Cilla frowned as she looked over her notes for a cake she was doing for a wedding that Saturday. Jon hadn’t called her last night. She had waited as long as she could before finally letting herself go to sleep and he hadn’t called. She was so lost in thought that she jumped when the door bounced open and Sid walked in. “Good morning Cil” he sang out as dropped the newspaper on the table in front of her.
She looked up at him, “what’s this?” He smirked, “the newspaper.” Cilla watched as he went to get his apron, “why are you bringing me your paper?” Sid tied the apron behind his back and flipped the paper open to page 6, “you made the paper girlfriend.”
She looked down and sure enough, there was a picture of her and Jon walking out of the restaurant that weekend, complete with a short caption. “Oh God.” She turned to find Sid smiling at her, “what?” She shoved the paper at him, “did you read the caption?” He shook his head, “no, I was too excited to see your picture in the paper. What does it say?”
Cilla picked up the paper again, “Soho-dwelling rocker Jon Bon Jovi spotted leaving Waverly’s Restaurant with an unknown woman. Bon Jovi and this same woman were spotted earlier in the day shopping on the streets of Soho. They looked quite cozy.” She looked up at Sid, “there’s a picture of us looking at some books at one of the street vendors and holding hands too.” Looking back at the paper she continued. “Has Bon Jovi found a new leading lady or is she just” Cilla winced “Living on a Prayer?”
Sid grabbed the paper back from Cilla and tossed it in the recycle bucket, “what the hell do they know. Damn vultures.” Cilla smiled, she could always count on Sid to make her smile when she wanted to cry. “Thanks.” He patted her shoulder, “don’t you worry about the press. They’re bigger pains in the ass then they're worth. I bet Jon doesn’t know about this. Matter of fact, I bet he doesn’t even care about it.”
Cilla stood and grabbed a tray of muffins, “oh, I don’t know about that. I’m sure if he hasn’t seen it yet that he will soon enough.” Sid shrugged and grabbed another tray, “so what? He’s got to be used to it by now.” They went out front to load the cases, “I know Sid, but still…” she stopped, turning to face Sid a look of near horror on her face, “how long do you suppose I have before they figure out who I am?”
Sid stacked the now empty trays, “probably not that long.” He nudged her, hoping for a smile, “but just think how good it will be for business.” Cilla dropped her face to her hands, “just shoot me now, please.” Sid pushed her toward the kitchen, “go and have your meltdown in the back. I’m going to open up.”
Cilla was working on the flowers and extras for the cake, still wondering why Jon hadn’t called, when Sid poked his head around the door, “Cil, could you come out here for a minute please?” She stopped what she was doing “what’s the problem?” Sid rolled his eyes, he didn't want to tell her that Jon and his children were out front, “could you just come here please?”
With a sigh she wiped her hands, can’t he handle the customers? She pushed through the door and stopped. Sid was crouched next to the cookie jar handing a cookie to a little blonde-haired boy and Jon stood on the other side of the counter, his three other children beside him.
Jon was watching Romeo and didn’t notice Cilla right away so she took the time to study the group in front of her. The kids all resembled Jon, but his daughter looked remarkably like his ex-wife. Except for her eyes. They were all Jon. She glanced at the two boys, it seemed they had all inherited Jon’s amazing blue eyes.
When her gaze came back to Jon he was watching her watch him and his kids, “hi.” With a smile she came around the counter, “hi. What brings you in today?” Romeo moved back over by his dad, clinging to his leg. “We were in the neighborhood so I thought we’d stop. And Romeo wanted a cookie.” Cilla nodded and addressed the kids, “okay, what does everyone like?”
As the kids studied the long glass enclosed cases Steph sidled up to Cilla, “I’m Stephanie. You made my birthday cake, right?” Cilla nodded, “it’s nice to meet you Stephanie and yes, I did. I hope you liked it.” Stephanie smiled, “it was amazing. My friends still talk about it. I think dad gave all their moms your card too.” Cilla smiled, “I know, he told me. I’m just waiting for the phone calls.”
She felt a tug on her pant leg. Looking down she peered into yet another pair of blue eyes. She crouched down slightly, “well hi there handsome. Who might you be?” Jake looked her up and down, “Jake. Do you have any cookies with M & M’s in them?” Cilla shook her head, “I’m sorry Jake, I didn’t make any like that today. How about chocolate chip?”
When she stood she found one more pair of blue eyes on her, “you must be Jesse.” Jesse nodded, “Yeah. Is that just a regular brownie?” She looked at where he was pointing, “no, that’s not just any regular old brownie, that’s a special brownie.” She smiled at the boy. “Do you like chocolate and peanut butter?” Jesse nodded his head, “oh yeah.” Cilla chuckled, “then I think you’ll like this.”
She went behind the case, “here” she handed him what appeared to be a brownie. In actuality it was a peanut butter cup encased in a brownie. With his first bite Jesse gave Cilla a big chocolaty smile, “awesome Ms. Preston, this is really good.” Cilla laughed, “it’s Cilla and I’m glad you like it.”
Jon watched as she talked to his kids. She didn’t push herself on them, didn’t force them to talk to her. They all seemed to be comfortable with her, all except Romeo. He was still clinging to Jon’s leg like a drowning man clinging to a life preserver. He reached down and pried Romeo’s fingers from his leg and picked him up, “what’s the matter big guy? Don’t you want to meet my friend?” Romeo shook his head, “no. Can we go now?”
Cilla approached Jon and Romeo, “everything okay over here?” She tried to engage Romeo but he just turned his head and wouldn’t say a word. Jon apologized for him. “I don’t know what his problem is. Usually he’s friendlier than this.” Cilla squeezed Jon’s free hand with hers, “it’s all right.” When Jon leaned down to kiss Cilla’s cheek Romeo squirmed and wiggled to get down. Jon’s lips landed somewhere in the vicinity of Cilla’s hair before he resituated Romeo on his hip, “what is the matter Rom?”
With a little hand on the side of Jon’s face Romeo turned his father’s head so he was looking right at him, “I want to go home now.” Jon sighed and turned to Cilla again, “sorry babe.” He turned his attention to his other kids, “did you all get what you wanted?” They all shook their heads, “okay." He turned to Cilla as he dug in his pocket for his wallet, "what're the damages?" She put a hand on his, "it's on the house." He searched her eyes, "you sure?" She nodded, "absolutely." He looked at his kids, "let’s go.”
Cilla watched as they all trouped out of her shop. Looking back at the clock she decided to close up a little early and locked the door behind them. She turned to find Sid watching her, “what?” Sid started to unload the cases, “what’s wrong?” She shook her head, “nothing. It’s just…” she let the thought go. Sid didn’t, “come on Cil. Something’s bothering you. It was the little one, wasn’t it?”
She grabbed a tray, “yeah. He wouldn’t even look at me. I don’t get it.” Sid shrugged and pushed through the door, “you’re not his mother.”
