Chapter Forty Eight

Three weeks later…..

Keys in hand, Rachel stood on the porch to wave her sister Robin off and then with a weary sigh turned to slot the now unfamiliar key into the lock of the front door. When she’d gotten the call to say Nick’s father had passed away, returning to California for the funeral was the right thing to do, despite the fact she had despised the man. Leaving her bag at the door, she stepped over the small pile of junk mail and punched the code in to disable the bleeping alarm.

Silence descended around her as she stood in the hallway gazing around at what was once her home, the shadows lurking in the corners like ghosts beckoning from the past. Taking a deep breath she wandered slowly through to the kitchen, pausing at the threshold to trace a finger along the deep etchings carved into the woodwork that had marked the kid’s birthdays every year. She’d gone crazy at the time, thinking Nick was raving mad to vandalize what was their brand new home, but over the years she’d loved watching how excited the kids were to see how tall they’d grown.

Moving through to the kitchen, she pulled open the blinds to let in the late afternoon light, the sparse counter tops devoid of any sign of normal family life. Everything was meticulously clean, the woman she employed to keep an eye on the place did a great job but it was almost sterile looking, no sticky finger marks or crumbs to fuss over. Setting her keys beside the microwave, she wandered on to the family room encased in darkness from the heavy curtains designed to keep sunlight damage to a minimum. She flicked on the soft overhead spotlights set into the beams that ran the length of the ceiling and let her eyes travel from the well-worn leather sofas set in front of the brick fireplace over to the corner where Nick’s overstuffed leather chair still sat with its scuffed Ottoman in place. Rachel stared at it for a moment as images of him sitting in it laughing at her over his newspaper swam before her eyes, she could almost sense him…….

The air around her suddenly became suffocating and she abruptly flicked the light off and watched as the room fell into darkness once more. Turning on her heels, she pulled the door firmly shut and went to retrieve her bag from the front porch. She was starting to think coming here had been a mistake, nothing felt right any more.

Framed photographs of the children floated past her as she took the stairs up to the master bedroom where more ghosts waited to welcome her, the large silver framed wedding picture catching her eye the moment she swung the door in. Despair and anger welled within her, how could she move on...how could she ever be happy again when the past lurked so vividly before her?  Leaving her case in the doorway, she turned and fled back down the staircase before she could change her mind. Back in the kitchen, she scrabbled to find the set of keys she had left hidden in a cupboard and breathed a sigh of relief when her fingers clasped the plastic fob of the car key.

It was time to make some changes.

Hours later and after a delicious dinner at her parent’s home, Rachel finally returned to the house she had once called home, now swathed in darkness by the late hour. Flicking on the porch light and setting the alarm to night mode, she headed back upstairs only pausing to collect her suitcase from the still open door of the master bedroom before she swung the door of Lauren’s room open. Decorated in soft lavender pastels, the walls glowed warmly when she flicked on the bedside lamp and sank down onto the deep duvet that hung neatly over the bed. She had slept in here for many nights after the accident, seeking comfort in clutching the vast array of teddy bears and soft toys that Lauren had collected since she was a toddler. Reaching behind her, Rachel lifted one particular tatty looking brown bear and gently ran her fingers over its frayed ears. He had been a gift when Lauren was born and one that her daughter had adored even as she’d gotten older and moved onto less childish items.

“Hey there old friend.”

She smiled softly as the bear stared silently back up at her, her face reflected in his shiny brown eyes. Brownie had seen it all, maybe it was time for him to see another part of the world and move back East with her. Setting the bear back onto the bed and stifling a yawn, she jumped in surprise as her cell began to vibrate in her pocket with an incoming call. It was after two am and there was only one person she could think of who’d be calling her at this late hour. Smiling happily at the caller id as she pulled it out of her pocket, she pressed the button to accept the call and relaxed back against the headboard.

“Hey….”

“Did I wake you?”

The soft honey tone of Jon’s voice instantly made her relax and she sighed softly as she felt the tension of the past day seep from her body.

“No but I wouldn’t have minded if you did.”

“ I've been lying here for the last two hours and can’t go back asleep, I've come to the conclusion I have too much room in the bed when you’re not here.”

Images of where he was floated through Rachel’s brain and she couldn't help but wish she was there beside him. “Well, you’re doing better than me….. I haven’t been able to wind down at all, still haven’t gone to bed.”

