Chapter 13

Jon chuckled, but bit back his reply. The waiter brought out their appetizers: tender asparagus in a delicate duck egg truffle vinaigrette and a crispy duck confit with lentil ragut. The asparagus melted in their mouths, and the confit balanced it nicely. A Wolffer Estate Chardonnay was chilled to perfection, and complemented the delicious starters. Jon raised his glass and Valerie clinked hers against it as the waiter discretely disappeared back into the kitchen.

“What are we drinking to?” she asked, her gaze soft on his.

“To dancing in the moonlight,” Jon answered. “I would love to dance with you in the moonlight,” he said softly.

Valerie swallowed hard at this romantic side of the man that never makes it into the papers. “I would like that, Jon,” she said quietly; her voice thick with emotion.

They made small talk over their appetizers, Jon asking Valerie about the house. She told him all about the history of Kallie’s family’s home, at least what she knew, and about spending part of her summers with her best friend for as long as she can remember. They talked about their favorite places in town, and things they liked to do when they were on vacation. They found they both have a love for the beach, and Valerie said it was one of her favorite places to be. When Jon asked her where some of her other favorite places were, she blushed. “In your arms,” she answered honestly.

When they had finished the first course, and the bottle of wine, the waiter cleared away their plates and brought out two main dishes for them to share: wild sea scallops with a sauce of Jerusalem artichoke puree, sugar snaps and lemon, and Cedar River Run prime sirloin served with arugula and a crispy herb polenta. A North Fork Cabernet accompanied this course.

“Are you trying to get me drunk?” Valerie scolded gently.

“No, ma’am,” he answered with an anything-but-innocent smile.

They laughed and dug in to their food. The sirloin was as tender as anything they had ever tasted, and the scallops were buttery soft. Julianna closed her mouth around a morsel of polenta and moaned, “Mmmm, this is so good.” She looked at Jon, who was frozen, the fork halfway to his mouth. “What?” she said.

“Woman, you cannot do that,” he said, mock sternness in his voice.

“What’d I do?” she asked, genuinely confused.

“You were making that noise that just goes right to the heart of me.” Jon laughed. “Well, maybe not the heart.” He took her hand and discretely slipped it into his lap.

“Oh,” she said. She closed her fingers around his erection and squeezed gently, making Jon squirm in his seat.

“Yeah, ‘oh’,” he said huskily. He couldn’t decide if he wanted her to stop or not.

“Sorry,” Valerie said, with absolutely no hint of remorse. She also made no attempt to pull her hand away. They were pushed into the table far enough, and were sitting close enough together that even if the waiter came back out, he wouldn’t see anything.

“Now, why don’t I believe you mean that?” Jon asked, sliding his own hand under the table and into Valerie’s lap. He carefully pulled up her skirt, until he could touch the smooth skin of her inner thigh, making her gasp. He angled a finger for her core, and Valerie’s eyes rolled back at the contact. She let her legs fall open just a little, and gave him a tight squeeze as he dipped his fingertip under her thong, finding her wet.

“Jesus, Valerie,” Jon whispered, making Valerie blush again, this time with excitement. They finished their dinner course quickly, and polished off the Cabernet, all the while, Valerie’s hand was busy under the table.

Jon gave her a pointed look. “I’d prefer not to ruin my pants in this restaurant, if you please,” he said through gritted teeth.

Valerie gave him a wicked smile. “Do you want me to take care of that for you?” she asked, the wine having finally gotten to her. Jon’s eyebrows shot up when she moved to slide under the table.

“Jesus, Val, cut it out!” Jon was looking around wildly, and Valerie burst out laughing. “What is so damned funny?” he demanded.

“The look,” she could hardly talk for the great guffaws of laughter. “The look when you thought I was,” she couldn’t finish. Tears streamed down her face, and her breathing was coming in hiccups.

“Oooh, you little witch,” Jon said, with no rancor in his voice. He saw the waiter approaching with dessert, and leaned in to whisper into Valerie’s ear, “I will get even with you.”

“Oh, I’m so scared,” Valerie said, struggling to get herself under control.

The waiter had brought them a Valhrona chocolate-pistachio torte and apricot crisp with whipped crème fraiche. Jon and Valerie ordered cappuccino, and waited for the waiter to bring the coffee before starting their dessert. Jon scooped up a spoonful of torte and turned to feed it to Valerie. She closed her eyes as her lips closed around the fork, and she moaned at the sheer pleasure of the tastes and textures on her tongue.

She looked into Jon’s face, seeing that his eyes had darkened, and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, I enjoy food. Sue me.” She licked the corner of her mouth, where a little chocolate clung.

She trailed a finger through the crème fraiche and held it up. “Want some?” she said.

“Oh yeah,” Jon answered, wrapping a hand around her wrist and bringing her finger to his mouth. He closed his lips over her finger, sucking the crème from it. He let his tongue swirl around her fingertip, and nipped it gently before slowly pulling it from his mouth. Valerie had captured her bottom lip with her teeth to keep from crying out. She was so close to the edge, she didn’t think she was going to be able to finish dessert.

