Chapter 69

He arrived home in time to read his youngest two their bedtime story, Romeo cuddled on his lap, Jake nestled beside him. When he finished, Jake sighed heavily. Jon tilted his head to look at him. "What's wrong buddy?"

"I miss Mommy."

Jon slid his arm around him, hugging him close and kissed his head. "I know buddy, so do I." Then he thought of something sure to bring a smile to his son's face. "Hey, know what?"

"What?"

"Bri's coming to see us tomorrow."

"Reawy?" The small face lit up. "Yay!" He turned to the doorway. "Hear dat Gamma? Bianna's coming tomorrow!"

Carol smiled at her grandson. His speech was becoming clearer all the time, but his 'L's still gave him problems and his 'R's were hit and miss. "I heard. That'll be fun for you. You'd better get to sleep so that tomorrow comes faster."

"Okay!" He slid down in his bed with a yawn. "Nite!"

Jon chuckled and stood with Romeo half asleep in his arms. "Nite buddy." He tucked in the blanket with his free hand and bent to kiss his head.

In Romeo's room, he tucked him into bed and kissed his cheek. "Nite little man."

Carol fingered his pajamas. "He needs some new pajamas." She looked at the dresser on the opposite wall. "And probably some other things as well. I guess I should look over his clothes."

"Oh, ummm....."

"Or is Brianna looking after it?" Her look was knowing.

"She mentioned it when she told me about taking Steph shopping." He looked at his mother. "Are you upset about that?"

Carol waved a hand. "Of course not. I understand a teenager wanting to shop with someone younger who's up on all the latest trends and not her old grandmother. I think it's great that they enjoy each other's company."

"Me too." He started for the door. "Do you want some coffee?"

"I just put on a fresh pot. It should be ready."

In the kitchen, Jon poured while his mother took a seat on a stool at the island. John Sr. walked in and sat beside her. "Pour me a cup of that too would you please?"

"Sure." Jon filled another cup and passed it over. He saw the look his parents exchanged. "What?"

Carol glance towards the doorway to the living room.

"They're watching TV." John assured his wife.

"Steph and Jesse think you have a girlfriend." Carol warned her son.

Jon frowned. "Where did they get that idea?"

"I don't know." Carol answered.

"Is it true?" John Sr. asked.

"Yes." Jon admitted, almost absently, his mind on his mother's revelation. "But I've been careful not to say anything in front of them. I didn't think they were ready. How did they react to the idea?"

"They're a little uncomfortable. They see it as a betrayal to their mother." She hesitated, thinking about the letter, but decided not to tell him. That was between Dorothea and her children. "I talked to them a little. I think they just need a little time to get used to the idea. They'll come around. Especially if it's who I think it is." She smirked. "She's a good choice."

John looked between his wife and his oldest son. "Who is it?"

"You mean Matty didn't tell you?" Jon was surprised.

"No, when did you tell him?" Carol asked.

"I didn't. He and Desiree figured it out themselves."

"It's Brianna, isn't it?" John clued in.

Jon nodded. "Yeah. We're giving it a try anyway."

"Good. I'm glad to see you healing and ready to move on." Carol patted his hand. "Just....make sure before you tell the kids. Don't rush it. You'll know when they're ready."

He doubted it, but he figured at least one of the women in his life would tell him.

When Brianna arrived at the mansion the next day, she stepped out of her car and braced for the exuberant greeting of the fearsome guard dog. Seventy pounds of fur, muscle and licking tongue pinned her to the car. She petted and pushed and tried to avoid drowning in dog drool. "Hello Copper......Copper stop! Copper heel!"

"Copper leave her alone." Jesse grabbed the dog's collar and pulled him away.

"Thanks Jess." Brianna wiped her face and picked up her briefcase which had fallen to the ground during the mauling.

Together, they walked towards the house.

"How are you doing? Ready to go back to school?"

He shrugged. "I guess."

"Anything you need?"

"Naw, I'm set. Grandma's going to take me shopping."

Brianna smiled. Jesse hadn't really discovered girls yet, so wasn't very particular about his clothes. Or maybe he was just like his father - jeans and t-shirts were all he needed most of the time too. "Okay, well, let me know if you need something."

"Thanks."

Entering the house, Brianna closed the door behind them and took a couple steps into the foyer.

"Bianna!" Jake ran in and threw his arms around her waist to hug her.

"Hi buddy!"

"Hey! Come back here you little monkey!"

Brianna didn't have to wonder who Jon was talking to for long. Romeo, wearing only a diaper, came running in to hug her before shifting behind her to peek out around her legs.

"Romeo! Come here!" A harried looking Jon followed his son. "Oh! Hi. Didn't realize you were here." He took a step towards her, then stopped. Idiot! You sound like a teenager with his first girlfriend!

Brianna raised a brow at his awkward greeting. "Hi. I just got here. Rough morning?"

He glanced around for a distraction - anything to stop him from taking her in his arms and greeting her like his body longed to do, the type of greeting he couldn't do in front of his kids, at least not yet - and found it in the form of his youngest clinging to her legs. "Trying to put clothes on him is like trying to dress a wiggling worm. And he's fast!"

Romeo giggled, unfazed by his father's glare.

"Like father, like son." Brianna gestured towards his bare chest. Looking down, she ran her fingers through Romeo's hair. "Should we get you dressed?"

Romeo nodded and reached up to take her hand and walk with her into the living room.

Jon watched in disbelief as she quickly and efficiently put shorts and a t-shirt on his suddenly co-operative son. He shook his head in disgust. "Brat."

Romeo grinned, giggled, kissed Brianna's cheek, then sat on the floor to play with his blocks.

Brianna chuckled and grabbed her briefcase. "I'll head down to your office." She squeezed his shoulder as she passed him.

"Okay." Jon watched her walk down the hallway, fingers tapping on his thighs. Restless, he stood and paced to the window and back to the couch again. When Jesse and Jake came into the room, he stood. "I'm going to the office. Jesse, keep an eye on your brothers please."

Jesse sighed, but nodded. When his father's back was to him, he smiled.

"Brianna here?" Steph scanned the room as she entered.

"Uh huh. She's in the office...with Dad."

Stephanie grinned. "Yeah? Jake where're you going?"

"To see Bianna."

Jesse blocked his path. "They're working squirt. Leave them alone for awhile."

Seeing Jake's frowning pout, Stephanie distracted him. "Why don't we go get a snack? I think Grandma made some cookies."

