Chapter 112

When they pulled up in front of Jake's school, Brianna undid her seatbelt and climbed out of the car, surprised when Jon met her when she rounded the hood. "Afraid I'll get lost?"

Jon just shook his head and reached for her hand.

Since he'd pretty much been holding her hand all the way from the city, she chalked it up to residual afterglow. And since she was feeling some of that herself, she didn't tease or even question him further as they entered the school, although considering the looks and greetings directed at him from the mothers and nannies, she had to wonder if there was an ulterior motive for his public display of affection.

They found Jake by his classroom, struggling with his backpack and the large piece of paper he was holding.

"Here buddy, let me help you." Jon reached to take the back pack.

"Thanks Daddy. Look at the picture I made!" He held out the paper so they could both see it.

"That's great buddy!"

"It sure is." Brianna agreed. "That one goes in the spot of honour on the fridge!" Neither of them had a clue what the picture was supposed to be, but they could fake it.

"Bianna, when's supper?"

"Not for awhile. You hungry?"

He nodded.

"Didn't you eat your lunch?"

He shrugged.

Brianna looked at Mrs. Baker, Jake's teacher, who was standing in the doorway behind him. She shook her head, but smiled. 

"Jake?" Brianna knelt in front of him to be on his level. "What happened to your lunch?"

"Joey Tribbiani forgot his, so I gave him some of mine."

"Joey Tribbiani? Seriously?" Brianna had to ask.

Mrs Baker nodded. "His mother's a huge Friends fan."

Brianna turned her attention back to Jake. "So you shared your lunch with him?" He nodded. "That was very generous of you." 

Jon stepped closer to Mrs. Baker, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Do 'forgotten' lunches happen often?" He murmured.

She shook her head. "Not here, thank goodness. But my cousin teaches at a public school and says it happens there every day. It's very sad that in this day and age children are going hungry."

Jon agreed. There must be some way to help them.

Brianna hugged the little boy. "I'm very proud of you. You know what? For being so kind and generous, you get to choose what we have for dinner."

"Pizza!"

"Pizza it is." Brianna agreed. She reached out a hand for Jon to help her stand. "Ready to go?"

Jon was quiet all the way home...and for the rest of the day and evening. When the kids were all in bed and the adults were enjoying a nightcap before heading to bed themselves, Brianna decided he 'd brooded long enough.

"What's wrong?"

"Hmm? Nothing. Why?"

"You've been quiet and broody ever since we got home. Something's bothering you."

He frowned. "I keep thinking about that kid having no lunch. No child in this country should have to go without lunch."

"He forgot it Jon. It's not like his parents couldn't afford it." She reminded him.

"Yeah, but Jake's teacher said where her cousin teaches kids go without every day. It's not right."

"No, it's not." She sighed and shook her head sadly. "But I'm afraid it probably happens more than we think.

"There must be some way to help. But not just charity."

"What have you got in mind?"

"I don't have anything in mind....yet."

"I'll do some research. See how bad the problem is and what kind of programs are out there."

He leaned over to kiss her. "That's one of the reasons I love you. You can read my mind."

As they were preparing for bed, Brianna pulled open the drawer in her bedside table in search of her favourite hand lotion. "What the hell?" She lifted out the stack of papers that was lying on top and flipped through them. Most looked like magazine articles. When Your Kid Catches You Having Sex, What to Do When The Kids Catches You In The Act, You Kid Saw You Having Sex Now What. Then there was a list of excuses and explanations to use and a list of locations least likely to be caught in. She sat down heavily on the bed. "Oh. My. God."

"What's wrong?" Jon asked as he stretched out on his side of the bed.

Brianna held out the papers. "Recognize the handwriting?"

It only took a glance. "Richie."

She groaned.

Jon flipped through the pages and snorted. "Looks like he's trying to tell you something."

"That's so....helpful...of him. Remind me to thank him the next time I talk to him."

Her sarcasm made him chuckle. "Think you'll be over your embarrassment by then?" A pillow in his face was her answer.

"You're as bad as he is!"

"Hey!" He protested, still laughing. "How about you either pick an exotic location or an explanation if we get caught and you can tell him what worked the best?" He waggled his eyebrows and puckered his lips.

The only thing he kissed was the pillow that landed in his face again.

Jon was walking down the hallway towards his office, when music coming from Brianna's office caught his attention. He stood in the doorway and smiled at the sight of her sorting through a pile of papers and singing along. She used the song like instructions, turning a page every time she was told to. "I haven't heard that song in ages."

Brianna jerked and looked up. "It's one of my all time favourites."

Moving into the room, he sat in the chair across the desk from her. "Mine too. It was the inspiration for Wanted."

"Really?"

Jon nodded. "It came on the radio one day when we were on a bus going to the next gig. As I listened to it I realized how much I could relate to the lyrics and I wanted to have our own version of a travelling band song."

"Cool." She eyed him thoughtfully. "Have you ever performed it yourselves?"

He shook his head. "No sax player."

"Who are you looking at for an opening act for this tour?"

"Not sure yet. AEG has suggested Kid Rock."

Brianna's brows rose thoughtfully. "He has a saxophone player."

Catching on to what she was thinking, he nodded. "Yes he does."

"Then you need piano." She mused out loud. Reaching for her phone, she dialled and put it on speaker.

"Hey Beautiful! Sick of Frank already? Need me to come take you away from all that intense grouchiness and show you a good time?"

"Not necessary thanks Lemma. I'm happy where I am."

"Are you sure? We could meet somewhere. Frank would never need to know."

"I'm right here asshole." Jon spoke up.

"Aw man! Beautiful you were supposed to call me when he wasn't around!"

Smirking at Jon' rolling eyes, Brianna tried to get control of the conversation. "Anyway, Lemma, can you play 'Turn The Page'?"

"Seger's song? Sure. I'm a little rusty, but I know it. Why?"

"I'd like to hear you guys perform it."

"Okay, but there's one tiny problem with that idea." David had to point out. "We don't have a sax player."

"We're looking at having Kid Rock as opener for the tour." Jon informed him.

"And he has a sax player. Could work." David smirked. "But I thought guitarists wives couldn't dictate band activities."

When Jon raised a brow at her, Brianna raised one right back. "But when the wife of the frontman makes a song request, well, let's just say it's in his best interest make her happy."

Jon snorted but didn't argue.

"You're not his wife yet, Beautiful." David reminded her.