Jon smiled and looped an arm around the back of Valerie’s chair, and turned a little so his back was to the kitchen and the door the waiter had been appearing through all evening. He leaned in to kiss her deeply, and threaded a hand through her curls, making her sigh. Jon trailed his other hand down her cheek and neck, dipping briefly in between her breasts, making her breath hitch. He continued his caress downward until his hand disappeared under the table, and found its way to between her legs again. At her sharp intake of breath, Jon broke the kiss to whisper, “It’s payback time.”

He brought his mouth to hers again, and stroked her through the thin fabric of her g-string in time with his tongue’s movements. That little barrier between his skin and hers was sopping wet already. Jon chuckled low in his chest, and looped a finger under the scrap of fabric. He slid his finger slowly into her as she gripped his shoulders and groaned. A moment later, a second finger joined the first, and Jon could feel her squeeze and pulse around him as she fell over the edge. Valerie had a death grip on his arms, and growled in the back of her throat, the sound muffled by his mouth. She ripped her mouth from his and rested her head on his shoulder as she caught her breath and slowly came back to earth. Jon was surprised at the quickness and strength of her orgasm, and felt immensely proud of himself. Valerie could tell he was smiling.

“What are you smiling at,” Valerie asked, her hand stroking the slice of chest visible through his open shirt. His skin was warm and smooth.

Jon slowly removed his fingers and pulled down Valerie’s skirt. “You,” he said. Glancing surreptitiously around and seeing they were still alone, he swiped his fingers, still sticky with her juices, through the crème and brought it to his mouth and licked at it. “Mmmm,” he said, closing his own eyes. “Now that’s good,” he said huskily.

Valerie let her hand push into his shirt, and she scraped her nails across his nipple, making him hiss. “Turnabout is fair play, you know,” she said, and let her hand trail down to his straining erection.

Jon gripped her wrist and pulled her hand roughly away from him. “Oh no you don’t,” he said. “Not here, anyway.”

Valerie giggled and kissed Jon again, and the pair, snuggled together, looked out over Coecle’s harbor.

Chapter 12

Exactly two hours to the minute, Valerie heard a car turn onto the top of Gracie Lane. He was nothing if not punctual. Maybe, she thought, he was a little anxious, too. She smiled to herself and hurried into the house, not wanting him to catch her waiting for him. She was in the kitchen refreshing her glass of wine when the doorbell rang. She slowly walked to the front door and opened it. What she saw took her breath away. She could do nothing but stare at him, her mouth gaped open.

Jon was dressed in a white button-down shirt, generously unbuttoned, its tails hanging over black suit pants that were cut perfectly for him. His cuffs were turned back, exposing his sinewy forearms. Well-worn boots poked out from the pant legs. His hair was still damp around the edges, and he had left the scruffy five o’clock shadow, making him look dangerously sexy. Laughing at her expression, he did a slow turn under her scrutiny, and she saw that the pants were indeed, tailored for him. They hugged that perfect butt like nothing she’d ever seen. “Do I pass inspection?”

All Valerie could do was nod. She hadn’t found her voice yet. It left her the moment she opened the door. Valerie registered that Jon was staring at her. His eyes scanned her from head to toe and back again; his eyes wide. He was looking at her as if he could eat her whole. Jon made a turning motion with his hand, and Valerie giggled. She used both hands to scoop her hair up to the top of her head, raising her hem a little, and made her own slow turn, letting Jon take in the back of the dress before letting the tumble of curls fall down her back. When she completed her circle cocked an eyebrow at him as if to ask “Well?”, and he let out a low wolf whistle.

Valerie smiled shyly, pleased that her efforts had the desired effect. “Would you like to come in for a glass of wine before dinner?” she asked, playing the good hostess.

Jon shook his head. “Honey, if I step over that threshold, we will never make it to dinner, and it would be a damn crying shame to not show you off.” It took all his control to not reach out to see if her skin felt as soft as it looked or tasted as good as it smelled. He wanted scoop her up and discover just what was under that dress.

“Suit yourself,” she said, turning quickly, to make her skirt flare out. Jon got a glimpse of smooth leg that didn’t seem to stop, and his mouth ran dry. Valerie dropped a saucy wink over her shoulder as she sauntered to the hall table to deposit her glass and pick up a completely useless but extremely cute beaded bag. Jon chuckled.

“What’s so funny, Jon?” Valerie asked.

“You’ll pay for that,” he said.

“Pay for what?” Valerie said innocently, turning quickly again and this time dropping her purse. Before Jon could instinctively move to retrieve it, Valerie bent over at the waist to retrieve it, causing her dress to gape just enough to make Jon hiss through his teeth.

“You will most surely pay for that,” he said.

Valerie smiled. The game of seduction was coming back to her, and she was enjoying the hell out of it. “Oh, I have no doubt about that,” she said, slinking toward him and sliding a gentle hand into the open vee of his shirt to caress his skin. “In fact, I’m counting on it.” She kissed his lips gently, trailed a hand down his cheek, and led the way out the door.

Jon shook his head and blew out a sharp breath. He closed the door and jogged to the car ahead of Valerie to open the door for her. She noticed a gaily wrapped flat package on her seat. “What’s this?” she asked him.

