Saturday, May 31, 2014

Chapter 74


Jon opened his eyes to find he wasn't alone in the bed. Brianna's face was inches from his own, her legs entwined with his. Even in the weak dawn light, she was beautiful. And she was his. He smiled in contentment.

One hand rose to lightly trace her cheekbone and jaw. Following the line of her neck he continued down over her collarbone to her breast. Her skin felt like silk under his fingertips. He smiled in satisfaction when her nipple hardened at his touch. It made him wonder if other parts would respond as easily. His hand continued down her body to find out.

Arriving at the juncture of her thighs, he reached between, searching for her sultry core. Her welcoming wetness had his cock pulsing....

"Daddy!"

His son's voice jerked him from his memories back to the present. He looked up from his desk. "What?"

"Bianna's here." Jake informed him.

"Okay. Thanks. Tell her I'm back here."

"Okay."  He headed for the doorway. "BIANNA! DADDY'S IN THE OFFICE!"

"Inside voice please Jake." Jon called after him.



"I don't know Jake, we'll see how late it is when your Dad and I get finished." Brianna was still talking when she entered the room. "Hi. How come he's not in school?" 

"Hi. He only had a half day today." His eyes flicked over her. Even in jeans and a sweatshirt she looked beautiful to him. Unless her trip out to the house was unplanned, she tended to dress casually. Dorothea had finally gotten that point across. While he was glad she felt that comfortable in his home, he had to admit he missed her suit skirts sometimes. Rising, he walked around the desk to take her in his arms. "I've missed you." He bent his head and kissed her.

She smiled. "You talk to me pretty much every day."

"Not the same thing as seeing you."

"No, it isn't." She agreed.

"You look great."

Feminine brows rose. "I'm wearing jeans and an old sweatshirt. I'm hardly a fashion plate today."

He shrugged. "You look very...huggable." He proved it. "Besides, your beauty glows from within."

Brianna stared at him for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Have you been writing lyrics? 'Cause that was pretty cheesy, even for you."

"Jeez. I try to be romantic and she laughs at me." He pouted.

"Aw....I'm sorry." She kissed him briefly. "Thank you."  Pulling away she sat down and opened her briefcase. "Okay, let's get to work."

"And they call me a slave driver." He sighed, but sat down behind his desk again. "Okay, what's first?"



Half an hour later, Brianna studied his face and sighed. "Hello....earth to Jon."

He blinked. "Hmmm? What? Did you say something?"

"Where were you?"

He grinned. "The guest house."

"Ah." Her lips twitched. "It's a very....comfortable.....guest house. Especially in the morning." Their love making that morning had been as gentle as the night before had been fierce.

"Are you sure? Maybe we should go take another look at it. See what it's like in the afternoon." His grin turned lecherous.

"Horny much?" It was easy to tell. When he was in a playful mood it was usually because he was either drunk or horny.

"It's been two weeks, what do you expect?"

Brianna didn't look up from the open file in front of her. "Twelve days, don't exaggerate."

Eyes narrowed, he sat up straighter and pointed a finger at her. "Aha!  You're not fooling me Golden Eyes, you're feeling the hunger too!"

She heard the smugness in his tone, but didn't glance up to see his expression. "I never said I wasn't. But apparently I have more self restraint than you do." Finally looking up at him, she frowned. "And that surprises me. With all the time you've spent on the road, I would have thought you'd be used to the dry spells - and much longer ones."

Jon grimaced and shrugged. "Doesn't mean I have to like it. It can get downright painful."

Rummaging through her purse, she pulled out a small bottle of hand lotion and set in on the desk in front of him.

"What's that for?"

"To help ease the pain. I don't have any oil or lube with me, but the lotion will help keep your hand....and other body parts.....from chafing."

To say he was stunned would be a bit of an understatement, although since they'd become a couple he'd noticed his 'prim and proper' assistant was giving way to the smart mouthed, teasing wanton that he'd only seen glimpses of previously. He found this side of her......stimulating. She kept him on his toes and challenged him to match her. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could utter a word, Jake's voice drifted in from the living room.

"Copper! Stop stepping on my trains! Bad dog!"

"If it wasn't for them being here, I'd open my pants right here and make you watch." He threatened.

Brianna leaned forward. "If it wasn't for them being here, I'd let you."

Both brows rose in surprise. She wanted to watch him jerk off? That was a tidbit he'd file away for later.

"Bina! Bina! Bina!"

They both turned to watch Romeo enter the room, Jon idly wondering if his youngest two would ever say her name properly.

"What's up little man?"

Romeo pulled on the seat of his pants and plugged his nose with his other hand. "I tink!"

Brianna looked at Jon, who raised his hands defensively. "Don't look at me, he came looking for you."

Rolling her eyes at him, she stood and held out her hand. " Come on little man, let's go upstairs and change your pants." As she got closer to him, her nose wrinkled. "Whew! You really do stink. You must get that from your daddy."

Romeo giggled and nodded.




Brianna stayed with the little ones while Jon went to pick up the other two from school.

"Hi!" Stephanie plopped down on the couch near where Brianna sat on the floor playing blocks with Romeo. "You staying for dinner? We're ordering pizza."

At a nudge from his sister, Jesse blinked. "Yeah and stay for movie night too."

"And seep over!" Jake added.

She glanced at Jon who raised his brows. "Did you have other plans for the evening?"

Brianna shook her head. "No, and I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday night." And it wasn't a lie. It didn't matter what the activity was, spending time with Jon and his kids would always be her first choice.

"Okay, it's settled then." Jon declared. "If you guys need help with your homework you'd better ask Bri while she's here."

"Yeah, 'cause you're no help." Stephanie muttered.

He shrugged. "Never claimed to be a brainiac."

"He got by on his looks." Brianna suggested and grinned at the scowl he threw her way.

