Chapter 47

Brianna walked into her room, set down her purse and briefcase and sighed. She'd spent the drive from the venue avoiding David's knowing looks….and Jon's heated ones. Thankfully, Richie and Tico couldn't see either, or any hope of keeping Dorothea's 'plan' a secret would be gone.

Looking at the door that connected her room with Jon's she winced. What the hell did I agree to? Sleeping with him is sooo not the right, ethical thing to do! Unfortunately, her self control deserted her with the touch of his lips. All her good intentions stripped away with one swipe of his tongue against hers. And she was tired of trying to fight it.

She glanced at the bed. Well at least tonight should be more comfortable than a wall. And maybe, just maybe, she could work him out of her system. But if she was going to go against everything she was taught about decency and proper behaviour, she wasn't going to let Jon run the show all the time. Digging through her suitcase, she pulled out the garment she was looking for and headed for the bathroom, a grin curving her lips. Time to take back a little control.

Jon entered Brianna's room, a bottle of wine in his hand. A sweeping glance told him the room was empty, the sound of water running in the bathroom told him where she was. He filled two glasses and set them and the bottle on the bedside table before settling on the bed to wait for her.

When the bathroom door opened, he looked up and his breath stopped in his chest like he'd been kicked by a horse. "Jesus!" His cock stood up to get a better look - or tried to, pushing against the denim of his jeans.

One feminine brow rose as she laid her suit over her suitcase and approached the empty side of the bed. "Something wrong?"

His Adam's apple bobbed in his throat as he swallowed heavily, licked dry lips and tried to speak. The red lace teddy she wore - if you could call it that - barely covered the tips of her breasts, baring the creamy swells on either side, then trailed down the centre of her stomach before fanning out just enough to cover the mound between her legs.....and left him speechless. He was forced to resort to simply shaking his head.

Brianna smirked and climbed onto the bed, noting that his eyes followed her movement, remaining focused mainly on her breasts. Stretching, she arched her back, her arms sliding under her hair, lifting it and letting it fall back down her back like a waterfall of dark fire.

His hands clenched against the urge to reach out and touch. But when she reclined beside him, he couldn't resist any longer. Turning on his side toward her, one hand lifted to trail over the skin of her torso bared by the teddy. "What happened to my prim and proper assistant?"

"Mmmmm." Her eyes drifted shut and her body lifted towards his caressing hand. "Now you know my deep, dark secret. Besides, for what you need me to 'assist' you with right now, 'prim and proper' won't work."

Jon didn't argue. He much preferred this sultry, sensual side of her - at least outside of work hours. He leaned over her. "I'm looking forward to seeing what other deep, dark secrets are waiting to be discovered."

Her chuckle was cut off by his mouth descending on hers. Backing off until their lips were just brushing, he traced her mouth with his tongue and nibbled her bottom lip.

"Mmmmm." Brianna's arms lifted to wrap around his shoulders.

Jon grasped her wrists and pressed them into the pillow above her head. "No. Don't touch me. Not yet. I want to make this time last. I want to explore every inch of you."

His mouth explored her neck and collarbone while his hands stroked down her arms, halting at the top of her ribcage. Lifting his head, he gazed down at her breasts spilling out the top of the teddy. While his thumbs brushed the sides of the plump mounds, he watched her nipples pebble at his touch and poke against the lace. He bent just enough for his tongue to draw wet designs on her warm flesh. The hardening tips lured him to taste, licking and sucking through their lace covering.

Brianna moaned softly, her body starting to undulate in response to the sensations shooting through it with every pull of his lips on the sensitive tips. "Mmmmmm."

The brushing of her hips against his was like gasoline on the flame of his desire. His cock swelled even more, pushing against the restraint of his zipper. Shifting his attention to her other breast, he slid one hand slowly down over her stomach to cup between her legs. The silk was already damp with her arousal and he could feel her swollen clit. With the heel of his hand he ground against the sensitive nub, smiling around the one in his mouth at her cry of pleasure and  the bowing of her body.

Her hands fisted in the bedding, anchoring herself against the waves of sensation crashing over her with his every touch. "Oh! Oh! Mmmmm." Her hips rocked feverishly against his hand, her teeth clenched on ger bottom lip, her only thought to find release. "Jon!"

