A/N: Howdy! Okay so this is a Sample story for the Cowboy UP Fall Ericstravaganza! One Shot Contest. I need to thank my "pardners" in crime on this epic tale of lust, horses, and cowboys (hehehe) Scoobs who as always found out exactly how horrible a speller I am. Simba for going through and offering some great ideas! Amanda for encouraging me, needling my brain to add some much needed details and reading along as I wrote! All three cowgirls for editing my sorry ass to the nth degree! I need it! I so need to take Grammar 101 again! LOL I of course tinkered with this after everyone had their turn to smack me if there are any issues it's because I couldn't stop messing with it.

Here is the Forum Link for the contest!:

http:/www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/community/Eric_Sookie_Cowboy_Up_A_one_shot_contest/75371/

Here is a chance to get down and dirty with your Cowboy Eric, or maybe he's a country singer, a rancher, a gold digger (like the Gold Rush!), maybe he's a wanted man (well we already know he is... but I mean an Outlaw!) I get giddy just thinking about it! There are so many possibilities!

Songs You Need To Know:

Fast As You by Dwight Yoakam | Your Man by Josh Turner | Don't by Billy Currington | Twisted by Carrie Underwood | Just Got Started Lovin' You by James Otto | Suspicious Minds by Elvis | London Bridge by Fergie | Sweet Thing by Keith Urban | There are more but I will eventually get the list on my profile.

I wanted to share some of the titles that didn't make it:

Steers and Rodeoing in Las Vegas

All The Pretty Lemons

Mamas Don't Let Your Cowgilrs Go To Las Vagas

Viva Las Lemons

Vegas Baby!

Behind The World Champ

Under The World Champ

The Cash Out

Las Vegas. Sookie had traveled outside of her small town of Bon Temps, Louisiana before but now she found herself walking down the strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. This was the biggest city she had ever traveled to. She hoped she wouldn't get lost and did her best to stick to the directions the hotel's concierge had given her.

She had her barrel racing saddle slung over her shoulder while her mind raced through all the things she needed to get done before her race time that afternoon. She still couldn't believe she had qualified for the World Championships and would be seen by thousands of spectators in just a few short hours. She knew she had to calm her nerves so she decided to walk to the arena rather than take the shuttle bus full of rowdy rodeo contestants. The sun beat down on her shoulders and she felt beads of sweat make a trail down between her shoulder blades. She was glad the arena was indoors, it would keep the horses from becoming overheated in the hot desert sun.

Sookie finally made her way into the massive indoor arena where she would attempt to win her first major title. Trying not to show her nerves, she plastered a big grin on her face as she made her way through the crowd. Stopping to look at the arena map, she found where her horse's stall was located and made her way through the masses. She could hear the huge crowd echoing through her head as they cheered on the event taking place in the arena. If she remembered correctly from reading over the day's schedule, it should have been the Cutting event, where a horse and rider cut a calf from the herd with the most style and shortest time won. Sookie was really good at Cutting and had even invested in a new cutting horse, but barrel racing was her ultimate event. She had spent years training and competing in small county rodeos until she finally garnered enough points to join the top barrel racers in the world. Over the last year none of them had been able to beat her and speculation was that today's events would simply be a formality.

Sookie wasn't so confident.

When she finally made it to her horse, she let out a huge cleansing breath. Setting down her saddle, she entered the stall and began to check her sweet gelded quarter horse for any injuries he may have acquired during their long drive from Louisiana to Nevada. Legolas was her most beloved horse. Sookie owned several horses but Legs was her "heart horse". She had raised and trained Legolas from the day he was born. His dam died shortly after the birth and it was up to Sookie to be his mama. She taught him to drink mare's milk replacement from a bucket, taught him about manners and what she expected from a high ranking athlete. Her older horses taught him about being a herd mate and even when it was hard for her to watch them teach his place, she knew it would make him a better teammate. And in all the years Sookie had been riding and training, Legs was her ultimate partner.

Sookie ran her hands firmly over his legs checking for heat and bumps. Everything was perfect. Next she ran her nimble fingers over his spine pressing firmly, making sure he didn't shy away or tense up under the pressure. She murmured to him, telling him he was a good horse and how proud of him she was. Her soothing voice worked wonders on Legs. She watched his neck relax and his ears and eyelids droop as she explored every inch of his body. The stall was like a bubble for the pair, shutting out the sounds of the rodeo and the crowd as Sookie reconnected with her horse, preparing them mentally for the challenge they would face together later that day.

"Good lookin' horse you got there," a low voice thick with a Texas drawl said.

Sookie jumped at the sudden interruption, which caused her prized horse to spook and bump into the stall wall. Sookie saw red and turned on the intruder.

"What the hell do you think you're doin'?" she yelled. Her horse again flinched when she raised her voice and she immediately regretted it.

"Damn it! Shhhh boy, it's okay," she said in a soothing voice.

She bristled when she heard the cowboy behind her chuckle at her expense. Squaring her shoulders, she turned around in a controlled rage to ask what was so funny, but the words got stuck in her throat. Standing before her was the most handsome, cocky, and infuriating cowboy she had ever laid eyes on. His sapphire eyes sparkled with strength and amusement. His smile reached those eyes, making his flawless face look like he belonged up on a movie screen, not standing in front of her stall. The smirk on his face relaxed and left a lump in Sookie's throat. Before she made an even bigger fool of herself by gaping at him any longer, she remembered she was pissed at the guy.

"You make it a habit of scaring horses?" Sookie spat at him while she turned her back to his piercing eyes.

"Well, miss, I can't say that I do, but you sure are easy to rile up." Whether he laughed at himself or at her, she couldn't be sure.

