Chapter 49

Lindsay stood outside the front door and watched as the bags were packed into the car. Come on Linds, hold it together. Don’t let him see how upset you are. You knew this was coming. It’s what he does. It’s who he is. Don’t make him feel guilty for it. No clinging. No tears. You can survive a few weeks without him.

As Jon walked towards her she forced her lips to curve into some semblance of a smile. “You sure you’ve got everything?”

“Yeah, I think so.” He replied. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a ring of keys and handed them to her. “I almost forgot to give you these though.” At her questioning look he explained. “They’re for the estate.” He paused. “I want you treat my house as yours. Come and go as you please. Use the gym, the hot tub, the Inn….whatever you want. Mrs. Henderson will cook for you if you want.”

She nodded and swallowed hard. “Thanks.”

The door behind her opened and Richie came walking out with a cookie in his mouth and a bagful in his hand. Jon shook his head at him. “I’m going to have to drag you to the gym with me or you’re never going to make it through the tour.”

“Well, if your woman wasn’t such a good cook, I wouldn’t have this problem…so actually it’s her fault.” He looked thoughtful for a minute. “Do you suppose they have support groups for cookie addictions?”

Jon laughed. “You don’t need any support, you need a treatment program!”

“Who said I wanted to be cured?” Richie retorted.

Lindsay was still laughing when Richie walked up to hug her goodbye. He could see the sadness in her eyes beneath the laughter. “Hang tough darlin’, he’ll be back before you know it.” He murmured.

“I know, but I’m going to miss him.” She murmured back.

“Move your ass Sambora. I don’t want to have to listen to David bitch the whole flight because we were late…and let go of my woman!” Jon urged Richie toward the car.

Wrapping her in his arms Jon just held her tight for a few minutes. Leaning back he searched her face as if he was memorizing every detail. He noticed the wetness shining in her eyes, but didn’t acknowledge it. Bending, he kissed her softly, but thoroughly.

“Now, you’ve got my schedule. I’ve marked on it which nights we’ll be home. I’ll let you know if Richie’s staying here or what his plans are. I’ll call you as often as I can. You can call me whenever you want. If I don’t answer, leave a message. If you need anything and can’t get me, call Janet. She can get a message through. If…”

Lindsay reached up and pressed her fingers to his lips, stopping his words. “Stop. We’ve been over all this. I’ll be fine. You go out there and make the fans happy.” She frowned. “And behave yourself at the after parties!”

He chuckled. “Don’t worry sweetheart. I may look, but you’re the only one I want to touch.”

“Now who’s making us late? I’m not taking the blame for this!” Richie hollered from the car winking at Lindsay.

Arms around each other they walked to the waiting car. Reaching it Jon pulled Lindsay into his arms and kissed her again.

“Bye honey. I’ll miss you. I’ll call you tonight.”

“Bye. Have a safe trip.” She smiled at him. “I’ll be here waiting for you when you get home.”

“There’s incentive.” He murmured against her mouth. Their lips clung for a moment.

“I love you.” He whispered.

“I love you too.” Sighing, she let him go.

She waved as the car pulled away. Taking a deep breath she turned back towards the house and wondered how she was going to fill the hours until he got back. Stop it! Don’t be such a ninny. You have always been a strong, independent woman. Just because you have a man doesn’t mean that changes. Now’s your chance to do all the things you haven’t had time to do. Stop the pity party and show that you’re worthy of him! Feeling more in control, she grabbed her purse, climbed into her car and headed for the office.


Chapter 50

Four and a half weeks later, Lindsay was working late trying to get a few cases cleaned up so that she could leave a little early the next day. Jon was coming home tomorrow night and she had a few preparations she wanted to make and she wanted to make sure she had time to take a nap so that she could stay awake until he got there. He’d only been home once since the tour started. She’d been sound asleep and he hadn’t wanted to wake her, and then she’d had to work the next morning, so their time together had been limited. She was determined that it not happen this time – especially since he’d had to cancel his last scheduled trip home due to interview scheduling problems.

She was deep into a report when her cell phone rang, startling her.

“Hello.”

“Hi honey.” He sounded tired.

Her face lit up. “Hey there. How are you?”

“Tired…missing you.” He answered.

