Chapter 12

Richie flicked a lock of her hair between his fingers. "C'mon we should go catch up. She shouldn't be walking alone around here." Elena kept Kate in sight, reaching out for his hand and grinned. "If you walk too fast Gorgeous, you'll have to give me a lift." Richie turned around and lowered himself. "Hop on short-stuff." She hopped up and wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. "Giddy up Pony!" Richie hooked his arms under her thighs and held on tight. "That ride's for later," he laughed. She tucked her chin into his shoulder and her silky hair slid over his neck and curled into his jacket distracting him from the rather platonic piggyback ride he was supposed to be giving her. He could feel the anger coming off Jon in waves next to him and decided he enjoyed it. It was time to give the prankster a taste of his own medicine. If that meant spending the evening in an overrun Stone Pony then so be it. Elena laid her head against his back, his soft hair tickling her nose. God, it smelled so damn good and felt like black velvet against her face. It should be illegal to be as gorgeous as he was. Her eyes wandered over to Katydid with her clipped doctor walk. Her friend was too serious, always so wrapped up in school and her internship. She was always rushing to the next thing, never taking the time to enjoy the moment. The here and the now. She’d plotted this trip to lighten her up and things were swerving off plan, but then again her plans always did. She hoped the rest of the night would help Kate see there was fun to be had out there, if you just looked for it. “So tell me, Pony, do you know how to have fun?” “Just you wait darlin’.” ~ Kate heard them laughing and talking behind her. At least the jerk was quiet. He'd been a little too eager to own up to the bet. Kissing random women was probably a regular day at the office for someone with the ego he sported. She couldn’t believe she'd fallen right into the stupid trap he'd set. As always, whenever she tried to do something spontaneous it ended up with her in the shitter. She leaned back on the car and waited for them to catch up. Imagining her eyes were the new laser used in the OR she focused on the stupid boots he was wearing. That swagger wouldn’t look nearly as effective if the cowboy heels were melting into the pavement. Jon figured he'd make the best of his situation. He could have it looking like a damn publicity stunt before it was over. He was Jon Bon Jovi, head of the fastest rising group, for a reason. He’d cultivated a facade to play behind, and he played it fucking well. He got closer to a sweet ride with an even sweeter length of redhead. Swallowing a laugh, he caught her dark look and did a fake stagger back, throwing his hand to his heart. "OH you got me." "You're such a child," she muttered and got in the car when Elena unlocked it. Jon leaned on the car, peeking into the window and waved at her. When her response was a middle finger he laughed and turned away. Man, she had fire. "Okay, the Stone Pony's really close. You can follow us." Elena slowly slid from Richie's back, her mouth turning down into a pout. She liked being there on his back. "OK, Pony, I’ll try to not pass ya." She unlocked the car and slipped into the Mustang's driver seat and revved the engine. Richie pointed to a low slung sports car. "We're right over there." Elena looked over at their car. "Goddamn, look at that car." Richie grinned. "What's a man without his car?" She laughed, "A man that walks that’s what." "I did my time walking and tinkering with POS cars. I worked hard for my baby," he said proudly. Elena tilted her head to look up at him, "You’ll have to tell me what you do to make that kinda money, and I sure hope to hell it’s legal.” Richie shook his head. "Somehow I don't think I'll have to explain much, but it is a crime how much money I have." Jon rolled his eyes, done with the doe eyes that Richie and Teensy were making at each other. “I’ll see you at the car, stud.” "Can we just go and get this over with," Kate groused. Elena glanced at Kate a moment then back to Richie, "Money's just paper honey, it don’t impress me one bit. Now scoot before your friend and mine disowns us." She smiled up at him. She was really looking forward to the bar and she’d get the chance to get back into Richie’s arms. "Good to know, little one." He leaned down and brushed a kiss at the corner of her mouth and headed to his car. She watched for a moment, enjoying his loose, long legged stride. She looked over at Kate, suddenly frowning. "God, what if he’s a dealer or something?" Kate shifted lower in her seat, "That would just make this a perfect evening." Elena grinned, ignoring the little niggling doubt about Richie’s job. "I won’t make you kiss ten dogs girl, you should know that, but I had to find a way to get the Wannabe’s goat.” She put the car into drive. “I think I did it too. You will have to kiss him, but shit you can handle that, right?" She winked at her friend. "You shoulda trusted me more sister." She slid a glance to her best friend and still let herself sulk. "I don't care if they're all Chippendale Finalists, I have to prowl a bar for at least ten guys and then subject myself to Jon the Jerk for at least two seconds, mouth to mouth. Unless of course the kisses have a time limit too," she growled. "They don’t," She peeled out of the parking lot, shifting gears smoothly as she kept pace with the little sports car ahead of her. "HOW the hell did he fold that long, tall piece of yummy goodness into that car?" "How the hell are you going to get all the yummy goodness into your little twin bed at the apartment?" Elena grinned, "That’s what a hotel is for. I doubt he’s gonna drive 3 hours just to find my tiny little bed." "Duh, I keep forgetting that you dragged me to the end of the earth.” “I did not, just New Jersey.” “Same thing,” Kate sighed. “Too bad he’s so far away. I'm sure you'd travel at least that for someone like him, anyway. He seems really sweet, unlike his friend." Elena heard the little lyric that had been driving her crazy, reached over and flipped the volume up, "Listen that’s the song I was talking bout tonight." She hummed along as the song played. Kate listened, the hook was catchy. The song was undeniably fun, the lyrics were tongue and cheek while the guitars screamed. It made her wonder just who the girl was, that gave love a bad name. "I can see why. It’s catchy.” She bobbed her head as they followed the tail lights ahead. “Richie does seem sweet; sad thing about this lil friend, too cute but biiig chip on shoulder." "You think it's a chip? I only see ego and smug ego." Elena snorted, "And you practicing to be a doctor. Usually those who act like that have a biiig chip on their shoulder. Still, I feel for his friend." "I'm not a psychologist, Sugar. If I ripped his rib out of his belly I could put it back in noooo problem though." She smiled a little evilly at the thought and hummed along to the catchy song. Elena hung a swift right as the sports car pulled into a lot in front of a big building. "Looks like we're here." Kate flipped down the visor and checked her makeup. Her curls were a lost cause, but men seemed to be fascinated by her hair enough that she didn't much care how big it got in the steamy body filled bar. "Alright, let's get this done." Elena pulled into a parking slot and shut off the car. Brushing her fingers through her hair she swiped under each eye with her thumb to brush away some of the amusement park’s grime. Climbing from the car, her eyes scanned the lot for one tall, dark guy. "This should be interesting you gotta admit. Pretty boy and the dogs," she grinned hoping to lighten the moment. "Well let's hope Richie is especially cruel tonight." Kate turned back to her friend. "And please be kind. I'm celebrating, not looking to gag my way through the evening." "Ah sis, you know I will be." Elena grinned. "My definition of dog is definitely skewed for the evening." "Well at least pick a few that look like they know what they're doing," she said and spotted Richie and waved. His smaller jackass compadre couldn't be seen in the sea of faces. "Pretty busy in here," Kate said offhand as they entered the club. Elena looked around, "Busy? Damn place is jam packed." Her eyes followed Kate's wave, her heart beginning to thunder in her ears. "No way to get to them through this mob though. Maybe you won’t have to worry bout the bet." She turned to the bartender and called for a couple of beers, her feet tapping to the music booming from the speakers.

