As the hazy light of dawn crept through the window Cilla gazed down at the man sleeping in her bed. He was lying on his back, one hand was splayed across his chest and the other was flung up over his head. She couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips as she studied his hands. His fingers were slightly bent and she felt her face flush as she recalled just exactly what those fingers had done to her in the night. She reached over and brushed a kiss across his stubbly cheek before turning to leave.
“Where are you going?”
Cilla stopped at the whispery, raspy voice and turned back, “shh, go back to sleep. I’m going to work.”
He rolled over, “come here.”
She walked back to the bed and he tugged her down to sit next to him. “Will I see you later?” She nodded her head, “sure, come down to the shop before you leave.” She stroked her fingers across his cheek, “I have to go.” He leaned up and kissed her, “see you later.” She nodded and stood and he rolled over and burrowed back into the covers.
~
Cilla had just come back into the kitchen when Sid swung in through the back door. “Good morning Cil.” She smiled at him, “good morning Sid.” He went and got this apron and looked around as he tied it in the back. “No surprise visitors this morning?” She smiled as she kissed his cheek, “not yet.” He stepped back, “again? You slept with him again? You hussy you.” Cilla laughed; “you seemed surprised Sid. What, didn’t you think I had it in me?”
Sid looked at his best friend, “girl I knew you had it in you; I just didn’t think you knew.” She laughed, “I think I forgot for a while Sid.” He hugged her, “Cilla my dear, I think you’ve gotten your groove back.”
Together they finished loading the cases and readied the shop for their day. They carried the trays back to the sink and Sid turned to Cilla, “don’t forget about dinner tomorrow night.” Cilla looked at him blankly before realization dawned, “oh crap Sid, I totally forgot about your monthly, let’s-set-Cilla-up-with-someone dinner.” Sid tried to look insulted, “we never try to set you up with anyone Cilla. I’m hurt.”
Cilla filled the sink with soapy water, “what about the guy last month, Mark’s accountant friend, Terry I think his name was? You practically had us married and living in Westchester by the end of the night.” Sid waived his hand, “bah, one time we tried to get you together with someone. You’ll still come tomorrow, right? You can bring Jon if you want.”
“Bring me where if she wants?”
Startled, Sid dropped the trays to the counter with a clatter. “Dammit Jon, stop doing that to me.” He laughed, “but its fun to frazzle you Sid.”
Cilla laughed and dried her hands before going to greet him, “good morning.” He leaned down and kissed her, “good morning to you.” He looked over at Sid, “where is Cilla going and taking me if she wants to?”
He picked up the trays and set them in the hot water, “dinner with Mark and I at our place tomorrow night. I hope you both can make it.”
Cilla looked up at Jon, “every month they invite me to dinner and try to set me up with one of their straight friends. So far, their track record sucks.” Jon laughed, “well then, this should prove to be an interesting evening. What time?”
Sid went and opened the shop as Cilla poured Jon a cup of coffee and filled him in on the details. As she sat down on the stool next to him he took her hand, “I won’t see you again until tomorrow.” She looked up at him, “got stuff to do?” He smiled at her, “yeah, I’ve got my kids today and tonight.” She got up and pulled one of her pink boxes from the shelf, “then you need some treats for them.” She went out front and filled the box with cookies and brownies, adding a cannoli before closing the lid and tying the string around it.
Jon looked up when she walked back in the kitchen and set the box in front of him, “you didn’t have to do that Cil.” She laid her hand on his shoulder, “I know; I wanted to. I even put something in there for you; just don’t let Richie see it.” He laughed, knowing what she had put in the box for him. He finished his coffee, grabbed the box and stood, “I should get going. Dot’s going to drop the kids off at noon and I have some stuff to do first.”
She walked him to the back door, “I’ll see you tomorrow night then?” He tugged her to him with his free hand, “I’ll pick you up at 7.” Cilla looked up at him, “have a good day with the kids today Jon.” He lowered his mouth “I will” he told her just before his lips met hers.
Chapter 19
Chapter 18
Climbing the stairs to Cilla's apartment, Jon walked behind her, stopping on the last step as she stood on the landing. While she rummaged in her bag for her keys, he traced the seam of her back pocket, his fingers slipping down to brush over the curve of her ass and lower, down the back of her thigh.