Turning the ring on her finger, she smile and shrugged. "Close enough."

Was it? Even Jon, oblivious man that he was, could tell her smile was forced.

"So when do we start wedding preparations?" Sara asked, her eagerness evident even through the phone.

"I don't know Mom. We haven't picked a date yet."

Sara was silent for a moment. "Who's dragging their feet, him or you?"

"Neither. It's not like that. It's...."

"The children. I know you've said that, and it's very commendable that you're so concerned about their feelings, but.....I can't help but think there's more to it."

"Like what?"

"Like.....are you sure you want to marry him?"

"Yes, I'm sure I want to marry him!" Brianna scowled. "Why do you keep asking me that?"

"Because you don't seem to be the eager, excited bride-to-be. And if he's not pushing either, I have to wonder if the 'engagement' is just for show and to put a respectable gloss on your living together."

"What? You seriously think we got engaged because it would look more respectable than if we just lived together? Why would you think that? Just because we haven't set a date yet? We've only been engaged a few weeks."

"But if you don't push to start planning, he certainly won't. He's a man, who is enjoying the benefits of marriage without any of the legal strings. You know the saying about cows and free milk."

"Mother! Now you're sounding like Father!"

"Just because his views in some areas are a little....old fashioned....doesn't mean he's wrong all the time."

Brianna snorted. "Old fashioned. That's one way to put it I guess." She sighed. "It's fine Mom. We're really busy right now with a new album coming out and organizing the tour."

"Which will put the wedding off even further. Are you really prepared to wait that long?"

"If that's what the kids - this family - needs then yes."

"What about what you need?" Sara countered.

Since when did anyone in my family care about that? Brianna swallowed her bitterness. "I need them to be happy."

Sara sighed. "Don't you think you've put other people's happiness ahead of your own long enough? Don't you think you deserve to have someone put you first for a change?"

Chapter 111

"I need to go into the office." Brianna announced. The album was being mastered, the guys had gone home and since she was working from home most of the time now, she needed to get her files. She'd turned the room where she'd stored her belongings into her office and Stephanie had helped her find places for the rest of it. A few rooms still needed painting to suit the changes she'd made, but the house was beginning to feel more like hers. She'd refused to remove all of Dorothea's choices, but managed to put her own stamp on the house - or at least she'd started to. "Pass the potatoes please."

Jon passed the bowl and swallowed his mouthful of food. "I've need to meet with Paul. I was going to do it by phone, but it would be easier in person. We might as well go together."

Brianna nodded, then looked at Romeo and frowned slightly. Jon followed her gaze and grunted. "I'll call Mom."

During the drive into the city, Jon struggled to keep his attention on the road and not his fiancée. It wasn't just that she was wearing one of her business suits - he'd seen them all before. The difference was, this time he'd watched her dress and knew what was underneath the conservative outfit. When he'd raised a brow at her thong and lacy demi-cup bra, she'd just smiled. Temptress!

The fact that their sex life was still restricted to the odd moments they could steal behind locked doors when the kids were at school or at friends and Romeo was napping, didn't help. While he'd managed to get her to put her stamp on the house decor, he hadn't been as successful in getting her comfortable enough to make love in their bed with the kids all home and asleep.....yet. 

Reaching over, he set his hand on her knee and stroked it with his thumb. It wasn't as much as he wanted, but it was all he could get.....for now. Seeing the smirk curving her lips as she looked out the window made him want to growl.

Evelyn looked up as they walked in the door. "Hi!" Jumping up from her chair, she rushed around her desk to hug them both. "Congratulations!" She wagged an admonishing finger at Brianna. "Why didn't you say something? Let's see the hardware."

Brianna laughed, but obliged, holding out her left hand.

"Ooh, it's beautiful! Nice job Boss!"

"Thanks." Jon smiled smugly. "Is Paul in?"

"He's out at a meeting with AEG. He should be back in an hour or so."

"Okay. Tell him I'd like to see him when he gets back."

"Okay."

Half an hour later, Jon scowled at his computer screen and slammed his hand on the keyboard. "BRI!"  Pushing back his chair, he stood and stalked to the door that connected his office to Brianna's.

Brianna looked up from the open file on her desk. "What do you need?"

His lips twitched. "That's a loaded question."

The expression in the heated cobalt gaze told her where his mind had gone and she rolled her eyes. "We're at work remember? Have to think with the big head honey."

"Would be easier to do if the little one wasn't feeling neglected." He muttered.

She snorted, but decided that wasn't a subject she wanted to discuss. "Why did you come in here?"

Jon sighed. "I fucked up something with my schedule and I can't fix it. Will you look at it?"

"Okay." She stood and stepped around her desk. "Let's see if I can repair the damage."

"Smartass." He swatted her ass as she passed him. The niggling of an idea formed in his head and he closed the door between their offices before he followed her. The door to the hallway on his side was always closed, but she kept hers open. This way they had some privacy.

He had to rush to reach his desk before she did and claim his chair. He moved slightly to the side to allow her access to his computer, but effectively trapping her between his chair and his desk.

Clicking keys and the mouse, Brianna focused on the screen. Jon's movements went largely ignored until his fingers grazed her thigh, reaching beneath the hem of her skirt in search of the warm bare flesh above her stocking. "Jon! Stop!"

"Why?"

She wiggled, trying to dislodge his hand, but there wasn't much room - and he was too determined. "We're at the office!"

He shrugged and reached higher, pushing aside the strip of material covering her soft folds despite her movements. "My office." Finding her opening, he slid one finger inside. "My woman."

"Oh!" Brianna gasped. The shock of it allowed her libido to take control and she rocked back against his hand, riding his finger. Her mind knew it was inappropriate and unprofessional.....but her body didn't care. It craved the pleasure he gave and was eager to take full advantage of the situation.

Feeling her body soften and moisture drench his impaled finger, easing his way, he knew he had her. He shifted her to face him, the desk at her back. He reached up to unbutton her suit jacket, revealing her toned stomach and the lacy bra.

Brianna watched as his eyes darkened and heated even more. With an almost reverent touch, he reached out to brush the tops of her breasts where they overflowed her bra.  Goose bumps rose on her skin in their wake. Wanting more, his fingers gripped the front closure of her bra and with a flick, undid it. When her brows rose in surprise he just smiled and peeled the material away from her flesh.

