Chapter 154

"Too bad, thought I was going to get a free show." Alec said and came forward. "Not like I haven't seen you go at a girl before, Jonny."

Kate stuffed down the uncomfortable edge to his words. He couldn't help that he was creepy, but Jaysus...could he bring it down a notch or two? "Yeah well, I don't like an audience, buddy."

Jon's frown grew. "What the fuck are you doing out here man? You aren’t exactly the ogles the ocean type."

"Had to get away from the vanilla couples in there. If you guys give the woo-woo eyes to each other much more I'm gonna hurl."

"Then why didn't you bring a date, Alec?" Kate stood in front of Jon, bumping her back into his front.

"Elena said significant others. I don't keep a woman around long enough for her to be important. Too many fish in the sea, right Jonny Boy?"

Jon's eyes darkened, "Only for those who don’t get the importance of having someone that’s just with you." His gaze flicked up at the soft laughter somewhere behind him before returning his gaze to Alec. "Wouldn't hurt ya to try it man, you might have better luck there than groupie city."

"She's just flavor of the month, you know that." He glanced at Kate. "No offense darlin' but the road isn't for the long haul. I'm sure you're a great bang though."

Kate's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"

Jon growled softly. "Kate ain’t no fuckin' flavor man, not like your little Tour bus girls. Didn't think I knew about you promising them me just to get a bit of ass huh?" He forced back the urge to get in Alec's face. "That stops as of now. I AM in this for the long haul asshole best you get used to it."

Elena laughed as Richie lifted her to carry her up the stairs, the voices on her deck becoming clearer as they hit the last few steps. As Richie settled her to her feet she started laughing. "Awww, his Tour bus gimmick's been shut down. Poor Alec, gotta work for the ...um groupie fun without the lure of Jon now?" Her voice was teasing, yet dead serious all in one go, the word groupie an obvious stand in for skank. Brown eyes sparkled as she winked at Richie then Jon, "I knew ya had it in ya Mop Top."

Jon's gaze moved to Elena as she moved up and started to laugh. "You know about it too?"

Thankful for the shadowy night that hid her blush she stuttered, "Well we were on the bus one night when he brought in two, um, ladies? Promised them you it seems."

Richie winced. "Yeah, I forgot about it to be honest. Things got crazy around that time."

Kate watched Alec's eyes glitter dangerously. She was used to watching for trouble in the ER. PCP, coke and some of the harder stuff was coming up more frequently in the late night bus dumps. She wasn't sure what Alec was on, but the way his body stiffened in anger had her legs opening a little for balance. Training from long nights in that ER had her ready for just about anything these days.

Alec flicked his gaze over the flavor, watching her thighs open. She was excited at the thought of what he did on the bus. She was a whore like the rest of them. She'd like a good plowing. He was certain of it. She'd take him balls deep and beg for more. He could see it in her eyes.

He turned his gaze back on Jon's cold, closed up face. He should plow her just because Jon ruined his tour bus schtick. It was fucking hard to get the bitches backstage to think of anything but Jon or Richie. At least on the bus, there was always the chance of a meet and then a bed there for fucking.

He did have to admit, he preferred the bitches on their knees blowing him. It was best when they looked up at him from the dirty floor. It was amazing what the bitches would do just to get near God. All of them willing to fuck, lick and suck whatever he put in front of them to get to Jon.

He bet the good doctor's knees would look really pretty all dirty. He bet she'd juice all over her thighs thinking about his cock. Fucking bitch.

Elena took a step back towards Richie, her back stiffening at the glitter in Alec's eyes. Damn glitter reminded her of..... Taking a deep breath she reached deep, hitting her steel spine. "Even though you aren't as well, you know, you could do better than the dregs of the barrel, if your attitude would change."

Her hand reached back and pulled Richie's around her. Something about Alec had her tensing. It was almost like he was a bottle rocket gone wrong and ready to explode.

Jon's gaze speared Alec. "Best band in the world man, don't downplay it or give us a bad rep with your needs. Dude you gotta straighten up."

Alec flicked the last of his butt out into the sand. "Man, I don't need this crap. I've got a party I need to head out to anyway. At least there's girlies there. Available, girlies," he sneered. He looked toward Elena, licking his lips a little at the way her chest heaved. God, she was so beautiful. He'd have to find himself a cute brunette tonight to pound. It would be almost as good. "Thanks for having me."

He backed up, saluting Jon. "Way to fuck up my love life, my man. I appreciate it. I'm fucking outta here." He turned on his heel and down the steps to the side entrance of the house.

