Chapter Forty Six

Crisp leaves crunched underneath Jenn’s feet as she made her way down to the barn. Jon was going to be at least a few hours with his kids so she had jumped at the chance to sneak down to the horses. She was feeling more than a little guilty that Paul had been landed with minding her barn for the weekend and she wanted to make sure everything was okay.

“Hey Jenn! Thought you were off?”

A cheery voice made her jump as she rounded the corner. Karla, Paul’s groom came striding out the barn door swinging a bucket.

“Hey Karla! Yeah technically I’m not working but I just wanted to make sure you could all manage.”

Feeling the heat creep into her face she hoped the blush wasn't too evident. “It was kind of a last minute decision!”

The younger girl smiled and brushed off her concerns, “Everyone needs time off and everything is fine here so enjoy yourself!”

Jenn smiled gratefully at her, “I’ll try! Is Paul around?”

Karla sent her in the direction of one of the sand rings where she said Paul should just be winding up a training session. Finding him not quite finished, she sat down cross legged on the high grassy embankment that surrounded the arena. Paul stood in the centre shouting instructions to his pupil who was grappling with the art of lengthening and shortening her horse’s canter stride. Jenn watched in amusement as the rider dressed immaculately in cream breeches and expensive leather boots repeatedly tried in vain to control the big bay horse. She could see Paul gritting his teeth as he got more and more frustrated with every plunging circle they did around him.

“Melanie! You’re not listening to me! Sit DEEP and HOLD! It’s very simple!”

“I’m trying! He won’t do it!” The teenager’s whiney voice floated across the sand to Jenn’s ears. 

“This is stupid anyway!”

Jenn leaned back on her hands howling with laughter as Paul threw his arms up in the air in exasperation.

“It’s not stupid Melanie! What’s STUPID is me standing here hollering at you like a fool when you refuse to LISTEN to me!”

“Yeah whatever Paul – I’m done for today!”

Pulling up the horse, she jumped down and glared defiantly at him, “I’ve got a hair appointment!” 

With that she handed the horse’s reins to Paul and stomped off, pulling her hat off her head and shaking out an abundance of curls which to Jenn’s untrained eyes, looked no more in need of a hair appointment than Jon’s.

Still laughing Jenn got to her feet and jogged across to Paul who was still standing holding the out of breath horse, gazing after his departed pupil in disgust.

“Way to go Mr Big Shot Trainer!” Slightly puffed Jenn braced herself on her knees for a moment grinning at him. “You’ve got yourself a handful there I see!”

Paul turned to her, a murderous look on his face. “That there is the most rich, spoilt BRAT you will EVER come across!!”

Straightening herself up Jenn took the horse from him, flicking the reins back over its head.

“That I can believe! Who is she?”

“The daughter of a ridiculously rich New York real estate guy, who dropped a shit load of money for this big guy here and pays me to keep the horse and turn his precious little girl into an international superstar!” Pausing to rub the horse affectionately on the nose, he added, “Which is never going to happen by the way!”

Shrugging, Jenn gathered up the reins and hopped nimbly aboard the still sweating horse.

“Well at least it pays the bills huh?” 

She nudged the horse forward gently with her heels and began walking him in a wide circle around Paul to cool him off.

“Unfortunately it does or I wouldn’t be putting up with this crap!” He sat down wearily on a jump block, “Why are you here anyway? Jon told me you were taking the weekend off?”

“Yeah, sorry for springing that on you!” Jenn let her feet dangle lightly by the horse’s sides as he ambled around contentedly, stretching his long neck to the ground. “Wasn’t my idea!”

Paul snorted quietly, “Well I could have guessed that considering you don’t actually know how to take a day off!”

“Hey! I do so!” Jenn began to object from her perch above him when he smoothly interrupted her.

 “Ahem, you’re supposed to be off today, yet here you are sitting on a horse talking to me!”

Rolling her eyes, Jenn threw her leg forward on the saddle and bent down to loosen the horse’s girth.

“I may be here but I’m not actually working!!”

“Yeah! Right Jenn! Whatever you say honey!”

“Oh shut up! I was going to be all nice and offer to put this guy away for you but you know what?”

Tongue in cheek, she gave the horse a final pat and swung herself down from the saddle. “I believe I also have a hair appointment! So here you go! Enjoy!” Smiling sweetly at him, she handed the horse back to a grinning Paul.

“Funny Jenn! Real funny!” Grunting as he heaved himself upright from his seat, he dusted off the seat of his breeches. “You’re in a real good mood lately, any particular reason why I wonder?” He folded his arms, smirking at her expectantly.

“Ha! Wouldn’t you like to know!” 

Tapping the side of her nose lightly with a finger, she winked at him. Impulsively she gave him a big hug and planted a kiss on the side of his cheek.

“Whoah! What’s that for?” Taking a step back he looked down at her in surprise.

Blushing slightly, Jenn smiled back at him, “Just for being one of the good guys, I’m grateful for you Paul….I mean that!”

“Get out of here you crazy Irish chick!” Shaking his head at her he laughed as he started to lead the horse away. “You’re nuts you know that?”