The sound of his name spoken in a voice husky with need had the brick in his pants pushing to get out. But as much as he ached to feel the wet heat of her flesh engulfing his eager cock, he was determined not to rush it this time. He finally had her in a bed, with her hair down and spread across the pillow - and he was sober this time. He was going to explore and enjoy her as long as his control could hold out.

The tour was coming to an end. And even though she'd agreed to this.....relationship, he knew she was struggling with her conscience. If he was being totally honest, it wasn't sitting all that well with his either. A night like this might never happen again. He was going to take advantage of it. Whether that made him an asshole or not.....he just couldn't resist anymore.

Releasing her nipple, he moved down her body, trailing open mouth kisses along the strip of lace running down the centre of her torso.  As he neared her pelvis, her thighs opened. He didn't need to be asked twice. Sliding into the space provided my her movement, he took a deep breath, inhaling the intoxicating scent of her arousal. 

One finger traced her seam and toyed with the snaps holding the teddy together at the crotch while his mouth focused a little higher up. His tongue found the nub of her clit and licked. His teeth found it and nibbled. His lips found it and sucked.

Brianna shifted her grip to the rungs in the head board, clenching as her body shuddered. "Fuck Jon!"

"That's the plan." He chuckled. "But not yet. I want to watch you come for me first." He squeezed her nipple with one hand, teased her entrance between the snaps with the other and sucked her clit. Hard.

"Yes! Oh! Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!" Her body arched up off the bed as his wish was fulfilled.

While Brianna recovered, Jon dragged his open mouth along the inside of her thigh down to her knee....and nibbled his way back up along the damp trail. He repeated the exercise on her other leg, noting the tensing of her muscles. Apparently, not only was she wonderfully responsive, she recovered quickly too. Perfect!

Using thumb and forefinger, he gripped the material between the snaps and pulled. When the snaps gave way, he pushed the satin and lace up her torso, baring her, to his gaze, to his fingers, to his mouth. Calloused fingertips stroking her swollen folds acted like sandpaper on her nerve endings, making her gasp. His tongue followed to soothe the pulsing tissue.

"Mmmmm." Brianna moaned and lifted her hips towards him, silently asking for more.

Jon was more than happy to oblige and settled in to explore. Every nook and cranny of her most female flesh felt his attention....and he lapped up the evidence of her appreciation. "Sweet. God! You taste so sweet." His tongue dove deep in search of hidden cream.

"Jon!" She shuddered.

He didn't let up. While he licked up her offering, savouring her flavour, his fingers stroked and caressed. He shifted, his mouth moving to focus its teasing torture on the sensitive nub at the top of her cleft. Two fingers probed her aching opening, then pressed deep.

"Jesus!" Brianna breathed, her back arching.

"No, Johnny." Jon paused to correct her, then resumed his ministrations,

Her chuckle was choked off when clever fingertips found the spot on the front of her channel guaranteed to send her into orbit and she cried out. "OH! Yes! Right there! Fuck yes!"

Jon glanced up and lost himself in the vision in front of him. The hints of fire in her hair flashed with every thrash of her head. Amber eyes were squeezed tightly shut and perfect white teeth bit down on her bottom lip in an attempt to hold back the sensations threatening to overwhelm her. So fucking beautiful!

His aching cock pulsed, reminding him to move things along....or it would be all over and he brought his focus back to the matter at hand. His movements became regular, but unhurried. He wanted to push her, to built her to the point where she couldn't hold it back. he wanted to hear her scream.

Brianna tightened her grip on the headboard and fought to control the tide rising inside her. "Jon! Please!"

"Don't fight it. Let it go. Come for me Golden Eyes. Now!" Closing his lips around her clit again, he sucked hard and thrust his fingers deeper.

"JON!!!" The scream was ripped from her throat.

Ah! There we go! Jon grinned and slowed the movement of his hand, letting her ride out the storm. When she'd calmed, he rose to strip off his jeans and groaned in relief when his cock broke free. How long it remained free from confinement was the question. Already his body missed the warmth of hers.

Kicking denim aside, he climbed back onto the bed and settled into the cradle she'd created for him. She was still panting for breath when he removed the teddy. Catching sight of his glass of wine on the bedside table, he considered, then reached to dip his fingers in. His lips curved in approval as her nipples started to harden at the first touch of the golden liquid. He blew across the damp tips to finish the process.