His hand roamed at first, but the pink tips were a lure he couldn't resist for long. Her nipples had already started to harden from the stimulation of his finger inside her, but he rubbed, squeezed and pulled until they reached out towards him. Responding to their unspoken request, he leaned forward to take one between his lips. At the same time, he slid a second finger inside her. Mouth and hand worked in synch, thrusting, sucking, stroking, biting.

"Oh!" One hand gripped the edge of the desk while the other slid into his hair, holding his head against her, her eyes closed against the sensations bombarding her. "Mmm."

Her moan and her body's obvious pleasure caused a similar response in his own body. After only a few minutes he had to reach down and open his pants to ease the painful constriction on his rapidly swelling cock.

The knock at the door a few minutes later had Brianna stiffening. The sound of Paul's voice had her pushing him away.

"Jon?"

And the sound of the knob turning told her Paul wasn't going to wait for Jon to tell him to come in and unless she wanted him to see her in her current state of partial undress, she needed to hide - and fast! But her options were very limited. In fact, there was only one. So she dropped to the floor and scurried under the desk.

"Evelyn said you wanted to see me?"

"Yes." Jon moved his chair closer to his desk as Paul entered the room to hide his own gaping wardrobe. "How did things go with AEG?"

"Good. They suggest starting the tour in November or December in Japan and Australia. But if you want to do that we've got to get going." He paused, thinking. "Maybe it would be best to wait until next spring. Have you set a wedding date yet?"

"No. Bri's waiting until the kids are more comfortable with the whole thing,"

"Not like the old days when your schedule was set by you alone huh? Now you have to consider and wait for your woman and your kids."

Knowing where his woman was currently huddled - and the tender part of his anatomy that was exposed and vulnerable - Jon just laughed and changed the subject. "Did they have any ideas about some different places to go?"

"Mmm." Paul nodded. "They're looking at the Middle East, Croatia and a few other places around Eastern Europe."

While the men talked, Brianna sent up a prayer of thanks to whoever decorated his office. The big wooden desk hid everything behind it - or under it in her case. As her heart rate slowed down in the wake of the adrenaline spike caused by Paul's arrival, her body reminded her that her fuse had been lit but she was still looking for detonation. The half hard cock pointing at her told her that his fuse was still burning as well.

Since he was responsible for them being in this situation, she decided he deserved a little payback. She set her hand on his knee to brace herself while she shifted position - and to give him at least a little warning. She felt his leg tense, but instead of moving away, he moved closer - whether to hide himself or keep her there she wasn't sure.

Gentle fingers skimmed along his swelling length for long minutes, then formed a loose fist around it and pumped lightly. When he cleared his throat and nudged her with his foot, she grinned, and decided to take it up a notch - or ten.  Holding his erection steady with one hand, she reached further with the other to cup his sac and rub her thumb over the sensitive skin. She leaned closer and licked the now throbbing head. The sound of a cough muffling a groan came from above her head, but she ignored it. She lost all track of their conversation as her attention became totally focused on the feel and taste of him. She let her hands, lips and tongue wander and explore, careful to keep the touches light - sh wanted to tease him, not bring him off.

She must have missed Paul leaving, because suddenly, the chair was pushed back enough that he could see her.

Blue eyes blazed. "You're a brat!"

"You started it. I tried to tell you it was inappropriate to fool around in the office, but you didn't care."

"You're right. I started it." Grasping her arms, he pushed the chair back more and pulled her up, standing with her. "And I'm going to finish it!"

He turned her around to face the desk. Stepping up behind her, he pushed his pants down, her skirt up, the strip of her thong aside and with one thrust, buried his aching flesh inside her.

"Oh!" Brianna gasped and braced herself with her hands on the desk.

Jon wrapped his arms around her, one hand covering her mound, the other over her breast. "Fuck you feel good!"

The room was filled with soft moans and harsh breathing. Their passion built steadily and quickly, fanned by the friction their bodies created and the danger of being caught. It was pleasure and torture for them both. Every time his fingers squeezed or tugged her nipple it sent a shock wave through her torso causing her internal muscles to tighten around him in response, which in turn caused him to thrust harder and tighten his grip on her breast. It was a circle that swirled faster and faster towards explosion.

At the brink of detonation, Brianna yanked his hand away from her breast, raising it to her mouth and sank her teeth into the heel of his palm to stifle her cries. Jon sank his into her shoulder and held her tightly as he erupted inside her. 

Shaking, Jon withdrew from her body and reached behind him for the chair. Sinking into it, he pulled Brianna down onto his lap.

"That...was...." She panted.

"Uh huh." He smirked. "See, the threat of being caught adds a little spice to it don't you think?"

She snorted. "There's a big difference between getting caught by adult friends and staff and getting caught by your children!"

They sat for several minutes catching their breath, then Brianna sighed and sat up, fastening her bra and suit jacket. She turned the chair towards the computer. "Okay. Back to what I was doing before you.....distracted me."

Jon just smiled leaned his head back.

A few clicks of the mouse and some keys and his schedule was restored. "There you go. All fixed."

"Thanks Golden Eyes." He didn't open his eyes even when she stood up and returned to her office.

An hour later, Brianna looked at her watch and started packing up. "Jon? You ready to go? We need to leave if we're going to pick up the kids from school."

"Yep. Coming."

When he appeared in the doorway, she looked up and grinned. "Do I need to drive or did you have your usual post coital nap?"

He scowled. "Brat!" As she passed him, he reached out to smack her ass.

"Hey! Don't damage the merchandise!"

"Don't worry. I'll kiss it better." He reached for her.

Evading him, she headed for the door. "Stop it!"

They were still laughing when they reached the reception area. Evelyn looked up and smiled. "Heading out?"

"Yes." Brianna answered, slapping Jon's hand away from her ass. "Gotta pick up the kids from school."

"Okay. See you later, and congratulations again."

"Thanks."

Evelyn watched them go, pleased to see both of them so happy.

Chapter 110

"Lemma!" Richie called from the front door of the house as the keyboardist climbed out of his car. "Come here for a minute. You too Teek."

"What's going on?" Tico asked as they entered the house. 

Richie led the way down the hallway past Jon's office. "I found this last night and I'm not sure what to make of it."

"What's all this?" David's eyes widened at the stacks of boxes and furniture.

"It's Bri's stuff." Richie answered.

"Well, maybe she just hasn't had time to find a place for everything." David suggested.