The key Cilla had managed to wrap her fingers around dropped to the mat with a jangle as Jon's fingers slid down her thigh. "Jon, stop." He slid his fingers back to her pocket, "I can't help it; you have a great ass." She bent to retrieve her keys and his fingers found the bare skin at her lower back where her shirt had ridden up. "Jon…" she warned as she stood, "I need to get the door open."
He closed in behind her, his voice was low and his breath warm at her ear, "I'm not stopping you. Go ahead, open the door." With a less than steady hand, Cilla managed to somehow fit the key in the lock and open the door.
Together they stumbled into her apartment, Jon kicking the door closed behind them, his hands never leaving her waist. Cilla tried to extricate herself but Jon held on; "where do you think you're going?" She dropped her bag and twisted around so she was facing him, "um, to bed?" His fingers toyed with the zipper on her sweatshirt, "need someone to tuck you in?" Looking up at him she cocked her head to the side, "will you sing me a lullaby?"
He dropped a kiss on her pretty pink lips, "is that all you want, just a song?" She trailed her fingers up the button placket on his shirt, her thumb finding the soft hair where the buttons were open, "maybe I'll let you convince me I want something else." Jon smiled and lifted her so she was flush against him and he walked them toward her room, "I can be very convincing."
Together they bumped through the door and Jon set her down. When she flipped on the light he took a minute to look around and found himself looking at a much younger version of himself and his band mates. "Was that there last night?" She followed his gaze to the poster, "yes. You didn't see it?" He shook his head, "I was otherwise occupied." He looked at the poster and then back at her, "did you buy it signed and then frame it like that?"
Cilla stripped off her sweatshirt and went over to stand next to Jon. "No. We were in London back in 1988 when you were doing your signing at Tower Records. Charles and I waited in line forever but it was more than worth it." He turned; a question in his eyes, "Charles?" She nodded, "things were good between us then." She sighed and her fingers toyed with the hem of his shirt, "does it bother you that it's up there?"
He slid his hands up her arms, "it's a little odd to see myself hanging over your bed, but it's fine." She started slipping the buttons through their holes, "Good. Now, are you going to tuck me in and sing me a lullaby?"
A smile crept across Jon's lips, "I believe there was something else you wanted, wasn't there?" Cilla stroked her hands over the hard plane of his chest, "you haven't convinced me yet."
He stilled her hands, bringing them to his mouth, kissing her fingertips before settling her arms at her sides. As he slid her cami up he started to sing softly.
I saw you coming from a mile away
Trying to hide behind that pretty face
Bet my last dollar baby you been bruised
Poor little heart all black 'n' blue
Cilla gasped as his voice quietly filled the room and her breasts filled his hands. His thumbs brushed across her quickly hardening nipples.
Last thing you need's another pickup line
You must have heard them all a thousand times
God only knows what you been through
Believe me I been broken too
It aches, it breaks, it takes your breath away
I've been around that block a time or two
His hands left her breasts and he shrugged out of his shirt before pulling her against him, swaying lightly as he continued to sing quietly.
Baby, I don't want to fall in love with you
I try, try, try but I can't get around the truth
Please don't say my name, give this heart a break
I don't want to make the same mistake but it's too late
I'll leave on the light
These arms are open all night
Cilla wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself closer, whimpering when her breasts rubbed against the soft hair of his chest. His fingertips skimmed lightly up and down her back, leaving a trail of goose bumps in their wake. He pressed her back slightly, lowering his mouth to hers.
Their kisses were soft and gentle, urgent yet unhurried. Jon's hands slid down Cilla's back to cup her butt as they moved toward the bed. Dragging his lips from hers his mouth slid across her jaw and down her neck. As she trembled she could hear his voice again.
I got your taste in the back of my mouth
I want to reach in and pull it out
And I'd be lying if I didn't say
When you're this close I'm afraid
Of the way I'll feel if I touch your hair
The way I'll miss you when you're not there
And that I'll see you when I close my eyes
It's too late, I've crossed that line
His mouth traced a path down to the curve of her breast. His tongue traced lazy circles until he could wrap his tongue around her nipple and gently he drew it into his mouth.
Cilla's head dropped back and her hands came up to fist in his hair as she held him to her as he slowly convinced her of what she had already known she wanted. No one had ever made her feel like this before. She wanted more. She wanted him.
Jon slowly slid to his knees in front of her, tugging at the button on her jeans. He slid her jeans off, his pulse quickening more at the sight of the black satin and lace against her creamy skin. With his hands on her hips he traced the lace edge with his tongue; trailing down the crease of her thigh, nuzzling his nose against the satin, her sweet musky scent urging him on.
