Chapter 34

Jon looked up as Brianna entered the room with the first interview of the day and had to shift his position to ease his discomfort - and hide his body's reaction. Since it was a work day, she was back into a suit. This one was kind of a rust colour that brought out the red in her hair. The mid thigh hem revealed almost all of the eight feet or so of her legs which, in turn, dried up all the moisture in his mouth. He had to force his attention back to the reporter.

That worked for about five minutes until Brianna leaned over next to him to refill his teacup. The scent of her perfume stole his senses...and his concentration. He had to ask the reporter to repeat the question.

Brianna stayed on the other side of the room as much as possible - not that it helped much. She could still see his lips move, hear his voice, and occasional chuckle.  All of it served to heighten her senses and awareness of him - not that she wasn't already aware of every movement he made. She told herself it was necessary to watch for any sign that he needed something - that was her job after all - but her libido snorted. Whatever let's you sleep at night, honey.

Glancing at the clock, she counted the minutes until she could escape the torture, and stifled a groan. Of course, on a show day, interviews were the least of her problems. Between seeing him in various states of undress before the show and him stripping off his sweaty shirts during and after and tossing them at her, it was like living in purgatory.

To make matters even worse, at each of the hotels they stayed at, not only were their rooms on the same floor, they were next to each other. It had seemed like such a good idea a few weeks ago, considering the difficulty he had accepting Dorothea’s illness, but now it was hell. Not only did she have to deal with him all day, she had the added pleasure of lying in bed and imagining what he was doing on the other side of the wall with every noise she heard.

The only thing that kept her sane was her off days. Jon had been good about giving her free time when he had some.  The last one they had before heading home was in Sapporo. Brianna desperately needed some distance from Jon, and luckily, the email she'd gotten from Dorothea had given her the perfect excuse. "If you don't need me Jon, I've got some shopping to do before we had back home."

"Yeah? What for?"

"Dorothea asked me to pick up some things for the kids."

"What's she want?"

She glanced at her Berry. "A kimono for Steph, a Samuarai sword for Jesse, and some anime toys for the little ones."

Jon frowned in thought. "I want to get something for Dot. I'll come with you and you can help me pick it out."

Brianna bit back a groan as her peaceful day disintegrated before her eyes. But what could she say? "Okay. The concierge gave me directions to some good places. I'm ready whenever you are."

Jon turned to grab his wallet - and to hide his grimace at her choice of words. What he was ready for he didn't think she'd want to know about. But that didn’t stop him from thinking about it every time she came near him.....and while he was lying in bed pretending to sleep. Between Dorothea and Brianna he was either going to lose his mind from lack of sleep....or end up in a doctor's office for some cream to ease the chafing skin of his dick! He hadn't jacked off this much since puberty!

Just as they reached the elevators, the doors opened, allowing David to step out, wiping a towel across his face, obviously on his way back from the gym. "Hey! Where are you guys off to?"

"Shopping." Brianna answered. "Dot sent me a list. Do you need anything while we're out?"

"No thanks, I'm good."

"Okay, see you later."

David stood staring at the closed elevator door for several moments trying to decide if this latest development was a good one or a bad one.

It was almost dinner time when they finished and returned to the hotel. The experience reminded Jon why he hated shopping, and reminded Brianna why she preferred shopping alone....or at least without a man in tow.  The anime toys for the little ones were easy - they were everywhere. Even the Samaurai sword for Jesse wasn't too hard. It only took looking in two souvenir shops to find a beautifully rendered replica. Most of their time was spent in a traditional clothing store searching through kimonos.

Jon had decided to get one for Dot - to use as a robe, not the traditional way - and wanted Brianna's help getting the right size and choosing a colour.

They settled on a pink floral design on a white background with a bright pink obi for Stephanie. That was the easy one. Then Brianna spent two hours trying on kimono after kimono because Jon insisted he needed to see them modeled to judge which would suit Dorothea best.

Jon knew the black embossed with a Japanese garden scene in orange, green and gold was perfect for his wife the moment he saw it, but something about seeing Brianna in vibrant shades of silk kept him quiet and urging her to try on others. When she came out of the dressing room wearing scarlet with a black and gold pattern it felt like someone kicked him in the stomach. 

He was screwed. He could only hope Brianna hadn't noticed his reaction.

At the checkout, Brianna laid the scarlet one on the counter beside the other two, along with a couple sets of hair sticks and set her credit card on it. The kimono had been very comfortable and she liked the colours. Her decision to buy it for herself had nothing to do with the reaction Jon tried to hide. She didn't care whether he like the way it looked on her, she did. Keep telling yourself that Bri. Doesn't make it true.

While the salesgirl was ringing up Jon's purchases, she wandered over to look at some embroidered scarves. A few minutes later Jon approached her, bags in hand. He held out her credit card to her. "Are we done now?"

Slipping the card into her wallet she nodded. "Yes. We can head back to the hotel." She reached to take the bag with her purchases, but Jon just turned and headed for the door and the car waiting outside. It wasn't until she took the kimono out of the bag to put in her suitcase that she noticed there was no receipt. She made a mental note to ask Jon for it.

Much to Brianna's relief, they weren't flying out until the morning after the last show. She was looking forward to a good night's sleep before facing that long flight home again.

They were waiting for the guys to head back to the hotel when Brianna's phone buzzed with a message. Reading it, she strode down the hallway to knock on Jon's dressing room door. "Jon?"

"Come on in Bri."

She opened the door. "I just got a message from Philly....oh! I'm sorry! I can come back." He was obviously in the process of getting dressed, but hadn't gotten any further than putting on jeans. Even his feet were bare. It was a vision that would be permanently etched into her brain...and her libido! The temperature in the room rose about ten degrees.