Chapter 30
Chapter 29
Driving out of the City and heading to Dot’s, Jon replayed his conversation with Cilla over in his head. What kind of man was her ex? That question kept cropping up over and over. While Jon could admit to moments of being an asshole, he couldn’t understand how a person could be so blatantly cruel. He thought of Cilla and smiled. She deserved to be treated with respect she deserved to be spoiled, she deserved a whole hell of a lot better than her ex-husband had ever been to her.
Jon's fists tightened on the wheel as he thought again of their conversation that morning. Shaking his head in hopes of clearing the anger, he pressed a button on his phone, “call Cilla.” His fingers tapped along with the music as he waited.
Cilla had the vacuum going and was halfway under the bed when the phone rang. She banged her head as she tried to get to the phone. “Son of a...” She was rubbing at the slight bump when she answered. “Hello.”
Jon turned the music down, “hi Cil.”
She let her hand drop to her side, “hi Jon. What’s going on? Miss me already?”
Jon chuckled. “I missed you the second I left this morning. What’re you up to?”
Cilla smiled. “I miss you too and I’m cleaning my apartment. Someone kept me too busy yesterday so I was forced to do it today.”
He conjured a vision of Cilla, dust rag in one hand, a smudge of dirt on her cheek and smiled. “Sorry about that. You should have said something.”
Cilla shook her head, “it’s no big deal. I thought you were seeing your kids today. Where are you?”
Jon turned into the Dot’s driveway. “I just got to Dot’s to pick the kids up.” He sighed, “her and I need to talk.”
That was the second time he had said that to her and her curiosity was piqued. “Is okay for me to ask about what?”
Jon shut the car off, “It’s fine. We need to talk about you and her new friend and the kids. I wanted to do this last week but she didn’t have time so today’s the day.”
Cilla sat down, “should I be worried?”
Jon got out of the car and walked up the front steps, “no Cil you shouldn’t. Everything will be fine. I gotta go. I’ll call you later.” Before Cilla could say goodbye, he was gone.
Jon rang the bell and heard the pounding of feet as one of the kids ran to the door. “Daddy!” Jon looked down into Jake’s face, “hey buddy.” He stepped inside and swung Jake up into his arms, “why are you answering the door? Where’s Tina?” Jake smiled, “she took Romeo upstairs and mommy’s on the phone. ‘Sides, I knew it was you.”
Jon set the little boy on his feet, “how did you know it was me?” Jake folded his arms across his chest, “I looked out the window and saw your car.” Jake didn’t say it, but the “duh” was there just the same. Jon laughed, “where’s your mother?”
“Right here.”
Jon turned and saw Dorothea standing in the doorway, “hey.” She nodded, “hey yourself.” Jon turned back to Jake, “your mom and I need to talk bud. Why don’t you get your stuff ready for my house, okay?” Jake nodded, “okay” and took off running. Jon shook his head, “will he ever learn to just walk somewhere?” Dot shook her head, “doubtful. Come on, want a cup of coffee?”
Jon followed his ex-wife into the kitchen and watched as she poured them both mugs of coffee. She handed him one of the mugs as she sat down, “so, what did you need to talk to me about?”
Jon took a fortifying sip of his coffee, “my new girlfriend and your new boyfriend.”
Dot set her mug down and pushed at her glasses, “you have a girlfriend?” Jon nodded, “I started seeing someone about a week ago.” He sipped at his coffee, “I heard you’re seeing someone too?” Dot nodded, “I am. For about a month now.” Jon’s brows lifted in surprise, “A month? When were you going to tell me? And why did the kids find out before I did?”
Dorothea sighed, “the only reason the kids found out is because he’s Jesse’s football coach. And I didn’t tell you because I wanted to be sure this wasn’t going to be just a fling.” She met Jon’s gaze, “I’m sorry.” Surprised at the hurt he felt he tried not to show it. “It’s all right. I know now. So, Rick huh. Never would have figured that.” Dot shrugged, “he’s a nice guy. So, who’s the new woman in your life? Anyone I know?”
Jon finished his coffee and shook his head, “I don’t think so. She made Steph’s birthday cake. Her name is Cilla. She owns her own shop, Cilla ~ Queen of Tarts.” It was Dot’s turn to be surprised, “I’ve been in her shop and seen her.” Jon toyed with his coffee mug, “She’s a nice woman and I like her, a lot. You should know that there may be pictures in the papers tomorrow. We were out and about yesterday.” Dot nodded her head, “thanks for the heads up. Have the kids met her yet?” Jon shook his head, “not really. They know I’m seeing someone and she sent cookies home for them but no, they haven’t met her in person yet.”
Dot stood, taking their mugs to the sink, “are you going to introduce them to her?” Jon stood and stretched, “I was planning on it, that’s why I wanted to talk to you. Are you all right with it?” Dot sighed, “I guess.” She paused, thinking of all their years together and where they were now, “how did we end up here Jonny? I thought we were supposed to be for forever.” He crossed the room and stood behind her, laying his hands lightly on her shoulders, “I don’t know Dot. I’m sorry I couldn’t give you your happy ever after.”
She turned and pressed a kiss to his cheek, “just be happy now Jon and if this woman is right for you, don’t screw it up.” He laughed quietly as she moved past him, “I’ll try not to.” She took his hand and dragged Jon out of the kitchen, “now go take your kids and have a good time.”
Chapter 28
Cilla stroked her fingers across the warm hard chest that was in front of her. Her fingers trailed down, tracing each ridge of muscle along his abs. His body was truly amazing. She pushed the blankets lower, marveling at the site before her. Even in sleep his body was hard, unrelenting. She stroked her fingers lightly over his thighs, wondering what it took for him to maintain this level of fitness.
Jon peeked through barely open eyes, watching what she was doing. She hadn’t ever openly explored before. When she lowered her mouth and her tongue flicked out to trace the ridge of his hip bone he had to will himself to remain still, not wanting her to know he was awake. When her warm breath ghosted over his now erect penis he couldn’t help the shiver. Cilla smiled without looking at him, “good morning.” She nibbled at his thigh, “sleep well?”
Jon chuckled, “good morning and yes, I did.” He toyed with her hair that was spread across his stomach, “enjoying yourself?” He was hoping she would take him in her mouth, but every time she got close she backed off. She turned and slid up his body, caressing him with her fingertips, “I was, is that all right?” She pressed a kiss to his chest, dragging her tongue up over his adam’s apple, stopping just a hair’s breadth from his mouth. He leaned slightly and touched his lips to hers, “it’s fine. Why’d you stop?” She shrugged her shoulders, “you woke up.”
He slid his hand down her back and caressed the smooth skin at her waist, “you could have kept going. I don’t mind.” Cilla watched Jon’s face and instinctively knew what he was getting at. She shifted her gaze, how could she explain this?
She moved to get up and he held her fast, “where’re you going?” He looked at her face, the smile had faded and there was a wariness in her eyes. “What’s wrong Cilla?” She shook her head, “I just want to get up Jon, please.” Reluctantly he let her go. He sat up and watched as she slipped on her robe. “Come on Cil, talk to me. What’s going on?”