Brianna groaned and rocked her hips against the hard shaft lying along her cleft, shocked at the passion surging through her once again. "Jon please!"

His hips echoed her motions, his own groan escaping at the feel of her scalding moisture bathing his cock. "Like this? Tell me what you want."

"You." She swallowed and licked dry lips. "Enough teasing. I want you. Inside me. Please Jon, I can't wait any longer!"

Neither could he. Bracing on his elbows, her smoothed her hair away from her face, spreading it over the pillows. He stroked her cheeks, framing her face between his hands. His seeking flesh found her opening. "Look at me Golden Eyes." 

Dark lashes fluttered and rose. Flexing his hips, he entered her, watching her eyes brighten more with every burrowing inch.  When she'd absorbed all of him, she clenched around him, holding him tight. They both groaned. "Feels so good."

He couldn't agree more. "Perfect." Touching his lips to hers, he started to move, thrusting slowly, gently.

Brianna sighed, her body matching his rhythm, her tongue peeking out to touch his. "Mmmmm."

Sweat ran down his spine with the effort it took to keep his movements slow and easy. As much as he wanted to feel the pleasure of release, he wanted to make these moments last as long as he could. It felt too good to rush.

But his control was severely tested when her hands came down to stroke and grip his back. "More." Her nails raked. "I need more!"

Jon groaned and gave in, increasing the speed and friction until they were both shouting.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Brianna chanted as the wave swamped her and she shattered.

Jon collapsed and it took several minutes before he had the strength to withdraw from her body and roll to lie beside her. "That...was..." He couldn't form the words.

"Amazing." Brianna gasped.

Yeah, that word works.

Loud thumping on the wall startled them. "You guys done? I need some sleep!" David's voice was only slightly muffled.

Brianna froze for a moment, her eyes wide. Turning to look at Jon, sweat drenched and naked beside her, she grinned. "Just getting started!"

"Fuck!"

Jon chuckled, sure she was joking.

Wrong again.

Chapter 46

Brianna walked into her hotel room, set her purse on a table, stepped out onto the balcony and sighed. Florida in July wouldn't have been her first choice of destinations, but anything was a welcome relief from Red Bank. It would be even better if she could get away from Jon for awhile too, but that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

The conversation with Dorothea a few days ago - and her blatant attempt to push them into bed together -  still freaked her out. It went against everything she'd been raised to believe, and undermined her conscience's fight against her libido. She hoped Jon would reconsider and fight it too - or she'd be lost.

"Hey Beautiful, how're you holding up?"

She turned towards the balcony on her left. "Hi David. I missed you on the plane." They'd all been coming from different directions so they'd flown separately, robbing her of even the distraction of their company. It had been just her and Jon. Thankfully, it was a short flight.

"I bet. Jon's not exactly a brilliant conversationalist at the best of times."

"Fuck you Lemma." Came from the balcony of the room on the other side of Brianna's.

"Sorry Frank, but as much as I need to get laid, you're not my type. Besides, I'm not the one who has your wife's seal of approval." He paused. "But can you guys do me a favour? If you're going to get it on tonight, can you do it in your room Beautiful? The walls are thin enough I can live vicariously." Stretching, he retreated into his room, leaving his friends in stunned silence.

"You told him?" Jon hissed at her.

"No, of course not!" Brianna denied, her face flaming. "Dot did."

Jon groaned. "Great. Just fucking great. Of all people, she had to tell him." He sighed. "Do the rest of them know?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

"Thank God for small mercies." He shook his head. "But Lemma! If she had to tell one of them, why couldn't it have been Tico? He wouldn't torture us with it!"

Brianna couldn't help but laugh. She had no doubt that his prediction about what David could - and most likely would- do with the information would come true. She also had no doubt that Dorothea had chosen her confidante precisely for that reason - to push things along if necessary. "You know, for such a caring woman, your wife is very devious."

"You don't think she picked him on purpose." He frowned, considering. "What am I saying, of course she did."

"Mmmmm. And that makes me wonder if there's something more to her plan than just getting us into bed together."

"Like what?" He had his own suspicions.

"I don't know, but the way she's pushing, I just have a feeling there's more to it." And she was trying not to think about what it might be.