Jon just waved a hand. "It's fine. What's going on in Philly?" He sat down to pull on socks and boots.

"Um..." Brianna had to force herself to focus on his question. "They're putting together the press packages and promotional literature for the Foundation and the playground project. The local paper wants to do a piece for their next edition and they need a quote right away." She glanced at her watch. "If I send it tonight they'll have it in time for their deadlines."

He sighed. "Okay, I'll dictate, you type." He got up and paced while he dictated, pausing periodically to read what they had over her shoulder.

It would have been helpful to Brianna if he'd put a shirt on first. His nearness, his heat and his scent all conspired to wreck havoc with her senses. Her heart rate sped up, her breathing accelerated, her skin tingled where his had touched when he leaned close and warmth flooded her loins. Shit! By the time he was satisfied with his statement and she'd sent it Stateside it was all she could do to hold back from jumping him.

When they got back to the hotel and Jon disappeared into his room, Brianna dropped off her briefcase and headed for the bar.

An hour later, the waitress approached David at the table where he and Tico were sitting relaxing. "Sir, one of your party is over near the bar. She may need some help getting back to her room."

"She?" David asked for clarification. There weren't many women in the crew.

The waitress nodded. "Red hair, gold eyes."

David and Tico exchanged a look. "Bri."

"What’s the problem?" Tico prepared himself to break up a fight – or start one.

"She found out she likes sake."

"Aaaah." David nodded in understanding. "Been there. We'll take care of her. Thanks."

"Can you bring us some sodas...and some water?" Tico ordered before she left.

Brianna glanced up as they joined her. "Hey guys. Can I buy you a drink?"

"Sure." Tico went along with her.

"What brings you down here tonight Beautiful? Bored or just trying out some of the national cuisine?" David gestured towards her glass."

Brianna sighed. "Decompressing. This job has turned out to be more than I signed on for." She frowned at the glass of water the waitress set down in front of her. "Whass this?"

"Water."

"Don want water, I want some more sake. Have you tried it? It's good stuff!"

"I know, but drink up, you'll thank me tomorrow." Tico assured her.

"What's the problem with the job? Or is it Dorothea's illness?" David guessed, hoping he could distract her.

"Or Jon and his temper?" Tico suggested.

Brianna snorted and drank her water obediently. "I can handle his temper." She frowned at him with glazed eyes. "Do you know the damn man is everywhere? At work, on my days off, here, in the States, in the damn room next door, I turn around.....and BAM! There he is. Kinda like herpes, he never really goes away."

The men exchanged amused glances. They'd seen her after a few drinks before, but nothing like this.

She turned serious. "Iss just......I'm not a grief counsellor. I don't know how to help them. And Dorothea.....she's asking too much of me." She closed her eyes and dropped her head back on her shoulders. "Way too much."

David slid an arm around her shoulders and squeezed. "Aw, come on Beautiful, you can do it. I have faith in you."

She shook her head. "No, I can't. As much as I want to - and God knows I want to - it's too much. My conscience won't let me." She laid her head down on the table. "I just can't......I just can't." And if she said it enough times maybe her libido would believe it.

"Come on Beautiful, let's get you to bed." David stood and tried to urge her to stand up.

"No! I'm not ready to go to bed. Iss cold and...lonely." She looked around for the waitress. "Where'd Mai go? We need some more sake! Hey, do you think she knows Takumi?"

"Oh, I think we've had enough for tonight." David disagreed.

But no matter how much they talked and cajoled, she refused to budge. Not wanting to make a scene in so public a place - even though there weren't many people left in the bar at that hour, they were forced to call for help.

When Jon walked into the bar and approached their table he was still trying to decide whether to be pissed or amused. He hadn't been sleeping when David called, but he had been dreaming - of his all too attractive assistant. Her being drunk in a public place did not make him happy, but at least in Japan people wouldn't know who she was or that she was connected to him. On the other hand, he'd been hit by the sake club himself before.....and he was curious to see what kind of a drunk she was.

Brianna looked up and her eyes widened. "See?" She looked at her companions. "He's everywhere!" She frowned up at her boss. "How do you do that? Do you have clones...like in that movie? You know the one. With the Beetlejuice guy."

Jon bit his lip against a grin. "Come on Golden Eyes, I think it's time go to bed."

His bandmates' brows rose at the pet name, but Brianna didn't even hear it.

"Goose, ya big stud! Take me to bed or lose me forever!" She laughed hysterically. "I love that movie. But you don't really look like Goose. More like Iceman." For some reason, that was funny to her rice wine soaked brain, and she burst out laughing again.

Jon shook his head. "Okay Lemma, you grab one arm, I'll get the other. Teek can you grab her bag?"

"Sure, make me carry her purse." Tico grumbled.

Between the two of them, they got her up and moving.

"Wait! Tico, mi amigo! Where are you?" She tilted her head way back to see him and if it weren't for the two holding her arms she would have ended up on the floor.

"I'm right here nina." Tico assured her.

"Oh. Good." Her head swivelled and once again her captors had to hold her up. "Mai! Where...oh! There you are. Thanks for a great evening." She leaned back again to see Tico with her purse. "Can you make sure she gets a big tip? She's been great." She looked at Jon. "I think we should introduce her to Takumi."

The ride up in the elevator was....enlightening. It was one of the few in the world that played music, which was great for covering awkward silences, but had a different effect on an inebriated Brianna. At first they thought she was swaying because of her condition, but when her arms started swinging around and she gyrated, they realized she was dancing – or trying to. By the time they got to their floor, all three men had tears of laughter running down their faces.

They stopped outside her room. "Where's your key Beautiful?"

"In my pocket." She leaned over Jon to whisper - loudly. "Wanna take it out?" And she was off into hysterical laughter again.