"Well maybe next time, you can announce your arrival so my horse can avoid a trip to the doc," she scolded.

"Why sure, I can do that for ya." And without another word the man walked away.

Sookie didn't know what to make of it. Why had he even bothered to stop if he didn't have a reason? She tried to refocus on her task, but her thoughts kept straying back to the young man. He was tall, well over six feet, he had his black cowboy hat set back on his head so she could see his soft blond hair, the same color as her flaxen pony tail. He had on a stylish black western shirt with turquoise piping and impossibly tight black jeans. Sookie stopped brushing out her horse's tail and thought about how good he looked from behind. She thought she might need to send Wrangler a thank you note.

Shaking her head to rid herself of the distraction this man was becoming, Sookie set down to business. She had just over an hour to get her and her horse ready before she headed over to the warm up ring.

Sookie was dressed to kill and so was her horse. They both knew it too. Legs, her compact quarter horse, was the color of fall wheat with a buttermilk mane and tail. Still tanned from spending countless hours outside, Sookie and her blonde hair matched her mount perfectly. The black bridle and saddle contrasted with the pink saddle pad and pink leg wraps she had carefully applied to her horse's legs. Her own outfit was carefully selected to match her horse's tack. A black button down shirt with hot pink flames rising up licking towards the heavens set off her tiny waist and ample breasts. Her low cut black jeans fit her like a glove showing off her well muscled legs. Her black cowboy boots shined with metal toe tips and fancy hot pink piping graced the sides of the perfectly polished boots.

Sookie's entrance into the warm up ring brought all kinds of comments and reactions from those around her. More than a few cat calls were thrown her way, a marriage proposal or two and some snide remarks from some young cowgirls who were obviously jealous. This, Sookie simply could not understand. She didn't think of herself as ugly, but she certainly couldn't see anyone being envious of her either. She was just like every other girl there, looking to bring home the world championship belt buckle and the prize money. Oh the money! She could finally fix up Gran's house like she deserved.

Sookie scanned the crowd looking for her friends. She spotted Amelia and Tara talking to a beautiful blonde just outside the main arena doors. Sookie recognized her immediately. Pam Ravenscroft was the Rodeo Queen and everyone who was anyone wanted to be noticed by her. Men wanted to bed her and women wanted to be close to her so they could snag her cast offs. Sookie just sighed and wished she could get her hair as smooth and as shiny as Pam's. She sure was a beauty. As her Gran would say, the pick of the litter.

Sookie focused on warming up her horse for the next twenty minutes. She wanted to make sure he was well prepared for the big race. They had already gone through several heats over the last few days and today was the day the finalists would have their showdown. So far, no one had come close to Sookie's times, but she knew the slightest misstep or brush of a barrel would crush her dreams. She knew she had to be perfect.

"Sook!"

Sookie turned in the saddle to see her friends climbing up the rails of the warm up ring. Pam was still with them and so was tall, blond, and irritating. Sookie jogged her horse over to the rail and tried to ignore his stare.

"Hey girls, I only have a minute. I'm gonna be called any second," Sookie said barely lifting her eyes up from hands. She played with her reins and looked anywhere but at the stranger.

"We know, we have to run up to watch," Amelia beamed with pride.

"We were talking with Pam here and she invited us all to a party tonight at some hot club called Tabu," Tara chimed in, her whole body buzzing with excitement.

"Oh, wow. Well, I don't know. It all depends on how the next few minutes work out," she mumbled.

"Oh please girl, no one can here can beat you and you know it," Tara said, patting her leg reassuringly.

"Never say never and let's face it, I won't be very good company if I don't do well," Sookie warned.

"Well, think of it this way, if you win we can celebrate and if you don't, then you can drown your sorrows in booze and men," Pam offered.

Sookie sat there speechless with her mouth hanging open, not sure how to respond to Pam's suggestion. She liked to have a drink and go dancing on occasion, but the men part...Well, that wasn't really how Sookie operated.

Tara and Amelia snickered at Pam's suggestion and out of the corner of her eye, Sookie saw that a smirk had returned to the man in the hat's handsome face. He was really becoming a thorn in her side.

"Ahh, well Sookie might not go for the man part!" Amelia blurted out.

"Amelia!" Sookie gasped.

"Oh really? So maybe I will keep you for myself then," Pam smiled suggestively and reached out to pet Legolas' head.

"What?" Sookie asked, her eyes wide as saucers.

"Pam, you're too much! I didn't mean it like that!" Amelia laughed, almost pushing Pam off the fence. "Sookie's innocent, she's never even had a steady boyfriend."

Sookie felt her heart rate explode and her brain became fuzzy. She was so embarrassed she couldn't catch her breath. She heard her number being called through the haze, but she couldn't seem to swim out of.

"Sounds like you're up," a smooth, calming voice said next to her.

Somehow the one who irritated her, more than anyone she had ever known, was the one calming her down with his voice. Sookie swallowed hard and looked down at the man who now stood next to her, resting his hand on her knee. She nodded and tried to clear her mind.

"Yeah, sounds like it. Thanks," Sookie said quietly. He gave her a warm smile and she felt all her nervousness and doubts wash away. She was going to win.

Squeezing her legs around her horse, she started towards the gate. She was up and she was ready. Looking back one last time, Sookie marveled at how a young man she never met before could make her see things so clearly. She didn't even know his name.

Sookie not only won, she slaughtered the competition. She had never won by such a large margin before and she couldn't believe she was finally a world champion barrel racer.