“What’s going on over there, you okay?”

“ I'm just a little wired I guess, it’s been a busy day.”

“Are you alone?”

Rachel rolled her eyes at the insanity of his innocently put question; somehow he could always make her smile without even realising it. “No Einstein, I've got my California boy toy over here with me! Of course I'm alone….”

Grinning widely, she snuggled deeper against the soft duvet. “……wow, when the best part of your day is a middle of the night call from your favourite guitar player that’s really saying something!”

Jon chuckled softly down the line, concern still lining his tired voice.

“Glad to hear it……rough day huh?”

“Mmm…..being back here is…..it feels different….. different than in New Jersey but kinda the same as it felt when I left – suffocating.”

“But you’re doin okay?”

Sighing Rachel paused to think about the emotions she had fought with all day. “Yeah I'm doing okay I guess…….but the truth is this place just doesn't feel like ‘me’ any more.”

“Meaning?”

“There’s a line from an old Rascal Flatt song that just keeps lingering in my head, ‘I never dreamed home would end up where I don’t belong’….. I'm happy to see my family of course but I'm so damn wound up I can’t wait to get out of here. I feel like an outsider, it just isn't home now. I don’t know exactly where I do belong but I know it’s not here.”

“Remember when you told me home is that safe place you land when the world is kicking your ass? Well you do what you gotta do, get outta there and come home…to me…..okay?”

The reassurance in his words flowed like a warm tonic through Rachel’s tired brain – he was right. Letting her eyes drift shut, she kicked off her shoes and nestled comfortably back against the collection of cuddly toys. Sleep was only moments away as she whispered down the phone to him.

“Just as soon as I can……the minute I can…..I’ll be home.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following morning found Rachel in a much better frame of mind, somehow even the house seemed brighter and more alive as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through from the kitchen. Perched on a bar stool, she reflected on the real reason she was here as she buttered a slice of toast. She enjoyed Nick’s family, they were good people with the exception of his now recently deceased father. Mr Braden had never warmed to her, always making life difficult and going out of his way to be purposely unkind. She never really had figured out what it was about her that had so obviously bothered him but then again she had never cared enough to find out. Nick had been nothing like his father, in looks or personality which she had ceaselessly reminded him of.

Munching on her toast and with a mug of steaming coffee in one hand, she slipped off the stool and padded in her bare feet through to the family room. Entering this time without a shudder of dread, she swept back the heavy curtains and looked around her as the vibrant, early morning sunshine flooded the room. Flecks of dust floated through the air, highlighted in the streams of light that bounced off the trophy cabinet on the far wall. Lauren’s collection of towering cheerleading trophies still stood proudly in place, surrounded by what had once been Tyler’s growing collection of karate medals and awards. Rachel hadn't been too keen on the idea of her little boy bouncing around flinging potentially injury inducing kicks to other kids when he had first started to learn but when she witnessed the obvious talent he had for it, she’d relented and actually quite enjoyed going to watch his matches. Turning her attention to the bookshelves, she let her eyes wander over Nick’s huge selection of music – she was sure they could have bought a holiday home in Hawaii with the amount of money he’d spent on his collection over the years. Chewing the last of the toast, she hunkered down to flick her fingers through the CD cases, mostly bands she’d never heard of but that Nick had spent hours listening to on his headphones in his leather armchair. About to stand up, she froze when her finger landed on one with a name she instantly recognised.

“Well, well!”

Grinning she pulled it from the shelf and popped the disc from its case to set it into the stereo system, shaking her head with a laugh when a familiar voice came pounding out from the speakers.

‘Why you wanna tell me how to live my life…………..and who are you to tell me if it’s black or white…..’

Turning the volume up, she grabbed the cd case and headed back to the kitchen to snap a photo of the cover art with her phone. With an amused smirk she tapped out a message to accompany it and sent it onto Jon.

Look what I found in my CD collection! There’s no getting away from you! Have A Nice Day blaring proudly from my stereo – impressed?

Still grinning she set the phone down and turned to power up her laptop on the kitchen table. One of the advantages to her position in the bank was that so much of her work could be done via the internet from virtually anywhere in the world and given the time difference between the East and West coasts she needed to see what kind of chaos had ensued since business hours began in New York. Before she could get her email opened, her phone bleeped with a text message.

