Chapter 7

Late Friday morning, Brianna was sitting at her desk, answering correspondence and debating what to have for lunch when Jon called. “Hey Boss. What can I do for you?”

“I need you to come out to the house. These assholes think we need another opinion on a couple songs on the new album.”

“Would the assholes be your bandmates by any chance?” She fought a grin.

“Yeah.  Apparently my judgement can’t be trusted.”

Despite his disgruntled tone – or maybe because of it – she couldn’t resist. “Well, considering you wanted to give away Prayer because you didn’t think it could be a hit, I guess I can understand their doubt.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she clapped her free hand over it. Nice way to talk to your boss Bri. Not everyone appreciates your sense of humour. If he gets pissed off at your smart mouth and fires you, you’ve got no one to blame but yourself!

“Ooooh....smartass!” His tone indicated amusement rather than anger.

“I told ya!” David could be heard in the background. “I think she needs to be brought out here and spanked!”

“Oh, so you’re having a party!” Once again she clapped her hand over her mouth and swallowed a groan.

Jon gave a bark of laughter. With her sense of humour and sharp wit she was in no danger of being overwhelmed by his friends. In fact, if her comments, and the way she reacted to Richie and David’s phone calls was anything to go by, she could easily hold her own...and even keep them on their toes!  He refused to think how that applied to him. “No, not that kind anyway. Despite what Lemma thinks, I’m trying to get some work done here! So the sooner you can get here the better.”

“I’m on my way.” Hanging up, she gathered her research notes and the correspondence she’d prepared for his approval and shoved it all into her briefcase.

The drive to Red Bank was uneventful and she pulled through the gates and parked by the house. As she stepped out of the car, she was once again greeted by the fearsome guard dog – who wagged his tail and licked her hand. “Hi Copper. I’m glad to see you too.”

She started for the house, but was met by Jesse coming out. “Hey. Dad and the uncles are in the studio. I’ll show you.”

“Thanks Jesse.” She fell into step beside him and Copper took up a position on his other side. “Got any big plans for the summer?”

“Football camp and hanging with my friends.”

“That sounds like fun.”

“Yeah, should be good.”  They reached a building and he motioned towards the stairs wandering up one corner. “Studio’s up there.”

Following him, Brianna sucked in a nervous breath and released it, trying prepare herself for what she was about to face for the first time.....ALL of them....together.

As they entered the studio, five pairs of eyes skipped over Jesse and locked onto his companion. Their appreciative gazes roamed her from her upswept hair, down over her toned figure – today’s suit was a light beige linen – and slender legs to her bright red toenails visible through her peep-toed pumps.

David reached her first. “Jesse, you just became my favourite nephew for bringing us this lovely vision. Hello beautiful. Nice to finally meet you.” He took her hand in his and looked her over again. “Damn! Where did Kidd find you? Clever little stunt you pulled by the way.”

Brianna snorted. “I was just reacting to your stunt if you’ll recall. But it’s nice to meet you too David.”

Jesse turned and left, muttering. Brianna only caught the words “uncle” and “weird”.

Richie pushed his friend aside. “Hey darlin’. I believe I have a debt to pay.”

Before she could even think about reacting, Brianna found herself enfolded in strong, muscular arms. As his cologne filled her nostrils, those arms squeezed, gently. Mmmm...those girls weren’t kidding when they said he gave great hugs! She squeezed him in return and stepped back as he released her. “Whew! Consider that debt paid in full!”

“So I lived up to expectations then?” He grinned.

“In the hugging department anyway. We’ll have to wait and see about the rest.” She almost snorted at his bemused expression. Stepping to the side, she greeted the one member of the band she hadn’t had any contact with yet. “Hello Mr. Torres, I’m Brianna Prentiss.”

“It’s Tico nina and it’s nice to meet you.” He stood and shook her hand. “Welcome to the madness and good luck. I hope you enjoy working with us. And if Jon gives you too hard a time, you just let me know.” His dark eyes twinkled as he looked her over appreciatively. “Muy bonito.”

“Thanks Tico.” Brianna risked a glance at Jon who just rolled his eyes. Smothering a grin she turned to the fifth man in the room. “Hello Obie.”

The slender, bespectacled man frowned slightly. “What? Don’t I rate a Mr.?”

Brianna thought about it for a moment, then shook her head. “Naw. You’re just Obie.”