She paced from the door to the bed, trying to find a way to say the words. “I know what you wanted Jon and I just… I can’t do that.” She turned to leave and he grabbed her arm, “don’t walk away from me Cilla. Let’s talk about this.” She turned back but couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze. “Look at me Cil.”
Hesitantly she brought her eyes to meet his, “what’s this all about Cil?” She felt her cheeks redden as she again tried to find the words to tell him. She buried her face in her hands, “do you have any idea how hard it is to sit here and tell you that I can’t give the man I… I’m involved with a blow job because my ex-husband told me I sucked at it?”
Jon just sat and stared at her for a minute. That’s what this is about? He reached for her hands and gently pulled them from her face. “Cilla.” She kept staring at the floor, not able to look at him. He patted the spot on the bed next to him, “if you’re not going to look at me, could you at least come sit next to me?” With a sigh she crawled up next to him, her head hanging down, her hair obscuring her face from him.
With a gentle hand Jon pushed her hair back and lifted her chin, “this isn’t a big deal baby.” She wrapped her hand around his wrist, “how can you say that? I saw how you reacted.” He tried not to smile, “we’ll get back to my reaction in a minute. If this relationship is going to work we need to be able to talk to each other Cilla.”
Hesitantly she raised her eyes to his. He wasn’t upset or angry, she found concern in the blue depths, concern and a hint of a smile. “I know we need to be able to talk, but this was just too weird a conversation for me.” Now Jon did smile, “apparently you’ve never talked with a four year old. I have weird conversations on a daily basis.”
Cilla laughed, “I bet you do but not like this one.” He wrapped his arms around her, “no, not like this, but weird just the same.” They sat quietly for a minute, “Cilla, you know I’d never force you to do anything you don’t want to do.” She rested her head against his shoulder, “I know. And it’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just, what if you don’t… what if he was right, what if I really am bad at it?” Jon looked down at her, stroking her cheek with a finger, “why don’t you let me be the judge of that?” She leaned up and pressed her lips to his, “okay.”
Jon glanced at the clock and hugged her, “I’ve got to get going baby. I’ve got my kids today.” Cilla got off the bed, “do you have time for breakfast?” He stretched and stood, “unfortunately no baby I don’t. I’ve to get to Dot’s to pick up the kids and she and I need to talk.” Jon looked around for his clothes, forgetting they were strewn across the living room. “Where are my pants?” Cilla walked toward the door, “out here somewhere.” Jon smiled, “oh yeah.”
He followed her out of the room and found his pants on the floor by the table. She put on a pot of coffee as he found the rest of his clothes. When he came out of the bathroom she handed him a cup. “You can take this with you if you are in that much of a hurry.” He dropped a minty kiss on her lips, “thanks.” She went and took her turn in the bathroom and when she came back he was just setting his cup in the sink. “Sorry I have to leave like this Cil.” She walked with him to the door, “it’s okay. Have a good time with your kids. Call me later?” He pulled her close for a kiss, “count on it.”
Chapter 27
Standing in front of her closet Cilla chewed on her thumb. Sid is right, I need to go shopping. After several delicious kisses she had managed to convince Jon that she needed a little time to get ready for dinner and now she couldn’t figure out what to wear. All the clothes she normally loved just didn’t seem to fit her new relationship; her love of shabby chic and Jon just didn’t seem to gel.
Sighing, she flipped the hangars finally deciding on the black skirt with a zipper that ran up the back from hem to waist and a simple black tank. She topped it off with a lightweight black jacket and, tucking her bangs behind her ear she knelt to rifle through her shoes.
Pulling a shoebox from the back of the closet she lifted the lid and slipped the black sandals on her feet. Giving herself the once over in the mirror she frowned, she could hear Sid in her head. All black, you’re wearing all black, are you insane? You need to add some color somewhere. Cilla sighed, Sid would be right. She opened the trunk at the foot of her bed and found a colorful beaded purse she had picked up at a recent street fair and put her necessities in it. She was just closing the trunk as the knock sounded at the door.
Jon ran his hand through his hair as he waited. He couldn’t understand the eagerness to see her. He had been with her just two hours ago and now, here he was, antsy to see her, to hold her, he licked his lips, to taste her again. Hearing her footfalls beyond the door he wiped his palms on his jeans and leaned against the jamb as she opened the door.
“Hi Jon.” He smiled at her before leaning in for a kiss, “long time no see baby.” His gaze roamed her up and down, “you look great.” Cilla stepped out onto the landing and pulled the door shut, “thank you. You look nice too. That’s a great jacket.” He was wearing black jeans with a white shirt and an off-white leather jacket. They complemented each other perfectly.
Jon let her go down the stairs ahead of him, enjoying the gentle sway of her hips before homing in on the zipper up the back of her skirt. “Cil?” She stopped at the bottom and turned slightly, “Jon?” He traced the curve of her butt where the zipper was. “Does the zipper work or is it for show?” She twisted around, “it works.” She reached down and unzipped it slightly, teasing him more. He grabbed her hand, “come on I’ve got a cab waiting. We can play with the zipper later.”
As they pulled up to the curb Jon swore. Cilla looked past him out the window; there were several people with cameras just waiting for a brief glance of someone famous. Jon looked over at Cilla, “you ready for this?” She swallowed, “I guess.” Stepping from the cab Jon kept his hand at her lower back and Cilla kept her gaze averted. She heard the clicks and saw the flashes, but they just kept walking. Once she was inside the door Jon turned back and let them have a shot.
They enjoyed a cozy dinner and Cilla had nearly forgotten about the cameras until they were heading out the door again. This time she didn’t avert her gaze quick enough and the flash nearly blinded her. Jon urged her a few steps ahead of him and tried to draw the cameras away from her and onto him. They snapped their pictures and Jon quickly caught up with Cilla. “Sorry about that.” They walked on silently, hands clasped between them. “Cil?” Jon was worried that what happened earlier in the day and then this would run her off. He knew she wasn’t accustomed to the kind of attention he garnered.
When she didn’t answer Jon tugged her to a stop, drawing her to one side, leaning back against the building. “Cilla.” She looked up at him, “it’s okay Jon. I’m okay, really.” He reached up and stroked her cheek, “you’re sure? I know it’s a lot to deal with.” He took a breath, silently praying that she didn’t want the out he was about to give her. “I’ll understand if you’d rather not be involved.”
Cilla studied him for a minute then leaned in and pressed her lips to his, “too late. I’m already involved.” She pulled back, her eyes locking on his, “I’m not going anywhere.” His fingers that had been stroking her cheek curled around to her nape and pulled her closer, “good.” His mouth came down on hers; the kiss was gentle at first, then grew more demanding. Cilla’s hands found their way under the hem of his shirt, her fingers brushing at the fine hairs above his belt. Jon’s hand tightened on her neck, her touch igniting a fire in his blood. Nipping at her lips he gently pushed her back from him, “we should go.” She slid her hands out from under his shirt, “you’re place or mine?” Jon tugged at his shirt and he looked up and down the street, “yours baby, its closer.”