Your taste in music is as impeccable as your taste in men – miss me??

Tongue firmly in cheek, she replied with lightning speed, her fingers dancing over the keys.

I miss some parts of you more than others….. : ) xx

The reply that followed instantly made her snort in amusement, her eyes rolling at the playful banter.

We miss a certain part of YOU too – hurry home before I gotta take matters into my own hands ;)

Gazing out the back window to the back yard where so many happy hours had been spent with her family, Rachel sighed softly. Life had been good here, idyllic in fact but it was time to move onto her new life while it was still waiting for her ……… in New Jersey.

Chapter Forty Seven

Stooping to step down the narrow stairs of the jet, Rachel narrowed her eyes when she saw Phil striding urgently to greet her from Jon’s waiting town car at the side of the apron. She guessed he’d been instructed to get her from the local airfield she’d landed at quicker than Superman himself could have. Greeting her politely, Phil didn't stop for chit chat as he took her bag and quickly ushered her to the still running car, barely leaving time for her to put her seat belt on before he was back behind the steering wheel and gunning the accelerator.

Staring out the window, Rachel sighed heavily. While she was still less than impressed at the way Jon had reacted earlier, the extremely comfortable flight time had allowed her to get her thoughts back in order. When all was said and done, if she had just listened and accepted Jon’s offer in the first place then she wouldn't have created all this extra stress. Tonight was important for him, she’d known that but as usual she’d put her ‘Miss Independent’ head on and bullishly refused any help, not thinking for a moment about the bigger picture. Guilt crept through her mind, like it or not she had to admit that this time he’d been right.

Well ahead of schedule thanks to a speedy flight plan and then Phil’s impressive Formula One driving skills, Jon’s house was a hive of activity when the car rolled up at the front door. Several large catering trucks were parked at the side annex being unloaded by a multitude of white coated attendants rushing frantically back and forth between the kitchen and a billowing catering tent that was emitting the most delicious smells from the open drapes. Pausing at the front door, Rachel gazed in wonder at the lavish flower arrangements artfully arranged in the foyer and the large linen covered table with about a hundred empty champagne flutes neatly aligned in rows. Smirking slightly she suppressed a giggle at the kind of event Jon would organise if Obama actually did become the next President. Movement at the top of the staircase caught her eye, her stomach flipping as she caught sight of Jon hurriedly striding down adjusting the cuff links on his shirt as he went. Dressed to impress in a custom tailored suit with a matching tie and with a new haircut since she had last seen him, he looked jaw droppingly handsome.

The tight lines of stress on his face eased momentarily when their eyes met across the hallway but were just as soon replaced when he took her bags from Phil with a curt nod.

“Thanks Phil, I’ll call if there are any other problems.”

Raising his brows defiantly in Rachel’s direction, he gestured for her to take the stairs ahead of him. Refusing to rise to the bait she smiled sweetly at Phil and thanked him for the ride home before glowering at Jon as she marched up the stairs to the master bedroom. She may have been feeling guilty but her wounded pride was still clamouring to be heard.

Marching into the bedroom without a backwards glance, she swept straight through to the closet slipping her coat off as she went. Every sensory nerve in her body told her Jon was directly behind her, silent and gloriously shameless at his obvious lack of remorse. Turning to face him she glared unflinchingly at him as he set her bags down and when he straightened back up she jabbed one finger menacingly at him.

“Keep in mind that whatever comes out of your mouth next will determine whether or not you get laid tonight!”

Equally as defiant but with the hint of a smug smile creeping across his face, Jon folded his arms and leaned cockily against the wall.

“Oh really?”

“REALLY!” Shooting him a death glare for extra measure, she stooped down beside him to unzip her case. Her heart was hammering loudly in her chest and every fine hair on her body was tingling in the charged atmosphere. She stiffened when she felt his warm breath on the back of her neck, his lips just mere inches away from actually touching her.

“Oh….I’m getting laid tonight, no doubt about that. Probably several times in fact.”

His voice was low and husky, filled with a delicious mix of defiant certainty. “You want me every bit as much as I want you. Your pride may be a little wounded because you know I was right and that…..well, that makes you wrong.  But even with all that going on... you’re soaking wet for me... you're just too stubborn to admit it."

