Chapter Fifty

An hour later and the only remnants of the pizza they had shared were the crumbs that Rachel was chasing around the plate with her finger. She had filled Jon in on all the rest of the details of her trip, her visit with her parents, Nick’s family and of course the funeral. Sucking the last of the spicy tomato sauce from her finger, she leaned back happily in the booth seat and smiled contentedly at Jon.

“This feels so good…..to just be able to sit with you and do something normal!”

Grinning, Jon nodded in agreement and took a swallow of his beer. “I gotta tell you, you are nothing like the ‘Ice Queen’ I met that day trespassing on my road. This trip has been good for you – I noticed the difference in you before you even stepped off the plane!”

Blushing, Rachel tipped her head to one side and shrugged. “Yes, well may I just say ‘Jovi Air’ has Southwest beat any day – hands down! And by the way…..I was NOT an ‘Ice Queen’!”

Jon snorted in amusement. “Uh yeah baby – you WERE. It bordered on ‘total bitch’ actually but you were so cute I overlooked the bitch factor in the hopes of getting into your panties and then once I got a hold of what was in those panties……..well I decided I liked a bit of bitch!”

Rachel bit back a retort as the waitress cheerily laid the bill on the table. Reaching for it before Jon could grasp it, she waved it victoriously in the air. “Nope, dinner is on me – you provided transportation for me from California so I’ll buy dinner.” Winking at his surprise, she pulled out her purse. “I wanna keep things even!”

“That’s awfully generous of you baby!” Chortling, Jon smirked as he drained the last of his beer. Now that she’d gotten all her thoughts out, ‘fun’ Rachel was back in town and he was enjoying her immensely.

As she pulled the money from her purse, Rachel smiled sweetly across the table at him. “I know…..I’m just a giving person that way!”

Gathering their things, they walked arm in arm back to the parking lot, Jon’s breath warm against her cheek as he smirked conspiratorially at her. “So you’re in a giving mood huh?”

“Oh yeah! I’m getting into the holiday spirit a little early this year – I believe it’s better to give than receive!”

“Lucky me!” Arriving at the car, he bumped her gently against the passenger door to give her ass a cheeky little squeeze. Not caring whether anybody was watching, he nipped her lips subtly before dipping his tongue in between them for a taste of what he had so badly missed.

Rachel responded with a nibble of her own that left him hungry for more before she smoothly slid from beneath his arms into the passenger seat and gazed up at him coyly. “Oh yeah, you’re gonna feel lucky alright – soooooo lucky! So you wanna do this thing right here or are you gonna take me home?”

Jon grinned down at her as he leaned against the open door. “Is both an option? Can I do you right here in the parking lot and THEN take you home and do you again?”

Cool as a breeze Rachel shrugged and hit the lever to send her seat into a reclined position. “Sure, I’m easy….here……there…….anywhere – or, hell – EVERYWHERE……just c’mon already!!”

Groaning at the sight of her toned thighs that led to the slim line cut of her long boots, Jon sucked in a deep breath and shook his head as he shut the door. The devil incarnate was sitting in the front seat of his car and he fully intended to do wicked things just as soon as he got her home…….very wicked things.

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

“You’re on my side of the bed rockstar!”

Jerking his eyes open from his semi slumbered state, Jon smiled lazily as he drank in the sight before him. Wearing the silk robe he’d bought for her stay in the city apartment, the cinch tied in a loose bow at her waist and with her hair lying softly about her shoulders, Rachel stood with one hand on her hip smirking down at him.

“Uh, no I’m not – I always sleep on this side of the bed!”

When he lifted his hand to hook a finger into the tied cinch, Rachel clasped it firmly with her own hand stopping his advances any further with raised eyebrows. The green depths of her eyes glittered with amusement at the puzzled look on Jon’s face.

“You have never slept on this side of the bed with me.”

Jon hoisted himself up in the bed to bury his other hand under her robe, grinning with delight when as he suspected, he found nothing but soft, creamy skin underneath.

“Well….now that you mention it, I guess we usually just sleep where we fall, don’t we?”

