Chapter 43

After clearing customs, they picked up their rental car and Lindsay pointed out the sights on the way to her hometown. Watching her face as they drove down the main street he smiled indulgently. “Do you want to stop?”

Turning to him she blushed a little. “Would you mind? I have this incredible urge to show off my town to you…and show you off to them.” She admitted.

They spent a pleasant hour roaming through the shops, stopping every few minutes to speak to people who called out greetings to Lindsay.

“Do you know everyone in this town?” He murmured.

“Pretty much. It’s a small town and I was born and raised here.” She answered waving at her parents’ neighbour who had called out to her from across the street.

“I’m beginning to understand how you must feel when we go anywhere together.” He muttered. She laughed.

“Lindsay, is that really you?” A voice spoke from behind them.

Turning Lindsay grinned “Tonia? Oh my God! It’s been years! How are you?” She hugged her old school chum.

“I’m good. Kids are driving me nuts as usual. Still with the old man. I hear you have a new one though.” She answered.

Chuckling, Lindsay took the hint and turned to introduce them.

“Jon, this is Tonia Davidson. We’ve known each other since we were little. In fact, the first time I saw you guys in concert was the Slippery tour with Tonia.” She grinned anticipating Tonia’s reaction to finally meeting Jon.

“Hi Tonia, nice to meet you.” Jon smiled and held out his hand.

“Holy fuck!” She shook his hand then hid her face in her hands. He laughed and impulsively gave her a quick hug.

“In case you didn’t notice, Tonia is a bit of a fan.” Lindsay laughed.

“Bite me Linds.” Came from behind the hands.

They talked for a few minutes more and Tonia got herself together enough to actually look at Jon… and find something for him to sign, then Jon and Lindsay headed to her parents house.

Walking up to the front door they spied the tree leaning up against the house. Jon glanced at Lindsay and gave a resigned sigh. “So, am I back in the tree business again?”

She grinned. “But, honey, you do it so well…and you hardly swear at all!”

“That’s because the kids were there.”

They were still laughing when she opened the door. “Mom, Dad?”

“We’re down here Lindsay.” Her mother called from the basement.

Leading the way down the stairs Lindsay found her parents trying to rearrange furniture to make room for the tree.

“Here, let me help you with that.” Jon rushed over to help Lindsay’s dad move a huge recliner chair.

“Thanks.”

“Mom, Dad , this is Jon Bongiovi. Jon, my parents, Bob and Lorraine Chandler.”

“Nice to meet you.” Jon said shaking hands with both of them.

“So you’re the rock star.” Lorraine commented.

Jon smiled and nodded. “I guess.”

Bob looked at him for a moment. “How are you at putting up Christmas trees?”

For the next several hours the four of them worked to prepare for the next day and talked. Bob and Jon put up the tree – with only a little swearing when it almost fell over, Lindsay and Lorraine decorated it – after Jon had put on the lights, much to Lindsay’s delight since she had been stuck with that job for the last few years and she hated it, then Jon helped Lindsay place all the presents underneath it.

Lorraine and Lindsay made the stuffing and as much of the preparations for dinner as they could do this far ahead. When they were alone in the kitchen, Lorraine decided it was a good time to question her daughter on her new situation.

“So what’s the story with you and the rock star?” Lorraine asked.

“Mom, he has a name.” Lindsay complained.

“Don’t change the subject.”

Lindsay sighed and rinsed her hands off. “I don’t know where this is going, Mom, I just know that I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life. His lifestyle is crazy, and the media is a pain in the ass, but his kids are great, and…he makes me feel special.”

“Do you love him?” Lorraine asked even though she could see the answer in her daughter’s eyes.

“With all my heart.” Came the response she expected.

“And does he love you?”

“With all of my heart and soul.” Jon answered from behind them.

Turning, Lorraine studied him for a minute, assessed the way the two younger people were looking at each other, then nodded. “Good.”


When everything was done, Jon and Lindsay prepared to leave. Lorraine would have preferred that they stayed at the house, but understood that they would like to be alone.

“We’ll see you two in the morning.”

“What time is everyone arriving?” Lindsay asked.

“About ten if Barb can get Doug moving.” She answered.

“So that means more like eleven for them.” Lindsay laughed, knowing her eldest brother well. “Ok see you then.”



Chapter 44

Back at the hotel they decided to order room service and exchange their gifts to each other. Hanging up the phone, Jon turned to Lindsay and grinned.

“What?” She asked warily.

Without answering he got up and pulled a beautifully wrapped box out from under the bed. “Why don’t you open this while we’re waiting for dinner?”