Jon snorted and eased his hand into her back pocket. In the process of pulling out her key, he couldn't resist giving the firm flesh under his hand a slight squeeze. Luckily, she was so drunk she didn't even notice.

In her room, they sat her on the bed. David knelt to take off her shoes and Tico disappeared into the bathroom, returning with a glass of water and a couple aspirins which he set on the bedside table.

Brianna reached out and tugged on one of David's curls, "Ping!" She giggled. "Do you know how many girls want to do that?"

David grinned up at her and waggled his eyebrows. "Why do you think I keep it this way?"

She looked up at Jon. "Yours they just want to slide their fingers into and clench." She crooked a finger, beckoning him to come closer.

The last thing he needed was her fingers in his hair! He shook his head and leaned away from her. "Uh uh. I'd like to keep it in my head thanks."

Brianna sighed heavily. "No touch. Must remember not to touch." She dropped back onto the bed. "Sorry Dot, no touch."

Jon hoped he was the only one to hear her murmured words.

"What did she mean by that?" David eyed Jon.

"Who knows? She's drunk." Jon didn't evade his friend's look. "I haven't done anything with Bri, not even close." Even though I have my dying wife's permission. I should get sainthood for this! "Let's just let her sleep it off." He started for the door,

David stood and lifted her legs onto the bed. He wasn't convinced, but he didn't have enough information to dispute his friend's claim.

Tico pulled the blanket up over her and they followed.

Chapter 33

Jon was never so happy to board the plane and escape on tour. Unfortunately for his peace of mind, the source of his discomfort was leaving with him. Damn Dorothea and her crazy ideas! Even though he had no intention of going along with it, the idea was always in the back of his mind, especially when Brianna was close by. The scent of her perfume wrecked havoc with his concentration and sent his thoughts into a taboo area.

He caught movement out of the corner of his eye and groaned inwardly as Brianna walked by to take her seat. He didn't even want to think about what the sight of her legs did to him. Thankfully, they were encased in denim today instead of being bared by one of her skirts. Apparently Dorothea had finally convinced her that she didn't need to dress for the office all the time. When she turned and stretched up to stash a bag in the overhead compartment, he groaned again and jerked his gaze away. As if her damn suits and dresses weren't bad enough, the damn woman filled out a pair of jeans perfectly! Even though he's seen her in jeans plenty around the house, it didn't lessen the impact.

Jon leaned his head back, closed his eyes and wondered if he could sleep all the way to Japan.

"Hi Beautiful." David bent and kissed her cheek. "What's wrong? Are you sick?"

Brianna frowned. "No. Why do you think something's wrong?"

"No suit." Richie replied as he joined them.

Laughing, Brianna explained. "Jeans are more comfortable to travel in and since it's just us...." She shrugged.

"It took you long enough to figure that out nina." Tico winked at her. "Nice to see you loosening up a little."

"You get a little.....tension relief.....over the break?" David waggled his eyebrows.

Brianna glanced at Jon before she could stop herself, but thankfully, his eyes were closed. Face heating, she swatted David's arm. "That is none or your business!"

David just laughed and settled himself for takeoff.

When they'd reached cruising altitude, Brianna undid her seatbelt and opened her laptop. She should have picked a different seat instead of one where she had a direct line of sight to Jon, but they had settled into a routine during the tour and that included where each of them sat on the plane. Originally she'd chosen her seat to be able to see Jon if he needed her for anything. Now it was just torture. She watched his lips move as he spoke and wondered what his kiss would taste like. She watched his hands and imagined them stroking her body. A shiver ran down her spine and her body tightened. Damn Dorothea and her crazy ideas! Focusing on the screen in front of her she forced herself to concentrate on work and not the man exuding sex appeal across the aisle.

The pinging of Jon's phone had him opening his eyes to check the message. He sat up and forwarded the message regarding exactly the type of project he'd been looking for the Foundation to get involved in to his assistant. "Bri..."

She didn't look up from reading it. "I'll look into it. How do you want...?"

"Email is fine for now."

"Do you want me to...?"

Jon glanced at his watch and calculated the time difference to Philly. "No, I'll call later."

Brianna nodded. "Okay."

Richie looked back and forth between the two - who had never so much as glanced at each other throughout the entire exchange. "You guys have been spending waaay too much time together."

Jon crooked a brow at him.

"You just had a conversation without enough words to even make a sentence!"

Blue eyes met amber and they both smiled crookedly and shrugged.

David eyed them closely. "Just how much time have you been spending together?"

Jon ignored him and scrolled through his email, so David turned to Brianna and raised a brow.

By now Brianna knew that when David wanted something from you he wouldn't stop hounding until he got it. Besides, she didn't think it was a secret. "I've been helping Dot."

"So.....a lot." David pressed.

"Yeah, I guess."

"How's she doing?" Tico interrupted.

Since it was clear Jon wasn't going to answer, they all looked at Brianna.

"Tired, but she's holding her own."

Richie motioned towards Jon and crooked a brow. Brianna made a see-saw motion with her hand.

"I can see both of you, you know." Jon commented dryly, not looking away from his email. "And I'm.....coping."

It was a long flight. Work completed for the moment, Brianna killed some time playing cards with the guys, then settled back in her seat with a book. 

Awhile later, Jon looked over and found her sleeping, her arms hugging her body as though she was cold. Rising, he went in search of Vicki and returned with a pillow and a blanket. Gently lifting Brianna's head, he slid the pillow underneath then covered her with the blanket. He started to step back and stopped. One hand lifted to brush aside a lock of hair that had escaped her twist, unconsciously trailing along her cheek and jaw as he did so. His eyes roamed over her face, peaceful in repose, and rested on her luscious lips, unable to stop himself from once again wondering what she tasted like.

"What are you doing?" Richie asked quietly.