The room erupted with male laughter and mocking comments about Obie’s place in the world and Jon managed to relax a little. He’d felt his body tighten at the sight of her and for some reason, David’s teasing had disturbed him. But not as much as Richie’s lengthy hug had. He knew neither one were hitting on her, and their harmless flirting shouldn’t bother him. He’d seen it a million times and knew it rarely meant anything other than a little fun. In fact, from Richie’s mood lately and little comments he’d let slip, things with him and Heather were a little tense these days and it was nice to see him relaxed and more his usual self. But.....innocent fun or not, he didn’t like it. He refused to try and figure out why. “If the meet and greet is over, can we get to work?”

Snapping back into professional mode, Brianna rounded the table and took a seat beside her boss, motioning to her briefcase and then the soundboard. “Which work do you want to do first?”

Jon lifted his chin towards the soundboard. “Ob, you want to cue it up please?”

“Sure.”

Brianna settled back in her chair to listen to the new album the way she always did the first time – with her eyes closed. Letting her ears take over, the melodies and harmonies washed over her, fingers tapping the table in time with Tico’s beat.

The men watched her face, noting her reactions to both the music and the lyrics. At one point Obie opened his mouth to say something, but Jon motioned him to stay silent. He was fascinated by the play of emotions drifting across her face. He could tell which lyrics spoke to her, which melodies clicked...and which didn’t.

“Well I guess we know your opinion.” Jon commented wryly as the last note faded. At her confused frown, he explained. “You have a very expressive face.”

“Oh.” Brianna felt her face heat. “Well, you should also know that typically, for me, while some songs will grab me right off the bat, most of them appeal to me more the more I listen to them.” She looked over the track list. “What are you going to call it?”

“Have a Nice Day.”

She nodded. “Good choice. Love the title track.”

“Yeah, but we’ve got too many songs. We need to cut out a couple.”

Brianna sat back and listened while the men debated – for the hundredth time, she was sure – the merits of various songs. But when they came to Dirty Little Secret and it became clear that Jon wanted to cut it, she had to speak up. “Why?”

He grimaced. “’Cause it’ll just start rumours and speculation that I’m cheating on my wife.”

“Or one of you is.” She agreed. She knew some fans tended to read more into the songs than was probably meant. But still...it was a great song. “Can’t be any worse than Damned.”

“You like that one too?” Richie asked.

Brianna nodded. “It’s one of my favourites from the Dark Album.”

“Dark album?” David looked confused.

“Sorry, that’s what I call These Days.” At their expressions, she smiled wryly. “Well, they’re not exactly, upbeat, happy songs, now are they?”

“You didn’t like the album?” Jon couldn’t tell from her comments.

“Actually I love it.....now. When it first came out I thought you guys were in some deep funk or dealing with some heavy emotional shit.” She paused to formulate her thoughts into words. “But....I think they’re songs that require a certain level of life experience to be able to truly appreciate them.” She shrugged. “It’s one of my favourite albums of the entire catalogue.”

“What’s your favourite song on it?” Tico asked.

“Lie To Me.”

“Followed by Something For The Pain?” David guessed.

Brianna shook her head. “This Ain’t A Love Song first.”

Jon studied her eyes and saw shadows darkening them. There was a theme in the songs she picked. They told a story of pain and betrayal....and they obviously meant a lot to her.  “Okay. We’ll add it as a bonus track.”

“My fellow fans and I thank you.” She grinned.

“So, how long have you been a fan?” Richie asked.

“Pretty much since the beginning.”

“Been to any shows?”

“A few.” She admitted, but didn’t specify just how many – she didn’t want them thinking she was a stalker type fan. “I saw Captain Kidd fly.”

Jon’s lips lifted in that self-deprecating half smile he often gave when his antics of the eighties were discussed.

“And you’ve been to at least one show every tour?”

“Yes.”

“And you own all the albums and probably a few bootlegs?” Richie pressed.

“Yes.”

Richie turned to Jon. “See? The diehards aren’t all crazy.”

Chapter 6

The next week, Brianna was once again at her desk, this time researching a project Jon was interested in and needed more information on, when her phone rang. She glanced at the display, but didn’t recognize the number. “Bon Jovi Management, Brianna Prentiss speaking.”

“Wow. Very professional darlin’, I’m impressed.”

Brianna’s heart sped up at the whiskey smooth voice. Even though she thought she was prepared, the unexpectedness of hearing him sent a spurt of adrenaline through her and brought the fangirl to the surface. With an effort, she forced her down, letting the professional take control. “Hello Mr. Sambora. How are you?”