Not trusting herself to look at him, Rachel pulled her dress from the case and slowly straightened up as he hovered beside her, his voice tormenting her as he continued.

“Your real problem is you wouldn't let me help you out because you thought I was trying to take over your life….your business…….and you wanted control…..” 

When he ran a finger lightly down the side of her blouse, just barely tracing the outline of her bust a jolt of electricity scorched through her already quivering body. He was right, she wanted him more desperately than ever but there was no way she was giving him the satisfaction of confirming it.  Pulling away from him, she shook out her dress and laid it over a nearby rack.

“I don’t have time for this, I have to get changed.  I don't want to make anyone LATE!”

With her back turned to him, she began to shimmy out of her blouse and skirt effectively dismissing his initiations. His quiet arrogance infuriated and excited her all at the same time. Still facing away from him she moved around the corner of the closet to pull open the lingerie drawer she had commandeered.  Nestled at the back was a new black and red strapless bra with matching panties that she had purchased in the city a few weeks back. They would match her little black one shoulder dress perfectly, or at least that had been the plan. Easing them on she reflected on how she’d pictured the look on Jon’s face when she teased him with her new purchases – there was no chance that was going to happen now.

Assuming Jon had left her to finish dressing alone, her face registered a quick look of shock when she came back into the main closet area to find him still lounging up against the wall, his hands casually thrust in the pockets of his dress trousers. Naked apart from the new underwear, she could practically feel the heat of his eyes as they travelled the length of her body.

“Nice….”

Still supremely annoyed, Rachel cocked an eyebrow disdainfully at him as he shifted from his position by the wall and moved over to her.

“Glad I've done something that you approve of today!”

He chuckled throatily and smirked, running a slow finger along the low rim of the silk panties. Seeing her so pissed at him was proving to be a huge turn on and he intended to enjoy every second of it.

“Why don’t you skip the panties…..”

In a vain effort to ignore the fluttering of her stomach as it shrank away from the finger that was so insistently dipping inside the silky edge of the panties, Rachel stepped away sharply to pull her dress off the rail.

“That’s completely classless!”

Without even looking at him she could hear the mischievous smile in his voice as she stepped into the dress and pulled the single strap over her right shoulder. He was baiting her like a shark and what was worse was she was being lured in, little by little. When he slid a hand inside the unzipped dress to gently cup her left breast, his breath was warm against her bare neck.

“If you wanted class baby, you should've hung out on Wall Street, not Jersey.”

She sucked in a deep breath when she felt his other hand push up the dress and slide under the front of her panties, his fingers teasing the sensitive skin with lithe little circles. Hook, line and sinker – he’d caught her.

“Jon……..what are you doing? I thought we were in a rush!” Closing her eyes to revel in his touch, she leaned back against his solid frame, her weak protest the only attempt to stop him.

“I told you………lose the panties.”

Shaking her head she squirmed as his fingers dipped lower between her buckling legs.

“I am not attending a political fundraiser with no panties just so you can get your rocks off at the mere thought………” Any furthers words were lost in the deep breath she blew out as the tingling and fluttering inside her intensified from his touch.

“It wasn't a request...and it wasn't for me…….” 

Dipping his head to her neck, Jon let his teeth graze over her quivering skin. 

“…..it’s for you because although I’ll reap the rewards later, by the end of tonight I promise you’ll be more turned on than you've ever been in your life.”

Every fibre of her soul fought against the submissive part of her that was threatening to overcome any willpower she had left as she felt him slide the silk material down past her thighs. When she felt him swipe a finger slowly through her, the game was up. She was soaking wet, the irrefutable evidence coating the second finger he added as he taunted her in a raspy whisper.

“We've been apart all week - I've missed you and you told me earlier you missed me enough to get yourself off last night……….so give it up baby……learn to trust me……. because sometimes………..” 

Jon chuckled softly when he felt her buck against the fingers that he was sliding easily in between her slick folds.

“……..just sometimes I actually know what I'm talking about.”

Shuddering with desire, Rachel twisted against his touch to bring herself face to face with his wicked lips, burying herself against them in one long fiery embrace as her hands yanked the shirt from under the belt of his trousers. Breaking apart just long enough to gaze hungrily at his amused eyes, she mumbled against his skin in between kisses that Jon returned with a fervour equal to her own.