When the crowd went crazy and gave her a standing ovation, she knew she won without even looking at her time. The advantage of going last kept her from pacing nervously and getting herself worked up. Going last meant the only thing she had to wait for was the prize money to be placed in her hot little hand. Gran was going to get that new stove and porch railing. Sookie wouldn't have to worry about her Gran getting hurt or the house burning down. The tears threatened and burned, but she kept her head high and gave her friends a wink.

Hopping off her gelding, Sookie jumped into the waiting arms of her friends. Her brother Jason was usually there to greet her after a ride, but tonight he was preparing for his own event. Jason was a bull rider and was going for another world championship. The word around the circuit was Jason had a way with the bulls. He charmed them and then rode them hard. He had the same effect on women.

"Sookie, that was amazing!" Amelia screeched, "It's the new world record!"

"We did it!" Tara bellowed.

"Yeah we sure did ladies," Sookie laughed and let out a loud whoop.

People circled around their little group to congratulate Sookie on her world record time. She shook hands and got some solid pats on the back by several cowboys. A few even gave her big bear hugs and kissed her on the cheek. These men were the ones who would defend her honor and knew her from the rodeo circuit. They were the family she found after her own was pretty much wiped out in a car accident.

Sookie heard a loud whoop from behind her and suddenly found herself off the ground. Jason spun her around and threw her effortlessly in the air. Sookie yelped and begged him to put her down.

"That's my girl!" Jason yelled to anyone who would listen.

Sookie gave her big brother a big hug while he kissed her forehead.

"I gotta go Sook, but I am damn proud of ya. Not bad for a girl," Jason laughed and took off to join the rest of the bull riders.

"Wow, his ass should be illegal," Amelia muttered.

"A! That's my brother you're talking about," Sookie smacked her friend's arm in mock disapproval.

"Come on Sook, let's go get all prettied up and hit the strip!" Tara said, smacking Sookie on her bottom.

"Ow, Tara! Damn you're strong," Sookie moaned and rubbed her butt.

She turned to grab the reins of her horse from someone and realized it was the blond cowboy. Struck by the sheer magnetism of his gaze, Sookie absently rubbed her ass some more and took the reins from him.

"If you want, I could rub that for you and make it better," his eyes danced and the smirk he seemed to give her alone was playing on his lips.

Looking up at him, Sookie slowly removed her hand from her backside. She didn't know what to say. She had never been good at flirting and being caught off guard didn't help her.

"No thanks, I got it," she said and stalked away.

"Wow Eric, I think you finally met your match," Pam said.

"Who, that little girl?" he scoffed.

"Um, yeah the little girl you can't keep your eyes off of."

"She's cute I guess," he said as he shrugged his shoulders.

"You are the worst liar ever, you know that?" Pam laughed at his feeble attempt to cover up his obvious attraction.

"Shut up Pam, you have no idea what you are talking about," he grumbled.

"Really? You were so awestruck you didn't even offer your name or say more than a lame pick up line or two. You're better than that. You know it and I know it," Pam teased.

"She's too young and besides even if I was interested, she clearly isn't," Eric sighed.

"Yeah, keep telling yourself that," Pam said, swinging her hips seductively as she walked away.

She stopped and turned around with what could only be described as an evil grin plastered on her face.

"Eric, Tabu. 10 o' clock. She'll be there."

"We'll see. Gotta finish up here." Eric watched his friend walk away, wishing she was a man so he could clock her already.

Sookie finished up her barn chores and locked up all her belongings. She would stay in town until Jason was done with his events and then they would drive back to Louisiana to start work on their Gran's house in a few short days. She was ready for a break from the road. She was ready to settle into her farm and play with her dogs, see old friends, and watch her Gran enjoy her brand new stove.

Sookie joined her friends on the shuttle back to the hotel. She didn't want to be alone anymore. Everything was going to be okay. She won, her horse was healthy, she had accomplished a life long dream. It was time to cut loose for a little while. To enjoy the fruits of her labor, Sookie planned on walking on the wild side. She might even hit the Blackjack table.

The threesome charged into the hotel like they had Pat Garret hot on their heels and made a beeline for the elevator. The elevator door dinged and slid open on their floor and they all bounded out and ran for their rooms, giggling like school girls.

"Go take showers and then bring your stuff over so we can all get ready together!" Sookie yelled over her shoulder.

"OK!" her friends yelled in unison.

Sookie heard them fighting over who would get a shower first and she was glad part of her last grand prize was a hotel suite voucher. The room was huge, equipped with king size bed, kitchenette, a Jacuzzi in it's own room and the biggest bathroom she had ever seen. She warned people if they went in there, they might get lost and never find their way out.

Sookie took her time in the shower. She knew she only had a few more days left in this small piece of man-made heaven. The shower walls were clear glass on two sides, but when they steamed up she would write silly things on the glass. Two walls had multiple shower heads and in the ceiling, two huge plate sized shower heads poured warm water over her sore muscles.

Spending countless nights in tiny motels on the rodeo circuit, Sookie had experience with the typical water saving shower. She often grumbled that she would get cleaner taking a bath in a water trough. She reluctantly finished up her "Me Time" when she heard pounding on her door. She was pulled from her cocoon and felt guilty for wasting so much water. Her gran taught her about the value of a dollar and how to make it last. Even if she wasn't picking up the tab this time, that lesson stuck with her.

