Chapter 31

Returning home, Lindsay turned into the parking lot of her apartment building and stopped. The front door was clogged with people. Parking and getting out she approached the door cautiously. When they saw her they turned and descended upon her en masse. Flashbulbs went off in her face as they shouted questions at her.

“Lindsay, how did you meet Jon?”

“How long have you two been dating?”

“What do his kids think?”

“Is it serious? Are you going to get married?”

Jeesh! How did they find out where I live so soon? She refused to answer any questions as she fought her way towards the door. Thankfully her building had a doorman who came out to help her. Putting a protective arm around her, he used his free arm to push the reporters back to give her space.

Once inside she blew out a relieved breath. “Thank you. I’m sorry about all of this. I don’t know how they found me.”

“Don’t you worry about it Miss Chandler. If they don’t stop bothering people I’ll call the police.” He smiled at her.

Upstairs she tried to relax and plan what she was going to say to Jon, but her phone kept ringing – and it was never anyone she knew! Finally, tired of dodging questions about her love life, and personal questions about Jon, she packed a bag and left. Reaching the lobby she discovered that the doorman had called in security guards to help keep the reporters back. Seeing her two of them came over to her.

“Are you heading to your car Miss Chandler?” One beefy guard asked.

“Yes, I am. I’m really sorry about this. Hopefully when they see me leave they’ll give up.” She apologized again.

“We’ll escort you out.” The guard offered.

Thanking him she gripped her suitcase harder and took a deep breath and prepared to run the gauntlet. Pulling out of the parking lot, she turned in the direction of the only place she could think of where they couldn’t get to her.

Stopping in front of the door, Lindsay pulled her suitcase out of the trunk, turned and found him standing in the open doorway looking very serious. Approaching him she searched his face, but he wasn’t giving anything away.

“My building’s under siege and they’ve got my phone number.” She said by way of explanation.

He contemplated her for a moment, then turned and motioned her into the house. In the foyer she dropped her suitcase.

“Are the guys still here?” she asked.

He nodded curtly in response and gestured towards the den. They all looked up when she entered the room and flopped down on the couch beside David.

“What’s wrong?” Tico asked.

“The vultures have descended.” She replied. “Not only have they surrounded my apartment building, they’ve got my phone number!”

“What did you say to them?” This from David.

“Nothing.” She glanced at Jon. “I wasn’t sure what I should say.” He only gazed at her impassively.

“Have you eaten?” Richie asked trying to break the tension.

She shook her head. “I never got the chance. Have you guys?”

“No, we were just about to raid Jon’s kitchen and see what Mrs. Henderson left for us.” He answered.

She sat up. “I’ll go make us something.”

“No, we’ll get it. You’ve had a rough day. Why don’t you take your suitcase upstairs and get settled.” He insisted, shooting a meaningful glance at Jon.

Walking back to the foyer she picked up her suitcase and turned uncertainly to Jon who had followed her.

“Look, if you don’t want me here I can go to a hotel, or Julie’s or someplace until the dust settles.” She fought back the tears. When he didn’t answer immediately, she turned and headed for the door.

Cursing under his breath he grabbed the suitcase from her hand and started up the stairs. Following him into his bedroom she watched him throw her bag on the bed and step back.

While she unpacked he leaned against the door frame and watched her. Finally, unable to stand it any more she sat on the edge of the bed and looked at him.

“Are you going to talk to me or are you just going to stalk me?”

He sighed. “What happened last night Lindsay?”

It was her turn to sigh. “How can I make you understand? You’ve had women falling all over you all of your adult life. You don’t know what it’s like to be told time and again that you’re not good enough to be seen with in public.” When he would have spoken she held up her hand. “No, let me say what I need to say. When I went to the bathroom last night I overheard two women talking about us wondering what you were doing with me because I was not worthy of being with you. Then, on my way back, I heard two men saying pretty much the same thing, although they added that you were just using me to keep the hordes away while you made your selections in peace. Did Richie tell you what he heard?” He nodded. “Then you get the gist of it. I had just started to relax and was beginning to enjoy myself, so the comments hit me hard. Now, I know what you’ve told me before about how you feel, but old habits – and fears – die hard. My head says to trust you, but my heart says to be careful, so I knew I had to get away by myself and think things through. I was afraid that if I told you what was going on that you would run out of patience and walk away.” She looked down at her hands clenched in her lap and blinked back tears. “I’m sorry if I upset you, but I had to be sure. I couldn’t bear it if you turned away from me…not you…it would break me.” Her voice had trailed off to a whisper.

He approached her quickly and knelt in front of her. Raising her chin with a knuckle he searched her face. “You survived the others, what makes me different? Because I’m famous?”