Sucking in a breath from his touch, Rachel giggled softly as she leaned into his touch.

“So…….scoot over then!”

Running one fingertip through the soft nest of curls that were at his eye level, Jon watched as she quivered from his touch. Excitement surged through his blood at the thought of what lay ahead.

“And just exactly why do you get to be the one who wins this side of the bed?”

“Because I’m the girl!”

Chuckling Jon rolled his eyes as he continued to let his finger roll a lazy circle between her thighs, just barely dipping into the warmth that he knew was waiting for him. She was literally putty in his hands and he liked it.

“Why is it that women claim to want equality but they still want us to open the door, take out the trash, carry the heavy boxes……”

“Oh shit!” Interrupting him, Rachel jerked herself away from his touch and shot him a panicked look.

“Did you unload the car? My Mom’s pies need to go in the freezer!”

Undeterred, Jon reached behind to cup her ass firmly, dragging her back to stand before him so he could continue his teasing touch. “Why is it my job to unload your stuff from the car?”

Unable to help herself, Rachel shook her head numbly as fire began to dance in her belly from his slow, torturous movements. “Because you’re the guy……. Seriously……you just left all my stuff in the car?”

She let out a muffled squeak when she was suddenly tumbled onto the bed by a pair of strong hands and found herself staring up at Jon’s victorious face. His breath was warm on her cheeks as he hovered tantalisingly above her, his voice low and smug.

“I unloaded all your crap already.”

“What about my Mom’s pies?”

“In the freezer. I have been married before……I know my job – question is……do you know yours?”

Grinning, Rachel squirmed happily beneath him and let her fingertips dance lightly across his chest.

“Yeah, my job is to complain that I have a headache from travelling all day and that I'm too tired to do anything but go to sleep!” She stopped to screw her eyes shut in concentration and then smirked back up at him. “Oh…….and then I think I'm supposed to ask if you’ll ‘hold’ me while I fall fast asleep safe in your arms!”

“You forgot to mention that you’re supposed to refuse to give me a blow job because it’s ‘gross’.”

The dark crimson blush that coloured Rachel’s cheeks beneath her sparkling eyes made Jon chuckle as he hovered above her. “But then those words would never come out of your mouth would they Rach?” Lowering his head to graze her lips with his stubbled chin, he edged a knee between her quivering legs, his voice raspy with seduction. “You like to give it as much as any man likes to receive it don’t you? If you didn't…….well then you wouldn't be so good at it.”

Unable to resist, Rachel wriggled deeper into the mattress beneath her, willingly inviting him to nestle his groin between her legs. She could feel his hard length beneath his briefs as he brushed against her middle and excitement danced through her belly. Lifting a finger to trace the outline of his parted lips, she dipped one inside for him to suck on.

“Depends on the man……a woman knows if she can really cut loose with a man in bed or if she has to refrain a little…..”

Sitting up slightly Jon gazed down at her. “And which kind am I?”

“Dunno yet!”

“Whaddya MEAN you don’t know yet?” Eyes wide in mock hurt, Jon huffed in pretend indignation. “You’re a closet freak aren’t you? Admit it!”

Grinning, Rachel shrugged. “Like I said – it depends on the man! Any woman can turn into a freak when she has absolute security with a man.”

“Absolute security huh?” Frowning slightly, Jon considered what she had said. As much as he wanted to ravage the woman beneath him, she had a way with words that made him sit up and think for a moment. “So that’s the band of gold and the white picket fence?”

“Depends on the woman.”

Pressing her, Jon stared deep into her eyes. “Is that what absolute security is for you? Marriage?”

“Seriously Jon!” Impatient for more, Rachel let her fingers tug at the waistband of his briefs. “Are you trying to have a serious conversation with me when I'm horny?”

Jon shuddered when he felt her lithe little fingers slide around his girth and tug non too gently. Surrendering to the blood surging around his groin, he let himself glide into her hands. “That depends, are you trying to avoid a serious conversation by distracting me with sex?”

He got his answer when, with an evil smirk Rachel arched her legs up to toe his briefs off the cheeks of his ass and pushed them to his knees, giggling when he kicked himself free into her waiting hands. Gently stroking him, she licked her lips slowly.