"What the hell was up with him?" Richie asked.

Kate rubbed Jon's arm. "Jon just cut off his supply, darlin'. He's just venting." She hoped.

Elena watched his back as he strode away and tried to not shiver. That damned look unnerved her, almost as if he wanted to lick the red off of some lollipop, a hungry look that she never wanted to see coming her way again. "How'd ya know Jon? I mean, if Richie forgot, how'd ya know?"

Jon shook his head and grinned, "Teensy, crew tells me shit too, Richie ain’t the only one who lays it all at Jonny's altar."

Kate slid her fingers into Jon's. "Hey, I'm getting thirsty. I think I need to be a little bit more drunk than this...you know, so you can take advantage of me later."

She slid a quick smile over her shoulder at Elena. "Don't let Alec ruin the night, sweets. He's just acting out like a spoiled kid. He'll get over it."

Elena glanced up at Kate and smiled, repeating her words quietly. "Yeah, he'll get over it. I'm sure he will." She watched as Jon scooted up behind Kate and did a duck walk shuffle, curiously bumping into her hips with each step. "We do have a guest room Jon."

Jon's head twisted as he looked back at Elena with a grin. "And we plan on using it thank you Teensy."

Richie smoothed his hand down Elena's hair. She'd been like a bundle of nerves since they'd landed on the deck. "You okay, darlin'?"

She leaned back against his chest and tried to force the tenseness away. "Like Katy said babe, can't let it ruin the party." She turned then, wrapping her arms around his waist letting herself get lost in his maleness and strength. "I still don't like him though."

He rubbed his chin over the top of her head. "I know. He can get a little sleazy, but he's honestly a good guy under all of it." He circled her waist, his cheek pressing against her hair. God, he hoped he was right. Alec had been doing a lot of changing the last few months.

Chapter 153

His name fell from her lips in a triumphant cry as her body tightened, the seconds coalescing into one brilliant rush of joy. "Always." Her head fell to his shoulder as she tried to pull in any possible air, her heart still thundering in her eyes. "God. you're just... "

"Yours," he said on a gasp as he sucked in a lungful of sea air. "Just yours." He held her tighter. "Just yours."

She smiled as her arms wrapped around him, her nose nuzzling gently at his neck. "Forever and a day."

~~~~~

He heard the heavy breathing, sniffing back the flakes of powder he felt under his nose. God, the party was boring as fuck. Everyone laughing...fuck looks between the couples.

Now if they actually started fucking there might be something to--he moved to the banister when he heard another moan. Now that's what I'm talkin' about. Fuckin' A. He leaned over the edge. Two dark figures were in the heat of it.

A flash of a long white neck as her head fell back snapped his dick to attention. "Elena," he whispered to the roaring surf. He looked down and sure enough, Richie was eating her out. He shifted his jeans.

Fuck. Just to have one taste of her. He palmed his cock, tempted to pull it out. Just the sounds of her cries were enough to blow his load. Her choked cries made his dick twitch. Oh yeah.

He could make those come from her, followed by a whimper when he held her down. Orgasms were better when you choked 'em a little. Just a little bit of oxygen deprivation and Pop! They turned into a screamer.

He knew she'd scream real good.

He watched the fucking right hand of God slam her down on his cock and hated him. It should be him. Richie didn't deserve something as perfect as Elena. Her soft cries hit his dick hard and low.

The slut liked a good fuck. She'd never had a good fuck until he'd touched her. He couldn't wait to do it again.

~~~~

He glanced over at Kate and rolled his eyes. David had his arm all around her and she was roaring with laughter? David wasn't THAT funny, well ok he was, but not with his woman dammit. Settling his cup on the table and sauntered over to the two of them, his hand snaking out for Kate’s. "Hey gorgeous, lets grab a breath of air." His eyes widened innocently, "after all you said a lot of smoke was bad for the throat ya know."

"Uh, yeah." She looked at David who just waggled his eyebrows. She rolled her eyes. "Good idea. I've had enough of chucklehead anyway." She tripped a little as Jon hauled her across the room. "Hey, relax, Jon. We're not in any hurry here."

He glanced her way and muttered, "fuck yeah I am, wanna get you alone for a few." He winked as a sly grin crept onto his lips. Ok so he wanted a kiss, and well a little bit more of this and that, but he didnt have to tell HER that yet.

She laid her hand on his chest and wrapped her other hand around his waist. "Well, that's all you had to say. I take hints well."

He pulled her in closer, his lips brushing over hers momentarily. "Big pretty Deck out there, you and the ocean sounds? So I have a bit of the romantic in me at times."