“I miss you too. But you’ll be home tomorrow night.”

He hesitated. “Yeah, that’s part of the reason I’m calling.” He paused again.

She sighed, closed her eyes and leaned her head against the back of her chair. “You’re not coming home tomorrow are you?”

It was his turn to sigh. “I’m sorry sweetie. The record company wants us to do a local early morning radio show the day after tomorrow, and there’s just no time to make the trip home.” Another pause. “Please don’t be mad. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

“I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed. I’m at the office working late so that I could leave early tomorrow. I had plans for us. I was even going to take a nap so that I would be awake when you got here.” She fought to keep her voice light.

“Plans huh. What kind of plans?” His voice turned husky.

“It was a surprise, and it’s a good one, so I guess I’ll just have to save it until you get home - especially since you just promised to make it up to me.” She teased him. Gotcha! She made a mental note to add a few things to the agenda.

He groaned. “Why do I get the feeling I better make sure I sleep all the way home?”

She chuckled. “That’s probably a good idea…after all it will be Valentine’s Day....unless your schedule changes again.”

“It won’t. I promise. I will be there Valentine’s Day.” He sounded determined. “I’m not missing that one.”

He kept his promise.

Lindsay stood in the middle of Jon’s bedroom and looked around making sure she had everything ready. Jon had called from the airport and would be home any minute. Richie was visiting his mother tonight, so they would have the house to themselves. Walking into the adjoining bathroom she checked her preparations there. Assessing her appearance in the mirror she blew out a nervous breath. The lingerie she was wearing was very similar to the one he bought her for Christmas, but in red in honour of the occasion. She felt like a teenager waiting for her first date to arrive.

Hearing a car in the driveway she turned out the light and returned to the bedroom. Both rooms were lit only by the many candles she had strategically placed throughout, bathing everything in a soft glow. Music played softly in the background. Facing the doorway, she waited.

Walking in the door, Jon dropped his bag and looked around, expecting Lindsay to be waiting for him. His disappointment quickly transformed to anticipation when he saw the trail of rose petals leading up the stairs. Grinning, already feeling the first tingles of arousal, he followed them. Arriving at the doorway to his bedroom he stepped over the threshold and every muscle in his body froze. His lungs seized. As she walked towards him his eyes licked over every inch of her in appreciation.

“Welcome home honey.” She murmured, her voice sultry. Taking advantage of his state she started slowly unbuttoning his shirt, pulling it out of his pants and easing it off of his shoulders. Mesmerized, he just stood there and watched her. Tracing her fingers lightly down his chest she slid them under his waist band and smiled when he sucked in his breath – and his stomach. Undoing the button and sliding down the zipper of his tight jeans she pushed them over his hips and down his legs. She was careful not to touch him with anything but the lightest touch. She had a long night planned.

When she had him completely naked she took his hand and led him to the bed. Blinking, he tried to pull her close, but she resisted. “Do you remember when you promised to make it up to me for not getting home the last two times?” She asked softly. He nodded. “Well, I know what I’d like you to do.” He raised a brow at her. “Lay down on the bed for me.” When he complied, she reached out and picked up two silk scarves she had left on the bedside table. Climbing on the bed she straddled his lower chest. Showing him the scarves she saw awareness of what she intended register on his face. “Do you trust me?” She challenged him.

He hesitated briefly, searching her eyes, then slowly raised his arms above his head. “With my life” He answered.

Leaning forward she tied each wrist to the headboard with a scarf. Plumping up another pillow she placed it under his head. “Comfortable?” He nodded. Sliding off him she reached for two much longer scarves and tied his ankles to the footboard.

He smiled at the expression on her face as she surveyed her handiwork. “You’re enjoying this aren’t you?”

“Not yet, but I plan to.” She answered with a grin. Disappearing into the bathroom she returned with a bottle of champagne and two flutes.

Watching her struggle with the cork he chuckled. “I’d help you, but…” he gestured with his bound hands.

With a loud pop, the cork flew across the room and she smiled in triumph. Filling both glasses half full she set the bottle down. Picking one up she climbed on the bed and sat near his head sliding an arm under his shoulders to help raise him up so that he could drink.