“So I’ve been told! See you Monday!”

Her light laughter made Paul smile as he turned away from her heading back to the barn.

Absent mindedly stroking the horse’s neck as it walked happily beside him, he glanced up at the bright blue cloudless sky as his thoughts drifted to his old friend.

She’s gonna be alright Steve……whatever you’re doing up there keep it up buddy.

Chapter Forty Five

Focusing intently on the road ahead, Jon tried to clear his brain of the numerous imaginary conversations he was about to have with his kids. Nope that’s gonna sound lame……Jesus……

He wasn’t sure if the fact that the kids already knew about the divorce was worse than if he was going to be breaking it to them for the first time. Nerves twirled deep in his stomach as he took the turn for Middletown. A few years back never in his wildest dreams would he have thought this was something he was going to have to deal with. This shit was supposed to only happen in Hollywood, played out on camera for all the world to see. Hmph lets see them call me the poster boy for marriage now…

He had dropped Jenn off at the farm after they had grabbed breakfast from a coffee joint outside of town. They hadn’t talked much on the drive out but before she got out of the car, Jenn had leant across the passenger seat and kissed him softly silently conveying her acknowledgement of the difficult few hours facing him. When he had gone to speak, she had hushed him with a gentle squeeze on his hand, “You can do this.”

The simple fact that he had her to go back to when all this was done and dusted was comforting to say the least. He was pretty sure if it was left to him he’d be starting a damn good relationship with a bottle of Jack. Within minutes he swept into the driveway and hit the buzzer for the gates. Tyres crunching on the gravel as he swung around the side of the garages, his eyes narrowed as he spotted a familiar looking car parked beside Dorothea’s. Well fuck!

As if things weren't gonna be difficult enough now it looked like he had somebody else to deal with. For a brief moment he considered backing the car up and getting the hell out of there until the back door opened and his youngest son Romeo came tumbling out.

“Daddy!”

“Hey buddy!” Swinging open the car door, Jon chuckled as the small boy clambered excitedly in on top of him. “What ya got there?”

Romeo delightedly waved a battered old dinosaur in his chubby little hand. “Jakeys!”

“You got Jake’s dinosaur huh?” Wrapping his left arm around him, Jon swung his legs out of the driver’s seat with more than a little difficulty. “Phew you’re getting big little man! Does Jake know you got his dinosaur?”

Beaming widely Romeo shook his head triumphantly, “Romey’s now!”

Shaking his head, Jon laughed loudly as he carried him high in his arms to the house. “We’ll have to see what Jake has to say about that won’t we?!”

“NO Daddy!! Mine!!”

“Okay, okay! C’mon let’s go find your Mom.”

Setting his son down once he had shut the door behind him he watched fondly as Romeo ran down the hallway and disappeared into the playroom as fast as his little legs would carry him still waving the dinosaur around by its rubber tail. It still only seemed like yesterday that he had been in the delivery room with Dot for his birth.

Wandering down the hallway he blew out a long breath as he entered the kitchen. Sitting at the big oak table with her back to him was Dorothea talking animatedly with an older woman who fixed him with a steely glare as he walked in.

Chucking his keys on the side table, Jon forced a smile as he walked toward them.

“Hey Dot……….Hey Mom.”

Dorothea turned to look at him, her face neutral as she gave him a quick smile and turned back to her coffee.

“Jon have you lost my number?” His mother stared icily at him as he pulled up a chair across from her.

“No Mom, of course not!” He rolled his eyes and leant back in the chair with a heavy sigh. “I’ve just been kind of busy!”

“So I’ve been hearing!” She pursed her lips as she glanced at Dorothea who was silently staring at her coffee cup. “Too damn busy to fix your marriage it seems!”

“Mom that’s enough!” Jon snapped back as he lifted his hand to silence her. “You don’t know the damn half of it and I’d appreciate it if you’d let me and Dot figure this out.”

“Well if you called your mother once in a while maybe I would know the half of it!” Pushing her chair back noisily, she rose stiffly to her feet. “Thank you for the coffee my dear, I’ll see myself out!” 

Placing a hand on Dorothea’s shoulder she threw another dirty look at her son before marching out of the kitchen. Upon hearing the back door slam, Jon slumped forward in his chair resting his head wearily in his hands. “Christ almighty!”

Dorothea shifted in her chair and looked guiltily at him, “Sorry Jon, she just arrived in and I presumed you would have been talking to her…..”

Groaning he lifted his head to look at her, a wry smile on his face. “That was a phone call I’ve been putting off!”

“Well at least she knows now…..” She shrugged her shoulders, “Could have gone worse!”

“Dot, you know my mom better than anyone, she’ll be gone home now to formulate some grand master plan to ‘fix’ us!”

“I don’t think even your Mom is capable of that….” Dorothea looked quietly at him.

 

“No I don’t think she is….” Jon stared at the wall ahead of him. “Won’t stop her trying though….”

Clearing her throat she collected the empty cups and carried them over to the draining board. “The kids are all here somewhere.”

Nodding he moved to get up from the table, “Okay, I gotta go get this over with.”