The three young women spent close to two hours going through each others' wardrobes trying to piece together the perfect outfits for a hot Vegas club. Tara settled on a skintight pair of dark denim skinny jeans. Her lavender silk top hung off one shoulder and a wide black belt rested on her thin hips. Four inch black strappy sandals finished off her look. Amelia loved to show skin and there would be no exceptions on this night. She surprised her friends with a new purchase, whipping it out of a garment bag, leaving both Tara and Sookie with their mouths hanging open. Amelia slipped the black halter dress with a plunging neckline and chains instead of traditional spaghetti straps. It had of silver beads and glitter streaked across it and it left no room to the imagination to exactly how flawless Amelia's body was. The skirt of the dress stopped just below her ass but hugged in close on her hips. Sookie wondered how she would pull off her signature London Bridge Dip Low move. To top it off, her five-inch metallic silver stilettos had stainless steel heels and toe tips.

Sookie felt a little out of place because she didn't have anything like her friends' outfits and was planning on wearing a simple blue empire cut sundress.

"Sookie I figured since I was buying myself a new dress, I should splurge and get you one too," Amelia announced.

"What? Oh no, Ame! Anything you picked out is way overpriced for me." Sookie exclaimed. "Thanks for thinking of me and all, but I want all my lady bits covered."

"Oh please they will be...For the most part anyway," Tara giggled.

"So you are in on this too?" Sookie squinted suspiciously at her friend.

"Just try it on and if youdon't think you can handle it, don't wear it," Amelia said brightly.

"Fine."

"Good."

Sookie grabbed the garment bag and headed to the bathroom. If she was going to do this, she was going to do it in private. She shut the door behind her and stared at the bag in her hands. Placing the bag on a bench, she slowly pulled down the zipper. The first thing she noticed was the color and Sookie groaned. Icy blue beads sparkled up at her and she felt her resolve waver. She loved the color. Pulling the dress from the bag she noticed there was a lot more fabric to it then Amelia's dress.

The dress wasn't any shorter than Amelia's but it wasn't much longer either. Sookie knew she could pull off the shortness of the mini dress. Her legs were strong and lean from riding and working on a farm her entire life. Sookie slipped the dress over her head and felt the soft silkiness caress her skin. The glass beads at the bottom of the slightly flared skirt gave it some weight and she wouldn't have to worry about any sudden desert winds causing wardrobe malfunctions. It had long, almost sheer sleeves that very gently belled out. The neckline dipped down just enough to show off her silver cross. She ran her fingers over the small silver cross. It was the only thing she had left of her mother, she never took it off and she never would. The dress had a few layers of sheer material and Sookie knew she didn't bring a single pair of panties or even thongs that would work with the dress. The back of the dress was what made her nervous. The back plunged so low she was sure if she relaxed her shoulders she would have a major case of plumber's crack. Sookie adjusted the dress the best she could to raise the back up a little bit and thought she could stop at the store on the way for some duct tape. Silver duct tape might work.

Sookie tried to look at herself in the mirror but she was having trouble getting a real idea of what the back really looked like. She bit her lower lip and opened the bathroom door. Amelia and Tara were sitting on the edge of the huge bed like puppies waiting for a piece of ham on Easter Morning.

"Well what do you think?" Sookie asked nervously.

"You are so hot that Pam will have a hard time remembering you don't swing her way," Amelia exclaimed.

Sookie walked over to the large three-way mirror to get a look of the entire outfit. To her horror she forgot about one minor detail. Her bra. She was crestfallen. She was so focused on anyone seeing her lower bits she hadn't thought about people seeing her bra.

"Oh, Sookie! Silly girl, you can't wear a bra with that dress!" Amelia giggled and with nimble fingers released the hook.

"Are you telling me you expect me to go out with my girls free as a bird?" Sookie asked shocked.

"Yes I do. But here, I'll trade ya." Amelia winked at Sookie and handed her a large box.

Sookie opened it and croaked, "Oh Amelia, Oh Amelia!"

Sookie placed the box on the bed and lifted a beautiful ice blue cowboy boot from the box. The traditional western scroll was outlined in tiny crystals and the silver toe tips gleamed. The heel was taller than most standard boots, but these weren't meant for barrel racing. These were meant to make a cowboy's heart melt. And because pink was Sookie's trademark color, the inside of the boot was lined with pink and the soles on her new boots had pink flames against a black background.

"What if I hadn't won?" Sookie said, her voice full of emotion.

"Like that was ever gonna happen," Tara deadpanned.

"Okay ladies, mount up! We are running late!" Amelia said, breaking the spell.

Sookie tried to ignore the fact that she was naked under her clothes. The dress and her new boots were the only things standing between the cool desert night air and her skin. Sookie couldn't resist adding one extra accessory to her outfit. Borrowing a silver belt from Tara, she added her new World Champion belt buckle to the belt and let it rest loosely on her hips. She didn't care if it looked hokey or if people called her a redneck, she was proud of it.

Pam was waiting for them just inside the popular Vegas club. Amelia had sent a text message to her new friend before they had arrived, so they wouldn't get stuck standing in a long line. The girls ignored the snide remarks from those waiting in the line and scooted past the velvet rope into Pam's awaiting arms.

"Ladies, so glad you could join us!" Pam greeted each with a quick kiss and a wink.

"Come on follow me. The view is amazing." She shouted over Trace Adkins singing Honky Tonk Badonkkadonk. Sookie couldn't help her hips from moving to the beat.

Pam led them to a group of low modern couches and tables in the corner of the club and for the life of her, Sookie couldn't figure out what was so amazing about the view. Once they sat down they really couldn't see much beyond their group. Then a tall curvy black haired goddess asked Sookie what she wanted to drink and a light bulb went off above her head. Pam was worse then most men she knew. She ordered a gin and tonic and Amelia ordered them all a chilled dirty shot. Sookie had no idea what that was but she was hellbent on letting go and acting her age for once. When their drinks were served and they downed the shot, Amelia ordered another round.

