Fourteen

Jon figured it was work. The frown on her face said it all. "Work needs you?" His hands fisted as he jammed them into his pockets.

She clutched her cell phone to her chest "Yes" she groaned. God why now? Why now when I actually was beginning to feel something for him? "One of my biggest accounts, Daniel Delmont is threatening to move all his business to our biggest competitor unless I show up in his office tomorrow to sort this mess out." She leaned back into the wall and closed her eyes silently cursing.

Jon clenched his fists, trying not to show his disappointment "You really have to go? No one else can do it for you?" Fuck he sounded pathetic but right now he shoved his pride away. He didn't want her to go. Not now, not when they'd almost… but it wasn't just about that. He looked down and shuffled his feet. He was falling for her. Damn it.

She chuckled placing her phone down "I should be able to let it go, and tell him that Miranda can handle it, but…" she bit on the end of her thumb.

Jon laughed "You have to do it yourself to make sure it's done the way you want?" he asked. God she was so much like him when it came to business.

She stood in the middle of the room letting her arms fall to her side. "I'm so sorry, I'm getting a flight out this morning." Never in her life had she not wanted to go back to work. That was always her life, her livelihood and something she believed in. For the first time ever she wanted to blow it off. Desperately.

Jon came closer and took her hands in his, bringing them to his lips "It’s ok, believe it or not I understand. I'm not ashamed to admit that I don't want you to go though Lily. And it's not just because…" he trailed off as she reached up to his cheek.

"I know, me too." She took the first move this time and leaned in for a long kiss, her tongue teasing his upper lip before snaking into his mouth. His arms folded her in an embrace with the force of his own kiss growing stronger.

"Then don't go," he whispered against her lips, "stay, here with me." He trailed hot wet kisses against her neck receiving a giggle for the effort. She was fucking crazy to say no. But this was new, exciting. This wasn't the Lily she had known for so long the Lily that didn't let people in, why had she gone and done that? It would only end in heartbreak, she knew that better than most.

His grip around her tightened as he gently pushed her back against the wall, his hands moving to cup her face before she could object. She was still going to go, he knew she would but he had to at least try.

"Please stay." The pad of his thumb drew a lazy circle on her cheek.

Her knees were shaking again, why did he do this to her? She became like jelly in his arms so easily. "Jon… I want you…" she closed her eyes "God I want to," she whispered. Breathing in his rich scent again, she hoped to never forget that mix of spring and spice. She put her hands gently on his chest and pushed him back just an inch.

Intense Sapphire eyes threatened to take the very heart of her right there. "I can't."

Jon's lips curved at the side into a small smile "Worth a try though wasn't it?' he teased.

She laughed still in his embrace "You have no idea Jon, I don't usually…" she again stopped scared to say the words but his finger found her lips.

"You don't have to say Lily, I know and I feel the same way ok?" He pulled back finally releasing her, albeit reluctantly from his grip. "Can I at least make you coffee and breakfast while you get ready?" he asked hopefully.

She nodded "I'd really like that, I'll go and pack and get organized, just help yourself in there. The housekeeper will be cleaning up once I've gone so don't worry too much about that," she instructed.

Jon watched her pad her way to the bathroom and let a small moan slip. His eyes fixated on the way her hips swayed when she walked. Was this bad luck? Or was it just the wrong place, wrong time for this? They'd finally just connected in a mutual way putting everything else aside. He hadn't felt this way since he met his wife, hell even this was different in a way. Lily was so self assured and strong yet still so innocent in a way that was so alluring and sexy.

He prepared the toasted muesli, fresh fruit and yogurt for them both and poured two cups of coffee before carrying them out to her deck. The morning was still young, the sun just peeking above the water’s edge reaching into the day. Walking back inside he gathered up her things into a pile that he figured she'd need to take with her when something caught his eye on the table.

He picked up the small pale green business card with silver writing and grinned that it had displayed her name and St James Advertising's numbers and address in Notting Hill, London. He slipped it into the back pocket of his jeans safely. He might let her go now, but he didn't have much business to deal with over the next few weeks so a trip to London just might be on the cards.

Lily showered and redressed quickly, packing everything up in her suitcase before tying her hair up in a loose ponytail and slipping her sunglasses on. Applying some lip gloss she did a once over of the room, ordered a cab. Grabbing her bags she headed back to the living room. Dumping them on the floor she walked out to the deck where Jon was sitting crossed legged enjoying the view.

"Wow I should get you to make breakfast more often" she said sliding into the wooden chair opposite him popping a strawberry in her mouth.

"All part of the morning after service," he teased pouring her a coffee out of the pot.

Lily felt the warmth hit her cheeks. "Well we never really got that far, I'm so sorry I've never fallen asleep on anyone before" she admitted reaching for her spoon and scooping up some muesli.

Jon snorted "And you think I have?"

Lily laughed "I have to say the meal and wine was delicious Jon and thank you for a lovely and well… amusing time this week," she winked remembering his plumbing antics.

"Hey now. I hope you realize that I'll never live that down with my band mates don't you?" he asked digging into his own bowl.

She was sitting there in plain white linen dress and sandals, casual but classy, showing off again those fantastically tanned legs that he almost got to know inside out.

Lily just about choked on her coffee "I'm sorry. Next time how about a simple I'm not sure how to do this but use my shower until your plumber gets there?" curling her lips into a smile she shook her head. Although I did get to see you in a towel.

Jon laughed "I know I admit it, I just wanted an excuse to see you... Its lame I know, but it worked," he admitted holding his hands up.

She twisted her lips into a pout "And again, how about a Lily, I'd like to take you to dinner? It does still work once and a while," she winked.

"And you really would have said yes after the night before incident when you misheard my conversation, sure... you would have said yes?" He rolled his eyes heavenward and then smiled, his blue eyes sparkling.

"Ok ok, it seems that none of us were good at this whole asking people out thing." She swept back loose strands from her face with her hand. She looked down at her watch "Oh god, my cab is going to be here any minute. I have to get there early, now with all the extra security it seems to take forever," she said springing up from her chair carrying her coffee back into the living area.

Jon put down his napkin and followed her "The world has certainly changed over last year hasn't it?" he asked.

She jammed her keys and everything into her leather tote. "It was awful Jon, just awful. Almost makes you never want to fly again, but you know, that's what the bastards want right?" she asked flinging her bag over her shoulder. God she didn't want to go, she wanted to ask if she could call him or something but she was so bad at this.

"You are exactly right Lily St James….are you sure you don't have to go?" he asked reaching out for her arms and drawing her in close, taking her coffee and putting it back on the table.

She chuckled "We've been over this, I want to. You know I do" she tugged at the collar of his shirt. Say it, just ask him damn it.

"Was worth another try" he teased brushing his lips over hers one final time.

She held him back it was now or never "Jon, I really want to say something" she said looking straight into expectant eyes. He nodded so she continued. Again the ridiculous trembles of her arms had started, but she'd kick herself for not saying it.

"I want to thank you, for this, everything… but most of all," she looked down breaking his gaze but it was his hand under her chin that made her connect with him again. "This sounds stupid but, thank you for making me feel normal again" she said finally feeling the breath in her lungs leave.

"Believe it or not I know exactly what you mean, and I hope you don't think I'm being too forward but somehow, someday. I really want to see you again." Their living situations could prove that difficult but he had to know if there was some hope in him pursuing an overseas trip in the very near future.

Nodding gently she felt relief settle through her "I'd really like that Jon," she said simply.

"I'll find you," was all he said before he kissed her once more, the smell of coconuts and mangoes washing over him one more time, the smell he'd always remember her by if nothing else. The sharp honk of a horn interrupted them.

"Be safe" he whispered leaning in, kissing her on the nose and then the forehead. Lily was thankful she still had sunglasses on when the small pricks of tears threatened. She couldn't believe it or understand her reluctance to let go of him but she had to. She collected her bags and with one final "Goodbye Jon," she was gone.

Jon pulled the door shut to the St James house and walked home with more just a small smile on his face. He fished in his back pocket for her business card and reading it again his grin broadened, standing looking out to the beach he thought of the woman that was Lily St James.




I will come for you at nighttime
I will raise you from your sleep
I will kiss you in four places
As I go running along your street
I will squeeze the life out of you

You will make me laugh and make me cry
And we will never forget it
You will make me call your name
And I'll shout it to the blue summer sky
And we may never meet again
So shed your skin and let's get started

And you will throw your arms around me
Yeah, you will throw your arms around me
I dreamed of you at nighttime
And I watched you in your sleep

I met you in high places
I touched your head and touched your feet
So if you disappear out of view
You know I will never say goodbye
And though I try to forget it
You will make me call your name
And I'll shout it to the blue summer sky...

And we may never meet again...
So shed your skin and let's get started
And you will throw your arms around me
Yeah, you will throw your arms around meOh...yeah...

Ohhh yeah...
You will throw your arms around me...
Yeah, you will throw your arms around me....



The End.

Thirteen

The short walk to the bedroom was a blur, before she felt the soft bed covers against her skin. Jon crawled on the bed behind her, his lips following every inch of her body. She twined her arms around his neck and drew him in with a deep kiss. Each time she closed her eyes enjoying the scent and the feeling of him, she struggled to open them. The fog in her head was growing thick and she was desperately fighting it to stay in the land of consciousness.

Jon kissed up the arch of her neck, her whole body lifting off the white cotton bed sheets into his body, there was no refusal from her this time. Three bottles of Savvy back at the restaurant was starting to play havoc with his own vision and the goddess below him started to slowly fade. He quickly stamped down any signs of his body giving into to the sedation that the wine was offering. Lily, in such a short time she’d already become important to him and that didn’t happen. Hell it never happened.

His fingers dusted around the back of her neck making light work of the tie of her halter neck. Slowly he peeled back the material placing kisses along each inch of skin he revealed. Resting his chin at the top of her chest he looked up to meet hooded eyes. Dragging his pinkie over the soft curve of her breast now barely covered with the dress. Her skin was amazingly soft, like rose petals and nothing like he’d even felt before. Jon could feel her heartbeat against his kisses along with the rapid rise and fall of her chest.

“Jon…” she managed, her fingers twining through the blond tendrils of his hair. Her skin goosed with the darkness now in his eyes. She was screaming from the inside out for his touch.

“What do you want?” his voice was low and husky. What did she want? Fuck, she’d never been asked that in this situation before. Biting down on her lip her hand nudged him closer to her breast, her nipples already were tight and ached for his tongue.

