Chapter 34

By the end of the week things had calmed down and Lindsay prepared to move back home. Friday morning Jon left early for Soul meetings in Philly. Taking the chicken’s way out, she took advantage of his absence to avoid an argument when she packed.

After work she told Kevin she was going to her apartment. He followed her and escorted her into the building, reminding her to call him if she was going out over the weekend.

She spent the next couple hours cleaning and straightening up her apartment. When her cell phone rang she jumped. Checking the number she sighed and prepared to deal with an annoyed rock star.

“Hey, how’d your meetings go?” She tried to delay the inevitable.

“Fine, where are you?”

So much for delaying tactics. “I’m at home.”

“No you’re not. I’m home and you’re not here.” He was definitely annoyed.

“No, you’re at your home, I’m at mine.” She braced for his response.

Silence. “I thought we were moving forward here.”

“We are. Moving forward doesn’t mean moving in. At least not yet.”

“Don’t you like my home?”

“It’s beautiful. It’s like something straight from a magazine. I’m just not comfortable being there when you’re not. Besides, it’s only been a few months. Don’t you think that would be rushing things a little?” She tried to explain.

“You can redecorate the whole house if you want, if it will make you more comfortable.”

“Maybe eventually, but I’m not ready for that yet. Look, I’m perfectly willing to stay with you on weekends – when you’re home, but not full time. Not yet.”

He sighed. “I guess I’ll have to take what I can get. So…it’s the weekend, I’m home, why aren’t you here?”

She smiled. “Because you weren’t sure if you were going to make it back tonight, and you have that pre-release gig with the fanclub at Elements tomorrow night.”

“Well, I’m back and I’ll be here tomorrow night too. So…are you coming back?” He coaxed. He sounded just like a child hoping for a treat.

She laughed and gave in. “Ok, I’m on my way.”


The next day she was called upon to act as fashion consultant. When she entered the wardrobe room they were lined up like soldiers for inspection. Doing her best drill sergeant impression she started down the line.

Hugh was first. Black pants and silver long sleeved shirt. She nodded in approval.

Tico was next. Taking in his long sleeve button up shirt she frowned slightly. “Do you have something sleeveless under that?” He grinned, nodded and flashed her. She grinned back. “Good man.”

Then there was David. She looked at him and shook her head sadly. “David, you’re a hell of a keyboard player, smart, funny, very attractive with your yellow curls, and the best of friends.” She hesitated trying to think of a way to soften the blow. She couldn’t. “But you have no fashion sense at all.” The others laughed.

David looked hurt. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

“The pants are fine. But that shirt……I saw you wear that during the Bounce tour, and I’m sorry babe, but it was ugly then, and it’s ugly now. Where’s the one we picked out for the Borgata show?” She asked.

“But I wore that not too long ago.” He protested.

“Hmm,mmm and the girls behind me kept talking about how good you looked.” She almost laughed at the pleased look on his face.

“I’ll go get it.” And he took off out of the room.

Lindsay turned to Richie. Giving him the once over she reached out to lift the edges of his trademark long jacket to get a better look at the t-shirt underneath. “Do you have anything tighter?”

He chuckled and nodded. Jon frowned. She turned to him. He was wearing the same sweats and shirt he’d been wearing all day.

“And what about you, Mr. Frontman? What are you wearing?” She raised a brow at him.

He smiled. “Oh, no. I know you better than that by now honey.” He waved around the room. “You pick.”

Grinning she set to work. As she sorted through the racks Tico finally asked the question they had all been curious about.

“Hey Linds, how come you’re not coming with us? I mean, your relationship is out in the open now, so why are you staying away?”

“For the same reason that Jon didn’t wear his wedding ring on stage.” She answered absently.

“Sweaty hands?” Hugh looked skeptically at her hands.

Lindsay looked at him. “Riiiight.”

“What you don’t believe that?” Tico asked, curious. They were all watching her closely.

“Not for a minute. Richie never seems to have that problem, and Jon used to wear rings back in the old days.” She faced Jon. “Look , no matter how much you protest that you don’t like it, pretty boy, your female fans and their lust fests are a big chunk of your bread and butter. No sense hitting them over the head with your unavailability. Let them have their little fantasies, especially during a show where you feed off of each other’s energy.”