Jon straightened and stepped back. "She looked cold. I'm just trying to make her comfortable."

"Uh huh. Just don't get too comfortable there yourself. It'll only hurt everyone involved."

"Give me a little credit." Jon scowled. "I'm not stupid."

Richie watched him stomp over to his seat and open his laptop. No, just hurting and lonely, and that's a dangerous combination.

By the time they landed in Tokyo, Brianna was more than ready to get to the hotel where she could get some time on her own. Being cooped up for hours in a flying metal tube with Little Jon and his band of Merry Men could be a bit overwhelming at times. Add that to the jet lag and she just wanted a hot bath and a nap, so she was more than thrilled when they were handed their keys and Jon gave her his instructions.

"Go get some rest. I'm going to sleep for awhile too. I'll call you if I need you before the interviews tomorrow." He thought for a moment. "Room service here is good....so is the hotel restaurant if you're hungry."

"Thanks." She was so tired she could have kissed him. Whoa! Better stop those kinds of thoughts, even as a joke!  Good thing she had some time to recharge and clear her travel fogged brain. She obviously needed some time away from Jon - and Dorothea's crazy idea - and get her head back on straight.

She was so lost in her own thoughts, she didn't notice whose room was where, other than they were all on the same floor. Before the door had completely closed behind her, she had her suitcase on the bed and open. A glance in the bathroom assured her it had a nice deep tub and she rushed back to grab her toiletries. In less than five minutes she was sinking into a pile of bubbles. Leaning her head back against the rim, she closed her eyes and sighed. As the warm water relaxed her body, her mind started to wander.

Gentle fingers traced a path over her collar bone and down over the fullness of one breast. One calloused tip circled her nipple, teasing it to rock hardness. His other hand came up to give her other breast the same treatment. Thumbs joined the play and plucked the stiff nubs. At her soft moan, smooth palms caressed the creamy flesh and massaged lightly.

After a few moments, one hand released her breast to trail down over her abdomen. Her legs parted in invitation, one he was only too happy to accept. Her back arched as two blunt fingers slid through her pulsing cleft and slowly penetrated her molten core. Her gasp was followed by a low groan.

He chuckled. "You like that huh Bri?"

Brianna's eyes flew open. "Shit!" Washing quickly, she climbed out of the tub and dried herself off. Staring at her reflection on the mirror, she blew out a breath and shook her head. "Get a hold of yourself and stop thinking of your boss that way!" Her lips twisted into a wry smile. "You need to find a man!" She snorted. "And make sure he's single." In the meantime, she made a mental note to stock up on batteries for her mechanical substitute.

Pulling on a robe, she organized her room, then, still restless, stepped out onto the balcony. She leaned over the railing to look out at the city, wishing she had a glass of wine.

The thought had no sooner entered her mind, then a familiar hand came around the screen blocking her balcony from the room to the right of hers holding a full glass. "Want some?"

"You really are reading my mind!" She stepped closer to take the glass. "Thanks." She took a sip. "I thought you were going to sleep."

"I am, but I needed to relax a bit first." Jon replied. He didn't elaborate.

Brianna didn't need him to. "You called home?"

"Yeah. Linda's there. Everything's okay." He sipped. "Oh! Jake wanted me to let you know he's sending you an email."

"Birthday list?" She guessed.

"As far as I could figure out. Apparently since you did such a great job for Romeo, Jake wants you to organize his party....and convince me to buy him whatever his latest favourite toy is these days."

"All I did was set up what Dot planned. I didn't organize anything."

"Well, he thinks you can do anything, and Dot told him to give you his wish list."

"What the hell does he want? Life size Thomas the Train?"

Jon snorted. "Wouldn't surprise me."

Brianna groaned.

"Don't worry, you'll figure something out."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence. I don't want to let him down."

"You won't. You haven't let any of us down yet."

Except for your wife's latest....suggestion. She drained her glass and handed it back over the screen to him. "Well, I'm going to need to get some sleep if I'm going to be in my best party planner mode."

Jon chuckled. "Sleep well."

As the door closed behind her, the occupant of the room on the other side of hers sat back in his chair and contemplated the conversation he's just overheard. That sounds like it goes beyond just spending time in the same house together. That sounds like she's becoming part of the family. David took a sip of his own drink. And what's with Dot passing off planning Jake's birthday party to Brianna? Is she really that bad? Or is something else going on? He had his suspicions.

Chapter 32

After helping Dorothea put the kids to bed, Brianna disappeared into her bedroom to transcribe Dorothea's latest recordings - and give Jon and Dot some privacy.

Later, she wandered downstairs to get something to drink and noticed the crackling and flickering light of a fire coming from the living room. It was March, but the nights were still cool so the fireplace got a lot of use. Drawn by the warmth, Brianna peeked in, not wanting to intrude if Jon and Dot were in there. But she didn't see anyone, so she entered and stepped close to the fire, mesmerized by the dancing flames. 

The clink of glass had her turning to see Jon in the depths of the big armchair. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you in here. I didn't mean to intrude."

"You're not." Jon waved her to a chair and held up his wineglass. "Sit down and relax. Want a drink?"

"That would be nice. Thanks." She curled up in the chair on the other side of the fireplace and accepted the glass he offered her.

They sat in comfortable silence watching the fire for several minutes.

"That's a beautiful desk in my room. Thank you."

Jon shrugged. "It had to be uncomfortable trying to type sitting on the bed. I'd offer you my office, but I'd rather have you upstairs when Dot's resting in case she needs anything."

Brianna nodded.

They sat and sipped in silence.

This time it was Jon who broke it. "Tell me about yourself. Your family, your life." At her surprised look, he shrugged. "I want to talk about something....else. You know all about me, but we never talk about you."

