Chapter Nineteen

“Oh. I…uh…I just…uh…stopped by to…” Tina stammered uncomfortably. Having stumbled into a clearly private and intimate setting, she now wasn’t sure what to do.

“Actually, she can’t stay,” Jordan said hurriedly, trying to regain some semblance of control of the situation.

Jon smiled, shaking his head. “Hell, we’re busted now. Might as well let her stay for coffee.” He ran a hand through his hair and grinned sheepishly. “So what’s in the bag?”

Tina returned the smile awkwardly. “Scones.” She handed the bag to Jordan. “Excuse me for a minute. I need to… ladies’ room…” she shook her head and walked past Jon toward the bathroom.

Jon looked at Jordan, cocking an eyebrow and giving her a crooked smile.

“I am SO sorry,” Jordan whispered, “I went out to get the paper and there she was and I didn’t know how to stop her…”

Jon moved to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her. “You’re forgiven. Frankly the look on both your faces was almost worth it.” His hands slid down her hips and back up under the flannel nightshirt. He growled lightly against her neck. “However, you might want to go put some panties on, since we have company.”

Jordan couldn’t help but smile a bit, in spite of her dismay at having their secret revealed. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t say anything to anyone.”

“We’ll handle it,” he responded, taking the bakery bag from her. “Go. I’ll pour the coffee.”

Jordan was pulling on a pair of underwear when Tina appeared at the bedroom door. “Sorry for barging in. Of course I didn’t realize you’d be so… occupied.”

Jordan looked at her and smiled guiltily.

Tina laughed, shaking her head. “And I thought I told you not to do anything I wouldn’t.”

Jordan blushed. “Well, yes, you did. But you saw him standing there. You’re going to tell me YOU wouldn’t do that?”

Tina nodded. “Touché. Except last night is not the first night you’ve spent with him, is it?”

“Tina,” Jordan began.

“Never mind,” Tina said, shaking her head. “I already know the answer to that question. And I definitely want to hear the whole story later.” She looked at her friend and sighed. “Look at you. I don’t think I looked that satisfied on my honeymoon.”

Jordan shrugged, the blush deepening. “Hey…I have more than two years of bad sex to make up for. Not to mention the big dry spell before that…”

Tina laughed. “So you just decided to pick up one of the hottest rock stars on the planet? How does that work, exactly?”

Jon’s voice interrupted them as he shouted hoarsely from the kitchen. “Okay, ladies, don’t make me come in there and get you.”

Jordan looked at her friend and shrugged again. “Just lucky, I guess.” Tina shook her head and smiled, letting Jordan take her hand and lead her back to the kitchen.

They sat at the table, sipping coffee and nibbling at the scones, trying to find a comfortable harbor of conversation—which became increasingly difficult after they discussed the weather, the coffee, and how moist the scones were.

Finally Jordan spoke up. “So did Kevin leave the house with a smile on his face this morning?”

Jon laughed. “Oh, that’s right. You left the party to go home and jump your husband, didn’t you?”

Tina shook her head. “I plead the fifth.” She smiled then. “Unless, of course, the two of you want to share details of your night. Although the evidence is pretty self-explanatory.”

Jon and Jordan stole glances at one another and smiled slyly.

“I thought so,” Tina answered, laughing lightly. “Well, Jon, I guess I should thank you for helping her find her orgasm again.”

Jon burst out laughing and Jordan looked at her friend incredulously. “I don’t believe you just said that!”

“Oh, am I wrong?” Tina asked in mock curiosity. “Jon, tell me that she, well, you know…”

“Tina!” Jordan said in vain.

Jon smirked. “Oh, absolutely.” He winked at Jordan. “Unless she is one hell of an amazing actress. And as far as I know, some of those things can’t be faked.” He rose from the table to retrieve more coffee, as Jordan rested her face in her hands in embarrassment.

Tina watched as he walked across the kitchen. The faded black sweatpants molded comfortably around the muscles of his ass and sat so low she could see the curve of his hipbone. She doubted her friend had to fake anything.

Jon decided to change the subject and relieve Jordan of some of her discomfort. “I see that you’re a photographer.”

