Cilla was working intently on a cake she needed to finish for pick up that afternoon when Sid sailed in. “Good morning Cilla” he sang out as he grabbed his apron and gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek.
She smiled and kissed him back. “Hey Sid, you’re in an awfully good mood this morning.”
He winked at her, “I had an exceptionally good weekend.” He eyed her critically, “how about you?” He had worried about her after the incident with Charles. He had hoped that Jon would help her forget about the ex-ass.
Always fishing for details of her love life Cilla thought with a smile. “We had a good weekend too. Why was yours so good?”
“Mark whisked us away to Provincetown for a few days. It was just so wonderful.” He turned to face Cilla, he could hardly contain his next words he was so excited. “Mark asked me to marry him.”
“Oh my God Sid, that’s wonderful!” Cilla hugged him.
“I know. I can hardly believe it!” He nearly squealed like a school girl he was so happy.
Taking a breath Sid calmed himself a little. “You’ll stand up for me, right? You have to” he went on without giving her a chance to answer. “You’re the reason we found each other in the first place. Besides, you’re my best friend, you can’t say no.”
Cilla laughed, “Of course I’ll be there for you Sid. I get to be what, the Best Woman? Do I get to wear a tuxedo or a dress?”
Sid laughed with her, “I haven’t even thought about that yet.” He turned serious for a moment. “You’ll do our cake, right?”
She wrapped her arms around him, “you didn’t even have to ask. Of course I will. Cookies and any other desserts you want too Sid.” She kissed his cheek, “I’m very happy for you and Mark. Now, get to work.”
Sid kissed her back and extracted himself from her embrace, picking up one of the trays of desserts. “Slave driver.” He laughed as he headed toward the door. “I want to hear about your weekend too” he said as he disappeared out front.
By the time Cilla had a chance to breathe again it was late afternoon and Sid wandered back into the kitchen. Cilla was just taking a tray of cannoli shells out of the oven.
“You got an order for that many cannolis?”
Cilla turned from the cooling rack, “no, these are for Richie for his birthday. It seems the man loves cannolis.”
“Ooooh, do you get to deliver them yourself and can I come too?”
Cilla laughed. “No, I don’t get to deliver them. The guys will be in Boston doing two shows and Paul is going to pick these up late tomorrow.”
“Damn.” Sid pouted.
“Don’t worry Sid” she said. “You’ll get to meet everyone when they play Cen…” she grimaced and trailed off. She wasn’t supposed to say anything about that.
Sid’s pout disappeared and his eyebrow rose suspiciously, “when they play where?”
Cilla closed her eyes, cursing herself for not being able to keep anything to herself. “When they play Madison Square Garden.”
He shook his head. “Uh-uh. That is so not what you were going to say.”
She hung her head. “I’m not supposed to tell.”
“Aw, come on Cil, this is me. You can tell me.”
She shook her head, “nope. I promised Jon I wouldn’t say anything.”
“Please?”
She looked at him and had to laugh, he was batting his eyes at her as he pleaded. “No Sid. I promised.”
Not ready to back down he pushed again. “How would he even know you told? He’s not here is he?”
“No, but I gave him my word Sid. You’ll just have to wait and watch the press conference with me tomorrow afternoon.”
Sid sighed. “Okay, but I don’t like this, you keeping secrets from me. It’s not right. You used to tell me everything.”
Cilla grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the swinging door, “I know Sid, but this is different. Do you tell me things that Mark asks you not to?”
He frowned as they pushed through the door. “Well no, but Mark’s not Jon Bon Jovi either. You’re boyfriend is much more exciting than mine. He has better secrets.”
Cilla laughed as they cleaned the cases, “that may be, but I’m still not telling.”
They stacked the trays and wiped down glass. Sid still wasn’t happy that she wouldn’t say anything. “A hint Cil. Can you at least give me a hint?”
Cilla rolled her eyes and grabbed a stack of trays as she headed back into the kitchen. “CP.”
Sid stopped and the door hit him in the ass, bumping him forward two steps. “CP. That’s the clue? CP? What the hell is that?”