“Jon….” Her voice lacked it's usual confidence as she turned to face him across the room. “I need you to level with me here……”

His pulse quickened as he noticed the slight flush that had crept into her cheeks. Raising his eyebrows he looked at her in confusion.

“About what?”

“Whatever it is that’s going on with you and Jenn……” She bit her lower lip as she dropped her gaze from him. “I’m not looking for another fight…..I just need to know what exactly is going on.”

Jon swallowed hard and shoved his hands deep in his pockets looking uncomfortable. He wasn’t quite sure how to respond.

“Uh…..we’re……seeing each other?” He could feel himself start to sweat under his collar and when he caught Dorothea’s eyes his heart twisted at the disappointment he could see mirrored in them.

“Is it serious?”

Shrugging he began to pace around the table, his mind going into overdrive. He hadn’t envisioned having this conversation today as well.

“I don’t know Dot…….” Fuck his head was all over the place. “It’s early days.”

Dorothea turned away from him as she began to rinse the cups out under the tap. Jon’s heart sank as he heard her voice crack a little.

“Okay…...” Turning the tap off she made a show of drying her hands before she turned back to him, her head held high but with the tell-tale glisten of tears evident underneath her eyes. “You should tell Steph and Jessie about her……..Steph especially.”

“Yeah….I will…” His voice was gruff with emotion as he turned to go in search of the kids. “I’m sorry Dot…” He looked back helplessly at her. Dammit why am I always feeling like such a jerk around here lately?

She smiled back sadly at him shaking her head continuing to rub her hands dry with the towel.

 “Don’t be Jonny……just be careful that’s all. There are the kids to think about as well.”

“Yeah……I know…” With a heavy sigh he pushed open the door with his heart hammering in his chest. This afternoon was turning out to be ten times worse than he had ever imagined. 

Chapter Forty Four

Jenn took in the two men standing before her both looking like kids that had been caught under the tree opening their Christmas presents early. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop but she couldn’t avoid hearing their conversation as she came down the hallway from the bedroom. She was secretly delighted to hear Jon chatting so casually about her but she couldn’t resist poking a bit of fun at them. Doing her best to maintain her icy glare, she stepped forward to take the mug Jon was proffering.

“Should I come back when you’re done talking about me?” She arched an eyebrow and fixed them both with a steely look, “Or would you just like to carry on?”

“Oh sorry darlin’!” Riche smiled hesitantly at her, “Force of habit!” Throwing a sideways glance at Jon who was conveniently remaining silent, he thought for a second and took a chance. “So is he as good a lay as he says you are??”

Jenn’s jaw dropped open and she stared at him for a second before bursting into laughter. “Oh my God, you’re as bad as he is!”

“Aha!” Richie clapped a hand on Jon’s shoulder grinning victoriously. “Yup, the girl’s got a sense of humour – definitely Irish!”

Jon had frozen temporarily when Richie had come out with his typically smart ass question and he blew out a quick breath, the smile returning to his face. “Just as well or you’d be in deep shit right about now!”

Richie moved forward to put an arm around the still laughing Jenn and guided her over to the couch.

“Na man, I’ve a feeling me and Miss Jenn here are gonna get along just fine!” Grinning back at him he added, “And you never know Jonny, you might learn how to lighten up once in a while!”

Settling down in the recliner opposite to where Richie had flopped down with Jenn, Jon offered him a flick of his middle finger, replying good naturedly, “Fuck you Rich!”

“Charming the pair of you!” Jenn was enjoying the banter between the two friends having recovered from her earlier embarrassment. “And you two have been friends exactly how long?”

“Too fuckin long!” Jon smiled as he stretched out his legs in front of him. “In fact I can barely remember a time when I didn’t know his sorry ass!”

“Yep, that’s true.” Richie nodded, “only thing that’s changed since the 80’s is that now I'm the one all the ladies are talking about!” He puffed out his chest and grinned sideways at Jenn, “It’s my devilish good looks you see!”

Jon snorted as Jenn smiled back and replied smoothly, “And your obvious modesty of course!”

“Absolutely darlin!” Swallowing down the last dregs of his coffee, Richie smacked his lips together, “So what are you kids up to today?”

Jon groaned and gave a small sigh as he proceeded to fill Richie in on what had gone on while he’d been in LA. Richie’s face grew serious and he let out a low whistle when Jon got to the part about Dot telling the kids about the divorce.

“Shit Jon! I’m sorry man!”

Jon shrugged and stared into his empty coffee mug, “I was pretty pissed when she told me but the more I got to thinking the more I realised she was right. It won’t be long before the damn media get wind of it…..”

Richie grimly finished his sentence off for him, “….and then the shits gonna hit the fan…”

Jenn shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she watched the two men silently agree with one another. Last night had been wonderful but it had cleverly concealed the harsh reality that was facing Jon and to a lesser extent herself.

“So I gotta head over there this afternoon and have a chat with the kids…..” Jon flexed his fingers unenthusiastically. “Anyway enough about that – what have you planned for today Rich?”

“Nothing much apart from dropping in on Ma, Ava gave me some stuff from school to show her.”

Jenn smiled over at him, “Ava’s your daughter right? Steph’s told me about her!”