Stephanie shook her head. "He cheated off Mom."

"Yep. I'm going to find me a good looking smart chick to copy off of so I can coast through high school too." Jesse announced.

Stephanie snorted. "You'd better keep studying. You don't have Dad's looks to pull that off."

Jesse flipped her off.

"Oh, I don't know." Brianna jumped in. "I think Jesse has his own looks to pull it off. If I was a girl his age, I'd go for him." She winked at him. Jesse blushed, but smiled.

"Okay, enough. And Jesse, watch your language. And that includes sign language." He gave Stephanie a warning look. "Even though you deserved it."

Steph just shrugged.

"So what's everyone want on the pizza?" Brianna asked.

And the next argument started.


After they finished eating, Jake grabbed Romeo's hand and tugged. "Come on Romey, we got to have our bath so we can watch the movie."

Romeo nodded and turned his head towards Brianna. "Bina baf!"

She looked at the table full of dishes and grinned at Jon. "Looks like you're on kitchen duty. My presence has been requested upstairs."

"Then I get to pick out the movie." He taunted.

"Steph."

"I'm on it." Stephanie assured her.

Jon looked around at the smiles on the faces of his children and his girlfriend and gave in gracefully. His family was happy for the first time in months. He would do what he could to keep them that way. "Whatever."



Returning downstairs with two clean, pajama clad youngsters, she sent them into the living room to get settled while she went into the kitchen to organize snacks, only to find Jon had beat her to it. "Need some help?"

"Yes." Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her thoroughly, although not as long as he would have liked. He lifted his head and traced her bottom lip with his tongue. "Thanks Golden Eyes. I needed that."

Releasing a shaky breath, she stepped back. "I meant with the snacks. Man, you're lethal today."

"We could always take this sleepover to the guest house later."

"One track mind."

"Daddy! Bianna! Hurry up! We ready for the movie!"

"Coming!" Buoyed by the fact that she didn't immediately say no to the guest house, Jon picked up a tray of drinks. "Grab the other tray will you?"

Brianna grabbed the tray and followed him into the living room. The kids were sprawled over every comfortable piece of furniture in nests of pillows and blankets, leaving only the love seat for the two of them. She thought she caught a look passing between Stephanie and Jesse, but it was gone too fast for her to interpret it.

Settling beside her on the love seat, Jon had to remind himself not to touch her. And it went against all of his instincts. But they weren't alone, and as she constantly reminded him when she rebuffed his amorous advances, they had to put the kids feelings first. Lord he hoped they gave whatever signal he was supposed to be waiting for soon! Acting like she was just an employee and a friend was a lot harder than he'd thought it would be.

By the end of the movie Jake and Romeo were both sound asleep. Brianna nudged Jon and nodded in the boys' direction. "Guess we should get them into bed."

Before they could stand up, Stephanie jumped up and reached for Jake. "We'll take them up. You guys just relax. Jesse get Romeo."

Jesse complied without an argument and the adults watched them leave the room.

"What was that all about?" Brianna wondered. The kids always helped out when asked, but there was something different about this. In fact, they'd been acting a little strange ever since the barbecue. Something was going on with them. She just hoped it wasn't something bad. She'd have to think of a way to get one of them to talk to her about it.

Jon just shrugged. "I don't know." And he wasn't going to waste a lot of time trying to figure it out. Either they would tell him when they were ready......or Brianna would get it out of them. He slid his arms around her and nuzzled her neck. "Can we make out now?"

She tried to push him away. "You're like a teenager in rut. They'll be back down in a few minutes."

"So we'll just neck for a bit."

But the teenagers didn't come back down. And they did a little more than just neck.


Saturday, May 24, 2014

Chapter 73


When the temperature dropped, they moved the party inside the Shoe Inn. As the evening progressed, people took turns playing pool and telling stories from the road - both funny and horrific.

Gradually, everyone started to leave for home. When Dorothea's sisters were ready to go, they said goodbye to Jon, then approached Brianna.

"You guys heading out?" Brianna smiled, but, all things considered, was a little uncomfortable around the sisters.

"Yeah." Linda nodded.

"It was a great party." Colleen added.

"I know the kids and Jon were happy you came." Brianna responded.

"We'll always be here for them." Linda assured her. "Call us whenever we can help."

Colleen glanced from Brianna to Jon and back again. Her eyes filled but she smiled and hugged Brianna. "It's good. You and Jon. It's....right. We know you'll take good care of all of them."

"Oh, but..."

"Don't try to deny it." Linda advised her. "We can see it in the way you look at each other. We hope you're happy together. Just.....don't forget about us."

"Never." Brianna assured her. "You and Donna and your families will always be a part of the kids' lives."

"Thank you. Have a good night."

Brianna watched them go and drew in a ragged breath.

"Everything okay?" Jon murmured from behind her.

"Yeah." Brianna sighed. "Everything's fine. They just gave us the Hurley family's blessing."

"Good. Now we just need to work on the kids.....and your family."

"Mmhmmm."

"Sweetbutt! Pour another round and tell us about Mexico City."

"Shit!" Jon scoffed as he headed for the bar to pour the drinks. "I'd have to have been sober enough to remember it to tell the story."

"I would have thought almost getting your ass kicked in a riot would have sobered you up." Brianna commented dryly. The silence of the room made her look around to find them all staring at her. "What? I'm a fan remember. I've heard the stories. Well, the ones that leaked out anyway."

Southside laughed. "You're screwed Sweetbutt! Can't pretend to be the wholesome pretty boy when they know your delinquent past."

"Like stealing Bubbles the chimp in Tokyo?" Brianna smirked. "Or getting arrested breaking into the ice rink in Central Park?"

Jon's jaw dropped. "You heard about that?"

"Rumours." She grinned. "Then Dot filled me in."