"Or maybe this is the place she found for it." Tico rumbled. "Where's Jon?"

"He took the kids to school." Richie replied. "He's not back yet."

"Where's....."

"Hey there! What are you guys up to?" Brianna's voice came from behind them before David could finish his question. The serious looks on the men's faces as they turned to look at her had all her senses on alert. "What's wrong?"

"You tell us Sunshine." Richie nodded towards the 'storage' room. "What's with all this?"

"It's my furniture and stuff from my apartment." She deliberately misunderstood his question.

His look said he wasn't buying it. "And why is it all piled in here?"

"Because this room isn't being used right now, so it's not in the way." It was the room that Dorothea had spent her last days in and the family avoided it.

"And why isn't it set out around the house?" His tone was one he would use when talking to a child or someone who had difficulty understanding all but the simplest words. "You know, like everyone does with their possessions....in their home."

Brianna shrugged, but didn't meet his gaze. "I haven't had time to get to it."

"Uh uh." David shook his head. "Not buying it. You are the multitasking queen. What's really going on?"

Telling them to mind their own business wouldn't work with these guys, but she really didn't want to get into it. She settled on part of the truth. "The kids have asked us not to rush the wedding. They need some time to adjust. Making major changes in the house their mother designed and decorated would be hard on them."

"I would call the lair upstairs a major change." Richie pointed out.

She nodded. "That was at Jon's request. And the kids don't live in there." She sighed. "Guys, it's fine."

"No, it's not." Tico argued.

"BINA! COME PAY WIF ME!"

"Coming!" She looked around the group and pointed towards the living room. "I appreciate your concern, but that's what's important." And if she said it enough it might not sting as much.

The men watched her go.

"Do you buy it?" Richie didn't. There were shadows in her eyes.

"Nope." David answered. "She's putting on her brave face, putting other people's needs first."

"Very commendable." Tico observed. "But not fair to her. Again."

His friends agreed.

"What's with you guys today?" Jon frowned at his bandmates. "Your focus is for shit. Where are your heads?"

The others exchanged glances. "Sorry man."

Jon eyed them, his frown deepening. "What's going on?"

After another exchanged look, David turned on his stool to face his friend. "We're worried about Bri."

"What about her?"

"Did you know that all of her furniture and stuff from her apartment - other than the lair - is piled in the room beside your office?" Richie asked.

Jon shrugged. "Guess she hasn't had time to deal with it."

"You don't find that......out of character?"

Jon shrugged. "Apparently you guys do. So tell me, Dr. Sambora, what does it mean?"

Ignoring the taunt, Richie draped his arms over the guitar in his lap. "Have you asked her about it?"

"No. I honestly didn't notice." He looked around the group again. "I'm guessing you asked her and that's what's go you so concerned. What did she say?"

"That she thinks changing things in the house their mother decorated would be too hard on the kids."

Jon frowned.

"It's great that she cares so much about the kids, but it's at her expense." Tico added.

"It's her home now too. She should feel comfortable - entitled even - to decorate it however she sees fit." David put in.

"She was raised to be supportive of her family, and always put their needs first." Richie pointed out. "She's been demeaned and belittled all her life. She deserves to be put first for a change."

"You guys ready for lunch?" Brianna breezed through the door, her hands full of take out bags. "Come get it while it's hot."

Rew peeked in a bag. "Mexican! Yum!"

They descended on the food like flies on honey.  For the next few minutes conversation was limited to 'burrito or taco'.

"Hey Beautful, did you get any hot sauce?" David asked around a mouthful of meat, cheese and tortilla.

"I gots it!" Romeo reached into the bag he was carrying. "Here go Unka Wemma."

"Thanks little man."

Brianna walked around the table distributing drinks along with extra dishes of sour cream and guacamole. When she came within reach, Jon reached out to pull her down onto his lap. "Thanks for this Golden Eyes. You spoil us." He nuzzled her neck. "I love you."

Leaning against him, she smiled. "I love you too." She looked around the table. "How's the album coming? Anything you're ready to share yet?"

Obie crooked a brow at Jon, and at his nod, turned to hit a few buttons on the sound board.

While the men ate, Brianna closed her eyes and let the music wash over her. When the song ended, she opened her eyes and looked at Richie. "Bump up the solo. Give it some umpf."

Richie grinned. "Yes ma'am." He pointed his burrito at Jon. "Told ya it needed more."

Jon scowled at his fiancée. "Don't you have some letters to write or invitations to answer or ......."

"Make cookies!" Romeo suggested.

"Or cookies to make?" Jon agreed with a wink at his son.

Brianna grinned and kissed his cheek. "Yes Boss." She stood and held out a hand. "Come on little man. Our work here is done."

"You make cookies now?"

"Yes, I'll make cookies now."

"Yay!" Cheered every male in the room.

That night, while Brianna was putting the little ones to bed, Jon took the opportunity to talk with his oldest two. He'd been thinking all afternoon about what the guys had said....and not said. "You guys like the way Bri redecorated our bedroom, don't you?"

"Yeah, it's really cool." Stephanie agreed enthusiastically.

"Well, she's got more nice stuff - including a painting of Uncle Tico's - that she hasn't found place for yet."

"You mean all that stuff piled in Mom's old sitting room?" Jesse asked.

"Yes." He paused, not sure how to word what he wanted to say. "I want Bri to feel like this is her home now too. And part of that is having her possessions around her. But that will mean a lot of changes around here, and she's concerned that it will upset you guys." He glanced back and forth between his children. "Is she right? Will it upset you to change things around the house?"

Brother and sister exchanged a look and shook their heads.

"No, it's fine." Stephanie assured him.

"What was that look for?" Since Dorotheas's death he'd had to learn to watch his kids closely to pick up their emotion states. But he still wasn't very good at it. "Jesse?"

Jesse shrugged. "Change whatever you want, I don't care."

Something told Jon not to be fooled by his son's tough guy act. "Steph?" He was sure to get a more honest answer from her.

Stephanie took her time answering, trying to put her feelings into words that made sense. "We're really okay with it. It might make things.....easier."

"What things?"

She shrugged. "Sometimes it's hard not to be sad when everywhere we look we see....her." She frowned. "Sometimes when we've been out having fun and I feel happy, I walk in here and feel guilty that I'm not sad. But sometimes, when I'm really missing her, it helps to see reminders of her all around." She sighed. "I don't know how to explain it."

