Chapter Twenty Four

Jon’s fingers tightened around the corkscrew when his whole body tensed at her biting remark. With a dipped head and frustrated sigh he pulled the cork out, the audible ‘pop’ sounding like a shotgun being fired in the quiet kitchen. He’d thought they were past this – evidently not.

“I don’t know how many times or ways I can apologise for those words Rachel.”

His voice was quiet and heavy with resignation as he poured a generous measure of wine into each glass. Joining him at the table Rachel slid the steaming dish of chicken onto a serving plate and picked up the glass he silently proffered. After taking a long deliberate swallow she let the fruity spice of the wine linger in her mouth before it slid down her throat. Turning to face him she sighed and shook her head.

“I’m sorry Jon but I’ve got to ask…….a few days ago you seemed to lump me in with hordes of married women that you’ve screwed……at least that’s what it sounded like……” The pale wine sloshed around the glass from the tremor in her hand, “So I guess what’s really bugging me is that I’m wondering is that something you do with regularity……..sleep with women you know are married?”

The innocence and fragility that poured from her voice made Jon’s stomach churn. He had only himself to blame for this and he at least owed her a truthful answer even if it wasn’t what she wanted to hear. Pulling the sunglasses off the bridge of his nose he folded them up and let them drop noisily on the table.

“I’m no angel Rachel, never claimed to be one so yeah, there have been some women whom I knew were married.”

She nodded slowly accepting his quiet but frank answer with another question.

“Did you have other women when you were married?”

The cool depths of his blue eyes never faltered from the lock they shared with hers but the tension was etched across his forehead.

“I did……relatively discreetly and at some times more than at other times.”

“Was that the cause of your divorce………….your other women?”

His face conveyed no emotion, his reply curt and to the point. 

“I’d imagine it was a contributing factor.”

“So this is normal for you?” Rachel motioned with her free hand to the air around them, the other still nervously clutching the wine glass.

Jon looked at her under arched eyebrows, a fleeting puzzled look filtering through his eyes.

“This?”

“Yes Jon – this! I mean is it normal for you to find a woman such as ‘me’ irresistible only for you then to decide later she’s common and not worth hanging onto?”

Closing his eyes, Jon blew out a long tired sigh, his face crumpling with a mixture of frustration and disappointment as he raked a hand through his hair.

“Rachel I didn’t come home for this…….”

Another swallow of wine steadied Rachel’s confidence, she had no idea why she was looking for a fight but she wanted answers before this………thing……..went any further. She’d be damned if she ended being just another notch on some rock star’s belt.

“So why DID you come home Jon? Is it that you were feeling guilty and needed to clear your conscience or were you just horny and thought… ‘Hey I know where I can find an easy piece of ass!’….?”

Her words slammed into him like a freight train and a wave of indignant rage swelled from his gut to where his eyes sparked icily.

“Listen Rachel, I didn’t have to fly across the damn country to get laid. I could walk into pretty much any fucking room and find plenty of women throwing themselves at me.” Fuming he spat his words out with his fists curled tightly at his sides. “That’s not arrogance; it’s just a well-known fact – me getting laid? NOT a problem – EVER!”

His jaw was rigid with defiance and his back ram rod straight as he continued on his rant. She wanted answers? – Well she was gonna get them.

“You want to know the truth? The truth is I had a girl I regularly hook up with all over me the other night and I shut her down because all I could see in my head was YOU!”

Images of Jon with another woman after the night they’d spent together flooded Rachel’s stunned mind and left a wave of nausea sweeping through her stomach. Her face paled and with a shake of her head she walked away from him to stand at the kitchen sink, her trembling fingers white tipped with exertion when she grasped the ceramic edge for support.

“The only thing worse than the vile things you SAY…….are the vile things you DO…….” Staring resolutely out the window she spoke with a quiet but steely determination.

“You had better leave Jon. I think we’re done here.”

Jon was silent for a moment, his shoulders shaking with rage and his face contorted with fury. For a moment he thought about stalking out the door and slamming it behind him, he’d left one broken marriage behind him already and he wasn’t about to get into something else that was ultimately going to go the same way but……….

Taking a deep breath he moved around the island to come up behind her, his hands automatically reaching for her slender hips to turn her to face him. Glistening eyes shone out at him from the pale moon of her face and he chose his words carefully.

“Rachel…….I lost my temper with you the other day partly because I misunderstood the rings which in hindsight was incredibly dumb of me……….but mostly because you told me you’d never thought of cheating on your husband in twenty years of marriage and you asked me if I could say the same……..and that hit a nerve. I can’t say the same – you know that now but that still doesn’t take away from the fact that I’m not proud of it.”

Another heavy sigh rolled off his shoulders and he grasped her a little tighter willing the frustration in his head to subside.

“Rachel I don’t know how to tell you how sorry I am…….I was a cruel sonofabitch and I know that – it’s been playing on my mind nearly non-stop ever since I stupidly said it but honey……you gotta let me off the cross sometime!”

Rachel saw a quiet desperation swim into his eyes, the earlier anger subsiding and melting away into pools of sincerity.

“Your ‘regular hook up’………..did you sleep with her?”

Jon’s shoulders relaxed a little, his fingers loosening from their tight grip on her hips.

“No……things didn’t go that far…….I mean we had drinks and messed around a little but ultimately I sent her home.”

Although Rachel said nothing, Jon could see the coils of turmoil running through her mind as she wrestled with her feelings. He lifted his hands from her hips and gently cradled the sides of her head, his fingers sliding through the loose golden hair that flowed in gentle waves behind her ears.

“Look Rachel, I can be a real prick…..I know that – Jesus YOU know that……….but I’m not cruel by nature and I’m not a liar. I won’t ever lie to you and I came home because I wanted to see you and because I wanted to be with you…….”

His breath was hot on her cheeks but that was nothing compared to the heat that seared from his eyes into her soul. She wanted with every ounce of her being to believe him, her heart wanted to believe him but her head…..

“Jon…….given your obvious habits with multiple women……” A tremor shook her voice as she slowly reached up to remove his hands from where he still cradled her. “That’s just not something I’m willing to deal with…..I can’t……..”

Letting his hands drop he rubbed his forehead tiredly and shrugged. “Yeah, well as it turns out it’s not that great for me either. Look I’m not gonna get into the details but suffice it to say you were the only thing that stopped me when I was with her………….I know that doesn’t count for much right now but it’s the truth.”

Taking a step back he dipped his head and thought for a moment. They’d come this far and he’d told her more things than he’d barely ever told anyone. What had he got to lose any more?

“Rachel I don’t know where this thing between us will ultimately go…..can I give you ‘the band of gold’ even if you wanted it? No…..not today but if you’re asking me to commit to a monogamous relationship with you………I can do that.” 

Looking back up at where she stood silently watching him he raised his arms helplessly. “If you can let go of all this and let us explore something I can promise you there won’t be anybody else…….no dates…….no dinners….drinks…..nothing.”