Starting for the door he opened the screen door and turned to pull her through. "No one would blame me for wanting you to myself babe, I'm greedy after all."

She wound her arms around his neck. "Well, the greedy part I like. Caveman I can do without, sir." She bumped his nose tracing his lower lip with the tip of her tongue. "God, I've missed this mouth."

He nibbled on her lower lip, his hand coasting up along her back as he deepened the kiss lightly. "Only been a few hours babe, but they been damned long ass hours."

She slid her hand into his hair, cupping the back of his head. She was ashamed to admit how much she loved his hair, but God did she. It was all fluffy and mussed from the car ride...and the pit stop on the ride back in. They'd been so used to having at each other whenever they wanted it was hard to change the game.

She rocked on her tiptoes, cursing the heels she'd worn to get in the party mood. For once, she was bitching because they weren't high enough. She wanted closer. The kiss deepened and her body pulsed. He was becoming very addicting.

His hands slipped to her ass, cupping her even as he pulled her in, lifted her slightly and settled her on the deck railing. Sliding into the V of her legs he nosed up along her chest, groaning at the scent. Damned woman would be the death of him always spritzing that perfume right in the valley of her breasts. "You're gonna end up killing me you know that?"

She grinned down at him, now just a little taller with the help of the deck railing. She wound her legs around his hips. "Oh really?" She threaded her hands into his hair and yelped when she caught something out of the corner of her eye. "Shit! Jon, put me down." She struggled against him, her chest tight with embarrassment.

The tone of her voice alerted him, she never sounded that out of joint. Stepping back he helped her regain her footing. "What’s up babe?"

She cleared her throat. "Uh," she nodded her head toward the shadows. "Company."

His gaze turned towards the shadows, catching the barely there glow of the tip of a cigarette. His brows furrowed at the height of the glow as he pulled Kate in tighter. "What the hell?"

Chapter 152

Elena closed her eyes and willed the blush away. Of course he'd tell Jon, he told the man everything it seemed. "Well, You can all stand here.. I'm gonna go wait on the food." She pulled away from Richie and casually strolled from the room. Silly husband, he just couldn't keep a secret.

Kate followed, then stopped. "You two included. I don't trust you." She heard the low groan from the both of them and waited for them to go through the door.

As they headed into the living room the ridiculous gong of their doorbell chimed again. "Damn, that's some ringer." Kate muttered.

The next few minutes were filled with shouts and too many four letter words to name in a sentence. David and April had made it first, with Alec on his heels. Within five minutes a delivery came and Tico rolled in with a sweet little ethnic woman introduced as Carmen.

Kate found herself hovering by Jon, frowning as she fell into the girlfriend role without thought. Jon handed her a plate of pasta as they squeezed around the table.

Elena grinned as they tore into the food, nearly demolishing the table within minutes. You'd think they hadn't seen each other in months, instead of just ten days considering all the ribbing, punching and jostling going on. "Good lord were you all raised in a barn?"

To a man they all looked up, grinned with mouths full of pasta and assorted other food and hollered a big "yes."

Elena glanced at the women as they all started laughing. Of course they'd agree, they were jackals and assorted other odd animals.

Richie stood, following his wife into the kitchen. "See, I told you it would be a success!" He curled one arm around her waist as he dumped his paper plate in the trash to free up his other hand.

She threw her plate away, and turned, her dark eyes gleaming. "Oh you did huh?"

He smirked down at her. "Absolutely. There wasn't anything to worry about. Of course Tico wants to get art all over the walls, but I'll let him play at that after the tour’s over." He leaned into her. "Now..." he drifted dropping a kiss on her upturned lips. "For my reward."

She leaned into his body, her lips brushing against his skin. "Reward?"

"I've worked very hard to put this together...with you of course," he finished when her eyebrows shot into her bangs. "I want a little undivided man and wife time if you get my drift."

She bit her lip and tried to not laugh. Man and wife time with a house full of people. Oh yeah it was so gonna happen. "In case ya haven't noticed Pony, the house is full of jackals, and their assorted dates."

"Ah, but there's this whole outside world. We are officially property owners." His mouth dropped to her neck, nuzzling behind her ear. "I need to get inside you so bad I'm ready to beg. I will beg if you want." He growled.

That growl did it to her every time. He had to know that it did. Shivers raced up her spine as his eyes darkened and she knew she'd made him wait long enough. "Well then, although I like the idea of begging......." her voice went husky, "good ideas would work too."

