Chapter Sixteen

Jesse walked downstairs to the kitchen and pulled out some frozen lasagne and garlic bread from the freezer popping it in the oven before she realized she wasn’t alone, a pair of arms snaked around behind her and a set of warm lips tickled her neck.

“Hey you” he whispered as his arms rested around her waist.

Jess giggled as she pulled away to pull out the wine she had chilling in the freezer originally for Kia. Jon leant on the counter and watched her pour two glasses, she handed one out to him.

“Thank you ma’am” he replied taking the glass and bringing it to his lips. Jesse move past him, her scent drifting past his nostrils. She walked back into the living area and sat down on the plush couch.
He soon joined her.

“So am I allowed to stay the night?” he asked with a grin as he pulled his knees up onto the couch tucking his feet under him and leaning into her.

Jesse met his blue eyes that were sparking with a rich warmness that warmed her soul.
“I don’t know” she said coyly pretending to think about it. Jon put his wine down on the mahogany coffee table and pouted. Jesse chuckled.

“Awe how can I say no to that face?” she said as she patted his chin playfully. He took her hand and pressed it against lips.

“Dinner will be about 30 mins away, how about we watch some mindless trash until then” she said picking up the remote.

“Sounds good to me darlin, gives me time to recuperate, for later” he said with his eyebrows wiggling.

“You Jon Bon Jovi are a bad influence” she said as she flicked the TV on. She flicked through the various stations until a movie came on she liked the look of. Bruce Willis all gun clad and trigger happy.

Jon looked surprised “You like this?” he asked as he leant in and rested his head on her side.

“Hell yeah, Bruce Willis baby” she said seriously putting the remote back down. Jon chuckled.

“It’s just not a chick flick...” he trailed off hoping he hadn’t offended her.

“Well I am only part chic” she replied with a chuckle.

It was an unusual thing for Jesse but she felt comfort in knowing that he was so comfortable with her in not a traditionally masculine position so she pulled her arm around his shoulders feeling the need that he too was seeking comfort as well. Her mind started to drift to his marriage and she couldn’t help but wonder what he was like in his marriage and why it didn’t work out with his wife as to her in the short space of time he seemed perfect.

Jon lay against her and revelled in the soft touch of her hands in his hair. He hadn’t felt more content in a long time. The simplicity of the intimacy he was experiencing right now was exactly what he had missed since he had been separated from Dot, hell well even a good year before that. They always managed to put a good show on for the kids holding hands and kissing, but when they were in bed they usually were too busy in their own worlds, Jon spending time in his office or studio, if he was actually even home. He closed his eyes and started to think about how realized was until he felt a hand slapping him lightly on the cheek. He’d fallen asleep.

“Huh?” he asked opening his eyes blurrily.

“Wake up sleepyhead I need to get the dinner served up” she chuckled.
Jon sat up and smiled.

“I must of fallen asleep, guess I am not as young as I used to be” he replied sitting up and stretching.

“Oh please, look at you” Jesse said and then stopped herself realizing she had said too much. Jon grinned wickedly.

“And what about me?” he asked purring in her ear as he came closer.

“Well, you’re body certainly doesn’t show your age” she said mildly embarrassed.

Jon didn’t say anything and blew down her neck with his warm breath. But Jesse pulled away.

“No no, its dinner time” she said defiantly trying not to laugh, or give in.

Jon sighed “Ok ok, look let me get it you stay right here” he said as he kissed her on the lips and strode off to the kitchen while Jesse watched one fine ass walk away from her snug in his jeans. He hadn’t bothered to put a top back on, so here was the man standing in her kitchen starting to serve up their dinner. She couldn’t help but admire the way his 46 year old Rockstar body was still neatly tuned as it probably was twenty years ago. From the broad shoulders to the washboard abs, ands flat stomach. His back muscles rippled as he pulled the lasagne out of the oven.
She could get used to this, she thought.

He soon brought back two plates and a fork each as they sat back down on the couch to resume Bruce Willis’s attempt to save the world one more time.

They ate in silence both famished from their earlier antics in the bedroom. Jon headed back to the kitchen for seconds. In a way he reminded her so much of Jason, but there was also something that was different about him that didn’t make her miss him as much right this minute as she had in the last few months.

“So when do you head to Nashville?” Jesse asked knowing he’d talked about it before.

“In a few days, end of the week” he added popping his fork into his mouth.

“God this is good, did you make this?” he asked savouring the cheesy tomato beef bite.

“Yeah I did, I made it a week ago but didn’t feel like eating it so just froze it” she admitted.

“Well you must of known there would be a very hungry man to be in need of this as I am very satisfied right now” he grinned, a slight evil twinge to it.

“Well I am glad you approve. When do you get back from Nashville?” she asked not wanting to sound too clingy.

“We’ll probably be out there a few weeks. We go in bursts, depending on how it goes sometimes” Jon replied licking the last remanence of sauce off his fork. Jon put his plate down and picked up her hand.

“Jess, I know we’ve only just met and hell what you’ve been through, I know this is a big call for you. But I would like if you came to Nashville for a few days when I am there” Jon said sincerely. Jesse’s heart leaped, she had never wanted to questioned what the next move was, as scared as she was, she knew she wanted to see him again.

“Ah, come there? Wouldn’t I just get in the way?” she asked thinking how the rest of the band would feel about this.

“Nah, you wouldn’t, if you came a week after we’d been there it would be refreshing to see a woman, believe me, we can get pretty sick of each easily” he laughed. He could see she was unsure.

“Please, you could have your own room and everything, and in the day go and see Nashville, I bet you haven’t been away for a while” he said guessing she hadn’t.

Jesse bit on her bottom lip, with eyes like that how could she say no.

“Ok, I will come” she said meekly.

Jon broke out into one of his famous megawatt grins.
“You wont regret it, I promise” as he kissed her lightly on the forehead.