"You explained it very well. I get it." He paused. "To be honest, I've felt the same way."

"Really?" Both kids stared at him, surprised.

"Of course. It hasn't been easy for me either. I loved your mother very much. I always will. But she wanted us to find love and happiness again. The best way to honour her and her memory is to do just that. But that doesn't mean we will ever forget her or not think about her and miss her."

Richie watched and listened, proud of his best friend. If anything good thing had come out of Dorotheas's death it was that it had made Jon become a better father. He listened and communicated with them much better than he ever had before.

When Brianna entered the room, she felt like she'd walked into the middle of something. She looked around until she caught Richie's glance. When he just smiled and winked, she relaxed. "Anyone want a snack?"

The next morning, when the guys had all arrived, Jon informed them of a change to their usual schedule. "We're going to quit early today. I need your help moving some stuff."

Richie eyed him. "Going to push the issue?"

"Yep. If the kids are okay with it, she has no reason not to go along with it."

Obie snorted. "She's female. She'll come up with something."

"Doesn't matter. She's going to be my wife and matriarch of this family. It's her show, to be run her way. Starting now."

"So, I take it we're moving boxes and furniture." David commented with an approving nod. "Good."

When Brianna returned to the house after picking the kids up from school, she found the men hanging around the living room. "You guys done?"

"Nope, just waiting for you." Tico answered.

"Me? What for?"

"We await your instructions milady." David announced, entering from the direction of Jon's office.

"Instructions?" Brianna frowned. "For what?"

"Yo! Lady! Where you want we should move this stuff?" Richie gestured down the hallway behind him with a thumb as he joined them.

"What stuff?" Pushing by the comedy twins, she headed for the office. "Jon? What's going on?" The stack of her boxes in the hallway sent her pulse and mind racing. What the hell is going on? "Jon?"

"In here!" He called.

Inside the room the boxes had come out of, she found not only Jon, but also Obie and Rew, shifting furniture. "Hey guys. What are you doing?"

"Are these Bri's boxes?" Stephanie's voice came from the hallway. "Can you just put them in the living room please? I'll help her sort through them there."

"Will someone please tell me what's going on?" Brianna beseeched the ceiling.

"We're helping you unpack your stuff." Jon explained.

"But..."

He held up a hand to halt her protest. "No arguments. The kids are okay with it and the guys are ready to move furniture, so decide where you want it." Jon stepped over to slide one arm around her waist, lifted her face up towards his with the other hand and sighed. "This is your home now Golden Eyes. Time for you to settle in. For once in your life I want you to be selfish. I don't want you to worry about anyone else's feelings. Do what makes you happy."

"But.."

"No buts. You do so much for us every day and take nothing for yourself. That's not right. That changes now. We can't be happy unless you're happy."

Amber eyes shining, she threw her arms around his neck and squeezed. "I love you!"

Looking over her shoulder, Jon saw Richie in the doorway give him the thumbs up.

Chapter 109

Monday morning found Brianna in the studio checking supplies and making sure everything was ready. Rew was in the larger room checking Tico's kit and the various guitars lined up around the room. Obie was settling in at the sound board.

The quiet buzz of the gate went largely unnoticed and completely ignored. Brianna assumed it was Jon returning from taking the kids to school, so she didn't bother to look out the window.

A few minutes later, voices could be heard along with footsteps on the stairs.

"Where is she?" David demanded as he stepped through the doorway, Tico right behind him.

Rew didn't bother to ask who 'she' was, or even look up from the Takamine he was checking the strings on. He just pointed.

"BEAUTIFUL!" David stalked into the kitchen area where Brianna was verifying the stock of bottled water. "I've got a bone to pick with you, missy."

"Hey Lemma! What's the problem?"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"About what?"

"About that!" He pointed at her left hand.

She looked down at her ring. "That we're engaged? I thought Jon told you."

David waved a hand to dismiss her comment. "That's beside the point. If you'd told me that you wanted to get married I could have found you someone better."

"Oh yeah? Like who?"

"Me!"

Tico snorted. "And make her deal with April? I thought you liked her."

It was no secret that David's divorce had been less than pleasant and Brianna had heard many comments about how unpleasant his ex-wife was. "Throwing me to the wolves now Lemma?"

"Naw, you could handle April." His expression turned wistful as he gazed at her hair. "Would you be willing to dye your hair blonde?"

"Over my dead body!" Jon objected as he joined them. Moving to Brianna's side, he smoothed a hand over her smoldering locks, noting she'd left her hair down the way he preferred. "Don't you dare. It's perfect just the way it is."

"Yes dear." Brianna chuckled and tilted her face up to kiss him.

He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her closer.

"Awwww. Isn't that sweet." Obie cooed and made kissing noises.

Brianna cuddled into Jon's chest and gave Obie the finger - at the same time Jon did.

Tico waited for the laughter to die down before he spoke. "Seriously though guys, congratulations. I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks man." Jon answered. "So are we ready to get to work?"

"Yeah."

David glanced around. "Um...we seem to be missing a lead guitarist."

"When I left the house he was helping Romeo rebuild Tokyo after Copper played Godzilla. If you don't need me right now I'll go relieve him and send him out. Let me know if you need anything."

"Bina?"

"Mmm?"

"I hungy."

Brianna looked away from the puzzle they were putting together to glance at her watch, surprised to find it after noon. "Wow, it's lunch time already!" Rising to her feet, she held out her hand. "Let's go see what we can find in the kitchen. Do you want a sandwich or maybe some soup?"

Romeo shook his head as he took her hand. "Hot dog!"

"Okay, I think we can do that." While she prepared and cut up his hot dog, she thought about the guys in the studio. They hadn't called to ask for food, but they needed to eat. Not knowing their schedule, she figured sandwiches would be the easiest, and they could eat whenever they were ready.

"Who dat for?" Romeo asked as she packed sandwiches into a container.

"Daddy and the guys."

"Oh. I hep?"

"Yes. Can you carry these cookies?" She held out another container.

"Yep! I'n big boy now!"

"You sure are!" She picked up the sandwiches and another container with cut up raw vegetables and followed him to the door. As they climbed the stairs to the studio, she reminded him that they had to be quiet when they got inside in case they were recording.