Brianna spent the time before the show monitoring interviews, checking Jon's supplies....and waiting for whatever David might do or say next. Between that and fighting her instinctive reactions to Jon, she was a nervous wreck.

Jon wasn't much better, but unlike Brianna he wasn't trying to fight the primal pull between them anymore. And his condition wasn't due to concern about what David might do. His friend might enjoy teasing them - and embarrassing Brianna - but he would keep it within the 'family', and he would never do anything to hurt them. No, Jon's nervous system was in overdrive because, well, he was hornier than a stag in rut. He could handle the abstinence when he was on tour in Europe and away from his wife, but when she - or her approved stand-in - was nearby his cock didn't want to take 'no' for an answer. At this point, the mere scent of her perfume gave him a hard-on! Unfortunately, no matter how hard he tried, he hadn't been able to get her alone for any length of time.

Descending the stairs from the stage, Jon pulled off his sweat soaked shirt and glanced around. As he wiped his face with the towel a staffer handed him, and started towards his dressing room, his eyes continually scanned the area around him. But his assistant was nowhere to be seen.

David had been watching his frontman, a smirk twisting his lips. He knew what - or rather who - he was looking for. When she wasn't in the control room they passed, he had a pretty good idea where she was. When they neared Jon's dressing room, David nudged him. "Need some extra time before we leave tonight?"

Jon didn't even blink. "If she's in there....yes."

"I'll distract everyone, but are you sure you can't wait until you get back to the hotel?" He looked like a kid denied candy.

Jon snorted. "Fuck off."

David sighed. "I've tried that, but it doesn't work very well."

Hand on the doorknob, Jon shook his head. "Go soak your head asshole." Opening the door, he stepped into the room, glancing around as he did so.

Brianna looked up as the door opened. Damn it! Not fast enough. She'd been hoping to finish packing up what he didn't need anymore and get out of the room before he returned.......at least her head did. Her libido was a different matter, but she was ignoring that.

Or trying to. 

Coming face to face with Jon's bare, sweaty chest had her nostrils flaring and the urge to lick was almost overwhelming. Don't do it Bri. Fight it. You're not that kind of woman. You're better than that.

When their eyes met and locked, the sparks flew. Jon closed the door and reached bend him to lock it. Stepping close to her, he dropped his shirt and ran his hands up her arms to grip her shoulders and haul her against him.

Brianna's hands came up to brace against his chest, but she made no effort to push him away. The heat and hunger in the cobalt depths of his eyes mesmerized her. She watched silently as his head dipped and his mouth captured hers.

The touch of their lips acted like bellows on the embers of their passion, fanning it into a full blown fire that burned through any arguments her conscience could raise. She knew she was lost before her back hit the wall. Her fingers flexed into his pecs as their tongues dueled, nails biting lightly. The combination of his hot skin under her hands, the musky scent of him in her nose and his tangy flavour exploding on her tongue swept away all thoughts except that she needed more.

Sensing victory, Jon tilted his head, deepening the kiss even more. When her hands slid up over his shoulders and into his hair, he set his hands on her body, stroking up and down her sides before shifting to cover her breasts. There his fingers played, squeezing, caressing and rubbing until the nipples pebbled under the silk of her sleeveless blouse.

Her moan was swallowed by his mouth and her back arched, pressing her body even closer to his. With a low growl, Jon made short work of the buttons on her blouse and brushed it aside, revealing the plump mounds of her breasts swelling over the lacy cups of her bra.

Tearing his mouth from hers, he looked down to feast his eyes on the sight. Calloused fingertips caressed bare skin and pinched the hard tips, making her gasp. Unable to resist another second, he bent to take her flesh into his mouth, biting and sucking her through the lace, rubbing the sensitive crest with his tongue.

Brianna fisted her hands in his hair, holding him against her, mewling at the bolts of sensation radiating through her body. "Jon......please!"

He didn't stop to clarify what she was pleading for - he couldn't take the chance she wanted him to stop. He lifted his head to switch to her other breast, his hands lowering to reach for the hem of her skirt. In one smooth motion he pulled until the material was bunched around her waist.

Brianna's head dropped back to hit the wall behind her at the feel of his hand sliding between her legs. She cried out when her moved aside the strip of her thong and buried one finger inside her moist channel. When he added a second finger she whimpered, her hips rocking against his hand. "Jon!" Her breath came in pants. "Need you...inside me...now!"