Chapter 11

Kate watched half in surprise, half in respect as Richie dressed down the little punk. The only thing was, Jon didn't look the least bit sorry about the bet. And she'd fallen right into his friggin' lap. She was just as much of a jerk as he was. "I'm sorry, Elena. I just knew you wouldn't and wanted to..." At a loss for words she held up her hands in surrender. Resisting the urge to roll her eyes when Elena completely ignored her, she watched Elena offer Richie a smile. Even from there, she could see the heat and promise when she reached up and pulled him down to her. Elena whispered something to him. Richie pulled back, flicked his fingertips through a lock of hair that teased her cheek. "I do love a devious mind." Kate frowned. That so wasn’t good. Jon watched the tiny stick of a girl, amazed at how she took command of the situation. Well wasn’t this just fuckin' great? She'd turned his fun against him. He huffed slightly and watched as she whispered to his friend. Elena grinned and turned to their friends. "This is how it goes, since you bet against us, we get to declare the winner, and the winner is us. For the rest of the night Richie will choose 10 people for Wannabe there to kiss, and I'll choose 10 for Kate, that’s right Wannabe her name is KATE, and then after you kiss those you'll kiss each other…GOT IT?" "What?" Kate turned to her friend. "You've got to be kidding! I'm not kissing ten friggin' strangers!" Her voice went Deep South, with a near twang. And then it sunk in completely. “I am NOT kissing him!” She sputtered. Jon glared at the little brunette that had Richie wrapped. "The name’s Jon and I’m not a wannabe lady." Kate turned to Jon and shouted, "Shut the hell up! You got us into this in the first place!” She folded her arms over her breasts, then saw Jon's glittering gaze shift lower. “Oh for the love,” she growled, dropping them down to her sides again and curled her fingers into fists. How the hell could he check out her breasts now? Looking back at Elena and Richie she tried pleading her case again. "I didn't hurt you guys with the bet, just the jerk!" Jon grinned back at Kate. The bet would be a piece of cake. He was used to kissing all sorts of women these days. It didn’t mean anything. The real fun was watching Kate sputter anyway. "I wasn’t the only swinging that cage, Katie. I recall YOU helping me." "What did I tell you? Shut up! And stop smiling!" Where the hell was her calm? She could suture up a gunshot wound without flinching, but this guy. Ugh! "And don't call me Katie!" He leaned closer and whispered into her ear, "You said you'd behave if I would. We got caught, we pay the price. I’m willing to go along with it. What’s a kiss?” Kate fought the shiver that his voice caused. She turned to him, their noses barely an inch apart. "These lips aren't free, Sugar. I'm not kissing ten strangers plus you." Elena's fine brow arched. "Play nice, Katydid. I can always choose to have you kiss HIM 10 times, hmmm plus another 10…That would be 20. Probably wouldn’t hurt you either.” “Elena! I-“ Elena interrupted, “I know he’s just a wannabe rocker, with his fancy pants hair, but he’s not so hard on the eyes. The other ones,” She whistled. “I COULD choose pure dogs for ya." "You wouldn't!" Kate gasped. Hell, it had been a long time since she’d even shared space with a man that wasn’t a colleague or a patient, but this wasn’t what she had in mind, dammit. Jon's eyes blazed, he was tired of the little one constantly calling him a wannabe. "Listen Teensy, I’m not a wannabe anything, I’m damn good at what I do." She nearly tripped on her own heel to get a step back from Jon. Well that certainly struck a chord, Kate thought. Elena grinned at Kate. "Yes I would, and you know it Katydid." Sighing, she let her shoulders slump. "Ten strangers then, I am NOT putting my lips on him more than once." ~ Elena grinned, "I'll choose the when and the where for that one too." Richie stood behind Elena, her little body nearly vibrated with glee as she trapped her friend and his best friend into a non-negotiable deal. "Do you need a job? I think we could fire Doc and make her the manager slash negotiator for us," he said amiably; his anger dissipating at the little about face. Elena's laughter tinkled out. "I’m graduating in a couple of months, and I’ll need a job. I'll think on it, Cutie Pie." "Hell," Kate growled. "I definitely need a drink. Suddenly amusement parks are less than appealing," she groused. Jon shot a pleading smile Richie’s way. "You’re not going along with this? I mean hell girls will line up to kiss me, but damn…YOU wouldn’t side against me bro?" "You think you're so irresistible;" Kate said with a sneer. "Must be nice to have such a high opinion of yourself." "Facts are facts sweet Katie." Knowing Elena’s friend was about to hit her boiling point, Richie laid a calming hand on Kate. "Don't worry darlin', I know just what buttons to push to make him just as miserable as you will be." "You better pick dogs," Kate muttered and stalked off. Elena looked over at Richie, a smile playing on her full lush lips. "So, Gorgeous, anyplace around here full of music, people and drinks?" Richie grinned down at her. "I know the perfect place," he met Jon's eyes. "Stone Pony seems like it would fit the bill." Jon’s smile slipped, "Not The Pony, man." Elena cut a glance at Jon, a slight frown on her face, "I don't recall asking your highness' opinion. KATYDID come on, we're gonna go party!" "I'll meet you at the car," Kate said over her shoulder. "I need to walk."