Rachel sucked in a breath and wrapped her arms around herself, she was suddenly cold despite the simmering late afternoon heat outside. She wanted more than anything to give in, up until today Nick was the only man who had ever been prepared to fight for her but there was still a final nagging question that remained unanswered.

“I just want to know one more thing Jon and I know I have really no right to ask this but………that morning we were supposed to go for a run and you were hung over….you said it was because an old friend had shown up the night before…” Biting her lip nervously she went for the kill. “…Was it a woman?”

“Yes.” Jon nodded without hesitation, “She’s a socialite who has never accomplished anything other than to show up at every party and social gang bang the Hamptons has to offer.” Clearing his throat he moved closer to reassure her. “I always ‘protected’ myself with these women and if your next question is why I didn’t with you it’s because it’s a hell of a long time since I got so caught up in the moment that I truly didn’t care……I had a clean bill of health from the doc two months back and you’re the only one I’ve been careless with in ‘that’ way since more time than I can remember.”

The uncomfortable reality of his words, although Rachel seemed unaffected made his stomach turn but these were things he needed to say. Shaking his head he let his shoulders slump in despair.

“This isn’t good for you or me……….I know we have some sort of connection here – that much is obvious but I don’t have an explanation for it right now…….it’s all too new…..”

He searched her face for any sign of agreement but she merely waited silently for him to continue.

“I want to see what this is with us but I’m not prepared for us to keep hurting and fighting with one another. Can you let go of all this and move on…….with me?”

A whirlwind of thoughts crashed through her brain, she was acutely aware that he had bared his soul to her and she suspected Jon Bon Jovi was not the kind of man likely to leave himself in such a vulnerable state with anyone, much less a woman. Let go Rachel, for once in your life just let go!

A single tear trickled softly down each of her cheeks, not from sadness but more from relief. Slowly she nodded, a small smile curving upward from her trembling lips.

“I can……if you want to that is……..”

A euphoric release of pressure flooded Jon’s senses and he swooped forward to pull her close, his nose gently nuzzling the soft waves of hair that nestled from her head underneath his chin.

“More than anything baby, more than anything.”

Rocking on his heels he leant back and tipped her face up to him. God she was so innocently pure it mesmerised him. Gently he dropped a soft kiss on her moist lips, the light scent of her perfume tickling his nose.

“So nothing more from the past…….right?”

Rachel swallowed back the hard knot of emotion that was still squeezing a succession of tiny but happy tears from her eyes. Taking a deep breath she nodded and smiled.

“Right.”

Grinning Jon held up his right hand in front of her, waggling his little finger enticingly. “Pinkie swear?”

Rolling her eyes good naturedly, Rachel giggled at the absurdity of his childish proposal and raised her own finger to intertwine with his. The innocently blue shade of his irises that were locked in a puppy dog plea made her feel as if a thousand butterflies were fluttering inside her and she sighed happily when she felt his finger curl around hers.

“Pinkie swear.”

It may have been a simple and seemingly infantile gesture but right then a presidential handshake couldn’t have meant more – to either of them.

Chapter Twenty Three

“Well give me the first available slot you get – I want to be airborne by midnight at the latest!” Jon barked the order into his phone and hung up, his brows furrowed in an angry frustration.

“And you’re in such a rush to get home why exactly?”

Richie regarded his friend suspiciously as Jon stuffed the phone back in his pocket after making several fruitless calls to the airport authorities. He had been under the impression that Jon was going to at least stay till the weekend to get some more work done. Actually on second thoughts the work part was merely an afterthought – Richie had planned plenty more extra-curricular activities to keep them entertained but now it seemed he was going to be left flying solo.

Jon shrugged and drained his beer in one long swallow. From the sound of things he wasn’t going anywhere soon.

“I just got stuff to do back home Rich and we got a decent bit of shit done yesterday……..”

“We wrote ONE song my brother – that ain’t gonna build us a new record Jon!”

“We JUST came off tour a few months ago – I think we got time on our side.” Jon shook his head and chuckled despite his annoyance at being stuck in California for a few more hours. “Normally you’re the one telling me to cool my jets and chill the fuck out – try taking some of your own medicine for a change.”

Richie narrowed his eyes and smirked. “It’s a woman!”

Sandy hair flopped forward over Jon’s brow when he jerked his head upright at Richie’s confident declaration.

“What is a woman?”

“There are only two reasons you’d be busting your chops to get back home so soon and the first one on that list is a woman! Add that to the heart blistering lyrics you pulled outta the bag yesterday and the severe lack of interest in the delectable Janelle and I rest my case – so who is she?”

A victorious grin lit up Richie’s dark eyes, the familiar creases in his face glinting across the table over the remains of their dinner. Folding his arms he settled back in his chair to await Jon’s validation to his verdict. He knew he was right; nothing fucked with Jon’s head more than a woman.

A long sigh escaped Jon’s lungs, while he had no intention of keeping Rachel a secret he would have preferred some more time to figure things out before Richie came barrelling into it. His best friend had an uncanny knack of figuring things out and he might have known it was only a matter of time before he put two and two together and came up with three. Although he had to admit this time Richie was spot on with his observations. Motioning to the pretty young blonde server that was constantly hovering near their table he ordered a fresh round of drinks and prepared to fill in an expectantly waiting Richie on the latest developments in his love life. 

“I have a new neighbour……..”

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

The plane had barely touched down before Jon was on his feet and tugging his coat on. His personal flight attendant knew better than to reprimand him on neglecting the usual safety instructions that always bored everyone senseless. Instead she stayed sitting in her jump seat, her feet crossed neatly at her ankles and her hands resting lightly on top of the safety belt buckle that kept her safely strapped in with an amused smile twitching at her lips. Jon Bon Jovi was one of the most impatient men she knew but he was a great employer and she had never had any objection to dropping everything at the first sign that he wanted to get somewhere.

“If you give me a moment Jon I’ll get those bags down for you.”

Jon chuckled and shook his head at her before reaching up to the overhead compartment and yanking down his luggage himself.

“Time waits for no man Anna but thank you. You got plans with that husband of yours for the weekend?”

As the jet smoothly ground to a halt and the pilots powered the engines down, Anna slid elegantly from her seat and nodded with a smile before heading to release the safety lock on the door. 

“It’s our anniversary tomorrow so we’re heading into the city for the night. Going to stay in one of those fancy hotels you’re always telling me about – The Plaza.”

Jon winked across at her before he slid his aviators over his eyes. “Ted’s going all out huh? Enjoy it sweetheart – you deserve it!” 

Slinging his guitar case on his shoulder and with his bag bunched up under the opposite arm he bent down to give her a soft kiss on the cheek. “Be good!”

Anna laughed and waved him away down the unfolded steps leading to the tarmac.

“Always am Jon, always am! Take care of yourself!”

Sliding into the back of the car that awaited his arrival, Jon pulled out his phone and made a quick call to the Plaza’s manager to arrange a complimentary upgrade on her booking. Anna had flown with him for years and he appreciated her attentive service, it was the least he could do. Good staff were hard to come by these days.

