As they left the City behind them, Cilla watched Jon while he drove. She liked the way his biceps bunched and relaxed as he maneuvered the car through traffic. She walked her hand across the seat and rested it on his thigh, enjoying the way the muscles tightened when he slowed the car.
Laying her head back against the seat she closed her eyes. When she felt Jon’s hand cover hers she turned her head and smiled at him. They drove in silence for a while, neither feeling the need to fill the void, both comfortable enough with each other to enjoy the quiet.
When they crossed over into New Jersey, Cilla looked over at Jon, “where are you taking me?” Jon just smiled, “you’ll see.” He hoped the shore would be quiet, that there wouldn’t be many people about. He wanted some quiet time with Cilla, wanted to steep himself in her and not worry about who might be taking his picture or who might want him to sign his name on yet another piece of paper. He sighed; he couldn’t remember the last time he wanted to get lost with someone, when he didn’t want to be so recognizable.
Glancing over at Cilla his heart tripped. It’s different with her. So different from what he had once had with Dorothea. He had loved Dot with a fierceness he thought you could only feel when you fall that first time. They had shared so much, yet it hadn’t been enough. She was as intense and independent as he was and while they had been good for a while, they eventually burned each other out.
He caressed the back of Cilla’s hand with his thumb, he loved her but it hadn’t bowled him over like it had with Dorothea. It had crept up on him, snuck up on him when he wasn’t paying attention and all of a sudden, there it was, as different as night and day from what he had once had.
Cilla was different from Dot, so it only made sense he guessed, that loving her should be different too. Yes, she was a fan, but that didn’t even bother him, probably because she hadn’t reacted to him like some fans he met; she didn’t scream, didn’t yell, there was no ‘Oh My God you’re…”. He smiled; she had sputtered and dribbled iced tea down her chin.
He shook his head at the memory. She was just an average, normal, everyday woman and she seemed totally unaffected by his celebrity. She had handled the photographers as well as could be expected that night they went to dinner, and even when he had given her the option of walking away from him, she didn’t. She wanted to be with him. He looked over at her, she loved him.
Parking the car he brought her fingers to his lips, kissing the tip of each before releasing it. Cilla looked over at him, “those must be some pretty serious thoughts to have a face on like that.” An easy smile slid across his lips, “just thinking about you Sweets.” She unbuckled her seatbelt and slid across the seat to him, “you’re thinking about me and look like that, makes me wonder what I did to piss you off.”
He unbuckled his own seatbelt and opened the door, dragging her out with him, “I’m not pissed off Sweets,” he smiled “far from it. Come on, let’s take a walk.”
They walked the boardwalk, enjoying the late May sunshine. Jon tugged her to a stop at one of the carnival games, one that he could never pass by. He tossed the three footballs through the arms of the cardboard football player and won Cilla a pink teddy bear that sported a plastic jeweled crown. “I’ll have to find a special spot for her in my shop.” Jon’s eyebrow rose, “her?” Cilla took his offered hand and nodded, “well sure, do you think a pink bear could be a he?” Jon shook his head and laughed at her logic and led her on down the boardwalk.
Stopping for an ice cream Jon looked around, pleased that they were almost the only ones out that day; the kids were still in school, adults were working. Once summer got into full swing though, he wouldn’t be able to walk so freely here. He almost frowned as he realized how much he missed just being able to do things like this. How long had it been since he had been able to be out like this and just enjoy doing something as inane as buying his girl an ice cream and winning her a pink teddy bear? She made him want to find a way to be able to do things like this with her.
Together they headed down onto the beach and walked and licked at their cones. They walked, the soft, sun-warmed sand spilling over the tops of their shoes. Finding a quiet spot they sat and finished their ice cream. Cilla looked up and down the beach, “where is everyone?”
Jon crunched on the last of his cone, “most kids are still in school and people do work you know.” She nudged him with her shoulder, “I know that, but I figured there’d be some people here at least.” Jon twirled a lock of her hair with his fingers, “I’m glad there aren’t. It’s nice with no crowds.”
