Chapter 44

Despite her assurances to David, being around Dorothea and her family all day, every day, was taking its toll on Brianna. So when her mother called with a "command performance" invitation home for a Fourth of July party her father had decided to throw, she grabbed the opportunity to get away for a few days.

"Why you weaving?" Jake pouted at the sight of her suitcase by the door.

"I have to go see my family." Brianna crouched down to his level. "It's only for a couple days, then I'll be back." Rising, she looked at Jon. "I'll stop by the office and pick up the mail while I'm in the city." 

He nodded. "Okay. Have a good time."

"Have you guys decided what you're doing for the holiday? Are you going to Bruce and Patti's or are you going to stay home?"

"Going to play it by ear. I'd like to go to Bruce and Patti's......if Dot's feeling up to it. I think we could both use the distraction." Which was why a family gathering had been vetoed. They didn’t need pitying looks and over solicitous relatives.

Brianna nodded in agreement. "I think you're right. Some time to have some fun and forget about everything for a few hours is definitely in order." She picked up her suitcase. "Okay, I'm off. See you later."

"Drive safe."

Brianna made a brief stop in New York City to pick up some clothes, and the latest batch of mail from the office, then headed for the family's summer home in the Hamptons.

Her mother met her at the door. "Brianna! You made it!" Sara gave her daughter a hug. "How was the traffic?"

"The usual holiday madness."

"I hope you aren't missing any work to be here." Her father greeted her.

"No Father. The band has a break until the tenth. We're working from his home right now."

By the time they sat down for dinner, her brother Richard and his wife Rachel, along with their two children Evan and Danielle, her sister-in-law Lisa and her two, Kelly and Connor had joined them.

"Isn't Michael coming?" Brianna asked.

Lisa grimaced. "In the morning. He had a meeting late this afternoon."

The women all exchanged knowing glances. Work before all else was the Wilson family credo - at least from the male side of the family.

"Can't be helped." The patriarch confirmed.

"So Brianna," Rachel caught her sister-in-law's eye over the mashed potatoes she was passing. "What's it like working for the most gorgeous rock star on the planet?"

Brianna laughed. "They're in the middle of a tour, so it's pretty crazy right now."

"How's that charity organization he's building in Philly coming along?" Richard asked. At his sister's surprised look he shrugged. "I checked him out. I wanted to know what kind of man you were going to work for. After Alex..." He shrugged again.

Brianna smiled wryly at her brother's protectiveness. "It's really slow at the moment." She hesitated, but knew none of them would tell tales out of school. "His wife's dying of cancer. So he spends most of his free time at home."

"Oh, that's horrible!" Rachel's eyes dampened. "They have young children, don't they?"

Brianna nodded. "Yes. They have four. Thirteen, eleven, four and two." She sighed. "It's a really sad situation."

"And how is it affecting your job?" Her father questioned.

"It means I'm spending a lot of time at their house." She knew her father didn't mean to sound callous, his mind was just geared to business. "His wife has asked me to help her put together photo albums for each of the children, complete with stories of their lives up to now."

"That's beautiful." Lisa dabbed at her eyes with her napkin. "And heartbreaking. That can't be easy for you either. It must make for a pretty dismal working environment. "

"Oh, it's not too bad. Sure there've been some sad times, but everybody's making an effort to keep them to a minimum. And on the road the other guys are really great about helping me distract Jon and lighten the mood."

"Just what kind of 'distraction' are you providing for your boss?" Her father frowned.

"Edward!" Sara admonished her husband.

"What? She's gallivanting all over the world......with a rock and roll band. Now she's spending all kinds of time at his home. I just want to be sure she's behaving appropriately and not doing anything that will tarnish her good name." He pinned his daughter with a stern look. "Dying wife or not, he's a married man. You were raised better than to get involved with someone like him."

"Yes Father, I'm well aware of how I was raised." Mainly by Mom! Brianna fought to keep any bitterness out of her tone. "And I am well aware of his marital status." To avoid lying outright to her father, she left it at that. He didn't need to know any more.

"Actually Father," Richard stepped in to try to ease the tension. "He's a pretty smart businessman. He's turned a band into a brand. While it could be marketed a little better, he's done a credible job. Especially for a musician."

While Brianna appreciated her brother's help, she couldn't help but smile at the thought of what Jon's reaction to his assessment might be.

Her father just grunted.

The next day was sunny and warm with a light breeze in Red Bank - a perfect day for a barbecue. Bored kids were driving their father nuts...although Jon was going a little stir crazy himself. "What do you think Dotty? Do you feel up to it?"

Dorothea looked around at the hopeful faces of her family and gave in. "Okay, let's go. Since it's only down the road, if I get too tired I can come home."

"YAY!!!" Kids ran in all directions to gather their gear.

Stephanie came back with her backpack and Romeo's diaper bag. "I put extra clothes and a bib and stuff in for Romeo. Is there anything else you want for him?"

Dorothea glanced quickly through the bag. "No, that looks great Steph. Thanks."

Jon walked in and handed her a bag. "Check through that and let me know if there's anything else you want or need. I put another portable oxygen tank in the car."

A glance at her watch had her raising a brow. It had been less than ten minutes since she'd agreed to go to the Springsteen's for their holiday get together. Definitely not enough time for them to organize all this. Her eyes burned at the thought of everything her family had missed out on because of her illness. Her jaw firmed. She would stay until after the fireworks if it was the last thing she did!

"Dot! Hi!" Patti Scialfa Springsteen grinned and hugged her. "I'm so glad you came!" She sobered. "If you feel the need to lay down there's a bedroom down the hall all ready for you."

"Thanks Patti." Dot blinked away the sudden moisture that gathered in her eyes at her friend's thoughtfulness. Like Brianna it appeared Patti was ready to help without making a big fuss.

"Come on, everyone's out back." Patti urged.

'Everyone' turned out to be not only Bruce and their children - and a few of their friends - but also David and his kids, as well as John Lyon and a few others.

After greeting everyone, Jon got Dot settled with her oxygen tank while the kids ran off to play with the others - except of course Romeo, who happily played with his blocks at his mother's feet.

As with most gatherings, people moved around changing groups and conversations. David sat down beside Dorothea. "Where's Brianna?"

"She went to spend the holiday with her family." She met his stare. "What?"

"Letting her get away?"

She snorted. "You should know me better than that. But I can't keep her prisoner. She's entitled to see her family. Besides, after everything she's done for me, she deserves a break. She'll be back tomorrow."

"Is that Jon's assistant you're talking about?" Patti asked as she set a plate of cheese and crackers on the table.

"Yes." Dorothea answered. "Although she's become more than just his assistant. She's helping me put albums together for the kids and helping look after them and the house. She's been a godsend."      