Chapter Fifteen

After second round that left each of them panting for air. Jesse lay silently against Jon’s chest slowing tracing her finger lightly around his furry confines.
Jon’s arm was wrapped firmly around her back holding her in close.
He noticed she was away in thought.

“What are ya thinking about?” he asked kissing the top of her head.

“Just you” she mused wrapping her index finger around his chest hair and twisting it softly.

“Oh yeah? And what about me?” he asked teasingly stroking her back lightly with his fingers. She looked up to lock her eyes with his.

“I’m glad you came back, I, I am really sorry for how I left this morning” she said, Jon could see her deep brown eyes warming.

“Baby, you’re fine, really. I assumed that you got a fright when you woke up?” he questioned and then continued
“And then was worried you regretted staying with me” he admitted not wanting to come off needy but he couldn’t help it.

Jesse felt a brief pang of sadness that she had made him think that. She reached her hand to touch his cheek.
“No Jon, it wasn’t that, it was just” she paused not knowing if she should tell him the truth.
“Tell me baby, I can take it” he said as he grabbed her hand off his cheek and brought it to his lips.

“I woke up and thought I was in Jason’s arms” she admitted pulling her head downwards out of a small shame.
“Hey, it’s ok, I can understand that” he said honestly
“I know this cant be easy for you, but I am really proud you trusted me to take this step” he said as he tucked a strand of her loose hair behind her ear and kissing her softly on the lips.

“I am too” she replied returning his kiss fuller this time.

Her arms snaked around his back and pulled herself in close as his tongue began exploring the caverns of her mouth.
The hum of her throat vibrated through her mouth. He ran his hands down to her waist and gently rolled her so she was lying on top of him, content to just enjoy the sensual touch of each other he swept his fingers down her back softly as he they continued to kiss, first soft sweet kisses, that became more urgent as he reached down and cupped her ass in his hands. She rested her chin on his chest and looked up at him, her breasts were pressed into his chest and she could feel his arousal growing under her.
She left his mouth and kissed down the length of his neck licking his Adams apple as she went.

He let out a soft groan as she flicked her tongue across the softness of his fur until she found one pink taut nipple waiting for her, her tongue flicked over it and it grew harder instantly. A low growl escaped his lips as she started to shift her weight further down his body. She moved to the other nipple and sucked on it lightly.

“Jesssss” he hissed hoarsely as she continued down his centre but he pulled her back up to him and in one motion rolled her onto her back and pinned her down. Shifting one leg in-between hers he leant down and kissed her parting her lips with his tongue delving deeper into her.

“Jon!” she panted her face still flushed with their last sex afterglow, he brushed back her chocolate locks from her face and left her mouth kissing down her neck, her body arched instinctively towards him as he continued his assault down her middle, cupping her right breast lightly he took her nipple into his mouth.

“Oh fuck!” she exclaimed, Jon chuckling briefly hearing her cuss for the first time. His other hand slipped down and he found her wetness, wanting as he slipped two fingers into her slick folds.

“God, Jon...Please!” she moaned thrashing her head from side to side grabbing out to the sheets as a brace of the onslaught she was now experiencing.

His fingers continued to heighten her and he’d easily found her g-spot that had been untouched for many months now. He felt her building, her legs were clenched tight against the now sticky sheets, her breathing was raspy and urgent but still he kept going.

“Come on baby, just let go for me” he said moving his attention to her other breast kissing the tender flesh that surrounded her nipple, until he took her all is his mouth his tongue teasing her, stroking and flicking the hard nub.

“Jon, god, Jon…. Oh my god!…” she cried as her body shook violently, Jon held her as she contracted around his fingers, she cried out again and again as the waves swept over her, crashing her into the oblivion of her womanhood.

Once she stopped Jon joined her again at he the head of her bed, her body was thick with slick sweat and her thighs soaked in her own juices that had broken free.
He looked down at her as she closed her eyes catching her breath back; there really was nothing more beautiful than a woman that was in her afterglow. Her brown eyes soon met hers, he smiled longingly at her.

“You are so beautiful Jesse Adams” he whispered as he kissed her lightly on her forehead tasting the salty remanets of her sweat.

Jesse felt her cheeks flush slightly, she knew she was an attractive woman, but there was something the way that he said it, looking at her dishevelled and sweaty, and his eyes told her he’d meant every word of it.
She reached up to meet his lips and slipped her tongue in initiating the kiss this time; she could feel his impending hardness on her thigh.
She shifted so she could wrap her legs around his waist drawing him closer to her.

“Jesse, I need to feel you” he said as he reached out to the night stand and grabbed a foil packet, as ungraceful as the movement was he quickly shielded himself and hovered over her.

“Jon, I don’t know if I can, I mean……” she giggled feeling embarrassed. She’d not had this much sex all in one hit in a long time.

“Oh you can trust me on this one, baby, I will take it slow” he grinned as he entered her in one swift movement and then as promised he took it slowly, slicing in and out of her at a slow pace.

Feeling her walls take every inch of him in, Jesse felt and heard the slow rumble of the groan from his throat.
“God this feels so good” he moaned, his head back and eyes closed and his long neck was exposed her to lean up and kiss slowly down to his collar bone, she nibbled lightly on that, excreting a louder moan to escape from his lips.

“Jon, faster!” she panted feeling her urge growing near.

“Are you sure?” he asked wanting nothing more than to drive her home right now.

“Mmm hmm” she bit down on her bottom lip. The vision was enough and Jon drove it home pumping her for everything she was worth.

“Jess, god, oh fuck!” he cried as his seed spilled into the safe confine of the condom.

“Yes! Jon, oh god!” he nails dug hard into his shoulders; he pulled her right leg up over his shoulder to have more access into her.