He pushed through the kitchen door. The voices in the living room were still wild and rambunctious. David and Jon were fighting over a meatball followed by a generous offer by Kate to split it equally. She was good with a knife...and sighed as the noise was muffled by the waves. The tide was coming in.

They had a few lamps along the house. Chinese paper lanterns he'd found in a party store...to be exact. It gave off a soft, diluted light that led to the beach. "Well, I had this idea," he trailed off. He looked down at her. "Shoes are optional at this point, love."

She bent over and slipped her heels off. "I spend more time barefoot around you than in shoes, and you're so tall doggonit"

He stepped down three stairs until they were eye to eye. "This better?" He leaned in, dragging his lower lip over her mouth slowly. It was eating him alive to hold out. To keep the pace slow. But he wanted her taste inside of him. This taste first.

Her arms wrapped around his neck, her fingers sliding into the satiny length of his hair as she pressed her lips to his. "mmm, much." She wanted him closer though, stairs between them just wasn't working. Her tongue flashed along the seam of his lips, as she pulled him in closer. Screw the thing about tall; that never was an issue anyhows. She needed to feel his skin.

He curled his arms around her waist and stepped down into the soft sand. Keeping her wrapped around his shoulders, he rounded the spiky grass that ringed the porch to the back of the deck. "I've been watching you in that little dress, trying to figure out if it's the purple panties under there or the blue..." he groaned. "Maybe the black." He grinned into her mouth. "Maybe none."

She dipped in and bit down on his lobe gently. "Guess you'll have to explore and see." She trembled as his hands cupped her ass, the sparkle in his eyes making her heart race. "But if you guess right I won't argue the spot you choose."

"Hmm..." He slid his hand over her cheeks, feeling the lace rim high on her hips. "I say it's the purple."

Her brows waggled as she leaned closer, thrilling to the pure heat of the man. "Maybe, guess you'll just have to look and see."

He set her down in the sand, leaning against the post. "I get to look?" he shifted the skirt of her dress up, groaning as the length of her leg was evident. Just the tan of her skin...no hose, no stockings. Just Elena. The edge of crisp white lace peeked from the bottom. "Sweet Jesus."

Her grin widened at the gasped inhale of breath and whispery words. "Problem love?"

The sound that came out was incomprehensible. He dropped to his knees, lifting the skirt again, his thumb tracing the line of the lace. "God, I just need to taste you."

Her leg lifted slowly, rubbing along his arm slowly before lowering. "Well I don't see anyone stopping you. Do you?" She closed her eyes as his hands slowly skated along her legs, her breathing hitching slightly. She couldn't hold back a grin. Just a hint of the white lace and he was on his knees. What would happen when he finally saw the rest?

He caught her foot, hooked her knee over his shoulder and drew her scent in. As her legs parted so did the sweet little panties. He swallowed the darker words and groaned. "Now what do we have here, love?"

She shivered as the heat of his hand warred with the breeze in the night. "Ahh I believe it's panties love." She bit her lip to keep from laughing as the lust rose in his eyes turning them black. "kinda like me, all innocent looking on the outside... but.."

His thumb slide along the open panels the heat of her slick on his fingers. Without thought, he leaned in drawing his tongue along her, curling inside to find that elusive taste. He hummed as she exploded on his tongue. "It's been so long," he whispered and drank from her.

Fingers curled into the strength of his shoulders as the first whimper of his name broke free. She shuddered at the teasing, her entire body tuning into his need. "Way too long."

He slid his tongue deep into her. It wasn't nearly enough. He wanted it to be him, his cock. Balls deep into her tight little sheath. He curled deep, feeling her shake a little. His hands slid around the curve of her ass, pulling her closer until he found the knot of nerves at the top of her hood. He sucked hard, his cock straining as she gasped and shook around him.

Her nails dug deeper as her breaths became shallower. "Pony! God..." She needed more. needed.. god she didn’t know, his tongue was teasing, driving her insane with its little flicks and long slow laps. "Please.."

He jerked his buckle as she flooded his mouth, digging into her he rolled her clit over his tongue and lower teeth. He widened his knees waiting for her to break. He swallowed deep as his name hit the skies warring with the crash of the waves.

The jerk of her hips had him dropping her foot, pulling her down on his hips as he plunged into her vicing orgasm. He held himself so very still inside of her, dying as she squeezed him.

She shuddered at the fullness, her eyes closing as her body melted into his grasp and control, her chest heaving as she tried to pull in a breath. He wasn't moving dammit, he was.. killing her. She flexed slowly as she began to undulate against his lap and his hardness, her head dipping to allow lips to roam the contours of his neck. "Now I ask you. Do I have to beg?"

