Grasping At Impossible
Chapter 4:

"Yes Laff. That is what she said. She wants to meet for lunch," I told him for the sixth time in the five minutes I had been on the phone with him. Whatever she had planned for the evening that was more important than having dinner with me was beyond me. Any woman would kill to have me want them around for more than sex. This girl was proving to be more than that, and it was something I needed to get straightened out. I needed a new strategy; otherwise this whole plan might go to hell before I could get her into bed.




"I still can't believe it," Laff said with a little more amusement in his voice than I liked.



"Your comments are not helping," I growled into the phone.



"Well sweetie, I don't know what to tell ya. She seems like a nice girl. Maybe she has plans with her family? At least she didn't turn you down completely," Laff said without any emotion, but I could still hear the smile in his voice.



"Can you have sex on a lunch date?" I asked, and heard him snort through the phone.



"You are asking me for sex advice? Hold on while I get a tape recorder. No one will believe that."



"Laff!" I shouted into the phone, and I heard him laughing again. "Just answer the question."



"Eric, you should know you can have sex anytime of day. You shouldn't have to ask anyone that," he replied and I knew he was right. What was it about this girl that had me questioning myself? I was totally off on my game.



I sighed. "You're right Laff. This girl..."



"Like I said yesterday, you are falling for her. If you aren't careful, you won't be able to let her go," he said solemnly, and it was my turn to snort.



"Laff you are so full of yourself. I am not falling for her, and I will be able to let go, because I'm not going to get attached.. She is going to want me by the time today is over with. I am going to make her forget all about her plans for tonight and I will be taking her to the usual spot," I said firmly, and hearing the words made my conviction stronger.



"The usual place...you mean..."



"Yes. Suite 103 off Brookheimer Rd," I answered him.



"Ok then Eric. Let me know how it goes," he said sounding defeated, and I didn't bother questioning him why. Laff knew better than to try to butt in on my personal matters, especially when it came to women. That was one area I was fine in on my own.



"Bye," I said, and hung up without another word.



I walked into the bathroom and looked at myself one last time in the mirror. I was dressed in my dark-wash blue jeans, my best white button up shirt with a few buttons loose (no reason not to make her want to see more) and my black boots. I had pulled my hair back with a leather bind, and checked again to make sure there were no stray hairs. Once I was satisfied with my appearance I looked at my cell phone. It said 10:30, so I knew she would be awake by now. She answered on the third ring.



"Hi Eric," she said breathlessly.



"Sookie...did I already take your breath away?" I teased her.



She laughed. "Eric, that is the worst pick up line."



"It was meant to be a joke," I said, and cursed myself. That was one that always worked on the ladies. At least the others, that is. Sookie was proving to be very different from other women. "Would you like to meet me at Ernie's in Shreveport in forty-five minutes? Or do you need more time?"



"No that will work. I am leaving now," she said, and I could hear her closing her car door.



"Ok then, see you soon." I hung up and grabbed my coat and keys, and was out the door in ten minutes. I though I would stop by the local florist shop and buy her a flower. It was something Laff suggested to me earlier on the phone, saying it would make her more open to me. I pulled up to Missie's Flower Shop and turned off my car. I walked in and was greeted by a cheery voice from behind the counter.



"Hello sweetie. What can I get for you?" she said, her eyes sparkling. She was very peppy and seemed to have had one too many coffees. But she was a good-looking woman, who I wouldn't mind having a round with. I thought I might come back once I got Sookie off my list.



"Hello to you," I said looking at her name-tag, "Missie. Do you own this establishment?" I asked her, coming up to the counter and leaning towards her. I saw her pupils dilate slightly and her breath caught.



"Yes I am," she stuttered, and I smiled.



"I would like one single pink rose, something that complements the color of your cheeks," I added, and she blushed more. She turned and walked to the back of her store into a freezer and came out with a rose, wrapped with a black paper. It was perfect, and exactly what I needed.



"Here you are sir," she said, handing me the small bundle, and I noticed her hand was shaking.



I reached for my wallet but she stopped me. "No charge sir, just come back sometime," she said sweetly, and I took her hand in mine and kissed it softly.



"Thank you Missie," I purred to her, and watched as she started to stagger a little. Yes, I haven't lost it. If only Sookie would be this easy. "You can count on seeing me again...soon." With that said, I opened the door to the small shop, and heard her sigh as it shut behind me.