Once that was taken care of he sank back in the comfortable upholstery relieved to be finally on the last part of his journey home. Thanks to some last minute fuel problems at the airport he used in California the earliest they’d been able to take off had been just after six that morning. Following a few more drinks after dinner during which Jon had given Richie the brief run down on Rachel and her previous life, the two men had gone for an early night with Richie promising to fly east in a few weeks for another writing session and of course the obligatory introduction to Rachel.

Jon smirked to himself, his thoughts subconsciously reverting to the memory of readily agreeing to introduce Richie to her. Without even realising it he was making plans for the future – with a woman.

Interesting. 

A glance at his watch reminded him to flick it forward back onto Eastern Time, the hour was fast approaching four in the afternoon and a growl from his stomach reminded him he’d had nothing to eat since leaving LA that morning. Dinner with his favourite new neighbour sounded more than appetising right now. Picking up his phone again he hit Rachel’s number and waited for the call to connect as he gazed out the window at the passing scenery. When her voice mail kicked in he frowned and disconnected before leaning forward to talk with his driver.

“Hey Phil, drop me at the studio will you?”

“Sure thing Boss.”

He couldn’t wait any longer, he’d spent the best part of the last three days thinking about her – he needed a visual reminder before he lost his mind altogether. Less than twenty minutes later and Jon was striding purposefully across the road to the adjoining property having left Phil to drop the bags at the main house. The driveway was a lot neater than the last time he’d seen it, the piles of dirt and kerbing blocks gone leaving an array of freshly sown raised flower beds and shrubs on display.

Whipping his phone out he tried Rachel’s number yet again but to no avail, it still went unanswered but the fact that her SUV was there confirmed she was in residence at least. Choosing to bypass the front door he retraced his steps around the rear of the house to where he had found her last time. A glittering blue sheet of water rippled invitingly from the renovated pool, a pair of new sun loungers laid out on the bathing area making him smile. It was just the evening to try those babies out. A stickiness underneath pulled at his boots and he frowned in puzzlement at the wooden decking beneath his feet. It looked different somehow, darker maybe………..freshly VARNISHED??

“FUCK!”

Stumbling in his haste to get off the still wet boards, he swore loudly and teetered on his tiptoes to the nearest window sill for support. A clear line of footprints followed his path from the front of the house, the lines of the soles of his boots nicely etched into the shiny varnish. 

Great! 

Barely three steps ahead he could now make out the fresh line of varnish that stopped short of the once again open French doors, obviously the geniuses had run out of paint and called it a day at that. 

A fucking sign wouldn’t have gone astray! Still muttering to himself as he examined the undersides of his boots a familiar sounding drum beat travelled to his ears from the kitchen. What the….?

Giving up on his footwear for the time being he stretched over the remaining wet boards and kicked the sticky boots off once he landed on what was left of the untreated decking. The music was in full flow now and he grinned amusedly when the opening lyrics burst noisily across the summer air.

This ain’t a song for the broken hearted …....

No silent prayer for faith departed…….

Moving silently to the doors in his socks he caught sight of her at the open range stove, her hips clad in dark blue denim cut offs swaying to the beat of the song that blared loudly from her iPod stereo on the kitchen island. Her perfectly rounded ass bumped and grinded in unison with the guitar riff until the chorus broke through and her head started bopping.

It’s my life………

It’s now or never………

I ain’t gonna live forever…….

Chuckling he snuck in the door and perched himself on the corner of the sofa where they had watched the thunderstorm together that night. Rachel oblivious to his presence continued frying something on the stove that smelt delicious to Jon, her back turned away from him throughout the duration of the song until it ended in one final proclamation which she sang out loud waving the spatula in her hand as if to reiterate the point to an unseen audience.

“It’s my LIFE!”

“So you’re one of those ‘closet’ fans huh?”

Rachel whirled around, alarm flushing her face as she gaped at Jon laughing at her from the corner of the room.

“Don’t you EVER knock?!”

Shrugging his shoulders he lifted his hands in self-defence and waggled his brows at her; “I called…….TWICE but you didn’t answer my dear. So I decided to break in again but since you’re prone to leaving these doors wide open you made it easy…..well sort of easy.”

He grinned sheepishly at her and nodded to the decking outside before gesturing to his bootless feet. 

“Too bad you didn’t tell me about the painters……..”

“Oh no…….you didn’t?”

“Yup! I sure did – you might want to call those guys back – there are footprints all OVER the place out there!”

Rachel’s mouth dropped open in disbelief until she stuck her head outside to examine the decking. Dissolving into giggles at the sight of his boots discarded in a sticky mess beside the door she shook her head at him.

“Ooops!”

“So next time pick UP your phone when I call  - prior warning of all future booby traps would be greatly appreciated!” 

Smirking Jon got to his feet and padded over to Rachel who blushed as she guiltily motioned to the phone sitting on the island beside her iPod.

“Sorry, couldn’t hear it over Bon Jovi!”

“So I noticed…..” Reaching her his eyes swooped appreciatively over the fitted white tank top she was wearing and zoned in on the bra that she wasn’t wearing……..the rosy pebble of her nipples poking through the light cotton drawing his full attention.

“You know, seeing as your place is so close to MY place…….what are the neighbours gonna say when they think all this music is coming from MY house?”

His hands stretched out to run lightly down the outsides of her slender arms, the fair hairs prickling to his touch until he moved lower to rest just above the curve of her ass.

Rachel giggled and grinned up at him, her arms snaking between his to travel up his chest and cradle his neck.

“They’ll think ‘That Jon Bon Jovi guy – he’s sure proud of his shit!’….”

Jon snorted back a laugh and dropped his head to brush her smiling lips with a light kiss, his hands travelling lower down her ass drawing her body closer as he murmured;

“I like that shirt – a lot! Especially when there’s nothing underneath it…..” Keeping one hand caressing the curve of her butt cheeks he brought the other up to graze his thumb gently against the side of her unfettered bust.

A light blush coloured Rachel’s cheeks and she playfully swatted him away to move back to the sizzling pan on the stove. Following her Jon hooked his fingers into the back pockets of her shorts and peered over her shoulder sniffing the air appreciatively.

“Smells great baby……” His eyes grew wide when he took in the mountain of chicken chunks browning in the pan nestled amidst a deluge of bright vegetables.

“Are you expecting company? That’s a lot of meat for one little blonde.”

Regaining her composure Rachel shook the pan confidently, the sizzling of the ingredients intensifying.

“No I just thought I’d cook a double batch to have tomorrow but since you’re here…..care to join me for dinner? It’s nothing fancy, just chicken fajitas.”

“Sounds great – I’m starved.” Bending over her, he nuzzled the hair off her neck and inhaled her sweet scent. “Want me to run to my place and grab some wine?”

An involuntary shiver travelled down her spine when she felt him nip her neck and she fought to contain the flutter of arousal rising from her belly.

“I bought a couple of bottles, they’re in the fridge or there’s a pitcher of iced tea either – whichever you like, I’m easy.”