“I may have………” Her fingers worked to loosen his carefully knotted tie and moved down the length of the shirt, popping open buttons as she went. “……been wrong this time……….” 

Gasping for breath as she reached his belt buckle, she looked directly into his swirling blue eyes and watched his pupils respond when she lowered his zipper and grasped none too gently what she’d yearned for from the moment she’d stepped inside the front door.

“……..but I have missed you……so much.”

It was Jon’s turn to suck in a deep breath as she slid to her knees before him and with her dark emerald eyes locked onto his, latched her lips around his thick length and took him into her hot mouth with a ferocity that made him hiss with pleasure. His cock throbbed beyond belief as she snaked her tongue around its girth and sucked hard until she released him with an audible ‘pop’.

“And you thought I wasn't getting laid tonight………..Fuck!” He yelped as her fingers squeezed and released with such pressure at the same time as she took him back in her mouth that the throb of blood pulsing through his solid cock was almost painful.

“Ouch……” Reaching out to the wall to support himself, Jon threw his head back and exhaled a curse as he felt her teeth, purposefully no doubt, scrape lightly against the swollen tip. 

“Play nice with it Rach………or……..Jesus…………”

Fully enjoying being back in control, Rachel watched his face contort in emotions of pleasure and pain combined and she smirked smugly as she rocked back on her heels to release him at the end of a long, hard suck. Gazing up at him innocently, she raised one finger to the edges of her lips to delicately swipe away a drop of pre-cum that she had mercilessly squeezed from him.

“I’ll play with it as often and as rough as I want to Jon…….and there’s not one thing you can do about that!”

He moved with such sudden swiftness that Rachel barely had time to cry out before she found herself  being lifted up onto the edge of the cool, marble topped closet cabinet, his strong arms roughly pushing her dress up under her arms.

“Get rid of that…………this is gonna get messy.” 

The low command that he growled made her insides clench in desire and she dutifully raised her arms to let him toss the dress to the rail behind him. Only her strapless bra remained intact as he cupped the cheeks of her bare ass and lifted her onto him in one brutal but glorious motion. Not caring whether anybody could hear them, Rachel cried out aloud as he filled her completely, her legs impulsively wrapping around his waist to suck him in deeper. Her fingers scrabbled to find a surface to brace against as he rammed her hard against the wall, the hard marble beneath her unyielding to the assault she was delighting in. Again and again the air was forcefully pushed from her lungs with every pump of Jon’s hips as the waves of desire increased with the slick friction between them. Grunting and groaning, his suit jacket and shirt hanging open to reveal the sheen of sweat gathering on his bare chest, Jon dug his fingers into the soft flesh of her ass as he felt her molten walls convulse around him and with a shout he emptied himself deep within her, the satisfying hot rush finally releasing him from the intense throbbing that had nearly made him lose his mind. Gasping he released his hold on her ass and leaned his forehead heavily against her heaving chest, cushioned by the soft swell of her still restrained breasts. Revelling in the glorious aftershocks that were rippling through her body, Rachel closed her eyes and let her head loll back against the wall, deep breaths slowly returning oxygen to her body.

“That…….was…….intense…..”

Jon was silent for a moment as he absorbed the final few satisfying moments before he eased himself upwards and slid out of her. With his forearms resting either side of her thighs, he cocked one eye at her and grinned. “What is it with you and damn walls?”

Rachel snorted in playful disbelief. “ME?? What is it with YOU and walls?  Somehow you always manage to get me up against one!”

Chortling, Jon shook his head as he brushed her lips with a soft kiss before reaching for a towel to clean them up. “Pffh, you practically raped me baby... but we’ll have to go over the play by play later….we need a shower - I’d just as soon not introduce you to the next President with us both reeking of sex!”

Twenty minutes later, Rachel had managed to restore her hair and make up and was just examining herself in the mirror when Jon walked through from the closet tucking the tails of his fresh shirt into his trousers as he grinned at her.

“You look stunning. You've got that ‘freshly fucked’ glow that you wear so well!”

Hitting her hair with one final blast of hair spray as she smiled back at him, Rachel put the canister down and picked up her purse to accompany him down the stairs with just moments to spare before the Obama train rolled in. Standing together at the front door as they prepared to meet and greet their guests, Rachel leaned in to whisper in Jon’s ear.