He smiled. “I picked you up a little something,” he said, shrugging. “No big deal.” He took her hand and helped her into the car. When she was seated, Jon braced one hand on the seatback next to her head, and reached across her to buckle her seatbelt. He made sure that he grazed her breasts, making her gasp. He smiled and licked her neck before shutting the door.

Valerie shivered then looked at the gift in her lap. She was touched, and more than a little intrigued. She was the type of person who had gone snooping for Christmas presents every year once she knew that Santa was really Mom and Dad. She held the package on her lap while Jon hurried around the front of the car to his. When he was seated, she held up the package, asking, “Do I have to wait until later to open it? Or can I open it now?”

“By all means,” Jon said, smirking. “If you can’t wait, then please, open it now.”

The sanctimonious tone of his voice made Valerie smile a sickly-sweet smile at Jon. She reached to put the box in the back seat. “I can wait just as long as you, darlin’,” she said, noticing Jon’s eyes on her neckline as she stretched and bent. She made a point to cross her legs, causing her skirt to ride up a bit. This did not escape Jon’s notice. “The question is,” she said huskily, “how long can you wait?”

“Baby, I’ve got all night,” he said, locking eyes on her. He slowly trailed a hand from her knee to her waist; bunching the dress at her hip. Valerie didn’t move a muscle. Jon hadn’t found anything but skin. His expertly tailored pants were feeling pretty tight right about then. “Waiting will make it that much sweeter,” he said. With a wink, he lowered her skirt, started the car, and they were off.

As they cruised through Sag Harbor, they stopped at the marina to look at the boats. When they got to the ferry, they were the only car looking to cross. After a few minutes’ wait, the captain took off. Valerie had gotten out of the car and was standing at the rail, the wind blowing her hair back, making her look like a Goddess. He went to stand with her, bracing his hands on the rail on either side of her, and leaning into her back. He kissed her neck and whispered wonderfully naughty things in her ear until she pressed back into him, making him gasp.

The ferry crossing to Shelter Island took nearly ten minutes, but it seemed to pass in an instant. All too soon, they were rushing to get back into the car. As they were driving through town, Jon cast a sidelong glance at Valerie. “Maybe later, we can stop in at for a few beers at the Dory.” Jon was referring to the dive in the heart of Dering Harbor. At Christmastime, the platform out in the water behind the bar was festooned with the scraggliest tree Valerie had ever seen. It made Charlie Brown’s tree look full.

“Uh-uh. No way. I am NOT going into the Dory again,” Valerie was nearly doubled over laughing. “The last time I went in there, God, it must have been fifteen years ago. Not only was I the only young woman in there, I was the only one with all my own teeth. Men AND women included.” Jon burst out laughing.

They crossed the natural bridge onto Ram Island, where the Inn was located, and pulled into the parking lot. Valerie’s heart sank. There were no other cars in the lot.

“Oh no,” she said, disappointment in her tone. “Are they closed? I didn’t even think to call ahead and check. It’s only April; do they not open until May?”

Jon chuckled. “You’re right, darlin’, they don’t usually open until May. I called in a favor to Jim and Linda, though, and they opened the restaurant for us.” He slid a sideways glance at her, taking in her look of disbelief. “You’ll have to make do with whatever the chef feels like preparing, though.”

“Oh,” she said on a breath, her eyes wide. “You didn’t have to do that!” Never would she have imagined anyone, let alone this man, would go through the trouble.

Jon looked into Valerie’s eyes and took her hand. “Sweetheart, you wanted dinner here, and it’s within my power to do it, so here we are.”

“You are amazing. Thank you,” Valerie said leaning in to give him a kiss. She closed her eyes and sighed as Jon put one hand behind her head and deepened the kiss, gently tangling his tongue with hers.

“You’re more than welcome,” Jon answered, smiling when they finally came up for air. “Now, let’s go eat before they think we aren’t coming.” He dropped a small kiss on Valerie’s nose and held up a finger. “Don’t move,” he said.

Valerie nodded, and her gaze followed him as Jon got out of the car and walked around to her door. He opened the door and leaned in to unbuckle her seatbelt, once again grazing her breasts, setting her blood on fire. He pulled her out of the car, and put a hand to the small of her back, guiding her into the restaurant.

The dining room was dimly lit, and was empty except for one table set up in the middle of the room. It was done up in white linens with an arrangement of fresh flowers off to one side. Delicate candles ringed the flowers. Two chairs sat alongside each other, facing the flowers. The table was oriented so they’d have a view of the expansive grounds and Coecles Harbor. It looked like the head table at an intimate wedding reception. Soft jazz played in the background, the saxophone enhancing the atmosphere. Valerie and Jon were greeted by Jim Eklund himself, an older gentleman who reminded Valerie a lot of her father. Jon made the introductions.

“Mr. Eklund, I can’t thank you enough for doing this,” Valerie said.

“Please, call me Jim. All my friends do, and any friend of JB here is a friend of mine,” the man answered, eyes twinkling. “Besides, I always like to hear my name come from the mouth of a beautiful woman.” He winked at her, making her blush.

“Jim, then. Thank you. The dining room looks beautiful. You didn’t have to go through all this trouble,” Valerie said.