Turning her head she looked at Jon as he watched the waves lapping up on the sand. He had seemed distracted; she wondered if they really should have played hooky today. She laid her head on his shoulder, “I’ll miss you.” He kissed her head, “I’ll miss you too, but we’ve still got the rest of today and tomorrow.” She lifted her head and pressed her lips to his, “so let’s not waste it.”
He pressed her back, laying her down on the warm sand, the slow burn of passion raging higher, hotter as their mouths came together. His hands moved over her, tugging at buttons, pushing at her clothes, eager to feel her smooth skin beneath him. When they rolled again and she rose over him, the realization of where they were hit him. He sat up, keeping her in his lap, “I’m sorry Sweets.” She wrapped her arms around him, “don’t apologize Jon. We both got carried away.” He stood, bringing her with him, “come on, I know where we can go.”
He was walking so fast Cilla practically had to run to keep from being dragged along. “Where are we going?” He slowed long enough to look back at her, “somewhere a lot more private.”
Chapter 37
Chapter 36
Sid swung into the kitchen to see if Cilla had returned and found her absently kneading a ball of fondant, a dreamy, far away look on her face. “Thank goodness you’re back we’re running low on…” he stopped when he realized she wasn’t paying attention to him. Walking over he waved a hand in front of her face, “Cilla.” She started and looked up at him, “oh hey Sid what’s up?”
He studied her for a minute, “how long have you been back?” She glanced up at the clock, “five minutes or so. Why?” He stroked his chin thoughtfully, “what’d you go upstairs for?” She couldn’t keep the flush from creeping into her cheeks. “I forgot something and went back to get it.”
Sid smirked. He knew what she went upstairs for and he wanted to hear her say it. “Jon’s up there and you went up for a booty call didn’t you?” Cilla laughed, “dammit, I never could lie to you could I? Besides, tell me you wouldn’t have done the same thing.” He shook his head and laughed, “no you big ho, you couldn’t. And if I had that in my bed, you’d never see me again. What is going on with you?” She shrugged her shoulders, “he’s leaving day after tomorrow for six weeks. I’m just trying to make the most of our time together.” Sid kissed her cheek, “good for you. You know I could handle things here if you want to disappear for the rest of the day.”
“That’s the best idea I’ve heard in a long time Sid. And stop kissing my woman.”
Cilla and Sid jumped and turned to find Jon standing in the doorway. Cilla walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him, “hi.” He kissed the top of her head, “hi. What do you say Sweets, want to play hooky with me today?” Cilla raised her head and touched her lips to his, “I want to say yes, you have no idea how much I want to say yes Jon, but I really should work on this cake.” Jon opened his mouth to say something but Sid interrupted him, “Cilla you don’t have to deliver this cake until Saturday and you’re almost done with everything already. Cut the guy a break and go play today.”
Between the hopeful look on Jon’s face and the fact that Sid was right, Cilla couldn’t find it in herself to say no. “You’re sure you’ll be all right Sid?” He waved her off, “go already. I’ll be fine. You just owe me that’s all.” She went and kissed him on the mouth, “of course. How about we go shopping on Sunday? I’ll let you pick some stuff out for me.” His eyes widened and he couldn’t stop the grin, “really? Even shoes? At real stores, not your favored second hand shops?”
Cilla walked back over to Jon as she laughed, “yes Sid, God help me, at real stores, I promise. Now, there are more cookies and brownies in the warming oven and Mrs. Johnson is coming in this afternoon to pick up her cookie tray. It’s in the fridge. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Jon and Cilla trooped back up the stairs so she could change. “What do you want to do today?” Jon sat on her bed as she rummaged for clothes. Finding a pair of capri pants she looked over at him, “you’re leaving in two days, is there anything you need to do today?” Jon sighed, there were a few things he needed to do, some things he had been neglecting. “Actually there are a couple things I need to do. I have to go meet with Paul in about an hour. Do you want to come with me?”