Whipping out his phone Richie beamed and nodded, “She sure is……..here have a look!” Leaning closer to her he pulled up a photo of a beautiful young girl with long blonde hair and a bright smile just like his.

“Wow! She’s a stunner Richie!”

The pride in his face was evident as he grinned back at her, “And don’t I know it!”

“Baby do you want to call back to the farm to get some stuff?” Jon looked over hopefully at Jenn.

“Stuff?” She stared blankly at him. “For what?”

“Well I was kind of hoping you were gonna hang out here for the rest of the weekend?” Glancing slyly at Riche he added, “The big bad boss did give you the whole weekend off after all!”

Richie snorted and laughed loudly, “Dangerous territory dude!”

“Too bloody right it is Richie!” Glaring at Jon, Jenn picked up the nearest cushion and fired it at his head, “Stop with the boss crap before I sue you for harassment! It’s creepy!”

Laughing Jon ducked to avoid the flying missile, “On second thoughts maybe we should hang out at your place if you’re gonna start wrecking mine!”

“OR how about we…” Jenn jabbed a finger at herself and Jon, “…don’t hang out at all and instead me and Richie will hit the town tonight without you!”

“Excellent idea!! Let’s go baby doll!” Richie jumped up and extended his arm to Jenn with a flourish.

“Whoah okay okay!!” Jon pouted and raised his arms in defence, “Not so fast Sambora!” Sitting forward in his chair he fixed Jenn with an innocent and solemn look, “Jenn it would make me very happy if you would consider spending the rest of the weekend here….” He threw Richie a dirty look as he continued, “…with me!” Slouching back in his chair he finished his plea with a megawatt smile.

“Much better!” Jenn nodded before she looked regretfully at Richie who was still holding his arm out expectantly. “Sorry Richie!”

Looking wounded Richie slumped his shoulders and sighed. “So near yet so far!” Shoving his hands in his pockets he grinned cheekily at her, “Darlin when he screws up again I’m only ever a phone call away!”

“Screw you Rich!” Jon gave him the customary two fingered salute while he grinned victoriously across at Jenn.

Rolling her eyes she shook her head at them, “Prize idiots the pair of you!!” A rumble of her stomach reminded her that she was absolutely ravenous with hunger. “Anybody hungry?”

“Starving!” Jon got up out of his chair with a groan as he stretched. “Let me get changed and we can get breakfast on the way to Jersey – Rich you coming?”

“Nah man I’m good thanks.” Yawning widely he snuggled deeper into the leather cushions and grabbed the tv remote. “I’m gonna kip here for an hour or so and then I’ll go grab some lunch with Ma – I’ll catch up with you later.” His eyes met Jon’s for a moment, “Hope it goes alright with the kids….”

Sighing Jon regarded him quietly, “Thanks bro…….so do I…”

Chapter Forty Three

Her cheeks burned a bright crimson as she stood awkwardly in front of whom she now knew to be Richie. Mortified didn’t come close to describing how she was feeling right now.

“Errrr…….hi! Lovely to meet you……Jon’s just em………in the shower…” God she sounded like a blathering idiot but for once she was at a complete loss for words.

Still beaming at her like a Cheshire cat, Richie dropped the holdall he was carrying to the floor with a loud thump and strode forward to pump her hand.

“Sorry if I gave you a bit of a fright!” Winking at her he chuckled quietly, “I wasn’t expecting Jon to have company!”

Jenn blushed an even deeper shade of red as she gingerly accepted his firm handshake. “I’ll just go tell him you’re here………excuse me!”, shooting him an embarrassed smile she scurried past him to the safety of Jon’s bedroom.

“JON! Get out here!” Sticking her head into the steam filled en-suite she hissed at Jon’s shadow from behind the frosted glass of the cubicle.

His soaking wet head emerged as he looked enquiringly at her, “Jenn honey, you’re not really a morning person at all are you?” Streams of water ran off his hair that flopped forward over his eyebrows. “The whole idea is that you get in here with me!”

“We have company!” Still clutching the shirt around her she hopped from foot to foot waiting impatiently for him to get out.

“Company??” Jon raised his eyebrows in confusion as he stepped out from under the water.

“YES! Your friend………..RICHIE!” Jenn gestured frantically toward the kitchen, “out THERE……..with me……” her hands turned back to point at herself, “……dressed like THIS!”

The look of pure panic on her face made Jon convulse with laughter as he dropped the towel he had been about to wrap around his waist. Moving behind her, he smoothly shut and locked the bathroom door.

“JON!!” Her eyes widened with incredulity as he moved in front of her to unbutton the shirt she had so tightly wrapped around herself. “He’s like right out there!”

“And?”

“And…….AND!!” Jenn stuttered as she shook her head at him, “Jon quit it! He knows I’m in here with you!”

Ignoring her protests, Jon relieved her of the shirt and steered her gently into the shower. “Baby he hardly thinks we had a pyjama party last night……now let’s get wet!”

