Chapter 52

Richie snorted. "Elena, meet David.” He looked from his tiny little dynamo to David with a grin. “AKA Mouth, AKA annoying, AKA—“

“I think she gets it, Rich,” David broke in. “Some people with manners just call me the keyboardist."

Richie gave him a shot in the arm, seeing Tico over David's shoulder, coming up the back. "And the gentleman behind him his Tico, our drummer."

“Sure, Teek gets the classy intro. I see how it is.”

Ah, she definitely knew that voice. A devilish smile spread as she sidestepped Richie to give David a long, hard stare. "So…YOU’RE David, huh?"

He looked over her head into Richie’s eyes. “Should I be protecting something?” he asked and lifted his knee in front of his balls. “No help, got it.” David smiled winningly. "The one and only, baby."

Before he could blink Elena was behind him, his arm lightly twisted up as she bent him back toward her. Whispering loudly enough for Richie and others around to her to hear, she spoke. "Glad to see they potty trained you.” At his grunt she held tighter. “Don’t poke him like that again or I'll do worse.” Easing up a little she smiled. “Oh and hey…you’re a joker I hear.” When all he did was nod she continued, “So you get to help me plan a prank on Moptop, huh JD?" She laughed remembering the Junkyard dog comment. "You’re definitely a JD, for sure." Letting him go as swiftly as she locked David up, she moved back to Richie, her eyes nearly level with Tico. "Nice to meet you."

Teek grinned and without missing a beat, he reached out and took her hand pressing an old world kiss right to her knuckles. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elena."

Elena grinned back at the thick Spanish in Tico’s baritone voice. “I like this one, Pony.”

Richie just laughed and slung an arm around her shoulders. David frowned and stared at the back of her head in awe. If Richie hadn’t seen her in action before he’d never have believed it. She barely cleared David’s chest even in the heels she was gracefully teetering on. His hat was cocked back on her head as she smiled up at him a bit of that unholy glee glinting in her dark eyes. She was so very proud that she’d one-upped David.

"Shit," Dave muttered.

"Bathrooms are that-a-way, JD." Elena just grinned and pointed. "Don’t want to upset that potty training you were doing so well at."

When Richie and Tico just laughed, David joined in. "You're all right, kiddo." He slung and arm around Tico. "Save me, man. She's obviously got something against my curls or my humor."

Elena leaned against Richie her arm slipping around his waist. "Awww I like you well enough, just don’t mess with Pony and we’ll be cool. I hear you play a mean keyboard."

Richie nodded. "He gave up Julliard to play with us lunatics," he said and tucked her in closer.

Her brow arched. "Impressive." She glanced around curiously. "Where's Moptop? Is he off being a ceiling duster?"

Jon walked up and heard the tail end of her sentence. "I’m right here, Teensy. How’re things going?"

"He'd have to be taller for that, Teensy." David snorted, adopting Jon's nickname for her.

Elena's gaze swiveled to David, her brow arching slightly. "That’s what ladders are for, JD." The urge to flip David made her fingers tingle. She wasn’t quite sure if she liked his smart mouth or not.

"Last time I called her that to her face she threw me, man. Be careful," Jon muttered.

"Do I even want to know what JD stands for?" David asked warily.

Elena leaned up on tip-toe to whisper in Richie's ear. "Think he'll mind being a junkyard dog forever?"

"The day he minds being called a dog is the day he hangs up his curls." Richie said smiled down at her.

Elena nipped his ear lightly before turning back to David. "You named yourself the day you talked to me on the phone from London. Remember? You claimed to be a junkyard dog." A soft, teasing laugh filled the circle of males. "So, I’ve sorta been thinking of you as JD ever since."

"Damn, I prefer Jack Daniels," David said with a wide smile. "But I'll take JD. It's sexier than the usual one."

Jon snorted. "You would, Lema." Jon glanced over at Richie then to his other friends. "Well it’s about time for my plane. Elena, try to bring him back in one piece ok?" Jon chuckled and threw them a wave as he sauntered off.

David slapped Richie's back. "Just make sure we have enough to scrape up and put a guitar into the hands of whatever's left."

Elena blushed slightly at the comments and leaned closer into Richie, her hand sliding up to sooth where David slapped. "You’re just jealous."

David put his hands up in surrender. "She guards him like a lioness. I know when I'm not wanted." He grinned and hiked his bag over his shoulder. "Well guys, enjoy your six weeks to yourself. I'm going to go find a bed for two days to shore up enough strength to find all my girlfriends."

Elena's brow arched as her voice dropped into a husky whisper, "I can think of better things to do than guard him, JD. But you be careful with those girlfriends, you hear? The boys need your fingers in working order."

His eyes widened and he laughed. "You got it, Teensy," he held up his hands again as she took a step forward. "I think I'll change your nickname to Tiger instead." He waved to the lot of them and headed off in the direction of the exit.

Richie slid his hand down to catch her fingers, twining them around his own. "Tico, you heading down to Miami?"

Tico’s smile widened. "Yeah, there’s a golf course calling my name, man. See you soon." He turned towards Elena. "It was a pleasure to meet you Elena. I can see you'll keep our man happy. You both have fun." Tico waved then turned to make his way to his flight.

"Ahhhhh, finally alone," he said and dipped his head into her neck to nibble. "There's a plane with our name on it, private and all for us...no other passengers. I think it's time to induct you into the Mile High Club, sweetheart."

She tilted her head to give him better access. Her eyes closed as a groan started low in her throat. "Mile High Club, huh?"

Richie leaned back. “Oh yeah, you know what that is, right?"

"College girl here, I think I've heard the expression a time or two.” She slid her fingers into his ripped tank, his warm skin just too tempting to resist. “Do we have enough time for me to go grab my bag?" She reached up and caressed his cheek. "Otherwise I'll just have to stay naked the entire time."

Looking thoughtfully at her for a moment, he hesitated. "Naked's a good option." He curled his arm around her shoulders. "How far away is the car?"

A blush crept up into her cheeks. "Umm, well, it’s..." her voice faded. She wasn't exactly sure where she’d parked. With her penchant for turning in the wrong direction she could lead them to Cleveland without finding the car. "Um, well it’s out that-a-way,” she grinned up at him, “somewhere..."

"That's it, forget it!" he laughed. "We'll buy you enough to be civil in public when I let you out of the beach house." Gathering her next to him, he started walking toward the private gates off to the left. "You've got your passport though, right? I didn't even think to ask if you had one."

Her arm went back around his waist her grin back in place. "Now that’s in my purse." She didn’t add that daddy's credit card was too. She could supply her own things. She'd figure out a way to call bathing suits and other needs an emergency item if her Daddy ever asked.

"Well, then it looks like the both of us are going to have our own brand new wardrobe." He grinned down at her. "Something pink for day one, purple for night two and something flesh colored and non-existent for the rest."

Chapter 51

Richie sat forward in his seat. Ever since the pilot had called for them to get ready for landing, he'd been unable to sit still. He glanced at Jon who only rolled his eyes and settled back into his seat, hands threaded over his stomach, completely relaxed. His foot started bouncing as he popped his knuckles.

"You can't make the landing gear come down any faster with the pounding, Rich." Dave said from beneath a black sleeping mask. Teek snorted as David flipped up a corner of his mask. "Impatient are we?"

"Shaddup," Richie said and gripped his thighs until they stilled. He'd talked to Elena an hour before the plane’s departure, but he couldn't stop thinking about the slim bits of nothing she promised to wear.

Jon snickered. "She's just a girl, dude." He stretched his legs out. No need to let on about his plans to hop a plane to Atlanta just to please a certain sexy doctor. Let them razz Richie, his turn would come all too soon.

Dave tugged off his mask. "I can't wait to meet this chick that makes Richie all girlie and edgy."

Jon laughed. "Yeah, he is acting a bit girlie isn’t he?"

Richie slanted a look at Jon. "Watch it, bro. I know a certain doctor who’s still got an itchy scalpel finger."

Jon grinned. "I think she’s coming around."

"Oh really? I know a certain redhead that would beg to differ." Richie braced as the landing gear creaked and groaned underneath the small plane. He gripped the armrests and shut his eyes. He didn't mind flying, just didn't really like the whole landing in a tin can thing. All he could picture was bent wheels and a nose in the dirt with sparks. Damn cartoons.

Teek chuckled. "This little lady must be something if she inspires the two of you to actually spar this way."

"Yeah well, Kate's just as inspiring.” Richie unbuckled his belt, with a grin. “Jonny just hasn’t’ gotten anywhere with her yet, that's all.” He waggled his eyebrows, “Elena will slay all of you, so just watch out. You can't help but fall for her."

Teek's brow arched. "No woman is that powerful my man."

"You'll see," Richie said, grabbing his bag from the overhead.

