Chapter Eleven

Stepping out of the shower, Jenn applied some luxurious lotion to her body, rubbing it into her shoulders she subconsciously thought about how good it might feel to have Jon’s hands kneading it into her back. She closed her eyes and lay back on the bed, allowing herself to drift into a daydream where she wasn’t alone, where Jon was beside her, murmuring in her ear, running his hands over her naked body. God she could almost feel him, a musky, masculine smell nearly reached her nostrils, just out of reach, it had been so long since she’d been held by a man intimately, now her body craved it. These last few easy days with Jon had brought her sleeping womanhood to an abrupt awakening. Forcing her eyes open she sighed heavily.

Snap out of it Jenn! You have no idea what you’re letting yourself in for here. Get a grip woman!

Stowing her comforting daydream to the back of her head, she carried on preparing herself for the evening ahead. Stylish, black boot cut jeans, coupled with a deep red halter neck finished her outfit as she pulled on her knee high boots. Leaving her hair loose once more, a light covering of her favourite foundation with a dusting of bronzer let her face glow subtlety. A quick spray of her old friend Ralph Lauren left her skin with a sweet smell. Grabbing her coat and bag, she marched out the door straight into Jon, almost sending him flying.

“Oh fuck! Sorry!!”

“Whoah woman!! Where’s the fire?” he said laughing , grasping her shoulders.

Damn but if this woman isn’t attractive as hell! Jon blew out a breath under his lips as he took in the woman before him. Jenn with an arm across his chest to stop herself from falling as she cannoned into him took an equally appreciative look at the man stood before her. A light blue shirt falling out over dark jeans showed a slight smattering of hair at the tip of his chest which offered a tantalising glimpse of what lay beneath. Staring deep into one another’s eyes, Jon took her hand from his chest and kissed it gently.

“Might I say Miss O’Neill, that you look wonderful this evening?”

Blushing furiously she allowed him to take her other hand. Biting her lower lip slightly she looked up at him coyly.

“Why thank you Mr Bon Jovi and might I say you’re looking wonderfully well yourself!”

Both of them laughing now, they headed down the corridor arm in arm. For all the world to see they looked as any other couple would, comfortable in each other’s presence.

Jenn had decided on ordering a taxi to take them out to Karen’s house which lay in the leafy suburbs of Dublin. She wasn’t quite ready to spend another evening with this wonderfully attractive man without a little help from Mr Smirnoff again, as awful as it sounded. God knows she wasn’t an alcoholic but she reckoned a girl could always do with a little help in situations such as these!

After picking up a bottle of wine from the hotel bar to bring to dinner they settled in the back of the car, riding in comfortable silence, their bodies just touching. Both lost in thought about how they felt about one another. Jenn wondered where her reservations about having feelings for a man who was essentially her employer had gone, while Jon thought about how quickly he was falling for her, not just an apparent crush but a deeper connection existed for him at least. Pulling up outside Karen’s house, Jenn took a deep breath and smiled at him.

“Alright Mister! Brace yourself!”

Jon thought quickly to himself, Fuck it! and quickly reached for her before she went to open the door of the taxi. Cupping his palms around her face, he drew her in for a gentle kiss. Jenn froze, resisting at first, her brain going into overload but as his lips tentatively brushed against her own, her body relaxed of it’s own accord. Closing her eyes, she surrendered to her inhibitions, shutting out the fears for those few brief moments when the rest of the world ceased to exist. He slowly tasted her, almost afraid to venture further for fear of rejection but he found only sweet willingness. Her arms closed under his armpits as he moved his fingers to the base of her hairline, caressing the tight muscles of her neck. After what seemed like an eternity they slowly pulled apart, eyes locked onto eyes. They both felt they could have stayed in that embrace forever if it hadn’t have been for the impatient driver in front.

“Eh….yeah…whenever ye are ready there folks?” the driver was grumpy and impatient to get onto his next fare.

“Oh God! Sorry, here! Keep the change thanks!”

Jenn hurriedly threw some cash into the drivers outstretched hand, breaking apart from Jon who at that moment could have quite easily strangled the man with his bare hands. Glaring at him as he stooped and followed Jenn out of the car, the driver just smirked at him and sped off as soon as the door had shut. Turning to face one another on the dark pavement, Jon was about to speak when a bright light from the doorway was cast over them.

“Hey you two! Come on in, you’ll catch your death out there!”

Karen called out from the hallway. She had seen the taxi’s headlights when it had pulled up outside and unable to contain her excitement any longer had gone to find out what was taking her guests so long.

Jenn took a quick glance at Jon, her brain seemingly unable to process what had just happened in the taxi. Taking a step toward the house, she felt him take her hand and squeeze gently, a firm but calming pressure. Breathe Jenn, breathe!

“Hi honey! We made it!” Her voice sounded unnaturally high as she greeted her best friend.

“Well I can see that! Come on in………er…….hi!!” Karen’s normally confident voice shook slightly as Jon came into view behind her friend.

“Hi Karen! Good to meet ya! I’ve heard a lot about you!” Jon flashed his megawatt smile which had Karen blushing furiously and looking down at her feet. She laughed nervously,

“All good things I hope! Em…er…..right…come through, come through!!” she stuttered nervously shepherding them down the narrow hallway into the small but neatly kept living room. A man in his late thirties, lay sprawled on the couch, a slight beer belly rising from above his belt.

“Mark!!” Karen hissed at him, “Get up you lazy sod, our guests are here!”

Turning around to face Jenn and Jon, she motioned with her hand to Mark who was struggling to sit up straight,

“Jon, this is my lazy ass husband who loves me dearly and who is going to make everyone a drink now, aren’t you dear?” she narrowed her eyes and glared at her husband, before excusing herself to check on dinner.

“Yes darling beloved, right away!” came the good natured reply from the couch. Standing up he extended his hand to Jon,

“How’re you doing? Welcome to our humble abode!”

“Thanks for having us! You watching the game?” Jon motioned behind him to where the TV blared from a corner.

Mark snorted, “Ha! Trying to but it’s only a replay from the weekend. You interested in hurling?” Mark was surprised that an American would know anything about the Gaelic game of hurling.

“Well, I gotta admit I don’t know much about it but hey a game’s a game right?”

“You got that right! Sit yourself down there and I’ll get us a beer!” Mark was delighted he had someone to talk sport to for the night.

“AHEM!! Do I even get an hello??” Jenn glared at Mark, her hands on her hips.

“Oh fuck, sorry honey! Forgot about you there with my new buddy! How’ya doin babe?” He enveloped her in a big hug.

“Yeah I kinda see that! How about you just sit there with your ‘new buddy’ and I get you both beer?”