“God, yes, yes! FUCK!” she exclaimed as she finally let go, an animal cry was let go and Jon held her tight as she came tumbling down from the orgasmic high she had felt.

A few moments past as they both caught their breath back. Jesse laid her head back and let out a low laugh.

Jon chuckled and not really used to expecting that after sex lay beside her, as he slipped out of her.

“I am scared to ask, but what’s so funny?” he asked with a grin running her his fingers down her shoulder.

Jesse turned over so they were facing each other still, each sweat clad body against the other.

“Jon do you seriously know what you do to a woman?” she asked seriously with a gleam of cheek in her eye.

He chuckled “Well I do try” he admitted breaking out in a grin.

“That was incredible” she breathed stroking his cheek feeling the slight stubble tickle the tips of fingers.

“I am glad” he said meeting her in a kiss. The slow rumble of his stomach came between them.

Jesse chuckled “I am going to have to feed you aren’t I?” she asked patting his flat stomach.

“I’ve got all I need right here” he said nipping at her earlobe sending her nerve ends reeling.

“Well I need to eat, so you coming?” she asked as she pulled herself from his grip and pulled her navy satin robe on and walked out leaving him watching her shapely body exit the room.

He smiled to himself, as he picked up his jeans and pulled them on and followed her out.

Chapter Fourteen

After a somewhat long and stressful day Jesse arrived home and dumped her bags down on the table. Throwing her clothes on the floor she had a hot shower washing the stress from the day away.

Thankfully it had been busy enough to keep her mind off Jon. She finished the shower and then dried herself off and pulled on a pair of jeans and cashmere navy jersey that once belonged to Jason it was one of her favourite things to wear around the house. She pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail and padded downstairs, Kia would be here any minute.

Pulling out a bottle of Pint Noir and two glasses she was just in time to hear the door bell ring.

Jon stood there on her doorstep shaking off any nerves through his wrists as he pushed the doorbell. He was more nervous that the previous day when he came around. What if she didn’t want him there or this just upset her more than she was already. He didn’t have much more time to think as the door flew open. The look of shock and surprise soon met his own gaze at the beautiful woman that stood before him.

“Jon?” she asked quietly, she knew why he was here.

“Can I come in?” he asked politely.

Jesse looked at him for a minute, a flicker of doubt flickered briefly over her face until she spoke again.

“Sure, but you can’t stay Kia is coming over” she said as she opened the door wider enough for him to come in.
He walked in and faced her and with a serious tone spoke

“Uh Jess, she’s not coming she called me to come over” he said waiting to see how she took the news.
Jesse looked surprised

“Did she now?” she said with a short lace of sarcasm as she closed the door behind him.

“Yeah, she thought we might need to talk I guess” Jon said for the first time at a loss of what to say, he was worried she was about to lose it and tell him to leave as she was clearly on edge about him being here.
But to his surprise she walked back towards the kitchen.

“Wine?” she asked off handily as she poured herself a glass.

“Jesse” he said following her but she continued pouring herself a glass oblivious to his address.

“Jesse” he said softer again this time putting his hand on hers to stop her pouring the wine.

He immediately felt her shaking so he took the other hand in his and backed her softly against the neighbouring wall.
She didn’t meet his gaze but Jon let one of his hands tilt her neck slowly to meet his. Unshed tears in those brown eyes threatened to break free. Jon instinctively leaned forward pressing his body against hers; she didn’t offer any resistance but still looked slightly unsure.
His lips slowly brushed hers just like an artist’s soft stroke on his canvas for the first time. His hands slid down to her hips bracing her as he delved deeper into the warm confines of her mouth, a small moan escaped her lips. Jon pulled away and looked her straight in the eyes.

“Jess baby, its ok to let go, if you want to” he said softly no more than a whisper.

Until now there had been no reciprocation from her, so when she ran her hands up flat against his chest and held them there he leaned in again kissing her more forcefully this time. His hands moved up to her face and taking it in his hands he forced his tongue to mesh with hers past the safe barriers of their lips.
Like a fire that was sweeping through a dry forest their kiss became more urgent and he felt her hands slide around his neck. Pressing her harder against the wall he could start to feel she was pressing back against him. His mouth left hers and continued down her neck kissing butterfly kisses as he went. She threw her head back and a small moan again escaped from her throat. His hands moved from her hips to seamlessly slide under her jersey, Jesse felt her senses tingle when his bare hands touched her flesh, the need for him grew stronger and she knew she was starting to lose all self control.
Jon found the silkiness of her bra and cupped his hands lightly around her rounded breasts.

“Jon” she breathed

“Trust me” he just said again as he kissed her lightly on her lips.
Rubbing his thumbs over her nipples they hardened instantly.

“Oh God” she cried throwing her head back to lie against the wall.
Jon pulled the delicate wool up and Jesse raised her arms above her head as the navy jersey was pulled off her. His kisses rained once again down her neck and down the centre of her until he found her breasts, unhooking her clasp from behind her, he discarded the lingerie quickly his mouth latching on one of her nipples his tongue swirling around her pink nub.
A whimper arose from her.

“Please… Jon…” she begged.

He licked the other nipple with as much care as the first one until he started to feel her wavering in his arms.
He reached down and hooked his arm under her knees and the other under back picking her up in his arms and walking towards the stairs.
He held her gaze for the longest time till he was sure she was ready for this. He climbed each stair carefully until he reached the top and walked into the bedroom, which was lit with a lamp in the corner.
He lay her down on the bed and stood back up to take off his own sweater and threw it to one side, he was about to climb across her when she reached for the buckle on his jeans, undoing the buckle and unzipping the denim which was now tight around his member. Slowly she pulled the jeans down until she found his hardened cock.
She took him in one hand and ran down his length with the other she cupped his balls softly.
Jon shot out a low hiss.