Jon groaned while the rest laughed.



Finally everyone called it a night. Closing the door behind the last of the guests, Jon turned to see Brianna picking up glasses and dishes from around the room. He stepped behind the bar, thankful he put a dishwasher in when he'd built it.

They worked in silence for awhile. A song on the stereo caught Brianna's ear, and she reached to turn it up. Jon looked up and smiled, amused to see her dancing her way around the room while she wiped off tables. The swivel of her hips quickly had his mind focused on dancing of a different type.

Emerging from behind the bar, he caught her around the waist and pulled her against his body. "I've been waiting for this all day."

Brianna looped her arms around his neck and grinned. "You've been waiting to dance with me?"

"Kind of." He dipped his head and captured her mouth with his.  While their tongues explored and dueled, Jon slid his hands down her back to cup around her ass and squeezed.

"Mmmm." Brianna moaned softly and pressed her pelvis harder against his, feeling his cock twitch in response.

When they came up for air, Jon coasted one hand up her torso to cup and massage a firm breast, noting that her chest was already heaving slightly. One finger trailed along the scoop neck of her shirt until he reached the first button in the line that ran from neckline to hem. He toyed with it absently while he contemplated his next move. When it slipped through the hole, his brows rose in surprise. "I thought they were just decoration."

Brianna just smiled and watched his face as he continued to undo buttons. She knew the exact moment the fabric parted to reveal her bra - what there was of it. The red lace demi cups displayed more than covered her lush mounds, and his eyes burned blue fire in appreciation.

"Sweet Jesus!" He managed to choke out.

"Does that mean you like it?" If his eyes didn't, his cock certainly did. She could feel it hard against her pelvis.

"I don't know." He brought both hands up to cup her breasts. "I need to take a closer look before I can decide."

With that, he bent his head to brush his lips over her exposed flesh. His tongue traced along the lacy edge, then dipped underneath to taste the stiff tips. "Mmmmm. Nice."

His thumbs slid under the edge and lifted the plump globes out of their confinement, giving him better access. "Now that's even better."

Fingers stroked while lips and tongue kissed, licked and suckled.

Brianna moaned, her fingers clenched in his hair, holding him close.

As enjoyable as it was, Jon couldn't ignore the thrusting of her hips against his for very long. Raising his head, he leaned back slightly and looked down at her skirt. "Please tell me it's a matching set."

"Not exactly." Brianna admitted. "Same colour, but the bra that matches these panties has openings over the nipples and I didn't want to shock anyone if a cold wind came up.....or you got too close to me." Stifling a grin, she waited to see how long it would take him to clue in to what she was trying to tell him.

He frowned in confusion for several seconds, then an idea struck him and his expression turned hopeful. "Does that mean what I think it does?"

Her nails scraped the back of his neck. "I guess you'll just have to find out for yourself."

Grinning in anticipation, his hands grasped her skirt at her hips and pulled upwards until the material bunched around her waist. One hand reached between her thighs to test his theory. His fingers touched lace surrounding the moist, hot silk that was quintessentially woman.

While he trusted what his fingers were telling him, his eyes wanted verification. Easing her back towards the bar, he gripped her hips and lifted.

The marble top of the bar was cold on her basically bare ass and Brianna gasped. His hands were hot as they nudged her legs apart. Pulling up a stool, he sat and just stared. Brianna's lips twitched. "Do you like what you see?"

He nodded solemnly. He'd put crotchless panties on his top ten list of the world's greatest inventions "It's an invitation I can't refuse."

"Then what's the problem?"

"I can't decide where to start."

Her laugh was choked of when the breath stuck in her throat at the touch of his lips on her most female flesh. He kissed and nuzzled her swelling folds, then licked along her cleft. When he reached her clit, he flicked and rubbed it with his tongue. "Mmmm."

Brianna moaned softly and leaned back on her hands. Looking down, she watched his face as he watched his fingers stroking and exploring the same flesh he just tasted.

Sensing her gaze, Jon glanced up. When his eyes locked with hers, he winked and went back to his feast. Using both fingers and mouth, he built her passion up to fever pitch with her sighs, moans and cries urging him on.

Just when she thought she couldn't take anymore, his lips enveloped her clit and he suckled with such finesse she actually saw stars behind her eyelids when her orgasm finally exploded. "Oooh yes. Yes. Yes. Yes! YES! JON!"

He continued to lap, like a cat enjoying his cream, until her spasms subsided. More than anything, he wanted to thrust his aching cock inside her and find his own bliss, but he knew if he did, it would be over in seconds. If he didn't want to go off like a virgin with his first girl, he needed a breather.

Standing was painful as denim scraped against sensitive flesh, and he quickly opened his pants, releasing his erection from its confinement. Seeing Brianna still reclined on the bar, face flushed, eyes closed, struggling to regain her breath, didn't help his situation and he spun around and walked over to the pool table, stripping off his t-shirt as he went. After taking a few deep breaths, he turned around and found her watching him.  Crooking a finger, he motioned her towards him, unsurprised when one brow rose in response to his silent command. She disliked orders.

Mentally reviewing her options, Brianna slowly sat up and slid off the bar. She'd been stunned when he'd walked away from her - especially when he was so obviously aroused, but she had been too busy trying to breathe to question him. It rankled. As much as she enjoyed his oral skills, she wanted more. Nothing was as satisfying as the feel of him deep inside her. Now it looked like he wanted to taunt her first. Well two can play that game sweetheart!

She sauntered over to the end of the pool table. Picking up a cue, she ran her fingers back and forth along the smooth wood while she walked slowly towards him, her eyes roaming over his exposed flesh.

Even though her actions appeared casual and unplanned, Jon had no doubt she knew exactly what she was doing. His lips - among other body parts - twitched at her performance.