Rising from his knees, Jon dragged his fingertips up her thighs, across her stomach and around to caress her lower back. Cilla's hands slid up his arms, her fingers twining in his hair as she leaned up to press her mouth to his. The heat of her mouth on his had his hands splaying across her back and pulling her flush against him. The kiss turned fiery and almost desperate. Cilla whimpered when he pulled his mouth from hers. "What do you want Cil?"
Her hands moved from his hair to his belt, "you Jon. I want you." His belt clanged to the floor and his jeans followed as Cilla climbed on the bed. He crawled toward her, pulling her close, his fingers tugging at the black satin and lace she still wore. Tossing them over his shoulder he rolled her under him, filling her in one slow thrust. He groaned at the wet heat that enveloped him as she arched under him.
Jon moved slowly, pushing them higher. He dipped his head sucking on Cilla's bottom lip, kissing her jaw, nuzzling her neck. When his tongue dipped into the hollow at her shoulder she was lost. As they rode the wave of her release her muscles clenched, drawing a cry from Jon as he spilled into her.
Chapter 17
When she set the box down in the middle of the table the guys looked up, "what do ya got there?" Richie nudged Jon, "you said she brought dessert." Jon set the notebook aside, "I know that you ass, but I don't know what she brought for dessert."
He looked expectantly at Cilla, "what did you bring us baby?"
She smiled at the two of them and proceeded to untie the string and unfold the box. She slid the round cardboard tray out. There was one cannoli, a couple of éclairs, several small squares of cake, a couple of tarts and two brownies. "I didn't know what you liked so I brought a little of everything."
Jon and Richie reached for the tray at the same time, both wanting the cannoli. Richie reached it first and Jon shoved him, "back off man, I want that." Richie laughed and held it just out of Jon's reach, "what's the matter man, arms too short, can't reach?" Jon flipped him off, "fuck you man. I'll have an éclair."
Richie started to bring the cannoli to his mouth only to have it plucked from his fingers. He looked up to find Cilla standing next to him with the cannoli in her hand, "hey, I was gonna eat that." She smiled at him and broke the cannoli in half. "Here." She handed half to him and the other to Jon. "Can the two of you behave long enough for me to get the coffee?" Jon laughed as he stood, "Sit down Cil, I'll go get it."
Once Jon came back and they were sipping their coffee Cilla asked about the cake. "What did you think of my ideas?" Jon grabbed the notebook. "I think we're headed in the same direction Cil. Richie and I liked this one." He flipped the notebook open to the one he and Richie had agreed on. Cilla smiled, "that was my favorite too." She took a sip of her coffee, "how about cake flavors; any favorites I should know about?"
They tossed some ideas around and Cilla shoved the desserts toward them, "there are some samples on here. Why not try them and let me know what you think?"
Jon and Richie reached for the tray at the same time again. Jon shot Richie a warning "you take the one I want this time man, I'm gonna make you sleep out here tonight." Cilla laughed at them. "You two are impossible. There's two of each kind. Now knock it off." Jon and Richie each took two and looked over at Cilla, "what kind are they?" They weren't afraid to try anything; having traveled the world there was very little they wouldn't eat, but they liked to know what it was they were putting in their mouths before it got there.
Cilla looked over at what they had each taken and point to each piece, "Jon you have double chocolate with raspberry mousse filling and lemon poppyseed with a blueberry cream filling." She turned to Richie, "and you have pistachio with vanilla buttercream filling and chocolate chip with a caramel cream filling." Jon pointed back to the tray, "what's that one?" She leaned in and looked, "that's pumpkin chocolate chip with an eggnog cream filling. I don't usually do that flavor until the fall, but I had a special request for it."
They ate and talked and Jon noticed that Cilla hadn't had any of the desserts she had brought. "Cil, don't you want anything?" She sipped the last of her coffee, "no, I'm not a big dessert eater Jon." His eyebrows rose in surprise, "you make all this stuff and don't eat any of it? How do you manage that?" Cilla laughed, "if I ate everything I made do you know how much I would weigh? I'd be as big around as I am tall." Jon laughed as he tried to imagine that.
