Chapter 58

Sliding the tray of muffins into the oven Cilla glanced at the clock and sighed. She had been home for two weeks and six days and right now, she was feeling every minute of each of those days. She just couldn’t seem to shake the fatigue that had been dogging her since she had come back from Ireland. Maybe if she went to bed early tonight she might be able to shake the tiredness that was dragging her down. Jet lag she told herself; it’s just jet lag. She snickered to herself, that and the fact that you got used to having Jon's hard, warm body next to yours while you're sleeping.

Turning her attention back to the task at hand, she scooped cookie dough onto the trays and tried to forget about how tired she was. By the time Sid breezed through the back door, she was kneading color into the fondant and all thoughts of being tired were a distant memory.

“Good morning Cil” he sang out as he pulled his apron from the closet. She smiled at her friend, "hey Sid." The tiredness in her tone didn't escape him as he crossed the kitchen to her, "how's my girl today?" He caught her chin in his hand, "you're exhausted" he said before she could answer.

Cilla tugged her face from him grasp, "I am not" she answered testily. Sid moved the fondant out of reach and turned her to face him, "when does Jon get back?" She raised irritated eyes to the calendar she had hanging next to the sweet pink bear, "tomorrow. Why?"

"Because maybe then you'll get a good night's sleep and the circles under your eyes will disappear." He pushed the fondant back at her, "you can't fool me Cil. I've known you too long. I know when you're not sleeping and pushing yourself too hard."

Cilla sighed, "I'm not pushing myself any harder than normal Sid." Well, that wasn't exactly true. After locking up most nights she had spent on her computer, working on designs, searching out new recipes and her nightly phone call from Jon. All that combined with the worry about getting her application for expansion approved, it certainly was enough to keep her from sleeping.

"Sure Cil" Sid rolled his eyes, sarcasm heavy in his tone, "sure you're not working any harder than normal. How many hours do you put in after we lock up?"

She waved him off, "what difference does it make Sid? I'm not bothering anyone or hurting anyone." He took a good look at her, "no, only yourself. What's Jon going to say about these black eyes of yours?" She patted his hand, "nothing because tonight I plan on soaking in the tub and hitting the sheets early. I promise to be bright eyed and well rested tomorrow. Okay mom?"

Sid picked up a tray and headed to the door, "if you don't watch that mouth of yours young lady, I'll be forced to ground you and take Jon for myself." Cilla laughed as he pushed through the door, "I'd like to see you try it."

The banter continued throughout the day and followed Cilla out the door. She trudged up the steps to her apartment, almost too tired to make it to the top. Closing the door behind her she collapsed down to her couch. Leaning her head back she closed her eyes, five minutes she told herself, just five minutes.

Five turned into fifteen turned into an hour. When Cilla opened her eyes again the daylight was quickly dissipating. Pushing herself off the couch she rooted through her refrigerator, making a quick sandwich, eating as she turned the taps on in the bath.

While Cilla was sinking into her bubbles, Jon was fighting his way out of the airport and to his car. He had taken an earlier flight then the others. The tour was nearly over, a few more weeks and he could take some time off. All he wanted right now was to get home, home to see Cilla. He always felt like this near the end. He could see the finish line, and all he had to do was get there. And right now he needed a dose of home and his girl to keep him going.

He glanced at his watch as he dropped his bag on his bed. It was later than he had hoped. Maybe he should wait until tomorrow to go see her. Taking a shower he debated with himself as he shampooed and soaped the travel off of him. He made his decision when he pulled on this track pants and t-shirt. Her key that she had given him taunted him from the tray on his dresser. It lay there amongst his loose change just begging to be used. "Fuck it." He picked it up, shoved his feet into his sneakers and left the apartment.

The closer he got to her apartment, the quicker his pace became. He needed to see her, needed to touch her. Jogging up her stairs he took a deep breath before unlocking the door. He glanced at his watch, would she still be awake? Opening the door it was dark and quiet. She must be asleep. Toeing off his shoes he crossed to her bedroom, pausing as her scent tickled his senses. He peeked in the bathroom, she had taken a bath, the room still held the damp smell of recent use. He turned to her bedroom, pausing at the doorway. She was asleep, her face illuminated by the lights from the street outside, the soft hum of the window fan the only sound in the room.

He pulled his shirt off as he watched her. He could see a slim strap of whatever she was wearing hugging her shoulder and the sparkle of pink at her throat. He smiled, it gave him a childish thrill to see that she hadn't taken off the necklace.

Dropping his pants he slid into the bed next to her, curling himself around her. She woke slightly when she felt the warm body in her bed. Turning she opened her eyes, "Jonny?"

"Shhh, go back to sleep Sweets." He pulled her closer and felt her lips as she pressed a kiss to the base of his throat. "What are you doing here?" Cilla wasn't quite sure if she was dreaming of if he really was there. Whispering into the dark as buried his nose in her hair he answered her. "Caught an earlier flight."

He felt more relaxed and centered here with her than he had with any other woman. He let her scent surround him and he as he started to drift, he could feel the stress of the last few weeks drain away.