“Just fine darlin’ and it’s Richie. How are you?”

“I’m fine thank you.” Her mind scrambled to come up with a reason for him to be calling her. “Are you looking for Jon?”

“Naw. He’s all in ‘work mode’ and he’s no fun to talk to when he’s like that. Plus he can’t – or won’t – help me. I’m betting you can though.” He let his voice deepen. “You’ll help a poor helpless guy out, won’t you?”

“What do you need?” Brianna asked warily. She had never met the man, but she’d heard enough in interviews – and from Denise - to be careful. God only knew what he might want.

“I’m flying into New York on Thursday – but you know that since I’m meeting with Jon.”

She did. They were going to listen to the mastered new album and make sure it was as good as they could make it. “Yes.”

“And my assistant is away – but you know that too don’t you. I understand you had lunch together last week.” He was fishing a little, hoping to find out what the girls had talked about - specifically. He’d bet his paycheque for the next tour that they were already comparing notes about him and his bandmates.

“Yes.”

Hmmm...loyal and discreet. Good. “Well, I need a ride from the airport to Red Bank. Jon won’t pick me up and Denise isn’t here to arrange it for me. I don’t want to take a cab. Last time I almost got killed. New York cab drivers are crazy!” A note of pleading entered his voice. “What do you say darlin’? Can you help a guy out?”

Armed with the knowledge she’d gained at lunch, she decided to start as she meant to continue, and with him and his cohorts that meant not letting them get the best of her. “Sure Richie, I can do that......but it’ll cost you.”

There was silence for a few seconds. “How much?”

“Oh, not money. Something more....personal.” Her voice was a low purr.

“Uh....like what?” Now it was his tone that was wary.

“Well, I hear you give really good hugs.” She grinned.

“Oh. Sure. You got it. One bear hug coming up as soon as I see you.”

“What’s the matter Richie you sound a little...relieved.” Brianna fought against laughter.

“Minx. So that’s the way it’s going to be is it?”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Uh uh.” He snorted. “Okay, if that’s the way you want to play it, deal me in. Game on. See you later darlin’.”

“Bye Richie.” Brianna hung up the phone and grinned. This is what she’d been looking for....a job she found challenging and fun people to work with.

The next day she was once again immersed in articles on the internet when she was brought back to an awareness of her surroundings by the ringing of her phone. Another unknown number. “Bon Jovi Management, Brianna Prentiss speaking.”

“Yes, Ms. Prentiss this is J.P. Stevens from Moon Junction Music.” A high pitched nasal voice identified themself.

“Yes? How can I help you?” Brianna wasn’t sure if it was a man or a woman.

“Well, you can start by telling me where Mr. Bon Jovi is!”

“I beg your pardon?” She glanced at the schedule, but it was clear. Jon was at home.

“He was supposed to be here half an hour ago for the Only Make Believe benefit.”

Brianna’s eyes widened and she flipped through the invitations she had on file, both since she started and those that Natalie had left for her. “I’m sorry, I’m not aware of your event.”

“What! Oh no! What am I supposed to tell the children?”

“When did you send an invitation to Mr. Bon Jovi?”

“I talked to you about this three and a half weeks ago! You promised he would be here!”

“I’m sorry, I just started two weeks ago and there was nothing passed on to me about this. Could you tell me a bit about your event?” Brianna stalled for time, turned to her computer and opened her search engine.

“We bring interactive theatre to disabled children. We use costumes, props, music and mime to inspire the kids to use their imaginations. I was promised that Mr. Bon Jovi would be here to perform!  The children will be so disappointed!”

“I apologize again.” There was no show on today’s calendar on the Only Make Believe site, nor was there a J.P. Stevens listed as either a director, employee or contributor......but one David Bryan was. Joker, I’m onto you! “I’m afraid that obviously, Mr. Bon Jovi won’t be able to make it. As I understand it, David Bryan was supposed to fill in for him. Something must have come up, but I’m sure he’ll make it up to you.”

“Yeah? How?”

“I believe that he’s currently writing a new play for Only Make Believe. That’s probably what’s held him up. You know these musicians. They get lost in the music and everything around them just disappears. I think I also heard something about a $100,000 donation he was planning to make for new props and costumes.”

Sputtering at the other end of the phone had her smiling. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.”