Turning back to the subejct at hand, she asked about the cake, "what do you think, do you like any of those cake flavors?" Jon and Richie nodded; they had liked them all. "We're going to have to let you know. It's going to be a tough decision." Cilla nodded, "I can do the traditional chocolate and vanilla as well." She stood, "I should be going. I have an early day tomorrow." Richie glanced at his watch, "it's only 9:30 Cilla, its still early now."
She laid her hand on his arm, "for you it's early but for me it's late. I've been up since 3." Richie's eyes widened, "I'm usually just going to bed at 3. Why do you get up so early?" She laughed and pointed at the nearly empty tray in front of him, "that's why." She turned to Jon, reached up and pressed a kiss to his lips, "thank you. I had a good time tonight." He stood and took her hand, "I'll walk you home Cil."
When they reached the door he turned back to Richie, "don't wait up man."
Chapter 16
Hearing her phone, Cilla rushed up the last of the steps. After fumbling with her key she dropped her things at the door and lunged for the phone.
“Hello.” She tried to catch her breath as she sat down.
“Cilla? Are you all right?” Jon could hear her breathing heavily in the background.
“I’m fine. I heard the phone and ran up half the stairs trying to get it before the machine picked up.” She took a deep breath. “What’s up?”
Jon smiled at the thought of her rushing to answer his call. “Do you want to come by tonight and we can talk about the cake and maybe get some dinner?”
Cilla glanced at the clock, “that sounds good, just give me a little bit to wash the flour and frosting off.”
Jon closed his eyes against the image of her naked and covered with frosting. “Just come over when you’re ready baby. We’ll be here.” Before she could ask “who’s we” he had clicked off. With a sigh she hung up her phone and headed to the bathroom.
Thirty minutes later she zipped her black hoodie with the roses embroidered down the sleeves over her black cami and faded jeans, grabbed her satchel with her paperwork in it and headed down the stairs. She stopped into the shop and grabbed the pink bakery box she had packed earlier and headed to Jon’s, once again wondering just who else was going to be there tonight.
When she entered Jon’s building she recognized the doorman right away, he was the same one from the last time she had been there. “Hi Sam, I’m here to see…” holding up a hand, he cut her off. “You go right on up miss. He’s expecting you.” Cilla smiled at him, “thank you.”
Knocking on the door she heard two distinct voices and footsteps approaching. When she looked up she met Jon’s bright blue eyes, “hi.” He smiled, “hi baby, come on in.” Once she was in and he shut the door behind her he pulled her to him, “now let me say hello properly.” His lips covered hers and he kissed her thoroughly.
Cilla stood there for a full minute without saying a word and she would have dropped the dessert box if Jon hadn’t taken it from her.
Richie came in looked at Cilla and then at Jon, “what did you do to her man?” Jon chuckled, “I kissed her.” Richie waved his hand in front of her face, “darlin’ are you okay?” She nodded and blinked her eyes a couple of times and everything came back into focus. “Oh yeah, I’m good Richie. It’s nice to see you again.” He smiled and kissed her cheek, “you too darlin’.” He pointed to the box Jon was holding as he talked, “what’d you bring us?”
Jon led them through the apartment, stopping in the kitchen to put the box in the refrigerator. “She brought dessert man, stop hounding her.” As they stepped out onto the terrace Cilla turned to Jon, “what, no half naked three year-old running around tonight?” Jon laughed, “no, but if I drink enough you could have a half naked 46 year-old to contend with.” Cilla leaned up and pressed a kissed to his chin, “only half naked?” He kissed her mouth playfully as they walked to where Richie was sitting, “Richie’s here, I don’t want him to get jealous.”
Richie had heard their conversation and he rolled his eyes when they sat down, “Bro, I’ve seen what you’ve got and believe me, it ain’t nothing I need to be jealous of man.” He turned to Cilla, patting the seat next to him, “why don’t you come sit by me darlin’, I’ll take real good care of you.”
Cilla watched the play between the two men; she laughed out loud. They were just like her and Sid.
Jon looked up at her, “what’s so funny?” He hoped she wasn’t laughing at Richie’s comment about his manhood. Cilla shook her head, “which one of you is Sid and which one is me?”
Jon started laughing making Cilla laugh harder and Richie sat there looking confused. “Who is Sid?”
