Chapter 55

Stepping out of the car, they couldn’t have asked for a nicer day. The sky was blue; the sun was shining, at least for now. Jon knew from experience that even on the nicest day rain could blow in at any given moment, but he wasn’t going to think about that. His girl was here and they were going to enjoy the day.

And here, he thought, here he could be a tourist and not have to worry about a camera being shoved in his face and his picture ending up being plastered all over everywhere. Here, he could put the rock star away for a while, hold his girl’s hand and stroll along the bustling shop-lined streets, maybe stop into a pub for lunch and a pint and not have to deal with that part of his life. He could just be John.

Slipping his sunglasses on and settling the hat on his head he turned to find Cilla watching him. “What?” She grinned and slid her sunglasses on, “you know that ‘disguise’ doesn’t really work, right?” He took her hand, “yeah, but it makes me feel better.” Tugging her close, he dropped a quick kiss on her mouth, “you ready for Dublin?” She nodded and laughed, “lead on.”

They walked Henry Street, poking in and out of the different shops, blending in with the crowds that were out and about on a late Sunday morning. Stopping into one of the little Irish shops Cilla picked up a fabulous sweater for Sid. She chuckled to herself; if she came home without something for him she’d never hear the end of it.

Stepping back outside she found Jon waiting, a daisy in his hand. He had meandered back to the flower stand and now tucked the daisy into Cilla’s hair. “Having a good time Sweets?” She took his hand again, “I am Jon. I found the best sweater for Sid in there.” She indicated to the store behind her, “he’s going to love it.” He steered her to the corner, “come on, let’s go this way.”

She stopped when they got to the next corner and dug for her camera. They had wound their way to Grafton Street and she just had to stop and take it all in. The road was red brick, broken up by crosswalks of gray. No car would dare drive here. People walked under light posts decorated with brightly colored flowers spilling out of hanging pots and, oh, over there, there was a musician in front of one of the shops, playing his violin for whoever might stop and listen.

Jon watched, recognizing the reaction. He had one very similar the first time he had been here. Tugging on her hand they walked toward the young man with his violin. Stopping to listen Cilla dug in her purse, dropping some money into his case as he played a timeless Irish melody. They listened for a few minutes before moving on, there was more he wanted to show her, one store in particular he wanted to take her into.

At the corner of Grafton and Wicklow Streets was the oldest jewelry store in Dublin. Weir & Sons took up the entire corner, the sides coming to a rounded point where the streets met. The flags of many countries flapped on both sides. Cilla pulled on Jon’s hand as he made his way to the door. “Why are we going in here?” She was sure she shouldn’t go in here, not after what David had practically accused her of the day before. Anything bought in here would surely be an indication to him that he had been right about her.

“Come on Sweets, this is where I want to shop.” Cilla sighed and followed him in, forcing herself not to look around, keeping her eyes on Jon’s back.

Once inside, she couldn’t keep herself from glancing around. It wasn’t just a jewelry store she realized. There was so much more.

Letting her fingers slip from his she wandered, there were sparkling glass etageres filled with polished gifts of silver, Mont Blanc writing instruments, wallets, cuff links, baby items, picture frames and more.

Wandering down to the lower level there was the crystal, Waterford, Baccarat the porcelain of Belleek, Lladro, and so much more than she could even take in. Moving through she fixated on one piece in particular, it was Belle and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast done in such finite detail she could practically see them moving around the floor, Belle’s head tipped back, her dress sweeping behind them as they moved.

As she moved back upstairs the glass cases beckoned, the watches, Rolex, Bulgari, Cartier and more all gleamed from their red silk nest. She moved on, glancing up to find Jon watching her, a small smile moving across his lips, his eyes filled with humor, “find anything you like Sweets?” He had a small bag in his hand and she had to wonder what treasure he had found for himself.

She shook her head, “there’s way too much to look at in here Jon. For a girl who shops at thrift shops and second hand stores, this is making me dizzy.” He took her hand, “come with me little girl” he cackled, “I’ll show you around.” She laughed and let herself be led around the wondrous store.

When they finally stepped back out into the afternoon sunlight Cilla had a shipping receipt tucked in her bag for the porcelain Beauty and the Beast piece she had fallen for and a bag with a wallet and cuff links for Mark and a watch for Sid. She would give Sid the sweater when she got home, the watch she was saving for Christmas.

Standing at the corner, Jon looked up and down both streets, “how about we get a bite to eat and then we hit Jamesons?” He wanted to take her to Jamesons Distillery and let her see how they make his favorite Irish whiskey.