“Maybe you should distract me with sex and try get a serious answer out of me just before I come…….that’s the only time I'm vulnerable …… unless I've had a hit or two off a joint and then it’s impossible for me to lie or evade your annoying questions!”

Eyes semi closed in pleasure, Jon snorted in disbelief. “ You've never smoked a joint in your life – you were a ‘good’ girl – I’d bet big money on it!”

“And yet you seem content enough to spend lots of time with me!”

Swollen with need, Jon balanced himself on one strong forearm to let his other hand wander between her legs, the wet heat coating his fingers instantly as he stroked her clit. “And what should that tell me?”

Gasping as she bucked against his touch, Rachel released her hold on his cock and wrapping her legs around his waist, twisted them both to the side effectively tossing Jon to his back and impaling herself on him in one swift motion. Conversation time was over! Writhing in pleasure she tossed her hair over her shoulder and smirked down at his shocked expression.

“Stick to playing the guitar Jon – you’ll go broke as a gambler!”

Groaning as she ground herself against him, her slick walls fully encasing him, Jon grinned up at her as he dug his fingers into her rotating hips. “I’ll let you get by with that move because you do it so well!”

“You’ll let me get by with it because you didn't have a choice!”

Fighting against the building pressure in his balls, Jon screwed his eyes shut and muttered through clenched teeth as Rachel continued her rhythmic, evil assault. He was pretty sure that move had to be illegal in some country somewhere but he loved it, he couldn't remember feeling this horny and satisfied all at the same time ever.

“Bullshit! I will ALWAYS drive the bedroom bus………get used to it baby!”

Fighting for breath as her heart hammered wildly in her chest, Rachel tried her best to ignore the familiar jolts of electricity that were beginning to zing around her core, warning of the orgasm that she knew was gathering strength with every slick slide of Jon’s cock deep within her. Rolling her hips and watching with amusement as Jon bit his lower lip and groaned, she gasped out between thrusts;

“Really baby? You think you’re driving THIS bus? Looks to me like you’re in the passenger seat, trying to hold on for the wild ride.”

“I can hold on for this ride as long as you need……” About to tip over the edge, Jon faltered and grabbed her hips firmly with his fingers. “DON’T MOVE…….” Chest heaving he stared her straight in the eyes, willing the fiery impulses in his balls to recede just a little bit longer. “Just be still for one second while I……..”

Rachel gazed down at him innocently as the tension in his neck subsided a little until she gave her pelvic muscles a wicked squeeze. “You mean don’t move like this? Weren't you just saying you could hold on for as long as you need to?”

“Christ!” Groaning as small beads of perspiration began to form on his brow, Jon stared up at her pleadingly. “You can’t work me like this and expect me to just be able to lay here and take it! It’s been too long….” Deciding this little game had gone on quite long enough, he grasped her firmly by the hips and flipped them both, smirking at the surprised gasp Rachel made as she landed beneath him. “Since you deprived me of any other women – you have to play fair!”

With the ball firmly back in his own court, Jon eased himself inside just a little deeper, he knew she was about two seconds away from becoming totally unhinged from the blush that was becoming increasingly more crimson with every slow thrust. Dropping his head to run the edge of his tongue over a pert nipple, he felt her shudder beneath him when he added a finger to lightly play with her clit, small feathery flicks that he knew drove her wild. Sure enough, her hips began to buck uncontrollably as she arched her back and thrashed her head from side to side on the pillow. Despite panting a little with the exertion, he couldn't suppress the smug satisfaction he felt as he watched her come undone.

“Go for it baby……ride that wave.”

Unable to hold himself back any longer as her walls convulsed repeatedly around him, he slammed into her once more and exhaled loudly as his own release finally came. Collapsing to one side of her, he kissed her softly on the cheek and pushed a few strands of fair hair off her slick forehead.

“I told you I could hold out as long as you needed me to.”

Still fighting for breath, Rachel rolled her eyes. “You cheated. You don’t get to hit every one of my hot buttons at once and claim victory!”