She shrugged her shoulders, “that’s the hint. That’s all I’m saying, now stop bugging me about it.”
Sid mulled it over as they washed trays and got things ready for the morning. “That’s a lousy clue Cil.”
“Actually” she said as she packed up her laptop, “that’s a really good clue.” She tried to mollify him. “Come on, tomorrow you’ll know what the big secret is. I’m sure you can wait that long Sid. It won’t kill you not to know.”
“How do you know?” he huffed. “It just might.”
Cilla laughed at her friend as they locked up. “Stop being a baby Sid. You’ll find out tomorrow. Now, I have to go over to Dean & DeLuca and pick up a few things. You want to come with? I’m going to make dinner for Jon tomorrow. I just hope the doorman will let me in to his apartment.
Together they walked the two blocks to the specialty food store. “I’m sure you’ll get in Cil” Sid told her. “You’ve been there several times already. It shouldn’t be a problem.”
Cilla picked up a basket, “I hope not. I really want this to be a surprise.” She stopped by the cheeses and picked up a wedge of brie and some crackers. “I even have a new dress to wear.”
Sid stopped, “you bought a dress? Oh my goodness. Should I be worried? It’s not from a secondhand shop is it?”
They stopped by the chocolates. “No Sid it’s not from a secondhand store. I bought it out in the Hamptons this weekend. Relax. You don’t have to worry.”
Sid wiped his brow, “well thank God for that. Do you have shoes to wear with this dress?”
Cilla got her money out to pay, “yes Sid, I have shoes.” She grabbed her bags and they headed outside. “I’m not a complete moron when it comes to clothes and shoes you know.”
“No, not completely,” he gave her a sympathetic smile, “but we both know I’m way better at it than you are.”
Cilla rolled her eyes, he was right but that didn’t mean she had to like it. “Ass. Go home to your fiancée and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He watched her cross the street and waited for her to turn around. “You know I’m right” he called out.
She stuck her tongue out at him and kept on walking.
Chapter 71
Chapter 70
Walking into his room, Jon scratched at his bicep. He had swatted at more bugs that night than he could ever remember. Generally, he didn’t mind the outside shows, but tonight, the bugs had been more than a little out of control. He headed for the mini bar. He must have swallowed about seven hundred of the little fuckers and he needed something to get the taste out of his mouth.
Pulling his shirt off he reached around behind his shoulder, scratching everywhere he could reach. Couldn’t he just rip his skin off and be done with it already? Good Christ he hated the damn bugs.
Beer in hand, he headed into the bathroom. A shower just might help. They had done a runner that night and he was still sticky with the sweat and after-show stink that came from his two-and-a-half-hour work out. The water felt blessedly cool on his hot, itchy skin.
He closed his eyes as the water rained down on him. One more show tonight he thought as he shampooed and soaped, then it’s back home for at least a night. He’d stay with Cilla. He didn’t think it would be a problem. The guys could stay at the hotel, but he wanted, needed to be with her.
Drying off he mentally ran through his schedule for the next few days. The press conference, two shows in Boston, Central Park, and the last two at MSG. It was almost over.
He pulled on shorts and watched the stars twinkle outside his window. He was taking his kids on vacation for a week after the last two shows and then hopefully they’d be headed to New Orleans for the Arena Bowl.
He wished Cilla would come to Greece with him and the kids. The weekend had been great. The kids really seemed to like her, even Romeo had come around. He knew though, that even if he got down on his knees and begged and pleaded that she wouldn’t come with them. He could probably convince her to come to New Orleans but to take a week off to play with him and the kids? He shook his head in resignation. He would never get her to do that.
With a sigh he stretched out on the bed. His big, empty bed. He was not looking forward to sleeping alone. They had only spent a few nights in a row together, but that was enough for him to know he didn’t want to sleep apart anymore. Once the tour was over, neither of them were going to sleep alone again if he could help it.
He was too wired to sleep, and he didn’t feel like watching television or going in search of the guys. He wouldn’t be good company for anyone right now anyway. He glanced at the clock and picked up his phone. It was late but Cilla would just be getting up about now, or maybe she was already working. He couldn’t remember what time she actually got started.