Taking a sip he licked his lips and gazed at her. “So, this is what you had planned?”

She smiled and nodded. “Originally, yes, but I’ve added a few things since then.”

He closed his eyes and groaned. “Am I going to survive it?”

She laughed low and husky. “I certainly hope so.”

When they’d finished that glass of champagne she stood up again. “Do you know what goes with Valentine’s Day?” She asked him

“Well, we’ve got champagne, I followed the roses up here, and you’ve got my heart, so I guess that leaves...” He saw her pick up a jar. “….chocolate.” Her grin turned lecherous. “What is that?” He asked a little warily. He had visions of hot sauce which would not be very comfortable.

“Relax, it’s just chocolate icing.” She dipped her finger in the jar and offered it to him.

Knowing what he was in for he tried to even the playing field a little by slowly sucking the sweet icing from her skin, swirling his tongue around her finger and scraping his teeth lightly along the sensitive edges gratified to see her eyes dilate in response.

Straddling him again she set the jar of icing beside her and began to caress him with her hands. Reaching up she started at his wrists, stroking down his inner arms lightly, teasingly. When she got close to his armpits he twitched. He was ticklish. Smiling she touched him more firmly as she moved to his collar bone. Spreading her fingers wide she stroked his chest, tangling her fingers in his fur, tugging gently. Glancing at his face she saw that he had closed his eyes and was just enjoying her touch.

Leaning forward she smoothed his eyebrows with a fingertip, traced the slope of his nose and the shape of his mouth. He murmured approvingly. Replacing her finger with her tongue she traced his lips with the tip. When he opened them in invitation she dipped in to taste him briefly. Sitting up again she reached for the icing. Scooping up a bit with her finger she once again traced his mouth, this time leaving a trail of chocolate. Switching back to her tongue again she licked him clean, sucking on his lips to make sure she got it all. Unable to help herself she swept her tongue deep into his mouth, tangling it with his and letting him taste the chocolate too. They were both breathing hard by the time she could bring herself to break the kiss.

Sitting up she surveyed his chest. Reaching out, she picked up the other champagne flute. Glancing up she watched his face as she poured the bubbly fluid in a line down the centre of his chest. Setting the glass aside she used her hands to spread it all over. Bending over she began to lick and suck reveling in the mixtures of tastes – the cool sweet wine, and the warm musky man. Picking up the icing, she spread a finger full over each male nipple, taking care to cover them evenly, smiling as he groaned. Delicately flicking the hardened tip with her tongue she felt him stiffen beneath her. When she finally used her lips and mouth to suck up the chocolate his back arched in response.

“God Lindsay, hurry up!” He ground out between clenched teeth. She shook her head. “I said I’d make it up to you, not that you could torture me!”

Chuckling she slid further down so that she was now straddling his thighs. Once again she reached for the glass and poured the remainder of the champagne over his lower abdomen. Her mouth slowly roamed sucking up the fluid pausing for a moment at the puddle in his navel. At the same time her hands slid up and down his hips and thighs, carefully avoiding where he most wanted to feel her touch.

He was now moaning and beads of sweat had started to form on his upper lip. God, how she loved seeing him like this, knowing that she had brought him to this state of need! And set about ratcheting it up a notch.

Sliding her hand between her thighs she pulled the snaps of her teddy open, then slowly lifted the silk up and off of her body.

Picking up the jar of icing once again, she scooped up a large fingerful and set the jar aside. Glancing at his face she saw him watching her with eyes glazed with hunger. Looking down, with her empty hand she traced one finger down the underside of his shaft, amazed as always at the velvety softness of his most sensitive skin. Gripping him firmly at the base she held him upright and covered the entire knob with icing taking care that coverage was complete.

“Sugar, please! I can’t take much more!” He rasped.

The tip of her tongue cleaned a path across the top of the head. His arms jerked and his hips bucked in reflex. Looking up in surprise at the violence of his reaction she met his gaze.

“You’re going to be tasting a whole lot more than that if you don’t hurry!” He warned her, panting.