She rolled her eyes at the inevitable chuckle Jon gave before giving her a final nibble and then pulling away to head for the fridge.

“You’re anything but easy baby!” Swinging the door open he blew out a low whistle, his eyes taking in the stocked compartments.

“Holy shit you weren’t kidding when you said you’d been shopping!”

Armed with a bottle under one arm and the pitcher in the other he kicked the door shut with a foot and went to one of the overhead cabinets in search of glasses. Rachel took the pan off the heat and started piling the chicken and vegetables into a dish, directing him to the right cabinet for the glasses.

“Over by the wall, to your left.”

Snagging the long stems of two wine glasses with his fingers, Jon carried them to the table and set them down with the bottle and pitcher. Retracing his steps he retrieved a pair of high balls for the iced tea and started poking about in the cutlery drawers.

“Don’t suppose you remembered to get a corkscrew?”

Finished mixing the spices through the chicken, Rachel turned to face him with a happy smile grabbing a cloth to wipe her hands. Having him here felt so comfortable, like how she remembered her life to have once been. Standing watching Jon fumble noisily through the assortment of kitchen utensils piled into one of the drawers for a second he was replaced by Nick, always complaining that he could never find anything. He had been a master of the barbeque but a disaster in the kitchen. A painful twang on her heart strings brought her crashing back to the present, faced not with her husband but with the man that had come barrelling into her life, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil of emotions he invoked in her. There were moments when he made her heart soar like just now when he had turned up in her kitchen but so far in their short relationship there had also been moments when he’d torn it out and trampled all over it. He was like a drug, intoxicatingly high in the heat of the moment but soul destroying in the aftermath. She felt like she was playing with fire and it terrified her.

“Aha! Got it!”

Cheerily Jon pulled the silver tool out triumphantly and turned back to examine the label on the bottle of wine.

“Nice choice on the wine selection baby! Top class!”

Hearing no response he glanced over to where Rachel stood gazing at him, still slowly wiping her hands over and over in the small towel, seemingly miles away.

“Eh……Rach? You okay baby?”

The worry in his voice jerked her back to reality and she gave him a quick smile before turning to retrieve the floury tortilla wraps from the warmer in the oven.

“Sorry got side-tracked, what where you saying?”

Puzzled Jon turned back to the bottle of wine and began to sink the corkscrew into the waxy top. “I was just saying you managed to pick some great wine here.”

Although unintended his words hit her like a condescending brick. Faced away from him and before she could even stop herself, Rachel murmured quietly not quite under her breath;

“Yeah well even us common girls can pick out a good bottle of wine.”

She regretted it the minute the words came tumbling out but try as she might she just couldn’t shake the remnants of their angry words to one another that day. It had somehow been easier on the phone to forget and she had been so caught up in her own misery the night he’d come over she felt as if they had skimmed over those damning words ‘….irresistible to common…’ but now that he was here……..well it was now or never.

Chapter Twenty Two

Standing in front of the huge mirrors that lined the walls of the guest ensuite, Jon tweaked at the hair flopping forward on his forehead twisting strands here and there. Satisfied he looked as good as needed he took one final look at himself before flicking off the light and heading back into the bedroom. He wasn’t due to head for dinner with Richie until six which gave him plenty of time for the call he was about to make. Settling himself down in a comfortable armchair that looked out the balcony onto the pool area he hit Rachel’s number and waited for the call to connect.

“Hey Jon.”

Her voice was relaxed and cheerful and Jon instantly smiled his greeting back to her.

“Hey…..so you survived your day in the big city huh? All the necessary corporate bigwig schmoozing complete?”

“It wasn’t so bad actually, I met some nice people in our head office and we managed to wrap early so I got some shopping done.”

Jon groaned dramatically down the phone, his eyes following the colourful movements of two birds flitting about the shrubs that lined the perimeter of Richie’s property.

“Heaven forbid a woman would have a day in New York City without shopping!”

“Hey I needed to stock up on some things so cut the wise ass cracks, you forget I don’t live in a fully furnished house yet!”

Rachel’s admonishment was teasing and light, Jon could practically see her smile lighting up that pretty face of hers.

“I’m just fooling with you……..but seriously though I’m glad you’re settling in okay, you know with the new job and everything…….” He trailed off, an awkwardness descending like a thick fog around the phone line.

“I am……thanks……How is your trip going?”

Jon squirmed uncomfortably; he didn’t know how she would react to finding out he was in the very place where she had left her life behind.

“Yeah it’s good……..I’m actually out West with Richie.”

The surprise was evident in her voice, “California?”

“Yeah Richie lives out here most of the time to be close to his daughter so I come out here occasionally to get together for writing sessions……….he’ll come to Jersey next time.”

“I see……so how’s the writing going then? Another number one hit in the bag?”

Jon blew out a guarded breath on the end of a chuckle, she seemed okay with it – maybe he was just being overly sensitive for once.

“Oh sure! Several of them in fact – easy! But enough of me and my boring shit, tell me more about your day.”

He was genuinely interested to find out more about how Rachel conducted her job, sure he knew the basics but there was always more to selling houses than dealing with a few jack ass construction guys.

 

“Well I actually managed to sort out quite a few things, up until today I wasn’t sure how long I’d be in the Navesink house but as it turns out, the investor requires the property to be on the market at the amount owed for 120 days before they’ll think about reducing to the market price and as I figure we’re about another month from being ready to go on market that means I should be able to put down roots for at least six months which is ……… comforting.”

“That’s good to hear…..for you I mean…….” Jon faltered, hesitant to convey exactly how much his heart had leapt at hearing she wasn’t going anywhere for the time being at least. “It can’t be easy figuring out your future when you don’t know where to call home.”

“Well I wouldn’t exactly classify this as home Jon………not yet.”

The sharp change in her voice was audible, she was holding back as much as he was.

“Of course you don’t, I didn’t mean it like that but it gives you time to find a new home right? Somewhere you’d like to call home?” He scratched nervously at his earlobe, dammit he was babbling like a fool. “But the repairs are coming along all the time so at least you won’t be living in a building site for much longer…….”

Rachel sighed softly, relaxing into the conversation again.

“That’s true, the pool repairs are complete and the water truck came out today while I was away to fill it so twenty four hours for the chemicals to dissipate and I can at least have a swim. I bought some outdoor furniture so if this weather holds up I’m looking forward to chilling out there this weekend.”

“A relaxing weekend sounds good; I could do with one too.” 

Jon was already calculating how soon he could get back to Jersey, this phone business sucked. 

“So you said you’d been shopping……happen to buy anything for your favourite neighbour…..arsenic perhaps?”

Her amused reply was muffled by what sounded like rushing water;

“Hmmm……..I haven’t ruled out arsenic just yet but I DID buy another bottle of tequila since my neighbour gate crashed the other night and emptied most of my other bottle.”

“Hey now! There was little more than a swallow left of that tequila by the time I got there – you’re gonna have to own up to that one yourself Ms. Braden!”