By the time they got back to the hotel they were both ready to drop. Cilla collapsed in the nearest chair and Jon sprawled across the bed. “What time’s dinner?” She hoped for time for a nap or at least a long soak in the tub.

Jon lifted his head and looked at the clock, “Seven. We’ve got about an hour and a half before we meet the guys downstairs.” He dropped his head with a thud to the mattress. “You wore me out today Sweets.”

Cilla tried to laugh but it came out more as a groan, “I wore you out? That little tour was your idea, remember?”

Jon rolled over to look at her across the room, “yeah, yeah. I’m just gonna close my eyes for a minute. Recharge a little.” He rolled back over and closed his eyes.

Finding the energy to move she strode across the room, “I’m going to take a bath” she told him as she stripped off her clothes. “Mmmm, 'kay” he mumbled, already on his way the oblivion of sleep.

Chapter 54

Sitting on the window ledge, Cilla gazed out into the dark. The half moon was bright overhead and the stars glittered like little diamonds against the inky night sky. She had spent too much time in bed and now here she was, awake like always at three in the morning.

She sighed and rested her head on her knees. She couldn’t help the smile that crept across her lips, it had been a wonderfully, deliciously lazy day. She hadn’t ever spent so much time in bed, even when she was sick she never spent an entire day in bed.

After they had their talk about David, she and Jon shared a rather arousing shower. He had teased her mercilessly and taken her against the tiled wall before gently, tenderly washing her and drying her off. He even sat on the bed with her and brushed her hair. They curled up together and watched his Soul win their game and, after declining a dinner invitation from the guys, they ate their dinner right there too.

Cilla sighed contentedly and turned her head, her gaze finding his, even in the shadows. “I thought you were sleeping” she whispered. He stretched out his hand, “I got lonely” he whispered back, “come back over here.” She unfolded herself from her perch and crept back into the bed, “better?” Jon wrapped himself around her, “much. Are you okay Sweets?” She nodded against him and pressed kisses along his stubbled jaw. “Yeah, just restless; I think I spent too much time in this bed today.”

Rolling to his side, Jon propped his head up on his hand, “a few more hours won’t hurt. We’re going to be busy come morning.” Jon was going to show her just what it was he loved about Dublin and then they were going to have dinner with the guys. His fingers toyed with the buttons on her night shirt, “just how restless are you feeling?” Cilla smiled into the dark and her hand closed over his on the buttons, "restless enough."

Together they opened the buttons and Jon slid the silky material away, her skin gleaming in the moonlight. "You are so beautiful" he whispered as he lowered his head and pressed warm, open-mouthed kisses to her soft, smooth skin.

When Cilla opened her eyes again the daylight was streaming through the window and she was alone in the bed. With a cat-like stretch she roused herself, leaving her nightshirt a crumpled heap on the bed. She heard the shower shut off and she smelled coffee.

As she took her first heady sip the bathroom door opened and Jon leaned against the jamb, a towel slung low on his hips, the drops of water he missed sparkled against the hair on his chest in the sunlight. He had to smile, she was standing naked looking out the window, her dark curtain of hair mussed and falling to just above her tattoo. She had come so far from the woman he met five weeks ago. “Hey, there’s a naked woman in my room.”

Cilla turned to him and smiled, “you’d better call security. You never know what she might do.” He crossed the room to her, taking the coffee from her, stealing a sip, “nah, I think I can handle this one.”

She looked him over and her eyebrow arched challengingly, “you think so?” He nodded, “oh yeah, I’m sure of it.” Her hand traveled down his chest, her fingers lightly tracing each line of ab muscle, stroking along the fine hairs of his stomach, coming to rest on the towel where he had the end tucked in.

His free hand grasped hers, “what are you doing?” She pressed a kiss to his freshly shaven cheek, “seeing just how well you can handle it.”

He felt his towel fall and he nearly dropped the coffee he was holding when her warm hand cupped him and then stroked him lightly. “Jesus Sweets” he gasped. “Let me put the coffee down first.” She shook her head as she slid to her knees, “nope, you hold on to that and don’t spill any. You don’t want to burn me now do you?”

Jon didn’t have time to answer before he felt her mouth on him. He widened his stance as he felt her tongue stroke up his thigh and he shuddered when he felt the tip of it circling on his balls. When she dragged her tongue up the underside of his now fully erect cock he nearly bobbled the cup. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes, trying to steady himself, steady the cup in his hand, determined not to spill the coffee before she killed him.

Slowly Cilla took him into her mouth, swirling her tongue around the sensitive head before taking him deep; Jon's low groan of pleasure bolstering her confidence. Stroking him with mouth and hand she took pleasure in the fact that she could give him this. She felt his hand fist in her hair and heard his hiss as she slid him to the back of her throat. When she swallowed he bobbled the cup again, sloshing hot coffee over his hand. He didn't feel it. All he could feel was what her sweet mouth was doing to him.

