Saturday, September 28, 2013

Chapter 38


Jon blew out a breath, gathered his strength, withdrew from her body, rolled over onto his back.....and promptly fell asleep.

Brianna lay with her eyes closed, straining to catch her breath.....and process what had just happened. When her scattered wits settled back into place and enough oxygen returned to her brain for it to function properly again......she wished it hadn't. What the hell have I done? What kind of person am I? Easing quietly from the bed, careful not to wake Jon, she gathered her clothes and slipped into her own room, closing the door behind her.

In the shower, beneath the hot, pelting stream, she let her mind replay everything that happened from the time Jon started talking about his feelings of guilt. Tears joined the water splashing her face as the shame of what she'd done nearly buckled her knees. Oh, she could blame it on the alcohol, the length of time since she'd been with a man, the emotions filling the room, Dorothea's 'suggestion', even pure lust, but the cold hard truth was she'd slept with a married man - something she'd sworn never to do. 

She'd never felt such self-disgust in her entire life. And the worst part was.....she'd enjoyed it far too much. She'd gotten more pleasure from an hour with Jon than she had all the times with Alex combined! But he's married!!! It didn't matter that his wife had given her blessing, it was still wrong.

Brianna shook herself. She couldn't undo what was done. All she could do was make sure it never happened again. And she was sure that when Jon sobered up he would agree. With new resolve, she quickly washed, dried herself off and climbed into bed. 

Now all she had to figure out was how to face him in the morning.

Surprisingly, despite her emotional turmoil, Brianna slept soundly, waking only when the phone rang with her wake up call. Groaning, she dragged herself out of bed and prepared for the day. It was an interview day, not a show day, so she pulled a suit out of her bag. Ready, she stood in front of the connecting door for a long time, trying to gather enough courage to knock. They needed to talk about what happened and how it could never happen again.....didn't they?

Maybe, but it doesn't have to be right now. Chickening out, she decided being with other people the next time she saw him might be best. The other could wait until they'd both had time to put the events of the previous evening in perspective and the feelings weren't so.....fresh.

Turning, she escaped to the interview room. She was checking that everything the guys needed was ready and available when they joined her.

"Hey Beautiful. How did your night go? Any problems?" David greeted her.

Brianna choked until she realized her was referring to Jon's mood upon hearing that Dorothea needed to be put on oxygen. "No, no problems."

"Do you know if he managed to get any sleep?"

"Slept like the dead." Jon answered, entering the room. His eyes locked with Brianna's. "I was worn out."

Brianna flushed and turned back to the refreshment table. "Coffee, Boss?"

"Please."

The pause before his answer was long enough to alert David to the undercurrents in the room. He frowned.

As she handed him the mug their fingers touched. Where before there had been a spark, now there was fire. Her body reacted to that brief touch as if he stroked her. She shivered and quickly stepped back.

Jon noticed her reaction, but didn’t comment. He was too busy trying to repress his own reaction. When he'd awakened and remembered what had happened with his assistant he wasn't sure how he felt. Guilt, a little shame, yes - he didn't want to cause Dorothea more pain - but strangely, no regret. They shouldn't have done it, and it certainly couldn't happen again, but he didn't regret it. It felt much too good, too....right.....to regret it. He didn't know why, whether it was the alcohol, his emotional breakdown, the amount of time they'd spent together, Dorothea's crazy 'suggestion', or just built up lust and good chemistry, but having sex - he wouldn't lie and call it making love - with Brianna had been incredibly.....satisfying. And when she came close, his cock twitched and stirred, letting him know it wanted some more.

He gave a mental shrug. He wasn't going to waste time and energy trying to figure it out. He just had to make sure it didn't happen again. And by the speed Brianna moved away from him, he figured she realized it too. Good! That's a conversation I really didn't want to have.

David noticed her reaction too, but didn't know what it meant......but he was determined to find out. There was enough pain on the horizon with Dorothea's illness without something happening between these two to add to it. Plus, he was bored and watching them gave him something to do.

When Brianna finally sat down to monitor the interviews, she was fortunately  - or unfortunately depending on your perspective - directly in Jon's line of sight. Every time she shifted position, especially when she uncrossed and crossed her legs, he would stumble over his answers or lose his train of thought completely.

"Mind somewhere else today bro?" Richie asked in between interviews. "Or just more bored than usual?"

"Having problems focusing today." Jon shrugged. "I guess I still need more sleep."

"Or maybe more time in the gym to sweat off some....frustration." David smirked. He caught Brianna's gaze and winked. "How about you Beautiful? You having concentration problems today?" He'd noticed her staring at Jon, a glazed look in her eyes.