“Shit Jess” he moaned as he watched her, a quiet confidence now slipping into those chocolate brown eyes. She leaned forward and in one take, took him fully into her mouth moving onto her knees on the edge of the bed while Jon stood at the side.

“Holy fuck” he cried not fully expecting her to take him so much, her tongue danced over the stern length of him, lavishing him with pleasure. His hands soon found the tangles of her hair urging her on more.

“Baby, that feels so good” he moaned knowing he was starting to build so he pulled her away softly, she looked confused.

“It’s been a long time since I-, so it wont be a long time till I” he stopped almost feeling embarrassed.
She chuckled, the first real smile he had seen since he got here. He leaned over her and meant her in a fiery kiss smashing his mouth down on hers.

His fingers found the button of her jeans and he pulled them down and right off her legs slowly, the red thong she was wearing was next, he wanted nothing to come between them. He wanted to feel every inch of her body under him, and no clothing was becoming between them.
He kissed down her abdomen licking lightly as he went, he skin as so soft and scented with what smelled like blackberries.
He reached the top of her thighs and gently opened them exposing her wetness to him. He kissed lightly down her thigh till his tongue slipped into her wetness. She bolted upright a little under him.

“God, Jon!” she cried out of fear and the intensity of ecstasy she was feeling.

He looked up and smiled, before continuing long strokes in her wetness, a long finger slipped into her, she was warm and ready for him.
Feeling her starting to rise he kissed back up her body will he was above her and met her mouth to mouth once again.

“Jess do you – “he didn’t get to answer as she reached over to the bedside draw and pulled out a foiled packet. He took it from her and in an instance was wrapped and entered her. Her walls clenched around him. God she was so tight and wet.
Her breathing was laboured.

“I need you Jesse, and I need you now” Jon whispered wanting her absolute assurance on what he was about to do.

She responded by reaching his lips and running her tongue over them.
“I want you Jon” she simply said and that was enough, Jon began slow hard thrusts into her. The moans between them both became urgent and agreeable that it wasn’t long until they were both riding the slippery slope of ecstasy.

“Oh fuck... Jess I’m-“Jon let out a moan at the same time as she started convulsing under him, spilling himself completely, he then drove into her and watched her come down from the high they had both shared.

Kissing her lightly he slid out of her and rolled over encasing her in his arms. She fell into his chest panting, still catching her breath back, her brow flushed with sex sweat. He stroked her hair and soothed her into a relaxed state.

She hadn’t said anything for a little bit so Jon; a bit worried spoke.
“You ok babe?” he whispered kissing the top of her head.

Her breath tickled against the soft fur that clad his chest as she spoke.

“We are so, doing that again” she breathed.

Jon chuckled in relief.

“I second that” he replied to her before rolling her over again.

Chapter Thirteen

Jesse didn’t know how but she made it to her apartment paid the driver and slammed the door shut behind her. Shaking she pulled her clothes off and headed to the shower as she needed to get ready for work.

Was she an idiot for running?, she felt so awful but something was suffocating her inside of her? She knew Jon would be worried and devastated to find out she had gone, but she just got such a fright. Starting to regret leaving so soon instead of just telling him, she let the hot needles of the shower pound down on her to try and relax her. She dried herself and dressed quickly wanting to get to the office; at least Jon didn’t know where that was so there was no chance of him turning up there today.

She just had to think straight for a minute.

After Richie left Jon sat at his apartment in disbelief. He knew he should just leave her and wait for her to calm down and hopefully realize it was ok to feel what she was feeling. What if she didn’t? What if she didn’t and didn’t come back to him? Jon didn’t want to even think about that possibility. He hoped that she still wanted to do Steph’s birthday present as that would give him an excuse to contact her if she didn’t.

He decided he needed to get to the gym and work off some frustrations; this reminded him of the mornings that he’d wake up after arguing with Dot all night and needed to get out and get release. But this was different this time. He needed release not from anger. He had so many feelings building up inside him. He hadn’t felt this way in a long time, usually things were so black and white with Jon, and he was used to being in control of the situation but this was one where he couldn’t take control and risk losing her, he just had to wait and let her make a move of some sorts and hopefully come around. He packed his bag, changed and headed for the gym hoping this would give him the release he needed from his own pent up emotions.

The day was slow and painful for Jesse, it was past lunchtime and she couldn’t concentrate on anything, her assistant George had noticed that she was somewhat distracted and Jesse just blamed it on lack of sleep to stop him from pressing her more.

She sat there in a daze recalling the last night’s events, the smell of him, the feeling of being flesh to flesh with a man, the feeling of his body wrapped around her own, it had comforted her more than anything had in the last six months. Why did she run out on it then?
Her thoughts were interrupted by her desk phone ringing.

“Hello” she answered it

“Hey you” Kia’s cheery voice came across the line. Jesse smiled feeling tears brim to her eyes, her friend always had impeccable timing like she knew she needed her.

“Hey” Jesse said making sure her door was shut tight.

“So how is Mr Rockstar” she teased, Jesse was silent, feeling the tear that had threatened her cheek escape down her cheek.

“Jess?” Kia asked worried “What’s he done?” she asked thinking the worst.

“He hasn’t done anything, he’s been the perfect gentleman” Jesse explained the whole nights events right down to the sleeping in his bed and her quick exit the next morning.

“Oh Jess, honey, I am sorry” Kia said

“I’m an idiot; he probably is thinking that about now too. I just felt so, I don’t know how to even explain it, I know its not cheating on Jason but it’s just, I don’t know” she added tapping her pen down on the desk.

“Its ok, I understand and you know I bet Jon does as well. It was always going to be like this no matter who you first slept with, even if it was just in the literal sense” Kia explained.