“Oh. Well, sort of. When I have time,” Jordan answered, silently thanking him for rescuing her. “I got interested during a photojournalism class I had in college.”

“They’re good, aren’t they?” Tina added. “She was on the campus newspaper staff for a couple years. Did she also tell you she had an article published in Newsweek?”

Jon joined them at the table again. “Really? What kind of article?”

“Oh, it was nothing, really…just one of those ‘my turn’ kind of things,” Jordan answered.

“She always plays it down but it was pretty cool,” Tina replied. “It was a piece about women keeping their own individuality even if they’re part of couple.”

“No way—you wrote a piece about being independent?” Jon said, teasingly, and Jordan slapped his arm playfully. “Seriously, I’d like to read it.”

“Seriously, it’s not worth it,” Jordan answered, laughing.

Tina watched them interact with interest—at their obvious comfort with each other and the lack of pretense—not to mention the chemistry that was impossible to overlook, given the circumstances. She was surprised they had managed to hide it from everyone at the party the night before. Of course, as her mind went back over the evening, things now seemed less innocent than they had originally appeared.

So what did it all mean? Obviously this was the reason Jordan had weathered the breakup with David so well. It also explained the mysterious smiles and… all of it. No wonder her friend had been flying so high. She was having the best sex of her life—with a rock star, no less. A very married rock star. As much as Tina didn’t want to think about it, she couldn’t help but wonder what would happen next. Obviously it wasn’t just a one-night stand. There was clearly some sort of relationship between the two of them, whether either of them was willing to admit it or not. Jesus, Jordan, what have you gotten yourself into?

Whatever it was, she was going to have to wait to find out; that much she knew. She also knew that she was about to overstay her welcome, so she finished her coffee and stood. “Thanks for the coffee. I’m going to leave you two alone to…” she paused and looked at them. “Yeah. I’m gonna go now.”

Jon and Jordan stood as well, and Jon leaned in to kiss Tina on the cheek. “It was nice to see you again.”

“You too,” Tina answered, then lowered her voice so only he could hear. “This may just be fun and games, I don’t know. Whatever it is, don’t make me hate you.” Her eyes held his for just a moment before she turned and walked with Jordan to the door.

“Lunch tomorrow,” Tina said simply, as she pulled her coat on, and Jordan nodded silently, the guilty smile once again creeping across her face.

“Tina, look, please don’t…” Jordan began.

“Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.”

“Not even Kevin,” Jordan said. “Promise me.”

“Fine, I promise. For now. But I want every juicy detail—so go back in there and make it worth it.” She smiled and shook her head. “You’re lucky I love you so much or I’d have to kill you.”

Jordan grinned. “I know.” She closed the door behind her friend and walked back into the kitchen, smiling sheepishly. “Well, I think we’re safe for now. As long as we don’t give her any reason to blackmail us,” she paused. “I really am sorry.”

Jon shook his head and wrapped an arm around her casually, pulling her to him and kissing her temple. “No harm done.”

She let him hold her there, her head resting against his bare chest, and heard his stomach rumble. She laughed. “It sounds like I need to feed you something besides caffeine and scones.” She pulled away from him. “Let me see what I’ve got here.” She opened the refrigerator and perused the contents, then looked at him. “Are you a wimpy East Coast boy or can you do spicy?”

He laughed. “Like there is anything but one answer to that question! I can hold my own on the spicy front, thank you very much.”

“Well alright then,” she responded, smiling mysteriously at him as she pulled a few things out and set them on the counter. A short while later they were enjoying eggs over easy with leftover green chile, refried beans and tortillas.

“Damn,” Jon said between bites. “First it was the photography thing, then it’s cooking. What else don’t I know about you?”

Jordan’s eyes danced. “I’m just a woman of mystery,” she teased. “Although it’s not as if this is a gourmet meal here. I am definitely no chef!”

“Maybe not,” he answered, finishing the last of his orange juice. “But this definitely hit the spot—and it’s a welcome change over hotel food.”