Jon stood and pulled his bag as well. "Yeah well, just don’t piss Teensy off guys.” He glanced back at all of them. “Take it from me, she’s dangerous."

Richie hustled through customs, leaving David and Teek in the dust. Jon stayed with him, even if he was a little distracted. He watched him look at his watch for the fifth time. "What's up, Jonny?"

Jon glanced up. "Hmm? Oh just checking the time. I have a flight back out in a few."

Richie slowed up a bit. "Where are you going?"

Jon grinned and refused to be baited. "You’re going on vacation, what’s to say I don't have the same type of plans?"

Richie just grunted, losing interest when he saw a flash of purple in the distance. "Well, you have fun,” he said absently.

Jon just shook his head and headed for the next available customs counter.

Elena dodged through the crowd. “God, just moooove,” she mumbled. She’d never driven so fast to get anywhere in her life. She just wanted to see him. That’s all, just see him. She glanced at her watch. It wasn’t like she could check the arrivals board. She had no idea if he was on time. It wasn’t like they could put Jovi Jet on the arrival board. She jumped to see over the sea of heads. She just wanted to see him. She needed to see him.

He saw a head pop up then down. God, was that her? He stomped down the impatience. When it came to this line, he was no better than anyone else. All the overseas flights had to make their way through, no matter what name was on the passport. When he finally made it to the front of the line he forced himself to smile at the little customs person.

"Anything to declare?" she said in clipped British accent.

"No, wasn't there long enough," he grinned.

Less than amused she stamped his papers and folded his passport closed. "Next!" she shouted.

Too excited to let a grouchy airline worker ruin his reunion, he threaded his way through the roped off area catching a glimpse of her. God, she looked amazing. A barely there skirt hovered at the top of her thighs with a wide purple belt to match. The shimmering silver of her top reminded him of their first night together and his fingers itched to skim over the ties that would go down her back.

Her hair was loose around her shoulders in a feathered fluff of curls that he wanted to touch and be touched by, but it was the boots that caused the heart attack. Killer heels lengthened her slim legs, highlighting the copper glow of muscles in her.

Without a word, he dropped his bag and hauled her into his arms.

She squealed and wrapped her legs around him. "Well hello there handsome."

The press of her soft body and sweet, clean smell of her pushed the first sigh of relief through his system. "I missed you."

Her arms wound around his neck as her lips connected to his. "I missed you too,” she breathed him in, “more than you know." She forgot they were standing in the middle of an airport as her tongue teased along his lower lip. "I'm sooo glad your back."

His fingers slid up her back and into her hair, fitting her mouth onto his more securely. He kissed her the way he'd been dreaming of every night. Long, slow and thorough, with enough of her flavor burning on his tongue to ease the loneliness and the ache he'd been carrying around since he'd left her. She was home to him now, and he hadn't felt anything close to home in a long time.

She whimpered into his kiss, her hands tangling into his beautiful dark hair. His hat was in the way so she flipped it onto her own head with a giggle. "I’m glad that interview got cancelled. It gets so cold at night without you, you know."

"Well you certainly don't need to worry about that anymore. I plan on keeping you sweaty and naked for the next two weeks with a beach at our backdoor.” His fingers gripped her ass with a smile against her mouth, “You know, in case you need a little extra added warmth." He grinned down at her with his hat falling low on her ears. "You look good in my hat. Guess you'll have to wear that later." He put her down just as a fist met his lower back.

"So is this the chick?" David asked.

"No, ass-face, I kiss women like this all the time."

Elena turned to the blonde jabbing at Richie. His voice was vaguely familiar. Her head tilted as she sized up the man with the large and colorful hair. “Who’s the village idiot, Richie?"

Chapter 50

"Mm, I like how you think Pony. So you liked the flowers?? Remind me to explain what they mean, once I can think again," she mumbled. Damn, just his voice had her heating up, she thought, kicking the covers from her body.

“Just what are you doing over there?"

"I’m sooo hot I had to kick my covers off. See what you did?" She laughed softly.

"How hot?” His voice lowered. “Touch and tell me everything. Do you feel like the periwinkle flower you sent me? Soft and pretty to remind me that you want to be with me?"

She groaned. "Drippingly hot. More like the yellow and orange roses."

He cleared his throat and remembered it meant passion, then pictured her writhing beneath his mouth right before he’d left. She'd been dripping that night too and he'd enjoyed every single drop. "I remember your taste, it's sweet like honey and makes me so hard I can't do anything but recreate songs in my head to get my mind off you. I've played every night until my fingers are numb, you know."

"That so?" She breathed into the phone, "I Just curl up to the pillow that has your scent on it. Kate teases me because I won’t wash the pillow case, but it’s all I have of you right now. I ache to feel you on me or in me or..." her voice trailed off into a small gasp, as her fingers wandered over her body, "My hands just don’t do the trick anymore."

He closed his eyes on that thought and willed his dick to go back down. There's no way he could walk back into that room in the state he was in. "You're killing me over here. If I was alone I'd have already finished myself off."

She groaned, the picture of his big strong body filling her mind. "Can it be tomorrow now?"

"I'd trade ten million record sales for that," he muttered.

"Richie, it’s so cold in this bed. I miss my heater. I think I’ve gone and gotten addicted to you, sad isn’t it?" She whispered softer, "you gotta hurry back, my bed needs christening."

"If we make it to the bed," he said with on a low moan. "Meet me at the airport and I'll make it sooner."

She giggled. "Which airport and what time?"

"JFK, and come alone for fuck's sake. I need you."

"Kate’s working a double anyhow. What time?" She grinned into the phone imagining his long body in her small mustang.

"Hell, pack a bag and we'll hop a flight from there to St. Maarten. I'll buy what I need when I get there. I'll call you from the air when we're close."

"I'll do that." She smiled into the phone. "And a bag full of really skimpy things."

"Don't describe them, please...I'm begging here. I just got Mr. Longfellow under semi-control."

She laughed long slow and sweet, "Your imagination is probably worse than what I could describe."

"You're probably right, Lains, just make sure some of it’s purple. It's my favorite color."

"Purple it is." She yawned, her eyes drooping. "Richie?"

"Yes?"

"Make it tomorrow," her voice was whisper soft as she smiled into the phone. "Don't want to wait."

"Well, you can sleep through some of it. Dream of me, then shop and think of me with dirty thoughts," he said with a chuckle.

"I can do that." She smiled for no reason. "Now go thump that David guy in the head for me, huh? So I don’t have to do it when I see him the first time?" She giggled, wondering if that silly guy had asked Moptop her question.

"Don't you worry. David's getting a big size thirteen boot up his ass as soon as I see him." His voice gentled. "Sleep well, and you'll see me before you know it."

"You too." She breathed out on a sigh, “bye Richie."

"Bye, Sweetheart." He opened the door and untwined the rapidly twirling cord that had been stretched to an inch of its life. The room was quiet as he righted the phone. "What?"

Jon glanced over at his friend. "So, how’re the home fires burning, bro?"

"Hot and sweet," he said and grabbed a cold pancake off the tray, eating it like toast. He waggled his brows and fixed himself a mug of coffee. "Are you done talking about me now?"

Teek grinned. "David here hasn't stopped running his fuckin’ mouth."

Dave grinned. "Jonny told me your little friend," he said with air quotes, "is a little toughie."

Teek gave Richie a long, measuring look. "Tell us about this best kept secret, Rich."

He shrugged, "Not much I can tell you that won't compromise the little woman," he laughed with the dirty laugh they all knew so well. "We," he clamped a hand over Jon's shoulder, "met these two girls in Asbury Park while we were moggin’ around out there a few weeks ago."

Teek leaned back and wrapped his hand around a mug of coffee. "And?"

"She's had me a mess for about two weeks and I finally got things straightened out just before we came to London."

Jon grinned, "Man, mess isn’t the word for it. She's this tiny little stick, got a gorgeous redheaded friend that’s a doctor."

"She's no stick, just tiny as Jonny likes to call her Teensy. She of course has to make fun of the hair so they just fight like girls.” He smiled wide. “She's soft in all the right spots and that's all that matters, right?"

Jon grinned, "Told you Bro, you got no taste in women. Now her friend is the real prize, course she’s got this thing about scalpels, " He looked at Richie grinning, "Even threatened your boys at one point."

Teek's grin widened. "Well, when do we get to meet this little woman that can toss you on your back, Jonny?"

Richie laughed. "He fessed up about that? I'm impressed. Kate's still ready to string me up, but I'll win her over."

"Kate must be the redhead?" Teek looked at Jon and noticed a faint flush creeping into his cheeks.

"Sorry," Richie grinned. "Elena's the one that currently has my heart in the big squeeze. Kate is her friend and she has that one,” he pointed at Jon with his coffee cup, “in a bit of a knot. He can't get anywhere though. He just doesn't have the touch like I do."