Patti studied first her friend's face, then David's, one brow crooked. "Sounds like you're all pretty close to her."

David's lips twitched. "Yeah. She fits right in. One of the clan."

"Where's that lovely assistant of your Sweetbutt?" Southside asked.

"Yeah, I was hoping you'd bring her." Bruce added. "I wanted to get to know her better."

"Aw, Sweetbutt's keeping her all to himself." John shook his head. "I've never figured out how he gets all the pretty ones."

Jon rolled his eyes. "Ha. Ha. She's just my assistant. Nothing more." And if I say that enough maybe I can remember it myself.

"Uh huh." Bruce's voice was skeptical. "An assistant who goes on tour with you - and stays in the room next door, then lives with you off the road." He grinned. "Nice gig."

"If I didn't know better, Sweetbutt, I'd say you got yourself a mistress......and your wife approves! Nice job!"

While his friends laughed, Jon snorted and tried to pretend they were wrong.....or that he wasn’t counting the days until they were back on the road….and away from the house.

Chapter 43

Brianna slept deeply. Ever since her midnight conversation with Jon by the river a week ago, the tension was mostly gone and her inner clock had settled so that she felt like a human again instead of a vampire. Best of all, she was sleeping well again. She was so deeply asleep, she didn't hear her bedroom door open or the footsteps approach the bed. Even the weight of a small body dipping the bed didn't awaken her.

"Bianna? You wake?" A hand reached out to pat her cheek. "Bianna?"

"Hmm?" She frowned at the disturbance.

"You wake?"

She cracked open an eye and struggled to see in the dim pre-dawn light. "Jakey? What are you doing up?"

"Him chasing me!"

"Who's chasing you?"

"Rexy! Him think I got de bone, but Dexter tooked it!" He paused to think. "And Dum Dum no have no gum gum."

It took Brianna a minute to process his words....and figure out what they meant. Rexy? Dexter? Dum Dum? Oh! The movie! "Did you have a nightmare that the dinosaur from the movie was chasing you?"

"Yeah." He nodded forlornly.

"Do you want to stay in here with me?"

"Uh huh." He nodded again, his expression turning hopeful. "You save me?"

"Mmmmhmmm. And tomorrow we'll get Jebediah and Octavius to stand guard. Okay?"

Jake thought about that for a moment. "Okay. Dat work."

Chuckling, Brianna lifted the blankets and helped him get settled beside her.

Jon found them snuggled together a few hours later when he peeked in the open door. Smiling, he closed the door quietly, ignoring the pang of.....something...that stabbed him briefly. He refused to call it jealousy.

They were all gathered around the lunch table later that day when Brianna noticed Jesse was rearranging his food more than eating it. Catching Jon's eye, she inclined her head in the boy's direction.

Jon studied his oldest son for a moment. "Jess? Something bothering you?"

Jesse shot a glance at first his mother, then Brianna before answering his father. "Can you take me to football camp?" He watched the adults' faces, looking for any sign of disapproval, but only saw smiles. Brianna winked and nodded encouragingly.

"Sure." Jon agreed. A nudge from his wife told him he was supposed to say something more, but he didn't know what. He glanced at Brianna only to find an expectant expression there too. What the fuck do they want me to say? Looking back at his son, he noticed Jesse was still pushing his food around. Jon cast around for something to say. "Have you been practicing? I mean....do you want to throw the ball around for awhile this afternoon to keep in shape?" The approving looks from the women told him he'd done well. Seeing his son's face light up confirmed it.

"Really? Do you have time?"

To Jon's credit, he didn't check his schedule, just went with what he wanted to do. "Yes."

Jesse looked at Brianna for confirmation. 

She smiled. "Really, Jess, he's free." Ever since learning of Dorothea's illness, the organization had closed ranks and hunkered down to look after whatever needed to be done, limiting the times they disturbed Jon, especially when he was home. They kept Brianna in the loop, but only called on her when they absolutely had to have something from Jon.

Brianna and Stephanie cleaned up, then joined Dorothea and the little ones in the living room. Dot was watching Jon and Jesse through the window. Hearing them, she turned. "Let's go sit outside."

Stephanie helped Jake and Romeo take a few toys out while Brianna helped Dorothea with her oxygen tank. After watching her mother sink into a chair, breathing heavily and shivering, even in the warmth of the late June sunshine, Stephanie stood abruptly and started towards the swings. "Come on Jakey, I'll push you on the swings for awhile."

"Okay!" Jake jumped up from where he was running his train over the patio stones and ran after his sister.

Dorothea watched them go, a heavy sigh lifting her chest. She glanced at Brianna who reached out to squeeze her hand sympathetically. "She's having a rough time."

"Is she talking to you about it?" Brianna asked.

"Yes, sometimes." Dorothea continued to watch her daughter. "When you guys are on the road, I often wake up from a nap - or during the night and find her sitting beside my bed. Like she's watching over me in case I need something." She paused and her voice lowered to the point Brianna had to strain to hear her. "Or afraid I'll go if she's not watching."

Awareness dawned for Brianna. "Is that why you don't want us to set up a bedroom for you downstairs?" They'd discussed it again a few days ago, but Dorothea wasn't having any of it.

"Partly. I want to be near them as long as I can." She considered. "I may change my mind later, but for now I want to stay upstairs." And limit the places where their worst memories of me will be in this house.

Twenty minutes later the gate buzzed. Dorothea sighed. "Wonder who that is? I'm not really up for visitors today."

Brianna stood. "I'll take care of it."

Reaching the front door, she opened it, revealing David on the other side. "Hi Beautiful."

"Lemma! What's up? Haven't you seen enough of us? It's only been a week, you can't be going through withdrawal already."

"I can never see enough of you, Beautiful. Jon, not so much." His grin faded. "I wanted to check on Dot and see how you all were holding up."

"She's doing okay." She patted his arm. "Come on out back. Jon and Jesse are tossing around the football."

At first glance, it was a happy, family scene that would have made Norman Rockwell proud - if you overlooked the forced smiles and laughter of the football players, the strained face of the big sister pushing the swing....and the oxygen tank sitting next to the mother on the patio, the hose snaking up her side to drape over her ears and under her nose.

David sighed. Why do bad things happen to so many good people? It was a question for the ages, with no sign of an answer coming any time soon. "How do you stand it?"

"What?" Brianna asked. They were standing in the living room. She had been about to open the door, but stopped at his question.

"Watching her deteriorate........watching them try to cope."

"It's not all pain and tears. There've been some happy times." She looked out at the family. "Today's a good day."