I pulled out of the small shopping center, and drove over to Ernie's. No reason I couldn't be early and scope out the place. I had been there before many times, but I wanted to make sure that there wasn't any extra baggage there today. Who knows if a one-nighter would be there, and ruin my chances with Sookie. I wasn't about to let that happen, not if I could control it. I pulled in and parked in the front. She would be here in roughly ten minutes, so I got out of the car and walked inside the restaurant.



Thankfully, there wasn't a waitress there that I had been with, and that was something to mark off my list. Next, I wanted to be seated where I could see her coming in. I knew it sounded a little demanding, but I had to be on top of my game. This woman seemed to bring out the nerves and unsure side of myself, and I always prided myself on having confidence and complete control of all my dealings. The hostess walked me over to a corner booth, one that didn't have anyone else seated. The place wasn't busy yet, another reason I liked to come here. After 4:30 was when it would get crowded, but during lunch it was pretty slow. I asked for a sweet tea and water, and watched as the young waiter left to get my drink. At that moment, Sookie walked in. My breath caught in my throat once again, and I found myself thinking more of her than I wished. She had on a khaki skirt that stopped right above her knees, and a pale blue t-shirt that clung to her breasts in an enticing way. Of course the woman would wear something that would have me staring at her assets instead of her face. She spotted me, and walked over to the table with a big smile on her face, her hair swaying back and forth in her ponytail.



I stood from my side, and pulled her into a hug to say hello. I had no clue where the affection came from, but there it was, and I was holding her. I couldn't wrap my mind around why I was doing things that I wouldn't normally do. Perhaps, it is because you know the girl is different, so you are making due, I silently mused to myself as I breathed in her scent. She returned my hug, and I released her after a second, gesturing my hand to the booth across from me. She was still smiling as she sat down, and I resumed my seat as well.



"I hope you haven't been waiting long," she said sweetly, taking her menu and glancing at it.



"No, I only got here a few minutes ago," I answered her, staring at her face intently. She was as beautiful as when I saw her the other day. I found her smile to be infectious, and I wasn't one to smile. But seeing her brought one to my face.



The waiter came over at that time, and as she opened her mouth to say something he interrupted her.



"Can I get you..." he said, and then blinked his eyes. "Sookie? Sookie Stackhouse?" he asked, and she looked up at him, confused.



"Yes."



"I haven't seen you for years, since High School. You don't remember me do you?" he said, moving closer to her. She shook her head no. "It's me Alcide, we were in English Lit together our senior year," he said, and I saw a spark flash in her eyes.



"Oh, hi Alcide. How have you been?" she asked kindly, but I could hear her underlining irritation already with this man. If she wished it, he would be outside with a bloody nose, but I was hoping it wouldn't come to that. I really liked eating at this place.



"I have been fine darling," he answered, and my eyebrows rose. I had enough of this pathetic man trying to talk to her, since I was the one she was there with, not him. "We should get together later tonight..."



"Do you mind?" I interrupted, and he turned his eyes to me.



"Mind what?"



"We wish to have privacy. If you cannot do your job, then find us another waiter who can," I said, and watched as his mouth gaped open with my words. It was rude, but I couldn't give a shit. The man was ruining my time with her, and he needed to leave before I beat him to a pulp.



"Are you with this guy?" He asked her, and my hands fisted under the table.



I hadn't looked at Sookie until now, and she was looking more and more irritated by the second. I wasn't sure if it was with me, or with the waiter. "Alcide, I would like a sweet tea, and yes I am here with him. If you have a problem with that, then I will ask for another waiter," she snapped at him, and he flinched at her words.



"I will be back with your tea," he said, and walked away. Her eyes turned to mine and I felt like flinching as well.



"Eric, while I appreciate your efforts to get rid of Alcide, I have every right to speak to him. I haven't seen him since I left Bon Temps five years ago," she admonished me, and I couldn't believe she was saying this.



"You didn't seem to want his attentions, so I decided to get rid of him for you," I said, not really sure why I was explaining myself to her.



"But it wasn't necessary," she started, but then paused. "I don't want to argue with you, so lets just forget about it, ok?"