Cilla sat down next to Jon and tried to compose herself. “Sid is…” she kept laughing. Jon wiped the tears from his face, “Sid is Cil’s best friend.” Richie nodded in understanding, “is she as pretty as Cilla here?” That got Jon and Cilla going again, “no” Jon managed, “Cilla’s much prettier.” Cilla nodded in agreement. “Sid’s got brown hair, green eyes and is about six feet tall.” Richie still didn’t see what was so funny. “This Sid doesn’t sound so bad. I still don’t get what’s so funny.”
Jon and Cilla managed to stop laughing and Cilla lay her hand over Richie’s, “Richie, Sid is a man. I’ve known him all my life and believe me when I tell you; he’ll be flattered to find out you think he ‘doesn’t sound so bad.’”
Richie’s cheeks pinked. Shit her best friend was a gay man. He laughed at himself, “glad I found that out now before I really made an ass of myself and asked you if I could meet him.” Cilla grinned, “I can still introduce you if you’re interested. He thinks you have…” she paused trying to remember exactly what it was Sid had said, “ah, the most amazing mouth, very full kissable lips I believe were his exact words.” Richie laughed and raised his hands in protest “no, thank you but no, I still prefer the ladies.” Cilla sighed dramatically, “Sid will be crushed. I hope he can go on after this.”
Jon hadn’t said anything in the last few minutes. He was amused by the fact that his best friend was getting along so well with his, he looked at Cilla, girlfriend? Could he call her that after only two dates and one night spent together? He shook his head; let’s not get ahead of ourselves. He interrupted the two of them, “you guys hungry; should we order some food?”
When the bell rang thirty minutes later Richie went to get the food, leaving Jon and Cilla alone. “You seem to be getting along with Richie fairly well.” Cilla smiled, “he’s just like everything I’ve ever read or heard someone say about him. It’s hard not to like him.” Jon took her hand, “he’s a good guy. I’m glad you’re getting along.”
Richie reappeared then with the bag of fragrant chinese food, “dinner is served.”
After the last fortune cookie was broken open talk turned to the tour and, specifically, what Jon wanted from Cilla in regards to the cake. She reached into her satchel and brought out her note book. “I made a few sketches today, take a look and let me know if any of it is what you had in mind.” Richie scooted his chair closer so he could see as well.
While they perused her notes Cilla cleared away the dinner mess and returned from the kitchen with the pink bakery box in one hand and napkins in the other.
Chapter 15
Cilla was pulling a tray of cinnamon buns from the oven and trying not to think about the man she left sleeping in her bed when Sid walked in. “Good morning” he sang out as the door shut behind him. Cilla smiled as she pulled on a pair of gloves, “good morning to you Sid.” He came up next to her and kissed her cheek. “So, how was your date?”
Cilla smirked; Sid was never one to beat around the bush. “Just fine thanks.” He frowned, “you know the rule Cil, details, you share the details girl.” Cilla laughed, “okay, okay. Jeez, you’re worse than a woman Sid.” Before she could say anything else the back door opened again. Sid turned to see who was there and gasped. “Oh my God.”
Cilla walked over and kissed Jon’s cheek, “good morning.” He kissed her back and wrapped an arm around her, “good morning to you. You got any coffee down here?”
Sid stood and watched as she poured Jon a cup of coffee and offered him a warm cinnamon roll. Cilla walked over to him and, placing her finger under his chin, pushed his mouth closed. “It’s not nice to gawk Sid. Let’s go load the cases.”
When they were out front Sid cornered Cilla, “he spent the night?” She nodded, “yes, isn’t that what you wanted?” He countered, “is it what you wanted?” Cilla moved past him, “if it wasn’t he wouldn’t be here now would he.” Sid smiled, “true. So?” She wiped down the cases, “so what?” Sid rolled his eyes, “come on, tell me, he’s the total package, right?”
Glancing up, Cilla saw Jon standing in the doorway, the smirk on his face giving away the fact that he had heard the conversation. She smiled at him as she answered Sid, “totally Sid.” Jon cleared his throat, “so Sid, just exactly what do you want to know?” Sid turned around so fast Cilla thought he might fall down, “Oh shit. You weren’t supposed to hear that.”
Cilla took pity on Sid, “come on Jon” she pushed him back through the door and into the kitchen. “I have to open in a few minutes.” Jon wrapped her up in a hug, “I know and I’m going to get out of your way. But I have a question first.” She looked up at him, “what’s that?” He stepped back from her and took her hands, “the tour finishes soon and I was wondering if you could make a cake for us for after the last show.”