“Brat!” David spoke in his normal voice. “Nice to know that you’ll throw me under the bus to cover your own ass – or Jon’s.”

She laughed. “Yeah....pretty much. Nice of you to try to give me a heart attack my second week on the job Mr. Bryan. Did I pass your test?”

“Mmm. It’s David. How did you know it was me anyway?”

“What can I say? I’m good at what I do...and I never reveal my sources.”

“Uh huh. Rich told me what you did to him, so I had to give it a shot. Welcome to the family Brianna.”

“Thanks David.”

“You know, of course, this isn’t over. Not by a long shot.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

She was still chuckling when she hung up and a thought struck. Picking up her landline, she called Evelyn. “Hi. Do you know how Richie and David would get my cell phone number?”

“Oh, a notice was sent to the band members and the management team announcing your arrival. They probably got it from that.” Evelyn tried to sound sympathetic, but failed miserably. “Are they giving you a hard time?”

“Nothing I can’t handle.” Brianna assured her. She would never admit to anyone that she was loving every minute of it.

Chapter 5

Brianna walked into the restaurant and glanced around. She really didn’t know who she was looking for, but hoped that she’d see two girls sitting together and something about them would tell her that they were the ones she was here to meet.

Off to her left, a slim blonde rose from a table she was sharing with a brunette, one hand lifted in a tentative wave. “Brianna?”

Brianna smiled and waved back as she made her way to the table. “Hi. Denise?”

“Yeah, how’d you guess?”

“You’re blonde.” And everyone knew Richie’s penchant for blondes these days.

The other girls laughed and reached out to shake hands.

“David’s on a brunette kick.” Rachel added flipping her long dark hair over her shoulder.

“Richie says that’s because if blondes have more fun, David wants to be sure he doesn’t have any competition for it.” Denise explained.

“And David says Richie’s just jealous that he’s not blonde.” Rachel retorted.

They both looked at Brianna.

“Jon hasn’t discussed the band members with me yet, except to tell me I should expect to get called upon to help your bosses occasionally since they need all the help they can get and sometimes it takes more than one person.”

“If anyone will need help keeping up with their boss it’s going to be you.” Rachel shuddered. “Do you know what you’re getting into?”

Rachel and Denise exchanged glances.

Denise grimaced. “This is going to sound nasty, but I mean it in the nicest way possible. He’s created a world wide brand with a fantastic product. I give him full marks for that. But….you should be prepared. He’s a perfectionist control freak who doesn’t trust new people easily. He doesn’t suffer fools and has a vile temper when things get screwed up.”

“A typical CEO.” Brianna nodded.

Denise and Rachel exchanged another look.

“So you’re familiar with the type.” Rachel wanted verification.

“I used to work for a couple of CEOs of major corporations. I’m used to the schedule. The biggest challenge is the diversity of his activities. But at least it’s a lot more interesting than mergers and acquisitions or the manufacturing of some product you don’t understand and will never use.” Brianna paused. “And, I was even married to one once.”

The past tense was noted, but her tone didn’t invite questions, so they didn’t pry.

“Well, if you can deal with that, you should be fine.” Denise was relieved.

Brianna sighed. “It’s usually the wives I have a more difficult time with. They usually either resent the time their husbands spend away from home – often with me - or they think I’m their assistant too and I have nothing better to do than run errands for them.” She didn’t mention that in some cases, the wives’ jealousy was well founded – their husbands were dogs.

“Well, you won’t have to worry about any of that with Dorothea.” Denise assured her. “She doesn’t seem to be the high maintenance, princess type that expects someone else to do everything for her.....unlike my boss’ wife.  And I’ve never seen or heard of any signs of jealousy – and if any woman in the world would have cause to be, it’s her.” She paused, considering. “And if she gets annoyed at the amount of time he’s away from home she’ll take it up with him...not you.”

Brianna could see that. “She certainly seems to be very.....forthright.”

Rachel laughed. “If you mean she says what she thinks, you’re right. But she won’t air the dirty laundry in public. And she would consider staff ‘public’. She’s a very private person and tries to stay as far as possible from the limelight.”

“Good to know.” At least it didn’t sound like there was much potential for embarrassing public displays or comments that would require damage control. That was already a step up from her last employer’s wife. Brianna shuddered at the memory of the loose lipped social climber.

The waitress came by to bring them water and take their orders. Brianna sipped from her glass and studied her companions. “So tell me about yourselves.”