"If that is what you wish, then consider it forgotten," I answered her, and she smiled and bit her bottom lip while looking at her menu. The waiter came back and left her sweet tea and asked for our orders. We both ordered the chicken salad croissant, which was, in my personal opinion, the best thing on the menu. I smiled when I caught her eye, and she blushed the most delectable shade of pink. I felt the urge bite, kiss, and rub myself all over her. Not just one time, but many. The feeling was leaving me unsettled until she broke the silence.



"I am happy you could meet me for lunch. I was afraid you would think I had a problem with being with you at night," she said, and then her eyes widened. "Not that I am with you, I mean, umm," she bit her lip again and this time I reached over and smiled while pressing my thumb to her lips. She released her teeth on her bottom lip, and what she did next shocked me. Her tongue darted out and she licked and nibbled on the top of my finger. I felt a jolt shoot through my body and felt my dick twitch from the feel of her tongue and teeth on my skin. I had images quickly appearing in my head of where she could use those on other parts of my body. Specifically the part that was hard as a rock in my pants.



With my other fingers I caressed her cheek, and she let go of my thumb in her mouth. Her face fell, as though she was ashamed from what she had just done. I chuckled. "Don't worry, I get that reaction when I touch a woman," I said and her eyes narrowed at my words. Oh shit, I didn't mean for that to slip. It was like my brain had no filter around this girl.



"What did you say?" she said, sitting back in the booth.



"What? That I wish every girl would get that reaction when I touch them?" I tried to make it sound like she had misunderstood what I said. I doubted she was that naïve, but it was worth a shot.



"Eric are you trying to tell me that you have touched a lot of girls, and you wish they would nibble on your fingers, like I just did?" she asked, and I didn't say anything. All of a sudden she burst out into a fit of giggles. I cocked an eyebrow at her, wondering if she was drunk, or under the influence of something. No girl would laugh about what I just let slip. They would have run out the door. Well, that is, any girl that wasn't a slut that I partook in. Sookie had to be different.



When she wiped the tears from her eyes, our food was placed in front of us, and she was still shaking her head. This woman was very unpredictable.



"Why are you laughing?" I finally asked her. I had to know what was on her mind.



"Eric, you are so strange with your comments, but I really...for some reason I am attracted to you. I know what you said should have me running away, but for some reason I can't," she said squirting some ketchup on her plate by her fries. "I mean, that comment right there just told me that you are the playboy from the club I heard about, and not your cousin." I was drinking my tea, and coughed on the liquid. She handed me a napkin from the holder, and I wiped my chin.



"Are you upset?" I asked hoarsely. I shook my head trying to get my bearings again. She knew, and yet here she sits.



"You mean about you lying to me?" she asked casually, and took a sip of her tea. I nodded my head. "I am, but really, what can I expect from you? I haven't met a playboy before because...well, lets just say I don't get out much. I am always traveling. But I can't help that I want to get to know you."



"I see..." was all I could say. Who the hell was this woman?



"I do have a condition if I am going to be seeing you," she said taking a bite of her croissant, and I popped a fry in my mouth. Where did this come from? Was she thinking we are seeing each other regularly?



"And that is…?" I asked warily. What more did she want? I am eating lunch with her ass, and this clearly wasn't enough for her.



"That you only see me while I am here," she said, and I swear she batted her eyes at me innocently. The girl was driving me mad.



"How long are you in town for?"



"That isn't...decided yet," she said, and I noticed her brow furrowed and her eyes watered instantly. I reached across the table and took her hands into mine.



"What is it? Is something wrong?" I asked her, not really knowing where the sentimental crap was coming from. When did Eric Fucking Northman become a considerate man?



She looked into my eyes for a few minutes, and different emotions passed over her face. She took a deep breath and nodded. "My grandmother is ill. I came back to...see her before she passes on."



For some reason hearing her say this tugged at my heart. The woman was obviously hurt, and borderline grieving. Her eyes teared up at her confession, and I felt a strong need to be next to her, to hold her. Without thinking about it, I was sitting next to her the next second, holding her close to my body. She clung to my shirt and I could feel a cool wetness on my chest. She was crying.



"Shh," I murmured to her, and wiped the tears from her eyes. If there was one thing in this world I couldn't stand, it was a weeping woman. I didn't have a clue how to help one since, in my opinion, they cry for almost anything nowadays. She pulled back after a second and took her napkin to wipe her nose.



"Oh god, I am so sorry Eric. I ruined your shirt," she said weakly, composing herself.



