Chapter Thirty Two

A cold wind howled around the corner from where Jenn was hunkered down, quietly dragging on a cigarette. It had been raining solidly ever since she had landed at Dublin and the weatherman promised no let up for the days ahead. A large drop of water fell from the gutter above her head and all but put out the rest of her smoke. Sighing she looked regretfully at the sodden filter and tossed it in the drain beside her. From somewhere behind her she was vaguely aware of the sound of car engines turning over and hushed voices. The wall of the house she was huddling against shielded her from view as she pulled another cigarette from the pack in her pocket and cupped her hand to light it. Inhaling deeply she continued to stare out at the rolling fields in front of her, the turbulent grey clouds racing low along the horizon. She was in no hurry to go anywhere.

Karen filled the kettle for what felt like the hundredth time and flicked it on. Arching her back to ease the stiffness she peered out the back window of the kitchen. She could just about make out the faint cloud of smoke before a gust of wind took it away. A glance at her watch told her it had been nearly an hour since Jenn had gone out for a ’quick smoke’ as she’d put it. She must be soaked by now! Pouring a hot mug of coffee from the pot, she added a dash of milk and two sugars for good measure. Smiling and nodding she pushed her way through the pockets of people congregated in the small house. As she opened the back door she braced herself against the blast of wet air that soaked her face instantly. Damn weather! Muttering to herself as she hugged the coffee close to her body she made her way down the back path to where Jenn was crouched.

“Here…drink this before you get pneumonia!” She thrust the steaming coffee at her.

Jenn looked up blankly and took the mug without protest. “Thanks”

“I’m sure nobody would mind if you smoked inside you know?” Karen nestled down beside her friend, hugging her chin close to her chest in an attempt to keep out the stinging rain.

“I’m fine out here…” came the muted reply.

She hooked her arm under Jenn’s and squeezed gently. “You know you’ve got to come in sometime right?”

Wrapping her cold fingers around the warm mug, Jenn took a sip and nodded, “I know, I’ll be there in a minute, I just needed……”she trailed off as she stared bleakly ahead.

Reaching out to tuck a flyaway strand of sodden hair behind her ear, Karen gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. “I know honey, I know.” Standing up to leave, she gazed down sadly at her. Her heart ached for what her friend was enduring and she didn’t know what else she could do.

Back inside, she did the rounds once more with the teapot and coffee giving everyone refills. Passing her husband, she smiled gratefully as he pulled her into a hug.

“You doing okay pet?” Mark was concerned for his wife who had been running around non stop for the past couple of days.

“I’m okay honey, honestly!” she gave him a small kiss and leaned against him for a moment. “I don’t know what else to do Mark - she won’t eat, she won’t sleep, she won’t talk!”

“She’ll get through it sweetie,” he looked grimly at her, “She’s no other choice and you can’t do it for her.”

Pulling back, she looked up at him in wonderment. “Have I ever told you you’re a genius Mark? A bloody genius!” Grinning she kissed him again and went on her way about the room leaving him staring after her in puzzlement.




Over three thousand miles away, Jon groaned and rolled over in bed. His head was pounding and his mouth felt like he’d swallowed a mothball. Groggily he shuffled his way into the ensuite to take care of business, catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror as he passed the sink. He looked as rough as a badger, a day and a half of stubble sprouted from his jaw and his hair resembled the top of a kitchen mop.

Frowning his way through the bright light streaming into the kitchen, he flicked on the coffee machine and took in the mess surrounding him. Empty wine bottles littered the surface tops, sticky with spillages. Gathering up a few to fling in the trash he groaned even louder when he saw the empty bottle of Jack Daniels already sitting in the can. No wonder his head felt like it was about to spontaneously combust!

Once the coffee brewed he filled two cups and deposited one beside a slumbering Richie in the guest room. There was a small chance the smell of it might wake him but it was a pretty slim one at that. Back in the living area he slumped onto the couch and willed the pounding in his skull to go away.

It was Sunday morning, it had turned out that Jake had woken up with a stomach bug of sorts yesterday morning so the trip to the Hamptons had been cancelled. Jon had been relieved, although he hated to see any of his kids sick, he hadn’t been relishing the thought of spending the weekend with Dot and putting a brave face on things. Instead he’d called Richie and obviously they had decided to drink half the alcoholic contents of the city last night.

It was sitting on the little table in front of him. That perfectly white envelope with it’s soul destroying contents. He’d shown it to Richie last night and ranted and raved over it. Funnily enough he remembered Rich giving him a slap to the head and telling him to get a grip, wasn’t this what was supposed to happen when a couple separated? He supposed it was, just the fact that it was there, waiting for him to sign on the dotted line was surreal. It all seemed so final. Richie had sold the deal though with one sentence, “You owe it to her man, give her the chance to be happy with someone else.”

He was right, as usual but he still hadn’t signed it. You were supposed to be of able body and mind when you signed your life away and last night he definitely possessed neither. Leaning forward he pulled the sheets of expensive paper from the envelope and stared glumly at the pages. Shit Jonny just be a fuckin man and do it! Before he could change his mind, he scribbled his signature at the bottom of several pages and stuffed them back into the envelope. Flinging it back on the table he sank back in the soft cushions, massaging his forehead gently. It was done.

As he sat there, Jenn drifted into his thoughts. He hadn’t called her since he had last seen her, mostly because of everything that happened between Dorothea and himself obviously but also a little bit of him was scared. He had sorted everything out regarding Steph and studying yesterday with Dorothea so the plans were still going full steam ahead he just wasn’t sure if Jenn even wanted to be a part of it anymore. He should have been straight up with her from the start, he knew that now and he had been for the most part. Things had just gotten muddled very quickly and spiralled out of control before he had realised what was going on. He’d seen it in her eyes - the panic - and he couldn’t blame her for that. He was the one who was married after all, well legally at least.

Spying his phone poking out from under a cushion he snagged it and rolled his eyes when he saw at least thirty missed calls on it. He’d put it on silent early yesterday, he just hadn’t been in a fit state to talk bullshit to anyone. Scrolling down his eyes widened as he saw the majority of the calls were either from the farm or from Paul’s cell number. His pulse quickened a little until he remembered Steph hadn’t been going near the place yesterday, so she was safe. His baby girl getting hurt was always at the back of his mind. Just as he was debating which number to call Paul back on, the phone came to life in his hand, an unknown number blinking at him from the screen. Cautiously he pressed accept and held it silently to his ear.

“Em…hello? Is that Jon?” a nervous voice came through faintly from the other end.

“Who’s this?” his voice was thick with suspicion.

“It’s Karen……you probably don’t remember me……I’m Jenn’s friend……from Ireland?”

Sitting straight up, his face fell as he listened to Karen speak on the other end, his heart racing wildly. Thirty minutes later, he was dressed and showered as he burst into Richie’s room.

“RICH! Wake up! I’m going to Ireland - lock up when ya go!”

Without waiting for a response he marched from the room, grabbing his holdall containing a bunch of clothes that he had hastily gathered and headed straight for the airport.

Chapter Thirty One

Create a playlist at MixPod.com



Jon pulled up outside the sprawling Middletown house that he had built with Dorothea years ago for them to raise their family in. Everything was as immaculate as ever, the lawns mowed in perfect lines, the hedges trimmed neatly. The wide expanse of the Navesink River flowed behind the house or to the front depending on which way you looked at it. A few lights glowed here and there as dusk began to settle and a slight mist rose off the calm water of the river.

Grabbing the pizza he’d collected on the way over, he kicked the car door shut behind him with his boot and made his way to the door. Before he got there the porch light came on and the door swung inwards. Dot stood leaning in the doorway smiling slightly,

“Hey……wasn‘t expecting you out here tonight?”

Jon eyed her over the pizza box and smiled hesitantly, “Yeah well I figured it was easier to just come here to talk…hungry?”

Standing back to allow him in the doorway, she stuck her nose out and sniffed the air appreciatively. “Pepperoni…mmnn…smells good.”

They followed one another into the vast kitchen that had been designed to allow for both home and corporate purposes. Jon slid the pizza box onto the enormous oak table that provided the centre piece of the room and glanced around him.

“Where are the kids? It’s awful quiet around here?”