Brianna stopped a few feet away and faced the table. Surveying the balls scattered on the felt surface, she contemplated her shot. "So. Read any good books lately?"

He snorted. When she bent over and slid the cue between her fingers more times than anyone would need to prepare to take a shot, he growled. "Do you know what happens to cockteases?"

The sultry sidelong glance she sent him brought him nearly to the brink. Damn woman! One look from her and all his lustful plans went up in the smoke of their mutual desire. His only thought was to get inside her and fast. Which was fine sometimes, but he couldn't let her think she ran the show all the time. He needed to regain control of the situation.

Stepping behind her, he placed one hand on her back to keep her bent over, the other pushed up her skirt from where it had slipped down to once again expose her lower body. He ran his hand over the basically bare curves of her ass, enjoying the feel of her smooth, creamy flesh.

Then he lifted his hand. "They get spanked."

Brianna gave a startled cry at the sting of his palm striking her. "Hey!"

His hand descended again, leaving a matching mark on the other cheek. Leaning over until his lips could reach her ear, he whispered. "Then they get fucked."

That was the only warning she had. One thrust buried him to the hilt. She gasped. "Oh!" Turning her head to look at him, she grinned. "About time. I wondered when you were going to get around to it."

"Brat!" Straightening, he spanked her again. Both hands settled on her hips to hold her steady for his repeated penetrations of her lush body. His thrusts were slow and deep. Glancing down, his gaze locked on where their bodies joined, riveted by the sight of his cock, glistening with her juices, sliding in and out of her body.

Arms braced on the table, Brianna dropped her head down, closed her eyes and rocked back against him, savouring the sensations radiating through her body. She'd heard fans describe Jon as 'sex on legs'. Now she could confirm - with great authority - that they were right. For all his arrogance, he knew how to pleasure a woman he cared about. "More babe. I need more!" She pushed back harder and rotated her hips to make her point clear.

Jon was happy to oblige. His hips moved in counterpoint to hers, thrusting faster and faster. All thoughts of keeping it slow and gentle disappeared. His whole body was focused on reaching the pinnacle of pleasure that came closer with every movement. Part of his brain also realized that she wasn't quite there yet and he wanted her with him. So he took steps to make it happen, reaching around her to fill his hands with her female flesh. One cupped a breast, massaging and pulling on her nipple, the other curling around her mound, his finger sliding into her cleft so that it rubbed her clit with her every movement.

Her reaction was immediate....and vocal. "Oh! Yes! Mmmmm. Oh God! Yes! Right there....right there. Mmmm. Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!" She threw her head back as her orgasm burst. "YES!"

Feeling her channel clench around his cock, Jon groaned and let go, riding her wave to ecstasy. He wrapped his arms around her and held on tight as the spasms shook their bodies.

When he could speak again, he kissed her neck. "Sleep with me tonight Golden Eyes."

She frowned. "I just did."

"No, I mean actually sleep. In a bed. With me. I want to hold you, go to sleep with you in my arms and wake up the same way."

The temptation was very strong, but.... "Babe, I want that too, but you know how I feel about that with the kids in the house."

"I know and I agree with you. But what about if it wasn't in the house?"

She glanced around the room. "Here?" There were a couple couches, but it wouldn't be very comfortable.

Her chuckled and hugged her. "No, silly. The guest house."

Brianna considered that for a moment. She was still concerned that the kids could come looking for them, but they both were early risers.......and she really wanted to cuddle with him for awhile. Temptation won out over conscience. "That might work."

Jon stepped back, pulled up and fastened his pants and grabbed her hand. "Come on." He didn't want to give her time to change her mind.

"Wait!" She tugged her hand free and pulled the sides of her shirt together and fastened a couple buttons. When he raised a brow, she shrugged. "It's cold out."

He thought about that for a moment, then looked around for his t-shirt and pulled it on. Taking her hand again, he led her out the door and down the driveway. Opening the door to the guest house, he flipped on the light and stepped aside to let her enter first.

Brianna had been in the guest house a couple times, so she knew the layout. She led the way to the bedroom, stopping when she saw the baby monitor on the night table. "What's this?"

"I figured you would worry about the kids needing us and us not being in the house to hear them, so I brought it out. The ones in both Jake and Romeo's rooms are on the same frequency."

"Pretty sure you were going to be able to talk me into staying here, weren't you?"

He'd been married too long to fall for that one. "Hopeful." He corrected her.

She snorted, but let it go and headed for the bathroom, not surprised to see her toiletries on the counter beside the sink. Her man had planned well.

When she returned to the bedroom, she found Jon already in bed, his eyes closed. So much for cuddling. Sighing, she set her clothes on a chair and crawled in beside him. She turned off the light and settled onto her side facing the edge of the bed.

Jon rolled towards her, slid his arm over her waist and snuggled against her back. He kissed her neck. "Night sugar." With a contented sigh, he drifted off to sleep.

Brianna laid her arm over his and followed.


Saturday, May 17, 2014

Chapter 72


It was unusually warm for September, so they set the tables and bar up outside on the patio. When the sun went down and the temperature dropped they could move inside. Brianna straightened from setting a tray of cut vegetables and dip on the table to feel arms slide around her waist.

"Hi Beautiful. You look good enough to eat." With her knee high boots, suede mini skirt and three-quarter sleeved shirt in a mixture of fall colours, she managed to look casual yet sexy as hell!

Brianna laughed and reached out for a carrot stick and held it up for him. "Thanks Lemma, but I think this will taste better."

"I doubt it." But he obediently bit into the vegetable. "Seriously though, the spread looks great." He lowered his voice. "Can you tell me why I'm getting the stink eye-in-training from the mistress of the house?"

Glancing over towards where Stephanie and Gabrielle were huddled on the other side of the patio, she had to admit his description of her expression was pretty accurate. She wasn't quite up to Jon's icy glare, but she was getting there. "I don't know."