“Don’t be a poor sport just because I played the game better than you did baby!” Chortling he pulled her close to him, moulding their naked bodies together as their heart rates slowly began to decrease. 

“And by the way…..with THAT victory little girl, the King claims THIS side of the bed!”

Chapter Forty Nine

Jon sighed softly as he hit send on his last message to Rachel and then tossed the phone to the sofa beside him. He missed her like crazy and hadn't been lying when he told her he couldn't sleep well without her, she had become a part of his life that he didn't want to change. A glass of wine hovered tantalisingly in front of his face and he lifted a hand to gratefully accept it.

“Thanks bro.”

“So where’s your new neighbour then?”

Richie grinned cheekily as he sank into a chair opposite Jon, his long fingers balancing the delicate stem of the wine glass as the liquid sloshed dangerously from his sudden descent into the deep cushions. He’d gotten into Jersey just over an hour ago and had come straight to Jon’s as was habit, they were due another writing session to pull this album together.

Taking a sip of wine, Jon pouted sullenly. “Rachel? Between her work, my work, my kids and her Goddamn freakin family emergencies we've barely seen each other in a month!”

“Ah” Richie nodded in understanding and waggled his brows cheekily at his friend. “So, who've you been hanging out with then? Andrea or somebody new?” 

Sitting up as an idea formed, he grinned conspiratorially. “Hey I know! Why don’t you give Andi a call, been a while since I've seen her…..you know……have her come out here – with a friend…..or two.”

Cringing, Jon grimaced and shook his head. “NuUH! Rachel and Andi have met and let me tell you, if Andi so much as crossed the bridge I think Rachel would eat her alive.” Chuckling at the memory, Jon cocked his head at Richie. “I swear to you Rich, you've never seen a woman like Rachel. She’s the coolest cucumber I've ever met. She took on Andi AND Elizabeth Williams and never even broke a sweat!”

“Whaddya mean ‘took them on’? Are you talking like ‘naked’ here or what?!”

Jon rolled his eyes at Richie's typically one tracked mind. “No man, the only playground I'm swingin’ on is Rachel’s and I don’t see that changing any time soon. We bumped into both of them in the Hamptons and Rachel held her own – I gotta tell you I was amused as fuck at the whole scene!”

Disappointed as the potentially mind blowing visual images evaporated from his head, Richie leaned back and shrugged. “Hmph, you’ll be playing on another monkey’s bars just as soon as you conquer this one.”

“Nah, that’s where you’re wrong on this one buddy. Aside from the fact that I've given her my word I won’t fool around, I don’t even have the desire to look any further anyway.”

Richie snorted in disbelief and stretched his long limbs in front of him, crossing his boots over at the ankles. He’d known Jon for the whole of his adult life and knew exactly what made him tick. “Mmm hmm, you gave Dorothea your word AND the band of gold and that didn't stop you forever. Trust me man, your new neighbour won’t hold your attention any longer than any of the others have – you may be a romantic old fool at heart but it’s the rest of you that strays!”

Jon smirked and flicked Richie his middle finger. “Nah man, I'm serious. I’d rather cut my balls off than hurt her – you’ll see! She’s not like anybody you've ever met.”

“Then just cut your balls off right now because you WILL hurt her! You always do! I'm not trying to be a prick here Jon but you hurt them all. I've seen plenty of incredible women cross your path and lemme tell you – it isn't how remarkable these women are that has anything to do with it. It’s that you are a driven, selfish asshole that runs them all off. I love ya man, but that’s the way it is!”

Had anyone else spoken to him like that, Jon probably would have knocked their Goddamn head off but Richie had never been afraid to cut the bullshit with him. It still didn't mean his words didn't have an effect though. Suppressing his annoyance, Jon took another drink and glared defiantly over at his friend.

“She knows I'm no angel but I'm working hard to keep the trust she has in me. Look Rich, it’s like I said – you’ll just have to see for yourself. At least gimme the benefit of the doubt this time and reserve judgement!”

Richie stared back at him for a long moment before sighing and nodding his head in tired agreement. Last thing he wanted to do was get in a brawl with Jon and he knew better than to argue with the stubborn sonofabitch. After all, time would tell in the end anyway – it always did.