Brianna debated where to start. She was surprised that she even wanted to. Normally it took a long time before she was comfortable enough with someone to talk about her personal life. She hadn't realized that Jon had gotten that far under her skin. She took a sip of her wine and a deep breath. "I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was the CEO of a Fortune 500 company until a heart attack forced him to retire last year. My mother was a stay at home mom. I have two brothers, both Vice-Presidents of major corporations, one in Boston, one in New York."

"So being a part of the business world comes naturally to you then. I'm surprised you didn't become an executive yourself." She was certainly smart enough.

"That's not an appropriate position for a female. The woman's role is to support the man, look after the house and the children - at least as far as my father's concerned." She shrugged as though it didn't matter. "Truth be told, I'm happy organizing things behind the scenes. I don't like being in the spotlight."

"Are you close to your family?" In all the time they'd spent together she'd never mentioned any of them.

"My mother yes, the rest...." She shrugged again. "Dad wasn't around much when we were growing up. He spent long hours at the office and travelled a lot. My brothers have followed in his footsteps. I only see them usually once a year at Christmas."

His brows rose. "Even the brother that lives in New York? You live in the same city and don't see each other?"

"He's......busy."

"And you're okay with that?" He was beginning to see why she insisted on including the kids activities in his schedule - and didn't question why he didn't cancel the tour to stay home with Dorothea.

Brianna shrugged yet again. "That's just the way it is. I'm used to it."

"That doesn't mean you have to like it."

"No, it doesn't." She sipped her wine.

Over the next couple weeks, by unspoken arrangement, after everyone was in bed they met in the living room for wine and conversation. They talked about places they'd visited, books they'd read, movies they'd seen.....got to know each other as individuals, not just boss and employee.

Dorothea watched the growing friendship with satisfaction. When they joked and laughed while doing the post dinner dishes, or teased each other while playing games with the kids, or even argued about music, it just confirmed in her mind that she'd made the right choice.

The sun was shining brightly through their bedroom window when Dorothea awoke. Opening her eyes, she found herself looking into warm blue pools. She lifted a hand to stroke his cheek. "Morning."

"Morning Dotty." He leaned in to touch his lips to hers, deepening the kiss as she opened for him. As his passion heated and grew, he set his hands on her body and let them roam.

After a few minutes, Dorothea pulled back, regret stamped all over her face. "I'm sorry Johnny, I just....can't."

"Ssshhhh, Dotty, it's okay. I understand." He did, but that didn't ease the fire in his blood or the ache in his groin. While his compassion recognized her condition, his body still had needs.

Jon held her close for a few minutes, then rose from the bed and moved to stare out the window. His frustration was running high and he struggled not to lash out at her. It had been so damn long since they'd touched that way, and he was missing not only the physical satiation, but the emotional closeness that went with it.

Dorothea could see the muscle clench in his jaw. "I'm sorry."

He blew out a breath and shrugged. "It's not your fault. It's okay. I'll survive."

She studied him for a moment before daring to suggest a solution. "Honey.....I know you have needs that I can no longer take care of."

"I told you, it's okay, I'll survive."

"But you don't have to suffer along with me."

Jon turned to stare at her. "What are you saying? You want me to cheat on you? Have an affair?"

"It's not cheating if I give my blessing and it's not an affair if it's with my full knowledge."

"And do you have some poor unsuspecting female picked out for me to use to take care of my needs?" His tone was scornful.

Dorothea grinned and watched him closely for his reaction. "Brianna."

To say he was stunned would be an understatement. "You're crazy."

"No I'm not, it makes perfect sense. You get along well, you like each other, she's attractive and she understands the situation. She's a friend who won't disrespect me. Plus she's close by all the time."

"Handy." He replied dryly and ignored his body's response to the idea. "Have you said anything about this to her?"

"Not yet, but I'm going to. It's the perfect solution."

"Don't bother. I won't do it and she'll never go for it."

"Why not?"

"Because, regardless of your 'blessing', it would feel like we were betraying you and neither one of us will do that."

Dorothea noted that he didn't say he wasn't attracted to Brianna, but decided not to push it. "Let's just say that you and I both know things can happen, and if it happens with Brianna I won't be upset."

Jon just grunted and headed for the bathroom and the shower.

Later that day while the little ones were napping and Jon was in his office, Dorothea and Brianna were sitting in the living room organizing the kids’ memory books.

"Tell me about your ex-husband." Dorothea invited.

Brianna's eyebrows rose and she shrugged. "Not much to tell. He's a corporate CEO in New York. He was my boss before I married him."

"What happened?"

"After we got married it was decided my place was at home, taking care of things there, entertaining his guests, and being on his arm when we went out. After a couple years I could sense that something was wrong and I started to suspect he was cheating on me. But when I confronted him, he denied it and swore I was the only woman he wanted and I let it go. But he got more and more secretive with unexplained absences. He got sloppy. One day I was cleaning his office, opened a drawer to put away some papers and found some photos of him and his new assistant."

Dorothea winced. "Let me guess....in some rather 'friendly' positions."

"Mmmmm. And some were minus clothing. I decided to do a little snooping on his computer and hacked his e-mail - it wasn't difficult, he used his birthday for his password. I found e-mails going back almost a year - starting shortly after she was hired. I had my bags packed by the time he got home. I showed him the evidence, gave him my attorney's card and left. One thing I can't tolerate or accept is cheating."

"You left? I would have kicked him out."

Brianna grimaced. "Pre-nup. The penthouse was his."

"Ah." Dorothea debated how to bring up the subject. "So.....you don't approve of bosses and their assistants having a personal relationship?"

"If one of them is married, the lines need to be respected."

"Even if the wife approves?"

Brianna stared at her friend for a long moment, suddenly realizing Dorothea wasn't talking about Alex anymore. "What are you trying to say Dot? I've never come even close to crossing the line with Jon. I wouldn't do that to you." Thinking about it didn't count.