David shrugged. "I'll find out from Gabi later."

Brianna snorted. "This is Stephanie we're talking about. I'm betting she'll tell you herself."

As if hearing her, Stephanie approached them. "Uncle Lemma, can I talk to you for a minute?"

If he wasn't so curious, he would have laughed at her stern tone. "Sure Pookie."

Biting her lip to stifle a smile at Stephanie's reaction to the childhood nickname, Brianna stepped aside. "I'm going to go see how Matt's doing at the bar."

Stephanie waited until Brianna was out of earshot before frowning at her 'uncle'. "You like Brianna don't you?"

"Yes. She's great." Seeing her expression, he frowned himself. "What's wrong? Don't you like her?"

"Yeah, I do. A lot."

"So what's the problem?"

"Are you dating her?"

"No."

"Do you want to?"

"Steph, what's going on in that pretty little head of yours?"

She reached out to the vegetable tray while she debated whether to confide in him. She turned a carrot stick between her fingers. "Do you think Dad likes her? Enough to date her I mean."

David eyed her intently. "Where's this coming from Pook?"

Stephanie shrugged. "It's been almost a years since...... He doesn't do well alone and I know she wouldn't want him to be. So, if he's ready to start dating....." She shrugged again. "Brianna......fits. She knows us, we know her and we all get along. It makes sense. I'm just not sure if Daddy sees that."

"Well, if he doesn't we'll just have to help him see it."  He hugged her. "Are your brothers on board with this?"

She nodded. "Jesse and I talked about it and the squirts already love her."

Guess that makes it unanimous then. "I have a feeling everything's going to work out just fine."



Seeing Brianna approaching, Matt pulled out a bottle of white wine and poured a glass. "Need this? Everything looks great."

"Thanks." She picked up the glass and sipped while she surveyed the yard. Not many guests were here yet, mainly just the family. "Have you got everything you need?"

"I think so." He eyed her. "So, how are things going with you and Jon?"

"I was wondering that too." Carol put in as she joined them, taking the glass of wine her son held out to her. "Thanks."

Brianna looked back and forth between them, not sure what they were getting at. "Everything's fine. It's a little slow at the moment, but once word gets out that he's started accepting invitations I'm sure that'll change."

Matt chuckled and shook his head. "That's not what we're talking about."

"Then....what are you talking about?"

"We know you're dating, dear." Carol patted her arm. "Jon told us."

"He didn't tell me." Matt boasted. "Desiree and I figured it out ourselves."

"Oh." Brianna didn't know how to react.

Guessing her thoughts, Carol smiled. "We think it's great. Couldn't be happier."

Matt nodded. "Just don't let him walk all over you." He winked. "But I guess you've already shown him you won't be ignored haven't you? Did you like the flowers?"

"You know about that?" Brianna could feel her face burning.

"Uh huh. He asked Desiree how to fix it." He raised his glass in a toast. "Good for you."

Carol agreed. "Love him and help him, but don't lose yourself in his shadow."

"What's with the huddle? Should my ears be burning?" Jon asked as he walked up to the bar. 

"Just getting some tips on how to deal with you." Brianna answered.

He snorted. "Like you need any help." Taking the glass of wine his brother handed him, he slid his arm around Brianna's waist and squeezed her hip before letting go. At her warning frown and quick glance around, he smiled. "It's okay, they're not looking this way."

"Where's Dad?" Matt asked.

"Looking over the meat and grumbling because I didn't let him make pasta sauce." Jon answered. Both brothers rolled their eyes.



Half an hour later, Brianna was heading into the house and nearly ran into Tony, who was coming out. "Tony!"

"Hey Sunshine!" Tony hugged her. "You look great!"

"Thanks. I didn't know you were coming home."

"Are you kidding? I couldn't miss the kids' party." He grinned. "Is this your and Jon's coming out party too?"

"No!" She glanced around to make sure the kids weren't close enough to hear them. "This stays within the family - the adult members of it - until we're sure the kids are ready."

"Gotcha. I'll keep it to myself, don't worry. Just so you know, I think he made a great choice."

"Thank you." She hugged him again.

"Now that's the way to greet guests! Do I get a hug too Sweetness?" A voice came from the doorway.

Brianna turned towards the latest arrival and grinned. "Uncle Southside! Hi!" She stepped into his open arms.

"Come on Southside, quit blocking the doorway!"

"You ain't the Boss of me!" John Lyons retorted.

Brianna groaned. "That's bad." She turned to the couple standing behind them. "Hi Bruce, Patti. Glad you could make it."

"We wouldn't have missed it." Patti assured her.

"Nice spread." Bruce added.

"Help yourself. Jon's around here somewhere." Brianna glanced around, but couldn't spot him.

"Yeah, yeah. I'd rather talk to you than Sweetbutt any day." John insisted.

Brianna glanced at Patti in time to see the other woman roll her eyes and laughed.

"Bri! I need your help!" Stephanie stepped between Brianna and Southside. "Hi guys."

"What's the problem?" Brianna asked. Stephanie turned to show her the back of her head, revealing the unravelling reverse French braid. "Oh."

"Gabi wanted to see how you did it. We only undid a bit, but now I can't do it again. Can you fix it?"

"Yep." Noticing Patti watching, Brianna shifted a bit so she could see what she was doing.

"That's cool."

"Yep." Stephanie agreed. "Bri can do all kinds of cool things. We'd be lost without her. Especially Daddy."

Brianna looked at her, bemused. The others exchanged glances, their brows raised.


A little while later, Brianna paused by the table where Jon was sitting with David and Dorothea's sisters.

"Uh oh. LOOK OUT! INCOMING!"

"I got it!"