“Sure man, I hope it’s everything you want it to be – I’ll drink to that.”

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

Richie’s words were still fresh in Jon’s mind the following evening as he stood beside his SUV anxiously scanning the sky for a glimpse of the incoming jet. Any lingering effects of the hangover from the dent Richie and he had made in his wine collection last night had been banished when he’d woken to a message from Rachel saying she was finally taking advantage of his jet and was coming home early. It was the best news he’d heard in a long time and had improved his day no end, resulting in a very successful day in the studio. He was excited about this album, everything on it seemed to be falling into place naturally. A fleck in the distant horizon made his eyes narrow as he strained to make out the pinpoints of the jet’s landing lights and with a smile he pulled out his cell and started to video the landing.  For reasons unknown to him there was something about his girl coming home to him on his plane that made his blood tingle. Leaning against the hood of the car as he watched the plane through the small screen he thought about it for a moment. Ordinarily he was the one ‘coming home’ and he was usually so road weary it mattered very little to him but now being on the ground and waiting with such anticipation....well it was a new experience for him.

Ten minutes later, Jon was still filming as the stairs finally descended and Rachel appeared at the door, smiling as she thanked the crew and then giving him a little wave when she spotted him waiting. Dressed in dark denim jeans, black boots and a tight v-neck tee, her bright smile made Jon’s gut clench in delicious excitement as he finally switched off the phone and began to stride toward the plane. The familiar warm scent of her perfume filled his nostrils when they met at the foot of the steps, her loose hair wafting around his neck as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in for a deep kiss. 

“You look mighty good coming off that plane little girl.”

Laughing as Jon gently lifted her in a swoop to take her off the steps, Rachel leaned back in his arms to cradle his face between her hands. “I couldn't have looked any better than you did standing there waiting for me.” Running her fingers through his hair, she kissed him again letting herself linger in the sweet taste of his lips. “I missed you.”

“I missed YOU baby, man I'm glad you’re home! C’mon let’s get your stuff and I’ll take you to a little hole in the wall and get you drunk enough that you’ll let me have my way with you!”

Winking down at her, Jon glanced across to where the crew were beginning to unload the cargo bay. Several large boxes were already stacked on the tarmac with an interesting array of smaller cases beginning to join them.

“What’s all this stuff?”

A little sheepishly, Rachel shrugged from within the safe confines of his arms. “All sorts really – winter clothes, a few personal things and some goodies from my Mama’s freezer for starters. I figured it’s not every day I get the use of a rock star’s private jet so I brought it with me instead of shipping it!”

Jon chuckled and squeezed her a little tighter, his girl really had come home it seemed.

A little over thirty minutes later and they were sat across from one another in a corner booth of Sal’s Pizzeria, a large pitcher of beer quenching their thirst before dinner arrived. Smiling across at Rachel, Jon took her hands softly in his own, running his calloused fingers over her smooth ones.

“So? Tell me about your trip……how was it?”

Rachel gazed back at him and sighed softly in contentment. All the tension that had built up over her time spent back in California was vanishing now that she was safely back.

“I'm not even sure where to start…..”

“Was it hard? Being back at your old house and all that?”

She thought for a moment before nodding. “A little, especially at first. Ghosts……..they were everywhere. As soon as I walked in the front door I remembered why I wanted a change of scenery in the first place! But in a strange kind of way, my trip made a lot of things fall into place for me.”

“How so?”

“Well you know…… I've had a few challenges really diving into this relationship with you.”

Jon’s eyes widened with surprise and he leaned a little closer across the table. “You have? You never said anything about that….”

Rachel smiled to banish his concerns and moved quickly to explain. She’d thought it all out on the flight home and it finally all made sense, now she just needed to put it into words.

“I know I haven’t but I've sorta had this vague feeling of ….. I don’t know, maybe a sense of guilt hanging over me. I felt like there was something wrong with me for being so happy with you and wondered how a woman who had lost her husband and both of her children could go on and have a second life, outside of throwing herself into work. Kinda like I was supposed to keep swimming in quicksand forever?”