They looked at her stunned. “What? Did you really think you were fooling anyone? Hey, I’m not criticizing, I think it’s a smart move.”

Richie shook his head in disbelief. “But, what does that have to do with you coming with us today? The pictures just came out. No one will recognize you yet.”

She laughed. “Don’t kid yourself. The fans had those pictures within 24 hours, 48 max. By now, they’ve been posted on every fan website on the net. If I showed up with you today, believe me, I would not be very popular. ”

Jon started to ask a question, then the answer came to him and he grinned. “Been there, seen that?” She nodded and smiled a little sheepishly. “I keep forgetting you were a fan first.” He gave her a hug. She handed him the outfit she’d picked out.



Chapter 35

About an hour and a half after they left, the phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Lindsay, it’s Matt.”

“Hi, Matt. How’s everything going?”

“The meet and greet is going well.” He paused. “Can you come over here?”

She frowned. “What’s wrong?”

He sighed. “Jesse showed up here. If I tell Jon he’s going flip, and everyone’s going to know something’s up and if they see Jess then everything Jon’s done to keep the kids out of the spotlight will go right down the tubes.”

“I’m not sure I’m the best one to come get him. How did he get there anyway?” She asked, concerned.

“I’m not real sure. I think Sam dropped him off. I tried to call Dorothea, but I can’t reach her. My parents can’t get him either. These people know Mom on sight. I can’t keep him with me, they’ll figure out who he is, and I can’t get away to take him home.”

“But if I show up there and they see me with him, they’ll figure it out too. Besides, he’s not one of my biggest supporters, he might not even come with me.” Her mind was racing for a solution. She wanted to help. She didn’t want Jesse to get hurt, but she didn’t want to make things worse either.

“Please Lindsay, I don’t know who else to call. Hopefully we can get you in and out before they realize who you are.” Matt pleaded.

“Ok, I’m on my way.”


Arriving at Elements she parked in front of the employee entrance in anticipation of a quick getaway. Entering by the front door, she was stopped by the hostess on duty.

“I’m sorry, this is a private party.”

Lindsay smiled. “Yes, I know. I’m Lindsay Chandler.”

The hostess’ eyes widened for a minute. “Yes of course, I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you. Go on in.”

“Thanks. Do you know where Matt is?” Lindsay asked.

“Umm, last time I saw him he was heading for the kitchen.” The hostess responded and pointed the direction he had headed.

“Thanks.”

Skirting the edge of the large crowd she pinpointed the positions of the guys. Jon was on the other side of the room signing autographs. The rest were spread out around the room likewise engaged. None of them noticed her. Keeping her head down, she headed for the kitchen – and almost ran into Matt as he was coming out.

“Oops, sorry.” He grabbed her arms in reflex to catch her. Glancing down he saw who it was and whisked her into the kitchen. “Thank God!.” He lead her over to a corner where Jesse was sitting on a stool looking mutinous. “See if you can talk to him.” Matt said, clearly exasperated with his nephew. “He’s as stubborn as his father. I’ve got to get back to work.”

Taking a deep breath Lindsay turned to Jesse. “Hi Jesse, what’s up?”

He just shrugged.

“You’re a long way from home. How’d you get here?” She tried again.

“Sam.”

“Does your dad know you’re here?”

He shook his head.

She grabbed another stool and sat, trying desperately to find someway to reach the boy.

“Jesse, is there some reason you wanted to be here today?”

Another shrug.

Lindsay sighed. “C’mon pal, help me out here. Your dad’s going to be angry when he finds out you’re here. Help me figure out a way to calm him down.”

“I just wanted to see what it’s like.” He said in a small voice.

“What what’s like?”

“His other life.” Came the answer.

Oh God. Lindsay suddenly had to blink back tears. Swallowing hard she looked at the young boy who was risking a lot of people being angry just to spend some time with his dad.

“Tell you what. Why don’t we see if Uncle Matt can find us a corner where we can watch for a few minutes, then I’ll take you back to your dad’s and you can be there when he gets home and spend the night? Would you like that?” She asked.