The noise was louder and her voice fainter in the distance, Jon having to crane his neck into the phone to hear her laugh back at him. What the hell was she doing over there?

“Alright then St. Jon the Innocent, I’ll concede I may have indulged a little more than normal but I do seem to recall you had a shot or twelve yourself – THAT you can’t deny!”

Sounds of splashing and rustled movements filled Jon’s ear and he grinned when he took a guess as to where she was.

“Are you in the TUB? Or taking a chemically induced swim in that new pool of yours?”

“As much as a chlorine soak sounds appealing Jon – no! I’m giving the pool a miss this evening!”

“So you are in the tub then?”

“I am…….”

Dammit this woman was going to be the death of him. Images of a very naked Rachel and lots of sudsy water made his cock stir in a way only she could invoke. Shifting his position in the chair he blew out a low whistle and smirked down the phone.

“I’m assuming here that you bathe naked right?”

“You don’t?”

The barely contained giggle escaped from her mouth across the thousands of miles between them, connecting them in an instant. This was what had attracted him to her in the first place, that lightning quick wit that sparked the fire. He closed his eyes with a contented smile, his brain concentrating of the scene in her bathroom right now.

“Lord God above…… help an innocent man in strife…………..bubbles or no bubbles?”

“Innocent you are NOT Mr Bon Jovi but yes………there are bubbles and lots of them!” More soft splashes accompanied her giggle. “I got some new bubble bath….one of my many indulgent purchases of the day. I kinda bought out Costco this afternoon.”

“Costco huh? No lingerie then I’m guessing?”

“Actually I’ll have you know Costco has a fine line of lingerie, thank you very much!”

 “Well now you’ve gone and done it woman – I’m coming home!”

The sun outside his window couldn’t have heated the fire burning in his heart more than what this conversation was doing.

“Let’s see……if I leave now I could probably be home by midnight and you could model it for me!”

“Well that’s just wonderful! One night of dinner and dancing and I’m little more than a booty call!”

Jon snorted down the phone with a wicked grin. “Baby trust me! Dinner with Richie is sounding a hell of a lot less appealing than a booty call with you!” A happy sigh relaxed his smile. “You sound better……it’s good to hear you laugh again……”

Rachel paused, a quiet drip of water the only sound before she spoke again with a quiet determination.

“What you saw the other night Jon…..it was just a momentary lapse of my nerves of steel……it won’t be happening again………”

“I sure as hell hope you’re referring to the night you singlehandedly saved the tequila business empire and not our dinner date………because as far as I can remember that was a hell of a night.”

He held his breath not quite sure whether he was prepared to hear her answer until she spoke softly and with sincerity.

“Jon I won’t ever forget that first night I spent with you…….that I’m sure of.”

“Me neither baby……..me neither. That was quite the night!” He chuckled quietly anxious to lose the melancholy lilt that threatened to dampen her mood. “In fact I’d be willing to bet a hefty portion of my last tour profits that you’re still…….how should I put this?......not quite recovered? Because I know my weary old body still aches from that wall!”

A loud burst of laughter erupted from Rachel, her voice quavering with amusement.

“Rest assured Jon, the fever has subsided and with another few ice packs and a few more dates with my friend Mr Bubbles here I should be back in business sometime before Christmas!”

Jon shook his head in wonderment, a shit eating grin spread across his face as he got to his feet to walk out onto the warm balcony, phone closely cradled against his ear.

“You know what? I knew from the minute I saw you dragging your suitcase through that rusty old gate there was something about you that I liked.” 

Gazing around at the scattering of palm trees in the seemingly empty garden below him, he lowered his voice to a wicked whisper.

“Now I know it’s that sexual depravity that you keep hidden just beneath your business attire but your secret’s out now Rachel Braden – I got you all figured out……”

“Oh you do huh?” The unmistakable squelch of a sponge being squeezed out made the blood rush straight to his groin. “Well Mr Brainiac I’d be willing to bet a hefty portion of MY last top price commission that I could probably learn a thing or two from YOU about sexual depravity if some of your old songs are any indication!”

Gripping the wrought iron railing of the balcony Jon willed his heart to slow just a little, if this kept up he’d be having a damn cardiac before he ever got anywhere near Jersey again. A passing bang at the door of the bedroom signalled Richie was ready to head for dinner. How in hell could he be expected to sit through a dinner with him now after THIS phone call? He was going to be envisioning a naked, wet and soapy Rachel all damn night long.

“Baby I gotta go but let me leave you in your warm bath with this – if you promise to model that fine Costco lingerie of yours when I get home………….I’ll teach you anything you want sweetheart……anything at all.”

Rachel’s voice was barely a breath above a whisper.

“You got yourself a deal Mister………….hurry home.”

With a soft click the line went dead and Jon was left alone for a brief moment with his thoughts until the sound of Richie’s Humvee roared to life from the garage below. He had just one more call to make before dinner and that was to the airport to let them know he was gonna be needing a runway – tonight.

Chapter Twenty One

Only a few hours of ill-gotten sleep later and Jon found himself wide awake staring up at the ceiling fan silently rotating through the still air from the tossed sheets of the bed. Surprisingly he seemed for the moment at least to be relatively hangover free, it seemed having a shower in the middle of the night had its benefits. Kicking the tangled sheets free from where they twisted around his legs and torso he rolled onto his side to grab his phone.

Seven am California time so Ten am Jersey time. Hmmmm

He wondered had Rachel gone running this morning. It was strange to think of her running around his neighbourhood without him, running alone would seem boring now that she’d come into his life. Swinging his legs over the side of the enormous bed so he could sit upright he stared at the phone in his hand thoughtfully chewing his bottom lip. Last night with Janelle had felt so wrong, so uncomfortable yet he’d been living this bachelor life with Richie for so long now it should have just been second nature. Sure his body may have responded as it was trained to do but his mind was a whole other different matter. And it was because of her – she was in his head on so many different levels he didn’t even know where to begin to process all the feelings he had for her or may not have whatever the case may be. He needed to talk to her, check she was okay. Hell if truth be known it was more for his own benefit, maybe if he talked to her he might be able to get her out of his damn head and maybe, just maybe actually get some work done while he was here.

07.06 am Hey just wanted to check you’re doing okay – give me a call when you get this. Jon

He stared at the phone for a few minutes after the message went on its way, willing it to vibrate with her reply. The phone remained silent, the minutes stubbornly ticking by with no response. Frustrated he finally tossed it on the bed behind him and ran his fingers over the grizzly stubble that was beginning to line his jaw; maybe another shower would get his mind under control.

A couple of hours later Jon was at the piano working out a melody for the song they had been working on the day before, his brows furrowed in concentration when a freshly showered and smug looking Richie wandered in.

“Hey my brother, how are YOU this fine morning?”

Jon lifted his eyes from the sheet he had been scribbling on to eye his friend warily.

“Not as good as you it seems. Morgan was in top form last night then huh?”

Richie grinned as he sauntered over to the piano to glance at the notes Jon had been jotting down.

“She sure was, that girl has ……how do I put it…….special talents if you get my drift?”