She thought about his offer as she buttoned a tan camp shirt over her camisole and slid her feet into a pair of well-loved Keds. “You’re sure I won’t be in the way?” He crossed the room to her and took her hand, “you won’t be in the way. We’ll take my Chevelle and go for a drive after, how does that sound?” She smiled at him as they walked out the door, “sounds perfect.”
After stopping at Jon’s so he could shower and change they headed to BJM. Jon reached his arm across the bench seat of the Chevelle to grab Cilla’s hand, “this is the problem with older cars.” She looked at him, “what is?” He tugged on her hand, trying to draw her closer to him, “you’re too far away.” She smiled and unbuckled her seatbelt, sliding over next to him, “is this better?” Wrapping his arm around her shoulders he slowed for the light, “much.”
When they reached the BJM offices Cilla was surprised by the innocuous looking office building. “This is it?” she asked in wonder as Jon opened the door for her. He looked at the building and then back at her, “yeah, you were expecting something else?” She shrugged as they walked inside, “I’m not sure what I thought but I guess something a little more, I don’t know, upscale.”
He pressed the button for the elevator, “it’s just an average office space for a band of average guys.” Cilla looked at him like had grown another head, “average? You guys are more than average Jon.” When the door slid open on the fourth floor he took her hand again, “no we’re not Sweets. We’re just five average guys who have made a good living doing what they love.”
When they walked in they found Paul on the phone. He held up a finger indicating he was just about finished. Jon led Cilla to a small kitchenette and poured himself a cup of coffee, “want something?” Her eyes darted around the small room, “coffee’s fine, thanks.” They grabbed their cups and walked back out just as Paul was hanging up the phone. “Hi Jon, how’s it going? And who’s this?” The men shook hands, “you tell me, are we all set to go on Thursday?” Paul nodded, “just a couple minor loose ends to tie up, but first are you going to introduce me to this lovely lady?”
Jon pulled Cilla to stand in front of him, “Cilla, this is Paul Korzilius, without him, I’m sure we’d still be playing bars and clubs instead of stadiums and arenas.” Cilla held out her hand “it’s nice to meet you.” Paul took her hand, “Cilla, you’re the woman who’s making the cake for the last night of the tour, right? Jon’s told me about you. It’s nice to meet you.”
Cilla sat quietly as Jon and Paul talked about the upcoming six weeks. She watched as Jon quietly slipped into businessman mode as they discussed different dates, stage set up, hotels, flights, breaks and all the ins and outs of their business. She was impressed at how much involvement Jon actually had. He really did run the show; anyone and anything that had to do with Bon Jovi, Jon had final say over. This was so different from how she had seen him in the last two weeks. Friend, lover, father, now business man, she smiled as she wondered just how many more layers there were to discover about this man.
Chapter 35
Cilla was trying hard to concentrate on getting things ready for opening but the wall was distracting her. Every time she looked over she could see herself and Jon plastered against it. Thinking about him upstairs in her bed wasn’t helping much either. She shook her head, get with it Cil. With a sigh she slid the trays of cookies into the oven; it was going to be a long day if she kept this up.
Sid walked in and found her staring at the wall, “good morning Cilla.” Startled out of her musings, her face flushed as she greeted Sid, “hey Sid.” He studied her as he retrieved his apron, “how’s my girl today?”
She dragged herself off the stool and slid the trays from the oven, “just fine Sid. You?” He watched her carefully, “what’s going on with you Cil?” Sliding the brownies into the oven she turned to look at him, “nothing, why? He watched as she glanced over at the wall again, “you keep staring at the wall, what is wrong with you?” She smiled at him as she transferred the still warm cookies, “absolutely nothing is wrong Sid.”