"Okay."

Brianna looked up at the sound of the door closing. She stood and stepped aside to let him have his chair. But he didn't rush to take it. When he reached her, he slid his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. His head dipped until his mouth could capture hers. "Mmmm." He lifted his head and grinned at her. "Now that's a proper hello."

She licked her lips and watched his eyes darken. "I feel a bit like a teenager again. Only this time, instead of hiding from my parents, we're hiding from your kids."

"Speaking of your parents, am I ever going to meet them?"

Her brows rose. "You want to?" The thought hadn't even crossed her mind.

Jon shrugged. "You've met all of my family, it's only logical. Or is there some minimum number of dates requirement before I can be introduced to your family?"

She smiled. "No."

Her tone had him frowning. "What's the problem? Afraid they won't like me?"

Brianna knew he was trying to be funny, but the truth was, while she knew her mother would welcome him with open arms, she doubted her father would be as agreeable. "My father can be a bit...overbearing. And his views are a little....old-fashioned."

"You mean he wouldn't approve of you dating a musician." Jon guessed.

"Yeah. Your saving grace is that you're a successful one. Plus my brother has been singing him your praises as a businessman."

He raised a brow. "Somebody been checking up on me?"

"What would you if you had a sister - or for Steph as far as that goes? Wouldn't you check out any man she was spending as much time with as you and I have? Especially if she was travelling all over the world with that man?"

"Inside out." Jon admitted. He sighed. "Now I feel like a teenager again."

Brianna ran her hands over his chest and shoulders. "Not from my perspective you don't."

Jon laughed and bent his head to kiss her again.

After several minutes she broke the kiss and eased back. "We'd better at least look like we're working in case someone comes visiting."

"I thought we were working....on each other." He kissed her again.

"Mmmm. Such a workaholic!"

Footsteps running down the hallway had them breaking apart just before Jake burst into the room.

"And this is the response I typed up." Brianna handed a folder across the desk to Jon. "Hey buddy. What's up?"

"When you gonna be done workin so we can pway?"

When are you going to sleep so Daddy can play? "Give us until lunch time buddy." Jon replied.

Jake heaved a heavy sigh. "Okay."

The adults watched him trudge from the room and grinned.

When Jon stood up, Brianna read his expression correctly and shook her head. "Like you told Jake, work first, play later."

Jon heaved a sigh that sounded remarkably like his son's and sat down again. "Okay."

Chapter 68

Sunday afternoon Brianna sat on her balcony sipping a glass of wine and contemplating the arrangement of a variety of lilies, lilacs and a single rust coloured sunflower that had been delivered a short time earlier. It was unique and pretty. Kind of demure with a dash of bold - kind of like her - and smelled heavenly. Where he'd been able to find lilacs at this time of year she couldn't imagine.  The card read simply 'I'm an asshole, I'm sorry' in his distinctive scrawl. As far as apology bouquets went, this one was pretty good.

He'd also left a couple voice mails, but she hadn't responded yet. She wasn't sure she was ready to let him off the hook that easily. She understood that he was going through a difficult time, but that didn't mean she should just accept being treated like a.....plaything. She deserved better.

So she avoided contact with him the rest of the day. Monday would be soon enough to deal with her love life - and her boss.

Jon was frustrated with the communications silence, but he wasn't angry at her. He had no one to blame but himself. He'd brought it on. But she couldn't ignore him forever. Tomorrow was a work day.....and he knew where to find her.

He stood in the doorway connecting their offices for a moment, reviewing his battle plan, before walking in to stand in front of her desk. "Hey."

Brianna glanced up from her computer, a raised eyebrow the only sign of her surprise at seeing him in the office. She had a feeling he hadn't come in to deal with work issues. That was okay, she'd half expected something like this. "Hey."

Noticing her white silk tank top, he couldn't resist. "It's supposed to rain today, you know." His grin was more than slightly on the lecherous side.

It took her a moment to figure out that he was referring to the day she'd gotten caught in a downpour wearing the same top and ended up wearing his shirt. Her lips twitched at the memory of him trying not to stare at her nipples revealed by the wet silk. But she wasn't ready to give in quite yet. She gestured to a duffle bag sitting beside her desk. "I learn from my mistakes."

Jon wasn't sure if that was a jab at him or not. "Meaning what?"

She ignored his defensive tone. "Meaning I brought a change of clothes just in case."

"Oh." He wasn't sure how, but he'd totally lost control of the conversation. He tried to get it back. "Did you get the flowers I sent? I wasn't sure when you didn't answer my calls."

"Yes, I got them. They're beautiful. Thank you."

"And?"

"And what?"

"Am I forgiven for being an asshole? I really didn't mean to ignore you,"

Brianna sighed and leaned back in her chair. "I don't think you're really ready for a relationship Jon." 

"Yes I am."

"I think you want to be, but you're not."

How the hell does she keep turning it back on me? "Don't tell me what I am and am not ready for!" Spinning away from her knowing look, he paced the room and raked his hand through his hair. "Maybe I should rethink this. You're driving me crazy already!"

Brianna, lips twitching again, simply shrugged.

Jon sighed and sat down in the chair across the desk from her. "Despite what you think, I am ready to move on. I'm just....out of practice."

"Are you sure that's all it is?"

He frowned. "What are you thinking?"

"Maybe it's me. That I'm your assistant I mean. Maybe you're having problems seeing me as anything more than your employee."

He considered her comment and had to admit she had a point. The women in his life had always been either work contacts or personal ones. There had never been any that were both. Not even Dorothea. "You may be right. I'm not used to a woman in my life crossing over between the professional and personal sides. I guess I haven't quite figured out how to deal with that."

Later, she would remember this conversation and have to acknowledge she'd been warned.

"I guess I'm going to have to work on that." He raised a brow and smiled at her.

She couldn't help but smile back. I have a feeling it would be in my best interest to build up a resistance to that smile!

"So, I was thinking that we should go out. On a date."

She eyed him warily. Her head was warning her to say no, to protect her heart, just cut her losses and forget pursuing any kind of a romantic relationship with him. But her heart insisted that she give him another chance. If it worked out, it would be worth it. "What did you have in mind?" It wasn't like they could just go to a movie - unless it was a premiere. He'd get swarmed.

"Why don't we start with dinner tonight and talk about it?"

"What about the kids?"

"Mom and Dad are feeding them tonight, so I'm free until they bring them back at bedtime."