“Ah you always were a good girl! They’re in the fridge!” and he promptly flopped back down beside Jon. Throwing her eyes up to heaven, Jenn left the two boys to it and headed into the kitchen to find Karen. Delicious aromas of garlic and herbs were circulating around the kitchen and she found Karen with half her head immersed in the oven. Going to the fridge she grabbed the beers all the while sniffing appreciatively.

“Smells good Kar! What’s cooking?”

“Oh nothing fancy, just something I whipped up - where you going?!”

“Bringing the beers in for the boys, don’t worry, Mark’s looking after Jon very well! They have sport in common it seems!”

“Oh right, well hurry up and get back here, we got girl talk to do!”

Shaking her head and smiling, Jenn dropped the beers into the boys who were deep in conversation about the finer aspects of hurling it seemed. Back in the kitchen she found Karen struggling to open a bottle of wine.

“Here, give it to me, you better rescue whatever’s about to explode in that pot back there!” motioning to a large saucepan on the cooker which was bubbling a red liquid dangerously close to the brim. Karen shrieked and raced to grab it off the gas. Once she had it settled on a lower heat and after a quick glance at the oven, she threw herself down on a seat at the dining table beside Karen.

“Phew! Anyone would think I’ve never cooked before!” Then thoughtfully she added, “Although I’ve never cooked for a rockstar before!!”

“Believe it or not Kar, they eat the same food as us regular humans you know!”, Jenn handed her friend a large glass of chardonnay.

“Mmmnn, thanks! You know this could be the start of something huge! Think Jon needs a cook at home?” her eyes widened at the possibilities, “I could be famous!!”

Sitting back on the chair she closed her eyes and started waving her wine glass grandly through the air,

“Ah yes! I can just see it now - Karen Shields - chef to the stars!”

“Would you cut it out!! I know for a fact there’s no way you’d up sticks here and move to the states! And I very much doubt you’d get your hubby to move either!”

“Feck him!! I could find a new husband, hell I’d be so rich I could buy me a new one! And one of those cute dogs that live in your handbag!” Karen was starting to dissolve into giggles now. Jenn joined in and had tears rolling down her cheeks at the mere thought of Karen poncing around with a mutt in one of her ridiculously oversized bags.

“You’re unreal you know that!”

“Yeah but you love me for it!” Karen winked at her and then took on a more serious note.

“Soooooo? How’s it been going?”

“Good, we found some nice horses…”

“I don’t give a fuck about the horses you tart, I mean him!” she butted in lowering her voice for the last part. There was something different about her best friend tonight and she was determined to get it out of her.

Jenn blushed and gazed into her glass, watching the wine swirl around it. Pausing she looked Karen straight in the eyes,

“Not a word of this leaves this room, you hear me Karen Shields?”

Karen nodded, mouth agape at whatever Jenn was about to divulge.

“Well, I can’t help it but …….oh God Karen, he’s wonderful. I mean, shit, I shouldn’t even be thinking like this, he’s my boss after all, but there’s just something about him. I can’t put my finger on it but I can’t stop thinking about him.” Jenn looked helplessly at her.

“It’s his ass!”

“What?” Jenn stared at her.

“It’s his ass!” she repeated staring back right back at her. “I’ve done my research and apparently it’s been scientifically proven that Jon Bon Jovi’s ass has a strange effect on women! In fact I think I may have to inspect it more closely later on!” Karen started squealing with laughter at the look on Jenn’s face, who promptly picked up the wine cork and pegged it at her.

“You are meant to be helping me you cow! Taking the piss is most definitely not helping!”

“Okay, okay, sorry! It’s just so simple it’s staring you in the face!”

“What’s so simple Kar? Nothing from where I’m sitting looks simple!”

Karen leaned closer with a small grin on her face,

“You my friend, are falling in love with this man!” Satisfied she had solved her friends problem, she sat back and took a drink of her wine watching Jenn digest this particular bit of information.

“Love? Don’t be ridiculous! I barely know him!”

“Look at me honey” Karen took her friends hands in her own across the table. “You felt this exact same way when you met Steve, didn’t you?”

Jenn pulled away and put her hands to her face,

“Oh my God! I did!!”, she looked up sadly, “Yeah and look how that turned out.”

“You’ve gotta move on sometime sweetie, Steve wouldn’t have wanted you to waste your life grieving for him. Here’s your chance Jenn. Seize it with both hands!”

A solitary tear landed on the table from Jenn’s face.

“Oh bollocks! Don’t you dare start crying! This is a happy occasion!” Karen frantically handed her a tissue, “ Come on, knock that wine back and help me set the table.”

They both stood up and Karen pulled her into a hug,

“Just go with the flow babe, you’ll see it’ll work out. Trust me, that ass will work wonders for you!”

Laughing Jenn swatted her across the head and they set about making the final preparations for the dinner. Half an hour later, during which Jenn had been called upon to replenish Jon and Mark’s beer supply twice and they were all sat around the table. Karen served up the first course of Bloody Mary soup, garnished with a little crème fraice. Taking a sip Jon spluttered,

“Good God Karen! You didn’t hold back on the vodka did you?” smacking his lips together he added, “But it’s darn tasty! Good job we got a taxi here huh Jenn?”

“Oh don’t worry! If you’d seen the state of me after some of the nights in this house before you’d be wise to it too!” Jenn replied with a little twinkle in her eye. Looking at Mark she continued,

“Did you know Mark that Jon doubts my vodka abilities!”

Mark snorted into his soup and almost scalded himself,

“Haha! You’ll learn Jon! It ain’t a pretty sight! Lock up the breakables is all I can say!”

“Shut up asshole!” Jenn howled, “That was only one night and you always said you hated that vase anyway!” She threw her napkin at him in mock disgust.

Jon looked on amused at the banter between the friends. They reminded him so much of his own friends and he hoped he would get to introduce Jenn to them. She’d fit right in, he knew that already. And so the dinner continued on through a main course of Beef Wellington, which Jon declared to be the best he’d ever tasted and finishing with Karen’s speciality, home made crème brulees.

“Oh my God!” Jon groaned , “I am gonna have to put in some serious hours on the gym to shift all this off!!”

“Why bother mate!” Mark patted his own, not so svelte stomach, “Look at me! No gym hours here!!”

“Exactly Mark! You are a walking advertisement on why people should go to the gym!” Karen looked fondly at her husband.

“Now now baby! You know what this machine’s capable of producing, if you get my drift Jon!”

“Enough!! This conversation is headed downhill fast! C’mon into the living room guys, and NO more hurling Mark!!” Karen gathered up the remainder of the wine and led the way into the living room where they all flopped into the well worn but comfy couches. Jon unconsciously draped an arm around Jenn’s shoulders and she smiled happily at him. It just felt right somehow. When the wine ran out, Mark produced a large bottle of vodka which he waved gleefully in front of Jon and Jenn.

“C’mon then! Are ye still up for it?”