“I really like him Kia, I really do but I am just so out of practice to all this” she admitted

“Tell him that, he’s probably worried that you don’t, he seems like a decent guy”

Kia had to admit she’d been impressed from the beginning when he’d looked after her to when he was totally fine to share a bed with her without sex. That spoke volumes to Kia already about Jon and she hardly knew him. But she knew Jesse.

“Kia I have to go but did you want to come around tonight? I don’t want to be alone for a bit” Jesse said.

“Sure Hun, I will swing by after six we can talk then and till then don’t worry” Kia said trying to reassure her friend.

“I’ll try” Jesse said not convincing.

After they hung up Kia sat in her office of the modest publishing house she worked in. She picked up her cell phone and went to incoming calls, she had Jon’s cell phone number right here from when he gave it to her the other night he took Jesse home. She was never one to get involved in Jesse’s business but she knew her friend needed a little nudge right now. After deliberating whether this was a good idea she hit call and the number connected taking a deep breath.

Jon had just finished at the gym and felt half better than he did when he arrived, his mind was still fully occupied with the woman who shared his bed last night, he had to focus, he had a trip to prepare for, and he needed to see the kids this afternoon; he climbed into the car and was about to start the ignition when his cell phone rang not recognizing the number he questioned whether he should answer it, unless it was Jesse, but how did she get his number?

“Hello?” he asked warily as once too often a fan had got hold of his number and rang him.

“Jon?” a female voice asked him that sounded a little familiar.

“Ah yeah, who is this?” he asked

“It’s Kia, Jesse’s friend” Jon immediately replied

“Kia – hey” he said wondering why she would be calling him

“Is everything ok, with Jesse?” he asked concerned worried that was the reason she was calling.

“Jess is fine, well she’s ok, Jon, listen I don’t usually do this but you know the situation, and I am worried Jesse is tormenting herself that she’s screwed up whatever connection you both had. Jon breathed a huge sigh of relief

“No, hell no, she hasn’t at all, I have been so worried about her since she left – did she tell you what happened?” Jon asked before continuing.

“Yeah she told me, she feels really bad about it, as in leaving so suddenly, but you know why she did?” Kia asked to test to see how intuitive Jon was to her friends needs.

“She thinks she’s cheating on her husband in a kind of a way doesn’t she, and she’s scared” he added. Kia smiled. He did have her nailed.

“Yip, that’s it. Jon without saying too much, we’ve been so worried about Jess, she’s taken this really hard with Jason dying, as anyone would, and slumped and was so low till just recently, but she puts up a brave front to the rest of the world. But in the last six months, I have never heard her sound half as happy as she did after you had breakfast with her the other morning” Kia admitted. Jon also then realized Jesse obviously felt comfortable with him as she'd been able to share her emotions freely with him.

“Kia, I am so relieved to hear you say this, I was so worried I had blown it, I really care about her, even though I have only known her two days” Jon admitted, it was crazy.

“I know Jon, and that’s why I called. Now she is expecting me at her place at six tonight, but I suggest that you show up instead of me” Kia said.

“Are you sure?” Jon asked not wanting to push Jesse.

“I am sure, you’ll thank me for it later” she chuckled.

“Alright I will do it” he confirmed taking trust her friend knew her better than he did right now.

“Hang in there Jon, she’s worth the wait” Kia said before hanging up the call.

She was right, she certainly was. Jon flipped shut his phone, a smile threatening to break out on his face as he pulled out from the gym carpark to head to see his kids.

Chapter Twelve

It was early when Jesse awoke, she awoke in his arms, and this was the best feeling in the world, being wrapped away from the rest of the world in the arms of the man you loved. Dreams had spoken to her in the night, she dreamed of Jason and learnt it had all been a mistake, he really wasn’t dead, and it had all been a misunderstanding. Still her eyes closed she nestled against the warm fuzz that lay against her cheek tickling it softly.

Jason always knew how to keep her safe, and she loved that from him.
The smell of his skin, the warmness of the body that was now pressed against hers. There was no feeling like it. She smiled in her half slumber as she was becoming awake, maybe she could tempt Jason into a little morning loving before work. She opened her eyes to a very rude awakening.

She wasn’t in Jason’s arms at all, she pulled away and looked up at the peaceful body lying next to her, his face content with slumber, and it all came back rushing to her like a dam that had breeched its wall.

Jon. It wasn’t Jason, it was Jon, and a pang of sadness hit her, as she realized that Jason really had gone once again. She stared at his face a little longer, the curve of his lips and the accentuation of his jaw line right down his neck to his protruding Adam’s apple screamed masculinity. He was truly handsome, she was lucky he was so patient with her, and she just wished she could let go and fully let him be with her, but she couldn’t, right now she felt like a traitor, which was ridiculous in the circumstances.

This was a mistake. She didn’t want to hurt Jon, he’d be so understanding and so good to her, but she wasn’t sure she could give him back what he would ask for in the end. Confusion and anxiety started washing over her, she managed to slip out of his arms unnoticed, and he stirred a little licking his lips but then returning to a stagnant state. She got out of the bed slowly and found her bag. Grabbing her jewellery she slipped from his room down the stairs. She quickly pulled on her clothes and stuffed her t-shirt in the bag before heading out to the foyer, this wasn’t what Jon deserved and she knew it, but something was making her get out and get out now. She exited the penthouse and into the foyer. What she didn’t realize is Jon had set the alarm the night before. And a piercing alarm sounded when she stepped in there.

'Shit', she thought as she scurried into the lift and jammed the close door button. Shaking she tied her hair up, tears brimming at her eyes threatening to spill forth, what was she doing? Jon had done nothing wrong, it was all her. The lift finally reached the lobby, flying out like a bull at a gate, she rushed out, not noticing the tall man with the black stetson in her path, and she ran straight into him.

“Sorry” she quickly said as she gathered herself and flew out the door.
Richie looked down at her lifting his hat for a second.