"You're a hell of a woman, Brianna. Not many would stick around through all this, let alone help out." He slid an arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple.

She shrugged. "No one should go through something like this alone."

Opening the door, they walked out and joined Dorothea at the table.

"Do you want me to take him upstairs?" Brianna gestured to the sleeping Romeo on Dorothea's lap.

"Not just yet." Dot answered. "David, to what do we owe the pleasure?" None of them could say for sure whether she was being sincere....or sarcastic.

"Just wanted to check in on you. See how you're doing." He leaned over to kiss her cheek and murmur in her ear. "And how your plan's working out."

She smiled. "Just like I expected."

"You really think it's going to work?"

"Absolutely. The seeds have been sown. Just needs a little careful tending."

David snorted softly and took a seat between the two women.

"Unca Wemma!" At the sight of his 'uncle', Jake jumped off the swing and ran to greet him, Stephanie following more slowly.

"Hi buddy!" David picked up the toddler, hugged him and set him on his lap. "Hey Steph."

"Hi." She looked at her mother. "Need anything?"

"No thanks Sweetie, I'm good."

Jon watched Brianna and David walk out of the house, his arm around her shoulders and something in his gut growled. Catching the ball Jesse threw at him, he started for the patio. "Hey man. What's up?"

"I missed the sight of your ugly mug, and didn't have anything better to do, so I thought I'd come visit. Besides, you've got all the beautiful women over here."

"Ha ha." Jon snorted. As they chatted he got more and more uncomfortable seeing David flirting with Brianna. Every touch, every smile, every shared laugh, set the acid churning in his stomach.....quickly followed by waves of guilt.

Dorothea watched him, a ghost of a smile curving her lips.

Noticing that Jake was nodding off, Brianna stood. "Come on Jakey. Nap time." Getting the nod from Dorothea, she took Romeo with her. Returning downstairs, she noted Jesse's down turned mouth and his hands constantly turning the football.

She took the ball from him. "Go long."

Jesse grinned, jumped up from his chair and ran well out into the yard. His father and uncle might look skeptical, but he'd seen her throw before. The perfect spiral that hit him square in the numbers didn't surprise him.

The same couldn't be said for Jon and David.  "Holy shit Beautiful! Where'd you learn to throw like that?"

"Brothers." She answered over her shoulder as she walked towards Jesse.

The two men turned to look at each other, then, as one, jumped up and rushed to join the two on the lawn.

Dorothea watched them with satisfaction. "See Steph, it'll be alright. It'll be different, but it'll be alright. You'll all be alright."

Stephanie still wasn't convinced, but maybe the future wasn't quite as bleak as she'd been afraid of.

Chapter 42

Brianna lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. It was after midnight, but she couldn't sleep. It had been an uncomfortable afternoon and evening. The way Dorothea kept looking at her, she was sure she knew something had happened between her and Jon, but she'd avoided being alone with Jon, so she hadn't had the opportunity to ask him - not that she would anyway.

Sighing, she threw back the covers and got up. She wandered downstairs and found herself gravitating towards the living room and its wall of windows. On impulse, she opened the French doors - remembering at the last minute to punch the code in the panel off to the side to avoid setting off the alarm- and wandered around the back yard lit only by moonlight. It felt.....liberating....to be able to walk outside in a nightgown and not worry about someone seeing you. Another point for a private estate. Finally, she settled on a bench facing the river. Closing her eyes, she listened to the night sounds and the gurgling of the Navesink and tried to relax and find some mental peace.

Jon rose from his chair in the living room and walked into the kitchen where he pulled a second glass out of the cupboard and another bottle of wine out of the fridge. Making quick work of the cork, he tossed it into the garbage, picked up the bottle and glasses and followed Brianna outside.

He stood for long moments behind the bench watching her, debating. But fighting her magnetic pull was like banging his head against a brick wall - it felt so good when he stopped. "Can't sleep?"

Brianna jerked, her eyes flying open. "Oh! Yeah, I mean, no, I can't. Still on vampire hours, I guess."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Gesturing as if to ask permission, he waited for her nod before sitting down beside her. Handing her a glass, he filled it and his own and set the bottle on the ground beside the bench. "I know what you mean. It always takes me a few days to get my sleep schedule straightened out."

They sat and sipped in silence for several minutes.

Finally, Jon took the bull by the horns and confronted the elephant in the room...so to speak. "I think we need to talk about our....situation, don't you?"

Brianna sighed. "Yes, I guess, but I have no idea where to start or what to say." She sipped, gathering her courage for this conversation - and to find out the answer to the question that had been nagging her all day. "Does Dot know?"

He considered his wife's strange looks and words earlier. "Not from me, but she may suspect." He cleared his throat. "I'd rather she not know for sure." Realizing how that might make her feel, he started to stammer. "Not that you...that I......I don't regret..."

She waved his stuttering explanation aside. "No, I agree. Despite what she's said, it would only hurt her."

He blew out a relieved breath. He didn't want to hurt Bri either. "Yeah."

They sat in silence for a few minutes. This time it was Brianna who broke it. "So....what are we going to do? Try harder to not let it happen again? Avoid each other as much as possible?" She paused. "I thought about quitting."

Jon frowned. "No! I don't want that. We....I need you." He snorted as a thought occurred to him. "And the guys - and especially Paul - would rather castrate me than see you leave."

"I don't want to leave either. I really love the job, but..."

"But we seem to have a problem controlling ourselves?" He asked wryly. "I know. But, Bri.....we need to figure out a way to deal with this." He watched his fingers trace his glass over and over while he searched for the right words. "I....you've been my anchor through all of this. You've gone above and beyond what anyone had a right to ask of you." He turned his head to look at her. "I know I have no right, but I'm going to ask for more. I need to know you'll be there through....what's still to come. I need that anchor to help me cope - and help me help my kids to cope - with losing Dot. I...." He swallowed heavily and his voice dropped to barely above a whisper. "I don't think I can do it on my own."

Tears burned Brianna's eyes and her hand reached out to clasp his. "I'll do whatever I can to help."

His hand squeezed hers. "Thank you."

After a few moments silence, Jon released her hand, picked up the bottle of wine and refilled their glasses.

Brianna sighed. "So...what are we going to do about our.....lapses in judgement?"

"Is that what you think they were?"

"Yes. Don't you?"

He shrugged. "Maybe partly. Mostly, I think....we're two healthy adults who obviously are attracted to each other....and who spend a lot of time together....and are dealing with a lot of stress and emotional upheaval."

"So...you needed comfort and to scratch an itch...and I was handy?" Why are you sounding so snarky? Did you think he actually had feelings for you? "Sorry. I have no right..."