She smiled and relented. Taking him deep into her mouth she swirled her tongue around him and sucked the remaining icing from his skin - lightly as she wanted him inside her when he climaxed. He shuddered as he fought for control. When she was sure she had removed all the icing she sat up, raised up on her knees and impaled herself on him. Bracing her hands on his abdomen she started to move, rocking on him. His hips bucked against her, matching her rhythm. Her ministrations to his body had aroused her almost as much as they had him. It took mere minutes before they both shattered, their cries of pleasure echoing throughout the room.


Spent, Lindsay collapsed on his chest gasping for breath, listening to his heart pounding beneath her ear. When she had caught her breath sufficiently to move, she climbed off him and headed to the bathroom.

“Hey, aren’t you going to untie me?” He called, still breathless.

He heard water running in the bathtub and smiled, having a pretty good idea of what was next on the evening’s agenda.

Exiting the bathroom she approached the bed and untied first the scarves anchoring his ankles, then his wrists. As he sat up and rolled his shoulders to ease the muscles she frowned in concern.

“Are you alright?” She felt horrible that she might have caused him pain.

Seeing her look he reassured her. “I’m fine, just tight muscles.”

Picking up a glass and the bottle of champagne, she held her hand out to him. “I can help with that.”

Taking her hand and obediently following her into the bathroom he was amazed at the effect she had achieved. Candles were set around the gently steaming tub, their flickering light reflected by the bubbles that covered the water’s surface. A faint aroma of vanilla filled the air. Stepping into the water, she tugged on his hand.

“You’re all sticky. We need to get you cleaned up….and ease those tight muscles.” she purred.

Motioning him to sit in front of her, she drew her knees up on either side of his hips and pulled on his shoulders so that his back rested against her. Taking a sponge she gently scrubbed his chest and arms. He sighed in appreciation. Setting aside the sponge she moved her hands to his shoulders to massage the muscles made tight from being in one position for so long. Digging in her thumbs to release the knots she felt him relax more completely against her.

“Mmmm, sugar, you have magic hands. Maybe I should bring you out on the road as my masseuse.” He groaned as she found another knot and released it.

When his shoulders were loose again, she picked up the sponge and continued to bathe him sliding her hands down and around his waist, smiling when she realized that while her massage had softened some muscles, it had hardened another. Licking his earlobe and sucking it lightly, she stroked him, first with the sponge, then with her fingers.

Groaning, his hand came up to cup the back of her head. Urging her forward he turned until he could reach her lips and devour her mouth. Sitting up he grabbed her arm and pulled her around until she was sitting in front of him. Cupping her breasts he kneaded them before pulling gently on the taut peaks.

Leaning back against him she gave him access to her body – which he quickly took advantage of. His lips found the hollow beneath her ear and nuzzled there, sending shivers throughout her body. His hands stroked down her belly and over her thighs, gripping them and lifting until her knees bent and she was fully open to him. One hand returned to fondle her breast while the other traced more sensitive flesh. His only regret was that the bath water prevented him from fully feeling her response. Probing her with a gentle finger he listened to her laboured breathing and breathy moans.

“Mmmm, Oh God, Jon.”

Smiling, his finger delved deeper and stroked her inside, causing her to cry out.

“JON! Mmmmm, please!”

“Please what?” He growled in her ear.

“It’s not enough. I need more…I need you!” She begged rocking her hips against his erection behind her and his hand in front of her.

Control breaking he removed his hand, grasped her hips, lifted her and let her slowly slide down his shaft until he was fully buried. Wrapping his arms around her he slowly rocked against her, rocked into her over and over, their strangled moans and sloshing water the only sounds in the room. Suddenly he felt her clench around him and with a shout he joined her in paradise.

When he could breathe again and he was sure his heart wasn’t going to explode, he looked down through slitted eyes at the woman in his arms. Squeezing her gently he kissed her temple.

“You do pretty well at celebrating holidays yourself sweetheart.” He observed. She just smiled.



Chapter 51

“So my flight gets in about 3 if everything’s on time. With luck I’ll be at the hotel by 4. What time are you guys heading for the arena?” Lindsay cradled the phone between ear and shoulder as she continued packing.

“About 5, I think, unless Obie gets anal about the sound check. I’ll have someone pick you up at the airport. Hey man.” Jon answered.

She blinked, confused for a moment, then understood. “Richie just walk in?” She asked.

He chuckled. “Yeah, and he wants to know if you’re bringing cookies.”