Dot motioned upstairs as she pulled a bottle of wine from the cooler and hooked down two tall wine glasses from the overhead rack.

“Romey’s just gone down, Jessie and Jake are in the games room and Steph’s gone out with some friends for dinner.” Sidling into a chair beside Jon, she yawned as she uncorked the bottle and poured them both a large glass. “I don’t feel so guilty about opening a whole bottle now you’re here” Clinking her glass against his, she took a sip and sighed with satisfaction.

Jon returned the toast and grabbed a slice of the still steaming pizza, he was absolutely starving by now. They sat in silence for a minute as he devoured two whole slices and Dot sipped at her wine, watching him in amusement.

Finally he stopped for a break, sitting back in his chair and groaning. He gave her an apologetic look as he took a sip from his glass, “Sorry but I was fucking starving!”

“So I can see!” she laughed lightly picking up a slice of her own to nibble at. “You got my message then?”

“Yeah, so what’s going on?” Jon looked at her over his glass, “You wanted to talk?”

“I went up to the farm today, thought I better check out what it was all about properly.” She lightly tapped the table with a finger, “Impressive Jon……as usual you’ve thought of everything!”

Jon looked at her warily, the sarcasm in her voice, although less potent as of late, was still there nonetheless. He chose to say nothing, he’d learnt lately that silence was sometimes the best policy.

“Steph is determined, I can see that, she even painted half the barn - our daughter? Paint?” she exclaimed with a smirk. “She never fails to surprise me!”

“She wants this Dot, so do I…”, Jon spoke up quietly staring at his wine, “I haven’t seen her as happy since I don’t know when.”


“Hmm I can see that…oh and I finally met the great Jennifer”, Dorothea threw her arms up with a flourish. “I have to admit she’s not what I expected.”

“Oh yeah? What did you expect?”, Jon eyed her carefully.

“I dunno”, she pursed her lips looking thoughtful, “Someone a little older perhaps, she seems so young to have accomplished all the things Steph keeps telling me about.”

“Paul said she’s the best out there,” He shrugged his shoulders casually, “He’s never steered us wrong so far…”

Dorothea ran her fingers through her long dark hair, pushing it off her face. “She doesn’t mince her words anyhow, that’s for sure!”

Jon looked at her sharply, “Why? What did she say to you?”

“Oh just something along the lines of not tolerating being messed around, blah, blah. I don’t think she appreciated me muscling in on all of your well laid plans!” She arched her eyebrows and rolled her eyes with a grim smile.

Leaning forward Jon fixed her with a steely glare, “Dot tell me you weren‘t a bitch to her? Tell me you didn‘t mess this up for Steph!”

Angry dark eyes flashed back at him. “Why am I always the bitch? If YOU had discussed this with me properly I wouldn’t have had to go over there and ruffle her pretty little feathers! And DON‘T make this all about Steph when you know very well it‘s not!”

Jon bit his lip to stop himself saying something he shouldn’t. Draining his glass, he picked angrily at a knot in the knarled wood surface of the table. He spoke with gritted teeth, “And how exactly did you ruffle her feathers so to speak?”

“I told her that WE had to discuss this before it went any further and that I want Steph to study at the same time as competing!” She glared back, silently daring him to cross her, “Nothing that was at all unreasonable in my view, as I keep telling you Jon, Steph is OUR daughter!”

He laughed dryly, “Yes Dot, so you keep telling me! Message received loud and clear, yet again!”

“Anyway, like I said she wasn’t impressed, got quite upset actually,” pouring them both another glass of wine, she set the bottle back down watching Jon from the corner of her eyes, “She seems to be very…how should I put it?……invested… in this whole thing.”

Jon flushed and snapped, “God dammit Dot, of course she is! She moved country to train OUR daughter for chrissake!”

“I‘m just wondering was that the only reason?” She crossed her arms and stared defiantly across at him.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” Jon jumped off his chair in disgust, grabbing his wine glass as he strode over to the French doors to stare out at the river. “Why do you always have to make a big deal out of everything Dot?”

“Being married to you for the last twenty years has taught me a thing or two Jon!” she fired back at him as she watched his reaction.

Shaking his head sadly Jon threw back what was left in his glass and slowly returned to the table. The wine was starting to take effect and he suddenly felt drained of life. Emptying the last of the bottle’s contents between their two glasses, he sat down again to face her.

“We can’t keep doing this to each other, it’s pointless…” he paused, wearily running his hands through his hair before sadly adding, “I don’t know how to fix this.”

Nodding slowly in agreement, Dorothea looked at him with regret, the anger suddenly gone from her face. “So much has been going on lately and I can’t remember the last time we actually just sat and did………this. Just talked.”

Jon slowly swivelled his glass on the table, watching as the pale amber liquid gently sloshed from side to side. “I know…..”

They both gazed down at their respective glasses, the silence lingering until Dot spoke softly, “I still miss us you know?”

Sighing heavily, Jon reached across the table for her hand, letting his fingers entwine hers. “Me too baby.”

“Why did we stop making each other happy Jonny? Where did we go wrong?” Dot’s deep brown eyes were moist, the lines around them creased in sadness.

“Hey…sssh”, he gripped her hand watching forlornly as a tear slipped down her cheek, “I don’t know…”

Jesus he was making every woman in his life miserable tonight, what the hell was he doing wrong? He knew he had played a major part in wrecking his marriage, being married to a rock star wasn’t exactly postcard material for a rosy home life.

“I guess we thought we didn’t have to try anymore?” Bowing his head he rubbed his temples with his spare hand, the other still slowly stroking the back of Dorothea's. “I’m sorry Dottie, for everything. You deserve better than I can be.”

“You were all I ever needed,” she whispered. “Nothing else mattered for so long, I don’t know what changed……” her voice trailed off into the silence.

They sat like that for a good five minutes, both lost in thoughts as their fingers found the familiar creases of one another’s hands. Eventually she pulled her hand free and got up stiffly to retrieve an envelope from a drawer.

Speaking quietly she placed the starched white envelope on the table and slid it across to Jon.

“There’s nothing else really left to say baby is there?” Moving to stand by him she gripped his shoulder and stooped to drop a gentle kiss on his head, briefly running her fingers through his hair to smooth it down. “I’m sorry too.” Leaving him staring at the envelope she silently left the kitchen, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

The discreet black printed letters screamed out silently at him as he struggled to focus on what he was reading,

Douglas & Mandel LLP
150 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022

There was only one reason why Dot would be giving him a letter from this company - she was filing for divorce. A hard lump formed in his throat and he bit his fist hard, feeling a hot tear scorch it’s way down his cheek. Blinking hard he gazed at the room around him, adorned with pictures and mementos of a life filled with happiness. Finally his watering eyes came to rest on the large black and white framed photograph hanging above the wood burning stove. It had been taken on a sandy beach a few years back when they’d been on vacation. Locked together in an embrace, they’d had eyes for each other only, lost in their own private moment that the photographer had somehow managed to capture. Succumbing to the tears, he rested his head on the table, feeling a stranger in his own home as the realisation that his marriage was truly over swept through him.

Thank You!

Thank you all for your great comments! It gives me so much joy that you as readers are as invested in Jenn & Jon's story as I am as the author! Chapter Thirty One is in the final editing stages and it's a big one, I was an emotional mess after finishing it - I hope it touches you as it has done me - your support is wonderful - thank you xxxx

Chapter Thirty

Heaving the saddle back on it’s rack, Jenn slumped on the bench in Paul’s tack room and rested her head in her arms. She quite literally had cried herself out, she simply had no more tears to give. Angry as she was at Jon, her heart had nearly ruled her head again when she saw him standing there. She knew in her soul he hadn’t meant for this to happen but she had to stop it now before both their lives got twisted up in the insanity of it all.

The sound of footfalls coming down the barn jolted her back to reality. Straightening up she rubbed her eyes and blew out a few deep breaths right before Sue peeped around the corner.

“Hey honey………you okay?”

Jenn jumped up and smiled brightly at her. “Hey! Yep just finishing up!” She turned her back to her in an effort to hide her face as she grabbed a damp cloth to rub down the tack she’d just used.

Sue wandered in and sat down on a trunk beside her, watching as Jenn methodically rubbed the leather repeatedly even though it was already shining.