“No trouble at all, young lady,” he said, then winked at Jon. “Shall we?” he said, and offered his arm to Valerie. With an amused expression, she took the older man’s arm and was led to their table. Jon held her chair, and as he scooted her in, he leaned down to kiss her neck. When he was seated on her left, he draped his right arm across the back of her chair, and took her right hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss.

“I wonder what’s on the menu tonight,” Valerie said without thinking.

“You,” Jon answered, as his lips skimmed her knuckled again.

“I meant for dinner,” she said breathlessly. “Not dessert.”

Chapter 11

There was dead silence on the other end of the phone. Valerie could almost picture her friend sitting there with her mouth hanging open while she decided if she was hearing things right.

“Kallie? You still there?” Valerie took great pleasure in shocking her normally unflappable friend.

“That’s real funny, Val. Great fantasy, though.” Kallie was smiling to herself. Valerie must be feeling better, she thought. This time of year, there were never any jokes from the otherwise hilarious woman.

“I mean it, K. Jon was out walking the beach last night and saw me, well, being drunken me…” Valerie trailed off, blushing, remembering what she must have looked like to him.

“You mean dancing wildly in the moonlight?” Kallie laughed at that mental picture. More than once she had joined Valerie in what they call celebrating the night.

“Pretty much, yeah,” Valerie said. “Anyway, he asked me what the hell I was so happy about, and I mouthed off to him. Took him by surprise, I’m sure. Jesus, K, I swear to God, I nearly died when he looked at me with those eyes. They’re bluer than they look in pictures. They’re just amazing.”

Kallie considered her friend. “You’re totally serious, aren’t you?”

“As a heart-attack, sweetie.”

“Jesus, Valerie. Um, what’s he like?”

Valerie laughed. “Like nothing you’ve ever seen. I mean, up close? The pictures don’t do him justice. The little laugh lines they airbrush away are completely sexy, and those eyes? God almighty himself covets those eyes.”

“What about the smile? Did you get the smile?” Kallie was practically shouting, and Valerie was in hysterics.

“Listen to you! Jesus, how old are you?”

“Screw you, Val, just tell me!”

“The smile is the best part. Absolute perfection.”

Kallie whistled. “Then you should definitely wear the red halter dress we packed. Red is a great color on you, and it’s a very sexy dress. Who knows what could happen, right? I mean, you’re both unattached adults.” Leave it to her best friend to bring the conversation to the dirty stuff.

Valerie paused just for a moment, smiling at her recollection of last night, before saying “Yeah, you’re right about that, Kal.”

Thankfully (at least Valerie thought so) Kallie misunderstood her thoughtful hesitation for trepidation. “Look,” she said. “I’m not saying you have to marry the guy, but if he asks, say yes.” She laughed at her own wit. “All I’m saying is that a few stolen kisses, or a roll in the hay with that man? Well hell, if that doesn’t cure you, nothing will.”

Valerie laughed. If she only knew just how right she was. “Alright, you’ve convinced me; the red it is. Don’t expect a play-by-play if things get interesting though,” she said, confident they would.

“Oh no you don’t! I made you go out there, I packed the sex dress, I get the deets,” Kallie said firmly. “It’s only fair. No holding out on me. Besides,” she laughed, “you’re so transparent, I’d take one look at you and just KNOW.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Valerie laughed back. “Okay, I need to get ready; I just wanted to let you know because, God, am I really saying this? This little adventure may get into the papers, and, well, I wanted you to hear it from me.” Valerie had pulled the filmy red dress from the closet, and hung it on the back of the bathroom door. She turned the shower on hot, to get the room filling with steam.

“Alright, you lucky bitch. Have a good time,” Kallie sighed. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Valerie laughed. “In my place, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do!”

“Exactly!”

The two women exchanged goodnights, and Valerie went into the bathroom. She stripped down and stood under the hot needles of water and sighed. For some reason, this date made her extremely nervous. She basically had no secrets from this man now; not after their talk today and certainly not after last night. The thought of sitting across the table from him, however, seemed to be too normal and domestic. The wild night she could chalk up to the wine and the emotions of the day. The day they’d spent today she could write off as day-after politeness. That they clicked instantly when they were talking was just icing on the cake.

This date, however? Well that meant he was really interested in her and that scared the hell out of her. Her track record with good-looking men wasn’t good, and she really barely knew Jon. Not that she was expecting anything out of this other than a fun weekend full of memories that would last her a lifetime, but she couldn’t help where her thoughts naturally took her. She’d have to try, though. She couldn’t live in the past anymore; couldn’t paint every man with the same brush. She had to learn to trust again – both in her own instincts, and in the men she was with. She trusted Jon with her body, but not yet with her heart.

She shook off the negative thoughts and washed and conditioned her hair, so it would dry nice and soft. She used a vanilla-scented body wash, knowing it would mix with her lotion enticingly. When she was done, she combed her hair out and studied her reflection in the mirror. It was a long time since she’d dressed for a man. A long time since she’d wanted to look really good for someone. Nervousness aside, she was really looking forward to tonight. Valerie smiled. Coming out here was a great idea, and a ‘roll in the hay’ with that man was definitely part of her cure.