Laughing Jenn gave in to her earlier embarrassment and tipped her head back against the flow of the gloriously hot jets of water. Soon enough Jon had covered them both in a creamy lather of bubbles and while temptations lay abound, apart from some very thorough soaping of various parts of her body by Jon, control was maintained. Some fifteen minutes later they were drying themselves off with possibly the plushest towels Jenn had ever felt.

Stepping back into the bedroom she stopped short and gave a little squeal as she looked at the bed.

“Oh my GOD!”

Amongst the tangled and twisted sheets lay Jenn’s clothes from the night before, all folded neatly in a small pile. Following behind her towelling his hair, Jon chuckled and shook his head,

“Damn smart ass Sambora!” Shrugging he looked at Jenn who was staring in horror at him, “Hey….at least he’s being helpful for once!”

Jenn shot him a loaded look as her cheeks burned in embarrassment once again and grabbing the pile hastily from the bed headed back into the bathroom to dress, kicking the door closed firmly behind her.

Grinning all the while Jon left her to it as he pulled on some sweats and headed out to greet his friend.

“Hey man!” Richie was sprawled in front of the tv watching the morning sports review cradling a mug of the steaming coffee Jenn had been making earlier. “No need to ask how your weeks been!”

Jon didn’t bother trying to suppress the smile on his face as he rolled his eyes at him and headed for the kitchen to get his own coffee. Richie jumped up and followed him for a refill, smirking all the while, “Quite an introduction huh?!”

“I’m sure Jenn can think of better ways but hell I suppose I should be grateful you didn’t come barging into the damn bedroom!” Leaning back against the counter, he groaned as he stretched the muscles in his back. “Man I’m getting old!”

“Well Jonny! You know what they say! ‘You’re only as young as the woman you’re feeling!’”, snickering away to himself Richie swiftly dodged the punch Jon aimed at his shoulder. “Hey….I’m not complaining man!” He winked at Jon as he went to refill his coffee. “She made a damn better sight than seeing your hairy ass in the kitchen!”

“Oh yeah? Well I hope for your sake you got a real good look because she’s all mine brother!”

Taking a second mug down from the shelf above his head, Jon poured another coffee for Jenn. “You better be nice or she’ll kick your ass to the kerb! Trust me – she’s Irish!”

“Meh, once I turn on the Sambora charm, she’ll be kicking your ass to the kerb!”

Laughing together the two men turned to go back into the living area and were greeted by a fully dressed Jenn, her arms folded firmly looking less than impressed.

“Hey baby!” Jon smiled brightly looking sheepish, “Coffee?” 

Chapter Forty Two

A painful throbbing in Jenn’s temples slowly brought her to her senses as she realised her mouth felt like sandpaper. Blearily blinking through the fog, her eyes struggled to focus on the unfamiliar surroundings. Darkness permeated through the room with the exception of a bright stream of daylight spilling in from the half open bedroom door. Fuck! What time is it?

Lifting her head gingerly from the pillow, she scanned the shadows around her for a clock. Sure enough in the distance beyond Jon’s slumbering head a blue neon screen blinked 9.30am. Shit, shit, SHIT! Panicking she sat straight up staring wildly around her for her clothes. Sliding off the bed in the semi darkness, her foot caught in a twisted sheet and in her anxious efforts to get moving sent her tumbling to the floor.

“Oww! What the hell!” Landing in a heap she wrestled to free herself when a bright light suddenly attempted to shatter her eyeballs.

“You know it’d be a lot easier if you just turned on the light before you try to kill yourself!” Jon sat up in bed and squinted down at her, a wry smile on his face. 

“Have you SEEN the time?! I should have been at the farm HOURS ago!!”

Furiously rubbing her eyes as they adjusted to the bright light that Jon had flicked on from somewhere beside the bed, she scrambled to pull on the first bit of clothing she could find which just happened to be Jon’s shirt from last night.

Jon propped himself up lazily on one arm and watched with amusement as she tugged the shirt over her tousled but still remarkably sexy hair. His groin stirred again as he got a quick glimpse of her perky breasts before she pulled the shirt all the way on.

“Why don’t you stop panicking and come back up here?”

Grinning at her he patted the space on the bed beside him that she had just so hastily vacated. Exasperated Jenn scrambled to her feet and glared at him.

“This is not funny Jon! Those poor horses will be starved and Lord only knows what your daughter is thinking!”

Turning to head for the hallway in an attempt to find the rest of her clothes she was stopped short in her tracks by Jon’s next remark.

“It’s all taken care of baby! Now will you please come back here?”

Spinning around she stared at him in confusion, “What do you mean ‘taken care of’?”

Shrugging Jon flopped back against the pillows, a triumphant grin slowly spreading across his lips.

“Last night when you came over I sent Paul a message to say you were taking the weekend off and Steph is spending the day at home – I gotta go over there later and talk to her remember?”

She stared at him in bewilderment, her heart rate slowing returning to normal.

“So the horses are all being taken care of? They’re not half starved in their stalls?” Scratching her head she gazed at him in wonderment. “But…..I don’t take days off!”

Throwing his eyes up in exasperation Jon stared at her. “Yes you do! As of today! It’s in your damn contract for heaven’s sake woman!”