“You know it’s okay to sit still every now and again right?” She kept her voice light and casual. “I couldn’t believe it when Paul said you were still out here riding!” She didn’t mention the fact that he had also told her about meeting Jon and that she had seen him leave in a flurry of gravel not long after.

Keeping her face away from Sue’s view, Jenn attempted a small laugh, “Guess I had a bit too much caffeine today!”

“Jenn………you know you can talk to me about anything right? This has all been a pretty big move for you………I don’t know if I could have done it!” Sue smiled kindly at her, she knew something wasn’t right although she hadn’t ever actually discussed with her whatever relationship was going on with her and Jon.

Glancing back, Jenn relented and hung the bridle up on it’s hook, smiling gratefully.

“Of course I do! You and Paul have been just great to me……” She was wishing fervently that Sue would go, she didn’t know how much longer she could keep up this sunny composure.

“Well why don’t you come on up and have a drink with us tonight?” Sue stood and waited hopefully. As Jenn turned to finally face her, she quickly took in the dark rings under her still red eyes. She had been right to suspect all was not well.

“Thanks but maybe some other time, think I’m just gonna have a bath and hit the hay early tonight”, she sighed and threw the cleaning rag back in the bucket. “My sleeping pattern is still all out of whack!”

Sue, not wanting to push her just nodded, “Of course it is, you haven’t stopped since you got here!” Turning to head out the door she paused, “I mean it though honey, anytime you need to talk, you know where I am.”

Flicking off the light in the tack room, Jenn followed her out the door and gave her arm a soft squeeze. “I won’t forget it, promise!”

Sue admitted defeat to herself and bade her goodnight. Walking back to the main house she worried about what was going on. She was very fond of Jenn and it troubled her knowing that she was upset and alone.

Exhausted, Jenn trudged back to the house, the emptiness seeming to envelope her as soon as the door closed behind her. Her cell still lay in pieces on the kitchen floor from when she had flung it in anger against the wall after texting Jon. Slowly she gathered the scattered pieces, stooping to retrieve the battery pack from beneath the kitchen table. Assembling the various parts, relief flashed through her as the screen flashed back to life. A few seconds later a voice message came through from an unknown number. Warily she pressed the button to retrieve it, half expecting to hear Jon’s voice only for her to smile as Karen’s familiar accent reminded her of home.

“Hey honey………it’s me………I’m not sure what time it is with you right now but……em……I need you to give me a call when you get this babes, okay?………don’t worry about waking me……love you…”

The smile faded as she listened to the message, Karen’s voice had sounded odd, not her usual cheerful self. Jenn’s stomach twisted into a nervous knot as she dialled her number. A quick glance at the kitchen clock told her it was nearly 1am back home in Ireland. Karen picked up on the first ring;

“Hello? Jenn?” Something was definitely wrong, her voice was wrought with tension.

“Karen it’s me! What’s going on?” Jenn gripped the edge of the granite kitchen counter and stared unseeingly at the wall as she listened to her best friends voice start to waver.

“Oh honey……I’m so sorry to do this over the phone…but…” Karen gasped and broke down on the other end of the line, “……you need to come home sweetie………there’s been an accident……your parents………they’re hurt bad……”

Hurricane Sunday!

Hello everyone! I figured in honour of the day that's in it with Mother Nature bashing our world with all her might that I might as well go ahead and blow this thing apart - lock the doors, tighten the windows and snuggle under a comfy blanket -here comes Chapter Thirty! Enjoy and stay safe out there xxx

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Jon hummed quietly to himself as he finished dressing, his mood had improved substantially now that he had plans with Jenn for dinner. He had made reservations at a swanky rooftop restaurant in the city and was looking forward to an evening of showing her around town. As he headed for the hall closet to grab a jacket, the blinking light of the answering machine caught his eye. Hitting the play button as he swung an arm into the jacket he stopped short when Dorothea’s voice came out, softer than he’d heard it in an age.

‘Hey……I’ve been tossing the idea around of taking the kids to the Hamptons house for the weekend……we need to talk………and they need to spend more time with you ……..…call me when you get this ok?”

Slowly shrugging on the rest of the jacket, he stared at the machine, a frown creasing his face. He’d had a couple of short conversations with her earlier on in the week but they had been somewhat muted ones following their phone argument the previous weekend. Not once had she suggested they spend anymore time together than what was absolutely necessary.

Setting the alarm on the apartment, he pulled the door behind him and headed for the elevator. After calling it to his floor, he pulled out his cell to call Dot back when it bleeped in his hand. Grinning widely as Jenn’s number flashed up on the screen, he opened the message as he stepped into the elevator. What the hell?

Confusion ripped through his brain as he read the short text. What the fuck was going on? Panicking he hit her number only to howl in frustration when the standard ‘No Service Provider’ message blinked angrily on the screen. Damn elevator was blocking the signal. Thinking furiously as he descended down the floors at a painfully slow pace, he couldn’t understand her sudden change of heart. Finally the doors pinged open to the basement car park and he stormed out, frantically waving his phone around in an attempt to pick up a signal. After an eternity, two weak bars showed up on the screen and he fumbled in an anxious effort to call her. No ringing ensued on the other end of the line, just the standard voice mail reply. Fuck!

Flinging himself into his car, he hit redial several more times only to hear the same message each time. He had absolutely no clue what had gone on to change her mind, had Steph said something to upset her? Setting his phone into hands free mode, he hit the gas and accelerated up the ramp onto the street. As he made rapid progress towards Jersey, more attempts to ring Jenn proved futile and in a last ditch attempt to get some answers he speed dialled Steph.

“Hey Daddy!” Steph answered in her normal, cheery tone. Nothing different so far.

“Hey baby girl, how are ya?” Jon with his eyes fixed on the road ahead attempted to keep his voice as normal as possible in an attempt to hide the frustration that was currently coursing through his body.

“So you comin to the Hamptons with us tomorrow?”

“Eh………I’m not sure yet honey…I need to talk to your Mom about that first” Since getting Jenn’s text, he had completely forgotten about Dot’s message.

"Oh okay, you want me to put her on? She’s just downstairs I think…“

Thinking he may as well talk to Dot now and get it over with, he nodded at her voice,
“Yeah okay if you can find her………how did you get on at the farm today?” As he sped along the freeway, he could hear Steph moving around her room heading off to look for her mother.

“Great, we got the whole barn ready! Jenn thinks I missed my calling as a painter - haha! MOM!…Hang on Daddy I’m lookin for her…MOM!!”

Dammit, this wasn’t getting him any answers.“A painter huh?”

“Ha ha yup, I got like the whole office done in an hour! I think Mom was impressed!……MOM! DAD’S ON THE PHONE! …”

Well fuck! Dot was at the farm! Punching the steering wheel he swore under his breath.

“Your Mom was at the farm today?”

Steph was starting to sound a bit annoyed now. Apparently Dorothea was nowhere to be found, at least she didn’t seem to be in ear range of her daughter anyway.


“Um yeah, she picked me up this evening so I showed her round and introduced her to Jenn………Daddy I’ve no idea where she is…….”

His mind was going into overdrive as he gunned the car forward. No wonder Jenn was pissed, Dot must’ve said something to upset her. God knows he knew all too well how blunt Dot could be if she didn’t approve of something or somebody.

“That’s okay baby, don’t worry, just tell her I’ll call her back in a little bit okay?”

“Will do, love you!”

Ending the call Jon cursed himself for not having the foresight to see this happening. He had intended for Jenn and Dorothea to meet in due time, naturally, but well when one thing had lead to another, it had kind of gotten pushed to the kerb.

Twenty minutes later he was pulling into the space beside Jenn’s house which appeared deserted at first glance. The blinds were pulled in all the front windows and as he tried the front door he found it locked. Knocking, he called out her name several times but all that came back to him was the echo of his own voice bouncing off the panelled walls.

Shit! Sighing heavily, he shoved his hands in his pockets and leaned back against the screen door gazing out across the paddocks. A few horses dotted the horizon here and there, grazing peacefully and for a second he closed his eyes and imagined himself with a life which was that simple. Some fucking chance of that!

A noise to his right caught his attention and he straightened up quickly in the hope it was Jenn but to his disappointment and slight embarrassment it was Paul that came trudging along the path from the barns. Spotting Jon he grinned and gave him a great wave.