“Ooh, you’re sneaky! I didn’t even see you bring that in!”

“What’s the matter?” He asked when she didn’t open it immediately.

“It’s so pretty, I almost hate to open it.” She answered.

He laughed. “I bet you’ll like what’s inside even better.”

The heat in his eyes gave her a pretty good idea of what she’d find in the box.

Opening it slowly she smiled at his barely concealed impatience. “Is this for me or for you?”

His smile turned down right sultry. “It’s for both of us.”

Taking the lid off the box, Lindsay moved aside some tissue paper and had her suspicions confirmed. Lifting out the lingerie she murmured in appreciation. The rich blue silk would accent her eyes. The corset style of the teddy would lift and cup her breasts, showing them to advantage, while emphasizing the dip of her waist. The robe – if you could call it that – that came with it was long and transparent blue gauze edged in matching silk with a silk sash tie.

“Oh Jon it’s beautiful.” She breathed. “Thank you.”

“It will be even more so with you in it.” His eyes were shining. She blushed at the compliment.

Walking over to her suitcase she pulled out two packages. Laying the larger one on a table she handed him the smaller one. “This isn’t your main present – I’m saving that one for after dinner.”

Removing the wrapping he lifted the lid from the box, revealing the necklace with its leather cord and shimmering guitar pendant.

“Hey, that’s cool!” He kept tilting it to watch the light reflect off the coloured stones. “Thank you.” He leaned over and kissed her.

A knock at the door signaled the arrival of their dinner. “Why don’t you get changed into something more comfortable while I get dinner set up?” He gestured towards the open box in front of her and grinned.

Grinning back she scooped up the box and headed for the bathroom. Looking at herself in the mirror attired in her gift, Lindsay was frankly a little shocked. She had never looked sexier. Damn he’s good at this!

Peeking out first to make sure the waiter had left, she exited the bathroom. “I am almost afraid to ask how you knew what size to buy?”

Turning, he froze, his gaze licking over her from head to toe and back again. “Wow!” Walking over to her he reached out, undid the tie and spread the robe open to have an unimpeded view of her. “Even better than I anticipated.” Glancing up at her face he realized she was waiting for an answer. It took him a couple minutes to remember the question. “Oh, the sales clerk was really good. I described you with my hands and she took measurements and said she thought this would fit. She was right.” Spanning her waist with his hands he pulled her close and kissed her, softly at first, then more thoroughly.

Chuckling she broke the kiss and pushed him back. “Cool your jets big boy. Dinner first, then I want you to open your present…..then we’ll see about thanking you properly for mine.”

Sighing, he raked a hand through his hair. Leading her to the table he sat her formally, then took his seat across from her.

Dinner was a slow torture. The food was probably excellent, but it could have been sawdust for all the notice either one gave it. They talked, but neither one could have said what the topic was. Lindsay’s focus was continually disrupted by the sight of Jon’s chest peeking out of the shirt he had undone almost to his waist. In return, Jon’s gaze kept straying over the vision she presented to him across the table, making him shift position often to try to ease the tightness in his pants. Watching him squirm, knowing the reason why, caused her to do some squirming of her own.

Finally, when they could eat no more she covered the plates and loaded them back onto the tray, which Jon placed in the hallway. Turning back he made a detour to his suitcase before returning to is seat at the table.

When he had sat Lindsay handed him his present. Smiling he handed her the small box he had pulled from his bag. Setting it on the table in front of her she watched him, wanting to see his reaction.

Lifting the lid off of the box he saw sheet music and it took him a minute to realize what he was looking at. Taking the pages out carefully he skimmed over them, stunned. “My God Lindsay, where did you find this?”

“Janet helped me with that. She knew about your standing request to be told if anyone saw Dylan memorabilia. I had also told her that I was looking for something special for Christmas for you. When she saw this hand notated sheet music she verified that it was legit and called me.” She explained.

“It must have cost you a fortune!”

She shrugged. “Not too bad. Janet negotiated the deal. You might want to think about having her negotiate your contracts…she’s a real tiger.” She paused. “So you like it?”

“Like it? I love it! And I’ll show you how much, just as soon as you open yours.” His eyes were glowing like sapphires lit from within.

Trying to ignore the shiver of anticipation that ran down her spine, she grinned and grabbed the box. Ripping off the paper, she lifted the lid and gasped as her breath caught in her throat. “I thought you didn’t do this anymore.” Her voice was just above a whisper.

“I don’t, but I wanted to give you something special too, and with everything you’ve been through I thought you would appreciate it. This way you can never doubt that you’re in the inner circle….you are my inner circle.”