“Geez, that man is worse than the kids!” She laughed. “Tell him they’re already packed. But if I don’t get off the phone I won’t be!”

“So…you’d have to be naked a lot of the time?” He sounded hopeful.

“You wish!” She retorted “No, it would mean I’d miss my flight.”

“Ok, ok, I’ll let you go so you’ll be ready. See you soon honey. I love you.”

“I love you too Jon. I’ll see you this afternoon.” Lindsay answered.


Hanging up the phone with an impatient sigh Jon turned to see Richie watching him intently. “What?”

“You’re really in love with her aren’t you?” He asked quietly.

“Yeah, I am. She makes me feel…..” And the man who could write love songs that made women around the world weep couldn’t find the words to describe his own feelings. “I don’t know….like I want to be a better man for her. She gets me like no woman has – even Dorothea. When I come home she’s always excited to see me. She makes me feel welcome….wanted…..needed. I want her around all the time. I want to be the centre of her life. I never liked clinging women, but I wish she would cling just a little.” He shrugged and blushed and prepared for a smart ass reaction. He didn’t get it.

Richie just nodded. “I envy you bro. She’s wonderful. As for the clinging. I have a feeling she holds back because she thinks that’s what you want…what she has to do to maintain the independence she needs to survive your absences – and this.” He waved a hand to indicate their whole lifestyle.

Jon nodded. “I know, and normally, I’d agree.” He sighed. “With her it’s…..different.”

“You going to marry her?” Richie asked, curious.

Jon hesitated. “I don’t know. I don’t know if I want to go through that again. I thought Dorothea was everything I needed and we were going to be together forever. I obviously wasn’t enough for her. What if I can’t be for Lindsay either?”


Exiting from baggage claim pulling her suitcase behind her, Lindsay looked around for whoever was supposed to pick her up. She was not a happy camper. Her plane was delayed an hour and now she probably wouldn’t get to see Jon before they left for the arena.

“Miss Chandler?” A voice asked behind her. Turning she saw Jack, a young BJM staffer she’d met once.

“Hi Jack. Please call me Lindsay. So you got the short straw today eh?” She smiled.

Taking her suitcase from her hand he laughed. “It’s not a hardship. I’m happy to do it.” He hesitated. “Besides, Jon’s bouncing off the walls today acting like a storm looking to break. I’d just as soon not be there when he does.” He smiled ruefully. “I figure bringing you to him will get me in his good books for awhile.”

She laughed. She knew he didn’t really mean to make Jon sound like a tyrant, but she also knew Jon was a perfectionist and could be difficult when things didn’t go the way he wanted them to.

Entering the hotel Lindsay hesitated. She knew that these high end hotels usually had someone who dealt specifically with the celebrities that stayed there, but didn’t know how to explain who she was and make them believe her. She guessed she’d have to wait until Jack brought her luggage in.

“Miss Chandler?” Surprised, she turned to the uniformed man standing in front of her. “My name is Frank. I’m the VIP liaison. If you would like to come with me, I’ll show you to your room.”

“You know who I am?” She had to ask. As Jack joined them, they headed for the elevators.

He actually blushed as he nodded. “My wife is a fan of the band’s. When she found out that they were staying here she insisted on showing me pictures of everyone she could that were connected to them so that I would recognize them. When I was informed that someone was joining them…specifically him today, I figured it was you, so I’ve been watching for you.”

“Good work.” She complimented him, impressed at his – and his wife’s initiative. “Have they left already then?”

He nodded. “About 20 minutes ago. Here you go.” Opening the door to the suite he held it while she and Jack entered and handed her the key. “If you need anything, just call.”

“Thanks Frank.” She went to tip him, but he refused.

“My wife would kill me.” He assured her as he left.

Lindsay laughed. Turning to Jack, she grabbed her suitcase. “Just give me ten minutes.” And headed for the bedroom.

Jack looked up as she re-entered the sitting room ten minutes later and couldn’t help but whistle.

She chuckled. “So I look okay then?” The tight jeans hugged her hips and butt, and the halter style top showed enough skin to be sexy, but not enough to be slutty.

“Remind me not to be between you and Jon when he sees you.” He grinned.