Chapter 98

For long minutes Jon enjoyed the feel of her body moving against his, but his hands soon started roaming. His mind wanted to go slow and savour her. His cock told him it was wishful thinking.

When Jon's hands slipped under the hem of her sweater, Brianna shivered - from both the sensation of his calluses scraping her skin and the cool air of the room. She drew back. "Light the fire."

"It's already lit." He assured her, pulling her back and capturing her lips once more.

She chuckled and pushed at his chest. "I mean the one in the fireplace." Stepping away, she retrieved her suitcase and started for the bathroom. She paused in the doorway to glance back at him. "I have a surprise for you too."

He stared at the closed door for long moments, his lust fuelled imagination conjuring various visions of what her surprise might be, then he shook his head and rushed to complete his own preparations.

Crouching, he struck a match and set it to the newspaper and kindling in the fireplace. He waited just long enough to make sure the flames caught the wood, then stood and stripped off his clothes on his way to the bed. Next, he folded back the blankets and knelt in the middle of the bed. Checking his reflection in the mirror, he grinned. "Perfect."

He’d just gotten everything in place when the bathroom door opened. Glancing up, his chest tightened and his mouth went dry. "God you're beautiful."

"Thank you." Brianna smiled at his husky tone and approached the side of the bed, slender fingers toying with the belt of her kimono. "Do you want to open your Valentine's present now?"

"The only present I need is you."

"You're in luck then." Undoing the belt, she opened the kimono and let it fall off her shoulders to puddle on the floor.

His eyes widened and his breath seized. If he'd been standing he was pretty sure his knees would have collapsed. His cock went from half mast to rock hard in seconds. "Holy fuck!"

"Happy Valentine's Day. Do you like it?" The teddy she wore was not much more than a wide red ribbon running the length of her torso and across her chest. It fastened with a big bow between her breasts. She looked very much like a present waiting to be unwrapped.

"Like I like breathing Golden Eyes."  He swallowed heavily and shifted to sit on the side of the bed, motioning her forward. When she reached him, he took her hands in his and just drank in the vision in front of him.

Brianna's lips twitched. "Aren't you going to open it?"

"Mmmm. Just enjoying the anticipation." Releasing her, he lifted his hands to her shoulders and let them drift down, following her curves. "It's almost too pretty to open."

She shrugged. "Well, if you don't want what's inside....."

His eyes flew up to lock with hers. "Oh I want it. Never doubt that Golden Eyes. I want the whole package. Body, heart.....and soul. I love you."

She had to swallow and blink suddenly wet eyes before she could answer. The expression in his eyes as he said the words left her in no doubt of his sincerity. It was everything she'd hoped for. "I love you too."

He reached up to cup the back of her head as she bent to kiss him. It started out soft and gentle, but quickly grew ravenous. The bite of her nails in his shoulders reminded him of his plans and he drew back. His fingers caught the end of the ribbon and with one steady pull, undid the bow. He peeled back the sides baring her to his hot, greedy gaze.

With a shrug and a shimmy, the teddy joined the kimono at her feet. His eyes heated even more and his hands trembled slightly as they covered her breasts. He stroked and fondled for long minutes, enjoying the satin softness of her skin. But the lure of her stiffened nipples was too strong to resist for long. Urging her closer, he cupped her plump mounds, lifting the taut peaks towards his mouth.

At the touch of his tongue, Brianna sucked in a sharp breath. When his lips closed around her distended flesh, she shuddered and moaned softly, her hands rising to slide into his hair and pull him closer.

While his mouth tasted and teased, Jon's hands left her breasts to roam her body. Curving around her hips, he squeezed, luxuriating in her warm flesh. His exploration quickly brought him to her sultry core. Blunt fingertips traced her swollen folds before dipping inside.

"Oh!" Brianna gasped and moaned. Her hips rocked against his hand, driving him deeper. The dual stimulation of mouth and hand fanned the flames of her desire, sending it rocketing towards the point of no return.

But Jon pulled away before she got there. Ignoring her protest - and her pout - he moved to kneel in the middle of the bed and motioned for her to join him. When she did, he kissed her gently and twirled his finger. "Turn around."

Confused but game, Brianna turned. Their reflection in the mirror sent her heart racing. Her skin was flushed with her arousal, her nipples swollen and hard from his mouth, her eyes heavy lidded. She was the vision of a woman in the throws of passion.

As she watched, a strong arm slid around her waist, holding her steady while her knees were nudged further apart by his. He lifted and shifted until she was straddling his thighs as he sat on his heels behind her. Tilting her hips, he positioned himself at her entrance, then locked his gaze on the mirror and watched her reaction as he slowly filled her.

"Oh! Yes!" Brianna closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the sensations streaking through her body with the friction he was creating, hurtling her towards the peak.

Sensing she was close, Jon scraped her hair to one side and set his mouth to the slender column of her neck. His teeth closing on a tendon and the flexing of his hips, driving him deeper, were all it took to send her over the edge.

"Jon!" Her back arched and her hands flew out in search of something to hang onto to anchor her while spasms shook her body.

His arm tightened. "I've got you. I'll never let you fall."

As her tremors subsided, her body went limp against his. Jon took the opportunity to reach under a fold in the blankets to retrieve the items he'd hidden there earlier.

Focused on getting her breath back, Brianna didn't notice the silk scarf sliding around her wrists. It was only when she tried to lift her hand that she realized he'd tied them behind his back. The binding wasn't tight enough to hurt or hold her in an uncomfortable position, she just couldn't move her arms past her sides. Catching his gaze in the mirror, she raised a brow.

Jon grinned. "This way I can touch you and watch your reactions without you distracting me."

"I never realized you were such a voyeur."

He shrugged. "You're so responsive and so beautiful in the throws of passion I can't help but watch...and I can't look away." He nuzzled her neck and watched her eyes close as she savoured the sensation. "Mmmm. Just like that."