Her heart almost broke at the way his face lit up. He nodded.

“Ok, let me go find Uncle Matt and see what we can arrange.”

Stepping out of the kitchen she surveyed the room until she found Matt. Catching his eye she motioned him over and told him what the plan was. He thought for a minute then nodded.

“I know a place that might work.”

Collecting Jesse, he showed them to a couple of chairs in a far corner. You could see the whole room from there, but no one was looking towards them.

After half an hour of watching Jon laugh and flirt with the fans, Lindsay motioned a waitress over and asked her to take Jesse to the door. “I’ll be there in a minute” She promised.

Having watched Jon lavish attention on the fans, knowing what the boy next to her would have given for just a portion of that attention, Lindsay felt an unreasonable anger. She knew it was an emotional response, not a logical one. She knew that it wasn’t really Jon’s fault, it was just the circumstances, that he was doing the best he could, but none of it changed the way she was feeling. It was these feelings that motivated what she did next.

Moving around the room until she was behind Jon, she fought her way through the crowd until there was no one left between them. She didn’t notice that Richie had seen her or that a few of the fans had recognized her as well.

Jon was facing away from her signing an autograph and talking to a big chested blonde – which didn’t exactly help her emotional state either! Stepping forward, a bit of an evil smile on her face, she ran one hand around his torso. The other hand slipped down to grab his assets while she raised up on tiptoe to bite his earlobe and blow softly into his ear – something that always drove him wild.

He stiffened at her first touch, but very quickly relaxed. “Hi honey, I thought you weren’t coming.” He said without turning around.

Stunned speechless she stepped back and just stared at him as he turned to face her. Shaking her head she finally found her voice. “No way, you didn’t know it was me!”

Grinning he nodded. “Yes I did.” He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Sweetheart, I’d know your touch anywhere, and recognize your scent in the dark.”

“But my perfume’s pretty common.” She argued.

“I’m not talking about your perfume.”

She swatted him on the arm and he laughed. “Hey turnabout’s fair play.” When she looked at him questioningly he explained. “You made me blush, it’s only fair I make you blush.”

“I made you blush?” She raised a brow at him. With a rueful smile he quickly glanced down and back up. Following his gaze she realized what he meant. Good thing he was wearing denim and not chinos or he’d really be on display. She grinned.

“So what changed your mind?” His question brought her mind back to why she was there.

“Oh I heard that there was a good looking young man here who needed a ride. So I came to pick him up.” Turning she looked at the girls around them. “Make sure he gives you your money’s worth girls.” She winked at them and they laughed as she started to walk away.

“Lindsay, wait!” He grabbed her arm to stop her.

Turning back she glanced around then raised a brow at him. He tried to hide his frustration that they couldn’t speak freely. “What did you mean by that?”

“Exactly what I said.” At the look on his face she relented - a little. “Don’t worry, I’m taking him to your place. You can talk to him later.” She walked away.

Looking toward Richie she saw him laughing and giving her the thumbs up. Smiling she made her way over to him and told him what she’d done. “If he’s really upset and it starts affecting the evening, you can tell him.”

“Hell, no! It’ll do him good to stew for a while.” Richie chuckled.

Heading for the door she gathered up Jesse and left for home.



Chapter 36

When they got back to the estate they sat down in the den.

“Are you hungry?” She asked.

“No, Uncle Matt made sure I got some food.” He looked at her. “Thanks though.”

“Do you think we should call your mom and let her know where you are?”

He sighed. “I guess so. She’s going to be mad though. I told Sam that Dad had invited me.” He reached for the phone.

Personally Lindsay thought that Sam should have checked with Dorothea who would have known that Jon wouldn’t have wanted his son in such close proximity to fans with cameras, but she didn’t say anything.

“Mom wants to talk to you.”

Taking the phone she let out a nervous breath. “Hi Dorothea.”

“Hi. Thanks for going to get him. I don’t know what Sam was thinking taking him there! I was out getting groceries or I would have stopped it. Did anything happen?”

“No, Matt kept him in the kitchen until I got there, and we were able to get him out of there without anyone seeing him.” She paused. “I get the feeling he misses his dad.”