Chapter 10

Elena looked up at Richie and touched her fingertips to her swollen lips. Reeling at the loss of his touch, she tried to stifle a groan. She sat up, a flush coloring her cheeks. God she'd acted like a teenager. Risking a glance over at Kate and Jon she straightened, unable to actually look Richie in the eyes. My God he probably figured she was all kinds of loose.

When the cage rolled again as the ride hit the highest point, she swallowed with a little difficulty. When the car rolled forward and Richie’s thigh pressed into her she braced herself.

Jon glanced at Richie and winked. Seeing his best friend all ruffled was a novelty. Usually he left the women panting, not the other way around. Turning his smile onto Elena a moment, he watched the lust twist into embarrassment before shifting his gaze to Kate. "Now that was fun wasn't it?"

Richie sat up slowly; his cock felt like it was going to explode. He quickly un-tucked his shirt so the tails could cover most of the damage. "Yeah," he looked at Elena, her stiff posture and burning red cheeks told him everything he needed to know. It was way beyond time to get off this ride.

Kate didn't speak. There was nothing she could say. Hormones and lack of anything resembling sex in the last year had scrambled her brains that was for sure. She gripped the bar along the side as the ride floated to a stop and the attendant unlocked the door.

Jon's grin widened, "So what next folks?"

"Looks like I get to find a girl that's two parts crazy, and three parts homely for our bet," Kate said and stepped out of the cage.

Elena's eyes shot to Kate, "Bet?" She slid from the car quickly her eyes widened, "What bet?"

Kate turned back and had the good grace to blush. "We, uh…sort of made a bet that you and Richie could control yourselves. Um, or not.”

“And you bet that I would…”


”I knew you would eventually control yourself, just showing the little boy that he had to be more careful of the bets he took.” When Elena spun on her heel and stalked off she grabbed her shoulder. “C’mon! I bet in your favor. That you would have the good sense to stop before there was flesh involved.”

Elena drew herself up to her full, whopping five foot nothing. "What was the bet?"

Jon's grin got wider as he looked at Richie and shrugged.

Kate pointed a finger at Jon. “You are not helping matters here!” Turning back to Elena she lifted her hands, palms up. “He made me mad. I had to do something!”

“What…was…the…bet?” Elena asked with a biting emphasis on each word.

"I bet Jon that you would stop before you...um, well...you know. If he won he would get a kiss from me.” She leaned in, “Can I just say no friggin' way!” When Elena didn’t even crack a smile, she took a step back. “If I won, I could make him kiss anyone I wanted."

Elena paled slightly, mortification written in her eyes. "You did all that to get back at some wannabe?" She glanced back at Richie, "Was he in on it?"

"Who?” Kate blinked, realization dawning. “Richie?"

Elena whispered furiously, "Yesss Richie."

"No!" Kate nearly shouted.

"No!" Richie said with equal vigor.

An evil gleam began to glow in her eyes as she rounded on Jon. Part of her wanted to yell, maybe even plant her heel into his balls, but that wouldn’t be enough justice. And since she wasn’t much happier with Kate…She began to smile that smile. The one that always scared the shit outta Kate.

Richie took a step back. That didn't look good at all. He never wanted to be on the other end of that frosty look; the smile was just plain scary.

"Soooooo the bet was I'd screw the pretty one,” she pointed at Richie with a jerk of her thumb. “And if I did you got to kiss my girl, right Wannabe?”