For a minute all Cilla could do was stand there. “You want me to make a cake for the band?” He shook his head, “not just the band, for the crew too. Do you think you can manage it?”
She moved over to her workspace and glanced at her schedule, she had a couple of wedding cakes to do and some other small orders, but one more shouldn’t, wouldn’t be a problem. “I can manage. Do you have any idea of what you want?”
Sid poked his head through the door right then, “honey we have a line of people waiting, can I open?” Cilla looked at the clock, “go ahead.” She turned back to Jon, “why don’t we talk about this later?”
Jon leaned over her make-shift desk and kissed her, “that’s fine. I’ll call you.” She walked him to the door, “have a good day Jon.” He pressed his lips gently against hers, “you too baby.” Then he was gone.
Later in the day, when there was a lull Sid cornered Cilla, “okay, you need to tell me what is going on with the two of you.” Cilla sighed, “I’m not sure yet Sid. He said he likes me and we’d just take things as they come, one day at a time.” Sid studied Cilla, “did you talk to him?”
Cilla didn’t answer right away. She went and flipped the closed sign and locked the door. “I told him everything Sid.” He raised an eyebrow at her, posing a silent question. “Everything Sid. He knows all of it.” He helped carry empty trays back to the kitchen, “and?”
She smiled, “I’m seeing him again tonight, so I guess it’s all okay.”
Sid went and hugged her, “I’m happy for you Cil. You deserve this. Now come on, let’s get these dishes done and get the heck out of here.”
Chapter 14
A hard, heavy thigh pressed her to the bed and she could feel the warmth of his breath at her ear. They were tangled together and Jon’s head was nestled in between her neck and shoulder. Cilla stroked his arm, tracing the superman tattoo with her fingertips. How could he have made her feel so much? She didn’t want to compare, but Charles hadn’t ever made her feel the way Jon just had. Oh, sure, there had been moments of unbridled passion, but they had been few and far between. Cilla hadn’t ever really enjoyed it anyway; it had always been more about Charles than her. She sighed at the thought.
Jon pressed a kiss to her neck and eased himself off of her. “Are you okay?” He had heard her sigh and hoped she didn’t regret what had happened between them. Cilla nodded, “yeah, just thinking.” He lay on his side so he could look at her and pulled the blankets up over them, “thinking about what?” She smoothed her hand over the blanket, “this.” His eyebrow shot up, “this?” He wasn’t sure he really wanted to know what she was getting at.
Looking over at him, she could see the confusion on his face. Cilla sat up a little and pulled the covers around her. “This Jon” she said quietly as she motioned with her hands to him and the bed. “How we ended up here; why, when you could be with any woman you wanted you chose me” she paused and looked at him, “how you made me feel more just now than I ever did with… and where do we go from here.”
Jon sat up and wrapped his arm around her, settling her against him. “I think I’ll answer that last part first. We just take it one day at a time. I like you Cil, more than any other woman I have been with since my divorce. You’ve made me laugh more in the last three days than I have in the last three months. I can’t explain it; I just know that I want to be with you and I hope you feel the same about me.”
He thought about the rest of what she had said. “Cil, I don’t know what your relationship with your ex was and frankly, I’m not sure I want to. I can only guess that he was a very selfish man who didn’t know the gift he had in you. You deserve everything you got tonight and more.” He looked down at her, his blue eyes shining with sincerity “I want to be the one to give it to you too.”
Cilla laid her head against his chest, “this all happened so fast. I’m not sure I’m ready for this. It’s been a long time since I had more than one date with a guy let alone anything more.” She looked up at Jon, “just be patient with me Jon. I may stumble around a bit, but I’m willing to try.” He kissed her head, “That’s all I can ask. Now that we got that all settled, can we eat? I’m starving.” Cilla laughed and pushed away from him, “stay here, I’ll go get it and we can eat in here.”
Jon watched as she grabbed her night shirt from the back of the door and slipped it on, “aw” he whined, “do you have to get dressed?” She looked over her shoulder at him, “you don’t want me to get cold do you?” He winked at her, “I’ll keep you warm baby.”
Five minutes later she was back and they were sitting with a plate of food between them, feeding each other bits of pasta and drinking wine straight from the bottle. Cilla chuckled, “Sid is going to have a heart attack when he finds out about this.” Jon smirked, “why’s that?” She took a swig from the bottle, “I’m fairly certain that he’d love to be sitting where I am right now.” Jon laughed, “I guess it’s a good thing I like girls then.” Cilla smiled and fed Jon a bite of pasta, “good thing.”