Climbing the stairs, he let Cilla lead the way, once again mesmerized by the zipper at the back of her skirt. When she stopped to search her purse for her key, Jon’s fingers toyed with the pull. He slowly inched the zipper up, exposing more and more of her legs. When Cilla felt the cool air hitting her thighs she turned, “Jon! Can we at least get inside?” Leaving the zipper alone, he trailed his finger tips over her skin, “well hurry up already.”
As soon as the door shut behind them Jon had Cilla in his arms again. His mouth was on hers as his hands pushed at her jacket. Cilla surrendered to his mouth and her own hands pushed and pulled at his clothing. Together they stumbled across the room, stopping when they bumped into the table. “Here’s good” Jon mumbled against her neck. He pulled her top off and kissed down her chest as his fingers divested her of the bra. She groaned when his mouth covered one pert nipple.
As his mouth moved over her, Cilla managed to get the button open on his pants. She stroked her hand up and down as she struggled with the zipper “damn tight pants you wear.” Jon chuckled against her and he helped her get them unzipped and down his legs. “Better?” She wrapped her hand around him and stroked him up and down, “much.” He groaned at her touch, his mouth finding hers again as she continued to torture him.
Pushing her hands away Jon looked at her, she still had her skirt and shoes on. He turned her and leaned her over the table. Cilla gasped when her breasts came in contact with the cool formica. Jon reached for the zipper, easing it up over the curve of her ass, spreading it wide when he got to the top. Calloused fingertips stroked the firm globes of her ass, teasing the lace that encased them.
He leaned in and kissed the tattoo at her lower back, trailing nipping kisses across her skin as he slid her panties down. As he kissed his way back up her legs, he could see that she was ready for him. His fingers traced up and down and she squirmed under him, pushing back against his fingers. “Jon, please!” Pulling her hips to the edge of the table, he entered her swiftly, burying himself in her welcoming heat. “God baby.” He moved, setting a pounding rhythm.
Cilla hands reached for something, anything to grab onto, she found nothing across the expanse of the table. All she could do was lay there and take everything Jon was giving her. She shifted her legs slightly and lifted her hips a bit more and with one last push from Jon her release raced through her, her muscles tightened, draining Jon of everything he had to give.
Jon slumped over her, his forehead resting on her shoulder. “Cilla, I…” he stopped when she reached back and grabbed his wrist. “You what Jon?” He opened his eyes and started to rise, “I should get off of you.” She turned her head to look at him, wondering if that was really what he was going to say.
Chapter 26
After stopping at Cilla's apartment for fresh clothes, Jon and Cilla spent the day together. Strolling around the streets of Soho with Jon was an interesting experience for Cilla.
Cilla watched in amusement at all the different reactions people had when they saw Jon trying to blend into the crowd. His sunglasses weren’t doing much to defray the gapers and gawkers. When they stopped to peruse a table of books Cilla sneaked a sidelong glance at Jon. “How do you stand it?” He kept up the pretense of thumbing through the books, “for the most part, I’ve learned to ignore it.”
Cilla picked up a book, “how can you ignore it? I can feel eyes everywhere.” Jon side-stepped her, “if I don’t ignore it, I’d never be able to leave the house.” She set the book down, “come on,” she took his hand, “let’s keep walking.”
When they got around the corner Jon hailed a cab. Cilla looked at him questioningly, “why do we need a cab?” He smiled as one stopped, “you want to buy a computer today, right?” She nodded as she climbed in, “well, I don’t know about buy, but I was going to look. So?” Jon climbed in and shut the door. “Best place to do that is Best Buy.” She slid closer to him as the cab pulled away from the curb. “Fifth Avenue?” Jon nodded his head and pressed a kiss to her temple. “I’m sorry about today.” Cilla looked up at him, “don’t be sorry. I just wasn’t prepared. Now I know what to expect.” She kissed his cheek, “it’s okay, just a little unnerving when you’re not used to it.”
They wandered Best Buy for a bit, Jon caught Cilla looking through the Bon Jovi CDs and she caught him in the video game department trying out the newest Guitar Hero. She had to laugh when he couldn’t even get through one of his own songs. “Are you serious? You can’t play your own song?” He sheepishly set the guitar down and grabbed her hand, dragging her toward the computers, “that game is not as easy as it looks. Come on, you want to look at computers, let’s look.”
Cilla walked down the aisle where the laptops were and was studying the Vaio CS when a sales associate finally came by and asked how she was doing. “Anything I can help you with today ma’am?” Cilla nearly frowned at the girl’s use of the word “ma’am”. Cilla glanced at the girls’ name tag, “Chris, I’m looking for a laptop.” She explained to the girl about her business and what she was looking to use it for.
“Well” Chris said, “the one you’re looking at right now would probably suit your needs just fine. It has a great graphics program for your designs and a large amount of memory, and the Intel 2 Processor offers the fastest performance. Plus, it comes in several great colors.” She moved down the aisle a little further, “but let’s look at all your options before you decide.”
Jon watched from the end of the aisle, trying to be as innocuous as possible. He watched and listened and was impressed. Cilla was a very smart woman who wasn’t easily swayed by the pushy sales associate. She let the girl show her other models with more options than she needed; all the while circling the girl back to the one she knew was best for her.
“Okay Chris” Cilla said as Jon came up behind her “this is the one I want.” She pointed to the Vaio CS. “I’m sure this will be fine.” Chris’ eyes widened as she noticed the man standing behind Cilla. “Well, if you’re sure. Do you want any particular color?” Cilla thought for a minute, “pink if you have it. It matches my logo.” She scuttled off to find what Cilla wanted and Cilla turned to Jon, “thank you.” His eyebrow rose in question, “for what? I didn’t do anything.” Cilla smiled at him, “exactly.”
Climbing into another cab Cilla laid her head back on the seat. “I’m glad that’s over. I hate shopping for things like that.” Jon was surprised, “but you’re good at it. You didn’t let that girl talk you into something you didn’t need and you ended up with what you wanted in the first place.” Cilla shrugged, “there wasn’t any reason to be rude to the girl. I let her give her spiel and then I bought what I wanted. No big deal, I just wish they weren’t so pushy.”
Jon wrapped an arm around her and dragged her closer to him, “they’re just doing their job.” Cilla sighed, “I know.” He kissed her head, “we have a reservation for dinner at 8, is that okay?” She nodded her head against him, it was five now that would give her time to primp a little. “That’s fine. Where?” She wondered if he was actually going to take her out or if they were going to eat on his terrace again.
“Waverly’s Inn. Why?” Cilla chuckled, “your terrace trattoria booked up for the night?” Jon laughed, “something like that. Tonight I want to take you out, show you off. You think you can handle being ogled a bit more today?” The cab stopped by her apartment. She waited as Jon paid and they climbed the stairs, “If you can, I can.”