Jon’s eyes darkened at the term. “Who the hell are you calling a Wannabe?”

Elena took a step forward. “Was that the bet?”

Clenching his jaw, Jon nodded.

Satisfied, Elena turned back to Kate, “And YOU! If I didn’t, YOU get to choose who he has to kiss?"

Kate gulped. Man, it had been a good idea at the time. When Elena just continued to shoot flames out of her eyes she cleared her throat, "Um, right."

She looked up at Richie, "He do this sort of thing often?"

Richie shook his head, happy not to be in the doghouse. "What the fuck is wrong with you, Jonny?"

Jon was not going to be cowered by this little bit of a thing. Not to mention the fucking wannabe thing. What the fuck? He shrugged, "It was an interesting bet. The Sambora Charm left me with little doubt that I’d win."

Richie stepped forward, his own anger starting to build. "Interesting bet?" his voice was cool as a winter lake.

Jon grinned. "What? You like her, she likes you, and I took it to its natural conclusion. Not to mention I would’ve gotten a kiss out of it too."

"You are a fuckhead," Richie said and stalked off. He stopped and turned to Elena, his eyes still arctic but his voice stayed controlled. "I'm sorry, Elena. I don't know what the fuck’s gotten into him tonight, but I'll apologize for his lack of class."

"Don't leave 'kay?”

Richie stopped, but didn't turn around. "I can't be around him right now because I'm going to give him a black eye in about a second and we have a photo-shoot tomorrow." Richie turned back again. "A good kidney punch wouldn't be noticed in a photo though," he said menacingly. At Jon’s bland stare, he turned to Elena. The gleam in her eyes spoke volumes of a plan within a plan.

"Don't stalk off, Tall, Dark and Angry, you'll miss the fun if you go.” Her brown eyes gleamed, “And I have such an idea."

His fingers itched to smooth her hair back. A lock of it fell forward in her anger. He wanted to stay, ached almost as much as his throbbing dick was to stay and see it through. But Jon's attitude was beyond what he could stand at that point. When her small hands slid around his wrist he sighed. "Okay."

Chapter 9

Richie dragged in a deep breath as her fingers slid into the back of his shirt. He’d always enjoyed the feel of a woman in his arms, but never to the point where he’d been ready to rip her clothes off in public. Well, not this public.

Elena shuddered as the cage pitched, shifting her so the long, hard length of him bumped against her. God, he was huge. She trembled as she raked her nails up his sides, her breathing hitching as she pressed even closer. The contact causing an ache so overwhelming, she didn’t even know where to put herself. All she knew was that it needed to be with him.

His body reacted to her nearness and the rich, clean scent of her. She surrounded him, legs, thighs and arms. Her lithe little body fit as if she were made for him. He groaned as she rocked back on him, tugging her tighter into him. The heat of them, the friction of the denim pushed thought further out of reach. He was reacting only to her, to the moment and the undeniable heat.

Elena whimpered softly as her lips slid from his mouth to his neck, nibbling at his Adam’s apple before moving to his jugular where his heartbeat pounded beneath her mouth. Dragging in an uneven breath she moved up to his ear, her tongue tracing a path along his earlobe, her fingernails scraping at the smooth line of his stomach around to the edges of his buckle. His uneven breathing making her bold.


~~


Kate cringed as she saw her friend's fingers disappear in front of her. No longer content to be on his shoulders or around his back, she'd moved her hands down to settle between the two of them. God knew what she was doing.

Suddenly the bet didn’t seem as safe as it once was. Elena was rarely so out of control. In fact, she’d normally tease the hell out of a guy before he even got the chance to get his hands on her. But this…Her eyes widened as the obvious tangle of hands and skin were heading into dark territory.

“Shit,” she muttered.

”Worried?” Jon grinned evilly and swung the left hand side of his body into the basket, the cage tipping precariously. Metal groaned against metal as the four of them rocked hard against the seats.

Richie never lost his grip on the girl. She was now nearly astride him, her head dropped back as Richie went to town on her neck. Jon leaned back causing a slight backward swing before pushing hard left again.

“You don’t play fair,” Kate muttered and kicked at his foot.

“No, I play to win, there’s a difference.”


~~


Elena moaned, her fingers sliding over the laces at the front of his pants before undoing them enough to slide her hand inward to cup the steel she'd only felt over clothing before. The angle wasn’t quite right and she groaned in frustration. Lips again met lips as she pressed against him, a fire growing somewhere deep inside of her.

Richie pushed himself against her hand. He wanted to feel her fingers wrapped around him, but didn’t trust himself to stop at this point. He could feel the tension inside of her and lifted his hips rolling against her. When he heard the quick gasp and felt the undeniable shudder he kept the rhythm until she pushed back. Her arms wrapped around his neck and he caught her lips, drawing her around him, rocking her until the tremors changed to breathy gasps.

Her hand finally found him, gliding over the length of him. Soft gasps echoing against his lips as she slowly tightened her grip. The madness gripping them both until she slid down his length again, her hips arching against him. He could feel the heat of her through her jeans. He knew, even here he could have her, knew in his gut that it would be mind blowing. Her gasps grew louder as the passion grew even hotter.

"Baby, I can't. You can't be nameless. Please," he stilled her hand.

His words echoed through her passion fogged brain and registered. God, she still hadn't given him a name. Shutting her eyes against the scalding sensory overload she was riding she said, "Elena.” Hoarsely she sucked in another breath, “I'm Elena."