“Hmmph……..I heard your drift last night – ALL night.”

Richie chortled at Jon’s scowl and clapped him on the back. “You mean to tell me Janelle bailed on you?”

Jon sighed and flipped his pencil down onto the pad in front of him. Rachel still hadn’t replied and it was bugging the crap out of him, he was about two seconds away from firing the goddamn phone out the window before it burned a hole in his pocket.

“Nah, she just wasn’t doing it for me last night, figured my night would be better spent getting some sleep so we could actually get some WORK done today.”

Arms folded he glowered up Richie, his brows arched in annoyance at the late hour.

“You remember that little thing we do? You know the whole write a hit record, bust our asses on a worldwide tour and then roll around in the dollars thing?”

Richie grinned at the sarcastic scowl on his friend’s face and shook his head chuckling.

“Take it easy Boss, we’ve got all the time in the world! Coffee?”

Without waiting for an answer Richie turned and cheerfully made his way to the kitchen, his jaunty whistle bouncing off the walls and grating on Jon’s nerves even more. Sambora the morning after he got laid was a royal pain in the ass. Still frowning in annoyance Jon dug his phone out of his pocket and swore when the screen came to life showing no new messages.

Where the hell is she?

His fingers hovered over the screen, the phone taunting him to give in to the temptation to send her another message or better yet just call her. Maybe the text hadn’t delivered, or maybe she hadn’t checked her phone in a while? Yeah that was it, she was probably busy dealing with more builder shit with the house………..or maybe she doesn’t want to talk to me. Maybe she’s still pissed at me………FUCK!!

Growling in exasperation Jon slammed the phone onto the polished surface of the piano, wincing when it skittered out of his hand and bounced off the hardwood floor with a loud crack. Great! Just fucking GREAT! Sliding to his knees he scrabbled on the floor for the injured phone, his heart sinking when he took in the slight crack just edging onto the top corner of the dark screen. He sucked in a breath when he pressed the button that should bring it to life and waited for what seemed an eternity before the screen flickered to life. He had to blink twice before his mind registered the small envelope flashing in the bottom corner – Holy shit! Fingers flying across the keypad he blew out a long sigh of relief when Rachel’s reply came into view.

11.56 Hi, I’m doing fine – in the city for meetings all day. Hope your trip is going well. Rachel

Well at least she wasn’t ignoring him, that was something. Fumbling in haste he tapped out a quick reply and shot it back to her.

11.59 Can I call you later?

Still poised on the floor Jon was unaware of Richie’s dark frame hovering at the door watching him in amusement. Leaning back on his hunkers he ran a hand through his tousled hair while he waited expectantly for Rachel’s response. A snigger from the hallway jerked his attention up and he rolled his eyes at his friend’s smirk.

“So Janelle couldn’t tempt you to your knees but your phone can? Too much work and no play makes Jonny a ……….” Richie trailed off as he crossed the room laughing at Jon’s position on the floor beside the piano to set two mugs of fresh coffee on the table. “So who is she?”

“Fuck you Rich!” Grumbling good naturedly Jon got to his feet slowly, wincing at the dent in his knees from the hard floor. Phone still clutched in his hand he took a small sip of coffee eyeing Richie speculatively over the rim of the mug. “Why does everything have to be about a woman with you?”

“Because I’m usually right and I know there’s a better reason for your piss poor performance last night other than jet lag so c’mon – tell Uncle Richie all!”

Grinning knowingly Richie propped himself up on the low piano bench Jon had just vacated and waited for him to kill his curiosity. He’d been best friends with the guy for the better part of his life and he knew him like the back of his hand, he’d tell him eventually but sooner would be better.

Before Jon could reply the flashing of his phone distracted him and a victorious grin stole across his features as he read Rachel’s message.

12.06 I’d like that. Have a good day – R

Touchdown!! Finally satisfied he slipped the phone which apart from the crack seemed none the worst for his temper tantrum back in his pocket and took another slug of coffee.

“How’s about instead of worrying about ME you pick up that guitar over there and work your magic on this little song I got going on here and maybe THEN I’ll tell you something.”

Richie rolled his eyes and raised his hands in mock disgust. “Fine, fine be a stubborn sonofabitch then. Although…….”

Lifting the pad to read over the lyrics Jon had scribbled down, his eyes lit up with a wry grin that reached his cheeks. “Looks like I can figure it all out by what you’ve got down here anyway………’I wish that I could be your superman’ huh?”

He shook his head laughing as he reached across for his well-worn acoustic guitar with an over dramatized exclamation, “Oh brother!”

Chapter Twenty

“So what time are the ladies showing up?”

Half-heartedly Jon speared a tempura prawn with his fork and pushed it around the square plate, his appetite waning rapidly. It was possibly a touch of jet lag that was making him so uninterested in the night’s proceedings but it was more like the night before that had been spent sitting up with Rachel was making his head spin with tiredness.

Richie snorted and cocked an eyebrow at his friend, mischief twinkling in his dark eyes.

“I didn’t arrange for any ladies to show up….” Patting his mouth clean with a napkin he grinned at Jon and checked his watch. “Our usual companions should be waiting downstairs for us, so if you’re done let’s get our asses down there.”

Jon drained his wine glass resignedly and nodded at the waiter for the check. Richie hadn’t had the easiest of times lately and he hadn’t the heart to tell him he wasn’t really in the mood for their usual shenanigans. Fuck it they weren’t kids anymore but somebody seemed to have forgotten to let Richie in on that little secret.

The chic bar in the basement of the restaurant was a hive of activity, the sounds of chatter and glasses chinking mingling with the soft dulcet music playing in the background. Richie led the way through the throng, nodding and smiling until they reached the red barrier that cordoned off the private section. The burly concierge smiled in greeting and lifted the rope to allow them access, Richie dropping a twenty into his hand in thanks.

The smaller room was quiet, only a few of the intimate booths occupied by guests murmuring to one another over their drinks. Hands in his pockets Jon scanned the room, unable to help the smirk that lit up his eyes when he spotted a familiar brunette laughing in a corner with her companion.

“Hey Janelle, long time sugar….”

“Jonny baby, it’s been too long!”

The tanned beauty pouted her perfectly made up lips at him as she uncrossed her long legs, the tops of her smooth thighs barely concealed by a tight red satin dress and scooted lithely across the seat to make room for him.

“How ya doin Morgan? Good to see you.”

Jon grinned at the fiery red haired woman sitting across from Janelle, her white teeth flashing a megawatt smile back at him before she wrapped her arms around Richie’s neck, squealing in delight when he slid her onto his lap.

“I’ve missed you………” 

Janelle purred into Jon’s ear, her scarlet tipped fingers sliding between his legs under the table and rasping their way to his crotch. Despite his earlier apprehension, the friction of her nails scraping over the denim of his jeans made his cock twitch, the desire glittering in her heavily lined eyes making its presence known from her touch.

Jon sucked in a breath, his arm reaching around to let his fingers brush the generous swell of her bust that threatened to burst from the tight strappings of the dress. These were high class girls, discretion was never an issue and they didn’t come cheap but they were worth it.

