Chapter 113

Over the next few weeks as she went about her increasingly busy days, Brianna couldn't get the conversation with her mother out of her head. At first she thought her mother's concerns were ludicrous, but the more she thought about it the more she had to wonder if maybe she had a point.

The subject of the wedding hadn't been brought up since the day he'd given her the ring. If she was being completely honest, that was probably as much her fault as his, but she was waiting for a sign from Stephanie. She had no idea how to handle the kids in this situation, so she was being very careful. Was that Jon's reason too or did he just expect her to deal with it without his involvement?

Or was her mother right and he really didn't want to get married? Was the engagement just for show? What he figured he had to do to get her to move into his bedroom?

The only way to find out was to ask him, but she didn't have the courage. She was too afraid she wouldn't like the answer.  So she did what she always did: buried her feelings and threw herself into her work and looking after the house and the kids.

Jon knew that something was off with his fiancée. He could feel her pulling away, but he didn't have the faintest idea why. Not everyone would notice. To most, she appeared to be content and efficient. She was good at her job, the house was immaculate, the children loved and well cared for. But others didn't see her distraction, often staring out the window or into space. When he asked her about it she just said she was thinking about what she needed to do next or the research she was doing on school lunch programs.

But while that may have been true as far as it went, Jon knew there was more to it. To do lists didn't make her sit at the end of the couch instead of beside him like she normally would, or stop the affectionate flirtations he'd come to expect - and look forward to - from her throughout their daily interactions. If he cuddled or kissed her, she'd respond, but she no longer initiated the contact. And social issues didn't send her to bed early and put her to sleep before he got there. Any hopes he had for an over-active sex life were fading fast.

Yes, something was wrong and he wanted to know what it was. But everytime he asked, all he got was 'I'm fine', or 'I'm just tired'. The former he knew was a lie, but the latter might have some truth to it. Her workload had doubled with all the tour prep, album release, the Soul and his charity work. Plus now she had the house and the kids to look after. Even with cleaning help it was a lot.

That he could do something about, and he set the wheels in motion.

The next week, Brianna made a run into the office in the city to touch base with the staff there and pick up whatever mail hadn't been forwarded to the house. As she was leaving Evelyn stopped her.

"Brianna! Here. I was going to send these to the house, but since you're here, you might as well take them."

Brianna accepted the thick enveloped the receptionist held out to her. "What is it?"

"The responses to the ad Jon put out."

"Ad? For what?"

"To get you some help." Evelyn frowned. "Didn't you know?"

Brianna shook her head. "No. He didn't mention it to me."

"Oh dear. I hope I haven't ruined a surprise." She smiled. "It's nice to see he realizes how much you have on your plate and with the tour coming up, you can't be two places at once. You'll need some help."

Brianna's mind raced as she tried to figure out what his plan was. "He's looking for a nanny?" That would certainly solve their childcare issue during the tour.

Evelyn shook here head. "No. Another assistant."

"Ah. I see." Her stomach clenched and she rushed to get out before her emotions got the best of her. "Thanks Evelyn. I'll see you later."

Climbing into her car, she opened the envelope and read a couple of the resumes, just to confirm what Evelyn had told her. Her eyes burned, but she refused to cry. Not yet. Not until she was certain of his intentions. Surely he wouldn't do something like this without discussing it with her first! Maybe he was just gathering information to have options to present to her. He knew how much she loved her job and how important it was to her. He wouldn't take that away from her.

When she was sure she had herself under control, she started the car and headed home. It was a good thing that her car could almost make trip on it own, because her mind was definitely not focused on where she was going. She was almost surprised to find herself in front of the gate. Shaking her head at herself, she punched in the code and drove through.

"Bina! You home!"

"Hey little man. Yes, I'm home. Did you miss me?"

"Uh huh." Romeo nodded. "I hungy."

"Didn't Daddy make you lunch?"

"He doesn't like what I make him." Jon answered as he entered the foyer. A frown creased his brow at the shadows he could see in her eyes. It frustrated him. He wanted answers and he wanted them now! If he could just figure out how to get her to tell him.

"It not good like you make." Romeo explained.

"Ah." Brianna grinned. "Well, let's go see what we can find in the kitchen."

After feeding Romeo and putting him down for his nap, Brianna gathered up the mail and took it to Jon's office. "Here's the packet from Paul." She lifted the envelope of resumes. "And Evelyn gave me these. They're responses to the ad you posted." She hesitated, but had to know. "Are you trying to replace me Jon?"

He frowned. "Replace you? No! Of course not. Just get you some help. Between the house, the kids, me, the Soul, the charities, all the research you do for me and now the new album promotion and the tour, it's too much for one person." He paused. "And that's not even mentioning the wedding."

Brianna snorted softly. "What wedding?"

Even though she'd muttered the words to herself, Jon heard them. But before he could respond, the phone in her office rang and she left to answer it. Aha! He had the feeling he'd discovered at least part of what was causing the shadows in those beautiful golden eyes. Relief flooded him. This was something he could fix.

Jon waited until dessert to broach the subject. "Paul and AEG are anxious to set the tour dates. They need to know what to block off for the wedding.....unless you want to do it before the tour. Then they'll push back Japan and Australia until the new year."

The fork froze halfway to Brianna's mouth and she shot a look at Stephanie. Seeing the frown on the teenager's face, she sighed and set the fork down. She'd lost her appetite. "It can wait."