"That was interesting Amelia, what the hell was it?" Sookie sipped on her cocktail to cleanse her palate of the salty flavored shot.

"It's a dirty martini in a shot basically!" Amelia had to shout over the sound system.

The women each downed a couple more drinks and hit the dance floor. It felt amazing to let go and act like hot, sexy single women for once. They didn't smell like manure and weren't dodging a quick kick from an ornery horse. They played together, dancing close and letting their hands explore each others bodies as they got lost in the moment.

Soon, Sookie was ready for another drink so she grabbed her friends' hands and headed back to their table. Half way there, she realized she was being watched. Standing next to her seat was the cowboy from the arena. His brilliant blue eyes drew her in. She gave him a shy smile before looking anywhere but at him as she heard Tara order another round for everyone.

Eric watched the trio approach him. He was captivated by Sookie's smile. Her dress clung to her damp body and he fought the urge to run his hand along her delicate jaw. He had come into the club fully expecting to blow off the young woman. He didn't see how getting mixed up with her would ever end well. He was a busy man with to much on his plate already. She would only complicate things for him. She was too young and from what her friends said, way too inexperienced.

Eric wasn't a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy. He was the fuck when you see them kind of guy. No commitments and certainly no pressure, that was the way he liked his life at present. As much as he would like to teach Sookie a thing or two, he would keep his distance. He threw a shot down his throat and took another one from Pam's outstretched hand.

"She sure knows how to use her body," Pam growled.

Eric ignored the comment. He knew it was crafted to get a rise out of him. He picked up his beer and turned to talk to one of the wranglers who had joined their growing group. He was relieved there were so many in their group. It would make it easier to ignore her. To his dismay, Sookie didn't stop and sit on the couch closest to the dance floor. She moved gracefully around the tables and stopped right in front of him. She avoided meeting his gaze and picked up her drink from the table. She used her tongue to maneuver the short straw into her mouth, then pulled on the liquid slowly, taking it in. Eric felt his jaw twitch and he shifted his stance so she wasn't directly in his line of sight.

He tried to ignore the heat of her tiny hand as it made contact with the small of his back. But he was raised better than that and he couldn't ignore a lady, no matter how much he wanted to. He turned slowly toward her and waited for her to speak.

"I just wanted to say thank you for this afternoon," Sookie said sweetly.

"I'm not sure I know what you're talking about," Eric answered coolly. His tone had an affect on her. She was suddenly unsure of herself.

"Um, right before my ride, while everyone else was wired and distracting me… you calmed me down. I am not sure how you did it, but you did and I just wanted to say thanks," Sookie rambled, until she physically covered her mouth with her hand to stop the flow of word vomit.

"It was nothing. Now if you'll excuse me," Eric said, then briskly took off for the bar and away from her.

Sookie watched his retreating back and she felt her cheeks burning. He was blowing her off! He could barely look at her, let alone talk to her. She concluded her first impression was the right one. He was an ass. Lost in her anger and hurt, she followed him to the bar. She stood behind him for five seconds, deciding if she should just leave, but then she decided screw that.

"My name is Sookie, by the way," She said stubbornly.

He didn't turn around. He ignored her. Completely.

Sookie was fuming. She had never met someone as rude as this man. She was a lady after all, she deserved better. She pushed her way to the bar and ordered a double shot of whatever he was drinking. She clinked her glass against his and downed it, then slammed the glass down on the bar and signaled the bartender to give her another.

"I'm Eric."

"What?" she spat.

"I said my name is Eric," he looked down at her, out of the corner of his eye and saw her flushed cheeks. All he wanted to do was kiss her pouting mouth.

"Well good for you," Sookie almost shouted and poured her second double down her throat before walking away.

Sookie strode back to their table with a purpose. Pam held out another shot to her and Sookie didn't even flinch when the whiskey burned her throat. She grabbed some guy's beer and chased down the burn. Then she grabbed Pam by the hand, essentially dragging her out to the dance floor. Pam was too shocked to be amused for all of ten seconds. Sookie twirled her new dance partner around and pulled her close by grabbing her hips. Pam was always a willing partner, but to have a luscious virgin in her grasp and a scowling Eric trying to burn into her brain with his will, it was so much more fun.

Pam and Sookie continued to grind their bodies together for three more tormenting songs as Eric watched his friend run her hands along the flesh he was burning to touch. He watched Sookie pull Pam's ass into her core and run her fingers along her thighs and tease the hem of Pam's tiny mini skirt. Eric grabbed the closest bottle of alcohol and threw $200 at the bartender. He stalked back to the group never taking his eyes off Sookie and Pam. He almost dropped the bottle when he saw Sookie kiss Pam's shoulder and pull her body flush against her own, letting her hand run up Pam's inner thigh. Sookie thumb disappeared under Pam's skirt and Eric fought the urge to pull them both off the dance floor.

Mercifully, the song ended and both women stumbled back to the tables. They both were laughing and hugging and downing the shots bought by every Goddamn man in the club. Sookie raised her eyes to Eric's in defiance. He might not want her, but every other man in the place did. Let him chew on that, she thought.

Eric turned his gaze to Pam, but all she did was wink and nod in Sookie's direction.

"You do know that was all for you, right?" she said breathlessly.

"Fuck you Pam," Eric growled.

"No, fuck Sookie and do it right," Pam said, kissing her friend on the cheek.

Eric continued to pour himself shots. He sat, watching Sookie flirt and dance with everyone. He knew he wouldn't be able to hold out much longer and decided it was time to get the hell out and end his torture. Stupid little girl wouldn't win this one, no matter how much he wanted her to. Eric stood up and handed what was left of his Tequila bottle to Pam. He realized he would have to walk right past Sookie to leave. He looked for another way out, but she was it. The one person he wanted to avoid most was right in his path. She was the gatekeeper to his freedom.