"Well hopefully you didn't have the touch in the bathroom while we were out here, you stud." Dave said.

"Just taking my time with this one is all," Jon muttered.

Teek watched Jon, waiting on his answer. "Seems you’re a bit twisted in knots too, Jonny boy."

"Taking your time my ass," Richie said and grabbed another cold pancake. "She's got him firmly in the friend zone."

Jon grabbed a strawberry and threw it at Richie's head. "That’s how it all starts man."

He ducked. "It starts naked or you get tossed in the friend zone." He pointed with his pancake. "You, my friend, are not getting naked any time soon."

"At least not with Kate," Dave said.

Jon’s brow arched, "Naked did occur man, or did two weeks in the bottle make you forget?" His grin slid over his face, ok so he didn’t REMEMBER it all, but hey they were naked that morning.

Richie inwardly winced. He'd forgotten about the joke they'd played on them. "Doesn't count unless all involved remember at least insertion," Richie said with an evil laugh.

Teek took a gulp of hot coffee and nearly choked, "Ok boys, that’s enough. So tell me Richie, when do we meet this lady?"

"Tomorrow, she's going to meet me at JFK when we get in. We're skipping on the next plane to the Caribbean for two weeks."

Teek nodded and lit a cigarette. "You know we have to approve of her."

"Just be careful. She has this ability to make men do whatever she wants. It's scary."

Teek shook his head, amusement clear in his dark eyes. "Well I admit I can’t wait to see the little lady."

"You and me both, bro...you and me both." He flopped onto the couch and folded his long fingers over his belly. "Tell me we're almost done with interviews?" he asked the room as a whole. "I don't know how much nice guy I have in me today. I'm ready to go home."

The phone shrilled as only a London phone could and Jon picked up the receiver. He talked for a minute before hanging up the phone then turned to grin at Richie. "Looks like you got your wish man."

"What, that it's magically tomorrow?"

Jon grinned at his friends, "No but the interview for today has been cancelled, they'll catch us in November. Reporter came down with the flu or something. We can go home today boys."

Richie stood up and went straight for his suitcase and flipped it open. "Don't have to tell me twice."

The whole room laughed.

Chapter 49

"Hullo?" her voice was breathy and heavy with sleep.

"Hey baby, I'm sorry I woke you."

"Oh,” Jon stretched out the word, “Teensy sent flowers." He stumbled out of bed, making a bee-line for the coffee. "Beware of Richie’s woman lemme tell you."

Dave laughed. "Teensy? That's why she calls him Pony! Everyone looks big to her, she just doesn't know any better. She hasn't been with me yet!"

Elena gave a sleepy laugh at the yelling in the background. "Well morning to you too, tall dark and faraway. How are you this morning?" She pulled the phone closer to her ear. "Sounds like a bit of a party in the background, there."

Richie rolled his eyes, but was happy to hear the smile in her voice. "The jackals are all in the room. They don't know how to behave!” He let his voice raise a bit. “You'll have to forgive them."

"Did he just call us wild dogs?" Dave asked and slipped a bloom from the vase. He walked over to Richie and tickled behind his ear. "Is that the fair maiden that sent the loooooverly flowers?"

Richie laughed and pushed him back a step. “You’re such an ass.”

"She calls him Pony because he gave her a piggy back ride, man!" Jon called from across the room.

"I just bet," Dave said with a leer. "Which side did she ride?"

Elena laughed. "Oh, the boys are in the room?? Let me speak to that one who’s all loud." She giggled, "Let me speak to that one Pony. I won’t take long,” her voice lowered, “I’d rather talk to my tall, dark guy."

“I don't think that's a good idea. He's not very reliable as a human. We tend to only let him out when it's time to go into the studio or on stage," Richie said and looked right at Dave.

"Please?"
Her voice went low and slow, driving him insane. "Babe, you sure you know what you're getting into? He's not even potty trained.”

"Hey! Are you talking about me, fuckhead?" David asked and crossed his arms with mock pride.

Richie just waved at him and held up a finger. “We seriously keep him in a cage."

Dave came over and grabbed the phone, "That does it! I'll show her what a real man sounds like instead of your stupid accent."

"Remember what I did to Moptop, handsome? Put that one on the phone pretty please?" Elena giggled, "I can handle him."

"I'm already here sweetness.” He tucked the phone between his ear and shoulder, grabbing the base from Richie. “I guarantee you can't handle me."

Elena laughed, "Well hello to you too.” His voice was deep like Richie’s, but lacked the silk she loved. “Ask Moptop what happens when goofuses muck with me or mine."

“Moptop?” Dave laughed. “That's gotta be Kidd, am I right?"

Elena smiled her voice soft and husky, "Cocky little short guy with an attitude to match? That’s Moptop. Just ask him what happens. Who is this by the way?"

"Boy does she have your number, Jonny!" Dave turned around and grinned at his audience. "This is Mr. David Bryan ma'am. The one, the only...” he trailed off, bowing for extra reaction. When Jon threw a crumpled hamburger wrapper at him, he caught it. “The most famous of all of them of course."

"I’m sorry, you’re who again? David, right?” She heard the catcalls and whistles, shaking her head. It was a new way to wake up that was for sure. “So you’re what? Their roadie or PR guy? A mouth like that would get them heard about for sure." She laughed, having NO idea who exactly he was.

"I'm heartbroken!" He turned to Richie, "how could you not have told her about me? After all you said I meant to you!" He mock cried into the phone. "I'm his Latin lover of course," he said and fluffed his blonde mane, glancing at Teek who just chuckled in the corner.

She choked on a laugh. "You’ve got the wrong plumbing, darling boy. Now as funny as you are, can I have Richie back? Go ask Moptop what I told you. Oh, and when we meet…have no doubts that I can do exactly same to you, no matter how unassuming I might look."

"Awww, she doesn't want to play with me! I just can't understand what she sees in you, instead of a stud like me," he said and handed Richie back the phone. "Oh and I'll remember sweet Elena," he called as Richie put the phone back to his ear.

"Sorry. I warned you," Richie said with a laugh. "He's untrainable. We try and we try, but the doctors have said there's just too much wrong with him to save. We keep him around because no one else will take him."

"That's right! I'm the junkyard dog they let out to hump the pretties at night!" Dave called from across the room.

She giggled. Goodness, they were a handful. "I miss you,” she whispered. “Seems like ten days is taking forever."

"I miss you like crazy, babe. I'll be checking out tomorrow, thank the fucking lord. I've had enough of this hotel. Though, I did get a little surprise this morning."

Her voice was soft and low. "Oh? What type of surprise, baby?"

He sighed and wished that the cord was long enough to drag into the hallway. He could hear the longing in her voice, it probably sounded just like his. He looked around and decided it was long enough for the bathroom for some privacy. He stepped on Jon's bed and over him and hopped down flicking the cord out and over the mattress. "All these pretty flowers in a big ole vase about as big as you, sweetheart." He said, closing the door behind him.

"Uh oh! He's going in the bathroom to have phone sex!" Dave laughed.

"Tell him--Doesn’t he wish he was as lucky, handsome. Tell him to ask Moptop what happens to bad boys," Elena giggled.

"I don't want to talk to Dave anymore.” He leaned back on the door. “I'm far more interested in your voice so I'm hiding out in the bathroom."

"Last time we were in a bathroom together, Pony, you ended up having to carry me to bed." She grinned up at the ceiling and tugged the pillow that still smelled like him closer.

He groaned, "No need to remind me of that, Lains. I'm having a hard enough time controlling the raging hard on I wake up with every morning without you. I don’t need you adding to it in the bathroom."

"So, I guess telling you how I miss the length of your hard body pressing me into the bed is a no go, hmm?" Her voice was pitched low and breathy. She pictured his body that morning before he left, all those angles and muscles just for her. "Or how just thinking about your kisses can make me go all crazy inside?"

He felt his boxers tent and he tried not to think about her soft skin and the freckles that made him want to count each and every one. "Yeah, that's not helping. But let me tell you one thing, I'll be pressing you into that new bed I heard about all night and into the next day when I get home."

Deflated, she slapped the mattress. "Oh darn. I so wanted that to be a surprise. Hey wait, how'd you find out?"

"Jonny doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut. He talked to Kate the other night. Actually, come to think about it…he's talked to her the past three nights.” He leaned back against the small counter. “Between you and me, I think he likes to listen to her hot accent."

A soft giggle escaped. "Ah, so that’s why she’s so relaxed when she gets home from the ER. I’ll have to remember to get the doctor to order up more Jonny medicine for her.” She rolled onto her side, smoothing his pillow under her cheek. “So tell me tall, dark and sexy," her voice went a little lower, "how hard you are right now and I'll tell you how wet your voice is making me."