Cilla’s phone rang just as she was locking her door to head down to the kitchen. Smiling when she saw who it was, she sat on the top step and opened her phone.
“Hi.”
Just the sound of her voice had him feeling better. “Hi yourself Sweets. How are you?
She set her bag down. “I’m good, a little tired, but good. How was the show and why aren’t you asleep yet?”
“The show went well, but I must have a million bug bites that itch like hell. You wanna come scratch my back for me? And I need to unwind a bit, but I don’t think I’ll be getting much sleep.”
“I’ll scratch your back for you when you come home. Why won’t you be getting much sleep?”
She was almost certain that it was for the same reason as her, but she wanted to hear him say it.
Jon closed his eyes and tucked a hand under his head, “this bed is awfully big and empty Sweets.”
“So was mine” she said quietly.
“Where are you right now?”
“I’m just outside my door, sitting on the steps and no, I’m not going to get naked for you.”
Jon chuckled low, “that’s okay babe, I’ll get you naked tomorrow night when I get back.”
Cilla smiled, “promise?”
“Oh yeah.” He yawned. The adrenaline was starting to wear off and he was starting to fade.
Cilla heard the yawn. “Go to sleep now onny. We’ll talk again later.
“Okay babe. Love you.”
She laughed quietly, he sounded like he was just about asleep. “Love you too and check your e-mail later.”
He nodded, “okay. Bye babe.”
Cilla shook her head and skipped down the stairs. He would be back tomorrow night. Maybe after the press conference they could get a bite to eat. Better yet, she should cook for him. She made a mental list of things to pick up at the store. She hoped he wouldn’t be too tired to eat. He sounded exhausted just before they had hung up.
Once she got things going in the kitchen, Cilla booted up her laptop. Thinking for a minute, she composed a quick note to Jon.
To: blueeyedguy@hotmail.com
From: queencilla@gmail.com
Re: Cake
Hi there. Hope you’re feeling rested this morning. I attached the final design for the cake. What do you think? Did you decide on a flavor? Let me know.
Miss you.
Love you.
~ C
Attaching the design she sent off the note and waited for Sid to show up so they could load the cases and start their day.
Chapter 69
Dropping her bag in her room, Cilla stretched out across the bed. It had been such a nice weekend, she was almost sorry it had to end, but she couldn’t deny the thrill of the ride home. They had taken the helicopter in from the Hamptons. That sounded so extravagant, but it was the quickest way for Jon to get back to the City. And, it was still early enough in the day that she could relax awhile before having to worry about work.
Her fingers brushed across her lips before tracing them with her tongue. She could still taste him. He had left her with a mind-numbing kiss at her door before heading to his place to pack his bag for Ontario and Michigan. He would be back for the press conference and then it was off to Boston and the last dates of the tour.
She sat up, winced slightly then lay back down. Lightly she caressed her lower stomach. She wasn’t due for her period, but she felt a little bloated and achy. Closing her eyes, she tried to relax, hoping the feeling would pass. Jon had been a bit more amorous that morning and, as much as she didn’t want to admit it, it had been a little uncomfortable. Sitting up slower she made a mental note to call the doctor if she wasn’t feeling better in the morning.
After unpacking and swallowing two extra strength Tylenol, she grabbed her laptop and headed down to her shop. She wanted to take inventory and see what she would need for the upcoming week. She had a few surprises planned along with the cake she was doing and she didn’t want to run out of anything.
The kitchen was quiet, how she liked it best. Skimming her fingers across the head of the sweet pink bear she booted up her laptop and inspected her shelves of supplies. It looked like everything was in order.
Checking her list she chuckled quietly to herself. She was going to make cannolis for Richie for his birthday and, whether the Soul won or lost the championship game, she was going to make cookies and decorate them to look like the team jersey, complete with each player’s name and number; she was going to do one for each band member too. With any luck they would be Arena Bowl bound.
Then there was the cake.
She sat back on her stool. The cake. She hoped Jon and the guys liked what she had come up with. They hadn’t said they didn’t so she was going to go ahead with it. She was also going to have to make an executive decision about the flavor if Jon didn’t let her know in the next couple of days.