Not about to argue when she was offering him relief for his aching cock, he used his free hand to open his pants and started to push them down over his hips, not really surprised to feel her hands ready to help. His erection freed, he withdrew his fingers and used them to guide the throbbing shaft into her body. Grasping her knee, he lifted her leg until she hooked it over his hip. His head lifted to recapture her mouth just in time to muffle her scream when his full length breached her.

Like a match set to paper, their passion exploded. The feel of her flesh holding him tightly, the hot wetness surrounding him assuring him of  her body's welcome, snapped what little control he had left and his hips began to move. Gentleness was beyond him, rendered impossible by his fierce, aching need. Each thrust was harder and reached deeper than the last.

But Brianna didn't mind. In fact, she wanted more. Moaning deep in her throat, her hips rocked against his and her hands gripped his back, pulling him closer. She broke the kiss to gasp for breath. "Yes! Yes! Jon!" Her fingers curled involuntarily, nails biting.

"Fuck!" Jon groaned against her throat as he exploded inside her.

Brianna cried out, his spasms triggering hers. "JON! YES!"

For several minutes the room was silent except for their gasps as they fought to get their breath back. Finally, Jon blew out a breath, withdrew from her body and stepped back to look at her. Once again he hadn't taken the time to let her hair down, and while satisfying, he'd like to be able to take his time and explore her body and the limits of her passion. Meeting her glowing golden eyes, his lips twisted. "That was a great appetizer, but I'm still hungry. Let's get back to the hotel and settle in for the main course."

She stared at him for a long moment, debating, but realized she just couldn't fight it anymore. "Your room or mine?"

Smirk grew into a grin. "Yours. And I want you to be as loud as you possibly can...especially when you're screaming my name. Let Lemma choke on his jealousy."

She laughed. "I'll see what I can do."

Chapter 45

Brianna pulled onto the grounds and parked in her usual spot near the house. Staring up at the chateau style building gleaming in the summer sun, she couldn't sort out her feelings. Even though neither the house nor the family that lived in it was hers, it felt strangely like home - more so than the one she grew up in anyway. 

Here, no one judged her every word and move, telling her how she should behave, how she should dress, what she should think, what her life goals should be or reminded her what 'her place' was and to uphold the family's honour and reputation. Here, she was just 'Bri': employee, confidante and friend. Here she could voice her opinions freely, stay in her pajamas all day if she wanted to and no one frowned at her for not being married with at least two kids.

"Woof!" Copper stood by her door, tongue hanging out and tail wagging excitedly.

Brianna smiled, opened the door and stepped out. "Hello Copper. I'm coming." She ruffled his fur and thumped his side.

Inside, Jake looked up from his train at the buzz of the gate, sending a hopeful gaze towards his father. "Bianna home?"

Jon glanced at the video monitor from the gate camera showing the vehicle driving through. "Yes."

"Yay!" Jake jumped up and ran towards the front door.

Grinning, Jon followed him. As soon as he opened the door, Jake was out like a shot, almost knocking Brianna over in his exuberance.

"Hi buddy!" She hugged him, grateful for the excuse to look somewhere other than at her boss standing in the doorway wearing shorts - and nothing else. She also ignored her body's response to that vision. Definitely past time to find a boyfriend! "Did you miss me?"

"Yep!"

Jon shook his head at his son, but couldn't hold back a smile. "Hi." Looking closer at her face, he frowned. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah." She grimaced. "Family is......tiring."

"I hear ya. That's one of the reasons we nixed a family gathering yesterday."

"So what did you do? Did you go to Bruce's?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Southside says hi, by the way."

Brianna grinned. "He was there? Now I'm even more sorry I missed it."

Jon snorted. "So was he."

A noise had them turning to watch Jake trying to pull Brianna's suitcase into the house.

"What are you doing buddy?" His father asked.

"Bianna home. Dis need to go inside so her not weave again."

"Ah." Jon grinned. "Need some help?"

"Nope." Jake tugged the handle and grunted. "I gots it."

Jesse appeared in the doorway, watched his brother for a moment, then stepped forward. Turning the case around, he pulled out the handle extension and handed it to Jake. "Here. It's got wheels. It's easier to pull it this way."

"Oh. Tanks Jesse!" With only a few bumps and bangs Jake managed to get her suitcase into the house.