Grinning he hooked his index finger under the remaining material and peeled the material down a little further to reveal her whole breast. His tongue flashed out but barely touched her rosy pink tip.

She growled and bucked upwards “Not fair”.

Bringing his other hand over her other breast he stripped the midnight blue cup of her halter away “Life isn’t fair, you know that Lily”.

She gasped when his warm breath teased over her skin but still no contact came. “You are such a shit”.

“Close your eyes…” his voice came with a demanding but soft tone.

She leaned back into the pillows and did what he asked. Closing her eyes she tried to relax under the anticipation of waiting for his touch. She was surprised how easy her mind switched off, and as much as she tried to fight to stay conscious she felt herself slipping away.

~~

It wasn’t until what seemed like only moments later the shrill sound of her cell phone could be heard from the living room still buried in her purse. She groaned and went to roll over but the heaviness of her chest caused her to open her eyes. She winced and when the bright sun hit, good god how much did I drink last night?

Bringing her hand to rub her eyes she slowly adjusted to the light in the room, her eyes feel to her chest where one man was fast asleep, his lips a few inches from her naked breast. Oh my god, Oh my god.

The night came rushing back thick and fast along with her arousal. She’d fell asleep? Holy shit! She managed a small laugh; her dress wasn’t even half off her. Oh god, only she could fall asleep when she actually had the opportunity for sex. Shit.

“Jon…” she whispered. Her cell phone was still ringing and she needed to get it.

Jon grumbled at the high pitched chirping, stupid alarm clock, fuck! Slowly he opened his eyes, promptly slamming them shut again at the glaring sun in the room. Lily! Oh fuck, the image of blue silk and skin came slowly floating back into view when his eyes adjusted. Meeting her sleepy blue eyes relieved to see there was no embarrassment there, thank god.

“I need to get up and get my phone” she said softly tousling his hair with her hand.

He started to chuckle. When was the last time he passed out on wine? When he was twenty something? And it had to be last night of all fucking nights. Jesus Christ Bongiovi.

He went to move off her, and the shrilling stopped. “See no need now” he sat up and scratched his chin and started laughing.

Lily snorted “Stop it, I can’t remember who passed out first, was it you or me?” she asked pulling her dress back up. Oddly enough this didn’t feel like one of those uncomfortable morning-after moments.

“I have no idea, I just remember what I was going to do to you…” he reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her face. “And I still do” he said with a small smirk.

She lay back with Jon hovering back over her, her hands sweeping through his hair. “For the record so do I” her thumb brushed the rigid line of his jaw.

The loud bleep of the bedside phone interrupted them again, she groaned and reached out for it but Jon grabbed her wrist “Ignore it” he commanded, his lips desperate to take the journey of last night again.

She let it go and it rang till whoever was on the other end gave up, it more than likely was probably her father. She found herself tugging at the buttons of his shirt under eyes that had no intention to let her move until such time she was satisfied. She splayed her fingers through the fine hair that was splattered there. God it was so soft and so inviting just as she had imagined.

He moaned as her hands slid over his skin, hissing when her thumbs flicked over his nipples. Fuck what she was doing to him, his cock waking up again still hard from last night and needing to be inside her.

The intrusion once more of the loud piercing of her cell phone came again. Lily knew it had to be important if they weren’t satisfied leaving a message, god not now, anything but now.

She pulled Jon up “Honey, I need to get it” she just called him honey? She chuckled when he groaned and rolled off her.

“I’ll get rid of them, I promise” she pulled up from the bed and tied her dress up before heading for her purse on the living room floor. Fishing for her cell phone she flipped it open.

“Lily speaking” It was her London office.

“Hey beach girl” the high nervous British accent of her second in charge Miranda came on the line. The usually high nervous pitch of her voice that meant she was trying to keep calm but something was dreadfully wrong.

Lily brought her hand to her head “Cut the crap Miranda, what’s happened?” she asked regretting the question. God why I didn’t fire this woman?

“It’s the Delmont account, Mr Delmont isn’t happy and he’s asking for you personally” she stuttered. Lily pictured her sitting in her office twisting a pencil though her long red hair nervously.

“Why? We drafted that entire portfolio to the demands of his people before I left?” she asked not even seeing Jon come out of the bedroom.

“Well it seems that his people got it wrong, I know you’re on holiday but you know how big his account is... and he wants you” she said.

Lily sighed “Well get him to call me”. She smiled at Jon apologetically.

There was a pause and then Miranda spoke “He’s asking for you in person or he’s threatening to pull the account with us and go over to Saatchi and Saatchi’s”.

“Shit” she muttered. Anything but that, she’d put too much work into the Delmont account to let it just go now.

“And let me guess he wants me today” she groaned. For the first time in her life she didn’t want to leave. Jon had moved to the window and was staring out to the ocean, his shirt was hanging out and his hair was still all mussed from the bed. She felt her ovaries twinge at leaving him behind.

“Well, yes. I took the liberty and checked and there’s a flight out at noon, you could make that and be back for the morning” Miranda suggested.

She rubbed her forehead and closed her eyes “God, Miranda, ok book it I will get there just email me the details” she said before slamming the phone shut. She turned to Jon “I don’t believe this” she said shaking her head.

Twelve

The dinner arrived and the wine flowed freely. By the third bottle of wine between them Lily had moved and was sitting beside him on her chair. She sat with her legs crossed and the glass of wine resting on her knee. The scent of him constantly was a reminder of his body pressed against hers just moments ago in the dance they had just shared. The tension still hung heavy over them but with in it all they still managed to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Jon had been telling Lily about the things the band used to get up to in the younger days, and admitting things he probably shouldn’t be.

She brought the glass to her lips “I don’t know how you boys are still alive” she shook her head and laughed. “You used to share girls?” she asked again at the revelation he’d given her. What a cliché. He really had lived the rock star lifestyle. Why is this a turn on?

He leaned back flattening his hands down on his thighs “Not my proudest days but I was so young and stupid back then, didn’t have a clue…” he smiled. The way her eyes remained attentively on his was killing him. He stared once too often getting washed away in the ocean blue of her soul.

“Well we were all young once” she laughed fading out memories of her own youth. They were nothing compared to what Jon had been through, a few drunken one night stands at college but really nothing to chalk up to the well bedded rock star.

Maybe it was the wine that was talking but her curiosity got the better of her “So what changed you and made you decide to get married?” her fingers flexed further around the stem of the glass.

Jon chuckled, “Well I was in love and again I was young and thought she was the one… and well you know how it goes…life gets in the way and you lose focus on what’s important and then its too late to fix it…” he ran his hand through his hair “I don’t know Lily…it was a combination of things but in the end we just weren’t in love with each other and now I’m trying to learn to live alone again” he admitted. He hated showing people his weaknesses but in front of her it seemed just natural to be able to admit anything. Something he’d missed in a long time.

Lily listened and nodded, she could see parts of herself in Jon but the difference was she never allowed herself to go down that path and get married. She’d chosen to stay alone, depend on just herself and her career to carry her along. Things that were in her control no one else’s.

“You’re doing better than you think” she said honestly. The buzzing in her brain that was wine induced prompted her to lean forward and place her hand on his knee.

Jon reached up and brushed his thumb across her cheek, her diluted blue eyes shone right back at him. “How about you? I still can’t believe that a gorgeous woman like you hasn’t had suitors knocking down her door every five minutes?”

She snorted softly “There has been suitors, I’ve just never opened the door Jon…” she trailed off. Like a moth drawn to a flame she found herself drifting forward towards his lips with an indescribable need to feel them on hers. She was surprised when he stopped midway and pulled back a subtle smirk twitching at the corners of his mouth.

“What about now? Going to open the door?” he whispered his hot breath tickling across her face.

God, she wanted to. No man in the short space she’d known him had made her feel like this, parts of her body ached for him that hadn’t since forever. Her hand that was free reached up and brushed his cheek “Jon…I want to” she managed. But I’m not sure I remember how. The room was rocking induced by the amount of alcohol she’d consumed but she was past caring. She wanted him and she wanted him now.

With their eyes deadlocked he inched in closer, his lips only seconds away from hers. Expecting his kiss she gasped and then groaned when he diverted to the long arch of her neck. Feather light brushes stroked down her neck pushing her back into the leather back chair she was seated in.

The taste of her skin was sweeter than he expected causing his pants to become uncomfortably tight. One taste of her wasn’t going to be enough, he had to get her out of here and now. He pulled back up to her lips she again leaned into him but denying her the kiss he stood up “Let’s leave”

His eyes were dark and heated and filled with the promise of what was to come. She lifted herself by his strength and followed him to the door, her hand laced in his. Her heart threatened to jump out her throat as they made there way out into the cool summer night. The crisp sea air whipped around their bodies with his dinner jacket flapping in the breeze.

He held her facing him, both hands latched on her waist, his own head was beginning to spin. He was used to drinking copious amounts of wine but even now his own vision was a little blurred apart from the gorgeous woman standing in front of him

His body was craving the kiss as much as she was but he was still intent to make her wait just a little longer. His nose nuzzled against hers before he broke his grasp and led her towards the waiting car for the drive back home.

She shimmied across the backseat with him not far behind her, he signalled the driver and they were off. He reached over and smiled pulling her in close, their thighs rubbing together on the leather seats. The heavy scent of coconuts and mangoes once again in his reach.

“My place?” he asked dragging his lips across her cheek to her ear letting his tongue tease the lobe.

She let a small groan slip winding her arms around his neck letting him freefall over her. “Mine” she whispered. She needed to be somewhere familiar if she was going to do this. Her mind had shut off an hour ago and all doubts she had drifted away while she melted like butter in his arms.

Her breath hitched feeling his lips followed by teeth scrape across the prominent bone in her shoulder. She turned her head and kissed the side of his temple before delving lower down that rigid cheekbone until he relented and faced her. Her lips crashed down on his, she couldn’t hold it back no longer her hand grabbing his chin and turning it towards her “Please kiss me”.

The lust was evident in her eyes turning them a dark shade of blue.

“I thought you’d never ask” both of his hands found the back of her head pulling her to him giving him the leverage he needed to be further inside her.

Her breasts pressed into his chest, and for the love of god if they weren’t in a back seat of a car she would have had him undress her. His hot hungry mouth left hers, travelling back down her neck and this time down the valley of her breasts. His hand was slid up her thigh with the thin material bunching underneath his palm.