Brianna started to turn to see what the yelling was about when she was sideswiped by a pre-teen receiver. "Oof!" Her balance upset, she landed in Jon's lap.

His arms immediately came up to catch and hold her. "Are you okay?" When she nodded, he glared at his son. "Jesse..."

"I'm sorry! Really! I didn't mean to knock you over Bri. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine Jess." Brianna assured him, holding out her hand for him to grasp and pull her up.

Something about the satisfied smirk lurking around the boy's mouth had David rethinking the 'accident'. He'd been debating telling Jon that his kids were supportive of his relationship with Brianna.....but he was having too much fun watching the kids' efforts to push them together.



Jon manned the barbecue, Brianna, Carol and Desiree put out the salads, and soon they were all settling down to eat.

"Bianna! Hep me!"

Brianna looked up to see Jake trying to walk with a drink and a loaded down plate balanced precariously in his hands. "Hang on! I'm coming!" She managed to reach him before disaster struck and got him to a table. "Do you want me to cut your burger in half for you?"

He nodded. "Tank you."

"You're welcome buddy."

"Here Romeo, let Grandma help you." Carol scooped up some macaroni salad on a fork and held it out to the toddler.

"No!" Romeo shook his head vigorously. "Want Bina!"

Carol looked at Brianna who shrugged sheepishly and took the fork Carol held out to her.

When all the guests had loaded their plates, Jon put some meat on a plate - chicken for Brianna and steak for him - and took his seat beside her, unsurprised to see his favourite salads on the plate in front of him. "Thanks."


Later, after everyone had eaten their fill and the dishes had been cleared, they sat around the tables, visiting. Brianna was chatting with the Springsteens when Romeo came up and climbed into her lap, one small hand rubbing his eye.

"Tired little man?"

He nodded and leaned against her.

She rubbed his back and kissed the top of his head, missing the look Bruce and Patti exchanged.

"The kids all seem very comfortable with you." Patti noted.

"Yeah. They're great kids." Brianna replied.

"You love them." It wasn't a question.

Brianna answered anyway. "Yes, I do."

"Good. They deserve it."




After putting Jake and Romeo to bed, Brianna descended the stairs and headed for the patio door when a hand reached out and snaked around her waist, pulling her against a hard body.

"Jon! What are you doing?"

"What's it feel like I'm doing?" He nuzzled her neck.

She groaned. "We can't....Jon! You have guests outside."

"We have guests." He sighed and leaned back, one hand sliding down to stroke her bare leg below the hem of her skirt. "You're torturing me with this outfit."

"Really? Then I guess you don't want to see what's under it then." She sighed in mock disappointment and stepped towards the door. "Too bad. It's your favourite colour." Her throaty laughter drifted back as she stepped through the doorway.


Jon groaned and banged his head on the wall several times before taking a deep breath and following her.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Chapter 71


As soon as they stepped into the house, Stephanie grabbed Jesse's arm and tugged him towards the stairs. "Need to talk to you."

"What's going on?" Jesse asked as he followed her.

"I'll tell you upstairs!" Stephanie replied.

Jon watched them go, a frown creasing his brow. But Romeo distracted him before he could follow them.


Stephanie closed the door to her room. "We need to do something and fast."

"What are you talking about?" Jesse frowned at his sister.

"Dad and Brianna. Getting them together."

"What about it? I thought that day at the beach went well."

"It did."

"So what's the problem?"

"You know Mrs. Marinelli?"

Jesse frowned, thinking. "Dark hair, big ta-tas, face that doesn't move?"

"That's her."

"What about her?"

"She was hanging all over Dad when I came out of school today. She was practically drooling and shoving her chest in his face - and he let her!"

"Miss Fuller, my science teacher, was doing the same thing yesterday." He looked at his sister. "What are we going to do? I mean, Miss Fuller's nice enough, but.....she asks a lot of questions about our house and places I've travelled to and stuff."

"Gold digger." Stephanie nodded. "Have you heard anything mentioned about what Dad's been doing when he goes into the office in the city and doesn't come home until after we've gone to bed?

Jesse shook his head. "Nope. Neither Grandma or Uncle Matt ever ask him." He frowned. "Do you think he's seeing someone?"

Stephanie shrugged. "Not sure, but I think so."

"But...who? And why hasn't he told us?"

"I don't know. Maybe he wants to make sure he really likes her before telling us. Or maybe he doesn't think we're ready to see him with another woman."

Jesse toyed with a loose thread in his jeans.  "Are we?"

She sighed. "I think it's going to happen whether we are or not." The memory of Brad referring to her as Brianna's daughter popped into her mind. Neither of them had corrected him. It had been a jolt to Stephanie at first, but it also felt.....comfortable...somehow. And the fact that Brianna hadn't said anything made Stephanie feel.....content. So she thought maybe she was ready to move on as well. "You read Mom's letter. If he's ready to date we need to make sure he picks the right woman. The only one that meets all the requirements is Brianna. We just have to make Dad see that."

"How are we going to do that?"

"I don't know, but we need to think of something."



"Everything okay with you two?" Jon directed his question to his oldest two children. They were seated around the dining room table devouring the cook's roast chicken.

Stephanie and Jesse exchanged a look. "Yeah." Steph answered. "Everything's fine."

Jon wasn't convinced. "You know you can tell me if there's something bothering you...right?"

"Sure Dad. We know." Jesse assured him.

Still not convinced, Jon had no choice but to let it go. It was times like this when he felt Dot's absence was most keenly. She could always get them to talk. He didn't know how. He sighed. The little ones were easy. Give them food, a few toys, and some of his time and they were happy. The older ones were much more complicated. I wish Bri was here. She'd know how to get them to talk!

"When's Bri coming again?"

Jon's gaze jerked to his daughter's face and he wondered if he'd voiced his thought out loud. "I'm not sure. Why?"