She shook her head. “It’s because of the man you are, not what you do.”

“But why am I different?” He persisted.

She took a deep breath and grabbed hold of her courage with both hands. “Because I love you.”

He smiled so tenderly it actually made her heart ache. “I love you too.” Leaning forward he kissed her gently. Sitting beside her he wrapped his arms around her. “So are you sure now?”

She nodded. “I thought about how the people who know you best reacted to me, how you treat me and make me feel, and Richie played On The Surface for me.” She smiled at him. “It’s a beautiful song.”

“I meant every word of it.” He kissed her again. “So, no more doubts?” She shook her head. “Good. Promise me something?”

“What?”

“The next time someone tells you crap like that, come tell me.” There was an angry glint in his eye. She nodded.

Her stomach growled and he chuckled. “Come on, let’s go see what kind of mess they’ve created in the kitchen.”



Chapter 32

Over dinner they discussed how they should handle the reporters.

“Tell them to get stuffed and mind their own business.” Tico advised.

“I wish!” Lindsay laughed. “Maybe we should talk to Paul. Is there someone on your staff who could right up a press release if we need one? I’m thinking it might be easier to have that on hand to distribute instead of answering the same questions a hundred times.”

“What kinds of things are they asking you?” Jon asked.

“Oh, the usual…how did we meet, how long have we been dating, are we going to get married, how are the kids taking it….that sort of thing. Since they don’t know about Stephanie’s disappearing act, rather than cherry pick the questions, I just didn’t answer any of them.” She answered.

“Tell them you met Jon when you were interviewing suspects in a murder case, you’ve been dating for 2 weeks, but have been having sex for years, you’re getting married next week and the kids hate you and Jon is disowning them.” David suggested. When they all stared at him he shrugged. “Well if they’re going to ask such stupid questions that are none of their business anyway they deserve stupid answers.”

“Ok, let’s tell them that we met a few months ago through a mutual friend, we’ve been dating ever since and the kids are just fine.” Jon decided. “I’ll call Paul in the morning and give him the heads up on what we’re saying. They can prepare a statement if we decide we need it.”

“Mutual friend huh?” She smiled.

“Yeah…Stephanie.” He responded. They all laughed.

The rest of the evening was taken up with discussions surrounding the release of the new album.

“Do I get to hear it before it’s released?” Lindsay asked eagerly.

“No!” They all answered at once.

“Well, hell, doesn’t the leader’s girlfriend get any perks at all?” She pouted.

“Yeah, you get me” Jon smiled smugly.

“Is that it?” She grouched.

They all laughed.

Heading up to bed, Lindsay stopped and gave Richie a big hug and kissed his cheek.

“What was that for?” He asked, surprised.

“For being such a great guy and a good friend. Thank you for your help today. Although I have to say that if you can read me that well, I’m glad you’re on my side.” She answered ruefully.

He smiled. “No thanks needed. I just want you both to be happy.”


Lindsay was in the bathroom washing her face when Jon came in.

“So you’re going to do the pre-release thing for the fan club at Elements then?” she asked.

“Yeah, I guess so. The fans seem to like it, and it helps Matt too.” He answered reaching around her for his toothbrush.

“You’re going to tell me about anything you want me at ahead of time…right?” No one could mistake the warning note in her voice.

He chuckled. “Yes I will, I promise.”

When Jon entered the bedroom he saw Lindsay standing by the balcony door looking out at the stars. Walking up behind her he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back against him. Kissing her neck he asked “What are you thinking about?”

“I was just wishing it was warmer out so we could go out on the balcony.” She gave him a remembering kind of smile. He grinned back.

Releasing her he took her hand and towed her towards the bed. Reaching it he stopped and turned towards her. Slowly untying the wide sash of her silk robe he pulled it free and held it between his hands and considered it speculatively. Raising his gaze to hers he gave her a questioning look. “Do you trust me?” He asked huskily.

Meeting his gaze she replied. “I trust that you would never purposely hurt me, and never physically.”

Smiling he raised the scrap of silk and placed it across her eyes, winding it around her head a couple times and tying it. It made a comfortable blindfold.

Anticipation made her heart rate accelerate, particularly as she could sense him moving around, but he didn’t make a sound. Suddenly she felt her robe being slipped off her shoulders. It slid down to puddle at her feet, leaving her completely naked.

She sensed him standing to her left. One fingertip lifted her chin, then slid slowly down her neck, over her collar bone, pausing for a minute to feel her pulse. Moving on it circled her left breast before continuing down to circle her navel and then sliding to her left hip.