She cried out when his mouth met nipple through the material of her dress. Dizzy with lust and buzzing with the wine she launched herself at him pushing him back against the chair. Hers hands ran all the way down her shirt stopping momentarily at his belt. God, what was she doing? If she could see herself now, she had lost all self control.

His hand grabbed hers before she could move it further over what she could only imagine was rock hardness. “Not here Lily… I need you where I don’t have to stop midway because once I get started, I’m not going to stop” his voice was almost a growl with a promise on it.

She shivered against him, her every being vibrated at the thoughts of what was evidently going to happen once they got out of the car and into her house. She nibbled at the edge of his chin before dipping her tongue into the crease. Her inner thighs were growing slick to her embarrassment. “Ok” she whispered. He traced her cheekbone with his index finger before resting it at her lips. She licked the tip of his finger wrapping her lips around the rest sucking lightly.

Fuck she’s going to kill me before we even get there. The tease inside him matched hers slowly thrusting his finger in and out of her mouth both knowing exactly what they were mimicking. He closed his eyes and groaned, his cock jerking in anticipation for that sweet mouth and her full lips to be around him now.

Thankfully the car came to a halt and they were outside Lily’s home. Jon quickly pulled a wad of bills not bothering to count them and handed them to the driver, his eyes never leaving hers. Giggling and stumbling they made their way to front door where she managed to fish her keys from her purse and unlock the door with Jon plastered to her from behind nibbling on every bit of skin he could reach. Once inside he kicked the door closed and stalked towards her, she took a cautionary step backwards each time he did. The eyes told it all, both burning bright with desire. There was a clunk and a thud, her keys and purse dropped to the ground before he grabbed her and held her against the wall.

He tasted like rich wine and chilli, and was coming at her like animal stalking its prey. This time she wanted to be hunted, and most of all she wanted to be devoured by him. She moaned into his kiss feeling the bump of his erection pressing against her belly.

“I need….I want…” she stumbled on the words as they fell out of her mouth between his intentions. She squealed when he lifted her into his arms and began to walk towards the bedroom, This was it…finally…

Eleven

Taking Lily's hand and Jon led her out to the deserted courtyard where just the click of her heels could be heard over the music. The twinkle of the fairy lights above them and the fading summer scent of jasmine set the mood accompanied by the slow melodic music.

She felt her stomach do a small flip flop when the tips of his fingers brushed against the small of her back teasing her spine. He edged her in close to him beginning to sway them in time to the slow beat of the music. She swallowed hard and met dark blue eyes that would easily undress her if they tried but they never left her face.




I don't wanna hurt nobody
Don't wanna make nobody cry
I don't wanna do wrong, I don't wanna do wrong
I don't wanna tell no lies
Girl, I'm lovin' you, lovin' you against my will
Lovin' you, lovin' you against my will


She closed her eyes, the music beginning to take over the moment. Ironically the words explained just how she felt right at that moment. Her body trembled in his arms threatening to give way, give in to need to be close to him. She moved one hand to his shoulder and the other in his hand and he squeezed it tightly rocking her in time with the beat.

One part of her wanted to relent, throw her arms around him and let it go and the other wanted to pull away and draw the wall up she'd become so accustomed to doing with men in the past. What was she afraid of here? Of getting hurt? No, she was afraid above all else that she'd actually fall for him.

I don't wanna hear the phone ring
Don't wanna hear your voice on the line
I don't wanna come to you, I don't wanna come to you
I don't wanna give in this time
Girl, I'm lovin' you, lovin' you against my will

He drew her in closer, pressing his cheek against hers swaying in time to the gentle twang of the music. The sweet summer scent of coconuts and mangoes, the one he was beginning to associate with her washed over him like a summer rainstorm. She was timeless and exquisite, but what if he couldn't do her justice? She deserved that and so much more. His hand clasped around hers tighter and pulled her in, the buckle of his belt pressing against her stomach.

Well your love is like a deep dark river
Pullin' me out to sea
The harder I try to resist you
The weaker I seem to be

Her nipples tightened and ached through the flimsy material of her dress as she imagined for a split second what they'd feel like scraping against the bed of fur she could just see poking at the top of the v in his shirt. She was fighting a battle she desperately was losing and the subtle way his hand splayed further across her back wasn't helping.

He seemed so gentle, loving and interested in her just for her with no ulterior motive that had plagued her so often in the past. How was this possible or was she being naive and he'd turn out the same as all the rest? She cursed inwardly drawn in by the scent of man and spice when her cheek found his shoulder, the soft fibres of the dinner jacket grazing her skin. She let her hand fall from his and slide around the back of his waist under his jacket along with her other. Too late now.

I don't wanna turn down your side street
I don't wanna pull in your drive
I don't wanna come to you, I don't wanna come to you
I don't wanna give in this time
Girl, I'm lovin' you, lovin' you against my will

Jon tucked his arms around her waist and closed his eyes resting his chin on her head. The attraction between them drew him in like a magnet but still he could feel the distance she was still fighting to put between them. He wouldn't push her, hell even he didn't know if he was ready for this. He'd been so selfish in his marriage and when he'd realized it, it was too late. He couldn't do that to her.

Lily wasn't like most women he met in his life. She wouldn't know the meaning of avarice or clingy, hell she was so self assured, so independent. God he just loved that in a woman. She was gorgeous too, but in that unaware way, she just didn't get that she was so beautiful. He was just a regular guy from Jersey, but after years in the business he appreciated that innocence.

Well your love is like a deep dark river
Pullin' me out to sea
The harder I try to resist you
The weaker I seem to be

His breath tickled her hair and the steady thump of his heartbeat drummed against her ear. The warmth of his body nestled so close to hers sent tingles down her spine. This simplistic intimacy that had been long been absent from Lily's life now stood with his arms wrapped around her. Her fist tightened fighting the internal battle she knew she was beginning to lose.

What could be the worst that could happen? She deserved this didn't she? Her heart jumped into her throat when his hands slid further down her back resting at the top of the curve of her ass. Oh god Oh god, the wall was fading and just one more move and she'd give in to him. She wanted to, god how much she wanted to but her stubborn streak was pulling her back.

I don't wanna feel your heartbeat
I don't wanna taste your kiss
I don't wanna call your name, I don't wanna call your name
I don't wanna want you like this
Girl, I'm lovin' you, lovin' you against my will
Lovin' you, lovin' you against my will

"Lily" Jon whispered, almost fighting for breath with her arms vicing so tightly around him.

She pulled away embarrassed but he stopped her "It's ok" he said, her blue eyes melting into his very soul, filled with a sadness he longed to take away. His hand reached out and brushed her cheek but this time held it there. Scraping the pad of his thumb along her cheek bone he inched closer looking for any signs to stop but they never came.

Her legs started to quiver underneath her at the touch of his other hand that cupped her cheek. Her heart was aching with the need for him to touch her, her soul screamed yes but her head screamed no. God, just one kiss couldn't hurt could it?

His blue eyes deadlocked on hers as he moved forward, the music and the courtyard suddenly fading away leaving her standing in front of the man just moments away from kissing her. Nothing else seemed to matter anymore.

The walls crumbled in her heart, and washed away when she closed her eyes waiting for it to come. The soft feel of his lips surprised her at first before she melted forward in to arms, his tongue teased the upper curve of her lip but didn't move causing her eyes to open. A slight smirk curved at the corners of his mouth, and she stifled a small groan feeling her nipples tighten even more.

"Jon…." came the only word she could manage.

He placed his finger against her lips "Shhhh" before pressing his to hers. Fire exploded in her blood igniting the one thing she ignored for so long, lust and desire for a man beyond the bedroom.

His tongue plunged into her mouth, tangled with hers they danced a dance of what could be to come if she let it. Her head was dizzy with the indescribable need to take him right there and then. Her hands lifted to his cheeks with the faint feel of stubble tickling her palms.

He tasted like sweet dark honey, the kind that left you craving for more. Finally they broke away, pressing his forehead against hers locked still in each other's embrace unable to move.

Her chest felt weak, the wind had been sucked right out of her lungs and if she moved suddenly she would be on the floor.
His hands smoothed down her arms and rubbed gently, his eyes still firmly locked to her pink swollen lips that had his groin aching for more of her. So many things he wanted to say to her, but aware that too much too soon was never a good thing. He remained silent just keeping the mood alive with light touches along her arms till his hands laced with hers.

"Dinner" he motioned back towards the restaurant but waited for her to take the cue keeping the moment as long as he could.

She nodded and he moved his feet to walk but she stopped him "Wait" she said. She lifted her hands to wind around his neck and arched her body into him. The fire had been lit, and she was afraid it would never go out "Thank you" she whispered tilting upwards to meet him in another kiss, this one softer than the first.

The smile reached his eyes "Your most very welcome Lily St James" he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and kissed her on the nose. He clasped her hand in his and led her back into the restaurant keeping her close to him until they reached their table.

She slid back into her seat and picked the menu, her skin was hot and her face felt flushed. Pull yourself together, Jesus it was just a kiss. It's not like you haven't had one before. Not one of those kisses.

She tried to focus on the menu but her mind was still back out in the courtyard, the menu items were a blur in front of her. Here it comes, the St James debrief. What are you doing? He's going to expect you to go home with him now. Why was that so bad? She wanted to, come on. Her body careened every time he touched her, so just imagine what... stop it, don't go there. He wasn't asking for anything here, maybe she deserved to have some fun? What could possibly be bad about that?


**Gary Allan. Loving You Against My Will.

Ten

Jon straightened his tie and adjusted his cuffs of the white wide collared shirt he was wearing. He was due to pick Lily up in less than ten minutes having made reservations at a popular waterfront Mexican Restaurant. He gave himself the once over with a squirt of cologne and quickly applied a little product to his hair. Shrugging into the black pinstripe jacket, he was ready.

“Looking good stud” David quipped when he came out for his wallet and cell phone. Richie, David and Tico were playing poker for the night.

Jon rolled his eyes “Thanks Joker, I’m sure Lily will like it” Maybe I’m wearing a little too many clothes for her he chuckled to himself remembering the look on her face.

Richie laughed “Oh I’m sure she will, least you could do for her after flooding her bathroom.” The guys had not let it rest since he’d been home and told them about what had happened with the bathroom. Richie had almost busted a seam laughing so much. Of course Jon had left out the part of calling his Dad, and the towel falling off. He wasn’t that stupid after all these years.

“Yeah yeah asshole. Well boys have fun, sorry I can’t stay but one of us has a date” he grinned.