Richie in the midst of lavishing attention on his favourite red head caught his best friend’s eye and raised his brows in expectation. When Jon nodded and returned the smirk he chuckled and returned his concentration to the jiggling Morgan on his lap.

“Let’s have some fun people!”

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

A hazy mist swam in front of Jon’s eyes as he struggled to focus on the tousled waves of dark hair bobbing up and down in his lap. Somehow, through the course of several bottles of the finest wine LA had to offer the party had ended up back in Richie’s house. He was vaguely aware of his shirt hanging open, his stomach damp from the sticky residue of champagne that Janelle was currently licking off his navel. Groaning he let his head fall back against the headrest of the sofa, Richie’s living room only dimly lit by small table lamps casting shadows that merged into the darkness.

Janelle’s lips made a loud smacking sound as she sat up between his knees, her abundant curls of hair bouncing around her face. With a small laugh she locked eyes with him and began to unfold his belt, her fingernails lightly scratching the delicate skin of his abdomen.

“You wanna play Jonny?”

A grunt was all he could muster as Jon watched her pull his jeans and briefs off his hips, his ever dutiful manhood standing to attention once she released it from their confines.

“Oooh baby……it’s been so long since I wrapped my lips around you…….”

Her sultry voice dripped like honey over his brain, a gasp of pleasure escaping his throat when she began to stroke his cock with her long fingers.

“You want me to suck your dick Jonny, just the way you like it?”

Jon merely nodded and closed his eyes as he felt Janelle’s slick tongue snake its way down his shaft, her breath hot against his pulsing skin, the wet heat spreading from her mouth down to his balls.

“Mnnnn, you’re so hard for me Jonny………..I’m gonna suck you dry baby……”

The muffled words normally sent him wild with desire, he’d fucked this chick more times than he cared to remember but tonight they washed over him, her crassness grating against his senses. 

Shutting out the brunette’s mews of delight his mind drifted back to the woman who’d arrested his thoughts for much of the day. Images of Rachel laughing at his cooking in the kitchen, the smouldering fire that had set her eyes alight when he’d finally claimed her against that wall – God she was beautiful.

Janelle’s enthusiasm grew in intensity as did the pulsing at the base of his shaft. His fingers curled through the twists of her dark hair while her lips and tongue worked him through an ill satisfying climax. A deep throated groan rumbled from his heaving chest as he felt her swallow every last drop from him, her long fingers clamped tightly around his pulsing cock.

“Mmmmn you taste so good Jonny, just like always…….”

The girl sat back on her impossibly high heels, her fingertips delicately wiping the smeared lipstick at the corners of her mouth.

“You want to take this upstairs so we can play some more?”

Slowly regaining his senses Jon shook his head, for some reason unfathomable to his drunken mind he felt dirty and sordid, he needed to get this chick out of here.

“I think that’s enough fun for one night baby, I’ll call a car to take you home…..”

Ignoring her look of disbelief, he shifted in the chair to pull his jeans back over his hips and fumbled to flick on another lamp sitting on an ornate table beside him.

“But baby we only just got started……..c’mon let me show you a good time…..”

Janelle started to protest, her hands flying to her back to pull down the zipper on the dress that barely contained her billowing breasts.

“Don’t bother sweetheart, I’m an old man and I need my sleep.”

When she reached for him, Jon waved her away tiredly and got to his feet a little unsteadily, his fingers reaching into his pocket to pull out his phone. Right now he’d have paid a small fortune to get her the hell out of here, the damn car couldn’t come quick enough.

A short phone call later and he was handing Janelle her coat whilst ushering her to the front door.

“You’re sure I can’t tempt you Jonny? I hate to think of you on your own in that big bouncy bed up there………”

Her dark eyes swirled with a mixture of hopefulness and anticipation, a long leg perched on top of five inch stilettos snaking its way around Jon’s left calf to hook his body against hers. Jon paused before he chased away any lingering doubts that may have been racing through his veins and firmly pulled their bodies apart to a safe distance.

“Not tonight sugar……. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow.”

“Richie’s not worried…..” Janelle looked to the ceiling above their heads where a faint thumping was leaking from the room up above before she eyed Jon speculatively. 

“Morgan and him are having a real good time from the sounds of it…….”

A ripple of annoyance snapped through Jon as he stood in front of her, his shirt still hanging open from where she had licked him clean. The girl had a persuasive talent, that was for sure. A flash of car lights at the bottom of Richie’s driveway signalled the arrival of Janelle’s taxi home and Jon held the door open for her before he could change his mind.

“Good night Janelle, thanks.”

Taking one final regretful look at him, Janelle leaned forward to brush his cheek with a kiss, her teeth taking a quick cheeky nibble at his ear lobe before she stepped out onto the porch.

“Call me Jonny, anytime.”

“I will babe…….I will.”

Once the door closed behind him with a firm click, Jon leant against it and breathed out a long sigh of relief. Or was it of frustration? He couldn’t tell the difference anymore and why the hell did he feel so damn guilty? Muttering to himself he flicked off the lights downstairs and trudged wearily up to the guest room, rolling his eyes as he passed Richie’s bedroom door. There was no sign of the activity in there slowing down and judging from history there wouldn’t be a change in pace in there for quite some time yet. The Moose was known to go all night long.

He was grateful for the darkness that greeted him in the bedroom, a hangover was only hours away judging from the dull ache beginning at the base of his skull. Shucking his clothes in a heap on the floor of the adjoining en-suite Jon stepped under a lukewarm shower, the stickiness of the champagne and the aftermath of Janelle’s handiwork sliding off his skin and down the plughole. What he couldn't wash away was the heavy ball of guilt that had settled in the pit of his stomach, the same one he’d had to deal with when he was still married to Dorothea only he was far from married now.

So what the hell’s the problem Jon??

Leaning his head back against the slick tiles he let the warm water cascade over him, his eyes closed against the torrent. He knew what the problem was and he knew where it was – he just didn’t know how to solve it.

Chapter Nineteen

Wispy clouds flew past the window as Jon stared down at the distant New York skyline from the thick glass window of the jet, the steady drone of the engines easing down from the take-off thrust as the aircraft began to level out. When the sleek wing tips broke above the thick bank of high altitude clouds he returned his attention to the newspaper spread out on the table before him. There was yet another large headline about the latest decline in the economy and the ever increasing rate of unemployment, it made for depressing reading. Sighing he skimmed over the article, his pulse jumping a little when he came to a paragraph detailing recent high profile real estate foreclosures. Rachel immediately jumped into his thoughts only having left her just hours previously. The printed words on the paper merged into one as he gazed past them to run his mind back over the previous evening. The thunderstorm had lasted hours, a spectacular display of nature unleashing its power that they had watched curled up on the sofa together. She had bared her soul to him last night and while his heart ached for what she had endured, his mind was uneasy. There was something about the California woman that itched under his skin, something that had made him reluctant to leave her, almost as if he was protective of her.