“No problems darlin, where is the fire?” he asked but she’d already gone.

Jon awoke to a piercing sound, jolting upright in his bed, he jumped into life and found the alarm key panel and shut it off, and his phone was ringing from the lobby downstairs as Jon recognized the distinctive internal tone.

“Hello? he answered looking around still trying to work out what was going on and where was Jesse?

“Hey boss, everything ok?” Danny’s voice came over the line.

“Yeah, its fine, I think. I am not sure what’s happened” he said scratching his head still silently searching for any signs of Jesse.

“Ah, the young lady, Jesse, she just left, I think she set off the alarm” Danny said still sounding professional, it was never his business to be involved with Jon’s personal affairs but he had noticed she had left the building in a hell of a hurry.

“Shit” Jon said his heart sank immediately, his instincts told him immediately she had regretted being with him the way she was.

“Thanks Danny, sorry” he said running his hand through his hair.

“No problem boss” he said as they hung up. Jon stood at his kitchen bench. He thought everything had been going so well.

“Shit!” exclaimed out loud to himself. A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He ran to the door thinking she had come back and flung open the door. To his dismay it was Richie.

“Fuck” Jon swore feeling disappointment grab his heart.

“Charming!” Richie said as he let himself in, seeing Jon standing there in his boxer briefs and remembering the woman in the foyer it all made sense.

“Sorry Rich, its just a bad time” Jon said apologetically, he never wanted to take it out on Richie.

“I see that, and I assume that was Jesse running out of the building just before” he asked.

“You ran into her? Did she say anything?” Jon asked his friend expectantly.

“Hey calm down Kidd, and no, she didn’t even recognise me, she bumped into me like she was running away from” Richie stopped not wanting to bruise Jon’s ego anymore.

“She was running. She stayed in my bed last night...” Jon trailed off looking out to the city that stretched in front of him.

“Oh I see, the morning after jig huh?” Richie said sympathetically.

“It wasn’t like that, we had a great dinner as you know, went back to her place, we were about to part ways and she asked if I could stay and just be with her, no sex” Jon switched on his coffee machine as he continued talking.

“So we came back here, as she didn’t want to, in her own bed” Richie just watched Jon wretch the words out.

“And we had a wonderful night, went to sleep in each others arms, and I awoke this morning to the alarm sounding, she was gone” he explained to Richie pulling two mugs out of the cupboard.

“Jon, I am sorry mate, maybe she’s just freaking out a little” Richie said.

"Yeah, she hasn’t been with anyone since him, I was so sure she was ok with this level” Jon said pouring the coffees and offering one to Richie.

“Cheers” Richie said as he sipped the strong brew.
Richie placed the mug down on the granite surface.

“Two things, firstly, she just may need some time Jon, this is a huge deal to her and she obviously likes you, she asked you to stay, and secondly, how the hell do you sleep with a gorgeous woman like her and not have sex?” he smirked.
Jon chuckled, Richie always managed to put a smile on his face even at the worst times, and this was no exception.

“Because asshole, I really care for her. I mean it’s not easy, let me tell you that” Jon said, recalling that shapely body pressed against his own, her warm scented flesh stirred him deep within.

“You’re stronger than me, that’s for sure Kidd” he said.

“Thanks. I just-“Jon stopped. Richie looked at him

“You like her a lot, I can tell” Richie finished for him.

“I do, I just hope I am not wasting my time, I completely understand this is no normal situation and I am willing to work at it, if she lets me” Jon said taking a sip and swirling it in his mouth the warm bitterness slipping down his throat.

“Hang in there Kidd, I have a good feeling about her” Richie said placing his hand on his younger brother’s shoulder.

“Thanks Rich, and anyway what the hell are you doing here?” he asked noticing it was way too early for Richie to be around coherently.

“Well... I was kinda of my way home, and thought I would swing by” Richie said coyly.
Jon raised an eyebrow at Richie.

“On your way home? Mr Sambora and where pre tell have you been all evening?” Jon asked smirking.

“Remember Annie?” Richie asked

“Annie? Which one was she?” Jon asked, as he often lost track of Richie’s girls.
“She was the one back after the last tour when we got back here, she was getting married if you recall” Richie said. Jon laughed remembering Richie had given her a hen’s night to remember.

“I remember her” Jon said

“Well I ran into her down at Jed’s and she’ not married anymore” Richie said wiggling his eyebrows

Jon laughed “Oh Richie” Jon was pleased Richie did seem to be having fun as he’d had it rough, he deserved it.

“I take personal responsibility for ruining her marriage, once she had me, she was ruined for all other men” Richie explained
Jon snorted on his coffee.

“Mr Modest” Jon teased.

“Anyway it was fun, I am seeing her before we head to Nashville, and she said she even might come for a few days” Richie explained.

"Rich, I don’t know how you do it, but damn you are good at falling back on your feet” Jon said returning the pat on the back.

“Yeah, it all works out eventually and it will for you, I know it will Kidd” Richie said.

“I hope so” Jon said looking down at his coffee deep in thought what to do next.

Chapter Elevan

He walked back in and watched her as she at on the bed; instinctively she had been on the side he didn’t occupy. He noticed she looked a little unsure.

“You know, if you are more comfortable, you can stay in the guest room” he offered. She looked up at him and smiled.

“No, I meant it, I want to be here, just to be with you” she said hoping she hadn’t said too much and didn’t want to make declarations at this stage as she was know where ready for that.
He put her bag down as well as the wine and took her hands in his and raised her off the bed to meet him, pulling her close.

“Whatever you want baby, I am totally fine with” he said inching closer to her, he didn’t see any resistance in he inched his head forward towards her face, his eyes flicked down at her lips and back at her eyes and then down again, she closed her eyes again, and Jon this time pressed his lips against hers, the touch of her soft lips against hers, moving his hands to her neck he pulled her in further, his tongue running across the crease of where her lips met.
She didn’t hesitate and let her mouth open, the warmness of his tongue soon entering her mouth, tangling in hers, a small moan excreted from her throat. Jon pulled away just so there noses where touching. She still had her eyes closed.