Eyes shining with tears she reached out with a reverent fingertip to trace the superman symbol pendant of the necklace.

Reaching across the table he took the box from her hand. “Come here.”

Rising, she rounded the table and settled herself on his lap, turning so that he could fasten the necklace around her neck. Touching the pendant where it lay at her throat she looked up at him with her heart in her eyes. “Thank you.” She whispered.

“You’re welcome.” He sipped at the tears caught in her lashes. “I love you.”

With a small cry she threw her arms around him and buried her face in his neck. “Oh Jon, I love you so much that sometimes it scares me!”

He squeezed her tight. “Sssh, sweetheart. Don’t be scared. I’m not going anywhere.”

Leaning back slightly she gazed at his lips and licked her own.

“Let me.” Bending, he traced her lips with the tip of his tongue. When she parted them for him he accepted her invitation and tasted her thoroughly.

Moaning softly she leaned into him and slipped her hands inside his shirt to explore his chest. Frustrated by his shirt that kept getting in the way she sat up to pull the tails out of his pants and push it off his shoulders. Leaning forward he removed it and threw it aside.

Sinking back into the kiss she let her hands roam his chest. She felt as much as heard the groan in his chest when she reached his hardened nipples. Breaking the kiss she leaned back to watch her fingers. When he would have pulled her back she shook her head and pushed his hands away. “No, not yet. I want to touch you.”

One hand slid down over his tight abs to his waistband and below, stroking him through his jeans. Moaning he let his head fall back exposing his neck. Stretching up she licked his adam’s apple, then bit it lightly. He shivered in response. Continuing downward she kissed a path to his chest where she teased first one nipple then the other with her tongue.

Sliding off his lap she pushed his legs apart until she could kneel in between them. Reaching up to rub his nipples with her fingers she licked and sucked her way down his abs, circling his navel with her tongue several times before finally dipping the tip into the sensitive indentation. Opening his belt and jeans, she surveyed her prize. Glancing up at his face she smiled wickedly while he gazed at her helplessly and gripped the arms of the chair tightly. At her tug he lifted his hips slightly so that she could slide his jeans over them.

Wrapping one hand around him she cupped his sac with the other squeezing rhythmically. Running her tongue up the underside of his shaft from base to tip she chuckled when she heard his barely stifled shout. Licking the tip like a lollipop, she flicked her tongue along the slit tasting the drop he couldn’t hold back.

Groaning, his hands fisted in the hair on either side of her head, but he didn’t have the strength or the will to pull her away. When she sucked the tip into her mouth his hands tightened involuntarily. “Oh God, sugar, stop. You’re going to make me lose control!” He gasped.

She raised her head just enough to answer. “No, not this time. This time, I want it all.”

He shivered at the feel of her breath caressing his most sensitive flesh. When she lowered her head again, his whole body tightened. Unable to stop her he helplessly watched through slitted eyes as she devoured him. Reaching the end of his endurance he went rigid and with a throttled shout gave her what she asked for.

Sitting back on her heels she smiled smugly while she waited for him to catch his breath. Removing his jeans completely so he didn’t trip when he stood she removed her robe as well – she was too warm to need it.

“Your turn.” He promised as he stood, helped her to her feet and led her to the bed. Lifting her he laid her in the centre and stretched out beside her his head resting on one hand. With the other he lightly caressed her body from collarbone to thigh. The calluses on his fingertips leaving goosebumps in their wake. When she shivered in response he glanced up at her eyes and smiled. With thumb and finger he plucked at the hard kernels of her nipples, his smile deepening as her back arched. Leaning down he licked her nipples dampening the silk that covered them until it faithfully outlined her flesh. Then he toyed with the nubs with his teeth, listening to her gasps before taking first one, then the other deep in his mouth and suckled hard. She cried out.

Leaning back again he watched his hand stroke down her body to play with the snaps that held the teddy closed at the juncture of her thighs, probing gently between with one finger. Her hips lifted towards his teasing hand silently asking for more.

“Jon please!” She panted.

Tugging harder on the snaps he popped them open, pulled the silk upwards and slid it completely from her body, leaving her bare and trembling beside him.

Spreading her thighs wide he wedged his shoulders in between holding her open for his next assault. Gently stroking her with his fingers he watched her beautiful body undulate. Holding her open he replaced his fingers with his tongue driving her higher.

“Oh God, now, Jon, now, please!” She cried.

Chuckling he obliged. Sliding two fingers deep inside her, he captured her ultrasensitive nub of flesh with his teeth. Sucking hard, he thrust his fingers in and out of her in a matching rhythm. She screamed as she reached for the stars.