"Oh, I know and I trust you." She hesitated. "My condition has reached the point where I no longer have the strength -or the interest - for sex anymore. But I recognize that Jon has needs and I don't want him to suffer because of me."

"If you're suggesting what I think you're suggesting....." Brianna's mind stuttered over the very idea. "You're crazy."

"No I'm not. It's the perfect solution. You get along well. You like each other. You understand him and how to deal with him. He had a vasectomy, so there's no worries about pregnancy. He's disease free. Most women consider him attractive."

Brianna snorted at the understatement - she'd seen first hand women of all ages throwing themselves at him and being emotionally overwhelmed at just the touch of his hand. "Still.....he's your husband! I don't fool around with married men!"

"All I'm saying is that with all the time you spend together, and the emotions surrounding my illness - along with the fact Jon has a very strong sex drive - if something were to happen between the two of you, I wouldn't be upset. I trust both of you not to disrespect me."

"And you don't think us sleeping together would be disrespecting you?" Brianna couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"No. Not when I know it doesn't change anyone's feelings about each other." Dorothea reached over and squeezed Brianna's hand. "Really, I'm okay with it."

Brianna shook her head. "No way. I’m sorry Dot, but it’s not happening."

Dorothea didn't argue any further. She'd planted the seeds and was confident that with time and proximity - especially on the Japanese and European legs of the tour when home was far away - those seeds would take root and grow, nudging her nicely budding plan towards full bloom.

Chapter 31

Jon closed the door behind him, tossed his keys on the table in the foyer and blew out a relieved breath. Home at last. For a full three weeks he could relax with his family before heading for Japan.

"Hi Jon."

His head snapped up at the sound of his sister-in-law's voice. "Hi Linda." He glanced up the stairs.

"She's asleep." She studied his face. "She didn't tell you I was here, did she?"

He shook his head and frowned. "How is she?"

Linda sighed. "Let's go sit down."

Settling in the living room with a bottle of wine, Jon handed Linda a glass and braced himself. "How bad is it?"

"She called me last week and asked me to come help with the kids. Chasing Jake and Romeo around was getting too much for her." She paused to take a sip. "She's tiring more easily now. The stairs wear her out and she has to rest."

"It's happening too fast." He wasn't even aware that he'd said the words out loud.

Linda couldn't argue. Watching her sister fade away before her eyes was breaking her heart.

"Is she in a lot of pain?" He asked, dreading the answer.

"No. The doctor upped her pain killers a little bit, but she seems to be comfortable, just tired."

"Nauseous?"

"Not really. Her appetite has fallen off though."

Jon nodded his understanding and sat staring at the golden liquid in his glass, the muscle twitching in his jaw the only visible sign of his emotions - as long as you didn't look into his eyes.

Linda stood. "I'm going up to bed." She stopped beside him, laid a hand on his shoulder, squeezed and left him to his thoughts.

The bottle was empty by the time Jon dragged himself upstairs.

Dorothea awoke as he crawled into bed. "Hi."

"Hi. How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

One masculine brow rose. "Really. Then why is Linda here? And why didn't you tell me you called her to come help you?"

She grimaced. "I'm okay, just tired." She met his skeptical look. "And this is why I didn't tell you. I didn't want to upset you."

Jon had his doubts about the state of her health, but he didn't want to argue. "What can I do to help? What do you need?"

"Hold me Jon. I just need you to hold me."

He opened his arms. "I think my nursing skills are up to that.  Come here Dotty."

Shifting closer, Dorothea rested her head on his shoulder and her hand on his chest. She closed her eyes as his arms closed tightly around her. "Mmmmm."

"Sleep Dotty, I've got you." Only God knows for how long.

She dozed off quickly. It was quite awhile before he could do the same.

The next morning Jake looked around the breakfast table, then up at his father. "Bianna home?"

"No, she's at her home in the city."Jon answered as he scooped scrambled eggs onto Jake's plate.

Dorothea frowned. "Why? I need her here."

"She needed some time to look after some personal stuff. She'll be out in a couple days." He assured her, chuckling at her pout that looked a lot like Jake's. "Don't worry, she'll be here as soon as she can. She knows you want her here."

While Jon took Steph and Jesse to school, Dorothea and Linda settled with the little ones in the living room.

"Brianna's Jon's assistant, right?" Linda asked as she helped Jake put a puzzle together.

"Yes."

"Her fun." Jake informed his aunt. "Her play games wife me an push me on de swings an weed me books an make me snacks!"

Dorothea smiled fondly at her son. "You really like her don't you buddy?"

"Uh huh," He nodded.

"She spending a lot of time here lately?" Linda pressed.

"Yes. She's helping me put together memory books for the kids." She never took her eyes off Jake. "She's really nice and she's a huge help to me. The kids love her, she actually understands Jon and he's says she's doing a great job. Even the rest of the guys have accepted her into the clan."

Linda had a feeling there was more that her sister wasn't telling her. "And what all is she doing for you - besides the books?"

"She helps with meals, the kids, the house....anything we need. She's become a part of the family.

Her firm tone and the fact that she avoided eye contact had Linda's instincts screaming. "What are you doing Dot?"

The quiet question had Dorothea shrugging. "I'm just taking care of business."

Two days later, Jon was sitting in his office gazing out the window at the Navesink, when Jesse entered the room. "Brianna's here."

Jon nodded. "Okay. Aunt Linda gone?"

"Yeah. She said to call and let her know when you guys are leaving and she'll be here."

"Okay.Where's Mom?"

"Upstairs lying down." Jesse wandered idly around the room.

Jon watched him for a few moments. "Something on your mind son?"

Jesse shrugged.

"Want to talk about it?"

