Chapter 13

Sunday afternoon Jon called Katie to make plans for Monday. Katie was on the porch trying to get into a book, but it was a futile attempt. It had been so long since she read anything purely for pleasure. Her thoughts kept creeping back to Jon and the day they had spent together. She heard her cell phone ring in the kitchen.

"Hi there..." Katie answered, "I was just thinking about you."

"Hi Katie, baby. Thinking about me, really? " Jon smiled smugly to himself. "Nothing bad, I hope." He had to admit he enjoyed the idea of her thoughts being preoccupied with him.

"Uh, no. Only good. And thinking I can't wait until tomorrow. So what time do you want to head up?" Katie asked, tipping her head to the side.

"Should we leave say around 9 a.m.? I will arrange lunch." He had a special treat in mind, and, closing his eyes, could imagine the scene it might present.

"Sounds good. How about I drive and pick you up?" Katie offered. Jon wasn't going to complain. He figured the vantage point would be to his benefit.

"Sure. That would be cool. Do you need directions? I am in the penthouse suite, so just take the elevator all the way to the top floor. It is the only suite up here."

"Ooh, aren't you special." She teased. "That works for me. I can find my way. And thanks for getting lunch. I guess I will see you tomorrow at 9 then. Dress for sand and surf!" Katie felt a slight heat rising within her as she envisioned the sight of him in swim trunks.

"Sure thing! Ok, see you then! And Katie....." Jon hesitated for a second, as he lowered his voice. "I can't get you out of my mind. I can't wait to see you, baby.

His voice sounded so sexy and smooth, causing her neurons to short circuit. "Mmm, I can't wait to see you, either." Katie answered, as she absentmindedly touched her forehead with the back of her hand. She was all of a sudden quite warm. They hung up and she listened to the dial tone for a brief moment . She decided it might be nice to take a run and then a cold shower.

Monday morning Jon was up at the crack of dawn. He had trouble falling asleep the night before due to visions of Katie dancing in his head. He drug himself down to the gym for a quick workout before showering. He took a moment to look in the bathroom mirror. He didn't usually spend time worrying about how he looked. Staying in shape for him was just a way of life, and helped keep his stamina up during tours. But he had to admit, for 46 years old, he wasn't too shabby. He laughed at himself for even caring, so unlike him. Afterward he changed into swim trunks and a t-shirt, packing an extra outfit and towels. He called down to the restaurant to make sure their lunch would be ready on time. As he took a moment to look out over the Boston skyline, he heard a soft knock on the door. Jon felt his heart speed up, hoping it was Katie. He walked at a quick pace to the door, slowly opening it and found himself locking gazes with those deep emerald pools that had haunted his dreams last night.

"Hi there, handsome." Katie greeted him as she brushed past him, entering the hotel suite. He caught the faint hint of vanilla, causing him to close his eyes and breathe in deeply. She was in a floral wrap skirt and tank top. He could see her suit straps next to the tank straps and noticed how well the silky skirt molded itself to her rear view. By the placement of the straps he could tell she was wearing a bikini. He gave her a quick kiss on the lips and said, "Let me get my stuff and we will be on our way. I just have to grab lunch from the restaurant." He gestured for her to go ahead of him, acting like a gentleman. Or maybe it was for his own selfish reasons, he admitted to himself.

They headed down in the elevator. Once the door closed, Jon leaned over to kiss her gently on the check, burying his face in her neck for a second, taking in her scent. "Mm, you smell good." He growled as he proceeded to nuzzle her neck, causing her to giggle. "Hey, that tickles!" When the door opened they were greeted with an elderly couple, who shook there heads at them as Katie and Jon exited, still laughing.

Katie had left her car parked in the front of the hotel. True to the gentleman he was, he opened the driver side door for her. Katie laughed at him. He really was just too cute.

After Jon deposited the basket in the back seat and got in, Katie expertly navigated through the busy Boston streets and headed north. Out of habit Katie turned on her iPod. She heard a slight groan from the seat next to her. She looked over at Jon and saw him shaking his head at her.

"Nooooo! I can't get away from it." He pretended he was being tortured.

"Oh, oops. Sorry! I will turn it off." Katie offered.

Jon looked at her with that sly smirk, "Ah, no, that's ok. I'll let it go, just this once." He is such a tease, Katie though.

"Well, thank you Mr. Bon Jovi. I appreciate your understanding on this matter." Katie gave it back to him, looking very serious, but a giggle escaped.

Katie decided to torture Jon just a little bit more so she started singing along to the music at the top of her lungs.

You got a ticket to kick it, I wanna hear you scream now.

'Cause tonight you got the right to let your hair down.

Every body's getting down, we're getting down to business

Insane, freak train, you don't wanna miss this.

Jon put his head in his hand for a moment and was visibly shaking. He finally looked up at her and she saw his face was all red as he was trying hard not to laugh. He finally calmed down and leaned over to kiss her on the check.