"Man,” he groaned, “you have no idea what you're doing to me." He pressed down at the waving flag pole his dick was becoming. "Just the sound of your voice is enough to make me crazy." He groaned, "I remember how soft and silky you feel, all wet against my hand."

She moaned into the phone, "And I remember how your long fingers just knew all the right spots to hit on,” If it was at all possible, her voice went even lower, “and in me too."

He jumped as someone slammed the side of a fist into the door.

"Whatcha doin' in there Richie? Do you need a washcloth? A shower?" Dave called through the door.

"Fuck," Richie growled. "I'm going to kill him, just give me a second." He opened the door. "Do I need to kill you?"

Dave just grinned. "Breakfast is here, man. Don't want you to starve with all the Yerkin Jerkin that's goin' on that's all." He waggled eyebrows. "She's got a hot voice, huh?"

He tapped four fingers into Dave's forehead, pushing him back a step and shut the door again. "One more day, Lains. One more day and I won't have to see these guys for a whole month and a half. When do your classes get out for the winter break?"

She laughed. "I’m out now. I’m actually finished for good. Just have to make an appearance at graduation."

He groaned. "Come away with me. Let's go someplace warm where clothing is optional."

Her eyes widened, gripping the phone. "Naked Pony is always a good option," she said carefully.

"I had a trip to St. Maarten planned, but I was going to cancel to stay with you back in the city. Can I steal you for two weeks? You can have me as naked as you please."

"Don’t have to steal what’s yours handsome,” she whispered softly, “I'll go anywhere with you."

"Good.” His chest eased as he started to plan. “When I get home we'll head out…After I've made love to you until I can breathe again, of course."

Chapter 48

Richie pressed his face into the pillow. He was sick of the hotel, sick of London and sick of sleeping alone, dammit.

He snuck a look over at Jon sleeping peacefully on the bed on the other side of the room with the phone still under his pillow. Light filtered through the room at—he shuffled the small travel alarm clock toward him—8:30 in the fucking morning.

There was something ridiculously wrong with that. Sighing he stood up and hiked his boxers up in deference to a roommate and yanked the phone out from under Jon without ceremony. The fucker hadn’t moved.

Must be nice to be lulled to sleep by the sound of your woman’s voice. Okay, so Kate wasn’t exactly Jon’s woman, but she may as well be with all the mooning Jon did. Good Fuck.

~

The girl stared at the door momentarily before knocking. How the hell did she get roped into this job?

She was just an assistant to the arena manager. She didn’t deserve to be a delivery woman! Why did they want her to face down rock stairs at this ungodly hour? Taking a breath she knocked again, softly, hoping this stupid Richie Longfellow wasn’t a deep sleeper.

~

Richie gave disgusted sigh at Jon who didn't move as another rap of knuckles echoed through the room. He turned back to Jon, if anything he smiled in his sleep and settled in deeper. "Fuckhead," he muttered still miserable.

Taking a deep breath he moved to the door and looked through the peephole. A huge spray of flowers in varying tones of grey, purple and sickly yellow filled the doorway. God knew what the real colors of the flowers were. Opening the door in surprise he completely forgot he was only wearing a pair of boxers.

“These got delivered to the Odeon, for a Richie Longfellow?? They told me downstairs this was his room," said the flowers.


He looked over the blooms at the little delivery woman that didn't look like she could hold the vase let alone carry it through the entire hotel. He quickly hooked his arm around the vase. "Thanks, darlin'," he said with a bright smile.

Confused, he fished into the blooms until he found a card. Sure enough it said his name. He set the vase on the small kitchenette table they had in the room.

"Oh, shit," he said and patted cotton covered thighs. "Let me grab some cash for a tip," he said and left the door open.

"Don’t worry about it Mr. Longfellow,” the woman waved him back. ‘”Tip was included in the delivery. Someone has some rather wild feelings for you." The girl glanced up at him, wondering what was so cool about this one rock star, but shrugged. "Lucky you, I guess."

His fingers lingered on the doorknob. "Yeah?" he said with a silly grin. "I don't think I've ever gotten flowers except when we visit Japan."

The girl grinned. His warm smile probably had something to do with the delivery. "Yeah? My mom's a florist.” She waved at the overflowing vase. “She told me on more than one occasion that almost every flower has a meaning.” She stepped forward. “Like those,” she pointed to a bloom, “those are Forget Me Nots…self explanatory. You know? They say remember me.”

Richie’s face split into a huge grin.

At her captive audience, the woman kept pointing out flowers. “Those yellow and orange roses mean passion, the periwinkle…”she trailed off at his blank look. “That’s the little ones. Well, they say stuff about not being able to be without you. And the allysum?” Her fingers rose to the center of the vase. “That’s the best bunch. It means someone considers you beyond worth."

“Yeah?” Richie looked back at the bunch of springtime brightening the room.

"You have a nice day now." Turning the girl wandered off down the hall shaking her head.

Richie closed the door and sat at the little breakfast bar. He folded his arms on the small surface, staring at the flowers, a little taken aback by the pretty display of colors. A few of them came through in the Technicolor fuck up that was his brain.

He flicked the tiny bud of a yellow rose. Funny, he thought the yellow had always meant friendship. He liked passion, much better.

Grinning, suddenly in a much better mood he flipped open the small card.A swirling heart was just above her signed name. "Well damn," he said softly. It should have felt silly to get flowers from a chick, considering it was his job to do the sending, but he was immeasurably touched. He wondered if Elena had chosen the blooms for their meaning or if they'd been a coincidence.

Something told him it was deliberate, but he decided to keep that tidbit to himself. He turned to shut the door and found their drummer and keyboardist loitering in the hall. "What the hell are you guys doing up?"

Dave grinned. "Haven't been to bed yet, actually."

Teek blew a stream of smoke out. "Saw the little lady at the door and thought you had reverted back to natural form my man."

"Shaddup, Teek," Richie said and held open the door. It may have been normal form a few months ago, but everything had changed in a few weeks. "Well c'mon in then. Can't have you morons in the hallway,” he glanced down to make sure the coast was clear and waved them in, “some chick will see you and the whole hotel will be camping out on this floor."

Teek sauntered in a big grin on his face. "Pretty flowers," he said with a waggle of his bushy brows. He looked over at Jon. "What you two party too hard last night, Swing?"

"Nah, we were the lame brothers last night," he said with a grin.

Teek shook his head "That’s so wrong, man. How can you say no to all these beautiful women?"

"Why would I want one of those little chickadees when I got a delicious and inventive woman waiting for me at home?"

Teeks eyebrow arched upwards slightly. "Oh really? Damn, the things that happen on vacation."

"Well as soon as she lets me convince her she's taken, I'm taking her anyway," he said with a flash of dimple.

"Taking her where? She'd have to be insane to go anywhere with you," David said and flopped on the couch coming in on the end of the conversation. "Especially, if you're driving."

Teek snorted. "She have a death wish?"

"She's already driven with me, thank you very much, and she had no complaints. With either shifter," he said with a hearty laugh.

"Whoa ho! Lookit here, we've got ourselves a man with a plan. Are you going to be the first of us to fall, Rich? Say it ain't so!" Davey said with his hands over his heart then making a noose in the air.

A soft growl came from the bed side of the room. "What the fucking hell?" Jon's eyes opened fractionally and saw his band holding conference. "It’s too fucking early for this, assholes."

"Ah the prince wakes," Dave said as he swiveled his head. "Join us, we'll even call up for coffee," he called out.

A sneeze rattled his sleep deprived brain and Jon rolled over with a groan. "Fuck off man.” He squinted at the clock and shoved the pillow over his head again. “I was up too late for this. What the hell has you all so hyped?" he said, voice muffled.

"Richie got himself some flowers. We thought it was going to be a strip-o-gram," David shot back.

Richie walked by and thumped Dave in the head as he reached for the phone. He glanced at the clock and put the phone back down. Hell, it was almost 4am back home.

Jon sat up wearily and looked at the flowers, well that explained the sneeze at least. He dragged his palm over the heavy beard he was too lazy to shave off. "I see, what’d you do? Scare the stripper off?"

"Alas, the good man just had a regular delivery." David sunk lower in the couch and crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm very disappointed."

Jon's brow arched as he looked at Richie. "Who’s sending you flowers?"

"Richie and," Dave got up and lifted the card off the table. "Elena," he said breathlessly with a flutter of eyelashes. "Oh look! She calls him PONY!" His head tipped back with a barking laugh that echoed through the room. "Do I want to know what Pony stands for!?"

Ignoring Jon and Dave he mumbled, "Fuck it," and lifted the receiver, quickly dialing the codes he needed to call overseas. The phone rang twice before a sleepy voice answered.