They weren't. In fact, they were arguing about chord progressions - at least that's what she thought their jargon meant. She wasn't a musician and had no idea how to write a song, plus they had their own terminology. As she set the food out on the table, the volume rose to the point she decided to brave stepping in before it blew up into a real fight. "Hey guys, why don't you take a break and eat some lunch?"

They ignored her - except for Rew who grabbed a drink out of the fridge, sat down and dug in. Jon was sitting beside Obie at the sound board, raking his hands through his hair. She recognized the signs of frustration. Picking up a sandwich, she walked over to his side, pulled one of hands from his hair and put the sandwich in it. "Eat."

He held the sandwich out to her. "I don't want to..."

"Eat!" She insisted.

Sighing heavily, he obeyed.

It was like a signal, and the others left their stations to surround the table. Brianna smiled in satisfaction as the piles of food rapidly diminished. "Do you guys often forget to eat?"

Richie shrugged. "Depends on how well things are going. We get around to it eventually."

"But now we have you to look after us." Tico commented from his seat at the table, Romeo on his lap, both of them eating cookies.

"Having dessert first Teek?" Brianna asked, amused.

He shrugged. "You know what Jon's like with cookies. If we want any we have to get to them before he does. Right little man?"

Romeo nodded, grinning around a mouthful of chocolate chips.

Jon plucked a cookie out of the container, leaned close to Romeo and defiantly took a big bite, making Romeo giggle.

"Why did you never have an assistant around during our studio sessions before?" David wondered as he reached for another sandwich. "Beautiful, you're an angel."

"Because the others never knew when to help and when to stay out of the way." He sighed. "I think I'm going to have to ban this one too."

"Oh?" Brianna spoke from directly behind him, one delicate brow arching. "Why? Because I'm not helpful? Or because I'm in the way?"

His lips twitched, but he didn't look at her. "Because you're too distracting."

She slid her arms around his neck and bent down to brush her lips over his ear. "Good answer."

"I may be stubborn, but I'm not stupid!" His hands came up to hold hers and he turned his head to kiss her.

When the food was gone, Brianna stacked up the containers and held her hand out to Romeo. "Come on little man. Let's let daddy and the guys get back to work."

"Okay." He yawned and rubbed his eye with a fist. "You read me story?"

"Sure. Which one?"

"Eoh n Sitch!"

Brianna stared at him, running the sounds over in her head to try and figure out what he was saying. Coming up empty, she looked at Jon and raised a brow.

"Lilo and Stitch." He explained. "His latest favourite."

"Ah. Got it.  Okay, let's go."

The guys joined them in the house for dinner, and Brianna couldn't decide if she was a babysitter or a circus ringmaster. By the time everyone who wasn't staying in the house left, the kids were ready to go to bed - or at least to their rooms.

Brianna sat with Jon and Richie for awhile, but wasn't too long in finding her own bed. "Sorry guys, I'm beat." She yawned. "Night Rich."

"Night Sunshine."

"I'll be up soon." Jon assured her.

After she'd left the room and was out of earshot, Richie eyed his friend. "You don't have to sit up with me." His system was still on west coast time, and they'd been friends too long to be bound by host/guest etiquette. "You can join your lovely lady."

Jon waved his hand. "It's fine. She's tired."

Uh oh. Richie frowned. "Trouble in paradise?"

"No. She's just.....having a hard time adjusting to sleeping with me with the kids in the house. I've had to get creative."

"Quickies in obscure places?" Richie guessed with a smirk.

Jon nodded and reached for his glass.

Later, after Jon had gone to bed, Richie roamed the house thinking about the songs they'd been working on. Wandering down the hallway by Jon office, he continued past the doorway to the next room, stopped and backed up. "What the fuck is this?" The room had once been a sitting room, then where Dorothea had spent her last days. Now it looked like a storage room filled with furniture and boxes. "Looks like she's having a hard time adjusting to more than just sleeping with you bro."

Chapter108

The middle of the next week found Brianna sitting in the office trying to get caught up on the work she'd let slide while she was unpacking. She booted up the computer and pulled up Jon's schedule to compare with the pile of invitations in front of her. A notation for the following week caught her eye. It wasn't one she recognized or had ever even seen before. 

"BIANNA! WE'RE HOME!"

Making a mental note to ask Jon about the mark in his schedule, she rose to greet the kids and get them an after school snack.

"Brianna can you help me with a school project?" Jesse asked as he set down his glass.

"If I can, what's it about?"

"We have to research one of the fifty poorest countries in the world. I got Liberia."

"Okay, how much have you got?"

He squirmed a little in his chair. "Not much."

Which she assumed meant he hadn't started yet. "Uh huh, and when is it due?"

"Monday." When she stared at him and crooked a brow, he squirmed a little more. "Dad says you're the queen of research, so we should have lots of time."

Stephanie snorted. "Kiss-a.....um butt."

"You're lucky I don't have much going on work wise next week." Brianna remarked.

Jon bit into a cookie and froze. Uh oh. He swallowed and braced himself. "Speaking of next week, the guys are coming in for a few days. We're going to hit the studio and see what we can put together." Noting the narrow amber glare directed at him, he raised a hand. "Before you gear up to tear a strip off me, I didn't tell you sooner because you were busy unpacking and organizing. There's nothing you need to do anyway."

"Uh huh." Brianna scoffed. Guess now I know what notation means. "Just make sure the studio is stocked and check the travel arrangements and arrange transportation from the airports." She ticked off items on her fingers. "And where is everyone staying? We'll need more food here as well. And have you talked to Obie?"

"The guys aren't helpless. They can make their own arrangements. Tico will stay at Lemma's, but we'll have to put up with Richie. And yes, I've talked to Obie. And Rew."

"Uncle Mookie's coming?" Jake asked.

"Yes." His father replied.

"Yay!"

Regardless of Jon's assurances, Brianna considered it her job to make sure everyone was where they were supposed to be and had everything they needed.  The next day she got to work. First on her list was a call to Tico.

"Nina! How are you?"

"I'm good Teek. How are you?"

"I'm good. Guess I'm going to get to see you next week."

"That's why I'm calling. I wanted to make sure you were set for transportation and accommodation. Jon said you'd take care of it, but..."

"But the perfectionist in you just had to make sure." His amusement was clear.

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

"Nope. As Jon's assistant it's necessary. But you can check me off your list. Plane ticket's booked, Lemma's picking me up and I'm staying at his place. I'm all set."

"Okay. Good. Is there anything you need in the studio?"