"Okay,"

A knock on her door prevented either of them from saying any more. 

Evelyn entered with a stack of envelopes. "Sorry to interrupt. Brianna, here's today's mail."

"Thanks."

As Evelyn left, Paul came in. "Hi Jon. Evelyn told me you were here. How's everything going?"

While the men talked. Brianna opened mail and let their conversation wash over her. Where the hell can I go on a date with a Rockstar in mourning, where the vultures won't find us and start wild rumours? Without conscious thought, she placed the mail in two piles: invitations and correspondence.

When Paul left, Jon leaned on her desk. "Anything interesting?" Picking up the pile closest to him, he flipped through, scanning the invitations.

Before she could answer, her cell phone rang. She glanced at the display and frowned. The area code said it was New Jersey, but she didn't recognize the number. "Brianna Prentiss."

"Bri, you've got to help me!"

"Steph? What's wrong?"

Jon's head snapped up and his body tensed.

"Grandma says she wants to take me back to school shopping!"

"That sounds nice."

"Are you kidding? She’ll have me in frilly dresses and overalls and....pigtails! You've got to do something! Help me! Please!"

When Brianna's frown changed to a grin and she laughed, Jon relaxed and waited to see what was going on. He watched the expressions flitting across her face as she listened to his oldest child. The affection was obvious.

"She just wants to spend some time with you, and do something to help you."   Brianna assured her.

"Well, can't she take me to a movie or something? Does it have to be clothes?"

Brianna thought quickly. "Did she actually say clothes shopping or did she just say shopping to get you ready for school?"

Stephanie had to replay her grandmother's words in her head. "She just said she wanted to take me back-to-school shopping."

"Okay, so let her take you for your binders and stuff, so she feels included and helpful. You and I will shop for clothes."

"Oh thank you! Brianna you're the best! When can we go?"

"I'll talk to your Dad and find a day later this week." Brianna promised.

"Great! You go talk to him, I'll go talk to Grandma. See you later. Love you."

Brianna blinked, eyes suddenly burning. "Love you too sweetie." Hanging up, she looked up to find Jon watching her.

"Sucker."

"What?" She frowned.

"She suckered you into to taking her shopping. Mom won't take her to the places she likes, so she suckered you into it."

"Why do you think that would be a hardship for me? You've seen my wardrobe." She picked up the phone again.

"Who are you calling?" The glint in her eyes gave him a bad feeling his 'sucker' crack was going to hurt his bank account.

"I need to let Kenneth know we're coming. I want to make sure he has the full fall and winter line available."

Yep, he could hear his accountant crying already.

Hanging up with Kenneth, she refocused on Jon, a speculative look on her face.

"What?" He asked warily.

"How are Jake and Romeo set for clothes?"

His blank expression answered her question even more than his words. "Uhhh.....they have some."

Brianna snorted. "Do you want me to come out to the house and check what they need? Or will your mother do it?"

"Since my children don't have faith in their grandmother's taste in clothes, I guess you'd better do it." His stomach growled and he glanced at his watch. "Work day is done, let's go grab some dinner."

Brianna shoved the mail in her briefcase, grabbed her purse and joined him.

At the restaurant, while they were waiting for their food, she pulled a file out of her briefcase. Before she could open it, he reached over and put his hand on it, preventing her from opening it. "No."

"No?"

"No. This is a dinner date not a work dinner remember."

"Ah. Right. Sorry." She put the folder away with a smile, gave him her full attention and batted her eyelashes.

He laughed. "You're nuts."

Their conversation was a continuation of their late night chats in his living room. It was easy and open, like they'd known each other for years.

Back at her apartment building, they both greeted Sam, the night doorman, and took the elevator to her floor. Brianna turned her key in the lock, but Jon stopped her from opening the door with a hand on her arm, knowing if he stepped inside he wouldn't leave and he needed to get home.

His hands game up to frame her face and tilt it towards his. He stared down at her for a moment before his head dipped and his mouth took possession of hers. The kiss was deep and heady and they were both breathing heavily when it ended.

He stroked her cheek with his thumb. "Come out to the house tomorrow. You can check out the kids’ clothes and see what they need, and you and Steph can make your shopping plans." And maybe you and I can make some loving plans!

Brianna nodded and licked her tingling lips.

Jon groaned and bent to kiss her again. Tearing himself away, he smiled ruefully. "Temptress! Do you know how uncomfortable it is to drive with a hard-on?"

Her chuckle was more of a throaty purr - which didn't help his physical condition at all. "I could help you with that."

"Mmm hmm, but then I wouldn't get home until tomorrow and as much as I would like that, it wouldn't be fair to Mom."

"Or the kids." She agreed. She gave him another brief kiss, then pushed him gently away. "Goodnight. Thanks for dinner. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Nite." Blowing out a frustrated breath he turned and started for the elevator.

Brianna slipped inside her apartment, closing and locking the door while she still had the strength of will to let him go. Leaning against the door, a soft smile curved her lips. Maybe this might work out after all.

Chapter 67

Matt was waiting in the foyer when Jon walked into the house. He glanced at his watch. "What are you doing home so early? I thought you were spending time with your girlfriend."

"So did I." Jon scowled. "She shut the door in my face."

"Uh oh."

Their voices faded as they walked towards the living room.

Stephanie frowned as she continued down the hallway to her bedroom. Sitting on the bed, she contemplated what she'd just overheard. Daddy has a girlfriend? Her emotions were in turmoil over that news. She wanted her father to be happy, but the idea of another woman taking her mother's place in their lives......she just wasn't sure she was ready for that.

"What happened?" Desiree asked upon seeing Jon. "I thought you had a date."

"She didn't want to see him." Matt answered.

She studied her brother-in-law's face. "What did you do?"

"What makes you think I did something?" Jon turned his scowl on her.

"Because women don't turn you away.....unless you do something to piss them off."

He sighed. "She said she had hoped to spend her Saturday night with her boyfriend, but she didn't have one and she wouldn't be my whore."

Desiree stared at him, deep in thought. "I think I'm missing part of the story. I thought you'd talked to her and agreed to give a relationship a try."

"We did."

"Then why did she say she doesn't have a boyfriend?"

Jon shifted uncomfortably.

Desiree eyed him suspiciously. "Did you call her at all this week?"

"Yes." he answered defensively. "She came up with the idea of releasing an album but not touring it."

"Did you talk about anything personal and not work related?"