His control had slipped so completely, that he was in a near panic to drag it in, find some semblance of self, and her name burned through the lust. "Elena," he groaned. "Elena," he said raggedly.


~


The two of them were getting beyond out of control. Looking away, because it felt far too intimate to watch, Kate gasped when the car made a quick, harsh groan of gears.

The basket righted itself as they crowned the upper most point of the ride and they all flew to the right. The jarring left her disorientated and the playfulness of the ride slipped away when Jon’s slim body tangled with hers. Looking up to see Jon hover over her, their mouths a mere breath apart, was not part of the plan.

Startling blue eyes gazed down at her before a smile kicked at the corner of his lips. "Oops," he said, but made no effort to move away.

She shifted on the bench and the rock hard length of a thigh kicked her heart into third gear. Kate could taste the Coke on his breath. Or was it his lips? She was lost. Quickly sitting up, she stomped down on the aggressive hormones that wanted to be heard. "Get off me!" She said and pushed.

He fell back against the cage wall, the basket swinging again with the momentum. "Sure thing," he said, amused at the response. So the little redhead wasn’t as immune to him as he first thought. He stayed in the place she'd shoved him to, at least for the moment.

She sat up as the ride slowly came to a halt, looking over to see that Elena and Richie were slowly disengaging as well.

Kate pushed her hair out of her eyes and moved to the far side of the bench

Chapter 8

Richie laughed and settled himself next to his little dynamo. "My lap is slightly softer than that seat, if you're interested." His dimple winked. "Then you wouldn't have to look up so high."

"Think you can handle it cutie pie?" Elena grinned, her eyes sparkling as she parked her butt on his thighs.

His arm slid around her waist and he realized just how tiny she was. His hand could span her back with room to spare. But the ease in which she settled into the crook of his arm, and across his thighs spoke of a familiarity neither one of them could deny. And when he heard her little sigh, he let his fingers climb up her very soft and very naked back until her silky dark hair whispered over his fingers and wrist. With a quick tilt back the basket swung gently.

She wriggled slightly, pushing back a little to lean against his chest. He was solid and warm in a way that reached out and tugged at something inside of her. Shifting again, her hips brushed teasingly until she could feel and hear the swish of denim against denim.

Richie bit back a groan as he shifted her so the press of his arousal wasn't entirely obvious. He didn’t have to look like a complete pervert here, but when the cage made another swift, rolling swing he couldn’t hide it. His cock was uncomfortably trapped behind a zipper. His mouth gaped as Jon heaved back on his bench then leaned forward, laughing when the girl next to him gave him a feral grin and rocked with him.

Elena gasped softly as the cage swung and rocked, her fingers clutching at Richie’s shoulders for balance as she shifted again. The thick length of his arousal bumped along her hip, her eyes fluttered closed as lust hit her hard and fast. She’d never been this instantly attracted to a man in her life.

When her little fingers gripped his shoulder he scooped her closer. "Hey guys, cut it out!"

Kate bumped shoulder to shoulder with Jon. "Cut what out?"

Elena gasped and pressed tighter to Richie, "Telling her to stop will make her do it harder, Sport."

"Well, you did want to get to know him better. Does he have a nice lap?" Kate grinned and tilted forward as Jon did and the cage swung wildly. Watching her friend get shaken and stirred up by a guy was a novelty. Usually it was Lains doing the stirring.

Elena's eyes flew open as she flushed a vivid pink. "I’m just hanging on for dear life here, girlfriend."

Never one to be motion sick, Richie enjoyed the wiggling female until her thighs began to part, to keep herself upright. The hard length of him wanted that v, and he had to fight hard not to press himself against her. When she squeaked a little he knew that he'd been less than successful in keeping his hard on a secret.

Elena's head tilted upwards, heat soaked brown eyes searching his face as her hips shifted up then down slowly before giving a slight roll right to left. Slender fingers splayed over his broad back before nails dug in to hold on, her tongue flicking out to wet her dry lips.

His eyes dropped to her mouth then back to her eyes and followed instinct. Groaning when her lips met his, his fingers gripped her hips, dragging her closer until the heat of her body was just as complete as the connection between their lips and tongue. His fingers slid higher, tangling in the cool silk sheets texture of her hair until she met him stroke for stroke, kiss for kiss.

Soft whimpers echoed in her throat as her fingers slipped up to glide through his long, surprisingly thick hair. Her breasts flattened against his chest, her mind whirling with the obvious heat and maleness that was Richie. This stranger who affected her more with one kiss than the last three relationships she’d had.

Elena’s hips arched against him again, as her fingers slid down to find the braided belt cinching his jeans tight. Muttering a curse, her fingers roamed up, tracing along his spine.

~

Oblivious to the other two, Kate laughed like a loon as the cage swung wider with each press and lunge she and Jon did in a perfect tandem. His face took on the excitement of a kid with the baby face freshness of his complexion. Gone was the sly innuendo and all that was left behind was the fun.

Kate snorted, realizing she was having way too much fun. “You’re not so bad when you’re not hitting on me,” she said with a grin.

“Thanks, I think,” Jon said wryly as they dropped against the metal backing of their seat. A little out of breath from the crunches and the laughter.

”Think we did enough damage?” Knowing she'd probably pay with a...Well shit. She whipped her gaze back to Jon and slapped a hand over her mouth. Choking on a laugh, "Umm, I think we did too good of a job."