He grinned into her mouth as he rolled slowly inside of her. "I was just savoring it...it's been so long."

She almost snorted, but he angled up and went deeper causing her to squeak instead. "Only been a couple...." Rational thought melted away at his next move, her head going back as his lips slid along her skin. "Christ."

He drove into her, the need to mate...to take, to give was overwhelming. He lifted her, dropping her onto him again, wanting that fullness again, to feel her clamped around him. He fisted his hand in her hair, dragging her mouth to his. "Mine," he whispered driving deep again. "Always."

Chapter 151

She opened the door to the master bedroom and grinned. "And this is.. oh just guess.." Elena snorted as Kate's eyes widened at the sight of the bed. "Humongous ain’t it?"

"Jesus, Sweets. You could sleep a family of five on that bad-boy." Kate peeked inside, carefully moving closer to the bed. "I mean seriously. Who needs all that? He's all over you anyway."

She laughed and nodded, "Tell me about it. We’re either right in the middle or he's crowded into my back on my side. He says he needs the space to chase me around." She moved over and opened the drapes slowly. "But this makes it worth everything. Look at that view Katydid. Every morning and evening the sun hits the water, god you gotta see that."

"Water living would work for me, that's for sure." Kate was drawn to the huge wall of windows. "That is totally amazing." She looked out on the water. "The ocean's definitely one thing Richie and I will always agree with."

Elena smiled as she turned, "Well that’s the whole house, well except for the little room Richie's already laid claim too, and the tennis court and pool. Wanna see that? We need to figure out where the guys got off too anyhows."

Kate sat down on the bed. "Take a load off sister, you're on speed here. Is this what you've been doing on your vacation?"

Elena flopped back onto the bed and giggled. "To His Highness's ever lasting sorrow. I had to get it ready for the party you know? God Kate I keep falling asleep on the man!"

Kate's eyebrow rose. "How much do you keep falling asleep?"

She blushed scarlet. She'd been so busy getting things ready she'd not really done much but prepare and sleep. "Ummm, well last four or five days I sorta nodded off as soon as I sat still. He'd get frisky or go get me something and next thing I remember I'm waking up the next morning. He's been so sweet about it, but I think he’s getting a lil bit frustrated."

"Four or five days? Sweets, his dick is going to fall off or petrify. Newlyweds don't last that long." She laughed. "It's just from work though, right? You wouldn't be..."

Elena's brow arched as she turned a puzzled look on her friend. "Wouldn't be what Katy?"

"Well, I'm not sure how you guys are about protection. Whether you were doing the birth control thing or if it happens it happens type deal."

She rolled over and nudged Kate, her laughter bubbling up. "Oh hell I'm on the pill girlfriend. I want him to myself for a few years at least. Maybe when his career is a bit settled? Hell it never will be, but when its not as crazy maybe then."

Relieved, she rolled onto her side. "Well that's good. I'm not ready to be Aunt Kate yet." She sprawled out on the duvet, the sumptuous bed enveloping her. "You didn't do it on top of the comforter yet, did you?"

Elena shook her head, "No, Not yet." She started to laugh at Kate's relieved look. Not that he wouldn’t have if he could have."

She rolled onto her stomach, propped her head up on her hands. "Figures." She laughed. "So where do I get to sleep? Or is it a find a corner and sleep it off kind of party?"

Elena snorted slightly. "I showed you the guest room girl. You and Jon are in there. It’s at the end of hall two rooms away from this room. I so don’t wanna hear you two tonight so I put you kinda far away."

"Well, depends on the alcohol intake tonight. I've deprived him for days. The boy may be too sloshed to be of any use to me tonight."

"Somehow I doubt that Kate. I've seen him drunk to hell and back and STILL heard you through the freaking walls." She glanced at her watch and groaned. "Shit its getting late. We better find the guys."

"When's the festivities supposed to start anyway?" Kate said a quick goodbye to the good bed and stood up. "And who's coming anyway? Just the guys and the sig-ohs?"

Elena stood and nodded. "and assorted bug people." She motioned to the door and lead the way to the hall off the side of the house. "I doubt he ever has a significant anything. The gang should be arriving any time come to think of it."

"Well then we should definitely find--" she looked down over the open house. "Did Richie bring any guitars into the house yet? Or are they still on tour?"