“Well, it’s very Colorado, that’s for sure,” she gathered their plates, carried them to the sink and began to rinse them off. “So when do I have to get you back to the hotel?”

“Not for a few hours,” he answered, coming up beside her and reaching to turn the water off. “So how about you leave the dishes and we take a bath instead? Then we can lay around and watch TV or something equally as lazy and self-indulgent.”

“Ooh,” she answered, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him close for a kiss. “I do like the way you think.”

He chuckled softly. “I thought you might.”

They took a leisurely bath and then made love slowly and just as leisurely, before moving to the couch where they lay naked under a blanket, watching The Godfather. He stroked her shoulder. “You know what I want?”

“Already?” she teased.

“Good god, no,” he laughed. “Things are definitely quiet on that front for now.” He tickled her ribs and she squirmed away from him, laughing. “Do you have any popcorn?”

“I believe I do,” she answered, and laughed at the puppy dog eyes he gave her. “Would you like me to make some for you?”

He grinned. “Yes, please.”

She nodded. “Is microwave okay or do you want fresh-popped on the stove?”

He pretended to think for a moment. “Microwave, I guess. Because you’d have to put something on to mess with the oil and the stove… and I’d rather have you naked while you wait on me.” He smiled lasciviously.

She pulled away from him with a smile. “Wait on you, huh? Well honey, if you want, I can put on my I Dream of Jeanie costume and call you Master.”

“Nah. Naked is fine,” he answered, “Although that ‘Master’ thing doesn’t sound too bad…”

“Well don’t hold your breath on that one,” she laughed and slipped out from under the blanket. “Keep it warm under there for me.”

She found herself lost in thought as she waited for the popping to stop. This is crazy. You do this with real-life lovers and boyfriends. Not with rock stars who you’re probably never going to see again. But it was too late now. Besides, it just felt too easy and comfortable with him. So what if he was stealing a moment of her real world? He had certainly let her in on his—a little.

From the couch, Jon watched her move about the kitchen, the thoughts in his mind as confused as hers. He had snuck off with no explanation to anyone and if he didn’t get back soon, there would be questions. Yet he didn’t want to leave her—and he was already thinking of ways to see her again.

She returned to the sofa, holding the bowl of popcorn out to him as she slid back underneath the blanket.

“God you’re good to me,” he teased, pulling her close and wrapping the blanket tightly around them.

She sighed contentedly. “I am, aren’t I?” She luxuriated in the warmth of his skin against hers and smiled. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

He laughed. “Yeah. Because we wouldn’t want me to get an ego or anything.”

“Well…no more than you already have. If that’s possible,” she teased.

He chuckled silently, nodding as he set the popcorn bowl on the floor. “Alright. Now you’ve done it.” He grabbed her, pinning her arms against her sides as he pulled her over his lap, laughing.

She joined him in his laughter. “Jon, what are you doing? Stop it!” She squirmed slightly but he held tight and pulled the blanket down over her hips, exposing her bare cheeks. “Oh no you don’t,” she shrieked, trying to wrestle from his grip. Between his hands and the blanket tangled around her legs, however, she was almost helpless.

He stroked her cheek softly. “You’ve got a really nice ass. Have I mentioned that?” He let his fingers dance against her skin, letting her squirm in anticipation.

“So do you,” she answered, looking over her shoulder at him and trying to ignore the undercurrent of desire she was feeling. “So how about we switch positions?”

He disregarded her suggestion and continued stroking her skin softly. “Call me Master,” he teased, smiling.

“NO!” She responded, her laughter taking away from any strength she had to devote to fighting him.

“Fine,” he answered. She felt the light sting of his slap.

“Ow,” she cried, trying to sound angry.

“Say it,” he repeated, swatting her again.

“I am NOT calling you Master,” she laughed, writhing against him. This time the slap took her breath away—and not from pain.

He felt her gasp and grinned. “You want more?”

“No,” she answered, but her tone had changed, and he smiled satisfactorily. He held her there for a moment, stroking her where her skin showed a hint of pink. She squirmed again and he held her tight. He let his fingers slide between her legs and chuckled when his suspicions were confirmed.