Stephanie shrugged. "We haven't seen her for a couple weeks. I miss her."

"Me too!" Jake piped up.

Jon smiled. He missed her too even though he'd seen her - and more of her - than the kids had. He'd made excuses to go into the office several times over the past two weeks and stayed to spend time with Brianna. But he hadn't stayed all night - he didn't want to try to explain his absence to the kids.

He missed that. He missed having someone to hold all night and wake up with. He missed that closeness. He needed to figure out how he could make that happen. She refused to sleep with him with the kids in the house and he couldn't stay all night at her place very often.

"We should have a party." Jesse suggested.

"Yeah? You think so?" Jon asked. "Why?"

Jesse shrugged. "We haven't had one in a long time. We should let our friends know we're doing okay."

"And thank them for all their support." Stephanie added. "Not a big bash or anything. Just close friends."

"And when should we have this little shindig?" Jon was amused, but decided it wasn't a bad idea.

"As soon as possible." Was Stephanie's opinion. "Before the weather gets cold so we can still barbecue."



Brianna opened her email to find several message. The first was from Jon:

Hosting party on Saturday. Can you pick up hamburg buns, hotdogs, salads....and whatever else you think would be good? I'll get the meat - we'll have steak and chicken for the adults - and look after the bar. About 30-40 people. Nothing fancy.

Thanks.

Plan on spending the night.

Oh, dress casual.



The next message was from Stephanie:

Can you get something gooey and chocolate for dessert? Oh, Jake would like cookies. Maybe some fruit to make Grandma happy. She worries we don't eat right.


The third one was from Desiree:

I'll bring a couple veggie trays and Carol's got the potato salad and a pasta salad under control.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do.

See you Saturday.



Brianna felt like she'd walked into the middle of a conversation and was trying to play catch up. It was a very......unsettling feeling. She hated coming into the middle of a project. But she was a professional. She could deal with this. It wasn't the first time. She picked up the phone.

Jon answered on the second ring. "Hey. Did you get my email?"

"Mmhmmm. Yours and a couple others. You've been busy. A party huh? What's the occasion?"

"It was the kids' idea. A way to thank our friends for their support over the last year or so and let them know we're doing okay."

"Nice. Are you sure you don't want me to call some caterers?"

"I suggested that and got shot down. Apparently that would be cheating. According to Steph, it isn't from the heart if we don't do the work ourselves."

She snorted "So you passed it off to your assistant."

"No, I shared the fun with my girlfriend."

That made her smile. "Oh, okay. So, I'm making a grocery list. Do you have enough condiments?"

"I think so." He paused. "Maybe you should come out Friday to make sure we're not missing anything."

"That's probably a good idea."




"Okay, so we're having a party, now what?" Jesse asked his sister.

"The party was your idea. What's your plan?"

Jesse shrugged. "Don't have one. I just wanted to have some fun around here. Like we used to."

Stephanie sighed in exasperation. "Okay. Well.....I guess we let everyone know how much we like her and watch out for women hitting on Dad and push them together as much as possible."

"What about men hitting on Brianna?"

Thinking back to that day at the beach and Brianna's reaction to Brad - and her dad's - she shook her head. "I don't think we have to worry about that. Brianna will handle it. Or Dad will." And if they didn’t she would..


Saturday, May 3, 2014

Chapter 70


Jon looked up from his plate, glanced around the table and let his gaze settle speculatively on his girlfriend and waited for her to look at him. "Do you have a bathing suit here?"

"No, why?" She'd left several items of clothing at the house over the last year, but she'd never brought a bathing suit.

"It's a hot, sunny day. I thought it might be nice to go to the beach this afternoon. We can stop in town and get you a suit."

"I appreciate the invitation, but I have a lot of work...." She didn't get a chance to finish.

"But if Dad's saying you can come to the beach with us, then it's okay for you to skip work." Jesse argued. 

"Oh please come Bri. I'm tired of being the only girl." Stephanie pleaded. "And I know this place in town that has the cutest suits!"

Knowing she was outnumbered and unable to resist the kids' pleading looks, Brianna had no choice but to give in gracefully. "Okay."

"Yay!" Jake slid off his chair.

"Where are you going?" Brianna asked him.

"Get my suit on and my beach toys!" He threw back over his shoulder as he ran for the stairs.

The others quickly followed.

Jon looked at the dish covered table. "Hey!"

"You go get ready and grab the towels and sunscreen, I'll clean up here." Brianna suggested.




She was putting the last of the glasses in the dishwasher when she felt hands slide around her waist from behind. The heat of his chest seeped through her shirt. She nudged him away. "Um, kids remember?"

"They're upstairs." He assured her, pulling her back into his arms and nuzzling her neck.

"Still....."

"DADDY! Where my boogie board?"

Jon sighed, squeezed her and stepped back. "It's in the garage. I'll get it."

Brianna chuckled. "I'll round them up and meet you at the car."



The boys stayed in the car while the girls went into the store in search of a bathing suit for Brianna. She was leaning towards a simple one piece, but Stephanie insisted she get a bikini.

"Oh, I don't think so Steph. My stomach's not flat enough and my butt's too big for a bikini."

"Bull. You've got a great body Bri, you should show it off." Stephanie argued.

"I'm not twenty anymore Steph. I'm not even thirty anymore!"

"So? You're really pretty."

"Thank you." Brianna hugged her.

"And if you wear that bikini, I'll bet that you'll have all of the men on the beach drooling." Steph added. "Good thing your boyfriend isn't here. He'd be really jealous!"

That idea held definite appeal for Brianna. A slight smile curved her lips as she grabbed the yellow bikini. "I'll take this one."

When Brianna had disappeared into the change room, Stephanie allowed her satisfied smile to emerge. "You're welcome Daddy."