For long minutes Jon let his hands roam her torso while he watched her reactions. He nuzzled her neck and sucked her earlobe. "You are so beautiful. I love the feel of your silky soft skin." He cupped her breasts and lifted them, his thumbs rubbing the stiffening tips. "I love the way your nipples harden with the slightest touch. I love the way your body moves against mine." He shifted his hips, smiling when she echoed his movement. He inhaled deeply. "I love the way you smell." He sucked her earlobe again. "I love the way you taste." His hands smoothed down her torso to stroke the swollen lips surrounding his buried flesh. "I love the way your body holds mine.....welcomes mine." He locked his gaze with hers again. "But most of all, I love watching you come apart in my arms." Blue eyes twinkled. "Did you know your eyes glow when you come? My beautiful Golden Eyes."

He reached under the blankets again. Brianna could feel him fumbling with something behind her back, and her heart raced in anticipation of whatever he had planned. When his hands came back around her, she frowned in confusion at the gadgets attached to his forefingers. "What are those?"

Jon just grinned and waggled his eyebrows, cupped her breasts again and touched the gadgets to her nipples.

"Holy shit!" She gasped, her back arching.

He hissed as her body clenched around his and lifted his fingers. "Too much?"

She shook her head. The sensation was very intense, but she didn't want him to stop. "Finger vibrators?" The possibilities were mind-boggling....and tantalizing.

"Mmhmmm. I thought you might like it."

Like was one way to put it. It was like she'd put her finger in an electrical socket. Goosebumps formed on her skin and her nerves skittered in anticipation of his next touch. The look she gave him when their gazes met in the mirror was a clear challenge. She licked her lips and braced herself.

Okay Sweetheart, you asked for it. He set his fingers to her nipples again, rubbing in circles, grinning when she groaned and arched her back. But he was just getting started. Releasing her breasts, he slid his hands slowly down her torso. She gasped, her stomach quivering at the vibration. Gritting his teeth, Jon braced himself for her reaction when he reached further down and stroked the swollen folds surrounding his embedded shaft.

"Ooooh!" Brianna moaned softly and rocked into his hand, increasing the stimulation inside and out.

For long minutes Jon played, letting his hands drift over her body and watched the mirror as she writhed against him, grinning when she growled in frustration.

She reached back to slap his hip. "Stop teasing!"

Jon chuckled, and would have dragged out the torture, but the pressure building in his body warned him that playtime was quickly coming to an end. Determined to see her come apart first, he shifted his hands, setting one vibrator on a nipple, the other on her clit.

"Ooooh shit!" Brianna clenched her hands as shockwaves surged through her body. "Yes! JON!"

With her screams echoing like music in his ears, and without moving his hands, Jon bent her forward just enough to allow his hips room to thrust and grind against hers. Within minutes, her cries were drowned out by the roar of the blood in his ears as his own tidal wave hit and he erupted inside her.

He held her tight while they waited for the tremors to subside and their heart rates to slow down.

The continuing stimulations of the vibrators became too much and Brianna fought her bonds. "Jon, stop! Please!"

He struggled to focus. "What?"

She wiggled. "Turn them off!"

"Oh!" He removed the vibrators from his fingers. "Sorry."

He released her hands before withdrawing from her body and collapsing on the bed, his arm around her waist taking her with him.

They were asleep in seconds.

Chapter 97

"Honey? You ready? We're burning daylight!" Jon called as he opened the door to Brianna's apartment.

"Coming!" Brianna checked her lipstick in the mirror, grabbed her suitcase and headed for the door - and her impatient boyfriend. "A little eager are we?"

He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. "To have you all to myself, no interruptions, for three whole days? You bet your ass I'm eager!"

With a husky chuckle, she let her arms creep up around his neck. "When you put it that way...." She touched her lips to his then pulled away. "Let's go!"

"Not so fast, tease." He pulled her back against him and capture her mouth with his for a thorough tasting. When her body relaxed and melted into his, he groaned and eased her back. "You're a brat!"

She just smiled, licked her tingling lips and reached into the closet for her coat. "Come on lover boy, you promised me a cozy room with a fireplace and a jacuzzi."

Holding her coat with one hand, he picked up her suitcase with the other. He paused only long enough for her to grab her purse before nudging her out the door.

The flight to Vermont seemed to take forever. Jon sat staring out the window, his knee jiggling restlessly. Brianna set her hand on it and squeezed. "You really are not good at waiting are you?"

He turned his head to look at her, his gaze drifting from her eyes to lock on her mouth. "Not for something that I really want."

The look in his eyes left no room for doubting what he meant. He covered her hand with his, laced their fingers together and raised them to his mouth where he kissed and nibbled on her delicate skin, blue eyes glinting as golden ones started to glow.

"You have a one track mind today." She watched his lips on her fingers, enjoying the sparks shooting up her arm and setting her stomach swirling again. "You're lethal."

"Baby, you ain't seen nothing yet. I have plans for you." He promised.

"Mmmm. Sounds intriguing." She murmured the words in his ear.

He turned his head enough to touch his lips to hers. "I promise you'll enjoy it."

Her tongue traced his bottom lip. "I'm going to hold you to that."

This time when their lips met neither one moved away. For long minutes they touched and tasted, not seeking to fan the flames of their ever present desire, only to enjoy the flavour and closeness of each other.

The pilot announcing their imminent landing broke them apart and they prepared to deplane. Inside the airport, the crowd around the car rental booth made Jon hesitate and reach for his sunglasses.

Guessing what the problem was, Brianna went into personal assistant mode. "I'll go. What name is it reserved under?"

"Mine."

Her eyebrows rose. "You used your own name? That was......brave of you. Not very smart, but brave."

He smiled wryly. "I didn't think there'd be this many people around."

"No wonder you need a personal assistant. You'd better go hide behind that newsstand."

"Brat." But he went.

Brianna approached the car rental counter, greeted the attendant and discreetly handed over her business card. Seeing the Bon Jovi Management name and logo, the attendant immediately glanced around rather hopefully. Unable to spot anyone worth getting excited about, she sighed and handed Brianna the rental agreement and the keys. "Just follow the signs to our parking lot. The slot number is on the keychain."