Tico chortled “Now that’s the Jonny we all miss, welcome back. Got get her Tiger” he flicked a chip into the heap in the centre of the table.

“Ohhh Casanova now? Couldn’t woo her on the beach but now look who is the expert” Richie teased.

“Hey neither could you asshole” Jon pinged back at him

“Have fun and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” Richie waved with a broad grin.

“Rich, I’ll do everything that you don’t do man, I want her to actually LIKE me” he laughed before ducking at the flying bottle cap that came his way “See you assholes later” and with that he was gone. The car that he’d ordered was waiting for him, the driver opened the backseat and then drove just down the road a little to Lily’s. Jon quickly adjusted himself and headed for her door. Here goes nothing.

~

Lily spun around in front of the full length mirror admiring her new navy blue halter neck dress that was full length but clung to her body the whole way down. The neckline was a little more plunging than she intended but it suited the style. She reached up to her lobes and hung a pair of white gold hoops that sat nicely nestled within her golden hair.

Reaching down she strapped on her new Milano Blancs that of course just happened to go with the outfit, before starting on her makeup and hair. She always believed in less was more, just keeping her natural look with a touch of lip-gloss and mascara over the base.

She fussed with her hair for over half an hour before realizing the time. “Shit” he’d be here any minute. She laughed out loud thinking about the last time it was she took this long to get ready for anyone. “Anyone would think he was special or something” she laughed, she didn’t want to admit it but just maybe he was.

When the door bell rang she had just finished putting the last pin in her hair to hold in up. She’d gone for a loose French roll with a few stray strands teasing her face “Perfect” she clutched her purse and made her way to the door accompanied by the clicks of her heels on the hardwood floor. She took a deep breath before unlocking the door and swinging it wide open.

Jon’s breath caught in his throat at the woman standing in front of him, she stood one hand cocked on her hip, and her lips curved in a broad smile the type fashion magazines boded. “You look incredible” he said taking her hand. He took in more of her as she moved closer; her sun kissed blond hair, pinned up with stray wisps’ that framed her face.

The full length navy blue dress she wore was snug around her body and killer heels that were what men only fantasised about showcased her long slender legs. The dress brought out her eyes, blue as the ocean and his gaze rested on the full shimmer of her pink lips. Good fuck.

She smiled taking his hand and pulling the door to lock behind her “Thank you, you brush up well yourself” Holy hell, he was smoking and the dark pinstriped suit he was wearing fitted like a glove. She hadn’t until this moment as they walked to the car realized the ass that he had, firm and tight. Shit.

Jon helped her in the car before slipping in beside her himself, he couldn’t help but catch himself staring at her every second moment. Her eyes met his third time he looked, she smiled and his palms went damp against the leather seats. She looked away lost in her own world, licked her lips and crossed her legs in a movement so slow Jon swore it had to be deliberate.

He watched her run her hand from her knee to her thigh across the silky material an action that had to be made for a man’s gaze to follow. The ridiculous thing was, Jon had a feeling she was oblivious just exactly what she did to men. She was confident, sassy and classy yes. But there was also an innocence about her, one that threatened at the seams of Jon’s pants.

They rode to the restaurant accompanied by pleasant small talk, when Jon lifted took her hand and lifted her out of the car she brushed up against him just catching a most intoxicating smell of spice with fresh spring. God, how the hell am I going to get through this night without losing it?

She slipped her arm through his as they entered the dimly lit restaurant on the waterfront. It had a rustic Mexican feel about it, but the dimmed lighting and candles scattered through the restaurant made the mood intimate. The waiter seated them and Jon pulled up the wine menu.

“Will a white take your fancy Lily?” his eyes still scrutinizing the menu.

She placed her purse on the side of table and smoothed down the white linen table cloth with her hand “I think Sauvignon Blanc will fit the bill, do they have the Terrunyo Savvy?” she asked.

Jon’s brow arched “Why they do, I’ll take your recommendation Miss St James” he smiled folding the leather bound menu and placed it back on the table.

“Chilean wines always bring out the Mexican flavour really well, especially the whites, they’re built for it” she said running her finger along the rim of the empty glass in front of her.

“A wine connoisseur I see” he nodded and signalled the waiter for the wine before turning back at Lily.

“I’ve been to enough business dinners to know what goes with what, but I am impartial to a little wine yes” she admitted with a grin.

The waiter soon poured the wine and brought a platter of corn chips and salsa dips and left them to it. He picked up his wine and took a long taste, nodding at the rich flavour he grinned. “Very nice” he complimented approving. He picked up a corn chip and swiped some salsa on it before offering it out to her across the table.

With her lips poised she leaned forward and licked the salsa off before biting the end of the corn chip. Jon’s pants tightened at the one move, you really are a sucker for punishment asshole. He dipped the other half in guacamole and popped it in his mouth before washing it down with wine.

“So tell me Lily, if you don’t mind...why a gorgeous self assured woman like you is not married” he asked. The question had been bugging him all night, he hated he had to ask but he needed to know.

Her eyes shot back up to his, god this was forward wasn’t it? She brought the glass of wine to her lips and thought about how to respond. The business woman she was, she could have easily manufactured an answer but looking into his deep blue eyes she gave it up.

“I’ve never really had much luck with men” she chuckled when his brow arched in surprise “What I mean is that anyone I’ve ever been out with always wanted to get through to the business somehow... or they were absolute assholes. I just really haven’t had time since Mom died sadly my life’s been about work, but Iike it that way” she explained starting to twirl a strand of her hair nervously.

Jon shook his head in disgust. He knew the type she was talking about, and it angered him someone as lovely as she seemed to be treated like that.

“I’m sorry you have been treated that way Lily, really you don’t deserve it” Jon crunched some more chips before he continued “How did you Mom die?”

God, he didn’t relent did he? First the man question and now the Mom question, oddly enough she didn't have the urge to bite his head off like he she did when they first met. She was relaxed. Probably the wine. She wasn’t about to tell him she had never been in love. Ever.

“She had cancer, it came on really sudden and within three months she was dead...floored us all Jon” she closed her eyes trying to push back the memories of long hospital nights and right till the end her mother ran that damn company. Right till the day before she died. She was a fighter.

“I’m really sorry Lily” the sadness in those big blue eyes was still there lurking, Jon could see it and wondered if she really dealt with it at the time, or that work had just taken over that grief.

She nodded keeping her composure “Thanks, it was a huge shock, but Dad’s been great I’m lucky to have a wonderful father...” she trailed off deep in thought, her finger tracing the outside of the placemat.

A pang of sadness hit Jon, why did he see himself in her almost? The same sadness, the same success after success but the obvious absence of something that she deserved. To be loved for just her.

“I was the same Lily....I’ve poured myself into work just before the tour I spilt from my wife, I didn’t want to think, didn’t want to admit maybe I’d be wrong just once in life...so I didn’t.” He steadied the wine glass to his mouth and took a sip “Until now...I realize how out of practice I am and out of touch with woman I’ve become even though I can woo thousands on stage every night. Makes no sense does it?”

Lily smiled “It makes perfect sense” she managed a laugh thinking about the day of the beach how bad his pick up line was.

“You’re so thinking of the beach aren’t you?” he asked closing his eyes and cringing.

“Guilty but its ok, least I know now you’re just out of practice” she winked.

Jon looked back up at her “Lily I...” but he stopped when music started to filter through the restaurant. He looked out to the courtyard which was deserted with just a sprinkling of fairy lights that lit it. He smiled “Lily would you like to dance?”

Her heart caught in her throat, dance? She couldn’t remember the last time a man asked her to just dance. The slow song that now played in the background was inviting, she even admitted that. But the warning bells were ringing in her mind, she'd be so close to him, could she trust herself?.... “Jon...I” before she could protest he was up and holding out his hand.

“Just a dance Lily... that’s all” he said reassuringly. She nodded sliding her chair up and taking his hand.

Just a dance.

Nine

She fetched a mop and bucket from the laundry and adjusted her towel before heading back to the bathroom . This was crazy, absolutely crazy. She had to wonder if Jon actually did know anything about plumbing or he was just trying to impress her.

“Men” she scoffed always think they can do everything. She shook her head and laughed a little before piling her now sopping wet hair in a loose ponytail. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw him, now standing only clad in a towel that was slung low on his hips showing off what could only be described as a most delectable body. Oh Sweet Lord.

“Ah mops here” she quickly said handing it to him trying desperately not to stare but the “v” that inched down into the towel was just...shit. Flat tummy and rock hard abs had her gripping the mop hard around the handle scared that her hand would reach out and touch it on its own merit.

“Thanks Lily, I’m so sorry about this. I’ll clean it up straight away, where do you want me to put my clothes?” he asked picking up the pile off the ground. He swallowed hard when he turned to her; she was in just a towel as well for fuck’s sake.

If any man deserved a medal for not giving into his impulses it was him. One rip of that towel and he’d have her all completely, possibly rewarded with a slap around the face too he’d just bet.

“I’ll take them Jon” she said accepting the pile of clothes, heavy from water saturation. He turned away from her and started to mop up the water off the floor trying to concentrate on anything but her in that towel.

She paused for a moment admiring his hips swivel with the action. Christ, this was just too much. She fled the bathroom and carrying his clothes to the dryer, the urge to smell them was clawing at her like a wildcat. She lifted his shirt to her nose and breathed in the scent of sweet musky cologne mixed with waterlogged clothing and sighed. You need help, serious help girl. Jesus.

Once the clothes were drying she headed back to her room to change. This time she just slid on a well worn pair of jeans and a tight red tank top before padding back to the bathroom.

“All done” he said proudly wringing the mop out and then reclining back against the door frame. The beads of water still trickled down that tight chest. Good fuck how much she just wanted to.. By instinct she felt her tongue flicker out and lick her lips.

“Thank you Jon. I do appreciate it even if you didn’t know what you were doing” she teased with a half hearted laugh.

“Hey! I knew...I just didn’t...ok I had no idea what I was doing, I’ll admit it” he said shifting closer to her. There he said it. His patience was running thin, and he needed her. His eyes locked with hers when he reached out and tucked a wet strand of her hair behind her ear. The silence in the room became heavy and the only sound between them was the steady beat of their hearts.

Jon leaned in closer, his lips just inches from hers and her warm breath. Take it slow, or she’ll run. She was a runner he already knew that.