She had him deep in her mouth when he came. "Fuck baby" he groaned as he gripped her head and pumped his hips, exploding in her mouth. With her hands on his hips she swallowed every drop he gave her.

Rising from her knees Cilla looked over at his hand, not missing the coffee that had spilled over his hand. Taking the cup she set it on the table. "Jonny." She waited for him to open his eyes and look at her. With a last deep breath he opened his eyes, "what babe?" She licked the coffee from his fingers, "you spilled."

He looked down at his hand and back at her, "you made me."

Taking his index finger into his mouth she swirled her tongue around it, earning a muffled curse, before letting it go and smiling slyly at him, "still think you can handle me?"

Chapter 53

Jon's eyes fluttered opened, Cilla was still tucked in against him sleeping soundly. He reached behind him, groping on the night table for his watch. They had been asleep for a little more than an hour and, looking down at Cilla, the shadows under her eyes made his decision for him, he’d let her sleep a little longer before waking her.

Easing away from her, he stood and groaned appreciatively as he stretched his back. Glancing around the room he laughed quietly. Their clothes were strewn about from the door to the bed, his chair was lying on its side and his untouched breakfast had gone cold. Picking up his jeans he headed into the bathroom.

After a quick shower he gathered up their clothes and set them on the chair near the bed. He gazed down at Cilla, stroking her cheek; he still couldn't believe she was actually here. He'd have to find some way to thank Richie properly for this. With a last stroke across her shoulder he turned and headed over to the table. He still needed to find a way to stream the game later.

Settling in the chair he slid the computer closer, only then noticing the pink lace hanging from the corner of the screen. Chuckling he grabbed Cilla's bra and got up to set it with the rest of their clothes, fingering it lightly as he moved across the room. Sneaking a peek at Cilla to make sure she was still sleeping, he brought the pink lace up to his face and inhaled lightly, her scent still lingered there.

When the knock came he started, dropping the bit of pink and he could feel the heat rush to his cheeks. The last thing he needed was one of the guys catching him sniffing his girl's underwear; he'd never hear the end of that. "Shit" he mumbled as he scooped up the bra and set it on the chair before answering the door.

Expecting to find Richie knocking on his door, Jon was surprised to find David on the other side of the door; he motioned him in, “what do you want?”

David looked around, “where is she, I want to meet her.”

Jon shushed him “shhh, she’s sleeping man, keep it down.”

David’s gaze flicked over to the small lump in Jon’s bed. All he could see was a bare shoulder and her spill of dark hair. “Bored her to sleep already man?”

Jon just shook his head and laughed, “no man, and not that it’s any of your business, but by the time she got here she had been up nearly two full days. After we said hello properly, she fell asleep. You can meet her later.”

David studied Jon. He had come to Jon’s room wanting to meet the woman who had found a way to ease his friend’s tension, lighten his mood and put the smile back in his eyes. But more than that, he wanted to make sure she wasn’t some fortune hunting game player who was just using Jon to get what she wanted. They had all fallen for that type at least once and they had made a pact to watch out for each other when it came to the women they dated.

When David just stood there Jon sighed, knowing what he was thinking. “She’s not like that man, honest. Richie met her and spent time with her. Trust me.”

Dave snorted, remembering some of the women Richie had dated, “and you think he’s the best judge of character?”

Neither men were aware that Cilla had woken up and was listening to their every word. Soundlessly, wrapping the sheet around her, she got out of the bed and slipped into the bathroom. Finding her sleep shirt on the back of the door she slid it on and stepped out into the room, moving up behind Jon, sliding her arms around him.

David watched her cross the room, the deep red silk man’s shirt left her legs bare and he could see why his front man had taken a shine to this woman. She was beautiful, but that didn’t mean anything. They had all long ago learned that a pretty face wasn’t everything.

Jon rested his hands over hers and turned his head, their mouths met in a chaste kiss. “Sorry we woke you Sweets, David here doesn’t know how to be quiet.” He turned his attention back to his keyboard player, “looks like you get to meet her after all.”

Cilla stepped from behind Jon and extended her hand, “I’m Cilla; it’s nice to meet you.” He took her hand and was surprised at the strength in her grip; it was a complete contrast to the softness of her skin. “Have you enjoyed your care packages?” He nodded, “very much, thank you.”