Now he was directly in front of her. That fingertip started at her chin again this time tracing her right side. Being blind heightened her sense of touch making her skin super sensitive. The slight callous on his finger scraped her lightly causing her to shiver and goosebumps to form on her skin. Continuing his circuit, he now ran his finger down the narrow valley of her spine and circled the firm globes at the base.

Her breasts heaved as she struggled for breath, trying to anticipate where that finger would touch next. Hearing the faint shush of silk she realized that he had stripped off his own robe. Her hands started to reach for him. “No.” He whispered in her ear. “Not yet.”

The fingertip started again. From the underside of her chin, to her breasts, to her navel, to her hips. First one side, then the other. Each sweep the circle around her breast got smaller and smaller until it was down to the tight peak and she was panting. She moved her legs further apart to brace herself against the sensations that were pouring through her threatening to turn her muscles to jelly.

“Please!” She whispered. He ignored her plea.

The next time the fingertip circled her navel, instead of sliding off to her hip, it traveled straight down to burrow through her curls and trace her most intimate flesh. Over and over it traced gently urging her to open for him. Dropping her head back she was now gasping for breath. Then the teasing touch was gone. She stood still, her entire body vibrating with need, waiting for the next touch for the space of one heartbeat…two…three. With no warning the finger returned, not to trace, but to spear deeply inside her. She cried out. A second finger was added, then a third stretching her gently.

While his fingers continued their erotic massage he bent slightly to touch his tongue to her hard nipples. He laved them, then bit them gently before taking first one, then the other deep into his mouth and sucking lightly.

“Oh my God Jon!” she gasped. Unable to stand still any longer, her hands came up to grasp his head and pull him closer.

Thrusting his fingers deep and sucking hard on her breast at the same time he sent her over the edge.

Picking her up as her legs gave way he laid her gently on the bed, leaving the blindfold on. Laying beside her he waited until her breathing calmed before he started all over again. Caressing her more firmly now, but still gently, he started her up desire’s peak again. This time when she was gasping for breath and crying out for him he gave her what she wanted. What they both wanted. Bending her knees he made room for himself between her taut thighs. Thrusting deep he groaned and held still for a few minutes absorbing the sensations assaulting him.

Smiling to herself despite her difficulty breathing she ran her hands down his back. Gripping his assets she pulled him even deeper inside her and squeezed him intimately as tightly as she could. It was his turn to gasp.

“Ok, ok, you win, let go.”

Her chuckle ended in a moan as he started to move inside her. Tossing her head she raked her nails lightly down his back. Now he was moaning. By the time the end came they were both shuddering and crying out their pleasure.

Rolling onto his side so that he didn’t crush her, Jon removed her blindfold and gathered Lindsay close. Whispering of their love they drifted off to sleep still joined.




Chapter 33

The next morning during breakfast Jon turned to Lindsay. “Maybe I should take you to work today, just in case the vultures are waiting.”

She smiled. “That’s not necessary. The police are right next door and Brian has given our security the heads up, so there shouldn’t be a problem.”

She heard muffled snickers coming from Tico and David. Richie tried to hide his smile. Jon just looked exasperated.

“What?” She asked, wondering what was funny.

Jon sighed. “Honey, I love that you are a strong, independent woman.” He paused. “But you do realize that you’re not alone anymore don’t you?”

Realizing he wanted to be included in what she was going through she smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry. I’m still trying to get used to that. I’ve been on my own a long time. Tell you what. How about I go on my own, and if there’s a pack, I’ll come back and you can take me. And if they swarm later, I promise I’ll call for back up. Will that work?”

“I guess.” He nodded grudgingly. “I still don’t like the idea of you going in alone though. They can be pretty ruthless.” He frowned in concern.

“I’ll call the office when I get close and they can send security to escort me.” She offered. He nodded, but still didn’t look real happy.



When she reached the office there were a few people hanging around the parking lot, but that was it. Security was standing by the door in case she ran into trouble, but she made it inside without a hassle.

A couple hours later, Brian appeared in her doorway frowning. “Lindsay, you’ve got to do something about this. The cops are threatening to arrest them all and the higher ups are visualizing a huge PR nightmare.”

“What’s the problem?” She asked. She hadn’t heard any commotion and she wasn’t sure what Brian was talking about.

“They’ve taken over the parking lot and no one can get in or out.” He replied.

Rising, she went with him to reception where she could see the parking lot out the window. “Oh my God!”

Sighing she pulled out her cell phone and dialed.

“What’s wrong? Are you ok? I knew I shouldn’t have let you go alone!” He exclaimed.

“I’m fine.” She answered quickly trying to alleviate his concern. “But the vultures have descended in a big way. They’re clogging access to the building. The cops are threatening to arrest them and my bosses are worried about PR. Any ideas?”