Valerie stepped into a red g-string and smoothed a peach-scented lotion down her legs and across arms and shoulders. Her dress had a built-in bra, so she could dispense with that. She slipped the dress over her head, taking care to smooth it over her hips. She looked at herself critically. The dress clung to her un-tethered breasts, dipping low in between. The back was cut almost to her waist, and would be all but hidden once her hair was done. The dress’ flirty skirt ended a good two inches above her knees. Valerie pulled her very favorite high-heeled sandals from her bag; three inch, silver strappy sandals. They made her legs look that much longer.

Satisfied with her ensemble, she set to work on her hair. When it was wet, it looked brown, and was a riot of curls. She usually tamed it by blowing it out, but tonight, she wanted to feel the sexy curls cascade down her back; wanted to feel Jon’s hands tangle in them. Shivering deliciously, she ran a gel through her hair, to help keep the curls from frizzing, and blew out the front a little, making wispy bangs that framed her green eyes beautifully. The rest, she’d let dry naturally.

Valerie expertly applied makeup, taking care to frame her eyes with dark lashes and liner. Pale pink lipstick and just a hint of eye shadow was all she added. The net result of her efforts? It made even her whistle at her reflection. She donned some fun, simple costume jewelry, and checked the clock. She had a little over a half-hour to go. She poured herself a glass of wine to steady her nerves, and went out onto the porch to wait.

Chapter 10

After lunch, Jon and Valerie planned on a long walk on the beach – kind of a “since we’re already intimate, let’s get acquainted” thing. Before they left the house, Valerie found an old ball cap and sunglasses in one of the closets, and gave them to Jon. “You may want these,” she said, “just in case people are out.”

Jon was touched by her thoughtfulness. He took the items from her and put them on the counter. Taking her hands, and kissing her gently, he looked into her eyes. “I don’t particularly care who sees us,” he said. “Unless you do…”

“Hell no!” She said. “If I could put it on a T-shirt, and wear it around town, I would.”

Jon laughed out loud, a deep belly laugh. “I’ll have to remember that. Not shy. Check.” His laughter subsided, and he pulled out his cell phone.

“What are you doing?” Valerie asked.

“Leaving myself a message at home.” He dialed. “Hang on…” Valerie just stared at him. What a wonderfully quirky thing to do. “Note to self,” he said, with a smile in his voice. “Call the T-shirt guy.”

Valerie blushed and smacked him lightly on the chest. “You are too much. Actually, this – whatever – is completely unlike me. I can hardly believe this is me actually.”

“Well, unless I’ve been enjoying the charms of someone else,” Jon said with a smile, “I’d say you were you.”

Valerie laughed, and led them out of the house. While they walked up and down the beach, hand-in-hand, they shared the stories of their lives. They talked about their childhoods, parents, and who helped shape them into the people they were today. They talked about their careers, what they liked and didn’t like about them. They talked about their current situations.

Jon squeezed her hand tighter when she told him the circumstances around her widowhood. Valerie gasped as he told her of the duplicity of his ex-wife. They talked and walked for hours, back and forth along the beach. They made each other laugh, and shared tears together. By the time they got back to her house, Jon had his arm around Valerie’ s shoulders, and she had hers looped around his waist, fingers tucked into one of the belt loops on his jeans, and each felt as if he had known the other forever.

Jon looked at his watch – it was getting close to dinner time, and he wanted to take her out. “Valerie, I’d like to take you out for dinner,” he said. “Will you let me do that?”

“Are you sure?” she said. She knew that the press was always hounding him, and more likely than not, they’d be seen together.

“Positive.” He took her hand and kissed it.

“If you’re sure,” she said. “then I’ll have to call Kallie and tell her about you. If she finds out about this in the papers, she’d never forgive me.”

Jon nodded. “Baby, take out a billboard for all I care. Where would you like to go?”

“Honestly? I haven’t been out here for so long…” She trailed off as she thought about her options. John Duck was always good, and she enjoyed the Talkhouse, but she wanted to go somewhere more quiet. Her eyes lit up as she thought of just the place. “I’d love to go to Ram’s Head Inn, if that’s okay,” she said, naming a restaurant on Shelter Island. Shelter Island was wedged between the north and south forks of Long Island. You had to take a small ferry to get out there.

“Anyplace you like. Ram’s Head it is,” Jon said, nodding. “I need to head home and make a couple of calls; I’ll be back in,” he consulted his watch again. “Two hours?”

“That works for me,” she said. That would give her plenty of time to get ready. It had been so long since she had gotten ready for a man, she was going to need all the time she could get.

Jon wrapped her in an embrace and kissed her thoroughly, his arousal pressed into her hip. He broke the kiss on a ragged breath and looked at her. “I’d better go, before we miss dinner.”

Valerie trailed her hands over his chest, and pulled him in for another quick kiss. “OK. Go. I’ll be ready in two hours.”

“Alright,” he said, reluctantly taking his leave. “Two hours. Not a moment longer.” One more kiss, and he was out the door.

Valerie closed the door behind him and leaned against it, letting out a deep breath. She squealed like a teenager, and ran for the phone. She was dialing Kallie’s number even as she headed into the bedroom to choose something to wear.

“Hiya, kid,” Kallie said, having checked her caller ID before answering.

“I need to tell you something, and I don’t want you to freak out,” Valerie said without preamble.