He saw her look at the wall again, “did you see Jon last night?” She nodded her head, “yes, yes I did.” He moved to help her with the cookies, “OH MY GOD, you didn’t.” He narrowed his eyes at Cilla, “did you?” She couldn’t look at him, “I don’t know what you’re talking about Sid.”
She was a terrible liar. Sid stilled her hands and turned her to face him, “you and Jon, last night, right there” he pointed to the wall “against that wall. Tell me I’m wrong.” She dropped her eyes, “you’re wrong.” He shook his head, “Oh no girl you look me in the eye and tell me.”
Cilla sighed, she couldn’t do it. She just couldn’t lie to Sid. “You’re not wrong Sid. He was here and we did.” Sid stood open-mouthed in disbelief. “Here” almost reverently he touched the wall, “right here you had him naked in this kitchen. I think I need to sit down.” Cilla laughed as she took the brownies out of the oven, “chill Sid. We weren’t totally naked.”
He fanned his face with his hand, “damn. I knew I should have installed a security camera in here. I miss all the good stuff.” She patted him on the shoulder, “you missed more than our naked asses in here Sid.” He eyed her, “oh, do tell.” She lifted two trays to take out front, “he told me he loves me.” Sid grabbed a couple of trays and followed her out to the front. “What? Wait, what did you say?”
Cilla slid the trays into the cases and stood, “he told me he loves me Sid.” He set his trays down and pulled her into a hug, “oh honey that’s wonderful. You love him too, right? You told him, right?” Cilla sighed, “I do, I did, but…” She trailed off and Sid looked down at her, “but what?”
She stepped away from him, “I didn’t tell him right away and I think I hurt him. I wasn’t expecting that and I wasn’t sure what to do with it.” They went back into the kitchen, “you did tell him at some point last night, right?” They grabbed the last of the trays and Cilla told him everything that she had said to Jon.
Sid stacked the empty trays, “you told him and that’s really what matters. I’m sure he understood your need to mull it over before saying anything.” Sid smiled at her, “I really am happy for you Cil. You deserve this after everything you’ve been through. He’s a good man and he’ll treat you right.” Cilla smiled at Sid and thought of Jon up in her bed. “Can you handle things here for a little bit?” Sid flipped the sign to ‘Open’ and unlocked the door, “sure. I’ll be fine. Where’re you going?” She headed to the kitchen door, “upstairs. I’ll be back.”
She walked into her apartment and slipped off her shoes, pants and shirt. She tiptoed over to her door and peeked around, he was still sleeping. She smiled at the tousled honey-brown hair and the night’s growth on his cheeks. Clad in her pale pink camisole and lace boy shorts she slid in next to him, curling into his warmth.
Jon moved and came in contact with a warm body. He was sure he remembered Cilla leaving earlier but maybe he had only dreamt it. He cracked an eye open pleasantly surprised to see her lying there next to him. “I thought you went to work.” She stroked her fingers across his stubbly cheek. “I did.” He slid closer and with his eyes still closed he pressed his lips against the side of her head, “what’re you doing back in bed then?”
Cilla moved and tangled herself with him, wrapped her self around him, pressed a kiss to his adam’s apple “I couldn’t help but think of you up here all alone. I thought you might like some company.” His lips found hers as his hands skimmed down her back and cupped her lace-clad butt; pulling her flush against him, his morning erection pressed against her belly, “I like the way you think Sweets.”
Chapter 34
Cilla eased herself out from under Jon and stood at the side of the bed. He lay there amongst the tangled sheets and she wondered just how she could be the one for him. Slipping on her robe she padded to the bathroom. Sitting on the commode she dropped her face to her hands. He loved her.
She shook her head, he had said the words, meant them and she hadn't said anything. She stood and looked at herself in the mirror. How could he love her? She wasn't anything special, but he said she was. She didn't think she was pretty enough, but he said she was beautiful. She sighed, did she love him? It had been so long since she had felt anything other than a mild attraction to someone that she wasn't sure she could trust her heart.