Eric made his way around the tables and through a mass of people. Against his will, he came to a stop right in front of her. The sweat from her dancing made her skin glisten, the fabric of her dress was so damp her every curve could be seen. Sookie was laughing with her eyes closed and her chest vibrated with her laughter. Eric noticed her hard nipples jutting through the fabric and he lost his focus.

"Dance with me." His voice was demanding.

"Pardon?" Sookie asked, as she opened her eyes and smirked up at him.

"Dance with me," he said even more forcefully.

"Why should I dance with you? You've been nothin' but rude to me all night," Sookie said, turning away from him.

Eric grabbed her arms and pulled her warm body against his.

"Dance. With. Me."

"Sure," Sookie squeaked.

As soon as Pam saw Eric stop, she bolted to the DJ booth. This was her party and she was about to take over the song list. Screw what everyone else wanted. Her scheme to get her friend laid was worth the wrath of a bunch of drunk ass folk. Pam quickly pulled up a play list on her iPod and thrust it into the DJ's hand.

"Play this until I tell you to stop," she said with an edge to her voice.

The DJ looked at the list and rolled his eyes, but he knew she was footing the bill for this particular hodown.

Eric led Sookie out to the dance floor and pulled her in close. He looked over her head to see Pam retreating from the DJ booth as he heard the DJ start talking over the sound system.

"All right folks, grab a partner and prepare to get real close."

Eric let out a little groan when the song started. Bad Things started strumming from the sound system and Sookie started to move her body in rhythm to the song. She turned around in his arms and pressed her back into his chest. She slowly wiggled her hips until her entire body was brushing against his. Then as if that wasn't enough torture, she lowered herself slowly down the length of his body. From her position at his feet she pivoted and turned to face him, then just as slowly lifted herself from the floor. The whole way up her round firm breasts brushed against his body. When Sookie was at her full height Eric grabbed her around the waist crushing her body against his. They moved in perfect synch and now that they had all the vital parts rubbing against each other, neither was willing to let go.

Dwight Yoakam's Fast As You started playing and the faster beat made Sookie come alive. She lifted her arms up pulling Eric's mouth down to her own waiting lips. Eric tried to resist responding, but when she ground her core into him lifting her leg up for better access he gave into his growing desire. He grabbed her leg harshly pulling it higher. When they broke away for air, Sookie arched her back and Eric let her dip and sway back into him. The friction from her body on his made his cock twitch with want. He knew soon there wouldn't be any turning back. His ability to reason was being compromised by lust and large amounts of alcohol. All she needed to do was ask, and God, he hoped her resolve was stronger than his. Eric let his hand glide over the side of her breast and down to her waist. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. They way she moved her body to the music was like a spell he never wanted to be released from.

"Eric?"

"Yeah, Sookie," he whispered in her ear letting his tongue skim over her delicate skin.

"Let's get out of here," she said in a husky voice.

"What?" He looked at her and all hope of resisting was gone.

"I want you to take me…somewhere, anywhere."

Eric heard the double meaning in her words even if she didn't. He nodded and without looking back or letting her grab her purse, he began to guide her out of the club. Someone handed Sookie a bottle of Tito's Texas vodka and she let out a yee haw.

Eric moved with speed and grace through the lobby of the closest hotel. He didn't want to take the time to head back to their hotel. He needed to touch her and feel her. Taste her.

Eric made his way to the front desk, already pulling his wallet out, "My name is…"

"Yes Mr. Northman, we have been expecting you. Here is your key. The room number and floor are right there." The man behind the desk pointed at the numbers on the side of the card and gave him a knowing smile. Pam.

Eric grunted a thank you and suppressed a moan as he felt Sookie's hand run over his ass as they made it to the elevator.

"Sookie, we aren't alone yet. Try and keep your hands above the belt," he hissed at her punching the up button.

The door opened with a ding and he practically picked Sookie up, pulling her in with him. The door hadn't even closed before they were all over each other. Eric sought out her sensitive spots with his tongue and fingers and Sookie's hands were all over his body, kneading his muscles and pulling at his clothes. Unable to resist the urge, she let her hand travel below the belt. As she let her hand graze over the hardness she felt there, Eric pushed his hips into her hand.

"Fuck me," Eric growled into her mouth.

"Okay," Sookie whimpered.

"Not yet, pretty lady. Not in here, not like this," Eric chuckled pulling her hands away from his fly.

The doors opened and Eric picked Sookie up, charging for the room. He fought with the card for a few seconds because he put it in backwards. Swearing under his breath, he heard Sookie giggle. Finally, the lock clicked, the light turned green and they were in. Eric dropped the card on the floor and picked Sookie up, wrapping her legs around his waist. Her center was so hot that he could feel it through his clothes and that was the moment he realized she didn't have anything on under her dress. She was naked against him. He deposited her on the bed and watched as Sookie, without any shame, lifted her feet one at a time so he could remove her ice blue boots.

"Nice boots"

"Thanks"

He sat down next to her so he could do the same and she crawled onto his lap straddling his straining hard on with her sex, grinding down into him and licking his ear.

"Oh fuck, you are going to be the death of me, you know that, little girl?" Eric groaned out as he attacked her mouth with his.

Sookie responded by pushing her core harder into him and moaning back into his mouth. Somehow, despite Sookie's lack of cooperation he got his boots off.

Eric felt his hands hit her championship belt buckle and growled at the piece of leather strung around her waist. It was hindering his ability to see what was under her dress. He snapped the buckle open and let the belt fall to the floor.