Kallie sighed, automatically assuming the worst. “What’s wrong? What did you do? Are you just sitting out there pouting? I knew I should have come with you…”

“Kallie,” Valerie said, trying to interrupt.

“I can take off tomorrow…” Kallie continued talking.

“Kallie!” Valerie yelled, getting her friend’s attention this time, and giggling.

“What?” Kallie asked.

“Jesus, girl, let me get a word in edgewise, why don’t you,” Valerie laughed. “I have something to tell you, and I want you to be calm.”

“Oh, alright already,” Kallie said, getting impatient. “What is it?”

“I have a date tonight,” Valerie answered, drawing this out. After all, how many times do you get to tell your best friend that Jon Bon Jovi is taking you to dinner?

“Oooh! I told you that you had to be prepared for anything.” Kallie was genuinely excited for her friend. “OK, give, how did you meet him? Who is it?”

“I was having myself a picnic on the beach last night, and someone was out walking,” Valerie said. “He and I struck up a conversation, and he’s taking me to Ram’s Head tonight.” She decided to keep the tawdry details to herself for now. Kallie would know anyway as soon as she saw her friend’s face on Monday.

“A date with some stranger you met on the beach? I don’t know, Val, do you think that’s wise?”

“Who said he was a stranger? I knew exactly who it was.” Valerie paused for a moment, torturing her friend.

“Spill, brat, who is it?”

“Are you sitting down?”

“Jesus, girl, don’t make me come beat it out of you.”

Valerie laughed. “Okay, okay. It’s Jon Bon Jovi.”

Chapter 9

Jon did hurry to the bedroom, but after that, he took his time, loving Valerie slowly and thoroughly. They fell into a sated sleep, and were awakened by the phone. Valerie’s hand snaked out to the nightstand, and snapped up the cordless receiver. “Hello?” she said.

“Val? It’s Kallie.” Valerie sat up straight in bed, jostling Jon.

“What’s up K? You caught me snoozing.” Jon started tickling her side, and Valerie slapped at his hand.

“I just wanted to check on you, kiddo,” she said. “You looked like warmed-over, two-day-old monkey shit when you left here yesterday.”

“Gee thanks,” Valerie teased, laughing. “Remind me to call on you next time I need a pep talk.”

Kallie laughed. “You know I say that with love.”

“Yeah, I know,” Valerie giggled. Jon was tickling her again, and Valerie turned to give him her very best glare. Jon just stuck his tongue out at her and continued doing what he pleased. She put her hand over the receiver. “Stop it,” she mouthed to him.

“Make me,” he said softly.

Valerie got out of bed, and stuck her tongue out at Jon, who was pouting. He sat up and made to get out of bed, and she pointed at him, like a recalcitrant child. He stayed where he was, and gave her his very best angry stare. Valerie realized Kallie was still talking. “What’d you say? I was shifting the phone to the other ear.”

Kallie sighed. “I said, have you made any plans for the weekend?”

Valerie stood stone still. “Nothing definite, why?”

“I was thinking,” Kallie said. “Maybe I’ll come out and join you. You know, help you through your weekend.”

Valerie was shocked. This was not what she expected. “You know, K, I’d love to see you.” Jon perked up at that, an eyebrow winged up. Valerie shook her head and put up a finger. “But, I think I need this ‘me’ time. I’m feeling better just being here alone.” Jon put his hands to his heart like he’d been shot, and fell back on the bed dramatically, and it was all Valerie could do to not burst out laughing at him.

“If you’re sure,” Kallie said.

“It’s not that I don’t want to see you,” Valerie said, trying to hurry off the phone before she lost it, “but I’m doing OK. I’m going to go for a walk on the beach and see where the day takes me.”

“Alright,” Kallie said. “I’ll leave you be. Just know that you can call me anytime, and if you need me to, I’ll zip out there as fast as I can.”

“I know you will, sweetie; you’re a good friend.”

“Hell no,” Kallie said, “I’m a great friend.”

“You are at that,” Valerie said. “I’ll talk to you later, OK?”

“OK, Val. Love you.”

“Love you too, Kallie. ‘Bye.”

“Bye.”

Valerie hung up the phone, and looked at Jon, who looked quite pleased with himself. “What the hell were you doing?” There was no anger in her voice, just puzzlement.

“What do you mean darlin’?” he said, rising from the bed this time and crossing to her.

“What do I – ?” Jon had taken her in his arms, and was nibbling on her neck. He just couldn’t get enough of her. Valerie sighed, and pushed back to look at him. “What I mean is I was trying to not let my friend know I bedded someone last night, my first night here mind you, and you were doing your damnedest to get us caught!”

Jon looked at her. “Are you ashamed?” The clouds were descending over his eyes again, and Valerie panicked.

“NO! No, of course not. Are you kidding? She’d give her left eye to be where I am right now.” Jon smiled at that. “That’s not the point, and you know it.” She hugged him close. “I’m just not ready to share you with her yet.”

‘You don’t have to worry, pirate girls don’t do anything for me.” His tone was so serious that Valerie had to pull back and look at him again. She saw the twinkle in his eye, and smacked him on the ass.

“Brat,” she said.

“You know it,” he answered.