By the time their meals arrived they’d exchanged brief histories and gotten to know each other a little. It turned out that Rachel had also been a fan of the band before she came to work for David. Lunar Eclipse had blown her mind, and when she found out he was looking for a new assistant a year ago, she called in a few favours from friends she had in the New Jersey music scene to get an interview.

Denise, on the other hand, had hardly been aware of the band at all. Born and raised in the L.A. area, her interest had always been Hollywood. But without having any talent for acting or performing or writing screenplays, if she wanted to be part of it, it would have to be in a different role, so she took an administrative assistant course. Her best friend got a job as assistant to Heather Locklear and when Richie decided he needed some help, she urged Denise to apply and put in a good word for her.

Sinking her fork into her Cobb salad, Brianna changed the subject. “So what’s it like working in the inner circle?”

“Well, we’re more on the edges of it.” Rachel explained. “But I can tell you that it’s never boring.”

“Especially with your bosses, I bet.” Her lips twitched. “So tell me what they’re like. What do I need to know to deal with them?” She sipped again. “I mean, they can’t be funny all the time, right?”

Denise had to swallow her mouthful of grilled chicken before she could answer. “Well, Richie is usually pretty laid back. It takes a lot to make him lose his temper. He’s very serious about the music, but he sees humour in most things around him. It especially comes out when he thinks Jon is being too intense and stuck inside his own head.”

Rachel nodded her agreement while she chewed her French fries. “David’s the same way, only with a more extreme sense of humour. They don’t call him Joker for nothing. He gets on a roll and everything becomes funny.” She paused, considering. “It can get annoying at times, but he really is funny. But you have to watch out for the pranks. They’re sort of like a rite of passage. If you pass, you’re in.”

“And then I can relax?”

“No. If he thinks it bothers you, he’ll keep doing it just to drive you nuts. If you take it well, he’ll keep doing it to see how far he can push.” Rachel sipped her Diet Coke. “But of course it’s all in fun. He doesn’t mean any harm. And if he considers you a friend, he’ll be your biggest supporter and a rock you can always count on.”

“Just remember. Don’t let them see you sweat.” Denise advised.

Brianna took a moment to absorb everything the other women had said. “Good to know. Thanks.”

Rachel and Denise then regaled Brianna with some of their bosses more humorous antics on and off tour.

“Good lord!” Brianna used her napkin to wipe the tears from her eyes. “So that’s what I have to look forward to?”

Denise nodded. “As Rachel said, at least it keeps things from getting boring.” She glanced at her watch. “I hate to break up the party, but I have a plane to catch.”

Brianna waved at their waitress to bring the bill.

“Your bill has already been taken care of.” The waitress informed them.

“What? By who?” Brianna frowned.

“Mr. Bon Jovi called in and covered it.”

“But...how did he know?”

Rachel laughed at the stunned, confused look on her new friend’s face. “Get used to it. You’ll do well if you can keep up with him, but forget about trying to stay ahead of him. It’ll never happen.”

“Hmpf.” We’ll just see about that! I always did love a challenge.

Bidding the girls goodbye and promising to get together again soon, Brianna made her way back to the office.

She sat at her desk, looking over Jon’s schedule and thinking before pulling out her list of contact numbers. Picking up the phone, she hesitated, then punched in the numbers and waited for someone to answer. “Hi, Dorothea?  It’s Brianna.”

“Hi. Is Jon on his phone? Do you need me to interrupt him?” Dorothea asked, a frown in her voice.

“No. Actually, I called to speak to you.”

“Oh? What can I do for you?”

Brianna took a deep breath. “Could you....would you be willing to send me the schedule of the kids’ activities and anything else that you want Jon aware of?”

“Why?”

“So that I can add them into the mix when I discuss his schedule with him. I can’t promise he can get to everything, but I can do my best and I can at least make sure he remembers what everyone’s up to.” 

Dorothea was surprised. None of his other assistants had been that considerate of the family. “Well, the kids would appreciate that. He tries to keep up, but he’s got so much going on, a lot of things fall through the cracks. But I have to ask...why would you do that?”

Brianna hesitated, then surprised herself by answering honestly and doing something she rarely did – give someone a glimpse into her past and the pain she carried deep inside. “Because I know what it’s like to grow up with a father too focussed on his work to be there for the important moments in his child’s life....and the pain and regret that brought both of them. I’d like to try and help prevent that from happening to your family if I can.”