“Jess, look at me” he whispered, she opened her eyes meeting his gaze. She smiled a small smile. As she drew him in closer and buried her head in her chest, her wrapped his arms tightly around her and rubbed her back softly.

“You want to use the bathroom to get changed and I will be in bed when you get out” he said motioning her to the ensuite.

“Thanks Jon” she said as she took her tote bag and closed the door behind her in the modest ensuite, her heart was pounding as she leaned back against the door. She’d been attracted to men before, even before Jason, but this was so overwhelming, he made her feel weak at the knees every look he gave her, but at the same time he still provided that calm and comfort to her right now. It just felt right.

She changed into her Giants t-shirt and walked back out into the bedroom, like Jon has said he was in bed propped up on the pillows. She couldn’t help but notice he was bare chested, her eyes trailed down the strong masculine frame which was scattered with a small amount of hair.
Jon looked up and at the T-shirt and laughed.

“Oh baby, you know how much you just went up in my books” he laughed.

“You like?” she asked as she placed her bag down and pulled her earrings off and placed them on the bedside table.

“Oh I like” he said wiggling his eyebrows, she laughed as she climbed into the side of the bed, crisp Eygptian cotton hitting her skin instantly feeling wonderful. She lay down on her side facing him.
Jon had finished sending a text message to his daughter when he put the phone down.

“What you thinking about?” he asked snuggling down opposite her.

“Just how good these sheets feel” she chuckled, Jon pretended to look offended.

“And how good this feels” she added. Jon responded by wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her in close to him, she again opted for the safe confines of his chest to harbour her head as she lay against him. He kissed the top of her head and ran his fingers up and down her back softly in a soothing manner.

“Mmmm” she softly cooed into his chest.

“Jesse, you are an incredible woman, you do know that don’t you?” he asked her softly.

She didn’t reply but tilted her head up to meet his gaze. He leaned down and their lips met once again, the slow tantalizing kiss that they had experienced before but this time it had become more urgent. Jesse knew she needed to stop, but the way Jon’s tongue lavished her own was intoxicating.
Finally she pulled away, nothing but adoration from this blue sky eyes she could just barely see in the moonlight as Jon had now switched the lighting off.

“I’s ok baby, you just sleep. You’re safe with me, I promise I won’t hurt you” he said whispered stroking a loose strand of hair from her face. She just rested her cheek against his bare chest. Her whole body felt so relaxed like it had in a long time. The closeness of being with a man had eluded her for so long now, that this felt so good, sinfully good.

The smell of him, sweet and spicy, the feel of his strong arms around her like nothing could touch her, was a feeling she had missed. She shot back into reality fast as she panicked a little about what she was doing her with him. And her thoughts turned to the love she had lost. This was a step forward for Jesse Adams, she was in another man’s arms, and the thought scared and excited her senses all at the same time.

Jon’s thoughts were in turmoil. One part of him loved the simplicity of the scene they had set, the touching and the closeness of being together without taking it to any other level, but the other part of him, wanted her, he wanted her like no other woman, he couldn’t remember starting to feel like he did when he first met Dot, there was a fire burning deep within, but he had to hold it in, as he was too scared of doing anything to scare her away so he fought with his inner man in him to restrain himself.

Was he crazy? He’d know this woman 24 hours yet he felt like he was beginning to dread her not in his life. His thoughts were interrupted by a wet sensation on his chest. He looked down and realized Jesse had been crying silently. She was asleep now in his arms. His heart ached for her pain that was still very fresh to her surface.

Jon trailed his slightly calloused finger tips lightly across her back, and he felt her becoming heavier on his chest and her breathing was slow and steady propelling her into a deep sleep. He wondered if she had actually slept well since this all happened.

Chapter Ten

Jesse almost cursed herself for coming out sounding so needy as she never wanted to do that and give him the wrong impression.
He walked back towards her and stood a few inches apart from her and looked into her eyes, there was no pity or uneasiness there, just warmth seeping from the blue eyes that locked onto her own.

“Sure, I can, if that’s what you want” Jon asked softly giving to the option to opt out in case she’d just said it in the heat of the moment.

“I do, if you don’t mind, I mean I don’t want to-“now she was worried she’d given him the wrong idea about the request. But he just brought his finger and placed it on her lips to stop her talking.

“Shh, you don’t have to explain, I completely understand, and I am fine with it, I am just happy to be with you” he admitted cracking a little smile. Jesse smiled, how was it that he understood how she was feeling and knew how huge of a step this was for her. His hands slid down her shoulders and arms to take hold of her hands he pulled her in slowly to him.

“C’mere” his husky voice pitched lower as he pulled her in close wrapping his arms around her. Jesse closed her eyes and buried her face in his chest, the warmth and soft scent of spice was inviting, she wrapped her arms around his waist. As much as anything she wanted for him to take her to her bed, but the idea scared her senseless as the last person she shared that bed with was her husband.

“Jon?” she asked meekly against his chest her voice vibrating against his skin.

“What is it?” he asked softly kissing the top of her head.

“Can we stay at your place?” she asked, she hated to ask but she couldn’t do it, not just yet.
He pulled away from her and tilted her chin so her gaze met his.

“Of course baby, not a problem” he said as he led her inside.

“Thanks” she said not explaining why, she sensed he already knew.

“I’ll just grab some things for the morning” she said as she went upstairs and grabbed a tote bag from the wardrobe and threw her Giants oversized t-shirt in it, for sleeping in and some clothes for the morning as well as her toiletries bag.
She paused as she went to flick out the light, to look at a picture of Jason that was on the wall. She smiled a small smile and ran her index finger slowly down the glass of the frame.