“Good” she smiled sweetly, “I’m glad”. Still holding his hand she continued, “let’s just clear the air right now. I’m not after Jon for anything. I have more than enough money of my own than I’ll ever be able to spend in my life and I don’t care about his fame. My business was doing fine before he came into my life and,” she turned to look at Jon, “if things don’t work out, my business will be fine after.”

Her grip tightened on David’s and he winced, “I love him and you have no right to judge me. You don’t even know me.” She let his hand drop. “If you’ll both excuse me” she turned on her heel and headed back toward the bathroom.

Closing herself in the bathroom Cilla leaned back against the door and took a deep breath, she hadn’t expected that, especially not from him. David, to her mind, had always seemed the fun loving good humor guy of the band. She sighed, hoping she hadn’t damaged her relationship with Jon by the way she had spoken to his friend. Turning to the sink she had just turned the water on when a quiet knock sounded.

“Baby, can I come in?”

Shutting the water off, she opened the door, “hey.”

He walked in and leaned back against the counter, they both spoke at the same time.

“Sweets, I want to apol…”

“Jon, I’m sorry for…”

The both laughed. Jon took her hands, “Sweets, I’m sorry David never should have said those things. He was only looking out for me.”

She squeezed his hands, “no, he shouldn’t have. I was going to apologize for the way I talked to him, but I don’t think I should.”

Jon agreed, “no, you don’t have to apologize. And for the record, I knew all that about you anyway. If I had even had the slightest inkling you were that type, I never would have pursued you Sweets.”

He tugged Cilla closer, resting his forehead against hers, “don’t be mad at him for this, please?”

“Well,” she hedged, “can you at least tell me why he felt the need to be looking out for you?”

“When Rich, Dave and I all found ourselves single again, we each fell in with that type of woman, some of us more than once” Jon explained. “And we made a pact after Richie dumped Denise that we’d watch out for each other. That’s all Dave was doing. He really is a good guy Sweets.”

Cilla sighed, “I guess I can’t be mad, but if he talks to me or about me like that again, I may be forced to lace his cookies with a slow acting laxative.”

Jon laughed, “Remind me never to get on your bad side Sweets.”

Chapter 52

With a finger and thumb Jon rubbed his eyes, it couldn’t be. She wasn’t really here; he had to be seeing things. He just missed her so bad that his brain wanted him to believe she was actually standing there next to his best friend. His eyes flitted to Richie and then back to the woman standing at his side, “Sweets?”

Before Cilla could get the “Jonny” out of her mouth, a hand reached out and she was dragged against his hard unyielding body. “God Sweets,” he whispered “you really are here.” The words tumbled out, not quite a question yet not a statement, as his arms wrapped around her.

Richie moved past them, taking the box from Cilla’s hands and dragging her suitcase into the room. Coming back to the door Jon and Cilla hadn’t moved but for her wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Jon pressed his forehead against hers, his eyes never leaving her face as he spoke to Richie. “Thanks man, now get the hell out.”

Before the door clicked shut Jon had his hands fisted in the dark mass of her hair and his mouth was hot and hungry on hers. The flavor of her washed through him as his tongue swept inside her mouth, quenching the deep, consuming need he had for the taste, the touch, the scent of this woman. His hands combed through her hair and roamed over her, tugging at her shirt, buttons popping in his haste to touch her, to feel her skin against his.

With Jon’s urgency feeding her own, Cilla fisted her hands on his shoulders, gripping his t-shirt, tugging at it, the seams rending as she fought to pull it off of him. To want and to be wanted like this she was sure she had never felt like this before. She closed her eyes, and before the shirt hit the floor her mouth found a flat, hard male nipple and she worried it with her tongue; their phone play brought to life.

Jon growled low and held her to him, pulling her mouth up to his as he moved them through the room. They bumped and knocked their way toward the bed, their clothes a trail from the door to the bed. With a less than gentle shove Cilla landed on the bed. Gentleness would come later; right now he needed her, needed to be inside her, needed to feel her all around him.

Before she could catch her breath Jon was there, over her, in her, filling her, surrounding her. Easing the ache that had been with her since he left three weeks ago. Wrapping her arms around him, gripping him with her thighs, Cilla met every furious thrust of his hips, screaming as he pushed her into release; hearing him groan her name through his.

Tangled together Jon had his head nuzzled in Cilla's neck, "God Sweets.” She nodded her head, “hmmm mmmm.” He rolled to his back, dragging her with him, tucking her in to his side. She rested her head against his chest, her leg twisted with his, his fingers stroking idly along her hip. More content than he could explain, Jon smiled and kissed the top of Cilla’s head. “I can’t believe you’re here.” She smiled and toyed with the hair on his chest, “me either.”

