the place. We made small talk about nothing in particular. She was enjoying her food so much that I couldn't concentrate enough to form a complete sentence, let alone pay attention to what she said. The sounds she made as she bit into her scallops with brown butter sauce made my dick twitch.

Before long I had her back at my place and writhing under me in my bed. She wasn't as shy or clumsy as she thought herself to be. She was very take charge in the bedroom. I had to get her to slow down for a minute because she was driving me crazy and I thought I would lose my load in my pants. She knew just how to stimulate my nipples to get me so turned on that I lost all inhibition. Eventually, her dress went one way, my pants the other. We kissed so hard and long that our lips were swollen and sore when we pulled apart.

She reached down into my boxer briefs and made sure not to come up empty handed. The way she ran her hand up and down my length, I had to take her right then and there. I stopped her ministrations and held onto both her wrists with one hand. I placed them over her head, her body planted firmly under mine. I teased every inch of her flesh with my tongue until she begged me to fuck her. I wanted her to know how it felt to be out of control. She thrust her hips against me with so much force I almost lost my grip on her wrists. She was dying to touch me and I wouldn't relent. The minute my tongue touched her nub she screamed my name and I knew that I had her.

We fit together like two pieces of a whole that had been separated but never stopped searching for the other. I groaned into the smooth skin of her neck as she moaned into my ear. I would never forget that sound and how it sent shivers through my body. She clung to me like wet clothes on skin as I took her over and over again. I was unrelenting but she kept up with me. She met me thrust for thrust and even managed to push me onto my back. She rode me like a fucking champ and that was the moment I knew that I could fall in love with her.

When the morning came I didn't want her to leave. I told her as much and she was okay with it since she couldn't find her friend. She, of course, had to go back to her hotel to get some clothes (which I tried to persuade her were not necessary). It didn't take long before we were back in my bed. I couldn't put my finger on what it was I felt with her but there was something there. It was like nothing I had ever felt before. It wasn't love because I didn't know her well enough. But, I didn't want to be apart from her.

When we ventured out for food I kept her close to me; my arm around her waist, pulling her into my side. I had my hand on some part of her body while we ate, as I needed to be in constant contact with her. I just felt good being near her almost like I depended on her for sustenance. She was my air and I couldn't breathe without her. I dreaded the thought of her leaving at the end of the week. We didn't talk much about it because I found myself getting sad at the thought of her departure. I wanted our time to be spent making love and not thinking about needing her, wanting her, being without her.

I was such a pussy. I was being selfish and I couldn't let her go. Maybe she felt that and that's why she snuck away in the middle of the night. I remembered us having fantastic sex and we passed out together, completely sated and satisfied. I woke in the morning to find she had gone. No note, no call, nothing. I would have searched for her at her hotel but I couldn't remember the name of it. I should have gone with her when she went to collect her things.

Now, here I am in the car with my girlfriend and her best friend, who at the moment I can't keep my eyes off of. I'm not the only one who remembers her. My cock seems to want to say hello too. I'm not sure how I'll explain this to Pam but she'll need to know that Sookie and I have a past. I'm surprised Sookie hasn't mentioned me to Pam. In all this time she hasn't even talked about me?

I still can't figure out how I got so hung up on a girl in a matter of days. It made me all the more pissed seeing her now knowing that she didn't call when I know I put my number in her purse. Maybe she lost it? I went crazy those first few weeks after she left. I know I drove my best friend Clancy crazy. I wouldn't stop talking about her. I couldn't get her off my mind. I have to ask her why she never called or I'll go nuts thinking about it.

I don't know how to be around her. We get back to the apartment building and I purposely brush her hand in the elevator to get a reaction. I'm not sure if she felt what I did, but that spark is still there. This is the second time that I've felt it since seeing her again. That has to mean something. In the apartment she all but slinks away from me. I guess she didn't appreciate me touching her.

While Pam is showing Sookie to her room, Pam's cell rings and it's her father's secretary, Felicia. Why the man can't call her himself is beyond me, but I hand over the phone to her and am left alone with Sookie. Finally. I knew Sookie wouldn't appreciate it but I can't help but get closer to her. I lay my heart out to her about everything–my name, my feelings for her, missing her over the past year. She doesn't seem to give a shit. Before I can say anymore Pam comes back interrupting our discussion. I'm frustrated as fuck and decide to leave. I need fresh air. And my dick needs to calm down.

I call Clancy on my way out of the apartment and he can't believe what I tell him.