“By the way.....you were right about the plane…………and about leaving the panties off.”

Welcoming smile fixed firmly on his face, Jon watched as the Obama’s stepped out of their SUV.

“You are not going to distract me from your admittance of being wrong by teasing me about you not wearing panties……but I appreciate the effort all the same.”

When he started to step forward to greet the party, Rachel restrained him lightly with one arm.

“I'm not admitting to being wrong, only that you were right. And I'm not teasing about the panties…check the inside pocket of your jacket.”

When his hand automatically snuck inside the jacket and his fingers felt the silky material, Jon swallowed hard as Rachel smiled sweetly at the approaching people.

“Jesus Lord God………..how fast can I get these people outta my house…….”

Chapter Forty Six

Not content with having spent the weekend together, Jon’s parents had insisted on inviting both of them over for dinner the following evening, much to Jon's annoyance at having less time with Rachel to himself after what had already been a full on few days. Carol had refused to take no for an answer having already invited Tony and Matt along and Jon had known better than to argue especially when Rachel had delightedly accepted the offer for both of them. Pulling up outside the house to pick up his date, Jon grinned to himself and shook his head wryly. It would only be a matter of time before Rachel learned keeping his Mom at arm’s length would be a wise decision!

Letting himself in through the front door for a change, a welcome waft of warm cinnamon lingered in the air of the vast entrance hall. A few weeks back the house had been little more than an empty shell but Rachel had been steadily transforming it into a warm and inviting home, adding decorations and little touches along the way that would make anyone fall in love with it. Sometimes Jon had to remind himself that it was technically on the market, a little fact he preferred not to think about. The possibility of not having his ‘girl next door’ any more was not a pleasant thought.

“Rach?”

Getting no response but hearing a vague thumping coming from upstairs he took the stairs two at a time and found her stomping around her bedroom attempting to wriggle her feet into a pair of soft suede heeled boots and simultaneously talking on her cell on some business matter. Crossing the room he gave her a soft peck on the cheek and kneeled to help her into the boots, chuckling at the grateful smile she gave him before she scurried into the en suite to finish her make-up, still spouting numbers and quotations down the phone. Leaving her to it, Jon headed down to the kitchen to uncork a bottle of wine – sure looked like his girl was in need of a drink.

“I am SO sorry Jon – I’m never late! It drives me crazy!”

Looking up from the newspaper he’d found, Jon grinned and handed her over the wine he’d poured for her. With her hair in a ruffled high pony tail and dressed in skinny jeans with a light blouse he was tempted to call off dinner right there and then – the girl made smart casual look sexy as hell.

“Chill Rach – it’s all good. I’ve already called my folks and told them you got hung up with work and we’ll be there as soon as we can – everything taken care of?”

Taking a healthy swallow of wine Rachel nodded, “Yeah, kinda……..I have to leave tomorrow for Charleston for a few days, one of the regional managers has bailed and left for another bank and this time of year is a nightmare to bring on new help so I’m gonna have to do my job AND his until we can get a suitable replacement.”

Harassed looking, she took another sip of wine and shrugged her shoulders helplessly. “Nothing else we can do unfortunately.”

Jon’s heart sank a little at the thought of her leaving and a slight frown etched his forehead when he thought about what was happening at the end of the week.

“How long will you be gone?”

“I’m taking the two o clock flight back here on Friday so don’t worry – I’ll be back for your fundraiser that evening.”

Jon blew out a quick breath in relief. The fundraiser that was organised to be held at his home on Friday evening was no small affair – Barack Obama was the next man he hoped to see hold the Presidency of the United States and Jon intended to play his part to make that happen. It was going to be a big evening for him and he didn’t want to even contemplate enduring it without Rachel by his side. Shrugging his shoulders he sighed;

“I guess we better get used to you having an insane schedule right along with mine!”

Rachel smirked at the sad little lost boy look he was playing so very well and set her glass down to gently caress his cheek. “Well, I don’t have to be there before Wednesday morning, so I’m taking the last flight tomorrow at four pm which means we’ll have tonight and tomorrow morning together at least.” Leaning closer to him, she teased him with a light kiss on his lips. “C’mon big guy, let’s go have dinner with your family and then we’ll come home and just relax together.”

Returning her kiss, Jon raised his brows hopefully. “Can we relax together naked?”