"You want to wait until spring? We could do it in May before we head to Europe." Jon suggested.

But Brianna shook her head. "It can wait until after the tour." She stood and picked up her plate.

The flatness of her voice didn't escape him and he frowned. "No, it can't. Honey, sit down and let's talk about this."

As she set her plate back down, she saw the little ones eyeing her cake. Cutting it in half, she put half on each of their plates, winking at them when they grinned And dug in. She sat down with a sigh. "Jon, this really isn't necessary."

"Yes, it is. We need to set a date."

"But..." She shot a glance at the teenagers.

"No buts." He turned to his two oldest. "You guys asked for some time and we've given you that. Do you still need more or are you okay if we go ahead?"

When neither answered immediately, Brianna jumped in. "If they're not ready it's fine, we can wait."

"Bri, stop it. It wonderful that you're so concerned about their feelings, but you can't keep putting your life and your needs on hold." He looked at the kids. "What do you say gang, are we ready to plan a wedding?"

Stephanie jumped up from the table and ran from the room. Brianna's heart sank.

Jon scowled. "Stephanie!"

She came back in with a calendar and a pad of paper in her hand. "So are we thinking fall, Christmas or early spring?"

It took Brianna a few moments to clear the tears from her eyes and throat before she could speak. "I'm open to ideas."

For the next hour they tossed suggestions back and forth.

"Do I have to wear a monkey suit?" Jessie grumbled.

"Yes." His sister answered.

Seeing his son's scowl, Jon pinned him with a stare. "Hey, if I have to, you have to."

"I want to wear a monkey suit!" Jake declared.

"Me too!" Romeo chimed in.

Buoyed by his success on the wedding planning front, Jon decided it was time for success in another area of contention. He was determined to make love to his fiancée in their bed. Water sports and hidden locations were all well and good, but he wanted the comfort of their bed, in their room.

The more he thought about it, he realized that her refusal came when she thought about the situation too much. He needed her to stop thinking and just go with the flow. So he needed to distract her until her need overwhelmed her inhibitions.

It was like being a teenager again. Time to pull out some of the old tricks.

Instead of putting the moves on her when they went to bed, he let her drift off. When he was sure she was asleep, he eased the blankets down and her nightgown up. His fingers skimmed over the skin of he torso with just enough pressure to awaken her nerve endings, but not enough to pull her from sleep. The sight of goose bumps in his wake made him smile, knowing they came, not from cold, but from the stirring of the embers of her passion. Her inner wanton was ready to come out and play.

The silken feel of her skin distracted him for long moments as he stroked and caressed. When her nipples started to harden, he rubbed the pebbly flesh around them. Leaning closer, he licked them very lightly and blew on them, grinning when they hardened even more and she shivered.

Leaving her breasts for the moment, continued down her body, using gentle pressure of his hands to nudge her legs apart. He traced her cleft with one finger, his touch feather light, designed to tease and incite. As he stroked the soft folds, they swelled and parted, opening her to him. Her legs shifted restlessly and her hips lifted slightly, silently asking for more.

He was only too happy to oblige. Moving into the space created by her parted legs, he turned his attention to the bundle of nerves at the top of her cleft. One fingertip brushed it lightly, and her body jerked in response. A glance at her face assured him she was still asleep and he settled in to explore, each touch contrived to taunt and arouse.

And it worked.

He could feel the tension build in the thighs bracketing his head, the increasingly urgent rocking of her hips, and decided to take it up a notch. A few flicks of his tongue and the gentle probing of his finger drew a moan. Closing his lips around her clit and sucking lightly was rewarded with a gasp.

She was waking up.

When he felt her fingers slide into his hair, he prepared to feel her try to push him away, but was pleasantly surprised when she pulled him closer. His grin quickly faded as he lost himself in her taste, her scent. He barely managed to stop before she went over the edge.

Brianna wanted to scream in frustration when the tantalizing touches that had pulled her from sleep into a sea of sensation stopped.  She knew there was a reason why they shouldn't be doing this, but at the moment she couldn't think of what it was. All she knew was that she ached and he could bring her relief. "Please!"

His mouth created a burning trail over her stomach and chest, pausing to savour the hard tips of her breasts before continuing upwards along her neck to her ear. "What do you want?"

"You!" Her hands clutched him close.

"Are you sure?" He nipped her earlobe, then soothed the sting with his tongue."

"Mmm yes! Please!"

He slid his hands down to cup her ass and tilt her hips up. "Is this what you want?"

The slow penetration as he filled her pushed a low groan out of Brianna's throat. "Yes....God yes!"

Jon set a slow steady rhythm. "Like this?"

"Mmmmm. Good. So good." She panted.

"Can you take more?" He thrust harder, deeper.

"Yes! Oh God! Oh God! Ooooh fuck!"

As she reached the peak, Jon covered her mouth with his to muffle her cries and held still while his body emptied into hers.

Pulling out of her body, he rolled onto his back beside her and grinned. "Look at that." He panted. "We just made love with all the kids sleeping in the house.....and no one came in......and we didn't get struck by lightning."

Brianna managed to gather enough strength to lift her arm and swat his chest. "Smartass."

Jon just grinned, pulled her into his arms and drifted off to sleep, content that he'd achieved his goal.

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.