Chapter 47

"Oh I can picture that already, Katy. You’re hella sexy in those green scrubs."

She glanced down at her scrubs and lab coat. "Blue actually," she said with a shake of her head. They so weren’t sexy.

He groaned, remembering her walking away from him, the stiff shapeless material rising over the sweet curve of her hips as she headed to the bathroom. He cleared his throat. "But no, wanted to ask you what some of your favorite things were."

"My favorite things? Why?"

He nearly sighed, but bit it back. She was always so suspicious. "How am I supposed to get to know you, if I don’t know your likes and dislikes? Like, what do you miss most about home? What’s your favorite thing about Georgia?"

"Oh," she didn't know quite what to say. "Well, darlin' what's not to love about Hotlanta?” A punch of homesickness hit her low. “Most nights I'd be outside on my momma's back porch with sweet tea…and I mean real sweet tea. The stuff that only comes out of the south, you know?” She swayed again in her seat. “Some smooth jazz on her old turntable. My momma loved Jazz. I think I started playing the sax just because of those old records.”

He filed that away. His Katy played an instrument? How the hell did that get by him? "Being from the south, I bet your mom is a great cook." He leaned back on the headboard, relaxing as her voice went thick like honey as she warmed up to the topic.

"Oh yeah, women in the south had to cook just to get out of grade school I think.” She laughed. “But my Momma…” She sighed. “She made the best sweet tea on the street. All my friends would congregate at her house. You know the term, Kool-Aid mom?"

"Don't think I know that one." He closed his eyes and let her soothe away the stresses of the last week. "What’s that?"

"It’s the house that all the kids go to where the mom welcomes everyone into the house. Usually feeds them too. She’d say, 'God created sugar for tea, KittyKat not for blue water.'” She let her Georgia go even thicker with her Momma’s deeper voice. “Gosh, she was a trip. I miss her like crazy," she said on a half-whisper, surprised at the tears that pricked her eyes.

"I’d be glad to send her a ticket to fly up and see you Katy." He heard the sadness, wanting to take it away. She had so much to deal with at her job, the least he could do was bring her family up to see her.

Her heart gave a quick bump as she flicked away a tear. "Sugar, if you could do that I'd give you just about anything you ever wanted. She died a week before I graduated high school," she said quietly.

Jon winced, knowing he'd stepped into one of Richie’s frequent cow pies. It explained a lot about her though. "Oh hell baby, I'm so sorry."

"S'okay, you didn't know. She died on the way to one of my various senior functions. It was one of those useless, stupid things that should never have happened. If the doctor had been better trained, if the ER had been better staffed, if..if...if.” She sighed. It still grated, even all these years later. “A simple fender bender was all it started out to be, twelve hours later they figured out her spleen ruptured and she literally bled to death inside of her own body. But because the doctor didn't ask the right questions, they didn't catch it. Momma just thought they were bruised ribs."

He sat up, hooking his elbow over his bent knee. Just the thought of his family not in his life hit him hard. "I can't even imagine it. I don’t know what I’d do without my family.” He winced at his own words. Way to go, dickhead. “It’s why you became a doctor though, isn't it?"

Inwardly she cursed herself. What the hell was it about him that made her pour her heart out? And the fact that he was so eerily perceptive left her pushing at her breastbone with the heel of her hand. "It certainly was a factor," she murmured. "Boy way to be a downer huh?" she laughed, humor completely missing in her tone.

"The only downer is you saying it’s a downer. I’m glad you told me.” He changed the topic quickly to give her a chance to gather herself. "So what’s your favorite foods?"

Grateful that he changed the subject she tapped her pen on her chart. "I should be asking you these questions, I could sell the answers to Teen Beat and pay off a month of school loan bills."

Jon's brow arched. "Now Katy, would you really do that?"

"Nah," she laughed. "Reporters are boring."

He snorted. "If you only knew Katy how true that statement is."

She wound the cord around her finger again, sticking her tongue out at Patty as she walked by with her face pressed against the glass, faux kissing. Tripping over a laugh, she waved her away. "Well, I guess I should drag you to the OHH before you die. You Yankees just don't know good southern cooking." She blew raspberries. "Kentucky Fried Chicken my big white butt."

"You want to drag me to Ohio?" What did Ohio have to do with southern cooking? This woman’s mind was a true puzzle to him.

She gave a startled laugh. "No, the Old Hickory House in Atlanta. Ribs that would make a carnivore sit up and beg for mercy and hope even that was dripping in their tangy barbeque sauce."

"Ah, now that’s what I like to hear. A meat and potatoes woman."

"Sugar, where on earth do you think I got all these curves? I have to beat off the chubs because of my love for all things fried and covered in gravy or barbecue sauce." Her hand settled over her empty belly. "You are an evil man, making me think about Georgia cooking."

"I’m sorry," he said on a laugh. She missed home cooking and that was something he could do something about. Somehow he’d get her those ribs.

"Sure you are, Jon," she said with enough sarcasm to hear him laugh in response. "So what are YOU wearing?" she teased.

Jon snorted. "What do I usually wear?" His eyes closed as he pressed the phone closer to his ear. "Now you sound like a reporter.”

"Ha!” She rolled her eyes when Patty came running down the hall. “Yeah, well your version of rinse, wash and repeat seems to work for people. Gotta say, I’m partial to those faded jeans with the holes in the knees, myself."

"Mmhmm," he smiled lazily as his eyes grew heavier. She was so relaxing, which was odd considering how feisty she was, but he could just listen to her talk and never be bored.

She heard the drift in his voice. His deep rumbles were causing hunger pains…not lust. They had to be. "I think someone on London time is just about ready to find his bed.”

"No. No really, I'm wide awake here. Tell me more about that barbecue stuff."

His voice was husky with sleep for all his denial. Humoring him, she settled back to tell him a story, but by the time she'd finished talking about her brother and the rain storm. A few side notes about the soggy bag of ribs that made it all the way to their childhood doorstep before it landed on the porch, ruining dinner. When his only response was breathing, she realized she’d finally lost him. "Goodnight, Jon," she said and dropped the phone back on its cradle.

She went back to her paperwork, turning away from the door. “No, you’re not getting details.”

“Dammit, I never get to hear the good stuff,” Patty huffed.

“No good stuff here, babes. Just an overworked doctor.”

“I heard his voice, there’s gotta be good stuff.”

Kate smothered a smile, still not looking back at the nosiest nurse in the building. “Just a friend of a friend.”

“Right. I’ll get it out of you, Kate.”

This time she looked up. “Wanna bet?”

Patty frowned and gave her a pout. “I don’t take sucker bets.”

“Didn’t think so.”

“You suck.”

Kate couldn’t help herself. “Sometimes.”

Patty slapped the doorjamb.”Man, you’re no fun.”

“Gotta get back to my charts.”

Patty just huffed and returned to her station. Kate just tapped her pen on the papers and settled in for another long night

Chapter 46

Kate piled her hair on top of her head and stretched, her jaw popping with a yawn. It had been a long week of boring nights in the ER. She knew it was stupid to hope for a messy bus accident or freeway car pileup, but Mercy she was bored. She'd already spent the first half of her shift doing charts and the last twenty minutes trying to explain to an eighty year old man that herbal supplements for erectile dysfunction wouldn't keep it up longer. And now she couldn't get the image of his shriveled little dick out of her head.

"Kate!"

She perked up and rolled out of the room she'd converted into a hide-away office. "Tell me there's at least a severed limb or something in the ER?"

Patty, the head nurse of the ER, laughed. "No, but there's a maaaan on the phone for you."

"What?" She frowned. No one but Elena had her number. Well, besides family, but her folks wouldn’t call her. Not at the hospital anyway. "What line?"

"Four."

She rolled back in, then back out again. She pointed at the heavyset woman. "NO listening!"

Patty sneered. "All right, but you’re no fun!"

She flipped open another chart, tucked the phone into her shoulder and neck, punching the blinking light. "This is Dr. Morrison."

"H'lo Katy." He cleared his voice, but there was no hope for the roughness. Jamming at the club on top of the show the night before wasn’t the best idea. He took a quick drink of tea. He didn’t need her leaning on him. He just wanted to hear her voice. "How’re things on American soil?"

She nearly bobbled the phone, but caught it just before it hit the table. What the heck was he doing calling her? She twisted the slim watch on her wrist. "Jesus, Jon isn't it like 4am over there?" His soft chuckle echoed through the line. She closed her eyes against the sound. God, it sounded way too tempting and far too delicious.

"Umm, something like that, yeah."

She sat on the edge of her chair, yanking her hair out of her clip. "Should I even ask how you got my number to the hospital from London?"

"That piece of paper you gave me has been in my wallet for weeks Katy, just waited ‘til the time was right to use it." He rolled onto his back, resting his ashtray on his belly. “I thought I’d see how work was going…how you were dealing these days."