Elena's eyes went wide as her voice went deep to mimic Richie. "What a house with no guitars? You blaspheme woman! I shall put them in my little corner of the world." She waggled her brows, "because my wife won’t have them scattered all over the house and they need protecting." She laughed and looped an arm through Kate's her voice going back to normal. "They're in that little room mostly, other than one or two in the living room or in the bedroom closet so he can serenade me of course."

Kate rolled her eyes. "Yeah, they're in the room. Jon's been going on and on about this song. I told him not to ruin the party. I swear to God, I'm gonna kick his ass."

She walked along the hallway, the evident strains of music echoing towards them. "Kate, I swear, you can't leave those two alone!"

Kate slowed as the guitars trickled into the air. The melody was similar to what Jon had been fiddling with, but Richie had evened it out...the melody was stronger. But the whispery tone to his voice grabbed her.

I tried to make you happy

lord knows I tried so hard to be

what you hoped that I would be

I gave you what you wanted

god couldn't give you what you need...

Kate's hand stilled on the door knob.

She watched Kate go still, then stopped herself to listen. Shit if Kate's pulse wasn't zinging outta control. She leaned against the wall and grinned. Let Jonny get her, not often she saw Kate go to full stop. The boy's sneaking off to play was worth the sight she was getting.

Kate could feel the unfinished nature of the song as they murmured and then a bridge came through and his voice got rougher. The tone of it, the raspiness from the healing had her stomach bottoming out.

You need someone to hold you

somebody to be there night and day

Someone to kiss your fears away....

The pain there was jarring. Was that really all inside of him? Was he acting? Did he know that she was feeling some of that loss because he was leaving?

Elena's arm snaked out as her hand went around the knob. Hearing it through the door was ok, but the full effect of them in writing mode was deadly. She turned the knob and let the door swing open silently then leaned back, leaving the full view to her astonished and toasted friend.

Jon was curled over a battered acoustic, his eyes closed. Richie had a faraway look on his face, his eyes half closed and neck on display. But it was Jon she couldn't take her eyes off of. The angles of his cheekbones, shadowed deeper by the windblown hair in his eyes. She felt like she was intruding, like she should shut the door. He was in a moment in time that she shouldn't be a part of, but couldn't seem to break away from.

Dark brown eyes shifted from watching Kate to watching Richie in his element and felt her own tummy bottom out. She’d been a little preoccupied of late and had ignored him and that was shining through this tender song. She smiled as she thought of what she’d put on earlier and how happy that very thing would make him later. Turning her gaze back to Kate she nearly laughed at the lax look of her face. Shit yeah Kate had it bad.

His eyes opened and lifted as a smile crept onto his lips. She was there at the door, and the look on her face told him one thing. She got what he was singing about. His fingers slowed then stopped, one eyebrow lifting. "Hello there gorgeous."

She cleared her throat. Jesus, he shouldn't be able to do that to her, not then...not after a full 12 days with him. She should be used to it. "Did I..." Dammit...her voice was rough as his sounded. "We talked about you whisking Richie off with the party prep going on, Sugar. Don't make me have to kill you."

He leaned over and settled the guitar into its stand. "He started it."

Richie dropped his arm over the neck of the guitar. "I swear we were just working for a minute."

Kate folded her arms and leaned on the door. "You guys don't know the meaning of the word minute."

Elena slipped up to stand beside Kate, her head shaking. "Minute is sixty seconds love. Not two hours."

Richie sat up straight. "It has not been..." Well fuck if it wasn't almost party time. He stood up. "Uh, when's the food supposed to be coming?"

"Any time now babe. It’s time to play host." She walked over to him and leaned in to kiss his chin. "I know you'd love to hide here, but really I don’t wanna beat off jackals without ya."

He curled his arm around her shoulder, keeping her in close. "Sorry girls, we were a little lost in the song."

Kate sighed, "as long as you got it mostly out of your system now and not in the middle of the party."

Jon stood up and pulled Kate into a tight hug. "Yeah I think we're good babe. Thanks for not de-nutting me though. Sorta might need those later."

Kate socked him in the belly. "Dream on, Sugar."

Richie winced. "Aww man, that rots."

Jon's gaze flickered to Richie. "And you would know man."

Chapter 150

Chapter 150

Richie pushed the last couch into the main living area. Elena had insisted on at least a few pieces of furniture for the party. Hell, he just assumed they'd hit the floor or stand.

Who the hell sat at a party, anyway? Not to mention he'd been chasing his wife all over the damn house and she completely ignored him. Well, when she wasn't using him for bull labor anyway.