When the plate was empty and the wine bottle nearly so, Jon set them on the floor and pulled Cilla close, kissing her softly. “Dinner was delicious, thank you.” She ran her hand up his arm, “I brought some things up from the shop, would you like dessert?” Jon traced his fingers down her chest and toyed with a button on her night shirt, “I think we need to talk about one other thing before we have dessert.” Cilla laid her hand over his, “what’s that?”
He turned his hand over and laced their fingers together, “you said earlier that I didn’t need to use a condom, why was that?” She tried to pry her fingers from his but he wouldn’t let go. “Talk to me Cilla. Whatever it is, just tell me and we’ll work through it.”
She couldn’t bring herself to look at him so as she stared at the blanket she told him. “I can’t have kids Jon. I had my tubes tied years ago.” He squeezed her hand, “that’s not so bad Cil.” She looked up at him; the pain and sadness in her eyes caught him by surprise. “Charles made me.” Jon’s grip on her hand tightened, the surprise he had felt was slowly being overshadowed by the anger that was coursing through him. What kind of monster was this man? His jaw tightened and the muscle twitched, “why?”
It still made her sad to remember, she had always wanted kids, so had he; at least that’s what he had told her at first. When he started having his moods, that all changed. “Charles didn’t want children and he wanted to make sure that it wouldn’t be an issue. He hated condoms so I told him I would go on the pill; but he worried that I would forget to take one. He told me the only way to be certain was for me to have my tubes tied. I asked about him getting a vasectomy but he said that was out of the question.” A single tear slid down her cheek as she finally looked at Jon. “I didn’t want to but he didn’t leave me any choice.”
He wrapped his arms around her and held her close “oh baby, I’m sorry.” She sniffed, “it’s okay Jon. The way things turned out, it was for the best anyway.” He stroked her back, “that’s still no excuse for what he did to you Cil. He had no right to force that on you.” She pulled back from him and wiped her face with the back of her hand, “I know, but it’s too late to do anything about it now. I’ve moved on from it.” She studied Jon’s face, “is this going to be an issue for you?”
Jon settled back on the pillows and pulled her with him, “it just pisses me off that this happened to you, but no, it won’t be an issue.” He kissed her tear-stained cheek, “did you ever consider having it reversed?” Cilla shook her head as she settled against him, “it crossed my mind once or twice after the divorce but I didn’t have any insurance so I just let it go.”
Jon lay awake long after Cilla had drifted off. He was angry at a man he had never met, angry that this man so callously decided her future for her and gave her no choice but to do as he asked. What kind of person does that? Cilla moved and stretched her arm across him. He stroked her hand and closed his eyes, willing sleep to come.
Chapter 13
Determined to chase the ghosts of her past away for her, Jon stood and tugged on Cilla's hand gently, bringing her to her feet.
Standing in front of him, Cilla looked up to find his breathtakingly blue eyes studying her intently, "it's been a long time Jon. I'm not sure I remember what to do." He smiled softly, "I'm not worried darlin'." He trailed his fingertips up her arm, brushing her hair behind her shoulder before fluttering kisses across her forehead. "We'll take it slow."
His hand moved from her shoulder to her chin, tilting it slightly higher before his mouth met hers. His kisses were slow and long, his lips were soft and inviting. Cilla lost herself to his mouth, giving back as much as she was taking. He groaned into her before pulling his head back, "bedroom?" She indicated to a partially shut door, "there."
Dinner lay forgotten on the table as he led her into the bedroom. The soft sounds of the piano from the stereo followed them as the cacophony of the world outside the window greeted them.
They stood next to the bed, Jon flush up against Cilla's back. He ran his hands up from her hips, lightly caressing her sides as his breath ruffled her hair. "Relax Cil" he instructed as his hands moved. She closed her eyes and laid her hands atop his; her fingertips brushed across the back of his hands as they moved over her.
When his hands moved to the hem of her shirt she let hers fall away and he slipped the shirt up and off, revealing a simple white cotton bra underneath. She silently cursed herself for not wearing something prettier for him. Next time. She tensed slightly at that thought. Already thinking about next time? What's the matter with me?