Both their stomachs rumbled. It was well after noon, and they hadn’t eaten anything yet. “I’m going to take a quick shower,” Valerie said.

“I’ll join you,” Jon answered. At Valerie’s expression, Jon laughed. “No, not yet. I need refueling. Later, for sure.”

Valerie blushed prettily, and led a two-person naked parade to the bathroom.

Chapter 8

When Jon opened his eyes again, he saw it was morning, and he saw he was alone. He took a moment to reflect on last night. He didn’t understand what had come over him. His actions were totally out of character for him. He smiled, glad to be surprising himself. He had no regrets, and hoped that Valerie felt the same.

He moved to get out of bed, and grimaced. His lower back twinged a little, and his shoulders were sore. He had slept in the same rumpled heap he was left in after their last bout of lovemaking, and smiled again at the memory. These kinds of aches and pains he’d gladly wake up to any day. Jon stepped into his jeans and found his way to the bathroom.

Leaning into the mirror while he was washing his hands, he scrutinized his face. There were more lines around his eyes, but he noticed his eyes didn’t look haunted today. The lines around his mouth could actually be construed as smile lines now. Most noticeably, however, was the seemingly permanent furrow to his brow – it looked to be gone. Taking a mental inventory, Jon decided he felt better this morning than he had in a long time, and he had Valerie to thank for that.

Jon caught a whiff of coffee, and sighed deeply in anticipation. He just loved a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning. How anyone could do without it was a mystery to him. He followed his nose to the kitchen, and saw a lone stoneware mug sitting alongside a half-full pot of the most heavenly-smelling brew. He poured himself a cup, and set out to find Valerie. He headed out the kitchen door, and followed the porch around to the ocean-side of the house.

Valerie was sitting in a rocking chair, looking out at the slow moving waves. Her fingers were all but hidden in the sleeves of an oversized fisherman’s sweater; their tips wrapped around a mug that matched his own. Her bare legs were tucked up on the chair next to her. She had swept her hair into a sexy, messy topknot, and Jon had the urge to nibble on the back of her neck. She smiled as she heard him approach, but didn’t take her eyes from the ocean.

“Good mornin’,” Jon said, helping himself to her neck, and the chair next to her.

“Morning, yourself,” Valerie answered. She still couldn’t quite believe this man was here with her. He looked almost unbearably beautiful; half-dressed in unsnapped jeans and bare feet, hair all mussed, and a day’s worth of growth on his cheeks. He was just sitting on her porch, rocking slowly in the chair and gazing out across the water. He looked comfortable; like he had always been there; like he belonged there. She searched his face, but didn’t see anything other than a very contented man. No regrets. Good, she thought. She didn’t have any either.

“How’d you sleep, darlin’?” Jon drawled.

“Like the dead,” Valerie replied, making Jon chuckle a sexy chuckle low in his chest. “You?”

Jon rolled his shoulders, making Valerie’s mouth water. The play of muscles as they bunched and moved made her remember how they bunched and moved under her hands last night. “The same,” he said. “I don’t’ think I moved at all last night.” He winced slightly, and Valerie put her coffee mug down on the table and went to stand behind his chair.

“Are you OK?” she asked, as she began kneading his shoulders; her small hands belying their strength. Jon closed his eyes and groaned loudly, letting his head drop forward. Valerie’s nimble fingers pressed and pulled at all the little knots and kinks that were paining him. Valerie laughed. “So, that’s a ‘yeah’?”

“Yeah,” Jon agreed. “That’s a ‘yeah’. God, that feels good. I could have you do that all day.”

Valerie kissed him softly between the shoulder blades. “Surely not all day,” she said. “There must be something else you’d want to do.”

Jon laughed huskily. He turned to look at Valerie as his stomach grumbled. He winked. “Yeah, I’d want to eat something.” His voice was thick with double meaning.

Valerie laughed and smacked Jon on the back of the head. She stood in front of him, cocked a hip, and crossed her arms, causing the sweater that reached mid-thigh on her to rise up an inch or two, making Jon swallow hard. “You men,” she said playfully. “Always thinking with your stomach’s best interests at heart.”

“Not always,” Jon countered, flashing a saucy grin. Jon held out a hand to Valerie, who took it, allowing herself to be drawn into his lap.

Valerie settled in, her arms winding around his neck as his wrapped around his waist. Their eyes met and locked a second before their mouths did the same. Valerie pushed her hands through Jon’s hair. The silky, heavy feel of it, combined with the taste of coffee on his breath, and the feel of his arousal beneath her made her sigh.

Jon deepened the kiss and pulled on the hem of her sweater until he could touch skin. He moaned into her mouth. She wasn’t wearing anything underneath the sweater. He let his hands trail up and down Valerie’s side until she was squeaking and twitching on his lap. He let his fingers drift to her core, and dipped inside, finding her wet and wanting. Jon couldn’t stand the temptation anymore. He scooped Valerie up, making her laugh.

“You’re going to spoil me, you know, carrying me off to bed,” she teased.

“Well, darlin’,” Jon answered, “maybe I think you deserve to be spoiled.”