“Hey Jon! How ya doin?”

Jon forced himself to smile and walked down to meet him.

“Hey Paul, good to see you!” Reaching out to shake his hand he looked around innocently. “Any idea where Jenn is?”

Paul regarded him for a moment and took in his appearance. Dressed in dark jeans, a light blue shirt and a fitted suit jacket, Jon made a smart figure. And looked awfully like a guy who was headed out on the town for a night.

“Yeah she’s down in the bottom ring working one of the horses for me - claimed she was bored!” Paul rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulders. “Sure would love to know where she gets her energy from!”

Thanking him, Jon bid him farewell and headed in the direction Paul had pointed him in. Rounding the corner he spotted her cantering around on a powerful chestnut gelding. Against the setting sun, they made a picturesque combination, seemingly moving as one. Choosing to watch a little longer, he folded his arms and leaned against the side of the barn, partially obscured from view. Mesmerised he followed her with his eyes as she worked the horse through it’s different paces, going from a bounding forward stride back to an almost indiscernible canter. It was so controlled it looked like the horse was motionless above the ground until she released her hands slightly and once again he bounded forward, willingly and fluently. Jenn sat tall, her legs wrapped around the horse’s sides, giving invisible directions as she guided the big horse through each movement.

Even Jon could tell from his untrained eye that he watching something special. He had attended numerous competitions with his daughter over the years but never had he witnessed something as entrancing as what he was seeing happen in front of him. Forwards, backwards and sideways, the horse flicked through every instruction effortlessly - they looked like they were dancing to a silent melody.

Finally Jenn eased the horse down and relaxed the reins, allowing the horse to stretch his head low to the ground as they walked the perimeter of the arena. As she approached, Jon stepped forward quietly from the shadows, hands in his pockets as he waited for her to pass by.

“Hey.” he spoke softly as she came toward him.

The shock on her face was evidence enough that she had no idea she was being watched. She sat silently aboard the steaming horse, staring at him until she eventually replied stiffly,“Hi”

Jon’s heart twisted as he looked at her. Even from under the baseball cap she seemed to have permanently glued to her head when she was working, he could see her red rimmed eyes and tear streaked dust stains on her face.

“We had dinner plans……” cocking his head at her, he offered up a small smile.

Easing her feet out of the stirrup irons, she let her legs hang long before sliding off the saddle. Turned away from him, she concentrated on letting the horse’s girth down a few holes.

“I sent you a message.”

Sighing, Jon kicked at a small stone with his polished boots,“Yeah, I got it……was just hoping I could come out here and change your mind?”

Swivelling around to face him as she went to lead the horse in from the arena, she avoided looking at him directly.“Jon, you have a life that I know nothing about and I think it’s best that it remains that way. There are things you need to discuss with your wife about Stephanie’s plans here and right now I’m not sure they involve me.”

He looked up quickly and winced as she placed special emphasis on the ‘wife’ part. Confused he raised his hands in surrender mode.“Jenn, I’m sorry I had no idea Dot was coming out here today, if I’d known…”

Rounding on him, she cut across;“If you’d known you’d have done WHAT Jon?! Jesus Christ!” she swore looking straight at him now. “You’d have rung me and told me to hide? Is that it? Can’t let wifey dearest know that you’re fucking your daughter’s trainer?”

Wounded he drew in a sharp breath and looked at her in desperation.“NO Jenn, fuck no! That’s not what this is about, don’t ever think that!” Stepping back he ran his hands through his hair in frustration. “Jesus what did she say to you?”

Shaking her head she gave a short humourless laugh, “It’s not what she said Jon, it’s how she said it!”, stepping forward to lead the horse into the barn she looked back at him. “Go home to your wife and family Jon, I hear you have a weekend away to enjoy and I’ve got a job to do here….or then again maybe I don’t. Call me when you‘ve decided Steph‘s future.”

Walking on toward the barn she left Jon standing in her wake. He watched in disbelief as both she and the horse disappeared into the shadows of the aisle, how in hell had this all gone so wrong? Muttering to himself he crunched over the gravel to find the path back to get his car. There was only one place where he was going to get answers tonight and he was about ten minutes away from getting them.

Chapter Twenty Eight

Feeling the blood pound between her veins, Jenn extended her hand toward the older woman. Slim, dark haired, attractive but yet normal looking, this woman was nothing what Jenn had imagined Jon’s wife to be like. Hell she didn’t even know what she had imagined her as, something along the lines of a platinum blonde bombshell perhaps. Clearing her throat she mustered a warm smile as they shook hands.

“Hi Dorothea, Pleased to finally meet you!”

“Likewise, my daughter has told me a lot about you.”

Dorothea’s face remained impassive, smiling politely as she looked Jenn over. An awkward silence ensued as the two women regarded one another. Jenn could feel her cheeks burning and for once was at a complete loss for words. Thankfully Steph was anxious to show her mother the rest of the barn and grabbed her arm.

“Come up here Mom, I wanna show you all the painting I’ve done!”

Snapping back to reality Jenn smiled and nodded, grateful for the intervention however innocent it may have been.“Yes, do have a look, Steph has a hidden talent with a paint brush!”

Dorothea pursed her lips slightly and followed her daughter up the aisle towards the office. Jenn followed behind forcing herself to breathe evenly in an attempt to stop her cheeks from burning guiltily. She had rarely felt as intimidated as this woman was making her feel right now even having barely spoken more than a handful of words to her. ‘Shit Jenn, SHIT! What the hell have u gotten yourself into?’

 

In the office now, Steph was excitedly showing Dorothea the new work station, complete with fax machines, printers and scanners. The walls were all freshly painted and they had fitted shelves and filing cabinets to store folders and records.

“Very impressive honey, I’ll have to tell your father not to get the painters in next time we redecorate huh?”

At the reference to Jon, Jenn’s stomach did a double flip and she sat herself down at the desk, pretending to shut down the computer. In all reality she wasn’t sure how much longer her legs were going to hold her up they were shaking that hard. Willing herself to focus on the screen, she nervously twirled the mouse around on the pad watching the little cursor zigzag across it.

“We’re keeping this wall blank for all the trophies and ribbons we’re gonna get in the spring aren’t we Jenn?”

 Steph motioned toward the one remaining wall which was void of any decoration. “Jenn??”

“Huh?!” She snapped her head up and smiled brightly at the teenager. “Yep, we’ll have that wall filled by this time next year!"

Knowing that Steph’s mom was less than thrilled about this venture she was anxious to instil confidence in Dorothea that this was a serious operation her daughter was embarking on.

Pulling out car keys from her purse, Dorothea smiled at her daughter as she handed them to her.

“Head out to the car honey and wait for me, I’ll be out in a moment.”

Steph glanced anxiously between the two woman as she took the keys. “Um, sure Mom…..see you Monday Jenn?”

Feeling full sure that her actual pulse was going to leap from her temples, Jenn nodded and winked at her. “You bet! Time to get to work then!”, motioning to the walls around them she grinned at her ,“Think you’ve painted all that can be painted by now!”

“Cool! See you then!”

Waiting until her daughter had left the room, Dorothea turned to face Jenn, who was still sitting bolt upright behind the desk. Arms folded, her face took on a new demeanour as she met Jenn’s eyes.

“I am unaware if my husband has told you I am not completely behind this venture……. “, she motioned for Jenn to remain silent as she paused, “……however I am willing to go along with it providing there are some compromises.”

“Compromises?” Jenn raised her eyebrows and waited for her to continue.

“Yes, in my daughter’s best interests I don't want to see her waste valuable years when she could be studying to further herself.”

Jenn narrowed her eyes slightly starting to feel herself get riled up at the notion of Steph ‘wasting years’. Pushing back the chair she stood up, her heart beat returning to normal status as she clicked into professional mode.

“Let me assure you Dorothea, Steph is not wasting time here! If that was the case I would be wasting my time here!” Looking directly into her eyes, Jenn defiantly leaned forward on the desk, “And I do not waste my time lightly.”

Laughing without humour Dorothea’s eyes flashed back at her. “Oh I am quite sure you don’t!” her words hung on the air in the icy atmosphere that had suddenly enveloped the room.