Brianna stared at him, wondering what he knew. "Nope. I'm a little tired, but otherwise I'm fine." She avoided looking at Jon by pure dint of will.

As soon as she was no longer needed, she escaped to her room, then out to explore Glasgow a little.

Jon escaped to the gym.

That night, they both stayed on their own sides of the connecting door.....and tried to sleep.



The next day, Brianna was checking the contents of Jon's dressing room when he walked in and stopped short. It was the first time they'd been alone since their night of shared passion.

Their eyes locked for a long moment, then they both turned away - Jon to rifle through his wardrobe trying to decide what he wanted to wear, and Brianna to check his supplies once more.

When she bent over to check the tub filled with ice, water and wine under his table, Jon groaned. His hands flexed, remembering what that firm round ass felt like without cloth in the way. His cock stood up, remembering a lot more. Damn! He turned away and yanked out a shirt.

Watching out of the corner of her eyes, Brianna couldn't help but notice his reaction - both his temper and his body - and smirk. Aside from anything else, it was a huge boost to her ego that she could affect him like that. But when he stripped off his shirt to change into his stage clothes, the tables were turned and she was the one groaning. The broad expanse of fur covered muscle had her fingers tingling and her temperature rising. In self defence, she headed for the door. "I'll get your ginseng."

Jon grinned. Ha! Two can play the teasing game sweetheart! As the door closed behind her, his smile faded, a wave of guilt washing over him. What are you doing, idiot? I don't care what Dorothea says, you can't go there.....again!

Brianna sat in the control room, staring at a bottle of wine, unable to decide if it would help or make things worse.

"Want me to open that for you?" Paul offered.

"Is it that obvious?" She grimaced.

He squeezed her shoulder. "Alcoholic fortification is a dietary requirement for anyone working in this organization for any length of time - especially for someone working in close proximity to Jon most of the time." Walking over to his desk area, he lifted his glass and toasted her. "Cheers."

Brianna laughed ruefully.

"Hey Beautiful?" David stuck his head in the door. "Boo Boo's bellowing for his ginseng."

Brianna glanced at her watch and jumped up. Pausing in the doorway, she glanced back at Paul.

He grinned and pulled the bottle of wine and a corkscrew towards him. "I'm on it."


At the break before the encore, Jon ran down the stairs from the stage, peeled off his sweat soaked shirt and tossed it at Brianna as usual. The two glasses of wine she'd had during the show slowed her reflexes and it hit her in the face. The scent of sweat mixed with his cologne had her senses spinning and she was slow to remove the cloth. She grimaced, snatched the shirt off her face and stalked off towards the dressing rooms. This has got to stop! 

Richie watched her go. "What's the matter with Brianna?"

David hesitated, but decided to keep his suspicions - and Dorothea's plan - to himself for awhile longer. He shrugged. "Maybe spending all this time with Boo Boo is finally getting to her and she's gone in search of wine."

"Hmmm....maybe we should help her with her search." He was still miffed about being left out of the party in Japan and was hoping to see her in action.

Tico frowned in concern as he also watched her hasty retreat. "Whatever it is we need to keep an eye on her."


Saturday, September 21, 2013

Chapter 37


The sound of her phone ringing had Brianna running out of the bathroom, stubbing her toe on the leg of the table on her way to answer it. "OW! FUCK!" She snatched up the phone. "Hello?"

"Uh....Brianna?" A woman's voice asked.

"Yes?"

"Hi. It's Linda.....Dorothea's sister. Is this a bad time?"

Oh shit. This can't be good. "Hi. No, it's fine. I just got out of the shower. What's wrong?"

"It looks like it's time to bring in the oxygen whether she likes it or not."

Brianna sat down and sighed. "Damn. Really?"

"Yeah. I had to argue a lot, but I finally got her to agree. It's getting harder for her to breathe. I mentioned a hospital bed again too, but she shot me down on that one. Says she's not ready for that yet."

"Other than her breathing how is she feeling? How's her pain?"

"Pain level is stable, but she's getting weaker. The stairs are almost more than she can handle."

"We should have set up a bedroom for her downstairs. I know she said no, but..."

It was Linda's turn to sigh. "I know, but she's stubborn....and usually gets what she wants."

Not always. "Okay. Who's telling Jon?"

Linda chuckled. "You're off the hook on that one. Dot's calling him. She wanted me to let you know so that you'll be prepared for his mood."

"Thanks. I'll warn the guys. Looks like we're going to need a distraction strategy tonight."

"Good luck."

"Thanks. You too." Brianna shook her head. Two more stubborn people she'd never met and she often wondered how they'd survived each other. "I guess that stubbornness is how their marriage has lasted this long."