Before Jon could reply, Jenn had scrambled across his lap to retrieve it,

“Hell yes!!” She looked over her shoulder at Jon, “And no backing out tonight mister! Are you man or mouse?” There was a mischievous glint in her eyes and an equally amused one in Jon’s.

“Oh all man baby!! C’mon lets see what you’re made of!”

Mark went out the door to get some ice and coke for mixers and shouted back at Karen,

“Better put your china collection away honey! Jenn’s loose aboot the hoose!!!”

“Shag off fat boy not so slim!!”

An hour or so later and there wasn’t a sober body in the household. They had taken out the poker set and were cheating each other left, right and centre in a game of Texas Hold ‘Em.

“Full house!! I win!!” Karen produced her cards with a flourish.

“Ha hah! Fraid not darlin!” Jon threw her a lobsided grin and threw down his own cards. Four Queens stared back up at Karen.

“Well damn and screw you Bon Jovi!”

She looked in disgust at the cards. Jon gleefully handed her the shot of tequila they had decided on as the forfeit for the losing bet.

“Bottoms up sweetheart!!”

Giving him the two fingered salute, she threw back the foul smelling yellow liquor and threw the shot glass down on the floor on top of the winning hand. Noticing Jenn doubled up with laughter behind Jon’s back, she frowned and took a closer look at the cards.

“What the hell?…..” confused, she picked them up. Turning them over, she let out a roar and grabbed the box from behind them.

“You cheating fuckers! Two decks of cards!! Assholes!”

Jon couldn’t contain himself anymore and collapsed back on top of Jenn, howling in laughter. The two of them lay on the floor together, trying to protect themselves from the barrage of cushions that Karen was now pelting them with. Climbing unsteadily to her feet, Karen produced the half empty bottle of tequila.

“Finish it! The pair of you! S’only fair!” came out the slurred challenge.

Jon looked at Jenn who was still semi pinned underneath him,

“It’d be rude to refuse wouldn’t it?”

“Very!” came the giggle from under him.

“Alrighty then, pour em out Mark!”

“Mark?”

Everyone looked around to see Mark, fast asleep on the floor beside Karen.

“Hmph! Fat lot of good you are to me!”, she snorted looking down at him. Looking back at the pair, she once again thrust the bottle towards them, swaying a little unsteadily now.

“Bottle only!!” she declared.

The pair on the floor helped one another to their feet and turned to face Karen.

“Gimme!” Jenn lurched forward with one hand outstretched for the bottle, the other wrapped firmly around Jon’s neck for support. Taking the bottle, she proceeded to neck most of it, only coming up when she gasped for air. Spluttering, she waved the bottle towards Jon,

“Finish it hot shot!”

“No problem babe!” the crooked grin came out as he reached for it and poured the last of the burning fuel-like liquid down his throat.

“Waaahey!!” They all cheered as they officially pronounced the bottle empty. Vaguely aware that it must be pretty late by now, Jenn asked Karen to call them a taxi. As she left to go to the hall, Jon turned Jenn around to face him.

“Jennifer O’Neill I may be pretty drunk by now, but I do declare you are the most beautiful drunk I’ve ever come across!”

Running his fingers under her jaw line, he tilted her chin up to him and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Jenn felt the floor swirl away under her feet but she wasn’t quite sure if the kiss or the alcohol was to blame. Leaning forward on Jon, she wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled the spot below his left ear, murmuring softly,

“I think I’m falling for you, you’ve got me hooked you bad, bad man!”

Running his hands down her back, he hooked two fingers just under the waist band of her jeans above the slight curve of her butt. Kissing her again, more urgently this time, he rested his forehead against her hair. She smelled so good, so right. But no, not yet, not here. Pulling away from her slightly he braced her against himself,

“C’mon baby, lets get your coat. We gotta get back to the hotel.”

Murmuring her consent, Jenn swayed along the hallway in front of him, allowing him to put her coat on for her, before she made a visit to the bathroom. Karen helped him on with his own coat and he turned to thank her for the great evening.

“You’re welcome Jon, come again anytime.” She paused and leaned in closer to him, her eyes locking onto his, losing the slightly drunk look. “But Jon, if you hurt her, you better not step foot in this country again!” Smiling softly now, she gazed at him, “She’s something special y’know and she doesn’t deserve to be broken again.”

“S’okay, I get it and don’t worry, I know she’s special!” He squeezed her shoulders and gave her a hug,

“Give Mark my regards when he wakes up!”

“Ha! That won’t be for a week or so! Once a lightweight always a lightweight!!” Jenn declared triumphantly as she bounced off the walls back to where they were waiting at the front door for her.

“G’nite honey! Thanks for a wonderful evening! You’re the best!”

“Ooh sure don’t I know it!! Ring me before you go back to the States ok?”

“Yes ma’am!”

Just then the taxi pulled up outside and they turned to go until Karen shrieked at them,

“Oh Hang ON!! I almost forgot!” She came rushing down the steps after them almost breaking her neck on the pavement. They both looked at her, confused in their drunken states, as she produced a piece of paper and a pen. Looking shyly up at Jon she whispered,

“Can I have your autograph please Mr. Rockstar!”

“Ohmigod Karen!!” Jenn shook her head grinning.

“What!” she hissed at her, “It’s not like I cook dinner for a rock star everyday!”

Jon chuckled and took the pen and paper off her,

“How could I refuse after that Bloody Mary soup?!”

Scribbling a little note, he signed it and handed it back to her grinning.

“For when you want to make it again! Look after yourself!”

They both climbed into the back of the taxi and waved as they snuggled against one another. Waving back until the car was out of sight, she looked down at the piece of paper and gasped,

To Super Chef Karen!
Come and make me dinner anytime babe! JBJ

Scribbled underneath was his address and what she supposed was his phone number.

Well, he’s not hiding himself away anyway, she thought to herself.

Looks like he’s serious about her, at least he bloody well better be!!

Folding the piece of paper carefully, she pocketed it and headed inside wondering how in hell she was going to get her comatose husband to bed!

Chapter Ten

Jon was greeted by two very muddy but enthusiastic girls when he walked out into the parking lot of the hotel. Two big grins beamed at him as he climbed into the front sear beside Jenn.

“Looks like you two had fun! How’d you do hon?” he asked glancing back at his daughter who was splayed across the back seat.

“Oh my God Dad! It was just awesome! Out of this world! I only fell off twice and oh by the way we are soooooo coming back here next year!”, she finished it all off in one breath and slumped back against the leather.

Jon raised his eyebrows and looked enquiringly at Jenn who was still in mud splattered riding breeches tucked into a pair of long leather boots which were equally filthy. She laughed at the look of his face,

“I told you she’d love it! Couple of soft falls later and we’re all good! I’ll bet you fifty quid Heraldo won’t get her off so easy next time!”