Staring at her for a moment longer than was probably strictly necessary, Jenn eventually dropped her eyes and sat down heavily in the chair again.

“Compromises?”

Nodding, Dorothea moved around the small office and went on to explain that she was prepared to let Steph go on tour with the horses providing she also took on a distance learning degree that she could study and work on at the same time as competing.

Jenn thought for a moment, “That’s going to be a lot of extra work on her, how does she feel about it?”

Dorothea smiled thinly, “I think at the moment she’ll agree to anything if I support her on this.” Shrugging her shoulders, she sighed., “Stephanie can be as stubborn as my husband at times but I’m putting my foot down. She studies as well or I pull the plug on this thing - end of discussion.”

Jenn was acutely aware that at no time during their conversation had Dorothea referred to Jon as her ex-husband. In fact she seemed to be playing the husband card to it’s full advantage. Or perhaps Jenn was being overly sensitive to the use of that particular word considering she’d had mind blowing sex with this woman’s ‘husband’ only a few days ago. What the hell had she been thinking?

“Well I would appreciate it if you would discuss this with Jon….your husband….” emphasising the last word, she stood to leave the office, “as soon as possible so that if needs be I can make alternate arrangements.”

Dorothea raised her eyebrows, “Alternate arrangements?”

“Well yes! I made the move over here on the understanding that Stephanie was pursuing full time competition. Now it seems that might not be the case!” Jenn shook her head angrily, “If Steph wants to study as well as compete that’s fine by me, but it seems to me that for the moment nobody is on the same wavelength here and when you uproot your life and move to a different continent for a job, you at least expect a semi-permanent status in the job description!”

Seeming a little taken back by Jenn’s outburst Dorothea moved to walk out the door in front of her.

“I can appreciate that and I’m sorry if you’ve been brought here under different illusions.” Pausing in the doorway she turned to face Jenn with an icy glare. “I think it might be for the best if Jon and myself take this weekend to discuss options with our daughter privately, we were thinking of taking the kids away for a surprise treat - I trust that’s not a problem?”

Different illusions?? Lady you have no damn idea!

“Of course, the horses won’t be arriving till next week anyway so if plugs need to be pulled we’ve got a little time.” Staring at the ground, her eyes threatened to spill over with tears of anger and frustration, “I hope for Steph’s sake that decisions are made sooner rather than later, she’s a talented girl - you can tell her I’ll see her Monday but I would appreciate a phone call from either yourself or your husband before then.”

Without waiting for a reply she turned and headed for the barn door. She was shaking with pent up fury not only because potentially she may now be out of a job, but mainly because Jon had taken her for a fool. The man was no more separated than Adam and bloody Eve, his wife’s attitude was undeniably one of a relationship that was very much still in progress. Jesus Christ she had been having a torrid affair for the last few weeks with a man that was still very, very married!

Storming up the path to her house, she yanked open the door and headed straight for the fridge to pull out a beer. Pulling off the top she took a long swig, almost choking when her throat nearly refused to swallow. She fought back the tears that she could feel rising again as she slumped to the floor. Her chest was constricting like a rubber band and the beer bottle shook in her hands. How could she have been so damn stupid! A sob escaped her and the inevitable angry and hot tears started to flow freely down her face as she fumbled for her cell phone.

5.58pm Dinner is cancelled - try going home to your wife instead.

Chapter Twenty Seven

Jon sighed and snapped his laptop closed in frustration. Hauling himself off the chair from his office desk he walked stiffly to the window rubbing his back. Floor to ceiling glass panes offered one of the best views of the city skyline to be got and flooded the apartment in natural light. Leaning against the glass he gazed down at the streets below filled with shoppers and tourists. It had been a few days since he’d last seen Jenn, business with the Soul Foundation had kept him in the city and he was itching to get back to Jersey.

He’d met up with Richie on Monday afternoon for a goof around in the studio but neither of them had really come up with anything substantial. A new record was in the plans but they’d nothing down on paper yet. Instead the pair of them had just lazed around catching up on what each other had been up to for the past few weeks. Jon had filled him in on most of his trip to Europe but had avoided actually mentioning Jenn other than casually. Richie was his best friend and there was very little he kept from him but he wanted a little time to see how things worked out between himself and Jenn. In hindsight he was grateful he hadn’t brought her out that night to meet the boys, he’d been jumping the gun there which wasn’t usually like him. That was more Richie’s style, that boy caught a whiff of a girl’s perfume and fell in love for Christ’s sake.

Wandering into the kitchen he pulled open the fridge and scowled when he saw the substantial lack of food. When Dot and himself had decided to live separately he’d let the cleaner for the apartment go. There was enough rumours flying around about their marriage so he’d reckoned it wouldn’t have taken a genius to figure out that he was living here alone now. Making a mental note to order a grocery delivery he glanced at his watch. A little before five pm, no wonder he was hungry, breakfast had been a long time ago. A plan forming in his head, he pulled his cell phone from his pocket and started creating a message.

Back across the river in Jersey, Jenn was busy finishing up the barn after another busy day of painting, ordering and organising. Steph was out the back soaking haynets for the next day, hauling them into barrows of water to sit in overnight to eliminate any dust from the forage. They had made great progress in the past few days, the barn now bright and airy waiting for it’s new occupants, the office, feed house and tack rooms all freshly painted. Turned out Steph was a dab hand at painting, a job Jenn had gladly relinquished to her. Somehow whenever she picked up a paint brush more of it got on her than did on the actual walls.

Grabbing a few stable bandages she stepped into Heraldo’s box to wrap his legs for the night. He was back in full work now, with either Steph or herself working him everyday and Jenn was delighted with how he was going. Steph had a great relationship with him and their work together so far had been beyond encouraging. Just as she stooped down to start wrapping, her cell bleeped with a message.

5.01pm Hey gorgeous, I’ve missed you! Have dinner with me tonight?

 

Grinning from ear to ear, her heart swooped as she replied;

5.03pm Definitely! Where and when?

 

Hunkered down on her heels, she quickly wrapped one of the horse’s front legs before Jon sent a message back.

5.06pm It’s a secret! Pick you up at seven J

 

Laughing at the cute smiley face he’d added at the end, she stuffed the phone back in her pocket and carried on wrapping the rest of Heraldo’s legs as he noisily munched his way through the haynet. Her stomach was doing flips a gymnast would be proud of as she started to mentally go through her wardrobe, flicking through possible combinations in her mind. Although she had been busy all week, she’d missed seeing him and had analysed every little text he’d sent since they had last been together. She was actually nervous at the thought of seeing him face to face again, four days had seemed like a lifetime.

Hearing voices at the bottom of the barn, she stood up and straightened the horse’s rugs before stepping out, sliding the door of the stall shut behind her. Glancing down the aisle squinting in the late sunshine that was pouring through the big barn doors she could see Steph’s silhouette walking towards her, talking animatedly with a companion.

“And up here is Heraldo, you remember him right?”

Steph’s voice travelled up the barn to Jenn as she brushed her breeches down with her hands to flick off a few wood shavings she’d picked up from the horse’s stall.

“Hmmm I think so” was the reply back from the woman Jenn could now make out as they approached her.

“And this is Jenn!”

Steph announced her triumphantly as they reached the stall Jenn was standing beside. Smiling she stepped forward to shake hands with the woman, only for her heart to nearly jump out of her mouth at Steph’s next words.

“Jenn, this is my Mom, Dorothea!”

Sweet divine fuck!

Chapter Twenty Six

A few hours later, after a long bubble bath enjoyed together, darkness had fallen outside and Jenn was once again fast asleep, this time snuggled close against Jon’s chest while he watched the weekend sport round up. Snagging his phone off the floor, he was surprised to see it void of any new messages. Shit, Rich must be seriously pissed at me, he thought. Glancing at his watch and seeing it a little after eleven, he shot a quick message off to him.

11.02pm Sorry bro, just wasn’t gonna happen tonight, studio tomorrow afternoon??

