Chapter 18

Dinner went by quickly. Too quickly. Damon had made an amazing meal (I was kind of jealous) and the conversation between the three of us seemed to flow effortlessly. (Besides the first five minutes where my dad found me crying in Damon's arms. Let's just say—awkward.) Damon didn't mention Edward again, and for that I was very thankful. But it was getting dark out and Damon had to go.

"Have to go make sure that my brother isn't getting into too much trouble." Damon told Charlie and I. Charlie chuckled.

"Yeah I know what you mean Damon," Charlie pulls me into a side hug. He never does that,

"Of course I got lucky with Bella here. She's an old soul at heart. Sometimes I feel like she's the one raising me."

"You got that right." I mumble. Charlie laughs again. But Damon just smiles.

"How about I walk you out Damon." I say, "Charlie can finish up the dishes. It's his turn anyways."

It's just an excuse to spend more time with him. And I don't care how transparent that little fact is.

"That sounds like a brilliant idea." Damon smiles.

He holds out his arm for me to take. Just like they did back in the 1800's. When there were still gentlemen and chivalry. I take his arm without a second thought. Letting our arms link together in an embrace. I like it. I really really like it. It's quiet between us until we get to Damon's car. It's an old classic that looks brand new. I know that Jake would love it. He'd probably drool over it before hyperventilating and passing out. That's how cool this car is. It fits Damon perfectly. I pull away from Damon, our arms unlinking. His fall pitifully to his side while my hands begin to trace his car. He watches me. Just watches.

"What's her name?" It's a question that's been on my mind a lot lately. Damon knows Edwards name now, It's only right that I know the name that broke his heart.

"What are you talking about Bella?" His voice is soft and rough. It sound just as broken as mine.

"You know Ed…his name," Why can't I say it. Edward. Edward. Edward. Ed—him.

"What about yours?" Another pause. I hold my breath. I don't know why, but it just seems right. Then it's too much. And I have to say something.

"You don't have to tell me. I mean I was just wonder…"

"Her name is Katherine."I don't know what to say. I guess I really didn't expect him to say anything. I know I only have known him for three days, but Damon seemed like the kind of person to keep everything in. Enclose his pain in four solid brick walls. Walls that would never fall. So why the hell was he telling me something I know he's never told anyone else. I open my mouth and close it so many times that I lose track. Damon's staring at me expectantly, but I can't seem to say a thing. I wish I could. I wish I could comfort him in the way he comforted me. But I can't seem to think of a way to do it. "Bella," his voice is soft.

"This is where you tell me she's a bitch. That I deserve better. You know all that break-up bullshit." Cocky Damon's back. I almost feel relived.

"She's a bitch," I'm finally able to croak out, "She doesn't deserve you. You can do much better." Damon laughs. It's not a happy one. "Thank you Just-a-Girl. I feel sooo much better." His voice is laced with sarcasm. It rips through to my clouded mind and wakes me up.

"What the hell's that suppose to mean?" I snap back at him. My hands retract from the car, finding their place on my hips. It's my don't-mess-with-me pose. I hope he realizes I won't be putting up with his regular bullshit today. Damon's eyes are on my waist, taking in my stance. He doesn't seemed to be affected by it at all. He slowly smiles.

"You should stay away from me Bella."

"Why?" He doesn't answer me.

He just takes a step forward until there's only an inch of space between us. My hearts beating too fast and I'm breathing too heavily. I hope he doesn't notice. But I know he does. Damon's hand comes up between us. I watch it in fascination as it finds a resting place on my right cheek. His thumb rubs small circles against my skin. It feels so good. Too good.

"Bella." I snap my eyes back open at his voice. What I see surprises me. His eyes, his ice blue eyes, are now so dark they're almost black. He looks confused and worried. The combination confuses me.

"Promise me something."

"What?" Anything. I want to say anything.

"Be careful. Things in Mystic Falls...well they're not always what they seem."

Then he pulls away, leaving me glued to my spot. I hear the sounds of the car starting up. Hear the tires pulling away from the curb. But I can't seem to look away from the place where Damon just was. So when I finally turn around. I shouldn't be surprised to see that he's gone.

So why am I?