Looking over her calendar there were a few other cakes and cookie/dessert trays that needed to be attended to as well, she might have to put in some extra hours, but she would get everything done. She really needed to consider bringing someone else in, especially now. What if she got calls from everyone she gave business cards to this weekend? What would she do if she didn’t have any help? She’d have Sid start on that in the next day or so. He had a good feel for people.
Turning on her CD player, Jon's voice, Richie’s guitar, David’s keys, Hugh’s bass and Tico’s drumbeat filled the room. She stopped and listened for a moment. Jon sang of busting loose and letting go, traveling the open road.
Smiling and humming along Cilla decided she may as well get a few things started for the next day. She mixed up cookie dough while Jon sang to her of summertime, the top being down and having nothing but time. She stirred brownie batter while he crooned about making memories.
By the time she had cleaned up and was shutting down for the night Jon was putting the boy back in cowboy and she had to smile at the image that formed in her head. She'd have to see if she could get him to wear his Shady Brady for her.
Just the Shady Brady.
Laughing at that thought she headed up the stairs, wondering if they had landed safely and what time the show started. She was excited about the upcoming shows at Central Park and Madison Square Garden. Sid would be too when he found out.
She closed the door behind her. Sid. He was going to be pissed that she didn’t tell him beforehand about Central Park. But, she promised Jon she wouldn’t so she would suffer the wrath of Sid and not say anything. She would just have to bring her television down so they would watch the press conference together. Then she would explain to Sid why she hadn’t told him. He’d forgive her. He always did.
Walking into her bedroom she stepped out of her shoes and looked at her bed. It was going to be a very long night tonight. After spending the last several nights wrapped up with Jon, how was she supposed to sleep alone again? She sighed and looked up her gaze landing on the poster that hung over her bed.
Never in a million years had she ever thought her life would take the turn it had. Now, instead of harboring secret fantasies of the long-haired young front man of her favorite band, she was living them out. And he was no longer that young, long-haired kid. He was a grown man, though there was still a bit of that boy in him. She had seen that this weekend while he was around his kids. More than that though, he was smart, hard working, sexy, charming and appealing on so many levels.
How had she gotten so lucky?
Stripping off her clothes she wondered, as she filled her tub and poured a glass of wine, if the fates had conspired for her instead of against her this time. Maybe this was her reward for all the years spent with her ex. Clipping her hair up, she sipped her wine and sank down into the bubbles. It didn’t really matter. She was just glad that Sid had made her make that delivery by herself that afternoon.
Chapter 68
“Daddy.”
Jon barely stirred at the whisper. “Hmmm” he grunted.
Romeo poked his shoulder, “daddy.”
Jon opened one bleary blue eye to find his youngest son standing at the side of the bed. “What’s the matter little man?”
Romeo climbed up and sat on his stomach, “can I sleep with you?”
Jon turned his head, Cilla was still asleep. Thanking God that she had suggested they wear pajamas to bed just in case, Jon lifted the blankets. “Come on bud, climb in.”
When Jon opened his eyes again sunlight danced across the walls and a wide ray fell across Cilla’s face. He smiled slightly; Romeo was curled up next to her, his arm across her waist. Right were his should have been. As Jon reached for Romeo, Cilla turned and opened her eyes, “oh!” She looked down at the little boy that was now in her arms then over at Jon, “we had a visitor last night I see.”
“Yeah.” Jon rubbed a hand over his face and sat up. “Every once in a while he finds his way in here.”
Cilla stroked the boy’s hair lightly, “he looks like you.”
Jon smiled, “poor kid.”
She looked up her eyes meeting his, "no Jonny, I think that's a good thing."
Everything inside him went soft and warm. If he hadn't already been in love with her, the look on her face at that moment would have had him tumbling headlong into it. He leaned over intent on giving her a kiss when Romeo blinked his eyes open. "Morning daddy."
Jon snuffled back a laugh. Talk about timing. "Good morning buddy."
Cilla didn't say anything, didn't move. She was waiting to see what Romeo would do when he realized where he was.