He was back to shifting uncomfortably. "No, I guess not."

"And you only called her the once?"

"Yes, but that's not unusual. There have been weeks I haven't called her at all."

"But that was when she was just your assistant."

"So?"

"Let me make sure I've got this straight. You spend the night with her last weekend, call her once in a week and that was just to talk about work......and you can't figure out why she's pissed off?" She shook her head. "Oh Jon."

"What?"

"I know it's been a couple decades since you've dated, but have you forgotten so much? For that matter, during the years of your marriage did you learn nothing about women?"

"Even I know ignoring them is not a smart move bro." Matt added.

"I've got a lot going on." Even to his own ear it was a lame excuse.

"Uh huh." Desiree responded dryly. "But I thought you wanted something more than just a roll in the sheets."

Jon raked his hand through his hair and leaned back on the couch. "Women drive me nuts!"

Matt patted his shoulder. "Yeah, but we love them anyway." He ducked his wife's swat and blew her a kiss.

"She's obviously not a woman that's going to be swayed by your fame, fortune or good looks." Desiree warned him. "You're going to have to put in some effort."

Jon sighed, but nodded.

Upstairs, Stephanie walked into her oldest brother's bedroom and closed the door. "Dad's got a girlfriend."

"What? How do you know that?"

"He's home. I heard him and Uncle Matt talking. I guess Dad went to see her tonight."

"Who is it? Do we know her?"

"I don't know. I didn't hear a name." She frowned. "What do you think?"

Jesse shrugged. "I don't know."

"Well think about it! Do you want somebody taking Mom's place?"

It was his turn to frown.

When Carol arrived the next day to check on them, she found the house almost eerily quiet, the atmosphere slightly tense. Jake and Romeo were napping, but she found the others sitting outside, Stephanie reading a book, Jesse playing a hand held game and Jon staring at the river, a book forgotten in his lap. All of them were so lost in their own worlds they hadn't heard the gate buzzer - or the door. They all jumped when she spoke. "Hey guys."

"Hi Grandma."

"Hey Mom. What's up?"

"Just came by to see how you're doing." She studied her grand children's faces. "What's wrong with you two?"

Stephanie and Jesse exchanged a look and shot a quick glance at their father. "Nothing."

Jon frowned at his children. Had he been so caught up in his own issues that he'd ignored them - again? "Are you sure?"

"Yeah Dad, we're fine."

He wasn't sure he believed them, but he didn't know how to draw them out. Bri was so much better at helping them cope with their grief than he was.

Bri. He still needed to figure out how to get himself out of the hole he'd dug with her. Something told him she wasn't going to make it easy for him.

"Jon would you get me a glass of iced tea please?"

"Sure."

When he'd closed the door behind him, Carol turned to her grandchildren. "Okay spill it. What's going on?"

Jesse shrugged and Stephanie shifted in her chair.

"Steph? What is it? Come on, talk to me."

"We......we think Dad might have a girlfriend."

Carol wondered why they would think that and who it might be, but that wasn't the important point at the moment. "And that idea bothers you?"

This time they both shrugged.

"Do you feel like that would be a betrayal to your mother?"

"Kinda." Stephanie admitted.

Carol hesitated, then lifted her purse onto her lap, to search through it. Pulling out an envelope, she handed it to Stephanie. "Both of you read that. It might help. We can talk about it after if you want."

Stephanie read their names on the front in her mother's handwriting, but before she could ask, the door opened and she shoved the envelope into her book before her father sat down.

After visiting with their grandmother long enough to avoid their father's suspicion, they excused themselves and ran upstairs. Sitting together on Stephanie's bed, she opened the envelope and pulled out the neatly folded sheets of paper. The sight of their mother's familiar handwriting made her hands tremble.

Steph and Jesse,

I'm writing this to you, because you two are old enough to understand and respect both my wishes and your father's needs. He and I love each other very much and have ever since we were not a lot older than you are now.

Love means wanting the other person to be happy, even if you can't be the one to bring him that happiness anymore. I want that for your father - for all of you. I don't want him to be lonely. I want him to find love again, even get married again. And I don't want him to wait a long time either. So when he finds a girlfriend, don't be mad at him. Don't think that he is betraying me and what we had together. He's doing what I want - finding happiness again and someone to help the four of you do that as well.

As for the woman he chooses.....you may have to help him a little with that. Make sure he finds the right person for all of you. She needs to be kind and caring, but not a pushover. She can't be after his fame and money, but she needs to understand and support his job and the time and effort it takes, and of course how to deal with the reporters. Someone who can make you laugh and comfort you when you're hurt or sad. Someone who will help you remember your past as well as prepare for the future.

But most of all, she needs to love you, all of you, with all of her heart. When you find that woman, welcome her into your lives and hearts with open arms....and don't let Dad blow it! The betrayal to me will be if you accept anything less.....or refuse it.

Be happy.

I love you.

Mom

They sat in silence, both digesting their mother's words and the meaning behind them.....and if there was anyone they knew that met the requirements she outlined and that they actually liked. Suddenly, they looked at each other, smiles curving their lips.

"Brianna!"

Chapter 66

Bright sun streaming through the window pulled Jon from a sound sleep. As he surfaced towards wakefulness, he became aware of the familiar warmth of a female body in the curve of his. A split second later his brain registered that something was....off. Then it hit him. It wasn't the woman who'd occupied that spot for most of his adult life.

She was gone.

Easing away without waking Brianna, he rose from the bed, pulled on his jeans and left the room. He found his way to the kitchen and a search of the cupboards yielded the makings for coffee. While he waited for it to brew, he tried to sort out his thoughts and feelings.

He'd slept better than he had in over a year. Waking up with Brianna had felt different.....but very natural and right. So why did he feel so guilty? He wasn't cheating on anyone and neither was she. Who did he think he was betraying? Dot? But she was gone....and he was doing what she wanted. Brianna? But he was with her because he wanted to be, not because it was easy and what Dot wanted.....right? Himself? But he was ready to move on and find happiness again....wasn't he?

Filling his cup, he wandered into the living room. Tico's painting caught his eye and he moved to stand in front of it and contemplate his life and his future.

Brianna stretched, rolled over and sighed. The small aches in her body reminded her of the events of the night before. She knew before she opened her eyes and turned her head that she was alone in the room. The warmth of the sheets beside her told her he hadn't been gone for long.