"Katie, you're just awesome. We are going to have so much fun today." Jon smiled as he looked out the window.

Katie hummed along to the song.

They eventually drove over the bridge into Maine, getting off the highway and steered onto Route 1, coast bound. They drove along the coast for a while until they came to a little town called Ogunquit.

"Just about five more minutes until beach time." Katie said.

They turned into a residential area across from the beach. Katie pulled into the driveway of one house.

Jon looked at her, confused, "What are we doing here?" He asked.

"Oh, this house belongs to Becca's family. We can park here and use the beach meant for residents. It will be less crowded." Katie informed him.

"Ah. Sounds like a good idea. You're always thinking, Katie, always thinking." Jon nodded.

They got out of the car, and unloaded the beach gear. Katie had brought a beach chair for each of them, an umbrella and blanket. Jon took the majority of the stuff and said, "I will get this if you can grab the picnic basket."

"Will do!" Katie answered. They headed towards the beach, finding an empty area right away. Katie looked around spotting two other people further down the beach. She spread the blanket and set up the chairs while Jon put the umbrella up.

After they both sat down, Jon took her hand in his and lightly kissed her palm. "Thanks for inviting me. There is no place else I would rather be." Jon said as he leaned close to her. He looked around the beach, glad for the fact that not many people were around. Katie put her hand on his forearm in an affectionate rub.

They relaxed for a bit just listening to the crash of the waves on the shore and feeling the sun's rays warm them. The day was a bit on the warm side, and Jon eventually suggested, "What do you say we go dip our toes in and see how cold it is. I have heard this Maine water is down right frigid."

"Yes, lets. It is quite steamy." Katie agreed. Jon stood up and took Katie's hand helping her up out of the low chair. He then pulled his t-shirt over his head. Katie found herself struck dumb for a moment as she couldn't help but notice his firm, rippled abs and muscular chest. She was able to compose herself by the time he had his shirt over his head. She felt herself getting a bit warmer. Damn, that man looked even better in person. She and Becca had been fortunate to see a few of Jon's disrobing episodes during the last tour. She realized she was holding her breath. She let out a sigh and kicked off her sandals, then proceeded to pull off her tank and wrap skirt. Jon couldn't help but notice how well her black bikini showed off the curves of her slender frame, as he leaned over to put his shirt in the beach bag. He took a moment to notice her creamy smooth skin. She was a truly classic beauty. He stood back up and said, "Darlin', let me put sunscreen on your back. By the looks of it, you might crisp right up in this heat." She met his smoldering gaze, "Sure, that would be greatly appreciated." She said as she rummaged through the bag for the sunscreen.

Jon put some lotion in his hands to warm it up. Despite that fact, Katie still felt goosebumps rise up at the feeling of his warm hands on her bare skin. He rubbed it in gently, firm circles, and ended with a kiss on the back of her neck. She turned around and pointed to him, "Ok, your turn now, mister." Jon smiled and dutifully turned around. Katie massaged the lotion into the firm, tight muscles. She took her time as she made sure all the lotion was rubbed in. Jon found himself tensing a bit as he felt her gentle touch. She worked at kneading the lotion in. As wonderful as it felt, he feared what reaction he might have if she continued the sweet torture. She finished up with a reciprocal kiss on his shoulder. They each finished with the lotion on the parts they could reach and headed towards the water hand in hand.

Down at the water Jon didn't hesitate to walk right in, but stopped short as soon as the water hit his knees. He turned around to find Katie laughing at him. "Dang! This water is COLD!" He quickly jumped out.

"Yes, it is a bit cool. You have to take it slowly in small doses." Katie dipped her toes in getting used to the coolness. After a few moments it didn't feel so bad and they walked out a bit further. Jon decided to play a little and splashed Katie with the frigid water. She screeched and followed suit, running away from him toward the shore because she knew he would retaliate. Before she had time to look over her shoulder, she felt his strong arm catch her around her waist and he effortlessly picked her up and proceeded to take her out to deeper water. Katie couldn't stop laughing and tried her best to wiggle free. Jon lowered her into the water as she screamed with laughter. "You think you can run away from me after that little trick, huh?" Jon said as he made sure she was dunked thoroughly.

"Hey, you started it! It is freezing! Don't you worry, I will get even" Katie stated. "Is that a threat or a promise, baby?" Jon said with a smirk. Katie pretended to pout. Jon couldn't resist her sad look so he carried her back to shore and set her down on the water's edge, then sat down next to her. "Ok, I am sorry. Will you forgive me?" He asked as he looked into her eyes with a steady gaze. Katie found herself at a loss for words. She decided to just go with what felt right. She put her hand on his chest and leaned toward him, in a light, teasing kiss. Jon closed his eyes with a low moan. Katie playfully nibbled on his bottom lip for a moment, enjoying him melt under her touch. She ran her fingers through the fur on his chest as he put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. She gave one last playful bite and laid her head on his shoulder. He smoothed her hair away from her face with his hand, kissing her on the forehead. "Oh Katie. There are no words." He said. They looked out at the ocean for a bit. Katie realized she was getting hungry, so she stood up and grabbed Jon's hand, leading him back to the beach blanket.