Dipping to splash some water on her face she thought of the man sprawled on her bed again. She loved being with him, when they were apart she couldn't wait for the next time they were together; and the sex, the sex was off the charts, but was that love?
Jon lay in the bed, he had felt her slide away from him, heard her leave the room. He had told her he loved her and she said nothing. He sat up, bracing his arms on his knees, did she feel the same way? He had thought they were going in that direction. He knew she was the one for him, maybe she didn't think so, but he hadn't gotten that feeling from her. Maybe he was pushing her too fast. Hadn't she said it had been a long time for her and she may stumble around a bit? Maybe this was just tripping her up a little. He stood and pulled on his jeans, he wouldn't push her on this. He'd just have to wait her out.
In the kitchen Cilla turned on the small radio and was rummaging for something to make for dinner when she stopped. The song caught her ear and she stood in the middle of the kitchen as Jim Brickman sang to her of the Gift that love is.
All I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more every day
You saved my heart from being broken apart
You gave your love away
And I'm thankful everyday
For the Gift...
Sid was going to kill her when he found out what she had done. Jon had given her the greatest gift one person could give another and she had totally disregarded it. Tears tickled her eyes as she thought about the blue eyes she had come to adore filled with anticipation and then disappointment when she hadn't said the words back to him. She closed her eyes as she thought about the fervent love making down in her other kitchen and then the tender, gentle way he had been with her here in her own bed. How could she not love this man who thought more of her than she did of herself?
A noise behind her had her turning toward it and she found Jon standing there, shirtless and bare foot, jeans zipped but not buttoned. She lifted her head and he could see the tears that had gathered in her eyes. "What is it Sweets, what's wrong?"
She went to him, "oh Jonny." The whisper of the endearment of his name was nearly his undoing, she hadn't ever called him anything but 'Jon' before. He held her close, kissing the top of her head, feeling the warmth of her tears against his chest. "Talk to me Sweets, tell me what's got you all upset."
She stepped back from him, taking his hands in hers, "I'm not upset Jon. As a matter of fact, I feel pretty damn good actually." His eyebrows raised, "so why the tears?"
She raised his hands to her lips; pressing light kisses to each before meeting his eyes again, "I had a revelation." When he didn't say anything, she continued. "You gave me the greatest gift there is Jon and I wasn't sure until just a few minutes ago what to do with it."
He closed his eyes and waited, hoping she was going to say what he wanted to hear.
A gentle squeeze of his hands had him opening his eyes. He found himself looking right into her sparkling clear gray ones, the tears replaced with warmth and love. "I love you too Jonny. I'm sorry I didn't say it before." Pulling her to him, he wrapped her arms around his neck kissing her softly as he backed them toward the bedroom.
Chapter 33
With the music up, Cilla didn’t hear the back door open. She was engrossed in the details of the cake she was working on and didn’t notice the man standing in the doorway.
Jon stood silently, watching and listening. She was humming as his own voice blared from the radio in the corner as he studied her. She looked so damn sexy with her hair pulled haphazardly back and a smudge of flour? frosting? something across her cheek.
He crept quietly over to the table; his shadow fell across her workspace. She looked up and dropped the fondant she had been working with. “Jon!” She smiled as she wiped her hands on her apron and moved to turn the volume down on the radio. “What are you doing here?”
He walked over and pushed the door into the shop open to take a peek. The gate was down across the front of the door and he didn’t see anyone. “Where’s Sid?” Cilla took a pull from the bottle of water she had opened earlier. “He left about an hour ago. I closed up early to work on this cake.” He closed the space between them, “so we’re alone?” She nodded, “yes.” She eyed him carefully, “why?”
As the song changed he pulled her close, swaying slightly. “You left last night after we’d hardly had five minutes alone.” He stroked her cheek lightly with his thumb, “I’ve wanted you since before you left.” She raised her eyes to meet his and the heat there sent her pulse racing, “really?” He nodded and laid his lips lightly on hers, “I might lie about some things Sweets, but never to you.”