"No! That's not what I meant!" Jon raked a hand though his hair. This is why he didn't want to have this conversation. "And you have every right. Look. Of course I have feelings for you. I don't sleep with women just to get laid." She raised her eyebrow at him and he laughed under his breath at her skeptical look. "Not anymore at least. I've grown up. I finally realized the physical release is nothing without some feelings involved." He tried to read her expression in the dim light. "Do you have feelings for me?"

"You're my boss and you're married. Having romantic feelings for you is wrong." She stared towards the river. "Morally and ethically wrong." But that doesn’t seem to stop them.

"I understand why you feel that way, but you didn’t answer the question."

"Please don't say it's not cheating if your wife is okay with it. If you believed that you wouldn't be worried about hurting her by telling her."

"I'd say she's a little more than okay with it and that's not what I was going to say.” He paused to collect his thoughts. “Look, I don't know what this is between us, and maybe it's not morally right, but..." He blew out a breath. "If it gives us comfort in the middle of all this pain and loss....and isn't hurting anyone....is it really wrong?"

She scrubbed a hand over her forehead. "I...I just don't know. It goes against everything I thought I stood for. I feel so awful...after."

Jon decided to try a different tact. "Didn't you and your husband or a boyfriend ever have a 'free pass' list?"

Brianna snorted. "My husband wasn't all that concerned about fidelity, especially his.” Her lips twisted. “Mine was expected. But an old boyfriend in college and I used to joke about one. Taylor Dayne was on his list." She smirked. "You were on mine."

He grinned. "Well, there you go. You're not cheating on anyone and Dot has given us a free pass with each other." When she grimaced, he continued. "I'm not saying we shack up together and go at it like bunnies for days on end. I'm just saying if our emotions and....needs....overwhelm us again, we accept it and not beat ourselves up about it." He reached out to squeeze her hand again. "No guilt trips. Okay?"

She stared at him for a long minute, her mind swirling. He's giving us a reasonable excuse. And he's right about no one really getting hurt.....except me if my feelings go too deep. Besides, I obviously have no will power where he's concerned. Sighing, she nodded. "But not in this house."

"Not in this house." He agreed. He reached down for the bottle and refilled their glasses again.

They sat companionably, sipping and enjoying the night.

“You still didn’t answer my question, you know,” were the only other words that passed between them.

Above and behind them, the French doors on the balcony closed quietly, and Dorothea shuffled back to the bed, a satisfied smile curving her lips. She couldn't hear their conversation, but body language told her whatever they were discussing was very serious and they were in disagreement. She was happy to see that Jon was talking to Brianna and not dictating. That bode well for their future happiness.

Lying back on her pillows, she adjusted the oxygen hose under her nose. It had been obvious all day that something was bothering Brianna, and it had something to do with Jon. Maybe now that they'd sorted it out, the tension would be gone and she could regain Brianna's attention. She still had much to teach her, and she had a feeling her time was running short.

Chapter 41

It was a quiet flight back to New Jersey. Everyone was tired and looking forward to a few days off on home turf. The guys alternated between sleeping and playing cards quietly. Even David and Richie were subdued.

Brianna answered a few e-mails, but spent most of her time staring out of the window trying to figure out what was happening to her. She was changing, becoming someone she didn't recognize and she didn't know why.

Jon was likewise buried in his own thoughts. Guilt was weighing heavily on him - not just what he was doing to Dorothea, but what all this was doing to Brianna. None of this was fair....to anyone.

At the airport, they cleared Customs and split up, each heading for the car that would take them home - or in Tico's case a connecting flight. David paused before driving off to watch his frontman and his assistant.

Jon stood by the open car door motioning for Brianna to climb in first.

But Brianna shook her head. "I've got some things I need to do. Tell Dot I'll be out the day after tomorrow."

He studied her face for a long moment, then nodded and climbed into the car.

David watched Brianna, her shoulders drooping, tow her suitcase towards the cab stand and wondered what was going on.

"Daddy, Daddy, you home!" Jake met Jon at the door with a hug, then immediately looked behind him. "Where Bianna?"

"She had to go to her home for a couple days."

"Why?"

"Yes, why?" Dorothea asked from the doorway to the living room. 

His heart lurched at the sight of her, seeing the changes the last month had wrought. She was thinner, a pale ghost of the woman he loved, and her breaths were a little gaspy. He frowned in concern. "Where's your oxygen?"

Dorothea waved towards the room behind her and ignored his frown. "Why isn't Brianna with you? Did you have a fight?"

"No, we didn't have a fight, she said she had some things to do and she'd be out the day after tomorrow. Let's go sit down."

Dorothea allowed him to help her into the living room and attach the oxygen hose. She studied her husband. "What happened between you two?"

He'd already decided she didn't need to know. Despite her pushing for it, being faced with the reality of it would still have to hurt. And she was in enough pain. "Nothing happened. She just had some personal stuff to do." He moved to stand in front of the windows and watch the Navesink flow by. "With everything we expect of her, don't you think she deserves a couple days to herself?"

Dorothea smiled to herself. He could deny it all he wanted, but she knew him, and she knew something had happened. The signs were all pointing in the right direction: he was protecting Brianna and considering her feelings. That told Dot that Brianna had managed to get under Jon's skin - a long way under - and he cared about her. I knew she was the right woman for him! "I know we've asked a lot of her, but it will get easier soon. There's only nine more shows left and football's done for awhile. So, it'll just be us....the family."

Jon turned to look at his wife. "You really want her here that much? All the time?"

"Yes, I do. I need her here. We need her here."

"Why?" Maybe he could find an alternative and then he and Brianna could get some much needed space from each other.

"Because she's the one I feel the most comfortable having around to help...all of us."

He sighed. So much for that idea. He was going to have to find a way to cope with both the women in his life. Shouldn't be too hard. And after that peace in the Middle East ought to be a piece of cake. Just the thought made him tired.

Dry cleaning, laundry and errands done, apartment clean, Brianna opened a bottle of wine and sat on her balcony, enjoying the city lights.....and trying to find some answers. She couldn't understand her own behaviour.  She'd always been disgusted by women who screwed around with married men, thought they were heartless whores, one of the lowest forms of the female half do the species.

And now she was one of them.

It didn't matter that his wife had encouraged it, it was still cheating and it was still wrong. So why couldn't she stop? Was it some defect in her? Was it something about Jon that overruled her morals and conscience? Or was she so hungry for a man that her libido over ruled everything else? Face it Bri, you care about the man. Despite his temper, despite his control freak tendencies, you care about him and what he's going through. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back against her chair. Still doesn't make it right! He's married....and his wife is dying! The last thing you should be doing is getting involved with him on such a personal level. What are you hoping to get out of this anyway?