"Yeah. They're both too stubborn to quit." Linda agreed. 

"I can't decide whether that's going to come in handy or make things more difficult."

"Let me know when you figure it out." Linda answered dryly. "I'll keep you posted on things at this end."

"Thanks. Talk to you later." Hanging up, Brianna sat for a few moments, contemplating what the day would bring. I wonder when Dot's calling him?

A loud bang, followed by "FUCK" coming from the room next door answered that question. She stood with a sigh and reached for her clothes. It promised to be a long day.

Brianna headed down to the lobby a little earlier than usual, hoping to have the opportunity to talk to the guys before Jon came down. Luck was on her side. Paul was talking to them halfway between the elevators and the door.

"Hey guys."

"Hey Beautiful. Ready for another fun filled day on tour?" David greeted her. A closer look at her face had him frowning. "What's wrong?"

"Linda called me this morning. Dorothea's had to go on oxygen. She's having difficulty breathing."

"Shit." Paul grimaced. "Does Jon know yet?"

She nodded. "Linda said Dot was calling him. I heard swearing thorough the wall, so I'm thinking that's a safe bet."

"So, we'll be dealing with the bear today.....or maybe the mute. Not sure which is worse." Richie said what the rest were thinking. "Other than her breathing, how is Dot feeling?"

"Her pain is controlled, but she's getting weaker."

"Damn." Tico swore softly. "It always happens to the good ones."

No one argued.

When Jon stomped through the lobby, they murmured greetings, but otherwise followed him silently out to the vans. The drive to the venue was equally silent as they were all lost in their own thoughts, their gazes on the Alps visible out the windows, although the Swiss scenery wasn't really registering in their brains.

At the stadium, Jon sat in his dressing room until it was time for sound check. Brianna moved in and out of the room, checking that everything he needed was ready. Neither spoke. When she took him his ginseng just before show time she found him sitting in a chair in front of the table, staring blindly into the mirror. 

Setting down the ginseng, she stood behind him for a moment, set her hand on his shoulder and squeezed. Jon met her gaze in the mirror, managed a half smile, and nodded.

She smiled back and left the room. No words were spoken. What does anyone say in this situation? Each knew how the other felt.

Jon had no clear memory of the show, but the crowd seemed pleased, so he guessed he'd managed to pull off a satisfactory performance. He wasn't sure how or how he was going to get through the rest of the tour. I should have cancelled the tour when she was diagnosed. The financial cost would have been nothing compared to the cost of not being there for her and the kids! He refused to acknowledge the part of him that was relieved not to be surrounded by the effects of her illness every day.

The flight to Scotland was silent for the most part. Jon wasn’t in the mood to talk and the others left him alone.

At the hotel, the guys tried to get Jon to join them for a drink.

"Come on man, come hang out with us. It'll take your mind off of things for a bit." Richie urged.

But Jon shook his head. "Thanks, but I just want to be alone." He looked around at his friends. "I'm okay. Just not feeling very sociable tonight."

No amount of cajoling would change his mind.

They watched him walk into his room and shut the door and exchanged concerned glances.

"I'll keep an ear out for him." Brianna assured them. "If I hear anything unusual, I'll call you."

Nodding, they all headed for their own rooms. It was all they could do if he wouldn't let them help.

Brianna eyed the door that once again connected her room with Jon's, hesitated, but decided to let him be and got ready for bed. She'd have to trust that he'd let her know if he needed her.

She'd just settled into bed with the TV remote when she heard a bang followed by swearing on the other side of the wall. Jumping out of bed, she pulled on her robe and rushed to the connecting door. She listened for a moment, then knocked. "Jon? Everything okay?"

Jon looked up from rubbing his foot that he'd stubbed. His idea of being by himself turned out not to be such as smart move. Avoiding people just gave him nothing to do but think about what was happening in New Jersey. TV was no distraction, and the bottle of wine he'd consumed wasn't enough to numb him and let him sleep. So, he'd gone for bottle number two, misjudged the table....and stubbed his toe.

But there was someone he could talk to about Dorothea without feeling weak, or not talk at all. They'd spent many nights sharing a glass or two of wine, exchanging memories or just sitting quietly by the fire or watching a movie. Limping to the door, he opened it and waved her in. "I'm fine. Stubbed my toe on the table. Come on in and have a drink with me."

Looks like he's had a few already. But he wasn't slurring or stumbling - other than hitting the table - so she figured he wasn't drunk. "These hotel tables are toe eaters." At his blank look, she explained. "I stubbed mine this morning too." Stepping into the room she looked around - trying to recover from her initial reaction to seeing him wearing jeans....and nothing else - but everything seemed to be in order. He was surprisingly neat on the road. "Thanks." She accepted the glass he held out to here and took a seat on the loveseat.