When Jon nodded silently in understanding, she took a deep breath to gather her thoughts before continuing, her fingers still threaded softly in Jon’s. “As soon as I got back to that house I noticed I immediately went on auto-pilot, taking care of business without really feeling anything and that’s how I used to survive. Do you know I never really truly broke down and cried after the accident?”

“You've never said much about it and well, I didn't want to pry……..”

“Honestly Jon, the despair was so dark and deep that it went beyond tears, almost to a calm. I mean there would be moments when I would tear up but looking back I really was afraid to give in to the crying, because I felt I wouldn't be able to come back from it if I ever lost control. Like I would lose my mind completely. Work was the only solution to keep me sane but the one thing that made the whole horrible thing somewhat bearable was knowing they were together. The kids were with their father and they weren't wandering in some unknown world alone. Nick could never have lived through this; he just couldn't have handled it.”

Her eyes glittered with more than a trace of moisture and she drew in a deep breath as Jon gently squeezed her hand.

“Do you need to talk to someone Rach? A professional maybe? I’ll get you the best anywhere in the world, whatever you need – I’ll make sure you get it.”

Lifting a finger to swipe away a tear that threatened to fall from her lashes, Rachel smiled across at him gratefully. “No, I don’t think so but if the time comes I will, I promise. Thank you though…….I think I've turned a corner but I need you know that I’d give up everything – my own life – to bring them back, I’d walk away from you, from us….without a second thought……”

Jon’s voice was soft with sincerity as he gazed across at her. “I can understand that baby; I know I’d be the same if our roles were reversed.” He brought her hand up to his lips to gently kiss the side of it. “You don’t need to feel like you have to minimize the life you had before us, the love you had for your husband and kids. I wouldn't want you to ever feel like that.”

“I know...but since I have no power to change the past I need you to know that I am so glad I didn't miss this……….us.  Because I believe now that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.”

Jon spied the waitress approaching over Rachel’s shoulder bearing a steaming hot pizza and before she reached their booth, he leaned across to brush his lips against Rachel’s and murmur in her ear.

“You are where you’re supposed to be…….. you’re supposed to be with me.”

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.

Chapter Forty Five

The crisp night air was just beginning to settle on the grass tips of the vast lawn as Rachel stood beside Jon watching the tail lights of his parent’s car disappear down the drive way. Slightly later than planned due to hours of fun out on the river and then a late lunch that had delayed the kid’s departure by a few hours but now, well now... it was just them.

Threading his fingers through Rachel’s, Jon blew out a long breath and smiled down at her. “You okay? I did warn you my family was full on!”

Her soft eyes glittered softly back up at him, her voice quiet and content. “ I'm more than okay, being with your family….and your kids? It was amazing……….thank you.”

Jon chuckled softly as he dropped a gentle kiss on her forehead and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Thank you for being a part of it, I was worried the kids would scare you away with Steph asking all her questions and then Jesse touting the merits of his Mom this morning…….. Hell I think I might have run away!”

Smiling, Rachel shook her head as she reached up to brush back the strands of caramel hair that flopped over his forehead. “ I'm done running Jon, I've done enough of that to last two lifetimes.”

“I'm glad.” Squeezing her waist gently, Jon turned to guide them both back to the main house when Rachel stopped him with a hopeful smile.

“Hey…….fancy a nightcap? I know a good bar not far from here.”

Grinning, Jon shook his head in wonder at her. “ I've said it before and I’ll say it again……I love the way you think! Let’s go!”

The Shoe Inn that nestled quietly in the corner of the estate came to life at the flick of a few switches with the corner lamps casting a soft glow over the low tables and comfortable armchairs. Sliding in behind the polished wooden bar, Jon slung a towel over his shoulder and cocked his head cheekily at Rachel as she perched herself on a high stool opposite him.

“What’s your pleasure Ma’am? Anything you want – I got!”

“Surprise me…..”

Chortling he leaned across the bar and brushing her lips with a kiss, murmured huskily against her cheek.

“That I can do…..”