And that was the big question. Was she truly just trying to give aid and comfort? Or was she hoping for something....more? But that was crazy! Even if he did have feelings for her, it could be years before he was emotionally ready for a relationship again. And where would that leave her? Waiting on the sidelines for something that might never happen?

No. That way led to nothing but unfulfilled hopes and pain. She'd be better off stopping this....whatever it was.....now and keeping their relationship strictly professional......and looking for an available man as soon as she could find some time. Maybe she should quit and find another job. But the thought of leaving him and those children to face Dorothea's death alone was more than she could stomach. They wouldn't be alone. They have family to help them through it. 

She sipped her wine and frowned. But you are the one Dot is counting on to help them. And regardless of her own feelings, she couldn't let her down. She was going to have to find a way to cope with being around Jon, and the feelings that created. She snorted and sighed. Sure, easy.....piece of cake.

When Brianna parked and got out of her car, she was greeted by Copper. "Hey boy! Are you keeping watch?" She ruffled his fur.  A snort told her they weren't alone. She looked up to see Jesse walking towards the house from the garage. "Hi Jess."

"Hi." He looked down at the dog. "The only thing he keeps watch on is his food dish.....and anything Jake drops on the floor."

Brianna laughed and slid an arm around his shoulders. "How ya doing?"

Jesse shrugged. "Okay I guess." He frowned and scuffed his foot against the driveway's asphalt. "It's.......hard.....to watch her like this."

"And you wish you could help her, right? Make her better?" He nodded. Brianna hugged him. "I know. I think the best we can do is make sure she knows how much we love her and help her any way we can." And I need to remember that's why I'm here. "Are you doing football camp again this summer?"

Jesse shrugged again. "Don't know. Haven't decided.”

Brianna studied his face for a moment. She had a feeling she knew what was going through his head. "Jess.....you do whatever you feel up to. You don't need to feel guilty and no one is going to be mad either way, okay? If you want to go play, go. If you want to stay home, stay. It's totally up to you. And whatever you decide is totally okay. I promise."

He looked at her for a long moment, trying to determine if she was telling the truth. He finally decided she was. "Okay. I'll think about it."

"Good. Any idea what your mom's got planned for dinner tonight?"

"I think Dad's in charge tonight."

"Okay, so..." She caught his eye. He grinned.

"Pizza!" They spoke in unison and laughed.

Dorothea and Jon stood looking out the window and watched them.

"She's good with the kids." Dot noted.

"Mmmmm." Jon agreed.

"And they really like her."

"Mmmmhmmm."

"And you really like her."

"Mmmmhmmm....wait! What?" His head swivelled sharply to look at her.

She chuckled and patted his arm. "It's okay honey. It's how it's supposed to be. Don’t screw it up."

Jon watched her move towards the door to greet Brianna, a frown creasing his brow. After a few seconds he shook his head. Even sick, her mind was still an enigma to him.

Chapter 40

While Brianna didn't make a conscious decision, the choice was kind of made for her a few days later. It was their last night in England - in Europe actually - and they were heading home in the morning. 

Just a few more hours and I'll be safe from temptation for awhile. She kept reminding herself of that as she moved around Jon's dressing room packing up what he wouldn't need anymore that night. The show was almost over and she needed to hurry and get out before he came off the stage. She'd taken to finding something else to do rather than be standing under the stage when he came off and stripped off his shirt. Some might call it being chicken, she called it prudence....or self preservation. Just do whatever works!

She was finishing up with his dressing table, when she felt something on her garter belt digging into her thigh. Pulling out the chair, she lifted her foot onto the seat and slid up the skirt of her suit to find the problem. 

And that's what Jon saw when he opened the door. 

What happened next was beyond his control. He just couldn't fight it anymore. Closing the door softly behind him, he quietly turned the lock and started towards her.

The sound of the door opening told Brianna she'd run out of time, and her opportunity to escape was gone. The look in his eyes as they locked with hers in the mirror confirmed it. As he neared, she straightened, but when she would have lowered her foot to the floor he stopped her.

"No. Leave it there." His voice was husky, but he couldn't help it. The shirt that he'd stripped off when he stepped off the stage and clutched in his hand now got tossed to the side. He didn't bother to look where it landed. His focus was completely on the target in front of him.

Brianna watched him approach, amber eyes eating up the masculine scenery reflected in the mirror. When he stopped, chest against her back, the heat and scent of him had her pulse racing and her libido revving up. She watched one strong hand settle on her upraised knee, the other gripped her opposite hip. Moving together, they raised her skirt higher until it was bunched around her waist.

His hand returned to her knee and stroked the length of her thigh, slowly, softly. Up and down. Soft lips brushed her ear. "Open your jacket."

It took a few seconds for the words to process in her brain. She shivered at the rasp of his calluses on her stocking and his voice in her ear. Almost involuntarily, her fingers rose to the buttons on her jacket.  One by one she opened them, mesmerized by the heated look in his eyes as he watched the revealing of her body.

The cloth fell away to reveal her full, round breasts encased in black lace to match the silk and lace thong barely covering the mound of female flesh between her thighs. He growled low in her ear. His other hand rose to cover one breast and squeeze, pinching the hardening nipple between two fingers. The hand on her leg slid higher to slide a finger along the damp silk covering her cleft.

Brianna leaned her head back against his shoulder and watched his hands play with her body. Before long even the little bits of lace were too much of an obstruction to his touch for either of them to take. Her hands lifted to the front closure of her bra to open it and move it back out of his way. His hand clenched around the silk of her thong and yanked sharply, ripping it from her body.

"Oh!" She gasped in surprise.

Once again he took possession of her body, fingers stroking in time, one hand on her breast, the other on the pulsing flesh between her legs. He watched in the mirror as she held on to him wherever she could to brace herself and undulated against him, the rubbing of her ass against his already throbbing cock a delicious torture. Very quickly, his fingers were coated with her juices. "So fucking wet."

"Mmmmmm." Brianna let her eyes drift closed and focused on sensation. "Feels good!"

Jon didn't disagree, but he knew something that would feel even better. Retrieving one hand, he flicked open the button on his pants and slid down the zipper, soothing her with his lips on her neck when she protested the loss of this touch. "Shhhh. Wait. I've got something better."

Shoving his pants down over his hips, he  positioned himself along her cleft. Gripping her hip to hold her steady, he thrust slowly, her liquid heat almost scalding is flesh. "Fucking hot!" He nipped her earlobe. "Look."

Brianna forced her eyes open and was instantly riveted on the vision in the mirror in front of her. The broad head of his erection appeared and disappeared with his movements, slick with her juices. It was the most erotic thing she'd ever seen! She licked lips suddenly gone dry and caught her bottom lip between her teeth.