"Well hell, Sugar, I completely forgot about that. Clever boy, you are." She eased back in the uncomfortable office chair and let it sway back in forth. "Work is work, but I’ll tell you one thing. I'm about to slip Elena a few sleeping pills.” She twined the curling ends of the phone around her finger. “Oh, say enough to put her into a coma until you guys come home."

Jon glanced over at Richie then moved the phone closer to his mouth. "Do I want to know why?"

"Because she's driving me nuts! What in the sweet pit of merciful hell did he do to her before he left?" She laughed, "Wait, I sooooo don't want to know." She didn't know what it was about Jon, but as soon as she started talking to him, her Georgia got thick as hell. She'd lost most of her accent in med school, but one little whisper of his voice and she was thinking about a lazy Georgia summer night. Shaking that thought off, she went back to swaying. "Enough about my crazy roomie, how'd the show go?"

Jon grinned up at the ceiling. Her accent drove him mad. He’d been aching for just a word in that winter slow molasses voice. He blew out a stream of smoke. "Man, the show was on fire. Richie was like a man possessed on the guitar tonight. Everything just went right for a change.” He frowned. He hoped she wasn’t dealing with too much with them gone. “I’m not too sure what Elena did to him either." He drew in a deep lungful of smoke. "How’s she driving you nuts? I thought you wanted her back to her chipper self."

"Chipper is good, psycho Chihuahua not so much. She's climbing the walls for the love of St. Mike. I swear the only sleep I'm getting is at work."

Jon frowned a moment remembering the prescription bottle she’d found. "You don’t think…" he trailed off not wanting to say it.

She sighed. "I don't think so. I think she's just high on the love bug."

He shifted on the bed as her voice lowered and the slow drawl curled around the word love with humor. "You haven’t seen high ‘til you've seen Richie after a phone call.” He glanced over at his sleeping sidekick. “I swear that man is hopeless."

"I don’t need to explain why I’m glad I'm working a double tonight," she laughed. "So tell me, did you get out to see some of London or are they strapping you down with microphones and tape-recorders?"

Jon snorted. "We never get to actually see the sights. Between all the fans mobbing the hotel and the photographers…well, we stay room bound mostly. We did manage to find a great club to—“ Shit.

“So, I can hear you smoking even over a trans-atlantic call and you went out and sang after your show too?” She let her hands hang over the sides of her chair. God, she gave up. “Dammit, Jon.”

“Aww, Katy. It was finally a bit of fun.” He stubbed out his cigarette, placing the ashtray on his bedside table. He rolled over on his side, tucking the phone into his shoulder. “You can’t fault me for that.”

“Well how about you play guitar for once and let the tall, dark, hunky one sing?”

“I can’t help it. I get up there I wanna play, babe.”

“Try,” she said with a sigh.

“What is Elena doing tonight that’s got you actually glad to be pulling a double?"

Taking the change of subject in stride, she let it go. She wasn’t his mother or his keeper. If he didn’t want to follow direction it wasn’t her problem. "Well, when I left she was getting a new bed delivered. Queen sized so Richie won't hang off the edge anymore." She sighed dramatically, "Because you know it would be all bad for Richie to be uncomfortable in her bed!" She let her voice go soft and dreamy just before she made a choking sound.

Jon bit back a belly laugh as Richie rolled over with a mumble. "I see, well I'll keep that info to myself.” He sat up, turned away from Richie as he hunched over the phone. “Hey Katy, tell me something?"

"Does it include anything about me about my clothes, Sugar?"

Chapter 45

Jon's eyes opened with a start. “Shit,” he whispered. He hadn’t meant to doze off, but the woman curled in his arms had been a welcome balm. He didn’t realize how much he’d needed just a little human contact, especially of the selective kind. This one wasn’t throwing herself at him with promises and demands. Hell he practically had to hold her down to get her stay in his company.

Easing away, he checked his watch. Damn, time to go. He hoped against hope that Richie and Teensy had finished up or he was going to be interrupting. Of course it wasn’t the first time for that, either.

He strode to the door, a backward glance at Kate. Her cheek was pressed into the pillow, exhaustion still evident beneath her eyes. Leaning on the doorjamb, he memorized the lines of her. “Don’t work too hard,” he whispered into the room, closing the door behind him.

He scanned the living room, relieved that two naked bodies weren’t on the couch.

Richie backed out Elena’s door, bumping into a body in the hallway. "Goddamn it!" he said with a fierce whisper. “Jesus, Jon!”

Jon swallowed a laugh. "Problem Bro?" His eyebrow quirked as he glanced down at his nearly naked guitarist. Hell, the water was still dripping down his chest. "Thanks for taking a shower. The guys will appreciate it.”

"Bite me.” At Jon’s bland look, he huffed. “I just need a bed, no worries for me sleeping that eight hour flight," he said. "Let me grab my,” he snagged his jeans out of the bathroom, “uh, clothes." When Jon just leaned against the wall, arms crossed with an oddly patient smile on his lips, he frowned. Fuck, when did I buy stock in the patience market? The day I met Kate that's when. He turned his gaze onto Richie as he Tugged on his jeans and flipped a T-shirt over his head. Jon just shook his head and wished somewhere deep inside for Kate to wake up as Richie found his boots somewhere underneath the couch and started pulling them; on.

"Well hurry up man, we still have to pack you know." Jon pushed away from the wall. He winced and considered all the wardrobe he'd have to settle into a few bags. Umpteen dozen fucking interviews and one show? He'd have to pack heavy. According to McGee it was just a no go to be photographed in the same clothes too often. Shit he hated packing, he hated to go. He just wanted to hang out here and see how much further he could get with the beautiful Doctor Kate.

Richie nodded. He glanced around the room and decided right then and there that the couch was going to be given a place of honor in the house they got together some day. "Ready,” he said, ushering Jon toward the door. He locked the door behind them. He missed her already, but at least now he knew there was something to come home to.

They both climbed into the car a little lighter, and a lot more relaxed.

Jon relaxed back into his seat as Richie revved into traffic. Richie driving like a maniac meant things were getting back to normal. "So, things are good again?"

"The only way they'd be better is if she was in the backseat," Richie said with a grin.

Jon laughed. “That’s what I like to hear.”

“And you and Doc?”

Jon rolled his shoulder, rubbing deep into the tissue of his upper arm, a slow smile simmering on his lips as his thoughts turned and tumbled on the various positive aspects of the lovely redhead. He wasn't going to illuminate yet though. Shit with Richie in the fine form he was at the moment, the pure massive amount of digs he'd suffer was not to be considered. “I couldn’t even begin to tell you.”

Richie grinned. “Must be buggin’ the hell out of you.”

Jon thumped his head against the head rest. “You have no idea.” He grinned internally. Richie really had no idea. He had plans, and they were circling avidly in his brain, plans of ways to bring the elusive doctor closer and all in ways she wouldn't expect. He still had that little slip of paper nestled securely in his wallet, not much to look at or even recognise the importance of, if you were anyone but Jon, but to him they were better than gold. In her own script no less, two very important numbers and he planned on using them to stay in contact. He'd reach out and touch her from thousands of miles away. She'd see he meant what he said, he was a fuckin' man of his word.

“I think I just might.”

Jon closed his eyes and snorted. Yeah Right Sambora, you have no fuckin' idea, just you wait and see.

Chapter 44

Richie's lips felt raw and his dick was about ready to pound through his jeans and hers. He knew with a few more well placed touches, and a kiss or two he could get her out of the distracting cutoffs and under him, but he held off. He'd hurt her and she wanted to take things slow.

He'd respect that, even if it killed him.

He dipped in again, letting his lips brush against hers again and again until she arched up against him. He'd pressed his back into the leg rest of the couch, hoping the uncomfortable position would keep him from doing stupid, but he just kept coming up with inventive ways to get her legs wrapped around him. "God, Elena," he groaned against her mouth as her tongue slipped out to tangle with his.

She tightened her hold on him, her body already burning past point of no return. "God, Richie…please." She knew she should be stopping this. Hell she should be sending him off to London hard and waiting, it would do him good too see he couldn't make her stupid again, but as his hands slid over her body and his lips made her brain short circuit all she managed to do was writhe against him and make begging whimpers.

Torn between what he should do and what his body wanted he hissed as her hips rolled against him. His fingers gripped her waist, coasting over her naked back to her shoulders. The halter top was going to kill him.

He urged her closer until her breasts were pressed flat against him. The twin points of her nipples burned through her shirt and his. He dipped his head and nipped at the strap there at her neck tie. Just one tug…that’s all he’d need to do to get those beautiful breasts against him. "Stop me now, baby or you're getting a very thorough going away present."