"Thank you." Brianna smiled and walked towards the exit, not glancing towards the newsstand at all. During the tour they'd gotten pretty good at sneaking Jon out of public places and she had no doubt he'd find her.

No sooner had the door closed behind her than he appeared at her side. "What took you so long? It's freezing out here!"

"I thought you were hiding inside."

"I was, but there were a bunch of girls eyeing me. I figured I was better off cold than take the chance of being recognized." He stopped beside the vehicle Brianna directed him to. "I love my fans, but I love you more." He leaned over to kiss her, ignoring her stunned expression. "This is our time." Loading their bags in the back, he held out his hand for the keys.

She'd gotten the words that she wanted. Not the way she'd expected, but maybe they meant all the more because of the causal way he said them. She'd have to think about that later. Regaining her wits and remembering a similar situation with Richie, she raised a brow. "Do you know how to get to the lodge?"

He pulled a brochure containing a map out of his pocket and handed it to her. "You navigate."

"Why can't I drive and you navigate?"

"Because if I don't have something to keep my hands busy I can't be held accountable for what may happen."

Brianna eyed him, tempted to take her chances. At his leer she snorted and handed over the keys. "I guess one of us has to have some self control........at least until we get to the lodge."

"And then all bets are off." He agreed.

The lodge was what might be expected of the term 'lodge'. It wasn't as big as a hotel, more like an Inn. The outside looked like an oversized log cabin, the inside a beautiful mix of modern and rustic. The lobby had a large fireplace and several pieces of comfortable looking furniture focused around the cheery flames.

"This place is fantastic!" Brianna exclaimed. "How far in advance did you have to book it?"

Jon grinned sheepishly. "Actually we lucked out. They had a cancellation just before I called last month."

As he approached the desk, the clerk looked up, her professional smile froze for a second, then widened. "Oh! Mr. Bon Jovi! Welcome!"

"Thank you." Jon grit his teeth, but managed a smile while he pulled out his credit card.

Brianna turned away from the desk, pretending to take a closer look around the lobby, to hide her grin at the young woman's struggle to remain professional.  Accepting the key while Jon picked up the luggage, Brianna couldn't help but tease him as they walked down the hallway. "Look at it this way. At least she didn't have to ask her mother who you were."

He glowered at her. "Brat."

Chuckling, she opened the door to their room, stepped inside and gasped. "Oh Jon! It's fantastic!"

"Glad you like it." He had to admit, it looked pretty good.

It wasn't a suite, but it was a large room. The king size bed was covered in a multicoloured patchwork quilt and a mound of thick pillows. The opposite wall held the promised fireplace with a wooden mantle. Above the mantle was a large mirror that reflected the image of the bed. On one side of the hearth was a box filled with logs and a tube of long wooden matches. The fire was laid, but not lit. The hardwood floor was warmed by various throw rugs including a fake fur one in front of the fireplace. 

When she moved to investigate a door to the side of the bed, Brianna felt tugging on her shoulders. Realizing Jon was trying to take her coat, she shrugged it off and let him have it. The door proved to be the entrance to the bathroom. A glance inside revealed a marble vanity, the jacuzzi tub and a large glass doored shower stall. The white towels were thick and there were two robes hanging on the back of the door.

Another wall in the main room had a large window with a view of the snow covered mountains. In front of the window was a table flanked by two large thick stuffed chairs. On the table was a vase with a dozen red roses and a heart shaped box of chocolates. A bottle of champagne was chilling in a stand beside the table.

Brianna bent to smell the roses, straightened and surveyed the peaceful scene out the window. She sighed in contentment. When strong arms slid around her waist, she smiled and leaned back against him.

"So I did good?"

"Mmmm. You did very good. It's perfect." She turned in his arms and slid her hands up his chest to twine around his neck.

"Thank you." He grinned lazily at her. His hands drifted up to her hair, agile fingers searching for the pins holding it in place. He grunted in satisfaction when the heavy mass came tumbling down around her shoulders. "That's better. Don't know why you keep pinning it up."

"So that you can take it down." She shook her head, sending more pins flying.

He smoothed the silken strands back from her face, his fingers threading through her thick mane. "I love your hair."

"Mmmm." She let her head drop back in response to his gentle tugging. Her fingers did some combing of their own, sifting through his cool locks.

Taking advantage of her position, he dipped his head to kiss and nibble on her exposed neck. She shivered and arched her back, pressing her lower body tight to his.

But no matter how much she rubbed and whimpered, he didn't respond to her invitation.

She growled in frustration. "Jon!"

"Mmmm?" He murmured without lifting his lips from where they were currently nuzzling her neck.

She tugged his hair.

He chuckled. "Problem?"

"For someone who was acting like a horny teenager earlier you certainly are taking your time."

"For once we can take as much time as we want. I intend to go slow and enjoy every inch of you."

Brianna shivered, but didn't argue. However, she did give him a warning. "What's good for the gander is good for the goose, remember?"

Chapter 96

Now Jon was even more determined to carve out a few days for some quality alone time with his girlfriend. He spent the next morning surfing the internet for suitable locations. He wanted someplace comfortable and secluded enough to discourage over eager fans, but civilized enough to have some interesting activities is they wanted to go out. It wasn't easy to find a place that met his criteria. Finding one that had an opening for a few days around Valentine's was even harder. Especially on short notice.

He finally found one that sounded  - and looked - perfect. In Vermont of all places, which virtually guaranteed at least a little anonymity. No one would expect him - Mr. Beach Bum - to be vacationing in a lodge in Vermont in February. But he really didn't care what the weather was like - he wasn't planning on leaving the room much. They had waited a long time to be able to spend a whole night together without kids interrupting or him having to leave earlier than he wanted to because he was needed at home. This was going to be three glorious days of doing.....whatever they wanted. And he had a whole list of things he wanted to do to her. While he recognized his physical limitations - he wasn't twenty anymore - that didn't mean he couldn't test those boundaries.

"Daddy! I hungy!"

His son's voice pulled him from his carnal planning and reminded him of the next step in his plan - find a babysitter. "Coming little man."