Unable to resist, she reached down to rub his swollen head and watched the pleasure contort his face. As she reached farther, the heel of her hand brushed her clit and she jerked. His hands tightened to hold her in place and he continued thrusting.

After only a few minutes, as good as it felt, the teasing wasn't enough for either of them. Brianna licked her lips and swallowed heavily. "Jon, please."

"Tell me what you want."

"You." She shuddered. "Inside me. Now. I can't wait!"

Neither could he. Easing back, he tilted her hips slightly. "Then put me inside you."

The feel of him stretching her as she guided him in made her groan. "Mmmmmm. Yes."

Buried to the hilt, Jon held still. His hands came up to cover her breasts, holding her to him, stiff peaks spearing into his palms, while he savoured the feel of her hot, wet flesh surrounding him. When she flexed her inner muscles to squeeze him, he groaned and scraped her neck with his teeth, his fingers spreading to allow her hardened nipples to poke through and squeezed them rhythmically......but remained unmoving.

Brianna couldn't stand the teasing torture for more than a few minutes. She couldn't understand why he wasn't moving. The pulsing hardness filling her told her he wanted this as much as she did, so why was he holding back? She caught his gaze in the mirror and the glint of challenge in the cobalt depths answered her silent question. So he wants to play it that way does he? He may call all the shots when it comes to the band, but in this arena, I'm his equal....and I'll prove it!

Leaning back against him, she slid her hands under his arms and up to grip his shoulders. She watched him beneath long black lashes, tightened her internal grip on him.....and undulated against him. Her hips rocked and swivelled and gyrated, trying to get the alignment just right to hit her sweet spot. If he wouldn't participate, she'd find a way to take her pleasure on her own.

Little did Brianna know, it was taking every bit of control Jon had to remain still. But the sight of her writhing against him was too good to give up. Sweat beaded on his upper lip and ran down his spine as he fought the urge to pound into her until he found his release.

Close....so close. But it wasn't in her to be selfish. Brianna was determined to break him and take him into ecstasy with her. Bending forward slightly, she retrieved one arm and slid her hand down between her legs until she could touch him. She heard his breath hiss through his teeth at the skin on skin contact, even more so when her nail raked lightly. Reaching further, she cupped his sac, stroking the loose flesh with her thumb. 

His hands tightened on her breasts in reflex and he growled in her ear. "You're playing with fire."

"I like it hot." She purred. "Burn me." She squeezed his buried shaft as hard as she could for several seconds and relaxed.

He retaliated by squeezing her nipples. "Brat."

Brianna straightened, once again leaning back against him. Her hand rose to grasp one of his and drag it down her torso to her throbbing cleft. "Touch me."

Still, he resisted, rotating his hips and pushing deeper. "You first."

She shook her head. "Together."

Eyes locked in the mirror, their fingers tangled together, they stroked their joined flesh. Jon rocked his hips against hers.

Brianna moaned. "Mmmmmm, yes. Right there! Harder!"

Jon flexed his hips and thrust harder, scraping his calluses across her clit at the same time. He would have smiled at the cry he drew from her.....if every muscle in is body wasn't tensed against his imminent explosion. But he still wanted her to go first, so he ignored the friction building with his every movement inside her tight passage, and focused on her clit.

Brianna could feel her peak rapidly approaching and she knew she wouldn't be able to hold it back. She reached as far as she could, her goal the sensitive spot behind his scrotum. Finding it, she voiced her channel around him and pushed with her finger.

Jon grunted, pinched her clit and thrust as deep as he could reach.

Their cries echoed around the room as they both lost their battle - or won, depending on how you looked at it - and fell off the edge together.

As he waited to get his breath back, Jon noted Brianna's hair was still in her neat twist. Next time I want to see it spread across my pillow. His gaze slowly roamed over her body, still displayed in the mirror, pausing when he got to her glistening flesh still pulsing around his softening shaft. And next time I want to taste that cream.....until she screams.

Realizing where his thoughts had gone, he stiffened and pulled out of her body. One hand squeezed her waist and he disappeared into the shower. Next time? What the fuck am I thinking 'next time'? This has got to stop! On the upside he'd found out that her eyes did indeed glow...under the right circumstances.

Brianna blew out a shaky breath, picked up the towel that was lying on the table and cleaned herself up as best she could. As she set her clothes to rights, she stared at herself in the mirror. You have no self control at all where he's concerned!  And the things she'd done! When did you become such a wanton hussy? You've got to get your shit together Brianna. You're a better person than this!

Not waiting for Jon, she finished packing his things, left out his street clothes and ducked out to climb into the back of one of the waiting vans. When Jon arrived he climbed into the front without looking her way.

David sat in the middle, his assessing gaze studying both of them.

Chapter 39

The tension increased over the next few days until Brianna wanted to scream.....or haul Jon off to bed to release it. Part of the problem was that she couldn't get away from him - at least not for more than a few hours at a time, and then only on off days. And it seemed that once the seed was planted she couldn't get it out of her mind. Every time she looked at him, smelled him, touched him, even in the most casual manner, all she could think about and imagine was the two of them in bed together. And the guilt and shame didn't seem to be enough to drown out the other feelings. The fact that Jon seemed to be in a similar state - if she was judging the frequent, intense looks she caught him throwing her way correctly - wasn't helping either.

The end of this leg couldn't come fast enough. She really needed some time away to get her head back on straight if she was going to make it through the rest of the tour without doing something really stupid that would have permanent repercussions. Once they got back Stateside, she was going to have to find a way to get a few days for herself.

In Southampton, Brianna was in Jon's dressing room checking his supplies when Jon opened the door and walked in. He’d been trying to ignore her, but he'd never been very successful at that and now it was even worse. Now when he saw her lips he remembered how they tasted. When he saw her hands he remembered their touch. When saw her breasts lifting the silk of her shirt he remembered how they tasted and how they felt under his hands. And when he saw her legs - those damn, supple, eight foot long legs!- revealed by her suit skirts - or a leather mini-skirt like today's instrument of torture - he remembered the comfortable cradle they provided when they opened to let him in. And his cock remembered the hot wet welcome it found in her velvet passage.....and it wanted more. It stood at attention every time she came anywhere near him.

But he was married and he loved his wife. Brianna was off limits.

He watched her move around the room, the sun that streamed through the window highlighting the buried fire of her hair. She has a lot of buried fire! He knew he should find somewhere else to be, but couldn't force himself to move. She drew him like a magnet. He didn't know why, but it was getting harder and harder to fight it. And their night together had only made it worse......much worse. Every muscle in his body tensed as she came closer.