Her eyes fluttered open and looked straight into his. "Don't want to stop.” Her teeth scraped over her lower lip as she dumped her earlier celibacy ideas. It wasn’t worth the lesson, not when it was hurting her more. Damn if she didn't ache for him in ways she'd never before imagined aching.“Changed my mind,” she gasped, “woman's prerogative." Her nails scraped over his chest and down cupping his obvious desire as she breathed out on a sigh. When she felt him pause, she gave a frustrated growl. "Please, Richie."

His hips lifted and his thighs bulged beneath her as he stood and pressed her into the couch. His long fingers pushed past the scrap of lace she called underwear and the frayed edges of her shorts until her heat surrounded him. He groaned, two fingers delving into her as her juices poured around his knuckles.

She gripped his shoulders, her eyes closing as lost herself in the moment, in the all consuming fog of passion and lust that he managed to inspire with the simplest of touches. Jesus, what was it about this guy that had her running so hot with him around and so cold when he was gone? His delighted laugh had her opening her eyes a fraction as she tried to think, tried once again to make her body obey her brain only to have the oh too good feeling reinforced. Screw celibacy, screw the lessons, he was above her and she was burning with need.

He leaned back and ripped at her buttons, his laugh was low and full of heat as the quick musical tinkle of button fly jeans ripped through the air. He flicked the shorts and purple lace over his shoulder. Shouldering his way in, he hooked her knees over him before he felt her heat on his face just before he tasted her.

Her hips bucked upwards as her hands twisted into his hair, a soft mewling cry escaping her. "God!” Her mind went blank as he finally touched her just where she needed him. “Yes, Richie!"

He widened his tongue and lapped at the excitement that a mere kiss could bring from her. Finding the heart of her, he licked, pressed, sucked and reminded her just who belonged there and who would never leave again. And when she tried to arch away from the pleasure they were together he held fast and reminded her again.

She arched against his lips, her soft moans turning into guttural cries as she crested the ridge of desire and began to fall, her fingers spasming in his hair. She was on fire, a fire only he could quench, but instead of the fire flickering out it simply rose higher. She was going to combust, she fucking knew it and she no longer cared, as long as those talented lips kept doing what they were doing.

Part of him wanted to see just how far he could push her…just how many times he could feel her shatter beneath his touch. But the other half of him needed her around him. He couldn’t wait. He nosed his way up her tummy, flicking his tongue around the tiny jewel in her belly button to the slope of her ribs as he pushed her shirt higher. His fingers still worked her within and around the frenzy of release.

He wanted to let her go, to watch her fly, but held off. He wanted to be inside her more. He wanted the vice hard clench of every part of her around him. He scraped his teeth over her nipple, sucking hard. "I want to be inside you when you come," he whispered.

She arched against him, her mind incapable of rational thought or action. She needed him, it was as simple and a pure as that. He filled some deep dark ache that she'd always felt inside, but now that darkness was gone, consumed by the fire of his touch. "It’s where I want you Richie," her voice whispered out in a half moan half sigh, "so badly."

If any part of him had been able to stop before, it was simply lost to the burn as she said his name in that broken whisper. He flicked open his belt and sunk into her slowly, knowing that this moment would be the only softness he could manage.

She bowed up against him, the urgent need to feel him deep within pushing her higher. Nails slid up his sides to rake along his spine as she tilted her head to take one firmly pebbled nibble in her lips. Her teeth grazing over it gently before her tongue laved the tiny pain away.

The rational part of him faded. It felt like it had been a lifetime since he’d beein inside her instead of just a few short weeks. He buried himself deeper and prayed that when he surfaced again there would still be enough of him left to be poured onto the plane. Hips pistoned and his thighs burned as he pushed inside of her again and again. The pulse of her heartbeat echoed in his brain as he simply lost himself inside of her.

She held tight to him as her legs wrapped themselves tightly around his waist, his movements urging her higher and higher. Her body responded to each thrust with one of its own. Thought was beyond her. Reaching up with one slender hand, she pulled his head down her lips. Her tongue flicked out to connect even there. She managed one simple request, as their sweat slicked bodies crashed together. "Harder Richie.” Their eyes locked, “higher," she cried out.

The red haze parted for a moment as he looked down at her. Sweat sheened off her sun-kissed skin, her spine curved so every part of them touched. As she reached for him, he grasped her thigh and pulled it high on his hip as he plunged deeper, harder and cried out when her entire body tightened around him. The orgasm was blinding and soul bleeding.

A surprised scream ripped from her throat as she locked around him, her mind shattering into the abyss of passion. Raging shivers and goose bumps raced over her heated flesh as she kept her self wrapped around him, her eyes glazed over by the intensity only he could cause. With a tremulous smile against his chest she managed a soft, "Fuck."

And unbelievably he laughed, burying his face into her neck as his body felt like it had been turned inside out, "Elena, how am I going to make it ten days without you?"

She looked up at him, soft brown eyes dazed in passion, "Was thinking the same thing myself...." and there she paused, unsure of what to call him. Pet names were for those in love, for those who connected, and although he'd come back, he'd never actually said it was more than just the physical he wanted. Clearing her throat she managed a bright smile. "Maybe you can help me understand that Richie."

And there, his heart fisted. Richie, not Pony. He didn’t quite have all of her, even now…even after—after whatever it was that happened when they touched.
Richie.

Not Handsome or any other of the reams of names she called him. Even after a connection like that she still was holding a piece of herself back. He pressed a kiss to her sweaty brow and curled into the corner of the couch with her on his lap.

She snuggled closer to him, each part of her body pressing tightly to his as her hands continued to roam over any part of him available. A soft smile curved her beautiful mouth. Even her eyes sparkled as she leaned in to kiss him gently. Maybe he was overreacting.

Lingering on her mouth, he let himself drift on the pleasure of her in his arms. Words cart-wheeled in his mind, but nothing he could say would build on the moment. Instead he sighed into her hair. "Countdown commences here and now. Nine days and twenty-three hours until I make it back home to you."

His soft words jolted her slightly. He’d called her home? He truly considered returning to her, home? Maybe he didn't regret what just happened; maybe her internal fear was off base. Laying her head on his chest, her hand absently rubbed the soft patch of fur there. "You don’t regret what just happened, right?"

He sat up. "What?" He turned her until they could meet eye to eye. "I didn't come all this way to just get laid, Elena. If that's all I wanted I could get that anywhere." He knew the words were harsh, but maybe they needed to be if she thought that's all it was. "I want you, and only you."

"Then why'd you get so quiet all of a sudden, hmm?" She studied him intently, the sudden darkening of his eyes, the stiffness of his posture and wondered exactly what was going on his that pretty head of his.

Her soft smile took the edge off her words. His brows lowered and he crossed his arms over his chest. "It wasn't any reason, just thinking."

She shook her head, sighing. "Last time you were just thinking we ended up spending two weeks trying to kill ourselves. Talk to me please?"

He cupped her face. "I have no regrets.” He pressed a soft kiss to her upturned mouth. “And if I didn't know Jon was going to come out that door any minute I'd have you under me again."

She watched him quietly as he sat there, lost in whatever thought had him twisted in knots. "Richie, that’s not an answer to my question."

Suddenly angry, he snapped, "Don't call me that."

She looked at him wide-eyed. "But, it’s your name. What do you want me to call you?" Good God, what DO you wanna be called then? You hated Pony, rolled your eyes at my flirty names, and now your mad about that?

"Handsome, tall dark and name an adjective, for fuck's sake....Pony!" he shouted as he dumped her off his lap and grabbed his jeans and yanked them on.

She laughed softly. "I thought you hated that."

He left his jeans unsnapped and half zipped as he stared down at her, a crimson wash crawling up his chest and neck. "Yeah well, it's not so bad," he mumbled.

She stood and slid her naked body up along his back. Her arms wrapped around his chest, sliding down to play with his half unzipped tab. Lowering her voice a notch she softly said, "Pony.” His body stilled. She brushed her lips over his spine. "Not done with you yet, Pony."

He closed his eyes for a moment before he turned around, immeasurably pleased for the silly nickname to have returned. "You know I do have to play the guitar for a living. My brains are going to melt out my ears if we do that again so soon."

Her tongue found her favorite salt lick between his pecs. "Gonna make me beg, Handsome?"

He lifted her and headed for the bathroom as he held her with one arm under her butt. He kicked the door closed, shifted her enough so his jeans pooled at his feet before he turned on the taps. Stepping into the shower stall without putting her down, he let the water adjust before he turned her around and pressed her against the cool tile. He pressed his rock hard erection against the cleft of her ass and leaned in. "Now I want you to beg," he said softly.

She shivered as she encountered cool tiles. "Please, Tiger…Growl for me."

He nudged her knees apart and slowly pushed himself inside of her until he really did growl and she answered with a moan of her own. Pulling back he watched the water sluice down her back and pour around the length of his cock as he disappeared inside of her.