Dorothea sighed. “He does. He’s having a harder time of it than the rest. I think it’s his age.”

“If it’s ok with you, I’ve offered for him to spend the night here tonight. Jon and the guys will be back early and then they can spend some time together.” Lindsay suggested.

“I think that’s a great idea. Are you sure you don’t mind?” She sounded relieved.

“Not at all. I know the guys would enjoy it too. Jon can bring him home tomorrow.”

“Sounds good.” She hesitated. “Thanks Lindsay.”

Hanging up she turned to Jesse.

“So what do you want to do? It’ll be a couple hours before your dad gets back. Do you want to watch a movie, or play a game or something?”

“I brought a video game that we can both play if you want to.” He looked doubtful.

“You’re on. You’ll have to show me how first though.” Yes!! Breakthrough!

The guys returned to find them sitting on the floor, in the middle of an intense battle.

“I’m gonna blow you away!” Jesse yelled.

“Hah, you wish!” There were some noisy sound effects. “Eat that you slimy space alien!” Lindsay laughed.

“Who’s winning?” David asked.

“I am.” They responded in unison. They all laughed.

Jumping up, Jesse went to greet his “uncles”. Reaching his dad he looked at him a little fearfully.

Jon looked down at him for a moment. “Son, you know why I don’t like you at events like that right?” Jesse nodded. “Next time, call me. We’ll arrange some time together – just the two of us. Ok?” Jesse’s face lit up and he nodded and hugged his dad.

Jon turned and pointed a finger at Lindsay and glowered. “You, are evil.”

“What did I do?” She asked innocently.

“Don’t play Miss Innocent with me. You know exactly what you did.” He almost growled.

She grinned and looked at Richie. “You told him?”

“No, I wouldn’t, so he tracked Matt down to find out what was going on.” He grinned.

“Don’t tell me you were jealous.” Lindsay looked at Jon in disbelief.

Definitely a growl this time.

“Jon, are you blushing?” Tico asked trying not to laugh.

Still grinning Lindsay got up and walked over to him. Wrapping her arms around his waist she hugged him and kissed him lightly. “Thank you.”

“For what? Acting like a schoolboy with his first crush?” He grouched.

“For caring enough to be jealous.” She kissed him again.

“C’mon Lindsay we’ve got to finish the game.” Jesse pleaded.

“I’m playing the winner.” Richie declared.

And so the evening went.

When Jesse was making the rounds saying goodnight before going to bed he looked hesitantly at Lindsay. “Do you know how to make French toast?”

“Yes.” She replied.

“Could we have some for breakfast tomorrow?” The hopeful look on his face was the same one that Jon used when he was trying to wheedle something out of her.

Surprised, she smiled. “Sure, pal. Is there anything else you’d like?”

“Chocolate chip cookies!” Came the response from five different directions.

She laughed. “There’s a fresh batch in the kitchen. I made them earlier today.”

“Good God woman! Why didn’t you say something earlier?” Richie jumped up and ran for the kitchen.


Later, as they headed upstairs to bed, Lindsay hesitated at the door to the master bedroom.

“Oh, no you don’t.” Jon slid his arm around her waist and propelled her into the room. Cutting off her protest he assured her. “Jesse is expecting you to spend the night. And I can guarantee he knows where you’ll be sleeping. He may be young, but he’s a lot like I was at that age. He knows all about what goes on between boys and girls.” He leered at her.

Shaking her head, she gave in and moved to turn down the bed.

“So what exactly was the story with him today anyway? Matt said he couldn’t get him to talk, but I’m betting you did.” Jon asked as he undid his shirt.

“What makes you think that?” She asked, curious.

“I told you he’s a lot like me. You can always make me talk even when I don’t really want to.” He answered dryly.

She smiled. “He said he wanted to see what your other life was like. He told Sam that you had invited him, and Dorothea wasn’t home to stop it. Matt couldn’t get a hold of her either, so he called me.” She paused. “I think he just really misses you. He’s at that age where he really needs his father.” At the look on his face she continued. “Honey, I know you’re doing the best you can, but is there anyway you could squeeze in some more time with him in the next little while? Try to help him adjust?”