Jon sat beside her and they talked. About the tour, his charitable projects, the kids....just general chit chat. It wasn't until Jon opened the third bottle - Brianna tried to refuse since her head was already starting to spin, but he just ignored her and refilled her glass - that the touchy subject of Dorothea was brought up...by Jon himself.

"She's dying Bri." He stared into his glass and sighed heavily.

"I know." Tears pricked her eyes.

He sipped. "I knew from the first time I saw her when I walked into History class. I just knew. Copying off of her was more about getting her to notice me than passing the class. When she started dating one of my best friends it felt like a kick to my gut, but I was determined to win her over. When he joined the navy, I seized the opportunity and finally got her to go out with me." His lips twisted. "Nice friend huh? But I knew she was the one for me. The one I needed to be with me through the crazy life I was determined to have. And I got her. I convinced her that we could have a good life together."

"And you do. And I'm sure Bobby has forgiven you."

He fleetingly wondered if she new Bobby's name because she was a fan or because Dot had told her, but it didn't really matter. "Mmmmm." He sipped again. "I guess. But it could have been better....should have been better. I should have been home for her and the kids more instead of running around the world every couple years and leaving them alone." His breath caught and his eyes filled. "Now she's going to leave us. I'm losing her Bri. She's my best friend and the love of my life and I'm losing her!"

Brianna reached out to grip his hand, but kept silent - she had no idea what to say.

Something inside Jon snapped. He leaned against her and let the tears flow. "I thought we would be together forever. I thought we'd have plenty of time together when my career was done and the kids were grown. I thought we'd have time!"

She wrapped her arms around him, her own tears streaming down her face.

He held her tight. "What am I going to do Bri? What am I going to do without her?"

Brianna would never be able to say what exactly happened next, who made the first move. All she knew was that suddenly his lips were on hers, and it felt......right. Even though her mind was screaming that it was wrong and they should stop, she couldn't pull away. Then his tongue swept into her mouth......and her wits were swept away.

The next thing she knew, they were on the bed and his hands were roaming her body. The belt of her robe came undone beneath his nimble fingers and the cotton fell away to reveal red silk and lace that enhanced rather than covered her body. Eager palms cupped full breasts and massaged.

She moaned softly, and struggled to drag her wits back into place. She turned her head, breaking the kiss. "Jon, we....shouldn't."

Jon buried his lips in her neck. "Sorry. I know, but.....I.....need...." He shuddered at the fierce desire that was burning in his blood. Her soft smooth skin and supple muscles felt so good under his hands, her scent stirred his senses and her taste......her taste was like a five course meal to a starving man. He felt the hunger and sought the fastest, most satisfying way to sate it.

His confession, as much as his touch silenced the last of her protests. Her heart ached for what he was going through and if she could ease him - with his wife's blessing - even for a little while, she would. Her hands lifted to explore his chest, sifting through the hair covering it and teasing the nailheads of his nipples, scraping them lightly with her fingernails.

It was his turn to groan. Callused fingertips swept the narrow straps of her nightgown off her shoulders, urging it down to form a fiery pool at her waist. Soft lips left a trail of open mouthed kisses from her ear over her collarbone to the already stiff peaks of her plump mounds. He licked and sucked, revelling in the cries he drew from her.

"Jon, please!" Back arching, her fingers curled into his thick pectoral muscles, nails biting.

Without pausing his sweet torture, he stripped the nightgown completely from her body and nudged her thighs apart with his hand. Blunt fingers traced and explored her damps folds, her gasps and moans a guide to what she liked. But it was working on him as well. It had been so long since he'd been able to enjoy this kind of close, physical connection with a woman, he didn't know if he could last much longer.

But it wasn't enough.

Shucking his jeans, he urged her legs wider and moved over her, settling his hips in the cradle she provided. "Sorry, can't wait."

Her nails raked lightly down his back, urging him on. With one thrust, he filled her, burying himself to the hilt. "Yes!"

He moved slowly at first, gradually increasing his tempo until he was pounding into her. The sensations generated by the feel of him inside her were so overwhelming, she climaxed within minutes. "Oh! Oh! YES."

But Jon didn't stop. Hands hooking under her knees, he lifted them and pushed them flat onto the bed, opening her completely to his repeated penetrations. He ground down into her and she screamed as another orgasm ripped through her body.

He still didn't stop. He couldn't. His focus was no longer on the woman beneath him, but solely on his quest for release….and forgetfulness. Sweat covered his body in a fine sheen, but the peak stayed just out of his reach. He thrust harder.