She thought at first that he might be in the bathroom, but when he didn't return after a few minutes, she stared at the ceiling and frowned. Had he left? Surely he would have awakened her to say goodbye....or at least left a note. A quick look revealed his shirt and shoes on the floor beside the bed. He hadn't left. So where was he? Was he feeling guilty?

Talking about having a relationship was one thing, actually trying to have one was something else. Particularly in this case with him being a recent widower and four children to consider. Maybe now that the fog of lust and passion was lifted he'd decided it was going to be too difficult, or it was too soon or something. She'd be lying if she said she didn't have some concerns herself.

She wasn't going to find any answers lying in bed. Rising, she pulled on her robe - the silk kimono from Japan. She remembered the look in his eyes when she'd tried it on and needed the confidence boost this morning.

She found him in the living room sipping coffee and staring at Tico's painting. "Good morning. You're up early. Couldn't sleep?"

Jon turned at the sound of her voice, but didn't move towards her. "Morning." His eyes licked over her appreciatively. "I made coffee." He walked away from her to the door to the balcony and looked out. "Looks like it's going to be another hot one."

She frowned at his evasion. "Who's with the kids?"

"Matt and Desiree." He glanced at his watch. "I should relieve them soon."

"Jon..."

"Are you hungry?"

"Not yet." Her eyes narrowed. "Is it regret or guilt?"

"What?"

"The reason you're up so early......and the reason you're being so distant with me. Things often look different in the bright light of the morning after. Do you regret last night? Are you having second thoughts about us?"

He shook his head. "No, I don't regret last night."

When he didn't say anymore, she prodded. "But you're having second thoughts about us having a relationship outside of work."

"No." He grimaced. "It's just....."

"Not as easy as you thought it was going to be?" She guessed. "It's a complicated situation."

He snorted at her understatement. "Ya think?"

Brianna sighed. She was going to need coffee for this conversation.

Jon watched her walk away from him and felt even worse. He followed her into the kitchen.

Turning with the coffee pot in her hand, she raised it towards him and refilled his cup when he held it out.

"Thanks." He frowned as she silently set down the pot and pulled out a frying pan and bacon.

While she cooked, she gathered her thoughts and tried to think of what to say. She really didn't have a clue.

Jon mentally kicked himself when he realized the greeting he'd given her was fine for an employee, but not for a girlfriend, especially after the incredible pleasure they'd shared the night before. He sat his cup on the table and stepped up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you."

She leaned back against him and squeezed his arm. "I know. This isn't easy for either of us. There'll be a lot of stuff we'll have to work out."

The smell of bacon made his stomach growl. "Can we eat first?"

Brianna laughed. "Do you want to make the eggs or the toast?"

As soon as they finished eating Jon glanced at his watch and carried his plate over to the sink. "I hate to eat and run, but I need to get home to the kids."

"But..." She sighed. "Okay." She couldn't compete with his kids.....and wouldn't try if she could. So much for having a conversation about how this relationship will work. Maybe he just needed a little more time to figure it out.

She put food away while he finished getting dressed, and walked him to the door.

He leaned down to kiss her. "I'll call you later."

"Okay. Say hi to the kids - and Matt and Desiree - for me."

"I will. See you later."

Closing the door behind him, Brianna returned to the kitchen to finish cleaning up....and fought the feeling of being used and set aside now that his lust was sated. Don't go there! Give him the benefit of the doubt.

She didn't hear from him until three days later. He called her at the office.

"Hey. I think maybe it's time to start accepting a few invitations."

"Okay, if you feel ready. Do you want me to pick out the ones I think would be the best ones or do you want to look over all of them and decide for yourself?"

"You pick some out and I'll decide from those."

"Okay." She tried to shift the conversation to a more personal one. "How's everything there? The kids doing okay?"

"Yeah, they're fine."

"And you?" It was like pulling teeth!

"I'm fine. I'd really like to get back into the studio, but I don't think the kids are ready for me to tour yet."

Still a work related answer. She wanted to strangle him, but decided not to push it.....for now. "Have you thought about releasing an album, but not touring it? Maybe do a few shows here and there? It would give you a creative release without taking you away from the kids for large periods of time."

The idea intrigued him. "Hmmm. That's a possibility. Maybe I'll talk to the guys and Paul. Anything urgent or interesting today?"

"No, things have been pretty quiet. But if you start accepting invitations I'm sure that will change." She hesitated. "Jon....when am I going to see you?"

"Yeah....soon. Oh, Jesse's calling for me, I've got to go. I'll call you."

Brianna stared at the dead phone in her hand and felt the sting of unshed tears burning her eyes. She felt like she was back in high school chasing after a crush that said all the right words to get what he wanted - but he only wanted one thing. Pathetic! Maybe, despite his assurances, he really wasn't ready for a relationship. Or maybe he just sucked at being a boyfriend. Either way this wasn't going to work for her. She was going to have to decide whether to hang in and see if it got better....or cut her losses before she got in any deeper emotionally.

Four days later - with no phone call - turned her hurt and indecision to anger. When he finally showed up at her door on Saturday night she was ready to make her feelings regarding his behaviour clear.

"Hey babe." He greeted her when she answered his knock.

"Hi Boss. What's up? Do you need something? A letter written or a project researched?"

Her business tone should have warned him, but he ignored it. "No."

"You're not here about work?" She wanted to be perfectly clear.

"No."

"So this is a booty call."

"No!" He tried to step into her apartment, but she wouldn't move out of the doorway. "Aren't you going to let me in?"

"No. I'm off the clock. I was hoping to spend some time with my boyfriend, but apparently I don't have one. Have a safe drive back to Red Bank."

"Bri, come on!"

"I told you Jon, I won't be your whore."

The door closed firmly in his face.

He was stunned. "What the fuck?"

Chapter 65

If someone could die of too much pleasure, he was going to kill her. Brianna was sure of it. But what a way to go! She couldn't deny the idea was tempting....if her heart - and her body - could take it.

At least he let her catch her breath before starting the next round. Rolling half onto her, he slid a muscled thigh between hers, both anchoring her in place and preventing any attempts by her to remove the embedded vibrator. He spread her hair over the pillow, warming his fingers in the buried fire. Dipping his head, he touched his mouth to hers. The kiss was long and deep, but also gentle and unhurried.

Brianna moaned softly, her hands coming up to stroke and grip the taut muscles of his back. "Mmmm."