Eric moved his hands to the hem of her tiny dress and pulled it off her body slowly, letting his hands skim over her skin, burning a trail of desire up her body. She lifted her arms up so he could shed her of the damp fabric. Eric pressed his lips softly into the flesh of her firm ample breasts. She ripped his shirt open and began biting and sucking every inch of skin she could find and Eric pressed his hand to the back of her head when her mouth settled on one of his hard erect nipples.

"Harder, bite harder." He gasped.

Sookie bit down and Eric responded by pulling her hair. Sookie wasn't expecting it and for a moment she stopped and looked up at him. Eric was sure he saw fear flash in her eyes, but then as he flicked his finger across her nipple, her eyes clouded over and she licked her lips.

"What?" he asked desperately.

Quietly, Sookie replied, "Do it again."

Eric wound her hair around his fingers tugging her to him. She cried out in pleasure as he pulled her hair and sucked her nipple hard into his mouth. Eric continued to work over Sookie's body, licking and sucking every inch of her soft smooth skin. Every time he would draw her nipple into his mouth she would writhe under him, panting and begging for more.

Finally Sookie grasped Eric's large hand and directed it toward her center. She had never been touched there by a man. She was aching deep inside for something she'd never had before and was feeling her mind lose itself with want. Sookie deftly unbuckled Eric's fly like she had been doing it for years. As she ripped the belt from the loops and threw it across the room, Eric lifted his hips up to allow her access. She pushed his pants down as far as she could with her hands and then her feet took over. Her toes curled into the waist, freeing Eric of his last remaining piece of clothing.

Eric ran his fingers softly over her folds and felt a sudden gush of wetness. Her body was his. She tried to move her hips so his fingers would penetrate her sex but he kept teasing. Sookie's brow creased in frustration and her lips formed the most delectable pout. Eric nibbled on her jaw and then ran his tongue over her top lip, urging her to open up to him. She responded and as he dipped his tongue into her sweet mouth, he slowly plunged a finger into her impossibly wet core. She was so tight he questioned if he could enter her without hurting her, and took his time to explore each ridge and sweet spot; slowly persuading her body to give itself over completely. Suddenly Eric wondered exactly how inexperienced she was. Were her friends implying she was a virgin and he had somehow missed it?

"Sookie?" he asked with a gentle tone.

"Yes, please yes," she whined.

"Sookie?" he asked again.

"Oh, Eric, just stop talking! Yes!"

"Sookie, are you a virgin?" he said in a near whisper.

"Huh?" she asked in a strangled gasp.

"Exactly how inexperienced are you?"

"Yeah, yeah, I am but it's okay. I want this. Please don't stop, Eric," Sookie begged.

Eric thought about what she was saying for a split second and considered taking her up on it. But he couldn't do it. They were both more than a little drunk. There was only one thing he could do. He moved Sookie up on the bed and began trailing open mouth kisses along each curve and valley of her body. He let his hands discover how to make her moan. He eventually moved so he was resting between her thighs. He placed butterfly kisses on the soft skin there, then let his tongue dance up each leg until he was hovering over her opening. Sookie was almost crying with need, her arms lying at her sides with her hands beckoning to him, inviting him inside. Her core held the most inviting scent he had ever come upon and it called to him. He simply could not hold back a second longer and he plunged his tongue deep inside her walls as he let his thumb dance around her clit as his other hand tried to hold her still.

Sookie had never known anything could feel so amazing. She tried to push her body down onto to him but he was too strong and kept control over each lick, suck, and rub. Just when she didn't think she could take another second of his teasing, he plunged two fingers deep inside. He picked up the pace slightly and put more pressure on the upper wall of her tight opening. Then right when she thought she couldn't it couldn't feel any better, he curled his fingers up, sucked her clit hard into his mouth and to her happy astonishment, tickled her other opening. Sookie screamed out his name over and over. Eric enjoyed it so much he didn't let up until she came twice.

Eric was never more turned on in his life and he had nowhere to go with it. He pulled Sookie in close to his body while her shuddering ceased and willed his desire to back off. Sookie had other ideas. She wrapped her small hand around his member and then used her other hand to gently tease his balls. It didn't take long for him to find his release. He shuddered in her hands and let out a long deep moan.

"Was that okay?" She asked shyly.

"Oh, little girl, that was more than okay." his voice was a whisper.

"I never..."

"Hush."

They lay there for what seemed like forever to him. Eric was restless. He knew he couldn't stay there with her in his arms and not take her.

"Come on let's go," he said gruffly.

"What? Why?" She asked in a panic.

"Hey now, don't get all worked up. I just have all this energy built up. Let's go gamble!" he said happily.

Sookie didn't quite know how to take this sudden turn of events, but when Eric leaned down and captured her mouth with his, she was willing to go along with anything.

Sookie couldn't open her eyes. She heard her head pounding against the pillow. There was a buzzing in her ears. The pounding kept getting louder and louder and she knew whatever was in her stomach was about to come back up. She tried to breathe in deeply to gain control when she felt the bed shift and a heavy arm wrap around her waist. Oh. No. Gran was going to skin her hide, even if she was an adult. And she would find out, because Jason would undoubtedly find out and her loving brother would squawk it all to Gran. Shit.