He spent most of the afternoon considering and discarding possible babysitters. Some were too far away, some the kids wouldn't like and some he didn't want to bother anymore than he already had. There's got to be someone. I can't miss this opportunity because I can't find a babysitter!

"Dad. Dad. DAD!" Stephanie had to yell to get his attention.

"What?"

She waved the phone at him. "It's Aunt Linda."

"Thanks." He took the phone. "Hey Linda, how are you?"

"I'm fine. How's everything there?"

"All good."

"Jon.....I have a big favour to ask you."

"Sure, what do you need?"

"Donna's coming home for a few days and the family's all getting together. I wondered if the kids could come."

"When?"

"February. Valetine's if you can believe it. Only someone truly homesick would visit New Jersey in February."

"Colorado in February isn't any better." Jon pointed out.

"I guess. I still think she's nuts for travelling then, but she insists. If it's okay with you, I'd like the kids to stay here with us. I'll make sure they get to school."

If she'd been there in person he would have kissed her. "That's fine with me."

They chatted for another few minutes. Hanging up, Jon did a fist pump. Yes! Now everything was set for his little get away. It had all come together rather easily.  A little too easily when he really thought about it. He wasn't one to believe in spirits or higher powers involving themselves in his life - he created his own luck. But just in case, he sent up a prayer of thanks.

"Dad?"

"Mmmm?"

"What did Aunt Linda have to say?"

"Aunt Donna's coming from Colorado for a visit in February and they're having a family get together. She wants you guys to stay with her for a few days."

"Do we get to miss school?" Jesse asked hopefully.

"No. Aunt Linda's going to take you and pick you up."

"Oh." Jesse sighed. 

Stephanie rolled her eyes and refocused her attention on her father. "Are you going to the party?"

"No."

"Then you should take a trip with Bri. Somewhere romantic."

More and more often Jon was surprised at how fast his daughter was maturing. He couldn't decide whether it was a good thing or not. But he couldn't prevent the grin curving his lips. "That's the plan."

Later that evening  after the little ones were in bed, Jon poured himself a glass of wine and settled into his favourite chair to call his girlfriend. "Hey honey, how are you feeling?"

"A little better thanks. I still have a fever, but my stomach seems to have settled."

"Good." He took a sip. "How does three days alone at a lodge in Vermont for Valentine's sound?" He'd debated keeping it a surprise, but he hadn't done very well in the surprise department where she was concerned and he figured he was safer to just tell her.

"Um......cold?" Her fever addled brain wasn't sure where he was going with this.

He chuckled. "By alone, I meant you and I alone together. The room has a fireplace and a jacuzzi." His voice deepened. "I won't let you get cold."

His tone had her stomach swirling again. "Do I even need to pack clothes?"

Several visions formed in his head while he considered her question. "Bring your kimono."

Brianna grinned. She had a few other items he might like too.

"So where's he taking you?" Lisa asked her sister-in-law.

"A lodge in Vermont." Brianna answered as she folded her kimono and laid it in her suitcase, trying not to drop the phone in the process.

"Vermont in February? I thought he was a beach bum not a snow bunny."

Brianna laughed, remembering the snow ball fight the month before. "Oh he knows how to have fun in the snow too." She assured her. "Plus, he said the room has a fireplace and a jacuzzi."

"Mmmm. Sounds romantic. I may have to rethink my opinion of him."

"Oh? What do you mean?" Brianna frowned.

"Well, after the whole inviting you parents without telling you fiasco I wasn't sure if he was totally insensitive or just incredibly stupid."

Despite agreeing with her sister-in-law at the time, Brianna found herself defending him. "His heart was in the right place, he just didn't realize how bad Father is. He thought he was doing a good thing by bringing the families together."

"So....stupid then."

"In that instance.....yes. But I don't think he'll make that mistake again."

"I hope not." Lisa paused. "Other than underestimating your father, does he treat you well?"

"Yes. Despite what you've seen, he is usually quite considerate of my feelings. I think at some level, losing his wife has made him more conscious of his partner's emotional state."

"I'm glad something good came out of that tragedy." Lisa shook her head sadly. "So Jon's coping okay?"

"Better than I ever anticipated." After a little tough love. "He's really stepped up with the kids. He has a cleaning lady and a cook that comes in several days a week when I'm not there, and of course his mother helps out, but he does the bulk of the children's caretakimg himself. Even Romeo's potty training."

"Wow!" Lisa was impressed. She wished she could see through the phone line to her sister-in-law's face, but the pride in her voice told a pretty clear story. "You love him. And more than that, you're in love with him."

Brianna sighed, but didn't deny it. "Yes."

"And does he feel the same way?"

"I think so."

Lisa frowned. "But you're not sure?"

The subject hadn't come up since she'd blurted it out in a feverish daze, and while she believed his 'ditto', she wanted the actual words and she wanted to see his face while he said them. She intended to make that happen over the next few days. "I will be after this trip."

"Go get him girl!" Lisa made a mental note to have a long conversation with Mr. Bongiovi very soon. Brianna hadn't had an easy life and wasn't as self confident as she appeared. She'd come a long way from the meek girl she was raised to be, but it wouldn't take much to deflate her hard fought for backbone and Lisa was determined to make sure that didn't happen.

Chapter 95

Chapter 95

Brianna sat at her desk and put her head in her hands. She felt like crap. Her head was pounding, she was shivering one minute and sweating the next, and her body was threatening to reject what little bit of food she'd managed to eat for breakfast. She just wasn't sure which end it was going to come out of.

Evelyn knocked and walked into the office to hand Brianna the mail. Her brows snapped together. "Brianna, are you okay? Sorry for saying this, but you look awful."

"Nice to know I look as good as I feel." Brianna groaned.

"Aw honey, you should go home. Looks like you've caught that flu bug that's going around. And it's a nasty one. Go home and go to bed."

"I..." Clapping her hand over her mouth, Brianna bolted for the bathroom. 

When she returned to her office, Evelyn held out her coat, purse and briefcase. "There's a car waiting for you out front. Rest and plenty of fluids. Go."