They were lying on top of the blankets and Cilla shivered as her body cooled. Jon hugged her tighter against him, “cold Sweets?” She nodded, “a little.” He reached behind him and with a little finagling they managed to get under the blankets. “Better?” he asked as his hands played over her. She nodded as she trailed her lips across his jaw. Her lips found his in a slow, easy kiss. They savored each other’s taste, their tongues lazily dancing around each other.

Jon’s hands moved over her, relearning her curves, her shape, her softness. Where they had rushed before, now he lingered, now that the initial rush of passion had ebbed, he could, would take his time, showing her just how much he had missed her.

Cilla sighed softly as his fingertips whispered over her; she had never had such attention lavished on her. She trembled as he explored, his mouth left hers, trailing down her neck, licking tentatively along her collarbone. She moved restlessly when his tongue circled a taut nipple and he sucked it gently into his mouth.

Finding her hands at her sides, Jon laced their fingers together as he moved down her body. Pressing her legs apart he traced a path from the inside of her knees, the tip of his tongue trailing lightly up the inside of her thighs, then higher, over her slick center.

When she would have pulled her hands from his and combed her fingers into his hair to pull him away, he held fast. “No Sweets, like this, cum for me like this.” He continued his assault, her flavor like a drug he would never be able to get enough of. Her fingers tightened in his as he pushed her further, higher. Her release washed over her like a wave, Jon’s name both an oath and a prayer off her lips.

Letting her hands go, Jon moved up, his lips sliding back up over her stomach, dipping into her navel, nibbling up between her breasts. He pressed a kiss lightly over her heart, smiling when he found it to be beating as erratically as his own. His lips founds hers as he pressed into her, one long easy thrust had him fully inside. Their groans of pleasure were swallowed by the other and as he moved, their tongues matched the slow, easy rhythm of his hips.

Sliding his hands under her shoulders, Jon lifted Cilla to him, holding her as he shifted to his back. Her knees hit the mattress and she sat up; the daylight streaming through the window setting her hair afire, her skin aglow. His hands gripped her hips as she moved. The slow rolling of her hips had him begging “faster baby, please.” She kept her pace maddeningly slow. Her hands ran up her sides, into her hair, letting it fall across his thighs as she dropped her head back.

Keeping his hands on her hips Jon used his thumbs, opening her, pressing against that tiny knot of nerves he found waiting for him, knowing this was what she needed. She cried out as she tumbled and he thrust up hard, spilling into her as she collapsed down against him.

Unwilling to let her go, Jon rolled them to their sides, nestling her head against his chest. “I love you Sweets” he whispered as he closed his eyes, inhaling her sweet scent as he held her close.

Cilla pressed a kiss to his chest, “I love you too” she murmured as she closed her eyes and slid into sleep with his heart beating under her cheek.

Chapter 51

Slinging her carry-on over her shoulder, Cilla headed to the first class lounge to wait. She couldn’t believe she was actually doing this. She shook her head in disbelief and checked her bag one more time, making sure everything was there. She had spoken with an airline representative and her care packages were being taken care of for her so she didn’t have to worry about those until she arrived in Dublin.

She glanced at her watch; she felt guilty leaving Sid alone at the shop, again. He didn’t seem to mind though. In fact, he had tried to shove her out the door even earlier, telling her to take a bath, do her nails, pamper herself a little before her flight. She was sure he had something to do with this, but she just couldn’t find it in herself to be mad at him. She smiled, she was going to see Jon again.

Staring out the window at the planes she couldn’t help but wonder what he was doing and if he knew she was coming. God, she missed him. Missed him more than she thought she would. Six weeks had seemed like such a small amount of time she had been sure it would be no big deal. She chuckled to herself. Boy had she been wrong. She wrapped her arms around herself, surely it had been a lifetime since she had looked into his amazing blue eyes, or felt the touch of his soft, strong hands.

She sighed, she had tried to call him last night and then again before she left that afternoon, but they kept missing each other. Taking her phone out of her bag she flipped it open to try him again, but her flight was called. With a frown she tucked the phone away and got ready to board.

Cilla had never flown first class before and she decided there was no better way to fly. The plush, wide seats were more than comfortable and the flight attendants wore friendly welcoming smiles, eager to fetch this or run for that. There was only one other passenger in first class with her so it was almost like she had her own personal attendant.

After a light meal that she barely touched Cilla glanced out the window at the night sky and again her thoughts turned to Jon, flushing at the memory of their last time together. Turning back to her tray she sipped at her wine before digging for her phone again. Flipping it open she nearly swore, she had no bars. She couldn’t call him. Stuffing her phone back in her bag she grabbed her iPod and hoped some music would make the flight go quicker.