Brianna shuddered and shivered as her body convulsed yet again, too exhausted to scream. A whimper was the best she could manage. "Jesus!" Whether it was a curse or a prayer, she couldn't say.

"Help me." His voice was a raspy whisper in her ear.

She gathered what strength she had left to flex her internal muscles, squeezing him tight.

"Fuck! Yes, yes, yes, yes." He repeated the word like a litany until finally....finally...she pulled him over the edge and he burst, pulsing and spewing deep inside her. He collapsed onto her with a deep, wrenching groan.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Chapter 36


"I don't know what you're talking about." They answered in unison, then shot each other a startled glance.

Dorothea snorted. "Yes you do. Look, I know that you both think I'm crazy and not thinking straight, but I assure you I'm completely sane. I know exactly what I'm suggesting." She eyed them both. "And don't try and tell me you're not the slightest bit attracted to each other, because I won't believe it. You're both healthy, attractive people, so it's only natural. And I know that when two such people spend a lot of time together, like you do, things.....can happen." She sighed. "Jon, you're a man and you have needs. I know better than anyone how strong your libido is. Denying it only makes feelings build up, resulting in bad side effects and stupid actions that hurt people we care about. Brianna, I know you don't want to do anything to hurt me or disrespect me - neither of you do. But as I've told you both, I'm okay with it. In fact, I encourage it. I give you my full blessing. Go forth and fornicate!"

"Dorothea!" Unison again. It would be impossible to say who was more shocked.

She snorted again. "You two need to get over it. We're all adults." And I need to know that my family is taken care of...in every way.

"You're crazy." Brianna shook her head. "I'm not listening to any more of this." She turned and left the room to start preparations for dinner.

Jon eyed his wife. "You're not really serious about this." It was almost a plea.

"Yes, I am."

He opened his mouth to argue, took one look at her face and thought better of it. He escaped to his office.


After dinner, when the kids and Dorothea were in bed, Jon and Brianna met up in the den as had become their habit. Jon handed her a glass of wine before sitting down. She grimaced, but accepted it. "Thanks."

He chuckled. "Think of it as a little hair of the dog."

"Mmmmm. Appetizing."

They sat and talked for an hour or two. About the kids' reaction to their gifts, what she could expect in Europe and places for her to visit in her off time, the Soul's season...everything except Dorothea's 'suggestion'. That topic, by unspoken, but mutual consent was off limits. “Oh, by the way, do you have the receipt for my kimono? It wasn’t in the bag.”

“Mmmm.” Jon sipped. “Probably. I’ll have a look through mine.”

“Thanks.”




It was an awkward few days, but with the distraction of the kids - and the fact Dorothea didn't bring up the subject again - they got past it and resumed their usual, comfortable relationship.

Jake's birthday party was a huge success. He got the Thomas the Train theme he wanted and enough toys to keep him busy at least until Christmas.....and his Uncle David came to visit.

"Hey man, what brings you out this way?" Jon greeted him.

"Lily had a gift for Jake....and I wanted to see Dot, if she's up for it."

"I think so. Come on in."

The women looked up as they walked into the living room.

"Hey Lemma!" Brianna smiled.

"Hey Beautiful! Had any sake lately?"

"Ha ha. Smartass." Standing, she headed for the kitchen to get some snacks.

"Unka Wemma!" Jake jumped up and ran to hug him.

"Hey buddy! Happy Birthday!"

David sat down on the couch close to Dorothea, set his hand on her knee and squeezed. "Hey, Dotty." He studied her face for a moment. "Hug?" He held out his arms.

She smiled and let him hug her. "Hi David."

"How are you feeling? And be honest."

"Tired, a little weak, but, all things considered, I'm doing as well as can be expected." She assured him.

"If there's anything I can ever do to help you, you'd better let me know!"

Dorothea smiled. "I will."

"Promise me Dot."

"I promise."

Brianna paused just outside the doorway and blinked back tears. There was a lot of pain coming for a lot of people. The loss of Dorothea was going to hit more than just her relatives. Her family included more than the ones she shared blood or legal ties with. So much pain. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the room. "Anyone ready for a snack?"

She rested the tray she was carrying on the edge of the coffee table and transferred the plates onto the glass top. Stephanie had followed her with another tray and did the same. Jon went into the kitchen to help Jesse with the drinks.

David watched as food was passed around, noting that Jon and Brianna handed each other only their favourites and not the dishes the other didn’t like without having to ask. He glanced at Dorothea, but she didn't seem to notice. When they were finished, Jon helped Brianna and the older kids clear the table and carry everything into the kitchen. David took the opportunity confirm his suspicions. "Jon and Brianna seem to be very.....close."