“Hmph! Think I’ll keep my fifty bucks judging by the happy smile coming from back there thanks!” Jon was thrilled that the two had bonded so quickly. He had reckoned on having to try out a few trainers before they hit on the right one but Paul had come up trumps first time. Plus he thought, Steph perhaps might not be the only one to benefit if Jenn stayed in their lives. Sitting behind the wheel of the land cruiser, her sweaty hair scrunched up under a well worn baseball hat, quietly cursing under her breath at erratic drivers, she made a comforting sight to him. No six inches of make up, false nails, stillettos etc gave her an almost raw-like natural appearance and he felt a stirring in his crotch.

‘Shit! Focus Jon!’ Adjusting his seat, he squirmed slightly and stared out the window at the passing Irish country side. The weather had closed in now and rain was beating down on the windscreen and creating a large spray back on the motorway they were now cruising down. Jenn noticing the silence glanced over at him.

“You weren’t too bored waiting for us were you?”

“No, no! Not at all, I took a walk around the grounds and talked to Rich for a while on the phone.”

A voice piped up from the back seat,

“You talked to Uncle Richie Dad? When’s he coming to Jersey?”

“He’s in Jersey sweetie, and wasn’t too pleased when he found out we weren’t home! Guess I forgot to call him!” he smiled wryly remembering the attitude screaming down the phone at him.

“Is Ava with him?”

“Uh I dunno honey, he never said.”

“I hope she is, haven’t seen her in ages”, grumbled Steph, all the while busily texting on her phone.

Jenn looked enquiringly across at Jon,

“Richie is your band-mate right?”

“Well more of a brother really, he just fits the guitar work in around his spare time!!” he chuckled continuing “I couldn’t ask for a better friend, we’ve been through a lot together!”

“Ok and Ava is…….?” Jenn was curious to know who all the people who surrounded Jon were. If she was gonna do this she wanted to fit in and not feel like a stranger.

“Oh sorry! We should have explained, Ava is Rich’s daughter. She’s a couple years younger than Steph but they’ve always been good buddies.”

He paused considering whether to embellish the explanation further. Jenn stayed quiet not wanting to pry.

“Ava’s mom is an actress, she and Rich used to be married but uh……” He looked at Jenn motioning to the back seat with his eyes. While he had no problem telling Jenn he didn’t really want to talk about it in front of his daughter who was still upset over the split between her own parents. Nodding to show her awareness, Jenn smoothly interrupted him.

“Oh crap! I better text Karen and let her know what time we’ll be arriving at tonight!”

“No sweat, gimme your phone, I’ll call her!” Jon grinned at her mischievously.

“Ha! You’re having a laugh right! We would like a dinner tonight you know and if you call her I think that may be the end of it!”, she laughed envisioning Karen on the other end of the phone having a mild coronary.

“Oh okay then spoilsport! Steph honey, what time you be ready at to head out tonight?”

Steph snapped her phone shut and looked up at her Dad a little nervously Jenn thought.

“Um……actually I’m kinda whacked after today, em…… I might just get an early night if that’s okay with you?” she finished off with a hopeful glance at Jon.

Hmmnnn, suspicious! Jenn silently thought as she pulled the jeep into the underground car park of their hotel. Jon looked thoughtful for a moment then looked across at Jenn,

“S’ok with me if it doesn’t upset your plans Jenn?”

“Nope, fine by me. I’m sure there’s a couple good movies on tonight!”

She smiled at Steph who nodded gratefully at her, a small blush on her pretty cheeks. Jon jumped out of the jeep and strode ahead to call down the elevator leaving the two walking behind. Jenn had noticed the frantic texting going on in the back of the jeep and was pretty sure she knew the reason behind Steph’s sudden tiredness. Bending closer to Steph, she whispered in her ear,

“How about I text you when we’re heading back to the hotel tonight huh?”

Steph’s face shot up and looked worriedly at Jenn relaxing when she caught the little wink the older woman gave her.

“I won’t tell if you don’t! And you just remind Tommy that I know where he lives so no stepping out of line!” Jenn nudged her gently and laughed.

“Thanks Jenn! You’re pretty cool y’know!” Steph mumbled under her breath as they caught up with Jon. A knowing smile passed between them which went unnoticed by Jon who was too busy grumbling about how slow the damn elevator was! Arranging to leave in an hour for Karen’s house, Jenn stepped out on her floor, an amused smile on her face. Poor Jon, he really hasn’t a clue what he’s dealing with there!!

After a quick call to Karen to confirm their plans, she headed for the shower and found herself eagerly looking forward to the night ahead. Dinner at Karen’s was never a quiet affair and this one was most definitely not gonna be an exception!

Chapter Nine

The rest of the afternoon passed by in a hectic blur for both Jenn and Steph, who after lunch headed off to an equestrian centre to tackle the cross-country course. Jon on the other hand had a more leisurely afternoon, opting to stay behind at the country hotel where they had lunch. One full on morning of horses had filled his equestrian quota for the day and he was more than happy to let the girls off to do their thing.

After waving them off he breathed in the fresh, rural air and decided to take a walk around the hotel’s expansive grounds. Surrounded by copses of woodland interspersed with wide rolling spaces of green grassland, Jon could see why the area was known as a golfer’s haven. Golf had never interested him much but Tico, on the other hand, was an avid player. His thoughts flickered to his band mates and how fortunate he was to have such loyal friends. Tico, the band’s drummer, a calming force throughout many turbulent times, Dave the keyboardist, hugely talented and classically trained, ever the joker of the group, Hugh the bass guitarist, quiet and unassuming and finally Richie, the lead guitarist and Jon’s backbone in life. Together they had formed one of the greatest rock bands the world had ever witnessed and over twenty-five years later they were still top of the bill-boards.

‘Not without sacrifice though’, Jon grimly thought to himself. Dorothea, the love of his life, the cool chick in school, the one woman who was never afraid to tell him to piss off, the one who had raised his kids and promised to love him for the rest of his life. Yes, she had finally given up. Too many years of leading the lonely life of a rock stars wife had taken their toll and she’d eventually told him she just couldn’t do it anymore. It had been a huge surprise to Jon, he had no idea she felt the way she had or he would have fixed it.

But would you have Jon? What exactly would you have done? Given up the band? I don’t think so! The little voice was back in his head again niggling at all of his emotions. He quickened his pace along a sandy path as if to leave his thoughts behind but they persisted.

She loved you but it wasn’t enough was it Jon? You’d have stayed home more if it was, you’d have brought her with you more than you did if it was Jon, you’re an asshole Jon!

Shaking his head furiously he fought with the voice, practically jogging down the path now.

‘Damn it I did try! She never wanted to come anywhere, I couldn’t make her come with me!’

You made it impossible for her to join you. She couldn’t just abandon four kids could she? You knew life was more fun on your own didn’t you asshole?

‘NO! I never…..’