Tico blinked, then grinned. "That's right. You haven't been through a studio session with us yet. The last one was done before you came on board. It seems like you've been a part of our merry little band for so long I forgot you're still a newbie about some things. I'll bring a supply of sticks. Rew will look after everything else." He paused. "Is Jon really ready to do another album, or is this just something to keep him occupied?"

"I think he's really ready to move on and get back to living again." She looked down at her engagement ring. "I have to believe he is or I'm in for a world of hurt."

Tic frowned. "What makes you say that?" What have you done amigo?

"The diamond ring on my finger."

It took a second for her words to sink in. "Wow! Really? Congratulations! I hope you're both very happy."

"Thanks."

"Sounds like he really is ready to move on. He takes marriage very seriously - despite rumours to the contrary. We'll have to celebrate next week."

"Looking forward to it. See you Monday."

Hanging up, she glanced at the clock, worked out the time difference and picked up the phone again. "Hi. Denise, it's Brianna."

"Hey stranger! How's life on the right coast?"

"Pretty quiet. But I understand that's going to change next week."

"Yep, and I'm looking forward to a few days of peace and quiet." Denise sighed in anticipation, then sobered. "How are Jon and the kids doing?"

"Good. They still have rough days now and then, but basically they're doing really well."

"I'm glad to hear that."

After a few more minutes of catching up, Brianna got to the main point of her call. "So, I was wondering about Richie's travel plans and whether I need to arrange to pick him up at the airport."

"No, I booked a car service. I figured you had enough on your plate already, without being closed in a car for a couple hours with my goofball boss."

Brianna laughed. "Thanks, I appreciate that."

"So are you staying in Red Bank for the duration of the session or will you just make trips as needed?"

"I'll be there for the duration." She paused. "I live there now."

"Live there as in you have your own room and no longer have your condo in New York or live there as in you're shacking up with Jon?" Richie had confirmed the tabloid stories that they were a couple, but she hadn't heard anything that would indicate they were that serious.

"Do you still call it shacking up if we're engaged?" Brianna wondered.

"Really?" Denise gasped. "That's fantastic! Congratulations!"

"Thanks."

"Have you set a date? Oh! Does Richie know?"

"Not unless Jon's told him, and no we haven't set a date yet. The kids need a little time to get used to the idea."

"Oh yeah, I suppose it might take them a bit." She grinned. "I won't tell Richie. It's so rare that I know anything before he does I'm going to enjoy taunting him a little."

"Have fun." Brianna snickered.

"What's so funny?" Jon asked from the doorway as she hung up.

"Did you tell Richie that we're engaged?"

"No. I'm not sure he'd believe it unless he could see the ring, and I didn't feel like arguing. I told Lemma though."

"Well Denise is going to taunt him without telling him, so he'll be chomping at the bit when he gets here."

Jon chuckled. "She's a brave girl. His paybacks are a bitch."

Brianna's prediction about Richie's mood was right on the mark. He barely managed a civil greeting before narrowing his eyes at his friends. "So what's the big secret and why am I being left in the dark?"

Jon frowned. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"No? Then why is my assistant smugly hinting that she knows something about you that I don't?" He grumbled. "And she won't tell me no matter how much I bribe, cajole or threaten her." He pinned Jon with a look. "Does your assistant keep secrets from you?"

"Probably,." Jon acknowledged. "But nothing serious."

Stifling a smile, Brianna kept her left hand in her pocket. "You must be hungry after your flight. Why don't you take your bags upstairs while I make you a snack?"

Richie picked up his suitcase and started up the stairs, grumbling every step of the way. As he passed the open door of the master bedroom, he glanced in. Three steps later, he stopped and backed up to take a closer look. "What the fuck?"

"Isn't it cool?" Stephanie had seen him pass her room and followed him.

"Hi Pook." He hugged her with one arm. "What's with this?" He gestured towards the room he no longer recognized.

"It's Bri's lair."

"Brianna's lair?" His brows rose. "Has she moved in then?"

"Well, yeah. They're engaged after all."

"Oh, right. Wait! What? Engaged? Since when?"

"Dad's birthday."

So that's what Denise was smirking about! Dropping his bag in his room, he stomped downstairs to confront the couple. He found them in the kitchen where Brianna was making him a sandwich. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"About what?" Brianna asked.

"Don't play Miss Innocent with me!" He reached out to snag her left hand and lift it, watching the diamond sparkle in the light. "This!"

"Oh."

"Oh. Oh, she says." Richie snorted. "Why didn't you just tell me?"

Brianna shrugged. "It was more fun this way."

Richie growled and yanked her to him for a hug. "You're right. She is a brat!" He commented over her head to Jon. He held out his hand. "Congratulations man."

"Thanks." Jon shook his hand, only slightly surprised to feel himself being pulled into a group hug.

Chapter 107

"Whoa, this room is great!" Stephanie commented from the doorway to the master bedroom. "I wasn't sure where you were going with the wall colour and texture, but now that I see it all together, I love it!"

"Me too!" Jake ran in and jumped onto the bed to roll around on the fur cover.

Romeo tried to climb on the bed, but he couldn't reach....until Jesse followed him in and gave him a boost. Even Copper came in to inspect the new decor...and promptly flopped down to roll around on the rugs.

After the movers had unloaded all of her possessions and left, Brianna, with Jon's help and encouragement, set about putting the bedroom in order. Jon had been hanging the last picture on the wall when the kids came to investigate.

"It's like a cozy....den. No! A lair!" Stephanie continued. "Maybe once you get all your stuff settled we can talk about redoing my room."

Brianna tried to stifle a grin, but failed when she saw Jon close his eyes and rest his forehead on the wall. Patting his back consolingly, she winked at Stephanie. "We'll talk."

With a sigh, Jon raised his head, hit the nail one last time, and stepped back to survey his work. "There. Done."

Jesse pursed his lips and nodded. "Looks good Dad."

"Yes, nice job honey." Brianna slid her arm around his waist and squeezed.

Romeo popped up from the bed. "I hungy."

"Me too!" Jake raised his hand from where he was still sprawled on the bed.

Brianna glanced at her watch and nodded. "Okay, let's go get a snack. I guess I'd better start thinking about dinner too."

Following Brianna into the kitchen to help, Stephanie's brows rose at the pile of boxes stacked in the corner. "What are you going to do with all this stuff?"