Relaxing Jenn crawled back onto the bed into his waiting arms. “Pffh, that’s just a silly piece of paper – horses don’t exactly DO contracts!”

Curling up beside him she let her fingers run through the greying hairs on his chest. His hair was adorably messy and the stubble on his chin was just…..so damn masculine.

“Anyway, now that my panic button has been deactivated……Good morning handsome!” Reaching up she gave him a light kiss on the cheek, “Sleep well?”

“Like the dead until a psychotic Irish woman woke me up!”

Winking at her he pulled her up until she was sat on his lap. “You’re overdressed!” Deftly undoing the buttons on the shirt, he pushed it off her shoulders, his eyes feasting on her naked breasts. “Now this is a much better way to wake up!”

Smiling Jenn ran her fingers through his hair, groaning in pleasure as he took each nipple in turn in his mouth. Arousal stirred in her belly once more and she shifted her weight feeling his cock spring to life beneath her. “Looks to me like somebody’s already wide awake!”

Smirking Jon let his hand wander between her thighs, his fingers grazing past her mound causing her to quiver in excitement. Satisfied she was more than ready for him he laid back and grasped her hips gently. Slowly and gently in stark contrast to the intensity of just a few hours ago he lowered her down on his fully erect manhood, groaning as he felt her slide around him. Rhythmically and smoothly they moved together, eyes closed in pleasure, fingers intertwined as they savoured the feel of one another for what seemed like an eternity. With a shudder they came together as one, ending their morning reunion with gasps of pleasure.

“I could get used to days off like this!” Jenn laughed as she slid off him and dropped a kiss on his warm forehead before swinging her legs over the side of the bed. She slipped her arms back into Jon’s shirt once again with a quick glance over her shoulder daring him to try removing it from her again.

Jon caught the look and grinned, raising his hands in surrender. “It’s okay baby, you’re safe……..for now!” Winking at her he ran his fingers through his hair grimacing as he felt the stickiness of dried sweat from all their exertions. “What do you say we hop in the shower and scrub one another’s backs?”

“Sounds good!” Jumping to her feet she did up a few more buttons on the shirt. “I’ll brew us some coffee while you get the water warm and no funny business mind!”

Smiling to herself, she made her way barefoot to the kitchen and set about grinding some coffee beans. The rich aroma tickled her nose as she tipped the grinds into the machine and filled the tank with water. Hearing footsteps behind her, she smiled over her shoulder.

“I thought you were getting the shower warmed up?”

Flicking the machine on, she swung around only to freeze in fright as a tall, dark haired stranger leaned against the fridge smiling at her.

“If you give me a minute little darlin I’ll get right on that!”

Jenn’s jaw dropped as she instinctively crossed her legs and tugged down the shirt tails in an effort to conceal her semi nudity.

“Uh……”

The man beamed back at her, a shit eating grin lighting up his handsome features.

 “So you must be Jenn right? Hi! I’m Richie!”

Chapter Forty One

A delicious shiver ran the length of Jenn’s spine as Jon hovered above her, teasing her with tantalising butterfly kisses. Her arms were effectively pinned to her sides, her hips powerless to do anything except squirm as he sat straddled across her on the bed.

“You’re all mine now!” 

His throaty chuckle held a dangerous undertone that only served to make her desire for him heighten. His kisses moved from her face down the curve of her neck, the slight stubble on his jawline rasping her sensitive skin. Throwing her head back to expose more areas for his tongue to explore, she arched her back straining under his weight. Her bra and panties were the only pieces of clothing left on her after their fumbled journey to the bedroom and now the pebbles of her nipples threatened to burst through the silky cups that restrained them.

“Ohhh Jesus ……..” She managed to wrestle her arms free to allow her hands to fly to her hard peaks. She couldn’t help but moan as her fingers massaged and rubbed the fiery nubs. Pausing briefly in his slow torturous quest to watch, Jon reached under her to snap free the offending bra and smoothly pulled it from her arms to give free and uninhibited access to her breasts which now sprang free into Jenn’s own hands.

“Shit baby that’s hot………” He sat up unable to tear his gaze from her as she writhed beneath him, her fingers rubbing and tweaking her nipples, her face a twisted picture of pure pleasure. Gasping she glared back at him, a flush spreading into her cheeks. “Don’t stop you jackass!”

Throwing his head back to laugh he shifted his weight further down her legs, hooking his fingers inside the silky seams of her panties. “Your wish is my command!” Dropping his head to her once more, his tongue flicked in and out of her bellybutton leaving a fiery wet trail across her quivering abdomen.

Jenn moaned once more as she felt his fingers trace their way around her sides underneath the line of her panties. Digging her elbows into the bed beneath her, she lifted her hips just enough for him to drag them downwards to her bent knees. Seconds later she bucked against him as she felt a finger dart into her slippery folds, her juices instantly covering it in a slick coat. Before she could stop herself, her right hand shot from her breast to find Jon’s head bent low over her mound. Her fingers fisted great chunks of his hair as he alternated between slipping a finger inside her and blowing hot breath on her charged nub. Every nerve ending she possessed was pulsing with desire and as she felt his tongue take a quick dart into her, they exploded in a fiery ball of passion.