He wanted to shoot himself in the head for giving her the idea for a party for God's sake. If he'd known it would leave him high and dry for days he'd have rethought the idea, dammit.

Well, it wasn't like she didn't want to have a little fun after work, but she kept falling asleep. And with all the rushing he'd made her do with the impromptu party, he didn't have the heart to wake her...even if his dick was so hard and sensitive he was ready to take care of business in the damn shower.

He snagged her as she walked by with an armful of tablecloths. "Honey, you gotta sit down for a second or ten, please. You've been running all over the house."

She came to a dead stop, her head tilting, a quizzical gleam in her eyes. "But I have to decide on a table cloth, and I need to unpack those dishes and ...... " She sighed a moment as he damn near drug her towards the couch. "What's up Richie?"

He sighed, dragging her onto his lap. "I miss you."

Her brow arched at the tone in his voice. You'd think he'd been on the road for weeks with her miles away. "I'm right here baby. How can ya miss me?"

"You're rushing around so much, I haven't had a second alone with you that didn't include picking out furniture, silverware, plates or," he flicked the tablecloths, "whites."

She leaned in and brushed her lips against his cheek. "Well we can't have the jackals sitting on the floor, no telling what kind of stains they might leave, and Katy, we'll ... I won't let them into an empty place. It's gotta be perfect honey, ya know? Perfect like you."

"Hell, Lains...I'm not perfect." He stood, gathering her in. "This house is for us, not for anyone else."

She frowned a moment, then reached up and pinched him, hard. "That's for saying you're not perfect. OH, don’t give me that look." She grinned at his frown. "I know you're not *perfect* your just a Jersey guy. But you're perfect to ME ok?"

He rolled his eyes. "I know, and I love that you look at me that way...as any man would, but I'm just a man, Elena. I'm gonna fuck up and I'm gonna make you crazy at times." He pressed a kiss to her forehead and crushed her against his chest. "Just don't get all crazy about this party. It's just the guys. No one special."

She leaned back her eyes going comically wide. "Shit and here I thought they were family." She tossed the tablecloths onto the couch. "If its just guys they can eat on the floor." She didn't mean it, not by a long shot, but if it would get her free to finish the preparations she was ready to agree to anything.

"You're such a liar." He pushed back. "All right, what do I have to do next?" When she turned around to grab the huge white tablecloths he smacked her ass. "I am your slave."

Her head turned as a sparkle entered her eyes. "Ya know that sounds sorta promising." She nodded over to the boxes of music his mom had sent over. "That's YOURS."

Richie's eyebrows quirked. "Maybe that's my kitchen shit. I bought all sorts of pots and pans when I was in Europe."

She stopped and turned. "You labeled it MUSIC?"

He headed for the boxes, ripping at the top of the largest one. "Nah, that's my Dad's handwriting. Scary, huh? Two of us out there? He labels all my shit, music. I mean...it usually is, but I do have a few other things."

She walked over and glanced in the box and groaned. "Good God what all is in there?"

"About fourteen hundred dollars in Calphalon anodized cookware." He looked up at her blank face and grinned. "I cook Italian and Polish dishes baby. I need pots."

She shook her head and managed to not laugh. "Ok then, I guess those go in the kitchen. If we get those few boxes unpacked we'll be done and can actually maybe relax for a few before everyone gets here." She turned and walked towards the table and started playing with the tablecloths. "I'm sure we both need to nap or shower or something right?"

His head snapped up. "Shower sounds good," he said and lifted the box. "I'll just go put these away really quick."

She snorted as she settled on a table cloth then quickly set the centerpiece in place. Of course he'd think it sounded good, her guy did love a little dirty clean fun. Moving around, she placed the dinner ware chosen and candles then stood back frowning as she took in the effect. Hell maybe she should have put out paper plates. Somehow ... yeah that was more their style.

Quickly pulling all the china back into a stack she returned it to the kitchen and placed the paper and plastic out on the table, moving the centerpiece to the end of the counter. Well easier clean up after all was said and done, and knowing how rowdy these guys got her new china wouldn’t end up in shatters on the floor by night’s end. Stepping back she shook her head and started to laugh. She'd married into the strangest bunch.

Richie shoved the pans in every cabinet he could find, slightly alarmed that he didn't really have room for everything he had. Damn, he'd need to remodel. Shrugging, when the last door actually closed he high tailed it back to the living room. Maybe he'd get a nice, long shower out of the--

The chime of the door was louder than he'd ever thought possible. Hell, he'd had the door open for almost every delivery before they could ring the bell. Shit. So much for our shower.