"Thanks." The truth was, she didn't have the energy to argue. Bed sounded like heaven.

Jon strode into the office just before noon, hoping to surprise his girlfriend and take her to lunch. Finding her office empty he frowned and called Evelyn. "Where's Bri? Did she leave for lunch already?"

"I sent her home a couple hours ago. She looked awful."

"She's sick?" Disappointment turned to concern.

"Mmmm. I think she caught the nasty flu bug that's going around the city."

"Bad?"

"White as a sheet and throwing up."

Jon grimaced. "Okay, thanks."

He puttered around the office for awhile, going through the mail, touching base with Paul about his writing session with Richie and a possible new album, and Craig Spencer about the Soul's upcoming season. Finally, he couldn't stay way any longer. He stood up, pulled on his coat and headed out the door.

When he left the building, Evelyn called Paul. "He just left." She looked at her watch. "An hour and five minutes. You win. I'd didn't think he'd last more than half an hour."

"Workaholic trumps romance every time." Was Paul's opinion.

At Brianna's apartment, Jon let himself in with the key she'd given him a few months ago rather than make her get up. Kicking off his boots, he headed straight for her bedroom, where he found her curled up, the covers pulled up to her chin.

"Honey?" He sat down on the bed beside her and reached out to smooth her hair off of her forehead, frowning at the heat of her skin.

At his touch, Brianna turned towards him, huddling close to his warmth. Despite the heat emanating from her body, she was shivering.

"Aw, poor baby. You really got a good dose of this flu didn't you." Shedding his coat, he slipped under the covers with her and held her close, hoping his body heat would ease her shivering.

When Brianna opened her eyes awhile later, she blinked at finding she had company - she didn't remember him coming in. "Jon?"

"Hey honey. How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been run over by a Mack truck.....or threw up one." She winced as she swallowed. Searching his face, she frowned. "You're sweating. Are you getting sick too?"

"No. I'm fully dressed, including a heavy sweater under a mountain of blankets. Of course I'm sweating." His pressed his lips to her forehead, noting she was still hot.

"Mmmm. Sorry." She snuggled against his sweater and closed her eyes again.

"I'm not. I'm here for whatever you need. Are you hungry?"

Brianna grimaced and shook her head. "Don't think it would stay down."

"What about something to drink? Maybe some tea or water or juice? Tylenol?"

"Maybe later. Too tired."

"Okay. Sleep Golden Eyes. Just let me know when you want something."

"Mmmm hmm."

As the afternoon passed, Jon considered their options and what would work best. He'd called his mother, who was staying with the kids at the moment, before he'd left the office and she'd agreed to stay longer, but she had other obligations later on, so he needed to get home soon.

But Brianna needed looking after. This needing to be in two places at once was really getting old. He needed the people he cared about the most living together.

Brianna startled him out of his thoughts when she started fighting to get the covers off.

"Honey? What's wrong?"

She didn't answer, just fought harder to get untangled.

"Bri, take it easy." He reached out to try and calm her.

But she pushed him away. "Gonna....be....sick." Finally freeing herself from the blankets, she jumped from the bed and rushed to the bathroom.

When she was finished, Jon handed her a glass of water to rinse her mouth and helped her back to bed. "Honey, do you think you can get up long enough for me to help you down to my car?"

"Why?"

"So I can take you home."

She frowned. "No."

"Okay, I'll carry you down. Want me to throw some stuff in a bag for you?"

"No."

"You sure? Not even some bathroom stuff?"

"No. Not going."

"Come on Golden Eyes, it won't be that bad of a drive. We can bring a bucket if you're afraid of throwing up on the way."

Brianna sighed and tried to get throughout to him. "Jon, I'm not going to your house."

It was Jon's turn to frown. "Why not? You're sick and it's our turn to take care of you."

She shook her head. "Not going to expose the kids to this." She groaned as another wave of nausea swirled in her stomach. "It's awful."

"All the more reason you shouldn't be alone. I'll keep the kids away from you. They'll be okay."

"No."

"But...."

"I said no! I'm not going to your house. Go home and look after your kids." Brianna instructed stubbornly. She felt horrible and just wanted to be left alone to sleep.

Jon sighed and decided to retreat for the moment. He stomped into the kitchen to get something to drink and decide his next move. Opening the fridge, he frowned at its contents. He pulled out the bottle of juice, noting it was over half gone. There wasn't much there in the food department either - definitely nothing that a queasy stomach would be interested in.

Retrieving his coat, he stepped into his boots and headed downstairs. He walked the block and a half to her favourite deli where he loaded up with juice and a few varieties of soup that he knew she liked. Satisfied that he had enough to tide her over for a few days, he made his way back to Brianna's apartment.

He set the food on the counter and went to check on her. She was sleeping again, but when he put his hand on her forehead to check her fever, her eyes opened. "Hey honey, do you want some food? Maybe some soup or some juice?"

She started to shake her head, then stopped. "Maybe some juice."

"Okay." He put the soup in the fridge and poured a big glass of juice. Returning to the bedroom he propped her up enough to drink without spilling it all over herself. "I still wish you'd let me take you home."

"I am home."

"You know what I mean."

Brianna sighed. "I'll be perfectly fine here by myself. I've survived many illnesses without anyone hovering over me."

"But you shouldn't have to."

That meant more to her than she would ever be able to explain. "I appreciate your concern, and that you want to take care of me, but I'll be fine. Really! I just want to sleep."

Jon knew when he was beaten - even if he didn't like it. "Stubborn woman!" He sighed. "Okay. There's some soup in the fridge when your stomach settles down." He bent to kiss her.

"Mmmmm. Okay." When he didn't move, she laid her hand on his chest and pushed. "Go home!"

"Okay, okay, I'm going. I'll call you later."

Later that night, the ringing phone woke her up. "I'm still alive." Even though it feels like that might be up for debate.

"That's good to hear." Jon smiled. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I could fry an egg on my forehead, I've thrown up my intestines and there's a demolition crew working in my head."