“Fuuuuuuuuck Jon!!”

Her breath came in shallow gulps, as her hips convulsed and rocked beneath his touch.

“That’s my intention babe….”

Jon snickered as he murmured from between her legs, his tongue carefully and methodically lapping the flow of sweet juice literally pouring from her. His cock was strained to the hilt and pulsing with impending need. Sitting up he snapped her panties the rest of the way down her legs, firing them off in the direction of the floor. Sliding down to the edge of the bed, he firmly grasped each of her ankles and in one swift movement pulled her down to him so that her ass sat inches from the end. Spreading her legs wide, he bent each knee in turn until she was fully exposed to him. It only took another slide of his forefinger inside her to make her writhe and cry aloud as the intensity built again. Her hands were no longer on herself but now firmly wrapped in folds of the sheets as her chest rose and fell gasping for air.

Standing now he positioned himself between her legs and leant forwards to her ear, gently dragging aside the tousled hair. His cock gently prodded against her clit as he whispered wickedly.

“Tell me what you want Jenn?”

Shuddering with lust she opened her eyes wide and stared unfalteringly into the blue pools of his eyes, watching as his pupils literally danced with fire.

“Fuck me Jon!”

Grinning he stared right back at her, rotating his hips to prod her gently once more.

“Fuck you how Jenn?”

Squirming she tried to hook a leg around his back in an effort to draw him closer but quick as a flash his hand clamped it back to her thigh leaving her at his mercy.

“Dammit Jon! Fuck me HARD! Fuck me NOW!”

Her cry unleashed what little restraint Jon had left and without wasting another second he drove straight into her, burying himself as far as he could in one swift motion. Bracing himself against her knees, he slammed into her again and again, grunting with the exertion as he forced himself deeper with every thrust. Jenn moaned and gasped with every plunge, her breasts bouncing freely as she fought to keep herself from climaxing again. Never before had Jon made love to her with such a raw intensity and her body responded to his every demand. Just as he was pounding her with his every being, something released within herself and she propelled herself forward, wrapping her arms around his neck and into his lap. Joined as one, Jon lifted her clear off the bed his muscles popping as he supported her in his arms. Now with her legs firmly wrapped around him, he turned and slammed them against the wall, burying his head against her neck as he felt her take control of his cock. Squeezing and releasing, her walls continued the sweet assault of his shaft buried to the hilt within her. Sweat trickled in beads down his forehead as Jenn braced herself between the wall and his shoulders doing some slamming of her own. The only sound in the room was of their ragged breathing and the rhythmic slap of slick skin.

“Sweet Jesus Jenn!” Jon moaned aloud as he lifted her fully into his arms again and backed up to the bed once more. Sinking down on his back, it was now Jenn’s turn to sit astride him. Sitting tall above him, she arched her back and neck, rocking and rotating her pelvis in such a way that the friction between them intensified tenfold. Feeling the familiar surge from deep within his balls, Jon grabbed her arms and pulled her down to face him. With a few final thrusts, his lips found hers in a clash of teeth and with a shout he emptied his load deep within her just as her walls convulsed and an earth shattering cry came once more from her throat. Jenn collapsed on top of him in a sweaty tangled mess, her heart hammering on her rib cage as the waves of pleasure crashed over her.

They lay like that for a while, both of them physically unable to move or speak as their bodies attempted to recover from the gruelling work out they had just subjected them to. Eventually with another low moan as she felt him slip out from her, Jenn rolled over to lay beside him reaching up to her face to drag away the hair that was glued to her forehead with perspiration.

“Holy shit Jon!” She turned back to face him as he wrapped her in his arms and planted a sweet kiss on her nose.

A lazy smile played across his lips, “That was pretty hot huh?!” His fingers tickled her sides lightly. “And to think you wanted to go home and leave me to do all that on my own!”

Giggling Jenn nuzzled closer into him, “Stop being  such a smart ass because I am way too tired to do anything about it!”

Chuckling quietly to himself, Jon let his eyes close, sleep was beckoning. After all, it had been quite the day.

Chapter Forty

The dim lights of the corner seats where Jenn sat nestled beside Jon cast blue shadows across the floor, effectively concealing them from the rest of the crowd swaying with the rhythm of the music emanating from the jazz band on a small stage. Jon had taken them to an exclusive penthouse bar perched on the top floor of one of the city’s finest hotels. Nobody had cast the pair a second glance as the hostess had ushered them to a private section leaving them with an extensive cocktail menu that Jenn had gleefully pounced on immediately.

“God it’s been ages since I’ve had a decent Cosmo!” Furrowing her brow in concentration as she traced a finger down the list, she squealed with excitement as she spotted a variety of the vodka concoctions on offer. “Ooooh look! Blood Orange! Yum!” She smacked her lips together in anticipation and grinned at Jon, “Want one?”

Laughing at her excitement, Jon shook his head. “No thanks baby, I’ll leave the cocktails to you for tonight!”

After giving their drinks orders to one of the hovering waiters, he settled back in the plush leather lounger and threw his arm around her, pulling her close. Her perfume wafted sweetly under his nose as he dropped a kiss on her head and gave her a gentle squeeze.