“It's ok baby” she whispered as she closed her door and went back downstairs to Jon who was waiting for her.

“Coming for the week?” he chuckled noticing her bag. She playfully hit his arm

“Oui that hurt” he said grabbing his arm in mock pain.

“Well you deserved it, I need this, and I have work tomorrow you know” she said defending her oversized tote bag as they walked back outside.
Jon drove about thirty minutes till they pulled into a large apartment complex.

“You live here?” she asked amazed as she had always wondered who occupied this modern building that was right in the centre of town.

“Yeah I do, I actually own half of it, but I live up the top” he said as he parked the car and again opened her door for her. He slipped an arm casually around her shoulder as they walked towards the lift, in the lobby where they came across Danny.

“Hey Boss” he said tilting his hat at Jon.

“Hey Danny, I want you to meet someone” she said bringing Jesse forward slightly.

“This is Jesse Adams, and in future if she ever shows up here just let her in” Jon said “Jesse this is Danny the head doorman”.

“Please to meet you Ms Adams” Danny smiled and shook her hand.

“Likewise, thanks Danny” she said as they both headed up the lift with Jon’s access to the penthouses. Jesse’s breath caught in her throat as he swung open the door. Panoramic views swept around the room, complemented with open flow from kitchen to living, invited you in, and the apartment was furnished with modern furnishings, a fine leather lounge suite and some tasteful art among photos littered the walls.

“So what do you think? Like my little pad of pretensions?” he joked

“Jon, you couldn’t be pretentious if you tried, and yes, it’s gorgeous!” her attention turning to the pictures beside her on the wall, obviously of his children, the four most adorable children you have seen, brandished with the good looks from their father.

“They are adorable Jon” she said he came over to where she was. He reached up.

“That’s Jesse, Jakey, Steph and this little guy is Romeo” he said pointing each child out to her.

“Three brothers huh? Poor Steph” she joked

“Oh she holds her own, don’t you worry about that” Jon said. Jesse moved to the other set of pictures that were taken probably a few years ago, at what looked like Christmas time of Jon and the boys, all scrambling on his knee and Steph sitting on the arm of the chair. Jon wanted to ask what she was thinking as her brown eyes danced over the pictures as her smiled widened but he didn’t. He loved that she was already captivated with his children.

“So do you want a tour? Or can I get you a wine?” he asked dropping his keys and cell phone down onto the black granite kitchen bench.
She looked thoughtfully.

“Wine and then tour” she said with a smile. Jon nodded and selected two thick stemmed glasses and looked through his wine selection, he selected a Pinot Noir and set to pouring the liquid. He walked back over to her and now she’d found the photos of the band on the wall. She snorted fighting back her laughter, Jon smiled

“Something the matter” he asked as he handed her the glass. He grabbed the remote which flicked on the small gas fire in the room and also the sound system that was built in came to life. Bruce Springsteen burst to life over the sound system.

“One Jersey boy to another huh?” she asked with a chuckle

“I’m much better looking though aren’t I?” he asked brushing up against her.
Her attention was back at the pic that was taken in Vegas around 1989.

“Your hair is just so... Thick and long!” she said giggling. Jon laughed at her.

“Hey come on, wasn’t it sexy?” he purred to her in a joking manner.

“Oh for sure, I am sure you lured some ladies back with that mane, did it ever get in the way?” she asked again looking at the other pics.
Jon choked on the sip he had just taken. She didn’t look at him, she just smirked.

“Oh you are bad woman” he said, she didn’t reply except started walking up the stairs to the next level which she assumed where the rest of the place was hidden.
He followed her, the stairs landed on a smaller living area first with a huge flat screen TV mounted on the wall, and a lot of sport memorabilia was clad on these walls.

“Soul huh?” she asked him noticing the trend.

“I am a co owner” he offered her. She just nodded looking at a couple of pics of him and the boys that were from obviously a Soul game.
Jon led the way down the hallway to where door led off in every direction.

“Kids bedrooms, guest bedroom, bathroom, studio, and…” he swung open the door to his room. Jesse looked on with approval. It was a simple yet masculine room, mahogany sleigh bed with a plain white bed cover, with two tall boys and matching bedside drawers, each donned with a maroon lamp.

“Its gorgeous Jon” she said as she peered into an open door which was his wardrobe.

“May I?” she asked, he nodded. He watched her rifle through his clothes obviously looking at the designs he wore. He was captivated watching her look at the stitching and fabric on some of his clothes.

“Your approval?” he chuckled?

“Very very nice, I see you have a lot of David Clark’s stuff” as well as noticing he had Boss and Armani among many other clothes.

“I do – you know him?” he asked her.

“Yeah, I do – he’s a” she paused looking for a word.

“Asshole?” he filled in. She chuckled “Yeah” she said as she closed the door. Jon watched her.

“So did you want to sleep in here?” he asked hoping he wasn’t pressing her. She looked back at the huge bed that looked so plush and inviting.

“It’ll do” she said off handily winking at Jon. He grinned.

"I’ll go and get your things and bring the wine bottle in here” he said as he placed his own glass down on the near by tall boy and leaving the room. Jesse looked around the room and sat on the edge of the bed. Was she ready for this, it wasn’t exactly a huge deal but she’d started to let Jon into her heart even though she didn’t want to admit it. She had. He was just so easy though, she never assumed once he was playing her or anything, half time the time she forgot who he was outside their friendship.

Jon turned out the lights and power downstairs activating the alarm for the lobby of the penthouse and climbing back up the stairs with Jesse’s bag and the bottle of wine he’s previously opened. He wanted nothing more than to walk into that bedroom and make love to that woman like she deserved, but he knew they weren’t there in that place yet. And he had to respect her wishes as she was well worth waiting for.