When they finally had to break the kiss to breathe, Jon shifted his attention to her ear and neck, nuzzling, nibbling and sucking. He found her most sensitive spots by monitoring the shivers shaking her body and the bite of her nails in his back.

"Jon." She sighed his name, her body arching towards his, her teeth scraping his shoulder.

Jon slid down slightly. Bracing his upper body on his elbows, he ran his fingers lightly over the full curves of her breasts. The scraping of his calluses over the areolas sparked her nerve endings, causing more shivers and her nipples to pebble. He reached down with one hand to turn on the vibrator and watched the buds stiffen....and settled in to play.

His hands cupped and weighed, stroked and massaged. Fingers squeezed and plucked the taut peaks, elongating them and extracting gasps and whimpers from her kiss swollen lips.

And he was just getting started.

Bending his head, he brought his mouth into the action. Soft lips explored creamy flesh before focusing on the pink tips. The tip of his tongue traced the merging of cream and pink, then licked and swirled around the swollen nub.

Delicate fingers threaded through his hair and tugged until he looked up at her face. "Stop teasing and give me what I need!"

Jon grinned at her growl. Her eyes were fever bright, but not the glowing amber he wanted to see....yet. "And what is it you need Golden Eyes? This?" He closed his lips around one throbbing nipple and suckled gently for a few seconds. Lifting his head again, he studied her flushed face. "Or this?" Shifting slightly, he took her other nipple into his mouth. His teeth bit down lightly.

"Yes!" Brianna cried out, her back arching.

Back and forth, he went, careful to give each breast equal time, his fingers stroking and squeezing the one not engulfed by his lips to ensure it didn't feel neglected.

Her body felt like it was humming with sensation. Her breathing had become erratic. Her blood pounded in her ears. The double stimulation of the vibrator and his mouth sent her hurtling towards the brink.

Sensing she was close, he paused his suckling. "Look at me Golden Eyes."

Brianna felt as much as heard his growled words. It took her several seconds to be able to force her eyelids to lift enough to meet his burning blue gaze. The next strong pull of his lips on her aching nipple sent her over the edge. "Jon!"

The orgasmic convulsions of her body beneath his almost took him with her, but he fought to retain control. He wasn't done yet. He took a deep, calming breath.

Her mewling whimpers reminded him that she needed a break too and he reached down and turned off the vibrator, but didn't remove it.

Brianna groaned. "Why?" It was all she had the breath to get out.

He knew what she meant. "Because you can take more."

She wasn't so sure, but she was afraid she was going to find out. She groaned at the thought.

He touched his lips to hers. "Relax Golden Eyes, you know you'll enjoy it."

"Enjoying it is one thing." She panted, still trembling. "Surviving it is another."

Jon just chuckled and set his mouth to her torso again, tasting every bit of warm skin. She tasted of sweat and passion and woman. The muscles in her stomach contracted under his lips as they explored. When his tongue dipped into her navel, he could feel her shiver.

He continued slowly down her body, his hands stroked her thighs, urging them further apart until he could lie between them. His fingers traced her most delicate flesh. He shifted the vibrator so that the 'ears' were no longer able to torture her clit and soothed the sensitive nub with his tongue.

"Mmmmm." Brianna spread her legs further, giving him more access. One hand reached down to lace through his hair and hold him close. Despite her er exhaustion and over stimulated nerves, she couldn't summon the will to stop him.

Jon continued to explore and taste, her flavour exploding on his tongue.Tart and sweet and highly addictive. Just like her. The warm supple skin of her inner thighs beckoned him to stroke and kiss.

But her sighs and goosebumps weren't enough. He hid his evil smile and with a flick of a finger, turned the vibrator on again. Her sighs turned to gasps and he could feel the muscles in her thighs clench. His fingers coasted up her smooth thigh over the even more delicate flesh surrounding the gyrating toy to her swollen clit where he rubbed soothingly.

His mouth followed the same path, pausing for several moments to lick and savour the juices oozing from her depths and coating her pulsing flesh. "Sweet.....so sweet."

When his mouth replaced his fingers, soft lips brushing and kissing her nub, his hand skated over her stomach to fondle her breasts and pinch her nipples so that they wouldn't feel neglected.

Brianna's hand released his hair to grip the sheet, an anchor against the waves of sensation threatening to swamp her senses. She groaned.

Jon didn't know how long he'd played, but his swollen cock reminded him that he wanted to play too, and if the big head didn't hurry up, the little head was going to go on its own. Taking a tighter grip on his control, one hand fumbled for the switch on the vibrator, flipping it to high speed.

Brianna cried out, her hips writhing. "Ooooh shit!"

Jon watched for a few moments, absorbing the sight. Then, on the verge of losing control himself, he bent to close his lips around her clit and suckle hard, ensuring she lost hers first.

"Jon!" Her back arched up towards him, her entire body spasming.

He let her ride out her climax for a few minutes, until he just couldn't wait any longer.

Brianna sighed in relief when he turned off the vibrator and finally removed it. But her relief was short lived. Her sigh turned into a groan when the toy was replaced with something equally hard and unyielding, although this one was hot and had a heartbeat. "Jesus!"

Bracing his weight on his elbows, his lips brushed her ear. "My turn."

She shivered as much from the promise in his words as his hot breath in her ear. "You're going to kill me."

He barely had the breath to chuckle. The feel of her sultry flesh engulfing him had taken it from him. He was on the verge of erupting without moving at all. He groaned and rocked against her.

Brianna matched his rhythm, her hands gripping his back. "Oh. Mmmmmm."

"So hot." Jon rasped in her ear. "So tight."  He started to thrust, penetrating slowly and deeply.

His chest hair abraded her tender nipples, hardening them and sending sparks of sensation shooting through her body. Shivering, she raised her legs to wrap around his waist, opening herself even more.

Jon sank even deeper. "Fuck that feels good!"

"Mmmmm." She agreed, kissing his shoulder.

Jon returned the caress, then slid his mouth up her neck and along her jaw. His lips touched hers and clung. Blunt fingertips tangled in thick auburn waves as he licked and sucked her lips. When her mouth opened in response and his tongue dove deep, the rhythm matching that of his lower body.

Brianna moaned, the sweat coating his back making her lose her grip as she tried to pull him closer, urging him to move faster and ease the ache spreading throughout her body. She tore her mouth from his. "More Jon. Harder."

But Jon ignored her pleas, keeping to his slow, steady beat. But it wasn't easy. His breath sawed in and out of his lungs. Sweat  glazed his skin and dripped off his nose and chin. He wouldn't be able to hold off much longer.