When they got inside and the door was shut behind them Jon waited for her to set her things down, “come here.” Cilla stepped into the circle of his embrace and tilted her head up so she could see his face, “what can I do for you?” He dropped a kiss on her lips, “kiss me. I’ve missed your lips today.” She kissed him back, “good thing I like kissing you.” Jon traced her lower lip with the tip of his tongue, “lucky me.”
Chapter 25
Cilla woke lying on her stomach, fingers lightly caressing her back, one calloused fingertip tracing her tattoo. She turned her head and opened her eyes to find Jon’s gaze fixated on her lower back. “Find something you like back there?”
A smile tugged at Jon’s lips and he drew his gaze up her smooth back to meet her eyes, “absolutely.” He skimmed his fingers over the curve of her ass before lying back down beside her. “Good morning.” Cilla smiled, rolled to her side and kissed the tip of his nose, “good morning. What was so fascinating about my tattoo?”
Jon traced her cheek with his finger, “when did you get it?” It didn’t look recent, the color of the flowers had faded and the outline wasn’t as crisp anymore; but more than that, it was the words to one of his songs. He wanted to know if she had gotten it because of him.
Cilla shifted and pulled the blankets up over her. “I got it when Charles and I started having trouble. It was just the words at first, words that Sid used to say to me all the time. I had the flowers and scrollwork added later.” Looking at Jon she could see the question in his eyes and knew what he was wondering. “No, it wasn’t because of your song. I got the tattoo before I ever heard the song. I got it to help me deal with everything that was going on in my life then.” Jon nodded his understanding. Each of his tattoos he had gotten at a specific time and they related to things that had been going on with him. “Did it? Help I mean?”
Her fingers toyed with the hair on Jon’s chest. “For a while; but then it got too bad for anything to help, other than filing for divorce anyway. Now, it’s a reminder of what I went through and how I got where I am today.”
Jon rolled onto his back and pulled her on top of him, “you’re a strong woman Cilla. You would have survived even without the tattoo.” Bracing her hands on his chest, she levered herself up and straddled his waist, “thanks, but I didn’t do it alone. Sid was there for me every step of the way.”
Jon reached up and pushed her hair over her shoulders, “he’s a good man and a good friend.” He stroked his fingertips down between her breasts, fascinated that her nipples hardened even though he had barely touched her, “now, what are we going to do today?”
Cilla reached behind her, wrapping a hand around the hardness that had been nudging her, “I can think of one thing we could do.” He closed his eyes as she continued to stroke him. “I like the way you think babe.” He felt her move and his eyes flew open, a groan of surprise escaped him as he was suddenly enveloped in her warm wetness. “Cilla! What’re you doing?”
She looked up at him, “what does it feel like I’m doing?” Jon closed his eyes and gritted his teeth against his urge to let go, “you know what I mean” he ground out. She leaned down and teased his nipple with the tip of her tongue, “I’m winning, again.”
Jon wrapped his arms around her and rolled them so that Cilla was under him, “I think this is one game I could get used to losing.” Cilla’s laugh ended on a moan as Jon moved. He gripped her leg and pulled it higher on his hip, grinding against her. He watched her face and he knew he had found the spot. Her head was thrown back, her neck arched and he leaned in and nibbled his way up to her lips.
He thrust harder, knowing she was going to lose it and he wanted to get lost with her. “Let it go baby” he whispered against her mouth. “Come for me.” She opened her eyes and found his as she did what he asked. Her nails dug into his shoulders as her hips arched up into his thrust, dragging him with her.
Laying side by side Jon pulled Cilla close, “now what should we do with the rest of our day?” Cilla chuckled, “I’m not sure I can think just yet. Give me a minute and I’ll let you know.”
Chapter 24
Rolling over in his bed, Jon stretched out his arm and was dismayed to find cold sheets. Without opening his eyes he stretched a little further, trying to find Cilla. When all he encountered was an empty bed he opened his eyes and glanced at the clock. 3:00, where is she? He looked across the room but the bathroom was dark. Did she leave?
Turning on the bedside light his glance flicked to the chair; their clothes were still piled there. He felt the relief wash through him as he realized she hadn't left. He got up and pulled on a pair of sweats before heading out in search of his woman.
The soft glow of the low kitchen light drew him into the room. He smiled when he saw her sitting on one of the stools, his white dress shirt riding high on her thighs, a glass of juice in front of her. "Hey."
Startled, she nearly knocked the glass over as she spun around to face him. "God Jon, you scared me half to death." He walked over and took a sip from the glass before sitting down next to her. "Sorry. What are you doing up anyway?" Cilla sighed, "habit. I'm always up at this time. Usually I'm in the kitchen baking away by now. I can't seem to help it." Jon stroked his fingers up and down her bare thigh, "you're internal clock is set to this time. It's okay. I just got a little nervous when all I found were cold sheets up there."
She turned to face him fully, "did you think I left?" He shrugged his shoulders, his eyes downcast, "I wasn't sure." She put her hand on his arm, "why would you think that?" Again he shrugged his shoulders, "it's happened before." She put her finger under his chin and drew his eyes up from the counter to meet hers, "if I hadn’t wanted to stay I wouldn't have come back here with you earlier Jon."
His eyes brightened, "really?" She nodded, "really." She stroked her thumb across his jaw, the stubble scraping her skin, "I would have at least left you a note." This was a side of Jon she didn't think existed. She had thought that him, of all people, would never be insecure and yet, this made him seem that much more the regular guy he claimed to be.
He curled his fingers around her hand, pulling it to his mouth, kissing her fingertips. "I'm glad you stayed." Her breath caught in her throat as his tongue stroked across the tips of her fingers, "me too." He tugged her from her stool and pulled her close, his mouth finding hers in a soft slow kiss.
As their kisses turned heated, he opened the few buttons she had done up on the shirt, baring her to him. His hands cupped and kneaded her breasts, his thumbs stroking across the hardened tips. Wordlessly he lifted her and set her on the counter in front of him. "Jon?" He looked up at her, "lean back."
His relief at finding her still here urged him on and he spread her legs and settled in between. He kissed and nibbled up the inside of her thighs, the heat and heart of her drawing him in.
At the first touch of his mouth on her, Cilla's head dropped back, her hair pooling on the counter behind her. Her eyes slid shut and she couldn't contain the cry of his name as his tongue slipped inside her. When he pulled her clit into his mouth and sucked her scream echoed around them.
Looking up at her had his already straining cock begging for release. She was glorious in her arousal. Her head was thrown back; her back was arched jutting her breasts forward and her skin was dewy with a light sheen of sweat. Pulling his mouth from her he shoved his pants down and pulled her onto his lap.
Cilla wrapped her arms around him, groaning as she took him all. With his hands on her hips he helped her move. With her hands on his shoulders she moved against him, her breasts brushing against his chest, the hair scraping across the sensitive tips. Her head dropped back and her hair caressed his thighs as his mouth scraped across her throat. She could feel the wave building as he pressed her back slightly and took a nipple into his mouth. "Jon!" He looked up at her "please!" He pulled her hips down and thrust up into her hard, once, twice and their cries of release wrapped around them.