Rachel watched as he deftly flicked two heavy tumbler glasses from the shelf behind the bar and with a dramatic flourish that made her giggle, poured a generous measure of an amber liquid into each one.

“Cognac huh? Anyone would think you were trying to get me drunk to take advantage…”

Lifting the glass to chink it noisily against his, Rachel grinned coyly at him before taking a sip of the brandy that warmed its own path down her throat. Jon eyed her over his own glass for a moment before taking a healthy swallow and topping both their drinks up moved around the bar to sidle up against her stool.

“Oh I think I already have the advantage…..”

The sweet odour of brandy tinged breath filled Rachel’s senses as Jon dipped his head to deliver a kiss filled with the promise of more. She let the fingers of her right hand curl around the base of his head, running through the soft strands of hair to gently pull him closer. A yearning to be close to him flooded her veins with a quiet desperation. While it had been an enjoyable weekend she was tired of sharing.

“You okay babe?” Breaking apart Jon looked deep into her eyes, his lips murmuring just inches away. “I know being around my family can’t be easy, wanna talk about it?”

The concern that swirled in his eyes touched a chord deep within her, here was a man that was trying everything he knew to make it all okay, to make her feel a part of his life, a part of his family. She’d never been good at talking, something she knew she had to improve if this was to work.

“Jon…….” Reaching up to gently brush her fingers against the slight growth of stubble that grazed his chin, Rachel smiled softly.

“……Each step on this journey with you has been amazing and this weekend? It was…….special but the flip side is that the deeper I get into your life, it stirs something in me that I thought was long gone.”

Pausing, she dropped her gaze from him for a moment. The air around them was quiet, not even a ticking clock to count the seconds that slowly clicked by until she lifted her face to look back at him with an honesty that laid her bare.

“I still know how to be a person that cares Jon, I've become so focused on forgetting that……..well I guess I’d forgotten how to remember.”

Jon stared at her for a moment, his breath hitched on her every word. The fact that she trusted him so completely was almost frightening, he wasn't sure if it was a credit he deserved or should be cast into hell for.

Clearing his throat he threw her a lopsided grin, “Hey……did you see what just happened there? You didn't shut me down – that’s progress! We are definitely making progress!”

With a shake of her head, Rachel laughed lightly and sat back to take another sip of the cognac that glided it’s way all too easily down her throat. The mere proximity of Jon’s body nestled comfortably against the bar beside her was almost too much to bear, he was intoxicating.

“Jon, there’s something about this that still scares me………” Taking a deep breath she set her glass back on the counter top and stared down at the engrained wood surface, her voice quiet and low.

“…….these past few days I've realised something else……….. I'm starting to feel an actual need for you….not so much as in a ‘together’ sense…..”

Jon watched as she struggled with the words, a light crimson blush colouring her cheeks highlighted by the warm glow of the overhead bar lights. He knew what she was trying to say, he felt it too. Setting his glass down on the bar he reached over to brush back the tendrils of blonde hair that were drifting across her forehead. The way he’d watched Rachel interact with his family this weekend had all but melted his heart, she just seemed to fit in seamlessly.

The depths of her eyes that flickered up to meet his gaze glistened when he gently traced the outline of her chin with his finger to draw her attention.  

“I hear you babe……..”

The heat behind the kiss that followed affirmed his words, their lips meshed tightly against one another, tasting and releasing the pent up need both of them felt for the other. Drinks forgotten, Jon hitched both of Rachel’s legs around his hips and with her hands burrowed deep in his hair, lifted her straight off the stool and over to a soft lounger in front of the empty fireplace. Their insistent lips never parted for a second, the deep cushions under Rachel’s light frame supporting them as they became entwined in one another. Blood heavy with desire pumped through Rachel’s veins as she pushed the light jacket off Jon’s shoulders and moved quickly to curl her fingers under the shirt that concealed him from her. Breaking apart for a moment, Jon rose above her and in one swift motion flicked the offending clothing over his head and dropped it to the floor before crashing down once more on her lips.

“Are you fond of this shirt?” Smirking slightly he eyed Rachel in amusement as his fingers paused at the buttons of her light blouse. Gasping for breath, she stared confusedly at him.