"Seriously C, she's Pam's best friend. How did that get past me? Why didn't I know this sooner? What the fuck do I do now?"

"I say you tap that ass and get it out of your system. She's only here for a week right? No worries. You'll relieve some frustration, and no one gets hurt."

"What? You think I should go for it?"

"No you asshole. Stay the fuck away from her. You know there's an unwritten rule about best friends. Hands off. I don't care what you have to do but you can't get involved with her again. Pam will forgive you but she would never forgive her. If you care about this girl as much as you think you do, keep your dick in your pants."

"I don't know why I call you."

"Yeah well, no one else would listen to your whining bitch-ass like I would so remember that the next time you need a shoulder to cry on. Pussy!"

"What are you doing now man? I could really use a drink."

"I'll see you in ten. Meet me at Lava?"

"Yeah. Thanks Clancy." I hang up and make my way to meet him. I know he's right but I don't care. I want Sookie and now that she's back in my life, I'll do whatever I can to keep her.

The next morning I'm nursing the worst hangover ever. I tried to drown my sorrows but only got more whiney and bitchy, according to Clancy. Maybe if I make her hate me that will help. I know I can be an ass so I give it a go. First thing in the morning too, I'll send her running. She doesn't take the bait though. She watches me closely but that doesn't mean anything. I notice how odd she acts around me when Pam is in the room. It's almost as if she can't wait to get away from me. Do I repulse her? Or is it that she feels the way I do and the guilt is eating away at her? I don't want her to feel guilty. Sookie runs from the room and Pam gives me a dirty look before going off to check on her.

Wondering if I am the problem, I walk past Sookie's bedroom door and stop to pick up an imaginary piece of lint on the carpet. Yeah, I'm that pathetic. She's talking about another guy? Alcide? What the fuck kind of name is that? Shit. I don't want to hear anymore and rush off to get dressed. This news does not put me in a good mood. In fact I'm in such a bad mood I set out teasing Sookie the first chance I get. I want to make her think about us and forget about this Alcide character. So, I casually mention how Pam wants me to cut my hair. She can't even phrase a sentence. I knew that would get her mind working. She has to be thinking about the last time we were together. I know I am. I can still feel the sensation of her tugging on my hair as she climaxed. What I wouldn't give to feel her again…

Once Sookie leaves the table Pam gives me a death glare. I'm not really in the mood for her shit, especially after she thinks I'll cut my hair because she wants me to. It's my signature. It's my staple. I can't cut my hair.

"You know Eric, Sookie and I have been friends for a really long time. She's such a modest little thing. She actually asked me if you could wear a shirt at the apartment while she's there."

"She did? Why?" I try to act nonchalantly about it, but my heart is racing. Does this mean she's affected by seeing me half-naked?

"I don't know. I guess you got her all hot and bothered. How should I know? I'd appreciate it you'd stay fully clothed while she's there, to make her feel more comfortable. Will that be a problem?"

"No, Pamela. It won't be a problem."

"You know I don't like to be called Pamela."

"I do." The scowl that graces her face would make a weaker man wince, but I stare at her head on. Look, Ma! I got my balls back!

"Just because Sookie's here doesn't mean I'm to be taken advantage of, Northman."

"Of course not, mitt husdjur. Is there anything else I can do for you, highness?"

"Don't be an ass. And be nice to my friend. She won't want to come back if she has to put up with your bullshit."

"My bullshit? You've got to be kidding me, Miss Priss. I didn't ask to come along on this little excursion of yours. Speaking of which, I'm not your fucking chauffeur. The next time you need to go somewhere, drive yourself."

"I don't know my way around Stockholm."

"You've been here a year, Pam. There's no excuse."

"Whatever! Look, Sookie's coming back. Remember what I said, and be nice."

I'm really beginning to dislike her ass. She can be rude and for the most part I can handle it, but lately she's unbearable. Seeing Sookie makes me light up again. I hope Pam doesn't notice but a small part of me hopes she does.

I told Pam I wasn't her chauffeur, so she has me drive Sookie around. I hate the grocery store more than anything. This little surprise that Sookie's cooked up is more trouble than it's worth. I can't even enjoy the fact that we'll be in a car, alone. Sookie won't look at me, she won't talk to me. She seems deep in thought but I can't tell. Sitting in this small, enclosed space, her perfume sets me off and my pants are getting a little tighter. I haven't forgotten the way she tastes–mmm, like honey. I lick my lips just thinking about running my tongue down the slope of her back. The thoughts going through my mind are nothing short of pornographic. I need to get out of this car before I decide to pull over and fuck her on the side of the road. Sookie is definitely going to be the end of me.