I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Don't worry about it. I have plenty to replace this one," I said, trying to console her. She smiled, and blew her nose in her napkin, something I would have found unnerving, but with her it was endearing. "Are you alright now?" I asked her, my hand still around her waist. I didn't want to move away from her, but I started to get the feeling she wanted me across from her again.



"Yes, I am. Thank you," she replied, and I got up and sat on my side once again. When I caught her eye, she smiled. "I have been holding it in so long, I knew I was going to crash eventually. I am sorry if I..."



I waved my hand to cut her off. "I am fine Sookie. I am here if you need me," I said, and was surprised I wasn't just saying it. I actually wanted to be there for her if she needed me. I felt the ache in my chest once again while looking into her eyes. She reached across the table and squeezed one of my hands, and it caused the ache in my chest to dull. What was going on?



"I appreciate it Eric, but in order for you to do that, you still need to answer my question," she said, turning the discussion back to us.



"And what was the question?" I teased her.



She let out a frustrated sigh. "That you only see me while I am here. Can you do that, or am I wasting my time?"



I raised an eyebrow and took another bite of my food. Could I do it? Only be with her? If this is what she wants to get her in my bed, I guess I can...accommodate her request. It will be difficult but, I am always up for a challenge, I thought to myself, and noticed she was still waiting for an answer. "Of course, my Sookie. I want to get to know you while you are here."



She gave me a satisfied smile, and nodded. "Ok then."



We finished up eating, and I was trying to figure out a way to get her back to my place. Should I suggest she come over for a swim in the pool? Or a cup of coffee? I wasn't used to this shit, and I didn't have Laff here to help me along. He was the wiz on all things dating, since he had been there a hell of a lot more than I had. I paid the bill, and walked her out the door. Taking her hand in mine, I felt the familiar jolt run through my arm and throughout my whole body. While it was frightening, it felt so damn good. I didn't know if I should be wary of it or not, but I really didn't feel like thinking about it. I wanted to enjoy the feeling as long as I could, especially since once I had her, it would be the end of it all.



We walked to her car, and she leaned against her door, her eyes softly inviting me in. I could tell what she wanted; it was the same thing they all wanted when they give me that look. I leaned in to kiss her lips, wanting to leave her wanting me more. Wanting her to forget all about her plans for the evening, whatever they were. Our lips met, and I was overcome with desire for her. I had never felt this before; never for anyone in my life. Her lips were warm and soft, and so delicious. I found myself wishing I could just kiss her all day, and not worry about anything else. That thought didn't frighten me more than it should have. Placing my hand on her neck, I pulled her deeper into the kiss. I felt her moan as our tongues danced and the kiss became more intense. Her body was responding to me, and her leg hitched up involuntarily around one of mine, pulling me closer in her grasp. I moved my hand from her neck and trailed it down her sides, tracing her breast through the sides of her sheer fabric. I pressed closer to her body, and groaned as she grinded closer to me. That was when I felt it. A vibrating against my leg, only it wasn't my phone. The little vixen, I mused, thinking she had a small toy in her panties. The thought made me harder, and I rubbed against her faster. She started pulling back, but I didn't give up my goal. Instead of her mouth, I trailed kisses down her cheek to her neck, and sucked and nibbled on her skin.



"Hello?" she said breathlessly, and placed a hand on my chest, pushing me away from her. "Oh no..." she said with sadness in her voice, and it caused me to stop this time and take a step back from her. She shook her head while listening to whatever the other person was saying and wiped a tear from her eye.



"Ok, I will be there...yes, soon," she said, and hung up the phone.



"What is it?" I asked when she pushed me away again, this time her face was disgusted.



"I can't believe I am here making out with you, when I should be by my grandmother's side. I need to go," she said, fumbling with her keys in her purse.



"Sookie, come here," I said, and she pulled back again. Even though she struggled, I held her in my arms until she relaxed. "I will take you. You are in no position to drive," I stated, and she shook her head.



"No, I will be fine."



"I want to," I said softly, and she raised her eyes to mine.



"I don't know..."



"Come," I said, taking her hand in mine and walking her to my Impala.



"What about my car?" she asked when she got into the passenger side.



"I will bring you back when you are calmer, or you can send a friend to get it. Either way, I am taking you there. You are in no position to drive," I told her, and she didn't argue. I closed the door and walked over to my side.



Looking over at her next to me in my car made me feel things that I had been avoiding all my life. And that scared the shit out of me.