Another shrug.

Jon hesitated, then decided to push. "Is it Mom?"

Jesse stopped in front of a window and stared out. "Dad.....what's going to happen...to us....after?"

Jon sighed and raked his fingers through his hair. "We'll be alright Jess. We've got family and friends who care about us. They'll be there to help."

"But.....how can we....without Mom?" His voice cracked, reminding Jon that he was just a young boy facing the loss of his mother.

Jon rose to stand beside his son and set his hand on the slender shoulder. "Because it's what she wants. I won't lie to you, it's not going to be easy, but we'll make it." His hand squeezed. "We'll help each other, and we'll make it."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

Brianna walked into 'her' bedroom, set down her suitcase and glanced around. Since she'd been there last, someone had rearranged the furniture and a desk was now set under the window. She smiled and set her laptop on the gleaming wooden surface. As much as Jon tried to come across as the tough, driven CEO type, he also had a soft, considerate side.

"Brianna? Is that you?" Dorothea's voice came down the hallway.

Rushing out of the room, Brianna stuck her head in the master bedroom. "Yes, it's me. Do you need something?"

"No, I heard someone moving around up here and wondered who it was." She patted the bed. "Come sit down so we can catch up." Her lips twitched. "Done any photo shoots lately?"

"Ha, ha. Jon told you about that huh?" Brianna grimaced.

"Yeah. He thought it was hilarious. Where did the paint come from?"

"Tico took me to this club where they do paint drumming. They put neon paint on these things that look like oil drums and when you hit them the paint splashes all over the place. The lights pulse with each drum beat. It's really cool."

"Sounds like fun."

"It was.....until I got called back to the hotel and tricked into waking Jon up."

"Tico's a sneaky one. No one expects it from him, so he's able to pull it off. Of course, some people keep falling for it even though they know to be on the lookout - like David."

"I still can't believe he did that to me."

 Dorothea studied Brianna's face. "You realize he didn't mean any harm and it's all in fun, right? He usually has a reason."

"He said I needed to loosen up, put more colour in my life." Brianna rolled her eyes.

"I figured it was something like that."

"Like what?"

"You've been so busy taking care of me and Jon, Teek was making sure you were being taken care of too." Dorothea reached over to pat her arm. "It's all part of being a member of the family. You'll get used to it." And it eases my mind to know they'll be there to help you.

"I hope so." Brianna sighed. Inside she was smiling. She'd never had so much fun working with a group of people. 

Chapter 30

Back on the road, the atmosphere, while not exactly joyous, was much less tense. Even Jon was more relaxed, which just proved the old saying that a burden shared was a burden lightened.

But he still had his bad days. One such day was in Houston. They'd spent the afternoon doing interviews, but had the evening off. Since David was on distraction duty, Brianna was looking forward to soaking in the hotel's hot tub for a couple hours followed by curling up in bed with a good movie. She figured she deserved it after dealing with Jon's roller coaster mood swings all day.

"Hey nina, I need your help with something tonight." Tico slid his arm around her waist and guided her towards the elevators.

Brianna bit back a groan. "What's going on?"

"I promised a friend I'd go meet his cousin and check out his drum kit. I need you to come with me."

"What do you need me for? I don't know anything about drums."

"It's supposed to be some new design that will appeal to amateurs and pros and women as well as men. I need your opinion." Before she could formulate an argument, he hustled her into the waiting car and they were off.

When the car stopped and they climbed out, Brianna frowned up at the flashing neon sign on the building. "Um....Teek, this is a club."

"Yeah. Come on." His hand on her back urged her forward.

"Yeah? What do you mean yeah?"

"Mr. Torres! Right this way please."

Brianna's head was spinning and what greeted her gaze inside didn't help. "What the hell?!"

The club was large, with multiple levels of seating and long bars along three of the walls. Along the fourth was a stage about thirty feet long. The huge dance floor in front of it looked like it had the ability to light up in various patterns, but tonight it was dark. The people standing one it weren't dancing either. Everyone's attention was focused on the stage where a handful of people stood behind large oil drums. Huge drop cloths covered the stage and the wall behind them. The tops of the drums were covered in pools of neon coloured paints. The participants beat on the drums with large sticks kind of like the ones they use on bass drums in marching bands, in time to the music blaring over the sound system. When stick hit drum, paint flew through the air covering walls, stage, participants - and those watching within the splash zone until they looked like they stepped out of a neon Jackson Pollack painting. The lights were the kind that white and neon glowed and they moved and changed with the beat of the drums.

Brianna turned as Tico pressed a glass of wine into her hand. "This is like that scene in Miss Congeniality! Cool!"

"Drink up. You're up next."

"What? No. I couldn't."

"Yes you can. It's all set up. I told you I needed your opinion.....and you need to loosen up." He grinned. Despite her protestations, he could see that she liked the idea.

Brianna wrinkled her nose at him, emptied her glass in two swallows and held it out for a refill. "I'm going to need more if I'm going to do this."

"Stage fright?" Tico was surprised.

"Hey, you guys might be used to a room full of people staring at you on stage, but I'm not!"

He chuckled and handed her a full glass. "Liquid courage it is."

It took two more glasses before she was ready. "Okay, let's do this." At the base of the stage she grabbed his arm and tugged. "You're coming up there with me."

"Ummm...yeah okay." He tugged the brim of his fedora down a little and followed her up the stairs.

The co-ordinator eyed Brianna's suit dubiously. With a rueful smile, she took off the jacket and set it behind the curtain with her bag, leaving her in a white tank top and navy skirt. She shrugged. The tank top was no big deal and if the skirt got ruined, well, she could afford a new one. This was going to be too much fun to pass up.

Brianna's first experimental strike resulted in bright pink paint splatters on her top....and a streak on her face. She laughed.