Jon kissed his way across her shoulder, nudging the strap with his nose. He felt her tense. "What's the matter?" he quietly asked as his mouth moved across her skin. "Nothing" she sighed, "just wished I was wearing something prettier." He smiled against her shoulder, "nothing wrong with what you have on, other than it's still on you."
She turned her head and their mouths met as his hand moved to release the catch of her bra. He slid the bra from her, his hands following the straps down her arms, letting it fall to the floor as his hands slid back up her sides, cupping her small round breasts in his hands. His thumbs stroked lightly as the tips puckered and hardened for him. He kissed his way from her mouth to her ear "you're so beautiful" he whispered as he tasted her lobe.
The heat of him behind her and his hands on the front of her had her faltering. Her head dropped back against his shoulder and her hands gripped his thighs as he plucked at her nipples. His mouth was skimming along her neck and shoulder, leaving her trembling. She turned her head to find his mouth again and the kiss was fiery with desperation. She tried to turn to face him but he held her fast, rolling his hips against her. Cilla pulled her mouth from his and whimpered as his hands moved down her sides and across her flat stomach. He stopped before reaching the button of her jeans, caressing the soft skin below her navel with a calloused fingertip.
Jon stepped back from her and slid to his knees behind her, tasting every inch of skin from nape to the waist. He reached around and released the button on her jeans as his tongue stroked across her soft, smooth skin. He eased her jeans down and was surprised to see the tattoo at the small of her back. The scroll work and roses curled across her lower back and intertwined were the words Keep the Faith in fancy script. He traced across it with the tip of his tongue as he pushed her jeans down. He'd ask her about it later.
He kissed the backs of her knees before she stepped out of her jeans and she thought her knees would give out. He steadied her and dragged his tongue lightly up the backs of her thighs as he stood. She trembled as she turned to face him, her hands reached out tentatively for the hem of his shirt and she tugged it up. He pulled it off and she ran her hands over the hard plane of his chest, reveling in the soft hair and the twitch of his muscles. He dragged her close, wrapping his arms around her, tangling his fingers in her hair.
Cilla leaned up and pressed her mouth to his, tongues eagerly exploring. Her hands wandered up and down his back, over his shoulders and down across his chest, stopping to tease the taut nipples before dropping down across his abs to the button his jeans. She slid her hand up and down the length of him; the denim stretched tightly across him, earning her a groan, "Cilla baby, you don't want to be doing that." He pulled her hands away from and urged her back on the bed.
Jon toed off his shoes and peeled his jeans over his hips, pushing them off and joining her on the bed. He stroked her lightly, his fingertips barely touching her skin. "You're so soft" he mumbled as his mouth followed the path his fingers were weaving. When he took a nipple into his mouth she arched off the bed. It had been so long since anyone had made her feel so much.
Jon slid lower on the bed, dragging his mouth down and circling her navel with his tongue. He looked up at Cilla, she had her eyes closed and her breathing was labored. "Cil?" She opened her eyes and met his gaze, "you're sure?" When she nodded he slid her white cotton bikinis down and off, kissing his way back up her legs, her sweet scent drawing him in. He smiled to himself at the slight patch of dark curls that hid her from him. He liked a little hair.
When his tongue grazed over her she nearly lost it. When he suckled on her clit her hips rose from the bed and dots swam in front of her eyes. When he slid a finger into her wet heat she cried out his name as she broke apart. With a final kiss Jon rose over her, she had her eyes closed again. "Cil, look at me." She wasn't sure she could. "Please baby,” he pleaded “look at me." She forced her eyes open, "what?"
A frown marred his beautiful face and he looked chagrined. He wanted this to be special and here he was, no protection in any pocket, having to ask. "Do you have a…" he trailed off as her fingers covered his mouth. "Don't need them. It's okay."
He didn't question her further, they'd talk about it later. Letting the thought go, he slowly, gently slid into her, then eased back, she was tight. He remembered she had said it had been a long time and he didn't want to hurt her. He moved again, slowly filling her and easing back until Cilla thought she couldn't take it anymore. "Jon, please!" He moved again, burying himself in her, "God Cilla, you feel so good."
He didn't move for long moments, savoring the feel of her fisting around him. When she writhed under him he moved, his pace slow and steady; pushing them both closer to the release that was just out of reach. She gripped his shoulders and wrapped her legs around him, meeting each thrust. She cried out to him, she was so close. He slipped a hand between them and with a flick of his fingers he gave her what she asked for, and he followed close on her heels, spilling into her with a grunt and a groan.