Well guess what genius? You’re on your own - what you gonna do now? Not so great after all is it?

Choked up and fighting for breath, he threw himself down on a grassy spot. Christ was he deluded? Did he really just have an argument with himself? His forehead was damp with perspiration and he gulped great breaths of the damp air. His heart racing he glanced around his surroundings. An early afternoon mist was rolling in off the hills and was slowly enveloping the trees and hedges. Everywhere was eerily still, even the birds seemed to have stopped chirping. There was nobody else around to see the dark haired man slumped on the grass, his back heaving for breath, clumps of grass in his fists. A sorry sight to behold for here was a man obviously broken by the world and it’s contents.

Closing his eyes, Jon slowed his breathing until his heart no longer felt like it would burst from his chest at any moment. He tried focusing on nothing, just into a blank darkness, anything to rid himself of that monstrous voice. A muffled vibrating sound coming from his jacket interrupted the calming process. Pulling the phone from his pocket he was about to switch it off when he saw it was Richie calling him. The perfect solution to getting rid of the nuisance in his head. Composing himself he answered,

‘Hey bro, what’s up?’

“What’s up??” There was a definite ring of annoyance to Richie’s voice. “What’s up man is that I turn up in Jersey to surprise my buddy who hasn’t been himself in a while but guess what? My buddy’s not there! In fact my buddy I’m told is not even in the fucking country!! Nice man, real nice!” He finished with a sarcastic drawl.

“Aw shit Rich, sorry man I meant to call you but I got caught up in th………” Jon was interrupted by a now very irate Richie.

“Bullshit! You’ve run away! I can’t believe you’ve actually lost you’re balls totally. What the fuck man?”

“Hang on a fucking second Rich! I have NOT run away! I am on vacation with my daughter!” Jon was so not able for an irate Richie, not right now at least.

“Hey dude, you wanna call it that, sure, go right ahead. I’m just pissed you didn’t bring me! I’m divorced too ya know!” Richie had run out of steam now and was returning to his normal relaxed state.

“Yeah man I know, I just wanted to spend some time with Steph y’know? We haven’t seen much of one another lately and I ain’t about to let her give up on me.”

“Aw man, I get it, more than ya know but just because things with Dot have gone pear shaped doesn’t mean the rest of your family is gonna give up on you and that family includes me and the guys, you know that right?”

“Yeah man, I hear ya! I just got stuck in a rut there for a while and time away from it all seemed like a good plan.” Jon realised he was getting a very damp ass from sitting on the grass and stumbled to his feet, the phone crooked under his jaw.

“What the hell are you doing anyway? What’s in Ireland?” Richie couldn’t understand why if someone needed a break they wouldn’t head for a hot, sunny climate. Living in L.A most of the time, he worshipped the glorious heat of the sun.

Walking back along the path towards the hotel, Jon thought about the relaxed couple of days he’d just spent.

“Peace and quiet Rich, that’s what’s here………and horses apparently!”

Richie was silent on the other end of the phone for a moment, his brain trying to process the information when it finally dawned on him.

“Ahhhh, I get it, Steph on a riding holiday?”

“Not really, more like a shopping holiday. We’re here buying some horses for Steph to compete back home.”

“You’re buying horses? Bro, excuse my ignorance but what the hell do you know about buying horses?” Richie was convinced his best friend was in need of serious mental therapy.

“Sweet fuck all Rich”, he answered truthfully and added smiling to himself, “But we’ve got a lady helping us out who knows all about it.”

Richie’s ears pricked up instantly and he pressed the phone harder to his ear,

“A lady huh? I see……. And how did you find this lady? Is she young and innocent or old and twisted?”

Shaking his head and laughing, Jon thanked God for Richie’s blunt as ever questions.

“Neither man, neither. Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll get to meet her when we get back! Look go see my mom, she‘s been complaining she hasn‘t seen your ugly mug in a while! I‘ll be back in a couple days.”

“Mmmm, your mom’s cooking sounds like a good idea. Hurry back! We got work to do!”

Chuckling Jon said goodbye to Richie and snapped his phone shut. He knew a mention of food would get of him, worked every time! Their conversation had lifted his mood though and he looked forward to their night at Karen’s tonight. Even though he was yet to meet her, Jenn had made her out to be a lot of fun. Spending another evening with Jenn also had a particularly pleasing feel to it. Checking his watch he hurried his step back to the hotel, all the angels in heaven wouldn’t help him if he kept Steph waiting!

Chapter Eight

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz……Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. The vibrations of her phone off the bedside locker awoke Jenn the next morning. Groaning she reached out and grabbed it, blinking at the screen. Her alarm read 7.00am, good job she’d remembered to set it the day before or she‘d have slept through.. She had a busy day planned for her visitors. They were due to view a horse at a farm about an hour outside of the city before lunch then in the afternoon she had arranged to take Steph out on a cross country course. Riding across country in Ireland is a fantastic thrill for even the most experienced rider and Jenn knew it would help Steph’s balance no end.

Jumping out of the bed she padded across to the window and peeped out behind the curtains, 'Please don’t be raining’ she prayed and breathed a sigh of relief to see an only mild grey sky. With any luck the rain would hold off until this evening anyway. Trying out strange horses in the rain was not a prospect anyone would relish. After showering and a quick coffee she rang through to the Bongiovi’s suite. Steph picked up and they agreed to meet down in the lobby in five minutes. Glancing at herself in the mirror, Jenn laughed at the difference in appearance compared to the glamour of last night. Her hair was piled into a baseball cap jammed on her head and she was ensconced in several layers of fleeces, t-shirts and a waterproof riding coat. Blue levis and brown riding boots completed the ensemble. Just a regular farm girl she thought to herself, gotta love the style Jenn! Grabbing her bag with her riding gear she headed out the door and waited for the lift to appear.

The doors slid back to reveal Jon and Steph as it’s only other occupants. Both father and daughter were dressed for the weather with warm jackets and hats. Jenn was relieved to see that both were prepared for the mud of the Irish countryside and smiled in greeting;

“Morning guys! Sleep well?”

“Sure did although I think Dad wishes he was still in bed!” Steph winked at Jon who still had a sleepy look on his face.

“Yeah, you got a full night’s sleep kiddo. Give your old man a break!”

“Don’t worry Jon, I’m a little bleary eyed myself this morning. The country air will soon brush away the cobwebs though!” Jenn smiled brightly at Jon who returned it back to her.

“Yep! We’re both looking forward to this aren’t we hon?” He motioned to his daughter; “Steph’s got excess energy to burn off here!”

Laughing they stepped out into the lobby area and headed for the door. Jenn had arranged a rental land cruiser for the few days they’d be touring the countryside and it was waiting for them outside. Jumping in behind the wheel she steered them out through the city with Jon comfortably nestled in the front beside her and Steph taking in the passing countryside from the back seat. Focused on the day ahead of them, Jenn found herself relaxed and chatting easily with Jon through the hour or so it took until they pulled down a narrow laneway which opened out into a wide concrete yard surrounded by stable doors in varying states of disrepair.