Standing in the airport, Richie yawned; 8:45 was way too early in the morning for him to be vertical. He tugged his hat lower and watched for the petite dark haired woman to come through customs. God he’d kill for a cup of coffee. Her flight had been on time, or so the website and then arrivals board said.

He was glad there weren’t too many people milling around this morning. He was in no mood for pictures or signing autographs. He was just about to give in to the overwhelming urge for caffeine when he saw her. She was a pretty little thing, and all that dark hair, well he couldn’t deny his friend had great taste.

Cilla made it through customs with no hassle and as she was stuffing her passport back into her bag she looked around, wondering where Paul was. Her instructions only said that someone would be there to meet her and she just figured it would be him.

Moving further into the airport she noticed a tall man in a hat leaning against a pole, he waggled his fingers at her. Moving closer she realized it was Richie. “What are you doing here?” she asked as he reached out to grab her hand.

“You need a ride, right?”

She nodded, “yeah, but how did you get elected to play chauffer?”

He smiled as he led her toward the baggage area, “just my lucky day I guess.”

After loading her things into the trunk and settling themselves in the back of the nondescript black sedan, Richie leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “It’s too damn early in the morning” he groaned. “I need coffee.”

Cilla reached over and patted his knee, “poor baby. You should go back to bed when we get to the hotel.”

Richie nodded, “that’s not a bad idea darlin’.” He yawned again, “so, Sid sai…” he trailed off, a look of horror on his face as he realized what he had just said.

Cilla’s eyes widened, “I knew it. I knew he was involved in this somehow.” Richie closed his eyes again, a resigned sigh falling from his lips, “this is why I don’t do mornings. Are you mad?”

“No, not really. I just have one question.”

He cracked open one bleary brown eye to look at her, “what?”

“Why?”

“Because Jon is as miserable as Sid said you were and I wanted him off my ass. So here you are. And if this doesn’t improve his mood, we’re going to have to find a new singer and change the name of the band.”

Cilla was sure Richie was exaggerating. Surely Jon wasn’t missing her that much. “Come on, he can’t be that bad. He’s done this how many times before?”

Richie opened both eyes and looked at her, “you’ll see darlin’. You’ll see.”

The rest of the ride passed in companionable silence and Cilla was sure Richie had fallen asleep. When they pulled up in front of the hotel she couldn’t contain the gasp. It was beautiful. The expanse of brick and mortar surrounded by lush green trees, shrubs and that lawn, she had never seen grass so green. This was all topped by a sky so blue she could barely look at it. She just had to have a picture.

Richie helped her from the car and she dug for her camera. At his resigned look she shrugged her shoulders unapologetically, “I know, I know, overly touristy, deal with it.”

He let her snap her pictures before helping her carry her things inside. Once on their floor he helped her deliver her care packages. They started with Hugh, moving down the hall to Tico and then to David, Richie dealing with the brunt of morning groans and barks. When they got to Jon’s door Richie put his ear to the door, listening.

“What are you doing?”

He shushed her, “trying to hear if he’s up or not. He usually is.”

Jon was indeed awake. He had been to work out and showered and was now sitting down with his breakfast and newspaper. His laptop was open as well and he was checking his e-mail and looking for a way to stream the Soul game that was on later. He was hopeful this year would be their year; that they would make it to the Arena Bowl. He had just sent off an e-mail to Craig when he heard the knock on his door.

He opened the door to find Richie standing there. “What the hell are you doing upright and out of bed this early?”

Richie just smiled “I’ve got something for you.”

Chapter 50

Smoothing a hand down her jacket, Cilla studied herself in the mirror. She had a meeting with the Planning and Development Board and she wanted to look her professional best. The charcoal suit was a tad big, but it would have to do. Sid was right; she needed to eat. Maybe after the meeting she would treat herself to a nice dinner. She sighed, eating alone in a restaurant had to be one of her least favorite things to do. In her book, it was only slightly better than having a root canal. Maybe she would just pick something up and cook for herself here.

She turned to the side; the pants hugged the curve of her butt and then fell straight to the floor. The heels Sid had talked her into would keep the cuffs from dragging on the ground and, she smiled, they were pretty too, as was the bit of midnight blue lace she had added under the jacket.

Straightening her lapels she rummaged for a necklace or a pin in her jewelry box. Again, Sid was right. She needed to shop again. Her accessories were sorely lacking. Ever since she left Charles, she had let this part of herself go. She used to dress and wear pretty jewelry, rings, bracelets, earrings.