Sookie opened one eye to peak at her bedmate. It was Eric! How the heck did she end up…

Sookie moaned as the memories came flooding back. She had thrown herself at him...She tried to take his pants off in an elevator! She drank so much. She drank more that night than every other time put together. No wonder she felt like she was dying. Eric mumbled something and smiled in his sleep. He somehow got even closer to her and that was when she felt it. He was totally naked and so was she. Not to mention, his extremely large morning wood was pressing into her in the most delicious way. She smiled when she remembered he wouldn't take her completely when she was so drunk. Then, he took her out and taught her how to play Texas Hold 'Em. He had called her his Lady Luck and by the layer of money their naked bodies were laying on, it would seem she was luckier than a four-leaf clover.

Then they…then they… Then they what? Sookie remembered lots of shots of tequila and licking lemon juice off of Eric's chin and he licked salt off of, well every part of her body his tongue could reach. Sookie tingled at the memory of Eric's mouth on her center for the second time and then when…nothing. It was blank.

Sookie felt regret flood over her as she shook Eric by the shoulders.

"Eric, wake up!" she yelped at him. She was terrified she had lost her virginity and couldn't even remember it.

"Shhhh, go back to sleep, love," he moaned, his brow creasing from his own head pounding.

"No, Eric, please! Did we have sex last night?" Her voice was strangled with emotion.

Eric opened his eyes to find a panic filled Sookie looking ready to bolt. He gave her a lazy smile as he peeled a one hundred dollar bill off her breast.

"Well, let's think about this. Does it feel like it?" he asked gently, suddenly concerned he hadn't controlled himself.

Sookie tried to grasp what he meant and then it dawned on her exactly what his words were getting at.

"Oh…Oh!" She almost died from embarrassment as she thought about it.

"Let's face it, if we did and it was your first time... And with me? You would be feeling it this morning," Eric smirked.

"Ego much?" Sookie asked dryly.

"Well?" Eric asked placing kisses along her collarbone.

"Well what?" she snapped back.

Eric moved his mouth down her body and Sookie melted under his touch. He slipped his hand over her mound and applied gentle pressure along her folds, letting his thumb massage her swollen bundle of nerves.

"How does it feel?" he mumbled as he pulled her taught nipple into his mouth and slipped one finger deep inside her core.

"Perfect," she moaned.

"Good."

Sookie was sure she was about to let go and give herself over to this man. She wanted nothing more than to feel him inside her. She thought to herself that she would convince him one way or another to follow through when loud banging exploded in her head. This time it wasn't her hangover, but the door to Eric's suite.

"Ignore it," he whispered and she gasped in response when he placed another finger inside her. Still, whoever was at the door wouldn't stop knocking. It was becoming distracting.

"Fuck! Go. The. Fuck. Away!" Eric bellowed at the door.

"Eric open this fucking door right now!" Pam bellowed back.

"Pam," Eric sighed, "If it was anyone else…but she won't stop."

Eric reluctantly pushed himself off the bed while Sookie scrambled to put something on. He handed her a plush terry cloth robe as he put his own on. He reached for the door handle and just as Sookie knotted the belt, Pam exploded into the room.

"Finally!" Pam yelled and pushed a DVD at Eric.

"What's this?"

"Why don't you tell me?" Pam asked, lifting an eyebrow at both of them.

"Pam, I am not in the mood for your games right now. What do you want?" Eric barked at her.

"Fine," Pam snapped, yanking the DVD back from Eric and walked over to the TV.

"You both have a lot of explaining to do...And Eric, you have one pissed off Stackhouse looking to castrate you!" Pam said, barely trying to contain her glee.

Sookie and Eric looked at each other, not having any clue what Pam was talking about. Pam loaded the DVD into the player and turned up the volume.

"Um, you both may want to sit down for this," she stated.

Eric and Sookie plopped down on the couch and waited. There was music and an Elvis impersonator singing Suspicious Minds. Then Sookie gasped and Pam giggled. They watched the night, their night together unfold in front of them. Somehow, someway they got drunk enough to decide that getting married was a good fucking idea?

"Turn it off! Turn it off!" Sookie screeched.

"Tell me that was a joke! Tell me it wasn't real!" Eric yelled at Pam, grabbing her by the shoulders.

"Sorry, Bud, you kids tied the knot last night." Pam handed Eric a crumpled piece of paper.

Sookie yanked it out of his hands.

"How?" she choked out.

Eric reached out to comfort her but she brushed him off. Her mouth moved like she was talking, but nothing came out.

"How could you let this happen?" she finally spat out.

"Me? I don't think you can place all the blame on me, little girl!" Eric said coldly.

"This can't be happening. I can't be married to...to...to you!" Sookie was clearly in a full out panic, but her words still cut Eric.

"Well the feeling is fucking mutual!" he spat back at her.

Sookie turned to Pam who finally looked like she was taking this seriously.

"But….I don't even know his last name," she cried.

"Northman," he offered.

"Sookie Northman?" she asked, her voice was small and barely recognizable.

"No, see?" Pam pointed at the marriage license.

"Sookie Stackhouse Northman," Sookie read her own handwriting.

"Has a nice ring to it doesn't it?" Pam said.

Sookie tried to focus on Pam, but the room wouldn't stop spinning. She looked at Eric and even though she knew he were saying something to her she couldn't make it out. She tried one more time to regain her composure, but her body was failing her. She reached out to grab the back of a chair and that's when her world closed in and everything faded to black.

*ducks* *runsforcover*

*BE'S CHASED!*

Stop! *breathless* I know it's a cliffy! I mean to continue this story once the contest is over so everyone put your Colt 45's away and mosey on down to the nearest tavern and enjoy a whiskey straight up on me. I am off for some two steppin' with my human. Hope Eric doesn't smell him on me later...*shiftyeyes*

PLEASE EVERYONE READ THE SUBMISSIONS FOR ERIC AND HIS GREAT PUMPKIN CONTEST! They are freaking amazing!