“Don’t be fooled by appearances guys, some of the best horses this country has produced have come from here.” Jenn took in the wide eyes of her visitors as they gazed around at the ramshackle buildings. Steph had always been in yards and horse farms that were perfectly manicured and where money was no object. She found this slightly rundown farm somewhat enchanting. As the three of them stood in the yard looking around them a voice from behind had them turning around.

“Howya Jennifer. Tis about time you came back to see me!”

A stout balding man in his sixties was ambling towards them, a broad smile on his face. Green Wellington boots with baggy brown trousers and a flea-bitten grey woolly jumper shrouded his figure with a flat grey cap perched on his head.

“Ted! Great to see you! It’s been too long” Jenn pulled the man into a fond hug.

“Sure that’s no ones fault but yer own lassie! I’ve not gone anywhere! Introduce me to yer friends.” He drawled in a broad country accent and extended a knarled hand to Jon.

“Jon Bongiovi sir, thanks for having us,” Jon shook the man’s hand firmly and motioned to Steph,

“And this is my daughter Stephanie.”

Steph smiled shyly as the older man grasped her hand firmly.

“And a grand girl you are too! You’re very welcome here, come on so and I’ll show you the big fellah!”

With that the man turned and let a hearty roar out across the yard,

“TOM! Where are ye?”

A muffled shout came from a barn across the way. Jon and Steph both looked at Jenn, a bemused smile twitching at the corner of Jon’s lips. As their host made his way in the direction of the voice, Jenn pulled in close to Jon and murmured in his ear ,

“It’s rough and ready but you won’t find a nicer family. Bet you never thought you’d be dealing with a mad Irish farmer!” She giggled and followed after Ted who had disappeared around the side of the barn. Jon laughed and clapped his arm around Steph who was looking a little nervous at the whole situation. The three of them trooped into a dimly lit cattle shed, the smell of haylage pungent in the air. The central walkway was surrounded by cattle on both sides behind strong metal bars all busily munching the sweet forage. Jon wrinkled his nose and glanced at his daughter who was now smiling widely and looking with delight at the animals.

“This sure is a real farm Dad! Maybe we should bring some cows home too?” She laughed at the look of disgust on her father’s face. Jon was a town man and a bit of a city slicker and never in his life had he imagined he’d be standing in cow shit on a farm in the middle of Ireland. A heifer let a mighty bellow out beside him and he leapt about six feet in the air.

“Holy shit!” he cursed. “Where’s the damn horse?”

Jenn had been watching the pair from the other end of the barn and was doubled over in laughter at the sight of the two Americans looking wide eyed around them.

“C’mon you two! We’re down here!” she called out. Jon spotted the humour playing across her face and strode over to join her.

“Enjoying this are we Miss O’Neill?” He eyed her suspiciously, “Just wait till we get home and I get you out in the big lights of New York! Payback!”

They both laughed and walked out the other end of the barn into a smaller courtyard. In the middle stood a huge dark horse being held by a young man of no more than seventeen or eighteen years old. Ted stood beside them and motioned to them,

“This here is my young lad Tommy. He’ll be taking over the farm shortly Jennifer. He’s got a good head for business!” The elderly man nodded with approval at his son.

“Hi Tommy, nice to meet you. Hopefully you can carry on your father’s legacy!” Jenn walked around the horse looking him over. Jon and Steph hung back sensing that it was better to let Jenn do her thing. Jenn filled them in on the horse’s details as she inspected his legs.

“This guy’s only a four year old but he has a seasons hunting under him already. Hopefully Steph this fellah could be your novice to train. He has all the right bloodlines and his sire was a very successful Puissance jumper.”
Steph nodded and stroked the big horse’s neck. She had never really dealt with a young horse before but Jenn gave her such confidence that she looked forward to the challenge. Jenn smiled reassuringly at her,

“C’mon we’ll have a look at him loose jumping. This guy looks like he has buckets of scope!”

Tommy led the horse out the corner of the yard and down into a large sand arena. Letting the horse go, he stepped back as the horse took off bucking and plunging around in the sand. Laughing he looked a little sheepishly at Steph,

“Don’t worry, he’s just a bit fresh. I never got around to riding him yesterday. He‘ll tire quick enough though, he‘s not fit!”

He smiled at Steph who blushed and gazed back at him. Jenn shot a quick look at Jon who was watching his daughter with interest. He still hadn’t gotten his head around the fact that she wasn’t a little girl anymore and that sooner or later he was gonna have to be dealing with boy troubles. They all turned their attentions back to the big horse who had settled now and was cantering easily around the ring. Ted and Tommy set about raising some fences along one side and the horse cleared them impressively at each try.

“He’s an entire Jon but provided his temperament works out, I don’t see a reason to geld him.”

Jenn liked this horse immensely and had already decided to herself that this one would be going to the States but she tried to keep Jon’s interest held. She knew this was unchartered territory for him and that he was trying hard.

“Shucks, I wouldn’t want my balls chopped off either!” Jon grimaced and shrugged his shoulders.

Jenn grinned and thought to herself, ‘God forbid! What a mortal sin that would be!’

Pushing any further wicked thoughts about Jon to the back of her mind she focused on the task at hand and the next hour was spent with both Jenn and Steph riding the young horse while Jon chatted with Ted. When they had finished Ted invited them all into the big farmhouse for tea and to discuss business. Tommy was leading the horse away when Ted looked at Steph and said to her she could see the rest of the farm with his son if she was interested. She nodded excitedly and headed off after him with Jon looking decidedly worried. Jenn grabbed Jon’s arm and told him to relax.

“Chill! She’ll be fine! You gotta lighten up you know! C’mon big daddy!” She giggled and dragged him along after the farmer who had gone ahead. Jon shook his head and laughed at her and allowed himself to be taken off into the house. A half hour later the deal was done and Jenn was satisfied that they had gotten a reasonable deal on the horse. Walking out to the jeep Tommy and Steph came walking around the side of the house giggling and chattering away with one another.

“Hey Dad! Wouldn’t it be cool if Tommy came over to visit us and see the horses sometime? He’s never been to the States.”

“Um..er…” Jon was at a loss for words. His daughter sure didn’t waste any time. Jenn stepped in seeing Jon looking like a fish out of water.

“Yeah sure Steph, lets see how things go back at home first huh?!” She put her arm around her, “We gotta get set up first don’t you think!”