As we walk through the store I can't help but tease her a little. After Pam told me she was uncomfortable seeing me shirtless, I am confident that Sookie feels something for me. Why else would it bother her that I don't wear a shirt? When she admits to thinking I'm sexy, that seals the deal for me. Sookie and I need to talk about what future there is for us. I realize now that she is all I think about and my feelings from last year have not faded. I hoped that they would subside when I met Pam but she hasn't captivated my heart like Sookie has.

We get back to the apartment and as I anticipated, Pam is nowhere to be found. I have my suspicions about what she does when she says she's visiting her father, but I have no proof. Honestly, I hope she's cheating on me. That'll make things easier for me. I don't want to break her heart. This is a fucked up situation but one I am prepared to deal with. If Sookie would tell me what it is that she wants–whether that be me or not, I can plan from there. Right now, she's sending me mixed signals. I find my opening when she spills tomato sauce all over her hands. I can't resist taking her soft fingers into my mouth, sucking the sauce off gently. Her eyes glaze over as I run my tongue over my lips, savoring her flavor.

I take the bull by the horns and kiss her. She kisses me back. The warmth of her sweet little tongue gliding over my lips makes me want her even more. Then she groans–she fucking groans into my mouth and I lose it. She pushes me away and I sigh internally. She's not ready yet. I leave her in peace to deal with her thoughts. She needs time and I will give it to her. I want her to think about our kiss. I want her to think about how she felt in my arms. I want her to think about being with me again.

I call Clancy once I leave to get some much needed fresh air. I don't want to go too far in case Sookie needs me. Who am I kidding? I don't want to go too far in case she changes her mind and comes looking for me.

"Clancy, I kissed Sookie and she kissed me back."

"Pam is going to kick your ass if she finds out. I just might help her. Did you not listen to a word I said? I told you to stay away from the girl not kiss her! Don't you value your balls Northman?"

"I just got them back so of course I do, but I'm following my heart. I can't deny what I feel and what I feel with Sookie does not compare to what I have with Pam. In fact, I don't feel anything with Pam. She's never around; she treats me like a minion rather than her lover. I think I want to pursue Sookie to see where things could go. This is serious, man. I need you to support me not fight with me."

"I'm looking out for you, you know that. You can't put yourself between two best friends. You won't be happy when Sookie chooses Pam because that's definitely what she'll do. She won't choose you. You need to come to grips with that and leave her alone."

"I still don't know why I call you." I hang up feeling more depressed now than I think I ever have in my life. I need a new best friend.

Once I calm down and collect my thoughts, I realize he's right. She won't choose me. She's known Pam longer, she loves Pam, I'm just some guy she fucked once upon a time and left high and dry. I can't face either of them when I return to the apartment. I look up briefly to see Sookie with her head down. I can't help but replay her last words to me over and over again. "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?" Maybe she's right. We don't know each other. The problem is I want to know her and she keeps fighting against me.

Pam looks back and forth between the both of us but keeps quiet. Sookie excuses herself from the table and Pam rips into me.

"What the fuck did you do?"

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

"Sookie's never this quiet. She seems sad and I want to know why. I send you with her to the store and I come back and she's alone making dinner. You couldn't stay to help her?"

"She didn't want my help." I am so close to telling her to fuck off but I can't do it. I'm going to listen to Clancy and back off. I just hope I haven't ruined Sookie's trip.

"Yeah well, something's up and I'm going to find out what it is."

"You do that. Where were you tonight?"

"Don't try to change the subject."

"Don't avoid my question. Where. Were. You?"

"If you must know, my father called and needed me to help him with some work stuff."

"Work stuff? Okay, Pam. I'm going to bed. Goodnight."

"Wait. Eric! Don't be like that."

She and I both know she's full of shit. She's hiding something and doesn't want to tell me about it for some reason. I guess we all have secrets. I don't think I can continue to play this game anymore. I won't pursue Sookie but I'm also backing away from Pam. After tonight, we're done. I'll tell her everything in the morning after I've gotten some sleep. Today has been a long day and I can't take any more stress or bullshit. I have to put Sookie Stackhouse out of my head and out of my heart.

A/N: Translation – my pet (although when put into the translator it's my domestic animal, LOL)