He kissed her again, “and never about this.”Their bodies swayed and circled as their lips nipped and tasted. Jon pressed Cilla against the wall; his eyes sought and held hers. The need glittered in the gray, that slight bit of blue darkened. She needed him; needed to be needed as much as he did. His mouth found hers and took as much as it gave.
Cilla did need him, but not here. She couldn’t let it happen here, with her hands on his chest she pressed him away from her, “not here Jon.” His fingers idly toyed with the tie on her apron, “why not, here’s good.” His mouth kissed away her denials and complaints. “I need you Sweets, here, upstairs, on the stairs, on the couch, in your bed.” His hands stroked over her, “I’m leaving in a few days for six weeks. I want, no I need to take this, take you with me.”
At his words she relented. She let him peel her apron from her, let his nimble fingers slide her shirt away. When his mouth found her breast and his tongue laved a taut nipple, she couldn’t remember why she had fought against it. When his fingers slid inside her pants, inside her wet heat and shoved her to that first peak, she stopped thinking all together.
He was pushing her, but he couldn’t help it. He needed her, needed her scent, her touch, her essence to get him through and he couldn’t remember the need ever being so intense before. She wasn’t fighting him, he felt her give in to it and he exploited it. With his mouth and hands he pushed her again, holding on as she trembled in his arms.
When her tremors eased he opened his pants and, pulling her leg up to his hip, he thrust up into her, groaning as she fisted around him. This was what he needed, to feel her, all of her, all around him. He moved in her, hard and fast he drove her to a third peak, letting himself fall with her. This is what he would think of, her coming apart in his arms, on the long nights ahead of him when he was alone in a big empty hotel bed.
“Jon?”
She felt his warm breath at her neck as he kissed his way to her mouth, “you okay Sweets?” She nodded as his eyes came into view, “way better than. What got into you?” He eased out of her and set her leg on the floor. He closed his eyes, he couldn’t tell her like this. He didn’t answer her as he righted himself and helped her with her clothes. He didn’t answer her as she put her kitchen to rights and he followed her up the stairs to her apartment.
When he followed her into the bathroom and she started the shower he still hadn’t said a word. As they undressed and stepped into the steamy water together she finally couldn’t take the silence anymore. As the hot water sluiced over them she asked again. “Jon, you haven’t said two words in the last half hour. What got into you downstairs?”
He pulled her to him, stroked a hand through her wet hair, pressed light kisses to her forehead, his eyes meeting hers. “I love you Cilla.”
Chapter 32
Glancing around the table, Jon was pleased to see the kids were making an effort to include Cilla in their chatter. The only one who wasn’t talking was Romeo. He was picking at his plate and scowling at Cilla every chance he got. Cilla glanced over and caught one of his glares and Jon saw her frown slightly.
When dinner was through the kids all took their plates and put them in the sink before disappearing. Jon took Romeo to help him wash up and then led him into his room. “Romeo, what’s going on? Why don’t you like Cilla?” Romeo sat on his bed next to his father, “why does she have to be here?” Jon looked down at his son, “I like her. She’s my friend.”
Romeo looked down at the floor, he didn’t understand why his parents couldn’t live in the same house anymore, why there was a different man at his mom’s house and now there was this Cilla person at his dad’s. “Do I have to like her?” Jon pulled Romeo onto his lap, “I can’t make you like anyone, but you do need to be nice to her.” Romeo lifted his head and blue eyes met blue and Jon hugged his son, “I know this is a lot of change for you bud.” Romeo wrapped his arms around his father’s neck, “I wish you would come home dad. Then everything could be like it used to be.”
Jon tightened his hold on his son, how do you explain to a four-year old that mommy and daddy didn’t love each other anymore, not like a mommy and daddy should anyway. He and Dot had tried to explain it to him and Jake and they thought they had done a fairly good job. Obviously they had been mistaken.