"I hope you didn't have anything breakable in there." Jon smiled wryly.

Brianna smiled. "No, it should be fine."

"Ummm....Bri?"

"Yes Jess?" She was familiar with that look. He wanted something.

"Mom asked if you would look after dinner tonight."

"Sure." She studied his face and smiled. "Is there something in particular you'd like?"

"Um...well....maybe pork chops?" He asked hopefully.

"Mmmm...and mashed potatoes?" Jon added.

Brianna looked back and forth between the two males wearing identical pleading expressions and had to laugh. "Yeah, okay."

"And chockit cake!" Came from the open doorway.

"Guess I'd better get busy then." Brianna entered the house and headed for the kitchen, ruffling Jake's hair as she passed him.

Sitting around the dinner table, listening to the conversations, laughter - even minor squabbles -  the love and affection shared by everyone there was as obvious to Brianna as it was a rare occurrence for her. This is how a family should act.

Afterwards, Brianna was in the kitchen cleaning up when Jon came in with the last of the dishes. He studied her face for a moment, then took the plate out of her hand and set it in the dishwasher. "Why don't you go and relax and let me finish this?" One hand lifted to cup her cheek, thumb rubbing lightly over the shadow under her eye. "You look tired."

Her eyes drifted shut to savour the heat of his touch. Suddenly realizing what she was doing, she abruptly pulled away. "I'm okay."

"Bri....I thought we agreed not to ignore this and let whatever happens happen."

"But not in this house. And definitely not where the kids can walk in and see."

He sighed. "Four more days."

She didn't need to ask what he was referring to. Her libido was looking forward to getting back to the tour too. Still, she was determined to fight it.....for as long as she could. She had to. He was married and as her father reminded her, she was raised better. Gathering her defences, she snorted. "Pretty sure of yourself."

Jon couldn't prevent a smirk from curving his lips. "Maybe. Or maybe I've just had more experience to recognize that whatever this is between us is stronger than either one of us. We can fight it all we want, but...." He shrugged.

As much as Brianna wanted to argue, she was afraid he was right. Then again, maybe she was just tired....or horny.

They weren't the only ones frustrated. Dorothea had been trying to give them as much time alone together as she could to encourage their relationship, but as far as she could tell, it was all for naught.

Shuffling from the bed to the bathroom, she leaned against the vanity and waited for the stabbing pain in her abdomen to fade. A glance at her watch confirmed she had another twenty minutes before her next morphine dose. I can make it. Just breathe through it. That was easier said than done some days. Like today, when it felt like a twenty pound weight was sitting on her chest, making taking a deep breath next to impossible.

When she'd finished in the bathroom and collapsed back on the bed, she turned her mind back to her husband and his....assistant. She needed to find a way to push that situation along. And I don't have a lot of time left to do it.

The next day she had her opportunity when the little ones were down for their nap, Steph was at a friend's and Jesse was at football camp. She climbed the stairs with Jon's help, intent on taking a nap herself, and found Brianna - as expected - waiting to help her get settled.

Leaning back on the pillows, Dorothea eyed her companions. "Jon, why don't you take Bri down and show her around the guest house." She paused. "And take your time."

Jon frowned. "Why?" He had a sneaking suspicion he knew.

"I've seen it already." Brianna added.

"I thought maybe it might come in handy for the two of you." At their blank looks, she elaborated. "A space for some private time." She sighed. "Do I really have to spell if out for you?"

"Dorothea..." Brianna started to protest, but was cut off.

"Bri, we've been over this before. I am totally in favour of you two having a sexual relationship. And I understand that it would be difficult under this roof....with the kids running around. So I thought the guest house would work. Sort of your own little love nest."

"Jesus Dot!" Jon raked a hand through his hair.

Brianna, face flaming, closed her eyes and rested her forehead against the window beside her.

"Oh come on you two." Dorothea scoffed. "We're all adults here. And you've both known me long enough not to be surprised by my plain speaking." She focused on Brianna. "It's one of the reasons why I avoid the media. I'm not good at the whole diplomatic thing." She sighed. "At the very least you can use it as a place to escape from all this," the wave of her hand encompassed the oxygen tank, morphine bottles and other paraphernalia that went with helping her cope with her disease, "when you need to." She closed her eyes. "Everyone needs a place to escape."

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.