“Did I tell you how damn fine you’re lookin tonight?”

“You did as a matter of fact!” Crossing her legs smoothly as she twisted to face him, Jenn let her hand idly wander along his thigh, smirking as she felt his muscles tighten beneath her touch. “You are still looking mighty damn fine yourself sir!”

Giggling like a couple of teenagers, their conversation flowed easily altering between flirting outrageously with one another and doing a running commentary on the people bumping and grinding on the dance floor in front of them.

Draining the last of what was her third drink, Jenn turned to him with a lopsided grin, fixing him with a stern look. “You said you were bringing me dancing Mr Bongiovi! But I’m starting to think you just brought me all the way up here to get me plastered so you can have your wicked way with me!”

Jon cocked an eyebrow at her and grinned back. “I am a man of my word baby!” Gesturing to the dance floor he gave her a rueful look, “But this isn’t quite the kind of dancing I had in mind!”

“Ha-ha! All in good time! C’mon!”

Grabbing his hand, Jenn pulled him to the dance floor as the band began a rendition of ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You’. Blending seamlessly with the other couples swaying around them Jon pulled her close, resting his hands lightly above the cups of her ass. Nuzzling into him, she loosely wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her fingers tracing the nape of his neck as their hips rocked lazily in unison to the rhythm of the old Ray Charles track.

Jon closed his eyes and lost himself in the music, letting his chin rest against her forehead, his nose gently mussing her hair. Slowly drifting across the dance floor, they moved as one as the gentle lyrics washed over them.

Those happy hours that we once knew

Though long ago

Still make me blue

They say that time heals a broken heart

But time has stood still since we been apart

I can’t stop loving you

I made up my mind

To live in memories of lonesome times

Images of dancing with Dorothea flew through his mind until he willed them to stop, focusing instead on the woman in his arms. Guiltily glancing down at her head buried against his chest, he tightened his grip on her hips.

“You okay?” Jenn lifted her head to gaze up at him, feeling the change in him.

“Never better baby.” He smiled back down letting his hands rub lightly up her back. He had wanted nothing more than to have a bit of fun tonight, lord knows after all the craziness of the past few weeks they both deserved it. As the band started into a more up tempo number Jenn twisted in his arms, grinning wickedly as she bumped him with her ass, silently daring him to jazz up his dance moves. 

Chuckling Jon took her firmly by her hands, deftly guiding them off the dance floor and back to their table.“I sure as hell ain’t that kind of dancer!”

Jenn pouted in mock disgust as they flopped back in their seats, “and I was just getting warmed up spoilsport!”

“Oh I’m pretty sure I can find other methods of warming you up…..”

“Promises, promises….!” Taking a long sip from the fresh cocktail that had magically appeared in front of her, she eyed him over the rim of the wide glass and grinned back at him. She was getting that lovely fuzzy feeling in her head as the alcohol started to take effect and as a result was feeling looser and more carefree than she had in weeks. The dark circles under Jon’s eyes hadn’t escaped her notice however, it was obvious recent events were taking their toll.

“Wanna get out of here?” She nudged him gently with her knee.

“Hell yeah, we’re wasting time!” The mischievous sparkle came back in his eyes as he knocked back the last of his whiskey. Stopping only to collect their coats from the hostess they made their way down to the streets below hand in hand. The city was buzzing with the Friday night boom and they stuck close to one another weaving their way through the crowds.

The earlier wind and rain had eased leaving a mild night in its wake as the pair strolled lazily back to Jon’s apartment. Reaching the outer doors of the complex, Jenn slowed up and sighed.

“God it’s so late……I better get a cab back to the farm….”

“Like hell you will!” Jon snorted, firmly steering her through the door. “I’m nowhere near done with you little girl!”

Jenn’s mild protests fell on deaf ears as she giggled her way over to the elevator. “You naughty boy! You’re gonna make me late for work tomorrow!”

Jon shuffled them both into the elevator and hit the button for his floor before trapping her against the smooth steel of the car’s interior. “S’ok, I’ve a feeling the boss won’t mind so much.”

Planting a knee firmly between her thighs his veins throbbed with lust as he cupped the back of her neck, slowly tasting her lips. Jenn tipped her head back, revelling in the feel of his strong hands supporting her, an involuntary moan escaping her lungs as the friction made by Jon’s knee intensified the throb from her core.

The ping of the elevator carried them out through the hallway to the apartment door, his lips still locked to hers, teasing and probing. Jenn’s back hit the door with a thump and they broke apart for a brief moment as Jon fumbled for his keys. After what seemed like an eternity, the door flew open as they careered through it, reaching and grasping for one another.

Jon’s coat was the first item of clothing to be hastily discarded, followed closely by Jenn’s. Twirling in circles, they tugged and pulled at fabric and belts until they found themselves in Jon’s master bedroom suite. Jenn scarcely had time to take in the gigantic California King bed, swathed in neutral slate grey covers before Jon bodily lifted her and laid her on it non too gently. Smirking he knelt over her, his forearms buried in the duvet on either side of her.

“Now we can dance all night baby!”