She pushed back against him, her hands bracing on the wall as her body heated up from both shower and man. Whimpers faded into full throated moans with each movement until her mind was as foggy as the room.

Her body shook with the force of all he was. Moans tripped over each other, her mind a whirl of passion. Recognizing she was the instrument that he played desire’s tune upon, she pushed back on him. "Richie,” her breath shuddered. “Pony,” she gasped. “Fuck!” Her brain spun out and shattered. “God, yes."

All of it bucked him over the edge as he drowned in her. And when he became aware of his surroundings once more her scent was imprinted on him both in the bath and by her touch. His fingers slid from her and his hand coasted up her belly to rest at her waist, holding her close. "Nine days, twenty-two hours and forty minutes," he laughed into her ear.

She giggled as she stood there beneath the heated spray, knowing that were he not holding her up, she'd be sprawled on the floor of the stall. Her knees really were that much like jelly. "Seems like forever." She tilted her head. "Think my Pony could well…do what he does so well and carry me to bed?” She grinned. “I think I forgot how to walk."

Turning her around he angled her toward the dial. "Off," he murmured between kisses.

She reached out a shaky arm and swiftly turned the water off then straightened. "God, I'm gonna miss you."

"Shhh," he hushed against her mouth. "I'll be back in a flash," he said and snatched a towel off the hook outside the stall. Wrapping her up, he quickly cinched one of the smaller towels at his waist before he hefted her into his arms and weaved into the living room. "Where?"

"Bed." She nuzzled his neck as he walked. "Then I can just dream about you, because you've nearly worn me out.” At his smirk she grinned. “I said, nearly."

Groaning he headed for her small bedroom and settled her into the sheets. He wanted to follow her there, wanted to drop into the sweet oblivion that his body craved after that much sex. He blinked against the fatigue and tugged up her covers until the only thing showing was her pretty shoulders.

She turned, and pulled the pillow he’d slept on until his scent was there, curling around her mind, a sleepy satisfied smile on her lips. "Hurry home."

He pressed a kiss to her lips, then stepped back before he couldn't. "Nine days twenty-two hours and some change." he whispered.

She smiled sweetly, her eyes too heavy to open. "I'll be keeping track, Pony."

Chapter 43

Elena reached over for a pad of paper and the pen that always sat by the phone. "Wouldn't hurt if you'd let me know where you could be found either," she said, scribbling down her information.

"I'll call with the info from the hotel. I don't even know where the fuck-" he cleared his throat. "Heck we're staying."

Elena leaned forward, dropping her arms around his shoulders, pressing her cheek to his. "You don’t have to temper your speech. I'll be looking forward to your call, too.” She laughed, sitting up straight. “Just don’t forget the time differences, ok?"

He snaked his hand around her waist, his chest easing at the obvious enjoyment in her laugh, tumbling her into his lap. "Not so fast there, sweetheart."

With a squeak, she landed on his hard thighs. "Yes, Richie?" The jarring heat of his body caused her voice to grow husky.

He traced the full, petal soft lower lip with the calloused tip of his finger. "I'm going to need a little something to tide me over for the long days,” his finger pressed deeper until he felt the even ridge of her teeth, groaning at the quick flick of her tongue, “and even longer nights without you." He cupped her jaw, letting his fingers stroke up her cheek into the thick, silk of her hair. "Just a taste," he said on a half whisper, half groan.

Her tongue flicked out to wet her suddenly dry lips as her heart raced. "I’d be mad if you didn't, Richie." Pulling him closer she wound her arms around his neck.

Everything in him wanted to yank her in and attack, but he slowed his breathing, forcing himself to relax into the kiss. The tip of his tongue traced the little indent at the top arch of her lip, slowly following the pretty bow of her mouth to the sensitive corner.

The first tremble gave him the nerve to push her even further, coasting up her cheek with feather soft kisses as he followed the crest to the baby fine hairs at her temple. He moved lower, her long lashes teasing his lips as he kissed each eyelid, letting their noses bump until he felt her breath on his lips. Each soft gasp tightened the skin around his swollen cock, but he was determined to tease her until she begged for a kiss.

She arched closer to him, her hands sliding over his shoulders, then arms before gliding back up to tangle in his hair. "God, what you do to me.” She tried to swallow but her mouth was dust dry. “Please, Richie..." Part of her wanted to beg for more…beg for the kiss. Settling for touch, she curled into him, praying her soft whimpers would be enough.

His fingers gripped at her hips to stop the insistent little wiggle as he scraped his teeth over her chin and feasted on her neck until her head tipped back. "The things I'll do to you when I get home will break a dozen laws in half the bible states," he said and flicked his tongue over the divot in her clavicle.

The laugh surprised her, especially as crazy as she felt. "Just a dozen?" Her fingers slid over his shirt before slipping in to graze his chest. She flexed her hips against his hands, needing the closeness. Her intent to wait nearly damned by the fires he was setting off inside her soul.

He pressed his aching shaft along the seam of her cutoffs. The heat of her, whether real or imagined, didn't matter. He was so ready drive into her he had to force himself to remember there were other people in the room. He sealed her lips with his instead, hoping the infusion of her taste would be enough to hold him.



~~



Kate stumbled back into her doorway as she tried to not look at the two of them. The serious clutch of legs, arms and husky words was unsettling. She stared up at Jon, instantly wary of the look in his eyes. He wasn't even looking at them—just her…always her.

Unnerved and half wild with a mixture of horniness and near voyeurism she was ready to scream. "Stop looking at me like that," she whispered furiously.

Jon's brow arched. "Like what, Katy?"

"Like I'm lunch," she said her back against the closed door.

Grinning, he pulled her into a one armed hug, pushing open her bedroom door. "I'll do my best, but you don’t make it easy you know." He walked her backwards shutting the door behind him. "Sorry to intrude on your personal space, but that isn’t something a guy shouldn’t have to witness when he’s not the one on the receiving end." He watched her silently, hoping against hope she'd be ok with this. "Maybe I could tuck you in." Watching her chin lift he held up his hands. “No funny business.”

It had been a long time since a man had been in her life, let alone her room. The one foray into sex that she'd stumbled into, since med school had swallowed her social life, had been a fellow resident with more promise than execution.

Flashes of that night—the couch and the crisp feel of his furred chest beneath her cheek—drove her around the full sized mattress until she had the whole of it between them. "Haven't had anyone tuck me in since I was about eight years old, Sugar," she said.

Ahh…he was getting to her. The heavy with Georgia cream only came out when she was unsure of herself. "Well, you didn’t get nearly enough sleep on that couch. I just thought…" he shrugged, trailing off. Treading carefully, he smiled. "I just thought it would be nice to pamper you a bit, Katy."

Feeling stupid and less than a bug she crawled onto her bed. Waiting for an ulterior motive was righteous and small of her. "Mercy," she said and dropped onto her side, "I sound like a petulant child when you say stuff like that."

He smiled. God, it felt like forever since he’d had anything to smile about, but even cranky she made him want to get closer…To go out of his way to make her happy, even when she was fighting him. "No, you sound like a very tired woman who doesn’t take the time for pampering."

Feeling even more stupid, she waved him closer. "Well c'mon, have a seat. I doubt those two will come up for air in the next few minutes." She snagged a pillow and made room against the headboard.

He crowded into her, leaning back against the headboard. Before she could escape, he pulled her into a platonic hug. He wanted more…Ached for more, really. Not willing to dissect that right now, he settled back. "No complaints here, Kate. Let them have their goodbyes, I’m all about a little doctor pampering."

She rolled her eyes and let herself relax against his belly. Stretching out along his legs, she tucked a pillow between them. Unsure where to put her hands, she clutched the pillow. "I don't know how to be pampered.”

He closed his eyes. It had been ages since he’d actually slept with a woman. Normally he either passed out next to one or ushered them out of his room after he was through. It felt good to hold her...too good. "Looks like I came just in time then." Following instinct, he gently pushed her hair back over her shoulders.

Had to be the hair, didn't it? She sighed as his fingers slowly threaded through her hair, missing tangles, smoothing over the lines of her skull with practiced ease. She didn't want to, but couldn’t quite catch the groan before it escaped. "Oh God," she whispered.

He continued the gentle scalp massage as he felt her body relax against him. From somewhere deep inside an old lullaby his mom had sung to him sprang to mind. He hummed it softly. All the while he just touched her, the silk of her hair easing him just as much as it did her.

The horrors of the previous night melted away, the worry for her friend filtered into a manageable buzz in the back of her mind. A man who'd started out as less than desirable had wormed himself into her bed. What a weird little life she led sometimes. But as his voice dropped into a husky lullaby she felt the world level out…even if it was just for a little while.