Brianna wasn't in any better condition. While her nerve endings were zinging and sparking with his every movement, her muscles were trembling, exhausted from over exertion. Unwrapping her legs from around his waist, she braced her feet on the mattress and lifted her hips to grind against his pelvis.

The tightening in her lower abdomen signaled her building orgasm. Her nails raked down his back as she rode the rising tide. When his head tipped back in reaction, baring his throat, she nibbled and scraped her teeth along his Adam's apple.

The sound he made was somewhere between a groan and a growl. His hips jerked, sending him plunging even deeper, hitting the spot that lit her fuse.

"Oh! Mmmm, yes! Yes! Yes!"

The shaking and spasming of her body under and around him frayed the last tether of his control. Hips pumping, he raced towards the finish, grunting when his release erupted in long jets inside her.

He was still shaking when he withdrew and collapsed onto the bed beside her. While his body felt relieved and relaxed, his mind didn't. He felt......unsettled. He didn't know why and he was too tired to think about it. 

Reaching out, he laced his fingers with Brianna's, but didn't speak. Brianna didn't either - she didn't have the energy. She squeezed his hand in return and drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 64

Before Brianna could respond - or think of how to - his lips stole her voice. His kiss was different this time. It wasn't demanding or devouring or even intense like his previous kisses. This was gentle, exploring.......seductive. Tongue tasted, lips brushed, then clung, teasing.....inciting.

The way this evening was going to end was inevitable. She couldn't fight her own needs and his. The only question was how they were going to get there.

Brianna groaned, her lips swelling, pulsing, hungry for more. Her hands reached up to clench in the hair on either side of his head, exerting pressure to urge him closer. When he resisted, she licked at him, finally resorting to nipping at his lips, scraping them with her teeth.

Jon chuckled. "Patience Golden Eyes. We're going to take it slow this time."

With the blood already heating and thickening in her veins, slow was not her preference. She frowned. "Why?"

"Because up until now we've always been rushed or impatient. While I enjoyed every minute of it, it was a little selfish. I haven't been as considerate or attentive to you as I should have. I want tonight to be about you and your pleasure."

If that was his goal, he was off to a great start. Brianna's mind was already spinning. She'd never experienced anything like he was describing and didn't know what to expect. That uncertainty - and anticipation - focused her attention and her senses even more on his every movement and every touch.

Agile fingers tugged at the ties to her robe, unravelling the knot and allowing the thick terry cloth to fall away like wrapping paper, revealing the present underneath. As his gaze licked over the vision of her in red silk and lace, he prayed he had enough self control to keep his promise. The tightening in his groin warned him it was going to be a close thing. His mouth went dry. "Jesus! Is all your lingerie like this?"

She shrugged, her lips twitching. "I like the feel of lace and silk against my skin. It's comfortable." The fact that it garnered this type of reaction from the males of the species that got close enough to see it was just a bonus. But she didn't think she'd warn him that the simple nightgown she was wearing was one of her tamer ones. She'd leave him to discover that on his own later.

"For you maybe." He muttered.

Her husky laugh, filled with sensual promise, added fuel to the embers of his arousal, tightening the fit of his pants even more. One callused fingertip traced the scalloped edge of the lace covering her breasts....barely. He watched in fascination as her nipples pebbled and goosebumps appeared on her upper chest. His voice came out as a growl. "You're a tease."

Brianna's eyes narrowed against the ripples of sensation radiating from his tantalizing touch. One feminine brow rose. "Pot and kettle there sweetheart."

Both hands came up to cover her breasts and massage gently. His lips pressed against hers, then backed off until they were barely touching. "I haven't begun to tease."

She felt as much as heard his whispered words. "Mmmmm." Her tongue traced his bottom lip. "Just remember that two can play that game."

He chuckled. "Looking forward to it."

Delicate hands eased him back. Stepping to the side, she start towards her bedroom. "Then come with me."

"Where are you taking me?" He didn't wait for her response before following her down the hallway.

She threw him a sultry look over her shoulder. "To my lair."

"Sounds cozy."

"I've always thought so."

The room wasn't as big as his, but it was a decent size. The decor was modern - mostly neutral colours and black  - accented with rich, warm wood and splashes of colour here and there. Very her, but not exactly what he was expecting from a 'lair'.

Until he looked closer. The textures and fabrics used where down right sensual. The walls had the texture as well as the colour of suede and the lampshades were patterned velvet. The bed - the focal point of the room - was high and wide. The black, brown and white animal print cover that spilled onto the floor was fur, as were the throw rugs on the hardwood floor.

Conservative surface distracting from the sensual truth. Just like her. Jon grinned, pleased that he'd discovered her secret and was about to embark on a quest to explore the depths of that concealed wantonness. He suspected that what he'd experienced so far was only a drop in the ocean of her passion. It was a journey that might well take the rest of their lives. And he was looking forward to every minute of it.

When Brianna reached the bed and started to straighten the rumpled sheets, Jon stopped her with a hand on her arm, turning her to face him. He fingered the terry cloth and remembered the kimono she bought in Japan. She obviously had a thing for textures. "Not the silk one?" 

"This one was closer when you knocked on my door."

Sliding his hands under the open sides of her robe, he eased the cloth over her shoulders and let it drop to to the floor. His thumbs caught the spaghetti straps of her nightgown, letting his calluses scrape her sensitive skin as he nudged them off her shoulders. Her nightgown quickly became a red puddle around her feet, but Jon didn't notice. His attention was riveted on the vision in front of him. His eyes became blue flames licking over her. "Beautiful."

Brianna had to stifle a squeal when she was swept of her feet - literally - and deposited on the bed. Noting that his eyes never left her while he kicked off his shoes and climbed on the bed, she raised her arms over her head in a relaxed pose and waited to see what he would do.

Jon reached out to shove the sheets aside, his mind swirling with ideas and plans. A hard object rolled into his hand. He was about to toss it aside when something about it caught his attention. Extracting it from the satin folds, he studied it, played with the switches, then turned to the woman beside him and raised a brow.

She'd forgotten about dropping the vibrator when he'd arrived. If he was expecting her to be embarrassed he was going to be disappointed. She wasn't a prude, and she wouldn't apologize for or hide her sexual needs and wants from the man wanting the job of meeting them. She shrugged and held out her hand for the toy. "Your knock startled me and I didn't have time to put it away."