Jon glanced at Kate and nodded to the groping couple, as he threw his weight in the opposite direction. When the cage swung wildly out in a new direction, he grinned. "Yep. Wanna keep at it?"

Swallowing a laugh, she tried for a serious tone in her voice. "This isn't the Naked Ferris Wheel, Jon."

He leaned close to her and whispered, "I'll bet you a kiss,” he paused for effect. “It just might be for those two if we keep it up."

Sputtering, she couldn't stop herself from looking at his lips. Lips that were far too perfect, far too soft and far too tempting. "I'm not as free with my kisses," she said stubbornly as she forced her gaze up to his eyes.

He grinned, "Chicken?” he challenged. “Winner chooses who gets kissed. Will they or won't they if we keep this up?"

"So, let me get this straight…if my girl behaves herself," she looked at Elena with her utter and complete lip lock on Richie, “Then I can choose who kisses whom? Anyone in this cage?"

"Unh-uh. You can choose who I kiss. It’s not fair to put them in this. If she behaves,” he glanced at the little pocket rocket currently crawling all over his best friend and grinned. Richie had it in the bag. “You can choose the biggest dog here for me to kiss."

The thought of his lips on anyone else’s but hers suddenly rankled. "You're on," Kate said and gentled her rocking.

His grin slid into a smirk. "Just to make this clear…You’re betting me that she won’t do more than kiss him in this cage. And if Elena manages to control herself, you choose the one I kiss?"

"That's right, Sugar. I'll find someone to kiss you. I'm sure I can dupe some young idiot to give up her lips to yours.”

Jon's grin widened. She’d have a harder time finding one that wouldn’t, but that was neither here nor there. "And if she does more, I get to choose who YOU kiss?" He held out a hand to shake on it.

"Just what is your definition of more?" She said hesitantly keeping her fingers out of his reach.

Jon leaned on and whispered softly, "I’m betting they get it on in front of us, honey."

Kate went from hesitant to sure in a moment. "You got yourself a deal."

He grasped her hand for a brief instant and shook it. "Let the rocking begin."

Kate prayed she didn't just make the biggest mistake of her life as she dug in and rocked the cage until the swing groaned on the well oiled hinges.

Chapter 7

Richie watched her walk away, his cock twitching and aching in a way he'd thought had been long since past. His lips burned where she'd touched him and his fingers itched to get it on a woman, instead of a guitar for the first time in what felt like forever. He glanced at his buddy and growled when he just grinned back at him like a jack ass.

Jon started laughing softly, "Man you're either besotted or crazy, I can't decide which is which at the moment."

"Definitely crazy. We'll revisit besotted in a few weeks. After I've had her under me for at least that long,” Richie muttered.

"Dude, I hate to break it to ya, but she’s walking AWAY from you. Now I don’t know ‘bout you, but to me that don’t seem like naked is going to be on that menu." Jon grinned, his blue eyes following the curvy one wistfully.

Richie watched as they got in line for the teacups and finished off his own beer in one long pull. One taste is definitely not enough. “I'll get to her; just prowling around the games area...I'll get to her." He nodded his head in the direction of the women. "What about Miss Curves?"

Jon punched his arm; "Well before you blew it, CUITE PIE,” he emphasized the word until Richie gave him a dark look. Swallowing a chuckle he went on, “I had at least gotten her to agree to be friendly. Still no name though. You'd think their names were state secrets or something.” He followed Richie’s laser glare and gave a rich sigh. “Damn but I'd like to see what was under those ripped jeans." He punched him in the arm. "And you had to mention all the other girls? WHERE's your brain boy wonder?"

"I was trying to get her to say her name. I thought the darlin' thing would be a challenge. Stepped in that a bit, I think,” he said absently.

"A BIT?” Jon snorted, “Try a lot. With those feet of yours I bet I could smell the shit from the next county." Grinning as the two girls stopped suddenly, the small one intensely talking with mouth and hands.

Richie grinned. "She sure is cute though. Everything about her makes me want to scoop her up and take her back home to see just how cute she is."

A soft rumble filtered through Jon's throat, "I wanna do more than just take her home. Mizz Curves,” he emphasized the z’s in a bad southern accent. “Not, Miss Stick."

His head whipped away from the long, graceful curve of her neck and stared hard at his best friend. "Are you fucking blind?"

Jon shrugged, "Can’t help it man, the curves are calling to me." He continued to watch the girls, wondering what the heated discussion was about.


~


"You wanna do what?" Kate said as she looked up at the monstrous Ferris wheel one ride over.

Elena's head turned a moment to look back at the table, "Ahh hmmm? Oh um, yeah. The Ferris wheel, I wanna ride that. Yeah I really wanna ride that."

"The Ferris wheel? Or tall, dark and grinning over there?"

Elena laughed, “Both,” her eyes crinkled at the corners as her smile went big. “Maybe even at the same time,” she waggled her eyebrows. Suddenly pulling a serious face, she sighed. “I shouldn’t have been so hard on him, I guess. He is hot.” She threw a wistful look over her shoulder. “Lots of girls probably do fall all over him. But I guess I gotta cut my losses, cuz you sure as hell weren’t giving the cute shaggy one a break.” She bumped her hip, “Even though I KNOW he lit a fire under ya."