Not giving her a chance to recover he quickly raised up and buried himself inside her, savouring the feel of the ripples of her climax around him. Holding still for only a moment he started driving hard and fast into her pushing her back up the mountain of desire that she had barely started to descend.

“Jesus Jon, stop, not yet, I can’t, it’s too soon, you’re going to kill me!” She could barely speak.

“Yes you can, just let go. Let your body do what comes naturally.” He was panting already himself.

Helpless to do anything else, she wrapped her arms and legs around him and surrendered herself to his loving. Within moments she was cresting the mountain again, but this time he was with her. Their mingled cries echoed around the room.

Slowly coming back to earth she stroked his back. Kissing her neck, he lifted off her rolling onto his back and pulling her close. Settling her head on his shoulder she ran her fingers through his chest hair. Taking a deep breath she raised up and kissed him softly, but thoroughly.

Glancing at the clock she smiled. “Merry Christmas Jon.”

Pulling her back down for another kiss he released her and settled her more comfortably against him. “Merry Christmas Lindsay.”

Laying her hand over his heart she drifted off into an exhausted slumber. He followed close behind.



Chapter 45

The next day was hectic, stressful, yet fun as only a family gathering can be. Lindsay’s family welcomed Jon with only slight awkwardness when she first introduced him. Her parents might not have been familiar with Bon Jovi, but her brothers and their families certainly were. They soon realized though that Jon was just a regular guy.

“Aunt Lindsay.” Her eleven year old niece Alexis tugged on her arm.

“Yes Lex.” Her aunt answered.

“He’s really cute!” Alexis whispered loudly.

Lindsay laughed. “I think so too.” She whispered back. Jon actually blushed.

Handing Lindsay a present a few minutes later, Alexis’ mother Barb leaned close. “Way to go Linds. I want the details later.” She murmured.

She was sitting beside him on the couch checking out the shirts her mother had insisted on buying for him, when Mark’s thirteen year old daughter Kelly came up to visit with her aunt. Reaching out a finger she touched Lindsay’s necklace.

“I like your necklace Aunt Lindsay. Where did you get it?” she asked.

“Jon gave it to me.” Her aunt replied.

“Why the superman logo? Do you like super heroes or something?”

Debating how to explain, Lindsay realized that she was on Jon’s left side. Quickly checking to make sure her dad wasn’t close by, she lifted Jon’s sleeve.

“Cool! You match!” Kelly exclaimed.

Jon slanted a look at Lindsay and winked. “We certainly do.” She smiled back at him.

Getting up to go help with dinner she saw her oldest nephew Kevin take her seat on the couch. The two were quickly deep in discussion. “Kevin don’t pester Jon too much.”

He gave her an exasperated look. “We’re just talking music Aunt Lindsay.”

“I know, that’s my point. Once the two of you get going, you’ll forget the rest of us exist!” She shook her head. “Musicians!”

“You say that like you don’t love us!” Kevin called after her.

Entering the kitchen she was immediately bombarded with questions from her sisters-in-law.

“So what’s the scoop here Linds?” Mark’s wife Kim asked. “Where did you meet the Rock God?”

Lindsay smiled. “I was working on a missing person case and had to question him.”
Understanding that she couldn’t talk about a case they let it go.

“So is he as good as he looks?” Barb couldn’t resist asking.

“Barb!” Lorraine acted scandalized, but she could still appreciate a tight butt.

Lindsay just grinned and blushed. “Not telling!”

Kim chuckled. “You don’t have to, it’s written all over your face.”


Downstairs Jon promised Kevin he could come to the next show the guys did in Toronto, and he’d introduce him to Tico and the rest of the band. “You can come early and watch us set up. I’m no good on the drums, but I’m sure Teek would be happy to answer all your questions and give you some tips.”

“Great! Thanks Jon!” Kevin jumped up to go tell his brother Nick all about Jon’s plan.

Glancing up Jon saw Doug and Mark heading towards him. Uh oh, here come the protective older brothers!

Mark started the interrogation. “So…you’re dating my sister.” Jon nodded. “You clean?”
Jon stared at him, stunned. Mark shrugged. “Sorry if you think I’m out of line, but I know what goes on at rock concerts. She’s my sister and I need to know that she’s safe.”

Jon smiled ruefully. “I gave up that craziness a long time ago. I’m clean. Nothing more contagious than the odd cold. She’s the only woman in my life.”

“Do you love her?” Doug asked.

Jon looked him in the eye. “Yes.” He answered simply.

Doug studied his face for a minute, then nodded, satisfied. “Hurt her and you’ll answer to us.”