"Take more Tylenol." He advised.

"Thanks." She answered dryly.

"Have you eaten anything?"

"Ugh. No. Just sipping on juice."

"Poor baby."

"Mmmm. What are you doing?"

"Watching Ghost for the hundredth time."

"Stephanie got to pick the movie?" Brianna guessed.

"What was your first clue?" He asked dryly.

"Because I love that movie too. Patrick Swayze is so...." She sighed.

"Yeah, yeah. I thought you were sick."

"But I'm still breathing and the man is hot!"

"Yeah, yeah. I still don't see the attraction to this movie."

Brianna chuckled tiredly. "It's a girl thing. Gorgeous guy, killed in his prime, but he can't rest and until he makes sure his murderer is caught and his wife is safe." She sighed dramatically. "It's a love story that transcends even death."

  

Jon was silent for a long moment and Brianna could have kicked herself for bringing up sad memories. Blame it on her fever fried brain.

He pushed aside thoughts and wishes of the past and focused on the future. "Maybe I should buy you a pottery wheel."

"Mmmm. That could be fun." She started humming Unchained Melody. "Sing for me Blue Eyes."

He laughed. "You're pretty spunky for a sick woman."

"Tylenol high. It'll only be temporary." In fact, she could feel herself fading already. "What did you do today?"

He filled her in on his conversations with Paul and Craig. While he talked he noticed her responses getting shorter and quieter. "Honey? You still there?"

"Mmhmmm."

"Are you falling asleep?"

"Mmhmmm."

He smiled. "Get some rest. I'll call you tomorrow."

"Mmhmmm."

"Nite Golden Eyes. Feel better."

"Nite Blue Eyes. Love you." Disconnecting, she tossed the phone aside. Then her last words replayed in her head and her eyes flew open. Oh my God! What have I done?

Jon stared at his phone trying to decide whether he heard her right or if it was just wishful thinking. Did she just say she loves me? He debated calling her back, but figured she needed her rest - and he didn't want to take the chance she might try to take back her words. But he didn't want to leave her hanging like that either. A smile spread slowly across his face as he typed out a text.

Brianna was still trying to breathe and fight off an anxiety attack, afraid of what she'd opened herself up for, when her phone buzzed with a text. Dread of what it might say made her arm feel almost too heavy and weak to lift the phone. Squeezing one eye shut, she held her breath and looked at the display.

Ditto.

Chapter 94

In the studio, unaware of the battle preparations being made outside, Jon set aside his guitar and rose to grab a bottle of water out of the fridge.

"The kids seem to be adjusting okay." Richie observed.

Jon nodded. "Yeah, thanks to Bri. I don't know how she does it, but she seems to know exactly what they need."

"And what about you? Does she know exactly what you need?"

The glint in the blue eyes and the sly smile were answer enough. "But we don't get much time to indulge."

"You guys need a vacation." Was Richie's opinion.

"I'm working on that. Maybe around Valentine's."

Richie sipped from his water bottle and studied his long time friend. "You ever.....think about getting married? I mean, I assume you think of Bri as more than a nanny and a playmate."

Jon scowled. "Of I course I do! I.....I think I love her."

"You think?"

"Okay, fine. I love her."

"But?"

Grimacing, Jon shrugged. "I'm just not sure what's the right thing to do."

"Guilt?" Richie guessed.

Jon shrugged again. "I guess. Partly anyway."

Shrieks of laughter drew them to the window where they watched Brianna and the kids playing in the snow.

"Bri's a good woman. A long term type of woman."

"I know."

"I guess it comes down to whether you want to be loyal to Dot - even though she gave you her blessing - and alone....or whether you want that to be your future." Richie gestured to the family scene out the window.

"Did you come here to work or lecture me on my love life?"

Richie held up his hands. He knew when to back off and let his words percolate in Jon's head. "Hey, just telling you what I see."

"Well, can you see how to finish this song?"

"Yes, boss."

When hunger pangs finally convinced them to call it quits for the day, Jon and Richie pulled on their coats and started for the house. They didn't see or hear the kids and figured everyone had gone inside.

They were almost to the house when the first missile hit.

"What the f....?" Jon brushed off the remnants of the snowball, shivered as ice cold water ran down his neck, and glanced around. He couldn't see anyone, but he could hear giggling.

"It came from over there." Richie pointed towards the wall of snow a few yards away.

While they stood there, another missile sailed through the air, hitting Richie square in the chest. Since he hadn't bothered to do up his coat for the short trip between buildings, the snowball quickly soaked through his shirt. "Son of a...." Bending, he scooped up a handful of snow. "Of course you know, this means war!"

With that declaration, he lobbed the snowball over the wall and the battle was on.

But the men didn't have a wall to protect them like their opponents did, and were quickly drenched. Jon caught Richie's attention. "You distract them, I'll go around the front of the house and come at them from the other side."

Richie nodded and fired a flurry of snowballs over the wall.

"Brianna, Dad just ducked around the house. I think he's heading for the other side!" Jesse warned.

"Okay. Jake. Romeo, you stay here and keep making snow balls for Jesse. Stephanie and I will go deal with your Dad."

"Okay!"

Richie saw the girls take off behind the house and figured Jon was in trouble. He grinned and bent to scoop up more snow. He hadn't had this much fun in years.

Jon rounded the corner of the house, figuring he had the instigators trapped. The sight of another wall warned him that his confidence might be misplaced. But he had no time to revise his plan. He no sooner realized what he was looking at than he was bombarded with snow balls. He fought to stand his ground. "Brats!"

The battle went on for about ten minutes before the boys joined the girls.

"Uncle Mookie surrendered." Jesse informed them.

"Dad? Do you surrender?" Stephanie called out.

"Never!"

Brianna's eyes narrowed. "Jake, Romeo, I've got a mission for you."

"What?" Jake's eyes were round.

"I want you two to run out there and tackle Daddy. Take him down to the ground and sit on him. Do you think you can do that?"

"Aim for his knees." Jesse advised.

"Okay!" Jake nodded. "Ready Romey?"