Ignoring the ribbing she tried to wipe the sneer off her face. "Just because jerk-off wasn't my cup of tea doesn't mean you should shrug off his friend. I don't need to like his friend, just Richie. And I do…he's far sweeter than his friend.”

"Katydid, You’re doing it again you know?"

Kate's eyes strayed to the two men again and tried not to notice how perfectly his jeans fit him. God, you are not looking at him? She jerked her eyes back to her friend. "I'm doing what?"

"You’re getting all swept up in that first impression. You've never been real big on drinking, and he was a few sheets to the wind when you met him. Not everyone is a bad guy cuz they drink a bit.” She gave her a gentle pat. “He didn't have to save my face from that gravel, and he didn't have to try to help you, but he did." She sighed softly, "Maybe, just maybe, you should listen to your instincts for a change and not your head?"

"I-" she swallowed and remembered the harsh echo of cheap scotch in her childhood house. Pushing that firmly aside she shook her head. "My instincts say he's nothing but a boy on the prowl. His friend doesn't seem to be on the make, but jerk face is just looking for his next score."

"Dammit Katydid, how many times you gonna use that excuse without proof?" She glanced around, frowning when she couldn’t find him.

"And why do you keep seeing the good in everyone? Just how many assholes do you have to meet before you figure out that they all end up disappointing you sometime?"

Her humor surfaced, "Well we all have assholes, girl, just depends on how you treat them."

Kate sighed as the two guys had slowly made their way from rides, to games to the Ferris wheel they stood beside. "I guess we'll find out if this one's smeared in shit or sweet as a rose," she said under her breath as Richie stood before her friend.

Elena looked up at the Ferris wheel, a look of childlike glee on her face, totally unaware of who was standing near. She'd been looking for him and now, didn't even realize he had stepped close. "I can't wait to get on that."

Richie swallowed thickly and jammed an elbow in Jonny's ribs when he chuckled. All he could picture was her slim little body crawling up him and folding those disproportionately long legs around his waist. "Mind if we ride with you guys?"

Elena whirled, her eyes widening. "There you go again with the guy thing, I swear, get some glasses, dude." Her voice was breathless with mirth, her eyes again traveling from his face down his chest and further before she yanked her gaze back to the Ferris wheel. "That's my friend’s call. Ask her."

Richie forced his eyes to find her friend and not the distracting length of her neck with the wisps of hair that teased on the breeze. "I'll behave and he'll behave if you let us take a ride with you," Richie asked with a smile.

Elena looked at Kate quietly, her body nearly vibrating with a strange sensation she didn't recognize. She wanted the feel of his arms around her but wouldn’t push her best friend into a situation where she was stuck with some guy she really didn’t like.

She wasn't heartless, Kate wanted to say out loud, but instead she just smiled that smile that all southern women were taught. "I can roll, darlin', but the clothes stay on,” she said with a glare at Richie. The man was nearly undressing her friend with his eyes.

Elena smiled at Kate, gratitude and humor lurking in her doe colored eyes. "This should be interesting to say the least."

Jon grinned, "Well I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I wanna be naked thirty feet up in the air, so that’s entirely doable."

"I just bet everything is entirely doable to you," Kate said with a sugary smile, as she sauntered up to the ticket holder and stepped into the bright red cage.

Jon shook his head, "Nope, some things aren’t worth the effort.” His voice took on a serious tone, “Liars or those who don’t respect themselves, got no time for those.” He shook his head, “Not doable in my world."

Kate turned back to him respect in her bright green eyes for the first time all night. "Guess you get to sit next to me, darlin'. Let those two enjoy a little close time."

Elena glanced up at Richie and felt so tiny "Think you can handle it?” A smile played over her lips, "Not that I mind sitting next to you." She reached up and snagged the large cross that fell between his pecs, pulling his face closer. "Dammit, I'm gonna break my neck looking up all night.” Letting him go, she added an extra sway to her step as she passed a ticket to the teenager collecting them with a smile and stepped into the cage.

Hoping to keep the light in her eyes, Jon gestured to the seat next to her. "Hope you don’t mind?"

"Nope, just remember to keep those hands where they're supposed to be, Sugar." When his grin widened Kate let a little of her ice come through. "And if you need a map, I'd be happy to give you specifics as to where your hands and my body are to be and the definition of vicinity."

"Yes ma'am,” Jon saluted her before throwing his arm over the back of the seat. "I'll take that under advisement."

Chapter 6

"Bossy," he muttered under his breath before allowing an honest grin to shine through. Damn, he liked a bossy woman. It usually meant she knew herself and her own mind. Question was, how to erase the bad impression? He wasn't sure yet, but she was a challenge, and he damn sure liked those too.

Richie pulled his eyes away from the little one. "Well go on; help her carry the drinks, stud. Maybe you can show her that you have good manners." He smiled back at the woman across from him. "Have pity on me, I'm trying not to call you a thousand cutesy names, throw me a bone here."

Elena grinned and tore off a piece of fried dough and lifted it too his lips. "Sorry no bone here cutie."

Richie leaned forward, very slowly, and nipped the fluff of sugary bread out of her fingers, making sure his teeth grazed her fingertip. "I love sugar," he said and chewed thoughtfully. "Fair food should be illegal," he said and swallowed, leaning in for more.

Elena closed her eyes, her throat suddenly completely dry as the barest touch of his teeth had her blood racing. Picking off another piece of dough she offered it up to him, "Illegal,” She agreed. “That's not the only thing at fairs that oughta be illegal."