He walked over and hugged her. “I’ll take a look at my schedule and see what I can do.” Tipping her face up, he kissed her gently. “How did I get so lucky to find you? Not only do you give me just what I need, here you are trying to do the same for my son. You did a great job with him today by the way.”

Hugging him back she smiled broadly. “I think I made a real breakthrough today. When he asked me to make him French toast for breakfast I wanted to shout in triumph.”

He nodded. “That was definitely his stamp of approval and acceptance. You can’t escape, you’re part of the family now.”

Throwing her arms around his neck she rubbed up against him. “Why would I want to escape when I’m right where I want to be?”

Groaning at the feel of her body rubbing his he swooped down and captured her mouth. When she opened for him he accepted her invitation and thrust his tongue deeply into her mouth, tasting her.

Fisting her hands in his hair she moaned and sucked hard on his tongue while pressing even closer to him.

Wanting to feel her skin against his, his hands rose from her waist to undo the buttons on her blouse. Spreading the sides back he flicked open the front closure of her bra, peeling it back so he could cup her breasts in his hands and knead gently.

Moaning softly, she lowered her arms to remove the offending garments completely. Returning her hands to his shoulders she glided them down his back, massaging the firm muscles as she went. Breaking the kiss she slid her mouth down his neck to his chest. Moving slowly she licked, nibbled and sucked her way to his hard nipples. Here she stopped to feast.

Caught between the feel of her hands on his back and her mouth on his chest he was helpless to do anything but moan. In reflex he captured her nipples between his fingers and squeezed.

Reaching his waist she slid one hand around, tracing his ribs and moving down to stroke him through his jeans. He shuddered. Chuckling, she flicked open the button and slid the zipper down. Reaching inside she gripped him firmly.

“Jesus, Lindsay, you’re killing me.” He gasped.

Dropping to her knees, she dragged his jeans down and he kicked them away. Before he could stop her, she leaned forward and ran her tongue down his hard shaft. Sliding one hand up the inside of his thigh she cupped him, softly stretching his sensitive skin. The other hand she used to hold him firmly while her tongue played.

Unable to help himself he slid his hands into her hair and held on for dear life.

Taking him into her mouth she suckled hard, then backed off and scraped her teeth gently across the tip, reveling in the sounds she dragged from his core.

“That’s it!” He growled. Pulling her away he grabbed her arms and raised her to her feet.

“Didn’t you like it?” She asked breathlessly.

“Mmmmm….too much. I need to be inside you…now!”

Backing up until he hit the bed, he sat and drew her to stand in front of him. Quickly rendering her as naked as he was, he urged her to straddle him.

Complying, she placed her knees on either side of his hips and lowered herself until she was sitting in his lap.

Bracing her with one hand on her hip, with the other hand he cupped a breast raising the pouting nipple to his mouth. Running his tongue around and around the hard kernel he listened to her gasps with an internal smile.

Grabbing his head she pulled him harder against her. “Please.”

He obliged, sucking lightly at first, then harder. She cried out. Unable to wait any longer, he slid his hand down over her belly to stroke the soft flesh between her thighs. Probing gently to check that she was ready he absorbed the shudder that racked her body. Pulling her hips closer he lifted her and impaled her.

He paused for a moment to let her catch her breath and to feel their flesh pulsing against each other intimately. Tipping her head up to his he kissed her lightly. “You told me that you used to ride horses.” She nodded. “Show me.”

Smiling seductively she looped her arms around his neck and started to move. Slowly she rocked her hips against him in a figure eight pattern. “This is a walk.” Speeding up she suddenly changed to an up and down motion, pausing briefly at apex of her movement. “This is a trot.” Gradually increasing her speed, he was groaning, she was panting when she changed the motion again. Rising up only slightly, she rolled her hips against him. “This is a canter.” She gasped. Head tipped back he was breathing like a racehorse. Faster and faster she rode until finally the wave of sensation swamped them.

He collapsed on his back. She collapsed on top of him. He ran his hands slowly up and down her spine as they both waited to regain their senses. “You must have been one hell of an equestrian.” He panted. She laughed breathlessly.