She walked in from the dining room and saw him staring at the door like it was a living thing. "Gonna answer that stud? It won’t bite ya know."

"Depends on who's on the other side."

"It's not like we can't hear you out here!" Kate called from the other side of the door.

She skipped to the door and flung it open grabbing Kate into a hug before she could say another word. "KATYDID!!!"

Kate stumbled back three steps and stomped on Jon's foot. "Sorry!" she yelled back and hugged her friend just as hard. "I missed you too, brat."

She grabbed Kate's hand and started pulling her in. "Well come on in. Hiya MopTop! Can't wait for you to see... "

Jon's brow flicked up, his eyes moving between a rather energetic Elena and an exasperated friend. "Well hello to you too King."

Richie held out a hand to Jon for a quick shake, but ended up hauling him in for a hug. "Man, it's good to see you."

He chuckled and returned the hug. "Getting bored with the missus are we? Good to see you too man."

"Hell no, your visit is very inconvenient." He watched Elena drag Kate into the living room. "But of course watching her go crazy for the house...how can I kill you?"

Jon shook his head. "Go crazy? Man she was already there." He got it then as the laughter rose and flowed from his throat. "Ohhhh I get it."

Richie folded his arms. "Getting the house ready has definitely put the brakes on lovin', man. I wish I'd just invited everyone and not told her." He waved him in. "C'mon let me show you around a bit. There's this great spot on the side of the house that could make an awesome studio."

Jon's gaze shifted to Kate a moment, took in the fact she was knee deep in Elena's tour and grinned. "Let's go man; I got shit to tell ya."

Richie shouted that he was going outside with Jon, but Elena barely waved. "See...the house man. It sucked her into this zone."

He tried to not laugh, he did, but it came out anyway. He'd never seen Richie thwarted by anything when it came to anything sexual. Seems little Elena had thwarted him right and left and the big guy was damn near vibrating with it. "Just remember who bought the house man."

"Yeah, yeah. I know. I did get to break in the bed once, but man it was just once." He sighed. "Listen to me going on and on. Just feeling a little ignored for the house." He rounded the corner. "How's the voice?"

He glanced back towards the living room and watched as Kate and Elena moved upstairs. "Fuck if I know, she wouldn’t let me sing, barely let me talk the entire time we were gone man. God when she gets into doctor mode? There’s no stopping her."

"Well, it's a good thing. We've got a hard few months coming up. Jesus, Doc has us booked into brain-drain city...twice a night, even." Richie laughed. "Wait until you see the view though, man." He pushed open the backdoor to the beach. "Anyway. I'm glad Katy took you away from everyone. I think you, most of all, needed it."

He punched Rich's shoulder and shook his head. "We all needed it man. We all did." He looked out over the water and inhaled a smile on his face as he studied the back yard a moment. "Shit ocean, and a pool? Man, and a tennis court? You'd think you liked the outdoors or something."

"Fuck you," Richie said and leaned on the railing. "I’d been shopping with Elena for days and we came up the drive and it was this. This was it. Had to have it."

He snorted as his eyes rolled, "and you claim she got sucked in. Man you are just as bad. So show me this place you think is good for recording."

He stood up straight and headed to the tennis courts. "Well, it's small and not set up yet of course, but..." He opened the door to the small add on. "It looks like it was a hobby room or a mini-garage in the workup, but." He stood in the center of the room. "Can't you just see it?"

Jon turned and studied each wall and corner, seeing new walls for a booth, places to settle the gear as his eyes started to gleam. "Yeah, I can. Just might work man."

"I mean for a personal studio...it's perfect, right?" He pointed to the back wall. "Perfect for a studio room, and the boards there..." He folded his hands under each arm, rocking back on his heels. "Hell, I've been on the deck writing already for fuck's sake."

Jon winced. He'd promised Kate, he had and he wanted to keep that promise, but Richie'd brought it up. "Yeah well I've had this melody driving me nuts for days man, so I know what you mean."

"If we lock ourselves in here, I will be killed." Richie said, itching for his guitar.

He hummed the melody. "It's there though. I swear...I don't usually write when we're touring, even on a little break, man. Besides man, Kate swore she'd de-nut me if we jammed and screwed up Teensy's party, but fuck I can just hear it yet something's missing ."

Richie held up a finger. He dragged the guitar case he'd hid in the room out. "Well now you gotta give me the heart of it." He flicked open the locks. "We'll just work on it for a few minutes."

Jon started to hum, then crooned a line or two that kept niggling at his brain, grumped and hummed again . "See there’s just something missing man."