Giggling, Rachel grabbed her purse and took his hand to begin to drag him toward the front door.

“Naked is EXACTLY what I had in mind so come ON – let’s GO!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the drive over to the Bongiovi Snr’s house, Rachel noticed Jon was unusually quiet with his brows furrowed in thought as they coasted down the road. Reaching over with her hand, she gently squeezed his thigh.

“Penny for them?”

Quiet for  a moment more, Jon pursed his lips together before glancing over at her. “I’ve just been thinking………why don’t you use my plane – you can leave Wednesday instead of Tuesday, that way we’ll have a little more time together and you won’t be so tight on time on Friday getting back for the fundraiser.”

Rachel stared at him in amazement. “As thoughtful as that is Jon, it’s a colossal amount of money – I can fly commercial for a fraction of the cost!”

Undeterred Jon continued to press the issue as he took the turn off that would take them down his parent’s road.

“Yeah I know that but it does give us more time together before you leave and we won’t have to be rushed on Friday…….sometimes you gotta spend money to save time! I’ve got the cost covered so let me do this.”

Tensing a little, Rachel stared out the windscreen at the road ahead of them thinking for a moment how to choose her words. Turning back to him she smiled gratefully.

“I really do appreciate the thought but I’m just not comfortable with it Jon…….just let me take care of my own business arrangements……..okay?”

Shooting her a look of exasperation, Jon slowed the car to give him a little more time before they arrived at the house. “But Rach, I’m only trying to make things easier for you…….for us!”

Annoyed that he wouldn't leave it alone, she began to bristle. “I know that…..I do! Really! But I’ve already got it covered!”

“You’re being stubborn! I can make this a lot less hassle for you!”

Rachel bit back a laugh at his retort. Stubborn? The definition of the word in the dictionary had his name stamped beside it! Reaching across the console, she brushed his cheek tenderly with the back of her hand. “I’m grateful, I really am but I’m a big girl and I can handle my own business affairs. End of discussion.” 

Watching his reaction, she made an attempt to bring some humour into the tensely charged atmosphere within the car. 

“You need to be thinking about all that naked relaxing we’re gonna be doing later instead of my travel arrangements – you can have full control over that!”

Smirking Jon rolled his eyes at her as they pulled into the driveway to reveal his Mom waving excitedly from the open front door. He was pissed Rachel wouldn't play ball but he knew what fights to pick and what to just let drop –  just didn't mean he was any happier about it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The couple of days Rachel spent in Charleston flew by in a blur of paperwork and endless meetings, leaving no time for any other communication with Jon other than the odd rushed phone call and scattered text messages. Drained and mentally exhausted, she was beginning to realise that she was not particularly enjoying her job at the moment, it was becoming a barrier that kept her from enjoying her life. Ironic really considering she dove into work in the first place to keep her from having any time to think about the past... but now work was in the way of a life that she desperately wanted.

By Friday morning, all business matters had been wrapped up as planned and she arrived at the airport in jubilant form. In just a matter of hours she’d be back in Jersey and home with Jon. Speeding through security, she carried her bags on to save time and arrived at the gate with plenty of time in hand. She smiled politely at the other passengers waiting to board as she flopped down in a seat and pulled out her cell to send a quick message to Jon when her attention was caught by her flight number being called out from the flight attendant behind the boarding gate.

“Ladies and Gentlemen…We regret to inform you that this flight’s status is delayed due to a mechanical issue in Atlanta. The aircraft is now en route and the new departure time is 3.30 pm. Please retain your boarding cards and accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.”

A rock of lead sank to the pit of Rachel’s stomach as she closed her eyes and swore softly under her breath. It was a conspiracy, karma coming back to bite her in the ass – it had to be. The new flight time would still get her back in just enough time for the fundraiser but it was cutting it fine and she knew Jon was going to be pissed. Hell, she was pissed enough for the both of them. This was a really important night for him and she knew how much he’d been stressing over the organisation of it and now she was about to add one more complication to the mix. Moving to the adjacent empty gate for some privacy, she hit Jon’s number on her cell and with a nervous swallow waited for it to connect.

‘Hey baby! How’s my best girl?’

Cringing, Rachel shifted nervously from one foot to the other and cleared her throat.