Snapping it shut, he sighed and looked down at Jenn sleeping peacefully curled up against him. He knew he was going to have to wake her again to get her to bed but for the moment he was enjoying the intimacy of just having someone to feel close to. He couldn’t remember the last time he and Dot had held one another close like this. Hell he couldn’t remember the last time they’d had a civil conversation. They had been tight for so long, so many years he’d wanted for nobody else. Yeah of course he’d strayed occasionally, sometimes temptation had just proved too much but it was never anything of significance. A quick fuck here and there, when it was offered on a plate every night what man could have resisted? But at the end of the day, Dot was the girl he came home to, the mother of his children, the foundation of half his life. They’d been through thick and thin together and now it had all crumbled.

Feeling his leg starting to cramp, he shifted his weight, freezing when he felt Jenn waken slightly. Mumbling something, she smiled sleepily and snuggled closer to him, her breathing evening out again. Stroking her head absentmindedly Jon blew out a long breath and resumed his thoughts. Shit when did life get so complicated? From the outside he had the perfect life, leader of a multi-billion dollar rock band, more hit records than he could count, numerous other hugely successful ventures and a beautiful wife and family. Fuck he was even friends with the President for Christ’s sake!! Yet very few knew the turmoil that had gone on in his private life this past year or so. While himself and Dot had led quite separate lives for the past six months now they were yet to officially announce divorce plans. Neither of them had made the move to do it, yet surely it was the inevitable ending right?

A blinking light signified another message on his phone and he laughed quietly as the picture of Richie and Obie’s faces waving beer bottles and grinning goofily at him showed up on the screen. Those two guys meant the world to him and they’d been a solid rock to lean on for most of his life. The cramp in his leg was slowly creeping up his calf muscle, gaining in intensity. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he gently hoisted Jenn off him to jump up and shake his leg out. She woke with the movement and watched in puzzlement at him executing a strange dance in front of her.

“Em Jon?? You doing a rain dance?”

“Yeah baby, sure thing! Go back asleep while I amputate my leg here - fucking damn cramp!”

He was rubbing his leg furiously now all the while hopping on one foot. She giggled and sat up stretching.

“Mmmm come on, bedtime! I’ll rub it for you in bed!”, waggling her eyebrows teasingly, she got up and lead him to the bedroom.

“Baby, you aint rubbing anymore of me tonight or I’m gonna be carried outta here in a stretcher!” limping along behind her, he smiled wryly. Laughing, she pulled back the sheets and jumped in, arms reaching around him as he sidled in beside her. Switching off the lights, they lay together, each in silent thoughts about what was happening with their lives until they eventually drifted off in each others arms.

　

The following morning Jenn was the first to waken. She felt completely rested for the first time since they’d gotten back from Europe but laying next to a slumbering Jon she couldn’t understand the nervous tingling in her stomach. She was feeling completely at ease with the man next to her who lay sprawled on his back, lips slightly parted, one arm stretched out behind her head, the other flung across his forehead. It was amazing how ’normal’ this felt, as if she’d woken up beside him like this a thousand times instead of for the first. She gazed at him a moment longer before quietly slipping out from the sheets to throw her robe on. Seeing it was a little after six am she shuffled quietly to the bathroom, grabbing some clothes on the way in. Smoothing on some face cream, she grinned at herself in the mirror as realisation hit. She wasn’t feeling nervous - she was damn excited!! Today was the official start of her first ‘Resident Trainer’ post. She called the shots from here on in, she had an excellent pupil in Steph and unlimited resources - she finally had her dream job! Suddenly giddy with delight, she finished up quickly and slipped back into the bedroom. Tiptoeing over to the bed where Jon was still out for the count, she leaned over and left a soft kiss on his shoulder, smiling at the faded tattoo. She’d never cared for tattoos much previously but she was starting to come to like these particular ones very much.

Leaving him sleeping peacefully she shut the bedroom door behind her gently with a soft click and busied herself making coffee. Scribbling a quick note telling him she’d be back before eight am in case he woke, she grabbed her coffee and headed down to the lower barn that Paul had left empty for her use. Currently the only horse in residence was Heraldo, having been moved from the main barn the day before to officially start off ‘Team Jovi’ as Paul had been jokingly referring to herself and Steph as. He was even threatening to have saddle cloths done up with the same logo. Jenn in return had offered to paint his barn pink complete with matching pink horses - no way in hell was she having her team compared to a rock band no matter how cool they were - show jumping was a serious business and Steph was going to have a hard enough time being accepted by the seasoned old timers without the added pressure of everyone mouthing off who her daddy is.

After feeding the poor horse who was looking a bit forlorn all by himself in the huge barn, she stood quietly watching him eat, trying to take stock of all the things she had to organise before the horses finished their quarantine and got shipped here. The horses she had bought in Belgium would be here in two weeks, the Irish ones a little later. In the meantime Jenn had told Steph to take care of anything she needed to get done non horse related, because as she had warned her ‘once we start, we don‘t stop!’

　

Sipping down the last of her coffee, she busied herself in the little office at the end of the barn. She needed to set up a computer station in here to deal with entries, forms and the like. There was a huge amount of paperwork to sort through, not just for the horses but for Steph as well. Accreditations and registrations, vaccinations and passports all had to be documented and filed. Feed orders, bedding and tack supplies all to be sourced and delivered. Getting all of this off the ground and running was going to be a mammoth task but she couldn’t wait to get started. Immersed in shifting furniture around and brushing down cobwebs, she lost track of time until her phone buzzed loudly on the table.

8.55am “Can’t believe you abandoned me in that big ole bed - hungry?”

She couldn’t believe it was already nearly nine am, no wonder Heraldo was stomping round his box with impatience! Sending a short message back to Jon that she was on the way, she grabbed a lead chain and let the big horse out into his paddock on her way back up to the house. Bucking and squealing, he galloped off down the bottom of it to find his buddies, clearly feeling in great form. Jenn made a mental note to get some work into him before Steph came back in a day or so. No good getting the poor girl killed before they even got started.

Pulling off her boots at the front door, she smelt the unmistakable aroma of bacon frying coming from the kitchen.

“I could get used to this you know??” she slid into the kitchen in her socks to give Jon a hug and a kiss as he stood poking the bacon with a fork. “Mmmnn smells great - Good Morning Sir!”

Chuckling he returned her kiss and turned back to the frying pan to flip the sizzling and spitting bacon.

“Good morning to you too baby, I see you’re FINALLY all caught up on your sleep!”

Winking he popped the toast out onto a plate and tipped some of the bacon on top. “Voila!” Sliding it over the table to her, he plonked himself down with his own plate looking particularly pleased with himself. “See? The boy can cook too!”

Chewing on a mouthful of bacon, she had to agree with him, it was pretty damn good. He hadn’t even burnt the toast, something she hadn’t yet mastered and wasn’t ever likely too.

“What’ve you been doing??” Jon frowned and looked her up and down. “You’re covered in dust!”

“Ha! Welcome to my world of dust and grime!” she grinned crunching on a piece of toast . “Sorry should have warned you that you’ve only seen a very civilised form of me so far!”

A smirk played across his face while his eyes twinkled with devilment, “Not sure if I’d classify yesterday’s you as ‘civilised’??”

Firing a bit of toast at him she blushed, “You bring out the worst in me!”

“Well if that’s the worst baby, I can’t wait to see the best!” Winking at her he swallowed down the last of his coffee and pushed his chair back. “Hate to say it but I gotta run, time waits for no man!”

Jenn nodded and stood up to clear the plates. She had a busy day planned herself but that still didn’t take away the little swirl of disappointment she’d felt at the thought of him leaving. The past few weeks had been the happiest she’d experienced since Steve had died. She hadn’t ever dared to dream she could find a man who made her as happy as Steve had.

“Yeah I’ve got heaps to get sorted, won’t do itself!” she smiled softly as she carried the plates to the dishwasher. Straightening up after she’d loaded it she glanced over at Jon who was leaning against the table, arms folded with a small smile on his lips. “What are you grinning at?”

Shaking his head as he laughed gently, he crossed over to her and pulled her into his arms. Planting a sweet kiss on top of her head he held her close, “You know I’m hooked on you just a little bit right?”

Giggling she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, letting her fingers tickle the soft curls of hair at the nape of his neck. Gazing up she looked straight into his blue eyes and murmured softly, “Right back at you……..”

Kissing her softly, Jon released her to pick up his car keys and headed for the door pausing to wink at her before he left; “Don’t work too hard - see ya later baby!”