He moved, trying to sit up and his hand landed on her breast. He looked up, saw her and moved over to climb on Jon’s lap. He pressed his mouth to his father’s ear. “She’s soft and smells good, like mommy.” Jon smiled and nodded. His son, the one who had wanted nothing to do with this woman a few weeks earlier, was apparently seeing the error of his ways. Jon whispered something in his son’s ear. Romeo looked back over at Cilla. “Morning Miss Cilla.”
Cilla smiled brightly at him. “Good morning Romeo.”
Having done what his father asked, he resumed his chatter and Cilla eased out of bed, crossing to the bathroom.
When she came back Jon was at the door telling Romeo they would be down in a few minutes for breakfast. She had just finished straightening the bed when she heard the door close and the snick of the lock.
Jon locked the door, wanting a little alone time with Cilla before breakfast. His decision changed when he turned and found the bed made and Cilla standing at the French doors, her hands rubbing at her lower back.
“I’ve seen you do that a lot over the last couple days” he said as he crossed the room to her.
She turned as he stepped beside her. “Do what?”
His hands replaced hers, “this, rubbing at your back. Are you okay?”
Her eyes closed as his fingers worked the ache there. “It’s been achy lately. I must be getting old or something.”
Jon chuckled and continued his massage. “You want to know what I think?”
“Hmmm, what?”
“I think you work too hard.”
She turned, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, “you should talk. Have you looked at your own calendar lately?”
He kissed her forehead, her cheeks. “Only when I’m touring do things get that crazy.”
She kissed the end of his nose and stepped around him, “right. You just keep telling yourself that.”
He watched her pull her shirt over her head on her way to the bathroom, pleased and more than a little turned on that she was so comfortable. “Okay, okay,” he conceded “so maybe I am a little busy. But it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
She paused at the bathroom door, “how many more days on the tour?”
He closed the space between them, caressing her shoulder and down to the top of her breast with his fingertips, “two weeks. And I have something I need to ask you, but you have to promise not to tell anyone, not even Sid.”
She shivered at his touch and tried to focus on his words. It must be something big if she couldn’t even tell Sid. “What do you need and why can’t I tell Sid?”
He backed her into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. “We’re playing a free concert on the lawn at Central Park on the 12th and tickets are going to be available at different retailers around the five boroughs. I’d like it if you would be one of the retailers.” He watched her eyes go wide. “And you can’t tell Sid because no one knows about this yet. There’s going to be a press conference in a few days.”
She took a breath. This was big.
“Okay, I won’t tell Sid and yes tickets can be distributed at my shop.” Taking his hands she looked up into his eyes, she could see the excitement dancing there. “This is amazing Jonny. You and the guys must be so excited.”
Pulling his hands from hers he settled them on her butt and dragged her close. “We are very excited; this is a huge deal for us.” He dropped a kiss on her lips, “you’ll be there too.” It was a statement not a question.
She pressed herself against him, her breasts rubbing against his bare chest. “I will huh? What if I can’t get a ticket?”
His lips cruised across her jaw, “you’ll have a ticket, three in fact.” His mouth moved back to hers, “kiss me.”
She met his mouth with hers, the kiss staggering them both. Jon pressed her back against the vanity, one hand pushing at her panties even as he lifted her to sit on the counter. Spreading her legs and pulling her to the edge, he stepped between them, pressing himself against her. He hissed at the warmth and wetness he could feel through the thin shorts he wore.
Pulling her mouth from his, her lips skated across his hair-roughened jaw, down to nibble at his adam’s apple. Her hands played over his chest, scraping through the hair, sliding down his sides. Dragging at his shorts she managed to get them over his hips. Taking him in her hand she stroked him. He was hard as steel and soft as silk. Even as she pumped him she wanted him inside her.
Now.
With a hand on one smooth cheek she brought him closer, the tip of him sliding over the heat of her. Leaning on her arms her head dropped back, a low groan fell from her lips as he filled her.
Holding her hips he watched her take him; watched as her own hand slid down her body, over her stomach, her fingers moving lower, touching herself, touching him as he moved. God she was amazing. His name was ripped from her throat as her orgasm rushed over her. His own shout surprised even him as he spilled into her.