Dorothea was stunned, but the revelation actually explained a lot. Their conversation over lunch the day she was at the house had been light on Brianna’s background. It was obviously a tender subject. “I see. I’ll send you the schedules. Oh, and Brianna? Thanks.”

Chapter 4

Brianna checked her briefcase one last time to make sure she had everything, reread the directions for the hundredth time and headed for her car. A glance at her watch assured her she had plenty of time to get to Red Bank.

By the time she pulled up to the gate, she was angry, frustrated...and glad she’d given herself lots of extra time to get there. But she really needed to find an alternate route. As much as she loved the Eagles and the song, she never wanted to see Seven Bridges Road again!  She hated driving in circles. If she had to do that again she might well jump off the Brooklyn Bridge!

She announced herself and when the gates opened, drove through and parked near the French Chateau style house. As soon as she stepped out of the car she was met by a shaggy medium sized dog that looked to be some sort of cross between a Rottweiler and a Shepherd. She reached down to pet him. “Hello Copper. How are you?”

Brianna fell against the car under the weight of the furry body suddenly leaning on her legs, his tail thumping rhythmically against the metal. Panting in the heat, a big pink tongue licked her hand and he leaned even more heavily against her.

“Easy boy, don’t knock me over!” She laughed and patted his side. While she ruffled the dog’s fur, she took the opportunity to glance around the vicinity. From where she stood she could see part of the Pub and the guest house. She guessed the studio was further down the drive.

Easing away from Copper, she headed for the house. The door opened before she could knock, the dark haired woman standing there snapped her back into professional mode. “Hello Mrs. Bongiovi, I’m Brianna Prentiss.”

Dorothea accepted the outstretched hand, a smile curving her lips, amusement sparkling in her dark eyes as she gave the woman in front of her the once over. Jon had definitely understated her attractiveness. I knew it! The yellow linen suit accented the auburn highlights in the tightly coiled tresses and brought attention to the unusual colour of her eyes. The sleeveless jacket hugged her curves and the skirt revealed slender, toned legs that drew a man’s eye – and sent his blood much lower down his body – despite the modest, just above the knee hemline. “Come on in. And please call me Dorothea....or Dot.” She glanced down and sighed. “I see you met our fierce guard dog. Are you coming in or staying out Copper?”

The dog ran through the doorway and disappeared into the house.

Brianna stepped inside and glanced around the large foyer. Movement on the stairs had her glancing up to see a boy, who looked to be about ten years old, descending, a video game in his hand.

Dorothea noted him as well. “This is our oldest son Jesse. Jesse come say hello to Brianna. She’s Dad’s new assistant.”

“Hi.” Jesse didn’t even pause or look up from his game.

Dorothea rolled her eyes and shook his head. “Sorry.”

But Brianna waved aside the apology. “I can hardly compete with a video game....especially at his age.”

“Give him a few years.” Dorothea agreed.

Brianna blushed at the implied compliment.

“Mommy?”

Both women looked down at the sound of the young boy’s voice. Dorothea smiled and ruffled the blonde hair. “Jakey, this is Brianna, Daddy’s new assistant. Can you say hello?”

“Hello.” Jake smiled at her shyly. “You have eyes like Mommy’s necklace.”

A glance at the amber pendant hanging around Dorothea’s neck explained his comment. “Yes they’re the same colour. Hello Jake, it’s nice to meet you.” Brianna couldn’t help but grin. Man! This one is Jon all over again!

“Steph and Romeo are in the living room and Jon’s in the office. I’ll sh…” Her words were cut off by the ringing of the phone. “Jakey, can you show Brianna where the office is please?”

“’Kay.” Jake reached out and slipped his hand in Brianna’s as his mother left to answer the phone. “I show you. DADDY! BIANNA’S HERE!”

Brianna winced at the high pitched yell, but dutifully accompanied the toddler down the hallway.

At the first doorway, he turned to enter, pulling her with him. “Dis movie woom.”

She glanced around, recognizing the blue couch and yellow curtains from pictures she’d seen.

“Dat Daddy and dat Mommy and dat Stephie and dat Jesse and dat me and dat Romey.” Jake had paused in front of one of the family pictures that covered the sideboard along one wall, identifying each person in it. “Dat Daddy and dat Mommy” he moved to the next frame “and dat Jesse and dat Copper.” He kept going until they’d reached the end.

“Where’s the TV?” She knew, but she wanted to see what he would say.