A quick flash of a smile and he was gone on his way. She stayed where she was listening to his feet crunch on the gravel outside until the rumble of the car engine faded up the driveway. Blowing out a long breath she sat down heavily at the table rubbing her face as she looked around her at the empty house which suddenly felt very big with just her in it. Silently telling herself to get a grip she was about to head for the door again when the house phone came to life, ringing loudly on the hall wall.

“Hello?”

“Morning!” Paul’s voice rang out cheerily from the other end.

“Sue wants you to go car shopping with her today but we weren’t sure if you were……..” pausing he continued with a hint of mirth in his voice “…….ahem….. if you were available today?”

Grinning widely she feigned innocence knowing full well Paul had more than likely been staking out the driveway ever since Jon had arrived yesterday.

“Why in heavens wouldn’t I be available?!”

“Well, you know, we weren’t sure if you still had company….” his voice trailed off hopefully.

“Company? No idea what you’re talking about and yep tell Sue I’ll be right over, See ya!”

Chuckling to herself she replaced the receiver back on the wall. She might have known that Paul wouldn’t miss a beat around here but she had no intention of giving him any fuel for the fire. At least not while she could have a little fun with him! Grateful for the distraction she headed for the bathroom to freshen up - car shopping with the boss’s credit card - always fun!

Chapter Twenty Five

Stretching uncomfortably, Jon yawned and opened his eyes blearily. In completely unfamiliar surroundings, he slowly took in the weight on his left shoulder and the steady breathing of someone beside him. Smiling he blew a few wisps of Jenn’s hair off his face and struggled to remove himself from under her. She was face down on the pillow, her left arm draped across his chest, her left leg thrown across his own legs and she was sleeping like the dead! Gently he eased himself out from beneath her and propped himself up on his side to look over at her. Her face was completely hidden by a mass of untidy brown locks, twisted and tangled from their fiery reunion earlier, her shoulders rounded and gently rising with each breath she took, a sheet half twisted around her waist leaving her ass and long legs bare. Reaching out he stroked a finger down her thigh and blew a warm breath at her neck, ruffling the wavy curls there. Getting no response he smirked and brought his fingers lightly up along her side, pausing to tickle her gently on the underside of her ribcage. She reacted by jerking her right arm up in an attempt to swat him away and mumbled something completely incoherent into her pillow.

“Jenn baby??”

“Mnnptttsmm”

Smiling he shook his head and gave her a gentle but insistent prod with his finger,

“Wake up baby!”

Groaning loudly, she twisted away from him and buried her head further into the pillows,

“What???? Go awaaaaaaaay!!”

Another finger prod followed this time square in the middle of her back,

“You need to wake up baby! it’s only seven pm, you’ll never sleep tonight - c’mon! C’mere to me!”

Leaning over her, he snuggled into her neck, nibbling gently at the earlobe he found,

“I can think of much better things to do other than sleeping anyway!”

“Ohhhhh Godddd, you evil man, what’ve you done to me, I feel like I’m drugged! Five more mins??”

“Deal, five minutes and not a second more! I’m gonna go get us a drink, and woman I expect you to be fully functional when I return!”

Grinning wickedly he threw the sheets off and pulled his jeans on. Hearing no more words of protest from Jenn, he headed for the kitchen and pulled a bottle of water from the fridge. Popping the cap off it he washed away the taste of the earlier takeout. The sun had dipped low in the sky and was casting out russet streaks which filtered through the trees surrounding the back of the house. Sighing contentedly he wandered out to the decking, his bare feet moving silently as he gathered up their lunch remains. Flinging the cardboard boxes in the trash and placing the empty wine bottles on the counter, he flipped the coffee percolator on reckoning his little Irish girl was gonna need something stronger than water to bring her back to her senses.

Hearing movement from within the bedroom he crossed over to the living area and switched on the sports channel. He ought to have been feeling as tired as Jenn obviously was with all the travel catching up on them, never mind the extra curricular activities they had partaken in earlier but he felt as bright as a cuckoo. There was just something so refreshing about her, he felt like a kid when he was around her, never mind a guy on the wrong side of forty. Digging out his cell from the pocket of his jeans, it blinked with several new messages. Groaning slightly he opened them feeling slightly relieved to see they were all from Richie.

3.50 pm Where are you? Call me!

 

4.55pm Are u dead?? CALL ME!

 

6.00pm C’mon man, call me back, Obie wants to go for beers in Joe’s at nine??

 

6.30pm Not cool bro, where the fuck are you??

 

Laughing he shot a quick text back,

7.10pm Chill man, I been busy, not sure about tonight, gimme five mins?

 

The reply back was instant;

7.11pm Bored outta my fucking mind, what’s to think about? C’mon you owe me after pissing off to leprechaun country for weeks! See you at nine - FINAL

 

Groaning he threw the phone down beside him on the couch and raked his hands through his hair. Fucking Sambora was like a dog without a bone when he was bored, almost as bad as he himself was occasionally. Soft hands suddenly joined his own and he felt a warm breath on his forehead.

“Good evening handsome!”

Jenn smiled down at him running her hands down the back of his neck, levelling out over his shoulders. Growling in appreciation, he let his head roll from side to side as her fingers worked their way between his muscles.

“Hey there sleepyhead! God that feels good!”

 

Leaning down to plant a kiss on his forehead Jenn smiled sheepishly.

“Sorry, my clock is completely whacked and you did kind of give me a good work out earlier!”

Jon chuckled and eased himself up off the couch to pull her to him. Squeezing her tight, he brushed her lips with his own;

“Plenty more of that to come babe, gotta build up your stamina!”

Winking he strolled over to the kitchen and poured out two cups of steaming coffee. Passing one to Jenn, he took in her appearance as she gratefully sipped from the hot liquid. Wearing only a light pink cotton robe, her lean thighs lead down to impressively toned calf muscles. She had piled her hair up in a scruffy knot on the top of her head and he wanted nothing more than to take her back to bed right there and then.

“Mmmnnn good coffee Mr Bongiovi, damn good!”

 She smacked her lips together in appreciation and grinned as she registered the cleanup he had done on the deck.

 “And you clean up too! You can most definitely stay!”

Looking wounded Jon clasped his hand to his heart,

“And here was me thinking it was my talents between the sheets that had impressed you!!”

Laughing lightly, Jenn thought for a moment,

“Well you just can’t beat a housetrained man! Don’t care how mind blowing the sex is!”

Smirking at him she flopped into a corner of the couch hugging her coffee.

“God, Monday tomorrow already! Time to get to work properly!”

Curling up beside her Jon let his free hand idle over her knee,

“Well actually I have a proposition for you first!”

“You want MORE sex??”

 She stared at him in wonder and grinned,

“Marvellous!”

Chuckling he inched his fingers further up her leg, sliding under the robe to lightly tickle the inside of her thigh.

“Well obviously yes I had planned on that for later but we’ve been invited out first!”

He looked at her slyly from the corner of his eye and waited for her reaction.

“WE?? As in you……..and ………me?” she looked at him worriedly.

“Eh Jon, nobody knows that you and I are a ‘we’ do they??”

“Well no not really. The guys want me to meet them for a few drinks later and I was hoping you’d come along and meet them?”

Jenn was quiet for a moment, she hadn’t realised quite how much she was enjoying herself in this little bubble which involved no one else except her and Jon. She didn’t know if she was ready to jump in a bit deeper. Everything was already flying at cyber speed and it was unsettling to say the least.

“Sure you don’t need me tagging along on a guys night out, go ahead and meet them, I need to get an early night anyway.” She eyed him speculatively over her coffee mug.

“Hey, I said you had me for the evening and I meant it!” Jon leaned closer and kissed her softly. He had seen the panic fly through her eyes and now regretted suggesting they go out. He kept forgetting this was a whole new world for her. Smiling he gently prised the coffee from her hands, “Now where did we leave off earlier?”

She gasped as he deftly undid her robe, baring her to the cool air. Shivers of excitement jolted her body as she felt his tongue snaking it’s way down the valley of her chest, his hands squeezing and kneading alternately. This man was going to be the death of her, she had never felt this alive ever. Nerve endings exploded as she felt his hot breath between her legs, the tip of his tongue darting teasingly back and forth. Biting her lip to suppress a moan, she arched her back to thrust her hips forward, curling her toes as he lapped at her juices. “Jesus Jon, don’t stop…!”