“Hey……..I’m afraid I have a tiny bit of bad news……..”

The long drawn out groan that greeted her down the line was dramatic over the soft click of what sounded like a door closing behind him.

‘You started your period, didn’t you?’

Even with the gravity of the situation, she couldn't help but giggle. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. “Would that be the worst case scenario for you right now…..me starting my period?”

‘Yup! I really don’t wanna play in a muddy field tonight because I've got a LOT of playing to do when you get back here – I’m sure you understand my predicament!”

With her voice bright and cheerful, Rachel nodded emphatically;

“Okay well in that case I have GREAT news! No muddy fields, no period! I'm all spiffy for you to play with………happy????”

‘SO happy – Jesus I haven’t had balls this blue since I was a kid! I can’t wait to get you alone and naked, actually screw that – I’m so horny I don’t even need to get you alone, or even completely naked for that matter – just move the panties aside baby and let me have my way!’

Amused by his buoyant and deliciously evil mood, Rachel lowered her voice and glanced furtively around her for any potential eavesdroppers.

“Well then, maybe I’ll just take the panties off and make it that much easier for you stud!”

The husky chuckle down the line made her shiver in anticipation. In reality she’d missed him every bit as much as he apparently had missed her.

‘Ohhhh oh oh oh……..you really ARE the perfect woman……is it just me or are you horny as I am?

 

“Mmmm, probably not……I got desperate enough to take matters into my own hands last night so I’m actually feeling pretty good!” Grinning smugly she pressed the phone closer to her mouth. “Maybe that was something YOU should have resorted to!”

‘And you didn’t CALL me to share in the fun? I should probably put you over my knee and spank your bare bottom for that one but the mere thought’s giving me a woody so come on……..hit me…….what’s your ‘tiny bit of bad news’?’

Taking a deep breath, Rachel screwed her eyes shut and blurted it out.

“My flight has been delayed – mechanical problems with the plane in Atlanta BUT it’s en route now……..”

Nervously she waited for his response down the sudden ominously silent line.

 “…………..Jon...........?”

After what seemed like an eternity, his clipped voice eventually came across the line through obviously gritted teeth.

‘So your plane isn't even on the ground in Charleston?’

“No but it’s in the air and our new departure time is 3.30.”

More silence ensued before he finally erupted.

‘Shit! I suppose NOW you understand why I wanted you on a private plane!’

“Jon it’s fine…….it’s only an hour and a half flight……….”

‘No Rachel…..it ISN'T fine! We’re talking about an event for a man I hope will be the President of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! This AIN’T a damn hair appointment you’re running late for so quit acting like that’s all it is……….FUCK!’

More than a little stunned by his reaction but accepting it considering he was actually right, Rachel breathed in deeply and kept her voice calm. “I’ll be in by five and I’ll head straight to your place…….I have my clothes with me so all I have to do is change and if worse comes to worse then I’ll change on the plane – it’ll be fine. Just calm down.”

‘Rachel you don’t know shit about what you’re talking about! It’s FRIDAY! Even if your plane does manage to leave at 3.30 you’re landing about 5pm on a fucking Friday night – Traffic will FUCK-YOU-OVER!’

The busy milling of passengers around her and the general hum and buzz of the busy terminal blurred into insignificance as Rachel stared unseeingly into the crowds, her cell glued to her ear in shock.

“Jon…. I'm sor..”

‘Just STAY there Rachel, I'm gonna see if I can charter something from there and get you here that way….’

Anger began to bubble to the top of Rachel’s shocked mind, her defence mechanism recovering itself from the tantrum it had just been subjected to.

“LISTEN to me Jon! I understand you’re upset……”

Before she could finish, Jon’s pissed off voice cut her off again.

‘I don’t have time to waste on the ‘Don’t you dare talk to me that way’ speech Rachel, save it for later – when you’re actually HERE!   Keep your phone on.’

With that the call was disconnected leaving Rachel reeling in disbelief that he had actually the nerve to hang up on her. She’d known her news wasn't going to go down well but she hadn't expected the complete meltdown that had ensued. Defiantly shoving the cell back in her pocket, she marched over to the seats to collect her bags and headed for the nearest coffee stop to await his lordship’s next instructions. It was a little early for alcohol but the caffeine hit just might prevent her from committing a murder felony when she got back to Jersey.