Dorothea nodded. "They are. They're good together."

One masculine brow rose."Why do I get the feeling you're talking about more than just work? And that you're happy about it...maybe even encouraging it?"

She smiled. "I am. He needs someone like her."

David's eyes narrowed. "Strange sentiment from a wife. What are you up to Dotty?"

"Nothing sinister. Just doing what I've always done: taking care of my family. Taking care of business."

Comprehension dawned. Holy shit! "Do they know you're setting them up?"

"I may be dying David, but I haven't lost my mind."

"I'm not so sure. This has the potential to blow up in everyone's faces."

Dorothea reached out and patted his hand. "Trust me. I know what I'm doing."

I hope so. I have a bad feeling this isn't going to work out well.


A few days later, Brianna was going over Jon’s business expenses – and the household ones as well, at Dorothea’s request. Frowning at his Amex bill, she went through his receipts again, but it didn’t solve the problem The receipt from the clothing store in Japan didn’t make sense. It was almost double what it should have been. She’d figured out how much hers would be, although Jon hadn’t been able to find her receipt and it hadn’t shown up on her statement yet, so she knew approximately how much Jon’s should be.

She tracked Jon down in his office and showed him what she’d found. “They’ve charged you too much.”

Jon glanced at the receipt and waved it off. “Don’t worry about it. It’s fine.” He went back to his email.

“But….” She was confused. While not stingy, he usually liked his money accounted for – and he definitely didn’t like being ripped off. Suddenly, the pieces fell into place. “Jon….did you pay for my kimono?”

He refused to look at her. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Jon….did you?”

He shrugged.

“Why did you do that?”

“I said don’t worry about it. It was a gift.”

“But…”

“Leave it alone Bri.” He couldn’t explain it to himself, he sure as hell wasn’t going to try to explain it to her. It had just felt like the right thing to do.

Deciding that, based on his tone – and everything else going on with this family - she probably didn’t want to know, she dropped the subject.



All too soon they were boarding the plane for Germany. Brianna was both excited and nervous. She'd travelled to Europe before, but mostly saw the inside of meeting rooms and the restaurants and few sights that Alex had thought it was appropriate for her to see and be seen. This time looked to be more fun - not only from a work stand point, but Jon promised her time off to explore. She was also looking forward to seeing how a stadium tour worked from the inside. She'd brought low heeled shoes and sneakers to cope with the increased distances and terrain she would probably be faced with.

She sighed and looked out at the clouds outside the window beside her. She just hoped Dorothea stayed relatively stable. Her decline had been slow but steady over the past few months and Brianna prayed that no sudden and devastating change to that pattern happened when Jon was on the other side of the ocean. She had no idea how any of them would handle that.

Shaking her head, Brianna fought to dispel her dismal thoughts. They needed some good distractions. Maybe the guys could help with that.


The second show in Germany was on Brianna's birthday. She hated people making a fuss, so hadn't told anyone. Unfortunately for her, Dorothea did.

She was still sleeping when repeated knocking on her door roused her. Figuring it was someone from the organization, she was planning ways of committing murder and getting away with it as she trudged across the carpet. The sight of a hotel uniform in the peephole woke her up more fully and she instantly went on alert. Uh oh. What's wrong?

When she opened the door she saw the food cart. The room service attendant smiled. "Gut morgen Fräulein."

"Gut morgen. I'm sorry, I didn't order anything."

"This was ordered by your friends. Today is your birthday ja?" His blue eyes twinkled.

Brianna groaned. How did they find out? Lord only knew what the guys would do with that information. "Yes."  She stepped out of the way and allowed him to enter.  

He parked the cart near the table and waved her into the chair. "If you will have a seat, I will serve you."

"Oh, that's not necessary. Just leave it. I can serve myself."

"Bitte fräulein, let me. It's all part of the service."

"Okay." She sat and waited to see what he'd brought her. She was shocked when he shifted her chair to face him.

Reaching under the cloth covering the cart, he pushed a button and music began to play. Brianna recognized it instantly and her eyes grew round. It was stripper music!

Sure enough, he started to move and sway to the beat. Starting at his throat, he slowly undid one jacket button at a time until it was completely open. He turned slightly and shrugged the dark material off one shoulder, then shifted to the other side. When it fell to his wrists, he caught it, pulled his hands free and tossed it onto the bed. A gyration of his hips, and his hands started on his shirt buttons. In short order, the shirt followed the jacket.

Brianna sat in stunned disbelief and watched the blonde, well built Adonis slowly bare himself for her viewing pleasure - and it was a pleasure! All smooth, golden skin, flexing muscles and gyrating hips, he made her fingers itch for some dollar bills. By the time the tear away pants came off and he was down to a g-string, she was swaying to the music herself and was more than a little overheated.