"Do you have everything you need?" Brianna asked as she neared the door, looking for an escape from his nearly overwhelming presence.

Her scent washed over him, a heady combination of vanilla and woman, and he snapped. "Not quite." 

Before she could ask what he needed, he closed his hands around her upper arms and backed her up against the wall. Her surprised cry was cut off by his lips. While his mouth ate at hers, he stepped closer, pressing against her, grinding his pelvis into hers. One hand came up to cup a firm breast, his fingers rubbing the stiffening nipple.

"Mmmmm." Brianna moaned softly, her senses overwhelmed before she could even think about formulating a protest. Her fingers laced through his hair, holding him closer while her body shifted to rub against his.

It was Jon's turn to groan. His free hand coasted down her side and over her hip to grip her thigh and tug it upwards until it draped over his hip. Blunt fingers traced the hem of her skirt then dipped under to leave a trail of fire over her silky skin.

Brianna fought for sanity. "Jon....we....shouldn't....Oh!"

"I know." But he didn't stop. Reaching the top of her thigh, he stroked along her cleft, noting the moisture dampening the silk of her panties.

They froze at the sound of loud knocking on the door. "JB! We're ready for sound check!"

Jon could have cheerfully strangled Obie at that moment. "Fuck!"

Whether he was cursing at the interruption or that it – whatever this was between them - had gone that far, even he couldn't say for sure. He leaned back to look at her, his hair pulling slightly until she let go. Her eyes were closed, her head leaning back against the wall. Beautiful. David named her right. "Sorry."

Brianna just sighed and nodded. Lowering her leg, she released him, but never opened her eyes. When the door closed behind him, she lifted her head and let it bang back against the wall...several times. "This shit has got to stop!" Her eyes burned with unshed tears, the stress of it all beginning to get the best of her.

She made it through the show and back to the hotel where she escaped to the bar as soon as Jon was settled in his room for the night. Ordering a bottle of wine, she found a table in a quiet corner and sat down to try and get her head straight.

That's where David found her. "Hey Beautiful. What are you doing sitting here all alone?" He waved over a waitress and ordered another bottle and glass.

Brianna shrugged. "Just trying to sort through a few things."

David poured himself some wine, considering his words carefully. "Like how to deal with the very strong attraction between you and your boss?"

Brianna choked on her wine. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't try and deny it. It's obvious to anyone to looks. We warned Jon this might happen."

She frowned, fingers tracing the stem of her glass. "It's not the attraction....exactly. I'm an adult. I can control my base urges." Or at least I've been able to up until now. She paused, then muttered. "As long as I'm not being undermined."

She'd spoken quietly, but David heard her. "Undermined by Jon? Or Dot?" He watched her face closely.

Brianna stared at him, trying to figure out how much he knew. "What do you mean, Dot?"

He smiled gently. "She told me about her 'plan'."

Brianna closed her eyes and groaned. "Who else knows?"

"No one that I know of."

"Thank God for small mercies. The last thing I need is for everyone knowing that my boss' wife wants me to sleep with her husband!"

That's not all she wants, but it doesn't sound like she's filled you in on the big picture yet. Probably a smart move on her part. "And you don't want to? I mean, most women would jump at the chance to.......jump him. And you have permission."

"It's not about wanting, it's about what's right. And having his wife's permission doesn't make it right." She laid her head down on the table and groaned. "David, what am I going to do? This whole situation is driving me insane,"

"So....you do want him." It wasn't a question, but he wanted her to say it....admit it ...out loud.

Brianna snorted. "I'm female and I'm breathing, what do you think?"

Ever since Dorothea had told him about her plan, David had spent some time thinking about it. He could see where she was coming from. Brianna was a good match for Jon. She understood his needs, and how his mind worked.....and how to deal with his temper. She was great with the kids, and they liked her. And he sensed there was a backbone there they hadn't had the opportunity to really see yet. If push came, he doubted she'd be shoved too far.

The more he thought about it, the more he thought maybe Dorothea had the right idea - as creepy as the whole dying wife picking her successor thing was. Jon and the kids would need someone, and Brianna filled all the requirements, she just needed a little convincing that it was okay. "Then go for it."

Brianna lifted her head to stare at him. "You're as crazy as Dot is."

"Why? You want it, Jon wants it - don't look at me like that, I see the way he watches you. Dot's all for it. You're not married or in a relationship. What's the down side? Who can get hurt?"

Me if I get in too deep."I may not be married, but he is. And regardless of what Dot says, it's still wrong. Cheating is always wrong." She grimaced and took a large swallow from her glass.

David could hear the echo of past pain in her voice and took a guess. "Been there, had it done to you?" Having recently been through a painful divorce himself, he recognized the signs.

Brianna nodded. "And I swore I'd never do it to someone else. I refuse to be the 'other woman'.

He decided to try a different tack. "Don't think about that way. Think of it as helping out a man in need....and fulfilling a dying woman's wish." When she just stared at him, he shrugged. "It's a thought. Or maybe you should just tear up the sheets a few times and get it out of your systems and it won't be an issue anymore."

Brianna snorted. Hasn't worked so far....just made it worse. "I hear what you're saying, but I don't know if.....I just don't know. I have to live with myself."

David reached out and squeezed her hand. "Such an honest, good woman. We don't see many of those anymore. If it really is more than your conscience can handle, then don't do it. But don't say no because you consider it cheating." He smirked. "Now, if you decide to go for it and he doesn't please you, you let me know and I'll take care of it."

Brianna laughed and squeezed his hand. "Thanks. If I find him.....lacking.....I'll let you know." If the other night was anything to go by, I doubt help will ever be needed.

Neither clarified what he meant by taking care of it.

Chapter 38

Jon blew out a breath, gathered his strength, withdrew from her body, rolled over onto his back.....and promptly fell asleep.

Brianna lay with her eyes closed, straining to catch her breath.....and process what had just happened. When her scattered wits settled back into place and enough oxygen returned to her brain for it to function properly again......she wished it hadn't. What the hell have I done? What kind of person am I? Easing quietly from the bed, careful not to wake Jon, she gathered her clothes and slipped into her own room, closing the door behind her.

In the shower, beneath the hot, pelting stream, she let her mind replay everything that happened from the time Jon started talking about his feelings of guilt. Tears joined the water splashing her face as the shame of what she'd done nearly buckled her knees. Oh, she could blame it on the alcohol, the length of time since she'd been with a man, the emotions filling the room, Dorothea's 'suggestion', even pure lust, but the cold hard truth was she'd slept with a married man - something she'd sworn never to do. 