He thought for a minute. “Ok, I’m calling in the troops. Stay inside until we get there.”

“Ok, will do.” Hanging up she turned to Brian. “Help is on the way.”

Twenty minutes later two vans pulled up and began to unload what looked like an army. One group was circulating through the crowd of reporters handing out sheets of paper. Another, slightly larger group made its way to the main door. Entering, the group dispersed revealing Jon at its centre.

Moving immediately to Lindsay he wrapped her in his arms. “Are you sure you’re ok?”

She smiled and kissed him reassuringly. “I’m fine. Most of them arrived after I was already inside.”

A man stepped up and Jon turned to introduce her to the head of his management team. “Lindsay, this is Paul Korzilius, Paul this is Lindsay Chandler.”

“Nice to meet you Lindsay.” He shook her hand. “Ok, here’s the plan. The team is out there handing out your official statement.” He handed her one. “I hope it’s ok with you, Jon approved it this morning.” He waited while she skimmed it and nodded her approval. “Good. Now, we’ll give them a few minutes to read it, then the two of you will go out and answer a few questions. Ten minutes tops. Then we’ll cut it off, and advise them if they want more to contact the office, but unless they want to be arrested they’ll leave you alone and allow the business of this office to continue unimpeded. Is that ok with you?” He looked back and forth between them.

Jon nodded. Lindsay blew out a nervous breath and added her assent.

“Ok then let’s go.” Pausing at the door, Paul looked back at her. “Ready?” When she nodded he gave the signal to the security people to open the door.

She felt Jon’s arm tighten around her waist. Glancing up at him she smiled, touched at his concern.

Stepping outside the noise was almost deafening. Jon raised his hand to get their attention. “Whoa, one at a time.”

“Where did you two meet Jon?” Came the first one.

“We were set up by a mutual friend a few months ago.” He answered.

“What do your kids of this?” Came next.

“They’ve all met Lindsay and like her. They’re fine.” Lindsay could see the muscle twitch in his jaw. He didn’t like them talking about his kids.

“Lindsay where are you from?”

“I’m originally from a small town in Ontario, Canada, not too far from Niagara Falls.” She responded.

“Hey Lindsay, what’s Jon really like?” The innuendo was very strong.

“Pretty much like you think he is.” She looked at him and smiled. He grinned back.

“So how serious is this? Are you talking marriage?”

Lindsay spoke before Jon could. “I don’t know about you, but I’d like to know a man for longer that a few months before jumping into something as serious as marriage.”

“C’mon Lindsay, give us the dirt. How is he?”

Jon choked, Lindsay smiled a smile that every female in the audience recognized. “I would say that’s for me to know and you to find out, but I don’t share.” She quipped.

The crowd laughed.

“Have the band members met her and what do they think?”

“She has their stamp of approval.” He responded.

“How about a kiss?”

Lindsay answered. “You’re cute, but I don’t think my boyfriend would like it.”

Everyone laughed, including Jon. “Damn right, I don’t share either.” Then he took her in his arms, bent her backwards and kissed her firmly. The crowd cheered.

Releasing her he faced the sea of reporters again. “Ok, guys that’s it.”

“Please let us do our work here now. There are people that really need our help in the area. I’d really hate to see criminals get away because we can’t access a scene or our resources here fast enough. And I wouldn’t to see any of you get arrested – even if it might help your ratings.” Lindsay pleaded.

Turning they entered the building and watched as still laughing, the crowd finally dispersed.

“You were great Lindsay.” Paul praised her. “Jon said you spent some time working in politics. I can see that’s going to come in handy.”

“Nice job.” Jon hugged her and kissed her briefly. She hugged him back and basked in the glow of his approval.

As the team prepared to leave one big burly man, obviously a bodyguard hung back.

Jon waved him over and introduced him to Lindsay. “Honey this is Kevin. He’s going to be your bodyguard.” When she would have argued he stopped her. “He will stay out of the way when you’re working. However, don’t go anywhere without telling him and never go anywhere alone.” Seeing the mutinous look on her face he decided to try a different tact. “Please don’t fight me on this. I know you have a job to do, and a life to live. I’m not trying to stop you, I just need to know that you’re safe.” He gazed into her eyes, not hiding any of what he was feeling. “I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you.”

She couldn’t argue with what she saw in his eyes – mainly because of the emotion behind it. She sighed and nodded.

“So you’ll listen to him and not try to ditch him?” He pressed.

“Yes, I will.” She looked at his face. “I promise” She assured him.

Relieved, he kissed her again. “Thank you.”

“Oh don’t thank me. I expect to be rewarded for being so compliant and understanding.” She smirked.

He grinned. “Anything you want honey, anything at all.”