Valerie wrapped her arms tightly around Jon’s neck and buried her face in his shoulder so he wouldn’t see the tears that were forming. He’d think she was a basket case for sure, tearing up all the time. She just couldn’t help it. This man, this familiar stranger, was awakening in her feelings and sensations she hadn’t experienced in some time. The fact that it was this particular man doing the awakening made it just that much more intense.

She latched her mouth onto Jon’s neck, and bit him lightly. “Hurry,” she said.

Chapter 7

The pair was twined together, not moving while their breathing evened out and their heart rates returned to normal. “Wow,” Valerie said.

“Yeah,” Jon agreed, kissing Valerie’s cheek. “Wow, indeed.”

He shifted to Valerie’s side, and pulled her to him. They lay snuggled together for a while, listening to the ocean and basking in the afterglow of their loving. Valerie’s head was pillowed on Jon’s chest, and she was lightly stroking the soft hair there. Jon had one arm wrapped around Valerie’s shoulders, and the other pillowed behind his own head. He turned to lay rest his chin on the top of Valerie’s head. Valerie let out a contented sigh.

“What’s the matter, baby?” Jon asked, starting to lightly stroke Valerie’s arm, sending shivers through her.

“Not one damn thing,” she answered, as her own hand traced the contours of Jon’s chest. He was powerfully built; all muscle and bronze skin and soft, soft hair. She loved the feel of him next to her. Hell, she loved the feeling of him on and under her, too. Valerie’s mouth was positioned near one of Jon’s small, brown nipples, and her tongue darted out to lick it. Jon inhaled sharply, and Valerie smiled.

“What’s the matter, baby?” she asked, giggling.

Jon shifted so that Valerie lay on her back, and he propped his head up on his hand to look at her. He traced a hand gently over her face, as if memorizing her features. Valerie had just closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation, when Jon sat up. Valerie opened her eyes, questioning, and the lust she saw in his face took her breath away. She reached for him, but he smiled and shook his head, took her arms, and arranged them above her head. He leaned down to kiss her lips gently. “Stay,” he said softly.

All Valerie could do was nod. She lay there, watching his face as his hands traced over her arms to her neck across her collarbone, and around her sensitized breasts, avoiding their rosy tips. He circled around them, but didn’t touch them. He trailed his calloused fingertips across her ribs and stomach and down her thigh and back again. Over and over. Soon, Valerie was making little mewling sounds in the back of her throat, and her head had lolled to one side.

“What’s the matter now?” Jon asked, teasingly.

“You’re driving me crazy,” Valerie replied on a whisper.

“Is that a bad thing?” Jon was now circling Valerie’s belly button slowly, tickling her.

“N-n-no,” she said on a ragged breath, as his finger dipped lower, tangling in her curls.

Jon chuckled, and angled his finger lower, into the folds of her most intimate flesh, finding the hard little button hidden there and stroking it gently. Valerie moaned loudly, and let her thighs open slightly. Jon laughed, and moved his other hand so he could gently slide two fingers into her. He slowly stroked his fingers in and out of her, while keeping up the sweet, sweet torture of her swollen clit.

Valerie’s head was tossing back and forth, and Jon could feel her squeezing him; could feel her getting closer to the edge. Her breath came in quick little pants, and her arms were shaking at not being able to grab onto something, anything, to help her through this. “Jon,” she said, on a strangled cry, “I want to share this with you. Please.”

“You are, baby, you are.” Jon slowed his hands more, drawing out the torture. Valerie’s hips moved of their own accord, trying to speed up his motion, but to no avail. Jon bent to blow softly on her heated flesh, and that was it. Valerie screamed Jon’s name, and arched off the bed. He kept up the gentle stroking until Valerie’s breathing calmed down, then positioned himself between her legs. “Look at me,” he said.

Valerie looked through hooded slits at Jon’s gorgeous face. He locked that laser-intense gaze on her, and the raw lust in his eyes started the waves building again, and he hadn’t even touched her yet. Jon drove into her with a hard thrust, making her scream again. Valerie wrapped her legs around Jon’s waist and held on for the ride. He pumped in and out of her roughly, bringing her to the edge and backing off, slowing his pace, until she couldn’t stand it anymore.

Valerie scratched her fingernails down Jon’s chest, leaving little trails of white against the tanned skin. He hissed, and pinned her arms over her head with his hands while he continued to stroke into her. He leaned down to capture first one, then the other hard nipple into his mouth, sucking greedily on them.

When he felt Valerie start to go over the edge, he stopped moving altogether, relishing the feeling of her constricting around him, milking him.

When he felt Valerie starting to relax, he shifted her legs so they were resting on his shoulders, and brought her to the edge again, driving her over with powerful thrusts. With a long, low groan, Jon emptied into her, flying off the precipice with her. He slowed his movements gradually, until he stopped altogether. Dropping Valerie’s legs from his shoulders, he lowered himself; his hands on either side of her face. He kissed her gently, smiling at the utter contentment he saw there. Jon collapsed in a heap next to Valerie, careful not to crush her, and gathered her close. He felt an arm snake around his waist, and a thigh nudge between his, and all too soon, he heard the slow steady breathing of a sleeping woman.

Jon just lay there, holding Valerie close, marveling at the happiness he felt.

After a while, he followed her into sleep.