Wrapping her arms around him and resting her head on his shoulder she stroked a hand up and down his back. He kissed her head and laced his fingers together at her lower back. "Ready to go back to bed now?" She nodded her head against him, "Oh yeah."
Chapter 23
Changing direction, Cilla fell into step beside Jon. The evening air had cooled slightly and Cilla shivered involuntarily. "Cold Cil?" They had just turned the corner and Jon's building was just up ahead. "A little. I forgot to grab a coat." He shrugged out of his, "here." He wrapped her up and slid his arm around her as they walked through the door. "Better?" She nodded as they stepped into the elevator.
Entering the apartment Jon headed for the kitchen, "make yourself comfortable." Cilla wandered into the living room and stood looking out at the city skyline. Jon turned on some music and came up behind her, handing her a glass. "You okay Cil?" She nodded, "yeah. I'm sorry about tonight Jon. I didn't know that Sid's friend Ted was going to be like that." He took her hand and led her to the couch, "its okay. I get that a lot. It's no big deal."
Jon sat down, one leg stretched out along the couch, "come here." She sat, snuggled between his legs, her head resting on his chest. "I also saw your face when Sid came back with that stack of board games. You don't strike me as the type to spend your evening playing Pictionary or Scene It." He chuckled, "maybe not, but I have been known to spend an hour to two playing Candyland and Chutes and Ladders." Cilla laughed and looked up at him, "the world famous rock star sitting on the floor playing Candyland; imagine what that would do to your image."
Jon wound his hand into her hair and slid it up to the nape of her neck, "I told you before I'm just a regular guy and those games happen to be Jake's favorites. He kicks my ass at Candyland every time too." Cilla closed her eyes as he stroked her neck, "he always gets the lollipop card and I always get stuck by the peanut brittle. I think he cheats." She laughed, "I do believe you're a sore loser. It's just a game Jon."
He slid his hand up higher and unsnapped her barrette, letting her hair fall down around her, "tell that to Jake. He doesn't let me forget from one time to the next that he keeps beating me." Cilla looked up at him, "maybe I should play him. I used to be pretty good at that game."
"I've got a better idea." He eased her off of him and stood, "stay here, I'll be right back." Cilla watched as he went up the stairs, wondering what he had in mind. She slipped his jacket off her shoulders and laid it across the back of the chair and was sipping her wine when she heard him come back down the stairs. "I knew we had this somewhere. I really need to have Jess clean his closet." Cilla turned to find Jon holding Twister in his hands.
She laughed, "I'm no Sarah Jessica Parker, but I'll do my best." Jon set the lid on the table, "you saw that huh?" Cilla nodded and picked up the spinner, "it was my favorite episode that season. I always wondered what it would be like to play this with you." He laid out the mat, took his shoes off and took the spinner from her, setting it on the box, "ready to find out?"
She held up a finger, "just a sec." She took off her sandals and the long top she was wearing, leaving her clad in the camisole and pants, "now I am." Jon swallowed hard as she took her spot across from him, noticing the soft sway of her breasts, "you're not wearing a bra are you?" She cocked her head and her tongue snaked out to lick her bottom lip, "nope. Is there a rule that says I have to?" He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "no, let's go."
Several long minutes later they were tangled together and laughing as Cilla took her turn. "Left hand red." Jon moved, his hand caressing her hip as he searched for a spot. Cilla leaned and Jon got an eyeful down her top as her upper armed rested against his inner thigh. She could feel his arousal pressing against her. She deliberately moved her arm and he twitched, nearly losing his balance. "Don't do that."
Cilla tried to turn to look at him and lost her balance and together they landed in a heap on the floor. Amidst their laughter Jon rolled so Cilla was on top of him and he reached over to spin one last time. "Let's see what would have come next." They watched as it came to a stop, "right hand blue." Jon grinned and his hand slid across her blue silk clad butt before gripping her hip, "I win."
Cilla shifted so she was straddling him, and she rolled her hips against him as she leaned in to press a kiss to his lips. "You won so what's your prize?" He smiled wickedly as his fingers walked up her hip to the hem of her top, "I get to pick the next game."
"Oh, and what would that be?" Cilla asked, as she nibbled down his neck.
He nearly stuttered his words when her tongue stroked over his adam's apple. "Strip poker."
Cilla laughed. "I suck at that game."
"Then let's skip the cards and go straight for the stripping." Jon lifted Cilla's camisole off her, carefully checking her face to make sure she was in this game all the way. She nodded slightly before letting her fingers make quick work of the buttons on his shirt. She pulled the tails out of his pants and slid her hands up his chest, her fingers raking through the soft hair before grazing the hard points of his nipples.
Jon wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close as he rolled her under him. He dipped his head, taking her mouth in a slow, burning kiss. Her hands pushed at his shirt and he let her mouth go to pull it off. Dropping the shirt behind him, Jon slid his hands up the blue silk that covered her legs, hooking his fingers in the thin elastic waistband and dragging them off of her. Kissing his way up her legs he paused at lacy blue panties, "now these are pretty."
Cilla picked her head up and looked down at him, "you should see the bra that matches."
Jon stroked his tongue around her navel and up to her breasts, "you should have worn it."
"Next time" she sighed as he licked up under her breast. Her sigh turned to a moan when he sucked the tip into his warm mouth. She nearly came when he moved to tease her other breast before finally claiming her mouth again.
Wrapping her legs around him and gently pushing on his shoulders, Cilla maneuvered them and she was on top, "my turn to play." He watched as she slid down his thighs far enough to get her hands on his belt. She stroked him through his jeans with one hand as she rid him of the belt and opened his pants with the other. His jeans landed in a heap with his shirt as she straddled his thighs again, taking him in her hand. With soft sure strokes she drew him closer to the edge of his control.
"Cilla." The gravel in his voice had her looking up at him and gasping. His eyes were darker than she had remembered, his breathing was labored and there was a fine sheen of sweet on his upper lip. Jon reached and pulled her hand from him, pulling her up his body. He kissed her demandingly as he rolled her under him again, stripping her panties away he buried himself in her wet heat. She arched to meet the welcome intrusion, her muscles clenching around him. "God...fuck... Cil" Jon groaned as he moved in her. Cilla wrapped her legs around him, meeting his every thrust and together they rode the wave of their release.
Breathing heavily, Jon moved off Cilla, moving to lay next to her. She rolled to her side to look up at him, "I think I won that time." Jon opened his eyes and looked at her, "how do you figure that?" She smiled, "all your chips are in my pot." Jon couldn't help but laugh.
Chapter 22
Mark ushered them into the apartment, leading them first to the kitchen so Cilla could take care of the cake. As they entered the living room the quiet conversation that had been going on came to a grinding halt. It was so quiet you could hear the seconds ticking by on the clock on the wall.