Letting his eyebrows waggle, his tongue sought out the sugary powder that dusted the side of her finger before he took another bit that she offered. "All the good stuff is bad for you," he rumbled.

"Love included,” she said softly, trying hard to not leap into his lap. “Sounds a little like bad medicine.” She grinned, "But that’s what makes it all worthwhile right?" She reached over and brushed a bit of sugar from the corner of his lips.

He turned his mouth and caught the curious finger. Lifting his hand to bracelet her wrist, realizing again just how small she was. His fingers overlapped and he could feel the erratic beat of her pulse. "Love is like bad medicine? I like that." A riff exploded in his head as he started to hum. "You just have no idea what you did," he laughed.

Elena grinned, "What? I wiped a bit of sugar from those lips of yours, cutie pie."

"Richie," he said and didn't make a move to let her wrist go. "Say my name, darlin'."

She laughed softly, "Richhhhhhhhhie," she said drawing out his name with a grin.

Hell, maybe that wasn’t a good idea, he thought and nipped her wrist again.



~

Jon glanced at his friend, noting the gleam in his eyes as he headed over to the kiosk. Time to play gentleman, the way his mama taught him. He had to tread carefully or he’d end up with a black eye or something. Smiling as he reached her, "Hi, need some help?" he asked.

Kate turned with a less than sturdy cardboard box holding two beer bottles and two sodas. "I can do it," she said even as the soft drinks wobbled and beer sloshed over her fingers.

He reached up quickly and simply steadied the box. "I don't mind helping ya know?"

Unprepared for the zing of his touch, she yanked back her hand when his fingers brushed over hers. The box toppled and beer sloshed over the suede of his jacket. "Shit!" The man left her so unsettled. She squatted down and picked up the cups and broken glass.

Jon knelt quickly to help, wanting to see if the spark he felt was just a fluke. "Look we got off to a bad start. Let me try this again, ok?"

"Sugar, we're not starting anything over again." She stared down at the rivers of Michelob and Coke sliding away from them. His eyes were too intense. Looking into them was like seeing the heart of a flame, brilliant and so blue it hurt.

Not one to give up easily, Jon simply looked at her like a new challenge. "Maybe not, but I feel I owe it too you. So, hi, my name is Jon. I'd like to buy you and your friend a drink. How about it?" he asked with a crooked grin.

"I-" she curled her fingers into frustrated fists and sighed. "Look, Sugar, I don't know you from Adam. And while it's really flattering that you want to score points with the girl that's not interested, I just don't have the strength for that kind of game tonight."

He stood back up his gaze traveling to his friend and hers. He wasn’t going to force himself on her, that was for sure. "I’ll leave it to you to disappoint those two as we go about our separate ways,ok?" He turned to the clerk behind the counter and ordered three beers and a coke.

"Dirty, underhanded," she groused and stood up. "I'll take two and you take two," she said and refused the tray the girl tried to give Jon. "Look, I can behave if you can."

He grinned as he palmed the two drinks. "Sure thing sweetheart, but I'm still leaving it to you to break those two up. He's got that look in his eyes and I kinda like my head where it is."

She looked back at her friend. The way she had her head tilted up, a big ole sappy grin on her face…and well, she just couldn't burst that bubble. "Look, I'll stop snapping at you if you stop hitting on me and we can live in peace for the next little bit. How's that sound?"

He laughed softly, his blue eyes catching her gorgeous green gaze, "I'll try, but baby I can't promise. You’re fantasy and spice wrapped up real nice. Forgive a guy who AIN'T dead for appreciating it."

Did these lines work? She rolled her eyes. "Well, keep your fantasies to yourself and we'll do just fine."

Nodding, he almost sighed but caught himself. As he reached the table he plunked the beer down in front of Richie, keeping the cold coke for himself. "So how’s it going over here?"

"Thanks, bro," Richie said and took a deep draw off the top of the icy beer. He glanced at the soda cup in front of Jon and grinned, "Really well, even if she still won't give up her name." He turned pleading eyes on the intriguing girl before him. "I'll just end up calling you darlin' all night like I do all the other girls."

A fine eyebrow arched. "ALL the other girls?" Her eyes chilled, "Got a bunch of girlfriends, huh?"

Oh shit. He backpedaled, "I meet a lot of girls with my job, darlin'."

"Darrrrrrlin." Her voice drew the word out slow long and cold. You could almost feel the chill in the air as she turned her gaze to study the amusement park lights. Elena grew quiet after speaking. Damn if he’d get her name only for her to be another 'darlin'.

Kate stood up and took a healthy swig from her beer. "I think it's time for another ride,” she said, trying to cut the tension. Richie had obviously stepped in a nice cowpie.

Elena tipped back her beer, each swallow making her throat work in a timeless rhythm. Bolstered by liquid courage she stood quickly. "Yep time for another ride girlfriend.” She stepped around the table and stopped in front of Richie, grinning slowly before leaning forward. She pressed soft lips to his in a feather light touch. "I’m not just another darlin’,” she said on a hot whisper. “Might want to rethink that statement if you ever expect to get anywhere with a real woman." At his slack jawed reaction, she grinned and walked back to Kate. "Let’s go find us a ride."

Elena pulled her friend to a stop and whispered, "I can't do this girlfriend."