She'd never felt such self-disgust in her entire life. And the worst part was.....she'd enjoyed it far too much. She'd gotten more pleasure from an hour with Jon than she had all the times with Alex combined! But he's married!!! It didn't matter that his wife had given her blessing, it was still wrong.

Brianna shook herself. She couldn't undo what was done. All she could do was make sure it never happened again. And she was sure that when Jon sobered up he would agree. With new resolve, she quickly washed, dried herself off and climbed into bed. 

Now all she had to figure out was how to face him in the morning.

Surprisingly, despite her emotional turmoil, Brianna slept soundly, waking only when the phone rang with her wake up call. Groaning, she dragged herself out of bed and prepared for the day. It was an interview day, not a show day, so she pulled a suit out of her bag. Ready, she stood in front of the connecting door for a long time, trying to gather enough courage to knock. They needed to talk about what happened and how it could never happen again.....didn't they?

Maybe, but it doesn't have to be right now. Chickening out, she decided being with other people the next time she saw him might be best. The other could wait until they'd both had time to put the events of the previous evening in perspective and the feelings weren't so.....fresh.

Turning, she escaped to the interview room. She was checking that everything the guys needed was ready and available when they joined her.

"Hey Beautiful. How did your night go? Any problems?" David greeted her.

Brianna choked until she realized her was referring to Jon's mood upon hearing that Dorothea needed to be put on oxygen. "No, no problems."

"Do you know if he managed to get any sleep?"

"Slept like the dead." Jon answered, entering the room. His eyes locked with Brianna's. "I was worn out."

Brianna flushed and turned back to the refreshment table. "Coffee, Boss?"

"Please."

The pause before his answer was long enough to alert David to the undercurrents in the room. He frowned.

As she handed him the mug their fingers touched. Where before there had been a spark, now there was fire. Her body reacted to that brief touch as if he stroked her. She shivered and quickly stepped back.

Jon noticed her reaction, but didn’t comment. He was too busy trying to repress his own reaction. When he'd awakened and remembered what had happened with his assistant he wasn't sure how he felt. Guilt, a little shame, yes - he didn't want to cause Dorothea more pain - but strangely, no regret. They shouldn't have done it, and it certainly couldn't happen again, but he didn't regret it. It felt much too good, too....right.....to regret it. He didn't know why, whether it was the alcohol, his emotional breakdown, the amount of time they'd spent together, Dorothea's crazy 'suggestion', or just built up lust and good chemistry, but having sex - he wouldn't lie and call it making love - with Brianna had been incredibly.....satisfying. And when she came close, his cock twitched and stirred, letting him know it wanted some more.

He gave a mental shrug. He wasn't going to waste time and energy trying to figure it out. He just had to make sure it didn't happen again. And by the speed Brianna moved away from him, he figured she realized it too. Good! That's a conversation I really didn't want to have.

David noticed her reaction too, but didn't know what it meant......but he was determined to find out. There was enough pain on the horizon with Dorothea's illness without something happening between these two to add to it. Plus, he was bored and watching them gave him something to do.

When Brianna finally sat down to monitor the interviews, she was fortunately  - or unfortunately depending on your perspective - directly in Jon's line of sight. Every time she shifted position, especially when she uncrossed and crossed her legs, he would stumble over his answers or lose his train of thought completely.

"Mind somewhere else today bro?" Richie asked in between interviews. "Or just more bored than usual?"

"Having problems focusing today." Jon shrugged. "I guess I still need more sleep."

"Or maybe more time in the gym to sweat off some....frustration." David smirked. He caught Brianna's gaze and winked. "How about you Beautiful? You having concentration problems today?" He'd noticed her staring at Jon, a glazed look in her eyes.

Brianna stared at him, wondering what he knew. "Nope. I'm a little tired, but otherwise I'm fine." She avoided looking at Jon by pure dint of will.

As soon as she was no longer needed, she escaped to her room, then out to explore Glasgow a little.

Jon escaped to the gym.

That night, they both stayed on their own sides of the connecting door.....and tried to sleep.

The next day, Brianna was checking the contents of Jon's dressing room when he walked in and stopped short. It was the first time they'd been alone since their night of shared passion.

Their eyes locked for a long moment, then they both turned away - Jon to rifle through his wardrobe trying to decide what he wanted to wear, and Brianna to check his supplies once more.

When she bent over to check the tub filled with ice, water and wine under his table, Jon groaned. His hands flexed, remembering what that firm round ass felt like without cloth in the way. His cock stood up, remembering a lot more. Damn! He turned away and yanked out a shirt.

Watching out of the corner of her eyes, Brianna couldn't help but notice his reaction - both his temper and his body - and smirk. Aside from anything else, it was a huge boost to her ego that she could affect him like that. But when he stripped off his shirt to change into his stage clothes, the tables were turned and she was the one groaning. The broad expanse of fur covered muscle had her fingers tingling and her temperature rising. In self defence, she headed for the door. "I'll get your ginseng."

Jon grinned. Ha! Two can play the teasing game sweetheart! As the door closed behind her, his smile faded, a wave of guilt washing over him. What are you doing, idiot? I don't care what Dorothea says, you can't go there.....again!

Brianna sat in the control room, staring at a bottle of wine, unable to decide if it would help or make things worse.

"Want me to open that for you?" Paul offered.

"Is it that obvious?" She grimaced.

He squeezed her shoulder. "Alcoholic fortification is a dietary requirement for anyone working in this organization for any length of time - especially for someone working in close proximity to Jon most of the time." Walking over to his desk area, he lifted his glass and toasted her. "Cheers."

Brianna laughed ruefully.

"Hey Beautiful?" David stuck his head in the door. "Boo Boo's bellowing for his ginseng."

Brianna glanced at her watch and jumped up. Pausing in the doorway, she glanced back at Paul.

He grinned and pulled the bottle of wine and a corkscrew towards him. "I'm on it."

At the break before the encore, Jon ran down the stairs from the stage, peeled off his sweat soaked shirt and tossed it at Brianna as usual. The two glasses of wine she'd had during the show slowed her reflexes and it hit her in the face. The scent of sweat mixed with his cologne had her senses spinning and she was slow to remove the cloth. She grimaced, snatched the shirt off her face and stalked off towards the dressing rooms. This has got to stop! 

Richie watched her go. "What's the matter with Brianna?"

David hesitated, but decided to keep his suspicions - and Dorothea's plan - to himself for awhile longer. He shrugged. "Maybe spending all this time with Boo Boo is finally getting to her and she's gone in search of wine."

"Hmmm....maybe we should help her with her search." He was still miffed about being left out of the party in Japan and was hoping to see her in action.

Tico frowned in concern as he also watched her hasty retreat. "Whatever it is we need to keep an eye on her."