Cilla gave Jon's hand a slight squeeze before she crossed the room to Sid. "Why did everyone stop talking?" Sid kissed Cilla's cheek, "You look lovely Cil and I think they are all a bit shocked at who you walked in with." She crossed the room took Jon's hand and went back to stand by Sid, whispering fiercely in his ear "introduce us and tell your friends to stop staring."
Sid cleared his throat, "everyone, I'm pretty sure you remember my best friend Cilla." The men all nodded their heads, "this is her" he looked at Jon and Cilla and shrugged, "boyfriend, Jon." Cilla rolled her eyes at his use of the word "boyfriend." Sid indicated to the first couple, "Cilla and Jon, this is Steve and Eric." The men shook hands with Jon and kissed Cilla's cheek.
Sid turned to the next couple, "this is Ted and Larry." Again there were handshakes and kisses. Jon could tell by the look on Ted's face that he was a fan. He waited for the reaction and wasn't disappointed when, not two seconds after introducing himself, it happened. "Oh my you're Jon Bon Jovi! I just love your band's music!"
Jon just smiled, "yes I am and thank you." Ted continued to gush, "I listen to Lost Highway all the time and Larry and I have tickets to the last two shows at Madison Square Garden." He nearly squealed like a girl as he rushed to get the words out. Jon smiled, "keep your ears open, we've got a surprise in the works."
Ted got all excited, "a surprise, I love surprises. We'll keep our ears to the ground and our eyes open!" He turned to Larry, "won't we Larry?" Larry looked mortified at his partner's behavior. "Of course we will Ted. Now come on, I need a refill on my wine." He looked at Jon and mouthed "sorry" as they walked away.
Jon closed his eyes and prayed that the whole night wasn't going to be like that. "Here." He opened his eyes to find Cilla standing in front of him holding out a wineglass. "I thought you might need this." He gratefully took the glass she offered and sipped the golden liquid, "mmm, thank you. You must be able to read my mind or something." Cilla smiled, "or something."
When they all sat down to eat Jon had Cilla on his left and Mark on his right. As he and Mark spoke his hand rested lightly on Cilla's thigh. She tried to concentrate on the conversation she was having with Larry but it was difficult with heat of Jon's fingers seeping through the thin silk of her pants. She slipped her hand under the table and covered his, giving a gentle squeeze before she stood.
In the kitchen with Sid, Cilla retrieved the pink box from the refrigerator. "Do you have a cake plate Sid?" He looked at her, "you're kidding right? Of course I do." He got the footed plate out of the cupboard and handed it to her. "Are you going to tell me what you made?" He arranged cookies on another plate poured the coffee into a carafe, arranging everything on a tray.
Cilla slid the cake from the box onto the plate. "Your favorite." He turned and saw the tall coconut cream cake on the crystal plate. "You made coconut cream! You hate coconut cream, but thank you." She kissed his cheek, "you're welcome. Come on, let's take this in the other room before we're missed."
After dessert was cleared away and the couples were sipping their coffee in the living room, Sid disappeared only to reappear minutes later with a stack of board games in his arms. Cilla groaned inwardly and looked at Jon. An amused smiled tugged at his lips and Cilla wanted the floor to open up and swallow her. She leaned over and whispered in Jon's ear, "want to get out of here?" He was more than ready to get her alone, but he shrugged his shoulders and left it up to her, "whatever you want to do baby."
Cilla took their cups to the kitchen and grabbed Sid on the way, "we're leaving." Sid pouted, "but its game time." Cilla snuck a peek past him and into the living room, "Jon and I have our own games we want to play." She kissed him "I'll see you Monday morning Sid. Thanks for everything." She grabbed Jon's hand and he stood. They said their goodbyes and headed to the elevator.
When the doors slid shut Jon pulled Cilla close and pressed a soft kiss to her lips, "I've been wanting to do that all night." She slid her arms up around his neck, "do it again." He smiled and kissed her thoroughly. When the elevator opened again Cilla's face was flushed and she had to hold onto Jon to keep from falling down.
When they stepped outside Cilla started to the left and Jon tried to go to the right. He looked over at her, "come home with me?"
Chapter 21
As Sid and Cilla closed up shop for the weekend they chatted about the upcoming evening. “How many of your friends will be there tonight Sid?” Cilla wanted to know how uncomfortable tonight was likely to be for Jon. “Only four.” Sid turned to face Cilla, “don’t worry; we didn’t invite anyone single for you this time.” Cilla rolled her eyes at him, “thanks for the restraint.”
She turned and grabbed one of her pink boxes and then headed to the refrigerator. “Turn around.” Sid laughed, “what for?” Cilla went and turned him, “I don’t want you to see what I made for dessert. Now don’t peek.” She rushed back to the refrigerator and pulled out the coconut cream layer cake she had worked on that afternoon and slid it into the box. She was just tying the string when Sid whined, “can I look now?”
She tied the bow and cut the string, “go ahead.” He gave a dramatic sigh when he saw the box all tied up, “why can’t I see what it is?” The cake was he and Mark’s favorite and she wanted to surprise them. “I don’t want you to see it just yet. Here.” She handed him a second, smaller box. “There are some new cookies in there. I’m using you and your friends as guinea pigs for them.”
She stuck the bigger box back in the refrigerator to be retrieved later. “Let’s go. I know you need time to primp.” Sid laughed, “you could add a few extra minutes to your routine too you know.” Cilla waived him off, “nah, I’m just gonna throw on my old jeans and a t-shirt. That should be fine, right?” Sid looked aghast. “If you show up dressed like a bum, I’m not letting you in the door. Wear some of your pretty clothes tonight for god sakes.”
Cilla chuckled all the way up the stairs to her apartment. Jon’s right, it is fun to get Sid all riled up. They had parted ways at the back door and he again had admonished her to wear something pretty. She shook her head as she stood in front of her closet, does he think I don’t know how to do this? She flipped through her things, coming across an outfit she hadn’t yet worn. She had found the pieces in a vintage thrift shop and had fallen in love with the whole look.
After taking a quick shower she slipped into a pair of tiny blue silk panties and her robe and brushed out her hair. She pulled the sides back with an enameled barrette, leaving wispy bangs framing her face. She was just putting the finishing touches on her make-up when she heard the knock on her door.
Jon was early. He smiled; he couldn’t help it. He had been itching to see her ever since he had dropped the kids off to Dorothea that afternoon. He tried to work, tried to watch a movie, read the paper, but he couldn’t concentrate on anything. He heard the lock disengage and his smiled broadened when she opened the door in her robe.
“Jon, you’re early.” Cilla stepped back so he could come inside. “I know, I’m sorry. Do you want me to go away and come back again?” Cilla laughed, “no, just make yourself comfortable. I’ll be ready in a few minutes.” He eyed her robe and waggled his eyebrows, “need some help?” She put a hand on his chest, “I think if you help, I’ll end up naked. You just wait right here.” Before he could say anything else she turned and fled to the bedroom.