“Would you like some fresh coffee Jon?”

The pretty flight attendant politely interrupted his thoughts and Jon nodded gratefully at her as he scrubbed his tired eyes with his hands. Silently he watched her pour the steaming liquid into his cup and shaking his head at the creamer she offered let himself drift back into the knowledge he now possessed about his ……….well his what was the question really. He no longer just thought of Rachel as his new neighbour obviously, she was hardly in that league anymore but where exactly she fitted into his list of contacts he just wasn’t quite sure. The bright expanse of blue sky that stretched infinitely into the horizon offered no clues to ease his troubled mind especially when thoughts of his own kids merged with the horrific memories Rachel had of hers.

Christ………..

It just didn’t bear thinking about – how was anybody ever supposed to get over something like that? She’d talked most of the night, sometimes he had felt she wasn’t even talking to him rather just into the static air around them. He’d hated leaving her, even though the storm had long since passed and the sun had just been starting to rise off the Eastern fringe of the river but it was time to go to work.

August had flown by and his fingers were itching to create something new so he was heading over to Richie in California for a few days – something he’d neglected to tell Rachel. He wasn’t sure why but at the last minute he’d stopped himself divulging the details of where he was going instead leaving her with the short explanation that he had to go away for a couple days. In fact she hadn’t even seemed to care, just wished him well when he’d finally stood up to leave.

Jon didn’t blame her for distancing herself, he’d called her common for Christ’s sake, she was hardly going to leap into his arms and forgive him in one night. He’d hated himself leaving her that morning…actually the more he thought about it he hated to be away from her. Which was crazy but maybe it was just sympathy, nothing more than that.

That’s all it is, right?  Just sympathy….. or should that be empathy. 

Sure Jon, that’s all it is.

Lifting his coffee cup to his lips, he winced as the hot liquid scorched his tongue. This woman was making him crazy - a few days with Richie and he’d be back to normal, he was certain of it. 

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

Bright sunshine bounced off the polished chrome of a black Hummer that was parked in the basking heat outside Jon’s lead guitarist’s Calabasas home. Stifling a yawn as his car rolled to a stop under the shade of a pair of towering palm trees that guarded the front porch, Jon murmured a thanks to the driver and stepped out stiffly, his limbs sore and unyielding from the flight.

“Hey there my brother! Welcome!”

Richie greeted him enthusiastically, a wide smile lighting up his face as he strode through the front door and bounded down the steps to greet his friend.

“Hey Rich, good to see you man.”

The two men embraced, shoulders tight against one another. Richie clapped Jon on the back and took a step away, chuckling when he took in the tired lines on Jon’s face.

“You look like shit Jonny, holidays bored you that much huh?”

Jon scowled as he stooped to pick up his holdall that the driver had deposited at his feet before Richie claimed it for him, swooping it up in his long arms.

“Nah, just need to catch up some sleep, I’ve had a crazy few days.”

“Ohoh! Do tell brother………anything that’s kept you sleep deprived must have a story!”

Jon rolled his eyes and shook his head at Richie’s mischievous grin.

“No story Rich, I’m just getting too old for this shit s’all. Come on, I need a beer.”

Richie shot him a quizzical look, a bemused smile twitching at his lips but chose not to press him further. He knew whatever was keeping his friend up late at night was something he’d tell him in his own good time. Shifting Jon’s bag to his other hand he ushered the way up the steps to the house.

“Well I hope you’re not too tired for the plans I have for tonight. A little dinner out and a few drinks with our favourite California girls might perk you up.” Smirking he paused as Jon stepped through the front door into the marbled hallway, “Just the thing to get those ‘creative juices’ flowing if you get my drift……”

Jon chuckled despite his tiredness. He knew exactly what juices Richie was referring to and they weren’t the record making ones. Richie was incredibly good at finding ……interesting…… partners for their night’s entertainment and if previous encounters were anything to go by, tonight would be no exception. He made a mental note to remind himself to ensure his stock of condoms were in order, last thing he needed was a goddamn infestation crawling around in his nether regions or worse. These women may be hazardous to his health but they knew how to show a guy a good time and maybe Richie was right – a night of debauchery with his favourite hook up would shake off whatever it was that was bugging him and he’d be back to normal. Suitably cheered he followed Richie through to the kitchen, gratefully accepting the cold beer he was proffering.

“Sounds like a plan Rich, but let’s get some work done before we delve into the underworld huh? We need to get our shit back together.”

Richie grinned and chinked their bottles together.

“Thought you’d never ask! C’mon I’ve been doing some stuff, let me show you.”

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

The afternoon passed in a blur of the two men tossing ideas back and forth, lyrics and chords scribbled on sheets of paper soon littering the floor around them. Mentally exhausted Jon stretched out on a sofa, his guitar lying across his chest with his fingers idly strumming the strings. Images of Rachel crept back into his mind for the first time since he had sat down to write with Richie. That first day he’d caught sight of her struggling with those ridiculously oversized luggage cases, a sweaty dampness just beginning to rise up her neck – the memory made him grin. Fast forward to the flustered woman he’d encountered on their next meeting and how she’d instantly turned to stone when he’d called her ‘baby’ – he understood her annoyance better now given the hand she’d been dealt in life.

His fingers subconsciously started picking out a melody as more memories flooded his brain. The brief kiss they’d shared that evening on the dock, the feeling of her wiggling that ass on his cock as she slithered away from him, her shyness banished by her confidence when she talked business, fluently and as efficiently as any top class CEO he’d ever dealt with.

There’s something about you……..

Words began forming in his head, Rachel’s face floating in a mesmerising cloud through his half-closed eyes. The humour that had danced in her eyes when she’d asked did he negotiate all business deals in such a manner he had with her……….that night of mind blowing passion when she’d finally succumbed to his charms…….had it really only been one night? It seemed like a lifetime ago………the hurt and anger he had caused that morning – That was still very fresh………she hadn’t backed down….she hadn’t let him in until not even twenty fours ago on the sofa when silence had spoken volumes.

I wanna rescue……….

I don’t even know you…..

With a frown of realisation Jon jerked himself upright, his guitar nestled close to his body as he focused on repeating the notes along with the jumble of words he’d been murmuring. Richie looked across from where he had been bent over tightening a set of strings, a small smile spreading across his face as he listened to Jon softly sing.

“There’s something about you………I wanna rescue……..I don’t even know you so what does that mean?..........Maybe I’m cynical……..painfully logical……….you’re tragic and beautiful……..”

Nodding with approval, he picked up alongside him, the strains of the melody floating soulfully across the room.

This was it – the magic was back.

An Apology.......

Life as I know it changed here overnight last week and unfortunately Love For Sale has had to bear the brunt of my crazy time shuffling. Let me assure you all this story has NOT gone on hiatus - the next chapter is under way just finding the time to get it done is practically impossible at the moment. Your patience is truly appreciated and both Audra and myself are very grateful to you all for following our little story!

Check back soon - Chapter Nineteen is not that far away - promise!

Emerald xxx