Coming down the stairs to call the men to the table Lindsay saw that her brothers had Jon cornered. “Oh for heavens sake! Stop trying to play the tough guys! Dinner’s ready.” Pushing them out of the way she grabbed Jon’s hand and led him upstairs. “Just ignore them.” She advised. But Jon knew better. Their performance may have been a little over the top, but the message was clear. They would protect their little sister from any man who threatened her well being. Having a daughter, he could appreciate the sentiment.

Dinner conversation was merely an excuse to further the interrogation, although in a more civilized manner.

“So how did the two of you meet?” Doug asked, not being privy to the girls’ kitchen conversation.

Lindsay hesitated, but Jon didn’t. “My daughter ran away for a few days, and Lindsay found her.”

Lindsay looked at him surprised. He smiled.

“It’s ok. My family knows, and it’s only fair that yours does too.” He glanced around the table. “I would appreciate it if you didn’t spread that around though. Who knows what the media would do with that kind of information.”

Everyone nodded their understanding.

“So how many kids do you have?” Kelly asked.

“Four.” Jon answered. “One girl and three boys.”

“Just like us!” Alexis exclaimed looking at her three older brothers.

“Yes, except Jon’s daughter is the oldest.” Lindsay explained.

“Must be nice.” Alexis grumbled.

“She doesn’t think so.” Jon chuckled.

“I heard your new single on the radio the other day.” Mark’s son Craig spoke up. “Not bad.”

“Thanks.” Jon smiled.

“Are you going on tour soon?” Doug’s third son Patrick asked.

“Yeah, in January.” Jon answered and reaching down squeezed Lindsay’s hand. She smiled and squeezed back.

“When are you coming to Toronto?” His older brother Nick asked.

“I’m not sure, I’d have to check the schedule, but I think maybe late March or early April, and then maybe again in July.”

“Can we come?” Alexis pleaded almost jumping out of her chair.

“Alexis!” her mother admonished her.

Jon just laughed. “I think we can arrange something. I already promised Kevin he could come and get a first hand look at an international tour set up.”

“So you’re going to be on the road for quite awhile.” Lorraine commented shooting a glance at Lindsay.

“Well, the winter leg we stay in North America and I get home at least once every couple of weeks or so, then we have about a month off before we head to Europe for two months. Then back to North America for the summer leg.” Jon explained, making no excuses for his lifestyle.

“I’m really looking forward to getting a glimpse into what tour life is like, even if it’s only for a few shows.” Lindsay stated, trying to assure her mother that she was fine with the situation.

Understanding her daughter’s message, Lorraine smiled and shook her head. “My daughter the groupie!”

“Hey, I’m not a groupie! I don’t follow the band, I travel with them!” Everyone laughed.


All too soon it was time to go.

“Why do you have to leave so soon?” Alexis pouted.

“Because we have to catch our flight back to New Jersey so that we can have Christmas with Jon’s family tomorrow.” Lindsay explained.

“Hey, we’ll see you again soon. You’re coming to the concert, remember.” Jon was familiar with young girls pouting because he had to leave.

“Yeah, I guess.” She grumbled. Impulsively she threw her arms around Jon’s waist and hugged him. Smiling he hugged her back.

Hugging and kissing everyone goodbye, they finally managed to escape out the door. Releasing a sigh, Jon started the car and headed for the airport.

Hearing him Lindsay turned to look at him. “I’m sorry. I warned you they were overwhelming.”

Reaching out with his free hand he picked up one of hers and laced their fingers together, and raising it, kissed her fingers. “They were fine. Not as tough as I was expecting, actually…except maybe your brothers. And the kids were great.”

She frowned. “What did my brothers say to you anyway? It looked like they were auditioning for the Sopranos to me.”

He laughed. “Naw, they were just being protective older brothers. I wouldn’t have expected any less. I figure I’m going to be the same –or worse – with Stephanie.”

When she continued to frown he squeezed her hand. “Hey, seriously, I like your family!”

She shook her head. “Now I know you love me to say that and actually mean it!”


Boarding the plane right behind her, Jon wouldn’t let Lindsay near the table, but pushed her towards a couch, ignoring her protests.

“You can go over your lists again when we get home. For now I want you to try and take a nap. We’ve got another busy day ahead of us tomorrow, and neither one of us got much sleep last night.” He waggled his eyebrows at her and she had to laugh. “And I need you well rested to help me deal with my family!

Chuckling she gave in. Once the seat belt sign went off she stretched out on the sofa with him and using his chest as a pillow drifted off to sleep listening to the soothing steady beat of his heart.