Jon cleared his throat, swallowing back the emotion that Romeo’s troubled questions had raised, “you know mommy and I both love you, right?” Romeo nodded his head, “yeah.” Jon rubbed his hand up and down his son’s back, “mommy and I just can’t be together anymore bud. I know you and your brothers and sister wish we could, but we just can’t. But we’ll always love you guys and be there for you. Okay?” Again Romeo nodded, “okay.”
Jon stood, setting Romeo on his feet, “do you think you could try to be nice to Cilla, for me?” Romeo looked up at his dad, “I guess.” He stopped and thought for a minute, “she’s the cookie lady, right?” Jon’s lips twitched as he tried not to smile, “yes, she is. Why?” Romeo took his dad’s hand, “did she bring any tonight?” Together they walked down the hall, “she did.” Romeo smiled, “did she bring enough?” Jon laughed and swung his son up onto his hip as walked down the stairs, “let’s go see bud.”
Cilla was in the kitchen finishing the dishes when Jon and Romeo walked in. “You didn’t have to do the dishes” Jon told her as he reached for the pink box. “I would have taken care of them later.” Cilla turned to wave him off and stopped when she noticed Romeo on his hip, “you cooked, the least I could do was clean up. Hi Romeo.” She was surprised when he smiled at her, “dad said you brought cookies.” She nodded and reached to take the box from Jon, “I did. Would you like one?” He nodded his head, “yes. Please.”
Cilla put the box on the table, “why don’t you pick out the one you want?” Jon set Romeo down and he climbed up on the chair next to Cilla. He peered into the box and then glanced over at Cilla, “is there enough?” Confused, Cilla looked over at Jon. He smiled, “there was a bit of an argument the last time one of those pink boxes was in the house. Romeo and Jake ended up having to share a cookie.” Cilla nodded in understanding and turned back to Romeo, “there are two cookies for each of you. You won’t have to share yours with Jake.” Romeo grinned at Cilla and then reached for his two cookies.
After the kids had all gotten their share of cookies Jon shooed Stephanie and Jesse off to their rooms and he got Jake and Romeo settled in bed. When he got back the living room was empty. He looked in the kitchen and the cookie mess had been cleaned up, but again, no Cilla. Where is she? Glancing out the window he found her standing at the edge of the roof leaning on the wide ledge. Slipping out the sliding glass door he crept up behind her, “hey.” She turned, “everyone settled?”
Jon nodded and wrapped his arms around her, “Jake and Romeo are in bed and Steph and Jesse are doing Lord only knows what in their rooms.” Cilla rested her cheek against his chest, “I should go Jon. I don’t want to, but I should.” He knew it was getting late for her but he didn’t relax his hold. “I know you need your sleep” he said as he brushed his lips against her head, “but can you stick around for a little bit longer. We’re finally alone.” She tilted her head up and met his lips with hers, “I’ll stay for a few more minutes.”
Taking her hands in his, Jon led Cilla to one of the lounge chairs. Sitting with one leg stretched along the length of the chair Jon tugged Cilla down to sit with him, cuddling her against his chest. “Thanks for coming tonight and being so patient with Romeo.” Cilla’s fingers caressed the soft denim of his shirt, “I had a nice time tonight Jon. You’ve got great kids.” With his fingers under her chin Jon tilted her head up and his mouth met hers in a soft whisper of a kiss, “thank you.”
Chapter 31
Sid’s words rang in her ears all while she was locking up and as she showered the day off. You’re not his mother. She knew that, she didn’t want to be his mother. She was involved with the father and just wanted him to at least like her. She sighed as she wrapped herself in a towel and lay back on her bed. Time, she thought, just give him some time and he’ll come around. Sitting up she ran her hands through her hair and her phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Hey Sweets, what are you doing right now?” Jon was smiling as he waited for her answer.