Oh god, he’s really going to kiss me. Shit. Her body vibrated in the anticipation, he was so close and the temptation of that full bottom lip was right there in front of her. What are you doing? You hardly know him? But oh god she wanted him to. Three inches, two inches and then one, her eyes closed and her lips were poised. Then it came, the ever so gentle brush against her lips, not even a kiss before it disappeared. She opened her eyes into soft blues, confusion settling in her mind as to why he didn’t do it. Her own heart was threatening to hammer right out of her throat.

“Jon...” she whispered.

He’d almost kissed her, given into to the one thing above all else he wanted to do in that single moment. Get lost in her. But he couldn’t. He realised she had grown too important to him in such a short time, he needed to do her justice. She deserved it.

“I’d like to take you out to dinner tonight, you just you and me” he simply replied the pad of his thumb grazing her cheek lightly.

Her nipples were hard, her arousal ready to erupt and throw him against the wall but she stamped it all down and nodded “I’d like that Jon” God she just wanted a touch, just one wouldn’t hurt would it? Her hand reached out and palmed his chest. The scattering of thick hair was surprisingly soft under her hand. She shifted her hand over just grazing her index finger lightly over his nipple before completely pulling it away.

Jon inwardly groaned, Fuck she just did not do that. But it was a start she’d made the move. Tonight was going to be about getting to know her and finding out who the real Lily was, he wanted to pay her attention and make her feel spoiled in a way he sensed no one had ever done for her without an ulterior motive.

“Tonight at seven, I’ll come and collect you” he said, he finally broke apart from her and the crazy sexual tension that was ripping him apart but he had to do this right. She's worth the wait.

It was the hesitation on her part that had stopped him, she knew now that Jon really was a gentleman. He could have pushed her, she would have given in and he knew it but he wanted to wait.

She stepped back and smiled “Sounds perfect, casual or classy?” she asked trying to recompose herself.

“Definitely classy” he winked... God knows he may regret that with whatever killer outfit she would come up with.

“Did you manage to have breakfast in the end? I could go and cook something up for us now while we wait on your clothes?” she offered. That didn’t sound so bad and as much as she hated to admit she actually was starting to enjoy his company.

“Sounds perfect Lil, I’ll go rinse all this out and come and join you ok?” he asked, in that moment when he bent down the towel slipped from his waist falling to the floor. Lily gasped trying desperately not to stare but before she pulled her eyes away oh she got a full view. Oh god and he had to be half hard.

“Oh jeeze” Jon snatched the towel feeling his cheeks hit a red “Sorry about that, and stop looking!” he teased grinning at her.

She dropped her jaw “I was not, I didn’t see a thing” she lied defensively. God she was a bad liar.

Jon chuckled shaking his head.

“I didn’t, now if you will excuse me I will go and cock us some breakfast” the words slipped right out. She slapped her hand over her mouth “I mean cook...cook” she reaffirmed, Now it was her turn to be embarrassed. She was busted. Holy shit.

Jon snorted, she totally looked. “Didn’t look eh?” he smirked. The horrified look on her face was just priceless.

“Well it’s not that impressive, once you seen one penis you’ve seen them all” she snapped desperate to save herself some grace here.

His eyebrow rose “So you did look?” he asked amused. He knew it! She wanted him as much as he wanted her.

Lily just let it go and burst out laughing “I’m so sorry” she said. Shit, just leave before you put your foot in it more woman. Her hand clasped against her mouth. “I’ll go cook” she corrected herself. She tried to exit the room with whatever dignity she still had intact.

“And I beg to differ that it’s not impressive, don’t judge a book by its cover, you need to experience it before you can discard it” he fired back to her.

She turned and grinned, a safe distance away from him. He was playing with fire, how she went from wanting to snap at him and never let him in to delicious flirting with him? She’d never know.

“Could say the same about woman too Jon...” she winked.

He was going to test the waters but only with words not actions “So will I ever get to prove it?” he asked.

The fire in her womb screamed yes, but her head was thankfully still thinking straight. She brought a finger to her lips and contemplated “The Jury is still out on that one” she winked and strolled off to the kitchen relieved to escape the red hot tension. She needed to cool off. Jesus Christ.

Jon watched the woman who now he desperately wanted to bed walk away. She was something, god she was. Lily St James. And by the end of tonight she would know it. Mission Accomplished.

Lily and Jon spent the next couple of hours on the deck of her father’s beach house drinking coffee and relaxing just making comfortable small talk. She’d prepared them toasted muesli, fresh fruit and yoghurt. Jon had told her about the band and the last couple of tours, and Lily had talked about her work around the London office. They found they shared the same views around business practice and goals, both admitting they were very driven people that didn’t like to lose. They kept away from personal conversation at this point. Jon knew he could have asked her, but he wanted to let her relax with him hoping that tonight she’d feel comfortable to share her life with him.

Once the clothes had dried Jon changed back and left Lily to relax for the afternoon, she wanted to head into town to browse around the shops secretly hoping to find a knock out dress for that evening. While she did shop, she found herself in slipping often into daydreams. Replaying the events from the morning, people must have thought she was crazy with the small laughs and smiles she often broke out in thinking about him. Finally she found the perfect outfit with accessories for the night. A part of her was like a girl going on her first date again. Technically it was her first... In a long long time. One she actually wanted to be on. She couldn’t wait.

Eight

Lily quickly showered and redressed in a light sundress and sandals. Squirting some body spray on she packed her things all up and walked back out to the living area where the guys were having breakfast on the deck. Jon appeared with a tool box in one hand, dressed in jeans and tight navy blue thermal that hugged his body moulding around his abs. This was a bad idea.

“Feel better?” he asked smiling admiring her lemon sundress that showed those sun-kissed legs off to perfection.

“I do, thank you so much. I’ve just been running, you have no idea how good that shower was” she said gratefully. Although it may have been better with you in it.

The vision of her in tight gym clothes running along the beach made his heart beat faster. You’re welcome. Now I’ve got my things so should we try and see if we can fix this up?” he asked. He wanted to quickly get her out before either Richie or David yelled out that he had no idea what he was doing. They thought it was hilarious, so he needed to get her out of her as quickly as possible.

She waved to the guys before Jon ushered her out the door to walk to her place. Once they got there she unlocked the door and led him in.

“Wow, nice place” Jon whistled looking around. It was twice the size as his place and fitted with a very modern décor with neutral colors. Pristine and immaculate Jon figured it would have cost more than just a pretty penny.

“Thanks, it’s my father’s. He bought it after Mom died…” she stopped placing her keys on the table, She didn’t need to tell him all that.

“Sorry to hear that” Jon said softly “that must have been hard for you”.

She nodded trying desperately to repress the grief that was still buried deep inside her locked away. “Yeah it was hard. She always wanted a place out here and Dad always said that they didn’t need one, so when she died he bought one. Ironic huh?” she asked opening the large slider to let the fresh air in. She already felt so comfortable with Jon, it was weird and something she wasn’t used to.

The way that she stared so distantly out to sea, Jon saw she was still dealing with the grief internally so he didn’t push it. “Well I best get started, you want to show me the bathroom?” he asked.

She nodded climbing the stairs “Come on it’s up here” she led up the spiral staircase to the sprawling second level and into the main bathroom.

Jon dumped his toolbox down and flipped open the lid and fastened the leather tool belt so it hung low around his hips.

Don’t drool, don’t drool. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing? I can just wait till tomorrow” she offered. He looked a little unsure of himself. She bit back a chuckle. If he was anything like she was, he was stubborn and would never admit to not knowing what to do.

“Pfff, of course I do. If you leave me to it baby, I’ll get started” praying she didn’t want to watch him fumble around.

“Of course, I need a drink did you want me to fetch you one Jon?” she asked. She had to get out of there, the tool belt, his top clinging to his muscles, lord. She really would need a cold shower soon.

“That would be great Lily, I’ll just have what you’re having” he smiled leaning against the shower door crossing his arms.

She swallowed hard. She had to get out now, or she’d be the one he’d be banging not the plumbing. “I’ll be right back” she said excusing herself to go back to the kitchen.

Jon shook his head, it was there. The tension between them was red hot, he had to be patient he got the feeling with Lily one false move and strike you were out. He turned back to the shower and shook his head. He closed the door to the bathroom and pulled out his cell phone and dialled the one person that just may know what the hell he was supposed to do.

“Hey Dad, Its Jon” he said. Shit he was going to laugh but Jon was desperate.

“Hey Jon, how’s the Hampton’s? Carol was just saying we should come up and see you while you’re up there, she worries about you, and you know that” his parents had been on his case since the separation. His mother convinced that he rushed into the decision, but she did have a close relationship with his ex-wife so that was expected.

“Yes Dad, I know. And I’m doing fine really, no need to come up. I’ll come out to you guys next week ok?” he asked “Now I need some help and I don’t have much time, how do you fix a leaky shower?” he asked.

“Well you call a plumber son for a start” John Bongiovi laughed.

“I know I would Dad, but I kind of told a friend I would fix it for her”

“For her? Oh I see…well in that case you need to check the pipes behind the shower, look for a panel that probably comes out and check the pipes, when you turn on the water you’ll see where the leak or problem is…just who is this friend?”

“Thanks Dad, I see it got to go” he said slamming the phone shut before his Dad could ask anymore questions. There were stirrings in the hallway so he figured Lily was on her way back. He quickly set to work and removed the large panel which sure enough had the piping work behind it. He turned on the shower like his Dad told him and the leak became visible to him. Perfect. He grabbed his wrench from the belt and tightened it around the bolt which was where the leak was generating from. Nothing to it, rock star by day handyman by night.

Jon was so lost in thought that the surge of cold water hit in hard “Shit!” he spluttered it was soaking him and worse going everywhere all over the tiled floor “Fuck!” he yelled.

Lily carried two glasses back up the stairs with iced tea with a sprig of mint in each. She was almost at the bathroom door when she heard a rushing of water in between male curses. She rushed to the bathroom door and flung it open only to get soaked in water that was exploding all over the bathroom.

“Shit!” she shrieked putting the glasses down, Jon was completely blinded trying to take the impact of the blast. Lily reached up and cranked the dial back making the water subside.

She was soaked to the bone, her sundress now plastered to her skin. “What the hell happened?” she yelled turning to look at him water dripping off him. “I thought you knew what you were doing?!”

He looked up at her feeling his own cheeks creep with a blush “I don’t know what happened I found the leak and then…” He was such a freaking idiot. Good one now she really is going to be impressed. Her sunny blond hair was ratty and wet, and the gorgeous sundress was clinging to her body, so much he could see her nipples poking through the thin material. Ok so it wasn’t all bad.