Romeo nodded. "One, two, fee, go!"

While the rest provided covering fire, the two little boys ran as fast as they could and charged right into their father, taking him down to the ground.

"Ooof!" Jon had the breath knocked out of him when Jake landed on his stomach.

"You srender Daddy?"

Jon lifted his head in time to see Romeo climb up behind his brother. He gave up. "Yes. I surrender!"

"YAAAY!" The boys cheered.

"Bina we winned!"

"We sure did! Good job!" She caught Jon's eye and grinned. "Better let Daddy up boys, we don't want him to freeze."

"Gee thanks." Jon muttered as the boys moved and he was able to stand up."

"Do you plan to starve your prisoners?" Richie asked as he joined them.

Brianna laughed. "No. Come on everyone, let's go inside."

Closing the door, she surveyed her troops. "Okay, hot showers or baths for everyone!"

"Who's up for a movie night tonight?" Jon asked.

"ME! ME! ME!"

Leaving Jon to hang up coats, Brianna detoured to the kitchen to put the lasagna in the oven before heading upstairs to help the boys and shower herself.

After dinner, they all settled in the living room to watch movies.

Looking around the room, Richie smiled. Jon lounged in the corner if the couch, Brianna beside him, leaning against his chest with Romeo on her lap. Jesse and Stephanie were in the large armchairs and Jake was on the floor with a pillow and blanket, Copper beside him. It was a peaceful family scene.

After the first movie, Brianna started to sit up. "Let's get these guys into bed." Both little boys had fallen asleep.

Stephanie got up and walked over the couch, reaching for Romeo. "I'll take him if you want to get Jake."

"Sure."

When the girls had left the room, Jesse looked at his father. "Dad."

"Mmmm?"

"Thanks for today. That was fun."

"Yeah, it was."

Upstairs, they got the boys settled and started back down the hallway towards the stairs.

"Brianna?"

"Yes?"

"Today was a lot of fun. Thanks."

"It was. I wasn't sure if your dad would play along. I'm glad he did." Brianna put her arm around the teenager's shoulders and hugged her.

"Me too."

When all the kids were in bed, the adults shared a bottle of wine and chatted.

Finally, Brianna yawned and stood up. "I'm beat. I'm going to bed." She leaned down to kiss Jon. "Nite babe. Thanks for playing along today. The kids had a blast."

"You're still a brat."

Richie chuckled. "Don't let him snow you Sunshine, he had fun too."

Brianna winked at him. "I know. He's just too much of a curmudgeon to admit it. Nite Richie."

"Nite Sunshine. Sleep well."  When she'd gone up the stairs. Richie eyed his friend. "She really does know just what everyone needs."

"Uh huh."

"Do you want my opinion?"

"Do I have a choice?" Jon responded dryly.

"Marry her. Make your kids happy. Make yourself happy. Not many people find that kind of love and connection twice in a lifetime. Don't blow it. Don't let her get away."

Chapter 93

Brianna was sitting at her desk in the office sorting through Jon's mail and going over the reports from Craig Spencer about the Soul's preparation for the upcoming season. When her phone rang, she answered without looking at the display. "Brianna Prentiss."

"Yes, Ms. Prentiss," a nasal voice responded. "There is a famous rock star who will be arriving at JFK tomorrow on the two-thirty flight from Los Angeles, who will require transportation to his lodging in New Jersey, and I was told that you could provide said transportation."

Brianna grinned. She'd missed the silliness of the band members. "Didn't the rock star ask his assistant to arrange for said transportation?"

"Oh no. This cannot be handled by a mere assistant. It must be handled by you."

"Um.....but I am a mere assistant."

"No, my dear, you are so much more. You are the assistant, girlfriend and Boo Boo tamer, and as such are the only one qualified to drive the rock star."

"Oh, I think, since the rock star is so important, it would be better to hire a town car or maybe a limo for him, with a professional driver."

"I'm sorry Ms. Prentiss, that just won't do. I'm afraid I must insist that you pick up the rock star and drive him yourself."

"And why must it be me?" Richie was a lot like Jake - he never ceased to amaze her with the workings of his mind.

"Because he is very particular about who drives him. It's a long drive and he prefers someone pleasant and attractive to spend that time with." He paused and switched to his normal voice. "And you can fill me in on what's happening at Casa Bongiovi......and with your love life."

And that would be the real reason. "Richie, did anyone ever tell you you're worse than a teenage girl?"

"Darlin' when you live in a town whose life blood is gossip, you can't help it if some rubs off. I just want to make sure my friends are happy." He smirked to himself. "Besides, Ava's already shown me the tabloid pictures of you two. I'm surprised there hasn't been more."

"We haven't gone out that much, and when it's music related no one thinks anything of me being with him."

"Unless you're playing tonsil hockey on stage."

Brianna chuckled. "Well, it was New Year's."

"What's your excuse the other three hundred and sixty-four days of the year?"

She shrugged. "Because I can."

A deep chuckle reverberated down the phone line. "I guess that's as good a reason as any." He sobered. "But seriously, Bri, can you pick me up and take me to Red Bank? I need you to catch me up on how everyone's doing before I get there. When Jon called and asked me to come, all he said was that everyone was doing fine and he was ready to do some writing."

"You don't believe him?"

"This is Jon we're talking about remember. He'd say he was fine if he was bleeding to death."

"It's only a flesh wound." Brianna quipped in her best attempt at a British accent.

There was a split second of silence, then Richie burst out laughing. "I'm not dead yet!" He laughed again. "Ah Sunshine, Tony named you well. So, what do you say? Can you give me a lift?"

Brianna heaved a heavy sigh. "I suppose I can rearrange my schedule."

"Atta girl! You're the best!"

"Uh huh."

Richie grinned. "See you tomorrow Sunshine!"

The next day, Brianna pulled into a spot in front of the arrivals area and scanned the area for Richie. A small crowd and a few camera flashes told her he was close. When his distinctive hat became visible, she made her way towards him.

A gap in the crowd revealed his face and she grinned. "Hey handsome, can I give you a lift?"