Jake moved to a bare area of floor. “Here.”

“Where?  I don’t see it.”

He pointed down. “It seeping in da froor.”

“Ahhh.” Brianna smiled.

“Come on.” He grabbed her hand again and led her from the room.

As they passed each room, he took her in and explained what it was used for. “Dis payroom. Dis bafroom. Dis book woom....Mommy calls it a wibawy.”

Brianna made appropriate – she hoped – noises, amused and highly entertained by her tour guide. 

“DADDY! I BING BIANNA!” Jake announced from the doorway to Jon’s office. “I SHOW HER EVEYTING!”

“Inside voice please Jakey.” Jon admonished gently before picking his son up for a hug. “And thank you.” He smiled at Brianna and motioned to a chair in front of his desk. “Hi. Sorry about that. Have a seat.”

“I enjoyed it.”

“I go pay now?” Jake asked.

“Yes, you can go play now.” His father set him on his feet.

Brianna was grateful for the few seconds of their conversation to get control of her reactions where her boss was concerned. She’d always thought he was an extremely attractive man, but when she walked in and saw him at his desk, leaning back in his chair, bare feet propped on a corner of the wooden surface, she was struck by it again.....like a kick in the stomach – or a little lower. My God he’s pretty!  Better get a grip Brianna. If you want to keep this job you’ve got to think of him only as your boss – your very married boss! “Thanks for the tour Jake.”

“Wecome.”

The affectionate look on Jon’s face as he watched his son skip out of the room caused a warmth to spread across her chest. Sitting down, she set her briefcase in her lap, opened it and kept her head bent over the contents until she could be sure of her expression.

Since her attention was elsewhere, Jon took the opportunity to let his gaze roam over her, unguarded. The buried fire of her hair, the sun kissed skin that made him wonder if it felt as silky as it looked, a body that had curves in all the right places, all caught his admiring attention. When she set aside the brief case and crossed her legs, her skirt hiked up her thighs just a little higher and made his mouth go dry. Down boy! If you can’t resist this temptation you’ll have to let her go. But he didn’t want to have to do that. He’d had a hell of a time finding a decent assistant – and he desperately needed one, or so his wife kept telling him – and she had every sign of being a very good one. All he had to do was keep reminding himself that having someone who he could trust to take care of the minutia of his life, freeing him to spend more time with his family and develop his philanthropic ideas into something that could become reality was more important than a few hours of physical pleasure. Of course whether he could ever find someone he trusted that much remained to be seen. Especially since it meant letting them into the inner circle – in a big way – and he wasn’t really comfortable doing that. But Dorothea had convinced him that if he didn’t he would miss out on watching his kids grow up and being a part of their lives. And he hated that idea more!

“Here’s the folder you asked for.” Brianna handed it over. “There were several pieces of correspondence I felt should be answered. I took the liberty of drafting responses for your approval.” She glanced up. “Unless, you’d rather dictate them to me instead.”

Jon sat up, took the folders from her and read the letters and her replies...and was pleasantly surprised. “This is pretty good. Just a couple changes to make it sound more like me. I think what I’ll probably do is make you notes about what I want to say, and some I’ll write myself. We’ll see how it goes.”

“Here are some others I need your direction on.” She handed over another folder.

They spent the next half hour discussing the items and determining a course of action. Jon glanced around his desk and frowned. “I had some notes here for a presentation I want to make to the Soul board. I’d like you to look them over and format them for me. Where the hell did I put them?” His brow cleared. “Must have left them upstairs. I’ll be right back.”

While he was gone, Brianna reread the notes she’d made and started organizing her next steps. Lost in thought, she was startled to feel a hand on her leg. She glanced down to see brown eyes regarding her with curiosity, while small hands used her leg for support and balance. “Well hello there little man. You must be Romeo.”

He grinned at her and wobbled on his little legs. She reached down to steady him, then changed her mind and picked him up and sat him on Jon’s desk.

A few minutes later, Dorothea stood in the doorway, having tracked her youngest down and watched them play Peek-a-Boo, smiling at her son’s giggles. “Well, I see you’ve met the charmer of the family.”

Briana turned her head and grinned. “He’s going to be a heart breaker.”

Dorothea smiled. “Lunch is ready. You’re staying. Don’t argue.” She turned towards the hallway. “Bring the heart breaker with you.”

“Well. I guess now I know how she deals with your Daddy.” Brianna told Romeo as she picked him up and followed his mother.