"Well, I'll go through it to see what can be used here, in the Inn, and the guest house and the rest will go to Habitat I guess." That much she could part with. The rest of her possessions piled in the room beside Jon's office was another story.

But she would think about that another day.

"What do you think of steak for dinner?"

"Mmm. Think Dad will barbecue?"

"Only if you ask him, nicely." Jon answered as he entered the room. He reached behind Brianna to snag a cookie out of the jar on the counter. Taking a bite, he gestured towards the boxes. "Need help with those?"

She eyed him thoughtfully. "Hmmm. Do you know what a sifter is? Or a colander?"

"Ummm....no?"

"Then you're excused from kitchen sorting duty." She almost laughed at his relieved expression. Looking at the boxes again, she sighed.

"Leave them for tomorrow." Jon suggested. "You've had a busy day today already. Just relax tonight."

As much as she wanted to get it done, he was right. She was too tired to do any more today. "Okay. That sounds good."

When bedtime arrived, Jon slid under the covers and waited for his fiancée to join him. He watched her flit back and forth between the closet and the bathroom, with a few furtive glances towards the door. "Honey, what's wrong?"

"Hmmm? Nothing." Smoothing lotion over her face and neck, she turned off the bathroom light and moved to the empty side of the bed.

Jon held up the covers while she climbed in. When she settled, he slid his arm around her and pulled her against him, disappointed at the feel of cotton rather than silk or lace. "What's with the boring night gown?"

"I think the others are a bit much - or too little - for the kids' sensibilities."

"That's what robes are for."

"And if they come in here?"

"Blankets." He grinned.

Brianna snorted. "You're such a......man."

Masculine chuckles ruffled her hair. "Can't argue with that." He hugged her closer and sighed. "Have I told you how much I love having you here?"

She knew he wasn't referring to just her being in his house. "Not that I recall."

"Mmm." He nuzzled her neck. "Well I do. I love being able to hold you and kiss you and...." His voice drifted off as his hands began to roam.

Unfortunately for him, his fiancée wasn't exactly on the same wavelength and stopped his hands before they could remove the unappreciated nightgown. "Jon, no. Not tonight."

The frown was evident in his voice. "What's wrong?"

"The kids..."

"Are all asleep."

"But they might hear."

"So you'll have to keep the volume down on the moans." His hot breath in her ear and his lips on her earlobe made her shiver. "I'll muffle your screams."

It was a good try, but he didn't get the laugh - or even a smile - that he was aiming for. "I'm sorry Jon, I just don't feel comfortable yet."

He sighed at what was becoming a familiar refrain. This was the third night she'd slept in this room.....and the third night she'd turned him down. They were going to have to find a way to sort this out. He wasn't about to be celibate until his kids were grown and moved out. Luckily, he knew she wouldn't be able to wait that long either. "Want to sneak out to the Pleasure Palace?"

Brianna turned to face him and cuddled closer. "It's raining. I just want to stay snuggled up in here....with you."

With no other option available to him, Jon had no choice but to give in. "Okay." He kissed her forehead and closed his eyes.

The next day, Brianna finished cleaning up the breakfast dishes and decided to spend some time in the gym. The three oldest kids were at school and Romeo was hanging out with Jon in the office.

When Romeo was ready for his nap, Jon tucked him in, then went to investigate the footsteps he'd heard in the hallway. The sound of the shower running in their bathroom, brought carnal thoughts to his mind......and a slow grin to his lips.

He opened the bathroom door, slipped inside and quietly closed it behind him. The air was already thick with steam and the scent of her shampoo. The glass of the shower was frosted, so he couldn't see her clearly, but he didn't need to. He was well acquainted with the curves revealed only in silhouette. His rapidly hardening cock signalled its recognition and eagerness to get closer. Flipping the lock on the door, he quickly stripped off his clothes and stepped forward.

The cool air reached her before the sound of the door opening. Turning to look at him, she raised a brow. "Coming to wash my hair?"

"I will after if you want. My dad taught me how."

"After?"

"Mmmm." He cupped her head with both hands and lifted her chin with his thumbs under her jaw. "After I show you one of the benefits of us living together."

His lips covering hers muffled her chuckle and his exploring tongue quickly turned it into a moan. Her hands slid up the damp planes of his chest to wind around his neck. She started to press closer, then stopped. "Romeo?"

"Sleeping." Jon replied without lifting his head. "And I locked the door."

"Mmm." Concerns relieved, Brianna relaxed and let him have his way.

Sensing her capitulation in the softening of her body, Jon ran his hands down her back to grip hips. With gentle nudges he pressed her against the wall out of the spray of the shower. He kept their mouths fused together as his hands roamed - one moved up to caress and play with her breast, the other down to grasp her thigh and raise it until her knee hooked over his hip. Reaching between them, his fingers stroked the damp, sensitive flesh that never failed to bring him pleasure.

As always, her body responded instantly to his touch.....and craved more. The feel of two fingers penetrating her aching core, instead of easing her yearning, just added fuel to her inner fire. Her nails bit into his neck and she broke the kiss enough to suck in a breath......and exhale a plea. "I need you inside me. Now. Please."

While his mind was all for drawing out the teasing, his body sided with hers.  As the saying went: happy wife means happy life. "Yes dear."

Her eyes closed and she moaned softly as he filled her with a slow thrust of his hips.

He nipped her lower lip, then soothed the sting with his tongue. "Fast or slow?" He just hoped his control was up to her answer.

With her libido in overdrive thanks to their recent abstinence, slow wasn't an option. "Fast."

Jon pressed closer, using his body and his hands to hold her steady as he complied, his hips churning against hers. Their mouths touched again, but the need for oxygen didn't allow for more than a brief kiss.

"Oh! Mmmm. Yes!" Brianna gasped as the friction created by their joined bodies ignited her nerve endings, sending tingles throughout her body. All she could do was cling to him and ride out the storm.

When their climaxes hit, he barely felt the bite of her nails in his back or her teeth in his shoulder. He was too focused on keeping them both upright while their bodies shuddered with release.

Brianna was brought back to an awareness of her surroundings by strong fingers massaging her scalp and working lather through her hair. "Mmmm. God that feels good. Your dad taught you this?"

"Mmhmmm."

"As a punishment?"

Jon chuckled. "No. He said if I got good at it, the women in my life would be putty in my hands."

She would have liked to challenge that assertion, but she didn't have the energy.