Growling softly, he grasped her hips firmly and pulled her lower on the couch. Continuing his exploration on her velvety folds, he probed deeper and deeper, feeling her convulse around him. She was soaking for him and he felt his groin stirring with anticipation. Glancing up, he saw her head thrust back against the cushions, eyes closed, mouth parted slightly, lips moist. Adding a finger to his exploits, he watched as she cried out and jumped at his touch. Her eyes flew open and connected with his and in an instant their lips crashed together, her legs wrapped around his waist. Abandonment flew out the window as he lifted her in one swoop off the couch and laid her on the floor none too gently. Eyes wild with fire, she tugged at the buttons on his jeans and released him to stand at full attention. Pushing her back against the cool timbers of the floor he hovered between her legs, embracing the moment before he plunged deep inside, burying himself within her as far as he could go. An almost guttural cry escaped her lungs as she squeezed her legs tight around him, every muscle straining with the effort. Locked together they began to move as one, a slow rhythmic dance that built in intensity until they could both stand no more. Sweat was running freely down Jon’s back as he grasped her legs and pushed them wide so he could delve deeper with every thrust. His balls were fit to burst as he relentlessly pounded her, the only sound in the room of skin slapping against skin, the low background murmur of the television drowned out. Jenn reached for him, grabbing the strong muscles of his arms as she gave in to the crescendo building in her body, a delicious warmth spread around her belly while sparks ran up her spine. Jon gave an almighty groan as he plunged into her one last time, expelling his load with such force that he was quite sure there wasn’t a drop left within him. Collapsing as his arms gave way he sucked at her neck, trying to catch his breath as they both lay in a sweaty tangled mess.

“Sweet Jesus, I think we’re gonna kill each other if we keep this up!”

Jenn lay beneath him, gasping great lungfuls of air as she felt their heartbeats pound wildly against one another.

“What a way to go though huh?” she giggled and kissed him as he lifted his head to look at her. Still breathless he brushed the hair away from her forehead that was sticky with sweat. Conscious he was pinning her beneath him, he rolled off her slightly and smiled sweetly.

“How does house training compare now?”

Chapter Twenty Four

It was a little after five pm as Paul finished up the horses for the evening, pulling closed the barn doors he wondered what Jenn had gotten up to for the day after her mysterious lunch date. She had reminded him this morning of the old Jenn he had once known, the carefree and fun girl that his best buddy Steve had fallen for. Hell if he hadn’t had already been dating Sue by the time they met her, he might well have given Steve some tough competition. Steve had been crazy about her and Paul had never seen the guy so settled. Showjumping being the sport it is, there was never any shortage of cute girls hanging around and the two of them had enjoyed their fair share of screwing around in their younger years. Then Paul had been introduced to Sue through a mutual friend and they had begun dating. Steve hadn’t exactly been thrilled to discover his partner in crime was now firmly ‘under the thumb’ as he had so subtly put it but once he had discovered Sue was as much fun as she was he had happily accepted her into the fold.



Wandering around the front of the barn, Paul breathed in a sigh of contentment as he viewed his surroundings. He had done good here, built the whole place up from scratch with the help of Sue of course. Originally it was meant to have been a partnership with Steve, something for them to build up over time, a training and dealing base for them to fall back on when they retired from competing. Smiling ruefully to himself he plucked a few leaves off a shrub next to him. This place was everything they had both dreamt it would be, except Steve was missing. He had never even set foot in the place as it had only come on the market a few weeks before he died. Sure he had viewed it online and had been as excited about it as Paul had, even drawing diagrams on scraps of paper laying out potential barns and arenas. They had been booked to fly home from Europe to meet with the estate agent the day after Steve had his accident but then of course everything had been turned upside down.



The minutes, hours and days after Steve’s death had been the darkest ones Paul had ever had to endure. One minute they were having a few drinks together enjoying the friendly banter, the next Steve had been lain at his feet, dark blood pouring from beneath his head. Shaking his head to rid himself of the image he tried so hard to erase from his memory he continued his walk on the path around the barn. Rounding the corner, the guest house or ‘Jenn’s house’ as everyone was now referring to it as came into view. Just as she had done with their own house, Sue had designed it hence the warm, homely feel about it. Nestled amongst some of the tallest Pin Oak trees on the farm, it blended in nicely with it’s surroundings. Just as he was about to continue on his way, he spotted the edge of a dark SUV parked around the corner of the house just out of view. Narrowing his eyes to get a better look , he retraced a few steps and started grinning to himself. He’d be damned if that car didn’t look awful similar to one he knew a certain rock star around these parts owned.



His mood suitably lightened he sauntered on down the path to his own house grinning all the while. Kicking off his boots at the back door he found Sue in the kitchen perched on a stool at her laptop. Grabbing her, he swept her off her feet and twirled her around the island counter a few times laughing and smiling. She squealed and pinched him playfully.



“What’s gotten into you?”



“Romance is in the air my love!” he declared, “A certain lady friend of ours is currently entertaining a certain ROCKSTAR friend of ours!”



He triumphantly set his wife down as she stared at him in confusion.



“What on earth are you harping on about?”



Throwing his eyes up, Paul sighed and plonked himself down on Sue’s seat.



“JENN and JON are together! Over there!! In Jenn’s house! Right now!!”



“And??” Sue was smirking now and leaned back against the kitchen counter watching her husband in amusement.



“What do you mean ‘and?’ !! It’s pretty obvious isn’t it??” Paul rolled his eyes and spread his arms out gesticulating wildly. “They’re t..o..g..e..t..h..e..r!!”



“Sorry to burst your bubble dearest but have you forgotten the fact that Jenn is currently WORKING for Jon and they are more than likely talking shop about the horses?” She shot Paul an exasperated look. “What makes you think they’re up to anything else other than that?!



“Eh…….the fact that they only got back from an oversees trip less than TWO days ago and he’s at her place on a Sunday!!” Getting up to grab a beer from the fridge he wagged his finger at her, “Mark my words my darling, romance is most definitely in the air!”



Laughing Sue went and sat back down at her laptop, “Well my DARLING….if there is romance going on you just make sure you keep that big nose of yours out of it! Lord knows that girl could do with some spark in her life!”



Swigging from his beer, Paul faked indignation and pouted, “I have no intention of prying into either of their lives! But it is a little exciting don’t you think! It’s about time she moved on, found herself someone special again!”



Moving around to beside his wife, he peered over her shoulder to see what she was working on.



“Cars? Are we changing again? Thought you liked your Toyota?”



“It’s not for us you goose, Jenn’s gonna need a car soon enough so I thought I’d do a little research and see what’s out there for her.”



Paul smiled and nuzzled into her neck giving her a soft kiss,



“That’s my Sue, thoughtful as always!”



Swatting him away affectionately she sighed and shut down the laptop. Swivelling around to face him she smiled and wrapped her arms around him.



“We got lucky us two, you know?”



Leaning down and kissing her forehead, he smoothed back her hair,



“We sure did, lets hope Jenn’s luck has finally turned around, although I’m not sure a rock star is the answer?” he frowned slightly.



“Well that’s up to her to decide honey, not us. Although things might get a little complicated if it doesn’t go well?” Sue looked up worriedly at him.



“Hmmm, lets hope it DOES go well then!” pausing for a moment he smirked, “Thought you said there’s nothing going on anyway??”



“YOU put the idea in my head! When you have proof get back to me! Until then I shall reserve judgement!” She gave him another quick kiss and then a smart tap on the forehead, “Now out of my way Mr. Conspiracy, I need to go call my Mom!”



Jumping quickly aside, Paul raised his arms up in defence grinning mischievously.



“Go quick! I know better than to keep your dear sweet Mama waiting!”



She stuck her tongue out and strutted out of the kitchen leaving him grinning after her. He turned to look out the window, Jenn’s house couldn’t be seen from here although he had a good view of the driveway out. He mused over what Sue had said and quietly wondered about the same. From what he had gathered from Jon, his marriage to Dorothea was over, just needed to take care of the legalities. He hoped for both Jenn and Jon’s sakes that it was sorted as quickly as possible, if there was anything between them a bitter divorce sure as hell wasn’t going to make life any easier.