“Did you turn the water off first?” she asked haughtily “and stop looking!” she cursed angrily covering herself up.

“Um, no I guess I forgot that bit, but I was trying to see where the actual leak was and then I guess… I should have turned it off before I attempted to tighten it” he said shifting his feet a little.

Lily reached over to the rack and grabbed two towels throwing one at him and then looking down “I’m soaked Jon, Jesus Christ! And this place is a mess!” she cursed rubbing her face dry.

He laughed, I shouldn’t she’s so angry. “I’m sorry, I’ll clean up I promise” he bit back a chuckle.

“It’s not funny!” she snapped then laughed “Ok, maybe a little... god I wouldn’t have bothered with the shower at your place if this was going to happen” she went to move but the slippery floor under her sandals with no grip didn’t comply she slid forward and squealed grapping out for the one thing that was in her sights, Jon.

“Whoa, you ok?” he grabbed her arms and pulled her up her body pressed into his as she regained her balance.

She pawed at his wet thermal straightening herself. “Sorry, slippery floor which you will be cleaning up” she looked up into blue eyes that were so close she could see his pupils dilating just a little. The strong smell of that cologne mixed in with pure man was radiating right over her body. Jon followed his instinct and slipped his hands around the back of her waist but soon stopped when she stiffened in his arms.

Inches away were the best kiss she’d have, she just knew it but something stopped her, she just couldn’t. His lips looked so inviting, and soft. The bottom one was just a little fuller. Her teeth were twitching to pull down into her mouth and suck on it. God just once. But her instinct pulled away “Thanks” she said picking back up her towel now aware her skin was showing right through the wet material.

“I-I better get changed” she said before turning to him “I can dry your clothes for you if you want to just wrap yourself in a towel” Oh god why did she just suggest that? She was a sucker for punishment.

Jon was about to suggest that he could just go home and change but she’d made the offer and it kept him there “I’ll clean up in here first, do you have a mop and bucket I can use?”

She nodded “I’ll go and find one” she said leaving him. She quickly peeled off her dress and wrapped a towel around herself in search for the mop and bucket. God what the hell was she doing?

Seven

Lily woke early after a reasonably undisturbed sleep, the only thing still heavy on her mind was the night before with Jon. She sat up and stretched and padded out to the deck where the beginning of another gorgeous late summer morning was stirring. She briefly glanced down the beach a little to see if there were any signs of life at Jon's house but it appeared to be all still. Just forget it, it’s done. Over.

"Probably all too hung-over from all the nice tits, great ass comments" she cursed out loud. Why couldn't he just been a little different than your average guy? She leaned back against the open French door and sighed. Because I wanted him to be.

The shrill of her cell phone deterred anymore Jon-thoughts, so she went back inside and scooped it up from the table. She rolled her eyes at the caller id.

"Hi Daddy" she said flopping herself down into one of the oversized leather chairs bringing her knees up to her chest.

"Hey precious, how's The Hamptons?" he asked.

She hated when he called her that but it was an endearment that she'd never grown out of. "Good Dad, it's so quiet here" well except for the four noisy rock stars down the way.

"Great, I hope you're relaxing and didn't take your laptop like you promised" he said sternly. Lily chuckled remembering that conversation and how many times she almost did end up bringing it with her.

"No Dad, just me my phone, my music and books...happy?" she asked. Her father worried far too much about her but since her Mom died it just had become second nature to him to always worry about her.

"I am now" he laughed "You just help yourself to anything over there ok, and you can stay as long as you like...even longer than the week if you want" he said. He was pushing it.

"Dad, you know I can't I have to be in London next week to take care of the O'Donnell account and I'm not letting Miranda handle it, not after last time" she said defiantly. Miranda was Second in charge in the London Office and one of the only reasons she still had a job was because she was Lily's mother's best friend. Lily didn't trust her abilities after they nearly lost the Virgin Atlantic account but thanks to Lily who worked her ass off, she saved it.

"Lily I wish you'd take longer, you know I'm worried, besides are there any nice young men around there?" he asked hopefully. Her father was always going on that a girl of her age should be out dating and enjoying life in-between her career. He just didn’t understand the complications of who she was that often drove the outcome.

"No Dad there is not...and I'm fine, I'll stay here till the end of the week and then I'm flying out of JFK to Heathrow as discussed" she said sighing again "I'm fine, trust me" Nice young men? Well ok so she lied but it was too complicated to tell her father all that.

"Ok sugar, I've got to dash but we'll talk later ok. Turn your cell phone off and go have some fun, love you" once she ended the call she did turn off her cell phone and decided she needed to go for a run down the beach, it was a much too nice morning not to and would distract her thoughts from work, and Jon.

Forty minutes later, slick with sweat and revived with the fresh salty air she returned home and made a beeline for the shower. She stripped off her running clothes which peeled right off her and cranked the shower dial on hot. There was a splat and a fizzle until the only thing that came out of the faucet was a no stronger than a trickle.

"Oh just great" she cursed slamming her hand hard against the tiled wall in vain hope that it stirred something. She tried the sink and that didn't work either. Shit. She was going to have to call a plumber, just what she damn needed. Her father luckily kept an address book by the phone of the local services including plumbers.

It was ten minutes later that she just about threw the phone across the room. Tomorrow, tomorrow was the god damn earliest that someone could get here? "It's the busy season" or "there are more urgent jobs" what the hell defined urgent to no plumbing working?

She was hot, sweaty and in desperate need for a shower. She could always go and check in a nearby motel but quite frankly she couldn't be bothered. Shifting her gaze to the ocean she laughed "Maybe I'll just run out into there" she sighed.

You could always go and ask Jon to use his shower. She hated not being clean especially after a twenty minute hardcore run along the beach. No, god knows I can't go back there not after I left like that.

She breathed in and tried to go and sort herself out and what she would wear for the day, she'd just have to use lots of deodorant that was all there was to it. She got changed and then attempted her hair, the messy birds nest it was currently in was just not going to do. Shit. Pride was just less important than a shower right now, he'd have a lock on his bathroom right?

She quickly grabbed what she would need and stuffed it into her leather tote before locking up and heading back down the beach. I'm crazy, freaking crazy again.

She arrived at the door, signs of life appeared to be limited but the large window was open with the sound of the curtain flapping in the breeze. She knocked on the door and waited twisting her hand around the leather strap of the tote tighter. The door swung open moments later with Jon standing there in a navy blue robe just about open to his navel. The scattering of a pretty substantial mat of hair caught her eye and her hand curled into a fist imaging what it would be like to touch.

Holy, eyes on his face..."Ah, hi...um..." what she couldn’t string two words together now?

He smiled relieved to almost see her again, he'd spent the whole night wondering whether he should attempt to go and see her or not "Hey Lily, nice to see you again. Conference call went ok?" he asked his lips threatening a small smirk.

She managed a small smile, he clearly knew that it was just an excuse. "Well when you're being talked about like a piece of meat sometimes you don't really feel all that compelled to stay somewhere" she challenged.

Jon's eyes widened so she had overheard them in the kitchen. "And if you'd bothered to stay longer you would of heard me tell him to shut up, that's Richie Lily he comes off like that but we're all not sleazes like you seem to think we are Ms St James" he grinned.

She opened her mouth and then went to shut it again "I'm sorry it was very rude of me to leave like that" she said biting her lip. She had to swallow her pride, she wanted a shower god damn it.

"Apology accepted now have you come for breakfast?" he asked with a lazy grin "because it's just about ready. David does a mean omelette" he offered.

"Well I've kind of come to ask if I can use your shower, my plumbing is out and they can't get anyone here till tomorrow, and as you can see I've been running and look disgusting" she laughed flicking her hair behind her back.

Jon snorted, she didn't look one bit disgusting, her skin had a soft glow to it and her cheeks were flushed with a shade of pink. Those pouty pink lips were rested and poised ready to...stop it. Those lips would be the death of him. "You look fine, and you're welcome to come in and use the bathroom, I have two so use the one down the end of the hall that way you won't get interrupted by any of the guys." He said showing her in and down the hallway to the far bathroom.

"Thank you Jon, I appreciate this. I really do" she said honestly.

"You're welcome to stay for breakfast afterwards" he offered again hoping she would accept this time.

"Thanks but it won't be necessary, eggs don't sit well with me after running" It was half the truth.

Jon nodded "Well I could come back and see if I can fix the plumbing?" it was too late, it just came out. He knew nothing about it but he was desperate to see her again and being away from all the guys she just might feel more comfortable.

She raised her brow "Really? The Rock star fixes plumbing?" she laughed.

He frowned "Yes I do, Dad always taught me those sort of things" Except I just can't remember them now. Shit.

"It's not necessary but if you didn't mind ..." her eyes travelled down his body. I wonder what he'd look like in a tool belt.

"Consider it done, I'll go get ready and grab my tool belt"

"Tool belt?" she asked quietly, god had he heard her?

Jon laughed "Yeah the thing I will use to fix the plumbing...tools...wrench?" he asked her. She totally just imagined a tool belt on me.

"Right. Well I'll be in here having a shower and you ‘ll be getting your tool belt" she said quickly closing the door behind her and let a deep breath out. Oh my god I so just didn't do that! I'm an idiot!

Jon shook his head with a grin walking back to where all the guys were. "So does anyone know how to fix plumbing?"

Six

Lily sucked in the dark sweet musky taste of the cigar before exhaling with a plume of blue smoke. All three men did the same, god she wanted to choke she hated cigarettes, let alone cigars. But one thing she hated to do was back down, she was playing with the big boys now.

She caught Jon’s nod and smiled “So are you going to make us all some coffee?” Lily asked, she needed it any more wine and she was afraid she’d end up dancing the Macarena right in front of them and that was not going to happen.

Jon snorted “Of course” he said standing, with the way her lips pursed almost into a grin. How could he resist?

She reclined popping the cigar down “I do trust that you have only the best Rock star” she teased. One thing about Jon she figured, he would be a gentleman to the end even if she pushed him. They both knew how to keep their cool to that absolute moment where they couldn’t before losing control.

“Of course. And how do you take it Miss St James? Black or do you prefer a little cream?” his tongue flashed out over his lips for the briefest moment. The tease directed right at her.

Her cheeks threatened to flush, what was it about him? She’d had plenty of men that flirted with her and she’d served them all back with confidence like the beach but now she wasn’t so sure. He radiated sexuality and it was killing her that she found herself wanting a taste.