Cilla sighed, rings wouldn't be practical now, but earrings would be all right. Digging in the box again she came up with a pair of small silver hoops. Stepping back to the mirror she slipped the earrings in and tacked the butterfly pin in her lapel. It would have to do. Flicking her hair over her shoulder she gave herself one last look. The deep side part and the low ponytail looked far more professional than the messy knot she usually wore and the jeweled hairpin added the right touch of femininity.

Picking up her leather portfolio she checked to make sure she had everything. Her license and credit card were tucked into the left pocket and her papers were all there on the right. She grabbed her phone and headed down the stairs to talk to Sid once more before leaving.

The kitchen was tidy and quiet as she set her things on the table. Her eyes landed on the pink bear that was sitting next to her now quiet laptop. "Wish me luck" she whispered as she ran her fingers over the soft fur.

Pushing through the swinging door she found Sid wiping down one of the cases. "Do I pass inspection?" she asked as he finished. Sid stood and walked over to her. He crossed an arm in front of himself, the other hand cupping his chin, "turn" he ordered. Cilla did a slow pirouette and waited. Hiding a smile he shook his head in indifference.

"What?"

He let the smile out, "The suit is a little big honey, but you look great. They should give you that permit on this look alone."

Cilla smiled, “if you were sitting on the board Sid, I wouldn’t be worried.” She glanced at the clock, “I should get going.” Sid stopped her, “you’ve got nothing to be worried about.” He picked invisible lint from her sleeve, “you already own the space next door. It was smart of you to buy the whole corner when you did. This is just a matter of details. It’s going to work out fine Cil.”

She squeezed his arm, “but Sid, am I doing the right thing? This is going to be a big undertaking. I’m going, no,” she amended, “we’re going to be busier.” She turned and paced away from him, “should I be doing this now?

“If not now, when?” He really hated that she doubted herself so much. Actually, he hated Charles for doing that to her.

Cilla turned, “what about Jon?”

“What about him?”

She shook her head, “the busier I get, the less time I will have for him. Is that fair?”

Sid crossed to her, “where is he now and what is he doing?” He didn’t wait for her to answer. “He’s doing his job Cil. That’s what you’re doing. You can’t worry about whether or not it’s fair to him. If you want this, go for it. He’ll understand.”

Cilla sighed, “do you always have to be right?” Sid laughed, “it’s a dirty job but someone's gotta do it.”

Cilla just shook her head and pushed through the door back into the kitchen. She grabbed her portfolio off the table, her heels clicking on the floor as she passed Sid and paused at the back door. “Wish me luck?” He nodded, “you won’t need it but good luck.”

~

Sid was stacking the clean empty trays when he heard a phone ring. Searching he found Cilla’s phone next to the sweet pink teddy bear. “Cilla Queen of Tarts, sweet treats for the lips, a smile for the heart” he said absently as he continued closing up.

Richie pulled the phone back and checked to make sure he had dialed right. He was expecting Cilla to answer, not a guy. “Is Cilla there?”

The voice niggled at Sid. “I’m sorry she’s not, can I help you?”

“Who’s this?” Richie wasn’t sure what he was going to do now.

“This is Sid Rogers, Cilla’s assistant. Who is this?”

Richie smiled broadly, he got the best friend. Even better. “This is Richie Sambora and Sid, I need your help.”

Chapter 49

The door slamming sounded like a shotgun and left four men stunned and staring at it. Richie reached for the knob, David stopping him. “Are you sure you want to do that? You could be taking your life in your hands man.”

Richie waived him off, “I’m bigger than he is, I can take him.” David laughed, “you’re going to have to catch him first.” Richie rolled his eyes, why did everyone think he couldn’t catch Jon? “Just leave him to me guys” he told them and opened the door, bracing himself for the wrath of Jon.

“What the fuck do you want? Shouldn’t you be practicing or something after that fiasco of a sound check?” Richie had broken a string and then hit a rare off note during rehearsal and Jon’s frustration had boiled over and blown things completely out of proportion.

Richie heaved in a breath, trying to keep a cap on his own temper, “look man, I don’t know what the fuck your problem is, but you’d better get over it and quick. You can’t expect the fans to ignore the fact that you’re PMS-ing worse than any woman I’ve ever met!”

Jon stalked over, fists clenched at his sides, and got right in Richie’s face, “my problem is…” he stopped. He looked at Richie and backed away.

He couldn’t do it; he couldn’t take this out on him. Flopping down into the nearest chair he started again, quietly and more in control this time. “My problem is I was on the phone with Cilla when the four of you started pounding on my door and rudely interrupted us.”