"Now let's not be hasty." The vision that popped into his head had his pulse speeding up and his cock pushing against his zipper. He held it out to her but didn't let go when she grabbed it. "Use it."

"Why would I want to do that when I have the real thing right here in front of me?" She wasn't totally opposed. While she'd never done that before - Alex wasn't exactly adventurous in the bedroom when it came to her pleasure - she found the idea....tantalizing. The intense, hot look in his eyes promised pleasure beyond anything she'd experienced before. Anticipation zinged through her body.

"Because I want to watch." He traced a path from her collarbone down between her breasts, over her stomach and coming to rest just above her mound. But rather than watch his finger, he locked his gaze with hers. "I want you to show me what you like, what gives you the most pleasure." His voice deepened. "And I want to watch you come."

Brianna shivered and licked her suddenly dry lips. " I don't know." Setting both hands on her upper chest, she ran them slowly down her torso to her thighs. "I may need some help with the foreplay."

"I think I can help with that." He leaned forward until their lips touched.

The kiss was slow and erotic. Their tongues teased and thrust deep, licked and entwined. Lips brushed, rubbed and clung. Meanwhile, broad palms roamed her torso, agile fingers stroking and caressing.

"Mmmmm." She moaned softly and reached for him. Cotton was not the texture she was looking for and she tugged at his t-shirt until he released her long enough to remove it. She immediately pulled him back into her arms where she could gratify her need to touch him.

Jon set his mouth to her ear, her neck, licking, sucking, lightly nibbling, and tried to ignore the fires igniting under his skin at her touch. But he'd yearned for this for so long, his throbbing cock warned him his self control wasn't strong enough to endure it for long. And if he wanted to fulfil the plan in his head, he needed a little breather.

Pulling away, he sat up and held out the vibrator to her.

Amber eyes locked with blue. Taking a deep breath she relaxed her thighs.

His free hand urged her legs farther apart. He moved the vibrator closer, then hesitated. Not wanting to hurt her, he used two fingers to trace her cleft and slip inside to check her readiness. The hot, humid flesh welcoming his invasion assured him there was no danger of pain.

Still, he watched her face while he inserted the toy, searching for any sign of discomfort. He fit it into place, ensuring the 'ears' rested over her clit as they were designed to do. Flicking the switch, he adjusted the appliance's depth and position using her facial expressions as a guide. "Okay? Is that the right spot?"

"Mmmmm. Yes."

Jon sat back and just watched. He watched the flush of arousal stain her face and upper chest. He watched sweat break out on her upper lip. He watched her chest rise and fall faster and faster as her breaths shortened, her nipples hardening. He watched her hands clench in the sheet and her teeth catch her bottom lip as her passion grew. He watched her hips lift and undulate in response to the gyrating toy inside her.

He watched......and he ached.

When her arousal got to the point where the glazed look in her amber eyes made him wonder if she even remembered he was there, and, needing more, her hands rose to cover and squeeze her breasts, pinching the erect nipples, he couldn't take any more. The constriction of his jeans had gone beyond discomfort and become pain.

He rose to stand beside the bed and undid his belt, never taking his eyes off the writhing woman in front of him. Opening the zipper required a little more attention....if he didn't want to maim himself. Sometimes going commando was a bitch. 

The denim had just cleared his hips when her orgasm wash over her. He kicked out of the pants absently, mesmerized by the sight and sounds. He was tugging off his socks when he saw her hands drift down toward the toy. Tossing them aside, he caught her hands before she could remove it. "No. Not yet."

He pulled until she was cross-wise on the bed, her head at the edge closest to him. This way he could keep control of her hands and have an unobstructed view of her body. "I'm not done yet."

Brianna closed her eyes in response to both the spasms still echoing through her body and his husky voice promising more. The movement and vibration of the toy inside wasn't letting her nerve endings calm down. She'd hadn't completely descended from the peak and it was pushing her back up again. While the toy was somewhat satisfying, it wasn't enough. She wanted more. She wanted him. 

She opened her eyes to find what she needed right in front of her face. Literally. The height of the bed and their position put his erection, hard enough to stand almost straight out from his body, to be scant inches above her face. She could see the drop of his pre-cum glistening on the very tip.....and her mouth watered.

Using their joined hands for leverage, Brianna pulled herself up enough for her tongue to be able to reach him. She heard his breath hiss through his teeth at her touch and grinned. His salty flavour exploded on her tongue. "Mmmm."

The pulsing in her lower body was drowned out by a desperate need to taste more of him. She explored his length with lips an tongue, tracing the big vein that ran along the underside and sucking as far as she could reach. Leaning back, she took each ball in turn into her mouth.

Jon groaned, his head dropping back onto his shoulders. Streaks of pleasure shot through him with every lick. "Fuck!"

Brianna's low chuckle sounded more like a purr. "Mmmm. Yes please!"

He tugged her towards him until her head could tip over the edge, creating the perfect angle. Without letting go of her hand, he directed his throbbing cock to her mouth, fighting to ignore the stroking of her fingers during the process. 

Brianna opened her mouth wide and took him in, slither her tongue around the swollen head before relaxing her throat and sucking him deep.

"Jesus!" Unable to resist, he started moving his hips, pumping slowly. He didn't know which sight was more erotic, the writhing of her hips and embedded toy, or his hard flesh, shining wet, sliding in and out of her mouth.

As her arousal built, her hips moved faster and faster. He matched her thrust for thrust. Her moans turned to whimpers and she began to suck harder and harder.

When her back arched and tremors shook her body, he pulled back until only the head was still behind her lips. Riding the orgasmic wave, she sucked as hard as she could, her cheeks hollowing with the effort.

"Sugar....I'm gonna..."

His words were cut off by a throttle shout, but she understood and prepared for his explosion. She swallowed and sucked until he was empty.

Withdrawing, he collapsed onto the bed beside her, both of them panting for breath. Feeling her trying to tug her hand from his, brought his attention to their rather uncomfortable position.....and the buzzing near his ear. She shifted again and he realized her problem. Releasing her, he reached out to turn off the vibrator, but didn't remove it. 

Rolling, sliding and tugging, he shifted them until they were lying properly on the bed. When her hand drifted down towards the toy, his arm blocked her before she could reach it. "Uh uh. I'm not done yet." His lips brushed hers. "I want to see how many times you can come."

Her eyes widened, then closed. "Jesus."

It was both a curse and a prayer.