“Not particularly……..why?”

“Good!” The wicked delight that danced in Jon’s eyes heightened when he tugged hard at the top of the blouse causing the buttons to fly off into the dimness of the bar around them. Surprise soon switched back to desire when Rachel felt his teeth nip gently on her hardened nipples only barely encased by the cups of her laced edged bra. Biting her lower lip to stifle the moan that escaped her lungs, her stomach involuntarily arched up to grind against the soft fur of his chest while her fingers wildly tugged at the roots of his hair as he persisted in torturing her with his teeth. The only distraction from the almost painful sensation in her aching nipples was the wet heat she could feel seeping from between her legs, a throbbing that was emanating from deep within her.

“Enough Jon……I need you……” She almost growled at him in her longing to feel him inside her, the pent up carnal frustration from the weekend spent together but at the same time apart set to tear her in two.

“Damn right you do.” Finally lifting his head from her chest, Jon smirked down at her before sitting back on his heels to none too gently wrench the fitted denims from her hips, the harsh sound of the fly unzipping cutting through the still air. Chest heaving, Rachel grabbed onto his belt to lever herself up just enough to wriggle out of the panties that went with her jeans in Jon’s fists and with an eagerness to match his, deftly flicked open the buckle to reveal the hardened bulge that she so longed for. She took a moment to gaze at it before curling the corners of her lips in a smug smile.

“Apparently I'm not the only one in need here…….”

“That’s quite enough talk from you little girl!” Unabashed Jon half stood to shuck his own pants, kicking off his boots in the process and quickly lowering himself back to between her quivering legs where he knew his prize was awaiting. Any further smart comments Rachel may have been about to retort with flew out of her head the moment his tongue quickly darted between her folds, the instant release buckling her legs as she flooded his mouth with juices.

“ Ohhhhhh………”

Almost as soon as the pressure within her released, she could feel it building again with an even stronger intensity as Jon probed deeper and quicker, his hot breath against her tender flesh making her hum with pleasure. Gasping for air she arched against him, her head thrashing against the plush cushions until she could stand no more. Heart hammering, she reached to pull him to her, their lips once again colliding with bruising force as she tasted herself on his tongue, his fingers exploring and teasing where his mouth had left off between her legs. The throbbing had been replaced by a crashing of lustful waves, receding and building with every long stroke of his fingers deep within her walls. With her hair fisted in Jon’s free hand, she was powerless to resist even if she had wanted to, never before had they consumed one another like this, with a pure and unadulterated carnal pleasure.

Seconds later, Jon’s lips hovered above her eyes and after dropping a soft kiss on her sweat streaked forehead, he locked eye contact with her and buried himself to the hilt in one fluid motion. Rachel’s eyes widened in pleasure as he stretched her to breaking point, her core muscles greedily accepting the welcome intrusion. He filled her completely, again and again until the cords in his neck began to strain and with a long groan they fell over the abyss together into a deep hole of sated bliss.

Laying together on the scattered cushions, Jon dropped his head to lean against Rachel’s neck as they both fought to recapture their breath while their hearts thumped together in unison. With a trembling hand, Rachel softly swept back the damp tendrils of his hair and gently caressed his cheek with her finger.

“This is what gets me Jon….it only seems to get better…..every time is better than the time before….how is that even possible?”

Jon listened to the wonder in her quiet voice as he felt his heart rate slowly return to normal. She was right, she got him – every damn time. He wanted her more now than the first night they had spent together, he needed her like he needed the air around him to breathe. Carefully he sat himself upright and slouched back against the cushions pulling her up into his arms at the same time. Gazing down at her he smiled softly and ran a thumb along the line of her chin tilting her eyes up to meet him.

“It’s possible Rach because I keep finding you more irresistible than ever and I know you feel that – it’s time we both admit it…..”

Gazing into his blue eyes filled with nothing but affection and sincerity and wrapped safe and secure against his bare chest, Rachel finally gave in and allowed herself to finally believe the fantasy she has so often indulged in since her life had been torn apart……..she was falling in love……… they were falling in love.