Steph nodded and turned to say goodbye to the red faced Tommy who was standing awkwardly behind them. Jon regained the power of speech and shook hands with Ted and thanked him for his time. Jenn kept watch on Steph out of the corner of her eye and saw a small piece of paper being exchanged subtly between the two young people. She pressed her lips together to stop the smirk from forming on her face and was glad to see that Jon hadn’t noticed. Saying her goodbyes to Ted and his son, they jumped back in the jeep and pulled away from the farm. Steph was sitting in the back beaming like a Cheshire cat while Jon sat in the front with a bemused look on his face.

“That was fun huh? At least we got what we came for!” Jenn looked across at Jon who looked at her with raised eyebrows.

“Oh yeah!”, he responded dryly “I had a blast!”

Jenn just laughed at him and thought about how this poor guy had no idea what lay ahead of him in his role as parent of a teenage, love struck girl! She’d been one herself and knew exactly how Steph was feeling. Fun times lie ahead she reckoned with herself! Putting her foot down, she accelerated away to take them to their next stop.

Chapter Seven

A short while later they found themselves seated at the back of a small yet buzzing bistro type restaurant. The overhead lights were dim and a single candle romantically lit the centre of each table. Jenn suddenly found herself noticing they were surrounded by couples who all looked very much in love. In fact she couldn’t pick out a single table where people weren’t obviously gushing over one another. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, maybe this restaurant was a little too intimate for a simple dinner meeting with her boss.

Jon noticed her squirming and wondered why she suddenly looked so uncomfortable. Glancing around he could see nothing out of the ordinary yet he could feel the tension bouncing off the woman in front of him in waves.

“Hey, you okay?” he asked gently.

Glancing up over the menu she was so intently studying, she replied with an automatic “Yep! Why?”

“Oh nothing just thought you were a bit uneasy there!” Jon watched as her eyes flickered quickly to the tables around them. Suddenly it dawned on him,

“We can go somewhere else you know if you don’t fancy this?”

“Oh God no! This place is great…..I just feel a bit…umm…oh never mind me, I’m fine! Lets order!”

“A bit out of place you mean? Like we’re in some sort of love bubble?” He laughed gently and smiled at her. “It’s okay, I get it. I wonder when the guy comes out to serenade us?”

Jenn’s eyes widened then quickly relaxed as she took in the joking face in front of her. Feeling a lot more at ease she reached for her wine glass.

“Here’s to being the only non-romantically involved couple here!”

“Amen to that!”

They clinked glasses and normal conversation resumed once they had given their orders. Topics flowed around Stephanie and the horses at first, following onto a little about the band and their music.

“I dunno if Paul told you or not but I really wouldn’t be much of a music follower. I mean I like humming along with the radio and such but it was never really a big thing for me!” Jenn smiled and shrugged , “I suppose I was never really a cool kid in that sense anyway!”

Jon laughed and topped up their glasses with the last of the bottle of wine.

“When Paul told me that you probably didn’t know of us , well, it kinda sealed the deal for me! It’s very hard to have your kids lead a normal life when your career puts them in the spotlight wherever they go.”

Stretching his legs under the table and sipping at his wine he looked thoughtful for a moment.

“If I tell you something will you promise not to freak out on me?”

He looked at her so seriously that Jenn actually felt nervous;

“Oh God, what now? You’re not gonna tell me I’m on some entertainment show or something are you?”

She started anxiously scanning for hidden cameras and paparazzi around the restaurant.

“Lord no!!” Jon smiled and looked around him, “Well, not to my knowledge anyway although I can’t say it isn’t a possibility!”

Jenn looked so horrified for a moment, he couldn’t help but laugh at her.

“It’s ok baby, relax!! I’m just kidding with you!”

Her eyes narrowed at the ‘baby’ part. She still wasn’t completely familiar with his everyday language and wondered did he just call everyone baby or was it aimed at her specifically. ‘Stop it Jenn!’ she told herself furiously. ‘You’re over-analysing again! Chill woman!’ Wine, need more wine. Reaching for her glass she took a big gulp.

Jon had caught the slight eye narrowing and was inwardly cursing himself for being over familiar. He just felt so comfortable with this woman that he’d let it slip. Watching her take a drink, he hoped he hadn’t breached the line.

“So what’s so awful that I’m gonna freak out over then?”

“Eh, maybe I shouldn’t tell you!”, he relaxed at the warmth in her voice and began to tease her a little.

“Oh come on! I’m a big girl! Go for it!”

“Alright, alright! Before I told Paul to bring you over for an introduction, I kinda had you checked out!”

“Whad’ya mean checked out?” Uhoh, the eyes had narrowed again.

“Er….well like a background check, you know, like to make sure you weren’t a serial killer or anything!” He half joked with her unable to gauge the emotions showing on her face.

“Uhuh……..I see….”

She could see he was starting to sweat a little under his collar as he tried to work out whether she was pissed at him or not. She stared back at him across the table and folded her arms in front of her.

“….and you found out……what exactly??”

“That you’re a model citizen of course!” He spoke quickly hoping to God that he hadn’t just made a huge mistake.

Jenn was starting to enjoy making him nervous for a change.

“Did you expect me not to be? Do I give off the impression of a serial killer? I wasn’t aware I did!”

“Of course not! I just had to be sure!”

“Sure of what?”

“That you were the one we wanted!” Jon gave up trying to read her face and answered honestly looking straight into her slanted green eyes.

“Well thank God for that then!!” Unable to keep it straight, she let a big grin break out on her face.

Jon blew out the breath he’d been subconsciously holding and grinned back at her. So here was a woman that refused to be fazed by him! Interesting!

Finishing their meal, Jon picked up the tab much to Jenn’s disgust. He refused to be swayed by her protests though and calmly guided her out the door of the restaurant, leaving a generous tip to the appreciative waiter.

“You know you are a guest in my country after all! I should be the one taking you out!”

“Hush now! Your company was worth more than any meal!”

He smiled warmly at her and hung his arm loosely around her shoulders. The wine had mellowed both their inhibitions enough that the familiar gesture went unheeded by either. Walking back to the hotel, they chatted some more about the city and in no time found themselves back in the hotel lobby.

Glancing at his watch and seeing it was still early, Jon looked at Jen,

“Fancy a night cap in the bar?”

“Thought you’d never ask!”

The hotel bar was quiet with just a few business people dotted around having post dinner drinks. Taking a seat in the corner, a waiter approached for their order.

“A glass of house white for me and ……..” Jon looked over at Jenn who replied with,

“Vodka and coke please, large!”

“Good grief woman, fond of hard liquor are we?” He laughed at the look of satisfaction on her face.

“Sorry! I’ve always been a vodka girl. Wine’s all fine and well over dinner but you gotta make room for the good stuff somewhere!”

Truth be told, the effects of the wine over dinner had somewhat diminished on the walk back and there was no way in hell Jenn was letting the nerves come back so she reckoned her old pal Mr. Smirnoff would help her out!

“Back in the day I’d have joined you but if I touched a drop tonight I think you may have to carry me upstairs! Wine’s the altogether safer bet for me!” He chuckled and eased back in the plush sofa.