And hungry.

And not for food.

As the song ended, he leaned down and kissed her softly. "Happy birthday liebshen."

"Danke."

While he dressed she dug into her purse for her wallet to tip him. He was definitely worth it!

But he stopped her. "No no, it's not necessary. Your friends have taken care of it."

"Well, thanks again."

She walked him to the door and watched him disappear down the hallway and into the elevator. Forcing her thoughts out of the gutter, she glanced around at the doors of the rooms nearby. "BEST GIFT EVER! THANK YOU!"

"You're welcome!" Came back at her from several directions.

Grinning, she turned to go back into her room to enjoy her breakfast.


She would be thankful for the happy memory when the bad news came.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Chapter 35


The ringing of the phone was like a siren going off in Brianna's head. One hand flew out to stop the offending noise. The cheery, automated voice at the other end of the line telling her it was time to get up was lucky she couldn't reach through the line and strangle them, and she slammed down the receiver.

Her movement woke up the men with jackhammers in her head. Sitting up brought in the marching band - or at least the drum section. She cracked open an eye and immediately wished she hadn't. The sun streaming through the narrow gap in the drapes felt like a knife straight into her brain. Thankfully, it also revealed the glass of water and aspirin waiting for her on the bedside table. She sent up a silent thank you to whichever of her three helpers left them for her and quickly swallowed them. Groaning, she cradled her throbbing head in her hands for several minutes waiting for the pain killers to start working before whimpering and finally dragging herself into the bathroom.

Standing under the hot, pelting shower, Brianna replayed the events of the night before. The memory was crystal clear despite the sake. While she hadn't done anything hugely disastrous - like mentioning Dorothea's idea - she still wished the floor would open up and swallow her. Her behaviour was embarrassing and totally inappropriate for someone in her position. How many times had it been pounded into her that she could have a couple drinks to be sociable, but she was never to get drunk....ever? That loss of control was neither attractive nor acceptable for a woman or a personal assistant. It would be a miracle if Jon didn't fire her.

When she stepped out of the bathroom, she found a room service cart. She lifted the lid to discover bacon, eggs and toast to go with the juice and coffee she'd already noted. Not sure what her queasy stomach would tolerate, she started with toast and juice. When that stayed down she moved on to the eggs and coffee. She actually felt a little better after eating her fill. 

Even moving much slower than usual she was still ready on time, although she wasn't looking forward to facing her boss. But she couldn't put it off forever. After a last look around to make sure she wasn't forgetting anything, she put on her sunglasses, grabbed her briefcase and suitcase, took a deep breath and headed out. 

Her moment of reckoning was delayed a bit longer as the hallway and elevator were blissfully empty. In the lobby she saw the others walking towards the doors and the vans waiting just beyond. David saw her first and nudged Jon. Both smirked, but neither spoke.

"There she is!" Richie announced....loudly. 

Brianna winced at the volume of his voice and managed a weak smile, but didn't speak.

Richie took a closer look at her pale face. "You okay? You look a little pale."

She just nodded, handed her suitcase to the driver and climbed into the van.

"What's with her? Is she sick?" Richie asked Jon, concern clear in his voice. 

"She discovered sake last night." Tico explained.

"Ahhhh." Richie nodded in understanding. Like the rest of them, he'd been more than a little worse for wear after a night of rice wine. "Wait! You mean I missed the party? Why didn't somebody call me?"

Jon was the last one to board the van.

"Hey Goose, ya big stud! Come on! Plane's waiting! And some of us need more sleep." David yelled out the open door.

"I'm not Goose, I'm Iceman." Jon retorted as he climbed in. "But I won't argue the stud part."

Brianna groaned, huddled deeper into her corner in the backseat and prayed for death.

At the airport, while the guys stood talking and laughing on the tarmac - at her expense she was pretty sure - Brianna ducked around them and boarded the plane. Dropping into her seat, she tucked her briefcase and purse underneath, fastened her seatbelt, pulled down the window shade and closed her eyes. With any kind of luck she could sleep all the way to New Jersey. She would have to apologize to Jon for her behaviour the previous night, but it would have to wait. She needed sleep even more than she needed to try and save her job.

As Jon stepped through the door, Vicki gestured towards Brianna and raised a brow.

He grinned. "Hangover."

"Ah. Water and aspirin coming up."

Richie smirked as he walked by Brianna huddled in her seat, dark sunglasses still shading her eyes. "She's sure got the Rockstar prerogative look down." He chuckled when she gave him the finger. "I think your attitude is rubbing off on her Frank."