Lily squirmed just a little on the chair, his baby blues sparking with that little bit of mischief she was not going to be able to resist much longer. “I like my coffee as it comes. Straight up thank you Jon” Just like my men.

“Coming right up” he excused himself to the kitchen shaking his head with a little chuckle.

“Well while all you pussies drink coffee, not you of course Darlin” he threw a wink Lily’s way, “I’m grabbing another beer” he said following Richie out to the kitchen.

Jon went about preparing the coffee machine, he set it to espresso and swung around when Richie came in behind him and hone in on the fridge for another beer. Popping off the top he leaned against the doorframe “Well Jonny, she’s sure something”

Jon grinned and flicked on the machine once he’d poured the fresh grounds in “It’s not like that Rich, she’s not interested” more than I can say for myself.

“Oh come on Jonny, she’s just playing hard to get I’m sure like any girl once she’s alone she wants what they all want” he said wiggling his brow with a smirk.

“She’s not like that Rich, not this one” he said picking out a couple of blue pottery mugs.

“Don’t deny it, you want her in your bed Johnny, god knows you need it, and with those legs and that body I’m sure she can do a few things” he slapped Jon on his back.

“Yeah like crack my nuts” he laughed.

Lily excused herself to the bathroom again this time admiring the classic décor around the place as she went. The black and white pictures that littered the hallway walls were obviously of his children, a boy and a girl. She stared a little longer and smiled, he looked so happy with them, the divorce must have been hard for him.

She freshened up and returned to the living area detouring past the kitchen and hearing the sound of Richie and Jon’s laughter. She was happy to keep going till she heard her name so she stopped obscured from view by Richie who was still in the doorway facing Jon.

“Hell cat maybe Jon, but admit it, you want nothing more than to bang her brains out, and she’s hot!” Richie joked. “And if you don’t you need your head read, and I’ll take a piece of that pie instead bro”

“Of course I do, Richie I wouldn’t be a man if I didn’t”

Lily bit her lip feeling the anger burn in her belly, how dare they? The five minutes she’d convinced herself Jon was a gentleman vanished in a poof of smoke. She didn’t wait for a second, she had to get out of her and fast before she lost her cool. I’m so stupid thinking that this could have been anything else, arrogant Rock star he was indeed. She shifted back to where Tico and David were.

“Hey there you are” David said warmly.

She smiled gracefully, at least two of them had freaking manners. “Listen gentlemen I do really need to get going, I’ve just remembered I’ve got an early conference call” she scooped up her shoulder wrap and purse before kissing each one on the cheek. “Thank you so much for your hospitality, it’s been a pleasure” she said and with that she was out the door and on her way home desperate to reach the safe confines of her beach house.

How could he talk like that? And why was she so pissed off about it? Why did she expect anything less? He had done nothing but live up to her expectations. She unlocked her door and slammed it shut behind her. Leaning against the cool wood she closed her eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. You hoped he was different didn’t you? She could still feel the touch of his fingers brushing against hers when she gave him the wine.

The warmth of his hand nestled gently on her lower back with the electricity that went with it. No, forget it he’s no different from the rest. And with that the brick wall went back up as she decided to have a bubble bath before bed and wash all thoughts of Jon far away.

Jon settled the two cups on a tray and carefully walked back into the living area to find only David and Tico there alone “Lily in the bathroom?” he asked looking around but the deep frown settling on Tico’s face told him she wasn’t.

“She had to leave, she came back and got her things making some excuse about a conference call in the morning” he explained “Sorry Jonny’

“She’s on vacation though?” this didn’t make sense, everything had been going well and they hadn’t made her feel uncomfortable? More than welcome if anything. She just left without saying goodbye to him? He cursed himself when he felt his heart sink just a little.

“Yup she went to the bathroom came back past the kitchen and left” David said.

Jon looked up at Richie “Oh fuck she overheard the conversation” he swiped Richie across the head “Good one asshole” Fuck, he’d made the small slip around his best friend about her, of course he wanted her but god he’d never say it to her face like that. Shit.

“Hey! You were the one that said you’d do her bro, least she knows that now, if she left because of that, then she’s more uptight than I thought” he snorted.

“And your comment about wanting a piece of her? Jesus Rich” It wasn’t Richie’s fault, but Jon felt better blaming him. He was so out of practice with wooing the ladies he fucked this one up good and well. Putting aside she was a knock out, Jon had felt that she was someone he’d like to have got to know a little better she seemed in the short space of time he got to know her, knew they were alike in many ways.

“Calm down Kidd, just go over there and give her some flowers and apologize and you’ll be good as new” he said with a grin.

Nope, flowers wouldn’t fix this, he was damn sure of it. “No Rich, she’s gone. I have to leave her be” Damn it, fucking damn it. He’d been so stupid. So fucking stupid.

Tico grabbed his shoulder “Just let her calm down, and go and see her tomorrow if you really care that much... You know you always simmer after something so I’m guessing little Lily does the same. Things are always better in the morning” he offered.

He nodded “Maybe I will, how is it I can do this on stage so easily but I can’t do it here, when it matters?” he asked frustrated.

“You know the answer to that one Jonny, you’ve been out of the game along time and your wife did you no favours” Richie said bluntly.

Jon cringed, he was right too. She’d always been so jealous of the female attention off the stage that he’d got he had to learn to dial that part of him down around her for so long and let it all loose on stage.

The night continued into the wee hours of the morning till the guys all crashed, except Jon who lay awake absently in his bed staring at the ceiling. Maybe he just wasn’t ready to move on, and Lily in his mind deserved someone to treat her with respect. If only she hadn’t left just hearing one half of a conversation or given him a chance to explain, she would have heard him tell Richie to snap out of it and him get teased for defending her. Soon thoughts of blond haired, blue eyed girls fell into dreams of what could have been.

Five

The door swung open and Lily’s breath caught in her throat. Holy hell, he didn’t look like that before did he? The man in front of her, now groomed flashed a broad smile her way before offering his hand into the house to come in.

“You must be Lily”

She nodded, his blond hair hung just above shoulders, and the broad chest she tried desperately to keep her eyes off, and then there were the jeans, Oh god, sweet Mary of all things tight. Stop it! Look him in the eye. In the eyes.

“I am, Jon we meet again” she handed him the bottle of wine still grasped in her hand. The light brush of his fingertips against hers caused her to eyes to snap up at his suddenly. There had been a spark? God no, not now.

Jon took the wine and read the label “Excellent choice” she knew her wines. He studied her again. In the light her blond hair was so much lighter and the pink dress that she wore hung snugly around her figure, he tried desperately not to imagine in a pool on his bedroom floor.

“You friend said that we were having steak and lobster, so that will go nicely with the lobster” she said matter of factly.

He laughed “Indeed it will, come in Lily, please make yourself at home and I’ll pour you a glass of wine” he instructed, her body jolted a little when his hand rested lightly on the small of her back leading her inside. Relax, he’s just being a gentleman.

She moved further into the living area where three other men sat, two of which she recognised from earlier. “Evening gentleman” she smiled.

David stood up “Lily, so glad you decided to come, the place needed something bright around here now you’ve met Richie and Jon, and this is Tico, Tico meet Lily St James” he said. Lily smiled with no impulse to snap at this man, there with a sincere gentleness about him.

“Hi Tico, pleased to meet you and thank you for inviting me over” she settled herself down in the spare chair beside Tico and crossed her legs. Jon soon returned with a glass of wine for her. “Thank you Jon” she lifted the glass to her lips and took a small sip “Perfect” she approved relaxing further into the chair.

Lily was soon reintroduced to all the men and the light chatter started while Jon called the nearby restaurant that did deliveries to make sure there was enough for Lily as well. While on hold with the restaurant he glanced over to where David and Tico were talking easily away to her, she was fitting in so well so far. The way she was holding herself confidently and not phased at all by them all had to mean she was used to this, like David said because she didn’t flinch for a second if she knew who they all were. An bubbly infectious laugh made him look up again to see her head tilting back showing off a slender arch of her neck, one that Jon wouldn’t have minded scraping his teeth down.

He revised the order, hung up the phone and walked back to the gathering. “Well dinner will be thirty minutes away” he said proudly.

Lily raised an eyebrow “Ordering in huh?” she teased. She didn’t expect four middle aged men to know how to cook but miracles did happen once and awhile.

“You expect Rock stars to know how to cook?” Richie asked with a lopsided grin.

“Well I can, but Jon knows this little restaurant here that does the best lobster in town, seriously, the kind of stuff that melts in your mouth” he nodded.

There it was. Rock stars. Why hadn’t it hit her before, it hadn’t been familiar to her but now she could see it, she was sitting in a room with Bon Jovi?! Overwhelmed no, pissed off yes. What was this an orgy or something? Remembering David’s words about cheering their friend up because of his recent divorce, shit so this is how they wanted to? Shit, shit shit. What have you done Lily? Determined not to let it show she sucked in her breath and held herself.

“Well how can I refuse something that melts in my mouth?” she asked before realizing exactly how it came out. She slapped her hand hard against her mouth almost feeling her cheeks burn and the laughter of the men rang through the room.

Richie slung his arm around her shoulder “Now this is my kind of girl” Lily quickly shrugged his arm off her “I assure you I’m not that kind of girl” the message was loud and clear. Jon almost tripped on the wine in his mouth, she was so not that kind of girl, hell no. He couldn’t help manage a small smile because of it.

“So Lily what do you do with yourself when you’re not shooting down Rock stars in flames?” Jon asked with a quirk. He’d tempted her to snap back but she didn’t.

“I work in advertising, it’s my fathers company, St James Advertising” she offered.

“Advertising? That must keep you busy” he commented. The same look in her eyes he recognised. Married to the job, dedication above all else had worn her down. Jon leaned back with the glass of wine from the bottle she’d brought. Exceptional taste, she knew her wines and he didn’t doubt she also knew her way around the business world well.

“It does, I run the London office in the summer, and work back in Los Angeles at my father’s office in the winter. It gets busy, but it’s something I’ve always known and loved so in a way it’s not work if that makes sense” she tried to explain. One day she wanted to run her own firm, get away from the family business, her father was an exceptional businessman but he loved control too much. She had a better reign of freedom at the London office which is why she’d considered moving there fulltime more than once.

Jon got her. God did he get her, music was all he’d known his life, and as much as it sucked him dry the best of times, even the politics of it all and the tedious administration, it wasn’t what he considered work, he was damn lucky to have this opportunity and he never complained about it once. Something his ex wife just failed to get.