“I think you lie,” he said, and she felt the rush of embarrassment on her face. He pulled the blanket back up over her hips and patted her gently. “Well that was fun,” he said, pulling her up from his lap and into his arms. “Kinda sexy, isn’t it?”

She shook her head, blushing. “I can’t believe you spanked me!”

He laughed. “Why not? I’ve been threatening to for a while.” He brushed the hair from her face. “Admit it…you kind of liked it.” A cocky smile stole across his face.

She fought the urge to smile back at him. “Pass the popcorn.” He grinned and handed her the bowl, as they settled back to finish the movie. On screen, Carlo was beating the hell out of Connie, setting the scene for Sonny’s slaughter.

“I love Sonny,” Jordan pined. “I’ve always hated that he dies.”

Jon chuckled and kissed the top of her head. “Just one more thing to love about you…a girl who loves The Godfather.”

She replayed the words in her mind. Of course he didn’t mean anything by it. There were things about him she loved, too. There was an unspoken agreement between them, she knew…and she had no expectations. And no expectations means no one gets hurt.

The credits were rolling when Jon reached for the remote, turning off the television and turning on the radio before letting his hands roam along her nakedness. He smiled softly as Chris Isaak’s haunting voice filled the room. The soundtrack to their affair, he thought. It was getting longer all the time…

“Come here, baby,” he whispered huskily as he moved on top of her, bring his mouth to hers.

The world was on fire and no one could save me but you
Strange what desire will make foolish people do

Afterwards she dressed while he jumped in the shower. She gathered his clothes and folded them neatly into a pile on the unmade bed, trying not to acknowledge the small pit of sadness she felt growing in her stomach. This was a bonus, Jordan. You weren’t expecting this much. Don’t ruin it by being sad.

She reached for his shirt and brought it to her face, closing her eyes and inhaling his scent. On the radio, she heard David Gray singing “Forgive Me” and felt the goose bumps rise on her arms.

Please forgive me if I act a little strange
For I know not what I do
Feels like lightning running through my veins
Every time I look at you

In the bathroom, Jon listened to the lyrics as well, the eyes in the mirror reflecting the turmoil he was feeling.

Help me out here
All my words are falling short
And there's so much I want to say
Want to tell you just how good it feels
When you look at me that way

He reached for the spare toothbrush she’d left out for him, shaking his head with a wry smile. He’d have to remember to punch David Gray next time he saw him.

I’ve got half a mind to scream out loud
I’ve got half a mind to die
So I won't ever have to lose you girl
Won't ever have to say goodbye
I won't ever have to lie

He was wrapped in a towel when he entered the bedroom and she laughed. “Suddenly modest, are you?” He grinned and released the towel, letting it fall to the floor and making her laugh harder.

He reached for his jeans. “So what are you doing next weekend?”

“No big plans. Why?”

“We’re playing on Friday and Saturday in L.A. You should come out.”

She felt the flutter in her stomach as she handed him his shirt. “Seriously?”

He pulled the shirt on, shrugging casually. “Sure. You gotta see more than one show,” he teased lightly. “You know, to keep my ego in tact.”

She hesitated, watching his fingers as he buttoned the shirt. Of course she wanted to. But…

“Come on. Take off early on Friday and spend the weekend in sunny Southern California!” He moved to her then, hooking his fingers in the waistband of her jeans and pulling her closer. “I’ll take care of everything. All you’ll have to do is pack and get your sexy ass to the airport.”

She laughed softly. “Well that kind of sounds like an offer I can’t refuse.”

He grinned. “Nice. So that’s a yes?”

She sighed. “Why not?” Might as well stay on the ride a little longer.

It was an hour later when he stepped off the elevator onto the private floor of the hotel and let himself into his room. It was late enough in the day that he attracted very little attention when he entered the hotel lobby, and he was grateful that he was able to sneak into his room unnoticed, in spite of the fact that a couple of the other band members had their doors open.

He checked his messages and made a couple phone calls, then changed into a sweater and crossed the hall to join them, making a bit of production of being well-rested.

“So you guys about ready to jet?”

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