She looked down at herself, “contemplating getting dressed and foraging in my fridge for dinner.”
Jon walked from the living room to the kitchen, away from his kids as he pictured her naked. “You’re naked?”
Cilla nodded, “well sort of.”
Jon chuckled, “how can you be ‘sort of’ naked?”
She smiled, “I’m wearing a towel.”
Jon closed his eyes, “I wish I was there right now. Do you know what I’d do if I was?”
Cilla lay back down on the bed, “Tell me.”
Jon felt a tug on his pant leg and remembered his kids were in the room, “damn Sweets, I forgot the kids were here. Hold that thought for another time.”
Cilla sighed, “okay. So, did you actually call for something or was it just to get me all flustered?”
Jon laughed, “no, I actually called to invite you to dinner, getting you flustered was just a bonus. So, do you wanna join me and my brood tonight?”
Cilla hesitated slightly, “I don’t know Jon. Romeo didn’t seem to want anything to do with me earlier; do you think it’s a good idea for me to come there?”
Jon moved back to the doorway of the living room. Looking around the room, his eyes landed on his youngest, “I think the more he sees us together the more he’ll get used to the idea of us. Say yes, please Sweets. I want to see you, I need to see you.”
Cilla relented, “okay Jon, I’ll be over soon. Oh, just one thing, what’s with the ‘Sweets’?”
Jon smiled, “It seems to fit, considering what you do. See you shortly.” Then he was gone.
Jon turned to his children, “okay listen up boys and girl, Cilla is coming for dinner. I expect you all to behave yourselves.” They all groaned an “okay” at their father. Jesse piped up, “is she bringing dessert?” Jon shrugged his shoulders, “I have no idea, but don’t be disappointed if she doesn’t.” Jesse’s shoulders slumped as he nodded, “okay dad.”
Jon stepped back and surveyed the living room. There were magazines strewn across the coffee table, action figures and match box cars spread out on the floor and the video games were haphazardly stacked near the television. “Can we pick some of this stuff up before she gets here please?”
By the time Cilla knocked on the door, the living room was put to rights and the kids were no where to be found. Jon opened the door, tugging her close and kissing her gently. When he let her go she held up her pink box, “hi. I brought dessert.” Jon kissed her again, “hi yourself and Jesse will be thrilled.”
She followed Jon into the kitchen and he took the box and set it on top of the fridge, “it doesn’t need to go in the refrigerator does it?” She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him, “actually, there are two things in there that do, the rest will be fine up there.” He smiled down at her, knowing that she had put something special in the box for him, “you are too good to me.” She shrugged her shoulders, “someone has to be.”
A soft cough had then jumping apart. They looked over and saw Steph standing in the doorway. “Hi Cilla, it’s nice to see you again.” Cilla smiled at the girl, “you too Stephanie.” Jon smiled at his daughter, “what’s up Steph?” She shrugged, “nothing, just wondered when dinner will be ready.” Jon moved to the stove and turned the pot of water on. “As soon as the spaghetti is cooked; give me about 20 minutes okay?” She nodded “okay. I’ll tell the others.” Steph turned to leave and Jon stopped her, “hey, can you set the table for me after you tell the boys?” Even with her facing away from him, Jon could practically see the eye roll, “I guess. I’ll be right back.”
Jon turned back to Cilla, “welcome to my world. Aren’t teenagers wonderful?” The sarcasm wasn’t lost on her. “Remember, you were one once too you know. I’m sure you pulled all the same if not worse stunts as them.” Jon sighed, “I know I did, my mother never fails to remind me and now it’s all coming back to bite me on the ass.” Cilla laughed, “what goes around comes around I guess.”
He stuck his tongue out at her, “you’re not helping.” She crossed the room and hugged him from behind, his hard, strong back warm under her cheek, “you’ll be fine Jon. Your parents survived your teens and you’ll survive your children’s. Now, how’s that spaghetti coming, I’m hungry.”