She leaned against the door and took a deep breath. He looked so damned good standing there in his form fitting black jeans, white dress shirt and black blazer. It was the blue pocket square that got her though. How had he known she was wearing blue tonight? She dressed quickly; the midnight blue silk pants were tissue thin and flowed around her legs. The camisole she slipped over her head was a shade lighter than the pants and had delicate embroidery around the hem and neckline. To top it off was an almost sheer slivery blue, mandarin collared over-blouse that stopped just above her knees. It was held closed by a loop and button at the base of her throat and one slightly lower, showing off the embroidery on the camisole. Her silver high-heeled sandals completed the look. She grabbed her purse, slicked some gloss on her lips and opened the door.
Jon looked up when he heard the door open and whistled low, “wow Cil. You look great.” He eyed her hungrily, taking in the whole package that she was.
Cilla walked over to him and fingered the blue pocket square, “how did you know?” He looked down and then back at her, “I didn’t. I just thought it looked good.” She smiled slightly and leaned up, pressing a kiss to his lips, “it looks great, as do you.” He kissed her back and was pushed back slightly when he tried to take things further, “we have to go. Sid will be grumpy all night if we’re late.” Jon took her hand, “let’s go then. We don’t want a grumpy Sid on our hands tonight.”
She laughed as they headed down the stairs, “we need to stop in the shop quick. Dessert is in the fridge.” He waited while she got the box and re-locked the door. “What did you make?” Cilla took his hand and started to walk, “you’re as bad as Sid. But I guess I can tell you; coconut cream cake. It’s Sid’s favorite. He also has a box of new cookies that I’m trying out.” He took the cake from her, “what kind of cookies?”
“The little Italian ones and some almond paste. I hope they turned out okay. They looked good, but taste-wise, I have no idea.”
Jon chuckled, “you could have called me, I would have been your taste tester.” Cilla laughed, “I’ll remember that for next time.” She looked up when they got to the intersection, “that’s his building” she pointed, indicating the building across the street.
They stepped of the elevator together, chatting as they strolled toward Sid’s apartment. Jon knocked and looked at Cilla, “here we go.”
Chapter 20
Cilla dropped her bag to the floor and collapsed on the couch with a groan. She was glad the day was over. Putting her feet up on the coffee table she reached over and dug in her bag for her sketch book. She had a few more ideas for the cake that Jon wanted and she wanted to get them down before she forgot. Thumbing through her book and while contemplating the need for a computer, she came across sketches for an addition to her shop that she had been considering.
The space next to her shop had been empty for a while now and she had been thinking about expanding. On more than one occasion customers had inquired about coffee and she had been considering adding a coffee bar and some small tables for her customers to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee along with a sweet or two. That would require hiring more help and not to mention a lot of red tape and hoop jumping to get a permit. She sighed; do I really want to do this?
Setting her book down she got up to make herself some dinner. While she made her sandwich and poured a glass of milk her thoughts turned to Jon and how he had spent his day.
Jon was, at that moment, refereeing a battle between Jake and Romeo and cursing Cilla for sending the cookies. “You’ll have to share it.” Jake stamped his foot, “I don’t want to!” Jon looked down at both his boys, “you each already had one, you need to share the last one.” “NO!” they both cried at the same time. Jon put the cookie back in the box, “then neither of you can have it.” Jake tried again, “please dad, I’m older than him, I should get the cookie.” Jon tried not to smile, how many times did I try that line when I was his age? “Sorry bud, you share it or you don’t get any.”
When he finally persuaded the boys to see things his way Jon shuttled them off to bed and sat down on the couch. He was holding his phone, wondering if he should call Cilla when Steph came up and sat down next to him. “Hey Steph. What’s up? What’s your brother doing?” She looked at her dad, “Jess is playing on his computer. You’ve seemed distracted today dad. Everything all right?” Jon looked at his daughter; his eyes stared back from a face so much like her mother’s. “I’m fine, just got a lot on my mind.” Steph nodded, she knew the last leg of the tour was starting up the following week. That always took a toll on her dad.
“Were you going to call someone?” Jon looked down at the phone in his hand, “yeah, actually I was.”
Steph knew Richie had left that afternoon to go back to LA to spend time with Ava so he couldn’t have been calling him. “Who were you going to call?” Jon studied his daughter, no point in lying to her. “The woman I’ve been seeing.” Steph’s eyes widened, “you’re seeing someone too?” Jon caught the last of her statement and was surprised himself at that. “What do you mean ‘too’? And yes, I am.” Steph sighed, “mom’s seeing someone too. Who is the woman dad?”
Jon debated on how much information to share without talking to Dorothea. “Her name is Cilla. She’s the woman who did your birthday cake, she’s also the woman who provided the cookies and brownies you guys scarfed down earlier.” Steph smiled, “well, they were good. Did you expect us not to eat them?” Jon laughed, “no, but I hoped you’d leave me something.” Jess came in and joined them then. “What’s going on?” Steph looked at her brother, “dad’s got a girlfriend.” Jess looked at his dad, “really?”
Jon sighed and nodded his head, “yeah.” He stood and looked at his two eldest children, “are you guys okay with this?” Steph and Jess nodded their heads, “yeah dad, I guess” Jess told him. “Mom’s seeing someone, why shouldn’t you?” Jon sat down on the coffee table in front of them, “I know this is hard, but you know we still love you guys, right?” They nodded their heads. “We know.” Steph continued, “it just sucks that you and mom couldn’t stay together.” Jon reached over and hugged her, “I know sweetie, but it just wasn’t working anymore. We’re better off apart.” He looked over at Jess, “now why don’t we watch a movie and I’ll make that phone call later?”
They walked into the family room and Jess turned to Jon, “will we get to meet her dad?” Jon laid his hand on Jess’s shoulder and walked further into the room, “yes, you’ll all get to meet her.”
After the movie Jess and Steph went to their rooms and Jon went out on the terrace and pulled out his phone.
A ringing roused her and her hand groped across the night table for the phone. “Hello.”
Jon winced at the groggy voice. “Hey. Sorry I woke you.” Cilla shifted in the bed, “it’s okay. Are you all right?” Jon sat down on one of the chaises and stretched out, “yeah, I didn’t realize how late it was. I just wanted to talk to you.” She sat up a little, “what’s going on?” Jon sighed and related the conversation with his kids to her. “They want to meet you and they told me Dot is seeing someone too.”
Cilla twisted her fingers in the sheets, “and that’s bothering you?” Jon nodded, “it shouldn’t but it is.” Cilla thought for a minute, “you know, you guys were together a long time. It’s bound to hurt a little that she’s with someone else. Does she know that you’re seeing someone?” Jon smiled, “she will tomorrow. I’ll tell her when I drop the kids off.”
Cilla yawned, “how do you think she’s going to take the news?” Jon stood and walked back inside, “I have no idea, but hopefully she’ll be okay with it.” He heard her yawn again, “go back to sleep Cilla. I’m sorry I woke you.” She curled into the blankets, “its okay, I’m glad you called.” Jon smiled, “I’ll see you tomorrow, good night Cil.” He barely heard her whispered “good night” before he closed his phone