"You bring it out in even the best of people Dean." Jon shot back as he set a bottle of water next to her.



Brianna had to swallow heavily during take off, but managed to keep her breakfast down.

"You okay?" Vicki asked sympathetically offering her a pillow and blanket.

"Yeah. Nothing some sleep won't fix. Thanks." Brianna undid her seatbelt and got comfortable.

Luckily, her travelling companions took pity on her and let her sleep.



The scent of food several hours later woke her and her stomach told her it was fully recovered - or would be if she fed it. Yawning, she stretched.

David noticed her movement. "Yo Sleeping Beauty! You alive?"

"Yes, but I don't see Prince Charming anywhere." Brianna retorted. Sighing, she stood up to face them. She eyed them all for a moment, took a deep breath and bit the bullet. "Guys...." She made eye contact with Tico, David and Jon. "Thank you for your...assistance...last night. I really appreciate it." She turned to Jon. "I apologize for my behaviour. I know it was totally unprofessional and unacceptable. I promise it will never happen again."

The men's stunned gazes followed her back to her seat.

"Fuck that!" Richie snorted."When we hit Europe we're partying!"

"And what you do on your own time is your business." David added.

But Brianna shook her head. "I'm a representative of this organization. My behaviour in public reflects on all of you, particularly Jon." She looked at him. "I'm sorry."

Jon frowned, sensing echoes of her ex. "Bri....there was nothing that you did that reflected badly on me or any of us. You were hilarious!" He held up a hand against her protests. "Hear me out. If you were drunk and disorderly during working hours and it affected your performance, then I'd have a problem. But if you want to cut loose every once in a while on your own time, go ahead. The only thing I would ask is that you make sure someone is with you - particularly in foreign countries - just for your own safety."

Brianna didn't look convinced.

Jon rose to stand in front of her. "I'm serious. This isn't some uptight Fortune 500 company. This is a rock band. We all have a few too many every now and then - you've seen it. As long as no one gets hurt and nothing gets damaged it's all good. In fact, it’s pretty much required. So stop apologizing and don't worry about having a little fun." He tilted up her face with a finger under her chin their eyes met. "Okay?"

"Okay." She didn't really agree - it went against everything she'd been taught, but it would get him to drop the subject.



When they landed at Teterboro, David climbed into the waiting car and was about to drive off when he noticed Jon and Brianna talking near another car. He saw Brianna shake her head, Jon talk some more, then Brianna sighed, nodded and climbed into the car, followed by Jon. He frowned. Wonder what the fuck that was all about? Things between Brianna and the Bongiovi family were definitely not what they seemed at first glance.


Back at the house, Brianna followed Jon inside, Copper running back and forth between them. "Yes Copper, we're happy to see you too."

"Speak for yourself. Down ya big mutt!"

"Bianna!" Jake ran into the foyer, past his father and into Brianna's arms.

"Hi buddy! Oooh, I missed you!" She squeezed him.

"What am I chopped liver?" Jon grumped.

“You no liber, you Daddy, silly." Jake corrected him and gave him a hug.

"Oh. Okay, thanks for telling me." Jon exchanged an amused glance with Brianna. "Where is everybody?"

"Mommy in watching TB wif Womeo, Stephie and Jesse at kool, Aunt Winda in kitchen making wunch, an I'n here!"

Jon and Jake started towards the living room and Brianna, thinking to give them some privacy with Dorothea, turned towards the kitchen.

She found Linda cleaning vegetables, a plate of crackers and a pile of fruit on the counter beside her. "Hi. Can I help?"

Linda turned her head to look at her. "Hi. If you want to start on the fruit, that would be great. Dot said she wasn't really hungry, so I was making something light. If you and Jon want something more, I can make sandwiches."

Brianna opened a drawer and took out a paring knife. "This looks great to me. It probably will be enough for Jon too. Vicki feeds us pretty well on the plane."

The two women worked in silence for a few minutes while Brianna worked up the nerve to ask the question. "How's she doing?"

"About the same. A little weaker." Linda hesitated. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"What exactly is your....relationship....with my sister and her husband?"

"I'm Jon's personal assistant, and Dorothea's...friend. I do whatever I can to help." She studied the other woman for a moment, then answered the concern she guessed had prompted the question. "There is nothing....romantic...going on between Jon and I if that's what you're worried about. I don't screw around with married men, and even if I did, Jon would be off limits. I respect Dorothea too much."

Linda studied Brianna's eyes for several breaths, then, satisfied, nodded.


Linda left after lunch, assuring Jon she'd be back when they left for Europe.


When Brianna returned downstairs from putting Jake down for his nap, Dorothea looked back and forth between her husband and her friend. "You didn't follow my suggestion."