“So how do you feel about living in the States full time? Won’t you miss Ireland?”

Accepting the drinks from the waiter, she handed over some money ignoring the exasperated look Jon gave her.

“No, I don’t think I will that much. I was based in the U.K for years anyway so it hasn’t really been my home in a long time.”

The vodka slid down her throat and warmed her stomach. She smacked her lips together,

“Mmmm, God that’s better!!”

“At least now I know what to give you to keep you happy - a bottle of vodka! Should be easy enough!”

Jon was delighted to see a woman make no attempt to hide what she liked. He watched as she laughed at him, a rosy glow highlighting her cheeks.

“Nope! I’m pretty easy to keep happy as long as nobody pisses me off! Then you better watch out!”

“I can imagine! Steph will have to watch herself!”

“She’s a great girl Jon. I’d be proud to have her as a daughter.”

“Yup, she’s one of the best things ever happened to me. Along with the three boys they make a great set of kids to have!”

Looking regretful he added, “Although I can’t take much credit for how they turned out. Dot is a great mom……..I just wish I’d taken more time to spend as a family.”
Jenn was touched by the look of sadness on the man’s face. She reached over and touched his knee,

“I’m sure you’re a great Dad, there’s not many teenage daughters who have as good a relationship with their fathers as you two have.”

He nodded slowly and placed his hand lightly on top of hers. Jenn didn’t bat an eyelid and never flinched.

“Yeah, doesn’t mean we don’t have our battles though! She can be pretty stubborn at times although I think she gets that from me!”

A short silence ensued when Jenn suddenly realised she still had her hand draped across his knee. God, the vodka was working a little too well. She was just in the process of wondering how to remove it when a loud ringing made both of them jump.

“Oh God! Sorry! That’s me!” Quickly whisking her hand away to root in her bag she pulled out her phone and looked at the screen. ‘Karen Home’ flashed up on it.

“Mind if I take this?” She looked at Jon.

“Not at all, go right ahead. I need to pay a visit to the Gents anyways.”

He got up and left Jenn to take the call. Taking a look at the very sexy posterior walking away from her she sighed and answered the call.

“Hey Kar!”

“Don’t you hey me! Where’ve you been all day!”

“Huh? What are you on about? You know where I’ve been!” Jenn was confused. Karen knew she was showing Steph around town today.

“Exactly! I’ve been stuck in work all day and you don’t even send me a text to update me on your rock star’s visit! Give me gossip, NOW!!” Karen demanded down the phone sending Jenn into convulsions on the other end.

“Oh Kar, you’re priceless you know that? What do you want to know?” she giggled keeping an eye out for Jon’s return.

“Where’d you take him? What did you do? Has he proposed yet?!” came the barrage of questions.

“Karen! Quit it, he’s my boss remember!!” Jenn admonished feeling only slightly guilty about pretending to have no feelings for him.

“Yeah, yeah whatever Miss Prim and oh so Proper! You better be working the Irish charm on him or you can shove off and I’ll seduce him! Where are you by the way?”

“In the bar having a drink before bed.” Jenn downed the last of her vodka and coke.

“Oh reeeeeallly!!!” came the sarcastic reply, “Now that’s more like it, very cosy indeed! Trying to get him drunk? I’m impressed girl!” Karen was laughing down the phone now knowing she was rising Jenn.

“Cut it out you witch bag!! You know I’m not that bad! At least not anymore!” She retorted back at her best friend, remembering the years when they’d grown up together.

“Okay I gotta go, he’s coming back.” Jon was approaching from the far side of the bar. “I’ll call you in the morning to arrange dinner tomorrow night!” Karen had insisted she cook dinner in her house for the visiting party and Jenn had finally relented seeing as how Karen was actually a decent chef.

“Okay honey. Have a good night and remember if you can’t be good…..BE CAREFUL!” Karen shrieked the last bit down the phone and hung up cackling. Jenn shook her head smiling to herself, that girl needs help, she reckoned.

“ Everything okay?” Jon asked as he settled back down beside her.

“Oh grand, just Karen checking to see we were still going to her place tomorrow evening. She’s kinda excited so I apologise in advance for her enthusiasm!”

“I’m looking forward to it, she sounds like fun!” He motioned toward their empty glasses on the table,

“Fancy another?”

Checking her watch, Jenn was a little shocked to see it was well after midnight.

“God look at the time, you must be wrecked!!” She looked at the worn yet undoubtedly handsome face beside her. His hair flopped forward a little over his forehead and led down to the warmest set of blue eyes Jen had ever seen. Suggestive wrinkles creased the corners of his eyes softening the masculine angles of his face.

“Hell no! I’m a night owl through and through! I think my daughter wore you out today though!”

He smiled at Jenn’s large yawns and sleepy eyes.

“Oh my God, sorry I don’t mean to be rude! It’s the damn wine, makes me sleepy!!”

“Nothing to do with the vodka then no?!”

“Jon anytime you want to challenge my vodka abilities just name the date and place! I know who’ll come out on top!” She laughed at him,

“You’re dealing with an Irish chick now! I was reared on the stuff!!”

“Well you know I might just test that theory sometime!”

Stifling back another yawn she relied;

“Looking forward to it mister! Alright, I admit it, if I stay here much longer I might as well sleep here!”

“S’ok darlin, we wouldn’t want to be hungover for Karen tomorrow now would we?!”

Laughing and nodding she took Jon’s hand and stood up. Draping their coats across his arm he once again put his arm across her shoulders and together they ambled out to the elevator.

Once inside the lift, Jenn’s feet suddenly started to ache.

“Ugh, gotta get these things off! Apologies but a girl’s gotta do what she’s gotta do!”

Putting her hand on his shoulder for balance, the offending high heels were removed and her feet gratefully sank into the luxurious deep pile carpet. Jon laughed at her antics.

“Y’know if I was a younger man I’d carry you up but I think you might be safer on your own two feet!”

“God you’d swear you were a pensioner already!! Don’t worry, I’ll manage thanks!”

They smiled warmly at one another and Jon dropped his arm to around her waist.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know you better Miss O’Neill!” He paused and looked deep into her eyes, “And I’m hoping you’ll let me?”
The elevator pinged and the doors swung open onto Jenn’s floor. Squeezing his arm and staring back at him she slowly replied,

“I think I might. Thank you for a wonderful evening.”

“G’nite honey, thank you!” He leant over and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. Smiling he stepped back into the elevator;

“See ya in the morning!”

PING! The doors shut again and he was gone. Jenn’s head swam from the gentle kiss and she giggled out loud to herself. ‘Jennifer O’Neill admit it! You’ve got a crush on your boss!!!’ Howling to herself with mirth she wobbled slightly down the corridor to her room. Life had all of a sudden gotten much brighter!!