Richie walked over and picked up Jon’s phone from the table, scrolled through his contacts and, before handing the phone to Jon, committed the number listed under ‘Sweets’ to memory. If Jon didn’t get a handle on this situation, maybe he could. Turning he put the phone in Jon’s hand, “call her back and finish whatever it was we interrupted.” He strode to the door, “I’m locking this behind me and when I see you again, you’d better have a smile on that ugly mug of yours.” Jon flipped him off and the “yes dad” he muttered follow Richie out the door.

He turned the phone over and over in his hand. What was wrong with him? No woman, not even Dot, had ever had him this churned up. Normally six weeks away would be nothing for him to handle. Although, if he was going to be honest, when the itch got to him this bad before he always had a way to take care of it. Now, there was only one person he wanted to scratch that itch for him and she was much too far away.

When her phone rang she called to Sid, “can you get that for me?” Cilla was in the middle of frosting and aligning the layers of a cake and she wasn’t at a place she could stop yet. Sid wiped his hands and grabbed her phone, “Cilla, Queen of Tarts, what’s your pleasure?” Cilla rolled her eyes at his greeting and continued with what she was working on.

Jon nearly laughed. “Sid, is that you?” What was he doing answering her phone? Sid nodded his head, “hey Jon.” Cilla nearly dropped the cake she was transferring to the refrigerator. “Give me the phone Sid.”

Sid turned away from her, “how’s the tour going?” Jon really didn’t want to talk to Sid but he couldn’t be rude either. “Things are just fine Sid. Is Cilla there?” Cilla grabbed for the phone as Sid was answering “she’s right her…”

“Hey Jon.” Cilla shooed Sid back through the swinging door to the front of the shop, “go back to work Sid.” She turned back to the phone, “sorry about that.”

Jon rubbed his hand across his forehead, “you’re alone now?” Cilla nodded, “yeah.”
“Good. Can you go upstairs?”

Cilla washed her hands and took off her apron, “is everything all right Jon?” His voice sounded tight and frustrated.

“It will be as soon as you get upstairs. I’ve got an hour before my band comes in here and kills me for my outbursts during and after sound check. Please Sweets, just get upstairs.” He knew how she felt about her kitchen, and even though they had gotten carried away there twice, he wasn't going to have her do what he wanted there, if only because Sid was just on the other side of the door.

“What did you say that has them all upset with you?” she asked as stepped out the back door and headed up the stairs. Jon sighed; “it doesn’t matter Sweets. I just need you and we don’t have much time.”

Cilla smiled, “so we’re going to pick up where we left off earlier?” Jon nodded, “oh yeah. What’re you wearing right now Sweets?”

She caught sight of herself in the mirror, “you mean other than the pink camisole, khaki pants and the smudge of frosting on my cheek?” Jon closed his eyes and could see her standing in her room. “Is your hair still all tied back?” She nodded, “yes.”

“Take it down” he ordered.

Cilla pulled the band from her hair, groaning lightly as she combed her fingers through the still damp tresses. “It’s down and over one shoulder.”

Jon pulled his shirt off and stroked his growing erection through his jeans, “get naked for me Sweets.” She hesitated; she hadn’t planned on their phone play going this far. She had been expecting more frustration, not mutual satisfaction.

“Please” he begged quietly through the phone.

The low gravel-mixed-with-whiskey tone in his voice had her blood warming and she did as he asked. Moving to lie on her bed she brought the phone back to her ear, “okay Jonny.”

That soft, breathy way she said his name had him that much harder and they hadn’t even really got started yet. He popped the button on his jeans; this wasn’t going to take long.
“Sweets, tell me, are you ready for me?”

Cilla took a deep breath; she could do this for him. “My breasts are heavy, aching for your touch.” She stroked a hand over herself, “my nipples are hard,” she whispered as she pinched them, “and begging for your mouth.”

She heard Jon’s breathing change and when he spoke his voice was lower. “Sweets, are you wet for me?”

She slid her hand down her body, through the slight bit of hair, “I’m soaked Jonny.”

Jon swore silently and slid his jeans down, wrapping his hand around his now straining cock. "Sweets if I was there I'd lap up all that sweetness before I slid my fingers inside and made you cum so hard." He heard her breath catch, "do it for me Sweets."

She moved her fingers, stroking herself lightly at first. She could feel the tingle starting and she moved her hand faster, sliding her fingers inside herself she groaned low into the phone. "God Jonny, I wish you were here..." the last 'e' trailed off as her orgasm washed over her.

Jon stroked himself faster as he listened and when she groaned that last time he gave up the fight and let himself go. Her name slid out between his lips on a groan as he felt the warmth flow over his hand and onto his stomach.

"Sweets" he breathed into the phone when he could talk again. The "Jonny" he heard was barely more than a sigh. "I love you baby."