Offering her a warm smile “I understand more than you know Lily”. Jon relaxed a little as she did, her shoulders relaxing a little. There was certainly more than lurked behind those crystal blue eyes, and Jon intended to find out what.

She curled her hand around the glass tighter, his stare was penetrating her right to her soul, something scared her about that as she’d kept the wall up for so long to exactly guys like this since they were always were only after one thing well two, her father’s attention and sex.

She nodded quietly and took a sip of her wine “So my father had this great idea to ship me off here to his beach house to unwind a little, and here I am” she smiled. So far so good, no uneasy sexual feelings, except for Jon because you’re attracted to him. Shut up, no I’m not.

“I’m doing the same baby” the slip came but he didn’t take it back. He wanted her to be his baby, even if it was just for the night. Damn. His cock completely uncurled when she uncrossed her legs and re-crossed them the other way, letting the pink light material inch slowly up her thighs.

Richie managed a soft chuckle and winked at David, a knowing grin from the Joker, there little plan had worked. Jon was hooked. The light chatter continued and Lily learnt that they were not touring or recording currently, that they’d just come off one. When the dinner arrived she excused herself to the bathroom to freshen up. She washed and dried her hands, fluffed up her hair a bit and leaned back against the door for a second to recompose herself. Every time he looked at her, a slight flush would start to heat in her cheeks and as much as she denied so did a tingle between her legs. What the hell is wrong with me? I haven’t had sex in a long time, that’s all it is. He’s hot, he probably has girls lining up for him all over the place, you don’t need that complication right now Lily.

She recomposed and swung open the door walking out confidently walking straight into him “shit!” she screamed, her heart hammered loudly in her chest and two hands grabbed her arms to brace her to avert falling over.

“Whoa, you ok? Sorry I was just coming to grab a sweater” the infusion of summer and coconuts drifted over him before he let go of her.

She laughed a little more nervously than anything “Its ok, I was on another planet, sorry Jon” the first warm smile slipped from her lips. His eyes held hers before she broke away. “I’ll see you back in there” she said quickly, wanting to not to walk but run away from that moment. Warning bells were going off in her head along with his cologne which was so fresh and spicy.

Three wines later and after a most delectable lobster dinner, she was far more relaxed than she’d hoped but the wine was working its magic. She’d fitted in well with them. Richie was a flirt, she’d established his type, David was hilarious and Tico and sweetheart. Jon was well, Jon. Undecided whether he was hotter than sin and white chocolate wrapped together, or worse if he tasted as good as he smelt.

Tico stood up and picked up the box of Cuban cigars and offered them around, each one of the men taking one but Lily just rolled her eyes when he didn’t offer her one. Men.

Richie snorted “A pretty thing like you wouldn’t want to smoke something like this now would she?” he asked.

No she wouldn’t but she wasn’t about to let them decide what was best for her. That was one thing that didn’t bode well with Lily St James. Men that made decisions for her, because it was best. She got enough of that from her father.

“I would love one Tico” she simply said. The reaction of the three men was almost priceless. Surprised, Tico got back up and offered her the box and then a flame.

Jon watched with a rueful smile she didn’t want to smoke one at all, god they were alike it scared him. His eyes nearly popped out of his head when her lips wrapped tightly around the cigar sucking its smoky pull. He groaned internally, this woman was going to kill him. He wanted those lips, and it wasn’t around that cigar.

Four

Once “Richie and Jon” had left Lily sat a little longer, briefly looking over her shoulder maybe she had been a little harsh towards them?, but she wasn’t in the mood for sloppy pick up lines which clearly they had been. It was growing darker and she knew should really get back to the beach house, but for what? To spend a night alone watching TV? Drinking a bottle of wine from her father’s more than ample collection. Right now that seemed like such a lonely thing to do.

She gathered her things and tied up the leather tote bag and slung it over her shoulder. Straightening her sarong she started to head back towards her house when she caught sight of another figure sauntering towards her from the other beach house. “Oh brother” she muttered, Do they never give up?

She stood and waited for him to get closer before she spoke, nervously she fiddled with the button ring on her middle index finger before her visitor came into view more clearly.

“Excuse me, mind if I sit and sun bleach my curls?” he asked flicking his hair out.

Lily was about to snap back at him but she couldn’t help but laugh at how stupid he sounded. The fact it was almost dark along with the funky looking clothes and hat, that had his tight blond curls peeking out from below it made her giggle. There was something goofy and yet something sweet about him all at the same time. At least he made her laugh this time around, not grated her to her very nerve endings like before.

“Well done, that was much better than the other two” she paid him the compliment with a sly grin.

He bowed “Why thank you, I hear that you gave them a little punch in the balls before, but seriously what’s a girl like you doing all out here alone?” he asked stretching his arms out wide.

The sincerity in his voice was obvious so Lily didn’t bite this time. She sighed instead looking back towards the calming waves. “I’m just here on vacation alone, I needed some time out. That’s all” she explained to him “And you are?” she asked curiously.

“David Bryan, pleased to meet you…” he trailed off waiting for her to respond.

She held her hand out this time “Lily, Lily St James” she replied. David took her hand and brought it to his lips.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Lily, I noticed you were just leaving. Are you sure we can’t tempt you to come and have a drink with us? We’ve got plenty of food for dinner and if you’re here alone, you might want some company for a bit, we’re completely harmless really, just four guys all hanging out cheering one of our buddies up who’s just been recently separated.” David explained. She seemed a little lost, or something, David couldn’t quite pick it.

Her eyebrow rose, she had to wonder if it was Richie or Jon that was the one separated, her money was on Jon though with the almost nervous way he tried to talk to her, Richie was too experienced for it to be him, she knew his type well.

She rolled her bottom lip back under her teeth, did she really do this? She could always just leave if she felt uncomfortable, truth be known she was always more comfortable with male company, oddly enough she didn’t have many close girlfriends at all. “There are just four of you? No women?” The term gang rape flashed crossed her mind. Her father would have a fit if he knew she was even considering it, and just that very thought made her decision. “Ok, I’ll come for a little bit, but let me go home and change first” she said. Damn it, she was going to live dangerously for once.

David’s smile widened “Great, I’ll make sure we cook enough lobster and steak for you, we’re just in over there” he said pointing to the house behind him. He couldn’t help but feel a little satisfied he’d been the one to succeed.

She nodded “Ok David, I’ll see you soon” she smiled before walking back in the direction of her house. She was crazy to agree to this but the curiosity of these guys had got to her, and as much as she denied it, the compulsion to see the one named Jon again was there.

She walked all the way back to her beach house and unlocked the door dumping her bag down on the table. Unravelling her sarong she padded to the shower and washed away the sandy remains of the beach. She scrubbed herself down and then dried off, slathering the thick indulgent coconut body butter she always used before slipping into a salmon pink high wasted slip dress that fell just above her knees.

Sliding some silver strappy flat sandals on her feet she completed the look with a chunky silver Indian foil necklace and an oversized turquoise ring. She blow-dried her hair so it fell loosely in waves around her almost bare shoulders and applied a little make up to complete the sun kissed look she had going on before running back downstairs. She had decided to take a bottle of her father’s finest along with her, it was only polite. She then locked the house up and made her way out the door taking a deep breath walking down the road to their beach house. Well here goes nothing.

David walked back to the where all the guys were sitting watching, Richie stood up and hollered out to him “Can’t resist the Joker huh?” he jeered. He just knew it.

David kept control of the smile that was slowly surfacing on his face till he climbed back up to the deck, he took the wine he was previously drinking and lifted it to his lips.

Jon patted him on the back “Told you she was a wild one, not even you could tame her” he shook his head noticing the girl had left the beach, oh well there goes that idea for tonight.

“Lily will be here in thirty minutes” he said proudly waiting to see their reactions.

Richie and Jon just stared at David in horror “Bull shit!” they both exclaimed in unison.

“Lily? You got her name?” Tico snorted.

Jon stood up “How the hell did you get that to happen?, she was pissed man” Lily? Her name was Lily, Jon smiled, and funnily enough it suited her.

David stood between Richie and Jon and put his arms around them “Well unlike you two idiots I didn’t try and pick her up with a smooth line, seems the little lady like a bit of humor, its called being yourself” he winked ruffling Jon’s hair. “You should try it sometime, and besides, just proves I’ve still got it” he teased.

“You’ve fucking kidding me, and she’s coming here?” Richie asked amazed that he’d done it at all. He turned looking at Jon “Dude you need to shower and have a shave”.

Jon rolled his eyes about to spit a retort back at him, but actually he was right, he did look like shit. “I’ll be back in five minutes” Jon said disappearing to the bedroom to do just that.

“I just knew it” Richie said shaking his head when Jon left “he likes her”
He purred.

Tico picked up his beer and took a swig “Well it wouldn’t be the worse thing to happen in the world, god knows he needs something to perk him up and sounds like this one’s a little fire ball, so I’m looking to meeting her, how on earth did you get here to agree to come here?” he asked David.

“She’s out here alone, vacation from work, and dinner with four guys what more could you want?” he took a long sip of his wine “I don’t think she knows who we are either, well if she did it certainly didn’t show” he replied.

Jon quickly showered and then shaved quickly careful not to cut himself, he slapped on some cologne on his cheeks and hissed when it burnt him “Shit!” he muttered. Toeing on some jeans and chose a navy pinstripe button down shirt leaving it a few buttons open at the top and then towel dried his hair leaving it to fall down his shoulders before heading back downstairs.

When he raced past David, he started to make feeble choking sounds. “Now I know what sunk the Titanic and it wasn’t an iceberg” he said fanning his hand frantically.

“Fuck you Joker” he scoffed.

Richie let a wolf whistle fall from his lips “Looking good man, niceeee” Richie gave him the thumbs up. Why the hell did he feel like this was the first date or something? It was ridiculous.

“This so reminds me of back when we’d invite a girl back to the hotel room, between us all” Richie added remembering many a wild night.

Jon spun around quickly “Well that’s not happening here, we’re too old for that shit, I don’t want to see your naked wrinkly body and she’s most definitely not that kind of girl” he warned surprised at the defence in his voice.

David gave Tico a knowing look and Richie just laughed “I damn knew it”.

Jon didn’t have a chance to think much further when the doorbell chimed “Best behaviour now boys” he warned walking towards the door. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes to compose himself and opened the door.