Tico grinned, pleased that the first part of his plan was a success - he hadn't heard her laugh like that in a long time. Too long. When the music started, he nudged her. "Like this. Do what I do."

"No one can do what you do."

"Thanks, nina, but try."

She did her best and very quickly they were both covered in splashes of various colours. Even Brianna's hair sported streaks of green, blue and purple since the crew changed the colour every time they added paint to the drums. She was having a blast! The background music was an accessory to their beat, enhancing rather than distracting. The lights pulsed to the same rhythm. The result was....primal. Each strike could be felt deep in her chest. She got into the rhythm and Tico kept it simple so that she could match him beat for beat. Even the crowd seemed to enjoy what they were doing. Every time they tried to step aside and let other people play, the audience booed and yelled until they picked up the sticks again.

Finally, after close to an hour, they pleaded exhaustion, set down their sticks and left the stage in search of a well earned refreshment. A staffer set a bag with Brianna's suit jacket and bag in it beside her chair. "Thanks." Taking a big gulp, she tried to wipe some of the paint off her hands with a napkin and grinned at her companion. "That was great! I haven't had that much fun in a long time."

"Yeah, that was pretty cool." Tico checked his watch. Okay Lemma, any time now.

But all good things must come to an end and this one ended abruptly with the buzzing of Brianna's phone. Sighing, she carefully pulled it out of her pocket and read the text from Jon.

Need you back here ASAP!

She'd barely finished reading it when the next message came.

I mean NOW Bri!

When she wrinkled her nose in a grimace, Tico fought against a smile. "Problem?"

"Apparently. My night off just got cancelled." She frowned. "I wonder what it is that David can't handle....and why David didn't call me?"

"Maybe he didn't tell Lemma." Tico offered, rising from his chair. "Let's go see what's up."

On the car ride back to the hotel, Brianna tried to call Jon, but couldn't get an answer. "It goes straight to voicemail. Now I'm starting to worry. Maybe I should call Paul and see if he knows what's going on."

"If he knew and it was something serious he would have called you."

"Yeah, I guess."

At the hotel, Brianna hurried up to their floor and paused at the door to her room, rummaging for her key.

"What are you doing?"

"I've got to get cleaned up first." She waved at her multicoloured shirt and face. "This is hardly professional."

"But isn't Jon waiting for you? You know how he hates to be kept waiting." He slipped an arm around her waist and hugged her. "I keep telling you, you need to loosen up."

With a frustrated sigh, she continued down the hallway to Jon's room and knocked.

No answer.

She knocked louder. "Jon? It's me."

Still no answer.

She glanced at Tico and frowned.

Tico stepped up and thumped his fist on the door before disappearing into his own room.

Suddenly the door flew open to reveal a rumpled and very grumpy Jon wearing a pair of sweatpants....and nothing else. "What the fuck do you want?! I just get to sleep and you're banging on my door? What the fuck Bri?" He took a closer look at his assistant. "What the fuck happened to you? Some sort of orgy or another new fashion statement....explosion in a paint factory?"

Mortified, her face flushed beet red, but she ignored his question and fought to keep a professional tone. But first she had to clear her throat and tear her gaze away from his bare chest. "You texted me that you needed me back here right away."

"No I didn't."

"Yes, you did."

"No, I didn't."

"Yes, you did." She pulled out her phone and showed him the messages.

"Bri, I haven't been on my phone in two hours, it's been charging. Ask Lemma."

They stared at each other for a moment, then their eyes widened. "LEMMA!"

At the sound of his name - or at least a version of it - being yelled down the hallway, David stuck his head out his door. "You bellowed? Oh hey Beautiful, nice look."

"What did you do David?" She ignored his comment on her appearance.

He saw her phone in her hand and knew the gig was up. "Don't blame me, I was just following orders."

"Who's orders?" Jon asked.

Before David could answer, Richie joined them, having also heard their raised voices in the hallway. "What's going on?" His lips twitched at the sight of Brianna. "Looks like someone had some fun tonight. Good. You needed to loosen up."

At those words - that she'd already heard twice tonight, Brianna knew who had masterminded this plan. Turning slightly she glared towards his room. "HECTOR SAMUEL JUAN TORRES! How could you?!"

Tico stepped out of his room and leaned against the wall. "I told you nina, you need to loosen up......put a little more....colour.... in your life. You've been way too uptight lately."

Her eyes narrowed. "Stephanie warned me about you, but I thought she was exaggerating."

He just grinned.

Richie ran a finger along a purple streak on her arm and sniffed it. "You should try the flavoured body paint next time." He waggled his eyebrows.

A snicker, and a clicking noise had her turning towards Jon's door to see him grinning and snapping pictures. "What are you doing?"

"Obie will want one for the tour scrapbook, and I want to send some to Dot. She's worried that you don't know how to relax and have fun. And you never know when these might come in handy." He paused and looked her over. "I think the blue streaks in your hair are a particularly nice touch. You look like you've been painting with Jakey." He chuckled and resumed taking pictures. "So much for my prim, proper, and ultra professional assistant."

They don't think I remember how to have fun? Hmpff! Reaching up, Brianna pulled the pins out of her hair and shook it out, sending a few flecks of paint towards her tormentors. Tossing her head, she struck a pose that would make a cover model jealous.

Jon's eyes widened, then he grinned and went with her flow. Crouching, he gave instructions as his camera clicked away. "Like that, yes! Now the other side. Give me mean, give me angry, give me sad and pouty. Toss your hair. Look at me over your shoulder. Now seduce me with those golden eyes."

Richie and David exchanged a look at the last one.

By the time they finally wound down and called it a night, David, Richie and Tico had all been pulled into her 'photo shoot' and they would never again accuse Brianna of not knowing how to have fun.