Jon pulled into the parking area next to the public beach and they piled out. Brianna had her hands full with blanket, towels and Romeo while Jon herded the rest of them.

Stephanie picked out the spot and Brianna spread out the blanket. She looked up, surprised, when Jon set down a large cooler with a thump.

"Snacks." He answered her unspoken question.

"When did you manage that?" She didn't remember seeing it leave the house.

"While you girls were shopping. Gotta have snacks."

"Come on Daddy let's hit the waves." Jake had taken off his t-shirt and clutched his boogie board.

"Wait a minute there buddy." Brianna searched through bags until she found the waterproof sunscreen. "Let me put some sunscreen on you so you don't burn."

"Come here little man, I'll put some on you too." Stephanie snagged Romeo before he could take off.

"You guys too." Brianna tossed the bottle to Jesse.

Jon stripped off his shirt and tossed it to a corner of the blanket. He raised his arms above his head and stretched, flexing his muscles.

Stephanie noticed and rolled her eyes.

Brianna noticed and decided two could play that game. Wiping her hands on a towel, she removed her shorts, grasped the hem of her shirt and slowly lifted it over her head and off.

Jon watched the revealing of her body now covered only in two scraps of yellow material and felt the breath lock in his chest. "Jesus."

Stephanie heard his whispered curse and grinned.

"Daddy, come on!" Jake urged.

Jon cleared his throat. "Okay, I'm coming."

"Wait!" Brianna stopped him, waving the bottle of sunscreen. "Let me put some on your back first."

He was pretty sure letting her put her hands on him was not a good idea - it certainly wouldn't help the ache in his crotch - but he steeled himself and turned his back to her.

Squeezing lotion into her hand, she handed him the bottle. "Better do your front too." She looked out at the water while she spread sunscreen. "How cold do you think the water is?"

"Not cold enough." He muttered.

Brianna snickered quietly and ignored the glare he threw in her direction. "Did anyone bring a radio?"

"In the bag beside the cooler." Jesse pointed.

"Thanks." Brianna found it and searched for a clear station.

While the boys hit the water, Brianna and Stephanie stretched out on the blanket.

"Mmmm." Brianna sighed as her muscles relaxed in the heat. "This is nice."

"Mmmhmm." Stephanie agreed. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

Not sure how to respond - she didn't want to outright lie to the girl - Brianna avoided a straight answer. "I haven't had much time lately for a boyfriend."

"Because of us?"

"Because I've been busy working and making sure the people I care about are being taken care of and have everything they need." Brianna corrected her.

"Because of us." Stephanie repeated, this time making it a statement not a question. "Well, we're doing okay now. You should take time to find a boyfriend. Unless you don't want one. Do you want one?"

"Do you?" Brianna countered.

Stephanie considered for a moment. "Not right now. I had one....before Mom got sick. Then..." She shrugged. "I didn't have the time or energy for him. I still don't. I need to focus on myself and my family right now."

Brianna stared at her. "How old are you again?"

Stephanie's laugh turned into a squeal when a football landed at the edge of their blanket, kicking up sand in all directions. "Ew!"

"Pfft." Brianna spit sand and sat up, brushing futilely at her arms and stomach. The sand had stuck to her sweaty skin and sunscreen and wasn't going to come off easily.

"I'm sorry!"

Brianna looked up at the man bending to pick up the football. When he straightened, she guessed he was about her age, around six feet tall, blonde and very well built.

"My nephew doesn't quite have his distance control down yet." Noticing Brianna starting to get up, he held out his hand. "Let me help you."

"Thank you."

"Was anything damaged? Either you or your.....daughter....hurt?" It was Brianna's left hand that he held and his thumb stroked her bare ring finger.

"No, we're fine." She assured him, retrieving her hand. "Just a little sand. No harm done."

"Still, I feel bad. Let me take you out to dinner to apologize."

"Oh, that's not necessary...."

"I'd really like to. I'm Brad by the way."

"Uh..."

"Bianna! Stephie!" Jake ran up, dripping water, to grab Brianna's hand and tug. "Come swimming! Daddy says we can go to Umberto's after for dinner!"

"Yeah?" She glanced up. "Sorry Brad. I appreciate the invitation, but I already have a dinner date."

"So I see." He winked at Jake. "You're a lucky man."

"I know."

The adults laughed and Brad left with a wave.

"Come on Steph, let's wash this sand off."

"Who was that?" Jon asked when they joined him and the boys.

"I don't know. He and his nephew were throwing around a football and it hit the sand near us. He was making sure we weren't hurt." Brianna explained.

"He asked Brianna out." Stephanie added.

"Really?" Jon stiffened. "What did you say?"

"That I already had a dinner date. Jake invited me to Umberto's."

"Mmm." Jon ruffled Jake's hair. "Coming in the water?"

Brianna hid her smile and agreed.



Back at the house, they unloaded and took turns in the shower.

"You might as well stay here tonight." Jon suggested when the little ones were in bed. "You didn't get a chance to check out the boys' clothing situation before we left."

"Yeah. That's a good idea. And then Steph and I can go shopping."

"Great!" Steph agreed. "And I'm still waiting for the answer to my question."

Brianna had to think for a moment, then snorted. "I'll get back to you on that."

Jon kissed his daughter good night and watched her leave the room before turning his attention back to Brianna. "What was that all about?"

"She asked me if I wanted a boyfriend. I don't want to lie to her so I'm avoiding the question."

"Is that why you haven't answered my question either?"

"What question?"

"About when I'm going to meet your parents."

"Oh. Right. I still can't believe that you want to."

"I'm not saying I'm looking forward to it, but it's the right thing to do don't you think?"

"Yeah....I'll get back to you on that too." She picked up the TV remote and started surfing channels.

Jon snorted and settled back into the couch beside her.