"Hey baby!" He set down his bags to wrap her in a bear hug, lifting her clear off her feet. "You can take me anywhere!"

Ignoring the tabloid reporters and tourists, they walked to her car. When he opened the back to put his luggage in, Richie saw her suitcase and slanted her a look. "Had to rearrange your schedule to pick me up huh? Liar! Fess up Sunshine. You were planning on going to Jersey for the weekend long before I called for a ride, weren't you."

Brianna's lips twitched. "Maybe."

"Jon's right. You're a brat."

She just laughed and moved to stand beside the driver's door.

Richie opened the passenger door and waved her towards it. "I can drive."

She raised a brow. "Don't trust my driving?"

"That's not it. When I asked you to pick me up I didn't mean for you to be my chauffeur."

"Uh huh."

"Really!" He searched for a way out of the hole he found himself in. "Does Jon let you drive him around?"

She had to think for a moment. "No, but then we've always been in his car or had a driver." When he just looked at her expectantly, she rolled her eyes. "Get in the car Rich. I promise I'll get you to Red Bank in one piece." She climbed in and put the key in the ignition.

Richie sighed and did as he was instructed.

He waited until they'd left the city and the traffic had eased before turning the conversation to a serious subject. "So tell me how everyone's really doing?"

"Actually they're doing well. The kids still have a few bad days now and then, but they're healing and are happy most days."

"And Jon? Is he 'healing and happy' most days?"

"I think so. He's a little overwhelmed at being a single parent sometimes, but he's really trying. He's even doing a lot of Romeo's potty training."

"Really?" Richie smiled. "Can't wait to see that!" He studied her profile. "And how are things going with the two of you?"

"Pretty good."

"Why do I hear a 'but' in there?"

She shrugged. "We don't get a lot of time alone together. Usually just the time between when the kids go to bed and when we do or the nights he comes into the city and stays at my place. He doesn't like to leave the kids very often." Realizing how her words sounded, she grimaced. "Don't get me wrong, I love the kids and I don't begrudge them his time. I just wish we had a little more time for ourselves."

"You need to get away for a few days just the two of you."

Brianna snorted. "I wish. But I don't see it happening. Aside from the kids, he's getting back into work mode. I think this is more than just a songwriting session for something to do. I think he's ready to put out an album, and maybe even a tour. I don't foresee much time for a holiday."

"Well, on the bright side, you'll be able to get some quality alone time during the tour. Just think about it! Hotels and room service, so no cooking or cleaning. Beautiful scenery...."

"Reporters, technical glitches, tired, moody boss, babysitting."

Richie frowned. "Babysitting? There won't be kids on tour."

"Pfft! Only the biggest kids of all!" She gave him a pointed look.

"You must be talking about Lemma, not me."

"Uh huh."

Richie just grinned.

The buzz of the gate opening could barely be heard over the pandemonium created by four kids who had been cooped up indoors too long.

"BIANNA'S HERE!" Jake announced when her car neared the house.

"BINA! YAY! BINA!"

"Thank God!" Jon muttered, heading for the front door.

"Uncle Mookie's here too!"

"Bonus!" Kicking into his boots, Jon reached for his coat just as the door opened.

"Bianna!"

"Hi buddy!" She started to bend down to hug him, but was stopped by his father.

Jon framed her face with his hands and captured her lips in a fierce kiss. "I am so glad to see you! Rich! Drop your shit and let's go out to the studio."

"Um, yeah....okay." Richie eyed the rambunctious kids, set down his suitcase picked up his guitar, waved at the kids and followed his host out the door.

Stunned, both by his intense greeting and his quick departure, Brianna watched them walk down the driveway. "Did you at least start something for dinner?!"

"Sorry honey!"

"Pfft!" She snorted. "Sorry my ass!" Closing the door, she sighed and looked at the kids. Any ideas for supper?"

"I took a lasagna out of the freezer and there's lettuce for a salad." Stephanie offered, raising her voice to be heard over Jake and Romeo' s screeches and yells as they chased each other around the foyer.

Brianna winced at the boys' volume. Walking over to Stephanie, she gave her a hug. "I love you!"

Stephanie laughed and hugged her back. "I love you too."

Jesse just rolled his eyes.

"Bianna come play with me!"

"No! Bina pay wif ME!"

"No!Me!"

"Boys!" Brianna interrupted. "I've got a better idea. Get your coats and boots on." She frowned. "Maybe your snow suits would be better."

"Where we going?" Jake wanted to know.

"Outside."

"What to do?"

"We're going to play in the snow. Maybe build a snowman, maybe a fort." Burn off some of your built up energy!

"YAAAAY!!!"

The next few minutes were pure chaos as preparations were made to brave the cold outdoors. Stephanie and Jesse decided they could use some fresh air too and joined them.

They moved around to the back of the house where there was plenty of room for whatever they wanted to build. There was no shortage of snow, but Brianna just prayed it would pack enough to be good building material.

Mother Nature was on her side. It was perfect packing snow. The boys immediately started rolling balls, Jesse and Stephanie helping with the big ones and lifting the smaller ones to form, not just a snowman, but a whole snow family.

Jesse looked over to where Brianna was standing eyeing the studio. He walked over to join her. "They'll come back for dinner."

"I know. Richie hasn't eaten since whatever they gave him on the plane. His hollow leg must be just about empty."

Jesse laughed. "So why are you staring at the studio?"

"Do you think we could build a wall here in front of that open area of the driveway?"

"I guess. What for?"

"To shield us from return fire." 

He stared at her for a moment before her meaning sank in. He grinned, the twinkle in his blues eyes matching hers. "That will work. We should build one over on the other side too in case they circle around the front of the house and try to out flank us."

"Good idea! Steph! Boys! Come here."

"What?" Jake asked as he approached them.

"We need to form a battle plan."

"Who we fighting?"

"Daddy and Uncle Mookie."

Jake looked confused, but Stephanie whooped. "Snowball fight!"

Brianna nodded. "We need to build up our defences......and prepare our ammunition."