After they ate the sandwiches, Jon told Katie, "Close your eyes, I have a surprise for you." She smiled and closed her eyes. She heard him rummaging in the basket, then "Ok, open your mouth." He ordered. She obeyed wondering what he was up to. She felt something cool, yet sweet in her mouth. As she bit into it she realized it was a chocolate covered strawberry. She opened her eyes and declared, "Oh, yum." Jon found himself looking at her full lips as she savored the sweetness. He really wanted nothing more than to devour them into a deep, endless kiss. He controlled the urge until she was done with the strawberry, then gently leaned her back against the sand, covering her mouth with his. He found this a much more enjoyable way to taste the sweetness of the chocolate than actually eating it. She wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him closer, her kiss increasing in urgency. Jon ran his hand up and down her arm, then softly touched her stomach as his tongue continued to explore every crevice in her delicious mouth. Katie felt his leg rub against hers as he moved pressing closer to her. It sent electric shocks through her body, and she instinctively rose up toward him. Jon lost himself in feeling the length of her bare skin against his, and felt a tightening that signaled something in him. He reluctantly pulled back and took a moment to catch his breath. He planned a quick kiss on her lips, and rolled over to lie next to her. Looking over at her he saw her flushed cheeks, knowing she must be having the same thoughts. That realization didn't help him any. He put his arm around and pulled her next to him so her head rested on his chest as they lay on the blanket.

Katie let out a deep sigh. "Whew. You sure know how to get a girl all breathless." Jon chuckled, "Sweetie, it ain't me. It is what you do to me."

After a brief rest Katie sat up and asked Jon, "Do you want to take a walk down the beach?" Jon smiled up at her, "Sure, let's go."

They held hands and strolled on the edge of the surf, as the sun started it's afternoon decent. As they were walking, they talked. Katie asked Jon about growing up in Jersey, as they sat on the water's edge.

"No secrets, really. I really did grow up in the all American household. I have two of the best parents anyone can ask for. The one thing I have to say is they gave me the freedom to try new things and be myself. I couldn't have done all of it without them." Jon admitted to Katie. "How about you? What was it like growing up in Tennessee? What about your family?"

Katie's face clouded over for a moment, "Well, I loved growing up there. It gave me many experiences I am so thankful to have had. My family, well let's just say we had our issues." Katie got very serious and looked down as she drew a circle in the sand with her finger. She couldn't bring herself to go into it any further at the moment.

Jon watched her for a minute and put his arm around her in a hug. "I won't pry, Katie. But know that I won't judge and am here any time if and when you feel ready to tell me about it, K?" He kissed her on the top of her head.

Katie looked up at him and forced a smile."Thank you, that means more than you know. Maybe eventually. Just not always happy memories." A tiny tear escaped from below her long lashes, finding it's path down her cheek. Jon saw the lone tear, lifted her face towards his and kissed the tear away. Katie smiled at him through wet eyes, knowing somehow that he meant what he said. She felt like she could talk to him about anything and it would be ok, she would be accepted and not judged. Granted she wasn't ready to let the flood gates open. But it was a very comforting feeling. One she could not remember having with more than maybe one or two other people in her whole life. She was slightly shaken at the thought, wondering how she could feel this way with someone after such a short time.

They sat for a bit longer before heading back to the blanket. The sun was getting low, and they were getting hungry. Katie suggested some good ol' Maine seafood on the way back. Jon agreed, "Now that sounds like heaven."

They stopped at a little restaurant on a side road. A shack really, but it was always raved about as one of the best holes in the wall for Maine seafood. Being a weekday, it wasn't very busy and they ate dinner in peace.

On the way back towards Boston, Katie asked Jon, "If your up for it, I have another adventure I would like to take you on." She looked over at him with a slight challenge in her voice.

"Really." Jon sounded intrigued. "And what kind of adventure might this be?"

"It is a surprise. You have to trust me." Katie said with a sneaky look on her face. "Are you busy on Wednesday?"

She had gotten his attention. "No, not busy."

"Good. Be at my house at 10 a.m. sharp." Katie ordered.

Jon laughed. "Ok, I will be. So you won't even give me a little hint? Pretty please?" He leaned over towards he with a fake pout on his full lips. Damn, he was just so cute sometimes, she thought. Too bad she was driving or she would wipe that pout right off those yummy lips. But instead all she did was smile and wink at him, then focused on her driving with a sly little grin on her face.

Chapter 14