Damon's POV

Stefan and I had been tossing the football around for little more than a few minutes before Miss Katherine appeared in the doorway. She insisted on joining us. I could tell she was flirting with my brother, far too obviously for my liking. She snatched the ball away from him while he was distracted by her feminine charm and ran away, laughing as she went. Stefan remained still for a few seconds before chasing after her. I laughed quietly to myself; it was obvious that Miss Katherine had him wrapped around her little finger. I turned back around, deciding to just return inside, I had no interest in watching my brother attempt to be sickeningly romantic with Katherine.

I thought of Elena Gilbert, the woman I had met for the first time only yesterday. I couldn't stop myself from thinking of her. I had to admit that she was more or less my vision of the perfect woman; beautiful, strong, independent and funny. I smile at the thought of her. She has obviously had a tragic time lately, since her parent's death, yet she remained strong and confident. The way she spoke had me mesmerised; she was nothing like the dull women I had come to know here in Mystic Falls.

As if on cue, Elena stepped out of the doorway. Looking around at her surroundings, her warm brown eyes settled on me and her perfect lips tilted into a smile. I replied with a smile of my own, "Good morning, Lady Elena Gilbert." I greeted, jogging towards her.

She rolls her eyes, a gesture I had never before seen a woman do; they were usually so prim and proper, "Please do call me Elena."

I grin, "Of course, and I must insist that you call me Damon in return."

She smiles, "Good morning, Damon." She said quietly.

"Good morning, Elena." I reply.

We smile at each other for a moment before we are interrupted by raucous laughter. Lady Katherine has returned, Stefan still tailing her with a foolish grin. "Damon, why don't you join in-" she stops and scowls when she notices Elena. I wonder why she is being so foul to her.

"No thank you, Lady Katherine." I say, looking back at Elena who has shrunk slightly under Katherine's glare, "I was about to offer Elena a tour of the grounds." I look at Elena and offer my arm. She smiles sweetly and links her arm with mine and we walk away from Stefan and Katherine. "How about I show you the other gardens, they are much more interesting than this one." I say.

Elena smiles, "I would love that."

I hold back a gasp at hearing the word 'love' through her lips, in her soft voice. I realise I am already falling for the brunette beauty. I wish to hear that word again, though perhaps directed to me, not the gardens.

"That was terribly awkward." Elena speaks uncomfortably, breaking me out of my thoughts, "You can see in your brother's eyes how much he pities me. I have received more than enough pitying looks since my parents died." She sighs, "Sometimes I wish I could just escape my reputation."

I look at her seriously, "Me too." I reply, sweeping a hand through my curls.

"I'm sorry for being rude when we first met. I have been told a lot of things about you, and advised to stay away…" she says, taking off her straw bonnet, "But you are the only one here I like; he only one who understands how I am feeling." Long, thick, straight dark brown hair cascades over her shoulders. She laughs and continues walking, "I hate these hats. I never used to have to wear them, but since I am no longer just with my family, I must." She runs her hands through her chocolate hair.

I smile and reach out, taking a lock of her long hair and stroking the soft hair between my fingers, "You have lovely hair, and you should stop wearing those hats; they just hide that beautiful hair."

She smiles, "Thank you, Damon."

"I was wondering," I begin and she looks at me curiously, "The founder's party is coming up, and I think," I pause with a smirk, walking closer to her petite body and making her blush, "you should accompany me as my date to the party." I place my hands on her waist and look in her wide eyes, "Elena, will you please accompany me." I widen my eyes innocently, making her smile adorably.

"Of course." She says before leaning in and kissing my cheek. She takes the opportunity to escape my grasp and walk away, her brunette tresses flowing behind her.

I supress my blush and jog after her; sensing a pattern forming in our relationship. Perhaps Elena will turn me into a lovesick fool, just like Stefan.